Forever Jaded - Chapter 3

Richard sighed as he gazed up at the white whisps rolling across the sky. The clouds were different shapes and colors; some gray and long, some white and small. 'Better off without me anyway,' he thought to himself, narrowing his eyes. 'He's better off without me being a burden.' he shook his head slowly and sat up. The sun was setting; he had been gone all day, and he knew his parents would be looking for him. Even though he knew this, he couldn't bring himself to get, to face the music and see that his brother was really gone. Sighing quietly, he rose to his feet. Dinner would be ready soon, if they weren't already eating. He glanced over his shoulder toward where his brother had disappeared with the soldiers. "Goodbye R.J.," he whispered. "Please come back..." he hung his head low and began walking back toward the village. He slowly made his way toward his house, knowing that he was late and would probably get yelled at. He deserved it, though. He hadn't shown his face all day; they were probably worried. He entered his house and his father was immediately in his face, shouting out in an angry voice. Sighing, he focused on the ground, nodding his head to his father's rants.
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R.J. sighed as the group of soldiers came to a step near some tan tents. He was told to stand there, and he did so, his heart heavy. Why hadn't his brother shown himself? Where had he gone? Sighing, he shook his head. Richard probably thought he hated him, which was far from the truth. He loved his brother; he could never hate him, he could never think about hating him. All he had wanted to do was apologize and say goodbye; why hadn't Richard stayed? Why had he left? Where had he gone? "Cadet Salivor," a stern voice said, and he lifted his head, seeing a soldier, an officer really, with short brown hair and tan eyes. "You are to report to Unit Two."

R.J. blinked. "Unit Two, sir?"

"Over there," the officer said, and pointed to a couple of tents a few yards away. R.J. nodded and began walking, heading toward those tents.

A young cadet emerged from one of the tents, nearly colliding into him. R.J. stepped back, examining the boy. He seemed to be about seventeen, his age, with a lean body and muscular arms. His gray eyes looked at R.J. apologetically. "Oh man, I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't see you there. My fault."

R.J. shook his head. "I should have been paying attention; it's my fault."

"Then I guess we're both at fault," said the cadet. He smiled; his smile was warm and kind, something R.J. didn't expect in the army. "Hi," he said, putting his hand out. "I'm David."

R.J. smiled and shook Harrison's hand. "I'm R.J.," he said.

"Nice to meet ya R.J.," David said.

"Likewise."

"What unit are you iin?"

"Two," answered R.J.

David smiled. "Me too! C'mon, I'll take you to Roger; he's the main officer. He'll help get you settled in."

R.J. nodded. "Okay..." he followed David as he led him to a tan tent. Sighing, he entered slowly.

'Well,' he thought to himself. 'I guees this is it; I'm really here. I can't leave now.'