Page 13 of The Soldier Next Door
“Marc, remember how we readCyrano de Bergeracin English class? It’s like that. Cyrano and Roxanne fall in love via letters! Brady and I did the same thing, and trust me, it’s real.”
She nods slowly, her eyes still on the road.
“Okay. So you’ve been saving yourself for a man that lives in Afghanistan. You turned down Bud Koolhouse in order to wait for Soldier Daddy to come home. But he’sold, Susie. Does he need some help from Dr. Viagra to even make sure you have a good first experience? Wait, does he evenknowthis will be your first experience?”
Loudly, I blow out air. I feel insulted by her shots at his age and these insinuations that somehow I’m a crazy person. She doesn’t understand, and would never understand.
“Yes, he knows it’s my first time and you know what? If you want to hook up with Bud Koolhouse, then just go for it. You’ve got as much ass and boobs as me. Bud won’t even be able to tell it’s you and not me,” I shoot at her. “Plus, Brady’s not that old. Thirty-five is hardly over the hill, you know.”
I can tell I’ve hurt Marcella feelings by how red her face gets. I instantly regret what I said, but I’m still hurt that she would even say that to me. Is it my fault that Bud likes me more than her? I didn’t ask for this either. But immediately, I’m repentant.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. But I reallyamin love and I’m super happy and just want your support and not your jokes,” I say apologetically.
She looks out her window briefly, and then softens up.
“I’m sorry too. I didn’t realize how serious this was for you and I shouldn’t have made all those comments. If you’re happy and in love, then I’m happy for you. Let’s just enjoy today. How many times are we going to graduate high school, after all?”
I smile at her. “Exactly. Plus, my parents are throwing a fun party at my house after. This is going to be the best day of our lives!”
We lock pinkies and smile big as we pull into the crowded parking lot of Remford High.
8
Brady
I check my watch as I step off my flight. I’ve already missed Susie’s graduation, but hopefully, I’m not too late for her graduation party. She told me about both, and I didn’t say anything about coming home in time because frankly, the United States Army has a mind of its own. I might be back, but then again, I might not be. It was easier not to say anything.
But now, I’m stateside, and my step is quick. I can’t wait to see my luscious curvy girl, and to finally taste her lips with my own.I quickly make my way to baggage claim and wait impatiently for the conveyor belt to beep and the carousel to begin.
After what feels like a lifetime, a red light starts flashing and there’s a groan as the conveyer belt starts to circle around a large opening where suitcases emerge. Luckily, mine is one of the first ones. I hoist it over my shoulders and hop into one of the waiting taxi cabs.
“Where to?” the man asks me in a deep country accent.
“South Fourth Street please, and make it quick.”
With a lurch, he pulls away from the curb and heads away from the small airport. I watch as cows and fields pass by in a haze. I can barely concentrate I’m so excited. Susie has no idea that I’m coming back today, and I cannot wait to have her in my arms.
The last year has been beautiful, but torturous too. All I’ve been able to think about is Susie, me and Susie, Susie and me, again and again. Our letters started off as a type of cross-Atlantic sexting, but then she started to open up to me about her parents and her hopes and dreams. My heart almost broke when she told me she was staying in Remford because she wanted to wait for me. I tried to convince her otherwise. College is her destiny, and I wanted her to experience it, but she was adamant. She wanted to wait, and my heart secretly unfurled with joy at her patience.
Even now, I pull out a few pictures of Susie, running my eyes over her lovely curvy form. I look at the picture she sent me of her in her graduation dress. That dress is so beautiful and it fits perfectly. I knew then, I was coming home the day of her graduation just to see her in that dress in person.
I smile, touching her face in the photo. Finally, my nights of self-pleasure will be over. The woman who I need is mere miles away, and nothing’s going to stop me from plucking her flower.
We finally pull into the neighborhood and excitement floods my veins. Neat homes with manicured yards roll by, and my impatience grows.
I barely let the man stop the cab before I’m thrusting money over the divider and thanking him for his service. I step out of the car and drag my bag with me. Everything is just how I remember it, except now Susie’s house is filled with guests and music is drifting out of the windows onto the street.
I decide to drop my bag off on my porch before going to Susie’s house. I’m still in my uniform and the guests outside turn when they see my cab pull up. I know what I look like: a hardened military man with a muscular frame and a determined look on my face. Hell, more and more people are throwing me curious glances, and it seems like everyone from the neighborhood decided to attend Susie’s party.
After putting my bag on the porch, I make my way to Susie’s house. I school my face into a calm expression even as sweat forms at my temples.
Get a grip. Who wants a sweaty, clammy man in their face?I tell myself. I take a deep breath, smile at some of the other partygoers, and then ring the doorbell.
I’m surprised when Susie herself answers the door. She looks absolutely gorgeous in the dress I purchased for her, her brown hair waving about her shoulders as she laughs at something someone has said. But when she turns around, her eyes go wide. She stutters, trying to find the right words, then embraces me in a tight hug.
“Happy graduation, sweetheart,” I whisper in her ear, elated by how her curvy figure feels against me. This is right, and I know I did the right thing by coming over straight away.
“Oh my gosh, are you real?” she asks breathlessly, holding me even tighter. Her breasts smash against my chest, and I moan silently at their lush feel.
