Outing of the Heart (94 page)
Read Outing of the Heart Online
Authors: Lisa Ann Harper
They turned face to face after this and Sid gave her a long, deep kiss, full of promise. It seemed to compensate for the interminable time she had spent alone and it made Karen's outburst recede into the background; of no consequence. This was the real thing.
âHere you are,' Reine's voice broke their union. âSorry old Buddy, but there are some friends looking to say good night. Come,' she commanded imperiously: âFollow me.'
Ten collected her canes and they dutifully followed her as bidden. She stood at Sid's side as she bade her friends farewell. Some people she knew and those she didn't, Sid introduced. They were all very happy making it a most agreeable interlude. With faces wreathed in smiles many suggested a future get together, or dinner.
Trent came along toward the end, adding her well wishes. She turned to Ten, in effect placing her body between them and took each of Ten's hands in hers to look long into her eyes. She thanked her for the dance saying: âWe must do it again some time,' and gave a big hug. With this embrace Ten's gaze caught Sid's, over Trent's shoulder. She felt suddenly flustered and hot with guilt. She was sure Sid would read it in her face, but she was helpless in this woman's arms. Sid's temper rose in a flash at Trent's boldness. Typical ⦠but she was in no position to create a scene. All she could do was pretend indifference, but she would love to know how Ten fitted into all this. Trent said nothing more and at last released her, turning to her hosts. Ten was left feeling very self-conscious. Others came up to say goodbye and the moment passed. After the last one, she felt quite weary and Karen was not amongst them. Someone had taken her home, she guessed.
âHow about another coffee?' Thea suggested. âAnd sit here.' She indicated the chesterfield. âPoor Tenille has been standing with those canes for far too long.' Ten sank down gratefully, Sid by her side, but she sat stiffly.
âJust right,' Sid agreed: âThen we too, must be off.' While the others were thus engaged in the kitchen, Sid could not hold herself back from cross-questioning about Trent. She hated herself for being like this, but she couldn't stop it. Stabs of painful jealousy were lancing through her; her face distorted by a scowl and her voice harsh with provocation. Looking straight-ahead, she barked out sharply: âHow did you come to be dancing with Trent?'
Ten sensed trouble. The last thing she wanted was to spoil the party mood, but it looked like the fat was in the fire. âIt wasn't a dance, really.'
âWhat do you describe as ânot a real dance'?' she enunciated sardonically, tight lipped and still looking ahead.
âSid, look at me,' she requested, putting out a hand to rest gently on her knee. When she did turn there was hurt in her eyes. How vulnerable she looked at this moment. Ten's heart went out to her. âSid, you're over reacting,' she told her earnestly. Now she took Sid's hand in both of hers. âTrent saw me sitting alone and I happened to say I wish I could dance too.' Sid put her other hand over Ten's as she began to relax, listening to the gentle cadences of the soft voice. âThen she sat in front of me and she moved my hands to the music.' Ten paused ⦠âthat was all.' She gulped, knowing she was giving only half-truths, but those other things would only hurt and they didn't change her love for Sid.
âSorry, Ten,' she whispered in a thickened voice. âYou're right, I was over reacting,' she admitted contritely. âIt's just I don't trust that Trent and you're so precious to me. I felt threatened, I guess.' In truth, a wave of panic had swept over her as her heart had spasmed in alarm.
âOh my love please be happy. This is your day,' she urged.
Sid put her arm round Ten's shoulders and drew her toward her. That was how Thea and Reine saw them when they returned with the mugs.
âOkay you two, here they are.' The four of them sat contentedly, sipping coffee and mulling over the success of the party. Thea felt justly pleased with how her arrangements had panned out. However, they all avoided talking about the Karen incident, not wanting to distress Tenille by drawing more attention. Lyndall had in fact taken off the woman in question, soon afterwards.
Sid leaned forward to place her mug on the tray. âWell, we must go.' She looked at her watch and stood up. âCan I help you round up glasses, plates and all?' she offered.
