JITTERS AND GOODBYES
Author's Note: Beckibear sent me this link to write to service people. If you have the time to read a fic, you have the time to write a letter. Please drop a line to someone far from home. www.operationmilitarysupport.com
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ASHLYN AND GUNNY'S
Ashlyn was a wreck and Gunny didn't know what to do to help. Everything was going along and there were no real problems with the remaining wedding plans.
"Doc, calm down." Gunny said. "Everything is perfect.
"That's the problem, don't you see that?" Ashlyn said.
"No, not really," Gunny said.
"How can everything be perfect? If it's perfect it's because we are forgetting something." Ashlyn said.
"What are you talking about?" Gunny laughed.
"Everyone has some problems when they are organizing a wedding." Ashlyn explained. "We don't have a single one."
"It's two months before the wedding, there is nothing to get worried about." Gunny said.
"Just, just go away." Ashlyn said. "You don't get it."
"Then explain it to me." Gunny offered.
Just then Sam arrived and Gunny looked at her helplessly.
"What's the problem?" Sam asked.
"There are no problems." Gunny said. "That's the problem."
"Excuse me?" Sam laughed. "That doesn't make sense."
"She's your friend," Gunny said. "You figure it out."
"Ethel, what's going on?" Sam asked.
"Something terrible is going to happen." Ashlyn said.
"Is your dress ready?" Sam asked.
"Final fitting is next week." Ashlyn replied.
"Is the reception taken care of?" Sam asked.
"Yes it's done." Ashlyn replied.
"Invitations ready?" Sam asked.
"Yes," Ashlyn said.
"Flowers?" Sam asked. So it continued, Sam asking about each and every detail and Ashlyn replying that everything was fine. "So, exactly what is the problem?"
"I don't know." Ashlyn said and started crying.
"She's been like this for days." Gunny sighed.
"Victor, go out somewhere." Sam said. "Let me handle this."
Gunny picked up his jacket and left. He wasn't sure what was wrong but he hoped that Sam could take care of it.
Sam sat down with Ashlyn and they started talking. Ashlyn kept saying that something was not right and that there would be problems. Sam just laughed at her.
"Ash, everything is absolutely perfect. You have a great guy, you're getting married, your family is coming in and you have the most perfect best friend. What is your problem?" Sam asked.
"Nothing is ever this perfect." Ashlyn stated. "Something is going to go wrong."
"I love you." Sam laughed. "Listen you need to get it together, I'm leaving the day after tomorrow and can't be worrying about you."
"You're leaving?" Ashlyn asked, "For how long?"
"I'll be back in time for your wedding." Sam said.
"What about the rehearsal?" Ashlyn asked.
"Well, how much rehearsal do we need to walk down an aisle?" Sam asked.
"That's the problem. I knew there would be a problem." Ashlyn said.
"Everything is ready, your dress is perfect, my dress is perfect and I will be here for the wedding." Sam said.
"You're my maid of honor, how can you be going away now?" Ashlyn asked.
"Well ah, I'm not just going away." Sam said.
"What?" Ashlyn asked.
"I'm leaving," Sam said. "I've taken a position with the Post at the Belfast Bureau."
"You what? You can't leave me." Ashlyn said with tears. "We've always been a team."
"You have Gunny now, you don't need me anymore. He'll watch your back." Sam smiled.
"Why do you have to go now?" Ashlyn asked. "Why not leave after the wedding?"
"I have to get there, the news doesn't wait." Sam said. "It's easier this way."
"Is this because of Webb?" Ashlyn asked.
"No, it's because of me." Sam smiled.
"You're in love with him. Aren't you?" Ashlyn said.
"I am not in love." Sam denied.
"What is so wrong with being in love?" Ashlyn asked.
"Nothing," Sam stated.
"Then what is your problem." Ashlyn asked.
"There isn't a problem." Sam replied.
"Did you tell him you loved him?" Ashlyn asked.
"Now, here's what we are going to do, you're going to become sane and tomorrow night we are going to have a kick ass party at Flannigan's." Sam said changing the subject.
"A farewell party," Ashlyn said sadly. "You're never coming back are you?"
"I'll be back for the wedding silly," Sam laughed.
"That's not what I meant. I can't believe how much is changing." Ashlyn said.
"Hey, it's all changing for the better." Sam smiled.
Sam hugged her friend and left. Ashlyn sat there stunned, Sam was leaving; they hadn't been apart since Grad School.
Ashlyn called Gunny and filled him in on the plans. Gunny then called Webb.
FLANNIGAN'S PUB
The group showed up at Flannigan's and were all ready to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Ashlyn and Gunny. Paddy, served up the first round on the house and, with his Irish accent, gave them an Irish blessing,
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies,
Quick to make friends.
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward,
And may you live to be a hundred years with one extra year to repent.
"Thank you Paddy." Ashlyn and Gunny replied.
"Now go dance and celebrate." Paddy said slapping quarters on the bar for the jukebox.
"How does that man make any money?" Harm laughed.
"You keep coming back and for every one he buys you buy two." Sam laughed.
They were having a wonderful time. Ashlyn was right, this wasn't just a pre-wedding celebration, it was also a farewell for Sam. By the end of the night, everyone knew of Sam's leaving. They wondered what motivated the move. They had speculations but no one dared voice them.
At 1am, Paddy walked over to Sam, it was time to close but he could see how much fun they were having.
