My Hero

Chapter 34

"DADDY!" I screamed and ran across the gym and jumped into my daddy's arms. Everyone was silent and no one even clapped, everyone was confused.

"Marissa Petty." Marissa turned and I watched as she ran in the same direction as I had and watched her jump in her mom's arms.

"Brian Maybeck." I watched Brian turn and look towards my direction and then he ran into his brothers arms.

By now Zach and Miley had tears in their eyes and Katherine was waiting for her name to be called so that she could run into her mom and dad's arms too.

"Katherine Trail." Katherine turned with a wide eyed expression and bolted for the door, jumping into her daddy's arms. Her mother came through the door in a wheelchair and Katherine enveloped herself into her as well.

Finally, two men in uniform waked through the gymnasium door with a flag in each of their hands, folded neatly. I watched them make their way to Miley and Zach. I also watched as my friend crumbled to the floor, knowing exactly what this means.

I left my dad and made my way to be my friends support. I was pretty close with Miley and Zach because of this, because our parents were in the Military. I got to Miley, who had Zach's arms wrapped around her, and knelt down beside her, placing my hand on her arm.

"Miley..?" I asked quietly as her head lifted to see me. She flew at me and wrapped her arms around me.

"Mr. and Ms. Cennello?" The two men asked politely. Miley and Zach raised their heads and looked at them.

"I regret to inform you that while overseas in Hawaii, your parents where trying to get a family of 7 out of a trapped home and were killed by a 6 year old suicide bomber." Miley let out a strangled sound. "You're parents had these with them for you," One of the men handed Zach a lei and a grass skirt, one for each of them.

"They also were rewarded with a Purple Heart medal. For their bravery and sacrifice to this country." They handed Zach two boxes with Gold Medals inside.

"This is for you," They handed Zach two show boxes with their parents name tag in them. The corners of the name plates were burned and charred but nothing touched the name. I watched as a tear rolled down Zach's face as he looked at his parents names.

"And these." They handed Zach and Miley the folded up flags. I felt the tears rolled down my face.

What if this was me instead of them?

The two men took off their hats and bowed their heads towards us and said their condolences and walked away.

"Oh my--" Miley heaved into my shoulder, holding onto the folded up flag for dear life. I looked around and saw everyone in the bleachers were silent and watching us, no one was watching the kids hugging their relatives, everyone was watching us. I saw my dad standing respectably off to the side, hat off and in hand.

"Who are you staying with?" I asked Zach.

"Our Aunt." I nodded.

"Would you guys like to come over for dinner? I heard they let us go early." Zach smiled faintly at me. Something told me that he already knew of his parents death.

"We would love to." Miley answered, lifting her head and whipping her eyes. I watched as my dads hand reached over my shoulder and handed Miley his handkerchief.

"Thank you sir." She said politely, and stood up. Me and Zach watched her warily and made sure she was ok.

"Let me call Emily." I told them and stepped off to the side.

"Hello?"

"Hi Emily."

"Hello Phoenix! Did you like your surprise?" She asked me, a smile in her voice. Of course she knew.