Authors: Jenna Payne
“Oh god, you feel so good Angie,” Ty moans as he pumps into me one final time. We both climax together.
I don’t want this moment to end. Ty is here. With me. He’s mine now. All mine. And I’ll never let him go.
*****
Sometimes, life has a funny way of taking something away only to give it back. Perhaps this is life’s way of telling me how much something is worth.
I knew I missed Ty, I thought of him often. But now that I’ve finally had him in my arms again, I realize how much I truly miss him. I now know how much he truly means to me.
I’m back at my tent now thinking about Ty and our little getaway earlier.
Part of me wants to start off where we left off so many years ago. But, time just doesn’t work that way. Ty is a Navy SEAL officer now and he has a mission. He follows rules and accepts responsibilities. Who knew he would turn out like that, huh?
He’s out saving the world, making it a better place. And here I am, still fighting with my father like a child.
I open up my notebook and take out a pen. I’m going to write my father a letter. I’m going to apologize. My short talk with Ty made me realize what a child I’ve been. He’s grown up and I haven’t.
Dear Dad,I know we haven’t talked for awhile. But, there’s something I have to say. Before I get to that, I want to tell you about my first few days here.
After I landed in Somalia two days ago, we took a bus to the village. We plan on being here for a week or so. Then the bus will pick us up and take us to another village.
Our mission is to ensure health for the poor out here. Aren’t you proud of me? I know this wasn’t what you had planned for me, but I’m happy. I hope you can see that.
Well, back to the point, there was a gunfight near the village yesterday. I’m not hurt. But, I did have to take care of a few injured. Guess who I met? Ty. Remember him Dad? Ty Kirk. Well, he’s Captain Kirk now. Isn’t that funny? Captain Kirk is your favorite character from Star Trek, isn’t he?
Ty joined the U.S. Navy. He’s a Navy SEAL Officer now. He’s out doing good things for the United States. We got to talking about what he’s done and well…it got me thinking.
I’ve been a child this whole time while Ty has grown up. I don’t want to be that sixteen year-old girl anymore. I’m sorry Dad. I want you to know that I love you and respect you. But, I can’t keep on dating men that make me miserable. I hope you will understand.
I know image is important to you, but please know that I’m still your daughter. I hope you can see that.
I love you, Dad.
Sincerely,
Angie
I tear the piece of paper from the notebook and fold it up in thirds. I’ll have to mail this out once the bus comes for us. I can’t send him an email since we have no internet access here. Perhaps, if we get to the city I’ll transcribe this into an email.
I close my notebook and lay on my cot contemplating my life
and
thinking of Ty. Since I’m not on shift today, we agreed to meet up before dinner. The villagers are putting on a little feast today. The weather warms up, and I fall asleep.
I wake to find someone standing in my tent. I look up to see Ty.
“Why, hello there Sleeping Beauty,” Ty says as he leans in for a kiss. “Did you forget our date?”
“Of course not. I took a nap. It was a long night.”
“Well, I’ll let you get ready and I’ll wait outside,” Ty gets up and walks out.
I put on some clothes, adjust my hair and walk out. Forget the make-up. There’s no time for that in this type of environment. Besides, there’s no need to impress a man who’s already deeply in love with me.
To think of Ty, a tough and able-bodied man, not wanting to let me go brings a smile to my face. My heart skips a beat.
Outside, he takes hold of my hand and leads me out of the village towards the creek. It’s later in the day, but the sun hasn’t set yet.
“Maybe we’ll be able to get some alone time out here. You know, away from everyone else,” he tells me.
I nod and obediently follow him. As we come up on the creek by the edge of the village, Ty puts his arm around my waist and guides me towards the bank. He takes out a blanket and lays it down.
“For you my lady,” he says, as he ushers me to the sit on the blanket.
He lies down with his head on my lap. “This is very comfortable,” he says with the biggest smile on his face. He closes his eyes.
“You know, I think about you all the time,” I tell him.
“Uh huh,” he murmurs.
“I’ve always wondered what would’ve happened between us if Dad hadn’t kicked you out that day,” I go on. “Would we be married? With kids? Working hard?”
He opens his eyes and looks up at me.
“Angie, don’t hate your Dad. What he did that day, he did for the best interest of his one and only daughter. I would have done the same if I had a daughter who brought home a good for nothing bum.”
“But…”
“No buts. I don’t want to say I’m glad it worked out that way, but actually, I’m glad it worked out that way. It gave me some time to re-think my life. To look at the bigger picture. I grew up that day. As much as I don’t want to say it, it is thanks to your Dad.”
Ty closes his eyes after that and starts to hum to avoid the long moment of silence. I’m lost for words.
“It’s nice to finally relax. I’m at ease when I’m with you Angie,” Ty says. He opens his eyes again and looks up at me. He reaches out and pulls me close to give me a kiss.
“I,” he starts, but Sergeant Williams interrupts us.
“Sir, the convoy is here! We need to get a move on, Sir!”
Ty quickly gets up. “Arrange the prisoners. Get them into the convoy first. Make sure all constraints are tight.”
“Yes Sir.”
“Sorry, Angie. I’ll have to cut our reunion short. Perhaps I’ll get in touch once I’m back in the United States and we can meet up.”
“Sure thing Ty.” He kisses my forehead and walks away.
“Bye,” I whisper.
“Round everyone up. We need to get out of here and RON with Bravo Team. What’s the ETA?” Ty is still giving commands as he walks away with Sergeant Williams in tow.
I watch helplessly as the only man I’ve ever wanted walks out of my life, again. It’s just not fair.
*****
“Cheer up Angie. He’s not the only man in the world,” Tiffany says after watching me mope around the tent. Ty only left a few short hours ago, but it already feels like an eternity.
