Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Izzy

I zzy’s world had been turned upside down with Drew’s injuries. She had done the surgeries herself saving Drew’s life twice. But the stress of it had almost killed her. Drew’s life had literally been in her hands, but she couldn’t have trusted anyone else with that.

Now Drew lay bedridden, and everything else seemed trivial in comparison. The weight of her fear of losing the love of her life, her soulmate, was crushing her.

As she sat by Drew's bedside, she couldn't shake off the feeling of mortality that had been haunting her. She had seen her life flash before her eyes multiple times, memories of their time together racing through her mind like a movie on fast-forward.

The thought of a future without Drew was unbearable, and Izzy felt like she was drowning in her despair. As she sat vigilantly beside Drew's hospital bed, she witnessed her health teeter on the brink of collapse.

She saw Drew's fierce determination to survive, her refusal to give up, and ultimately, her triumphant victory. But during those long, sleepless nights, Izzy couldn't help but confront the darkest corners of her own fears. She wondered if she could continue serving in the unit without Drew by her side.

Would she find the strength to carry on, or would she abandon her duties and escape to a quiet village, seeking solace in a simpler life? The thought of a life without Drew's bright smile and her infectious laughter was a bleak one, leaving her questioning whether anything would ever make sense again.

Izzy was aware of the subtle glances and whispered conversations that followed her wherever she went. Her colleagues' curiosity was evident, their eyes filled with a mix of concern and fascination as they struggled to understand the depth of her devotion to Drew.

But she remained unfazed, her focus solely on the woman lying in the hospital bed. Drew's fragile health and uncertain future consumed her every waking moment, leaving no room for gossip or speculation. Nothing else mattered, not the rumors, stares, or judgments. Drew was her life, her utmost priority.

Aside from Drew's health, Izzy was also tormented by the weight of guilt that lingered from their last encounters before the injury. She couldn't shake off the haunting memories of their final moments together—the harsh words exchanged, unresolved tension, and unspoken regrets.

Izzy's mind raced with the unbearable thought that those might be the last words Drew ever heard from her.

She replayed their conversations, rehashing every detail, wondering if she had been too harsh, too distant, or too unforgiving. The possibility that Drew might not have the chance to see the depth of her love and devotion, that their last interactions might be forever frozen in time, was a burden she couldn't bear.

She felt consumed by the fear that she might never have the chance to make amends, to show Drew the true extent of her feelings, and to erase the pain of their last encounters.

The crushing weight of guilt and regret wrecked Izzy, leaving her with a deep sense of emotional turmoil. The only solace she found was in the fervent hope that Drew would recover and that she could find redemption by laying bare her heart.

Every time she sat beside Drew's hospital bed, Izzy poured out her soul, confessing her love with every breath, every whisper, and every tear. She needed her to know and truly understand the depth of her devotion, to erase the shadows of their past encounters.

With each declaration, Izzy sought to undo the hurt, to heal the wounds, and to rewrite their story. She longed for Drew to awaken, to meet her gaze, and to see the genuine love in her eyes.

In the stillness of the night, when the medical center's corridors were empty and the only sound was the soft beeping of machines, Izzy found solace in her whispered confessions. She'd sit beside Drew's bed, her voice barely audible, pouring out her heart and telling her everything she longed to say.

These secret declarations of love brought Izzy comfort, a sense of hope that Drew would one day awaken and know the truth. She yearned for the moment when she could gaze into Drew's eyes, her own shining with tears, and tell her face-to-face how much she loved her.

Izzy promised herself that she would cherish that moment, hold it close, and never let it slip away. She vowed to reveal her true feelings, speak the words she'd held back for so long, and assure Drew that her unwavering, unshakable love would never be traded for anything in the world.

General Jackson had summoned her to handle a high-stakes meeting. It was a complex supply operation, and the crew was gathered together.

With a deep breath, she outlined the plan, her voice clear and authoritative as she marshaled the crew's attention.

As the meeting progressed, she saw Lieutenant Lewis standing outside the operation center, pacing back and forth. She knew something was up; he wasn't the kind to leave the medical center without reason.

