holiday package closed for a libertine

[Kaligurl222]

Kali Riley
27yrs old
5'10, 120lbs
tan, toned dancers body
Professional Dancer for the Pheonix Suns

Kali had always been the girl who thought of others and found herself spending alot of her free time volunteering for different causes. It was nearing the holiday season and she had heard of an idea that had sparked her interest. People were sending "care packages" overseas to the US troops stationed there. When she got home from her dance practice she looked it up online. It semed simple enough. They provided you with a list of items that the troops were either in need of or wanted that were allowed.... She made a list of things she would like to include and found herself writing a letter to the stranger whom would recieve her package.....

Hello, my name is Kali. I live in Arizona. I know this letter may sound a little cheesy but I'm sorry, I've never really written a letter to someone I don't know... but it made so much sense. You are over there fighting for us and not getting to spend the holidays with your friends and family.... so I wanted you to know that there are people here who are thinking about you. I hope you are doing well.... and that the things I have provided in this package are things that you can use and want. I would love to exchange letters with you or whatever if you are interested, if not...I completly understand.... just know that I would really enjoy it. Well, I won't keep you any longer.... Happy Holidays!!

Kali Riley

She included her address at the bottom of the letter as well as her email before placing it on the top of the items in the box. She sealed the box and labeled that outside stating that it was intended for a MALE. She dropped it at the local post office the next day and quickly got on with her routine.

After a couple of weeks friends who were all participating as well were discussing how a couple of them had gotten letters back, thanking them and what not.... Kali was slightly dissapointed but then again how could she be? She wasn't doing it for that reason, she was doing it because they deserved to be recongnized.

 

[a_libertine]

"Hey Sarge! Package!"

Half raising himself from a supine position, Nicholas Fowler turned his blue gray eyes toward the entrance to his plywood room. A package tumbled through the air toward him, instinct kicked in and Nicholas rolled forward under the box and watched it bounce off his cot rattling onto the floor. Ire rose in Nicholas as did the red flush of his face as he turned toward the private that tossed the box. Before he could say anything, his ears picked up the sound of gun fire.

Grabbing his firearm, he ordered, "Follow me."

Less than 120 seconds later Nicholas found himself in a firefight, cursing his luck. Bullets flew around striking the private as they moved toward. Grabbing the younger man by the collar Nicholas pulled him behind a stack of sandbags then moved forward again. Rounding the corner of an empty barracks building Ray took four steps along the building before a handful on insurgents barreled around the other end toward him.

Raising his M4, Nicholas began firing at the insurgents. The last thing he saw was the first burst of rounds slamming into the man farthest to his right as his arm arched right to left before the sky turned red then black as he tumbled backward.

The next time he opened his eyes, Nicholas registered that the temperature was cool, and in comparison to Afghanistan, quite humid. Sterile white walls surrounded him an OD green wool blanket covering his body.

His eyes shot wide open as he heard a females voice to his left say "Good morning Sergeant Fowler."

"Where am I?"

Looking toward the voice he saw a nurse looking at him, then down to his chart and back up again. "You are at the hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. You were severely wounded, taking four bullets, two to your legs. one to your chest and then one to your left arm."

Nicholas began taking a survey of his body, flexing various parts making sure everything worked. "How bad am I," he asked.

"Well, I will let the Doctor tell you all of that, but he seemed pretty hopeful lsat night when he saw you."

Glancing around Nicholas saw a bow on the table off to the side, "What is that?"

"It's a package that was in your room at the FOB (Forward Operating Base). It came along with you, so we set it aside for when you woke."

She walked around the bed and handed it to him him saying, "I will leave you to it, if you need anything, press this red button."

Opening the box Nicholas read the letter, and tears welled in his eyes, emotions flooding over him, through him, and despite all efforts he balled uncontrollably until he fell asleep, the letter crushed in his right fist.

The next morning after meeting with the doctor, sipping on liquids and being levered up into a more sitting position Nicholas began his reply letter.