âNo need,' Reine responded promptly, looking complacent. âI've been collecting up as people left and â¦' she looked severely at Thea, â â¦we're leaving the kitchen until tomorrow.' Thea sat unperturbed by this dictum. She would get no argument from her this night, she was bone weary.
âTime enough to deal with all that tomorrow. It's not going anywhere,' Reine concluded.
Embracing Thea with grateful arms, Sid thanked her heartily for the most wonderful party. At this juncture Reine appeared with yet another gift. Sid already had quite the collection. This had been totally unexpected, but she revelled in it. Not that she wanted to accumulate things per se, but it gave her the childhood she'd missed out on. Being the eldest in a welfare family had not brought her treats and indulgences. She eyed Reine askance, but her face was alight.
âNow what is this? The party was more than gift enough.'
âYou'll soon see,' Thea said dryly.
She opened the card and burst out with a great bellow. âI knew you'd have no respect,' she fetched out through her laughter. Ten and Thea looked at each other, pleased the card had hit the mark. They all watched with interest as she opened her package. She looked straight at Thea this time. âYour doing, no doubt ⦠and I get the message.' She began to flip through the book. âYou'll probably be surprised to hear that I'm not a total ignoramus in the kitchen.' Now she looked at Reine. âI cook a mean macaroni and cheese.' Laughter erupted again and Thea advanced for another hug.
âWhen you've perfected a dish,' she took a step back from Sid's embrace: âYou can invite us over. We're willing to try vegetarian Thai.' Now she stood back a second pace and held Sid's hands at arms' length. âEspecially if you've cooked it.' They laughed again. It felt good to be alive.
âLet's get outta here before Thea ties a pinafore round my waist,' Sid said in mock trepidation. Ten finished her coffee then slung her purse over her shoulder and stood up. Reine handed her her canes and they made their way to the door. Sid's other gifts Reine had collected into a large plastic bag. âGoodness,' Ten exclaimed as Sid accepted it. âChristmas in August.'
âThose Guys.' Sid shook her head. âI wonder where they can find such things. We had a good laugh, I can tell you.' This time they both thanked their hosts for a perfectly super time and left after goodnight kisses.
Although it was now the âwee small hours', Yonge Street was clogged with traffic. The night air was refreshing after the muggy heat of the day. Pedestrians strolled the sidewalks and window-shopped. A dark sky showed off a bright, gibbous moon and the stars twinkled in merriment. The subway was closed now and all night blue buses were on patrol, but how to get home was the least of everyone's worries. It was still party time. Groups of youngsters could be heard calling out across the street or they would talk to the drivers of the stop and go cars. It seemed everyone had had a fun night.
Driving along Sid was full of anecdotes, but then she stopped suddenly and said, âHoney, I'm really sorry about Karen. I hated her behaving like that and I wish it had never happened.' She looked earnestly at Ten then returned her eyes to the road. âI know you said everything's OK with you ⦠but I want to be sure you don't give credence to what she said back there.' Before Ten could reply, Sid, in her anxiety went on hastily: âShe was trying to get back at me. It was nothing to do with you at all. You do believe that, don't you?'
âYes. I do understand. Don't let it bother you. I'm all right, really,' Ten assured her. Her face was serious, but not upset. âYou change your thoughts back to your birthday,' she insisted. She looked slyly at Sid from under her lashes. âYou have one more gift to open when we get home,' reaching for Sid's hand: âIt's not over yet.' Sid took her hand off the wheel and drove, steering with her left only. Now she was glowing from the inside and believed she had never felt better.
âYou know, Sweetheart,' she said, âin all this time we've known each other I've never asked when your birthday is.' She cast anxious eyes at Ten. âI haven't missed it, have I.' She gave a squeeze.
âDon't worry Hon you've not missed it,' she reassured her. âSince the difference in our ages is a bit of a sore point with me, I've not felt inclined to mention birthdays.' She let Sid negotiate a tricky intersection before continuing. âI'm a Libran. Have you noticed how I usually see more than one point of view? Anyway, the date is October 12th.'
