Freshman year was finally over! Today was Saturday, June 11th, 2016 and their summer had begun yesterday. In three days on Tuesday, Hunter and Audrey would celebrate their one year mark since they became a couple. And then, the next day after that, Hunter was leaving for Fort Riddari to begin Reception Battalion. Hunter had spoken to his father about what it would be like; Hunter wasn't worried. Salvatore explained that Reception Week was mainly what he did at MEPS only on a tighter schedule. Hunter guessed that meant a lot of waiting in lines to be called, signing forms, and preparing for Basic. Sal also mentioned it would be where he got his uniforms, physical training clothes, and likely a hair cut if the officers there felt Hunter's would be in his way. Hunter currently had a full head of auburn hair that was somewhat straight but fanned out towards the ends; his bangs flowed off to the right side.

Hunter didn't mind, his father talked about the fact they could have different style cuts as long as it was kept neat and short, and being cleanly shaven with proper personal hygiene was a must for all soldiers. Hunter was all right with that, he showered and used deodorant daily, though, the shaving part he might not have to worry about since he didn't have any facial hair-it was very light and barely noticeable if he did but it wasn't enough that required need to shave. Less work for him he supposed. Sal told Hunter he would be just fine as long as he wasn't disrespectful, listened carefully, and spoke when spoken to. Oh, and Hunter was told explicitly never to make his drill sergeant repeat his or herself because it would be a bad time.

Hunter still hadn't told anyone about what he had done, getting his GED and joining the army. Hunter knew his mother, sister, and Audrey would not be okay with it. All of them, friends included knew that Hunter wanted to join the army after high school and wasn't changing his career path simply because they didn't want him too. Hunter said he would enlist after high school and having his GED meant he passed all grades; kindergarten through twelfth, which meant he finished education. Technically, he still carried out his plans but earlier than expected and behind their backs which could make things worse, but Hunter couldn't back out because he was under contract and well, he didn't want to back out. Hunter wanted this life, and no one was going to stop him.

With Freshman year over, Sal stopped by the school yesterday to sign the forms to drop Hunter out under the pretenses that he had his GED and no longer needed high school since he took a test that required all fours of knowledge to pass and Hunter did with all A's. Hunter got his final grades on Monday; he passed with all A's on his report card of course. Different classes on various days were throwing parties or having a movie day. After school time, Hunter would spend time with Audrey and his friends who he wouldn't see all summer or at the start of their Sophomore year because he would be in AIT by then. One of the more fun events that Hunter attended was the last game of the year on Thursday; the Berk Vikings won the championship!

Friday night, the last one of Freshman year, Hunter used some of his saved cash from weekly allowances to take Audrey out to the movies and dinner. After that, they spent some time outside her house and making out in Hunter's truck until she got a text message from her parents saying they would be home in ten minutes, so they had to stop for the night. It was okay because today was the end of the year party, everyone getting together to celebrate them being done with ninth grade. Unfortunately, Hunter was stuck celebrating it with Eddie and Drew along with his friends, sister, and girlfriend. The party was being held at the park; Thor's Edge. This was a place with picnic tables, a gazebo, small beach front, and swimming lake that got roped off at nine feet deep for safety.

Today was going to be great and probably one of the last times that Hunter would get to see all his friends and family in once place. Even being that Eddie and Drew weren't his friends, they were only coming because Drew was Heather's older brother and Caitlyn had a crush on Eddie but she was four years younger than him so that wasn't happening so he was just invited as a friend. Everyone was meeting at 11:00 am to set up the gazebo which they had pulled their money together to rent for a few hours, it was right on the beach area and lake with a grill to use for cooking. Hunter couldn't wait to have a good day; he was celebrating being done with high school and joining the army.

(Thor's Edge)

Hunter arrived with Shane, Caitlyn, and Audrey in his truck. Drew drove Fisher and Heather in. Eddie at Caitlyn's request picked up Renee and Travis. Salvatore and Viola arrived in their car. Everyone was responsible for bringing something to contribute to the party. Hunter brought the entertainment of his battery operated CD player which had a jack for an AUX cord so he could hook up his phone and play the music that way. Caitlyn had to bring the table cloths and clips to hold them down. Shane was in charge of drinks. Audrey had the hot dog and hamburger buns. Sal and Viola were bringing the hot dogs and hamburgers. Everyone else was bringing some side dish or chips to enjoy. Of course, everyone was in charge of bringing their towel, bathing suit, and sunscreen with them.

