Race for Love

by CMeWrite

When jockey Cosima Niehaus was hired to ride racehorse Leda for Cormier Farms, the last thing she expected was to fall for the horse owner's daughter, Delphine. Now, as she pursues victory in her sport, she also pursues romance with the tall, beguiling blonde. But will Delphine say yay or neigh to Cosima's advances?

5. Into The First Turn

Friday morning, Cosima wakes to a text from Delphine.

D: Sorry for not responding earlier, I must have dozed off. I don't know, what do you call two dinosaurs that've been in an accident?

Cosima smiles sleepily at her phone before typing and sending her response.

C: Tyrannosaurus wrecks

D: That's cute :)

Suddenly, there's a loud knock on Cosima's door, "Wakey, wakey."

"I'm up, Felix, I'll meet you in the lobby in 15 minutes," she grumbles.

C: Duty calls, ttyl.

Cosima spends the morning training with Leda and Felix before heading over to the track for preliminary trials to determine which horses will run in the featured derby race. As Cosima is sitting in the stands, waiting for things to gets started, she's approached by a petite blonde.

"Hello."

Cosima looks up at the girl with bright blue eyes wearing a large floppy hat, "Hi."

"I'm Shay Davydov, I'm Blue Barcelona's jockey."

"Oh, hey, I'm Cosima Niehaus, I'm riding Leda." They shake hands and Shay sits down beside her.

"Is it your first time racing here?"

"Yeah, I just came over from California."

"Oh, cool. This is my second year on the circuit. Last year I finished 7th here on A Wing and a Prairie. I'm hoping Blue and I can do better, we came in 4th at the Rebel Stakes last month. Hey, wasn't Rachel Duncan on Leda for that race?"

"Yeah, Rachel moved on to Dyad Stables afterwards, which is why they called me in. I guess her and Leda weren't in sync, so here I am."

"Rachel is tough. I don't think she likes me very much. Actually, I don't think she likes anyone very much," Shay laughs. "I can fill you in on the other riders if you'd like."

"Yeah, totes," Cosima grins, "give me the lowdown on everyone."

Shay begins pointing out the jockeys as they arrive at the track, "That's Raj Singh, he rides Lieutenant Hardcastle. They tend to be strong around the first turn, then run out of steam. The woman he's talking with is Beth Childs, her horse is Damn Right. They start out steady and then usually pick up speed down the track. Both of their horses are trained by Art Bell."

"Do a lot of trainers have more than one horse in the race?"

"No, I think the only other trainer with more than one horse here is Sarah Stubbs, she trains Alison Hendrix on Bubbles and Bob Buckingham on Trustee Steed. They're both with Scarborough Stables. Oh, that's Alison there in the pink and Bob is the man in brown to her right. Bob is never a factor in these races, but Alison, she's a killer out there, you won't see her coming and suddenly she's got you beat."

"Oh yeah, I remember watching her on TV last year riding Hip-Hop Dabs in Kentucky. They finished 3rd, right?"

"Yes, so expect her to try to do even better this year. She's something of a perfectionist, she even sews her own outfits. Okay, now you see those 4 guys over there, they're Jesse Towman, Ramon Santiago, Martin Funt, and Stephen Riggs. They tend to be middle of the pack racers, rarely at the rear, but hardly ever up front either. Jesse's horse, Pork Rinds, tends to drag and never puts up too much of a fight. Ramon and Econo Horse are a solid team, but Ramon tends to sit too high on the horse, preventing him from giving it all he's got. Martin's horse, Appointment Necessary, doesn't seem to take orders well and they never really break out. Riggs is probably the strongest jockey of the four. His horse, Bank On It, has a lot of stamina, but it's almost like he's running a marathon and not a sprint. So, unless he gets a sudden burst of energy towards the end, I don't expect them to challenge."

"Who are the two girls over there?" Cosima points to a curly-haired redhead and blonde with pink streaks.

"Red is Gracie Johannsen and the blonde is Bobby Bartini. Gracie is the youngest jockey in the race. She's riding Prolethean. He's a decent racehorse, but she is far too timid a jockey to ever really challenge the pack. Bobby and her horse, Molotov Cocktail, are a fiery combination on the track. They put up impressive times at Rebel Stakes " Shay looks to their right, "Over there is Sherry Jones. Her horse, Rockabilly Bob, is usually quick out of the gate, but typically fades down the backstretch. The guy with her is Victor Schmidt."

"Wait, don't they call him Vic the Dick?" Cosima inquires.

