Disclaimers: The characters in this story belong to me and only me. They may resemble a couple really cool women we know and love, but it ain’t them, they’re mine, did I say that yet???

Love/Sex Warning: Aww yeah, lots o’ lovin in this tale. Some good, some bad, but it’s all about the story right? Riiiight. So with that said, if you are not old enough to read this, please hit the "save" key until a later date.

Time Line: This is a follow up story to A Fresh Start. You may want to read that first in order to find out what the hell is going on in the storyline =)

Thank you’s: Thanks to all of you that sent your feedback for A Fresh Start, it inspired me to continue the tale of these two lovely ladies. So without further adieu, please read on.....

In Healing Arms

By DS Bauden

"You are in such trouble when I catch you, Alicia." Sydney growled.

"Yeah, well, you have to catch me first." Ally teased and ran towards the house.

Sydney was doing her best to wash down the horses. This, of course, involved a large, pressurized hose. Ally watched her friend tend to the horses, while she slowly approached her without being noticed. Initially her intent was to scare her lover, but once she saw the unattended hose, she lost all sense of control.

After dousing Sydney unmercifully, Ally ran to the main house to seek the safety of Eddi, her aunt and best friend. She found Eddi asleep in her rocking chair in the family room.

"Damn, now where can I hide?"

"Oh no you don’t. You aren’t getting away this time little missy."

"Now, Sydney, you know I was only fooling around." She held her hands out in front of her and stuttered as she found herself backing away from a drenched, mildly agitated woman.

"Fooling around eh? Just what does "fooling around" entail? You sneaking up on me, you grabbing a hose and soaking my skin, and then you laugh and run inside to look for cover?" She playfully stalked and growled.

Ally just swallowed hard, not knowing what her Aussie lover had planned for her revenge. "Umm, yes?" She winced.

Ally found herself being backed into the entertainment unit while Sydney drew nearer with every tick of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Sydney’s breath tickled Ally’s ear as she bent down to give a warning.

"Paybacks are truly a bitch my dear, Alicia. And believe me when I tell you, I always get my revenge." Sydney purred.

Ally found herself short of breath and completely at a loss for words, which was very rare for the young honey haired woman. She looked into the most challenging blue eyes she had ever seen, and knew she was no match for the tall raven-haired woman staring down at her. She just had to wait until her time had come. It was very exhilarating to her senses. Sydney, she discovered, was a very creative person. ‘I wonder if everything she does is as imaginative as the things she does in bed.’ Her thoughts sent shudders throughout her body, and her movements were not lost by Sydney.

"What’s the matter Alicia? Cat got your tongue? Hmm?" She smiled and gracefully exited the room leaving a slackjawed Ally resting her body against the entertainment center.

"My God, what that woman does to me. Christ." She wiped her brow and made her way into the bathroom to wash her face and calm her nerves.

********

A couple of months had passed since the two women had met. Ally had arrived to her Aunt Eddi’s ranch after losing both of her parents in a tragic car accident. Her aunt had graciously opened her home and her arms to her niece. Living alone in Chicago with the emptiness that evolved around her, was not a life that Ally wanted. Her aunt’s offer came as an answered silent prayer.

***

********


Ally was awoken from her reverie by a questioning stare.

"I’m sorry did you say something?"

"Yes, Alicia, I asked if you were okay. You looked like you were a million miles away."

"I was actually, I’m okay though, don’t you worry."

"When it comes to you, I worry. Just reflex, get used to it." Syd smiled and opened her arms to Ally.

Ally buried herself in Syd’s strong embrace. She loved when her partner let her guard down and was just Sydney, loving, nurturing, and warm. But there was something in her that couldn’t keep that wall from building back up. Ally wished she knew what it would take.

The last couple months had been wonderful. She had met someone that truly felt like the other half of her soul. There was trepidation behind the azure blues of her lover though. Sometimes she would find Sydney lost in thought. She looked frightened sometimes, but when asked, she always had something to say about it. Ally just let her think she was off the hook, when actually it saddened her to know she wasn’t trusted enough to be let in on her secret.

Sydney didn’t trust anyone she thought to herself. Sure she had friends that she spoke of, and she would go out from time to time with them as well, but the only one with her full trust was Eddi. Ally was almost jealous of their relationship. They would have long talks that sometimes went deep into the night. Ally had tried many a night to stay awake with them, but sleep usually found her halfway through. Time and time again, she found herself in Syd’s arms being carried up to their room to bed.

Ally knew from the beginning that it would be an uphill battle to gain the trust of Sydney Thompson. It was, however, a fight that she had no intention of losing. The time it took for her just to give Syd a compliment and not have her read too much into, was exhausting. ‘She must have been really hurt at one time. I just wish she would talk about it, maybe it would help her. She’s got to know I would never do anything that would hurt her.’ She mused as she pulled out of Syd’s arms.

"So, what do you want for dinner? I think I should cook." She smiled up at her lover.

"If you think that cooking dinner is going to get you off the hook, you’ve got another thing coming." Syd smirked as she put her hands on her hips.

"Sydney, I am sorry about the hose thing, really. Please forgive me."

"Oh I forgive you my little city mouse, but I will have my revenge. Mark my words."

"Revenge on what? What the hell did I miss?" Eddi walked into the kitchen to find the heated discussion.

"Hey, Edna, well it looks like your innocent little niece here likes to play with water." Edna peered over to look at a very amused Ally. She then looked back to Syd who looked as though she was waging war inside her head.

"Now look here girlies, if anything gets broken, I will put the hose on ya both! Just calm yourselves, Christ Almighty, a girl takes a nap for five minutes and all hell breaks loose...." she trailed off as she went to the fridge to get some juice.

"I swear to God, I don’t know what gets into you girls." She said as she drank the juice from the container. She swallowed the liquid and looked into the stare of the two women.

"What? It’s not like either of you will ever drink out of this!" she said as she showed the prune juice to her niece and Sydney. "Can I help it if I like to be regular? Hell you should try it, you may get rid of some of that hostility!!" She smiled at them. " Then again, I didn’t get sprayed with that hose either."

"Hey! Who’s side are you on?" Ally whined.

"The dry one. Now what are you making for dinner? This girl is hungry!"

Ally just rolled her eyes and began opening cabinets looking for some ideas for dinner for her two best girls.

The fall semester came and Ally had decided that she would enroll for the spring semester. Edna and Sydney had been very supportive of her decision and agreed that she may need some more time to get used to everything that has changed in her life. Starting a new school, in a new area, sharing a new home, with a new partner, and without her parents, was a little much for Ally to swallow at once. She was taking the days one by one and deciding that she needed it that way.

Thoughts of her parents were very frequent and mostly came at night through her dreams. Many a night did Sydney wake to Ally thrashing about trying to fight off the demons in her head and in her heart while she slept. Sydney would always wrap her larger frame around Ally and instantly she found the tiny woman relaxing in her embrace. Ally would always thank her in the morning for performing the exorcism, which she so lovingly called her bouts with the nightmares.

********

Ally really wanted Syd to come to Chicago to see her home before it was sold. The house had been on the market for about a month or so. It was a hard decision for Ally to make, but it made sense. She was in no financial shape to maintain her parents’ home, so she gave in and called the family lawyer and then a Realtor. Her parents had left her quite a bit of money, but she wanted to use it for schooling to work on her journalism degree. Her cousin Jack had given her some tips on some stocks and mutual funds for investing, but she was scared to death of the stock market. It just didn’t make sense to her. So for now her savings account had a little bulge in it.

Ally’s mind was alive at dinner; she was in the defensive mode. After she showered Sydney unmercifully with the hose, she was waiting for the turnabout. It was bound to happen sooner or later, she just wished it was sooner, then it would be over with. She decided that she would ask Sydney to come to Chicago with her tonight. ‘I think she would really love to see it. I think Eddi could handle things for a week. Hmm, maybe I’ll ask Eddi first just to make sure.’ She thought to herself.

"You are awfully quiet, Alicia. Are you alright?" Syd questioned her unusually quiet partner.

"Yeah, Syd, I am fine. Please stop worrying, really, I am okay." She looked at Syd with eyes that betrayed her truth. She had black puffy circles under her usually vibrant green eyes, which made Syd wish peaceful dreams for her every single night.

"Alicia, I will always worry about you. As long as I breathe, I will worry."

"Hey take it while you can sweetie, it’s hard to find someone that will do your worrying for you." Her aunt interjected.

Smiling, "I guess you are right. Thanks Sydney, it means the world to me to know you care so much."

"I do care for you, Ally, very much. I think I always will." She said as she gently stroked the inside of Ally’s wrist with her thumb.

"Me too."

"Well with that established, can I have some more of those potatoes? Ally you outdid yourself. I love AuGratin, they are my favorite."

"Thanks, Eddi, eat up. Sorry for the mushy stuff." She said smiling.

"Not to worry, it makes me sleep better knowing you have someone in your life like Syd. I knew it was going to happen when I saw the first looks you two gave each other. It was priceless. It was loooove at first sight. Ally could barely eat and Syd kept staring at her during dinner." The two just looked at each other and blushed at their memories Edna was reliving.

"It was quite the entertainment. I knew once I left for Indiana, I would come home to some kind of news. I am glad that I wasn’t disappointed. Syd was just what you needed Ally, and I think the same goes for you my dear." She simply stated while pointing her finger at Syd.

"Whaa... I.... Wasn..." Sydney started sputtering and looked at Edna with her eyebrows high into her bangs.

"Yes you were and you did, so enough out of you." She waved her fork at Syd, while Ally just marveled at how well her aunt could work Sydney. ‘God, I don’t think there is another person on this planet who could get away with half the stuff Eddi does with her.’

"Hey there, we lost you again," Syd said breaking Ally away from her thoughts.

"I was just thinking is all."

"UH OH." Edna and Sydney said in unison then laughed.

"Cut that out! The both of you! You know...oh nevermind, I will never win against you both." She said exasperatedly through a smile.

The two women just hi-fived each other and grinned stupidly at Ally, who in turn just rolled her eyes and continued to eat her delicious meal.

********



"Hey, Eddi, can I ask you something?" Ally walked in to Edna’s room as she got ready for bed.

"Sure, Hon, what do you need."

"Well it’s not a need really. Well, it’s more of a want kind of thing. I was ahhh...just wondering if...well if it won’t be too much trouble...." Her aunt was patiently waiting for her request and interrupted her ramblings.

"Good God girl, I’m not getting any younger here! Just ask me." Ally just smiled and reproached her aunt.

"Eddi, I was wondering if I could take Syd to Chicago with me while I tried to pack the rest of the house up."

Edna sat and pondered the question for a moment and realized this may be a good thing for both of them.

"It will only be for a week or so I swear. I won’t take her from her chores too long. Do you think we could?"

"I think it’s a wonderful idea Ally. I think it might do you some good to go back there for a bit. Syd tells me you haven’t been sleeping all that well. Maybe you need to go there. Have you asked her yet?"

"No not yet, I was waiting to hear what you thought, and she is your employee after all so I wanted to make sure that it would be OK. I just would hate it if I took her from you while you needed her..."

"My goodness girl, you can talk at the speed of light. I am surprised I can understand you at all when you get going like that." She chuckled to her niece.

"I’m sorry, Eddi, I am just really excited about this. I really want to go and take her with me. I would love for Tracey to meet her too."

"Oh yeah, how is Tracey doing?"

"She is doing well, I talked with her last night actually and she really wants me to come and see her while I’m home.... Umm.... Visiting... anyway, she said to say hi to you."

"God how long have you two known each other now, ten years? Fifteen?"

"We have been friends since I was five. I have really missed her this summer. We usually sat poolside all summer or just hung out on the roof of her house and stuff. I missed that..." She trailed off and her aunt took her hand and squeezed it.

"Does she know about you and Syd?"

"Oh my God, Eddi, she was the one that told me I was gay."

"What?"

"Yeah, about two years ago she told me that I was going to get fed up with not getting what I wanted from men. Then she said to make sure that dinner plans, on me of course, were arranged when I figured it out. I guess a "I told you so" kind of celebration." She giggled.

"That girl is too much. So how did she take the news about you two?"

"Oh please, my ears are still ringing. She is very happy for us though, and she can’t wait to meet her."

"Who can’t wait to meet who?" Syd poked her head into Edna’s room. "I was wondering what was keeping you." She said looking at the two women standing close together in a deep conversation. " Alright, what’s up you two? You look as though you are conspiring against someone. It’s not me is it? Cuz I can outrun you both."

The two women started laughing and Ally wrapped herself around Syd’s waist. "No Hon, we aren’t conspiring, I promise." She reassured.

"That’s a relief, I can’t be too sure around you two." She turned herself to look at a smiling Ally in her arms. "Are you ready for bed sweetheart?"

"Mmm, yes I am. Good night, Eddi, we’ll see you in the morning." Ally reached towards her aunt and gently squeezed her arm.

"Good night you two." The two were just out of the doorway when Edna’s voice picked up a bit. "And could you keep it down tonight? I almost called an old friend to keep me company last night." Ally couldn’t keep the blush from flooding her entire body and Syd could do nothing but wink and smile at Edna as she closed her door.

"Oh my God, I never thought she would hear us!" A completely embarrassed Ally spouted.

"Alicia, you could wake the next county if you wanted to." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Not that I’m complaining, I rather enjoy your vocal skills, amongst your other ones."

"Good answer mate." They laughed as they walked arm in arm into their room and closed the door for good measure.

Ally walked to the bed and folded down the blankets and fluffed Syd’s pillow as she has done every night for the last two months. She tossed her socks into the hamper and got under the sheets. Syd followed suit and assumed her position while Ally immediately snuggled into Syd’s shoulder. It was a routine that the two women weren’t willing to break anytime soon.

"Syd..."

"Yeah baby?"

"I need to ask you something."

"Do I need to get up?"

"Oh no, nothing like that."

"OK, then ask me. Ow!" She giggled at Ally’s small jab to her ribcage.

"OK, well, lately I have been thinking."

"So, I have noticed. Is anything wrong?" Syd asked curiously.

"No honey, just listen, please." She paused and took a deep breath. "I really want to go back to Chicago." Sydney’s body stiffened and she sat up to look at Ally, willing the tears away from her eyes.

"Chicago? Wait, Ally, what are you saying? We just started something really great here. Do you really want to leave now?" Ally sensing a little bit of a misunderstanding gently pressed her fingers to Syd’s lips.

"Sshhh. You didn’t let me finish honey. I need to finish packing up the house and I wanted you to come with me. That’s all, I swear."

Relief swept through Sydney like a tornado and she thought she was going to pass out from the sensation of it all.

"Sydney? Are you OK? You look as pale as a ghost." Ally said as she felt Syd’s forehead and wiped away a thin layer of perspiration from her brow. ‘God she really hurt you didn’t she? I hope we never meet, I won’t be responsible for my actions.’ Ally thought to herself.

"I..Uh...I... would love to go with you. I need to ask Edna if it’s all right though. She does depend on me to tend to the horses."

"She said it would be a great idea. So.... What do you think, next week all right with you?"

"Sounds great to me. I think I need a vacation anyhow." She smiled.

"Thanks, Sydney, you don’t know how much this means to me. I can’t wait for you to see the house. And, I can’t wait for you to meet Tracey. You guys are going to get along great. I can’t wait!! Thank you, I really mean that."

"Honey, I am excited too. I have never been to Chicago."

"Well we don’t really live in Chicago; we live in the suburbs about 30 miles or so north of the city. But we can go down there if you want. It’s going to be quite a different scene from here. It’s much louder and so much more is going on all the time. I don’t really miss that part of it."

"Is your school near there?"

"No, I went to the University of Illinois, which was in Champaign. That’s about 3 hours from my house. It’s kind of in the middle of Illinois." She had a sad expression on her face as she spoke of school.

"You miss it already don’t you?"

"Am I that transparent?"

"Like glass baby." Syd slowly sunk back to the bed dragging along with her a saddened teary-eyed Alicia. She kissed the top of her head and began to stroke her hair down her back.

"I’m sorry, Syd."

"For what?"

"I am always crying it seems lately."

"Honey it’s okay, really. I am glad that I can be of some comfort to you. You know how much I care about you. When you are sad, I am sad. I will do what I can to make sure that beautiful face carries a smile whenever possible."

"You are so good to me, Sydney." ‘How did she ever leave you?’ She thought to herself.

Ally turned to face her partner and gently kissed her lips. Syd returned the gesture and slowly deepened the kiss. Ally found herself opening her mouth in offering to Syd and was rewarded with a hot tongue probing her mouth. The two stayed like this for a long moment and then pulled back to stare into each other’s eyes while soft hands caressed smooth facial features. They were breathing heavily and soon found sleep to be an option for much later.

"God baby, you make me so crazy." Syd purred into Ally’s ear.

As shivers went throughout Ally’s body she found herself pulling at her shirt to free herself of any obstacle keeping her away from Syd’s bare skin. ‘Just another advantage of Syd sleeping naked, not much to take off.’ She mused to herself. Syd helped Ally with her shirt and her underpants followed shortly afterwards.

"I still don’t understand why you dress at all for bed. I never let you keep anything on anyway."

"I’m slowly seeing your point." She giggled as she pulled Syd on top of her.

Syd slowly steered her thigh between Ally’s and both moaned at the contact that was made. Ally’s wetness was no mystery to Syd who relished the fact that she was the cause of the excitement. Ally raked Syd’s back with her fingernails as she felt the larger woman’s tongue leave a blazing trail from her ear to her breasts. Syd latched on to one of Ally’s erect nipples and began to gently nip at the tip. Ally arched into the touch and began stroking Syd’s long dark hair.

"God sweetheart you feel so good."

"Good, so do you. You taste incredible," She said with a smile.

Syd brought one of her hands to the other nipple and began to tease it as she continued to suckle the other. Syd slowly began to grind her thigh into Ally’s sex. Ally’s moans grew louder and her body began to rock against Syd’s thigh. Syd could feel her younger companion’s desire building as she slowly moved up Ally’s body and gently purred into Ally’s ear.

"You know what sweetheart?" She said as she licked her earlobe.

"What baby? Tell me...." Ally panted in response.

"Paybacks are truly a bitch." She smiled and gently rolled over to her side of the bed leaving a thoroughly aroused and confused Ally to her musings.

"Whaa...you can’t be serious?" She managed to squeak out.

"Good night, Alicia, sweet dreams." She feigned sleep waiting for the explosion she knew was coming, trying desperately not to let out the laugh that was raging within her.

"Sydney Elizabeth Thompson, you aren’t going to just leave me like this are you?!?!" She was completely beside herself.

"Like what honey?" She had to control her voice before she broke out into laughter.

"OH...MY GOD. This is about the hose isn’t it? You are going to let me sit here and stew in my totally "I WANT YOU NOW" state because of the hose, am I right?"

"Uh huh...that’s right." She couldn’t control the giggle that leaked from her lips.

"Oh no you don’t. You can’t raise my heart rate like this and just roll over knowing that I won’t be able to sleep for at least a week..." Ally stopped as she heard Sydney’s laughter betray her every whim. "You are laughing at me, aren’t you?"

Trying to regain her composure, "Yyyes... As a matter of fact...I am..." the fits of laughter continued and slowly she turned over to see bright green fire looking down at her. ’Uh oh, I’m in trouble.’ Syd thought to herself.

"Now, Alicia, you know you had it coming. I told you I always get my revenge...and I did." She tried to be stern as she spoke with a grin.

"You feel better honey?" Ally purred as she slowly maneuvered Syd to her back.

"Yeah, I guess I do, thanks for asking."

"Oh I’m not asking...I’m telling...you feel better" She climbed on top of Sydney and straddled her midsection. Her wetness was spreading over Syd’s stomach and the woman underneath couldn’t control her erratic breathing once she felt it.

"Oh yeah, you feel much better baby." Ally said as she ground herself faster into Syd’s strong abdomen. "Oh yeah...much better. Uungh" Syd couldn’t help but grab the sides of Ally’s hips and move her own body into her lover.

"Oh no, you wanted your fun, now I want mine. You can just sit there and watch." Ally sternly looked down at Syd’s face that changed from confusion to passionate desire as she watched Ally move her fingers over her clit and began moving her fingers in a strong circular motion.

