Hey. I've had this idea bouncing around my head and on the computer for awhile now and i have never been quite able to perfect it. I've finally got it. Hopefully i'll have enough inititive to update soon. Hope it's ok. Don't forget to review.
Intro. Getting Here.
Bridget rolled out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom, dropping to her knees in front of the toilet. 10 minutes later she rinsed her mouth clean and tiredly headed back to her bed.
Eric sat up and frowned. "Are you ok baby?"
Bridget nodded and slid into bed next to him, pulling the blankets tightly around her. "It's probably just the flu or something. Some of the kids at school have it."
Eric reached over and pressed his hand to her forehead. "You don't have a fever," he indicated something she already knew.
She yawned loudly. "I'm fine."
Eric seemed unconvinced. "Well…it's already 7…maybe I'll just stay home today…" his voice trailed off.
With much effort in her blanket cocoon Bridget rolled over to look at her husband. "Go Hun, I'll be fine. Trust me, it's just the flu or something," she paused. "Besides, those kids need you."
Eric smiled and leaned foreword, kissing her forehead. "I love you."
Bridget pulled herself up and found his lips, kissing them gently. "Love you too."
As she watched him walk to the bathroom Bridget remembered the first time she saw him. She was 15 at soccer camp in Baja. He was a coach and a relationship between them wasn't allowed. Bridget didn't' care. She'd thrown herself at him and in the end things had gone too far leaving a big gap between them. It wasn't until two years later that they fell in love. This time she was a coach too and she's figured a lot of things out. Since that summer they'd always been together. The dated for four years and were married just after Bridget graduated from collage. They bought a small apartment in Bethesda, Maryland, Bridget's hometown. She got into teaching physical education at a local elementary school. She always thought her career would make her some big soccer star known around the world but she was happy with her small teaching job. She loved working with the kids. Eric was also a gym teacher but taught at the high school instead. Every Sunday morning he also coached a little league soccer team at one of the local churches near his and Bridget's apartment, which was where he was headed right now. Bridget couldn't believe she had settled down already. If she had pictured her life 10 years ago, when she was 15, she would have imagined a pro soccer star traveling around the world. How different things had turned out. She was 25, happily married for 2 years, with a steady job teaching kids. Thinking about it, she wouldn't trade this life for anything.
Eric immerged from the washroom dressed and ready to go. "I'll be back by 9," he kissed Bridget again. "Sleep, ok?"
Bridget nodded. She loved how Eric always took care of her. "Have fun."
Eric waved and left the room. A couple of minutes later she heard the front door click shut and lock. Rolling over Bridget picked the phone up off the side table. She dialed a number and waited. She knew she'd only have to wait a couple of rings before someone picked up.
Tibby stood at the counter pouring some cheerios out of the box and into two bowls. She had come to the kitchen with the intent of making her and Brian a romantic breakfast of bacon and eggs but as she spooned out the butter to drop into the pan she was hit with a wave of nausea and had to settle on cheerios. As she headed to the fridge for some milk the phone rang. Glancing at the clock she grinned.
"Hey Bee," she said, fixing the phone to her ear, holding it in place with her shoulder as she grabbed the milk.
"Morning Tibs," she heard Bridget's tired voice. It was a tradition that every Sunday morning when Eric left for the church Bridget would call Tibby up. They had been doing this for the past couple years, since they had come home from collage.
"What's up Miss Bridget?" Tibby asked filling the bowls to the brim with milk. Why did she suddenly feel like milk?
She heard Bridget yawn on the other end of the phone. "I think I'm coming down with the flu. I threw up this morning," she stated honestly.
Tibby remained quiet for a moment. "Are you ok?"
"Yah, it's no big deal. Some of the kids at school have it so I figured I just got it from them. I'm sure it'll be gone by tomorrow," she stated matter-o-factly.
Tibby frowned. "I think maybe I have the flu or something too. I felt pretty nauseous this morning."
"Thanks for sharing," Bridget chuckled lightly.
