So Much More Than Nothing (LDR ADU)

11

She fought with herself for 15 minutes on whether she should have a cup of coffee. She knew that she'd make a full pot and down 4 cups if she wasn't careful. She didn't want to be hyper and shaky on her first encounter with Laura, not more than she already was. Laura shouldn't see her like that on the first meeting. She never consumed such a large amount so quickly before, but she knew she would change that with how nervous she was feeling.

Dammit. This girl is ruining my nerves.

To compromise, she made a small pot of coffee that only brewed enough for 2 cups. To ensure that she wouldn't drop the gun, she threw her entire supply of coffee onto a high shelf, transferred all her money into her savings account, except for gas money, and, then, put all her cash in her rainy-day stash.

As she took a sip of coffee as she headed for the door, she sighed deeply, "What the frilly hell have you done to me, Hollis?"

Just as she began to go for a second sip, a text came through.

MyGirlfriend: Just had hot chocolate with my dad and almost near security. My plane boards in 30 minutes.

Underneath was a short video of Sherman and Laura with foam mustaches throwing funny faces at the camera.

You're making me happy, that's what you're doing.

Laura's POV

Laura and Sherman stood beside the line for TSA and held one another close. They didn't even make it to a stopping point before Sherman was crying. Laura wasn't too far behind. This was the first time they would be apart since Laura was born. Sherman never left her side. Now, he had to put his little girl's safety in the trust of someone in another country. It shocked him how incredibly easy, yet conflicting, it was for him to do so; and, how painful it was for him to let her go. He knew it'd be difficult, but this was worse. It was like his heart punched its way through his chest, hopped on a plane and joined beats with someone else, leaving a promise of return in its place to fill the empty space until, one day, it should return. All he could do was remember that, no matter where his baby girl went, she would never truly leave him.

"I am so proud of you." He sniffled.

"For meeting a girl? Thanks, Dad. I'm glad she has your approval." Laura wiped a tear away, rubbing it on her father's shoulder.

"So far, she has escaped the direct line of my bear spray. But if you don't come back to me the same way you left, there won't be a clear eye in the house." He pulled away, wagging his finger at his daughter while reaching for a handkerchief.

"Duly noted." Laura chuckled, turning to look at the clock over TSA. "I have to get going if I'm going to make my flight...I love you, Daddy."

"Oh, I love you too, baby girl." He pulled her in for one more crushing hug, placing a kiss to her forehead. "Now, remember to take your vitamins and drink plenty of fluids!"

"Ha! Okay, Dad." Laura began to make her way over to join the ever-shortening line.

"And remember to call every day!"

"Got it!"

"No talking to weird strangers! Better yet, any strangers!"

"Okay, Dad!"

"Don't forget to wash behind your ears!"

"Alright!"

"And use fluoride free toothpaste!"

"O-. What?"

"Watch out for weird deodorants!"

"Floss daily!"