After War Storm

Cal

I was sat at my desk ready one of my many books on war strategy when there was a knock on my door.

"Come in," I called. Uncle Julian walked through my door, which was surprising since it was already after dinner.
"What is it, Uncle?" I asked as he walked over to where I was sat.
"Some diplomats are arriving this evening and we need to go and meet them at the airfield."

"Diplomats?" I didn't know we were expecting anyone. "Where from?" I asked. I hoped he'd say Montfort though I wasn't sure why. If Mare had wanted to see me she would have come back by now, or at least written. Still I hoped he'd say Montfort and I hoped it would be her. My hopes were dashed when Julian spoke again. "Piedmont," he answered. He saw my face fall, even though it was only by the slightest amount. "Don't worry, Cal. I'm sure everything will work itself out." I nodded. "Now let's go, otherwise we're going to be late."

I stood up and followed Julian out of the building and to a car. We were driven to the airfield which wasn't that far away and only had to wait for a few minutes before the plane landed.

Julian and I stood on the tarmac and I noticed him take a few steps back as the plane door opened. How strange. But then I looked up and a familiar figure stood silhouetted in the door frame. I recognised who it belonged to immediately: Mare.

Mare? Why was she here? How was she here?

My eyes were wide with shock as were her's. She hadn't been expecting to see me here, but Julian knew. She must have told him and not me and must have told him not to tell me.

Why?

And she must have written to Julian but again, not me. Why? Well, she was here now and I would get my answers. I didn't care how she was here, as long as she was here. I had missed her so so much.

Another person stood behind her in the doorway and seemed to whisper something in her ear. Mare said something back before she slowly made her way down the steps towards me. She didn't stop until she was a few feet away from me. Her eyes didn't leave mine. Maybe she had missed me too. I hoped so. For all I knew, she had a boyfriend and was here to tell me in person. I sincerely hoped that was not the reason for her return. I'm wasn't sure what I'd do if I found out she was with someone else.

We stared at each other, not speaking, for a few moments before I broke the silence. I didn't know what to say now that she was here. I wanted to tell her that I had missed her, that she was beautiful, that I loved her but all that came out was: "Mare."
"Cal." she said and I felt a little thrill when she spoke my name.

"It's been awhile."
"It has. Why didn't you write?" She asked. She always did get straight to the point.
"Why didn't you?" I countered. I wasn't expecting her to tell me, she never gave in first. "Because you didn't," she admitted.

I didn't say anything for a minute but then I laughed.

"What?" Mare asked, looking slightly confused.
"It's just that's why I didn't write to start with," I told her. "After the first 6 months I just assumed you didn't want to hear from me or didn't want to write. I didn't think it might be because I didn't write." I laughed again.
"What?" Mare repeated.
"You're just as stubborn as you used to be." I'm glad that hadn't changed about her, I loved that part of her, just as I loved the rest. I smiled down at her, she was still just as short, and she smiled back.

I took in her appearance as we shared that smile. Her dark brown hair was slightly longer and the ends were no long grey or purple. Her deep brown eyes were full of warmth and happiness as our gazes locked but there was something else there too. A glimmer of something slightly less pleasant perhaps. Maybe she still struggled to face her past and all the terrible events that occurred; I know I still did.