Chapter 1: A Not So Normal Lad

(1965)

(North Carolina)

(MC's POV)

I always thought that I'll live a normal life. I woke up early in the morning, feed the cows, pigs and chickens alike, ate, bathe, delivers newspaper- a side job I do to earn a lil bit of money, eat and sleep.

We are a family of 4, theirs the old man of mine, Rick Jackson, had a blonde hair reaching at his ear and brown eyes, an easy going and laid back guy who manage the farm and the one who gives us food that we ate.

My Ma, Jessica Jackson, had a fiery red hair and a blue gem like eyes, a strong willed and fiery attitude that suited with her hair. Ma work at our local elementary school as a teacher, and in my opinion she is the true head of our Jackson household, its just my old man who refuses to admit it.

Until this day, I still wonder how old man tamed that dragon-like woman.

Theirs the cute and mischievous little sister of mine, Emily Jackson, 15 years old, had exactly the same hair color as my Ma but she had this pretty green eyes that seems to be the fusion of my old mans eyes and Ma.

Then theirs me, Jimmy James Jackson, the oldest, standing at 6'2 feet with broad shoulders and perfectly fit body from years of hard work on my family's farm, a well shaped jawline, blue eyes I definitely inherit from my Ma, and sandy blonde hair that I always kept in a pony tail, due to this I always stood out. I mean, I'm much more jock than most of my peers.

Every time I see myself in the mirror, I can't help but wonder how there can be someone as handsome as me. Heh.

Yeah... definitely not a narcissistic lad. Just stating the obvious.

This is the perfect family a normal person could ask for with the perfect setting to booth, coupled with this face is like winning a jackpot prize in a lottery. Heh.

But alas this is not the premise I wanted. For all the time I've been alive- basically 18 years, I've always seek excitement or thrill as you called it. I've also seek recognition for accomplishments I do. I don't know when this kind of traits manifested in me, its like a never ending adrenaline pumping and coursing through my veins keeping my mind active than normal.

Especially when I drink some energy drink, I become more uncontrollable and unhinged doing crazy stuff that sometimes people label me a batshit lunatic.

Anyways I would've continued living such mundane life if I did not see a piece of news on a newspaper I was delivering in my job.

(June 1965) 

(MC's POV)

As I was delivering the newspaper around the neighborhood, I saw a piece of news about a distant war torn country at the other side of the world, Vietnam. Next to the news is an army recruitment poster.

It was bold and striking, with vivid colors that seemed to leap off the paper. The poster showed a group of soldiers in combat gear, with grim and stoic expression, as they waded through a muddy river. Above them, in bold letters, were the words:

"DEFEND FREEDOM! JOIN THE ARMY AND STOP COMMUNISM!"

Below the image, smaller text urged young men to enlist, promising adventure, honor, and the chance to be remembered.

"Your country needs YOU! Answer the Call of Duty and become part of the greatest fighting force in the world. Protect liberty, uphold justice, and make a difference!"

As I read the contents of the propaganda, adrenaline shot up to my nerves as it travel trough my veins and directly trough my head, my breathing becomes ragged and my eyes was filled with excitement as they focused on three words.

"Adeventure!"

"Honor!"

"Glory!"

As my gripped to the newspaper tightened to the point it was crumpled, I muttered.

"This is it! The chance for my name to revibrate and cure to this excitement! Most importantly, a chance to write my own story!" As I put the crumpled newspaper at my pocket.

Filled with such adrenaline, I eagerly finished my daily delivery of newspapers and rode my bike home in lightning fast pace just to present the idea I had in mind to my family at the dining table.

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As I rode my bike home, I came across a familiar face.

"Woah Jimmy, what's the rush? A cop at your tail?" Jest a man with a funny looking expression.

"Haha, very funny Mack. Do you have better to do instead of loitering here."

Mack, my childhood friend who have my back at times I need him, he had black hair and hazel eyes that always seemed to be laughing and a teasing grin always plastered in his face. He was the kind of guy you'd want by your side in any fight, always ready to lend a hand or crack a joke. Although his teasing get slightly under my skin that you just want to punch that grin out of his face.

"C'mon I ain't loitering I'm looking for a job, anyways what's the hussle all about?"

Excitedly pulling the newspaper out of my pocket, i presented my genius idea to him."Look at this man, I'm planning to voluntary enlist in the army."

Quickly snatching the newspaper out of my hand, Mack briefly read it and look at me with an incredulous expression."Are you dumb? Your gonna go out there, travel at the other side of the world, just to fight for a country that I'm sure you just heard just now and be their hero?! Are you crazy or just straight up foolish!"

I snatch back the newspaper and sigh."You don't understand Mack, I didn't want to travel at the other side of the world just to be a hero at those people."

"Huh? Then tell me what compels you to fight a war that isn't ours?"

I look at him with a grin."Its simple, glory and recognition, a true mans greatest desire! But mostly because it can cure this excitement I'm feeling. Anyways you're looking for a job right? This is it, also this is a god given chance for you to get away from the hellhole you call home."

His expression froze and a look of determination flash from his eyes but it quickly diminish.

"Right, you have this boner for glory and excitement. Hah.... I cant change your decision when you have that face."Mack sighs as he ruffles his hair.

"Nope, you cant. I'm already determined to do this."

"Not even your family?"

I froze at his words but I am determined to this."Yeah.... not even them."

"Anyways, bye Mack, hopefully they accept my decision." I said as I started to pedal at the direction of my home.

"HEY JIM!"

Mack yelled at me from a distance.

"THE JOB, I'LL THINK ABOUT IT!"

A grin made its way to my lips as I yelled back."HEH, I SEE YOU BRING YOUR BALLS THIS TIME!"

"WHY YO-"

"Hahahaha" Laughter infected me as I rode my bicycle home.