The Great War of Love

Chapter Two

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I needed to plan this out. I needed to figure how to pass off as my brother, and, you know, a boy. Then I needed to figure out how to not get my brother to go, then I needed to convince everyone there, if I get there, that I’m him. This was not going to be an easy task. At all.

“So,” I heard in the doorway of my room, “Whatcha doin?”

“Oh. Ben. I’m just reading,” I said, grabbing the book that was sitting on my nightstand and stashing my journal full of my plans under the blankets on my bed.

“Really,” He said, giving me a quizzical look.

“Uhuh,” I said, that sure was smooth, “Why?”

“Oh, just wondering if you wanted to go to the movies?”

“Of course!” Going to the movies was one of my favorite things, and considering my recent plans, I may not be able to go to one for awhile.  

“Oh, but you’re reading so…”

“Oh shut it,” I said, “Let’s go.”

For the movies I wore a long baby blue dress that reached just above my ankles and a light brown over coat that went just below my hips. My hair was curled and pinned perfectly and red lipstick was the finishing touch. Lipstick was a must. Ben was wearing trousers with a white shirt and a light brown coat. It way the middle of May but was still a bit chilly.  

“Two tickets please” Ben said once we got to the front of the ticket line. The show was busy and I could recognize a lot of faces in line, mostly kids from school. After we had our tickets we found seats inside and waited for the movie to start.

“So, I’m thinking about becoming a nurse,” I said while smoothing out my skirt, I’m a horrible liar, but I have to sell this.

“Seriously?” He asked, he knew me; nursing has never been something I’ve had an interest in.

“Yeah, I think,” I paused, “I think it will be a good experience.”

“Have you told mom and dad?” He still wasn’t buying this.

“No, but I’m planning to soon, probably tonight.”

“Wow,” he looked away, “I don’t think I like the idea of you being near all of that.”

If only you knew, “I’ll be fine, and I mean, you’re going to be in the same thing.”

“It’s different though, you’re my little sister.”

“Little sister? We’re twins.”

“Hey, I seem to remember mom telling me I was born first,” He looked pretty smug for something so idiotic.

“Wow,” I said, “Just, wow.”

He started to say something but the lights started to dim and the screen lit up. I knew Ben wasn’t happy about my “nurse” decision but its better than him knowing that I’m planning on taking his place. The only people I had to convince about me becoming a nurse now were my parents who I’m sure will be ecstatic.  

“You ever going to tell them?” Ben asked later as I helped bring the dishes from dinner into the kitchen.

“Of course,” I knew it shouldn’t be difficult, but it was hard to get the words out. I was really going to do this; I was going to leave everything behind.

Ben gave me a smirk and went back out to the dining room. My mom was taking a pie out of the oven and I helped grab more plates and forks.

“Thanks honey,” my mom said, smiling at me as she served the pie. It was apple pie and smelled delicious, just another thing I was going to miss.

“So I’ve decided to become a nurse for the war,” I said as I sat down and grabbed the plate my mom passed to me.

“Oh, honey, that’s great,” my mother said, she truly looked pleased to. So weird considering my brother was supposed to be leaving for the war too, but that was not okay.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” my dad said, “It’s always a good thing to help others, and they definitely need help with the soldiers,” I couldn’t help but notice him look at my brother.

“Uh, exactly” I said, “I just really want to help people.”

My mother nodded and smiled while my brother just sat there, he probably didn’t expect them to react this way. I’m doing this for him though, and I have to.

“Have you signed up yet?” My father asked, taking a bite of his pie.

“Yeah, just the other day actually,” I can’t believe they are buying this.

“Good, do you know when you leave?” this is something I hadn’t thought about, but I guess it would have to be before Ben.

“Um yeah, actually its a couple days before Ben leaves,” I twirled my fork around on my plate; I was kind of pushing this.

This got Ben’s attention, “Wait, you leave before I do?” Dang it. He must know something.

“Yes,” I said slowly, trying to read his face for an accusation, or at least realization.

“So I get even less time to see you before I leave?”He actually looked a little sad, he’s probably worried about his safety just as much as I am.

“I’m sorry,” I said, feeling tears starting to prick my eyes, “We still have a few days though,” a few very short days.

He shook his head, “Yeah, I guess.”