Lawfully Gifted

by Ginny Sterling

  The next morning, she arose with a renewed vigor. Her mind had worked all night coming up with different thoughts or ideas for her classroom and for John. She planned on mailing another box to him, just something small so he constantly had something coming in. The larger boxes were quite bulky so maybe a smaller, more frequent box would be better? In the next box, she would send him a disposable Polaroid camera so he could take a photo and mail it back in an envelope. She hoped he would find a way to email a photo, but with limited communication, she assumed it would not happen for a while.

  “Think of a desert landscape far from anything you know, Lily,” she muttered to herself, hanging a wavy paper border on the bulletin board she was decorating. She wanted to send something small, but special. And Radar! She’d get something for his dog too. She imagined the two were close since that was really the only other being he’d referred to in his letters. Perhaps a Kong chew toy and a jar of peanut butter? Maybe she’d send some crackers for John too, so they could enjoy the treat together. Ohhhh and a pocket knife so he could spread it?

  Her mind was working furiously with a variety of ideas for her pen pal. She wanted to spoil him, to make him happy – and it made her happy to do so. It gave her a sense of fulfillment to give, which was why she enjoyed the volunteering. She enjoyed giving back.

  “I’m heading out, Lily. You need anything from the store?”

  Glancing at the open classroom door, Lily smiled appreciatively at the other teacher. Maria Beckett had been a sweetheart, almost taking her under her wing when Sherry had passed. She’d never really said much to her before, but befriended her immediately and sat with her at the funeral. It was like having someone simply there to have your back.

  “I appreciate it, but I’ve got to run to the store myself. I’ve got a little something I’m working on right now, just thinking of different ways to do it.”

  “Is whatever it is the reason you seem so happy today?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You just seem like you’ve finally made peace or found something that’s put the bounce back in your step since Sherry died. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you.”

  “Oh that? Yeah, I have a friend that is pretty great and I’m thinking of what to send him next. You know?”

  “Send?”

  “It’s a just a pen pal I’ve had for several months now.”

  “Just be careful; you never know anymore, and there are some real weirdos out there. I just want you to be safe.”

  “Me too,” she smiled and hesitated. “Maria, can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “If you could get something in the mail, what would you like? What would surprise you and give you warm fuzzies?”

  “Is this for a guy or a girl?”

  “A guy,” she admitted, blushing, and instantly regretted asking when she saw the other woman’s large, knowing smile.

  “I would wow him royally. Send him something scandalous, like a magazine or panties.”

  “WHAT?” Lily screeched in shock and fell off the stepstool she’d been standing on, catching herself before tumbling to the floor. The colorful décor she’d lined up on the desk went scattering to the ground, flying in every direction. “I can’t do that! Think of a nice guy – a friend, but not that kind of friend! Oh, my goodness forget I asked,” she muttered, picking up the laminated stars that had gotten scattered to the ground.

  “Well, then pick out something you think you’d like to receive.”

  “I did that,” she said breathlessly, kneeling down and reaching for a star that slipped under her desk. “I sent a box with that a long time ago.”

  “Tell me you didn’t send him Twinkies. You should have stock in those cakes by now,” Maria laughed riotously, her face in disbelief. Lily wished the floor would open up to swallow her just about now. What was wrong with that? “You didn’t?”

  “You know, he liked the Twinkies. It was a creative thought too,” Lily argued defensively. “I wasn’t looking for judgement or criticism, just maybe a suggestion or two.”

  “Look, you are a sweet lady,” Maria told her, and she felt defeat heavy on her shoulders. This was ridiculous. They were strangers and it would be best to keep things friendly or amicable. She was making too much of this and he was simply a lonely guy that didn’t have anyone – and that was absolutely no basis for starting anything more than friendship. “And sweet ladies don’t chase guys around. Send him a book or crossword puzzles, something to keep his mind going. Maybe a handheld video game with batteries for it? Have fun, but don’t put your heart into it – that is where you end up hurt, and I think you’ve dealt with enough hurt for the year, don’t you?”

