Army of one (open to one woman)

PFC Ryan Lennox
Age 19
Height 5'10"
Weight 145lbs
Hair crew cut sandy brown
Eyes: Hazel
Rounded face with no tattoos or piercings, thin lips and slight build.

I went into the Army to strengthen myself both in mind and body, and I have improved. I calculated that I gained ten pounds of muscles but that was just not enough apparently. The recuiters flashed many movies, pamphlets, and what not saying that we were going to have an adventure and I did. I went to Iraq and came back alive, as did the rest of us, but whereas others went home to their wives and chldren I came home to a tiny room in the barracks, all by myself and spent the better part of my weekeneds watching movies and staying fit. This was the life of the Army. I loved the Army, it was just the loniless that I knew others faced, but I just did not know what to do about it. My squads tried before to get me to go out with women they met off base and God they were terrible. I knew better not to go looking for women off base for they were gold diggers, camp followers, and whores looking for someone to have it with and get their money. It was not always the case, but it reached the point I did not want to leave the base.

I perfered to save my money, no vehicles, home, the only expensive thing I had was my computer and it was my gateway to the outside world including a great deal of porn. I was old enough and I wasn't hurting anyone by watching it and jerking off, but in the end I turned it off as it wasnot the same.

It was after our final ceremony and i had the whole rest of the weekned to do, effectively nothing. Perhaps I should go and get a burger at the King near the commisary or better yet the chow hall, at least it's free there. Standing up from my bed and going to the full length mirror by the door I couldn't help but pause and look myself over, ensuring that everything was in place with my garrison cap snug on the crown, jaw set, pockets closed, belt in line with the fly, the boots laced tightly. I looked like a soldier, I was a soldier, but I felt very empty.

I had buddies that were a couple of doors down that would boast about whom they had slept with or had fucked. Some were amusing and others were so silly that there was no way that they could be true. One said that he banged a captain, which was bad enough for he was just a private and married, but to top it off my other friend, Ralph, said he banged a major. Perhaps it was this one up manship that was making my life feel tedious at best, I didn't know, but it was better than going to the bottle, at least I was sober and had money in my pocket.They kept saying to have me go fuck the first woman that I saw, but I kept turning them down every time, they even tried to get me paired up with the captain, but they could not even remember what her name was. That is what friends were for. Perhaps I could use a shag, or perhaps a serious relationship. Anything was better than having no one in my bed.

PM me if you're interested. Your character can be entirely how you choose but I ask that they be in the service.

SPC Amanda Soren
Age: 20
Height: 5’4
Weight: 125lbs
Hair: Blonde, mid-back length, pulled back into a tight bun
Eyes: Blue
Rounded face, full lips, medium build

The Army was a quick, familiar option to me. Raised an Army brat, I knew some of what I had gotten myself into. Dad, an artillery man, had told me every horror story under the sun to dissuade me from joining, but I didn’t listen. I didn’t want to go to college and I wanted to see the world on someone else’s dime. Long gone were the days of the Cold War and the perception I had of doing an easy four-year term. When the Iraq deployments kicked in, I was one of many to call the hot deserts home. I saw the world, alright. Hey! I didn’t specify Italy or France right? Maybe that would come in time.

Life on the installation wasn’t a bad thing. I had managed to take in a couple of very good trips, anything from going to a baseball game, to going hiking and caving. It wasn’t like I was a complete wall-flower, but I really didn’t care for the clubbing. On many occasions friends came back from their nightly adventures, loud and inebriated, banging on barracks doors like a bunch of morons. I didn’t want to be “that guy,” so to speak. The one thing I truly disliked about being a soldier was the fact I was a female in a man’s Army. What’s more, I was a female in the barracks. It seemed that the general opinion of a woman in the barracks meant she was a community whore. While I knew one or two that fit that perception, I was not one of them and I despised the ones who found whoring their second pastime. I just wanted to meet someone nice for a change.

