Picture this...

Some guy just getting out of his favorite jazz club, alone. Pretty easy going guy, jeans and a cotton collared shirt just to make the dress code happy, with simple face features and pretty fit.

On his way to the car he stares up at the blinding city lights that mellow into a pale yellow on the street. Before walking into the car, he figures he'll enjoy one last cigarette and watch the smoke dance around the air in front of him as he controls the very fire emitting from his mouth. As he puts his the lighter away and stares up at the sky with one large exhale, he thinks about who he has to say goodbye to...

"uggggh..... too much of a hassle."

fffffffffffffffffsssssssssssssssssssssss s.........

He just loves the sound of his mouth when he blows out that smoke, all in sync to his chest warming to the fire burning inside... but not from the cigarette, but that deep love he has for her. He sure as all hell is going to miss her.

"Shit... I can't say anything to her right now. I'll just leave tonight."

So he stood there... leaning on the side of his car and enjoying the meloncholy atmosphere of the city night. The last thing on his mind would be-

... and that's when he heard footsteps.

Could it be him? No way! It's too early! There's no way they would track him down here! They said TOMMROW! He has until TOMMOROW!

More steps... getting closer, untill he saw the figure of a young woman. Long brown hair, green eyes... wearing some tight jeans and a buttoned up cheap brown pleather jacket she got on the street. Now he knows who it is. He remembers her pretty damn well... It's Her. Always sees her around even when he doesn't want to, it's like a curse. She's still lookin young, too... he always liked how she took care of the way she looked. Her hair's still smooth and rides the air like a kite. Her eyes still glow like his do too. Probably something she learned from him back when they were still under the same roof. They were so alike... they had so much fun back then.

Those days were nice.

"Oh... it's you."
"Yeah... it's nice to see you too."

She hasn't changed a bit. Still a sarcastic bitch. So direct... direct enough to just stand right next to him and look straight at the ground. She didnt even bother to look into his eyes when she spoke.

"So... how did you find me here anyway?"
"Its obvious... you always come here when you need some time to get away."
"... don't mention that..."
"I'm afraid I still have to talk about the divorce."
"You know you're not supposed to be seeing me... or even be this close to me with that restraining order in effect."
"Oh... I know. But it's still kinda hard to resist the temptation to see you when yer in town."
"You should be going home... it's late. A girl like you can get hurt."
"Not unless she's escorted by some strong soldier that always protects her."
"So thats how its gonna be, huh?"

He blew out one more gust of smoke into the cold, stale air and smirked... she really hasn't changed at all. He's still her knight in shining armor.

"I'm going to miss you."
"How did you know I was leaving?"
"Well, you know how girls in the house like to gossip... I just overheard, thats all."
"I bet the bitch in charge is glad to see me go."
"No actually she was the one who made a big deal about it first."
"Probably because she won't be gettin' any of my money for a while... ecspecially if I di-"
"-Don't say that!"

Her posture changed from relaxed to tense as she wrapped both arms around his chest and rested her head below his chin.

"You'll come back! I know it!"
"Who knows..."
"No... you'll come back home! I don't want to lose you!"

He didn't say a word as he finished his smoke and flicked it several feet away into the street before taking the girl's hands and forcing them off of him.

"Come on... let's take you home."
"ok..."

He opened the door and she still wouldn't look up at him. She probably can't let it sink in that he's leaving.

The long silence on the way back to her house was just another sign that any other word said would then just make it hurt more for both of them...

But as soon as she took one step out...

"I love you..."
"I know sweetheart."
"I'm gonna miss you, dad."
"Yeah... I know."
"Come home, ok?"

and then remembers the thing he always tells her when he has to go somewhere.

"Don't worry... a soldier always ends up where he's supposed to be. and a father always ends up being there for his only daughter."
"Thanks, dad."

And with that night done... he drove back home. Ready to go to war in some country he cant even pronounce. He kept singing the song he heard in the jazz club that night, the song that was in his head while he talked to his own kin...

I guess they call this the farewell blues.