Grinning at her laughing friend, Fallon thought the idea of a jungle theme sounded like such fun, though she thought Ana's mirth at the inside joke a little much. Shaking her head, and raising an eyebrow, Fallon found herself laughing softly as well. She wasn't sure if it was the idea or Ana's own delight in thinking it up.
Suki had joined in the joke and was laughing as well, but amidst it all she came up with yet another theme that was equally fun sounding, but a lot more intimidating. Of course she offered to help, and by the time she'd finished talking almost had it planned out, but her mention of stress had Fallon nodding.
"Both suggestions sound like they'd make for great evenings - different evenings, but both great in their own rights." She hoped that sounded diplomatic enough not to hurt either woman's feelings. "But I just don't know..." Truth be told, hearing both suggestions, along with the thought of moving, and resettling suddenly had Fallon questioning the decision for a party in the first place. She found herself becoming overwhelmed at the idea and wondered where her common sense had flown.
"Maybe it was a foolish idea...there will be a lot going on, and I DON'T want Cyrus upset...do you really think we should wait?"
Part of the fear Fallon was now feeling stemmed from the fact that while she had imagined inviting more people than she'd had at her little gathering, she never intended for it to become a monstrous gala. That, she was sure, would be fraught with stress. Yet, in defense of that idea, part of her did want to include some of Cyrus' business associates, as she wanted him to benefit from the affair as well. Fallon kept eating, but more by routine then interest now. Her mind was a blender full of thoughts.
Friends...a good thing
It was an extraordinary night. The air was cool for summer, at least any summer's Fallon could remember, and yet it was obvious summer was still in full bloom, along with all the flowers native to Nachton. The air was still a bit humid and heady with all kinds of wonderful scents.
Since she'd come to realize her cat abilities were giving her added perks, Fallon had just accepted it and started enjoying them. It was that much more incredible when she and Cyrus would run in the forrest, and it also seemed to allow her change to happen more smoothly. That, or all the practice was paying off, as she never seemed to have any anxiety about it anymore.
She had also refrained from too much contact with Suki over the past week, thinking it would be easier on the three of them this way. Trying not to give the girl orders or instructions was more difficult than Fallon had thought it would be, only because Suki was just so helpful all the time. So distance was the only way she could see clear to try and break the cycle. Cyrus was Suki's master, and only master. For Fallon she could be a friend, and that was all.
In the grand scheme of things Fallon preferred it like that anyway. She had no desire to have the responsibility of anyone else. Outside of the responsiblity she felt for Cyrus, which was only a responsibility in so far as one lover would have for another. Being responsible for a familiar was too much like having a child. Not anything Fallon had the need for.
But Fallon did need to get together with Suki to start planning the party they'd be having when the new house was finished. Ever since Fallon had invited her few friends over to her little cottage for the get together, she'd wanted to have another celebration. She loved playing hostess, and visiting with her friends, and since Cyrus didn't seem to mind, the new house was just the excuse she could use.
And speaking of friends, and new houses, she was just as excited to be seeing Ana again, and thrilled she and Suki and Fallon could spend the evening together. Since Cyrus had to meet with his buyers, it worked out well for everyone.
Since Ana had only moved into the cottage a couple days earlier, Fallon wanted to make sure everything was still working well, and hoped to hear her friend was settled and enjoying her new home.
Finding it more difficult to be cooped up inside these days, Fallon chose the restaurant at the marina to meet at. She loved the smell of the ocean, and the seating at the outside patio was perfect. Once she parked the RAV and walked up to the hostess, she found she was the first to arrive. Leaving her name with the friendly woman, Fallon went to her table, and watched a few small boats sailing back and forth across the calm water, as she waited for the others to arrive.
Fallon
18 years ago
Suki Langston
18 years ago
Suki was very carefully and neatly devouring her entree when the doubts surfaced. Spearikng a lightly steamed brocolli florette she inspected it carefully. Poised with it midair over her plate she looked towards her friend.
"Only you can make that decision. But, how hard is it to move into the new house with a full time decorator, movers, cleaning crew and personal assistant? Mainly it is going to take a night of you wandering through and finding where everything is. And if you dont wish to do that I can make you a map listing locations of things."
Pausing to consume the little green tree she held up one finger, hoping the other woman waited just one moment for her to finish the thought. "If you dont want to have the party so soon, thats ok. But you can turn over planning to a caterer, party planning company, cleaning service, and the personal assistant. No matter what you choose to do."
