Chapter 24
Chapter twenty-four
Lance
As the plane lands on the tarmac at Edinburgh Airport, Ibiza seems a distant memory. The sun, the sea, and the sand feel like a dream more than a reality.
Dog snores beside me, exhausted after two weeks of partying. In our thirties now, we can’t party like we used to, even though Dog thinks he can. We’ll need a week to recover from this trip.
My thoughts turn to Hannah waiting for me at home.
These few weeks before returning to service, I plan to spend fully focused on my daughter.
We have a full schedule of activities planned to make memories.
Even though my new role is non-combat, there’s always a risk of not coming back. Every moment is precious with my girl.
Our drive back to Aviemore is long, neither of us happy to be returning, both still nursing broken hearts. Ibiza turned into a nice distraction, but it doesn’t change the fact that Katie and Millie broke us. We cared for them, but they hurt us, and we miss them.
“What’s the plan for dinner?” Dog asks.
“Well, darling.” I bat my eyelashes. “Once we get home, I’ll put my apron on and get the dinner in the oven.” My tone drips sarcasm. “How the fuck do I know? I was on holiday with you. Remember?” I point to my head with a finger and roll my eyes.
“I was only asking,” he huffs. He really is like a child sometimes.
I sigh, defeated. “We could pick up a fish supper,” I suggest. “Let me call Hannah to tell her we’re on our way and ask what she wants. I’m sure she’ll be over as soon as we get home.” As I expected, she answers my call, and the complaints about her mother pour out.
“Hannah,” I say firmly. “Calm down. You can tell me all this later. Just answer my questions. Are you staying tonight? And is a fish supper for dinner all right?”
“Dad,” she whines, “yes, I’m staying. I told you that. Another night in this hellhole, and I’ll die from boredom. I don’t want fish; I’ll have chicken.”
She hangs up without a goodbye, typical Hannah. It looks like I’m going to have two moaning children to deal with tonight.
***
The three of us sit on the sofa while polishing off our meals.
Hannah has been quiet, much more subdued than usual.
She’s sitting with her legs crossed, licking the chicken juice off her fingers.
I’m trying not to stare, but can’t help glancing over.
My little girl is growing up so fast. It makes me question my decision to re-enlist.
“What are you looking at, Dad?” she asks, her face serious, eyebrows drawn together.
“My little girl,” I say. “Well, my young lady. You’re so grown up, Hannah.” A sense of sadness washes over me. I’ve already missed so much of her life and will miss more.
She gives me a sad smile, then promptly bursts into tears.
“I’m going to miss you so much, Dad. Please don’t go. Don’t leave me here on my own.”
Standing in a rush to go to her, I remove the dinner plate from her hands and place it on the coffee table.
Gathering her small body in my arms, I hold her tight to my chest as she sobs.
Dog leaves the room to give us some privacy.
Guilt fills me. I’m being completely selfish leaving her, but it’s too late now to change my mind.
“Darling, listen to me. This is the last time. After a few months abroad, I’ll finish my service here in Scotland. I love you so much. I’m so proud of the young woman you’re becoming.” She cries harder. I place my lips on her forehead. No words will take away the pain. I know that.
***
My final few weeks at home pass quickly, and now I’m packing my belongings to make the trip north to Elgin.
Having spoken to my commanding officer, he told me that Dog and I are leaving for Iraq next week for our four-month placement.
We will be stationed in Baghdad again, supporting the local community and training their armed forces.
Part of me is looking forward to getting there and starting the final countdown to my Army career.
I won’t be re-enlisting after this three-year service contract.
For once, my mind is made up. I want to do my job to the best of my ability, then move on with my life.
What I’ll do after that, I don’t know, but I feel ready for a change.