Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

Best Friends Weekend Trip

"Now, remember, if something goes wrong, or if you feel like you're in danger..."

"Call the police, or the fire department, or any other emergency response system relevant to the situation." Leiria nodded after every section of that sentence, trying to convince her husband that she remembered everything they'd discussed about this trip.

"Right. And, darlin', please tell Aurelie if you're getting sick. It ain't guaranteed that she can pick up on it like me, especially if you're denying it like you tend to do-"

"Okay, Martine," Leiria said, playfully acting annoyed.

Martine chuckled. "Sorry about all this, Leiria. It's just, you've never been too far away from me the entire time we've been married, except if you have to go to Esthar to recover. I guess I'm kinda... anxious."

"It's okay. I understand." Leiria nodded, making her freshly curled hair bounce a little.

Leiria and Aurelie were going on a trip to a big city in Galbadia, one Leiria had never been to; out of everyone in their group, the two girls had traveled the least, and it had been Aurelie's idea to fix that. Leiria had gladly agreed, since it wasn't often that she got to leave the house. She had no problems with knowing about the world outside her doorstep, since Martine always entertained her with tales of his travels for work, but at the same time... those tales made her want to experience the world, like her husband had.

"Leiria." Martine looked at her again.

"Yes, Martine?"

"Don't forget to have fun, all right?" He smiled.

Leiria smiled back, giggling. "I promise I won't!"

After that exchange, Martine caught sight of Aurelie, with Harlan in tow to see her off as well. Knowing her since they were children, it was still strange for Martine to digest the fact that Aurelie had actually married someone. And vehemently insisted that she keep her last name... but, all the same, she'd married.

"Martine, Leiria. My apologies for keeping you waiting." Aurelie quickly bowed her head. "I found out this morning that the left boot in my only pair of autumn boots tore from the sole, and Harlan and I had to scramble to find a replacement pair. It's quite difficult finding something for colder weather in Balamb... especially in a size nine," she said the last part softly, as if she were ashamed.

"For what it's worth, they are very nice boots," Leiria said brightly.

Aurelie smiled. "Thank you."

Leiria smiled back, before checking the time on her phone. "I think we should start heading toward the gates," she said, showing Aurelie the time on her screen.

"Oh, yes." Aurelie nodded, and turned to Harlan. "I suppose I must bid you farewell for the time being."

"Please enjoy yourself, Aurelie," Harlan said, hugging her, and giving her waist a squeeze. "You don't vacation often."

"I will. And I won't forget to bring you a gift, as I promised." Aurelie smiled, before standing on her toes to give Harlan a kiss.

"Don't even worry about us!" added Martine. "We'll be fine here. We can easily hold down the fort 'till you get back."

Leiria went to Martine and gave him a giant hug, before letting him go and waving.

"We'll see you Sunday evening!" Aurelie said, as she grabbed the handle of her rolling luggage, wheeling it behind herself.

As the girls walked away, Martine turned to Harlan. "You wanna go to that seafood place downtown?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Harlan chuckled, and the two walked toward the exit of the airport.