Tilting her head to the side she spoke the thought that flittered through. "Even for a small intimate party why stress over what to cook, have your favorite restaurant make dinner or hor dourves. Have a cleaning company come in the next day to clean up. All you have to do is make decisions, which can be stressfull but with an unlimited budget and the right people, you can make anything a reality."
"Only you can make that decision. But, how hard is it to move into the new house with a full time decorator, movers, cleaning crew and personal assistant? Mainly it is going to take a night of you wandering through and finding where everything is. And if you dont wish to do that I can make you a map listing locations of things."
Pausing to consume the little green tree she held up one finger, hoping the other woman waited just one moment for her to finish the thought. "If you dont want to have the party so soon, thats ok. But you can turn over planning to a caterer, party planning company, cleaning service, and the personal assistant. No matter what you choose to do."
Tilting her head to the side she spoke the thought that flittered through. "Even for a small intimate party why stress over what to cook, have your favorite restaurant make dinner or hor dourves. Have a cleaning company come in the next day to clean up. All you have to do is make decisions, which can be stressfull but with an unlimited budget and the right people, you can make anything a reality."
Fallon
18 years ago
Leave it to Suki to put everything into perspective. Though what she said was all true, for Fallon the planning of a party was half the fun of having it.
"I understand what you're saying, and it's all very true; however, I like planning. I don't do it nearly as well as you do, and I would never want to." She winked at Suki, knowing full well that this was Suki's life's blood. "But in my own little feeble attempts, I find pleasure in deciding what to serve the guests, and who the guests should be...if there will be entertainment, and what it will be. Certainly I wouldn't have any problems leaving the cooking to others, as long as I get promises from them that my menu is followed explicitly. I don't want mustard in the potato salad for one thing." And at that she smiled at Ana, remembering the food issues her young friend had.
"And cleaning?" Fallon laughed heartily on that thought. "I like everything clean and tidy, for sure, but I really have no problem turning that chore over to someone else."
Chewing a bite of her salad, Fallon was again feeling good about the party and her decision to have it.
"Thanks you too, for being here to walk me through this. One of these days I might learn not to bite off more than I can chew, without first thinking about it thoroughly...maybe not, but hopefully. In the mean time just know I understand how lucky I am to have such understanding and caring friends."
"I understand what you're saying, and it's all very true; however, I like planning. I don't do it nearly as well as you do, and I would never want to." She winked at Suki, knowing full well that this was Suki's life's blood. "But in my own little feeble attempts, I find pleasure in deciding what to serve the guests, and who the guests should be...if there will be entertainment, and what it will be. Certainly I wouldn't have any problems leaving the cooking to others, as long as I get promises from them that my menu is followed explicitly. I don't want mustard in the potato salad for one thing." And at that she smiled at Ana, remembering the food issues her young friend had.
"And cleaning?" Fallon laughed heartily on that thought. "I like everything clean and tidy, for sure, but I really have no problem turning that chore over to someone else."
Chewing a bite of her salad, Fallon was again feeling good about the party and her decision to have it.
"Thanks you too, for being here to walk me through this. One of these days I might learn not to bite off more than I can chew, without first thinking about it thoroughly...maybe not, but hopefully. In the mean time just know I understand how lucky I am to have such understanding and caring friends."
Montana
18 years ago
"Cleaning after a party can be a real chore," Ana said semi-imperiously, nudging Fallon's knee with her own under the table. She turned a soft smile to her friend. She remembered still very clearly that first party, the first taste, the first honesty truly shared between the teacher and the librarian. "Of course I would offer to help, but then I'd fully expect to have you two dragging me away by my arms or something. 'Stop Ana, no, that's for the cleaning company. No, Ana, you don't have to clean, you're a guest.' And I'd laugh and there would be giggling and of course the definition of 'guest' would have to be explored very carefully. Then I'd have to go into a lengthy tirade about how 'friends' shouldn't be considered 'guests' and there would be lots of hemming hawwing and such, and you'd both stand there staring at me as if I'd had too much to drink. Which of course I wouldn't, because I'd be the designated driver. But then you'd come back with something saying that I wouldn't have to drive, and that friends would be able to stay over if crazy weird things happened - like Montana getting drunk -" she snapped her mouth shut, realizing that she'd said her full first name aloud; something she hadn't done in a very long time. Her train of thought completely derailed, she shrugged, feeling the tips of her ears warming. "And then we'd have a laugh and it would be funny."
Fallon
18 years ago
Again Fallon listened, her grin turning into a huge smile as Ana went on about her projected thoughts on her place at the party. Shaking her head, as she agreed with most of what Ana said, but also disagreed that she would now be that formal with her friend. In fact, for kicks she might even agree to let Ana clean...just to throw a little unpredictability into the mix.
