Forever- Simon Ghost Riley

Ep-12 "Al Mazrah"

"I will," Andrea promised, finishing her coffee. "Thanks for looking out for me, though."

Ghost nodded, stepping back. "Get some rest, Andrea. Tomorrow's another long day."

With a final nod, Andrea headed back to her quarters, leaving Ghost standing in the quiet night. As she settled into bed, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions-respect for Ghost's dedication, a twinge of frustration at being treated differently, and a lingering sense of camaraderie that was slowly forming between them.

"You don't know, Andrea, how much you mean to me," Ghost whispered to himself, his voice barely audible in the still night air.

Memories of their high school days flooded his mind-Andrea standing up for him against the bullies, her fierce determination and unwavering support. She had always been the strongest woman he had ever known, yet there was a fragility to her, like a delicate flower that needed protection.

Ghost clenched his fists, the weight of his silent promise settling heavily on his shoulders. "I have to protect her at any cost," he vowed, the resolve in his heart hardening like steel.

As he turned to head back to his own quarters, he couldn't shake the feeling that their past and present were intertwined in ways he had never anticipated. The thought of Andrea in danger was unbearable, and he knew he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even if it meant confronting the ghosts of his own past.

The base of Al Mazrah went quiet after Andrea and Ghost retreated to their quarters.

The next morning, the chow hall was buzzing with the usual chatter of soldiers grabbing their breakfast. Ghost sat with Soap and Gaz, their conversation casual and punctuated by the clatter of trays and utensils. Suddenly, the entire room fell silent.

Andrea had entered the hall, dressed in a black silk palazzo with stiletto heels, a designer silk shirt, and diamond earrings that dangled elegantly. An expensive watch adorned her wrist, complementing her porcelain complexion and the delicate arch of her neck. Her long hair swayed gracefully as her blue eyes took in her surroundings. She was a vision of beauty, and her presence commanded attention.

Soldiers began to whisper amongst themselves.

"Look at the general's daughter," one soldier nudged another.

Soap's jaw practically hit the floor. "LT! Can't believe this lass is a soldier, aye."

Ghost glanced at Soap, a mix of amusement and irritation flickering in his eyes. "Eyes front, Soap," he muttered.

Andrea walked with an air of confidence, her every step echoing in the silent hall. She collected her breakfast and made her way to an empty table, the whispers and stares following her every move. Despite the murmurs, she remained composed, exuding a calm and collected demeanor.

Ghost couldn't help but admire her poise. She was a stark contrast to the rugged, battle-hardened soldiers surrounding her, yet she belonged there just as much as any of them. Her presence was a reminder of her strength and resilience, qualities that ran deeper than her elegant appearance.

As she sat down, she caught Ghost's eye and offered a small, knowing smile. He nodded in return, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken bond they shared. Despite the whispers and the judgments, they both knew the truth: Andrea Shepherd was a force to be reckoned with, on and off the battlefield.

"You don't look like General Shepherd," Soap joked, his tone light-hearted.

Andrea laughed, the sound genuine and warm. "Yeah, I look more like my mom," she said, her eyes momentarily softening with the memory.