Why'd You Leave Me?[ A Bensler FanFic]

Chapter 23

The whole time I watched Lark pack up to get ready and leave, I tried to be strong, but I couldn't be.

"Harper, are you sure you don't want to go to class today?" He asked, and I shook my head.

"A ton of my classmates are getting deployed today too." I breathed, and he frowned.

"Just think, we only are going to be apart for about 6 months. We can talk on the phone and Skype." he replied, and I nodded slowly.

"I know. I just hate having you leave." I spoke, whimpering the last part. He stepped forward and kissed me gently.

"I don't want to leave either." He replied. He pulled me close and gently rubbed my back.

"You are going to have so much fun being away from me. I'm trouble." He spoke, trying to make me laugh, but it made me cry harder. He sighed and just held me.

"You know I love you, right?" Lark asked, and I swallowed hard and nodded.

"Yeah." I whimpered.

"Then we will survive this. Now, come on. You need to drive me to the airport."

=~=

Lark held me close as everyone said goodbye to their husbands, wives, daughters, sons, sisters, and brothers. He kept telling me that since we loved each other, we would be fine, but I'm still scared.

"All troops leaving today please get to the bus!"A Captain called, and Lark and I kissed passionately before hugging one last time.

"I'll pray for you." I breathed, and he swallowed hard.

"That means a lot because you rarely pray." He smiled, and I chuckled. I grabbed his hand and ran my fingers over his wedding band.

"Till death do us part." I whispered.

"Till death do us part." He smiled. He kissed my forehead before picking up his bag and walking towards the bus.

He sat by a window and waved as they pulled away. Tears ran down my cheeks, but I smiled and waved back.

"Lord protect him."

=~=

I waited for two weeks before he contacted me. I was in Manhattan with my family, helping plan Aunt Amanda's baby shower.

"Want a lot of pink?" I asked, and Aunt Amanda sighed.

"If you and your mother insist."

"We insist!" My mother exclaimed, and I smiled.

"Harper, your phone is ringing!"Sadie called, and I stood. I walked over and took the phone from my sister and smiled as I saw Lark's picture.

"Love!" I exclaimed, as I walked out and sat on the front steps of Aunt Amanda's new house.

"Hey babe." He spoke, and my eyes lit up.

"I've missed you so much." I spoke, and he chuckled.

"I've missed you too. How is everything and everyone?" He asked.

"Amanda's baby shower is two weeks from now. I'm getting a lot of time to spend with my siblings and parents. How is the land of sand?" I asked, and he laughed.

"They say that it's supposed to be sunny here, but without you, it lacks the real sun." He breathed, and I swallowed hard. 

"Baby." I frowned.

"I know. I'm sorry, love." He spoke.

"You love to make me feel bad. Other than that, what happened?" I spoke, and Lark sighed.