It’ll Never Happen Ch. 07 by BlueBran,BlueBran

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Author’s note:

Thank you to all who have patiently (or not so) waited for this long overdue chapter. There’s a more detailed explanation in the author’s note in chapter 3 of “Old Wounds”, but basically life got crazy and I lost a little bit of motivation, but after a way too long hiatus, I’m back!

All feedback is welcome feedback so let me hear it! Reading your comments is the best part of doing this.

I went back and re read this story, and honestly, between everything that’s gone on in my life form then until now, and all the times that’s passed, I can’t even believe I wrote it! It was like reading a story for the first time. It definitely felt a little weird. I found myself rooting for James and Ally all over again. Oh what I wouldn’t give to feel that again. I know many of y’all have had that feeling before, and I feel proud to have slightly captured that in this story. If this continuation feels like a different vibe, I sincerely apologize, since I myself have changed since the last installment, though I tried to keep the same tone and pace.

P.S, some of this might not be entirely military accurate, I may or may not have changed some regulations and/ or protocol for the sake of the story, so for those of you who know the differences, try to play along ;)!

Once again thank you so much to my readers!

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Ch. 7

**

With his all too short leave over, and his family and friends headed home, James sat alone in the lobby of the hotel they’d stayed at, just killing time until it was time to catch a cab and report to reception at 15:00 for formation and in processing. (Forgive me if this next part isn’t entirely how going from basic to AIT works, I actually really don’t remember the gap in between or how I physically got from one to the other. It was all a blur).

He wasn’t sure why he couldn’t just report straight to the unit. He was at a hotel on Leonard Wood, and his AIT was on Leonard Wood. Wouldn’t it just make sense to be at that unit when he was told to be? The Army still didn’t make sense to him, and he figured it never would.

Instead, he had to go back to the hell that was reception, since that’s where the soldiers that were coming from other Installations would be funneled in to. So, catching a cab, James made his way towards that dreadful building, only the comfort of knowing he already went through basic, and the vast majority of soldiers there, would not have.

He unloaded his gear from the cab and humped it through the doors of the both familiar and forgotten building, heading towards the main incoming room he could barely remember even though it was only just over 9 weeks ago.

Sparing you from the details of reception once more, James loaded his gear into the back of an LMTV and got hearded into the “cattle trucks” as they were called. Semi trucks with trailers that has seats like a bus in the back, designed to physically cram as many humans inside of it as possible. Then, it was the short trip over to Bravo Company, 1 of 3 88M (truck driver) training units on post.

James had long heard, both from fellow soldiers at basic and from recruiters, that AIT was a breeze. No more drill sergeants, much less getting smoked, and all around an easier atmosphere. He hoped everyone was right.

They weren’t. Apparently AIT had started going back towards using drill sergeants a cycle or 2 before him, so when he finally got free of the cattle car and ushered into a formation outside the building by namesless sergeants, James was utterly disappointed to see a soldier in a funny brown hat start screaming at them… “oh hell,” he thought to himself. “This shit again.”

They got the absolute shit smoked out of them. Worse than anything at basic. He guessed it was to ensure them that their hell wasn’t over just yet…

This was going to be just peachy…

**

After those first few days it actually did get easier. Less smoking, less yelling, lighter mood, all that fun stuff. Oh it still happened, just less. Marginally.

Once the routine of training once again set in, James got in his rhythm, soaking in all the information about the trucks and tips for operating them he could. He wasn’t top of the class or anything, especially not with soldiers who were actual truck drivers before they joined up, but he wasn’t really struggling at all with anything they taught. If it had a steering wheel and pedals he could drive it.

AIT went by mainly without a hitch. He enjoyed the new freedoms such as Saturday passes to explore post and nightly access to a phone in the common room to call home. He only ever called anyone but Ally once or twice a week, and that’s because he knew his mother would kill him if she didn’t get to hear from him.

Before he knew it James had once again graduated, this time meaning he was no longer a trainee, but an actual qualified soldier, however green he may be.

After the ceremony James shook hands with his buddies, promising to keep in touch, got the obligatory congratulations from his Drill Sergeants and instructors, and loaded himself and his gear on the bus that would take him to the St. Louis Airport, and eventually home.

He had a surprise for everyone there.

**

He’d confided in Jackson he was coming home for a while since he figured he was the least likely to blab to everyone. James’ flight didn’t get in until around 9 at night after a slew of delays in Chicago, so when he strolled out of the terminal and into Jackson’s truck, he asked his buddy if they could change the plans.

“Think we could just go crash at your house tonight and surprise everyone tomorrow?” James asked, the effects of a long day of travel paired with an early wake up heavy in his voice.

“What for?” Jackson asked, oblivious to the exhaustion in his voice.

“It’s too late to surprise everyone, they’re all probably home getting ready for bed.”

“Actually,” Jackson began, a smile creeping to his lips. “Everyone’s at your place.”

“My place? Why? Did you fucking tell them?” James shot back in mock anger, knowing it wasn’t really a big deal, he just figured a surprise would be cool.

“No no nothing like that!” Jackson defended with a laugh, “your parents threw a little bonfire party tonight. It’s your graduation day and they figured if they couldn’t celebrate with you, they’d celebrate for you, so they invited all the knuckleheads and Ally’s parents over.”

“Well doesn’t that work out fuckin mint!” James chuckled, “aren’t they suspicious you aren’t there?”

“Everyone knows I come and go as I please man,” he began. “Plus I said I’d be late. Told them I had to help my uncle with some bullshit out in Shittsville.”

Shittsville is what they called the town two towns over. It was about a 45 minute drive. The entire place smelled like shit since there was a pickle factory there, and also because they were their schools biggest rivals.

“Ah you’re a sneaky little bastard aren’t ya?” James laughed.

After a short while Jackson made the turn off the dirt road into James’ dirt driveway, and headed towards the barn out back.

“I’ll park along Donn’s truck so nobody can see ya get out,” Jackson offered. “But I doubt it’ll matter since they’re all in the barn.”

A few seconds later Jackson put the truck in park and killed the engine. His truck wasn’t a diesel and they could hear music and laughter coming from the barn, so James figured nobody had heard them pull up since the last hundred yards or so was all grass, rendering the truck almost silent.

Making their way to the door, Jackson paused before opening it so James could get to the other side of it so nobody would see him.

“What’s up y’all!” Jackson yelled as he pushed the door open, “better late than never!”

“Come grab a beer and take a load off man!” Donny called back.

“Oh hell yea!” Jackson answered before adding, “one sec I gotta grab somethin from the truck.”

As Jackson stepped out of the door, James stepped in, curious to see how long it would take someone to notice his arrival.

If he’d have bet anything over a second he’d have lost his money.

“OH MY GOD JAMES!” Ally yelled as she sprinted towards him, dropping her beer bottle with an audible clank on the concrete.

Everyone turned to see what the sudden outburst and commotion was and all seemed to echo some version of Ally’s previous exclamation.

Before James could say anything in return his arms were full of his firey hot girlfriend and his lips covered with hers, locked in a kiss full of 6 weeks of backed up passion and longing.

It’s as if the whole world stopped for James. If he’d had a single doubt about her love for him, or his for her, it would have evaporated in that moment. Never in his life did he think a kiss could make him feel like that. Like his entire being was dependent on her. Like time stood still. Like the only two people in the universe was her and him.

After what felt like an hour he moved to break the kiss and address everyone else, only when he pulled his head back, hers seemed to follow his like they were glued together. She didn’t want to let him go. Breathing be damned.

After another failed attempt he gave up and went back to kissing her just as passionately as they’d been kissing a moment prior. He suddenly didn’t care about greeting anyone else.

After another few moments he felt the warmth of her mouth suddenly leave, exposing his to the sadness of the cool, lonely, summer air.

He soon realized it wasn’t Ally who had broken the kiss, but his mother who apparently grew impatient and none too gently pulled her from his arms, wrapping her son up in a hug that was excruciatingly tight, yet somehow not tight enough. A hug that only a mother seemed to be capable of giving.

“My baby’s home!” She sobbed happily into his shoulder, “I thought you had to go straight to your duty station after graduation?”

“I did originally, but I’m crafty,” James said with a laugh. “Ma let go you’re crushing me,” he added.

“Become a mother and you’ll know how I feel right now,” she said without hesitation.

“Uh Ma, I don’t think that’s possible,” he laughed.

“Oh shut up you know what I meant,” she replied with a chuckle of her own, finally releasing her death grip on him.

“My next duty station is in town,” he began, addressing everyone before continuing, “I got approved for Hometown Recruiting, which basically means I get to stay here for a month helping out the local recruiter before having to go to my first real duty station.”

While at AIT, James had applied for the Army’s program of Hometown Recruiting, which basically was a temporary duty station at the local recruiters office, going to schools and job fairs, all the stuff a recruiter usually did. He wasn’t sure why the program existed, and he didn’t really pay attention after he heard he could spend a month at home before having to leave again.

