Always Army Strong

Chapter 6

        Immediately after entering her house, Nicole shoved her back against the door. Slid to the floor, tucked her knees to her chest, and laid her head on her knees as silent tear drops turned into sobs. This wasn't supposed to happen. She wasn't supposed to leave any matters unsolved before she left. 

        After crying for what seemed like hours, Nicole managed to gather enough strength to make the short walk to her room. There she washed away the tears and attempted to solely look at the positive future in front of her. If she could forget her troubled past, she would be able to be the person she had always dreamt of becoming. Stay emotionally detached, she told herself. That is the key to survival. 

        The following two nights went by in a flash. They were uneventful and boring. As the morning of the 31st had finally come, and it was finally time for her to go to Fort Hood. Her alarm clock went off at 7:00, which was immediately followed by a quiet yelp of excitement and a jump up from the bed. She got dressed in her casual shorts and a t-shirt, threw her brownish blond hair into a bun, and headed to eat dinner. Making an apple, peanut butter, toast sandwich, she sat down at the table with her mom and dad.

        "Look at you! Finally eating something with a little bit of nutrition!" her dad exclaimed with shock.

        Don't get mad, she told herself. A negative reaction only encourages the behavior. "Thanks dad, I thought I'd have a nice breakfast before I head off," she responded smuggly. 

        "What time are you heading to the airport sweetheart," her mom asked innocently. 

        "I was planning on leaving at 11:00," stated Nicole.

        "11:00? For a 1:00 flight! That's insane you will be sitting at the airport forever," her dad judged. 

        "Better to be too early, than to be too late," she argued. 

        Fortunately for Nicole, her parents finished breakfast quickly and were onto their various business. Nicole was left to eat her last meal at home, by herself. After she finished eating, she headed back to her room where she put together a bag with all of the things she would need. The list was not that extensive. She added a bible, photo of her dog and family, headphones, and a photo of her, Dani, and Dean. She gently placed them in the suitcase before zipping it up. She glanced over at the clock which read 10:00. She still had an hour to burn, and nothing to do with it. She couldn't help pulling out her phone and scrolling through her photos. A smile was always plastered on her face whenever she was surrounded by Dean or Dani. They always knew exactly the right thing to say. She was lost deep in thought as Kennedy casually waltzed into her room.

        Nicole jumped when she saw her, "Don't you knock!?" Nicole shouted. 

        "Chill little sis! Just wanted to hang out a little before, you know, you go to war and such," Kennedy confessed. 

        "Since when do you care?" Nicole asked quizzingly.

        "Since I learned that this is what you want. There is a chance you won't be coming home, and I don't want to risk you leaving thinking that I didn't care about you, because I do," she responded. 

        "Well, thank you. I appreciate the care," Nicole added

        "What exactly are you going to do for the military," she asked.

        "After training, I will be given a dog that I am in charge of training. After I train the dog, I will be able to go out and actually participate in the war. My dog and I will check for bombs that we then promptly disarm," Nicole summarized.

        "So you're job is really dangerous? The hell would you want to do something like that for?" she quizzed.

        "I've never shot a real gun before. I didn't want to be on the front line because I would be so naive to everything. But I don't want to do something that is behind the scenes, I want to be risking my life. If my life isn't at risk, then I don't feel like I am really serving," Nicole explained. 

        "Well, please just take care of yourself. Regardless of your beliefs, I do love you little sis," she told her. 

        "Of course, thank you!" Nicole thanked, leaning in and giving her sister a hug.

        After their conversation, Nicole had finally waisted enough time. It was time for her to leave. She repeated her goodbyes with her family and headed for the car. As she made her way outside, another car pulled into the driveway. Out of the car stepped Dani.

        "Nicole! Hey!" Dani yelled waving her arms. "Let me take you to the airport,"

        Nicole decided she would ride with Dani, after all, they didn't really get to have a heart-to-heart when they went to dinner. 

        "Listen Nicole, about Dean-" Dani started.

        "No! Dani, I don't want to talk about it," Nicole interrupted.

        "Ok, it's just. You know what, never mind. Are you excited?" Dani asked.

        "Yes! I am so excited. I will finally be able to prove myself as being more than just average,"

        "Just average? What's that supposed to mean?" Dani responded

        "An average student. An average athlete. An average friend. An average sister. An average everything! I am not above average in anything when compared to my family. For once in my life, I can do something that will make me stand out," Nicole explained. 

        "Is that all this is? A chance for you to prove yourself to your family? Please tell me there is more reasoning in your plan than just that! Because if that is all there is to it, you are in store for a lot of disappointment. I know you Nicole. You will always expect more from yourself and be harder on yourself than you should be!" Dani pleaded.

        "Well that may be true, but it's better than just wallowing in my failures," She responded swiftly. 

        "I guess we just have different opinions on this, but it's your life. I want you to know I support you and love you. I will miss you like hell, but as long as you come back we're cool."

        "Thanks Dan Man. I'll miss you a lot too, but as long as you write me we're cool," Nicole responded quoting Dani. 

        "You know I will," Dani smiled, pulling up to the airport. "Here! Let me help you with your bags."

        Dani jumped out of the car and grabbed Nicole's bags out from the trunk. As she set them down on the curb, Nicole abruptly gave Dani a huge hug tears filling her eyes. 

        "I don't know what I'd do without you. Thanks for everything." Nicole stated.

        "I have never had a friend like you, and I swear if you die out there I will-" Dani began.

        "Yeah, yeah I know. You'll come out there and kill me yourself," Nicole finished, laughing.

        "You bet I will. Now, go out there and kick some serious ass!" Dani said with a smile lighting her face.      

        They gave one last solid hug, both girls in tears, until Nicole finally made her way inside the airport.