Recap :

After Kadner, Kyra and Roshesh left KMA, Colonel James went to HQ to check on Nick. His visit helped Nick get over with his bad time with Colonel Daniel. James came back and rang up Kadner ,ended up talking with Chief Darkh too, pissing him off and making Kadner's hard life harder. Meanwhile Wills, Ren and Jane have been told by Nick that he might take a few days to return to KMA due to delay in the mission.

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Jane's POV :

Uncle came back late in the evening and right after he got back, he rang up Mr. Kadner and got on Chief's nerves.
I pray for that man.
Mr Kadner is paying too costly a price to be Uncle's favourite.

Nick's call brought in some relief but I'm still scared for him.

Nevertheless, I came back to my room after all the telephonic drama and slept off.

Despite the unexpected relaxation from Killer, my morning runs haven't stopped.
He ensures that my day starts with kicking myself the hardest.
It's been months but I have never been told my timings.

Several times I did repeat rounds with weights - a proof that he's keeping a note of my timing. And a subtle sign that I'm improving.

As usual, I shower, change and go to mess just to meet Ethan and his team eating.

"Hey super woman!"
Oliver teased me.

I brought my fist up and kissed my knuckles. The hoots that followed shut him up with a pout.
Feeling bad, I ruffled his barely present hair and we were back to good.

"So, how is final term going on?"
I asked them only to get back groans. Well I expected nothing less.

"Something happened last Saturday and we are paying the price."
I choked on my lemonade and laughed loudly. These guys have no clue what waves hit the walls of this Academy.

"Why do I think you know what happened?"
George asked and I laughed again.

"Okay yes I do. But I don't know if I'm supposed to tell you or not, so I'm not saying anything. Except -"
They all looked at me with hope in their eyes.

"That your Fletcher screwed up big time. And now Colonel expects a lot from his boys, which is - you guys."
I whispered and they immediately reacted with their hilarious expressions.

"Ah man."
"Jesus can that man leave us at peace?"
"Why isn't Rambo kicking his ass then?"
"oh he must be. Rambo won't leave him. But if he has been asked to kick ours, even Fletcher won't spare us."
"Like he even thinks of sparing us."

I was laughing all the time.
These guys defend their trainers when others speak against them. But look at them - they're cursing Fletcher right now.

"What are you laughing at?"
Ethan pulled my hair gently and I turned towards him.

"Sad, you don't have something over your head that I can pull."
I said and his boys laughed monstrously.

"I'll even this out one day."
He said pointing an index finger between the two of us.

"I don't think I'll ever decide to walk around with a shaved scalp. Thank you."
I smiled imagining my ugly face.

He imagined the same and said disgusted 'Yeah man, don't.'
We all laughed again.

Man, I'm going to miss this.
These boys - their rants, cribbing sessions - all this became a part of my daily life here. And it's time for them to say bye bye to me.

"You feeling sad?"
Sam asked me and I nodded.

"I have a solution for that."
Ethan said and everyone turned to him.

"Get out of KMA, find a guy, and live a life better than this one. Get away from Fletcher."
He said and all the boys agreed.

I started blushing and controlled my smile, when Flynn passed by and cleared his throat. Loudly.

Now everyone was looking at me.

"Do you have something to say, Jane?"
Walter asked me.

"I.. umm.. no..."

Before I could say anything else, Flynn came back and stood behind me with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Which one of you two are going to start talking?"
Ethan asked me and Flynn and I chuckled.

"She found one. During her stay at KMA."
He said with such pride I had to turn around and look at him.

I heard boys gasping.
Oh no.

I turned back and saw Oliver looking at me like a devil. And so did David and Walter.

"Well we missed the news bulletin."
Ethan said.

"Okay. Fine. Thanks for this Flynn!"
I blamed him for making me so conscious.
"Okay. I umm... I am dating.. Major Phillip Martins.."

