After several months the affair came to a sudden stop. The pressure of being secretly in love was too much for Ruthie. She could no longer deal with her guilt. Telling Harper between sobs that she loved her but couldn’t continue to see her.

Broken hearted Harper watched Ruthie from a distance. She lost her best friend and her love. Buried in work and surrounded by friends she eventually recovered. The two girls did their best to avoid one another. Harper began dating again and kept going even when Ruthie finally broke herself free of the trap she was in.

They never made their way back into each others arms. By the time Ruthie was ready Harper was in a relationship. Over time they settled into being good friends and were able to double date and hang out.

Petty jealousy eventually got in the way when Harper’s last girlfriend came on the scene. Even when Ruthie moved to Seattle she was convinced the two girls were having an affair. In an attempt to end the constant accusals Harper severed all ties with Ruthie.

The two eventually reconnected once Harper broke up with her Ex. Since that time they have yet to see each other.

***

Seeing someone so connected to your past is a weird thing and Harper is feeling that. As she’s on her way to Ruthie’s house she is starting to wonder what she is about to face. As the taxi snakes it’s way through the narrow hilly streets of a swanky looking neighborhood Harper is deep in thought. Completely lost in the hypnotic swish of the windshield wipers. Before she knows it she finds herself standing on the front porch of Ruthie’s house, knocking on the door.

The door swings open, “Oh my God!!!” Ruthie says full of excitement as she wraps herself around Harper for a long hug. “You’re here!”

Harper feels slightly overwhelmed by the greeting. “I am.”

Ruthie finally ends the embrace to look at Harper. “You look amazing, as always.” She smiles at her.

“Thanks.” Harper doesn’t know what else to say.

“Come in. Come in.” Ruthie moves to the side to let Harper in the door first.

Harper picks up her bag and walks through the door taking in the nicely decorated living room. “Nice place.”