Chapter 1

Terri dragged her suitcases behind her as she scurried towards the counter where her luggage was to be checked in.  She was running late even though she was fully aware of the new security procedures at the airport. Terri wasn't overly concerned, she knew her publisher had already paid for her reservation.

After waiting over an hour and a half, Terri finally boarded flight 727 to LA. The plane was full, which wasn't unusual.  She saw a vacant seat on the end next to a very attractive woman who appeared to be in her mid 30's, about 5'9" or 5'10" she guessed, by the way her long legs stretched out, strawberry blonde hair midway down her back , and emerald green eyes. She was wearing a pair of  'Gloria Vanderbilt' designer jeans and a black silk pullover blouse which complimented her ample breasts.  Terri couldn't help but look at her, "she could be one of the lovely heroines in my books!' she thought under her breath. Terri felt a bit self conscious sitting next to this lady who reminded her of a swimsuit model. Terri was 5'4, a full figured woman in her late 30's, silky dark brown hair which came to her shoulders, and brown eyes. She wore black dress slacks and a pink sweater turtle neck. The attractive woman glanced up and gave Terri a warm smile.

"Hi, is this seat saved for anyone?" Terri shyly asked. The woman patted the seat.

"No, please help yourself."

The woman watched as Terri muttered a cheerful, "thank you" and shuffled with her jacket and purse that looked like a suitcase in itself. Terri sighed as she finally relaxed in her seat and glanced around at the other passengers.

"I'm usually not so anxious about flying, but this is the first time I have flown after all the attacks and crashes." The other woman smiled sympathetically.

"I know, I had to fly to visit my sister in NY; she was having marital problems and needed to speak to me." Terri was sorry to hear of another's misfortunes.

"Oh I hope everything will work out." she softly replied.

"Thanks, I'm sure it will, bad marriages seem to be a curse in the family."  She then extended her hand, "My name is Cindy Wilkerson."

Terri smiled as she accepted her hand in friendship.  "Terri Douglas."

The flight attendant came by offering hot and cold drinks.  Cindy took a coffee with cream, Terri took an iced tea. The minutes ticked away as the two ladies chatted about their respective families and occupations. Terri mentioned she was a writer of inspirational romance stories with a loving husband waiting back home. Cindy shared that she was also happily married and was a beautician.  The two ladies seemed to connect almost immediately. Terri didn't feel as self conscious once she and Cindy talked.  They had a lot in common, happy marriages, both loved Mexican and Chinese foods and loved romantic comedies.

"I hope you don't mind me saying so," Cindy started as she reached up and gently ran her fingers through Terri's dark locks. "But you have lovely hair." Terri smiled, blushing a bit.

"Thanks."

"I'm serious, if you ever want a trim or perm, look me up!" She pulled out a business card out of her purse and handed it to her new friend.  Terri studied the card.

"Totally Hair, Inc. what if I wanted a manicure?" She teased.

"We do that too, see the card has manicures, pedicures, and facials." Cindy chuckled.  Terri grinned as she pocketed the card.

"Thanks, I plan on visiting my cousin who lives in LA; I figured I could visit her in between the conferences, and book promos."

Cindy nodded, "How long will you be in LA?" Terri finished the last of her iced tea and held the empty glass in her lap.

"About a week, I have to be back on Monday for a meeting with my editor."

Cindy perked with a brilliant idea. "Terri, it will be late when we arrive, I'm getting a room for the night and my husband, Mike is picking me up in the morning. "Why don't we get a bite to eat and relax?"

Terri smiled, "Sounds like a great idea, I don't have anything scheduled until tomorrow at 10 am. I already have reservations for a room, so if you wanted to stay there...."

"I wouldn't want to impose, staying in your room."  Cindy smiled. Terri pondered the idea. Did she ask Cindy to stay in the same room with her? She didn't remember asking her to. They did get along with each other and Terri thought she was a nice lady, but they had just met.

"Impose? Nonsense, why get a room when I already have one." Terri quickly offered. 'Besides the room has two double beds.' She thought.

Several hours later at the hotel, after unpacking and freshening up, Cindy was ready to get a bite to eat.