The weekend was finally here. Standing in line had become a thing I was used to. In the Army you were always waiting in line for something – getting shots, getting equipment and getting a meal amongst other things. I stood in line outside of the chow hall, waiting for the doors to open as my attention was drawn to a group of soldiers who had just been released for the day. I watched, amused, as the group dispersed like an ant-hill kicked over. Some got into their cars, the others walked. I noticed smaller groups walking my way. The chow hall was always a stop before returning to the barracks. My gaze fell upon one particular soldier who seemed to walk with a sense of purpose. He was taller than me and looked like he had his act together. As he drew closer, he fell into the same line and the doors to the chow hall opened, distracting me from my people-watching.

The chow hall was essentially a big cafeteria; lots of tables and chairs, stacks of trays, glasses and utensils and a serving line. Today’s fare was either baked chicken or the infamous short order of hamburgers. The aroma of all the food mingled and my tummy started to grumble. I made my way patiently through the line along with the rest in front of me. As I turned to step out of line with my order, I ran right into someone, sending our loaded trays into the air and onto the floor. The sudden chaos and noise of the trays filled my ears and the mess sergeant barked an order for someone to grab a mop. I hurriedly squatted down and started to clean up the mess, muttering my apologies to the other soldier. As I looked up, I was face to face him. My blue eyes widened and color filled my cheeks. It was the same soldier I had just moments ago been observing. His hazel eyes were captivating and I had to consciously make an effort not to stare.

“I’m so sorry!” I said, completely embarrassed.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, standing in line for the chow hall was taking so damn long that i should have made it here earlier, now all of the tables are going to be full before I can even get a tray. Showing the cashier my meal card I took a tray with grilled cheese and soup with crackers and juice that would be enough to take the edge off before I went for something else on the desert tray but I didn't make it to the tables before someone collided with me and knocked my tray to the ground in a loud crash and a woman was cleaning it up, giving off apologizes. At first I groaned because, 'well, great, there goes my food,' and taking a handful of napkins I dropped to one knee and began collecting the trays and dishes before putting them to one side and wiping up the mess on the floor.

"It’s alright," I said slightly bitter, "Let's just get this cleaned up," as one of the cooks called out for a mop. We were done by the time he ever showed up and taking up the trays I put them on the tray rack beside the kitchen before cleaning my hands and finally getting a good look at the culprit, one that was a good head shorter than I with tied blonde hair, rather pretty looking but also a specialist, "Are you okay?" I asked throwing the napkins into the trash. She did not look very familiar to me, though we did have a battalion sized unit I did not know everyone in my entire company as I wanted to get back into line and get another tray of food.

I groaned inwardly, ‘Can I possibly be any more spastic? ’ I thought to myself. The tone of his voice wasn’t very friendly, but then, it wasn’t every day one was thrown off kilter by my occasional clumsiness. He was obviously in a rush, as we all were. Training had taught that you moved along quickly and you had to get ahead of the pack to get anywhere.

I dropped the broken dishes into the trash and smoothed out my uniform. As we stepped back into line I answered, “Yes, I’m fine and thank you for your help.”

It didn’t take very long before we were able to move through the serving line. I wanted to escape. I chewed my lip as I scanned the dining room, looking for a table. I saw a single table open up and headed for it. It was a smaller table, jutted up against the window, seating for two. I set my tray down and sat, relieved to have put some distance between myself and the serving line.
I put my elbow on the table and leaned my chin into my palm, gazing out the window. Being transferred into this battalion was just one of many changes I was going to have to endure. With my job, I could be transferred anywhere. The Army always needed soldiers who understood the intricacies of human resources; another reason I stuck out like a sore thumb. I played with my fork and sighed wishfully while I considered what I would be doing for the rest of the weekend.

Cleaning myself up and going back into line for another try there were the snickers and looks from the others in the hall over the little accident and though my blouse was splotched with some of the juice that was not enough to dismay me from getting another, but more mindful of my surroundings as I took up the tray with the same fixings as before but careful with every step as I went in search for a table in which to park. After a couple of minutes my eyes found an empty chair but it was right across from the same blonde Specialist, the same one that collided with me. Already my body was feeling weak as I should have ordered my food to go, but it was too late now. Oh well, sighing and bitterly cursing to myself as my feet traced over the same spot of the accident after one of the cooks mates polished it up with a few swipes of a dirty mop. Those people did not care so long as they were gone by the close of business as I was more concerned about getting food inside my body.