"Yeah, he's got a pretty bad reputation. Justifiably so. He and his horse, Pouchy's Pride, are not above breaking the rules if they think they won't get caught. Watch out for their dirty tactics," Shay warns. "Okay, here comes Tom Bowman and Greg Corson, they're pretty vanilla, never make much of an impact, tend to trail out of the gate and rarely make a move for the front of the pack. Of the two horses, Greg's, Fitzswimmons, is faster but tends to flail, while Tom's horse, Officer's Gentleman, can never seem to get out of his own way. I doubt they'll be serious competition."

"Oh my god, is that Scott Smith?" Cosima points towards a young man with glasses.

"Yeah, he's one of the new jockeys this season. You know him?"

"We raced at Santa Anita together for years, he's a great guy."

"The jockey with him is Hector Rodriguez. He's a very experienced horseman, he won here two years ago. His thoroughbred, Double Down, has been given great odds for this race. He's got a very strong gait and is usually near the front of the pack." Shay's eyes shift to the right, "Wonderful, look who just arrived."

"Who?" Cosima follows Shay's line of sight. "Oh, the infamous Rachel Duncan. Felix was right, her bob is pretty horrid."

"Yes, it's almost as if she's got permanent helmet head."

"Ha, yes, exactly," Cosima chuckles.

"Look, even now, just standing there, you can see that same laser focus as when she's riding. It's kinda intimidating."

"Yeah. Hey, isn't that guy with the scar over there Rudy?"

"The legend himself, too good for a last name."

"He's riding Leda's twin brother, Castor. I've heard some great things about that horse."

"Yeah, they're probably the ones to beat. They won the Rebel Stakes and are the favorites here. He's a ferocious jockey, it's almost a toss-up between him and Rachel as to who is the most ruthless on the track. It's weird, though, I like to do yoga before races and I've seen him meditating as well, but somehow his meditation seems to fuel his fury rather than chill him out."

"That doesn't sound good. Hey, now that you've told me about all of them, what do I have to look out for with you?"

"Uh, uh, uh," Shay wags her finger in the air, "I'm not giving up all my secrets just yet. I've got to leave a little room for mystery."

"That's very Shay-dy of you."

"Wow, I've never heard that one before," Shay smirks. "Come on, funny lady, we better go mingle, it's time to meet your competition."

Shay leads Cosima down to where the others have congregated and introduces her around.

"Scotty!" Cosima exclaims when she nears her old friend.

"Cosima Niehaus! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes. I didn't know you left California."

"Yeah, got the offer last month from Cormier Farms to ride Leda when Rachel left and here I am."

"Neat! Just between us, Rachel Duncan scares me," Scott confides.

"Yeah, I think she has that effect on a lot of people. So who are you riding for?"

"I'm with Rune Racing, they've got me on a really great three-year old, Denise Baby."

"That's awesome, man."

"Yeah, I'm hoping for good things this season. Hey, have you met Hector Rodriguez," Scott motions towards the jockey to his right.

"No, not yet."

"Hector, this is Cosima Niehaus, she's with Cormier Farms."

"Cosima, it's lovely to meet you," he takes her hand and kisses the top of it.

"It's lovely to meet you, too," she grins.

Hector stares, smiling at her, and Scott clears his throat, "Uh, Hector, before you pull out the big guns on Cosima, you should probably know that, well, um," he stammers a bit.

"What Scotty is trying to oh-so-eloquently say is that I'm not into dudes."

Hector hangs his head and clutches his heart, "Why must all the beautiful girls I meet here prefer the love of another woman?"

"Who else are you referring to?" Cosima wonders.

Scott quickly points towards Shay, who is talking with Martin.

"Oh. Ohhhh," realization dawning on her that Shay may have been flirting with her earlier. "Interesting. Well, chin up, Hector, I'm sure your perfect girl is out there."

"I hope so. It's a lonely life when all you have is your horse."

"Don't mind him, he's overly dramatic. I saw girls throw their numbers at him after the last race."

"Yes, but I don't want just any random groupie, I want someone special."

"I feel ya, man," Cosima sympathizes.

"Uh oh," Scott suddenly mumbles. "Here comes trouble."

Cosima looks to her left to find Rachel approaching.

"I'm Rachel Duncan and we are going to come to terms," the woman says harshly once she's standing in front of Cosima.

"I'm Cosima Niehaus and what terms are you talking about?"

"I understand that you are Leda's new jockey."

"I am."

"I don't want that horse anywhere near me."

