Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
But life in Oakdale isn’t like that. Romeo and Juliet came from feuding families going through lots of drama, whereas in our tiny suburban town, the most happening event every year is the Fall Harvest Festival. They’re so PC that they won’t even call it “Columbus Day” or “Indigenous Persons Day.” Both terms are “too loaded” (or so the mayor claims) and as a result, we have a bland moniker to describe the weekend of crafts, food, music and merriment. It’s fine, if you ask me. Everyone can read the sub-text of “Fall Harvest,” and again, most of us are just happy to live in the beautiful town of Oakdale, Illinois.
But now, it’s all coming to an end. Benji and I graduated from high school back in May, and it seems that change is afoot. I’m headed to Concordia College for my freshman year, whereas Benji’s enlisting in the Army. In my bones, I can feel that this conversation has something to do with these impending shifts.
Sure enough, the teen boy takes my hand, his expression serious as we sit on my bed next to each other. Benji’s good-looking in a charming way. His features still have a bit of baby fat on them, and he’s got some cystic acne on his chin, but it’s not too bad. We’ve made love before, and it was fine, even if I had to close my eyes and pretend that he was Henry Cavill from the Superman franchise. Is that terrible? I hear that married women use this technique too, so I think it’s very normal.
But right. My boyfriend stares deep into my eyes, his own hazel ones troubled.
“Mari, you know that I’m shipping out next week, right?”
I nod.
“Yep. To Fort Benning, right?” I ask, referring to the Army training camp in Georgia.
Benji nods, his eyes darkening.
“Yes, and I’ll be gone for a while. Everyone says that basic training only lasts ten weeks, but you know that I’m not exactly the most physically fit guy out there. I’ll likely have to stay for a couple extra weeks just to get myself up to the Army’s standards.”
I wince internally, even while trying to look sympathetic. I put a hand on Benji’s knee.
“It’s fine,” I say in a low voice. “After you broke your leg during that track meet last year, things were never the same. So what if your physical fitness levels fell? That would happen to anyone who’s injured.”
Benji nods, his eyes filled with sadness.
“But still, the Army has its minimum requirements, and I’m expected to meet them, injury or no injury. So I’ll probably have to stay extra just to get myself in shape. It’s going to be my own personal cross to bear.”
I squeeze his knee supportively.
“No, it’s fine! You’ll definitely get yourself into shape. You know I’m on your side, Benji. Always.”
My boyfriend nods, but his expression is somber.
“Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Mari.” This is where it comes, and I hold my breath. He inhales deeply, looking away for a moment before gazing into my eyes once more. My heart breaks because I know this is difficult for him, but it’s okay. We’re young, and I’m prepared for whatever changes may come.
“What is it?” I ask in a gentle tone.
Benji exhales in a gust.
“Well, it’s just that our lives are going in different directions,” he says in a low, trembling voice. “Don’t you agree, Mari? I mean, you’re headed off to college and it’s great. You’ve always wanted to further your education and I know you’ll have a wonderful time at Concordia. You know, getting drunk, meeting new people, and all that kind of stuff.”
“Don’t forget studying,” I add in a cheeky tone. “That’s a big part of college too.”
Benji nods, his expression still troubled.
“Yes, of course. But this is where our paths diverge. I mean, it’s been awesome this past year with you, Mari, and we’ve known each other since we were kids. But now, I’m headed off to Fort Benning, and afterwards, who knows? They’ll probably ship me off to Afghanistan for my first tour, and it only continues from there. I plan on serving my country, and you know I don’t get to choose where I’m deployed. It’s the Army’s prerogative, and that’s just the way things are.”
I nod.
“Of course,” is my gentle reply. “I understand. We have to break up, right? That’s what you’re trying to say, and I get it. It’s okay.”
Benji looks up, surprised.
“It is?”
I nod.
“Benji, we could both see this coming from a million miles away. We’ve been friends since forever, and we dated our senior year, but we both knew that life here in Oakdale would re-set after graduation. I mean, we’re only eighteen! We both have dreams: you to serve your country, and me to pursue a higher education.”