Mettle of Honor (gxg)

Chapter 6

It had been three days with the talking heads on the news saying that the fighting was fierce in Lithuania, and even Kate was showing some nerves now. Even if she didn't love Sara as much as she loved Elsie, the two soldiers were still her friends, and she was worried that they could be in trouble.

               Elsie was almost frantic with worry, barely able to go to class or study, and reading news updates every chance she could. Her stomach was constantly in knots, so that she had little appetite as well. In the evenings, her frayed mind was soothed by Kate, their lips and tongues hungrily devouring each other in an effort to forget the worries of real life and what might be happening. Elsie knew it was wrong, but she needed the distraction, and started giving in to more and more touching with Kate to drown out her fears.

               While Kate was scared for her friends, she was thrilled for herself. Sharing a bed with Elsie every night, kissing and touching her made her heart swell with joy. Yes, she knew Elsie didn't have the same love for her that she had for Justice, but she did love her to some degree. Perhaps that was enough for now, and then maybe they could work on making it more. She did wonder what would happen when Justice came home though. Would Elsie go running back to her? Would Justice want her if she knew what they'd been doing together every night?

               The whole situation was a mess, but the immediate future was wonderful with Elsie getting closer and closer to giving her everything that she craved.

               And then there was a knock on their door one night after dinner.

               Elsie just stared at the door, her mind not even caring, so Kate went and answered it, only to be shocked to see the bulk of Justice's father, Clive, who was sporting a grave expression on his face. "Oh, Mr. Hanson, come on in!" she said nervously. All she could think right now was that he'd found out about her and Elsie being together, and that he was here to reprimand them for cheating on Sara and her daughter.

               He nodded his head, stepping in and giving a soft smile to Elsie when he saw her. Elsie got up quickly, moving over to give her father in law a hug. Just the sight of him brought tears to her eyes as he reminded her so much of Justice.

               "I'm glad you girls are both here. I need to talk to the pair of you."

               "Is Justice, okay?" Elsie asked quickly, her heart already racing.

               Clive let out a sigh. "I still have friends in the service. I got word this morning, and I'm so sorry to say that it looks like the girls are gone." He had cried many times today over his daughter, and now telling his daughter in law the news he'd gotten brought a fresh wave of tears, especially after hearing Elsie's wail of pain at his pronouncement. Kate just stood there, dumbstruck at the revelation. Yet, as sad as she was over the loss of her friends, she couldn't help but think that this was good for her and Elsie to be together. But Elsie's response reminded her that she was still second in the smaller girl's heart.

               "No! No, she can't be!" Elsie cried out. "She's too big and strong! She can't be gone! I need her back!"

               Clive hugged her tightly, feeling Elsie sobbing in his arms. He'd had to deal with too many losses in his career, but this was, by far, the worst. "I'm so sorry Elsie, and you too Kate. I know this isn't the news you wanted, but I begged the army to let me tell you rather than some anonymous officer."

               "I can't believe she's gone," Elsie moaned. "I don't understand!"

               "I know, I know," Clive grumbled. "Evidently, they were ambushed, and her squad leader barely escaped, while the rest were hit. They're hoping to push the enemy back, and then recover their bodies."