Page 52 of Perfect Chemistry

I ran into the office, swearing. “Sir. Ty is deployed. What are you fussing and hollering for him for?”

The man jumped up, and then bear-hugged me. “You were selected, GUNNY!”

I was confused for a second before it clicked. “No shit?!?!” I squealed.

“No, shit! List just posted! Congratulations, Gunnery Sergeant Katie Johnson!”

“Hell yeah, GUNNY!” our marines congratulated me.

I squealed again. “Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to tell Tyson tonight!”

They all congratulated my selection for promotion before we started talking about operations. This MEU was originally a security force mission, but, after earthquakes rocked Syria, Turkey and parts of Iraq, it became a humanitarian relief mission.

The runway of the airport that Tyson’s folks had landed on three weeks ago, was now a refugee camp for those displaced due to the destruction of so many buildings.

The earthquakes were the reason that my flight was delayed. They couldn’t risk getting us there until the aftershocks had died down, due to the mountainous terrain.

“Go. Your gear is already on the pallet for tomorrow’s flight, I’ll see you here at 0900!” The acting commander dismissed me.

“Ok. Wait! Do you want me here early for manifest, sir?” I asked pausing before I ran out the door.

He laughed. “Be here at 0900. That’s early enough. If our time changes, I’ll send someone to pick you up.”

I smiled. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate you!”

“Leave already! Everyone else who is deploying tomorrow is already gone for the day!” he yelled at me as he returned to his desk.

I didn’t wait around to be told again and ran out of the building. I jumped in Ty’s truck and headed home. Tomorrow, I would be on a flight to the Middle East and Ty. I couldn’t wait!

* * *

*knock knock*

“Andie, you are the first person I called!” I squealed.

I listened to her cheer and congratulated me on the other end of the line.

“No, I am telling him tonight when he calls. How far out are you?”

She described a few landmarks and I knew exactly where she was.

“You’re only about 45 minutes out. I ordered a pizza, so it’ll still be hot by the time you get here.” I told her as I paced through my apartment.

Andie was coming to take the keys to the apartment and then she and Jonas were going to take my car back with them and leave it with my folks. Ty and I had both left Andie powers of attorney to handle our apartment and our vehicles while we were deployed.

*knock knock*

“Give me a second. I think the pizza guy is here,” my eyes wandered over to see what time it was. ”Shit! Ty is going to call any minute! I will see you when you get here, Andie!” I hung and ran through the apartment looking for my wallet. I was fumbling through my bag to my wallet when I opened the door. “How much do I owe you again?” I asked, never looking up.

“Staff Sergeant Johnson?”

“Yep. You guys got here fast!” I replied without looking up as I finally found my wallet.

“Staff Sergeant Katie Johnson?”

“How much did I owe you, I missed it?” I asked, finally looking up to see two Marines standing outside my door.

The Sergeant Major looked at me and repeated his question, “Staff Sergeant Katie Johnson? Wife of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tyson Johnson?”

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