5 comments/ 11931 views/ 5 favorites Out of the Shadows Ch. 02 By: Iread2relax Hello everyone. I hope you read chapter one and enjoyed it. This story is a continuation of the Shadows of Resentment series. Thank you for the feedback on chapter one. In this chapter Darius enlists and goes through basic training. Just to let you know I am no expert on anything military, so I read a little and wrote the story based on my interpretation of what could happen. It is not my intention to offend any of the great people who have sacrificed and served in any branch of the military. So please remember this in a fictional piece of writing and not meant to be taken literally. I hope you enjoy this chapter and remember to vote and comment after you have read it. Thank you. IR2R * Darius exited the bus as they arrived at the base. He saw different groups of soldiers engaged in different activities. The new recruits were lead to the first area where they were immediately made aware of their new lives. The men had their head shaved, endured physical exams and were inoculated. The men and women were separated and their new drill sergeants went to talk to each group. His first few nights there were the hardest. He missed his family. He was now around people he didn't know expected to tow the line. He believed this was the right choice, but believing that didn't negate his pain. After getting through the first few days, Darius had to focus. He was distracted and constantly had his Drill Sergeant in his face. So finally, he decided to a stay focused. The routine drill and practices gave his mind something new to focus on. The first day they started combat training, Darius was happy deep down inside. He could finally relieve some of the pent up aggressions. He watched as his comrades practiced well honed defensive techniques. One guy, the big red hair white guy, was really good. His name was Horace Tate, nickname, Horse. Darius wanted to challenge him. Instead he got Jones. Lonnie Jones. Lonnie Jones was a meathead with a big mouth. Jones loved to run his mouth, within two days he'd zeroed in on guys that he target, Darius being one of his victims. Darius looked forward to shutting this guy up. Sergeant Lee saw the gleam in Darius eye when placed in the center with Lonnie. He allowed the two men to fight it out with Darius being the victor. Horse congratulated Darius on taking out Lonnie. That should have ended any problems between these two men, but Lonnie didn't get the message. One night, Darius was having a rough time being separated from his family. He was looking at a picture of his girls thinking about them.' Lonnie snatched the picture from him and ripped it. He then taunted him. Darius saw red. Having taken all he could off of this guy, Darius grabbed him. Horse and two other guys had to pull the two men apart. Sergeant Lee came in and assessed the situation. He knew Lonnie was a nuisance, and had already spoken to him earlier about his antics. Apparently, Jones didn't follow orders well. Granger, he'd been warned about this guys temper, but tonight was the first time he'd caught a glimpse of it. Granger needed help learning control and he was just the man to help him. So Sergeant Lee had two guys to escort Lonnie to the infirmary and two guys to escort Darius to his home where he could place him under surveillance until he calmed down. He essentially isolated Darius. For two weeks, Darius was on extreme work detail. The only time he didn't work was during training and when he counseled with Sergeant Lee. In one of the sessions with Sergeant Lee, Darius talked about his family. Sergeant Lee realized how attached he was to his family members and how he believed he'd failed them. When Darius talked about attacking Cameron, Sergeant Lee was still and silent. If anyone had simply asked this kid why, they would understand what happened. He wasn't there that night and he got it. This was a nineteen year old kid who had just met the love of his life. His baby sister was in danger and with his natural protective instincts; he was already on high alert. He sees his girlfriend with another man and she would not talk to him. Eventually he gets time with her and for a second forgets that he's supposed to be watching his sister. Some cretin tries to rape his sister. When he learned that she'd been hurt, he lost control. The music was loud and he didn't hear his friend's cries for help. All he knew was that his sister got hurt. When he made it to the front, some guy was holding her and he attacked. He never wanted to hurt his friend, just protect what was his. Protect his sister, but he almost killed his friend. His friend, that was like a brother. He should have gone to prison, but he didn't. He'd apologized, begged for forgiveness, but he still felt guilty. What if Cameron had died from that attack? He could never really forgive himself. He learned that he'd gotten Dee pregnant. He couldn't even get a job to help support his children. He couldn't move out of his parent's home. If his Dad had not given him a job, he had no idea how he could have helped Dee with his girls. He couldn't go to college because all of his scholarships were rescinded; hell, they barely let him graduate high school. His Mom made a plea to the school board to let him finish high school. He asked Dee to marry him and she always refused, because he wasn't good enough. Then one day she met someone else. A man that was better than him. That's when he lost the woman that was his everything, Deidre. She fell in love with the other man and let him go. He held in too tight, but he felt she and his girls were all he had to hold on to. Yet, he still lost her.. He was stuck, stagnated, and then he decided to fight. He had to find a way out that's when he decided to enlist. Sergeant Lee liked this kid. He had guts and a strong moral code that many could admire. He would help him through this and hopefully he'd become the man he'd always wanted to be. For the first three weeks of training, Darius had to learn to follow orders. He had a hard time becoming a parrot, but after hours of extensive duties and extremely hard physical training sessions he soon caught on. On Sunday's during down time, he made sure to call his family and let them know he was doing fine. He called his parent's first and then he'd call Deidre to check on his girls. The first time he called Dee, his heart beat like a drum. The phone rang, and then finally someone answered. "Hello," Jason's