Thank you for your reviews. And thank you to people who have expressed that they want to help the troops in some way. You've put a smile on my face and I know you'll put a smile on someone's heart one day. Trust me when I say, it's absolutely so rewarding. Also, if you're not in the US, you're not without a military. If you're in England, you have plenty of troops who are over in Afghanistan right now, too. Just do a search on the internet and see what you can find. I don't know much more about other countries, but you can find out a ton with just a few words. People need reminding that they're important. I know I say this in almost every chapter, but you don't have to support a war to support a soldier. I love what I do and I know it makes a difference. I could put some of the emails I've gotten from these people on here, if it wasn't a privacy thing, and you can see it. That's the thing. This story is meant to put a smile on your face and show you how it is for those who are deployed. Maybe it's not completely accurate, but I try my best. Somewhere right now, there is someone reading a letter from home, smiling at it as they hold it close to them, knowing someone cares. And to me, that's a great reason to write a story. Don't you think? It's amazing.

Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

"Cassidy, we're going for a week!" Ally cried as she opened the trunk to her friend's car, seeing hardly any room for her one suitcase. Three large pink suitcases were sitting in the back, almost bulging from whatever was in them. From the front of the car, Cassidy shrugged innocently. "Really?"

"No one is going to be in the backseat. Put yours there."

Ally grumbled, slamming the trunk closed and pulling open the back. She tossed her one suitcase inside, and then dragged a rather large box filled with things for Dez in next. It was mainly comfort items, things that Austin told her he liked, and food that he knew he'd enjoyed when it was sent. Other things were cards that customers at the diner signed, with gift cards and money that they'd raised to help him along for when he did get out. More than likely, he'd be medically retired from the army, and would take some time to find a job. Either way, he would appreciate the support.

"Ready to go?" Cassidy asked from her seat, slipping on a pair of pink sunglasses and swinging her hair around her shoulders. She looked ready for a roadtrip, in nothing more than a pair of shorts and a tank top, her windows down and the music already playing. Ally had reminded her twice that they would be going north, where winter meant that it was cold. She only hoped she listened and packed some real clothes for when they left the state.

On the other hand, she was dressed in a pair of jeans, a t shirt, and her dog tags, her hair in a ponytail with no make up on. A fifteen hour drive was ahead of them, and they didn't plan on stopping for more than food, and gas. Switching the miles meant they could catch some sleep along the way, but it still was going to be a long trip. It was barely six am as Ally slipped into the seat, grinning at her friend as she closed the door.

Leaving Florida would be the best part of the day for once.

An hour later, and they had just stopped for snacks at a service station along the way. They were still in Florida and had about another hour or so before they'd be even out of the state, but Ally had an idea. She was glancing at the post cards and little gifts that the shop had, wondering if maybe that would help both Dez and maybe even Austin. She quickly grabbed two post cards, and two stuffed animals that said Miami on their foot. Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "You live in Florida," she reminded her.

"Its for the boys," she explained quickly, handing it to the cashier. "We are going on a roadtrip to see a friend and are going to be able to tell this story for years to come. Might as well make it special, right?"

Her friend grinned. "Alright. Sounds fun. We should totally take a picture at each state sign that we pass, too."

"Pictures!" Ally grinned, picking up her things and following her threw the door. "I almost forgot. That is going to be so important."

Cassidy nodded as she started the car and pulled back onto the highway. She turned on some country music, which both girls loved, rolling the windows down as the temperature rose for the day. She was laughing and singing along to the song Cruise as they picked up speed. "DC, here we come," Ally whispered.

A few hours later, and they crossed over the Florida line, to the Georgia line. Ally posed with the sign, holding up her hands and smiling at the camera. Cassidy did the same, and they ran around for a few minutes to keep from going stiff. It was almost ten at this point and the traffic was picking up. They quickly continued to drive, grabbing more gifts from shops as Georgia became South Carolina, and South became North.

They were stopping for gas and some more food, and switching drivers when Ally noticed him. He was sitting at the entrance of the door, his clothes dirty and his face tired. If Ally would guess, he looked about thirty. Normally, she would avoid anyone homeless because she didn't have anything to give, but the hat on his head made her freeze. It said OEF Veteran on top, the only thing that looked to be kept well. "Cassidy," she muttered. "He's a veteran."

