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CHAPTER 9

Finally their snow day was done and they were on their way home.

"So birthday girl, what's on the menu, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Steakhouse, name it," Cleo was headed toward a busy area of town.

"I don't mind dinner Cleo, but you're not buying. Today was expensive enough and you bought me lunch."

"Come on birthday girl, you only turn 24 once. Buying you birthday dinner makes no difference in my quest for my own apartment; it's still too far away."

"You've done enough Cleo, Dutch or Top Romin, your choice."

"Oh God please don't use the noodle words. Never, Never ever again. Dog food would be an upgrade, that's one of the biggest reasons I quit," Cleo shuttered at the thought of the cheap dry packaged soup that she'd live on all too often during college.

They settled on Chili's and they each decided on an order of ribs.

"So what's the verdict, is skiing still better experienced on the couch?"

"Well, if I'm alone on the couch I guess skiing wins," Cleo grinned.

Mindy looked as if pondering what that meant.

"It was fun Mind. I can see that it would be a lot, lot, lot more fun once a person could use the skis to go downhill rather than the butt. I'd like to skip to that part, no more butt skiing. Only guess I'll have to pay my butt tax like everyone else though."

Mindy giggled, "Listen, my taxes were a lot more than yours. So don't complain too badly, Miss Jock."

"Somehow that's not gonna comfort my black and blue backside. If I can't move on Monday, I'm gonna tell Michelle to come see you."

"I recommend a hot bath with lots of bubbles and definitely aspirin."

"Gee, something to look forward to, the couch is looking better and better," Cleo teased.

"I'll never buy the couch potato thing from you Cleo. Kinda surprised you're not playing basketball or on some team for something already," Mindy's tone was inquisitive.

"I'm sure I'll be spending time up in Tahoe this summer, Volleyball probably. But right now, I'm just working on getting settled, believing I'm back home. Reconnecting with old friends," Cleo smiled warmly into blue green eyes.

"So have you looked up anyone besides Darla?"

"Darla was an accident, remember. And most people are away. Like Felicia, she got a scholarship at UNLV playing ball there. We still email. She's been begging me to come visit and think about school down there. Anyone I'd care at all about seeing again isn't here. Jonnie is at Minnesota U; don't hear from her much anymore. But Clark says he thinks she comes home for holidays like Christmas," Cleo shrugged.

"Well, guess I'm lucky no one's around much but me or I probably wouldn't have gotten you on the slopes huh?"

"Nah, shooshing is fun, especially with you. It's hard to live here and not like skiing. I never really gave it a chance plus never had such a good teacher," Cleo winked.

"Yeah, I'm helpful," Mindy couldn't help but say that.

Cleo looked up at her comment then looked around the room and back at her plate obviously not sure what to say, then excused herself, "You know, I need to ah hobble to the restroom, be right back."

Then it was Mindy's turn and when she got back she asked if they should get going.

"Let's have coffee or coco, Ooooo have you had Irish coffee, its really good?"

The coffee came with a piece of cheese cake and the restaurants servers singing a round of happy birthday.

"Cleo, thanks for skiing with me. It was fun, made my birthday weekend a lot better than it would have been."

Cleo asked, "So you going to your sisters tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I think. She's gonna call me tomorrow about what time. We're having dinner; it'll probably be her ordering pizza."

"I hope it's not too whinny."

"You and me both. I feel bad you know, I should be happy to go see my niece and nephew instead of dreading it. I'm too selfish."

"Hey, stop talking like that about my Mindy friend."

"You don't have a nerf ball in you're pocket do ya," Mindy smiled.

"Listen not liking whinny kids isn't selfish, it's sane. I like playing with kids but not the whining and the gum in the hair, the arguing, and the not being able to go to the bathroom without a knock on the door, geesh."

Mindy rolled her eyes, "So what about you Cleo, is the kid thing in your future, handsome guy, white picket fence, or should I say beach house?"

"Definitely not the desert, Gods. You know my body needs that hot bath, can we think about going?"

As they were driving home, "You sound like your stay here won't be long," Mindy wasn't surprised.

"It'll be as long as me and my dad need to reconnect and heal I guess. The healing part, that's not so fun. But I know its necessary, gotta find peace before I can find that beach house."

"I'm sorry honey. Have you and he talked any more?"

"You know Mind; he hasn't changed a thing in their bedroom either. I've stayed away from it you know, but had to go in there the other day to use the restroom. God, I got out of there as quick as I could. But it felt like running again. Its just man, her clothes are still in the closet, her perfume, her hair brush, like she's still there or he's waiting for her return," Cleo shook her head frustrated.

"Wow, I'm sorry sweetie. Wish I could do something, I'm sorry."

"I talked to him some. We both said we needed to work on things. I was surprised cause it's the first time he really said much about her except how I look like her, or how I talk like her and you know."

"My offer stands you know, if you need some space, you can crash on my couch, surf the net or watch skiing on TV. I've got plenty to do to keep me outta your hair."

"Hmmmmmmm, yeah I can see how you think you're sooooooo selfish, offering me your space, vacating your house so I can chill, wow, you're so shallow."

Mindy chuckled, "Okay, okay, you can nominate me for Sainthood, but I think they might vote for Mother Theresa first."

"Well, I'll hold off on the nomination so they won't fight over who should come first. Seriously, thanks for being there honey. It's good to know I can just call or crash you know. I really appreciate it. You're a keeper," Cleo smiled.

"I know, a real helpful friend. I wonder if Vince found someone to help him out?"

"No doubt."

"You can't blame me for asking, what is your type Cleo. Not Kent, not Jake, not Vince, are you into computer nerds or something?"

Cleo laughed, "I've hung out with them all Mindy, nerds, jocks, military WhooAhhh, surfers, players, intellects, dreamers, I even went out with some. But I just went out with them didn't seriously date except one guy. We were friends more though, Clyde. My sophomore year, we were buds, and when I quit school we were still buds. We dated about a year ago for like 5 months. He surfs and he's kind of bookie, he'll graduate this summer with a Bachelors. He's fascinated with other cultures and is saving money to travel. Wants to go to New Zealand and study the Maori tribes there for his Masters. He's a good guy, but well, I guess it wasn't meant to be. He still emails me, we're still friends, that's what we're best at I guess."

"You talked about him some; I think you said he's a good conversationalist. Can talk about a lot of different things. So um, you like sports with a brain huh?"

"Sports are not essential, but the brain part helps all the other parts I've learned," Cleo chuckled, "And you what's your type, Dee Dee anywhere close?"

"Ah, not so much. Great friend, but um not into anything too consistent. Variety is her spice of life I guess."

"Okay, so not Dee Dee. You like um snow bunnies?"

"Snow bunnies, Gods, you and snow bunnies. I guess my type is well someone I can trust, someone who is sweet and thoughtful, someone who makes me laugh and feels comfortable. Sound boring?"

"Sounds warm and nice. So ah, is it true, do lesbians own stock in U-Haul?"

"Ha, some of them for sure. But not all, some of us hang onto independence a little tighter. Dee Dee says its cause I haven't met the right one and when I do I'll be a stock holder. I don't know, it takes time to trust I think, so they're not on speed dial," Mindy joked.

As they pulled into her apartment complex Mindy was surprised, "God, usually I hate that trip. Can't get home fast enough, long drive. But then I'm usually alone, thanks for the company. Thanks for the whole day Cleo or I guess I should say for the last several weeks. First flowers and now skiing. For what it's worth, I'm really glad you're back at least for a while. I missed you. Emails are cool, but nothings better than the real deal. Skiing with you was the best birthday gift I could of gotten, thanks sweetie, I know it was expensive. Lunches are on me for a while, k?"

