guarding my angel || "guardian angel" sequel

37

**Two-Bit's POV**

I sat aboard the Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Tulsa, my hands squeezed into fists on top of my knees. I don't think anyone knows I'm coming home since I just wrote to them and it takes a few weeks for any letters to be sent or received - longer if we're out fighting the fires. I'll admit, I expected more than just the two letters from Bailey, but I guess it's what I should've expected.

The flight attendant came upon the loudspeaker to alert us that we were close to our destination in Tulsa. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and relaxed into the seat a bit. I had allowed my thoughts to completely consume me throughout the 5-hour flight, but none of the emotions had been cleared from my head. I knew that I wouldn't be able to accurately guess what would happen when I returned home until I was standing at the door, but that didn't stop me from trying to picture it.

The last 6 months had been the most challenging times I've ever experienced in my life. From the lack of sleep, to the heat, to the constant anxiety of when the next call would come, it was impossible to ever relax. The only comfort I found was writing to Bailey, and rereading the letters she sent. It was enough to keep me going.

I was supposed to come home weeks ago, but a lot happened all at once, and that got delayed. After an extremely intense forest fire on the Southern coast of California left me stranded alone for almost 2 weeks, my plans were set back significantly. According to the doctors, I slept for nearly a week after I was found, and used the various wires and tubes to make the recovery I needed. When I was finally able to, I wrote a letter to let the gang know I was coming back, but that was put in the mail only a few days before I left California.

Finally, I feel the plane land. I deboarded the plane and went to grab my things from baggage claim. It was nearly midnight as I reached the terminal, and realized that I had no way of getting home. I looked around for a telephone, but couldn't find one.

I knew I wanted to see Bailey first. Whether that would be where I ended up sleeping tonight or not, I knew that it had to be my first stop. Once I grabbed my remaining two bags, I headed out with the only intention of reaching her house, and it seemed I would be making my journey by foot.

The whole time I had been away, I'd imagined that I would return home and things would go back to the way they were. I knew that was far too hopeful, but I never stopped dreaming about it.

I reached her door about an hour later. I knocked loudly, the back of my mind warning me that it could wake the baby. The baby, I thought with a smile. I get to meet my daughter.

After silence for a few moments, I knock on the door again. Afraid she might not even be home, I step back for a moment.

Suddenly, there's noise within the house. Snapping my gaze back to the door, I wait impatiently. The lock turns before the door finally opens, revealing only her silhouette.

"Hi," I say, letting out a breath of relief.

She partly smiles and looks up at me.

"Welcome home," she replies.