The Dishonorable

I Was Nothing

The most important things are the hardest to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish them -- words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no more than living size when they're brought out. But it's more than that, isn't it? The most important things lie too close to wherever your secret heart is buried, like landmarks to a treasure your enemies would love to steal away. And you may make revelations that cost you dearly only to have people look at you in a funny way, not understanding what you've said at all, or why you thought it was so important that you almost cried while you were saying it. That's the worst, I think. When the secret stays locked within not for want of a teller but for want of an understanding ear."

Flashback

"It was supposed to be a regular weekend.

A few of us sitting around playing sports, dancing, and just having fun. I had passed my Promotion Board, and everyone wanted to celebrate.

We planned to meet up at the issuing bulletin and head to the basketball court and hang out.

Everyone was laughing and dancing, having fun, and enjoy each other's company.

Cortez and I were sitting at the end of one of the picnic tables watching the guys play spades.

"SPC promotable/soon to be SGT Topaz!" I heard, looking to my left I saw SFC Joe coming my way with a box in hand.

HAHAHA "Thank you. Sarg what are you doing out here with Privates?"

"I came to say apologize for not being able to be at the board and to say congratulations."

"It's okay, I understand; you were needed somewhere else. But if whatever it is in that box is for me then I'm defiantly okay. "

"Actually, it is, but I knew you would do good. I got it. I've just been waiting for you to go to the board and prove me right." Handing me the brown box with a little red bow on it.

"You didn't have to get me anything if anyone should be getting someone it a gift it should be me. You helped me out so much with preparing for this board."

"No, it was my pleasure to help you out. You admitted that you needed and asked for it that's hard for many people to admit."

"Thank you for helping me and for the gift."

Opening the box, a huge smile was plastered on my face when I saw what was inside.

Two bottles of Tequila, one bottle of Crown Royal, and a bottle of Jack Daniel.

I haven't seen alcohol in so long that I'm happy and excited.

"Don't tell anyone about this; it's our little secret."

"I won't' bringing him into a hug."

"Alright, let's go take a shot so you can get back to your friends and your celebration. Let's get away from prying eyes to make sure we don't get caught with this stuff. There's a bunker over by the gym that we can go to."