"what?!"
"Dr. Bones?!"
"Wow! Never saw this one coming!"
"We never existed for ya?"
"Damn you broke my heart, girl. I need a shoulder to cry."
"Wait. Isn't he the one who treated Fletcher?"

"Yep. That's the one."
They looked at me with surprise.

"We met during Fletcher's visit at AFH. And we clicked.. And we stuck by.."
I tried to keep it simple.

Guess who had other plans.
"I'm sure you have a lot more to tell them."
Flynn said and left.

"Jane...?"
Ethan warned me.
"You guys had.."
Oliver started whispering.

"Dang no! We just went on a date. That's it.".
Oooo's filled in air.

"And who's going to tell them about breaking four of Colonel's rules?"
Came a loud familiar voice from behind and I jumped up.
Everyone in the mess stood up as I ran to the man.

"Nick!"
I went and hugged him tight and he spoiled my hair.

"I think I came earlier than your expectations."
Nick laughed.
Ren and Wills pulled up chairs from the sides and joined the boys. They started leaving when Killer said "You think I'll bite you? Stay where you are."

Very friendly, Killer.
The boys were still shocked.

Lastly me and Nick sat and he nodded rest of them to sit down.

Cadets couldn't believe their eyes.
Their trainers were sitting with them.

"Four.. rules.. Sir..?"
Ethan had the strength to say it out.

"Yeah. She doesn't prefer well mannered guys."
Nick said and Ren laughed. Killer barely smiled.
"Shut up!"
I said and the boys laughed this time.

Over next ten minutes, Nick told the boys what happened that night and I could feel them glaring at me.
It was a whole different experience. Nick was talking very casually with them.

"He did not..."
Ethan was not ready to accept that.
The look on his face was too hilarious.

"Oh you think he is lying?"
Killer asked angrily and immediately Eth raised his hands in defence.
"Sir.. I didn't mean that.."

Poor Eth.
Killer kept a straight face till he could.
Then he laughed loudly.

"Guards down, boys. I'm in a good mood, don't piss in your pants."
Killer said and I think that was the first time ever he has been so sweet to the boys.

All of them looked at him bewildered and so did I. It was as funny as Satan wearing clothes of an angel.

I thought that was one of his tests. Turns out, he was serious this time. He really was in a good mood.

"So, are we all set for next season?"
Nick asked the boys.
Nobody replied so Nick turned to Ethan and raised his eyebrows in question.

"Our parade practice is apparently the most important thing right now."
Eth complained and Killer chuckled.

"That's Colonel's order. Even your senior trainer is helpless."

Ah.
That means there is going to be no relaxation in parade.
I'll pray for these boys too.

"That means we'll have to take out extra time and work harder to make up for the lost glory."
Nick said looking down.

That was his way of apologising for the loss in last season.
"We'll do it coach. We have learnt a lot from that series. And new boys will bring new talent."

"This time, I'll stand with you no matter what."
Nick promised.

"And get them all screwed."
Killer taunted in a very low tone.

"We are ready, sir."
Ethan replied firmly.
I have to say, he has guts. Standing against Killer needs guts. But I also know that he is more scared of Nick than Killer. It's a funny world.

"Don't forget the last time he was in your team."
Killer challenged.

Oh I remember that too well.
Nick was telling us stories and got late and Killer killed all of his team members. They ended up so tired they lost. Bad.

Boys were left after making them cry. Nick was screwed further.
That was the day I didn't believe that these two men were brothers.

Nick ran chills from head to toe going through the same memories.

"We also remember the game we played with you in our team, Sir."
Walter was serious.

And suddenly everything was serious.
Killer sat straight, and rest of the boys went silent.

Nick broke the ice by laughing and Ethan and Oliver joined him.
Walter, Sam and David were still holding their breaths.

"Alright. I'm sorry."
Killer said and the rest three laughed too.
I sat with my mouth open.
What the Fuck did he just say?
Sorry?

