Skidding on the curves of your heart

The dates follow one after another. Mapi takes Ingrid to dinner and a comedy at the theater, which turns out to be a great discovery because they both love it; Ingrid takes Mapi to a picnic in Orkanger with the forest behind them and water in front of them.

They go to Christmas markets and stalls from the first day of December and even when the lights are turned on in both Melhus and Trondheim in streets packed with people (Mapi does this with the sole purpose of seeing Ingrid's face lit up with pleasure but she will never let her know).

And they always have a wonderful time in each other's company, talking about many things, getting to know each other, appreciating silences and special moments. Mapi doesn't mind that Ingrid increasingly visits their house and stays for long hours, and that they establish habits together like reading by the fireplace or trying to put together puzzles.

However, there are few occasions when Mapi completely lets her guard down and allows herself to touch the halos of happiness she achieves with Ingrid, and that's more subconscious than anything else; she's not entirely sure she'll allow herself to fully feel at some point. Or maybe she does, and she herself is just delaying the moment. The worst part is that Ingrid always knows and doesn't push back, but patience has its limits, Mapi knows that.

Now Mapi has plenty of free time to think until training resumes in mid-February, and her thoughts usually turn to the dark-haired Norwegian, of course. And to her own parents, with whom she speaks quite often and who want to go. Everyone wants to go, and she doesn't feel ready.

-You're the worst sleepers-she mumbles to the kittens who are dozing happily by the fire in the fireplace.

She pushes aside the curtain and gazes at the cold rain that will undoubtedly turn into sleet or snow. It's already been snowing a little, and she's tolerating it better. But she has to go out and collect firewood, and her teeth are already chattering just thinking about it, so she bundles up as much as she can.

Sudden knocks on the door can only announce one person in particular, and she almost trips over her own feet in a foolish attempt to get there faster.

-Home delivery-the Norwegian croons.

Mapi steps aside to let Ingrid pass and frowns and purses her lips with her usual obvious mockery.

-White wine in the afternoon?

-Okay, that's an excuse for you to invite me to dinner.

-Wow, you keep looking for excuses when you don't need them-Mapi says, kissing her with the confidence that the passing of days, the dates, and the way Ingrid always reciprocates has given her.

-Don't be so charming-Ingrid scolds without leaving Mapi's arms.

-Why not?

-You melt me-she replies in a small, sincere voice.

Mapi sighs again and again, reluctant to break the hug.

-I'm afraid the simple soup I was going to make won't be enough.

-You know the food thing is just another excuse-Ingrid brushes back some of her golden strands-but since you just said enough excuses, actually, I'm here to see you.

-Because if you wait for me to come out, spring will come?

-Something like that.

Mapi laughs, agreeing with her, reluctantly separates and puts on her coat and gloves.

-I was looking forward to seeing you too, but I blame it on the rain and the wicked wind that blew down part of the greenhouse yesterday.

-Were you able to fix it?

-Mmm, more or less. Now, madame, if you don't mind waiting by the fire, you can make yourself some coffee while I go get some firewood to keep your bottom warm all afternoon-Mapi smiles with something akin to hope and embarrassment combined, and leaves a kiss on the tip of her nose-I hope all night too.

-That depends on you-Ingrid retorts, raising her eyebrows and returning the barb-but if you think I'm going to let you go out alone and I'm here warming my ass, you're thinking wrong.

-Touching-Mapi whispers theatrically.

Ingrid pushes her with her shoulder and leaves first, pulling the hood of her oversized jacket over her head and rubbing her hands together. She follows Mapi to where she has a pile of firewood stacked.

-It's a little damp, but it'll do. It won't be enough, though.

-No? It seems like a lot.

-It should be enough for the living room, to cook, to heat the room, and to light the fire again tomorrow morning- she explains, taking an axe.

-You've got everything figured out-Ingrid marvels, watching her effortlessly begin to split the logs. The heat that surges through her body is primal.

Ingrid had been encouraged by Frido the previous few days. Frido, who doesn't mince words and speaks her mind without hesitation.

“-You drool over her, go for that woman”

Ingrid told her her doubts, what Mapi might think if she hinted that she wanted to take another step.

“She’s ogling you too,” was the only response. “She’ll be wanting it as much as you are.”

So Ingrid decided there was nothing wrong with a casual visit after days of not seeing each other and a tension that only seemed to be increasing. The rest was up to Mapi.

-Do you want to try it?

