Army Strong

Chapter 3

"Well, hey Nikki," Jacob said awkwardly. His eyes lit up looking at her face. He reached up and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. His fingertips brushed by her cheek.

She flashed back to when they were watching a movie together. They sat on the couch together, snuggled up next to each other. His mom walked in with hot chocolate and handed them both one, exiting the room shortly after.

"I love your mom. She's so sweet," Nikita said to Jacob. He looked over at her, confusion in his eyes. "What's wrong?" She asked.

He then asked her about the accident. The car crash that killed Nikita's little sister. It had happened a little over two weeks ago. It was the last question she wanted to answer. She tried to explain what went on. She was behind the wheel when she hit a spot of ice, they spun out of control smashing into the tree. She has been driving the car. It was her fault that her little sister wasn't alive. She looked up at him, tears flooding her eyes.

"Hey, hey. It's ok, Nikki. Come here. It's alright. You're alright," he told her, pulling her close. He wrapped an arm around her, and combed his fingers through her hair. She sobbed into his shoulder, shaking violently. "It wasn't your fault, ok? It's all gonna be alright." He looked down at her, as she looked up at him. Their eyes held together an unbreakable connection. He slowly reached his hand up to guide a tear off her face.

"That doesn't stop me from thinking it is," she said, holding her hand over his.

The flashback ended, and Nikita took a shaky breath and muttered,"Hey."

"Look. I know we haven't talked in forever, but I had to see you before you left. I've missed you,"

Nicole started the car, and began to drive to the airport.

"Yeah. I missed you too," Nikita replied.

"I don't understand why we stopped talking, or why it is so hard for you to just let yourself fall. Don't you remember all the good times we had? We used to go everywhere together. We would talk and talk and talk. You and I, we were untouchable. I just don't understand why one day you just weren't there," he vented.

"Look. Jacob. My whole life revolves around the army. I don't have time for some romance back home. I don't want to let you down, because I can't always be there for you. I don't want to hurt you," she revealed.

He just didn't understand what military life was like. He didn't get that out in the field everything you have is up for grabs. That was one part of her life, that she would never be able to share with him.

"All I want to do is support you, and be there for you. I just want to protect you Nikki, and I wish you'd let me!" he argued

"Jacob. I'm sorry. I am. I just can't afford to miss another person while I'm gone," she said, ending the discussion.

Nicole pulled up to the airport and unlocked the doors. Jacob grabbed her bags, and sat them down by the curb. Nikita walked up to Nicole. Tears formed in both the girls eyes as they gave each other their last hug, until she returned.

"You are coming back. I have no doubt," Nicole began. "You be safe though."

"Bye Jacob," Nikita said. Attempting to evade a hug.

"Nice try," he said grabbing her arm and pulling her in. Nikita, surprisingly, accepted the hug wrapping her arms around him too. "You are coming back to me okay. No option here. Listen to me closely. I wanna see you again. So if anything bad happens out there, you do not risk your life for the others. You just get somewhere safe. Goodbye Nikki," Jacob finished, kissing her on the cheek.

"Write us everyday!" Nicole demanded.

Nikita nodded, and waved her friends one last goodbye, before turning her back on this side of her life.