Chapter 7
The next morning the bright sun and sound of the river woke me from my peaceful sleep. I felt totally energized and ready to tackle the world.
I got out of bed, showered, and got dressed. I packed all my clothes in my duffle bag and headed downstairs. Robert was at the table having a cup of coffee and Ryan was sitting on the couch.
“Hey Jason, I saved you some breakfast, it’s on the stove. We’re leaving soon, so I want to get on the road,” Robert said.
“Thanks Robert. Hey, Ry,” I said.
Ryan just looked at me and smiled. I sat at the table and ate the breakfast Robert had left warming for me on the stove.
“Okay boys, say goodbye to the lodge it’s time to go,” Robert said.
As Ryan and I headed toward the front door I turned and took one last look. I would never forget the past couple of days and what I learned here. Robert drove us home while Ryan and I slept. We stopped for gas and some snacks on our drive back to Dallas. I pumped the gas as Robert and Ryan went inside the WAWA convenience store. I felt like someone was watching us for some reason. But I didn’t see anyone. I didn’t say anything to Robert or Ryan about how I was feeling. Maybe it was just adrenaline flowing from our encounter yesterday with that bear. Once we got home we unpacked the car and Ms. V was there to meet us.
“Hey boys, how was your trip? Did anything exciting happen,” Ms. V asked.
“Yeah, Ms. V it was good! Robert took us hiking,” Ryan said.
“Wow sounds fun, sweetie.”
She leaned in and kissed Robert on the lips with a look of concern on her face.
“Honey, how was everything?” Ms. V asked.
We all then walked into the living room and sat down on the couch.
“What’s going on guys? What happened up there?”
“Jason killed a bear Ms. V,” Ryan said.
“Okay Ryan, I was going to tell her myself,” I grunted.
“What the hell happened up there Robert?”
“Well I took the boys huntin’ and they went into a cave because Ryan had to pee and the bear was in there,” Robert answered.
After Robert answered Ms. V, I started to frown at him and shifted in my seat toward Ms. V. I started to feel nervous. Ryan just looked down at his hands and didn’t make eye contact.
“OH MY GOD Robert how could you let them out of your sight knowing there were bears out there,” Ms. V said.
“Virginia we were out there with a guide and at that time we saw some bear tracks but, they were days old” Robert said.
“So how did Jason shoot the bear? Why did he have a gun?” Ms. V asked.
“I’m sorry Ms. V, I took a gun without Robert knowing from his gun room. I knew we were going hiking and I wanted to be prepared. I knew I could handle it.”
“Well, even though I don’t approve of you handling a gun, thank God you were there. You saved Ryan’s life,” she said.
I suddenly felt relieved Ms. V wasn’t mad at me. She stood and hugged me for a few seconds as Ryan and Robert watched.
“I just reacted Ms. V or the bear would have killed us,” I said.
“That’s understandable, I’m just happy you boys are okay” she said.
“So, what’s next boys? School break is over in a few days.”
“Well Virginia, while on the trip, Jason and I discussed that he wants to be a Navy SEAL.” Robert told Ms. V.
“Really? Well looks like I missed all the excitement. When did this all come about Jason,” Ms. V asked.
“I want to do something to make you both proud of me,” I said
“We are already proud of you Jason,” Robert said.
“Well you know it won’t be an easy road. Well now I know why you joined ROTC. Robert, we have to support Jason anyway we can,” she said.
“Yes, indeed Virginia. And we will,” Robert said
“Well, Ryan what do you think of all this Navy SEAL business?” Ms. V asked.
“I think it’s pretty cool. I don’t want him to leave though. I wanna join too when I’m old enough.”
“Ryan, you have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do. Jason, what ideas are you putting in his head,” she said.
“I didn’t want him to find out yet so he wouldn’t be upset,” I answered.
“Well Ryan, we are going to support Jason as a family. I am honored Jason that you want to serve our country in such a profound way. Well boys it seems like there is a lot that happened this weekend. Come in the kitchen with me Jason and help me start dinner.”
Ms. Virginia and I started dinner as Ryan and Robert went into the media room to pick out a movie for us to watch.
“So, Jason, you know I don’t approve of you taking Robert’s gun, right?”
