Tina looked curiously at the answering machine, wondering what that last message meant. She placed her food on two plates, putting one in the refrigerator for Bette. Tina sat at the counter, forking the food into her mouth while opening a book of poetry she read for pleasure from time to time. She stared out the window and let her mind wander over Bettes message.

The last two weeks had been a challenge in more than one way. First, finishing up three very large projects at work was proving to be more difficult than she had originally anticipated and with the deadline rapidly approaching, she was starting to worry. What if she didnt finish before the big day? And that was another stress, another deadline quickly drawing near. Many night went by with either her or Bette leaving unsatisfied, frustrated and so aroused that not even a cold shower could remedy the problem. It was beginning to be a hassle. Tina was thankful that only one week remained of her supposedly simple celibacy. And when Bette left messages like that, it made Tina want to march over to her gallery with just a long jacket on, stroll into Bettes office closing the door behind her, drop the coat to her ankles, and clear off the desk, watching the flush fill Bettes cheeks.

Instead, she sat on the barstool eating alone fully clothes with no chance of ***** for another week, reading a book of simple poems.

When I am with you, we stay up all night.
When youre not here, I cant go to sleep.
Praise God for the two insomnias!
And the difference between them.

Tina laughed as she stumbled across this Rumi quote and realized how true it was. As she stood to clear her plate, her eyes saw the rsvp from her parents again, bringing back all the nervousness inside of her. She put the dishes back down and gently ran a finger through it, opening the envelope with a clean cut. She pulled the card out and opened it, taking a deep breath. It was neatly filled out, boxes checked and names written on the lines, all in place just as her mothers life had been until Tina had come out.

She sighed and tossed it on the counter looking at it over her shoulder one more time just to be sure she had read it correctly. She had. Mr. and Mrs. Kennard would be attending the ceremony and reception next week.