Title-Love Will Keep Us Strong
Author-KarenEvans
Rating-Mature
Disclaimer-I do not own the characters or anything else to do with the show, they belong to Melinda Metz and Jason Katims, WB and UPN.No infringement is intended so please don’t sue me.
Couples-A/I + CC
Summary-It’s been 9 years since graduation, the gang are happily settled but their world is about to be thrown into turmoil.
A/N-This is only my second attempt at writing, and a first as far as a story with multiple chapters is concerned. Your comments are welcome but be gentle with your criticism. Once again I want to thank Trude aka Sternbetrachter for supporting me in this endeavour and being my proofreader so to speak. I also want to thank my Dad for giving me valuable inputs for certain parts.
Prologue
The secret had to be revealed…they had no real choice in the matter, it had been bound to come out sooner or later. At a post-graduation party hosted by the four sets of parents, Jeff Parker had collapsed, from what had seemed to be a stroke. Max had healed him without a thought
Thus the parents of each of the members of the Pod Squad came to know of the closely guarded secret kept by their children all through high school and college
After college, the four humans along with their human-alien better halves decided to move to Cottonwood Falls in Chase County, Kansas, away from Roswell in order to keep their family members safe from any alien related dangers.
Michael and Maria had been the first to get married, much to everyone’s surprise. Michael had gotten a degree in fine arts and was his own boss. He sold his painting for a handsome amount leaving them financially secure, occasionally he traveled to New York or Los Angeles for an exhibition of his work. Maria was the music teacher at the local high school where she was fast making waves as the best music teacher they’d ever had, as the student choire had won three inter state singing competitions under her guidance. They had a one-year old daughter, Michelle.
Max had become a veterinarian, a job for which he was well paid since they were living in farming country. Liz meanwhile had become a nurse and worked at a private nursing home. She was also expecting their first child in two months time.
Kyle and Tess had ended up together after a lot of dilly-dallying on both their parts, they’d been married for two years when they moved to Cottontree Falls where Kyle joined the sheriff’s department. Tess had opened her own confectionary, having discovered her talent for making fudge, toffee, cookies and various other treats.
Isabel had opened her own beauty salon, and soon wiped out all the other competition. She was still immaculately groomed despite being the working mother of a three-year old daughter, Alexis Lucia and a six-month old son, Gordon Philip. Alexis and Gordon had inherited their mother’s blonde hair and father’s green eyes. Alex had started his own internet security firm which he’d named Lexis Solutions.
All-in-all the pod squad were doing well for themselves. It had been eight years since they’d graduated high school and it is in such a state that this story finds them.
Chapter 1
Circa 2010
The sounds of laughter and merriment drifted out into the night. It was the fourth wedding anniversary of Alex and Isabel Whitman and the entire pod squad was present along with their children. Diane and Philip Evans had arrived from Roswell the previous day along with Gloria and Charles Whitman, to celebrate their children’s anniversary with them.
“Kyle will you stop crushing your beer cans against your forehead…Michael don’t think I can’t hear you encouraging him.” yelled a visibly irritated Tess from the kitchen “I swear at times it’s like they haven’t grown up.”
“Just be glad they aren’t wrestling on the floor or having a fart contest.” offered Maria by way of consolation
“I bet Isabel would have something to say about that.”
“Everyone come to the table, dinner is served.” ordered Isabel
Max and Alex came in from the front porch with grim expressions on their faces. Over the years they had become very close, in many ways Max was closer to Alex than he was to Michael.
Liz picked up on this immediately and went to Max, “Anything the matter Honey?”
“Huh…oh yeah, yeah…everything’s okay.” replied Max not quite convincing Liz
Once everyone was seated at the table Isabel spoke up, “Alex and I want you all to know how much it means to us to have you all here…we have so much to be thankful for…I’d like to say a prayer of thanks before we eat.”
“Thank you oh Lord for the food on this table, for the love and friendship we have found in each other and above all thank you for keeping us safe from harms way. Amen.”
Alex looked up at Max upon hearing the last line, the look that passed between them wasn’t missed by Michael.
“Bon appetite!”
Dinner was soon over and they all gathered in the living room. Michelle was asleep on Maria’s lap, Alexis, fondly known as Lexi, had latched on to Michael who was her favourite much to everyone’s amusement and Gordon was asleep in his cot.
Kyle stood up, “I have to make a toast…to Alex and Isabel who’ve come a long way. Alex, buddy…ten years ago I would have laughed my sides out if someone had told me that you’d be married to the Isabel Evans, let alone be the best man at my wedding…but I’ve got to hand it top you man…” he raised his glass “you’ve given the adage ‘may the best man win’ a whole new meaning…Isabel as was expected you’ve turned out to be the perfect wife and mother, we wouldn’t have expected anything less. Love you guys!”
“Will someone shut him up, he’s as high as a kite.” hissed Tess, at which Michael jumped up and pulled Kyle back to his wife’s side so that she could keep an eye on him. The rest were all laughing. “Okay everyone…it’s picture time.” Liz got up with her camera in hand
“DARN IT!!” yelled Philip and Max, who were watching the tail end of a soccer match, “Bloody arses don’t know what they’re doing.”
“Daddy would you mind not using that language in front of Lexi.” Isabel was visibly annoyed with her father
There was chaos in the living room, Liz was trying to get them to pose, Kyle was attempting to serenade Tess, much to her dismay, Michael was running after Lexi who was determined to get a hold of the camera from Liz.
No one was listening to anyone until they heard a little voice shout loudly, “Peas gimme the camera buddy arses.”
They all turned to look at Lexi who in turn was pointing at the camera in Liz’s hand.
Michael, Max and Kyle doubled over laughing but Isabel was mortified, “Don’t talk like that Lexi…it isn’t nice. Daddy this is all your fault.” She pointed an accusatory finger at her father.
“It’s not funny you three…I’d like to see your re-actions when your children come up with a phrase like that.”
Alex was smiling but doing a good job of keeping out of his wife’s field of vision.
“I’m sorry Liz, she doesn’t know what she’s saying.” apologized Isabel
“Oh forget it Izzy, she’s just a baby…and it made me laugh at any rate. Now come on…let’s take some pictures.”
Love Will Keep Us Strong (A/I,CC,Mature) 12/2 Ch-7 (WIP)
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
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KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
Love Will Keep Us Strong (A/I,CC,Mature) 12/2 Ch-7 (WIP)
Last edited by KarenEvans on Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:00 am, edited 10 times in total.
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KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
A/N]-This is the first time I've attempted to write a love making scene so bare with me
Chapter 2-
Finally they were alone, “I thought they would never leave.” Alex said as they entered their bedroom
“Just be glad our parents offered to put the kids to sleep and clear up, else we’d still be downstairs.”
Alex stripped and put on a fresh pair of boxers, pulled on a t-shirt and turned down the bed cover.
