Post by chase on Mar 7, 2021 22:29:40 GMT -5
Chapter 1
March, 07. Afghanistan.
Lt Colonel James Prichard stood on front of a group of his newest recruits. It was hot out. It was windy. Sand thrashed his face. He showed no annoyance. He had to look tough in front of his soldiers. He had to put on this air of invincibility. Most of the young men in front of him, waiting for him to begin speaking, were barely adult men. Most were just out of highschool. They were still kids in his eyes. In fact, he saw his own sons face on the faces of the men who stood before him. He had to talk them up. He had to make then not afraid. He had to lie to them. Many of them wouldn't make it back home.
"Marines!" Lt Colonel Prichard yelled out.
"Ooora!" Yelled the crowd.
"You're all here today to kick those terrorist fucks back into their fucking caves! We are Marines. First in. Last out. Best of the best. This shit isn't easy", he said with a Southern twang. "Those camel humping fucks are too scared to fight so they set up bombs. But we're Marines. Let's make sure they remember. See your squad leaders to get your orders. Now go."
There was a loud cheer as the crowd dispersed. The louds of them coming from eighteen years old Chase Blackley. His hair cut high and tight, sweat pouring down his chiseled jaw. His piercing blue eyes surveying the land around him like a hawk looking for prey.
"Come on man. Do you always have to do this shit?" Came a voice from his left. Chase turned to see his best friend, James.
"Somebody's got to watch your dumb ass." Chase laughed as he lit a cigarette.
"This place is so fucking hot. I didn't think it'd be like this. Holy. Fucking. Shit." James moaned.
Chase laughed. "We'll get used to it. I ain't letting the sun keep me away from Jess."
The two walked into a large tent filled with tables. Most were full of people sitting at them, getting calories before going on patrol. Chase and James grabbed some rations before sitting down.
"She cry when you left?" James asked.
Chase nodded. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her face.
"I'm going home to her. She knows that." Chase replied, staring off into the distance.
"Boss still crying? Oh you poor fucking baby." Came a new York accent. James shook his head. "Sanchez. You fucking asshole."
This was Jason Sanchez. He stood about five feet seven, had short black hair and a new York accent. Being from New Orleans, James Butler and Chase hated it. The three had gone through training together and had become close friends.
"Hey atleast we have these sweet tents. We can thank those army fucks for that. All they're good for, right? Sanchez laughed.
"Look man. We have to focus on real shit." James said as he took a bite of the gelatinous gloop that sat on his tray. He winced at the smell.
"We'll be fine. I got you guys." Chase said flatly.
He looked off into the distance, eagle like eyes gazing for prey.
Chapter 2.
Jessica Blackley sat patiently waiting in an empty room. There were photos of babies on the walls. She looked at peace but her eyes told a different story. They were cloudy and full of fear and doubt. It's been months since she's last seen her husband. She'd waited and waited but hadn't heard a single thing from him. This day was one in which she'd hoped and prayed Chase would be with her. This was to he day she'd learn the sex of their child.
"Jessica Blackley?" A short nurse wearing blue scrubs over ample breast asked
"I'm Angela. How are you today" nurse Angela asked with a wide smile.
Jessica couldn't say. She simply fawned a smile and rubbed her left arm. She was obviously nervous and sad. Every emotion the human body can convey ran through the young woman. On one hand she was extremely excited to be there. On the other she was sad because her love wasnt.
Angela led her down a date hallway and into an equally dark room. The room held only a bed and a computer with different attachments. She motioned for Jessica to lay down on the bed before lifting Jessica's shirt slightly over her growing belly.
"Have you thought of any names?" Angela asked with a wide smile.
Jessica's eyes lit up. "Chase for a boy. Martha for a girl." Jessica happily said with a wide grin that went from ear to ear.
Angela squirted gel on Jessica's belly and started moving it around to get the information she needed.
"What does daddy think about those?" Angela asked.
Jessica was quiet for a time. She'd never thought about that. Noticing that her patients face had gone white, Angela quickly spoke
"I'm sorry if I've struck a nerve. I didn't mean.." Angela started. Jessica sighed to herself. "It's ok." She said.
