Finding Home

by Jamey Moody

  “Yeah. She wasn’t going to tell me because she didn’t want to hurt me. But when she explained the situation, how could I be mad?”

  “But were you hurt?”

  “Not really. We both have a past and exes. It feels more like that.”

  “Good for you. Does it bother you that she wasn’t going to tell you?”

  “No, because she did. We are both making every effort to communicate. Unlike with Laura, I’ve told Olivia how I feel and where I see us.”

  “Care to share?”

  Frankie chuckled, “I’m buying a house in the subdivision she designed. Not just any house, a house we both looked at together. I’ve told her when she’s ready that I want it to be her home too.”

  “Wow, that’s putting it right out there.”

  “I know, but I love her and want to spend my life with her. I’ve told her no pressure.”

  “You can say no pressure, Frankie, but, buying a house. That’s a big deal.”

  “I know. But I’m trying to be open and communicate.”

  “You are! What about this other woman? Is she in the past?”

  “Actually, I’m meeting her tomorrow.”

  “What?”

  “The two friends she made are coming to the race this weekend.”

  “And how do you feel about that?”

  “Good. I’m glad to meet them; they helped her through a hard time. They are friends, that’s all.”

  “Wow, all this maturity and adulting. You may not need me anymore.”

  “I still need you. Talking to you helped me to be open and now Olivia and I are together with a bright future.”

  “I’m glad. Nothing makes a counselor happier than a happy client.”

  “Let’s give two more dogs a walk. We still have time.”

  “Time to go back, Nora. Your little legs are probably tired.”

  ***

  “I’d better go. Don’t we have something in the morning,” Frankie looked up, pretending to search her memory.

  “Ha ha,” Olivia deadpanned. “Only the biggest race of my life!”

  Everyone was visibly surprised. “Okay, maybe not the biggest, but it’s a big deal to me.”

  “It’s a big deal to us too,” said Lucy. “We didn’t swim all those miles, bike with you, and run along beside you for nothing.”

  “So, your memory is a little different from mine.” They all laughed. “You’re right, I should probably try to get some sleep. Come on, I’ll walk you out,” she said taking Frankie’s hand.

  “It was nice to meet you, Frankie,” Jenna said. “Good luck tomorrow. Now that we know you’re not an idiot, we’ll be cheering for you too.”

  “Aw, thanks, Jenna.”

  “Yeah, we were pretty sure you weren’t an idiot because who could let this one go?” Lucy said smiling at Olivia.

  “Come on, you’re embarrassing me.”

  They walked to Frankie’s Jeep hand in hand.

  “Are you getting nervous?”

  “A little.”

  Frankie leaned down and kissed her. “You’ll do great.”

  “Hmm, that kiss seemed to help,” she said wrapping her arms around Frankie’s neck and pulling her in for a deep, long soulful kiss. “I’m going to miss you tonight,” she said breathlessly.

  “Mmm, we wouldn’t get any sleep,” she said, holding her close.

  “Who needs sleep when we could be doing this,” she said, kissing her deeply again. “Okay, I’ll let you go, just for tonight.” Olivia opened the door and Frankie got in.

  “I’ll meet you in the morning so we can put our bikes together.”

  “I’ll be there.” Olivia watched her drive away and went back inside.

  “She’s really great, Olivia,” Lucy said. “Why in the world would you give that other woman a chance?”

  “I know! We both messed up, but everything is good now.”

  “I’m glad. You both look so happy together,” said Jenna.

  “I never dreamed it would be this good.”

  “So what do you think this big meeting is about with Elizabeth on Monday?”

  “I have no idea. She told me about it this morning. I told her you were spending the weekend with me, but she didn’t say anything else.”

  “Guess you’ll have to wait. Can’t be anything bad, can it?” asked Jenna.

  “No. I can’t think of a thing. Well, I’ve got to get my stuff together for the race and try to sleep.”

  “Can we help?”

  “No, I’m just double checking everything. Do you need anything? I hope you don’t mind sharing.”

  “Not at all. It’s fine,” said Jenna.

  Olivia went to her room and checked her bag for the third time, making sure everything was in there.

  “Hey, I just wanted to say good luck tomorrow,” said Jenna standing in the doorway.

  “Thanks.”

  “Frankie knows, right?”

  Olivia turned to her, “Yeah, I told her. Didn’t really mean to but I did. Everything is fine, really.”

  “What a relief. It would kill me if I messed this up for you two.”

  “We didn’t do anything wrong,” Olivia said sighing.

  “I know,” Jenna said holding her hands up. “You two are perfect for each other.”

  “I love her so much.”

  “It shows. Goodnight. Try to sleep.”

  “I will. Goodnight.”

  ***

  “Who knew triathlons started so early in the morning,” Lucy said sipping her coffee.

  “I know! Whose idea was that?” Sofia said as they watched Olivia go through a quick pre-race inspection of her bicycle with race officials.

  “I’m sure it’s to get it done before it gets too hot.”

  “You’re right, Jenna. That’s exactly why,” said Stella.

  Desi walked over after having her bike inspected, “We’re going to set our bikes up together as soon as they get through inspection. If y’all will wait here, it won’t take us long.”

