Just an idea I had. Kind of like "The Breakdown" in that it will have other perspectives. Just how they started in the Navy. Enjoy!
Where It All Began
Chapter 1-Tom
Tom pulled into his driveway, knowing he was about to have a fight with his dad. He had applied for and gotten into the Naval Academy. His dad wanted him to go to West Point, but he never wanted to do as his dad did. His shop teacher had been in the Navy and had told him all about it. Mr. Groover had been a Navy Seal with some command experience and had helped Tom with the forms and essays for the Academy. He walked in and looked for his mom. She was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Sandra Chandler was a tough woman. She had been an Army wife for years and didn't put up with anyone's nonsense. She and his dad, Jed were perfectly matched.
"Hey; Mom. What's for dinner?" Tom asked.
"Roast chicken. So, your counselor called me today. About your college plans." Sandra said.
"Uh…" Tom started.
"Look, I didn't figure you'd join the Army, but your dad will hate you going Navy. My question is; did you do it because you wanted to serve in the Navy or because you wanted to make your dad mad?" Sandra asked.
"Maybe a little of both." Tom admitted.
"Well, good luck telling him that. He always wanted you to do what was right for you, even if it wasn't in the Army. Just doing this to spite him; Tommy, its not right." Sandra said as she peeled potatoes.
"This could be good for me." Tom said.
"Maybe. But your dad is fourth generation Army, I am the daughter of an Army man. Both my parents and grandparents were Army brats. Navy is just a different type of service." Sandra remarked.
"But no less important." Tom argued.
"That is in the eye of the beholder. Your dad just pulled in. Good luck." Sandra said. Tom gave her a kiss on the cheek and took a deep breath. As soon as his dad walked into the front door; Tom knew he knew. He didn't know how, but he did.
"Your math teacher; who I served with called. I know why, but I hope you realize, the Navy is as much of a sacrifice as the Army or Marines. All I can say; I'm glad it wasn't the Air Force or Coast Guard. Least the Navy is halfway respectable." Jed remarked.
"Uh…" Tom said in shock. He wasn't prepared for his dad accepting his decision so easily.
"Besides, being fifth generation Army would have been boring. We've tried to one up the last in rank. You can make your own story in the Navy. I'd like to see you make Commander at least. I am glad you didn't just enlist. As an officer, you will have a future; not that being enlisted is dead end." Jed continued.
"You're okay with this?" Tom asked.
"It might be interesting. Tom, I know good and well, me yelling and screaming about it is what you want, so I am just going to accept it and wish you the best. There are worse professions." Jed said as he sat down in his office chair. It was the signal for Tom to leave him alone.
"Thanks, Pop." Tom said, not knowing what else to say. Instead of talking anymore to his mom, or annoy his sister; he went up to his room to do homework. He was in total shock at his parent's reactions. They were strangely accepting. Maybe they were holding out hope for his brother and sister.
Tom is hard for me to write, and a young Tom is even more difficult. Next chapter will be a different character!