ONE HEART

Chapter 16 Tessa Confesses

Mariah was in shock. She didn't know what to say. I'm sorry you had to find out this way said Sharon. It's okay mom, at least I have the answer to one of my questions. Which was? asked Sharon. I was going to ask you if you knew if Tessa was hanging around, or had a job somewhere else. You said she has a girlfriend? Yes, that's right said Sharon feeling a little bit ashamed of herself, for letting the news about Tessa out so matter-of-factly. Do you know if it's serious? Has Gwen told you anything about her? Well, I know she's been here a few times with Tessa during the holidays, etc. A bit like you and Devon. Did you meet her? asked Mariah being curious. No! But Gwen said she's very nice. Her name is Sally Spectra. You do need to know something else about her though. Oh yes, and what's that may I ask? Mariah was being very sarcastic. She's moving here, to work for your dad at Dark Horse. Oh great said Mariah. How the hell, does someone from Juilliard do that exactly? Isn't she into song and dance? Apparently, she didn't just do that. She also studied management etc.

Oh, a goody two shoes as well. How wonderful. Is she here now? No! No! She's not arriving for another three weeks. Dad's putting her up in a hotel in town when she arrives. She's not moving in with Tessa? Not at the moment said, Sharon. Tessa woke up from her deep slumber. She wandered downstairs, into the kitchen in search of some good coffee. Did that hit the spot? questioned Gwen standing behind her. Oh, hey Mom. Yes, it did, thank you. I fell asleep. What's the time? It's a little after five said Gwen. I've just come in from the garden so that I can start getting some dinner ready. Great, I'm starving said Tessa. Can I help with anything? You could start peeling some spuds for me, please. That would be a great help. Okay, do you still keep them in the pantry? asked Tessa while she was looking for the potato peeler in the cutlery drawer. Well of course said Gwen I've never changed where I keep them. How many should I peel? asked Tessa. Oh, I don't know. I was going to make some mash, so maybe on each and one for luck. Tessa made a quick calculation in her head and came up with the answer of five. 

What are we having? I'm going to make a chicken pot pie, nice and easy with some mash and green beans on the side. Ooh that sounds yum said Blake as he entered the kitchen. Well, it shouldn't take long said Gwen. The chicken is already cooked and in the fridge. I just have to put it all together and put it in the oven. It should take just over an hour hopefully. Great said Blake I'm famished. I'll go get the table all ready. Blake left the kitchen. As soon as he did, Tessa turned around and asked her mom if they could talk. Yes of course said Gwen. But first, can I get this pie done and in the oven? Tessa smiled and nodded at her mom, while she got back to peeling the spuds and chopping them up ready to be boiled later, to make the mash. Okay, we're all prepped and the pie is finally in the oven. I'm all yours said Gwen as she sat down on the stool at the breakfast bar. What do you want to talk to me about? she asked Tessa. Oh, err, "Mariah". Gwen nearly choked on the mouthful of coffee, she had just put into her mouth. "Mom" Are you okay? Tessa was a little concerned, after a little coughing fit. Gwen said yes, I was just a bit shocked you said Mariah's name. You've not spoken about it in a while.

That is very true said Tessa a little meekly. But I saw her, at her bedroom window when we pulled up in the cab, and it just set me off thinking about her. Ah I see said Gwen. You are still good friends with Sharon, aren't you? asked Tessa getting a little excited, because she was talking about Mariah again. Obviously said Gwen Cassie and Crystal have become good friends too, since they ended up going to the same university. I did know that said, Tessa. Crystal told me when I came home from the end of one of the semesters. I'm really glad she had someone at university she could be friends with. It can be a daunting place, on your own. I loved it, once I'd meet Sally and we could go around together. It made everything so much easier, being there with someone. We then made loads of friends together. Did you not ask Crystal about Mariah, when you were home? Gwen asked tentatively. Err no, said Tessa a little ashamed that she never did. Why not? asked Gwen. Oh, I don't know said Tessa blushing. I just find it difficult to talk about her. So I find it just best not to.