Chapter 12- (Mulchahy's advice)

For three weeks, BJ did almost nothing, only cried, and slept. Occasionally he'd go to the Mess tent, those were the good days, but most of the time Hawk brought him food. Hawkeye feared he was heading toward a severe depression, "Beej, I'm going to call in Sid. I think you need to talk to him."

"No, no Hawk, I'm OK really, please, just leave me alone. I don't want to talk."

"BJ, I'm getting worried about you. At least talk to Father Mulchahy."

"Will you leave me alone then?"

"Yes, I'll feel much better."

"Fine," Beej sighed, rolling back over on his cot.

Later in the day, Mulchahy stopped by, "Hello, BJ. I heard you wanted to talk."

"No Father, I didn't, Hawkeye wanted me to talk to you." BJ sat up in bed, "I'm sorry Father, I know you only want to help."

"Are you sure there's nothing I can help you with BJ, I've heard of your problem."

"Father, it's just, Peg and Erin were my life. I made a stupid mistake one night, and now I have nothing."

"And what of the child?"

"I don't know, I can't blame it for my stupidity. I guess I will support Carrie in any decision she makes."

"Has she yet? Made a decision about what she's going to do? A baby is alot of work, especially for only a single parent."

"I don't know Father, we really haven't spoken."

"You haven't spoken to Nurse Donavon yet, BJ?" Mulchahy asked incredulously.

"No, I haven't, I've meant to, I just haven't been able to."

"I suggest you start there, my son."

"I guess so, Father, thank you for listening."

"Well, that is my specialty," Mulchahy joked, standing to leave, "Have faith my son, you will pull through these troubled times."

Mulchahy left the Swamp, hoping he left BJ in a better mood than he had found him.

After Mulchahy had walked away, Beej reached for his pen and paper, "Father Mulchahy is right, I need to hear from Carrie, find out what she's going to do before I can decide what to do," he thought.

"Dear Carrie, I am starting to get excited over this new baby. I haven't had too much to be happy for lately, I told Peg what happened with us. She's leaving me. She's taking Erin and she's divorcing me. It's finally becoming real for me, even from 12,000 miles away. I don't blame you, Carrie, at all, this baby is a blessing, even though an inopportune one. I'll be waiting anxiously for word from you when our child is finally here, I'm sorry I couldn't be there to support you. I'm sorry, BJ."