Women of War - A Band of Brothers Story

First Day Home: Maxine

A/N: Well... guess who's still alive? When I said it might take some time before the new chapter is up, I didn't expect it to take more than 2 months. I'm really sorry about that and I thank you all for your patience. Life has been throwing half a dozen things at me lately - school assignments, a massive restructuring at work, other commitments - and for the better part of a month, I couldn't get a single line written because my brain was empty the moment I opened the document. Again, I'm so sorry I had to keep you all waiting for so long and I truly hope it won't be another 2 months before the next chapter.

A huge thank-you goes to all of you who have shared your ideas and suggestions on what life after the war could look like for the women. I was blown away by how detailed and thought-out some of your responses were and I appreciate and love how invested you are in this story and these characters. So far, nothing is set in stone. I have a couple of story points or "slices of life" picked out for a few of the women, but if you have any more ideas on what they could experience, if they struggle to find a new purpose, get a job, start a family, go to college... feel free to send me a comment or PM. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

And now, on with the story!

***

April 1945 was drawing to a close when a train bound for Washington D.C. left Penn Station shortly before noon. A tall young woman in an Army dress uniform moved through the cars with purpose and an effortless grace despite the big duffel bag hanging from her shoulder, the suitcase in her hand and the healing scars sprawling from the side of her face down her neck and below her clothing.

She kept walking until she found an empty compartment where she deposited her duffel on the aisle seat, stowed the suitcase, and sat down in the window seat. Pulling out a tattered novel, she paid seemingly no attention to the other passengers who bustled up and down the aisle or juggled their luggage. When a middle-aged man with a briefcase asked if the seat opposite her was taken, she flicked her hazel gaze up to him, offered a smile and a courteous "No, please go ahead" and returned to her book.

Two thirds of the way between Trenton and Philadelphia, the woman closed the book and turned to watch the landscape fly past outside the window. A fond, slightly longing look settled on her elegant features as she appeared to lose herself in her thoughts. Her posture, graceful and refined, slouched a little and she lifted a hand to tuck a non-existent loose strand of brown hair behind her ear. A faint smile quirked the corners of her mouth.

As the train pulled into 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, the gentleman with the briefcase rose. The movement pulled her out of her reverie. She blinked, a melancholy expression flitting over her face before she caught herself and became the picture of poise once more.

"Good afternoon, Miss, and safe journey home", he said before stepping into the aisle.

She thanked him with a smile. Once he was gone, she smoothed down her skirt and picked up her book again.

***

Even though Maxine was happy to be home and looking forward to seeing her family again, it was almost too soon that she found herself getting out of the cab and taking in the familiar view of the Lloyd residence in front of her.

"There ya go, Ma'am." The cab driver deposited her luggage on the sidewalk. "Want me to haul this up the stairs for you?"

"Thank you, but there's no need", she assured him, digging out her purse to pay her fare and a generous tip. He'd been perfectly helpful and had kindly kept conversation to a minimum.

He touched a finger to his cap in thanks and bid her a good afternoon before sliding into the driver's seat.