Darry-
Everything had happened so quickly. The boys and I spent our last few days together. Jenny and I grew closer. I made love to Jenny the night before I would leave for basic training. I woke that morning with Jenny in my arms and it was a great feeling. It felt nice to just lay closely with her.
I climbed out of bed and slipped my shorts back on. I kissed Jenny's forehead and covered her up. I padded out of the room softly and went into the kitchen. I wanted to make breakfast for my family for the last time. I knew it would be months before I would see them.
I begin to cook the eggs, bacon, toast and chocolate cake. I put the cake in the oven to back. I made eggs four different ways. Soda likes his eggs with salas , Pony likes his scrambled, I like mine on a egg, bacon and cheese sandwich and Jenny likes hers sunny side up.
My bag was already packed. There wasn't much I needed, I would be given a uniform later today. I had a photo as Jenny, one of the boys and my parents. I made sure I had stamps, paper, penicls and envelopes for writing home. I had a few toiletries packed.
I heard footsteps and a pair of arms around my waist. "I missed you when I woke up alone.", Jenny says
"I love you, Jenny.", I said kissing her tenderly
"I love you too.", Jenny says after our kiss
I iced the cake and put the food on the table. Soda came into the kitchen with his hair sticking up all over the place. He went straight to the fridge and grabbed the carton of chocolate milk. He went to take a drink out of the container. "Soda, use a glass.", I say
"Oh, alright.", Soda mumbled
"I'm telling my grown brother not to drink from a container. This is my life.", I mumble
Pony came into the kitchen his hair neater than Soda's. Pony took a seat at the table and looked at me tiredly. I took a seat and we ate breakfast in silence. We all knew what today was. It was a dreaded day on the calendar. I had called Adam who said the job was still mine when I came home. I was still his partner , He was just going to find a replacement foreman until I returned.
After eating breakfast the dishes were put in the sink. I looked at the clock it was seven. I had to catch the bus at eight thirty.I wanted to say something to each of my family member. I had been working extra to provide Pony with money for his collage education. I've been working on that since our parents died. I would save any extra dime I could. I had three thousand dollars for Pony. It wouldn't cover it but it could get him started.
"Pone.", I call
"Yeah, Dar.", he says
"I want to talk to you for a second.", I say
"Sure.", Pony says
"I wanted to give you this. ", I say handing Pony the envelope
"What is it?", Pony asks
"I've worked extra over the last few years to provide a little bit of collage money. It won't cover it but its a start.", I say
"Darry, that's a lot of money.", Pony says
"I worked hard for that money. Make me proud, kiddo.", I say
"How did you get all this money?", Pony asks
"I had three jobs, kiddo. I worked extra on Saturdays. With three or four jobs, plus scrimping and saving.", I say
"Thank you so much.", Pony says giving me a hug.
"You're welcome.", I say
I found Soda was already ready.
"Soda.", I call
"Yeah, Darry.", Soda says
"Promise me that you will look after Jenny and keep an eye on Pone for me.", I say
"Of course, I promise.", Soda says
"Promise me something.", Soda says
"What?", I ask
"Fight like hell and keep yourself safe. Come home to us. We need you.", Soda says
"I promise, I won't leave you.", I say
"You better keep your promise.", Soda says
"I'm superman, I've got this under control. ", I say
"Jenny.", I say
"In here.", Jenny calls
I saw Jenny dressed in a light blue dress. Her brown hair down. She had a bit of make up on. Not too much but not too light, just right. "Jenny, you look nice.", I say
"Thank you. I want to sent you off looking nice.", Jenny says
"I wanted to talk to you before we left for the bus station. ", I say
"Sure. What is it?", Jenny asks
"I love you, Jen. When I think about my future, I see you. I see us and I love that. I know we've only be together a few weeks but I haven't felt this way before about anyone. Promise me that you'll wait for me.", I say
"Of course, Dar. I will wait for you. I love you too. I see you in my future too.", Jenny says
"That's great. I want you to graduate and be the best doctor in the world.", I say
"You be safe, you run if you have to . Promise me that.", Jenny says
"I promise I will come home to you. I will stay safe. And I will wait for you.", I say
"Oh, Dar. I love you so much.", Jenny says kissing me
I kissed her back and held her tight. I would miss Jenny. I heard the door and in came the boys. Steve and Two-bit came through the door.
"Darry, can we talk?", Steve asks
"Sure.", I say
"I'm sorry for the way I reacted . The truth is I don't want you to go. I care about you.", Steve says softly
"I know that. Keep on eye on, Soda for me. Lord knows someone has to.", I say
"I will. For a grown man ,he doesn't always seem like it.", Steve says
"Thanks.", I say
"Come home safe.", Steve says
"Alright. I will.", I say
Two-bit pulled me aside.
"Sorry about the way I reacted to your draft. I was kinda of in shock. I didn't expect it. ", Two-bit says
"I understand. I didn't expect it either. ", I say
"Take care of yourself over there. War is hell, I've seen what it can do to people. My own brother, went to war and he was never quite the same again.", Two-bit says
"I'll be careful.", I say
"Let's go. ", I call out
We scrambled in the truck. Two-bit and Steve came along to. They took Two-bit's car. We drove to the station and I parked the car. I gave hugs to the ones I love and said my goodbyes. I watched as Soda wrapped his arms around a crying Jenny. Pony with a sad expression smiled and waved. Two-bit and Steve didn't seem happy to let me go. They to had a sad expression watching me go.
Soda was learning the art of being strong. He was caring for Jenny like he promised. I carried my bag and took a seat. I was on my journey. A journey that would lead me to a land far away.