He wasn’t upset about having to leave, and if he didn’t get approved it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but a month to spend at home with his family and friends before actually moving to a full time duty station seemed good to him. Plus it would give him and Ally a chance to actually sit down and talk about what their exact plans were moving forward.

“A month? Here?” Ally asked excitedly.

“Yes. A month. Here.” James parroted.

“You never called to say what your official first duty station is going to be. Where do you go after?” His Dad asked.

“Fort Carson in Colorado,” James said with a shit eating grin. “Thank god it’s not in the south. I’d die of heat exhaustion.”

“Carson is a pretty cool post. Was there for two years,” his dad replied. “Some like it some don’t. I love Colorado so it was fun for me.”

“I’m definitely excited about it,” James said before adding, “but enough of that, I just got home. Let’s get this party going!”

“It’s already going idiot,” Tyler said, speaking for the first time. “We just didn’t know you’d be here!”

“Yea a little heads up would’ve been nice!” Drew called, “we only have 4 cases of beer, if we’d have known you’d be here we’d have gotten 6!”

Before he was finished talking, Drew had tossed him a beer. James caught it and popped the top, quickly covering it with his mouth to catch the foam that poured out.

After the can settled down James gave one armed “bro-hugs” to Donny, Tyler, Drew, and Bobby, then turned to give actual hugs to Katie and Marybeth who were patiently waiting behind their men, but eager all the same to give their friend a big welcome home hug. After that he shook Ally’s dads hand and hugged her mom.

The party was on now. Beer pong and euchre were in full swing, the pair of dads electing to participate in the later while the mothers decided they wanted to let loose a little and were currently playing the former. Bobby and Drew were playing euchre as partners against James’ and Ally’s dad while Marybeth and Katie were partners in beer pong against the mothers.

It was definitely going to be a good night. James was certainly glad to be home.

**

“James?” Ally asked after she took her shot.

The pair was down in Ally’s basement shooting some pool and generally taking it easy.

“Yes baby?” James asked cutely as he eyed the table trying to find his next best shot.

“I love you,” she said with an earth shattering smile.

“I love you too Ally,” James replied sincerely as he bent down to take the shot.

She hadn’t left him with much. He was stripes and was down to his last two balls. He made the 12 but still had to pocket the 9, which he currently couldn’t get a good shot on because he foolishly hit his last shot too hard, burying the cue call against the rail and behind two of Ally’s solids.

“What are we gonna do?” She questioned after waiting for him to take his shot.

“Uhhhh,” He thought looking over the table. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I imagine you’re going to run these next 3 balls and sink the 8, once again kicking my ass.”

“No dumbass,” she laughed with a loving tone. “I meant when you have to leave, though I do like the sound of beating you again.”

“You seem to have gotten about twice as good as you were when I left,” James chuckled. “Been practicing?” He asked as he walked around the side of the table to sit on a nearby barstool.

“Most days…” she sighed, “I got so lonely without you here I didn’t know what to do other than work.”

“I know it must have been hard on you Ally,” James offered in a sorrowful tone.

“Not as hard as it was for you!” She exclaimed.

“I beg to differ,” James began. “I was at least distracted everyday with everything going on.”

“I’ll give you that. It wasn’t easy but I managed. Now that you’re home I’m happy again,” she said with another one of her signature smiles. “Which brings me back to my question. What are we gonna do?”

“I’m going to do my job, and you’re going to college. As much as it sucks, we were going to have to be apart for a little while anyways…”

“Not if you were here. I was going to go to college here so we’d be together.”

“Was? Where are you going now?”

“That’s why I want to talk about this James,” she began, a grin slowly creeping to her lips. “I never applied because I didn’t know where you were going to be stationed. Now that I know, I applied last night to the University of Colorado. It’s right in Colorado Springs.”

“You did?!” He exclaimed, “you’d give up your moms alma mater for me?”

“I’d give up anything for you James,” she said lovingly. “I’m was the top of the class. I can pretty much get into any college I want on a scholarship. Why not go where you are?”

“What happens when I have to change duty stations 2 years later?” He asked tentatively.

“Then I’ll transfer to whatever college is where you are.”

“I truly don’t deserve you Ally… you’re amazing.” He said, enveloping her in a hug.

“You deserve everything I could ever give you and then some,” she sighed into his shoulder. “But I do like the sound of ‘being amazing’.”

“I love you so much Ally,” he professed, leaning down to kiss her, hoping to show her how much he meant it.

**

The days were flying by pleasantly, albeit quickly, and James found he was feeling the impending move more and more as it got closer. He was extremely excited about starting this new life, but that at the same time he knew he was going to miss his great group of friends and all the hell they raise.

He had gone into this believing he was rarely going to see Ally through the next few years as she was planning on starting her college life around home, but he knew they’d make it work. Now, however, the next four years seemed to look like they were going to turn out amazing.

He’d be doing what he always wanted, being a soldier, and to make it better he’d have Ally by his side. As much as he wished he could, he wouldn’t be living with her though. He had to stay in the barracks so she’d been looking online at apartments near campus that weren’t too far from him. No matter how they sliced it, Colorado university was only about 25 minutes from the gate of Fort Carson, so he wasn’t too worried. He was just happy to be able to be near the love of his life.

James was sitting at the table in the barn, lost in thought, absentmindedly cleaning a set of old injectors for his truck. He was trying to pull the best parts from spare trucks and get them cleaned and stored in a tote for the bed of his truck so he’d be ready for any issues that would arise so far from home.

He knew he could still find parts at most parts stores, junkyards, and online, but he figured he’d rather clean up what he had so he could save money if something were to break.

He had just finished cleaning the 7th one when a noise from behind him snapped him back to reality. Half turning in his seat he eyed the door to see who was coming in, not surprised to find it was his mom.

“I figured you’d be out here,” she greeted as she sat down in the seat across from him.

“Just try to prepare for anything that could go wrong with the ole girl,” James returned with a chuckle.

“You know they sell new parts that you can put on the truck, or, here’s one, you could buy a new reliable truck since you’re making good money,” she offered, already knowing his answer.

“Why waste money on new parts when I’ve got good ones sitting around here?” He questioned with a smile, “and as for buying a new truck, you know that’s not gonna happen.”

“You’re just like your father in that aspect. He always says “what’s the fun of having a bra-”

“Brand new truck you know will work when you can have the fun and pride of building one yourself,” James finished for her. “I’ll stick with this one until all her get up and go has got up and went.”

“I at least feel better knowing Ally is gonna be out there and has a rather new vehicle. I’d hate to be worried about my baby being so far away with a truck that may or may not go when he needs it too.”

“Ma I know every nut and bolt on that truck, when each part was last replaced, how the cylinder heads look as of 10,000 miles ago, and everything else. I beg you to try to find a new truck that you’re so certain will work every time with all that new computer bullshit they got in them now.”

“Language James,” she shot back with a laugh.

“Sorry, but you know I’m right. You know she’ll be just fine, and as for your ‘baby’, I’ll be fine too Ma.” James reassured her.

“I know. I just know I’m gonna miss you kid. You’ve turned into a remarkable young man,” she said with a tear in her eye.

“Just doing what’s right and living life with the manners you’s taught me. Nothing crazy,” James laughed.

“We truly are proud of you James. I’m just happy you aren’t gonna be alone out there.”

“Every other person with a flag on their shoulder is my brother and sister Ma. You can’t be alone in the Army. But I know what you mean, I feel a million times better knowing Ally’s gonna be out there too.”

“She’s a good girl James. You treat her right,” she said sternly, a faint smile betraying her warning tone.

“You can count on it.”

“Any plans tonight? It is Friday after all.”

“Same ole same ole, everyone’s coming over, we’re gonna burn stuff, play cards, and drink beer.” James said with a grin, happy he had such great parents.

“You know the rules young man. Just because you’re all grown up and joined the Army doesn’t mean you can get crazy.” His mom said as she got up from the table and headed towards the door.

“I know I know Ma. We’ll be tame, just like always.”

“Nobody drives once they’ve had a sip ya hear?” She said in a completely serious tone.

“I know. Nobody ever does.”

“Good,” she said as she reached the door, pausing and looking back at her son. “By the way,” she continued with a big grin, “your father wants the horses turned out and the stalls mucked before he gets home from work.”

“Ughhhh everyone’s on their way over…” James complained.

“I didn’t realize I was asking,” she laughed. “Chores before partying. Get it done.”

“Yes ma’am,” James sighed as he got up from the table to get a start on it. “I’ll take care of it now.”

“Good. There’s a case of beer in the garage from a few days ago if there’s not enough out here,” she smiled as she headed out the door. “Be safe!”

“Yes ma’am!” James called back, chuckling to himself.

He never really had much to complain about in the way of his chores. The things his parents ‘made’ him do were things he rather enjoyed. Though when it came to throwing hay bales he did usually wish he was doing anything else but that.

