A lot of things have changed in our lives. Several months ago Carlos wanted to talk with Kenni and me, and he told us that his "little" brother Luis, a couple of years younger, my age, was leaving the military after eight years, mostly in the Middle East. Since their family is not in the U.S. Carlos wanted to let him stay with us for a while till he got situated and decided what he would do next.
We knew that might mean major changes in our lives for a little while, but of course Kenni and I were eager to help, because he was Carlos' brother and because he had given so much for our country. Kenni had met him years ago, before they were married; I barely knew he existed. But we all agreed we could not keep our relationship from him, and we'd have to see if he could deal with it.
He arrived from the airport in a cab stuffed with three duffle bags, everything he owned. And I watched as the cab driver tried to get a bag out of the trunk and was barely able to drag it out and let it fall to the ground. Then Luis grabbed the other bag and yanked it out with one hand! The one in the cab was a little smaller, and the driver managed to lug it to the house with both arms wrapped around it, while Luis carried the bags from the trunk, one in each hand!
Ohmyfuckingmotherofgod! Luis was Carlos on steroids! Their faces were close enough to be twins, and Luis was about the same height. But he outweighed Carlos by at least 30 pounds. And it was all muscle! Kenni had gone shopping so it was up to me to greet him, and when I opened the door I got a big smile. "I remember Kendra, so you must be Cristina," he grinned, but I think he was a little surprised I didn't appear to be Latin. He sounded a lot like Carlos, same deep voice, but with a bit more of an accent.
I wanted him to feel at home and said, "Please, Luis, call me Crissy!" and went on tip-toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. And he took my hand in his big paws and leaned forward, returning little kisses on both cheeks! God, I was almost melting on the spot, and I didn't know how to handle it. I hoped he wouldn't notice the flush on my face.
We sent the driver on his way and I had him bring his bags to the spare bedroom. I tried to move one over to make more space, and I couldn't even budge it! We sat in the living room and got acquainted a bit as he told me about his trip, and how happy he was to finally be home again. And all I could see was that smile that flashed at the slightest provocation.
Without going into details I told him how I'd met Kenni and Carlos and how it just seemed natural for us to be together. I could see a little question on his face, but he could see how happy I was, and seemed to accept the situation. He said he'd be looking for job in the area, since he had no other family in the country, and Carlos had said he might be able to work at his company. He had quite a bit of money saved from his military salary, and would look for an apartment, not a problem if the job search didn't take too long.
I told him not to be in too much of a hurry, and enjoy himself, get adjusted to his new life. Then I asked him a general question about life in the military overseas, an immediately, a shadow crossed his face. And he leaned forward, speaking quietly. He told me he hadn't wanted to leave, and felt guilty about letting his buddies have to go on without him. But he'd been having nightmares, and began waking up screaming and crying almost every night.
His CO found out and one thing led to another. The army shrinks suggested he be sent stateside, away from the combat zones. But it got even worse, the guilt eating at him. Finally he knew he had to leave. And so, here he was, hoping a total change and a new life would cure him. He reminded me of a giant teddy bear, his body tough as nails, and yet his mind desperately needing help. I wanted to cuddle him, hold him, try to take away the pain and fears.
Kenni arrived and they had a bit of a reunion, although they'd never known each other well. But she glanced at me and I could see the same reaction in her face as must have been in mine. The resemblance to Carlos was uncanny. And perhaps our reaction to him was predictable.
The real reunion took place when Carlos got home. As kids they had been close, and it was obvious the bond was still very strong. We had dinner and talked long into the night. I had quietly told Kenni and Carlos to avoid his time in the military if possible, and we talked about job prospects, possible travel and things like getting him a car. Finally we were all yawning and it was clearly time for bed so we said our good nights.
We wanted him to be comfortable, and refrained from any of our usual frolicks, agreeing a little more rest wouldn't hurt us either. But I woke up with a start around 2 AM, to a loud yell. Kenni and Carlos did too, and we listened as Luis whimpered and groaned his way through a nightmare. I felt terrible, knowing the background, and finally couldn't stand it any more. I hurt almost as much as he did. I got up and pulled on a Tee and shorts, then leaned over to Kendra, giving her a kiss. She whispered to me, "I know, baby."
I opened Luis' door and went quietly to his bed, lying on top of the sheet, next to him. And gently I put an arm across his covered body and pulled myself against him. Suddenly, he jumped violently, his hand under the sheet pushing my arm away so violently I almost fell back. I should have known better than to hold him. "He yelled, No! No!" and suddenly sat straight up, eyes wide open.
I stayed low, afraid he might swing his arms, and said softly, "Luis! It's ok Luis, it's me, Crissy!"
He yelled out, "OH GOD!!" and looked down at me. And he began to gasp, his chest heaving, and I heard a single sob, before he caught himself. Big boys don't do that. "What are you doing here?" he said, staring at me.
"Honey, I heard you, we all did. I wanted to help. No one should be alone and suffer like that!" and I reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing it. His body had been rigid, but little by little I felt him relax as we just looked at one another.
Suddenly he pulled his other hand out from under the sheet and slammed it on the bed. "DAMN! He shouted. "You have been so nice to me, and I can't even get through one night without upsetting every one!" And he put his hand over his face.
"Shhhhhhhhh, baby," I said. "We aren't upset, we just feel bad for you. But you are in just the right place now, with your brother and those closest to him. Things will change and get better. I promise, Luis. Now lie down and relax. I'll stay with you."
He let out a long shaky breath, like he'd been holding it in for minutes, and his body slumped back onto the bed. I pushed myself up and kissed his cheek softly. When he turned onto his side again, I slid my arm back over him, my hand pressed against his chest. Since the sheet had slipped to his waist I was now touching his skin. When I pressed against his back he shuddered and stretched.
He didn't move for several minutes and I thought he might be asleep, but then he said quietly, "I like having you here Crissy, but I don't think you should touch me like that. It's been a long time and... well, women in burkas aren't very appealing. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can sleep if you touch me. I'm... I'm... oh shit, I have a hard-on!"