Taxi 1992 (Books 1-10)

By Sophia DeLuna

The Taxi series is an ongoing series that revolves around a lesbian couple in Berlin in the early 90s; their everyday struggles with each other as well as with friends and family.
If you want erotica, this series is NOT for you.
If you like character driven soap operas that focus more on the relationship rather than on sex, and that touch many different issues while not lacking a humorous side, this series might be for you.

This collection contains books 1 - 10 of the Taxi series, all playing in 1992.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sophia DeLuna
• Release date: Dec 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370301249

Sophia DeLuna

I live on the outskirts of Nuremberg, and I love walking with my dog in the forest, which starts just across the road. My greatest passions are the English language, writing, reading, and my aquariums. I also love photographing, digital painting and creating digital art, crocheting, singing, travelling, learning languages, watching documentaries, etc. In short, I love being creative and I'm interested in a vast variety of subjects. Some of my photos and digital paintings can be viewed here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/sophiadeluna

Book preview

Taxi - 1992

By

Sophia DeLuna

SMASHWORDS EDITION

*****

PUBLISHED BY:

Sophia DeLuna at Smashwords, Inc, Los Gatos

www.smashwords.com

Taxi - 1992

Copyright © 2016 by Sophia DeLuna

Cover design

Copyright © 2016 by Sophia DeLuna

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

*****

Thank you to all my readers!

Sharing my stories with you is the best motivation to keep writing.

Table of contents:

01 Taxi

02 Taxi - Trials

03 Taxi - Trauma

04 Taxi - Timing

05 Taxi - Talk

06 Taxi - Tuxedo

07 Taxi - Tactics

08 Taxi - Trip

09 Taxi - Telephone

10 Taxi - Traditions

Recipes

Empanadas

Lentil stew

Panna Cotta

Berlin Currywurst

Alfajores

Dulce de leche

Carmen's pan fried bread rolls

Carmen's Milanesa Napolitana

Fried liver Berlin style

Spritzkuchen

Bruschetta

Yerba Mate

Apfelküchle (apple fritters)

Bavarian lye pretzels

Käsekuchen (cheese cake) bottomless

Paella á la Carmen

Almond biscuits

German Christmas Dinner à la Ulrike

Other books by Sophia DeLuna

Taxi

It was a rainy Friday evening and the streets of Berlin were glistening wet from the heavy summer rains. The shops were just closing and despite the weather there were still a lot of people out and about, which wasn't unusual here in the city centre of Berlin. Especially in summer, when there were always tourists bustling about, the city almost never slept. Halting at a red light, Ulrike sat in her old Mercedes taxi, pondering. From here she could make it home in about 15 minutes. She was tired and hungry, and she was craving for a nice homemade coffee instead of the take-away brews she had consumed all day. It had been a busy day. Thinking that she'd had a reasonably lucrative day she decided she could probably afford to give into her craving and her tiredness. She was just about to switch off the light of the taxi sign when a woman in a bright red summer dress and with several shopping bags in her hand on the other side of the crossing gesticulated with her umbrella, trying to catch her attention. Sighing, Ulrike thought, Okay, just one more fare, and then I'll really call it a day, and as the lights turned green she shifted her foot to the accelerator, passed the crossing and stopped in front of the middle-aged fashionably clothed woman.

Sliding into the back seat, the woman struggled with her umbrella and her shopping bags before she finally pulled the door shut and said, "Ringbahnstraße, bitte."

Looking at the woman in the rear-view mirror, Ulrike asked, Which one? hoping to hear Tempelhof as it was closer to her home.

"Halensee," said her passenger as she fastened her seatbelt.

Sighing inwardly, Ulrike said, Okay, turned on the taximeter and, after a quick check, merged into a gap in the heavy traffic. She'd have to turn around at the next opportunity, as Halensee was right in the opposite direction. It would be a nice bit of extra cash, but even if she took the urban motorway from Halensee, with the insane rush-hour traffic it would now take her at least 45 minutes to get home, probably more. Ulrike changed lanes and took the turn-around in the centre strip to make a U-turn. As she was waiting for the traffic to pass, the radio channel began to play 'Always look on the bright side of life.' Grinning, Ulrike shook her head, and shoving her tiredness and her craving for coffee aside, she accelerated and headed towards her destination. At least she was driving a rather pleasant, pretty looking lady. That was definitely better than the grumpy old bloke she had driven last who had insisted on telling her exactly how to drive, patronising her about taxi drivers always taking the route that was most lucrative for them, and how he wasn't going to let them do this to him. He knew Berlin like the back of his hand and he would not let her drive him through the congested main roads. Ulrike had sighed inwardly and drove according to his directions, letting his lecturing wash over her. In the end, when he paid the fare with a smile, reminding her how very smart he was, Ulrike had smiled too, because she knew that her usual route would have cost him at least four D-marks less - a nice compensation for the punishment of having to listen to his lectures. The passenger she had now was a lot more pleasant to drive, the woman seemed to be quite happy to finally be sitting and it didn't look like she was in a complaining mood.

