Love That Lived In The Next Life

11

The sounds of Christmas films played in the background of the apartment. Daniella's voice hummed alongside them. Cameron allowed herself into the apartment and shut the door quietly. As the sound of her humming brought a grin to Cameron's face. She took her shoes off at the entryway along with Daniella's fifteen other pairs and crept toward the kitchen. The scents of thanksgiving dinner wafted in her nose. Her mouth salivated as she made her way to the kitchen. 'Baby its cold outside' played from the television. Donna hummed to herself and waltzed around, completely unaware of Cameron's presence.

Cameron gently set the bottles and extras that Daniella texted her to pick up down on the counter. Cameron's smile turned broader as Daniella twirled. She tiptoed quietly up to Daniella and waited for her girlfriend to twirl again. Once she did, Cameron swept her in her arms. Daniella gasped in surprise until as the grip tightened around her. A smile graced her face as her eyes focused on vibrant ones.

"Cameron!" Daniella chuckled as she let herself be twirled around by a giggly girl.

"What? You looked like you could use a dance partner!"

"How did I not hear you come in?"

"I'm sneaky like that!" Their laughter rivalled the music as a solid knock came from the door. Cameron pulled Daniella in close and left a loving peck on her lips. Daniella giggled as she playfully pushed her away.

"Go get the door, ninja. Are these the things I asked for?" A delicate finger pointed toward the paper bags.

"Yes, yes." Another knock on the door sprung Cameron to the task.

God, I love that woman. The voice that danced in Cameron's head brought an even brighter smile on her face. She walked to the door and opened it. Andrea stood on the other side in a dark red sweater, jeans, fluffy boots, and ear muffs to match. Everything was wrapped in a dark red, snow covered coat. "Hey!" Cameron said excitedly as she ushered the younger woman in. "Your boss is cooking in the kitchen."

"She knows how to cook?" Andrea asked in genuine shock.

"I heard that!" Daniella called out from the kitchen.

"How was I to know? You only ever get lunch at Cameron's shop!" Andrea argued loudly. Daniella's scoff brought snickers from both women as Cameron shut the door.

"Just make sure you take your boots off." Cameron's hand flicked the huge cluster already there. "And only one of those pairs are mine. The rest belong to my fashionista." Andrea chuckled as her boots jumped off and revealed reindeer socks. Ear muffs fell around her neck as she shrugged the jacket off and laid it next to Daniella's on the chair. The two trailed toward the kitchen and watched as Daniella danced and cooked.

"Am I your entertainment now?" Daniella joked as she poked toward the two.

"Yes!" The two replied as they laughed. Daniella's wolfish smirk trailed toward Cameron. She grabbed the woman up in her arms. Cameron yelped as she was dragged into the kitchen.

"Then yoouuuuu can help!" Daniella laughed as she put Caiden in front of simmering wine. "Make sure that doesn't turn into syrup. You are the one that wanted it." Caiden squealed in glee as she brought up a ladle and tasted the batch. A small hum came from her as she set the ladle aside and aimed for the cinnamon sticks and added a few in. Daniella turned to Andrea and scooped her up just the same. Andrea playfully whacked at Daniella as she moved her toward the bubbling stove top. "And you are going to help with the sides. Everything should be fine, but keep an eye on it!"

"Yes, boss!" Andrea replied happily.

"It's just Daniella while you're here," The woman commented as she walked away. "I'm going to-," The door knocking interrupted her statement. "Answer the door." The two women chuckled as Daniella changed course toward the door. She opened the door and her smile brightened as her father stood there. The tall, wrinkled man with dark grey hair and a charismatic smile greeted her with open arms. "Dad!"