it's you, it's always been you

chapter 143

— time jump to a little new york city apartment in 1999 —

Deena turned on her right side to face Sam as they laid in her bed. She brought her pillow down so her face was even with Sam's as Sam slept. She watched as Sam's chest rose and fell with each breath.

It hurt her more than her mom's passing to constantly be on the verge of losing Sam so many times in over the years.

They fought together through Sam's mom and bullets and cancer, and Sam losing hope in herself during chemotherapy, and that's all Deena could think about as she watched Sam sleep next to her.

Deena leaned towards Sam, careful not to move too quickly to wake Sam. She placed a gentle kiss on Sam's forehead.

Before she got out of bed, she laid a letter down next to Sam's face on Deena's pillow. Then Deena went to get a shower and changed.

She's dreamt of this day since the moment she realized she loved Sam more than childhood best friends. She's loved Sam since the moment they meant, and maybe she's loved her much longer than that.

Their love was something so immense and strong and honest, that its could have been around even three-hundred years ago.

She never pictured herself with a future that involved Sam being her girlfriend. Also that they would be together for years now, since the moment Sam kissed her.

The love between them was always there. They both felt it when they were near the other. There was warmth and hope and happiness within them, when they were around the other and that's why Sam spent so many days with Deena and her family as they grew up. That's the only reason she got through her childhood.

Sam yawned as she reached out her hand on the bed to feel for Deena. She groaned as she is disappointed that Deena's side of the bed was cold and empty.

She opened her eyes and let her eyes adjust to the light of the room. She turned to see a letter with "Dear Sam," written across the top makes her smile instantly.

"Dear Sam,

Would you please do me the honor of companying me in the kitchen?

Also, good morning, my love. I hope you slept well. You are too cute of a sleeper to wake up so I let you sleep in,

Your Love Always,
Deena"

Sam got out of bed and went to the kitchen, practically running to get there. Like it was a race and there was a timer with a robot toddler telling her what to do with guns aiming at her while she wears a green track suit.

"So you're leaving love letters to me again? You know I'm right here and you can just whisper it in my ear," Sam kissed Deena's cheek the moment she was near her.

"I know, but it's more fun this way. I got your favorite bagels and orange juice and latte that you always get too." Deena spoke then caught Sam's hand to pull her back to Deena and kissed her lips.

Deena was nervous for this day, but also beyond excited for it. She's been planning this day for months.

Actually she's been planning this day for years. It felt like an impossible dream to ask Sam this question and having hope that Sam would say yes.

"Wow, this looks amazing," Sam pulled back from Deena to look at the food and drinks on the table.

"What did I do to deserve this?" Sam asked and took the seat at the table next to Deena.

Deena reached for blonde strands on Sam's face and brushed them behind Sam's ear so she could see her reaction better.

"You exist, so you deserve this and so much more."

Sam caught Deena's hand before she took it back and brought her hand to her lips, kissing the back of her hand like she has been for years.

Deena's cheek grew warmer and shaded into pink as Sam did. No matter how many times Sam has kissed Deena, it's felt as exciting and beautiful as the first time Sam did.

"Thank you for your letter. It was the second best thing to wake up to. The first being my girlfriend of course."

"Oh this girlfriend. Could you describe her for me? I must admit that I'm jealous of her." Deena teased and took a sip of her coffee.

"Beautiful, of course. I won't settle for less. The less meaning men. And brilliant, kinda mean, but in a hot way. Dark curly hair that I get lost in sometimes and love every second of it." Sam leaned towards Deena as she spoke until she was close enough to see the golden speckles in Deena's deep brown eyes.

"Wow. She sounds oddly familiar. Lucky girl for sure." Deena smiled and leaned in as Sam did.

"No, I'm the lucky one." Sam closed the distance between their lips and kissed her.