Page 34 of Love Under Siege

She places a hand on mine and says, "He's the one who suggested that I come with you while he takes care of things at home." A wave of relief washes over me knowing that Nana will be by my side. Now, I just need to text Marissa and Jacob's mom to let them know that we'll be heading back their way.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Jacob

After a grueling day of training, we are finally let go and we head to our barracks. These past few days have been exhausting but it’s nothing I can’t handle. Thinking of my family and Anya get me through it. It also helps that I have made some great friends here. As we are all piled into the barracks, a drill sergeant comes in and shouts “Mail call!”. It’s my favorite time, I’ve gotten letters from my mom and Marissa, I’m still waiting for ones from Anya. She said she would write me but not having received one yet has made me nervous. What if she changed her mind and doesn’t want to live the military life with me? What if she is hurt? What if she found someone else? The latter is less likely given that she was hesitant to even go out with me not too long ago, but the question still remains. Why haven’t I received a letter yet?

“You good, bro?” Jackson asks.

“Yeah, it’s nothing man” I reply but I can tell he’s not buying it.

“What’s up?” Damien chimes in.

“We’ve been here a couple of weeks and I haven’t received a letter from Anya yet and –“

“It’s probably because she fucking some other dude” a guy named Alvarez snarks.

“Dude shut the fuck up!” Damien says.

“Say that thefuckagain?” I snap up to my feet but quickly calm myself.

“Yo chill man, don’t listen to him!” Jaxson rushes to his feet as well, not wanting to see things escalate….just yet, “He’s just mad because his girl cheated on him and now only his momma will love him” Jaxson chides with that distinctive smirk he quickly became well known for.

Alvarez stands up, ready to answer the rebuttal with his fists but then the drill sergeant starts calling out names for mail. Realizing our surroundings and that discretion may be the better part of valor, everyone returns to their seats.

“Private Sullivan” he calls out and I get up to grab the letter. Then my name is called again and again and again. The guys all laugh and catcall as my name is called another 2 more times. “Private Sullivan, you’re quite the popular one” the drill sergeant mocks as he hands me all six letters. I look them over and one is from my mom, one is from Marissa, and the rest are from Anya.

I sit and I open the first letter from Anya,

“Dear Jacob,

I hope you are doing okay, school is going slow, but it’s good overall. I’m pushing through the workload, and I can’t wait to be done so I can have more time with you. Nana and Pops are doing well, by the way. They say hi and send their love. They always ask about you and can’t wait to see you again.

I wanted to let you know that I went to the authorities about the stalker situation. I’m handling it, and they’ve been supportive. I’m being careful, so please don’t worry too much. I miss you so much, Jacob. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about you and wish you were here. I can’t wait until we’re together again.

How’s Army training going? Is it what you expected? I know you’re giving it your all, just like you always do. I’m so proud of you and everything you’re doing. Just make sure you’re taking care of yourself, okay?

I love you more than words can say. The distance is hard, but it only makes me cherish you even more. I am counting down the days until I can see your face and hold you close again.

Take care, my love. I’m always thinking of you.

All my love,

Anya

Letter 2

Dear Jacob,

I hope this letter reaches you on a good day. Today was pretty eventful! Lana and I had another self-defense class, and I have to say, we’re getting better at it. It’s nice to feel more confident, especially with everything that’s been going on. Plus, it’s a good way to blow off some steam after long days at school.

I miss you so much, Jacob. Every day feels a little emptier without you here, but I keep telling myself that we’re getting closer to being together again. I’m counting down the weeks, and I’m so ready to see your face and just be with you. It feels like forever, but I know we’ll get through this.

I’ve also been planning a visit to your mom’s farm during my next school break. I think it’ll be good to get away for a bit and spend some time with her. I know she’ll appreciate it, and it’ll give me a chance to feel connected to you in a different way. I’ll make sure to help her out with whatever she needs while I’m there.

I love you, Jacob. Can’t wait to hear from you soon. Stay safe and strong, okay?

Always yours,

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