“I’ll join you in a minute.” came Isabel’s muffled voice from the bathroom
“Take your time” replied Alex, he took out the present he’d been working on for her from underneath the bed and placed it on her pillow.
Isabel soon emerged in a red silk and lace nightgown, a gift from Alex earlier on, “You like?” she twirled around for him, his eyes lit up in appreciation and he nodded his head, “You bet I do.”
Then she spotted the present, “Is that for me?”
“Only one way to find out.”
Alex knew she loved surprises, he watched as she pulled apart the wrapping paper to reveal a maroon leather bound book. On the front, inscribed in gold lettering was ‘Isabel Amanda Whitman’ and on the inside he’s added a note of his own, “To the light of my life, Happy Anniversary! Eternally yours, Alex.”
It was a scrap book, containing every restaurant bill, movie ticket, love note, card and candy wrapper he’d gathered over the years from their various dates, especially the ones from high school and college, starting with their first date at the Crashdown. Next to each one he’d given a small write up about the date.
It also contained random pictures of picnics with their friends and family, the day Lexi and Gordon were born and one of their wedding day.
“You remember everything from all those dates” she looked up in awe at her husband, tears in her eyes, “that I should be so lucky to have you in my life.”
Alex drew her close and kissed first her lips, then each cheek and her lips again, holding her hands gently.
“You become more beautiful with each passing day Iz.” he whispered looking into her eyes, his hands reached up to remove the nightgown straps from her shoulders. He kissed her again, slowly, tenderly, only their mouths and tongues touching.
“Too slow” murmured Isabel after a few minutes “and too many clothes.”
Quickly they discarded the offending pieces of fabric. They touched, running their hands up and down each other’s bodies, delighting in the feel of skin against skin.
Alex thrust deep into her, their eyes not breaking contact for a second. They groaned together, breathed together and ultimately collapsed together. Later on lying wrapped in Alex’s arms Isabel fell into a deep contented sleep.
He watched her and finally when he was sure she wouldn’t wake up he slipped out of bed and walked out of the house towards the gazebo in the center of the property he shared with Max, Michael and Kyle.
Chapter 2-
Finally they were alone, “I thought they would never leave.” Alex said as they entered their bedroom
“Just be glad our parents offered to put the kids to sleep and clear up, else we’d still be downstairs.”
Alex stripped and put on a fresh pair of boxers, pulled on a t-shirt and turned down the bed cover.
“I’ll join you in a minute.” came Isabel’s muffled voice from the bathroom
“Take your time” replied Alex, he took out the present he’d been working on for her from underneath the bed and placed it on her pillow.
Isabel soon emerged in a red silk and lace nightgown, a gift from Alex earlier on, “You like?” she twirled around for him, his eyes lit up in appreciation and he nodded his head, “You bet I do.”
Then she spotted the present, “Is that for me?”
“Only one way to find out.”
Alex knew she loved surprises, he watched as she pulled apart the wrapping paper to reveal a maroon leather bound book. On the front, inscribed in gold lettering was ‘Isabel Amanda Whitman’ and on the inside he’s added a note of his own, “To the light of my life, Happy Anniversary! Eternally yours, Alex.”
It was a scrap book, containing every restaurant bill, movie ticket, love note, card and candy wrapper he’d gathered over the years from their various dates, especially the ones from high school and college, starting with their first date at the Crashdown. Next to each one he’d given a small write up about the date.
It also contained random pictures of picnics with their friends and family, the day Lexi and Gordon were born and one of their wedding day.
“You remember everything from all those dates” she looked up in awe at her husband, tears in her eyes, “that I should be so lucky to have you in my life.”
Alex drew her close and kissed first her lips, then each cheek and her lips again, holding her hands gently.
“You become more beautiful with each passing day Iz.” he whispered looking into her eyes, his hands reached up to remove the nightgown straps from her shoulders. He kissed her again, slowly, tenderly, only their mouths and tongues touching.
“Too slow” murmured Isabel after a few minutes “and too many clothes.”
Quickly they discarded the offending pieces of fabric. They touched, running their hands up and down each other’s bodies, delighting in the feel of skin against skin.
Alex thrust deep into her, their eyes not breaking contact for a second. They groaned together, breathed together and ultimately collapsed together. Later on lying wrapped in Alex’s arms Isabel fell into a deep contented sleep.
He watched her and finally when he was sure she wouldn’t wake up he slipped out of bed and walked out of the house towards the gazebo in the center of the property he shared with Max, Michael and Kyle.
Last edited by KarenEvans on Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
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KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
Love Will Keep Us Strong~Chapter 3
Chapter 3-
A/N-In view of the present situation around the world and not wanting to step on anyone’s toes, I have taken the liberty of inventing my own governing system.
The world has been divided in to two blocks-1)World Democratic Alliance; and 2)International Autocratic Rulers Organization
As is obvious from the names, those countries that observe democracy fall into the first category and those that are ruled by dictators into the latter.
In a sense there are no longer separate countries, ruled by different leaders.
At any given time a president rules over their respective blocks.
In the former, the names of six deserving candidates, who have collected the most number of votes from their colleagues(other politicians) then stand for election and people of the W.D.A. everywhere vote.
In the I.A.R.O. the people’s view is ignored and the dictators take turns at being the president.
Max was waiting for him, “You sure she won’t wake up?”
“I’m sure…is Michael coming?”
“Yeah, he should be here any minute…Kyle was too out of it so we’ll bring him up to speed first thing tomorrow.”
Luckily for them, they’d managed to buy four houses, which ironically formed a square if looked at aerially.
They had decided against putting up fences between each house, instead opting for a common one, which run around all four. The backyards of all four faced each other. This made the calling of impromptu meetings, like the one about to commence, very easy.
“Maxwell…Alex” came Michael’s voice from the dark
“We’re here” they replied in unison
“What’s going on? I saw the looks between you two earlier tonight.”
“Michael, Brody contacted me a few days ago…the wars looks to be unavoidable now.” Max spoke in hushed tones
“The Inter-Galactic War or World War III?” joked Michael
“The latter” snapped Alex
Michael’s face became serious, “You mean to say all this talk about a war to rid the world of evil is true?” he asked incredulously
“Looks to be…at least that’s what Brody’s contacts in the government have told him, the World Democratic Alliance is going to declare all out war on the International Autocratic Rulers Organization within a month.”
Max paused before continuing with the worst news of all, “conscription for every healthy male who falls within the age bracket is going to be the rule…we’ll have no choice but to sign up, since our country comes under the W.D.A.”
All of them remained silent for a few minutes, thinking of their wives and children and of the likely possibility that within a week they’d be far from home, training to fight in a war they wanted no part of.
