I've been standing here
waiting Mr Postman;
So patiently;
For just a card, or just a letter;
Saying he's returning home to me...
Haley sat on the front porch, watching and desperately anticipating his return. It was Sunday yesterday, so she didn't see him, and was hoping that today was the day.
He walked around the corner, his blue cap on his head, his pastel blue shirt sleeves reaching just above his elbow.
Jumping up excitedly, she ran to catch up with him at the gate. As usual, he smirked and winked, as he handed her the envelopes. She scanned through the names and addresses before huffing.
"Stop!" She called after the mail man. "Is there another letter? I think you missed one!" She told him, biting her lip, with her eyes wide. The mailman sighed and shook his head.
"Nope." He replied. "That's everything. Double and triple checked." Haley's face fell as she nodded and turned around. She made her way slowly back up the walkway.
"Anything?" Her best friend, Brooke Davis, asked her. Haley looked up and Brooke saw the tears shining in her eyes. "Maybe this afternoon."
"There must be some word today." Haley sniffed, knowing she hadn't heard from him in over three weeks. "I know he's far away but it doesn't help." She said sadly. "I stand waiting every day, for anything…just to say he's coming home." She let the tears fall as Brooke wrapped her arms around her.
"Let's wait together." She whispered. "Come on."
"I just want one letter!" Haley sobbed, her cries getting louder. "Is that too much to ask? Why is it taking so long? He stops and checks his bag every day, and there's nothing there!" She got quieter and Brooke kissed her hair, the only way a best friend could. "I miss him Brookie." Haley collapsed and dropped the post.
"Haley." Brooke said quietly. "Hales it's okay, I understand. I miss Julian too, but they're out there fighting for us, for our country." She reassured her friend. "We just have to remember that they're coming home safe, and they're making this world a better place for our kids to grow up."
"I should wake them up, huh?" Haley sniffed, looking up the seemingly long set of stairs. "Jamie has school soon."
"Alright. Leave the babies for now, I can stay with them." Brooke offered, bending down to pick up the post, as Haley walked away. Sifting through, her eyes widened. "Haley!" She exclaimed loudly. "Haley!" She called out. "It's here! You missed it, it's here!"
A loud set of footsteps came fast from the staircase and Haley snatched the letter out of Brooke's hand. More tears began to fall, as she dreaded reading the letter. What if he had to stay another 6 months? She couldn't cope with it!
She tore open the envelope and snatched the paper out.
My dearest Haley,
I miss you, and I love you. I'm sorry it's taken so long to write, there's been a lot of action. You know I can't say much about what I'm doing, but know that we are all safe. It's the guys on the front line I worry for. I just hope I don't have to go out there before the next month is over.
A guy did die yesterday…someone I spoke to a lot. It was so scary Hales…but I don't regret coming out here. I promise to you that I'll make it home safely. I'll stay with you for as long as you're with me, and our hearts will forever be moulded.
Tell my babies I miss them. I guess Brooke's being a really great support for you right now and you for her. I want both of you to stick together, no matter what happens. You're the best of friends, and best friends need each other, through the good times and the bad.
I'll write again when I can.
I love you and the kids.
Always and Forever
Nathan x