Ch.2 | Awful Goodbyes

Riley

Last month, I had made the decision to sign my life away to the government.

My family wasn't exactly thrilled, which was a bummer. But, I was more then excited.

I finally had an out. A fresh start. A new beginning. Any of those titles would fit.

I stared at my bedroom ceiling, studying every dent. This would be the last time I'd be seeing this room, for a very long time.

Today was my last day home before I was shipped out to bootcamp. I was ready to say goodbye.

I had been nothing but harassed and made fun of since I had told my family about the Army.

"You're too weak for that. Go switch the laundry." My mother had said. I would prove to her I was anything but weak.

"You'll be nothing but a no good whore! They'll pass you around in there." My father had screamed as we ate our dinner.

I loved the support my family showed me.

I sighed and sat up. My bags were glaring at me from across the room.

I hadn't packed much. Just the essentials.

3 outfits for the days we'd be traveling and filling out paperwork.

Toiletries and a hairbrush. Still had to smell and look good in the army, right?

"Riley!" My brother shouted from down the hall, starling me and pulling me out of my daydream.

"Yes Timmy?" I asked and laid back down on my bed. Would I be sleeping on a bed? Or on a cot?

"Mommy said to tell you to come downstairs." He peaked his head into my bedroom door, flashing me a crooked smile.

Literally crooked. He needed braces.

"Riley, did you hear me?" Timmy sang and I gave him a thumbs up.

One day. All I had to wait.

•••

I walked into our den to see my entire family sitting there.

Cousins, uncles, aunts, and pretty much every other family I had.

"What's everyone doing here?" I asked and slowly stepped into the room.

"Riley dear, how are you?" My Aunt, Cindy, pulled me into a hug. I hesitantly hugged her back, and continue to exchange that same awkward encounter with everyone else.

"Riley, We are here to give you an ultimatum." My grandma spoke this time and I looked at her in confusion.

Ultimatum? Why had I needed one?

"Oh? Please continue?" I prompted and sat on the armrest of a chair.

"Well, we don't think you enlisting is the best idea." My cousin put a hand on my shoulder and I glared at it unintentionally.

"Well it's a little late for that, isn't it?" I said to absolutely no one in particular.

"If you go tomorrow, you will be losing all of us." My mom gave me a fake sad smile.

"Once again, it's a little late. I've finished the paperwork, done the tests. I'm committed." I crossed my arms.

Some fucking family.

"Then I suppose the decision has been made." My father pushed himself to his feet and over to the liquor cart.

"I guess s-"

"You can go grab your things and head out tonight." My mother cut me off and joined my father.

"Tonight? Where am I gonna stay till tomorrow night?" I asked, a bit shocked.

The bus for bootcamp won't be at the station until 10 tomorrow night. Apparently it was normal to pick up the recruits at night.

Early training.

"You should've thought of that before you enlisted." My aunt chimed in and I shot her a death glare.

How dare she? I haven't seen her in years.

Actually I haven't seen any of these people in years. Why would I care?

They were still family I suppose.

"Riley? Get your stuff and get out." My father spoke, authority dripping from his tone.

"Yes sir." I mocked.

I turned on my heels and left the room. Un fucking believe-able.

•••

It took me less then 5 minutes to gather all of my bags and change into a fresh set of clothes. I wish I could've showered but it was clear my father wanted me out.

I walked past the den with all of my stuff, heading for the front door.

"Um Riley?" My mother called from the den but I kept going through the kitchen to the front room.

I wanted out. Not anymore lectures or hassling.

"Riley Manson Earningest, stop right there." She called, this time from the hall.

I finally stopped and turned, my long hair getting caught on the bags and pulling at my scalp.

Ouch.

"Yes, Mother?" I asked and shifted the bags on my shoulders.

"Those aren't your belongings. Please sit them on the floor." She pointed at the marble flooring beneath me.

"Being petty, are we now?" I chuckled and turned around, opening the front door.

"What did I just say?" My mother called as I stepped outside.

"You'll receive a check in the mail. Bye! Love ya!" I called and slammed the door.

New beginnings always start with awful goodbyes, right?