The Girl In The Suit

Tasha

Gabrielle and I walk down the street, holding hands and talking about everything and anything. We're growing closer with every minute we spend together. She knows about the deal with Gemma and she understands that I have to be there for her between moving back in with her parents and her sexuality. I really love this girl.

Gabrielle is in the middle of telling a funny story when I hear the sound of a loud sob. I jerk my head back and I see Gemma with her head buried in her knees.

"What is it, Tasha?", Gabrielle asks looking behind her as well.

"Uh, will you order us something in the Italian? I have to drop her home. I'll be down in a while." I give her a kiss.

She nods in agreement before heading down to the square.

I kneel down beside Gemma and put arm around her.

"Hey, hey, it's Tasha. What happened?", I say soothingly.

"W-we broke up."

I look up for a moment as I take in the information before turning all my attention back to Gemma.

"Come on, Gem. Let's get you home. Do you want a drink or anything?" She shakes her head no. "Ok, take a few breaths then. In and out. Calm down." She does what I say. After a while, she stops crying and her breathing is normal. "Let's get you off this cold ground and back on your feet." She takes my hand and I help her up. She's light enough. "Do you want to go to get food with us or go home?"

"I'll come with ye.", she gets out.

"Ok. Want to tell me about it?"

She takes a breath before she says, "Ok." She tells me how she told Anne about her sexuality and then she told her that they should break up because she shouldn't miss out on that. "Jesus, Gem. I had no idea you were thinking that.", I say. She then tells me about their argument, which led to Anne ultimately ending it. "Jesus, G. I'm so sorry.", I say at the end.

"It's ok, Tash. It's not your fault. Maybe it's for the best."

I sit down at the bench.

"Maybe. Or maybe not."

She looks up at me. "What do you mean?"

"Let's face facts, Gemma. Before Anne, you were a depressed bully living in a dump with your older brother and junkie parents. Then, when you guys got together, you became happy. You became friends with all of us dummies and your life really changed. Freddie got better, your parents got better and you just changed for the better. I don't wanna sound cheesy, but I think Anne is a blessing for you. And in a way, you are a blessing for Anne. I know that's the case with Gabs and I. Even if you two aren't meant to be, do you really want to lose her altogether? I really believe that Anne is the reason why we're even talking right now. I think she gave you the confidence to stand up to your parents that morning. Please don't do something you'll regret. Keep her in your life. This isn't where you lose her." I smile as I finish.

She wipes a tear from her face and sniffles. "Yeah, you're right. I really love her. I just don't think we can work out that way."

"Then at least be friends. I just know that you'll be lost again if you lose her altogether. I'll always be here, but Anne is special. If you need space from her, sure, give it a week. But don't shut her out completely or too much. That'll do nothing."

"I agree 100%. I just need to take some time away from all this dating stuff. I need to focus on my family at the moment. Even if I wasn't thinking about being asexual, I was still thinking of asking for a break. I think at the moment, you're the friend I need the most. You're my best friend, Tash. And at a time like this, which is more important, a girlfriend or a best friend."

"I get you. And I'm going to be there for you through this and everything. Just make sure you don't lose her. You'll regret it."

"Thank you, Tash. You're a lifesaver."

"It's what I do best, Welchy Girl."

We smile at each other before we head over to the Italian and we find Gabrielle.

"Hey, Gabs, can Gemma eat with us?", I ask. I wasn't sure if Gemma would come.

"Yeah, sure. I have the food ordered though."

"It's ok, I'll just order myself a Coke."

"You sure? You can have some of my pizza as well."

"Positive. Thank you."

I'm definitely going to be a counsellor in a few years. No doubt about it.