James had just about made it to the side door that led to the horse barn when he heard the other door open again. Thinking his mom had forgotten something he turned around to see what it was, surprised to see it was Donny.

“Sup fucker!” He called, making his way to the fridge.

“Sup sexy!” James joked back.

“Got a minute?” Donny asked, suddenly not looking sure of himself.

“Only if you don’t mind slinging some shit with a shovel,” James laughed.

“Shit tossing time? I ain’t got nothin better to do I suppose,” Donny said, sounding a little off, more than he usually was anyways.

“What’s on your mind?” James asked as they grabbed a pair of shovels off the wall and headed towards the stalls.

“Remember how before you left I was saying something was off about Marybeth?”

“Yea, but I figured it wasn’t any big deal since you didn’t bring it up again.”

“It was a pretty big deal, but I didn’t know that then. I figured out what it was while you were gone.”

“Everything ok man?” James asked sincerely.

“Yea we’re good. Really good actually,” Donny said with a big grin. “But it was a little rocky while you were gone.”

“Shit I’m sorry Don, what was it?”

“Nobody else knows, so you can’t tell anyone ok?” Donny pleaded.

“Shit I don’t like secrets… I hate lying. What if Ally somehow asks me about it?” James asked worriedly.

“You’re fine there, the girls all know, it’s just the guys that don’t know. They’ll hear about it eventually but not yet ok?”

“You can trust me brother what’s up?” James reassured him.

“She was pregnant.”

“Uhhh come again?” James said completely dumbfound

“Marybeth was pregnant, that’s why she was acting weird.” Donny said with a sorrowful undertone.

“Was?” James asked tentatively.

“Was.” Donny confirmed.

“What happened?”

“She lost the baby.” Donny sighed, suddenly becoming emotional.

“Oh shit I’m sorry man…” James offered lamely. “Is she ok?”

“Yea she’s right as rain now. It broke her for a little while, but she’s slowly understanding it wasn’t her fault.”

“How long ago was it?”

“A week or so after you left. We were just getting ready to tell everyone when she called me crying one night. Said she needed me then hung up, so obviously I drove right over there. She was home alone and I found her on the floor crying in the bathroom… the tub was as red as a pitcher of punch man… she’d said her stomach was feeling weird all day and wanted to take a bath to try to calm down… next thing she knew it kept getting redder and redder…” Donny explained, a few stray tears rolling down his face.

“Oh my god,” James offered, not sure what else to say. “That’s terrible… I can’t imagine what that would have had to feel like.”

“It wasn’t fun man…” Donny sighed before continuing, “I obviously rushed her to the ER. They did an ultrasound and came in with the bad news. I was about beside myself but you should have seen her man. I didn’t know what to do.”

“Donny man I’m so sorry. I know there’s not much else I could say so I’ll say it again. I’m sorry man. That’s terrible…”

“Thanks brother. I appreciate it. I’m fine for the most part. It’s hard to go from scared shitless about being a dad, to excited, to heartbroken because it’s not gonna happen anymore. Marybeth on the other had locked herself in her room for like two weeks. Wouldn’t talk to me, her parents, anyone. I was scared James.”

“I would have been too. I can’t imagine what that must have felt like. For you and her both.”

“Luckily her parents knew, so they weren’t wondering why she was all pissed off at the world. That would have made it even worse. She just started coming out with everyone a few weeks ago,” he said. “But everyone was here and knew she disappeared for a little while so her acting strange when she came back didn’t put them off so much. Sure they asked but we just brushed em off and that was that. You weren’t here so I just wanted to tell you before you asked her anything. That and I kinda needed someone to talk to about it so it kinda worked out.” He finished with a solemn laugh.

“You know I’m always here for you man.” James assured him.

“I know. And I appreciate it. If there was a silver lining to all this hell, it’s that it’s brought the two of us closer than ever. She’s even talking about trying again sooner than later.”

Once the conversation got a little lighter they quick turned out the horses and began the menial task of shoveling out the stalls, still talking between them while they worked.

“Really?” James asked in surprise.

“I know it sounds weird, but once the shock of finding out she was pregnant wore off we both got really excited about raising a kid together. We’re not gonna try like right now or anything, but it’s at least on the table for the future.”

“You’ll make a kickass dad bud,” James laughed. “Does this mean you’re gonna marry her?”

“Already bought the ring,” he answered with a shit eating grin. “And don’t gimme any of that you’re too young shit that my dad tried to give me.”

“I won’t I promise,” James grinned, holding his hands up in defense. “Have you thought it through and talked to anyone about it?”

“I have. My mom is completely on board. She loves Marybeth more than me I think. I even talked to Marybeth’s sister and her sister is totally behind us. Her and my mom both said ‘when you know you know’. And I’ve never been more sure about anythin in my life man.”

“So all that’s left is to ask for her fathers blessing and pop the question then hey?” James asked.

“Going fishing with him this weekend. I’m gonna ask then.”

“Think he’ll give it to you?” James questioned.

“I think so. He might have the ‘you’re too young’ talk with me, but honestly I’m pretty sure he really likes me. Plus he got married to Marybeth’s mom when they were 19, and since I’m thinking we’d wait until next spring to have the wedding, that’ll be us too.” Donny said proudly.

“Well hell it seems you’ve thought it through, so with that being said I hope she says yes!” James said cheerfully, “though that would mean she’ll be married to you, and she’s a smart girl, so maybe she’ll run for the hills!”

“Oh piss off shit fucker!” Donny called back with a laugh.

“For real though man, I’m happy for you.” James said sincerely.

By that time they’d finished with his chores and were just finishing knocking their boots off on the concrete outside the back of the barn when the heard the churn of gravel coming down the path, knowing it was Ally since they couldn’t hear a diesel motor.

“I’ve hopefully got my happily forever after, let’s go say hi to yours!” Donny joked as they made their way around the barn to greet her.

“There will be a ring on her hand someday you just watch,” James laughed back.

“Better hope it’s yours then,” Donny said, barely containing his laughter.

“Oh piss off!” James scolded, his own laughter immediately betraying him.

**

“Are you fucking kidding me!” Tyler yelled in mock anger, “why didn’t you play the left when Ashley led on the second hand?”

“Because I didn’t want to possibly waste it if the right came out!” Katie defended.

“I CALLED TRUMP KATIE YOU HAVE TO FIGURE I HAVE THE RIGHT!” Tyler yelled back, a slight laugh and a smile betraying his angry tone.

“He’s got you there Katie,” chuckled Ashley who was sitting to the right of Katie and was James’ partner for this game.

They played a lot of euchre when they hung out. It was always their game of choice, but up until late last year, early this year, Katie had usually begged off, letting someone else play, since she barely knew the game herself. She was the only one.

It wasn’t long before everyone had pretty much forced her to learn, and by now she couldn’t get enough of it. But, since she starting playing later than everyone else, who was practically raised on the game, her strategy play wasn’t quite up to snuff.

She usually did really well, and usually knew what to play, but sometimes she made a mistake or a bad judgement call and it backfired. Nobody else actually got mad at her, but they usually found it fun to get a little riled up, if only for show.

There’s a hundred different strategies you can use to play the game, but the main ‘what cards to play and when’ strategy is pretty standard across the board for most advanced players, and since they all played together so regularly, all of their personal strategies tended to mesh into the ‘standard’ strategy, with a touch of personal preferences in most cases.

“Think about it like this Katie, if I called trump, and you have the left, then obviously I didn’t have it. If I don’t have it, I’m trying to base my play off figured out where it is. Your job as my partner, if I name trump, is to show me that mother fucking left so I don’t have to worry.” Tyler explained, laughing the whole time.

“I never thought of it that way,” Katie chuckled, ever the good sport. “It does make sense though.”

“It’s been proven over centuries and centuries of play,” James joked.

“Is this game really that old?” Katie asked with genuine curiosity.

“Nobody actually knows where it came from, so maybe,” James elaborated. “But the most accepted version is that some German royal chick brought a game like it over to Pennsylvania while visiting, then it just kind of evolved into euchre we know today.”

“James you need a beer?” Ally asked from the fridge.

“Yes dear I’d love one!” James called back with a smile.

“Are we gonna play or are we gonna have to listen to your mushy mushy bullshit all night?”

“It’s your deal Ashley…” James deadpanned. “I’m just trying to fill the time.”

“Oh shut up,” she shot back, shuffling up the cards and dealing them out.

Everyone got their cards and checked out their hands. Katie passed since she was in the first seat. James passed as well since he basically had a farmers hand, save for a queen, and to nobody’s surprise Tyler ordered it up.

While Ashley was discarding a card Ally came up and handed James a beer, delivered with the top already popped and the tab turned to the right, just the way he always did it. James seriously couldn’t open a can without turning the tab. It’s like he didn’t even think about it anymore.

“Thank you baby!” James said, puckering up to give her a kiss which she eagerly returned.

