Unexpected Turns

Bad News

Dear Mary,

Hows things going? I really miss you and so does everyone else here. I hope you didn't forget that I'm waiting for you so I beg you to please hurry up. So far I've become my brother to cope with him being gone. I sleep in his room, sat in his spot, and most of all talked to Charlotte nonstop. She also misses Dick a lot like me, she's my support person right now.

And if you're worrying about what I'm telling you about Charlotte, don't be. I promise she doesn't mean anything to me.

I can't wait to hear from you.

Love,

Jerry

It's been two months since we have arrived to the base. We get weekly mail and this is only one of the letters I had gotten. The rest are pretty much the same. Oh, how I miss Jerry. I wish he were here with me, it's really hard to have him miles away from me.

I have so far gotten only a couple of injured soldiers. They hurt themselves practicing, and so they would usually come with a broken arm or leg, and minor cuts and bruises. I treat them quickly and they go on with their training or if serious their sent home.

They are sent over in an army car by Dick most of the time. He volunteers just to come see me and he advises them that I'm a good nurse, and since everyone trusts Dick they all seek for my attention. Except for a couple who believe that my skin color depicts who I am, he hates those guys secretly. Secretly because you can't hate your army brothers, it's the rules.

However, nowadays things are getting worse, the U.S. is planning to go through with attacking Germany and settling this thing once and for all. I just am really scared for the soldiers and Dick of course, but it has to be done. At least that's what Dr. Hudson is saying. He told us to get ready for the soldiers that will be hurt seriously bad and to breath when the nightmare comes true otherwise we will be going on the gurneys as well for having a seizure in the middle of an operation. That's his sick humor, which is very terrifying.

-

Dick came over one day and he told me some horrifying news.

"It's soon, we will be attacking. I'm absolutely terrified, I'm not going to lie, because they want to put the younger soldiers in the front of the group. Mary, they might blow my guts out before I blow out theirs."

My mouth dropped.

"It's not a good idea that you leave your mouth open, a bug might fly in."

"Dick, why would they just sacrifice you guys like that?"

"For the country," he replied, putting his hands through his hair, "I signed up for this. I shouldn't be complaining."

"Complain all you want! I mean in a month or two, you might be dead! Do what you want before it's too late," I exclaim.

"No, I can't."

"Yes-"

"It's my duty not to," he interrupts, "I don't know why I'm telling you this, I shouldn't but I'm here doing it."

"You just want someone to talk to that won't think your a wuss. Just like how Charlotte and Jerry are talking," I explained.

"What?"

"What do you mean?"

"Charlotte and Jerry?"

"It's nothing to worry about. Jerry wouldn't even think about it."

He swallowed, "Yea, your right. It's just, I want something else to occupy my mind right now and I'm looking for something else to worry about."

"Richard, are you ready?" One soldier asks.

"Yes, Sir," he turns to me, "I'll come back some other time. Maybe break a leg just to not fight."

I laughed, " I'd like that."

He smiled and waved at the other nurses before he left.

"He's one cutey," one nurse said.

"Tell me about it," another one said.

-

Dick has told us some bad news and he won't reply to my letters. Mom and Dad are worried and they want to know what he is doing now? How he's feeling? I'm sure he told you about the front line being his doom and how it's happening soon. Those were his exact words too, he's trying to be funny and stupid and worried at the same time.

I just need to know if he's okay, I'm worried.

Please reply.

Jerry

I began to write back:

Jerry,

I know you're worried, so am I. Your brothers mind is occupied by this idea and he feels that his death is inevitable. He's frightened and not feeling so good, but I can tell you that he is fine other than that. What he's feeling is natural and although we all are worried for him, the best we could do is pray that he will be okay.

He misses you all, as much as I do.

Mary

I also got a letter from mom and dad that day as well:

Hey my favorite baseball player,

I'm missing you in our home. Your presence is much needed now then ever, it feels as though we need you to survive nowadays, since it's always so boring.

I'll be fine though, I have your mother for company and Greg stops by sometimes. Also Jerry stops by to greet us and talk with us. He really misses you guys, it must be otherwise he wouldn't be coming here to talk to some old saggy man.

Your mom says that she loves you and can't wait for you to come home and is making sure everything is the way you left it and she's very proud and worried for you and that's all I'm saying, your mom wants me to add on but she talks to much. I feel the same too, I'm proud of you more than anything in the world.

Be a good girl now.

Love
Dad and Mom

I wrote back:

Dad and Mom

Thank you for everything. You guys are the best parents I could've asked for.

Things have gotten a little tough but no need to panic. But I just want to leave a little note for everyone during hard times. Please pass it around for me.

Mom:
Thank you for being there and picking me to be your new daughter. You had a lot of hopes and dreams for me and I hoped I fulfilled them mostly. You are not good at giving advice but you make it up by being the best mother around. I love you.

Dad:
What would I do without you? You taught me so much from moral to baseball. You showed me the best things in the world and took care of me like no one else. Mom is more responsible for picking me but you are responsible for teaching and raising me halfway through my life. And I couldn't ask for a better father, I love you as well. Also you're a really funny guy and thank you for making me laugh.

Gregory:
You are not my older brother, I know you feel the same, but you were my first friend and I couldn't have asked for a better one. You are some I admire for your brains and bronze, two things that are very hard to find in one person. I thank you for all that you've done and all that you made me. You were a good first but I think Scarlet is a better girl for you than I would have ever been. Congratulations again on the engagement and I can't wait to see you two happy.
Also tell Scarlet that she is an amazing person and deserves nothing but the best.

Jerry:
I tell you this all the time, but it's true I'd never trade you for anyone especially your brother. No your not book smart, no your not as good as I am at baseball, but you are good enough for me. Just remember that and only that if anything happens to me, okay?

love,

Mary