“Oh…and the real good news is that the I.A.R.O. might have acquired some alien weapons from Kivar or the Skins.” Max informed them grimly
“Bloody great!!!” cursed Michael “How greedy can one alien get? It’s not enough that he’s dictator on Antar and has made everyone miserable there…now he wants a like minded counterpart on Earth.”
“Just when we thought we were free of the alien abyss…it bounces right back to bite us in the ass!!” exclaimed Alex angrily
“When do we tell the girls? Michael knew that would be the toughest task of all
“Sooner the better…in 2-3 days the army’s recruiting officers are going to be in town so that we all can sign up…might as well tell them tomorrow evening.”
Max knew telling their wives would be upsetting for them all, he was dreading it most of all. Liz was expecting their first child but at the rate things were going, in all likelihood he wouldn’t be around for his son’s birth.
A/N-In view of the present situation around the world and not wanting to step on anyone’s toes, I have taken the liberty of inventing my own governing system.
The world has been divided in to two blocks-1)World Democratic Alliance; and 2)International Autocratic Rulers Organization
As is obvious from the names, those countries that observe democracy fall into the first category and those that are ruled by dictators into the latter.
In a sense there are no longer separate countries, ruled by different leaders.
At any given time a president rules over their respective blocks.
In the former, the names of six deserving candidates, who have collected the most number of votes from their colleagues(other politicians) then stand for election and people of the W.D.A. everywhere vote.
In the I.A.R.O. the people’s view is ignored and the dictators take turns at being the president.
Max was waiting for him, “You sure she won’t wake up?”
“I’m sure…is Michael coming?”
“Yeah, he should be here any minute…Kyle was too out of it so we’ll bring him up to speed first thing tomorrow.”
Luckily for them, they’d managed to buy four houses, which ironically formed a square if looked at aerially.
They had decided against putting up fences between each house, instead opting for a common one, which run around all four. The backyards of all four faced each other. This made the calling of impromptu meetings, like the one about to commence, very easy.
“Maxwell…Alex” came Michael’s voice from the dark
“We’re here” they replied in unison
“What’s going on? I saw the looks between you two earlier tonight.”
“Michael, Brody contacted me a few days ago…the wars looks to be unavoidable now.” Max spoke in hushed tones
“The Inter-Galactic War or World War III?” joked Michael
“The latter” snapped Alex
Michael’s face became serious, “You mean to say all this talk about a war to rid the world of evil is true?” he asked incredulously
“Looks to be…at least that’s what Brody’s contacts in the government have told him, the World Democratic Alliance is going to declare all out war on the International Autocratic Rulers Organization within a month.”
Max paused before continuing with the worst news of all, “conscription for every healthy male who falls within the age bracket is going to be the rule…we’ll have no choice but to sign up, since our country comes under the W.D.A.”
All of them remained silent for a few minutes, thinking of their wives and children and of the likely possibility that within a week they’d be far from home, training to fight in a war they wanted no part of.
“Oh…and the real good news is that the I.A.R.O. might have acquired some alien weapons from Kivar or the Skins.” Max informed them grimly
“Bloody great!!!” cursed Michael “How greedy can one alien get? It’s not enough that he’s dictator on Antar and has made everyone miserable there…now he wants a like minded counterpart on Earth.”
“Just when we thought we were free of the alien abyss…it bounces right back to bite us in the ass!!” exclaimed Alex angrily
“When do we tell the girls? Michael knew that would be the toughest task of all
“Sooner the better…in 2-3 days the army’s recruiting officers are going to be in town so that we all can sign up…might as well tell them tomorrow evening.”
Max knew telling their wives would be upsetting for them all, he was dreading it most of all. Liz was expecting their first child but at the rate things were going, in all likelihood he wouldn’t be around for his son’s birth.
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KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
Chapter 4-
The following evening, after they’d dropped their parents off at the airport Alex and Isabel went over to the Evans’. The rest were already waiting for them.
“Good, you two are finally here! Maybe now Max will open his pie hole” Maria spoke irritably, she’d had a rough night. Michelle had kept her awake and to top it all Michael had refused to tell her why he’d been out at the gazebo past midnight for over an hour.
Max shot her an annoyed look before he spoke, “As I’ve already informed the guys, Brody’s contacts told him that the war is unavoidable. All out war will be declared in a few weeks and…” this was the part he’d been dreading “Michael, Kyle, Alex and I will be called up to serve.”
“No way in hell!!!” screamed Isabel
Maria was speechless, Liz had unconsciously covered her belly with her hands as if to protect her baby from the news and Tess had paled visibly.
“Alex isn’t going anywhere” Isabel turned to face Alex, “I won’t let you go…you have nothing to do with this war.” She was becoming hysterical so Alex caught hold of her shoulders and shook her gently, “Izzy please…calm down sweetie, calm down and listen to me…we don’t really have a choice.” He put his arm around her shoulder and drew her in close to his side.
“When?” asked Liz in what was barely a whisper
“In another day, or two at the most. Every man who is healthy and within the age bracket will be drafted.” replied Max
Kyle and Michael had expected some sort of re-action from their wives but they got none, which worried them even more.
“Maria…say something please.” he knelt down besides her chair
“You can’t go Michael…I’m pregnant, I found out yesterday and was planning on telling you tonight over dinner.” She took hold a hold of his hands, “You can’t leave me in such a condition.”
Under any other circumstance, Michael would have been ecstatic, but now he was only filled with worry. “Oh God!” he didn’t know what else to say to make things better so he wrapped his arms around her
Tess was scared, Kyle and Jim were the only real family she’d ever known. Yes, she had grown close to the girls especially Maria, surprisingly, but her one fear was losing Kyle and Jim.
Kyle knowing just how her mind worked steered her out onto the back verandah, “Tess, honey…you aren’t going to lose me, I promise you that.” He placed one finger under her chin and lifted her face, tears had filled her big blue eyes, “Talk to me babe.”
“Kyle you can’t promise me that…it’s not in your hands. War is unpredictable…I should know, I died in one.” More than the others Tess had been able to access more and more of her sub-conscious memories and the images she saw of the war on Antar had horrified her.
“What would you have me do then?” he asked gently “I can’t abandon Alex, Michael and Max at a time like this…we need each other, they’re like my brothers.”
“I know…I know, it’s just” she couldn’t continue any further and fell to her knees sobbing
One by one they returned to their own homes, the girls were still reeling from the bombshell their husbands had dropped on them.
In the Guerin household, Maria silently thanked God that Michelle was to young to need an explanation as to why her father would disappear in a few days for a long time.
Across the property from them, things were however, quite different. Isabel was still trying to digest the news when they entered their house and walked into the living room.
She sat down on the couch and asked Alex without looking at him, “What am I supposed to tell Lexi?…that her father is going away and I have no idea when he’ll return.”
Alex hated to see her hurting and wished he could do something to make all the sadness go away but he knew there was nothing he could do, “Wait here! I’ll be right back.”