She called out to him, “Lewis? Come over here.”

As he approached, she couldn't help but notice the warm smile spreading across his face, a sight that filled her with relief.

Lately, the days had blended into a blur of worry and fear as she navigated the darkest moments of her life alongside Drew's health struggles. As he came closer, Izzy's curiosity was piqued, and she wondered what news could be behind his smile.

“Good afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel.”

“Is there something I should know about?” Her eyes scanned his.

“Yes, ma'am. Major Mitchell is awake. I just thought I should tell you myself.”

Izzy’s eyes widened in disbelief; Drew had not given up on her just yet.

“Hell yeah!” she cheered, then tried to calm herself down.

The room erupted in cheers, applause, and tearful hugs as the soldiers celebrated Drew's miraculous recovery. It was no wonder they were overjoyed; Major Mitchell was more than just a major; she was a beloved leader and a shining example of compassion, empathy, and kindness.

Her unique sense of humor, unmatched in its wit and charm, had a way of disarming even the tensest situations, leaving a trail of laughter and smiles.

Who could forget her infamous impressions, her uncanny ability to find humor in the darkest of times, or her quick-witted one-liners that always seemed to catch you off guard? She was easily loved.

Izzy tried to tone down the jubilation, but the soldiers were too far gone, their euphoria infectious and uncontrollable. With a warm smile, she conceded to their enthusiasm, asking Smith to assume command temporarily while she stepped outside. "I'll be right back."

As she exited the room, the cheers and whistles only grew louder, a testament to the depth of affection and respect the soldiers held for their beloved Major Mitchell. She took a deep breath, savoring the joy and gratitude that filled her chest, before breaking into a run.

As she raced to the medical center, her thoughts swirled with emotions. She wasn't worried about finding the right words to say to Drew; rather, she was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of feelings and sentiments she wanted to express.

The weight of their shared experiences, the depth of her love, and the relief of Drew's recovery all threatened to spill out in a torrent of words. She wanted to tell Drew how much she meant to her. But as she approached the medical center, she got scared and wondered if she'd ever find the right words to say the right things.

At the veranda, she met General Jackson and saluted him. Surprisingly, he didn't ask any questions; he just gave her a knowing smile and passed.

She was grinning from ear to ear when she entered Drew’s ward, and Drew sat up and gave her a smile, her beautiful green eyes sparkling in mischief.

Izzy's heart skipped. Drew's smile was ever so beautiful. “What did I miss?”

“Good afternoon, ma'am.” It sounded polite but very formal.

“How do you feel?” Izzy asked

“Very well, ma'am. Thank you, but I would like to talk to the doctor.”

Izzy stared at Drew. What was going on? Why was Drew acting official and asking her about the doctor? She was the doctor. “Are you okay? Come on, it's me, Drew.”

“You are a Lieutenant Colonel,” she replied.

Isabel's heart raced wildly. Could Drew possibly have amnesia? But there was no trauma to her head. She walked closer to her and held her head, examining it closely.

She needed to run several tests and examinations. Perhaps Drew had possibly hit her head. As she started to walk away, she felt a pair of hands hold her back. She turned to Drew. Fear, sadness, and desperation clouded her eyes.

“Izzy, you have missed a lot. All through the nights I spent here, I heard a certain beautiful woman comforting me. She said beautiful things, soothing words, and genuine confessions. I know I was sad and in pain, but those words were the best melody I've ever heard. That's what you missed.”

As Drew's words sank deep into Izzy's mind, her eyes welled up with a mix of emotions—tears of relief and joy, tinged with a hint of sorrow.

The overwhelming sense of gratitude that her beloved was alive and thriving was tempered by a pang of sadness, a deep ache in her heart that Drew had to endure such a traumatic ordeal.

But as she gazed into Drew's eyes, shining bright with love and strength, Izzy's sorrow gave way to a sense of awe and admiration for the strength and courage of the woman she loved.

“Don't you ever play with me like that again. I thought you had amnesia and couldn't remember me!”

“I'm sorry. I could never forget you, even if I tried. And believe me, I have tried; it's agonizing.” She laughed.

