At last, I was on my way home. I served almost 7 years in the army, much of the time in Iraq and Afghanistan as a sergeant, training new arrivals. My superiors liked me because the soldiers who started under me turned out to be better suited to their jobs than others. The soldiers who served under me respected me because I never lied to them or treated them unfairly. However, they were afraid of me. It had to do with my imposing frame and the mandatory strict discipline. If they tried to lose focus or stray in any way, I punished them severely.
One day, I realized America was just wasting lives and resources trying in vain to teach the residents of these countries our values and way of life. The longer we stayed there, the more they hated us. That was the day I decided to quit the army. I liked our team and felt good being appreciated, but I was determined to change course while I was still young.
I joined the army at 18.5 and except for knowing how to be a good soldier, I had no skills or college degree. My thoughts were to take a few weeks off, rest with my parents that I haven't seen in years, and then look for a job.
...
The bus stopped not far from my house in Chesterfield, a suburb of St Louis. I carried my dusty kitbag and walked 2 blocks toward home. Many things have changed since I left: New houses popped up, yards were different, the old neighbor that I used to play with didn't even recognize me. I didn't bother refresh his memory; I'd do it later. I just wanted to crush on a normal bed at home and rest for a while.
I called Mom in advance to notify her I was coming home and knew she expected me. Memories about Mom were the ones I relished the most: She and I always had a special bond. While Dad worked long hours in a chemical company and came home too tired to spend quality time with me, Mom always had time for her only child. We studied together, played together, and she drove me to after school activities. I loved her very much.
I celebrated my 18th birthday party with my friends a week earlier due to an examination schedule. Mom told me I had to have fun on the actual date too, and she offered to buy me a present. I said I didn't need a gift but I'd love to go out with my parents. Dad could not join us because he was working the evening shift. I joked with Mom, "OK, lady. It means you and I go on a date. Please, dress nicely and together we go on the town." She smiled, "I'll be honored."
Before leaving the house, she appeared in a body-hugging short black dress, 3" heel shoes, a nice pearl necklace, and red lipstick. I gasped and blurted, "Mom, you look fantastic! How come you don't dress like that more often?" She laughed, "Except for going to work and do shopping we hardly leave the house. Why would I dress up?"
I didn't answer. It was the first time I saw her in a different light. She was beautiful and... sexy! We strolled on Main Street, saw a romantic movie, and entered a bar. We ordered cocktails and had a good time. In the bar, I saw other men ogling Mom's body and felt proud. We danced together, and her body clung to mine. Her large breasts crushed against my chest, and my penis began hardening. I was embarrassed by it and was sure she'd chastise me for it. But once she felt my stiff cock, she smiled, "Honey, it's nice to know my baby is now a grown man. Son, congratulations!"
After that evening, I couldn't take my mind off the way I felt with her body touching mine. I dreamt and fantasized about her and... us together. In fact, one of the reasons I joined the army was to escape home. Seeing her each day when I could not confess my obsession with her hurt too much.
...
I crossed our familiar yard and rang the bell. Mom opened the door. She wore a simple blouse, Jeans pants, and an apron. She stared at me, "Nicky, is that you? I don't believe it. You are so tall and tan. Honey, I want a kiss."
I laughed, lifted her off the ground, and kissed her cheek, "Mom, I am not fancy of your clothes, but you look terrific."
She grinned, "If you take me out one evening, I'll dress differently. Anyway, you are probably hungry and tired. What would you like to do now?"
"I just want to shower and sleep for 2 hours. After that, I'll be as good as new. By the way, how's Dad doing these days?"
Mom's face changed dramatically. She hesitated momentarily before answering, "He is only 50, but due to his many years of smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, he started having symptoms that prevented him from continuing to work in the factory. He now drives an Uber whenever he feels better."
It was an obvious sore spot. I didn't want to push her about it; after all, it was just my first hour at home. The hot shower felt amazing. I stood under the pouring water until I heard Mom calling me, "Nicky, are you OK?"
"Yes, Mom. I'll be out in a minute."
I dried myself and then realized I didn't grab clean clothes. Mom likely noticed it and shoved old boxers under the door. I wore them and exited the vapor-filled bathroom.
I joined Mom in the kitchen and saw her eyes inspecting my body. She had a strange expression on. When she saw me looking at her, she blushed, "You look great: Tall, handsome, with huge muscles, very tan. Once you go outside, all the girls in the neighborhood will eat you alive."
I chortled, "Why do you think I worked out in the army? I think I am strong enough to fend them off. No, my heart belongs to one girl only."
Mom blushed again, "Honey, Dad called. He'll be back in half an hour. Do you want to sleep now or wait for him, and all of us will eat dinner together?"
"The meal you are working on smells great. I'll wait for him."
I went to my room and tried on some of my old clothes. Everything was too small. I grabbed from my kitbag a set of uniforms and dressed in them. As I got out Mom smiled, "My hunch is you did not try to impress me. You wore these because you couldn't fit into your old clothes."
"Mom, you are right."
"You look very attractive in these uniforms."
I smirked, "Nice to know. Does it mean I have a chance with you?"
She blushed the third time, "Honey, be nice to your old mother, or I'll spank you."
I hugged her, "Mom, I love you, and if you think I should be slapped for saying it, I am OK with it."
She whispered in my ear, "I love you too much to hit you. Now let me down."
She continued working in the kitchen, and I went to watch TV. The first station showed 'Happy Days.' I watched it until Dad returned.
I stood up to greet him. He looked much shorter and started balding. He hugged me, "Nicky, you left a child, and now you are a grown man. Mom and I were worried you'd get injured or die in a foreign country. We are happy to see you well and out of the army. I am starving. Let's eat. Mom's cooking is not as good as what you were served in the army, but she tries..."
"Dad, you'll be surprised. Our food was not as bad as you think. These days, we have more options than when you were in the Marines. It's not a home meal, but it could have been much worse."
The rest of the meal we talked very little. We peeked at each other often and smiled when our eyes met. I guess neither one wanted to discuss real issues on my first day at home.
We finished dinner at 7 pm. I said I was tired and went to sleep.
I woke up at 9:30 am. Initially, I was confused and didn't know where I was. A moment later, I realized I was home. I smiled to myself and relaxed on my soft bed. I fell asleep again shortly after.
The next morning, at 10, I smelled fresh coffee. I came out of my room. Mom smiled, "The lazy bum has decided to welcome the new day. The coffee is fresh. Do you want scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and orange juice?"
"I recall that before I left, breakfast included a kiss, too."
"Nicky, for somebody who's here for only his second day after deserting us for so many years, you are too demanding."
"Sorry, but I missed you." I approached her back, hugged her tummy, and kissed the side of her neck. She shivered, "Honey, it's a sensitive spot." I giggled, "Nice to know. I'll remember to do it more often." She turned to me and raised a finger, "Don't you dare!"
