Queen of Love

“They hide everywhere. You remember America.”

“Hmm.” Aya had never thought of Americans as being particularly hidden from the world, let alone from each other. Their reservations manifested differently – and most weren’t afraid to air grievances or to share the troubles that burned them inside. In America, you can meet a stranger and know their darkest memories within one conversation. In Japan, you could know someone their whole life and never know their favorite color. Aya had spent countless hours discussing this phenomenon both with local friends and Westerners. Everyone had thoughts about it. “Sou ka… You’re more well-traveled than I am, so I suppose you know.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

Aya offered her girlfriend a kind look. “I know.”

They shared that look until they reached the next station. As the doors opened and people filed in and out, Genevieve said, “I’m flying straight to Taiwan after this trip. Come with me.”

Aya would never get tired of how spontaneous her girlfriend could be. “A trip to Taiwan after Golden Week? How do you think I can swing that at work?”

“You’ve got a couple more days before you have to be back. We could leave tomorrow. I have to change hotels, anyway. It’s the perfect opportunity to head to my place in Taipei.” She leaned in closer. “You could get a good feeling for what I like in an apartment.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Genevieve backed away as the train moved again. “You’re always thinking.”

“You’re always doing.”

“Maybe this relationship will teach us to be more like the other person.” Genevieve scooted closer as a group of older women took up the bench behind her. “I think I’d like that. To feel comfortable just sitting. And thinking.”

Before Aya could suggest she was already familiar with doing, she realized there was always being active, and then there was living.

Genevieve knew how to live. Her privilege, her money, and her connections meant she could indulge in whatever pleasure her mood swung her. Traveling? Easy. Experiences? They all had a price if she knew the right person to ask.

Love?

She was the queen of it, Aya had heard.

“I’d like that.” Aya sat up straight, giving Genevieve more room to scoot even closer. “Maybe I will go to Taiwan with you. We’ve got to get through today first.”

Genevieve sighed, content. “How much farther?”

Aya glanced up at the ticker announcing the next station. “Twenty minutes. It really is a ways away.”

“Plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company.”

They enjoyed it in silence, Aya gazing out the window at everything she had ever taken for granted.