"Come on Terri, I purposefully didn't order dessert on the flight so I could save the calories for later." Terri grinned, Cindy could have ordered two desserts by the looks of her figure, but she guessed even the models had to count calories.

"Okay, I'm ready!" She smiled as she locked the door, and followed Cindy down the hall to the restaurant and lounge area.

The smoky, crowded bar was on the side while the restaurant was in front. Cindy's eyes quickly adjusted to the dimmed light.

"Come on Terri, I see a vacant table by the bar." Terri didn't particularly like the idea of being so close to the bar, but there didn't seem to be any other vacant seats. She followed Cindy to the empty table.

"Evening ladies, may I buy you a drink?" Terri was surprised that someone would try to hit upon them so quickly and glanced up and saw a very handsome young man who must have been in his late 20's. Cindy offered him a seat next to her.

"My name is Cindy and this is my good friend Terri." She flirted. "Nice to meet you both! My name is Scott."

The three of them tried talking over the music, finally Scott stood and asked Cindy if she wanted to dance.

"I'm sorry, I don't dance." She lied. "Terri is a fabulous dancer! Will you ask her?" He smiled as he leaned over and asked Terri if she would dance. Terri's face flushed as she nervously shook her head no.

"Go on Terri!" Cindy urged as she placed a hand on the small of her back and gave her a gentle shove. The tempo slowed to a ballad and Scott offered her his hand as he nodded. Terri, giving Cindy a dirty look, reluctantly took his hand as he led her on the dance floor. She lightly wrapped her arms around his neck as he drew her close.  Cindy watched as the two of them danced, but allowing a safe distance between them.

"Would you like another drink?" asked a male waiter in a very high pitched feminine voice.

"Yes, another diet coke with lemon for my friend on the dance floor, for the gentleman, a beer, and a rum and coke for myself."  The waiter glanced at the couple on the dance floor.

"Mm, lucky girl!" he smirked and walked away to get their drinks.

Meanwhile the song ends and Terri and Scott return to the bar.

"You guys were great!" Cindy smiled at Terri then winking at Scott. "You have an admirer." She whispered as the waiter came back and handed each one their drinks and paid an extra compliment to Scott for his dancing. Terri glanced over at Cindy and rolled her eyes.

"Doesn't that make you want to throw up?" Terri whispered to her friends once the waiter was out of hearing range.

"Yeah, but it doesn't bother me unless he tries to touch me or something freaky like that." Scott informed.

Cindy reached up and gently brushed her fingertips across Terri's cheek. Terri looked up at her.

"You had an eyelash that had fallen to your cheek." She smiled. The truth was, Cindy had very strong intimate feelings towards Terri. She was happily married but was bi-sexual towards a few women. She felt that connection with Terri, but was afraid to share as she did not want to scare her new friend away. 

Later that night in their hotel room. "Why didn't you invite Scott back to your room, Terri? We could have had a threesome!" She half teased. Terri pretended to look shocked at her friend.

"Cynthia!" She scolded. "We are both happily married and have wonderful husbands waiting for us."

Terri gave her a wicked grin, "Yes, but a little midnight snack never hurt anyone."  Terri gave her a worried look.

"Girl, I don't know about you!" She frowned as she walked into the bathroom to take a shower, closing the door behind her. Cindy was beside herself.  She didn't want to offend her friend and chase her away, but she had some very strong intimate feelings for her.

The next morning as Terri was leaving for her appointment Cindy reached out and lightly grabbed her arm.

"Say Terri, Why don't you join Mike and me for dinner tonight? I'm making pot roast with potatoes and veggies." She urged.  Terri smiled warmly at her new friend.

"Okay, what's the address?"

Cindy took another business card and wrote her home address and phone number on the back of the card. "See you about 6:30?"

Terri nodded, "Okay, thanks Cindy."

Chapter 2

The following afternoon Terri found herself waiting her turn at "Totally Hair, Inc." Cindy was finishing up with a child's haircut and motioned for Terri to follow her back to the sink.

"Thanks again for dinner last night. You are a good cook and Mike seems like a very nice guy." Terri smiled as she leaned her head back over the sink.

