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Years Later

It was early, much too early for Addie to be up and awaiting. With another gulp and a check towards the clock did I realize the bus was late, this was a mistake. I should've waited another year to—"Mom, grandma said that she's picking me up today."
"Yup, right here. Mommy has to go to work today, but tomorrow I'll be here to pick you up." She nodded, the braids in her hair bounced their beautiful shade as she smiled up at me. The loose strains angled her face as her white shining teeth pulled through, I was just trapped in her eyes for the given while.

But the second a sounding bus emerged she jumped from the front seat to look, hopping out the car to walk on towards it. And I followed her out, with the camera and praying that she remembered what to do. Holding her tag in hand to signify what bus she's going on, did she turn around at the first step and allowed me to take a picture. Two in fact, before the bus left.

I probably stood there like an idiot, scared to feel this emptiness as though it was louder than ever in my mind. Waving the pictures constantly did I realize how adorable they actually were, and how they'd fit perfectly in my room. 
Since she's grown, her being 5 and Mickey being 7, mom said it was an alright age for them to share a room. We've divided it up, nicely in fact. Splitting it down the middle with equal space and not an ounce of unfairness to go around, enough room to play and if not. They could take it into the living room or basement.

Mom wasn't too strict about how many kids could come over, but Carl being so young. She's worried that he'd not fit in with the army crowd just yet. However, I think Molly's coming over with Denise this afternoon, and I haven't seen either of them since the summer.

My biggest goal now is to afford a house, renting or otherwise. I know my parents don't want to push me or even mention it, but it's getting crowded. With Addie already growing up we moved her to the room next to mine, smaller than Michael's but better if her playdates decide to come. 

*

Working on my master's degree wasn't the worse of it, I had gotten job offers that pull me out of states most of the time. Whether it was to teach, New Haven especially, they want me back into the program. But everything I claim to want to do has to wait until summer, when my daughter is off to camp.
"Blake, come on eyes up." The voice sounded, and looking away from my phone for a split second do I see my daughter walking to the plate, bat upright, glaring to the couch at the pitcher's mound as she readies herself. 

My smile erupted as she hit a hard foul towards the third base line, and even then did I speak a small peak to see Carl looking through the fence, hands intertwining as he watched his friend ready again. "How the hell is she so good?"
"Cause she got an eye like her ma. Just wish ya'd stop looking' to that damn thin' all the time and use 'em." The taunts from both Rick and Shane continued.

It was my day off, if you consider it to be an actual Saturday morning in the spring.

A loud call of a 'strike' had her practice, giving the clean number three written on the back of her maroon shirt as she tapped the plate again. "Lookin' like a damn professional."
"Gramps always wanted someone to play baseball." I chuckled, the number of hours Michael gave his granddaughter in the art of baseball was assuming, especially when there's a field at base.

And with another pitch, does my daughter whack it straight to the center field before taking a run towards first base. The coach couldn't tell her not to continue for she was already on her way towards second, making him laugh as he tallied it up. 

Adjusting my hat, or clarification, Shane's extra hat. Did I sneak another look towards my phone, guess I'm flying out this weekend. Again. "I swear I'm gonna smash that thing."
"I'm going to get fired, stop it."
"What case ya workin' on now that's so important?" Shane always found a way to turn the conversation back to work, even with the baseball chatter it returned. He knew how I felt about it, yet he pressed on. 

Then again, I didn't claim I was house hunting. Never did since Carl was born and I doubt I will until I actually find something within my price range. "While you two settle it, I'm gonna take a view on Lori's side." We waved him off, and I just leveled myself down to his seat. Better view and angle, all of the above. 
"Why ya always so secretive when Rick's 'round, just take the damn offer. Leave it at that."
"I need times, I need to schedule. Also, I still have classes to attend, don't even know why they want me."
"You're kiddin' right? What degree ya up to now? Masters? Christ you're going to be a doctor before I can even hit the half of my retirement age." I chuckled, holding up my phone for him to take. 
But as I started my warning, it was mocked in the given instant of retelling it. So I shook my head and took claim of just another case I am working on, the summer I am already booked with teaching and cases.

The cases just might roll into one another though. "You know Rick and Lori wouldn't mind takin' Addie for a week. Right?"
"They need to work their own things out."
"What do you mean?" I sent a glare from underneath the hat's shield, and it gave me protection from him giving it to me in return. Not until he knocked it up. 
"Hate that stupid rule."

"Yeah well, I tell you things."
"Yeah, not enough. Like who you're texting half the time."
"It was an email, it's the university and another organization." He shook his head in disgust before rendering himself back to the game. 

*


It was early in the morning, summer had already commenced and although first grade is a while away. I had her all prepared in case I did not return before the summer ends, she'd be gone one single month. And even then will I be away for the second, a major case came up as predicted. They need me to be present in court along with mandate a few classes. All of which I'm prepared for and already organized my calendar. 

Waking Addie up from her peaceful sleep did she rub her eyes and question what time it was, until she jumped out of bed all excited for the sleep away camp. Running into the bathroom to take a quick shower while I went into my parent's room to do the same. However, I only could stand for the given ten minutes before drying my hair and getting ready. 

My blouse that was steamed yesterday along with my black pencil skirt was waiting for me in my closet, however, those were needed along with the given other outfits for the next months in general. The two large suitcases were enough to supply with them, one for normal wear, the other for equipment. 

It was an honest to god mess, but I am completely received that Carl is going as well. 

*


My entire body felt numb to the massive amount of stress I endured the last given weeks. Finally, I arrived back into the homey airport that is Atlanta, but I wouldn't dream of going to my truck before purchasing a tall coffee and splurging on the given cart to carry my luggage. 

