A/N: Sorry for the time span between updates. The days are getting more
and more hectic and I'm just not finding as much time to work on the story.
However, the updates should still appear regularly.
As for this update, I'm really sorry to have to take it this way... but the preparation for what's ahead has to begin somewhere... Don't hate me! Keep in mind, it is Haley/Nathan!!!
From: nscott23usmc.us.gov To: hscott23usmc.us.gov Subject: Happy Birthday! Sent: October 1, 2006 10:48pm
Hey Luke!
Don't have a lot of time, but I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! Damn it! Now you're really older than me- so not fair! I know it's kind of early for the birthday wish, but we're going to be on the ground in Kirkuk for the next few weeks at least, so this may be the last chance I have...
Congratulations, by the way, on the baby. You guys must be really excited! Don't say anything to Haley but I wish I had at least the hopes of having a baby to look forward to. She's dead set against kids though, until I'm finished with my two-year serving agreement. She doesn't want kids to constantly wonder where I'm at... I understand where she's coming from, but...
Anyways, I'll be in touch as soon as possible... hopefully we don't hit any extensive battles. Say hi to Brooke and Alex for me and next time you see Haley give her a hug and a big kiss from me, okay? Keep in touch, even while I'm in battle. That way I'll have something to look forward to.
"Little Bro"
I roll over and glance at the alarm clock again, frustrated that over a half hour later I'm still wide awake, unable to fall asleep because of the emptiness beside me. 10:58. Thirty-two minutes from the time I first crawled in to bed. Twenty-five minutes since I told the baby about Daddy. Nineteen minutes since I wrote in my diary. Eleven minutes since I turned the lights out a second time. Five minutes since the baby fluttered around, reminding me I'm not the only one having a restless night. Two minutes since I last rolled over and looked at the clock.
Groaning, I pull myself into a sitting position, propping myself against the pillows at the backboard, I reach for the TV control and put on the local news, hoping to hear something. Anything. Anything to reassure me that my husband is safe and sound.
My jaw drops. Of course. If it isn't hard enough to get to sleep tonight. "Now with the latest on the War on Iraq." You might figure those would be the headlines on the news right when I turn it on. I listen intently, wanting more than anything to find out what's going on. I want to stay up- to-date with what's happening even though it scares the h ell out of me. Iraq's government continues facing it's stearnest challenges to date. With the number of civilian car bombings forever on the rise, United State coalition troops are set to enter the city of Kirkuk in hopes of reducing the ever present Hussein followers. As violence continues to mount, US military officials have confirmed the latest: In an attack early Thursday, a rocket landed on a home in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, killing four US soldiers and wounding three others, police and hospital officials said. An undisclosed number of civilians were also targeted on this latest round of attacks. Despite efforts on behalf of the new Iraqi government, insurgents have made it known that they are unwilling to break down any further, threatening the government with assassinations, bombings, sabotage and other means of attacks.
In attempt to control the attacks taking place, Allawi is gradually increasing security and working hard to boost border patrols in order to prevent the entrance of foreign insurgents into the country. Stay tuned to News 3 for the latest update in the War with Iraq.
Now that my mind is really racing with horrible thoughts I give up on the idea of sleeping tonight. Instead, I grab the laptop off the nightstand and hit the power switch, immediately illuminating the bedroom with the neon glow from the screen. While I wait for Windows to load horrible thoughts run through my mind. I'm greeted with the normal "You've got mail!" greeting. I glance through the messages. Lucas. Peyton. Junk mail. Surry Community College Newsletter. Campus Announcement. Nathan. My eyes stumble upon the name and I almost dread opening the email. I feel guilty. I'm pregnant with my husband's child and he doesn't even know. Every time I write to him I put myself through h ell trying not to release this information to him. Sent: October 1, 2006 10:52? Not waiting a moment longer I click his name, suddenly eager to hear that he's okay.
From: nscott23usmc.us.gov To: hscott23usmc.us.gov Subject: Hey Baby! Sent: October 1, 2006 10:52pm
Hey Babe!
How have you been? I'm doing pretty good. We got some news this evening and I just wanted to let you know of the plans so you're not worrying about why you aren't hearing from me. We enter the ground battle in Kirkuk tomorrow. I'm probably not going to have much time to keep in touch until we're through with that. Don't worry though, I'll be safe!
What have you and Brooke got planned for Luke's birthday? I'm sure you've got some big bash planned! I heard from Tim the other day- first time since we graduated that we've been in touch. I guess he's doing well with his technical training program... did I ever tell you about that? He's going to a program to get certified to do body work on cars... sounds like something he'll enjoy!
Brooke e-mailed me about the baby the other day... she's really excited! I would be too... I can't believe she's going to quit school though... she'll never end up going back. Oh well, it's her decision to make! One of the guys here, his girlfriend just had their baby last week. He got her e-mail yesterday telling him about the baby... a little boy... Tucker, they named him. He's adorable Hales, almost as cute as Alex!
Anyways, I've got to head out. Love you babes! Nate
I finish reading the email and my entire body racks with fear. Kirkuk? That's exactly where the newscaster was reporting on. I'm driven from my stupor though when the instant message window opens.
