Genesis: the Beginning and the End | Band of Brothers

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ５９ － Ｒｉｐｌｅｙ】

Chapter 59 - Ripley

There wasn't the time.

Not right then, nor on the other side of the Rhine.

But Colonel Dobie, diamond he was, had arranged for them all to go to a barn, not too far away but far enough to be considered safe, for "refreshments".

Unfortunately, Margaret had to remain with E company for the walk to the barn, but everyone noticed she was different. Yes, everyone was happy that it had gone well – a Russian had been captured however all in all the outcome was positive. But she was ecstatic. Practically bouncing, smiling ear to ear. And despite being almost bombarded with questions, she would not say.

Something had definitely changed.

Margaret was skipping for Christ's sake!

When they got to the barn, everyone got a bit more rowdy and could start to celebrate. There was food and water, really just refreshments. Margaret practically screamed and threw herself at one Red Devil in particular and it confused the shit out everyone.

But the man caught her, lifted her up and spun her round, her joy mirrored in his face.

Margaret was so glad, no, that word didn't even begin to cover it.

"I'd given up all hope of seeing you again!"

Ripley's face fell and he set her down gently. A lot of the British had stopped watching, and so had some of the Americans, but those closest to Margaret wanted to make sure she was ok.

"I...I'm sorry. I should've...I should've come back. I should...I could've written. I don't know why I didn't."

He carried on with similar things that he should've done, and he turned his head away in shame. But Margaret put her hands on either side of his face and made her brother look at her.

"Yeah, you should've. But you didn't and I'm okay with that. And it was good that you didn't. I wasn't even there after I was 15 and a half. So you would've come back to an empty house." He didn't understand, she could see it in how his brows furrowed. She let go of his face, and he accepted a drink from someone who passed by. "She left just before I turned 15. I haven't seen or heard from her since. Some guys show up at my door one day in spring, saying that they could help me find her. So naturally, I went along with it, joined the Intelligence Service, and here I am no closer to finding her, but fighting the good ol' fight against those dastardly Germans."

She didn't get the response she'd hoped for.

He looked more concerned than anything.

"You realise they're exploiting you, right?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "Worked that one out some time during my four year stint in France. I don't even want to find her now. I just don't care anymore."

Ripley looked alarmed, and she was about to ask why, but then a chin landed on her shoulder and arms fidgeted around her before snaking round her waist.

"Hey Tab."

"How'd you know it was me?!"

Margaret laughed, and then continued to do so when she saw that Ripley was still looking rather alarmed, and confused. Meanwhile Floyd Talbert was staring at Ripley, trying to work out who he was. Though the men of Easy Company had been curious, they didn't eavesdrop. They respected Margaret too much for that, that and she'd probably try and beat them all to hell if she found out. So respected her, but also a bit afraid of her – mostly.

"Well, anyway, I don't know if you've noticed but we're moving out again. You guys are literally the only ones left in here," Margaret glanced around, and he was right. Ripley didn't take his eyes of Tab, "and we're waiting on you so if you don't move you pretty behind and get on one of the trucks outside, you're walking all the way to Nijmegen."

"I thought I'd crawl. Y'know, repeat Nuenen, see if I can't collect half the mud in Holland again."

Talbert chuckled, and then let go of her waist. She patted his cheek and turned to leave, before glancing over her shoulder at Ripley.

"You coming? Someone's bound to be looking for you." They finally left the barn, and Margaret followed after Talbert to the trucks Easy were in. "See you in Nijmegen, we'll have a proper catch up there, Rip," she called out as she went, waving to her brother as she walked away. Ripley stood there for a moment longer, watching as someone helped her up into the back of a truck, before someone called out to him.

It was a two hour or so journey to Nijmegen, one that couldn't be over soon enough.

"So."

"So?"

Talbert hadn't stopped looking at Margaret since they set off, but she hadn't really noticed, being too in her own head.

"So who was that?"

Her small smile widened again, and her whole face lit up, leading some of the guys to ask if it was "her fella". Oh the disgust that befell her face at that. All chatter stopped, they knew they'd crossed a line.

"That was my brother," came her clipped answer. "Is that what it's like in America? People in relationships with siblings?"

"Ok, do not let Margaret go to Alabama guys."

That returned the air to somewhat jovial, but left her feeling confused. Was there really such a place-?

No, she didn't want to finish that thought. It made her shudder.

Then the rain began to pour and they were thankful for the somewhat dry transport.

_

I adore Ripley so much, he's wonderful <3