"Yes, it is," Jeanna said.
I moved behind Becky, wrapping her in my arms and resting my cheek on her head. We stared at the view for a while, enjoying the silence. I knew then that this was the spot I would propose in, I just had to plan a fun filled day first.
We walked along the ridge, under a large steel power pole, and sat in a grassy patch where the view was better. Becky laid down against me, pulling my arms around her and planting little kisses on my hands. Carl and Jeanna did the same, sitting next to us and Lauren leaned up against Becky and I.
"I wish we had a view like this back home," Becky said.
"Yeah, just be able to sit out and watch the stars. It would be nice," I mused.
"Still, for being city lights, its pretty romantic."
We sat there for a bit and my thoughts drifted to the proposal. Part of me wanted to do it right here and now, part of me wanted to wait. Becky leaned her head back and kissed me passionately.
"If we were alone, I'd jump your bones right now," she whispered.
That settled it for me. I had to do it right. Not right by societies standards, but right by Becky. I pulled the ring box out of my pocket, placing it and my hands back in front of us.
"Becky, will you marry me?" I asked, opening the box.
I heard her gasp, and although I couldn't see her face, I knew she was crying. The light of a house behind us provided just enough illumination to see the ring. She adjusted her body so she could more easily face me.
"Yes, gods yes," she said through tears of joy. "It's exactly the ring I wanted too. How did you get it?"
"I snuck off while you were browsing the store on the lower level." I said it so proudly, Carl laughed.
"Well, ya did good," Becky said, slipping it on. It was just a bit too big.
"I got the lifetime protection plan with it. Free servicing or replacements for life. We can take it to get sized tomorrow," I told her.
"You're too good to me."
"I try."
We kissed and held each other for a few more minutes before it was time to go. I felt happy, feeling that I not only got her the ring she wanted, but that the timing was perfect too. In the car she showed Jeanna and Lauren, each telling her how beautiful it was.
It was close to 3 AM when we got home. Carl, Jeanna and Lauren went to bed, but Becky and I stayed up. I saw a light in the family room and figured it had to be dad.
"Hey dad," I said, sitting down in the computer chair. "What's up?"
"Just catching up on some reading before bed," he said, marking his place and setting his book down.
"Work tomorrow night?"
"Yeah," he said, yawning. "I was hoping to make it till 6, but I don't think I can."
"Hey," Becky said, coming to sit in mom's chair. "What're you doing up still?"
"It's my up all night before work tomorrow."
"So that's where he gets it," she said. "Oh, he finally did it." She showed dad the ring.
"Good work son, I'm proud of you."
"Thanks dad," I said. "What're you reading?"
"It's a biography of Stonewall Jackson," he said. "A three volume set detailing much of his life."
"Nice. He always was my favorite Civil War General."
"If you want I can send it to you when I'm done."
"No thanks, I'll never find time to read it. I'm still working on 'A Bridge Too Far'."
"That's a great book."
We talked for a while about books and movies, mostly enjoying each other's company. Finally Becky pulled me away to bed, determined to get hers. We made love that night, slow, passionate love, consummating our official engagement.
-----
Thursday came quickly, and with it, our return home. The flight was boring, which is just the way I like it. We ended up getting home late that evening, having a quick meal and heading to Smokey's for the first time in what felt like ages. Becky had called Keith when we got home and asked him to reserve our usual table.
Walking in was a bit strange. The stage had been refinished, the tables and chairs had been replaced and the karaoke machine had been upgraded. Had I not seen all the regulars, the owner and the usual bar staff, I'd have wondered who bought the place. When we walked in, quite a few people came to shake my hand. Apparently, I had become the hometown hero, even though this wasn't my home town.
"Welcome home Marine, first round's on me," Keith said, gripping me in a monstrous bear hug and lifting me off the ground.
"Thanks Keith, can you do me a favor?" I wheezed.
"Sure buddy, anything."
"Stop crushing my lungs."
He laughed and let me down, patting me on the back. The waitress brought over a round of drinks and we went about doing our things. Becky went to pay darts with Keith, Carl and Jeanna went to dance and Lauren went to shoot pool after calling Ryan.