Jessica left it at that and Angela didn't pursue anything more. As she collected what she needed, she stopped. "Do you want to know the sex of your baby?" Angela asked. Jessica quickly nodded her head.
"See that?" She said, pointing to the image on the screen. "It looks like we have an Chase." Angela told Jessica. Jessica's eyes lit up and tears started falling down her red cheeks. "Chase." Jessica whispered.
It wasn't long before Angela was done. She wiped the remaining gel from Jessica's belly and then helped her up. "Congratulations, Mrs. Blackley. He's healthy and growing very big. You're going to have your hands full." Angela said gently as she led Jessica out into the dark hallway.
"Have a nice day. Follow the green stickers to find your way out." Angela said before going to get her next patient.
Jessica didn't know how to feel. But she knew she wouldn't be alone in this.
Chapter Three
Gunshots Rang out, echoing through the hot desert air. Some hit there mark. Others bounced off of rocks or worse. James Butler, Chases best friend, was tucked behind a tan Humvee. Fear filled his eyes as bullets whizzed past his head. He looked around to see bodies laying here and there.
The convoy had been ambushed. Only one of the five they're started out with originally was still in working condition. He was afraid. It looked like most of his brothers in arms were dead. He fired a shot into the hills.
Meanwhile, Chase Blackley gathered himself. He was on his back. His breathing wasn't strong but he knew he was alive. Blood slowly trickled down his face.
"Ugh!" Chase moaned as he sat up. He heard the gunfire around him before looking around. There was Carnage surrounding him. Bodies and body party littered the sand around him. He noticed an older man, Sargeant Fuller, yelling at him. Chase couldn't hear him over the ensuing firefight, as well as the ringing in his ears.
Chase made his way to his feet. He counted ten of them left alive in total. He jumped into action, firing off suppression fire into the mountains to their right.
"James!" Chase yelled. Hed feared the worst for his childhood friend. A bullet whizzed past his head, richoching off of the destroyed Humvee behind him.
"Call it in!" Sargeant Fuller yelled to him. Chase didn't. He had to find his friend first.
"Where's James?!" Chase yelled to Fuller.
Sgt Fuller didn't respond. He'd been shot in the head.
Chase fired more suppression fire as he made his way around, surveying the dead and looking for anyone left alive. He counted nine total. Eyeing the horizon, Chase saw a group of Taliban fighters running toward them. He fired shot after shot. When he was done, eight enemy fighters lay dead in the sand. That's when Chase found James.
Chases best friend was hiding behind the only Humvee not destroyed. He looked terrified as bullets flew all around them.
"I got you." Chase said as he tucked himself behind the same Humvee.
"Sanchez." Was all that James could say. He didn't have to say anything else. Chase had seen the mangled body of their friend.
"Call it in, Butler. Everyone else...cover me!" Chase yelled.
He ran toward the gunfire, bullets flying closely by. He'd never been one to run from a fight. He always ran toward it.
Chapter Four.
The sun was just beginning to rise in the Louisiana sky. Mosquitos the size of small dogs buzzed about in the air. The day time heat was already beginning to set in.
Chase Blackley sat on a creek bed. His face was white. Sweat poured down his face. He'd been seeing visions of his friend. He'd just dreamed of his first battle. At the time he'd felt no fear. He only wanted those left to survive. Now? He was afraid. He was afraid he would be able to react the way he did on that day. Countless dead from the ambush of his convoy. Bullets flying by his head. It all seemed so real. He was on edge.
"Fucking cowards!" He yelled out.
He lit a cigarette he'd pulled from his pocket and took a long draw before coughing loudly.
He got up and began walking around slowly and carefully. "They could be anywhere." He said to himself, grabbing his knife.
But he quickly regained composure and calmed down. His skin returned to his normal tan and he leaned against a tree.
"America Jackson. I knew that we would eventually have to face each other. After all. You cast a very large show over the roster. Not as big as Damon Warrens's shadow. And it seems like you're ok with that. It seems to me like you're ok with being just second best. The other guy..so to speak." Chase stated flatly.
He took another draw from the cigarette.
