Abraham Lincoln was elected, and, as Leo predicted, war began…
It was 1861…

Elliot Breckinridge looked out the window and sighed. It was a clear and beautiful summer afternoon in Lexington. Throughout the state- as he was well aware of, because his father was a senator- news of separation and war loomed and spread like a wildfire… and he was in the mist of it…
Elliot had been desiring to attend college since he was young. It was considered necessary, in his family, to get a proper education, and, with high academic marks, attend college. Elliot knew in his heart his place was at a university… but because of the recent national conflict arising, he did not have the ability to make the decision for himself. Now, instead of talks of colleges, Elliot was forced to listen to news told by his brothers, as well as read newspapers, about secession and conflict, Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln, the Confederacy and the Union… everything happened so seemingly quick, in his eyes… it hurt even more knowing, because of his age… he just might have to fight in the war, after all.

Elliot shrugged. He wiped a few specks of dust off the window pane, and placed his elbow on it afterwards. He put his chin on top of his hand, gazing gloomily outside. He was waiting for his father to arrive with information regarding the war, as well as whether or not he wanted him to attend college or fight… for many young men like Elliot, this was a decision of life-changing proportions… if he chose to go to college, he would be avoiding warfare and the chance of getting killed, but, as a consequence, he would be criticized, and his family would be criticized, for educating, instead of liberating, what was deemed judicial. If he chose not to go to college, and therefore, instead, fight in the war, he would be risking his life, but still maintaining family honor. It was a difficult decision either way, one Elliot knew he could not make on his own…