"Hmmmmmmm, we'll see beautiful birthday girl."

She helped Mindy with her skis and the apartment door. Cleo gathered her in a big warm embrace. Mindy got that same feeling as when they were in front of the mirror and Cleo again took in a deep breath and didn't show any sign of letting her go. So Mindy stayed put wrapped up in long arms, and noticed a rather fast heart beat from the tall woman.

After a time she heard, "Skiing was fun; remind me on Monday that I said that. And bring the Ben Gay or the Icy Hot," the woman chuckled softly.

Then she slowly and reluctantly withdrew but before walking to the car she took Mindy's hand and looked deep into her eyes, "Happy Birthday sweetheart," then she kissed a small hand and said, "Thanks for being so um helpful today," she grinned and wiggled her eyebrows then walked to the car.

Before getting in the car Cleo smiled becomingly at the woman standing in the doorway, "Hope tomorrow isn't too bad, good luck."

Mindy managed a smile while she was staring at the gorgeous woman wondering what to make of their friendship. As Mindy waved goodbye she was mentally dialing Dee Dee's phone number.

"Girl, I can buy the flowers as friendship, but oh baby, not all the rest. The confetti, the card, what it said, the hearts, and giving you a key. Hell honey she's been flirting with you. Especially today Mindy baby. She did not have to kiss you to get the point across, that's beyond flirting. And kissing your hand, twice. Let me tell ya honey, she was drinkin you in when we were dancing."

"I admit, today was really out there. I mean, friends do a lot of things, but kissing like that, um I just don't know. I mean, I don't want to lose a friend Dee. I need her friendship you know. She's going through a lot right now. She's made it clear this isn't long term being here, that she's here to help her dad and herself, to heal. I get the idea she needs a friend, not romance."

"Look, she needs a friend sure, but Mindy, ain't nobody needed a friend quite like that, you know. Seems like she can't help herself girl. Got you under her skin sounds like."

"Maybe she's confused you know. She needs to be loved in this difficult time and its just turning into more than she maybe understands. Maybe she just likes flirting. Not really like that in school but people change. Maybe she is curious, but I don't want to be an experiment, not with her. I don't want to lose a friend that way," Mindy sounded very concerned.

"Now Mind, you know me, I'd give her as much TLC as she wanted baby. But with you, well you need to get down to it you know, be honest, tell her you need to know what's happening."

"What if she gets defensive or offended or embarrassed and we like don't talk much after that. I still think I shouldn't say anything yet. If she kisses me again okay, but I just want to be careful," Mindy sounded a bit at a loss.

"Listen, blue eyes can take honesty. You can be all sensitive like you do, but honey; you got a right to know. She's got to understand, normal friends don't act the way you two carry on. Hell, I saw the attraction right away, but didn't want you to break my arms. So I was cool. But now, Mindy, you need to bring it up baby, gentle like you do so sweet and all. Hell me, you know I'd tell her to spill it," Dee Dee sounded frustrated with the gentle approach.

"We'll see."

"Girlfriend, I know I like the ladies. But ain't no way anyone would say different. You should call Pemmy. You know she's a straight shooter honey. Damn if she wouldn't say the same thing. With all that's happened, Pemmy, anybody would say the same, she's into you. You just need to know how come and how much girl."

"I'll keep you posted. And I might just call Pemmy. I don't know. For now Cleo needs a friend and that's what I plan on being," Mindy sounded fairly certain.

"You gonna kill me girl. Don't make me come down there and interrogate gorgeous."

"I'd definitely break something Dee."

"Oh baby, I know you would, you bruised my arms. I should a took pictures, sued for assault and battery."

"You're right without pictures, you're just whining."

"OOUCH. Damn what I take from you short stuff. Talk to blue eyes, I only have so much patience. Sweet dreams and um definitely do all I would do with gorgeous in those dreams baby," Dee Dee chuckled.

"You're hopeless. I'll call you, pet Banjo for me, love you bye."

The whining was prevalent and dinner was soggy pizza from Domino's, she even had to pay for the cake herself and get the kind the kids liked, bubble gum frosting wasn't her idea of a happy birthday cake. Mindy wanted to drop by Cleo's and say hi but she decided she needed the time, Monday was soon enough to see the beautiful woman who kept kissing her.

She had a big surprise when she opened her door. In the middle of the living room there were pink rose petals surrounding a large awkwardly wrapped birthday gift. There was also a smaller box on top of the large package wrapped in the same paper. And though there was no card the pink petals made her know it was Cleo.

Mindy had introduced Cleo to her next door neighbor yesterday morning. The woman next door was a sweet old lady, who had a key to everyone's apartment because she'd been there so long. There wasn't a landlord on the premises but the older woman had a master key. Mindy had a few occasions to use that key over the last few years and she reasoned that must be how Cleo gained access to her apartment.

Mindy tore open the large package first and it was a pet carrier. She noticed the lock on the front and got out her key, sure enough the key fit. Inside was a book, Dog's for Dummies. The smaller package was actually only smaller in comparison to the carrier; it contained an entire pink ski outfit, complete with goggles, gloves, socks and a head band. Mindy looked but there was no card. She couldn't believe how much money Cleo must have spent on her birthday, the ski day, the carrier, the outfit, all was a pretty price tag, especially for someone scrimping to get her own place.

She just sat there and thought of all that had happened since Cleo had come back. Mindy had never received so much attention in her life. She felt so spoiled and she thought of those blue eyes, how many times they seemed to look deeply into her own. She cried, wanting so badly to believe this was because Cleo felt something more than friendship. She wanted to be loved; she wanted to feel those arms around her in a warm embrace, a place of belonging, a safe place. But Mindy told herself it couldn't be true, she was afraid to let herself believe this straight woman could have any intentions other than friendship. Granted this seemed over the top but best friends did really nice things for each other.

Mindy wanted to call Cleo, but she was too emotional. She didn't want to put the woman on the spot and ask her what their relationship was. Tomorrow would be better, it was work and she promised herself it would be easier to keep the friendship in the proper perspective. The night didn't hold a lot of sleep for Mindy and Monday morning was always too early.

CHAPTER 10

Penny greeted her boss with a very warm smile, like that of a mother, a knowing mother. Mindy squinted wondering what was behind those wise eyes, "Hello sweetie, Caroline said the morning sickness was just too much for her today, so it's just you and me."

Mindy sighed, "How do you ladies do it? God, I'm gonna adopt, I just know it."

Penny just smiled and Mindy trudge to her desk where there was perhaps an answer to such a look from Penny.

There were a dozen pink roses waiting for her along with another present on her desk wrapped in the same paper her gifts of last night came in. The card was a beautiful picture that had been painted of a bunch of red ruby roses with a single pink rose in the middle and inside was written, "It would be a shame to enjoy walking among the loveliness of roses and miss the presence of beauty. I pray I never do. Happy Birthday Beautiful. Love Cleo"

She opened the present and it was a beautiful silk scarf amazingly the same rose pink as the color of the single rose on Valentines. The note on it said, "For some reason Mindy, you just remind me of pretty in pink. You never wear it, well seldom, and when you do it just fits you somehow. I've never been a fan of pink, but on you, it seems the prettiest of colors. I hope you like the scarf."