  “Okay. Do you need any help?” asked Stella.

  “No, transition will be busy, we’ll help Olivia.”

  They all followed the three with their eyes. They went through the entrance to the transition area and found a place that all three could fit together. Olivia hung her bike by the seat on the stand and laid her towel down on the ground to the side of the front tire. She placed her glasses in her helmet along with her race belt. At the front of her towel she placed her shoes with her socks inside them. On top of the shoes she laid a small towel. She would use this first as she came out of the water to dry her feet. She looked at all her gear and made sure it was just like she practiced. The idea was to come in quickly and change to her gear for the bike leg, then come back shedding her helmet and taking off for the run to the finish line.

  “All set?” Frankie asked.

  “I think so. Take a look, I didn’t forget anything did I?”

  Frankie and Desi both looked at her towel making sure she had everything she needed.

  “It looks good,” Desi said, putting an arm around her and giving her a little squeeze. “You are going to do great! I know it!”

  “Thanks Desi. I’m nervous.”

  Frankie smiled at her, “It’s good to be nervous. I am, too. It’ll go away as soon as you hit the water.”

  They walked back over to where their friends were and waited for the opening ceremonies. The event leaders welcomed all the athletes, volunteers, and fans. They explained a little about the programs the entry fee supported; the money going to help others in need. It was time for the National Anthem and they all sang along.

  Olivia went through waves of nervousness. One moment she’d be fine and then the butterflies would go crazy in her stomach. She practiced the three deep calming breaths she learned from Stella months ago. Frankie gently took her hand and stood alongside her trying to calm both their nerves. Olivia looked up at her and smiled, thanking her with her eyes.

  �
�This is it, we have to line up to be ready to start with our group,” said Desi.

  “How many people are here?” asked Jenna.

  “Around seven hundred signed up,” said Stella.

  “Wow!” said Lucy.

  “I know! That’s why I’m starting near the back. I don’t want to get in anyone’s way,” said Olivia.

  “You won’t be in anyone’s way, I promise,” said Frankie.

  “Hey, thank you all for coming to cheer me on. I’m hoping to be done in an hour and a half. So, see you at the finish line,” she said high fiving each one.

  “You’ll hear us along the way,” said Jenna.

  They walked down to the back of the mass of people lined up to start. Large markers were floating out in the lake for them to swim around and back to shore totaling 300 meters. From there they would walk or run to transition and get on the bike for 10 miles. Then back to transition for a two-mile run.

  Olivia kept taking deep breaths as the people continued to enter the water and she got closer to her turn to start. She knew this would be a race with herself, where she would be pushing herself and pacing herself, and talking to herself the entire time.

  With only a few people in front of them, Frankie turned to her and said, “You got this, babe. I’ll see you at the finish.”

  “Okay,” she reached up and kissed Frankie for luck.

  “Here we go!” yelled Desi as she dove in the water. Frankie was next and then it was her turn.

  Her swim hat was bright pink and her goggles were snug as she ran into the water and started swimming. She was panting for breath and knew she had to calm down. She needed to swim stroke by stroke just as she’d practiced so many times in the pool and here at the lake.

  After a few moments, she settled into her rhythm and began to relax. She could see swimmers ahead of her and went around a few. Just as she was beginning to enjoy it, someone swam right over her. What the fuck! Couldn’t they see her? Stella had warned her this would happen, there would be arms and legs coming from all directions. She pulled her head up and looked around and could see a path ahead. With a big breath she put her head down and resumed her swim. She made it around the buoys and before she knew it, she could feel sand under her feet.

  She walked out of the water taking a big breath and could hear her friends cheering for her. Frankie was waiting to go to transition with her.

  “You aren’t supposed to wait on me,” she said.

  “I’m not. I finished and you were right behind me. I’m so proud of you!”

  This made Olivia smile; she’d made it through the swim.

  Stella walked beside them, “Good job staying calm when that jackass swam over you.”

  “Good thing she couldn’t hear what I was saying in my head,” she laughed.

  They made it to their bikes. Desi was just leaving when they walked up and gave Olivia a high five. She sat down, dried her feet and put on her socks and shoes. “That was so fun. A little crazy, but fun!” She stood up and grabbed her race belt that had her bib and number attached to it. She put her glasses on and then her helmet.

  “Okay babe, you’re doing great. You know where the big hills are,” Frankie said taking her bike off the rack.

  “I remember,” she said clicking the strap on her helmet and grabbing her bike.

  “I’ll see you at the finish,” Frankie called over her shoulder. “I love you!” She was so proud of Olivia, she thought her heart was going to burst.

  “Love you too!” Olivia called back as she jumped on her bike and took off. I’m doing this, I’m really doing this, she thought to herself. The swim was the part that she was the most nervous about and it was done. She felt most confident on the bike. The big hills weren’t for a few miles so she could relax, catch her breath, and enjoy it.

  She breezed along and looked at her watch. The swim had taken nine minutes, just as she expected. She had no idea how long she’d been in transition, but she tried to hurry. If her calculations were right, she was on pace to finish the bike in around 45 minutes, just as she had hoped. It won’t be long now until the first big hill. She took a minute to think about how happy she was to see Frankie’s face when she came out of the water. And then to hear Jenna, Lucy, and Sofia cheering made her almost tear up. So many volunteers were along the course encouraging them, it was amazing.

