Chapter 21

Maka felt so miserable she hadn't even wanted to come to work but being home alone meant thinking of Soul and she couldn't go through another crying jag. If she had known how miserable she would be after falling for Soul she would have stayed away and never let him in. Today he was getting married to someone else, another woman was going to spend the rest of her life next to him and Maka was left alone to regret not going after him of not stopping him from committing the worst mistake of his life. It should have been her and him getting married, it should have been her spending the rest of her life next to him but her pride was her enemy and it had been stronger than she could ever hope to be. Maybe she still had time maybe she could still stop the wedding, hope surged in her chest but doubt crept into her heart maybe he will be happy with her, she shouldn't meddle she should let him go.

But it was too damn hard… tears spilled over and she let the crippling pain take over.

"Maka the new load of toys came in but Patti and I don't know where to put them can you help us?" Liz asked she'd grown accustomed to Maka's meltdowns it was better to let her cry it out if she tried to comfort her she would become withdrawn and inconsolable. Maka nodded wiping away her tears "I'll be right there." She needed to compose herself she couldn't go like this the customers might think she was too emotionally unstable or something. After another moment she was somewhat presentable and she made her way to the front of the store Liz and Patti stood towards the back of the store debating on the shelves to set the new merchandize she approached them and after a few minutes they decided the most organized way to present the items. Liz and Patti went to grab a few of the boxes to test their idea, she was on the ladder dusting off the shelf when she felt a tug on her skirt "Give me one moment sweetie I'll be right with you." Maka called not looking over her shoulder children had a habit of pulling clothes when not getting the attention they demanded. Again the child tugged her skirt and Maka schooled her face into a pleasant smile "How can I…" she trailed off her breath caught in her throat she must be dreaming, red eyes looked at her shit eating grin revealed pointy teeth. Soul stood behind her if she hasn't been so shocked she would have laughed he wore overalls, an orange T-shirt underneath, and a multicolored hat with a propeller on top.

She tumbled backward and flailed wildly trying to regain her balance strong arms caught her settling her on the floor. She took a step back as if burned and hurt flashed briefly on his face "Maka," he began reaching out to cup her face he cradled it gently a frown marred his features "you've been crying." Maka pulled back turning away "Did you need something?" she asked proud that her voice sounded strong and not at all as broken as she felt what was he doing here? "Maka I came to apologize I was stupid and acted out of anger and jealousy I don't know what I was thinking I know it won't be enough to make you forgive me but you're the one I love and who I wish to spend my life with I will try to make it up to you even if its day by day I promise." He grabbed her by her shoulders and turned her to face him she watched eyes wide as he dropped to one knee "What are you doing?" she asked her voice rising a few octaves at the end "Maka I want to make you a promise and," he pulled out a small box from his pocket "with this ring I promise you that I will love you, treasure you and make you happy I will make up all the pain I put you through and I won't be the reason you shed another tear ever again I love you Maka Albarn and I always have."

Tears poured down her face and she cursed herself mentally "It won't be easy." She warned and he smiled "I always liked challenges." He took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger "Its just a promise ring for now." Maka nodded smiling through her tears and a sudden thought hit her "Aren't you supposed to be getting married today?" he grimaced "I had a talk with her before coming here she didn't take it so well but she won't be bothering me anymore." Maka nodded she eyed the ring happiness sprouting in her chest she reached on her tip toes and pressed her lips against his. Clapping startled her and she pulled back Liz and Patti stood behind Soul grinning "Finally no more depressed Maka!" Liz said and Maka glared "Shut up Liz!" she hissed Patti laughed but gave her a thumbs up.

She watched as both sisters gave Soul an earful threatening his manhood if he ever hurt her again, Soul's reaction to that was priceless. Maka sighed looking at her ring again maybe she wouldn't make it so hard for him she met his eye and smiled wickedly but then what would be the fun on that.

The End