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I stood there by the entrance to the security line, watching all of the families, couples and individual travelers hustle around me as if they were trying to beat each other to their destinations. I love traveling and I love airports, but not like this. Not when everything is so hectic that there's not enough time to take in your surroundings- to live in the moment. Plus, I really hate traveling around holidays, but I don't really have a choice. Well, I did, but what to choose was a no-brainer. "Okay kiddo, do you have everything?" My dad asked, coming back from the security desk that was stationed in between both security line entrances.
"Yes, sir," I replied, looking at him. He was wearing his service C uniform. He looked so professional, so clean cut...even with the slight hint of five o'clock shadow stained against his tan face, and the lack of light his eyes usually held. His uniform helped for the most part. He always looks so strong, so unbreakable when he wore it. He did in his civilian clothes too but unfortunately, he won't be wearing those anytime soon.
"You've got your carry-ons? Your ticket? Your ID, both military and drivers license? Your-"
"Dad, I've got everything," I said, cutting him off. "It's all right here in this little trust 'unaccompanied minor' lanyard pack they gave me." I picked up the black pack that had the American Airlines logo printed on it with unaccompanied minor underneath it in bold red letters. "I'm all set."
He sighed and rubbed his eyes and for a moment, I thought he was going to let his wall down and show his emotions. But he didn't, and he hasn't since it happened and the few days after it. I just wish he would, cause I'm trying so hard to be strong for him by burying my feelings and showing that it doesn't hurt. But God it hurts, it hurts so fucking bad. "Hailey Collier?" A young woman wearing an American Airlines uniform said, walking up to us. "Are you Hailey Collier?"
"Yes ma'am, I am," I said, turning to her.
"I'm Alyssa, I'll be with you through your flight," she turned to my dad and extended a hand. "and you must be Mr. Collier. It's nice to meet you, Lieutenant Colonel Collier."
My dad seemed a bit caught off-guard that she could read rank, but nonetheless, he shook her hand and gave her a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you too Alyssa."
"We have to get going soon, but I'll let you two have a moment." She smiled, stepping away towards the man who was standing at the front of security.
My dad and I turned to one another and he sighed. "I'll call you and let you know when I get to our base camp. You call me or text me when you land and when you get to Owen. I know how you teenagers feel about calling but-"
I cut him off with a hug. "I'll call you." His arms reached around me and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Be safe. Promise me you'll be safe." I whispered, hoping he'd hear the hint of hurting in my voice.
He ran his hand down the back of my head and held me a little tighter. "I always am." He felt distant at this very moment. He was there physically, but emotionally he was long gone. He always did this when he was gearing up for a deployment, ever since I was little and could remember him leaving. But I guess I was hoping that he wouldn't distance himself...just this once. He pulled away and kissed the top of my forehead. "You be good for Owen okay? He's got enough stress going on right now, he doesn't need your wild antics."
