A New Beginning

by Samantha Hicks

  Laura winked. “No problem.”

  A few minutes later she placed a tray onto the table and handed Amy her Latte and muffin. For herself she got just a cappuccino. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, how have you been?” Laura asked as she added sugar to her coffee.

  “Can’t complain.” She watched as Amy broke a piece off her muffin and chewed it slowly. The motion looking strangely erotic to Laura’s mind. “I had a meeting at the school yesterday to discuss my role further and the subjects I’ll be helping out with, so that was good.”

  “When do you start?”

  “It won’t be until September, so I have the summer holidays with Aaron.”

  “I bet he’s looking forward to that,” She said then sipped her drink.

  Amy shook her head. “He’s looking forward to my dad spoiling him with crabbing and ice cream more like.”

  “Jim spoils him a lot I take it?”

  “Oh yeah, every chance he gets. After I moved home, Mum and Dad took a lot of the pressure off me and Dad really bonded with him. I think Dad really wanted a son of his own and with Aaron he gets to do all that father-son bonding stuff. It’s good for Aaron too, having a male role model in his life.” Without pausing for breath, she continued. “Tell me about your Nan.”

  “God, where would I start?” Laura leaned back in her chair and thought for a moment. “I went to live with her when I was fourteen.” She drew her brows down as she remembered coming home from school and finding her mother dead, lying on the lounge floor, needle sticking out of her arm. She had called an ambulance then her nan who arrived ten minutes later. It had been horrible. “My mother was an addict and she died of an overdose.”

  Amy tilted her head and reached out her hand placing it on Laura’s arm, giving it a squeeze. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. She was useless as a mother and I think she resented having me.”

  “I doubt that’s true.”

  “It is. She never once tried to get clean or take care of me. When I was small I spent most of my time with my nan anyway, so it only made sense I lived with her after Mum died.”

  Amy left her hand on her arm, her fingers gently stroking her. “Must have been difficult for you though, losing her.”

  She shook her head. “No, it wasn’t. She gave me life, but she wasn’t a mother to me. Nan was the best mother I could have hoped for and I loved her so much.” She smiled at the memories she had of her grandmother. “When I lived with her we had the best time. We’d go camping, fishing, snorkeling, and even did a skydive once.” She supposed she should feel sad she lost her mother, but she didn’t. Her nan more than made up for the crappy time she had living with her mum.

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah. She was the adventurous type. She was also stern and made sure I did all my homework. It was her guidance and friendship that helped me not dwell on my upbringing and concentrate on my future. I can’t believe she’s gone.”

  “How long has it been?” Amy asked before taking a huge bite of her muffin.

  “About nine months now.”

  Amy swallowed then took a gulp of her latte. “So, no other family?”

  “Nope. Just me.”

  “Your dad?”

  Laura shrugged. “No idea.” As far as she knew he was a junkie her mother had met a few times. He was probably dead too by now.

  “Aunties and uncles?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  Amy frowned, her eyebrows pinched. “So, you’re truly alone.”

  “Jesus, you make me sound like a hermit.”

  Laura watched as Amy eyes went wide. “I didn’t mean how that sounded.”

  She looked truly mortified, and if she wasn’t right Laura might have been offended. However, it was true. She had no one. That was one reason she had enjoyed having dinner with the Georges. It was nice to have a meal in a family setting with people who loved each other. She couldn’t remember ever having that with her mother. Laura usually had to cook for herself. Even as a six-year-old she could remember making her own dinner; cereals or sandwiches, while her mum was passed out somewhere in the house.

  “No, it’s okay. You’re right, I am alone. I have a few acquaintances I meet for drinks occasionally, but I don’t have a close-knit group of people I hang out with. It was always just me and my nan.”

  Amy glanced over Laura’s shoulder for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. Looking back at Laura she said, “I’m the same I suppose. After Julia...well, our friends tried to bring me out of my grief but slowly they got tired of waiting for me to be better. I shut them out, I shut everyone out. Eventually my mum came around, packed a bag for me and Aaron and I’ve been there ever since.”

