Chapter 8

*At the army base*. (Sigh). I hope Sgt. Williams is not angry with me. I'm gone only for a day but it doesn't mean I will quit on my dreams. No ah ah, not on my watch.

*Sgt. Williams coming*. "Private Pierson" Sgt. Williams calls. Yes sir. I stand attentively as a soldier. "As you were, Private Pierson" Sgt. Williams commanded. "Today you will be punished be for not making it to the 15 laps on the track, so here is my punishment to you: do 20 push-ups, 20 jumping jacks, 20 pump pings, and 100 lbs weight lifting. But before you proceed to 100 lbs of dumbbell, you must start first with lower pounds of weights, is that clear, private?" Sgt. Williams added. Sir yes, sir. I will do my best to train myself like an arsenal born on the battlefield, sir. "Good spirit you are having today, Private. I like that attitude, we could use that in the army, Private" Sgt. Williams said. Sir yes, sir. "Well carry on, Private. I need those 3 exercises, those 3 20's but the weight lifting, it���s gonna take a week so I will have patience on that. Is that clear, Private?" Sgt. Williams commanded. Sir yes, sir. "Well, Private dismiss" Sgt. Williams commanded. Sir yes, sir. Whoa… I got a long way to go this time. Man, sergeant needs those 3 20's, so I better work at them right now. (Sigh). Another day in the army. The army is an army.

*On the army field*. (Sigh). Got those 3's working out. I'm really getting this one work out. No man is an island but we are on our own in here. (Sigh). What a day is it.

*Doing push-ups*. I can do this. I'm a Tiger of my own jungle. I'll conquer my fears in this battle.

*Doing push up and jumping jacks*. (Panting). I can do this. Tigers.

*Sgt. Williams walks off on the field*. "I like your determination, Private Jacob. Keep it up" Sgt. Williams complemented. Thank you, sir.

*After doing 20 push-ups*. No rest, for now, I can do this. Now, what's next? Oh, jumping jacks. Right.

*Starting to position out for jumping jack*. I can do this. Come on. Spirits up and the fire is bright.

*15 minutes after doing some 20 jumping jacks*. (Panting). Man, sure this is tiring but I think I need to rest up first. Before taking a rest, I have to report to Sgt. Williams that I have done those 3 20's he asked me to do. This becomes a habit of mine to lie but I suppose that Sgt. Williams is an easy-going person. (Sigh). I don't know about this but well if I have to take a rest then it is decided then.

*Went to Sgt. Williams' Office*. (Knocks the door). "Come in", Sgt. Williams said. I enter the office and greeted Sgt. Williams for the usual day it is. Good afternoon, Sir. Today, I have completed the task you have left for me. "Well, then you are now, dismissed on my commands but Private Jacob, see me later in the 3:00 PM. We'll have to discuss something. For you, it is an opportunity, and for me, it is life getaway", Sgt. Williams said. Sir yes, sir. "Good, you can leave the office" Sgt. Williams replied as I left his office.

No wonder why he wants to see me later in the afternoon. Just like he said to me, it is an opportunity, and for him, it is a lifetime getaway. (Sigh). Well, at least I could do something while I'm in the army anyways. I got to see first Vanessa in her hospital.

*Went to the Military Hospital*. I went straight up to the desk and ask if Vanessa was still working. The lady replied that she is in the nurse room. So I went to the nurse room and see Vanessa eating her lunch. (Knocks the door). I bet that sandwich of yours is tasteful. "Oh hey, Jacob. Nice to see you again, darling. Well, why are you standing there, come and join me here", Vanessa smiles while she is eating her sandwich? Oh sure. How are you feeling this time, darling? "You know, you can't really skip your work here in the hospital. I mean, oh my god, it is stressful sometimes but still, I have to liberty and motivation to work harder to reach my dreams in life. Want some?" Vanessa said as she hands a sandwich. Yeah... Sure, a little carbohydrate would help me today. Well, that's how life works, I mean sure it can be stressful sometimes but since you the motivation and liberty to inspire yourself to work harder then I feel that you are a good fine woman with a willingness to work and strive harder. That's what we are, Vanessa. "Well, I'm glad you said it darling. How about you, what's up with you, Jacob?" Vanessa replies with a sweet decent smile. You know the army is an army and it is. Orders here, order there. Well, that satisfies me at least I did the right thing for once in my life. (Chuckles). Well, Sgt. Williams asked me to see him later this 3:00 PM to discuss something. I'm just wondering what are the odds, hmmph.

"Well, I think it's just an errand, other private do it all the time. You should do it and I know you can because I believe in you, Jacob" Vanessa smiles and kisses me in the lips. Well, thank you, darling. I'm so lucky to have you in my life, Vanessa. I swear in my life that I will not lose you. Never in my life. (She laughs and smile). "Oh, Jacob, you're such a decent gentleman, I love you, darling. I kiss her back in her sweet lips. Well, I better go now. I need to prepare myself for later this coming mid-afternoon. "Thanks for stopping by, darling. I really appreciated it. I love you too, Jacob" Vanessa replied and smiles as she hugs me dearly. I left the hospital and went back to the barracks to get some sleep.