As Ulrike was driving in the stop-and-go traffic along the Tauentzien, she kept taking a peek at the lady in the rear view mirror. She really was a sight for sore eyes, Ulrike thought. With her perfectly styled long mane of curly dark hair and her dark skin she certainly didn't look like a typical German, but rather like a Spaniard or South American. She wore no make-up and the lines around her eyes as well as some silver streaks in her hair revealed that she was certainly beyond her forties. Ulrike thought these signs of age only enhanced her beauty, and it told her that the lady was quite comfortable in her own skin, which was something Ulrike appreciated very much. And as the lady turned sideways to look out of the window and with an elegant gesture brushed a strand of hair to the side, plenty of golden bangles were jingling on her arm and Ulrike could see that large golden earrings were dangling from her ears. Wow, thought Ulrike, She certainly knows how to make the most of her appearance. Shaking her head, she reminded herself to pay more attention to the traffic, and as the lanes merged shortly after, she drove past a construction site that started in front of the Europa-Center and ended after the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Memorial Church. She was quite happy that on the Kurfürstendamm she could finally take the bus lane. Halting at a red light, she looked again in the rear view mirror to take another peek at the pretty lady. However, when her glance was met by twinkling brown eyes and a broad smile, Ulrike blushed and focused her eyes on the road again.

It's going to take a while with the heavy traffic, even with the bus lane, said Ulrike to cover her embarrassment.

Doesn't matter, said the lady lightly. I'm not in any hurry.

Ulrike's stomach growled loudly, announcing that it opposed this statement, and she hoped that it wasn't heard in the back seat. Taking a quick glance in the rear view mirror, Ulrike saw the lady grinning, but she didn't comment. Blushing again, Ulrike was glad when the light finally turned green and she could drive on.

She could feel that the lady kept watching her, and occasional peeks in the rear view mirror confirmed this. Was the lady flirting with her, or why did she keep watching her, grinning every time when their eyes met. Oh heck, I'm just imagining things, thought Ulrike as the lady stopped watching her and started occupying herself with her shopping bags and her notebook. Ulrike wondered what she was doing back there, but her curiosity vanished abruptly when a red Ferrari veered onto the bus lane right in front of her to get into the right turning lane. Slamming her foot on the brakes and her hand on the horn, Ulrike cursed, "Pass doch uff, du Arschloch! Remembering her passenger, she apologised, Pardong, but that was really close. Makes you wonder if the car comes with a driving license."

Some people are very impatient, I guess, said the woman, scribbling something in her notebook as they were halting at a red light.

"Then they shouldn't drive in rush hour traffic on the Ku'damm, or anywhere for that matter," said Ulrike still somewhat annoyed with the reckless driver.

Maybe he is late for a business meeting? offered her passenger.

Ulrike enjoyed that the lady was talking with her. She had a very melodic voice, and although she was speaking in perfect German, there was a hint of a foreign accent that intrigued Ulrike, and she countered jokingly, Then he should take his helicopter and reserve his Ferrari for times when there's no one on the road.

But that defeats the purpose of a Ferrari, said the woman, mock-serious. You can't show off when there's no one on the road.

Glancing back at the passenger, Ulrike said gravely, Now, that is true. They both chuckled, and as the light turned green, Ulrike drove on.

Have you been a taxi driver for long? asked the woman.

I'd say so, said Ulrike, Been driving for over 20 years now.

Wow, you must like your job then.

Wouldn't want to do anything else, said Ulrike.

I don't like driving in the city, said the woman, I rather sit back and let someone else do the driving.

That's fine by me, said Ulrike. Keeps me in business, she added grinning.

I guess it does, said the passenger. I like driving in the country, though. There's less cars and you can drive faster.

Well, in the country I would prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery while someone else drives.

We would make a good team then, said the woman and laughed.

Indeed, said Ulrike and joined in the laughter, wondering if they might make a good team in other regards as well.

Shortly after, Ulrike turned right at Henriettenplatz and asked, Which number?

Number one, said her passenger, Right over there, where the parking bays begin.

Ulrike turned left into Ringbahnstraße and stopped in front of the passageway that led to the entrance. The lady said, "Perfekt. Danke!"

Stopping the taximeter, Ulrike announced the fare, and as the lady handed the money to Ulrike and their fingers touched, Ulrike felt a tingle surge through her body. Both women kept staring at each other until a car honked because Ulrike's taxi was blocking a free parking bay.

