Outing of the Heart (85 page)
Read Outing of the Heart Online
Authors: Lisa Ann Harper
âI think I'll take the elevator next time,' she declared. âMy nerves don't need this added stimulation.' She returned her crutches under each arm.
Now that she was getting about more she was beginning to appreciate the skill of those, destined to live with crutches all their life
. “My hat off to them.”
she praised. It was a tiring ordeal.
They headed for the jewelry section; so many beautiful things on display but too much for her limited budget to contemplate. The exercise was a disappointment; the items didn't have that distinctive appeal she'd admired at art and craft shows. She knew what she had in mind. It wasn't here.
Wandering through each department, they looked about for inspiration. As luck would have it, they stumbled onto the men's section where their olfactory senses were assailed by the aromatic fragrances. This brought vividly to mind their night at the Guesthouse, and experiencing a thrilling frisson made her face burn.
âStop here Thea,' she ordered: âI'll see if something appeals.' She had forgotten the name, but she remembered how much she'd liked it.
âYes.' Thea took in the sights and smells. âSid likes men's cologne. I've never smelt a woman's perfume on her. The men's suits her better anyway, I think.' They sprayed testers onto the cardboard samplers and eventually Tenille came upon âAramis'.
âThis is it. Smell this,' she instructed. Thea dutifully applied her nose to the card.
âHeavens Ten, I've smelt so many now, I'm not sure,' she had to confess. âNo matter. It's a lovely fragrance.'
âI'll settle for this one,' she decided. The price was a shock, having no idea that men's toiletries would be so expensive.
âDoes it have to be something for his body, Madam?' the sales assistant enquired. Momentarily taken aback by the question, since she'd not been thinking about a man, she began to stutter. The young woman cut through her incoherence and pointed out that, if the gentleman would like to use it on his face, then they had âAramis' in the aftershave.
âWhat is the difference between the two?' asked Thea.
âThe cologne will last for eight hours, the aftershave for about four.' The woman was trying to be helpful, but Thea had actually meant the price, so she added: âAnd how much is the aftershave?' Although less expensive, it was still pretty steep. She looked at Tenille.
âI'll take the other one,' she told the sales clerk. It wouldn't break her bank and she really loved the fragrance.
âDo you want it gift-wrapped, Madam?' Tenille hesitated. âIt's a free service offered by The Bay,' she clarified.
âEr..r, yes please.'
They stood and watched as the young woman deftly folded the paper and made attractive streamers from the ends of the foil ribbon.
âVery nice.' Tenille thanked her as she paid, then turned to Thea. âThat's me, now what about you?'
âReine and I want to give her a fun gift. Let's pop down to the kitchen department. They have a variety of books on ethnic cooking,' she told her, making their way across to the elevators. âWe know she likes Thai food. This is to give her the hint that the kitchen isn't an altogether alien territory.'
âI like it,' Tenille laughed.
Taking the elevator was half the hassle the escalator had been. Everyone stepped politely back to give her easy egress. Thea chose her book without difficulty. There was no offer of free gift-wrapping here.
Close by was stationary. They bee-lined for greeting cards, browsing through until something suitable popped. Tenille picked a glossy card featuring a bouquet of red roses lying next to two, half filled champagne glasses. The bubbles sparkled in the bright lights. The words inside were simple ones of love. Thea's card was a humorous, rude one. The picture on the front showed a cartoon rooster lounging before the TV, signs of eating and drinking all around. Inside the caption read â¦
âOh, she'd love those. Have we a minute to take a quick peak?' She looked hopefully at Thea.
âSure.' She stepped towards the rack. âThese are nice.' Thea picked up a sky blue pair with a dark navy stripe down each side. The silk had been sand washed and was soft and sensuous to touch.
âYes.' Tenille's eyes were darting along, checking them all out. âDo you think she'd like the blue, or maybe this salmon pink with the cream stripe?' She felt bewildered by choice.
âWell, which one do you prefer?' Thea asked. âShe'd like to wear what you like too.'
âThere's a point,' she conceded. âWell ⦠I like the salmon, but I think she may prefer the blue.'
