Rubies And Wine

V-7

I took the day off of work today. Suzanne asked me to come with her to Drew and Leo's to, well, say goodbye.

Leo will start training tomorrow and will drive to the naval base along the end of one of the beaches downtown. He'll be living in there for 8 weeks for basic training. I don't know much about how the military works but I know he says he won't be able to visit until afterwards and only until he gets shipped off to... he doesn't even know.

Suzanne is in the passenger seat of my Jeep with her head resting on the cool glass of the window. I never told her this but I wanted to drive in case some wave of sadness hits her and she drives a little too fast with tears distorting her vision. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

"How are you holding up?" I ask trying to break the stoney silence.

She shifts and adjust her head to find a new spot of cool glass to lean on. "I'm... I don't know."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm upset he's leaving but I knew it was gonna happen. I'm happy that we agreed to write letters when we can but I know it'll be scarce. Maybe I'm just building it up too much."

I move on of my hands away from the wheel to pat her shoulder. "It'll be okay. Leo's tough. He'll be able to take good care of himself."

"True,"

We drive to their house while playing some of our favorite musicals over the radio system. Eventually we pull up to The Pack's home and ring the doorbell yet again.

Kurt come within seconds. "Hey, guys. Everyone's in the upstairs living room again."

"Thanks, Kurt," we say in unison before heading up.

Aaron and some girl, seemingly different than the one he had with him from the last time we came by, sit with Drew at the dining table. Jasen and another girl, I think it's the same one from last time, are leaning on the counter while wrapped in each other's arms.

Drew looks up and spots me with a grin on his face. He jolts up while still being poised, quickly comes to my side, and wraps me into his arms.

"Hey, tulip," he hums over my head.

I've always loved Drew's sweet hugs. I would tend to snuggle my head deeper but I can sense Suzanne behind me and withhold myself in an effort not to be rude. "Hey, Drew,"

He pulls away. "What's up, Suze?"

"Hey. Is Leo anywhere around?"

"Yeah, out on the balcony working over the grill."

"Thanks." Without another word, she goes out to the balcony past Aaron, Jasen, and the girls with a brash pace.

Drew pulls together his eyebrows with concern. "Should we follow?"

"I know I am," I say while already following the trail--although I take a moment to wave at the others. The sound of Drew's Vans thumping behind me reassures he's right at my side.

I pass through the glass door and see Suzanne holding Leo from behind as he turns some of the steaks.

"Hey, how are you guys?" Leo nods at us.

I smirk as I sit in a lawn chair with Drew beside me. "I'm doing alright. More importantly, how are you? Ready to charge through a river in the jungle with a shotgun?"

He chuckles at me. "It's not Call of Duty, Em. Besides, we don't start live fire until week 4."

"Promise you'll be careful with that. I want you back in one piece," Suzanne cooes from over his shoulder.