Like That

Chapter 2 - All Roads Lead Home

When trouble comes, it's your family that supports you -- Guy Lafleur

Chapter 2 - All Roads Lead Home

Emily's POV:

"Just follow behind your dad. He's got the whole route planned out," Mom informs me. "We may only get about five hours in to the journey, but every mile is taking us home."

My mom smiles and continues, "I'm so glad you've decided to move back home...I've really missed you."

"I'm not really moving home." 

"You know what mean. This is the first time since Mason was born that you have lived within a day's drive, let alone within a 2 hour drive." She was right. Home has been "where the military sends you." The closest that I have lived to my family has been almost 900 miles, when Patrick and I moved to South Carolina. We had gotten stationed there for a short time after he had made rank. Within two years we were moving again, as he took over command of a unit in North Carolina. We left North Carolina for New Mexico, then to southern California...now I'm moving without my husband, without the military...it's a bittersweet ending to a wonderful way of life.

Mom smiles at me; she's waiting for me to talk. She is trying to give me space, but I can see she wants me to share my feelings. She just wants to help...I am not ready, yet. Thankfully, she does not ask me questions, and she has not brought up the subject of Patrick. We fall into a comfortable discussion about our relatives. I got caught up on all the family gossip...who is married, engaged, divorced, pregnant, and/or any combination...this makes me wonder what my relatives say about me. I just don't want pity.

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Mason's POV:

"How are you doing," Papa asked me just as we pulled out of the parking lot.

"I'm good. I'll miss this place, but it's not the same as it was...Actually, I'm looking forward to being closer to my cousins. Uncle C.J. told me we'll only be two blocks away from his house."

"That's good, but that's not what I mean. How are YOU doing?" He emphasized the word you, and immediately understood. He was asking about my dad. I am not going to lie.

"It hurts, but I'm working through it, but Mom..." My I didn't know how to tell Papa that I'm worried about my mom. She acts like nothing happened, like dad will magically come back into our lives and we will be a family again.

"Son, this isn't easy for anyone...especially not your mom. She is a very strong woman and she will be ok. She's got a lot of support waiting for her at home. Has your mom talked to you about your new school?" Yeah, change of subject. It's hard dealing with all the issues from my dad, and I do not want to talk about all that, yet.

"A little...I know the school has a soccer team and tryouts are at the end of January. It seems weird. At my old school we tried out in the fall and it took a month. He we tryout in the spring and it takes two weeks. What gives?"

"Well, soccer isn't that big a deal here. Football is king and basketball and baseball are princes...soccer is like the ugly step child." I snarl my nose at his comment. "That shouldn't stop you, son. You have a passion for the sport...that's what matters. What position are you trying out for?"

"I'd like to play keeper. That's what I was trying for when dad...." I couldn't finish my thought. "I'm going to let the coach know I can also play midfield. I just want to play soccer. I don't really care what position. It won't be the same without dad in the stands. If I make the team, will you come to one of my games?" I try to not sound so desperate, but I miss my dad. I wish he hadn't left us.