SGT Nicholas Fowler
Landstuhl Hospital​

Miss Kali Riley;

I would like to thank you for the kind package and letter. It is impossible for me to explain fully how much your kindness and thoughtfulness means to me. I must apologize for not answering your letter and package prior to this, but I am a quarter of a world away from where it was delivered.

I am currently in the hospital in Landstuhl Germany, and I will be transported to a rehabilitation hospital when the doctors here think I am ready; perhaps another month or so.

It seems I missed the holidays, and a month. I hope that the holidays treated you kindly, and were fulfilling in every way.

I look forward to your next letter, if you desire to continue with a pen pal relationship.

SGT Nicholas Fowler

P.S. Army coffee while plentiful is horrid. I look forward to drinking the Starbucks coffee in the package.

 

[Kaligurl222]

"Alright alright, calm down would you?!she laughed as she attempted to calm her giant lab down afyer a very intense game of fetch. She walked over a,d checked the mailbox. Thats when she saw the letter, "Germany?!" She opened it and was shocked. It brought misty tears to her eyes.

When things had settled for the night she pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen,



dear SGT Fowler,

It was wonderful to get your letter! I hope you are recovering and doing better. I cant imagine what it must be like. My holidays were good, busy with typical work and family stuff. Speaking of family, I would love to hear about yours. Actually I would love to hear anything about you, if you wish to share that is.

Well I dont want to waste any more of your time with my rambling. I hope to hear back fron you!!

Kali
The next day she popped it in the mail and couldnt help but to feel excited.

 

[a_libertine]

Dear Kali Riley;

It may perhaps be too forward but it would be honest to say that seeing the envelope with your letter was the best thing about the last two weeks. I must admit that sending the original response I more or less figured that would be the last I heard from you.

In no way are you letters a waste of time. I appreciate the time you spend writing and sending them to me, a person you don't know.

So to fix that, a little about me. I come from Chicago and have one sister and my parents. I joined the Army right out of high school and have been in twelve years now, picking up my bachelor's degree along the way.

I have pretty much determined that a new career is in my future, the question that remains is will that be in the Army or do I get out? The advantage of staying in is that I can retire in less than 10 years with some benefits. The disadvantage is, well it is the Army after all.

Despite the shiny medal they put on my chest the other day, I don't think I will go back into the infantry after this term of enlistment, which ends in a few months. Maybe something safe like a weather man.

My likes? Music, movies, and good companionship.

Tell me about you some...

Nick.

 

[Kaligurl222]

Sgt Fowler,

It was great to get another letter from you. Im glad that you are doing better. Im sure the recovery process cant be easy.

About me? Well, I have 4 brothers and my dad. So Ive been the only girl for forever... not easy let me tell you! I moved from Oregon to Arizona for college and never went back. Now I am one of the dancers for the NBA's Phoenix Suns. Its fun and I get to do what I am passionate about.

A weather man huh??? Hmmm you might get bored dont you think?

Well I hope this brightened your day some!

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

Nicholas read her letter, nearly dropping it in shock when he read that she danced for an NBA team. His throat tightened up and dried out. Suddenly a conversation with an amorphous person turned into a conversation with what had to be one of the most beautiful women in the state of Arizona.

Dear Kali;

Okay I readily admit that weatherman may not be very exciting. Not nearly as exciting as your job is, or at least how I imagine it is. I probably will need to reassess my thoughts as to my physicality. Professional athletes would be far superior to me, I imagine.

That is not to say I am fat or out of shape. I am a professional soldier after all. Just not in that class.

The doctor has stated they will ship me state side in two weeks, to San Antonio Texas for rehabilitation. It sounds like I will be there by March 1st. There will be six months or so of rehab to go through and then I can make decisions as to what to do next.

I certainly look forward to being back in the US. It has been a long 2 years.

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

Stg Fowler,
Youre too kind. I am sure you arent giving yourself enough credit. And as long as we are admitting things, I would choose a man in your uniform over an nba jersey any day.

Im happy you will be heading closer to home soonish, Im sure not soon enough for you.but i guess it gives you some time to decide what you want to do....

