Soldier on Leave

DJ's home! I was in the middle of putting our groceries away that afternoon when there was a knock on the door. I was so surprised to see her in her red beret and army uniform that for a few seconds I didn't move or say anything." Are you gonna let me in squirt or what?"

I was so exited I jumped on her and put my arms around her neck. "Oh my God DJ! You're early! We weren't expecting you until tomorrow! Come in come in!" She picked up her duffle bag and walked inside. She looks so different in her uniform...so mature. "It's so good to see you . How have you been? Is everything alright? Wow you look wonderful. I'll bet the bois don't leave you alone." She laughed." Jeez squirt let me put my bag in my room and sit down. I promise I'll tell you all about it. Okay?"

"Okay and while you're putting your stuff away I'll make you lunch. How does a roast brahmin beef sandwich sound with chips?" She smiled . "Sounds great. I'll get changed and cleaned up.

DJ came out of her room in her civilian clothes, a tee shirt ,jeans and sneakers. I put her sandwich and chips along with a can of Van's Cola on the table for her than finished putting the groceries away. She looked me up and down in my denim sundress and white canvas sandals. "What have you done to your hair Ari? " I forgot to mention in my intro that I'm a natural blonde." I dyed it about a month ago, I'm thinking of adding some blue to the bangs." I add. " I like it green . Maya dyed his pink."

She looked at me strangely. Not quite sad but more like she's realizing something for the first time. "You've really grown up Ari. When I left you were still a high school kid with braces on your teeth now look at you. You have become a beautiful young man. "

I'm so embarrassed. "Stop it." She looks down at her half eaten sandwich. "Sorry it's just that.. well I didn't expect you to be so grown up. That'll take me some time to get used to."

We spend the rest of the afternoon sitting in the living room catching up with each other.

It's so good to have her home