Nicomaine usually loved marathon days. She'd revisit all the trails she trained on and all the memories of her training days came rushing back. She'd reminisce on the moments where she thought she'd never make it to the finish line. She'd remember the times where she was so close to giving up, and dropping out, but then her father would remind her; Nicomaine, this is the right thing to do. Just imagine how accomplished you'd feel afterwards. And plus, it's always been your dream to do this: run races. You can do it.
And those very same words were the ones that ran through her head the morning of her flight. She had kept quiet about it for a whole month, hoping Richard wouldn't notice that she was slowly separating herself from him and saying goodbye. Hoping he didn't notice that she was going on longer morning runs (and if he did, she'd always tell him it's because she was training) or that she was packing her bags. Hoping that her choice would benefit the both of them and not just her because even though he wouldn't understand in the beginning, she was doing this for the both of them.
Maine made sure to wake earlier than usual that day, hoping no one saw her leave her room with her duffle bag in hand. Especially not Richard. But maybe she's done too many wrong things and God was no longer answering her prayers because as soon as she stepped foot outside her room, there he was; waiting for her like a lost puppy.
Where are you going. Richard asked calmly, his voice threatening to betray him. He cleared his throat as she tried to avoid his gaze.
Private Faulkerson, what are you doing here? Maine asked in surprise, but masked it with a strict voice.
What are you doing, Nicomaine? Richard tried again, ignoring her question.
You have no right to talk to me like that, Faulkerson. I am still a Sergeant and you are merely a Private. And maybe it was because of the way he looked or Maine's hearing was just that impressive, but she could swear she heard his heart stop beating altogether.
All her life, Maine never had to regret what came out of her mouth because she's always picked her words carefully. Her parents had always taught her how to be empathetic and to never belittle anyone, so she simply did not do it. But as soon as those words escaped her mouth, she immediately wanted to swallow them and hoped the world would just cave in on her.
Listen Richard, I didn't mea-, but it was too late because the damage had been done, and there was no going back now. It was as if she was traveling down an endless highway, and the neither ends of the road could be seen anymore.
Listen, Sergeant Mendoza, Richard spit the words out as if they were something disgusting. His body was shaking and he tried to catch his breath. His fists were locked tight and his face was hot.
I never forced you to be with me. I never asked you to choose me because I know how much this job means to you. All I asked for is that you te-
But that's the fucking thing Richard! Maine interjected, her finger pointing at him. You never directly asked me, but I know you're guilt tripping me. That's wha-
Fuck you Maine! Richard boomed, startling the girl. Because if you knew me at all, you would fucking know that I am not like that.
Richard's voice dwindled to a whisper and he shook his head. He too, was retreating; putting his walls up and closing all the doors. He stared at Maine, who he once called his other half (his mirror), but couldn't recognize her anymore. He turned his back to her and walked away.
She could see him still shaking his head in disbelief from where she stood, and she wanted nothing more than to scream his name and call him back. To further explain that she was doing this for them. But as much as Maine needed to move, she couldn't. So she stood there until she was snapped back to reality when her father called her from inside the jeep. She harshly wiped the tears on her face that she hadn't even noticed escaped her eyes, and shook her head. God Maine, fix yourself, she reprimanded.
Maine stayed quiet throughout the ride to the airport and flight to Manila, only speaking when need be and to greet her new crew or give them orders.
Through the first week of her transfer, Maine pushed herself to the edge. She'd wake up at the crack of dawn to run miles on end, and got only thirty minutes of sleep because if she slept more, her dreams would only haunt her. She skipped more meals, and lost more weight, and nearly drove herself insane. But as long as she got her mind off of Richard, then everything would be okay.
On the second week of her transfer, Jerald called Maine in a hurry, informing her about Richard's state.
He's working so hard, Maine. You think you're the only one driving yourself insane, but he is too. He's so much wor-
Don't you fucking say Richard's in a worse state than I am because you don't fucking know how hard it was for me to leave. Maine snapped. This had been the first time she spoke his name ever since that morning.
His fireteam is training right now, you know. Rescue mission, and all. I'm sure you've heard it in the news that the ASG have that Canadian. Jerald mentioned and Maine's heart suddenly felt heavy. But no- she can't turn back now. He can fend for himself. she tries to convince herself.
Maine doesn't hear back from Jerald until a month after. She had just woken up and was getting ready to go out for a run when her phone rings. Maine was surprised to see Jerald's name on her phone because she had been convinced that he hated her after their last conversation. She brings her phone up to her ear and holds it with her shoulder, trying to get dressed and speak to him at the same time.
Hello? Maine answers in a coarse voice.
Jerald hesitates to answer back because he knows that she had cried the night before. But she had every night to know.
Maine, he's gone.
Approximately 66 million years ago, an asteroid struck the earth, exterminating more than three quarters of all plant and animal species. Scientists say that the impact amounts to millions of nuclear bombs simultaneously detonating. And in that moment, Maine felt the impact.
