Today Is the Day

By Deborah Curtin

Pete Alexander's life nearly spins out of control after the tragic car accident that kills his best friend. He falls into the depths of despair and hopelessness. Time eventually starts to heal Pete's internal demons, and he lets his family back into his life. He forms a friendship with their elderly neighbor who introduces Pete to a new world: the shortwave radio. All too soon, impending terrorist plots in America are overheard via the airwaves and those closest to Pete are suddenly the targets of sabotage. He feels a test of faith, challenging his strength of character, and answers an unwavering call to service to become a member of the Marine Corps.

"Today is the Day" shows the determination of one young man who finds his true calling and does not hesitate to "walk the talk" to protect and defend the United States of America. As marine snipers now elevated to Special Ops, he and Tyler O'Brien face the ultimate challenge: to be one with the enemy and follow the snake back to its lair holding the lighted torch of justice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499063608

Deborah Curtin

Deborah Curtin is a lifelong creative graphic design artist and has used many different styles of art in her career. Writing has become a unique canvas for her and an important layer in the process of using words as another art form. She has written many human interest stories for print and currently writes as a columnist for an online publication. Today is the Day is a NaNoWriMo challenge.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

P ete sat up and pulled the ear buds out as soon as he noticed his mom standing in the doorway to his room. It seemed she had been there awhile gesturing and talking to him as he was listening on his iPod to his favorite jam song Ain’t No Better Way by the country band tAke iT or LeAVe It. It was loaded with guitar riffs, and he was lip-synching and miming with his air guitar. Say what, Mom? he asked, flashing an apologetic grin.

She smiled and repeated herself, now with her son’s full attention. Peter, your dad and I are heading out to do some errands. I wanted to make sure you were going over to Mr. Alouette’s house today.

Peter placed the ear buds in his pocket with his iPod. Time’s up, he said to himself as he reached for his sneakers.

He was out in his yard, his mom said. I waved to him, which reminded me of your offering to help him today.

I’m all over it, Mom, Pete answered as he tied his sneakers. I was just psyching myself up to go. His house is pretty dank in there. It’s almost creepy the way he keeps everything.

Myra sighed and nodded, adding, I know. But it was good of you to offer to give him a hand. He’s been struggling since his wife died and he moved into that little house next door. She reached out to close the door to his room, paused, and said, By the way, I think it’s about time the Halloween decorations come down.

Pete glanced around his room at the cobwebs and clutter zones she was referring to and grinned at the motherly hint. Ha ha, Mom. Good one. She smiled and closed the door, leaving her son to contemplate his day.

Pete pulled on a sweatshirt that had been hanging on his doorknob. He looked around the room, sighed, and muttered, Maybe later.

The house was quiet now with everyone gone as he walked into the kitchen. Looking out across the yard, he put his hands on the window frame, leaned forward, and peered through the glass at his neighbor’s house. There were no lights on over there he noticed. It was early yet, and maybe the old guy was still sleeping, he thought. Well, I’ll go over and see, he exclaimed. The sooner I start, the sooner I’ll be done. It’s Saturday, and there are places to go and people to see.

It was a big weekend in town, as the two rival high schools were competing in various sporting events. Tallies of the track and field events, cross-country meet, and field hockey games were now over. It was a tie; both schools were equal in points. Tonight’s football game would be the deciding factor. He could not wait to go. The place will be packed, he thought. And then there are the parties afterward. It was all planned. Okay! he said. Pushing back from the window frame, he walked out the backdoor.

Whistling to himself, he made his way to his neighbor’s house and rang the bell. No answer. He knocked. No answer. He waited a moment and rapped on the door again, more firmly this time. The door finally opened, and a smiling Mr. Alouette appeared.

Young man! Come in. Come in! the old man replied cheerfully. He stepped back and gestured to Pete to enter. I am sorry I didn’t answer right away. He closed the door and turned back to Pete. Well, you’re here and right on time. Pete stared at him blankly. He hadn’t known that there was a time set up for him to be there. His confused look made the old man smile. Don’t worry. My time is any time. I have all the time in the world, he said, throwing up his arms. Your mother is a great lady, and your dad, well, you folks are good neighbors. I thank you for helping me today.

Pete could only nod in reply. Maybe he had been mistaken in his first impression of his neighbor as just an old man with too much junk in a house that needed more than a paintbrush.

I know there are things I need help with today. Down in the basement are boxes that I must go through.

Pete noticed the man’s jaw suddenly became fixed. He seemed firmly resolved about getting to the boxes today. What could be in there that was so important? I’m sure it’s just a lot more junk he thinks he needs to hang on to, thought Pete. Maybe when we get to it I could convince him to throw some musty old things away.

