Bosco woke up from a deep sleep at 4:45, Thursday morning. He was used to waking up like that, it became a routine. He glanced at the dark ceiling above his head. He rubbed his eyes slowly and sat up in bed. He searched for the remote and found it on the floor by his shoes. He turned on the TV to CNN. More news of the shuttle disaster was running across the screen. He couldn't stomach what happened to those brave soles. He turned the channel to a local station where more news was on talking about Iraq and the weapons inspectors. Christ, he thought, was there such thing as good news anymore? He stared at the words running across the screen. He sighed and turned the TV off. He rolled over and stared at the clock until 7:30, when he decided to get up.
He went for his morning jog down to the Neighborhood Park and back. The weather was a little cool and breezy but that didn't bother him. It always made him run better when it was just a little on the nippy side. He looked at his stopwatch as he approached the entrance of the park; it read 5 minutes and 10 seconds. That was the best mile he had ran in a long time. He continued to jog through the winding roads and arrived home later.
He took a luke-warm shower and felt the water run over his bare skin. He sighed a sigh of relief as he looked up at the water falling from the showerhead. He felt energized, like he had slept the whole night. He hopped out of the shower and dried, and proceeded to make breakfast but was interrupted by his phone ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey Boz, this is Faith. What ya doing?"
"I was fixing to cook breakfast, you wanna come over and eat?"
The thought of Bosco cooking really didn't bring a good picture to Faith's mind. She smiled at the image of him in an apron. "What are you cooking?"
"Bacon, eggs, the usual. I've got plenty here."
"Nah, I'll pass. But thanks though."
He shrugged. "Have it your way." He cradled the phone between his ear and shoulder as he proceeded to crack eggs. He cracked one open but bits and pieces of the shell fell into the bowl along with the eggs. "Dammit."
"What?" Faith could just see him in the kitchen.
"I just got egg shell in the eggs."
She laughed. A little crunchiness in the eggs didn't sound to intriguing. "Bos, I'm gonna go. I have a dentist appointment in a few so I'll see you at work."
"Bye." He hung up the phone and began eating his "food" he had made for breakfast.
~~~~~
"You know, you really missed a good breakfast this morning Faith." Bosco replied as he stared at her from the driver's side of the RMP, rubbing his belly at the same time.
"Oh did I? You like a little crunch to your eggs?"
"I took the shells out. How did your appointment go?"
"I have to get two fillings next week."
He gave a sly laugh.
"It's not funny Boz, those things hurt like hell."
"I wouldn't know. I've never had a cavity in my life."
"You've never had a cavity?"
"Nope. Never."
The RMP grew quiet as they sat there and patrolled the street. Bosco leaned back in his seat, his restless night finally catching up to him.
"Boz, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah."
"Have you ever thought about this crap that is going on with Iraq? About how all those guys are being sent over there."
"Yeah, I've thought about it. I'd love to go over there and do my part in this. Sadaam and Osama don't have a right to do what they are doing."
"But think about it. Does America have the right to go over there and do what we are doing?"
"It all depends on the opinion of the person I guess." He looked at her, wondering why it was such a sensitive topic to her.
"You are in the reserves right? Since you were an Army Ranger."
"Yeah."
She just looked at him. No wonder he thought the way he did about the war. But she pretty much felt the same way. War was pointless. There are street wars everyday and nothing good comes out of them.
"Faith, I would just love to go over there and kill both of them and end it all right now. I don't want my kids to have to live through what we have." He looked her in the eyes, sure of what he was saying.
Bosco went home that night at 11:45 after stopping by the bar for a couple of drinks. Even Davis was talking about Iraq and all the recent recruits. He sat down on the couch and took his boots off. He stared at the wall behind the TV; he really didn't feel like turning it on. More bad news would be on anyway. He went to the bathroom and ran cold water over his face. It felt good. The phone ringing startled him.
"Hello?"
"Maurice."
"Hey ma, what's up?"
"Have you seen the news? All those boys that are being sent over seas?"
"Yeah ma, how could I miss it?" He rolled his eyes.
"I'm just worried, that's all."
"Ma, what are you worried about? You know America is gonna kick some ass."
"It's not that Maurice." She grew silent. He knew exactly what she was worried about but he didn't really want to talk about it.
