The week continued and Tina had plenty of time to make significant progress in her work while Adison pushed through the last couple of weeks in the semester, including finals. She wasnt home before Tina fell asleep every night and when Tina woke each morning, Adison would be gone. The weekend quickly came and time had gotten away from both girls. On Friday night Adison came home earlier than usual, catching Tina in her sweat pants sitting on the couch with her laptop.

Youre home early, stranger. Tina closed the computer, smiling.

Its Friday and no matter how busy I am, I decided I needed a break.

I havent seen you all week, seriously.

I know. Im sorry, but you came out with finals looming in the near distance. Adison looked Tina up and down and laughed.

Whats so funny?

You need to get changed out of those sweat pants. Were going out.

Are we? Where?

Dinner… and dancing. Good?

Great! Be back in a flash.

Tina went into the bathroom and Adison went into her bedroom. Adison came out in blue jeans and a tight black sweater, red hair pulled back. When Tina came out, she was wearing a low cut tight red shirt with her blue jeans and a little black jacket.

Hot damn, woman you clean up well. Adison whistled.

Not bad yourself.


At the restaurant, they sat in a small corner booth away from any heavy flow of traffic and enjoyed a quiet dinner.

Halfway through dinner and idle small talk Adison stepped up the conversation. So Tina… who is this woman youre into?

Tina gave her a deer in the headlights look. Its nothing.

Liar. Tell me.

Not looking happy, Tina relented, knowing she had no choice when up against Adison. Her name is Bette Porter and she owns an art gallery in LA. We met at an art show she held a few weeks ago. I was dating Eric at the time and we went together. She then invited us to a dinner the next night. From there, we started hanging out.

Wow… so shes older than you?

I guess, yeah, but I dont know by how much. Shes really sophisticated.

Is she hot?

God Addie! I dont know.

Adison looked at her, eyebrows raised until she started talking again.

Ok, yes, she is very good looking. Shes amazing and fun and I love spending time with her.

This is too cute. You really like her, huh?

Tina blushed.

You know, Tina, its no big deal youre into girls. I just want you to know you can always talk to me anytime.

Thanks.

So, have you two… you know… done it?

No.

Why not? Youve kissed, right?

Of course weve kissed, but Im not ready to have *****. I dont know what Im doing and I dont want to rush into anything.

Youll love it.

What do you mean? Are you saying youve…

Adison coyly smiled and slowly nodded her head. Surprise.

So youre… a *****? Tinas eyes were wide in shock and disbelief.

I dont like to label things but I am a woman who loves women.

Wow.

Yeah… wow. A lots happened in the last few years when we lost touch. Its good you came out. No pun intended.

Tina laughed and stopped, thinking for a moment. So, when we were in school together, you and me… did you ever…

Theres no need to dig up the past. Whats there is there and whats been left unsaid doesnt need to be brought up. Things happened the way they were supposed to happen. You were my friend and still am and I love you deeply. She reached over and squeezed Tinas hand. Lets go dancing.


At the club, both women started out by having a couple of drinks to loosen up. Adison took Tina to a local ***** bar, unleashing another deep part of Tina. Over the last few weeks Tina had been shedding layer after layer, like and onion, potent and tearjerking but necessary to bring out the true flavor. Tonight she discovered dancing at a ***** bar with other women.

As they took a break from the dance floor, they went to the bar to have another drink.

Theres a lot of fine looking women out there checking you out tonight, Kennard. Too bad youve got a woman back home.

Ive never been to a ***** bar. This is great!

Well, Im glad to expose you to a new world and be the first to introduce you to another step in your coming out process. I feel honored.

Adison handed Tina a shot and they threw their heads back in unison.
Tina grabbed Adisons hand and led her back on the dance floor. Women were checking them out from all over the bar, but they seemed to be in their own world, having fun and laughing. Their bodies were close and pressed against each other, arms tangled together, foreheads almost touching. They were beyond tipsy at this point and it was late. Adison pulled her off the floor.

Tina, we need to go. Its late and were drunk.

Im not drunk, never felt better.

Rolling her eyes, Adison helped Tina outside, stumbling all the way to the cab. Back at the dorm, they collapsed on the couch, falling into each other, barely able to take their shoes off. They laid there face to face, stinking of smoke and alcohol, hair disheveled.

Tina looked into Adisons eyes and whispered, I could kiss you now.

Adison shook her head, not allowing the alcohol to influence her. No, dont go there, Tina. Youre drunk, we both are.

When she looked back at Tina, she was asleep.


Adison woke the next morning to the smell of coffee and bacon. She saw Tina in the kitchen cooking breakfast and she smiled.

Smells good. I miss your cooking.

Morning sleepy head. Youd better get moving. Weve got a big day ahead of us.

Why?

Were going snowboarding for the day.

I cant go anywhere today. Ive got finals to study for, besides my head is pounding. How do you not have a major hangover?

Tina pulled her off the couch, handing her a cup of coffee and a nalgene full of water. Drink the coffee to wake you up. Drink as much of this water as you can and take some advil. Works like a charm. Its best to do at night, but better late than never.

No. Were not going anywhere.

Yes, we are. Tina had a stubborn look on her face and Adison knew there was no arguing. They both got ready in their winter gear, ready to walk out the door when someone knocked. Adison looked at Tina with a questioning face and shrugged her shoulders. When she opened the door, Tina gasped behind her.