Travelin' Soldier (OITNB)

Chapter 6

It had been three weeks since Alex left, and Piper was getting restless. She hadn't gotten a letter from Alex and she was doubting herself more and more. What if Alex was never going to write? What if she was never going back? No, no, no - Piper thought, I should not think like that. Because she was so distracted, Piper had been screwing up orders all day.

''Piper, doll, maybe you should take a break or something?'' Julie stopped Piper from passing by grabbing her wrists.

''No, what? Julie, I'm fine.'' Getting an unimpressed look from her boss Piper added ''Really, I swear.''

''Baby girl, you have been distracted all day. Is something bothering you? Are your parents fighting again hun?''

''No, no, nothing like that. It's just... no never mind, it's nothing.''

Julie seemed to be thinking before speaking up. ''Piper, doll, you know I love you, and I took you on as a waitress for just that reason, but I can't help you if you won't let me.'' Piper seemed to hesitate. ''Piper if you have anything you want to sh– '' Julie didn't get further than that.

''Julie I think I'm in love.''

''And that got you all hot and bothered? Honey, that's great! I don't see why that would be an issue to get so hung up over sweetie. Is something wrong? Is he involved with someone else? Do I need to kick someone's ass for hurting you?''

''It's a she.'' Piper said softly. ''It's a she and her name is Alex, and she is a soldier. She is away in war and I'm afraid that we will never see each other again. What if we don't see each other again? Julie what if she dies? What if she gets hit by a bullet, or worse, a grenade? What if-.''

''Calm down, Pippi.'' Julie's childhood nickname for Piper had the desired effect. ''Good, glad to know you're still here with us. Now, Alex huh? I didn't even know you liked women, pumpkin.''

''Neither did I.'' Piper blushed. ''But she is just so great, you know? She's very sweet and funny and cool and pretty and strong and – ''

''I get it, I get it, you really are in love, huh? Piper, if she is as great and as strong as you say she is, she will come back, I promise. And if she likes you half as much as you like her, jelly bean, I'm sure she will come back to you. Now, get your lazy ass moving you have tables to wait on!''

Piper smiled as a thank you, and moved to start working again.

''And Piper?''

Piper turned around to face Julie again.

''Congratulations, doll. Loving someone is fantastic, even if it may hurt sometimes.''