Repaired

Before reading, I want to thank all of our military for the service they provide. Support our troops!

*******

It had been a month since Maria heard from Nicole. Her mind was wondering. 'Did she die?'

Over and over those words played in her head.

*FLASHBACK*

"In recent news, a US Military camp has been bombarded with bombs from the Ugandan terrorists group. Leader Idi Amin says that his group was the cause..."

Maria zoned out. Her heart stopped and her hand covered her mouth holding back a sob.

She stood in her office, balancing herself on her desk. Ron came in.

"Maria we have a... Maria are you ok?"

All she could do was point to the tv in the corner. Ron looked seeing the report speak on the attack in Africa. His jaw dropped and he pulled Maria into a hug as her cries began.

"Ron what if she didn't make it?"

"Nicole is a strong woman. I know she is fine and probably saved some lives too. Look you go home I'll reschedule the meeting."

Ron called for Maria's car. Instead of taking her to the governor mansion she asked to go to her home.

She walked in dropping her bags and headed to her room. She took one of Nicole's shirts slipping it on her body. She lied in bed pulling Nicole's pillow close. Her scent still lingering on the plush fabric.

She inhaled her tears returning.

*END*

Maria came back from her flash back as her desk phone started to ring. "Hello...this is she...WHAT?!"

Maria dropped the phone and felt it happenening again. The tightness in her chest, the loss of balance. She sat down and began to cry.

******

Nicole woke up trying to sit up and felt a sharp pain in her thigh. She looked and saw the cast holding her in place. A nurse came in. "Good Morning Captain Brian."

"Go...Good morning." Nicole said, her voice weak from not being used. "Ho...How long have I been out?"

"About two weeks."

"Two weeks?!" Nicole croaked out. Her mind went straight to Maria. What must be going through her mind. "Can I get a phone?"

"You really shouldn't be walking, Captain."

"I don't care. I need a phone."

The nurse went and grabbed a phone. She handed it to Nicole. Nicole began dialing a number she spent weeks remembering.

"Hello." Said the soft voice.

"Maria."

"Nic is that you?"

Nicole felt the tears stinging her eyes. "Yea baby it's me."

"Oh my goodness I...I thought you were gone. Where are you?"

"The hospital."

"What?!"

"I'm fine..."

"I'm coming."

"You can't do that you have a job. Plus I'll be home next week after I get discharged from the hospital."

"I miss you. I was worried sick."

"Maria I'm fine."

The doctor came in and Nicole said her goodbyes to Maria.

*******

"Jesse I want to surprise her. Meet me at gate 7."

"Ok ok I got it."

"I'm serious Jessica. And don't tell my parents."

"I said I won't. Man, you don't trust me ever."

Nicole laughed and hug up. She was at the airport wait to leave. She was still in the cast but seeing Maria couldn't wait.

*******

Maria sat in the quite house. She had talked with Nicole the entire week. The doctors had said she needed another week before she could fly. Maria was a bit sad but was more glad that she was ok. They had talked that morning but Maria was in a different time zone and was headed to bed.

So there Maria sat on a beautiful Saturday feeling the December air cool her lungs.

As she closed the patio door, some one knocked at the front door. 'Who is this?' She thought a tad bit annoyed with the person.

She opened the door and was greeted with a smiling Jesse.

"Are you going to stand there or come in?" She asked.

Jesse moved aside and standing behind her was Nicole. Slightly pale but still beautifully crafted.

"Nic!" Maria began crying wrapping her arms around the Soldier. "You're home!!"

"I'm home." Nicole said.

They stood embracing each other. "Are you two coming in its cold out there?" Jesse said.

They laughed. Maria wiped the tears from her face. Nicole was home and hopefully for good.

*********

Night had come upon them. Jesse called over Nicole's parents and they had a little welcome home party. Her mother babied her. Doing everything she asked her not to.

Now, they laid in bed Maria holding Nicole tightly, afraid that today was just a dream. Nicole kissed her softly. "I said I was coming back."

"I know. I just don't want you to disappear."

"I won't."

Slowly both women fell asleep. Enjoying the comfort of the warm body. Nicole had one last thought before sleep would consume her.

'I want this forever. I want her forever.'

********

So that's it. I was in class and the speeches were boring. Anyway, what does Nicole have up her sleeve? The song is The Makings of you by Gladys Knight and the Pips. In my mind it plays as they lie in bed. Enjoy!!

Much love

-M