Shameless, Reckless Love (GirlxGirl)

Part 2: Chapter 4

The next day. Friday afternoon.

Eden had not seen Ricki come in to start work. It was understandable, but yet so confusing. Wasn't Ricki supposed to feel comfortable with admitting her feelings now that Eden did? Why would she give her such dirty looks? It seemed that Eden was going to have to start learning a lot more about Ricki in order for them to take – whatever it is they have – any further.

What do we have anyway? Eden thought, as she sat on her bed. We're not a couple... but we're also not just friends. Maybe we're friends with benefits?

Wait, are we even "friends" to begin with? Is the word "friend" even in her dictionary? There's no point in asking these questions. Ricki wouldn't say how she truly feels even if she was held at gunpoint. If it were up to me, would I call her my casual crush? Or do I want a girlfriend right now?

Does she ever think about this the way I do?

Out of nowhere, there is a knock downstairs at the front door, which startles Eden out of her thoughts. Eden waits awhile, wondering if she would hear anyone get the door, but then she remembers that Fabian was still out working, Lib went out with friends, and Declan started babysitting a couple blocks away and always takes Leona. The only people in the house were Eden and Cora, and Eden did not want her sister to shoot a paint ball at the church man again.

Eden quickly jumps out her bed and goes downstairs to see that Cora was faster than her. Cora walks toward the staircase, and Eden sighs in relief that there isn't a weapon of any kind in the palms of Cora's hands.

"Some Army guy wants to see you." Cora tells Eden tiredly, and walks past her. "I didn't even get to see his rifle!"

Eden gives Cora a puzzled look, not believing a word she said until Eden spots a 6'7 man with remarkable stature and a blonde crew cut. His uniform was almost a moss, dark green with buttons that lengthened down and shimmered like shining gold. His arms were securely at his sides, and in his left hand was his hat and a large yellow envelope. But Eden paid less attention to that for a moment, and stared in awe at the man's badges that seemed to bring out the gratification and dedication that rested in his silver eyes. Suddenly feeling like a complete dumbass, Eden quickly performs a standard salute she had learned months prior. The fact that she was able to finally use it toward such an honorable soldier made her feel absolutely ecstatic.

The man then smiles brightly at Eden's form, and salutes back humbly.

"An exemplary salute." The man compliments. When the man takes his hand away from his head, Eden finally breathes out confidently. She spreads her feet scarcely apart, and rests her arms behind her back very professionally.

"Cadet Colonel Gallagher." Eden states, assertively. "Junior ROTC."

"Colonel McNab: Department of Defense." The colonel replies, reaching to shake Eden's hand. Eden returns a firm handshake. Things are going well, Eden thinks. "You're Lib's sister?" he then asks.

"Yes, I'm Eden." Eden says. "Um, she mentioned you were taking interest, but didn't say you were stopping by."

"Well I hope that's okay." Colonel McNab says.

"Yes, sir." Eden assures him, standing even straighter than before that her ass literally sucks in. This had to go perfectly for her. Eden's eyes suddenly find its way back to the colonel's badge-coated chest. "Silver star... Iraq?" Eden asks. The colonel shakes his head.

"Afghanistan." He corrects.

"Lot of sand." Eden adds.

"We get it in places you couldn't even think of." He jokes. The colonel reaches to grab the yellow envelope tucked under his arm. "This is the West Point application. I wanted to deliver it personally."