Choices

By Nancy de Beer

Conner Traven thinks hes just a normal awkward, teenager who happens to be the Generals son, until he goes to a new school and meets a mysterious, beautiful girl who has a lot of secrets and one of them is about his father and his work.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Sep 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543487107

Nancy de Beer

Growing up as the only child in Cullinan, South Africa, Nancy always loved the outdoors, reading and to write short stories - a page long but was never encouraged to pursue the talent for writing. After losing both parents in her teens from breast cancer and suicide, she lived with family the last year of high school. It was only at 22 years old that she rediscovered the joy of writing again and was encouraged to pursue writing by colleagues. Now living in Richards Bay, South Africa with her fiancée she works full time and volunteers at the SPCA in her free time.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by Nancy de Beer.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5434-8711-4

                eBook             978-1-5434-8710-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Print information available on the last page.

Rev. date: 09/21/2017

Xlibris

800-056-3182

www.Xlibrispublishing.co.uk

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Contents

Chapter 1 Moving again

Chapter 2 In the air

Chapter 3 Lost

Chapter 4 First day at Hell hole

Chapter 5 Well that just sucks

Chapter 6 Obsession?

Chapter 7 Bear trouble

Chapter 8 Nightmares

Chapter 9 Good News - Bad News

Chapter 10 Babysitter

Chapter 11 Break-ins

Chapter 12 Surprise!

Chapter 13 I must be crazy

Chapter 14 The truth

Chapter 15 Getting to know each other

Chapter 16 Interrogation

Chapter 17 Adam! Danger!

Chapter 18 The rescue

Chapter 19 The escape

12 Years Later

About the Author

Thank you to everyone who helped with this book whether it was just to pick a name or listen to my crazy ideas and encouraged me to pursue writing thanks all of you; you know who you are.

And especially thank you Grandpa for helping to edit my book.

Mommy and Daddy this is for you.

Those striking bright blue eyes!

Our eyes made contact for a split second. In that moment I felt myself get lost in those beautiful blue pools, but I forced myself to look away before I became completely and helplessly lost in them.

Chapter 1

Moving again

I was busy packing the last few boxes onto the back of the jeep. This was yet again another move that was from either Country to Country or State to State. I’d truly lost count of how many times we have moved.

My father is General Joe Traven. He is a 6 foot tall, a slightly overweight but straight backed guy with short steel grey hair and hard grey eyes. He is an impressive man of considerable presence and of course, completely dedicated to the U.S. Army. My Dad was overall an extremely strict person.

Dad! I called out to my father.

Yes Conner what is it? He asked, slightly preoccupied with paperwork.

This surprised me as usually he didn’t answer to ‘Dad’ only to ‘General’ in front of his colleagues

Um…I was just wondering? I said not sure of how to phrase my question.

He gave a small nod for me to continue.

I asked, speed talking. Can we please stay in one place this time? I mean at least till I finish high school. I only have a few months left.

Oh boy, now I’ve gone and done it, I thought as my father’s face turned red. He didn’t seem too pleased with my question and my putting him on the spot like that. I should have just kept my big mouth shut. Stupid, stupid I thought as the silence dragged on.

The suspense was going to make me scream if the General didn’t answer soon. He gave the other officers a look I only knew too well. It was a dismissal. The way he did it told me he wanted to shout at me for embarrassing him, which I seemed to do more and more often. They saluted the General and glanced at me with a ‘you’re dead’ expression as they left. As it was he was already not happy with me for flunking Military school, which I had done on purpose. I detested the Military.

Conner. He said irritated, then sighed.

Um yes Sir. I said trying to soften him up.

For some weird reason my dad liked it when I called him ‘Sir’ or ‘General’

although I sure as hell didn’t like it.

Conner, we’ve spoken about this countless times. You know that being part of the Military and a General I get stationed all over the world, when and for how long depends on whichever Base needs me the most. He said this in a softer tone.

Like he was tired of having the same argument over and over again. In his defence we did have this argument every time we moved!

Yeah, I know General. Sorry. I said feeling down. It’s just that…I would like to finish school in one place and at least not be home schooled. I said trying to display my depression even harder than necessary.

Con. My father said shaking his head.