“The game? Come on James!” Katie said exasperatedly. “There’s plenty of time for that later,” she added with a smile.

“Oh can it Katie. You’re gonna lead the wrong card anyways and Tyler’s gonna get all mad again,” Ally joked as she pulled up a chair at the corner of the table between James and Katie, hanging back far enough she didn’t disturb the game.

“Am not!” She said confidently as she laid an off suit ace on the table.

“Oh for fucks sake Katie! I called from the 3rd seat you gotta lead trump!” Tyler yelled almost right on queue. “You’re my par-”

“Let me handle this one,” Ally said as she turned towards Katie. “He was gonna say ‘you’re my partner and I called from the third seat! Your only job is to lead trump to draw them out!'” She continued, lowering her voice and doing her best impression of him.

Everyone burst out laughing at that. It was near spot on. We’d all heard the same thing from him over the years, so it was no surprise Ally had his little rant memorized by then.

“Well she’s not wrong,” gruffed Tyler, trying to contain a smile.

“There seems to be a lot of ‘your only job!’ In this game.” Katie laughed back.

“With him there always is,” Ally answered, laughing as well.

With that they played on. James and Ashley actually wound up euchering them, though for no fault of Katie. Tyler actually messed up and reneged, giving Ashley and James two points, to put them at 11, ending the game.

Tyler complained, and everyone ribbed on him, and to his credit he took it in stride, even making a few jokes of his own. In the game they played, it was always all for fun, so nobody ever really got actually upset.

The rest tried to get a rematch going but James begged off, figured he’d go spend some time doing whatever else with Ally. Lord knows he didn’t get enough of her kisses yet, and he somehow doubted he ever would.

“Hello beautiful,” James said as he scooped her into his arms and placed a toe curling kiss on her lips.

“I don’t give a damn what you call me as long as you keep kissing me like that,” Ally breathed, leaning back in for another kiss.

“Every day for as long as you’ll have me,” James chuckled as he broke the new kiss.

“I like the sound of that baby,” she purred. “Walk with me?”

“Where to m’lady?” James gestured with a laugh.

“Hay loft,” she breathed, barely above a whisper.

“Right now?” James asked in disbelief.

“Time now. Not time later. Not time tonight. I want you time fucking now,” she all but moaned into his ear, giving it a little nibble as she pulled away.

James frantically looked around to see if anyone had noticed, but between the new euchre game going on and whatever other shenanigans the rest of the crew was up to, nobody noticed, so with that james grabbed Ally’s hand a quietly led her towards the door that led to the horse barn and the hay loft.

“Have fun you too!” Katie yelled with a knowing grin and a laugh.

“Oh I fuckin will!” Ally shot back with a wink as she literally drug james through the open door.

“Ally what was-” he started, but was cut off by her lips forcefully colliding with his own.

“Shhhh. Take me up stairs and take me,” she’d said, the last part coming out heavily dripping with want and innuendo.

The couple made their way up the stairs into the hay loft that was near empty this time of year. Not wasting any time Ally threw a blanked that James had no idea where she got it from over a section of hay bales to make it soft and all but pushed James to lay back on them.

She seductively crawled up his body and into his lap, finishing her ascent with a passionate kiss. James could tell she was clearly in the mood to be in control so he reclined on his elbows and let her do as she pleased.

“I need you James,” she moaned in his ear. “I’ve been so wet for you all night.”

“I’m all yours baby,” James answered with a kiss as he reached up to tug her shirt over her head.

She leaned back and raised her arms, grabbing the hem of her shirt and doing that cross armed thing to take it off that all girls seemed to know how to do and James loved. The shirt hadn’t even hit the ground before her lips were back on his.

They both kicked their boots off while continuing to make out hot and heavy like a couple of… well… like the couple of love struck teenagers that they were.

Ally shifted back and moved her hands to James belt, deftly undoing it, along with the buttons of his jeans, tugging them down his legs and discarding them to the ever growing pile of clothes on the floor next to them.

Not waiting for James to respond in kind, she quickly and unceremoniously tugged her own jeans down her legs, tossing them to the side before reaching behind her and unclasping her bra, once again discarding it to the side.

All that remained between the two of them was the cool summer night air and her soft cotton cheek cut panties. She reached to tug them down her legs when she felt James grab her and roll them so he was on top.

Leaving her mouth he left a trail of kisses along her jaw, to her neck, and nibbled on her ear lobe, causing a low moan to escape her lips and into the musky barn. Knowing she was in a hurry James didn’t spend too much time teasing her as he began a new journey, trailing kisses down her neck to her chest and up the swell of her right breast, once again causing her to moan while he spent a little time playing with her large tits, palming them to his hearts content.

He let his left hand begin to slowly travel down her body towards her nether regions as he sucked her erect nipple into his mouth. He had just slipped a finger inside of her when she let out a shallow shiver.

“I need you inside me James!” She pleaded.

“And I will be in time my love. Let me warm you up first,” he said as he sucked her nipple into his mouth and began to move his finger inside her in a ‘come hither’ motion.

“I don’t need to be warmed up I’ve been soaking wet for you all night!” She whined, desperate to feel him inside her.

“Then let me pleasure you my love. Let me show you how much you mean to me.”

“Pleasure me and show me by shoving your fat cock inside my tight little pussy James!” She begged, squirming beneath his touch in obvious need.

“In time my love,” James said again, knowing full well he was tormenting her and he was loving every minute of it.

He didn’t wait for her reply as he once again began the journey south down her perfect body. Kissing every curve, worshiping her like the goddess she was. After about a minute he made it to the line of her panties, but instead of pulling them off he simply kissed along their outline, making Ally squirm more and more as he neared, then moved away from her sensitive pussy.

“Babbbyyyyy….” She half whined, half moaned.

James didn’t respond. He knew he was pushing her buttons and figured it was time to give her some release. Just some. Much to Ally’s approval he swiftly removed her panties and began kissing around her dripping pussy, but not directly on it. He wanted her to squire just a little bit longer.

After another 30 seconds or so, while he was kissing just outside her outer slips near the bottom, with no warning he flattened his tongue and ran it up her slit from bottom to the top, pausing to flick her swollen clit with his tongue before sucking down on it.

“Ohhhhhhhhh ffffffuuuuuucccccckkkkkk!” Ally cried, slightly failing at their efforts to keep quiet.

Knowing how much he’d teased her and how horny she was, James figured he’d make her cum in about 30 seconds if he kept up what he was doing. He bore down on her clit once more, slipping two fingers in her snatch at the same time.

“I’m gonna cum James. Fuuuuccckkkk I’m gonna cum!”

Before she could reach the peak James suddenly removed his hands and mouth from her body, grinning as he watched her spasm and whine from being so close yet still denied that sweet release she so desperately wanted.

“James!” She cried, “why’d you stopppp?”

“Patience my dear,” he replied simply.

Not waiting for an answer, James dove back in, instantly slipping two, then three fingers inside her and bored down on her clit once more. It didn’t take long before he had her trembling and moaning from his touch.

He brought her right to the edge, only to deny her once more. When she caught her breath she opened her mouth to complain again, but never got the chance since James went back to work once more, this time with even more ferocity.

“Oh fuck James please! Please baby let me cum!” She begged.

James didn’t say anything. He just kept working her body like he was playing a finely tuned instrument, pushing all of her buttons and making her emit those sweet sounds of pleasure he loved so much.

“Jaaaammmmeeeessss!” She cried, a little too loudly, as he finally brought her over the edge.

James sat back on his heels, grinning like an idiot, her sweet nectar shining on his face.

“Oh fuck baby that was amazing…” she sighed, still coming down from her orgasm. “Now come here and fill me up baby. I need you inside me.”

He didn’t argue or protest. He slowly slid up her body, planting sporadic kisses as he went, until they were equal with each other. He went to reach off his shirt to wipe his face off but he never got the chance when Ally forcefully pulled him down to her and covered his mouth with hers.

Without breaking their kiss Ally snaked her hand down between their bodies and gently grasped his rock hard cock, moaning into their kiss as her hand made contact with it. Seemingly in still just as much of a hurry to get filled with her boyfriends dick, she aimed him at her entrance and hooked her heels around his butt once she had him lined up, and none too gently pulled him to her until his pelvis bottomed out against hers, leaving them completely connected.

“Unnnnggghhhhh,” she moaned deeply as she felt him bottom out.

“Fuccccckkkkkkkk,” he answered with a groan of his own.

“Take me James.” She pleaded, her eyes thick with obvious arousal and love.

“How do you want me baby?” He asked her.

“However you want baby.”

He leaned down to kiss her once more as he slowly began to move his hips, slowly pulling himself almost all the way out before just as slowly pushing himself all the way in. After a few moments they got into a rhythm, their bodies moving together like a well oiled machine. For every thrust he gave her she met him with one of her own.

He pulled back and lovingly gazed into her eyes as the ground together. Nothing existed to them other than each other. There were no sounds other than their own body’s. James could see the pure love she had for him in her eyes, and he did his level best to make sure she saw his pure love for her in his.

