Page 9 of Only Yours
Hope to hear from you soon.
Yours, Brian
P.S. I wish I could kiss you again. Is it weird that we’ve only had one kiss and I’m already addicted to the taste of you?
***
I smile the whole day like I’ve won the lottery. When Sophie asks what’s got me in such a good mood, I just shrug and tell her I made a good grade on a test. I feel a little guilty when she takes my words at face value.
As soon as she leaves that night to see Liam, I take out a clean sheet of paper. I twirl the pen in my hand and tap it against my lips. I can’t wait to write my soldier back.
Chapter 9
With each letter, she finds a deeper place in my heart. -Brian
Brian
I’m having a shit day when her next letter arrives. We deployed out last week and I’m exhausted and irritated. Lacking sleep and good food after returning from a mission in the middle of nowhere. I want nothing more than to be home and I ache for my mother’s cooking.
The minute I’m back on base and handed the letter my heart thuds in my chest. My worries suddenly get lighter. I feel a grin cross my face before I’m even aware of it. I practically jog back to my bunk to read it.
Dear Brian,
You asked earlier about my life growing up and I guess I should tell you more than just the superficial stuff, huh? I mean, I feel like sometimes it’s easier to write things than talk about them.
I wasn’t raised in a household where I was able to talk to my mom about much of anything. You see, you have something in common with me. We were both raised by single moms. Only difference is, my dad didn’t walk out. He died. And he did some shitty stuff to my mom before he passed away. I was four when he died, and I don’t really remember much abouthim. Sometimes, I have this dream that I’m sitting atop a man’s shoulders and that he’s laughing. The sound of that laugh will follow me into the next day. It’s loud and booming and carefree. I’m glad I have that, even if it’s all I have.
My Nani came over from Mumbai, India when I was five to help care for me. She’s the one I can talk to. The one I can tell my hopes and dreams to. She never judges, only listens which is amazing. I don’t know what I would do without her.
My friend, Amit, that you were so worried about, is really like a brother to me. We met when we were little and were instantly connected after that. It wasn’t always easy growing up where we did, but we took care of each other. Kind of like you and Sophie take care of each other.
I know a lot about your family from Sophie, but feel free to tell me anything, soldier boy. That’s what pen pals are for, right?
What are you doing over there on the other side of the world? I know you can’t give me specifics, but what are the other guys like there? Do you get any down time? Tell me all about it. I feel like all I know is my little corner of the world here, and sometimes it seems too dang small.
I’d love to travel one day. My mom took me back to India when I was a little girl, but we haven’t been since then. I’m not sure why. Actually, I guess it’s cause she never stops working long enough to go anywhere. I’m proud of her for the amazing work she does as a doctor, but I don’t remember the last time we took a vacation. My Nani says my mom always acts like she has to prove herself to everyone. Probably because she’s a woman and of a different race? I would assume. The South isn’t as progressive as it would sometimes like to seem.
I need to go back to studying for my Biochemistry test now. I’ll probably do fine. Not an A like my mother, the genius would make, but fine. That’s how I always do. Just fine.
Your sister misses you a lot. And maybe I would like to have you around again. Lol. Stay safe, Brian.
Reina
P.S. I always dither over how to sign these letters. Your friend? Your pen pal? Not sure yet. I’ll figure it out.
P.S.S. What would you have happened after that one hot kiss if we had allowed ourselves? That’s what keeps me awake. Because I have so many ideas…
I lay back on my bunk after reading through the entire letter twice.
I don’t like the term pen pal. It makes something itch under my skin. I’m not her pal. I never want to be just her pal.
I have to admit, the friendship with this guy still bothers me a little. I’m trying to be all modern guy about it, but I feel more Neanderthal. Guys and girls can just be friends, right? I mean, I’ve never been just friends with a girl, but I’m sure they can.
I feel my cock jump in my uniform pants when I think of her final lines. She wants to know what happens after the kiss. Oh, I’ll tell her what happens after the kiss. Just you wait, princess.
Chapter 10
I would never have thought you could fall for someone just through their words. With every letter, I begin to doubt that. -Reina