Mindy was amazed so much so that she just sat there and stared. She thought again of all that had come to her life since Cleo arrived. She didn't want to lose a friend but she decided that it was all just too much and she'd have to talk with Cleo, find out what was really behind all this. The presents, the choices, the words, the kisses, the looks, the affection, whatever it meant, she would hear it directly from Cleo, no games. This time Dee was right. But she didn't want it to be at work. So she decided to see if they could maybe chat after work, and she opened her email.

Mindy sent a message, "Cleo, I'm a little overwhelmed. It's all so nice and I love everything. You have spoiled me beyond spoiled. Thank you sweetie, thank you, thank you, thank you. Are you jetting off to home right away tonight or can we grab a coke, or even dinner or something, my treat of course?"

She didn't hear back from her friend right away and reasoned it was a busy Monday morning. But by 10 am she wondered and gave a phone call. She learned that Cleo had called in to say she had a family emergency and would call later in the day to give an update.

Mindy was alarmed and dialed Cleo's home phone but got only the answering machine. She worried about her friend and was trying not to be hurt that she hadn't been called by the woman. Mindy had a really hard time concentrating on work and finally at 12:11 the phone rang, "Hi honey. Sorry I haven't called sooner. My Aunt Glennis is in the hospital, she had a heart attack."

"Oh, no sweetie, no, your dad's sister right?"

"Yeah, he's pretty shaken up. We're at Washoe Med. It happened like at 4am in the morning. She's in ICU. I don't know Mind, I don't know, its touch and go. So I probably won't be there tomorrow either. We'll see."

"Wow, Cleo, I'm sorry sweetie. Is Clark with you?"

"Yeah, he was in the morning, but he had to go check in at work. Not the immediate family you know. Michelle has been cool. I just know my dad needs me and so I'm not budging."

"Well yeah, can I do anything? I am so sorry."

"We're stuck at the hospital for now. I hope we can go home and get some rest. Her daughter's here, I don't know them a lot, but some. Anyway, dad's here and as long as I can be I will be," Cleo sounded pretty tired.

"Call me if I can do anything honey, and updates and well if you just need to talk. I'm here. You've got my cell, so you can call anytime," Mindy hurt for Cleo.

"Thanks honey. I will. Love you. Call you later k?"

"Yeah, take care; give your dad my love."

It was 5:30pm when her cell phone rang, "Hi," Cleo sounded exhausted.

"Dad wouldn't leave the hospital but I had to come home and sleep. She was okay when I left. I'm going to bed. I'll call you later okay?"

"Sure honey, you rest. Don't worry bout me. Call when you need to. I'm here."

"Thanks, wish you were here, I could use a hug."

"By the time I got there, you'd be deep asleep. But I can come whenever you want."

"I know, I'll call you tomorrow probably. Night sweetie."

"Hugs Cleo get some sleep."

Mindy decided to make a casserole and a meatloaf and take it down to her friend when the time was right maybe the next day.

It was 10:30am, "Hey honey, how you doing, you sound a lot better."

"I convinced dad to go home and sleep as well as my cousin. I'm at the hospital. She's holding her own, but it's still iffy."

"Listen honey, I made some food. You think I can take it down at lunch time or should I wait till tonight, I don't wanna wake anybody."

"You are sooooooo wonderful sweetheart. I love you. Um, there's no way you can get to Gardnerville and back at your lunch so wait till tonight."

"No, if you think I won't wake them up, I can take some extra time at lunch no problem."

"You are too beautiful. If you want to, but you can wait," Cleo sounded so grateful.

"How bout I take off at like 3pm. I hope that's not too late. Call me if they're not gonna be at home," Mindy was so glad she could do something.

"You are so great, I'll call. I love you. Have a good day."

Mindy took the food and they were very grateful. She wanted to see Cleo really bad but didn't want to intrude. She sent her well wishes and prayers and went home. Cleo called that evening tired again giving profuse thanks, she said she'd see Mindy the next day.

Weds morning she had an email, "Tired but here. You make incredible meatloaf. Who the hell likes meatloaf? I didn't till I had yours. Wow. Thanks sweetie."

"Meatloaf has a bad rep. Glad you liked it. Hang in there. Is your dad at the hospital?"

"Yeah, I'm going there tonight after work."

Mindy got another email later in the day, "Mindy, you know, I would love to see you today, but if I did, I'd fall apart. I mean I'm trying to hold it together. But I know if I saw your sweet face I'd just bust up you know. So no offense, but can we keep it to emails today or I'm not gonna make it."

"Sure honey, whatever you need. I don't want to make it worse. I'm here for whatever. Have you heard anymore?"

Cleo typed back, "It's still the same, no change. Thanks for understanding. At some point you're gonna have a messy friend on your hands."

"No problem honey, I'm short but got big shoulders."

Mindy read, "Counting on it. P.S. Glad you like the flowers and stuff. Take a rain check on dinner k?"

"Don't worry bout that. You're families what counts."

Mindy felt warm reading the email, "You count too sweetie, don't you think different. Thanks for being so good to me."

"That's um my line," Mindy smiled at her monitor.

"J J J J"

The week passed with emails and updates and phone calls. Mindy made more food and had Penny take it down to Cleo on Friday.

There was an immediate email from Cleo, "Um, you keep this up and I'm gonna ask you to marry me just so I can have your wonderful cooking. And here I thought I was big stuff making spaghetti. Thanks for humoring me."

"I wasn't humoring you, I loved your spaghetti. And I'll take another side of if with my next washing. Oh and I'm not sure cooking is a reason to get married, but um thanks for the thought, it's the closest I've ever gotten to a proposal," Mindy had wishful thoughts.

"I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd propose if those snow bunnies got a taste of your talent with food. I'll call you this weekend, I'm hoping for a change. The docs say the longer the better but no guarantees. Thanks again beautiful, I love you."

"Ditto," Mindy's message was short wishing she could spill her guts but knew it wasn't time.

Saturday Mindy sent flowers and a get well card and Sunday was a good phone call, "You are too sweet Mindy. I can't believe you. We're still not outta the woods but she woke up. The docs say it's a good sign. I'm catching up on some sleep and I think I've gained weight Miss Chefy."

"You'll chase off any pounds soon enough. We'll go skiing again."

"Not anytime soon, I'm still bruised some on my butt. God's you gotta really love skiing or the person your with I guess. Its brutal honey."

"Oh, and having to wrap your knee, getting clobbered in the face fighting for a rebound and being whapped by monster waves, that's just a walk in the park compared to skiing," Mindy's tone wasn't quite as sarcastic as her words.

"Ouch, you um got my number huh? Hmmmmmmm, good thing you're so adorable."

"Short has its advantages," Mindy was grinning.

"Ha ha. I love you. I'm ah gonna catch some Z's. See ya tomorrow."

"Sweet dreams."

Monday mornings still had the ungodly early quality but Mindy was hoping see ya tomorrow wasn't just a phrase. She smiled at the cappuccino on her desk, the email said, "Monday's can we skip em. Morning beautiful. Hey do they make decaf cappuccinos? I've heard tons about how bad caffeine is for ya and well, I'm puttin you on notice, I'm determined to detox your veins honey. We can start slow, like only ¾ cup a cap for like a week, then the next week we back off to like half a cup and the next week a ¼, you get the idea. I know I've got a lotta nerve but well, there could be lots at stake you know. So humor me."