The old man glanced around at the clutter. Well, we’ll get to that soon enough, he said and waved his hand. Follow me. They navigated through the maze of stacked items in the hallway and into a backroom. A small light glowed in the corner. It was the dial on an unusual radio. Pete had never seen a radio as large as this one. In his world, things were getting smaller, such as his iPod tucked neatly in his five-pocket jeans. This was the type of set a ham radio operator used. Welcome to my world! Mr. Alouette said, beaming from ear to ear.

Pete approached the radio with awe and enthusiasm. He had never witnessed anything like it before. The speaker crackled, and he could hear voices broadcasting. He realized that he was listening to radio operators from all over the country. I was in here when you came to the door, said Mr. Alouette. I apologize for not answering right away. Sometimes I get so involved in what I’m doing I forget what time it is. I know my wife could be very patient with me at times, he said wistfully. Some things just don’t leave you when all is said and done. Maybe someday you will understand, young man. Young people need to remember. My radio was my life at one time. It saved me and my men on more than one occasion when hell rained down on us. Pete had no idea what the man was talking about but nodded as if he understood.

Well, enough talk about all this. He waved his hands as if to dismiss the thought. If you think you may have any interest maybe you would like to sit in on a few chats with me and some folks.

I would like that, sir, he answered, now full of curiosity. He realized that there was more to his neighbor than what he had thought.

CHAPTER 2

T hey never did get to the boxes in the basement. Mr. Alouette showed Pete other areas of the house, talking nonstop as they walked. It seemed to Pete the old man’s mission was to tell him things and share stories. Perhaps he felt that he needed to tell someone about his life and all that the years had brought to him. Pete realized it was an oral autobiogr aphy.

The afternoon was getting long, and before Pete knew it, the time for the start of the game was getting close. He apologized to Mr. Alouette, telling him of his plans for the evening. Not to worry, young man. I seem to remember those days myself. I do recall lots of good fun on and off the field. We’ll save all this for another time. If you could come back, perhaps when you’re free, say, next Saturday? I must get to those boxes in the basement. The old man now seemed more determined than ever to accomplish this one big task.

Pete tried hard not to show his eagerness to leave. It had been an interesting afternoon with his old neighbor, but he was anxious to get to the game. Sure! Sure, Mr. Alouette. I can be here next Saturday right about the same time if that’s okay with you. Pete thought he heard the old man sniff a bit. He saw him quickly put his hand up to his eyes as he squeezed them shut.

Mr. Alouette walked to the door and opened it. Enjoy your evening. Have a bit of fun, just not too much fun. I don’t want your mother to call me looking for you! he said with a chuckle. Or heaven forbid, the police! He laughed at his own joke, and Pete felt the sad moment he had just witnessed vanish.

Well, you have a good evening too, Pete said. He headed back to his own house.

Wow, he thought to himself, recalling all that he discussed with his neighbor. Some of it had really grabbed his attention. The whole idea about talking with others from around the world, how cool was that? Definitely, he thought. I can’t wait to sit with him and talk on that radio.

Pete ran upstairs taking the steps two at a time and pushed open the door to his room. Uh oh. Nothing’s changed. Pete sighed, knowing he would put off the inevitable sprucing up once again. Still thinking about the conversations with Mr. Alouette, he quickly changed his clothes and made a mental note to himself to follow through next Saturday.

Descending the stairs, he nearly tripped over his sister who had bent over to pick up the contents of her spilled bag. Oh hey, Ugo with the Uggs. He loved to tease her about her fetish with this particular brand of boots.

Back at you, monster boy, she replied good-naturedly, referring to his obsession with sci-fi movies. Where are you headed all jazzed up for, a night on the town? She eyed his hair, which he had styled into the latest hot look with a bit of gel.

You know it’s the big game tonight, right? Well, I’m meeting up with Devoe, I mean Dave, and we aim to bring some vocal persuasion to the night. It’s gonna be the best! Pete looked once again in the mirror above the hall table set at the foot of the stairs and touched up his hair, smoothing the sides back into place.

Forget Dave, Kara laughed knowingly. I bet Rianne will be there and looking for you, hot shot!

Pete felt his face flush a bit at his sister’s little taunt. Rianne, he knew, was going to be there. He finished getting his coat and gloves together knowing it would be chilly when the sun went down. I’d better get going, K. I got Dad’s car tonight, so look for it in the parking lot when you get to the game. Maybe I’ll see you around.

Or not, she replied.

Pete understood that football and anything near a stadium were some of his sister’s least favorite things. He paused a moment and asked, Hey, just this one time, we could use your girly screams and as many of your friends as you can get to amp things up. How about it? I’ll spring for some pizza later on, he added, trying to change her mind.

