(One week prior to D-Day)
A Benz parked outside the team mansion. The surroundings were surreal; ever since the war in Europe was over for a month, everything seemed to go back to normal; except for the occasional construction works in Munich. Doug got out of his car and went to the passenger seat of the car to open the door for his beloved wife to come out. Maddie walked towards the mansion's front doors. Doug followed soon after with bags from the trunk. Maddie had been in the Cordoba Hospital for a month since the energy blast nearly disintegrated her and Vespin. Vespin got out unharmed, but Maddie had her robotic arm ripped off and had to be rested in the hospital for a month, even though it wasn't serious.
"Here, let me open it," said Doug, taking out his keys. He opened the door and Maddie got in first. The house was dark at first until the light went up and the whole team cheered out.
"SURPRISE!!!" Maddie was shocked and happy that all her team members are here and celebrating her return.
"Welcome back, Mrs. Kreig," said Cheryl, taking out a white, frosty cake from the fridge. It had writings in red icing, "Welcome back, Maddie!"
"All this for me? Thank you!" she exclaimed, hugging Cheryl. Cheryl hugged her back, happy that her friend had returned. Maddie then hugged the rest of her girl friends and handshakes to the boys.
"Hey, guess what? Me and Yee Lin are getting married!" announced James, attempting to grope Yee Lin from behind.
"Yeah right," replied Yee Lin with a strong nudge to the tummy as a warning for groping her. James let out a heavy huff. The rest of the team laughed. Then Cheryl looked at her watch.
"Oh my, it's late! I should be making dinner now!" exclaimed Cheryl as she rushed into the kitchen. Vespin followed suit.
"Me too. It's time I learn to cook for my hubby," said Maddie. As she was about to walk to the kitchen, Doug grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him.
"No darling. You've just returned from the hospital. Besides, we should have some 'quality' time alone," said Doug to her ear before sweeping her off her feet and carried her. Maddie let out a shriek, then a giggle. Doug carried her up the stairs to their room.
The dinner was deliciously prepared by Cheryl, with blessing from Doug. The team enjoyed the meal very well, with discussions of what to do since TSWAT had been disbanded. James and Yee Lin wanted to go to the Alps; although Yee Lin denied getting married there. Cheryl wanted to go back to her country, South Korea, as a doctor and also to witness the reunification with the North; also stating she would be leaving tonight. Ivan wanted to return home to St Petersburg, but he also wanted to see the war through to its end in America. Terry, being American, wanted to continue on and join the advanced force into the North American mainland. Maddie would want to stay here with Doug and they both planned to spend most of their lives in the same mansion.
After the dinner, the team said their farewells to Cheryl as she took her bags to the taxi outside, waiting to drive her to the airport. Maddie gave her one last hug before she left. Then they returned back into the mansion, Ivan deciding to go with Terry to see the war end on American soil, so they head to the entertainment room with a few bottles of vodka. Yee Lin told James to get their bags packed for the Alps, and Vespin went down to the small library for a read.
"The team is splitting up, Maddie," commented Doug, resting his arm on her shoulder.
"Come here," said Maddie, wrapping her arms around his neck to reach of a kiss on his lips.
"You are still so energetic, Maddie. C'mon, let's go up to the room," said Doug, sweeping her off her feet and carried her up the stairs. Maddie giggled and kissed him on the cheek. She felt this was how married couples must have done to keep a long relationship.
"Yea, okay. At 0900 hours. Thanks, bye," said Doug as Maddie woke up from her slumber. She found him on the telephone, sitting on his desk with the desk lamp on, putting the receiver down. She looked at the clock. It was 3 am.
"What's going on?" asked Maddie, raising her head up, observing the body build of her hubby in the dim light.
"I'm going to the American mainland," replied Doug.
"But TSWAT has been disbanded. We don't have to fight anymore," said Maddie, indicating to him to come to bed.
"I signed up as a Waffen-GSG operative," said Doug. Maddie was surprised and angry.
"Why do you have to go?! We have just spent our first night together! Why are you so obsessed of going to war!" exclaimed Maddie, nearly screaming.
"Maddie, that's not the reason…….," said Doug, trying to explain.
"THEN WHY!!!" screamed Maddie, tears brimming on her eyes.
"I have a sister to bring home," said Doug, raising his voice a little. Maddie was dumbfounded and she lowered her head. He rose up from his chair, walked to the bed and sat next to her. He took both his hands to raise her head to face him. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her lips quivered. Doug wiped the tears off her face.
"Maddie, I am your husband. I have vowed to be with you for as long as I shall live. But I have a sister that went to America. As her older twin, I have the responsibility to bring her back safe and sound. Then we can be a family again," explained Doug. Maddie sobbed. Then she hugged him.
"I'm sorry I forgot her," said Maddie between her sobs. Doug stroked her hair.
"It's all right, honey. No one's perfect," replied Doug. The she faced him and gave him a passionate kiss that lasted a minute. After that she asked a question.
"How long will you be gone?"
"For a fortnight the most," replied Doug as he wanted to put down his hands. Maddie quickly took his hand and put it next to her cheek.
"It's at 9am right? Spend more time with me," pleaded Maddie.
"Yes, my love," said Doug as he got under the covers. They both giggled.