“Ugh, you don’t understand Tiffany! I want him. I know I sound childish, but I want him here with me right now!” I want to scream at her. I want to scream at my father. I want to scream at the world.
“Honey, you have it better than most people in the world. Look around you. These poor kids are out here running around with barely any food or water,” Tiffany states. She crosses her arms. “They have no way to get medical care. But ask any one of them and they’ll tell you you’re the luckiest kid in the world. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be honey. He’ll come back to you.” Now her arms are on her hips as she taps her foot.
“Have I told you that you remind me of my mother?” I ask her.
“Oh stop it. I’m too young to be your mother. Sister maybe,” she laughs, and flips her hair back. I start laughing too.
She sits down on the cot beside me. “Angie, I hope you think of the kids in this village before you ever think you have a hard life.” She’s serious now. “Life is what you make of it honey, so don’t waste time thinking of the past. Be in the now. Make it happen now.”
She’s right. I need to stop blaming Dad for everything. I know I’m being childish. Perhaps another letter to my father is due.
At dinner, Dr. Nickelson stands up to give a speech to the village. I zone him out. All I want is to get back to my cot and wallow in self-pity.
“Just today,” I promise myself. “Tomorrow will be a new day and I’ll forget that I ever met Ty here.”
I zone back in time to hear Dr. Nickelson say, “And thanks to you all. We’ll make the best of our time here.” Then, a round of applause.
Dr. Nickelson is so bland. But, he taught me a lot the first night when all the wounded arrived in the village. He has experience that cannot be taught in the classroom. I wouldn’t mind working with him again. Especially since he was so calm and collected that night when everything else was in chaos.
Perhaps one of these days I’ll sit down and talk to him. There’s a wealth of knowledge there that I might benefit from.
*****
As I fly back to the United States from my volunteer mission, I can’t help but think of my eventful two days with Ty.
“Are you ready to see your family?” Tiffany asks.
“Yeah,” I say, but unsure of whether or not I really am ready.
I mailed that letter to my father. He didn’t respond, but I’m not surprised. Perhaps he crumpled up the letter and threw it in the trash.
After Ty, the rest of the volunteer mission was just a blur. I thought of Ty often, hoping that he would show up at the next village or that he would sneak into my tent one night, but those were all just wishful thinking.
Was our little rendezvous just a dream as well? No, it was real. I felt Ty inside of me. That was real. The thought of our little escapade got me wet again.
I close my eyes, trying to remember every detail of his handsome face. He beautiful blue eyes. His nose. He cheeks. His full lips. His soft blond hair. Instantly, my memories go back to when he had me pinned against the rock as I clutched his hair. I remember how he felt inside of me.
“Attention, we are about to land. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts,” the stewardess calls over the intercom.
I feel how moist my underwear is and am suddenly uncomfortable. I get up to go to the bathroom to wipe myself dry before we land. If I ever see Ty again, I’m going to ravage him.
The plan lands and everyone gets off the plane in single files.
“Well, I have to catch the last leg of my flight here,” Tiffany says. She turns around to give me a big hug.
“You have my number and my email. Call or email any time,” she says.
“Of course I will. I’m glad to have you on this trip,” I tell her.
As I go down the escalator towards the baggage claim, I see two familiar faces waiting for me.
“Mom? Dad?” A big smile appears on my face.
“Surprise!” My mom yells.
“What a big surprise!” I exclaim. My mom gives me a big hug.
“I’m glad you’re home safe,” my father says as he gives me a small hug.
“I’m glad you’re here Dad,” I tell him.
“Well, let’s go get your luggage and you can tell us all about your trip,” my mom interrupts us.
The three of us walk towards the baggage claim area. My mom continues to ask questions about the trip as my father stays silent.
The ride back to my place wasn’t that much different. Mom continues to ask prying questions. I answer. Dad stays silent. What is he thinking?
“Well, here’s your apartment honey,” my mom says. “Are you sure you don’t want us to help you in?”
“No Mom. I’m find thank you.”
“Ok, we’ll we’re having dinner at our house tonight in celebration of your return. Don’t forget!” Mom says sternly. I nod.
Dad gets out to help me pull my luggage out of the trunk. He gives me a hug good bye and hands me an enclosed envelope.
“Some light reading,” he says. “I love you honey.” With that, he gets into the car and drives off as Mom waves good bye.
Maybe he didn’t crumple up my letter like I initially thought.
I open the door to my apartment. I take in the smell of home sweet home. Tossing the baggage aside in my room, I jump on the bed and stretch out.
“I missed you bed,” I say loudly.
I walk into the bathroom. “I missssssed yoooou bathroooom,” I sing. I’m in a very good mood. My father is talking to me again. Those were the most words we have exchanged in a long time.
I take a nice long hot bath. I miss taking baths. I didn’t know how good I had it until I was in Somalia. The absence of a simple bathroom made me realize that I have nothing to complain about. If people like Ash and Max can survive, I should to.
I plop onto my bed to read Dad’s letter. It’s long, but he pretty much apologizes for his actions. He tells me he loves me and that he did what he did because he wants the best for me. He tells me that he’s proud of how I’ve grown.
I start crying. I know I have it good. At least, I have it better than the majority of the world. I can’t complain. The only thing missing is Ty.
*****
A year has passed, and no Ty. I’m starting to think I’ll never see him again. His promises were empty.
I applied for a position at the local hospital where I completed my residency. The hospital is within my hometown. My relationship with my father improved tremendously.
It’s late in the middle of the night as a call comes into the ER.
Ever since that fateful day in Somalia, I found my true calling. I enjoy caring for those who come into the ER for injuries.