For Country
Charles Walker
My family has served in the military for generations.
It’s in our blood—
This driving need to serve and protect.
1976
Unlike many of my classmates, I know exactly where I’m headed and watch the clock with impatience as it slowly counts down the final minutes of my last day as a senior at Riley High.
Ellen keeps looking back from her desk two rows up, giving me a flirtatious smile. She’s a cute little thing, and I know she’s had her sights set on me ever since her latest beau broke up with her, but I politely look the other way.
I don’t want to start anything—not when I’m about to leave town.
When the bell finally rings, I bolt from my chair and race out to the hallway. I hear Will call out, “Hey, Charlie, you going to Arnold’s party tonight?”
I hesitate, staring at the double doors at the end of the hall—the doors that mark my freedom. Personally, I have zero interest in the drunken parties Arnold is famous for, and I suspect the cops will be called to break it up long before the night is over. I can’t afford that kind of hassle right now.
Turning to face Will, I tell him with a smirk, “I don’t have time to waste. This guy’s headed to boot camp.”
“What’s the rush, man? You can die for your country any time—you should live a little first, don’t you think?”
I snort. “I have no intentions of dying, numbskull. In fact, when I return home, I’ll already be moving up the ranks, while Arnold is still flipping burgers at the drive-in. You wait and see.”
“You always were a stick-in-the-mud,” Will replies good-naturedly. “So, will I be seeing you this weekend at the lake then?”
“No,” I answer, my tone suddenly serious. “I’ll be on the bus tomorrow to start my first week of training.”
Will raises his eyebrows in disbelief. “You’re serious, man?”
“Never been more serious in my life.”
“Wow…” He scratches his head, looking as if he doesn’t quite believe what I’m saying. “Which branch?”
“Army.”
He laughs. “Now I know you’re pulling my leg.”
I grit my teeth, having had a similar reaction from my father. “You got something to say, Will?”
“It’s just that everyone knows the Army is…”
“What?” I demand, my anger beginning to boil to the surface.
I can tell he isn’t looking for a fight, and he answers meekly, “…cannon fodder.” He places his hand on my shoulder. “I just don’t want to lose you, man. They got any desk jobs there in the Army?”
I shrug his hand off my shoulder. “You don’t get it. I’m not joining the Army to sit behind a desk. I’m joining because I want to protect this country of ours.”
“Then why not join the Air Force like your dad?”
“Not interested. I’m set on field artillery. I aim to protect the brave souls on the front lines. They should only have the best of the best shielding them with firepower, don’t you think?”
Will shakes his head. “You always were an odd duck, Charlie. While I respect your decision, I have one piece of advice for you.”
I am leery of what that “pearl of wisdom” might be.
“Come back alive, man.”
“That’s the plan,” I answer bluntly. Despite my father’s disdain for the Army, I am determined to prove myself and make him proud.
“Good luck, man,” Will claps me on the shoulder. “But I’m sure the hell glad it ain’t me.” He gives me a friendly nod before heading down the hallway to his locker.
I look back at the double doors and start to sprint, not caring what others think. With a burst of youthful exuberance, I erupt from the doors screaming at the top of my lungs, “Freedom!”
Destiny is calling, and this man can’t wait to meet up with it.
For Love
Cleopatra Cox
I believe love is the answer…
And I have found that answer in Ethan Haynes.
2012
I watch the clock tick down the seconds, marking the end of my time here at Riley High. I look over at Ethan and smile shyly, knowing we are going to celebrate tonight by making love for the first time. I think it’s funny how the girls in my class are all weepy, and some even take pictures with their fancy phones to mark our last few minutes as seniors. Personally, I can’t wait to get out of this place.
You see, I’ve had a crush on Ethan ever since I was a freshman. It happened the day he threw his math book to a friend and I unknowingly walked between them and got smashed in the face.
Hot damn! When Ethan looked down at me with those baby blues framed with long eyelashes and asked if I was okay in that deep voice, my brain stopped functioning. I could only stare at him like a little lost puppy.
Ethan thought he’d really hurt me and insisted on taking me to the nurse’s office. It was totally embarrassing, but I loved every minute of it.
After that, we started hanging out together every day. But, to my utter horror and disappointment, Ethan moved away two months later. His parents had suddenly decided to split up, and his mother headed off to New York, dragging Ethan with her.
To say I was completely devastated is an understatement.
All through high school, I watched my girlfriends date while I was completely ignored by the boys. You see, my girlfriends started filling out with those round curves that men can’t stop staring at. But me? My body looked exactly the same—no boobs or hips to speak of.
Because of that, I was forced to endure cruel nicknames like Bee Sting and Pancakes. Oh yes, the boys thought they were being so clever and I would laugh it off. But damn, it hurt like hell.
My mom liked to tell me that I took after the fairies of her Irish homeland because of my big, round eyes, tiny frame, and wispy hair—but I knew better. I was a freak of nature, and if something didn’t change, I would remain dateless for the rest of my life.
Thankfully, Ethan returned my senior year. He had moved back in with his father to finish his last year of high school, and I was back on cloud nine.
Oh, Ethan…
He was taller and even more handsome than before.
Just looking at that boy does things to me!
So here I am, anxiously watching the clock, ready to escape the insanity called high school. As soon as the bell rings, I pop out of my chair and grab the hand he’s holding out for me.
Together, we walk out to the hallway and head straight toward the double doors that mark my freedom from this place.
Oh Lord, my body is already tingling just thinking about what’s going to happen tonight, and I bite my bottom lip in anticipation.
I look up into those baby blues as we walk through the doors together. I can’t wait to feel Ethan’s love inside me…
Read more in Safe Haven, the first book in Captain's Duet.
