Anticipation

Chapter 19 - Azalea

One day until this mission sets off and I'm walking around camp at 3A.M., just as my mind began to spin, General Washington found me. "Can't sleep Marine?" I was used to his voice. "No I can't... General how come war is so familiar to us? It's like it's our lives once we've been immune to it. Even once were off active duty, we still think about it, we still have fears." My questioning seemed irrelevant. "We all were lured here onto this base for some reason, some for school, others for the money and some like you and me... To fight for our country. Now, outside of this camp, we all have our own issues, we might have PTSD or we might come out with a physical problem. We become tied together with the whereabouts of our troops, this is our home away from home. All we want is for our brothers and sisters to be safe."

"Is it to say I'm actually scared to go on this mission?" My sincere tone made it clear I was nervous. "Yes, when I went on my first big mission I was indefinite of it. My head spun and as you are I was scared I wouldn't see my family again. I get it, Franky and us are your only family, so I'll do anything to get you home safe and that's a promise." General Washington had stopped talking now and just looked up at the stars. I knew why. He had promised another one of his Marines, named Jessica, she'd come home but Afghanistan bombed the town she was in and he had to go to her family's house and break the news to them.

I went back to my corridor and laid down, finally dosing off; Franky woke me up, I hesitated to touch her but when I did... Damn it, it was just a dream.

I sat in the mess hall eating my sunny side up eggs, along with toast and sausage. It wasn't as good as Franky's blueberry pancakes, just remembering them made my mouth water. I needed to write her another letter, while I dipped my toast in the yolk I grabbed paper, a pen and began to write.

My lovely Franky,

It's June 7th, 2007 and all I keep doing is having talks with General Washington, when I say he's my dad, he is I swear. Since I haven't spoken about my parents, my dad was in the Navy, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time on the ship and he got decapitated. He was an amazing man, him and I moved around a lot. My mother was never around when I was a baby she tried to sell me for meth. When my dad found out from the neighbor because they were watching me until my dad came, he almost went to kill my mom. Instead, he got full custody of me and I became an official Navy baby, you know the "military brats." I never asked for anything though, I feel uncomfortable asking for things, so I get my own. The way you take care of me Franky makes me feel safe once again. I stopped jumping at the sound of loud noises and even being scared easily. You're helping me baby, you make me feel whole while I've really just been empty for years.

I miss your touch, the way you'd pull my hair back behind my shoulder when I'd drive and you'd feel my neck. Even when you'd lay me on the bed and make sweet love to me, I get a kick out of your adventures. We do unordinary things which makes us different. I like that, we have a bond that nobody can break. I know it's hard for me to be away, but I'll be home soon and when I am, I'm home for good. I promise you that, but you need to promise me that you'll make some blueberry pancakes and watch Pitch Perfect and Spongebob with me. Franky, I love you, more than anything. Whenever you're looking up at the moon is, I'm looking at the same one too.

Lots of Love,

Azalea

Damn did that feel good to get that out, I just want to see her handwriting, she should be getting my letters soon. What could she possibly be doing with her days? All she used to do was be with me, she must be bored out of her mind. I know I get bored easily, unless someone wants there ass whooped in basketball on the court. "Haha, Azalea you're so funny." I have to stop talking to myself.