His Army Doctor

Military Ball

They drove back to Lee and Chloe’s house as Chloe chatted endlessly making plans on hair and makeup. She had eagerly volunteered to do Delilah’s. Delilah didn’t mind, because if it was up to her, she’d throw her hair in a braid, but even she knew that this dress was too nice for that simple of a hair style. She had called Tobias from Chloe’s house to let him know that she would just ride with them to the banquet hall, however, Tobias insisted on picking her up himself.

The afternoon faded slowly as Chloe made Delilah take a rose petal bath while she deep conditioned her hair and worked out the endless tangles. Chloe talked most of the afternoon about styles she had seen in these magazines from models. Most of the magazines were from before the Great War, but that was the closest thing to fashion trends these days. Chloe did Delilah's hair in loose curls going down the side to prevent her long hair from covering her back. Delilah insisted that the makeup be simple. Chloe agreed given that Delilah already had such flawless olive skin. Even with minimal makeup, Delilah could barely recognize herself in the mirror. Chloe continued to work on her own elegant up do while Delilah went downstairs to wait on Tobias. The heavy smell of perfume and hairspray in Chloe’s bathroom was beginning to give her a headache. As she was just starting to rest on the couch enjoying the silence, the doorbell rang.

She opened the door to find Tobias looking sleek and masculine in his formal general attire. She couldn’t help but notice that he had not shaved his beard. She was a little surprised that he granted her request. He was holding out a single white rose. What was, perhaps, the most interesting was that Tobias was smiling, like an actual, real, genuine smile. It wasn’t one of his sarcastic smirks. She looked down when she realized she had been staring too long, but to her surprise she had gone unnoticed because he was still staring at her. 

She did a small twirl in her dress. “Is this formal enough, General?” she asked sarcastically.

He smiled as he handed her the white rose, “It’s perfect.”

The banquet hall wasn’t far and they drove quietly. Delilah tried to break the awkward silence by asking about where they were and what each building was used for. She had never been to this area of Thanatos Island before. Once they arrived, Tobias opened Delilah’s door before she could even get her hand on the handle. He helped her down which she was a little thankful for, though, she’d never admit it. She hated high heels. They walked into the banquet hall and Delilah was in awe. Thanatos was a simple place so to see such an elegant building decorated with intricate designs and bright colors was breathtaking. The back of the building was fully glass which gave guests the perfect view of the ocean. Delilah had never been anywhere so upscale before, and certainly not as a guest. She had worked for a catering group during college at one point and they had catered some fancy dinner parties for some big wig politicians, but even those events were not this nice.

“Do you want to sit down?” asked Tobias. Delilah realized she had been standing there taking in her surroundings for a bit too long now. She nodded and Tobias showed her to their table. 

Unfortunately, Tobias had to sit with some higher rank military personnel and councilmen at Thanatos. Thankfully, Dr. Aldridge had been assigned to their table so it was at least one familiar face. He smiled gently at Delilah as he sat down but as was his personality, he was silent for most of the meal. The food was delicious and so beautifully designed on the porcelain plates that Delilah almost hated to ruin the artwork of the chefs. Although she was hungry since her and Chloe had forgotten lunch amidst all the shopping, she had a hard time eating as she couldn’t stop watching all the beautiful women in gorgeous gowns, the higher ranked soldiers in their military uniforms, and the non military guests as well as lower ranked soldiers in sleek black tuxes. The band was wonderful and Delilah was entranced watching the men and women dance gracefully on the dance floor, although the number of men here certainly outnumbered the women. Delilah noticed that most the guests here looked to be of a whole different class and race than the men she came into contact with on her first night in Thanatos. It amazed her that these groups of people could coexist on a small island together.

Tobias nudged her leg under the table, awakening her from her thoughts. Delilah looked at Tobias clueless. He cleared his throat. “The Lieutenant General was asking where you obtained your education of medicinal roots and herbs that Dr. Aldridge has told them so much about?”

“Oh, uh, sorry. Uhm, my mother grew up in a small village that heavily endorsed naturalistic medicine so she was very knowledgeable. She taught me about the different herbs and roots as a child and I took particular interest in it when studying in med school.” 

The colonel nodded his head. “How fascinating. Dr. Aldridge here has told us how beneficial this could be during our time of restricted resources.”

Dr. Aldridge took a sip of his champagne as he nodded in agreement, “Yes, Ms. Dawson has been very valuable these last few weeks.”

Delilah looked down as she blushed. She wasn’t used to being in the spot light. She preferred to blend in behind the scenes. She had wanted to use the opportunity to ask about Daniel, but given Daniel’s specific circumstances she wasn’t sure if she should bring that up in front of someone with as high rank as the Lieutenant General. 

The conversation quickly shifted away from her and Delilah once again began observing the festivities around her. She felt another nudge on her leg and quickly glanced back toward Tobias concerned that she had missed another question that was directed to her. However, the men were still chatting, paying her no mind. 

Tobias leaned over quietly towards Delilah, “Do you not like the food? You’ve barely touched your plate.”