That chair was the only one that was apparently empty, except for a couple of chairs beside some officers that was seemingly forbidden territory for me. Seeing as there was no other choice I approached the table and cleared my throat to gain her attention, "Hi, uh, is this seat taken?" eyes nervously looking her over and then at the other faces around the mess hall, fully expecting to have eyes gazing back waiting for a recap of our previous incident.

The whole incident reminded me of the awkward first few weeks of boot camp. The first day was the worst. There was no “getting to know you” period. It was all just a quick processing from the bus to the bay where we were to spend the next several weeks. It was very disconcerting and from that point on I felt like a number. It was if we were being de-humanized.

Hearing the request, I snap out of the trance I’m in and I look up. The flood of embarrassment fills me again, curbing my appetite. Acutely aware of several prying glances across the room, I motion to the chair across from me, “certainly,” I respond. When he takes a seat, I reach across the table offering my hand, “Since we didn’t get a chance earlier, I should introduce myself. My name is Amanda. Amanda Soren.”

"I'm Lennox," I replied gladly shaking her hand, "Ryan Lennox," so use to call everyone by their last name because it was taped above their breast pockets. "Glad that you bumped into me, otherwise I would have found a seat sooner than here," giving a slight smile before looking at my food and deciding what to eat. After a moment my eyes flicked up to Amanda and asked, "What unit are you in?" her face did not appear to be familiar, now that we were closer and not in the frantic state of cleaning I could be able to study her. Nothing was coming to mind, but, again, our unit was so large.

Taking up my grilled cheese sandwich and feeling the oil running off the bread I looked at her before carefully sinking my teeth into it. It was scenes like this that reminded me of my own basic training where we were ushered into the chow hall and not allowed to even look at the people next to you, or even across, but that was over a year ago and still fresh in my mind every time I came here.

Lighting up a bit after taking a bite from the sandwich, chewing and swallowing my eyes connected with hers to await her answer then they fell to look at their hands and there were no weddings bands. It became a sort of act that I had to follow. If there was a wedding band then there were boundaries that would be put in place.

His handshake was firm, but not overbearing and I smiled in spite of myself. At least he didn’t seem to hold a grudge. I motioned out the window and across the quad to a smaller building, “Oh, I’m in Headquarters & Headquarters Company over there,” I responded and added, “I was just transferred from the other side of the installation. What about you? I am guessing you’re close if you’re here.”

Seeing Ryan relax, I engaged my fork again and pulled at bits of the chicken on my plate. The food here was much better for some reason. Maybe it was just because of the cooks. Then again, maybe it was all about my perception. I began to enjoy the meal. My gaze wandered occasionally, focusing on his nametape and then to the US Army that was affixed on the opposite side of his chest. He wasn’t overly broad in the shoulders and I liked that. I had dated a guy in high school who had more muscles than brains and that was a big mistake. He spent more time in the gym than in school and we never really had anything in common. Why was I evaluating him? I laughed inwardly at myself. He was attractive, that’s why.

The juice of the meat trickled down the corner of my mouth and I swallowed quickly, running my tongue lightly across my full, pink lips. My gaze shifted upwards and I grinned sheepishly, running my thumb across the corner of my lip.

"Yeah, i'm with Alpha company, actually," and I placed the grilled cheese onto the plate and wiped the tips of the fingers with the napkin. There was a great deal of grease running off from it, it was to be expected from the chowhall. It allowed me to look at her in response as she wiped her face off. She took a great deal o f care of herself, with the clean face, smooth skin, not much or any make up to pretty herself up, tight blonde hair, and a clean uniform that was well fitted to herbody show she had a physique to her. Alot of the men in my unit had a love hate relationship when it came to women in the service. They loved them becasue, well, they were women, but alot of stuck up ones didn't like them because they believed they could not hack the physical labors that a man could. Me personally I did not mind the women as long as they did their job and thus far everyone I knew was pulling their weight.