"As a man who has seen battle, I have to tell you something. Being second best gets you killed. A guy can't be satisfied with just being second best. He has to strive to be better. He has to thrive to run the fastest the longest. He has to strive to be the strongest. The best shot. The most calm. If a soldier doesn't do these things, how can he protect his brothers? The simple truth is that he can't. And that makes a bad soldier, Jackson.
I know you've been getting by with facing the dregs on alpha pro. Felicity? Easy win, right? It should have been. It shouldn't have taken a guy like you more than a few mere moments to dispatch of her. But you're no warrior. She put up a fight. Much more than you'd expected. Maybe you were simply toying with her. That's another example of someone who couldn't cut it out there where things are life and death. You have to end your opponent as swiftly as possible.
But then again. War isn't for everybody. War is Hell. It changes your mind… it.. ." Chase said.
The sun was fully in the sky. Birds began chirping loudly and squirrels began their day by crawling around under the trees looking for food.
"I know what they say about me. How can a guy as mentally damaged as myself last in a business meant only for causing violence and harm? It's simple. This is who I am. I'm not the kind of guy to sit at a desk and do paperwork. No. I'm the kind of guy who fights for everything. No matter who the enemy is. Even if that enemy is myself. I fight. And I fight. Until I can't fight anymore. Good luck, America. You'll need it." Chase said before asking the cigarette and dropping the butt on the ground.
"Fuck. It's you again." He said
Chapter 5:
Jessica Blackley sat alone. Candles lit her delicate face as she sat in the bubble bath. In her hand was a picture of Chase. Thousands of thoughts raced through her head. She loved him. She hated him. She loathed him. She wanted him. She didn't truly know how to handle her feelings. She'd tried to bury them and act like nothing was wrong, but the longer he was gone, the more she hated him.
He'd left her in the middle of the night. She'd been planning on telling him about their baby the next day. But he wasn't there. He'd left. And she was alone. And afraid.
She had her computer playing random songs on YouTube while she relaxed in that warm bubble bath. It was a strange mix of love songs and emo songs. The list perfectly fit the emotions that plagued her mind. The list was all over the place. Her thoughts were all over the place. It was a perfect fit.
She gasped when she first heard it. She was leaning back in the tub, eyes closed and humming to the song "baby got back", when she heard his name.
"Chase Blackley!"
She quickly sat up and looked. It was a wrestling entrance. She froze when she saw him walking down to the ring. She saw the determination in his face but the sadness in his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. She was happy to see that he was ok. Relieved in fact.
She quickly got out of the tub and searched his name. She found videos. Some made her happy because he seemed so lucid. Others made her sad. She saw him focused. She also saw him crying, screaming, and talking to someone who was not there. Was this why he left? Because he just couldn't get it together? Was this how he was trying to hold himself together? Why couldn't he just come home?
She grabbed her phone after putting on her white robe. Jessica was sobbing when her mother answered the phone.
"Mom. He's alive." Jessica said before dropping the phone and holding her belly. Little Chase had started kicking. Babies often feel the same emotions as the mom...even from the womb. Since momma was happy, baby Chase was happy.
"You're ok. That's all that matters." Jessica thought as tears streaked down her face.
Chapter 6:
Chase sat at the top of a large tree. It was midday. The sun was shining. Sweat dripped from his face. He was well camouflaged and wouldn't be seen unless he wanted to.
"You're starting shit with the wrong one!" He yelled.
He drew a knife from his right side. "I killed you before. I'll fucking do it again!" He yelled.
And then he put the knife back and looked around as if he didn't understand what was going on. He held his head with both hands while sitting on the biggest branch.
"I wish I could go back. I really do. There's nothing in this world that I want more than to hold her again. But I can't. Not as long as this shit keeps happening." He said quickly before grabbing the branch to keep his balance. Chase didn't even know how he'd gotten up that far. Climbing trees was never his thing.
He slowly and clumsily climbed down. When his feet finally touched dirt, he sighed and lit a cigarette. Taking a long draw, he blew smoke rings into the air and smiled. But his eyes soon glazed over.
"Get down! Incoming! Rodriguez! I said down soldier!"
Chase quickly ducked under a fallen tree. He looked around for his gun, but it was nowhere to be found. He took his knife from his pocket.