"Um, okay, I'm sure the feeling is mutual. You know what? Maybe you should take out a horstraining order on her." Scott and Hector try to stifle giggles at Cosima's words.

"You think you're very clever, don't you?"

"I was clever when I, like, six. Now I prefer cheeky," Cosima grins.

Rachel does not smile back, "Just keep your horse away from me when we're off the track."

"And when we're on it?"

Rachel looks Cosima dead in the eye, "I'm certain Leda will be nowhere near Neolution and I," then she turns and walks away.

"Yikes," Scott exclaims, "I think I nearly wet my pants and she wasn't even talking to me."

"She really is the bitch everyone says she is," Cosima remarks.

"What was that about?" Shay asks as she sidles up to Cosima.

"Rachel said she doesn't want Leda near her. And that's fine, Leda and I will keep our distance when we're off the track. But if she thinks we're not going to be a factor in this race, then I guess she just won't see us coming."

As the prelims begin, Cosima is happy not to be placed in the same group as Rachel. In her heat, Cosima finishes 3rd behind Hector and Alison. Rachel wins her heat, ahead of Shay and Vic. Rudy gets the win in his heat, followed by Bobby and Beth. Those 9 automatically advance to the big race tomorrow. The two racers to make it through with the next fastest qualifying times are Jesse and Scott. The rest of the racers will get to run in a pre-Derby race with a smaller purse before the main event.

—

C: Hey, I just got back to the hotel, sorry I didn't text sooner, it's been a long day.

D: No problem. How'd it go?

C: Good. We finished third, so we're in the big race.

D: Congratulations! Not that I had any doubt you'd make it. How was everything else?

C: Alright, for the most part. I met all the other jockeys and they were an interesting, but fun group. An old friend of mine, Scott Smith, is racing here, so that was cool.

D: What was the bad part?

C: I met Rachel.

D: Ah, yes, Little Miss Sunshine she is not.

C: No, she definitely lived up to the hype, truly a mega bitch. How'd your family put up with her for so long?

D: She's a decent jockey and she won a lot of races for us. But she certainly wasn't invited to Sunday dinner every week. Nor was she interested in attending when she was.

C: Oh no, am I living in Rachel's old place? I should have someone come in and sweep it for bad juju.

D: No, she didn't live there. She actually insisted on living in a high-rise apartment about 15 minutes away. Said the cottage lacked sufficient windows.

C: Ok, that's weird, but a relief. Hey, am I keeping you from anything? It is Friday night after all.

D: No, I was just reading.

C: Oh, anything good?

D: Yes, The New Organanon.

C: Ah, so just a little light bedtime reading.

D: Exactly :) So you all ready for tomorrow?

C: Ready as I'll ever be.

D: Great. I should probably let you get to sleep, don't want you being tired on race day.

C: You don't think falling asleep mid-race would be a good thing?

D: It would be a funny sight, for sure, but I imagine bad for your racing reputation.

C: It would be a first though, I'd make history as the first jockey to ever doze off during a race. It would make for a great entry on my Wikipedia page, which, right now, just says I finished 2nd at Santa Anita on Gold Rush, so it could use some more interesting factoids.

D: It's settled then. No sleep for you. I can't wait to see how Felix and Papa react to this history making event.

C: On second thought, I think I will go to sleep now.

D: Wise decision, my friend. See you tomorrow. Sleep well.

C: Thanks. Goodnight.

—

The next day, Felix and Cosima arrive at the track a couple hours before the start of the derby, the stands already filling up as spectators watch the early races. As they enter the paddock to check on Leda, Shay spots them and waves at Cosima.

"What have we here?" Felix asks.

"That's Shay, one of the other jockeys."

"I know who Shay is, we met last year. I also know that she, like you, is a lady lover."

"So I've heard."

"Based on the smile on her lips when she saw you, I'd say she's interested in your prowess on more than just horses."

"Felix, eww."

"What? Don't you want your itch scratched? You're not gonna get any relief from Delphine, so why not rub yourself against that hot little scratching post?"

"I don't want to rub up against Shay," Cosima insists.

"You'd rather moon over a girl you can never have, than give anyone else a chance?"

Cosima shrugs, "I'm not mooning, but I like her, Felix, and I'm not positive you're right about her."

"Oh, you sweet, deluded moppet."

"Cosima!" a familiar voice calls out and Felix and Cosima turn to see Delphine headed for them.

"Sweet, yes. Deluded, I don't think so," Cosima says to Felix as Delphine approaches. Delphine gives Cosima a hug and Cosima smirks at Felix over Delphine's shoulder.

