Post by Lan Dawkins on Feb 21, 2008 16:31:23 GMT -5
((So, I realize that I have a ton of stories up, and not all of them are finished. I'm sorry, but I have the attention span of a squirrel. I get interested in different things at random times, and right now I'm interested in the Civil War, especially the 20th Maine Regiment. So I started writing a story. I'll get around to posting for my NY story, but this idea just hit me and I wanted to write. I hope you enjoy the first three chapters, which I know are rather short, if there's anything you think needs to be added just tell me.))
Liesl Dawkins sat in the living room of her family's home. From her father's study, she could hear voices conversing in serious tones. However, nobody in the living room said a word. Lucy, the youngest, lay on the rug, her feet propped against the fireplace as she wound yarn into a ball. Laurel, the second youngest and the one who normally corrected Lucy for positioning herself in such unladylike postures, sat quietly in her little rocking chair, sewing a new dress for one of her dolls. Lan sat near Liesl, not looking at his twin as he silently picked at a loose thread in his shirt.
Sighing, Liesl took up her knitting needles and began to work on a pair of gray socks. “I suppose you'll need another shirt. You and Papa both.” The blond spoke up, her voice soft.
When his sister spoke, Lan glanced up and nodded, clearing his throat as he did so. “Um, yeah. I suppose we will.” He agreed, staring into the fireplace.
“I hear Military life is mighty hard on socks, so I suppose more socks won't hurt either.” At this comment from Liesl, Lan sat up straighter and nodded, his chocolate brown eyes glinting in the light of the fire.
Turning to face his twin, Lan ruffled his hair and cleared his throat yet again. “Listen, Liesl. If you're trying to make me feel guilty for signing up for the Army, it's not going to work. I've made my choice, and so has Father.”
“I'm not trying to do anything, Lan. I'm simply stating that you'll need more socks. I know you and Papa have made your decision, and I'm proud of the both of you. Now, I'm worried to death for you, but I'm proud of you. I'll miss you terribly, but I'm proud of you. So you don't have anything to worry about.” Liesl sat her knitting down as she talked, the glint in her blue eyes much the same as the glint in her brother's brown eyes.
At these words, Lucy sat up and threw the yarn in the air. “Huzzah!” The young girl cried, standing up and dancing a sporadic jig. “Three cheers for the Boys in Blue!”
Laughing at Lucy's antics, Liesl picked her knitting back up again and winked at Laurel, who sat by with a bemused expression on her face. Lan seemed to have lightened up and he stood, swinging Lucy onto his shoulders. “We'll beat those Rebels back into the Union, worn-down socks or no!” The tall boy announced, smirking at Liesl.
“Well, I declare!”
Swinging around, Lan and Lucy stood face to face with their mother, father, and older sister. Richard and Meg. Dawkins were laughing, and Leslee has a shocked look on her face. It had been Leslee that had uttered the exclamation, and Lan gave his serious older sister a wink, which only confused her more.
“I'm glad to see you all are having such a good time, my dears. But I'm afraid it's time for the younger two Dawkins children to scamper up to bed.” Meg declared, receiving her youngest from Lan, and motioning for Laurel to follow. However, Lucy wasn't as compliant as Laurel, and Meg had to answer a stream of questions as to why bedtime was so early.
Not being the kind of woman to take much nonsense at bedtime, Meg carried Lucy up the steps and was followed by the placid, quiet Laurel. As the trio disappeared up the stairs, the rest of the family in the living room heard protest all the way to the nursery, each protest getting more desperate. “But I'm not tired! Why can't we go to bed half an hour later? I really don't think it's fair that we should go to bed and Lan and Liesl stay up so late. I shan't go to bed! I won't be bullied! I'm sorry, Mama.” and with this final sentence, they heard a door shut.
Chuckling warmly, Richard sat down on the couch and surveyed his remaining three children. “Goodness, I'll miss you all.” He said, his dark eyes looking softly at each individual. At this, Liesl stood up and ran to her father's side, throwing her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss.