âPhew.' Sid let out a deep breath. âAfter all this fuss over mine I would've felt rotten to find out I'd missed yours. Ten, now that I've reached the mature age of nineteen, will you tell me your age? I promise not to tell anyone else.' Her throaty laugh radiated in ripples. She saw no problem, however Ten was not too entranced by this development, although really it had to come. She was in a dilemma. Should she play it safe and pick a younger age, or tell the truth and risk Sid being alarmed. The longer she kept silent the more suspicious her answer would seem. She decided to take the plunge. This was probably the best time. She'd always fudged her way out of it in the past. A deep breath.
âAs of now, there's an eleven-year difference.' She held her breath, waiting for the response.
âThere now that wasn't so bad was it?' Sid queried, with a smile. Certainly the sky had not fallen in and they were still talking. Ten shook herself, mentally. Perhaps she had been over sensitive on this whole age issue. But before, she hadn't known Sid well enough to be candid, so this had worried her a lot. Today's culture is so youth orientated; she had lacked the confidence to be âup front'.
âIf it's any consolation, my Precious, you don't look thirty and anyway, I think thirty is a beautiful age.'
âWait 'til it's time for your big three-0, then see if you still sing from the same book,' Ten responded, with asperity.
Sid pulled up to the curb and as she cut the engine she gave Ten a quick kiss. âI sure hope you'll be around to find out for yourself.' She bounded over to Ten's side and helped her out. As they made their way along the path, Sid sorted the keys on her ring. A slight breeze had gotten up, wafting the fragrant perfumes of the summer flowers and now ruffled Sid's hair in a most attractive manner. Ten observed these details as she watched her fingers at work. Although the moon was casting impenetrable shadows from the tall trees, Sid had no difficulty, since the ladies had thought to turn on the outside light.
“
I must check where the switch is located,”
she thought in passing.
Once inside, Ten settled herself on the lowboy.
âWant a drink, Babe?' Sid's voice floated out from the kitchen.
âCan I split a beer with you?'
âSure thing. Dash of lime?'
âCool.'
âHere you are.' She kissed the top of her head before she handed over the glass. âBeautiful woman.'
âCheck your night table,' Ten instructed as she accepted the drink, smiling mischievously.
âWhat have we got here? You told me one gift, not two,' she remarked, returning to sit at her feet, placing the goodies on the table. âI'm spoiled.' She reached for the envelope and broke the seal with a quick flick and withdrew the card slowly, savouring its specialness, as it was gradually revealed. Ten, leaning forward, put her glass on the table, then draped her arms over Sid's shoulders. The glossy roses appeared.
âOh it's beautiful, darling. And such lovely words you have written.'
âOpen that one next,' she instructed. Obeying dutifully, she reached toward the small soft package. She wasn't like Ten who would open with care. Despite the beauty of the wrapping, she tore through the ribbon and tape, trying to guess, but with no idea. When she saw the silk underwear, she loved them instantly.
âOh, Honey, so me.' she exclaimed with delight. She twisted around to face Ten and once up on her knees, clasped her lovingly to her, whispering a grateful thank you.
âI chose them 'cause I like them too,' laughing happily that the selection had been such a success. Then she asked anxiously: âYou like both colors?' a worry line creasing her brow.
âOh yes, yes. They're per ⦠rr ⦠fect.'
âOkay, next,' she said authoritatively, but still a little anxious over this one. It was hard selecting a fragrance for someone else, but again, she had let her instinct guide her. Nonetheless she could not hold back from a mental crossing of the fingers.
Sid moved up to the arm of her chair and proceeded to open the small box. She guessed this one because she was familiar with the size and shape. She wanted to tease by giving the wrapping an experimental sniff, but then thought better of it. She wouldn't risk spoiling the moment. The gift-wrap removed, she saw a dark green box and gold lettering spelling, âAramis'.
âHere you are,' Reine's voice broke their union. âSorry old Buddy, but there are some friends looking to say good night. Come,' she commanded imperiously: âFollow me.'