"Rodriguez! I said get down! They're everywhere! We're gonna need air support. James call it in. Hit the mountains just north of here." Chase ordered.
He darted from the fallen tree and found safety behind a rock. "Where's that air support, James?" Chase asked.
There was no answer. Chase sighed to himself. That had been the third time that day that he'd relived that battle. He'd managed to save everyone but nearly killed himself doing it.
"The battle was a tough one. As usual in that God forsaken country, we were surrounded. I didn't see a way out so we called in bombs. After the smoke cleared, I saw just how badly we were out. There were hundreds. Thank God for the air Force." Chase sighed.
He walked a short way back to the small cabin he'd been living in. It was empty save for a table, candle and picture of Jessica. His heart sank when he saw it. Not long ago he thought he was ready, but then his visions got worse. When that happened, he'd decided not to go back. He couldn't chance it.
He lit another cigarette, took and draw and sighed.
"Well. I guess congratulations are in order. You did it. You managed to steal what's mine, Harvey. Don't think for a second that I've forgotten. I may be facing America Jackson this week, but I'll be seeing you as well." Chase said as he took a seat in an empty corner.
"I look at Jackson and I can't help but think about how much better he could be if he wasn't stuck under Damon Warrens's thumb. And he's stuck there. Don't doubt that. But he's there by choice. Could he be playing a game and waiting to strike? Possibly but he doesn't seem to be quite that bright. He's a few bulbs short if you know what I mean." Chase grinned a wide grin.
He took another long draw before blowing smoke rings into the air.
"In order to beat me, he'd need to become the best America Jackson he's ever been. He'll need to put his body through situations he's never put it through. He's gonna have to be willing to do things he's never done. I've been to war, America. I've marched hundreds of miles with no rest. I've carried grown men down mountains because they couldn't walk. My body has been through hell and came out the other side asking for more.
You know. They often say that basic training is nothing more than teaching a few kids some fighting moves. It isn't. In basic training, you train your body and mind. You learn that the greatest battle of your life happens within. It's fighting your own body. Overcoming things you shouldn't be able to. Willing yourself through the woods during a hurricane to find a Flag so that your brothers can eat and sleep. That's what you have coming, Jackson. And that's why you'll lose." Andrew said before asking the cigarette.
Chapter 7
Jessica looked happy for the first time in a few months. Though she had bags under her eyes from a lack of sleep, her face held a smiled she hadn't smiled since before Chase left.
She'd been up all night. She'd managed to find every video involving her husband. She didn't always like what she saw. She knew he was having a very tough time mentally but she was happy to see him. She was happy to know he was alive.
She was watching his match against Jason Ryan. She found herself loudly cheering for her love. And giggling. She hadn't giggled like a school girl in forever.
"That's your daddy!" Jessica said out loud with a smile as wide as the Mississippi River.
"I don't know when he's coming back, but there he is." She added with a loving sigh.
Her phone rang. She quickly answered. It was her mom.
"Yes I know it's him! He's alive mom! No. I don't know where he is or when he's coming back." She said into the phone.
There was a long pause. Jessica's eyes teared up.
"No. I don't think I could help him. He can't do this on his own, but I would only make things worse. All that matters is that he's alive. I'm ok as long as I know he's ok." Jessica said into the phone before sighing.
She hung up the phone and rewound the video of his match with Armand. She watched at his moved with purpose. Every movement served to accomplish something. No movement was wasted. She watched as he won the match.
"Wooooo!" She yelled out as Chases hand was raised.
But then she sunk back in her chair. She saw the saddness in his eyes. His face showed an elated expression. His eyes, however, were full of sadness.
"Why won't you just come home, Chase. Just come home. Please." Jessica said to herself.
She was hungry and eating for two so she made her way to the kitchen for a snack.
Chapter 8:
Chase Blackley still sat in an empty corner of the small cabin. The light from a flickering candle danced on the surrounding walls. Tears poured down his face as he looked at Jessica's picture.
"I'm sorry, Jessica. Im sorry for everything. I'm sorry I forced you to kick me out. I'm sorry I have these problems. I'm trying. I really am." He cried to himself.
This was a man in pain. This was a man who had given his all but was losing the biggest battle of his life. But this man was also a fighter.
