Daisies and Daffodils

Chapter 3

Finally, Tess and Anna set up a mode of communication. They sent emails to each other which, in this day in age, seems a little old fashioned but they loved the idea of such a long response. Tess would usually start her emails with a line of poetry that either she wrote herself or she found from poets she loved. Anna would start off hers with a cheesier and cheesier greeting. It started off as 'your Majesty of the books, Tess' to 'the gracious and majestic, Tess,' and on some of her more tender emails, she would call her 'as beautiful as a sunset.'

Each of their emails was always well-thought-out, and there was never any doubt of the conversation dying. Usually, a test of friendship is to see who will contact who first, but there was never that problem between the two women as the conversation never seemed to end. It was a welcome distraction for Anna. When the cold nights in bed used to bother her, she could now replace the empty space beside her, where her husband was supposed to be (however he was out partying), with the warmth of an overworked laptop. As an author and absolute stippler for grammar, Tess's frequent use of kisses as a full stop should have bothered her, but she found it endearing. Tess should have found Anna's constant use of flowery, Jane Austen-esque writing infuriating, but it added a freshness to be able to converse with some so beautifully literate. Therefore, their conversations were always pleasant. Anna also popped into the shop to pick up more poetry, but soon she began to ask for Tess's own works. Tess made a habit of printing out her poems after completing them and then keeping her works hidden under the desk, so whenever Anna came in she could always hand one to her. It became like a game to them both, an unspoken one.

They both agreed to meet up for a drink at the Kraken Tavern, and this stressed Tess out more than it should have. Usually, Tess's dress style, so to speak, was to have no style. It helped her project her uncaring, free personality; a dad-style button up which was half-tucked into her jeans, mismatching socks, and with a funky belt and shoes. This wasn't just some random meetup with a pal, though. Tess was meeting up with the Anna Harrison. So, she was burrowing into her wardrobe and drawers looking for something that resembled nice. A clean white t-shirt from a fancy shop, non-ripped jeans and a worn leather jacket with black ankle boots was the best she could come up with. The walk to the bar was mainly listening to music in an attempt to battle the worry that she looks like she tried too hard whilst simultaneously looking like she hasn't tried hard enough.

When Tess entered the bar, pulling her earbuds out, she noticed the quiet chatter, the scholarly look of all the customers, and the indie band that lulled on the speakers. Oh no, she was in a smart bar teeming with intellectuals. The young woman was starting to look like a deer caught in the headlights when she heard someone clear their throat behind her. Tess nimbly swivelled around to see Anna, wearing a sundress, which instantly stood out to her as being away from her usual style.

"Are you okay, you look a little...overwhelmed," Anna enquired with a concerned, furrowed brow. She went to put her hand on Tess's shoulder, but there was a flash of something in her eyes; something like when a child goes to misbehave but remembers the consequences. Tess picked this up but didn't pursue it in conversation.

"Yeah, I just think my IQ might not be high enough for this bar," Tess chuckled breathily, as she returned to skittishly darting her eyes around the room.

"Don't be ridiculous, you should feel just at home here as I do, and if anyone tells you any differently, I'll sort them out." The confidence in Anna's voice was infectious, and Tess offered her a lopsided smile. They took a seat at the bar, and after much bickering, Tess paid for the first round of drinks. They settled down, although she still felt a little tense with being in such an unfamiliar environment, and they started small chat. It was pleasant, and as time passed Anna was able to edge closer to Tess, in an amicable way. Even though she felt her brain wrenching her away. She didn't need 'The Holiday' coming back to haunt her. There was a sudden change in the lighting and the background music that was softly playing was cut out.

"Ladies, gents, and esteemed guests; welcome to the Kraken Tavern's karaoke night!" The man on stage announced obnoxiously, making large and theatrical gestures with his arms. Tess and Anna shared a drunken look of mischief, before simultaneously raising their hands to volunteer. They made their way to the stage, stumbling slightly. Dangerously, the two women attempted to jump up on the stage instead of simply using the stairs. Anna and Tess each grab a mic, and 'Summer Loving' came on. Ah, Grease. 

The singing was bad, the movements were sloppy from alcohol, and they would be morbidly embarrassed if they ever watched their performance back. However, at that moment, they were smiling unapologetically. After stumbling down from stage, sharing a few more drinks and a lot more laughs, Anna called a taxi for Tess. 

"I wanted to thank you for agreeing to meet up with me," She bit her lip with hesitation, breathing in deeply, "I know it wasn't much but-"

"It was the most fun I've had in weeks, Anna, thank you. It was a pleasure." Tess's response warmed Anna's heart in a way that felt almost too foreign. 

"Well, it was my pleasure too, we should do this more often." Anna grinned and as the taxi pulled up Tess noticed a strain on her face. She figured it might be her being socially awkward, and made the split-second decision to hug her. Tess noticed Anna tense up and she didn't hug back. When she got into the taxi, she leaned back and sighed. Fuck, did she overstep a boundary or something? Where they maybe not as close as she originally thought? 

When Anna got home, her husband still not home, her mind wandered. That hug felt so welcoming. It made her feel safer than she has in years. But a part of her was revolted, wanting to throw up at the thought of these feelings. She wanted to dissect them further but everything in her body screamed at her not to. The Holiday's influence was washing over her and all she wanted to do was go to sleep and forget one hug.