The Military Girl

Spirit Week

"That one." My mom clapped her hands. "You look so pretty!"

"Why does the dress have to be white?" Dad asked. "You're not getting married."

"It's what the card said." I reminded him. I played with the jewels on the dress. It was a spaghetti strap dress with jewels across the neckline. It was loose and floor length, but I wouldn't trip over it.

"I would look better if I was prettier." I said, rubbing my arm.

"Oh, Olive. You're beautiful!" Mom got up and gave me a big hug. Sometimes I wish I wasn't the spitting image of my mother. Yeah, my mom was the most dazzling 40 year old woman ever, but I wanted to look like myself. The only difference was her brown eyes. I got my eyes from my dad.

"Turn around so I can get a picture." Dad said. I sighed and my mom held on to me, tightly.

"Send it to your mom!" Mom said to Dad. "She'll want to see her gorgeous granddaughter."

"She could just come visit. We're only a state away now." I played with my dress. Maybe Harry would like it...

I wish he wasn't going with Madeline. They already had matching outfits picked. She was going in a short purple dress. It had a chiffon V neck. Harry was renting a tux. He had a dark purple vest and a black bow tie.

"What if I don't like my secret admirer?" I asked Dad. "What if he's mean? What if he wants...Something I'm not interested in?"

Dad stood up and gave me a hug. "I know you're worried. But, don't worry. Harry will be there. Something happens, you just go to him. He'll take care of you."

I hugged my dad back. I was thankful he was around to see me go to my homecoming. He was deploying for Kuwait right after Christmas. He would be gone for a long time. I knew the dangers. He would possibly not make it back. That's why I included him in everything. It's also why I believe I'm an only child. I don't think my parents wanted to have multiple children if my dad died on the battlefield.

I treasured every moment with my dad. I really wanted him to just retire. I wish he would. But, he had his orders.

I took my phone out of my purse. "Smile." I took a selfie of me and my dad.

"So, should I get this one?" I asked my parents.

"Yes!" Mom said. "Let's get you some jewelry and shoes!" Mom turned to Dad who nodded. As an only child, I tended to get spoiled.

My phone buzzed. Harry texted me, "I'm going to tryouts. Wish me luck."

I texted back, "Good luck! :)"

Harry was trying out for the basketball team today. I was hoping he was going to make it on the team. He said he was on a team in England. Considering he was six feet tall, I'm sure he would make the team. Not to mention he had a likability and the basketball coach was female. She was in the WNBA, so instead of hiring two different coaches, the school saves money by having one coach.

I took the dress off and changed into my normal clothes. I followed my parents to the shoe section of Kohls. I looked at all the shoes, that were wildly expensive.

"Olive!" My mom brought over a huge necklace. It had crystals hanging from the chain.

"That's nice." I said. I was actually amazed by the necklace, but I didn't know if I could pull it off.

My parents bought me a pair of uncomfortable heels and the crystal necklace. They also bought me a pair of matching earrings.

I hung my dress in the closet and placed my jewelry in my box. I set the shoes aside.