-I?

-Come on, it's nothing out of this world-Mapi stops leaning and looks at her speculatively-I dare you.

-Oh, well, a challenge is a challenge-the black-haired shakes her head and takes the axe.

Of course, the first blow misses. Mapi rearranges the log.

-You grip the axe firmly and deliver a sharp, deep blow-and the Spanish woman doesn't miss the opportunity to come up behind her and prove her point. There are so many layers of clothing that it seems like a harmless contact. They both know it isn't.

-You are a great teacher.

-I can't believe you've never done it.

-Well, Dad's in charge, you know.

-If you're going out with me, let's just say it's a basic requirement.

-Oh yeah?

-Yes, let's suppose I ask you to be my girlfriend... -Mapi purposely leaves the sentence unfinished, waiting for Ingrid's reaction.

-Continue-Ingrid mutters, more affected than she should be.

-Well, I'm asking you to be my girlfriend and you don't know how to chop wood or gather chicken eggs. That would look so bad on a first-class farmer like me!

Maybe Ingrid should have stopped what she was doing because Mapi was distracting her with her playful tone, her earlier proximity, and the word "girlfriend" repeated so many times. She became so distracted that a splinter of logs suddenly flew up, hitting her forehead and causing her to yelp in surprise.

-Fuck-she hisses.

-Fuck-Mapi repeats, inspecting her carefully-you're bleeding.

-And it hurts a little.

She shouldn't be laughing, but she is. A sound that doesn't comfort Mapi at all.

-Leave that and let's go to the house to heal you.

-It's not that bad-Ingrid says stubbornly-Let's just get this over with and then we'll see how hurt I am. I don't think it's that bad.

-I'll do it later. Please, let's go home.

Mapi is genuinely concerned about the blow, Ingrid finds her endearing and allows herself to be led to the cabin with the Spanish woman's hand guiding her back.

-God, I don't know what I was thinking. I should have known something like this would happen if you'd never chopped wood before-Mapi mumbled, shaking her head.

-I'm fine, María.

Mapi doesn't even answer. She makes her sit down on one of the armchairs and runs to get the first-aid kit while the kittens approach, purring loudly.

-She's quite the exaggerator, isn't she? -Ingrid whispers.

-I'm not, come, let's clean you up and heal you-Mapi's tone doesn't allow for discussion and Ingrid lets her do it, lost in Mapi's frowning expression of concentration, noticing every freckle, blemish and wrinkle, longing to kiss each one and erase that furrowed brow with kisses.

-You are beautiful.

-And you almost lost your mind because of me.

-Well, I've already lost her...

-I'm serious-Mapi sighs, exasperated-You have a cut that isn't very deep and a bump that's quickly turning purple, and it could have been more dangerous. I don't know what I was thinking, leaving you...

-María, everything's fine-Ingrid reassures her-It's true that I got a little distracted hearing the word girlfriend so often, but that was my mistake, not yours.

-I distracted you-Mapi finishes cleaning and takes out an adhesive bandage that she places with the greatest care-I'm sorry.

-Enough, and I'm serious-Ingrid's firm voice finally seems to make its mark-This will just be an anecdote, okay? And as she finishes saying that, she rests her head on the Spanish woman's shoulder and hugs her by the waist.

-Do you think a kiss will take away the pain?

-I don't think so, I mean, if it were just a few kisses...

-Mmm, you're a tough negotiator-Mapi takes Ingrid's chin and pulls her in for a few gentle, resounding kisses.

-As much as I enjoy all your kisses, I could use some painkillers, please.

-Yeah, I was going for it.

Mapi leaves Ingrid lying on the couch while she looks for firewood, which takes her a few trips back and forth, but she doesn't find the black-haired in the same position when she enters the cabin again.

Ingrid is chopping vegetables and meat, humming the song playing on the record player, and looking very comfortable in the kitchen.

-Are you one of those people who hates it when someone touches their things without permission?

-It depends on who it is-Mapi shrugs-I don't mind the music.

-Good. We're getting to know each other better.

-Mmm...what do you cook?

-A broth.

-Are you going to stay?

Ingrid raises her head at the question. The Spaniard's tone is strange, somewhere between hesitant and anxious.

-I'm not cornering you, Maria-she smiles to calm her worries-I'll stay if you want, and as long as you want. You don't have to feel obligated to do anything.

