by Elicia Hyder
Finally, the call went to her voicemail. He dropped his head against the wall. At least he got to hear her voice on the greeting. “Hey, it’s Journey. I’m probably digging around trying to find my phone right now, so leave me a message, and I’ll get back with you as soon as I find it.” Beep.
He sighed. “Hey Journ, it’s Dave. Well, this is my one phone call. I was really hoping to talk to you. I probably won’t get to call again, but if you see a weird number pop up, please answer it. Don’t bother calling back. This phone doesn’t receive calls. I miss you.”
He slammed the phone back onto the receiver and cursed under his breath all the way back to his barracks.
· · ·
Journey rolled over in bed. “Was that my phone?”
Steven groaned and rolled onto his back, stuffing a couple of pillows behind his head. “Yeah, I killed the call. Whoever it was can leave a message.”
She snuggled up to him and could still smell a hint of his cologne from the night before. She breathed in deep and smiled as she drew circles on his bare chest with her finger. He reached for his pack of cigarettes and a lighter on the nightstand. He lit one and ran his hand down her back.
“I don’t want to go to work,” she whined. “I’m so tired. You keep me up too much at night.”
He let out a deep breath of smoke and laughed. “I’m sorry?” he said more as a question than an apology.
She giggled and threw her leg over his and sat up on his hips. She took his cigarette and inhaled a long drag. “No you’re not.”
He laughed and shook his head. “You’re right. I’m not.”
He reached back to the nightstand and opened the drawer. He pulled out a tiny blue zip lock bag with white powder inside. “This will help you get going if you want it.” He held it between his fingers in front of her.
She took it from his grasp and studied it for a moment. She returned it to the nightstand. “I think I’m good.”
He took back the cigarette, puffed on it, then stamped it out in the ashtray and smiled. “Don’t say I didn’t try to help.” He reached up and hooked his finger in the collar of her t-shirt, pulling her down for a long slow kiss.
· · ·
July 4th, 1999
David,
I am SO SO SO SO SO sorry that I missed your call. I was asleep after staying up late the night before. I am absolutely sick over missing the chance to talk to you. Please, please, please call me back. I promise I will answer. Absent-minded Marcus forgot to give me your letters until he got the second one. I really, really need to talk to you. Things have been so crazy around here the past few weeks. Your mom was right. I did storm out of my parents’ house… but only because they kicked me out. I guess they just saved me the trouble of packing since I was there to get my stuff anyway, but still…
Steven and I got that house I told you about, so we’ve been busy moving in. Well, at least he has been busy. I don’t have any stuff anymore. My parents trashed it all. Ugh. I have some of my clothes and my car, and that’s it. Anyway, it’s nice to be out on my own now without having anyone to answer to. It was such a drag, you know?
Enough about me. How are you??? It’s only like a month till you’re home. I can’t wait! I hope it’s getting easier there for you. Note my new address, and write me back soon!!
Luv you tons and tons,
Journey
Ps. Happy 4th! I’m going to miss watching the fireworks with you at the lake this year!!
· · ·
July 10th, 1999
Journey,
It was awful when you didn’t answer the phone. Not to sound like a big, damn baby, but I really need to hear your voice. Between being homesick and worried about you, I’m getting a little desperate and needy for your attention. I’m so glad I got your letter. I don’t think you know how much I miss you… definitely much more than you miss me. Ha. Ha. I’m joking. (Sort of.)
I hope you got things straight with your parents. I’m glad you moved out though. I think it was time. I just hate you’re living with Steven and not with me!!! Speaking of… It looks like I will be in California for a while for more training before I get assigned to my unit. Have you thought any more about moving with me when I get my orders? You know I would be great to live with… especially now that I clean like a soldier! Anyway, think about it and let me know.
I love you.
David
· · ·
Kara was having a late lunch at the bar while Journey dried and stacked beer glasses one on top of the other when the front door opened, and Steven stormed in. He ripped off his sunglasses, and Journey could see trouble in his dark eyes.
Kara bumped him with her shoulder when he got to the bar. “Why the long face, grumpy?”
His eyes shot down at her. “Can you give us a minute?” he said through a clenched jaw.
Her eyes widened with concern, and she cast a questioning glance at Journey.
Journey nodded as she dried her hands. “It’s OK. Give us just a second.”
Carefully, Kara picked up her cigarettes and rose from her seat. She cautiously studied Steven as she angled around him toward the front door. No one was allowed to smoke in the bar before 8 PM, so she stepped outside to the sidewalk.
Steven was quiet for what felt like an eternity. Journey stepped closer to where he stood motionless, and fuming, across the bar. “What’s up?” she asked a little hesitantly.
He pulled an open envelope out of his jacket pocket and slammed it on the counter before pushing it toward her. She recognized the military seal, and her eyes shot up at him as her mouth dropped open. “You opened my mail?”
“You’re thinking about moving in with him?” he shouted.