He rolls his eyes, "Delphine, lovely to see you as always."

"Likewise, Felix."

"Please excuse me, I'm going to go check on our girl."

"I'll be over to see Leda in a bit," Cosima says as he walks away.

"I like your outfit."

"Yeah? Your mom designed it to resemble the French flag."

"It's much nicer than the drab grey one Rachel insisted on wearing."

They look over and see Rachel, dressed in grey, standing with her horse, separated from everyone else.

"Did you see her horse's eye?" Shay asks as she approaches Cosima and Delphine.

"I just noticed," Cosima responds. "What's up with that?"

"I heard he lost it to an infection and had to get a new one. There are rumors his white eye is bionic or robotic, something crazy like that."

"Damn, that's actually kinda creepy." Cosima turns her attention away from Rachel. "Shay, this is Delphine. Delphine this is Shay, she's also a jockey."

"Nice to meet you," Shay exclaims.

"Yes, you too," Delphine replies.

"Are you in the horse racing world or just here to support Cosima?"

"Both, actually."

"Delphine is my boss's daughter and, also, my friend."

"Papa wanted me to tell you he'll be by to see you shortly, he just got sidetracked by one of the other owners."

"Okay. Want to come with me to check on Leda?"

"Sure."

"Shay, I will see you later," Cosima tells her fellow jockey.

"Yeah, definitely. It was nice meeting you, Delphine."

"You too."

Cosima and Delphine walk towards Leda's stall.

"Leda, look who's here. It's Cosima and Delphine," Felix says when he sees the girls arrive.

"You ready to race, girl?" Cosima asks as she pats Leda. The horse nods.

"Looks like she is," Delphine laughs.

"I hope both of these ladies are," Felix points to Leda and Cosima.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Cosima insists.

"That's good to hear," Pierre says as he enters the stall. "I came to wish you both the best of luck."

"We plan to make you proud, Pierre," Cosima grins.

"What are the current odds?" Felix asks.

"24 to 1," Pierre answers.

"That's it?"

"Cosima, those odds are not terrible and, as this is your first race here, and your first riding Leda, they're to be expected," Pierre assures her. "I don't want you to worry about that. Besides, the longer the odds, the higher the payout."

"True," Cosima nods. "We'll just have to show those oddsmakers what's what."

"That's the spirit," Pierre smiles. "I will leave you to continue your preparation. We'll be in the stands cheering you both on." He gives Cosima a kiss on both cheeks and pats Leda. "You coming, Delphine?"

"Yes." She turns towards Cosima, "I think you're going to do great. Bonne chance!"

"Thank you, Delphine" Delphine gives Cosima a double cheek kiss, though, unlike with Pierre, Cosima feels her entire body heat at the touch of those lips to her face. Delphine kisses Leda's nose, then turns and follows her father out.

"I'm very happy to see you making friends with Cosima," Pierre says as they walk. To which Delphine simply nods.

Once they're alone, Felix turns to Cosima, "Cosima, I know I've been hard on you over the last several weeks, but that's only because I believe in you and your ability as a jockey. I'll admit, I was skeptical at first, but you've really shown me what you're made of. And I want you to know that I'm glad you're a part of our team."

Touched by his words, Cosima embraces Felix.

"Okay, okay, that's enough of the touchy feelies," Felix mock protests and Cosima pulls away smiling. "Now I want to see you two go out there and kick some tail."

"You got it, Felix." Felix pats Cosima's arm and strokes Leda's mane before leaving them alone

"Well, it's just you and me now, Leda," Cosima says to the horse sweetly. "Our first race together. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, cause I definitely kinda am. But I know you can do this. You're fast and you're strong and you're hella smart. I'm gonna do everything I can to guide you towards that finish line. We just need to give it our all, as a team." Leda nickers, "Alright, girl, let's do this."

Thirty minutes later, the horses, with their jockeys astride, are lined up to be paraded out onto the track. Unfortunately, for Cosima and Leda, they have been placed in 4th position, right ahead of Rachel and Neolution in 5th. Rachel rolls her eyes and makes a point of keeping a wide distance between them.

As soon as Felix spots Cosima and Leda, he whistles loudly for them. Cosima looks up into the stands, and, like a moth drawn to a flame, her eyes instantly find and lock with Delphine's. The blonde shoots her a warm smile accompanied by a thumbs up. Cosima smiles back and gives her a little wave.

