Charlie

Chapter Twenty-Two: My boys can swim (Charlie's POV)

I was so proud of my baby girl, I know she was trying so hard to finish school early. I knew that I was a distraction for her. I think of me being a way is a blessing so that she can complete her dream. I knew her summer was going to be focused on school work. I felt a little sad because I was getting less mail from my love.

All of our phone calls were limited to just thirty minutes but those were the best thirty minutes of my day. I loved that woman with every fiber of my being. On one of our phone calls I let her know about my upcoming trial. I wanted her to be here for me. I understood if she couldn't because she was taking summer courses. She let me know that she was going to be finished right before my trial. I was super excited to know that she would be here for it.

I knew that it could go either way, I would either be here longer or that I might get off easy. I hope I would get off easy. I had a great service record while I was in the Air Force hopefully this impacts the amount of time I'm here. I knew that once she was done with summer break I wanted her to stay with either my parents or hers. I didn't want her too long away from family. She told me that she missed my smell. I don't blame her I miss her smell too.

Today was the big day. Today is the day of my trial, this day was going to decide my future. I knew my parents and my future wife were already here awaiting my trial. I was nervous as hell. I didn't know what to except. All I knew is that I will be able to see her. This made my nerves settle a little.

I was transported to the area where the trial was going to be held. I was able to dress in my dress uniform. Mr. Harlen pled my case and let the SJR know that it was an honest mistake and that I wasn't a hard-core criminal. He referred to my impeccable service record. It was all up to the SJR who would ultimately decide my fate.

The SJR stated the following "In the case of AWOL for Senior Airman Charles Edward Abernathy. I find him guilty of AWOL."

GUILTY!!

I felt like I had been shot in the chest. I was guilty of being AWOL. I hope that my sentencing was going to be light or none at all. I saw that both my mother and Re-Anne where crying heavily. I wish I could hold them both. My heart hurt knowing they were hurting. I knew I couldn't move from the spot I was standing. I felt like I was glued to the floor.

The SJR proceeded by announcing my sentencing. "In the sentencing for Senior Airman Charles Edward Abernathy I sentence him to six months of confinement at the N.R.C.F." I saw that Mr. Harlen was smiling really wide. I was really confused of why he was smiling. I knew this meant something that I was unaware of, I hope it was good. It better be good.

After my trial, I had a meeting with Mr. Harlen, he said that I had great news. My time locked up at the N.R.C.F. was being used as my sentencing. This meant that I would be out in a couple of days. Free to go home to my family. I was going to be free from this place. Re-Anne blew me a kiss because that was all that she could do. I love her so much.

As part of my conviction I could no longer be listed as a veteran. I was leaving the military as Other Than Honorable discharge. This would mean that I would lose all of my veteran benefits. This hurt more than being away from

Re-Anne, and that says a lot. I was a good solider, I didn't deserve this punishment. I had no other choice to take it to be with the woman I loved and to be free.

On Wednesday, July 24th I was sent over to processing so that I could be released. I had to have a full strip search to make sure I wasn't smuggling anything out. This was standard procedure. Once I was cleared I was able to walk out of the doors and out to freedom.

"Baby girl!" I ran towards the love of my life. I missed being wrapped up in her arms. I gave her a big deep kiss, oh how I missed those lips. I pulled away and gave my mom and dad a big embrace. We made our way to Mr. Harlan's Mid-Western office.