"Oh my God, you want me to face Monday morning without the caffeine jolt. Caroline will hurt you, you know."

"I'm tough. It's worth it. Hey see ya at 3pm break?"

Cleo came in at 3pm with a sign hanging around her neck, it was a coffee cup with a red slash thru it and she went down on her knees clasping her hands in front of her and sticking her bottom lip out as far as possible.

Mindy rolled her eyes, "Caroline, see, I told ya she was serious."

"Listen Cleo, can this wait till I'm on maternity leave," Caroline looked desperate.

Cleo sighed, "Is it really that bad, I mean, I'll need to sample a full blown Monday morning."

"Fine, but I'm gonna have to hide you in a corner so she doesn't put on a good front cause you're here."

"I am not that bad, God, like I have a whip or something," Mindy protested.

Cleo got up off her knees and pulled Mindy into a hug looking at Caroline, "You should know, I'm a bit protective of this one. Kinda my favorite person and all."

"No kidding," Caroline smiled and looked back at her monitor.

Cleo's grasp was warm and almost strong, she didn't let go very soon and though they were at work, Mindy didn't care. Cleo took a deep breath again and cleared her throat after a moment, "Okay my adorable short friend, I better get back."

Cleo pulled away quickly and turned towards the door without looking at Mindy, but stopped before she left and looked in the blonde's direction briefly, her voice cracked, "See ya tomorrow, honey," then she left.

The next morning there was a Frappuccino and an email, "Hi you. Well Aunt Glennis is awake and has even eaten some bland broth. My cousin has probably taken her first breath in this whole time and I think my dad has a glimmer of hope. But again we aren't out of the woods. I'm tired and I was wondering if you have a good stock of Kleenex and a few spare hours this weekend."

"As much Kleenex as you need and as many hours as you want sweetie," Mindy was worried about her friend. Cleo needed a long good cry and she was still trying to hold on.

"Thank you beautiful, wonderful friend of mine. I, well, I think I'll skip the hug today. Sorry but I just can't, not yet."

"You know whatever you need," Mindy felt bad that Cleo was straining so hard.

"I love you Mindy."

Mindy looked at the monitor, she knew that Cleo said this as a friend, and she would be that for Cleo, but Mindy also knew her own heart had become too involved and she was in trouble.

CHAPTER 11

The Aunt improved over the week, not fully recovered but the doctors were finally optimistic. There were many emails but no personal visits. Mindy understood, but she hurt about it too. She wanted to be there for her friend but consoled herself that this emailing was how Cleo needed that friendship.

Friday came and when she walked out to the car a tall woman was waiting.

"Hey you. Are you um busy tonight," Cleo sounded tentative.

"Yeah, washing my hair," Mindy grinned.

"Really, which one, you've got so many."

They grabbed a bite to eat and went back to Mindy's.

Cleo was quiet yet seemed nervous, "Do you have movies, like a chick flick or something?"

Cleo selected Forest Gump.

Mindy giggled, "We need a box of chocolates."

Cleo smiled, "Nah, just that Kleenex you promised."

Mindy brought out several boxes of extra soft Kleenex and when Forest's mom died, Mindy had her hands full of a deeply sad woman. Cleo was right; she needed a lot of Kleenex and many hours.

Through the tears Cleo talked about her mom.

"At first I was numb you know. I wanted to just leave, get away. Mom had left, she had said goodbye, she apologized, made me promise to love my dad and brother, told me over and over again how proud she was of me, how much she loved me, and then she died. I didn't want to be mad, but I was. I hated life you know. I wanted to get away from it, and I did. I ran, went to Hawaii to forget and remember. It was weird. Like if I was there, she was closer somehow, and I could just live my life somehow away from the reality that she was really dead. It seemed like I left it back here. But eventually it came, the knowing, she was gone. It was good to be there with my Aunt then, cause it cushioned it some. I quit school cause I couldn't concentrate. I cried a lot at the beach, somehow that was closer to my mom and not. I mean here, here, it's the final deal you know. No more running, this is where she died, it's not distant, across the ocean. Hawaii is so much where she lived, grew up. Here, here is where she died. Here is where my life ended with her. She's really really gone. And I think my dad feels it too. Its time. No more running…………………."

Cleo wept and Mindy held her gently, kindly, firmly, though she couldn't help but be a little jealous. If her mom died, she wasn't sure how soon she'd be notified and she wouldn't grieve the loss really, not the loss of life, more the loss of never really having a mom who deeply deeply loved and cared for her.

Cleo talked and Mindy listened. She slept and Mindy held her. The next morning Cleo cried more and Mindy held her again. After a shower, Cleo came and sat down with her friend, "Mindy, I'm so tired. Can we drive? Can we like go up to Tahoe and drive around the Lake?"

"Honey, you really are wiped out if you're asking me to drive. But I swear, I'll be so careful, I promise."

She was and Cleo didn't even notice. There were hardly any words during the whole trip, Cleo seemed in a different place staring out the window, but definitely not seeing the scenery, she wasn't in the present time. And still Mindy was there in every moment. They came back to the apartment and Cleo looked deep into pretty eyes out of blue eyes blurred with red, "I think I need to go home honey. Will you come with me?"

Mindy spent the rest of the weekend there; she cooked supper and breakfast and supper again. They went to the park, held hands and talked about school, about some memories of Cleo's mom, about her dad and what to do with him, how to help him, about work, about skiing. Mindy held Cleo at night too, being there as her friend. And on Monday morning Mindy drove them to work where they'd left Cleo's car all weekend.

In the afternoon she got an email, "You are the absolute best Mindy. I love you. Thank you for helping me through this. I know its not over, I know there's more still. But I think maybe there's light at the end of this tunnel. You are so amazing; I couldn't have survived this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you my friend. See ya tomorrow."

Cleo went to lunch with Brenda most of the week, though the emails were frequent and the breaks were at least once a day. Mindy didn't hear from the woman that weekend and the next week was much the same. Though they did do lunch, it was with Brenda and Michelle. The following weekend Cleo was busy helping with getting her Aunt settled back home and Mindy only heard from her once.

She knew the weekend of sorrow was intense and understood the need Cleo likely had of pulling back some. But it hurt. There was so much emotion she understood Cleo needed a break, though they were still best friends.

The next week Cleo took a few days off and spent time with her dad and there was more sorrow, and Mindy listened and she wiped away tears and gave hugs, she was as good a friend as she knew how to be. During this time there had been a few moments, Mindy had wondered if Cleo was going to kiss her again, though she hoped not. This was an emotional time of pain, not romance. So those moments passed and they always seemed to resume an easy friendship after an awkward afternoon or even a day.

The Frappuccino was mocha this Wednesday morning and Cleo asked her to lunch so they walked across the street to pick up a burger at Carl's Jr.

"It's so sweet of you to cook in someone else's kitchen honey. You sure you want to do this, I mean we can order a ham and stuff."

"I definitely don't want store bought. It'll be good to cook for people without whining in the background," Mindy looked a bit guilty.

"I'm glad you're spending it with me Mindy. I really am, it means a lot you know. I hope you're okay with it though, if you need to change plans I understand. We could spend time on Saturday," Cleo wasn't sure what Mindy wanted since her family wasn't exactly close and cuddly.

"Hey do you want a chef or not," Mindy grinned.

"The chef part is like icing. I want my friend with me, food or not, you're the one that says it can't be store bought. But if you insist Chefy, you got an assistant. What time should we start?"

