Protection

"If you go upstairs, your room is the third door on the left." Nicole told John and Maria as the officers brought in their bags.

"Thank you again Nicole. I don't know what I'd do if something happen to Maria." John said.

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

It was getting late. Nicole was use to the long hours but she could see that John looked like he was ready to pass out. Maria didn't look tired though. She looked worried.

John headed upstairs. "Maria honey are you coming up?"

"Yes." Maria wasn't tired but she knew John was. The three of them said their good nights. Nicole watched as John followed behind Maria.

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Maria lied in bed, John's arm wrapped around her. She could feel his warm body, yet she didn't feel safe because of him. She felt safe knowing Nicole was just rooms away, lying in bed.

Maria slid from under John's arm. She looked back, seeing him change his position. She sighed and made her way to the living room.

•click•

•clack•

Nicole stood in the living room. She heard someone walking through to the room. As the steps got closer she stood ready to fire.

"AHHHHH!" Maria screamed seeing Nicole with a gun pointing it in her direction.

"Oh. Oh my goodness. Ma...Mrs.Valdez I'm so sorry. I...I thought you were someone else." Nicole said putting the gun to her side.

"Wow! At least you're prepared. I should have a bell or something." Maria chuckled nervously.

"I am so, so sorry." Nicole kept apologizing.

"It's done. I'm fine." Maria reassured her.

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

After Nicole finished apologizing a thousand and one times. She and Maria sat on the long black couch.

"So, you're telling me that you were like G.I. Jane?" Maria asked, her eyes lit up like a child's.

"Well, yes and no. I joined the Marines like my dad. You can say I wanted to be him really. I guess the benefit was the body and skills they taught me." Nicole blushed a little.

"Wow. So the military was a plan you always had?"

"Yes. My mother was upset but she knew my reasons. What about you?"

"Well...theres not much to say. My father was an immigrant from Mexico and my mother is from Arizona. They met had me, 29 years later I'm here."

"And what happened in those 29 years?" Nicole pulled her legs under her body and rested he head in her hand.

"I met John in Spain when I visited my grandparents. He was living here at the time. When we got back to the states we lost connection. It wasn't until college, when I moved here that we met, again. After I finished school we got married. I ran for mayor and now here I am."

Nicole had a smile lighting up her face. "You and John are a beautiful couple. Are your parents proud?"

Maria was confused, why wasn't Nicole hitting on her. She was gay wasn't she? She was sexy and kept her body in shape unlike most political women. 'What am I thinking. Me, gay? No way in hell.' Maria thought. "Yes, they're proud. They moved to Virginia a year ago after retiring. I go see them every now and then but, they have more of a social life than I do. What about you? You have this beautiful home and surly there is someone special in your life?"

"Well the house belonged to my gradparents. They were always in on the new. They moved with my mother and father and left this to me. As for someone special, nope. I don't think that'll happen for me."

"Why, you're a pretty girl. There is a handsome guy out there." Maria said with a voice full of cheer.

Nicole stood from the chouch. Maria's thought she said something to offend Nicole. "I want to show you something. Come with me."

Maria grabbed her hand. Following her down a hall filled with pictures of Nicole at every age. As they came to the end of the hall way, Nicole pulled out a set of keys. "I Think this will help you get some sleep."

Nicole opend the door stepping aside allowing Maria in first. "What is this?" Maria looked seeing walls painted black, unlike the rest of the house that was painted white. Nicole shut the door, cutting off the only source of light that was coming into the room. She flicked a switch.

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

"This is beautiful." Maria lay on her back looking at the make shift night sky. It was peaceful, unlike the city that was full of lights and noise. This was quite, no sounds, no stress from the daily life. Maria's eyes got havey and soon she was asleep.

Nicole got up from her place in the room. She brought a blaket to cover Maria. 'This was going to be a hard job. Protecting someone so attractive but, she is striaght and most likely isn't a supporter of they gays' Nicole thought. Nicole walked out of the room leavig the door craked to allow some light in. She went to the living room, lying down on the couch. She looked at her watch 3:00 am. She sighed, closing her eyes and feeling her body relax.

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

Not much to say but enjoy. The video attached is my favorite song by The XX, peaceful too.

Thank you again. Much love

-M