Mr Boo

Chapter 7

As soon as he was back on base, he was preparing for his first mission. He was glad of having the distraction of planning and preparing, but felt a deep regret that it would be a while before he could video call Georgia and Emily. Over the next two months, because of his workload, he was only able to video call them twice.

Although he was overjoyed to be able to see them again after so long, Ghost's doubting voice was back stronger than ever. It teased and taunted him, telling him that he was fooling himself. They weren't his family and they never would be. At it's worst, the toxic voice accused him of wanting them dead, just like his own family he'd failed to save.

It was a few months before Ghost had the opportunity to think about leave again. During one of the few video calls, Georgia had mentioned that she was planning for Emily's second birthday. Ghost resolved to plan some leave so that he could be there to celebrate with her.

Price was thrilled that Ghost was requesting leave again. They had all been stretched with the sheer amount of training and missions they had undertaken over the months. But he knew that Ghost was one to work obsessively and not take breaks, so he agreed with no argument.

Ghost arrived in the neighbouring town early evening, so went to the store to buy Emily a birthday present. Not wanting to incur unnecessary attention, he rolled his balaclava over his mouth and nose like a gaiter and put on a baseball cap. Heading into the store he went straight for the toy section.

Armed with his gift (kindly wrapped by the clerk) Ghost felt his spirits rise as he headed up the hill to where Georgia's farmhouse was. The nagging negative voices started again as soon as he entered the driveway, making him stop his truck. What was he doing? What did he hope to achieve? Georgia was an attractive woman who could easily find a better man than him, a better father for Emily.

Ghost fought hard to push the negativity away, only able to do so by agreeing with the negative thoughts. He wasn't a good man and he was only here out of some selfish need to feel he belonged somewhere, anywhere. With a deep sigh, Ghost reasoned that he would just stay for a short time to give Emily her gift and would excuse himself.

Stepping onto the porch, Ghost knocked the door and waited for a response. He could hear Emily squealing loudly in the background, making him chuckle and dissipating some of the negativity. When the door opened, he was greeted by a tired and dishevelled looking Georgia.

"Simon, it's so good to see you" she said with a smile, before rolling her eyes at the squealing behind her.

"Is everything okay?" he asked tentatively.

"Yeah" she sighed, inviting him in. There were toys scattered on the floor and Emily was screeching in the back of the house. Ghost took off his balaclava and looked at Georgia with a frown.

Georgia let out a sigh "Welcome to the home of the hellcat" she said as she went to put on the kettle.

"Oh, is the little miss causing you trouble?" he asked feeling sympathy for the woman.

"You could say that. Creche said yesterday that she was disruptive and when I got her home, she was wild. Wouldn't eat, wouldn't take her bath, wouldn't go to bed. I had to let her run herself out before she passed out on the sofa. Today has been no better, I'm afraid" Georgia explained making them drinks.

Simon listened to the little girl screaming and shouting in her bedroom and could hear thumps like she was throwing things "Terrible two's?" he ventured.

"Definitely. I'm sorry you have to witness this when you're supposed to be relaxing, Simon" Georgia said apologetically.

"Don't be. I saw my brother and his wife go through it with Joseph. He was a real terror one minute then sweetness and light the next" he said chuckling at the memory.