Nurse Norrel,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. Nights have been lonely on the battlefield, and writing letters to you has been a welcome distraction from the constant gunfire and cold.
Hopefully you haven’t had to see many casualties, since you’re stationed west of the front. I hate being in the thick of it, but at the same time, I can’t imagine being farther back, like you are. Never knowing if and when the front will crumble, and you’ll be invaded. At least I know my fate.
I hope to God we make it out of this war alive. All I want to do is hold you in my arms and never let you go. I’ve never met a woman like you. Most girls throw themselves at soldiers as thanks for “doing their part.” But you—you made me work for it. You made me court you, hound after you, and chase you until you found me worthy.
Most men would tire of this, but I only crave more. At night, when I look at the picture of you in my breast pocket, I don’t imagine you the way most men picture their sweethearts. I’m not taking advantage of you, or even kissing you.
I’m worshipping at your feet. All I want to do is give you everything you want and more.
When this war is over, that is my goal. Whatever you need, I will supply, whether that be a warm home, or a man to indulge your every fantasy.
Yours always,
Lt. William Gentry
The most sexy and sigh-provoking image came into my head—have mercy on my soul—William in a uniform.
I typed rapidly, fingers aflame.
From: Cerise Norrel
Subject: Re: Report from the field
Date: May 5, 2012
To: William Gentry
William,
Thank you for your kind letters. They remind me daily of why I selected you above all the other officers that tried to court me. You are truly impressive, and I look forward to the next time you may show your appreciation for me.
Tonight may offer you this luxury. A few officials from my troupe are headed in your direction on a routine patrol—I can offer to tag along. They’ll be attending the local pub in your area, and I will have an hour or so to myself before they return.
Have something special planned.
Sincerely,
Nurse Norrel
I licked my lips and pictured what he may have arranged. We may very well be playing doctor tonight.
I wanted another e-mail. After I hit SEND, I wished that I had included some sort of prompt that would get him to respond.
I needed something to distract me from the memories being dug up by the interaction between Hannah and Scott, now sitting together at a table, flirting.
I wished I could erase my sophomore year entirely.
“Hey, Cerise, you know what I’ve always wanted to do?” my new boyfriend, Nick, asked.
“What?” I asked, eyes glazed. I stared at him in his spiky-haired glory. He was a bad boy, and he wanted me. The meek little girl from his history class. He had asked me out last week—completely out of nowhere.
“I’d really love to go ice skating with you. Hold hands. Drink some cocoa together,” he said.
Oh my God, I was so lucky. It’s like he was reading right out of my diary. Ice skating and cocoa was, like, my dream date.
“That sounds great, Nick,” I said, probably looking doe-eyed. I couldn’t help it; there was something so wrong about it. It felt right.