Mandy?

The one and only. Adison smiled and invited her in.

Wait… you knew she was coming? Tina was confused looking from Mandy to Adison.

Of course she knew, she invited me. Mandy hugged Tina. Now, what are we up to today?

Tina is trying to get me to go snowboarding.

Shouldnt you be working, Tina? Mandy gave her an authoritative look.

Well, I thought itd be nice to get out for a day and hit the slopes. Its been a long time since Addie and I rode together.

Yeah, well if you dont finish that paper you wont live to see the slopes. Mandy and Adison nodded in agreement.

We could all go snowboarding? Tina tried to win the argument.

They both looked at her and crossed their arms in stubborness. They shook their heads in unison.

Then why are you here, Mandy?

I was invited by Addie and I have a work conference in D.C. this weekend. Convenient, huh?

So what are we going to do? Tina asked.

Well… Im going to the conference until this evening, Addies going to school to study for finals, and you are going to stay here and work on that thesis.

Tina scowled and started to take off her snowboarding gear while Mandy and Adison laughed.

See you ladies tonight… dont worry Tina, well have fun tonight. Like old times. Mandy started to walk out the door when she stopped. By the way, theres a package for you in my bag by the couch, Tina. She winked and left. Adison waved and followed her.

Tina found something wrapped in a brown paper bag, tied together with pink string with a tag that was addressed to her. She opened it up and immediately smiled as she looked at pink frosted heart cookies in a tupperwear with a note on top:

Tina,
I thought you could use a study break so I wanted to drop you a line. I tried my hand at domesticity but it didnt favor me well. Dont laugh, I made an attempt. At least theyll be better than that awful dorm food out there. Hurry and finish your work. I miss seeing your beautiful face.

Love,
Bette

Tinas heart melted and she took a deep breath before dialing Bettes number.

Hello?

Bette?

Tina? Is that you?

Its me. How are you?

Better now that Im talking to you.

I got your package. Thank you.

I hope they taste ok. I wanted you to have a reminder of that night we shared together. Its been my favorite time with you so far.

Me too.

So… when are you coming home?

Well… I just decided Ill be home Monday.

Monday? Thats really soon! Bette couldnt hide her excitement.

I know, but I received a wonderful gift from a wonderful woman who is all the way across the country and I realize how much I miss her. Besides, Im just about done with my thesis.

So youre ready to come home then?

Im ready.

Its really good to hear your voice.

I know. Ill call you when I get in on Monday, ok?

Ok. Tina?

Yes?

Im glad you chose to come back to me. Ill be waiting.


Later in the evening Mandy and Adison came back to the dorm with junk food, movies, and beer. They stayed up late into the night reuniting and musing over past memories. There was a nostalgia in the air as they didnt want to let go of their time together. Facing the real world, they realized they had become adults somewhere along the way, and they all wished time could stand still for them to live as college students again, not weighted down with the troubles of real life.

So Tina… what was in the package? Mandy asked as she opened another beer, all three women sitting on the floor covered with blankets.

It was full of pink frosted heart shaped cookies and a lovely note. She smiled at the memory.

Hmmm… cookies? Adison asked.

We had dinner one night and I made heart shaped cookies so I could give her my heart.

Gag. Dont tell me youre turning into one of those cutsey couples already. Adison snuggled deeper under the blanket.

Hmpf. We are taking things slow.

Slower than death. Mandy threw in her two cents.

Whatever! What am I supposed to do? Run back to her and confess my undying love for her?

Both Adison and Mandy looked at her with raised eyebrows as if to say yes.

Easy for you to say. This is all very new for me.

I know, I know but save me from the speech again about never dating a woman before. You know what I say? Sure, things will be hard and life can be ***** especially if youre a minority, but you have someone who wants to walk through it with you. And its someone who cares for you very much and you obviously reciprocate those feelings. So… go home and do what you have to do to keep her tucked in your heart. Adison looked at Tina letting her know what she said was sincere.

I agree with Addie. Bette really likes you, Tina. Dont keep running, literally and figuratively. Go home.

Tina pulled the blanket up over her head but Adison and Mandy mimicked her and huddled closer to her.

What do you say? Go home with my tomorrow night and surprise her? Are you done enough with your thesis to do that? Mandy asked.

I dont know… maybe. My thesis is actually done except for a few quick fixes, but I dont want to just barge in on her.

I doubt shell mind, Tina. For the love of god, just go. Theres nothing left for you here anyway.

Tina looked at Adison with a question on her face, wondering what she meant by that statement. Adison read the question and attempted to answer it. Youre done with your work. You came here and got what you needed… some rest, peace, quiet and answers. Its done.

Tina nodded and reached over to hug Adison. Mandy joined in and all three women held each other, laughing and crying, torn between plunging into the adult world and wanting to retreat to their college days.