Back in Town [1x1][juliallxmidnighttrain]

[juliall]

[Okay, I was thinking the could live in Oregon?]

Taylor sighed quietly as she walked down the street, eyes flickering to the house of her best friend, Parker. That is, until he went and served in the military. She missed him alot, and really missed sailing out on the ocean and lakes with him. She shook her head, wondering if she would ever see him again, she thought about the engagement ring on her finger, starting to wonder if it was the right guy to marry, she shook her head, not wanting to think about it.

Derek smiled a bit as he stepped off the plane. Going to the baggage claim, getting his bags before putting them over his shoulders easily as he had become quite strong during his serving time for the military. He smiled slightly as he stepped outside the airport, taking in the familiar surroundings.

[saige.]

Sitting on the porch swing was the newly married, Alexis Renee Culver. Her gaze was steadily focused on the ground before her as her mind drifted elsewhere, Was this really the right thing to do? I mean...I guess it was time to move on. Since it doesn't seem like Derek is coming back anytime soon. she thought and a single tear slipped down her cheek. It had been a few years since she had watched her best friend get on the plane to go serve his country, but she felt as if it had happened just yesterday.

~

As the plane was making it's decent, a young man about the age of twenty sat eagerly in his uncomfortable chair and stared out the window. He had done his time serving his nation, and now it was time to come home for some well-earned rest. That, and he couldn't wait to see the look on his old friend, Taylor's face. Parker grinned at the thought of seeing her shocked reaction when he showed up on her doorstep.

[juliall]

Taylor sighed, snifflinf a bit as she wiped away a tear, having a flashback of the day that Parker left. She looked on her lanyard that held her keys, seeing a keychain with a picture of them that Parker had made for her before he left, she hugged it, another tear dripping down her face. She jogged home, wanting to go through her photo album.

Derek went home, dropping his stuff off, seeing his parents weren't home, he walked over to Lexi's house. Wanting to see her so badly. He remembered all of the walks to the park and the creek. When Derek reached her house, her parents said she had just married and moved down the block. Having her adress, he went to the new adreess, surprised she had married so quickly.

[saige.]

Lexi had tucked her legs in and closed her eyes as the old memories of how she and Derek used to spend all their time together, every minute of every day. Suppressing a heavy, tear-choked sigh, the young newly-wed and lifted her head up, only to rest it back on her knees. Her brown eyes were dulling from sadness as they scanned the street before her, then she noticed a figure making his way down the street. Lexi sat up and squinted her eyes to see if what she was really seeing was true.

~

Once the plane had landed, Parker nearly leapt out of his seat. After impatiently waiting to get off the stuffy aircraft, the ex-solider grabbed his belongings from baggage claim and exited the airport to where the taxis would be waiting. A long moment passed before he finally flagged one down and he climbed in.

[juliall]

Taylor sighed, practically dragging herself into the living room, sitting on the couch, suddenly not wanting to do anything, she barely felt like moving to get the photo album, she then mustered up enough longing for the photo album to get up and get it. She smiled as she looked through seeing pictures of her and Parker sailing and fishing. Those were the good days.

Derek walked up onto the porch, noticing who he assumed to be Lexi crying, sad. "Lexi?" he asked, hopefully she would recognize him, or his voice. If she did, he would be so happy. He slowly moved over to her.

[saige.]

Lexi stared up at the man in utter disbelief. She sniffed and rubbed her eyes; smearing her make up in the process. After blinking a few times, she spoke up, "Derek? Is....is that really you?"

~

About a half hour later, Parker was pulling up to his old home. His parents welcomed him home and they shared stories with each other for a good while. But eventually, he asked them about Taylor. As they both exchanged worried glances, they explained to him that she was engaged to another man. Sorrow struck him like a bullet and he remained quiet for a moment. Finally, he looked back up at his parents and asked about where she was living now.

[juliall]

Taylor sat quietly. She was living with her parents still, that is until she got married. Which she felt a little hesitant about doing. She sighed, seeing the last picture of her and Parker together. When he was boarding the plane to leave for the military. She wiped a tear away before closing the book softly, gently putting it back where she had found it.

"Yes, Lexi. It's really me, Derek" he said with a smile, he held out his arms for her, knowing she probably wanted to hug him.

[saige.]

{Hehehe I just thought of a big twist to add to this. But for Derek and Lexi only. xD}

Without even thinking, Lexi leapt up and rammed into Derek with her arms wrapped tightly around him. Tears were streaming down her cheeks at this point and it was a bit hard for her to get words out, "Oh...my...God...I-I-I thought...y-you died!" she cried and buried her nose into his chest.

~

As soon as Parker had learned she was still living at home, he bid his parents farewell and walked out the door; still in his military uniform. He slowly walked down the familiar road towards Taylor's house; a place he went many times before. Taking in a deep breath, he walked up the steps and knocked on the door.

[juliall]

[Oooh okay ]

Taylor heard the knock and got up, wiping the tears from her face. She opened the door, smiling as she saw the familiar Parker, standing infront of her. She started to cry with happiness, she was so surprised, speechless. She wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"I've missed you so much" Derek said, hugging her tight, smiling as he smelt her familiar scent. His hands were on her back, holding her close, happy she was glad to see him.

[saige.]

{Okay, but before I put this fully into play, how long has Derek been gone?}

Lexi sniffed again and looked up at her old friend, "My God, Derek....so many things have changed since you left...I can't even begin to list them-" she began but stopped once she remembered something. She pushed herself away and sheepishly looked down at her feet, "Well...I can show you one of those changes..."

~

Parker smiled and curled his arms around her, "I knew you'd be glad to see me." he teased and looked down at her, "So what's this about a wedding I'm hearing. I'm hurt, Taylor. No invite for me? You know very well you can't have a party without me."