Chapter 18

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

Faith

It's early October, and even though it's still warm in the Mojave Desert, I have the windows open in my classroom and am enjoying the warm breeze blowing in. I'm changing my classroom decorations over from the ones that symbolized school to Halloween. I love all things Halloween and am really excited about the opportunity to dress up. As a kindergarten teacher, I think it's important to join in classroom fun, which is why I've already ordered my witch costume online. It should be here in another week.

I'm about to wrap it up for a Friday afternoon when there's a knock on my door. I look up and find the principal, Mrs. Ramirez, standing in my doorway with a friendly grin. "This place looks great," she says, stepping inside and taking in the decorations.

"Thanks," I tell her. "Halloween is my favorite, so I tend to go a little overboard," I add with an awkward chuckle.

"Your kids are going to love it," she assures me.

"I hope so."

"Listen, I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to check in and see how it's going. We're about six weeks into the school year, so I thought I'd make sure everything was going the way you'd hoped."

The smile I give her is genuine and easy. "I love it, seriously. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. I'm truly enjoying my time here."

She nods, seeming relieved. "Good, I'm glad, because the parents have been very happy with you. I know it's still early, but I'm hearing nothing but positive comments, Faith."

A blush creeps up my neck. "Thank you."

"You know my door is always open if you need anything or have concerns," she says, turning toward the door.

That's when an idea hits me.

"Actually, if you have a minute, I'd love to run an idea by you."

"Of course," she replies.

"If you'd rather it wait until Monday?—"

"What's your idea, Faith?" she interrupts, smiling.

"Well, it's just that a lot of the kids here at the school are from military families, several of which are overseas right now," I start, twisting my fingers together nervously. "I was writing a letter last night to my husband, Chad, and well, the days he gets mail make him so happy. I was wondering if I could have my class work on a project—coloring pictures, writing notes, that kind of stuff—to send to his unit."

Mrs. Ramirez smiles widely. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Faith. In fact, maybe we can turn it into a whole school project. Each class can put together a care package for different units across the globe. We can write letters, collect snacks or personal hygiene items for them, and send them off."

My heart starts to pound. "Really? You think the teachers would do that?"

"I think they'd all love to be a part of it. Let me run it past them, but as far as your classroom goes, I say do it. I'm sure your parents will all be very supportive of the idea."

"Thank you," I tell her, swallowing over the sudden lump in my throat. "I might see what kind of books are available to turn it into a lesson."

She nods and continues to grin. "This sounds like a wonderful project and learning experience for your young students."

"I appreciate it," I tell her, suddenly very eager to go home and write to Chad. I don't want to give him too many details so he's surprised when he receives his package, but I want him to know how well it's going here.

"Have a great weekend," she replies before exiting my classroom, leaving me alone to finish for the day.

By the time the last ghost is hung, I'm more anxious than ever to go home. Usually, I dread it, on account the house is so quiet and lonely, but tonight, I'm eager to put pen to paper. Hell, maybe I'll try to call him and tell him over the phone. Of course, maybe we can do more of the other stuff too.

We haven't had phone sex since the first and only time a month ago, and I'm eager to do it again. Even though I'm touching myself, there's nothing like knowing he's observing through the phone and doing the exact same thing on the other end. Watching him stroke himself until he came was exactly what I dreamed about for several of the nights that followed.

It takes intimacy to a whole new level.

I grab my purse from my bottom desk drawer and flip off the lights to my classroom. While locking the door, I take a quick mental inventory of what's in the fridge at the house and opt to stop by the diner and grab something to take home. After dinner, I can throw on some comfy pajamas and shoot a text to Chad.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll be lucky enough to talk to him tonight.

Me: Happy Friday, if it's Friday there. It's still Friday here, though near nine, so it might be Saturday. Just lying in bed, thinking of you. I have something big I want to share, but I'm torn by how much to tell you because I also want it to be a surprise. Isn't that silly? Anyway, just wanted to tell you good night. Stay safe. Miss you like crazy.

I set the phone down on the charger on the nightstand and look at the wedding photo in the frame. This is one Shayne snapped right when we were told Chad could kiss the bride. His hands cradle my cheeks as he stares into my eyes.

It's one of my favorite photos from our wedding day.

Then, something else hits me, and I reach for my phone again.

Me: How many soldiers are in your unit? The thing I'm working on is going to need that info.

Me: By the way, I talked to Ford and Shayne last night. They've set a wedding date for this spring, but you may already know that. It's in about seven months, so your deployment better hold up to the four to six months.

