Chapter Thirteen

Maritza and Flaca lay entwined beneath the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the window, their bodies still radiating warmth from the intimacy they had just shared. The air was thick with a sense of contentment, punctuated only by Flaca's wide, infectious grin that lit up her face like the stars outside. "In twenty-four hours, I will be Mrs. Maritza Ramos," Flaca declared, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

Maritza turned, her lips curling into a smile that spoke volumes of the joy bubbling inside her. "Sounds perfect," she murmured, leaning in to press her lips softly against Flaca's, the kiss a sweet promise of what was to come.

Flaca's gaze softened, her voice filled with nostalgia as she observed the journey they had taken together. "Look how far we've come." Maritza's heart swelled at the thought, her smile faltering briefly as she remembered the fear that had once crept into her heart. "I never thought I would be lucky enough to fall in love with my best friend. It terrified me when I first realized it."

Flaca's expression turned serious, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes. "You okay?"

"I thought I was going to lose you during that time," Maritza confessed, her voice barely above a whisper as the weight of those memories hung in the air between them.

With a gentle touch, Flaca caressed Maritza's cheek, her fingers lingering as if to reassure her. "I'm sorry for what I put you through."

Maritza shook her head, the corner of her lips lifting. "It's okay. Now we're getting married."

Flaca chuckled softly, a nervous energy dancing in her eyes. "I'm a little nervous," she admitted, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Not the marrying you part. The whole telling the vows in front of everyone we know. What if I fuck up?"

Maritza's smile widened, her confidence radiating warmth. "Flaca, it's you and me. Just think of it as the two of us in our own bubble."

"Okay," Flaca replied, her voice steadied by Maritza's reassurance.

"No one else matters, okay?" Maritza reaffirmed, and Flaca nodded, their foreheads gently touching as if sharing a secret only they could understand. "Anything else making you nervous?" Maritza asked, her voice tender.

Flaca shook her head, relief washing over her. "No. You always know how to keep me calm." With a soft kiss on Maritza's knuckles, Flaca's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Are you ready to sleep?" Maritza inquired, her tone gentle.

Flaca laughed lightly, shaking her head. "No, I'm too excited to sleep."

Maritza raised an eyebrow, teasingly probing, "Just like you were too excited to sleep because of Ian?"

Flaca rolled her eyes dramatically, a playful smirk escaping as she replied, "This is way more exciting."

"Really?" Maritza challenged, her curiosity piqued.

Flaca nodded vigorously, her smile genuine. "Duh. This is where I'm meant to be." Their laughter mingled with the night air, echoing the promise of a future built on love and friendship, as the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them in their perfect moment.

The golden morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow around the room. Flaca sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on Maritza, whose chest gently rose and fell like the soft tide against the shore. As Maritza stirred, her eyes fluttered open, revealing a hint of confusion that quickly melted into recognition. "Are you okay?" Maritza's voice was raspy, as if it carried the weight of the night's dreams.

"Mhmm," Flaca replied, her heart swelling as she took in Maritza's tousled hair and sleepy smile. "You're so beautiful." A radiant smile broke across Maritza's face, illuminating the dim room.

"Come here, my beautiful bride," she whispered, her voice now a soft caress. Flaca leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that lingered like the last notes of a cherished song. "We have to get ready," Maritza said reluctantly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Okay," Flaca replied, her own excitement bubbling beneath the surface. "I'll see you at the altar, Maritza." As she turned away, a single tear slipped down Maritza's cheek, glimmering like a tiny star. "Are you crying?" Flaca asked, concern knitting her brow.

"I'm just really happy," Maritza replied, her smile vibrant despite the tear, capturing the essence of a love that felt like the dawn of forever.

Daya leaned against the hallway wall, arms crossed, her brow furrowed with concern. "You gotta relax," she urged, watching as Maritza paced back and forth, her phone clutched tightly in one hand.

Each glance at the screen deepened the worry etched on Maritza's face, her lips pressed into a thin line. "She's not answering her phone," Maritza muttered, frustration bubbling to the surface. "She's always got that thing glued to her hand."

Daya shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe it died?"

Maritza let out a heavy sigh, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet space. "Maybe she realized that it was a mistake going through with the wedding," she replied, her voice tinged with disappointment. "It was too good to be true. Me and Flaca. You don't always get what you want."

Just then, a voice broke through the tension. "Why not?" Flaca chimed in, stepping into the room with an apologetic smile. "I did."

Maritza spun around, her heart leaping at the sight of her. "You came!" she exclaimed, relief flooding her features.

"Of course I did," Flaca said cheerfully, her hair tousled and her cheeks flushed. "Sorry I'm late. My phone died."

Daya shot a knowing look at Maritza. "Fucking told you," she said, a teasing smirk on her lips.

Maritza rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Better late than never," Maritza replied, her initial worry fading into warmth.

Flaca chuckled, her laughter bright and infectious. "That always seems to be my problem," she quipped, her gaze softening as she reached for Maritza's hand. "Still want to be my wife?" Flaca asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hell yeah," Maritza beamed, her smile illuminating the room. In a gentle embrace, they swayed to a tune only they could hear, the world around them fading away. "Sorry I worried you," Flaca murmured, a hint of sincerity in her tone.

"You're here now," Maritza replied softly, her heart settling as she looked into Flaca's eyes. "That's what matters. We're good."

"I'll always be here, wife," Flaca promised, her eyes locked on Maritza's, igniting a fire within her. "What?" Flaca asked, noticing the dreamy expression on Maritza's face.

"You look really beautiful," Maritza said, her breath hitching slightly.

"So do you," Flaca replied, warmth spreading between them before their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their promise in that perfect moment.