The First of Many

Series: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

Title: The First of Many

Author: Carla

Rating: S for Sappy

Pairing: Nicole/Carmen

Disclaimers: Same old same old...I own nothing...certainly I do not own Popular or its characters a gentleman (presumably) by the name of Ryan Murphy and a couple of suits from Touchstone Television do. I use them with much gratitude and no profit. The same goes for Billy Joel's excellent song, which inspired the series' title.

Archiving: Okay to Realm of the Shadow...all others please ask.

Feedback: Very much appreciated frequently heeded and always needed. All of it the good the bad and the ugly can be sent to me at cmfloresfd@yahoo.com

A/N: I woke up feeling sappy and mushy today. Could be the massive doses of meds floating through me or a hormonal rush...either way I apologize. This fic takes place after No Ordinary Day.

My Love,

Two years ago if someone had said to me that one day you and I would be friendly acquaintances I would have snorted and said "Yeah right" and wished it were so.

A year and a half ago if someone had said to me that one day you and I would be friends I would have stared at them and asked "Are you on drugs?" and wished it were so.

Fifteen months ago if someone had said to me that one day you and I would be more than friends I would have laughed and said "Now I know you're on drugs" and desperately wished it were so.

Twelve months and one day ago if someone had said to me "Tomorrow she'll kiss you" I would have stared at them speechless at the mention of my secret desire and desperately wished it were so.

Twelve months ago you woke up next to me for the first time and I hoped it would not be the last.

Twelve months ago you kissed me for the first time and I prayed it would not be the last.

Ten months and nine days ago if someone had said to me "Tomorrow you will find your home" I would have smiled and said, "I already know where I live Officer" though I would have been confused.

Ten months and eight days ago we learned each other mapped out our desires on the other's flesh blazing trails with tongues, teeth and lips. Marking our passage into that new terrain with sweat and tears; illuminating the path to our destination with the incandescence of orgasm.

Ten months and seven days ago if someone had asked me "Do you know where you live?" I would have said, "Yes but that is not my home" and I would not have been confused.

You are my past, my present my future.

You are my hopes, my dreams my passion.

You are my questions, my prayers my answers.

You are my best friend, my partner my soul.

You are my port, my shelter my home.

I love you all of you as is for who you are who you were and who you will be. And I see what you will become a strong beautiful loving woman caring and compassionate intelligent and witty and free. Free of your demons, your doubts, your fears and your past. I see it all.

This anniversary is only the first of many I know this because in my dreams I see you and me side by side. I see us forever.

Yours always,

CGF

~~~~~~

"Hey Nic" Brooke McQueen opened her gym locker as she talked to Nicole Julian who was seated on the changing bench in front of their lockers a piece of paper in her hand. "What do you have there?"

Nicole folded the letter she was reading then slipped it in between the pages of her journal which was in her book bag.

"Hey Brooke, how's it going?"

"Good…so what were you so engrossed in just now…" Brooke lowered her voice conspiratorially "Was it a love letter?" Nicole blushed and began to open her locker.

"It was" the statuesque blonde teased. "Can I see?"

"No" Nicole was indignant "it's private."

"Nikkiiiiiiiii"

"No. Stop whining it's not going to happen."

"Did you get it before or after this weekend?"

"Before."

"Well then that explains why you ran out of here after the game Friday like the hounds of hell were nipping at your feet." Again Nicole blushed a deep red. "So you had a good weekend I take it?"

"Better than good it was "Grrrrrreeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaatttttttt!""

"Always did prefer Lucky Charms myself. But I'm glad to hear your weekend was so wonderful." Brooke sat on the bench to tie her gym shoes as Nicole slipped her T-shirt on.

"It was" Nic sat to lace her gym shoes "perfect Brooke."

"Do tell."

"Nothing to tell really. We spent the weekend at the lake house, just the two of us all weekend."

"Nice. What was the occasion or was this just a weekend getaway thing."

"Our first anniversary."

"Ah I see." Brooke stood "I'll meet you outside I have to go to the bathroom."

"Okay."

Nicole watched till Brooke rounded the corner and was out of sight. She felt rather than heard someone come up behind her. Then strong arms were around her waist and a voice in her ear whispered.

"So `Tony' the weekend was "Grrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaattttttt!" huh?"

"Perfect the weekend was perfect." Nicole held Carmen's arms tighter to her as she sank backwards into the taller girl's embrace. "Thank you."

The shrill whistle that the gym teacher used to call the class to order sounded through the doors to the gymnasium. Turning to face Carmen Nicole gave her a quick peck on the cheek and then they headed into gym class.