He went to the children’s room, paid the babysitter and saw her out.
“Daddy where is Mommy?” asked Lexi who had followed him
“She’s in the living room darling.” He replied picking her up and walked back into the living room. I sable had brought Gordon from the nursery and placed him in his playpen.
“Lexi, Mommy and I need to tell you something.” Lexi nodded her head so Alex continued
“I will be going away in a couple of days.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know where exactly but I may be gone for a long time.”
“Why do you have to go?”
“Because…” Alex was at a loss for words and looked up at Isabel
“Because Daddy is very brave and he’s going away to keep Gordy, you and me safe.” She looked over Lexi’s head at Alex and reached out to touch his face.
Alex kissed her hand before lowering his gaze to his daughter who was sitting between them, intently watching the moment of tenderness that had passed between her parents.
“Mommy will take care of Gordy and you, but you have to promise me one thing.”
“Anything Daddy.”
“You will take care of Mommy for me.”
“Yes, I promise.” came the ernest reply
Alex enveloped both his girls in a big hug.
The following evening, after they’d dropped their parents off at the airport Alex and Isabel went over to the Evans’. The rest were already waiting for them.
“Good, you two are finally here! Maybe now Max will open his pie hole” Maria spoke irritably, she’d had a rough night. Michelle had kept her awake and to top it all Michael had refused to tell her why he’d been out at the gazebo past midnight for over an hour.
Max shot her an annoyed look before he spoke, “As I’ve already informed the guys, Brody’s contacts told him that the war is unavoidable. All out war will be declared in a few weeks and…” this was the part he’d been dreading “Michael, Kyle, Alex and I will be called up to serve.”
“No way in hell!!!” screamed Isabel
Maria was speechless, Liz had unconsciously covered her belly with her hands as if to protect her baby from the news and Tess had paled visibly.
“Alex isn’t going anywhere” Isabel turned to face Alex, “I won’t let you go…you have nothing to do with this war.” She was becoming hysterical so Alex caught hold of her shoulders and shook her gently, “Izzy please…calm down sweetie, calm down and listen to me…we don’t really have a choice.” He put his arm around her shoulder and drew her in close to his side.
“When?” asked Liz in what was barely a whisper
“In another day, or two at the most. Every man who is healthy and within the age bracket will be drafted.” replied Max
Kyle and Michael had expected some sort of re-action from their wives but they got none, which worried them even more.
“Maria…say something please.” he knelt down besides her chair
“You can’t go Michael…I’m pregnant, I found out yesterday and was planning on telling you tonight over dinner.” She took hold a hold of his hands, “You can’t leave me in such a condition.”
Under any other circumstance, Michael would have been ecstatic, but now he was only filled with worry. “Oh God!” he didn’t know what else to say to make things better so he wrapped his arms around her
Tess was scared, Kyle and Jim were the only real family she’d ever known. Yes, she had grown close to the girls especially Maria, surprisingly, but her one fear was losing Kyle and Jim.
Kyle knowing just how her mind worked steered her out onto the back verandah, “Tess, honey…you aren’t going to lose me, I promise you that.” He placed one finger under her chin and lifted her face, tears had filled her big blue eyes, “Talk to me babe.”
“Kyle you can’t promise me that…it’s not in your hands. War is unpredictable…I should know, I died in one.” More than the others Tess had been able to access more and more of her sub-conscious memories and the images she saw of the war on Antar had horrified her.
“What would you have me do then?” he asked gently “I can’t abandon Alex, Michael and Max at a time like this…we need each other, they’re like my brothers.”
“I know…I know, it’s just” she couldn’t continue any further and fell to her knees sobbing
One by one they returned to their own homes, the girls were still reeling from the bombshell their husbands had dropped on them.
In the Guerin household, Maria silently thanked God that Michelle was to young to need an explanation as to why her father would disappear in a few days for a long time.
Across the property from them, things were however, quite different. Isabel was still trying to digest the news when they entered their house and walked into the living room.
She sat down on the couch and asked Alex without looking at him, “What am I supposed to tell Lexi?…that her father is going away and I have no idea when he’ll return.”
Alex hated to see her hurting and wished he could do something to make all the sadness go away but he knew there was nothing he could do, “Wait here! I’ll be right back.”
He went to the children’s room, paid the babysitter and saw her out.
“Daddy where is Mommy?” asked Lexi who had followed him
“She’s in the living room darling.” He replied picking her up and walked back into the living room. I sable had brought Gordon from the nursery and placed him in his playpen.
“Lexi, Mommy and I need to tell you something.” Lexi nodded her head so Alex continued
“I will be going away in a couple of days.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know where exactly but I may be gone for a long time.”
“Why do you have to go?”
“Because…” Alex was at a loss for words and looked up at Isabel
“Because Daddy is very brave and he’s going away to keep Gordy, you and me safe.” She looked over Lexi’s head at Alex and reached out to touch his face.
Alex kissed her hand before lowering his gaze to his daughter who was sitting between them, intently watching the moment of tenderness that had passed between her parents.
“Mommy will take care of Gordy and you, but you have to promise me one thing.”
“Anything Daddy.”
“You will take care of Mommy for me.”
“Yes, I promise.” came the ernest reply
Alex enveloped both his girls in a big hug.
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KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
A/N-This just a short little chapter.The lyrics are from "Blue Moon",no infringement is intended.
Chapter 5-
As if on cue, the very next day the Army’s recruiting officers arrived in town.
Max, Alex, Kyle and Michael signed up for duty as did every other man who fell within the age bracket and was deemed physically fit.
“You all will undergo three months of rigorous training at the end of which each of you will be sent to different units as per your capabilities.” They were informed by one of the officers
“The train which will take you to the training center leaves at 0600 hours tomorrow morning, each of you will have to check in with Lieutenant Cleaver by 0530 hours. As far as luggage is concerned travel light, bring only your daily requirements. The Army will take care of the rest. Dismissed.”
“Doesn’t give us much time for goodbyes.” grumbled Kyle “On top of that we’re going to be separated after three months. This just keeps getting better and better.”
The mood in all four houses was somber that evening, after dinner Kyle and Tess decided to go for a walk in the woods, neither spoke, their hands encased in each other, swung together in unison as they walked in companionable silence.
Michael and Maria sat playing with their daughter, making the most of the time they had left as a family.
Max lay down besides Liz on their bed and gently placed his hand on her belly, “Hey junior…it’s me, your old man.” He connected with his son…
Flash
He could make out ten perfectly formed finger and toes…*Lub Dub Lub Dub*…and a steady heartbeat.
He poured every ounce of the love he felt for his son into the connection.
Liz stroked Max’s head while he lay with his head resting lightly on her belly…”I’ll tell him everyday how much you love him.”
