The Marine

The Day I Enlist

    My alarm blared into my ear, so knowing me I grunted as I lazily lifted my hand to turn it off...I missed 3 times I am embarrassed to admit... but finally smiling from the peace of the quiet made me slightly go back to sleep until my eyes burst open and I shot out of bed while saying "fuck..." But, before I rushed to get changed I checked the time just to make sure and then I relaxed... 5 am...I sat back in bed and sighed... I thought to myself "Today is the day...fuck me....but I want to do it, I am ready" I smiled softly... Yes I am very nervous, because I haven't told anyone, except dad... that I am enlisting in the Marines...We had a long chat last night, due to me pacing back and forth in my room, he awkwardly caught me in the act, I laughed at that thought... but yea he was making sure I really wanted to do this, because enlisting isn't something to take on light heartily, but I was serious last night and I am serious now, I want to Enlist, I want to be a Marine and I want to fight for my country. I got up once more and changed into my workout gear... going for a run will ease my anxiety.

I came back from my run to shower and get dressed for "School"...I am skipping today to enlist... my dad is taking me...we made a plan to pretend he was taking me to school but reality... ya know... I know I shouldn't lie to my mom and my brothers but not yet...they won't understand...telling them is going to be the hardest thing to do. But I will get it done. I walked downstairs and in the kitchen mom was done making breakfast and I say "Damn smells amazing! Mom laughed and handed me my plate and I sat down and dug in. Dad said as he entered "Son, the food ain't going anywhere...relax..." I then made a comment with my mouth full "shuopp ubb" Mom said while laughing "Gross...swallow your food, your 18 now!" Dad laughed as he sat down and started to read the news...I finished my plate and thanked mom... I said "Dads taking me to school today!" Mom looked surprised and said "oh, that's new... honey..." Dad said "I thought I will help you out this morning give you a break from this smelly boy." I scoffed as mom laughed and said "Well that actually helps me, since I wanted to sleep a little longer... thanks hun and have a good day my sweet..." I groaned and said "Mom.... I'm 18! I am a adult now!" mom laughed and said "of course you are! Love you both!" She disappeared upstairs as I gotten my shoes on and dad was already in the car...

We were outside the enlistment office and dad looked at me and asked "Are you 100% serious? This will be a huge commitment to do...basically your life.." I sighed "Yes dad, I am as serious as you are when it comes to your Old Betty is to you" Dad chuckled and said "ok son...head inside... I will be waiting for you out here." I nodded and gotten out of the car...I got to the door and looked back and dad gave me two thumbs up, which I smiled and entered the place.

I did it... I actually did it....I just enlisted in the marines... I left the place with a big smile on my face... I opened the car door and saw dad watching me.. I said, "I enlisted!" dad patted my back and said "Good Job Son! Now for the hard part... telling everyone else... your lucky that your brothers will be home tonight..." I sighed and said, "This is the part I am dreading..." Dad just nodded as he backed up and started to drive... I said, "You are taking me to school?" Dad glanced at me like I had two heads and said "Of course I am! What else would we need to do?" I groaned but agreed...

Authors note: I don't know what happens when you go and enlist so I am sorry if that isn't correct.. my apologies.. but my teacher talks a lot about her husband who was a medic I think for the army, and my cousin he is a national guard and right now station in Iraq but I never got to ask what they do when you go and enlist so maybe I am right or maybe I am wrong..... but thanks for reading :)