Syd licked her lips as she watched her lover writhe above her in ecstasy. She could tell that Ally was close and wanted so much to take her. Her senses were on overload giving her the strength to flip Ally over onto her back and thrust two fingers deep inside of her. Ally’s protests turned into moans of pleasure. Syd continued to thrust into her lover as she moved southward to taste the sweet nectar waiting for her. She glided her tongue over Ally’s clit creating another wave of building excitement from Ally.

"Oh baby, God... you feel so incredible. I’m so close...ungh" Ally panted out.

"Mmm..... Let it go baby...that’s it..." Syd managed to get out while trying to keep rhythm with Ally.

She felt the younger woman’s fingers grasping at her hair and knew she was almost there. Syd sucked at the swollen nub and gently nipped at its tip, sending Ally over the edge of reality and directly to the clouds. Syd stayed where she was and absorbed all of Ally’s body spasms. Ally’s body began to calm as she caressed the head still nestled between her thighs.

"Ah.... Revenge is a beautiful thing. Don’t you agree Sydney?" Ally kidded as her breathing reached its normal pace again.

"Oh yeah.... There’s nothing like it." Sydney agreed and just smiled up at her lover. She climbed up her partner’s body and cradled Ally in her strong arms.

"Now my sweet Aussie, what is your pleasure? You know I will give you whatever you want." She said as she nipped Sydney’s neck below her ear.

Sydney shuddered and felt her body move into Ally’s in a subtle sensuous movement.

"I think I know what you need." She traced a circle around Syd’s nipple. "How’s this? Do you like this?"

"Oh, Alicia, you feel so good."

"You know I will never tire of your voice cooing my name like that. Did I ever tell you how sexy your accent is?"

"I keep telling you I do not have an accent." She giggled and nipped against Ally’s neck sending shivers down the young woman’s back.

Ally moved her fingers around Syd’s bellybutton and playfully inserted one of her fingertips inside. "You know, if I dipped somewhere else, I know it would be much wetter, what do you think?"

"I think you should test out your theory on that."

"Don’t mind if I do." Ally slowly moved her hand through the soft dark curly hair above Sydney’s passion. She lightly traced her lips without quite touching her desire.

"God Alicia, please, don’t tease. I need to feel you inside."

"I will take you Sydney, don’t worry about that." With that Ally slowly moved through Syd’s river of desire and reveled in the feel of her lover. She gently brushed against Syd’s clit causing her to jump from the contact.

"Ohhh, we are a bit excited now, aren’t we?"

"Mmmmm, God you are such a quick study."

"I had a wonderfully patient teacher. You feel like silk under my fingers Syd. I love when you get this excited."

"Only for you...ungh...please..."

"What do you want, Syd?"

Ally’s movements were making speech almost impossible for Sydney. She rubbed Syd’s clit in slow sensuous movements keeping in time with her body’s movements. She played with the outside of her entry and gently dipped one finger into the dark wetness.

"Is this what you want, Sydney?"

"Oh yes...God yes.... More..." Syd panted out.

Ally shifted her own body so that she was completely above Syd and staring down at her writhing lover. She plunged another finger inside Syd and was rewarded with a low growl from within her lover. She knew what Sydney needed and what Ally herself wanted more than anything right now.

"I need to taste you Syd. I want to feel you release into my mouth."

Ally thrust her fingers deep into Syd as she lowered her mouth to feast on her lover. She stroked Syd’s clit fast and with purpose. She lapped and lapped and felt the stiffening of her lover above her.

"Oh God, Ally.... I’m...ooohhhhhhhh!!!!!" She panted as her release shrieked through her body.

Ally grabbed the back of Syd’s hips to ride out the greatest feeling she had ever known. She opened her eyes to look at Sydney only to find the precious blues staring right back at her in the throes of passion. Ally knew right then and there that the feelings she had for Sydney were a love deeper than any fairy tale she had ever read. To watch her lover’s desire in her eyes sent chills throughout her body and she knew that Syd loved her, even though the "L" word had never come up.

"Alllyyyy...I...unghhhh!!!"

Ally felt the last of Sydney’s tremors cease as her name was being called out again and again. She slowly withdrew her fingers as a whimper of protest left Sydney’s mouth. Ally moved up her lover’s body to kiss her with a passion and a tenderness that only Syd could evoke from her. The two just cuddled and kissed themselves into a peaceful loving sleep.

Down the hall and in her room, Edna just threw her pillow over her head, again.

*********

The sun always came up earlier for Ally than she’d like. This morning was nicer than most though. She knew that in just hours, she would be back in Chicago, and in the house that she grew up in. She couldn’t wait to show Syd her home. She was excited for Tracey to meet the love of her life as well. The only thing that would be missing would be her dad and mom. She knew going back was going to be hard, but she was also hoping that in some way, it would help her with her demons. She was just grateful that she had someone like Sydney that understood all of what she was feeling and still wanted to go through that with her.

Sydney was looking forward to this trip. Her mind was reeling from so many emotions. She was terrified at her feelings for Alicia. In the same breath she was so happy and tingly whenever she and Ally were around each other. The problem was that she was being brought back to a time in her life when she was the most vulnerable, and that scared the living shit out of her.

******

********

"Sweetheart? Are you packed?" Ally broke Syd of her reverie.

"Hmm? I’m sorry Hon, what did you say?" Syd asked.

"Sydney are you alright? It looked like you were out of it when I walked in." Ally walked over to Syd and placed a hand on Sydney’s arm. She felt her flinch under her touch and slowly pulled away.

"I’m sorry, Alicia, I didn’t mean to..."

"Sydney, I know you are bothered by something, I just hope that one day you will feel that you can trust me enough to talk about it." Ally said comfortingly as she picked up the rest of her bags and went downstairs.

‘So do I love, so do I.’ Ally thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around herself for comfort.

The flight into Chicago was a quiet ride. Ally sat next to a very quiet Sydney on the airplane. They exited into Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and immediately Ally felt exuberated at being home again. Sydney remained quiet, other than basic small talk with Ally, as they waited for their luggage. Ally was really worried about Sydney since she hadn’t said much since they left Edna in Montana.

"Syd, honey, are you sure that everything is alright? You haven’t said more than two words since we boarded the plane."

"Of course, Alicia, I am fine." She lied as she thought about the last time she was inside an airplane.

Syd was on her way from Sydney to the USA with her love Sharon Harris. This was supposed to be the next step towards her eternal happiness with her partner. Too bad Sharon’s extracurricular love life took precedence over a longtime commitment. Syd shivered at the thought of Sharon and what she sacrificed for her. She swore she wouldn’t let this bother her relationship with Ally, but right now it was all too familiar. Sydney knew that Ally was going to ask her soon about what was bothering her. She just had to build up the strength to share the pain that she had never voiced to another person other than Sharon. Least of all one that she was completely in love with. She knew that she loved Ally, but every fiber in her being was scared to death of sharing that information with her lover. Once she did that, she would be setting herself up for heartbreak. She couldn’t handle that kind of pain ever again.

"There’s Tracey, Syd, come on!! " Ally said excitedly as she saw her longtime friend waving from the arrival drive up.

"Tracey!!!" Ally screamed with joy as she embraced her friend.

"Hey girlfriend!! God I have missed you. Let me look at you." She said as she outstretched their entwined arms and looked at her jovial friend. "And who do we have here?" She asked, as she looked Sydney up and down in appreciation.

"Tracey Miller, meet the love of my life, Sydney Thompson. Sydney this is Tracey." Ally introduced.

"Hello, Tracey, Alicia has spoken so highly of you. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Syd said politely as she outstretched her hand. Tracey shook it and marveled in the strength she felt within it.

"Right back atcha. It is a pleasure to meet the woman that has stolen the heart of my best friend. I can see why she finally switched teams." She wiggled her eyebrows and nudged Ally as she batted away Ally’s poking finger. Syd smiled courteously and shifted uncomfortably.

"Shall we get going? We don’t want to fall into traffic on I90, the tollway is a bitch this time of day if we don’t get moving." Tracey explained as she started putting their bags into her trunk of her car.

"Oh God, I don’t miss the traffic around here, that’s for sure. Yeah let’s go." Ally agreed and took Sydney’s hand and both got into the car. Syd took the backseat as Ally took the front.

"So how was the flight?" Tracey inquired.

"It wasn’t too bad actually, thank God, I hate flying. I’m sure Syd’s hands are still sore from the landing."

"I think the blood has finally returned, don’t worry about it hon." Syd smiled and patted her lover’s shoulder from the backseat.

Tracey and Ally chuckled at Syd’s agreement of Ally’s dislike of flying. They made small talk until they reached the end of Ally’s street and Ally could feel her nerves set in like a stampede of horses over her body. The sweat beaded on her brow and without words Syd reached her hand over the seat and next to the window to softly caress Ally’s shoulder. She moved to the edge of her seat to reach Ally’s ear to whisper to her.

"You are gonna be great sweetheart, I’m right here for you. If you want to cry, it’s OK, my shoulder will be right here for you." Syd comforted while Tracey tried not to overhear the sweet reassurances between Ally and her new lover. Ally’s reached up and squeezed Syd’s hand in thanks and was never so grateful to have someone in her life like Sydney, as she was right now. She felt a wave of warmth swept through her as they entered her driveway. She instantly felt her parents with her and hoped they would stay with her until her stay was over.

"Wow, Alicia, your home is beautiful. You never mentioned how expansive the landscape was. God it reminds me of home. This is just gorgeous."

"Thanks sweetheart, yeah, mom loved this house and it took dad almost ten years to realize what he had. He didn’t want to move here, but mom loved the area. It’s very private and quiet. A lot like Eddi’s except we don’t have horses. We have a pool though, I think you’ll enjoy your stay here. Wink wink." Ally joked as Tracey put the car in park in front of the garage. Syd smiled and stepped out of the car and took a deep breath and was pleased that their travels were over for now.

Syd looked over the two story Victorian house and was in awe of its beauty. They all grabbed the bags from the luggage and after Ally found her key to the house, they entered her childhood home.

"Smells musty, I’m going to open some windows as soon as we get our bags upstairs." Ally said while walking towards the stairs.

Syd noticed her lover’s slow glances around the quiet home and watched her facial expression change from indifference to a complete sadness as she walked up the steps.

"Hey, Sydney, I gotta get back to work. I think she’s gonna need you right about now. Tell her I’ll be back later on tonight, okay?" Tracey said.

"Sure, Tracey, I think it’ll take a bit of getting used to for her to be here without her parents. I’ll let her know you’ll be back." She responded.

"Thanks for being here for her Syd, she’s very lucky."

"I’m the lucky one, Tracey." Syd corrected.

"Alright then. I’ll see you later. It was great to meet you. You have a great accent, did you know that?" Tracey smiled.

Syd rolled her eyes and smiled. "I don’t have an accent, you do!! What is it with you women?" Syd and Tracey laughed as Syd walked Tracey to the door.

After she led Tracey out, she walked upstairs and tried to guess which room Ally would have gone to. There were several rooms upstairs to choose from. She sat and listened to see if she could hear where Ally had gone. She listened closely and found Ally in what she assumed was her parents’ bedroom. She was sitting on their bed holding a picture of her parents that she took from the nighttable. She just stared at it while stroking their faces with her finger.

"Hey." Syd softly spoke.

"Hey." Ally pushed out before she let the tears loose that she had been holding in since she walked into the house.

"Hey, come here." Syd put her arms around Ally’s shoulders and pulled her to an embrace. Syd felt Ally’s sobs wrack her body and held onto her and decided that she would stay like this until Ally needed otherwise.

"God I miss them so much Sydney." Ally sobbed.

"I know honey, I know. Shhh I’m here, I gotcha. Let it all out baby, I’m right here." Sydney soothed.

"I’m so glad you’re here Sydney, God I love you." Ally said before she could stop herself. She felt Sydney’s heartrate increase rapidly but said nothing.

"I know you do...." Syd said continuing to console her lover. She knew that Ally heard her gasp at the revelation of Ally’s love for her. It’s not like she didn’t know, it just hit hard hearing it for the first time. She wasn’t sure if she ever wanted to hear anyone say that to her ever again. If love meant the treatment that she got from Sharon, than she wanted no part of it. She found herself in a very bad situation emotionally. She wanted to run away, but she knew that Ally needed her more than ever right now. So for Ally, she endured.

********

An hour or so later Ally had finished giving Sydney the nickel tour of her home. Syd was amazed at the size of the house and why Ally hadn’t mentioned before that her family was wealthy.

"My father was a Psychologist and he had money. I mean I’m only twenty years old, well I will be in a week or so. I never thought of myself as wealthy because I didn’t earn a substantial living. Hopefully my journalism degree will change that, and with the money they left me, I may have a chance at finding out what making a good living is all about." Ally explained.

"I have no doubt of your writing talent. Um, back up a sec, did you say you would be turning twenty in a week.?" Syd questioned.

"Yeah September twenty-first. I’ll be twenty, almost legal." She smiled and nudged Sydney.

"Like I was worried. Well fair is fair, I will be twenty-five in April."

"You know, I never asked you how old you were. I guess it really didn’t matter to me, but now that I know, I should have guessed that we were close in age. You don’t look a day over twenty-four." Ally said playfully.

"Oh thank you, may I take that as a compliment?" She retorted.

"You can do whatever it is that you like."

"Oh really? Anything?"

"Should I be afraid now?" Ally said as she backed up a few steps as Sydney prowled closer to her.

"Oh, definitely, be very afraid, Alicia." Sydney purred as she swept Ally into a soaring kiss that knocked Ally’s knees from under her. Syd caught Ally and held her tightly until their kiss tapered off.

"That was incredible. God, did you learn that from somewhere?"

Chuckling, "I’m glad that you liked that. You kiss quite lovely yourself."

"Oh thank you my dear." She said bowing to her partner.

They moved upstairs and began to unpack some of their things. The window in Ally’s room had been opened and Sydney took the opportunity to look out into their backyard. She took in a breath of fall air coming in from the screen and exhaled softly.

"You know, one of these days, I think I will take you home to Sydney. I think you’d love it there. It’s very quiet, much like the ranch, but my God, it is gorgeous." Syd turned to look at Ally’s loving gaze.

"You miss home don’t you?" Ally asked softly.

"Mmhmm, very much. I haven’t been home in what....six years? You would love my brother Tim, he is such a clown. I thought that he would decline my offer of the sheep station when I was deciding to leave Australia, but he didn’t. He was excited to have a part of my family in his life." Sydney paused but Ally just waited and listened. Sydney rarely spoke of her past and she wasn’t going to butt in now.

"He says that things are going well and I would be happy with the way he was running things. I’m sure I would be. He taught me everything I needed to know, well everything that my dad didn’t." She smiled. "Anyway, when Shar....when I decided to leave home I never thought I would miss it so much. So I can understand why you miss home so much." She still had a hard time even speaking Sharon’s name. Ally didn’t miss the slip and she hoped there would be more of them on their vacation together. Hopefully this trip would open up Sydney to Ally and she would finally understand the pain in the older woman’s heart. "It’s the part of you that is the most you. Does that make any sense? I mean just being here for little over an hour, I see so much of you in this house."

"Really? You can see that just from being here?"

"Oh yeah. The warmth of the decor of your bedroom is so you. The openness and brightness of your reading room is unmistakably you. There are just so many little things I see in this house that are you."

"Wow, you are really incredible, Sydney. I truly mean that." She said almost telling her how much she loved her again. She decided that a hug would suffice for now. She walked up to Sydney and wrapped her arms around the taller woman’s body.

"Mmm I like it here. I like you here too." Syd said as she ran her fingers through Ally’s silky golden hair. She ran her hand up and down Ally’s back unconsciously and Ally let out a moan of content bringing a smile to Syd’s lips.

"It’s still pretty warm and musty in here don’t you think?" Syd nodded and released Ally’s hold.

Ally walked through the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, study, and sunroom opening every window imaginable, letting in as much air into the stuffy old house as possible.

Ally found Syd sitting on the leather sofa in the family room in deep thought. She didn’t want to pry but she really wanted Sydney to open up to her. ‘Soon, I hope.’ Ally thought to herself.

"So, Syd, when did Tracey say that she would be back?"

"Ahh, she said that she had to go back to work and that she’d be back later on tonight. She wasn’t really specific with the time."

"Hmm, I wonder if she wants to do dinner with us this evening." She checked her watch and realized that she was still on Montana time. She moved her watch forward and then saw that it was close to mealtime "technically". "Did you remember to change your watch? I almost forgot." Ally said nonchalantly as she fixed her watchstrap.

"Yes I did already. I did it on the plane, I didn’t want to get screwed up later on." Syd replied. "So Ally? When do we get to try out that pool of yours?"

"You get a sudden urge to go swimming or something?"

"Maybe........" She said with a bit of a grin on her face.

"I’ll have to see if the pool was set up for the summer. I don’t know if it was even filled this year. So much was going on when I came home, I didn’t even notice. Let’s go out back and check, you’ll love it out there. Dad had the best garden, he had the most beautiful roses, I wonder if he planted any before....." She trailed off as Syd softly caressed her cheek.

"Let’s go see." She said as she kissed the top of Ally’s head. She took Ally’s arm and walked out into the patio and then out to the pool area.

There they were as beautiful as Ally remembered. There were rows and rows of roses in the garden adjacent to their fence. Syd just marveled at Ally’s face when she saw them. She took a look for herself and was amazed at their beauty.

"My God they are gorgeous. You were so right. Your father definitely had a green thumb. I don’t think I have ever seen roses like that before." Syd said in awe.

"I don’t think you’ll ever see any like this anywhere. He truly made it an art." Ally explained proudly.

There was still a cover on the pool and Ally walked into the pool shed and opened the door to flip a switch. With a click the electronic pool cover slid open and revealed a full swimming pool. Ally looked up at Sydney and smiled.

"I bet I know who is responsible for this."

"Edna?"

"None other. I bet she called ahead and had the service come and take care of this. She is too much. We have to remember to call her tonight and thank her."

"Absolutely, she is such a wonderful woman Ally. You are very lucky to have her as a part of your family."

"She’s your family too Syd. I know Eddi thinks of you as family. She has said so many times. I think you are the daughter she never had. I always hoped that I was that girl, but I really think that she feels that way about you. She loves you, you know."

"Yeah I do, she is one in a million. She took me in after Sharon and I split up..." Syd realized a second too late that she had mentioned her ex’s name to Ally for the first time. Ally tried to control the excitement of Sydney’s disclosure of her name. She played it off coolly not wanting this conversation to end. Syd’s body had panic running rampantly throughout it after she slipped up. "Anyway, she really helped to get my head together. I will be forever grateful to her for that."

"That’s our Eddi, she will stop at nothing to help people in need. That is just in her make-up and I would never change that about her. God, I miss her already!" Ally laughed at herself.

"With me here? What am I, chopped steak?"

"Liver honey, chopped liver."

"Ew, I hate liver, I would much rather be steak."

"I love steak, it’s the most delectable of meats I think. I could eat steak all the time." Ally said in her most sexy voice.

"Really? I think you do get your share of steak..... don’t you think, Alicia?" She purred playing along with their analogy.

"You can never have enough steak, especially when it tastes as good as it does." Ally said seductively enjoying the playfulness of Sydney.

"You like the flavor........ you like the juice when you poke your fork into it for your first bite. The anticipation of the dripping morsel onto your taste buds......it’s intoxicating isn’t it?" She rumbled into Ally’s ears sending her into fits of arousal.

"Yes it is......and it’s a good thing that I am not a vegetarian. Don’t you think?" She gulped as she saw the dark desire forming in her lover’s eyes.

"Yes I do........come here Alicia........I need to kiss you....." Syd commanded in soft humming tones.

Ally moved within reach of Sydney’s lips and slowly pressed hers against Syd’s. The passion from one kiss was astounding to Ally and she wanted Syd to take her right then and there when she heard someone clearing their throat behind them.

Looking up startled. "Tracey!! My God you scared the hell outta me!!" She screamed at a smiling curly headed blonde.

"Yeah, you looked scared......hey Syd, how are ya?"

"Fine thanks, you?" She said trying to hide the blush she felt creeping up her neck.

"I am well. Damn hungry though, you guys up for pizza?"

"God, Tracey is that all you still eat?"

"Hey it’s a fine meal, if I do say so myself. You have eaten plenty of them with me if my memory serves correctly."

"Haha I know. You know Trace.......you could take us to the bar tonight, if you wanted." She wiggled her eyebrows at Tracey who in turn raised hers high into her forehead.

