I sit outside for awhile, just watching the sun reflect off the water. I hear the shower turn off and I head inside to get the salad and the water. I look at the salad and scoff in a satisfied way. Its pretty hard to botch tandoori and coriander salad I think ! I secretly think Tina will be impressed. I move the table so its under the porch and move the chairs so they are opposite each other. They are nothing fancy, just a plastic outdoor setting. I wonder about putting a small candle on the table. I do not want to be presumptuous but I do want to appear thoughtful. I settle on a blue and white checked plastic table cloth and a small candle enclosed in glass that will reflect on the glass when the sun goes down. I am looking forward to this dinner and catching up without the stress of having to deal with everything that has happened. Naturally Im not sure it can be done, I mean can you just ignore that for a few hours really ? The door opens, I am about to find out. Instinctively I stand, and Tina does not seem to mind, she gives a small smile and I am sure I saw her blush. She looks radiant now that she is better rested. I pull the chair out for her she sits.
Bette : you look uh, radiant, uh beautiful Tee, Tina.
Tina : Bette Porter, I have never known you to be so inarticulate, she half teases. But thank you for the compliment.
I must have taken a second too long to respond, I guess it is all in the timing.
Tina : Bette, please, can we relax and talk like old times, just tonight. I just want us not to have to worry about what we say to each other. If you want to say something, like complimenting me (she grins) thats fine. Tee, is OK too.
I must breathe an audible breath out because she frowns at me.
Bette : Tina, I would like nothing more at this moment. I meant it Tee, you look radiant.
Tina : So, you cooked huh, she raises one eye brow and smiles.
Bette : Yeah, you go first and if you are OK, then I will try it.
Tina : Ah, send the pregnant woman to the gallows first, she teases back.
I pour us some water and look up straight into her eyes, trying not to get bogged down in what lies ahead, and just enjoy this time we have. This woman came a long way to see me. I am sure I can see into her soul.
Bette : So, Tina ?
Tina : So, Bette ? We giggle a little.
I sometimes forget she is my equal, it is one of the things I so love about her. It is after 8pm now and the sun is beginning to set, its beams shine on the crystal clear water.
Tina : I know why you came here Bette.
Bette : (nearly chokes) Melvin told you ?
Tina : (laughs) No Bette I will wait until you are ready to tell me that. I meant because it is so beautiful, peaceful. She extends her arm and her palm facing up wards gestures. Am I wrong ?
Bette : No Tina, you are very right. I came for the peace, the beauty and the distance. (I forgot how well this woman knows me). I put it out there.
There is a small silence as if she acknowledges but does not like what I just said.
Tina : Bette, I havent asked, but I would to know. How are you, really ?
Bette : (Suddenly I feel like a rat in a trap). Uh, I am doing OK Tee, and how are you ?
Tina : You look thinner.
Bette : No thanks to the local bakery. I jest.
Bette : I am so glad you are here Tina, it seems like a long time since Ive seen you. Of course I dont mean a long time since I saw Tina, although it was nearly a month ago, I mean since I really her, sat and talked with her.
Tina : I feel the same way Bette. Elizabeth Porter, she says chewing, this is great ! I am proud of myself, I am trying to hide it of course but glad she approves. Wait until she tries get the mint and yoghurt sauce and that warm crusty roll, I secretly muse.
Tina : Are you trying to impress me, Ms Porter ?
Bette : You can believe that Tina Kennard. Wait, ***** I said that out loud. It was meant to be a private thought. She doesnt seem to mind.
We finish dinner and we turn our chairs towards the water to look out, the sun is setting and the there is a blue and pink sky, it reflects off the water. The candle is flickering occasionally catching Tees features. The water looks inviting, for a moment I think about asking Tina to go in. Instead I ask her if she would mind if I bring my chair to sit next to her. She doesnt mind. We look out, sitting next to each other, she reaches down for my hand. I feel the familiar soft skin and her warmth. We sit, chatting occasionally, the silence is a comfortable one. We laugh at each other and ourselves. It has been so long since I have laughed at myself or with Tina. I guess I know the answer, what has happened cannot be forgotten but we can put it aside for a few hours. Tina tells me she is tired and she should get some sleep. I ask her if there is anything she needs. She tells me she almost has everything she needs. I take both her hands and kiss her on the cheek goodnight. She momentarily rests her head on my chin. I know what it means, she wishes for more but the time is not right, she is not ready. I tell her it is OK, she didnt need to say anything. I say goodnight and tell her I will stay outside for just another half hour.
Tina : Good night Bette. She brushes her hand through my hair pulling me to her, we are only centimeters apart. I had a lovely night, she says as she looks straight into my eyes.