-Ingrid, please-Mapi shakes her head-we're both adults, and we both know what we want. This doesn't feel like a trap or something rushed. It was just a question.

-Great.

-I'm sorry-Mapi smiles-it's just that I'm still worried about your forehead.

-I'm fine. You're a good teacher and nurse.

They settle into something of a comfortable routine. Mapi lights the fire and opens the wine, and Ingrid cooks quietly, unable to drink and still humming.

“I could get used to this”, Mapi thinks, which causes a huge knot in the pit of her stomach. It's not good to want something like this if you're bad at forming relationships. And the worst part is how much she yearns for it. She wants everything with Ingrid, but to do so, she has to make more of an effort, be more open, less dramatic about things that are behind her. But how do you do that?

And then Ingrid's smile shines from across the kitchen, just for her; and that's it, she feels something inside crumble and settle at the same time.

-What are you doing for Christmas?

-What?

-Christmas. Ten days left.

-Yes…well, I don't know yet?

-Do you celebrate it? I mean, in your family…?

-Oh, yes, it's an important celebration-Mapi nods-but for me it's not so important anymore. And it's supposed to be about reuniting with loved ones, you know...

-Sure-says Ingrid without going any further into the matter, concentrating on the food she is preparing.

Much later, after dinner and drinking half the wine (Ingrid drank a glass) and leaving everything impeccably clean, they settle into the armchair under a blanket, while Ingrid carefully jots things down on her phone. Mapi quickly gets bored with the crossword puzzles and, instead of diverting her attention to Geri and Freki, she starts annoying Ingrid by poking her sides with her index finger. Maybe that will ease her nerves a little.

-What do you write down?

-Christmas gift ideas. I haven't had time to do any shopping yet.

-That's so sweet-she jabs her in the ribs-I guess I'm getting something.

-It depends on how well you behave with me-The warning look makes Mapi smile even more.

-I behave very well, always.

-You're distracting me now, Maria-the Norwegian responds, moving from one side to the other.

-I'm trying to get your attention, prinsessen min.

-What did you just call me?

-You heard me-Mapi softly kisses the lips she's already addicted to, loving when she leaves Ingrid speechless.

-You are insufferable.

-You like me like that.

Ingrid lets the phone fall to the side, turns completely towards Mapi and hits her back with the same enthusiasm, only breaking away to mockingly warn her.

-Always. But if you start provoking me, you have to learn that there are consequences.

-I'm ready.

That smugness is what Ingrid found so unattractive at first, and now she simply finds hot and irresistible. The kiss Ingrid initiates is nothing like any of the ones they've shared up until then. It's rawer, more intentional, and direct, abandoning indifference to give way to what they've both longed for.

Ingrid leans further in and Mapi ends up half-lying on the couch, pressed against the Norwegian, without complaining, appreciating the strength and warmth that Ingrid's body gives off.

They spend a lot of time kissing and touching each other under each other's clothes, but that's not enough.

-Let's go to your room-the black-haired girl gasps.

-Yeah.

This also seems like a copy of that time in the greenhouse, only now Ingrid stands up, and Mapi does too, extending her hand to guide her, even if it's not entirely necessary. And so, with their fingers intertwined, they walk toward the room.

-Are you nervous? -Ingrid asks, feeling the imperceptible tremor of the body pressed against hers. It provokes an indescribable tenderness in her.

-Aren't you? -The large, attentive amber eyes hold not a hint of mockery.

-Of course. If we're nervous, it's because we care a lot, right?

Mapi nods and reaches out to kiss her, takes a step forward, another, and presses against Ingrid. She wouldn't mind kissing her forever, but there will be time for that; she hopes for it with all her heart. So, very slowly, she begins to undress her with nimble fingers and look at her to see if everything is okay. And the Norwegian woman mimics her movements. Everything is deliberately slow, even though they both know they feel an urgent need.

Outside, the wind roars and the rain pounds violently against the glass. Inside, the fire in the bedroom's fireplace is lit, so Mapi assumes Ingrid won't mind if she removes every last piece of clothing. She does. Piece by piece. Her rough, calloused hands move delicately, and Ingrid doesn't miss the slightest movement.

-Wonderfully beautiful-Mapi murmurs without abandoning her lips, swollen and pink from her kisses, straying to her chin, her jaw, her neck, her collarbone, the hollow where Ingrid's pulse beats wildly and uncontrollably.

-I can't stand up any longer-Ingrid gasps, taking oxygen.

