Show me the ropes
Alice was walking through the market. Not looking for anything specific but enjoying the morning.
"Hello."
She stopped, unsure who had called out.
"You are Chasy's mum."
"Yes, I am."
"I am Torrie, Chasy and I used to be at school together."
"Ah yes, I remember your name but you have changed."
Torrie grimaced.
"Yes, I have had a hard time."
"Do you fancy a coffee? I could use a sit down. My shoes are too tight or my legs have swollen.
Alice had put on a bit of weight so it was her legs. She knew it but preferred not to admit the fact.
"So how are you?"
Torrie looked sad.
"Got married, got divorced, had a job, made redundant, back living with my parents who don't have enough space even for three."
Alice opened her mouth and put her foot in it.
"I have a spare room."
Torrie smiled for the first time today.
"I can't pay much until I find a new job."
"Don't worry, I might be able to find you a job as well."
Alice looked at Torrie. Torrie was welling up, she looked ready to cry.
"Thank you so much."
Alice phoned Chasy.
"Torrie, I thought she married another girl from school."
Alice stopped.
"Another girl. She said she was divorced, but nothing about her partner."
"I spoke to Chasy. She was sad about your problems. She thought you had married another girl from school."
Torrie's face was drained of colour.
"Yes, I am a lesbian. I hope it doesn't change your mind about letting me stay."
"Not at all. It is not like I am looking for a partner.. I have been widowed for seven years now. Used to being on my own."
As she said it she knew she was lying but could not admit how lonely she was.
A friendly face doesn't mean sex or anything.
They settled in together and Alice asked at work if there was a vacancy for Torrie.
There was. She was interviewed and got the job.
Nothing special but a word of difference for her.
"For you."
Torrie handed over a bunch of daffs.
"It's not much but thank you so much."
"They are fantastic, it's been a long time since I was given flowers. They are beautiful."
Alice found a vase and popped the steams in with water.
She put them on the windowsill and turned to Torrie.
"Thank you."
Without thinking she stepped closer and gave Torrie a kiss on the cheek.
They stopped and stared at each other.
"Would you like some tea?"
Home life and work settled into a routine and they both enjoyed being together.
It had gotten much warmer.
"Would you mind if I sunbathed?"
"Of course not. Would you mind if I joined you?"
They sat in the garden and for the first time in months it was sunny and warm.
"It's too warm, I will have to go in."
"Take some clothes off, cool down."