"Ma, I'm 32. They only recruit younger guys."
"Unless they really need more men."
"Why would they need more men? We aren't even in a war yet."
"Maurice, I'm just worried, that's all. I want you to stay here."
"Well if the call me I gotta go. Just don't worry about me." He hung up the phone and ran both of his hands over his face. What if they did recruit him? He wanted to go over there so bad but then again he really was scared about it. He laid down in bed where he fell asleep thinking about Iraq and what kind of hell war actually was.
~~~~
"Private Boscorelli, get the troops moving!!" Gunfire flew all around Bosco as he ran through the blood and mud that was covered on the ground. His legs felt heavy and he couldn't run as fast as he usually could.
"Bosco! Help me!" Bosco stopped in his tracks to turn and find his best friend lying on the ground, a gunshot wound to his chest.
"Davey! Come on man, let's get you outta here." Bosco stared down at him through the caked mud that now covered his face. As he slouched over to pick Davey up a sharp sting was sent through his back. He had been shot and left to die on unknown territory.
~~~~
Bosco sat straight up in bed. It was only 1:15 am. He was covered in sweat and breathing heavy. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. He ran a hand over his damp hair. Now he was having nightmares about it, could it get any worse? He turned on the TV to Nickelodeon where Spongebob Squarepants was on. He left it there; it was the only positive thing that was on.
~~~~
He woke up again at 8:30 to his phone ringing. He thought, 'damn, can't I ever sleep late?'
"Hello?"
"Is this Maurice Boscorelli?" A deep voice on the other line spoke confident and loudly in Bosco's ear. He pulled the phone away and sighed from the pain his eardrums felt.
"Yeah, who is this?"
"This is Recruiter James Larry. I was just making sure you still lived here in New York. Have a nice day."
Bosco hung up the phone and stared at it, confused at what the call meant. Surely they wouldn't recruit him, he was too old.
~~~~
When he walked in the locker room everyone stopped and stared at him. He slung his bag down off of his shoulder and began to change. He didn't care what they were thinking; he had more important things on his mind. Faith touched his arm.
"Boz..."
She glanced down and then back up at him.
"What?"
"Swersky said some recruiters were talking to him about you earlier today."
"Really?" He acted interested but he really wasn't. That was the last thing he wanted to hear.
"Yeah, they didn't say when they would be back though."
"Well what did they talk about?"
Christopher popped his head in, "Roll call."
~~~~
After debriefing Bosco's curiosity was running as he waited for Faith to continue her story. She didn't bring it up until he mentioned it.
"Well, what did they talk about?"
"Boz, I'm not even supposed to be telling you this. Swersky said he'd tell you later."
"I won't tell anyone."
"He said they were just asking about how you do on the job, your physical appearance, and if you are stable enough to be in hectic situations."
"Stable?"
"Yeah."
He scratched his eyebrow and glanced at her from the driver's side of the car. "A recruiter called me this morning."
"Yeah?" Faith turned to look at him, dreading that he probably was going to get sent over there.
"He just wanted to check my information. See if my address was right and everything."
"Oh." Bosco could tell Faith was worried just like his mother.
"Faith, don't worry. That phone call could mean a lot of things. They'll take younger guys over me anyway."
"I know, but still. I don't want to go to war."
"Faith, look at me. It'll be okay. Whatever happens, happens. We have no control over it. And if I get sent over there, I'll stay safe for you. I won't do any heroics, I'll just do what I'm supposed to and stay out of danger as much as I can. I'll do that for you Faith."
She nodded and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. War tears everyone up.
"55 David to central, house needs you in for a word with the lieutenant."
Bosco queued his radio, "10-4."
~~~~
Swersky met them at the front desk, a grim look across his face.
"Boscorelli, I need to see you in my office." Bosco stared at Faith who knew exactly why they were called in.
"I'll be right back Faith." He gave a small smile and walked up the stairs to the office.
~~~~
Two recruiters from the army greeted him. They shook his hand and offered him a seat.
"Officer Boscorelli, to our understanding you were an Army Ranger before becoming a law enforcement officer."
"Yes sir."
"And you are still in the reserves."
"Yes sir." Bosco's stomach felt like butterflies as he waited for the truth to come out. His palms were cold and clammy and his mouth was dry.