“Oh,it’s great actually. I’ve just been distracted watching the party. I’ve never been to anything this extravagant before.”

Tobias began to say something else when Delilah felt a tap on her shoulder. A young sergeant who had been seated at their table was standing behind her. 

“Dr. Dawson, would you like to dance?” he asked.

Delilah was a bit shocked. She enjoyed watching the others dance, but she hadn’t imagined that she would be able to take part. Sergeant James was a handsome man around her age. He had blonde hair with small curls that he kept cut short. His baby blue eyes were soft and welcoming. There was nothing scary or intimidating about this man. 

Delilah nodded as she stood up and took his outstretched hand. “Sure, I’d love to, sergeant. I just go by Delilah though.”

They walked to the dance floor as a new song came on. It was slow, but not too intimate. “That’s a beautiful name, Delilah. You can call me Sawyer.” 

Delilah smiled sweetly and nodded. She could feel his hand on her exposed lower back as they danced gracefully. She was beginning to regret this dress again. She felt way too exposed with a stranger’s hand on her bare back. 

“What brings you to Thanatos Island, Delilah? I know it’s not on anyone’s dream vacation list.” he asked with a curious grin.

The sergeant seemed trusting enough. This seemed like a good opportunity to bring up Daniel. “I actually came here looking for my brother, Daniel Dawson. He was in the 78th battalion. His ship was attacked off the coast North of Acadia. I believe he survived, but I haven’t been able to get into contact with him since. Any chance you’ve heard of him?” 

The sergeant kept his kind smile as he gently shook his head. “I heard about the ships being attacked near Acadia. I also heard that several men survived and swam to shore. However, I didn’t know any of them personally. Unfortunately, I’ve never heard of your brother’s name.”

Delilah nodded a bit disappointed. She hadn’t heard of any solid lead in some time now. 

Sawyer seemed to sense her disappointment. “However, I have some military contacts at the navy base which typically report on sea attacks. I could give them a call and see what they know.” 

Delilah couldn’t help but smile. “That would be fantastic.”

“Where can I contact you if I were to hear something,” asked Sawyer. 

“Oh just call Tobias’ house.” Honestly, ever since the war, only people with rank had cellular phones. People like Tobias or city officials who needed to be contacted. Most of the cellular towers had been destroyed during the war. Only military grade satellite phones worked now. Delilah didn’t mind. She never cared for cell phones. 

“Do you mind if I ask about the nature of the relationship between you too?”

Delilah shrugged. “We’re just friends. I guess we’re friends. I really don’t know. He doesn’t talk much. I ran into some trouble when I first arrived at Thanatos and he helped me out alot and gave me a place to stay. He has been using some of his contacts to help me look for Daniel and in exchange, I work at the infirmary.” Sawyer smiled and nodded as if pleased with this answer. 

To be honest, Delilah really didn't know what the nature of their relationship was. Tobias had been her protector since she first arrived, but she didn’t feel like she knew him well enough to call him a friend. However, he had softened some in the last couple weeks. He had even joked around a time or two. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t like him being around. She always felt a sense of comfort and protection when he was nearby which was a feeling she had only had with her brother, Daniel. There was also no denying that she found him attractive. Who wouldn’t? He was tall, muscular, and had a charming smile although she had only seen it a time or two. However, he had shown no interest in her and really didn’t seem like the dating type.

The song ended, interrupting her thoughts. She and Sawyer began to part, when Delilah felt another hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Lee beaming with his devilish grin. 

“Mind if I cut in? I didn’t know the little doc could dance.”

Sawyer smiled and politely bowed out. “Of course.” He kissed Delilah’s hand before walking back to their table, “Delilah, it was a pleasure.” 

As Delilah watched Sawyer walk back to the table, she couldn’t help but notice Tobias dark eyes glaring her direction. He looked mad. Delilah sighed. I wonder what I did now, she thought. She turned around and redirected her attention to Lee as he held out his hand. 

She grabbed his hand and they began dancing. The song was a bit more upbeat with a good rhythm. To no surprise, Lee was an excellent dancer. He kept a tight grip around his waist and probably stayed a bit too close. That was typical Lee, though. He was always a flirt. Delilah caught a glimpse of Chloe dancing with another young soldier as she lightly waved to Delilah. She looked beautiful in her pale pink dress that flared at the waist. It was sweet and innocent, just like Chloe. 

“So, enjoying it so far?” asked Lee.

“Yes, it’s actually been a lot of fun. I can’t get over how gorgeous everything is. I can’t stop looking at everything.”

Lee grinned and shook his head. “If only you knew, Delilah.” Delilah smiled sheepishly as she looked up at him. 

“Knew what?” she asked.

Lee shook his again in a bit of frustration, “You can’t stop looking at table decorations and chandeliers, but everyone else in the room can’t stop looking at you.”

Delilah let her head drop shyly. Lee was quite the flirt and knew exactly how to embarrass her. What he said was simply not true though. Every woman in here tonight looked ravishing in their gowns. If anything Delilah felt like she faded into the background next to them.