Chapter 1

In the quiet farm of Willow Creek, where time stood still and the night air carried echoes of dreams. There lived a young woman named Natalie Dawn Monroe, her long brown hair and light brown eyes showed her family's affection, Evelyn and Thomas Monroe. Evelyn shone warmth into Natalie’s existence. No matter the hardship, Natalie knew that she could face anything with her parents by her side. But like any good thing, it was only temporary. Her mother was never very strong after giving birth to Natalie, and when she contracted a grave sickness Natalie was not allowed to see her. After a long fight, the sickness overtook her. The void of Thomas’s sorrow was

immeasurable. He sought refuge in the comfort of solitude. His once firm grip broke under the mass of his mourning. Once a happy home with the aroma of Evelyn’s cooking, was now a home of spiteful words and anger, wounding Natalie’s delicate soul. Natalie, the image of her mother’s gaze and her father’s resolve, matured under a father with no love. She sought happiness in the locked doors of her room, shielded from the hurtful words from someone whose love was now non-existent With time, the void between Natalie and Thomas widened. The man who had once joyously hoisted her onto his shoulders now appeared a hurtful man his presence too hard for Natalie to bear. 

On her 18th birthday, Natalie packed her few belongings and decided to end the violence. With quick steps, she approached the U.S. recruiting office, paused at the door, inhaled deeply, and crossed into the room. There at the desk was a tall man in a green uniform as she walked up to him he smiled at her and handed her a piece of paper, all you have to do is sign this and fill out this form he said handing her another piece of paper. After Natalie filled out the papers she had to pass a couple of tests and then she was handed a document that she had to sign in agreement to do basic training once she finished they told her that in 7 days they would have her on the next bus to Missouri. But I can't go back to my home,

she said to the recruiter. Why, he said curiously, I shouldn't say, she said to him. Then he looked at her in more concern than just curiosity. I will tell you if you promise not to tell anyone. Okay, he said you have my word. My father is... well he was once a happy man but when my mother died he started to drink and he became distant every time he yelled at me she said with a shudder, I can't go back, a tear slid out of her eye. The man said well me and my wife have an extra room and if you would like we wouldn't mind for you to stay until you go into basic training. Really? She said smiling. Of course, let me just call her and tell her. Natalie waited patiently for the man to come back and after a couple of minutes,

  he came back smiling and said you can come with me as soon as I finish my work for the day. By the way, I'm Jason said the man. Natalie smiled and said I'm Natalie, nice to meet you. After Jason finished his work he and Natalie hopped in his car and he drove them to a generously sized house for him and his wife. Out came a smaller woman but something surprised Natalie she had a round belly that she held happily. Jason came up to her and kissed her cheek his is my wife Melody. Hello Melody I'm so happy we can help you I know that that must have been hard after all those years. Natalie looked at the ground and said it was. Here let me take your bag said Juan, Natalie handed him the light bag and followed them into the house. 

They led her to a small but comfortable room with a bed, a chair, and a desk. As Jason and Melody went to leave Natalie said thank you so much, you'll never know how much this means to me. They both smiled at her and shut the door to the room. It was later in the day past 8:00 and Natalie decided to go to sleep she turned off the lights and laid down on the bed she closed her eyes and thought about the two people who took her in and let her stay there she decided she would make it up to them somehow. 

It was early in the morning and Natalie heard Jason get up and quietly slipped out of her room she walked down the stairs and into their small kitchen where 

Jason was having a cup of coffee. Oh hello, he said standing up want a cup of coffee? Sure, thanks. I came down here to ask you if I could make you and Melody some breakfast. you don't need to do that he said softly. I want to, she said I can't thank you enough for what you did for me and I promise, as soon as my bus leaves you'll never be bothered by me again. Nonsense said Jason, Melody is looking forward to doing things with you. She doesn't have anyone to do girly things with. What about your mother? She died, he said softly. My father was much like yours when she died, he shut everyone out and would lash out whenever he got angry. I'm sorry, said Natalie, know what that's like. Well, I still want to make you some breakfast. 