The part about getting drunk lodged a few interesting ideas into Fallon's head, and she wondered if that possibility would be so remote. But any further designs were put on hold temporarily as Fallon mulled over the other bit of news.
"Montana...Montana? Ana? You never told me your given name was Montana...it's lovely...why don't you go by it?"
Trying to see her friend through objective eyes, Fallon saw her as an 'Ana'...but tonight, especially in her sparkly dressed up self, Fallon could see her as a 'Montana', as well. And she really did think the name was very pretty.
She could also see her friend seemed to be feeling a bit of discomfort at what she might have just inadvertently divulged. Though Fallon didn't see the reason behind keeping that type of thing a secret. It also wasn't Fallon's name or history to have reason for concern...it was her friend's.
The part about getting drunk lodged a few interesting ideas into Fallon's head, and she wondered if that possibility would be so remote. But any further designs were put on hold temporarily as Fallon mulled over the other bit of news.
"Montana...Montana? Ana? You never told me your given name was Montana...it's lovely...why don't you go by it?"
Trying to see her friend through objective eyes, Fallon saw her as an 'Ana'...but tonight, especially in her sparkly dressed up self, Fallon could see her as a 'Montana', as well. And she really did think the name was very pretty.
She could also see her friend seemed to be feeling a bit of discomfort at what she might have just inadvertently divulged. Though Fallon didn't see the reason behind keeping that type of thing a secret. It also wasn't Fallon's name or history to have reason for concern...it was her friend's.
Montana
18 years ago
She'd said it out loud. The name she didn't let anyone call her. As Fallon complimented her, the memory of the last time someone had called her Montana flashed in her mind, dredging up a great deal of sorrow and a resurgence of loss.
Blinking her eyes furiously to prevent tears, she took a deep gulp of her wine to help loosen her throat. Looking up at Fallon, she nibbled on her upper lip and requested quietly, "That'll need to be a talk for another time."
Picking up her water to wash down the sudden knot in her throat, Ana poked at her fish and settled on spearing a broccoli floret, then a small bit of asparagus. Popping it into her mouth, she chewed slowly and uninterestedly. Swallowing again, barely able to get it past the lump, she picked her napkin up from her lap and dabbed at her lip. Looking at Suki first, then Fallon, she asked, voice thick and raspy, "Could one of you please scooch out so I can visit the ladies' room, please?"
Blinking her eyes furiously to prevent tears, she took a deep gulp of her wine to help loosen her throat. Looking up at Fallon, she nibbled on her upper lip and requested quietly, "That'll need to be a talk for another time."
Picking up her water to wash down the sudden knot in her throat, Ana poked at her fish and settled on spearing a broccoli floret, then a small bit of asparagus. Popping it into her mouth, she chewed slowly and uninterestedly. Swallowing again, barely able to get it past the lump, she picked her napkin up from her lap and dabbed at her lip. Looking at Suki first, then Fallon, she asked, voice thick and raspy, "Could one of you please scooch out so I can visit the ladies' room, please?"
Fallon
18 years ago
While Fallon might not have been the most perceptive person on the planet, she could easily see that there was an issue with Ana, and her name, and it pained Fallon to think she might have contributed to her friend's discomfort. She realized she had done a lot of that tonight with Suki and Ana, and was suddenly wondering if she'd made a mistake getting everyone together for dinner.
Of course she wouldn't press Ana, so the promise of speaking of it later was one Fallon would never follow up on. Unless Ana herself brought the subject up. She quickly moved her chair back, so Ana could get up, and though she considered trying to stop her, had to imagine the possibility that Ana needed to use the ladies room for more than a quick escape. But thinking to give Ana time to retreat, Fallon would then follow behind to make sure things weren't as bad as she was beginning to imagine.
Of course she wouldn't press Ana, so the promise of speaking of it later was one Fallon would never follow up on. Unless Ana herself brought the subject up. She quickly moved her chair back, so Ana could get up, and though she considered trying to stop her, had to imagine the possibility that Ana needed to use the ladies room for more than a quick escape. But thinking to give Ana time to retreat, Fallon would then follow behind to make sure things weren't as bad as she was beginning to imagine.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana stood and softly asking her apologies, laid her hand on Fallon's shoulder as she made her way to the restroom.
"I'll be right back," she tried to will her voice to form the words, but they just wouldn't come out.
