A girl with brown hair pulled back was out in front of a building playing basketball. She was wearing navy blue shorts with a silver stripe going down the sides. Her shirt said ARMY on it. It was a sunny day out, luckily there was a bit of shade over the basketball goal. She shot one from the painted three-point line and it went in. The girl had blue eyes and was a little tan. Her shoes were blue and white. She went to shoot another three point shot.

"That's pretty good." A woman said from behind the girl. The girl turned to shoot a jump shot. Without turning around the girl replied, "Thanks."

"So, um." The woman began to speak; "I haven't seen you around here. You know, anytime. So, who are you? I mean, not to be rude or anything." The woman's voice was soft, and kind. The girl wiped her hands on her shorts. She turned around to examine the woman's outfit.

"Well, Lieutenant Colonel, My name's Riley."

"As you are so familiar with the ranks, I am Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Elizabeth Mackenzie, most people call me Mac., so, what is your full name, Riley. If you don't let me know, I will call you Riley Doe."

Riley laughed. "Well, Mac, I am Riley Elizabeth Michelle Rabb."

"Really, is you're father Harmon Rabb Jr.?"

"Yes, oh, I know who you are.he talks about you."

Mac cocked her head, "Well, he does, don't he? Well, I haven't met you, and your father has never spoke of you.like ever."

"He hasn't? That's odd. Well, he probably don't mention me because of my mother and the past." Riley turned and sat down on the bench too. She faced Mac.

"Why? I mean, what is wrong with your mother? I mean, why wouldn't Harm talk about you because of your mother? No to be nosey or anything."

"Ever since I was about 2 months old, dad and mom never talked. I guess he was trying to get over the fact mom and I was moving and they got a divorce. They like, I don't know what the word would be.I guess, moved on.Well, at least they never brought me in the middle. On the other hand. Mom got the custody. I wouldn't have ever known him if."

Riley looked down, "That's not important though. I mean all that matters is that I get a chance to hang and live with my father now. Mac, if I tell you something, do you promise not to let this get around? I mean, dad would be so embarrassed. I mean, it's like not even funny, ma'am."

" What is it now?" Mac looked over at Riley, who had picked up the basketball

"Well, dad can't exactly cook like macaroni and cheese. He has no clue what to do with me. It's kind of funny."

"Well, Riley, I promise I will come over tonight and help your father cook the macaroni and cheese. I will also take you to do like, girl stuff.since Harm has no clue how to live with girls.okay?"

"That'd be great, ma'am. I seriously want to give you a hug right now, but I am all sweaty. You know."

"Save it until tonight. I will come over." Mac turned and winked at Riley. Riley turned and shot around until her father came out of the building. He was wearing his outfit and smiled as he turned to talk.

"So, Riley, how about going to the store, then home?"

"Okay, dad." Riley looked at the bag by the basketball post. She went and got it. She then put it in the back and got in.

"So, Riley, did you." He hesitated, "Meet anybody today?"

"Yeah, actually, I met a few people. They were all really nice. Especially Mac."

" You two hit it off, huh?" He looked at the stoplight then took a right turn.

"Yeah, she's coming over tonight, to make the macaroni and cheese."

Riley started laughing. Harm did too then he stopped the car and they were at his new house. Since the last time he had gotten a raise, he bought a house it had three rooms. One was Riley's. She had it decorated at the latest part of the night last night. It had the glow in the dark stars on her ceiling, and had butterflies and other pretty stuff. Her bedspread was lavender and had a really cool sun on it. Her room was by far the best, and most organized part. In the closet off to the side she put her desk and computer.