Alright, said Jason, but only as long as you don't feel like you have to. I don't she said I want to. I have to go to work, tell Melody goodbye for me alright? Okay, bye. Natalie got right to work, cooking was one of the things her father couldn't let Natalie stop doing or he would go without food himself. Natalie quickly whipped up some eggs and pancakes after an hour of cooking she heard Melody's soft footsteps coming down the stairs. After a moment Melody appeared. What do you think you're doing cooking? That's my job. I know but you and Jason letting me stay here is a big deal to me and I just wanted to try and make it up to you. I'm surprised Jason let you cook. He was just telling me how he wanted you to 

relax before entering the military. And I just want you to know that you are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need. Thank you, said Natalie you are the nicest person that I ever met. Well, let's sit down to the feast you prepared, said Melody dramatically. So, when are you expecting? This August. It is a boy or a girl? It is a boy, Jason is so excited he can hardly wait, for three more months, I would love for you to come here for your vacation time when you pass basic training, I'm sure Jason would love to go to your graduation ceremony. I'd be glad to have you there, but may I remind you, I still have to pass, Natalie laughed. I know I have only known you for one day but you are the only woman that is in my life said Melody.

 I haven't known another woman before either, said Natalie but I know we'll be good friends. It looks like it's raining outside said Natalie. Yes, said Melody I've always loved being out in the rain. So have I said Natalie it just made me feel happy. 

It was almost time for lunch later in the day, and Melody said here is an idea: why don't we go for a drive and get something to eat? I don't know said Natalie, do you think Jason will care? No, said Melody he won't he told me that I needed to go somewhere, because I always stay at home. Well, do you want to go? Okay, said Natalie just let me fix my hair, I need to practice putting

my hair up in a bun anyway.

In a matter of minutes, they were in Melody's minivan on their way to a rib shack. Natalie waited for Melody to order her food and then ordered a salad. There is no way that you are ordering a salad at a rib shack. Yes, there is said Natalie, I don't think I could eat ribs anyway. Well, at least try one of mine said Melody as they brought out the food. Okay, fine. Melody smiled at Natalie and put a rib on her plate. Natalie took a bite and said, this is the best thing I've ever eaten. Melody relished the smile on Natalie's face, and said do you want another one? No, said Natalie, you'll make me fat 

feeding me like this.

After they finished eating they went back to Melody's house and decided to draw Melody decided to draw a river and Natalie decided to draw a meadow.

Natalie was halfway done with her drawing when she heard Jason pull up in his car. Melody got up and waited by the door for him. So that's what it's like to love someone thought Natalie. Once Jason came inside he kissed Melody and said what mischief did you two get up to today? We went to a rib shack and started drawing a little over half an hour ago said Melody, what about

you? Just the same as always Jason said smiling. So you finally took my advice and went out? Yes, we did, said Melody. So, how are you doing said Jason as he walked toward Natalie, I'm fine, said Natalie Melody and I had a great time. That's good to know, said Jason, well I think we should be getting to sleep. Yes, said Natalie and I just want to thank you for a great time today. No problem, said Melody, I'm just glad you had a good time.

Natalie lay in bed and wondered what her life would be like if she had such loving parents.

                          Chapter 2

The bus station was bustling with activity as Natalie stepped onto the platform. She clutched her ticket to Missouri tightly, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and fear. This was it. She was leaving the small town of Willow Creek behind, embarking on a journey towards an uncertain future. She hugged Melody and Jason and waved goodbye, she heard Melody say make sure to write if ever have any free time. Natalie smiled at her and waved goodbye to the town that she had called home for so many years. Natalie got comfy on the bus seat and knew that she was leaving all she had ever known. Natalie laid

her head on her small bag and braced herself for a long trip from Tennessee to Missouri. As they pulled out of the station Natalie watched the scenery go by and after a while, she fell asleep. 