She found herself in the rest room. Then she found herself sitting on her bottom on the pristine tile floor, the room's gentle lighting reflecting off assorted gems and gold coins atop a treasure chest that she noticed in front of her. Her vision was spotty and blurry, but the tears wouldn't fall. The wood of the door was cool, though, and a gentle breeze of the main restaurant's air conditioning gave her chills as it crawled over her legs. She stood and moved to stand in front of the long mirror, edged with mother-of-pearl and assorted seashells.
She'd cried enough tears over both her parents after their deaths... Where did this sudden resurgence come from, simply by speaking her full given name aloud? Tugging her glasses from her face, she set them on the granite counter before reaching to grab a nearby tissue from a strikingly out-of-place unadorned box. She paused for a couple moments, wiping the tissue on her lenses, catching her breath, before replacing her glasses on her ears and nose.
Upside down.
"I'll be right back," she tried to will her voice to form the words, but they just wouldn't come out.
She found herself in the rest room. Then she found herself sitting on her bottom on the pristine tile floor, the room's gentle lighting reflecting off assorted gems and gold coins atop a treasure chest that she noticed in front of her. Her vision was spotty and blurry, but the tears wouldn't fall. The wood of the door was cool, though, and a gentle breeze of the main restaurant's air conditioning gave her chills as it crawled over her legs. She stood and moved to stand in front of the long mirror, edged with mother-of-pearl and assorted seashells.
She'd cried enough tears over both her parents after their deaths... Where did this sudden resurgence come from, simply by speaking her full given name aloud? Tugging her glasses from her face, she set them on the granite counter before reaching to grab a nearby tissue from a strikingly out-of-place unadorned box. She paused for a couple moments, wiping the tissue on her lenses, catching her breath, before replacing her glasses on her ears and nose.
Upside down.
Shay
18 years ago
Reaching up to pat Ana's hand, Fallon wasn't given a chance before Ana was gone.
"Something is obviously wrong, and I can't just sit here and do nothing." Fallon put a soft hand on Suki's arm, as she pushed her own chair back a bit more and stood. The look she gave Suki was one she hoped would convey the thought that if Suki wished to join her, she would be welcomed. Though Ana had sought privacy, Fallon had no indication that Suki's support wouldn't be appreciated.
As she made her way to the ladies' room, weaving in and around tables, Fallon tried to imagine what could have stirred Ana up so. When she cautiously entered the bathroom, Fallon immediately saw Ana standing in front of the mirror, and noticed the girl's glasses were upside down. Walking up behind Ana, Fallon rubbed her back a couple times, and then gently turned her friend to face her. She smiled tenderly, and reached up to remove and reset Ana's glasses properly, then pulled her into a warm hug.
"I don't know what I said, but whatever it was, I'm sorry. It seems I've not been a very good friend tonight...first I get Suki all flustered, and now you."
And now Fallon's words were beginning to sound suspect, as tears began filling her eyes, and pressing on the back of her throat.
"Can I do anything to make it up to you?"
"Something is obviously wrong, and I can't just sit here and do nothing." Fallon put a soft hand on Suki's arm, as she pushed her own chair back a bit more and stood. The look she gave Suki was one she hoped would convey the thought that if Suki wished to join her, she would be welcomed. Though Ana had sought privacy, Fallon had no indication that Suki's support wouldn't be appreciated.
As she made her way to the ladies' room, weaving in and around tables, Fallon tried to imagine what could have stirred Ana up so. When she cautiously entered the bathroom, Fallon immediately saw Ana standing in front of the mirror, and noticed the girl's glasses were upside down. Walking up behind Ana, Fallon rubbed her back a couple times, and then gently turned her friend to face her. She smiled tenderly, and reached up to remove and reset Ana's glasses properly, then pulled her into a warm hug.
"I don't know what I said, but whatever it was, I'm sorry. It seems I've not been a very good friend tonight...first I get Suki all flustered, and now you."
And now Fallon's words were beginning to sound suspect, as tears began filling her eyes, and pressing on the back of her throat.
"Can I do anything to make it up to you?"
Fallon
18 years ago
Reaching up to pat Ana's hand, Fallon wasn't given a chance before Ana was gone.
"Something is obviously wrong, and I can't just sit here and do nothing." Fallon put a soft hand on Suki's arm, as she pushed her own chair back a bit more and stood. The look she gave Suki was one she hoped would convey the thought that if Suki wished to join her, she would be welcomed. Though Ana had sought privacy, Fallon had no indication that Suki's support wouldn't be appreciated.