Nick turned to me and looked at my surprised face.
"She's clueless."
He pointed at me while looking at Killer who looked embarrassed.

"Doesn't matter."
He said covering his face with his palms.

"Oh come on. She's the only one unaware of your talent."
Nick said.

My heart was beating at a rate I couldn't count. A few more moments and Killer will tell me to Get out.

Instead he kept his face hidden.
"Can we save it for later, Nick?"
He pleaded nicely.

What's gotten into him?!

"Let the boys vote. So how many of you want Jane to know what happened on field that day?"
Walter raised his hand slowly and was followed by Ethan, Sam, David and lastly Oliver. They kept their hands up till Killer's eyes were closed.

The moment he removed his hand from his face, the hands dropped back on table.
Haha! The fear!

"You'll tell or shall I have the honor?"
Nick was in a mood to kick Killer's ass and I couldn't enjoy any more.

"Traitors."
Killer hissed at the boys knowing what they just did.

He gave in and Nick started telling me.
"So this is about the back-pass rule. Wills was-"

Before Nick would continue, Killer spoke up.
"As if she knows about Back-pass rule."

I felt offended and Nick smiled deviously.
"Tell him, Jane."
He said confidently, without looking at me.

Thanks to his lectures on football, I gave a befitting reply to Killer.
"Goalkeepers are normally allowed to handle the ball within their own penalty area, and once they have control of the ball in their hands opposition players may not challenge them for it. However the back-pass rule prohibits goalkeepers from handling the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate, or after receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate. Back-passes with parts of the body other than the foot, such as headers, are allowed."

Not just Killer, but all the boys looked at me with their Jaws on the floor.

"Even she would have saved the boys that day. Shame on you."
Nick said and Killer was red in face.

He nodded, apologising for his previous statement and signalled Nick to continue.

Nick restarted.
"Since you've accurately explained the rule, it will be easier to narrate the story. So, Wills was the goalkeeper for their team-"
he pointed towards Walter, David and Sam

"-and he picked up the intentionally kick-passed ball with his hands. Needless to say, indirect free kick was awarded to our team." This time he pointed at himself, Ethan and Oliver.

"The SC here took the free kick and the ball touched Wills' gloves and slipped into the post. We knew someone is going to be dead soon."
He was laughing by the end.

"Two mistakes."
I said and Walter, David and Sam nodded furiously.

"Colonel James was pissed beyond belief. And his team spent whole evening and night on the field. Next morning we had a rematch and his team was promised special over night treatment if they lose again. They knew what was so special so they exhausted last of their reserves and won the game. Since that day, Wills is the one in less demand."

Nick completed the story and the boys were hiding their grins. Killer was still looking down, but asshole was smiling.

"When are we playing next, Wills?"
Nick teased.

"When your kids are ready to get slaughtered again."
He replied sarcastically and everyone rolled their eyes.

"Alright. You guys are not planning to report for parade or shall we start with water drill here itself?"
And Killer was back in Killer mode.

Boys got up in a moment and left.
The usual 'Run from this guy' expression was clear on their faces.

"You came back! And you didn't even tell me!"
I punched Nick's shoulder lightly.

"Tell me you're not happy to see me. I'll go back."
"Ofcourse I am, stupid!"

Nick gave a cheesy smile.

"What about the mission?"
I whispered.

"It got cancelled. The base shifted to a new location and we lost all tracks. So no going out of KMA now."
He winked and I felt so light.

He is back here with us, all safe.

"This calls for a celebration!"
I say excited, but immediately regret. Going by the number of sins I've committed, I'll be roasted bad if I become a part of their party.

"Sir is going for vehicle unit inspection tomorrow early morning. We can have a party tonight."
Killer said amused.

Based on their inspection stories, I prayed for the vehicle unit who will be getting inspected by Uncle. May God give them strength.

But wait.
We can have a party?

Oh great!
I'm trapped!

