[Mayflower.93]

The day had ended in peace. All students were gone and out my hair for once. All teachers were still in this building however, but I couldn't complain about the pleasant solitude I was feeling at this moment. I stood by my window that revealed the school driveway and a small apple tree the 8th graders from last year planted. No apples grew from it, though. It remained a figure, naked, with no fruit attached.

(Buh-Bing)

My computer called me. I was receiving a video from across the water.
When I sat down, the computer greeted me with swirls of blues that formed into "Welcome back . I logged in, and soon popped the video I've been waiting for, for two whole days.

A recording of windy breezes, blowing sand everywhere, was first seen, then the bad camera man swirled toward the Military base behind him, showing his face with a bright smile and jovial waves.

" Hey Shelby! This is your big brother....here...in Afghanistan!! I hope you get this video soon!"
Tears almost came to my eyes when I saw him. He looked so proud and happy, with his camouflage uniform and MIB sunglasses.
"Do you remember this place?" He moved the camera toward the exit of the base, "We grew-up here! It's not the same as it was then, but It brings back memories, you know? Wind blew in his face, and he squinted, "It's really hard not being able to talk to you, or see your face. I know dad has the lucky hand cause he gets to see you all the time, but don't worry! I'll be home for the holidays!"

I placed my palms under my chin, gazing at the screen. He pointed around some-more, showing where he worked, and where he slept and ate. He pointed at the tanks, explaining how they don't use them as much as they did back in 2003. He then looked back at the camera and smiled.

" I miss you. I can't wait to hug you and Ma! When I get there, though, I'm expecting a really nice Christmas gift! Preferably some better sunglass, but anything would do." He laughed, " I love you, Shelbs."
My heart just wanted to fly into the screen, just so he could hear me, so that I could hug him once. "Bye Kido!" He waved. I did it back, even though he couldn't see me.

I let down the screen and whipped my eyes. I smiled, but only wanted to burst into tears. I haven't seen him in over eight years, and have been waiting way to long just to see him. He was coming Christmas eve, just one month away. He was staying just three weeks, but three is better than nothing at all.

I got a soft knock on my door. My eyes jetted to it, swiftly blinking whatever tears were in my eyes.

"Hey, Shelby. Just checkin in on you. You okay?"

I was relieved. It was only my co-worker/ good friend, Jenna. Mrs. Foster to be correct.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just saw a video from David." I answered, simply.

"Oh! How is he? You did say you were waiting on a video. I'm glad you finally got it."

I nodded, "Yeah, me too. I was going crazy for a sec."

She stayed by the door, "Its fine though. I remember when my husband was in Iraq. It was hard not being with him, so I know how you feel. At least David is doing well. And he's coming home soon."

I smiled, so relieved that he was. I don't know what I would have done if He had gotten hurt. Jenna pauses for a sec, thinking to herself. She hated staying on depressing subjects, so thank God for that. No dwelling on her part.

She snapped her finger after she thought of something she had been burning to ask me.

"Did you accept that offer about working in Nevada for a semester? You know, the one where Yolkster Jr. High was recommending you--"

"Yeah I looked at it. I don't think so." I shook.

"Why not? Could be something good. You’ve never taught in the west before!" She pressured.

"Jenna, that's all the way in Nevada. I'm currently in NY!"

"So...." She slurred.

"So.....I--I don't even know where in Nevada! I mean, isn't it really hot?" I made excuses.

"I don't know about the weather over there." She complained.

"And it's where-abouts??" I added.

"It’s probably in Reno. You know, not exactly sin city, but very close."

I was even more sure, "I don't think so. Besides, David is coming home soon. That’s an added plane ticket on his part."

Jenna waved it off, "Oh whatever! It might do him some good, considering the fact that the man probably hasn't had a good time since he left."

My mind was crossing, "I-- I don't know. This decision only gives me one week to get ready. If I accepted the offer now, I would need to find some place to stay, pack my bags for a whole semester's worth....and prepare for Christmas!"

"So.....what’s the bad news?" She questioned, seriously, "Is if FairBourne Middle School (current job now) is going to miss, Ms. Caine, the only world history teacher here. News flash, they start world history in high-school.".

Jenna walked out, crossed at the arms with a spine chilling expression. Her words had a disappointing 'good point' to them. NY was just a crowded place, filled with anger and rush. I don't know what Nevada was like, but the offer was even more tempting. The question was, did I has the guts to try to move in one week’s worth of time? Cold land, to sand land in only five days.

My temples were throbbing, " I don't know.".
I packed up for the day, and left. My Honda was sitting in the cold, ready to be driven. I got on the busy road, getting calls from Mom, dad and friends. I was supposed to go to a house party tonight at my folk's, but my mind was leaning more toward a hot bath and E! News.


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