I guess that's another impatient one, said the lady and retracted her hand with an apologetic smile.

Yes, said Ulrike, I better get moving, and she put the money in her purse, while the lady gathered her umbrella and her shopping bags.

Opening the car-door, the lady said smiling, Well then, bye, and have a nice weekend!

Likewise! said Ulrike. The rain had ceased by now, and as the lady shut the door, Ulrike watched her mesmerised as she walked through the passageway to the entrance of the apartment building. Admiring her figure, she thought, Damn, she isn't particularly generous with tips but she does look great! However, as the other car honked viciously, Ulrike shook her head, bringing herself back to the here and now, and drove on. As she was turning around to drive to the motorway access, Ulrike glanced into the passageway in passing, but the lady, of course, had by now disappeared.

As she had already predicted, the traffic on the way home was slow-moving, but she didn't mind. Her mind was blissfully occupied with thoughts about the lady. I wonder what she does for a living. Living in Halensee, it must be a rather lucrative job. Though perhaps it is her husband who has the lucrative job and she's only spending his money. Who knows? Though, for some reason Ulrike couldn't picture her with a husband. She wasn't sure why, but it didn't feel right. Or maybe it is just my wishful thinking, said Ulrike aloud as she left the motorway; and as the radio started playing 'I'm walking' by Fats Domino, she grinned, turned up the volume and drove the remaining distance to her home singing.

Parking her car, Ulrike took her bag from the passenger's seat and got out. As she walked around the taxi, checking to see if all doors were closed as she routinely did, she noticed a small plastic bag from KaDeWe behind the passenger's seat. Damn, the lady forgot one of her bags. Cursing, Ulrike took the bag and slammed the door shut. Despite her undenied attraction to the lady, Ulrike was not eager to drive all the way back right away. Well, the woman would have to wait, she decided as her stomach growled yet again; she needed to eat first.

She walked across the parking area, smelling the pleasant fragrance of the wet greenery in the courtyard; and holding her breath as not to spoil the nice scent, she walked past the rubbish containers only letting it out as she passed through the archway to the front of the housing complex. Climbing up the stairs to the second storey, she unlocked her door and entered the flat.

Closing the door behind her, she put her keys, her bag and the KaDeWe bag on the side board next to the telephone and sauntered into the kitchen. Coffee first, she thought, and put the kettle on. She rinsed out her coffee pot, placed the filter dripper on top of it and lined it with a coffee filter. Looking into the fridge, she sighed ... she should have gone shopping today. Well, there was still some salami and camembert that were probably still good, however as she looked at the best-before date on the packet of butter, she sighed yet again, and stepping on the pedal, she let the packet plop into the rubbish bin. The package of sliced bread followed when she noticed that green mould had started to grow a colony on it. Luckily, she always had a packet of crisp bread for such emergencies. The kettle whistled and she went to make her coffee.

When she had prepared her food, she took her coffee and the plate of food into the living room, flopped down on the sofa and switched on the TV. When she had finished eating the familiar jingle that started the news began, and she leaned back into the comfort of her softly cushioned sofa and closed her eyes, just listening.

A while later, she was just in the process of taking a bunch of flowers to the pretty lady when a guy with a gun opened the door instead of the lady and Ulrike suddenly woke with a start, cursing the TV as she realised that the shot came from a thriller which was now showing. Grabbing the remote, she switched to a channel featuring a romantic film and leaned back again, closing her eyes. Around midnight, she had just entered the flat of the pretty lady, when she heard loud moaning coming from the bedroom. The moaning got louder and a strange woman's seductive voice praised her services ... slowly, Ulrike woke, realising she had been dreaming yet again. Disgusted, she cursed the advertisement for phone sex, switched the TV off and dragged herself from the sofa to head for the bathroom. On the way she noticed the KaDeWe bag of the lady. "Mist!" she had totally forgotten about that. Well, now it was too late. It would have to wait till tomorrow. After quickly brushing her teeth, she headed for the bedroom and barely managed to take off her clothes before falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The next morning, she was just getting closer to the pretty lady as they were sitting on the sofa, when the phone rang. She told the lady, Let it ring, but the phone kept ringing persistently and the lady got up. Slowly, Ulrike woke and realised it was her own phone that was ringing. Dragging herself out of bed she hurried to answer it.

