As Maverick stepped off of the airplane at the Melbourne Airport, he could instantly feel the warmth of the Australian Sun beating down on his neck. It was a different kind of heat, one that he wasn’t used to. It was far different from that of the sun in Louisiana (United States).

Looking through the crowd at the Customs counter he was anxiously looking for her. They had met online a year or so before but had never met. It was a strange kind of relationship they shared. She was a native of Australia and he was an American. They met through a mutual interest in the board game Battleship. Although they had agreed to never exchange photos, he was certain that he would know her right off.

She had a witty sense of humor continually replying with “Bugger” when she lost a ship. Of course, being the deviate sort of man that he was, he would always say that she was “going down”. But she could always see through him. She knew what he meant, and would simply reply “You wish LOL”. They shared a different kind of relationship than others they have had in the past. They could talk for hours and never run out of things to say. They would talk about personal things they have been through and their visions of the future.

After he cleared the customs counter, he spotted her. She was indeed wearing the prearranged red skirt and matching blouse. Although there were 3 women in the Airport Lobby wearing a red skirt and matching blouses, it was unmistakable which one was Maverick’s Australian Angel. Even before he saw the book, he knew. There was a certain essence surrounding her that couldn’t compare to any other person in the world. He walked up to her and they just knew. Without saying a word, she put down the book she was carrying that would identify her as “The One”. It was then that they embraced in a hug tighter, yet softer than anything they have ever experienced. After what seemed like a lifetime, they were finally in each others arms. She reached down and retrieved the book she was carrying, “Harp in The South” by Ruth Park, and presented it to Maverick. With a devilish looked on her face, it was then that she simply said, “Hi, I’m Lily”.

Maverick couldn’t help but pick her up off of the floor and embrace her again. After short salutations, they went out of the Airport lobby area and located the limousine he had chartered for the trip.