What sleeps in the deep

Ch 6: The Journey

Nothing from that night was peaceful. Stella tossed and turned in that bed, her mind racing on what will happen tomorrow. Then suddenly exhaustion crept in and took her for a trip.

Flash back in the city...

Stella sat by the window with a flyer in her hands contemplating the promises so proudly painted in that small pamphlet. Then as she was watching the cars move around like bugs throughout the busy city; barging in was Hollie her younger sister, she proudly skipped in the apartment and went straight to her bedroom. Stella seeing Hollie in a good mood followed her to see what was going on. Then Hollie approached the bed letting out a small evil laugh as she drops a lot of dollar bills all over the bed.

"Hollie! where did you get this money?!?"

"Um, why does that matter?"

"You're gonna bring us more problems if you stole it that's why."

"I didn't steal the money. I earned it-so relax."

"You're 15 wise crack. Nobody your age can earn half of that."

"Fiiiinnnnnneeee, I stole some rich people's jewels in that fancy restaurant. So while everyone thought I was delivering flowers- I was getting made!"

"DAMN IT, HOLLIE! THAT'S BAD. YOU'RE NOT HELPING US."

"Oh really? There's more money tossed on that bed, than what mom makes in A WEEK! so excuse me while I'll pay the landlord."

As Hollie walks away proudly, hot streams of tears fell from Stella's face. It was obvious now, they reached the point where anything drastic will work. That same day, Stella packed her bag and went straight to the military recruitment center.

Stella quietly sat in front of the recruiter with red puffy eyes and frazzled hair. Her hands locked around her little bag.

The recruiter looked at her in confusion. After some hesitation the recruiter then asked some questions.

"So, why are you interested in becoming a marine?"

In a dry tone, "I heard you give opportunities."

"Yes we do, but isn't this too rough of a career for you?"

"I'm interested. Can you help me?"

"Yes, Sign here."

After signing away, Stella was immediately taken by a school bus with other young people who signed the same dotted line.

Finally, the bus reached boot camp. The moment the bus parked in the driveway two uniformed men rushed in yelling at all the recruits to get out the bus and get in line. Stella knew the party just got started. Ah Sh*t...

2-3 months go by and Stella was finally able to make a phone call home.

Brrrrrrrr Brrrrrrrrr, Click [Hello?]

"Ma?"

"Baby! Your okay!!"

"Yes ma, I'm finally allowed to make phone calls. Did you get my letters?"

"Ah yes sweetie, I sent you some too. Did you get mine?"

"Yes ma, I got ALL of them."

"Good. Stella; me and your sister thought you went missing. I was about to call the police when I saw the note on the fridge. I thought you were playing until I got your first letter. I wasn't ready for that."

"Ma, I had too. Beside they're gonna take care of me and they told me that I could study under them too."

"Well, Stella you started. So now finish it. Not for me and your sister. But for yourself."