*Warning: some feelings of self-doubt, low self-worth

Hello lovelies! So, in helping me keep this story going for so long, (I might've mentioned it before, I can't remember) I wrote storylines for all the kids... And it seems I'm throwing you lot in the deep end with this short chapter... and there won't be a direct sequel for another few chapters, but one is coming, I assure you :|

Summary: "Kinda out of place for a scrawny chap like you to enter the draft, innit?"
Number of years married: 28
Sons:
5
Daughters:
4
Children at home:
5


~:~ To serve France ~:~

The young man lifted his pack higher onto his shoulder as the boy in front of him was led off to another room. He stepped up to the desk. He tried to hide his nervousness - they wouldn't enlist you if you were nervous.

The officer regarded him warily. "Kinda out of place for a scrawny chap like you to enter the draft, innit?"

He swallowed. "Just want to serve my country, sir."

The officer looked him over again as if something had drastically changed on the boy since last he looked. "Alright, through that door." He tossed him a booklet. "Gonna see if you pass the physical."

"Thank you, sir."

As soon as he rounded the corner, the officer went to the captain's study. He lingered in the doorway, wondering how to approach the subject.

But the old captain grew impatient faster. "What is it, Corporal? You look like you've seen a ghost."

He nodded toward the examination quarters. "Your sons ain't gonna apply for the draft, Cap'n Basile?"

He set down his pencil with a sigh. "No, I do not wish for them to go what I went through. But that still doesn't explain why you've gone white as a sheet."

"That's Gaston's boy in there."

The older captain frowned and went up to the window. He looked troubled. "Pray he doesn't pass the test."

"Pray France doesn't go to war if he does," the officer added.

"Aye," he agreed solemnly.


Back at home, he opened the door and slid inside. There was distant chatter – he'd be able to sneak to his room unnoticed-

"Where've you been all day?" Agatha asked, leaning over the arm of the chair.

He started, "Nowhere."

She nodded to his pack. "Whatcha got there?"

He consciously tried to hide the bag. "Nothing," he managed before stalking off to his room. He closed the door behind him and shoved the bag in the chest at the foot of the bed.

He'd make his parents proud. He'd do so much more in his life than he was doing now - he was a stick in the mud now. A burden to them, a kid seemingly in no hurry to make a life of his own, just taking up space at home… No, he'd serve his country. He'd become a man.

"Cedric."

He snapped out of his thoughts. "Yes, Papa?"

Gaston noticed the faraway look in his eyes. "Are you alright?"

His eyes cleared – his feelings ducking back behind his walls – and he smiled, "Yeah."


Not to worry, our dear Cedric lives! There will be at least 3 chapters surrounding this tale of his... not sure when tho x) as usual

Hope things have been good with you all! See you again soon!

-Beth