http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-HpRNImMjdKXScrB5a_dmBmRN4BBR
Click to join Lesbian_SuperHeroesEarly morning sunrises in Arizona are the best. That’s what Hannah loves the most about this desert state. Every morning around 5am with coffee in hand she stands on the porch and looks across miles of plains watching as the sun drips light through the sky. This morning was no exception, as she stood there with her coffee. Her five foot and eleven inch frame relaxed with the sounds of the birds and serenity of the critters that poked their heads to check the plains for breakfast.
After thirteen years of being married life doesn’t get any better, she headed back into the house. Watching Ruth in her morning attire, she looked beautiful. The brown hair flowing as if alive and her movements graceful. They always seemed to know how to move together since the beginning, even in those tiny apartment kitchens.
Hannah retrieved the cream cheese and bagels from the refrigerator while Ruth put the coffee on the table. Sitting in the morning was one of their favorite things, no talking just being comfortable in the golden silence.
They smiled at one another, content in this peace and harmony that was their life.
“So am I ever going to get to wear that shirt?” Ruth asked, her lips turning down to show her mock frustration.
“What? I love this shirt it reminds me of you. That’s why I wear it.” Hannah said
“I know that, but am I ever going to get to wear it?” Ruth smiled.
“I haven’t worn that shirt in months you know, since that day at the park for the barbeque with our friends.”
“Hmm that was a good time wasn’t it? I really enjoyed the food.”
“Yes but the shirt. Its mine you know , so don’t get any funny ideas of confiscating it.” she said firmly, but smiling.
Hannah wisely buried herself in her coffee smiling, loving the friendly banter when she did wear it.
They quietly got up together putting all the breakfast items away. Washing up the small amount of dishes in the sink Ruth began humming. Hannah smiles loving when she does that, takes Ruth by the soapy hand and twirls her once. They come together in a dance that has perfected its rhythm over thirteen years.
“I love you, and I love this.” Hannah whispers.
Ruth looks into the eyes of her partner and softly says, “Me too.”
“But that doesn’t save you from taking my clothes. Its still my shirt.”
Laughing Hannah smiles at her partner, “Yes dear it is still your shirt, thanks for letting me wear it, again.”
When the dishes are done they head for the room to change and shower. Another wonderful Sunday with nothing to do, papers to grade or papers to write. Ruth loved their Sundays together as it was the only time during the week that Hannah worked in the yard.
Looking in the mirror she noticed another line forming around her eyes and sighed. Getting older was not one of her favorite things but seemingly unavoidable. Ruth put her hair up in a pony tail and washed her face. Today they were conquering the weeds in the flower garden. She had been after Hannah for weeks to do this but now finally they were. Ruth smiled knowing Hannah was only doing it because of the dinner party that evening otherwise she probably would have another excuse ready.
Ruth walked from the bedroom to find Hannah bent over in the closet looking for her yard boots. She smiled, that was another reason she loved Sundays working in the yard. At 37 years Hannah was still a knockout in worn blue jeans and a white t-shirt. That was Ruth’s favorite outfit on her, even more so than the tailored suits she wore to teach. Ruth would forever love her in that old garb, remembering the day she fell in love with Hannah.
Fourteen years ago in California, on Mable Murtoch’s Farm….
“Hey Mable, how are you doing this morning?” Ruth asked.
Friends for the last ten years Mable smiled that crooked smile that endeared her to many as cute and loveable.
“Hmm.. Good ? Its morning, what’s so damn good about it?”
Mable was not a morning person without coffee and a cigarette.
Ruth sat on the porch with her friend silently knowing better than to argue. The farm was a pretty place for outside of Sacramento, it made you almost forget the hustle of the city. Ruth noticed Mable was lighting another cigarette and that the coffee was half gone. She decided it might be safe to tell her best friend that she invited someone to help. She loved her like a sister, but Mable was a tough cookie. She knew that Hannah was in for some hard grilling and well no one ever seem to measure up to Mable’s expectations for Ruth.
“Sleep well?” Ruth started tentatively.
“Late night, you know , where were you last night? We always go to the club on Saturdays.” Mable eyed her knowingly. She may not be a morning person but she didn’t miss a beat. Ruth was nervous and it showed.
“Hmm? Oh Yeah well I had a date and she took me to dinner. I left you a message. Didn’t you get it?” evasive tactics, good girl Ruth.
“Message you call that a message? ‘Hey Mable, can’t make it tonight, will see you tomorrow at eight am. K? love ya.’” Mable put on her best mock Ruth voice.
“Your best friend for ten years and that’s all I get? Who is she, where does she come from. Do I know her, is this what you have been keeping from me for last two months? Details!! Sheesh you’d think I was chopped liver or something.”
Ruth smiled knowing that this was coming, she sighed. Mable was right she usually told her about everyone she dated. She had held back, she couldn’t tell Mable that her insights to her girlfriends were hard to hear. Ruth really liked Hannah and didn’t want to focus on the shortcomings that Mable would undoubtedly find.
Still her friend looked put out, and she felt bad. Ruth decided no matter what Mable would have to meet Hannah and well if she couldn’t see the good too bad. Mable would still support Ruth no matter what.
“Your right, I am sorry Mable. Please forgive my selfishness?” Ruth put on her best angelic expression.
“Quit it, of course you are forgiven. When do I get to meet her?”
“Well I invited her here today to help so you could meet her.” Ruth said.
“In fact here she comes now.” Ruth looked to the drive that led to the house watching as the truck pulled up.
“So she drives a truck huh?” Mable asked eyebrows raised.
“Don’t’ start, She loves that truck ,…..even if it is ugly.” Ruth smiled at her friend.
Hannah got out of the truck Starbucks in one hand and a brown bag in the other, smiling at Ruth and Mable. She walked up to the porch carrying the cups of coffee as something of an offering.
“I bring liquid gold to those approaching the dreaded morning.”
Hannah stated half bowing holding the parcels above her towards Mable. Ruth laughed and looked at Mable, who was taken by surprise because the offering was made at her feet.
“Well she has got your number!” Ruth laughed.
Mable recovered quickly and took the Starbucks.
“Mable this is Hannah Richey, Hannah this is Mable Murtoch my dearest and oldest friend.” Ruth made the introductions pleased that Hannah had the foresight to come bearing gifts.
“Pleasure to finally meet you Mable, Ruth has told me so much about you that I feel as though we know each other already.” Hannah stuck out her hand.
Mable took it and said “Yes it is , wish I could say the same. Ruth here didn’t mention you a bit.”
“Mable you be nice.” Ruth looked at her. Mable sighed and decided she would behave but eyed Hannah suspiciously.
Hannah gave Ruth a hug and sat down taking a cup of the coffee she brought and lighting a cigarette in smooth movement.
Mable looked at Ruth and smiled acknowledging her surrender for now. Ruth seemed to breath a sigh of relief.
