The Greene Effect - REWRITE!!

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE - PREJUDICE

Amelia Greene -

I stand by a flickering fire, allowing my canteen to warm up on a close by rock, and slowly stretch out every limb and muscle on my body.

Just like glass will compress, ones body will too under extreme weather conditions. It's always painful to decompress the next morning, but I'm thankful I didn't freeze over.

Men are dropping like flies. The skinnier ones are going first, but it's only a matter of time before even the bulkiest here succumb. I let out a small whine, my fingers feeling like they're going to snap off. I shove my hands close to the last bits of flame, hoping to god they're still in tact underneath my glove.

It's better in the day, somewhat. But not today. I look around and see others in the same situation, desperately trying to warm themselves up.

"Greene." I flinch at the sudden appearance and voice of Pierson. I turn wildly behind me, forgetting about my hands. He has to know by now no ones ever going to react kindly to that from now on.

Especially when it's him surprising me. "Oh, shit," I breathe shakily, hoping my face is only red from the cold. "Yes, sir?"

"I need you to come with me to welcome a new Corporal." He shifts his eyes as if uncomfortable.

"Why?" I ask in confusion. He blows air out of the side of his mouth, the frost looking close to a puff of cigar smoke.

"Because I trust you to greet him accordingly." Though I'm mildly confused, I agree, and follow him to a small HQ tent.

"Howard," he says as we enter through, stepping side so I can be seen clearly. "this is Greene, first private."

Howard turns around and I immediately see why Pierson wanted me to greet him first. A black man doesn't stand a chance in this particular hoard of white males.

"Corporal," I start, putting my gloved hand out. "It's nice to meet you."

His dark eyes widen in surprise, and then he shakes my hand in return. "It's my pleasure." He says, voice low but full of kindness. "I'm sorry to say but, I can't help but notice . ."

"I'm a woman?" I guess and then laugh. "Yeah, it's a long story. But I've been here since North Africa. They haven't kicked me out yet and I don't they will." I look at Pierson, who's watching the interaction. "Unless . ."

He scoffs, "don't push your luck." I chuckle, knowing my face is definitely red for another reason now. "Howard's gonna help maintain the platoon's stability and lead where I can't. Show him the basics around here for me."

I nod, "of course." Obviously, he's very skilled in what he does if he was sent here like this. Pierson doesn't seem bothered by his presence at all, likely pleased to have another trained man under his command. However, I know a few who will have a nasty thing to say . .

"Aiello!" Pierson calls out, and I freeze. "Get in here." I don't turn around to see him come in. I can hear his footsteps abruptly stop behind me, though, and I can't tell who he's staring at more. "Go get Daniels, but first, this is Howard. You'll refer to him as corporal."

Absolutely worst choice ever, Pierson. I shoot the Sergeant a quick look, telling him what he needs to know in a second.

Howard, who sees my glance, can instantly tell one thing. If he offers a hand, Aiello won't take it. "Nice to meet you, Aiello."

Aiello ignores him. "Why is he here?" His question is directed to Pierson, whilst he pretends I'm not present. I step closer to Howard, who holds an indifferent expression.