My Nightingale

Goodbye

Zac's P.O.V.
It's been two days since Demi's interview and every night since then I've held her closer than I thought possible, just trying to show her she's safe now. Tonight I'm leaving and now I regret doing this. I shouldn't have ever joined the military. I can't just leave Dems when she needs me most. How's she going to handle these nights with twins? What if they only want me? What if she only wants me? What if I die? No. No I won't die. I'm brave, I'm tough, I'm a survivor. This is me doing this to protect my country. I peaked into the girls' room, to see them standing at Ashley's bed. Ashley was just looking down, a sad look in her eyes. Caroline was packing two bags, muttering words under her breath. I felt myself coming close to tears. I walked away, peaking into the master bedroom, only to see Dems crying, her head in her hands, quiet sobs coming from her. I walked outside sitting down. I'm throwing my life away, piece by piece. I felt the tears coming again, but this time I didn't stop them from falling. Tear after tear fell. It felt weird not being the strong one of our little family, but I can't help emotions. I brought my hand up to my head leaning against it, and just looked off into a distance. I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I don't know what to do at this point; I just feel helpless.
~*~
At dinner time the girls didn't say anything, Dems didn't either, they all just looked down at their plates eating slowly. But Ashley kept looking up at me. There's the difference between the girls; Ashley is the sensitive one, she can't stay mad at anyone she's too kind. Caroline can be mad at anyone, and can ignore whoever she desires. And Demi. Demi's just stubborn, she gets what she wants no matter what she has to do to get it, which can be good and bad. "Guys come on." I said, earning them to all look up at me. "I love you guys so much. Ashley I love you, Caroline I love you, Demi I love you. I love us, our family, and you know daddy wouldn't set himself up to leave forever." "Really Zac? Because that's exactly what you're doing right now." Demi stood up walking out of the room and I looked down. Ashley stood up and broke down in tears, running out. I sat there looking across at Caroline, who got down and walked over to me, lifting her arms. I picked her up setting her down on my knee and looked at my baby girl. "I'm gonna miss you daddy." She put her hand on my cheek and I bit my lip, fighting tears all over again. "Daddy's gonna miss you too kiddo." I stood up putting her on my side and walked out of the dining room to the living room. Dems was sitting there playing with Ashley's hair. I looked at Caroline who nodded and I walked over to Demi. "Time for these girls to go to bed." She looked up at me and stood up, picking Ashley up and walking upstairs. I followed, putting Caroline over my shoulder to earn her little giggle. Just like Demi's.

After the girls were tucked in I went to grab the bags Caroline had packed. I took the clothes out, putting them back in the dresser. When I kissed their heads I walked to mine and Demi's room, sitting on the bed. She sat next to me and I placed my hand on her thigh. "Don't leave me." She whispered. I looked at her kissing her forehead. "I love you Dems. You know this is what I want to do, to protect our country, our family." She looked down biting her lip and I lifted her head kissing her softly. "It'll be ok Dems." She smiled small, I could tell it was forced. My phone buzzed and I looked at it, text message from my boss.
Dan(Grumpy): Need you here in thirty. Be ready.
I sighed, picking up my bags. "It's time gorgeous." She nodded slowly and got up, grabbing my free hand. We walked to the girls' room one more time and I couldn't help but let a tear fall. "Goodbye baby girls'. I love you." My voice cracked and I swore mentally. Demi wrapped her arms around my waist, kissing my shoulder. "Come on handsome." I followed her down the steps and walked out to the car. Putting the bags in the trunk, I turned towards Dems. "Don't leave me." She put her hand on my cheek, burying her face in my chest. I let the tears fall. I don't care anymore, I'm leaving my family. I lifted her head with my hands. "I love you Demi. I'll be back soon. Stay strong for me." I kissed her softly, then kissed her forehead. "You are beautiful." I walked away to the drivers seat, breaking down as I looked at her crying in the street. "I love you." I whispered, before driving off.