“You fill me so good baby,” she moaned.

“You feel so good baby,” he groaned.

“I love being filled with your hard cock baby,” she purred.

“I love your tight pussy wrapped around my cock baby,” he sighed.

“Fuck we’re good aren’t we?” She asked with a moan and a silly grin.

“Oh fuck yea. We’re fucking awesome.” He answered with a grin.

“I love the way you make love to me baby.”

“I love you baby.”

“I love you too baby.”

Their bodies started to speed up as they both could sense their mutual impending release. James leaned down and smothered her mouth with his, groaning into the kiss. She responded by moving her body faster, pulling him to her with her legs harder so that his thrusts were deeper and faster. She could sense he was getting close, and he could sense the same of her. Their breathing sped up. Their kiss got deeper. She moaned deeply into his kiss.

“Fuck me baby!” She moaned, finally breaking their kiss, “fuck me hard and fill me with your hot cum……”

“Oh fuck baby. You’re gonna make me cum Ally!”

“I’m gonna cum too James!” She cried, “cum with me. Fill me with your seed. Send me back to the party on shaky legs with your cum soaking into my panties. FUCK!”

“Oh fuck baby I’m gonna cum!”

“I’M CUMMING JAMES FILL ME! UGHHHHHH!” She cried as the first waves of her orgasm hit her.

“Fucckckkkkkkkkk,” James moaned as his own orgasm hit him.

They came for what felt like hours, but in reality it was more like under a minute. James spasms of his orgasm slowly faded as he collapsed his full weight onto Ally, who was still coming down herself.

After a few moments James went to move to take some weight off of her but he felt her stiffen up, her legs pulling him back down to her and her arms unyielding around his neck.

“I love you James.”

“I love you too Ally. More than you’ll ever know.”

“Mmmmm baby let’s stay like this forever,” she sighed dreamily.

“I wish we could baby but we should probably be getting back soon…”

“I know… I just love feeling you inside me. You better get used to it James, because when we’re in Colorado I’m going to absolutely wear you out since we won’t have to sneak around to find alone time.” She giggled.

“Baby you can have me whenever you want. I’m yours.”

“I’m yours too James. All of me.”

“You’re more than I could ever ask for Ally. I love you so much.”

“I love you too James. Let’s get back to the party.”

With that the pair reluctantly got redressed, joking the entire time about skipping out on the rest of the party and just sneaking into James’ room to cuddle and be with each other, but they both knew that wouldn’t be the right thing to do.

Once they were dressed they made their way down the stairs and back towards the door that would lead them back into the main barn and to their friends. James reached for the handle but Ally reached out and stopped his hand before he could turn it.

“James?” She asked.

“Yes?”

“I meant what I said.”

“Which part? We’ve said a lot tonight,” James chuckled.

“I’m yours baby. Heart. Body. Soul. I want my life to be with you. Everything I have, everything I am, is all yours James.”

“Baby…” James began, turning towards her. “The same goes for you Ally. I’m yours. 100 percent. All of me. I love you so much. I can’t imagine being without you for even a second… I love you baby.”

“Good!” She said with a cute grin and a quick kiss on his cheek, “I just wanted to tell you. I find myself wanting to tell you I love you every other sentence.”

“I feel the same way baby,” he said, once more reaching for the door handle, but not turning it yet. “And Ally?”

“Yes?” She asked with her earth shattering smile.

“I love you.”

**

The next day saw James, Ally, and Katie cruising down the winding dirt road that led from James’ house into town. Everyone had already gotten up and left to go take care of what they had to do for the day, but when Katie tried to leave as well her SUV wouldn’t start.

After a failed attempt at a jump start and a few minutes of all the guys standing around scratching their heads they determined they’d have to take it to the mechanic since the car was still under warranty, as it was Katie’s graduation present from her parents. That, and the fact that it was from this decade so the Knuckleheads didn’t know much about it with all the fancy computers.

If he knew what it was James was confident they could fix the part, but with all that electronic crap on it, you could never tell what the problem even was, so they figured it would be best to take it in to town and let the dealer handle it.

Unfortunately for Katie, it was a Saturday, meaning she’d have to wait until Monday to even find out what the problem is, so in the meantime James and Ally were running her across town to her house so she could get her old car.

As they cleared a corner and the woods turned in to corn fields, James heard some static come from his CB radio so he reached down to adjust the squelch to see if he could pick up the transmission. After a few seconds of adjusting the dials he heard the voice on the other end clear as day, and soon all three teenagers sitting on the bench seat of his truck were grinning ear to ear.

“Dip you out there?”

“Dip you dumb mother fucker you probably don’t even have your radio on.”

“I can fuckin hear you coming turn on the fucking radio!”

When their laughter got under control James reached down to pick up the mic and finally respond.

“I got my fuckin ears on calm your shit old man!” James laughed into the radio.

His handle on the radio was Dip. It wasn’t his nickname or anything, but it’s just what the townspeople who still ran CB radios in their vehicles had come to know him by over the years.

“Are you headed in to town?” The old man questioned.

“Nope. I’m just gonna drive until I hit the edge of town and turn around,” he laughed. “The hell you think Jimmy?”

“You comin back this way tonight?”

“Ya.”

“Do me a favor and pick me up a bag of Red Man on your way back would ya? The old bat went in to town today and somehow managed to forget my chew,” the old man sighed. “I swear the woman would forget her head if it wasn’t attached!”

That was Jimmy Perkins, the elderly man who lived a few miles down the road from James. Back when he was still driving he loved using his CB, but ever since he quit driving due to age, he’d always complained how he missed the banter on the radio, so one day while James was over there mowing his yard he put radio next to the window by the front porch so he could sit out there like he did in the summer and still talk to those passing by just by simply reaching through the ever open window and grabbing the mic.

To make it even better James climbed to the top of the old TV antenna on the roof of the two story farm house and put a long antenna up there. Being the house sat on open farm land that Jimmy now leased out to other farms, James’ included, and the antenna was so high, Jimmy could communicate with people almost all the way to town.

Sure he could just pick up the phone and call, but that’s nowhere near as fun. Plus, James hooked it up to a car battery as a backup power supply so if the power went out people could still reach him to check on the old man, since he refused to buy a cell phone. It also made harvest season fun again for the old farmer, since he missed sitting up in the tractors, so now he could feel like he was a part of it.

“I gottcha Jimmy,” said James. “I was gonna stop by on my way back and see ya anyways. Been too long since I’ve been by.”

“That it has Son. I’ll have the woman bake up some of them brownies you like so much,” the old man laughed.

“That’s not necessary Jimmy,” James began, knowing it was pointless. “I don’t want Miss P to go through that trouble.”

“Nonsense. You know she loves any excuse to bake, oh hell here she comes now!”

“James quit worrying I’d be more than happy to make you up a batch!” The new voice beamed, “bring Ally on by too.”

“Yes ma’am,” James laughed, knowing any more arguing would be fruitless. “We’ve just got some errands to run and we’ll be back that way. How much notice do you need for the brownies?”

“An hour at most. How long until you’re back this way?”

“Not too sure. Maybe mid afternoon? I’ll call the house when I’m an hour out,” he offered.

“No rush at all hun, we’ll be here!” She bid, “don’t forget his chew or I’ll never hear the end of it! And if it’s no trouble could you also grab a dozen eggs and some milk for me too?”

“Yes ma’am,” James chuckled as he put the mic back in the holder.

“Well Ally, looks like we got a dinner date,” he said with a laugh.

“No fair. Miss P makes the best brownies…” Katie pouted.

“You know she’ll send home a plate. I’ll bring some out to you.” James offered.

“Thank youuuuuuu,” Katie replied in a sing song voice.

Just as James was getting ready to turn on the main road that led in to town he saw a familiar truck go by towards town.

“The hells he goin?” Asked Ally.

“Either to the store or the bar for lunch I’d guess.” James answered.

They didn’t say anything else as they pulled out on to the main road. Donny must not have seen James on the side road as he flew by, or else he would have hit them on the radio, so the trio watched ahead to see where he turned when he got in to town.

In their town there was two places to get food. Three if you counted the gas station. The family pizzeria on the east side of the road, and the bar on the west side. There were a few other scattered places of business ranging from stores to mechanics to a dry cleaner/barber shop.

It was no surprise to them when Donny turned into the parking lot on the right side of the road. Since they were driving south that meant he chose the bar.

It was just your standard hole in the wall small town bar but damn if they didn’t have some good food. Obviously none of the knuckleheads could drink, but that didn’t matter since the bar was also treated as a restaurant by everyone.

“Y’all care for a bite to eat?” James asked, already knowing the answer as he downshifted the truck, having to sort of reach over Ally’s legs to reach the shifter.

“I’m game.”

“Me too.”

James let out a chuckle as he dropped another gear, slowing down and turning into the parking lot himself.