"THE BAR?? You want to go there? God I never thought I would see the day!! Man Syd, I don’t know what you have done to her, but I like the results."

"Hey! I went to plenty of bars at school. I just never wanted to go to a gay bar before. Now I think I would love to enter a club on the arm of this beauty." Ally winked at Syd whose body immediately reacted to the comment.

"Umm, could you two excuse me...?" She said as she practically ran up to the house.

"What was that about?" Tracey asked.

Ally just shrugged her shoulders, "I have no idea. Excuse me Trace, would you? I really want to know what is bugging her. She has been so strange since we left Montana. I’ll be back in a few. Sorry hon. " She said as she squeezed her friends forearm and ran up to the house in search of her love.

********

Sydney ran into the house and quickly found the powder room to heave her guts out. Her body was shaking from the stabbing pain in her gut. ‘She’s not Sharon, Sydney, she’s not Sharon. She wouldn’t treat me like a prop. She’s not like that!!’ Her head was saying in a mantra. Her body continued to tremble as another wave of nausea hit her hard. This was going to be a long night indeed.

Ally ran into the house shouting Syd’s name and got no response. Only after seeing Syd’s pale face exit from the powder room did she calm her bellowing.

"Syd, honey, are you ill? You look so pale." She ran up to Syd and rested the back of her hand to her cheek. "You are warm, come on and sit down in here." Ally said as she walked Syd back to the couch. "Relax a bit. I’ll get you some water." She caressed Syd’s ashen face and went into the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water.

Tracey came back into the house and saw Sydney on the sofa in the family room. Her head was resting on the armrest of the sofa and she looked as if she was crying. Tracey heard Ally in the kitchen and decided to find her first.

"Hey, Ally, is Syd okay? She looks like she’s crying over there." She said sympathetically.

"I don’t know Trace. Do you mind if we take a raincheck tonight? I think she has airsickness or flu or something. She just came out of the powder room and she looked like she had just gotten sick." She explained.

"Sure babe. Tomorrow is Friday anyway, maybe we could go to the bar then, I mean if you guys are up to it."

"OK, Trace, thanks hon. I have lots of packing to do here, and hopefully I will get lots done during the day so we can play after dark!!" She said as she smiled at her friend.

"I have missed you girl." Tracey said as she hugged her buddy.

"Me too, Trace, have a good night."

"You too hon."

"I have a feeling though, it’s gonna be a long night."

"Well hopefully not too long. You look like you could use some sleep. Those eyes of yours need some shuteye."

"Yeah I know. I haven’t been sleeping all that well as of late. I was hoping that coming home would cure me of my night demons. I have bad dreams all the time. Syd usually cuddles me close and then I usually calm down. We call it "The Exorcism"." She laughed as she enunciated the words while using her hands to mime quotation marks.

"God you guys are sickening. I’m glad you are happy though Ally. She is gorgeous! And my God how do you not feint with that accent calling out your name?? Don’t tell me she doesn’t. I know my talks with you taught you something!!!"

"Christ, Tracey!!" Laughing, "Although it took awhile not to blush whenever I heard my name called that’s for sure, but I will never tire of it. Not from that mouth or with that voice. God she could melt butter with that voice." She said proudly. "Speaking of meltdowns, I think I need to get back to her. See you tomorrow?"

"You bet babe, nite." Tracey said as she kissed Ally’s cheek and left to go home. Before she left, she waved good-bye to Syd and bid her a goodnight as well.

*********

Ally returned to Sydney’s side with her water. She gave her the glass and watched her pale partner slowly drink the contents. She sighed softly and then looked into Ally’s eyes.

"I’m sorry honey. I guess I am just not feeling that well. I don’t like to fly, and maybe it finally got to me." She lied with a sincere smile.

"That’s alright sweetie, just lay here." She shifted so Sydney could lay on the couch with her head resting on Ally’s thigh. She stroked Syd’s long dark hair and started to knead the knots from her neck and shoulders. She could instantly feel the stress from within Sydney.

"God Syd, you are so stiff and balled up with tension. Are you sure that you are okay?" Ally asked hoping that Syd would finally open up to her.

"Yeah baby, I’m feeling better just being here with you. Sorry your first night home turned into a bust." Syd said sleepily.

"Spending time with my best girl is never a bust in my eyes." She said outloud. ‘I love you, you big goof.’ She wished she could say out loud. "There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you Sydney. I hope you know that."

"Mmhhmmm" Sydney said as she fell off into a restless rest.

Ally continued to rub Syd’s head as she felt her body completely relax and her breathing deepened. She just sat there and held her love trying to soothe whatever demons may have invaded Syd’s soul. She shifted a little and felt Syd’s grip on her legs tighten.

"Shhh, don’t worry love, I’m not going anywhere. I love you Sydney. You don’t know how hard it is for me not to tell you that." She began whispering to her slumbering companion while rubbing her head. "You have helped me so much in the last few months. You have helped me to deal with the biggest loss in my life. When my parents were killed, I never wanted to know love again. I didn’t want to hurt like that ever again, and loving you sets me up for that. I don’t care though, you brought out the person in me that I was afraid to know was there. I was afraid of knowing the person inside of me because I knew I was different. You showed me that loving a woman is no different than the love my father showed my mother. I know who I am for the first time in my life. I’m not afraid of the future because I know that I’ll have you at my side. It just makes me sad that you don’t tell me what is bothering you so much. I know it’s about that woman you used to be with, you just need to tell me. You know whatever you say to me won’t change the way I feel about you, nothing will. I just know that whatever it is that she did to you, will make me feel that much more sorry for her. She lost her chance with you, and you’re mine now. It’s bad enough I can’t even compliment you without you thinking that’s all I love about you. God you aren’t a trophy or a possession. Sydney you are a gorgeous woman, that is just the facts. Your physical beauty, though, doesn’t even compare to the woman you are to me." Ally sighed and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "I love you baby, I love you with all of my heart." Ally finished as she leaned her head back into the couch.

Sydney lay her in lap with one teary eye opened not knowing what to say to Ally. ‘Do I let her know that I heard most of what she said? Or do I lay here and pretend to be asleep? God she is the most wonderful person I have ever known. She has a heart that parallels no other. I do love you Alicia, I just wish I knew how to say it again. Those words have hurt so many. I want them to be more than just words, especially with the love I feel for you. I really hoped that I would have forgotten about Sharon, because I never wanted to talk about her again. I hope that you never meet her, I would hate it if she tried to hurt you. She hurt me really badly, and I never want you two in the same room together. Even if she is only here in conversation. I promise I will tell you everything, I just need the courage, help me find that courage Alicia. Only you can help me to find that strength. I just hope it’s not too late by the time it arrives. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. Ever.’ Sydney mused to herself as she nonchalantly shifted in her "sleep" to wipe her tear stained face.

********

Ally awoke to find Sydney gone from her lap and the couch. She got up and stretched to go find her lover. She walked into the kitchen and the room was dark. She managed to turn on the lights in the hallway and walked up the stairs. She found her bathroom door closed and heard the shower turn off. A smile came to her face as she approached the door. She tapped lightly on the door.

"If you are a 5’4" blonde haired beauty you may enter. If not please go away, my girlfriend will be up soon." Sydney said as she grabbed a towel and began to dry herself off.

The door opened up and the chill air ran up her semi-wet naked form. Syd grabbed Ally and quickly ushered her inside to close the door. She embraced Ally in a full bear hug and relaxed when she felt the smaller woman’s hands on her.

"When did you wake up honey?"

"A couple of hours ago. Did you have a good rest?"

"Mm, yeah I did. I didn’t even know I was tired. Must have been the traveling. I’m going to be up all night now." She pouted.

"Ooh, I hope so. I would hate to think that I would be up all by myself in this big house. I may get scared." She joked around. "Besides, I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise? For me? Why? What did I do?"

"You are just you, baby, that’s why." She smiled and looked at their hugging reflection in the mirror.

"Well where is it?"

"It’s downstairs, you want to see it?"

"Sure in a sec. First I want to know if you are feeling better. Your coloring is so much better."

"I feel one hundred percent better sweetheart, and it is because of you and your TLC. Thanks for taking care of me."

"Aww sweetie, it was no big deal. I like taking care of you. I hope to do it for a long time." She sweetly smiled.

"Me too. I’m hungry, let’s go downstairs."

"Ohhh, the surprise is food related?"

"How else would I thank you appropriately? Food is like gold to you babe."

"Got that right. Lead the way!!" She said excitedly.

Syd grabbed a T-shirt and shorts from their room and lead Ally downstairs. She led Ally through the sunroom and out towards the pool.

"Oh Sydney....." Ally gasped at the sight in front of her.

The perimeter of the pool was illuminated by candlelight. Syd had set up a table with several entrees of Ally’s favorite delicacy, Chinese food.

"Sydney, how did........this is beautiful. How did you do this without me knowing?"

"I found the keys to one of the cars in the garage, found a phonebook, and I am not above asking for directions." She smiled triumphantly.

"You are incredible! Thank you so much, God you are so thoughtful." Ally said as she captured Sydney’s lips in a deep sensual kiss.

"Mmm, you are so welcome. I know that you wanted to spend your first night with Tracey, so I wanted to make up for it somehow." She guiltily said.

"Oh Sydney, you don’t have to make up for being sick, it just happened. Don’t think that you had to make up for that."

"Ally....I........I....." Sydney softly began.

"What, Sydney?" Ally asked.

"Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that I am really happy you brought me here." She said as she released a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

"Me too sweetie, I am so glad that you are here with me. Are you hungry?" Ally excitedly asked.

"Sure, let’s hit it. Now remember, no swimming for at least an hour after eating."

"Oh, Sydney, I think they have pushed it down to a half hour now." She answered mischievously. She sat down and started spooning little portions of everything that Sydney ordered for them. "Ooh can you pass me an egg roll?"

Laughing, "You know it still is such entertainment for me to watch you eat. Between you and your aunt, I think I have found the two most adoring eaters on the planet. It is really something to watch." She said as she put a forkful of Cashew Chicken in her mouth. "Mmm this is good." She mumbled.

"Mmhhmm it is. Oh you got to try the Shrimp and Pea Pods, God, I have missed this place. They just don’t have this in Montana. So um, did you venture around town?"

"Yeah I did a little, I didn’t want to go too far without a chaperone." Syd jokingly replied.

"Did you like Market Square? Isn’t like a little town of make believe?" Ally inquired.

"Yeah, it was like.....what was that guy’s name who had a children’s show on television here in the States, a Mr. Robinson, or someone?"

Laughing, "Ha, I think you mean Mr. Roger’s. Yeah, he had a show for kids, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. It was one of my favorite shows as a kid. But I see your point, it is a little like that. You should see it around Christmas, they really do a wonderful job with lights all over every single tree in the square."

"Even the huge one near the fountain?"

"Especially that one. It’s really something to see."

"You know what?" Sydney asked as she was staring at her lover.

"Hmm?" Ally replied in between bites.

"You looked about twelve years old just then. I don’t think I have seen that look in your eyes before you spoke of Christmas. You are so adorable, Alicia."

"You are just biased."

"No I just call them as I see them.’ She said as she winked at Ally.

********

"Oh, Sydney that was just wonderful, God it feels good to have food in my belly. I didn’t want to eat too much, because I really want to get in the water. I don’t remember September being this warm."

"It seems a little out of season, but I agree it is quite warm out, it’s so beautiful though. The sky is clear and you can see lots of stars, but you are right, you don’t quite see as many as you do by Edna’s." She said as she poured more wine for herself.

"I am glad that you are feeling better. What do you suppose hit you? Air sickness?"

"Well, whatever it was, I’m glad it decided to leave as quickly as it arrived."

"Me too." She smiled as she gestured to Sydney to fill her glass as well. "You know, you could get arrested for aiding to the delinquency of a minor."

"Yeah well I think they could arrest me for more than a drinking violation. Certain acts of love are illegal here in the States, no?"

Thinking about what Syd said brought a flush of acknowledgment to what acts she was talking about.

"You are so beautiful when you blush, Alicia. I am a lucky woman."

"No, Sydney, I am the lucky one." She leaned over and kissed her partner.

"Mm, do you want to try the pool yet?" Sydney asked hopefully. "There is a little more to the surprise for this evening."

"Oohh there’s more? What could you possibly have done in two hours?"

Sydney smiled innocently.

"Should I be afraid?"

"Yes, be very afraid. You left me on my own for a couple hours, be very afraid Alicia." She purred in Ally’s ear. Ally audibly gulped as she felt Sydney pull her to her feet.

"I don’t think you’ll be needing these." Sydney seductively said as she began to remove Ally’s shorts. Sydney pushed the unwanted clothing to Ally’s feet followed by her underwear. The warm air felt wonderful on Ally’s aroused skin. Syd slowly unbuttoned Ally’s shirt as she kept eye contact with the smaller woman. She gently brought the garment over Ally’s shoulders and down her arms, revealing well tanned, delectable skin that she needed to taste. After her shirt fell to the ground with the other items of clothing, she removed the final piece of apparel unleashing Alicia’s beautiful breasts.

Sydney just stared at her lover as she gently cupped Ally’s breasts and began to brush her thumbs across Ally’s already erect nipples.

"You are such a sensual person Sydney, I just love it. I never knew that making love could be this incredible. You never leave me wanting for more. You satisfy every need I thought I would ever have. Sometimes you satisfy wants that I didn’t even know I had."

"Good I am glad. I hope that you like what I have planned for you for tonight then." She said as she captured Ally’s wanting mouth with her own. She let her tongue linger inside Ally’s mouth as they exchanged gentle touches and caresses. Ally tugged on Syd’s shorts and pulled away breathlessly from the kiss.

"These have to go as well my sweet."

"Oh that’s not a problem, I want to feel your body against mine. I love the way our bodies feel when they are together. It’s like we were made to fit perfectly with each other. We must have been considering the differences of our heights."

"Mmmm I love your body and the way it feels. I bet it will feel even better in there." She said as she gestured to the water.

"Come on, let’s get wet."

"Too late for that my little country mouse. I have already reached that point. I don’t think I will ever have to worry about that being a problem as long as you are in my life." Sydney chuckled at Ally’s admission.

The two women slowly entered the candle lit pool by walking down the stairs in the shallow end. Ally held onto the metal railing as she stepped down letting the temperature of the water wash over her skin. Sydney dove under the water and came up like a goddess as the water cascaded down her tanned muscled form. Ally just watched Sydney like a child in awe of a phenomenon. The desire she felt right now challenged any emotion she had ever had, and won.

Ally dove in towards her lover and surfaced in front of her. The taller woman wrapped her arms around the smaller form in front of her. Their bodies were warm and wet and glistened in the candlelight.

"You know, the only other time I have been naked in this pool was with Tracey. We got drunk and went skinny dipping a couple summers ago. I thought that was fun. It doesn’t even hold a candle to this....sorry, no pun intended."

"You and Tracey huh? Should I be jealous?"

"Oh God no, Tracey is my best friend. I think that sex is the only thing we haven’t shared. Did I tell you that she was the one that told me I was gay? I thought she was just wishfully thinking aloud. She just knew me better than I knew myself. Still does sometimes. Other than you and Edna, I have never trusted someone, as I trust her. She is the best friend ever."

"She seems like she really cares about you. I think I will like getting to know her." Syd said as she leaned over and gently nibbled on Ally’s neck. She felt Ally’s body shudder and she moved her lips over to Ally’s throat and began to gently kiss and suckle at it.

"Mm, no more talk about Tracey." Ally panted out as she claimed Syd’s mouth again. Ally thrusted her tongue deep inside Syd’s mouth. She felt feverish with the passion running through her body. Syd reached down and started massaging Ally’s bottom and was rewarded with a hungry growl from Ally.

"Oh yes, Sydney, God you are so incredible. I want you so badly right now." She gasped.

"I know baby, me too. Come on, here’s where the surprise comes into play, and I do mean play. Do you trust me?"

"You know I do. What did you have in mind?" Ally asked while half of her was nervous, her other half was on fire.

Syd took Ally’s hand and led them back to the stairs leading out of the pool. She sat Ally down on the last step leaving her upper body exposed to her. She bent down to her knees and knelt between Ally’s legs. Ally reached out and pulled Sydney into a lustful kiss. Their tongues battled for control inside their mouths while their bodies began to move against each other in a rhythm of desire. Syd leaned over and reached for the towel she had resting poolside. She opened the towel to reveal a pair of handcuffs. They separated from their kiss and Syd raised her eyebrow in question.

"You game?" Syd asked as she dangled the cuffs from her finger.

"Where did you want to cuff me to, the water?" Ally chuckled.

"No, I thought this would serve us well." She clanged the cuffs against the railing next to the stairs.

"Oh, um, I sense a well thought out plan. Remind me to leave you alone more often." She smiled seductively at her lover.

Ally leaned back and reached up so her hands were on either side of the railing. Sydney reached over and locked the cuffs to each of Ally’s wrists around the railing. She ladled some water in her hands and poured it slowly over Ally’s breasts watching the droplets of water return to their origin. Ally’s nipples were fully erect and Sydney found her mouth eager to taste them. She leaned into Ally’s body and captured a nipple with her teeth and gently stroked it with her tongue eliciting a pleasurable moan from Ally. She looked up and found Ally’s eyes closed and her mouth was open wide enough for her tongue to moisten her lips. Syd climbed a little further up Ally’s body and whispered in her ear.

"How far do you want to go?"

"I’d go anywhere with you, Sydney."

"All right. Then I want you to tell me how you feel about this." She smiled and lifted a candle and poured a little drop of wax on her palm and showed Ally. "You want to play with fire, scarecrow?"

"Do it, Sydney, you won’t hurt me." Ally said confidently as she watched Syd raise the candle over her chest and painfully waited in anticipation as the wax slowly ran from the candle onto her chest. "Oooh......." She hissed.

"Did that hurt you?" Syd asked sincerely.

"No it feels really umm.........I don’t know how to describe it, but it definitely didn’t hurt."

"The journalist doesn’t know how to describe something?" She kidded.

"You win this time, Sydney, take it while you can."

"How about I take you instead?" She purred as she let another few drops fall onto Ally’s chest. A drop of wax rolled to her nipple before it hardened making Ally pull on her restrained arms. Her body was reacting to the stimulus with a ferocity she didn’t expect. She was fully enjoying Sydney’s little surprise. Another flow of the wax fell onto her and it landed directly on her nipple making her cry out. Sydney dripped some water from the pool on the same spot and the combination of hot and cold made Ally shudder with desire.

Sydney drew patterns on her lover’s chest and abdomen with the wax until she wanted to do much more than watch her lover squirm, she wanted to take Ally over the edge of reality. She wanted the screams, she needed to hear her name called into the heavens. She ladled more water over Ally’s body and rubbed her chest until all the wax fell off her body. The exotic massage had Ally writhing with need. Sydney brought her hands lower to feel Ally’s excitement. Not even the pool could wash away her lover’s wetness.

Syd played in Ally’s folds of skin and slowly entered her with one teasing finger.

"Oh sweet Jesus!!!!" Ally screamed out.

Syd began to thrust slowly into her lover as her thumb stimulated Ally’s clitoris. She added a finger to the assault and felt Ally’s body grind into her. Her arms were pulling hard on the railing wanting to be free to pull Sydney into her. The excitement of the restraints was almost unbearable...almost.

Syd slid down and raised Ally’s legs over her shoulders. She leaned back pulling on Ally, making the rest of Ally’s body buoyant. She kissed her inner thighs and looked into Ally’s eyes knowing that it wouldn’t take much to bring her to release. Sydney had never seen a more beautiful sight in her life. She leaned forward and licked Ally’s sex from the base of her anus to the tip of her clitoris. Ally’s body started squirming from the welcomed invasion. Her breath was coming in short pants and Syd heard her name coming from deep within Ally’s throat. Her tongue rapidly moved against Ally’s clit bringing her closer and closer to release. She drove her fingers deeper inside of Ally as she moved her tongue faster.

"Oh my God....Sydney.......fuck..........I’m..........ooooooooohhh!!!" Ally shouted out as her release flooded through her body. She hung on to the railing as Sydney continued her assault on her body. Her body shook with every touch from Sydney’s mouth and fingers. When Sydney knew her lover had had enough, she slowly lowered Ally’s legs back into the water and pressed her body against her. Ally wrapped her head against Sydney’s head and shoulder in an embrace.

"Please....Sydney, can you take these off now? I need to hold you." Ally pleaded.

