Chapter 45: Friends Meet

What's up? Sorry it took so long, had another story which you should really check out. Thanks for hanging in there. :D Sorry this is short.

Hawkeye Pierce: Age Nine, Fourth Grade

Swooning with the girls at the playground, Hawkeye was feeling pride within his young heart with all of the young ladies. He knew that he was lucky, but not like this, but he took it as a gift and accepted it. The only problem he had was which one to choose and who should he keep. But then again, he loved being him so that way all the girls may come. The other boys on the playground think and wonder in astonishment of what they are doing wrong or what Hawkeye has that attract them that they don't. They didn't argue, oh no, they just watched in amazement.

To Hawkeye's knowledge, he saw another boy who looked just as rugged as he did except his hair was brown as well as his eyes, he remembered him from the milk line since he was the milk boy. He had some freckles and was recognized by being in Hawkeye's class. Hawkeye saw him outside the crowd of girls wondering why he was alone. It didn't matter, he would talk to him in class, which was about to start.

"Class, please take your seats and be quick about it we have a lot to do today." The new boy sat in his seat and Hawkeye sat by him.

"Hi." He greeted.

The new boy's eyes glazed for a moment wondering what he wanted since this was a first time someone has ever came up to him. Politely, he responded, "Hello."

"I'm Hawkeye Pierce. What's your name?"

Knowing where the conversation is going, he smiled and said "Tommy Gillis. What does Hawkeye mean?"

"From some book--"

"Mr. Pierce, hush up! You had time to get to know the new kid at recess, now please pay attention." the teacher said.

"Yes M'am" Hawkeye replied slumping back in his seat. Quickly, he whispered to Tommy "I'll talk to you later." Tommy just nodded.

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When the clock struck three, all of the students ran out as if there was a stampede. "So, where are you from?" Hawkeye asked as he was walking home. It was going to be a long walk, but Hawkeye didn't mind and apparently the new kid didn't either.

"Portland, my parents wanted to be in a small town."

"Oh,"

"So what does Hawkeye mean?" Tommy asked once again.

"It's from some book my dad loves to read The Last of the Mohicans. My mom calls me by my real name, 'Ben'". He rolled his eyes. "She's the only one who calls me that and I truly hate it, but that's moms for ya." Tommy laughed at the comment.

"Yea, my mom's like that too. She calls me Thomas. Everybody calls me Tommy. So, Hawkeye what is this town like?"

"Boring," Hawkeye answered.

"Really? It seems ok to me."

"You haven't lived here all your life. I have and believe me when I say it's boring. But, if you hang with me, you'll be alright. Tell me about you."

Tommy shrugged as his hands went into his pocket. "Not much to tell really. My dad is trying to find a job something in mechanics and my mom stays home a lot. I don't have any brothers or sisters, so it's just me."

"Me too!!" Hawkeye exclaimed.

"Cool! So, what does your dad do?"

"He's a doctor and my mom stays home a lot too. I have a dog." Hawkeye stated.

"What breed?"

"A cocker spaniel named Gloria. She's real old. My dad gave her to my mom on her birthday many years ago."

"Is she friendly?" Tommy asked.

"She wouldn't hurt a fly. Do you have any pets?"

"Nope, my parents won't allow one. Don't want a mess in the house."

"Sorry about that. But hey, if you want a pet just come on over."

Tommy smiled, "Will do." They both were almost home now well at least Tommy was. "This is my stop."

A little disappointed Hawkeye added, "Ok, I'm guessing that you can't come over, huh?"

"Not today, but maybe tomorrow," Tommy added hopefully since Hawkeye had a grin on his face.

"Ok! See you tomorrow then, Tommy."

"See you then, milk boy." The two boys laughed and then Tommy departed.

With his grin still there, Hawkeye walked merrily home.

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"Hey mom!" Hawkeye greeted to the doorway.

"Hi, sweetie how was your day?" Elizabeth asked in pain.

"Fine, made a new friend today."

Curious, Elizabeth went on with the conversation. "Oh really, who would that be?"

"Tommy Gillis, he and his family just moved here." He stared at his mother then asked. "Are you ok, mom? You don't look so good."

"I'm fine, Ben, really. Just so discomfort is all. Go on, I want to hear about your day." Elizabeth said.

"That's basically it." Hawkeye concluded.

"Oh, well that's ok too. You be good to Tommy now. Have him have some of those girls too." Elizabeth cracked. She got up from her chair carefully and started to walk. Hawkeye was at her side wanting to help her. Elizabeth shooed him away.

"I'm fine, Ben really. There is dinner in the oven for you and your father when he comes home. Make sure your homework is done too. I have to go lie down. Oh and make sure Gloria goes out before bed."

Hawkeye nodded and watch his mother go up the stairs.

When his father came home that night, they ate dinner in silence.

"Is mom going to be ok?"

"She'll be fine, Hawkeye. Just a little bug going around." Daniel answered after swallowing his spaghetti.

"She's been like this for a few days."

"Hawk, the one thing your mom is, is a trooper. She can survive almost anything."

"Whatever you say, dad." Hawkeye continued to eat.

"It's true. Your mom survived our marriage so far and having you for a son." The men laughed heartily and continued on with a meal assured that Elizabeth was going to be alright.

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The next day, Tommy Gillis went to the Pierces' with an adventure in store. Elizabeth was once again in bed not up for anything and his father was working late tonight. The only real entertainment was Gloria and some playing outside and that's what they did. Tommy ended up having a good time when there was nothing to do. He was also able to meet Daniel Pierce. For now, everything was alright; ordinary.

I know, I didn't describe the last part, sorry. This is coming to an end soon. Beware, sad chapters coming up.