"Missed me?" were the first words from Molly as she ducked under Charles's arm and through the front door of the imposing Bath house. He looked over his shoulder and gave that drop dead sexy grin before the front door shut and a giggle was heard from behind the door. "What's funny?" He asked.

"Well it's been over 3 months, I've played this moment time and time again in my head but never have gardening gloves featured in my imagination. Ditch the gloves they're spoiling the moment". Charles whipped off the gloves and tossed them dramatically over his shoulder before grabbing Molly and pulling her into him. Molly let out a yelp in surprise but settled into his embrace and the loving, longing kissed that followed.

"You've come back to me!"

"Well I said I would ... Always"

"God Molly you've no idea how much I've missed you. I want to hear about everything in person and not just by letter".

"Right then that will require a cup of tea I reckon" said Molly before being lead to the kitchen.

"Bloody hell boss this kitchen is about as big as our entire house in Newham!"

"Its nothing special just large and old" laughed Charles as he searched the cupboards looking for mugs. "Bingo" he said dragging two mugs from the back of the cupboard. "My mother is a terrible snob and won't drink her tea out of a mug but I was sure these would still be here. Do you want the wispa or crunchie mug?"

Molly giggled "Are these yours from when you was a nipper?"

"Well one would of been mine and the other would of been Rachel's" Molly raised an eyebrow and Charles realised he never spoken about her. "She's my older sister, bossy, stubborn and well we don't really get on that well"

So they settled down in the sun room sat on two comfy chairs in the late autumn sun. "Molly you look different! You look peaceful and confident. Have you found what you were looking for?"

"What do you mean boss?"

"Well did you find what you were looking for in afghan? Have you finished the journey?"

"Oh boss man I don't know where to start! "

"Molly it's Charles I'm fully discharged now. I'm boss of nobody now. Start at the beginning Molly."

"Well one of my first jobs was to give a lecture in Kabul. Little me with no qualifications to my name stood there talking to a room of people. I was crapping myself that's for sure. Never thought I could give a 30 minuet talk in front of so many people but once I started I was off" she said "Qaseem walked in at the end. I loved that he was there. Gave me so much confidence. We talked afterwards and he told me that he had found Bashira. I couldn't believe it. We talked and I demanded that he took me to see her. He was unhappy but he knew I would go on my own. I was so desperate,you know that. It was part of my journey. In the end he agreed. I was shitting myself driving thought the streets of Kabul. I spent 5 minuets with her Charles that's all but it was enough."

"Tell me the rest Molly"

"What do you mean. That's it."

"There's more I've spoken to Qaseem. I know you've given him your deployment money".

"Well there you go then. 14ks nothing to me but it's everything she needs and I know Qaseem will look after it for her. After that I spent the next 3 months training all the Afghan medics. Can't believe I was a teacher! I'd love to go back to school now and show them. But yes I have found the calmness in my nut. I haven't had a flash back in months, everything feels so much better now. I feel like the whole Afghan thing can be popped in a box and left on a shelf. There is one last bit of the journey to complete though."

"What's that Molly?"

"Hello"shouted a shrill voice from the hall.

"We're in here" shouted Charles. Moments later a woman in her early 60's strode into the room carrying the discarded gardening gloves.

"Found these in the hall" she said. Molly and Charles burst into laughter.

"Mum this is Molly. Molly this is my mum Margaret" said Charles trying to stop laughing.

"Well Molly my dear your the

Medic that was allowed to treat his blisters?"

Molly blushed. Charles pointed out that blisters treating was the least of Molly's talents. With that Charles dad walked threw the door. "Dad this is Molly, Molly this is Richard."

"Well Molly. I'm pleased to meet you. Can't thank you enough for saving this cock wobbles life. That's for sure." Molly giggled it was so funny to see a man of this age say cock wobbles.

"Charles you have no class I cannot believe you would serve tea in these god awful mugs. There are perfectly good cups and saucers in the cupboard." Scolded Margaret

"Sorry Mrs James. That's my fault said Molly. For the last 3 months it's been tin mugs and paper cups for me. I wouldn't trust myself with your fine china."

"When did you get home Molly" asked Margaret.

"We landed late last night. I think it was about 2am when I got to bed."

"Well then my dear it's just as well we've been shopping."

"Why what do you mean?" Asked Molly.

Richard grinned. "I didnt think we'd have another home coming dinner. Can't tell how thankful I am Molly." He said rubbing his hands together in delight.

"What do you mean?" Asked Molly.

"Molly my mothers home coming dinners are legendary your in for a real treat. I'm sure she thinks we live on rations while on tour, I did tell her about the Pizza Hut and Burger King at Bastion but I don't think she believed me".

"Oh my god your doing this for me? Please don't go to too much trouble Mrs James. "

"Molly it's Margaret and nothing is too much trouble for you my dear. Now please disappear and don't come back till 7pm my dears. I've got magic to work. "

"Well that's us told" said Charles reaching a hand out to Molly.