baritone voice filled the line. A part of Darius rose up in anger, and then he remembered they weren't together anymore. "Hey, Jason. I wanted to check on my girls. Is Deidre around?" He asked, forcing his voice to remain calm even though he fumed at the thought of the other man being with his kids. "Um, sure. She just went to take the girls to the bathroom. Hold on. She was waiting for your call." Jason explained. Then Darius heard him call Deidre. "Hello, Darius how are you?" she asked clearly concerned about his well being. "I'm good, learning a lot. I wanted to check on my girls, how are they?" he queried. Deidre exhaled, "They are fine. They miss their Daddy. You know that tape you made reading to them. They listen to it every night. It helps. Hold on. I'll let you talk to them." Then he heard her call the girls. "Cammie, Rory, daddy wants to speak to you." "DADDY!" he heard his angels squeal as the rushed to talk to him. He spoke to his girls for a while and then Deidre picked up. She made him promise to be safe and that he would call next week. He called Derrick and Dawn next. He talked to his brother and assured him he was fine. Dawn was due to give birth soon, and Derrick was rattled. There were some complications with DJ, and he was worried for his wife this time around. Darius encouraged his brother and told him everything would be fine. They talked a bit more and then he had one more call to make. He called Sierra and Cameron last. After reassuring his baby sis, that he was alright, he made her promise to take care of herself and his new niece or nephew. Before he realized it, four whole weeks had passed. Darius now had better control of his temper, and learned to control his outburst. Honestly, lashing out and beating the crap out of Lonnie was the best thing that could have happened to him. After speaking with Sergeant Lee, he learned techniques to help him gain control. Now that the he knew how to follow orders, the fun part began. They learned to fire weapons. Darius saw a young female recruit being berated by her sergeant and for some reason; it didn't sit well with him. He never liked seeing women being disrespected. He wanted to stop, but he knew that whatever it was, her commanding officer was only helping her get better. So he took a deep breath, and calmed down. Today was the day he tackled the obstacle course. Many of his comrades had two or more tries. He failed his first time, but he doubled his efforts. He thought about his brother and how he always stood with him. He imagined that Derrick was there egging him on, cheering for him. This time he flew through the obstacle course in record time. Then he saw her, the girl that was being berated prepare to go again. After the dressing down he'd just witness, he hoped she succeeded. She did and in record time. Darius cheered for this dark-skinned goddess with the biggest and clearest brown eyes he'd ever seen. She was solidly build, weighed around one hundred forty pounds, tough. She had a dark chocolate brown complexion with black hair. She had the brightest brown eyes were, and the cutest cleft in her chin; she was so lovely. Dressed in the standard fatigues that they all wore, she could not hide her sensuality. Darius wondered what treasures lie beneath. Whoa, I'm not over Dee. I shouldn't even be thinking about another woman. But hey, Dee moved on. She's with someone else. He felt a brief moment of pain at the thought. I have to move on too. "Darius, man what are you looking at?" his bunk mate Horace "Horse" Tate asked as he walked up following Darius' line of vision. "Oh, her. Man give up. She's not interested. I laid my southern boy charm on her and she shot me down. Now if she can shoot down a body and face like this, son. She's not interested in men." Horse told Darius jokingly. At this point, LaCynthia had gone back to her barracks as Darius watched her walk away. He wanted to at least get her name, because she peaked his interest. Hopefully, they could be friends. He would not dare dream of more. Cynthia saw the man that caught her attention staring at her until his friend walked up. She took a moment to check him out. He was dark skinned, built, had a shaved head and no facial hair. He stood tall and she could tell carried himself with pride. For a second, he looked at her, but then his friend walked up distracted him. His friend had actually tried to approach a few days ago, but she wasn't interested. Not that anything was wrong with him, just that she wasn't interested in dating anyone, let alone someone from the base. But this new guy, the dark-skinned fine brother, caught her eye and she wanted to know more about him. She knew he watched her as she walked away, so maybe, he returned her interest. At the end of each session, Darius tried to catch a glimpse of the cutie he saw earlier at the end of each day. He learned through Horse that her name was LaCynthia. She was ranked at Private First Class. Proficient in hand to hand combat, excelled in weaponry. She was a loner, never called her family. He didn't see Cynthia very often, but he decided that the next Sunday, he would approach her and introduce himself. He felt that she liked him too, because he'd caught her looking at him a few times. On Sunday morning, Darius called his parent's before they left for church. He made sure to call Deidre, and talk to his babies. He found it was easier to talk to her now that time had passed. Then of course he called Derrick and Sierra. He made a special call to Jasmine, when he learned that she was upset that he had not called to report in the week before. After talking to her, he also called Nick and Rosa, as well as Gunther and Chrissy. Darius hung up and was grateful that he had such a loving and supportive family. He walked over to the dining hall for breakfast, and saw LaCynthia sitting by herself. He walked over and sat next to her. "Good morning, I'm Darius." He greeted as he sat next to her. His heart was pounding, palms sweating, and he could hardly breath, as he waited for her reply. "Good morning, I'm LaCynthia." She replied. Then she looked back at what she was eating. LaCynthia had the most beautiful brown eyes. "So, do you know which branch of service you're going in?" Darius asked. He loved her voice. He had to get her to say something else. "No, not yet. Maybe medical." She answered, and then she looked at him and asked. "What are you planning to do? "Well, Mechanical Maintenance." Darius said quietly. "Working on