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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Thwarted - 12. Chapter Twelve

The Prompt: "Tastes soooo good."
Mark couldn’t believe how well the evening had gone so far. Jackie, true to her promise had actually been cordial to Trey, asking about his family and just getting to know him. The one topic that had not been broached was his military career.
 
He was extremely grateful that Jackie had been focused on learning about Trey and had refrained from sharing some of Mark’s more embarrassing moments. He wouldn’t have even put it past his sister to pull out the photo albums, just to try and embarrass him.
 
“Who’s ready for dessert?” Jackie walked around the table and collected the dinner plates before heading into the kitchen.
 
“I’m not sure I could do dessert justice.” Mark rested his elbows on the table. His sister had really outdone herself tonight and had made some kind of a chicken dish that was absolutely delicious. Normally he was all about the red meat, but he’d happily have that meal again.
 
“If you’re sure.” Jackie walked back into the room carrying a covered cake tray. “I’m sure someone else will be happy to have your share.” She set the tray down and lifted the cover off to reveal the carrot cake nestled underneath, complete with a thick layer of what Mark knew to be cream cheese frosting.
 
“On second thought…” Mark’s mouth nearly watered just looking at the cake.
 
“You and carrot cake.” Trey laughed next to him. “It looks great, but I’d expect nothing less after that wonderful dinner.”
 
“Thank you, Trey. So, he’s already shared his carrot cake addiction?” Jackie sliced into the cake and placed a small piece on a plate and set it in front of Mark before dishing up larger slices and handing them out.
 
“That’s just mean.” Mark glanced between his plate and the other’s.
 
“Well, you did say that you wouldn’t be able to do dessert justice.” Jackie took a bite of her own cake and made a big production out of her enjoyment of the dessert. “Tastes soooo good.”
 
“Fine, be that way.” Mark grinned evilly and slid his plate to the side. Before his sister could say anything he reached over and slid the tray containing the rest of the cake over to him. “This should do nicely.” He poised his fork over it as though ready to dig in.
 
“Okay, I give, I give.” Jackie snatched the tray back and cut a bigger piece and plopped it down on his plate along with the smaller piece. “Happy now?”
 
“Immensely.”
 
“So, Trey, when did he share his carrot cake addiction with you?” Jackie poked at her cake, her entire focus on Trey.
 
“I’d just found out that my deployment had been moved up and I was shipping out in three weeks.”
 
Mark grimaced at the reminder that they didn’t have much time left together. He saw Jackie’s surprise at the news that Trey was being deployed so soon. He hadn’t intended to let slip that tidbit of information as he hadn’t wanted to give his sister any ammunition to use against Trey.
 
“Ouch, that’s gotta suck.” Brent jerked as though struck and glared at his wife. “What?”
 
Jackie shook her head and turned her attention back to Mark and Trey. “So, what’s that going to mean for you two?”
 
“We’ve got just under three weeks to try and build something that can survive a year of phone calls and web chats.” Mark shrugged. He already knew that the odds were stacked against them. There were couples who were together for years who couldn’t survive the year apart. Unfortunately it was a risk of being in the service. Mark knew of at least two men he’d served with who had come home from their own stints overseas only to be served divorce papers within hours of returning home.
 
Mark watched his sister’s face and could see the firm set of Jackie’s lips. He had known she wouldn’t be happy about the situation he found himself him, but if he was perfectly honest with himself, he didn’t care. He loved that she cared about him so much, but it was his life to live. He wanted to see if they could make whatever was happening between them work and whether Jackie liked it or not, she’d have to accept that it was his choice.
 
Jackie didn’t say anything and they finished their cake in silence. No sooner than dessert was finished than Mark made their excuses and him and Trey headed for the door. Jackie grabbed Mark’s arm just before they reached the door.
 
“You got just a minute?”
 
“Yeah.” He turned to Trey and handed him the keys. “Do you mind waiting for me in the car?”
 
“Not a problem.” Trey smiled and turned to Jackie. “Thank you again for dinner, it was wonderful and maybe we can do it again before I leave.”
 
“I’ll set something up with Mark.” Jackie smiled, but Mark could tell it was fake.
 
Trey either didn’t notice or just didn’t comment, instead he turned and walked out the door, leaving Mark alone with his sister. Brent had wisely made himself scarce. No sooner had the door closed than Jackie whirled on him.
 
“Three weeks Mark, seriously? Do you really think you can form a lasting relationship in three weeks?”
 
Mark leaned against the door. “I don’t know if I can or not, but I’m damn sure going to find out. You always tell me that you just want me to be happy. Do you actually mean that?”
 
“Of course I do!” Jackie looked hurt.
 