"I'm making the potato salad on Saturday. If we're eating at 2pm we should start about 11am, is that gonna be okay with Auntie and everyone," Mindy inquired.

"Sounds good, so you'll have to be to my house at about 10am, k," Cleo grinned and they finished lunch.

The Easter meal was enjoyed by all, Mindy especially since pleasant family meals weren't her normal experience. Cleo drove them back to Gardnerville from Yerington and when Mindy suggested they brainstorm in the bedroom about new décor Cleo smiled and said, "Sure, but um, give me a minute before you come back, k?"

Mindy's face was a question but she nodded, Cleo said over her shoulder, "Like a full 60 seconds," and she disappeared down the hall.

Mindy knocked on the closed door at the appropriate time and heard something odd before she heard Cleo say come in.

When Mindy opened the door Cleo was sitting on her bed holding an adorable curly wigglely fur ball. At the new arrival, big chocolate brown eyes looked out of the adorable face of a white haired puppy whose ears perked up and its nose sniffed the air in an inquisitive greeting. And strapped to the back of the puppies back was a homemade heart that said, "Valentine."

Mindy was shocked, surprised, pleased and it all registered on her face as she looked at Cleo unable to say anything. Cleo let go of the furry critter that wiggled toward Mindy.

"Hello, Hello sweetheart, awwww, you're sooooooo cute, Cleo, oh my gosh. Hello," Mindy giggled as she collapsed on the bed with a wiggle worm licking her face.

After she and puppy got more acquainted Mindy sighed and looked at Cleo lovingly, "You are so unbelievable. You've had a plan all along, everything, wow," Mindy shook her head in unbelieving.

"I told you it depended on warm weather, well Spring. I know it's a little early but I kinda fell into this. Free puppy's poster at the vet. Lois knew I was looking and she saw it so I called and have had the puppy since Wednesday."

"You are sooooooo sneaky. It's been amazing, you do things like this in Hawaii," Mindy wondered if all this attention was normal, though she couldn't excuse the kissing.

"Well, I guess I can be full of surprises," Cleo winked at her friend.

"I'll give you that. God Cleo honey, thank you soooooooooooooo much, God," Mindy kept looking incredulously at her beaming friend and shaking her head, "I guess I better get this one home to my apartment. Yes I should, yes, you are so cute, ouch and your teeth are so sharp. God my apartment is sooooooo not doggie proof," Mindy rolled her eyes.

"Want some help or are you good," Cleo's tone was clearly hopeful.

They spent time moving things to higher ground and looking at the book about how to potty train. Cleo had gotten a leash and had been using it since at the apartment near a major street, Mindy would have to use it.

Mindy put the puppy on the leash and they walked Cleo to the car. It was hard to hug each other with a puppy pulling in every direction. But Mindy managed, "I can't thank you enough. I am still so amazed honey. Its fun being spoiled," Mindy reached up and kissed the tall ones cheek and gave a big squeeze while trying not to be pulled away.

Mindy might have gotten another less than platonic kiss if she hadn't been jerked away and Cleo settled for planting one on the cheek while she could, "Good luck honey. Have fun. See ya tomorrow. Bye fur ball, be good for my friend. Let her sleep Monday's are hard enough," Cleo winked.

CHAPTER 12

Monday was a sleepy morning but was helped by a cappuccino and a big long warm hug that again seemed so needed by the tall one. Mindy enjoyed it and by the smile and warmth in blue eyes so did Cleo.

Wednesday there was an email from the tall one, "Just got an email from Clyde. He's from Eugene Oregon and spent Easter with his folks. He's gonna fly down here before going back to school. Guess I'll be showing him Reno this weekend. Should be fun."

Mindy's heart sank. Since the weekend of grieving Cleo had been a little more distant, then lately things were beginning to be very close once again. But there hadn't been quite as many hugs or long looks, flirting and thanks to the dog, no kisses. Now her straight friend was going to spend the weekend with her ex- boyfriend. Mindy looked at the monitor and wondered what would a friend say.

"Wow, sounds fun Cleo. Has he ever been to Reno before?"

"Nah, He thinks they are too typical of America being the land of excess and greed. How bout break?"

"Sorry honey, I'm really busy this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow," Mindy could face Cleo right now. Her heart ached and she was not happy with herself or the turn of events.

The next day, Mindy got a hug and a warm smile at break.

Cleo's face brightened, "How is Rosie anyway," Cleo grinned at the name.

"Rosie is trying to eat anything she can find. Yesterday it was the wicker trash can by my desk. I put her food down and in minutes it's gone, like she inhales rather than chews," Mindy shook her head with a grin.

"Awww honey hers a puppy. It'll calm down when she's not growing so fast. I need to come see her. I saw your latest picture and wow she already grew I think. She's just too cute. I love her name," Cleo grinned thinking of the full name Valentine Rose Collier.

"She's the best reminder of a really great but really Loooooooong Valentines. You're just too much. I gotta say, I was surprised about the flowers at first but kinda suspected you since I couldn't possibly think of anyone else. And I wasn't shocked about the puppy completely cause of the dog carrier. That's what was the biggest surprise, coming home to find those presents in the middle of the floor. And I couldn't imagine what was in the huge gift. I was also surprised that the ski outfit wasn't um, red," Mindy grinned a bit coyly not caring if she was blushing.

"Ha, ha, I thought about that. It took me a really long time to pick but I don't know, I just kept thinking you'd be so cute in pink flying down a mountain," Cleo raised her eyebrow, "Christmas isn't around the corner, but its coming so don't count out the red."

"I really, really love everything honey. But it's too much you know, this isn't helping you get a place of your own."

"Yeah, I know. But well, I need to be there with dad. This thing with Aunt Glennis, he's trying to stay really busy and I know he's avoiding. I know the feeling. I've been slowly taking things out of his bedroom, hair ribbons, brushes, and a few nick nacks. He's noticed cause he's asked me to leave a few specific things. I think he's relieved you know. It's happening slowly and he doesn't have to be the one to do it. I'm making a package for my Aunt," Cleo got a tear in her eye and looked far away taking a deep breath, "anyway; I need to do this too. I'm where I'm supposed to be for now and thanks to you there's been great fun too. I didn't know at first if it was fun for you. Seemed like you calmed down after you knew it was me. I just wanted it to be fun and keep you wondering, I thought it was more mysterious. I love roses, so pretty and I love the scent of them, guess they remind me of you. And you um, apparently liked it and that makes me happy."

Mindy looked long at her friend and Cleo looked warmly back, then down at the ground a little self conscious. Mindy just couldn't tell what was up with her friend. She wanted to have that chat, but now with the ex-boyfriend visit coming she didn't know that there should be a chat, but those looks were kind of hard to understand. Maybe Cleo was confused too.

"I ah, should get back sweetie. See ya later," Cleo squeezed her hand and seemed reluctant but left.

Mindy brooded about their friendship but tried to concentrate on work and a new puppy was a great distraction. She needed to call Dee Dee, maybe even talk to Pemmy one of Dee Dee's good friends.

Thursday they went to lunch and she heard more about Clyde. Cleo seemed excited, "Gonna pick him up at 7pm his flight lands. He's pretty excited. He begged me to come home for the holidays with him even before we dated, but I wasn't ready. He mentioned quite often that he would love to come see the area I grew up. Always called me his desert flower. It'll be great to see him. Any plans for you this weekend?"

Mindy lied, "I think I'll spend it with Dee some. She is dying to see poochy," she hadn't yet but was planning on calling the woman to see if she could come up and have a long talk with her friend.