The horses are loaded into the starting gate. While waiting for all the horses to get into position, Rachel looks over at Cosima. "Best of luck, Cosima," she glances down at Leda, "I'm certain you're going to need it."

"Back 'atcha," Cosima responds pleasantly enough. "Bitch," she adds under her breath. If Leda is aware of Rachel's close proximity, she doesn't acknowledge her. Cosima rubs her mane soothingly as the grounds crew struggles to get Pouchy's Pride into the gate, the horse far too jumpy to cooperate.

Finally, the horse kicks one of the crew members in the head, forcing them to scratch him from the race. Once Vic and Pouchy's Pride are safely off the track, the race official signals the starter to open the gates.

"Alright, Leda, let's do this," Cosima encourages.

The gates open and a bell rings signaling the start of the race as the horses take off onto the track.

Leda is strong out of the gate, and they start off running in 5th place. Leading the pack out of the gate, Rudy is in first position, followed by Hector, Alison, and Shay. Rachel and Neolution are hanging back in 7th. As they round the first turn, Cosima is right on Shay's heels. As they make their way to the half mile mark, Leda overtakes Blue Barcelona for 4th.

Straightening the way down the back stretch, Castor is 2 lengths ahead of Hector's horse Double Down. Leda picks up speed and passes Bubbles for 3rd. With less than 3/8ths to go, Rachel makes her move on Neolution, passing Damn Right for 6th, then Blue Barcelona for 5th. Next they manage to overtake Bubbles for 4th. Cosima can see Double Down closing the gap on Castor in front. Suddenly she gets a glimpse of a horse approaching on her right. With a quick turn of her head, she sees it's Neolution. Cosima gives Leda the signal to increase speed. With 2/8ths left, Cosima looks to her right as Rachel and Neolution catch up, running stride for stride. Suddenly, Cosima realizes she neglected to cue the lead change as she feels Leda struggling to maintain speed. Just as she gives the cue at the top of the stretch, Neolution passes them by, quickly catching up to Castor and Double Down. Alison and Shay take advantage of the situation and their horses pass Leda on the inside. Up in front, the three lead horses are neck and neck as they come into the final furlong. As they approach the finish line, Rachel pushes Neolution hard as he gets his head out in front of the pack, claiming victory. Castor crosses in 2nd, Double Down in 3rd. Bubbles is 4th and Blue Barcelona is 5th. Leda crosses the finish line in 6th place.

Cosima hangs her head as she brings Leda to a stop. She looks up and sees Rachel's smug grin atop Neolution, reveling in her win. Cosima hops off Leda and walks her towards the paddock, too upset to even look towards her team in the stands.

Cosima removes Leda's saddle and hangs it on the wall. Then she turns back towards the horse, "It wasn't your fault, this is all on me. I didn't do right by you, I'm sorry." She hugs Leda's muzzle.

"Well, that did not go as we had practiced," Felix says as he enters their stall.

"I know," Cosima doesn't turn to face him.

"We will certainly work on that move when we get home."

"Is Pierre upset?"

"He's not jumping for joy. I'm sure he's disappointed, as I am, but he won't be anything other than cordial about it." Cosima nods. "What happened out there?"

Finally, Cosima turns, "I messed up."

"Clearly, but were you distracted, was something wrong with Leda?"

"Leda was fine, it was all me." Cosima starts to feel more distressed, "Can we discuss this later, I'm not feeling well?"

"Certainly."

Cosima brushes past him on her way out of the stall, head down, as she quickly tries to make her exit.

"Cosima," a familiar voice pulls her from her hasty departure.

She looks up at the blonde a few feet ahead of her, "I can't talk to you right now, Delphine." Without waiting for a response, she puts her head back down and swiftly walks away.

Delphine watches her go, mouth agape, then she looks towards Felix at the entrance to Leda's stall.

"Said she's not feeling well," he answers the silent question in her eyes, "losing races has that effect on people. I'm feeling slightly unwell myself."

—

Two hours later, there's a knock on her hotel room door. Cosima ignores it.

"Cosima, I know you're in there, please open up," Delphine pleads.

Reluctantly, Cosima drags herself off the bed and trudges to the door.

"Are you okay?" Delphine inquires as soon Cosima opens the door.

"Not really."

"Can I come in?" Cosima moves to the side and gestures into the room. Delphine enters and looks around, the room is a mess, with clothing strewn all over, the ukulele laying atop the small desk. "I was concerned about you after the way you took off from the track."

"I'm sorry I was short with you."

