La Vie En Rose

Chapter 6: Stupid Love

It's a Friday afternoon, and they're resting in a park enjoying a warm, blue-skied summer day. The sunlight is burning on their skin and making Therese's eyes sparkle. Parents play with their toddlers, and teenagers meet to study. There are a few benches, but the couple spreads a picnic blanket on the lush green of the grass. A gentle breeze is blowing through their hair. At that very moment, everything feels alright until Carol's self-doubts appear again. She wishes that she could stop her racing mind, but it's not so simple. Because of her age, the blonde has already lots of experience with relationships and break-ups. Her most significant one was with Harge, who she thought would be 'the one'. Everything was fine between them until it wasn't anymore. They fell apart, broke up and divorced. Carol disappointed many people back then by separating from Harge–most and foremost her parents. While she doesn't care about their opinion anymore, it's difficult for her to find trust again. The fear of losing someone again is too big. The older she gets, the harder it will be to date. But then she met Therese, her young, beautiful neighbour again. It feels like the younger woman came back out of nowhere, under the strangest circumstances–at her daughter's party. Was that a coincidence?

The last three weeks with Therese felt incredible. She makes her feel alive and gives her new, regained energy. Carol doesn't know what Therese is doing to her, but it seems to be the right thing. They spend as much time together as possible. The couple doesn't know what the future holds for them, and that's why Carol and Therese enjoy every second they have to a maximum.

It's not always easy to hide their relationship, but unfortunately, that is their only option at the moment. Carol knows it's wrong, but she's too afraid of other people's reactions. How long will Therese be satisfied of being a secret? The blonde has doubts but doesn't want to unsettle her partner by telling her.

Her mood hits a new low when a man approaches them and asks, "Excuse me, Miss? Could you or your mum make a picture of my wife and me?" and hands Therese his phone. Carol blinks at him, and Therese's mouth is wide open.

"I.. Uhm.. Yes, I can," she stammers and makes the picture. He thanks her and leaves again.

Time goes by until the brunette breaks the silence, "Carol, it's been 15 minutes, and you haven't said a word yet. I see that you're overthinking the words of that dude. Ignore it, who cares what he said?"

"Honestly, at this point, I'm not sure if it should offend me that he called me 'your mum' or that he thinks I'm THAT old?!" the blonde frowns.

"Well... technically you could be my mum...."

"NOT HELPING, THERESE," Carol huffs and crosses her arms.

"Sorry," the younger woman says and hides a grin.

The blonde looks down with a sad face, "I know that my age doesn't bother you, but I still have doubts and fears."

Therese's face changes when she hears Carol's vulnerable voice. She gets closer to her and puts an arm around her waist. With her other arm, she takes the older woman's face and turns it, so it's looking at her.

"Why didn't you tell me? You know that you can talk with me about anything," Therese sounds worried.

"It's not so easy. I... It sounds foolish, but... I'm trying to be the woman you developed feelings for back then. You know, that strong, independent and confident woman. While I might be all those things, I also have times of self-doubts. And...," she pauses. "I really like you, Therese. Like REALLY. And I fear if you find out I'm 'not that perfect' or when I get older, you'll leave me like Harge did," Carol's eyes feel with tears.

Her partner hugs her and kisses her temple, "I never expect you to be 'perfect', Carol. Though I have to say, to me, you are. Nothing has changed since I met you, so please don't worry too much."