To Love a Soldier (11 page)

Liz got off the interstate and followed the signs for the airport. As I watched the miles on the signs get lower and lower, a lump built in my throat. I wasn’t normally so emotional, so I didn’t know what was going on with me. I tried holding it back, but I just couldn’t. I burst out into tears and hugged John over the headrest.

“Aw, Mandy,” Liz said first, “I’m sorry you’re upset, but can you please not scare the shit out of me with your meltdowns while I’m trying to drive. Though, I’m sure a broken bone or two would buy you a few more weeks.”

John unbuckled his seatbelt and did his best to turn around to console me. “Babe, I won’t be gone long. It’ll go quick. Don’t worry.”

“I know,” I got out before choking up again. “I don’t know what came over me. I’m tougher than this.” Before I could say anything else, we were pulling up to the airport drop-off.

“You have an hour to get through security, so you should be good,” Liz told John.

We all got out of the car. John grabbed his duffle bag and gave his sister a long hug. When he pulled away, there were tears streaming down her face.

“Shut up,” she said to me, wiping her eyes. “It was my turn.”

John laughed and kept his smile as he walked to me.
He’s leaving. He’s really leaving
.

“I love you, Mandy. The past six weeks have felt like minutes and I can’t wait for an eternity.” He stared into my eyes, which were welling up with tears. “I’ll be coming home to you soon. Don’t worry.”

“I love you too, John. So much!” I pulled him into me and hugged him as hard as I could. I held on and squeezed as tight as possible, hoping somehow, he wouldn’t be able to pull away. He stayed in my hold only momentarily before wrapping his muscular arms entirely around my entire torso. I felt like I was being crushed, but I loved every second of it. I felt my pain surfacing again and let go into his chest. He took one arm out of the hug and gently rubbed the top of my head.

“It’s
gonna be okay,” he said, calmly. “Just think, soon you’ll be wishing I was gone.” He let out a small laugh and I could tell he was trying really hard to hold it together, too.

“Don’t say that,” I muddled between gasping for air.

“John, you need to go,” Liz gently reminded him.

He nodded, acknowledging her and slowly separating our bodies. I fought to stop him, but it was useless. He wiped the tears from under my eyes with his thumb and told me he loved me one more time. He kissed me softly, jerked his duffle bag over his shoulder, and went back to Liz. After giving her one more hug, he walked into the terminal without looking back.

“I’ve never actually seen John cry before. Ever,” Liz said.

I hadn’t noticed. I could barely see straight with blurry, tear-filled eyes. I pulled Liz in for a hug. We must have looked like idiots, standing there for about five minutes and crying on each other’s shoulders, before both getting in the same car and driving away.

“Can you hang out tonight?” I asked her. I didn’t want to be alone.

“Of course,” she said, putting her hand on my knee. “Do you care if Brady comes over, too?”

“That’s fine. I’ll order take-out or something. I just don’t want to be alone.”

“Believe me.” She rubbed my knee some more. “I get it.”

We drove straight back to my house from the airport. I was sitting in the front and could smell John the whole ride back. It was driving me nuts.

Liz dropped me off and went home to change and grab some lunch to bring back. I went inside, threw my jacket off, and headed right to my bed. It
was tearing me apart knowing that, only a little over an hour ago, John was right here with me, and now I wouldn’t see him for months. Lying on my bed, I stuck my face in my pillow.
FUCK!
I, of course, had to stick my face in the one John used last night. His smell was there, too.
What the hell is wrong with me? I never get so damn emotional.
I tossed the pillow aside and grabbed my own. I stuck my face in it and let the waterworks open up again. Eventually, I ran out of tears. My throat hurt. My eyes hurt. My entire body hurt. I was emotionally drained. I didn’t want to get up, so I just laid on my bed with my eyes closed.

Breaking the News

Liz

After dropping Mandy off, I raced to the hospital where my mom worked. I was supposed to just go home and change and grab some lunch to go back to Mandy’s, but I wanted to tell my mom the news in person. She deserved to know
, and I wanted to be the first to tell her, since John had already left.

I found a parking spot and practically ran inside. It took forever to get to the section of the building where she worked. I stopped at the desk and had
them page her. I took a seat and patiently waited for her to get there. A few minutes later, I saw her walking down the hall towards me. I jumped up and ran to her, yelling down the hall that everything was okay, so she wouldn’t think I was there because of some emergency.

When I got closer,
I could see her smiling. “I already know,” she said grinning ear to ear.

Damn it, he called her
. “He called you, huh?”

“Yes, he did. Right after he got through security. I’m so happy, Liz. I’ve been terrified all these years that he’d end up like his father
and it would end up killing him, too.”

“I know, Mom.” I leapt into her open arms. “I’ve been worried, too.”

“I’m going to start getting his old room ready this weekend,” she said, practically jumping up and down.

“Mom.” I had to stop her. “He’s going to live with Mandy when he comes home.”

