"Webster, it's so good to see you again. Johnny wants you to join me and 2nd Platoon. Come on this way." I exclaim, leading David over to the 2nd Platoon truck. I felt too guilty giving him a cold shoulder like the others. "Malarkey, Liebgott, Private Jackson." I smile, sitting next to Eugene. Jackson and I had gotten pretty close since his arrival. I've gained strong feelings for him and a couple of people told me the feelings were reciprocated.
Liebgott was telling Webster some bullshit lie about Malarkey being promoted to 2nd lieutenant. Jackson and I enter our own conversation about what we'd do after the war. This was a common question and most often everyone's answered changed each time they were asked. Everyone except Jackson. He always replied explaining that he wants to settle down with a nice girl and start a family. And every time, I would tell him what a lucky girl she'd be.

-

Haguenau, France

A patrol is planned. Fifteen of the men were to cross the nearby river and capture German soldiers. Later that day, it's announced who would be participating in the patrol. When I hear the name... his name, I stiffened.

I slowly approach him as he got his gear on. "Hey, Jackson." I let out a shaky breath. He turns to me, a smile forming on his face. "What's up?" He asks. "I just wanted to wish you, um, good luck. And..." I pause mid-sentence. "What? What is it?" He asks. "I really didn't think i'd have to tell you this so soon. I, um- I really like you, Jackson. Like, a lot." I blurt. "That's a relief. Well, what are you gonna do about it?" He questions. "I'm not sure what you mean." I reply. "I'll show you." He exclaims before closing the gap between us. My arms snaked around his neck, his around my waist. As he pulled away, I pulled him back in, placing one more peck on his lips before letting him go. My hands lingering on his chest as his fingers played with my belt. "Jackson, Patrol's starting!" Liebgott shouts from the doorway. I quickly follow the two boys out of the door and to the river.

We pushed the boats into the water, watching as the men floated away. I prayed to god to keep all of those brave souls safe. Liebgott and I were lucky to be on cover fire duty. I couldn't say the same for the men having to cross the line, though.

-

Liebgott and I's attention is drawn to some of the members of the Platoon carrying a man on a stretcher inside. Liebgott and I quickly follow them. There were too many people to see who was on the stretcher. I stood back, trying to calm myself over the shouting. "Don't let me die! I don't wanna die!" A voice cries out. All of a sudden, the screaming stops. The men step back from the stretcher, revealing who got hit. A gasp leaves my mouth and I run over to the stretcher. "Jackson. Eugene Jackson don't you quit on me. Not now!" I plead, grabbing onto his collar. "Eugene..." I croak. I look up at Doc Roe through blurry vision. His lips purse as he shakes his head. I bite down on my arm to silence the screams threatening to escape. I place my hands on the side of what once was his cheeks, leaning in, I place my forehead against his. My tears dripping onto his bloodied face. "How did it happen?" I sniffle. "Got blown up by his own grenade." Malarkey replied. I wipe my eyes, Jackson's blood smearing over my face. "Can I- Can I have time alone with him?" I ask, refusing to look anyone in the eyes. They nod and slowly pile out. I sit down next to him.

"I told you to hold on, Eugene. And you didn't listen. But I suppose that's what I get for falling in love with someone in the war. I don't know what your mama's gonna think. God, that poor woman. You know, being a woman here is hard enough. But to be a liar, too. But you got that, I guess. We both lied about our ages. They were bound to find out soon enough. I just prayed it wouldn't be this way." I sit in silence for a moment. "There's something you should know wasn't a lie. I would've been a helluva lucky woman to get to spend the rest of my life with you. Hell, I was lucky to see your face everyday. I'll stay strong for you, Jackson. I'm gonna make it out and go meet your mama. She'll think i'm crazy but I just want to thank her." I continue. As tears began to well in my eyes, I looked up, blinking them back. "I'm glad I told you when I did. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you died and I never told you. Even if you didn't love me back. But... I guess I should go now. It's awfully selfish of me to waste everyone else's time. But, I think I deserve to keep these." I sniffle, delicately lifting his dog tags over his neck and onto mine. "I'll cherish these forever." I croak, playing with the metal. "Goodbye, Eugene." I smile sadly, walking out of the basement.