  “Of course,” she agreed, looking away. Maria was right, and it was stupid of her to imagine that there could ever be more. He was there, and she was here. He might not like curvy girls, or she might think he was short or rude. The odds of things going further or crossing past an amicable friendship were slim to none…so why did it hurt so much to think that? To have a wish decimated before it ever truly took root? She was a typical girl that wanted the fairytale dream, where prince charming swooped in and fell in love with her, just like in her books.

  “I appreciate the advice, Maria and you’re right.” she admitted, feeling simply awful at the moment. She wanted her pajamas and a hot fudge sundae, or perhaps a bubble bath and a box of tissues. Mortified, her eyes began to water and she felt herself overwhelmed.

  “I think I’m going to wrap up here in a bit. Thank you for asking if I needed anything,” she told her, effectively ending the conversation and hoping the other woman got the hint. If she started sniffling or sobbing, she wanted no one present to see her.

  “You okay, sweetie?” she heard her ask, and flinched. “You are simply too soft hearted for the world, you know that?”

  “I’m fine, thanks,” Lily replied and wished she would leave her alone. The waterworks were coming faster than she could try to calm herself down. It was hopeless. He would never, ever be her prince charming or sweep her off her feet, and she just needed to realize that sooner than later. He was nice, but that needed to be the end of it. If she was lonely, she needed to find someone here she could meet or talk to instead, of grasping at straws.

  She looked over her shoulder and saw that Maria left. Grabbing her car keys and purse, she quickly left the building and got to her car before breaking down. She felt like all her hopes had been simply crushed by the truth of the matter. He was a stranger on the other side of the world and she was a desperate, plump dreamer that was hung up on a fantasy. Crying hot bitter tears, she hugged her steering wheel for several moments in mourning for an imaginary budding romance.

  Wiping her eyes, she pulled out her phone to see if she was presentable in public. Her face did a weird thing when she cried. She would get these massive red splotches and her nose would turn bright purplish. Opening the camera, she rolled her eyes. Nope, she was going home first so she didn’t get stopped repeatedly by strangers thinking she was having an allergic reaction to something.

  Once home, she put a cold washrag on her face and sat there on the couch for a while, resting and lost in thought. Think of happy things so you don’t start bawling again, she reminded herself silently. Maybe she’d go by the garden center and see if there were any new flowers, or perhaps she’d just spend the evening on Pinterest finding a new hobby or idea. She moved the rag to her forehead and scrolled through her phone, sighing. It always came back to John. She found a recipe for cake baked in a jar and vacuum sealed. It looked so simple, and it was something she would think was really cool to receive. Checking her face again, she sighed. Still red, just not as much.

  She busied herself in looking to make sure she had the ingredients and was surprised to find that she did – including the canning jars. She’d made bread and butter pickles last summer for herself, leaving a small stash of jars and lids in her cabinet. Grabbing a mixing bowl, she whipped up enough cake
batter for a few jars. She put them to bake in the water dish like directed and was shocked to see it actually worked. When she pulled the baking pan full of water from the oven an hour later, she saw that the jars had sealed and the batter had changed from a liquid to a solid, spongy consistency. Impressed, she carefully moved them to the counter to cool before heading to the store.

  It was getting late, but what did it matter. It wasn’t like she had anyone waiting for her. She picked up the peanut butter, crackers and Kong toy – along with a box of plastic knives. As she was leaving the store, she spotted a photo booth and smiled.

  It would be different, she thought. Inserting a dollar, she sat down, and before she knew it the light was flashing. She tried to make herself look nice or super pretty, but when the photos ejected, she sighed. Normal, plain-jane Lily.

  She drove to the post office and fished around in the trunk of her car for a box to use. She’d mail one box now and the cakes tomorrow since she needed to get more bubble wrap. When she’d started mailing him stuff, she had picked up boxes here and there that would stand up to the abuse it took in shipping. She also used the packing tape she now kept in her car to seal the box. She had a regular little mailing station directly out of the trunk.