It worked, he only ever called me Con when he felt guilty which was hardly ever - but he had his moments.

You are just like your mother. He said looking sad and thoughtful. Ok I’ll try and get the Base to keep me on longer if necessary. He continued shaking his head in defeat.

YES!! I said half punching the air.

But I’m not promising anything understood. He said interrupting me killing my buzz.

Thanks Dad that’s all I’m asking for. I said gratefully.

Now finish loading up. We’ve got a long journey ahead. He said dismissing me.

We did indeed have a long trip ahead of us from Nevada to a remote small town called Lincoln, Maine. I loaded the last box and my dad started the jeep. We turned out of the driveway and headed for the jet waiting on the last runway at the Air-Base where we lived. We lived on every Base where the General was stationed.

The General parked the jeep at the back of the plane so that we could load the boxes into the cargo area. That’s when I stopped with my jaw hanging open. There in front of me was my drum set!

Uh…Dad? I asked turning around to look at him completely shocked.

Yes. He replied going on about his own business.

I thought you said you were going to destroy my drums? I asked confused.

Because after I failed Military school my Dad grounded me for life and took away all privileges, which was everything I enjoyed.

Well, maybe I was a bit unreasonable. He said ducking his head.

All I could manage was a dumbfounded look - I was speechless.

Oh I have one more thing for you, well two more things. He said snapping his fingers with a disgusted expression.

One of the soldiers bought out a glass travel tank and gave it to me. It was Spikey, my Brazilian Goliath Tarantula. And on top of the tank my Kindle. I couldn’t believe it; my father didn’t exactly support my choices in hobbies like reading books or practicing my drums for hours. But Spikey he hated! I had gotten him in Brazil three years ago when my dad was stationed there for few months. He was less than thrilled and tried to kill Spikey just because he had almost bitten my Dad after rearing up and warning him off. Of course my Dad didn’t listen and luckily I was able to trap Spikey.

Dad…Wow…Uh…thanks. I said quickly pulling myself together.

Hang on. Where’s my Dad and what have you done with him? I asked with suspicion knowing there had to be a catch somewhere.

The General never let anyone off easy and that included me, especially me.

Now Conner you are still grounded but with some privileges allowed. He said straightening up. You’re allowed 30 minutes on the drums once a week only and as for that disgusting creature. He said emphasising the words ‘disgusting creature’.

Spikey? I asked clutching the travel tank in my arms afraid that my Dad might take Spikey away again.

Yes, well that I can’t do much about. Just keep it away from me, understood. He said frowning.

WOW! Thanks Dad. I said really grateful.

I quickly put Spikey’s tank down so that I could shake my father’s hand.

Thanks again Dad. I said letting go after a long rare connection.

You’re welcome. And you can have your phone back as well. He said taking my cell out of his pocket.

Uh…Dad…Thanks. I said truly beyond shock.

He gave a tiny hint of a smile that just touched the sides of his mouth.

I sighed softly as I watched him walk down the ramp. My father did not believe in showing any physical emotion or affection. It was considered a sign of weakness in his eyes. So when he did I tried to savour every moment.

Chapter 2

In the air

Well Spikey this is going to be a long flight. So please try not to fuss about too much. He’s not going to be so forgiving next time. I muttered throwing in a small mouse as a treat from the container that the soldier had given me.

I was busy checking that the clamps of the tank were closed and that the carrier was secure when man shouted.

HEY KID! You done yet?! He shouted. The pilot wants to take off in a few minutes. He sounded annoyed.

I did a quick scan to make sure nothing was missed then ran down the ramp and saw the guy who must have shouted at me. He looked like a complete snob with his nose in the air when he saw me.

Yeah I’m done. I answered trying not to be rude.

I walked past him and headed for the staircase. I spotted my Dad in the back of the jet. He had his laptop and camera set up for Skype. Jip, he was going to be busy for the whole flight with his conference calls. Funny that computers in the air were somehow allowed for Generals! I settled myself in the third row window seat.

I wouldn’t be able to use my Kindle to download any new books as it was flat and my cell, not that I would be allowed to use it anyway, that privilege didn’t extended to the Generals kids. At least I won’t have to buy any more paperbacks that cost me more than E-books.