Natalie had been asleep for hours and they must have stopped several times to pick up more people because she woke up and a woman was sitting next to her. Hello, said the woman so you're awake. Natalie laughed and said yes, it would appear so. Sorry, said the woman, I'm no good at making conversations. Well let me start then, I'm Natalie, and you are? I'm Nova, nice to meet you. So how long have you been sitting here for, said Natalie.

Well, are we still in Mississippi? I have no idea. So, when did you get on the bus, said Nova. Well, I live in Tennessee, so I got on at the train station in Willow Creek. Well, are we all going to Missouri? Yeah, I think so. Who is this came a voice from behind. That is my twin brother Aiden, nice to meet you said Natalie turning around to look his she could see the resemblance. He smiled and said nice to meet you too...oh I'm Natalie then nice to meet you, Natalie. Are you and Aiden are twins, asked Natalie. Yes, said Nova, It's hard to believe that this loser is related to me she smirked. Hey, said Aiden you are 2 minutes younger than me may I remind you? That made Natalie and Nova

burst out laughing causing the whole bus to look at them. Natalie noticed a boy not much older than her looking at them, he looked sad...more serious than sad he had short black hair and dark green eyes that showed a mystery, he looked like he had hardly been out of his home just like her, but he was much stronger than her his muscles showed through his army uniform. For a split second their eyes met but Natalie quickly turned away and noticed that Aiden and Nova were arguing about who was taller, Aiden was taller, but Natalie could tell that he was without him even standing up so she decided to stop the argument and said Nova, I'm sorry but Aiden is taller. Ha, said Aiden with a shout

causing the whole bus to look at them again. Traitor said Nova half laughing half serious. Natalie smiled and she heard Aiden, say trying to make Natalie sorry for stating facts. Nova turned around and playfully punched Aiden. Ow, said Aiden dramatically, you hit me where it hurts. What did you break something with that small punch Natalie played? Yes, Aiden replied, my pride. At that, Natalie couldn't hold it in anymore she burst out laughing making Nova and Aiden laugh with her. Then they heard the driver yell, stop that laughing before I laugh and send us into a ditch, I still have to get you another two and a half hours. They stopped laughing at once and apologized to the driver. Well, at least now we 

know how much longer we have left, said Aiden.

After a little while they pulled up. Natalie peeked out of the window and saw a calm but stern-looking man she noticed his hat and realized that he was a sergeant. As soon as they stepped off the bus the sergeant introduced himself as Sergeant Hayes and had them put their bags down and follow him in a 100-yard exercise. After they finished several other sergeants introduced themselves as Sergeant Barnes and Sergeant Hartman. After they introduced themselves they were given places to sleep Natalie ended up sleeping with 6 other women one of whom was Nova. I can't believe we're together,

said Nova. After they got situated they went down to the mess hall and had a meal before heading to their barracks. 

                                    Chapter 3 

The day after Natalie arrived in basic training, she woke up to the call of duty. She quickly donned her uniform, joining the others in her room as they headed to meet the sergeant. Sergeant Hayes began outlining their day: paperwork, physical exams, immunizations, haircuts, uniforms, and their first physical fitness test. They were directed to report to Sergeant Hartman for their schedule. After completing their physical exams and paperwork, Natalie and Nova headed to the mess hall for a meal. There, they met up with everyone else. Natalie spotted Aiden walking towards them. “How was your physical?”

she asked. “Good,” Aiden chuckled, “I passed.” “So did we,” Natalie replied with a smile.

As they sat down to eat, Natalie noticed a boy she had seen on the bus. He was walking away from the food line when an older boy, probably nineteen, bumped into him, causing his food to spill. The older boy smirked and said, “Oops.” The other boy, not one to be pushed around, stood up to his full height. Natalie could tell he was taller than the boy who had bumped into him. He grabbed the older boy’s shirt and pushed him back.