"Here you go," Paddy said handing Sam spare keys. "No more drinking, but you and your friends can stay and dance all you want."
"Thanks, Paddy." Sam said and hugged him. "You're the best."
"I'm going to miss you, little one." Paddy smiled. "May the road rise up to meet you."
"May the wind be always at your back." Sam replied and hugged the old man tighter.
"Do we need to leave?" Sturgis asked.
"Nope, he trusts me." Sam said waving the keys.
They continued to dance for another two hours and everyone was exhausted.
"This has been such a fun night." Mac said, "Sam, good luck."
"Thanks Mac." Sam smiled. "Be happy."
"Don't cause too much trouble." Harm teased and gave her a hug.
"Take care of your wife." Sam smiled.
"Sam, I know we will see you again." Sturgis said hugging her.
"I hope so," Sam laughed.
"Sam, you definitely brought something to this group." Bobbie said.
"You guys gave me something too." Sam replied.
"Don't forget us." Harriet said.
"I never could, you all have to come visit me in Ireland." Sam smiled.
Everyone said their good byes to Sam. She would be back for the wedding, but, the realization that she was moving away struck them all. In the short time they had known Ashlyn and Sam; they had become a big part of their lives and members of their family. Sam was the first one to ever leave the group. They all left except for Tiner.
"Do you want me to take you to the airport? Tiner asked.
"No Jason, I have to be there in a few hours, don't worry about it." Sam smiled.
"I still can't believe your leaving." Tiner said.
"Thanks for keeping the new job a secret." Sam said.
"We keep each other's secrets." Tiner replied. "I'm keeping a very big one now."
"Jason, don't go there." Sam warned.
"Do you have to leave?" Tiner asked.
"My work is done here." Sam laughed. "You have Jen, Ashlyn has Gunny everything is perfect."
"What do you have?" Tiner asked.
"My career," Sam smiled.
"Are you sure you're not running?" Tiner asked.
"Jason, I have nothing to run from." Sam smiled.
"I am going to miss you so much." Tiner said hugging her and kissing the top of her head.
"I'll be back for the wedding." Sam stated.
"Yeah but only for a few days," Tiner said.
"I love you, you are the best." Sam said with tears in her eyes.
"I love you, too." Tiner said, "What am I going to do without my big sister?"
"You're going to be just fine." Sam laughed. "Now, go. I bet Jen is waiting for you."
"Do you need anything?" Tiner asked.
"Just take care of my apartment." Sam smiled, "And my car."
"Take care of yourself." Tiner said and walked out. He got to the door, turned around went back and gave her a big hug. "Call me if you need someone beat up."
"My hero," Sam laughed, gave him a kiss and watched him leave.
Sam remained and was picking up some of the glasses that were left behind and placed them on the bar. She grabbed the broom to sweep up a bit and picked a song on the jukebox. Soon Sinead O'Conner softly filled the air.
It's been seven hours and fifteen days
Since u took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since u took your love away
Since u been gone I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues
'Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 U
Sam swayed to the music as she swept the floor and tears filled her eyes. She had her back to the door and didn't see Webb walk in.
"Danaher," Webb called out.
"Webb?" Sam turned, wiped her tears and walked towards him.
"You've been crying." Webb stated and wiped a tear.
"It's the dust." Sam replied.
"Oh," Webb said.
"What do you want?" Sam asked.
Webb took her hand and led her to the dance floor
It's been so lonely without u here
Like a bird without a song
Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling
Tell me baby where did I go wrong
I could put my arms around every boy I see
But they'd only remind me of you
I went to the doctor guess what he told me
Guess what he told me
He said girl u better try to have fun no matter what u do
but he's a fool
'Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares 2 U
"Danaher, do you want more?" Webb asked.
"Can you give more?" Sam asked.
"I don't know. I never have." Webb replied.
"Neither have I." Sam said and they continued dancing.
All the flowers that you planted, mama
In the back yard
All died when you went away
I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard
But I'm willing to give it another try
'Cause nothing compares ...
Nothing compares to you ...
When the song was over they shared a kiss.
"I'm leaving." Sam said.
"I'll take you home." Webb replied.
"I mean, I'm leaving Washington." Sam stated. "My flight is at 7am."
"Why?" Webb asked, Gunny had told him, but he wanted to hear it from her.
"I got a great job." Sam said, "In Belfast."
"You have a great column here." Webb replied. "People would kill to have a column."
"Well, I'll be the assistant bureau chief for the Post." Sam said. "It's a good move."
"Are you coming back?" Webb asked. Ask her to stay.
"No," Sam replied shaking her head.
"Then I wish you the best of luck." Webb said, he kissed her and walked to the door.
"Hey Webb," Sam called. Tell me to stay.
"What is it now, Danaher?" Webb replied.
"It's been interesting." Sam smiled sadly.
"That it has, Danaher. That it has." Webb said and left.
Sam watched him walk away, she made the right decision. It would have never lasted. She had already sent most of her clothes ahead so there was no packing left; she just had to throw some things into her carry-on. She walked out of Flannigan's, locked the door and dropped the keys through the mail slot. She went home, and packed her bag. The picture of her and Webb was still on the night stand; she picked it up, smiled and put it in the drawer. She then walked out of her bedroom and turned to take a last look. She walked back to the night stand, opened the drawer and put the picture in her bag. Four hours later her flight left for Ireland.
