End of the Beginning

Jamie stood there with her mouth hung open for a moment. She was utterly shocked. How could it be true? Chloe and Josh met at basic, how could they be engaged? It had only been a month since Jamie left. Tears stood in her eyes but refused to fall. This was not at all what she had envisioned. “Maybe it wasn’t love after all. Perhaps it was part of some left over confusion. It was natural to love your first though. Or at least believe that you do” she thought.

Unsure of what to do next she started for her car, but was stopped by a large handsome man. “Are you ok Miss? You seem a little lost,” said the man. Jamie looked up and found herself staring into the clear blue eyes of PV2 Matthew Bruce. Private Bruce was 6 feet 2 inches of beautiful. He was a blonde (though at the moment his head was shaved), built, and well tanned. The term ’gym bunny’ flittered across Jamie’s mind.

She shook her head in response to his question. “I am ok I think.”

Bruce nodded. “Hey, you look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?”

Jamie gasped inwardly. She had been in basic with this man! Although she had told her mom, she had not started talking to people she had known with the exception of Chloe and Josh. This was different. “Might as well tell him,” she thought. “What have I got to lose?”

She took a deep breath and said, “It is nice to see you again Private Bruce.”

A look of confusion came over Matthew. He studied the girl and his eyes widened in realization. “James Newberry!” he exclaimed. Jamie nodded.

“I am having my name changed. Call me Jamie. Jamie Newcherry.” She stuck her hand out to shake his. She was not sure if he would take it, but she had to try. Matthew smiled in response. He slowly reached out and took her hand.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Newcherry. You can call me Matthew.”

Jamie beamed. She was afraid no one would accept her. It was a relief that Matthew did. She had liked him in basic. They had been friends. However, after that night with Chloe and Josh, Jamie had not been able to look anyone in the eye. “Thanks Matthew” she said. “How did you know it was me though?”