Jorden took several deep breaths until she gave a slight smile. “You’ll think I’m nuts!”

“Try me.”

“Think you could show me where your airborne training takes place? I’m curious how the military does it. Remember, you promised to show me.”

“Easy to do. Come on. It’s just a few miles from here.”

Matt stepped on the gas but didn’t drive too fast on the base as the MP’s were often around the corner. After ten minutes, the training area appeared. A high tower stood off in the distance.

“Watch your step. The ground is uneven.” They made their way to the running track which passed in front of a massive structure used to practice parachute jumps. An open field lay in between, providing a convenient area for exercises.

“It’s impressive. Have you done any jumps yet?”

“Not yet. We train first. We’re still in the first stage.” Matt eyed Jorden. “You’re gloating, aren’t you?”

“Me? Never. You always beat me at tennis, but now I’m ahead of you by three jumps. This is a nice change if it holds before we part.” Jorden regretted the words as soon as she said them.

“It will be a sad day.” Matt turned to walk back to the car.

“I’m sorry!” Jorden caught up with Matt and tugged at his arm. “I take it back.”

“You can’t take some words back.” Matt widened his stride. “I know we don’t have much longer. It might help if I knew how much time we actually have left.”

“I wish I knew more myself. I’m not even sure when he gets back to the States.”

“I don’t understand. Why don’t you know?” Matt seemed puzzled.

“Alex hasn’t given me a specific date. He says he can’t be sure when he’ll get a flight out of Saigon his last week in May. I understand he can’t control his departure time—but when he does return to the States, he plans to fly home first. He’s determined to get his car ready before he drives down here. So, you tell me. I’d like to know,” Jorden snapped.

“Now, you know how I feel,” Matt replied.

Jorden did know and she didn’t like it either.

Chapter 57: May 1970

Chapter 57

May 1970

The days flew by. Jorden’s students couldn’t wait for the school year to end. It was already Friday, May 22. Alex should be back from Vietnam within a week.

Startled by the phone, Jorden caught a glimpse of Darby answering it.

“Jorden, its Madison.”

Guilt struck! She realized she hadn’t talked with Madison in almost a month. Matt had been taking most of her spare time.

“Hey. What’s up? Have you left town?” Madison joked.

“No. Just busy. You know, the end of the school year—trying to tie up loose ends.”