cars is something I am pretty good at, so..." She smiled, and Darius felt like a million bucks, "Nice, I want to be a doctor." She explained. The two finished their breakfast and hung out the rest of the morning. Soon, Horace and Cynthia's friend Maria joined them. The four young people became fast friends. Darius and Cynthia found ways to spend time together for the next few weeks. Two more weeks of training and Darius, Cynthia, Horse, Maria, and two other new recruits, Danny and Kerrie were called to a meeting with their drill Sergeants. They were being reassigned under a new leader. Standing before them was the biggest, meanest looking man Darius had ever seen, Sergeant Robert Bull, known affectionately as "The Bull." Darius stood in front of the other members of the group, beside him stood LaCynthia followed by Maria , Horse, Danny, and finally, Kerrie. All six recruits stood in full attention mode. For the next few weeks, these six new recruits were put through hell. First, they were isolated from everyone else. They were assigned the a barracks that was as far away from the camp as possible, with the meanest Sergeant on record. "Welcome to Hell you six scum buckets. You were especially selected. See unlike all of the other recruits you all differ. You have criminal backgrounds, or some such shit." He growled. "Since we know about you, we're going to take great pride in breaking you." He continued. LaCynthia scoffed, "What, did you say something scum? Don't think you get excused because you're a woman. Drop and give me twenty" And just like that LaCynthia Knicks became the first target of "The Bull." One day of grueling, intensive training stretched to two. The Bull targeted all of them. He rode them hard. One day after being denied a meal for two whole days, Darius had enough. The Bull ordered the Sanchez and Knicks to do four extra hours of latrine duty each night for two weeks. It wasn't fair. They'd done the same duty three nights in a row. Darius spoke up, "Sir, they need a break, sir." He didn't like the fact that Sergeant Bull seemed to target Cynthia. He was hard on all of them even the girls, but he treated Cynthia that harshest of all three women. Darius didn't like it when he did it that first day, and he sure as hell didn't like it four weeks later. "Holdup, Scum.' Sergeant Bull snarled, "Who the hell are you Granger? I'm not some pamby ass wanna be like that boy you paralyzed. Yea, I know all about you scum." Pushing Darius, he taunted, "Attack me, I dare you. You want me to lay off. Ask them what did they did to end up here. Then speak for them." "With all due respect, sir, they are women." Darius spoke keeping his anger in check, "They deserve to be respected." "They are soldiers in this here man's military. Don't you forget it! It's that thinking that can get you killed boy." Sergeant Bull turned away from him and restated his order. Darius spoke up again. "Sir, we signed up to be trained, not abused. The ladies need rest." Darius was really concerned about Cynthia. The Bull seemed to have it in for her, but he tried to respect rank. However, if the man didn't back off of her... "Darius, it's alright." Cynthia interjected. Darius always stood up for them. Usually ending in extra work for him, but he didn't mind. Glaring at Cynthia once again, the Bull growled, "Did I give you permission to speak, Maggot?" Darius felt angry, but his training taught him when you reacted in anger, you gave up control, so he took a deep breath to calm down. Then he spoke once again. His platoon mates were silently begging him to back down, but they all knew he was right, Sergeant Bull was being unfair to Cynthia. "Sergeant Bull, sir. With all due respect, you do not have to speak to her that way and she needs to rest. Sir, Pirvate Sanchez and Private Knicks have had late night latrine duty for two weeks now. " Darius inhaled. "I mean, no disrespect sir, but enough is enough." Secretly Sergeant Bull liked what he was hearing. They were looking out for each other, and that was exactly what he needed. "You know what Granger, you're right" Smiling evilly, "You get their jobs for the next two weeks. Get your bucket and go clean the damn toilets" "Ladies, you get the night off, rest." Then Sergeant Bull left. The other three guys sat for a moment and then Horse stood. "Man, where are you going?" Danny, adjusting his glasses, "Sarge didn't say we could go out." "Look, the Bull is picking on Cynthia, we know that. Darius called him on his bullshit. You know he works him and Cynthia harder than the rest of us. So I'm gonna go find him and help him finish. You stay here and rest. He worked you over today" The Horse set out to find Darius. He found him in Bunkhouse 122. "Hey, let me help you." He said. "Horse, if the Bull catches you here..." Darius said. "Go back, I got this." "Darius there are five full barracks, and you need sleep." Horse argued. "I'm helping. Within an hour latrines one and two were finished, Darius and Horse headed to three and four where they ran into their other comrades. Cynthia and Maria finished the two women's latrines and Danny finished up the last guy's latrine. All five people walked back to their barracks and found Sergeant Bull waiting on them. Private Kerrie Masters was standing in attention waiting for them to return. "Scum buckets, who told the four of you to help him. You didn't have permission to help him. Now Granger the whole lot of you owe me? Then he glared at Darius, "No breakfast." That would be three days of no food. "Sir, Sergeant Bull, Sir" Darius addressed his leader. "We haven't eaten in two days sir. I can skip, but the women need to eat. Punish me sir, and let the rest have breakfast." Darius demanded. "Tell me Granger did you ask these innocent girls what they did to get here? Huh?" sneering derisively, "I know you didn't." "All six of you, breakfast at my house at 0600. We run ten miles at 0400, then my wife will feed your sorry asses. After that, we will talk and clear some shit up. Now get your asses in the bed and sleep." He ordered as he left. Sergeant Bull noticed something about Private Masters. She wasn't well, or she would have gone out too. Tomorrow morning, she would report to the medic. At 0400, the members of the team were up and ready. Two of the members flanked Masters, and planned to see if after breakfast, the Bull, would allow her to go to the medic. It didn't matter if he didn't, Darius and LaCynthia were taking her anyway. Sergeant Bull watched