The Broken Soldier

Two

Marley

"Josh, stop, I have to get this house clean before 5" I push my boyfriend away from me as I try to wipe the counters down in the kitchen.

My dad will be here in a few hours and I don't want him to think I am irresponsible and messy. Excited doesn't begin to explain how I feel about my dad finally coming home from Iraq. This was his last tour and I finally can have him to myself. Living without him for a whole year was hard at first, but I got used to handling daily responsibilities like paying bills and keeping everything together. I honestly don't know what he was thinking leaving a 19 year old a whole house since I know that he knew I was going to have my boyfriend over. Josh stayed the night at least 3 times a week, but I guess that is going to be cut short now.

"Babe come on, just 5 minutes. I need you" He pouts as he lays on the couch and reaches out for me. I try to ignore his pleads, but he only gets louder.

I sigh and throw the towel in the sink.

"Gosh you are so needy" I laugh and walk over to the couch where he is. As much as I didn't really want to I knew not to argue with him about it. He takes my arms and pulls me down on top of him making me straddle him.

"You know babe, I'm really going to miss just having this house to ourselves. Especially moments like this" He kissed my neck and shoulder as his hands roam under my shirt. He pulls the shirt over my head and tosses it on the floor.

"Josh"

"Just go with it Mar" He cups my face and pulls me to him till out lips touch.

I kiss him softly as I unbutton his flannel shirt. When his chest is exposed, I run my finger tips up and down his abs. His takes the lead kissing me making it more forceful as his tongue finds mine. His mouth tastes like sweet tea and it makes me want him more. Josh's hands grip my hips moving them to grind against him. I moan at the sensation from between my legs. Suddenly, Josh flips over and I'm now on the bottom and he is between my legs. He unbuttons my jeans and pulls them off before doing the same with my underwear. In my mind, I want to stop him, but I know he will get mad and fussy or worse. He figures that since we have had s*x before that it's dumb for me not to want to sometimes.

He undoes his jeans and pulls his member from his boxers. As he is about to enter me I stop him.

"Wait, Josh, Condom?"

He rolls his eyes "Come on Mar, we don't need one. You're on Birth control"

'Please, Josh " I pout. He groans and reaches for his wallet on the table.

It's not that I don't want to get pregnant, it's just that I don't trust him. He has cheated on me before and I took him back. Now I make it mandatory for condoms to be used. He thinks it's because I'm afraid to get pregnant but it's really more of his roaming eyes and hands that cause for a condom.

He rolls the condom on to himself and position's his hardness at my opening. As he slides in, I close my eyes and moan. Josh is the only person I have ever had s*x with so his member fits me perfectly. As he thrusts into me, he doesn't make eye contact like he used to. It's weird to look up and see him looking at something on the wall. I shake the thought off as the pleasure builds.

He squeezes my breast and thrusts harder "Oh f**k, Mar. You are so wet"

I bite my lips and focus on feeling good. I feel an orgasm begin to build and just as I'm about to fall apart, Josh cums and stops. I groan in frustration and he gets up leaving me unsatisfied as always. I put my clothes on before him and march back into the kitchen more angry than anything. Josh leaves a while later and I don't mind the least bit. I finish cleaning the house and making sure every thing is in place.

I decided to cook my dad's favorite meal for when he gets here. He is going love coming home to fried fish and grits. When I'm done I go upstairs and shower before getting dressed. I put in a pair of shorts and a tank top letting my wavy brown hair flow over my shoulders. I don't bother with makeup because it's just my dad. Once everything is in order, I hear a car pull up. I run to the front door and see my dad getting out of the car. Smiling hard, I run to him.

"Dad!" I jump into his arms and he spins me around.

"Ah princess I've missed you so much."

Tears come to my eyes but I hold them back. When my dad puts me back on my feet, I notice someone sitting in the car.

"Dad, who is that?"

"Oh, yeah that's Zachary. He will be living with us for a while. He is injured and had nowhere to go. So yeah"

I frown at look at the guy sitting in the car. His face is hard and unreadable as he stares back at me. From what I can see through the car window, he isn't bad looking. He just looks angry. He has short dark hair and a typical looking military bod. My dad tells me to help him with his things while he goes into the house leaving me out to there alone. I awkwardly stand by the car not knowing what to do.

Zachary opens the door and gets out with crutches in hand.

"Hi, I'm Marley" I extend my hand but he does shake it.

I let it fall. Rude much?

