Alice: Theres a little Italian place around the corner. How about that? Do you like Italian?

Natalie: That sounds fantastic! I really need to change out of these clothes first!

The two got the boxes safely inside and Alice waited patiently for Natalie to change her clothes. The two walked to two blocks to Bellos Italian Eatery and quickly found a cozy little spot by the front window. Alice was completely intrigued by this woman and she didnt know why other than the fact she thought she was beautiful.

Alice: So, Youre in the military?
Natalie: Yes. Ive taken a job at Parkway South High school and as a ROTC instructor.
Alice: ROTC instructor? So whats that like?
Natalie: Well. Im just like any other teacher in the school accept I wear a military uniform, I can make them do push ups when they are out of line, and we get to march.

Alice flashed a quick smile not understanding why anyone would want to be in the military.

Alice: And kids want to do this? They pick to be in this class?
Natalie: For the most part yes! You have the ones like I was in school that either want to go into the military after school or come from a military family and are in the class for scholarships or whatever reason. Then I have a few who are put there by court order. They choose to stay in school and be in my class or go to jail.

Alice: Wow! Jail or military school. I think Id pick jail! Alice let in a little laugh.
Natalie joined in to, well youd be surprised how easy it is.

Just then, the waiter came to the table to take their order. Both ladies to him what they wanted and then he quietly excused himself from the table.

Alice: Virginia? Is that where you said you are from?
Natalie: Yes
Alice: What is that like? I havent spent much time on the east coast.
Natalie: It is very different! It is more laid back. More scenic. So much to choose from The Blue Ridge Mountains The Atlantic Ocean. I love it there but it is time for me to come out west.
Alice: Whyd you want to come out west?
Natalie: I had to get away. Pressure from my dad was getting to me. He didnt like who I was dating in Virginia.
Alice: Did moving to LA help things out?

Natalie gave a light but sad smileNo, We ended up breaking up anyway. The reporter in Alice came out why? Because she didnt want to come with me, Natalie said with a sad face.

Alice was threw back her head with complete shock. She thought she was getting the ***** vibe from this girl but she just thought it was one of those Im so desperate Ill fall for anyone days. Alice was almost speechless, But she quickly found words.

So you were in a relationship with a woman? Isnt that a big no no in the military? asked Alice with a very puzzled look on her face.
I guess youd say so, But I dont tell the whole world who I sleep with. Said Natalie?
Does that bother you? Not telling people that youre a *****? asked Alice?
Not at all. Why would it? I can feel comfortable being who I am and not spreading it to everyone who has ears to hear. Oh dear, Im so, so sorry. I hoped I havent offended you. Im usually not to open with sharing Im a *****. I hope you are not uncomfortable. Said Natalie. Alice let out a loud laugh, Its ok! I was born and raised in LA. Im used to it!

The two ladies sat through dinner just getting to know each other and comparing their two very different pasts. It was getting late and it wasnt until they noticed chairs being sat upside down on the tables that they realized just how late it was. The two decided to walk back to their apartment complex and call it a night.

Natalie: Thank you for going to dinner with me. I hope to see more of you. It was nice to have someone to talk to. I was getting a bit lonely today.

Alice: No problem! Thanks for dinner! I will see you around! You have a good night!

Alice walked down to her door and when she returned inside she thought to herself I should have told her I like girls