"It was a lot of fun! Next time you must bring Doug and the four of us can play cards." Cindy grinned as she wrapped a plastic cape around Terri and snapped the two ends together. "Okay, lean back." She gently caressed Terri's soft dark locks as she watched the sprayer lightly moisten them in between her fingertips. After wetting all of her hair thoroughly, Cindy squeezed a small amount of shampoo in the palm of her hand and gently massaged Terri's hair. She lathered, rinsed and then completed with a conditioner and one more rinse before covering her head with a soft, warm towel.

"Okay," Cindy breathed deeply, "want a trim?" Terri sat up and followed Cindy to her station and took a seat in front of the mirror.

"Yes, just a trim, especially the bangs." Cindy gently rubbed the towel, getting out the excess moisture out of Terri's hair.

"Do you want it in layers?" She asked as she slowly ran a comb through the wet dark locks.

Terri smoothed out her cape, "Yes please." Cindy took out a pair of scissors and began trimming her bangs. She stood to one side in front of her and slightly leaned over her, and on occasion her breast would accidentally rub up against Terri's arm.

The front door opened and a jingle of the bells atop of the door rung. A young man about 18 or 19 years old with golden blonde hair just above the collar and bright blue eyes bounced into the salon carrying a box of beauty supplies.

"Ladies Ladies Be still my heart! So many gorgeous women." Echoes of feminine voices whispered.

"Hello Bobby! That's Bobby, he's such a Cutie pie. I tease him about taking him home with me. He says "okay, I'm housebroken!" Cindy smiled as she offered him a donut she had wrapped and saved for him.

"Thank you, Miss Cindy!" He bowed slightly as he accepted her gift. "I bring you beauty aids to assist in bringing out the natural beauty of the lovely ladies you work with."

Cindy leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Bobby, say hello to my dear friend Terri." Bobby knelt down on one knee, took her hand, lowered his lips, and lightly placed wet kisses on her knuckles. Terri blushed slightly.

"I can see why all the women adore you Bobby." She grinned.

"Bobby makes each woman feel like a queen, like she's worth something." Cindy grinned.

Bobby smiles, "Aw, the pleasure is mine. If you will excuse me I have one more box to bring in." Cindy watched as he swiftly went back to the van, placed the donut on top of the dashboard, and grabbed the second box.

"Thanks again Bobby!" The woman working the front counter smiled as he downed a quick soda and blew a kiss to the women.

"Ah, so many women, so little time. " He grinned as he climbed back into his van and took off.

"He's such a sweetheart!" Cindy smiled as she turned on the blow dryer and using a stiff hair brush shaped Terri's hair into a nice wave.

"There, you like?" She asked as Terri glanced in the mirror at the finished look.

"Yes, very nice Cindy. Thank you!" Cindy smiled as she took a can of mousse and sprayed a small amount in her hands then massaged both hands through Terri's hair.

"Your husband is very lucky to have such a beautiful wife as you."

Terri blushed a little, "Thank you Cindy."

In between Terri's work schedule and seeing her cousin, she and Cindy had many opportunities to spend time together. They went out to lunch, shopping, and even caught a movie. Soon the week was over and Cindy insisted on taking Terri back to the airport.

"Are you sure you have everything?" Cindy asked for the third time.

"Yes", laughed Terri. "You sound like my mother!" Both women laughed. "You know, I've grown very close to you in such a short time and will miss you very much. You and Mike have been very kind to spend so much time with me this week. I haven't had a chance to be home sick too much." Cindy smiled and moved a bit closer as she hugged Terri and held her close to her.

"I've grown very fond of you too girlfriend. Please keep in touch and take care. You have my email address, right?"

Terri laughed, "Yes, you made certain I memorized it before I left, remember?" Both women smiled as Terri started to walk down the hallway to board her flight. She paused and turned around.

"Hey, maybe you and Mike can visit us next time!" Cindy smiled as she waved good bye to her friend.

"Okay, we will!"

That evening Cindy didn't rest well. She really missed Terri and was anxious to hear from her that she had arrived safely home. She also replayed all the fun moments they had over the past week in her mind. She knew she needed to tell Terri how she felt about her, but was afraid she would scare her away. She turned on her computer, saw Terri's Id name was lit and decided to IM her.