“Then back the fuck off.” He ignored the hurt look, determined to say what needed to be said. “I love you, but this is my life and he makes me happy.”
 
“But he’s leaving!”
 
“Yes,” Mark couldn’t deny it, “he is, but he will come back.”
So what did you think? Do you think Jackie and Mark's relationship is going to suffer with Mark's mini-blowup at the end? How about Trey and Mark's relationship? Is just under three weeks long enough for Trey and Mark to build something lasting? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Copyright © 2016 Renee Stevens; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments

Terry P

Great chapter. I think Mark and Trey have a good future and in the short time they've had together and will have together for the next few weeks will make that difference. And no, Mark's blow-up isn't going to hurt his relatioship with Jackie. She's his sister and will get over it. I don't think it's the first time it's happened. Not every relationship can endure a year's absence, especally new ones. But I think this is one that can. It won't be easy and their will be temptations, but love will endure.

Daithi

Nice chapter. A year is a long time but I really do think these two guys will be able to do it, they are older not like they are teenagers where the grass always seems greener over the next fence. As to whether this mini-blow up will effect Mark and Jackie's relationship It shouldnt. Jackie is Mark's sister and to be truthful she really shouldn't have anything to do with his relationship with Trey. Mark is a big boy it is really up to him and Trey how far and how long the relationship can and will last. I think they will be able to do it it wont be easy but i think they can do it. Jackie should be there to support her brother not tear him down. I think jackie is overstepping her sisterly bonds way too much and she needs to step back and let her brother live his life and not make him live the life she figures he should live according to her.

Lisa

First off, I am a sister and even though I have a sister and not a brother I still would not blow up like Jackie did and act semi-fake with my sister's b/f/g/f (or brother's b/f/g/f, whatever). it is my sister's life and even though I love her like crazy, I would never tell her not to see this person that she so obviously cares for so much just b/c the person is leaving in three weeks.

 

Actually, my sister is married and has two kids. Her husband in in the National Reserves, and back when the kids were a lot younger, he was called to duty and was sent to Okinawa for a year. It was really tough on her and on him, but of course they made it through the year. Why on earth would a wife file for divorce when her husband is overseas fighting for his life? And for her freedom? That is ridiculous! Who does that? Selfish women...

 

Anyway, I say go for it. Even though they haven't known each other for a long time it could still work. They should at least try. Nevermind Jackie. She means well, but as Mark said, she really needs to back the fuck off. lol

 

On another note, since I can be a pain in the ass reviewer, lol, I think when you said 'him and Trey', it should be 'he and Trey': 1) He wanted to see if he and Trey could make whatever was happening between them work... 2)...Mark made their excuses and he and Trey headed for the door. I tried Googling it, but I couldn't find any definitive answer, but I think it should read 'he and Trey'.

 

Great chapter, Renee! Thanks for the quick update! :)

m.p.

The blow-up should not ruin the relationship between Jackie and Mark. They are family. Family's fight on a daily basis. This is not one of those make-or break deals. She's just being a cautious person--which is very understandable considering the job and the likelihood of death, thus, her worries are warranted. HOWEVER, at the end of the day, it's about being supportive and being there no matter what. I hope Mark and Trey have a future together. They have a really good connection and there is a possibility. There are people who can make it work so you never know. Most people can't do long distance but there are always exceptions to the rule. Let's hope this is one of those situations.

Renee Stevens
On 10/28/2013 01:30 AM, Terry P said:
Great chapter. I think Mark and Trey have a good future and in the short time they've had together and will have together for the next few weeks will make that difference. And no, Mark's blow-up isn't going to hurt his relatioship with Jackie. She's his sister and will get over it. I don't think it's the first time it's happened. Not every relationship can endure a year's absence, especally new ones. But I think this is one that can. It won't be easy and their will be temptations, but love will endure.
Thanks for the review Terry! I think they can too, but only time will tell. They definitely will have to make the most of their time together. As far as the blow up between Jackie and Mark, I agree but I love to see what my readers think! And yeah, I agree that the year apart won't be easy, but then nothing worth having ever is! Thank you again and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!!!
Renee Stevens
On 10/28/2013 03:30 AM, Daithi said:
Nice chapter. A year is a long time but I really do think these two guys will be able to do it, they are older not like they are teenagers where the grass always seems greener over the next fence. As to whether this mini-blow up will effect Mark and Jackie's relationship It shouldnt. Jackie is Mark's sister and to be truthful she really shouldn't have anything to do with his relationship with Trey. Mark is a big boy it is really up to him and Trey how far and how long the relationship can and will last. I think they will be able to do it it wont be easy but i think they can do it. Jackie should be there to support her brother not tear him down. I think jackie is overstepping her sisterly bonds way too much and she needs to step back and let her brother live his life and not make him live the life she figures he should live according to her.
Thanks for the review Daithi! Yes, a year is a long time and as you said, they're not teenagers. I also agree that Jackie is overstepping a bit, hence Mark having his little blow up. I was curious as to how my readers were seeing Jackie and if they felt that Mark went a bit to far in telling her to back off, hence my question at the end of the chapter. Glad that you are still enjoying the story and look forward to reading your thoughts on future chapters!!!
Renee Stevens
On 10/28/2013 06:54 AM, Daddydavek said:
I was 23 when I was deployed to Vietnam. My wife was 22. We will be married 43 years in January. I say give love a chance.
Thanks for the review Daddydave! Congrats and Happy 43rd in January (as I'm horrible at remembering things and will likely forget)!!!! And you know me, when don't I give love a chance in my stories? :D
Renee Stevens
On 10/28/2013 01:18 PM, Lisa said:
First off, I am a sister and even though I have a sister and not a brother I still would not blow up like Jackie did and act semi-fake with my sister's b/f/g/f (or brother's b/f/g/f, whatever). it is my sister's life and even though I love her like crazy, I would never tell her not to see this person that she so obviously cares for so much just b/c the person is leaving in three weeks.