  Tears gathered at the corners of Amy’s eyes and Laura’s heart broke for all the pain she had been through. And was still in evidently. “Tell me about Julia,” she asked softly.

  Amy shook her head and scrubbed her hand over her face. “I really don’t think I can. It’s not that I don’t want to, but I’m worried that if I start I’ll get too into it, and I really don’t want to end up crying on a first date.”

  Fair enough, but eventually you’ll have to tell me. “Is that what this is, a date?”

  “Um, yeah, I think it is.” She nodded firmly.

  “Me too.”

  “Which is a first for me.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “I’ve been grieving Julia for six years and never thought I would want to be with anybody else again, but somehow, I can’t get you out of my head.” She pushed her mug and plate away. “And that scares me a little.”

  “Are you worried that by liking me you’re being unfaithful to Julia?”

  “In a way yes. I loved her so much and to be thinking about another woman in that way...It’s a little unnerving. I feel like I’m letting her go and I don’t want to.”

  Laura leaned forward and took one of Amy’s hands in her own, entwining their fingers. “Amy, instead of thinking of it as moving on from her, why not think of it as moving forward? She will always be with you, but you can’t stay stuck back there forever. You deserve to be happy.”

  “But is that fair to you?”

  Laura raised her eyebrows, confused.

  “Would you not always be thinking I wish she was here with me, like on Aaron’s birthday, or Christmas? Or when we made love?”

  Laura couldn’t resist teasing her a little about that last comment. “When we make love?”

  “If we make love,” Amy corrected, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips.

  “Probably. And that’s okay. She was a big part of your life. But the fact remains you’re on a date with me. You said you can’t get me out of your head. I’m hoping that when we make love, you’ll be there with me, mind and body. Look, I know this is new for you, so we will just keep it simple and what happens will happen.”

  “What happens will happen?”

  She shrugged. “Yep.”

  “Okay.”

  Laura hoped she could believe her own words. As much as she liked Amy and the possibility of them dating, the thought of Julia always being between them didn’t sit well in her stomach. She wouldn’t blame Amy for it, how could she? Amy had spent a third of her life with her, it wouldn’t be fair to ask her to forget all about her. And not forgetting Julia was Aaron’s mother. No, Julia would be a part of their lives and it was up to Laura to prove that was okay. She just prayed that if they did ever make love, Amy would only be thinking of her and not another woman. That would crush anyone’s ego.

  “Do you want another coffee?” she asked Amy.

  “Actually, it’s a really nice day out. Would you like to go for a little walk?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  They gathered their things and headed out of the cafe. Five minutes later they were strolling along the beach front.

  #

  Amy glanced at her quiet companion. They had walked for ten minutes now and not a
word had been spoken since they left the cafe. No wonder she’s quiet. I all but stated I’d be thinking of Julia whenever we’re together. And that’s not right. Laura doesn’t need to be thinking that. If they were to start dating properly then Amy needed to get her head in the game and stop constantly worrying about Julia. She wanted to get to know her better and bringing up her deceased wife wasn’t the way to do it.

  She bumped Laura’s shoulder as they walked. “Aaron’s been bugging me all week about when you’re going to come over again.”

  “He’s very single minded, isn’t he?”

  “Yeah. Don’t know what you did to him, but he’s obsessed with you.”

  Laura bumped her back. “Just my natural charm.”

  Amy laughed. “Now that I can believe.”

  “So?” Laura asked, eyebrows raised.

  “So, what?”

  “When can I come and have a play date?”

  “Seriously? You want to have a play date with my son?”

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind if Martha wanted to cook for me again, but to be honest, Lego Batman sounds amazing.”

  By silent agreement they turned and retraced their steps back toward the cafe. “I’m not sure if you’re joking or not.”