"Yes sweetheart, of course." She reached up to the towel and found the key releasing Ally’s spent arms. Ally brought her arms around Sydney’s strong form and held her as tightly as she could.

"My God, Sydney, that was amazing." She whispered out. "The combination of everything was so exhilarating. You are really an incredible lover." She said softly as her emotions came over her and she began to cry.

"Shh, it’s OK sweetie, I’ve gotcha. Shhh. It was really wonderful for me too baby. To feel you lose all control like that, watching your expressions change, feeling your body finally giving in to me. Oh My God.....there is no other feeling like it. You are quite an astonishing lover yourself." She said as she gently kissed her lover’s forehead.

"I thank God everyday for bringing you to me. You are the most important thing in my life. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you."

"Let’s not think about that. Hopefully we won’t ever have to find that out." She squeezed Ally closer to her. "Let’s think about something much happier, like your birthday."

"What about my birthday?"

"Is there anything special you want or want to do?"

"I haven’t really thought about it. I’m sure you’ll think of something though. You, I have found out, are very resourceful." Ally smiled into Syd’s strong embrace.

‘Yes I am, and believe me, between Tracey and I, you are going to have the best birthday ever, you just wait.’ Syd thought as she felt Ally’s smile against her.

The first night sleeping in Ally’s house was a quiet one for the two women, especially Sydney. Even though they fell off to sleep in the wee hours of the morning, she still woke up with the birds. She wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself, since this was the first morning in about three years that she didn’t have to tend to the horses in Edna’s stables. Edna always would ask her to take a vacation, but Sydney would always politely decline.

Syd decided to get up from under the warm assault of Ally’s body. She managed to sneak out of the bed without waking her. There wasn’t an easy way to awaken Ally, so she knew she could escape without disturbing her. She walked downstairs and started to clean up their mess they had made the previous night. The sight in front of her made her smile. Her little surprise paid off in spades. They had both had a wonderful time, but Sydney still felt a little guilty for not telling Ally about Sharon and her past with her. Syd knew she would probably feel better, but she couldn’t stand the thought of what Ally would think of her after she knew what was done to her. She didn’t want pity, she just wished all of the past and all of her thoughts of Sharon, would just go away.

*********

Ally opened her eyes and noticed right away that she was alone. At first she was a little unnerved by this, then she figured that Syd probably got up at dawn like she usually does.

"Does she ever sleep?" She sleepily said to herself.

Ally got up and put a pair of shorts on and one of Syd’s large T-shirts on and stumbled into the bathroom. After she finished with her morning necessities, she went downstairs in search of Sydney. She found her poolside sunning herself. Ally took in the breathtaking sight before her. Sydney had donned her black bikini and went out for a morning swim. She did a few laps then lied in the lawnchair to get some sunshine. She felt Ally’s presence before Ally even said anything to her.

"Good morning gorgeous." Syd greeted.

"How do you do that?" Ally marveled.

"I have many skills." She smiled and squinted up at her friend.

"Yes, I think you have shown me that." Ally smiled back. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Mmm, yes I did. Your bed is quite comfortable."

"Yeah, I had forgotten what it felt like. I think last night was the first night in weeks that I didn’t have a nightmare."

"I was going to say something about that but I didn’t want to jinx anything."

"Thanks for noticing."

"Hey, when you are concerned, I always notice. In a room of thousands, I would know if you were missing."

"You are sweet." She said as she put her arms around Sydney from behind her chair.

"Yeah, but don’t let that get around. I got a reputation to uphold."

"Ooh, right. Sorry." She kissed Sydney’s cheek.

"Are you hungry sweetheart? I think you worked up quite an appetite from last night."

"Yeah, but whose fault is that?"

"Oh I’ll take full responsibility for that, with pleasure." She said as she gave a full smile to Ally.

"God you are so beautiful."

"So are you little one. So are you." She said as she caressed the cheek looking down at her. "Let’s get some breakfast."

"Sure. You up for going into town? I really don’t want to cook."

"Alright, let me put something on that's not so revealing, and we can go."

"Aww and spoil my visual from across a table?"

"Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t think everyone would share your opinion."

"Oh, I beg to differ. I’m sure there are plenty of people that wouldn’t mind the view."

"Well, too bad for them that I am already taken."

"Yes, terrible shame don’t you think?"

"Not for me. Come on, let’s eat."

"There is a place called The Harbor that I know you will love. They only serve breakfast and lunch, but it is the best food around as far as breakfast. They will make you any kind of egg that you can think of. It’s great stuff. Ooh I can’t wait." She said clapping and skipping up to the house. Sydney just watched the childlike antics coming from Ally with a huge smile.

********

Ally drove into town like she was visiting for the first time. Her memories of life with her parents seemed so long ago. This was a whole new thing for her. She was just grateful that Sydney was there with her. They pulled into the small shopping plaza and parked near the restaurant. Ally couldn’t believe that she was home again.

"God Sydney, it feels like I have been gone a lifetime. It is so strange to be here."

"I bet honey. Did you want to go in?"

"In a sec, I just want to look around for a minute."

Ally just walked through the tiny plaza gazing in every window to see if they had changed as much as she had in the last few months. She came across a tiny clothing shop and smiled to Sydney.

"They have the best cashmere sweaters in this place. Mom got me one for Christmas last year that is just the best."

"Did you want to browse for awhile before brunch?" She said looking at her watch.

"Nah, I just liked reminiscing. We can go, I am truly hungry."

"OK Hon, let’s go. I hope there isn’t a long wait."

"Hopefully not, but unfortunately this place is usually packed around lunchtime. Lots of business people come here from all over just to eat here. It’s really great."

"Can’t wait, let’s go and get our name in."

Looking up from her menus the hostess asked, "How many?"

"Just the two of us." Ally replied.

"Name?"

"McKenna."

"McKenna?" The hostess asked again.

"Yes Ally McKenna."

"Wow, you probably don’t remember me, it’s Melissa Milo, we went to the high school together."

"Oh yeah, Melissa, how are you?"

"I am doing well. I heard about what happened to your parents. I am so sorry. Your father helped a lot of this town’s "Most Stressed"."

"Thanks. It’s been a rough year but I have had a lot of help from some really wonderful people. My dad loved what he did and really cared about his patients. I know a lot of people will miss him."

"Yes that's true. Umm, the wait will only be a few more minutes."

"That’s all? This placed is jammed." Ally said as she looked around the restaurant.

"I’ll get you in. I have a little bit of an edge over these people."

"Thanks, Melissa." Ally gratefully smiled.

"Sure, Ally, take care." Melissa said with a sincere smile.

"You too, good to see you."

"You too." She replied as she walked towards oncoming guests.

"She seemed nice." Syd chimed in.

"Yeah, she was extremely quiet in high school. You could be guaranteed a smile from her though if you said hello. She was one of those people who you knew would be a loyal friend. You know?"

"Yeah, so why didn’t you hang with her?"

"We hung out in different circles I guess you could say. Funny, I don’t really see or talk to any of those people now. My only constant has been Tracey."

"They say people change their ways in time. Those others weren’t meant to be your friends."

"I guess not. I didn’t even hear from alot of them when my parents died."

"That’s terrible. I’m sorry."

"What for? I am much better off without them." Ally said confidently.

A voice came from the front counter. "McKenna, party of two."

"That’s us, come on!" Ally jumped from the waiting seats.

"Right behind you." Syd chuckled at her obviously hungry partner.

The two women were seated in a large booth in the upper level of the restaurant. Syd just looked around in disbelief at a place being so crowded that only served two meals out of the day.

"It’s really nice in here."

"Yeah, like I said a lot of people come here from all over. I think some just spend their lunch hour in the car to get here."

"Wow, it must have a great reputation." Sydney added.

"Yes it does, and it seems to be growing."

A waitress arrived at their table, "What can I get you ladies? Anything cold to drink today?"

"I’ll just have water." Sydney said.

"Will that be bottled, filtered, mineral, carbonated, caffeinated or tap?"

Sydney just stared at Ally with her mouth open and eyes wide. She then returned her stare to the waitress. Ally had to stifle her laugh with her hand.

"Umm, I guess tap is fine."

"Lemon or no lemon?"

‘Christ I just want a glass of water!!’ She thought to herself. "No lemon...thank you."

"And you miss?" The waitress turned to Ally.

"I’ll have what she’s having." Ally said as she stopped herself from laughing out loud.

The waitress flipped her pad closed, smiled, and walked to get their innocuous beverages.

"Oh......my God. All I asked for was water. I never really thought about how many different ways people would drink it. Jesus!!" Syd said while still wide eyed.

Laughing with her, "I know, I wasn’t sure if I should stop her to take a breath or not. Nothing is simple anymore, you know? Not EVEN water." She said looking at her menu, "What are you going to get?"

"God, I have no idea. If ordering water was this much trouble, I am afraid to order anything of substance."

Giggling, "Don’t be, just get what you want. I’m sure they can make anything that you like."

"We’ll see." She said smiling.

The waitress came back with their glasses of tap water, and opened her pad up to take the ladies’ orders. Her eyes widened with the amount of food that Ally ordered. Sydney struggled through the ordering process and hoped to get her food the way she liked. Ally seemed confident that she would.

"Would you excuse me, Ally, I am going to visit the ladies room. Where is it, do you know?"

"Umm...yeah... it’s over by the kitchen area...see the arrow?"

"Yeah, thanks hon. See you in a bit."

"OK." Ally answered as she grabbed a package of breadsticks and began dipping them into the butter. "Mmm, God I am so hungry." She said to the empty seat across from her.

********

Sydney walked into the ladies room used the facilities. She walked out of the stall and walked towards the sink to wash her hands and face. She rinsed off her face and felt a towel being held out to her. She accepted it and dried her face.

"Thanks..." Her words stopped cold when her eyes met with dark brown ones.

"Hello, Sydney. My my my, what a small world it is." Sharon chuckled.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Syd nearly spat trying to control her emotions.

"Now, Sydney is that anyway to treat an old friend?" She crooned.

"You are NOT my friend. Have you been following me? What the hell do you want from me? Answer me!" She said very impatiently.

"Following you? My aren’t we the arrogant one. Don’t flatter yourself darling, I am here on business."

"Business?" She said disbelieving.

"Yes darling, daddy’s little company is planning a merger with one of the big boys of the Midwest. He sent me to..."

"To use your only attribute? He wanted you to seduce the big boys into seeing things "your way"? Right? You make me sick." She tried to push away from the platinum blonde invading her space.

"Oh, Sydney, you can’t still be angry with me, can you?"

"Sharon, I don’t feel anything but pity for you. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah, you can tell me the name of that fine little thing sitting with you."

Sydney couldn’t control her temper any longer. She threw Sharon up against the wall and pinned her forearm under the blonde’s throat. "You even breathe on her, and I will rip you apart with my bare hands. Do you understand me?"

"That’s alright Sydney, I know all about young Alicia. Shame what happened to her parents. I bet she is desperate need of comfort. I’m sure I could..." Sharon was cut off by added pressure of Sydney’s arm at her throat.

"You know what, Sharon? You have about two seconds to shut the fuck up before I kill your whoring ass. Leave her alone you psychotic freak or I swear to you...." Sydney hissed at Sharon.

Laughing through her gritted teeth. "Oh Sydney...God I forgot how sexy you are. Especially when you get angry. Does she see that angry side of you Sydney? Does she know what a bad ass you are Sydney? Does she know about Billy? I bet you didn’t tell her about that, did you?" Sharon paused and watched proudly as her words dug into Syd like daggers. "Does she see that aggressive sexual side of you? Does she like it rough like I did... Sydney?" The blonde taunted. Sydney’s breath was coming in short gusts of emotion. Sharon just laughed and smiled. "Hmm?"

"You stay away from her Sharon. She is NOTHING like you!!! You harm one hair on her head, I swear to you; I will make it my purpose in life to make yours a living hell. If you even SPEAK my brother’s name again, I will be your greatest nightmare. I promise you that." She seductively hissed into Sharon’s ear.

"Ooh baby, I’m getting so hot. Talk to me some more." She said as she licked her lips.

"God you are disgusting!!" Sydney spat as she let go of her hold on Sharon. She pointed her finger at Sharon in warning. "If you do anything, or say anything to her, I’ll come after you." She said and walked out of the ladies’ room leaving an amused Sharon behind to straighten her suit. Sharon smiled at her reflection.

"Oh, Sydney, you ain’t seen nothing yet." She smiled with aplomb.

********

Sydney stormed out of the ladies room and stopped to collect herself. She stood behind the wall separating the restrooms from the main room of the restaurant. After taking a few breaths, she made her way back to the table to where Ally was seated.

"Hey sweetie, are you alright? You look a little pale." Ally observed.

"Ally......I...." Syd started as she sat down.

"Here we are..." The waitress came just as Sydney began to tell Ally what had happened.

"Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and an English muffin with strawberry jam." She said as she put Sydney’s plate down in front of her.

"And for you, we have a three egg four cheese omelet, a side of bacon, a side of sausage, a small stack of blueberry pancakes, hash browns, an English muffin with grape jelly, a glass of milk, and two glasses of orange juice. Honey, I don’t know where you are going to put this, but bon appetìt." She said as she sauntered off to another table.

"Oooo, look at this, God I am so hungry. Dig in sweetheart." Ally said excitedly as she began to eat as if she hadn’t in a week.

Sydney watched the younger woman consume huge amounts of food as she sat and stared at her full plate.

"Shydnee, are yooo k?" Ally said with a partially full mouth as she noticed Syd not eating.

"Yeah, um, I think I lost my appetite. I’m not feeling that well all of a sudden. Maybe it’s a little flu left from last night." She lied.

"Oh honey, I’m sorry. I forgot about that. God, I’m so sorry. We can take this to go so we can get back home." Ally compromised.

"NO! Please finish your meal. You know how much I love to watch you eat." She tried to sincerely smile but it just wasn’t coming through, and Ally saw right through it.

"Sydney, what is wrong, honey? Please tell me." Ally almost pleaded.

"I will tell you, but just not here, and just not now. When the time is right Ally, when the time is right." Syd explained.

"OK, I will hold you to that baby. You can tell me anything. It won’t change the way I feel about you, nothing could."

"Thanks sweetheart, I don’t know what I would do without you." She reached across the table to hold Ally’s hand.

Sharon strolled out of the ladies room and glanced up at Sydney. They made eye contact, Sharon winked at her, smiled, then strut out of the restaurant. Sydney swallowed her emotions as she watched Sharon leave and gently caressed Ally’s hand. Ally looked up from her meal and smiled at Sydney. She continued to devour the food in front of her until there was nothing but crumbs left. The waitress came by and in disbelief and took Ally’s empty plates. She tossed away Sydney’s uneaten eggs as per Sydney’s request. ‘Who likes to eat reheated eggs anyway?’ Syd thought to herself.

Ally and Sydney walked up to the counter and Sydney insisted on paying for their meal. With a final huff, Ally agreed to let her pay and they left the restaurant. The two were quiet on the way home and Ally couldn’t help but wonder what had set Sydney off. She was never like this. Ally looked over at her partner and saw the lost look on her face as she stared out the window.

‘What is going on with you baby? God I wish you would just tell me. It can’t be that bad. It can’t be...’ Ally thought to herself as they pulled into her driveway.

********

Ally went into the garage to get the last of the boxes she had to pack up the rest of her things. She had decided with Edna that the best way to handle all of the furniture in the house was to have an estate sale. Whatever she could sell she would, and whatever she couldn’t she would donate or throw away. She had gone through quite a bit before moving to Montana, but there was more than ten years worth of stuff here. Tracey had helped her on more than one occasion get her ready for her big move. Her mother’s jewelry and clothing had been sorted and given away. What people didn’t want she donated to the Salvation Army. She had kept her mother’s wedding ring set for herself. It was always a favorite of hers and she knew her mom would have wanted her to have it. There were a few items of her clothing that had extreme sentimental value to them, so she kept them as well. Her mother had recently gone to Paris and had brought back some wonderful perfume, Boucheron. On days when Ally really missed her, she would spray it into the air just to have her scent nearby.

Ally cleaned out her parent's room in a few hours while Sydney decided to take care of the living and dining rooms downstairs. Sydney took this time to wonder why Sharon was in town, and how she knew about Ally. She was shaking with feelings she hadn’t felt in a long time. She was angry, nervous, and most of all she was in shock. Seeing Sharon was not on her things to do list for the day, and really was playing with her head.

‘God, what the hell is she doing here anyway? How does she know about Alicia and what happened to her parents? It’s not like she gives a shit about the human race, well only if she gets to sleep with them. Uugghhh, why the hell did she have to show up?’ Sydney was reeling in her mind as Ally walked downstairs to meet her.

"Hey, baby, feeling any better?" Ally asked sympathetically.

"Yeah I guess a little." She lied.

"Are you hungry at all? I could make you something to eat since you didn’t get anything at the restaurant."

"No sweetheart that is okay, I don’t really feel up to eating. Did you talk to Tracey at all? Does she want to go out this evening?"

"I did get a chance to talk with her briefly after lunch but her new girlfriend wants to spend time with her tonight. So I guess it’s just you and me tonight."

"Ohh, new girlfriend eh? Is she cute?" Ally wiggled her eyebrows.

"Well according to Trace, she is a "hotty". I guess they finally had sex, which is weird I think."

"Sex with your girlfriend is weird? Um, I think you had better talk to mine then, ‘cause she kind of likes that."

Laughing, "Ha ha, no I mean it’s kinda soon for Tracey. She was the type to wait a while before making that kind of commitment. She has only known this woman, um, Char I think her name is, for a couple months."

"Alicia, I hate to break it to you, but you and I made love within days of knowing each other."

"I know, but I am not Tracey, nor do I think it is the same. Char is a business associate of Tracey’s. They have only really seen each other like four or five times."

"Oh, so she’s isn’t from around here?"

"No I think she is on the West Coast somewhere. LA maybe? I don’t remember. Anyway, she just arrived and is actually staying for a week or so this time, so maybe we’ll get to meet her."

"Great, maybe we can get together or something with them for dinner or what not."

"I think that is a great idea. I really want to meet the woman who made Tracey’s morals go right down the crapper!!" She said with a large smile.

"Well I’m sure she is something else if she broke down Tracey’s walls so easily."

"Well, I guess we have to wait to find out."

"Yep." Sydney agreed. "Ah, I got most of these rooms in boxes for the sale. Did you want any of this stuff? There is some really nice porcelain statues and things here."

"No, I pretty much went through and kept all that I wanted to keep, as did Edna. My other family really didn’t come around that much so I don’t think they are getting any of it. I think I would rather sell it or donate the rest. It looks so damn empty in here. It’s like someone else’s house."

Sydney wrapped her arms around Ally. "I know baby. How are you holding up? Can I do anything for you?" Syd asked sincerely.

"You just being here with me is all I will ever need. Thank you for coming here with me. I’m not sure I would be this together had you not."

"Where you go, I go, get used to it." She smiled into the top of Ally’s head.

"That’s easy enough." Ally tightened her hold on her. ‘I love you baby’ She thought to herself.

ONE WEEK LATER

"So everything is a go for tomorrow night?" Sydney asked Tracey quietly.

"Yes, I have called all of our friends and Edna should arrive early tomorrow morning. I will pick her up from the airport and keep her with me until the evening. Are you sure she has no idea?" Tracey inquired insistently.

"No, Tracey, she hasn’t the foggiest. I can’t wait! She needs this so much. I think a night spent with old friends in celebration will be exactly what she needs to give her some kind of closure here. And Tracey?" Syd prompted.

"Yeah?" She responded.

"Thank you for this. You are truly a good friend. I can see why she speaks so highly of you."

"Right back atcha babe. She is so smitten with you. I have never seen her this happy. So I guess thanks are in order to you."

"I really care about Alicia. I wouldn’t hurt her for anything in the world. I would rather spit on the Pope than break her heart."

"That’s a lovely visual, but I get your meaning."

"All right then. I guess the last thing is to make sure we have enough to drink, the catering place knows the time and place. This is going to be a night that we all will remember, for a long time."

"I hope so, Sydney."

"Me too. I’ve got to run. Ciao." Sydney hung up abruptly.

"Ciao?" Tracey smirked as she hung up the phone. "Ally, you’ve got yourself an incredible woman." She said as she snuggled up to Char. "And so do I." Tracey said as she kissed the smiling face looking up at her. "Babe, you are going to love Ally and Sydney. They are so awesome. I can’t wait. Ally is going to be so surprised!"

