Gray Girl
Page 26
She stared at the gray face in the window while the bus rolled down the interstate. She studied the unfamiliar reflection staring back at her and spoke out loud to it.
I saw you on R-day, in the mirror.
I knew you then.
But who are you now, Gray Girl?
I don't know you.
I don't…
Recognize you.
Rick checked his mailbox before leaving. A single envelope with SKIP written in large letters lay on its side. He braced himself for what could be a sort of Dear John. She had not spoken or written anything to him since he revealed himself to her on that second Saturday in May. He had hoped they could speak at least once since the Superintendent’s lecture about what had come to be known as “The Incident.” But there just hadn’t been any time.
He unfolded the note and recognized her handwriting. He inhaled deeply and read Jan’s last note to him.
Dear Rick,
Even though I have been a “tough case,” I hope you won’t give up on me just yet. Thanks for everything. I mean, everything. Especially the prayers.
See you at Buckner!
Jan
POSTSCRIPT
Any inaccuracies regarding the buildings, grounds, rules, uniforms, training, sequence of events, etc. are entirely my own fault. I didn’t worry about getting all the details straight and I purposely changed a few of them.
Even though Jan and I share some of the same characteristics, I was never charged with an honor violation, nor fraternized, nor involved in anyone’s death. Jan and Kristi do not exhibit the level of fear that we experienced as plebes because I wanted to make these characters bolder, smarter and more empathetic than we actually were at that age. I wish I could have been more like Jan Wishart when I was a cadet.
Finally, I want to express my deep appreciation for my West Point experience. It may be the only college you grow to love long after you leave. Very few of us loved it while we were there. Yet, USMA gave us more than it took away. Despite, and perhaps because of, its harsh nature when we were cadets, most of us have become proud members of the Long Gray Line. I feel blessed to be among the men and women who have experienced something that is not comparable anywhere. We share a bond. I feel this ever more deeply with each passing year, especially among my classmates and women who were once cadets.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan I. Spieth graduated from West Point in 1985 and served five years in the Army as a Missile Maintenance Officer. After completing her military service, she attended Seminary where she earned a Master of Divinity degree. She is an ordained clergywoman in the United Methodist Church, having served five churches as Pastor/Associate Pastor for seventeen years. Susan and her husband have two children and live in Seattle, WA. This is her first novel.