CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

“Mail call,” the post master bellowed over the crowded mess hall. “Anderson. Ballast. Denny. Smith. Johnson. Petterson, with two ‘t’s’.”

Sam jumped up to get his mail. “Petterson, here, with two ‘t’s’.” The post master handed Sam a thick envelop. After reading the return address, he quickly opened the item. He pulled out a long letter wrapped around several signed and sealed, but not delivered envelops. As he read, he walked to his bunk.

Dear Sam,

I’ve begun this letter numerous times, but I never have the nerve to finish it. College is great. (Guess you can detect the sarcasm in my voice.) It’s only been a week, but it’s not the same without you here; nothing is the same without you here. I get up, go to class, eat my meals, and spend most of my time in the dorm doing homework or watching TV.

I know. TV. Doesn’t sound like me. Truth is, I don’t know who me is anymore.

Karrie and I are renting an apartment just south of campus next semester. I need to be more on my own. I think adulthood is creeping up on me.

By the way, I need to thank you for encouraging me to switch to sax and get into the concert and jazz bands. The marching band is on the road every weekend and is gone several nights a week. I have no idea when I would get my homework done. I’ve been extremely exhausted.

My exhaustion is nothing to worry about. I’ve seen a doctor and he says I’m as healthy as a horse.

I just reread what I have written and it seems that I am extremely distant. I don’t mean to be. I just don’t know how to go about telling you what I have to tell you. I’ve started this letter at least 5 times (You have the evidence in the envelop.) and addressed the envelop and stamped it as well, but I haven’t been able to mail any of them.

Ok. Deep breath. Sit down, please, Sam.

The night before you left for Basic Training, I had ratted out my sister for lying and helped my mother catch her in the act. Then, to avoid their argument, I left the house and came over.

Well, I don’t know about you, but that was my first time; you were my first. I didn’t get the chance to tell you how wonderful I felt after we made love. Thank you for being the first.

Grrr! I’m rambling. Get to the point, Mattie. (Yes, sweetheart, I guess I talk to myself even in my letters.)

Well, in being my first time and it being the heat of passion and all, and we did say we would wait till we were married so neither of us was prepared with protection. Well, I guess I have to come right out and say it. I’m pregnant. Yup, our first time and now I’m pregnant.

I’ve been toying with my options: abortion, adoption, or raising it. (I bet you were thinking this was a “Dear John” letter.) You are on leave from Basic Training in less than two weeks, I think.

I’m not sure that you want to stay with me after all a baby is a great responsibility. I’m not sure I could look you in the eyes if you asked to have an abortion. So, I’m ready to raise our child on my own. With or without you. (Sorry for the tear stains on this letter.)

I guess in writing this letter, I have made some decisions for myself. I had been thinking about abortion, but I want our child. When you come home on leave, if you feel the same way, I’m in Jackson dorm, room 215. Please come down and talk.

I think I will always love you.

Mattie

P.S. Open the envelop that says “our baby.” It’s the ultra sound picture of our child. I thought you might like to see it.

Sam stared at the picture. He could barely make out the outline of a baby, his baby. ‘How could she think of having an abortion? How could she think I would expect her to raise the child on her own?’ Sam threw the letter down on the cot and went in search of his commanding officer. He was headed to set her straight over the phone.

WORD COUNT –
CHAPTER 1 = 891
CHAPTER 2 = 1,037
CHAPTER 3 = 597
CHAPTER 4 = 560
CHAPTER 5 = 938
CHAPTER 6 = 731

TOTAL = 4754