"We are here to tell you that you have been called to active duty. You are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning at 0900 hours. Be at the airport then."
"Where are they sending me?"
"Iraq."
The room grew hot when those words were spoken. Bosco nodded and stared at the floor. He knew this was going to happen; it was just a matter of time.
He asked, "Sir, with all due respect, I thought they were just sending younger guys over there. Why did they choose me?"
"Your military history is nothing but good. Your experience is excellent and we need a guy like you over there to help out."
~~~~
Bosco met Faith in the roll call room. She had been crying, he could tell.
"Well?"
"I'm leaving for Iraq at 9:00 tomorrow."
She didn't say anything. She just stared back at him, disappointed to hear that he would be leaving soon.
"Faith, we haven't even declared war yet. This is just precautionary."
"It'll happen soon though. Just give it time."
"Have a little faith, Faith."
"I'll be there to see you leave." She smiled through her tear soaked face. There was nothing she could do to keep him here so she decided to be his support.
~~~~
Rose, Faith, Fred, Emily, Charlie, Sully, Davis, and Mikey all showed up at the airport to see Bosco off. He was dressed in his Army dress uniform. Faith couldn't help but notice how attractive he looked in it.
"Wow Bosco, you look impressive in that."
"The recruiter told me to wear it. I'm surprised it still fits." He ran his hand over the buttons.
Rose approached him, a handkerchief to her nose. "Stay safe Maurice. Be smart." She hugged him.
Fred even hugged him for support. "You show Iraq who America is man. Kick some ass."
"I will." He smiled at Fred; surprised he was actually there.
Faith followed him to the ticket booth, not wanting to let him go. "Boz, just be careful. I'll be praying for you here."
"Okay Faith. You stay safe too."
"You have angels watching over you. More than angels! You have God on your side." She hugged him and didn't want to let go. She wanted to stay in his warm embrace forever.
"Bye. I'll see you soon." He waved as he walked to the plane.
I Believe
By: Diamond Rio
Every now and then, soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And it's like you haven't been gone a moment from my side
Like the tears we never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me
And with all my heart I'm sure we're closer than we ever were
I don't have to hear or see, I've got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe
That when you die your life goes on
It doesn't end here when you're gone
Every soul is filled with light
It never ends and if I'm right
Our love can even reach across eternity
I believe, I believe
Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
And I'll hold you even longer if I can
The people who don't see the most
Say that I believe in ghosts
And if that makes me crazy, then I am
'Cause I believe
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe
He went for his morning jog down to the Neighborhood Park and back. The weather was a little cool and breezy but that didn't bother him. It always made him run better when it was just a little on the nippy side. He looked at his stopwatch as he approached the entrance of the park; it read 5 minutes and 10 seconds. That was the best mile he had ran in a long time. He continued to jog through the winding roads and arrived home later.
He took a luke-warm shower and felt the water run over his bare skin. He sighed a sigh of relief as he looked up at the water falling from the showerhead. He felt energized, like he had slept the whole night. He hopped out of the shower and dried, and proceeded to make breakfast but was interrupted by his phone ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey Boz, this is Faith. What ya doing?"
"I was fixing to cook breakfast, you wanna come over and eat?"
The thought of Bosco cooking really didn't bring a good picture to Faith's mind. She smiled at the image of him in an apron. "What are you cooking?"
"Bacon, eggs, the usual. I've got plenty here."
"Nah, I'll pass. But thanks though."
He shrugged. "Have it your way." He cradled the phone between his ear and shoulder as he proceeded to crack eggs. He cracked one open but bits and pieces of the shell fell into the bowl along with the eggs. "Dammit."
"What?" Faith could just see him in the kitchen.
"I just got egg shell in the eggs."
She laughed. A little crunchiness in the eggs didn't sound to intriguing. "Bos, I'm gonna go. I have a dentist appointment in a few so I'll see you at work."
"Bye." He hung up the phone and began eating his "food" he had made for breakfast.
~~~~~
"You know, you really missed a good breakfast this morning Faith." Bosco replied as he stared at her from the driver's side of the RMP, rubbing his belly at the same time.
"Oh did I? You like a little crunch to your eggs?"
"I took the shells out. How did your appointment go?"
"I have to get two fillings next week."
He gave a sly laugh.