the young recruits finish their run as his concern for young Miss Masters grew. He wondered briefly, if he'd gone too far. As their run ended, Sergeant Bull invited the young people into his home, he really liked these kids. These six were the best of the best. They'd overcome challenges that would have crippled most people for life. That's why he chose them for his new team. Out of the Shadows Ch. 02 This morning, he would inform them of his true mission and give them the choice to accept or not. His main concern was Granger. He knew he had two young daughters, and he might not be willing to being separated from them. But he was pivotal, so he had to find a way to get him to join. As soon as they entered, He introduced his wife. His wife was a petite woman that looked years younger, but she immediately went to Masters. After she had her to sit, she checked her blood pressure, heart rate, and then Masters told her something that none of them were aware of. "Mrs. Bull, I'm diabetic. My blood sugar is really low and I need to eat something." Hold on Mrs. Bull said and she quickly grabbed some glucose tabs for her to take. "Robert, when was the last time these kids ate?" she asked glaring at her husband. Standing his ground but furious at himself for endangering this girl, "They disobeyed an order, so they lost food privileges for a couple of days." Then to himself, he grumbled, "I was well within my rights." "Robert, what did you say?" then to Kerrie, she said. "Young lady, I want you and your friends to go in the front room. I need to talk to my hard headed husband." The recruits knowing an order when they heard it, moved quickly. Ten minutes later, Sergeant Bull, came into the front room and called the young recruits to breakfast. Red-faced and embarrassed, he apologized for starving them. Then his wife served breakfast and everyone ate. Of course that's when he decided to tell them. "Well, folks, I have to confess something. You six were specially selected to form an elite team. I was commission by the president to find six reliable team members from each branch of the military. Sergeant Jameson called me about the six of you, that's why I came in. I was hard on you to make sure; you were tough enough and could handle what's thrown at you." "Wait a minute, sir. What are you saying exactly?" LaCynthia asked. She felt as if she'd been tricked. "Knicks, take care to not interrupt me again." He ordered harshly. "Yes, sir." LaCynthia conceded. Mrs. Bull didn't like the way he spoke to her. She also noticed the body language of the other five young people tense at his words. "Robert, LaCynthia is a guest in my home. You will not speak to her that way." She quietly admonished her husband. Then she chose to sit beside the young lady. She loved Robert, he was a good man, dense, but good. She also knew he cared deeply for each one of these young adults, but he was afraid. He was frightened they'd refuse to go with him. "Sorry, Knicks. I'm a little tense right now." He apologized to LaCynthia. Darius visibly relaxed, but was watching her closely. "Anyway, let me tell you why each of you were chosen." He inhaled and then his eyes landed on LaCynthia. "LaCynthia Knicks, only daughter of Lois Ross and Byron Knicks. Your father was a police officer killed in the line of duty when you were ten. You were a model student until years later, when your mother remarried. Then you became a nuisance. Getting into fights, staying out past curfew, even sleeping in the streets, were behaviors you engaged in. Your mother met and married Kevin Lowes when you were fourteen. Lowes was a pervert. He harassed you for the two years, mentally, sexually, and physically. The night of your eighteenth birthday, your stepfather raped you. Your mother found out and put you out in the streets. He came after you again less than a week later and you fought to keep him off which lead to you almost beating him to death. The District Attorney tried to paint you as an out of control thug, but your teachers disputed that fact. Judge Long gave you a choice, jail or military. Young lady you made the right choice." He paused. LaCynthia was stunned. She had not told anyone about the rape or abuse she suffered. "Sarge, how did you find out about what he did? I never told anybody, not even Momma." LaCynthia, I know you. I was at the police station when they brought you in. I saw you and I saw the fight in you. I went and talked to the bastard, he confessed. He dropped his bogus ass charges because I threatened to finish where you left off. I then called my friend, Patrick Long, and asked if he could intercede and get you in the military somehow. He did. That's why you are here." He stopped and waited for her to lash out. "Why?" Cynthia asked confused. Sergeant Bull moved on. "Horace "Horse" Tate" he continued. "You are the oldest of eight kids born to a single mother in hill country. You never wondered why when you enlisted, you were sent to a base over a hundred miles away from your home?" Sergeant Bull paused to let him answer. "You didn't finish high school, but earned a certificate of completion. Son, you need a diploma to enlist, but I wanted you so I pulled some strings. The last summer you were home, there was a drought and your farm didn't produce enough crops for a profit. You got two outside jobs, attended school fulltime, and helped your mom with your seven brothers and sisters. On your last job, Mr. Lester Snoot accused you of stealing. He slapped you and you beat the hell out of him. His father had you branded an ignorant hillbilly with no education and they were going to put you away. I heard about you and made arrangements to come see you. I talked with your mother, and I told her I could help. Did she mention me?" He paused. Horse scratched his head, "She came to the jail and told me a man told her I'd be alright. I thought she meant God. She never said you were real." "I asked her not too. I didn't need you to know about me yet." He explained to the huge young man. In your case, the same as most of you, you were offered a choice. "Horace, you made the right one." He moved on to Kerrie, Maria, and Danny. Each person had a similar story. They were a good kid. Something horrible happened. Had a brush with the law and was offered an out through the military. Kerrie survived a car crash that killed her entire family. She was then forced to live with relatives that made her life a living hell, until her uncle tried to rape her and she