"Is she glad you finally got a doggie friend," Cleo smiled.

"Oh, yeah, she's been wanting me to get a dog for a long time. Says she can't live without her Banjo. I lived with Dee Dee a few times a few months each. Banjo is adorable, but um, I'm not quite as into it as Dee. She lets the dog lick her ice cream sometimes before she's done with it and well, there's limits ya know."

Cleo's eyes were a bit unbelieving showing she agreed with Mindy, "Um, Ewwwwwww. Yeah, limits, glad to hear you've got those limits."

"She claims dogs have cleaner mouths than humans, but ah, nah I don't buy it, I've seen where their tongues have been you know," Mindy's face was pinched.

Cleo laughed in agreement.

"So you haven't mentioned Clyde too much, do you get a lot of emails from him," Mindy tried to sound casual.

"He sends like an email a week. Teases me about how good the surf is. He knows it kills me and he loves it the rat. He's working on me to come out for his graduation. We'll see, I want to, I really do. It'd be a full visit though, between his graduation, Aunt Lelah, and Rita. He's in Honolulu, Auntie in Kauai and Rita in Maui; I'd be traveling a lot. I kinda think it'd be good if dad goes. I don't know if I could convince him of it, but it might be good for him, hard but good. Only, I doubt I'll have that much time built up by then. I think graduation is before Memorial Day, I'm not sure. I might go just for a long weekend, only that's a lot a money for a little time. I'll find out this weekend."

"Do you know others graduating," Mindy wished her inquiry was innocent.

"Nah, haven't stayed in touch with folks from college much except Clyde."

"Not everyone can be good friends after they've dated, so you two must get along pretty well," Mindy was so fishing and felt guilty and frustrated.

"I guess the dating thing was and is just bad timing. He's a really great guy," Cleo smiled a bit self consciously.

Mindy suspected there was more to the story and that perhaps the romantic part of the relationship wasn't over. She tried not to feel bad about it and certainly kept her face as impartial as possible.

"Well, maybe your timing will improve in the future, you never know," Mindy kept telling herself that's what friends say, they're encouraging. Friends want friends to be happy.

"Yeah, maybe, but timing isn't everything. Let's not ah come here again. Not my favorite, I don't know why I thought things would of changed. I just didn't want to drive somewhere, thought we'd have more time this way. We did but," Cleo looked dubiously at her unfinished hamburger, "Can't help but long for meatloaf right now," she grinned.

"Next time I make meatloaf I promise to make two, one for you and one for me and Rosie."

"Ohhhhh, now I am full blown envious of Rosie, she gets tons of hugs as it is and now she gets meatloaf too. Wonder if I could grow fur," Cleo looked at her arms and crazy eyed back at her friend.

"Ummm, no, not necessary. Stay away from testosterone pills blue eyes, I'll make you as many meatloafs as you want and hugs are free too."

They were back at work now and before Cleo took the stairs she said, "Consider it a standing order then, meatloaf as often as you want to cook it and hugs, lots and lots and lots of hugs."

Cleo picked her up off the ground playfully in a big bear hug; Mindy's feet dangling and swaying with Cleo's motion. The woman put her gently back down with a dazzling smile, "I'll email ya later sweetie. But tell Dee Dee hi for me," Cleo winked before she began descending.

Mindy walked slowly back to her desk thinking a phone call to Dee Dee right this moment wasn't outta the question so she dialed and got voicemail. The woman was likely at work. She hadn't even told the woman about the puppy cause she knew Dee Dee would have to see the little furry friend immediately and she wanted some time for that, so this weekend was looking like the perfect time for it.

The arrangements had been for her to spend the night Friday night and come back home Saturday after Dee Dee took off for work.

Friday afternoon before Dee Dee left for work Mindy showed up with an over night bag packed along with doggie toys, a bed and treats.

"Ooooooo she is too cute. Come here you little doll. Oh she's so adorable, look at those eyes; I'm weak in the knees. Banjo, down, I know it's a friend. Come over here…….." Dee Dee hadn't even said hello to Mindy.

The woman was introducing the two furry critters being quite protective of the shiatsu puppy mix. And they went out to the patio. Dee Dee lived in a two bedroom duplex, she own both halves. It had originally been a two bedroom home and the other half of the duplex had been added almost like an attached mother-in-laws quarters. So the back yard had no fence, it was open to both she and the tenant, though it had her furniture and she had plants everywhere and enjoyed gardening. The doggies were getting on well and Dee Dee had to get to work. She was an occupational therapist and worked one weekend a month so she'd also be working tomorrow at the hospital.

"Gotta run baby. But you know your way around. Be home at 10:30pm if ya wanna wait up," she lightly kissed the blonde on the lips, which wasn't uncommon, and jetted out the door.

Mindy smiled and thought about that kiss, it was nothing like the kisses she'd gotten from Cleo. Dee Dee was a friend; it was like kissing a sister or something. No long looks, no warmth, no lingering moments. The dogs became best buds, though Banjo was a little territorial if it was chow time. She had to feed them in separate places.

Dee Dee came home and threw off her shoes and had some chill time though Mindy was still awake. The blonde was crashing in Patrick's room. He was Dee Dee's on and off roommate. They were cousins and he was off on some adventure, which was not uncommon of him.

"Any word from the wonderer," Mindy smiled as her friend walked into the bedroom.

"Ain't seen him in a moon. You know he's too busy baby, him and his piece of nice gay ass, he's too busy. Though I'm expectin him crawling back home any day. Damn he could a called the cousin, but no, so I ain't worrying. Surprised he hasn't called pleading for cash, must a found a sugar daddy. I do know he's in Phoenix, well he was, who knows now. Whatcha watching short stuff?"

"I love the naked chef, he's got good ideas and they're not so extravagant you can't keep up."

Dee Dee looked interested at the TV then scrunched her face, "Patrick would be disappointed."

"No, he's not into showing the goods despite the title, the only thing naked are the raw fruits and veggies," Mindy grinned.

"You need help baby. Here I got gay porn and all the CD's of the L Word that's come out and you watching cooking shows and people with clothes on," Dee Dee rolled her eyes playfully.

"No use in waking anything like that up you know. The chef is safe," Mindy sounded sad.

Dee Dee plopped on the bed an brushed a cheek, "Come on baby, what's on? Talk to Dee Dee, spill."

So Dee Dee heard about the presents in the middle of the living room, another dozen roses, pretty in pink, the beautiful card and what it said It would be a shame to enjoy walking among the loveliness of roses and miss the presence of beauty. I pray I never do. Happy Birthday Beautiful. Love Cleo, the weekend of sorrow, Easter, the puppy, the long looks, warm hugs, almost getting a kiss but the puppy interfering.

"And so what's the question. Gods baby this gorgeous woman couldn't be more interested in you if you had a penis, huge biceps, facial stubble and your name was George Straight," Dee Dee looked at the girl as if she was touched in the head.

Mindy rolled her eyes and shook her head, she was trying to still pout and not laugh at her funny friend. Then she sobered, "Okay, then you're saying no worries that she's excited about spending the weekend with her ex-boyfriend."

Dee Dee looked surprised and waited for more.

"She is still good friends with her ex Clyde. He emails her like once a week. His family is in Oregon so he's routing his trip back to Hawaii through here so he can see Cleo and where she grew up. I guess meet her dad and brother, whatever. And Cleo seemed excited about it. She might still have feelings for him and I'm mad at myself cause I should be happy for her and all I'm thinking about is me," tears were in Mindy's eyes.

