Our Reunion
jenah@tampabay.rr.com
Chapter 43
Tina called Vivian to apprise her of the situation and let her know she wouldnt be at work in the morning. Then, after retrieving her backpack from the car, she attempted to relax on the couch by reading a book. Finding it impossible to concentrate on the words, she gave up and tried the TV instead. She flipped through the channels idly before turning it off and sighing. Might as well go in there and watch over her T, cause thats all you really want to do. She went into the bedroom and moved the rocking chair around to the left side of the bed, where she would have a clear view of her partner. A sense of peacefulness descended over Tina as she sat in the darkened room. This is more like it. This is where I belong.
It was 3 A.M. when the first sound of distress was heard. Tina was out of the chair and next to the bed in an instant. Her eyes were accustomed to the dark and she had no trouble seeing the pained expression on Sams face. Are you alright?
Im sliding off these pillows my side hurts.
Tina carefully helped the younger woman into a more inclined position. Is that better?
Yeah thanks.
Time for another pill?
Sam nodded.
Tina got a fresh glass of water and handed it to the blonde, who promptly took her medicine. Please stay with me?
I havent left. Ive been sitting right here
No. I mean in the bed.
Im afraid Ill bump into you. I I dont want to hurt you. Never again.
Please?
Unable to refuse the heartfelt plea, Tina relented and climbed onto the bed. She lay alongside Sam and carefully draped her arm across the smaller womans body. Is this okay?
Mmm hmm.
Exhausted, Tina closed her eyes.
Sam heard her partners breathing immediately deepen. She placed her hand over the larger one resting on her stomach. I know you wont hurt me. She smiled and gazed at the beautiful woman slumbering next to her until she couldnt keep her eyes open anymore.
And so they slept.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Lisa kissed Mike good-bye. Have a good day! She waved to her children and husband as the minivan backed out of the driveway. Climbing the steps to the garage apartment, she hoped her sister or Tina was awake.
She tapped lightly on the door. When there was no answer, she used her key to go in. The morning light poured through the windows revealing an empty living room. They must still be asleep. Lisa tiptoed to the bedroom and peeked in. Well isnt this a sight? Sam looked the same as when she had last seen her, propped against the pillows and holding the teddy bear. But now, Tina was curled up beside her with a protective arm wrapped around her waist. Both women were sound asleep.
Theyll be hungry when they wake up. Id better go get their breakfast ready. Lisa jotted a short message on a pad of paper that was lying on the desk. She put the note under the bottle of pills on the nightstand before quietly slipping out of the apartment.
About an hour later, Lisas phone rang.
Hello?
Hi, Sis.
Good morning! How are you feeling?
A little better, thanks.
I made some breakfast. Are you hungry?
Yes!
Would you ask Tina to come over and give me a hand carrying it?
Sure.
All right. Ill see you in a few minutes. Lisa hung up the phone. She pushed the switch on the coffeemaker and a fresh pot began to brew while she got busy preparing a breakfast tray. Shortly thereafter, there was a knock on the slightly ajar kitchen door.
Lisa?
Cmon in, Tina.
Samantha said you needed help?
Yeah. I just have a few more things to do and well be ready to go.
Tina leaned against the counter and watched as Lisa buttered some toast. This is very nice of you. Thanks.
Youre welcome.
I umm also want to thank you for yesterday with your mom.
Lisa turned and faced her former teammate. It isnt often that I get a chance to intervene on my sisters behalf. Has she told you whats been going on?
She said your mother doesnt accept that shes gay and umm shes not going over there for the holidays.
Theres a bit more to it. Would you like some coffee?
Yeah.
Lisa poured each of them a cup of the steaming liquid. Lets sit down for a minute, okay?
Okay. Uh oh
The women sat at the table.
When Sam came out to Mom, they had a huge argument. My sister made me promise not to get involved. She felt it was her battle to fight and didnt want anyone else getting caught in the crossfire. Lisa sighed. It hasnt been easy.
Tina nodded in understanding.
Has she told you our parents are divorced?
No.
Lisa took a sip of her drink. She seemed to be having difficulty deciding what to say next.
Look. Tina started to get up. This is really none of my business
Might as well take the direct approach. Do you love my sister?
Tina sank back into her chair. Wh what?
Are you in love with Sam?
After fidgeting for a few moments, Tina stared into her coffee and softly answered, I umm yes.
Then it IS your business. Youre part of the family now. Lisa paused, waiting for the dark-haired woman to look at her, before adding sincerely And Im glad.
They drank their coffee in silence until Lisa continued in a voice tinged with sadness.
The divorce was arduous for everyone. Ill let Sam tell you the details when shes ready, but what I want you to know is our mother never really recovered from it. Shes become terribly embittered these last few years. She hasnt always been like this.
I figured as much. Anyone who raised two of the nicest people Ive ever met cant be ALL bad.
Thanks.
Tina shrugged. I know when your life suddenly changes it can be hard to adjust.