ran. She ended up in jail on solicitation charges, but was given a choice. Maria was attacked by several white girls in her school and covered in racial slurs. She fought back, breaking the noses of two of the girls and was promptly expelled. She ended up on the streets with her brother who was deeply involved in drugs and gangs. One night a rival gang opened fire, Maria fired back taking out two of the members. She too went to court and was offered a choice. Finally, Danny Stevens was a skinny white kid, huge target for bullies. One day after being taunted viciously the day before, Danny decided to protect himself. The school security officer found a seven inch knife in his backpack. He was arrested immediately and expelled. He went to court and was given a choice. Finally he made it to Darius. "Now Granger, your story is the same, except I had a friend actively recruit you. Yes, I know about you hurting your friend. I also know what precipitated that attack." Pausing Sergeant Bull continued. "The bastard that attacked your sister walked and you lost so much. Some people were furious when you didn't go to prison, they don't understand what really happened that night. You're lucky, your family stood behind you. Even now, they are proud of you." "Sergeant Jameson served with me for over fifteen years. He was my brother in arms. When he told me about you, I did some research." He took a deep breath and finished. "I asked him to see if he could recruit you. Out of all the guys here, your family had resources and could help you. You had to decide on your own to join. Son, I'm glad you did." "So Sarge, you knew about us before we got here. What does it mean?" Danny asked. "Let me ask you something. Why do you think I targeted Knicks from the onset?" he asked. "Well, you hated me on sight for some reason, I guess. I did make a smart as remark though." Cynthia answered. "True, but Knicks, I knew you could take it and you had to fight against something." He exhaled. "Sanchez would have cut me and Masters is the quiet one, she would have internalized it and would not have survived training." "So I was your whipping girl?" Cynthia asked starting to feel a little angry. "Calm down Knicks you weren't completely defenseless." He smirked. "Your team did just what I knew they would, they buffered you. When I made up shit for you to do, one of them took on part of that burden." Then he chuckled, "Why do you think I assigned you stuff two or three people could do? Besides, I came close to getting my ass kicked a few times, which brings me to my next victim." Then he looked at Darius. "Darius Granger, you looked out for each member of this team. The last two days, you were not supposed to eat anything but you knew about Private Masters medical condition. You made sure to pick berries or fruit and have something in the barracks for the women at least." He chuckled. "Hell Danny and Horse covered for you even when they didn't think I was around. That's one reason, I chose barracks near the groves. I was aware of Chambers issues and wanted to make sure she had access to food if she needed it." Now Darius was getting agitated. "Sir, with all due respect, you played with her life. That's not right." Sergeant Bull sighed, "I know and I didn't realize how bad of shape she was in. But Darius, you led this team. You protected them from everything and everyone, even me." Then he chuckled, "Hell, last night I was glad to see that training helped you get control of your anger. I had to goad you, and son you held it together." Darius looked perplexed, as Sergeant Bull continued, "If I hadn't backed off of Knicks when I did, you were about to kick my ass, but you took control and compromised." Sergeant Bull looked at the entire team, "Your Basic Combat Training ends in two weeks, and I need you guys to know that. You are the best I've ever trained. I have recommended each of you for training in specific branches in the military based on where your strength lies. Knicks, I've recommended you to go into Medical training along with Masters. Your past performance on several aptitude test showed you have an above advance level performance on scientific and biological studies. Masters has an affinity for working with and understanding how people think. Sanchez, I have recommended you for computer and technology training. Stephens, I am recommending you for training in navigation and artillery. Granger, I'm recommending you for mechanical and repair training. Finally, Tate, you will go into combat and navigation training. After at the most fifty-two weeks of training, you six will reunite with me at Fort Cummings." He stopped and waited before continuing. "At this point, you will meet your new leader who will explain your main purpose. I want the six of you together. This is the perfect team, you guys have bonded. I'm giving you the rest of the day off to think about it. If you decide to not do it, I will try and accept that. But I hope you all agree to do this." He finished. "Sarge, you will be with us the whole time, right?" Maria asked. She liked him and he seemed so much like family. "No, I will ride to Georgia with you and introduce you to your new commander, but my real involvement ends here." He explained. His wife hugged him; she knew he saw these young people as his kids. "Let me know what you decide to do." Sergeant Bull stated. "Sir, do we get to stay together. I mean they won't split us up, right?" Maria asked. "Yes they will separate you at first. Men and women live in separate barracks. But all of your training will be together, per my request." "Alright, sir. We'll let you know by the end of the week." Darius informed him. "Guys let's go. Kerrie, can you walk?" Darius asked worried about his team member. "I'm good soldier," she replied. Then they six soldiers headed back to base. When they reached the barracks they had to talk. Sarge was giving them a great opportunity, but they had other things to consider. "Momma was so proud when I joined. Two of my brothers are in JROTC now with hopes of joining. If I can be part of an elite team, now that will be something." Horse said dreamily. "Wait, do all of us have to do it? I want to be a medic or something but what if I just want to do a simple tour of duty?" Kerrie asked.. "Sarge said, he'd understand, so if you don't want to you don't have to, right?" LaCynthia answered looking to Darius for guidance. Danny spoke up, as did Maria. "I want to do it." They both said simultaneously. Horse