Title: Waiting for Booth

Author: Caitlan Zufelt

I stood next to the water fountain, fidgeting with my hair. It had been a year since I had last seen him, before I went to investigate 2,000 year old bones in an Indonesian jungle, and he flew to Afghanistan to train army recruits in the art of the sniper. I still remember what he said to me, that day in the airport; "One year from today, we meet at the reflecting pool, on the mall, right by the coffee cart."

But, I didn't even know if he survived, I didn't know if he had been Booth, or if he didn't act like a hero, like I told him to. I checked my watch. 12:30. I surveyed the crowd, searching for any sign of his playful smile, his tousled brown hair. Nothing. Not one single glimpse. My stomach knotted in suspense.

One year from today…

The words echoed in my mind as the hours passed. I bought two cups of coffee, one for me, and one for him, if he showed up. No, I thought to myself. Not if, WHEN. Booth couldn't be gone, he had to still be alive.

The crowd thinned as the shadows grew longer and the air grew colder. I wrapped my coat around my shoulders, just like Booth would do. My eyes teared up, and I turned to walk back to my car, thinking that this was a hopeless cause. As I turned, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

"Temperance! Bones!" I looked, and saw him, his hand in the air in a salute. I ran towards him, and he enveloped me in his embrace, his warm, loving embrace. I almost told him. I almost told him that I loved him too, that I loved him back. But I didn't, because I noticed a blonde woman standing behind him. I pulled away, and looked at Booth.

"Booth, who's she?"

Booth turned around, a loving look in his eyes, and it seemed like my heart was being torn into two. "Brennan, meet Hannah. I met her in Afghanistan."

And that's all he had to say. I could tell that he loved her, and that she loved him back. My heart was breaking, if hearts can break, because they are a muscle, so they would tear, not break….that's what I told Booth…

One year from today…

I didn't know things would have changed so much, a year from then. I didn't know that I would admit to having my heart break, that I would ever admit to myself that I loved Booth. But now, he doesn't love me back. He told me he had to move on, that our moment had passed. I wish it hadn't.

I laughed, and put on a smile for Hannah, to show that I was okay with her and Booth. But inside, there was turmoil. I hated her. She took Booth away from me. And now, I don't think that anyone will ever understand me as well as Booth does. I'm his Bones. The smile felt fake, but I kept it on. Waiting. Always waiting. Waiting to see how their relationship would fare, waiting to find someone for me, waiting for my heart to heal.

I went home alone, as always. This time, though, there would be no Booth knocking on my door, with Chinese Take-Out in his hand, and wondering if I had beer, or wine. This time, there would be no late nights, laughing at the lab, or the Founding Father's, or even his apartment. Now, he would be totally integrated with Hannah. And my life would change, and I waited. I would put on a happy front, for I am happy for him, but I will never be truly happy. Because Booth would never ever be mine, I would never have a second chance. I blew it. Waiting.

One year from today…