Gone by Dawn | Harry Styles

Highroad

1603
Thursday, 29th December 2016

It has been a hectic past few months here at the base; of off site training and camps, travelling around country Australia, visiting high schools to educate the kids about the military and now the holiday season. Joel and I were fortunate enough to be approved for holiday leave at the same time - going over and above Harry's head, I asked Lieutenant Colonel Slate as I knew Harry would decline our request just to be spiteful.

"Nearly finished up here, Babe?" Joel's voice rings through the empty shed that only myself and a few tanks reside in. I pop my head around the dark, emerald metal edge of the tank to catch his ocean blue eyes.

"Yeah! I'll be right out, just finishing off something if you want to meet me in the car?" He doesn't hesitate to to tell me he'll see me there and he wonders out into the afternoon sun. It's going to be our first time meeting each other's family - my mind attempts to comprehend what it'll be like to see Lieutenant Slate out of his uniform and without a scowl permanent on his face. Although, Joel is insistent he's not like that at home; I'm yet to believe that.

I wipe my oily hands on a rag before packing the remaining bits and bobs up. I close the giant sliding doors to the tanks, locking it before making my way into the main building. It's past 4pm therefore, most have knocked off already or are preparing to pack down to finish up for the day. I make my way to Lieutenant Floods office to return the key for her to lock away into a safe for security measures.

I disregard a knock as the oak wooden door already opened, I step right into the office, anticipating the spritely ginger woman to be sitting in her chair that pairs with the desk. My ember brown eyes meet a familiar green pair that makes spring grass look dry. It feels a lifetime ago since we last spoke or even seen each other for that matter. Ever since Harry got a promotion we all see less of him and more of Lieutenant Flood - most are grateful due to Harry's new tone of being a hardass.

"Captain Styles," I say while hailing a salute, caught off guard by his presence.

"At ease," I stand at rest as we share a painfully long gaze at each other, unsure who to speak first to break the silence.

He clears his throat, "Is there something you need, Private Crosby?" The reason for my visit here completely evaporates from my brain as I try and attempt to gather myself. My hand reaches out to him as the keys dangle from my finger tips, my voice failing me tremendously. Harry catches onto what I'm here for and gently takes the keys from grip.

"Thank you, Olivia," he says avoiding my eyes.

"How are you?" I ask, genuinely curious but also feeling the need to create small talk.

"Swell," he's short in his response, tightening his lips into a thin line and forcing a fake smile. Before I'm able to say anything else, Lieutenant Flood enters the office, a part of me grateful that she's come to the rescue but a small part of me also wanted to be able to speak with Harry, one on one.

"Anything else, Private?" He chooses to take the high road and keep things nonchalant and professional.

"No-"

"You're dismissed," he cuts me off before I could even finish. His 6ft tall stature rests against the desk, hands tucked away into his pockets as his eyes focus on the presence of his girlfriend. Their relationship was 'approved' of since they were equals at the time when word got out they were seeing each other. I call it bullshit.

I turn on the heel of my boots, shoulders hung low as I make my way out of the regretful encounter, "Enjoy your holidays with Joel, Liv," Lieutenant Floods melodic voice rung. My head snapped back over my shoulder, her face plastered with a genuine smile as she packs her bag readying to leave. My eyes hover over Harry's expression, nothing. Blank. I peep a small thank you, exiting through the door.