Me: They also invited me home for Thanksgiving, but I don't know. I want to make sure Hannah isn't going to be here alone. If she's not going home, then I'll stay, and we'll do something together.

Me: Or maybe I'll invite her back home with me. We don't have a long break, only Thursday through Sunday, but it might be fun to take her back with me. I'm sorry. I'm just talking at this point. Ignore me.

I set my phone down again, hoping he's not wondering what in the hell he got himself into by giving me his phone number. I don't think he'll be upset by the onslaught of messages, especially since he always complains about missing me.

I turn on the small television in the bedroom and find some cooking show. I don't really watch it, but the noise helps keep my brain somewhat calm. However, it's not really working this time, because all I can think about is the project I want to put together for Chad and the rest of his unit.

Hopping up out of bed, I grab a fresh sheet of paper and pen and start writing. I make a list of different personal hygiene items we could use, as well as individual snacks and candy. Then, I add other recreational items like decks of cards, books, crossword puzzles, sudoku books, and adult coloring books.

By the time I've completed my list, I'm smiling, hoping I can pull off even half of this project. The personal notes and pictures will be easy, since we will do those in class, but the other items on the list will require help from parents and the community. My hope is everyone rallies around the effort, since the base is at the edge of town and so many of the families at the school are affected by military deployment.

Monday, I'll write a letter to send home with the kids, and we'll see what happens.

Curling up against the pillow I've deemed Chad's, I fall into a fast sleep with thoughts of my husband filling my head.

When I wake on Saturday morning, I reach for my phone and squeal when I see Chad's name on the screen. I tap quickly, pulling up the messaging app and smile when I see his replies.

Husband: First off, don't ever EVER worry about bothering me. Your ramblings are the best part of my day, and I want to hear about everything. If it goes through your pretty little head, I want to know.

Husband: I think a quick trip home would be perfect for Thanksgiving. The thought of you being there alone, especially on a major holiday, doesn't sit well with me. And taking Hannah would be great. I know Erik wouldn't want her there alone either.

Husband: I can't wait to hear more about your surprise. Part of me wants to ask for all the details now, but I also love the thought of being surprised. So you share as much info as you want and know I'll be looking forward to whatever it is you're cooking up. Oh, and there are twenty of us total in my unit.

Husband: I promise I'll do everything in my power to be home for Ford and Shayne's wedding. We should be home in plenty of time. Plus, it would be terrible if the best man was absent.

Husband: God, I miss you. You are the brightest sun in my life, and considering I'm stuck in the desert, under the hottest desert sun known to man, that's pretty telling. You. You are it, my wife. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

I wipe a stray tear off my cheek as I set my phone down. There's no reason to reply right now, especially because I know he won't have his phone on, since he powers it off to save the battery. Just as I turn to replace the phone on the nightstand, it rings. I startle, hoping it's Chad on the other end, but it's not his name.

"Good morning," I greet to Hannah.

"Hey, I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Nope. I was just reading messages from Chad."

"Aww, me too. Well, not from Chad, but from Erik. Sounds like they got back to base in the early morning. My messages arrived around 1:00 a.m."

"Mine too."

"Listen, the reason I was calling is because I'm off today. Wanna go have breakfast?"

My stomach chooses that moment to growl. "Definitely. The thought of blueberry waffles from the diner has me all sorts of ravenous," I reply with a chuckle.

"Me too. Meet me there in an hour?"

"Perfect. See you then," I say before we sign off.

I jump out of bed, eager to share my ideas with the one friend who will truly partake in my excitement because she's living this lifestyle too. I shower quickly, throwing on comfortable leggings and one of Chad's oversized Army T-shirts. I swipe a little mascara over my eyelashes and brush out my hair, pulling the wet strands back in a messy bun. Once my teeth are brushed and I've added a little powder to my cheeks, I head for the front door, locking up as I go.

The drive to the diner is short, and I'm parking my car in the small lot between it and the library within a few minutes. It's gorgeous out, and as I slip out of the driver's seat, I can't help but take a few moments to close my eyes, tip my face to the sun, and let the warmth seep into my skin.

Of course, like I do almost every other time of the day, I think of Chad. He's off somewhere in this world, baking under the hot desert sun. I hope he truly understands how proud I am of him, for doing what so few will step up and do.

I head for the front entrance and smile when I see Hannah already seated in a booth. "Hey," I greet, slipping into the bench across from her.

"Why are you so smiley? Did you and Chad get a little phone alone time?" she asks, clearly referring to phone sex.

