Hi everyone, I was talking to a friend who is a Mason and said who I wish I could join the female version, but no one in my family was a Mason so I couldn't (they are the rules in Aus, it's different in the U.K) I was then watching a documentary about Masons and this idea popped into my head. It's been sitting on my computer for a few months, I am still not 100% happy with it, but then I'm not that happy with anything I write. Hope you enjoy.

'Hey Diane, Sal, Sarge' Roger says walking up to the group sitting at a table for refs. "we're all heading to the pub after shift if you guys want to come? Roger questions.

'Sure' Sally answers with a smile, 'The 7 Broomsticks?' she asks

Yeah, what about you Di? He asks looking at the constable

"Can't do sorry, have something on already". Diane says nodding at Roger.

That's a shame, next time. Roger responds, turning to you.

And you sarge? He asks.

See how I go with the paperwork Rog, but I'll try and get there, you answer with a wry grin.

At that moment his radio crackles into life with a report of a robbery in progress.

'Come on Sal, that's us, he nods at Dianne and myself and then with Sally walks out of the cafeteria leaving Diane and Nikki alone.

"So am I coming over tonight then? You ask quietly to Diane.

She shakes her head ruefully,

"Sorry Nikki, I do have something on, not that I don't want you to visit". Diane replies with a small smiling

'What do you have on? You ask out of interest; you've only been together properly for a few months and you find that you're still learning things out about each other.

Diane hesitates for a moment and you can see she is about to answer when her radio goes off asking for her to come to the front desk.

"Later Nikki, promise" Diane says with a small smile.

Yet later doesn't happen, Diane is out most of the day and you see her walk past in her civvies, having a look in your window, but Gina is talking to you and she nods and keeps walking.

Heading to the pub you have a couple of drinks, but your mind keeps wandering to Diane. You swore that you would never be jealous or suspicious, but then after how your relationship started, it's a thought that does cross your mind.

After 2 drinks you walk the short way home and heat up a frozen meal. Flicking on the t.v you potter around the house… but the thoughts of where Diane is tonight don't leave you. Even though there is a part of you that implicitly trusts Diane and knows that she would not cheat on you.

Just after 9 you hear a knock on the door, jumping you go to the front turning the light on and after looking through the peep hole, open it instantly.

Diane slips in with a warm smile.

Hey, wasn't expecting to see you tonight, not that I am complaining. You say with a smile.

Diane doesn't answer, but smiles and goes to sit down on the couch.

'I left without telling you where I was going and I'm sorry for that, I know you might have worried that I was having some torrid affair, but I promise I wasn't.

The last grain of doubt leaves your mind and you sigh.

I'm sorry Diane, I shouldn't have even thought that'

Diane holds her hand up 'it's fine, I guess it's understandable, part of me worries that you're going to wake up one day and go back to Doug, so it's fine, really Nikki.'

'You know I'd never Di' You answer quickly.

'I know' Diane responds with a smile.

Diane takes a deep breath and looks away for a moment.

I guess I still struggle a bit to share everything and somethings I don't like to talk about in public for various reasons.

Nikki cuts in 'you don't have to tell me everything Di' a feeling of shame starting in her gut.

I know, but you're my partner and I need you to trust me, but then I also need to be able to be honest with you.

So, at this Diane opens up the suit case that she was carrying and reveals a jacket and sash.

'This is where I was tonight. " Diane says simply

Nikki stares at Diane's uniform for a moment speechless, of all the things, this wasn't one of them.

'You're a Mason" she asks shock lining her voice. 'But you can't be? Nikki continues

Diane answers quickly, 'I have been for over a decade. My father joined when he was young, and because he was a mason, I was able to join the female version, I didn't until after I got back from Kosovo and left the army, I needed something and it provided what I was missing.' Diane says quietly.

'So how often do you do this? Nikki questioned, mind still reeling. She thought it had been a man only organisation.

'My lodge meet fortnightly, I try to go as often as work permits. We sometimes do other activities too, it's been a great support. One day if you're interested you could come to a partners dinner' Diane says shyly looking up at Nikki.

'I'd like that' Nikki responds, stepping in closer and kissing Diane.

The topic of masons is forgotten for the next hour.