 

Actually, my sister is married and has two kids. Her husband in in the National Reserves, and back when the kids were a lot younger, he was called to duty and was sent to Okinawa for a year. It was really tough on her and on him, but of course they made it through the year. Why on earth would a wife file for divorce when her husband is overseas fighting for his life? And for her freedom? That is ridiculous! Who does that? Selfish women...

 

Anyway, I say go for it. Even though they haven't known each other for a long time it could still work. They should at least try. Nevermind Jackie. She means well, but as Mark said, she really needs to back the fuck off. lol

 

On another note, since I can be a pain in the ass reviewer, lol, I think when you said 'him and Trey', it should be 'he and Trey': 1) He wanted to see if he and Trey could make whatever was happening between them work... 2)...Mark made their excuses and he and Trey headed for the door. I tried Googling it, but I couldn't find any definitive answer, but I think it should read 'he and Trey'.

 

Great chapter, Renee! Thanks for the quick update! :)

I agree Lisa. I'm a sister as well, though I'm also the baby of the family and the only daughter, so I've always been more on the "protected" end of the spectrum instead of the "protective" end, but I still don't think I'd act like Jackie did. I don't always have to agree with the choices my siblings make, but I will support them in it.

 

It's a sad thing about the divorce rates after deployments. My ex was navy. (He's not an ex because of him being gone, he's an ex because he was a cheating jerk). It was so sad because when the ships would come back, there was usually a line of attorneys there to serve sailors with divorce papers. I can't see doing that to someone.

 

I do agree that while there's always a chance that things won't work between Mark and Trey but they deserve the right to give it a shot without Jackie's interference. And yep, agree, she needs to back off! lol..

 

As far as being a pain in the ass reviewer. Nope, never! I actually changed that "him and Trey" to "they". I tried out the "he and Trey" and while the "he and Trey" is gramatically correct, I didn't like the way it sounded. I liked the way the "they" sounded better. Whenever you find a mistake, please feel free to let me know, on any story, but especially this one. Thwarted doesn't always make it through my team before it posts so mistakes don't always get caught!

 

Thank you so much for your review!!

Renee Stevens
On 11/01/2013 01:31 PM, m.p. said:
The blow-up should not ruin the relationship between Jackie and Mark. They are family. Family's fight on a daily basis. This is not one of those make-or break deals. She's just being a cautious person--which is very understandable considering the job and the likelihood of death, thus, her worries are warranted. HOWEVER, at the end of the day, it's about being supportive and being there no matter what. I hope Mark and Trey have a future together. They have a really good connection and there is a possibility. There are people who can make it work so you never know. Most people can't do long distance but there are always exceptions to the rule. Let's hope this is one of those situations.
Thanks for the review m.p. I know that me and my brothers definitely fought on a daily basis. We could fight as much as we wanted, but let someone else fight with us and that was an entirely different story! I can understand her concerns as well, but like you said, she needs to be there no matter what. As for what is going to happen between Trey and Mark, only time will tell and I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters! Thank you again!
Dr. John NYC

So, I'm late to reviewing, but having just re-read it while trying to catch back up, I was struck by your question of whether 3 weeks is long enough to make a connection. My answer is an emphatic "No." When my husband and I met, I knew I would be leaving when the lab I was working in moved to another university. Now, I realize that 8 hours distance is different from 18, and a university setting is quite different from a war zone, and 3 months to decide is different from 3 weeks; however, based on my experience, we knew by the second day of the relationship that we would give it a try -- and I think it would have similar even if the details had been tougher. Love at first sight can be real and can be lasting!