agreed with the two of them and decided to go into training and then join the team. Kerrie sat and thought, Sarge actually prepared me for this. Thanks to him and these guys, I know how to use nature to find food. I made it for weeks without one episode, Darius took care of me. Cynthia and Maria looked out for me. Horse and Danny let me nap when I needed to. I might put them in danger, if I got sick for real and I don't want to risk them. They are my family. Finally, Kerrie spoke. "I'm not sure. If I do it and join and we have a mission. What if I can't eat and get sick again? I could put you all in jeopardy." "What? Why?" asked LaCynthia. "Kerrie we've always looked out for-" "Cynthia, I got sick. It was a good thing that Darius found the fruit orchard. If we're in combat and something happens, I could be a liability." she sighed. "I won't risk you." Darius embraced Kerrie, "It's alright. We understand. But Kerrie you are and always will be a part of this group." Watching Darius hug Kerrie bothered LaCynthia, but she tried to hide it. "Kerrie, you better let him go. Somebody don't want to share." Danny joked earning him a glare from Cynthia. Darius promptly ended the embrace as he watched Cynthia walk outside. "So, Darius." asked Horse, "are you in? "I gotta really think about this Horse. I mean I've been away from my girls for eight weeks." Darius answered. Cynthia walked out and Darius followed her. She'd been acting strange every since Sergeant Bull's announcement. "Cynthia, what's going on?" Darius asked. "Darius, do you like Kerrie. I mean she's small, pretty, petite, white..." Cynthia turned her back to him. She didn't like feel strong just vulnerable. Darius touched her shoulder. "Cyn, Cynthia, look at me." She did, but here eyes were teary, and she at that moment was afraid. So she wiped away the tears before they could roll down her cheeks. Her heart was racing, something about this man called to her. She turned and looked at him, and Darius saw how vulnerable this girl really was. They looked out for the other two women because they were smaller and seemed weaker. Cynthia always held her own; she worked just as hard and even harder than the guys. But deep down, she was a woman, in Darius's eyes the perfect woman." "Cynthia, I care about all of you guys, you know that." Darius started to say. "Don't, don't play dumb. You know what I mean. Do you like her in that way-" Darius stopped her by kissing her., He leaned forward and covered her lips with his. Fireworks, that's the only word that could describe as he sampled this woman's amazing lips. Cynthia wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with a possessiveness that made him go weak at the knees. She felt so good in his arms. Their kiss continued until, someone interrupted by patting Darius on the shoulder. He and Cynthia pulled apart, and he could tell she was embarrassed. "Um, do you two need to tell the rest of us something?" Horace teased. He knew Darius liked Cynthia and he was happy to see his friend finally make a move. "Horse, can we have a minute?" Darius asked holding Cynthia close so that she wouldn't try and escape. "Okay, but does this mean, I don't stand a chance?" Horse joked as he turned to leave. "Dang! Guess I gotta look elsewhere." Darius liked this girl. She was strong, beautiful, with just a touch of sweetness. "So Cynthia, what does this mean?" "Darius Granger, it means I like you, more than as a friend." Cynthia whispered. Darius exhaled loudly, "Thank God, I like you too, LaCynthia Knicks, my sweet Cyn." He added kissing her softly. One night at the end of training, Darius was heading to his bunk to rest. He would get to call his family and invite them to his graduation ceremony. Then he heard a female pleading with someone to not force her. Darius didn't like what he heard and walked in. He found one of the corporals forcing her in an inappropriate position. The corporal tried to pull rank, but Darius wasn't having it. MP came and the corporal was removed. The young lady gave her statement. Darius offered to stay with her and walk her back to her barracks. "Look, Darius," Thank you for stopping him, but I don't need anything else. Just leave me alone." Then she rushed off. "Wait, Ms." Darius called after her. But she ran away, His leader Sergeant Bull walked up and spoke to him. "Granger, that was brave of you son and foolish." He said. "That stunt could have caused you your career." "Sir, with all due respect." Darius started in his defense. "Stop son. I want you to go into the elite group that's being formed. With the six people from this team, we will add three people from the Air Force and three from the Marines. Each member will be trained in different skill sets as well. Next week in the final ceremony, each member of your team will wear a special beret during the ceremony. It's how you will identify each other." Sergeant Bull explained. "Sir, I don't think I want to join-," Darius tried to explain. He didn't want to be away from his girls for that long. "Son," Sergeant Bull continued, "This is a magnificent opportunity. Think about it. You have two little girls right. Son with the money you can earn here in the three years you all will be asked to serve, you can pay for their college as well as your own. Besides, since you will be in a special unit, they will receive a monthly allowance that they will not be able to get if you go into regular service." Looking Darius directly in the eyes, Sergeant Bull told him the true reason he wanted him. "Son, you are the leader of this team. Knicks is your second. Those four people will do anything for you and her and you know it. "If you're honest with yourself, you don't want to send them out without you. Everyone else has agreed to join except for you and Masters. If Master's doesn't join the group can survive. But if that team loses you, they won't make it." Then he exhaled. "You really want Knicks around those good looking Marines that will be part of the team?" he teased, letting Darius know that he was aware of his interest in Cynthia. Graduation day arrived and every member of the Granger, Richards, and Marcolini clan was present. Rosa and Chrissy kept searching for a peak at their big brother, but didn't see him. Soon all of the soldiers marched onto the field. Each wearing an insignia indicating which branch of the service they were heading into. Finally Darius and his team marched out, standing taller looking tougher than the rest. These