Ten collected her canes and they dutifully followed her as bidden. She stood at Sid's side as she bade her friends farewell. Some people she knew and those she didn't, Sid introduced. They were all very happy making it a most agreeable interlude. With faces wreathed in smiles many suggested a future get together, or dinner.
Trent came along toward the end, adding her well wishes. She turned to Ten, in effect placing her body between them and took each of Ten's hands in hers to look long into her eyes. She thanked her for the dance saying: âWe must do it again some time,' and gave a big hug. With this embrace Ten's gaze caught Sid's, over Trent's shoulder. She felt suddenly flustered and hot with guilt. She was sure Sid would read it in her face, but she was helpless in this woman's arms. Sid's temper rose in a flash at Trent's boldness. Typical ⦠but she was in no position to create a scene. All she could do was pretend indifference, but she would love to know how Ten fitted into all this. Trent said nothing more and at last released her, turning to her hosts. Ten was left feeling very self-conscious. Others came up to say goodbye and the moment passed. After the last one, she felt quite weary and Karen was not amongst them. Someone had taken her home, she guessed.
âHow about another coffee?' Thea suggested. âAnd sit here.' She indicated the chesterfield. âPoor Tenille has been standing with those canes for far too long.' Ten sank down gratefully, Sid by her side, but she sat stiffly.
âJust right,' Sid agreed: âThen we too, must be off.' While the others were thus engaged in the kitchen, Sid could not hold herself back from cross-questioning about Trent. She hated herself for being like this, but she couldn't stop it. Stabs of painful jealousy were lancing through her; her face distorted by a scowl and her voice harsh with provocation. Looking straight-ahead, she barked out sharply: âHow did you come to be dancing with Trent?'
Ten sensed trouble. The last thing she wanted was to spoil the party mood, but it looked like the fat was in the fire. âIt wasn't a dance, really.'
âWhat do you describe as ânot a real dance'?' she enunciated sardonically, tight lipped and still looking ahead.
âSid, look at me,' she requested, putting out a hand to rest gently on her knee. When she did turn there was hurt in her eyes. How vulnerable she looked at this moment. Ten's heart went out to her. âSid, you're over reacting,' she told her earnestly. Now she took Sid's hand in both of hers. âTrent saw me sitting alone and I happened to say I wish I could dance too.' Sid put her other hand over Ten's as she began to relax, listening to the gentle cadences of the soft voice. âThen she sat in front of me and she moved my hands to the music.' Ten paused ⦠âthat was all.' She gulped, knowing she was giving only half-truths, but those other things would only hurt and they didn't change her love for Sid.
âSorry, Ten,' she whispered in a thickened voice. âYou're right, I was over reacting,' she admitted contritely. âIt's just I don't trust that Trent and you're so precious to me. I felt threatened, I guess.' In truth, a wave of panic had swept over her as her heart had spasmed in alarm.
âOh my love please be happy. This is your day,' she urged.
Sid put her arm round Ten's shoulders and drew her toward her. That was how Thea and Reine saw them when they returned with the mugs.
âOkay you two, here they are.' The four of them sat contentedly, sipping coffee and mulling over the success of the party. Thea felt justly pleased with how her arrangements had panned out. However, they all avoided talking about the Karen incident, not wanting to distress Tenille by drawing more attention. Lyndall had in fact taken off the woman in question, soon afterwards.
Sid leaned forward to place her mug on the tray. âWell, we must go.' She looked at her watch and stood up. âCan I help you round up glasses, plates and all?' she offered.
âNo need,' Reine responded promptly, looking complacent. âI've been collecting up as people left and â¦' she looked severely at Thea, â â¦we're leaving the kitchen until tomorrow.' Thea sat unperturbed by this dictum. She would get no argument from her this night, she was bone weary.
âTime enough to deal with all that tomorrow. It's not going anywhere,' Reine concluded.
