Missy Goes to West Point

by P. G. Allison

Now John laughed and then brought his lips back down to hers. He didn’t need to be told twice and he began kissing her with more fervor than ever before. Her arms went around him and she kissed him back, clearly abandoning all and everything, giving herself to him as completely and totally as she knew how. Finally, at the sound of another couple heading their way, they separated. Wow! John knew the rules about no public displays of affection or PDA’s but it had been he who’d remembered the rules, not Tracy. Pointing to the river, he said, “Look how beautiful the view is from here, Tracy”.

  Tracy heard the sound of his voice but it took her another moment to focus. Then, realizing he was making conversation more for the benefit of the couple who were getting closer and closer, she said, “Yes, it’s a glorious day to be out walking, John. Especially now that the summer is gone and the fall weather is here.” They were both wearing coats, and with the breeze off the river, the outside temperature indeed felt cool. Inside, she was still on fire and held onto one of John’s hands with an iron grip. Holding hands was okay and allowed by the rules.

  They walked off the main path and waited until the other couple had passed. Then, Tracy smiled to herself and looked at John. “Missy told me I should give you a demonstration. So you’d believe me. You know … about being a witch and everything.”

  John was still enjoying the moment they’d shared and had almost forgotten about her being a witch. “Sure, go ahead. Show me things if you want. But, if you say you’re a witch, I believe you. After the way my crazy sister teased me when I was skeptical about her being a cat, I’ve learned my lesson. You won’t turn me into a toad or anything, though … will you?”

  Tracy laughed at that and began to relax. John was really okay about this. Or, at least so far. She held up her hand, palm upward and drawing on all the energy around her, she concentrated and -- voila! A small ball of light appeared just above her hand and about three feet in front of them. She was still holding onto his hand with her other hand. While maintaining control of the light she’d created, she glanced at John. He seemed suitably impressed so she changed the ball of light into a ball of fire, keeping it still suspended in front of them.

  John realized she was doing something normal people really couldn’t do. He still had no idea what a witch was but, clearly, Tracy had some special powers if she could create light and fire like that. She had referred to herself and his sister as both being supernaturals. “That’s pretty amazing, Tracy. Of course, you know that but I can’t simply stand here and not say something. Ahh … don’t you need to say magic words and … umm … what about being inside a circle? I think I read somewhere that witches need to make circles, or something.”

  Tracy pushed the ball of fire upwards and after rising a few feet, it suddenly went out. “I see that I have a lot of explaining to do, John. Please ignore whatever you’ve read. Actually, though, we sometimes do use circles. When I’m with my coven -- which, by the way, I trust you’ll not tell anyone about -- you won’t right? Tell anyone about witches or covens or any of this?”

  “Your secrets are safe with me, Tracy. Just as Missy’s secrets are for her to tell, I’ll never betray you or any of your secrets. Never! Trust me.” He squeezed her hand to further reassure her.

  “Well, we do make and use circles. It helps us reinforce one another. But, controlling energy the way I do doesn’t require any circle or any magic words. I do it with my mind. I can draw on the energy that’s all around, harness that energy and use it by exercising my will. Missy told me it’s very similar when she Shifts -- she has this place she goes to in her mind and she also then needs to exercise her will.”

  John said, “I’ve seen the shimmer of light and felt the burst of energy when she does that. Even though she’s behind a blanket that she always has someone holding in front of her, those are very noticeable. She hasn’t really explained how she does it. And … then she’s a mountain lion. Tell me again why you think she’s a witch.”

  “Oh, it’s because she can regenerate, healing herself the way she does. Maybe you don’t know too much about that part … but, you do know how she healed Mike’s sister Michelle, right? That’s the other thing -- she not only can heal herself but she can heal others. And, you’ve felt her send out those energy pulses, right?”

  “Yeah, she can definitely make you stop and take notice when she does that. So, that’s something witches can do?” John realized he now wanted to learn everything there was to know about witches.

