A story of self acceptance, Acceptance from others, and finding overall happiness.

Heidi can hear loud music beaming from the walls of the great hall. The smell of spices, limes, and tequila fill the air. She steps into the room, looking around at the large crowd hoping to see someone she knows. As she walks around she notices everyone is coupled up, sitting with friends or clearly with significant others. This new job has her working multiple late nights a week, leaving her unable to have a true social life. This work party has been the highlight of her social calendar, even though she was reluctant to even show up.

On the other side of the room, Mara is sitting with her friend Jenna. Jenna has spent the last 10 minutes complaining to Mara about being brought to another boring work event.

"I can't believe I ever agreed to do this with you," Jenna informs Mara.

"You know it's important for me to show up to these things. Get some food, relax, you know eventually you will enjoy yourself."

"Uh Fine, might as well eat something. Come with me to the buffet."

Mara rolls her eyes, but grudgingly stands up and begins walking with Jenna to the line.

The two women stand in the line chatting about the drinks they will have, and how good they believe the food will be.

In the meantime, Heidi has joined the line and overhears the two women talking about how great of an idea the taco bar was.

"Whoever came up with tacos and margaritas for a work event, needs a raise," says Mara.

"I don't mean to intrude," Heidi tells Mara, "But you are right. I am looking forward to eating as many tacos as I can. Margaritas take me away!"

With a faint grin, Mara responds, "No worries, always happy to meet a fellow rita lover"

Mara and Jenna grab a plate and stand on opposite sides of the buffet line. Heidi joins the side of the line with Mara. Jenna leans over the line and says to Heidi, "I usually have the task of taking her through the line, I guess she is your problem today."

Heidi smiles,her dimples showing, and says to Jenna, "Don't worry she is in good hands."

Mara shyly stands beside Heidi, looks at her and says, "well then lead the way."

The two women make their way down the line, discussing each option thoroughly, ensuring they make the right choices of meats and toppings. Heidi can't help but notice Mara's endearing laugh and her soft brown eyes.

Heidi's love life has been rough lately. Dates here and there, but nothing too serious. The lesbian community in this town is few and far between. Most women have already met "the one" or are only seeking a fun way to pass a Tuesday night. Heidi longs for someone to wake up with each morning, and spend each weekend together on a hiking trail with her dog.

She always comes to these events hoping to find others who share similar interests as her, however her place of work seems to lack others who share the same 'rainbow mentality.'

They make their way to the end of the line, each walking away with way more tacos than they imagined. With plates in hand, The three women make their way to a table and sit down, Heidi, Mara, and then Jenna.

Jenna begins the conversation by asking Mara and Heidi if they knew each other. Mara answers, "No, I believe we have never met, this company is so large I barely know anyone who works here."

Heidi nods along with Mara, and eventually says, "I agree, we've never met, I definitely would've remembered."

Jenna can't help but notice the inflection in her voice. Heidi seems to be flirting with Mara, just not enough for clueless Mara to pick up on. Jenna thinks, " Don't waste your time barking up that tree."

Jenna and Mara have known each other for a long time, sharing the most intimate thoughts and details of each other's lives. Jenna has known about every trainwreck boyfriend and regrettable one night stand Mara has brought into her life. Mara knows every "relationship" and "Situationship" Jenna has been through in the last 12 years. Every attempt fails just like the one before. Both women know their strongest connection is with each other.

The conversation progresses as the three women discuss jobs, hobbies, and after a while, relationship statuses.

Heidi shares with Jenna and Mara that she recently ended a three year relationship with Sara, a woman she met while hiking.

"What made it end," Jenna asks curiously.

"Mutual. Just not enough in common to share a life with. It turns out, a relationship can't be built on a hiking trail."

Heidi looks over to Mara and asks, "How about you? What is your story?"

Mara takes an exaggerated breath, hoping to not have to reveal too many details of the ups and downs of her dating life.

She goes on to share, "I've had many attempts at "Love" but never any that lasted. Can't seem to find the right guy."

Jenna snickers to herself, and says aloud, "Love? I don't think you've even fully liked a guy this year!"

"Some things just aren't worth analyzing, or looking for more. Guys just seem to want a fun time, but I'm looking for something more," Mara says as she looks down at the plate in front of her. Optimistic that someone will change the topic.

"Something more?" Heidi asks, genuinely interested in the response.

"Yeah, I want a family, someone to grow old with. You know, all the cheesy things being sold to us in every 90s rom-com".

Jenna can sense the excitement in Heidi's voice as she nods and agrees with Mara. Finally saying out loud, "Those are the things I would like as well. You think finding a man is bad, imagine being the only lesbian in what feels like a 100 mile radius "

"Anyway, you can't beat a good 90s rom-com. That's the best way to spend a Friday night."

