Finding 4

Chapter 45

Marley

We all stand in the front garden of our house. All of our things are packed up, or at least the things we need. Dad is in his tan NWU uniform, his matching hat in his hand as he kneels in front of Elijah.

Dad's going to be gone for two months, and Brody doesn't turn eighteen until May, so we have to stay with someone while he's gone. Luckily for us, the Kavanagh parents offered to take us in since they have plenty of room that isn't being used.

"Alright bud, you're gonna take care of the house?" Dad asks Elijah.

Elijah sniffles and croaks out a "Yeah."

Dad's eyes are full of sadness, but he's putting on a smile. He reaches up and cups Elijah's small face in between his hands, wiping his tears with his thumbs. "You're gonna love it with Edel and John. They know all about rugby."

"Really?" Elijah's strained voice questions.

"Oh yeah." Dad exaggerates. "They even have a son who's professional. I'm sure he'd love to play with you sometime."

"Are you coming back, daddy?" My little brother asks, his voice sad and tears still streaming down his cheeks.

I've only seen dad cry once, but I think as soon as Elijah said that, it was about to be twice.

"I'm gonna try." He kisses Elijah on the forehead and then stands up, ruffling his hair. He moves to Brody, and the two dap up and pull each other into a hug.

They're talking to each other, but I'm so distracted that I can't hear the conversation.

Dad is getting shipped out to Afghanistan. Everyone knows that you don't leave that place. Not the way you were before at least.

My thoughts are cut short when dad faces me, and I don't even say anything. I only hug him, feeling too scared to let go.

His hand rubs up and down my back. "Take care of yourself Mar."

"I will." I reply.

"I'm serious." He pulls away and looks at my face. "And if you need anything they got phones out there now. You can call me anytime from three pm to five pm."

I huff out a smile at his words, slightly laughing. "I love you dad."

"I love you too." He smiles at me, and playfully nudges my chin with his fist. "Don't go beating any girls up now."

I smile slightly "No promises."

He pats my cheek and sighs before turning around. "I love you guys."

I watch as dad puts his cap back on his head and walks to the drivers side door of his truck.

"Love you too." We all say as I pick up Elijah.

He buries his face in my shoulder, still crying. A few tears poke at the edges of my eyes, but I swallow them down and settle for comforting my younger brother.

"Daddy." Elijah cries, his voice cracking.

I chew on the inside of my lip, rubbing his back. "It's okay."

"Don't leave daddy." Elijah sniffles, trying to crawl out of my arms.

I hold him tighter. "It's okay, Elijah."

"No." He cries.

Dad has to force himself to get into the truck, and when the door closes Elijah cries even harder. He's gripping my shirt with his small fists, sobs pouring out of him.

It gets harder and harder to hold the tears back as I hold Elijah, but I keep it together.

"Come on bud." Brody speaks soft but I can tell he's sad. He takes Elijah from me, and gives me a weary look before going inside.

I stay in the garden, just standing there.

The feelings get too much and my bottom lip starts to wobble, my shoulders shaking as tears start to force their way out of my eyes. I stay standing there, and as soon as I lift my hand to cup my mouth, I feel a pair of arms wrap around me. I know who it is, because I can smell her vanilla perfume that she always wears.

Plus, I knew Tierny would be over at some point today. She's my best friend, and my neighbor.

I've cried more in these past few days than I have like...ever.

I hate it.

People have been comforting me left and right here lately, and it makes me feel like a pathetic child.

Forget protecting my vulnerability, because everyone has seen my weak side at this point.

Even then I can't stop myself from crying into my best friend as we stand in my garden. My face is buried in her shoulder, her arms wrapped around my neck as mine are wrapped around her torso.

Somehow it's oddly comforting to have her here. Not that I'm going to make it a common occurrence of crying in front of people, but it's nice to know that someone is there for you. That someone loves you.