Your beautiful smile By Joy Rajan

                                                                            Your beautiful smile

By Joy Rajan

She sat quietly holding her hot mug of tea. She watched the rain falling and drenching each person who get in the way. 

Some people would walk leisurely as though absent minded of the rain. Others weaved in and out of the crowds struggling to shield themselves from the downpour. Children with rain boots and raincoats enjoying themselves. They'd skip and jump merrily from one puddle to another hoping to find the largest deepest puddle for the sheer joy of it. So many people so many different reactions to rain.  

"It's coming down hard isn't it?" She looked up a kind face smiling down on her. She smiled faintly back. "Do you care for anything else? Just took out a new batch of muffins. A perfect addition to your tea." She shook her head. "Tell you what -one for one the house then?" She sighed. She could tell the barista was trying hard to get her to smile. She gave in. 

"Good! I'm Rebecca and your name? You come her often but I never got your name." "Lilith." Rebecca smiled. "I'll be right back with your muffin." Lilith watched. It was refreshing to be noticed to be smiled at. 

Lilith looked at her watch it was only three in the afternoon. The day was dragging. It was not a particularly pleasant day. Not only because of the rain but there was something else. She was sad. She had barely spoken all day. She her phone and looked down to a text message. She read it reluctantly. It was from her father.

I know we haven't spoken for three days but I hope we can talk soon. I know it was hard you telling me about your struggles -especially with your problem.

"I don't have a problem." Lilith said under her breath. She texted her father back letting her know where she was. He replied that he was on his way. 

"Here we are!" Lilith looked at the carrot muffin. It smelt heavenly. She smiled. "Thank you. It's my favourite. Tastes like a delicious carrot cake." "O good. It's a new recipe. Yes you're my guinea pig!" She laughed. 

Lilith looked up at Rebecca's face. The colour rushed back to her pale face. She hadn't really looked at Rebecca before. She was gorgeous. And her smile. It was warm, kind, and brought out the beauty in her eyes. She had to pull herself together. For a moment she thought she was looking into space and marvelling at beauty of the Eagle Nebula. 

The two women stopped as they heard someone clear their throat. It was Lilith's father standing rather awkwardly. He glared at the two women as though they created such a heinous crime. Lilith shook her head partly in annoyance rolled her eyes in frustration. Rebecca looked puzzled at the older man and when she looked at Lilith it dawned on her. She excused herself.

She watched the two of them exchanged words from behind the register. She tried her best not to listen in on the conversation but she couldn't help over hear the hurtful words that came out of the man's voice. She shook her head in dismay. One could get the sense that she understood the pain of rejection all too well. Especially from one's own family.

"I just don't understand you? Why would you go down this path?" "It's not a choice Dad. It's who I am?" "Who told you that? Why do you have to believe it? It's all a lie. Two women can't get married or have a family. It's wrong -especially in the eyes of God. I want to be able to have a relationship with you. But I can't accept this. Not unless you change." "I'm not going to change. I had enough. My whole life I have do everything by what you and mom have laid out for me. I am done. I'm tired." "You won't be happy Lilith. Because of this sinful lifestyle you will lose all your friends and family and you will be all alone. That is exactly what the devil wants." "We're done talking about this." "Yes. Yes we are. You keep rejecting all these nice men that your mom and I have introduced you to. We are done. You have you own place and you're managing fine financially. But the door is always open when you're ready to accept the true life." Lilith grunted angrily. He got up and left. 

Rebecca watched helplessly. Her own memories seemed to overwhelm her. 

Lilith looked up to find the Rebecca had gone. For several months the two women had glanced at each other. Neither of them had realised their desire for the other. Or if they had it went unsaid. 

Just as Lilith was about to get up and leave, Rebecca returned. Her eyes were red. Lilith looked up at her. The two women looked at each other for a few minutes. Silence. 

And at last Lilith mustered the courage. 

"Did you want me to get you a drink?" "I was about to close up." "No, not here. At my place?" Lilith stopped. She couldn't believe she said that out loud. Rebecca agreed. The two women left together. Lilith took off her raincoat and covered the two of them. Rebecca reached over and put her arms through Lilith. They glanced at each other. It was as though they felt something. Something wonderful. But neither of them could explain or. That feeling. It didn't need words. But it was real. They continued to walk and as they made their way the rain ceased. 

"Here we are." "O Lilith your place is lovely. So cosy. O!" Rebecca grasped. "What is it?" Lilith asked. "Is that Monet's The Water-lily Pond?" She asked squealing with delight. "Are you a fan of his?" Rebecca nodded. 

She was glowing. And that smile again. One could get lost in in it. And her eyes. It was miraculous. An explosion of colour! A perfect masterpiece. Such beauty and such grace. 

The two of them sat down by the window talking and sharing. Laughing and yes a few tears and there.

"Sorry Lilith I couldn't help but overhear your dad and you talking. I wasn't trying to pry. But it just brought back a lot of memories of my eldest brother and I." "O?" "He raised my sister and I. My parents were killed in a car accident when I was five." "I'm so sorry to hear that." Lilith said softly. Her voice was kind and compassionate. She placed her hand on Rebecca's. Rebecca smiled softly and they held hands. 

They continued to talk and sip away their tea. Rebecca looked at her watch.

"I have to go. Another day tomorrow of work." "Of course. Thank you Rebecca." "Of course Lilith. It's great to be able to talk to someone who understands. I needed it." "Same. Shall I see you out?" "I'd like that." Lilith walked her out and they hugged and waved to each other good bye. As soon as Rebecca was out of her sight Lilith walked slowly back to her apartment. As she sat down  she heard her phone. It was Rebecca. 

It was great to see you.

Lilith smiled. Her aura changed. The dark cloud that gloomed over her was gone. She didn't feel so sad so lost. She didn't feel so alone. 

She messaged back:

It was great to see you too. 

Fin.