Here Comes The Rain Again (Old Title "If I Fall")

Chapter Four

Josh and Mike got back to the barracks late, so they both just crashed in their bunks. He would just have to pack in the morning, not that he had a whole lot to pack anyway. Before crawling into bed Josh pulled out the picture he had taped inside his footlocker. It was a picture of Ryan, Emily and him on that fateful day that changed their lives. He remembered how happy they all were together. How he had noticed Emily as more than just his best friend’s little sister.

He folded the picture so he was only looking at him and Emily with her arms wrapped around him neck and his around her waist like he had done so many times before since the picture was taken. Then he ran his figures along to trace the side of her face and thought about how good it felt to hold Emily in his arms tonight.

I wonder what it would feel like to do more than hold her. NO! I have to stop thinking that way. This is my best friend’s little sister. We grew up together and she is like my sister too. What brother thought about his sister like that - the sick ones that’s who?! Then again she really isn’t my sister now is she?! Josh let out a heavy sigh as he placed the picture in his t-shirt pocket over his heart and went to sleep.

Sergeant Wilkes loud voice woke the entire barracks up for 0-600 roll call. I was happy I did not have to get up with the rest of the guys for once, but decided to so to say proper good-byes before they all headed out to breakfast and their daily assignments.

Just as I finished tossing the last of my personal stuff in a duffle bag, Mike made his way over to me after roll call and sat on the bunk across from me.

“So you about ready to head out of his hell whole and leave all of us behind?”

I grinned and looked up at my friend. “You bet your ass I am,” I replied zipping up the bag before standing and dropping it onto the bed.

“So you going to go see that girl of yours or are you going to chicken out and run away again?” Mike asked.

“I told Emily I would come see her today. What happens after that I am not really sure,” I shrugged. “Guess I could try to go back home for a little while.”

Mike placed his hand on my shoulder. “Listen man, I know it is none of my business what you do. But I am telling you that that girl has feeling run real deep for you, just like you do for her. Don’t let this chance for you to finally be happy pass you by, because you may not get another one.”

“Thanks Mike. Who knew you where all sensitive.”

Mike laughed at slapped me hard on the back. “Just don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation around here remember.” He winked and I laughed as the two of us gave a quick man hug. Just then the speaker went off called for Mike to report to the Sergeant’s office.

“Well I better get going. Don’t forget to call me when you get settled back home and no making any moves on my woman. That little Megan just might be the one,” Mike added before he disappeared through the double doors.

Shaking my head, I tossed the duffle over my shoulder and headed towards the same door Mike had just exited from. I knew exactly why Mike had been called to Wilkes’ office. I had recommended that Mike be promoted to replace me as Corporal, and it looks like he got it.

As I stepped out into the bright sunlight I realized for the first time that I was now stepped towards the next chapter of my life and secretly hoped Emily was going to be a big part of that life.

**********

Emily came to a startling wake as she heard the doorbell to Megan’s Uncle’s house ringing. She looked over to see it was only 8:30 in the morning.