"Jessica…."
Fade.
March, 07. Afghanistan.
Lt Colonel James Prichard stood on front of a group of his newest recruits. It was hot out. It was windy. Sand thrashed his face. He showed no annoyance. He had to look tough in front of his soldiers. He had to put on this air of invincibility. Most of the young men in front of him, waiting for him to begin speaking, were barely adult men. Most were just out of highschool. They were still kids in his eyes. In fact, he saw his own sons face on the faces of the men who stood before him. He had to talk them up. He had to make then not afraid. He had to lie to them. Many of them wouldn't make it back home.
"Marines!" Lt Colonel Prichard yelled out.
"Ooora!" Yelled the crowd.
"You're all here today to kick those terrorist fucks back into their fucking caves! We are Marines. First in. Last out. Best of the best. This shit isn't easy", he said with a Southern twang. "Those camel humping fucks are too scared to fight so they set up bombs. But we're Marines. Let's make sure they remember. See your squad leaders to get your orders. Now go."
There was a loud cheer as the crowd dispersed. The louds of them coming from eighteen years old Chase Blackley. His hair cut high and tight, sweat pouring down his chiseled jaw. His piercing blue eyes surveying the land around him like a hawk looking for prey.
"Come on man. Do you always have to do this shit?" Came a voice from his left. Chase turned to see his best friend, James.
"Somebody's got to watch your dumb ass." Chase laughed as he lit a cigarette.
"This place is so fucking hot. I didn't think it'd be like this. Holy. Fucking. Shit." James moaned.
Chase laughed. "We'll get used to it. I ain't letting the sun keep me away from Jess."
The two walked into a large tent filled with tables. Most were full of people sitting at them, getting calories before going on patrol. Chase and James grabbed some rations before sitting down.
"She cry when you left?" James asked.
Chase nodded. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her face.
"I'm going home to her. She knows that." Chase replied, staring off into the distance.
"Boss still crying? Oh you poor fucking baby." Came a new York accent. James shook his head. "Sanchez. You fucking asshole."
This was Jason Sanchez. He stood about five feet seven, had short black hair and a new York accent. Being from New Orleans, James Butler and Chase hated it. The three had gone through training together and had become close friends.
"Hey atleast we have these sweet tents. We can thank those army fucks for that. All they're good for, right? Sanchez laughed.
"Look man. We have to focus on real shit." James said as he took a bite of the gelatinous gloop that sat on his tray. He winced at the smell.
"We'll be fine. I got you guys." Chase said flatly.
He looked off into the distance, eagle like eyes gazing for prey.
Chapter 2.
Jessica Blackley sat patiently waiting in an empty room. There were photos of babies on the walls. She looked at peace but her eyes told a different story. They were cloudy and full of fear and doubt. It's been months since she's last seen her husband. She'd waited and waited but hadn't heard a single thing from him. This day was one in which she'd hoped and prayed Chase would be with her. This was to he day she'd learn the sex of their child.
"Jessica Blackley?" A short nurse wearing blue scrubs over ample breast asked
"I'm Angela. How are you today" nurse Angela asked with a wide smile.
Jessica couldn't say. She simply fawned a smile and rubbed her left arm. She was obviously nervous and sad. Every emotion the human body can convey ran through the young woman. On one hand she was extremely excited to be there. On the other she was sad because her love wasnt.
Angela led her down a date hallway and into an equally dark room. The room held only a bed and a computer with different attachments. She motioned for Jessica to lay down on the bed before lifting Jessica's shirt slightly over her growing belly.
"Have you thought of any names?" Angela asked with a wide smile.
Jessica's eyes lit up. "Chase for a boy. Martha for a girl." Jessica happily said with a wide grin that went from ear to ear.
Angela squirted gel on Jessica's belly and started moving it around to get the information she needed.
"What does daddy think about those?" Angela asked.
Jessica was quiet for a time. She'd never thought about that. Noticing that her patients face had gone white, Angela quickly spoke
"I'm sorry if I've struck a nerve. I didn't mean.." Angela started. Jessica sighed to herself. "It's ok." She said.
