More Than a Soldier

Chapter 5 - Surpise

Y/n's POV:

I wake up with a start, my breathing picked up as my eyes flick around my surroundings. I take some deep breaths as my body calms down at the realisation that I'm in the medical wing. I lie back in the bed and scrunch my eyes closed, my head starting to throb. "Good morning, ma'am. Here, take these, it'll help." I slowly open my eyes to see Cpl Buchanan holding out a glass of water and a small pot of pills.

I gratefully take the pot and knock them back. "Thank you." I smile, resting my head back. "Do I get to leave today?" I ask and she laughs at my eagerness. "I don't think you'll be returning to unit for a few days." She tells me with a pitying smile. I instantly deflate. The last thing I want is to be stuck in this room or my pod for a week until I'm able to get back to work. "I know it's not what you want to hear, but you know it's best you're fully healed for both you and your platoon." She reminds me and I nod, knowing that she's right. I need to be at 100% for my team. I can't be the weak link.

"Col Denton is waiting outside, is it ok if he comes in?" She asks and I nod. "I'll be back in with some lunch in a couple of hours. In the meantime, rest." She warns me, pointing her finger at me in warning. "Yes Corporal." I smirk, giving her a playful salute. She just shakes her head and disappears through the door. Within a few seconds, the door is darkened by my favourite Colonel. "Good to see you with more colour to your face." He greets, taking the seat next to me.

"I'm sorry that I'm out of action for a few days." I say, my gaze dropping to my hands. "None of that. It was a pure fluke that all that happened yesterday. It could have easily been me in there. We need you at your best and the team are just glad that you're ok. For some reason I really like you." He teases, making me snort with laughter. "You're an ass." I chuckle. "Hmm, that's not how you talk to your commanding officer now is it?" He questions, with a grin. I roll my eyes at his playful nature. "You're an ass Sir!" I say firmly, sitting to attention.

We both burst out laughing, but I quickly stop when my ribs start to hurt. "Ouch! Don't' make me laugh." I say, my hand rest on my side, trying to relieve the pain. "Sorry. I actually came here to talk to you. I spoke with your doctor, and he has signed you off for 10 days. You'll be reassessed and if given the all clear you can return to the platoon." He informs me.

I sink back in the bed. That is longer than I was expecting. "Great." I mumble, knowing this is going to be a boring few days. There isn't exactly anything to do around here. "You're eligible for R&R and I think this is the perfect opportunity for you to take it." My gaze shoots up to Jimmy, not sure if I heard him correctly. "Repeat that." I ask him, wanting to be 100 percent sure I heard him right. "You're going home. Well, I'm guessing you'll want to go to Atlanta." He smiles whilst my heart is doing summersaults in my chest.

"You're serious. I get to go home?" I question again, causing him to laugh. "I hope so, because you're booked on the evening flight!" He chuckles. The biggest smile grows on my face. "As soon as the Doctor signs you out of here, you'll pack your things and head to the airfield. I spoke with logistics, and you'll fly to England, and I've arranged a commercial flight from Heathrow to Atlanta. It will be quicker for you than taking the full military flight." He explains.

Without even thinking, I throw my arms around him and hold him tightly. "Thank you." I mumble as he wraps his own arms around me. "You deserve the break. You've been amazing since you've been here, and you'll heal better back there than you will here." He responds. Jimmy is always looking out for me. I've always considered him a father figure to me. I've known him since my first posting and he's always been there every step of the way. He's family.

"You are going to be Ava's favourite for a long time when I tell her." I jokingly tell him. "That is the main goal of my actions. I need to win some Ava points. I've been lacking." He jokes in response. "Well, I better leave you to it. Some of us actually have work we need to do. Make sure you say goodbye before you head out." He states, standing and brushing down his uniform. "Yes Sir. Thank you." I tell him sincerely. "Anything for you." He smiles whilst putting his beret on and leaving me.