"What are you looking at?" Lynda asked.
"--there's no one around, the campus is so quiet. Guess I'm looking at the quiet."
"I wish I understood your mind, Vivi."
"Me too." She smiled. "Well, what's up, you need me for something?"
"Yes, actually--I have a question for you."
Before she asked her question, Lynda gracefully held Vivian's hand. Her fingertips were calloused but also soft, freshly moisturized. Vivian knew that her hardened skin was an insecurity of Lynda's but she didn't understand why; it was proof Lynda was a real artist after all.
Then Lynda took a very deep breath, closing her eyes and inhaling loudly through her nostrils.
"Okay, quit it, you're making me nervous."
"I'm savouring the moment. I don't want to miss what every sense is feeling when I ask you--"
"Don't worry, I won't open my eyes again until you have your answer ready. I know I'm springing this on you, and I know how much you hate surprises. So, don't worry--no one's watching, not even me."
"Lynda, really, what is this?"
"Well, I know it's gonna be complicated when we go back home. I know Whibley is not exactly ideal for us, we don't have options like other couples. But it's safe, and it's familiar, and my mom is great--she'll support us, and I don't know about you but I just think that if I have you by my side then we can do anything."
"Wow, you've really thought this all through." Tears welled in Vivian's eyes. "And I still haven't finished packing yet, heh."
"I know, I packed for you. Most of your stuff was in my room anyway."
"Yeah," she sighed, smiling at the ring.
"Yes!" Vivian cried. The couple released a happy laugh in unison.
"Wow," Lynda sighed. "Step One was easier than I thought. What a view!"
"Step one?" Vivian asked.
"Yeah, remember? You said we had to take things 'one step at a time' before you'll let me adopt."
Vivian fell into a fit of laughter. "Is that what this is about? Is that why you proposed?"
Vivian laughed some more. "You're crazy!"