Well I am sorry to cut it short but I have to be at a photo shoot, stupid team calander photos being taken.... I will "talk" to you soon!

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

Nicholas read the letter from Kali and smiled. He realized he was beginning to look forward to each of her letters.


Dear Kali,

I hope the photo shoot went well. Hopefully it wasn't too onerous of a day. Not being pretty enough for that type of job I don't know how difficult it is to do.

But I bet you do it very well.

The doctor has decided that I can go back next week. I am very excited to get back home. I know my folks will be meeting me in San Antonio. They have arranged to get a Samsung tablet for me so I should be able to email you once I get it.

The next time I write it will be from Texas!

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

She smiled as she read his letter. She was excited for him as she read that he would be coming back to the states.

SGT Fowler,
That is so exciting to hear you will be back in the US soon. Im sure you cant wait, two years is a very long time. Im sure your parents will be thrilled.

As far as contacting me goes, I am sure things will be getting,crazy for yoy real soon so I will understand if it is some time before you are able to get back to me. I do want you to know how letters from you make my entire day.

Best wishes,
Kali

 

[a_libertine]

The next two weeks were a whirlwind for Nick as he was transferred to San Antonio for rehabilitation of his left arm which suffered near catastrophic damage.

After arrival in San Antonio he purchased a Galaxy S4 phone and a Tab3.

Subject: San Antonio

Hi, I made it to the new hospital in San Antonio. I purchased what appears to be necessary equipment to live in the U.S. now; meaning a phone and tablet.

My attention is all yours now if you so desire. The only thing on my agenda any given day is torture, I mean physical therapy, and recovery.

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

To say the email was asurprise was an understatement. She was happy to hear from him and knew it would now be almost instantanious when she hit send.

Subject: Welcome Home

Well welcome home and welcome to the current times.... I am sure you are still trying to get caught up with all your contacts. I am around most of the tine if I am not working.... my phone updates me automatically so I will be able to get back to you quickly.

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

Subject: Thanks

Thank you, I am happy to be back in the States. Afghanistan is an entirely different world with its own rules which are at times quite deadly. It is nice not having to look over my shoulder every instant that I am awake.

I have not figured out all of the bells and whistles on the new gadgets I have but I will in due time, it isn't like I have much else to do for the near future.

I see the Spurs are playing in Phoenix on Sunday and the local station is carrying the game live. Now that I know someone involved in the game I will watch.

Thank you for your friendship.

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

Subject: look for me

Youre going to watch the game?.... well they usually show at least part of the opening and part of half time on the broadcast, so look for me front row center. Brunette.

Wow, hope I dont mess up now that I might know you will see me.

Hows the rehab?- Im sure its hell but youre a tough guy.

Hope youre figuring all the gadgets out.

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

Nicholas read and reread Kali ' s email several times trying to sort out why she would worry that she would mess up solely because he was watching. Part of him wondered if she cared about him, and while that appealed to him, it seemed unlikely.

Subject: Basketball Game

I am sure you will perform marvelously during the game though if you prefer I won't watch the game. Frankly the only reason I would watch it is to get a glimpse of you, or try to. I must admit I have checked out the Suns website and I couldn't quite figure out which brunette is you, all of them are exceptionally lovely, which by default includes you.

Therapy should be called what it is and that is torture. I never would have imagined that straightening my left arm would be so difficult or quite so grueling. The therapist tells me I am making good progress and that I am on schedule. I might be able to be able to leave the hospital for a day or two around Memorial Day. If they do, I think I will try to go to the Alamo.

I
Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

Subject: watch

I think I want you to watch tonight... like I said, front row, center. You looked for me on the site huh?- well the girls are all beautiful so it works out for me.

I am glad therepy is going well... you will be free to explore the sites sooner than you think.

What do you like to do for fun anyway?

Well, off to stretch and warm up before the game tonight

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

Subject: wow

I watched the game and saw you dance and you do so beautifully. All I cane say is wow. You are amazing to watch.

