Assuming

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Maria Santiago-Valdez."

Maria had finished her latest press conference. It was flawless. There were some question that made her question her response, but she knocked them out. She and Nicole were headed back to Nicole's home.

"Maria, I know my opinion doesn't matter but, that was amazing." Nicole smiled.

"Thank you. I feel great. Nicole can I ask you something?"

"Yes ma'am."

Maria paused, thinking of the right words to use. "...Are you ga...lesbian?"

Maria felt foolish asking these questions. She lifted her head seeing Nicole deep in thought.

"You don't have to answer. It was...it was rude of me to ask." Maria put her head back down.

"To be honest. I am a lesbian. However, I don't let that interfere with my job or performance." Nicole said, her voice monotone.

Maria fumbled with her hands. "I'm not gay...lesbian but it's not a lifestyle for me. I don't condemn people like that but.."

"Mrs. Valdez, not to be rude but, your opinion of who I am doesn't matter to me. I am here to protect you from harm. That is all. I am not coming on to you. just because I'm lesbian doesn't mean I'm sexually attracted to every woman." Nicole's voice was still calm.

"I'm sorry." Maria replied, still looking down at the fumbling hands.

The ride to Nicole's house was silent. Maria didn't mean to offend her. She just wanted to make sure Nicole was normal. 'Normal? what does that even mean, Maria? You insulted her. She didn't seem to be offended. Wow great Maria way to make her job hard. But, why would someone ever choose that...'

"Mrs.Valdez, we are here" Nicole said, pulling Maria from her thoughts.

Maria looked up, seeming Nicole's emotionless face. "Are you coming?" she asked.

Maria shook her head and made her way out of the car.

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

"John we can't stay here. She's one of them!" Maria was in her room with John.

"Maria, they say she's the best. This will not effect us. Or the votes you get. Hell you might get more."

"John, I don't want to be here. Not with people like her. What if she's looking at me? Then what?" Maria half shouted at him.

"Look, I don't like those people either but she's protecting you."

"We. Are. Leaving. That's the end of it!"

*****

"Jesse I have to go. Yeah, love you too."

Nicole heard yelling and walking down the hall to the room where Marian and John were.

"Maria we can't leave, she's your bodyguard."

"Not anymore!"

Nicole hated this. She left and went to her bedroom, stripping off her uniform and changing into shorts and a t-shirt. She couldn't help but feel, well nothing. She wasn't hurt by Maria's words. Hell if she wanted a new bodyguard let her have one.

'She's a bitch. Here I was thinking she was different from the other idiots in that party but she proved me wrong. Wow.'

There was a knock on her door.

"Come in."

"Hey, Officer Brian. I just want to thank you for your hostility but me and Maria have decided to leave. She doesn't feel right staying here. In your personal life."

"Mmm, ok. Thanks for letting me know." Nicole's face was a still as a rock.

"We'll be gone in the morning."

John walked out, leaving Nicole. She got up, hearing her phone.

"Brian." She said.

"Brian, it's O'neil, you're off the governor detail."

Nicole felt her body growing in rage. Was this woman serious. She's that homophobic.

"Nic you there?"

"Yeah. Mmm ok, that's cool."

"Alright, chief wants you in Friday for a debriefing."

"Ok."

Nicole hung up the phone. Well at least she didn't have to hear anymore of the political bull.

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

Maria laid in bed with John wrapped around her. She had to leave. And, Nicole was no longer her bodyguard. Great.

She turned over, her back facing John. she closed her eyes, hoping for sleep to come.

--------------

Hope you like.

Much love

-M

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