Chapter 1
She took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door to find Hasil leaning against the kitchen counter. As she expected, he was packed and ready for his journey. He wasn't one to waste time when something needed to be done.
Sally Ann sighed; avoiding his gaze she asked "You all packed and ready?"
Hasil nodded, his eyes seeking hers. Though she was trying to be strong, he recognized her disguised worry. "Yeah, I expect it'll be a short trip. I'll be home just as soon as I can"
Still avoiding his gaze, she nodded. "I know. Don't worry about me, just …be safe."
Hasil nodded and stepped toward her, "I will."
Sally Ann took a deep breath and handed him the small bag she had carried from the bathroom. "Take this with you. It's the Aleve and the sports crème to help with your aches and pains from the fight. And bandages and ointment for your cuts…try to keep up with the twice a day routine if you can"
As Hasil started to speak, she questioned quickly "Did you pack any food? You should pack some food, in case you have to go the long way around" She turned her back to him and opened the cabinet, pulling out cans of food. "You can take a few days worth…" Sally Ann stopped as she felt his breath on her neck and his hands on her shoulders. She leaned back into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, taking deep breaths until the pounding in her chest slowed.
Hasil held her close and with his lips touching her ear asked "What are you worried about?"
Sally Ann turned in his arms, finally calm enough to meet his eyes "You." She whispered. "Last time you went up the mountain, one of your cousins got shot. I know you have to do this, but I'll be worried till you make it back. Can't help it." Hasil kissed her forehead and pulled her close. "I'm sorry, I don't like worrying you. I give you my promise; I'll take care and be safe."
Sally Ann nodded, and pulling back to look up at Hasil asked "What are you worried about?"
"You, Darlin." He whispered. "I don't like leavin you alone" Touching her face, and looking down into her eyes - Hasil marveled at her beauty.
"I'll be fine Babe." She said "Promise. Frieda is taking me to the library tomorrow for that insurance thing, and I'll just work on our list. Insurance and car are next up. Doing research will keep me busy. I won't buy anything until you come back."
Hasil nodded and said "I trust you, do what you think is best – don't wait on me if you can get some things settled for us" Sally Ann nodded and leaned up to kiss him, then said with a smile. "Let's get some food packed so you can get going. Ain't no need for a bunch of long goodbyes" Hasil laughed and pulled her close to him.
As Sally Ann stood in the window and watched him walk away, she felt a tightness in her throat. She said a silent prayer for the man she loved, and told the baby "Your Fa will be back soon"
Startled awake by the phone, Sally Ann answered with a sleepy "Hello?"
"Why does it sound like you're not up and dressed?"
"Hey Frieda, what time is it?" Sally Ann asked, almost positive she heard Frieda roll her eyes through the phone. "Its 9 o'clock and I'm on my way, we gotta be at the library by 10 o'clock!"
Sally Ann sat up, she needed to get moving. There was a workshop on Obamacare at the library today, and she was hoping to find out if she was eligible for a special enrollment. "I'm sorry; I'll be ready in 15 minutes"
"I'll stop and grab some breakfast sandwiches and coffee" Frieda said.
"Thanks Frieda, but no coffee for me – caffeine isn't good for the baby"
"You need to be awake for this, it's important. Tired as you sound, you'll need some coffee. Don't worry, the book says it's okay to have caffeine as long as you keep it to less than 200mg per day. "
Sally Ann smiled, "What is this book you keep talking about?"
"The Trans Guide to Vicarious Pregnancy. Auntie Frieda has been reading up, I got this. Get your ass up, see you in 20 minutes!" Sally Ann smiled and shook her head. That girl is crazy, and in a very short time she had come to love her dearly.
She looked down at the home screen on her phone and saw Hasil's face smiling up at her. She hadn't slept well without him. After tossing and turning for hours, she finally grabbed one his shirts from the hamper and slipped it on. That was enough to quiet her mind and she finally drifted off to sleep.
"I miss you Hasil Farrell" She said aloud, then placed her hand on her belly and greeted the baby. "Good morning little one, let's start our day. Auntie Frieda is on the way with breakfast!"