Jessica left it at that and Angela didn't pursue anything more. As she collected what she needed, she stopped. "Do you want to know the sex of your baby?" Angela asked. Jessica quickly nodded her head.
"See that?" She said, pointing to the image on the screen. "It looks like we have an Chase." Angela told Jessica. Jessica's eyes lit up and tears started falling down her red cheeks. "Chase." Jessica whispered.
It wasn't long before Angela was done. She wiped the remaining gel from Jessica's belly and then helped her up. "Congratulations, Mrs. Blackley. He's healthy and growing very big. You're going to have your hands full." Angela said gently as she led Jessica out into the dark hallway.
"Have a nice day. Follow the green stickers to find your way out." Angela said before going to get her next patient.
Jessica didn't know how to feel. But she knew she wouldn't be alone in this.
Chapter Three
Gunshots Rang out, echoing through the hot desert air. Some hit there mark. Others bounced off of rocks or worse. James Butler, Chases best friend, was tucked behind a tan Humvee. Fear filled his eyes as bullets whizzed past his head. He looked around to see bodies laying here and there.
The convoy had been ambushed. Only one of the five they're started out with originally was still in working condition. He was afraid. It looked like most of his brothers in arms were dead. He fired a shot into the hills.
Meanwhile, Chase Blackley gathered himself. He was on his back. His breathing wasn't strong but he knew he was alive. Blood slowly trickled down his face.
"Ugh!" Chase moaned as he sat up. He heard the gunfire around him before looking around. There was Carnage surrounding him. Bodies and body party littered the sand around him. He noticed an older man, Sargeant Fuller, yelling at him. Chase couldn't hear him over the ensuing firefight, as well as the ringing in his ears.
Chase made his way to his feet. He counted ten of them left alive in total. He jumped into action, firing off suppression fire into the mountains to their right.
"James!" Chase yelled. Hed feared the worst for his childhood friend. A bullet whizzed past his head, richoching off of the destroyed Humvee behind him.
"Call it in!" Sargeant Fuller yelled to him. Chase didn't. He had to find his friend first.
"Where's James?!" Chase yelled to Fuller.
Sgt Fuller didn't respond. He'd been shot in the head.
Chase fired more suppression fire as he made his way around, surveying the dead and looking for anyone left alive. He counted nine total. Eyeing the horizon, Chase saw a group of Taliban fighters running toward them. He fired shot after shot. When he was done, eight enemy fighters lay dead in the sand. That's when Chase found James.
Chases best friend was hiding behind the only Humvee not destroyed. He looked terrified as bullets flew all around them.
"I got you." Chase said as he tucked himself behind the same Humvee.
"Sanchez." Was all that James could say. He didn't have to say anything else. Chase had seen the mangled body of their friend.
"Call it in, Butler. Everyone else...cover me!" Chase yelled.
He ran toward the gunfire, bullets flying closely by. He'd never been one to run from a fight. He always ran toward it.
Chapter Four.
The sun was just beginning to rise in the Louisiana sky. Mosquitos the size of small dogs buzzed about in the air. The day time heat was already beginning to set in.
Chase Blackley sat on a creek bed. His face was white. Sweat poured down his face. He'd been seeing visions of his friend. He'd just dreamed of his first battle. At the time he'd felt no fear. He only wanted those left to survive. Now? He was afraid. He was afraid he would be able to react the way he did on that day. Countless dead from the ambush of his convoy. Bullets flying by his head. It all seemed so real. He was on edge.
"Fucking cowards!" He yelled out.
He lit a cigarette he'd pulled from his pocket and took a long draw before coughing loudly.
He got up and began walking around slowly and carefully. "They could be anywhere." He said to himself, grabbing his knife.
But he quickly regained composure and calmed down. His skin returned to his normal tan and he leaned against a tree.
"America Jackson. I knew that we would eventually have to face each other. After all. You cast a very large show over the roster. Not as big as Damon Warrens's shadow. And it seems like you're ok with that. It seems to me like you're ok with being just second best. The other guy..so to speak." Chase stated flatly.
He took another draw from the cigarette.
