It was quiet. Painfully quiet.
Jane picked up her third beer, knocking it back fast.
She was unsure of the time. The hours had started to blur together as the day had worn on, and before she'd known it, it had grown dark. All she knew for certain was that it was late.
The night sky was clear and stars shone down on her, twinkling in all their beauty.
She loved looking at the stars. Ever since she was a little girl, and on her first camping trip had peaked out of her tent and looked up to see a vast expanse of thousands of little shining lights.
She didn't know their names, but that didn't matter. She had her own.
Her two favourites that sat side by side were particularly vibrant tonight.
With her beer finished she threw the bottle down and reached over to pick up her bat.
The ball flew towards her and as she swung the bat it connected with a satisfying thunk, the ball sailing through the air flying far out into the field.
As the balls continued to fly, Jane thought about how she'd ended up here alone with only a bat and beer for company.
The fight with Maura had been stupid. They were giving presents as a couple this year, and Maura had wanted them to go shopping together to pick out the gifts. Jane had sulked that she didn't want to go, telling Maura she should just go by herself to pick them out. The more Maura had tried reasoning with Jane, the more stubborn she had grown. Until eventually she had snapped at Maura, saying a few choice words she had instantly regretted.
Before she could apologise, Maura had left.
Jane swung the bat particularly hard, a loud crack sounding out in the silence.
She flung the bat away angry at herself, and let out a loud yell to try and release the tension building up inside of her.
A single tear worked its way down her cheek.
"I'm sorry, Maur."
"So am I."
Jane spun around, surprised to find Maura standing there. She hadn't heard her approach.
"I shouldn't have left like that."
Jane just stood there, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. She'd been so sure she'd screwed things up.
"Jane?" Concerned eyes looked her over.
Jane took the few steps to Maura and scooped her up in her arms, spinning her around.
"God, Maur. I'm so sorry!" She trailed kisses all over her girlfriends face, eventually finding her lips.
A happy grin spread across Jane's features, and feeling a little giddy she spun Maura around again. A musical laugh escaping the beautiful woman in her arms.
They stood there, arms locked around each other. Jane, once again looking up at the stars made a promise to herself. Just like her two favourites, she was going to make every effort to make sure her and Maura would be together forever.
…Even if it meant going on a few extended shopping trips.