 

PS: it was 3 years before we were able to live together permanently, and we have a ways to go to match 43 years, but it will be 27 years in less than a month -- and, as he would say, "We never had a fight." Oh, and by the way, we are not far from the Brooklyn Bridge and I'd be glad to sell it to you.

Renee Stevens
On 02/02/2014 12:25 AM, hillj69 said:
So, I'm late to reviewing, but having just re-read it while trying to catch back up, I was struck by your question of whether 3 weeks is long enough to make a connection. My answer is an emphatic "No." When my husband and I met, I knew I would be leaving when the lab I was working in moved to another university. Now, I realize that 8 hours distance is different from 18, and a university setting is quite different from a war zone, and 3 months to decide is different from 3 weeks; however, based on my experience, we knew by the second day of the relationship that we would give it a try -- and I think it would have similar even if the details had been tougher. Love at first sight can be real and can be lasting!

 

PS: it was 3 years before we were able to live together permanently, and we have a ways to go to match 43 years, but it will be 27 years in less than a month -- and, as he would say, "We never had a fight." Oh, and by the way, we are not far from the Brooklyn Bridge and I'd be glad to sell it to you.

Thanks for the review! I was really interested to see what my readers thought about the shortness of the time they'd get together before Trey had to leave on his deployment. Unfortunately, things like that happen all to frequently. Not so much the short time frame of knowing someone, but orders getting changed like that. It happened to a friend of mine. I agree that love at first sight can be real and can be lasting. I knew I had strong feelings for my hubby within the first week, though we didn't get married until two years later, though we're going on 8 years together, 6 of those married this year. Hopefully we'll have many many more together! Congrats on your 27 years and thanks for the review!!!
Yettie One

Sometimes it is necessary to be cruel to be kind. Jackie does need to learn to butt out of a grown man's life, be it her brother or not. Far too often we try to control those we love or care for. We do it out of good intention, but I'd say in 9 of every 10 cases it goes wrong. I just hope for both of their sakes that Jackie takes it on board and lets thing take their course.

Three weeks is a short time, but strong bonds that have stood the strength of decades have been made in shorter spaces of time, so give it the chance it deserves ey?

After all, if he's happy, then he's happy. At the very least, allow him his happiness for this moment in time?

Headstall

It IS a tough hill to climb but determination is half the battle and Mark definitely sounds determined. When the odds are stacked against you like this, we as humans can sometimes build something stronger than we can when there is little or no adversity. I am hoping this is the case here. As far as Jackie is concerned it looks like Mark is going to need her and I have no doubt that she will be there when he does. Siblings are supposed to fight sometimes. Cheers...Gary

Renee Stevens
On 07/16/2014 02:36 PM, Yettie One said:
Sometimes it is necessary to be cruel to be kind. Jackie does need to learn to butt out of a grown man's life, be it her brother or not. Far too often we try to control those we love or care for. We do it out of good intention, but I'd say in 9 of every 10 cases it goes wrong. I just hope for both of their sakes that Jackie takes it on board and lets thing take their course.

Three weeks is a short time, but strong bonds that have stood the strength of decades have been made in shorter spaces of time, so give it the chance it deserves ey?

After all, if he's happy, then he's happy. At the very least, allow him his happiness for this moment in time?

I agree, Jackie is a bit of a busybody who needs to learn to mind her own damn business sometimes. She's got a heart of gold most the time, but sometimes she's just a bit too much. As long as Mark is happy then Jackie should be happy for him and be doing her best to support him rather than tear him down. I may have written this chapter, but I'll admit by the end of it I wanted to slap her.

 

Thanks for the review Mr. Yettie!

Renee Stevens
On 08/03/2014 08:43 AM, Headstall said:
It IS a tough hill to climb but determination is half the battle and Mark definitely sounds determined. When the odds are stacked against you like this, we as humans can sometimes build something stronger than we can when there is little or no adversity. I am hoping this is the case here. As far as Jackie is concerned it looks like Mark is going to need her and I have no doubt that she will be there when he does. Siblings are supposed to fight sometimes. Cheers...Gary
Thanks for the review Gary. I think you hit the nail on the head with your review. I think when you know there's so little time, you make every second count more than you would if you don't have that time frame looming before you. Mark and Trey are a perfect example. They know they have three weeks, so rather than a "oh, we'll see each other on the weekends" etc, they plan to spend as much time together as possible and make it count.

 

Regarding the siblings fighting thing, I can definitely attest to that. My brothers and I fought, big time, but we were always there for each other when we were needed, and god help anyone who messed with one of us :)

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