Yakima Nights (3 page)

The first week was already done and training
was going to pick up pretty soon. This night was going to be one of
the few nights they could be in a room together. As the light of
the night shine, the music from the Firing Point was loud. The moon
was bright with a bluish glow. It reminded Andre of a Van Gogh
painting he saw once. Everyone gather in the building at a fast
pace and for a moment most forgot they were in the army. The music
was a mix of alterative pop, rock, and hip-hop. Taylor was a
country girl, but the combination of the melody was teasing her.
Capt. Meads was there and had a couple moves himself, but Taylor
was looking for Andre, who was mysteriously absence. With the music
gaining volume, a lot of guys wanted to dance with Taylor. Cutting
though a jungle of individuals, Meads had made his way to her.
Grabbing her by the hip he whispers in her ear, “Do you want to
dance”? Taylor, who did not want to entertain him was about to say
no. Before she could say anything Meads interrupted her, “That was
a rhetorical question” and in grabs her hand leading her to the
dance floor. However, when he turn around she had disappeared
because Andre stolen her away. Looking at Meads, he asks him “Mine
if I cut in?” Meads tried to respond but was cut off by Andre “That
was a rhetorical question”. With a childish smile on her face,
Taylor started walking with Andre to the dance floor. When they
finally got thru the crowd, a new song was on. It was Empire on the
Sun’s Walking on a Dream. In to her surprise, Andre was very aware
of the song. He grasps her hands in brought her closer to him.
Staring in her eyes, they started dancing. Moving in perfect sync,
everyone’s eyes started to peep there way. While they dance, the DJ
caught wind of it in instructed the workers to shine the spotlight.
For a minute, they had taking over the festivity and the on lookers
cheer them on. Once the music came to a slow moment, Andre was
behind Taylor wrapping his arms around her. Taylor lifted her face
towards Andres and their lips touch gently to each other’s.
However, before things got steamy they push away from each other.
Laughing, they were able to persuade some of the audiences they
accumulated that it was nothing more than a dance. Tyler and Dustin
where also there and they knew it was more. Dustin and Tyler pull
each of them apart with Tyler quipping, “Dam, yall going to give
others a chance. Making us look bad and shit” The crowd that was
left laugh with them and Dustin swiftly took Taylor in started
dancing with her. Capt. Meads was not oblivious to what had just
happen. He was embarrassed and tried to shut the party down, but
1st Sgt. would not let him near the DJ. 1st Sgt. did not see what
happen, but he was having fun and was not about to let an officer
ruin his good time.

Dustin was with Andre around this time, and
was walking him out. Dustin looking shock asking him “What was that
about”? “Are you too together”? Andre never able to lie to Dustin
responds with a quick “Yes”. While they talk about it Capt. Meads
caught up with him. He quickly orders Dustin away and start to tear
into Andre. “Stillwell, are you out your mind!!” “Your conduct in
there was inexcusable.” Andre just stared at him and decided he had
enough. He cut Meads off before he could finish, “Are you mad that
this girl is not into you?” “Huh, don’t get mad at me because she
doesn’t want you, sir”. Meads grab Andre by his shirt collar and
raise his hand. Before, he could move Staff Sgt. Sampson secured
it. “Sir, I don’t think you want to do that”. Meads snatch away
from Sampson and gather his belonging. While walking away, he turn
around in pointed at Andre “You stay away from her”. Andre just
waves him off, but was stop by Sampson. “What are you doing?” “You
are married and she is an Officer. Regardless of how this turn out,
you will get hurt and you career will be over” “Is it worth it?”
Taylor had caught up with Andre, but slowed her pace once she saw
Sampson talking to him. He walked away with Sampson and she went
back to her barracks. That night for them was magical. Though there
actions, they had just told the entire battery they were together.
In even if they wanted to still keep it a secret, it was out now.
Andre knew Meads was going to do everything he could to separate
them. They had to be careful more than ever. As everyone went home
the streets of Yakima Training Center was pack. Platoon leaders
were gathering up there troops in putting them down for bed. Taylor
was about to walk into her barracks when Andre appeared. He did not
say anything, and she didn’t either. Outside under the moonlight he
kissed her. Both knew of the empty building that was a few steps
away from them. Both of them made their way into it and lock the
door. They made love for the first time and even though it was not
in the most immaculate surroundings, it was there moment. Andre had
answer Sampson’s question, It was worth it.

