Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, just borrowing them to make a point.
November 4, 2008. 7:00pm
Lindsay walked into Papa Joe's and slid into the booth's last remaining spot next to Claire. She glared across the table to Cindy who was proudly displaying her red sticker, proving that she participated in today's activities. Cindy merely glared back taking in Lindsay's own display of civic pride.
Claire finally broke what felt like hours of silence, "I can't wait until tomorrow" she sighed. "You two have really made the last two weeks hell."
"She started it!" Two voices melded together to make an extremely loud one.
"Me?" and more glaring.
"For the last time, Lindsay, I did not steal your damn sign."
"Well it was in the yard when you came by to drop off the information and the next morning it was gone."
"And of everyone in this particular city you think it was me. You know its not just your yard, maybe it was one of your neighbors."
"They wouldn't have."
"Why? You flash your badge and gun at them and threaten jail time? Typical. You know other people have rights."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means that some of us can have a meaningful debate without getting all defensive and whipping out unfounded charges."
"Stealing is not an unfounded charge. You talk about rights but what about my right to have a sign."
As the verbal sparing and the nonverbal glaring continued across the table Jill and Claire sipped their drinks, silently commiserating with each other for having chosen the inside seats of the booth.
November 5, 2008. 7:00pm
Cindy walked into Papa Joe's and slid into the booth's last remaining seat next to Lindsay. "What's everybody doing on Sunday?"
"Why?" Claire asked.
"I got the paper's box for the 49er's game, a reward for my article on the taxicab murders. I figured since I couldn't have done it without you, we could all go. There's plenty of room for Ed and the boys too."
"We are definitely in, the guys will love it." Claire said raising her glass.
"What the hell, I've never gone to a football game. I'm in." Jill responded clinking her glass with Claire's.
"You'll explain to me what's happening right?"
"Did they kick you out of Texas, Lindsay?" Cindy laughed. "I will explain it again, but you have to take notes this time."
"Its more fun to bug you during the game." Lindsay laughed back.
And within one twenty four hour period life went back to normal.
I'm sure many people will go through similar experiences this year. If relationships can survive the next five months then they will be all the stronger.