“Mandy? Really? He didn’t mention anything about that.”

“Yeah. Well, she offered and it sure looked to me like he accepted.”

“You know what? That’s fine. I don’t care where he stays as long as he’s close. Hell, maybe they’ll give me a grandbaby.”

“Okay,
ewww. One thing at a time, Mom.”

“You see.” She slapped my arm. “That reaction is why I don’t count on one from you and Brady.”

“Oh, my God. Mom!” I turned red. “Besides the fact I don’t want to talk about my sex life with you right now, I haven’t been with Brady long enough to even consider kids. What ever happened to marriage first anyway?”

“Oh, please.” She laughed. “You kids are
porking as soon as you get to high school these days.”

“
Porking!” I gagged. “Okay, this conversation is done. I need to do some things, so I can get back to Mandy. She’s not handling him leaving well, so I’m going to spend the night with her.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I know what it’s like. Please, give her my love.” She hugged me goodbye. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Okay, Mom. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Liz.” She turned back the way she had come and disappeared through the big, double doors.

I ran back to my car and drove home to clean up. When I got home, I pulled my phone out to text Mandy to let her know I was on my way and to ask if she wanted anything special to eat. I saw that I had two missed texts. One was from Brady.

Stay strong, love. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be over later.

I replied back.

Thanks, I’m okay. I have great news! Will tell you later. I’ll be at Mandy’s; she’s upset. Come there later instead of my place.

I checked the next text. It was from John.
Damn it!
I didn’t hear it go off.

Tizzy, I love you and miss you already! I’ll be home soon. Please take care of Mandy for me while I’m gone. PS- I called mom and told her the news ;)

I replied.

I’m sorry I missed your text. I didn’t hear my phone! You’re already on the plane, so please text me later to let me know you’re safe. I’m heading over to Mandy’s now to keep her company. She’ll be fine… worry about you! I love you!

I pulled up Mandy in my contacts and shot her a quick text.

Hey, I’m on my way now. Anything particular you want? Food, booze? Let me know and I’ll grab it on the way over.

I locked the phone and tossed it on my jacket. I went upstairs to my bathroom, figuring I should pack a toothbrush and some supplies along with my clothes. I finished packing and went back down. It felt colder in the room than it was before.
Did I forget to shut the door?
I checked the front door; it was closed and locked. I looked around to see if any windows were cracked, trying to find where the cold air was coming from. I didn’t notice anything.

As I glanced past my back sliding door, I noticed the blinds were moving. I went to investigate and could feel the cold draft as I closed the distance between myself and the door.
What the fuck?

I pushed the blinds aside and looked outside. I didn’t see anything out of place, other than the fact that the door had been opened a few inches until it reached my security locking bar. I closed the sliding door and locked it again. I was pretty sure that nobody had unlocked it, especially since we never went out back in
the winter. I went back and grabbed my phone to text my mom to see if maybe she had come home and done something.

Did you unlock the sliding door and forget to lock it?

I hit send. A few seconds later I got a reply.

NO!

No worries,
I texted back
. Everything is fine. Was just checking. Love you.

Did someone try to break in? Maybe we should call the police!

I don’t know. I didn’t notice it when I came in, so it just happened, but I didn’t hear anything and don’t see anyone outside anywhere.

That sounds weird, Liz.

Don’t worry. It’s locked and the bar is there. Heading to Mandy’s now.

Okay. Love you, too. I’ll call later.

I locked the phone and grabbed my jacket. Grabbing my stuff, I made sure all the lights were out before leaving and flicked on the porch light, so it would be on for my mom when she got home later. As I unlocked the front door, it swung open.

“HELLO!” a deep voice yelled. I knew instantly; it was Mike.

“What the fuck are you doing here?!?” I yelled at him, slamming the door in his face. He kicked his foot into the doorjamb and stopped the door from shutting.

“Relax, bitch,” he said. “I’m here to say sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” I kicked at his foot to try to get the door shut. “For not being able to rape me, like you raped Mandy?”

“Well, for that, too,” he laughed sinisterly. “
Who the fuck is Mandy? Ahh, I don’t care, but listen, I don’t need your fucking boyfriend and whoever that giant guy is who roughed up Brandon fucking up my life.”

“You’re such an asshole,” I spat. “Get the fuck out of here. I’m calling the cops.”

“Fine, just remember I’m trying to make peace, whore.”

He moved his foot and I was able to slam the door shut. My body was shaking uncontrollably. I couldn’t control my hands to even pick up my phone. As I instantly replayed what had just happened, my fear was overwhelmed by anger.

I ran up to my room and dug my gun out of my nightstand. I tore about the drawer, looking for the key to unlock the cable lock that John always insisted I put on it. I finally found it and unlocked the gun. I ran back downstairs and peeked out the windows. Front to back. Back and forth, I kept looking. He was gone, or at least I thought he was.

I slipped my gun into my bag and slowly walked outside. I gave it a few seconds before closing and locking the front door behind me. I walked briskly to my car and locked the door right away.