Ingrid sank onto the bed with a shaky sigh, pulling the Spaniard in with both hands. Mapi's lips felt hot yet soft as they delicately covered one of her nipples, and she gasped at the slow suction. As soon as she opened her legs, Mapi thrust a thigh inside without hesitation.

Ingrid thought she'd take the initiative, that she'd hold the reins just as she'd dreamed of for days and nights. However, she doesn't mind in the least that Mapi is the one who guides and decides what to do; she's never wanted someone to touch her so much, and it's never felt so good to have them do it. She allows her everything, everything she didn't allow anyone else before, Mapi can have.

Mapi smiles with every action, nibbling, groping, and touching gently, sometimes looking at her to see if she likes it, sometimes watching what she's doing so she doesn't miss it. Ingrid responds without any subtlety, moaning and letting her know how much she enjoys it.

Mapi lets the thick strands of black hair slide through her hands, just as she's dreamed of so many times. She abandons, for the moment, her breasts, eager for more attention, and kisses the delicate skin of her wrists, her arms, the inside of her ribs, until not a single centimeter of skin remains unmapped.

-I won't last long, Maria.

It's as if those words flipped some kind of switch.

Mapi bites her lip and runs her fingers slowly through Ingrid's wetness, probing. She swallows and takes a deep breath at the discovery. She's completely soaked, and in a case like this, she can only manage to taste and savor it in long, intense seconds that draw incomprehensible sounds from the Ingrid’s mouth.

-Please, kjære-is a new please that makes Mapi climb up the Norwegian woman's body from her place between her thighs. Ingrid looks as needy as she is.

-Just tell me what you want.

-I want everything.

-Don't be anxious, prinsessen min-Mapi whispers in her ear, inserting a finger little by little, then another, feeling the shudder of pleasure-you will have everything, I promise.

Ingrid digs her fingers into Mapi's back without taking her eyes off her, experiencing a delight she never expected to feel, feeling inexplicably filled with her; and Mapi swallows every moan, devouring Ingrid's mouth with avidity, forever remembering the Norwegian woman's stifled sound and cry of release as she climaxes. And her words.

-Finally-she exhales in a plaintive shudder, calmly descending from the spiral of pleasure.

-Oh yeah?

-Yeah…

-Excuse me, madam. Did I keep you waiting too long? -Mapi laughs, leaving light kisses and gently removing her fingers.

-A damn life-Ingrid replies, getting up without wasting time and knocking Mapi onto her back-And now, you're going to experience torture.

-You can't be bad-Mapi swallows hard, longing to be free soon, suffering from her body's own needs-I was good to you a moment ago.

-You were. Very, very good-Ingrid runs her tongue over her lower lip and her index finger over Mapi's, grabbing her chin-I didn't say I was going to torture you right now, you know, the night is so long.

-Very long-Mapi confirms, gasping when the tip of Ingrid's tongue brushes against the sensitive area of her neck.

-You know, I'm fascinated by all your tattoos-Ingrid's right index finger runs over each intricate drawing, almost without touching it-and the ones on your back, damn...

Ingrid is very good at taking her time too, licking and tasting, smiling against Mapi's skin and running her long fingers all over her body. She soon discovers how sensitive Mapi is in her breasts and nipples, so she spends long seconds on them.

-Are you ticklish?

-Sometimes-says Mapi.

-They drive me crazy. Absolutely. Completely-Ingrid declares before flattening her tongue and running it over the Spanish girl's abs, and Mapi doesn't quite understand, because she doesn't feel ticklish but neither should she feel the explosive erotic pleasure that runs through her from top to bottom from driving Ingrid crazy with her toned stomach and watching her so devoted.

Then Ingrid stops wandering around her belly and continues down. And, without warning or Mapi expecting it, she feels small kisses on her legs, on each scar on her left knee. Kisses that mean everything and instill a feeling of gratitude in Mapi and deep love because Ingrid doesn't have to do it, but she knows how much those wounds hurt in every way, and there it is, mixing passion and affection, tenderness.

-You are so, so beautiful-the Spanish woman whispers, not avoiding the sincere and loving tone.

Ingrid smiles and shakes her head, moving up to place kisses on the inside of Mapi's thighs, waiting for her to adjust to her. And in a second, Mapi lets herself be carried back.

The image of that black-haired head between her thighs is a complete assault on her senses, and when those green eyes look at her for a second and return to the task at hand, everything becomes blurred for Mapi, she feels herself floating, alien and at the same time, so present, surrendered to the anxious and demanding mouth that is giving her pleasure.