  Tracy said, “Some witches can do that, but it’s rare. Especially if they’re using power or energy from within. I can’t really do that. What I do is harness energy from around me. But, I’m told I have a lot of power compared to many witches. My Mom is also a witch but she’s not nearly as powerful as I am. And, I’m still gaining power as I get older. Missy too. Who knows how much power we might develop? Witches seem to finally stop gaining power once they reach the age of about twenty five or so. That’s when we’re all fully developed.”

  “So, it’s using energy. What about spells? Am I really safe? I won’t wake up and start hopping around … you know … ribbit, ribbit, ribbit!” John laughed.

  Tracy laughed at how he’d made each ribbit really sound like a frog was croaking nearby. “Well, I don’t use spells. So, you’re safe from me at least. I probably should warn you about what my real power is, though.”

  John was still chuckling and thinking how much fun it was, bantering with her back and forth. She really was a special person and way beyond compare to any of the girls he’d ever known. That she seemed to be tuning into him was thrilling. She had some more powers? Terrific, by all means. Bring it on! “Tracy, you had me at ‘I’m a witch’ and so you don’t have to keep giving me any warnings.” He looked around and they were quite alone. He wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her some more.

  Tracy also looked around but she now released his hand and took a step away. “John, this will take me a few moments … I’m going to change the weather out there.” She then concentrated and as she quietly stood there, gazing out at the river, the air all around them changed. Although it was gradual at first, all of a sudden it was a lot darker. There were storm clouds overhead.

  John realized Tracy really was doing this, making the weather change. He could definitely feel the complete change in atmosphere and she seemed to be off in some zone, oblivious to her surroundings. She lifted both arms upward and then, without moving at all for several seconds, she did something. He couldn’t say just what she’d done but he immediately sensed that she indeed had done something. Then, in the very next moment, there was a loud crack and a bolt of lightning criss crossed out over the river, very visible as it arced downward into the water. This was followed by a loud boom of thunder.

  Tracy turned and looked into his eyes. “There. That’s my little demonstration, John. And, that’s also pretty much it. I don’t think I can do much else. I don’t bend spoons or make objects float in midair or do any healing or send energy pulses out like Missy does. But, I do have a way with light, fire and lightning.” She walked back over to him and slipped her hand back into his.

  After processing what she’d just shown him, John looked into her eyes. “That was definitely impressive, Tracy. You’re really something. Wow! I really don’t know what else to say. You can control the weather …”

  Tracy interrupted him right away. “Not exactly. I can harness energy. I don’t make rain go away and have sunshine follow me around wherever I go.” She moved closer and pressed herself up against him, suddenly wanting to be held. “I’m going to try something new, if you’ll let me. Missy thinks this might work.”

  John wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. “Sure, Tracy! Anything. Go ahead.” He held her quietly and waited. After more than a minute had passed, he asked, “Will this new thing be anything we can share, Tracy?”

  Tracy sighed deeply to herself and looked up at him, pushing herself back. “Thank you, John. That was really wonderful. You do
n’t feel drained or anything? I mean, Missy was right. I have been drawing more energy from you than I’ve ever experienced before, even when in a circle with several other witches lending me power. I guess I can’t really describe it any better than that. But, while you may not be a witch, you sure seem able to …” Suddenly she stopped and began blushing. The more she tried to think of ways to explain things to him, the more embarrassed and flustered she became.

  John thought about her question for a moment. Did he feel drained? Was she somehow drawing energy from him? Then he began laughing. “Hey … it’s not like we just had sex or anything … is it? I mean … I’d know if that had happened. I think. Wouldn’t I?”

  Now it was Tracy’s turn to laugh. “I’m not going to attempt any further explanations, John. Maybe ask you sister about this. It was her idea. And, no. We did not just have sex. I was only … I mean, it’s way too soon for …” Again, she stopped and began blushing.