As she made her way to the ladies' room, weaving in and around tables, Fallon tried to imagine what could have stirred Ana up so. When she cautiously entered the bathroom, Fallon immediately saw Ana standing in front of the mirror, and noticed the girl's glasses were upside down. Walking up behind Ana, Fallon rubbed her back a couple times, and then gently turned her friend to face her. She smiled tenderly, and reached up to remove and reset Ana's glasses properly, then pulled her into a warm hug.
"I don't know what I said, but whatever it was, I'm sorry. It seems I've not been a very good friend tonight...first I get Suki all flustered, and now you."
And now Fallon's words were beginning to sound suspect, as tears began filling her eyes, and pressing on the back of her throat.
"Can I do anything to make it up to you?"
"Something is obviously wrong, and I can't just sit here and do nothing." Fallon put a soft hand on Suki's arm, as she pushed her own chair back a bit more and stood. The look she gave Suki was one she hoped would convey the thought that if Suki wished to join her, she would be welcomed. Though Ana had sought privacy, Fallon had no indication that Suki's support wouldn't be appreciated.
As she made her way to the ladies' room, weaving in and around tables, Fallon tried to imagine what could have stirred Ana up so. When she cautiously entered the bathroom, Fallon immediately saw Ana standing in front of the mirror, and noticed the girl's glasses were upside down. Walking up behind Ana, Fallon rubbed her back a couple times, and then gently turned her friend to face her. She smiled tenderly, and reached up to remove and reset Ana's glasses properly, then pulled her into a warm hug.
"I don't know what I said, but whatever it was, I'm sorry. It seems I've not been a very good friend tonight...first I get Suki all flustered, and now you."
And now Fallon's words were beginning to sound suspect, as tears began filling her eyes, and pressing on the back of her throat.
"Can I do anything to make it up to you?"
Suki Langston
18 years ago
Suki sat quietly as the drama unfolded. Since she did not know Ana better she stayed in her seat, fidgeting with a long chunk of her hair. When the waiter came by to see if everything was ok she reasured him politely and requested another bottle of wine and a dessert menu once they had finished their dinners.
A few bites remained of her shellfish so she consumed them delicately before toying with her hair once more. There was definately going to need to be some chocolate at this table soon. It must be a very emotional time of the month for herself and Ana for them both to have such strong reactions in one evening. Just the thought of it made Suki smile slightly as she waited for the ladies to return.
A few bites remained of her shellfish so she consumed them delicately before toying with her hair once more. There was definately going to need to be some chocolate at this table soon. It must be a very emotional time of the month for herself and Ana for them both to have such strong reactions in one evening. Just the thought of it made Suki smile slightly as she waited for the ladies to return.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana leaned into the hug of the shorter teacher vampire friend lady before her. Resting her forehead against Fallon's shoulder, she mumbled, "The hug is a great start and finish, but you really don't need to apologize for making me say my name out loud. It would have happened eventually. Of course, I do feel kind of bad," she admitted, leaning back to look into Fallon's eyes, "that I never told you. But it never really came up, you know?" Ana gently disengaged from her friend's embrace. "But we really should be getting back to dinner; we left Suki all alone, and I have a plate to finish and I really want some tiramisu for dessert."
Ana reached her hand gently to caress Fallon's face. A twinkle of mischievousness could be detected in her eyes as she said, "Thank you for caring, Mammy." Just as she dropped her hand back to her side, another woman entered the bathroom and, after each of the women looked at the other, the newcomer stepped into a stall.
Ana reached her hand gently to caress Fallon's face. A twinkle of mischievousness could be detected in her eyes as she said, "Thank you for caring, Mammy." Just as she dropped her hand back to her side, another woman entered the bathroom and, after each of the women looked at the other, the newcomer stepped into a stall.
Fallon
18 years ago
Fallon still thought she was more to blame for Ana's discomfort, than she was letting on, but wouldn't belabor the point. To do so could result in more hurt feelings, and Fallon didn't want that.
She also knew Ana had still to tell her the history behind her unhappiness, but couldn't very easily ask her to go into detail now. Not since they were no longer alone, and had Suki waiting out at the table for them.
"Mammy?! Ugh. Endearments are fine Ana, but please, can't we find something a little less...oh, I don't know...aged?" Fallon grabbed her friend's hand and squeezed it as she turned and pulled Ana along through the doorway. Just the other side, while they stood alone together in the alcove, Fallon stopped.
"You shouldn't feel bad about not telling me something. Whatever happened must have been very painful to still bother you so. If you ever do want to tell me, of course I'll listen, and if there is ever anything I can do, I hope you'll tell me that too." Still holding Ana's hand in her's, Fallon reached up with her other hand and brushed Ana's cheek, much as the girl had just done to Fallon. "You are a special person in my life Ana, I hope you know that."