Liz was trying her best to be brave for both her husband and her unborn son. In eight weeks time she’d give birth and Max would miss it, “Ironical isn’t it…we’ve had peace in our lives for so long and during that time nothing of great importance took place for you and me…but now when our son’s about to come into the world, war breaks out.”
Max heard the bitterness in her voice, he looked up at her, “Somehow Liz…somehow we’ll get through this.”
“We all will get through this.” He was determined to keep every member of their mixed-up family safe
After putting Lexi and Gordon to sleep Isabel found Alex out on their bedroom balcony with an unreadable look on his face.
She went up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, “Penny for your thoughts.”
He turned around to look at her, “I was just thinking how hard it’s going to be not seeing you everyday, touching you, smelling you,” he ran his fingers through her hair “feeling you next to me every night.”
“I’ll be with you in your dreams, I’ll come as often as you want me to.” She took out two photographs from her jeans pocket, one of herself and one of their children, “I had these taken today so that you can take them with you tomorrow.”
She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, memorizing it, breathing in his scent which was a mixture of pine, mint and soap, a uniquely Alex scent.
“One second Iz.” he said softly before wlaking back into the room, where he put a CD into the player and set it to ‘Blue Moon’
Blue Moon
You saw me standing alone
He turned off the lights and returned to the balcony, “This will be our dance for a while my love, let’s savour the moment.”
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue Moon
You know just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for
Isabel pressed her body against her husband’s, wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked to the Moon it turned to gold
Blue Moon
“I love you!” it was a simple declaration of love, one which they both had heard from each other a thousand times over the years but somehow this time it came as a reassurance of not only her love for him but also of her faith and trust in him-faith that he would come back to her and trust, in that he knew what he was doing.
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked the Moon had turned to gold
Blue moon
She placed her cheek against his, feeling his stubble, thinking how she would miss it every morning when she awoke
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue moon
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
They remained like that long after the song had stopped, swaying to their own rhythm, the cool night breeze blowing gently around them.
Chapter 5-
As if on cue, the very next day the Army’s recruiting officers arrived in town.
Max, Alex, Kyle and Michael signed up for duty as did every other man who fell within the age bracket and was deemed physically fit.
“You all will undergo three months of rigorous training at the end of which each of you will be sent to different units as per your capabilities.” They were informed by one of the officers
“The train which will take you to the training center leaves at 0600 hours tomorrow morning, each of you will have to check in with Lieutenant Cleaver by 0530 hours. As far as luggage is concerned travel light, bring only your daily requirements. The Army will take care of the rest. Dismissed.”
“Doesn’t give us much time for goodbyes.” grumbled Kyle “On top of that we’re going to be separated after three months. This just keeps getting better and better.”
The mood in all four houses was somber that evening, after dinner Kyle and Tess decided to go for a walk in the woods, neither spoke, their hands encased in each other, swung together in unison as they walked in companionable silence.
Michael and Maria sat playing with their daughter, making the most of the time they had left as a family.
Max lay down besides Liz on their bed and gently placed his hand on her belly, “Hey junior…it’s me, your old man.” He connected with his son…
Flash
He could make out ten perfectly formed finger and toes…*Lub Dub Lub Dub*…and a steady heartbeat.
He poured every ounce of the love he felt for his son into the connection.
Liz stroked Max’s head while he lay with his head resting lightly on her belly…”I’ll tell him everyday how much you love him.”
Liz was trying her best to be brave for both her husband and her unborn son. In eight weeks time she’d give birth and Max would miss it, “Ironical isn’t it…we’ve had peace in our lives for so long and during that time nothing of great importance took place for you and me…but now when our son’s about to come into the world, war breaks out.”
Max heard the bitterness in her voice, he looked up at her, “Somehow Liz…somehow we’ll get through this.”
“We all will get through this.” He was determined to keep every member of their mixed-up family safe
After putting Lexi and Gordon to sleep Isabel found Alex out on their bedroom balcony with an unreadable look on his face.
She went up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, “Penny for your thoughts.”
He turned around to look at her, “I was just thinking how hard it’s going to be not seeing you everyday, touching you, smelling you,” he ran his fingers through her hair “feeling you next to me every night.”
“I’ll be with you in your dreams, I’ll come as often as you want me to.” She took out two photographs from her jeans pocket, one of herself and one of their children, “I had these taken today so that you can take them with you tomorrow.”
She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, memorizing it, breathing in his scent which was a mixture of pine, mint and soap, a uniquely Alex scent.
“One second Iz.” he said softly before wlaking back into the room, where he put a CD into the player and set it to ‘Blue Moon’
Blue Moon
You saw me standing alone
He turned off the lights and returned to the balcony, “This will be our dance for a while my love, let’s savour the moment.”
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue Moon
You know just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for
Isabel pressed her body against her husband’s, wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked to the Moon it turned to gold
Blue Moon
“I love you!” it was a simple declaration of love, one which they both had heard from each other a thousand times over the years but somehow this time it came as a reassurance of not only her love for him but also of her faith and trust in him-faith that he would come back to her and trust, in that he knew what he was doing.
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked the Moon had turned to gold
Blue moon
She placed her cheek against his, feeling his stubble, thinking how she would miss it every morning when she awoke
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue moon
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
They remained like that long after the song had stopped, swaying to their own rhythm, the cool night breeze blowing gently around them.
-
KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
Chapter6-
‘Because I love you I can look at life with clearer eyes,
And face tomorrow with a braver heart,
And hold my chin up with a brand new hope,
And know that I must finish things I start.’ – Grace E. Easley
Dawn brought with it a flurry of activity in the four households.
“Kyle, your breakfast is ready.” yelled Tess from the kitchen
“It’s too early for me to eat Babe…I’ll grab something from the train’s pantry.”
“KYLE VALENTI…get your butt down here this minute.”
“Oh bugger it!” Kyle gave up trying to stuff one of his books on Buddhism into his duffel bag, “No arguing with that tone of voice.”
Tess smiled when she saw him, “I’ve made you banana and walnut pancakes…God knows when you’ll next get the chance to eat a home cooked meal. Now sit down and eat Buddha Boy.”
“You’re a gem” he kissed her and sat down “What would I do without you?”
“You’d probably still be living with your father.” joked Tess
She was trying to keep the mood and the banter between them light, she’d promised herself that there’d be no more tears, Kyle needed to be strong and she needed him to focus on the task ahead instead of worrying about her.
Similar scenes were being played out in the other three houses across the property.
As if she knew her father was leaving, Michelle uttered her first articulate word, “Papa!”
Michael could hardly believe it, “Did you…did you hear that?” he jumped up and ran to her “Ria she said ‘papa’…say that again Michelle, say Pa-Pa”
However no more words emerged, having her made her father’s day, Michelle went back to the task at hand, namely crawling.
Maria laughed, “Consider that her parting gift to you.”
The Whitmans went over to the Evans’, Isabel wanted a moment alone with her brother.