Tibby rolled her eyes. "Get some sleep sweetie. I've got to go but I'll call you tomorrow ok?"
"Where are you off to so fast this morning?" Bridget fell silent for a minute when Tibby heard her gasp loudly. "Oh my God, I can't believe I forgot. I'm so sorry. How awful is that? Happy anniversary Tibby. The big 1 year. Will you ever forgive me?"
Tibby smiled. "Of course I'll forgive you. It's ok. Now we're even. I forgot Eric's birthday last year."
Bridget giggled as she remembered the incident. "Well you have fun today Mrs. McBrian. Wish Brian a happy anniversary for me."
"I will," Tibby grinned. "Bye."
"Bye," she heard Bridget say before she clicked the phone off. She hung the phone back up on the hook and carefully picked up the bowls of cereal. She tried her hardest not to spill as she slowly made her way to the living room. Brian sat on the couch staring at the TV.
"How's this for a romantic anniversary breakfast," she smiled placing the bowls of cereal in front of him on the coffee table. Brian grinned and looked at her as she plopped down beside him. She leaned into him and he wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Looks amazing," he said kissing her forehead.
"Are you making fun of it?" Tibby asked knowing full well he wasn't.
Brian shook her head. "Not at all, I love cheerios."
Tibby nodded. "Me too."
Pulling away from her Brian leaned forward and picked up the bowl. He rested it against his chest, turned to the TV and continued to watch the morning news. Tibby forgot about her bowl of cheerios and stared absent mindedly at her husband. 1 year, they had been married one full year. Tibby remembered back to when Brian proposed. They had been dating for a while. 2 years in fact. As Tibby was entering her second year of collage, Brian managed to get into small community collage only about an hour away from NYU. The two bought a small apartment in between the two locations. She knew she loved Brian before that. She probably in some small way loved him since her summer with Bailey although she hadn't quite realized it. She loved him yes but she didn't know if they would ever get married. Maybe they'd break up and Brian would leave and they'd never see each other again. Of course that was Tibby's mind just being silly. It was winter time and they were packing to go back to Bethesda for Christmas. Tibby was goofing around and picked a pillow up off her bed (yes, they did have separate beds) and whipped it at Brian. In no time at all they had started a full scale pillow fight. Pillows were flying everywhere. Eventually they both tumbled into a heap of blankets, clothes and pillows. Tibby's head lay on Brian's chest and when she rolled over to look at his face he was holding up a small glittering ring. It wasn't too fancy, Brian couldn't afford fancy and come to think of it she wasn't even sure how he afforded that ring. He reached up with his other hand and stroked her cheek gently.
"Marry me," he whispered. It took a few seconds for the words to sink in but when they did Tibby flung herself on top of Brain planting a huge kiss on his lips. "Of course." There was no more packing after that.
After Tibby graduated from NYU she and Brian had a small wedding with some friends and family back in Bethesda. Thinking of her wedding made her think of her friends. Her, Bridget, Lena and Carmen were all scattered. Of course they got together at least once every two months or so. No matter how expensive the trip they always returned home to see each other. They wouldn't have it any other way. Tibby and Brian had remained in New York City and bought a small apartment in a tiny rural area they discovered. Tibby found a job as a camera woman down at a local news station. It wasn't the job she had dreamt about and it wasn't that glamorous but it was quickly becoming more comfortable. Sad as she was that her career dreams hadn't come true she was so proud of Brian. He graduated only a few months ago from the community collage with a degree in computer programming. The demands for someone with his skills were in high demand and he got a job easily working for a small company in the city. It paid well and he and Tibby were now saving up for a small house.
"What's the matter? Do I have milk all over my face of something?" Brain's words snapped her from her thoughts.
Tibby giggled and shook her head when she realized she had probably been staring at him for the past 10 minutes. "Don't worry. You are milk free."