“We'll miss you too, Papa. But you'll be serving your country, and helping people by being a surgeon. It's like Mama said, 'We've had you for so long, we can't begrudge the Nation your help for a few years'.” This statement brought a smile to Richard's face, and he hugged his cheerful daughter close, planting a kiss on top of her head.
Lan and Leslee stood by, each feeling the somberness of the whole situation. Leslee's own husband had been in the Union Army ever since the War had begun, and now her brother and father would be joining up. Lan knew that behind the serene smile on his older sister's face, the young lady was extremely worried. Putting his arm around Leslee's shoulders, Lan smiled quietly, and Leslee smiled back, each understanding the other's feelings.
Footsteps were heard from the stairs, and soon Meg had once again entered the room, smiling at the scene before her. “If only every family was as blessed as we are, I doubt there would be much cause for war.” She whispered quietly, half to herself, and half to her family. “But no use lingering on that. There's a war going on, and our brave men are helping the cause by joining the 20th Maine. Therefore, ladies, we will do our share to help. So, if you will be kind enough to finish that sock, Liesl, Leslee and I shall start on some shirts.”
Smiling at their mother's down-to-business attitude, Liesl and Leslee took up knitting needle and darning needle, and each set about their task. Richard motioned for Lan to come with him as he started to pack, for the two men left home in a week.
The next day, Lan stood on the doorstep of his girlfriend's house, summoning up the courage to knock on the door. He really didn't want to tell Lisette that he had joined up, but there was no avoiding it. The sooner she knew, the longer she would have to get used to the idea of him being gone. Finally, Lan took off his hat and knocked on the door.
When the door opened, a pretty girl stood in the doorway. She had black hair that was pulled back into a net, allowing only a few strands of hair dangle in her face. Her dark eyes were bright as she smiled at Lan, and her blue and black checkered dress was simple though becoming. Stepping to the side, she made a gesture for Lan to come in. “Afternoon, Lan. And to what do I owe this pleasure?” The girl asked in a teasing voice.
Smiling nervously, Lan walked in the door and put his hat on one of the pegs nailed into the wall by the door. “Afternoon, Lisette. I actually have something important to talk to you about.” The tall boy ruffled his hair and glanced around to see if anyone else were in the house. Noticing this, Lisette led the way to the parlor.
“Mother's out right now, as is Victor. Now what was it you wanted to talk about?” Lisette sat down in a chair and looked expectantly toward Lan, who declined from sitting. She could tell by the way Lan stood that he was nervous about whatever was on his mind, and she was intrigued as to what the issue was.
“Well, see. It's like this. Father and I joined up for the Army. Jude too. We all did, in fact, and we leave in a week.” After saying all of this rather fast, Lan waited for Lisette's reaction.
Slowly, Lisette brought her hand to her mouth and stood up. She paced a few times, not saying anything. Lan was beginning to doubt that his girlfriend would say anything, but at length she spoke. “The Army? d**n you, you'll be good at it too. You'll be brave, you'll receive all sorts of medals for your heroic deeds. Well, go. Go and win your metals, win your battles, go and get yourself killed.” The girl stopped and started to cry, covering her face with her hands.
Not trusting Lisette to take kindly to an embrace, Lan just stood, at a loss of what to do. Finally, Lisette looked up and chocked back the rest of her tears. “And what am I supposed to do when you die on some battlefield? I'll become that old spinster that never married, and all the neighbors revel in telling her sad story. Of how she once had a love, but he died in the War, and now she lives in a big old dusty house all by herself, except the cats. I'll be like that crazed old lady from Great Expectations and try to destroy happy people's lives, and what are you laughing at?” Breaking off from her rant, Lisette stared in shock as Lan chuckled.