  As she sealed the box, she threw the strip of photos inside haphazardly. She was who she was and there was no changing it. Falling for a stranger was a foolish notion anyhow and it was better she squashed any hopes now, rather than later on when she really felt something. She walked inside the barren post office and used the self-serve kiosk to mail it, dropping it inside the bin. The deed was done and photos of herself were on the way. Now, she had a hot date with a bubble bath.

  8

  September 2015

  Ghazni, Afghanistan

  It had been a week since John called Lily. A week of complete torture and analysis. He was watching everyone and everything looking for a cell phone, computer or some sort of outlet to get a photo to her. There were no disposable cameras at the base store because they didn’t want you sending photos of the location. He had almost called to tell Lily he wasn’t able to find a way, but he was no quitter! Instead, he prayed for an answer and doubled down to find a solution.

  He saw people come and go often; sometimes media would arrive, but they were often shooed away. It was too easy to accidently get something in the field of the camera that didn’t need to make it out. Maybe that was his solution, to go to them and suggest interviewing some of the troops in a secure location, so it was monitored. Seeing the chopper landing in the distance, he charged forward ahead with Radar in tow, a plan coming together.

  “You! And you! With me,” he barked, grabbing two of his bunkmates. He ducked his head towards one of the commanding officers. “Sir, I’d like your permission to speak with the film crew that just landed to encourage more letters from home. Might boost morale for the guys. I can take them to the clinic, so they don’t see the weapons stores and you can’t see where we are located.”

  At his curt nod, John almost whooped in delight and anticipation. He normally avoided this stuff at all costs, but without finding anyone with an unlocked internet portal, cell phone with signal, etc. – he was getting desperate. He’d kept her letter folded in his shirt pocket, close to his chest, just in case opportunity arose. Coming closer to the choppers, he turned to the two men with him and tried to keep the excited grin off of his face.

  “Boys, we are gonna see if we can drum up some mail for the team. I want you to be positive, optimistic and happy. Say hello to your families and talk about how much you’ve appreciated the letters we’ve gotten.”

  “But we barely got any; you got most of them from tha-”

  “I know,” he said quickly, cutting him off. “That is precisely why we are doing this. If we don’t tell people how much it’s appreciated, then it’s out of sight, out of mind. Miss? Lady?” John shouted, waving at the reporter who got off the chopper. He saw the wariness in her face and knew immediately she expected to get sent on her way.

  “Look, no media and interviews. Too much exposure, but you’ve got a couple of volunteers that can talk with you if you need a quick story. I’ve secured a spot that won’t give away our location and you can have five minutes, per Command,” he instructed and saw the look of relief. “Tell the chopper not to leave, we won’t be long.”

  John headed to the medical facility and ignored their incredulous looks at the intrusion. “Set up fast and let’s get this done.”

  “Wait, don’t you want to know what I’m here for?”

  “Nope, just need to know where you are airing, if it will be online, and where to find it at,” he said bluntly with a genuine smile. He swirled his finger in a circle beside his head, indicating to wrap up everything or they were going to be done before they started. “We need to hurry this up and to drive attention to our boys and keep them fighting the good fight. Now, if you’ll set that camera up on your shoulder, sir? Time is a-wasting.”

  Twenty minutes later, he ushered the reporter’s back to the helicopter, the relief palpable. It was a news team from Virginia. He had the reporters name and station affiliate. He told the reporter that if a worthy news story about the troops longing for home didn’t make it online, he’d be shocked. When his turn came, he gave a shout out to the students from Tyler, Texas for their letters and generosity, and finished his monologue.

  He would call Lily tomorrow. He had a list of things he wanted to ask her that he’d written down over the last few days. It was 2 AM where she was, and he hated to disturb her. Plus, the station had to have time to do their edits and post the story.

