Beauty and the Beauty (Lesbian Romance)

Thursday

We ended up back at the diner. Moments after arriving, hot chocolate piled high with cream and marshmallows and a flake were presented to us by the owner, Luke. Molly devoured the toppings, leaving her drink to go cold as she wandered around the diner, talking to anyone and everyone. She was such a happy soul.

Lena and I sat on one side of a booth, our legs just touching, my heart lurchin each time she fidgeted and moved closer. We didn't talk much, just watched Molly, but the silence wasn't awkward. Eventually, Lena yawned.

"It's getting late," she said
"I should probably get Molly to bed."

"Yeah, probably," I replied, a small sinking feeling filling my stomach at the realisation that she wanted to go home. Whenever I was with her, I never wanted the day to end. I guess it was just nice to finally have a friend, and I wanted to take full advantage of the fact.

Molly was sleepy, though. She wandered over to Lena when she heard her name being called and leaned into her, rubbing her eyes. Lena picked up her cousin and balanced her on her hip. I watched as she cuddled into her shoulder and closed her eyes, looking younger than her age all of a sudden.

I opened the door for Lena as she walked slowly yet effortlessly with Molly still in her arms to the car. When she was settled into the back seat, the door closed behind her, Lena turned to me. A small smile spread across her face before shaking her head minutely and looking down at her feet. An awkward laugh disturbed the silence and she turned to get into the car. I didn't realise at the time, but I had frozen as a result of her proximity. It took me a moment to gather myself before walking around the car into the driver's seat.

Lena's house wasn't far from the diner. We arrived sooner than I'd hoped and I parked in the drive. There were no lights on and other than my car, the drive was empty.

"Is anyone in?" I looked across to Lena, whose brow was furrowed as she frowned.

"I don't think so. Hopefully not, Molly's asleep." I didn't know what to say, so instead I looked over at Lena imploringly, praying she'd open up to me and explain why she was always so anxious to go home.

"I should -" Her hand reached for the door.

"Lena, just tell me. Tell me what's going on," I said, my voice louder than I'd intended. Molly stirred in the back seat.

"I can't. I'm sorry."

I sighed and leaned back into my chair as she opened the door, moving round to the back of the car to get Molly.

"I'll see you... um... at some point okay?" Molly was now balanced on her hip, still half asleep. Her keys and bag were in her other hand, her sketchbook tucked under her arm. As she kicked the door closed behind her, I looked at her face, trying to read her emotions.

Exhausted. Just pure exhaustion, the only readable expression on her face. I lifted my hand to wave but she was already halfway up the path, her back to me.

***

I arrived at home a little after 9:30. I figured my mum would be asleep, so I crept into the house as silently as I could, determined not to wake her. I needn't have bothered though, because she was wide awake, pottering round in the kitchen.

"Ana? Is that you?" She shouted, knowing full well it was me. I didn't even bother answering, but I did go into the kitchen. Something smelled delicious.

"Feed me!" I said, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.

"I made fried chicken. I thought I'd perfect the recipe and make another batch for the festival."