Fifth General Order of the Navy: To quit my post only when properly relieved
It had been tradition for as long as Dean could remember. And whenever her mom had been gone, it had been Reese who did it. But now, her mom was gone forever. And Reese had a wife and babies. And JD was gone.Looking at the ring on her finger, she smiled through her silent tears. He had promised to come home to her. Had said that this was only temporary. That he would always come back to her.Mary had made the same promises.Dean knew how those promises meant nothing to the universe. It didn’t care about teenage girls who just wanted to know that she was loved.Her body shook with a silent sob and Monster moved closer to her and nuzzled her with his snout. She wrapped an arm around his body and held him close.Lost in her own thoughts and tears, she did not hear the bedroom door open. She was only vaguely aware of the bed dipping behind her as a large body lay down behind her. A louIf you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you. – Zig ZiglarWalking through the halls that JD had walked through for all four of his high school years was conflicting for Dean. There was the comfort of being surrounded by those who knew him. And annoyance at constantly being asked how he was, where he was, what he was doing.Boot camp.Boot camp.Boot camp.Seriously, didn’t any of these people watch any military movies? The montage of videos for the boot camp scenes never showed the recruits traipsing through a field of wildflowers with the drill sergeant riding a rainbow and glitter farting unicorn. The image conjured in her head had her snickering in English. Maybe that would be her answer to the next person who asked what JD was doing.Then as she listed to the teacher go over the reading list, she found herself wondering, what did the Navy call their drill sergeants? She was certain that they we
It’s hard to see things when you are too close. Take a step back and look. – Bob RossReese turned and looked at the mural that Dean had painted on the wall behind his desk. For the past month, he had been trying to find the zombie. He had been nose to wall over just about every inch of the wall. Still, he could find nothing.Grabbing his phone he looked to see if she had responded to his text.You don’t have to tell me where the zombie is, but give me a hntHint. Hnt should have been hintThere still was no response.“Teenagers.” He complained out loud.“Give them an inch and they swim all over the ocean.” Gigi said from the doorway.“Okay, Sebastian.” He chuckled as he turned around to face her.She laughed as she propped herself against the doorframe. “That was my mom’s favorite quote for the longest time. And if you asked her, she had teenagers for the longest time.”“I just realized; I’m going to be seventy when these three will graduate
Sixth General Order of the Navy – To receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.Dean sat in the window seat of the private plane watching the land below them grow further and further away. She smiled as she thought about when she and her mom flew to Washington D.C. Her mom had pointed at the baggage handlers.“Those guys are the most important members of the crew.”“Why?” Dean had asked, expecting some philosophical explanation since her mom was notorious for making sure that her daughter knew that fancy titles did not mean that the person was more important than anyone else.“They make sure the pilot has clean underwear.”Laughter bubbled up, even now as grief washed over her. Reaching down, she gently touched her bracelet flipping open the heart. Her mom smiled at her from the small picture. Swiping at her tears, she
Seventh General Order of the Navy – To talk to no one except in the line of dutyThe private plane landed at O’Hare airport early Tuesday afternoon. They all checked into the hotel suites that Reese had reserved. He pointedly looked at his daughter as he handed over her key card.“This is not a floor party.”She chuckled as she took the piece of plastic from her dad and grabbed her fiancé by the hand. “I promise not to have any water balloon fights if Dean promises not to set up any glitter bombs.”“O, you can check.” Dean said handing over her suitcase and carryon bag. “I did not bring anything to do glitter bombs.” “I believe you.” He told the teen. And he did believe her. For the most part. Mainly because she had been too nervous before they left to even think about glitter bombs.To be perfectly honest, he would not be surprised if she had forgotten some of the bare basics.A few hours later, Dean knocked on the door to Helen and Reese’s suite.“
Eighth General Order of the Navy – To give the alarm in case of fire or disorderWednesday was spent sightseeing around Chicago and the lake. The wind was cold and blustery. There was a reason why this was the Windy City, and she showed the visitors exactly why. There were plenty of things to do out of the wind and everyone used the babies as an excuse to stay inside. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant, the large group took several vans to the Field Museum. Dean had expressed an interest in seeing the art museum, but they were closed on Wednesdays. Instead, Reese bought them tickets for Friday so that JD could join them.They were all amazed at the size of the dinosaur skeletons and other fossils. Entertained by the 3D movies and other exhibits. They took a break and ate at one of the museums’ cafés and then went to the neighboring aquarium. As always, even so far away from home, a few of Neo's guards followed at a distance, looking like a group of fr