For fun I need to add watching you dance near the top of the list. I read an average of two novels a week. One of which is published before 1925 or so. Amazon carries an amazing collection of old free novels, Guttenberg does as well. Not only does it defer some of the costs of reading but it makes me read from other eras and genres I would not normally choose. I also used to run a lot, which once cleared by the doctor I plan to do again. Nothing quite like being on the trails for a couple hours.

If this is too forward tell me, but, I was wondering if you would be able or willing to fly out here over Memorial Day weekend. I would be happy to buy the tickets and stuff.

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

She read and reread the email, he asked her to fly there over the holiday weekend? Was that crazy or was she crazy for considering going? She thought about it for a while before she wrote back:

Hey you! Im glad you enjoyed watching the game, and Im flattered at your compliments.

I used to do alot of reading too, not as much as I used to but when I hav e free time... I am mkre of the girly romance type tho, not the trashy stuff tho. I am also an avid runner, its part of my morning routine every day.

The team actually has a break for Memorial weekend and I would enjoy flying over there to visit if you would like... I wouldnt expect you to pay for my flight, I can look up some flights and get it figured out if you are serious .

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

Nick read the email and his heart began to race, and his mind flew through all of the possible scenarios.

Subject: Yes

YES!!! I am very serious about flying you out here. I don't think I can afford a first class ticket but yes I would love it if you could visit.

I talked to my ward mate and he says if you don't mind there is an additional room at the place his wife is staying. Otherwise I can book a room for you for the weekend.

I can't wait to see you! In person that is.

Let me know the airline and dates and I will buy the tickets.

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

She read the message and shook her head in disbelief. She was really going to fly to another state to meet someone she had never met!! She did the research and wrote down all the information. She opened a new email and started typing,

wow, well I have looked into it and I have attached the flight information. Let me know if it came thru ok. As far as where I stay, it really doesnt matter to me... just let me know.

Is it wierd that I have major butterflies now? I mean, Im excited but Ive never done something anywhere close to this before.

I hope therepy is going well!

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

These are butterflies? Feels more like California Condors are doing figure eights in my stomach. To be hones about it, I am more nervous now than I ever have been in my life. Give me five insurgents any day.

I have booked the flights, you will need to present your ID and all of that mess when you get to the airport. I will meet you at the airport here when your flight comes in. You will be able to recognize me, at least my face is still as handsome as it ever was.

Therapy is going well. I can stand again for a while and can walk so great progress. The biggest issue is extending my left arm, that hurts a lot and is a work in progress.

I am very excited for your trip, so much so it is hard to breath... Come on Memorial Day!

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

She laughed, at least she wasnt alone in the feelings. Then she got to thinking, what was she going to pack? The holiday weekend was mere days away and she wanted to make sure she looked her best.

well I am glad youre therepy is going well. I am sure the next couple of days will go by quickly now, so much to do... at least for me that is!!

 

[a_libertine]

The condors in Nick ' s stomach didn't settle any even as he smiled. "You think you have a lot to do he said softly.

You should try making yourself go from an ogre to presentable in a couple of days. The easy part was the money.

There are some NCO billets here and I have reserved a room for you there. It is a pretty short taxi ride for me to go back and forth from the hospital.

I am not sure about you but I am very excited...

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

She smiled as she read the message,

yeah yeah yeah, an ogre, Im sure that is not true at all.

I am fine staying wherever, whatever is most convienient for you, I dont want to disrupt your routine you have established. But yes, I am very excited.

Kali

 

[a_libertine]

The billets work well. They are inexpensive and allows you some privacy at night. It is very soon for you to be here.

Fly safe.

Nick

 

[Kaligurl222]

She finished packing and changed her outfit for the fourth timd. She knew she was being ridiculous but she wanted everything to be perfect. She slipped into a pair of pale blue shorts and kept the black tank top on, not like texas was going to be much colder than Arizona. She grabbed her bag and met to taxi outside.

As she waited to board the plane she typed a quick message,

hey you, standing in line to board the plane... I will see you shortly!!"