Donny was just getting out of his truck when he heard, more than saw, James pull his old Cummins into the dirt lot and shot him a wave as James backed his truck in next to Donny’s. The trio hadn’t noticed Marybeth in the shotgun seat as he passed so they shot her a wave as well as they climbed out.

“What are you doing here?” Donny asked in slight confusion, “I thought y’all were just running Katie home then goin to do whatever you two do all day.”

“We were but then we saw you pull in here, and we figured we were hungry too, so here we are,” James answered with a casual shrug as he approached his buddy to give him a bro-hug, regardless of the fact he’d just seen him a mere few hours ago.

“Fair enough,” Donny allowed as they made their way to the door. “Wanna shoot some stick then?”

“You already know the answer to that,” James laughed. “I got quarters you rack em up.”

With that the girls made their way to their usual table to gossip and catch up on girl talk, as the only time they’d really all been together in the last few weeks was at James’ house so they never really got a great chance to talk about girl things.

They were “regulars” at the bar. As much of a regular you can be without being able to drink. If the group wasn’t busy they usually found themselves up there once a week to either shoot in the 8 ball tournament on Tuesdays or play in the euchre tournament on Thursdays, which, their presence at the euchre tournament was a lot less frequent but still occasional.

They didn’t order anything to drink as they just walked up and filled their cups with Coke from the gun, knowing Cindy was busy and she’d just charge them for it anyhow. Perks of a small town. The girls were chatting while the guys were shooting some pool, all in all having a relaxing Saturday.

Cindy came by and took their food order, and by that time it looked like the girls were deep in to some topic or another, silently suggesting Donny and James better keep on shooting and let them talk. The guys didn’t mind at all.

A few minutes later James heard the door open and turned to see who was walking it. Pretty much everyone knew everyone in their town so it wasn’t unusual for people to reconnect with friends they hadn’t seen in a while, so James was curious to see if it was any of his old classmates that came in.

It was, but it definitely wasn’t someone they were looking forward to seeing. It was none other than Andrew Walker. The bar wasn’t very crowded or noisy to begin with, but it seemed like the whole place went silent when he pushed open the door.

Nobody in the town liked him, or his family to be completely honest. His family was at least tolerable in most cases, but Andrew himself was nearly evil. James felt his blood boil at the mere sight of him, starting to take a step towards him but caught himself before he actually moved.

James looked over to Ally and could see her, and the rest of the girls appear to shrink down to nothing in their seats. He looked to his other side to Donny and saw him standing up a little taller with a scowl on his face.

Turning his attention back to Andrew and his cronies, two guys neither James or Donny had ever seen before, he looked him over, noticing he still looked like the same smug guy he’d always been, with that same evil grin plastered to his face.

The bad blood between James and Andrew went back years, but it only got real bad partway into their senior year, before James and Ally had started dating, when Andrew got a little too bold with Marybeth then again with Ally a few days later.

He’d came on to Marybeth, trying to convince her to go out with him time and time again, but time and time again she denied his advances, especially since she’d been dating Donny. Andrew had cornered her in a back hallway and school and tried to steal a kiss, luckily not getting anywhere. Marybeth didn’t tell anyone at first, because she didn’t really understand what had happened, since it had happened so fast.

A few days later he set his evil sights on Ally, trying the same shit over and over, with Ally denying him over and over. One day, similar as to what happened with Marybeth, Andrew had found a low traffic area in the school and cornered her, this time successfully forcing his lips onto hers, and even worming his hand up under her shirt, trying to get inside her bra. That ended real quick as Ally wasn’t one to get scared easily, and she drove her boot heel into the top of his foot, breaking it, landed a solid uppercut to his chin, and broke a finger on his hand while ripping it out from under her shirt.

Unlike Marybeth, Ally immediately told everyone about what had happened, causing Marybeth to speak up as well. Luckily neither girl seemed to be traumatized at all by it, since he didn’t get anywhere with Marybeth and Ally wound up doing tenfold more damage than she received. Unfortunately, there were no cameras where each incident occurred, so no criminal chargers were brought to him, but he did wind up having to leave the school district, his parents opting to send him to live with his uncle in Ohio.

The knuckleheads were through with Andrew. Or so they had hoped. That appeared to be changing real fast as Andrew stood in the doorway, eying the group, his eyes angrily settling on Ally.

“If it isn’t the fucking cock tease!” He exclaimed vehemently.

“Wat-” James began immediately, only to be cut off by Ally.

“If it isn’t the fucking rapist.” Ally shot back with even more venom.

“Shut your fucking whore mouth!” He yelled, “you know damn well I didn’t do a single fucking thing wrong.”

“If you consider attempted rape as not doing anything wrong, then you’re right.”

“Always the drama queen weren’t you.” He shot back.

“Andrew you need to get the fuck out of this bar, and this fucking town, right fucking now.” James warned, finally cutting in.

“Or what? You gonna spray me with some WD-40? Spit some dip on me? Get the fuck out of here you redneck inbred piece of shit.”

“Do not, and I repeat, do not, piss me the fuck off Andrew. You better be happy I didn’t kill you when you tried to rape them. Right here, right now, I’m giving you one chance to walk out of here and leave us alone.” James warned once more.

“There will be no fighting in my bar. You know this. Either simmer down, or take it outside.” Cindy interrupted, the warning clear in her voice.

“What’s it gonna be Hillbilly?” Andrew asked mockingly.

“I let you walk away with your teeth the last time. I’m not starting a fight this time. You’re going to turn the fuck around and walk out the door, I’m-” James started, but was interrupted.

“Oh look. The pussy pussies out again!” Andrew taunted.

“Shut your fucking mouth and listen while I speak to you, you stuck up piece of shit,” James all but yelled at the man. “You’re going to walk out that door. I’m going to follow you. You’re going to either get in your truck and leave, or you’re going to make a mistake. I sincerely hope you pick the first option.” James finished. Doing his very best to make it clear to everyone listening he was not the one starting this dance.

“Yea we’ll see about that you fuckin coward. You didn’t do shit last time you saw me, and you ain’t gonna do shit again.” Andrew mocked.

“Your choice man. Whatever it is. But you will NOT stay here. Understand? That’s a fuckin fact.”

“If both of us walk out that door, only ones comin back. And I still haven’t eaten yet, so I’ll be back to order some food,” Andrew laughed as he turned back towards the door.

Before James went to follow he turned to the girls to see what they were going to do. Marybeth and Katie started to get out of their seats to come see what was going to go down, while Ally just kind of sat there shaking her head at James, as if urging him not to do it.

James didn’t say anything, but gave her a look that clearly said “I have no choice”. Which was true, he didn’t have a choice. The guy tried to rape the woman he loved. He couldn’t let that slide when he’d given the guy an out the first time around.

Ally solemnly nodded her understanding and she too stood to get up. A couple of the other patrons also stood to come watch, which made James feel better. He knew them all and was very friendly with all of them. The more whitenesses that can say he gave the guy every chance to leave, and didn’t throw the first punch, the better.

He didn’t look to see if Donny was going to follow. He already knew the answer to that. That guy would be right there with him, ready to go at a moments notice. That guy was a ride or die kind of friend.

None of them were ever violent. A few teenage nothingness scraps here and there but nothing bad. They didn’t want to be violent. They were known around town and the good group of kids who never caused any trouble and always were the first to help anyone in need out.

Sometimes though, you have to get violent. No matter how good you are.

James made his way to the dirt lot and saw Andrew standing in the middle, waiting for James. Looked like he’d already made up his mind on what he was going to do.

“Look who showed up,” Andrew taunted. “Guess he’s got some backbone after all.”

“Last chance. Get in your truck and go. I’m begging you,” James said with an angry grin.

“Annnnddd there goes the back bone,” laughed Andrew. “The sooner you understand I didn’t do anything wrong, the better it’ll be for all of us.”

“YOU TRIED TO FUCKING RAPE MY GIRLFRIEND AND HER BEST FRIEND HOW THE FUCK IS THAT NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG?” James screamed back, rage clearly showing on his face.

“I’m so gonna kick your ass hick.”

“You called the tune, now dance bitch,” James said as Andrew closed the gap.

“Stay out of it unless his shitbags get involved. Leave this between me and him,” James said to Donny.

Not another word was said. Nothing else needed to be said. Andrew got right up to James and threw a wild right hook that may have well been broadcast before hand on national TV. James saw it coming a mile away and ducked the blow, coming up from under it with a powerful left uppercut to catch him off guard followed immediately by a thundering right hook. Both punches made solid connection and Andrew staggered back at the impact.

Not wasting anytime, with rage filling every cell in his body, James went after him, landing a resounding left to Andrews off balanced form, causing him to take another step back. James was getting ready to throw in another hard right when suddenly Andrew recovered and launched himself at James, tackling the smaller man to the ground.