And wisely Dee Dee said nothing, gathering her in loving arms and encouraged her to cry. It felt good to be heard and cared about. And the next morning Mindy cooked breakfast at 11am to Dee Dee's delight and Pemmy's as well since Dee Dee had called in her sensible friend to encourage Mindy.

Mindy was still cooking when her cell phone rang, "Hi Mindy! How are you sweetie?"

"Hi Cleo. I'm good. How's Clyde," Mindy was really surprised to hear from her friend.

"Ah, he's fine. So um did you introduce Rosie to Dee Dee yet?"

"Yeah, and Banjo is in love I think. Only he's not sure about the whole food thing, we need to feed them in separate places. So what's Clyde think about the desert compared to the lushness of Oregon and Hawaii?"

"Oh, um I don't know. So are you spending the whole weekend with Dee Dee," Cleo inquired and sounded a little different than normal.

"No, she's working this weekend."

"Oh, okay, um are you ah busy, I mean, do you have any free time this weekend?"

"Not doing a lot tomorrow, laundry probably. Are you okay? I thought you were busy with Clyde," Mindy was dreading the thought that Cleo might want to introduce them.

"He's ah, he's leaving tomorrow, early and I miss you so I thought maybe I could see you, I hope, I mean if it's okay, I……….."

"Like I said, my big plans involve hanging wet clothes, oh joy, I can't wait. You can come over if you want, play with Rosie so she won't attack the clothes. I'm afraid of that; you know she's always into everything. I love her but it's a major life adjustment. She's worth it though. So call me when you want to come over."

"When do you get up?"

"Um, okay I don't know. It used to be when I wanted to, now it's when she wants me to," Mindy chuckled.

"Okay, um are you coming home today then?"

"Yeah, this afternoon."

"You are! Well okay good. Um, yeah, then Sunday I guess. I mean Clyde doesn't leave till Sunday so, I'll be up early, his plane, well anyway. How bout lunch, is 12 good," Cleo sounded hopeful.

"That's fine. Are we going out for a bite or do you want some meatloaf," Mindy chuckled.

"Oh, wow, that's tempting. A rain check on that I hope. Um I could treat you to lunch. Think about where you'd like to go. The Lake, some place nice maybe. It's been a while and I won't let you order the prime rib this time."

"What's the occasion, you're always treating me. If you want to go to a nice place, maybe I can save for it. Sorry I'm not usually this strapped; it's just that I spend my extra on skiing. Summer is better, not that you have to wait till then. Next pay check," Mindy promised.

"Oh, I, well I'd love to go to the Lake. It's really gonna be beautiful tomorrow like today and I brought…….. Well I'm at the Lake now and it's so great, so beautiful you know. And I thought of you. I just, well last time we were here, it was night and we didn't see the Lake. I think I forgot how gorgeous it is. Anyway, I can't think of you doing laundry on such a beautiful day. Even if you don't have time for the Lake, I must get you out in the sunshine. So, think about it. I'll call tomorrow, K?"

"Sure honey. I hope you have a nice time today Cleo. Clyde's gotta like the Lake better than desert. Enjoy," Mindy was trying to be the encouraging friend.

"Yeah I guess. I miss you. Be safe going home honey. Call my house if you don't mind just to say you landed safely. I um, can't wait; I mean it'll just be so good to see you. Be careful. See ya soon sweetie," Cleo sounded reluctant to go.

"I'll be a good girl worry wart. I'll call. Bye honey," Mindy hung up wondering what was up with Cleo. The woman sounded so different and they'd just seen each other a day ago.

Mindy made breakfast and Dee Dee made her tell Pemmy every detail, including the phone call she'd just gotten. And Pemmy's verdict was the same as Dee Dee's, Cleo was definitely interested, Clyde had been dismissed obviously. And Mindy had every right to find out what was really happening between them.

Dee Dee threatened her before she left for work, "If you don't talk to gorgeous, you know I will baby. I mean I gotta be sure of her intentions myself you know. She maybe really beautiful, but I ain't letting another bad one get by me, you know. Ain't happening. So you get it out, cards on the table cause you don't want Dee Dee comin down there, I know that."

Mindy kissed her friend lightly, "You are too good to me Dee. Don't worry; I know we need to have a chat. I will, I promise. I can't do the limbo thing anymore. But give me some time, I'll do it in a way we can still be friends. But I'll do it."

"Yeah well, up to you it'd be Christmas. You got a month and that's generous. Blue eyes either comes clean or I clean up," Dee Dee raised warning eyebrows.

"I got it Dee. Promise," they hugged and the woman left for work.

Mindy still had a key, so she cleaned up breakfast and took her time rounding up the dog and packing her things. When she got home at 4pm there was a card at her door. This time it was a card with a beautiful Spring picture on the front of a gorgeous meadow of wild flowers with Lake Tahoe very distant in the background.

Inside there was a letter, "I was sitting at the Lake at breakfast this morning. And I just couldn't stop thinking of you, the water was sooo incredibly beautiful, the mountains in the background and I kinda shook my head at myself. I really had forgotten how beautiful it was up here. I mean we grew up around here. Remember coming to the Lake and you learned how to water ski that one year. You were great, you never gave up, and you did it. I guess I've forgotten the good things you know. I shoved everything away because I lumped it all in with the pain of losing my mom. I was dreading this, thinking it would just be one long painful road. But thanks to you, it hasn't been like that as much as I thought. And I'm finding out that there is so much more here than just pain. I was looking at the water and I kept thinking of you so much, wishing you were here, wishing I could talk to you. And there's so much I'd say. Maybe more than you'd want to hear, maybe not. There's so much I could say now, but I'd rather see you face to face. I think you don't realize how lovely you are Mindy. You have been so wonderful to me and that's what you are, beautiful and wonderful, not cause I say so, but you just are. Anyway, I hope the card is okay. The poem's about you, all the cards have been about you Mindy. You are an incredible person and I can't wait to see you tomorrow. But I'm gonna leave that up to you. If you want to come to the Lake, I'll be here. My dad's friend has a cottage up here at Glenbrook its right on the Lake. I've drawn you a map and included the phone number. I hope to see you tomorrow sweetie. If you don't come could you at least call so I know that you're safe. I'll be here. Love C."

Mindy had read the letter first, and now she looked in the card and found the poem,

Dear sweet breathtaking Mindy,

In the world there is wonder
Canyon's deep and Ocean's wide
In the world there is life
Pulsing quick in the veins of humanity
In the world there is diversity
Color and Void, Light and Dark, Good and Evil
In this world there is hope and despair
It spreads far and wide and knows no border
And in all the world there is beauty
Yet no beauty so breathtaking
As the one blooming among the flowers of my own garden

Love Cleo

At first she wasn't sure what to think, she looked at it for a long time and re read it several times, she read the letter again and thought of the poem and all the cards that Cleo had claimed were all about her.

According to this Cleo thought she was breathtaking and tears fell from her eyes. Her heart pounded faster and she looked at herself in the mirror. How could Cleo think she was breathtaking? That seemed a better fit for Cleo not her. And Mindy wanted to believe it. She wanted to believe that it all meant that Cleo loved her, that she was in love with her. But it was scary to think that, scary because she wanted it. She didn't just want to be loved; she wanted to be loved by Cleo. There had never been a person connected to that desire before. And she didn't dwell on that desire, she admitted she wanted to be loved, but everyone did. So she put it in that place of someday, the maybe category, the idea that maybe life just might surprise her, though it was probably just wishful thinking. Still she held that wish out there, loosely, not willing to let it go, afraid of what she'd have to face if she did. Now it wasn't maybe, it wasn't someday, it wasn't wishful thinking, it was something she truly, truly wanted and needed and longed for and it was with Cleo.

