Light jazz is
playing on the background, lifting the atmosphere. Candles are lit on each
table while the lights are only for the stage. Everyone is seated with their
parties and their lattes. Couples holding hands, friends revelling on each
others presence, lovers gazed into each others eyes as the stage is being set.
As Bette entered the cafe, she found a seat beside the window, tucked away in
the far corner. She ordered a mocha latte and opened her book while she waited
for Tina. The poetry reading doesnt start till 7 and its only 6:30 pm. She came early to save a spot for
both of them.

As she
waited, she wondered if Tina would show up. She looked out the window, watching
people passing by. She could feel the nervousness slowly creeping up on her.
She kept tapping her nails on the table and played with the mug, she found the
car passing by to be particularly amusing – enough to chase away the what ifs
that is soon to flood her mind if 7 oclock doesnt come around fast enough.

First
date? the waitress asked.

Yeah it
has been a while since Ive done this. Bette replied.

Dont
forget to breathe and relax a bit. Its not like you havent been there
before Shane replied.

I was
never the one pursuing a straight girl. Bette retorted.

Yeah, but
you know what I mean. Shane winked.

Shane was
her best friend when she was in high school back in Toronto. Bette lost touch with her since
they finished high school. Right before she left, Shane told her real feelings
towards Bette. At that time, Bette was having a huge crush on Andre. She
respected Shanes choice of sexual orientation but she never thought of Shane
in that regard. Bettes rejection was hard on Shane. She decided to disappear
from Bettes life. Bette tried to write her and call her after much effort of
finding Shanes address and phone number from her friends but it was a waste.
She never wrote back or answered her phone. One day, when Bette decided to
check out Caf Deux Soleil and there she was – standing behind the counter.
They caught up on each others lives during their lost years, starting to mend
what was broken.

Right after
Shane finished her sentence, she spotted Tina stepping in. Tina scoured the
establishment before she found Bette waving. Bette noticed that there were
others who gave a glance of appreciation as Tina walk towards the table that
Bette had saved for both of them.