Soldiers Of War

Jacob Owen sat hunched back over his laptop. His blonde hair brushing against his crystal blue eyes that grew tiny at the brightness of the screen.

The living room was spacious but he sat in the corner, surrounded by piles of books and novels. Each about soldiers, about war, about death.

His job meant the world to him, he was patriotic from the start. It wasn't surprising to his parents when they learnt young Jacob enrolled in the American army and was accepted.

From a young age Jacob had an interest in guns and war. He clearly showed it but his parents Gracie and Adam thought it was just a phase.

Jacob loved to play with toy guns. When he finished high school, he enrolled for the army. During the one year of waiting for the response, he worked at a shooting range. Thats where he met Kylie Jones, his future wife.

Within six months the couple exchanged rings and became Jacob and Kylie Owen. For three years they lived like a regular couple. Jacob continued working at the shooting range whilst Kylie bestowed the gift of life on their daughter Alexis.

Sadly this was all about to come to a halt. Jacob's eyes flickered as a live feed update appeared on his Hotmail account.

One New Email.

Click here to view.

His mouse hovered over the screen. Click.

From: Anthony Foster (foster87anthony@yahoo.com)

Subject: Did you here?

To: Jacob Owen (jacob.of.earth@hotmail.com)

Hey man, did the big man send you the email update of the trip? He sent one to me, apparently all troops are going to Afghanistan next month for combat. :( I don't want to go, Jessica and I are finally settling down in the new flat and preparing for the baby, I don't wanna prepare for war!

How are you going to break the news to Kylie? I haven't told Jessica but I have no choice but to.

This sucks :-(

Jacob looked across the living room, Kylie sat on the couch with Alexis on her lap. Both un-aware of the hardships they were about to face.

One New Email

Click here to view.

From: General Arnold (general-a@yahoo.com)

Subject: Troops To Afghanistan

To: Jacob Owen (jacob.of.earth@hotmail.com)

Hello.

As you all know we haven't placed any attacks on any threatening country but due to political insight and threats to America we shall be going to Afghanistan to fight in war next month.

Here are the details:

Date of flight to Afghanistan: 7th January 2010

Time of flight: 1400 Hours or 2 p.m.

Landing Date: 8th January 2010

Time: 2000 Hours or 8 p.m.

There is no telling how long the war will be but we assume six months or so.

On the 15th of December please come by the A.A.B.U. Building to register your name and collect more details.

Yours Faithfully

General Arnold Mova

"Oh wow! Six months of war, six months away from my family," Jacob said. His eyes closed with his face palmed.

"Whats wrong honey?" she glanced at him.

Jacob looked back at her, biting his bottom lip, afraid to disappoint her.

"Is there something wrong?" now there was more worry in her voice. She stood up but Jacob motioned her to sit back down.

He walked over to her slowly. His eyes never met her's as he sat down next to her.

"Baby, please tell me whats going on," she said as she rocked Alexis in her hands.

Jacob put his hand on her knee and looked into her beautiful green eyes. He brushed her red hair away from her face.

"Kylie, you know how much I love you. That I would do anything to keep you safe?"

"Where are you getting at this Jacob?"

"I'm saying, I'm going away for a while to protect you."

"What? No please Jacob," she cried as she buried her head in his chest.

"What if you don't come back?" she said as tears welled up in her eyes.

"I will come back, its only six months in Afghanistan. Baby, I'm a solider, I have no choice."

Kylie didn't reply. Instead she held on to him and sobbed for what seemed like an hour. Poor Alexis, didn't have a clue about what was going on. Jacob said nothing, he knew it was better to be quiet.

She will stop crying eventually, right?