  “Aaron is a great kid. If it wouldn’t make you uncomfortable I would love to spend an evening with your family.”

  Amy didn’t think twice about her answer. “Okay.” Laura stopped walking forcing Amy to turn around and face her. The look of shock on her face was priceless.

  “Okay? Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  Laura pushed back the hair that blew around her face by the wind coming off the sea. “Wow. I expected you’re face to get that cute angry look you get and tell me not to get too attached to him.”

  Amy folded her arms, glaring at her. “I do not have a cute angry look.”

  “You do.” Laura smirked. “Your ears get all red like little devil horns, and your eyes narrow and have these little daggers shooting out of them.” She shrugged. “It’s cute.”

  “It’s not.” She felt the truth of Laura’s words as her ears began to heat.

  “Ooh, get me a mirror quick. It’s happening now.”

  She narrowed her eyes further then relaxed her features letting out a laugh. “Ah. Now I get it.”

  “Get what?”

  “Why my son likes you so much. You both like tormenting me.”

  “Yeah, that sounds right.”

  Amy started them walking again, their shoulders occasionally brushing. She was learning just how charming Laura could be, and funny. When Amy let herself relax she found herself enjoying Laura’s company. Not that she doubted she would. They had always gotten on well, apart from when Amy was throwing a tantrum, and she felt comfortable with her. As hard as it was to realise she wanted to date someone other than her wife, she felt more a sense of joy that she had the chance to find some happiness again. She looked up at Laura and asked, “So do you want to come over or what?”

  “Huh?”

  “For a play date,” she clarified.

  “Oh. Um, yes, sure, I’d love that.”

  “Now who’s gone all cute. You’re blushing.”

  They stopped next to Laura’s car as Laura growled low in her throat. “I am not cute. I’m a big bad architect.”

  “Nah, you’re as cute as a button.” Amy reached up and tapped Laura’s nose twice.

  “Hey!”

  “Friday night. You can come play Lego Batman Friday night.”

  Turning serious, Laura asked, “You’re sure?”

  “Yes.” She looked at her watch. “I have to get going.”

  “Okay. But I’ll see you Friday?”

  “Yes, you will.”

  “Can I get Aaron another Lego kit?”

  Amy wanted to decline, not wanting Aaron to get used to Laura buying him presents, however, Laura’s earnest expression told Amy all she needed to know. Laura liked Aaron as a person, it wasn’t some ploy to get Amy to like her. “He’d like that, thank you. I’ll see you Friday.”

  “Yep, see you Friday.”

  Amy turned to walk away but quickly turned back. “Laura? I had a nice time. Thank you.”

  “No thanks needed. The pleasure was all mine.”

  She watched as Laura unlocked her car and opened the door. “Um, Laura?”

  “Yes?”

  Without thinking it through Amy stood on her tip toes and quickly pecked her on the lips. She pulled back noting Laura’s wide eyes blinking rapidly. “Bye,” she said then strode away as quickly as she could.

  Half hour later she arrived home and found her mother sitting on the couch. “Hey, Mum,” she said as she flopped down next to her.

  “Hi, sweetheart. How was your coffee date?”

  “It was nice.”

  “Just nice?”

  “Yeah, I had a nice time.” She rolled her head to the side, glaring at her mother through narrowed eyelids. “What were you expecting?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  “It was just a get-to-know-you coffee.”

  Martha wiggled her eyebrows. “And did you? Get to know her?”

  “Mum!” She slapped her playfully on her thigh. “You don’t have to make it sound so perverted.” She turned her head back and stared at the ceiling for a moment. “I kissed her,” she whispered.

  “What?” Martha’s tone came out shrill.

  “It was just a quick peck on the lips, nothing crazy.” And yet my pulse hasn’t settled since.

  “Wow. And how do you feel about that? You’ve only ever kissed three women before, that I know of, and one of those was Julia.”

  “I told Laura I would be worried that if I was with another woman I’d constantly see Julia in them.”

