Chapter 9: Goodbyes

Chicago Illinois, O'Hair Airport June 18th 1987 1052h

Harry, Sara, and Andy were in a group hug, while Jane, Matt and Miranda watched. All of them were crying. Harry asked "Why do you have to move away Andy?"

Andy sniffed and said "my mom's job wants her to move."

Sara said "we'll miss you Andy." Final call for Flight 117 nonstop to LAX Final Call.

"We have to get on the plain honey" said Miranda.

"Ok mom." Harry and Sara watched them board the plane and when the door closed they both broke down, that was the last time they would see their friend.

BHMA, history classroom October 19th 1987 1103h

"…and that class is what happened at Kasserine Pass. Now I am going to pass back the grades from last week's quiz" Beep, Beep, Beep, it was his pager.

Matt looked at it and frowned "Cadet Captain Kelly will you please pass back the tests for me."

"Yes Major Evans." As the young man did what he was told Matt went back to his desk and dialed the number.

"Hello this is Major Matt Evans I just received the page; can you confirm….. I understand, what are my orders?," the class was now paying attention to the call and didn't know what was going on. "… Yes Colonel I'll be there within 24 hours…. Out." He hung up the phone and addressed the class, "Class I have been called up to active duty for the duration of my enlistment. I won't be your teacher anymore but I have truly enjoyed teaching you."

The class was silent for a moment then Cadet Captain Kelly shouted "Class attention!" as one the cadets stood at attention and saluted him. Matt returned the salute and said "class dismissed."

Matt left the room and went towards the Commandants office. He entered the office and sat down waiting for the man to finish his phone call. Once he was done Matt said, "I have been recalled to active duty for the duration of my tour of duty. I have to take command of a battalion in Berlin, I am here to offer my resignation and my appreciation for the opportunity to teach."

The man nodded and said "It's a shame to lose you but you have to do your duty, you will always have a job waiting for you here."

Home October 19th 1200h

Matt walked in the front door and saw Jane sitting on the couch in the living room watching TV. "Hey Babe, bad news."

Jane looked up, surprised to see him home early. "Is everything ok Matt?"

"I have been called up, to active duty for the duration. My flight leaves for Berlin in three hours. I don't know when I'll be home."

Jane had tears in her eyes when she said, "What do I tell Harry?"

Matt sighed and said, "the truth; that his dad has to go serve his country and that will be home as soon as I can, I have to go pack."

Half an hour later Matt came back downstairs dressed in his fatigues carrying a duffle belt, with his 1911 in the holster on his waist. He put the bag down kissed Jane and held her for a few minutes as she silently cried into his shoulder. "I have to go Babe, I love you with all my heart"

"Love you too" said Jane. Matt walked out the door and across the street to Robs house he put a small package in his mail box, inside were letters to Jane, and Harry along with instructions to Rob if something happened to him.

A/N: don't worry folks this isn't the last chapter