FRAGMENTS ; Simon Riley

Chapter 28.

ROSALIE.
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"..."

"BABY.. please no. Please, keep your eyes open. Let me see them."

"Beautiful eyes, keep them open for me, alright? Help is on the way.

God.. please."

"Don't take her away from me."

The room felt oddly cold, despite the electric heater I left on as I got ready. My mind was still metabolizing what had happened back in the backyard; Simon's 'unawareness' was sending me into a spiral of thoughts.

Other than them, my chest ached continuously.

Zipping up the thermal uniform, securing the straps of my plate carrier, I headed towards the takeoff point, rifle dangling from a shoulder.

With this last mission, our duty was going to end there, and I would've been sent back to the hospital I initially worked in. And strangely, I didn't have any intention to get away from the team — or much likely Simon.

Things between us needed to be sorted out. My memories were crawling back at me, my past life seemed much clearer now.

Though I still haven't contacted my parents after that call.

But another person was standing in the way: Claire. Only God knew how much I prayed for her to not join this mission, because I had no patience left to deal with her presence. Not after she gained his trust and replaced me.

Everyone was gathered before the chinook, uniforms white to camouflage in the snow. And of course, he absolutely needed to wear that skull mask over his face.

Between all the men, all I craved were for his eyes to lock on me, to stare deep down into my soul and cradle me in his. Sappy, for sure.

He was becoming an addiction, something I couldn't stay away from.

This man had the power to soothe my nerves and make me feel at home, even when we worked miles away from our original flat. As if I did remember correctly.

The grey walls that were once foreign, held a familiarity that I was starting to consider through my thoughts and memories. The faded squares on the paint, that once held our pictures together, framing fragments of our loved life.

From highschool to our thirties. To our marriage, first home and shared moments. To our first unborn child. To the fall of our little world.

To the heartache that was prominent in this moment, tears threatening to fall from my eyes. With a quiet clear of throat, I rubbed away the emotions from my lids and with quick strides I approached my team, busy rehearsing the plan.

They greeted me with silent nods, "Sergeant Nova."

I stayed listening, every now and then I seemed to be dazed by one point and the while my mind wandered on thoughts and memories.

Even though I had slept enough, my body felt heavy with tiredness and confusion. Did I at least eat something? I didn't think so, at least I felt energetic enough for this mission.

I had fallen into a confusing loop, I could barely close my eyes during the night, without having a continuous return of dreams and memories. "Nova, are you alright?" Asked Soap as soon as the team started to climb onto the chinook.

I followed right after, taking a seat at the very end. "I'll be fine. Just want to get over with this situation." I grumbled in response, slumping on one of the seats as I lay the weapon on my lap. "You look like shit."

The comment made me roll my eyes, before I caught the glimpse of Simon walking down the aisle, checking on the number of soldiers. His tall and broad figure loomed with confidence through the space, his eyes scanning his surroundings and nodding in acknowledgment to a few men.

Even I didn't notice the longing in my eyes, MacTavish let out a low whistle. "Nova.. not the lieutenant."

With a nudge I made him shut up, a sheepish grin on his face as he rubbed the spot I hit, "He's already taken a few female's attentions — not you too, please." He whispered, pretending to tease, only to gain a glare from me.

"Do I look like I care? He is married." I retorted with a hint of irritation, my eyes still fixed on my husband.

When will I get enough confidence to break the news?

Right as I tore away my gaze, Simon sat on the seat across mine, his strong arms crossing against his chest. It took all my willpower to not stare at him again, how could I not?

I found myself fidgeting unconsciously with my necklace's pendant, and immediately, I felt a couple of irises bore into the jewel between my fingers.

Raising my gaze, I met his.

Cold, distant, serious. Whatever he was made of, yet a hint of longing and tenderness hid beneath the layers of armor he tried putting up.

Just for a moment, my heart screamed to just say it, while my mind played tricks against me. What if he actually moved on and found happiness back again? Was I even in time, for him?

I stood up, uncaring of securing the safety belt, I could hear Soap scolding me and getting me back to my seat. But my feet led me to the empty spot right next to Simon, who stared at me in confusion.

"Sergeant, what you did was unsafe. The chinook is about to take off." He scolded me, hands reaching out to clasp the seatbelt on me quickly, his gestures making my heart flutter.

Nothing mattered anymore, not even a stupid belt.

"Lieutenant, I need you to listen to me for a moment." I called out his attention, the chinook's propellers coming to life with a deafening sound. The whole vehicle vibrated beneath us, but my body was frozen on its spot, heart stuck in my throat when his gaze locked onto mine.

"This is not the moment, Nova. Focus on the mission." He bit back, almost harshly. It didn't stop me anyway.

"Just listen to what I have to say."

And I didn't even think about the headphones that were given to us to use during the trip. Everyone had it on their heads already, even me.

"I know I lost my memories." My voice was almost a trembling whisper when it came out. "And I was brought away from you when that happened." Please, let this be the end.

We don't need to go around it, we don't need to stay away and avoid from each other when we're just standing at arm's length, hearts and souls interlinked.

I found my way back to him unexpectedly, life had decided that our story couldn't end like that.

So it gave us one last chance to mend what was lost.

"I remember you."