-That's...so...I can't...

She slurs her words like a drunk. Intoxicated with pleasure, that's what she is. And Ingrid can't help thinking that not everyone deserves such a spectacle. Mapi is completely lost, devastated, on the verge of begging.

-Come, kjære-Ingrid says with another brief glance and returns to the spot she's already claimed as hers, to be squeezed by Mapi's thighs and give her as much pleasure as possible, completely forgetting about the blow to her forehead. It doesn't even matter in the slightest.

At this point, Mapi doesn't care at all about screaming and with one of her hands guiding Ingrid's head, sinking her fingers into her thick black hair, finally reaching orgasm and the waves of pleasure that spread from every pore of her body to every tingling limb.

-Jesus Christ-Mapi blasphemes and laughs foolishly, putting one of her hands on her chest to see if that will calm the wandering heartbeat.

-Are you okay? -Ingrid's sharp eyes are on her with genuine concern.

-As good as can be. You're wonderful.

Ingrid blushes and kisses her slowly, cradling her face and leaving soft caresses with her thumbs.

-How are you? And your blow to the forehead?

-Great-the black-haired shrugs-and ready to repeat the experience.

Mapi laughs and hides her head on the Ingrid’s shoulder, a little embarrassed by the same feeling.

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

-I will never, ever forget this-Ingrid declares, falsely shocked but a little surprised-nor will I let you forget it.

-Come on, this can't happen to me! I blame all that wine I drank!

-That was hours ago-says the Norwegian-so how many times was that?

-Some. And don't continue, okay? I blame it on seeing you in a bikini, how sexy you always look, and, well, other things...

-You're adorable, Maria.

-Doesn't it bother you? Because it's so...I don't know.

-Masturbation isn't weird. It's healthy.

-You know what I'm talking about.

-Maybe I did it a few times with you in mind too. Does that make up for your embarrassment?

Ingrid omits to talk about those times when she went to Oslo with the sole purpose of finding satisfaction with other women and the only one she was longing for was her.

-More or less-Mapi concedes with a hint of a smile.

They lie completely naked, tangled in a soft, light blanket, with the fire about to go out and Mapi too tired to get up and rekindle it.

She wants to close her eyes, but she doesn't want everything to fade away and feel like a good dream in the morning. Ingrid is in her arms, holding her tightly, afraid that if she lets go, she might walk away. It's a genuine fear that comes from deep within her because she has lacked sincerity and openness, and yet Ingrid remains there, firm and stoic.

She places a kiss on the Norwegian woman's temple, knowing she's not asleep.

-Sleep-says Ingrid, looking at her with those eyes that are an addiction.

-You too.

-I'll do it when you do it.

-Cheater.

Ingrid stretches out to kiss her tenderly and touch the tips of their noses.

Mapi knows that what she feels is enormous; she's known it for a long time, but it's still impossible to put into words. So for now, enjoy this, and you'll see later.

She doesn't know when she falls asleep; she's just wrapped in Ingrid's warmth and embrace, and it's still warm when she wakes up. But Ingrid is gone. And it doesn't seem to be daytime.

She looks at the time, and it's barely 2:40 in the morning. She also notices that the room is warmer because Ingrid added more wood to the fireplace. And because the two kittens are sleeping at his feet.

Mapi puts on a robe and goes out to look for her. Either she's in the living room or she's gone, there's no other option.

-Hey-she sighs with enormous relief.

-Hey-Ingrid says, closing the book on her lap.

-What's up? -Mapi walks up to her and sits down next to her.

-I was just having trouble sleeping, that's all, and I didn't want to bother you. I know you get up pretty early.

Mapi smiles and runs her fingers through the untamed dark locks, combing them.

-Usually, although I was hoping to make an exception today.

-That makes me feel special.

They both lean in at the same time in a slow kiss and Mapi rests her head on Ingrid's shoulder.

-Is everything really okay?

Ingrid nods and snorts a sleepy giggle.

-Let's go back to bed-she says.

-Don't leave again, please-the Spanish woman asks.

Ingrid wishes she could treasure that night forever, archive every gesture and gentle word, every caress Mapi directed at her. The way she held her against her chest and leisurely ran her hand down her side. It was so special.