The hostess came round to make sure everything was in place and that our seat belts were fastened correctly. She gave me a sympathetic but somehow wild smile when she saw that my seat belt was on and I had a bored out of my mind expression on my face.

My name is Tracey and I’ll get you something as soon as we’re in the air. She said with an over friendly smile.

I just nodded with a slight smile in return. There was something odd about how she acted. It was almost how a teenage girl would act around her crush. The idea made me shudder. I sighed and leaned my head back against the headrest. I hated flying!

The pilot came over the intercom announcing that we would be taking off. I gripped the arm rests my knuckles going white, I closed my eyes tight. Once we were airborne the seat belt sign was turned off. At last - I hated these things it always felt like a straight-jacket I thought to myself as I unclipped the seat belt.

Can I get you anything to drink or eat? She asked eagerly coming out of nowhere making me jump.

Uh…Yeah, a coke and burger please. I said freaked out by her eagerness.

I knew I always slept soundly after eating my favourite meal. I needed it for the flying. And for the hostess.

Sure no problem, right away. She said before bobbing down the passage.

I stared after her then shook my head and looked out of the window at the landscape. My mind started wondering about how close we would be living to the work area on the Base or maybe nearer the main communal living area. Last time we lived on the compound I had gotten into so much trouble. I had gotten drunk - again, stolen the Lieutenant’s jeep and totally wrecked the whole Base causing over $100 000 in damages for which I had been severely punished.

Enjoy. She squeaked putting my food down in front of me and interrupting my train of thought.

Uh…Thanks. I said surprised at how fast she had been.

I looked at the burger wondering how raw it was considering she had made it so fast, unless it was pre-prepped. I wanted to take a sip of my coke but paused as Tracey was still standing in front of me staring at me with burning big brown eyes which was starting to kinda creep me out. I gave a small nod hoping that she would leave so that I could start eating. I hated it if someone stared at me while I ate. She smiled her wild smile then left. I dug in to the burger which was cooked and delicious. My mind going back to the memory that had been interrupted.

I had been a tall scrawny kid with dirty blonde hair and light green eyes. But after Lieutenant Russell and my Dad were finished drilling me by making me repair all the damage that I had caused and then being thrown into Boot Camp, I filled out, a lot, packing on muscles and weight due to a massive appetite to die for as well. I minded as I was always hungry and had to get a whole new wardrobe because none of my clothes fitted my bulk frame anymore but my father was now even more dead set on convincing me that I was made for the Army. I didn’t budge on that so we eventually came to an agreement. I could go to a public school, off Base on the one condition that if my grades and behaviour didn’t improve it would be back to Military School and the Army - Quick march!

I hadn’t realised that I had fallen asleep until I was woken up by the pilot’s voice announcing that we would be landing soon. It felt like minutes had passed instead of hours. My body was stiff from been so still. I straightened up to stretch and noticed that I had a blanket over me and that my plate that I’d put next to me after I had finished eating was gone as well. The hostess must have thrown the blanket over me and taken my plate. I know it was part of her job but there was something more, like she’s nuts. She clearly was trying to show an interest in me but I am definitely not interested in any chicks at the moment and definitely NOT a psychotic Air hostess.

I decided that I would let her down in a gentlemanly way. Even though it was weird I motioned for her to come to me while trying to remember her name – ‘Tracey’ that’s it. Ah man, this wasn’t going to be pretty I thought as she excitedly bobbled down the aisle making her way to me and smiling eagerly from ear to ear. She almost fell into the seat like a crazy chick with a serious crush on a guy just like when they try to jump you.

Yes, can I get you anything else? Anything at all? She asked fluttering her eyelashes at me.

I was a little taken aback by her action and dreading what I needed to do, but it had to be done. I swallowed hard, sucked in a deep breath, nervous and with butterflies in my stomach because ever since my transformation I seemed to get a lot more attention from girls and women and I didn’t like it. They were only interested in me now because I was buffed up and not before when I was all scrawny. I just found it to be an unfair judgemental aspect of society. Ah, guess I’m just old fashioned.

Tracey. I said in a soft kind voice, trying not to be freaked out.

Her eyes brightened at the sound of her name as she smiled so wide that I thought if it weren’t for the ears the smile would go right around her head.

