The System

Chapter 17

Jason's pov

I get a text from Danny about us coming to his house for the Dawgs game. I text him back saying we'd be over there. "Hey guys suit up, we're going to Danny's for the game." Britt smiles at me from the couch. "Roll tide." She says. "Go Dawgs." I say, proudly. "I wonder which team the kids will choose." She says standing up. "Well we'll find out today. It's my Dawgs against your Alabama crimson Tide." The kids come downstairs. "My Dawgs have had a no loss season." I say, crossing my arms. "Well today house is divided." She says, patting my head. We head to Danny's house. He had a buffet set out. I'm caught off guard seeing two cakes. A Georgia bulldogs cake and a Crimson Tide cake. "What's with the Alabama crap, bro?" He laughs softly. "Roll tide!" "No way! You can't be an Alabama fan!" He laughs hysterically. "Nah I'm a Dawgs fan. It's just a joke." I smile. We high five. "Go Dawgs."

Miranda's pov

I'm not a huge fan of football. I was scrolling through Instagram bored and eating tortilla chips when I got a text from an unknown number.

UN: please give me a chance. I'm a changed man.

M: who is this?

UN: it's me Garrett. I'm not the asshole I was in middle school.

I roll my eyes.

M: I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I just wanna focus on my family. My little brother needs me.

G: just give me one chance. I promise you won't regret it!

Ugh. He's starting to annoy me.

M: no Garrett not right now but we can be friends and try that first.

G: ok. I really don't want you to hate me.

I put my phone in my pocket and grab a Coke out of a cooler. "Hey Dad someone is in the driveway." Chris says pointing. Dad and uncle Danny both look out the window. "Who's that bro?" Dad asks. "I'm.. I'm not sure." He walks out on the porch and I go to the window. "What's wrong?" Mom asks walking over too. "I'm not sure." Dad says following Danny outside. Wow. They're alot alike. It's hard to even tell  he's adopted.

Jason's pov

A guy in a military uniform steps out. Danny salutes him. Worry fills me. "We need you back soldier." Which is what I was afraid of. "Aye captain." My brother replies. They shake hands. "See you in a few days." The military guy leaves. "Damn this sucks." I say, not wanting him to go back overseas. "I wonder how the kids are gonna take it." He says worried. "I never told them you were military." I say also worried. We go back inside. "Who was it dad?" Chris asks, looking away from the window to us. "Well, uncle Danny is.... He's got to go overseas to work for a little bit." I say nervous not sure how to explain. "He's a military man." "I'll come back though guys. I promise." I hope and pray he does. Me and him both know there's a chance he won't. "Stay strong over there brother." I say shaking his hand. "Hold up the home front for me." He says, smiling. I nod nervous.

*A few days later*

We go to the airport to see him off. Chris was trying not to cry. Miranda was crying. I worriedly hug my upset daughter. "He's gonna come home." I say. "He better." He laughs slightly. "I'll miss you guys." Chris hugs him. "Don't leave uncle Danny!" "I've got to bud." He heads to the plane. "Roll tide." He jokes smiling and waving. "Go Dawgs." I say back, also waving.