"Um, is this all you have?" I hold the large duffle bag up and he nods. He is a lot taller than me and if I had to guess, he was a good 6'2 or so which obviously towers over my 5'4 height. The shirt he has on fits him pretty snug and shows off the definition in his arms. I can't help but stare a little more than I should.

I throw the duffle bag over my shoulder and it nearly pulls me down

"Jesus, what's in here, a dead body?" I mumble to myself as I struggle with the bag.

Zach hobbles along to the door, frown never leaving his face, not offering the slightest bit of help. He opens the screen door but doesn't hold it open for me.

"Wow, thanks so much for holding the door" I mumble as I continue to struggle with this bag of brinks.

I stumble in the house and drop the bag on the floor, catching my breath.

"So Zachary, your room is right across from mine upstairs and my dad's room is down that hall" I point to the hall, but Zachary doesn't look.

I begin to think he is a mute or something. Confused, I have the urge to ask if he talks, but that would be so rude of me. My dad comes out of his room, breaking the weird tension in the air.

"Do I smell food?"

I smile "Yep, I made fish and grits"

My dad rubs his stomach and smiles.

"Ahh I knew it. You are the greatest, sweetie. I have been craving fish and grits for a whole year." He sits at the table while I fix his plate.

"Um Zachary, do you want some?" I scan over his hard face waiting for an answer. His lips catch my attention along with his very defined jawline.

"No thanks, I'm going to go upstairs" Holy Moly, he speaks! His deep voice surprises me.

I shrug and he hobbles away. When I hear the door close upstairs, I turn to my dad.

"Are you serious?" I harshly whisper.

"What honey?" He mumbles while stuffing his face like a typical soldier.

"Do you know him well, because he seems a little off his rocker if you ask me. He doesn't talk for Christ sake" I sit at the table watching him eat, something I haven't seen in 14 months.

"Yes, I know him and he isn't that bad if you get to know him. Just be careful, okay? He has had a few episodes. Try to be respectful of his need for quietness" I roll my eyes even though I know I'm going to do what he says. I don't have to like it but I know I'm going to have to do it.

"Maybe I should take him something to drink or something" I get up and grab a mason jar, filling it halfway with sweet tea.

I go upstairs and stop in front of the door. Putting in my fakes smile, I tap lightly on the door, but there is no answer. Sighing, turn the doorknob, pushing the door open. Completely taken back, I gasp when I see him in just his boxers.

"Crap, I...I'm " I can't even lie and act like I'm sorry for seeing the body of a God. My eyes flicker over his tanned body and I fight back a school girl whimper.

"Can you get the f**k out?!"

Fleeing, I close the door and stand there in shock. Not the shock of seeing him half-naked, but the shock of his body being so.....hot even with the patch of bandage on his chest it still looks amazing. I go into my room and sit on my bed. Biting my lip, I brush my hair back a take a deep breath.

"Crap." Despite seeing Zachary's godly body, I think about Josh.

I know he isn't going to like this at all and I dread him finding out. I have a feeling in my stomach that makes me feel a little nauseous when it comes to Josh not liking something.

I jump when the door across the hall swings open. I look up at a clothed Zachary as he comes out on his crutches.

"Can you respect my privacy please?" his angry tone makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable as his eyes burn into mine. I have yet to see a different expression on his face since he has got here. How is that even possible?

"Uh sure. I'm sorry." I mumble forcing a small smile. I really do want to be nice to him since he will be living here for a while, but he makes it very hard to be civilized. He gives off this angry vibe that intimidates everyone, including me. I decided to just give Zachary his space. Clearly, he doesn't want to be bothered so I will happily leave him alone to wallow in his own miserableness.

Zachary goes back downstairs and a few minutes later I follow. When I get down there, Zachary is sitting in front of the tv. I sit on the couch across from him and stare. His face is emotionless as if he feels nothing despite being shot and all. I try to think of something to ask, but nothing comes to mind so I just sit there with my eyes on him, taking in his features and whatnot

He looks over at me and raises an eyebrow.

"What?"

"How old are you?" I ask curiously.

"24" he mumbles as he begins flipping through the channels.

"Cool, So.... what made you join the Army?" I c**k my head to the side trying hard to keep the conversation going but it seems like I was reaching a dead end.

"None of your business" He mutters clearly trying to end the conversation.

I frown. " I am trying to be nice like my dad asked. So what's with the attitude?"

He is being a total asshole.

"Look, I just want to get better so I can leave so just leave me alone little girl"

Little girl? How old does he think I am?