The two women begin laughing and sharing their favorite movie lines. With each shared laugh, Heidi finds herself touching Mara's shoulder or playfully hitting her leg. . An innocent gesture, but in Heidi's mind she knows it means more.

Jenna joins in the conversation, asking Mara if she has noticed the tall, blonde guy who has been sending glances her way for the past hour.

Heidi and Mara turn their heads towards the desirable blonde. "Not really my type, says Heidi with a small smile, "but Mara, why don't you give it a try?"

Mara takes a moment to process whats happening. She's never hesitated about talking to guys before, but this time seems different. Tonight she's enjoying herself too much to let someone with a penis ruin all the fun.

"No thanks. I'll pass on this one."

Jenna finishes chewing her last bite of taco, and immediately turns her glance towards the awaiting pursuer.

With a look of confusion Jenna begins questioning Mara.

"How are you supposed to find "the one" if you are so willing to pass up on what seems to be a perfectly good man? He seems like an ideal candidate for the father of your children"

"Woah woah. Slow down just a minute. Finding "the one" at a taco party seems highly unlikely. And who says I'm ready to find the father of my children. Maybe? my "children" don't need a father at all."

"What do you mean, don't need a father? I think you've forgotten the entire point of health class"

Mara takes another bite of food. Pondering a way to respond to her best friend. She's had these thoughts for a while now but sitting with Heidi tonight has made them all draw closer to the surface.

"I think she means she wants to have kids but wants to do it alone," Heidi says to Jenna. "I admire you Mara. You deserve to be happy, however that is."

Jenna continues her rant again, "By yourself there's no way, why would you think that's a good idea! You don't have the space or the means to do this alone. Do you know how much work this is going to-

Mara cuts Jenna off mid sentence.

"Thank you for your insight on what you think will be best for MY life. I can do whatever I want and I would be damn good at it. Besides, Heidi isn't even right. I don't want to do it by myself. There are other ways?"

Mara lets the shared information linger for a minute.

"Jenna, you've known me for 12 years now. We have shared every detail of our lives. I would hope your response to me trying to be happy would have gone a bit better than this. I can't imagine how you will react to what I actually need to say!"

Jenna looks at Mara with soft eyes, ready for her to continue. "You can tell me anything, you know that."

Mara turns to Heidi, "I mean, I've had eyes for a blue eyed blonde. Just not the one you both are thinking of."

Heidi wants to think she is talking about herself, but doesn't assume. "Do you mean someone who has been sitting next to you and enjoyed a nice taco dinner with you?"

Mara rolls her eyes, a grin filling her face. She gently places her hand on Heidi's thigh. "I think you know exactly who I am talking about."

Jenna overhears the entire conversation.

She stands up and looks at both women still sitting in their chairs. "Mara this is not something you hide from your best friend. Also, you've never had these thoughts before. How can you tell me all of a sudden you like a girl you've known for a night. I don't believe this is true."

Jenna shoves in her chair and walks away leaving Heidi and Mara alone at the table.

Making her way outside, Jenna's mind is racing. How can a "best friend" keep something like this from her? How can Mara expect Jenna to just be fine with this.

She sits down on the edge of the building. Clearly frustrated.

Mara and Heidi walk out of the building and find Jenna. Mara takes a seat next to Jenna on the brick building's edge.



"Jenna, I'm not trying to keep things from you. But quite frankly this isn't about you. This is about how I choose to live my life and what makes me truly happy. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I just never knew the way to say it out loud."

"I just don't believe you," Jenna claims, "I just can't accept this right now."

Mara Calmly gets up off the brick edged building. Walks towards Heidi, Wraps her hand around her neck, looks at her light pink lips, and kisses her soft but with purpose.

"Does that prove it enough? Or do I need to lick her clit for you?"

"Mara!" Heidi steps between the two women. "This isn't the way to handle this. I am flattered that your feelings are reciprocated, but I don't want to be your experiment either. You two need to figure out what is really going on, and when you do I will be waiting."

Heidi collects herself, and makes her way back into the building.

After some time, Jenna and Mara make eye contact. Both taking a few steps towards each other.

"Jenna, I-

"No, you don't need to say anything. I'm the one that needs to apologize. Jenna swallows hard, and continues. "I just wasn't expecting this to come out tonight. You deserve to be with whoever makes you happy, and as your best friend I should have responded better. In my mind, we were supposed to grow old together, both having dumbass husbands that we talk shit about while drinking wine. I had this plan for us, and for a moment I saw it all disappearing."

Mara starts to speak, "you haven't lost anything. Nothing is disappearing. Just now, I could possibly talk to you about a dumbass wife."

Both women start to laugh. "You know a wife will never be as dumb as a husband. But I guess I understand what you are saying. I just don't want to lose my best friend. This "wife" might take my place."