You’re a sweet person but…I’m not dating at the moment. I explained hesitantly. I’m sure you can understand that previous bad relationships can destroy your whole perspective on future relationships. At least for a while and I’m not quite in a healthy place right now. But I’m sure there is somebody out there for you.

What are you talking about? She asked interrupting me.

I let out a small sigh as I stared Tracey in her eyes hoping she would understand and not make this more difficult and pathetic than it already was.

Are you going to just put your whole life on hold because you got burnt? She asked starting to get hysterical now.

No! No but it wouldn’t be fair to you. I quickly explained putting my hand on her shoulder trying to keep her calm and quiet.

Clearly she wasn’t going to make it easy. Guess I was just going to have to lie.

It’s just that I’m only 16 and I wouldn’t want you to get into any trouble.

I whispered lying about my age.

I had turned 18 in February.

Tracey jumped up screeching at me. WHAT!! ONLY 16! How could you let me think that you cared? I hope you burn in hell!!

She stormed off angry. I let out a sigh then looked to the back of the jet at my dad who had a bemused expression on his face.

What? I mouthed shrugging my shoulders.

He shook his head and went back to packing up his work. My father didn’t understand why I wasn’t into chicks at the moment and thought I was becoming gay which was even more reason to send me to the Military to straighten me out. Heaven forbid the General having a gay son, not that I had anything against homosexuality but the General did - he was very old fashioned, if you were gay it would have been beaten out of you, it was just the way he was brought up.

We also had arguments about that as my Dad couldn’t fathom why I supported homosexuality, but I believe you can’t help who you fall in love with and I had even registered under a fake ID to vote for same sex marriages. Which thankfully I have not yet been caught for illegally voting.

The pilot came over the intercom again announcing our descent. What a psychotic woman! Sure I felt a little sorry for her but…Sheesh. Crazy chicks didn’t do it for me. Everything I had told her was more or less true. I had been hurt badly in the past by my ex-girlfriends. I didn’t like to think about it but the memories always found a way to creep up on me when I least expected it, or wanted them to. First of all it was not easy to date when you are regarded as an army brat.

My first girlfriend Amber cheated on me with one of the cadets at the Base who got her pregnant at 14. Of course, everyone thought it to me but I’d never touched her. Luckily a paternity test was done and proved my innocence.

Then Zoe, my second girlfriend. We had met in Brazil while I was busy buying Spikey from the market and discovered that we both lived on the Base. She was my first for everything but our relationship was cut short when both of our parents were transferred to different corners of the earth and we just lost contact with each other after a while.

My last girlfriend Sarah…Well…That…That was the worst because she neither cheated on me nor failed to attempt to keep contact with me. No, instead she was killed right in front of my eyes - that was almost two years ago but it still feels like yesterday.

It’s one nightmare that I will never be able to forget. We were in the Congo, Africa hand in hand taking a stroll around the Base, chatting endlessly about our dreams and what we wanted to become when we ‘grow up’. Sarah wanted to be an actress.

All Sarah’s dreams ended that night. The Base was suddenly attacked and bombed by rebels. We had taken cover near a warehouse when a bazooka rocket hit the building sending us both flying through the air. The force of the explosion had broken Sarah’s neck killing her instantly whereas I had only suffered a severe concussion, a broken collarbone and some broken ribs. I can still see her mangled body and dark green lifeless eyes staring right back at me. She was my first true love, my only love. I will never love any one again.

A few seconds later we were on the runway just as a tear escaped from my eye. I quickly wiped the tear away and pulled myself together before we came to a complete stop. The last thing I wanted was for my father to see me shed a tear. It would be the death of him. Amongst all the other things that I do to dis-please him.

As I got up I saw Tracey glaring at me from the kitchen area. I sighed and continued down the aisle. Women! I thought shaking my head.

They have to be the most complex creatures ever created. I mumbled to myself on the way out.

At that moment the co-pilot stopped me.

Sorry about that. He whispered nodding towards Tracey.

I glanced back at Tracey who was swinging her head from side to side like an indecisive person would do.

She has a personality disorder and her father is the pilot. He explained with what seemed like embarrassment.

But shouldn’t she then not work with the public if it’s uncontrollable? I asked slightly confused.