Nick was excited as heck.
"What are you waiting for? Go get ready. We meet at the bar at 2000."

"You people carry on.. I have some work-"
"I know what work you have, Jane. Mr. Bones can wait. Moreover, you have a lot of questions to answer tonight, miss!"
Nick said and my night just got filed.
He's not letting me go so early.

"You two, take your time. Till then, let's go check the Mercy Lawn, Wills. I heard it's a pleasure to the eyes with lush grass."

Something was definitely wrong.
"There's grass growing there? Mm Interesting."
Killer was happily surprised. You know that look I've talked about before - the one where he knows that someone had given him a good reason to screw themselves - yeah, that one. That same expression was evident on both the faces in front of me.
Somebody's going to cry tonight.

Killer and Nick left and the two of us decided to go to her room. Well not decided, she ordered me to come with her. She wanted to get ready first and then come to my room to ensure that I look pretty. My plans to escape were loud enough to bring suspicion in her mind so she decided to pull me along instead of leaving me alone.

"I've got a nice Lemonade for the lady if you two can wait a little."
Flynn said politely.
Who can say no to such a darling?

We sat back and waited.

"I'm so glad Nick is back!"
I said with peace radiating from my body.

"I know, hon! I am feeling so relieved! You have no idea how worried I was for him! It felt like Willy going for another dangerous mission, just with Nick this time."
Ren said and I could feel how much of an emotional burden would be relieved off her.

"You are a really good friend, Ren. You take care of all of them."
She laughed a little.

"Flynn calls me mother of these monsters."
This time I laughed louder.
"He's not wrong, not even a slightest bit."

She looked at me then asked me something I wasn't prepared to answer.

"Hey Jane. I've heard a lot about your father, Colonel Stuart. But you never spoke a word about your mother. Where is she? Do you call her?"

The expression on my face changed and she sensed it too.
"I'm not forcing you. If it's something you are not comfortable talking, you can choose not to answer."
She said sweetly and my eyes went full.

I had planned of not telling this to anyone. But the weight was getting heavier each day. And Ren is a good friend. Suddenly I felt that sharing my pain with her will help me heal a bit.

"She left me and Dad ten years ago, married someone else and started living her own life. She calls me rarely, but it doesn't feel that good. We were going great. We were happy. One day she got really angry at Dad over something I don't know, and shouted at him, called him coward repeatedly. Dad didn't say a single word, let her be angry and he didn't even stop her from leaving us. The very next day she filed for a divorce and Dad didn't resist. She wanted to take me with her, but she was all on her own, and dad was settled with a respectable job. She knew neither she'll get my custody, nor will she be able to take care of me. So she left me with him. I never gathered the courage to ask my dad or mum what happened that day that she had to take that step."
I said almost crying.

Ren, like the sweet woman she is, held my hands firmly in her own.
"They must have had their reasons, hon. I'm sorry you had go through those memories because of me."

I cleared the tears now flowing freely over my cheeks.

She pulled me close to her and hugged me tight. That was something I needed badly. I cried my heart out.

Flynn came back and as soon as his eyes landed on me, he rushed to us.

"What happened to her?"
His concern was not a bit hidden.

"I just.. talked about a few sad things of my past."
He sighed.
"I thought Major Wills came back and said something to you."
He laughed and so did I.

It's funny how Killer will be the first person to be questioned if something happens to me. Considering what dad did to him and Nick, I feel it's unfair to make him responsible for my security. But uncle dearest knows best. Plus, nothing has gone wrong yet, so I don't mind.

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WOOSHH!
Now who saw that coming?
I read Jane's past with a heavy heart. Poor girl.

And don't you feel odd about Killer's cool attitude?

Atleast Nick is back, and I'm so happy!

And wait a minute. They're going to party?!
You know what happens when this Trio enters Bar. And little Jane is going to face all three for the first time. Any guesses how bad is it going to get for her? 😉

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Vote & comment. I might publish the next chap soon 😛😛!