  * * *

  John found himself excited and anticipating the call. He couldn’t wait to hear her voice and hear how she was doing. He was on his way to the building when he started hearing the whistles and cat calls. Word had gotten around camp that he had someone contacting him and while they teased him from a distance, most of the time they left him alone. Partly because his finger was healed now and partly because he felt guilty. Some of the guys had no one and it was written on their faces. He was so blessed and he knew it. He did an about face and ran to intercept the package. The phone call could wait another five minutes. Sure enough, the box sat on his bunk and several expectant eyes watched him. He opened it with his knife and grinned. She really was a good person.

  “C’mon over here Radar,” he said softly. “I think our Lily has a soft spot for you, girl.” He ruffled the dog’s large black silky ears and felt his stomach clench as he saw the sunken spot where her eye had been. Swallowing, he kissed her head and scratched her back. He loved this darn dog and it had near about gutted him when he put Walker down at the medical tent and turned to see Radar. He’d fallen to his knees there in the dirt. The dog had run along silently beside him as if she knew John had been distraught, and didn’t want to hurt him any further. Radar had to be the smartest, most intelligent dog he’d ever had.

  John dug out the Kong and box of spreading knives, quickly peeling back the foil top on the large jar of peanut butter. He smeared a dollop inside and threw the pink toy not far from her. She sprang into action and made several grunts as she worked desperately to get her tongue as close to the dark golden blob of heaven tucked inside. As he pulled the box of crackers out, he spotted what looked like a bookmark. Curious, he picked it up and gaped.

  “What’s up man?”

  “You okay?”

  “Sir? Sir? Are you alright? You got a peanut allergy we don’t know about?” Several of the men rushed over and he waved them off. Lily was simply breathtaking. She had a classic air about her, with soft delicate cheekbones and large eyes that seemed to stare directly at him. Brown wavy hair that fell just past her shoulders and a smile that made his heart thump.

  “Is that your girl?” he heard beside him and smiled, his eyes glued to the delicate face.

  “Yeah, she is.” John had a phone call to make right now! He couldn’t wait to tell her he’d gotten the photos. Lily was s
tunning and incredibly humble, especially if she thought that she was plain looking. He slipped the photos in his pocket where he kept her phone number.

  “You guys are welcome to the peanut butter and crackers. I’ll be back later. Someone refill Radar’s toy when she’s done, please?” he said, getting to his feet and seeing her ears perk up. “Radar, stay girl.” He wanted to talk to Lily as long as he could without worrying about needing to take her outside.

  As he got to the store, he grimaced. The phone was already in use and one man was waiting patiently by the door. He got two phone cards this time and flinched at the total, but took his place behind the other man. He waited there impatiently for almost an hour and was relieved Radar was at the tent instead. He glanced at his watch and frowned. It was nearing 11pm there and he was up next. He hoped he didn’t wake her and was concerned she’d be upset. As the other man opened the door, John sprung away from the wall where he’d been leaning, waiting his turn. Hands trembling, he took a seat and shut the door for privacy before dialing Lily’s number.

  * * *

  Lily was shocked at the gift. She stared at the tiny stone earrings John had mailed to her. She’d opened the box and immediately put them on, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Delicate, bright blue teardrop shapes dangled from her ears, looking like fanciful raindrops. She worried that they were expensive and maybe it was a mistake, but no. She’d checked the address on the box four times before realizing that they actually were meant for her. It had been so very unexpected and treasured. She’d never gotten a gift from a man before, other than her father.

  She made herself a hot cocoa and glanced in the mirror again as she walked down the hall, grinning at the blue earrings. It made her feel so good and smile as she thought of him picking them out for her. She took a selfie with them on and emailed it to herself, so she could get it printed at the copy center with photo paper. She’d bought Polaroid disposable cameras for the classroom to help her with learning their names and was certain there were a few shots left. Perhaps she’d do that instead and do up her hair in a ponytail. It had been several days since John called and she looked forward to it again. She was exhausted, staying up every night in hopes that he might. Hence the cocoa; she planned on watching tv in her room as late as possible – just in case.