The carriage rolled in. Elliot looked up from distraction as his father- much like Claude in looks- stepped out into the sunlight. He closed the carriage door and waved at Elliot in the window. Elliot waved back. He had not seen his father for months, so it was kind of pleasing to see him after all this time. Elliot stood up and turned towards the door, but Vanessa, who was already running towards it, pushed him aside and opened it to greet her father.
"Daddy!", exclaimed Vanessa happily, her arms opened to him. Mr. Breckinridge placed his suitcase on the ground, and gave his daughter a hug.
"Sweet pea, how are you?"
"Just fine, Daddy! How was 'ur trip?"
"Oh, swell… say… w'ere is 'ur brothers?" Vanessa frowned. She looked down, and stopped hugging her father.
"Um… Paw… I think ya should sit down, so I can tell ya somethin'…"
"Ok…", said Mr. Breckinridge, walking into the living room. He saw Elliot by the window immediately, and tipped his hat at him. "Howdy, son…"
"Hey…", said Elliot, waving his hand slightly in the air at him. He focused his attention at the window again. Mr. Breckinridge sat down on a chair near the fireplace, and looked at Vanessa with concern.
"Paw… take off 'ur hat…" He took it off, still looking at Vanessa. Vanessa sat next to him on another chair. "Paw… 'ur not gonna like this… but…" She looked down. "Daddy…" She looked up again.
"Yes, sweet pea?" Vanessa sighed.
"Ernie and Junie signed up for the war…"
"What?"
"They didn't want you to know about it… they thought you'd be ashamed…"
"Ashamed? Why, sweet pea! I wouldn't 'ave been ashamed! Lord, I'd probably tell them to go, anyways…"
"You would? But… Paw…", said Vanessa, almost in tears.
"Speakin' of which… Ellie… did you make 'ur decision?" Elliot jumped back. He turned around to look at his father.
"I… thought you were makin' the decision, Paw…", said Elliot, quietly and looking to the side. Mr. Breckinridge smiled.
"Aw… come now… I told ya to decide for yourself what you wanted to do… and ya want what's best for 'ur country, so…"
"Paw…"
"Sweet pea?" He looked at Vanessa, who was now standing with hands in fists. Her eyes were closed and in tears.
"Paw... PLEASE, DON'T SEND ELLIE AWAY!", said Vanessa, kneeling by her father and pleading in screams. "I'VE ALREADY GOT TWO BROTHERS IN THE WA-OR... AND I DON'T WANT TO LOSE HIM, TOO... I DON'T WANT TO LOSE HIM, TOO!"
"Vanessa!", said Elliot, standing up. He was hardly heard in her screams…
"OH, PLEASE! PLEASE, DON'T LET 'EM GO, PAW! HE'D BE BETTER OFF IN HELL THAN FIGHTING IN THIS STUPID WAR!" Mr. Breckinridge slapped her… hard… Elliot could not believe what his sister had said, nor what his father did… Vanessa rubbed her hand on her cheek, eyes closed, and still crying. Her father stood up, hands in fists, and looked at her angrily.
"You don't go about sayin' THINGS LIKE THAT! You want the whole state of Kentucky to HEAR YOUR JABBER?", shouted Mr. Breckinridge. "Besides… what do you think you know, anyway? This is a WAR, not a devil's institution! There's a reason why these men are fightin'! It's not like they're being condoned for their sins in an inferno!" He moved his face closer to hers. "I outta have you horse whipped, you…", said her father, raising his hand again at her. Vanessa opened her eyes and looked at him, preparing for the blow.
"PAW!" Mr. Breckinridge turned around. Elliot stood before him, clenching his fists at his sides, and frowning.
"I've made my decision…" He nodded. "I'll fight."
"What?", whispered Vanessa, still in tears. Elliot walked up to her and kneeled down beside her, smiling.
"Paw's right… until now, I've been thinkin' that this war was just another way for the devil to claim lives… but… people… American people… are choosin' themselves to fight the flames… I would be…" Elliot looked down. "I would be a coward not to fight alongside them…" Vanessa was shocked.
"You're wrong, Ellie…" She stood up quickly and pushed him to the side, running out of the room, in tears. "YOU'RE WRONG!"
"Vanessa!", shouted Elliot, standing up, frowning, and extending his hand out to her.
"Leave her be, boy…" Elliot looked at his father. "She obviously doesn't know how to deal with it all… girls like her are too young to go through something like this… it hurts them, deep down, knowin' their paw, or brother, or cousin, or uncle, might not be returnin' in time for the next spring gig… he, he… who am I kiddin'? They think we're all gonna die, anyway... boy?"
"Yes, Paw?" Mr. Breckinridge stood up quickly.
"You made this decision on your own... I hope you know that…"
"Yes, Paw… I know it…" Mr. Breckinridge placed his hand on Elliot's shoulder, and looked into his eyes with seriousness.
"This excuse you gave her, somethin' about being a coward if you didn't fight… are you more concerned about that than defending your family honor? Huh, boy?" Elliot looked into his father's eyes with utmost sincerity.
"I shall defend my beliefs for the sake of the oppressed... through this defense, I will gain honor! For my country! For the people in it! And, if my family is honored… it will be a reward after the victory!"
"Just a reward? Boy, you've got a hell of a lot to learn…", said Mr. Breckinridge, walking out of the room. Elliot looked at him, smirking a little.
"Hmph… so do you…"

"No! I refuse to fight! NO, NO, NO!"

