Hysterical Bonding
After having breakfast and then showering together, Leighton asks Tatum to drop her back on campus for her classes that day. The two get dressed, and walk out hand in hand to Tatum’s car. Ever the gentlelady, Tatum opens the door for Leighton which makes Leighton swoon to herself. As Tatum climbs into the drivers seat, the two begin furiously making out before Leighton pulls back.
L: Okay, if we’re going to try and make it work, I want us to get to know each other outside of the bedroom.
T: Okay?
L: No sex for two weeks.
T: What?
L: You heard me.
Tatum starts laughing: Oh wow you’re serious? You know I’m lighter on my feet after it right? It helps when playing tennis, I move quicker on the court.
Leighton laughs: Guess you’re going to have to find another way to relieve your stress, babe.
T: So when does this start?
L: Now. We can hug and kiss and be affectionate but no sex. You think you can handle that?
T: I can, yes. And you?
L: I wasn’t allowed to have sex for at least three weeks when I got chlamydia.
T, feigning sorrow: I’m so sorry to hear that. And who did you end your sexless streak with?
L: You, babe.
T: Oh that was a good night. That one roommate of yours who always made scissoring motions when I was around…
L: Bela
T: Let her know I’m sorry she had to sleep on the couch that night…well I’m not sorry, but you know what I mean.
L: You are so funny.
T: Oh heads up, no Pilates class when Brandi is leading. At least for a while until this blows over. But there is another girl Brynn who heads classes three times a week…
L: And did we date her too?
Tatum grins: No, Brynn is straight as far as I know. I don’t deal with straight women.
L: Never?
Tatum pressing the button to start the car: I mean, I’ll never know for sure.
As they drive to campus, Tatum asks why two weeks instead of one.
Leighton laughing: It will keep you on your toes. Make things clearer. I realize you can call one of your women to take care of you but I’m going to hold you to this.
T: I have discipline, babe. I’m a little offended you think I’m some oversexed jock. It wasn’t me who caught chlamydia.
L: Wow, okay! That was so last year, though.
T: You dumping me over text was last year too.
L: Okay so we haven’t talked about that.
T: Oh we’ve talked about it. I’m an asshole and you were hurt. I thought it was just a heated disagreement, you felt a pot was worth breaking up over. I’m all the things you don’t want to be.
Leighton, realizing her words had an effect on Tatum that night, gently grabs her right leg: Okay so obviously you and I both have to learn to trust each other.
T: What do you mean?
L: Tatum, you’re more experienced than I am. I’m out but I’m still new to a lot of things. The fact that you’re friendly with a lot of your exes makes me anxious. I know you’re on your way to your business class right now and Brandi is in there.
Tatum doesn’t say anything but she listens closely.
Leighton: How do I know you won’t start complaining to her you’re not getting any and look for her to rectify that?
Tatum looks incredulous and shakes her head.
Is that what you think I do all day? Going around looking for different women to sleep with? I do have class and a career to look forward to when I leave here. I’m not constantly on the hunt.
L: We said we’d be honest with each other even if it hurts, right? I’m being honest.
T: Fine. I’m not going to seek anything outside, okay? And you’re not innocent, by the way. I finally got to hear all about your adventures last year before we met. Impressive, Leighton!
Leighton blushes: I was just exploring my sexuality being freshly out.
Tatum chortles: Apparently so!
L: Well we both like sex…a lot of it so we’re both on a cleanse so to speak. 14 days.
T: 14 days.
They approach the campus, and Tatum tells Leighton to stay seated. She rushes over to the passenger side and opens the door.
L: Okay, I’ll see you tonight. Dinner?
T: Sounds like a plan. Tatum goes into her trunk and grabs her bag, kisses Leighton goodbye and saunters off to business class.
Leighton, admiring her walk away, bumps into Whitney, Bela and Willow.
Whitney: How goes it Leight?
Bela, imitating the scissoring motion: Back at it with your twin, eh?
Willow: It’s good to see y’all try again.
L: Yes , we’re going to take it slow this time. And we’re going celibate for two weeks.
All three girls scream out variations of “what” and “why”.
Bela: Leighton, that’s a tree you should be climbing everyday. Why deprive yourself?
L: It’s for our own good. We have the sex and lust thing down pat, it’s the other stuff we have to get better at.
Willow: I hope she can make it.
Whitney, lightly punching Willow: Girl…Tatum’s not a fiend. She can do it. She cares about my girl here so she’ll do right by her.
L: What’s up with you and Eric, Bela?
B: Oh…we go back and forth. He blames senior year on not wanting to get back into it.
L: Tatum said the same thing to me. That’s what kind of worries me. Like she’ll be gone soon and I’ll still be here. She’ll say all the right things but I know better.
Whitney: Well if anybody asks, I have met a guy, Matthew. So far so good. He’s not married and he’s not condescending and he hasn’t kissed any of my friends that I know of.
Bela and Leighton look at each other.
W: How is Kimberly anyway?
L: Uh…she’s fine. I’m headed home now. I’ll give her your best.
W: Please don’t.
