This is part 3 of the story of my first true love, Becky.
I have had several people ask if I am compressing the timeline for dramatic effect, and the simple answer is, "No." I've tried to make sure I am completely faithful to how it actually happened. Over the years I have often relived my time with Becky so of course there may be the bias of rose tinted spectacles being applied, but the fact is I can remember the details as if they happened just yesterday.
I am dedicating this chapter of the story to my wonderful fiancΓ©e and first line proof reader, Jodie. Love you babe. x
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I got to to the bathroom, used the loo, and then took a look in the mirror. Other than my slightly dishevelled hair, I couldn't help noticing that I had a healthy and rosy glow to my cheeks. I was also smiling. I heard the door open behind me and Becky walked in. She'd obviously heard the toilet flushing and decided that the coast was clear.
I saw her smile at me in the mirror and turned as she approached.
"Such vanity, Anna? Admiring yourself?"
I blushed, almost certainly making my rosy glow slightly redder. "I was just noticing how happy I look."
She wrapped her arms around me, and I reciprocated. She whispered in my ear, "You make me happier than I can remember being."
I pulled back and stared at her, "Really? I make you happy?" I don't know why I was unsure, or surprised. My basic insecurity shining through, I suppose.
"Yes, really," she took her arms back from around my waist, kissed me quickly and said, "now scoot downstairs while I sort myself out. I'll see you in a few minutes."
Smiling, I walked out, closing the door behind me. Heading downstairs, I got to the kitchen and decided to be helpful and unload the dishwasher.
I was just bending down to get some plates from the bottom tray when I heard Becky say, "Nice arse. You're going to have to be careful when we're out. That skirt doesn't cover anything when you bend down."
Laughing, I stood up, put the plates on the counter and turned to look at her smiling face.
I had a sudden realisation. "I forgot to put my knickers back on!"
She came over and hugged me, saying, "Which made my view just that bit more delightful. I didn't put mine on yet, either."
"I'll go upstairs and get them," I said breaking away.
Becky grabbed my hand and said, "Why? What difference will it make?"
I frowned a little, "What? You mean go out without any?"
A cheeky grin split her face, "Why not? We're the only ones who'll know, and it'll be our little secret."
I had never gone out in a skirt without wearing any underwear. I know that sounds unusual, to get to twenty without doing that sort of silly thing, but I just never had. However, the thought was quite exciting. I grinned and said, "Okay, let's do it."
We kissed and then Becky said, "I better fix us something to eat."
"Can I help?" At that point in my life my culinary experience was limited, but I didn't want to appear idle.
Becky obviously picked up on this, because she said, "No, sweetie, it's fine. Would you like a nice, cold glass of wine? There's some in the fridge, if you want to pour some."
I went to the full height fridge and opened it, finding it packed with delicious looking food. I spotted a couple of bottles of dry white wine in the doorway, picked one and closed the door. Becky had placed two glasses on the counter, along with a corkscrew. I eventually managed to get the cork out while Becky got some salad ingredients out and started arranging food for us. In no time at all, we were sitting side by side at the breakfast bar eating a delicious avocado and walnut salad.
Becky raised her glass to me. I picked mine up and we clinked. "To us and our love," she said.
I smiled, "To us."
We took a sip of our wine, and then kissed.
As we ate, I asked a question that had sort of been hovering around in my head since we had headed up the stairs the night before. "I know it's not a problem for me, but does our age difference worry you?"
She looked serious for a moment, and then her face relaxed.
"Okay, that's a good question, because I don't actually know how old you are."
"I'm twenty. Twenty one in August," I replied.
"Oh my. We'll have to throw a huge party for that! Well, I'm thirty seven. My birthday was last month. So, to answer your question, I worry but not for the reason I suspect you think you do. I am worried about you. How long will it be before I'm too old for you?"
I was horrified, and it clearly showed because Becky put her fork down and rested her hand on my wrist.
"Becky, no. Just no. I love being with you because of you, not because of your age."
"Really? What about when I'm sixty, and you're still only forty three?"
I thought for a moment, "Actually, that feels like less of a difference than we have right now."
She paused and then her eyes flashed wide open, a look among many I was coming to adore, "Maybe you're right."
"So you think we'll last? That long?"
"I don't know, but it feels right now like I would like it to be that way, yes."
I swallowed, I had never thought I could be in a long term relationship at my age, but the thought of not being with her physically hurt in my stomach.
"I think I would like that."
"Anna, we've properly known each other for a day, so it's maybe a little early to be making those sorts of plans, but I just want to make it clear that I want us to be together. That I want to be with you."
"How many people know you're a..." and here I paused, "lesbian?"
"You mean, 'how out am I'? Well, not very. Gay men have it a lot easier nowadays, in my opinion, although it's still a huge step for anyone, it feels that coming out is less of a problem for them. There are far fewer openly lesbian women. One of my colleagues knows, and a couple of friends outside the University do, but that's about it. I'm sure some people have their suspicions."
"So, going out with me to meet Jackie is like a big deal for you too, right?"
She smiled, "Yes, and I am so glad you understand that. I know it's a big deal for you, possibly bigger than it is for me, but yes I have to admit I'm nervous but excited all at the same time. If Jackie is your best friend, I want her to like me."