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“So how long were we dating before I disappeared?” Carol asked during lunch.
Maria spit out her drink, resulting in droplets of water falling onto the table and Carol’s hands. “What did you say?”
Carol’s cheeks grew hot, and it was a feeling that she hadn’t felt in a long time. Her memories were still foggy, but she was certain that it wasn’t the first time Maria had made her blush.
“How long, Maria?” she asked again.
Maria only stared at her in response and, to Carol, it felt like she was the center of Maria gaze for hours. Carol’s palms started to feel clammy as she waited for Maria to say something.
Instead of replying with words, Maria let out a burst of laughter. “Oh, this is amazing.”
Carol raised an eyebrow, waiting for a better explanation.
“We didn’t, Carol,” Maria told her.
It didn’t make sense. Every memory of Maria that had resurfaced since Carol’s return to Earth gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling. The memories reminded her of the wonderful life that she’d had before she was taken.
One of the first memories that Carol had remembered was their first Thanksgiving spent together. They were both full from the wonderful meal that Maria’s parents had made. Carol had felt like she couldn’t move off of the couch, so she leaned onto Maria and fell asleep in her arms.
Another memory that Carol adored was a time when they had played pool at a bar together. The men they had played against were too confident, and they were absolutely shocked when the two girls beat them. Carol had jumped into Maria’s arms when they won.
Carol’s favorite memory was when she had held Monica for the first time. She had sat on the couch with Maria next to her. It had been the first time that Carol had felt like she truly belonged in a family. The first time that she felt like she had a home.
Maria made her feel happy. Carol loved her. She was sure of it.
“What?” Carol gasped. She couldn’t get herself to do anything else.
Maria gently grabbed her hand. “I wanted to. Believe me Carol, I really wanted to.”
“So why didn’t we?” she asked. If they both felt the same way about each other, why hadn’t anything happened between them?
“I never got the chance to tell you before you were gone,” Maria said softly. “I’ve regretted it every day since.”
Carol must not have had the chance either. It was definitely unfortunate, but there was nothing that they could do about it. Carol has had to make-do with that life had dealt to her for years. This was another thing that she could handle.
“Well, we still have right now,” Carol told her. “It’s not too late.”
“I didn’t know you felt the same way until now,” Maria said, looking relieved.
“I still feel the same way. Do you remember our last Christmas together?” Carol asked. “I bought us matching heart necklaces.”
Maria nodded. “I thought they were friendship necklaces or something.”
Carol had to stifle a laugh. “Nope.”
Maria continued to hold onto her hand, and Carol was excited for their future together. There was no point in hanging onto the past.