Andrew was a bigger guy, having about 20 pounds and at least 3 inches on James, and he used all of that to his advantage, pinning James to the ground and throwing a slew of quick lefts and rights and James’ head. He manage to block some of them, but not all. “Man that fucker is quick”, James thought to himself.

Not wanting to be in that position any longer, James let his combatives training from basic take over and rolled himself to the side and used his feet to push his body away from the never ending punches.

With the new found distance James was able to block an incoming left, and somehow managed to hold onto the wrist, rolling and dragging Andrew with him, until James was on top of Andrew, giving him the advantage. James let fly a couple hard right and lefts, landing all but one. The last one resulted in a popping sound and blood spewed from Andrews nose.

Wanting to finish this fight standing up, James threw one more good left in to his chin then stood up, waiting for Andrew to regain himself and face off once again. He didn’t waste any time and shot himself back to he feet, once again standing toe to toe with James.

Andrew threw a lightning fast left jab that caught James a little off guard, connecting with his chin. He was able to turn slightly so the main force of the blow just barely caught him in a glancing blow instead of full force.

Not wanting to waste any time, James countered back with a hard right hook that Andrew mostly blocked, leaving him open to the hard left James made connect soundly with the man’s chin. He then fired his right once more, catching him fully on the cheek, knocking him back a step.

James was pissed off now. The taste of his own blood in his mouth mixed with the memories of Ally crying as she told him what happened fueled a fire inside him he never knew existed. He closed the gap once more, grabbing a hold of Andrews shirt like a hockey player in a brawl, and went to town, throwing rights every which way he could. Uppercut. Hook. Jab. Jab. Hook. Uppercut. A relentless onslaught of powerful punches, most of them landing soundly.

Andrew had had enough and used the last of his strength to shove James and follow up with an immediate hard left that caught James on the corner of his eye, opening a cut in his eyebrow. He followed that with a right that James managed to step aside, using his momentum to once again close the gap on Andrew and threw in a few more quick lefts, followed by a slight pause.

When Andrew used this pause to stand back up straight once more, it took his focus momentarily off James, who took advantage of the opening and threw a right hook with as much force as he could possibly put behind it right to the hinge of Andrews jaw, dropping him immediately to the ground in an unconscious heap.

James stood over the downed man as he took stock of the situation. He felt pretty good. Andrew had landed a few clean punches and a number of halfway clean ones, but not enough to really cause James any grief. He felt the blood from the cut by his eye slowly dribbling down the side of his face, and he swished some blood around from the haymaker he took to the jaw and spit it unceremoniously on the ground next to Andrew.

The man on the ground stirred, and groaned as his eyes fluttered for a second before coming to look at James, not quite focusing. He tried to move, to get back into the fight, but his body betrayed him. He tried to speak but the pain from his possibly broken jaw wouldn’t let him.

Slowly and calmly James squatted down next to Andrew and spoke to him in a threatening tone, low enough that nobody else could hear.

“I let you off easy you piece of shit. Next time I see you, you better turn and leave. If you don’t, I won’t stop like I did today. You’re dead to me. You’re dead to this town. For your own good you should fucking leave and never come back. Go live your pathetic worthless waste of a life somewhere else. Just be glad I don’t keep going.” James snarled with a venom in his voice that surprised even him.

Andrew didn’t say anything. He just started angrily at James but didn’t make a move to do anything other than lay there in his own defeat.

Standing up James spit another wad of blood next to him and looked at Andrews’ buddies.

“Get him the fuck out of here. I don’t know you, I don’t know your story, but you’re with him, so I don’t like you. Don’t make me hate you. Get the fuck out of town,” he said, turning to bend down and pick his hat up off the dust and make his way back inside the bar. His food should be done by now he figured.

**

Nobody called the cops. James figured Andrew wouldn’t either, so just just walked into the bathroom to try to wash up best he could before joining the rest of his group at the table.

He couldn’t help but feel good about himself. His mom raised him to be peaceable, which he was nearly all the time, and his dad taught him to stand up and fight for what’s right, which he just did.

He laughed as he remembered his dad after his mom told him to avoid fighting.

‘But Son just remember, fighting usually is the wrong answer, but sometimes you gotta. They say be the peaceful man. Most think that means you don’t need to know how to fight. I think that’s bullshit. A man who is incapable of violence isn’t peaceful, he’s harmless. You need to be peaceful. Be a menace. Be a terror. Be capable of great violence in order to protect the ones you love, THEN learn to and choose to control it. Not using it unless absolutely necessary. That’s being peaceful. Hun, if you were in danger you’d want me to beat everyone’s ass until you were safe right?’

‘Ok fine you’ve got me there…’ she answered him with a laugh. ‘But seriously James, never fight unless it’s absolutely necessary.’

James couldn’t help but feel like he just did both his parents proud. Time would tell if he was right or not though, he figured.

Throwing away his blood stained paper towel he walked out of the bathroom. As he was approaching the table he felt the eyes of the other patrons on him, but he chose to ignore them. He didn’t fight Andrew to make a scene, so he figured he’d ignore the undo attention that came with it.

The whole ordeal had taken less than five minutes start to finish, so the five of them were still waiting on their food as James sat down and took a big swig from his pop, half wincing as the carbonation stung the open cut on the inside of his lip, but it wasn’t too bad. Small price to pay for finally kicking that assholes teeth in he figured.

“Army boy can fight!” Laughed Donny before anyone else could say anything.

“That’s like his whole job dumbass,” Katie joked back. “Seriously though James, you good?”

“Yea I’m fine. You should see the other guy,” James quipped with a grin.

Before anything else could be said Cindy brought over their food and everyone dug in, they all hadn’t eaten since the night before at James’, so they were all pretty hungry, especially James after having worked up an appetite on top of that.

The meal went by without any further fanfare or much more conversation, as everyone was focused on their food. It was just general small talk about what was what and what they planned on doing in the coming days.

Cindy brought over their bills as Donny and James were planning a fishing trip they’d been talking about for a week now with everyone. Donny set some cash down for Marybeth and himself and James did the same for Ally and Katie and they all got up and made their way towards the door.

As they hit the parking lot they all silently breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that Andrew had indeed left. James felt he had already made his point and didn’t want to have to make it again.

With their usual hugs and bro hugs the two sub-groups parted ways, with Donny taking Marybeth back to her house and James taking Ally and Katie to Katie’s house to drop her off.

Katie lived just on the other side of town, so it wouldn’t take long to have her dropped off and James and Ally would hit the party store and grab the stuff for Jimmy before heading back.

He turned the key on the old Cummins and felt the beast purr to life, once more relishing in the feeling of her rumbling beneath him as he clutched in and put it in gear making his way towards the exit.

The cab of the truck was semi silent as they made the short trip over to Katie’s house. James didn’t think it was an awkward silence, but yet again Ally had that look to her that made him think maybe something was wrong. He just hoped seeing Andrew again didn’t work her over too bad.

Less than two minutes later saw James’ truck nudging its way into Katie’s short driveway, not quite fitting behind the three cars that were already there belonging to Katie’s parents and her sister. Her old car was sitting in the front yard with a for sale sign on it, for now, since she’d be stuck driving it for the next few days.

Reaching across Ally he gave her a fist bump, Katie hugged Ally, then hopped out of the cab, slammed the door to make sure it stayed shut, and bounced up the front steps and into the house. Once James saw she was safely inside he clutched in, put the ole girl in reverse, and eased back out onto the road to head to the store.

As soon as he hit second gear he felt Ally turn to look at him. Felt her plain as day since she hadn’t slid over when Katie exited the truck, so she was still pressed up against him. James figured he wouldn’t mind if she never moved. He loved being near her like this.

“Babe I know I look good but it’s not polite to stare,” James said with a grin and a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood, if it even needed lightening. He still wasn’t sure what she was feeling.

“I don’t like when you fight,” she stated plainly, ignoring his joke.

“I don’t think you’ve ever seen me fight hun,” James said carefully, unsure if it was the right thing to say or not.

“I still don’t like it.”

“I’ve only ever been in like 3 fights Ally, including this one,” he tried to reassure her. “Plus we weren’t even dating for the other two.”

“I don’t like it now and I didn’t like it then either.”

James had just pulled in to the party store parking lot and killed the truck, but he didn’t make any move to get out.

“Honey I promise I don’t like fighting either,” he began, choosing his words carefully. “Sometimes it’s necessary though.”

“I know…” she pouted. “I just worry you’ll get hurt.”

“Baby look at me,” he said, gently turning her chin up so she was looking into his eyes. “I promise I’d never try to get hurt on purpose. I’m yours baby. I promised you I’d never let you down, and getting hurt would be letting you down.”

“I know…” she pouted again. “I know it’s nothing to worry about. I know you’re smart. It’s just that first big punch he landed on you almost made me go down too. It’s like it hurt me seeing you get hurt…”

“It hurt a little I’ll admit, but it was worth it in the end,” James smiled.

“Why?”