Pulling the girl's hand to her lips, Fallon kissed Ana's knuckles, then turned again to walk to the table, tugging her friend along. When she caught Suki's eyes, Fallon smiled and nodded, hoping the rest of the evening went a little less dramatic.
(ooc - permission to move Ana received)
She also knew Ana had still to tell her the history behind her unhappiness, but couldn't very easily ask her to go into detail now. Not since they were no longer alone, and had Suki waiting out at the table for them.
"Mammy?! Ugh. Endearments are fine Ana, but please, can't we find something a little less...oh, I don't know...aged?" Fallon grabbed her friend's hand and squeezed it as she turned and pulled Ana along through the doorway. Just the other side, while they stood alone together in the alcove, Fallon stopped.
"You shouldn't feel bad about not telling me something. Whatever happened must have been very painful to still bother you so. If you ever do want to tell me, of course I'll listen, and if there is ever anything I can do, I hope you'll tell me that too." Still holding Ana's hand in her's, Fallon reached up with her other hand and brushed Ana's cheek, much as the girl had just done to Fallon. "You are a special person in my life Ana, I hope you know that."
Pulling the girl's hand to her lips, Fallon kissed Ana's knuckles, then turned again to walk to the table, tugging her friend along. When she caught Suki's eyes, Fallon smiled and nodded, hoping the rest of the evening went a little less dramatic.
(ooc - permission to move Ana received)
Montana
18 years ago
"Aged? Well, if you think about it, you're stuck where you are, and I'm not, so if anything you'll eventually be able to call me Granny..." Ana nudged Fallon playfully as she continued thoughtfully, "Besides, Fally and Lonny don't quite sound right, and I like calling you Fallon anyway. I still reserve the right to use Mammy!" That last was said a bit defiantly and with a hint of her raspy voice.
She smiled warmly at Fallon as her cheek was caressed and hand kissed, then eeped lightly as she was tugged along back to the table. Resuming her seat, she asked brightly, "What did we miss? Did any hot guys come to hit on you, Suki? Or any hot women? How about hot desserts? Did any appear magically?"
She smiled warmly at Fallon as her cheek was caressed and hand kissed, then eeped lightly as she was tugged along back to the table. Resuming her seat, she asked brightly, "What did we miss? Did any hot guys come to hit on you, Suki? Or any hot women? How about hot desserts? Did any appear magically?"
Suki Langston
18 years ago
A giggle escaped her as the two returned to the table. It appeared everything was smoothed over without too much fuss while in the ladies room. Waving her hand over the semi unfinished plates she sighed to Ana.
"If you can eat all your veggies, I promise dessert from our nice waiter, plus more wine!"
Magically their waiter appeared and took her empty plate away while delivering the wine and dessert menu. The later which happened to be a tray full of options from chocolate encased ice cream spheres to cobbler to pie to three layered cake. Suki looked carefully over the options before pointing to a chocolate cheesecake with strawberries. The plate was drizzled with strawberry sauce and slices but also boasted three chocolate covered berries just waiting to be eaten.
Their waiter nodded his acceptance of her order and held the tray for the other two to make their choice. His quiet comment of getting her a fresh slice in just a moment had Suki impaitent for chocolate but happy to get one that had not made the rounds for an hour.
"If you can eat all your veggies, I promise dessert from our nice waiter, plus more wine!"
Magically their waiter appeared and took her empty plate away while delivering the wine and dessert menu. The later which happened to be a tray full of options from chocolate encased ice cream spheres to cobbler to pie to three layered cake. Suki looked carefully over the options before pointing to a chocolate cheesecake with strawberries. The plate was drizzled with strawberry sauce and slices but also boasted three chocolate covered berries just waiting to be eaten.
Their waiter nodded his acceptance of her order and held the tray for the other two to make their choice. His quiet comment of getting her a fresh slice in just a moment had Suki impaitent for chocolate but happy to get one that had not made the rounds for an hour.
Fallon
18 years ago
Fallon giggled at the 'granny' comment, and then a more serious look flashed over her face when she considered Ana's mortality. She didn't dwell long though, afraid of where her mind might take her. Besides, Ana seemed in much better spirits, and that was what mattered now.
"Oooh, hot guys? If you met one, maybe he had a friend for Ana too?" Nudging Ana in the side, Fallon took her seat smiling. For now it appeared peace and fun times had been restored, and she was glad.
