Run Away

The New Beginning

The first week of coming back home went by in a blur. Next thing I knew, I was waiting for Jacob in my backyard. I was sitting on a blanket next to my tree, examining my dress. Jennifer gave it to me for my date. I willingly said yes, because I wanted to become more of a girl, not some tomboy.

The dress came down to my knees, it was turquoise. I wore matching sandals and a flower in my blondish – brunette hair. The gentle breeze made me sleepy.

I stole a glance at Blake and Peaches on the grassy floor staring up to the sky. I smiled; I knew they were going to be a great couple. My mom and dad volunteered to buy Peaches an apartment and found her a job. She was very pleased.

I relaxed and closed my eyes. After a couple of minutes, I heard a rustle and opened my eyes. Two legs were in front of me. I looked up, up and up until I saw Jacob staring down at me. A smile was on his face. I got up and saw my uncle come outside.

“Hi Jacob,” I smiled.

Blake came over to us and smiled at Jacob.

“Well, hello…” he said.

“Hi, future – brother – in – law…” Jacob winked at him.

“Don’t call me that!” Blake mumbled, “Today could be the day that Dessie breaks up with you. Then that smile will be upside down.”

“Harsh…” Jacob rubbed his chest, “Words hurt too, my future – brother – in – law.”

Blake rolled his eyes, “Have fun love birds, but not too much fun…” he wriggled his eyebrows.

I blushed. “You’re disgusting!” I swatted his arm.

Blake and Jacob laughed. Jacob put his arm around my shoulders and kissed my cheek.

“You better protect her…” my uncle said from the door.

I smile at him warmly.

“Don’t worry!” Jacob smiled widely, “I’m just taking her out for ice cream and we’ll be back in a jiffy!”

My uncle laughed.

“Who says that these days?” Peaches popped out from behind Blake and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“I decided to bring the old back from the dead and make it new, next thing you know, people will be saying that again…” Jacob smiled proudly. “Just wait and see…”

“Keep dreaming,” Blake rolled his eyes.

I laughed, “Let’s go!” I tugged on Jacob’s T – shirt, “I’m dying to hear what you want to tell me!”

“Fine…” we waved to the others and left. “See you soon, future – brother – in – law!”

“Shut up!” Blake hollered back.

“See you later Peaches, my soon to be sister – in – law!” I yelled.

Peaches laughed her lovely laugh.

We got ice cream and sat down on a bench. I loved the flavor of vanilla exploding on my tongue. I quickly ate mine and regretted it. I watched Jacob as he slowly devoured his. He must have seen my drool coming out of the corner of my mouth because he offered me a spoonful. I accepted it and he laughed.

When he finished his ice cream I confirmed, “I officially love ice cream.”

“I scream for ice cream!” he cheered.

I laughed.

Suddenly, he became serious.

“Dessie, I asked you out for this date, because I’ve been keeping something from you this whole week…” he said.

“What happened?” I asked.

I’m going to the Army tomorrow…I don’t know for how long, but it might be a long time…”

It took me a couple of seconds to process what he said. I shook my head; it just didn’t sink in.

“When did you sign up?” I demanded.

“I never did…my dad recommended to them without telling me and they said yes, so I said yes…”

“When?”

“A week ago…”

“Why didn’t you tell when you first found out? I would’ve spent more time with you…when are you leaving?” Tears welled up and almost spilled.

“Tomorrow…”

I almost blacked out but steadied myself.

“Dessie, the reason I joined the Army was because they’re going to pay for college. Full payment! Unlike you, no one would want to give me scholarships and grants. I’m doing this for us! So I can get a job and we could get married. I want to make a family with you!”

I put my face in my hands and cried. “Stop talking about us getting married! You could die or lose a limb over there!” I yelled into my hands.

Jacob slowly pulled my hands away from my face; he cupped his hand around my chin and made me look into his mesmerizing eyes. “If I had only one arm, would you still love me?”

“Of course…” I heard myself say. He gave me a hug.

“Dessie, I love you so much, but our relationship will have a lot of bumps and dead ends. The two of us will solve the problem, okay?”

I smile lightly and gave him a kiss, “Don’t die or lose any limbs or fingers, I want you back in my arms in one piece, alive. You hear me?”

Jacob laughed, “Yeah, I hear you.”

We walked back home.

“You have to write to me too, mister.” I smiled.

“Of course!”

I had my arms wrapped around him as we walked. I made sure to remember his smell, how he feels, and this day. The sun’s rays warmed us and I didn’t want to let go of Jacob.

This was a new beginning for us...