Raising Hell

Never An Us

I feel warmness. I haven't felt any body heat for a long time and now I am welcoming the comfy feeling. I snuggle into the blankets and feel something beside me. I turn around as I open my eyes and see Jake sleeping beside me fully clothed. I turn around completely and watch him peacefully.

The thoughts of yesterday start creeping in my thoughts. They slowly bury themselves in my brain and I can't convict them. I pull the covers away from me and climb carefully over Jake. He shifts but never wakes. I walk to the dining table and take a seat. I watch Jake continue to sleep for I feel it's the only consistent thing happening in my life. His features are jagged and strong but his sleeping face softens his jawline. His short brown hair stays in its normal place, undisturbed by his movements.

He seems to sense my stares and moves around, still with his eyes closed. I get up from my chair, walk to him and kiss him in the forehead. His eyes flutter but never open. I take my jacket from the chair and walk out of the room, closing the door behind me.

****

"Is he busy?" I ask the receptionist in front of the President's room. She looks up from her papers and above her bifocals.

"If I said yes would you wait?" She asked me meanly.

"Good point." I agree as I walk through the doors and to the president's desk. The president looks up, smiles and clasps his hands.

"Ah Alex, what can I do for you?" He asked happily.

"Cut the shit." I say and sit down across from him. His smile turns to a frown. We sit silently for a while and I tear up while looking at him.

"I am sorry to hear about your friend." He apologizes.

"What's your plan now?" I ask sternly, ignoring his apology.

"I don't know." He admits.

"So your fine with loosing the war? Or having everyone killed off?" I accuse him and he sighs deeply.

"I was actually going to ask what you think we should do." He says. I am dumbfounded.

"Me?" I ask as I point to myself.

"I have decided to promote you." He said simply.

"What?"

"You will be the captain of a platoon." He says.

"Is this because you want some laughs?" I ask him reluctantly.

"No this has nothing to do with your gender. I'm promoting you because your smart and strong." You think on your feet and it could be beneficial to a battlefield situation." He said and turned his head back to his papers.

"I don't.. know... what to say." I said unsure of myself.

"Say thank you." He says, not looking up.

"Tell me more." I demand. He finally looks up over his glasses and sighs. He sets down the papers heavily and rubs his temples.

*****

"Where have you been?" Someone asks behind me. I turn around to see Jake walking up to me on the roof. I turn around and look back at the sun.
"Nice to see you too." I say and he plops down beside me.

"Just answer the question, Ringman."

"I got promoted." I explain. I turn to look at him and his face is twisted in confusion.

"We're leaving tomorrow." I told him. "I am your captain."

"What's our mission?"

"We're killing their leader." I whisper still looking at the sun. I hear him stiffen and his breath hitching.