A/N ~~ A longer one today to make up for the longer wait than usual.. but I am here and doing great! (Apart from slipping in the snow every time I leave my house!) The joys of living in the North East of England!! I hope everyone is doing amazing and getting excited for Christmas!
25th May, 2019
~~Day 22, Nigeria~~
Normal POV
Another morning in Nigeria..
As soon as my alarm starts playing from my phone, I reach over and shut it off, already being pretty much awake at this point. It's been just over 3 weeks since we got to Nigeria, and for the last couple of nights I have been struggling to get a good nights rest. For some reason, my mind is being plagued with something that is causing some pretty intense nightmares. I'm not entirely surprised by the nightmares, since it always catches up to me on Tour at some point, usually after some sort of incident. But it normally doesn't catch up to me this soon, which is what is worrying me a little right now. Instead of lying here overthinking even more, I decide on getting up and going out to train before our morning run. I quickly get washed up, brushing my teeth before getting into some training clothes then lacing up my boots. Once I am ready, I head outside and head for the make-shift gym the guys made up for us all to use in our spare time. I find my gym playlist on my phone, pressing play before putting in my headphones and warming up my body for a decent workout. I haven't had the time to work out properly since we got here, so it feels good for my body to be using muscles I have neglected recently. I can already feel the burning as I am lifting barrels strapped to a metal bar over my head. I lose all sense of time as I pushed my body to it's limits, wanting to clear my mind completely. It didn't take long for my thoughts to fade, and instead I focus completely on what has been going on here in Nigeria, mainly at the Medical Centre. I need to find out what is going on, but I can't go in accusing anyone of anything until I can find out what exactly it is that is happening. Doctor Abu is deffinently involved in doing something he is not supposed to be, and there are so many circumstances he could be under. Whether it be him being threatened by someone, or being paid under the table to do someone's dirty work. Or even just making money of valuable medication. No matter what is going on, someone needs to find out, safely. And before anyone gets hurt.
I get so lost in working out that I end up being startled when I feel a strong tap on my shoulder between reps of bicep curls using a weighted bar. I halt my actions, holding the bar in both hands still as I turn my head to the side, my eyes meeting Charlie's which instantly makes my body relax. I carefully place the bar back on the floor infront of me before standing back straight as I take my headphones from my ears. I catch my breath, not realising how much I had pushed my body until stopping completely. Thankfully, Charlie is on hand, holding out a bottle of water for me. I nod gratefully in his direction, taking the water from his hand and opening it to take a mouthful before turning my attention back towards Charlie. "Thanks Charlie." I quickly say after swallowing the water, making him chuckle lightly with a soft smile. "My pleasure Lane. Looks like you've been out here a while, you alright?" He asks, a hint of concern behind his voice. I find myself chuckling softly under my breath, a little nervously knowing he will always see right through me so I know there is no point in trying to hide anything from him. "I uh, I've been struggling to sleep the past couple of nights.. Can't seem to figure out what is bothering me." I admit to him before taking a few more drinks of water. "Perks of the job Harley.. You know it better than most. But if you ever need to talk, you know where I am." He quickly comforts in his signature way, giving me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. I smile at his gesture, already knowing he is there for me and anyone else on the team that needs him. "Thanks Captain." I tease, helping to ease the slight tension from my confession. We both share a short laugh before he pats my back and we start to walk in step back towards the barracks. "Ready for another morning run out?" He asks, making me groan knowing my body is already starting to suffer from my workout, so today is going to be interesting. "Aren't I always?" I joke in return, making him laugh as he nods his head in reply. "I'll leave you all to it.." He announces as we reach the awaiting 7 Section standing outside the barracks ready for our run out. "Morning 7 Section." Charlie shouts towards everyone, making them quickly stand to attention in reply. "Morning Sir." Everyone shouts back before Charlie gives us a nod then leaves towards his Office.