Training was starting now and this meant no
more beds or restaurants. Andre had been placed with Staff Sgt.
Sampson as a guard once they got into the field. Both really did
not have a job going out there. The first couple days were normal
field training. Taylor was around but she was with 1st Lt Riddick
and Capt. Meads most of the time. Once the first couple days were
done, Andre found himself with Taylor each night. Both love looking
at the stars and moon at night as did Tyler and Dustin. Most nights
everyone would come out in relax under the stars. Yakima nights
were mystical. The days were brutal and boring so they look forward
to the nighttime. Stars sometime shine brighter than the moon. The
wind blew with a little heat behind it; keeping anyone who was
active warm. The ground gave away to the bluish light and reflected
a green glow. Plants in Yakima were not visually appealing, but had
an intoxicating aroma. Taylor and Andre talked every night and when
they could they would disappear to have some alone. Everything was
perfect for the moment. For a week, both of them forgot about there
were worries. Dustin who makes sarcastic remarks a lot look at
Andre after he came back to the tent. “Dude, she is your
Wonderwall”. Andre confused but interested “What’s a Wonderwall?”
“It’s like an invisible wall that keeps you from seeing reality.”
Tyler overhearing the conversation chimes in, “Totally agree
“Wonderwall” and also lame”. As both of them laugh, Andre went to
find Taylor, but is stop by Capt. Meads. Meads look at Andre in
said “Nice moves at the Firing point.” Walking away he stop in look
at Andre “You’re never going to be together. Andre thinking said
“What is he a stalker or something.” Andre ignores him and walks to
find Taylor finally discovering her talking on the phone. Taylor
was talking to Tony about their plans once they got home. Taylor
hangs up to see Andre looking disheveled. Taylor looking at Andre
with concern asks “What’s wrong?” Andre replying back in a soft
voice “What happens after this” “Are we going back together or are
we just living for the moment”. Taylor look at Andre “I don’t know
“Its way more complicated than that”. They decide to drop the issue
in just sit under the stars for the night. While staring at the
stars, Taylor leaned over to Andre in whisper “I will leave him for
you”. Andre thought about it and replied “I will leave her for
you.” Both of them decided at that moment that they wanted to be
together. The order to bed down was shouted in both of them hug and
went to their rest areas.

Deciding to plan their life together the
next day, they both agreed to get some sleep. Time had flown in
Yakima and it was going on the third week of training. Although,
Andre was fully aware all he could think about was the end. Once
this week goes by, it’s back to reality and back to their lives.
Andre had not seen Taylor that day and it was odd because they
usually met at least once a day. Hours went by without one sighting
and Andre begins to ponder. Just then, Dustin rush into the tent
where Andre was “Bro, LT is hurt”. Andre jump up and started to get
jitters “What happen”. Dustin trying to explain while catching his
breath “Her vehicle flipped down a steep hill and they just took
her into the Aid station”. Andre could not believe it and he was
powerless to do anything. Just then, Andre heard “March Order”
meaning they were leaving the area. Capt. Meads looking at his
notes was suddenly overshadowed by Andre, “Sir, I want to go see
LT.” Meads looking at Andre with a smirk “No, her Husband was just
called and he will be the only one that sees her.” Andre was
surprised when he said husband because as far as he knew Taylor was
not married. Andre with malice in his voice stop Meads from walking
away, “I’m going to see her.” Capt. Meads pushes Andre inside in
tried to walk away from him with vindication. Andre grab Meads in
toss him against the Humvee “I want to see her now”. Meads look at
Andre still with a smug smile “What you going to do force me?” “Let
me guess you going to call IG, and tell them my officer girlfriend
is in the aid station, oh by the way I’m married and she is my
platoon leader” Andre letting him finally go, saw he drop his
notes.

