Secret

"Joanna there is nothing going on between us." Maria said.

She and Nicole spent the night doing any and everything. Maria wanted so much to spend the day in bed but, she knew she had work to do.

"Why was she in your room? I thought she was in the guess room."

"I was scared and upset. She just came and talked to me. Nothing happened." Maria couldn't hide her feelings but she knew where Joanna and the rest of her team stood. Homosexuality is wrong. Even thinking such things could ruin her career. But, she really liked Nicole and how she made her feel.

"I'm asking the department to send a different officer. I don't like that le....that thing around you. You're my best friend Maria and I have to protect you."

"You don't have to do that!" Maria said defensively.

"Yes I do! You have an election to win and she will not give the media and reason to go against you."

"You're crazy! Nothing happened. When will you believe me, Jo?"

"When she's gone."

Joanna walked out of Maria's officer, passing Nicole "Officer, could you follow me."

"I'm sorry but I have to get Mrs.Valdez ready." Nicole said.

"It wasn't a question," Joanna's voice became cold, "Now, follow me."

Nicole looked towards Maria, who's face screamed fear. "Now!" Joanna yelled. Nicole followed her to her office down the hall.

"Have a seat officer."

"Please, call me Nicole."

"I prefer officer."

Nicole felt her body stiffen. Joanna was so cold and her voice filled with disgust.

"Ok. Why am I here?"

"You're fired."

"What? What do you mean fired?"

"Let go, replace, on permanent leave."

Nicole felt the anger rising and pushed it down. "Are you serious? I was fired once before and you begged me to come back. What is going on?"

"It has come to the teams attention that your...lifestyle, is not something we support. You will remain on the force but, you will no longer be needed in the protection of Maria."

"My lifestyle?"

"Yes. If it were to be found out by media, this could ruin Maria's election. We cannot take that chance. After you leave my office, you are free to go to your home. We will pay you through this week."

"Wh.."

Joanna stopped Nicole, "Please," she said pointing to the door, "Leave."

Nicole stood and walked out. she stopped pass Maria's office. Maria was pacing the room. "What happened?"

"She told me I was no longer needed."

"So you're leaving?"

"I have to. Look, here's my personal number call me when you can. Try a pay phone so it can't be traced. I'm sorry."

"But.."

Joanna walked into Maria's office, "I thought I told you to leave."

Nicole looked up and walked to the door. "I'm sorry." she said again before leaving.

*******

"Sweetie, they can't fire you like that!"

"Yes they can mom."

Nicole had come home to her parents. She told them about her being fired. Her mother went into defense mode.

"How did they know." her dad asked.

"I don't know. I never brought my personal life into it." Nicole had an idea of why she was let go but, she couldn't tell her parents.

"I'm going down there!" her mom said grabbing her purse.

"No!" Nicole and her father said at the same time.

"Mom, I don't need you fighting my battles. It's over and done. I still have my job, just not with them."

"Fine. But know this, they will regret letting my baby go." Her mother sat beside her and pulled her into a hug.

"That's my girl. You've always been strong."

*******

"I'm not going."

"Maria you have to. This is THE PRESIDENT."

Maria stood her ground. "I said I'm not going."

"And why not?" Joann said with irritation."

Maria turned to her desk. "My word is final."

"Maria, if it's about the g...Officer Brian, let it go. There are other officers just as good as she is. We have someone here now. So, get up and get in the car!"

Maria stood, "You don't get it, do you?"

"Get what? You're acting like we're in college again. Like a big baby."

Maria's face redden with anger, "Fuck you! You had no idea what college was like! You were too busy sleeping with teachers for grades to know what I was like!"

"You think I didn't know!? Huh? You really think I didn't know you were fucking Savannah!"

Maria's mouth dropped. Savannah was her first girlfriend. She knew that it wouldn't last.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. Now, unless you want the media to hear about your little lesbian affair, you'll do like I said. It's not all about you Maria." Joanna went to the door. "You have 10 minutes." With that she shut the door.

Maria was left in her thoughts. She sat down at her desk. 'You knew this could happen. Maria what are you thinking. Joanna was suppose to be my friend. My best friend.'

Maria looked at the paper Nicole gave her. She knew she had to call her.

******

Maria was in her room. Her parents nagged her the entire night about the president. Joanna kept giving her looks. People in the officer whispered. Finally, everyone was gone. Her parents were sleep and Joanna was with one of her many men.

She had put on jeans, a hoodie and running shoes. She had to call Nicole. She went to the garage and grabbed her bike. She laughed, the last time she did this she was in high school. She had to admit it was a rush.

As she snuck out the side door, she saw two men in a black car. She knew they would stop her, so she hopped the fence to the next street.

After riding three miles she saw a pay phone at a gas station. She dialed the number. After five rings a soft voice answered. "Hello."

Maria was sucked into Nicole's voice. Even if it had only been hours, she missed it. "Helloooo!" Nicole said again.

"Nicole, it's me. ...Maria."

"Maria where are you? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, I'm at a gas station a few miles from my house."

"It's so late. I know I said call me but, I don't want you to get hurt."

"I'm fine. I just...I needed to hear your voice."

Nicole smiled. "I missed yours too."

"Can...can you come get me?" There was a long pause. "No, Nicole you don't have to."

"What? No silly, I'm coming. Where are you?"

"Mmm Cyprus Street and Jackson Lane."

"I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"Ok. Nicole?"

"Yeah."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Just being here."

"You're welcome. I'll be there soon."

Maria hung up the phone. She felt relief wash over her.

*******

After ten minutes, Nicole pulled up in a black Ford F150. She stepped out and walked to Maria. "You rode a bike?" Nicole laughed.

Maria looked up and smiled. "I wanted to be safe."

"So a bike was your choice of transportation?"

"Yes, don't pick on me." Maria hugged Nicole. She felt Nicole's arms wrap around her.

"We should go."

Maria nodded and Nicole helped her up into the truck. Nicole grabbed her bike and put it in the hatchback. She went to the driver side.

"Where are we going?" Maria asked.

"My house." Nicole laughed.

"But...aren't your parents there?"

"They are. But," she grabbed Maria's hand, "They sleep like bricks."

"Ok, then what are we going to do?"

Nicole stopped at a red light and looked at Maria. "Whatever you want."

Maria couldn't help the smile that played across her face.

***********

Nicole pulled into her garage and helped Maria out of the truck. "Can I ask you why you have such a huge truck?"

Nicole laughed. "So people don't cut me off."

"So you have road rage?"

"No! I'm a great driver."

"Sure you are."

Maria followed Nicole to her bedroom. She admired the simplistic beauty the room.

*********

Maria was lying facing Nicole. "This is what you wanted to do."

Maria smiled, "Yes. Why, do you want to do something different?"

"Yes." Nicole moved closer and reached around Maria for the remote control to the tv.

"Really?"

"If you want to watch it you can."

Nicole moved and laid on her back. Maria just wanted her closer. She snuggled into Nicole's side.

"Nic, I'm sorry."

Nicole pulled Maria closer. "You didn't do anything."

"I feel like I did."

"Maria, it's ok."

Maria nodded and slowly closed her eyes.

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Ok so I didn't have time to edit. I hope everyone enjoys. remember feed back is always welcomed. Express yourself.

Much love

-M