"At ease guys." I call out, causing the team to relax their stance as I stand infront of them all. "Everyone ready for a morning run out?" I ask, seeing some tired bodies standing infront of me. "Yes Captain Lane!" They all shout in reply, making me smile as they try to hide the tiredness, failing miserably obviously. "Alright, pair up, Natalia your leading today. Let's move out!" I call out my orders, watching everyone fall in line in pairs behind Natalia before she gets us going along the path we follow every morning. Along our usual route I up the pace, making sure everyone is alert and awake for the day ahead of us. I never seen the need for a run every morning when I first was out on Tour, but by the end of my first I soon realised that your mind and body are a lot more alert after a run every morning. It gets you into the mindset needed to be at your best for the day. And being a Soldier means you need to be alert and aware of everything at all times. So a morning run out is important for everyone, no matter how much some hate it. "And relax!" I call out as we make it back to base, infront of the barracks where we started. 7 Section break apart a little, catching their breath and stretching out some muscles. I do the same, feeling ready to go back to my bunk with how much my body is aching. But I have a job to do, so I have to keep pushing. "Alright guys, wash up then head to the food tent for breakfast." I get a exhausted reply from everyone before they head towards the showers. I head for my room, opting for a quick shower before breakfast. My mind seems to fall back to my over-active thoughts as I shower for longer than I expected, letting the water run over my skin as my muscles continue to burn. I wish I could shake away this feeling, but nothing seems to be working. I force myself from my shower, drying off before changing into some fresh Uniform so I can join the guys for food. Once I am dressed, I slip my phone into my pocket before lacing up my boots and heading out towards the food tent. On my way across the base, I decide on checking my phone for any messages I got during the night. I see a few texts sitting on my screen, but I don't pay them much attention as my eyes come across what the date is today. How did I not realise sooner? Fuck! No wonder my mind is messing with me so much. I'm such an idiot..
Sat, 25 May, 2019.
I can't believe it's been a year already. A year ago today, I met her. The party at my Best Friend's house that I nearly didn't go too was a year ago today. And that night, I met the girl who has changed my life in so many ways. The girl who I now know is who I want in my life, no matter what. The girl I now call mine.. Who I love with all of me. The girl I had to leave behind over 3 weeks ago, crying and not wanting me to leave. Fuck, I miss her. I can't ignore the aching in my chest as I stagger towards the food tent infront of me, my eyes still staring at my now blank phone screen in my hand. Only when I hear voices getting louder, I am snapped away from my phone as my eyes look up infront of me. I quickly slip my phone back into my pocket, blinking away the tears in my eyes as I straighten up, knowing I have work to do. As much as I have this gnawing feeling in my chest, I try and ignore it as I take a deep breath and enter the food tent. I soon see 7 Section at a table eating and talking together, my eyes flickering between them all seeing smiles and laughter. If anyone can help me through today, it's my second family. As much as every part of me wanted to be with Lizzie today, I am here and she is in L.A. I just hope she is going to be okay today. I find myself in a daze as I take a tray and get some food. I don't snap out of it until I feel someone at my side suddenly, a little too close to be someone I am not familiar with. But their voice quickly lets me know who it is, helping me to relax once again. "You doing okay Lane? You look, distracted.." Jake whispers between the small space between us as he makes himself a drink, offering me the same as he holds up a cup. I nod in reply as I think about what to say, I trust Jake, but I don't like showing my emotions whilst I am here on Tour. But I also know how damaging it can be to hide my feelings away when they are bothering me this much. I let out a quiet sigh, glancing around to make sure no one is listening in to us as I watch Jake's hands making us both a cup of tea. "It's a year today since I met Lizzie.." I share with Jake, instantly he stops his movement and looks in my direction subtly. "Shit Lane, I'm sorry.. I shouldn't have-" He begins but I shake my head softly in reply, knowing he had no way of knowing. "You didn't know Jake.. I'm alright, it's just, I thought I'd be home you know.." I add and he nods in reply, a sympathetic smile on his face as he finishes our drinks.