Izzy loved the sound of her laughter; it was therapeutic. It was as if the warmth of her laughter wrapped itself around her heart, chasing away the shadows of worry and fear that had lingered for so long. At that moment, Izzy knew that Drew was truly back.

No one else could pull off a joke like that, especially not when they were still recovering from a life-threatening ordeal. But Drew was no ordinary person; she was a force of nature, a whirlwind of love, laughter, and light that illuminated the world around her. And Izzy felt grateful to be the recipient of that love, to bask in the warmth of Drew's presence, and to revel in the sound of her laughter.

“Oh, my Sparkle. I have so many things to say, but I don't know where to start.”

“Although I have a very busy schedule, you can go right ahead, ma'am.”

“Oh, please don't ma'am me. It's a bit weird now.”

“Come here,” Drew said, tapping the side of her bed. “Sit here and tell me everything.”

She sat obediently. "I want to start by offering my sincerest apologies. I'm deeply regretful for the hurtful and thoughtless words I spoke to you when Sergeant Thompson passed away. It was thoughtless and I’m sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“My words were not only insensitive but also selfish as if your own sorrow didn't matter. I was so consumed by my own emotions that I neglected to consider the depth of your hurt. I realize now that my actions were inconsiderate and self-centered, and for that, I am truly sorry. I can only imagine how my words must have felt like a betrayal, and I want you to know that I understand the weight of my mistakes."

“Come on, Izzy. You know you don't have to?—”

“No, let me finish, please.” She swallowed hard.

"I'm deeply ashamed to admit that my behavior has been completely unacceptable, both professionally and personally. I'm truly sorry for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

“The truth is, I've been living in a state of denial, afraid to confront the uncomfortable realities about myself and my emotions. I've been a coward, dodging the tough issues and the challenges they pose to my work rather than facing them head-on. I've been running from my fears and insecurities instead of acknowledging and addressing them.”

Izzy paused, taking a deep breath as if the weight of her words had left her momentarily breathless.

“I did everything wrong, and I hurt you while struggling with my choices. I sincerely apologize.”

Then came the hardest part of everything.

She cleared her throat. "Major Drew Mitchell, from the instant your sharp wit and sarcasm pierced through my complacency, I knew you were someone special. Through our countless debates, passionate arguments, and emotional turmoil, my love for you has only grown stronger. But it wasn't until I saw you lying there, fragile and vulnerable, that I realized the true depth of my feelings.

“My heart shattered into a million pieces, and I knew I couldn't imagine a future without you by my side. You are the radiant light that illuminates my world, my guiding star, my sparkle. You make me feel seen, heard, and understood in ways I never thought possible. I love you, Drew, with every fiber of my being, and I promise to cherish and support you."

As Izzy's heartfelt words poured out, she witnessed a breathtaking transformation on Drew's face. It was as if the warmth of her declaration had awakened a new dawn.

Drew's features radiated a soft, golden light, like the first gentle rays of sunrise creeping over the horizon. It was delightful. Izzy's heart swelled with emotion as she beheld the woman she loved, reborn in the warmth of their love.

“I can't believe I waited so long to say this. If I had known you'd bloom so beautifully, I would have confessed my feelings much sooner.

“I guess I was too afraid of everything, of myself and the outcome of this, of what will become of the both of us, our passion and our job. But guess what? It doesn't matter at all.”

She watched as a tear slipped from Drew's left eye, and she hurriedly brushed it away. Choked with emotions, Drew tried to say something but couldn't. This was a new phase for both of them, and it was better to take it slow and easy.

“One more thing, you don't have to say you love me back,” Izzy added.

“Shhhhhhhhhh!” Drew’s fingers grazed her lips, sending electric shocks down her body. She reached out to caress her face; her touch was soft and delicate, evidence of her lingering weakness. Yet, despite her frailty, her voice was laced with a passion that made Izzy's heart melt. “Izzy, my one true love,” she whispered, her words dripping with emotion, her eyes burning with a love that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

"You never need to persuade me to speak my truth because my love for you is undeniable. I've always adored you, every aspect of you. The way your brows furrow in concern when discussing something serious; your warm, kind brown eyes that see right through to my soul; your beautiful body that is always in my dreams. But it's not just your physical beauty that captivates me; it's the passion, commitment, and unrelenting dedication you bring to your work and everything you do. You're a true force of nature, a whirlwind of goodness that sweeps me off my feet. Damn, girl, you're a truckload of sweetness, and I feel so lucky to call you mine."