Walking toward the dark haired girl, Lan took her hands and wiped a tear away. “Dear Lisette. You're very good at exaggerations, you know? That had to be the best monologue I've heard since I read Hamlet.” When Lisette started to protest, Lan cut her off. “Now, I've signed up for the Army. Father and I feel that it's our duty to fight, it's something we have to do. Ten to one I'll come back home just fine and we can continue on and forget this war ever even happened. But, if I do end up getting killed, it's not the end of the world for you. Obviously I'll be hurt if you're not sad for a bit, but you'll move on. You weren't made for crabby spinsterhood, you were made to lead a normal, happy life. If I do die, you'll find someone else and you'll live your life. But who's to say that will happen? Lord willing I'll come back home in a couple year's time, and it'll all be fine. I promise you, it will be fine.” Finishing his own little monologue, Lan smiled again and hugged Lisette.
With a sighing sob, Lisette hugged Lan back and buried her face in his shoulder. “You have to come back, Lan. You have to promise me you'll look after yourself.” A tighter hug was all Lisette got in response. “I love you, Lan.” She whispered.
Pulling back slightly, Lan put his hand on Lisette's neck, rubbing his thumb on her chin. Smiling, he kissed her. Lisette moved her arms up to Lan's neck, and held on for dear life. Finally breaking the kiss, Lan smiled again. “I love you too, Lisette. I'll be fine, you'll see.” He once again hugged her to himself, knowing how badly he would miss her in the months to come.
-
At the Dawkins house, Liesl was tending the flowers in the back garden. The August sun shone down on her, and the slight breeze blew her stray wisp of hair into her face. Standing up and wiping her hands on her apron, the blond pushed her hair out of her eyes and smiled at the happy flowers that smiled back up at her. As she glanced to the road, she saw Jude approaching the fence and she grinned with delight.
Tearing off her apron, Liesl opened the gate for Jude and gave him a welcoming smile. “There's some shortbread cookies in the house if you want one.” She told her boyfriend, who smiled but shook his head.
“Maybe a bit later. I actually came to talk about something.” Jude picked a leaf of ivy that was growing on the fence, and then lifted his brown eyes to meet Liesl's blue eyes.
“You joined up with the Army? I know, so did Papa and Lan.” Nodding knowingly, Liesl once again pushed her hair back from her eyes. She walked over to the wash basin that stood by the kitchen door and washed the dirt off of her hands.
In response, Jude looked relieved, but then worried. “I was going to tell you myself; I don't want you thinking that I was trying to avoid it by letting your brother tell you first, which I suspect Lan was the one who told you.” He explained himself, stuffing his hands in his pockets and leaning up against the wall.
Laughing, Liesl shook her head. “Actually, no one told me. I simply assumed. I know when the War first started, you and Lan agreed that if one of you ever joined up, the other one would. And, seeing as both of you are men of your word, I assumed you joined up as well.” Grabbing a towel, Liesl dried her hands off, straightened her yellow dress, and turned to face the bemused expression of Jude.
“You're brilliant, you know that? You should be a professor of logic or something.” Jude teased, giving Liesl a cheeky grin.
“They don't have women professors, silly.” Liesl swatted her boyfriend with the towel, and then smiled warmly. “I only have one condition for you about the Army.” She stated, smirking.
Curiosity peaked, Jude took a step forward. Leaning in, Liesl raised an eyebrow playfully. “You have to write me.”
Grinning, Jude grabbed Liesl by the waist and put their foreheads together, dark brown hair touching blond. “I'll send all my loving to you.” He said, giving Liesl a kiss. The girl laughed and kissed jude back.
“You better.”
Send off day came and went. There were a few tears shed, but everybody overall kept their composure. Meg gave each man enough food supplies to, as Lan stated, ‘feed the entire Union army’. Liesl hugged everyone good-bye, forgetting who she had already kissed on the cheek and repeating the gesture quite a few times. Laurel stood by, hugging everyone when the opportunity came, and clinging to her father’s hand until the last minute. Lucy was a sight to be seen, for she had persuaded her mother to tie red, blue, and white ribbons in her hair. She scampered back and forth between the house, retrieving last minute items, and singing snippets of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Or at least, she tried to sing the words, but since she had never really learned the song she inserted her own lyrics in. As Liesl later said, ‘the general gist of her song was basically that she’d miss them, they were brave, and that she’d eat extra pudding to make up for their absence’.