"I drive one of the five tons," meaning one of the tranportation trucks. "Once in a while I drive our captain, but that's only if his regular driver is not off somewhere else."

Taking the slive of grilled cheese again I took another bite, reaching the hard crust before placing it back down. This food was not the best, but filling. I sure did miss my parents cooking. "God, maybe I should go to the PX. It's better than this," chuckling.

Alpha company was in walking distance, but he said he drove the five tons. That meant he was probably camped out in the motor pool where the unit kept all their vehicles and larger equipment. To me, it looked like a huge bus park with maintenance buildings, lines of trucks, generators, trailers and whatever else the unit kept on hand. No wonder I hadn’t seen him. The only time I ever walked into the motor pool was to help with the weekly maintenance checks or when the unit needed to use the bays for physical training during inclement weather.

“Oh, I see. I work in the Battalion S1 playing with paperwork all day.”

Finding little interest in the meal, I set the fork down. Grabbing a napkin, I wipe my lips and fingers clean. My blue eyes studied him, trying to gauge his reaction. In the Army, there was always an unseen line in the sand between combat arms and support, as if we weren’t on the same planet. So really, I guess I was playing with a number of judgmental attitudes where the Army was concerned. The bottom line here was that no matter what, we all had to prove ourselves worthy before we were fully accepted. Thankfully, his features didn’t register any significant emotion.

I laughed with him over that greasy grilled cheese sandwich. As children, the grilled cheese sandwich was the first thing my sister and I learned to make. It was an art, my dad used to say. There was only so much butter one could spread on the bread and it was a competition between my parents on who made the best. Dad always went for the flattest, crispest sandwich. I liked to call it burnt. Mom on the other hand, liked hers with thick, Texas toast, lightly browned. “Yea that grilled cheese looks like its seen better days. I can make a sandwich better than that - my parents saw to that,” I responded matter-of-factly. “But, if it’s food court food you like, the burbon chicken at the Manchu Wok is to die for.”

She was from S-1 that was battalion. In Alpha Company we had women but most of them were married and we were responsible for the trucks and heavy vehicles to transport supplies and troops. Not necessarily the most glamorous job, very often over looked though in Iraq we were faced with ambushes as we were tempting targets for insurgents that we had to upgrade our trucks with improvised armor and extra weapons.

"Paperwork, in my opinion, is a lot better than working under 100 degree sun all day," laughing lightly. I had nothing against her, though she did ruin my first meal, but that was an accident and I didn't have a grudge or any malice towards those at battalion except for a couple specfic peole for different, personal, reasons. She was doing her job and I was doing mine and as long as we kept doing that then we would not have problems.

She had this look on her face as she ate and wiped her face that she was thinking of something because there was slight smile on her lips but I didn't say anything of it until she mentioned the bourbon chicken, "Alright," smiling and giving a nod, "Let's try that then. Anything is better than this." As much as I enjoyed grilled cheese the mess hall had a way of ruining it. Sure it was free for us, but..bah..I shoved my thoughts aside before rising up and gripping the tray and heading over to deposit it at the sink for them to wash It was going to be a couple of blocks to walk there to reach the PX but we could make it and I would have someone to talk to along the way to pass the time.

I was definitely not going to argue the paperwork versus the 100 degree weather. That was the bonus to doing something administratively. I smiled. “Well, I’m sure you keep your sun block handy.”

I followed Ryan out of the chow hall and took off walking at a good clip. Personally, I didn’t feel any worse for wear because we had to walk. Walking was always good until it started to rain. I wondered if they still had a bus service here. Brushing off the thought I started a new conversation. “So Ryan Lennox, where are you from?” I queried. His longer legs took larger strides and I had to hasten my walk a bit to keep up. “I used to live here, when I was a teenager, so I’m still trying to find my way around all the new buildings.”

It was definitely a couple of blocks to the PX. I could remember the landmarks of this particular installation as a teenager. The skating rink and the movie theater were only a skip, hop and a jump from the PX parking lot. Down the street was the commissary, the pool and the library. Seeing the many changes and comparing them with my childhood a memory was like looking at a picture in black and white. Now, the PX was around the corner from everything else. As was true with everything else in the Army, nothing really stayed the same.

