July 1st, 2002

Joanie was completely enjoying her relationship with Natalie. She never thought she could enjoy and female/female relationship, but she was. Joanie peered over the newspaper and smiled at Natalie, who winked at her.

"Okay, Girls." Joanie smiled at Brooke and Hannah. "Let's get in the car. You have the day camp in thirty minutes."

"I'm gonna make you something really pretty." Brooke said as Natalie finished off the coffee.

"I'm sure you will, but not if we're late." She said. The girls rolled their eyes ad Joanie and Natalie rushed them out of the house. The youngens giggled as they jumped into the car.

"After day cap, we can go to McDonald's if you're good and that's only if you're good." Joanie said driving off to the school.

"We promise to be good." Brooke said, "Right, Hannah?"

"Right." Hannah grinned but giving Brooke a little wink.

"I swear, we have a couple of devils on our hands." Natalie said.

"Devils in disguise." Joanie snickered as she pulled up in front of the school. The girls were so happy to get away for the day even if it was only to make key chains and paintings. Joanie stepped out of the car and helped the girls out. They walked to the school. Brooke and Hannah bounced to their friends and ran inside. Joanie smiled softly.

"Excuse me." Joanie turned to see a black woman and a blond woman. Joanie smiled.

"Yes?"

"Do you work at Joanie's Barkery?" The blond one asked.

"Yes! I own it." Joanie smiled, "I'm Joanie Hansen." The women exchanged looks.

"I told you." The black woman muttered.

"Well, I'll never be shopping there again." The other one said as they started to walk away. Joanie frowned.

"Hey. Wait." She caught up with them. "What do you mean by that?"

"We're not going to buy from people like you." The black one said. Joanie looked confused.

"Like me?" Natalie walked up to her and slipped her arm around her waist.

"Yes, Baby." Natalie said, "They mean they won't buy dog biscuits from a gay person. Is that right/" The women rolled their eyes and walked off. "Let's go."

"They won't come to the barkery because I'm gay?" Joanie whispered.

"Yeah. There are a lot of people like that out here." She said, "You need to get used to it."

"What if I don't want to?" Joanie asked, "I shouldn't have to get used to people's ignorance."

"No you shouldn't but it's the world we live in today." Natalie said getting into the car, "Come on. I want to take you somewhere."

"Where?" Joanie asked

"You'll see." Natalie chuckled softly as she drove off.

* * *

Joanie and Natalie walked into Colette's café, a lesbian coffee bar. Joanie looked around in awe.

"I had no idea Providence had such a place." She said. Natalie nodded.

"They have a few. This is the best one." She grinned leading Joanie to a small table. A waitress walked order and took their order: two coffees and two blueberry muffins. Books lined most of the wall space. Beautiful artwork was everywhere. There was a stage in the far back of the café. A young woman was up their reciting something Joanie didn't know. Finally the waitress came back with their order.

"This is great." Joanie chuckled picking at her muffin. "I swear I had no idea about this place." Joanie looked at a couple next to them holding hands. It was so refreshing to see a place where people like them could be free and open. Natalie chuckled.

"You really are floored aren't you?"

"Flabbergasted." Joanie smiled, "Thanks for showing this place to me." Joanie leaned over and kissed Natalie softly. Natalie grinned.

"Kissing me in public. You must really like it here." Natalie said. Joanie nodded slowly.

"I do, but I enjoy more being here with you and being able to just…I don't know, be us." Joanie said kissing Natalie again. She reached up and touched Joanie's face gently.

"Do you want to stay the night tonight?" She asked. Joanie nodded.

"Yes please." She said, "I want that." Natalie grinned.

"Are you sure? Because…I'm ready to, you know…take the next step." Natalie said, "I mean, if you are." Joanie rubbed her neck with a soft smile.

"I am ready." Joanie said.

"Really?" Natalie asked in shock. Joanie laughed gently.

"Yes. I'm ready." She said, "I love you and I'm ready."

"Check please!" Natalie cried. Joanie giggled twirling her hair around her finger.

"Calm you horses." She giggled.

"I'll take you on this table right now." Natalie smiled flicking her blond hair off of her shoulder. Joanie smiled.

"You need to wait until we get home." Joanie said.

"Let's go." Natalie said getting up. Joanie giggled taking Natalie's hand. She wasn't going to fight this. She was going enjoy every moment of having this person love her

Would you like to be updated on all my fanfiction?

Would you like to know when my fic is updated and how it's coming along?

Well come join my list by e-mailing TAK_Update@yahoogroups.com or by sending me an e-mail at irelanhaze@yahoo.com Thank you for your continue support. I look forward to your future comments. I love reading the reviews and e-mails. It lets me know people actually read my fiction, whether they like it or not.