Chapter 9

The blaring alarm shattered the early morning stillness of the barracks, jolting the occupants from their slumber. One of the bunks housed a familiar figure, his deep snores reverberating against the walls, while the adjacent bunk accommodated two other comrades.

John rubbed the sleep from his eyes as the insistent sound of the alarm pierced through the haze of his dreams. Without a moment to spare, the barracks erupted into a flurry of activity as the morning parade began outside. A stern-faced drill sergeant made his rounds, barking orders and rousing the sluggish recruits from their beds with swift kicks to their doors.

There was no time for pleasantries or excuses as the recruits scrambled to fall in line for the morning training. John, like his fellow trainees, stood at attention on the training ground, hands clasped behind his back, eyes fixed straight ahead with unwavering focus.

As the sergeant called out the roll call, John found himself in the fourth row, standing tall and proud among his peers. His features were chiseled and determined, a testament to his commitment and resolve to excel in his training.

It had been a month since John had bid farewell to his family, a bittersweet departure marked by tears and well-wishes. His thoughts was still laced with the feeling of separation while he was not mind had gone from the training

"At attention!" The sergeant's voice rang out, jolting him from his reverie and prompting him to realize that he had drifted off, missing crucial instructions. His realization was solidified as he observed others dispersing from the line and forming new pairings in different groups.

Feeling a pang of guilt, he frantically scanned the surroundings, his eyes darting back and forth as he struggled to catch up on the missed commands.

Hastening his steps, he made a beeline for a group, eager to join their ranks, only to find himself abruptly pushed away, met with resistance as he attempted to integrate himself into their formation.

His silence was met with their sneers as they cast unwanted glances at him. The lady berated and lectured him incessantly until the commander arrived and uttered, "Season group," before departing for another group, clearly assigning name to each group.

In a tone of contempt, she scoffed and remarked, "Season group? Why not a rain group, or sun group, or better yet, party group."

"Stacy, that's quite bold; you should try to keep your temper in check," John finally said to her with a serious expression, indicating his familiarity with her name, Stacy.

She and the others looked at him, seemingly taken aback, as if his words were a revelation or a miracle.

"What! Are you talking to me?" She questioned him, her tone laced with anger.

"I simply meant that not every trivial thought needs to be voiced," John replied calmly.

"Boo...!" The others chimed in chorus, gesturing disapproval by thumbs-down.

She approached him, tauntingly saying, "Well, dummy, where does it hurt? If it's your brain, I can enlighten it with pebbles." Her words dripped with sarcasm.

"Ooouu!" The group reacted in unison.

John, having had enough, said. "I have no interest in engaging in your episodes of madness, so I prefer not to indulge you with words any further," he declared in an attempt to brush off the matter. However, the murmurs in the background indicated that they desired more. Stacy kept her gaze fixed on him for a while, she then leaned in closer and closer until John could feel her breath just inches away. The entire group fell silent as they stared at them. She kept gazing at him with a look that seemed to suggest a brewing confrontation.

Looking back at her, he couldn't help but notice the undeniable beauty in her eyes.

Tension lingered in the air as John couldn't help but acknowledge a slight apprehension he was feeling towards the woman, despite his outwardly composed demeanour. 

Unexpectedly, she closed the gap and kissed him on the lips. John stood there, stunned and taken aback by the unexpected gesture.

The unexpected kiss left John in a state of shock, his mind reeling with a whirlwind of thoughts. In the midst of the army environment, he found himself questioning if this was high school rather than the military. As the kiss ended and reality seeped back in, he was struck by the unconventional nature of the encounter, a sentiment shared by the rest of the group, who were equally taken aback by her bold move. While he had not returned the kiss, he couldn't deny the impact of her soft lips against his, a sensation that momentarily transported him beyond the confines of their surroundings. 

His bewilderment was palpable as he gazed at her, his mind racing with confusion. Yet, she met his gaze with a radiant smile, as if stepping out of a fairy tale into reality. "There," she remarked, her smile beaming with sincerity.

Regaining his composure, John finally voiced his lingering confusion, "Weren't we at odds just moments ago?"

She winced slightly, her eyes reflecting a newfound fondness, "But I like you now," she declared, her smile devoid of pretence.

Perplexed by her sudden change of heart, John confessed, "I don't understand."

Nonchalantly, she shrugged, arms outstretched, "You don't have to. Why don't we give being a couple a try? I've developed a liking for you," she proposed candidly.

Amidst the group's chuckles and nudges, clearly entertained by the unfolding drama, John responded without hesitation, "I don't want to."

Unfazed by his rejection, she maintained her cheerful demeanor, "It doesn't matter. I want you all the more," she declared, her smile unwavering as she held his gaze.