No matter how many times it happens, you never really get used to it. The initial strangeness of being back home eventually hits everyone who has deployed, and the feeling is probably best compared to Ebenezer Scrooge. During his trips to the various Christmas's, Scrooge can't interact in any way with the environment, he can only watch as things happen around him, much the way many people feel when returning home. Life has progressed while one was away, and many of the thing they would once be needed to do have been compensated for, leaving one feeling largely unnecessary.
I decided the best way to feel at home again was to sing. I went to the karaoke machine and chose a song, one I knew would grab some attention. As I scanned the lists, I was pleased with the extended new selection they had. I made my choice and waited until I heard the music begin, singing the lyrics I had memorized as a young man.
"What I dream I had:
Pressed in organdy;
Clothed in crinoline of smoky Burgundy;
Softer than the rain.
"I wandered empty streets
Down past the shop displays.
I heard cathedral bells
Tripping down the alley ways,
As I walked on.
"And when you ran to me
Your cheeks flushed with the night.
We walked on frosted fields of juniper and lamplight,
I held your hand.
"And when I awoke and felt you warm and near,
I kissed your honey hair with my grateful tears.
Oh I love you, girl.
Oh, I love you."
Not many people had noticed me go up there, but the singing of the classic Simon and Garfunkel song brought the room to an almost dead silence. When I finished, Becky met me at the table and sat in my lap.
"That was wonderful, I love that song," she said, kissing me.
"I honestly didn't think you would know it," I said.
"Why not?"
"I'm not sure, you just don't seem the type to like Simon and Garfunkel."
My singing inspired a few others, including Lauren, to give it a whirl. Becky and I danced to a few songs before we all called it a night. The trip home was quiet, with me driving and holding Becky's hand the whole way. We went inside and got ready for bed.
"Well, we should probably hit the rack, got some things to get done tomorrow," I called to Becky as she finished in the bathroom.
I heard the door open, then her voice. It was soft, seductive and dripping with lust. "Not so fast."
She stood in the doorway wearing some lacy pink and black lingerie, looking at me with hunger in her eyes. While her outfit was sexy as all hell, it was her eyes that expanded the bulge in my boxers. The desire, burning with the intensity of a thousand suns nearly drove me mad.
"If you think you'll get to sleep soon, I have some unfortunate news for you," she said, sauntering towards me, stalking me like a cat stalks its prey.
"You look ravishing," I said, pulling her in for a kiss.
"And what are you gonna do with this ravishing beauty before you?" She asked.
"Give her whatever she wants."
She smiled and stood, slowly turning to show off her body. I reached out to grab her ass but she smacked my hand away.
"Not yet, you'll get your turn to touch."
She completed her turn and stood before me. "Well, does this please you?"
"Not one bit," I said.
"Why not?" The sadness was evident all over her face, like someone just ran over her dog.
"Because you have entirely too many clothes on."
She smiled and dropped to her knees, unclasping the bra and tossing it aside. No matter how many times I see them, the sight of her perfect breasts always takes my breath away.
"What I want," she said, rubbing my solid member through my boxers, "is this."
"Who am I to deny you your wish?" She smiled again and began to pull my underwear off. I lifted myself up some so she could accomplish it more easily.
"It's so nice," she moaned, softly stroking it. "And it's all mine." She licked it like a lollipop, then took it in her mouth when she reached the top.
She began slowly, easing it down her throat until I felt the back of it. Once she knew how deep she could take me, her motions became quicker as she found a comfortable pace. I groaned with pleasure, anticipating the rush that was building inside me. When she stopped just before my release, I wondered if she had read my mind.
"Still fulfilling my desires?" She asked.
"Of course."
"Eat me, lick me and please me. Make me cum." She stood and stepped back, doffing her thong and putting one foot up on the bed.
I slid to my knees, wrapping my arms around her legs to grip her ass. My face was inches from her moist sex, freshly shaven and glistening in the light. I inhaled the sweet aroma, pressing my nose against her mound. She sighed softly.
"Lick me already!"
My tongue lashed out, flicking her lips. She reached down and spread them for me, giving me full access. I hungrily went to work, licking from bottom to top, which I guess in this position is back to front. I sucked her clit gently and slid my tongue as far in her as I could. The more I ravaged her, the more she would buck and moan.
"Baby, don't stop," she panted. "I'm gonna cum!"