"Hey you made it?" Cindy typed. She waited to see her response.

"Hi, yes just got home from the airport. I was just telling Doug how much fun we had."

Several weeks went by and both ladies kept in close contact via email as promised.

The holidays soon were approaching as Terri decorated her home with holly and mistletoe. She turned on her computer and saw Cindy was online.

"Hi Cindy, How are you?"

"I'm fine Terri, and you dear?" she responded. Each one chatting and sharing details about their families and their work. Suddenly the conversation turned a bit more intimate and Cindy saw her chance.

"Terri, I have something to tell you, but I don't want to offend you in any way." Terri looked at the monitor and couldn't imagine how Cindy could possibly offend her. They had become such very good friends over a few short weeks.

"What's wrong Cindy?" Terri questioned.

"Well, I live with a dark secret, my husband knows, but only a few close friends are aware of it, and I wanted to be totally honest with you."

"What is it?" Terri inquired.

"Well," Cindy started. "I have some bi feelings for a few close friends. I'm not a lesbian, but I do have intimate feelings for some of the same sex. Those I feel a special connection with, an emotional bond."

"Do you have these feelings for me?" Terri couldn't believe she asked but she had to know.

"Yes I do, but I would never want to ruin a good friendship, since I know you are straight and have strong religious convictions about it."

Terri's head was spinning, she re-read the words on her monitor. 'Cindy has sexual feelings for me?' She couldn't even imagine what went on in Cindy's mind, in her fantasies, she was afraid to.

"I'm sorry if I offended you!" Cindy quickly typed, wondering what was going on in Terri's mind. She hoped she didn't hate her and wouldn't be her friend anymore.

"No you didn't offend me." Terri replied. "Still friends. I felt the connection too as our friendship budded, but never thought of that. You know Cindy, most of the people I've come in contact with who live the gay/lesbian or bi lifestyle, I have a hard time relating to, because I don't agree with them, but you are different." Cindy felt so relieved, finally telling her friend.

"Good, cuz I would never do anything to hurt you!"

Terri smiled as she typed. "Same here hon."

Chapter 3

Christmas was a very busy time as usual with all the celebrating and festivities, but the ladies were still able to keep in touch. Cindy had a great sense of humor, and many times would make Terri laugh. Cindy had opened up to her new friend, shared emotional hurts from her past. A lost pregnancy, a sister whom she was extremely close to and had lost due to cancer. As they chatted she felt the need to share once more.

"Cindy, if I may ask, how did you come to have bi feelings?" Terri asked in an instant message online.

Cindy took her time in answering, "It was a long time ago, before Mike and I was married. I was in a very abusive marriage, and there was a very close friend I bonded with. She wanted me to get out of the marriage, but I wouldn't listen. I wanted to try to make it work. I thought maybe if I was a better wife, if we got counseling, things would get better. Well, things didn't. Damian didn't want to get counseling, he thought the problem was me. My friend, Kimberly was my anchor in those days. We spent a lot of time together. Whatever I needed she tried to meet those needs; whether the need was financial, mental or emotional, she was there. One day I was pouring out my heart to her and she told me again I needed to get out. She saw me at my worse yet still loved me. One day I had just about had enough of his abuse and was crying on her shoulder, she hugged me, and kissed me, really kissed me.  Not with the tongue, but a deep emotional kiss telling me she really cared. I guess it was her emotional support that brought us together. I finally did leave Damian and started a new life. I had my art work, drawing, doing portraits that I love to do and found a job in web designing which I still do; I work at the salon part time."

Terri understood how someone could feel close to anyone who gave such emotional support, but...."Have you and your friend kept in contact?" Terri asked.

"Yes, not as often as I would like, we both have our own families and are extremely busy, but we send each other birthday and Christmas cards." Cindy felt heavy in her spirit. The conversation had been too serious long enough. "Say, Mike and I both have some time off from work before New Years. I asked if we could come stay with you!" She grinned as she typed.

Terri re-read her friend's message, "Are you kidding?" she asked hopefully.

"Well, yes and no. We would like to come down and see you before.....hmmm before New Years, but we would get a hotel room."

