As I Lay Dying

Eighteen

1916

"Another bloody Christmas at war. Don't reckon we'll ever get home. Not all in one piece anyway."

The skinny solider opposite us adds another negative comment to the stream he's already issued. I hide a smile as I notice Luke roll his eyes. We're only still sat with him as he's bought us the last two rounds of beer, but whilst everyone else is intent on enjoying their leave, he hasn't stopped complaining.

"At least we're on leave for Christmas." Luke says cheerfully.

"Yeah but were not home are we?" The solider wraps a thin hand round his pint. "How many more years? We'll probably be dead before January is finished anyway." He says gloomily.

Luke drains his pint and slams the empty mug down.

"Well, as delightful as this has been David-"

"Daniel." The miserable soldier corrects him.

"Right. Well, we need to report to our commanding sergeant." Luke smiles and grabs my arm, pulling me up to my feet and ushering me out of the door.

"Christ." He sparks up a cigarette and offers the pack to me. "No wonder he was sat alone, he could buy me another twenty drinks and I couldn't have sat there much longer. Felt like topping myself after the first five minutes of listening to him moaning."

I laugh and shakily light my own cigarette. It's snowing heavily and it takes me several tries before I can spark it. A well rounded blonde woman makes her way over to us and Luke grins at her. I recognise her as a prostitute who can usually be found either walking the streets or propping up the bar.

"Sorry, we're not interested love, but I reckon there's a miserable git in there who could use some company." He gestures with his thumb to the bar and tips a couple of small coins into her hand. I'm not sure she understands what he's said but she laughs as she takes the money and pushes open the door to the bar.

"Times like this when I miss Oz in December." Luke stamps his feet, sending up a small whirl of snow. "I pity those poor fellas on the front line."

"We'll be back there soon enough." I say quietly.

"Give it a rest." He groans. "You're as bad as that lad in there. You Brits are always moaning."

"Oh, sorry if being at war has dampened my festive cheer." I retort. He grins cheekily and I can't help but laugh.

We stand smoking for a while. The full moon illuminates the thick white snow on the empty street.

"Is Jimmy ok?" I break the silence, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah." Luke sighs, suddenly serious. "He's just angry Harry. He doesn't understand."

"It's for his own good."

"I know that. Just give him time-"

"We don't have that though, he'll be moved on come Boxing Day. It would break my heart to part with him on an argument." I say quietly.

"You did the right thing Harry. He cares about you and it says a lot for your friendship that he wants to stay by your side even though he knows the repercussions." 

"Yeah. I suppose so... But if he'd just talk to me then I could explain."

Luke nods and gives a little half smile. The snow begins to fall thickly again and his eyes flit back to the warm inviting windows of the bar.

"Let's go get a few more drinks inside us. It's Christmas tomorrow we're on leave... Maybe he'll join us later-"

I shake my head and force a smile. Jimmy won't join us later, he feels like I've betrayed him.