Author's Note: I am so sorry it has taken me this long to update. I promise it won't take this long next time. If I told you where I've been you'd think I was Klinger trying to pull a section 8!! Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews! It totally made my weekend!! I have figured out what is going to happen here in the story. It'll be pretty interesting and many old characters will come back. Two important things though, I am going to start calling Hawkeye Ben. His dad gave him the nickname and it'll still come up from time to time, but you'll see "Ben" more than Hawkeye. Finally, I don't own these characters.
After a long layover in Los Angeles and two connector flights, Ben finally made it to Crabapple Cove. Daniel Piece was standing in the small airport terminal watching for Ben to arrive.
"Dad!" Ben exclaimed wearily.
"Ben, it's so good to have you home," Daniel hugged his son tightly, luggage and all.
"It's good to be home," Ben agreed.
"Well, let's get you back to the house," Daniel and Ben walked towards the airport exit. "Are you hungry?"
"Famished," Ben grinned. As soon as they stepped through the doors, Ben stopped and inhaled deeply.
"Ben?" Daniel stopped and gave his son a curious look.
"I've missed the smell of home," Ben explained.
"It rained this morning, but the sky is clearing up, we'll put the top down." Daniel suggested as he and Ben continued on to the old blue Chevy.
The ride home was full of casual bantering and catching up and Daniel took the scenic route to home.
After Ben was finished eating, Daniel packed up the leftovers and loaded them into Ben's car which had been sitting in Daniel's garage for the last three years.
"You know you're still more than welcome to stay here for a night or two," Daniel offered as Ben loaded his bags in the back.
"I know Dad, I just want to get back to the house and get settled. I'm pretty tired. I'll stop by tomorrow before I go into the office." Ben replied as he slammed the trunk closed. Daniel nodded and stood awkwardly by. "I love you Dad," Ben hurried over to hug his dad before jumping in the car.
"I love you too Ben,"Daniel smiled wistfully. "Why don't you take a few days to get situated before you start working again?"
"I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't start working." Ben shrugged and put the car in reverse.
Daniel nodded and waved as Ben pulled down the driveway.
A few days later, Ben was excited to see a letter from BJ in his mailbox.
Hawkeye,
It was great to arrive home and already have mail from you. We've only been apart for three days! It is so wonderful to be home. The first night back, I sat in Erin's room and just watched her sleep. I'll be starting at the hospital next week. The atmosphere will be such a change, but I am ready to get back to work. I miss the excitement of surgery. Hopefully you've taken some time off, before starting work, to rest.
I spent the morning trying to remember where Margaret said she was going. Emptying that still sure did a number on my head. I am amazed we were all able to stand up for Klinger's wedding. Margaret mentioned she'd be with the 8063rd for a while. I'm not sure how long she'll be there. I think she was headed stateside after that. I couldn't tell you where. Maybe Charles or Potter knows. Why the urgency in finding her? I figured after that good-bye kiss, you'd make it at least a week!
Peg and I were thinking of bringing Erin to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, we'll have to swing up through Crab Apple while we're out there. I'll write you when Peg has decided. Have a lobster for me!! Take care and we'll talk soon.
-BJ
Ben sighed heavily and tucked the letter away. He wondered how long the 8063rd would take to shut down. They always seemed to be disorganized and in need of assistance. Ben knew that if anyone could whip them into shape, Margaret could. Knowing she was going to be stateside, didn't help Ben too much. Margaret was an Army Brat, she could go anywhere once she got here. "I guess I should try to track down Charles," Ben murmured drumming his fingers on his desk. He leaned over and paged his secretary.
"Cheryl, can you please get me the phone number for Boston Mercy Hospital, thoracic surgery department."
"Right away Ben," The secretary replied cheerfully. "Little Andy Cook and his mother just arrived, shall I send them on back?"
"Yes please," Ben smiled and made his way back to the examination room.
An hour later, Ben was ushering Andy and Mrs. Cook out the door when Cheryl slipped Ben a piece of paper.
"That was the last appointment of the day Doctor," Cheryl reminded Ben. "I'll lock up,"
Ben nodded and quietly went back to his office. It was late afternoon, but Ben had a feeling Charles would still be at work. As pompous and slow as he was, Ben had to admit, Charles was an excellent surgeon and didn't quit until the job was done right. He quickly punched in the number and waited for an answer.
After being transferred around and put on hold he finally got Charles on the line.
"Charles, it's great to hear your voice!" Ben exclaimed with his trademark grin.
"Ahh, Pierce," Charles smiled, "How are you doing?"
"Great, great! How about you?"
"Very well, aside from a few residents I have a competent staff and am thoroughly enjoying my work."
"That's great, hey Charles, do you remember where Margaret said she was going after getting the 8063rd consolidated?" Ben asked, turning a bit more serious.
"She mentioned a few weeks of furlow, in which she mentioned visiting her father, and I believe she said he was stationed in northern California." Charles mused. "I am not sure beyond that, the bachelor party you and BJ threw for Klinger…"
"Yeah, I know," Hawkeye sighed. "So I suppose I need to track Colonel Howitzer down."
"Is something wrong?" Charles asked after a slight pause.
"I spent two years thinking of her as Hot Lips Houlihan and one year thinking of her as one of my best friends. It took me an hour and a half to realize that I love her," Ben explained. He laughed a little to himself. "That is the first time I said that out loud. I love her." Ben repeated himself.
"Well, good luck in your search," Charles smiled. "I hope you find her."
"Thanks Charles, take care." Ben grinned. He remembered Margaret saying her father was still stationed at Fort Ord. Maybe fate was going to work in his favor. First thing in the morning he'd call the Colonel.
