I hope there isn't a word limit on these posts. Apologies in advance if you don't like swearing or I've offended any religious sensibilities.
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As Molly took in his words the captain walked to the door, leaving it open so anyone passing could see in. He was struggling not to act on what he said and thought they both needed some help to get back on a professional ground.
He watched her collecting herself, wiping the tears from her cheeks, smudging the dirt and grime from her beautiful face. She took a deep breath and exhaled shakily, then another. He watched her, drinking her in. Her hair was escaping from its plait, her clothes thick with dust but she looked wonderful to him. This is all he had. All he could take to see him through the long weeks ahead as they worked out the rest of the tour. Sometimes the army was a cruel mistress.
There was a knock at the door. "Boss?"
"Kinders"
"All OK boss?"
"Yes. It doesn't look good for Sohail, Dawes just needed 5. Can you show her to her quarters?"
"Sure boss. Ready Dawes?"
Molly got to her feet, gave her face one last swipe and looked up. Her eyes shone as she looked at the captain. "Thank you sir" she tried to communicate everything she needed to say in those 3 words.
She followed Kinders across the patch of dust they called the parade ground. He lead them past the women's quarters and towards the men's. "Erm, Eggy, ain't I in with the women now?"
"Afraid not Dawes. They've rationalised the quarters and the women's are full. You'll be bunking with the lads for now. We'll try and move you if a space comes up. You coped at the FOB ok, and it's only for a few weeks."
Molly sighed. She usually loved being one of the lads but after months of close quarters with them she had been looking forward to spending time with Jackie and some other women. Plus at Bastion she wouldn't have her med tent to retreat to when 2 section started to grate on her nerves.
"This is you. Get settled in. PT session at 0600 tomorrow" said Kinders, holding the tent flap open. Molly looked around. The tent was a tip. Packs open and kit flung everywhere. She couldn't make out which bunks were taken and which were free.
"Lost again, Molls?" Said Brains, looking up from his letter.
"No you numpty, I'm in with you lot, women's quarters are all full." she replied. "If one of you twats asks for a pop tart and I'll shave your eyebrows off in your sleep"
"Yay, you're one of the stags." said Baz, making stag horns with his hands and mooing.
"Stags don't moo you bell end" said Brains.
"Well what noise do they make?"
"Dunno, but they don't fucking moo."
"Stags? Reindeer more like. Mansfield can be Rudolf next time he forgets his factor 50" replied Molly. "Now which bunk is mine?"
"I think Smurf saved that one next to him" said Baz, "no funny business, we'll be watching" He made kissing noises and waggled his eyebrows.
"I love Christmas" said Mansfield.
"Of course you do; you're the Virgin Mary" piped up Dangles.
As a scuffle broke out between them Molly sank onto her camp bed and sighed.