"Oh."

Cassidy looked uncomfortable.

"He looks like he needs help," she said.

"Ally, we're not giving him a ride anywhere," she insisted.

"No!" Ally said, shaking her head. She never meant that. She dug around her pockets, taking out a couple twenties and went inside. She quickly grabbed some sandwiches, a drink, and a calling card, as well as a t shirt that said North Carolina, and a jacket for when the sun went down. It cost her about thirty dollars, and she walked outside, with the change in her hand.

Cassidy was still unsure, and she stood back. Normally, Ally wouldn't have even noticed what the hat meant if she had never met Austin. But now she saw them everywhere, they stood out like lights that showed warmth. "Excuse me," she said carefully, holding the bag with the items behind her back. "I'm sorry to bother you."

The man looked up. He had a pair of blue eyes that were some of the brightest she'd ever seen. "Hello," he said uncertainly. "How can I help you, miss?"

Ally smiled warmly, pointing to her hat. "I noticed you served in Afghanistan."

"Yes miss. Two tours." His own smile grew, proud of what he'd done.

"I apologize for being so direct, but I notice you look like you could need a little help," she explained, hoping her words wouldn't offend him. She pulled the bag up to her side, showing him the contents. "I… I apologize. My boyfriend is currently serving in Afghanistan and we're actually on our way to visit a friend of his who got hurt over there last month. Anyway, I noticed your hat and thought maybe I could help a little. Thank you for your service."

He almost beamed. "I couldn't accept this," he whispered, glancing at the items inside.

"I'm Ally," she said, showing him another smile as her hand stuck out. "Nice to meet you. Please take the items."

"I'm Brandon Garry," he said carefully. "SGT Garry," he added after a moment. "A bit tough for me right now."

"Then please, take the items," she said again. "You served us." She motioned to Cassidy, who had come closer once the two had started the conversation. "Let us thank you. There is some food and some clothes inside. There is also a calling card and a small amount of cash. I know it's not a lot, but maybe there is a place for you to lay your head tonight nearby?"

He blinked and Ally swore she saw tears. "I apologize," he said, as he wiped some away. "You see, I have not done as well since coming home. I lived on base until my time in the army was up."

"Where do you live now?" she couldn't help but ask.

"I wander," he admitted.

"SGT Garry, you don't have to live like this," she insisted. "There are places across this country who will help you," she said, thinking about Joye's little slice of home.

"It's a little embarrassing," he muttered. "I couldn't impose."

"You'd never impose," she assured him. "There are reasons these places are around."

He shrugged. "Perhaps," he said after a moment. "Thank you, Ally."

She smiled warmly at him. "Thank you, SGT Garry."

He stood up, glancing at the calling card. "There is a computer inside. Maybe I could find out about this and … maybe go there. Maybe."

He still seemed unsure, but she knew that once the sun fell behind the clouds that night, it would get quite cold. Even with the new clothes, he would freeze. SGT Garry looked at the doors and then back at Ally one last time. "Thank you again," he said quietly. "Best of luck to you and your friends."

Ally smiled at him and then went to the car with Cassidy, who still seemed to not have words. Ally carefully slid into the driving seat. "He made so many sacrifices over the last few years and already has done so much. No one should have to sleep on the ground, especially not someone who served," she said quietly.

Cassidy smiled. "You're one of the best people in the world."

"No," Ally insisted, but shrugged. "It's just… important."

Ally had never given much thought to anything like this before she met Austin. Now she saw it everywhere and wanted nothing more to help. He opened her eyes in the best way possible and she was thankful for that.

As they drove through Virginia, both girls got quite excited. According to the GPS, they only had a few hours left before they would reach DC. Ally glanced at the clock, seeing it was a little after six pm. They would stop for dinner and then get back on the road, driving until they reached the medical center, who would house them in what was sort of a hotel for visitors staying more than a day or so. She wouldn't see Dez until the morning, but it didn't matter. They were there. Almost.