Brian smiled. Leaning forward he kissed her square on the lips. He reached over, lips still on Tibby's, and placed his empty bowl beside Tibby's full one on the table. Once the bowl was gone he was able to wrap her up in both his arms. Suddenly Tibby was again hit with a wave of nausea. Pushing away from Brian she jumped up and ran to the washroom. Brian's worried calls followed her as she burst into the bathroom. She made it just in time; otherwise she would have been sick all over the hallway floor.
As Tibby was throwing up in her washroom, down in South Carolina Lena was craving pickles. She lay sprawled on her bed in front of the TV as the weather man talked about a heat wave. Heat wave was right. It was only the beginning of summer and Lena was dying of heat. She lay in a tank top and shorts, the air conditioning cranked to the max yet she still couldn't shake the feeling of being overheated.
"Here babe," Paul walked into the room carrying a large glass filled with ice water. He handed it to her and she couldn't be more grateful. She took a large sip and placed it on the side table beside her. Paul was in only his boxers as he flopped down beside her.
"Thanks," she smiled. She wanted to snuggle into him but it was to hot. She opted for giving him a quick kiss on the lips. He didn't seem to mind.
"Are you ok honey? You look a bit pale," Paul questioned as he studied her face.
"I'm fine. This heat must just be getting to me," she reached over and took another sip of her water. "You know what would be really good right now?" she stated after a small pause. Paul shook his head. "Pickles," she informed him.
Paul grinned. He was used to Lena's bizarre and random cravings. She had been having them a lot in the past month. "I'm pretty sure we have some in the fridge downstairs. Want some?"
Lena looked at him and nodded her head. Screw the heat wave. She moved her body next to his, fitting in perfectly. She and Paul fit perfectly. Kissing her quickly Paul rolled out of bed and headed for the kitchen. As she heard him shuffle around downstairs and she couldn't be more grateful for having Paul in her life.
Lena had been hurt by love. After everything she had been through with Kostos Lena didn't think she could ever love anyone again. Then Paul came along. She was hesitant at first. She didn't want to get hurt again. That summer he let her draw him she realized she was maybe ready to love him. Once she left for collage she knew she was ready to love him. Things started off very slow between them. Lena brought Kostos up right away, putting everything out in the open. Paul had fallen so deeply in love with her that it didn't matter to him. He knew Lena was scared and he was willing to take it at whatever speed she wanted it to go.
It was the summer after her first year at collage was finally over. The train pulled up at the train station and she hopped off expecting to be greeted by Carmen and Bridget (Tibby was still in New York) and her parents. Instead Paul stood by himself; hand in his pockets, blue eyes sparkling, waiting for her.
"Hey," she greeted him happily. She dropped her bags and wrapped her arms around him. He pulled his hands from his pockets and slid them around her waist. "What are you doing here?" she questioned. "Wasn't your team scheduled to play in California this weekend?"
Upon graduation from collage Paul was selected to play for the South Carolina state soccer team. He traveled a lot but always made time for Lena. Whenever he was away they wrote and called constantly. As they pulled away from each other he shrugged. "I wanted to come and see you."
"Paul, you just abandoned your team?" Lena gasped.
Paul remained quiet for a minute. "Not really. I figured it would be ok if I missed one game. Doug needs a chance out there on the field anyways. I would have probably just been sitting sidelines."
Lena rolled her eyes. Reaching down Paul grabbed her bags and the two began to walk to his car. "Where is everyone anyways?" Lena said addressing the absence of everyone else.
Paul grinned. "They are around."
Lena frowned. "And no one wanted to come and get me?"
They reached the car and Paul put her bags in the trunk. "Do I count as no one?" he said smiling and quickly kissing her.
Lena grinned. "Of course you count as someone."
Paul, being the gentleman that he was, held the car door open for her to get in. She lingered there for a minute. Paul watched her, waiting for her to sit but she wouldn't. Seeing him again, being with him Lena knew she was ready to say it. They had only been dating for a year but Lena knew in her heart that they would always be together. "I love you," she said quietly.