"Here here!" Fallon raised her empty wine glass at Suki's mention, and then refilled it. She hadn't been drinking much lately, and was definitely feeling the effects, but not in such a bad way that she wouldn't be able to function perfectly.
Ordering just a small dish of sorbet, Fallon waited for Ana to order her tiramisu, and again felt the warmth of an evening spent with good friends fill her.
"Oooh, hot guys? If you met one, maybe he had a friend for Ana too?" Nudging Ana in the side, Fallon took her seat smiling. For now it appeared peace and fun times had been restored, and she was glad.
"Here here!" Fallon raised her empty wine glass at Suki's mention, and then refilled it. She hadn't been drinking much lately, and was definitely feeling the effects, but not in such a bad way that she wouldn't be able to function perfectly.
Ordering just a small dish of sorbet, Fallon waited for Ana to order her tiramisu, and again felt the warmth of an evening spent with good friends fill her.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana speared the remaining florets one by one as Fallon and Suki placed their dessert orders. Waiting a moment to empty her mouth, she requested, "May I please have some tiramisu? I'd like coffee with it, decaf please, cream, extra sugar."
After the waiter moved away, her fork grabbed the few carrot pieces left, then eventually the bits of baby corn. Wiping her fingers with her napkin and dabbing at her lips again, Ana pushed the plate away. "That was better than I expected. I'm glad I took my time to eat it... I've discovered that I'm eating my lunch too fast at work and not really taking the time to enjoy or appreciate it."
After the waiter moved away, her fork grabbed the few carrot pieces left, then eventually the bits of baby corn. Wiping her fingers with her napkin and dabbing at her lips again, Ana pushed the plate away. "That was better than I expected. I'm glad I took my time to eat it... I've discovered that I'm eating my lunch too fast at work and not really taking the time to enjoy or appreciate it."
Suki Langston
18 years ago
With a sad dramatic sigh Suki lamented her fate, unable to keep the grin or eye rolling completely away. "Sadly enough, no men nor women. I think I intimidate people or something. Friends I can make, but boyfriends? Not a chance."
She also did not try very hard, knowing her time and energy was devoted to Cyrus. But she was not going to mention that to Fallon, for she did not want her to think they were competition in any way or that her service to Cyrus slighted her happiness at all.
When Ana mentioned eating lunch too fast, she could only nod. "I find all my meals end up going way too fast because there is always something else to do. Maybe we should get together for lunch one day Ana, and take an entire hour just to eat slowly."
Remembering the long drawn out meals her Grandmother had made her sit through, perfect posture on flat pillows almost made her retract that offer. The two young women would do nothing like that though, so she pushed the old worry aside. Taking a sip of wine she thought that a long lunch could be made so much fun by having good friends with her, rather than the rules and ceremony from her childhood.
She also did not try very hard, knowing her time and energy was devoted to Cyrus. But she was not going to mention that to Fallon, for she did not want her to think they were competition in any way or that her service to Cyrus slighted her happiness at all.
When Ana mentioned eating lunch too fast, she could only nod. "I find all my meals end up going way too fast because there is always something else to do. Maybe we should get together for lunch one day Ana, and take an entire hour just to eat slowly."
Remembering the long drawn out meals her Grandmother had made her sit through, perfect posture on flat pillows almost made her retract that offer. The two young women would do nothing like that though, so she pushed the old worry aside. Taking a sip of wine she thought that a long lunch could be made so much fun by having good friends with her, rather than the rules and ceremony from her childhood.
Fallon
18 years ago
Fallon couldn't really relate to eating fast, for eating was normally something she did because she had to, and not really because she enjoyed it that much.
However, being with Cyrus, and her friends in settings such as the one she was in now, were helping her to see the socialization benefits to eating. In light of that she was changing her eating habits a little. She still didn't eat much, but what she did she was enjoying more.
In the case of 'the hunger' Fallon could eat like there was no tomorrow. Starvation probably had that effect on anyone though, and since she'd been more careful about letting herself get to that point, she hadn't had to worry about that again.
She sipped her wine as she listened to her friends, and regarded them both again. They were two very lovely young women, and being that Fallon now knew what love was, she wished it for both her friends. Aishe she knew had someone, and hoped in light of their recent lack of communication, that maybe her Egyptian friend had reconnected with him. But Ana and Suki each needed someone, in Fallon's opinion anyway. Fallon just didn't have a clue as to how to go about helping out in that respect though.
"I don't know Suki...maybe you just need to find a person with strength...not only to be able to deal with your own strengths, but who would also offer you a challenge. I'll bet they're out there...probably having dinner with Ana's perfect companion, as we speak."
