I picked up the extension in the spare room. "Hello?"

"Hey, Joey!"

I recognized the voice. "Hey, Dawson. How are you?"

"Pretty good. Things go from bad to worse here, but I'm holding out okay. I sent you a package for Christmas." His voice seemed a little excited. "I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will. We'll be sending your next package out on Friday. I'm getting you one last gift and I don't get paid until Tuesday and I'll pick it up then." I knew Tariq didn't celebrate Christmas, but wanted to send him a gift anyway.

"I'll look for it. By the way, the guys enjoyed the party in a box you sent." I could hear his laugh.

"Well, what do you expect for your birthday? We've celebrated it together most of our lives and I may be here in Detroit and you may be in Iraq, but there's no reason you couldn't have a party, right?" I hoped he didn't hear the giddy in my voice. Our conversations were dull and boring by comparison, but I didn't care. I loved to hear his voice.

"Sergeant Silas thanks you for the cookies." He paused. "Joey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Dawson." My heart skipped a beat.

"Will you wait for me?" I was perplexed by his question.

"Of course. You're my best friend, Tar..."

"No, I mean it. Will you wait for me?"

I wondered what he meant, but replied "Of course I'll wait for you, Tariq."

"I've got to go. Others are waiting for the phone. I just really needed to talk to you. I miss you."

I smiled. "I miss you too. Now be safe and come home soon."

"I promise. Bye."

"Bye." I waited until he hung up before I did. I wondered what he sent and what he meant by waiting for him.

I was sitting up at my computer a couple days later when I saw an email from Tariq. I squealed with delight as I opened. I was rather shocked by what he wrote.

My sweet little Joey, Things sound like they're dong well with you. Things are good out here. I'm going out on another sniper mission soon with the squarrel guys. The local food isn't bad, but it's too greasy and the fact you just watched the food walk in that day doesn't really help that much either.

I can not say what I feel about you right now. Right now, I just want to come home and pick you up in my arms and kiss you. I just can't seem to stop thinking about you. Maybe this war...maybe being this far from you has made me realise something I didn't before I left. Wait for me, Joey.

Dawson

I stared at my screen. Was Tariq actually saying he felt for me what I felt for him? I never got over my crush on him and refused to date. There had always been this feeling I had to never let go of Tariq. For whatever reason, I never really let go of what I was feeling towards him.

The only problem I foresaw was the difference of religion. But could I, would I, let that come between me and the man I knew I loved?

"Cici!" My mom yelled upstairs. "We're waiting on you!"

"I'll be down in a minute, Momma!" I hit 'reply' to Tariq's email. Hey Dawson! Glad to hear all is well. It hasn't been easy on this end worrying about you, but that just goes along with the territory of being your friend, doesn't it? But, I am, Tariq, so glad you're alright.

I can only imagine how tired you must be. I lose one night of sleep and I can't function. There is no way I can imagine 2 days without sleep. You're a much better man than me. Haha

Got a really bad rainstorm this way the other night. It was so bad the house shook and woke us up around midnight. There was flooding in spots, but the important thing is no one got hurt.

I hope you have your Worry Stone with you on these missions. Wink wink. It's there for protection too.

I hope to feel the soft tender kisses and warm hugs from a certain Soldier...SOON!

Well, when you come home, I promise to take you to all the "All-American" fast food joints you want, what do you say? Sorry to hear that the food isn't as good over there as it is here.

Let's see...what else? Oh, yeah...we got the package sent out and that picture I told you about a while ago. Hope you like it. I don't. My ass looks a lot bigger than it really is. We're spending Christmas at my grandparents cabin, and you know the fireplace there. What is it, Tariq, about fireplaces and snow that begs of romance?

You're with me always. I hope you know that. I have the one picture you sent of you at the Prison...you know, the one with your cheeky grin...everyone thinks you're a cutie.

So, when are you due home...really? April? May? It's not long to go (only 4-5 months!) but it seems so far away.

Anyhow, I have written you a novel, so I'm going to close for now. Promise to take care and be safe. You have Joey up in Detroit waiting for you...those hugs...your laugh. Please don't ever forget it.

Always from the homefront...Cici