Jack and Jill: Army

by Ansley Gilmore

  ***

  Jill flashed a frown at the hostess, then looked at Jack, and released her embrace.

  “Follow me.” The hostess led Jack and Jill to the table where they could have a nice view of boats traveling up and down the canal next to the restaurant.

  “Will this be suitable?” the hostess asked. Jill nodded.

  They took their seats opened the menus.

  “They have lots of steak entrées, Jack, or you can order something else if you want,” Jill said.

  “Hmm, it is a nice menu.”

  Jill was having trouble focusing on the menu, and kept stealing glances of Jack over the top of the menu.

  After a while the waitress arrived and took their orders for drinks.

  “I’ll have a diet cola,” Jill said.

  “Me, too,” Jack responded.

  Jill noticed that Jack was engrossed in the menu, and hoped that he would enjoy his special meal.

  “What looks good to you, Jack?”

  “I’m going to order the strip steak with vegetable medley and a baked potato.”

  “That does sound good. I think I will get the steak salad.”

  In a few minutes the waitress returned with their drinks and took their orders.

  “So now we ‘hurry up and wait.’” Jack smiled.

  “You and your Army jokes.”

  “Can we talk?” he asked.

  “Sure, what is the problem? You sound so serious.” Jill wondered what could be wrong.

  “I am afraid that we are venturing down a road that I haven’t traveled before.”

  “Hmm, you have fears, and want to turn back . . .”

  “I definitely don’t want to turn back. I do have some fears though,” Jack said.

  Jill cringed at the thought of something that might scare Jack off. “If you have any issues, I think we should talk about them.”

  “I agree. It is just that, well, I think that I sometimes I wonder if . . .”

  “Just spit it out. That’s what you told me.”

  “Right. Well, here goes. I like you very much. I never had a serious relationship before, and like you, I think we are on a new path. Our relationship is quickly developing into something that is far different from what I expected.”

  “I’m listening.” I wonder what is bothering Jack so much. He seems to be struggling with words, and he never does that.

  “I know that I am just a soldier, and a sergeant at that.”

  “Jack, I don’t care about your rank.”

  “I know, but it is deeper than that. I sense that you have high standards for everything you are involved in. That’s a wonderful quality, and I think that as a soldier I can meet all the qualifications I need to achieve. On the other hand . . .” Jack broke eye contact with Jill and looked at the tablecloth.

  “Jack, it’s okay. You can be honest. We are friends. We are more than friends.”

  After several seconds, Jack raised his eyes to make contact with Jill’s eyes. “I think you are a wonderful person. You are tough but kind, soft but calloused, smart but gentle. On the other hand, I grew up in a calloused world. The only things I know are how to be insensitive and tough. I wish I could be everything that you will need, but I sense that I am going to let you down. In fact, I suppose that over the course of our lives I will probably let you down many times. It bothers me to think about hurting you, and I know that I don’t want to. It’s just that I come from a totally different background than you did, and as much as I wish I could be a better person, I’m concerned that my lifestyle will not easily adapt to your needs.”

  “Let me think about this for a second . . .” Did Jack actually use the phrase “over the course of our lives”? Am I imagining it or is Jack actually getting serious about our relationship? I wonder what Mom will think about this. I want to call her as soon as I get back to the barracks.

  Jill took a deep breath and tried to sound calm. “So basically, you are afraid of somehow letting me down?”

  Jack nodded, and again dropped his gaze to the tablecloth.

  “If it is any consolation, I have the same fears. I am afraid that I might let you down, too.”

  Jack looked up from the tablecloth. “I can’t imagine that you would ever let anyone down.”

  “Let’s get real, Jack. It happens all the time. People are going to be people. No one is perfect. I have had a few talks with Mom about this and she pointed out that there is no such thing as a perfect mate, but there is such a thing as a perfect marriage—I mean, relationship.” Now it was Jill’s turn to drop her gaze to the tablecloth. After several seconds she looked up.

  Jack was evidently pondering Jill’s words. He seemed to be oblivious to the fact that she had just used the “M” word. “But how can a relationship be perfect if the individuals aren’t perfect?”

  Jill took a deep breath as she thought about her mom’s advice she had received. I hope I remember this correctly. It made so much sense when Mom shared it with me. “Jack, each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. In a perfect relationship each person’s weaknesses are complemented by the other person’s strengths. For instance, I know that I am weak on the tactical side of military planning, but strong on the strategic planning. You on the other hand are just the opposite. That is one reason that we work together so well as a sniper team.”

  “Okay, that makes sense. But I am still afraid that I will still fall short of your expectations.”

  “Jack, that is so cute of you to worry about something like that. But, I realize that we will both fall short of each other. And it will probably happen many times. If we realize this going into the relationship, it will be much easier when it happens. I expect that we will learn lots about each other, our strengths and shortcomings. It is a part of life. Please, don’t worry about my expectations. We need to focus on how blessed we are that we have so much in common.”

  “Shooter and Hope seem happy in their relationship. Have they always been that way?”

  “Mom and I have talked about their early days. She said they had some challenges to overcome. They had to work through some rough spots, but they were committed to the relationship and eventually they realized that their strengths and weaknesses complemented each other. At that point they were able to draw close to each other and form a strong bond. By the time they started having children, they were in a stable and loving relationship.”

  “That sounds so—”

  “Romantic?” Jill said.

  “Well . . . yes.”

  “My parents are the most fortunate couple I know. Many people would love to have the relationship that they have.”

  “Do you think Hope would mind if I talked to her about this?” Jack asked.

  “Jack . . . you are so sweet. Mom thinks the world of you. I think she would be more than happy to discuss this with you.”

  The waitress arrived with the food. “Who gets the steak salad?”

  Jill nodded and the waitress put her salad in front of her. Then the waitress placed the strip steak in front of Jack.

  “This looks delicious, and I am starving.” Jack’s eyes widened as he looked at the large juicy steak that was sizzling on his plate.

  “Bon appetite,” Jill said.

  Jack and Jill began eating their food in silence. Jill was intoxicated with thoughts about Jack. We have come so far so quickly. Just this morning we were looking at airplanes and I wished I could hold his hand. Since then we have had the most intimate talks. Jack seems like a wonderful person. I am so glad that he wants to talk to Mom. I can’t wait to call her.

  After Jack and Jill finished their main course, Jill asked, “How was your steak?”

  “It was fantastic. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. Would you like dessert?”

  “No, I’m stuffed. Thanks.”

  Jill motioned for the waitress and asked for the bill and paid. Then Jack and Jill, hand in hand, exited the building.