When we stepped outside and breathed in the fresh air and put on our berets it was definitely better as we began walking. When she asked where I was from I replied, "I grew up in Texas. Everything there out there was flat as a pancake. We didn't have an ice rink or anything like that and I didn't go to the movies much. My parents were police officers and we didn't have much in the way of money because the pay in our town was so low, but we had enough that we weren't starving and had a good home just not much of a social life." One of the reasons I joined the Army was to get out of the dustbowl of a town, but the way she spoke of it seemed that Soren was from around her making her very lucky not to be far from family. I havent seen my family since I graduated basic.

My natural habit of walking was to place myself behind people but in this case I made sure to keep myself walking beside her at an even pace though on this sidewalk we would have to make way for an officer and this being the close of business they might be coming out of brigade or battalion headquarters of other units. One thing I hated about being an enlisted, especially a private was that everyone else seems to be above you, including Soren but she didn’t seem to be the one to pull rank which was fortunate.

"You're from around here?" asking whilst flicking the head towards her profile shot.

I tilted my head and looked at him, “no, we’re actually from the eastern seaboard. Massachussetts,” I answered. “I’m a military brat who decided she just didn’t have enough of the military in her childhood. My dad was in the Army and I probably changed 5 schools during that time. We learned how to make 20 different casseroles that would spread dinner over 3 days and learned how to fix anything. My parents finally moved to Florida and I went into the military. This is all I know.”

Lennox’s story was a familiar one. There were many soldiers who joined the military to get out of their home towns. On the flip side, as much as they hated those small towns, many went back just to connect. Some of us didn’t want to go back. We wanted to get out and experience the world.

The further we walked, the more I relaxed. It had been a while since I had let my guard down and it felt pretty good. I suspected Ryan had a very practical mind and that was a bonus from some of the people I had met. “What do you do for fun?”

"I play my computer a lot. It's really the only piece of property I have. That alone cost be about, I don’t know, 2,500 dollars, I think. No car or anything, though. I knew that I shouldn't buy anything like that anywhere near a base. The salesmen would jack up the price and insurance rates, bunch of price gougers. But, I play online gaming, mostly and I watch a lot of movies," shrugging my shoulders and saying with a smirk of satisfaction, I got, maybe 300 or so movies in my binders. most of them I got from the PX" pointing in the general direction of the facility and laughing as all of that was tax free products meaning more bang for my buck. "That's one thing I like about service on base, no sales tax!" clapping my hands together. I wanted to perhaps get a drink at the Class Six but I was still underage and I didn’t want to ask her to do it for me. The base was clamping down on underage drinking with severe punishments, but my sergeant would turn a blind eye as long as we did it inside the barracks, out of sight and out of mind, but that thought was quickly shoved aside.

Now that we were out and about my legs were no longer stiff and my stomach had digested the grilled cheese but there was still a lot to be desired as I turned to her, "What did your folks do in the service?" I knew a couple that were just like her, parents that were career and were high up on the rank structure. Sometime they could turn to their parents when the going was tough or in need of a promotion, but her name was no one I was familiar with, "You haven't kept in touch with your family? That must be hard."

As we walked the sun continued to fall and the sky began to change to a light red as it fell behind some stretched clouds. It promised to be a cold night that I wished I brought my field jacket, but nothing to worry about intently as we continued to walk side by side.

“My dad was in the artillery for 20 years and he finally retired. My mom worked off the installation. When dad got out, they moved to Florida. I’ll see them during the big holidays when I have the money to go. Until then, I stay put and try to enjoy what we have locally. I’ve taken a few good trips with a group of soldiers to go hiking and rock climbing. I’ve also gone to a few football games. It’s not a bad deal, you know. My supervisor told me about the program. It’s called “Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers”. They meet monthly at the rec center and put out all the information for the following month. It’s better than being stuck in the barracks nursing a bottle of something, that is, if you’re old enough to drink.” I picked up the pace a little, since it was starting to get cooler.“Before too long, I’m going to have to get a car. I like walking, but this post is huge,” I added.