"As a man who has seen battle, I have to tell you something. Being second best gets you killed. A guy can't be satisfied with just being second best. He has to strive to be better. He has to thrive to run the fastest the longest. He has to strive to be the strongest. The best shot. The most calm. If a soldier doesn't do these things, how can he protect his brothers? The simple truth is that he can't. And that makes a bad soldier, Jackson.
I know you've been getting by with facing the dregs on alpha pro. Felicity? Easy win, right? It should have been. It shouldn't have taken a guy like you more than a few mere moments to dispatch of her. But you're no warrior. She put up a fight. Much more than you'd expected. Maybe you were simply toying with her. That's another example of someone who couldn't cut it out there where things are life and death. You have to end your opponent as swiftly as possible.
But then again. War isn't for everybody. War is Hell. It changes your mind… it.. ." Chase said.
The sun was fully in the sky. Birds began chirping loudly and squirrels began their day by crawling around under the trees looking for food.
"I know what they say about me. How can a guy as mentally damaged as myself last in a business meant only for causing violence and harm? It's simple. This is who I am. I'm not the kind of guy to sit at a desk and do paperwork. No. I'm the kind of guy who fights for everything. No matter who the enemy is. Even if that enemy is myself. I fight. And I fight. Until I can't fight anymore. Good luck, America. You'll need it." Chase said before asking the cigarette and dropping the butt on the ground.
"Fuck. It's you again." He said
Chapter 5:
Jessica Blackley sat alone. Candles lit her delicate face as she sat in the bubble bath. In her hand was a picture of Chase. Thousands of thoughts raced through her head. She loved him. She hated him. She loathed him. She wanted him. She didn't truly know how to handle her feelings. She'd tried to bury them and act like nothing was wrong, but the longer he was gone, the more she hated him.
He'd left her in the middle of the night. She'd been planning on telling him about their baby the next day. But he wasn't there. He'd left. And she was alone. And afraid.
She had her computer playing random songs on YouTube while she relaxed in that warm bubble bath. It was a strange mix of love songs and emo songs. The list perfectly fit the emotions that plagued her mind. The list was all over the place. Her thoughts were all over the place. It was a perfect fit.
She gasped when she first heard it. She was leaning back in the tub, eyes closed and humming to the song "baby got back", when she heard his name.
"Chase Blackley!"
She quickly sat up and looked. It was a wrestling entrance. She froze when she saw him walking down to the ring. She saw the determination in his face but the sadness in his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. She was happy to see that he was ok. Relieved in fact.
She quickly got out of the tub and searched his name. She found videos. Some made her happy because he seemed so lucid. Others made her sad. She saw him focused. She also saw him crying, screaming, and talking to someone who was not there. Was this why he left? Because he just couldn't get it together? Was this how he was trying to hold himself together? Why couldn't he just come home?
She grabbed her phone after putting on her white robe. Jessica was sobbing when her mother answered the phone.
"Mom. He's alive." Jessica said before dropping the phone and holding her belly. Little Chase had started kicking. Babies often feel the same emotions as the mom...even from the womb. Since momma was happy, baby Chase was happy.
"You're ok. That's all that matters." Jessica thought as tears streaked down her face.
Chapter 6:
Chase sat at the top of a large tree. It was midday. The sun was shining. Sweat dripped from his face. He was well camouflaged and wouldn't be seen unless he wanted to.
"You're starting shit with the wrong one!" He yelled.
He drew a knife from his right side. "I killed you before. I'll fucking do it again!" He yelled.
And then he put the knife back and looked around as if he didn't understand what was going on. He held his head with both hands while sitting on the biggest branch.
"I wish I could go back. I really do. There's nothing in this world that I want more than to hold her again. But I can't. Not as long as this shit keeps happening." He said quickly before grabbing the branch to keep his balance. Chase didn't even know how he'd gotten up that far. Climbing trees was never his thing.
He slowly and clumsily climbed down. When his feet finally touched dirt, he sighed and lit a cigarette. Taking a long draw, he blew smoke rings into the air and smiled. But his eyes soon glazed over.
"Get down! Incoming! Rodriguez! I said down soldier!"
Chase quickly ducked under a fallen tree. He looked around for his gun, but it was nowhere to be found. He took his knife from his pocket.
"Rodriguez! I said get down! They're everywhere! We're gonna need air support. James call it in. Hit the mountains just north of here." Chase ordered.