Just then, Sergeant Hayes intervened. “What’s going on

here?” he demanded. “Nothing,” both boys answered. The sergeant instructed them to keep their uniforms clean and walked off. The two boys returned to the line and got their food.

“Wow,” Nova commented, “already a fight on our first real day in Missouri.” “Yeah,” Aiden agreed, “too bad I wasn’t in it.” Nova shot him a disapproving look before taking another bite of her food.

After eating, they prepared for a 2-mile run. As soon as Sergeant Barnes gave the signal, they were off. The older boy held the lead for nearly half a mile, but then Nova

pushed herself to the front. However, she couldn’t maintain her position for long. Several boys were vying for the lead during the first mile and a half when a younger boy bolted in front of them all. As soon as he saw the spray-painted arrow on the ground, Natalie launched herself forward and finished just seconds after the boy. Nova and a few other boys tied for third.

Several people failed to pass, but by some miracle, Aiden made it past the arrow just seconds before they were told to stop. Natalie panted as the rest of the people crossed the line. The boy who had finished before her complimented her. “Great job,” he said. “I thought you

“Great job,” he said. “I thought you were going to beat me.” Natalie smiled and thanked him. “I’m Natalie,” she introduced herself. “I’m Logan,” he replied, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer than necessary. As Natalie started to walk away, Logan called out, “Sorry, I’m not super smiley. I just have a straight face most of the time.” With a playful twinkle in her eye, Natalie turned back and said, “You should try to smile, Logan. It might suit you.” Logan watched Natalie walk away, his eyes lingering on her. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze spoke volumes. It was intense, yet gentle like he was trying to memorize every detail about her. He didn’t smile, but there was a certain intensity in his eyes that was hard to miss. Natalie felt his gaze

on her and turned around. She met his eyes and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, Logan turned his head and with a small almost nonexistent smile left. With that, she walked away, leaving Logan with a hint of a smile on his face. What was that asked Nova, nothing said Natalie stealing a backward glance at Logan. As she looked back she saw the older boy coming toward her she quickly turned her eyes forward and engaged Nova in a conversation. Hello said the boy as he approached her great job out there I'm Rex he said with a smile I'm Natalie, and this is Nova nice to meet you he said eyeing Natalie, she walked away and Rex tried to follow them Aiden approached them,

said, great job, you guys. Yeah, can't believe you made it, said Nova with a smirk. They tried to walk away again but Rex was still following them so Aiden turned around and said back off. You going to make me he said smirking Aiden was not much shorter than Rex and he said I'll give you one more chance to leave. I don't think so, said Rex chuckling Aiden quickly punched him in the stomach before he could gain his balance Aiden had landed a blow to his mouth causing his lip to bleed, Nand ova stepped between them. Sergeant Barnes had come to talk to them and congratulated Natalie for being the second place and first woman to cross the arrow. Natalie thanked him and they all walked

away except Rex whom Sergeant Barnes had stopped to talk to, Rex claimed he had fallen and busted his lip. As they walked away Natalie said where did you learn to do that?  I took boxing lessons for two years. Well, they certainly paid off said Natalie. Please don't encourage him said Nova with a playful shove. So that guy is a bully not so good of a fighter and a flirty creep said Natalie. They all laughed and went to where Sergeant Barnes was assigning them a training group for the next day.

                            Chapter 4

The rest of the week of basic training was a whirlwind of activity. Natalie, Nova, and Aiden found themselves in the same training group, along with Logan and a few others. Their days were filled with rigorous physical training, tactical lessons, and endless drills. Despite the grueling schedule, Natalie found herself thriving in the structured environment. She was determined to prove herself, one day, while they were practicing their shooting skills, Natalie noticed Logan struggling with his aim. Natalie decided to help him. She walked over to him, adjusted his stance, and gave him a few pointers.