“Because I got to kick that assholes shit in,” he began. “AND I get to have you kiss it better.” He finished with a chuckle.

“James!” She exclaimed with a slight laugh, hitting him on the arm, “why do you always make me laugh when I’m trying to be mad at you?”

“Because I don’t ever want my beautiful baby to be mad at me. Duh,” James joked back. “Now kiss it make it betta.”

“Mwa!” Ally laughed, kissing him briefly on the lips, “all better?”

“Ehhhh, I think I need another one to be sure.”

Ally kissed him once more, this time without any hint of joking or play behind it. This kiss was all love. All passion. She put her entire soul into the kiss.

“Better?” She asked with a cute smile.

“Ally if you put me to bed every night for the rest of my life with one of those kisses, and wake me up each morning the same way, nothing in my life will ever be bad again,” James said with as much love as he could show.

“Just two a day? I think I’d go into withdrawals if that’s all I got,” she pouted jokingly.

“Oh no, many, many more per day, I just wanted to establish a baseline of starting and ending the day. I tend to think the daily total of amazing kisses should be somewhere in the hundreds, maybe thousands,” he smiled back at her.

“Then we better get started,” she said coyly as she leaned in to give him another kiss.

They kissed deeply for a few moments before breaking it off so James could run inside and grab the things for Jimmy before they headed back. He was happy she was the one to break the kiss, because if she didn’t, he knew damn well he wouldn’t have been able to either.

Hopping down from the truck he quickly made his way inside, wanting to spend as little time away from Ally as humanly possible.

“Hey Tony!” James called as he went to turn down the aisle to get the eggs and milk.

“How’s it goin James?” The clerk asked, “here for the stuff for Mrs. Perkins?”

“Yea. How’d you know?” James asked.

“She called up here to have me get it ready for you. She also realized she was out of frosting so there’s that in the bag now too.”

“I swear that woman has the whole town on speed dial,” James laughed as he made his way to the register. “What do I owe ya?”

“Nothin, she said she’d stop by and pay me when she comes to town next week.”

“How many bags of Red Man did she get?” James asked.

“Two. Though I guess it seems light considering how much the old man chews and she won’t be back into town until next week.” Tony chuckled.

“Yea he said he was out on my way by so you better make it four. That should get him to next week,” James said, though probably in vein since Tony was already turning to add two bags to the order.

“Anything else?” Tony asked.

“Yea gimme two cans of Stokers while I’m here,” James replied while pulling out his wallet.

“Your Ma told me not to sell you any more of this stuff last time she was in here,” Tony joked as he pulled two cans down from the rack above his head.

“Well would you rather me spend my money here or go to the Beacon and buy it?” James asked with a chuckle. “She can’t stop the whole county to stop selling me dip.”

“Man fuck the Beacon and Bridge. Damn chain stores coming in ruining everything…” Tony grumbled. “You here we’re supposed to be getting a Dollar General here soon?”

“No shit?” James asked.

“That’s what I hear. Towns goin to shit James,” Tony replied solemnly.

“Everything does sooner or later,” James chuckled as he grabbed the bag from the counter and made his way towards the door.

He walked up to the passenger side to hand Ally the bag through the window and made his way around the front of the truck and hopped in, cranking the old girl to life once more and pointed the truck towards Jimmy’s house.

Ally had set the bag on the seat next to the door and cuddled herself up to her boyfriend for the short ride, relishing in the feeling she got from being with him. How could she have gone without this in her life? She couldn’t imagine not being by his side. She truly did love that man.

**

“James what the hell happened to you?!” Exclaimed Jimmy as they stepped up on to the porch, “you look like shit!”

“You should see the other guy.” James joked back.

He really did look like shit. In the time that had passed since the fight, the bruises on his face had started to show up more prominent. Apparently Andrew had landed a few more punches than he thought.

“He was defending my honor,” Ally stated proudly with a grin, her mindset about the fight having seemingly done a 180.

“Ooohhhh how romantic!” Mused Miss P as she made her way out to greet them, having heard the conversation through the open windows.

“It wasn’t anything special,” James laughed. “Just doing what I should have done a long time ago.”

“Let’s here it!” Jimmy said, “don’t get much in the way of excitement out here anymore so I’ll live vicariously through you.”

James began to give the discounted version of it, since he didn’t want to share too much about the events prior that led to the fight, but Ally stepped in a rattled off the story in its entirety, sparing no details. She felt like she never had to hide anything from the old couple so she felt safe telling the full story. She was a great storyteller.

Jimmy was enthralled with the fight and Miss P voiced her sympathy for Ally at the appropriate parts before taking her leave to go take the brownies out of the oven so she could let them cool before frosting then the way she knew James loved.

Their son had passed away in a horrible car accident when he was in his twenties, so to them, James, Ally, and the rest of the knuckleheads were like surrogate grandchildren. Some combination of them stopped by a few times a week to check in, do some chores they had a hard time doing themselves, and just sit and chat for a while.

Ever since James’ dad had leased some of the farm land from him years and years prior, the knuckleheads had taken an instant liking to the old couple, regaling in the stories Jimmy could tell from his younger days. It didn’t hurt that Miss P was their groups proclaimed best cook in the county and was always more than happy to whip up something good.

With the brownies long devoured, and countless conversations had, James and Ally began to bid their farewell so they could get back to James’ house to hang out. Donny and Marybeth had plans, Jackson was being Jackson somewhere else, Bobby was with him, and Ashley was planning on just staying home, and Drew was out of town, but Tyler and Katie were down to hang out so the four of them planned to hang out in the barn, play some euchre and have a relaxing night.

Before they could leave Miss P brought out a foil covered paper plate and handed it to Ally.

“You think I’d just let you eat all the brownies and leave empty handed without making a second batch for you to take to your friends?” She laughed.

“You’re the best Miss P,” James said, stepping in to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you guys for stopping by,” said Jimmy, extending his hand to James. “You know we love when y’all come out.”

“Anytime Jimmy,” James said, taking the old man’s hand and returning the surprisingly firm handshake. “You know we love stopping by.”

With that James and Ally made their way off the porch and up in to James’ truck, turning around in the yard and heading back towards his house.

**

The night in the barn was definitely a good one. They played countless games of euchre and drank a few beers. Nobody really got drunk or out of hand, it was mainly a laid back night, save for a few arguments over euchre.

Since Tyler drove over with Katie, and Katie only had one beer, they begged off around 11 and headed for home. James figured something was happening between the two but didn’t say anything. They’d been getting closer before he left for basic, but now they seemed like they were spending a lot of time together.

James and Ally made their way up to the house and to his room. The pretense of keeping those two from sharing a bed had been dropped by both sets of parents, something James and Ally were both eternally grateful for, since it meant they didn’t have to be apart from each other.

They laid in bed for a while, just talking about whatever came to mind, before Ally leaned up and gave James a toe curling kiss. The kiss only grew deeper as she rolled herself on top of him.

“My hero…” she cooed as she began to kiss down his jawline and to his neck.

Nothing else was said. Clothes began being slowly and lovingly discarded. Kisses became deeper. Hands began wandering. The two began to make love like it was the most natural thing in the world for them.

They didn’t fuck. They didn’t have sex. They made love. Slowly, tenderly, passionately. The still air in his room was disrupted by the sounds of their passions, whispered I love you’s, and quiet moaning.

It didn’t take long before they both felt themselves nearing the point of to return.

“I’m gonna cum baby,” Ally moaned into his ear.

“Me too baby,” James moaned back.

“Cum with me James.”

“I’m gonna cum Ally.”

“Fuckkkkkkkkkkkkkk I love youuuuuuuuu,” she moaned quietly as the tides of her orgasm hit her.

“I love you too babyyyy,” he moaned in kind as her orgasm set off his own.

They laid there holding each other, placing gentle kisses on each other until the throes of their orgasms washed away, bringing them back down to earth.

“I love you so much James,” Ally sighed, snuggling deeper into his embrace.

“I love you so much more Ally,” he answered as he held her closer, his spent cock still nestled inside her where they both felt it belonged.

It wasn’t long until their kisses slowed, eventually stopping as they each drifted off to sleep, with James still inside Ally, their naked bodies cuddled together. Neither of them could think of anywhere else they’d rather be. It was perfect. Each in the arms of the one they loved the most.

********************************************

Thank you to all who have made it this far! I couldn’t, and wouldn’t do it without you guys and all your comments and feedback.

Once again my apologies for the long delay in bringing you this chapter, but rest assured, I’m back!

I planned on wrapping it up in this chapter, but as you can see the words just flew from my mind and that didn’t happen. There’s still so much more for James and Ally, and the rest of the knuckleheads.

I do plan on wrapping it up in one, maybe two more chapters before writing a standalone story I’ve had floating around in my head for a while now. But don’t worry, I am going to leave the ending of this open to a sequel or continuation for the near future if you guys want to see that.

Let me know in the comments or with feedback how you like the story so far, what you want to see, and anything else you want to tell me!