Forums » General Roleplay » Off to war (1x1)

"The sun might shine on the outside, but on the inside it burns. Like an blast of nuclear radiation." His voice had not the regular charm that it did. "The army has requested its troops in four days... They day right before the ball."

Vivian's disappointment was obvious. "They won't change the day of the ball?" she asked softly. She was quiet for a few moments. It was difficult...to cheer him up. She paused in their walk and turned towards him, pressing her hand gently upon his chest. "...then let me ease the burning..." she whispered. "If only for a little while."

He held her hands tightly with both of his. His eyes were starting to water. "You know what the doctor told me? Four years... four god damn bloody years!" He shouted angrily. " I'm only 29, Vivian! And he says I wont even make it past 35!" He was silent for a long time. A tear rolled down his cheek. "Sometimes... just sometimes... I wonder if God is going against me."

Vivian held his hands, listening to him speak. She pulled one hand away to wipe the tear from his cheek. She would get on her tiptoes to kiss his forehead, then wrap her arms around him and hold him gently, letting him rest his head upon her shoulder. "I do not think that is the case." she said softly. "After all...you appreciate life more than others. Four years, Jack. You can make so much of a difference in four years if you have the will to do so." She closed her eyes.

"A candle burns brightest before it goes out. At least you have four years...and not three..or two...or one. At least it is years. Not months." She rubbed his back gently. "You appreciate life more than everyone I know because of how you are. You see things in a different light. I believe God let this happen to you for that reason. Perhaps...because of this...you can touch others lives." She paused. "I know that you have touched mine."

He held her as though she was refuge, an oasis to a parched camel, a cold soothing river to a lion. "As you have to mine." He whispered softly. He was shaking slightly, not of anger nor sadness, bur of fear. Jack Terrance, was afraid to die, and also to love. Falling in love would just pain him more by the end of his road.. And he indeed, loved Vivian. (Think I might retire for the night after the next post.)

((Sorry, net had some issues.))

Vivian held him closely, rubbing his back gently. "Come back to my house. We can have some tea and perhaps it will help you relax." She would let go of him, reluctantly, and then take his arm to go to her home with him. She looked at him often. Even though he was upset, she wanted to drink in every image of him that she could.

Four days. It was just too soon. She wanted to spend more time with him.

He walked with her to her home. There he would sit and drink the tea she made. Jack looked occasionally about, he started to relax physically but not mentally. "You have a lovely home, nice confortable enviroment." Jack sank into his seat as he continued looking around the room.

((Aren't you supposed to be sleeping, mister? ))

Vivian was hoping the environment would help him feel better. "Thank you. I enjoy it. Perhaps after our tea we can take a walk in my garden." She sipped at her drink, looking at him often. "Would you like anything to eat, Jack?"

(That would be 'Miss', and yes I should be... so I shall. Haha, anyway, I will replt tommorrow.)

"No, I'm quite alright. But thanks for the offer. And I would love to stroll through your garden, Vivian." He smiled warmly.

(('Miss' then, lol xD I'm going to bed too, so goodnight! xD))

Vivian would do anything to help him feel better, and that much was obvious. Once they were done with their tea she would take him by the hand and lead him out to the beautiful garden in her back yard. She would walk along the stone path with him, linking arms with him and telling him what each kind of flower was.

She obviously had put much effort and care into the garden, and her work was rewarded. It was beautiful.

Jack marveled the garden's beauty. "This is delightful Vivian, you really out-did yourself. But its beautiful." He would breatyh in the wonderful smell of sweet flowers, calming himself. "Have you ever perhaps thought of opening a flower shop? I think someone with your talent and interests would inspire many people to start a garden of their own."

Vivian smiled. "I'm glad you like it. And yes, I have considered it. My friends have been telling me to look into it in earnest. I think I might, soon." She chuckled slightly. "After all, when you and your friends leave, I won't know what to do with myself." She was glad that she could help him relax. "I have spent a long time with this garden. It feels as if it is a part of me."

"That little abandoned shop at the corner of Wallace street is for sell. Perhaps you could take a look at that. Of course i plan to donate some money for the remodeling.... it needs some work." Jack was about to reach into his pocket and grab a mahogany pipe, but maybe Vivian wouldn't approve so he didnt.

Vivian lifted a brow. "Oh, it is?" She chuckled softly, smiling as she heard him mention donating. "Quite the charity case, aren't you Jack?" she teased, smiling at him. Of course, with him having problems with his body already, she would certainly not approve of him smoking a pipe! And not near her precious plants either.

He chuckled softly "well its like us soldiers have a lot of things to buy. After all, the barracks provide everything we need." He smiled at her through deep blue eyes. "I should probably be getting back too."

Vivian moved a little closer to him when he spoke of getting back. She had asked him to stay longer last night, and could not bring herself to be so selfish again. But she did not want him to leave. She wished they did not have to part at night. That they could spend each waking moment together, so that she could be with him as much as possible before he left.

"Perhaps i will stop by tomorrow after training... but my orders are strict so i must be going. He gently put his hand on her cheek and smiled. "Goodnight Vivian, sleep well." He would turn and wave when he left. The walk to the barracks would be lonely, and saddening thoughts would haunt his mind. But at least he could always think of Vivian.

Vivian nodded in understanding. "Alright. Please take care, Jack." She smiled back at him. "Goodnight, Jack. Pleasant dreams." She waved as he left, then went back inside her home. As the days passed, it was getting harder and harder to say goodbye. She looked at the gown she had gotten for the ball and sighed, sitting down on her bed. Of all the men...why did she have to fall in love with him? With an army man? She smiled to herself. She knew the answer. It was because he was him. Jack. Military man or not. She loved him.

Finally the day came, off to war they would be sent. Headed towards France to finish the remaining fight. But an hour before leave, Jack would run in his uniform to Vivian's home. He couldn't forget to say his goodbye. Jack knocked and would wait, after the door would open he would remove his helmet and smile. "Hello."

Vivian opened the door. "...Hello, Jack." She smiled at him. She looked him over, chuckling softly. "You look handsome. Don't get your uniform too dirty, alright? And stop smoking so much." She straightened his shirt a little, then glanced up at him.

"...Write to me." she said. Almost as if it were an order, not a request. Her fingers lifted to touch his cheek. "Be careful, Jack." she whispered.