  John laughed and hugged her close. “I’ll settle for a kiss, then. For now.” He bent down and claimed his kiss and found her very pleased to be giving that to him. Very pleased, indeed.

  -----

  “So, you were able to get all charged up again?” asked Missy. She was in Tracy’s room, as both roommates were out and they could talk. Tracy had emailed her already, explaining how wonderful John had been and how she was falling for him, head over heels. She’d invited her to drop by when she got the chance and Missy was enjoying their conversation.

  “You were absolutely right, Missy,” said Tracy. “John made me feel like I was plugged into the source of all energy. His energy was exactly what I needed. But, you knew that already. You and Mike … well. I guess I can’t even imagine how you and Mike might be.”

  Missy said, “Don’t worry about it, Tracy. One day at a time. John seems happy enough with that, right? I mean … he’s not putting any pressure on you or anything, is he? He seems to be just as excited about having a connection with you as you seem to be about all this. It’s you he wants, Tracy. You as the person in his life. He’s been with other girls. I think he’ll always leave it for you to decide how things will go.”

  “Well, you were right about his accepting my being a witch. I’m sure you’re right about him. We’re going to be together for Thanksgiving, you know. He’s coming to Texas with me to spend a few days there with my family. Then I’ll be coming to Salem, staying with your family until returning back here. He wants me to be his date at that wedding for Alice and Mark. You’ve told me so much about them already. I’m really excited now. Six more weeks. It will be here before we know it!”

  -----

  Cadet King finally managed to meet with Missy, finding her alone where they’d not be overheard by anyone else. They were outside and he’d been trying to find an opportunity for a couple of weeks, but that had not been easy to do. “Cadet McCrea, can I speak with you for a moment?”

  Missy had scented him, of course, and knew he was there waiting for her. She had noticed him several times in recent days and was not quite sure just what to expect. He and Cadet Quigby had avoided her up until now. She was not worried but her curiosity was piqued and, noticing they were indeed well out of earshot from anyone else, she figured she’d hear what he had to say. She said, “Yes, sir!” and snapped to attention.

  King said, “At ease, Cadet McCrea. Please, I just want to talk. Nothing formal or anything. Okay?”

  “Okay, sir,” said Missy. She waited to see where this was going.

  “I want to apologize but can I ask that this conversation be just between the two of us? I’m not really able to say any of this except in private. But, I really am sorry for the way I treated you during Beast Training. I was wrong.”

  Missy was actually surprised, at first. “Well, I’m pleased to know that, sir. And, if you want this conversation kept secret, don’t worry. I can keep things secret. I think you know that.”

  King said, “Yes, and that’s another part of what I wanted to tell you. I want to thank you for the way you handled those friends of mine that night. You could really have made trouble for me and you didn’t. At first, that really surprised me and I kept waiting for the shit to hit the fan. When it didn’t, I realized you really were more interested in just helping your squad and winning top shot and that you were willing to overlook what I’d done. You really are amazing, Missy. I’m sorry, I really am. I hope you can maybe forgive me. We can’t be friends or anything … I’m not looking for that. But, I do owe you this. You have my apology and my assurance you won’t have any trouble from me ever again.”

  Missy could see that he was being sincere. Maybe the good reputation she’d made for herself over the past few weeks had also influenced him. Women did indeed have a place at West Point. “Okay, Cadet King. Sir. I forgive you and accept your apology. I appreciate there are some people who really don’t like women in the Army. And, maybe there are some women who don’t belong. But, I’m not looking for any special treatment.”

  “Oh, I know, I know. At first, I just really thought you were a freak.” King smiled at her and shook his head. “Actually, you are a freak, Missy. You’re not like other girls. Shit, look at what you did to my friends. Four big football players and you … well, I think you’d agree there aren’t many people who could have done what you did. Male or female. And, you’re not just top shot in your plebe class any more. From what I’ve heard, there’s never been anyone who can shoot as well as you do. Everyone in Combat Weapons keeps bragging about you.”

