DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.
Just love writing about them!
Chapter Seven
It was quite some time before I heard from Shannon again, aside from a Christmas card or birthday card; I was touched to be remembered. She had been at her teaching position for two and half years by then.
She sent news that Leroy was being deployed overseas. It was clear how concerned she was about his safety. I was both thrilled to know she still cared so deeply for him and worried myself by all that could happen to him and the atrocities he would be exposed to.
Leroy may have chosen the military for a career, but training and practicing in theory is far removed from the real thing. I hoped he was as prepared as mentally as I'm sure he was physically. War or combat of any kind was a difficult situation to be thrust into. I could only shudder at the thought of him having to use his sniper skills in a real life situation.
I replied to my surrogate daughter sending as many comforting words as I could muster. Ending the letter with an invitation to come visit whenever she'd like, I hoped she would.
A few months later, as I was working in the store arranging a display of soup cans, I heard the telltale jingle of someone entering the door. From my position I couldn't see who entered and neither could I be seen, so I hailed, "I'll be with you in a moment."
The sweet voice which had picked up just a touch of a southern accent called out, "Mr. Gibbs? Is that you?" pulled me instantly around the shelf.
"Shannon?" I smiled in greeting. "It is you. My you have grown into a right beautiful young woman. Sure hope that boy of mine has been treating you right."
Blushing slightly and fixing some hair pulling the reddish strands behind her ear, she smiled a bit forlornly. I mentally kicked myself for mentioning my son who had not yet returned from his assignment.
"He's always a gentleman," she supplied softly. "How have you been?"
Approaching her to give her a more warm welcome, I took her hands in mine and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm doing fine," I assured her. In all honesty, other than my hip that was getting a bit stiffer when the weather was bad, I was well settled in my life.
She accepted my sincere response and looked around the store taking it all in, "Not much has changed around here."
Smirking I told her, "In Stillwater not much ever does. People here like the status quo, but we're not completely behind the times."
She noticed my register was a newer model, though still not as fancy as the ones in major shopping venues. This one at least didn't have to be manually cranked after each item was rung up.
I began to look at her more closely and saw a touch of sadness in her eyes.
I couldn't keep myself from putting an arm around her shoulders. That simple gesture broke through her last resolve. She turned into my embrace and quietly let her tears fall. Unsure what to say, at first, I held her and offered what comfort I could.
Giving her a few moments to calm down, I pulled her away just enough to look into her face, "What is it dear?" I inquired.
She wiped at her tears with her fingers, almost surprised they were there and laughed lightly at herself. "I'm just being silly," she chided.
"Guess that depends on what the tears are all about," I hoped she'd open up to let me know. Maybe I could help.
My shoulder became a resting place for her head as she confessed, "I'm just missing Gibbs so much. Every day I pray that he'll be coming home. I've only gotten one letter from him and it didn't reveal much about his situation there."
"That's military, Shan. He can't write about where he is or what he's doing. They can't be too careful, in case correspondence ends up in the wrong hand."
She nodded, but wasn't appeased. I put my hand on top of her head and gave her a kiss on her forehead just holding her until she was ready to pull away.
"Thanks, Mr. Gibbs," she put her hand on my shoulder rubbing the spot her head had vacated.
"Please call me Jack," I implored. "After all these years we can be a bit less formal," I smiled.
"Okay, Jack," she tried it out giving me a bigger smile.
Happy to see her more herself, I offered her something to eat or drink.
"I'd love to have dinner together, if you'd like."
"Sounds wonderful. I was planning some pasta tonight."
"Great. I'll make the salad and some garlic bread," she volunteered.
"You don't have to do anything," I patted her hands releasing her.
"No, I want to, Jack," she said warmly. There was a plea implied, so I put up my hands in mock surrender.
"Fine, I would appreciate your culinary assistance."
Giving me her most genuine smile, she said, "Thanks. I'll see you in the kitchen soon." She left to go into the house where she knew the door was open- small town and all.
I finished up my display. As I conducted my business until closing I continued to wonder what prompted Shannon to come visit me. Was it just missing Leroy? Or something else? I planned to find out over dinner. She was probably hoping to share then as well.
