Chapter 11 Once we were in the car, I gradually calmed down. Preston explained: "General Miller needed to check on an old Army buddy in Boston. I didn't have anything planned, so I hitched a ride with him and Martha." "Talk about right place, right time-we drove past and I could've sworn I saw you sitting there. Almost didn't believe my eyes." Aunt Martha's eyes were still red. She gave a knowing smile: "Oh please. You turned down that big New Year's party at the base." "You were moping around missing Eleanor and everybody knows it." Preston ignored her, turning to look out the window. Before I moved to Boston, we had spent every New Year's Eve together without fail. After a long pause, Preston reassured me: "I'm going to have a serious talk with those Fosters about how they treated you. Then we're getting you out of here." "Once we're back south, we'll figure out your job situation." Aunt Martha wiped her eyes, unable to hide her anger: "I'm coming with you to face those Fosters!" "Seven years ago, nobody at the base wanted to let you go!" "They made all these promises about treating you like their precious daughter!" "I need to give them a piece of my-" "Please don't," I said quietly. "Me leaving is enough." "I'm an adult now. I can choose where I want to live." I didn't want to see them again. Preston looked at me silently. Finally, he reached through his sleeve and held my wrist. "Eleanor, don't be sad." Everyone at the base has been waiting for you to come home." My nose stung as 1 nearly started crying again. That empty space in my heart from the past seven years finally began to fill. I nodded: "Okay." Aunt Martha hugged me tightly: "Oh, sweetheart, you must have been so miserable all alone." General Miller had a small apartment in Boston where we stayed. When he heard what happened, he was furious-his face turned ashen as he pounded the table, ready to confront the Fosters immediately. After much persuasion, he reluctantly gave up the idea. Then he addressed my work situation: "Don't worry about your job." "We'll get you transferred to a hospital near the base. I know just the people to call." "Come on home with Uncle Joe, kiddo. Who needs those phonies when you've got us?" My eyes were still red from crying, but I couldn't help laughing at his attempt to cheer me up. That night, as I lay in bed, Preston-never one for many words-insisted on making a pallet next to my bed to stay close. Aunt Martha made me a sweet, warm drink that she said would help me sleep. For the first time in years, I slept soundly through the night. Since General Miller rarely visited Boston, he wanted to see several old comrades while we were there. He said we'd all head back south together after a week. During the holiday break, Preston finally had some rare time off from his demanding schedule at the base. General Miller took us both to visit an old war buddy in the hospital. The man knew Preston was a Captain but didn't recognize me. General Miller proudly announced: "This is my daughter. Jealous, aren't you?" The two old friends laughed and caught up. The veteran in the bed, missing one leg, looked at Preston with rheumy, red-rimmed eyes. He couldn't help Chapter 11 mentioning Preston's parents who had died in Vietnam, reminiscing about their camaraderie on the battlefield. General Miller didn't want to interrupt his friend, but worried about upsetting Preston. He shot me a look. I stood up and tugged at Preston's arm: "It's still snowing outside." "You've never seen snow in the south. Let's go check it out." Preston silently rose and followed me out. As we stepped into the hallway, we came face to face with Carter, who was helping Vanessa walk. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.