Heated Summers

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Antonio

Antonio glared up at the dirt pathway that lead to his uncle's cabin. For years this place had been his own person haven, a place where he could run and laugh with all the freedom of the child he once was. Yet, now looking at the quaint little house amidst a bundle of trees and free land, he couldn't help but resent his uncle's lifestyle. No, not resent. Envy. Yes, that heated jealousy that was running through his veins? It was pure, unadulterated envy.

He was no longer a child and didn't have those kinds of abandons anymore. No, now he was restricted, held back by the haunting reality's of the real world outside his uncle's woods.

He couldn't help but condemn the man he deigned to call uncle for not preparing him for that kind of life.

With a harsh sigh, he shouldered his duffel bag higher on his shoulder. He'd had two full days to mentally prepare himself for the mission he was currently embarking on. But now, facing the horses mouth - figuratively speaking - he found himself hesitating.

Because this mission was probably the most hardest mission he'd had to face since joining the army seven years ago.

"Go home, Dearborn," His commander, a gruff older man in his late fifties, ordered a day prior to his departure.

"Sir?" Antonio questioned hesitantly, confused. Was he being let go?

"You heard me," said Commander Garrison shortly. "You been here, what? A good five years?"

"Seven," He corrected unnecessarily.

Garrison snorted. "Even worse. Haven't you taken the time to see your family yet?"

"I have no family, sir,"

"Bullshit. You don't think I see you when you burn those letters? Your uncle, am I right?"

Antonio locked his jaw and remained silent.

"My point exactly. I've given you leave for next two months and I don't wanna heard a word about it," Garrison warned when he saw Antonio about to protest. He closed his mouth with an audible snap, glaring at the older man. Garrison was not intimidated in the least, even going as far as the clasp the younger - larger - man's shoulder in camaraderie. "C'mon, lad. Don't look as though I've just given you a death sentence. Take the next few weeks to cool off, relax a bit," He winked. "Or better yet, spend it in bed. I'm sure you won't have any trouble in snagging a willing companion to spend it with, eh?"

Antonio scowled but nodded. "Yes, sir,"

"Good lad." With another shoulder pat, that was it for him. He was being sent home.

Now here he was, standing, glaring, at his uncle's house.

Be a man, he scolded himself, slowly building up the courage to walk those several feet up to the doorway. It's not like I have anywhere else to go.

With that daunting reality, he gathered the confidence to stride those few steps and even managed to raise his fist before he stopped again.

But he needn't worry because this was Jim Redwood he was dealing with. The man could hear an insect trespassing on his porch. So really he shouldn't have been surprised when, without having to knock, the door swung open to reveal his uncle's familiar - if not older - face.

Antonio didn't know what to expect. Maybe a scowl, a scold, or even a punch to the nose. Yeah, so lately he didn't have the greatest relationship with the only family he had left - who he hadn't seen or made contact with in over five years - but he honestly didn't expect the greeting he received.