You can't be serious. You are calling people at 8:00 in the morning to take a survey, on a Saturday? You must be deranged! Angrily, she banged the phone down on the hook, when her look fell on the KaDeWe bag. Thinking, that she would certainly not call anyone at this indecent hour, let alone a stranger, she headed for the bathroom. Uh ... and how would she even call her? She didn't have her number; and didn't even know her name to look it up. "Mist!" As she returned, she picked up the bag and curiously took a peek inside. There was a little wrapped box and a folded piece of paper that didn't look like a bill, but more like a note. Curious, Ulrike took out the piece of paper and unfolded it. As she started reading, her eyebrows shot up in surprise and she blushed. The note said: I'd like to get to know you. Call me if you like. The note was signed with only the name, Carmen, and then a phone number. It was a beautiful artistic handwriting, and the notepaper smelt of perfume. Of roses to be exact, Ulrike noticed, as she raised it to her face. So the fragrance matched the little rose printed in the corner of the note. Smiling, Ulrike took out the wrapped box and carried both, note and box into the kitchen. Putting the kettle on, she prepared her coffee, and then sat down at the table, staring at the little box. Was this note meant for her? If yes, what did the lady want? Why did she want to get to know her? Could she be interested in the same way as Ulrike was? Hm, she had written the note after having watched Ulrike for quite a while. And perhaps she had seen the little rainbow sticker on the centre console ... Hesitantly, Ulrike took the box and decided to have a look. Carefully, so as not to tear the paper, she unwrapped the box and opened it. Wow, she breathed as a little silver labrys pendant was revealed. Carefully taking the pendant from the box, Ulrike mumbled to herself, Well, I guess this answers in what way she's interested. Now the question is, is this really meant for me? The whistling of the kettle brought her back to reality.

After she had had a cup of coffee, she took a shower, and by the time she was dressed, it was still only 8:45am - too early to call a stranger on a Saturday, at least when one respected the rules of politeness. She would wait at least till ten. Enough time to head over to the bakery and get something for breakfast.

The bakery wasn't far, only a few minutes by foot, so taking a shopping bag, Ulrike slipped into her thongs, grabbed her keys and purse and left. It was a nice summer morning and the sun was shining, so Ulrike didn't regret having forgotten to put on a pullover. She crossed the two roads, and as she walked through the little park, she saw a Magpie followed by two fledglings that were loudly begging for food. Ulrike smiled and watched them for a bit before she went on. A blackbird was singing its song as she left the park on the other side, and Ulrike thought that after all it wasn't so bad having been wakened early.

At the bakery she ordered two ham and cheese croissants for now and six Schusterjungen, her favourite rolls, for later ... she really had to go shopping after she called Carmen. As she left the bakery, she decided to go around the park and get a newspaper from the little newspaper shop. On the way, she saw Renato just opening his hair salon.

Ciao, Renato! Not in Italy, yet? she asked.

Hi Ulli. No, the family is already gone, but Luisa and I are going next weekend. Want to come in for a haircut?

No, thanks, Renato. I think I'll let it grow a bit.

Finally. You know I always thought long hair would suit you better.

I know, and I will try and see if you're right, said Ulrike, but not entirely convinced yet about the outcome, she added, But it's practical like this.

Practical is for men. Women should be pretty, said Renato with conviction.

Ulrike just rolled her eyes.

Your outfit could use some improvement too, said Renato as he glanced at her baggy T-shirt and men's shorts.

Don't push it, Renato, warned Ulrike, This is my comfy gear. I'm not going to dress up to get breakfast and a newspaper.

Raising his hands in a mock defensive gesture, Renato grinned and said, All right, all right. But don't complain when prospective partners walk past you without so much as a second glance.

Grinning smugly, Ulrike said, Actually, a 'prospective partner' has been watching me with quite an interest just yesterday.

Renato whistled, and waggling his eyebrows he asked, Was she hot?

Very, said Ulrike.

You going to see her again?

Maybe, said Ulrike.

An elderly woman came up to them, asking, "Guten Morgen. Am I too early for my appointment?"

"Guten Morgen, Frau Müller, said Renato, No, you're not too early. I'm coming. And to Ulrike he said, I've got to go. Good luck!"

Thanks, Renato. Ciao, said Ulrike and went to the newspaper shop, and shortly after, with a B.Z. rolled up in her hand and her breakfast in the bag, she headed home.

As she was sitting at the kitchen table, munching a croissant and flipping through the newspaper, she suddenly stopped chewing when her eyes caught a familiar name. Slowly she continued chewing while she read through the article:

Friday night, José Bauer, son of Helmut Bauer from Bauer GmbH & Co. KG, and his sister Carmen were injured after his Ferrari crashed into the road safety barrier in the North Curve of the Avus. Police says the Bauers were on their way home from a family party in Wannsee when he lost control of the car, probably due to the wet conditions and oil on the road. Both were taken to hospital with severe injuries. The North Curve in direction of Kurfürstendamm was closed for three hours.

