Thank you to all who are reading; sorry I haven't replied to you individually, very little time. Enjoy this next installment -- the next few parts will feel like a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Past to Present

Disclaimer: I own none of these characters except Ryan

Part Three - Separation

A knock at the door two years later brought Meg running. She threw it open and was greeted by Harm.

"Hey Meg,"

"Harm!" Meg hugged him. "What're you doing here?"

Harm had a solemn look on his face. "Meg, can I come in?"

Meg nodded. "Sure,"

Harm followed her and they sat on her bed, harm with his arm protectively around Meg.

"Harm, what's wrong?" Meg asked innocently. Harm took her tiny hands in his.

"I've been called to duty, to fly over Iraq and Kuwait in the war…"

Meg nodded. She understood…she thought. Harm saw her face fall, and he cupped her chin in his hands.

"I'll come back, don't worry Meg!"

"You've been to see me every few weeks for the past two years. What if I never see you again?" Meg asked him. Harm wiped a lone tear off her cheek.

"I promise I am going to write to you every day, just so you know I am okay." He hugged her tightly, running his hand through her hair.

Get a grip Rabb! She is twenty years old; you're twenty-six! Harm admonished himself. He realised Meg had gone quiet – she was asleep in his arms. Well, it was 2100, and curfew was at 2300. So Harm slipped off her jacket and shoes and tucked her into bed. Meg snuggled down, and Harm kissed her forehead, leaving a letter and a gift on the table beside her.

"See you round Meg."

The next day, Saturday, Meg moped as she studied. Angela did everything possible to bring a smile to the normally cheerful girl's face. Meg hadn't seen the gift or letter from Harm yet.

"Meg, honey, what's wrong?" Angela asked. Meg pushed her away.

"Nothing Angela, I just have a lot to do with exams coming up!" And with that, Meg swept up her books and stormed out to the library. Angela bit her lip. Meg was so temperamental today.

A few hours later, Meg sat alone in her room. She had declined Angela's invite to watch her squad train and instead opened Harm's letter and gift.

Dear Meg,

I am sorry we had to part as we did; I didn't want to leave you, but duty calls. I will write many letters like this to you, and after I see my mom when I return, you will be the first person I visit.

I enjoy your friendship, the innocence of it. You are sweet, kind and smart, and I adore those qualities in you. Whatever man falls in love with you will be very lucky. You're like a little sister to me, you know that.

Meg, open the present now. It's so you'll see me every night before you go to bed.

Well, I'd best be off

Harm

Meg had tears pricking her eyes as she unwrapped the delicate paper. Inside was a silver photo frame with a picture of Harm in his dress whites in it. On top of the picture lay his gold wings with a note: I can get more. Meg smiled, placing the picture on the bedside table next to the family one, and tucking the letter, and gold wings in a drawer. Meg lay on the bed, hugging her pillow.

"I miss you Harm. Why did we have to be separated?" Meg saw him as a friend, an older brother figure, but her heart yearned for his arms around Meg – yearned for his love.