"I know how much it sucks, being away from home on days like this.. But I know you, and I know you'll make up for it when you are home. Lizzie understands, and I guarentee she is missing you but knows you'll be home with her soon." Jake's word hold some comfort, a small smile pulling my lips as he hands me my tea. "Thanks Jake." I reply quietly, earning a pat on my back as we slowly turn towards the table. "We're all here for you Lane, just like you are for us. Remember that." He adds, making me smile and nod my head as we make it to the table as everyone sees us coming. We get a cheer as we join everyone, I take a seat beside Kai as he greets me with a pat on the back and a huge smile before we all fall back into conversation. My mind still on Lizzie, but for now I am distracted by Tyler and Bones entertaining the table with their conversation. We all laugh and join in as and when we can as we all eat our breakfast together before our laughter is broken by the sound of Charlie entering the tent. "7 Section, outside the barracks in 5." He calls out before disappearing again. We all share some looks across the table before we polish off anything we have left then clear the table so we can join Charlie outside. Everyone lines up as I stand beside Charlie, seeing him in full kit which means we have work to do. "Alright guys, today we are all headed out for a walk through the local village. Routine walk through to hand out some information about the vaccinations and medical treatment our Medics are offering at the Medical Centre nearby. This will be a Medic-led exercise so Captain Lane will be leading us all today." I turn to look at Charlie, who is smiling as he gives me the nod to take over. As much as I hate when he does this unexpectedly, it's not the first time I have done these types of exercises so I know what to do from now. "Thank you Sir.." I say towards Charlie, nodding in reply to him before turning towards the team. Everyone giving me their full attention knowing Charlie has handed all responsibility over to me today. It's a lot of pressure, but this is what I have trained and worked so hard to do. This is why I was made a Captain.
"At ease guys.. Like Captain Summers just said, today will be a routine exercise. But that does not give us any room to be any less prepared as we interact with the locals. Stay alert at all times, but we also want to come across as approachable and not as the threat some think we are by being here. Anything to be treat as suspicious comes through me is that understood? No heroics today." I give my own little speech following Charlie's, getting myself into the right frame of mind for the job ahead. And it seems to work as I feel my body straighten even more, falling into my role for today, no matter what is going on emotionally. "Yes Captain Lane!" Everyone shouts back, giving me the same respect as they do Charlie. I nod my head proudly at the team I have around me before nodding my head in reply. "Full kit then load up the truck. We move out in 20." I tell them, giving us all 20 minutes to get into our full Uniform before loading what we need into the truck, including our own bags. "Yes Lane!" Everyone calls back before they all move to get ready. I stay with Charlie, wanting to know what has brought on the sudden change in plans for today. Once we are alone, he turns to face me. "What's going on Sir?" I ask softly, not to alert anyone walking around the Base nearby to our conversation. "We have been asked to do a walk through the Village to make sure everyone is aware of our presence, as well as knowing what we can offer to everyone. As much as some people see us as a threat, we need to try and help as many people as we can.." I can see there is more to this than Charlie has said already. I catch him glancing around before continuing. "And there has been some intel on some suspicious behaviour going on. Groups of extremists being seen more frequently in the Village." There it is. Now my head is well and truly in the game. "So we go out, hand out some information, get some eyes and ears looking out for anything." I confirm, knowing this is a strategy we have used more times than I can remember. To everyone, we look like we are out there to help, but what we are actually doing is getting a closer look at something we may or may not need to get involved with.