Lisette also stood with the Dawkins family, since she had come to see Lan off. Leslee stood next to the dark haired girl, waving her hand to the retreating backs of her father, brother, and Jude. Lan and Jude turned back last minute and saluted, drinking in the memory of their family, friends, and sweethearts.
When the three men arrived at the Camp Mason, Lan saw a sea of white tents. The numbers seemed huge, but the boy knew it was nothing compared to the whole army. Dismounting his horse, Lan tied his horse to a provided post. Jude did the same, and then declared that he would go for a short walk to stretch his legs.
Since his father had immediately headed to the surgeon’s tent, Lan decided to observe the camp. As he turned to walk away from his horse, he almost ran into another man. This man, or boy, was dressed in plaid pants, a tan jacket, white shirt, and was wearing a tan hat. A smirk formed on the boy’s face and he saluted in a cheeky manor. “Matthew Brookes reporting for duty.” Was all he said.
“Matt? What are you doing here?” Lan asked, surprised that his cousin was in the army. The Brookes lived in the country of Maine, farming and running a feed store. Matt’s mother was Lan’s mother’s sister. Ever since childhood, Matt had been like a brother to Lan, and he took it on himself to look out for Matt, since the boy’s mischievous nature and flaring temper tended to get him in trouble.
“I signed up for the Army. I’m in this regiment right here. Father didn’t see it as a bad idea, and once Mother found out you and Uncle Rich were joining to, she couldn’t argue.” Matt said, messing his dark brown hair up while his brown eyes twinkled. “Besides, Mother’s said so many prayers for me, I’ve got nothing to worry about.”
At this, Lan rolled his eyes. “Well, that gives me one more thing to worry about.” He stated, and Matt raised an eyebrow as if in confusion. “I have to look after you.” The tall boy finished, thumping the other boy on the shoulder.
Feigning shock, Matt put his hand on Lan’s shoulder. “Look after me? Lan, Aunt Meg told me to look after you.” Smirking, he tried to look self-important.
Lan laughed sharply and shook his head. “I’m sure she did.” He stated sarcastically before walking off to pursue his intention of wandering the camp. Matt shot a bemused smile in Lan’s way, then donned his hat again and smirked, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
As Lan made his way around the camp, he met up with Jude and they both stood, contemplating their new life. Silence reigned for a few minutes, and then Lan spoke up. “Matt joined up as well. He’ll probably end up getting shot by doing something foolhardy.” Shaking his head, Lan tried to figure out how he could best keep his headstrong cousin in line.
Looking over at Lan, Jude just smirked and took off his hat, wiping his forehead. “I doubt Matt will do anything bad enough to get himself shot. He’s got a short temper and a fondness of pranks, but he’s not stupid.” Jude put his hat back on and patted Lan’s shoulder.
Nodding, Lan sighed. “You’re right. I guess I just sort of see him as a younger brother. I mean, he’s my age and all but he’s always seemed to have that boyish way about him. Though, war changes things, so maybe Matt will somber up.”
“Somber up? What am I, a drunk or something?” Matt walked up behind Lan, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Turning around, Lan looked slightly sheepish for talking about Matt behind his back, but he shook his head. “No, just….” He trailed off, not knowing what to say without hurting Matt’s feelings.
Realizing this, Matt stepped up and stood next to Lan. “I know everyone in the family has viewed me as the mischievous boy who never lost his love of pranking, and I’ll admit I’ve never done anything to dispel that way of thinking. But, I’m seventeen. I’m not an idiot, and I’m not going to be looked after like some five year old. Now, I appreciate your concern, but I can manage myself.” The dark haired boy smiled and gave Lan a look that conveyed maturity the other boy didn’t know he had. However, Lan simply nodded and smiled back, a mutual brotherly feeling passing between the two.
“Well, as touching as Matt’s maturity is, I believe we have to report to camp. Can’t have anyone yelling at us.” Jude spoke up, hearing a bugle sound toward the front of the camp. The other two boys nodded their consent and the three started out on their new military lives.