But then all those bad thoughts come and won't leave her alone. She knows Mapi isn't playing with her, she feels it. Still, Mapi isn't being truthful, and she can't push any further. When and how would it be appropriate to do so? Or should she keep waiting? Maybe there isn't a big, bad story she's hiding; maybe it's about her girlfriend's death and how she still can't quite get over it. And sometimes, Ingrid feels very selfish and like a bad person, because all she can think about is fighting a ghost.

-She’s already asleep, prinsessen min-murmurs Mapi, more asleep than awake.

-Yes, kjære-she whispers.

However, sleep doesn't come as quickly as she'd like. She's content to watch Mapi and the faint smile that accompanies her calm expression. She wants to believe it's because of her.

It's not a morning to laze around in the sheets or linger longer than expected, even if they take their time in the shower and over breakfast. Mapi removes the adhesive bandage from Ingrid's forehead, cleans it, and puts on another one while the brunette swears it's unnecessary and it doesn't hurt anymore.

Before leaving the bed, Mapi throws herself on Ingrid, kisses her tirelessly and tickles her in all the right places.

-I'll make you the best breakfast of your life as a reward, is that okay?

-For now.

The first thing Ingrid does is look out the window. At some point during the night, it stopped raining and started snowing, but it's not that much snow, although there will surely be more in the coming days. Then she checks her phone in case there's anything important and lets the office know that she'll be a little late. And third, but no less important, she makes herself a cup of coffee.

-Has the construction stopped? -Mapi asks, placing a plate full of eggs, bread, and avocado in front of the Norwegian woman.

-Yes, we'll resume at the end of January. In Orkanger, almost everything is ready, and I think the Melhus cabins will be habitable by March or April.

-So next summer I'm going to have to put up with a lot of tourists hanging around here?

-Well...yes-Ingrid is not sure of the tone Mapi uses.

-Maybe I'll move.

-You wouldn't.

-You never know-Mapi clicks her tongue, her eyes creasing.

-For a moment, I believed it.

-Until the owner of this place kicks me out, I'm not leaving-Mapi finally puts down the fruit she was chopping right next to her-and I'm sure she's not going to do that.

-Could.

-She's crazy about me, she won't do it.

-Arrogant.

-You didn't let me finish-Mapi winks-I'm crazy about her too.

Ingrid laughs delightedly, much more in love than before, much less than she will be the next day.

It was a great night, and it's turning out to be a great morning. It wasn't a huge discovery, the electrifying connection they share, the chemistry, the affection that comes out at every opportunity.

The caresses that Mapi is giving her undoubtedly speak of affection.

It's inevitable for Ingrid to smile at the edge of the coffee cup, close her eyes and feel the touch of the hand on her cheek.

Minutes later, very reluctantly, they say goodbye with the certainty that they will see each other soon—weather permitting—and a long, drawn-out kiss keeps them on the front steps until their bodies begin to cool.

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

Mapi enters the house after leaving behind her gloves, scarf, and thick, warm jacket (and looking at the photograph of Ingrid that captivates her so much for a few seconds).

As always, there is a pleasant smell of coffee and something that was baking.

-Christmas gingerbread cookies-Gudrun clarifies-you arrived just in time.

-I always do.

-I think you're sniffing from the woods.

Gudrun busily prepares tea and places biscuits on a plate, while Mapi cranes her neck in various directions to try to find someone.

-Ørjan is working-Gudrun points out suspiciously-and Ingrid hasn't been around in two days.

Mapi almost choked on her own saliva.

-I wasn't...well-she folds her hands in her lap-That's good to know. I would have liked to say hello to Ørjan.

Thanks to some miracle, the older woman moves on to another topic.

-You know, you saved me a call or a visit that I know you hate.

-Why?

-Because I have an invitation for you. I know I should have told you sooner, but I was waiting for the weather to improve to come see you. Since that didn't happen and you're here, which I'm very grateful for, I'd like you to come spend Christmas with us.

In some corner of her mind, Mapi was expecting it.

-I don't celebrate Christmas much, Gudrun.

-I figured as much, and anyway, I'd like you to come. You wouldn't even have to drive because I'd set up a room for you.

Mapi swallows and neither accepts nor rejects the invitation. Part of her wants to say yes, but she doesn't say anything in the end.

Both women take their drinks and Gudrun doesn't seem interested in insisting, in fact, she didn't insist, she just dropped it.

-They're delicious-says Mapi, pointing at the cookies.

And you haven't seen anything. We're preparing a real feast for the next few days.