Embracing Thea with grateful arms, Sid thanked her heartily for the most wonderful party. At this juncture Reine appeared with yet another gift. Sid already had quite the collection. This had been totally unexpected, but she revelled in it. Not that she wanted to accumulate things per se, but it gave her the childhood she'd missed out on. Being the eldest in a welfare family had not brought her treats and indulgences. She eyed Reine askance, but her face was alight.
âNow what is this? The party was more than gift enough.'
âYou'll soon see,' Thea said dryly.
She opened the card and burst out with a great bellow. âI knew you'd have no respect,' she fetched out through her laughter. Ten and Thea looked at each other, pleased the card had hit the mark. They all watched with interest as she opened her package. She looked straight at Thea this time. âYour doing, no doubt ⦠and I get the message.' She began to flip through the book. âYou'll probably be surprised to hear that I'm not a total ignoramus in the kitchen.' Now she looked at Reine. âI cook a mean macaroni and cheese.' Laughter erupted again and Thea advanced for another hug.
âWhen you've perfected a dish,' she took a step back from Sid's embrace: âYou can invite us over. We're willing to try vegetarian Thai.' Now she stood back a second pace and held Sid's hands at arms' length. âEspecially if you've cooked it.' They laughed again. It felt good to be alive.
âLet's get outta here before Thea ties a pinafore round my waist,' Sid said in mock trepidation. Ten finished her coffee then slung her purse over her shoulder and stood up. Reine handed her her canes and they made their way to the door. Sid's other gifts Reine had collected into a large plastic bag. âGoodness,' Ten exclaimed as Sid accepted it. âChristmas in August.'
âThose Guys.' Sid shook her head. âI wonder where they can find such things. We had a good laugh, I can tell you.' This time they both thanked their hosts for a perfectly super time and left after goodnight kisses.
Although it was now the âwee small hours', Yonge Street was clogged with traffic. The night air was refreshing after the muggy heat of the day. Pedestrians strolled the sidewalks and window-shopped. A dark sky showed off a bright, gibbous moon and the stars twinkled in merriment. The subway was closed now and all night blue buses were on patrol, but how to get home was the least of everyone's worries. It was still party time. Groups of youngsters could be heard calling out across the street or they would talk to the drivers of the stop and go cars. It seemed everyone had had a fun night.
Driving along Sid was full of anecdotes, but then she stopped suddenly and said, âHoney, I'm really sorry about Karen. I hated her behaving like that and I wish it had never happened.' She looked earnestly at Ten then returned her eyes to the road. âI know you said everything's OK with you ⦠but I want to be sure you don't give credence to what she said back there.' Before Ten could reply, Sid, in her anxiety went on hastily: âShe was trying to get back at me. It was nothing to do with you at all. You do believe that, don't you?'
âYes. I do understand. Don't let it bother you. I'm all right, really,' Ten assured her. Her face was serious, but not upset. âYou change your thoughts back to your birthday,' she insisted. She looked slyly at Sid from under her lashes. âYou have one more gift to open when we get home,' reaching for Sid's hand: âIt's not over yet.' Sid took her hand off the wheel and drove, steering with her left only. Now she was glowing from the inside and believed she had never felt better.
âYou know, Sweetheart,' she said, âin all this time we've known each other I've never asked when your birthday is.' She cast anxious eyes at Ten. âI haven't missed it, have I.' She gave a squeeze.
âDon't worry Hon you've not missed it,' she reassured her. âSince the difference in our ages is a bit of a sore point with me, I've not felt inclined to mention birthdays.' She let Sid negotiate a tricky intersection before continuing. âI'm a Libran. Have you noticed how I usually see more than one point of view? Anyway, the date is October 12th.'
âPhew.' Sid let out a deep breath. âAfter all this fuss over mine I would've felt rotten to find out I'd missed yours. Ten, now that I've reached the mature age of nineteen, will you tell me your age? I promise not to tell anyone else.' Her throaty laugh radiated in ripples. She saw no problem, however Ten was not too entranced by this development, although really it had to come. She was in a dilemma. Should she play it safe and pick a younger age, or tell the truth and risk Sid being alarmed. The longer she kept silent the more suspicious her answer would seem. She decided to take the plunge. This was probably the best time. She'd always fudged her way out of it in the past. A deep breath.