Yes, thats true. Ill bet youre an expert on the subject. Sam had a very tough time dealing with the divorce. On top of that, shes been determined to work things out with Mom on her own and shes ended up carrying the burden all by herself
Not anymore.
Youre right. Lisa smiled. I was surprised when she asked me to call you from the hospital. I didnt think shed do that with our mother there. And then, even MORE surprising, was when you arrived, Mom stayed!
Yeah. And things rapidly went from bad to worse.
Well, to put it in perspective, youre the only one of Sams girlfriends Mom has ever met. Whenever my sister would visit, she went alone and there was absolutely no discussion about her being gay. You are the first flesh and blood personification of Sams lifestyle shes ever seen. And, Im sorry to say, youve had to bear the brunt of the years of animosity shes fostered about it.
I can handle it. I dont care if she hates me but Samantha she doesnt deserve to be treated like that.
Well, whatever transpired between Mom and you has definitely started something
Im sorry. I never intended
No I mean in a GOOD way. She asked me about you when I drove her home last night. The fact that she would show any interest in who you are is a big step. And, it was the first time in ages weve talked about Sam. So, I should be thanking YOU.
I I dont want Samantha to miss the holidays with her family. I know what thats like.
I can tell you, from years of experience, you have a snowballs chance in Hell of changing Sams mind when she makes a decision.
She certainly can be obstinate.
But it some cases, Lisa grinned and looked pointedly at the woman across from her, thats a good trait, wouldnt you agree?
Tina felt a blush start to creep up her neck to her face. How much has Samantha told her about us? The phone rang, saving her from having to respond to the question.
Hello? Lisa listened to the caller and rolled her eyes. Yes, Sam. Were on our way. She hung up and chuckled. It seems we have a hungry patient waiting for us. She used a potholder to take a shallow metal pan from the oven. Pulling back the tin foil, she transferred scrambled eggs and bacon onto two plates. After placing the dishes and silverware on the tray, she covered the whole thing with a clean dishtowel.
Tina rose from her seat. What do you need me to do?
Would you carry the pot of coffee? And grab that trivet so we have something to put it on when we get over there.
Tina picked up the items. She led the way, handling the door duties because the other woman had her hands full with the tray.
Room service! Lisa placed the breakfast tray across her sisters lap and removed the towel.
Thanks! Im starving.
You ARE feeling better, then.
Tina put the trivet on the desk and placed the coffeepot on it.
Coffee! Sams eyes lit up. It smells good!
Ill go get the cups. Tina headed toward the kitchen.
Lisa looked down at her sister. I think youre right.
About what?
Shes a keeper.
Sams face broke into a huge grin. Im very happy you think so.
Tina returned with the coffee cups and poured everyone a drink. She sat in the rocking chair and balanced her dish on her lap. Lisa stayed and kept them company while they ate, telling funny stories about her sons latest antics. The hungry women cleaned their plates.
That was great, Sis. Thanks.
Yes, it was. Tina put her empty dish on the tray with Sams.
Well, as much as Ive enjoyed chatting, I need to get to work. I told them Id be in by 11:00. Lisa got up from the end of the bed where she had been sitting. Mom called this morning. She said shed be over around noon to see you.
Okay.
Tina? Lisa lifted up the tray. If youll bring the coffeepot and open the doors for me again, Id appreciate it.
Sure.
They took the things back to the house and quickly loaded the dishwasher.
I need to get going. Lisa collected her briefcase and purse from the counter. Thanks for the help.
Anytime. Tina followed the woman outside. I was wondering I wanted to cook something special for Samantha. Does she have a favorite food?
Thats easy. Lisa laughed. If you really want to score points Not that you NEED any make homemade chocolate chip cookies.
I was hoping for something a bit more nutritional.
She loves the typical Thanksgiving fare. Lisa smiled as she got into the car. And I believe shes available for dinner on that day.
Thanks for everything. Tina jogged up the stairs. Hmm Thanksgiving dinner
Having had several cups of coffee, Sam was alert, even though she had taken a pain pill earlier. Tina helped her wash up and put on fresh clothes before shepherding her directly back to bed.
Tina settled into the rocking chair again. Umm Samantha?
Yes?
What do you think about going to my place? My bed I can incline it so you can sleep comfortably. And umm if you want on Thursday, I could make a Thanksgiving meal.
That sounds great! Lets go!
Hold it. Tina held her hand out like a stop sign. Your mother is coming to visit you. Remember?
Oh yeah. But will you pack some things for me while were waiting?
Okay.
Theres a duffel bag in the closet.
Tina got the bag and filled it according to Sams instructions.
Id like to take my guitar, too.
Your guitar?
Ill have to have SOMETHING to do when youre at work, right?
I I wasnt planning on going to work.
You said its been very busy, Sam said logically. Vivian probably needs you there. And youd go stir- crazy sitting around babysitting me all day.
I guess so.
Ill more than likely spend most of the time sleeping. Ill be fine.
