“Oh, wait until I tell the staff over at the infirmary they will love it. None of them like him and he’s only been in a few hours. He mean and rude and handsy with my female staff.”
“Lt Jacks said that he would be assigning men to watch him whilst he’s with you so that he doesn’t cause any trouble there.” I didn’t like Gary at all.
“Yeah he has. I was just wondering what had really happened. I knew Will would never have beaten a man unfairly. Although you two do have those kinds of faces that people want to hit” she giggled and her eyes sparkled.
“No, he wouldn’t. he’s a good man. You should ask him out” I smiled, ignoring her mischevious jibe.
The doctor turned a lovely shade of pink “I uh don’t know what you- “she was going to deny it but when I raised my eyebrows at her she stopped talking.
“Is he seeing anyone?” she asked shyly, looking at the floor.
“Nope, he’s free and single” I replied in a sing song voice.
“Ok well then, thank you for your information.” She hurried out of the room before either of us could say anymore.
I threw on a pair of old Black Nike trainers which were more grey now but well-worn and very comfy and went to meet Will at the kitchen. My legs were sore and shaky still but I was excited to get there to start the first day in my new job.
When I got there Will wasn’t anywhere in sight. I walked up to the woman that we had defended earlier that day.
“Hi, I’m George, I’m supposed to be- oomph” the air was knocked from me as the woman grabbed me up into a huge hug.
“Thank you soooo much for earlier. That guy is such an asshole.” She let me go and the air rushed into my lungs.
“No problem. Is Will out the back?” I looked passed her to see a few other people cleaning down the worktops but no Will.
“Uh hell no. I gave him a hug too and smelt him then sent him to shower before he comes back into my kitchen.” She faked annoyance but I could see the twinkle in her eye.
“I’m Sheila honey. I run this kitchen with the help of some brilliant people. We look after the animals and prepare the food. I’m told that you will be here to look after us and to learn about our jobs?” she eyed me up and down as if she could tell if I’d be any good just by looking at me.
She was a large woman with frizzy curly ginger hair. Her eyes were the deepest shade of blue that I’d ever seen and I could see kindness in them.
“yep that’s what I’m told too. I’m more than happy to keep things running smoothly and to make sure that you and your staff are safe from people like Gary but I’m also eager to learn also. I’d love to find out how to take care of the animals that are here and the delicious meals that you make us.” I smiled, I was genuine.
Aside from the twenty or so army men and women at camp there was the Doctor and the nurse and then around 23 civilians including my group. But for the small amount of room that we had for living quarters, we were full. All in all, the kitchen did an amazing job of feeding us all on what little food we had.
“We are quite lucky and the General knew a guy who knew a guy that had chickens. We took quite a few from the first camp and brought them here. We have several different types as they lay at different types of year. This way we hoped that we would at least have a few eggs each day throughout the year. We also plan to breed them as the older they get the less they produce.”
“You plan to eat them?” I grinned, my mouth was already watering just thinking of a roast chicken.
“Maybe, when they get old enough and stop laying eggs, but not before.” She laughed.
“No that makes sense. I love those eggs.” Just the thought of the eggs I’d eaten here had my mouth watering.
Will joined us shortly after and Sheila led us around the animals showing us what they got fed, when and how. It seemed the real strain was getting enough water to keep them hydrated in the hot weather.
I enjoyed the tour and couldn’t wait to get hands on with them. Even mucking them out.
“You boys would really help me out if you could clean them out for me?” she looked disbelieving.
I would have done anything to help the camp. Even shovelling shit.
I agreed that I could do it alone, so Will could go and help in the kitchen. Getting ready for the lunch hour as the volunteers were already behind.
I continued to care for the animals for most of the day, only taking short breaks to drink some water. I cleaned up their pens and made them more secure with some wood I found at the back of the barn.
Sheila called me in and gave me my rations for the day. She also supplied me with a can of energy drink. They had three crates stored away for the people who volunteered to help. I swore that I would not utter a word about the secret stash and downed it quickly. It was good.
A few of us met in