Izzy blushed at her words.

“My good girl.”

Izzy felt a bolt of desire in her very core when Drew called her a good girl. She felt delicious shivers run through her.

Drew continued, “And about everything that happened, I know I did a lot of things that could be considered wild. I was reckless, but I want you to know that it wasn't for the fun of it. I took that risk for the soldiers, for the success of our mission, for the love of my job, and lastly, for you, Izzy.”

Her heart fluttered gently as Drew's words warmed her soul. “I love my job, and I’ve always wanted the success of our missions. I would not do anything to hurt you or jeopardize our work and our lives. I'm also genuinely sorry about Sergeant Thompson. His death gnawed my soul for days. I wish I could take back my actions, but it's done, and he’s gone.”

Izzy felt her heart punctured again. They had not healed completely from the death of Sergeant Thompson. It was still a sensitive topic, considering the issues surrounding his death and how it hurt both of them. But she knew it wasn’t Drew’s fault.

They hugged each other for a few minutes.

“One more thing,” Drew said.

“What's that?” She raised her eyebrows.

“General Jackson knows.”

“He knows about what exactly?”

“He knows about us, our relationship, and our involvement with each other. I don't know how, but I guess the rumors got to him, and he investigated himself.”

Izzy gasped. His smug smile must have been about that. “What are we going to do, and why are you so calm about it?”

“Well, he didn't oppose it. He seemed to encourage us, but indirectly. Like he gave me the impression he might turn a blind eye.” Drew was smiling.

Izzy couldn't believe her ears. General Jackson knew about a relationship in a unit he was responsible for, and he didn't oppose it. He didn't even sanction or warn them severely. It seemed the odds were truly in their favor.

Drew cleared her throat. “I sorta have a confession, and I'm just going to say it. I had considered a transfer. In fact, I had already turned in my application, but it wasn't accepted.”

“I was asked to retain my stay here. I'm sorry, and I really shouldn't have told you, but I want us to start on a clean state.” She coughed while Izzy grabbed a bottle from the small chair beside her.

She patted Drew’s back as she drank slowly from the bottle. She then waited for her to be calm before replying.

“I understand; I'm not upset. You must have been seriously frustrated to take such a decision at that time. It's fine, and I love this new slate—clean, fresh, genuine, devoid of lies, pretense, and cowardice.”

“I need you, Drew. In this life and the next, I'll always need you. You are the only peace that makes sense in this chaos of ours; you are my sparkle. You are my major, my teammate, my best friend, and the love of my life. I need you now, always, and forever. I'll cherish you forever.”

“Izzy, my love for you knows no bounds. The thought of doing life without you by my side is unbearable. In my darkest moments, wracked with pain, your words were the balm that soothed my body and soul. I'm grateful for your leadership and guidance as my Lieutenant Colonel, but more than that, I cherish our unbreakable bond as best friends. Above all, I thank you for being my constant guardian, always looking out for me at all times. You are irreplaceable, and I would never trade our love and connection for anything in the world."

As the two lovers held each other, Izzy felt how real their connection, promises, and relationship was.

“Don't you think a sick lady should have some food, doctor?” Drew said teasingly.

“Oh yeah. I totally forgot. I was too wrapped up.”

“In what exactly?”

“In this,” Izzy said and kissed her passionately.

“I would be wrapped up, too, if I were you,” Drew whispered against her lips before plunging her tongue into her mouth.

They kissed each other lovingly, sharing unspoken affection and emotions. The whole world was slowly evaporating around them as the gentle touch of their lips spoke volumes. Time stood still, and the universe melted into the background, leaving only the warmth of their embrace.

And Izzy knew at that moment that even if the whole world was burning, nothing would matter more than being with Drew, right here and now.