"Alright let's load up!" After talking to Charlie, I had to rush to my room and get myself ready. Thankfully, when I was ready and back outside 7 Section were loading up the truck waiting for my arrival. Once everything is on the truck, everyone gets into the back, except for Kai who is driving. Charlie approaches me as everyone is climbing on board and stacking their bags between the seats along each side of the back of the truck. "Everything loaded up?" Charlie asks. I nod in reply, looking over the back of the truck as Jake helps Natalia up onto the raised step. "Yes Sir." I reply easily, making him nod and smile. "Let's be careful and alert on this one Lane. I don't want anyone getting hurt today." I catch onto his demenour change, sensing his worry about what could happen today. Something I also know is a very strong possibility. "No one is getting hurt today Charlie." I assure him, giving him a confident nod before he gives me one in return. "Let's get going." We go our seperate ways, Jake already waiting for me with a hand to pull me up onto the truck as Natalia takes my bag for me. Charlie heads for the front seat next to Kai like always as I take my seat with the guys in the back, pulling up the half door so none of us fall out on the road behind me. The back of the truck is pretty much open besides from the roof, side bars keeping it up and the half door at the back. We are all easy enough to see from the waist up, which is both to show we are not threatened and that we are not a threat. But at the same time, it is dangerous for us being so out in the open. "Helmets on guys, you know the drill." I call out as Kai starts the engine. We all get out helmets on, needing to be safe on our journey. I feel the truck shift a little into gear before Kai pulls us away from the Base and onto the dirt road infront of us. It's at least an hour's journey to the village since the roads are so uneven and traitorous. So as everyone else gets lost in conversation, my mind starts to wander again but before I can get completely lost, I feel a nudge against my shoulder from Natalia sitting beside me. I turn to face her, seeing a knowing look in her eyes. "I know that look Lane. Text her, whatever it is." I nod subtly in reply, a ghost of a smile on my lips to match Natalia's. She's right, I need to text her.
As the truck comes to a stop, I look around and see everyone looking back at me waiting for instructions. I glance out over the Village, seeing it's busy as I remember out objective for today. "Alright guys listen in.." I say sternly, letting everyone know it's time to sharpen up. I see that Kai is listening in from the front along with Charlie, so I make my voice that bit louder so they can hear me. "We need to be vigilant at all times, be approachable but careful. Engage with everyone, but if anything starts to go south, call it in. Radios loud and on at all times. Constant contact and updates if needed. Let's get off the truck, full kit at all times." Everyone calls back in reply before I help Jake lower the back gate and step. Once we are on the ground, we help everyone off before Tyler starts lowering everyone's bags and equipment from the truck for us to unload. It doesn't take long before we are ready to start out walk. I turn and see everyone ready to move so I stand infront of them and they all seem to catch on as they stand to attention. "Stay close, but cover ground. Jake and Natalia with me, the rest of you pair up. 7 Section, get ready to Move out." I order, recieving a stern reply from the team. "Yes Captain Lane!" They all shout back before I nod, letting them move to pair up and grab what they need. Everyone takes a handful of leaflets before moving out in their pairs to cover as much of the Village as possible. I watch them all go before turning to see Natalia and Jake waiting for me. "You both ready?" I ask, seeing them both smiling and nodding. I can't help but smile in return as we put on our bags, take our weapons and start our walk behind everyone else. We are walking through the middle of the Village behind where Tyler and Kai are walking a few feet ahead. On a walk through like this, our pace is very slow so we can be approached easily, as well as stopping to talk to people along the way. I made sure to be the last to move out, meaning that I can look out to everyone infront of me to make sure everyone is safe and still in their pairs. So I make sure to look out and do a head count frequently and religiously so I am not worrying so much about the team. As much as being together is safer, we can cover more ground this way in pairs, as well as seeming to be more approachable in smaller groups. It just means that we look out for each other from a distance, keep each other safe and stay in contact at all times.
