One Hand, One Heart: WSS AU Continued

by AutumnTwilight26

Sequel to West Side Story AU. Maria and Tony have finally escaped from the city. They're making a new life together in Virginia with the help of Valentina's brother-in-law, Henry. Starting fresh is hard, but being together has all been worth it. Unfortunately, their past will catch up with them and they will be called back to New York. Will they be able to end the feud finally.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 1: New Beginnings (Maria POV)

The moon shined down on her as she rested her head on his chest. His gentle heartbeat beating in time with hers. Looking into his eyes, the world melted away and nothing existed except the two of them. He leaned down and press his soft lips to her, igniting a fire in her. His body pressed into her more causing a stirring in her belly. Everything was wonderous, and he was hers.

Suddenly, a force knocked him away from her. All she could see was him lying on the ground as he was beaten. She tried to scream, but no sound escaped. She watched helplessly as her love was bloodied and in pain. An ultimate blow came to his chest, and she watch her love breathe his final breath. He laid there…lifeless. Her world turned dark and empty.

Maria jolted awake and raised her head. The inside of the bus was dark and quiet, except for the few passengers snoring slightly. It was just a dream. She looked next to her to Tony still asleep; confirmation that it truly was just a dream. Even with his face bruised, he was still so handsome; especially as he slept. She resisted the urge to brush his cheek, knowing he needed more sleep.

The day had felt unreal. In the last 24 hours, Maria's whole life turned on its head. Her brother and his friends discovering her and Tony and bombarding them on the roof… Bernardo beating Tony like a common thug… Anita and Valentina aiding them in running away… nothing seemed to be real. A part of her hated leaving Anita to deal with the aftermath, and another small part hated leaving her brother. Despite everything, he was still her brother. He had always been there for her.

She loved Bernardo, but her love for Tony didn't compare. Being with Tony was like seeing sun rise over the ocean. Everything was beautiful, calm, and full of wonder. He listened as she talked and believed in her when she spoke of her dreams. He made her feel safe and strong all at the same time. The closest she had ever seen two people as in love as her and Tony was her parents. Maria prayed for a life full of happiness just like her parents had.

Despite everything they had been through, the thought of a new life together was incredible… and frightening. Neither one knew what waited for them when they met Valentina's friend. The anxiety Maria felt was only kept at bay by the realization that they would face the unknown together, with no one standing in their way.

The sounds of the other passengers' snoring and the bus splashing through the rain seemed to help her relax. Maria laid her head back against Tony's chest and felt him instinctively snuggle into her. His gentle heartbeat her ease back into dreamless slumber.