K

"What are you going to do?" J asked.

"I don't know"

It was a long running topic of breakfast conversation for the two of them. Ts relationship with K. It was obvious to J that T had strong feelings for K. But on many occasions T felt as though K wasn't matching the effort that she was putting into the relationship.

The week had thrown up yet another example.

"It seems to me as though this relationship is a lot of hard work for you. I am no expert, far far from it..."

Js relationship diary was full of black marks, cross outs, and one line entries. Hardly the person to give anybody relationship advice.

"...but I think that being in a relationship should be easy. Especially one that is meant to be. Ups and downs sure, but if it is too much hard work, you have to begin to question the whole thing"

Silence.

Just the sounds of cutlery on crockery.

However, this was not the uncomfortable silence that occurs between two people on a date with nothing in common. T and J had been friends for a long time now. Silence was a common element of their conversations. Often no words were spoken for several minutes. Both took time to arrange their thoughts before responding.

T broke the silence "You know, I really do feel that it is hard work at times. I mean, I give alot in our relationship, but I don't get much in return. I'm sure it doesn't register with K all the things I do for him and our relationship. I'm tired of him always expecting me to be there at a drop of a hat. I don't expect him be there for me all the time, but just for him to have some consideration of my pressures"

"Mmmm, I think thats fair"

T continued "Why do I attract such negative partners?"

"Why can't I attract any sort of partner?" J quipped with grin.

T laughed. Typical J. Always looking for a smile no matter the conversation topic.

J wiped the Hollandaise sauce from the corner of his mouth, downed the last of his once bitter coffee. 8 sugars had fixed the bitterness problem. "I have to get going. I have to be at the footy ground at 10.30"

T finished the last of her coffee and stood up. "I'll drop you off on the way"

"Cheers, big ears"