Journey snapped the letter out of his reach. “How dare you go through my things?”
“So, it’s true?” he barked.
She stuffed the letter into her apron. “It’s none of your damn business!”
He gripped the bar until his knuckles turned white. He twisted his head toward her in frustration. “None of my business? He misses you and loves you and wants to live with you, and it’s none of my business?”
They were drawing stares from the few patrons around them. She lowered her voice and cut her eyes at him. “I will talk to you about this when I get home. I’m at work now, and I suggest you go somewhere and cool off for a while.”
He pounded his fist against the wood and then pointed an angry finger at her. “This isn’t over.”
He stalked out, without pausing to acknowledge Kara who was watching from the window. She hurried back inside. Journey watched Steven cross the street, and when he was out of sight, she pulled the envelope out and opened it.
Kara slid back onto her barstool. “What was that about?” she asked.
Journey nodded to the paper. “He read my letter from David.” Journey’s eyes scanned the letter before passing it to Kara.
Kara read a few lines out loud as Journey returned to drying glasses. “I just hate you’re living with Steven and not with me… It looks like I will be in California for a while... Have you thought any more about moving with me when I get my orders?” Kara paused. “Are you thinking about moving to California?”
Journey laughed. “No. This is the first I’ve even heard about California. I mean, David mentioned us moving together when he gets his orders, but I don’t think he’s serious.”
Kara scanned the letter again. “Sounds like he’s serious to me.”
Journey shrugged her shoulders. “He’s just homesick. He’s not serious.”
“Are you sure?” Kara asked.
Journey was pretty sure. She finally sighed. “No wonder Steven is so pissed.”
Kara pointed in the direction of where Steven had just stormed out. “Yeah, but that was over the top. I thought for a second he was going to come over the bar after you.”
Journey thought so too, but she kept it to herself.
When she clocked out a six, she drove the four miles
back to her house. Steven’s car was in the driveway. She cautiously opened the front door, and he met her in the foyer. His eyes were bloodshot, but she knew it wasn’t from being brokenhearted. The haze of marijuana floated around the room. He silently pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips against her hair. After a long silence, he finally whispered, “I’m sorry.”
With her face against his chest, she let his apology linger before finally looking up at him. “You scared the crap out of me today.”
He sighed and dropped his forehead gently against hers. “I know. I’m sorry. I just love you so much, and I completely lost it.”
She pulled back. “You what?”
“I love you.” He studied her stunned expression before laughing. “You know I love you. Why do you look so shocked?”
“Because you’ve never said it before,” she stammered.
He grasped her face between his hands and covered her mouth with his. When he finally broke the kiss, he studied her lower lip. “Well, I do.”
“I love you, too.” She poked him in the ribs. “But stop going through my crap.”
He laughed and grasped her wrist to pull her close again. He lowered toward her ear. “I’m not going to lose you,” he said in a whisper so calm it made her spine tingle.
· · ·
July 22nd, 1999
David,
I got your letter. I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA lately. I’ve just been so busy. I hardly see anyone anymore… It’s pretty sad. I’m still keeping my phone close so I don’t miss you if you call.
Funny story... Steven intercepted your last letter, and he completely freaked out. However, he did finally tell me he loves me. It only took him five months and being threatened by the thought of me running off with you. He’s been boyfriend extraordinaire ever since. No more wishy-washy man for me. He’s so attention needy now that it’s almost exhausting. He didn’t take too well to the idea of me and you talking about moving away together. And California? You know how much trouble I get into in Emerson. I would be in jail within a year! Haha.
Nevertheless, I’m counting the days till you get home. I might just have to kidnap you while you're here and keep you all to myself. I miss our all-night talks… we have so much to catch up on!
I hope things are getting easier for you. I ran into your mom at the restaurant the other day, and she said that it has been really rough, but that you're doing well. I kinda got the impression that you sent her there to check in on me? :)
I’ve got to run to work, but I’ll write more soon. Come home already!
Love,
Journey
· · ·
August 2nd, 1999
Journey,
I know what you mean about missing our talks. I don’t have anyone here that I can talk to really. I mean we cut up about guy stuff, but nothing really important. I’m hoping that you’ll have some time off from work and school while I’m home so we can really catch up. I’m planning on moving in for the whole seven days! You can tell Steven to go ahead and get used to the idea.
I can’t wait to be home. I think the waiting is going to kill me. I wish you could be here for my graduation, but I know you have a lot of responsibilities now. I know one thing… As soon as I get into town, I’m dropping my stuff and coming straight to you. Forget everything else.
This will probably be the last letter I will have time to write. We have our big final training coming up, and I will be gone for three days, stuck in the middle of nowhere and sleeping on the ground. Say a prayer for me.
I love you more than you know.
