“I don’t know what to say, Bette. I really don’t.” Helena was totally thrown.

Bette took Helena’s face into her hands. “Helena, I love you and while it took some time to getting used to the idea for myself, and I don’t mean today, it’s as true as it gets ! Please believe me !”

She kissed Helena softly and both of them closed their eyes. Bette moaned and Helena’s lips turned into a smile. She opened her eyes and could see Bette’s were still closed. She broke the kiss and Bette’s eyes flew open.

“What’s wrong ? Why did you stop ?”

“Because I needed to look into your beautiful eyes. Because I had to make sure, this isn’t just another dream !”

“It’s not a dream, Lena.”

“I… Bette, do you know how long I wanted to hear you saying those things to me ? To be able to kiss you ? Make love to you… and you not just being a figment of my imagination ?” Helena had tears in her eyes now.

“Oh, Helena, come here.”

They stood there and embraced fully.

* * *

At a café near the soccer playground, Tina and Henry were sitting at a table. Tina had Angelica in her arms and stroked her hair.

Mikey was eating a sandwich and looked at his father.

“Can you believe the audacity of that man ?” Henry asked Tina.

“Henry, you were disturbing the game. So it was…”

“Disturbing the game ? What did I do ?” Henry was still outraged.

“Dad, I scored, didn’t I ?” Mikey had a smile on, a mile wide.

“Yes, son, you did. I’m proud of you.” Henry consoled his offspring.

Both of them got into a discussion about the finer points of soccer and Tina tried to follow. But soon her mind drifted off.

I really need to go home. There’s laundry and Angie’s nap is overdue. She thought.

And no Henry-time tonight ? Inner voice quipped.

No, I can’t stand him at this moment. Why is he complaining about that referee ?  Even I know the rules about not coaching from the line.