“Yes, I knew you would be upset with me, but I felt I was acting on instinct,” I said.
“I know what you have been through, in your life you must feel like you always have to be on the defensive and never let your guard down. I still feel there are things that you haven’t told Robert and I about your past. But I always want you to know that we are here and would never judge you. Over the last few years I have seen you grown into a remarkably strong and resilient young man. The way you protect Ryan impresses me every day. You know he idolizes you right?” Ms. V emphasized.
“Yes, I know. I am so protective of Ryan because he reminds me of my younger, brother, Gabriel whenever I look at him. Gabriel’s death broke my parent’s heart and changed all our lives forever. Both my parents self-destructed after that and I was left all alone. So now you understand why I am the way that I am. Survival is all I know. I saw boys die when I was at boys’ home and I could have easily been one of them.” I said.
“Wow Jason! This is the most you and I have ever talked about this. This is why I suggested going to therapy and thought that it would be a good idea.” Ms. V stressed.
“I’m fine, no therapist needed,” I said
“Okay, go get Robert and Ryan for dinner.”
We all sat down to eat. Ms. V even made her fresh-brewed sweet tea, which is my favorite. After dinner we all went into the media room and watched “Top Gun” which is something we often did together as a family on Friday nights. I went to bed after the movie. Ryan had fallen asleep in the recliner and Ms. V covered him with a blanket so as not to wake him.
The next morning, I woke up early for my morning run. I threw on a pair of sweatpants, my navy-blue hoodie with my high school logo, and my new air Nike sneakers Ms. V gave me for my birthday. I ran down to the kitchen to grab some water for my run. Ms. V was in the kitchen making breakfast making her famous chocolate chip pancakes and bacon.
“Good morning, Jason,” Ms. V said.
“Good morning,” I responded.
I leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“What was that for,” she asked.
“Just because is all,” I said.
“Well, that was very nice, thank you. Don’t forget your vitamins. Do you want some breakfast?” she asked.
“Can you save me some, I’m going for my 5-mile run right now,” I said.
“Okay, be careful. It’s cold outside,”
As I ran out the front door I saw Robert sitting in his office.
“Hey, Robert, I’m going for my run right now. I gotta be in my best shape if I’m going to pass that physical fitness test to get into SEAL training.” I said jokingly.
“Well hurry and get back here Mr. SEAL you have to help me clean the garage,” Robert joked.
As I began my run, I turned and gave Robert a frown. All I had on my mind was taking my SAT and ASVAB tests next week. I had to ace them. Running always helped me clear my head. I definitely liked the feeling of euphoria after a long run. As I got back to the house, Ms. V was in the kitchen washing dishes and Robert was in the family room smoking a cigar which he often did.
“Hey, where’s Ryan?” I asked.
“He took off on his bike about ten minutes ago to look for you,” Robert said.
“What for? I didn’t see him on my way back. He knows I don’t like him going off on his own like that. I’ll go out and look for him,” I said.
“Calm down Jason, I’m sure he’s fine.” Ms. V said.
As I was about to go out and look for him, Ryan came running into the house.
“Hey butthead, I tried to catch up to you but you were running so fast and I was calling your name too,” Ryan said.
“Well you know I don’t like distractions and I run with my music on. Next time just stay here,” I said.
“Okay, sorry,” Ryan said with a sad look on his face.
“Come here, butthead,” I said.
I grabbed Ryan and pulled him toward me. I rubbed my hand over his head.
“I’ll take you with me next time, okay?” I said.
“Okay,” Ryan replied.
“Okay you two go upstairs and clean your rooms,” Ms. V said.
“Yes, ma’am,” we both replied.
Ryan and I both went upstairs to clean up our rooms. I had already cleaned mine up the night before so I just sat on the side of my bed. I pulled out my U.S. Navy brochure, my ROTC recruiter recently gave it to me. As I looked through the beautiful images, I admired what each of these servicemen and women stood for. They’re on the front lines each day sacrificing their lives, not even sure if they would make it home most days or ever see their families again. I knew I had the heart and resolve to make a real difference in people’s lives. Ms. V and Robert had given me and Ryan a safe home and I will be forever grateful for that.