Thea deliberated for a moment. âHow about you buy them both, then? Or will that cost too much?'
This could be an extravagance, but she really felt these would be special for Sid. âNo, both pairs will be just right,' she replied.
âBuy those then,' she said firmly, sure Sidonie would be happy with whatever Tenille liked. The sales clerk folded them in tissue paper before she put them in the bag. Thea wondered if she would need gift wrapping things, but Tenille revealed she was a pack rat from way back with ample supplies.
âOkay. That's it. We can head for home,' she declared. âStay here. I'll bring the car around.' Once comfortably ensconced, Tenille gave effusive thanks for all her help. âThat's what friends are for,' was all she said in reply. They drove in silence back to the apartment, both feeling satisfied with the morning's outcome.
âDo you have time for lunch, before you go to work, Thea?' Tenille asked, as they drew up outside the house. She checked the digital clock.
âJust a coffee. Nothing to eat though. I'm trying to loose some of this.' She patted the rounded curve of her hip. âI'm eating fruit only for lunch and I have it all prepared.'
âYou can eat it here, if you want.'
Once inside, Tenille set about preparing the coffees.
âI bet you'll be happy to move into your new apartment, come Saturday,' Thea commented. âAfter this basement you'll enjoy the freedom of movement.'
âOh yes Thea. I can't wait.'
âYou and Sid make a lovely couple, you know.' Tenille smiled, well pleased. âIt's good to see Sid so happy with someone. Karen was never right from the start, but of course, Sid couldn't see it.'
Karen intrigued Tenille. Sidonie never talked about her. Just the occasional mention that was all, if something came up that triggered a memory. âWhat is she like?' She couldn't stop from asking, although not sure she wanted to hear the answer.
âYou'll see for yourself, come Saturday.'
âKaren will be at the party?' She was shocked. Would she be forced to face this woman? Talk to her?
âYes. You'll find the lesbian world is a very small one. The social wedge is scattered throughout with Exes.' She thought it prudent to change the subject. âEveryone will be very interested to meet you. You're relatively new on the scene and certainly an unknown,' she clarified.
This aspect hadn't occurred to Tenille. However, like so many walks of life, those involved never completely lost touch. Names and faces were bound to reappear, over time.
âYes, Karen is currently with Mitch. I don't know her personally, but she's a good friend of a friend of Reine's.' Thea chuckled. âDid you follow all that?'
She nodded: âSort of.' This wasn't true. She was too disturbed. The name Karen just kept ringing in her ears.
Thea was continuing: âSo you see when word gets around about a party, the net draws them all in.' She began to reminisce. âI remember going to a party in our early days, I was new with Reine, we weren't an item and there were three of Reine's Exes.' She laughed, her mind diffracting as she looked back through the dispersed twists of remembered incidents.
âFortunately I was no novice, so I took them in my stride. After all, I could afford to be generous; I was about to take what they had lost.' Admiration shone from Tenille's eyes.
âYes, Reine was quite the lady-killer in her younger days,' she mused.
âI can believe it. Reine is still a very attractive woman. Not just her looks,' Tenille expounded: âShe's got a way with her that can't be ignored.'
âYou see it too? Well, when she was slimmer, had more youthful vitality than now, the young Femmes would flock around her, hoping her eye might alight on one of them. She still has a roving eye,' Thea acknowledged, âbut I know it's only looking. It's hard to let predation go when it's been there all your life.' A softness came to her eyes, behind her thick glasses, as she smiled to herself. âI think Reine was butch as a baby. No toddler even, was safe.' Now she let go a full-throated laugh, hugely enjoying the memories of her lover's antics.
She asked her question again.
âShe's feminine, like you, but she's not a
gentle
woman. There's a toughness about her that shows. She's had some hard knocks in her time,' Thea surmised: âLess able to give now, more demanding too. No, I shouldn't say that,' she corrected herself. âI don't really know. You'll have to judge for yourself.' She leaned closer. âOne word of advice though, don't try to make conversation with her. If she comes up to you, okay, otherwise she could cut you down quite badly.'