Leighton shakes her head, laughs lightly and tells the girls she’ll see them later.
As she walks to her room with Kimberly, she spies Alicia.
Suppressed rage is on her face as she approaches Leighton.
A: Couldn’t wait to get back in bed with her. It’s like last year but the other way around.
Leighton sighs: I don’t want to fight, Alicia.
A: You said you wanted to be single for a while. And what do I see this morning? You getting out of her car.
L: What I do now is none of your business. She and I are taking it slow.
A: When she leaves soon and dumps you, don’t come running back to me.
Alicia power walks away.
Leighton sighs heavily. One day at a time…
Leighton has a video conference with her therapist who she hasn’t spoken with in about three weeks. She catches her therapist up with her love life.
Doc: So the girl you’re dating now, you broke up with before for insulting a piece of pottery? Then you reunited with your ex without discussing why you previously broke up?
Leighton: correct
D: Then you broke up with that ex and are now back with the ex who you broke up with over pottery?
L: Yes
D: Okay. Now was pottery the real reason you broke up with Tatum? Or was it something else?
L: what do you mean?
D: Arguing over an object leading to a breakup is such a huge leap, you don’t think?
L: Looking back at it, probably so. Alicia came back in my life after she learned I was out and maybe I was in a “what if?” stage seeing how our relationship would go now that I’m out.
D: And?
L: It was fine for a while. We had work in common and the center in common but not much else. The opposites attract thing is overrated. But she was familiar and it was simple to get back into a routine of what we were doing but now we could be out.
D: And Tatum wasn’t familiar?
L: Tatum scares me. I don’t mean like physically, she’s never shown any hint of violence, so I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.
Doc: You mean personality wise?
L: A little bit. She’s so confident and sure of herself. She’s mature in a way that I know I’m not. She’s far more experienced relationship wise. She’s patient. I couldn’t handle it. When she made the remark about the pot, I admit I bailed.
D: Go on
L: I was cowardly. I broke up with her by text. She called me immature and a fool. And then never said another word to me. I don’t think she trusts me.
D: Why do you think that?
L: There’s something in her eyes, I can’t explain it. We were in bed the other night and she asked if I would run back to Alicia if she said something wrong.
D: Is she valid for thinking that way as it has happened already?
L: I guess so.
D: How did Alicia handle this?
L: Not well. She’s upset. But I know I can’t control how other people feel.
D: You can’t.
L: I can’t control how Tatum feels either just like she can’t control my anxiety about her and other women.
D: Oh?
L: She’s friendly with a lot of her exes. Girls throw themselves at her. Big athlete on campus. Before she asked for my number the first time we had a conversation, she was chatting up two women.
D: You sure it wasn’t friendly?
L: I don’t know.
D: So the both of you don’t trust the other.
L: I guess not.
D: Was she unfaithful when you were together previously?
L: She says no but I’m not sure.
D: What are you two going to do to make sure your relationship is healthier this time around?
L: I told her we’re going to abstain from sex for two weeks.
D: Why is that?
L: Just to get a handle on things. We’ve been having a lot of sex. Just about every day and sometimes it’s multiple times a day.
D: That’s called hysterical bonding.
L: What?
D: It’s fairly common in couples where infidelity has occurred during the relationship but it also applies to couples who break up and then reunite which is the position you find yourself in. There’s a lot of sex in a short amount of time. You two are young so it may last longer but the lack of trust is something that needs to be discussed. I think it was a wise idea to abstain from sex so you guys can work out your issues. It’s also encouraging that she has agreed to do this with and for you.
L: She communicates well when it’s something she wants to talk about. I don’t but I’ll try.
D: That’s all you can do is try. Okay, Leighton, time is up. Two weeks from now, we will expand on this more.
L: Okay, see you.
Two days later, Leighton and Tatum are at Tatum’s apartment enjoying pad Thai and Tom Yum Goong as well as a bottle of wine. Leighton is nervous but feels like she should bring up what happened at therapy.
L: Babe
Tatum, drinking her wine, eyes Leighton suspiciously: Babe?
L: Do you trust me?
T: What kind of question is that?
L: Just…listen to me. I talked to my therapist a couple of days ago and we discussed this whole thing. Of us breaking up, me getting back with Alicia and then you and I trying again.
T: Okay?
L: Something you said to me the other night in bed…about worrying if you say something wrong, I’ll leave you again.
T, putting her glass down, sighs: Yeah. It crosses my mind. I don’t bite my tongue for anybody. I am who I am. But apparently within three minutes, you all of a sudden decided you didn’t want to be involved with me.
L: Babe, you were rude.
T: I’m not going to get back into this.
L: Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry. I gave you a reason to not trust me. But I can feel it.
Tatum looks mystified.
L: You hide it well but I can tell. I’m going to work on that, okay. *grabs Tatum’s hand* I need to practice patience and grace with people, especially you.
T: Right.
L: You don’t believe me do you?
T: I don’t listen to what you say, Leighton, I watch what you do. You know what I saw you do? You dump me via text and then crawl back to your ex.
L: I absolutely deserve all of your ire. Then why try again?
