Travelin' Soldier
Two days past eighteen,
He was waiting for the bus in his army greens,
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there,
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair.
He's a little shy so she gives him a smile,
And he said would you mind sittin' down for a while,
And talking to me,
I'm feeling a little low.
She said I'm off in an hour and I know where we can go.
1970
John Eric Winchester was many things. Nervous. Scared.
Ready to do his country proud.
He was eighteen, at least he was on the enlistment form, and on his way to do good in the world. Be the All-American Hero he wanted to be.
"Ya' daddy run off on ya' Mama, John-boy, an' you's lookin' to do the same?" Grandpa Carl had spat at him two days ago, "Well, ain't ya' just ya' daddy's son! No doubt ya' be pissin' ya' pants the second ya' land o'er there, ya' lil' shit!"
John huffed as he slid into a booth and fiddled with the buttons on his standard utility shirt. He'd sure shown that old son of a bitch. He'd caught the first bus out of Normal and as soon as he got a bite to eat, he'd be catching the bus to a boot camp somewhere out on the west coast.
"Hi there! My name is Mary and I'll be taking your order. The special today is—"
Dear God in Heaven he'd just met an angel.
"Uh, sir? Hello?" the tiny blond girl inquired gently, reaching up to scratch at the green bow holding her hair back, "Sir, are you alright?"
John blushed a deep red and sputtered nervously, "Er, ah, yes, ma'am. Miss! Y-yes, miss. M'okay."
Breathe, Johnny, breathe.
Mary smiled kindly at the nervous man, "Take a deep breath for me, tiger, and then tell me what you want. Look's to me that you'll be catching the nine o'clock bus to San Diego, so I'll make sure whatever you order is extra special!"
Holy shit she just winked at me!
"I, uh, a burger. Extra lettuce, tomato, and onion. A-and a cup of coffee." John stuttered dumbly, "Plenty of cream and sugar."
"Ya' drink ya' fuckin' coffee like a fuckin' pussy!"
John was about to wince and take back his order when Mary put a hand on his shoulder.
"Gotta say, I love a guy who likes it sweet!" she giggled, then turned to walk away.
"And anything you want if you, ah, wouldn't mind sittin' with me and talkin' for a little while."
Holy fuck what the holy hell are you thinking John?!
Mary grinned at John, "Tell you what, tiger. I'm off in an hour and I know a place we can go."