âAs of now, there's an eleven-year difference.' She held her breath, waiting for the response.
âThere now that wasn't so bad was it?' Sid queried, with a smile. Certainly the sky had not fallen in and they were still talking. Ten shook herself, mentally. Perhaps she had been over sensitive on this whole age issue. But before, she hadn't known Sid well enough to be candid, so this had worried her a lot. Today's culture is so youth orientated; she had lacked the confidence to be âup front'.
âIf it's any consolation, my Precious, you don't look thirty and anyway, I think thirty is a beautiful age.'
âWait 'til it's time for your big three-0, then see if you still sing from the same book,' Ten responded, with asperity.
Sid pulled up to the curb and as she cut the engine she gave Ten a quick kiss. âI sure hope you'll be around to find out for yourself.' She bounded over to Ten's side and helped her out. As they made their way along the path, Sid sorted the keys on her ring. A slight breeze had gotten up, wafting the fragrant perfumes of the summer flowers and now ruffled Sid's hair in a most attractive manner. Ten observed these details as she watched her fingers at work. Although the moon was casting impenetrable shadows from the tall trees, Sid had no difficulty, since the ladies had thought to turn on the outside light.
“
I must check where the switch is located,”
she thought in passing.
Once inside, Ten settled herself on the lowboy.
âWant a drink, Babe?' Sid's voice floated out from the kitchen.
âCan I split a beer with you?'
âSure thing. Dash of lime?'
âCool.'
âHere you are.' She kissed the top of her head before she handed over the glass. âBeautiful woman.'
âCheck your night table,' Ten instructed as she accepted the drink, smiling mischievously.
âWhat have we got here? You told me one gift, not two,' she remarked, returning to sit at her feet, placing the goodies on the table. âI'm spoiled.' She reached for the envelope and broke the seal with a quick flick and withdrew the card slowly, savouring its specialness, as it was gradually revealed. Ten, leaning forward, put her glass on the table, then draped her arms over Sid's shoulders. The glossy roses appeared.
âOh it's beautiful, darling. And such lovely words you have written.'
She read â¦
“Steadfast, my heart is yours
And has been ever since
I placed it in the hollow
Of your hand.
Never, until you gently curled
Your fingers around it
Has my heart known such love.”
âThank you so much. My first birthday card from you,' Her gaze jerked upward and her eyes widened. She took one of Ten's hands and turning it palm up, kissed its soft centre. Ten felt the thrill of desire rush through her at so intimate a gesture. She rested her cheek on top of Sid's head.“Steadfast, my heart is yours
And has been ever since
I placed it in the hollow
Of your hand.
Never, until you gently curled
Your fingers around it
Has my heart known such love.”
âOpen that one next,' she instructed. Obeying dutifully, she reached toward the small soft package. She wasn't like Ten who would open with care. Despite the beauty of the wrapping, she tore through the ribbon and tape, trying to guess, but with no idea. When she saw the silk underwear, she loved them instantly.
âOh, Honey, so me.' she exclaimed with delight. She twisted around to face Ten and once up on her knees, clasped her lovingly to her, whispering a grateful thank you.
âI chose them 'cause I like them too,' laughing happily that the selection had been such a success. Then she asked anxiously: âYou like both colors?' a worry line creasing her brow.
âOh yes, yes. They're per ⦠rr ⦠fect.'
âOkay, next,' she said authoritatively, but still a little anxious over this one. It was hard selecting a fragrance for someone else, but again, she had let her instinct guide her. Nonetheless she could not hold back from a mental crossing of the fingers.
Sid moved up to the arm of her chair and proceeded to open the small box. She guessed this one because she was familiar with the size and shape. She wanted to tease by giving the wrapping an experimental sniff, but then thought better of it. She wouldn't risk spoiling the moment. The gift-wrap removed, she saw a dark green box and gold lettering spelling, âAramis'.
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