Ninth General Order of the Navy - To call the petty officer of the watch in any case not covered by instructionsDean and Reese got back to the hotel later than they had planned. But after everything had settled down and Dean thought about it, she really wanted to find the old biddy who called the cops. “I mean, seriously? What. The. Hell?” Dean asked as they sat in a private dining room at an excusive restaurant. “Does she call the cops on single dads with teenage daughters?”“I want to know what the hell they told her.” Neo grumbled. “Thanks for calling, but please don’t do it again.”“Like, ever.” Cheryl added and they all gave a small laugh.They laughed and enjoyed the meal and for the first time all day, Dean smiled and laughed and enjoyed herself. After they got back to the hotel, Gigi went and hung out with Dean for a little bit and offered to come do her hair in the morning.And morning seemed to come earlier than expected. At five thirty, Gigi ente
Tenth General Order of the Navy – To salute all officers and all colors and standards not casedDean sat in the second row of the rented SUV with Helen. Jaxon and Jolene sat in the third row talking quietly. Childs sat in the front passenger seat talking with the driver – Gigi’s crush who they discovered that morning was named Savannah.Helen reached over and grasped Dean’s leg that was bouncing nervously. She gave the teen a smile of understanding.“I’m so damned nervous. Please don’t make me write a paper over that.”Shaking her head, Helen replied “Time and place. And this time, it’s both.”She took a ragged breath and then looked out through the front windshield as she nodded. The gate sat in front of them, large and imposing. Behind the large rolling gate sat a red brick guardhouse under a large white covering. The roof was angled just like a house, but underneath was a decorative arch, and it was open on all sides.NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES was written over the arch in large let
Eleventh General Order of the Navy – To be especially watchful at night, and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authorityHelen and Jolene walked ahead of Jaxon and Dean as they followed the crowd. They were escorted to their seats which were close to the floor. Or, as the sailor called it, the drill deck.Helen sat in the inside seat followed by her daughter and son. Dean sat at the end and suddenly felt alone and by herself. Jaxon and Jolene had each other and their mother. And Helen had all her kids and Reese.But who did she have?She was an orphan. An only child. On what should have been a happy day, grief washed over her.A strong arm was placed around her shoulders and pulled her into Jaxon’s side. His other hand reached down and lightly grasped her tightly connected hands.“Breathe, sweetheart.”Dean took in a deep ragged breath and was only then aware that she had been holding her breath. Le
There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved. – George SandWhen Dean had shown them the walk-in closet of wedding dresses, Bunny had fallen in love with the dress that they dubbed the *Big Fat Greek Wedding* Dress. The skirt was so large that her arms couldn’t go down straight by her sides.Smirking, Deam had pointed out that her arms weren’t the only things that would not be straight at the wedding. When she had quit laughing, Bunny threatened to put the teen in pink. They both knew it was an empty threat.Two days before the wedding, Helen had shown up at the two-story house with a new set of petticoats. Even though they would not be seen during the ceremony, it still meant a lot to the three of them. Especially for Jaxon.Although they all knew that Helen accepted Jaxon and his partners, the gift of the rainbow-colored petticoats solidified it. It meant even more to learn that Daphne had helped Helen
I have never met a vampire personally, but I don’t know what might happen tomorrow. – Bela LugosiJD walked up behind Dean and wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck as she made herself a sandwich. “How are you going to eat that?”“One bite at a time.” She replied as she sliced the tomato.“Smart ass.” He chuckled.“You want one?”Kissing her cheek, he smiled at her before turning and looking at the sandwich. There needed to be a different word for this … monstrosity. Rye bread with mayonnaise and mustard. Three types of cheeses. Five types of deli sliced meat. Romaine and iceberg lettuce. Sliced tomato, pickles, cucumbers, bell peppers, banana peppers and black olives.“Yeah.” He answered with a soft chuckle.She gave a small laugh as she finished her sandwich and pushed the plate away before grabbing another paper plate leftover from the
As your kids grow they may forget what you said, but won’t forget how you made them feel. – Kevin HeathIt had been a long weekend, starting with Dean’s graduation on Friday night and ending with the babies’ first birthday party today. After the party had broken up, several people had stayed just to play in the pool. Ariel, true to her namesake, loved being in the water and was upset when they finally got out of the pool.She had started to cry, but Ty and Jaxon were there with cuddles. If there was any doubt about her being daddy’s girl, it would only be because the doubter had never seen her light up when either of them came into view.Her favorite place was between her two fathers. She definitely took after her mother in that regard. Most nights she would fall asleep on Bunny’s lap or shoulder, a hand or foot on each of the men.Currently, she lay on Bunny’s shoulder, her hand tightly gripping Jaxon&rs