Do you PROMISE to call me at the office if you need anything?
I promise.
All right. Tina took the luggage and strode toward the living room. Ill go put your stuff in the car.
Sam called after her, The case for the guitar is in the corner. Ill need the little practice amp, too.
She does NOT know the meaning of traveling light. Tina slung the jam-packed bag over her shoulder and held the guitar case in one hand, the amplifier in the other. She lumbered down the stairs and put the things in her trunk.
As she closed the lid, a car pulled into the driveway.
Sams mother got out of the vehicle and headed directly for the steps to the apartment.
Mrs. Whitwell
The woman stopped, but continued to face away from Tina. Yes?
Im sorry if I was out of line yesterday. I meant no disrespect.
Mrs. Whitwell turned around. She knew the apology was genuine she had a feeling this was a person who wouldnt say anything she didnt mean. The whole situation has been difficult. I wasnt very pleasant, either.
Tina nodded, acknowledging the return apology, such as it was.
Id like to ask you something, if you dont mind.
Okay. Today certainly is a day for questions. If she asks me if Im in love with her daughter
What does YOUR mother think about you and Samantha?
Umm my mother and I havent spoken in a long time
Does she know youre gay?
No.
I see. But you feel qualified to tell ME how I should handle this?
Mrs. Whitwell, I dont have any idea what its like to be a mother. However, I do know what its like to be a daughter who hasnt fulfilled her mothers expectations. Its hard to live your life cognizant of the fact, each and every day, that youre not what your mother may have hoped or dreamed. Nonetheless, you keep on going striving to do the best you can under the circumstances. It never seems to be enough, though. Tina looked at her feet. But a daughter still needs to feel love and acceptance for who she is. Without it she carries a hurt deep in her heart. Its not something Samantha should have to endure. Shes good, and kind, and umm she loves you very much.
I appreciate your honesty.
Tina raised her eyes and the women regarded each other with a newfound, mutual measure of respect.
Mrs. Whitwell turned and began ascending the stairs.
Tina ran her hand through her hair. Whew round three has concluded. She sat on the steps to wait. This family thing is WAY too stressful. How in the world do people deal with it all the time?
After a short visit, Sams mother left, giving Tina a perfunctory nod as she passed. The tall woman immediately went back into the apartment. I hope they didnt argue again. As she entered the bedroom, she saw her partner wiping her eyes with her shirtsleeve. Oh, no Are you all right? She got the box of tissues from the bathroom and handed it to Sam.
Yeah.
Why are you crying?
My mom The blonde sniffled.
What about her? I never should have gotten involved. Ive only made things worse.
She she told me she loved me.
Relief flooded through Tina as she sat on the edge of the bed. Of COURSE she loves you. Thank you, Mrs. Whitwell.
She said she needs some time to process the whole thing, but she doesnt want to become estranged from me.
Well thats good news, isnt it?
Yes. Sam took hold of Tinas hand. She said you talked to her.
Umm yeah a little bit.
What did you say?
I dont know. I kind of rambled on about mothers and daughters. Im not sure I made a whole lot of sense.
I dont think anyone would ever accuse you of rambling. Sam smiled. Whatever you said it reached her. This is the first real progress weve made since I told her I was gay.
So, are you going over there for Thanksgiving?
No. I said I still wouldnt go without you. Shes not quite ready for that yet.
Im sorry.
Its all right. I like the idea of us having our first Thanksgiving together alone. Dont you?
Truthfully? Yeah. That whole family thing can be a little overwhelming.
Then its working out perfectly, isnt it?
Yes, I think it is. She leaned forward and kissed Sam. Are you ready to head over to my place?
Mmm hmm. Maybe one more kiss before we go?
It was several minutes later when Tina helped the younger woman down to the car and seat belted her in. Comfortable?
Sam hugged the teddy bear she had refused to leave behind. Yes.
Tina pulled the BMW out of the driveway. Sam was resting with her eyes closed and by the time they merged onto the highway, she appeared to be asleep. A familiar song came on the radio and Tina turned up the volume slightly.
Shes got a way about her
I dont know what it is
But I know that I cant live without her
Shes got a way of pleasin
I dont know what it is
But there doesnt have to be a reason, anyway
The dark-haired woman began singing along softly.
Shes got a smile that heals me
I dont know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
Shes got a way of talkin
I dont know what it is
But it lifts me up when we are walking, anywhere
She comes to me when Im feeling down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around
She became caught up in the music and her voice became stronger as she sang with emotion.
Shes got a way of showin
How I make her feel
And I find the strength to keep on going
Shes got a light around her
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her, everywhere
She comes to me when Im feeling down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around
She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me
She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway
When Tina reached for the knob to turn the radio down, her hand was caught in mid-air by her partner. Surprised, she looked over and saw green eyes full of love shining back at her.
She drove the remainder of the way to Tampa with one hand on the steering wheel, the other entwined with Sams.
Neither one spoke.
They didnt need to.
To be continued