For once, everyone worked together to get things set up and took turns getting dressed at the restrooms. After all that, the time was closer to noon with Sal firing up the grill to cook on. Hunter was relaxing at the picnic table looking around at everyone, though, not paying much attention to Drew and Eddie. It was good to see everyone so happy, ready to enjoy their summer and he would be spending his at Fort Draco for thirteen weeks to train or as his Dad called it, going from civilian to soldier.

"It's such a beautiful day," Caitlyn sighed out contently while laying on a blanket in the grass with Eddie sitting on it too.

"It's hot, we should go swimming while waiting for the food to be done," Drew suggested.

"I'm down," Shane said with Travis and Renee nodding to agree.

"Go on then. I need to locate my lighter anyway to get the grill going," Sal muttered as Hunter chuckled a bit and went into his bag then pulled out a silver Zippo lighter and returned walked next to his father holding it out to him.

"Here, Dad," Hunter offered.

"Where did you get a lighter?" Sal inquired arching a brow.

"Uh, you did, Dad. Back in February when I turned sixteen. Wasn't it you who told me always to be prepared for anything?" Hunter replied with a smile.

"Oh, right! I did. Well done, son. Go have fun; we'll call when it's ready," Sal patted his back and gave a one-armed hug to Hunter who nodded then stepped away to get his towel and head for the water with the others that were doing the same. Thankfully, today was a quiet day, and not many people were at Thor's Edge. The left and right of the swimming area were lined by a dock, and then a rope ran across the two docks to block off anything after nine feet. Hunter walked the dock down to the end, dropped his towel, and jumped right in.

"It's cold," Renee mentioned after sticking her foot in. Hunter surfaced with a smile, "Aren't you cold?" she asked him.

"It's always cold if you go in slow, that's why I jumped. Feels nice," Hunter shrugged. "Come on, babe," he looked at Audrey.

"You know I can't swim in the nine foot, Hunter," Audrey mumbled with her arms over her chest.

"Then you can hold on to me. I won't let you drown, Milady," Hunter smiled as Audrey stepped towards the edge and jumped in closer to him, when she came up after kicking off the bottom, Hunter put an arm around her waist so she would stay above water. Audrey giggled wrapping her legs around his waist and hands on his shoulders, Hunter leaned in and kissed her gently as Audrey returned it. Not long after that, everyone else was in too and began having a good time.

(Thirty Minutes Later)

Viola called for them to come out because lunch was ready so they used the ladder on the right side of the dock and climbed out, each grabbing their towel when they did. The small group returned to their area and dried off the best they could before Sal brought over the tray holding the burgers and hot dogs. Everyone grabbed a plate and went buffet style around the extra table to get what they wanted. Once everyone was seated and eating, Sal handed Hunter his lighter back with another thank you. After that, they all enjoyed their food while talking about how Freshman year had been.

Fifteen minutes into the discussion, "So what is everyone's plan for summer?" Viola inquired with a light smile.

"I plan to get a summer job," Fisher replied.

"I'll be returning to full-time status until school starts again," Drew said.

"I'll be looking for a job," Eddie mentioned, "And summer school to make up Algebra,"

"Helping Mom around the house or yard," Travis and Renee said together.

"Not sure yet," Heather shrugged, "But I do have to take the summer school course for Language Arts," she added with a sigh. "How about you, Caitlyn?"

"No idea. Maybe summer camp or something, for now, I'm just going to relax," Caitlyn answered, then eyes fell on Audrey.

"Working with my uncle in his diner, bussing tables from 10 am to 3 pm three days a week. The rest of the time, I have no idea. What's your plan, babe?" Audrey inquired. Sal looked at Hunter now wondering what he was going to tell them. Hunter was quiet a moment while thinking about what he could say. Tell them the truth or make something up? Them knowing would open the door to being yelled at or asked questions that he didn't want to deal with right before he left. Hunter needed all his focus on the next fifteen weeks. One week for Reception, nine for Basic, there was a week break between Basic and Advanced while others moved on to other places for their AIT, but Hunter was staying at Fort Draco for another four weeks.

"Summer camp as I've already signed up and registered. I leave Wednesday at 6 am from the Berkton bus station," Hunter said calmly as they looked at him.