"That's okay, you can't help being short," Delphine smirks.

"Haha, very funny. Seriously, I'm just bummed about the race, I shouldn't have been rude to you."

"Please, if anyone can relate to getting upset and being rude, it's me."

"True," Cosima manages a small smile.

"What's going on in that head of yours? You're usually Miss Positivity."

"I don't know. We were doing so well out there, we had at least third place within our grasp and then I fucked up. I blew it on the lead change. We practiced that so many times and I was late cueing her. I'm not cut out for this, your father should just fire me."

"Cosima, stop. This was your first race with Leda and you both did great. 6th place is nothing to be ashamed of."

"It wasn't good enough. I let her get to me."

"Let who get to you?"

"Rachel. I wanted to beat that bitch so bad that I lost focus. Instead of paying attention to Leda and what she needed, I was too concerned with Rachel and where she and Neolution were. And when I needed to give Leda the signal to change her footing, I didn't, and Rachel passed us. And that was it, we fell to 6th and she freakin' won. Dammit," Cosima punches the wall.

"Cosima, don't," Delphine grabs Cosima's punching hand. "This isn't the end of your career. Yeah, maybe you messed up, lost focus and let Rachel get to you, but this was one race. You have more ahead of you, more chances to improve, to finish ahead of the pack. What did you tell me about fucking up?"

"I know, I know," Cosima nods. "Do as I say, not as I do."

"You have three weeks until Kentucky. That's three weeks to work on your lead change and anything else that you feel needs improving. And three weeks to forget about Rachel Duncan."

"You know a good hypnotist?" Cosima chuckles.

"You see, that's what I like to hear," Delphine smiles, "your laughter. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite sounds."

"I wish I could find more to laugh about right now, but it still stings."

"I know." Delphine glances around the room, her gaze settling on the tv. "Hey, why don't we just hang out here and watch a movie? Something funny. Get your mind off all that other stuff."

"I don't know, I don't think I'd be great company right now."

"I don't need you to be great company, I'm the great company. Let me, and a movie, try to help cheer you up."

Cosima looks up into sincere, golden eyes, "Alright."

"Great!" Delphine claps her hands together with glee.

"Um, I don't have a couch in here, though, just that uncomfortable desk chair," Cosima points to the wooden chair in the room.

"That's okay, we can sit on the bed."

Cosima looks at the slightly messy queen bed, then up at Delphine, "On the bed?"

"Yeah."

Cosima immediately feels her body overheating at the thought of laying on the bed with Delphine and not being able to touch her. She reminds herself this is just something that gal pals do. Delphine and Krystal probably lay in bed together watching movies all the time. "Okay."

Delphine gets on the right side of the bed and Cosima the left. Delphine flips on the tv and checks the program guide to see what their comedy options are, "Ooh, Bridesmaids is starting in two minutes."

"I love that movie," Cosima replies.

"Me too. Soooo?"

"Yeah, let's watch it."

Delphine smiles, switches to HBO, and the movie starts. The girls laugh throughout, with Delphine every so often glancing over at Cosima, happy to see that earlier look of disappointment over the race disappearing with each giggle.

As the movie draws to a close, and Wilson Phillips sing Hold On, Delphine feels a sudden weight on her shoulder. She looks over to find Cosima's head there.

"Cosima?" She gets no answer and realizes the other girl has fallen asleep. Not wanting to wake her, and risk the jockey getting upset over the race again, she gently removes Cosima's glasses and places them on the bedside table. With one shoulder pinned under the weight of Cosima's head, she's unable to move much and lays back against the pillows. She turns off the television, plummeting the room into darkness.

As Delphine lies there, it hits her that she's only known Cosima a week and yet, not only does she enjoy spending time with her, she also feels oddly comfortable with the fact that they're basically about to sleep in the same bed. She's never had a friend that, despite the small hiccup at the start, she's so readily let into her life. Even when she first met Krystal at school, it took a month or so before she really warmed up to her and enjoyed her company, and then their close friendship built from there. But with Cosima there's a draw that she can't explain. She's not even sure she understands it. But it's there and now it's found them in bed together. And while a part of her still hears Krystal's voice telling her Cosima likes her, another part of her doesn't want to think about that, just wants to lay here in this room with Cosima, feeling content that she was able to help her friend unwind and stop thinking about what happened in the race, soothe her anger like Cosima soothed hers last Sunday night.

As she listens to the sound of Cosima's steady breathing, the only noise filling the room, Delphine is lulled into her own peaceful slumber.