Carulia”
Carmen’s eyes drifted open, a small beam of sunlight illuminating the room through the small window on the left wall. She glanced at the woman next to her, her heart full. Julia was snuggled against her, her breath soft on Carmen’s chin. She had fallen asleep leaning against her, as she often did when they read before bed. It wasn’t because it was boring, Julia had said, but because Carmen’s voice was soothing. She smiled at the thought, brushing a stay hair out of the smaller woman’s face. Julia blinked a few times, before opening her eyes. Carmen smiled at her. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s alright, I don’t mind.” She buried her face in Carmen’s shoulder. “Morning already?”
Carmen turned on her side, putting an arm around the smaller woman. “Yeah, But I wouldn’t mind staying like this a while longer.”
She pulled her in, wrapping both her arms around her as Julia rested her head against Carmen’s collarbone. “Me neither.” She whispered.
. . .
Eventually they had to get up, but Carmen had a surprise. After breakfast with the team, she pulled Julia aside. “We’ve been working hard,” she started. Julia nodded. Since Julia had joined team red almost seven years ago now, she had trained hard, eventually joining them in stopping what remained in VILE. Carmen continued. “And, I was thinking, we deserve a vacation. Away from VILE.” Julia smiled, tilting her head. “Absolutely, but where would we go? When? How long? Who would take care of VILE?”
They were valid questions, Carmen knew. Which was why she’d prepared. “Anywhere you want. How about now? A week or two, and of course, I’ve already mentioned it to the team, and they would handle missions.” She didn’t tell Julia her other plans, the real reason she wanted to have this vacation, just the two of them. Julia’s eyes softened. “Sounds wonderful… and I guess there is a place I’ve always wanted to go.”
. . .
“I have to agree, it’s beautiful, Jules.” Julia smiled at the old nickname. They had rented a cottage, on the edge of beautiful colored sands of Pink beach, Indonesia. The waves washed gently against the beautiful sand, the two women sitting under an umbrella on a blanket. “You know,” Julia explained, using the scholarly tone she knew Carmen loved. “The Dutch Lieutenant Steyn van Hensbroek once came to this island, believing there was a dragon here. Instead, they found Komodo Dragons, And realizing they were endangered, they chose to protect this island.” Carmen smiled. “Fascinating.” She had always loved hearing history facts from Julia about the places they went. They kissed, and began to pack up to head back to the cottage.
. . .
They went back to the beach at Carmen’s request, The wind light and the sun just beginning to lower on the horizon. They were wearing their sundresses, Matching red and blue with tropical flowers. Standing on the warm sands, Carmen had to resist reaching in her pocket to make sure the box was still there. She set her hand on Julia’s face, and kissed her. She let it drag on, before they had to break apart to breathe.
“I-“ they started at the same time, before laughing. Carmen loved that laugh. It was light and sweet, and it was Julias.
“You go.”
“No you.”
Carmen sighed. She was never this nervous. The last time her heart pounded like this was years ago. She sighed. “Alright, I’ll go.” She took a deep breath before looking Julia in the eyes while holding her hands. She let go of one, reaching in her pocket for the box while she spoke.
“We’ll, we’ve been together a long time… and I want to spend my life with you. Julia Argent, would you-“
“Will you marry me?” Julia blurted out. Carmen stopped in her tracks, while Julia continued. “I brought a ring- but I left it at the cottage. I wasn’t expecting this moment-“ Carmen laughed, her cheeks flushing. “I as going to ask you the same thing.”
“Oh. Oh.Sorry I-“
Carmen kissed her, not even letting her finish. She broke off, smiling as she hugged her. “I don’t mind. Of course I’ll marry you, Jules.” She took the box out, and set the plain silver ring on her girlfr- no, her fiancé ’s finger. “I love you.” They kissed.
Neither of them ever forgot that trip.