Love,
David
5
Blow
Steven protested the idea of a surprise welcome home party for David at his own house, but Journey knew he wouldn’t actually do anything to stop her. Their small house was already packed with people forty-five minutes before David even arrived. Most of her guests were happy with the keg of beer on the deck, but a few—primarily Steven and his friends—were hunkered down with a bong in the back bedroom. Journey was so anxious to see her best friend that she walked down her gravel road alone to intercept him.
She was sitting by the row of mailboxes with a beer in her hand when the familiar front fender of David’s white pickup truck came into view. He honked the horn, and she jumped up with a smile so wide it hurt her face. Before he could even slow the truck to a stop, the driver’s side door was open. She scrambled toward him and spilt her beer.
Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms. He lifted her feet off the ground and squeezed her so tight she thought her ribs might break. Finally, he pulled back enough to look at her and gently returned her to her feet. “You’re real,” he choked out. His face was streaked with tears, but he was laughing.
Journey dug her fingers into David’s hips as he held her. She didn’t realize until that moment, when she felt tears threatening to spill out, just how much she had missed him. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him again.
“You ruined the big entrance I had planned!” He laughed. “I was coming to you!”
She tugged playfully at his belt loops. “I couldn’t wait anymore.”
He reached down and pushed her bangs behind her ears. “Your hair,” he said. “I’ve never seen it so long!”
She smiled. “I haven’t cut it out of protest since you’ve been gone.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Whatever.”
She took in the full sight of him. He was tan, and she could tell through his ‘Go Army’ gray t-shirt and jeans that he had probably put on twenty pounds of solid muscle. David had always had a good build, but this was a significant improvement. “So, this is what the body of a god looks like, huh?” she asked.
He winked. “It’s worth seeing me naked. I promise.”
She laughed and tears finally escaped down her cheeks as he pulled her close again.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, closing her eyes to seal the moment in her memory. “I’ve missed you,” she finally breathed into the soft cotton of his shirt.
His fingertips trailed down to the small of her back and then carefully up her sides. He studied her eyes for a long moment before sliding his hands along her jaw and tilting her face up toward his. His gaze fell to her mouth, and he bent toward her. The moment that his lips brushed hers, a car pulled up blasting its horn behind his truck.
Journey recognized the sound of Justin’s snorting laugh before she even saw who was in the car. They both spun around to see Kara standing up out of the sunroof, flailing her arms like a madwoman.
“You’re back!” she cheered.
David laughed. “I’m back!”
She blew him kisses with both hands. “Didn’t mean to interrupt!” She giggled. “We’ll see you at the party!”
David laughed as they pulled around his truck. “Party?”
Journey gave him a guilty smile. “You know I don’t need much of a reason to throw a party. And this day”—she placed her palms on his chest—“is certainly a reason to celebrate.”
She stretched up on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before bounding around to the passenger’s side of the truck.
· · ·
David didn’t know half the guests at his homecoming party, but Journey had gone all out with the preparation. There was food from her work and a keg on ice outside. It was obvious that the party started long before his arrival. Steven’s car was in the driveway, but he was nowhere to be seen. David wasn’t complaining though. He was hoping to steal a moment with Journey and continue what had almost happened in the driveway.
Just thinking about it made David start to sweat. She looked amazing with denim shorts hanging off her hips exposing just enough of her hipbones to make his brain go blank. He couldn’t help but imagine what might have transpired had they not been ambushed by their friends and had returned to an empty house. Instead, he was being whisked around rooms full of semi-drunken party-goers with his life-of
-the-party best friend. All he wanted to do was get her alone.
“Brit-ton!” Marcus’s voice boomed from behind him.
David turned around as Marcus walked through the front door. The two old friends met in the middle of the room and clapped each other on the back. “So good to see you, man,” David said when they stepped back from each other.
Marcus grabbed David’s bicep and laughed. “Look at you, G.I. Joe!”
David laughed. “That’s what a half a million push-ups will do to you.”
He felt Journey slide under his arm and lock her arms around his midsection. The corner of her perfect mouth tipped up into a smile. “I like it.”
“I’m glad you came home, Dave. Maybe you can talk some damn sense into the young one here,” Marcus said, playfully poking Journey in the stomach.
Journey allowed David’s hand to slide down to that tantalizing bare hipbone, making it nearly impossible for him to keep up with the conversation. He looked down at her. “I hear you’ve been a pain in the ass all summer.”
“Me?” she whimpered, batting her eyes at him.
Suddenly, the chatter died in the house. The three of them looked around the living room, and David quickly saw the reason for why it seemed all of the oxygen had left the building. Steven was glaring from the opening of the hallway. Journey quickly unwrapped herself from David’s torso as Steven crossed the room.
Do I say hello or just punch him in the face? David wondered.
Steven curled his arm around Journey’s shoulders and offered his free hand to David. “Welcome home, Dave.”
David was a little surprised, but even though Steven seemed calm and his words were courteous, he knew ‘welcome’ was a stretch. They clasped hands.
“Congrats on the place, man. It’s great,” David said, unable to think of anything else to say that wouldn’t end with one of them bleeding in the front yard.
