Forever // Jennifer Jareau

Flash

"You're the reason for a thousand joys"

The sand danced to the songs of the wind while the sun fought the blockade of clouds. Every now and then a ray of sun would escape just to be broken off by a passing cloud. The sand was lifted up the wind and twirled in countless circles.

The doors of plastic sheets threatened to let go of the weak tape keeping it in place. Slivers of wood fell from the wooden doors hanging on for life to the soldiers' quarters. The younger soldiers hid under their beds while the others laid still, not daring to move even the slightest. The planes overhead grew louder and closer with the passing second. No one knowing why and being too scared to walk into the storm. Most soldiers would rather get blown to pieces rather than drown in sand.

On the opposite side of the camp, also referred to as the English or American side, Lauren laid worries in her bed.

"Do you know if he's ok or not?"

Sure, she was angry. She was also worried sick. The sadness in lurking in her voice was evident despite her best efforts to cover it by raising her voice.

"He'd call one of us if he wasn't. You said you sent someone to check on him right?"

The voice on the phone carried a heavy African accent while the French words shared between the two flowed freely. She could hear how calm he was, despite him being a pretty relaxed guy.

"That was over 2 weeks ago. This stupid storm hasn't let up since." Lauren said in annoyance.

"Ok, calm down. Dos he know the person?"

"Ed, I didn't even look at them. I was just told that someone went to his tent. Nothing else."

"Maybe you should lead with that next time. Are you sure it wasn't any of the soldiers that had hurt him?"

"Yes...wait, no. I have no idea. I was too busy trying not to break down in front of a crowd of people."

"Ok, ok. There's a good chance it wasn't any of those guys then."

"It's not definite. Ed," Lauren paused trying to collect herself. "You didn't see him that day...you didn't see what they did to him."

"I know. I've been in your place and his many times before. As long as he's not alone he'll be fine."

"What if he pulls something like last time? Then what will we do?" Years streamed down her face. "Ed...I can't lose him, he like a son to me, you know that. I don't what I'd do without him."

"It's going to be ok, I promise. Listen to me Lauren, I'm hopping on a plane in a few hours. I'll get to you as soon as I can and we can check on him together, ok?"

"I don't know if me or him have that long."

"Alright....how about this, I'll leave now and I can get there in 3 hours max?"

"How are you going to be able to do that?"

"C'mon Lauren, a secret is called a secret for a reason." He laughed.

"Just get here soon ok?"

"I promise. He'll be alright Lauren."

"I really hope you're right."

With that, the call ended. Lauren's head fell into her hands as the tears fell freely.

"You haven't left my life, my darling, but I already miss you"

      The heavy and ridiculously large boots crushed the small clusters of sand.  The figure was tall and appeared to be muscular. It was too hard to tell with the boots and equipment on their back. They wore a gas mask to prevent from inhaling sand.

      The base was so empty they thought it was abandoned. They bent down, picking up a piece of burning metal and bringing it to eye level.

      The metal was smoking, making the figure assume it had just fallen from one of the million planes that flew over since sunrise. Smoke was flying from the roofs of almost every building in sight. They thought it would be bad, but this was much worse. Blood was splattered on walls and the few daring soldiers were completely buried.

They sighed, the planes had been part of something bigger and much more destructive than anyone could've thought. A faint sound of gravel crunching could be heard behind them, but they didn't bother to look, their first mistake.

The sound grew louder and louder, making the figure run into the wind, their second mistake. They were slowed down by the tiny grains of sand making their way into the mask.

      A white light flashed, blinding them. They stopped running. The person felt a shooting pain in their shoulder and looked to see blood soaking through the layers of clothing and protective gear.

      A hot breath was felt on the back of their neck. They finally turned around and was met by the barrel of a gun. They put their hands up and slowly took off the gas mask. Then a loud Bang rang through their ears and the body fell to the ground with a thud.

"And even if none of this happens, you are the love of my life"