Tenille was astounded at the very thought. âI wouldn't dream of approaching her,' she exclaimed. Run a mile more like. âI wouldn't have a clue what to say anyway.' She finished off her coffee and clasping her hands in front of her, continued: âI must admit I feel nervous about this party now.' She looked apprehensive, showing furrows of concern.
âDon't fret, Ten,' Thea tried to reassure her. âSid wouldn't let anything bad happen to you. Knowing her, she'll be by your side the whole time, making it clear who you belong to. Listen, your paths probably won't even cross, there'll be so many people,' she concluded. It was time for her to go and as she organized her things, Tenille made enquiries about her volunteer work and if there could be an opening.
âLeave it with me and I'll let you know tomorrow.'
âThanks, Thea. Dinner is about seven-thirty, isn't it?' she confirmed.
âYes, thereabouts.' As she stood on the threshold Thea turned and laughed. âHaving you guys over Thursday will really put Sid off the track. She'll never expect to be back again Saturday.' They parted with a quick embrace. âSee you.'
Tenille began moving slowly about the apartment, collecting up all signs of a recent visitor, her mind busy with thoughts of tomorrow night. The idea came that she could leave something behind at the apartment. Saturday she could ask Sidonie to pop in to pick it up. It would have to be something she couldn't do without, something convincing. Time flew and before she'd come up with any ideas, she heard Mrs. Sandrelli ushering Sidonie into the house.
âDarn. I hope she doesn't mention Thea. I completely forgot to give a warning,' Tenille admonished herself. She didn't have to worry. Sidonie wasn't going to hang about, making small talk. No, she was knocking on the door and calling out: âHere's your local friendly Limo. Service.'
*Â Â Â *Â Â Â *
Sidonie had driven Tenille to the O&A for her doctor's appointment and was now idly leafing through a stack of dog-eared TIME magazines. The waiting room had seen better days. It was located in the old wing of the hospital, the new being given over to hospital services and operating rooms. The other occupants were in various stages of recovery: with or without plaster cast; in a wheelchair; on crutches or with canes, the effect being one of total disorganization. She was the most relaxed of the people waiting there, not at all anxious over Tenille. Her progress had continued along predictable lines and she seemed to be her old self. Yesterday and today her spirits had been high, perhaps because she knew the cast change was imminent. She wasn't fatiguing at the slightest exertion, if anything, she had too much energy. She couldn't use it up enough. Today she would ask Doctor Suli about a mild sedative. She had been having trouble sleeping because of this excess of energy.
Waiting, she let her thoughts return to a current theme occupying her mind of late. This was the possibility of a housewarming at the apartment, coinciding with her birthday perhaps? Could she be getting too old for a party? The magazine slipped to the floor. She gave up and threw it onto the pile. What about Tenille's natal event? She should check. She'd appeared reluctant to discuss birthdays, being conscious of the age difference. Silly Sausage. Anyway, back to the housewarming. It would be a chance for her to meet all her friends and for them to get to know her. She'd neglected her buddies recently. This would make a good excuse to be back in touch. âMake a note,' she said to herself: âContact Ma Bell and get the phone put on.' Calling from home, how wonderful.
At this juncture Tenille appeared, looking pleased, a nurse by her side, but only as a formality.
âHi.' She jumped up. âEverything go OK?' A middle aged man, next in line for attention, had looked up when Tenille appeared. He sat forward intently, watching her every move.
Sidonie, noticing his interest, smiled to herself. “
Yes, Ten's certainly a looker
.
Even on crutches, she can still catch people's eyes and hold them. Especially when she smiles so radiantly. Hell's teeth, it would be easy to put two and two together if she continues to look at me like that.”
In fact the man had now turned his attention to her, probably wondering who was occasioning such a lambent glow.
Now that she was getting about more she was beginning to appreciate the skill of those, destined to live with crutches all their life
. “My hat off to them.”
she praised. It was a tiring ordeal.
They headed for the jewelry section; so many beautiful things on display but too much for her limited budget to contemplate. The exercise was a disappointment; the items didn't have that distinctive appeal she'd admired at art and craft shows. She knew what she had in mind. It wasn't here.