"Camps don't start registering until July, how did you get in one already?" Heather blinked.

"It's AJROTC, they open registration at the start of June," Hunter replied.

"AJR-what?" Eddie asked.

"AJROTC stands for Army Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps," Hunter said as they arched a questioning brow at him and he sighed. "It's a program for high school students who are interested in or plan to join the Archi Armed Forces after they complete their education and receive a diploma. The program teaches military history, protocol, and physical fitness. It's a look into what boot camp would be and helps prepare someone for the army life," he explained.

Viola sighed heavily while closing her eyes. "Still pursuing that, are you?"

Hunter had a sarcastic remark prepared, but he wouldn't say it but this is why he wasn't telling them that he was going to Basic on Wednesday, he could only imagine their reaction to knowing he did join the army. The only reason Hunter wasn't saying anything was that he didn't want any negativity before he left, he wanted to go into this with a clear head. "There's nothing wrong with a military career, Vi," Sal mentioned.

"You were in the military when I met you, Sal. Hunter's just a young boy, he doesn't need to go out and join the army when there is so much more he can do," Viola remarked then turned to Hunter again. "Please reconsider, Hunter? You're only sixteen; you've been pining for this for eight years now, there's time to plan your future. Perhaps a less dangerous career choice?"

"Mother, don't start again. Dad joined when he was eighteen and was in for thirty years, before retiring at forty-eight with the rank of Second Lieutenant. The motto of the AI Army is; Be All You Can Be. You want me to do more with my life; the army is looking like the best place to go for that. I don't see why you're so against it," Hunter retorted.

Viola frowned. "You aren't joining, Hunter and that is final," she added firmly.

"I'm so sick and tired of having this argument with you. I'm gonna be in the army because it's the career I want and the life I choose to live. Unfortunately for you, Mother dearest, you can't stop me. Gods, why can't you be like Dad and just support my choices!" Hunter glared angrily before getting up from the table, grabbing his bag from the ground and walking off. The table was quiet; it wasn't like Hunter to get so angry.

"I didn't mean to upset him," Viola mumbled.

"But he is right, Vi," Salvatore stated as she looked at him, then the group of teenagers did too. "Hunter has wanted to join the army since he was eight and his choice has never changed. Hunter wants to be and do more by serving his home, and you can't stop him," he reminded.

Viola looked down. "I just don't want to see him get hurt or killed, Sal. Is that so wrong of me to want to protect my only son?"

"No, it's not wrong of you to want that, and I understand your side of this because I want to do the same. I worry what could happen to him, that I might lose my son on a deployment and have to lay him to rest. Our children are supposed to bury us, not the other way around, and it's something I never hope to face. However, Hunter is not a baby or a child that needs protecting. He's sixteen and becoming a man; it's not your job to protect him anymore," Sal informed.

"Why is he mad at his mom for caring about him?" Drew asked.

"Hunter isn't mad that she cares, he's mad that she won't support his decision. Hunter wants to do something great with his life, and there is nothing more significant that than a soldier who guards our way of life, defends our home, and protects the people he cares about. Soldiers know the cost of fighting in a war, and all soldiers are willing to pay the ultimate price with their life for peace and freedom. Hunter is my son and if he wants to be a soldier, then not only am I proud of him, but I will stand behind and support him too." Sal sighed softly.

"I'll go talk to him," Audrey said.

"Leave him be to calm down, Audrey. When Hunter is upset or angry, he likes to be left alone. He'll come back when he's ready," Shane mentioned. Deciding to leave Hunter alone for a bit, the rest of them finished their food rather quietly but engaged it a little conversation about whatever came to mind. However, after half an hour of waiting for Hunter to come back, Sal checked around and found Hunter's truck out of the parking lot. Sighing, he returned to the others.

"I take it he doesn't want to talk?" Caitlyn asked.

"Wouldn't know. I didn't find him, his truck is gone," Salvatore informed as he pulled out his phone and dialed Hunter's cell then held it away a bit as they heard the call pick up after three rings.

"Yeah, Dad?" Hunter said after a moment.

"Hunter, where did you go, son?" Sal inquired.

"Going home. I thought coming out to celebrate the start of summer was a good idea, but I guess I was wrong, and I'm not gonna sit around and continue to be told more of the same. Sorry, Dad. I hope you can see now why I just wanted to leave for camp and not tell anyone; because I didn't want all the disapproving, unsupportive looks I got." Hunter remarked.