  Biking up hills was not one of her favorite things, but flying down them was! Some of these hills were really challenging though, she shifted to an easier gear over and over until she cleared the hardest one. It should be clear sailing from here. Then she heard shouting.

  “Come on Olivia! Way to go! Looking good!”

  She looked up in time to see Lucy and Sofia waving and cheering her on. This gave her an extra burst and she waved back. Forty-three minutes after leaving transition she steered her bike back to her towel. She wondered how Frankie was doing. Desi could run like the wind so she knew she was probably almost finished.

  She put her bike back on the rack, took her helmet off and drank one more big gulp of water. Her legs felt like bricks when she tried to start running. Maybe that’s why they called those practice sessions bricks! She heard Stella and Jenna encouraging her when she left transition

  “Look at you Olivia! You’re doing awesome!” yelled Jenna.

  Stella ran beside her for a moment, “I’m so proud of you! This run is yours! Make it your bitch!”

  This made Olivia burst out laughing. When she looked at Stella she was grinning from ear to ear. No doubt, she had the best group of friends.

  At this point, she didn’t care about her time. She was tired and the run was hard after swimming and biking. She tried to think about anything but running. The idea of crossing that finish line with Frankie and her friends waiting was what got her through the first mile. Then she began to look at what she was doing.

  A few months ago she couldn’t run a quarter of a mile much less bike five. And here she was about to finish a fucking triathlon. The woman she was madly in love with was waiting for her just up the way along with her very best friend in the world. And there were new friends waiting too, new friends she couldn’t wait to become old friends.

  And then she heard them, “Come on Olivia! You’re almost here! Way to go!”

  And then she saw them, Frankie was jumping up and down waving along with Sofia and Lucy. Desi was waving her in and Stella and Jenna were clapping. She felt so loved! But also ready to end this damn race!

  She heard the announcer call out her name and number as she crossed the finish line. A volunteer put a medal around her neck and another handed her a bottle of water. And then Frankie had her arms around her, smiling in her face with such love in her eyes

  “You did it! I’m so proud of you!”

  Olivia hugged her back and kissed her full on the lips. They walked over to where everyone else waited, each giving her a congratulatory hug.

  “Ugh,” she breathed out. “That was awesome! But, I’m glad I’m through!”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Let’s get something to drink,” Desi said, leading them to a table set up with fruit, snacks, and drinks for the athletes. They finally found an empty table where they could all sit down.

  “So, tell us about it?” said Stella.

  Olivia smiled. Frankie had an arm around her and she could feel the pride oozing with her touch.

  “You get so excited you have to calm yourself down. It’s crazy. There were a couple of women that were racing together that were about my pace. We would pass one another and encourage each other. It helped keep me going.”

  “Did you think you wouldn’t make it?” asked Lucy.

  “Hell no! I’d put in so much time training there was no way I wasn’t crossing that finish line!”

  This brought another round of cheers.

  “What about Frankie and Desi! They finished too!” This brought cheers from the group.

  “Aaw, thanks Olivia,” said Desi.

  “And thank
s for not waiting on me. I know that killed you. But I had to do it myself,” Olivia said to Frankie so everyone could hear.

  Frankie beamed, “It was brutal! But it made me finish faster so I could be here waiting on you.”

  “Yeah, when she finished the bike, the first thing she said was, ‘How was Olivia’,” Stella said laughing. “Then when she finished the race, same thing. ‘How was Olivia starting the run’.”

  “I couldn’t help it. All these months I’d been telling you how great it was and I didn’t want you to kill me when you came in if it wasn’t wonderful. Was it wonderful?”

  Olivia smiled at Frankie with such love, “It was everything you said. When I’d get tired, I would stop and talk to myself and say ‘You’re doing a triathlon, bitch! That’s something!’” Much laughter followed. “But you’re right, crossing that finish line was incredible!”

  “They’ve opened transition so we can get our bikes,” said Desi.

  “I’m starving for real food, but I’m also nasty,” said Olivia.

  “Who cares! Get your stuff and let’s meet somewhere and eat,” suggested Stella.

  “Sounds good to me, where to?” said Frankie.

  “Let’s meet at the gym and we won’t have as many cars.”

  “Okay!” everyone said in unison.

  They all had lunch together and split up after for the racers to clean up and rest before everyone was coming to Olivia’s for the party that evening.

  Chapter 22

  The party was in full swing at Olivia’s. She looked around her backyard at her friends and was filled with such joy. She was grateful for every one of them. How her life had changed in a few short months.

  “How are you feeling? Are you tired?” asked Stella.

  “Not at all. Well, maybe a little, but I feel great. Hey, I got you and Jenna a special bottle of wine. Did you see it inside?”

  “I didn’t.”

  “Come on, I’ll show you,” she said, leading her into the house. In the kitchen she found Jenna opening the bottle of wine.

  “Hey, I didn’t think you’d mind. And this is a really nice bottle. Did I rub off on you?”