The morning goes by without a hitch, the local people coming to talk with us without much hesitation. We seem to relax more and more with how calm everyone seems to be around us. Our weapons are holstered, but still on show, and it still doesn't seem to be deterring anyone even the children. I love seeing the reaction of kids when they see Soldier's from another Country. They are always so excited and eager to interact with us. And it makes our day when the kids come and fill our ears with genuine laughter. I love to interact with the kids, giving them sweets and hearing their excited voices. No matter where we end up in the World, the one thing I can always count on is that the children will never judge us from what we wear. And whether they are in a war zone, or at home, they never lose their smile. I manage to take a step back from the group of kids surrounding us, leaving Natalia and Jake to entertain them as I do a check in on everyone else. I can see everyone spread out, interacting with local people. I then get on the radio to do a verbal check in. Everyone calls back, easing my worry before I hear Charlie last. "Lane, North of your position." Is all he has to say for me to turn in that direction. As soon as I do, I see a group of men that do not fit the profile of everyone else around us. Instantly alarm bells are ringing in my head as I reply to Charlie. "We'll head that way now Sir." I assure him as I look over and see him nod in my direction before we both continue our walk. I gently lead Jake and Natalia North through the Village, my eyes trained on the group of men still. I don't say anything to Jake and Natalia, not wanting them to be distracted from talking to people that come to us for now, my eyes being enough to watch them from a distance. But it doesn't take long for Jake to spot the possible danger not too far ahead of us now. "Lane. You see that?" He asks subtly, earning Natalia's attention as well as we are walking through a quieter part of the Village. "I do. Observe only." I reply, earning a nod from both of them as we continue to look uninterested in their behaviour as we slowly get closer to them, my heart rate increasing with every step I take as my mind starts to go over every possible scenario that could come our way.
"Yes, come to the Centre. We can help you." I hear Jake tell a women who he is talking too. I try not to engage too much so I can focus on the group up ahead, but a nudge to my left arm pulls some of my attention away as Natalia stands close. "There are 4 young women with those men, and they don't look comfortable." Natalia informs me quietly in my ear. I nod my head, my eyes scanning the area and it doesn't take long for me to spot the 4 girls huddled together near the group of at least 6 men. I take in as much as I can about the situation before I feel a tug on my combats. I look down, seeing a young boy looking back up at me with bright brown eyes. I crouch down to his level, smiling as he beams back at me. "Hello little one." I greet, making his smile grow impossibly wider, his eyes so bright. "Hi. My name Mo." He replies proudly making me chuckle in reply. "Hello Mo. My name is Harley." I tell him, his little head nodding in reply slowly. I take out a sweet and hand it over to him, which he takes sweetly as he studies my Uniform, pointing at the parts which I name for him. He listens closely to every word, but at this height, I manage to look over subtly to the group of suspicious looking Men and see something I really didn't want to see. All armed... I take note of the concealed weapons with every one of them, instantly my heart is pounding in my chest. This just got serious. I keep my attention on both the men and little boy infront of me as he takes in everything about my Uniform before what I presume is him Mother calls for him at a nearby fruit stall. He looks over and nods before looking back at me with a soft smile. "It was nice to meet you Mo." I tell him, not knowing if he fully understands. "Bye Har-ley." He says in reply, making my smile quickly return. "Bye Mo." I slowly stand up as he runs off, waving as he takes his Mother's hand and walks away with her, a kind smile on her face as she looks over her shoulder. Once I am stood up again, turning my attention back to Jake and Natalia watching me closely, I take hold of my radio now that we are not engaging with everyone. "Group is packing, stay alert." Is all I say, not wanting to say too much, but saying enough to tell the team the group of Men have weapons. Instantly I see Jake grip his weapon a little tighter before we turn and try to walk a little closer.