Hold To The Last
Chapter 1
They say there's a place, where dreams have all gone. They never said where, but I think I know.
They say there's a place, where dreams have all gone. They never said where, but I think I know.
Liesl Dawkins sat in the living room of her family's home. From her father's study, she could hear voices conversing in serious tones. However, nobody in the living room said a word. Lucy, the youngest, lay on the rug, her feet propped against the fireplace as she wound yarn into a ball. Laurel, the second youngest and the one who normally corrected Lucy for positioning herself in such unladylike postures, sat quietly in her little rocking chair, sewing a new dress for one of her dolls. Lan sat near Liesl, not looking at his twin as he silently picked at a loose thread in his shirt.
Sighing, Liesl took up her knitting needles and began to work on a pair of gray socks. “I suppose you'll need another shirt. You and Papa both.” The blond spoke up, her voice soft.
When his sister spoke, Lan glanced up and nodded, clearing his throat as he did so. “Um, yeah. I suppose we will.” He agreed, staring into the fireplace.
“I hear Military life is mighty hard on socks, so I suppose more socks won't hurt either.” At this comment from Liesl, Lan sat up straighter and nodded, his chocolate brown eyes glinting in the light of the fire.
Turning to face his twin, Lan ruffled his hair and cleared his throat yet again. “Listen, Liesl. If you're trying to make me feel guilty for signing up for the Army, it's not going to work. I've made my choice, and so has Father.”
“I'm not trying to do anything, Lan. I'm simply stating that you'll need more socks. I know you and Papa have made your decision, and I'm proud of the both of you. Now, I'm worried to death for you, but I'm proud of you. I'll miss you terribly, but I'm proud of you. So you don't have anything to worry about.” Liesl sat her knitting down as she talked, the glint in her blue eyes much the same as the glint in her brother's brown eyes.
At these words, Lucy sat up and threw the yarn in the air. “Huzzah!” The young girl cried, standing up and dancing a sporadic jig. “Three cheers for the Boys in Blue!”
Laughing at Lucy's antics, Liesl picked her knitting back up again and winked at Laurel, who sat by with a bemused expression on her face. Lan seemed to have lightened up and he stood, swinging Lucy onto his shoulders. “We'll beat those Rebels back into the Union, worn-down socks or no!” The tall boy announced, smirking at Liesl.
“Well, I declare!”
Swinging around, Lan and Lucy stood face to face with their mother, father, and older sister. Richard and Meg. Dawkins were laughing, and Leslee has a shocked look on her face. It had been Leslee that had uttered the exclamation, and Lan gave his serious older sister a wink, which only confused her more.
“I'm glad to see you all are having such a good time, my dears. But I'm afraid it's time for the younger two Dawkins children to scamper up to bed.” Meg declared, receiving her youngest from Lan, and motioning for Laurel to follow. However, Lucy wasn't as compliant as Laurel, and Meg had to answer a stream of questions as to why bedtime was so early.
Not being the kind of woman to take much nonsense at bedtime, Meg carried Lucy up the steps and was followed by the placid, quiet Laurel. As the trio disappeared up the stairs, the rest of the family in the living room heard protest all the way to the nursery, each protest getting more desperate. “But I'm not tired! Why can't we go to bed half an hour later? I really don't think it's fair that we should go to bed and Lan and Liesl stay up so late. I shan't go to bed! I won't be bullied! I'm sorry, Mama.” and with this final sentence, they heard a door shut.
Chuckling warmly, Richard sat down on the couch and surveyed his remaining three children. “Goodness, I'll miss you all.” He said, his dark eyes looking softly at each individual. At this, Liesl stood up and ran to her father's side, throwing her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss.
“We'll miss you too, Papa. But you'll be serving your country, and helping people by being a surgeon. It's like Mama said, 'We've had you for so long, we can't begrudge the Nation your help for a few years'.” This statement brought a smile to Richard's face, and he hugged his cheerful daughter close, planting a kiss on top of her head.
