The Red Coral Bracelet

Chapter 2

Corporal T. L. Imlay

I was standing next to Lieutenant Anders, waiting for the plane with the rest of our platoon to arrive. They were on leave, but had to be called back earlier than expected; I never left because I didn't have family. As the plane was landing, we walked closer to it so they could get started immediately. However, the men weren't the first to get off.

A woman, with wild blonde hair that she tried to tame with a ponytail, came skipping out. She had no bags in her hands and I saw Doc, our Navy corpsman, walking out with an extra duffel bag and a camera bag. My attention was instantly captured by the woman. She had brown combat boots, brown cargo pants, and a olive green shirt that had 'Marines' written across it. She was a photographer, and a seasoned one, too.

Lt. Anders patted my shoulder and said, "Don't even get the idea in your head."

"Why?" I questioned.

"That's the General's Navy."

"His Navy? The name he has tattooed on his arm? Navy is a woman? Didn't see that one coming."

"New people usually don't. She's been coming here to take pictures for the past two years and she knows everyone. That woman is really important to the General and everyone falls in love with her instantly. I bet she even got Ace to laugh."

I snorted. "That's impossible." But even as I spoke those words, Ace, our best marksmen, exited down the ramp, laughing and smiling at Navy. "I stand corrected."

"Lee, you have a lot to learn. Just watch. She'll come over here and introduce herself. Like I said, she knows everyone."

I was shaking my head. There was no way that she knew thousands of troops and remembered their names and know when there are new troops. Then again, she got Ace to smile.

"Let's go get the guys and get started."

"Yes, sir."

The men reached us, smiling at Navy one last time, then saluted LT. All of them were back to normal, then Navy came and they smiled like idiots in love. Some of them were married and they would never cheat, so what the hell did that woman do on that plane?

Immediately, her eyes zoned in on me and I noticed an emotion fly over her face quickly. It was something that I had seen when I saw some of the guys Skype back home. Sadness. I don't know why it passed over her face and I was a little saddened to see that on her face, even for a second. I didn't want to make her feel that way.

"I'm Navy. You're?" She asked and I melted. Her voice was soft and sounded like honey, but I could tell if she was angry it wouldn't be soft. Her blue eyes sparkled and her smile was from ear to ear.

"Corporal Tanner Lee Imlay, ma'am." I shook her hand. When my skin made contact with hers, it instantly got hot and tingly. It was one of the wierdest feelings I ever had, but I liked it. A lot.

"It's Navy and nice to meet you." She laughed and it was better than her voice. I figured out why everyone loves her. She's beautiful, funny, and can make anyone laugh.  "i would love to stay, but I have to find Uncle Danny and see what platoon I'm assigned to. Thank you Doc for carrying my bags, but I can take it from here."

She took her bags, waved, then bounced off. I say bounced because her duffel bag was on the heavy side and she was trying to skip. I watched as she bounced, giving everyone she passed a high five and calling them by name. Once again, I was proven wrong about this amazing person. I had just turned back towards Anders when I heard a squeal of laughter.

"DAWSON! Put me down!"' Navy giggled as she was spun around by another Marine, named Dawson.

"Never. I'm going to keep you and you will forever be mine and I'm going to name you Squishy." He replied.

"I am not squishy, sir."

"No, but I like the name, ma'am." Dawson had set her down and she took off running. In our direction. "How many times have you ran from me?"

"I lost track." With that, she hid behind me and tried not to laugh. "Hello again, Corporal Lee Imlay. Act natural."

"Don't tell him that, Navy." Jace warned.

"Why?"

"Because that is his natural way."

I began to do the Chicken Dance.