'Come on honey, we have to get to the gym before all the treadmills are taken.'
'Alright I'm coming.' Ever since my girlfriend had signed us up for this 'girls fitness club' it's all she talks about. We started going a few months after we got together and now we are in a civil partnership and we are still going to the fitness club. 'You've got to stop rushing everywhere, we have a life to live and you are spending yours rushing from place to place and stressing about everything. You need to learn to relax.'
'I'm sorry but when the social worker comes round all I want him to see is two physically able and fit women who can be trusted with a baby.' She smiles every time she says the word 'baby'. All both of us had ever wanted in life was to be mothers and we were having our chance but I can't help thinking that something is going to go wrong and our dreams will be crushed. Obviously I don't say this to Melissa, she is such an optimist and would take offence and say I was trying to jinx it, but that's the last thing I want to do. When I was younger I thought that I would get married like a normal person, have babies and live happily ever after with my very own Prince Charming, why wouldn't I think that? That is what's drummed in to our heads with mountains of princess films and fairy tales whereas real life is just one big adventure that isn't written quite like that. First of all not many people end up living in a house at all, a lot of people I knew at school are now on the street doing drugs and selling 'The Big Issue', and not everybody gets a prince, again, more and more people can't find love these days, I am one of the lucky ones, though it's not the typical relationship I expected as a child, I am still in love with a wonderful, funny, smart and happy person, that is what I expected and that's all I have to say on the matter.
'So what time are we expecting him?' I say hoping she'll be happy I'm taking an interest. Obviously I want a child, I am a woman, but I am not planning to be anything but myself in important meetings because if they give us a child hearing the answers they want to hear, we may not be fit parents and the child could be in danger. On the other hand if they give us a child because we are ready, then we will be better parents than many because ordinary couples don't have to go through this.
'We are expecting him at quarter past two, which gives us time to change, do another quick hoover and get a good atmosphere going.' She says counting on her fingers. I roll my eyes while turning away, she is lovely but she gets a bit overexcited by things. Like the time I proposed to her, she started planning the wedding the next day.I do feel sorry for her though. She was engaged to a man when she found she was, well, you know what I mean. He was devastated and started spreading rumours all over the town about her. I did my best to make her feel better, I was only her friend then, but she is just sensitive and one of those people who has a heart of gold and a heart of chalk. I then discovered I was, you know and we decided we would give it a go. I was not going out with anybody at the time because I had just come out of a serious relationship. I was only twenty two and she was too, she didn't want to marry anybody, it was arranged because that's what they do in her family. When I first started dating girls I wasn't sure whether is was because all of the men in my life had hurt me or I actually loved Melissa. Then I got to know her as my girlfriend and, well, then it confirmed it, I love women and I am not afraid to say it. Mel, well as I said, she gets offended easily and so when people comment on us she gets upset so she doesn't tell anyone, nobody at her work know, all they know is that she is adopting, though they are getting suspicious about why they have never met him at family activities. They will be very shocked when they find out one day that he is a she who is me. You're probably wondering why I don't say the word that describes women like Mell and I, well I am not going to lie to you, I hate the word. Having been outcasted by a number of friends and family because of that word I would rather put it slightly differently thank you very much. Besides, it's an ugly word 'lesbian'. Admit it, when you first figured out I was like this you put me into a wierd chamber in your mind that seperated me from anyone else, I know you did, everyone does. But I just don't get why, I am not, on the other hand, a 'Gay Rights' wierdo. Yes, I admit we are the same inside but they should give it a rest, they make it worse for themselves by parading around town in their lycra and crazy hair. The world just needs a break from all of this madness, just because some people go around the World kissing to prove a point doesn't mean we all do, I have never kissed Melissa in public. I think that it shows we have some standards.
'Right, let's go,' I said to break the silence. She looked confused at me for a second then realised and walked to the key box. I picked up our towels from the stairs and balanced our water bottles on top as she rummaged to find the keys. I heard a gasp then a scream, I dropped the towels and keys and ran to Melissa.