Starting the engine, I threw it in reverse. I was paying more attention to everything around me than in front of me and almost hit a few neighbors’ mailboxes. Pulling my phone out, I noticed Mandy still hadn’t texted me back. I hit the call button and her phone began ringing. After a few rings, it went to voicemail.
Shit
! I hung up and kept driving.

I wanted to call Brady next, but I knew he’d go ape shit, so I waited. I tried Mandy again. No answer. She wasn’t too far from me, so I skipped stopping for lunch and headed straight there. I knew Mike acted like he didn’t know
who she was, but maybe he was lying and had gone to see her next.

The thoughts raced in my mind, compelling me to put more pressure on the gas pedal. I sped down the side streets until I got to her house. I didn’t notice any cars outside, other than hers. I pulled into the driveway and grabbed my stuff, locked the car, and headed to her door.

I knocked. I knocked again. No answer. I rang the bell over and over. Nothing. I grabbed my cell and called again. No answer. I grabbed the door handle and twisted. It was unlocked. I slowly opened it and reached into my bag.

I took a step inside before pulling out my gun. Her lights were off and it was quiet. I called out to her
, but didn’t get an answer. I kept my arm straight with my gun pointed out and started clearing rooms, just like John used to make me do with him when we were younger. Downstairs was clear, so I slowly crept up the stairs, paying attention to corners. My heart raced along with my mind
. I wish John was here. I wish my dad was here. Maybe I should’ve called Brady.

I got to the last stair and heard a low moan. It came from Mandy’s bedroom.
Motherfucker!
I rushed down the hall and kicked her door open.

“I’m
gonna fucking kill you, you disgusting animal!” I shouted, waving my gun towards the bed, but it was empty. I looked over at the attached bathroom and saw the door swing open.

“What the fuck, Liz?” Mandy appeared in the doorway. She looked like hell.

“Are you okay? Is he here?”

“Is who here?” she asked.

“Mike!”

“Why the fuck would Mike be here? What’s wrong with you?”

“Are you okay?” I asked her. I noticed she was wiping vomit off her lips.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. I fell asleep for a while. I woke up to I guess what was you knocking at the door. I felt like I had to throw up, so I just yelled down for you to come in and then ran to the bathroom and got sick.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked again.

“I’m sure. I’m fine. I think I’m just overwhelmed and shit.”

I took a seat on the edge of Mandy’s bed and started telling her what happened. I ran through the whole story, up until entering her bedroom. Her facial expressions were constantly changing.

“Ok, wait,” she said. “If he was only there to apologize, or just say what he wanted to say, then why was the back door fucked with?”

“Don’t know.”

“And I find it hard to believe he doesn’t know
who I am. I know it was years ago, but I doubt you would forget someone you rape,” she said.

I put my arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I know it’s still hard for you, too.”

“It’s fine. I’ll never forget it, Liz, but I’m over it.” She remained strong. “I won’t let some disgusting loser ruin my life.”

“I’m with you. I won’t let him ruin mine, either. I just wish he’d get what he deserves. I can’t believe he had the nerve to show up and threaten me.”

“I can.” She shook her head. “He’s an asshole.”

“And did I tell you he was calling me a whore?”

“I’m not surprised. He’s such a low life that he actually believes all girls just want to fuck anything or anyone they see. I swear, in his eyes, he’s not doing anything wrong.”

“Then maybe someone should pull his eyes out!” I said.

Mandy went back into the bathroom and cleaned herself off. I headed downstairs and locked her front door, then went back up to check on her. She was finishing putting on a change of clothes.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Do you have a fever or anything? Maybe you caught the flu?”

“No, I don’t feel hot and I’m not achy. Besides I got my flu shot like two months ago. I don’t know, maybe it’s a bug or something.”

“All right, if you need anything, let me know. So what do you want to do?”

“I’m not feeling up for much. Maybe just lay low and watch TV or something.”

“Sounds good to me.”

We curled up on her couch and just stared at the television. I missed John, but was more concerned about Mike. I dreaded telling Brady, but I knew the longer I waited, the angrier he’d be for not telling him sooner.

I could tell Mandy was just daydreaming of my brother. I felt bad, but it wouldn’t be long before he was back and she would have him all to herself. I grabbed my phone and sent Brady a message, asking him to call me when he
could. No sooner than the message said it was delivered, he called.

“I’m just going to talk to Brady quick,” I told Mandy walking into the other room. Hitting the green button, I answered the call. “Hey baby,”

“What’s up, babe? Everything okay?”

“Um,” I hesitated for a minute. “Please don’t freak out.”

“Liz, you saying that is making me freak out. What happened?”

“When I went back to the house to grab my things to bring to Mandy’s Mike showed up. He said he came to apologize and then threatened me telling me to have whoever roughed up
Brandon fucking up his life.” All I could hear on the other end of the line was heavy breathing. “Brady?”