Chapter 7
Bernie really wasn't in the mood to be mingling with people. They had been at the pub for a few hours before some of them went back to the house. The house was now empty apart from Bernie's Dad who was talking to Serena's Dad and Alf Bernie's next door neighbour at the kitchen table.
All Bernie could think about was Serena. She couldn't get Serena out of her head.
"Dad, I'm just going out." Bernie said as she put on her coat.
"Where are you going, love?"
"Just for a walk. I won't be long."
"Ok. Be careful."
"I will. Bye everyone."
"Bye Bernie." Alf and Raymond said. Bernie kissed her Dad on the cheek and left the house.
"Is she alright?" Raymond asked as he took a sip off his coffee.
"It's been a tough day for her. But between you and me I think my daughter has her eye on a certain very pretty funeral director."
"Do you mean my Serena?"
"Yes. I saw how Bernie was looking at Serena last week when we went to see Edith. Is Serena single Raymond?"
"Yes she has been for over a year now. Her last relationship wasn't a very good one I'm afraid. The bitch treated my girl like utter shit. I wanted to do something about it but Serena wouldn't let me. I know Serena was scared to death of her."
"Poor Serena. That's not a relationship is it when your partner is scared of you."
"No."
"Bernie's last relationship didn't end that well either. She was cheated on numerous times. You don't have to worry about my girl hurting your girl because Bernie would never do that."
"Neither would Serena. It would be nice if they got together I think. They are both lovely girls."
"I'll drink to that." Howard said as they all clinked their coffee cups.
Serena was just locking the door to the funeral home when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Hi."
"Jesus you scared me." Serena jumped as she turned around.
"Sorry I didn't mean to scare ya."
"It's fine. Are you ok?"
"Yes, I needed to get out of the house so I thought I would go for a walk."
"Right."
"And somehow my legs brought me here."
"And why is that?"
"Because as Kylie Minogue says I can't get you out of my head." Serena smiled as Bernie walked closer to her. "Ever since I first saw you I haven't been able to stop thinking about you." Bernie reached over and stroked Serena's face. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life."
"I'm not beautiful. You're beautiful. You should be with someone who deserves to be with you and that unfortunately isn't me."
"Why can't it be you?
"Because look at me, I'm fat and ugly and I don't deserve to be loved."
"What idiot has told you that?"
"It doesn't matter who told me that. But if you hear those things enough times then you start to believe them. I'm sorry. I have to go." Serena went to walk away but Bernie gently held her arm.
"Don't go. Whoever has told you that about yourself wants their bloody eyes and their head testing." Bernie put her hands on Serena's face. "Because you Serena Wendy Campbell are absolutely beautiful and you have the most sexest body that I have ever seen on a woman. Are you listening to me?" Bernie said, softly as she wiped a tear that started to fall down Serena's face.
"Yes."
"I want to kiss you so much. May I?"
"Yes please." Serena cried as Bernie gently put her lips to Serena's and kissed her. It was the sweetest kiss that Bernie had ever had.
"Have you eaten today?" Serena asked as she played with Bernie's hair.
"Not really."
"Do you want to come back to our house? We could get Chinese takeaway on the way. And then we can talk properly."
"I'd really like that."
"Come on then." Serena smiled as she put her hand in Bernie's as they walked to the car.