Wandering through each department, they looked about for inspiration. As luck would have it, they stumbled onto the men's section where their olfactory senses were assailed by the aromatic fragrances. This brought vividly to mind their night at the Guesthouse, and experiencing a thrilling frisson made her face burn.
âStop here Thea,' she ordered: âI'll see if something appeals.' She had forgotten the name, but she remembered how much she'd liked it.
âYes.' Thea took in the sights and smells. âSid likes men's cologne. I've never smelt a woman's perfume on her. The men's suits her better anyway, I think.' They sprayed testers onto the cardboard samplers and eventually Tenille came upon âAramis'.
âThis is it. Smell this,' she instructed. Thea dutifully applied her nose to the card.
âHeavens Ten, I've smelt so many now, I'm not sure,' she had to confess. âNo matter. It's a lovely fragrance.'
âI'll settle for this one,' she decided. The price was a shock, having no idea that men's toiletries would be so expensive.
âDoes it have to be something for his body, Madam?' the sales assistant enquired. Momentarily taken aback by the question, since she'd not been thinking about a man, she began to stutter. The young woman cut through her incoherence and pointed out that, if the gentleman would like to use it on his face, then they had âAramis' in the aftershave.
âWhat is the difference between the two?' asked Thea.
âThe cologne will last for eight hours, the aftershave for about four.' The woman was trying to be helpful, but Thea had actually meant the price, so she added: âAnd how much is the aftershave?' Although less expensive, it was still pretty steep. She looked at Tenille.
âI'll take the other one,' she told the sales clerk. It wouldn't break her bank and she really loved the fragrance.
âDo you want it gift-wrapped, Madam?' Tenille hesitated. âIt's a free service offered by The Bay,' she clarified.
âEr..r, yes please.'
They stood and watched as the young woman deftly folded the paper and made attractive streamers from the ends of the foil ribbon.
âVery nice.' Tenille thanked her as she paid, then turned to Thea. âThat's me, now what about you?'
âReine and I want to give her a fun gift. Let's pop down to the kitchen department. They have a variety of books on ethnic cooking,' she told her, making their way across to the elevators. âWe know she likes Thai food. This is to give her the hint that the kitchen isn't an altogether alien territory.'
âI like it,' Tenille laughed.
Taking the elevator was half the hassle the escalator had been. Everyone stepped politely back to give her easy egress. Thea chose her book without difficulty. There was no offer of free gift-wrapping here.
Close by was stationary. They bee-lined for greeting cards, browsing through until something suitable popped. Tenille picked a glossy card featuring a bouquet of red roses lying next to two, half filled champagne glasses. The bubbles sparkled in the bright lights. The words inside were simple ones of love. Thea's card was a humorous, rude one. The picture on the front showed a cartoon rooster lounging before the TV, signs of eating and drinking all around. Inside the caption read â¦
THE YEARS HAVE REALLY BEEN KIND TO YOU â¦
IT'S THE WEEKENDS THAT DID YOU IN â¦
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANYWAY,
They both chuckled, knowing Sid would get a charge out of it. Proceeding towards the exit, they passed ladies' lingerie and brightly colored silk underpants, boxer style, caught Tenille's eye.IT'S THE WEEKENDS THAT DID YOU IN â¦
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANYWAY,
âOh, she'd love those. Have we a minute to take a quick peak?' She looked hopefully at Thea.
âSure.' She stepped towards the rack. âThese are nice.' Thea picked up a sky blue pair with a dark navy stripe down each side. The silk had been sand washed and was soft and sensuous to touch.
âYes.' Tenille's eyes were darting along, checking them all out. âDo you think she'd like the blue, or maybe this salmon pink with the cream stripe?' She felt bewildered by choice.
âWell, which one do you prefer?' Thea asked. âShe'd like to wear what you like too.'
âThere's a point,' she conceded. âWell ⦠I like the salmon, but I think she may prefer the blue.'
Thea deliberated for a moment. âHow about you buy them both, then? Or will that cost too much?'