The traffic was a little heavier as everyone was getting off of work for the day. The end of the day always started as fast as it began. I could feel the flush of heat coming into my cheeks from the walking. I glanced over at Ryan. “So, what kind of games do you play on your computer?”

"Yeah, this place is to frikin; big," scoffing in an amusement. With no vehicle I had to walk everywhere unless I could get a taxi for appointments. Either way. I did not know about this help for single soldiers. Perhaps it was something I could do later on and meet people, but then again i wasn't too well with crowds. I didn’t even like award ceremonies. I was saving up for a vehicle as well, but that would take a long time. Fortunately i did not have any bill aside for my internet.

Her father was career which was impressive. He would be high up on the totem pole compared to my father whom was just a captain in the dust bowl. Didn’t mean much, not even the pay was higher and there was nothing to brag about. It was getting nippy out and the PX roof was now in sight when she asked what games I played,

"Medal of Honor and Call of Duty," answering her question, "I know it seems kinda ironic considering where i am, but it's fun and i don't take it very seriously. Just for kicks."

I had been through Iraq and though we were in a few tough scraps it was nothing like the game and the game was nothing like real life. It was a question i was asked a lot of time by schmucks off base. it reached the point where I just refused to answer it anymore.

I glanced up to find we were nearly to the Exchange and the food court the building housed. The traffic was busier at the epicenter of the installation; so the noise started to pick up. A few minutes later, we had arrived. Entering the building was like entering the mall; there were people everywhere. The good thing was that shops were conveniently located in the same place. The bad thing was the crowds during the holidays.

I could smell the food from across the building. I was definitely hungry. “Have you seen anything about that new James Bond movie that came out? I have to go see it. These Bond movies have been a tradition. Don’t like the women much, but then, that’s to be expected,” giving him a cheesy grin.

Having to lean in to her slightly in order for her voice to be heard as I took off my cover, I replied, "I have heard of it but haven't see that new one. what was it?" snapping my finger when it came to find, "Oh, yeah, Skyfall./ I'm waiting until it comes out on post that was it's cheaper." movies on post, sometimes you have to wait awhile but it was much cheaper, about half as much on post than it was off and the food was cheaper as well. i hate the price gougers. looking about and the seeing the heads of dozens of people crossing one anothers path as well as the mixture of uniforms and attire I looked over at the food court and saw where the bourbon chicken she was so entrolled for was being served and the short line that was waiting for it. most of the other people were waiting for the pizza or sandwiches that gave us the chance. The harder part would be to find a seat in this place. As much as I hated the noise it was even worse trying to find a seat for me let alone another person.

filtering into the line I said again, "Have you seen all of the Bond movies? I've only seen the latest ones. Quantum Solace and the one before. I can't remember the name of it though."

I perked up a bit when he asked the question. James Bond was my all time favorite. “Oh! Yes, I have seen them all. The movie you’re referring to was Casino Royale. Daniel Craig made his debut as the new James Bond in that one. I’m still not sure how I feel about changing up the actor every few movies that come out. It looks like he’s in for the long haul, though. There’s another Bond movie in production and he’s in it again. I was kinda fond of Sean Connery when he active, so I end up comparing the other actors to him. Silly, I know. That’s what I get for being a fan.”

I tucked my beret into my right cargo pocket and move forward in the line. I was really surprised this particular line wasn’t all that busy. I guess the junk food was a big hit on a busy night. I fell silent for a moment or two, having run the gambit of most of the non-threatening “getting to know you” questions. I tried to stay away from all the personal questions women found so important to ask. I didn’t like to pry. Instead, I focused on getting my order.

"Daniel Craig is good. Personally I like Indiana Jones., though the last movie was a big disappointment," taking my hands and wiping them over one another in front of me, "Kinda make it so that it never happened. Like a bad dream," saying in a soft whisper. Many of my friends shared that sentiment. "I like James Bond as well; Q though is my favorite because he gives out the gadgets. Though I wonder if he knew what was going to happen in the mission before everyone else did because he seem to have the exact gadgets available for that specific mission," one hand reached up and stroked the tip of the chin in pondering, "Very strange. Perhaps, when it comes out in theater on base we can go see it," but when I said that I bit my lip and thought, perhaps that was coming off as too strong. We had just meet and I didn't want to impose that we should go out on a date.

