A Conversation

NOTE:  This will eventually be a romance I think, but it's going to take a slightly different turn after this.  This is just a scene; I don't know where this fits in with the rest of whatever this is going to turn into.
                                _______________________________ 

My heart was beating fast as I walked up to the Major’s quarters.  I stopped on the landing before going up to the fourth floor and leaned out the window to glance over the lake.  The sunset was as magnificent as any I had seen back in the States, but it only served as a contrast to the destruction that lay around us. The picturesque landscape was dotted with the sights and smells of the recent battle. Windows shattered by bullet holes, walls crumbling that had stood for centuries, shrapnel embedded into every visible surface.  But we had been successful in capturing the town, in driving the Germans back; it was a small price to pay. Voices from above knocked me from my reverie and made me remember why I was here.  When did I get so brave?  It was almost dark by now, and my time was running short.

“Come in” came the voice from inside; I complied.  “Ah, Powers, what can I do for you?”

Major Sommers was sitting in an armchair going over briefs.  Captain Louis was sprawled across a large couch nursing a bottle of ’69.

“It’s a personal matter, sir.  A matter of some privacy,” I said, trying to make it clear that the Captain should leave.

Sommers and Louis exchanged glances.  After Louis shut the door behind him, the Major turned to me; I had his full attention.  I suddenly noticed how warm the room was.  It was a large room by any standard, divided into sitting quarters and sleeping quarters; a fire in the grate lit the room.  A glance behind me revealed the bed, unmade and rumpled, and a new shiver of dread, but also of excitement, ran down my spine.

His eyes were on me, dark and intense.  I caught his gaze, but looked hastily away.  He motioned for me to sit.

Silence.

“So, what’s on your mind?” he asked.  The Major was not an intimidating man, and it’s not as if he was unknown to me.  I judged the Major to be only a little older than myself, still in the prime of his life.  He had a handsome, welcoming face.  But his expression always carried some gravity, for he took the loss of any man personally.  This war had dragged on for years, but he had always been there.  He had been one of us, we had trained together, fought side by side; he inspired trust, and we followed him without question.

“Sir, I have a confession to make.”

“I thought as much,” he said, settling back comfortably into his chair as though the matter was resolved.  I looked at him questioningly; he picked his papers up again and began flipping through them before continuing.

“In all the time I’ve known you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you shave.  Many soldiers lied about their age to enlist, but being desperate for men, and you an orphan, I guess they decided to give you a chance.  Not that I can blame them; you have been an exceptional soldier.  I’ve seen your bravery on the field, and I don’t think there’s a better shot in your company.  I am glad to have served with you.  Now why don’t you go and join the rest of the men.  Although I haven’t received marching orders yet, I don’t think we will be here long.”

Clearly I was being dismissed, but I remained seated.  I cleared my throat.

“There’s something else, sir.  Well, actually, there’s a couple of things.”