Page 117 of Forever Fickle

“You weren’t listening,” X-Ray smiled. “My home ishere. I got kicked to the curb a long time ago and the Air Force kept me off the streets, somehow managed to make my way into flight school, and here I am… living the American Dream.”

“Oh wow. I’m sorry, X-Ray…”

“I’m not. If I had stayed, I would have been so much worse off. It’s all about outlook and perspective, you know? I’m on this path because I’m meant to be here…” X-Ray shrugged and logged out, smiling at his teammate.

“Na-da there today, my friend. I’m heading to the mess hall… do you want to go? I hear we are having chicken tenders for dinner tonight. Gosh, I love that stupid gravy. They make it like my grandmother used to… a little lard, some flour, and an obscene amount of pepper.”

Jace made a face, laughing.

The gravy here was the worst… and this was probably the most X-Ray had said to anyone. He had no idea that the guy didn’t have anyone back home – or the fact that he had no home to go to.

Jace was really lucky to have his family and his wife.

“Yep…” Jace agreed, getting to his feet. “Let’s grab dinner and talk a little bit more. I’ll tell you how a real roux is made before turning it into gravy. My sister taught me…”

* * *

Later that evening,Jace lay there in his bunk, thinking. He couldn’t imagine Jana talking with anyone, much less becoming friends with someone like X-Ray… but it could always be worse.

Houdini still did whatever he wanted occasionally and frankly? Caboose reminded him a little too much of Reaper. He couldn’t see either of them with his carefree sister – as friends or something more.

“This is ridiculous…” Jace whispered aloud, putting his hands behind his head. It wasn’t like this was going to end up marrying the two of them, and he sure didn’t want to be responsible for something like that. After talking with X-Ray and dodging Vapor flinging peas at them from across the table, Jace realized it could always be so much worse.

Sitting up, Jace shot to his feet and snuck out of the barracks before he changed his mind.

* * *

Jana,

Consider this a Christmas Miracle… and don’t ask for another favor. You can email my friend, John ‘X-Ray’ Masden.

If he emails you back, so be it.

This is between you two and I’m out. Just please, try to keep things civil andkeep me out of all of it, because I work with the guy – okay?

Be smart about this, Jana. Remember, he’s a stranger and you are emailing a single man who you know nothing about. Befriend him – that’s all.

I’m really having second thoughts about all of this, honestly… and clicking send before I back out completely.

Love,

Jace

* * *

Jace sighed heavilyas he clicked send, feeling like he was signing his death warrant by giving his sister X-Ray’s email address. The guy seemed halfway decent and was open to having a pen pal, because he said ‘it gives me someone to talk to back home at least’… and that struck a nerve with Jace.

The guy had no one – and truthfully?

His sister could be a very kind and considerate person when she wanted to be. She also knew she could also be a party animal, but that didn’t seem like his teammate. It would honestly be a good balance… if they could become friends.

He would introduce the two… and step away.

Being in the middle would only create problems and Jana had to live her own life, but there wasn’t any reason he couldn’t support or help from the sidelines.

* * *

Karen,

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