"It's not funny Boz, those things hurt like hell."
"I wouldn't know. I've never had a cavity in my life."
"You've never had a cavity?"
"Nope. Never."
The RMP grew quiet as they sat there and patrolled the street. Bosco leaned back in his seat, his restless night finally catching up to him.
"Boz, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah."
"Have you ever thought about this crap that is going on with Iraq? About how all those guys are being sent over there."
"Yeah, I've thought about it. I'd love to go over there and do my part in this. Sadaam and Osama don't have a right to do what they are doing."
"But think about it. Does America have the right to go over there and do what we are doing?"
"It all depends on the opinion of the person I guess." He looked at her, wondering why it was such a sensitive topic to her.
"You are in the reserves right? Since you were an Army Ranger."
"Yeah."
She just looked at him. No wonder he thought the way he did about the war. But she pretty much felt the same way. War was pointless. There are street wars everyday and nothing good comes out of them.
"Faith, I would just love to go over there and kill both of them and end it all right now. I don't want my kids to have to live through what we have." He looked her in the eyes, sure of what he was saying.
Bosco went home that night at 11:45 after stopping by the bar for a couple of drinks. Even Davis was talking about Iraq and all the recent recruits. He sat down on the couch and took his boots off. He stared at the wall behind the TV; he really didn't feel like turning it on. More bad news would be on anyway. He went to the bathroom and ran cold water over his face. It felt good. The phone ringing startled him.
"Hello?"
"Maurice."
"Hey ma, what's up?"
"Have you seen the news? All those boys that are being sent over seas?"
"Yeah ma, how could I miss it?" He rolled his eyes.
"I'm just worried, that's all."
"Ma, what are you worried about? You know America is gonna kick some ass."
"It's not that Maurice." She grew silent. He knew exactly what she was worried about but he didn't really want to talk about it.
"Ma, I'm 32. They only recruit younger guys."
"Unless they really need more men."
"Why would they need more men? We aren't even in a war yet."
"Maurice, I'm just worried, that's all. I want you to stay here."
"Well if the call me I gotta go. Just don't worry about me." He hung up the phone and ran both of his hands over his face. What if they did recruit him? He wanted to go over there so bad but then again he really was scared about it. He laid down in bed where he fell asleep thinking about Iraq and what kind of hell war actually was.
~~~~
"Private Boscorelli, get the troops moving!!" Gunfire flew all around Bosco as he ran through the blood and mud that was covered on the ground. His legs felt heavy and he couldn't run as fast as he usually could.
"Bosco! Help me!" Bosco stopped in his tracks to turn and find his best friend lying on the ground, a gunshot wound to his chest.
"Davey! Come on man, let's get you outta here." Bosco stared down at him through the caked mud that now covered his face. As he slouched over to pick Davey up a sharp sting was sent through his back. He had been shot and left to die on unknown territory.
~~~~
Bosco sat straight up in bed. It was only 1:15 am. He was covered in sweat and breathing heavy. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest. He ran a hand over his damp hair. Now he was having nightmares about it, could it get any worse? He turned on the TV to Nickelodeon where Spongebob Squarepants was on. He left it there; it was the only positive thing that was on.
~~~~
He woke up again at 8:30 to his phone ringing. He thought, 'damn, can't I ever sleep late?'
"Hello?"
"Is this Maurice Boscorelli?" A deep voice on the other line spoke confident and loudly in Bosco's ear. He pulled the phone away and sighed from the pain his eardrums felt.
"Yeah, who is this?"
"This is Recruiter James Larry. I was just making sure you still lived here in New York. Have a nice day."
Bosco hung up the phone and stared at it, confused at what the call meant. Surely they wouldn't recruit him, he was too old.
~~~~
When he walked in the locker room everyone stopped and stared at him. He slung his bag down off of his shoulder and began to change. He didn't care what they were thinking; he had more important things on his mind. Faith touched his arm.
"Boz..."
She glanced down and then back up at him.
"What?"
"Swersky said some recruiters were talking to him about you earlier today."
"Really?" He acted interested but he really wasn't. That was the last thing he wanted to hear.
"Yeah, they didn't say when they would be back though."
"Well what did they talk about?"
Christopher popped his head in, "Roll call."