As Virginia faded into DC and Ally led the way to where the hospital was, they might as well have been jumping in their seats. Exhausted they were, but the excitement was too high to really notice after a nearly seventeen hour trip. They were checked into the hotel like place after eleven, getting their room and getting the badges they would need to be able to walk around a heavily guarded hospital. Almost everyone she saw that was not a visitor was in military gear, whether it be a nurse or a doctor, or even just the staff who kept watch of the hospital.

Ally quickly set up her laptop and wrote a quick email to Austin.

Austin! We're here. It took what felt like days, but we're finally here. It's too late to see Dez tonight, but we let Trish know that we've arrived and we're meeting her for breakfast with Dez first thing in the morning. We'll send pictures once we've slept. I hope you're doing well, I miss you so much. Counting down the days until I see you again!

Ally

"I don't want to sleep," Cassidy admitted, shaking her head. "We're in DC. Do we have to sleep?"

"You have been up since five am," she laughed. "Go to sleep. We can explore the area and see them in the morning. I don't want to be a zombie tomorrow."

With that, the girls fell asleep.

The next morning, the sun awoke both girls early, even though they were still pretty tired. The rush of the day meant they needed to be up though, and both took quick showers and prepared to meet Dez's girlfriend at the waiting area near the main entrance. Ally dressed warm, as it was quite cold up here, in jeans and a long shirt and a jacket on top. Cassidy grumbled about the weather, but did the same and they were out of the door by eight am.

As they found their way through the large building, they ended up being almost a half hour early to where they were supposed to be. Ally spent the time looking up places to visit on her phone and they agreed to spend one of the days they were here enjoying the sights with her friend, and maybe even her new ones. Suddenly, she heard her name being called.

"Ally!"

She looked up to see a small, Latina girl with crazy curls running her way, a smile wide on her face, dressed in bright colors. Trish stopped just before them, opening her arms for a hug. "Nice to meet you," Ally said with a nod of her head. "We're so happy to finally meet the girl that we've heard so much about."

"What's he been saying about me?" she said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "I told him I don't care how hurt he is, I'll still kick his ass."

Cassidy laughed first. "I like her."

"Well," Trish said. "Either way, it's nice to meet you. Dez talks highly about you both. He's getting ready up in his room, we'll go pick him up in a few minutes." Her smile faded momentarily. "He hasn't been out of the hospital much since the accident. He doesn't like the wheelchair and how people stare at him. It's quite odd considering he usually loves all eyes on him, but… this is different."

Ally nodded. "So, where are we going?"

"I know you guys work at a diner, but there is one up ahead that we've been to a couple times since being here. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," Cassidy grinned. "So, is there anything we should know?"

Trish had them follow her toward an elevator. "He's still pretty weak. His speech is slowly getting better, but if you notice him pause mid sentence, it's because he doesn't remember the word that he wants to say. Sometimes, by the sentence you can tell and just say it, because it helps, but if you have no clue, it does get harder. He'll often just drop the conversation when that happens, but I've been trying to get him to find another word instead of getting frustrated. That's what his speech therapist suggests. It works sometimes. Every day is a challenge, unfortunately."

She paused, hitting a button on the elevator.

Ally smiled. "Well, it'll be fine, I'm sure."

"He's excited to see you guys. I mean, I don't know what he looked like when you saw him before, but his hair is slowly growing back from the accident. It's actually even more red now, which I find weird, but everything about that boy is, so I have stopped wondering at this point. He's lost some weight too, so now he looks even more like a stick, and … that's about it." She stepped onto the floor and Ally and Cassidy followed. "We're almost there." She paused once again, looking at the girls. "Listen," she said lowly, "I'm not sure how much of Walter Reed you know about, but you're bound to see a lot of wounded people here. Some have more physical injuries than others and it can be quite a shock. I just suggest you try not to stare. I know it's hard, and it was hard for me at first too, but it makes them uncomfortable. Especially when it's an adult and not a kid."

Ally swallowed. She didn't even think of that. "Alright. We can do that."

