Dear Santa...it's Little AJ - Part 3/11
See part 1 for all disclaimers
Tuesday December 16
JAG
9:58 AM
It had been almost three weeks since Mac left. AJ wasn't the only one who was missing her. In Harm's off hours he was a wreck. His TV was constantly on ZNN and his car radio tuned to NPR, in a chance to hit a story from her area. In these almost three weeks he had received a handful of e-mails and a scratchy message on his voice mail, but nothing he could hold in his hands.
Harm sat in his office working on case file as his computer beeped. He turned his head towards the machine and smiled as he saw an Instant Message on his screen
Daisy - Got a minute or three, Donald?
Harm's smile grew as he thought about the idea to talk to Mac. He laughed as he thought back to the night at her apartment when Mac set up the accounts. He knew at that time he should not have let her handle the job. She handed him the paper with their screen names and he stared at her for a few minutes in confusion.
"Donald? As in the duck?" Harm questioned her.
Mac just smiled. "Yes, as in the duck."
"Why Donald Duck?"
"He's a sailor, and so are you." Mac reported, trying to keep a straight face.
Harm watched her face and knew she was holding back, her lip was starting to curve up. "And Daisy?"
"We both like to shop." Mac told him before she started to tell him how to work the account.
Donald - You going to time me?
Daisy - Do you want me to?
Donald - You IMed me. What's up?
Daisy - Barely me…I think it is the first time I've sat down since I got here.
Donald - It's only been two weeks.
Daisy - I know. But it's taken me that long to find half of the papers on my desk!
Donald - You should be used to a messy desk?
Daisy - Watch it, Navy, or you might find yourself in trouble when I get home.
Donald - Hey, think on the upside, at least you have a desk.
Daisy - Yeah and my own tent. Of course my desk and bed are in the same tent on what we call "Command Row." How is everyone?
Donald - Everyone is fine. AJ misses you like crazy. Did Harriet tell you about the letters?
Daisy - (chuckling) That he's ask to write Santa everyday for me to come home. He's a great kid.
Donald - Yeah, he is. When are you coming home?
Daisy - Sounds like you miss me, too.
Donald - Yeah.
Daisy - You catching my cases.
Donald - I'm not talking about work.
Harms thoughts moved on to the sadder side as he realized how much of a difference she made to him. He wasn't about to tell her about the half veggie and meat lovers pizza he order by accident last night.
Daisy - …. I know. I miss you, too.
Donald - So when will you be home?
Daisy - Soon I hope. I'm one of two who speak Farsi, so it might be a while.
Donald - Christmas?
Daisy - I don't know. But can you do me a favor in case I'm not home?
Donald - You'll be home.
Daisy - Harm…
Donald - (sigh) I know….What's the favor?
Daisy - Could you hand out my gifts to everyone?
Donald - Sure. Where are they?
Daisy - In my closet. They are already wrapped and labeled. Thanks.
Donald - You owe me.
Daisy - Me? You owe me, Flyboy.
Donald - Ha!
Daisy - Okay, okay, lets call it even.
Donald - Deal.
Daisy - Thanks, Harm.
Donald - No problem. So how are things?
Daisy - Quiet right now but you never know wh
----- Daisy has sighed off----
Harm stared at the computer screen.
Donald - Mac?
Harm tired again but only received the message from IM that Mac had signed off. "Probably the connection." He muttered as he opened his e-mail.
Hey Mac,
Guess we got cut off. It happens. We have been busy here without you, in fact I've got court in a few minutes. So I'll just make this short. Stay safe there and I'll see you once you get home…before Christmas I hope.
-Harm
PS - AJ isn't the only one who misses you like crazy.
Harm sent his e-mail and smiled at the picture at the corner of his desk. "You'll be home soon." He softly whispered to the camo-clothed Marine who stared back at him with a smile on her face. He stared at the photo as a cold rush fell over his body. He shook it off as just a sudden chill in the room.
Harm looked at his watch and quickly gathered his files and left the office for court.
End Part 3