Thread: Return to Sender ((CLOSED))

Noelle Peters stood on the porch that breezy fall day, her world crashing around her ankles as Michael told her his decision. She knew he'd been contemplating it, he'd told her that much at graduation. She still had a year to go of school and in that year they would plan where he'd end up and she'd apply to colleges close. But the beach was home. His words were received with tears in her eyes as she held his hands. She was pulled into his embrace and there she stayed until he left. He was home, he was safety and then, he was gone. Their final days were spent in bed, her legs wrapped about his strong waist or hovering just above him as he brought her to the point of ecstasy again and again. Saturating the sheets with their fluids and each others minds with images. She wore a red dress and heels on his send off, her long blonde hair was down, the way he liked it. Her blue eyes were filled with tears and she clung to his hand like a lifeline. His whispered assurances didn't ease her nerves, and even though she loved him, it was hard to let him go. He came back after basic for a short visit. A long weekend, but with his family missing him too she got only a day and the final night with him. It was always this cool crisp air that brought out the memories of him the strongest. Today she had to be strong. She'd promised Chelle that they would go to the beach today. So far kindergarten had been a breeze, it was harder on Noelle than her daughter, their daughter. His fingers found hers, likely knowing WHO she was thinking of. He understood, she'd made it clear and still he stuck around. She tilted her head up at him and smiled gently as her fingers gave his a squeeze. Jim was a patient man, a godsend for an aching mother and her silly daughter. The bus pulled up and off came a dark blonde, blue eyed girl with pigtails. a painted picture in hand to show her mommy. Her sweater was dotted with paint and her face had the remnants of lunch. but those things weren't important. Look what I made. Look! We used apples... The little girl beamed up at the couple. Dropping down to kneel Noelle took the paper and gave it a thorough looking over, It's beautiful Michelle, would you like to hang it on the wall when we come back from the beach? She smiled as the child nodded, Ok, well lets go get ready... A few hours later the 23 year old was running a bath for a sleepy almost five year old. The little one had sand between her toes and up in her hair as well. You had fun didn't you? She said more than asked. The girl nodded and giggled when her mommy tickled her tummy. Jim poked his head in to take over, bath time was their time, she smiled and moved past him, her hand caressing his cheek before her lips ghosted on his. She knew the guy was still waiting for an answer, something she still couldn't focus on... especially with the weather reminding her like it was. She sighed and let them finish while she started in on the pile of dishes in the sink. Her mind rolled over Jim's marriage proposal, the box still sat on the mantel in the living room, an ever present reminder of her need to give him an answer. She was still holding out hope that Michael was alive, she knew it was crazy and she had to push past that. Maybe a marriage to Jim would do that. He loved Chelle and her. He knew it was a package deal and he knew Chelle knew who her father was. He'd come to terms with it and didn't plan on trying to fill those shoes, only help the little girl out by fulfilling that missing piece. He was a staple, she dropped the dish back in the water and dried her hands. Nervously she pulled the ring from the box and placed it on her finger, the door received a knock. She left the box on the coffee table and moved to the door.