Yes, but that’s why the pilot only does private jobs…It’s complicated. He muttered ashamed of something.

You don’t say…..It’s no problem Sir no need to stress about it. I said in a reassuring tone.

He relaxed then shook my hand before going to the kitchen where Tracey stood making something. She smiled at him from ear to ear and hugged him as though he was the love of her life. Huh, he wasn’t joking when he said it was complicated I thought when he hugged her back and gave her a quick kiss but she pulled him into her a kissed him back hard.

Chapter 3

Lost

My Dad was already in a loaded jeep. Wow, these guys work fast I thought.

So, where to? I asked getting in.

An apartment just about four miles from the hanger. He said as the driver pulled away.

Cool. I replied knowing there wouldn’t be any further details.

My father wasn’t much for unnecessary conversation. A while later we pulled up to the apartment only it looked more like a small town house instead. Of course my Dad being the General he got the best accommodation on the Base.

Most of the houses looked fairly old with an odd house here and there that had a modern style and a lot of the houses were buried in the forest. I wondered why this Base looked so different compared to all the other Bases that were levelled out and had no vegetation covering and hiding everything.

Ok get unpacking while I send someone to get take outs. He instructed as we park in the drive way.

Sure. I said hopping out of the jeep.

Dad, could we get pizza or Chinese? I asked getting a box off the jeep.

I wasn’t in the mood for burgers again.

Private! He called summoning one of the soldiers that was standing next to the other jeep.

Yes Sir. He said racing to stand in front of the General.

Get pizza or Chinese whichever is available. He said filling out an order book.

Yes sir! The private said taking the page from my Dad.

I headed inside hoping that my room would at least be bigger than the last time. For some reason I always got the small room but I just think the Base gets told a General is coming get the accommodation ready. So then they get the accommodation ready for a single person and then get told oh by the way he has a kid, not a teen or anything like that just a kid and naturally they think I’m a small child. So then they get a slightly bigger place. And to try and complain about the size of the room – let’s just say after an experience it’s not worth it, ever!

Everything was open plan. The TV was on my right accommodated by a lazy boy, a two seated sofa and a small round coffee table. There was a fairly large round table with three chairs in the middle of small kitchen floor. The washroom was to the left of the sink and the back door to the right of it. The refrigerator was across from the stove and counter with the phone up against the wall. Around the corner was the hallway.

The first door on the right was a small bedroom with a double bed, a small bedside table and a dresser. Definitely not my room, a person wouldn’t even be able to fit a fly in there never mind a drum set and tarantula’s large tank. I moved on to the next door. Oh yeah, definitely my room. It was a lot bigger with a desk and a 3 quarter bed. Ah man! I would prefer the double bed as the 3 quarter is a bit small for my tall ass, my feet dangle over the edges - but then again I wouldn’t have any space. At least there was a nice wide window with a windowsill big enough to sit on that looked out onto the side of the yard which had a hedge dividing the garden from the forest.

I dumped the box down on the bed and went to open the window so that fresh air could come in. I left the room and headed down the small hallway to look at the bathroom. Erg, it was so tiny with just a shower, toilet with a basin and a cabinet. I thought this was supposed to be the best house on Base! Generals usually, well are supposed to get the best accommodation on the Base.

Conner! My Dad called out.

I’m coming! I called back.

Dinner’s here. Chinese. He said nodding at the boxes on the table.

Wow that was fast. Thanks. I said surprised at how quick the private had been and the place where the takeaway was from.

Then I noticed my father was in a bad mood. I wondered what put him in such a foul mood as I grabbed my food and started digging in and sat down at the kitchen table. My Dad followed and sat down with a grunt.

Tired? I asked raising my eyebrow. Or is it just old age catching up with you? I joked trying to lighten the mood and also to soften him up so that I could ask for the bigger room.

Huh…ah…Yes, tired and I have to head to the office. He said with a frown.

Strange my father frowned he almost never showed any emotion and never any displeased attitude towards the Military. It was his life.

What - Did some kind of military experiment go wrong? I asked joking trying to lighten his mood.

Why couldn’t the Base just give the General chance to settle in first?

Conner! You shouldn’t say stuff like that. He scowled.

Relax Dad. I get it.