Before writing out this story I would love to take a moment to reply to some of my well wishers! Those of you that take the time to reply and wish me and "Julie" well are what keep me coming back for more. I have had a few people ask if I were making a movie! Unfortunately, no, I will not be. I do not have that kind of money, nor do I have that kind of time. There is a lot of work involved in making a movie and I truly do not have any experience in that field.
Secondly to my "Haters!" You know who you are. Claiming I was never in the military, that I know nothing of honor, that I have no skill as an author... I do not mind criticism when done correctly. I have asked a million times for CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. That means comments that are meant to help build my skill set, not demean me.
With all this said I truly hope you enjoy this little segment!
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Chapter 4:
Working out the moving pains!
I awoke to the all to familiar feeling of having the heaviness of my sister's head on my stomach. I take a moment to study the way her hair lays on my stomach right below my sternum. I see her head lightly rise and fall with my breathing. The highlights in her hair, the way it is layered gently, the fullness of her hair. The way even when she is sleeping and doing absolutely nothing to fix it up for me.
I start to study her shoulders and back. Years of marching band has given her very strong shoulders. Her back is very well toned. If I didn't know better I'd say that she had done a lot of competitive swimming. Her figure is still toned after not doing marching band for the past year.
After just watching her sleep I decide its time for my morning ritual. Gently pulling her up off of me and laying her back on the bed so that she doesn't wake. Unlike me she is a very heavy sleeper. I make it to the bathroom and begin my day. Even though I don't shave daily anymore I notice the stubble is too long for even my liking and decide that a "Three day beard" is too much even for me.
I take my time enjoying the feeling of warm water and shaving cream lathered on my face. I can feel the stubble being cut from my face with every scrape of the blade and decide that later on I am going to go out and buy a new razor. Little trivial things like this really don't matter all that much in most people's minds but to me this is a major deal as I don't go out too much seeing as I have developed a bit of a complex about the scar above my eye. It isn't really noticeable but I always fear someone will see it and judge me for it. I never have had confidence issues regarding my face and I don't know why I do now. I decide that it's just me settling into my new skin even though it's been months since "That day!"
I finish shaving and take a moment to use the bathroom before showering. After finishing my ritual I climb out of the shower and wipe down the mirror with a warm washrag. I am still half awake and the image I see scares me to being overly alert in half a second. After screaming out of shock I turn and notice it's just my love standing behind me.
"Damnit Julie, if I didn't know better I'd say you were trying to finish what my instructors started!" I laugh and give her a hug and kiss.
"Mmmm good morning to you too jerk!" She smiles and wraps her arms around me. "Why didn't you wake me?"
"Figured you needed a bit more sleep after last night." I reply nonchalantly. "Want to go out to the store with me later on? I need to pick up some razors and such."
"Your going out?" She says with a note of surprise.
I normally wouldn't go out thanks to my little reminder of my military service.
"Yeah, I suppose I can't be a complete shut in for the rest of my days. Won't do me any good would it?" I laugh and close my eyes, "Besides how would it look you picking up my razors without me being there? People would think you've found yourself a man!"
We share a small laugh and I notice something on her face. It's not the normal happy go lucky face she normally sports.
"Whats wrong hun?" I ask immediately. We've been together long enough that I know that look more than well enough.
"What you said..."
"About being with a guy?" I start to feel a bit down. We haven't had this talk and I knew it would be coming. I knew she would want to go out or something so it wouldn't look weird her never seeing anyone or me never seeing anyone. "I've told you, if you want to go out to keep up the appearance go ahead, I don't mind and I trust you enough to make good decisions."
"Mike, I'm going to college. They have on campus living for couples and I would love it if you would come with me. No one would know us there and it would be good for you! Besides we look differently enough no one would ever guess!" She sounds so excited at this news.
"Well... we need to figure out how we are going to get it all past mom. I'll have to find a job down there." I feel so hesitant after hearing all she wants. I know it's selfish but I like my hometown. It's quiet. Slow moving and just perfect for me.
The college she mentioned going to is in the middle of a metropolitan area and not my cup of tea at ALL. I hate big city life and all of it's inconveniences. No living space or any place quiet to just relax. Don't get me wrong, I love visiting big cities from time to time. I just prefer to have my own space.
"Mikey, you could get on at any police department. Besides with dorm living I wouldn't get to see you very often." She starts sounding more and more down.
"Okay, well, let's look into what the campus housing looks like then and see what we can do. What do we have to do to prove we are a couple. Do we have to have a marriage license or anything?"
"No, our ID's have the same last name so that will be enough. I already have all the info for you. Here come in the living room. They already accepted me into the uni so it isn't like I have to do anything more. Just prove that you want to come stay with me while I go to school."
I look though all the information they gave her and it looks straightforward enough. I call the office and ask how soon we can move in. It's still June and I don't want to get ahead of myself.
I find out we can move in the first week of August. This gives me plenty of time to decide where I want to work and whether or not I want to stay in the police force. I know my Chief would gladly sign any letter of recommendation I give him and it would be nothing to get me to a new department that is looking for a new analyst or adviser.