The Great War of Love

Chapter Three

A few days later I was ready to go.  I had my train ticket in hand and my trunk next to me. I had snuck into Ben’s room the night before and had stolen his uniform, it was a little big when I tried it on but I’m hoping that after training I will get bigger, more like my brother.  I stood on the platform at the train station trying to hold back tears, who knows what will happen to me? This could be the last time I see my family, ever. I play with my curls as my dad and brother pick up my trunk and put it on the train, soon I will have to cut these curls, these curls that I never knew I loved so much until recently.

“You’re doing a good thing,” my mother says behind me as she places her hand on my shoulder, “I’m very proud of you.”

I give her a weak smile, “I know,” I turn around and face her, which doesn’t help my emotions. I can feel my eyes get warm and the tears start to spill over, “I love you mom.” Her eyes start to water too and she pulls me into a hug, a hug that will never feel long enough.

“I love you too, and you won’t be gone forever honey, it’s just for a little while.”I stand there, still wrapped in my mother’s arms, wanting to give all of this up now, wanting to stay here forever. She slowly lets go and looks at me, giving me a smile, “You’re very brave.”

“Thanks, but I don’t feel so brave right now,” and I really don’t.

“You will once you start helping the soldiers,” she says squeezing my hand.

Yeah, once I help the soldiers…

“Are you two crying already?” asks a voice behind me that can only belong to one person, Ben.

My father walks up and gives me a hug, “I’m gonna miss you,” He says, hugging me tighter.

“I’m gonna miss you too.”I whisper, again wishing I could just go home. He pats my back and lets me go; the only person left is Ben, which might be the hardest.

He opens his arms wide, “Come here Cat,” He says. He’s really good at keeping his composure, but I hear his voice crack at my name. I go over and hug him tightly, as tight as I possibly can. “Didn’t expect to be seeing you off,” he says.

“I know what you mean,” I say. I never thought I would be doing this. Never would have thought I would have even thought about doing this.

“Be safe, and be careful with those men, don’t trust any of them.”

I try to laugh but it sounds strained, “Don’t worry,” I say, I doubt any will be interested in me once I look like you, “I won’t listen to anything they say.”

“Good,” He says, “good.” He lets me go and I know it’s almost time to leave.

The train whistles and I look behind me, there’s only a few people left getting on. My feet feel like lead though, they refuse to move.

“Bye,” I say, starting to turn. They all smile at me but they’re sad smiles. I slowly walk towards the train, but keep looking back at them. My mom’s crying and my father has his arm around her, Ben has his arms crossed and is watching me walk, I can tell he wants to cry too but doesn’t want to look weak. I take my first step up onto the train and then the next. Everything feels like it’s going in slow motion, I turn one last time and wave, trying to look as brave as my mother believes that I am. They all wave back and I slowly turn back around and finish up the steps. As soon as I’m safely inside the train starts to move. I quickly run into the aisle way of the train and find the closest window seat. They’re all still there and I wave again and watch as they do too. We do this until I can’t even see them anymore. I slouch down in my seat, wanting to cry but refusing too. If I want to be like my brother, I have to start at some point.

“You okay?” a man next to me asks.

I look up at him and notice he is dressed in uniform and doesn’t look all that much older than me. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I say looking back out the window trying to ignore the fact that I will soon be like him; I just need a moment first.

“You sure? Cause your eyes are all red,” he points to my eyes and I can’t help but feel a little embarrassed, nobody should have to see me like this.

I try to laugh, “Yeah, no, I’m okay,” I wipe the back of my hand on my eyes but soon remember that that won’t help the fact that they are red.

He looks at me for a few moments, which makes me feel uncomfortable, “Alright,” he says, and then smiles, “So where are you headin’?” He has a bright smile, with almost perfect teeth, and blue eyes that don’t leave my face. He’s kind of handsome, which makes me blush, and him smile wider.

“Uh, I’m going to be a nurse,” I mumble, “For the war.” Just another person to lie to.

“Ohhh, okay,” He says, still smiling, “Then maybe we will see each other again after this,” He winks, making me blush even more.

“Maybe,” I say quietly.

“I’m James,” He says, putting out his hand.

“Catherine,” I say, shaking it.