Paul stood still for a minute. Lena waited, heart pounding anxiously. "I love you too," he said breaking out into a huge smile.
They were married a year and a half later. Lena was surprised when Paul asked her but she knew she was ready for it. She couldn't believe her father even allowed it. Her father had taken a liking to Paul and Lena guessed since Paul asked for her father's permission before asking her scored him more points in her father's books.
Lena was the first to marry out of all her friends and she was young too. She was still in collage, only 20 years old, but she was happy. They had a big wedding in Bethesda. Carmen, Bridget, Tibby and Effie were all her bridesmaids. Lena was ecstatic that her grandma was able to witness her get married. After having her heart crushed by Kostos Valia was skeptical about Paul but quickly fell in love with her new grandson-in-law. Sadly the old woman passed away just last year and Lena was devastated to have lost both her grandparents now. After the wedding the two newlyweds jetted off to Greece for their honeymoon. Paul accepted Lena's Greek roots wholeheartedly, sometimes telling her that was one of the reasons he loved her so much. Lena would always giggle at this and tell him she loved him in Greek.
Upon their return Lena sadly bid her parents, her sister Effie, her friends and Bethesda, Maryland goodbye as she and Paul moved into a small house in South Carolina. Lena knew this was where Paul wanted to be and she was willing to move anywhere to be with him. When she was away at school Paul usually was traveling around the country with his team. During the winter months, when soccer season was over, he would use the business degree he got at school and worked down at a local restaurant, overseeing the budget and accounting stuff. The owner was a friend of his mom's so they understood that for half the year he would be away for soccer but always kept a job open for him.
Lena graduated from art collage 2 years ago and was now attending the University of South Carolina part time aiming for her teaching degree next year. She was planning on becoming an art professor at a high school and one day, university. When she wasn't at school she taught small art classes at the art store in town. She loved it.
"I didn't know how many you wanted to I just brought the whole jar," Paul grinned and handed her the jar. Lena reached over and pulled the jar toward her.
"Thank you," she watched as Paul settled back onto the bed. "I've been…"
"Craving these," Paul finished for her.
Lena nodded as she speared a pickled and removed it from the jar.
Chuckling a bit Paul wrapped his arm around her shoulder and turned his attention to the TV. Lena contently munched on her pickles.
The shrill sound of the phone ringing pulled Carmen from her dreams and back to her bedroom. The light shone in through the window brightly.
"Hey little man," she heard Win's voice as he answered the phone. "She's right here. Give me a second to get her up."
Carmen rolled over and offered her hand. Win handed her the phone and she rolled back over, phone placed snug between her ear and her pillow. She felt her husband's arm snake its way around her waist and he kissed the back of her neck lightly.
"Morning," she yawned into the phone.
"Morning Carmen," her little brother Ryan's excited voice traveled through the phone. "I was just calling to make sure you remembered."
"Remember what?" she asked. She was only joking. She of course remembered she would be watching Ryan this weekend as her mom and David took a break from being parents and went on a tiny vacation.
"That I was coming to your house today and sleeping over until tomorrow," he replied sounding worried that Carmen forgot.
"Oh now I remember," she smiled into the phone. "When are you coming over?"
"Mom says not until after lunch," Ryan sounded saddened by this.
"I'll be waiting," Carmen told him cheerfully.
"Is Uncle Win going to be there?" Ryan asked hopefully.
"I don't think he has anywhere else to be," Carmen answered. She heard Win laugh quietly from behind her. He knew they were talking about him.
"Well, I just wanted to call and remind you. I'll see you later," Ryan bid his sister goodbye and then hung up.
Carmen clicked the off button on the phone and placed in on her night table.
Win raised his head and looked at her. "Hey you," he said kissing her soundly.
They continued to kiss for a while and then broke apart. "Now there's a way to be greeted in the morning," Carmen beamed. She noted that for the past couple of days she couldn't stop glowing.
