JLNicky: Umm, scribbler u wanna say anything?

The Scribbler: Nope

JLNicky: Me neither. Hope they like it.

The Scribbler: Me 2! Oh wait. I do have something to say. As always, this is for the love of my life!

JLNicky - Damn I wish I had one of those. (Pout) I just want to dedicate it to all the women in uniform…you hawwwwwt ones you. (Wink)

Dear Diary (PART 4),

I read the local paper today, which I normally don't do because of all my studies. But something compelled me to pick one up.

There on the front (tear drop) sorry, diary I'm still crying, there was her convoy. It had been ambushed and because of where it was. The government wouldn't tell until now. Guess other parents were worried ...soooo.

I tried to call my brother but he didn't answer. I desperately need to talk with him.

Now what diary? Is she alive? I am not sure if I should call her parents. And if I did what would I say? Would they remember me? I just don't know what to do, diary.

T

******

Dear Diary,

I know it's been awhile since I put down my thoughts. But we still haven't heard from her. Trent tried calling her parents but they haven't been home.

I remember over hearing her and my brother talkin about them one day. I didn't really understand until I was older how nonexistent her home life had been. Her parents were always away traveling and disappearing for months at a time. How lonely is that? I just want to hug her tight. God I love her so much.

T

*********

Dear D,

Sigh, my grades are slippin. I don't know why but I really miss her and am worried. Am I the only? Sometimes I feel like I am, diary. Even my brother has deserted us. At night before I go to bed I pray she is all right. It's been almost two weeks since my last entry and I haven't been able to sleep or eat right. Please let her be OK.

T

********

Dear Trin,

Well that went well. Do you remember the time I broke my arm and kept it quiet? Because I knew my parents would be upset with me. Or maybe you didn't it was your brother, sorry. Things are getting confused. They tried, oh how they tried. I won't go into details.

Jo

********

Dear D,

FINALLY. I happened to be passing the lounge and there on the screen was information about the convoy.

My heart stopped. It was her I recognized the way she tilts her head. They were holding a gun to her head, making her talk into the camera. It was like she was talking to me only, for those precious few seconds. It is probably my imagination. My heart soared knowing she is alive right now. I broke down in relief.

In a way it's a relief but in another it's not. How do I know if she is injured or suffering? All the horror stories come to mind. I wish I could be there or better yet take her away.

As always diary, you listen so well.

T

********

Trin,

The fever is bad. The guys had to hold me down last night, I guess. Well you know something Trin. I have made up my mind we are leaving. We have to get out of here, before the guys lose it and me too.

We have formulated a plan. Damn, looks like we can't do it yet. Another round. Well, well guess who they picked. I told the guys to go on without me. I think I would just slow them down.

Jo

*******

Dear D,

Every evening I listen to the news. They haven't let anyone go but are negotiating. Why do I feel this not true? I thought the stance was no negotiating, or was that before the latest poll. Gods, when did I become so cynical?

I went home this last weekend. My brother was there. We talked all night. He cried, D. I've never seen him cry. He told me about writing the letter. He told me she wrote him back so happy. He showed me the few letters she had sent. He was so upset but he firmly told me not to worry cause she would be fine. He said he was mostly upset that he couldn't help her.

The way he spoke reminded me of the time, when I was in junior high and was having problems with my teachers. Most kids have problems with other kids. Not me. No, mine was the teachers. They kept comparing me to my older brother. I hated that so much. I can still hear him now when I think back to the time I whined about it. We were seated at the kitchen table, and he just looked at me for a minute then smiled. He said, "You are just like me, with Mom's pretty looks and Jo's attitude. Tell them straight out "I am not my brother, I am my own person."

Just him taking the time to tell me made a huge difference. I started standing up for myself then. And then all of a sudden they stopped comparing me to him.

Enough for tonight, I am tired, I pray she stays safe.

T

*******

Trin,

Am I alive? Or is this hell? Ah, I can see that bastard his back is turned. My, my, my let's see how he likes this. Slowly I am crawling over to where he is. He thinks I am passed out. I have the knife in my hand. Just like a hot knife thru butter, the blood is hot running between my fingers. I turn him over, and notice the blank stare. Serves him right. I need to hurry but my mind or is it my body is in slow motion.

Through all I went thru at his hands, I kept my thoughts of you, Trin. I wish I could tell you.

Jo

*******

Dear D,

I was in my room when the news came on. They mentioned that all the soldiers had been taken to the hospital.

Such a relief diary to know she is alive. Just as I reached for the phone, it rang. My brother was calling me to see if I was ready to go to the hospital. Grabbing a jacket and out the door, bro. I gotta see her.

T

******

Trin,

Freedom! What a sweet word. It took us awhile, but we all made it. We are all in the hospital, here and we will be flown elsewhere before a trip home.

I have terrible nightmares. And they won't let me be. I keep returning to that hellhole. Maybe it's my imagination; I can't seem to be able to tell the difference. Is this real? Are we really free? Or is this just a dream? It's really hot here.

