”“I have to go and meet Ryan at Applebee’s by his store. I want to tell him all of this face to face.”“Can we come with you?” Blossom aske....“I was going to say no, but I just had a great idea. Let’s pack up the kids and get un-naked and head out. If he is going to get the news, he might as well get the live news in all of its’ glory.”We dressed and packed the family into the SUV and drove to the restaurant. We arrived before 11 so Ryan was not there yet. The hostess seated us in a large booth.. We were in left corner seat and she took the window side. When the flight was about to take of we started talking againTania – I am sorry for making you sit along with me , I always have a bad luck in the aeroplane in which I either get a old fellow or stupid faced person who would never even care to give a smile back !Me – so I am just here to make you feel better ? And what makes you think that I am better ?She never replied and just smiled back and asked meTan – so what’s up with you ? What. Life hasn't been too bad for us, and now I have all of you as well. Besides, I'll get myself a new sponsor when we get to our colony."Taking the opportunity to change the subject, Hope asked, "What do you want your sponsor to be, Navy or a Marine?" A Marine, or maybe Fleet Auxiliary, I think. Some of the Navy concubines go fighting on warships, and I don't want to do that. It would be much too dangerous. I want to stay at home and raise children, not fight." Navy concubines can fight?" Hope had. I also probably didn't realize that would be the only time I would hear from her.So three long miserable years had come and gone, and I had come to realize that I hadn't been happy since she had left. It's funny how that works. You take people for granted until they are gone. Then one day something reminds you of them and you start thinking of them again and that's of course when you realize.I tried to fall back asleep but ended up tossing and turning. My mind began whirling. Maybe she had.