They got to his room and Trish opened the door. Dez was sitting on the bed, his hands holding what looked to be like a phone. He looked up when he saw everyone and the brightest smile she'd seen in weeks lit up his face. "This would be the Ally Dawson that has stolen my best friend's heart," he spoke confidently. "God, do you know how … pissed he's going to be when he finds out I've seen … her again… first?"

Ally laughed. "Nice to finally meet you, Dez."

He slid toward the end of the bed and opened his arms wide. Ally took a step closer, noticing a large scar by the edge of his ear that went up toward the top of his head. The hair hadn't grown back there yet. "Nice to meet the beautiful girl… he's talked of," he whispered as they hugged. "And thank you."

"For what?" she asked.

"Coming," he said simply. "I apologize … Trish… you've met."

Ally noticed the words were jumbled but quickly got the point. She didn't miss a beat. "Oh, stop, she's not that bad," Ally laughed. Trish's face, which grew tense momentarily, melted into a relieved smile at the response her new friend had given to the sentence. She pretended to shake a fist at her boyfriend. "She's really nice. I'm glad we're here."

Cassidy stepped forward. "Hi!"

"Hello," he said carefully. "You must be…"

"Cassidy," she supplied. "I'm the one who makes all the good food."

"That's not true!" Ally laughed.

"I need something," she argued. "You're the one everyone knows so well."

Dez actually laughed. Trish seemed thrilled to see his expression. "The food you send is delicious," he told her honestly. "But I'm starving. Are we going to breakfast?"

Trish nodded, coming forward and quickly helping him into the wheelchair. It was an expensive one with hand controls. He quickly got himself situated and was out the door before anyone else. "Come on, I'm the one who is injured and you're taking your sweet time," he yelled. Ally heard a nurse tell him to be quiet and he just laughed.

"He's excited," Trish explained. "This trip has had him in the best mood since arriving. He practiced that sentence about meeting you again first for a week so that it was perfect," she explained as they followed him to the elevator. "I know he cares a lot about your opinion because you are with Austin."

Ally was surprised to hear this. "My opinion? I'm no one special."

Trish shook her head. "You're quite special. You've got his best friend's heart."

Ally blushed. "If you say so."

Breakfast at the diner in DC was quite nice. It was nice not to be the waitress for once and to actually enjoy the food they were eating without having to rush back from a break. Dez did most of the talking, surprisingly, but it was clear he struggled at times.

Currently, he was telling them a story about when they first arrived at the base in Afghanistan and the spider that sent all of them onto the top bunks of the room. "It was about the size of a small dog," he laughed. His hands moved around, trying to show the size. "It… it uh…"

Trish's smile faded. "The spider," she reminded him.

His face grew red, but he continued, "The spider… it was one of those camel ones. They're huge and disgusting. So, we're all up on the bunk, holding our guns at it… like … we were going to…"

"Shoot it," Trish added.

"Yeah, and so Rocky actually fired the gun and about half of the uh…"

"Base," Trish supplied.

"Comes running in. And the ones who don't notice the spider … are pissed," he laughed. "But the ones who do almost nod… like they understand. He got in a ton of trouble. We were told that if it ever happened again, we'd face serious…"

"Repercussions," Trish finally added. Dez looked at her with a relieved smile. In that moment, she saw the love the two shared. They often poked fun at each other, mainly Trish at Dez, but when they met each other's smile right then, she saw how much each truly cared.

"That's hilarious," Cassidy finally said. "I can't believe a bunch of tough army men are afraid of spiders."

"Wait until you see one," Dez argued. "They're horrible."

"Don't let her kid you," Ally laughed too. "She runs when she sees a little one comes into our job."

"Hey!"

"And she's also fallen into a sink before."

"Really, Ally!"

Ally just laughed. "Oh, come on. It was funny."

"So, I was thinking that we could maybe take a little tour of DC while you guys are here," Trish said. "We haven't explored it too much and want to, and if we made a group thing out of it, maybe it would be even more fun. I don't know about you, but I want make the best out of being here."

"We were thinking about it ourselves," Ally agreed. "Whenever is good for you guys, is good for us. We're here until next week, after all."

"Yes," Dez said happily. "Let me free. Let me out of that place!"