“Max, take care of Alex for me…if anything ever happened to him” she was cut off before she could continue
Max silenced her with a hug “Don’t talk like that Izzy…try to remain positive and you have my word that I’ll bring him back to you.”
Meanwhile, in the kitchen Liz had made the same request of Alex, “I promise you Liz…I’ll watch his back.” He took Liz’s hands in his own, “He will come back to you ad your son.”
Liz looked up at her best friend of nearly twenty years, “You come back to us too…I want my son to know his Uncle Alex.”
They hugged tightly for a moment before joining their spouses in the living room.
Max kissed his nephew’s forehead, who was oblivious to everything going on around him, lying fast asleep in his mother’s arms.
Then he picked up a half asleep Lexi from the sofa, “Give you Uncle Max a kiss Lexi…you’ll be all grown up when I come back.” he joked
She kissed him obediently and he handed her to Alex.
“Let’s get going.”
Upon reaching the train station, they each checked in with Lieutenant Cleaver and then returned to their wives. All around them were other families also going through the same ordeal.
They still had about twenty minutes to spare so they made the most of the time they had left.
Alex hugged Tess and then Maria, “You take care now Maria.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek
One by one they said their final goodbyes. Just before he got into the train Isabel stopped Alex, “Sweetie, this is for you.”
She slipped a waistcoat pocket watch into his hand. He opened it and inside were inscribed four words – With You Always, Isabel
“So that you can count down to midnight, when we’ll be together…in our dreams.”
Alex was overwhelmed with the feelings of love, passion and sadness, he was receiving from his wife. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately not caring who saw.
She was left breathless “Until we meet again my love.” With that he was gone.
Isabel, Maria, Liz and Tess stood on the platform holding each other and the children as they watched the train, that held the men they loved, pull out of the station and into an uncertain and dangerous future
‘Because I love you I can look at life with clearer eyes,
And face tomorrow with a braver heart,
And hold my chin up with a brand new hope,
And know that I must finish things I start.’ – Grace E. Easley
Dawn brought with it a flurry of activity in the four households.
“Kyle, your breakfast is ready.” yelled Tess from the kitchen
“It’s too early for me to eat Babe…I’ll grab something from the train’s pantry.”
“KYLE VALENTI…get your butt down here this minute.”
“Oh bugger it!” Kyle gave up trying to stuff one of his books on Buddhism into his duffel bag, “No arguing with that tone of voice.”
Tess smiled when she saw him, “I’ve made you banana and walnut pancakes…God knows when you’ll next get the chance to eat a home cooked meal. Now sit down and eat Buddha Boy.”
“You’re a gem” he kissed her and sat down “What would I do without you?”
“You’d probably still be living with your father.” joked Tess
She was trying to keep the mood and the banter between them light, she’d promised herself that there’d be no more tears, Kyle needed to be strong and she needed him to focus on the task ahead instead of worrying about her.
Similar scenes were being played out in the other three houses across the property.
As if she knew her father was leaving, Michelle uttered her first articulate word, “Papa!”
Michael could hardly believe it, “Did you…did you hear that?” he jumped up and ran to her “Ria she said ‘papa’…say that again Michelle, say Pa-Pa”
However no more words emerged, having her made her father’s day, Michelle went back to the task at hand, namely crawling.
Maria laughed, “Consider that her parting gift to you.”
The Whitmans went over to the Evans’, Isabel wanted a moment alone with her brother.
“Max, take care of Alex for me…if anything ever happened to him” she was cut off before she could continue
Max silenced her with a hug “Don’t talk like that Izzy…try to remain positive and you have my word that I’ll bring him back to you.”
Meanwhile, in the kitchen Liz had made the same request of Alex, “I promise you Liz…I’ll watch his back.” He took Liz’s hands in his own, “He will come back to you ad your son.”
Liz looked up at her best friend of nearly twenty years, “You come back to us too…I want my son to know his Uncle Alex.”
They hugged tightly for a moment before joining their spouses in the living room.
Max kissed his nephew’s forehead, who was oblivious to everything going on around him, lying fast asleep in his mother’s arms.
Then he picked up a half asleep Lexi from the sofa, “Give you Uncle Max a kiss Lexi…you’ll be all grown up when I come back.” he joked
She kissed him obediently and he handed her to Alex.
“Let’s get going.”
Upon reaching the train station, they each checked in with Lieutenant Cleaver and then returned to their wives. All around them were other families also going through the same ordeal.
They still had about twenty minutes to spare so they made the most of the time they had left.
Alex hugged Tess and then Maria, “You take care now Maria.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek
One by one they said their final goodbyes. Just before he got into the train Isabel stopped Alex, “Sweetie, this is for you.”
She slipped a waistcoat pocket watch into his hand. He opened it and inside were inscribed four words – With You Always, Isabel
“So that you can count down to midnight, when we’ll be together…in our dreams.”
Alex was overwhelmed with the feelings of love, passion and sadness, he was receiving from his wife. He pulled her close and kissed her passionately not caring who saw.
She was left breathless “Until we meet again my love.” With that he was gone.
Isabel, Maria, Liz and Tess stood on the platform holding each other and the children as they watched the train, that held the men they loved, pull out of the station and into an uncertain and dangerous future
Last edited by KarenEvans on Sat Nov 19, 2005 12:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
KarenEvans
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 3635
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:59 pm
- Location: Alex's room
A/N-I want to thank my Dad for giving me tips while I wrote this part,since he's been through the hazing of a military academy.
Chapter 7
Part A
Most of the other men on the train were from their town, so there was an air of familiarity, of kinship so to speak.
Kyle, soon found some of his buddies from the department and sat down with them for a game of poker.
Michael chose to pass the time by working on a sketch, basically ignoring everyone around him.
Max and Alex sat together, each lost in thought until Alex broke the silence, “Are you scared?”
Max looked at him, a thousand emotions flitted across his face briefly, preventing him from answering immediately, “Yes, I am. I’m terrified that I’ll never see Liz again, hold her in my arms, watch her moving quietly around the house while doing the housework.”
He paused and closed his eyes, “Most of all I’m scared that I might never see my son.”
“So much for being the brave king huh!” he smirked
“There’s nothing wrong in being scared Max…in fact I’d be worried if you weren’t scared. I bet there isn’t a guy here” he waved his hands around the compartment “that isn’t scared to some extent.”
“Heck, I should be petrified… at least Michael, Kyle and you work out everyday…but me…well I just do some weights and go for a jog thrice a week. They’re going to kill me in boot camp.” he said half joking half serious, trying to lighten his brother-in-law’s mood.
It had the desired effect, Max grinned at him, “Come on…it won’t be that bad.”
“You wanna bet.”
They were interrupted by Kyle who’d finished his game, “I’m famished…I thanks my stars everyday that my wife” he bent down to pull out a box from his kit “owns a bakery. Anyone want some truffle cake?”
