Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
N isha sat on Chrissie’s bed fresh from the shower, a towel wrapped around her. “Thanks for this,” she said. “I was far too muddy for public consumption. Well, for your consumption.”
Chrissie giggled. “Ok, come on then, explain ‘what we are’.” She’d changed into her pyjamas while Nisha had been showering, and was admiring her companion’s bare shoulders.
“Well, I mean, I don’t have all the answers. You’re just as much a part of this as I am. But I can tell you that for me, this means something,” said Nisha, a drop of water falling from her tousled hair onto her chest. Chrissie put out a finger to gently wipe it away. “You mean a lot to me. And I wouldn’t be doing any of this if I didn’t think we had some kind of meaningful future.”
“Really?” said Chrissie, shocked by how precisely Nisha was saying exactly the words she wanted to hear. She wondered how far she should question this. But then, she’d questioned being with Nisha so much, for so long, perhaps it was time to stop.
“Really,” replied Nisha. “We’re too old to play around. You are funny and kind and thoughtful and slightly flighty, but I love you for it.”
“You what?” said Chrissie in a whisper.
Nisha’s face reddened. Then she looked directly at Chrissie and took her hand. “I love you, Chrissie.”
Chrissie could feel tears begin to well up, and swallowed hard. “You love me,” she repeated.
“Yes,” agreed Nisha. “And you really shouldn’t leave a girl hanging.” She laughed nervously.
“Oh my,” said Chrissie. “I mean, I’m in love with you. I think I always was. But the moment you walked into that classroom with your dimple and your beautiful eyes, the day you made me run around in the mud and the rain. I knew I loved you. I hated that I loved you, but I did.” Chrissie stroked Nisha’s hair and cupped her cheek. “But now, I love that I love you too.”
Nisha smiled, and leaned in to kiss Chrissie on the lips. Chrissie closed her eyes. “It suddenly feels so easy,” she said, as she pulled away.
“Maybe that’s the Prosecco talking,” said Nisha, “or maybe we’ve been getting in our own way until now.”
“It’s not just the Prosecco,” said Chrissie, undoing Nisha’s towel and straddling her lap. “But I know for sure I’ve been getting in my own way until today.”
Nisha leaned back, her hands behind her on the bed. “Well, cheers to us growing up!”
Chrissie kissed her neck and ran her hand down her cleavage. “Yes, here’s to that.”