Mindy didn't call Cleo though she wondered if she should just drive up there right now. But she was afraid so she lay down clutching the letter and the poem both of which were re read many times over until her body finally fell asleep.

It was easier in the morning, Mindy wasn't as tired. It wasn't as frightening. She didn't read anything again though by now she practically had memorized the poem. She had promised Dee Dee and she had even promised herself. It was time to be honest and even if Cleo didn't intend it as more than friends, she was gonna tell her how come it seemed like it was more than friends. She didn't feel bad for having feelings and wanting more considering everything especially the poem and the kisses.

As Mindy found the address she took a deep breath and hoped that they could still be friends somehow. But instead of knocking on the door she looked at the trail of pink rose petals on the ground. Hesitating only briefly she began following the path. There was a pretty walk way all around the side of the house with many bushes and a few small trees along the way. The rose petals were liberally covering the ground and the walkway led all the way to the back patio, which looked out over a meadow and led down to the Lake. There was no one on the patio but there was a long stemmed pink rose in single vase sitting on the table. Mindy looked at the rose and then out to the meadow wondering if Cleo was at the Lake, she hadn't called nor told her when she'd be arriving and it was 10am.

Then she heard the sliding glass door open behind her so she turned around.

Cleo smiled warmly though she looked a bit self conscious, "I ah, didn't know if you'd follow the rose petals or knock………."

There was a long pause as they just looked at each other and finally Cleo said, "It's so good to see you. I ah, thanks for coming. It's um, so beautiful here, the meadow and well, no flowers yet but its early Spring," Cleo kind of shrugged her shoulders and looked away at a loss.

Mindy didn't look around she kept looking at Cleo, "You're right it is beautiful. I know it's probably early, you didn't say what time and…………."

"Now's good, it's great, its, I'm just really glad you came. I mean I ah, I really wanted to see you," Cleo swallowed and wrung her hands a bit.

"Is ah, well, is hugging, can I, is it still okay………hugging is hugging okay," Cleo seemed to hold her breath.

Mindy smiled at the woman who almost looked petrified, "Um, as far as I know. I don't think I have koodies, showered and everything, even had coffee."

Cleo let out her breath and smiled a bit relieved but she still hadn't moved so Mindy slowly leaned forward and took the first step smiling warmly at her friend who seemed so unsure. Mindy reached out and Cleo stepped in leaning down to where if she just stood up, she'd lift Mindy off the floor. At first it was tentative by Cleo and then she held on a little tighter.

Mindy squeezed a little more too and Cleo let out a sigh almost as if relieved and said after a time, "I guess I should let you go and offer you coffee or something."

"There's no time limit on hugs Cleo, but at some point you might need to let me go to the bathroom."

Cleo chuckled and pulled back some but as soon as the blue green eyes found hers the smile was gone, her breath became shallow and the woman stammered, "Okay, um, I can………show……inside," Cleo stammered though made no move to let her go.

Their look was pretty intense and Mindy prayed she was reading this right but just in case she tried to be light hearted about it, "Okay now see, I ah, well being a lesbian and all, when you look at me like that, it's a little fuzzy for me, not sure if you want to kiss me or you've had a slight seizure and you can't move………."

Cleo smiled and looked a bit relieved, "Well, its, its more the kissing part, thing, that, I mean I guess I've had a seizure too cause I can't talk, but I still want to kiss you," though she made no move to do so.

Mindy looked a bit amused, "So the kissing, would that be now or sometime in the near future or shall we have coffee and chat or…………….."

But before Mindy could continue Cleo's lips were on hers and their kiss was warm, Cleo held her a little closer and Mindy responded and the kiss became more urgent. They pulled apart a little breathless and Cleo cupped Mindy's face in one of her hands looking deeply, "I love you Mindy, I do."

Mindy smiled a little unsure, not really able to believe this could truly happen and she searched the blue eyes and got kissed softly, then again with increasing passion until a warm tongue was caressing her own.

When they separated Cleo declared breathlessly, "I love you. I'm…………in love with you Mindy, I am."

Mindy took in her breath and almost looked shocked, trying to register that this was real that she'd heard right and she feared for a second she was dreaming.

Cleo saw the hesitation the uncertainty and she held the woman a bit more firmly looking deep into pretty eyes, "Look I know I'm not, I haven't, I didn't come here to fall in love Mindy. I didn't expect to find love, to find you this way. But I did and I am in love with you. I am."

Cleo paused looking deeply longingly, then kissing the sweet lips and again it became urgent and passionately loving. This time as they parted Cleo wrapped her in and intense hug, holding the back of Mindy's head with one hand and the other wrapped around the small body, "I love you Mindy, I love you so much I can't even understand how much."

Cleo looked at the sweet face, "Mindy, you know, I didn't plan this. Its just, yesterday I'm sitting by the Lake at breakfast with Clyde. It was absolutely breathtaking; I've never seen it so beautiful. I kept thinking of you Mindy, I wanted to go skiing with you, or sit by the Lake or anything. Clyde was talking and I looked over at him and I just knew, I didn't want to be here, anywhere with him, I wanted it to be you. It just came over me you know, everything since I got back and I knew, I knew that it was you I wanted Mindy. I've fallen in love with you honey."

Cleo held her breath and looked at her sweet beautiful friend who was so much more. Mindy was still trying to believe what was happening, what she was hearing and feeling and seeing, "Cleo, it's just so overwhelming you know. I mean, I've just been telling myself that it couldn't be. Especially with Clyde coming, you've had a relationship with him and I know we're friends. I want you to be happy, but there's been so much with you and me since you came home. It's kind of hard to grasp you know………." Mindy looked scared and hopeful searching blue eyes again.

And Cleo looked a little desperate, "Mindy, I love you. Its, it's not a phase. I didn't like wake up and say oh Mindy's cute and I think I'll try women. No. No, God no. Mindy, I love you; I've fallen in love with you. I mean God, I'm so gone, you don't even know. You are so beautiful, who you are, the person you are, and I love you Mindy, you are breathtaking. I know it's a lot. And I know I've never been with a woman. But it's not about sexuality. I'm not like in some crisis other than being completely head over heels in love with you. I swear to you Mindy, I love you for real in every way," Cleo's eyes were pleading and she was short of breath.

Mindy stroked the woman's face tenderly looking deeply into blue eyes and they both fell into another kiss. After several moments they held each other breathlessly.

Cleo tried to lighten things a bit, "Don't make me rent a U-Haul to prove I'm serious."

Mindy laughed and Cleo's smile was more radiant that ever.

After a long time staring into each others eyes, Mindy looked a bit self conscious, "Cleo, I've got to be honest, I'm a little scared at how much I want this with you. U-Haul or not," Mindy grinned slightly and had a tear in her eye, "I love you too Cleo. I…………love you too."

Sunday involved a lot more kisses and a lot more sharing between two people in love with one another. The U-Haul wasn't spoken of again that day, but the future was. And they both silently suspected that renting an orange and white truck wouldn't be too far distant in that future together.

The End