Red White & Blue

Red, White & Blue Chapter 3

We stopped at a diner for lunch and had been on the road for 1 hour. Once we were back on the road we talked about each other and how things would be while Derek was over seas. I also learned that while he was on leave he was a volunteer firefighter. I told him about the kids I babysit, Liam and Ava who are brother and sister. 2 hours later we pulled into my parents driveway. I wasn't really looking forward to this at all. Derek parked his truck in my parents drive way and we got out heading for the front door. We walked in with out knocking and I found our parents talking in the kitchen.
"Oh! You're finally here. You guys ready?" Maci asked as we walked in. Both Derek and I nodded.
"Okay I'm guessing we're all driving separate so see you there." my mom said walking upstairs to grab something. Derek and I walk back outside and to his truck. When he started the engine Mamas Broken Heart come through the speakers and I began to sing along. By the end of of the song we had reached town and were now pulling into the Bandanas parking lot. Derek and I got out and followed our parents to a table where a young man was siting with his girlfriend or wife and their son. It must be Derek's younger brother since they look alike. Derek had told me he had a younger brother who was 18 named Parker. When Parker was fifteen he got his girlfriend Ashley pregnant. They now have a 2 year old named Andrew.
We sat at the table and the waitress came over to get our drink orders She continued to flirt with Derek and kept touching his shoulder but I didn't say anything because Derek and I aren't really a couple. The waitress finally walked away to get our drinks and I looked down at the table while everyone else was talking. I didn't really want to bring it up to my family but today was birthday and I didn't want to interrupt there fabulous time. I had really thought I would be spending my 18th birthday differently. After about 15 minutes Derek nudged my arm. I looked over at him and he stared at me with his baby blue eyes.
"What's wrong?" he whispered. I shrugged my shoulders and looked away from him. Derek stood up and grabbed my hand.
"Excuse us for a moment." he said to our families and walked towards the exit. As soon as we got outside Derek let go of my hand and looked down at me.
"What's wrong?" he asked again. I looked down at the sidewalk then back up at him.
"It's my 18th birthday today and my parents don't even care. They forgot."
"How do you know if they forgot or not?"
"Ever since I was little we would spend the entire today together and go places. Then when I got a phone if I wasn't with them that morning they would call and sing Happy Birthday. They didn't even bother to call me this morning..."
"That doesn't mean anything. They still love you. It's time to grow up now. Mommy and daddy aren't gonna be with you every step of the way. I learned that the hard way." I knew that I need to grow up but I didn't want to stand there and listen to him so I turned my back on him and walked back into the restaurant. I sat back down at the spot and the waitress was now taking our food orders. 20 minutes later we were eating our food and having conversations. When it was finally time to leave Derek's parents paid for everyone and I followed Derek to his truck.
"Can we stop by my house so I can drive my truck down to your place?" I asked. He nodded. When we got to my house Derek pulled up next to my 1985 red chevy scottsdale. I said bye to my parents before getting in my truck and following Derek to his house. It was a long 3 hours with no one to talk to and just the radio playing. As soon as we got to Derek's house I grabbed my keys and phone and followed him into the house and went straight to his room. I changed into a tank top and shorts then went out to the living room where Derek was watching tv in basketball shorts and a cut off shirt.
"I think I'm gonna go to bed early..."
"Okay night." he said giving me a slight smile before looking back at the tv. I walked back down the hallway and back into the bedroom. Laid down on Derek's side without thinking about it and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was asleep.

5 hours later

I sat up gasping. I was having nightmares. I saw lighting flash out side then thunder following. It started raining hard and I realized Derek wasn't in the room. I looked over at the bedside table to look at the time on my phone. I picked it up and it said 2:36 a.m. Next to my phone on the table was a piece of paper. I picked it up and began to read it as the storm outside raged on.

Katie,
I got a call from the fire department. Didn't wanna wake you since you seemed comfy sleeping on my side of the bed ;) Here's my number if I'm not back by the time you wake up. Oh and there's a birthday present for you on the kitchen table. Be back soon.

I typed the number into my phone then slowly got out of the bed. I walked down into the hallway and into the kitchen. On the table there was a dozen red roses and a small square jewelry box. I picked up the roses and read the small tag. "I know we haven't know each other long but I thought this would be the proper thing to do. Love, Derek." I placed the flowers backed down and opened the jewelry box. Inside was a small 1 carat diamond ring. Engraved on the ring was the quote " A promise is forever." I didn't know what to say or do so I slipped the ring on the my left ring finger. I just looked at it for a while then decided I should do something with the roses. I found a vase under the kitchen sink, filled it with water then placed the roses in it. The front door opened and closed quietly and I heard boots walking across the floor and into the lighting of the kitchen. It was Derek and he looked extremely tired.
"Why are you up so late?" He asked.
"Nightmares and storms."
"Oh well why don't go back to bed. I'll be in there soon hun." I started to walk out of the kitchen with him following me but before he went into the bathroom I stopped him.
"Derek, thank you for the ring." he gave me a big smile then shut the door to the bathroom. I walked back into the bedroom and laid in the bed. About 10 minutes later Derek came into the room and laid down on the other side of the bed. He wrapped his arm around my waist and we both fell asleep.

************************************
Sorry it's not very long!!