  “And did you? See Julia?”

  “We spoke a little bit about her, but honestly, the whole time I was with Laura I didn’t think about Julia at all, and when I kissed her...All I felt was Laura. I’m not sure how I feel about Julia not being the only one in my heart.”

  Martha scooted closer and wrapped an arm around Amy’s shoulder. “Honey, I know this is hard for you, but it’s okay to let someone else in. It doesn’t diminish what you and Julia had, but she’s not here anymore, and Laura is.”

  “Yes, she is. I invited her over for dinner Friday night if that’s okay.”

  “Of course it is. I think I’ll do a meatloaf. There is a new recipe I’ve been wanting to try.”

  “Thank you.” Tilting her head, she listened for signs of her son. “Where’s Aaron?”

  “In the shed with your father tinkering with his bike.”

  She blew out a breath. “I think he’s been avoiding me. He still isn’t okay about me teaching at his school and he keeps asking when Laura can come over.”

  “Does it worry you how fond of her he is?”

  “It did in the beginning, but now, I think it’s sweet. I’m quite fond of her myself. I just hope he doesn’t get too attached, incase things don’t work out between Laura and I.”

  “Kids are resilient. He’ll be fine.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.” She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. “I don’t think I’ll be taking him to see Julia anymore.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “He doesn’t like going. He doesn’t like it when I get upset, which I always do. I’ll ask him about it and see what he says.” Tears gathered in her eyes, but she didn’t bother trying to brush them aside. “I’m heartbroken he won’t ever know her.”

  “I know, sweetheart.”

  “But you’re right. It’s time to move on in my life. Julia’s not coming back.” The tears fell and soon she found herself sobbing. However, these were not the tears of grief she had felt after she lost Julia. These were the tears of finally letting go of her past and accepting she was ready to move on.

  “Oh, Amy. Come here.” Martha gathered her in her arms and Amy wrapped herself in her mother’s comfort.

 
Chapter Ten

  Amy stood in the kitchen watching her mother turn the roast potatoes they would be having with the meatloaf over in a roasting tray, coating them with oil. “Try and behave yourself tonight. Please don’t embarrass me.”

  Martha glanced up from her task, eyebrows raised. “When have I ever done that?”

  “Like, any chance you get.”

  “I’ll behave, I promise.” She grinned and winked.

  “Thank you.” The door bell sounded through the house and Amy felt her stomach clench. Running a trembling hand through her hair she said, “She’s here. God, I’m so nervous.”

  “Whatever for?” Martha asked as she swilled off her hands in the sink and wiped them on a towel. “She’s been here before.”

  “Yeah, but those times were as a friend, this is different.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Marth assured her. “Go get the door before she thinks we’re hiding from her.”

  Amy drew in a deep breath then went to the door. She grasped the handle but didn’t open it right away. She took a moment to settle her nerves. Pulling in another deep breath she opened the door. Laura looked amazing. She had on tight black jeans and black ankle boots, a deep red blouse hanging loose on her frame. Amy’s throat went dry. “Hey,” she finally squeaked out.

  “Hi.” Laura’s gaze travelled the length of Amy and Amy felt herself blush under the intense perusal. “You look nice,” she said as her gaze locked on Amy’s.

  “Thank you, so do you.” Amy stepped back, allowing Laura to enter the home. As she closed the door she saw Aaron come racing down from upstairs.

  “Laura!”

  “Hiya, buddy.” She held out a gift bag and handed it to him. “This is for you.”

  Aaron took the bag greedily, his eyes dancing with excitement. “Is it another Lego set?” he asked in earnest.

  “Open it and see.”

  He ripped the bag open, his eyes growing impossibly wider. “This is so cool. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Laura, how nice to see you again.” Jim said emerging from the dining room.

  “You too, Jim.” Laura shook his hand. “I made a start on some designs for you. If you can make it into the office next week, I’ll be glad to show you.”