When You Were Here

The News

The next day I get a call from Derek saying he needs to talk. I meet him in the woods at our place, which is a beautiful gazebo in the middle of the forest. I hug him and give him a quick kiss. "I have to tell you something I should have told you a while ago, but I was afraid of your reaction," he says. I nod and let him continue. "I joined the army and I just got out of basic training which is why I've been gone so long this summer," he says. "Okay, this isn't that surprising because you were thinking about it before graduation, but I am a bit hurt you didn't tell me sooner," I say. Why didn't he tell me before? "I have something else to tell you," he pauses to take a breath. "I'm being deployed," he says with tears in his eyes. "When?" I ask. "Tomorrow," he says.

I fall to my knees and cry, while Derek rubs my back. "They are sending me to Iraq," he says sadly. My heart fills with sorrow and sadness. "I'll be gone for at least eight months," he says his voice breaking. We sit there just holding on to each other. "I promise I will come back to you and we will get married," he says breaking me out of thoughts. "Okay, and I will keep planning the wedding," I say smiling.

My parents already know the news, Derek's parents probably told them. I give them each a hug and go upstairs to my room. I open my wedding planning book and write down flowers and decorations and stuff. In the morning I wake up early and get ready for going to the airport. My parents drive me and we meet Derek and his parents there. I give his mom and dad a hug and then hug him. We get to his gate and they call for departure. "I love you, don't forget to write," I say with tears streaming down my face. "I love you too, I will see you in no time," he says letting go of my hand and going through the gate. I look at him until I can't see him anymore.

I hang out with Tracey, we watch the Titanic and eat ice cream and chocolate. "So, we have to look at wedding dresses in Cassie's Wedding Boutique next time we drive by," Tracey says. "Yeah but we are not getting one yet," I say. We turn back to the TV just before the sad part happens. Of course We cry, me more than Tracey because I think of Derek. What if he dies or gets injured, what if he isn't the same when he gets back. All these questions run through my mind. If Derek died I would never ever be able to move on, if he died I would become a shell.