"Excuse me, I'm 19. Not a little girl. You don't have to be such a jerk just because you're injured and all" I hop up off the couch and head towards the door. My dad appears in the hall.

Hey, where are you going?"

"Outside" I don't bother hiding the irritation in my voice.

I push the screen door open and let it slam as I march outside. Forget it, if he doesn't want me to talk to him then I won't. He can kiss my country ass for all I care. Mumbling to myself as I walk, I go down to the creek behind our house and sit there for what seems like forever. I watch the water run by and I can't help, but think that this should be a happy day for me. My dad is back and I'm not making the best of it at all, but what was he thinking inviting that Zachary guy here. Clearly, he needs to be with someone better fit to handle him. I throw a rock in the water only for it splash water on me, "Karma is a b***h" I brush the water off my shirt but the damage is done.

I suck up my feelings toward Zachary and head back to the house. When I walk through the trees and see my house, Zachary is sitting on the porch. All hospitality lost, I step on the porch and walk right past him without speaking. I'm sure he doesn't care. For the rest of the day, I spend time with my dad, talking, laughing and ignoring Zach's presence.

"So, are you getting along with Zach?" he asks

I roll my eyes "Dad, he is so rude."

The front door is still open so I know he hears me but I could care less. I understand he has been through a lot, but he doesn't have to let it make him a rude jerk.

"Honey, give him time. His mind is still overseas. He has to settle into a normal lifestyle." I know he is right and it's wrong of me to not understand what he is feeling. I've been around military people almost all my life so I know the ups and downs.

I sigh and smile.

"Yeah yeah" I never really argued with my dad. I mean why bother?

He is going to win no matter what I say. Up until the age of 17, I referred to him as Colonel instead of Dad. He just ran the house with too much authority, trying to make up for my mama divorcing him for another man and moving off to another state, leaving me behind. Not that I wanted to go. I would have chosen my dad regardless if she had asked or not.

Later that night, I order a pizza for dinner and Zach finally comes back into the house. He takes a seat the table with us. "Nice of you to finally join us" I mumble under my breath.

My dad kicks me under the table and I jump. He gives me a stern look and I look down at my pizza.

"Sorry, sir"

My dad clears his throat.

"So Zach, How are you liking Mississippi?"

"It's hot as hell." His deep voice makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Oh, he will happily talk to my dad, but not me.

Playing with my food, I peel a pepperoni off my pizza and eat it trying to stop myself from staring at him. I don't know what has come over me. I'm never like this around guys. I pick my glass up and suddenly, I feel Zach's knee touch mine. I don't react, I just look up at him. When I see his eyes on me for a brief second it causes my heart to jump. His eyes are dark like he has seen things no one should see in their lifetime.

He looks away quickly and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I finish off my pizza and decided to clear the table. I pick up the plates and when I reach for Zach's plate, my hand brushes across his arm making him flinch. Plates in hand, I turn around and trip dropping one of the plates on the floor. It crashes against the tile and all of a sudden I feel someone tackle me. I yelp as I hit the floor. When I look, Zach's on top of me. His arm presses down on my chest hindering me from breathing. His face is so dark and scary like he is a totally different man. I know what is happening, but I don't know how to stop it.

I see my dad trying to pull him off but it's not working. Tears form in my eyes and the pressure on my chest starts to hurt.

"Zach, stop please!" I huff out with the little air in my lungs. I reach up and press my hand against his chest and I feel his heart beating a hundred times a second.

"Zach, stop it's just Marley!" my dad yells finally pulling him off of me.

I inhale hard rolling onto my side coughing for air. My whole body is shaking in fear as Zach sits on the floor slowly coming back. His midnight eyes find mine and his face completely changes. His eyes soften and he looks around at his surroundings.

"I...I'm so sorry" He shakes his head and my dad helps him up.

I sit up against the fridge and catch my breath. I sit there as my dad helps Zach upstairs, leaving me on the floor. He knows I'm fine, but it makes me feel some type of way knowing my dad didn't help me first. Moments later my dad comes back down.

"Honey, are you okay?"

I nod "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little in shock. I'm good"

He holds his arm out and I grab his hand. He pulls me to my feet.

"I'm sorry dad, I didn't mean to drop the plate" I've known a lot of military men through my dad so I have a basic knowledge of the effects of PTSD. I don't hold it against anyone when they can't control their actions during an episode so as much as I don't like Zach, I won't hold it against him either.

He kisses my forehead.