Jo

*******

Dear Diary,

We got to the hospital and they said only family could see her. My brother almost blew his top. We are her family he shouted over and over. I saw her parents down the hall. I can't believe them. They looked irritated to be there. I think her mother was on her cell phone the entire two hours they stood in the hall. Her father had his laptop out and was working. No wonder she never talked about them much.

I want her to know I'm here. I want to see her. Her parents left hours ago. Trent has been pacing in front of the hospital counter for the last 12 hours. They still wont let us in. I need to see for myself she is OK. I love her.

Trina

The Fevered Dream.

Damn, it's hot.

Don't swear, I'm gonna tell.

Hey, Trin do you think I care?

Do you think I care? Do you think...

Hey Trin I see you finally made

It to college.

I don't want to hear this. Oh God Trin. How could you? I should go kick his ass. Was he…gentle? Are you all right? Hold you? Umm OK, you're safe. God I'm in love with her.

Mother, stop I didn' do...

Father?

You wish I had never been born, mother. I ruined your life? I...

Father, you love me don't you? I mean that's...

Trin? Trin where are you?

I love you. I need you.

Hot, cold, what is real? What is a lie? Am I dead? Am I in the hellhole? Where are my buddies? I hear nothing. I see nothing. I am not afraid. I just feel tired...

I sense people around me. My eyes won't open. I don't understand. I want to see you again, kid. Just once more.

****

Hospital staff

Dr. She keeps mumbling. Asking for someone, but I can't quite understand.

Um,hum, well nurse her family left already except for those two out in the hall. Apparently they have been here for over two shifts. The nurses are upset. She may not fight off the infection...his voice trailed off.

He turned and walked out of the room abruptly.

The soldier kept rambling.

The doctor moved soundlessly toward the nurses unit. He paused overhearing the two people there.

"Something is wrong, Trent. I feel it. I have to go find her. The most they can do is kick me out right?" Trina half sobbed as her older brother stopped his pacing and walked over to hug her tightly.

"We aren't leaving until we see her. I promise." He growled with anger and frustration.

The doctor peered around the corner then with a loud clear of his throat he began to move into the area.

"Is anyone here waiting on Ms. Josephine Bryant?" He checked his clipboard feigning his ignorance.

Both of the individuals rushed to his side. He noticed the family resemblance between them and inquired as to their relationship with his patient.

Trent, looked the doctor in the eye without hesitation stated he was her brother and that Trina was her sister. The Doctor blinked and nodded.

"Only one of you can see her tonight. She was seriously wounded and is showing an infection. Her fever is high. We have her on meds but she is fighting it. She is still listed as critical." The Doctor stared at the young man before him. Trent paled. He looked down at his baby sister and realized she was staring down the hall already. His gaze clashed with the Doctor and between the message was passed. Jo might not make it through the night.

The Doctor turned to head back toward the room and paused as the two "relatives" decided who would go. Trent looked down to see his sister clenching her hands together. His frown deepened. Trina looked up at him and nudged her head in the direction of the room that held her partner.

"You go,Trent. I'll...wait until tomorrow." Trina swallowed the huge lump of sacrifice she was making. Trent stood looking at her for the longest 30 seconds. Then he relaxed from his taunt posture, leaned down and kissed her forehead and pushed her toward the waiting Doctor.

Trina gasped in surprise and began to shake her head when her brother scowled in a mock ferociousness.

"Go see your women. She would do the same for me." His features softened and his eyes misted. Trent grabbed her elbow just as she started to turn. Gazing into his eyes, she saw the myriad of emotions he was holding back, "Tell her I love her too, ok?"

Trina walked into the hospital room to see the doctor rushing toward the bed. Someone who slightly resembled the image of Jo, but covered in bruises and bandages was thrashing around, causing havoc with her heart monitor and IV's. He was struggling with Jo, trying to keep her down as he voiced his demands.

"Quick nurse get a shot to quiet her down, before she pulls out her iv. Damn it, I need it today."

With a sob of disbelief Trina rushed to the side of the bed and captured a scraped knuckled large hand in her own. She held tight as she pressed it to her cheek. Leaning down she began a litany that immediately had an effect on the unconscious Jo.

"Oh my darling Josephine. Hush Jo...I'm here. I won't let anyone hurt you. Hush." The remarkable calming effect had the Doctor stepping back with a huge sigh of relief.

I hear bombs goin off..again.

Dying, they're dying, another bomb...screams...no,no,nooooo

What's that? Who is that?

Trin? Are you there?

The bombs...wait...their gone. I hurt Trin. I'm hot.

Are you there?

"TRINA?" Her call came out strong and clear in the quiet of the night.

"I'm here baby!" Trina spoke to Jo with all her love. She held the rough hand and continued to whisper her love to the woman of her future.

The end

To Be Continued...