The Spanish woman smiles and tells the Norwegian about the purpose of her visit.

-I brought you firewood.

-I knew you wouldn't come without a good reason, but what about that?

-You'll need it, and I don't mind doing a little extra exercise.

-Yes, I think Ingrid thinks the same-Gudrun murmurs, narrowing her eyes in amusement.

-Oh, that-Mapi's cheeks and the tips of her ears begin to burn- it was an accident and I felt terrible.

-Ingrid told me-says Gudrun-you are very close…

Gudrun believes that what she can't get out of Ingrid, she might be able to get out of the Spanish woman. She knows something's up, she senses they're onto something, but nothing more, no confirmation of any kind. And she's starting to despair.

-Anything you want to tell your old friend?

-You're not old.

-That's kind of you, Maria. But you know what I'm talking about.

-Will you drop the matter if I tell you there's nothing to tell?

-You're a terrible liar, just like my daughter.

Mapi smiles, and a moment later she comes out with a stomach full of cookies and a calm, warm heart. Gudrun has that effect.

She unloads all the firewood, says goodbye without saying until when, and drives carefully along the icy road.

Maybe spending Christmas with the Engens isn't so bad after all, but she needs to discuss some details with Ingrid. And since Ingrid is always coming to see her, it's time for her to pay a visit of her own.

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

Ingrid is still at the office. The day was exhausting, and the only thing that makes it better is Mapi and that large cup of coffee she leaves on her desk before immediately going over to kiss her without any rush.

-You look terrible.

-I've been told more flattering things.

Mapi stays behind her chair and gives her some gentle shoulder massages that make Ingrid delirious with pleasure.

-You're tense and we have to fix it.

-I'm open to ideas-the black-haired woman purrs.

-Well, I was thinking-Mapi lowers her voice to an octave-my house, a meal the way we both like it, wine, and my bed. Massages included.

She doesn't know where Mapi's so much impudence comes from, but Ingrid is fascinated.

-You've thought of everything.

-If you feel like it, of course.

-I would never say no to such a proposal, Maria.

-I'm glad to hear it.

Mapi leaves a kiss on the top of Ingrid's head and goes from standing behind her to standing in front of her, between her legs, hands clasped.

-Your mom invited me to spend Christmas with you.

-I know. She’s been telling me for days. Will you come?

-I don't know-she shrugs.

-You have no obligation-Ingrid tries to keep her tone even, without showing disappointment.

-I'm aware, it's that...I do want to...but...- a slow hesitation and sighs.

-Come on, tell me.

-I don't have any gifts.

-It's not a problem. No one's going to care-Ingrid dismisses, knowing it's true.

-I wouldn't know what food to bring to share or if it's a custom here.

-That's not relevant either.

-And…this-Mapi squeezes Ingrid's hands-how do we act?

-I see that's your real concern.

-Is there anything wrong with that? I mean, I'm really worried because I don't know if I'll be able to act like you're anything more than my friend, or even kiss or hold hands.

-We can do all that.

-Ingrid-hisses Mapi-and what about your family?

-As if they care-Ingrid leans toward the Spanish woman, cupping her face-Look, they do care, a lot. You've noticed. That's why I think they'll be happy for us.

Mapi takes a deep breath and looks at their joined hands. She thinks about how far they've come and how well they're feeling; about what she feels, and she's sure Ingrid reciprocates; it's only right to take another step.

-I'd like to talk to your parents.

-About…?

-This-Mapi quickly aadd-they've been very good to me. They've opened their doors to me, they care about me. I'd like to talk to them about what's going on between us.

-Kjære, I think that sounds a little old-fashioned-Ingrid finds it both amusing and endearing.

-I'm not going to ask for your hand-she clarifies-just to tell you that I have serious intentions with you.

-Oh yeah?

-Of course.

-I think it's great.

Ingrid conveys everything she feels for her in the huge hug she gives her, squeezing her and kissing her temple lovingly. She feels something close to tranquility, despite everything, she feels it.

But she remembers what she's doing for Mapi, the big Christmas present—or surprise—and she really hopes she doesn't screw up. She swallows hard and feels the need to rub her stomach, right where that huge knot of insecurities and fears has settled.

Then Mapi smiles, and everything seems to make sense. It's so damn special to see that toothy, crinkle-eyed smile that means everything to her.

And he forgets about her fear, and hopes that everything will turn out well in the coming days.