Page 53 of Don't Fall in Love (and how to break the rules)

“That is really awesome,” said Rae. “I’m so pleased. I knew I liked Nisha.”

“It’s not just Nisha,” said Chrissie, thoughtfully. “In many ways, I think had we met a few months earlier, it wouldn’t have worked at all. I think that in truth, part of it is about time. But you’ve played a role in all this too.”

“Me?” said Rae, whipping their head round from the cupboard they were putting yoga blocks into.

“Yes,” said Chrissie. “You’ve been there for me through everything, right from when I barely knew who I was or what I stood for anymore. You’ve been the one who’s been reassuring, asked me questions, pushed me to push myself, and all in the spirit of love and friendship.”

“Aw, mate,” said Rae, with a half-smile, “that’s such a lovely thing to say.” They stood and turned towards Chrissie. “Permission to hug?”

“Granted!” replied Chrissie with a laugh. The friends embraced. “But it’s all true. Thank you, I really appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me.”

Rae pulled away. “It’s not a one-way street, Chrissie. You’ve been there for me, too. Always a smiling face in my classes, always helping set up and pack away, always listening to my troubles. I feel lucky to have such a great friend.”

Chrissie felt warm inside and out, confident that this was the beginning of the best time of her life.

Chapter Forty-Nine

The frost made Kings Heath Park look sparkly, with trees emerging glistening through the mist. Chrissie was in her favourite baggy yellow woolly hat and her pink wellies, and Nisha was wearing a purple beanie and her walking boots. Their gloved hands were clasped together as they strolled.

“Look,” said Chrissie, “the pond is iced over in places. The moorhens are walking along the surface.”

Nisha laughed. “They look so funny. I love that you notice things like that.”

“What can I say, I’m observant,” said Chrissie, squeezing Nisha’s hand. “I noticed you, after all.”

“I think you’ll find I’m hard to miss,” replied Nisha, the hot air emerging from her mouth as mist.

“You may be right,” said Chrissie, grinning. “Especially that day you were playing football over there in the pouring rain.”

“Ha, yes, that was a great day,” said Nisha, taking her hand out of Chrissie’s in order to put her arm around her girlfriend’s shoulders. “And not least because you kissed me.”

“Oh God, yes. I had a bit of a moment that day,” said Chrissie.

“Well, my love, I’m glad you did.”

“That’s a nice thing to say,” said Chrissie, feeling warm. “And talking of moments, I need to tell you that I’ve decided to apply for that teacher training place that Ernest’s been advertising.” She clenched her teeth, waiting for Nisha’s response. “I got all nervous the other day when I went to talk to her about it.”

“Well I hope you didn’t kiss her,” jested Nisha. “But seriously, that’s awesome. You will be an incredible teacher.”

“Do you really think so?” asked Chrissie.

“I do,” said Nisha. “I’ve learnt from you since we’ve been working together. And while I’d miss having you in my classroom next year, it would be amazing to see you teaching your own class.”

“Thank you!” exclaimed Chrissie, relieved to have the support of her girlfriend.

Nisha’s phone started to vibrate in her coat pocket. They were so close, Chrissie could feel it. Nisha took the phone out and looked at it, frowning. “I should take this,” she said. “Why don’t you order us teas in the café over there and I’ll join you in a sec.”

“Sure,” said Chrissie, wondering who was calling Nisha on a Saturday morning in December.

Chrissie sat at a formica-covered table with two steaming cups of tea. The windows of the café had begun to cloud, the heat of the people inside battling with the cold outside. She’d bought a couple of flapjacks too, to keep them going. It had been fifteen minutes, but she wasn’t concerned. Nisha had had a whole life before they’d reunited, and had many friends, and of course family.

Finally, Nisha came in. Chrissie couldn’t place the expression on her face. She looked like she was frowning, but in thought, perhaps, rather than unhappiness.

“You ok?” asked Chrissie.

“Yeah, sure, just a friend asking a favour,” said Nisha, sitting down. “Thanks for the tea. I needed it. I think I’ve lost the sensation in my toes.”

Chrissie gave Nisha an appraising look, but decided to leave it. It was Nisha’s stuff, not Chrissie’s.

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