"Fruit stall, North-East corner, 5 minutes." I call out into my radio as I spot bullet-proof cars and vans waiting near the men. Who knows if there are more inside. We need to be together. I lead Jake and Natalia to that position ahead of us, my eyes completely trained on the now armed and dangerous men. I hate the feeling that is growing in my stomach, a nervous twitch now flowing through my fingers that are resting on my holstered weapon. And as we reach the stall, my mind suddenly goes to the one place it always does when I am nervous about anything.. Lizzie. The what ifs of something going wrong today. Today of all days. The thought of leaving Lizzie alone in this World, breaking my promise that I made her before I left London. 'I'm coming home baby.. I promise.' I think aloud to myself as I wait for the rest of 7 Section to join us. And as they do, we subtly move into a defensive position, whilst not drawing much attention to what we are doing. And just as I see Charlie and Tyler join us, I turn back to the group of Men suddenly being aware of our close presence. I shift a little uncomfortably as I see them talking amongst themselves with their eyes on us. "Lane, what you thinking?" Charlie asks subtly as he joins my side, both of us watching the group as they seem to be shuffling around more. "Wait them out.. See what they are up too." I suggest, earning a confident nod from Charlie in agreement. The last thing we want to do is provoke any unneeded attention that could get other people hurt, not just us. Charlie walks around, subtly giving out orders as I stay trained on the group before I see what looks like the guy in charge suddenly roll down the window of one of the cars, waving the group over. I subtly get Charlie's attention, alerting him to the movement. We all watch as the now 8 men and 5 girls get into 3 vehicles before driving away down the side road. We wait until they are completely out of sight before I begin to relax. "Alright guys, let's make our way back to the truck together. Move out on me." I call out my orders before leading us back towards the truck and out of the excitement. Making mental notes to write down when we are back at the truck, something telling me this is not over.
~~Saturday Morning, L.A.~~
Lizzie POV
"Morning Mom, your on speaker in the car." I greet my Mom as I keep my eyes on the road ahead of me. "Good morning sweetie, are you driving to work?" She asks, knowing I don't normally work weekends. "I am, we are a little behind on scenes so we decided to work today on location." I tell her easily as I follow the directions to the school we are shooting at today. "Oh that sounds exciting. Can you tell me anything?" She teases, making me giggle as I tell her a little about the scenes we are shooting today. It's going to be a day at the School Matt taught at before he died, where the students have dedicated a wall mural to him. It's going to be an emotional one for my Character Leigh, which means a hard day for me. As much as I love getting into Character and exploring emotions, it can become a lot and tire me out emotionally. "Oh sweetie, that sounds tough. Are you sure your going to be up for driving over for dinner after?" Mom is always so understanding, but I wouldn't miss dinner with her for anything. "Of course I will, I can't wait Mom." I reply easily, making her laugh softly down the phone. "Okay well I will see you later today Liz. Drive safe." We say our goodbyes before I find myself parking my car outside the building. As soon as I turn off the engine, my heart sinks a little being left to my own thoughts. As soon as I opened my eyes today, my eyes filled with tears knowing exactly what day it is today. It was exactly a year ago today that I met Harley in London. And it has been the best year of my life, all because of My Soldier. She has changed my life in so many ways, and I could never imagine my life without her now. I just wish she could be here so we could spend a day like today together. I wipe away the tears that silently roll down my cheeks before I reach for my phone and search for her messages again. Waking up to the text she sent me made me even more emotional, seeing that she remembered and was feeling the same as I was made it both worse and comforting. I open her message, wanting to read it one more time before I hopefully get lost in my work..
