Morning Cup

9. That night, 2347

"Evening Cup!"

Dan says, waving at me from the other side of the bar, where I've been downing beers for the last hour.
Coffees were not strong enough to sooth my anxiety, beers and whiskey have done the job this week.
What's kept me from throwing myself into alcohol was the reminder of my scumbag of a father; I promised myself to never follow his steps in any ways. Beside I had to keep my mind clear.
I've been debating what to do and how I could help her, save her from that nightmare she's stuck in.
I've been feeling like the last of the lasts, the worst piece of shit the world has ever spawned.

How could I look at my big stupid mug in a mirror again when I let my angel down between his evil's hands?
I'm a coward. I don't deserve her. I don't deserve to be called a man, much less a soldier. I'm a pussy, unable to protect the one I love.

It's been 10 days since he took her away from me. No news since, I'm worried sick, sleepless and devastated.
Mac tried everything he could to cheer me up, with no luck. He argued I was a fool to go for her and slapped me behind the head so he'd get my attention.
First, that dickhead is a colonel of the US air force, my commanding officer and thereby has the right of life and death on me. What would happen to Angie if I'm dead, sent to a suicidal mission or to another base?
Second, she lives under his roof. Running to his house would just have added fuel on the fire. And put her in danger even more.

"She's right, you're not helping. You don't let her down, staying there, you just have no other choice. She's smart, she's strong, she'll make it."
I hate myself to admit he's right. She's right.

Mac patted my shoulder in a sympathetic gesture, instead of his usual manly punch in my face, and gave me a supportive look.

" And she'll come back to you when the time comes."

Dear God or whatever name you're called, make it happen. Keep her safe and give me my love back.

"Cup? Are you listening?" Dan and Mike, the barkeeper look at me like I've two heads.

"No, sorry. Was lost in thoughts. What's up mate? " I faint to be interested in whatever he's going to say, because I'm losing my mind eating this shit again and again.
I'm scared to death about her and above all I miss her. It rips my heart out of my chest not having her safe in my arms.

"Cup! Cup! Wake up!" Mike knocks at the counter, startling me and my beer.

"What's wrong with you? She's waiting! Alone! In the dark, under the rain! " Dan points the first class' quarters.

"What? Who? What are you talking about?" I babble.
Weirdly, the first name that popped up in my brain sounds like a hyena. No, not Michelle, I can't.

"Your mysterious girl, Angie, that's it? I saw her waiting at your door. Outside the barracks. If I were you..."

Before he speaks again, I'm gone.
I'm running as hard as I'm able through the compound, barely noticing the rain.

My brain is showing all that that monster could have done to her. Hitting her. Kicking her. Hurting her the worst way ever.
Run faster Cup.

I jump the fence of the football field and keep running like I'm Jessie Owens. I can see the barracks in the distance and increase my pace.
Hold on my angel, I'm almost here.

She stands there, alone, in front of the soldiers' barracks. Alone. It hurts my heart so much. Once again I wasn't here for her.

"Angie!" I almost chocked with her name, too much fear and guilt fill my throat.

She looks at me with a shy smile that makes me run even faster the last strides that separate me from my girl.

I catch her by the waist and hug her the tightest I could before I realize she could be in pain.
Reluctantly pulling back I grab her face and check it out, combing her wet hair back, looking for bruises.