THREE
Ledger
Ledger couldn’t believe the difference in Violet since she woke up.
At first, he knew she didn’t trust any of them, but that was to be expected with all that she has been through.
She still does therapy once a week, but sometimes when she has a rough week, he knows Violet will go at least one more day.
He sent Carp an encrypted email when she woke up and let him know how she was doing.
Ledger didn’t get a response back for at least a week.
Carp let him know that things were crazy and he’d get in touch once he could.
There still was no word from him yet and Ledger was a little worried, but knew Carp could take care of himself and if he needed backup, he’d send the signal to one of them.
Ledger received news that he will be deployed again in a few days as there was a situation that his team had to go in and handle.
He was worried that it might be hard on Violet if they were all gone.
The call made to her psychologist to let her know about his upcoming deployment, had set his mind at ease a little.
Lisa let him know that Violet would be okay until he got back. She’s stronger than she has been in a long time, and wished him to come back safe. He knew she wouldn’t tell him more, but at least knowing she was good mentally was a good thing.
Ledger knew a few people from the gym he could ask to help her keep up with the defense class she was taking, and made a note to talk with them in the morning.
He knew Violet would be getting home from work in a few hours and made plans for the gang to get together for dinner one last time before they left.
He didn’t want her thinking he was abandoning her, but she knew he was still in the military, along with most of his friends. Ledger would see if a few would keep an eye on her while the rest were gone.
Ledger sent a text to Violet about the cookout with the gang and that he needed to talk to her before everyone got here. She replied back that she’d be over in thirty minutes. With that done, he got to work to get everything ready while he waited for Violet to show up.
A knock on the door broke through Ledger’s thoughts. He was trying to figure out how to tell Violet about the deployment. It was hard when you couldn’t say much about it. He can’t tell her a lot of anything really, he just hopes she will take it well.
As he opened the door, Violet stood there wearing a wrap around dress. It was a burgundy color and made her eyes pop. Her hair had grown and was to the middle of her back in loose curls. Violet had a touch of makeup just enough to highlight her eyes.
“Come in, I was just getting things ready. Everyone should be here in about twenty minutes. Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m good for right now. Just curious about what you need to talk to me about. Something happen that you couldn’t tell me with others around? Does it have anything to do with my ex? Is Carpenter alright?”
Ledger realized his mistake, and saw the worry on her face. He shut the door and led her over to the island in the kitchen.
“I’m sorry I made you worry. I just wanted to let you know that my team and I are being deployed.
We leave in two days. And I wanted to let you know that I have made arrangements for your defense classes to still continue with a few of our other friends.
They will be coming tonight and I’ll be introducing them to you. ”
Violet let out a breath he hadn’t known she was holding.
A smile spread on her face as she looked into his eyes.
“I know you promised Carpenter you’d look out for me and I appreciate what you have done for me, but I understand you won’t always be here.
I’m thankful for all that you’ve done for me.
Just come back in one piece and not worry about me, ok? ”
Something in Ledger’s chest cracked a little more. He strode over to Violet and pulled her into his chest. As she looked into his eyes, he saw something in them that he didn’t want to see, but knew he felt the same. Slowly, he lowered his head as his lips found hers.
It was a nice slow kiss, and was over way too soon for his liking but with him leaving, he wouldn’t start something just yet. Violet put her head on his chest and they stood there wrapped in each other’s arms for a few more minutes. They were both giving each other strength.
Ledger pulled back, placed a kiss on her forehead, then led her over toward the counter to help gather items to take outside for the grill. She had asked a few questions but when he couldn’t answer them, Violet realized he couldn’t tell her anything.
Just then the gang walked into the house and the party got underway. It was loud with all the people talking. After he made the introductions to Violet, he grabbed a beer and stood off to the side and watched the interactions that were going on.
He saw that Violet no longer flinched when a guy got too close to her.
Ledger could see that she was better, and that put a smile on his face.
Even some of the gals were talking with her more.
Before, they weren’t sure what to say or not say in front of her.
It seems like she will have people to watch out for her with him away.
Ledger hadn’t heard from Carp in a while and he was worried. But, it will have to wait until he returned. Then maybe he’ll go up and see what is going on with his friend. He prayed that things won’t change while he’s gone and Violet will still be here when he gets back.