Gunslingers

Carol twirled around in her fourth wedding dress. I still couldn't believe she was engaged. Sarah and Maeve shook their heads. It wasn't the right dress for her.

"Did you congratulate him at all?" Laura asked and handed Carol an A-line dress with a green sash. "I mean he got into the Special Forces of the Special Forces!"

"It is pretty amazing, Rae. And you just went off on him." Sarah played with a lace veil.

I scoffed. Of course all the girls felt that way. They all were advancing in their careers as were their men. They'd ll found love, and Matt and I were only friends with even though he clearly wanted more. I was the one floating adrift, not knowing if I could go back to combat and not steady enough to be in a healthy relationship.

"Rae, I hate to agree with them, but they're right." Carol stood back on the podium in the lace A-line. She looked squat or maybe I was too pissed off to be here.

"You know what? I'm just gonna head home," I said and left the bridal shop. None of them protested and now I knew where I stood with them. It seemed like no wanted me around anymore. Fine, so be it.
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"Rae, let's talk." Jeff motioned for me to sit down. He had rolled me in to talk. I was dreading what this conversation. I sat down and waited for my CO to speak.

Jeff sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Rae, we got your physical back today..." he trailed off.

"I didn't pass, did I?"

Jeff shook his head. "No, you didn't. I have discharge papers for you to sign."

"Is there any hope I can come back?" The military was my life.

"No, Rae, there's not. That's the third physical you've failed. Maybe in a few years once you've rehabbed, but you've got to sign these papers today. You'll have benefits and even qualify for the G.I. Bill. You can go back to school if you want."

I nodded. I knew this had been coming. Picking up a pen, I signed the paper. It was official: I wasn't a Marine anymore. Washed up at the age of twenty-three. What the hell was I going to do now?
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2007

Laura smiled at me as I exited the airport. She was stunning. I hadn't seen any of my friends in three years. I hadn't even gone to Carol's wedding... which had been a dick move, but I did send her and Jimmy a present. I just couldn't be around them anymore, not after my discharge. It just reminded me of my failed dreams.

"Hey, Laura! You look amazing." She pulled me in for a hug and then helped me get in the car.

"You look good, Rae. Oh! Look." Laura shoved her left finger under my eye. There was a sparkling diamond ring on her finger. Brian had finally proposed. Carol and Sarah were married, and Maeve was engaged. They were still miles ahead of me, but I was okay with it.

"Congrats, honey! When's the big day?"

"Couple weeks. You are a bridesmaid. No arguments as I already bought your dress." She smirked at me, pulling into the base.

It was strange to be back here. This had been my home for many years, and I'd missed it. Everything looked the same, like I had never left.

"Y'all still live on base?"

Laura nodded. "Yeah for me. Bri, ZV, Jimbo, and Christ aren't active duty anymore. They did five and moved to reserves. Avenged Sevenfold took off. Matt records for them-- the vocals. Once he's home on a more permanent basis, they'll tour."

I smiled faintly. "I thought the military was their life?" We got out of the car and headed to her and Brian's apartment.

"It was, but the last tour was hard on the fly boys. They did a lot of air drops. And without Matt, Zach hated being on his team. He wasn't a fan of his new sniper. Avenged has been amazingly successful. They all love it. I'm sure you've heard one or two of their songs."

Shaking my head, I entered Laura's apartment. Brian was sitting on her couch, strumming his guitar. He had changed a lot since the last time I'd seen him. He had long hair and a little bit of hair on his chin. Laura smiled at him; her whole face lit up when she saw him.

He stood up and kissed her. They really were a striking couple. Then he spotted me and his smile faltered a bit. I couldn't blame him. I had hurt all his friends and refused to interact with any of them for two whole years. Brian gave me a brief hug.

"Good to see you, Rae." Brian picked up his guitar and left. I guess he couldn't stand to be around me for much longer.

"Ignore him. He's upset. Honestly, hone, we all are. You just left us!" Tears formed in her eyes. "And you hurt Matt worst of all. He can't even hear your name without anger coming out of his eye balls."

"Should I just go then?" I asked, not able to look at her. "Your wedding is in two weeks, and I'm sure he'll be there."

Laura sobbed. "You aren't leaving us again. Where have you been for the last few years?"

"Rehabbing... then I rejoined the military. I've been Force Recon for the last year. I needed to get my head on straight, and you all had your lives in order. I was angry, hurt, and bitter. But I should've reached out. For that, I'm sorry. As for Matt? He's mad I didn't want to moved to Virginia and be his wife or forgive him," I said.

"WHAT?"

Notes

Y'all better start commenting. I'm a pissy writer.

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Heretic Blood