I enjoyed my time away, but Addie was my concern the entire time. Her first tooth fell out and I missed a first, although it was at sleep-away camp I still endured the nightmare of what else I could have missed. 

Or will miss.

Other than her first week in the first grade.

While I was in New Haven an offer came and I cannot and will not allow myself to refuse. The higher powers within this organization sent a very thick and confidential packet to my apartment with the given reasons on why I should take the assignments given before me. 

It sat at the bottom of my suitcase, and the second I return home I need to talk to Michael about how serious this matter is. It's higher than army almost. It's the FBI.

My luggage safety away and my coffee intake at a decent level so I continue forward, registering the fact that I haven't driven this car in two months. Nor do I remember the given way and stumbled to be lost for a given ten minutes before giving up and using the GPS. 

The second I rolled through the driveway I began to smile with the intention of looking at the barn, the foster animals, as my mom told me, were being brought back. And Addie was quick to want to take lessons, so perhaps that is what we'll do on my first day back.

Ride around the property.

I had already gotten my lessons when they first came, believe Addie was a year old. Ever since then were we waiting for her to grow up a bit more before going on the back of a horse herself.

With my car parked and my bag slipping off my shoulders as I placed the keys within their confinements, did I hear the front door slam shut as the yelling commenced before me. And before I knew it, was I tackled up to my waist as my daughter hugged me so very tightly. She didn't stay down there for long because I let my purse fall down to the floor as I picked her up into my arms.
"Mommy don't leave again. It was too long."
"I know honey. But I have a surprise for you if I do have to go again. Alright?" She nodded but still planted herself within my hold, not daring to have the light peek through yet again.

The door sounded again as I leaned down to pick up my purse from the floor, and the shocker to it all was it Mickey and Jarod coming to see me as well. 

"Addie you're going to suffocate Blake." I chuckled to see Mickey trying to give me a hug with the given room available, while Jarod snuck in a small kiss on the cheek before moving to get my suitcases. "How was the flight?"
"Great all around, think I'm getting a hang of this traveling thing." I joked, but telling him to take it easy with the suitcases he didn't listen. So I just told him to save the last one and he was quick to agree, guess my antsy side sparked again. 

Placing Addie back down to the floor did she take my purse and my backpack, sharing the weight with Mickey as they made their way back into the house and I followed in pursuit. 
With my suitcases not even in the living room anymore, I fumbled up the stairs to continue. And with a loud sigh did I see how clean my mom had left it for me. "When did you come home!" My mother screamed, seeing me in the hallway before running towards me. Bringing me into another close nit hug. 

"Just now, I need to unpack and wash up."
"Of course, take your time. Do you want something for lunch? I can make you something if—" I agreed before she began to list everything, so with the normal bundle of clothes did I hurry along to the shower to wash the sores of travel before allowing the warmth release the tension.

I was thinking about the packet and it's entirety, I read it cover to cover. Back to back. Highlight the most important aspects. One of which is the pay and the scheduled. They'd call me whenever I'm most needed, cases, trials, missions. I'd be open to it all unless I find something I cannot allow.

But the thing I find the most impressive is the education, only minoring in Criminal Justice didn't give me the chance to try other areas, and now I am open to the world of possibilities. 

Removing myself from the shower and beginning the everlasting process of drying my hair, did I end up taking the packet from my suitcase and knocking on Michael's door before thinking anything more of the situation. 

"Blake! Oh, it's so good to see you, honey. How's was the flights?"
"Great, there was something I actually wanted to talk to you about—If you aren't busy of course." He motioned for the seat before me as he leaned against his wooden desk, and I handed him the packet.

Before he even looked to the cover did he reach behind him to take his glasses in hold, he took hold of the folder's cover and flipped to the front page, and in the instant did his eyes connect back to mine with a full-fledged mouth open in sheer shock. "W-When did they—"

"They contacted me when I was in New Haven, I met with some of them when I was doing a case in Washington. I've read it a thousand times and I can't pull my mind around this fact." I pointed to the folder, sighing down again. 
"The first thing Addie told me when she saw me was not to leave again...The FBI isn't for people who have a family." He shook his head, continuing to state the fact that it's not true and they would acquire a house and whatever is needed to secure the place. But why confuse my daughter when she can stay here perfectly safe and happy.

"Training is three months?" I nodded, my elbow resting on the chair's hold. Looking up did I need his guidance. "I don't know what to do, I have the next three days off. Then back to King's county."
"Blake, you'll make so much money. And when you are home, you won't have to work—"
"I love working there, I'd work there anyway when I'm on call...Just sucks that..." I couldn't finish my sentence, and it's the sentence that I never could. He understood what I was going for, my main concern was leaving Addie alone for the given months. I just returned, and if I make the decision by the end of the month then I'm leaving two weeks after. 

"Your mother and I will watch her and—"
"I might ask the Grimes family, Carl's in the same school. They can take the bus, it'd be easier." Since Mickey was already in the second given elementary school, it was different times that were posted to sending the kids to school. 
I just need to tell this job and what is going, but more importantly. I have to tell Merle I'm back and what's going on.
Before I do that, I need to make the decision. And I knew the second I walked into the office that the surrounding people looked at me with hoping eyes that I would take this opportunity. 

We talked for an hour. Maybe more, but it was timed for however long it took my mom to prepare so lunch for the both of us. And while the kids all played, I told my family of what is going to happen before I tell my boss and coworkers. 

And by coworkers, I mean Shane and Rick.

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Date Posted: 05-25-18 // Time: 11:57
Word-Count: 2717
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