As for this update, I'm really sorry to have to take it this way... but the preparation for what's ahead has to begin somewhere... Don't hate me! Keep in mind, it is Haley/Nathan!!!
From: nscott23usmc.us.gov To: hscott23usmc.us.gov Subject: Happy Birthday! Sent: October 1, 2006 10:48pm
Hey Luke!
Don't have a lot of time, but I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! Damn it! Now you're really older than me- so not fair! I know it's kind of early for the birthday wish, but we're going to be on the ground in Kirkuk for the next few weeks at least, so this may be the last chance I have...
Congratulations, by the way, on the baby. You guys must be really excited! Don't say anything to Haley but I wish I had at least the hopes of having a baby to look forward to. She's dead set against kids though, until I'm finished with my two-year serving agreement. She doesn't want kids to constantly wonder where I'm at... I understand where she's coming from, but...
Anyways, I'll be in touch as soon as possible... hopefully we don't hit any extensive battles. Say hi to Brooke and Alex for me and next time you see Haley give her a hug and a big kiss from me, okay? Keep in touch, even while I'm in battle. That way I'll have something to look forward to.
"Little Bro"
I roll over and glance at the alarm clock again, frustrated that over a half hour later I'm still wide awake, unable to fall asleep because of the emptiness beside me. 10:58. Thirty-two minutes from the time I first crawled in to bed. Twenty-five minutes since I told the baby about Daddy. Nineteen minutes since I wrote in my diary. Eleven minutes since I turned the lights out a second time. Five minutes since the baby fluttered around, reminding me I'm not the only one having a restless night. Two minutes since I last rolled over and looked at the clock.
Groaning, I pull myself into a sitting position, propping myself against the pillows at the backboard, I reach for the TV control and put on the local news, hoping to hear something. Anything. Anything to reassure me that my husband is safe and sound.
My jaw drops. Of course. If it isn't hard enough to get to sleep tonight. "Now with the latest on the War on Iraq." You might figure those would be the headlines on the news right when I turn it on. I listen intently, wanting more than anything to find out what's going on. I want to stay up- to-date with what's happening even though it scares the h ell out of me. Iraq's government continues facing it's stearnest challenges to date. With the number of civilian car bombings forever on the rise, United State coalition troops are set to enter the city of Kirkuk in hopes of reducing the ever present Hussein followers. As violence continues to mount, US military officials have confirmed the latest: In an attack early Thursday, a rocket landed on a home in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, killing four US soldiers and wounding three others, police and hospital officials said. An undisclosed number of civilians were also targeted on this latest round of attacks. Despite efforts on behalf of the new Iraqi government, insurgents have made it known that they are unwilling to break down any further, threatening the government with assassinations, bombings, sabotage and other means of attacks.
In attempt to control the attacks taking place, Allawi is gradually increasing security and working hard to boost border patrols in order to prevent the entrance of foreign insurgents into the country. Stay tuned to News 3 for the latest update in the War with Iraq.
Now that my mind is really racing with horrible thoughts I give up on the idea of sleeping tonight. Instead, I grab the laptop off the nightstand and hit the power switch, immediately illuminating the bedroom with the neon glow from the screen. While I wait for Windows to load horrible thoughts run through my mind. I'm greeted with the normal "You've got mail!" greeting. I glance through the messages. Lucas. Peyton. Junk mail. Surry Community College Newsletter. Campus Announcement. Nathan. My eyes stumble upon the name and I almost dread opening the email. I feel guilty. I'm pregnant with my husband's child and he doesn't even know. Every time I write to him I put myself through h ell trying not to release this information to him. Sent: October 1, 2006 10:52? Not waiting a moment longer I click his name, suddenly eager to hear that he's okay.
From: nscott23usmc.us.gov To: hscott23usmc.us.gov Subject: Hey Baby! Sent: October 1, 2006 10:52pm
Hey Babe!
How have you been? I'm doing pretty good. We got some news this evening and I just wanted to let you know of the plans so you're not worrying about why you aren't hearing from me. We enter the ground battle in Kirkuk tomorrow. I'm probably not going to have much time to keep in touch until we're through with that. Don't worry though, I'll be safe!
What have you and Brooke got planned for Luke's birthday? I'm sure you've got some big bash planned! I heard from Tim the other day- first time since we graduated that we've been in touch. I guess he's doing well with his technical training program... did I ever tell you about that? He's going to a program to get certified to do body work on cars... sounds like something he'll enjoy!
Brooke e-mailed me about the baby the other day... she's really excited! I would be too... I can't believe she's going to quit school though... she'll never end up going back. Oh well, it's her decision to make! One of the guys here, his girlfriend just had their baby last week. He got her e-mail yesterday telling him about the baby... a little boy... Tucker, they named him. He's adorable Hales, almost as cute as Alex!
Anyways, I've got to head out. Love you babes! Nate
I finish reading the email and my entire body racks with fear. Kirkuk? That's exactly where the newscaster was reporting on. I'm driven from my stupor though when the instant message window opens.