~~~~
After debriefing Bosco's curiosity was running as he waited for Faith to continue her story. She didn't bring it up until he mentioned it.
"Well, what did they talk about?"
"Boz, I'm not even supposed to be telling you this. Swersky said he'd tell you later."
"I won't tell anyone."
"He said they were just asking about how you do on the job, your physical appearance, and if you are stable enough to be in hectic situations."
"Stable?"
"Yeah."
He scratched his eyebrow and glanced at her from the driver's side of the car. "A recruiter called me this morning."
"Yeah?" Faith turned to look at him, dreading that he probably was going to get sent over there.
"He just wanted to check my information. See if my address was right and everything."
"Oh." Bosco could tell Faith was worried just like his mother.
"Faith, don't worry. That phone call could mean a lot of things. They'll take younger guys over me anyway."
"I know, but still. I don't want to go to war."
"Faith, look at me. It'll be okay. Whatever happens, happens. We have no control over it. And if I get sent over there, I'll stay safe for you. I won't do any heroics, I'll just do what I'm supposed to and stay out of danger as much as I can. I'll do that for you Faith."
She nodded and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. War tears everyone up.
"55 David to central, house needs you in for a word with the lieutenant."
Bosco queued his radio, "10-4."
~~~~
Swersky met them at the front desk, a grim look across his face.
"Boscorelli, I need to see you in my office." Bosco stared at Faith who knew exactly why they were called in.
"I'll be right back Faith." He gave a small smile and walked up the stairs to the office.
~~~~
Two recruiters from the army greeted him. They shook his hand and offered him a seat.
"Officer Boscorelli, to our understanding you were an Army Ranger before becoming a law enforcement officer."
"Yes sir."
"And you are still in the reserves."
"Yes sir." Bosco's stomach felt like butterflies as he waited for the truth to come out. His palms were cold and clammy and his mouth was dry.
"We are here to tell you that you have been called to active duty. You are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning at 0900 hours. Be at the airport then."
"Where are they sending me?"
"Iraq."
The room grew hot when those words were spoken. Bosco nodded and stared at the floor. He knew this was going to happen; it was just a matter of time.
He asked, "Sir, with all due respect, I thought they were just sending younger guys over there. Why did they choose me?"
"Your military history is nothing but good. Your experience is excellent and we need a guy like you over there to help out."
~~~~
Bosco met Faith in the roll call room. She had been crying, he could tell.
"Well?"
"I'm leaving for Iraq at 9:00 tomorrow."
She didn't say anything. She just stared back at him, disappointed to hear that he would be leaving soon.
"Faith, we haven't even declared war yet. This is just precautionary."
"It'll happen soon though. Just give it time."
"Have a little faith, Faith."
"I'll be there to see you leave." She smiled through her tear soaked face. There was nothing she could do to keep him here so she decided to be his support.
~~~~
Rose, Faith, Fred, Emily, Charlie, Sully, Davis, and Mikey all showed up at the airport to see Bosco off. He was dressed in his Army dress uniform. Faith couldn't help but notice how attractive he looked in it.
"Wow Bosco, you look impressive in that."
"The recruiter told me to wear it. I'm surprised it still fits." He ran his hand over the buttons.
Rose approached him, a handkerchief to her nose. "Stay safe Maurice. Be smart." She hugged him.
Fred even hugged him for support. "You show Iraq who America is man. Kick some ass."
"I will." He smiled at Fred; surprised he was actually there.
Faith followed him to the ticket booth, not wanting to let him go. "Boz, just be careful. I'll be praying for you here."
"Okay Faith. You stay safe too."
"You have angels watching over you. More than angels! You have God on your side." She hugged him and didn't want to let go. She wanted to stay in his warm embrace forever.
"Bye. I'll see you soon." He waved as he walked to the plane.
I Believe
By: Diamond Rio
Every now and then, soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And it's like you haven't been gone a moment from my side
Like the tears we never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me
And with all my heart I'm sure we're closer than we ever were
I don't have to hear or see, I've got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe
That when you die your life goes on
It doesn't end here when you're gone
Every soul is filled with light
It never ends and if I'm right
Our love can even reach across eternity
I believe, I believe
Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
And I'll hold you even longer if I can
The people who don't see the most
Say that I believe in ghosts
And if that makes me crazy, then I am
'Cause I believe
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe