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The squeaking of my wet raincoat filled the hallway as I went back and forth, making sure the girls were settled. Poor Reticia was almost swallowed up in my t-shirt, but I had nothing else for her to wear. Margaret fared somewhat better in nightclothes borrowed from her sister. I made sure they were showered and fed, then pulled out the sofa and tucked them both in. I stopped at the living room entrance and looked back.
“Is it okay to turn off the light or do you need it on?” I asked.
“You can turn it off.” Margaret yawned. Reticia was curled into a small ball and didn’t even open her eyes.
“Goodnight then.” I switched off the light and went slowly back down the hallway, feeling the pain seeping throughout my body. My ankle, my lips, my face, all of me- I was in need of those painkillers. I went into the bathroom and quickly took two of them. Hearing the door, I went back out into the hallway.
“There you are.” I said softly as Madlax appeared. She gave me a tired smile. I opened my arms and pulled her to me, holding her as tightly as I could. She was soaked, and I felt the water dripping downward over my skin. We held onto each other, rocking together in a silent embrace of comfort.
“I missed you. I missed you so much.” My confession was whispered.
“Then come wash away this night with me.” she whispered back, and pulled me into the bathroom.

“Are you cold?” She asked gently, pulling the covers up over us. She wedged one leg comfortably in between mine, then put her other leg over me, entwining us together. Her naked body was smooth and muscular, and I ran my hands over her, enjoying the sensation.
“No. The trembling will stop soon. It was just…intense.” I had honestly never felt like that before in my life, and now my legs couldn’t seem to stop shaking. “You- you don’t think they heard me, do you?”
Her body shook against mine as she laughed. “They don’t have to hear you to know.”
“Oh… that.” I sighed.
Madlax had tried to explain this weird thing about Margaret not really being her sister, but I was unable to fully comprehend what she said. “Madlax, nothing’s going to happen while we’re in the middle of…you know.” My hand slipped down her hip. “I mean, I only want you- it would be embarrassing if suddenly you turned into-” I was interrupted by her finger on my lips.
“Shhh. Don’t worry about that. I told you before, it only happens when you say those two little words.” She kissed me into a silent submission.
“Madlax…I think I have... three little words I want to say to you.” I ventured out, suddenly feeling shy. Three little words, words I had not said since one night long ago when I had promised myself to marriage.
“I would very much like to hear them.” She put her hands to my face, staring intently into my eyes. “Say those three words to me, Vanessa Renee.”