We’ll Meet Again Someday

Riana was swimming across the length of the pool just under the water’s surface. A shadowy haze above told her she was no longer alone. She broke through the surface just as Audra was descending the steps into the pool. “Hey, you,” she said. “Hey,” Riana replied, wringing water from her hair. “I thought you’d be at work.” “No, they gave me the day off today. They rearrange everyone’s schedules now and then, and they just switched James to second shift.” “And you?” “I’ll still be on first shift.” “Think he’ll like second shift?” “He’s not too happy about it.” “Guess I can’t blame him. You won’t get to see each other as much.” “Well, I never thought I’d say this,” Audra began, “but I guess it just makes me even happier to have you around.” Riana smiled, though she was unsure of what to make of the new arrangement. She liked the idea of seeing more of Audra. Alone. But she also didn’t want things to become complicated. She didn’t want to come between her and James, and she didn’t want Audra to become a pest either. “You might enjoy having some space for once. After all, how often is it that both he and Emma are gone?” she offered. “Oh, I’ll enjoy it, alright. But your company is also welcome at times, too.” Riana gazed at Audra and smiled. “Wow, we’ve certainly come a long way, haven’t we?” Audra’s smile faded and her expression became serious. “I guess we have. I was wrong about you, Riana. Plain and simple. You’re a good person.” Riana smiled again. “I try.” “So, what have you been up to today?” “The usual. I cleaned up a bit, went out for groceries, entered sweeps, and now I’ll probably spend most of the day relaxing and hanging out on the web.” “Hanging, huh?” “Yeah, I have a few sites I visit regularly.” Audra swam a few laps, then passed Riana, who was now sitting on the top step of the pool. She kissed her on her way out, then picked up the towel on the nearest lounge chair and dried herself off. Riana got out of the pool and dried herself with her own towel. Audra wrapped hers around her and said, “Well, I’d invite you in for lunch or something, but I’ve got some things I gotta get done, so I’ll see you some other time, okay?” Riana nodded, stepped up to Audra, kissed her, then retreated to the guesthouse. She watched a smiling Audra enter her own house and lock the door—it had to be locked at all times. Audra still had a habit of barging in.