"Please don't go home. No one else will say anything," Sal tried.

"The point is that she already said something and the reason nobody else did is that she said what they were likely thinking. I'm not gonna come back. You guys have fun, I got packing to do anyway since I'm going to be gone for two months. I gotta go, there are cops around, and I'm not using my headset. See you later, love ya, bye." After that, the call dropped, and Salvatore looked at Viola then he closed his eyes and put his phone away.

"I hurt him, didn't I?" Viola asked.

"Yes, you did because you're making him feel like he isn't good enough, that what he wants to do is wrong. Is it wrong for others do it? Become a soldier who defends their family? Their town? Their island from people who want to take our way of life, our freedom? Is it wrong for them?" Sal questioned.

"No," Viola looked down.

"Then why is it so wrong for Hunter to join them? Why is it wrong for Hunter to become a soldier if it's not wrong for anyone else to do it? Soldiers do what they do to help others and fight for a better, safer future. Those soldiers fight every day so we can always have a tomorrow to wake up to. That's all Hunter wants to do, Vi. Protect his home," Salvatore informed. It remained quiet for a bit, but since Hunter had left, it wasn't much fun for anyone else, so they all packed up and left. Audrey, Shane, and Caitlyn rode with Sal and Viola, and the others left with whoever they came in with.

(Wednesday; June 15th, 2016)

After Saturday, Hunter spent the remainder of that day and Sunday ignoring his mother. Salvatore talked to him once or twice, but Hunter refused to speak to or see her because it would only start another fight and he didn't want that. On Monday, Hunter and Sal made sure everything was ready for Wednesday with Hunter all packed up and had whatever he needed for Reception Week and then he spent the remainder with Audrey. Tuesday was their one year anniversary of dating, so they enjoyed the day together. The two went mini golfing, boat ride, lunch at her favorite place, then a movie. Hunter and Audrey ended the night with an intense make-out session until Hunter left her house around 10:30 pm so he could get a full night's rest before the bus trip to Fort Riddari.

That trip was now. It was 5:30 am, Wednesday morning as Salvatore and Hunter stood in the bus station after checking in and finding where his bus was, not that it was hard to locate the arrival and departure board and find the bus leaving for Fort Riddari at 6 am. Hunter saw a few people he had been standing in line with before taking the oath, so it was nice to see familiar faces even if he didn't know them. Viola and Caitlyn were at home; Sal made mention to them that Hunter didn't want them coming because he was still mad.

"Don't worry about your mother and sister, Hunter. They'll come around," Salvatore patted Hunter's back.

"Not worried. I chose this; they can be mad if they want. I'm not sure how often I'll get to call, so I'm sorry if you don't hear from me for extended periods," Hunter told him.

"I know where you are, what you're doing, and that you're safe. That's enough for me, son. I'm sure we'll get to see you before you get your next orders, they usually give a few days to a week so soldiers can see their families," Salvatore said calmly with a smile.

"I just hope I do okay," Hunter shrugged a bit.

"You're a Haddock, Hunter. We always make it through on top; you just gotta remember why you're doing it and push yourself past your limits, so nothing will ever hold you back. I'm rooting for ya," Sal encouraged.

"Thanks, Dad. I won't let you down just as you've never let me down," Hunter replied with a smile.

"Infantry recruits going to Fort Riddari! If you're between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, make your way to bus number five!" yelled a man in uniform.

"Well, that's me. I'll call you when I can," Hunter said looking at his father. Salvatore pulled him into a tight embrace before pulling away with his hands on Hunter's shoulders.

"I love you son, and I can't wait to see you again. Good luck and do your best but know that I am always proud of you for what you're doing," Salvatore said trying not to get emotional knowing his son was leaving a civilian and returning as a soldier of the Archi Island Army.

"That means a lot to me. I love ya too, Dad and thank you for everything," Hunter smiled as Sal stepped back and put his bag over his shoulder while walking farther away to get in line with the other recruits who were loading on the bus. Sal stayed to watch when Hunter got on; he even took a few pictures. Sal figured they would make a lovely scrapbook eventually. When the recruits were all on, the soldier in uniform got on as well and the door shut. Fifteen more minutes passed during a roll call before the bus pulled away from the station and was gone by 6:15 am. This was it for Hunter, shipping out to start his military career.