"It's not your fault. It was an accident. Zach is fine." He takes a deep breath and groans "It's late, I'm gonna call it a night."

I hug him and he goes to his room while I pick up the broken pieces of the plate off the floor. When I'm done I head upstairs and notice Zach's door is cracked. I look in and he is laying on the bed staring at the ceiling. I don't spy for long in fear of being caught. I go into my room and grab a towel before heading down the hall to the bathroom for a shower.

When I get out of the shower, I wrap a towel around me and rub the steam off the mirror. Staring at myself for a moment I let my eyes roam over my face. My gaze pauses on my shoulder where there is a light bruise not caused by Zach, but Josh. I run my fingers over it lightly. Josh gets so mad sometimes when I don't agree with him on something or I won't have s*x with him. I don't know why I stay but I do. Covering bruises should be my full-time occupation. I shake the thought and shut the bathroom light off as I walk out. I walk lightly down the hall assuming everyone is sleep since it's 1am. When I'm about to open my door, I feel him behind me. I turn around and look at him.

"Yeah?"

His eyes scan over me.

"I'm sorry about earlier I didn't -" Zach stops talking when his eyes freeze on my shoulder. "Did I do that?"

I look down at my feet.

"Um no you didn't" I look up at him and his face is confused.

I head into my room without letting him reply. I didn't want to talk about it with anyone. Especially not someone like Zach. So ready to judge me. Not a lot of people know about what Josh is doing to me. Just a few friends. My closet friends usually ignore it, never calling or texting on the bad days, only the good. I'm not sure why I keep them around either. I guess I have just fallen into a routine that I can't break.

I change into a long shirt before climbing into bed. I go through the routine of checking my phone making sure Josh hasn't called or texted before sliding it under my pillow and going to sleep. I always keep the volume on and on high just in case. I don't need any reason for him to be mad.

Today has been a long day hopefully tomorrow will be better. I do not sleep for long when I hear heavy footsteps going down the hall and down the stairs. I want to get up and see where he is going but I'm too tired. The light smack of the screen door causes me to roll out of bed quickly and look out the window. I see Zachary limping without his crutches onto the front lawn.

"What the hell is he doing?" When I see him heading down the driveway to the street I jump up and run downstairs.

When I get outside I run to him.

"Zach, what are you doing?" He doesn't reply and I realize he is sleepwalking.

My dad always told me not to wake anyone who is sleepwalking so I just start walking next to him. We are nearly out of the driveway when I decide to stop him before he gets hit by a car. Walking next to him, I lightly press my hand into his chest to make him stop. He stands there for a moment before his eyes flutter a bit. He looks down at me then his eyes scan over the darkness of the night.

"Where am I?"

"You're in the front yard, you were sleepwalking. Come back in the house" I pull his arm leading him back into the house and I'm surprised he is actually letting me touch him. I yawn as I help him up the stairs of the porch. When we enter the house he pulls his arm from my grip.

"I don't need your help. I got it." Ugh, that smug attitude is back.

"Well, I'm sorry, but it did look like you needed a little assistance just then. Excuse me for helping. I'm going back to bed. Do whatever the hell you want?" I march back upstairs and close my door.

I listen as Zachary comes upstairs and the loud click of his door lets me know he is in his room. Hopefully, for good tonight, I'm not in the mood for chasing anyone in the night hours especially not in this heat. I don't get much sleep thinking I may hear him leave again. As much as I don't like him, I can't let him go out into the night to get killed or something. I don't really want that on my hands just because I fell asleep and let him run off. It's pretty quiet the rest of the night and I lay there with the sounds of crickets ringing in my head since I always leave my window open at night for a cool breeze. It is more humid than usually so wearing clothes to bed isn't a choice.

Since there are men in the house now, I will be sleeping in my long shirt with nothing under instead of naked like I did when the whole house was mine. It's too hot for anything more than just a shirt. I'm sure Zach has realized clothes are overrated by now too. If he hasn't then I'm sure he is going to faint in his sleep. Thinking about Zach and clothes makes me wonder what he looks like under them. He is very fit and toned. I bite my lip wondering how it would feel to run my fingers down his abs.

"Oh crap, snap out of it Mar, Jeeze. " I shake my head and throw the covers over my body.

Despite my attempts to not thinking about the new house guest, he stays on my mind. I'm just going to have to prepare myself to be ignored for the duration of his stay which I hope isn't as long as my dad says. After an hour or so, I figure Zach is sleep so I finally close my eyes and doze off too.