Lan and Leslee stood by, each feeling the somberness of the whole situation. Leslee's own husband had been in the Union Army ever since the War had begun, and now her brother and father would be joining up. Lan knew that behind the serene smile on his older sister's face, the young lady was extremely worried. Putting his arm around Leslee's shoulders, Lan smiled quietly, and Leslee smiled back, each understanding the other's feelings.
Footsteps were heard from the stairs, and soon Meg had once again entered the room, smiling at the scene before her. “If only every family was as blessed as we are, I doubt there would be much cause for war.” She whispered quietly, half to herself, and half to her family. “But no use lingering on that. There's a war going on, and our brave men are helping the cause by joining the 20th Maine. Therefore, ladies, we will do our share to help. So, if you will be kind enough to finish that sock, Liesl, Leslee and I shall start on some shirts.”
Smiling at their mother's down-to-business attitude, Liesl and Leslee took up knitting needle and darning needle, and each set about their task. Richard motioned for Lan to come with him as he started to pack, for the two men left home in a week.
Chapter 2
Love waits for me round the bend
Love waits for me round the bend
The next day, Lan stood on the doorstep of his girlfriend's house, summoning up the courage to knock on the door. He really didn't want to tell Lisette that he had joined up, but there was no avoiding it. The sooner she knew, the longer she would have to get used to the idea of him being gone. Finally, Lan took off his hat and knocked on the door.
When the door opened, a pretty girl stood in the doorway. She had black hair that was pulled back into a net, allowing only a few strands of hair dangle in her face. Her dark eyes were bright as she smiled at Lan, and her blue and black checkered dress was simple though becoming. Stepping to the side, she made a gesture for Lan to come in. “Afternoon, Lan. And to what do I owe this pleasure?” The girl asked in a teasing voice.
Smiling nervously, Lan walked in the door and put his hat on one of the pegs nailed into the wall by the door. “Afternoon, Lisette. I actually have something important to talk to you about.” The tall boy ruffled his hair and glanced around to see if anyone else were in the house. Noticing this, Lisette led the way to the parlor.
“Mother's out right now, as is Victor. Now what was it you wanted to talk about?” Lisette sat down in a chair and looked expectantly toward Lan, who declined from sitting. She could tell by the way Lan stood that he was nervous about whatever was on his mind, and she was intrigued as to what the issue was.
“Well, see. It's like this. Father and I joined up for the Army. Jude too. We all did, in fact, and we leave in a week.” After saying all of this rather fast, Lan waited for Lisette's reaction.
Slowly, Lisette brought her hand to her mouth and stood up. She paced a few times, not saying anything. Lan was beginning to doubt that his girlfriend would say anything, but at length she spoke. “The Army? d**n you, you'll be good at it too. You'll be brave, you'll receive all sorts of medals for your heroic deeds. Well, go. Go and win your metals, win your battles, go and get yourself killed.” The girl stopped and started to cry, covering her face with her hands.
Not trusting Lisette to take kindly to an embrace, Lan just stood, at a loss of what to do. Finally, Lisette looked up and chocked back the rest of her tears. “And what am I supposed to do when you die on some battlefield? I'll become that old spinster that never married, and all the neighbors revel in telling her sad story. Of how she once had a love, but he died in the War, and now she lives in a big old dusty house all by herself, except the cats. I'll be like that crazed old lady from Great Expectations and try to destroy happy people's lives, and what are you laughing at?” Breaking off from her rant, Lisette stared in shock as Lan chuckled.
Walking toward the dark haired girl, Lan took her hands and wiped a tear away. “Dear Lisette. You're very good at exaggerations, you know? That had to be the best monologue I've heard since I read Hamlet.” When Lisette started to protest, Lan cut her off. “Now, I've signed up for the Army. Father and I feel that it's our duty to fight, it's something we have to do. Ten to one I'll come back home just fine and we can continue on and forget this war ever even happened. But, if I do end up getting killed, it's not the end of the world for you. Obviously I'll be hurt if you're not sad for a bit, but you'll move on. You weren't made for crabby spinsterhood, you were made to lead a normal, happy life. If I do die, you'll find someone else and you'll live your life. But who's to say that will happen? Lord willing I'll come back home in a couple year's time, and it'll all be fine. I promise you, it will be fine.” Finishing his own little monologue, Lan smiled again and hugged Lisette.
