The Greene Effect - REWRITE!!

CHAPTER NINETEEN - DEATH FACTORY

Amelia Greene -

When I heard about the Hurtgen Forest from Perez, I expected to hate it.

But I like it more than Aachen. We're surrounded by forest, which meant a nice smell, the chittering of animals and birds, and a peaceful feeling. In Aachen, all we had for scenery was a war-torn city, and for the smell, smoke.

It puts me more at peace, despite being deeper into Germany. The peacefulness only went so deep, but now I had a reason to be spaced out. I'd say I was only admiring the view.

Disassociation is slowly turning comforting. I let myself fall into it because for once, I don't have to worry about anything. All that matters is . . nothing. Even for just a few moments. Like the seconds before you fall deep sleep.

The seclusiveness of the forest has had the same effect on the boys. Daniels is finally comfortable enough in opening the letter his girl sent him, that Stiles gave him hell for right before we secured Aachen.

"If it's over, we're here for you pal," Zussman says to him upon returning into the tent. I look at Daniels, who's on his cot. I can tell that isn't the case. He looks relieved but not entirely content.

"Tried to warn ya," Stiles speaks up. Daniels glances at him and then back to the letter, whilst Aiello taps him.

"College, let the man speak." Stiles shrugs and then we all look to Daniels for an answer.

"She's pregnant." My eyebrows raise in surprise, but I smile. The boy's faces all soften as they let out small cheers.

"Hey, that's huge!" Zussman says, patting his back, a grin on his face. It is huge and it's amazing, but I can't help but wonder how she's doing, pregnant whilst her fiancé is fighting a war. I bet she's a strong girl, but hell, it has to be rough.

"Alright," Aiello sits up, "Daniels is gonna be a daddy." We all are way behind him in the family department, but we all appear a lot happier than Daniels does.

"She was trying to let me know, but, I wasn't ready to hear it." An awkward silence rings out, and I let out a low breath, looking off to the side.

"All right," Zussman says, visibly uncomfortable. "I could use another cup of joe." Aiello and I get the cue and both stand. "Come on, you mooks let's give him some space."

"But I don't want coffee." Stiles' comment makes Zussman pop his head back into the tent, a flat expression on his face.

"Sure you do." Stiles finally gets the cue and stands up and leaves, Daniels now alone in the tent with his thoughts.

Aiello whistles lowly, "can't imagine finding that out when you're halfway across the world." Zussman scoffs in agreement.

"Can't imagine being pregnant and having to tell the father when they're halfway across the world," I add on. I've always wanted kids. I look down at my stomach and wonder what it's like to be carrying a child.

"Don't look at your stomach like that, you're scaring me." Aiello's comment makes us all chuckle and me shake my head.

"Don't worry, not happening any time soon. Especially here." God, even the thought of being pregnant out here, when I injure my stomach in one way or another almost weekly, was terrifying. The pregnancy would not last a chance. Not to mention the stress.

"Hey, look," Stiles points, "Davis is here." I follow his finger to where the older man is, looking over the passerby. "Must mean something bigs happening."

"Not necessarily, might just be looking over the new set up." He does appear to be doing that, glancing around at everything. We make eye contact and he nods in a way that beckons me. "I'll catch up with you guys."