This is the final chapter of a story about discovery dissolving preconceptions. Two Muslim women find the courage and wisdom to embrace their lesbian relationship.
**********
Being 8 months pregnant my boss Clarice couldn't fit behind the steering wheel, so I drove her to our lunch meeting, to meet Maria Rios, who would cover for Clarice while she delivers her baby, due anytime now.
She waddled into the restaurant with me, and we made our way to the table, where I was introduced to Maria. I could see what attracted Clarice to her.
"So nice to meet you Zora. I've heard so much about you," said Maria.
"Nice to meet you," I said distrustfully. I was tentative about Maria, considering the conflict of interest of them being lovers.
Looking around the table, actually there were 4 water glasses. "Was there somebody else coming?" I asked.
I turned to see Haditha standing next to me. "Hello Zora," she said in her sweet voice.
"How did? What is she...?" I stammered. The blood went out of my head, and as if I had just seen a ghost. I was shocked, yet glad at the same time. I felt like crying, but I held it together.
"I am sorry to surprise you like this," Haditha said. She hugged me softly. It had been nearly a month since we met, the night she introduced me into lesbian kissing. I remembered her perfume scent
Amoureaux
.
Clarice explained "I had Maria track down at Haditha at that bar, Fingertips, since you mentioned her."
I was so upset I had to sit down. I blushed knowing that my secret lesbian escapade was undeniable since it was known to everyone here. I felt like a hypocrite, judging Clarice and Maria, yet harboring my own same-sex attraction. My new familiarity with lesbian women overcame my foolish prejudices.
"Haditha told me the whole
romantic
side of the story," Maria said smiling happily.
Haditha took my hand, saying, "I hope you are not angry. I really wanted to see you again, so I begged Maria, so she arranged the surprise today."
"Well, everybody was conspiring behind my back!" I laughed, trying to take the sting out of my bitchy remark. I thought about my modest clothes and hijab, and how wonderful she looked smiling at me. "Actually, Haditha...I am angry with myself. It is truly wonderful to see you again. I am sorry I have been avoiding you."
They all nodded their apologies as we sat down. Clarice told everyone that she is paying, so don't worry.
"Then in that case, I will order the most expensive food on the menu!" I declared, realizing that I had just been
outed.
In a funny way, it was a relief. Now I could realign my life.
"I'm not drinking anymore," said Haditha exclaimed, understanding that her getting drunk upset me the night we first met. I have never drank alcohol in my entire life.
"I am very proud for you! You did that for me?" I said, genuinely happy about that. Her inner strength to correct her own sins made me suddenly admire her. "It was brave of you...and bold to come along today," I said.
She replied "I can't be drinking in bars if I want to become a mother some day."
For the next several minutes she and I talked as if as we were the only people in the world.
"I knew you were special when you insisted on driving me home when I was drunk. And now, actually I quit drinking for myself. It was like you were my husband taking care of me. You inspired me to be better. You touched my heart."
"So when does a stern reprimand become romantic flirting?" I laughed.
"You know our culture. You were protecting me. And today, I hoped you would be happy to see me again," she said sweetly.
I extended my hand to hold hers, and smiled warmly. "Well, I am truly glad to see you again. Oh gosh you did you fingernails!"
"Thank you Zora for noticing. You are sweet. Do you like the color?"
They were bold red that matched her lipstick. I studied her face, and she beamed happiness back at me. The world stopped as we stared and smiled at each other silently for half a minute.
"Do you want to spend the afternoon with me?" Haditha asked. Instantly, I pictured myself naked in bed with her.
"Yes, and maybe kiss you again." I answered, surprising even myself, deciding that I couldn't walk away this time. I was mentally clearing my afternoon calendar. "Well, I don't have to go back to the office today. My kids have an afterschool private tutor, and get them by 6 to go home and fix dinner."
"Sounds lovely. We have all afternoon to play," said Haditha.
Though completely distracted, I turned my attention to Clarice talking about the study. Then she digressed to her artificial impregnation and renunciation of men.
After everyone ate, Maria said, "I better drive Clarice home, she looks exhausted," pointing to her face, and huge belly. "Do you mind giving Haditha a ride?" She was playing Cupid, aiming at me. I was happy to be hit with the arrow.
"I don't mind. I will take her home," I said, suspecting they arranged this. Haditha grinned knowingly as we said our goodbyes to Clarice and Maria.
Getting into my car, she leaned over and solidly French-kissed me before driving her to the house. As I realized how I would spend the afternoon with Haditha, instantly, my vagina was a puddle.
"We'll have fun," said Haditha in a sexy voice and innuendo.
She selected a romantic music on my car radio, and sang along sweetly. I parked in front of her house, seeing it for the first time in the daytime. It felt strange to come in for the explicit purpose of having sex with her. I felt like a teenager.
When she closed the door, she showed me a chair to put my purse upon. She kissed me again and again. "You are so sexy, baby. I am so glad you are here. This is a dream come true."
"Do you remember the night we met?" I asked her. "The waitress said we looked like sisters."
"Yes, but you have bigger tits!" she giggled. She kissed my neck and shoulders, rubbing her hands softly all over. I kissed her ear, which put her made her dizzy.