I gripped her ass and pulled her into me, sliding my tongue in as far as it would go. Her climax hit like a freight train and she cried out, almost collapsing on me and the bed. I managed to use my body to act as a tripod and hold her up until the blast of her orgasm had subsided.
"I've missed that tongue baby, but now I need you to fuck me. Take me and fuck me. I wanna feel that cum inside me."
I did exactly that.
I bent her over the bed, putting her weight on her arms. Entering her was like someone had hit me with a tazer, like thousands of sparks flying through my every nerve. I quickly found my rhythm and pounded away as her cries grew louder and louder. Just as I was about to cum, I grabbed a handful of her hair and gave a small tug, sending her over the edge again. As her walls fluttered and clamped down, I exploded within her.
-----
I decided to take an extra week before going back to work. Looking back, I probably should have just gone back to crew when I was supposed to. It had been a rough week, mainly because every time I tried to help with something, someone else had it taken care of. I had a bad case of "third wheel syndrome", feeling totally unnecessary at home.
Sure, there had been a few things to do. I gave all the cars oil changes, and did some yard work, but that was because Carl or Jeanna were at work and Becky was bust doing other tasks. I decided to set up an appointment with Dr. Klein, hoping he would have some insight into how to fix this.
"So, how was your trip?" Dr. Klein asked as if I had been on vacation.
"We lost one Marine," I said solemnly.
"That's a damn shame. How?"
"Jumped on a grenade. He saved me and one other by doing so, but he didn't deserve to die."
"Do you feel you should have gone in his place?"
"I'm not sure. Sometimes I think so, others I just wish the whole thing never happened."
"I see. Did you get the guy who killed him?"
"I did. Left him to bleed to death in the desert."
"Did you have a Corpsman with you?"
"Now that you mentioned it, no."
"Any idea why not?"
"No, but it bothers me now that you brought it up."
"Sorry, just trying to help."
"No, its fine. It wouldn't have helped."
"Why do you say that?"
"He only lived maybe two or three minutes after the blast. Even the most skilled doc wouldn't have been able to save him."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's OK. That's not why I came here today."
"Have you had any more episodes?"
"Not episodes really, dreams, or nightmares, however you see them. It's like I'm reliving that moment. I can see the grenade being thrown and try to intercept it, but it passes right through my hands, like I'm a ghost. No matter what I try, Drake still dies.
"How often do you have these dreams?"
"A few times a week or so. It's gone from terrible and disturbing to passé."
"So then, why did you come see me today?" Dr. Klein asked, leaning back in his chair.
"I've been feeling like a third wheel lately. I mean, I know readjusting to home life is difficult, but this is different."
"How so?"
"Before, there was tension, a 'you're in the way' thing. Now it's almost as if they don't want me doing anything for a specific reason."
"What do you think that reason is?"
"I haven't the slightest idea."
"Well, have you talked with them about it?"
"No, I was hoping to figure it out on my own first. Make sure I'm not just losing it."
"Well, I think you should bring it up to them, see what they have to say. How have things been at home?"
"Good, aside from my issues. Everything seems normal as far as I can tell."
"Do you talk much about deployment?"
"No, most of it was relatively boring and I don't think they wanna hear about us in combat."
"Well, talk to them and see what's going through their heads, then make an informed decision. If you need anything, feel free to call me."
"Thanks doc. I really appreciate it."
I left Dr. Klein's office and headed home, turning what he said over in my mind. Could it all be in my head? Could I be wrong about everything? Am I overreacting? Hell, I don't know. When I got home, Becky and Lauren were making dinner.
"Hey girls," I said, kissing Becky. "What smells so good?"
"Lasagna," Lauren said. "Mom's secret recipe."
"Sounds good, and smells even better."
"I hope so, I'm doing it mostly by memory," Becky said. "How was your visit to Dr. Klein?"
"Good, he's actually been of great help so far. I need to ask you something though."
"OK, what's up my love?"
"Am I imagining things, or am I kinda like a third wheel around here?"
She was quiet for a moment, which didn't make me feel good. "Well, yes and no. You're not a third wheel, we just aren't used to having you around. We've gotten used to doing the things you would have normally done, which probably explains your feelings."
"OK, so how do we fix this?"
"If you notice it, say something. We're not doing it intentionally, we're adjusting to you being home, just like you."
"OK, at least I'm not imagining it."
"No, you're not. Not entirely anyway."
