The Sergeant's Daughter

Chapter Two

We pulled into my new home around one o'clock that morning. It was a small house with a small backyard, nothing fancy. It was perfect for me and Henry. We walked inside and looked around. "So...this is nice," Elena said with a sarcastic tone. "Elena..." I moaned. "Yea yea I know Marine." She replied knowing what I was aiming at. "Go ahead say it," I said looking at her. "Jordan, it wouldn't kill you to decorate or brighten up things. Your old house looked like a...a...shack." She told me. Hearing my name sounding so odd. I was so accustomed to hearing everyone called me Voight. There were times when I forgot I had a first name. "Yea, yea. I did decorate some in the living room." I said letting the dogs into the backyard. "It was a picture of a snowman." She sarcastically said. "It was a decoration." I shot back. "Hey Jordan, we can set up your bed and the couch for tonight. The rest we can do tomorrow." Tommy said bringing bed parts in. "Sure thing, but tomorrow I want to go see...my dad, brother, and sister, and after that, we can set up everything," I said. "We will also go out and get things to spruce up your new home." Elena beamed. I laughed. Somehow I knew she was right I couldn't keep living like I was still in the Marines. I have a son now and he needs color in his life. We set up my bed and put the couch in the living room. I got out what I need for me, Henry, and the dogs and we crashed for the rest of the night.

Henry woke up every three hours during the night and when I did sleep I slept peacefully. No flashbacks tonight. Around nine o'clock I got around and got dressed. I put some nice cut up faded jeans, Anthony Rizzo's Cub jersey, and some gray and white Nike Roshe. I left a note for Elena and Tommy that I was going to see my father down at District 21 and go see my brother at my old house and that I would be back soon. I dressed Henry and put him in his car seat and I put Alaska on a leash. Alaska helped me with my depression. When I was going to therapy my guidance counselor helped me get her. It helped for a while going to therapy but after a while, it didn't. Something changed. Ever since my mom died every year, every month, week, and day seem to get worse.

I drove to District 21 where my father worked. I regret those times that I didn't at least call him or even send a letter. I know it must have been hard for him. I pulled into a parking spot and turned the car off. I took a deep breath. What was I going to say to him after all these years? What would I do? What would my dad say? Would he cry or be mad? These questions filled my mind. I got out of the car and got Henry out. Alaska waited for me to give her orders. I had Henry's car seat in one hand and Alaska's leash in the other. We walked to the front door of District 21. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

I walked up to the front desk. "Sit. Now lay. " I ordered Alaska. She obeyed my commands. I sat Henry's car seat on the counter. "Excuse me ma'am I'm looking for Hank Voight." An older lady with the name tag Platt looked up. "He's upstairs. May I ask who you are and what's the issue." She questioned. "My name is Voight. Jordanna Voight." I replied. Her eyes got wide and a smile came across her face. "Jordanna?!" She marveled. I looked confused. Did she know me? Do I know her? I don't remember her. Who is this woman? She stopped smiling, "Oh gosh you probably don't remember me. It's been a long time. The last time I saw you were at your mother's funeral. She came around the desk. "Trudy Platt." She introduced herself. The name rang a bell. "I remember you!" I exclaimed. We hugged each other. "So who is this little guy?" She said playing with Henry's hand. "He's my son," I replied. She looked surprised when I told her that. "He's handsome. Congratulations and welcome home, Jordanna. So how long are you here for?" She asked. "For good." I smiled. "Does he know you're home?" I shook my head. "Oh boy!" She replied.

We walked upstairs to where my dad was. My heart was racing, my breathing picked up speed, and my palms were sweaty. We got upstairs and there were people gathered around the desk and a whiteboard with pictures plastered on it. "Hey Hank, you got a visitor." Everyone turned and stared at me. I sat Henry's car seat on the floor and ordered Alaska to lay down. "Hey, Dad." I choked up. Everyone looked surprised that I called him dad except Erin and Alvin Olinsky. Alvin was my adopted uncle, my dad, and he was close friends.

"J-Jordan?" Hank Voight's husky voice cracked. Tears filled my eyes hearing him say my name. "In the flesh." I smiled fighting back the tears. My dad walked closer to me. "I missed you kiddo." He said as he hugged me tightly. "I missed you too, Dad." I cried. I hug him tighter. I didn't want to let go but I did. "How long are you here for? He asked. "How's forever sound?" I laughed. "That's fine by me." He replied smiling. Erin came over and hugged me. "I missed you Jordan. It's so great to see you." She said through a laugh-crying tone. "I miss you too, sis," I replied watching my dad walk toward his office. "Who is this little handsome guy?" Erin asked looking at Henry. I picked Henry out of his car seat. "This is Henry. He's my..he's my son."