My Sister's Best Friend
By
G.L. Snodgrass
Copyright 2015 Gary Snodgrass
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof in any form. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means. This is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author's imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Purple Herb Publishing
http://glsnodgrass.blogspot.com/
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Dedicated to
Ms. Diana Coleman
Class, Intelligence, and a Tender Heart
Other Books by G. L. Snodgrass
Certain Rules
Unwritten Rules
Worth Saving
Nothing So Quiet
A Demon's Nightmare
Short Stories
Best Friends
Prom Date
The One That Got Away
Dragon's Skin
The First
My Sister’s Best Friend
Chapter One
Nathan
Every muscle ached and my eyelids felt like they were coated in lead. All I wanted to do was shuck my body armor and crash for about twelve days. A night spent humping up and down an Afghanistan Mountainside will do that to you. But I'd be lucky if I got four hours of sleep before they called me back to the line.
Instead of getting any rest, Sargent Hollis strolled into the common room and yelled, "Mail Call," with that deep gravelly voice of his that could wake a zombie from a dirt nap.
My stomach fell. I hated Mail Call. Almost as much as I hated being held away from sleep. Watching everyone's idiotic smiles, their anxious anticipation while waiting for their name to be called and the let down when once again you came up empty handed.
Don't get me wrong. My family emailed me. Text on a computer screen wasn't the same though. Hand written letters, packages, even post cards. Those were different. More real somehow.
"Abernathy," Sargent Hollis yelled out before handing over a letter.
"Everton," he yelled next. Jimmy jumped up to receive his normal pile of magazines. Maybe I should do that. He'd subscribed to half a dozen magazines before we left Pendleton.
"Johnson," The Sargent called out as he held out a brown paper wrapped package.
My heart skipped a beat. That's me, I thought. Wow, someone sent me something. The package, about the size of a shoe box, looked like it'd been dropped a couple of times with one of the corners bent in and the paper ripped. The string holding it all together had turned a dusty gray color. I didn't care. It had to be one of the nicest things I'd ever seen.
Taking it from Hollis I returned to my rack to open it up in private. I'd seen too many guys loose prized cookies to his buddies before the package was even fully opened.
The box wasn't heavy, but substantial enough. I didn't recognize the hand writing on the front. At first I thought it might be an "Any Marine" packages that school kids did some times. They were always wonderful but not the same thing as getting something from someone you knew.
This one though was definitely addressed to me, Private First Class Nathan Johnson, USMC. Nice cursive writing, feminine, soft, smooth. Mom's was blockier, my little sister Chrissy printed most things, preferring a keyboard to a pen. The one post card I’d gotten from her in boot camp had looked like it'd been written out on a typewriter.
This writing looked older fashioned. As if someone had spent years writing this way. I glanced at the return address but it’d been ripped, taped and then ripped again.
Give it a minute Nathan, you'll know fast enough.
Gently laying in on my rack I leaned my rifle against my locker and slipped off my armor. God that felt good. My shoulders sighed in relief. Pulling my shirt away from my sweaty body I sat down next to the box.
Placing it on my lap I pulled my knife and slit the string then cut along the seam. Gently folding the paper back revealed a red shoe box with a black lid. I Slowly removed the lid exposing white tissue paper and a pink envelope with the word Nathen written on it.
My heart raced and my stomach clenched up. Still no clue who the package could be from. The letter smelt of lilacs and roses. A sweet perfume that brought me back to summer nights in our backyard.
Inside the box, under the tissue paper was several bags of cookies, homemade chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin, my favorites. There was also two pair of socks and a paperback book, 'The Long Earth' by Terry Pratchett. I smiled to myself, somebody knew me and what I liked.
Being careful not to rip it, I gently opened the letter and removed the pink pages from within. A feminine hand, the same that had addressed the box had written me a letter.
"Dear Nathan," it began.
"I hope you are doing well. Chrissy said that in your last email you sounded a little down. ..."
I knew who it was. Chrissy's best friend Ashley, it had to be. She was the only person I could see my sister Chrissy talking too about my email. I skipped to the end of the last page and confirmed it. A small, beautiful signature "Take care, Ashley."
Wow, Ashley Parker had sent me a care package. I couldn't stop from smiling as I remembered the little girl who used to help my sister pester the heck out of me and my friends. Both of them tagging along, always demanding to be included in whatever I was doing.
A memory flashed into my mind of a five year old little blond haired girl who called me Nasan all summer because she was missing her two front teeth. Next I thought of the time both of the little hellions had bombed me with water balloons from the upstairs’ window.
Smiling to myself I sat back and remembered. Family camping trips, Ashley was always included. The drive-in theater where the three of us hid under a blanket so Mom and Dad could save a few bucks. The priceless look of pure glee on Ashley's face that night when she realized she was being told to break the rules. Probably the first and last time that ever happened.