A table broke… bottles were smashed... and hearts were broken, all in one night…

Leo panted heavily after being thrown at a kitchen wall… he was curled up, innocent, like a child, on the floor. He glanced up at his father from behind his black eyes and shaggy hair. Nothing… absolutely nothing got through to him when he was drunk, especially now the South had seceded. Leo was pale and dark from the bruises, dyed red by stains of blood from his nose and mouth... and Benny, of all people, did not care…
Leo started to stand up. Shakily, he placed his hand on one knee for support and made it up all the way. He looked at his father angrily. Benny came up to him, grabbed his collar, and forced him to the wall again.
"Boy, you gonna refuse me again? Huh?" Leo continued to breathe heavily.
"Kill me now… just please, kill me now…", whispered Leo under his breath.
"THAT… ISN'T… AN… ANSWER!", exclaimed Benny. He started to bang Leo's head against the wall as he spoke. Leo slid to the ground, kneeling, and started to cry, hands over his eyes. "Oh, so you're gonna cry now, huh? YOU YANKEE… N****… SON-OF-A… B****!", he shouted, kicking Leo's head forcefully. Maggie walked in, carrying some dishes. She dropped them, instantly noticing Leo getting abused. She covered her mouth in shock, and started to approach him carefully. Benny looked at her. "Turn around, woman… go on… get upstairs…", said Benny in a soft tone. Maggie shook her head and began to cry. She continued to approach Leo. "Go on… I said, GET!", exclaimed Benny angrily. She came in closer.
"Lenny… oh, Lenny…", she whispered remorsefully.
"Get goin', woman!"
"No…", said Maggie, looking at Benny. "No, I ain't goin' this time… no, Lawd! Not while this chile' is bleedin'… this chile' is BLEEDIN'!" Benny pushed her into the wall. She fell to the ground. Maggie put her arms around Leo on the floor. She looked at Benny. "He only jus' fifteen! Jus' FIFTEEN!" Benny pushed and slapped her again.
"I don't care how old he is… this boy is fightin' in the War, like he ought to!"
"He go'n fight for nothin', Lawd… if you send 'em this way!"
"He's not the only boy with bruises in 'et!"
"I don't mean them bruises… regardless, he'd be goin' that way… I mean, for what he's fightin' for! It ain't worth nothin' that way!" Benny slapped her again
"You N****! My boy ain't gonna fight for useless black trash! Yeah, he'll wear the gray…"

"He'll wear the gray…"

-

It was 1861… Elliot was to be transferred to Virginia a few days from deciding his fate. He wished to spend his last few days wandering around the Lexington countryside, in search of himself… instead, he found someone new…

Elliot ran through a small forest near the Lexington train station. He pretended he was fighting the enemy, dressed in blue from head to toe and covered in brass buttons. He acted as though he were again a child, incapable of self-control when it came to play-fighting.
"DIE!", he exclaimed, throwing a stick at a tree like an axe. He then took a step to the side and grabbed the middle of his shirt with both hands, pulling them away from his body. "In honor of your… honorary services… for fighting in the United States Calvary… I, Abraham Lincoln, present you, Lieutenant... no, I could do better than that... General Elliot Breckinridge, another gold star, adding on to your already five stars, making you the highest ranked officer in American history! What do ya have to say for yourself, young man? Well, I…" Elliot paused. He looked to his right. "Shush… quiet, Mr. President…", whispered Elliot, walking towards his right. He held his hand up like a gun, preparing to shoot someone. "I think there just might be one more enemy left to get… right…" He stopped walking. "THERE!", he exclaimed, pointing his finger and pretending to shoot someone in the light. He was facing the train depot from a distance close enough to see the station's platform. He looked up consciously to see his finger pointing at someone sitting on a bench located on the platform. He realized who it was immediately. Lowering his finger, Elliot could not let the image he saw leave his mind. He jumped up into the air and started to run towards the platform quickly. When he reached the platform, Elliot stood a distance away from the person he had gotten to know well in two years… Leo Drayton… but he was different… much different… than before…
"Elliot?", said Leo, looking up at him. He was shocked to see his friend, especially at a time like this… especially how he looked… now…
His head wrapped in bandages, concealed with a cap, was the first thing Elliot noticed. The second, which quite possibly could have been the first, was his uniform… Leo's uniform… a military uniform…

