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Amicus Curiae
Story written on September 29, 2013 by justkeepswimming.
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Chapter 16
"I didn’t think it would feel different," Tina said.
"You didn’t think what would feel different?" Bette asked.
"Being married," Tina replied.
They were engaged in what had become their Sunday morning routine. They moved around the kitchen preparing brunch for a few friends that were expected to arrive within the half hour.
"Different from living together?" Bette clarified.
"Yes. I mean…I know we felt as though we were committed to each other when we decided to share a home, but being married is something more."
"And that’s why the right you fought for matters," Bette replied.
"And why the fight’s not over yet," Tina said. "There are so many places in the country where those rights are nothing more than a distant dream."
"You’re not going back to academia are you?"
"I don’t think I can," Tina replied. "I can do part time at the DA’s office and still play an active role in the continuing national debate."
"I understand the decision," Bette said. "Being part of the preparation for that case was the most fulfilled I’ve been in the practice of law."
"By default, you’ll continue to be a part of such preparations," Tina said. "I know you have commitments to your partners."
"My first commitment has to be to myself though," Bette said. "I could argue that participating in civil rights cases can contribute to the business in terms of profile, if not strictly in terms of increased cash flow."
"This is a conversation you will have to have with your partners. Your law practice is not a one woman show. You said it yourself – your longest commitment has been to the guys you practice with."
"I’m trying to find the balance that you showed me I can have," Bette said. "If I’m going to continue with 80 hour weeks, I need to feel like I’m making the world a better place."
"Easy enough to scale back our lifestyle now that we’re both contributing to the same household," Tina said. "Not to make it too practical…"
"But it’s true," Bette said. "Neither one of us was living large before, but with sharing house costs, we have a lot more flexibility in terms of how much we ‘need’ to work."
Tina laughed and quickly explained herself.
"I just had a vision of you working as a public defender," Tina said. "In the trenches. Keeping the people who have made that one mistake from going to prison."
"Any one of us could be in prison for a variety of crimes," Bette said sombrely. "It’s whether or not we got caught. Or whether someone wanted to pursue the case."
"It’s why I hate prosecuting drug crimes," Tina said. "Sometimes the addiction drives unfortunate decisions."
"I’m going to have this conversation with my partners," Bette said. "I want to have my career be something that I’m proud of."
"Don’t let Alice’s teasing get to you," Tina said. "You know you do important work."
"But she’s right; defending embezzlers and tax cheats is not creating a better society."
"Some are innocent," Tina said. "Some do deserve a second chance."
"Are you using my arguments against me? Just when I’m coming around to your way of thinking?"
"Our system of justice isn’t perfect," Tina said. "But there isn’t one that is perfect."
"I like that being with you has made me question the things that are important," Bette said.
"I like that being with you has confirmed for me what is important," Tina said. "Our marriage has created a community of support for us."
"It takes a village," Bette said.
"It does; and we have our village."
"Daddy loves you."
"My parents love you too."
"We can work together so the world can know more love," Bette said. "I just have to figure out the details."
"Work to support the opportunity to love – sounds pretty noble," Tina said.
"Everybody deserves to know the love that we’ve found together," Bette said.
Tina leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.
"And the evolution in law that we strive for together will change the world," Tina concluded.
They went back to preparing brunch, mindful of the gift they’d found in each other and hopeful for what their union might bring for the future.
(The End.)
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If you’re looking for outstanding stories to re-read or read for the first time, I strongly suggest anything by “justkeepswimming”. Her stories are stupendous, well-written, funny, clever, intelligent and mostly all, if not all, are complete which is a huge plus for me. Also, the stories are NOT language censored. Try them, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
I have to agree with azmama. I’ve just finished reading all” justkeepswimming “stories , and have to say they are wonderful, I loved the humour they are so well written. I do hope” justkeepswimming “will be back someday soon.
I have to agree with azmama and lell having read all of justkeepswimming’s stories and found them to be full of humour, well written and interesting.
I also agree that it is such a plus that they are all finished.
Well done jks I hope to see you back writing again.
Just finished reading “Amicus Curiae” and JKS must have been prescient b/c her story that was finished about 2 years ago, flawlessly predicts what has happened w/the SCOTUS same-sex marriage decision in June 2015. Her story is so engaging with developed characters and great dialogue and is so very enjoyable. Her stories are varied and never trite. I wish she would write more. Maybe write an epilogue for “Amicus Curiae” ?