"No, you don't have to do that. We have a guest room with a double bed. You and Mike can stay here."

Cindy held back a sexual comment she almost couldn't resist to kid her friend about, but thought twice and kept silent about it. "That is very nice of you Terri! ." She typed instead.

Chapter 4

The few days following Christmas were much more relaxed and at a nice slow pace. Mike and Doug got along just like old college friends and the four of them spent nights fine dining and playing board games at home. Terri had told Cindy that their church was having a New Years' Eve Celebration with food, games, music and a time of prayer at midnight. Cindy wasn't crazy about the idea at first, but didn't want to hurt Terri's feelings. As the clock grew close to striking midnight everyone got in a circle and held hands and began the countdown. "5...4...3...2..1..HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!" The minister led in prayer then people began to hug and kiss one another.

"Happy New Years, Cindy!" Terri smiled giving her friend a hug.  As she was pulling back a bit Cindy leaned forward and gave Terri a kiss on the mouth. Terri was a bit embarrassed but kissed her back. Her mind was racing, she wondered what was going on in Cindy's mind as they kissed.  It was innocent enough, yet knowing how Cindy felt made Terri blush a bit.

A couple of days later Cindy and Mike returned home. Terri didn't say anything to Doug, as he had strong feelings regarding the different lifestyle too.

"Have you heard from Cindy about their trip home?" He asked. Terri was busy in the kitchen peeling potatoes.

"Huh? Oh Mike and Cindy. No, I haven't spoken to her since they left."  She tossed the peels in the trash and the potatoes into a pot of cold water.

"I enjoyed having them visit, a nice couple!" He smiled.

"Yes, very nice." She added as she smiled as cheerful as she could. The following day Terri was doing research for a new book and saw Cindy was online.

"Hello! I haven't seen you since your trip back. How are you?" She typed sounding as cheerful as she could. Truth was, she felt very awkward now in talking with Cindy, but wanted to deal with these estranged feelings as she really did like Cindy and didn't want to lose her friendship.

"It was good." Cindy typed and didn't bother to elaborate. Terri sensed something was wrong. She hoped she didn't offend her friend either in any way.

"You okay?" Terri typed.

"Yes, fine, how are you?" She typed back.

"I'm good, thanks!" Terri wasn't convinced that everything was really fine with Cindy, but decided not to challenge her.

"Well now that the holidays are over, we can get back to work!" Terri teased as she typed an instant message to Cindy.

"Yeah, lots of fun," came Cindy's brief reply. "Well I have to be going, I will talk to you later Terri." Cindy typed from her PC.

Terri wondered if maybe she was making too big of a deal here. Cindy was her friend, and would never do anything to hurt her. The kiss was just a simple thing. Friends expressing their love towards each other during the holidays. 'Why do I feel so weird then?' Terri thought as she typed in a simple reply and signed off.

Chapter 5

Another week slipped by into the new year and Terri received an email from Cindy.

Hi Terri,

I need to fly to New York for the weekend and would love to visit with you and Doug. Mike can't get off work, so it will just be me. I can get a hotel for the weekend, I would just love to see you one more time since I will be in the area.

'One more time?' Terri thought then shook her head. She typed in her reply.

Wonderful Cindy, only you will stay with us, I won't having a friend of mine staying at a hotel when we have plenty of room.

Cindy emailed Terri with all the flight information, the following evening, Terri met Cindy at the airport. Cindy smiled and gave Terri a big hug. She held her tight as if she needed emotional support. Terri had purposefully turned her head away not wanting to kiss her, but did hug her.

"You look good." Terri coughed, wanting to make small talk. Cindy could sense how Terri felt and at this point, it wasn't on her agenda to make her feel uncomfortable about it.

"Can we get something to eat?" Cindy asked quietly. Terri studied Cindy's face. She did look a bit tired.

"Are you sure you don't want to go right home and rest?" Terri offered.

"Yeah, I'm sure!" Cindy insisted.

"Okay, sure!" Terri's bubbly personality came out as she really did miss her friend and knew she was making a big deal of everything.

