Home Away From Home

Chapter 24

That night, Nick had these dreams of him leaving for the army. The dream scared him because he left for the army and he never came back. Valerie had to raise the kids on their own, and he saw when their kids got a little older they asked their mom where their dad was and Valerie started crying. Nick quickly opened his eyes. He thanked God that it was already morning and he didn't have to keep sleeping. He didn't want to do. He had no choice but to go. He kept telling himself that he came back alive once, but he couldn't convince himself that he would come back alive this time. He looked to his side and saw that Valerie wasn't there. He got up and walked into his babies rooms. There she was, his beautiful angel, nursing his babies. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Good morning." She said.

"Good morning." Nick came closer and kissed her. They couldn't have been happier. It was filled with the babies cries, fights, laughs, and mostly love. They were all sitting down at the dinner table. Anthony and Emma joined them.

"So Zack, did you behave yourself in school today?" Valerie asked.

"Yes, Val. I told you I changed." He smiled, showing his pride.

"Good. I haven't had a call from your principal for a week. Keep it up." They continued eating and then Valerie got up to answer the phone.

"I can get it, babe." Nick got up.

"No, it's okay. I got it." She walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Nick Conan, please." A voice spoke.

"This is his wife."

"Is your husband busy at the moment?"

"Yes. Is there a message you would like me to give him?"

"Tell him that Lieutenant Charles Miles called and that he has to show up tomorrow." She stayed quiet. "If he doesn't, we have no choice but to show up to your home and arrest him. The good new is that he only has to be here for six months. Are you there?"

"Yes, I will give him the message." Her voice was low as a whisper.

"Thank you." She put the phone. Valerie's hand reached over her mouth as she started tearing.

"What's taking so long?" Nick said as he walked in. He saw her and jumped to give her a hug. "What happened?"

"Lieutenant Charles Miles called; you have to show up tomorrow." She pushed him off her.

"Babe, stop." He tried reaching for her hand.

"No, you promised!"

"You know what? I've had enough of this. I'm going to call him right now and tell him no. My family needs me, you need me. I am not leaving you." He turned around and reached for the phone.

"No! You will get arrested. I don't want that. Either way I lose you." Her tears came down faster as she realized there was no good that would come out of this situation.

"What if you don't come back?"

"I will be back. That's a promise." Nick pulled back and grabbed her face with his two hands.

"I don't know if I can believe your promises anymore." She tried backing away again, but failed.

"Val, I will be back, alive. You are not going to be on your own. I will be back. I promise." He hugged her tightly. "I promise."

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