Darry-

I faced my worst nightmare as I checked the mail. A letter I had feared coming since Soda turned eighteen. I read the name on the letter was "Sodapop P. Curtis" in black letter. I fingered the Marines symbol in the corner.

Uncle Sam wasn't going to tear my family apart. I couldn't send my kid brother to Vietnam. I wasn't going to do that to Soda. Soda has to many issues with guns and killing. That would tear my brother apart. My life was just getting on track and I was finding happiness. But being superman means putting those important to you first.

Soda wasn't going to Vietnam, I wouldn't let him. I called Adam and told him I couldn't come in today. He didn't ask why and I didn't provide information. I was headed to the local draft office. I knew I wouldn't be home until later. The local draft office wasn't fair but processing paperwork would take longer.

I found the address of the local draft in the letter and drove there. I gripped the steering wheel , my knuckles turning white. My heart raced and my head had a thousand different thoughts. I was giving up my life dreams for the second time. My life would just have to be put on a hold for a short while.

For now, I put the thoughts of losing everything behide. I loved my family , I loved Jenny and I loved my new job but that would just have to wait. I parked my truck and climbed out of the vehicle closing the door behide me. I sighted and took a deep breath.

I was taking a huge risk and putting everything on the line. But what other choice did I have? I couldn't send Soda to the front line. I couldn't protect him and he would be torn apart. He just can't handle being a soldier. He might be a man , but I won't let this happen.

I opened the door of the local drafted and took a step in. There wasn't a line of men and it was rather empty. It was the middle of the week , early in the morning. I knew my brothers would freak out when they woke up realizing I wasn't there. Adam knew I wasn't going to be at work today but he didn't questioned it. I was supposed to meet Jenny for lunch. Today Pony had a district track me and I was planning on going. But that wasn't going to happen today.

"Hello, how can I help you?", a man dressed in a marines uniform

"I have a few questions.",I say confidently

"Of course.", the man replies

"My younger brother received a draft letter and I would like to go in his place. Is that possible?", I ask

"Yes, it is. Would you like to speak to my commanding officer?", the man says

"Please.", I say

"Captain Smith,", the man says

"Yes.", Captain Smith says

"This young man wishes to speak with you.", the man says

"Alright, sent him.", Captain Smith says

"You are dismissed, Private Johnson.", Captain Smith says

"Yes, Sir.", Private Johnson says

"Take a seat.", Captain Smith says shutting the door

"I have a question. My brother received a draft letter and I would like to go in his place. Is that possible? ", I say

"It is as long as you meet requirements. All you need is to pass a physical. ", Captain Smith says

"Can I do that while I am here?", I ask

"Of course.", Captain Smith says

"One more thing, Could I have a second draft latter printed with my name at the top. I don't want my brother to know.", I say

"Yes, I will have Private Johnson work on that while you get your physical.", Captain Smith says

To be continued...

Pony-

I was dressed in my Will Rogers track uniform. A pair of black shorts and a red will rogers t-shirt. I laced up my sneakers and I wondered where was Darry? He wasn't home this morning when I woke. It was always time for my event and I was worried.

I saw Jenny, Two-bit, Steve, and Soda in the crowd. The one face I didn't see was Darry. He was supposed to be here. It's not like him to miss work, to miss my event and not take Jenny to lunch. I took a deep breath and sighted. I still need to do well, some scouts were here and some had been tracking me since I was a freshman. If i wanted to go to collage this was do or die time.I needed those scholarships and a scout interested in me would come in handy.

Soda walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. I still searched the crowds for my older brother and couldn't find him. I needed him to be here. "He's not here, kiddo.", Soda says

"He promised.", I say with a sight

"Well, no one see or heard from him all day.", Soda says

"I hope he's alright.", I say

"Of course he is, he's superman. He can take care of himself. Just go out there and kick but.", Soda says

"Thanks.", I say

Soda gave me a hug before returning to his seat. I was warmed up, stretched and ready to go. The man announced my event, the 800 meter dash was getting ready to start. "Come on , Curtis. Make us proud.", the coach said patting me on the shoulder

I got into position and waited for the gun to sound. Once I heard the sound, I took off. I felt the pavement beneath my feet and the wind in my arm. When I war running, nothing else mattered. I pushed my body forward. I ran and ran until my distance was finished. I finished first and one my event.

My name was recorded for my event and I drank some water. I rested and waited until awards. There was still no sign of Darry. I was disappointed that he still hadn't showed. I was given my medal and put it around me neck.

To be continued...