Into Your Arms

News Spreads Fast

You felt like you didn't sleep all night, just tossing and turning, praying for sunrise. By the time sunrise came, you were filled to the brim with exhaustion, and couldn't seem to function. You walked out onto the patio in your pajamas, with a large cup of coffee, attempting to drown your problems with caffeine and the heat of the sun.

"Good morning sleepyhead." You were so exhausted that you hadn't noticed Pete sitting on his patio with an energy drink in hand, as he felt that he spent most of the night with his mind running in circles at the newfound news that he had just received. "Oh, hey, Pete," you mumbled.
He hopped over the fence and made his way to your patio, taking a seat next to you. "You look exhausted Elena, are you going to be okay to come to work today?" Pete questioned with a serious look on his face. "Well, I don't have too many options, Pete. This mission is getting closer," you stated. He could physically see how drained you were, and he knew that he could take over the class for one day, let you catch up on some rest. "I got it, don't worry about it. You look like you need to catch up on some rest. I'll let Ace know. We can't have you flying planes being this tired. Call me if you need anything," and with that, Pete left your side, started his bike, and drove to the base. You sat in silence for a while, grateful Pete hadn't minded you having the day off.

As you sat, staring at the waves, you didn't know how you felt. Part of you was relieved that whatever was between you and Bradley was over, because it meant no more hiding or worrying about being found out. But yet, part of you felt like you had just lost someone that could have ultimately been very vital to your life. You needed to talk and vent, but Juliana would be at work by now, and to be honest, she didn't understand fully the dynamic of the situation. You knew what you had to do. You managed to lazily get yourself dressed, and you headed to the Hard Deck.

Upon arriving, you knew the bar was closed, but you also knew that Penny spent most of the day there getting ready and cleaning before opening. She saw you pull up, and before you made it to the entrance, she was holding the door open for you. "Hey hun, you look terrible," she stated sadly. "I feel even worse, Pen. I'm ready to talk," you replied, tears filling your eyes because of Bradley and the fatigue that filled your body.

You both walked inside and took a seat. She offered you a beer, and you gladly accepted the gesture. You were nervous to come clean about everything to Penny, but at this point, you couldn't hide this anymore from absolutely everyone. She had been around military men all of her life, and she had dated a legend, Maverick, who she is now rekindling a romance with. There wasn't anyone you thought that could give better advice than her. "This is about Bradley, isn't it?" She somewhat hesitated. "Yes. Look, it's a long story. And I want to preface it by saying I didn't plan on any of this happening at all, but I-" she cut you off with a warm hug and an "it's okay, Elena, we're only human." You felt yourself soften at her words, and all of the built up tension seemed to drift away.

You told her everything leading up to this moment, right here and now. It wasn't anything that she didn't already suspect. "I had a feeling that something was going on, Elena. The stares, the backward comments from the other night that caused you to practically run out of the door. I've known Bradley since he was a young child. I've watched him grow up. His life has been anything but easy. That doesn't excuse his behavior of course, but he's been through a lot of hardships, both with family and personal life."

"I can understand that. I didn't expect one night of pleasure to turn into something more for me. I'm usually a lot more grounded than this, and I can't stand not being in control of my own emotions," you complained.

"That's part of life, sweetie. If you're not vulnerable, you will always be guarded. I learned that with Mav, all those years ago. I tried to guard my heart from him, but I learned that being vulnerable and just enjoying the ride was what life was all about. I hope I'm not making this weird for you, I'm sorry," she grimaced.