Could this be 'her' Carmen? Ulrike put her croissant aside and went over to the sideboard in the hall to get the telephone book. Back at the kitchen table, Ulrike started to browse through the phonebook. Bauer ... Bauer ... ah, here it is. She moved her index-finger over the rows of entries for Bauer. There was no Carmen Bauer, but several C. Bauer, and as she reached for the note, Ulrike said, Bingo! The next instant her face fell as she realised that the number on the note matching the only C. Bauer entry without an address meant that it was indeed her Carmen who was now lying in hospital, severely injured.

The newspaper didn't say to which hospital they were taken, but Ulrike surmised that they would have been taken to the Martin-Luther-Krankenhaus as it was the closest - she would go there first and find out. She took the note and the little box she had re-wrapped previously with her and put it back into the KaDeWe bag. Then, remembering that she hadn't finished breakfast, she fetched the croissants and put both, the KaDeWe bag and the bag with the croissants in her bag. Glancing at herself in the mirror above the sideboard, she remembered what Renato had said ... "Verdammt!" now she felt she had to change before meeting Carmen. Annoyed, she hurried into the bedroom and changed into summer jeans and a somewhat classier T-shirt. Then, after giving her hair a cursory brush, she slipped into her moccasins, and grabbing her bag and her keys, she left.

On the way to the hospital, she stopped at a flower shop and bought a mixed bunch of red roses and gyp, hoping that Carmen would like them even if the note and pendant had not been meant for her. At the hospital she found a parking space not too far from the entrance, and grabbing her bag and the bunch of flowers, she headed for the reception.

Relieved that Carmen had indeed been brought to this hospital, Ulrike went to search for the room number she had been given. As she finally found it, she knocked on the door and entered. There were six beds in the room, but only two were occupied, and in one of them sat Carmen, her right leg in plaster.

"Guten Morgen," said Ulrike and closed the door.

It took Carmen a moment to sort out her memory, but before Ulrike could go on to introduce herself, her face changed into a look of joyous surprise, and she said, You came!

Yep, said Ulrike and handed her the flowers. I read about it in the newspaper. How are you doing?

Burying her nose in the flowers, Carmen inhaled deeply, and turning her gaze back to Ulrike, she smiled and said, So, you found my note and the gift.

Rummaging in her bag, Ulrike took out the KaDeWe bag and said, Yes, I found it. And handing the bag to Carmen, she added a bit shyly, I wasn't quite sure if it was meant for me, though.

Refusing to take the bag, Carmen said, Of course it is meant for you. For whom else would it be?

How should I know? said Ulrike.

You haven't opened it? asked Carmen astonished.

Ulrike blushed and admitted, Uh, well, yes, I have opened it. It's beautiful.

Furrowing her brows, Carmen regarded Ulrike searchingly and asked quietly, Have I misjudged you then? Did I misinterpret the rainbow sticker in your taxi?

Ulrike smiled, and shaking her head, she said, No, you haven't.

Is there someone else? asked Carmen hesitantly.

Looking down at the bag, Ulrike shook her head. No.

I still don't know your name.

Ulrike looked at her and smiled. Ulrike ... Ulrike Hoffmann.

Ulrike, said Carmen slowly as if to savour the sound and feel how it resonated within her. Smiling, she looked at Ulrike. That's a nice name.

Slightly blushing, Ulrike reached for the flowers and asked, Shall I put them in water?

Not yet, please, said Carmen, and instead of handing her the flowers, she took Ulrike's hand.

Stunned, Ulrike looked at their hands. Her own slightly tanned strong hand appeared white and rough against Carmen's dark and slender one.

Caressing Ulrike's hand with her thumb, Carmen said apologetically, This isn't exactly the setting I had imagined for a romantic first date.

Squeezing Carmen's hand reassuringly, Ulrike said, We can make up for it when you are well again.

I'd like that, said Carmen smiling.

Taxi - Trials

She's staring at me, said Ulrike, unable to concentrate on her lover’s gentle wake-up treatment.

Casting a quick glance at her Norwegian Forest Cat, Tabitha, who was sitting on the chest of drawers, Carmen grinned and said, She's just admiring your beauty, and she went on placing soft kisses on Ulrike’s neck and shoulders.

Ulrike snorted. To me she looks rather as if she is pondering which part of my body she should scratch to pieces next.

She would never do that, protested Carmen, her brown eyes sparkling, She is a very gentle cat.

Gentle my ass! said Ulrike, She's already done it twice!