‘So is Sydney.' Sharon smirked into Tracey’s body. "I can’t wait to see her expression!! God how I love surprises." Although it was Sydney's surprise Sharon was after, not Ally's.

"Me too Char, me too."

***

********

"Who was that on the phone Hon?" Ally asked a startled Sydney.

"Um, it was Tracey, I thought you were going to take a nap?" Sydney quickly replied.

"No I couldn’t sleep. What did she want?"

"Well she wanted to see what we were doing tomorrow night. I guess she wants to introduce her new girlfriend to us."

"Ooh cool!! I should call her back." Ally said excitedly.

"No!" Ally raised her eyebrows at Sydney’s tone of voice. Thinking quickly Sydney said, "Um, well she said they were going out and she would call you in the morning or something."

Sighing, "Alright I guess I’ll talk to her tomorrow then." Ally took a look around and saw that the entire downstairs had been cleaned. "My goodness Sydney. Look at all the work you did. This place is immaculate. You can actually hear an echo now. Thank you so much for all of your help. I couldn’t have done all of this without you."

"You are most welcome sweetheart. I just want everything to go smoothly and as pain-free as possible for you. I know how hard this must be. I remember when we had to pack up my mom’s belongings. It was really hard on my brother and me. She was all that we had left after dad and.....um....well after he died. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I, at least had Tim."

"Well, Miss Sydney, I have you, and Eddi and I have Tracey. So I think I am doing just fine. Thank you for your concern though." She said as she circled her arms around Syd’s larger frame and laid her head against her chest.

"You’re welcome baby." Syd murmured into Ally. They sat like that for several minutes and enjoyed the peace that passed between them.

********

Sydney couldn’t wait for the festivities to begin. She was determined to make this the best birthday Ally ever had. She was fighting a mental battle with herself and decided that she was going to bite the bullet and tell Ally that she loved her tonight. She had purchased Ally’s birthday present when Ally was sleeping in. She found her way into town and went in to the town’s jewelers. Her eyes immediately fixated on a simple gold band with several tiny diamonds embedded in it.

"Ooh, I like that one, may I see it please?" Syd pointed inside the glass case.

"Absolutely, it is quite an eye catcher." The jeweler opened the case and took out the ring and handed it to Sydney.

Sydney fingered the small band and decided it was simple yet classy, just like Alicia. It was perfect.

"Can I have it engraved today? I need it for tonight."

"As luck would have it, my engraver is working today which is rare for a Saturday. Let me ask him if he has anything else lined up." He said as he smiled at his customer. "Just give me a minute, I’ll be right back." He took the ring in question with him to the back of the store. He went into the storeroom and looked for his employee.

Several moments had passed when the stocky man returned with a smile on his face.

"Well ma’am, you are in luck. He said he would take care of this for you while you waited. Do you have a few minutes?"

Excitedly Sydney shook her head. "Yes I do, thank you so very much. This will mean a great deal to a very special person." She gave the man a dazzling smile to which he found himself hypnotized by.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, he began filling out the invoice. Sydney gave him Ally’s ring size and what she wanted engraved on it. Within a half-hour she had her gift and was on her way home.

"Now if I can keep this courage I will give it to her tonight. I don’t know what I am worried about. Alicia is nothing like Sharon. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. They are nothing alike, thank God." She said to herself as she pulled into the driveway.

She parked the car in the garage and went into the house to wake her sleeping woman. She walked up the stairs and into Ally’s room to find a breathtaking view. Ally had rolled onto her stomach while clutching her pillow. Her naked form was only covered from her waist down. Her knee was sticking out of the sheet and slightly hanging over the bed’s edge. Her golden locks were spilled down her back and shoulders with a few stray strands falling into her face. She was absolutely beautiful. Suddenly Syd’s fears all seemed to disappear with one look at Alicia. Seeing this angel before her completely dissolved any reservations she’d had in proclaiming her love.

After taking a moment to memorize every curve of Ally’s lithe form, she decided to kick off her shoes and curl up next to her.

Ally immediately felt Sydney’s presence and rolled her back into Sydney’s front. Sydney’s arm draped around Ally’s waist in reflex, and the rest of her body spooned into Ally’s back. It was a perfect fit.

Sydney just lay there smelling the wonderful scent that was Ally. Her hair smelled like flowers and her body emitted a fragrance that was crisp and clean. Sydney would have stayed like that all morning, but Ally stirred awake and rolled towards Sydney.

"Mm, good morning sweetheart." Ally sleepily said.

"Good morning sleepy head. Did you sleep well?"

"Mmhmm, I did. I have slept so well since coming home. I hope I don’t get spoiled by this."

"I think you have just been really tired. We have been doing alot since we got here. You are just tuckered out."

"Perhaps. Have you been up long?"

"Nah, just an hour or so. I couldn’t resist coming back to snuggle with you. You looked so damn cute."

Ally just smiled into Sydney’s chest and inhaled deeply. She loved the way this woman smelled. She had this wonderful musk about her that was all her own. It was intoxicating as well as arousing. She could feel Sydney’s fingernails moving up and down her back and she felt the gooseflesh rising. The touches became more urgent as did the need to be one with each other. Ally tilted her head up and captured Syd’s wanting mouth with her own. Their tongues instantly sought out the other’s. They tenderly stroked each other’s tongues and nipped at each other’s lips. Ally caught Sydney’s bottom lip and began to suck on it. She fully pressed her mouth against Sydney’s again and felt a bolt of desire wash over her. Sydney caught Ally’s moan in her mouth and immediately wanted to be naked against this woman. Ally looked into deep stormy blue eyes and knew that breakfast was not going to be an option this morning.

********

"OK Edna, I am gonna take her out for about an hour, I’ll make something up. I know, I’ll make her take me to the beach. She wanted to go there yesterday and I wasn’t in the mood. So I’ll make her take me there while you guys pile into the house. The caterers will be there shortly after we leave. We just need to check on the beverages. I ordered a bunch from Terry’s Liquors and we just need to pick it up. I couldn’t very well bring a bunch of alcohol into the house without explanation. After we surprise her, I will run out and get the drinks. Sound like a plan?"

"Okay, Syd, this is going to be so great. It sounds like you have it planned and ready to go. She is going to be so surprised! Tracey and I will be around the corner. We will watch for your car to leave and we will pull up, so make sure you don’t forget anything, okay?"

"All right Edna, I am so glad that you could make it. You being here will make it all that much more special for her. She loves you so much."

"I know. I can say the same about you dear."

Sydney could feel the blush creep up her neck. "Thanks for saying so Edna. I’ll see you all in about two hours. Hey, is Tracey’s girlfriend coming too? I know that Ally is really looking forward to meeting her."

"Yes, she will be here later. Tracey said she had some things to do before-hand, so she wouldn’t be able to make it in time for the surprise."

"Ok, at least she is coming. OK let me think here for a sec. I do believe that is everything. I’ll see you soon Edna."

"Okay, dear, make this work dammit. I didn’t come all this way for nothin!" She kidded.

"No problem, Ally has no idea. I gotta run she’s out of the shower, the water just turned off. Bye." She whispered and gently hung up the receiver.

Sydney took one last look around and saw that none of the party favors were in sight. She smiled to herself and went upstairs into Ally’s bedroom to change and waited for her love to exit the bathroom.

The door opened and steam billowed from the bathroom. Ally walked into her room to find Sydney dressing and smirking at her with her jeans part way open.

"Well, don’t you look like the cat who just swallowed the canary. What’s up with that smirk?" Ally teased.

"Nothin baby, you just look so sexy, I can’t help myself." Sydney purred.

"Mmhhmm, whatever you say. You look great Sydney, are we going somewhere?"

"I’m not sure yet, I thought you liked it when I dressed like this."

"When you wear those black jeans you have the greatest butt in the world. It makes me want to squeeze it!!" Ally grinned devilishly.

"I think we have squeezed enough body parts for one day, don’t you?"

"Says you! I could do it all day long. You must be getting old."

"Old my ass, I’ll show you old!!" She laughed and threw Ally on the bed and mercilessly began tickling her. Ally tried really hard to pretend that it had no effect on her but she couldn’t fake it for long.

"I GIVE!!!!!!!!!!" Ally panted. "Please...oh Syd....stop...please!!" She managed to get out between giggle fits.

Sydney ceased her attack and gently kissed Ally’s cheek. She helped her up and walked to the closet to look for an outfit for Ally to wear. Ally jumped into the bathroom to dry her hair and apply a small amount of makeup to her face. When she was finished she went back to her room and found Sydney holding up some of Ally’s clothing.

"I would like you to wear this tonight."

"Sydney, what’s going on? Are you taking me to dinner?"

"Mmmaybe. We haven’t heard from Tracey yet about her meeting up with us, so I figured we should get ready anyway. If she doesn’t call we’ll go out, just the two of us. If she does call, we still go out. Sound good?"

"Sure, I never knew you liked these pants so much. I would have worn them more often."

"Well speaking of nice butts, your’s looks fabulous in those black slacks. I like the vest with that shirt too." Sydney pointed as Ally dressed under instruction for the first time since the first grade.

"Shoes, Miss Sydney? What shoes?"

"No shoes, wear your black boots. That will finish it off just right." Syd said as she watched Ally put the finishing touches on her outfit.

"See now? You have brought a little bit of the country home to you. You are beautiful, Alicia." Syd said as she kissed her gently on the lips.

Ally turned around in the mirror to see what Syd saw in her. She had on a black pair of pants, a long sleeved white collarless shirt with her sleeves rolled up, a black vest and black boots. "I look like a bank robber. All I need is a black cowboy hat and a trusty steed and I’ll be on my way!" She joked.

"You look very sexy, trust me. Although seeing you on a horse always has been a favorite of mine. It must be looking at your legs straddling something that really gets me going."

"You are incorrigible, Sydney Thompson!!"

"Always. Now let me get finished here."

Sydney went to the closet again and pulled out a finely knit, gray, cropped V-Neck sweater and pulled it over her head. It fit snugly against her muscular torso and showed her belly when she raised her arms. She wrapped a black braided belt through her belt loops and looked for the right shoes. She slipped on a pair of black loafers and brushed her hair so it loosely fell across her back. She added a little color to her lips and eyes and she was ready. Ally took a breath and slowly let it out. Syd’s raven hair mixed with her cerulean eyes and dark clothing made her look like nothing Ally had ever seen before. Sydney was stunning.

"I thought we could take a drive down to that beach you wanted to show me. I bet the colors down there are beautiful this time of year."

"Ooh Sydney, that would be wonderful. It is gorgeous around this time. You really want to? It may get a little chilly." Ally sincerely questioned.

"Well that’s why I’ll have you on my arm, to keep me warm." She answered before she gave Ally a full smile, melting the young girl’s heart. "Come on then, let’s get this night underway."

"After you my dear." Ally gestured towards the stairs.

The two walked arm in arm down the stairs and grabbed their jackets. They got into the car and pulled slowly out of the driveway. Once they rounded the corner, Tracey and Edna pulled into the driveway and headed up to the house. There was lots to do in the next hour to make this a night to remember.

Ally drove down the winding road to get to the beach. The steep incline made two cars passing one another nearly impossible. Ally could tell Sydney was a little unnerved, so she held onto her hand until she felt the taller woman calm.

"It’s OK Hon, I have driven down here a million times. Relax." Ally soothed.

"It’s just such a curve on such a hill, it’s kinda scary don’t you think?" Syd asked.

"Yeah, at first I would always make Tracey drive because I was always afraid I would hit someone. The more I drove it, the more at ease I became." Ally explained.

"Well, I for one, am glad that you are driving. I think I would be too preoccupied with the view. This is really pretty Alicia."

"It should be, they spent over eight million dollars on the restoration of it."

"Eight....million.....dollars?" Sydney gasped.

"Yeah, see what happens when you get a roomful of bored, retired, millionaires together? They even made the city pay for it. Like they just couldn’t reach into their little mad money jars and pay for it themselves. Some of the people in this town make me crazy."

"Wow, I can see why. Why did your parents stay here? I would have been dying to get away from here."

"It was a safe place to bring up children; there isn’t much crime here. My dad’s practice was here, and mom liked to golf at the club, which is only a mile or so away from home. They had a good life, why would they leave?"

"I guess you are right. Did you like this place growing up?"

"It had it’s moments, but all in all, I do like this place alot. It’s very beautiful here, and how many towns are there, where it's safe to walk just about anywhere, without being bothered by someone? It’s really expensive to live here though. I am very lucky that my parents were able to give me the life that I had."

"It’s nice that you see that. Some people, when they are born into money don’t feel quite the same way as you do. A lot of people expect to be catered to or just don’t know how to do anything for themselves. You are so not like that. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me."

"I am glad Sydney. I don’t know if I could ever be like that. My whole high school class seemed to be filled with people like that. Let’s just say that I am very happy I didn’t turn out that way." Ally paused when she remembered something from her past. "You know what? OK, this is the kind of people that I went to school with, ready?"

"OK, tell me." Sydney said amusedly and shifted in her seat to watch Ally’s face become more and more animated.

"I had a locker that was next to one of the more popular girls in my grade. I think her name was Jordan DuBois, or something ridiculous like that. Anyway, she would keep an extra outfit in her locker, just in case someone was wearing what she had on that day." Ally finished and Sydney’s eyes shot wide open in disbelief.

"You have GOT to be kidding me."

"I wish I was, but that isn’t even the horrible part."

"Oh God, there is more?" Sydney groaned.

"Yeah, so brace yourself." Ally giggled.

"OK." Sydney said while smiling as she gripped onto the dashboard.

"OK, one day I was in the commons area and I was near the phones. I saw Jordan on the phone and she was starting to raise her voice. Well, being the nosy body that I am, I slowly walked over to the phone next to her and pretended to use it. You know, just so I could listen." Ally paused and Sydney nodded in acknowledgment. "So anyway, she was talking to her mother and she was bitching about the fact that someone had on the same outfit she had on. Well, her mother said to change into her other outfit. Jordan said that she had done that already, and it was her second outfit that this person was wearing. So she asked her mother to bring her a THIRD outfit so she could change."

"OH MY GOD!!!!! My mother would have laughed at me and hung up the phone."

"Yeah no shit, so guess what?"

"I am afraid to know anymore." Sydney replied while chuckling through her hands that now covered her face.

"Well you guessed it, her mother came to school and dropped off another outfit for "Miss Priss" to wear!"

"I cannot believe that!!"

"Yeah well, believe it, because it’s true. And I think she bitched at her mom because it was wrinkled or some shit, and her mom apologized and promised to take her out to the mall after school."

"Jesus!! That is exactly what I am talking about! You are so lucky that you didn’t turn out that way. I may have had to kill you."

"Believe me, I would have killed myself." Ally agreed and slowed the car into the parking space.

Ally and Sydney got out of the car and walked to the brick path just short of the sand leading to the water. They stood next to each other just admiring the view. The sun had begun its descent leaving a beautiful trail of color it’s wake. The water glistened with the light of the upcoming night’s sky. It was truly a sight to behold. Ally had never seen a sky like this one. She felt as if it were smiling upon her. She felt a warm calm wash over her and goosebumps trail up her arms. She took in a sharp breath of air and suddenly tears began to roll down her cheeks. Ally smiled into the sky knowing her parents were the cause of this phenomenon. Sydney looked away from the view and saw Ally weeping and wrapped her arms around her.

"What’s wrong baby?" Sydney asked as she kissed the top of Ally’s head.

Sniffling, "Sydney, I just felt my parents surround me. It was like all of a sudden I couldn’t breathe, and I felt a warmth run through me. Then I took in a quick breath and I could faintly smell them. God, it probably happened in like two seconds, but my God, Sydney, I know it was them." Ally sobbed into Syd’s embrace.

"The people who love you will always be with you Alicia. Death doesn’t even stop that; at least I don’t think so. I believe in souls, I believe in angels, and I do believe that you are watched by loved ones who have died. That doesn’t surprise me that you felt them. You must have fond memories of the beach with your folks." Syd said as she stroked Ally’s hair with her fingers.

"I do. They used to take me here every weekend in the summers. I would swim, and mom would help me build sandcastles, and then dad would let us bury him occasionally. They were the sweetest people Syd. My mom was the most wonderful woman that I have ever known. I could only dream of being the mother she was."

"Alicia, you have the biggest heart I have ever seen. There is no doubt in my mind, that if you have children, you would be a wonderful mother. I feel lucky to have met you Alicia. There aren’t many hearts like yours. I feel honored that you chose to share some of it with me." Syd reassured.

Ally looked up into the deep pools of blue and felt the love pass through them. Sydney had to fight back the tears threatening to blow her cool exterior. She tightened her hold on Ally and felt the woman reciprocate. Ally kept her head resting on Sydney’s chest. Sydney hoped that Ally didn’t hear her racing heartbeat. She was so scared with her feelings towards Ally. She loved this woman with her entire being, and she was going to tell her tonight.

********

Tracy and Edna were racing around the kitchen finding bowls and such for the caterers. The food came on time and so did most of the guests. The family room was filled with people who loved Ally, or maybe some that just liked her a whole lot. There were people she hadn’t seen in a long while; some before her parents died. Tracey could not wait for her friends to arrive. Tracey was a wreck; she wanted everything to go well. She wanted her friend to have the best birthday ever. Edna just sat and watched as Tracey continued her running from room to room making sure everything was perfect.

"If anyone sees headlights, let me know. Everyone is here except for Ally and Sydney. So shush everyone when they arrive." Everyone looked at the crazed woman and smiled. Tracey continued to run around double and triple checking everything making sure that nothing was left undone before they arrived. The house was ready for Ally. She was going to have the best party ever if Tracey had any say in this matter at all.

Sydney continued to hold Ally as the rest of the daylight was engulfed into the lake. She knew tonight was going to be something special, but she couldn’t erase the fact that Sharon was around. She didn’t like the fact that she was here. Business or not, she hoped that she was leaving shortly. ‘How does she know about Alicia? How does she know of her parents’ death? She had just better stay away from her. I don’t think I would be responsible for my actions if she ever tried to hurt her. She is a selfish, money hungry whore that knows nothing of the value of the human heart. Especially a heart like Alicia’s. She just better stay away.’ Sydney’s body stiffened while thinking about Sharon. Alicia looked up at her lover with concerned eyes.

"What is it honey? You seem very uncomfortable. Are you okay?" Ally asked.

"I, ah, I was just thinking baby, I’m sorry. I was thinking of my past and how lucky I am to have you. Sometimes I look back at the person I was and then I look at you, and wonder if I really deserve you."

Ally straightened herself in Sydney’s hold and held Sydney’s shoulders to gain her full attention.

"Now you look here Sydney Thompson. Don’t you ever let me hear that out of your mouth again. You deserve to be happy and to be loved by someone. Everyone deserves some kind of happiness in life. If I can be the one to give you that love and happiness, then I am going to do just that. Why would you say something like that?"

Sydney just shrugged, "I guess I am waiting for all of this to blow up one way or another. I have never felt for anyone the way I feel for you Alicia. I never thought I was worthy of such a gift. The last woman I was with......." Sydney stopped not wanting to bring all of this up on Ally’s birthday night.

"Come on, Sydney, I know you are holding something back from me. You have to know by now that you can tell me anything." She looked up into troubled blue eyes. "And I know you feel you will shatter me with whatever it is that you are keeping to yourself, but please know that whatever it is, we will get through it, I promise you." She pleaded with Sydney for her to understand.

"Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Alicia."

"I have never made a promise to you that I didn’t keep. I never intend to break any promise that I have made to you, ever."

"Alright then, I will tell you as much as I can for right now okay?"

"Whatever you would like to share is all that I ask Sydney. I just want to help you with these demons that seem to be plaguing you."

"You are such a find, Alicia, I can’t tell you that enough."

Ally hugged Sydney one more time and they walked to a nearby bench to sit and bear souls. Sydney really didn’t want to spoil Ally’s evening, but to deny this woman anything was something that Sydney didn’t want to do, ever.

Sydney took a deep breath and started to tell her tale of woe.

"Well, many years ago as you know, my parents died. Something that I didn’t mention to you was that I had a brother."

"Tim? Sydney you have told me so much about Tim."

"Alicia, if I tell you this, it will be much easier to just say it, and have you ask questions later, is that alright?"

"OK honey, I am sorry. Please continue."