guys meant business, and that's when the two little girls spotted their big brother as he stood in head of the elite squad. At the end of the ceremony the soldiers sought out their families. LaCynthia didn't have any family waiting for her, but that didn't matter. He wanted her to meet his family. He saw her talking with Maria and Kerrie from the team. He looked at her in her uniform. All three women looked amazing, but Cynthia was the most beautiful. She was strong, and a fighter. He couldn't wait to show her off. He knew his family would love her. Smiling he called out to the ladies. Out of the Shadows Ch. 02 "Hey Soldiers," he called. "Come here." Cynthia and looked at him. He was always a good looking man Cynthia thought. "Hey, Darius, congratulations. I'm happy for you. You're Officer First Class Granger now." She said as she lightly hugged him.. Darius looked at her. "I want you all to meet my family. Come on?" Cynthia froze, she liked him but didn't think beyond their time together at the base. So Darius gently placed his hand on her waist, and to lead her over to his huge clan. Soon the rest of the team came over and they all walked together to meet Darius folks. Darius stopped and looked at all of his family that came to see him. Standing straight and tall, he and his team walked over to greet them. Chrissy and Rosa saw him first, and took off squealing to meet him in delight leaping into his arms. Then his two angels spotted him. "Daddy! Daddy!" they yelled rushing to hug their father. Cynthia knew he had two little girls, and they were beautiful. Her heart pounded as she gazed at the man of her dreams holding his daughters. She and Darius had talked a lot during the last two weeks. She knew he had a hard break up with the mother of is children and part of him still had love for this woman. The two little girls he was hugging looked exactly like their mother, and she wondered if he was really over the other woman. Darius walked up to his father flanked by his team and saluted him. Marvin no longer saw a confused boy but a strong young man standing before him. Marvin smiled and with tears in his eyes, he embraced his son. Darius returned his Dad's hug and his chest puffed up with pride. Then his Momma was next. "Boy, let me look at you. You look so handsome. I'm so proud of you son." Marge told him and held him through her tears. He continued and hugged everyone in his family, Deidre, Sierra, and Cameron, only two people were missing. The one person he needed to see the most was not there. Darius looked frantically for his brother, his twin. "Cam, where's Derrick? I thought he'd be here?" he asked his other brother feeling hurt that Derrick didn't come. "Dawn is on bed rest, and he couldn't leave her." Sierra explained. "Dawn, Dawnie's sick." Darius loved his sister, after the problems with DJ, everyone was on pins and needles. "Hey, she's fine. Darius, she's fine. It's just a precaution." Sierra explained as she hugged her brother. Then his eyes fell on Deidre. She was still beautiful, but he could let her go now. He'd always love her, but she was right. He needed to grow up. The last ten weeks made him grow up and he was no longer the boy that he was when he left. Walking over to his ex, he embraced her and greeted her. "Hey, girl. Thank you for kicking my ass to the curb and forcing me to grow the hell up." Deidre laughed, "You're welcome." She whispered. LaCynthia saw him hug Deidre and her heart froze. She knew he still cared about the other woman even though he said he'd moved on. Cynthia needed a minute. She turned to walk away when Maria stopped her. "Cynthia, girl, he's your man now, not hers." her friend whispered. Cynthia's attempt to leave did not go undetected by Darius and he walked over placing his hand on her waist, and pulled her into a light embrace. "Hey, everyone this is my team. Horse, Danny, Maria, Kerrie, and LaCynthia." Darius introduced his team to his family. His eyes locked with Cynthia and he smiled. For the first time in a long time, LaCynthia Knicks was nervous. She saw Deidre, and the girl was amazing. His ex-girlfriend is beautiful. Why would he want someone like me? He was just being nice, and I fell for him. I must have stupid on my forehead. Marge hugged each one of them. "Are your families here, they can all come to our house and we'll make lunch?" Each member of the team looked at each other. They had decided that since they had two weeks before they reported for AI training, each person would take time and relax. Horse would go home and check on his Mom and siblings. He needed to make sure his Mom would be able to support the kids when he left for AI. Danny would go visit his grandmother. She was the only support he had from his family and he wanted to let her know he was alright. Maria, Kerrie, and LaCynthia, didn't have any family to visit, so they decided to find a hotel room split the cost and rest then report to AI training in two weeks. But before any of the team could scatter, Marge and Marvin made them follow them home for a home cooked meal. LaCynthia rode with Darius in the car with his parents. Marge could not help but notice the twinkle in his eye when he looked at this young woman. While riding home. Darius noticed that Cynthia was extremely quiet. "Hey," he leaned over and whispered, "What's wrong?" Cynthia smiled and told him nothing was wrong. He knew she wasn't being truthful. But he'd wait until they got home then he'd talk to her. He gently held her hand as he talked to his parents about his ten weeks. When the Granger's pulled into their drive way, everyone exited the cars and entered the house. Darius' daughter immediately attached themselves to their daddy. Cynthia quickly joined the other team members, and watched the happy reunion. Soon a good looking guy drove up, and Darius hesitantly shook hands with him. Then the guy snatched him in a quick embrace. "Man, I'm glad you're home. You look good." Jason told his friend. "Thanks, Jason. I owe you for looking out." Darius replied. "Thanks." Jason laughed, "Man it was no problem. Your little girls are perfect man. You're lucky." "Daddy! Jason! Daddy! Jason! Hey, can we play?" Camirra and Camorra greeted the two men. The rest of the team had assembled in the front room and was talking with the rest of the family. The guy that drove up was named Jason. He was the man Deidre left Darius for. Darius introduced him to the team and LaCynthia was not sure how she felt about this guy. Everyone