Disengaging herself from Ulrike, Carmen sat up and exclaimed, I have already told you that the first time was a misunderstanding, referring to the first night Ulrike had spent at Carmen's place, when Ulrike had been rudely awakened by a slap in the face with extended claws. She still bore the now faded scratch marks of that encounter. She wasn't used to someone lying on her side of the bed and was scared when she jumped up and a stranger was there. And the second time was your fault.

Turning onto her side to face her partner, and propping herself up on her elbow, Ulrike said, And I've told you that it is hardly my fault that I didn't see her in the dark, defending herself for the time when Tabitha had attacked her as she went to the loo at night, and fumbling for the light switch, had accidentally touched Tabitha who was lying on her scratch tree next to the switch.

Well, it wasn't her fault either. You probably woke her up and she thought you were attacking her, countered Carmen, underlining her words with gestures, as was her habit.

Yeah, well, muttered Ulrike, Always attack first and think later. Are you really sure she is female?

She is as much a female as you are, said Carmen, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Squinting at Carmen, Ulrike asked mock-seriously, What's that supposed to mean?

I just say, boxer shorts, said Carmen dryly.

It's not my fault that they are incapable of producing comfortable women's underwear! said Ulrike with a shrug. I'm already compromising by wearing boxer shorts instead of men's briefs when I'm with you.

"Madre de Dios! You are soo considerate, said Carmen mockingly, and playfully throwing a pillow at Ulrike, she swung her legs out of bed and said, I’ll make breakfast."

Chuckling, Ulrike pressed the pillow to her face and inhaled deeply, relishing in her partner's scent. God, she loved this woman!

Then, finally letting go of the pillow, she got up as well, giving the chest of drawers a wide berth, on which Tabitha was still sitting and watching her every move. I'm sorry for causing you so much inconvenience, said Ulrike, surprising herself by actually meaning it. She still thought that Tabitha was a terribly spoilt little madam, and an aggressive one at that, but on some level Ulrike felt sympathy for the grey Norwegian. She had been Carmen’s priority for eight years after all, and now coming second, at least some of the time, was certainly not easy. Grabbing her shorts from the chair and a fresh T-shirt and boxer shorts from the bag she had put at the foot of the bed the previous night, Ulrike headed for the bathroom, thinking how very practical it was that Carmen’s and her habits complemented each other so well; herself being used to getting ready before breakfast while Carmen always showered afterwards.

During the first two weeks after Carmen's stay at the hospital, they had shared the bathtub several times. It had been rather cramped in the small tub, not to say a bit awkward as Carmen had to place her leg on the rim with a plastic bag around her cast. Nonetheless it had been a lot of fun as well. However, now that Carmen no longer needed help getting in and out of the tub, they both preferred showering individually.

As Ulrike crossed the small hallway, she heard the radio from the kitchen, and she smiled when Carmen started to hum with the melody. Carmen loved singing, and Ulrike thought she had a beautiful voice, even though her partner generally dismissed her compliments, often insisting that as her lover she was biased. Actually, Carmen dismissed most of her compliments. And while Ulrike found that somewhat annoying, she admired Carmen's modesty, as she disliked people who were full of themselves. So she graciously overlooked Carmen's insecurities, whilst secretly hoping that someday she could convince her that there was no need for it.

While she showered, Ulrike thought about how well she and Carmen seemed to suit each other in many regards.

Seven weeks had passed since they first met, and so far, it looked as if in Carmen she had finally found a partner with whom she could spend the rest of her life. Granted, she had thought that about her last partner as well, but Carmen wasn't like Gitti, she was actually rather different. Not just in looks, but also with regards to temperament and character. And although Ulrike hadn't had much trouble talking to her as her passenger, she would never have dreamed that a gorgeous looking lady like Carmen might be interested in her.

While she shampooed her hair, Ulrike thought, smiling, that the fates had truly been kind to her that day, as she had just decided to call it a day when Carmen waved down her Taxi. What a coincidence that her last fare had taken her to that area at that particular time. And then Carmen leaving her the labrys pendant and a note with her number, even though it wasn't something she had ever done before, as she had explained to Ulrike later. And when they finally got to know each other, the temperamental Argentinian beauty had conquered her heart in such a short period of time; it was still a marvel to Ulrike. Perhaps, she thought, perhaps it had been an advantage that they had been forced to take it slowly, although she could still throttle José for his reckless driving. He had only been released from hospital last Monday, and up until now Ulrike had refused to see him, even when she had driven Carmen to the hospital to visit her beloved brother; and the first few times she had even accompanied Carmen to his room to make sure she got there safely on her crutches. Carmen thought Ulrike was being ridiculous, but Ulrike couldn’t help it. She was anal when it came to driving style. And since she had learned that José and the maniac who cut in on her on that very same day was one and the same person, she knew it would cost her an effort not to lose her manners when confronted with the guy who landed Carmen in hospital – and before that almost the three of them, for that matter.

