Distant Relationship

Ed hadn’t talked to Lisa for at least eleven months. His high school graduation and her family situation had pulled them apart. He had just finished boot camp and was home for ten days leave before being deployed to Desert Storm. He realized during boot camp how much he loves Lisa, and he needs her in his life. Now, his fingers shake as he tries to dial the right phone number, he had to see her, he just had to. Lisa answered the phone, shocked to hear Ed’s voice on the other end of the wire. “Hi, Ed.” She wanted to hide the quiver in her voice, but she didn’t do a good job. “Lisa, I’m home, but I only have a few days left before I leave. Can I see you?” Lisa opened her bedroom door, curious to her mother’s location within the home. “Ed, I don’t think I can, my mom would be furious if she knew I met up with any boy. I don’t think this is a good idea.” “Geez, you’re seventeen, about to graduate, when will she stop being over protective of you? Please, honey, please, I need to see you. I have missed you so much; I just want to see you one more time.” “Alright, when?” “I can be at your house in fifteen minutes.” “Oh no, Mother would freak, Ed! I will sneak off and meet you in the park in half an hour. Okay?” “I don’t understand the need for secrecy, but I will do anything just to see you. At the park in half an hour, right?” “Yes, I’ll see you then.” They hung up the phone and Lisa began to put an impromptu plan together. “Mom?” she hollered out, I’m going to Kathy’s house; I’ll be back by dinner time.” She didn’t hear her mother respond, but she didn’t really hang around either, she knew her mother would question her until she got the truth, and then Lisa would never be able to see Ed. Lisa walked a little less than a mile to get to the park, as she walked through the playground she saw Ed, standing against his car, as she began to sprint she realized her true love for him. She ran to him and snuggled into his familiar hug, tears of happiness for his remembered scent; she looked up at him and stole a kiss, remembering the softness of his tender lips. Ed and Lisa stood that way for a short time, then he pulled away to look into her precious green eyes. “Lisa, I’m leaving for Desert Storm in three days, I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone, I can’t stand being separated from you, I’ve missed you so much. Will you write to me while I’m deployed?” “Ed, I can’t, my mother …” “I was afraid you would say that, but I need you, honey, I’ll take you home right now and tell your mom how much I love you and how we just want to write letters back and forth while I’m gone.” “I can’t, we can’t, Mother would not be happy with me. I know you think she is over protective, but I need a place to live and she always says, ‘If you are going to live under my roof, you’re going to live by my rules’. Her rules are no boys, none, I don’t think she will care if you are off fighting for our country. I’m sorry, Ed, but I can’t write to you.” “Okay, I can accept that, but when I come home I’m going to call, by then you will be old enough to make your own decisions. Until we meet again, please, please know that I will always love you.” “Ed, I love you too, and I can’t wait to hear from you again.” Ed watched as Lisa walked away, knowing his heart had been touched by love, he might never see her again, but he would always love her. As Lisa walked away, she looked over her shoulder for one more look at the man she loves and always will.