With a sighing sob, Lisette hugged Lan back and buried her face in his shoulder. “You have to come back, Lan. You have to promise me you'll look after yourself.” A tighter hug was all Lisette got in response. “I love you, Lan.” She whispered.
Pulling back slightly, Lan put his hand on Lisette's neck, rubbing his thumb on her chin. Smiling, he kissed her. Lisette moved her arms up to Lan's neck, and held on for dear life. Finally breaking the kiss, Lan smiled again. “I love you too, Lisette. I'll be fine, you'll see.” He once again hugged her to himself, knowing how badly he would miss her in the months to come.
-
At the Dawkins house, Liesl was tending the flowers in the back garden. The August sun shone down on her, and the slight breeze blew her stray wisp of hair into her face. Standing up and wiping her hands on her apron, the blond pushed her hair out of her eyes and smiled at the happy flowers that smiled back up at her. As she glanced to the road, she saw Jude approaching the fence and she grinned with delight.
Tearing off her apron, Liesl opened the gate for Jude and gave him a welcoming smile. “There's some shortbread cookies in the house if you want one.” She told her boyfriend, who smiled but shook his head.
“Maybe a bit later. I actually came to talk about something.” Jude picked a leaf of ivy that was growing on the fence, and then lifted his brown eyes to meet Liesl's blue eyes.
“You joined up with the Army? I know, so did Papa and Lan.” Nodding knowingly, Liesl once again pushed her hair back from her eyes. She walked over to the wash basin that stood by the kitchen door and washed the dirt off of her hands.
In response, Jude looked relieved, but then worried. “I was going to tell you myself; I don't want you thinking that I was trying to avoid it by letting your brother tell you first, which I suspect Lan was the one who told you.” He explained himself, stuffing his hands in his pockets and leaning up against the wall.
Laughing, Liesl shook her head. “Actually, no one told me. I simply assumed. I know when the War first started, you and Lan agreed that if one of you ever joined up, the other one would. And, seeing as both of you are men of your word, I assumed you joined up as well.” Grabbing a towel, Liesl dried her hands off, straightened her yellow dress, and turned to face the bemused expression of Jude.
“You're brilliant, you know that? You should be a professor of logic or something.” Jude teased, giving Liesl a cheeky grin.
“They don't have women professors, silly.” Liesl swatted her boyfriend with the towel, and then smiled warmly. “I only have one condition for you about the Army.” She stated, smirking.
Curiosity peaked, Jude took a step forward. Leaning in, Liesl raised an eyebrow playfully. “You have to write me.”
Grinning, Jude grabbed Liesl by the waist and put their foreheads together, dark brown hair touching blond. “I'll send all my loving to you.” He said, giving Liesl a kiss. The girl laughed and kissed jude back.
“You better.”
Chapter 3
I've a long way to go, the stars tell me so
I've a long way to go, the stars tell me so
Send off day came and went. There were a few tears shed, but everybody overall kept their composure. Meg gave each man enough food supplies to, as Lan stated, ‘feed the entire Union army’. Liesl hugged everyone good-bye, forgetting who she had already kissed on the cheek and repeating the gesture quite a few times. Laurel stood by, hugging everyone when the opportunity came, and clinging to her father’s hand until the last minute. Lucy was a sight to be seen, for she had persuaded her mother to tie red, blue, and white ribbons in her hair. She scampered back and forth between the house, retrieving last minute items, and singing snippets of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Or at least, she tried to sing the words, but since she had never really learned the song she inserted her own lyrics in. As Liesl later said, ‘the general gist of her song was basically that she’d miss them, they were brave, and that she’d eat extra pudding to make up for their absence’.
