JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU
Chapter Sixteen
November 1, 2002
Goodbye
"Agaboobubi," Josh babbled happily.
Jack smiled sadly at the child in his arms. They had to leave for the airport
shortly and he wanted to spend these last few moments with his son. The past
two weeks had been a struggle of emotions for both Rose and Jack. They were
each trying to stay strong for the other, but broke down whenever they were
reminded that this might separate them forever. They had done everything they
could to make the time they had together count, but Jack couldn't help feeling
he had failed Rose. That there was more they could've done. "I'm going to
miss you, buddy," Jack said to the baby.
Josh looked up at him and frowned, almost as
if he knew his father was leaving. Jack blinked back tears and hugged him
tightly. Josh squirmed so Jack let go and kissed him on the forehead.
"Love you, Joshie."
*****
Rose watched the scene from the doorway, her
heart breaking. Why was he being taken away from her again? Not only her, but
Josh and their unborn child as well. Rose cleared her throat. "It's almost
eight. We should probably get going."
Jack walked over to her, Josh in hand, and
hugged them tight. Although his parents' death and leaving Rose before had
seemed impossible, it was nothing compared to this. "I'm going to miss you
so much," Jack murmured into Rose's hair.
Although she tried her hardest, Rose couldn't
contain her tears. "God, Jack," she cried.
Jack stroked the side of her face.
"Don't cry. Please don't cry. You're going to make me cry," he
begged. But it was no use. There were already tears falling down his face.
Rose choked back another round of sobs.
"We gotta get going or you're going to miss your flight."
Jack nodded, as Rose wiped the tear tracks
from his cheeks. "Don't tell me you have a problem with that."
"Don't tempt me, Jack. I'm about to tie
you up in the attic and keep you there until this damned war is over."
Despite the heartbreaking events they were
about to endure, Jack had to laugh at the image. Rose gave him a sad smile.
"Are you ready to go?"
"How can you be ready for something like
this?"
"You're right."
*****
Jack pushed Josh in his stroller and kept one
arm wrapped around Rose's waist as they made their way through airport
security. There were at least seventy-five other men already there with their wives,
children, girlfriends, and parents. Rose realized that her and Jack weren't the
only ones affected by this draft. They sat down together on a bench and Jack
pulled her into his lap, not caring who was around. "I love you, Rose.
Never doubt that while we're apart. I'll be back...we've got our entire lives
to spend together yet, nothing is going to keep us from doing that."
Rose touched his face lovingly. "I could
never doubt your love, Jack. But all the same, don't doubt mine. You're my
world. I love you more than life itself, and I'll never stop. Just as I waited
for you before, I'll be waiting for you when you get home."
Jack claimed Rose's lips until a loud cry
reminded them that Josh was there. Jack picked his son up, holding both him and
Rose in his arms. "You're going to have to be a good boy for mom, okay?
And when your sister or brother is born, you're going to have to help her take
care of them. You'll be the man of the house," Jack quietly told Josh,
with tears threatening to fall. Josh gave him a huge smile and started
babbling.
Rose sighed deeply. "I'm glad he's too
young to understand."
Jack nodded. "Yeah, me too. I'm just
afraid that when I do come home, he's not going to remember me."
Rose frowned. "I won't let him, Jack.
I'm going to tell him about you every day..."
Jack hugged her tight, kissing her.
"Thank you."
"Flight Six Ninety Seven, Nonstop to
Washington DC, is now boarding at gate eighty-four. Flight Six Ninety Seven to
Washington DC," the loudspeaker suddenly barked.
"That's me," Jack said, every
emotion he was feeling displayed in his eyes and his voice.
Rose stood up and took Josh. "I can't
stay here and watch you go. I won't be able to keep it together if I do.
So...we're going to go now."
Jack nodded. "I understand."
Rose's face dissolved into tears, and she
hugged him so tight it was almost impossible to breathe. Jack pulled away,
kissing her fiercely and hungrily. Leaning his forehead against hers, he
sighed, "I love you, Rose. Forever."
"I'll love you forever, too."
"Dream of you tonight."
"Me, too."
"Go on. Go home. I'll write or call as
soon as I get the chance."
"Okay. Love you."
"Love you."
Jack watched Rose and Josh turn to leave.
Without a second glance back--it would've been too hard for him--Jack boarded
his plane.