Guarding Love

Chapter 15 - Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire

A/N - Prepare for a long Chapter LOL. Sorry, I could have kept going but wanted to break it up. I'm going to try and write another Chapter as soon as possible. Still, this weekend I have a friend's wedding to go to, a midterm to do and a group project due I have so many ideas that I want to get out soon and also, because I know you want Scarlett & Y/N together soon. I promise it will be soon. 

"Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient." - Steve Maraboli

Y/N POV

In the days following the premiere, I started trending on Twitter about my new career, how I'm a washout actress, doing this for publicity and that I'll fail. Regardless, I found a new sense of determination but didn't know where the determination came from; maybe from Taylor's pep talk, the fire Scarlett lit within me, wanting to keep my promises or prove the critics wrong. Nonetheless, I worked harder and pushed myself even more. When the other recruits were relaxing, I was either at the range, running laps or finding other ways to push myself. As the weeks went by, my scores improved, and my ranking started to climb gradually, but I had one final assessment to pass before graduation, which would determine my final ranking.

After parachuting in shortly after midnight, hours later, I stood at the top of a rugged ridge as the sun rose into the horizon. I needed to navigate my team through thirty-six miles of terrain and get behind enemy lines without being seen within ten hours. I charged forward with determination. Running with unwavering speed, I leapt over obstacles precisely and repelled down different types of terrain while carrying a heavy rucksack as I navigated through the challenging landscape. The physical demands were relentless, but I embraced the pain, pushing my body beyond its limits again.

As team lead, I needed to demonstrate my tactical awareness and ability to make sound decisions under pressure. Carefully analyzing the terrain, I assess the potential threats and strategize the best approach. James' training allowed me to navigate unfamiliar territory with unwavering confidence, and I found ways to cut down our time and ensure we weren't detected. I lead my platoon through dense forests, across rivers, up treacherous hills and mountains, and passing any enemy combatants thrown our way.

When we stagger into the open field, we are drenched in sweat and dirt, and our breath is ragged as we call for exfil. My breath hitched as we waited for Command's response on completing our mission. "Congratulations, Pvt. Y/L/N. Mission accomplished. Exfil is on the way, time 7hrs and 57minutes."

I'm in shock.

--

After countless nights robbed of sleep and pressing on through ceaseless hardships, graduation day finally arrived. A surge of emotions surged within me, but more predominantly, an immense relief and pride reverberated through me in perfect harmony. The realization struck with an unwavering force that I had persevered over my doubts, others' doubts, and my failures.

Kel stands before me with a beaming smile as she presents me with my Ranger Beret. My eyes turn toward the crowd to see the giant proud smiles from Mary, Alycia, Jason and Rose, sitting on Mary's lap in the crowd. I felt a sharp pain in my heart and a lump in my throat when I didn't see Scar. We hadn't spoken since the after-party, which made me worry that I'd lost her. Some of me hoped she didn't remember so we could return to being friends. Scar gets flirtatious when she drinks, she could usually hold her own, but I had never seen her that bad that night.

Regardless, I had never felt this kind of pride despite all my accomplishments. I gaze up at the sky, hoping to see a sign that James is watching over me. However, all I hear and feel is Kel swinging her arm over my shoulder, saying, "He'd have been so proud of you, and I know he's watching over us."