Party

Maria arrived at the airport an hour early.  After all of the waiting, Nicole was coming home. The plane wasn't delayed and air traffic was clear. Her heart felt like it would explode.

Nicole sat on the plane nervous as ever. She had promised Maria she'd come home...safe. And, she was for the most part. As the plane landed Nicole thought of the many ways she could hide the slight limp.

***FLASHBACK***

A high pitched ringing echoed through Nicole's ears. She lifted her hands, her arms felt heavy and her eyes were clouded with the desert sand. Her pale hands moved to cover her ringing ears. She felt the blood seeping through and pooling at the collar of her shirt.

'Please. God please. I can't die. I can't die.'

Slowly the ringing quieted and her sight Slowly returned. The sight was one she'd seen many times before. One she hoped that after this, she'd never see again.

**********************

Maria stood at the gate. She began to see soldiers making their way to family and friends. Her eyes scanned the many faces. Every blonde head she saw she wishes was her solider.

Finally she spotted the sharp faced angel with the blonde hair. She smiled, muscles she hadn't used in months cracked open, allowing her face to beam with the joy.

'She's home.'

Nicole spotted Maria and felt her achy heart give way to the woman she loves. Her limp forgotten she pushed pass the bystanders and into the arms of her lover.

Tears flood both women's eyes. Hearts beating in unison. "I missed you so much." Came the whispered words from the blonde.

"I missed you."

___________________________

After an emotional reunion and packing of the two bags, they made they way home.

Nicole missed it. She missed the simple nights in and the small parties they had for football games. She missed the woman beside her more.

They pulled up to the house they now shared. It was good to come home to this, to Maria.

"I made you all of your favorite food and I have your favorite wine to go with it. I didn't know if you wanted-"

"-this is wonderful," Nicole cut her off.

Maria couldn't help the smile that was still stuck on her face. She felt like a teenage girl who finally met her favorite boy band. She felt complete.

"Do you want to eat first or shower?" She asked.

"I think washing away the desert will allow me to better enjoy all your hard work."

______________________

Nicole couldn't wait any longer. Her and father planned the party/surprise engagement for the week after she got home. But, having Maria curled up next to her she couldn't wait. There was no time for her to second guess what she was feeling.

"Maria, can I ask you something?"

Maria lifted her head. "Anything."

Nicole sat for a minute, trying her hardest to gain courage.

"Merry me? I know it may seem soon but, I just can't see myself without you. You don't have to plan a wedding today, I just want to be able to say that I have someone so special back home waiting. I want to be able to give you everything. I know-"

Her rant was stopped by soft lips connecting to her's. Pulling away when air became necessary. "Yes." Maria said before leaning in again.

That night there was a celebration. One for the books. Nicole finally felt that feeling her father once described. She felt love.

*************

Ok this probably sucked. However, since today is my birthday I had to update. So a present from me to you.

Hope you enjoyed.

Much love

-M

P.S: there's Five more chapters before the end. I may do a epilogue. Or...