I do not own Glee, any of the songs included in this story or any references that have been included. I only own the story line. This story does not follow the TV show so if you do not like then do not read that simple.
It was the 1st of February when the knock on number 34 Riverview drive brought with it what would change the lives of the people living there forever.
Mary Puckerman walked to the door while dusting her hands on her apron as she had been in the kitchen preparing breakfast for her daughter Lily. Her son Noah was coming home today after being away for the summer having gone on a road trip with his friends which already had her in high spirits.
Her family was everything to her and she was hoping that it was Rachel at the door as the young girl had offered to come help look after Lily so she could get everything ready for her sons arrival. She was making her famous Puckerman feast and they were having a family get together with all their closest friends and relatives for the last day of summer before all the kids had to go back to school.
Rachel and Noah were going into their Junior year of school and Mary hopped finally her thick headed son would finally open his eyes and see what was standing right in front of him in Rachel. The poor girl had had a crush on him since they were little and still running around making mud pies. Oh how she would love to see them start dating and someday give her beautiful little grandchildren. After all Rachel was Jewish what else could a mother ask for.
But as she opened the door she saw the familiar face of Joe their mailman. It was strange that he came knocking on their door usually he simply dropped the mail in the mailbox and went on his way as he had many other deliveries to make.
She was about to greet him warmly but abruptly stopped when she saw the expression on his face.
"Joe? What is it" Mary asked worried something was wrong as Joe was such a happy person and to see such dread on his face meant something serious must be wrong.
"Mary" He said in a voice that should only be used to console someone who has just lost a loved one
"Mary I am so sorry" He said shaking his head as he held out a single letter "I wish I wasn't the one who has to deliver this" And with one last shake of his head he turned and walked away
Looking down at the letter in her hands confusion was the first emotion she felt as she was the United States Army stamp on the front of the letter. This must be a mistake no one she knew was in the Army not even any of her friends let alone any family members.
But soon after that dread started to sink in as she harshly ripped open the envelope and reefing the letter out thinking the worst.
Dear Madam:
A member of your family is now undergoing basic training here at Fort Ord, California. He is joining with thousands of other young men in helping to maintain our Nations strength and readiness for an emergency, a responsibility which each of us shares.
He will receive the best instruction possible, for we know that a trained soldier, physically, mentally and morally sound, has a much better chance of success and survival in combat than an untrained man.
The letter slid from her hands as she was unable to read anymore and as she fell to the ground no longer able to stand up no longer able to hold back the tears she had been holding in since she read the first words of the letter.
Even though the letter did not say his name she knew it was her Noah that they were talking about and to make matters worse as she looked up she saw Rachel's bright smile as the girl walked through their front gate before it slipped from her angelic face as she saw her sitting there unable to move… unable to feel.