  Missy laughed and began to relax. “Okay, I’ll give you that. I am not a normal girl. Maybe I am a freak -- I'm not going to argue with you about that. But, I am dedicated to being the best Army officer that this academy can help me become. If you and I can share that common goal, who knows? Maybe someday we’ll have to serve together in the same unit and hopefully then you won’t be all that uncomfortable about that.”

  King smiled, “Good enough. I do want to warn you about Cadet Quigby, though. He and I were close until all that went down out there with you and your squad. With you getting top shot, he’s taking that personal. You made him look bad as well as me. I deserve to look bad, after sending those guys in to mess with you. That was wrong and if you’d handled things differently, I might have been kicked out. So, I don’t care about looking bad -- that was my wakeup call. And, it wasn’t that big a deal, my looking bad. I’m okay now. I’ve been avoiding him ever since and have just been going forward here. But, I know he’s holding a grudge, Missy. Watch out for him. He really hates you and he has a few other friends that still listen to him. Good luck!”

  “Thanks, Cadet King.” Missy realized she really was grateful to him. “I’ll be extra careful. I already try very hard to follow all the rules. Now, I’ll try even harder, knowing there are maybe those who might be looking to make trouble for me. I’ve heard a lot of sad stories about things that have happened to girls here at the academy and I don’t want to someday be one of those sad stories.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Oct 2018

  Missy walked into the Visitor Center and then found the room where Robert Ulrey was waiting for her. She was wearing her dress grey uniform and could see he was impressed. “You know, Robert, lately I’ve been seeing you more often than I see my boyfriend. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I haven’t seen Mike since Labor Day weekend but here you are.” She laughed and he joined in and laughed with her.

  “Hey, don’t blame me. You asked for this meeting today, right?” Robert had exchanged several emails with her and they really needed to discuss a few things. Such as, her telling Marchitto she was a witch and what Les and Marsha had been able to hear from the surveillance tapes.

  Missy had just returned from a busy week out in the field, where they’d been doing mountaineering, living in tents, rappelling down cliffs, crossing rivers on ropes and all sorts of small unit tasks and challenges. It had been a mix of tactics and survival. She’d thrived, loving every minute of it. Her
squad had not been quite as enthusiastic but for Missy, the more extreme the better.

  She’d done a little showing off out there, which everyone was still talking about. Rappelling down the cliff, facing forward and down rather than backward and up, holding onto the rope with only one hand while pretending the stick in her other hand was a rifle? Demonstrating how she could have been on the attack, racing down the cliff while shooting at the enemy while descending? Okay, that maybe had been a little extreme. Of course, with her reputation for marksmanship, no one doubted her claim. Her credibility had been well established.

  Then, for the river crossing, did she really have to make everyone look bad by using only one of the ropes and going hand over hand, quickly reaching the other side in less than half the time for anyone else? That had been more than two hundred feet across and she’d been wearing an eighty pound backpack plus her rifle. Hand over hand? But, it wasn’t really a competition and Missy had explained she was only doing things she knew she was fully capable of doing. She hadn’t broken any rules and wasn’t really trying to make anyone else look bad. This had been one of the last times they’d be out in the field and able to perform this type of training. Yes, they’d have some exercises during the winter but those would be different and it wouldn’t be until the springtime before they’d be back out there for anything like this.

  There had been the usual amount of marching, of course, and the usual amount of ribald marching songs. Yes, women now went to West Point. Sure, a lot had been toned down. But, guys were guys and the marching songs invariably ended up with some raunchy lyrics being yelled out at the top of their lungs as they all marched in cadence. One of their favorites, popular with servicemen for a hundred years or so, was about LuLu and the men she’d been with. It had a lot of variations, none of which were politically correct. Just when the lyrics would suggest something explicit, they’d skip to the beginning of the chorus.