Win nodded. "I agree." Rolling over and away from him Carmen sat up. Looking over her shoulder she saw that it was 8, time to start the day. Win sat up too and stretched. "Where do you need me?" he said awaiting instruction.
Carmen smiled at him. "I was planning on taking a shower and then I thought I'd tackle the laundry. Would you mind the kitchen?"
Win shook his head. "No problem,' he said getting up. "Dishes are my specialty." He kissed her forehead and proceeded to the washroom. "Before we start on our little cleaning expedition it seems I need to take a shower as well. You can wait until I'm done but you are more than welcome to join me."
"Now there's an idea," Carmen laughed. "But it's alright, I'll pass this time. I could use another half hour of sleep."
Win grinned mischievously. "Suit yourself, but if you change you mind you know where to find me," he smiled suggestively before disappearing into the washroom. Carmen shook her head and flopped back into bed.
Life couldn't be anymore perfect. How she ever got so lucky she would never know. Carmen was never sure what she wanted to do with her life. She had always dreamed of writing but after spending so much time in the hospital the summer before collage she made up her mind. She was going to be a nurse. After years of hard schooling, she graduated just over a year ago, a full fledged nurse.
She was beaming that day. Her family, her boyfriend, her sisters, they were all there. She had never been so proud. And then, later that evening, after all the hugging and kisses and pictures were over Win snuck up and pulled her aside.
"I love you," he whispered into her ear. They said it to each other many times but this time, somehow it felt different.
"I love you too," Carmen smiled.
"And you know that no matter what happens that will never change right?" Win's face suddenly became rather serious. Carmen felt her entire body tense at that moment and her heart began to beat rapidly.
"Of course I know," she spoke just above a whisper.
"I'm going to Africa for a year," Win said rather quickly as if by his saying it quickly the whole idea would quickly pass over.
"What?" Carmen took a step back from him.
"I've got 2 years of medical school left. As part of my training I'm going to work in Africa, get some world experience. The whole trip is funded by the school. A group of us ship off tomorrow."
Carmen's eyes widened and began to well up. "Tomorrow? You're leaving tomorrow and you're only telling me this now."
"You've been so excited about graduation and we just moved in together and there just never seemed to be the right time."
"I can't believe you," Carmen's voice cracked as she started to cry.
"Listen, this is hard for me too. I've fallen so in love with you. Don't you realize that this is breaking my heart?"
"Then don't go," Carmen crossed her arms stubbornly.
"I can't not go Car, this is my dream," Win sighed. He hated that this had to be so hard. He hated that he was hurting her.
Carmen took a deep breath. This was his dream. She loved him and she didn't want to ruin this for him. She leaned into him and he wrapped his arms around her. "You'll come back won't you?"
Win smiled. "Nothing could keep me from being with you. Just promise me one thing."
"What?" Carmen reached up and wiped her eyes.
"Promise me that you'll wait for me."
Carmen grinned. "I'll always wait for you."
The next day Carmen bid the man she loved a tearful goodbye at the airport. It was one of the hardest things she ever had to do. She knew he'd be back and that they would be together but there was always that little shred of doubt in the back of her mind that haunted her.
And now here she was, a year later married to that very same man. It was the craziest wedding. As soon as he came back, that very same day his plane landed, a priest was called in, family and friends were hastily gathered and Carmen was married. Looking back on it, as much as everyone exclaimed how great a big wedding would have been, Carmen would not have changed a thing.
Win was now in his final year of medical school and would start his residency at the very same hospital where they had both met and where Carmen now worked as a pediatric nurse. Not exactly the life Carmen had pictured when she was 15 but most certainly a life she could not picture being without now.
"Still in bed, what happened to the laundry?" Win emerged from the bathroom with his towel wrapped around his waist.
Carmen grinned. "I was just remembering."
"Remembering what?" he questioned as he headed for the closet.
"How much I love you and how much I'm so glad I waited."
Win turned around and looked at his wife with sparkling eyes. "I'm so glad you waited too."