Pony-
Darry-
I faced my worst nightmare as I checked the mail. A letter I had feared coming since Soda turned eighteen. I read the name on the letter was "Sodapop P. Curtis" in black letter. I fingered the Marines symbol in the corner.
Uncle Sam wasn't going to tear my family apart. I couldn't send my kid brother to Vietnam. I wasn't going to do that to Soda. Soda has to many issues with guns and killing. That would tear my brother apart. My life was just getting on track and I was finding happiness. But being superman means putting those important to you first.
I shook the hands of Captain Smith.
"Son, may I ask you a question?", He asks
" Of course.", I reply
"What are you reasons for serving in place of your brother?", he asks
"You make sacrifices for those you love. ", I simply answer
"Remember this always son, semper fi, always loyal. I believe you are marine crops material.", he says
"Thank you sir." I say
"I'm Captain David Smith. I didn't catch your name.", Captain Smith says
"Darrel Curtis Jr.", I say
"Let's get you a physical, your reasons are honest.", Captain Smith says
Captain Smith guided me to the locker room where a older man stood. A line of men stood waiting. Captain Smith talked to the doctor and he nodded in understand. Captain Smith left me and I waited my turn. "Strip to your skivvies, men.", the doctor ordered
We stripped down and I folded my clothes neatly into a pile. We were assigned numbers and lockers. I put my clothes, personal belongings, and shoes in my locker. I shut my locker door and turned. The doctor looked over me and pulled me aside after he sent the other men onward.
"Curtis, I want to talk to you for a second.", the doctor says
"Yes, sir.", I reply
"I was looking over your medical records. It said you had an accident a few months back, correct?", the doctor questions
"I did. An inflamed spinal cord after a car accident. I had surgery and physical therapy. I recovered and return to my work as a roofer.", I say
"Just checking. Do you have any back problems or joint isses since then?, he asks
"No, sir. I return to my demanding job as a roofer.", I answer
"Your records are clean, you don't have any back problems and you work a physically demanding job.I see no reason that you can't handle being a marine. Congrats, you passed your physical.", the doctor says
I was told I passed my physical and was considered American soldier material. After my physical, I dressed into my clothes and had to fill out some paper work. Some were for records but some was for I was going in place of Soda. I hadn't no idea how I was going to tell Jenny or my brothers. I knew they would take it hard.
It wasn't going to be easy. I knew that when I walked into the draft office. I finished the paper work and I turned the paper work in. I walked into the front where I walked in hours ago. Private Johnson handed me the draft letter which had my name on it. I was about to walk out the door when Captain Johnson called me by name.
"Curtis, one second.", Captain Smith called
"Yes, sir.", I say
"Here keep this. Tell your brother when you make it home. Best of luck.", Captain Smith says
"I promise. ", I say in reply
I walk out the door knowing I made my decision. A man makes tough decisions, I knew what I was getting into. Some one has to an adult and I'm calling the shots. I made a decision years ago when I became a parent to my brothers. I gave up every thing for time. I gave up everything I worked for and my dreams to raise them. Once more I had been faced with that decision.
I looked at my watch , it was four pm. Damn, I was late for every thing. I missed Pone's track meet, I missed lunch with Jen and I didn't make it to work. I sighted and knew I would have to make it up to the people I loved. I had been dating Jenny for a few weeks and fell into love with her more than before.
I began my drive home and found conflict swirling in my mind. I gripped the steering wheel knowing the letter sitting beside me sealed my fate. I pulled into the drive way and saw that a few cars in the driveway. Today I was going to tell the family about my draft. I opened the letter and make sure it looked like it was opened before.
I climbed out of the truck and walked into the house. I saw Jenny, Pony, Soda, Steve, and Two-bit. "Hey, guys. ",I say
"Where were you today?", Pony asks
I could tell he was upset with me. Pony and I's relationship had changed over the last few years. We had a bond although we were different and bumped heads. It's important that I'm there for him. I let him down today but only if knew what I did today.
"I will explain that. We all need to sit down and I need to talk to everyone in this room.", I say calmly
My voice was dead calm and so was my expression. On the inside I was fighting a thousand different thousands at once. I had to put the thoughts in the back of my mind and focus on what I was going to say. I was shaking on the inside. I feared I would crack when I began to one sat still, all eyes were on me.
"I got this in the mail. I'm being drafted. ", I say calmly
"Is this some kinda of joke?",Steve asks
"I'm not buying it.", Two-bit comments
Pony just storms out of the room and doesn't say anything. He just ran out without saying a word. "Well, that didn't go as planned.", I thought to myself.
"I should go after him.", Soda replies
"Oh, Darry. What about your plans?", Jenny says
To be continued...