The Visitor (Week 1 - Monday)
Cobblestones graced the scenic streets of San Edistor, lined with stores, galleries, cafes, and nightclubs. The beach was roughly five miles from the city center and favored by nature enthusiasts. Ryan Wilder arrived at San Edistor around three o'clock in the afternoon. This was her first day in the program and the first of many towns she intended to explore before determining where she would reside permanently. She needed to make the most of it because her time was limited.
Ryan walked into San Edistor’s welcome center. She decided to add this town to the top of her list. She was intrigued by the town because of its substantial lesbian population. Having been single for decades, she hoped to make new friends and find someone with whom she could connect. But whatever city Ryan chooses to call home will mark the start of something new. She was both excited and terrified.
Touring the town, she had a positive feeling about this place. The people were friendly, plenty of houses to choose from (if she chose to stay), and several activities for the residents, and the Hold Up was one of the city's hottest lesbian bars. The tour guide couldn’t stop talking about how great the bar was. A two-story building with a large dance floor, plenty of booths, and a bar on both levels. Ryan found herself eager to visit the bar, which she planned on stopping by later in the evening.
Around 8:00 pm, she entered the Hold Up. The club was surprisingly packed as she maneuvered through the crowds to the bar. After standing in a long line, she was finally able to order her drink.
“Hi, could I have a Rum and Coke?” She asked the bartender while admiring the beauty of this dark-skinned woman with locks.
“Sure, hon.” The bartender begins to make the drink and brings it to Ryan. "Is there anything else?" She inquired.
Ryan smiles. "No, I'm fine. Thanks." She steps away from the bar to let the next client in line to be served.
The atmosphere was electric. The music was booming, and everyone was having a good time. Attractive women were abundant in every direction you turned. The club was so crowded downstairs that Ryan decided to go upstairs to get a better view and see if any empty seats were available. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she spotted a few open seats and sat at one where she had a good view of the entire club.
Throughout the night, Ryan conversed with several women. All seemed nice, and a few of them were already residents. She was talking with a woman from Florida when she observed a beautiful woman seated with two other women at a booth to her right. This lady had long jet-black hair, and her skin was a golden complexion. The woman was breathtakingly beautiful in every conceivable way. Time seemed to stand still as Ryan watched this woman deeply conversing with her friends. She couldn’t take her eyes off this woman. Camille, the lady Ryan was initially speaking to, perceived Ryan's lack of interest and walked away.
Suddenly, the woman abruptly ended her conversation with her friends. She had the impression she was being watched. She surveyed the room before meeting Ryan's gaze, instantly making her body warm; it didn't help that the woman smiled at her. Determined to dispel the warm sensation this woman caused, she averted her eyes and kept her gaze cast to the other end of the club.
After a few minutes of staring in the opposite direction, Ryan felt someone tap her on her shoulder. She turned to see who it was and found herself looking into the eyes of that stunning woman.
“Hi, I noticed you were checking me out over there,” she grinned. “I’m Sophie.”
“Who said I was checking you out,” Ryan responded.
“Well, “ – taking a seat -- “you've been looking in my direction for quite some time. I call that staring.... So are you going to tell me your name, or will I have to guess?”
Ryan tilted her head, and a smile gradually formed on her face. "I'm Ryan."
“Nice to meet you, Ryan…. So – looking around the club – are you with someone, or are you here alone?”
‘I’m by myself.”
“Ok.. I thought so, but I wanted to make sure.. I assume you are a visitor, or are you a new resident.” Sophie inquired.
“I’m a visitor. I'm new here, so this is my first stop. I’m trying to decide where I'm going to settle.”
“Ah.. if you don’t mind me asking, do you have a set date?”
Ryan sighed and bowed her head. “Yeah, four weeks from now.”
Sophie’s brow furrowed, and her expression became solemn. “Wow, that's soon. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“No need to apologize; I’ve accepted it,” she shrugs, attempting not to dwell on her looming deadline. What about you? Are you a resident?”