My Girl, I don't know where to start with
this message. But I just want you to know
that I am thinking of you even more than
usual today, it that is even possible. I wish
I could be with you right now, but I
promise when I am home, we will make up
for what we have missed out on. I can't
believe it was a year ago today that I met
the girl who would turn my World upside
down in all the best ways. I can't imagine
a life without you by my side baby. Your
my World and so much more.. And I love
you more and more every day. I adore you
Elizabeth Chase. See you soon xxx
I can't help but cry a little, re-reading the sweet words before I have to leave the comfort of my car and face the day on Set. As soon as I walk inside, I am ushered towards the make up trailer where I get ready and try my hardest to get into the mindset of being Leigh Shaw. Everyone around me seems to notice my checked out demenour, and instead of asking me why, they simply let me be as I walk out towards the Set to get started. We run through the Scenes before we get right into it. We get through most of the scenes with no issues, but then it gets to where Leigh is alone in the bathroom, wracked with emotion as she talks into her phone. I can feel all eyes on me as we run it, but for some reason, my head is stopping me from tapping into those emotions. I hear "Cut" at least four times before I ask for 5 minutes alone. And as I am left alone in the bathroom, I start to wonder what is holding me back. Then it hits me.. I'm scared. Scared to let myself get emotional right now. I have been holding back my emotions so much since Harley left that I am scared to let go. But right now, I need too. I let my mind slowly think about everything, from my own emotions and what Leigh would be feeling. And once everyone is back and ready to shoot, my emotions begin to flood. Tears streaming down my face the longer I am sitting here on the cold floor. The scripted words coming out my mouth easily as my mind is filled with every worry, fear and doubt that I have ever thought about. Each one worse than the last. I don't even know we stopped the scene until some of the make up team come rushing to me on the floor to provide some support before the director comes to offer his too. I go into a daze as everyone helps me off the floor, making sure I am okay before I unconciously agree to carry on. The rest of the day goes by in a blur, but thankfully we manage to finish the scenes we needed. I seem to be on auto pilot as I get ready for home and before I know it, I am in my car driving to my Mom's house. In no way am I in the right mind to drive, but I do anyway, just wanting to be around someone comforting. As soon as I reach Mom's house, I rush out the car and through the front door, finding Mom in the kitchen startled by my sudden appearence. But I don't wait for any explanation, instead I run into her arms, needing comfort more than ever right now as tears sting my already puffy eyes.
And thankfully, Mom managed to calm me down eventually. Once I had managed to calm down enough, she sat me at the kitchen table and made me a drink before she joined me. And after what felt like hours, she finally spoke again. "Do you want to talk about what happened sweetie?" Mom asks softly, my hand still in hers on the table for comfort as I nod my head gently in reply. "Take your time Liz." She adds, making me smile in reply. I take a sip of my tea before turning to talk with Mom about everything. "Whilst we were filming today, there was one particular scene that needed a lot of emotion behind it. At first, I couldn't get into it, but then I seemed to tap into everything I have been holding onto since Harley left and I-I couldn't stop.." I can feel my myself getting upset again, but Mom quickly came to comfort me before letting me continue. "Everything I had been worrying about and fearing as soon as Harley left came bubbling to the surface." Mom nods her head softly in reply as I take a moment to blink away the tears that are threatening to fall. "I can't imagine how hard it is for you watching Harley leave Liz. But she will come home to you when her job is done. And you will both fall right back into being by each other's side where you belong.. Her Tours are not forever. You will have you time together sweetie. I can promise you that." Mom always seems to know exactly what to say. Her words bring me so much comfort as I wipe away the last of my tears. "Thank you Mom.." I reply before she comes to hug me once more before we fall into softer conversation to take my mind off of what it has been worrying about for hours now. We enjoy a home cooked dinner together, something we have been doing every week since I came home from London before we decided on sitting in the back yard to enjoy the afternoon Sun. As we settle in the garden furniture, I can't help but look at my phone, seeing some messages from Harley telling me about her day. I sit and reply to them all, but something about them is telling me there is more to what happened on their Village Walk-through. Once I have sent a text or two to her, I go to place my phone back down beside me, but to my surprise I get a reply..
