Mom and Sam got married in a small ceremony at the hospital chapel. It was really sweet, just the four of us: my mom, my new dad, the pastor, and me as the witness. I have to admit – I was kind of relieved that Saxon and Stryke hadn’t been able to make it. It was finals week at their high school, and their mom wouldn’t let them take any time off from studying. Guess there was no love lost between Sam and his ex-wife.
The wedding was sweet, simple and straightforward. My mom and stepdad hadn’t wanted a huge shindig because it was the second marriage for both, so they kept things low key and low profile. I was happy because my mom’s quality of life was about to improve. With me off to college, Noreen would be free to enjoy her golden years with her new husband.
But unexpectedly, I got a call from Mom while I was strolling around campus. Hmm, odd. I stared at my phone, about to enter my comparative lit class. It was the middle of the day, so why was Noreen calling? She usually works the eleven to eight shift at the hospital. Hopefully, everything was okay.
“Hi Mom,” I greeted her in a puzzled voice. “You okay?
My mom didn’t even hesitate.
“Melly, Sam’s been called to Afghanistan,” Noreen sobbed.
“What?” I gasped. How was this possible? Sam was a doctor, and sure, they needed doctors in Afghanistan, but he was at least fifty years old. Did they ship men in their golden years off to war zones? How had they gotten his name and number anyways?
My mom’s voice was ragged, like she could barely contain her tears.
“Sam’s been in the Army Reserves ever since he finished active duty,” she said. “Active duty was thirty years ago, but you know how he’s so patriotic. He always shows up for those weekend drills required by the Army Reserve. Well, I guess the government paid attention and now he’s been called up,” she said sadly.
“Don’t worry Mom, I’m sure it’s going to be fine,” I reassured her. “Sam will be behind the lines, and probably restricted to the green zone. You know what happens in the camp. They never see any fire. It’s gonna be okay, I’m sure.”
“I’m not sure,” replied my mom tearfully. “I hear medics go out into Kabul with the troops, and you know how Sam is. He’d volunteer for the front line just to make sure his brothers are safe.”
What could I say to that? Although I’d only met Sam a few times, I could tell that my new stepdad was a good guy. He probably would sacrifice himself just to save a mouse, so I made soothing noises.
“Don’t worry Ma, everything’s going to be alright. Just hold tight. How long is his deployment?” I asked.
“A year,” she cried. “And we just got married!”
“That’s no time at all,” I soothed again. “The United States isn’t going to make you into a widow so fast,” I said. Oops, major boo-boo because my mom wailed even louder then. I hastened to correct my mistake, smoothing things over.
“You’re going to be alright, okay Mom? Aren’t you at the hospital right now? Just focus on work, and everything’s gonna be fine. The kids in the children’s wing love you, so don’t let them down just because of this.”
She sobbed a bit more and sniffled, but then calmed down somewhat.
“Thanks Melly. You take care too, okay? How is school? Are the people at Trinity nice? How are they treating you?” she asked.
“It’s great. The people are great,” I reassured her, trying not to sound worried. Because how could explain my situation to her? Trinity is pretty awesome, except for the tuition bill sitting on top of my dresser. I wanted to talk to her about next year’s fees but now didn’t seem like the time given that she was borderline hysterical at the moment. To make things work, Noreen brought up the topic of finances herself. Or more accurately, the lack of finances.
“Well honey, we love you but try to save a little during the coming year okay? Sam’s going to be paid an Army wage, which is almost nothing, and you know how little I make as a nurse. So be frugal okay, baby? Is there any way you could get a part-time job?”
I could almost hear a big steel door clanging shut on my dreams but I kept my voice steady for the sake of my mom.
“Sure, I can find a job, Ma,” I said. “Let me just go to the Student Learning Center and take a peek because they have a job board over there. Don’t worry about a thing,” I promised. “I’ll be okay. In fact, I am okay. You just worry about you and Sam, okay?”
“Thanks baby,” she sniffled. “I appreciate it. And you’re coming home in two weeks, right?”
Oh shit. That’s right, I’d promised to come home to spend some quality time with Noreen after four hectic high school years where we barely saw one another. It’d be my first visit home since starting freshman year, and I couldn’t bail. So I made my voice cheerful.
“Yep, that’s right Ma, I’m going to drive up after class Friday, so see you then!” I said with fake cheeriness. “Looking forward!”
My mom made some relieved noises, and I hung up on a high note. But my chest felt tight, and a cloud of panic was descending on my mind. Not only was my stepdad going to war, but I had no way of paying next semester’s tuition. What was I going to do?