There was sudden movement from the top berth and Michael jumped down, “Did someone mention cake?” he asked looking expectantly at the other three who burst out laughing
Twelve hours later they got off the train and had to make their own way to the training center where they had to report.
Since there was still time for that they decided to have a look around the new town.
“Hey, are you guys by any chance the new recruits?” asked one army cadet who was standing outside a coffee shop with a group of his pals.
“Yeah we are” replied Kyle “what’s it to you?”
“Come here and give us fifty push-ups right now.” ordered another member of the group
“Bugger off!” retorted Michael “Come on guys lets get out of here…QUICK!”
The four of them accompanied by others from their home-town took off running in order to avoid the bullies.
“Let them go boys” smirked the cadet “we’ll deal with them later.”
Part B
At that very moment, Isabel was standing in her bedroom, having just got home from the salon.
Alexis and Gordon were both with Maria. She decided a hot shower was just what she needed to relieve the stress from her body.
Stepping into the shower stall she choose her Lavender and Ylang Ylang shower gel which was supposedly good at relieving stress-well according to Maria at any rate.
She stood there after she’d washed up, letting the hot water draw the tension out of her aching shoulders, “What I wouldn’t do to get one of your massages right now Alex.” she muttered
The danger of turning into a human prune forced her out of the stall. Once dry, she put on a pair of Alex’s old boxers and one of his t-shirts.
Walking into his closet she put her face against his shirts and inhaled deeply, comforted by his scent.
It would become a daily ritual. Happy having done that she sat down on the bed with the scrap book he’d given her only two nights before.
She hadn’t yet had the chance to go through it entirely.
About half way through she came to a picture of Alex and herself, “You looked so handsome that night, I could barely keep my hands to myself.” She smiled as she recalled the memory
FLASHBACK
Sophomore year of college, Alex and Isabel were in the apartment they shared off campus.
“Since we both have some free time this year, do you want to do something together?” he asked cautiously
They’d been arguing a lot over the last few days, Isabel, for the first time in her life, was insecure.
Alex had been tutoring a pretty freshman, Victoria Woods, who clearly idolized and adored him and to top it all, she didn’t seem intimidated by Isabel.
Furthermore, she could easily pass off as Isabel’s sister. Isabel’s insecurity stemmed from the fact that half way through their freshman year Alex had told her that they needed to distance themselves from each other for a while in order to gain a clearer perspective of things.
He did it more for her, he was totally committed to ‘THEM’ but there were times when he felt the Isabel of high school assert herself.
He wanted a firm commitment, he needed to know once and for all that she was his no matter how ‘cave man-ish ’ that sounded.
That had jolted her, and it took her five months to convince him that she was completely his for the taking.
“Like what?” came the sullen question
“Dirty dancing lessons”
She sat up on the sofa where she had been lying down, “What! Dance lessons are pretty expensive Alex.”
“I know, that’s why I saved up money so that we could do this together. Now do you want to go or not?”
“Yes, yes of course I do” she replied flinging herself into his arms, “I love dancing with you.”
They turned out to be the star pupils of their dance class.
When the studio put up it’s annual show to garner funds they called on Alex and Isabel to give the final performance of the evening.
Isabel waited nervously at the one end of the stage, hidden by the curtains, chewing on her lower lip, drumming her fingers against the wall.
She wore a shimmering sleeveless red dress, with a low back and a full skirt, which reached just below her knees.
On her feet she had on silver and red stilettos, her hair had been loosely curled and swept up on both sides held in a sliver hair clip.
Alex appeared on the opposite side of the stage, her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
He had on a black silk half sleeve shirt, which fit snugly over his lean muscular arms and chest.
The pants he wore were black as well, not too tight but ‘still showing off his tusshie’ thought Isabel
Black leather shoes and belt completed his outfit. His hair had been gelled back.
The lyrics of “I’ve had the time of my life” came on and they walked towards each other as the curtains drew back, their eyes locked together.
“Alex, I feel like ripping these clothes off you right now.” she whispered huskily as he began leading her across the stage
“Plenty of time for that later.” He gave her a sexy grin before spinning her out
END FLASHBACK
Part C
As soon as they stepped foot in the camp they knew they were in for it. The senior batch of recruits (joined the army willingly, therefore underwent the full course of training) who were done with training and waiting for their deployment orders to come in had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.
In particular the group of cadets they’d told to “bugger off” earlier on were waiting just for Alex, Michael, Kyle and Max.
“You, Goldie Locks, get your butt here!.” yelled a slim, tall athletic junior cadet, whom they recognized as the ring leader of the group from the coffee shop, pointing at Michael “we’re going to have some fun with your hair,blondie.”
Michael obeyed knowing that, that was the right course of action
“Shit!! This place is like high school all over again.” groaned Alex, “Kyle you should fit right in with these jocks.”
“Bite me Whitman!” came the caustic rejoinder
Just then three other junior cadets walked up to them, “You three, what’re your names?” asked one
“I’m Max Evans.” replied Max
“That’s Sir to you, you insect.” added another
“Now let’s see if we can do this again…what’re your names?”
“Maxwell Evans, Sirs!”
“Alexander Whitman, Sirs!”
“Kyle Valenti, Sir!”
“Evans, Whitman, Valenti, drop and give us fourty push-ups right now” ordered the third gleefully “think of it as a warm up before the drill sergeant gets his hands on you. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING? Keep your army kits on your backs, it’s so much more fun that way.”
“Once we are done here we’ll take you on a tour of the parade ground. How do fifty laps sound?” he smirked
Michael in the meanwhile was having his head shaved by a non too experienced barber, who was taking delight in designing semi-circles, triangles and rows all over his head.
“Guerin, your head is going to be masterpiece once I’m done with you.” grinned the pseudo barber wickedly
It took all of Michael’s self-control not to blast the guy then and there literally and verbally but he caught sight of his three friends and decided that his was an infinitely better situation and held his tongue.
All over the camp, new recruits were being worked over by the senior batch, they were taking out six months of frustration on the fledglings before they were shipped out in a few days.
Chapter 7
Part A
Most of the other men on the train were from their town, so there was an air of familiarity, of kinship so to speak.
Kyle, soon found some of his buddies from the department and sat down with them for a game of poker.
Michael chose to pass the time by working on a sketch, basically ignoring everyone around him.
Max and Alex sat together, each lost in thought until Alex broke the silence, “Are you scared?”
Max looked at him, a thousand emotions flitted across his face briefly, preventing him from answering immediately, “Yes, I am. I’m terrified that I’ll never see Liz again, hold her in my arms, watch her moving quietly around the house while doing the housework.”
He paused and closed his eyes, “Most of all I’m scared that I might never see my son.”
