”I don’t know Mommy, why don’t you keep it, “Janet pushes the box into Tasha’s hand.

”Don’t give me any problems with this Capt. Williams this is an order.” Tasha took the box and hugged her mother tight.

As they broke the embrace Janet looks at her, ”So you really do love her?”

“Yeah Mommy, I really do.”

“Then you treat her right and she BETTER (w/emphasis) treat my girl right or she’ll have hell to pay.”

Tasha laughed and said, ”Oh Mommy, I love you thanks for always being there for me always.” At the airport Janet cried as she hugged Alice and Tasha .

”You girls take care of yourselves and don’t forget to call.”

“I won’t I love you mommy.”

”I love you too Alice take care of my baby.”

“I will.” On the plane Tasha cried as she laid her head on Alice’s shoulder. This trip and the things that happened on this trip: her Dad passing, the mini-drama with Simone, dealing with the family all came together to make sense in some odd way.

The final outcome being that it was time for Tasha to move forward with her life. She was going to deal with the military situation head on and she was encouraged by what Colonel Sanders had to say. She knew he carried weight in situations, so the outcome may be to her liking she wasn’t necessarily ready to leave the service just yet but was prepared for any outcome she would have to face. But she entered this new chapter of her life with a new confidence. One of the things driving that confidence was love. Her love for Alice and Alice’s love for her. Tasha felt good, personally with who she is and who she loves. And this trip just showed her more that Alice was the one. As long as they were together, nothing would stop her from doing what she wanted in the service or out. Tasha did know though that she’d have to have a good heart to heart with Alice about the service. As far as Alice was concerned Tasha coming out the service was a dream come true. She got her baby back in one piece this time.

An hour into the plane ride Tasha decided to listen to some music to take her mind off of her mother, family, and her upcoming trial. Marvin Gaye was playing Let’s Get It On when she put on the head set. This was one of Tasha’s favorite songs she started to sing it. Alice had nodded of but woke up as Tasha sang, let’s get it on ah yeah, Let’s get it on, ah suga.” Tasha looked over at Alice both of their eyes meet.