The line slowly whittled away until it was our turn and I was looking up at the menu before stepping forward, convinced that I should follow her advice for the bourbon chicken and asked her to place her order, that this one was on me. A simple meal like this would not be much and I wasn't trying to impose much on her, just trying to be friendly.

I glanced up at him quickly, flashing him a smile, “okay.” I looked over the counter and pointed out my choices. They were pretty tame in comparison to some others. Plain white rice, veggies and chicken would do just fine. It was all quite filling and it didn’t weigh on my stomach like a hockey puck. I took the full plate and set it on a tray, waiting for Ryan to order. When we finally got away from the counter the court wasn’t as busy as we thought it would be. There were a number of tables away from the main floor that would be a little quieter. I steered to one near a window. It was just like me to do. I liked to look out. More so, I just enjoyed the sunshine or watching what was going on.

I slid the tray onto the table and took a seat. “I’ll have to pick up the post newspaper and keep an eye out for Skyfall. Maybe we can make an evening of it?” I suggested. It was cute the way he bit on his lip and I really didn’t mind.

"Sure, alright" noddin as my tray slid towards the cashier. When she turned away I turned round to the lady behind the desk, a short, older asian woman, and handed a $20 bill over. Upon receiving my change and taking the tray I took a couple of steps out and looked around for her and she had found a table with a newspaper already seated. Placing my tray nd sitting down across from her I asked, "See anything?" I asked, hoping that she found a viewing real soon, it might now be today or tomorrow but hopefully it was soon as I kept my fingers crossed inside of my head giving the specialist a smile as I took up a fork and stabbed at the hot rice and chicken as the aroma billowed up to my nose. It was a pleasing smell, better than the mess hall, and the chicken appeared to be fresh as the light coming through the glass window was bright.

My fingers skimmed down the paper and rested on the newest movie announcements. Just as I thought, the movie we were looking for wouldn’t be playing until next week. “Tonight’s choice is ‘A House at the End of the Street’. Looks like Skyfall isn’t playing until Wednesday,” I answered. I folded the paper and set it aside. I watched as PFC Lennox tried his first bite of chicken and smiled in satisfaction. I picked up my fork and proceeded to enjoy my own meal.

A few minutes later and after my stomach stopped complaining at me, I paused. “If you’re of the mind for it, I was planning to throw in a couple of movies into the DVD player tonight. I do have the Indiana Jones series, if you like. Personally, I like how Harrison Ford gets into his role. Makes you want to go out and explore some tombs and a couple other things.” I smiled at the thought. What was I doing? I had never asked a guy out. I just wasn’t raised that way and I didn’t want to be one of those girls I hated. I felt the color in my cheeks rise and I lowered my gaze to the plate in front of me. Getting to know someone wasn’t easy for me. I had to put myself out there and that put me in a vulnerable position. Now I started to understand the stress some guys were under. The thought of rejection made me uncomfortable inside, even if I didn’t show it outwardly. I held my breath waiting to see what he would say and braced myself in the event he had something better to do.

Somewhat surprised by her offer it took a moment for me to reply, "Sure, I mean, I like Jones," between bites of chicken and feeling my stomach stop aching from the grease, fat, and bad bread of the messhall, "if you want, I can pick up some popcorn and stuff from the commisette or the PX here," pointing to the mouth of the store quickly with the tip of the fork before going back and finishing up the last of the coated chicken before going at the rice, scooping it up. I didn't want to question her motives. She didn't seem to be like the kind to be deceptive or have sinister intentions, just a bit slumsy with food. She seemed to be just like me, a lonely person looking for someone to spend some time with. Nothing sexual seem to be in the air, and I wanted to spend time with her, though I wasn't going to g bragging to the other guys,I didn't like to brag much and I didn't want her to get the image of a slut, just a warm person to spend timetme with, a good friend and smiling and turning away for a moment, feigning to be clearing my throat when actually I was blushing and trying to hide it.