'Till Death

Bristol knew she loved Dan, but it was at times like this did she feel the need to justify it. As she packed her suitcase for her four day trip, she had gone a few extra miles to remind Dan she did still care. Waking up early she had made his favorite breakfast and sat the sports section of the paper beside his plate. She had made his coffee just the way he liked it and walked around the condo in the oversized Maple Leafs tee he enjoyed seeing her in. She had even kept her face free of make up and wore the thick, black framed glasses which fit her face perfectly.

“Do you have to go?” Dan crooned as he wrapped his arms along her middle and pressed a butterfly kiss to the exposed skin of her shoulder. She had just stepped out of the shower and the familiar scent of her fruity body wash and floral shampoo overwhelmed his senses.

Bristol couldn’t help but wonder if his pleads for her stay were coming from the fact he didn’t want the responsibility of taking care of the couple’s two children by himself. While the thought of leaving her babies for the time put a sickening feeling in Bristol’s stomach, she reminded herself it was only four days and they’d be fine without her constant hovering. It was time to cut the cord and it was saddening for her to accept the fact her children were almost capable of taking care of themselves now.

Blending the foundation into her forehead, Bristol could only smile at Dan in the mirror. Six months ago she would have stopped what she was doing and let herself melt into his arms but that feeling was no longer fluttering. “It’s only four days. You can handle it.”

Her distant and cold response took Dan off guard, causing him to release his arms from around Bristol. He had half expected her to have a flirty reaction; turn around and toy with the button of his jeans and place small kisses to the over sensitive skin of his neck. Both knew the truth for there was no hiding it. Bristol wasn’t going to New York to visit her brother, but rather to Jersey to spend time with some whom Dan had thought was finally out of the picture. He had caught a glace of her ticket the previous night and couldn’t help notice she wasn’t flying into JFK airport like she had said, but rather Philadelphia International.

“Yeah,” Dan turned on the cold water on and let it fill the small cup of his hand before splashing it against his face. The bitter tingles on his skin were the only thing that could help him forget his wife’s betrayal for the moment. “It can’t be that hard to take care of them for four days.”

He couldn’t really blame her for wanting to spend some time away from the house for a few days. With the kids going back to school in just a short week and a half and Dan shipping back out to Detroit for the upcoming hockey season, all domestic duties would fall on her shoulders. The least he could do before leaving was allow Bristol to clear her head so she didn’t lose all sanity over the next eight months.

“You sure you don’t want a ride to the airport?” He asked.

Bristol checked the time on her iPhone and a sudden panic over came her frame as she realized she was running slightly behind schedule.

“I appreciate the offer but they’ll be expecting dinner soon. I’ll have no problem catching the cab.” Disappearing into their bedroom, Bristol slipped into the jeans and tee she had set out on the bed and packed a few last minute items. She had left the white, lace baby doll that had been delivered to her only days ago as Dan was watching her with a close eye as she packed.

At the front door of their condo, Bristol kneeled down to eye level of her son and held him tight and close to her body as she said a final see you later. Kristen, being a seven year old daddy’s girl, simply hugged her mother loosely and pecked a small kiss to her cheek. “I love you,” Bristol reminded the both of them, turning her attention to Dan.

Adjusting the strap of her purse on her shoulder, the visual glance between her and Dan was undoubtedly awkward. “Have a safe flight and call me as soon as you land.”

“I will,” now it was her turn to be taken back by the fact he hadn’t dropped the l-word. Since her brother died seven years ago, Bristol made it a habit of never leaving home without making sure those she cared about knew she loved them. “I love you.”

Her words were hushed, only loud enough for Dan to hear. Dan didn’t seem too convinced of her proclaiming words but his exchange was less than confident, too. Bristol would be lying if she said it didn’t bother her when Dan didn’t ask if she wanted help bringing her suitcase downstairs. Rather, Dan simply closed and locked the door behind her, leaving Bristol alone out in the rainy Chicago night to hail a cab.



Just as he had promised, Danny Briere was waiting for Bristol outside fifteen minutes after her plane had landed. With the time change, it was nearing midnight and with the amounts of adrenaline running through both their bodies there was no sign of drowsiness at all. She dropped her bag the second her eyes laid upon Danny and no time was wasted between the two embracing in the long awaited hug, It was been months since they had last seen each other and the feeling of once again being in each other’s arms was like none other. She let herself melt into his body and didn’t hesitate in pressing her plush lips against his.

What had surprised Bristol the most was as to how at home she felt being in Philly. Even as they stood there outside the airport she felt home.

“I’ve missed you.” Danny said. He pushed a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear to get a better look at the blue eyes he’s been dying to stare into.

“I’ve missed you, too.” Bristol couldn’t help but let her voice get a little higher as they let go from their hug. She felt like a teenager again; butterflies in her stomach and finding it hard to say the perfect words.

Danny grabbed her bags and tossed them into the backseat of his Rang Rover before they both got in. Grabbing her hand, Danny kissed her knuckles and smiled. “Welcome home.”