I remembered the night the two of them spied on me as I was kissing Emily Simpson behind the garage. They started giggling and ruined the entire moment. I wanted to kill them. Yelling, I started after them to teach them a lesson they'd never forget. Thankfully Emily pulled me back, saying it was funny and probably for the best. Of course, I'd never been able to get Emily alone after that. I still owed Chrissy for that one.
Turning back to the letter I continued on. A warm peace settled over me. Ashley was almost family.
" ... I am sure that where you are and what you are doing could make anyone feel depressed at times.
Everyone here is doing well. Chrissy and I graduate in two weeks, as I’m sure you well know. (Be sure to mention it in your next email to her. Don't tell her I told you this but she worships the ground you walk on. You will always be her hero.)
Anyway, we had the Prom last week. You never got to go to yours did you? Graduated early so you could enlist, so afraid the war would end before you got there. I must say I'd hoped you would be too late. Your parents still grumble about it at the dinner table.
I went with Denny Albertson, Chrissy went with Tim Buckminster. I'm sure you remember him. ..."
Remember him! He was almost my age, what was he doing dating my sister. What was my dad thinking letting a twenty year old guy take my sister to the prom? Sure she was eighteen, but still. That would not have happened if I'd been home. No way. Chrissy would have been locked up in her room. Ashley too for that matter.
/> Who was this Denny Albertson guy? I racked my brain and the only thing I could come up with was a spindly geek with glasses. Granted I'm sure he'd grown in the last couple of years. Whoever he was he wasn't good enough for Ashley.
"... we had a good time.
I didn't know what to send you, what you needed. I asked my family, mom said cookies, I made them myself so if they're not perfect, tough, live with it. My dad suggested a book so I got Johnny to let me dig through the books in your room to find out what you were missing. Don't worry, Johnny had already removed the Playboy magazines you used to keep hidden behind your book shelf.
My grandfather said socks. (They're store bought, not knitted. No surprise, I'm sure) He was in Viet Nam and said the most wonderful thing he ever felt was putting on fresh new socks after a long patrol.
I hope you like everything. We all worry about you and hope you come home soon. I think you will be surprised at how much everyone has grown since you left. Until you come home, please, please be safe.
Take Care Ashley
P.S. The pink stationary was a gift for my thirteenth birthday, don't laugh, it's all I had. In fact you are the first person I've used it for. Take care Nathan, You are missed around here.
I held the paper to my nose and pulled in the scent of heaven and home. A thousand memories, more good than bad, flashed through my mind leaving a burning hole. Homesickness, the curse of every Marine.
I'd joined up because I wanted to see the world. Experience something more than a boring suburban life. I'd yearned for adventure and an opportunity to prove myself. Well I'd done that three times over and all I could do now was wish I was back home.
Opening the oatmeal cookies I realized that she'd remembered the time we'd fought over the last one on the plate. Mom said I should let Ashley have it because she was a guest.
"Guest?” I'd yelled, "She spends more time here than I do."
Mom stopped feeding the baby long enough to give me her mom look. That look that said I’d disappointed her. She could make Sargent Hollis look like a new born puppy by comparison and that was saying something.
Ashley’s eyes dropped with guilt as she tried to give me the cookie back. Of course there was no way I'd take it, not after that look from Mom. We'd fought about it, shoving the cookie back and forth across the table until it became a pile crumbs.
It was such a minor moment but ten years later, on a mountain top half way around the world the memory of it brought a smile to my face.
I read the letter again then carefully folded it and put it back in the envelope. As I slid the paper in I felt it catch against something. Tipping the envelope upside down I shook out a picture.
"Oh My God!" I said to myself. Ashley Parker had grown up. I couldn't believe it. She was gorgeous. The picture showed her standing in her living room wearing her prom dress. It was a sky blue full length strapless dress, same color as her eyes. Her golden blond hair was put up exposing a long graceful neck and flawless shoulders. She was looking directly into the camera with a confident smile. I felt as if she were smiling right at me.
Pure beauty. The kind of beauty that could melt a man's heart.
The last time I'd seen her she'd been sixteen and still in that gawky coltish stage. Now, there was nothing but pure grace.
I flipped it over. She'd written in her dainty, gently sloping handwriting, "This is the only picture I have. They said online that we should send pictures. Everything I have is digital and I couldn't get the machine at the Drug store to work."
I stared at the picture for several minutes, unable to believe this was Ashley Parker.
I would still be staring at it but the guys started coming into the room. Laughing and cursing, situation normal.
"Hey, I told you he'd have cookies," Jimmy said as he made a move for the box. I quickly stuffed the picture into my top pocket. No way was I sharing this, some of the cookies yes, this picture, no way.
Chapter Two
Ashley
There wasn't enough time in the day. It felt as if my life was rushing off a cliff in the dark. I was scheduled to graduate tomorrow and I still didn't have a clue what I wanted to do with my life.