"Tim is my brother, yes, but I had another brother, Billy, who died about two years after my dad did." She paused to see the sadness in Ally’s eyes. It was sadness for Sydney that Ally felt. ‘Why did she feel the need to keep this from me?’ Ally thought. It was something she would ask when she was indeed finished.

"Anyway I was an angry person after my dad passed away. I didn’t understand why people that we loved had to leave us. It didn’t make sense to me and I became very angry and I hung out with a bad bunch of people. They made me feel like I belonged to something, we could do anything, we were in control, and nothing could hurt us. I guess I needed that reassurance that I would never be out of control again. This I could handle, and no one was going to take that from me. If there were people out there that challenged us and the way we thought, well we would just change their minds. I’m sure you know that it wasn’t peaceful negotiations that took place." Sydney stopped to register Ally’s reaction to her admission. Ally just studied Sydney’s face and wondered how she changed so much in ten years.

"Anyway, like I said I was a very angry person back then. When Billy died I turned into something even worse. I was my own enemy. Everything I touched, everything I loved was leaving me and I only knew of one thing to release the pain that I felt. It was pure violence. Everything that I did was nothing short of psychotic. I didn’t know of the person that I used to be. I just became this thing that destroyed or abused anything or anyone that got in my way of thinking or feeling or doing. Then when my mom died it finally hit me; I had no control of anything. All the people that I had hurt it was all for nothing. So I guess it was at that time when I finally realized that all I had done for the past four years was become a stupid, worthless bully. I had no self-respect anymore. I didn’t like the person I had become. It was truly time for a life makeover. So that is when I made up with my brother and decided to go to University and work on the sheep station." Sydney paused to let Ally soak in everything she had told her. She knew that she needed to keep going on her tale, but she just wasn’t sure if she could muster the courage.

"Sydney? May I say something?" Ally said as she looked at the pained face of her lover.

"Of course sweetheart, I think I would really like it if you would." She said as she gave a half smile, unsure of what Ally would say after what she had just heard.

"I know you think you probably just dropped a huge bomb on me and now is the time when I will just run for cover. Well let me reassure you again, that I love you. I know it’s hard for you to hear that, but honey, I can’t not say it to you. I have never loved anyone the way I love you. You make me a whole person. In a sense you complete me. I know that there is more to your story, and I will listen to every word you speak, but please know that I will never stop loving you."

Ally stopped to brush the fresh tears that were falling freely now down Sydney’s cheeks. She took her face in her hands and looked her square in her swollen eyes. "I love you Sydney." She finished her statement and sealed it with a soul-binding kiss. "Know that I will always love you. You don’t have to keep anything from me. In fact I would prefer that you didn’t, but I know that you are hurting from something, and if you can’t tell me now, I do trust you enough to know that one day you will. Now if you want, you can keep going with your story. If you would like to stop now you can. I just want you to know that I don’t want to push any of this out of you unwillingly. Whenever you are ready to tell me the rest, please do. OK?"

"Alicia...you are the most extraordinary woman I have ever met. I don’t think I will ever meet anyone like you. You are such a gift to me. Thank you. Thank you for loving me." She said as she wiped the rest of the tears that had fallen down her face. She took a deep breath and continued her story. "At the University I met a woman named Sharon Harris. She was the first person that I thought truly accepted the dark side that I had possessed for so long. She and I became close friends. She would share stories of her life in the States with me, and I told her about my past. Mine of course were scary tales of angst and rage and death, while hers were nothing like that. She never flinched with any of the tales that I told. She would just listen, occasionally she would hold my hand if any of the stories would get ugly, which they usually did. She was the most comfort I had had in almost five years. Tim and I were not close for awhile, but that was my fault. After mom died, we finally reconnected. After all, we were what was left of our family, so we had no choice but to find each other again. He had gotten married, but it was still nice to have my brother back. Anyway, about Sharon...God I hate thinking about her." She paused and took a deep breath. "Sharon was a beautiful woman, she was tall, lean, and blonde. She had the darkest eyes I had ever seen. She was everything I thought I was looking for in a partner. God I was so wrong. She and I became lovers. We did everything together. I told her everything about me and still she stayed, so I thought I had found gold. Well I found fool’s gold Alicia, and boy did I find that out the hard way.

"She asked me to move to the States with her after the school year had ended. God I think I was about nineteen at the time. I was so in love, or so I thought, that I couldn’t think of doing anything or being with anyone else. I told my brother about selling the sheep station, and he thankfully, wanted to keep it going. That’s when I packed up my life in Sydney and moved it to Montana with her. We stayed together for about three years I think it was. One night, she had called me from the office. She said she had a project that she had to finish. It was gonna take a few hours so she was gonna be late getting home. Silly me started to feel bad for her." She painfully chuckled. "So I packed us a dinner picnic. I got some stuff together and put it in a basket and took it to her office." Sydney paused to gain control in her voice. It had begun to quiver as she started talking about that night. She regained her breathing and started again.

"I walked into her office and there she was at her desk. Well I should say, on her desk, having sex with her secretary, Tina. Isn't that the oldest cliché in the book? She didn’t even stop until she had a fucking orgasm. She then proceeded to tell me that I was a prize to her. A beautiful trophy that she could come home to or she could be on my arm whenever we went to a bar or something. I was something that she could show off. I was a fucking possession of hers. She had so many affairs behind my back. All of her compassion for me was just a lie. She didn’t give a shit one way or another for me. She liked my money and she liked the way I looked. Obviously I was lacking in the sex department since she had sex with anyone she could get her fingers into. Although she seemed to like it rough, or so she said the other day...."

"The other day!! Sydney when did you see her?" Ally almost shouted in disbelief.

"She approached me when I was in the restroom at the restaurant last week."

"Why didn’t you say anything? God, no wonder you were so upset when you came back."

"I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want you to worry. You have had so much on your mind, this would have only added to it. She handed me a towel after I had washed my face and I literally almost killed her Alicia. She brings out an anger in me, I didn’t know I had."

"What happened, Sydney? Did she threaten you?"

"More like I threatened her. She made mention to finding out who you were, and I guess I just lost it. Alicia, I can’t even tell you how much I wanted to hurt her after she mentioned your name and her own in the same sentence. Somehow she found out about you and the fact that your parents were killed. I just don’t know how she did it, unless she has been following me. She said she was here on business for her father’s company, but still. It really freaked me out to see her after all this time."

"Oh Sydney, I am so sorry. God, I wish you would have told me. I don’t want you to ever go through anything like that alone again. Do you understand me? I want you to promise that you will ask for help if you need it. If something is bothering you, I want to know about it. Are we clear about this? We are in this together!" Ally said sternly but with so much love in her voice.

"Yes Alicia, I understand. Thank you for your concern. It means the world to me."

"OK, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to jump in like that, but damn Sydney, that really threw me to hear that you had seen her, and here, of all places!! I hope to God that I never meet this woman Sydney. I swear to everything Holy, that I will punch her lights out."

"My hero." Sydney chuckled and kissed Ally on the top of her head. "So to finish this damn thing, I left her that night. I told her I didn’t want to be found by her and that she shouldn’t come home until the next day. I stayed with some friends until one of them told me about Edna needing a stable hand. I had worked with horses before so I knew what kind of work would be involved. I called your aunt and we had a great talk. I came to the ranch and she showed me around. I loved it there and I really took a liking to Edna. She took me in and the rest as you say, is history. She is the dearest friend that I have ever had. She always knew what to say to make me feel better; she still has that wonderful quality. This is my third year there, and I couldn’t think of any place else I would rather be." Sydney smiled down at Ally.

"What about Australia?"

"Oh I miss home, there is no question about that. I even contemplated moving back after what had happened. There were just so many bad memories there for me, that I thought I just needed a fresh start. Sure it didn’t start out great in the States either, but I was already here, and Edna entered my life. It seemed like it was meant to be. How else do you explain me meeting the woman of my dreams?"

"The woman of your dreams?" Ally shyly asked.

"You, Alicia." Sydney shifted in her seat to face Ally. She caressed Ally’s face with her hand. "I love you Alicia. I love you more than anything I have ever known. That scares the hell out of me, but it’s time that you know that I am in this for the long haul. I swore to myself that I would never love anyone again, but you showed me a love that I have never seen before. I know that heart of yours doesn’t have a mean streak in it. I know that my heart is safe with you. You have owned it since we met at the stables the day you arrived at the ranch. I love you Alicia with all of my heart."

Ally began to weep when she finally let it sink in that Sydney did in fact love her and now she was finally voicing it. Sydney reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. She took it with shaky hands and held it before Ally.

"Alicia, I want you to have this. Although it scares me senseless, I want you to be with me forever. However long forever is, I want you to share your life with me. Please accept this gift and know that you encircle my heart with every breath that I take. I love you Alicia." Sydney said as fresh tears streamed down her face.

Ally opened the box to find the ring that Sydney had picked out earlier that morning. "Oh Sydney, this is beautiful!"

"Look in the inside of it."

"Ooh, an inscription...Always, Sydney." Ally put the ring on and brought her hand to Sydney’s heart. "I love you too Sydney. Thank you so much."

"Happy Birthday, baby."

The two just held onto each other as the waves of sobs passed and resurfaced over and over. Their trip to the beach had lasted well over her time limit and Sydney knew that she had to get Ally back to the house. There were festivities awaiting them in Ally’s honor, and a very nervous wreck named Tracey.

The ride from the beach was filled with tender kisses and touches. Syd had never felt so loved in her life. The love that she thought she had with Sharon was nothing in comparison to what she had with Ally. She felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Her fears were melting with every minute she spent with Ally. Giving her the ring was such a cleansing for her soul. ‘I could fly right now if she asked me to.' She thought to herself. There was only one thing left to tell Ally about her checkered past, and that indeed, could wait for another time. ‘I don’t want to spoil her entire evening. Besides, she may not be as accepting as she was earlier.' Syd thought as she stared at the profile of her companion.

"What’s on your mind, Sydney?" Ally asked.

"Mmm, you baby. I am so happy right now. Nothing could possibly ruin this night for us." Syd happily said.

"I agree. It has been the best birthday that I have ever had. Thank you Sydney, for so much. You have been so good for me. You helped me more than you know. If you hadn’t been around, I may have just withered away into nothingness after my parents died. I didn’t know what or how to feel, or even if I could feel loved or give love again. You have healed my heart Sydney, I can’t thank you enough for that." Ally said as she squeezed Sydney’s hand.

"You don’t have to thank me Honey, you have been just as important in my own healing. I never wanted to love again. Love was the equivalent of pain for me, and you smashed right through that wall. I saw your heart from the very beginning and knew that mine would be safe with you. You have no idea what that means to me."

"Yes I do. I can understand completely. We helped each other while helping the other, if that makes any sense whatsoever."

"It does sweetheart, it truly does." She paused to look at Ally. "I think it’s a good idea that we go back to the house and check to see if Tracey called. I know she wouldn’t want to miss your birthday."

"Well, I know she has Char in town for only a couple more days, so she may be preoccupied."

"But you are her best friend, Alicia. Surely you’d think she would celebrate that with you."

"I can hope. She is just so smitten with this one. I have never seen her so over the edge for anyone. This girl had better not break her heart, otherwise, she will have me to deal with."

"Remind me never to break Tracey’s heart. I don’t ever want to feel your wrath."

They chuckled as they pulled into the driveway of Ally’s house. Sydney had to really try to keep her emotions in check. She couldn’t wait to see Ally’s face when she walked into the house.

Sydney walked around the car and opened the door for Ally. She took her hand and walked together towards the house.

***


"They’re here!" Tracey shouted to the crowded family room. "No one makes a sound!" She peeked again outside and saw the two women walking towards the front door. "When they walk into the room and switch on the light, shout surprise, but wait until she walks in here, don’t shout it to the foyer!" She insisted.

Everyone rolled their eyes at their spastic friend, but nodded their acceptance of her orders. Edna just smiled to herself as she eyed the doorway her niece was going to walk through shortly.

***

"Sydney, I can open the door, sheesh. I know it’s my birthday, but I can open a door for myself. Hey why is it so dark in here? Didn’t I leave a light on?"

"I guess we forgot. I can get the one in the family room. I think I remember where all the lamps are."

"Oh no you don’t. They are going to end up on the floor if you start feeling your way around. Let me."

"Have it your way." Syd said to a smiling Ally.

*Click*

"SURPRISE!!!!!!!" The room shouted at a very startled Ally. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLY!!!!!" They shouted again.

Tracey came rushing at Ally with a huge grin on her face. Before Ally knew what hit her, she and Tracey ended up sprawled on the couch. Tracey was hugging and kissing her happily surprised friend.

"OH...MY...GOD!!!!! Who did this?" Ally asked while looking up at Tracey then at a hugely grinning Sydney.

"I should have guessed. I can’t leave you two alone for two minutes." Ally laughed and managed to climb over Tracey to her feet.

"Can I get a hug from my best girl?" A voice came from across the room. Ally turned to find Edna smiling at her.

"EDDI!!!! Oh my God!!! YOU TOO???" Ally jumped and ran across the room to hug her aunt.

"Guilty as charged, afraid to say. Happy birthday sweetheart."

"Thanks Eddi. It means the world to me that you came." She said as tears threatened to leak down her cheeks. She turned into her aunt’s body and again wrapped her arms around the stout woman. "God I can’t believe you are here."

"Believe it honey. I wouldn’t have missed this for all the horses in Montana."

"I love you, Eddi." Ally said as she squeezed Edna again.

"You too kiddo. I bet there are a lot of faces you haven’t seen here in a while. I’ll be here for a while, but I have to leave. This was a stopping point for me before I have to go back to Indy. They are having another auction. I just had to go. There is some machinery I still needed that I couldn’t find this summer. I am hoping to get lucky tomorrow."

"Aww, Eddi, you can’t stay for the whole party?"

"It was either do it this way, or not show up. And as I said, I wouldn’t have missed that expression of yours for anything. It was beautiful."

"It sure is." A low and throaty voice came from behind Ally and arms soon wrapped around her waist.

"Oh you...you are in so much trouble. I can’t believe you didn’t let any of this slip. I was totally surprised." Ally admitted.

"Well isn’t that the purpose of a surprise party?" Sydney sarcastically responded.

"OK Smart-Ass. That’s enough outta you." Ally’s guardian spoke.

"Hey, Edna, nice to see you." Sydney said as she released Ally to embrace her dear friend.

"You too, hon. I gotta hand it to you and Tracey. You definitely fooled this little one here."

"Yep we sure did. Many ways in fact." Sydney smiled down at Ally who understood what Sydney was referring to. She immediately raised her ringed finger to show her aunt what Sydney had gotten for her.

"Oh, honey, that is beautiful!! I knew she had good taste." Edna smiled.

"The best. Look who is wearing it." Sydney laughed and pecked Ally’s cheek.

"Hey you two, I gotta make some rounds. I gotta find Tracey and meet this new girlie girl of hers." Ally said excitedly.

"Char isn’t here yet darlin’. She said she would be here a little later. Some business came up or something. She should be arriving shortly." Edna explained.

"Oh well, then I am going to chat with some people. There are faces I haven’t seen in years. This is turning into a night of first’s, that’s for sure."

"First’s?" Sydney asked.

"Yeah, first you giving me the ring. Then you telling me you loved me. Then this party, I haven’t ever had a surprise party before. I can’t even wait to see what the rest of the night has in store for me."

"It’s gonna be a night to remember baby. I can feel it." Sydney smiled.

"I think you are right. Remind me to thank you properly later." Ally said as she reached up and held the back of Sydney’s head until they were face to face and inches from each other. "I love you Sydney." She said as she pulled Sydney down for a short but passionate kiss. "It gets better... later." Ally promised.

"I can hardly wait. I love you too baby. Go on now. I gotta run to Terry’s and get the rest of the alcohol."

"OK sweetheart. I’ll see you soon." Ally stopped and turned to see a familiar face. "Oh my God, Rita!! God I haven’t seen you in ages!! How have you been?" Ally’s voice faded and blended in with the rest of the room. Sydney just smiled and walked towards the door. Tracey ran up to her and planted a great big kiss on her lips. Sydney just looked at her awestruck and smiled a crooked grin.

"Thank you, Sydney. This worked out so great!! Did you see her face?? God she was so surprised!! This is just so great!!"

"Yes, we did well. I think we really got her. So um, where is your lady?"

"Oh, she should be here any minute. Are you off to the liquor store?"

"Yep. I figure it’s probably a good time before it gets totally hopping in here. I should be back in about an hour or so."

"OK great. Sydney...thank you again for getting all of that taken care of." Tracey sincerely said.

"Hey no problem, you took care of everything else. I’ll see you soon." She smiled and opened the door.

"OK Sydney, be careful, you do remember where you are going, right?" Tracey asked hesitantly.

"Yea, I have been there before. See ya."

"Byeee" Tracey sang. "OK, now it’s time to partaaaayy." She screamed as she jumped in a dancing line. The women around her just laughed and danced with their happy friend as the music thumped around them.

*********



"Dance with me babe." Tracey said as she grabbed Ally’s arm and pulled her into the middle of the family room.

"Christ! Do I have a choice?" Ally yelped.

"Nope, come on." Tracey giggled as she started to sway with Ally to the bass of the music.

The two started to get overtly sexual on the dance floor. Their legs were intertwined as they started their decent to the floor and back up again. Their hips were gyrating with the rhythm and their arms were flailing above them. They looked at each other and broke into a fit of laughter as the song ended.

"Should I be jealous?" A voice came from behind Tracey. Ally looked into deep brown eyes and smiled.

"You must be Char. I am Ally, no need for worry here. We agreed a long time ago that we were best as friends and nothing more." She extended her hand to Char and they exchanged a jovial meeting.

"That’s a relief. Hi honey, I finally made it." She directed her gaze at Tracey.

"Hi sweets, I’m glad you got here. This is my best friend in the whole world." She said as she hugged and kissed the top of Ally’s head.

"Nice to finally meet you Ally. Oh and Happy Birthday. Sorry I missed the surprise, but I had some things to tend to before I was able to get here."

"That’s OK. I am just glad that I got a chance to meet you as well. Tracey has said so many wonderful things about you. I couldn’t wait to meet you."

"Likewise. I have heard nothing but great things about you and Sydney for the last few months. It is wonderful to see you in the flesh."

"Thanks. How long are you here for?"

"Only a couple more days unfortunately. I gotta get back to LA. I’m just about done with my business deal. I should know by tomorrow morning."

"I see, well I hope it works out for you."

"Me too. Shall we get a drink?" Char asked Tracey and Ally.

"Sure, I think there is still a bit of wine left. Sydney went to the liquor store to get the rest of it."

"Oh what a dear. To the bar then?"

"Onward!" Ally said as she raised her fist. She walked arm in arm with Tracey and Char.

********



"God I hope I went the right way....oh here it is. Thank God. That’s all Alicia needs is to get a smoke signal from me because I got lost." Sydney rambled to herself.

She stepped out of the car and walked into Terry’s Liquor’s and waited in line. She approached the counter and watched as a young man’s eyes popped out of his head as he stared at her.

"Are you all right?" She teasingly asked.

"Uhh, y...yeah. Can I help you?" The tongue-tied clerk asked.

"Yes. I am Sydney Thompson. I called a few days back with an order for a keg of beer and some other things."

"Riiiight, um, let me go in back and make sure we got it all together." He said before he practically ran into the stockroom.

"God if he is twenty-one I’ll be surprised." She mused to herself.

"Hey little lady. What does a fine thing like you need with so much booze? You needing to share it with anyone?"

"Excuse me?" Sydney asked incredulously while her eyebrow raised of it’s own volition.

"I said...." He started to drool a bit as he was swaying from foot to foot. "Do you need some company to help you drink all that?"

"No thank you." Sydney noticed that a policeman had entered the store and she motioned for him to come closer. "Hey bud, did you drive here?" She asked the obviously inebriated man.

"Of course I did, that’s my ride right out front, do you want me to show it to ya? I could take us somewheres more private."

"No that’s OK, I’m sure you’ll be quite busy the rest of the night." She chuckled as the police officer made his presence known.

Sydney amused herself by watching the drunken idiot try to walk out of the liquor store towards his car. The officer followed him out and waited for him to get in his car. When he closed the door and pulled out his keys, the officer appeared at his window with his partner, and asked man to get out of the car. The drunken man started swearing at the officers and was getting very excited. The man was given a test that he failed miserably and was soon being read his Miranda’s. They handcuffed him and placed him in the back of the black and white. The initial officer walked into the liquor store and approached Sydney.