Fallon nodded, looking very serious.
The desserts were delivered quickly, and Fallon had to admit the sorbet was the perfect choice for her...sweet, without being too sweet, and so refreshing. It wouldn't weigh her down like something chocolaty might have.
"Mmmmmm...perfect!"
However, being with Cyrus, and her friends in settings such as the one she was in now, were helping her to see the socialization benefits to eating. In light of that she was changing her eating habits a little. She still didn't eat much, but what she did she was enjoying more.
In the case of 'the hunger' Fallon could eat like there was no tomorrow. Starvation probably had that effect on anyone though, and since she'd been more careful about letting herself get to that point, she hadn't had to worry about that again.
She sipped her wine as she listened to her friends, and regarded them both again. They were two very lovely young women, and being that Fallon now knew what love was, she wished it for both her friends. Aishe she knew had someone, and hoped in light of their recent lack of communication, that maybe her Egyptian friend had reconnected with him. But Ana and Suki each needed someone, in Fallon's opinion anyway. Fallon just didn't have a clue as to how to go about helping out in that respect though.
"I don't know Suki...maybe you just need to find a person with strength...not only to be able to deal with your own strengths, but who would also offer you a challenge. I'll bet they're out there...probably having dinner with Ana's perfect companion, as we speak."
Fallon nodded, looking very serious.
The desserts were delivered quickly, and Fallon had to admit the sorbet was the perfect choice for her...sweet, without being too sweet, and so refreshing. It wouldn't weigh her down like something chocolaty might have.
"Mmmmmm...perfect!"
Montana
18 years ago
"You're a very confident, intelligent, dedicated woman, Suki, not to mention quite beautiful, I can't imagine anyone wanting to pass on such a strong partner. It wasn't until recently that I discovered I have a little bit to offer even my own friends." Under the table, Ana gently nudged Fallon's knee with her own. "My previous friend-relationships were rather shallow, I now know, and the one that wasn't... well we won't go there tonight."
Ana's jaw almost dropped and she smiled widely at Suki's offer of lunch. "That would be wonderful! I do believe I'd enjoy that. I've mostly stuck to home-made sammiches, pizza, and soup since coming here. And the odd ice cream. But something else would be nice. Even tonight's feast has been a major deviation for me, but I'm enjoying it so much..."
She did have the grace to blush at Fallon's comment. To think, the special person for Suki, to be seated with Ana's special person, and maybe a third... Not unlike Ana's sudden mental image of a male-versioned-mirror of their own little gaggle of gals out for a night on the town. She started giggling. "You make me giggle, Fallon, with the idea that just popped into my head... Imagining a table not unlike this one in a restaurant maybe across town with three people, two of whom are the Special Ones for Suki and I..." She giggled again. "I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at the mental image of the irony of..." The dessert arrived. "Oh, never mind, it's very romantic either way."
Ana upended her cream into her decaf and, when the billowing cloud of creamer didn't flow to the top as she'd been taught, she caught the waiter's attention on the way past. "Excuse me, this cup of coffee isn't fresh. Could I have a fresher cup, please?" She saw the waiter's eyebrow raise and did she imagine a curling of his lips into a grin? before he answered, "Of course, ma'am, I'll bring one right over. Ladies, anything else since I'm coming right back?"
Ana's jaw almost dropped and she smiled widely at Suki's offer of lunch. "That would be wonderful! I do believe I'd enjoy that. I've mostly stuck to home-made sammiches, pizza, and soup since coming here. And the odd ice cream. But something else would be nice. Even tonight's feast has been a major deviation for me, but I'm enjoying it so much..."
She did have the grace to blush at Fallon's comment. To think, the special person for Suki, to be seated with Ana's special person, and maybe a third... Not unlike Ana's sudden mental image of a male-versioned-mirror of their own little gaggle of gals out for a night on the town. She started giggling. "You make me giggle, Fallon, with the idea that just popped into my head... Imagining a table not unlike this one in a restaurant maybe across town with three people, two of whom are the Special Ones for Suki and I..." She giggled again. "I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at the mental image of the irony of..." The dessert arrived. "Oh, never mind, it's very romantic either way."
Ana upended her cream into her decaf and, when the billowing cloud of creamer didn't flow to the top as she'd been taught, she caught the waiter's attention on the way past. "Excuse me, this cup of coffee isn't fresh. Could I have a fresher cup, please?" She saw the waiter's eyebrow raise and did she imagine a curling of his lips into a grin? before he answered, "Of course, ma'am, I'll bring one right over. Ladies, anything else since I'm coming right back?"