Unfortunately, it was inevitable that she would meet him today. It was Carmen’s mother’s birthday, and she had been invited. She did look forward to meeting Carmen’s parents. She had met her mother twice at the hospital, and even if it had been very briefly, she had got the impression that Frau Bauer was a very charming lady. Yet, she could have done without meeting José; and even though she realised she was being mean, she wished he had stayed in hospital a week longer just so she wouldn’t have to face him – but, alas!, her wishes would not be granted. Thus, she was going to be forced to be polite towards him, and she hoped she would manage. It was going to be a trial.

Sighing, Ulrike stepped out of the shower and towelled herself. It was already beautifully warm and Ulrike was glad that she would only need to wear shorts and a T-shirt. However, she was less happy about her hair, she found as she looked at the tangled dark-blond mess in the mirror. Nonetheless, a smile flashed over her face as she reached for the brush.

Last week Carmen had surprised her by having cleared space for her on the shelf over the washbasin and having already put there everything Ulrike usually brought. The gesture had shown Ulrike that Carmen was as serious about their relationship as she was.

Now, as Ulrike was brushing her hair, trying to manage to arrange it so it wouldn’t bother her, she decided that she would pay a visit to Renato’s hair salon on Tuesday. He should return this weekend, and if she wasn’t mistaken, Tuesday would be the first day he opened after his holiday. She just couldn’t stand this hairdo any longer. It was still too short for a pony tail – not that she would want a pony tail; she would feel ridiculous. But neither did she want her hair falling into her face. No, she definitely had to get rid of this mop. Annoyed, she brushed her hair back and reached for Carmen’s tin of hairspray.

After a violent sneezing and coughing fit, she noted even more annoyed that one strand had defied the treatment and was dangling provocatively in front of her right eye. Clenching her teeth, Ulrike squinted at the offensive strand in the mirror. Then her glance drifted towards Carmen's nail scissors, and with sudden determination she grasped the scissors and cut the strand of hair to a less bothersome length.

Meanwhile Carmen had set the breakfast table on the balcony and was waiting for Ulrike to appear. With a frown, she rearranged the plate with the cold cuts yet again; and leaning back to survey the display, she finally nodded to herself, a contented smile on her face. She wondered what was taking her partner so long. She was usually rather quick with her morning shower. Her efficiency and practicality were traits that Carmen admired the most. Though, thinking about it, she loved her strength just as much … Closing her eyes, Carmen relished in the memory of how safe and secure she always felt when she was lying in Ulrike's arms. And those hands … dreamily, Carmen thought back to the first day they met.

Ulrike's strong hands on the steering wheel had caught her attention before she had even truly looked at her face. However, once she dared to look at Ulrike in the rear-view mirror and caught her watching her with her piercing green eyes, she had been mesmerised. At that point, she hadn't known that Ulrike was a lesbian, but when she saw the rainbow sticker on the dashboard, her heart had skipped a beat. Of course, the taxi could have belonged to someone else, or she could have had the rainbow sticker just because it was pretty. But Carmen secretly studied her driver with the short hair, her visible muscles that showed that she was working out, her rather masculine choice of clothes and her short fingernails … and those strong hands that indicated that she didn't shy away from hard work. Sure, nowadays, there were a lot straight women who looked like that, but all those signs combined plus the fact that Ulrike seemed to watch her in the mirror, caused Carmen to think that there might be hope that this fascinating woman shared her romantic interest. And although her heart fluttered from nervousness, she had dared to make the first move by leaving the labrys pendant she had just bought for herself and a note with her number in the taxi. Initially she had wanted to give the little bag to Ulrike as a tip, but then she had chickened out and just left the bag behind, hoping that Ulrike would find it. And afterwards, once she was safely inside the building in which she lived, she had leaned against the wall next to the elevator, all shaky from her own courageous move.

When Ulrike finally stepped out of the bathroom, the smell of fresh coffee greeted her. Mmmh, she hummed in appreciation, and forgotten were all her frustrations. With a smile on her face, she headed for the balcony, where Carmen had arranged breakfast.

Ahh, what a fantastic day! exclaimed Ulrike as she stepped onto the balcony.

The weather was gorgeous on this hot August summer day, the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of the blossoming lime trees, and since it was Saturday and still early, there was only little traffic noise coming from the Ku’damm and the autobahn.

Kissing Carmen on the cheek, Ulrike carefully walked around the chair on which Tabitha was sitting with a regal air, and sat down opposite Carmen with a contented sigh.

The forecast is that it’s going to be 35°C today, and 38°C tomorrow, said Carmen.

Awesome! said Ulrike and took a fresh bread roll from the basket.

