TWENTY - ONE

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Harlow | Phoenix | Other people


I couldn't run off that hell hole fast enough. Dropping to the ground I kissed the pavement that I took for granted. Never would I have thought that I would be so delighted to see base again. There wasn't much here aside from sand and hills but I missed all of it. I missed the solid foundation even the lizards Prichett and I would sometimes find in our boots. I missed the option of fast food and privacy. I've never missed privacy so much since bootcamp.

Deployment had it's ups and downs . . . More downs than ups for me only because I was beyond bored but I'm grateful for the experience. It gave me a chance to rethink over my life and all the choices that I've made in my twenty-four years of living. It gave me time to do some dumb bored shit like count my teeth and how long could you cross your eyes before getting dizzy. I also got the chance to learn Taken word for word.

Hearing shouts around me I looked up spotting a few Marines doing the same as I and over their heads about a hundred or so people stood with welcome home signs. There were some very creative ones. Some you could tell were done by children under five with lots of sparkles and glitter but it was all very nice and from the heart.

There were a few men with tears in their eyes as they held their newborns dressed in baby cammies. There were civilians with USMC and Navy shirts of all colors. They even had some soft music playing but my mind was on somewhere else or rather someone else.

Getting up from the ground I made my way to the bus that would take us back to our shop where our cars were. Not wanting to waste another minute I had no choice being a Sergeant and all I had to make sure my fellow Marines were okay and my higher ups didn't need anything from me.

"Sergeant Derman!"


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After tossing my gear in the trunk of my Equinox I  got comfortable in the driver's seat rubbing my steering wheel missing the feel other her leather. I worked hard to get my Equinox. It was an older version but it was just me aside from Prichett from time to time.

Opening the glove compartment I grabbed my cell powering it on as the cars from those who deployed left. Looking down at the notifications from text, emails, and all my social media, I put my phone on silent no longer wanting to hear the buzzing from the vibration. Placing my cell in the cup holder I headed to the barracks to pack before we left again for the airport.

Parking my car next to Prichett's Audi I grabbed my gear trotting up the two flights of stairs to the second floor. Just as I was about to drop my bag and knock the door opened and there my roommate stood in a white t-shirt, black and white Nike shorts, and slides.

"Oh shit, you're back."

"I told you we were coming back this week."

"It's feels like I haven't seen you in a lifetime man."

"I missed you so much bro."

"I missed you too fucker. Bring it in."

Hugging Prichett we slapped each other on the back a few times to show the affection and missed friendship before letting go.  "This bag is heavy as hell man. Let me in."

Laughing as he stepped aside I froze at my bed.

A welcome home sign was taped to the wall just above my laptop with my Aunt Justine and Dylan sat next to each other smiling at me through Skype.

"Hi Nicky." Aunt Justine covered her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks.

"Hey Nick." Dylan said.

Dropping my bags I grabbed my laptop sitting on my bed feeling a burn at the back of my throat. "I miss - I miss you both so much." Looking over to Prichett I thanked him for call my family.

"No problem man. I know it's nothing compared to seeing them in person but I wanted you to have a little more than just me. I'm going to grab us some snacks. I'll be back later." He finished closing the door behind him.

Only being able to video chat them a few more times then I did with Harlow it still felt as if I hadn't spoken to them in years. My Aunt Justine looked beautiful and motherly as always with her brown hair pulled away from her face. She had a few more silver strands from the last time I'd seen her in person adding to her grace.

"I'm so happy that you made it back safely Nicky. We miss you so much."

"I miss you both too. Now that I'm back I'll have some leave I can take. Hopefully I can make it back home sooner rather than later."

Dylan reached out of view coming back to hand his mom some tissue. "Hey Nick. Do you think you'll be back before the year is over? Maybe around Christmas?"

"Woah. Did you just call me Nick? Where is the little boy that use call me Nicky and begged me to play freeze tag after dinner? Who is this new person?"

"I know." Aunt Justine cupped his cheek pushing back some of his hair behind his ear. "His growing up so fast. He's getting to be taller than me."

"Mom." He rolled his eyes shaking his head. "Have you talked to Harlow?"

"I haven't talked to my girlfriend yet, no. I thought you all would be sleep it's like," Checking the time on my cell I seen Harlow's name from my Instagram. "One o'clock in the morning and on a school night."

"Mom said I could stay up."

"I did but it is a school night and it's only getting later."

"Goodnight Dill Pickle." I called after he walked away.

"I'm too old for that nickname!"

"Never!" My Aunt shook her head at our brotherly banter. Smiling at her for just a few moments to look at the woman who raised me, I felt a small pain in my chest missing the man that had taught me so much. "Hey Aunt Justine. I wanted to talk to you about when I come home. I need your help."


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A/N: Well it's been a lifetime since I posted and I'm sorry for that. I am close to finishing this book so I won't update for a while so I can give you all another 3+ chapters. I want to get these two short stories out of the way so I can focus soley on No Cure & No Reason

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