T: Because I’m not a robot. Despite what you think, I do have feelings. And I have feelings for you. But you’re immature and impulsive but I wasn’t so different from you a couple of years ago.
Leighton, now cupping Tatum’s face in her hands, gives her a kiss.
L: You’re too rational and too logical and mature. *laughs* but it’s also very hot.
T: It’s only been three days, you ready to break the streak?
Leighton laughing: No. But even I’m not sure we’ll make eleven more days.
Tatum flashes that smile.
L: Oh my god, don’t do that. Seriously, what can I do to build back trust?
T: I don’t know. Guess it will take time. How do your roommates feel about all of this?
L: They all approve. And your teammates?
T: A couple of them think I’m dumb for giving you another chance, honestly.
L: Wow, okay.
T: Kate seems to think you’re good for me though.
L: Kate huh? Isn’t she the perky redheaded blue eyed one?
T: Leighton, we’re just friends and teammates and have only been that. I told you, it was just you when we were together.
L: Babe, I’ve dealt with at least two girls confronting me about being with you. I have seen you at practice and girls coming up to you. It’s not a great feeling.
T: So I can’t have friends?
L: Not if you’re sleeping with them
T: Lesbians are friends with their exes all the time. It’s not a big deal.
L: I have heard about you having girlfriends but still finding time to cheat.
Tatum looks down and twirls some pad Thai on her fork. She puts it in her mouth and swallows.
L: Do you deny that?
T: Well…no. I admit I went a little nuts my first year here. But I’ve calmed down.
L: Babe, there’s always going to be temptation with you and other women around.
T: And I tell them no, I’m seeing somebody. If we’re exclusive, we’re exclusive.
L: You know what? This is a me issue. It’s something I have to work through.
T: I can control myself, Leighton. You’re also prone to impulsivity.
L: You’re right. I’ll try to do better. Now you and not wanting to be involved with our community.
T: Lord, let me pour another glass of wine.
L: Why not?
T: It’s just not something I care to be involved with. I don’t need to scream and yell how gay I am. It’s cool for others but not for me. You’re not going to shame me into it either.
L, locking their fingers together: Babe I’m not trying to shame you at all, I just want to understand. I was like you too. I’m not a fan of rainbows or rallies or of all the feminist stuff but we can help in other ways.
Tatum squints: Babe, I’m not going to apologize for my family being accepting or us having money. I won’t be guilted into anything.
L: Tatum, baby, listen to me. That’s not what I’m saying. You think I’m gonna take back the Murrays having wealth and prestige? No. But you don’t have to be an asshole to people who aren’t like you.
Tatum looks at Leighton and nods.
L: Now you watched Frida and I applaud you for trying. I mean we did role play after so I don’t know if you actually watched it or just fast forwarded to that scene.
Tatum grins: I watched it all. It wasn’t terrible. I’m a fan of Frida. I’m all into the tortured artist thing.
L: Do you know any gay icons?
T: Hmmm, Judy Garland?
L: That’s it?
Tatum shrugs: Well Martina too but she was a great tennis player.
L: Okay, we have some work to do.
T: Work?
L: I want you to learn about a bit of queer history.
T: Why?
L: Because it will make your girlfriend happy, that’s why.
Tatum, playfully: And what about my happiness?
L: What did you have in mind?
T: I’m going to the US Open. I’m taking a plus 1.
L: Would that be me?
T: I can always ask Kate.
Leighton lightly slaps Tatum: No, you’re not asking Kate anything. Yes, I’ll be your plus 1.
T: Excellent.
They smile at one another. Tatum’s eyes travel up and down Leighton’s figure.
L: No, we’re not going to give in. Don’t look at me like that!
T: Well the U.S. Open just happens to be in eleven days.
Leighton laughing: Oh?
Tatum nods and smirks: Yep. We’re flying out the night before so figure out your schedule.
L: Yes, ma’am!
Tatum begins cleaning up their dinner, grabs the wine bottle and glasses, and starts putting stuff away and cleaning.
Leighton gets up to change her clothes and feels Tatum’s eyes on her. She giggles to herself. She goes into the bathroom and puts on her green pajamas that Tatum oddly finds sexy. She goes and gets Tatum’s black spaghetti top and blue sweats that she likes to wear to bed. She comes out of the bathroom and hands them to her. Tatum strips from her day clothes right in front of Leighton. Leighton breathes in and admires Tatum’s abs and biceps as she continues putting on her night garb. Tatum smirks. Leighton shakes her head and laughs.
Leighton says: No!
Tatum: Alright, alright.
Leighton takes Tatum’s hand and guides her to the large couch. She orders Tatum to lie down.
Tatum looks at her with curiosity.
Leighton positions herself in between Tatum’s legs. She turns on the TV.
L: We’re going to watch Paris is Burning.
T: Who is What?
L: It’s a documentary about New York drag queens. I haven’t seen it either.
Leighton prepares for Tatum to tense up and roll her eyes. But instead, Tatum wraps her arms around Leighton and kisses her on top of the head.
T: Let’s do it.
Leighton smiles and starts the film…
To be continued?