Waiting is the most painstaking process, every second is palpable and life moves in slow motion just to hinder what is being waited for. Rose waits. She sits alone on a park bench wrapped tight in a raincoat, glancing around the square at the warmly dressed people shuffling around in the gloomy weather. She has her cellphone in hand and frequently checks the time. Vanessa is late, well, will be late in 3… wait… 2 minutes. Rose locks her phone and puts it down, she sigh and leans back on the bench, letting gravity pull her head back. She stares up at overcast sky, letting the light droplets land on her face.

“I hate waiting.” She mumbles.

“So do I.” Rose opens her eyes and is surprised to see Vanessa sitting next to her. She scoots across the wet bench up next to Rose. “I’m sorry again about last night.”

“It’s okay… I mean… I didn’t expect much, but I can tell that your mom is trying. A little too hard sometimes, but she’s like… putting so much effort into being supportive. It’s refreshing.”

“She’ll get used to it soon.” Vanessa apprehensively takes Roses hand. “…so will I.”

“Vanessa, I want you to be as comfortable with the idea of us as I am… If you aren’t ready…”

“I’m ready.” Vanessa leans closer and softly places her lips on Rose’s cheek. “I’m ready.” She repeats, tracing Rose’s jawline with her thumb. Rose wraps her arms around her shoulders and pulls her into a tight hug. They laugh together and the sweet sound of joy brightens the little space they take up in the large gray cityscape.

Vanessa rests her head on Rose’s shoulder and they sit together, fingers entwined, watching people stroll past, letting the rain softly beat on them. They are in their own little world, two best friends turned lovers alone on a park bench on a wet afternoon. The waiting is over for them.