The week had been filled with blow-out parties and finishing up a history term paper I seemed to have forgotten. Tying up loose ends and saying goodbyes. Everything was bitter sweet tinged with good memories and gut wrenching fear of the future. And none of it seemed important. Not really.
I changed clothes and headed down the stairs to go over to Chrissy's. She needed help filling out job applications. She should have done it a couple of months ago but she never listened to me. Now she was going to end up with the bottom of the barrel. I'd tried to get her into the restaurant where I was waiting tables but nothing was open.
"Ashely," my mother called. "There is a package for you."
"Who's it from?" I yelled back as I opened the front door. I didn't have time for this. It wasn't like I was expecting any graduation gifts or anything. I was an only child, born of two only children. Other than my grandfather, who I adored, I didn't have any extended family. That's one of the many reasons I loved hanging out at Chrissy's. It was never quiet, never dull at her house.
"I'm not your personal secretary, it's on the dining room table." Leave it to my mother to use an old fashioned word like secretary.
Shaking my head I closed the front door and turned back to the dining room. A light brown, soft padded package sat on the middle of the table. The kind you could purchase for mailing items. I reached for it and my heart exploded. I would know that handwriting anywhere. Nathan Johnson had sent me a package.
Shaking like a scared leaf I gently picked up the package and ran my fingers over his name. Had he sent the items back to me? Was he upset with what I sent him?
Trying to calm my racing heart I slowly opened it. Inside a letter was placed over another brown paper package. It was soft, as if it contained cloth. Where the socks the wrong size?
The letter was labeled with Ashley in a bold, confident hand. Smiling I imagined him writing it and placing it inside the package. Opening the letter I removed the crisp white page.
"Dear Ashley
Thank you so much for your package. It came at a perfect time, turning a crappy day into a very good one. Thank you. You will never know how much it meant. ..." I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. I hadn't realized how much I wanted him to be pleased. It seemed like growing up all I ever did was make him mad.
"... The cookies were very good. Are you sure you didn't have your mother make them. The guys really liked the chocolate chip and said to send more next time. I was partial to the Oatmeal which I am sure is why you included them. ..." He remembered our cookie fight, how sweet.
... Please tell your grandfather thank you for the suggested socks. He was right, they do feel great putting them on after a patrol. ..." Will he please hurry up? How is he? Is he safe?
"The book was an excellent choice. I've just finished it. I can see a dozen possibilities for a sequel. Thank you. As for those magazines behind the book case, they weren't mine, I swear, I have no idea how they got there. You might let Jonny know that he and I will be having a long talk when I get home. Which should be in about two or three months. ..." My heart soared, only a few more months and he'd be safe.
I am doing fine, no need to worry. I've been on camping trips with more excitement. ..." Why did I think he was lying? People didn't normally shoot at you or try to blow you up on camping trips.
"... As for what is in the package, I hope you like it. I picked it up from a local merchant when I was sent back to the base for supplies. He said it came from China over the Himalaya's, packed in on a camel over the Silk Road. I'm sure he was embellishing things a little but you've got to admit it's a pretty cool story. I thought of you as soon as I saw it and knew you had to have it. ..." My heart melted, I knew that no matter what it was I would love it forever.
Before going on with the letter I ripped open the smaller package
and gasped. A beautiful sky blue silk scarf. It was exquisite. The color seemed to dance and move with the fabric. Mesmerized I pulled it through my fingers, it felt so smooth and well, silky.
I closed my eyes for a moment and imagined the trip this scarf had taken. Probably made in some small Chinese village, packed to Afghanistan where a young Marine sees it on display and sends it half way around the world to his sister's best friend.
Tying it around my neck I draped it over my shoulder and looked at myself in the mirror. The blue matched my eyes exactly. Is that why Nathan thought of me. Did he really remember the color of my eyes?
Picking up the letter I read on "... I hope you like it. Don't tell Chrissy but I got her one too, different color but similar. I'll give it to her when I get home, Sixty Seven days, but who's counting.
I better say bye for now. Congrats on graduating by the way. And yes I did tell Chrissy congrats. Thanks for the heads up, I had forgotten. What are your plans for the future?
Tell your mom and dad hi for me and please take care of yourself. Thank you again for the package. It was perfect. I've got to go now the helicopter won't wait much longer. Take care."
Nate
P.S. I really liked your picture. Mine was taken by my buddy Jimmy using my phone. The Base Exchange had a machine. Remind me and I'll show you how to work it when I get home."
A picture, he’d sent a picture. I found it in the envelope and stared at the boy I’d loved since I was twelve years old.
Standing on the slope of a mountain with bushes and cedar trees around him. He was dressed in his desert brown camouflage with full body armor, his rifle strapped across his chest with the barrel pointed down. My heart skipped a beat, this was a warrior, no longer a high school boy but a man full grown. My mouth dried up and I had problems swallowing. He was so absolutely gorgeous and would always look at me as if I were just another sister.
My Sister's Best Friend (Best Friends 3) Page 1