He darted from the fallen tree and found safety behind a rock. "Where's that air support, James?" Chase asked.
There was no answer. Chase sighed to himself. That had been the third time that day that he'd relived that battle. He'd managed to save everyone but nearly killed himself doing it.
"The battle was a tough one. As usual in that God forsaken country, we were surrounded. I didn't see a way out so we called in bombs. After the smoke cleared, I saw just how badly we were out. There were hundreds. Thank God for the air Force." Chase sighed.
He walked a short way back to the small cabin he'd been living in. It was empty save for a table, candle and picture of Jessica. His heart sank when he saw it. Not long ago he thought he was ready, but then his visions got worse. When that happened, he'd decided not to go back. He couldn't chance it.
He lit another cigarette, took and draw and sighed.
"Well. I guess congratulations are in order. You did it. You managed to steal what's mine, Harvey. Don't think for a second that I've forgotten. I may be facing America Jackson this week, but I'll be seeing you as well." Chase said as he took a seat in an empty corner.
"I look at Jackson and I can't help but think about how much better he could be if he wasn't stuck under Damon Warrens's thumb. And he's stuck there. Don't doubt that. But he's there by choice. Could he be playing a game and waiting to strike? Possibly but he doesn't seem to be quite that bright. He's a few bulbs short if you know what I mean." Chase grinned a wide grin.
He took another long draw before blowing smoke rings into the air.
"In order to beat me, he'd need to become the best America Jackson he's ever been. He'll need to put his body through situations he's never put it through. He's gonna have to be willing to do things he's never done. I've been to war, America. I've marched hundreds of miles with no rest. I've carried grown men down mountains because they couldn't walk. My body has been through hell and came out the other side asking for more.
You know. They often say that basic training is nothing more than teaching a few kids some fighting moves. It isn't. In basic training, you train your body and mind. You learn that the greatest battle of your life happens within. It's fighting your own body. Overcoming things you shouldn't be able to. Willing yourself through the woods during a hurricane to find a Flag so that your brothers can eat and sleep. That's what you have coming, Jackson. And that's why you'll lose." Andrew said before asking the cigarette.
Chapter 7
Jessica looked happy for the first time in a few months. Though she had bags under her eyes from a lack of sleep, her face held a smiled she hadn't smiled since before Chase left.
She'd been up all night. She'd managed to find every video involving her husband. She didn't always like what she saw. She knew he was having a very tough time mentally but she was happy to see him. She was happy to know he was alive.
She was watching his match against Jason Ryan. She found herself loudly cheering for her love. And giggling. She hadn't giggled like a school girl in forever.
"That's your daddy!" Jessica said out loud with a smile as wide as the Mississippi River.
"I don't know when he's coming back, but there he is." She added with a loving sigh.
Her phone rang. She quickly answered. It was her mom.
"Yes I know it's him! He's alive mom! No. I don't know where he is or when he's coming back." She said into the phone.
There was a long pause. Jessica's eyes teared up.
"No. I don't think I could help him. He can't do this on his own, but I would only make things worse. All that matters is that he's alive. I'm ok as long as I know he's ok." Jessica said into the phone before sighing.
She hung up the phone and rewound the video of his match with Armand. She watched at his moved with purpose. Every movement served to accomplish something. No movement was wasted. She watched as he won the match.
"Wooooo!" She yelled out as Chases hand was raised.
But then she sunk back in her chair. She saw the saddness in his eyes. His face showed an elated expression. His eyes, however, were full of sadness.
"Why won't you just come home, Chase. Just come home. Please." Jessica said to herself.
She was hungry and eating for two so she made her way to the kitchen for a snack.
Chapter 8:
Chase Blackley still sat in an empty corner of the small cabin. The light from a flickering candle danced on the surrounding walls. Tears poured down his face as he looked at Jessica's picture.
"I'm sorry, Jessica. Im sorry for everything. I'm sorry I forced you to kick me out. I'm sorry I have these problems. I'm trying. I really am." He cried to himself.
This was a man in pain. This was a man who had given his all but was losing the biggest battle of his life. But this man was also a fighter.
"Jessica…."
Fade.