Lisette also stood with the Dawkins family, since she had come to see Lan off. Leslee stood next to the dark haired girl, waving her hand to the retreating backs of her father, brother, and Jude. Lan and Jude turned back last minute and saluted, drinking in the memory of their family, friends, and sweethearts.
When the three men arrived at the Camp Mason, Lan saw a sea of white tents. The numbers seemed huge, but the boy knew it was nothing compared to the whole army. Dismounting his horse, Lan tied his horse to a provided post. Jude did the same, and then declared that he would go for a short walk to stretch his legs.
Since his father had immediately headed to the surgeon’s tent, Lan decided to observe the camp. As he turned to walk away from his horse, he almost ran into another man. This man, or boy, was dressed in plaid pants, a tan jacket, white shirt, and was wearing a tan hat. A smirk formed on the boy’s face and he saluted in a cheeky manor. “Matthew Brookes reporting for duty.” Was all he said.
“Matt? What are you doing here?” Lan asked, surprised that his cousin was in the army. The Brookes lived in the country of Maine, farming and running a feed store. Matt’s mother was Lan’s mother’s sister. Ever since childhood, Matt had been like a brother to Lan, and he took it on himself to look out for Matt, since the boy’s mischievous nature and flaring temper tended to get him in trouble.
“I signed up for the Army. I’m in this regiment right here. Father didn’t see it as a bad idea, and once Mother found out you and Uncle Rich were joining to, she couldn’t argue.” Matt said, messing his dark brown hair up while his brown eyes twinkled. “Besides, Mother’s said so many prayers for me, I’ve got nothing to worry about.”
At this, Lan rolled his eyes. “Well, that gives me one more thing to worry about.” He stated, and Matt raised an eyebrow as if in confusion. “I have to look after you.” The tall boy finished, thumping the other boy on the shoulder.
Feigning shock, Matt put his hand on Lan’s shoulder. “Look after me? Lan, Aunt Meg told me to look after you.” Smirking, he tried to look self-important.
Lan laughed sharply and shook his head. “I’m sure she did.” He stated sarcastically before walking off to pursue his intention of wandering the camp. Matt shot a bemused smile in Lan’s way, then donned his hat again and smirked, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
As Lan made his way around the camp, he met up with Jude and they both stood, contemplating their new life. Silence reigned for a few minutes, and then Lan spoke up. “Matt joined up as well. He’ll probably end up getting shot by doing something foolhardy.” Shaking his head, Lan tried to figure out how he could best keep his headstrong cousin in line.
Looking over at Lan, Jude just smirked and took off his hat, wiping his forehead. “I doubt Matt will do anything bad enough to get himself shot. He’s got a short temper and a fondness of pranks, but he’s not stupid.” Jude put his hat back on and patted Lan’s shoulder.
Nodding, Lan sighed. “You’re right. I guess I just sort of see him as a younger brother. I mean, he’s my age and all but he’s always seemed to have that boyish way about him. Though, war changes things, so maybe Matt will somber up.”
“Somber up? What am I, a drunk or something?” Matt walked up behind Lan, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Turning around, Lan looked slightly sheepish for talking about Matt behind his back, but he shook his head. “No, just….” He trailed off, not knowing what to say without hurting Matt’s feelings.
Realizing this, Matt stepped up and stood next to Lan. “I know everyone in the family has viewed me as the mischievous boy who never lost his love of pranking, and I’ll admit I’ve never done anything to dispel that way of thinking. But, I’m seventeen. I’m not an idiot, and I’m not going to be looked after like some five year old. Now, I appreciate your concern, but I can manage myself.” The dark haired boy smiled and gave Lan a look that conveyed maturity the other boy didn’t know he had. However, Lan simply nodded and smiled back, a mutual brotherly feeling passing between the two.
“Well, as touching as Matt’s maturity is, I believe we have to report to camp. Can’t have anyone yelling at us.” Jude spoke up, hearing a bugle sound toward the front of the camp. The other two boys nodded their consent and the three started out on their new military lives.
