Disclaimer: me getting cranky now…

Four People

Chapter Four: Mr Tellophane

Now when I look back on it. It seems like a dream that has never faded from me. I knew as soon as I made the decision to go back, it would change me.

'Terry? Terry Thorne, ex Australian soldier, has a 13-year-old son, divorce from a General's daughter, likes to smoke while playing cards, lives in London?

Terry? TERRY? Enquired Dino, who was sitting next to me holding several piles of paper in one hand. I nodded, staring unconsciously in thought at the table in front of me.

Knowing the look on my face (he has known me for years), Dino sighed, settled the papers onto the spot I was gazing at and leaned in towards me.

'What's wrong? Its gotta be something, I don't train soldiers for nothing'

Inclining my head towards him, I gazed at him for a minute before saying.

' How fast is the company plane fly to Columbia?'

After what seemed like centuries, I arrived at their house, knocking lightly on the glass door. Then there was no going back. Alice was a tough, no bullshit on me type of person.

If only she had gone into the army.

The one thing I never forgot was that she was married. But my shit filled brain didn't stop. I loved her. I couldn't help it, nothing could.

Dino noticed, the men noticed, I think everyone did even in the end Alice herself noticed. She felt sorry for me, I hate that. I've never felt sorry about that moment. I can never forget it, I never will. As I watched her go, I realised I might never see her again, never hug her, never tell her she'll be alright ever again or ever tell her that I loved her.

And that's what hurt most.