Rum and Coke

Bailey felt as if her world was crumbling around her. She didn’t know which way was up anymore. Her father, The Colonel, meant the world to her. He would always try to be there for her, even when he was deployed. He would always make sure that he got in touch with her at least once a day, if not more than that. He was the one that remained by her side during her brother’s funeral. He was one of the biggest supporters in her life and she didn’t know if she could go on living without him.

Bailey shook her head, ridding herself of the tears that threatened to form. No, I can’t think like that. I need to be strong for mom. He’ll make it, I swear he will,she thought as she stared at the fluffy clouds outside of the airplane window.

The plane ride was taking way too long. She wanted to be there right now. It didn’t help that the man she was sitting beside had too much cologne on and kept giving her a perverted eye. Bailey snapped at him twice already, the second time being the one in which she pulled out her brother’s dog tags and began playing with them as they hung from the chain around her neck. He shut up pretty quickly and forced himself to keep himself preoccupied. When the plane finally landed, Bailey shot over the disgusting man and was the first one up and off of the plane. She didn’t care that they had to do a landing inspection; she just flashed her military ID as she walked past them. The stupid rookies needed to know there place and figure out who I am- it would make their life a hell of a lot easier, she thought to herself as she shoved past everyone.

Bailey looked up when she got to the waiting area, slightly surprised to see Ellie’s Uncle Jared waiting for her in a black suit. If anything, Bailey thought that one of the four-stars would pick her up. Jared gave her a weak smile before extending his arms out to her. She walked into his embrace and hugged him back politely.

“How’s The Colonel?” She asked after pulling out of his embrace. They began walking to baggage claim.

“I haven’t seen him yet, but I know he’ll be better once when he sees his pride and joy,” he replied back, a smile forming when he finished. Jared and The Colonel (affectionately known as TC) were roommates all four years at VMI. Jared was pre-law, TC father was Chemistry. Jared had always been a close personal friend of Smith family, so it was a little fitting that he was here, picking Bailey up. In fact, TC was the first person Jared came out to, and he helped hide Jared’s homosexuality until their graduation in 2002.

Bailey nodded her head in acknowledgement and waited for the conveyor belt to start.

“I mean it, Bailey. In all the years that I’ve known you’re father, I know a few things for sure. I know that he’s loyal, both on the field and off. I know that he’s committed to excellence. I know that he stands up for what he truly believes in. I know that he loves both you and your mother dearly and that he’ll fight to make sure that you two stay protected. And, lastly, but most not the least, that he’s strong and brave in the face of danger,” he didn’t look at her once. “And I know that he would want you to do the same…be brave, no matter what the world around you is doing.”

Easier said than done, she thought bitterly to herself. The conveyor belt started and the two spent the next few minutes in silence, waiting for her luggage. Silently, she pulled out her two large bags off of the belt and walked to where Jared had parked his car.

“If you wanna talk about it, I’m all ears,” he said, trying to break the awkward silence. “I mean, I kinda know what you’re going through…and, he is my best friend.”

Bailey stared out the windshield, her face completely void of emotion. “I’m still trying to process it all, and I appreciate your sincerity and comfort, but, please…not now.”

“Okay, whatever you want,” he replied quietly before turning on the radio. For the next hour, that was the only sound, besides the other drivers and the gentle hum of the engine that was heard in the car. Sighing defeatedly, Jared pulled into the hospital lot and gave her another small smile. “It’ll be okay, Bailey. If it’s not okay, then it’s not the end,” he recited.

Bailey didn’t reply. Instead, she got out of the car in a composed manner and walked into the hospital. “Where is Colonel Gerald Smith?” she asked the receptionist.

The receptionist gave the teenager a heart-wrenching smile. “Are you his daughter? Bailey Mariah Smith?” she asked softly.

Bailey nodded her head, fearing the news that she was bound to give her.

“Room 212. I would hurry, he doesn’t have much time left.”

Bailey nodded and followed the signs to the elevator. Jared was right behind her by now. Once the elevators dinged open on the second floor, she walked briskly down the hallway, scanning the room numbers as she walked past them. She came upon a window that showed her mother, a nurse, and a doctor. Her mother was crying hysterically.

“Time of death, 19.30.” the doctor said calmly as a nurse scribbled down the numbers.

Bailey didn’t break down and cry. Instead, she stood stark still, as if she were carved out of stone, and kept her eyes trained on the lifeless form in the bed. She felt completely numb- like nothing mattered anymore. Her tears couldn’t do anything, so shedding them would be useless. The Colonel wouldn’t want that anyway. He had always told his daughter that soldiers should stay strong and not break down in public. If they did break down and cry, it would be in the confinements of their own room. He wouldn’t want anyone to cry over him.
“Everything will be okay,” Jared whispered into her ear as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “I can call Ellie and the guys and they will be right here tonight.”

“No, don’t call them. They can’t know.”

He was about to respond, but was interrupted when Bailey’s mother came out. Upon spotting her daughter, she immediately rushed to her and held her tightly.

“I’m so sorry that you weren’t here sooner! It wasn’t your fault, so don’t blame yourself.”
I wouldn’t. It was his job. He knew the risks involved, Bailey thought.

“I’m so sorry,” Julie Smith whispered again, stroking the back of her head so that her hair would lay flat. “Oh, Jared!” she sniffled, pulling him into the hug, also. They had always gotten along, and Jared even helped TC pick out her engagement ring. “It’s good that you’re here. I knew you tried to get her here as quick as possible. I can’t thank you enough for everyth-”

“Julie, calm down. It’ll be okay,” Jared repeated. “and, you don’t have to thank me.”
She nodded her head and looked back down at her. “Here, he would want you to have this,” she said, placing a small metal object into Bailey’s hand.

Bailey opened it to reveal her father’s VMI class ring. “Mom, I-”

“Save it. I already have one,” Julie said, flashing her miniature. “And you’ve had your eye on that one since you were a few minutes old,” she added, motioning to the almost legal weapon in her hand.

“Jared, will you?” Bailey asked, fiddling with the chain that held Sean’s dog tags.

“Of course, Hon,” he replied with a gentle smile. He quickly unclasped the chain around her neck and smoothly slid the new ring on it before clasping it back.

The ring was heavy, but, at this point, Bailey felt that her heart weighed much more.
“Bailey, do you…want to call the others?” mom asked tentatively.

I shook my head. “No, as I told Jared: I don’t want them to know. They’re having fun and causing chaos- their dream come true. I don’t want to ruin that.”

“But, honey, don’t you think that they would want to be here and help you out?” mom asked softly, my hand resting between hers. Jared’s were, once again, on my shoulders.

“Yes, but nothing you say will convince me.”

She nodded her head and reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “well, looky here, I see that your father’s stubbornness has finally come out.”