Chapter 2
Daniel
I spotted my duffle coming out of the conveyor belt and waited for it to come near me before pulling it off and to the floor. I slung my backpack behind me before heaving my duffel over my back, keeping a tight grip on the handle and made my way out of the airport.
Now, I’m pretty sure someone was supposed to pick me up—
“Daniel! Hey! Over here!” I heard someone cry out and I turned my head and smiled at my younger brother, Ryan, running towards me. He skidded into a stop and placed his hands on top of his knees, trying to catch his breath and I chuckled.
“You know, you didn’t have to run all the way over here,” I told him, and he looked at me indignantly.
“’I haven’t seen you in eight years! Did you really expect me to walk in excitement?” he asked, and I ruffled his hair affectionately.
“Well, I’m glad to see you haven’t changed a bit,” I said, and he swiped my hands away with a scowl.
“Yes, I did! I grew over a foot and a half taller!” he said, raising himself to his full height. He has grown a lot since I last saw him, but the physical changes of puberty aside, he was still the jovial little brother I said goodbye to years ago.
“So, how’s Mom?” I asked, letting him help me with my backpack.
“She’s okay. She and Gran are cooking up a storm because you’re finally home. It’s been a while since they made a huge spread,” Ryan said, turning his head to look away.
I already knew the words he left unsaid. They hadn’t been cooking a lot ever since Dad died.
I got into the car and put the windows down, letting the good old Louisiana wind hit my face. I’ve missed it. I missed home. I am so glad to be back.
“Man, the breeze feels great,” I gasped, taking a deep breath of that fresh air. Ryan snorted.
“Great? It’s actually pretty dry. Jesus, bro,” he disagreed with my statement, and I shook my head.
“Try being stationed for a year in Afghanistan. Now that is dry weather,” I countered.
He rolled his eyes as I recounted some military stories I’ve gathered on the drive and when we finally arrived at home, I slowly got out of the car and just stared at our house.
Home sweet home.
It looked cozier and warmer than I remembered. The rustic cabin was a sight for sore eyes after years of living in tents and suffering through sandstorms.
The front door opened and my face split into a wide smile as I saw my Grandmother come out with a broom and started sweeping the floor. I waited for her to look up and after a few seconds of looking at me, her mouth formed a small ‘O’ as she realized she was staring at her eldest grandson.
“Danny, is that really you?” she cried, and I half-winced at the nickname she will never let me grow out of.
I walked over the front porch and enveloped her into a big hug, my arms squeezing her little frame lightly into my chest. Her shoulders started to shake from sobbing and I felt her tears soak through my uniform.
“Come on, Grandma. I’m really hungry,” I said, attempting to distract her.
She squeaked and pulled away from me with a jump before nodding. “Oh! Goodness, you’re right!” she looked my body over and tutted. “You haven’t been eating well! Look at you! You’re all skin and bone! Call your brother and come inside. Your mama is probably about done cooking dinner,” she said, beckoning me with one hand to follow her. I turned back to look at Ryan and he waved me off, saying he can handle it, so I went inside.
Sigh. Paradise.
The inside of our house was just as I left it, with one or two modifications. Ryan’s medals were all hung on the far left side of the wall while my trophies back when I was playing football back in high school were placed on the right. The TV and some other appliances changed, but that was to be expected by the change of time. The rest of the furniture, like the sofa I used to nap on back in middle school and stuff that my Dad collected over time, were still there, in their rightful place.
“Helen! He’s here! Get the casserole out of the oven!” Grandma yelled, and seconds later, my mom quickly walked out of the kitchen, clutching the sides of her apron and her eyes lit up with delight.
“Daniel!” she exclaimed before running towards me, her arms outstretched. I chuckled and held her in my arms, lifting her a few inches off the ground before putting her back down. “Come on, you can have something to eat while you tell us all about what you’ve been up to,” she said, patting my arm lightly and smiling up at me before walking back to the kitchen.
I shook my head and followed her wordlessly. Mom made it sound like what I’d been through as an Army Ranger was just a walk around the park on a beautiful Sunday morning. There are some shits in the world you just don’t talk about, and most of them happened back in Afghanistan. A lot of shit I wish I could take back.
During dinner, the women of the house just kept piling my plate with food and I missed home cooked meals so much I let them keep coming. I was practically filled to the brim when Mom started to ask me about my plans tomorrow.
“I’m going to meet up with the guys, have a drink or two maybe,” I told her. I turned to Ryan. “Did you get to check what I asked you to?” he nodded.
“Yes, sir. The building’s in a pretty sweet location and it’s got plenty of space, considering its price. Just needs a little paint job and couple of furniture and I think you’re all set,” he said.
“Why are you looking into real estate, honey?” Mom asked, and Ryan and I stared at each other before I answered.
“My guys and I are planning on opening up a security firm, offer up our services for protection.”
“You mean like a bodyguard?” she clarified, and I nodded.
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“But isn’t that dangerous?” she asked, her eyes wide with concern. Ryan chuckled and Grandma rolled her eyes.
“Seriously, Cassidy. Your son has just come from one of the most dangerous war zones in the world, and you’re worried about him jeopardizing his safety now?” Grandma asked her, incredulous. “Isn’t a little too late for that?”
“Yeah, Mom. I think Daniel’s pretty much proven he can take care of himself,” Ryan said, adding his two cents in. Mom’s cheeks bloomed red in embarrassment.
“I-I just thought that he wouldn’t put himself at risk now that he’s finally home,” she explained. I sighed and got out of my seat so I could walk towards her and hug her from behind.
“Mom, don’t worry about me. Compared to what I’ve been through, this whole security detail business is going to be a piece of cake,” I assured her before kissing her in her temple.
“Just trust me.”