Short Love Story--Ryan's Hope and Where In The World Was Bertha

Falls Church

Fairfax, Virginia

The Present

Ryan is 25 now. It's been nine years since he said goodbye to Bertha at Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C. Her name was on his head all day. Today he will heading to Frankfurt Germany. You wonder why? In nine years so many things did happen: At 18 he joined the Armed forces, specifically the Air Force and made several tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was already a Senior Airman, and has been through so many casualties and consequential collateral damage during his career. Friends that he met at Lackland's Airbase in San Antonio Texas were gone! Some died in Kabul and others were ambushed during several unexpected confrontations with the enemy.

Dating? Disregard Ryan, over!

When Ryan said bye to Bertha, he was expecting a call from her. But her own father made sure Ryan's cell would disappear mysteriously by the time the made it to Prague. Bertha's father was still upset with both incidental kissing nine years ago.

In some way Ryan didn't want to commit to any one else thinking, thinking Bertha might have given him a call, which never happened.

Why Germany?

Europe was small compared with the states. Czech Republic was near the eastern border from Germany. The Berlin wall fell in 1989 and that cold war was over, unless they never told us. Ryan would be sent to Ramstein Air Base, in the province of Rheinland-Pfalz.

How Far Do You Want to Go for Love?

Ryan did remember her first and last name: Bertha Brozek.Yup! That was right! Bryan was taking Networking and Telecommunications; pretty much he knew his way around the net. His feelings got deeper for a reason. He was heading to a country near hers... and that was exciting enough!

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Today he did try again. His account wasn't really that much active. His head was full of memories from the past. Suddenly (there we go again) he saw a profile name from Bonn, Germany. This Bertha Brozek was in Germany and a few miles from the Base. He went into her profile and there she was. Bertha Brozek, 26 years old Medicine student from Prague. He was sure it was her. Time didn't pass for her. "Dang! She even looks better!"

Cologne/Bonn Airport

Germany

Ryan made it to Germany in 14 hours. A layover in Paris was perfect to stretch out and get himself some food. His German and French were not good enough to pick up a chick. He didn't care, he was really into his career.

Before departing from the U.S. Ryan did add Bertha's profile to his. There was no time to text or talk. He was supposed to get situated first and then do more research.

That night

Yup! His prayers were answered. He had some real answers! Three nights before Bertha wrote on his wall:

"No, way! Is this you Ryan? I was wondering who wanted to add me from the States. You can write me to my email and keep in touch with me..."

A WEEK LATER...

International Graduate School-- Bonn

Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES)

Ryan made to this University, where Bertha, the woman he loved secretly for the last nine years would meet him again. He thought he was dreaming, and yes! She was at the academic counseling area's parking lot, waiting for him.

Ryan saw her from half a block away. It started to rain? Why? He didn't care, he was trembling and almost losing it. Then, reality struck.

Bertha came out of her car with another "guy.". It was Alexis, a Heart Surgeon that was in his early thirties. Alex was already dating Bertha since last June.

"Hi Ryan. Nice to see you again This is my boyfriend Alex, from Cologne," said Bertha kind of holding back emotions and trying to smile..

"Hi ya doing" responded Alex immediately.

"Oh hi there. Hi Bertha and Alex...?" asked Ryan, a little annoyed.

"Yeah, I brought my boyfriend whom I told him about you, and I didn't want to hide anything from him," remarked Bertha with a better English pronunciation.

"Cool Bertha. I was just wondering about you all this time," said Ryan, whose heart was broken into a million pieces, again, 5 seconds ago. He wanted to make it sound better by... by just going nuts and run away, but it was too late. Due to his special training, Ryan made his move:

"Listen Alex, I heard in Germany, you guys are not that jealous and are more open minded. Can you give me five minutes to talk to Bertha?" persuaded Ryan, with a colder voice. That training at Virginia Beach gave Ryan a better grip of the situation.

"Sure Ryan. Bertha trusts me as well... and we don't hide nothing from each other," responded Alex with that unique flamboyant coolness.

"Bertha, This was too much for me. I just... I cannot believe you have a boyfriend"

"I know Ryan. This is sad for me too...."

"So you still love me??"

"I cannot say that, and Alex is trying to read our lips. So behave please..!"

"I think is time to say bye Bertha.... you know? There is so much...forget it!"

"I understand Ryan. It was not easy for me either. I have a life and my parents already talked to Alex."

"Thanks for being so honest Bertha. My love just... died today, and I will immerse myself in my career at the Air Force. So I stop the dialogue here and say bye..."

Bertha wanted to say more, but shook his hands and let him go. That was it! Ryan just waved good bye to both, and threw a CD song UP into the air in desperation. Luckily this CD swung around three times and... came down right into this screen: