Enough about me, how are you?

I have been working non-stop. I just came out of a 30-hour shift. Believe it or not, I still manage to isolate myself more. I am not complaining but sometimes I miss the lake house so much. The solidarity it brings is different from where I am now.

I wish you were here with me. The sunset today is breath taking. You would love this.

I miss it already. Why is this so hard? :-(

Things were never meant to be easy, Tee. Don’t be sad. If they were then we might just take them for granted and not cherish them.

Tee? :-) Is that my new nickname now? Also, when did you become so wise?

Yes. :-) Tee. You’re my Tee. You’re noticing it just now? I’ll have you know I’ve always been wise.

I like it. You forgot to mention you’re pretty modest too.

I’m glad. Pretty, yes. Modest, I’m not so sure. ;-)

Bette was in the lake house with her sister.

“I think I’ll remodel this place.” Bette told her sister.

“Do you remember Mom being in this place?” Kit asked.

“I remember her trying to make it work.” Bette solemnly said.

“What about Visionary Vanguard?” Kit asked with a smile.

“What about it?”

“Oh come on, that was your idea. We can still push through with it. You and me.”

“I don’t think so Kit but you can have the name. Come, let me show you my design for this house.”

“Ok. Do you have a girlfriend Bette?”

“Why do I ask?”

“Just asking.”

“I don’t have time for that.”

“What does time have to do with it.”

“Time. You have no idea. You’ll think I’m crazy.”

That was when Bette told Kit about Tina.

Dear Ms. Porter,

Would you like to play a game with me? Two years ago I left something at one of the benches by the train station. It was something special as my dad gave it to me. Would you do me a favor, if you find it, can you please keep it and put it in the mailbox. It would mean a lot to me.

Yours,

Tee

Bette went to the train station on the date Tina mentioned on her letter. She was unable to describe what she was feeling at the prospect of seeing Tina that day. Walking through the platform where the trains stops she saw a blonde woman in the arms of another woman. The other woman was a brunette. The blonde gave the brunette a quick kiss before gathering her things and saying goodbye. Leaving her book behind, the blonde proceeded to get on the train while the brunette left. Bette looked at the bench and found the book. It confirmed her suspicion. That was Tina. She picked up the book not noticing that the train started moving. She tried to catch up with the train only to see Tina staring back at her. She raised the book for Tina to see. It was too late the train was on its way.

Tee, I found it. I’ll get it to you. I promise. I know how important it is to you.

PS – You did not tell me how beautiful you are.

Thank you. I’m glad you found it.

PS – You might have seen somebody else. I was having a bad hair day everyday for the entire year.

Long blonde hair, hazel eyes, creamy white skin…

Ok, ok. You saw me. But I still don’t know what you look like.

Well, why don’t we see each other in the future and let me know what you think.

Ok. Why don’t you meet me at… Tina looks at her watch to confirm the date and time. She was unable to finish her letter as her phone started ringing. She looked at it and it was an unregistered number. Tina got goose bump all over.

“Hello?” Tina answered her phone.

“Tina?” The voice on the other line answered.

“Hi, who’s this?”

“Helena.”

“Helena, hi!” Tina released the breath she was holding.

“I am in town for a seminar and I was wondering if you’d like to meet with me.”

“Sure.” Tina found herself saying.

“How are you Helena?”

“I’m doing good. Have you eaten?”

“No not yet.”

“Should we have dinner?”

“Where?”

“Here. This place looks good.”

“Oh God, Helena. No. This place is expensive.” Tina protested but it fell on deaf ears as Helena was already on her way approaching the receptionist.

“Hi, can we get a table please?”

“Welcome to Il Mare. Under what name?” The receptionist asked.

“Oh, we don’t have a reservation.”

“I’m sorry but we’re booked. Until October. Of next year.”

“Thank you for your help.” Helena said embarrassed.

Tina was chuckling at Helena’s side.

“It’s no big deal, Helena. It’s one of the famous restaurants in this city. Of course it’s booked.”

“It would have been nice.” Helena said with a sheepish smile.

“Yeah, it would have been nice.” Tina agreed.