According, to this it was Meads not Taylor
who was supposed to go to the hill. Meads wrote in his notes about
the danger of the hill. Andre drop the book and ran behind Capt.
Meads tackling him into the ground. Andre screaming at him “It was
you!!” “You set her up!!” Andre covering Meads mouth and nose with
his hand was trying to suffocate him. The other soldiers came
rushing over to break up the fight. Meads screaming in a high pitch
voice “You’re done Stilwell; I’m going to see to it”. Although,
attacking your commander was a serious violation; being a coward
was even worst. Andre, in the heat of the moment realizes he still
had Meads damming notes. Once Capt. Meads realize it his tone was
suddenly relax. After the field problem was over for the day, Capt.
Meads decide to end Yakima early. Meads immediately order Andre to
his barracks once they had all settled in. Meads did not mince
words, “I will forget this entire thing happen and get you a ride
to the aid station for those notes” Andre quickly gave him the
notes and when the car arrive took off to the Aid station.

Andre was reflecting while going to see
Taylor. Would she look the same, Will Tony be there, and will
Taylor want him to even come. Andre mind had race at the speed of
light, but he never thought about what if she had died? Nothing was
certain, the only thing that was is that he was going to see her.
Andre opens the door and follows the medics to Taylor. Andre did
not know what was going to happen, but he knew reality was coming
back to settled in.

Andre had fear in his heart thinking about
what he was going to see. Once he saw Taylor he almost cried.
Taylor was hurt really bad. Her leg was broken, cracked ribs and a
couple broken fingers. However, with the extent of her injuries she
was still able to talk and once she saw Andre she lost her breath.
Andre first instinct was to kiss her but could not. “Is Tony here”?
Taylor looking confused “No, why would you think that”. “Meads said
your husband was coming”. Taylor let out a painfully chuckle “No,
he was just being an asshole”. Andre grabs her hand and just stares
into her eyes. Taylor looking at Andre with sadness said “We can’t
be together”. Andre smile replying, “Yeah, once the medics leave we
can-, but before he could finish his sentence Taylor interrupted
him. “I mean ever, even here”. Andre felt betrayed, but could not
scream at her with everyone around. He whispered “Last night we
decided to be together, what happen”. Taylor looked at him “This
happen, you couldn’t even get here without sneaking and planning.
What kind of life is that?” Andre with deep concern let her hand go
“Maybe you need to think about it” and walked out.

Taylor said nothing she just stared at the
wall and watched Andre walk out. Andre went back to his barracks to
help the others pack. Andre did not know what was going to happen
but he knew in his heart she will come back. Dustin and Tyler ask
him what happen and he explained the situation. Dustin with his
hand on Andre’s shoulder told him maybe you need to look beyond the
sadness to see that this is the best thing for both of you guys.
Andre understood but did not want to believe that Taylor was gone.
They had just finish packing up when he was stop by Meads. Meads
apologize to him about everything in told him “Yakima did not
happen, Do I make myself clear”. Andre replied with gravel yeah and
Meads walked away. Everything was packed up and ready to move.
Andre by himself watched everything leave, the equipment, the
officers, and the vehicles. The evening sky was turning a bright
orange. The sunset was setting on Yakima and the bus for the
soldier’s finally arrived. The bus ride was a lonely one for Andre.
Sitting there thinking about the entire ordeal put a smile on his
face, but gave him a better appreciation for the moment. When they
finally arrived back at base, he received a text from Taylor. Andre
did not want to open it up but he decided to for closure. The text
read:

“
Hi, my love my friend, I know you
have been waiting on this message. Before I give you one I want you
to know that I love you. You save me from my loneliness. From a
world of mundane routines. In turn I gave up a portal to escape
something you jumped in too fast. I’m selfish because I love you
and know that you were taken. I made you invest into me and for
this I’m sorry. Once your bus stops at the motor pool you will know
your answer. I chose you and I will choose you forever. I will give
anything to make you happy and I know you would do the same. With
all my heart…Taylor”

Andre was parked near Taylor’s car and was
anxious to get back to the motor pool. Once he got there he did not
see her. Andre look at his car in saw a note from her. It was the
same text message she sent him but on the back it was a pic of them
together from Yakima. He realized that they both saved each other.
They were ready to end their careers and hurt their love one for
each other. Andre realizes Taylor did what he would not do. The
next day Taylor, unknowing to Andre, had orders to transfer to
another Brigade.