Red Stars

Chapter 4: The Question (1)

Broodie came running towards me soon as I entered my home. Sniffing me up and down, he was clearly trying to detect any traces of Teemees, his favourite doggo biscuits.

"Hey, buddy, sorry to be such a disappointing mommy... I promise I will get you some tomorrow, okay?" I gently spoke to the poor dog while giving him a belly rub.

Right then, Dad walked in.

"Look who finally remembered her home," he said sarcastically while taking out a can of ginger beer from the refrigerator.

"Oh come on. I texted you about it, Dad. I had promised Anna."

Dad walked towards the couch I was sitting on and I got up to give him a quick hug.

"I know, I know. You and your promises. You're just like your Mum," he said with a sweet little grin.

And I'm proud of it, too, I thought.

"Where's Harry?" I asked.

"Young man's been having a tough time with his maths class. I think he got that from you. He's been working on his homework, which reminds me, I was just about to go help him out a little." With this, Dad walked off to Harold's room, still holding the ginger beer can in his hands.

I gave Broodie another belly rub and got up from the couch. I went inside my room and locked the door. I could feel the anxiety crawling up on me now. I had to call Dave, but I could not shake off the fear of what I would do if he asked me the question. I couldn't say yes, of course. But I didn't have the heart to say no and lose him either. It was a very troubling dilemma and I kept thinking on it anxiously, while pacing back and forth in my room.

Pinggg.

Back yet?

I looked at his text and paused for a second. I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves, and then I called.

"Hey."

"Hello, madam. Disappeary much lately?" there was a hint of excitement in his tone.

I laughed a little nervously. "No, I've just been a bit busy with college. How have you been?"

He took a deep sigh before responding. "Military is my wife, you see. And it's a very whiny one. How do you think I must've been?" he laughed a little before answering his own question, "Exhausted, to be honest. But you're quite a sight for sore eyes. And hearts, must I add."

The softness in his voice made me blush. What was happening? I was not supposed to blush? That's literally step number 1 to falling in love. And that was the last thing I wanted.

"Aren't you the sweet-talker," I said shyly.

"Hey, I wanted to tell you something, Kat. It's more of a question, really."

My heart started beating faster. My throat suddenly felt dry. I was losing my language, words, voice. Why was this affecting me so much? Was it all just in my head?

"Sure," I said in a barely audible voice.

"I'm coming to Seattle this Saturday. Would you, Ms. Katherine Stillson, allow me the privilege of meeting you?"

I didn't know if that question came to me as a relief or a fresh wave of anxiety. Which question was worse, the one I feared or the one he just asked me?

"I guess I would like that, Lieutenant Dave Reginald. See you Saturday."

"See you then, Miss!"

I ended the call and sat on my bed for a long while. My mind was blank. What just happened?

I needed to talk to Anna.

.....