Sophie leans back on her stool. “No, I’m a visitor just like you. My best friend is a resident,” she said, looking toward the two women at the booth. “I started visiting her about a month ago, and like you, my time is limited. However, I am only passing through. I have no desire to become a resident."
“So, you’re choosing the alternative?” Ryan asks.
“Yes.”
A wave of disappointment came over Ryan. She encountered a few ladies who, like Sophie, had chosen the alternative, and she respected their decisions. But Sophie, a woman with whom she already felt a connection -- ok, mostly an attraction, well, it was disappointing.
“Hey, why don’t you join us at our booth,” Sophie asks.
“Oh no, I couldn’t impose.”
Sophie grins. “You’re not. Trust me.” She grabs Ryan’s hand and leads her to the booth where her friends are seated.
As they walk to the booth, Mary sees Sophie holding hands with a woman she has never seen before. Her eyebrows raised as she locked her gaze on Sophie.
Sophie ignores Mary’s stare and introduces Ryan. “Everyone, meet Ryan. Ryan, this is Mary, my best friend, and good friend Imani. And before you ask, yes, both are residents.”
Imani and Mary warmly welcome Ryan. They both moved over to make room for Ryan and Sophie to sit.
“Are you two together?” Ryan questioned. Referring to Imani and Mary.
They both answer No at the same time.
"I'm not gay," Mary responded. "I enjoy the company here at this club. It’s either The Hold Up or Hanks, which is mostly a straight bar where I keep getting hit on. It's quite annoying. Besides, My boyfriend Luke will become a resident next week. ”
“Hold on, Luke! Luke as in Luke Fox.” Ryan asks.
“Yes, you know him?”
“I do, but I haven’t seen Luke for months.” Ryan was saddened upon learning that Luke would become a permanent resident soon. She sits there quietly for a few minutes until Sophie places her hand on Ryan's hand.
“Hey, you’re Ok?” Sophie asks
“Yeah, it's just --“
“I know. We all know.” Sophie smiles softly as she gently squeezes Ryan’s hand.
Trying to push past the wave of sadness, Ryan sighs and shifts her focus to Imani. “So, Imani, are you straight?”
Imani chuckles. “No, I'm gay; my wife will join me tomorrow. She’s transitioning to become a resident.”
“How long have you two been apart?” Ryan asked
“Two years. Initially, she was only allowed to visit five times a month. But, once she entered the program, we saw each other three times per week. Still.. It's been hard.”
Ryan nods. “What about you, Mary? When was the last time you saw Luke?”
“Yesterday. Luke’s in the program.”
No one talked; there was an eerie silence in the booth. They were preoccupied with their thoughts.
Sophie looked at her friends. There was a palpable air of melancholy. “Alright, let's not dwell on this anymore,” Sophie says. “Imani, Ade will be here tomorrow, and Mary Luke will arrive next week. We are here to have a good time and enjoy the company of friends old and new.” as she stares at Ryan.
The group conversed briefly until Sophie glanced at her watch and realized it was nearly midnight.
“Oh shit. I can’t believe it's almost time to leave. Hey – looking in Ryan’s direction – I know you must leave too.. You want to walk me out?”
“Sure.”
The two stand up and bid the women good night. They walk outside the Hold Up. It was almost midnight, but a crowd of individuals was still out and about as if it were midday.
“I wanted to ask if you wanted to accompany me to a restaurant right down the street when you return.”
Ryan laughs. “Are you serious? Is that even possible?”
“I think…I don't know. This will be my first time. Why not just try it with me.”
Ryan gave the invitation some thought. "Okay, when will you return?"
“Wednesday, what about you?”
“The same.”
“Great! Is 5:00 pm Ok?”
“Yes, I think I can make it.”
"Ok, I’ll meet you at 5:00 pm. Let's meet outside the Hold Up.
Ryan nods her head and bids her goodnight.