Dear Diary,

While I was afraid of being hurt again, I knew that AJ would never hurt me, not on purpose at least.  We continued to talk on the phone but now we spoke each night.  I thought that I had missed him one night as I rushed in to hear my machine just pick up.  I grabbed the phone hoping that it was him, it was.

 

“Out of breath, Sarah?”

 

“I heard the phone through the door so I rushed to pick up.  I didn't want to miss your call AJ.”

 

“I'll tell you a little secret, Sarah.  I would have called back.”

 

“I'll tell you a little secret AJ.  I would have been waiting for you to.” 

 

We both feel silent for a few moments as we often did during our conversations.  It wasn't a strained silence though, it was very comfortable.  I would hate to see Francesca's phone bill with all these long international calls.  I knew that the one from last week especially would be terrible.  After AJ called during my loss of control, I explained what happened, and he stayed on the phone for an hour and thirty-seven minutes.  Well, it was that long before I fell asleep at least.  He actually refused to hang up the phone until I was asleep.  I never did ask him how long he stayed on the line, but I suspected that it was quite a bit longer. 

 

“So, where were you earlier, Sarah?”

 

I usually would have bristled at that question, but not from AJ.  I smiled as I kicked off my shoes and got settled into the couch. 

 

“Well, I had a slight problem over at your place earlier.  But don't worry, everything is okay.”

 

“What happened?” he asked with a smile in his voice. 

 

“Well, I was there watering your plants like you asked...”

 

“You mean they are still alive?”

 

“Very funny.  Well, I was watering the plants when I bumped into the end table by the couch.  Water went everywhere, but mostly all over my uniform.  I didn't think you would mind so I grabbed a sweat suit from your dresser.”

 

“No, I don't mind at all,” his voice suddenly seemed a bit husky, or maybe I was imagining things.  “Let me guess, you have the SeAL ones, right?”

 

I looked down to see the SeAL trident across my chest and on one hip and asked, “How did you know?”

 

“They are the most comfortable.  They are my favorites.”

 

“They look well worn.”

 

“They are.  I always buy a new set before the old ones wear out.  I have the new ones here.”  I suspected that he was actually wearing them too.  I was quiet for a moment as I wrapped the extra material around me more, inhaling his lingering scent. 

 

“Sarah?”

 

“AJ?” we both spoke at the same time.

 

“Go ahead, Sarah.  I think I know what you are going to say any way.”

 

I took a deep breath, then finally spoke about something that I had discovered a little while ago.  “I found a picture in your dresser when I got the sweats.”

 

“Did you look at it?” he asked very tenderly.

 

“Yes.”  I swallowed.  “How long have you had a picture of me hidden in your dresser?”

 

“For quite some time now.  I don't even remember getting that picture, I just remember that it's been there for a long time.”

 

“AJ, promise me something?”

 

“Sure,” he said without hesitation.

 

“Let me get a picture of you when you get back.”

 

“Of course, but how about we get a picture of the two of us instead?”