"Thanks, Miss. I appreciate you giving me the heads up with that one. I’m surprised that he didn’t kill himself or someone else on the way here."

"That’s no problem. A good friend of mine lost her parents to someone like him. I couldn’t let that happen again to someone else’s loved one." Sydney explained.

"I’m sorry to hear that. If more people like you made it their business to help, we may not have as many fatalities as we do. Thanks again, I do appreciate it." The officer smiled a bright teethy grin at Sydney.

"It was the least I could do. Have fun with that one." She shook his hand and gestured to the idiot screaming in the back seat of the squad.

"Oh we will. Have a good night now."

"I will. Goodnight." She watched the squad pull out of the parking lot. She decided to find the little salesman and find out what was taking so damn long with her order.

"Excuse me?" She said as she knocked on the backdoor. The same man exited the door.

"I’m sorry ma’am. I’m just uhh, well I can’t get the keg out of the back, and I’m alone in here..." Sydney stopped the kid in mid panic.

"Where is it?"

"What?"

"Show me where it is and I will help you."

"Ma’am you won’t be able to lift it. It is really very heavy." The boy explained.

"Just point me in the right direction. I assure you I can help. If I can hog tie farm animals, I certainly can roll a keg out here."

"Uhh, this way." He led Sydney into the refrigerated locker. She easily got the keg from it’s resting spot as the young man looked on in awe. She put the keg on a two-wheel cart and wheeled it out into the front of the store.

"Now if you can get the rest of my order together I may have enough time to enjoy my girlfriend’s surprise party." Sydney deadpanned.

The young clerk just stared at her. "Tonight would be good." She broke him out of his reverie.

"Yes...yes....sorry. I just...nevermind... I’ll be right up with the rest of your order." He said as he scurried into the back again.

After a few minutes the young clerk returned from the abyss with the rest of her supplies on her list.

"I think this just about covers it. You do know that you need to put a deposit on the tapper for the keg?"

"Yes, I was informed of that. You do take cash I assume?" She said as she raised a quizzical eyebrow at him.

"Of course." He blushed. "I’m sorry, I have been a little out of it." He bashfully admitted.

"It’s all right. Now, if you can carry the bags and the tub to the car for me, I will handle the keg." She smiled her brightest smile at him. He jumbled the bags but agreed to help. ‘This poor kid needs to get laid, and fast.’ She mused to herself as she rolled the keg to her car and placed it in her back seat. The clerk placed the rest of the bags in her trunk with a few extra bags of ice "on the house".

"Thank you for your help umm," She stopped and looked at his nametag. "Jimmy. You’ve been most helpful."

"Sure miss, anytime. Uhh, have a good time at your umm, party." He stumbled out.

"Thanks, my girlfriend thanks you too. Bye now." She said as she waved to him out her window and pulled out of the parking lot back towards Ally’s house.

"My God, she has got to be the most stunning woman I have ever met." The young man said out loud to no one in particular. He turned and walked back into the store while looking back over his shoulder for one last look.

********

Ally was so happy. This was the best birthday that she could remember having. She had never had a surprise party before. Her parents would occasionally throw her a party for her birthday, but never a surprise one. She was really happy for Tracey too. She had never seen her so happy before. ‘This girl may just be the one.’ Ally thought to herself as she watched the interaction of the two women.

"Hey, Tracey? How long did Syd say she’d be? I’m starting to worry." Ally questioned.

"Oh darlin, she’ll be fine. She said she would be about an hour. It’s almost that time now. Don’t worry she’ll be fine, hon." Tracey reassured her friend.

"You’re right. I am just being a worrywart. You are going to love Sydney Char, she is just the best!"

"Oh, don’t you worry. She and I will certainly have a spectacular conversation. You just wait." She smiled victoriously.

"Well good. I know she has been looking forward to meeting you, as I have." Ally smiled.

"Thank you, the feeling is mutual." Char said with a smile.

********

Sydney drove up the driveway to Ally’s house and saw the people dancing through the main window. A smile came to her lips as she saw Ally and Tracey dancing together.

"She is just too damn cute. It looks like she is having a great time." She said outloud as she put the car into the garage. She walked around to the trunk, pulled out the bags from the liquor store, and headed up to the house. She opened the front door and walked towards the kitchen. She grabbed one of Ally’s friends and asked him to help her with the keg.

"Sure, does that mean I get first pull from it?" A very thirsty Josh asked.

"Sure cowboy, if you can tap this sucker, it’s all yours." She smiled at him.

"Cool, I’m on it." He said as he grabbed the half-barrel out of the backseat. Sydney wheeled a handcart towards him and he just scoffed at her.

"I don’t need that, just hold the doors for me."

"Alright studly, I’ll lead the way." She winked at the young man as she watched his facial expressions reach the crimson stage. "Are you sure you don’t want the cart?"

"You know, I got this um, football injury and uh, it might be a good idea if I use that thing." He stammered out.

"Sure, you’re probably right. You don’t want to aggravate your injury." She said while holding back a chuckle. "C’Mon, we’ll get this set up in the bar area."

"OK, lead the way." An embarrassed Josh replied.

Sydney and Josh wheeled the keg into the bar. She poured several bags of ice into the tub and watched as Josh tried to lift the keg alone. She handed him the tapper and together they lifted the keg into the tub of ice. Josh successfully tapped the keg and a line soon formed around that area. Ally was still dancing with Tracey so Sydney decided to go into the kitchen and grab one of the bottles of champagne for her birthday girl. Sharon watched menacingly as Sydney walked into the kitchen.

"It’s showtime...." Sharon said to herself.

Sydney had her back to the doorway leading from the kitchen to the family room. She was trying to open the bottle of Martini and Rossi Champagne she had bought for Ally, Tracey and her new girlfriend, Char. She thought a toast would certainly be in order for this evening.

Ally got a glance of Sydney walking into the kitchen. She broke free from Tracey's dancing arms and headed towards the kitchen. "Hey, Trace, Sydney just got back. I'll be back in a sec."

"OK hon. Hey if you see Char, tell her she owes me a dance all right?" Tracey asked.

"Sure babe." Ally replied. She saw Char follow Sydney into the kitchen and realized that Sydney had yet to meet her. 'She is gonna love her!' She thought to herself. She picked up her pace so she could introduce the two women.

Sydney popped the champagne cork from it's bottle and heard some people approaching. Char was standing behind Sydney in the kitchen as Ally walked in.

"Hey honey, I want to introduce you to someone." Sydney heard Ally say.

Sydney turned around as if in slow motion, only to look into the eyes of her ex-lover and dropped the bottle of champagne on the floor. The bottle crashed to the floor and glass particles were shattered everywhere.

"Sharon." Sydney said through gritted teeth.

"Hello Sydney. Long time no see." Sharon smirked.

"Not long enough for me." Sydney retorted.

Ally's jaw dropped as she heard the exchange between the two.

"Sharon?" Ally whispered.

Sharon and Sydney turned to face Ally. Sydney's face was pale and drawn whereas Sharon's was flushed with excitement. Ally looked at them with so much confusion on her face.

"What do you mean? Sydney this is Char, Tracey's girlfriend."

"No, Alicia, this is Sharon Harris." Sydney corrected.

"What?!" Ally said disbelievingly. She suddenly found a rage building within her. She turned and got in Sharon's face. "You've got about five seconds to tell me why I shouldn't call the police and have them arrest you for trespassing."

"Oh, Sydney, you didn't tell me she had such spirit. I would have looked her up her sooner." Sharon chuckled as she stared at Ally's infuriated face.

"Don't you even think about it, Sharon." Sydney warned.

"Oh don't worry, Sydney, it's not her I am after. I came back to claim what you took from me." Sharon turned to face Sydney.

"And what did I EVER take from you?" Sydney spat at Sharon.

"You my darling. I came back for you."

"You have GOT to be kidding me. I wouldn't go back to you for anything in this world." Sydney shot back.

"Oh, Sydney, don't you remember how good we were together? We can have that again, Sydney. Just come with me and let's start our life over again." Sharon quietly spoke until she felt Ally grab her arm.

"Look here, Miss 'I-Lie-To-Everyone-About-My-Identity' Sydney is with me. She will ALWAYS be with me. There is nothing that you could say that will change that. What about poor Tracey? She has no idea of the lies you have fed to her. You are going to break her heart. But I guess someone that doesn’t HAVE a heart wouldn’t know what it feels like to have theirs broken." Ally paused to look into Sharon's unfeeling eyes. "Now, I am going to ask you nicely one last time to leave my house. After that, I can't guarantee how it will come out!" Ally shouted.

"Oh I think there is definitely something that I could say that would change Sydney’s mind." Sharon threatened.

"Sharon, don't you dare." Sydney warned.

"What's the matter Sydney? Are you afraid to tell your lover the truth? Afraid that she will see the monster you used to be? Or maybe you are still that person underneath that new exterior of yours." Sharon taunted. Sydney grabbed Sharon by her shoulders and put her face within inches of hers.

"Don't you dare say one word about my past. I have paid for everything that happened in that time. You of all people should know that!" She screamed as she tightened her grip around Sharon.

"Oh, Sydney, how I've missed your arms around me. Don't think that I won't fight to have them back on a full time basis." Sharon smiled.

"What the hell does that mean? You will have to fight until hell freezes Sharon. Our time together is over!" Sydney said as she walked towards Ally.

"Oh no no no, my dearest. Our time is just beginning." She paused and looked at Ally. "Alicia? Has she told you about her brother, Billy?" Sydney whirled around and grabbed Sharon by the throat.

"Shut the fuck up, Sharon, I'm warning you. You say one word disgracing my brother and I will kill you where you stand! Do you hear me!!!" Sydney shouted.

"God I have missed that fire. Remember how you used to take me after your nightmares, Sydney? Those dreams you had would wake you so abruptly. You were so filled with angst and rage. I could ease your pain with a few acts of passion. Do you remember that, Sydney? We could have that again, just say the word." Sharon continued to taunt as Sydney began to squeeze her neck harder.

"Sydney, please...let her down." A soft voice entered Sydney's ears and she realized that Sharon was dangling under her grip. She slowly let her down and felt Ally's hand on the small of her back. One movement sent a calming sensation throughout her entire body.

"I’m so sorry." Sydney whispered to Ally.

Ally took Sydney’s hand and walked her a few feet away from a gasping and coughing Sharon.

"Sydney, what am I going to tell Tracey? I think she is in love with her. This is going to kill her."

"There is nothing that we can say that is going to lessen the blow from this one. She is an uncaring bitch that doesn’t care who she hurts, as long as she gets what she wants." Sydney commented.

"Sydney, is there more to your story about Billy that I need to know about? I would much rather hear it from you than her." Ally asked quietly.

"Yes there is. I wish I would have told you the whole story, but I didn’t want to upset you on your birthday. If you just go with the flow and pretend, just this once for me, I will tell you everything. I can guarantee she is going to say it just to upset me. Please know that I love you, and whatever she may say, might not be the truth. So if you are confused or terrified by what may come out of her mouth, I’m sorry. I only didn’t tell you because of everything you have gone through." Sydney tried to explain.

"What does that mean, Sydney? I don’t understand. With what I have gone through? What could have been in your past that would upset me now? I don’t get it."

"What she means, brat, is that you lost your parents to someone like her. She killed her own brother. It was her fault that he died. Isn’t that right, Sydney?" Sharon triumphantly stated.

"What?" Was all Ally could breathe out.

"YOU KNOW THAT’S NOT WHAT HAPPENED!! You know I blamed myself for the longest time for Billy’s death. It’s not true!" Sydney defended. She looked into Ally’s eyes and could only read fear and confusion.

"Yes it is, Sydney. You may as well have pulled the trigger yourself."

"Shut up, Sharon, I am warning you for the last time." Sydney growled.

"I...I don’t know what to think here." Ally stammered. "I’ve got to get out of here."

"Alicia, please. Don’t go." She reached for Ally only to have her pull away. Ally ran out of the kitchen and went looking for Tracey and Edna.

Laughing, Sharon looked at Sydney with utter amusement.

"The little brat must be terrified of you now." Sharon chuckled.

Sydney was staring at the floor listening to Sharon gloat, then she looked up to meet the eyes of the most heartless woman she had ever met. She swallowed a couple times before gaining the strength to speak coherently. She mustered a throaty one-word whisper.

"Why?" She asked.

"Why not, Sydney? I came back for you and I’m not leaving without you." Sharon stated flatly.

"Why would you want to be with me? I despise you more than I thought capable. You may have ruined everything that Alicia and I have built over the last few months." Her voice started to get louder. "What the hell did you possibly think I would give you after you broke my heart the way you did over three fucking years ago!?" she started to pace through the kitchen. "I can’t believe you! How could you?! I want to know RIGHT NOW!"

Sharon laughed in her face. Sydney growled and smashed the back of her left hand into Sharon’s face. She grabbed Sharon by the throat again and slammed her against the kitchen cabinets.

Sharon started to choke, "Sydney, I...can’t breathe. Please.....let me.....go." She gagged and squirmed knocking over a bottle on the counter and breaking it.

"Not until you tell me why? NOW TALK!!!" Sydney demanded as she picked up a piece of the broken bottle off of the counter. She pointed the jagged edge at Sharon’s cheek. She rubbed the edge on Sharon’s face smearing the blood that had run from her nose. "Tell me why you thought it necessary to ruin my life AGAIN!" She pushed Sharon onto the counter and lessened her grip on her throat. A few larger pieces of glass fell to the floor smashing into smaller pieces. She kept the glass against Sharon’s face and demanded she talk.

********

Ally ran out of the kitchen searching for Tracey and Edna. She found Edna talking to a couple of her friends. She rushed over to her and immediately had tears streaming down her face. Edna looked at her niece and new something was terribly wrong.

"What is it honey? You look very upset." Edna said very concerned.

"I...I don’t know what to say, Eddi. Sydney....she....oh my God.." Ally whispered out through her sobs. She felt Edna pull her into a hug and quietly sobbed as onlookers gave them their privacy.

"What did Sydney do honey? I can’t help if I don’t know what happened." Eddi comforted.

"Not here, let’s go into the other room. Where’s Tracey?" She asked.

"She is over there having a drinking contest. I think she is winning." She said as they looked over to Tracey pointing and laughing at her opponent on the floor.

"Oh no...that’s going to make matters worse." She said sadly.

"What? Girl, you tell me right now what is going on here??" Edna demanded.

Ally looked around and noticed that they were pretty much alone and it wouldn’t make a difference if she told her here or not.

"Sydney’s ex-girlfriend is in my kitchen right now." She choked out.

"What? What are you talking about child?" Edna asked.

"Char, Tracey’s girlfriend is really Sharon, Sydney’s ex."

"Oh my God."

"Yeah I know. I don’t know how I am going to tell Tracey. She is really in love with this woman. I don’t know how. That woman is a total bitch. I was shaking in there I was so angry. Then she starting talking about Sydney and how she killed her brother."

"Whoa, whoa whoa. Hold it right there. Sydney killed her brother?" Edna asked incredulously.

"I don’t know the whole story. Sydney seemed pretty upset by the accusations, but Sharon said that she was no better than the people that killed mom and dad!" She started breathing heavily. "I just don’t know what to believe. I am so confused, Eddi. I don't’ know what to do. I have to tell Tracey that her girlfriend is a maniacal bitch, AND tonight I find out that my girlfriend killed her own brother. I AM LOSING MY MIND!! I just couldn’t handle anymore so I ran out of there and found you." Ally shouted out.

"Oh my...." Edna couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She had to do something fast. There was something that just didn’t click here. She had known Sydney for the last three years. She knew that woman couldn’t kill anyone. "We have to tell Tracey before she finds out another way. I think we need to sit her down and tell her before she is too drunk to comprehend what we are saying to her." Edna rationalized.

"Good idea, Eddi, let’s go get her." Ally agreed.

They walked over to the bar where Tracey was challenging everyone to a beer chugging contest. Ally walked behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Tracey? I need to talk to you. It’s really important."

"Can’t it wait, Ally? I’m about to make fifty bucks off this guy." Tracey answered without looking at Ally.

Ally put her hand on Tracey’s shoulder and made her look at her. "Trace, it’s really important. Please." Ally almost pleaded.

"OK, Babe. What is it?"

*Crash*

"What the hell?" Tracey looked at Ally and Edna after hearing the crash and knew something was up. "Where’s Char guys?" Tracey asked. Tracey ran towards the kitchen where the crashing sound had come from.

"Tracey wait!" Ally screamed unsuccessfully. "Dammit. We’ve got to catch her!" Ally said to Eddi as they ran after Tracey.

********

Tracey ran into the kitchen and was flabbergasted with what she saw. Sydney had still had Sharon up against the cabinets with her hand on her throat. Edna and Ally soon followed into the kitchen.

"Holy shit! Sydney what the fuck are you doing? Let go of her! NOW!" Tracey screamed and ran towards Sydney and Sharon.

"Tracey no! It’s not what you think!" Ally tried to warn her.

Sydney half-turned to see Tracey coming after her. "Tracey stop right there. This is not the woman you think it is." Sydney tried to say as she felt Tracey’s hands around her neck.

"Tracey, no! Stop!" Ally screamed.

"What is your problem, Ally? She is attacking my girlfriend!"

"She’s not your girlfriend, Tracey...she is my ex-lover, Sharon." Sydney choked out.

"What are you talking about? Char, tell her it’s not true." Tracey said looking up into her lover’s eyes. Sharon looked at Tracey with a blank expression. "Char? Char, what’s going on? Talk to me." Tracey said as she released her hold on Sydney’s throat. Sydney backed away to reveal the woman that Tracey had grown to love. Although this time Tracey was looking into the eyes of a stranger. "She’s telling the truth isn’t she?"

Sharon didn’t flinch or attempt to answer the question. Tracey, being more than a little tipsy, slapped Sharon across her face. "WHY? Why would you lie to me like this? I thought you loved me." More blood trickled from Sharon’s nose and she licked it with her tongue and smiled.

"Oh poor young Tracey. I give you some sack time, which was mediocre at best, some warm embraces, and you think its love? You just kept me warm until I could have what I really wanted." Tracey snarled, reached back and punched Sharon’s face. She reached back again only to have Sydney grab her arm.

"That’s enough, Tracey. Ally, call the police. We have an unwanted guest here." They looked at Sharon who was just sitting on the counter staring into nothingness with a small smile on her face.

"Sharon, you have hurt my friends for the last time. I’m going to have you put in jail for breaking and entering. If you’re lucky, you won’t have anything else on your record to keep you there longer." Ally said to the numb woman. She looked at Sydney and mouthed "I’m so sorry." Sydney walked over to her and put her arms around her.

"I’m the one who is sorry honey. I shouldn’t have kept this from you. I promise when all of this is over, I will tell you the whole story."

"OK then, after this is over. I have a phone call to make. I’ll be right back." She turned to leave the room, looked into the bar area and looked back into the kitchen. "You know, it’s a good thing these people really like to party, because this would be really hard to explain right about now." Sydney looked at her partner and smiled.

Sydney looked over to Sharon’s unbalanced expression and wondered what she ever saw in her. The beauty that once radiated off of this woman was now gone. Everything about her had changed for the worse. She knew now how lucky she was to have found Alicia. Of course, she always knew that part.

Tracey just sat at the kitchen table and just stared at Sharon. It was unbelievable to her what had just unfolded. The woman who had loved her for the last few months was nothing more than a lying Sociopath. She buried her head in her hands and began to weep. Sydney walked over to her and put her hand on her shoulder.

"I’m so sorry I brought her into your life, Tracey." She whispered to the crying woman.

Sharon watched the exchange and reached down to pick up a piece of the broken bottle from the counter. She had the glass in her palm and slowly slid off the counter. Edna saw her move and motioned too late to Sydney. Sharon quickly raised her weaponed hand and rushed towards Sydney.

"IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU, THAN NO ONE CAN! YAAAAH" She shouted as she raised her hand to make the strike.

"Sydney! Look out!" Edna screamed.

Sydney whirled around and caught Sharon’s raised arm before it made impact. Ally heard her aunt scream and ran into the kitchen after her call to the police. Tracey got behind Sharon and grabbed Sharon’s other arm and shoved it behind her back.

