章 28: Decision of a Lifetime

What has just happened? It feels like the past hour has been a blur. Harrison shows up here and knocks me completely out with some incredible news. But somehow, I know it was not incredible for Isabella too. The way her voice vibrated through the room clearly showed that she was utterly shocked. I cannot blame her; if it were me, I would have reacted exactly the same.

To be honest, I am not sure what I want to do either. Not even a month ago, I was told I could deploy but only be part of the Battle Opps, and now, well, now I hear I can be a squad leader too. What does a man do?

But since we are in this together, this is a choice that we both need to make.

"Boo, tell me what you are thinking."

"Soldier, I don't know. This...this is rather big. I mean, this is why we are here, is it not?"

"Yes, but I am not supposed to be going out in the field; that was never part of the plan."

"You more than anyone knows that plans change."

"This is a big change, boo; we won't be together like we hoped we would."

I fall down onto the bed next to where she is lying. I look into her eyes to find the truth in them that she is hiding. But what I find is nothing; she does not seem sure about this either. Do I really want to leave her behind like this? I will not truly leave her behind; I just will go out on a mission more often. I will still come back to her every time; it is just the risk that comes with it is far more greater.

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and she smiles. She is looking for the very same look in my eyes, but I am not giving it away either. It is hard hiding all the fear and excitement. I am scared to feel without knowing what she is feeling.

We both stare at the roof, taking deep breaths. It takes a while before either of us speak again.

"Soldier, do you know where we are going yet?"

"To Korea boo, Harrison told me this afternoon."

She once again goes quiet. I know that a million thoughts are running through her head. I can't tell her everything is okay cause we all know that I would just be lying. Hostile country, no matter where you go, is still not safe. The dangers might be different, but the risks are the same.

"Soldier, do you want to go out to grab something to eat. We can think about this later again."

"Sure, boo, think it be nice to have a distraction for a few hours."

We both have a long warm shower together, just spending every single minute we can get together. A week will come past far faster than one can even imagine. I know she is very fragile right now, and I want to do everything just to comfort her. It takes us another while for us to dress before we feel that we are finally ready to go.

We opt to go to a nearby local hangout. I use to come here a lot when I was stationed here before. I think getting between other Marines again will make this feel more real and make us come to a better decision.

When we get to the pub, I pull her into my arms and really squeeze her. She looks up at me with those big brown eyes.

"Boo, please look at me."

"Yes, soldier?"

"I love you, no matter what we decide; I love you."

"Oh, soldier, I love you. I know we will make the right decision."

"Now come, I think you need something strong to drink."

We head into the pub that is packed to the walls. I have not seen so many Marines in one place in a while. It is not long until I spot two familiar faces in the crowd.

First, I walk up to greet Galland. "Look what the cat has dragged out."

"Hahaha, should it not be in. How are you doing, Jackson?"

"I can't say better now that I have seen you. I am doing absolutely great, Galland."

The guys jump up at me as I come to stand at their table. We all do our mighty man hugs and a few slaps on the backs.

"I heard you were deploying with us?" Galland asks. "It is good to have you back, man."

"Believe me; it is even better to be back. Now you guys better behave around this lovely lady."

"Are you already snogging the nurses?"

"Hahaha, yes, I actually am. Isabella here is deploying with us."

"That is just wrong man, why can you take your girl with? I think I need to have a word, Dobbs."

Then the other soldier, Clark, speaks, "Well, are you two going to stand there or have a seat with us. We still have a week to go; old Harrison won't mind if we have a few tonight."

We find two empty chairs close by and pull them closer. Galland and Clark served under me in my last mission and were also two of the guys that were also held prisoner. We have come to a long road together; seeing them like this has just made me more excited.

"So Jackson," Galland starts. "Are you ready to deploy? You must be beyond yourself?"

"Must say I am a little nervous."

"But you are in tip-top shape, man."

"Might be, but the mind is still in two different places."

"And Isabella," Galland turns to face her. "You say you are a nurse? What do you think of your man becoming a squad leader?"

"Well, we have not really decided on that one yet, but I just want the soldier to be happy and come home in one piece."

I cannot help and laugh at her, "But boo, I already have a piece missing."

Isabella balls her hands into a tiny little fist and punches me as hard as she can. I pull her chair a little closer so I can rest my hand on her leg. This is the little moments that I am going to miss

"So," I turn to speak to Clark. "What do you think about camp?"

"Not looking forward to the weather, going from hot to cold so fast. And don't forget camp turning into a mud pit after the rain."

"Hey, it is like a big family camping trip."

"Only this trip is in a hostile country."

"But this is what we train for; this is why we become Marines."

Isabella squeezes my hand that is still on her leg. When she looks at me and smiles, I see her with a real smile on her face. She knows how much this means to me. It means so much that she will be here with me and support me like this. She has made such a sacrifice to follow me, the man that she loves. How can I even make this up to her?

Then out of complete nowhere, she shocks me with her words. "You guys are right; Jackson here will make a great squad leader. I think he would be foolish not to take the offer."

"Boo, but..."

"I know, soldier, we have not made a decision, but that look in your eyes when you talk about being a Marine, tells me that this means more to you than anything. This is what you live for."

"Boo?"

"Yes, I want him to be happy."

"But..."

"Sshhh, soldier. Let us drink a drink to that."

We all cheer our glasses to a decision she had obviously made. But this is a decision that I should have a part in. I will not argue with her in front of the guys. I can't accept it just like it is

We sit far into the night having drinks and swopping stories; come close to midnight, we make the walk back to our new home. Before we go inside, I stop her on the steps

"Boo, can we please talk before we go to bed?"

"Sure we can, soldier."

I pull her down to take a seat next to me outside on the stairs. I look above to the sky at the millions of stars that stretch into infinity. That is when it hits me; I know what to do. I know how to always have us bond together even though we are apart.

"Boo, Did you really mean that you are okay if I become a squad leader?"

"Yes, I did; this is important to you. I want you to be happy; I want to make you happy. If you do not do what you dream of, then one day you will hate me."

"I can never hate you. What about you being happy? That is important too."

"Being with you is what makes me happy. You gave me hope in love when I never thought I would love again. As long as I don't lose you, then I am happy."

I take a moment to catch a breath. I cannot believe what I am about to do. If you looked at me two months ago, you would laugh, but now I am about to make the biggest decision in my life. I stare down at my hands before I speak, and I can clearly see hom much they are trembling. Please let this not be a mistake

"Boo, there is only one way that I will become a squad leader."

"And what is that soldier?"

"Marry me."