Well-l-l-l, maybe, she said, pondering his request. "If and I mean if you see me there, then it’s a deal."

Okay, I’ll see you later! Pete said matter-of-factly.

He quickly rushed out the door just as his sister yelled one more time, "If!"

CHAPTER 3

T he game proved to be too much for their opponents, and Delmar High School, home of the Ravens, ended the rivalry in victory. Packed cars and pickup trucks filled with fans began leaving the parking lots, horns blaring. The crowd of people, young and old, continued to stream out of the grandstand headed to their various vehicles. There were groups of young people everywhere yelling victory shouts, fists pumped in the air.

Pete, his friend Dave, and some of the others were laughing and carrying on, tackling one another in mock fashion as they had just seen on the field. They were excited to be on the winning side, as the curse had been broken. After seven long years, the Ravens had finally won. The trophy would go on display proudly in the school’s lobby for all to see. It was a grand time for the town on this Saturday evening in October.

True to his word to his sister, Pete and Dave headed into town and to Lou’s Best Italian Pizza. She had been a good sport bringing her girlfriends, and they cheered mightily right up to the end of the last quarter. Pete told them to meet him at the pizzeria for their payoff.

Did you see Big Beau sack the quarterback? I wonder what he said when he helped him up? Dave was animated talking more about the game and details of every play. They continued down the main street now filled with cars and people and loud music blaring from every corner. Dave leaned out the window and screamed, slapping the car door as Pete steered into the fray. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another car ran a stop sign. With its engine roaring and tires squealing, it came right at their car and struck them broadside where Dave was hanging out the window. Screams filled Pete’s ears as he tried to avoid the collision, but it caught them unprepared, and he watched in horror as his friend was engulfed in the twisted wreckage. The look of unbelievable despair on Dave’s face would haunt Pete forever.

Later at the hospital, Pete sat and waited for answers. His friend was brought in with massive trauma to his head, neck, and torso. In a moment of jubilation, a young man’s life had been instantly shattered. Pete had witnessed the firemen using the jaws of life to extricate Dave from the wrecked car.

Empty. I am empty, thought Pete. I cannot go back and undo the evening. There is nothing left. Paramedics had told him that he had saved his friend from further harm by prying the door open just enough to free Dave’s arm from the wreckage. By wrapping a T-shirt around Dave’s shoulder and arm and applying pressure, he had stemmed the blood flow and saved his life.

Heaving a huge sigh, Pete stretched his legs and bent over putting elbows to his knees and hands to his face. His mind drifted back to when he and Dave were goofy twelve-year-olds. They got themselves plastic flowerpots and sunglasses. And in the garage one afternoon after school, they dressed up and put on some Devoe music. Their cardboard keyboards were awesome! A project that summer was put to great use for the show. They even had their art teacher conspire for their gig to appear in the local newspaper. Fun times and now this, he thought. He slapped the arm of the chair and shook his head.

Pete’s mom and dad and sister had left some time ago. Dave’s parents sat across the room holding each other. They did not blame him for what happened. They knew it was an accident and thanked him profusely for saving their son. The police had interviewed Pete and reported that the other driver was arrested for having consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.

Stupid! Stupid! he thought. Everyone tonight acted stupid! Pete was distraught thinking about everything. He suddenly jumped up and went out into the night. He took a walk away from it all and nearly was hit by a car himself as he left the sidewalk and crossed the parking lot. A vehicle quickly pulled into the lot, and a girl got out. She hurried over to Pete. It was Rianne.

Pete! she said in alarm. I am so sorry! Are you all right?

Pete was surprised to see her and assured her that he was okay. I’m not myself right now. What can I tell you? This night was so fun. We were having such a blast and then … he paused and said no more, upset with himself once again. Nearly in tears, he began to breathe heavily when Rianne gently grabbed his arm.

It’s all right. You did the right thing. You reacted and saved Dave’s life. It was all anyone could do! She spoke with such compassion that Pete was thankful no one else was around. Crying? Showing tears? He was confused. What was going on? Why was Rianne here?

What are you doing here, Rianne? Pete wanted to know. This girl who he only knew from biology class was here, right here. He had liked her from afar, and here she was with him, alone.

I only thought you could use a friend. Your sister said it would be a good thing, so here I am. She smiled to show her sincerity.

The two young people talked and walked and ended up at the local coffee shop, which was still open at this late hour. It actually felt okay to talk to Rianne and to answer her questions. No judging, just honest talk.

