_PROLOGUE - ALEXANDER_
“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” ? Alexander The Great
_May 2014– Afghanistan - Two Weeks ‘til demobilization_
ONE WORD. MARINE.
This looming threat our country is facing is inevitable, the need for soldiers ever growing. My mind is clear, I am always battle ready; after some recoup time on American soil, our next deployment could be to Iraq for this infantry.
I am all for it. Bring it the fuck on.
We are Marines; we protect what is ours, destroy those who threaten, sacrifice everything for our people. We give it one hundred and ten percent, even with our last dying breath. With my brothers and sisters by my side, we are unstoppable.
I know my men, we have long since bonded throughout our time together and we have each other’s six no matter the cost. Butholy shitthis war has been a long one, and I doubt we will see an end to it anytime soon.
With this second tour coming to a close, I am thankful we’ve had nothing major transpire during this go-around. My men and I are ready to wrap this up, get back onto US soil to our loved ones, and have a few celebratory beers.
In the early hours of the morning, my team and I linger outside our sleeping barracks as the dry desert heat slowly ticks up. With the morning routine now complete, we are making small talk while Ford and Owen smoke a cigarette, enjoying the last tendrils of coolness before we head out on patrol. These relaxing moments are what the four of us strive for, often with Shark telling us of certain times with women; not one, but multiples, and often. The kinky bastard.
There isn’t much that man won’t fuck, which has us wondering how the dumbass hasn’t caught an STD yet.
“Man, I am so ready to get backhome. I'm going to stay in bed for days unless it’s to catch some waves.” Lance Corporal Harrison Young, or ‘Shark’ as he’s nicknamed, said with a gyrate of his hips.
There is no mistaking that devious grin plastered on his face, he has plans once he’s home.
“With more than a few ladies to celebrate, no fuckin’ doubt.” Ford’s deep Southern Texas drawl makes everyone chuckle as he billows out his puff of smoke.
The three men went on talking and boasting about their ladies, even Owen, one of the youngest in the infantry was getting in on the fun. At nineteen, he is the youngest and the only one in our four-man team that has a wife and ten-month-old little girl back home. We call this guy ‘Little Bear’, as for him being only five foot four and a twig. He’s an adorable little bear we all pick up and toss around.
Ford has told many tales of his Latino wife back in Houston, and how they are going to start a family the moment he’s back. Ford and I are the closest out of all the guys here, long since bonding over our dreams once out of the service. Ford doesn’t really have a nickname, well, maybe Gunner; he’s the ammunition operator on our Humvee. Ford- is Ford, unless an officer feels the need to razz him about his full name. Oh man, don’t get him started- we’d never hear the end of it.
Shark on the other hand, is a different story. He can't stand commitment, doesn’t get attached, loves his party life, and has no shame. A true bachelor for life- there is no changing him. He loves living up the Virginia Beach life with multiple women and is never bashful when the topic is brought up. Go ahead- ask him why his nickname is Shark. Fair warning- the story is a violent one.
Then here we have my shitty predicament.
Last week my fiancée, sorry,ex-fiancée, said she couldn’t be a wife to someone who is already married to the military; went on saying she wasted the past eight years of her life with me, and that she all of a sudden wasn’t meant to be a military wife.
Rebecca packed her shit and moved into an apartment, with her new boyfriend,Josh.
Here is what went down: Mom stopped by my house one afternoon to drop off a few items for wedding planning and caught Rebecca in our bed with saidJosh. The wedding binder mom had in her hands became a weapon. She ended up flinging it at the guy, then proceeded to chase the bare ass motherfucker out of the house, screaming she was going to tan his ass and call his momma.
Fuckin’ awesome, right? What are moms for?
I say, good riddance.
Leaning against the wall, I fold my hands behind my head then heave a groan at hearing more about their bed buddies. I can't stand to hear this shit anymore.
“Will you fuckers pick something else to talk about?” I bark, their laughter turning menacing. Shark nudges my shoulder and my eyes open to glare at him.
“Awe, still butt hurt?” He taunts then sighs dramatically, “Corporal, your ex was caught fuckin’ another man.” He shakes his head, “high school sweethearts are so overrated. It's time you have some fun. Let it go, bang a lot of chicks before your dick wrinkles. Unless you aspire to be Hugh Hefner, then by all means, keep bangin’ away!”
Everyone in the infantry wonders if Shark secretly wants to be like the Playboy man. At least he has goals in mind.
That many women at my disposal whenever I want, sure it be fun for a bit. Then again, I don't think I could handle the number of ditzy blondes and drama.
One with drama is enough for me. Here’s a thought, let’s skip the drama and live the sweet bachelor life. What woman would want to come second? I’m already married to the Marine Corp.
Owen grimaced, “Yeah, let's not talk about wrinkly junk, I just ate.” His full smile contrasts against his darker complexion. Never without a smile this kid, “I agree with Shark; take advantage. Have fun while you can, you know, before the kids come.”