I open the message, seeing it is from Harley. I then check the time, working out roughly it must be at least 2am in Nigeria. Why is she still awake? Mom seems to see my face pull into a frown from where she is sitting across from me as she gently taps my leg to get my attention. "Is everything okay sweetie?" She asks softly, making me smile in reply as I nod my head. "Yeah it's just.. Harley text me back. It must be at least 2 in the morning where she is and-" My thoughts get lost as I look back at my phone, seeing another message come through that pulls at my heart. Something so simple.. "I miss you My Girl." Instantly tears start to blue my vision again as I stare down at my phone screen. But before I can completely get lost again, Mom stands up from her chair, pulling my attention to her. "Ring her if you can. You both need it. I'll be inside if you need me.." She suggests sweetly, making me smile softly as she walks over, kissing my head before leaving to walk back inside. I take a breath, sending a message to see if I can ring her without disturbing anyone. But instead of replying to my message, I see Harley's face fill my screen as she rings me instead. My heart beating out of my chest as I instantly swipe the screen, waiting for the video call to connect. My lips pull into a beaming smile as I see Harley's matching through the screen, her head propped up on a thin pillow at the top of her bunk. Her eyes look tired, but I doubt mine look any better right now. Neither of us say anything right away, taking in each other before she breaks the silence. "Hey you." She greets, making my heart jump at the sound of her voice. I've missed that voice so fucking much. "Hi Soldier.." I greet in reply, making her smile even more. But then the thought of the time hits me again and I instantly want to know why she is awake. "What are you doing awake at this time Harley? You should be resting.." Harley chuckles softly at my words, making me giggle at her. "I slept a little earlier.. But woke up again about an hour ago." She tells me honestly, making me both smile and concerned at the same time. I love how open she is with me, but knowing she is struggling to sleep worries me. "Do you want to talk about it?" I offer, but she just shakes her head softly with that same smile she only has for me. "I just want to hear about your day baby, please." She replies, soft almost pleading eyes. But I know if I get into it, she is going to worry about me. Fuck.. What do I do.
"Baby.. Talk to me." She seems to catch on to my hesitation, and I can't not talk to her now. I let out a sigh before talking to her about what happened today. I catch her eyes filling, but she blinks the tears away as she is focused on being there for me. I catch my own tears falling as I see the worry behind her eyes. "Oh Lizzie.. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I wish I could be more than anything." She always knows how to comfort me, but right now, I just really need her here with me. I get even more upset as she comforts me, contradicting her words but I tell her she is helping. It takes a little while for me to calm down enough so we can talk properly again, instantly Harley wanting to cheer me up as we reminisce on our day today. "Can you believe that a year ago today we met for the first time.." Harley shares with bright eyes and a beaming smile to match, melting my heart at how happy it makes her just talking about that day. "It feels like I have known you forever Harley." I add, making her smile impossibly wider. We spend some time talking about that night and the days after.. Sharing memories and how we both felt like we have a million times before until we are crying again, but this time happy tears fall down both our faces. "I miss you so much Harley.. Every day." I admit, making our smiles fade slightly. "I miss you too Elizabeth Chase.. So fucking much it hurts." She replies, making me giggle at how serious her words are. But as we are talking about how much we miss each other, I see Harley's eyes starting to drop. I quickly calm my voice down, wanting her to sleep. "Harley.. Please get some sleep. For me?" I ask sweetly, making her laugh softly at my pleading eyes. "Since you asked so nicely my girl.. I will try." She teases, making me giggle adoringly at her through the phone. "I love you Harley Lane." I quickly tell her, seeing her eyes drop more and more. "I love you too Elizabeth Chase." She replies sleepily, making me just smile like an idiot. We drag out our goodbyes, not wanting to say it for the last time until Harley is practically falling asleep. I force her to come off the phone to sleep as I watch her face disappear from the screen, breaking my heart as a tear escapes my red, puffy eyes. Fuck I miss her so much.. More than I thought was ever possible.
Not even a Month into her Tour and I am already struggling.. This is going to be a long 5 Months apart.
YOU ARE READING
My Soldier - Missing Home
FanficA story about Harley Lane having her whole world turned upside down when she meets one of the purest souls to ever exist.. Elizabeth Olsen. Following on from where Book 1 left off, Harley is on her way to take part in a 3 Month Out Reach Project w...
