Home Away From Home

Chapter 8

8 more months passed by and Valerie and Nick continued to write to each other. Valerie was already starting Colombia University. It was now December and Christmas was coming up. Before this all happened, Valerie was excited to spend Christmas with Nick, but things changed. Nick was enjoying himself in the army, but he got hurt a couple of times. He was lucky enough to survive during his mission in Kuwait. He made sure Valerie and Sally didn't know, he didn't want them worrying. But, what he didn't know is that they worry every day. Nick also found out that Joe's wife is having a son. It was too late to tell Joe, he was already dead. He still couldn't believe how lucky he was to see him in the same mission.

2 months ago

"Nick! Come on, this way." Joe yelled.

"Are we even allowed this way?"

"No, but we got to stay alive somehow."

"So what are we gonna do here?"

"Keep alive."

"But don't we have to protect this place from Iraq?"

"We are, but the missiles are crazy there. We need to get people out of here."

"This is a lot of people."

"Hurry up and get them out of here." A thud sound came near us.

"What was that?"

"I don't kno-MISSILE! RUN!" Nick and Joe ran out as fast as they could. Luckily, they made it before the missile collapsed.

"That was close." Nick said out of breathe.

"Yeah." BOOM! BOOM!

"JOE!" Two bullets were shot at Joe. He quickly collapsed. Nick picked him up and took him into an alley where there was no one around. He placed him gently on the floor. Joe coughed out blood. "Come on, Joe. Don't die out on me."

"Visit my wife when you get back. She's pregnant." He could barely speak. "I don't know what she's having, but whatever it is, God bless them."

"I won't have to, you will be alive." Tears were forming in Nick's eyes.

"Take care of her for me." His eyes were closing slowly.

"JOE! STAY WITH ME! JOE!" It was too late. Joe's eyes were closed and his heart was no longer beating.

Now

Nick wasn't happy, but he wasn't depressed. Joe was a great friend. After finding out Joe's having a son, he was happy for him. Joe would be jumping in joy if he knew. But he does know, he knows everything.

Dear Valerie,

Just one more month to go! I can't wait to see you and Sally. I miss you guys so much. They say I'm a great soldier and I just nod. I'm just protecting our country, that doesn't make me a great soldier. By the way, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Sorry, I'm not there to celebrate it with you. We would've had so much fun. Sorry this letter isn't so long; I'm just too anxious to see you. I love you, Valerie. See you soon.

Love, Nick.

"Well, soldiers. This is our last day. You guys did a great job. I know all of you are anxious to go home and see your family and friends, but I'll see you guys soon. You guys were a great bunch. We will miss our lost ones. I hope I get to see the same faces soon." Captain said. Nick smiled. He couldn't wait. Music was blasting through the lounge. The two singers' voices were horrible, but comforting. The whole lounge was full of soldiers for their goodbye party.

"Hey Captain." Nick said. Captain looked at him and back at the stage.

"Hey, son."

"This year sure went by fast."

"It sure did. Will you be back?"

"Are you kidding? I love it here. Of course I'll come back."

"You're a good soldier." He smiled.

"Thanks, Captain."

"I know you don't believe it son, but do." Captain walked away. Nick looked at the stage. He's going to miss this place. It was his second home. Before he knew it, it was morning and he was on the plane back. He stayed quiet the whole ride. When they landed, all the soldiers said their goodbyes and ran to their families and friends. Nick ran out and stopped to look around at the people.

"Nick!" He heard Valerie yell. He turned his head that way and saw Valerie. It was like the world stopped. People were rushing past Nick, but the only thing he saw was Valerie. Valerie couldn't take it any longer, she ran to him. Nick placed his bag down and caught her as she landed in his arms. His grip tightened around her waist as he closed his eyes. Home sweet home, he thought.

"I missed you so much."

"I did too." Only then did Nick notice Valerie crying.

"I don't want to let go."

"Me neither." They stayed like that for 5 minutes. Finally, they let go and Nick placed her down. He picked up his bag and took Valerie's hand in his.

"Where's my mom?"

"She's, um, I'll show you." Valerie frowned. She didn't want this day to be ruined so quickly. Nick noticed Valerie's frown. He could tell she was trying to hide something. They started walking to Valerie's car.

"I missed you." He took her hand in his.

"I did too." Nick put his bag in the trunk. He went up to Valerie and pushed her gently on the car. He looked into her eyes.

"I've been dying to do this all year." He kissed her. She quickly kissed back. Nick's hands went up to her face as Valerie's arms went around his waist. They let go and were both out of breath. They smiled at each other and got in the car. "New car?"

"Yeah."

"I like it." Valerie started driving. Nick could tell she was nervous. She pulled up in the hospital parking. "Val, why are we here?" She stayed quiet and got out of the car. He did the same. "Val?"

"Just follow me." They went in the hospital and he followed her to the second floor. They stopped in front of a door.

"Val. Why are we here?"

"There's something you should know." Valerie opened the door. Nick gulped.

"Mom?" His eyes widened.