This could be an extravagance, but she really felt these would be special for Sid. âNo, both pairs will be just right,' she replied.
âBuy those then,' she said firmly, sure Sidonie would be happy with whatever Tenille liked. The sales clerk folded them in tissue paper before she put them in the bag. Thea wondered if she would need gift wrapping things, but Tenille revealed she was a pack rat from way back with ample supplies.
âOkay. That's it. We can head for home,' she declared. âStay here. I'll bring the car around.' Once comfortably ensconced, Tenille gave effusive thanks for all her help. âThat's what friends are for,' was all she said in reply. They drove in silence back to the apartment, both feeling satisfied with the morning's outcome.
âDo you have time for lunch, before you go to work, Thea?' Tenille asked, as they drew up outside the house. She checked the digital clock.
âJust a coffee. Nothing to eat though. I'm trying to loose some of this.' She patted the rounded curve of her hip. âI'm eating fruit only for lunch and I have it all prepared.'
âYou can eat it here, if you want.'
Once inside, Tenille set about preparing the coffees.
âI bet you'll be happy to move into your new apartment, come Saturday,' Thea commented. âAfter this basement you'll enjoy the freedom of movement.'
âOh yes Thea. I can't wait.'
âYou and Sid make a lovely couple, you know.' Tenille smiled, well pleased. âIt's good to see Sid so happy with someone. Karen was never right from the start, but of course, Sid couldn't see it.'
Karen intrigued Tenille. Sidonie never talked about her. Just the occasional mention that was all, if something came up that triggered a memory. âWhat is she like?' She couldn't stop from asking, although not sure she wanted to hear the answer.
âYou'll see for yourself, come Saturday.'
âKaren will be at the party?' She was shocked. Would she be forced to face this woman? Talk to her?
âYes. You'll find the lesbian world is a very small one. The social wedge is scattered throughout with Exes.' She thought it prudent to change the subject. âEveryone will be very interested to meet you. You're relatively new on the scene and certainly an unknown,' she clarified.
This aspect hadn't occurred to Tenille. However, like so many walks of life, those involved never completely lost touch. Names and faces were bound to reappear, over time.
âYes, Karen is currently with Mitch. I don't know her personally, but she's a good friend of a friend of Reine's.' Thea chuckled. âDid you follow all that?'
She nodded: âSort of.' This wasn't true. She was too disturbed. The name Karen just kept ringing in her ears.
Thea was continuing: âSo you see when word gets around about a party, the net draws them all in.' She began to reminisce. âI remember going to a party in our early days, I was new with Reine, we weren't an item and there were three of Reine's Exes.' She laughed, her mind diffracting as she looked back through the dispersed twists of remembered incidents.
âFortunately I was no novice, so I took them in my stride. After all, I could afford to be generous; I was about to take what they had lost.' Admiration shone from Tenille's eyes.
âYes, Reine was quite the lady-killer in her younger days,' she mused.
âI can believe it. Reine is still a very attractive woman. Not just her looks,' Tenille expounded: âShe's got a way with her that can't be ignored.'
âYou see it too? Well, when she was slimmer, had more youthful vitality than now, the young Femmes would flock around her, hoping her eye might alight on one of them. She still has a roving eye,' Thea acknowledged, âbut I know it's only looking. It's hard to let predation go when it's been there all your life.' A softness came to her eyes, behind her thick glasses, as she smiled to herself. âI think Reine was butch as a baby. No toddler even, was safe.' Now she let go a full-throated laugh, hugely enjoying the memories of her lover's antics.
She asked her question again.
âShe's feminine, like you, but she's not a
gentle
woman. There's a toughness about her that shows. She's had some hard knocks in her time,' Thea surmised: âLess able to give now, more demanding too. No, I shouldn't say that,' she corrected herself. âI don't really know. You'll have to judge for yourself.' She leaned closer. âOne word of advice though, don't try to make conversation with her. If she comes up to you, okay, otherwise she could cut you down quite badly.'
Tenille was astounded at the very thought. âI wouldn't dream of approaching her,' she exclaimed. Run a mile more like. âI wouldn't have a clue what to say anyway.' She finished off her coffee and clasping her hands in front of her, continued: âI must admit I feel nervous about this party now.' She looked apprehensive, showing furrows of concern.
