27 Comments
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Miranda - Root Stories's avatar

Wonderful piece, Nan! That’s the best possible ending—a long term heart friendship.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

It surely is, especially in this case. She's the best. xo

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Nancy Stordahl's avatar

Hi Nan,

Oh, you do tell a good story. How wonderful you two have remained friends all these years. I love how you laughed, and still laugh, at that comment hurled your way. Didn't quite have the intended effect. Reminds me of that old cliche about who gets the last laugh.

And that bird's nest of hair you found in the shower drain - nasty indeed!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed the story. We have fun. She's the person in my world I feel most comfortable with, and who makes me feel seen and heard and appreciated. And boy, do we laugh. I laugh with her in a way I don't with anyone else. That alone is a huge gift. I feel very lucky. She went on in life after we broke up and coupled with someone else, and they made a kid who got to be my favorite child. She's 21 now. One of the things I'm most grateful for is having that young woman continuously in my life. I used to baby sit for her when she was a baby, and now she's a grown up. Life is sweet.

And the bird's nest? Yes, immensely nasty. All these years later, just thinking of it makes me gag.

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Holly Starley's avatar

Lovely! Thank goodness for those deep friendships, those people who have known and held our hearts for so long.

PS. I think your dancing outfit sounds fabulous.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Absolutely. And thank you. And yes, that outfit was stellar! A later girlfriend made fun of the jacket so much (the 80s appeal, shoulder pads and all) that she talked me into giving it away. Besides the fact that it would never fit me, I'd still like to have it hanging in my closet. Hey. Maybe that's where my pink thing comes from in my branding? That just occurred to me. Hmmmmm. So, I have kept the jacket, after all! xo

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Sally French Wessely's avatar

Great story. I love that you two still connect in such a way that spells: real friendship.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Sally. Me, too. After years of dating and looking for the "right" person, I'm putting more energy into my friendships and less into pursuing romance. I'm a very, very happy single woman. And my friendships last for so much longer when compared to my love relationships. xo

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Rhaine Della Bosca's avatar

I love this Nan; high on water, the laughing, the bond that keeps on giving. xx 💜

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Not high on water, high on weed. I have to fix that. You’re the third person who’s read it that way! xoxo

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Marilea C. Rabasa's avatar

Oh what a great story, Nan. "Why did I bother?" Indeed! The fact that you can still be friends after so many years says something wonderful about you both. And you can hold your friendship in your heart, like a beautiful piece of beach glass, forever. That's why you borhered.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Absolutely. There's an awful lot of love between us. I love her like no other. xo

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Leslie Senevey's avatar

What a sweet story. Maybe not the happy ending you originally had in mind but a definite happy ending.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Actually, in the long run, considering my track record with long term relationships of the romantic type, this was the best possible ending. She's one of my most important people. So I definitely made out well (and so did she!). xo

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Christina Patterson's avatar

Gorgeous, gorgeous piece! xx

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Christina! xo

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Ann Richardson's avatar

nicely told. Nothing more to say.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you, Ann! It was a fun night. xo

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Abigail Thomas's avatar

359622

High on water? How is that done? Does it take a long time?

Great piece, Nan.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Abby. Do I need a comma? I obviously haven't punctuated or expressed myself properly! Rona had a similar response. We drink water AND get high the old-fashioned way, with reefer.

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Amrita Skye Blaine's avatar

delightful!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Amrita! xo

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Nan, you so beautifully captured all the angst that can go into dating, along with the joy it brought with this relationship. It’s so heart-warming to read your deep friendship that continues to grow. Friendship is a beautiful thing. ☺️

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Nan Tepper's avatar

It certainly is. Nothing better than having a bestie! xo

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Rona Maynard's avatar

“Drinking water and getting high.” Good one! The whole piece, actually.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Rona! We were drinking water, and we get high, not from the water, but the old-fashioned way...reefer! But that would be a clever trick, wouldn't it, turning water into weed? Do I have to go look at the sentence, now, and edit for clarity? You and Abby Thomas had similar interpretations.

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Rona Maynard's avatar

It's perfect as it is. High on water. I like it.

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