War
A short story by Nicolle Andrew
Copyright ©2016
Just one more night is all we needed. One more night to say our vows and exchange rings. I’m an Army Nurse and Bobby is a soldier for what they’re callin’ “The Great War”. He didn’t wanna run off and get married by signin’ a piece of paper like all the other drafted soldiers. He wanted a traditional weddin’ in a church with our families.
“If we gonna do this, we gonna do this right.” Is what he always tells me these days.
We’ve both been here for two months now. Earlier this evening Bobby found me in the tents and pulled my arm to go with him. He drug me off to some field miles away by a deadly still lake. The only thing visible on it is the glimmerin’ reflection of the crescent moon.
“Are we supposed to be here?”
There is no trace of concern across his face. “No clue. I just needed to see ya.” He grabs my hands in his, “Catherine, I knew since the day I saw you that I was gonna marry you. You complete me in every way, darlin’. I wanna say our vows right now under these stars.”
“Bobby. Whatever happened to doin’ it right?”
“Catherine… Honey…” A tear flows down his cheek. “The doctors. They said I have an infection in my arm. They said if they amputate, it may help slow the breakdown but it may not.”
“What? Why didn't you let them?!” I'm crying somethin’ awful.
“It's my left arm. I need to put a ring on that hand.”
“Oh- Bobby why? I love you…”
A low rumble nears us. As we hold each other and say our vows I take in every moment. We slide on the rings Bobby kept in his pocket this whole time. I stare into his eyes holdin’ on to every breath. The rumblin’ gets louder and soon lights shine over us. We continue our last minute weddin’ that in a way is perfect because it's with him. I suppose I won’t need mamma’s white gown anymore.
“I may kiss my bride.” He comes in and passionately locks his lips into mine.
The metal birds cover the sky and bullets wash down on us. The scent of warm, thick blood is everywhere. I fall onto him from the pain in my torso.
“I got hit… In my arm. My jaw too...” He checks himself for more wounds.
“My stomach…” I grab my own wound while the planes turn and leave us thinking we’re gone.
Both our hands go over the hole in me. The blood paints my lips as I kiss him delicately on the neck. A tear rolls down from my eye and slides into Bobby’s chest. We lay our heads on the warm sticky grass staring into the stars.
“Always and forever, Mrs.Jones.”
“Always, my love.” I place my left hand in his as our last breaths go out together.