Saying Goodbye

“Don’t cry babe; you know I hate it when you cry.  It’s only for a few months, then you’ll be up with me for a few days.  This isn’t goodbye, this isn’t the end.  This is just a see you later.”

Strong arms pulled her close to a muscled chest that was warm with his heat.  Brown eyes closed, the girl pressed her face against his chest, inhaling the woodsy smell blended with Irish Spring that made his unique smell.  She could even faintly smell the Gain used to wash his uniform.  Under her ear his heartbeat was steady and slow, a constant rhythm that confronted her and reminded her of the nights spend together.  A tear leaked passed her closed eyes and made its way down her tanned face.  There would be no more nights like that, nights filled with whispered words of love, screams and moans of lust, and roaming hands over contrasting bodies.  His hands, stronger and rougher feeling then her own soft hands but only slightly larger, gently ran up and down her back as he whispered sweet nothings in his northern accented voice.  In the background she could hear news on the televisions and heels on the stairs as women made their way into the airport.  

They stood there, locked in their embrace.  Her head was tucked under his chin, and she could feel the scratch of his stubble against her forehead when she moved.  He hadn’t taken the time to shave this morning.  His shoulders were hunched as they usually were when they hugged or cuddled, and his face was resting into the wild nest of curls that she called hair.  

There was a gleam of gold as the white artificial lights from overhead reflected off the emerald ring.  The girl lifted slender arms and wrapped them around his muscular frame, grabbing onto the green camouflage jacket wore.  She clung to the rough material, holding onto it for dear life.  Surely it wasn’t the twenty-third yet.  It was still the third or something.  He wasn’t scheduled to leave yet.  “I wish I could get a time machine and go back in time.  I wish we could just freeze time.”  The words were whispered in a shaky voice.

A small chuckle made her smile through the tears.  “I remember you saying something similar the day we met.  Maybe one day someone will find a way to grant you your wish.”

“Won’t do me any good then, would it?  I want it now, not four years or four decades down the road.” 

“True because by then you’ll be back with me.”

The girl looked up, the green camouflage hat slipping backwards on her auburn hair.  Chocolate eyes met a stormy blue-green pair.  For once, both of them were wearing their contacts.  She could see the love and sadness in his beautiful eyes, the longing to stay here for another few days.  She could also see the happiness.  He was going home to his children, who meant the world to him.  More tears came to her eyes.  As much as she wanted to be selfish and keep him here with her forever, those two adorable little kids needed their father more than she needed her boyfriend.  She could take care of herself, and although she would miss him, she could fly to see him on her breaks.

She leaned forward as he leaned down slightly.  Honestly being the same height in a relationship was easier than one being taller.  It made kissing much easier.  A smile came to red lips as their lips met in a tender kiss.  It wasn’t like the kisses they usually shared: rushed, passionate, wet.  This was soft and sweet, a gentle meeting of lips, a sharing of comfort and love.  Her arms came up to his neck, playing with the dirty blond strands of silk at his nape.  He groaned as his arms pulled her close to his body.  She could taste the cinnamon gum, chewed on the ride here, and the sweet tea they shared an hour earlier.  

Swish. The doors to the airport opened, letting in the sounds of traffic on the streets and the smell of rain on the sea breeze.  

They pulled apart and simply smiled at each other, still in an embrace.  What a sight they must make.  Dressed in a green tee shirt and khaki cargo shorts, he stood with a green bag and black case at his foot and his dog tags hanging in plain sight, hair tousled from the kiss.  She was similarly dressed in an oversized black tee, one of his shirts she stole, blue jeans, a green hat on wild locks, and an expensive emerald ring on one hand.  The airport personnel should be used to scenes like this one, which was probably why they were not looking at them.  Serving a military town meant dealing with military departures and farewell scenes like this were common for them.  It was the few people waiting for loved ones and those waiting for departure that watched them with smiles both sad and happy.  It was so hard to find love in this crazy world, and she was proud that she had found her man even if it was by accident.  

“I’ve got to go, babe.  I don’t have a choice. I’ve got to get through security.

She nodded, tears coming back to her eyes.  The time had finally arrived.  There was still so much left to say and not nearly enough time to say it all.  She gave him a short kiss, looked into cloudy green eyes, and smiled.  “This isn’t goodbye, and this isn’t the end of us.  I’m the daughter of a Marine and the daughter of an Army brat.  Fighting for what I believe in and what I want is literally in my blood, and I want you, this relationship.  Nothing like distance is going to make me give you up, not even four thousand and some odd miles.”

He nodded and kissed her again.  “I’m counting on you to keep that promise.”

He took his hat back with a sad smile and started for the gate.  He turned back with a grin.  “You know I love you, right?   That promise on your hand is a reminder of that.  One day that emerald will become a diamond ring.  Text me when you get home, and drive safe.”  

With those shocking words, he walked toward the gate leading to security. 

“Baby?”  

He looked over his shoulder, eyes blurry with tears.  

“I love you too.  Be safe, and come home to me in one piece.”

“Always.”

The tall brunette girl stood there, watching until he disappeared from her sight.  The entire time, she was holding a picture close to her heart.  With one last look behind her, she walked outside and into the pouring rain.  Looking up, she closed sad brown eyes.  He was right.  This wasn’t goodbye; it was just a see you later.  Thanksgiving was only two months away.