"OK, well I'm gonna go shower. See you in a bit." I kissed her and left, praying the shower would clear my head.
-----
The whole gang of us walked into the Brass Needle tattoo shop. Carl, Jeanna, Lauren, Becky and myself all gathered in the front of the quiet shop.
"Hello everyone, I'm Rich. How can I help you?" He was a short, thin man in his mid 40's. His salt and pepper hair was getting mighty thin on top.
"I'd like a name on my ribs," I said.
"Great, what's your name?"
I introduced us all and he brought me over to his computer. We spent a few minutes trying to match the font of my existing tattoos and he had me write exactly what I wanted.
PFC Sean Drake
We talked about this and that while he worked. I had forgotten how much rib tattoos hurt and more than once had to keep myself still while he worked. It took longer than expected, but he finally brought it up.
"So, who's Sean Drake?" Rich asked.
"He saved my life on our last deployment, giving his in the process," I said.
"Damn, I'm sorry. Mind if I ask what happened?"
I looked down to see how much he had left to do. "Want the short or long version?"
"Long. We got time still."
I told him everything I remember, sparing no details. It was the first time they were all hearing the full story. I saw Carl sitting in silent shock, Becky and Lauren holding each other and crying softly, Jeanna buried her face in Carl's shoulder.
When Rich finished, I looked in the mirror. His work was good, not a line out of place. I saw the name and had another idea, and now seemed like the perfect time to do it.
"Rich, wanna do another?" I asked.
"Sure, but I need a quick break."
"That's fine. I could use one too."
"OK, what's your idea?"
I told him what I wanted and was surprised that Becky and Lauren gave their approval. After a 20 minute rest, he went back to work on my ribs. It took him a bit longer than before, but I was pleased with the final results. I looked in the mirror and read the words.
PFC Sean Drake
I Am Redeemed
He dressed up my new tattoos and I paid him, promising repeat business in the future. We loaded up in our cars and headed for Smokey's. They would have a good time and I would stay sober, not wanting to risk ruining the new ink.
I made a note in my calendar to make a shadow box, plaque and find a folded American flag for Drake that could go above the bed. I couldn't help but feel that it wasn't enough though, like I wasn't honoring him enough for what he had done. I'd have to call his family and see what they think.
Becky came back to our table with a fresh round for everyone and a soda for me. It was strange not drinking with everyone, but the fresh tattoos were too important to even risk ruining. She put the drinks down and sat in my lap.
"How you doing baby?" She asked.
"OK, how bout you?"
"I'm great," she said, gazing at me for a moment. "Thank you."
"For what?" I asked.
"For being so good to me."
"Hell, I should be the one thanking you."
"Why?"
"For putting up with my shit."
"It's a small price to pay, and I pay it gladly."
"I love you Becky."
"I love you too."
"So, when am I gonna get to meet your parents?"
"Yeah, about that," she said cautiously. "I'm not sure you wanna meet them."
"Why?"
"They come from what they call 'old money'."
"And what is old money?"
"Oil money. A long time ago my family invested in the Standard Oil Company, which as you know, blossomed into the biggest oil company in the nation. We have kept our shares in what it now Chevron and they have made what amounts to a metric shit ton of money."
"Holy shit," I gasped. "You're filthy stinkin rich."
"I'm not, but my family is. And because of that, I'm not sure they would approve of my being with someone they view as being of lesser class than them."
"Well, I'm not worried. If you don't want me to meet them that's fine, but I'd still like to meet them."
"If you say so, but don't say I didn't warn you," she said, kissing me.
"Well, it looks like Carl is making an ass of himself again, we should probably go," I said, seeing Carl up on stage acting like a drunk fool.
It took some work, but I managed to get him to leave. He was insisting on attempting a stage dive, which would have been funny if he wouldn't hurt others or damage the table he would have landed on. Now, I'm not saying my best friend getting hurt would be funny, but when you're being a drunk asshole, you deserve what you get.
We got home and Jeanna helped me put Carl to bed. We sat down on the couch and talked for a while, well, the girls talked about wedding plans while I watched TV. Finally Jeanna went to bed, leaving Becky, Lauren and I to ourselves. Lauren quickly decided it was time for bed, and Becky and I followed shortly after. We held each other close, slipping away into the arms of Morpheus like we had never been apart.
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