Rose reluctantly agreed as she pushed herself off from the couch and headed to the bathroom.

“I understand we both have deep feelings for Rose but this is her decision to make.” Claire said quietly. “But I think there may be a way for us to help her.”

Vanessa looked confused, “What do you mean?”

“Well it’s a long shot but they say you can tell how much someone means to you by the way you naturally kiss them.” Claire explained. “Rose is my was my-Rose is the first girl I have ever had feelings for that run this deep and I’m not ready to give her up. But I can’t make her choose me.”

Vanessa sighed deeply, “I don’t deserve her. I know that but I can’t help but feel the way I feel about her. I want to be with her so much it scares me. I love her so much it hurts and I went through so much to realize that.”

“I think you would have quite a story to tell at the next PFLAG meeting if you ever wanted to go.” Claire spoke quietly.

“You have no idea.” Vanessa answered just as softly in return. “Look, I have nothing against you and I can understand how you feel about Rose. And like you I won’t give her up. But it’s like you said this is her decision and we have to accept it because she’s the one to make this choice. We can’t do it for her.”

Claire nodded, “You’re right. And if she needs time let’s give it to her. I mean it took her a while to come out and even that was rushed as you know.”

“Yeah.’ Vanessa agreed. “But Claire I want you to know something. I have nothing against you. I don’t hate you and I understand where you’re coming from.”

“Me too.” Clare responded. Her head turned when she heard the bathroom door open and Rose stepped out. “We finished talking and we both agreed that if you need time to make a decision we’ll understand and no matter who you choose we don’t hate you. We both love you but it’s your choice who you want to be with.”

Rose now fresh from washing her face and having slightly been eavesdropping on the two other girl’s conversation took a deep breath. “I love you two both so much but I do need some time. I do wish I could claim you both as my girlfriends but I know I can’t.” She took a deep breath. “But for now today as my birthday present I do want that. I want both you to be with me for today I want both of you to by my side.” She looked at the two of them expectantly, “Will you?
Claire looked at Vanessa who in turn nodded in agreement. “If it will make you happy Rose then yes, for today we’ll both be with you. And tomorrow onwards if you need time take it.”

“Yes take as much time as you need. I’ve made you wait so long it’s only fair I receive the same treatment.” Vanessa spoke quietly.

Rose gave both of them a grateful smile and sat down on the sofa gesturing both to sit next to her. “Today I’m not playing favorites. So If I kiss one of you the other will be kissed just the same.” She acted on her words gently kissing Claire before doing the same to Vanessa. She couldn’t say it but she had already made up her mind in the bathroom. She only hoped that the one she doesn’t choose will understand because she will have a better chance the one she does plan to choose to find someone.

But for now she would let this happen. She would be with both of them because it was her birthday and all she wanted for her birthday was for the ones she cared about more than anything to be happy.