Yes, agreed Carmen, Finally a summer in which I don’t crave to be somewhere in the south.

Having cut the bread roll open, Ulrike looked at the lovingly prepared breakfast in front of her. It was a typical Berlin breakfast but Carmen always made it appear as if she were catering for a party. All on the matching dinnerware with the ‘rooster and hen’ design that Ulrike so loved, there was a plate with a variety of cold cuts, another with different sorts of cheeses, soft boiled eggs in egg cups, and there were even little hearts of butter arranged on a plate. And to top it off there was freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee, and of course the fresh bread rolls that Frau Krüger, Carmen’s neighbour, usually brought in the mornings in a bag which she hung on the door-knob. Carmen in turn often made a bit more dinner or lunch and shared it with Frau Krüger for which the old lady was very grateful. Frau Krüger was one of the few people who knew about Carmen’s relationship with Ulrike, and she didn’t mind it; her response having been that ‘she had seen weirder things in her life’. Thus whenever she knew that Ulrike stayed the night, she brought two extra bread rolls. Ulrike liked Frau Krüger, and she had given the old woman her number so that she may call her whenever she needed a ride.

Her gaze still fixed on the table, Ulrike said, My, you are spoiling me.

Carmen chuckled. It’s just an ordinary breakfast.

Ha, this is what I love about you, said Ulrike as she looked at her partner, You call this 5-star buffet ordinary.

Laughing, Carmen said, This isn’t a 5-star buffet, Ulli. There isn’t even anything special about it; it really is rather ordinary. But I’m glad you like it.

I love it, said Ulrike, and reaching for the butter, she shook her head and asked amazed, Where did you get these butter hearts?

Taking a sip of coffee, Carmen said, Nowhere, I just cut them out with a biscuit cutter.

"Du bist echt spitze!" Ulrike voiced her admiration.

Carmen shrugged her shoulders as she fed a piece of Prague ham to Tabitha. What can I say, you inspire me.

Raising an eyebrow over the spoiling of the cat, Ulrike put the last slice of ham on her bread roll before Carmen could feed that to the cat as well.

Still occupied with feeding her cat little pieces of ham, Carmen went on, I’ve always loved cooking and baking and arranging things nicely. But it’s so much more fun when there’s someone who appreciates the results – apart from Frau Krüger, that is.

"Frau Krüger is dufte, said Ulrike, praising the neighbour, Although I’m wondering how she always figures out when I’m staying the night. Suddenly, she grinned and said, I hope it’s not because your walls are too thin."

Chuckling, Carmen said, No, it’s because I tell her. Sobering, she looked at Ulrike and said blushing, Though she did put in one more bread roll today. And – I forgot to mention this – yesterday she asked me to tell you to drink buttermilk to enhance your stamina.

Ulrike almost choked on a sip of coffee that went down the wrong way.

At the time I didn’t know what she meant. I thought you might have chatted with her about putting together your mother’s new furniture. But now you’ve got me wondering…

Uh, no, I haven’t told her about my mother’s furniture, said Ulrike.

Then maybe you were right about the thin walls.

Oh boy! Do you think she minds?

Shaking her head, Carmen grinned and said, If she minded, she wouldn’t have recommended you drinking buttermilk.

True, agreed Ulrike grinning as well. Taking a bite of her bread roll, she suddenly stopped chewing, and with her mouth still full she asked, Do you think I should drink buttermilk?

Carmen laughed, and while she removed the shell from the top of her egg, she replied, I don’t think you’re lacking stamina, if that’s what you mean. But perhaps Frau Krüger thinks I’m going to wear you out if you don’t take preventative measures.

Well, said Ulrike with a mischievous glint in her eyes, Considering that you’re getting back to top form now … Maybe I should take her advice.

Chuckling, Carmen said, I don’t think I’ve ever been as fit as you are, Ulli, and I’ll probably never be.

Ah, don’t confuse strength and stamina, said Ulrike, I may be stronger, but I haven’t been focussing my training on endurance as you have.

Carmen shrugged. I haven’t specifically trained for endurance. I just prefer swimming over body building.

I like swimming as well, but nothing beats the feel of lifting a proper dumbbell, straining your muscles to the limit, said Ulrike dreamily while flexing her biceps.

Shaking her head, Carmen smiled and said, And you are wondering about Tabitha’s not-so-lady-like behaviour … Tsk!

Ulrike grinned as she chewed, thinking that Carmen might actually have a point, and once she had swallowed, she said, Well, maybe we are more alike than I care to admit; but at least I’m not aggressive.

A blackbird was about to land on the balcony rail, but when it spotted Tabitha it flew up immediately with great clamour. Ulrike could