"Hmm about New Years Eve, the kiss..." Terri began as the waitress took their drinks. Cindy ordered a rum and coke and a diet coke with lemon. Terri smiled that she had remembered.

"No big deal, how's Doug?" Cindy asked plainly.

Terri blinked. 'No big deal? Yes it was...to her..she had mixed emotions about it and wondered how Cindy felt about it.'

"He's good." Terri began. "Hmm Cindy, I'm sorry but I did feel funny after we kissed." She was as blood red as the blouse she was wearing but knew she had to get this out of her system. Somehow it was more awkward talking about it in person. Cindy saw her anguish and wanted to help relief her suffering.

"The kiss was between friends." She started. "I didn't have any fantasies during the kiss about you if that is what you are worried about, so relax and enjoy the evening." She smiled weakly as the waitress returned with their drinks and she took a big sip of her drink.

Terri lost in thought reached for her chilled drink and lifted the glass to her lips. "What brings you in town so soon, Cindy?" Terri asked nonchalantly. Cindy looked a bit agitated. She set her drink on the table and stared into Terri's eyes.

"I don't want to talk about it now, okay? We are here together, let's celebrate. I just want to get drunk and forget about everything else and have some fun."

Terri watched as Cindy swallowed the last of her drink and ordered another one. She knew something was wrong but didn't want to pry at this time. She would wait until the opportunity was more convenient.

"Another drink for you too?" The waitress asked Terri who politely refused.

"Terri, you should get something stronger than the diet coke, you deserve it!" Cindy grinned a little tipsy.

"One of us has to be sober to drive us home, Cindy. That's okay, I still have my drink. Life is too short, we don't need an accident on the way home."

"Shorter than you think!" Grumbled Cindy under her breath.

Terri looked at her, "What? I didn't hear what you said."

Cindy shook her head, "It doesn't matter, see those two guys over there? Kinda cute huh?" Terri chuckled at her friend, 'whatever the problem was, it was something very serious; Cindy had a great sense of humor and didn't usually let things get her down.'

The next day Cindy was up bright and early. She didn't sleep well at all, she had made this special trip to New York because her physician told her of heart specialist who was very wise in his field. He gave her a referral and strongly suggested she see him. Terri woke and saw her friend was already awake. Doug got in late last night from work so he was still sleeping.

"Good morning Cindy." Cindy smiled weakly at her friend. "Did you sleep well last night?" Terri asked as she went into the kitchen to start breakfast.

"Not really, but that seems to be the norm anymore." Cindy mumbled. "Terri, I'm catching a cab this morning in about an hour, there's something I need to do."

Terri turned away from the stove and looked at her friend. "Want me to take you?" She offered.

"No thanks, it's easier this way. We can do something maybe this evening before I leave tomorrow." Terri slowly faced the stove once more as she heated up a pan for eggs.

"Can you stay for breakfast?"

Cindy smiled, "I'll have some toast and juice, that will hold me until lunch."

Later that evening Terri and Cindy decided to make tacos at home, Terri had already prepared all the vegetables and sauce and had just begun to cook the ground beef. Cindy had returned about thirty minutes prior to Terri beginning dinner and had retired to the bedroom she was using while she was visiting her friends. Cindy finally left the bedroom and entered the kitchen and began to set the table. Terri was happy to see Cindy and wanted their last evening together to be fun. Doug was working until 10:00 tonight so the ladies would have the entire evening to themselves.

"I really hate this world, it's so unfair!" Cindy busted out in frustration. Terri looks surprised and feels sad at Cindy's expression of anger.

"Did something bad happen today Cindy?" Terri slowly asked.

"I really have to wonder if there really is a God? There is just too much pain in the world. Always the innocent people doing the suffering and I am getting sick of it!" Cindy was close to tears by this time.

"Yes there is a God and He does care. We don't have all the answers; we know we live in a sinful world. He didn't promise us a life without pain and sorrow, but He did promise to go through it with us, and He sends people to us who care along the way."

Terri wished she had a simple answer to life's challenges. She believed God was in control of everything and that faith in Him was the only way to live. She also felt very sad that something was bothering Cindy and she had no clue what it was.

"You know I am tired of your constant good mood, you make me sick at times" Cindy lashed out.