“So much for being the brave king huh!” he smirked
“There’s nothing wrong in being scared Max…in fact I’d be worried if you weren’t scared. I bet there isn’t a guy here” he waved his hands around the compartment “that isn’t scared to some extent.”
“Heck, I should be petrified… at least Michael, Kyle and you work out everyday…but me…well I just do some weights and go for a jog thrice a week. They’re going to kill me in boot camp.” he said half joking half serious, trying to lighten his brother-in-law’s mood.
It had the desired effect, Max grinned at him, “Come on…it won’t be that bad.”
“You wanna bet.”
They were interrupted by Kyle who’d finished his game, “I’m famished…I thanks my stars everyday that my wife” he bent down to pull out a box from his kit “owns a bakery. Anyone want some truffle cake?”
There was sudden movement from the top berth and Michael jumped down, “Did someone mention cake?” he asked looking expectantly at the other three who burst out laughing
Twelve hours later they got off the train and had to make their own way to the training center where they had to report.
Since there was still time for that they decided to have a look around the new town.
“Hey, are you guys by any chance the new recruits?” asked one army cadet who was standing outside a coffee shop with a group of his pals.
“Yeah we are” replied Kyle “what’s it to you?”
“Come here and give us fifty push-ups right now.” ordered another member of the group
“Bugger off!” retorted Michael “Come on guys lets get out of here…QUICK!”
The four of them accompanied by others from their home-town took off running in order to avoid the bullies.
“Let them go boys” smirked the cadet “we’ll deal with them later.”
Part B
At that very moment, Isabel was standing in her bedroom, having just got home from the salon.
Alexis and Gordon were both with Maria. She decided a hot shower was just what she needed to relieve the stress from her body.
Stepping into the shower stall she choose her Lavender and Ylang Ylang shower gel which was supposedly good at relieving stress-well according to Maria at any rate.
She stood there after she’d washed up, letting the hot water draw the tension out of her aching shoulders, “What I wouldn’t do to get one of your massages right now Alex.” she muttered
The danger of turning into a human prune forced her out of the stall. Once dry, she put on a pair of Alex’s old boxers and one of his t-shirts.
Walking into his closet she put her face against his shirts and inhaled deeply, comforted by his scent.
It would become a daily ritual. Happy having done that she sat down on the bed with the scrap book he’d given her only two nights before.
She hadn’t yet had the chance to go through it entirely.
About half way through she came to a picture of Alex and herself, “You looked so handsome that night, I could barely keep my hands to myself.” She smiled as she recalled the memory
FLASHBACK
Sophomore year of college, Alex and Isabel were in the apartment they shared off campus.
“Since we both have some free time this year, do you want to do something together?” he asked cautiously
They’d been arguing a lot over the last few days, Isabel, for the first time in her life, was insecure.
Alex had been tutoring a pretty freshman, Victoria Woods, who clearly idolized and adored him and to top it all, she didn’t seem intimidated by Isabel.
Furthermore, she could easily pass off as Isabel’s sister. Isabel’s insecurity stemmed from the fact that half way through their freshman year Alex had told her that they needed to distance themselves from each other for a while in order to gain a clearer perspective of things.
He did it more for her, he was totally committed to ‘THEM’ but there were times when he felt the Isabel of high school assert herself.
He wanted a firm commitment, he needed to know once and for all that she was his no matter how ‘cave man-ish ’ that sounded.
That had jolted her, and it took her five months to convince him that she was completely his for the taking.
“Like what?” came the sullen question
“Dirty dancing lessons”
She sat up on the sofa where she had been lying down, “What! Dance lessons are pretty expensive Alex.”
“I know, that’s why I saved up money so that we could do this together. Now do you want to go or not?”
“Yes, yes of course I do” she replied flinging herself into his arms, “I love dancing with you.”
They turned out to be the star pupils of their dance class.
When the studio put up it’s annual show to garner funds they called on Alex and Isabel to give the final performance of the evening.
Isabel waited nervously at the one end of the stage, hidden by the curtains, chewing on her lower lip, drumming her fingers against the wall.
She wore a shimmering sleeveless red dress, with a low back and a full skirt, which reached just below her knees.
On her feet she had on silver and red stilettos, her hair had been loosely curled and swept up on both sides held in a sliver hair clip.
Alex appeared on the opposite side of the stage, her eyes nearly popped out of her head.
He had on a black silk half sleeve shirt, which fit snugly over his lean muscular arms and chest.
The pants he wore were black as well, not too tight but ‘still showing off his tusshie’ thought Isabel
Black leather shoes and belt completed his outfit. His hair had been gelled back.
The lyrics of “I’ve had the time of my life” came on and they walked towards each other as the curtains drew back, their eyes locked together.
“Alex, I feel like ripping these clothes off you right now.” she whispered huskily as he began leading her across the stage
“Plenty of time for that later.” He gave her a sexy grin before spinning her out
END FLASHBACK
Part C
As soon as they stepped foot in the camp they knew they were in for it. The senior batch of recruits (joined the army willingly, therefore underwent the full course of training) who were done with training and waiting for their deployment orders to come in had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.
In particular the group of cadets they’d told to “bugger off” earlier on were waiting just for Alex, Michael, Kyle and Max.
“You, Goldie Locks, get your butt here!.” yelled a slim, tall athletic junior cadet, whom they recognized as the ring leader of the group from the coffee shop, pointing at Michael “we’re going to have some fun with your hair,blondie.”
Michael obeyed knowing that, that was the right course of action
“Shit!! This place is like high school all over again.” groaned Alex, “Kyle you should fit right in with these jocks.”
“Bite me Whitman!” came the caustic rejoinder
Just then three other junior cadets walked up to them, “You three, what’re your names?” asked one
“I’m Max Evans.” replied Max
“That’s Sir to you, you insect.” added another
“Now let’s see if we can do this again…what’re your names?”
“Maxwell Evans, Sirs!”
“Alexander Whitman, Sirs!”
“Kyle Valenti, Sir!”
“Evans, Whitman, Valenti, drop and give us fourty push-ups right now” ordered the third gleefully “think of it as a warm up before the drill sergeant gets his hands on you. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING? Keep your army kits on your backs, it’s so much more fun that way.”
“Once we are done here we’ll take you on a tour of the parade ground. How do fifty laps sound?” he smirked
Michael in the meanwhile was having his head shaved by a non too experienced barber, who was taking delight in designing semi-circles, triangles and rows all over his head.
“Guerin, your head is going to be masterpiece once I’m done with you.” grinned the pseudo barber wickedly
It took all of Michael’s self-control not to blast the guy then and there literally and verbally but he caught sight of his three friends and decided that his was an infinitely better situation and held his tongue.
All over the camp, new recruits were being worked over by the senior batch, they were taking out six months of frustration on the fledglings before they were shipped out in a few days.
Last edited by KarenEvans on Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:39 am, edited 1 time in total.