was staring at Darius like they expected something, but Darius made a decision to let the anger go. Cynthia was laughing at some stories Danny and Horse were sharing when a pair of strong arms circled her waist. Darius kissed her gently on the neck and then explained, "I'm heading over to my brother's house to see him and my sister. Will you come with me?" he asked. Cynthia would follow him anywhere when he held her like that, so of course she agreed. Darius borrowed his Dad's and the two drove over to Derrick and Dawn's house. "Cynthia, Baby, what's going on? Tell me. I thought..." He kissed her hand. "Darius, she's beautiful. Your children look just like her." Cynthia exhaled releasing her frustrations, "Am I someone to rub in her face? Are you really with me Darius? Do you still love her?" Darius pulled over to talk to her. "Cynthia, yes, she's beautiful. Yes, we have children. Yes, a part of me will always love her. But, LaCynthia Knicks, you are the woman I choose. You are the one I want to be with. And you my sweetness are even more beautiful to me." Then he kissed her gently. His words sounded nice, but he didn't say love. He didn't love her. LaCynthia wanted to be loved. She had fallen in love with this man, and wanted to tell him how she felt. But she saw what happened to women in love. They believe any lie, everything the man said. Her mother loved Kevin. Even when he touched her and she tried to tell, her mother believed Kevin. When she was eighteen and he forced her, she tried to tell her it was rape. He said it wasn't, and Momma threw her out. She saw what love could do to a woman. So in two weeks, she was headed to one part of the country and Darius was headed to another part of the country. They'd be apart. Would they be able to stay in a relationship. They would be separated for months once they went into training. "Cyn, Cynthia" Darius called her. She was deep thought. "Baby, what's wrong?" He felt her withdrawing and he really cared about this girl. "Darius, it's my issue. I'll be alright. Don't worry." Cynthia smiled, but he could still see the pain inside her eyes. He wanted to take away that pain. But he knew, they didn't have time now. They'd talk tomorrow. "Hey let's go see my twin." He suggested, smiling. Darius opened her door and helped her from the car. Before he even reached the door, Derrick rushed out and hugged his brother. "Darius, you're back. You're different. I'm sorry I couldn't come but Dawnie's-" "Uncle Dary" the cutest little boy raced to his uncle. Darius stooped and scooped the toddler up into his arms hugging him tightly. "DJ, hey little man. I love you and missed you." DJ was laughing and hugging and kissing his uncle. Cynthia couldn't help but laughed. It was obviously so cute and funny. "DJ, let you uncle breath." Said a voice form the door. Cynthia looked up and saw a pregnant woman that looked like she was about to pop. Darius's face lit up. Rushing to the woman he embraced her, "Dawnie, is my brother taking care of you." "Yes, and I'm glad you're home. Wait, let me look at you." Dawn looked deeply in his eyes and she saw happiness and contentment. She hugged him tightly. "Darius welcome home." "Ok, Darius, let go of my woman." Derrick grumbled as he carried his son and escorted Darius's guest. "Hey guys." Darius said gently encircling her waist with his arms. " This special lady is LaCynthia Knicks and she's mine." He said as she kissed her temple. Cynthia flushed, "Hello, we were in the same battalion." She explained. "Well, welcome home." Dawn took her arm and led her inside the two women sat down. "So I see you like my hard-headed brother. You two are such a cute couple." Dawn teased Cynthia. Cynthia stammered, "We're, I'm not sure what we are." Looking away shyly. Darius sensed she was uncomfortable, and quickly moved to her side. "Darius, can you and Derrick take DJ to the ice cream shop? Cynthia can keep me company, alright." Dawn asked sweetly. The men left and Dawn gave a huge sigh of relief. "Whew, I can finally breathe! I love my husband, but since I had that small episode, he is driving me insane." Cynthia laughed, "You're lucky he loves you so much." "Uh Huh," Dawn scoffed, "Wait until, Darius convinces you to marry him. Then, we'll see if you don't sing a different tune." Looking serious, "He doesn't feel that way about me." Cynthia whispered. "Are you sure?" Dawn asked rubbing her extended belly as her son decided to make his presence be known. "But you feel that way about him, don't you?" Sitting dejectedly, Cynthia whispered, "Yes." Dawn smiled, she liked this girl. She seemed nice. She could tell that her brother had changed for the better and was sure this girl was part of the reason. However even though she wanted to play matchmaker, she knew they had training and might end up in different parts of the world. So they'd have to wait and hope that these two found each other at the end. Meanwhile the two brothers were catching up at the ice cream shop. Darius told his brother about Basic Training and meeting Cynthia. He also told him about the branch of the military he was pursuing. Derrick was relieved. Working on vehicles was something his brother was good at, and he wasn't heading into combat. But he had to ask, "What about Cynthia? She seems nice." Darius exhaled, "I like her Derrick. She's tough, strong, but also soft. She caught hell in training. I mean Sarge rode her hard. They rode all of us, but he seemed to target her. She stayed strong and held her own. Man, it took all I could not to beat the hell out of our Drill Sergeant, but she tempered me Derrick. She didn't lose it, so I held on." I knew I loved her the first time I kissed her two weeks ago, but she has a dream of being a medic, and I want her to reach that dream." Derrick asked, "So you guys are going to do the long distance thing, right?" I guess so, and I hate it. I don't want tolose her Derrick." Darius whispered. "Hey, you two will figure it out." Derrick reassured his brother. After a while they walked back to the house, Dawn was actually dressed and wanted to go visit with the family and meet the other members of her brother's group. So Darius helped Dawn in the front seat and scrapped DJ in. Derrick and Cynthia rode in the back with the baby. Soon they were back at the Granger's house where everyone was waiting for them to join with the rest of the family. Thank you again for reading this story. Please vote and comment. You opinions and thoughts matter to me.