"Uhh, no," I reply, feeling heat sweep up my neck and land in my cheeks. "I have something I'm working on though."

She leans forward with excited eyes. "Tell me."

Once we both order orange juice to drink and blueberry waffles, I proceed to share the details of my conversation with the school principal and the list of items I've come up with to send to the unit. By the time I'm done talking, she reaches forward and squeezes my hand. "I'm in."

Chuckling, I ask, "In for what?"

"To help. I want to help," she replies eagerly. "This all sounds so amazing. I'm sure the other teachers will think it's great too. We should go to the base and find other units for care packages."

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely!" she proclaims. "I'm going to put out a donation box at the shop too. I know some of my clients will contribute. When is the deadline for items?"

"Uhh," I start, my brain starting to spin. "I didn't get that far. Do you think two weeks is sufficient?"

"Yes. If you give them any longer, they'll forget. But two weeks covers people who may not get paid every week and still want to donate items."

I nod as our food is delivered. "Thanks, Louise. This smells amazing," I tell the friendly server.

"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help but overhear what you're doing. If you make up a sign, we'll put a box up on the counter by the cash register. You may want to consider even a cash or change donation box so you can buy things you may want to add."

My throat is thick with emotion and my eyes mist over with unshed tears. "Really?"

"Absolutely! This is a small community, Faith. There are a lot of military families here, and everyone supports one another. This is a great way to do that."

I nod, unable to find my voice.

"We'll get you a sign as soon as possible," Hannah tells Louise as she dives into her waffles. When Louise walks away, she points her fork at me. "Eat. We have lots to do today."

"We do?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Yep. We're going to the base to get more addresses, and then we're going shopping. If my husband is going to receive one of these kindergarten care packages, I'm helping."

Grinning, I can't help but say, "Thank you, Hannah. Not just for helping with this, but for… well, everything. Thanks for being my friend."

She winks. "Us military wives have to stick together."

Later that evening, I pull out a pen and fresh sheet of paper. I'm exhausted from the day, but I can't go to sleep without writing to my husband.

Dear Chad,

I'm not going to share all the details of my big surprise right now. As much as I want to, I think you not knowing is going to make it that much sweeter. Just know my entire heart is going into it.

I spent the day with Hannah, and I asked about Thanksgiving. She's going home to be with her parents and her brother and his family. She invited me to go with her, but I'm going back to Ohio. When I called my mom a little bit ago and shared the news, she informed me she's also invited your parents and sister to join us, so the only one missing will be you. You probably won't know what you're doing that day, but if you're able to call, everyone would love to hear from you. Or better yet, a video chat. This could be just wishful thinking, but a girl can hope, right? Anyway, if it doesn't work out, that's okay. There will be more opportunities.

My classroom looks amazing, all decorated for Halloween. I even found a few Halloween-themed books I'm going to read to my class as the holiday draws near. It may be silly, but I ordered a costume online, too, so when we have our classroom Halloween party and do the costume parade around town, I'll be dressed up as a witch alongside them. I can't wait.

It's dark outside, but I can see the stars so brightly out the window of our home. I hope you like what I did to the place. Everyone chipped in and helped with every room but our bedroom. I wouldn't let anyone help me there. I want your eyes to be the first to set sights on the private space I created for us.

Anyway, I'm just rambling again. Thank goodness you don't mind my senseless chatter. I haven't received a bundle of letters from you since earlier in the week, so I hope that means there's another bundle heading my way soon. Finding your letters in the mailbox is one of the best parts of my day.

Be safe.

Come home to me.

Sending all my love across the ocean and the desert,

Faith

I put today's letter in an envelope and seal it up tight. I stick it near my purse so I can drop it into the mail first thing Monday morning. With a little luck, it'll get there by next weekend. The mail system definitely has its ups and downs. Some weeks he receives a bundle with two or three letters in it, and the next week, a group of ten. It's wild how that all works.

I scan over my list of items I'm going to ask to be donated to the care packages for our troops. With a little luck, we'll be able to send a bunch of items their way. Not to mention, I'll have my class start working on their contributions to the boxes. Something tells me, a handmade item and a colored picture will go a long way with those stationed around the world, so far from home.

I have a lot to do over the next two weeks, but with Hannah helping me, I think we'll make this kindergarten project a success. And who knows, maybe we'll be able to make it an annual thing.

Of course, that would mean I receive a long-term contract, not just the one-year agreement we signed for this school year.

And I'd be okay with that. I never thought I'd find exactly what I was looking for in the Mojave Desert, but as long as Chad is here, I'm all set.

I just wish he'd hurry home.