Terri was shocked, "What?" Terri couldn't believe what was happening.

"I am tired of being nice and sweet to you and all this smiling is driving me crazy!"

"Cindy...I'm sorry..." Terri was near tears herself.  She had no idea why Cindy would be like this, she had never seen her get so emotional.

Cindy starts crying as she moves to the bedroom, her hand trembling as she opens the door and moves through it, "I hate this stinking life." She slams the door shut behind her.

A couple of hours later, Cindy came out of the room. Terri's eyes were red from crying and was on the couch watching TV. Cindy came around and sat on the other end of the couch. Terri went to grab the remote to turn the TV off.

"No, it's ok. Leave it on." Cindy softly whispered. Terri nodded, but turned the volume down.  Both women sat in dead silence.

"I'm sorry for the way I blew up." Cindy apologized. "I've been going through a lot the past couple of months and I had to vent.  I'm sorry I took it out on you."  Terri smiled warmly at her friend.

"It's okay, I was afraid I had done something to offend you." Cindy shook her head as she sighed.

"That appointment earlier today was to see a heart specialist.  My physician recommended this guy in New York, said he's the best and right now I need a miracle." Her bottom lip began to quiver as tears welled back in her eyes. Terri briefly fought between responding to a natural emotion wondering how Cindy would react, but decided to do it anyway and wrapped her arms around her in a bear hug.

"If it is a miracle you need, then a miracle is what we are going to pray for." The two women from two different lifestyles came together emotionally bonding as friends do naturally.

Chapter 6

Several months later, a letter from Cindy arrived at Terri's home. She carefully opened and read the letter:

My Dear Friend,

I had to take some leave from work as my doctor prescribed I needed to take life easier and at a slower pace. Having more time to myself has allowed me to do things I never took time for; looking at a sunset from my bedroom window, playing tic-tac-toe with my husband and laughing at our silliness, writing a letter using snail mail to a dear friend who has taught me a lot about life, about myself, my priorities, and to thank her for accepting me and my lifestyle even though it goes against everything she believes in as a Christian, and last but not least, taking the time to get acquainted with the God of this universe, and although I may not understand why things happen, I know he loves me.  Keep me in your prayers, it is still a long journey ahead, but with His help and friends like you, I can take one day at a time for that is all any of us have.

Your friend, Cindy.

Terri lifted her hand to her mouth to keep from sobbing. She whispered a prayer for Cindy and Mike that God would keep them under His wings and that they would feel His presence even now in their lives.  She glanced at the letter sitting on the edge of the table, the one she had written to Cindy but hadn't mailed yet. Walking over to the table she gently lifted the thin stationary paper to review what she wanted to share with Cindy:

Dearest Cindy,

I'm so glad our paths crossed, not only once but several times and a close friendship has budded. You are in my prayers as I know for a fact it was God who brought us together.  I wish I had all the answers to life's most difficult questions, but I don't. All I know is that God is in control of everything and I can rest assure in trusting Him even when I don't understand. God has been showing me dark areas of my own life, prejudice, self righteousness, and judgment. Through His example he is teaching me love, forgiveness, and mercy. It's as if I am there witnessing the scene of the woman caught in the act of adultery; the so called religious leaders were there screaming for her blood, ready to cast the first stone. Jesus didn't pass judgment on her, he offered mercy and forgiveness. I have come to discover that I have to search my heart and see which side I'm standing on, one that offers God's love and forgiveness, or in the crowd ready to 'cast a stone'? I have many areas I am praying about and God is tenderly working with me, and as I come in contact with others who I would be tempted to condemn, I need to remember I too am a sinner, saved by grace and lovingly share my friend, Jesus with them and let Him deal with their hearts.  Thank you for being that special friend and please know you always have a place in my heart. In Christian love,

your friend, Terri

           She wiped a tear from her eye; she had prayed about this wondering if the time was right or if she should wait. Looking to the other letter in her hand from Cindy she didn't hesitate further. She carefully placed the letter she had just received inside her Bible, and gently folded her letter written to Cindy, sealed it in the already addressed envelope, grabbed her purse and headed to the post office to make certain it was mailed today.

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