"First of all, slow down. I've barely kissed a girl, let alone thought about making one my wife. I know lesbians move fast, but I'm just a baby lesbian. I need to find my way before thinking about putting a ring on it. Also? you know no one can replace you. I've put in too many years of this relationship. It would be too much work to break in a new best friend."

Jenna walks closer to Mara and wraps her arms around her. The two embrace for a few seconds, eventually letting go to wipe tears from each other's eyes.

"Mara, I just want you to be happy. However your life turns out, I will be here for you every step of the way."

Jenna points to the door.

"Now you have someone waiting in there for you and from the looks of it, you have another chance at a first kiss. Go in there and make things right with Heidi. When you are ready, I will be ready to hear about every detail."

Jenna and Mara make their way into the building, walking directly back to their seats.

After a few minutes, Jenna finishes her drink and says to the other two women, "I'm going for another round, you two talk and I hope I haven't ruined your chances."

As Jenna walks away she winks at Mara, and whispers "good luck."

Heidi turns to Mara, "I think we need to-"

Mara doesn't let Heidi finish her sentence. She moves her head closer to the beautiful blue eyed girl next to her and leans in. The two share a long kiss.

"I'm sorry I couldn't wait. I've wanted to do that all night. I'm also so sorry for earlier. You didn't deserve to be brought into that. Kissing you should not have been something I did to prove a point. It should've been because I wanted to."

Heidi comfortingly places her hand on Mara's arm. Moving it slowly down until the two women are holding hands. No words are exchanged but the two know the feelings are mutual and all has been forgiven.

"Would you like to get a drink?" Mara asks Heidi, eventually breaking the silence.

"Sure"

The two get up and join Jenna at the bar.

"You two seem to have worked things out. Heidi, I'm sorry for earlier. It was never about you. I felt like I was being lied to and eventually going to be replaced. I realize now this isn't about me and it's about Mara and her happiness. If you make Mara happy I am happy to have you a part of our lives."

"Thanks Jenna, I can't say I will be the one to make Mara happy forever, but I sure have enjoyed getting to know her tonight."

Mara and Heidi share a look of admiration and slowly move closer together.

Jenna takes the hint and announces, " I'm going to leave you two alone, I'll meet you back at the table."

Heidi and Mara order their drinks and patiently stand by the bar.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Mara says to Heidi, "you've enjoyed tonight?"

Without hesitation, Heidi presses her body against Mara's, moves her long brown hair off of her face, and kisses her. This time making the kiss last as long as she can.

After Heidi steps away, Mara asks her, "What was that for?

"Because I wanted to?"

With vibrant smiles, the two grab their freshly made margaritas, and walk away from the bar hand in hand.

Jenna, Mara, and Heidi enjoy the rest of the night, laughing, sharing stories and drinking countless amounts of margaritas.

As the night concludes, the women collect their items and head out the door. On the sidewalk, they share hugs goodbye with remarks of how fun the night was, hoping to all see each other again.

Jenna whispers in Mara's ear, "I am going to go around the corner and order us an Uber. You take as long as you need."

Mara kisses Jenna's cheek and tells her, "You'll always be my number one."

When Jenna is out of sight, Mara and Heidi turn to face each other and share an awkward giggle.

At last, Mara finally speaks up. "I would like to see you again sometime if you would like. I'll call you?"

Heidi nods and quietly responds, "I'm looking forward to it."

The two women hug and share a quick, but sweet goodbye kiss.

"I also look forward to doing that again," Heidi says with a clear and confident grin.

"Me too." Mara responds.

They say a final see you later, and walk opposite directions. Mara towards Jenna and Heidi to her Jeep on the other side of the parking lot.

As Mara turns the corner, Jenna jokingly calls out to her, "share some tongue?"

With red cheeks, Mara responds, "that's for me to know, and you to think about."

The uber pulls up to the sidewalk and both women get inside.

In the back seat, Jenna looks at Mara and says to her, "I want nothing but the best for you. And if Heidi is that, I will love to watch you two grow closer together. She seems pretty great, and you two look very cute together. But the second she hurts you, I will make sure she knows my opinion."

Mara lays her head on Jenna's shoulder and quietly responds with "Oh I know you will."

Six months later, the three women find themselves back together again. Mara and Heidi share stories with Jenna about their dates, and funny moments they have shared. Jenna listens intently and can't help but notice the bright smile that has been on Mara's face.

"You sure have been smiling a lot tonight Mara. I'm glad you have found someone who makes you happy. You two seem to have a lot of fun together. . Heidi, thank you for making my girl so happy."

"Thank you for sharing her with me. Mara has made my life better than I ever expected."

The months continue to pass by , Mara and Heidi have become inseparable. Talking everyday, going on dates multiple times a week, and most importantly gone on many hike's with Heidi's dog.