FRIENDLY ADVICE
BY: DINO MONZON

Epilogue 

    "...and that's all there is to tell." Scarlett concluded with a smile.

    Solitaire sat thoughtfully at her chair, her long slim legs crossed as she went over everything Scarlett told her. Finally, she said: "All that time you spent overnight in that hotel, and Snake-Eyes never made a move on you? Except to kiss you good night -and only because you asked him to?"

    "You got it, Solitaire," Scarlett said. "That's the kind of guy Snake-Eyes is. He may not be an officer- but at heart he's a real gentleman-in every sense of the word."

    "Thanks for letting me know, Scarlett." Solitaire said softly. "Guess I shouldn't have doubted Snake-Eyes-"

    "Hey, you meant well, Solitaire," Scarlett said gently. "I understand. No harm was done."

    A knock sounded on the door just then.

    "Come in," Scarlett said invitingly. Even before the door opened, she immediately knew in her heart who would come calling.

    The door opened and, as she expected, Snake-Eyes came in. The G.I. Joe Commando was attired in a dark gray turtleneck and black slacks and comfortable moccasins. His dark blond hair was neatly trimmed and a pair of aviator-styled mirrored dark glasses over his gray eyes partially shielded his recently reconstructed face. He was carrying a lightweight red traveling bag . "Hi, ladies. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything," he motioned in sign language.

    "Hi, Snake-Eyes," Scarlett said warmly. "Solitaire and I were just having a little girl talk." She glanced knowingly at the young courier. "Isn't that right, Solitaire?"

    Solitaire grinned. "You said it, Scarlett." She uncrossed her legs and got to her feet. "Well, I guess the two of you would want to be alone for awhile, right, Snake-Eyes?" she asked, casting a knowing look at the two. The Commando nodded and the very pretty courier took her leave.

    Scarlett smiled at her lover. "I take it you're here to say good - bye, right, pal?" As she spoke, she stood up, wincing ever so slightly as a stab of pain stung her injured leg. Absently, she rubbed her thigh as she went in front of the desk. 'Ten more days,' she reminded herself. '10 more days, and I'll be good as new.' She hoped Snake-Eyes would be back by then. Perhaps they could go on a date.

    Snake-Eyes nodded. "You really ought to take it easy, Shana. You know what Lifeline told you about your leg."

    "Oh, I'll be up and around by the time you get back from Washington, Snake-Eyes. Don't worry. " She smiled mischievously. "Who knows? Maybe I can try out that new swimsuit I bought a few weeks ago. I hope you'll like seeing me wearing it."

    "Oh, I know I will," Snake -Eyes signalled. "By the way, Scarlett, is there anything you'd like for me to bring you when I get back? A new dress? A book?"

    "That won't be necessary, Snake-Eyes," Scarlett said. "All the same, thanks for your thoughtfulness. All I want is for you to promise me you'll come back home to me safely. Please?"

    "I'll try, kid." he signaled. "Oh, Scarlett?"

    "Yes?"

    "What exactly were you and Solitaire talking about when I came in?" he asked curiously.

    Scarlett grinned. "Honestly? I was just telling her that you were an honorable man."

    "Thanks, Sis."

    Scarlett blushed. She knew Snake-Eyes oft told her how much she reminded him of his twin sister, Terri. She once felt annoyed being thought of that way by Snake-Eyes. However, as time passed by, she understood why he felt that way towards her and came to accept it.

    Snake-Eyes glanced at his watch-a well worn Rolex his sister Terri had saved up to buy for him to give as a homecoming present when he finished his first tour of duty in Vietnam-and motioned: "Well, I'd best get going, Scarlett. I'll see you in a few days."

    "Count on it," Scarlett said reassuringly. "I'll be here when you return, pal. Promise." She added softly: "Please take care, John. Godspeed. I-I love you."

    Snake-Eyes nodded and took his leave.

    Solitaire was patiently waiting outside Scarlett's office, her arms folded before her. Upon sighting the Commando, she relaxed her posture.

    Snake-Eyes came up to her. "Ready to go, Solitaire?"

    "Ready, willing and able, partner." she smiled at him. Let's get this show on the road.

    Snake-Eyes noted the enthusiasm in the pretty courier's voice. He smiled slightly as they walked down the corridors of the Pit.

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