âDon't fret, Ten,' Thea tried to reassure her. âSid wouldn't let anything bad happen to you. Knowing her, she'll be by your side the whole time, making it clear who you belong to. Listen, your paths probably won't even cross, there'll be so many people,' she concluded. It was time for her to go and as she organized her things, Tenille made enquiries about her volunteer work and if there could be an opening.
âLeave it with me and I'll let you know tomorrow.'
âThanks, Thea. Dinner is about seven-thirty, isn't it?' she confirmed.
âYes, thereabouts.' As she stood on the threshold Thea turned and laughed. âHaving you guys over Thursday will really put Sid off the track. She'll never expect to be back again Saturday.' They parted with a quick embrace. âSee you.'
Tenille began moving slowly about the apartment, collecting up all signs of a recent visitor, her mind busy with thoughts of tomorrow night. The idea came that she could leave something behind at the apartment. Saturday she could ask Sidonie to pop in to pick it up. It would have to be something she couldn't do without, something convincing. Time flew and before she'd come up with any ideas, she heard Mrs. Sandrelli ushering Sidonie into the house.
âDarn. I hope she doesn't mention Thea. I completely forgot to give a warning,' Tenille admonished herself. She didn't have to worry. Sidonie wasn't going to hang about, making small talk. No, she was knocking on the door and calling out: âHere's your local friendly Limo. Service.'
*Â Â Â *Â Â Â *
Sidonie had driven Tenille to the O&A for her doctor's appointment and was now idly leafing through a stack of dog-eared TIME magazines. The waiting room had seen better days. It was located in the old wing of the hospital, the new being given over to hospital services and operating rooms. The other occupants were in various stages of recovery: with or without plaster cast; in a wheelchair; on crutches or with canes, the effect being one of total disorganization. She was the most relaxed of the people waiting there, not at all anxious over Tenille. Her progress had continued along predictable lines and she seemed to be her old self. Yesterday and today her spirits had been high, perhaps because she knew the cast change was imminent. She wasn't fatiguing at the slightest exertion, if anything, she had too much energy. She couldn't use it up enough. Today she would ask Doctor Suli about a mild sedative. She had been having trouble sleeping because of this excess of energy.
Waiting, she let her thoughts return to a current theme occupying her mind of late. This was the possibility of a housewarming at the apartment, coinciding with her birthday perhaps? Could she be getting too old for a party? The magazine slipped to the floor. She gave up and threw it onto the pile. What about Tenille's natal event? She should check. She'd appeared reluctant to discuss birthdays, being conscious of the age difference. Silly Sausage. Anyway, back to the housewarming. It would be a chance for her to meet all her friends and for them to get to know her. She'd neglected her buddies recently. This would make a good excuse to be back in touch. âMake a note,' she said to herself: âContact Ma Bell and get the phone put on.' Calling from home, how wonderful.
At this juncture Tenille appeared, looking pleased, a nurse by her side, but only as a formality.
âHi.' She jumped up. âEverything go OK?' A middle aged man, next in line for attention, had looked up when Tenille appeared. He sat forward intently, watching her every move.
Sidonie, noticing his interest, smiled to herself. “
Yes, Ten's certainly a looker
.
Even on crutches, she can still catch people's eyes and hold them. Especially when she smiles so radiantly. Hell's teeth, it would be easy to put two and two together if she continues to look at me like that.”
In fact the man had now turned his attention to her, probably wondering who was occasioning such a lambent glow.
Other books
Nineteen Eighty by David Peace
The Quality of Mercy by Faye Kellerman
My Dearest Friend by Nancy Thayer
Black Moon Draw by Lizzy Ford
Blurring the Lines (Men of the Zodiac) by Marisa Cleveland
Minutes to Midnight by Phaedra Weldon
ZWD: King of an Empty City by Kroepfl, Thomas
Brutal Youth by Anthony Breznican
Dylan's Redemption by Jennifer Ryan
Good Harbor by Anita Diamant