RECAP…

I blushed furiously before looking anywhere to avoid his gaze.

"MARY-KATHERINE! COME QUICK!" A shout came from downstairs.

Nod and I exchanged looks of worry before we bolted down the stairs.

Back to the story…

My mouth dropped at the sight of the living room where Dad's work is located. A lot of things had been pushed aside in an attempt to look presentable. However, that wasn't what had shocked me. A young brunette dressed in business clothes was scanning the room with her hazel eyes. I almost didn't recognize the woman.

She smiled over at me before looking around at my father various different works. Her name was Yullie Nuvano. Yullie had been my best friend since the third grade when I stopped some bullies from making fun of her. I understood her in ways that no one else could. She had BELIEVED in my father's work before she even knew my dad was working on it.

What surprised me was that she was supposed to be overseas at a military base. Yullie was a nurse for the military on an annual basis, so, it was difficult for her to get time off. It was even more rare if she used her off days to visit me.

"Hey, M.K. Why haven't you introduced me to this new fellow of your's?" Yullie playfully scolded.

My heart throbbed when I heard those words from her mouth. What was I going to say? Should I tell her where he's from or who he is? How would she react? Maybe I should stay vague about him. Yes, that's perfect!

Sweat slipped down from my forehead as I said, "Oh, um… of course. Nod, this is Yullie. Yullie, this is Nod."

Yullie looked thrilled while looking him over before giving her silent nod of approval. I became uncomfortable when her eyes wouldn't stop staring at his body. My frown must have tipped her off because Yullie brought her eyes to look at mine again. She gave me an apologetic look before continuing to look at my father's work.

I smiled sadly at Nod, "Yullie has been my best friend since I was little. We made a deal. I would protect her from bullies if she would be my best friend. It worked out well until she had to go overseas to be a nurse."

Nod looked at Yullie with respect before squeezing my hand gently in his. My heart fluttered as my smile grew and became a full-fledged toothy grin. Just as I was about to lean in to give him a big peck on the cheek, Dad burst into the room with lemon squares and lemonade. He clumsily bumped into my arm before arranging the silver platters on his map of the area. My face reddened when I realize that my father probably did it on purpose in an attempt to keep his little girl pure. If only he knew that I had shared more than just kisses with a boy. It never went all the way because something came up. So, technically, I was still innocent.

Yullie snickered at my father and mouthed, 'I feel so sorry for you.'

I laughed inwardly before mouthing back, 'You have no idea.'

"So, Yullie, what are you doing here in the USA?" My father asked.

Yullie thought for a minute before shrugging in indifference. I couldn't believe that load of garbage. What was she planning? Who was involved? Am I her target? Oh, did I forget to mention that Yullie is an EXCESSIVE prankster?

"Are you really on a vacation from work?" I mumbled.

She smiled, "No, I have been relocated here so that I can be here when patients come back from war. I now specialize in PTS, post-tramatic stress disorder. A lot of people from this area have been affected by it. So, here I am."

"Are you permanently stationed here now? Or are you technically not in their medical units anymore?" I piped in.

Yullie looked cross, "I don't know, M.K… I just don't know."

I looked over at Nod who seemed to become pale and worried about her stay. Could he recognize her as a threat? If so, why?