#Chapter3

"hey lil, congrats I'm literally the proudest of you" I say crushing her in a hug. She giggles as I do. "I beg to differ" dad says coming over as well. He joins us for a hug nearly squashing us.

We all laugh before finally sitting down at the table. We cheered to the success of lily before digging into this delicious barbecue that Christian had prepared for us.

I couldn't actually believe that we were sitting here talking for almost two hours.

Before we left the table Natalie paused, Christian then performed a prayer for our soldier.

Everyone left the table and helped to clean up as we all made our way into the living room to just chill.

I excused myself after a while to use the toilet since I think I've been drinking way too many glasses of Pimm's. Can't deny it Natalie makes a cracking Pimm's.

Finishing off my business I start to head downstairs, gazing at the photographs against the wall. There was so many, some of Natalie when she was younger and then with Damon and his father.

She really had a beautiful life. As I made my way to the bottom I had to hold onto the wall as I heard the sound I didn't want to hear. The voice so familiar to me I didn't have to ask who it was.

I slowly stepped inside the lounge and saw everyone crowded around facing the big screen in the room. I had to cover my mouth as I saw who they were looking at. Damon was on the big screen talking to everyone through a video call.

He changed a lot. His uniform looked good on him and his hair was shorter. He looked older for sure, more like a man compared to the boy I used to know.

"why the fuck do you look so skinny mum" his voice echoed around the room. Its true Natalie has lost a lot of weight.

"son, your mums gone vegan so she will be a lot skinnier" Christian reasoned with Damon. I cringed already knowing the reaction. "vegan! Balls, that's courageous of you" I saw her visibly relax at his words.

Damon strongly believed in having a healthy diet with every food group, he never liked the idea of going vegan but respected it.

Lily had just walked in when she gasped practically jumping over people to get in front of the screen "Damon I've missed you big bro" lily squealed into the screen causing a deep laugh from Damon.

Lily loved Damon, he would fight off any pervy guy that came her way and she was always grateful.

When people tried to tell me, he liked me I always told him he was just protective of both me and lily. Lily would argue he was different with me though.

He always had a girlfriend. A nice Spanish girl from our year. She was beautiful and so kind I couldn't hate her. Damon seemed happy with her as well.

"lil, I've missed you too congrats on graduating you little freak" the narrowed eyes of lily made me laugh. This time I really had to cover my mouth, please tell me he didn't hear that.

I saw Damon's eyes widen and his body became tense. My mum glanced at me a sad look on her face "Baby girl is that you" his voice travelled right to my heart, I struggled to breath with his name for me sending memories through my brain.

Natalie ushers me forward and everyone parts creating a space for me. I shake my head instantly and I know she feels sorry for me.

"come to me baby girl, I need to see you" I couldn't hold it any longer, he always had this commanding tone about him. I couldn't do it but I felt like I needed to, what if this was the last time I ever speak to him.

With regret I walked closer and knelt down in front of the screen. Everyone started to get up leaving me alone with him. As soon as I looked into his eyes I broke I tried my best to hold in any tears.

"hello beautiful how are you" he moved closer to the screen his eyes shining brightly. I couldn't even form a sentence. "I'm good, you okay" I ask him, not wanting to make this weird. I have to keep reminding myself that this could be the last time.

"better now, I missed you my girl you look ravishing "I watched his eyes move further down the screen. I was wearing a skirt with a crop top that showed my toned body. His gaze made me feel hot and it was only through a screen.

I blushed "I'm sorry I wasn't here when you came home" because I really am no matter how mad I am at him I still wished I was home.

His eyes softened, he was about to say something but suddenly a guy came barging into the room. He wore the same uniform but he looked skinnier not as good as Damon looked in it.

"stay strong for me baby" he said indicating he needed to go. I barely nodding my head before the screen went black. When I knew he was finally gone I let the tears fall, no point in stopping them now.

"oh, my baby" my mum came running in, she kneeled in front of me wiping away the fallen tears. He did it again. He left before I could say goodbye.