Chapter Four
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The next morning the base was alive with activity, everyone getting washed up and ready to see their family and friends. The initial shock that had come with being told about their departure had lifted from most of the cadets, as their minds were set on seeing their visitors arrive.
Justin, James, Chris, Joey, Lance and Jc sat by the side, watching everyone else greet their families. They kept watch for their own as well, but were mostly just goofing off. Austin, Lynn and Paul, Justin's father, walked through the gates soon after people started arriving. They looked around, but they couldn't see Justin anywhere. That is, until Austin heard her boyfriend's familiar laugh. She spotted him off to the side with the guys and her face lit up.
"Justin!" she yelled over the bustle of people talking.
Justin looked up, knowing he had heard Austin's voice. He spun his head around, and saw her standing by the gate, his mom and dad behind her.
"Aussy!" he yelled back, standing up as Austin ran over to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Justin's parents walked over, smiling at the sight of their son.
"God I missed you..."
"I missed you too, Justy... God you know I love that haircut."
"Mhmm..."
"Hey J, you gonna introduce us or what?"
Justin turned his head in the direction of the voice, finding himself looking Joey straight in the eye. He was so close that Justin jumped back in surprise.
"Woah! Joey... don't do that man."
Joey and the rest of the guys laughed.
"Okay, okay... Guys, this is Austin. Austin these are the guys I was telling you about. Joey, Lance, Jc and Chris," Justin introduced, the guys nodding when their names were called.
"Hello guys," Austin smiled.
"Hi," the guys chorused.
"And that's my mom and dad," Justin said, motioning to his parents.
"You guys wanna look around?" Chris asked.
Justin's parents nodded, so Chris stood up and started to lead them around, the guys following suit.
Justin walked with his arm around Austin, refusing to let go of her. If he did, she was always in his sight. Austin never left Justin's side. She couldn't believe that this was the last time she would get to see or touch him until he came back from overseas.
Soon there party was joined by the families of Justin's four friends. They were all introduced and shown around as well. After everyone had seen everything there was to see, Chris led them all to a place where they could sit and talk.
After a short while, Justin and Austin broke off from the group so they could be alone. He laced his fingers with hers as they walked along one of the paved roads that stretched across the base. Once they found themselves alone, they both sat down on the grass under one of the trees a little ways away from the road.
Justin wrapped his arms around Austin and pulled her until she was in front of him. Austin leaned back and rested against Justin. He put his head on her shoulder and took in a deep breath, breathing in Austin's light perfume. He sighed softly and closed his eyes, not wanting to ever let go of the girl in his arms. Austin closed her eyes as well, resting her hands over Justin’s, which were on her stomach.
After sitting in silence for a few minutes, Justin opened his eyes and looked down at Austin, rubbing her stomach gently. Austin looked up at him and saw the look of sadness in his eyes.
"Justy?"
"I don't want to go, Austin..."
"I know you don't. I don't want you to go, either, but we don't have a choice."
"I know. But you're... you know..."
"Yes, I know I'm pregnant, Justy."
"Exactly."
Austin scooted forward and turned around, sitting so she faced Justin, and looked him in the eye.
"Baby, I'll be okay. I'll still be here when you get back, and you have something else to look forward to, now. But Justin, I don't want you like this while you're over there. You could get hurt if you're not focused."
"I know... Aussy, there's something I wanted to ask you."
"Yes, Justy?"
"Aussy, I love you so much. There's nothing in this world that I wouldn't do for you. You're my everything, Austin, and I was wondering if... if you'd marry me."
Austin let out a small gasp as Justin pulled a ring out of his pocket and looked up at her with hopeful, loving eyes. She bit her lip, trying not to cry. The only thing she could really do was throw her arms around Justin's neck, kissing him with such emotion that it knocked the wind out of both of them.
When they pulled out of the kiss, Justin took a deep breath and slid the ring onto Austin's finger. He stood up and helped Austin to her feet, then wrapped his arms around her once again. They both looked down at the ring and smiled, then they kissed again.
After a few more moments alone, Austin and Justin made their way back to their friends, and both had a glow about them that nobody could ignore. Everyone was really excited when Justin told them the news, and for a moment nobody even thought about having to leave.
Soon after, everyone was told it was time to leave. There were tears and lots of hugs as everyone said their good-byes. Justin said his good-byes to both of his parents, and his friends waited for him as he turned to Austin to say goodbye.
"Justin, I just want you to do one thing for me."
"Anything, baby."
"I want you to promise me you'll do your best over there, and promise me... that you'll come home..."
Justin looked into Austin's tear-filled eyes and wiped her cheek off gently with his thumb, then kissed her softly.
"I promise."
Justin hugged Austin one more time, then turned and walked over to his friends.
"We ready?" Chris asked.
"Ready as we'll ever be," Lance replied.
The guys all waved to their families, then followed all of the other cadets as they headed to the planes that would take them overseas, and into battle.
| Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six |
