Love on the Battlefield

Chapter 1

( Authors Note: the ** are to indicate messages back and forth online between Isabella and Andrew)

Isabella P.O.V.

She wrote a hello to him. She was wondering if this was just another game from an unsavory sort. Or if perhaps.. it could be something else? She was weary, weary of the loneliness, weary of the hard work, weary of raising her daughter by herself. She longed for someone to hold her at night, someone to tell all her worries, woes, and fears to. Some to let her know she didn't need to be overburdened and that she didn't need to be strong all the time. That it was ok to weep. Someone to have as her husband that she could support love cherish and care for. Someone who could look past the surface. Look past the scars. Look past the pain. See that the goodness she possessed was meant for so much more. That the hell she survived is what made her so gentle and yet made her so strong. Not in the normal sense in strength such as physicality, but other ways. What ways, you ask? Mental fortitude, emotional sensitivity, keen intellect, sheer force of will, and a drive to keep going. Also having quick wit and unique sense of humor and keen perspective...She also hoped the husband she longed for would be strong enough to understand the hell she went through, that he'd help with raising her child. That he'd understand that though she by society standards she'd be a waste of space, a cripple, meant to be discarded. That this husband would see that she was so much more than that. She also had faith as a simple Christian. 

Andrew P.O.V.

He had a moments break, so he checked his phone, went on tiktok, found her page, checked his d.m.s, and found out she replied to his message. He decided to ask her, her name and ask her the standard questions: age, fav food, fav color, hobbies, etc... he definitely wasn't expecting her to respond right away.  He was gobsmacked she had responded.

**" I'm 32, I love all foods, my favorite color is purple, ummm my hobbies I love to sing, dance, draw, read, paint, I also love to play video games."**

He smiled, loving her answers. Slowly learning about such a beautiful woman was a true joy to him, something special, since all he was surrounded by was darkness and madness.  He was pleased by the fact that she responded in kind with the same questions as she seemed genuinely interested and curious. 

** hbu?
Age, fav food, fav color,hobbies???**
 
He smiled and typed quickly

** I'm 34, I like all kinds, but I like Chinese, fries and chicken. My favorite color is actually two red and blue, hobbies um I dance, I sing, I read, play video games.**

He hoped she liked his answers as he was very shy, and it was hard for him to open to people. However, he's proud that he could slowly do so to her.  He was happy to see she was curious and wanted to know more about him. He swallowed nervously but knew that if he was, to gain her trust and truly get to know her, he had to open up to her and hoped she'd do the same.

** So, I saw you were wearing a uniform? Are you in the military? What branch? How long have you been serving?**

He was pleasantly surprised at her keen powers of observation.  Seeing her questions were about simple things that he could readily answer, and he smiled as he did so.

** Yes, I'm in the military, I'm in the army. I've been in since I graduated high school. I'm in the Army.  Are you thinking of enlisting??**

Isabella P.O.V.

She looked at what he wrote, and she chewed her bottom lip harshly.
Typing quickly, she wrote:

** Oh, no. I ... I can't enlist. Heh heh The military won't take me. I'm broken, you see.**

She hung her head sadly. Feeling queasy, hoping what she wrote wouldn't put him off.

Andrew's P.O.V.

Frowning slightly at her response. He knew she would eventually answer.  He didn't want to press her too much and frighten her away. He typed

** Oh, okay.. also if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me okay?**

Isabella P.O.V.

She blushed and smiled happily that she hadn't scared him away.
She typed quickly:

** okay thanks Andrew I will!! Oh um same applies to you okay! Don't hesitate okay? I'd be glad to answer any questions you have.**

She knew she had to take her time with him. But her baby needed her and realized she was almost late for work and knew it was going to be a bit rough as it was  the start of January and very Bitingly cold. She bundled up her daughter Miera and herself and waited for their rife so they could watch her whilst she went to work. Night shifts were awful and a struggle but it was worth it to take care of them.