Vehicles were packed, and ready to go. Horatio and his team were granted a weeks paid vacation for all the hard work they had done on the Padilla had booked a cabin an hour outside of Orlando; it was a five-hour drive.
Horatio was reluctant to go, because he felt he needed to be at work. He was the Lieutenant after all, but he needed this vacation. He needed to clear his mind and recharge.
Calleigh was especially excited. It brought back childhood memories of her time spent in the south with her father. Eric, Speed, and Horatio had never stayed in a log cabin. Alexx had been camping numerous times with her family. Frank was an outdoorsman, and loved being in the woods. He just hoped this log cabin was made for more that five people. He liked his personal space. Lauren loved camping out in the woods. Her father always used to take her camping when she was little.
"This is going to be so much fun," Calleigh said cheerfully. "I just love the outdoors. My daddy use to take me outside camping and shooting in the woods all the time."
"Yes! Me too," Lauren said shutting the trunk to her Ford Explorer. "All right, let's get going." Alexx was driving with her husband and kids; Eric and Calleigh were riding together; Speed, Lauren, Horatio, and Frank were riding together.
"Yes, let's get going. I'm ready for this vacation," Eric shouted as he got into his black GMC Yukon.
"Lauren, sweetheart come here a minute," David said coming out of his house.
"Hold that thought guys." She headed in the house to see what her father wanted. "What's up daddy?" She saw he had a small box in his hands, but couldn't make out what it was.
"Lauren, honey I know I can't stop you from doing what you want to do. You're an adult now, so if you and Speed are going to do it, wrap it." Lauren's face turned bright red. She was slightly embarrassed. Her father handed her a box of condoms. He was always straightforward with her. Sugarcoating was his game. Lauren liked that about him even if it meant being embarrassed.
"Um… thanks dad… I guess," Lauren said nervously.
"Sweetheart, I know it's awkward, but I just want you to be safe. I don't want to hear the pitter-patter of little feet running around here anytime soon or until he puts a ring on that finger. You hear me?"
Lauren smiled. "Yes dad. I hear you loud and clear. I don't want that either. You think Speed is the one?" she asked.
David smiled at his only child and said, "You smile every time he comes into the room. Your eyes light up every time you talk about him. He's the same way with you sweetheart. So yes, I think he's the one, but give it some time first. Don't rush things."
"I know daddy. I won't. I promise. Well, I guess I better get going Delko's getting antsy and we have a long drive ahead of us."
"Yes, I know. Go have fun, and if you need anything I'm just a phone call away." He hugged his daughter and gave her a kiss onto the forehead.
"I will, and thanks for these," she said laughing about the box of condoms as she slipped them in her handbag.
"You're welcome, and remember to use them if it happens!" David watched his daughter walk out to the awaiting cars; he waved to everyone out there and they waved back.
"All right guys let's get going. I'm so ready for this vacation," Eric said sticking his head out the window.
Speed walked up to Lauren, and opened the door for her. He said he would drive but she insisted. Before shutting the door he asked, "What did your dad want?"
Lauren blushed. "Tell you later." She handed him her bag and hopped in her SUV. "All right, who's ready for a road trip to Northern Florida?" Lauren shouted out the window.
"Let's go shortstop!" Eric shouted from his vehicle. Shortstop was Eric's nickname for Lauren, being that she played softball; her positions were shortstop and third base; she occasionally was a catcher. "Lead the way."
"Yeah, because if you did it'd take ten hours instead of five!"
"Very funny, Lauren!" Eric shouted back; he was smiling from ear to ear. She put her SUV in gear and drove off.
"Oh Lord help me," Frank said grabbing the hand rest to his right.