Second Chances

A/N: Hey, it's me again. Here's the deal: The chapters after Andi leaves in this fic will focus on her. However, I am writing a sidefic to this to let you all in on what happens while she's gone. She should be back by chapter thirty-seven or thirty-eight.

Enough about me. On with the fanfiction!

Chapter Twenty-eight: Goodbye, for now.

I didn't sleep in today. I just couldn't. There was so much packing and testing to be done this morning that there was no way I could let myself do it. I was up by 4:45 and had packed my bag by seven (and yes, I did break for breakfast today.).

My attempt at control training with Zartan went by with a flurry of "Dammit, Creed, why can't you relax and concentrate!" Yeah, I still don't understand what he meant by that. Relaxing only slips your control further away. Not that it really matters today. Mom can help me figure this out when I get to Bayville on Friday. Yeah, I know it's only Wednesday, but I want to be prepared.

Ever since my mishap yesterday, I've had to cover up all the time to keep from changing into stuff. It's not to bad, though, considering it's like March now. I called Mom to tell her I was coming and she said it was't bad there… yet. Oh, and that Rogue chick that was there at Thanksgiving is gone now. Pity. I really wanted someone to talk to.

XXXXXXXXXX

On Friday morning, the entire team was gathered in front of the elevator to see me off. It's times like this that I hate having to take off.

"It's too bad you have to leave." Mitch whined. "We'll miss you."

"Well, I'll be sure to give Freddy that message too." I answered. "He's there too, remember? You got somethin' to say to your big brother, Ry?"

Bryan looked at the floor and sighed. "Tell him to write us sometime. I don't want him to forget us."

"I don't think he will." I replied softly. "But if he starts to, I'll send the dog up there to bark at him until he writes a descent letter."

This time, Ry smiled. "Thanks."

"Any other well-wishes?" I asked.

"How are you going to get the shots if you're not on base?" Regan asked.

"Mindbender cooked up an oral form." I smirked. "I'm taking it with me. Only bad news is that it's a lower dosage, so I have to take it everyday."

"You have our greatest sympathies." Neal said.

I smiled and glacned at my watch… holy cow, it's almost eight-thirty. My flight boards at ten. "I've got to go. Security's a pain these days. I'll see you guys in Florida!"

"That's right." Ry said. "We only have a week left here."

"But she still has to leave." Zartan interrupted (thankfully) and pressed the "up" arrow on the pannel.

"Have fun!" Mitch beamed.

"Bend an arm!" Neal exclaimed. I think his English is messing up again.

"Break a leg!" Kristen corrected. "And get into lots of trouble for us!"

Will do. I nodded and boarded the elevator.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was easily half an hour just to get to the ticket lady. Now I remember why I usually buy my tickets in advance. The line to get to the lady takes forever. That's not even counting the baggage screenings, security checks, and metal detectors. Good thing I hid my pocket knife in my socks. Yes, the ones I am wearing. I know they screen the baggage, so I came prepared.

My flight was supposed to board at ten. However, our wonderful pilot showed up so shnockered that he couldn't use the front door and talked to one of the trash cans as if it were a flight attendant. Short story: Our new pilot (a sober one) boarded us at ten 'til eleven. Good thing I called Mom when I saw the first guy spouting pickup lines to the disposable bins. She would have been most worried indeed. I was in the air by ten-after eleven, though, so I should be in the closest major airport by noon. Lunch with Mom… I can hardly wait.

There it is. I know it was a while coming, but I've had a terrible case of writers' block lately, so please forgive me.