Reunited

Part 1: Not coming home

Third-person POV:

It has been nine months since Kelley last saw Cami, and she can't wait to hold her in her arms again. Even though they've called and texted, both agree that it isn't the same. Luckily for Kelley, though, it won't be much longer before she sees her girlfriend-she was picked for the 2019 World Cup, and Cami is coming home to watch her play, just like she did in 2015.

It's 8:32am and Kelley can't stop thinking about Cami. As if on cue, Kelley's phone rings.

Kelley's POV:

Me: Hey!
Cami: Hey, I have some news..
Me: Is everything ok?
Cami: I can't make it to the World Cup.

My heart drops.

Me: Oh...
Cami: But, I have no doubt you will win it again!
Me: Yeah, I mean, I'm lucky to have a good squad around me.
Cami: Hey, I'm really sorry I can't make it. You know I would if it could, but they need me to stay back for a bit longer.
Me: No, I don't want you to worry about it. You're serving the country, and I'm soo proud of you! I'll be okay.
Cami: I'm proud of you 2.
Cami: Ok, I have to go now, but I want you to know that I love you, and you're going to smash it!
Me: Thanks, love you 2

I throw my phone into the beanbag chair and cuddle one of her hoodies for probably the 250th night in a row. Maybe I could text Alex.

Cami's POV:

Wow, that was weird. I've never lied to Kelley before. I mean, I was kinda lying; I do have to stay back for a few days and can't come to the beginning of the World Cup, but I will be able to make it to the final... which is where I will surprise Kelley.

I open a group chat, which includes Kelley's national teammates and coach, all of whom are secretly in on my plan.

                 Mission:suprise kellley

Me: I just got off the phone with her and she BELIEVED me! I've never done that before

Me: Lying to her, I mean

Jill: I know, but it's for the best.

Alex: Yeah, she's upset by the news though. I'm on my way over to hers right now

Me: You're going over?

Alex: Yeah, I suggested we just have a chill night before the World Cup. Thought that'd cheer her up

Me: Oh ok. And I agree, Jill

Rose: So Cami, when exactly are you coming?

Me: I'm flying out a few days before the final, and then before the final starts I'm going to come out

Carli: That's pretty cool!

Me: I just hope it all works out

Alex POV:

I can't believe Cami is coming home. Kelley is gonna be so surprised.

As I pull up to Kelley's house, I knock on the door... no response. I knock a second time and still no response. I'm about to call her when I remember where they keep the spare key. Doi.

As I enter the living room, I see Kelley staring at her phone with tears down her face. At first I'm confused, but then I see the photograph on it. It's from Cami's army graduation, and Kelley's kissing her cheek.

I put my stuff down and sit on the sofa. "Hey."

"Hey," she says, accepting my hug.

"I know this is hard," I say, "but instead of crying, I think we should focus on how proud you are of her and how we're going to win the World Cup."

"I know, it's just..." Her grip loosens, then tightens again. "I was looking forward to seeing her."

"I was too, but we are all behind you. When I say we, I mean the entire national team. Your friends."

"Thanks." She wipes her eyes with a shirt that reads, Proud Army Girlfriend. "Should we order some food then?"

"Sure, pizza?" I suggest.

"Okay."

Kelley's POV:

I'm zoning out on my phone again when the doorbell goes.

"I'll get it."

"Two medium pepperoni pizzas?" The girl asks.

I turn back to Alex. You ordered two pizzas!? I mouth.

She shrugs. We need the carbs.

I roll my eyes. But I'm sad. You know I eat less when I'm sad.

That's a lie!

"Um..." The delivery girl stands awkwardly.

"Yes," I say, "two medium pepperoni pizzas."

"Okay, that's $20.96."

We exchange our cash. "Thanks."

The girl lingers in the doorway. "Just one more thing."

"Hmm?"

"Do you want my number?"

Who becomes a delivery worker to get dates? That's what Plenty Of Fish is for. "No. Sorry."

"C'mon, you're really pretty, and I know you like girls. I mean, you're an athlete with no husband."

Oh, so that's what this is about. She knows who I am. "Again, no."

"Why?"

Her persistence throws me into defense mode while I try to think of something cool to come back with. I got it. "Read the t-shirt," I say.

Her eyes tentatively drift down my body, and I almost worry she's checking me out again. "Oh. My bad."

Alex's POV:

Two boxes of pizza and two episodes of Station 19 later...

I angle my watch toward me and see that it's 12:34am.

"We should probably head to bed," I say.

"Yeah, big things coming up"

And so I head to the guest room to sleep, checking the group chat one more time before I do.