Pete finally realized that they had been there awhile, since their coffee was finished long ago. He told Rianne that he needed to get back to the hospital. Dave was still in intensive care, and he was waiting for the doctor and the family’s okay to see him. Arriving back at the lot where Rianne had left her car, Pete was unsure now what to say or how to say goodbye. Before uncertainty made him look foolish in front of Rianne, she grabbed his hand, reached up, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Goodbye, Pete. Please tell Dave I’m thinking of him and wish him well. If there is anything more I can do at any time, let me know, okay? She said this with eyes that sparkled in the glow of the streetlight. Pete was transfixed by her beauty and the compassion she showed coming out here so late at night. He nodded and looked down to break away from the spell she held on him.

Rianne smiled again, got into her car, and drove off into the night.

Pete stood there for a moment. Wow, he said aloud to no one in particular. What just happened? Still puzzled, he turned around and headed back inside.

Dave’s parents were not in the waiting room. Maybe that was a good sign, and they were in his room, thought Pete. He sat back in one of the chairs and continued to wait. Before long, his head nodded, and he began to drift off.

Mayday! Mayday! Pete sat up and tried valiantly to respond to the one in trouble. Give me your location! he said into the microphone of the shortwave radio.

This is Zulu, Delta, Bravo requesting immediate cover. The Graceland Hot Spot is taking on heat! The code was for a strategic air command post only few knew, since it was critical to the mission.

I have Little Bird at the ready, locked and loaded. He will arrive at 2100.

Pete strained to be heard over the crackling of the airwaves, hoping that his message had gotten through. Garbled communications could not be acknowledged, and he began to feel a slight panic rise and his heart race. Trying to remain calm, he waited until he finally heard the words, Copy that. Will be on alert for the Bird.

Suddenly, a loud thunderous noise startled Pete and awakened him from the dream state he had fallen into. Before the memory faded, he recalled vivid details of dangers that seemed only too real. Another ambulance had just arrived, interrupting the quiet of the waiting area, and the EMTs were wheeling in someone who needed emergency care. He sat up, not moving. This scenario reminded him of the trauma that he had experienced earlier.

It was near dawn when Dave’s parents emerged from the intensive care unit. His mother was crying, while his dad held his arm tightly across her shoulders. They stopped where Pete was sitting, and he immediately got up. How is Dave? he asked with hope tinged with a bit of fear.

The father shook his head, lips quivering. He’s gone, son. My boy is gone. It was a tough go, and he hung on, but it was too much. Too much. My boy is gone.

CHAPTER 4

T he funeral was surreal, and Pete felt as if he were trapped in another dimension. His best friend in the whole wide world was dead. What is it to be dead anyway? How does one comprehend the end? Dreams are never more. Plans are left unfulfilled. What about college and life’s best days ahead? It’s all over in one stupid blink of an eye. One moment, that’s it. He would regret all his decisions that day forever. Until the day he died, Pete vowed Dave would always be his best fr iend.

Pete couldn’t speak to any of the others who came to the funeral. They weren’t there in the car. How could they know? He did not need anyone to judge him. He was doing enough judging to last for all eternity. His parents tried their best to convince him that the accident was not his fault and that things happened for a reason. He could only start to explain his perspective, and then he would get angry and leave the room. He did not know where to put all his anger. It began to lead him to dark places and to people who also held on to their anger for one reason or another.

He distanced himself from his family, including his sister, who somehow blamed herself. If I didn’t make you promise to take me out for pizza this wouldn’t have happened! she cried. Don’t do this! he screamed back at her.

They left him alone, feeling it was better to put some time and distance between the events of last October. The holidays came and went. His eighteenth birthday was just another day. He was barely present during any of it. His look became one of a hollow-eyed prisoner trapped in his own conscience. His studies and prospects of college were diminishing as the days wore on. Even the promise he made to Mr. Alouette was forgotten. The old gentleman inquired about Peter and was told that he needed some space.

Winter arrived with a vengeance. Pete did only what was asked of him and no more. His dad was especially concerned and expressed this to Mr. Alouette when he called their elderly neighbor after the latest snowstorm. The old man was deeply saddened by the heartbreak all were feeling over the loss of such a young man.

I will send out a prayer to God so that his spirit will come to Pete and unburden his heart. He needs to find peace and comfort with the Lord. He seemed to say this to himself knowing it was his trust in Jesus Christ that had helped him when his wife died.

Pete felt he was being consumed by an insurmountable level of grief, and he did not know how to handle it. The final straw came one day when he skipped school to hang out with who he claimed were his new best friends. They started early in the day drinking sling shots. Chaz lived in a trailer park on the outskirts of town with his mother and her so-called boyfriend. The boyfriend always seemed to be lazing around whenever Pete saw him, watching TV and drinking beer. He kept calling Pete Slant for some reason he couldn’t figure out. Yo, Slant. Been gettin’ any lately? he would say with a crooked toothless grin, thinking it was