My Hockey Boy

Chapter 12

Haley's POV

The light was blinding as I opened my eyes. I stretched my muscles out as I pulled my tired body from my bed. I barely remembered coming upstairs yesterday but I guess I came home from Wes' and crashed on my bed.

"Hey, Mom." I said, descending down the stairs.

"Morning, Haley. How're you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess." I shrugged, sitting down at the kitchen table.

"Alright, well what would you like for breakfast?"

"Actually mom, if you don't mind I don't feel like eating really. I'll just grab something light."

"Okay. Go ahead and get ready. After all, graduation is tomorrow." She smiled at me.

"Wow. I completely forgot about that."

"Yeah. My little girl graduating high school. You don't know how proud I am of you."

"Thanks, mom." I grinned.

"Well I've got to be leaving for work but I'll see you after my shift. I've got the late one today."

"Okay. I'll see you later."

She nodded as I my fingers began to trail over some magazines that laid scattered on the table. Reading about all these celebrities and junk. I was never the "fangiriling" type. My brother eventually joined me downstairs.

"Hey, how come you're not eating?" He asked grabbing a box of his favorite cereal from the cupboard before taking the milk from the fridge and a bowl from the cabinet.

"Not hungry, I guess."

"It doesn't have anything to do with this whole Charlie thing does it?"

I shook my head. "No, just don't feel like eating." I shrugged.

Tom's questions ceased as he returned to his cereal. He picked up a news paper, skimming through the pages. I listened carefully and noticed something.

"Didn't mom say she had to leave for work?"

"Yeah, I think. Why?"

"I never heard the door close."

"Mom, are you still..." I paused, seeing my mom talking to some men at the door. I slowly walked up behind her to see what was going on.

"I-is everything alright?" I timidly asked. I felt a presence behind me and knew it was my brother wanting to ask the same question.

Once I got closer, I noticed the men were in uniforms. Army uniforms. My mom turned around to me, tears filling her eyes.

"Haley . . ." She started.

"No. No, it can't be." My breathing rate increased. Short quicks breaths in and out.

The tall man spoke up, "I'm very sorry for your loss. He was a good soldier. Sargent Rhodes will receive a proper burial service. You are all in our prayers."

They both nodded to my mom, brother, and I before leaving. One of my biggest fears had just become a reality. This can't be happening. My mom looked at me, trying to hold back tears. Mostly trying to stay strong and comfort me. I could feel arms being wrapped around me. Tom and my mother.

"This can't be true." I sobbed onto my mother's shoulder.

*****

I sat on the edge of my bed. My eyes red and puffy from the tears. My arms wrapped around my torso. My father was gone. He was really gone. I was alone. Like I said Tom was always my mom's favorite so now that my dad is gone? I'm completely alone. I don't even have Charlie anymore. I have no one.