War To Come

Chapter 3- New Life

Two months had passed and it was a few days before I had to leave. Monique came around and was happy for me, but also sad that she wouldn't be able to spend the big senior event with her best friend. As much as that pained me and she wanted to spend time with me I spent ever waking moment training.

My training had intensified ten fold and it kicked my butt for the first two weeks until I got used to it. My dad, along with an old army buddy he brought, trained me. A even missed days of school talking to all my teachers and my principles. They allowed me as long as my grades didn't fall.

My dad, mom, his friend, and I were eating dinner at my house. I listened to all of the stories of him and his unit. How they were practically family. They didn't get into any of the gruesome details already knowing they had lost a few guys in their unit.

"So, you're leaving in a few days, you excited?" Asks my dad's military friend, Ian.

"Very." I say not hiding my smile.

"Just telling you you'll be in for hell when you get there. It's not a joke with those guys." I am informed while he takes a scoop of beans and shoves them into his mouth.

"I know." That had been the conversation this past week. Whatever they put me through they would tell me would be ten times worse. But they also knew all the training I did would never prepare me for everything.

"What time is the flight?" Asks Ian.

"Six in the morning." My mom tells Ian.

She had been quiet the last week. As it got closer the realization I would be leaving was to much for her, I could tell.

"You're driving me right?" I ask my parents.

"Of course." They said in unison.

They rest of dinner was a bunch of small talk. They tried to steer clear of the navy seal talk not wanting to upset my mother. When dinner was over Ian left giving my dad a hug.

I cleaned the table and dishes. I hear the door shut listening to my mom and dad talk in the other room.

"She's gonna be gone." I hear the soft voice of my mom say.

"I know sweetie." My dad says.

"She's our little girl."

"But we have to let her go. She's been working for this her whole life."

"I know. I'm being selfish for not wanting her to leave. All the things that could happen:"

"That's exactly how our parents felt. Then we told them they were overreacting and that we would be fine. She'll be fine Grace." I hear a sob come from my mother.

I finish cleaning the dishes then head upstairs avoiding my parents. I get ready for bed and fell asleep.

**

Today was the day I was leaving. I would be in Coronado, California for six months of BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL) training. For first five weeks I would start with indoctrination and pre-training. Then I would be going through the tree phases of BUD/S.

The first phase of BUD/S was the toughest. This is what they called Hell week. This was a test of physical endurance, mental tenacity, and true teamwork. This was where two or three of your teammates would drop out. The actual physical discomfort and pain is what made people quit. Other factors like the cold and wet hypothermia like conditions will make others quit. The lack of sleep and fatigue will have every candidate questions their mental capabilities. Those who finish will hear the victory words 'Hell week is secured!'