No-return policy

When they walked in the dining room, Steve and Noah had already started eating and it was clear that Steve had spilled the beans on the good news to Noah as well. Of course Noah couldn't give out a normal congratulations when it came to Maria and wrapped his happiness on the situation in a snide comment. Once Maria and Laila walked in, and Noah made eye contact with Maria, he said, "I hear congratulations are in order. It sure didn't take you long to cave down after Steve's incessant pursuit but I am happy that you two made it past the first big step. I think I speak on behalf of both me and Laila, when I say that we look forward to see how your journey will go from now on. As long as you know, there is a no-return policy when it comes to that guy. So, do your best to make it work because he is your problem now."

Maria rolled her eyes at him before she let out a chuckle and took her place next to Steve at the table. Though it still felt a bit awkward to her, as Steve had said before, there was no turning back. So, now that they had made things official, Maria felt that it was time that she stopped hiding and running away from things. It would only be awkward for a minute or two. But most of that was in her head. What she was doing was normal, it was natural. She just needed to remind herself of that. As long as she could get through the first few minutes, she would be fine and her being next to him in front of others would start to feel more natural. The next time that awkward moment would last a bit shorter or maybe it wouldn't be there at all. All that mattered was that she continued to show some bravery and take one step forward every day. If not for herself than at least for Steve.

After sharing a cheerful breakfast, talking, laughing and enjoying a warm meal, the men both headed out to start work. They each kissed their respective partner goodbye and left for the office, leaving the two friends to themselves for yet another day. Once Noah and Steve had left and the door had been closed, Maria turned to Laila and asked in an invested tone, "So, how did things go between you two? I forgot to ask before but I was a bit worried last night about how Noah would handle the news. Did he take it well?"

Laila smiled and felt happy that her friend cared so much about her and her relationship. She answered Maria's questions reassuringly as she said, "He took it great. A lot better than expected. I felt like the right time kept slipping away and the longer I waited, the more difficult it became to tell him. I explained that to him as well and told him about what I had chosen to do. Though he wasn't mad about me quitting, he was upset that I didn't at least tell him or consult him before I did it. He said that it made it seem to him like his opinion on the matter was unimportant. That as a married couple, he wanted to discuss all things that would affect our home, our family. Have both of us give our two cents before anything is done or decided. When he said that my heart broke a little and I felt a huge surge of guilt. I never meant to hurt him or make him feel like that but apparently that is exactly what I did. I can totally understand where he came from and I promised that I would never do it again. After that we made up and put the matter to bed. Thank you for asking."

Maria nodded all throughout Laila's answer and said, "Yeah, of course. Not at all. I too can totally understand where Noah was coming from and I told you so yesterday when you told me about what you had done. I too, didn't think he would mind about the job itself, but the not knowing beforehand? That would upset me too."

This time it was Laila who nodded as she said, "Yeah, in hindsight my actions weren't thought through very well. I didn't stop to consider any of this. But I can promise you that I learned from this situation. I will definitely not do anything like this without talking to him first."

Maria smilingly reached out to grab Laila's hand from across the table as she said, "That's the princess I know and love!" After that small love declaration, a ring of the doorbell would bring about another one. This time the word small would not apply...