Genesis: the Beginning and the End | Band of Brothers

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ２１ － Ｃａｒｄｓ】

Chapter 21 - Cards

When she was done she set up a game for Bull to practice with, then crossed her legs and sat back.

"Why're you teachin' him?

"He asked."

Margaret thought Martin was frowning at her, but wasn't entirely sure if his face had actually changed. Maybe that was just his face. Because she couldn't read his face, she wasn't sure if he was convinced or not.

"An' she said she'd give me her name if I beat her."

She couldn't help the eyeroll.

"Oh she did, did she? How about this, I beat you, and you tell us?"

Margaret rolled her neck, letting it pop a little as she did before answering. This was getting interesting now.

"Well I was still on the fence about going easy on your friend, and was gonna wait til I'd seen his practice play, but if I'm playing you I might as well not. After all, you've played before."

So Martin's face was capable of change, he was smirking at her. Bull grumbled half heartedly about not wanting her to go easy on him.

"Oh? You're awful confident. I think I ought to take you down a peg or two. Whaddya think, Bull?"

The grin in response made the competitive pair smile even wider. The evening was shaping up to be a pretty good end to a pretty shit day. She wanted to laugh at his cockiness, but before she could properly think about it to decide whether or not it was a good idea, it had already escaped. And the pair looked just as surprised as she felt. But it was nice to laugh, and like that too. She felt free for a moment and my it was glorious.

This was probably going to be the most fun she'd had in years.

"If you're going to be like that, I should let you know that I've played regularly this past year, so, yes, I am confident, Mr. Occasionally."

"That gonna be a regular nickname?" Martin replied after chuckling. Bull was still snickering off to the side.

"Oh I don't know, really depends on how often I'm about. Now go! The light's fading and I'd rather not try and play in the dark."

Lighting a cigarette, he began, and she timed. The light really was fading fast. But Margaret had to hand it to him, he was quick. 20 minutes in and he was racing along, over half way, though he did drop cards occasionally. Somehow, he'd done it in just over half an hour.

Martin set up a game for her, and noticed her hesitation about handing over her watch, so he offered to time on his own. She was grateful for that.

It was getting steadily dark, but nothing she wasn't used to. Card after card, then an ace came out, then another and she could begin her suits. At one point, Martin lit a cigarette, and left his lighter open to provide a little light. She murmured her thanks.

She felt eyes on her, a new pair but she wouldn't look up. Then the light disappeared, and Margaret growled in frustration, continuing on. Bull and Martin suddenly weren't sat beside her, she noticed them stand in her peripheral vision.

"Harry, go let Dick know we found her." Ugh. It was Nixon, she could already feel his smug smirk as her hands flitted over cards. He was still shuffling towards them. Bull and Martin must've stood to salute. After a quiet At ease, the Lieutenant addressed her.

"And to think you were worried about making friends, looks like you've got two already."

"Thought it was you, could feel your smug look from way over there." She gestured in his general direction but still didn't look up.