Fumbling with her purse and keys in hand, Shaun dropped her purse at the foot of her condo door. “Damn it,” she whispered, knowing no one was around to hear her frustration. Arriving home this late angered her; not managing her time or new team effectively, left her feeling inadequate. As she kicked the grocery bag through the door, her hand traced the edge of the wall; she found the switch on the left hand side, her fingers fumbled over it. Bingo and let there be light, she thought, “and there was,” she said!Instinctively Shaun made a bee line toward the French doors on the deck and opened them wide; the cool air swept over her as she did so; it felt amazing on her skin. She stepped out of her elegant black heels and left them in place on the carpet as she stepped onto the deck. Shaun pulled down her long dark hair, shaking it loosely about her shoulders. She couldn’t help but smile as she looked down at her beautiful designer blouse; un-tucked and hanging over the waistline of her skirt, not exactly the look she had worked so hard to pull together earlier that day.She listened to the sound of the waves as they gently broke onto the beach below her; a sound Shaun relied on daily to calm her nerves and strengthen her soul. She inhaled, sucking the salt air deep into her lungs. Purposely counting to ten before she exhaled, closing her eyes and calming her mind. Wine would be really good right now, she thought, walking toward the kitchen. Shaun picked a lovely red. Glass in hand she made her way back to the deck; slip and blouse the only clothing remaining. A few sips of wine to take the edge off and she might actually make it all the way to the bedroom to change.She was startled when her cell rang. It wasn’t until she saw his name that she remembered Dante had said he’d stop by. The conversation was brief; he was already on his way up. Dante, the only person in the world she truly trusted, loved, and could stand to be around for more than a few days at a time. If it was up to her, and it wasn’t; they’d be partners, roommates at the very least for sure! They were family though; or as close to a family as either of them had ever had, or would have, for that matter. It worked for them.“Nice! Now there’s a look I’d like to capture!” Dante chuckled as he poured himself a glass of wine as well. “Shaun Williams, Executive extraordinaire, looking like a disheveled high school chick that just went through her mama’s liquor cabinet, sweet!” he was smiling as he sipped his wine. “Hey there you,” she said softly pecking him on his cheek. “Welcome home!”He laughed and then they laughed together; because he wasn’t home. Dante was visiting and they both knew that, but pretending was a lot more fun! “What’s for dinner?” Shaun asked as she refilled their glasses.“Well that depends what’s in your pantry doesn’t it!” Dante said knowing that if he didn’t cook, she wouldn’t eat that evening. “Go do your thing. I’ll start cooking!”Shaun stood under the shower and hands pressed against the wall; she allowed the hot water to roll over her body, and realized for the first time the move and stress had taken its toll. She ached all over. Lathering her body with her signature scent, she thought she must have subconsciously been moving differently throughout the day, avoiding sharp pangs of pain from shooting through her strained muscles. A massage via Dante was in order.As she stood in front of the mirror her eyes quickly scanned her body; it was almost as perfect as she was supposed to be. Her tall elegant frame, the envy of all women; her long dark hair that hung on her shoulders thick and full, breasts the most perfect size and shape that money could buy, and a waist so tiny, one would think she dieted and suffered daily to achieve such. I am done, she thought wrapping her towel back around her. I’ve seen enough!“I was about to come get you,” Dante said as she wandered back into the kitchen. He refilled her empty glass and took a sip of his. “Let’s eat on the deck; grab a blanket,” he said.They didn’t speak during dinner; but then again, they didn’t need or have too. Their friendship deep and strong, any words spoken were words truly meant and enjoyed between the two. When the silence was broken it was Shaun who spoke first. “I made the appointment,” she said. “I will be done.”Dante reached over and held her hand, he spoke so softly. “I know this is what you have always wanted and who you are supposed to be,” he said. “Your journey has been so long and your pain has been incredibly deep; but you have come through the other side, and though you don’t understand it yet, you are already complete.” Shaun couldn’t hold back her tears; they rolled down her cheeks as she sobbed into her hands. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t; her heart a combination of joy and peace, fear and relief. “I have never in my life been more certain of a single thing,” she finally managed to say in between the sobs, “To have you complete this journey with me, makes me feel whole.” She took a deep breath and wiped her face and couldn’t help but notice his eyes had filled with tears. “I was abandoned as you know and you found me; we have been one ever since, have we not? Though there’s not a single other sole in this world, that will understand the love two platonic people can have, we do!” Shaun glanced across the ocean and paused listening as the waves brushed across the sand. “I love all of you Dante, and you love me too. Even the parts I’m not supposed to be!” She put her beautiful face into the palm of her hands and her shoulders shook as she sobbed.Dante stood up and removed the plate from her lap; setting it aside he crouched down at her feet, he smiled the sweetest smile. “Shaun,” he said, “Where else would I be? This journey you are on is part of me!” He laughed and Shaun thought the laugh was slightly inappropriate; the intensity of their conversation hardly left her in the mood to smile, let alone laugh! His comments soon changed her mind. “Oh,” Dante said, “By the way, we will be summering down here with you! I bought the condo across the street!” by Amanda M. Thrasher