And it was gray…

Leo, realizing Elliot's mortified expression, looked down immediately, and started to cry. Tears, along with dried blood, fell down his cheeks in rapid percussion. He covered his eyes to stop the tears, as well as to hide his black eyes, with his hands. Elliot, noticing his tears, walked up to the bench and sat next to Leo. He now saw a gun leaning against the bench beside Leo. He frowned...
"I… I…", sobbed Leo, flabbergasted with the way he presented himself to Elliot. Elliot started to speak, moving his hand towards his friend.
"Leo…" Elliot sighed, and smiled. He placed his hand on Leo's shoulder. Leo looked up at him. Elliot saw the black eyes instantly. He frowned for a second, and touched one of the bruises gently with his fingers. He smiled again. "Wait a minute… this is just your lucky day…", said Elliot, reaching into his pant pocket. He pulled out glasses, and started to put them on his friend with care. "I've got a brand new… pair… of spectacles… just your size!", said Elliot with a smile. Leo could not believe it… his vision was improved… but… it did not make any sense. He touched both sides of the glasses, lifting them slightly off his nose.
"Are they… for me?", he said, a single tear falling from his eye. Elliot nodded. Leo looked into the window of the train station at his reflection. He frowned. "I… suppose it helps… but they don't get rid of the ugly known as me…" Leo looked down at his feet. Elliot started to frown, looking down, too. "I… think you've noticed…"
"Yeah, and I don't care!", exclaimed Elliot, standing up. Leo looked at him.
"Why not?" Elliot sighed. He scrunched his shoulders down.
"Because… because it's not you, damn it!", he exclaimed, turning himself towards Leo. "Why would I… why would I care…", he said, lowering his voice and turning around again. He crossed his arms, looking down at the platform. Leo looked up.
"I thought ya would be angry…"
"I am angry… but not at you… what kind of father sends his son into the military? When he's fifteen?", said Elliot, eyes closed and trembling. Leo stood up.
"That's… it? I'm surprised ya didn't say anythin' about the color of them here britches I got on… Lord…", said Leo, sitting down again. "Lord! Why didn't I try harder? Why didn't I try ta make it so I'd be safe from this here color I'm in? Why… why am I so weak in the fist? How's he expect me ta fight for any side in the condition I'm in?", said Leo to himself. Elliot sighed and opened his eyes.
"Don't kid yourself, Leo… you fought a heck of a lot harder than most boys your age do in a lifetime… 'en most people, 'specially Maggie… ask for nothin' more than what you did… 'en… as for the color of your uniform…", said Elliot, turning around to face Leo. "I said before it's… not you… no damn color's gonna make me believe you're any different from the Leo Drayton I know, 'cept if he changes… 'en… he's not gonna change his beliefs to fit the needs of the side he's fightin' for, is he?" Leo shook his head. Elliot smiled, walking over to him and sitting beside him again. He looked up at the sky. "You know, war is like school… it either makes or breaks us… I know… Leo… you won't let it break ya, or let their spirits take ya somewhere new… you'll… be the same ol' Leo I met two years prior, just a little more… military…", said Elliot with a laugh. He looked down, and started to frown slightly. "I hope this war ends so we all don't have ta fight, at least, one unnecessary battle in our lives… and so you don't have to go through more bloodshed…" Leo looked up at Elliot.
"I've been through enough to bear more, if needed… but that doesn't excuse the fact that I'll be wearin' gray... you… might think it doesn't matter that I'll be wearin' gray… but… if I die… the United States won't remember me for my beliefs… they'll remember me for bein' a Rebel…"
"I'll remember you…", whispered Elliot considerably. Leo looked at him. He felt like crying.
"Thank you… Elliot…"
The train came in as quickly as their conversation ended.
"Next stop, Virginia!", shouted the conductor. Leo stood up, grabbing his gun from beside the bench, with Elliot standing up, as well. He looked at Elliot.
"I… don't wanna say goodbye!"
"You don't have to…", said Elliot with a smile. "We'll see each other again…" Leo smiled slightly… for the first time in his life… he walked over to the train, and took one step on the stairs. He looked back at Elliot, and waved. Elliot waved, too. After a few seconds more, Leo walked into the train, and took a seat on a bench. Elliot watched as the train left the station, carrying with it the boy he knew would never be forgotten…

Leo Drayton…