Some students go an entire day at school without anyone saying their name. be the adult who speaks to each student by name. Everyone loves to hear their name. – Educator Justin TarteEvery night, Jolene sat between Neo’s legs and would read to him. Some nights the passages were nothing more than written porn. Other nights, they were sweet, or amusing. After the first few nights of carefully curated smut scenes, he chose a book, and they would read a few chapters each night.They were on book three of a series of five tonight and she was having a hard time concentrating. The light touch of his calloused hands under her shirt did not help her concentration. Nor did his mouth on her neck.Certainly, the bulge at her lower back was a bit distracting.“Something’s on your mind.” He whispered and then lightly bit her earlobe.“No…” she tried to brush off his observation and he simply chuckled
Because he wants to create a stable, lasting relationship with one person. Brad, believe me, there is nothing in this world so wonderful, so fulfilling, as coming home to the same woman every night. – Tony Randall as Jonathon Forbes in Pillow Talk 1959Cheryl snuggled against Waylon’s chest as they lay in the new bed at their new house. She wore a large National Fire Academy T-shirt that was stretched tight across her large belly. He wore a pair of boxers and kept squirming seeking a more comfortable position between the rough, stiff cotton sheets.The guys from the fire department had helped them move early Saturday morning. She and Waylon left the guys putting together furniture when they went to the unveiling of Dean’s mural.When they returned to the house with pizzas and beers, they found the six men sitting on the back patio with their feet up. On furniture that Cheryl adored but did not remember getting.“I
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. – Johann Wolfgang von GoetheReese had told Helen that there was a second restaurant at the Private Club that he wanted to eat at. She knew about the other restaurant. When they had all met for lunch last, Marnie had taken Helen over and showed her the other restaurant. The one with low cushioned tables and pillows on the floor.The lights were up during the day, but for meals, they would be lowered. Lights would shine out from inside the tables, illuminating the sub on display. There were cushions that could be moved to accommodate the person on the table. One under the knees, a small one under the lower back and one to support the neck and head.Marnie had told the older woman that she loved the other restaurant. The meals were finger foods that were served on the sub. Helen had looked at the Brat who smiled at her.“On the sub.” Marnie said again. “Steve
Most of our childhood is stored not in photos, but in certain biscuits, lights of day, smells, textures of carpet. – Alain de BottonReese sat on the outdoor couch on the lower deck watching the girls in the pool with the babies. Cheryl, Bunny, Dean and Allison, the only female Seabee that came with JD, each had a baby in their arms as they bounced and spun. Watching her children and grandchild smile and laugh, Helen snuggled into his side, and he pulled her into his lap.She had lost most of her baby weight, and currently had made her way back into size eighteen dresses, which she was quite proud of. Today she wore the dress that Reese had bought her specifically for the birthday party. A pink satin shift with a cream-colored mesh overdress with pink and blue flowers embroidered on it.Earlier in the day she had also been in the pool in a pink swimsuit with a sheer fish scale skirt that Reese had a hard time looking away from. He had p
Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you. – Chuck KlostermanThere was a rather large gathering in the closed parking lot across the street from the mural. About half of them were part of the Princess Club and extended family. The large white canvas tarp that covered the wall billowed in the midmorning breeze. JD wrapped his arm around Dean’s waist and pulled her to his side.She wore a knee length black skirt and matching jacket with a white lace shirt underneath. Her hair was pulled up in a tight twist in an effort to keep it contained in the wind. She wore sapphire and silver teardrop earrings that matched her shoes.The leg of JD’s course BDU uniform brushed up against her bare leg as she moved in closer to him. Curling into his chest, she smiled as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Nervous?” he asked quietly.She nodded. “Yes. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done for so many people to see. What if no one likes it?”
I’m the big sister. I want to make sure she has everything, even if I don’t have anything. It’s hard. I love her too much. That’s what counts. – Venus WilliamsLast night, Dean graduated from high school with a large cheering section made up of her family, friends and a small contingent of Seabees. And a cardboard cutout of her mom. This afternoon, they were having her graduation party. It was shaping up to be one hell of a party. JD was home until Wednesday but would be back a week and half later for his brother’s commitment ceremony to Bunny and Ty. The other Seabees would leave tomorrow, only a few planned to stay for the birthday party for the four babies. Although they had all been invited.All the princess club and their families would be there.They had all been upset when they learned that she had got married without them. But then the newlywed couple promised to have a real wedding on their one-year anniversary.Deon and Craig were both home for summer and t