"Drop it, Sharon, or whatever your name is!" Tracey shot out.

Sharon grunted and dropped the piece of glass on the floor. She started to kick and scream and Tracey threw her down onto the floor. Pieces of the broken glass dug into Tracey’s knees and into Sharon’s body. Sydney traded places with Tracey since she had a better advantage over Sharon.

"Sydney honey, are you all right?" Ally ran to her side.

"Yes darlin. We just need to wait for the cops now. We can add attempted murder to her sheet and she should be put away for a good long time. Maybe they’ll put her into a mental hospital. I think she would benefit greatly from that." Sydney smirked as she tightened her grip on Sharon’s twisted arm.

"You think some shrink is gonna stop me from coming back to get you, Sydney? Think again. I am going to haunt you until the day you die. You will never be able to forget me, I promise you that." Sharon spat into the floor.

"You’re right, Sharon, I won’t forget you. I will remember how you actually helped me to become a person again after Billy died. I do regret, however, the fact that I don’t have any other fond memories of us together. I feel nothing but pity for you, but at least I know what love is now. It’s exactly the opposite of what we had together. So, for that, I thank you." Sydney said sarcastically.

"Fuck you!" Sharon cried out.

"In your dreams Sharon." Ally hissed. Sydney looked up at Ally and smiled a full smile at her love. She knew that nothing had really changed between them. It was just a matter of finishing her story to Ally.

"Hey! Someone called the cops!" A voice shouted from the other room. Ally giggled to herself and went to the door to welcome the arriving officers.

"Evening ma’am. We got a call that you had an intruder this evening?" One of the officers asked.

"Oh how I wish it were that simple. Follow me." Ally explained with a grin on her face.

She led the officers into the kitchen. Most of the people had left the party already and the ones that remained just stared at the entering policemen.

"Well, what do we have here?" The first officer asked.

Sydney looked up and it was the officer from the liquor store. She recognized him and she smiled up at him and rolled her eyes.

"Seems like you are doing our jobs again for us tonight. You are a busy woman." He smiled at Sydney.

"Again? Sydney?" Ally questioned.

"Long story." Sydney replied.

"Another one?" Ally teased. Sydney just raised her brow at Ally and grinned.

"Unfortunately." She quipped back.

Sydney moved off of a struggling Sharon and the officers handcuffed her. The second officer stood Sharon up and motioned for her to walk out of the kitchen. She turned to face Sydney.

"See you soon, my sweet." Sharon said.

"Not if I see you first." Sydney answered quickly.

Sharon was taken out of the house and placed into the squad car. The first officer questioned Ally and Sydney as to what happened.

"Long story short, her name is Sharon Harris. She stalked me for three years just to cause me harm. She tried to kill me with a piece of broken glass in a kitchen she wasn’t invited into and I want to file charges on all counts." Sydney plainly stated with her arms across her chest.

"Would you like to elaborate any on this?" The officer smiled.

"OK, three years ago..."

********

Sydney relayed as much information she could bear to remember. The officer was amazed that this woman hadn’t been committed to a psyche ward sooner. In his opinion, "she is a couple cents short of a dime."

"Thank you, Officer Randy, good to see you again." Sydney kidded.

"Thank you, Sydney. Ally I’m sorry your birthday turned out this way, but rest assured, we will take care of Ms. Harris. Have a good night ladies. Well, what’s left of it." He said as he checked his watch.

"Good night." Both Ally and Sydney said in unison.

They closed the front door and realized that the four of them, Sydney, Ally, Edna, and Tracey, were the only ones left in the house. When the police showed up, the party pretty much broke up. They all took a seat at the bar and did a shot of Cuervo.

Ally had tended to Sydney’s wounds and Edna to Tracey’s. Tracey still hadn’t absorbed everything that had happened this evening, but it would all sink in soon enough for her.

"God, I just can’t believe all of this. What the hell would drive someone to that?" Tracey asked.

"I don’t know Hon, I’m just glad that she didn’t physically hurt you." Ally said as she wrapped her arm around her best friend’s shoulder.

"Sharon is sick, that’s all there is to it. I can’t think of any sane person that would do this." Edna threw in.

"Obsession is a scary thing. I hope this is the one and only time I get to be the subject matter." Sydney chuckled half-joking, half-serious.

"Well kids, thanks for the excitement, but I have to go. I have to get my sorry butt to Indy." Edna exclaimed.

"Aww, Eddi, are you sure you can’t postpone your trip? Just for a day?" Ally asked.

"Aww, honey, you don’t need me here. My limo is waiting for me outside. Besides I do believe you have other plans for the rest of the evening. It’s your birthday for cryin-out-loud! Have some fun tonight! I’ll see you back in Montana when you get back. OK?" Edna replied.

"Thank you for coming, Eddi. It meant so much to me that you were here. I’m just sorry for the way that things ended. I just hope they lock her up for a good long time." Ally said as she hugged her aunt. "Have a safe trip Eddi, and please call me when you get in, you know how I am." Ally said as she pulled away from the hug.

"I love you, Ally. Take care of her." She said quietly as she pointed to Tracey. "I think she’s gonna need some TLC from you."

"I will."

"Edna, it was wonderful to see you again. I know it meant the world to Alicia for you to be here for her birthday. I’ll be back at work soon, boss lady." Sydney laughed as she hugged Edna good-bye. Edna laughed with her and then turned to face Tracey.

"Tracey, I’m so sorry hon. If there is anything that I can do for you, please, you know my number. Come here child." Edna said as she opened her arms for Tracey to fall into.

"Thanks, Edna. You seem to make things feel better, with just one hug. No wonder Ally loves you as much as she does. Take good care of yourself. Have a safe trip and good luck at the auction."

"Thanks, Tracey. All right ladies, good night and take care. I’m off to Indy. Bye now." She said with a final wave of her hand.

She went upstairs to retrieve the remainder of her bags and Sydney helped her get them into the limousine. With one final kiss and a wave, Edna was off and Sydney walked back into the house.

***

"Tracey, you know you can just spend the night here. It’s kinda late." Ally insisted.

"No, Ally, thanks, but I have so much to sort out. It’s really hard for me to process everything that went down tonight. It’s all just so surreal right now. I guess I am still waiting to wake up from this nightmare."

"I know what you mean." The low sensual voice of Sydney came from over Ally’s head.

"Hey you, did Eddi get off OK?" Ally said as she was hugged from behind.

"Yeah she did. Did I hear you were leaving Tracey?" Syd asked.

"I gotta. I have lots to think about. I appreciate the offer Ally, but I really think I need to go home." Tracey reasoned.

"Let us drive you at least. You have had quite a bit to drink tonight." Ally compromised. Tracey knew not to argue this point with Ally and her past experiences with drunk driving.

"OK, babe. You win. I know I can’t win that argument." Her friend acquiesced. "I’ll get my stuff together. Be right back."

"K, Trace. We’ll be right here." Ally shouted at her friend’s back.

Ally turned to face Sydney. They studied each other for long moments before slowly embracing each other. The warmth and love they felt for each other came out in full force with this embrace.

"I love you, Alicia. I’m so sorry I wasn’t completely honest with you. It almost cost me everything."

"Sydney, there is still a piece to this puzzle that I need to know, but I also know that you would never lie to me. I know there is a very good reason that you didn’t tell me about the death of your brother. I will just wait until we are alone and comfortable to talk more about it. I love you too Syd. I always will."

"That’s so good to know." She leaned down and slowly and tenderly kissed Ally’s lips. The kiss deepened and the women found their embrace becoming more and more needy. Sydney’s tongue demanded entrance and Ally didn’t fight it. She willingly took in the hot moist muscle between her lips and began to suck on it.

Sydney’s body pressed against Ally’s and they began their private dance of desire. Ally pulled away suddenly and had a look of confusion on her face.

"Where’s Tracey? I don’t want her to find us like this. It may upset her with everything that’s happened." Ally said as she felt her neck being nibbled on by Sydney. "Oh God, that feels good. I totally know why Sharon wanted you back."

"Alicia, no more talk about that woman tonight OK?" Sydney asked softly but seriously.

"Deal, I’m sorry. I am, though, going to go upstairs to check on Tracey. She should have been down here already."

"OK, I’ll come with you." Sydney said.

"Is that a promise for later as well?" Ally said as she waggled her eyebrows.

"You are such a naughty girl. Come on. Let’s see about your intoxicated friend upstairs."

"OK Love, after you."

The two women walked up the stairs hand in hand. They walked into Ally’s room and there was no sign of Tracey. Ally turned and walked down the hall to her parents' room. She opened the door and looked into another empty room.

"Ally, I think I found her. Come here." Ally heard Sydney say. Ally ran down the hall to follow Sydney’s voice.

"Syd? Where are you?" Ally called out with a bit of panic in her voice.

"Shh, in the guest room." She whispered.

Ally walked into the guestroom to find Tracey under the covers of the bed in the fetal position. She was lying on one pillow with another one in her arms.

"God, I feel so bad for her. On top of everything with Sharon, she is going to wake up with one helluva hangover." Ally sympathetically commented.

"Yeah I don’t envy the headache, she’ll have. Come on you, I’ve got some ‘splainin to do." Sydney said in her best Ricky Ricardo.

"Yeah you do. Come on, Ricky." She giggled back and silently closed the door.

Syd and Ally walked down the long hallway into Ally’s room and shut the door. They both undressed and got into the bed. Sydney opened her arms for Ally to snuggle into. It was their favorite position to sleep in, and not to sleep in. They got themselves situated and Ally felt Sydney stiffen a bit and knew that she was ready to talk.

"OK, are you ready Hon? I just want this over with." Sydney asked as if to gear herself up.

"Sure, baby, whenever you are." She said as she snuggled closer to her lover.

"OK, what Sharon said about Billy was true at one time. I completely blamed myself for his death. I didn’t kill him, so to speak, but I felt totally responsible for his death. We were having a brawl that night with one of the other gangs. He knew that they were going to be bringing some heavy stuff with them."

"Heavy stuff?" Ally asked.

"You know like guns and shit like that."

"Oh, OK."

"Anyway, he begged me not to go that night. He was always the peacemaker. After dad died he tried to be the man of the family. He was such a gentle soul, but very passionate about family. He was really worried for me. He knew what we did and he hated that I was involved in it. He didn’t understand why I needed to be with these people. Looking back, I don’t know what I thought I got from them either, but like I said, I was really lost at that time. Anyway, he had heard that the leader was gonna be packing guns that night. He urged me to stay home. I told him I wasn’t going to change my mind. He just wouldn’t listen. I told him to stay away if he didn’t like it. He didn’t.

"He showed up that night and tried to talk some sense into me. Before I even saw him approach, he walked into a line of fire. Someone had shot him. Bullets were flying everywhere and all I could do was watch him fall. The cops came and everyone scrambled out of there. Billy bled to death in my arms." Sydney paused to control the emotions that were seeping through her pores. "He told me that he loved me, and that he would do it all again, if it meant keeping me alive. I still don’t think I will ever understand that kind of love. Family was the most important thing to him though. He also said he knew how mom was going to react, boy was he right. She blamed me for all of it, which I don’t fault her for. I was a terror at that point in my life. Timmy and I weren’t speaking, and then of course he sided with mom, so my life was completely shit at that time. I wouldn’t relive that time for anything in this world.

"There was a trial but the shooter’s ass was covered by his people. His name was never even brought into the courtroom. They dismissed the case because they had no real suspects. Billy was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just like that, Billy became a statistic. I miss him terribly. His death was very wrong, just like your parents’. I just didn’t think the timing was right for me to tell you about him. I didn’t want to upset you anymore than you already were. I wanted to give you as much time as possible to mourn the loss of your folks, before I laid this on you. I’m sorry Alicia. I won’t keep anything from you ever again. I promise you that."

"That is a promise that I will hold you to my dear Sydney." Ally said as she kissed the soft flesh beneath her lips.

"Mmm, I do believe it’s still someone’s birthday. You may have whatever you like." Sydney said in a very sexy throaty voice.

"God Sydney you give me chills when you talk like that." Ally shivered.

"Like what, Alicia?" She whispered into the younger woman’s ears.

"You are such a tease, Sydney."

"No, Alicia, I do believe a tease is someone that only pretends to offer something they have no intention of giving up. I have every intention of giving you whatever it is you desire tonight."

"Really? Well then, I take it back. You are not a tease."

"Thank you."

"You are a seductress."

"That, I cannot argue with." Sydney said as she leaned over and flipped Ally onto her back. She kissed her soundly on the lips and their dance of desire played out once more. The kisses turned feral, the need to reconnect with each other was prominent with every movement. Sydney covered Ally’s naked body with her own. She kissed and licked every inch of Ally’s neck and throat. She nipped and suckled Ally’s ears until every inch of Ally’s body was covered in goosebumps.

She moved slowly southward until she came to Ally’s fully erect nipples. She took one into her mouth as she caressed the other with her fingers. Ally gasped at the sensation and pulled Syd’s head closer to her body. Ally’s body started gyrating into Sydney. Sydney pressed down with her own body to absorb every shock that Ally gave her. She teased the nipple with the tip of her tongue and gently nipped at it with her teeth. Ally started to moan with pleasure as Syd’s hand roamed slowly downward until it reached it’s destination.

She gently moved her fingers across Ally’s soaked pubic hairs. Sydney pressed the heel of her hand against Ally’s clitoris and Ally began to grind into it.

"Oh Sydney, God, you feel so good."

"Good baby, so do you." Syd whispered hoarsely back to her lover.

Ally’s movements became more fervent. She needed to feel this with Sydney again. Sydney spread Ally’s legs farther apart to gain better access to her lover’s passion. She moved her body down Ally’s to breathe in her essence. She could smell the arousal and wanted very much to taste the nectar waiting for her. She climbed in between Ally’s legs and placed tiny kissed up and down her inner thighs. She finally placed a kiss on the apex of Ally’s legs. Ally took a deep breath and slowly felt her body’s control leave her; Sydney was in control of her now. Sydney spread Ally’s lips open and gently teased her excited clitoris with the tip of her tongue. Ally’s body tried to shoot off the bed, but Sydney held onto her so she could not escape her erotic torture.

Ally was in a state euphoria. Everything was right again in their world. The most incredible woman on the planet was loving her. Sydney’s tongue picked up it’s pace when she felt Ally’s body responding to her touches. She inserted two fingers into Ally and felt the smaller woman push onto her invasive digits. Ally’s voice was picking up volume with each stroke of Sydney’s fingers and tongue.

"God baby, ungh, harder, please." Ally begged.

Sydney added a third finger to her arsenal and felt Ally’s body respond wholeheartedly. Ally’s body was grinding into Sydney’s as she felt her getting closer and closer to release. A few more strokes of Sydney’s tongue and Ally was screaming to any god that would listen. Sydney didn’t stop her assault until she heard Ally begging her to do just that. Sydney’s release drowned out Ally’s voice for a brief moment. After her body stopped its convulsions, she was able to hear her again.

"Oh my God, Sydney. That was incredible." Ally panted out.

"No baby, you are incredible. I love making love with you. I can release myself, by just loving you. I have never been able to do that with anyone else."

"That does take talent." She giggled. "Hey come up here, I want to hold you." Ally said as she felt her partner crawl up her body to embrace hers.

"God this is home to me, Sydney. You, here with me is my home. Some people think that home is a place. I think it could be a person. For me, that person is you Sydney. God, I love you so much." She said as she kissed Sydney tenderly.

Several kisses later the two women were disturbed by the phone ringing.

Ally grunted, "Who the hell could that be? It’s almost the middle of the night. I’m just going to let the machine get it."

"Are you sure you want to do that? I mean, not to make you worry, but it could be Edna."

"Oh shit, you are right." Ally said as she grabbed the phone off the nightstand. "Hello?"

"Ally McKenna?"

"Speaking, who is this?" Ally asked.

"Hi there, it’s Officer Randy. I just wanted to let you know that Ms. Harris is behind bars. We found out some interesting things about her. Is Sydney with you?" Ally could hear the hopefulness in his voice.

"Yeah she is hang on a sec." Ally covered the phone with her hand. "It looks like you have started another fan club. It’s Officer Randy. I think he has a crush on you." Ally giggled.

"Oh stop..." Sydney said as she grabbed the receiver from Ally. "Hello Officer Randy, how are you this morning?"

"Doing well, Sydney, how was the rest of your party?"

"Well it kind of came to an abrupt halt. Gee I wonder why." She smiled. Ally could hear the laughter coming from the officer and rolled her eyes.

"Well I just figured you guys would still be up so I wanted to tell you something about Ms. Harris."

"Oh?" Sydney stopped Ally from kissing her neck; she wanted to hear this. Ally pretended to pout and motioned to Sydney that she was going downstairs to get some water.

"Yes. It seems as though Ms. Harris was caught embezzling money from her father’s company in California. He filed charges against her and I guess that’s why she came here. There is a warrant for her arrest in LA. Her father cut her off completely so she has no money to speak of. I’ll just assume that’s where you come in." The officer assessed the situation.

"Unfortunately. I was given quite a bit of money when my parents passed away. She knew of this information, so I would agree with your assumption on that. I think it goes a little deeper than that, but it may have started out that way. I just hope she gets the help she needs."

"Me too. She is a bit on the aggressive side."

"Oh yes she is." Sydney agreed. "Was she working for her father at all? I am just wondering how she met up with Tracey."

"Yes apparently, she was in fact looking to do something with Ms. Miller’s company, but it was only after she found out her father had cut her off. She told one of the other officer’s that she met up with Tracey and was looking to get revenge on her father’s company. She discovered with Tracey that she had a connection to you. Small world eh?" The officer attempted at humor.

"I guess." Sydney didn’t find it amusing.

"Anyway, that’s all I know for now. I’m hoping to get her in for a psychiatric analysis tomorrow. We need to know if she is crazy or just dangerous, or both for that matter."

"Yes indeed. Well Officer Randy, thank you for the call. We do appreciate it."

"No problem, Sydney, thanks for your cooperation and assistance tonight."

"No problem. Take care now. If you find out anything else, please let us know." Sydney said as she bid farewell to the policeman.

"Sure thing. Goodnight."

"Nite."

Ally returned with water in hand and sat on the rocking chair facing the window. She took a couple sips of water and just stared out at the moon. "So how was the rest of the call?" She asked Sydney who was walking out of the bathroom.

"They found out that Sharon was stealing from her father. He cut her off and that’s when she found Tracey’s company I guess. They had contacted them at one point to talk about a merger or some shit, and after her father cut her off she went to Tracey’s company impersonating an employee."

"Wow, so what was the deal with you? Why was she after you again?" Ally inquired.

"Just as I thought, she was after my money. She knew what I was worth after my folks passed away and she wanted it back. Her father cut her off so she went to the next best place she could think of, me. She just got lucky by meeting Tracey who happened to be your best friend. I don’t think she expected the resistance I gave her. God, she is really a sick individual."

"God, that gives me the creeps." Ally said while shivering in her birthday suit.

"Hey stand up for a second. I wanna do something." Sydney said as she gathered a blanket from off the bed. She sat down on the rocking chair and opened her arms for Ally. Sydney cradled her like a mother would a child. Sydney draped the blanket over their naked forms. Ally’s head rested on her shoulder as she tenderly held the rest of Ally’s body close to her own. The two women just sat holding each other close as the rocking soothed any pain they may have felt earlier.

"God this is nice. I love feeling your arms around me." Ally hummed to her lover.

"Me too baby. I wish we could stay like this forever. Away from crazies like Sharon."

"Mmm, me too." She agreed as she yawned quietly. "Sydney?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Thanks for my birthday party. Although Sharon may have ruined lots of it, it was still pretty cool. I don’t think I will ever have that kind of excitement again."

"God I hope not. I have dealt with more than my share of that kind of excitement."

"You should see the kitchen, Sydney. It is trashed. There are still some stains on the floor that Eddi and I couldn’t get out. I’m just glad we got all the glass up." Ally sighed. "Man, what a night."

"Yeah, when all of this is over and your house is sold, just think of the peace and quiet we will be able to have together."

"Mm, I can’t wait. God, I can’t wait to get back to Montana. I really hate leaving Tracey here by herself after all of this, but...she’s a big girl, I know she’ll be all right." Ally’s voice became nothing more than a whisper. Soon Sydney heard quiet snoring coming out of her love. She smiled into Ally’s hair and gently kissed the top of her head. She tightened her hold on Ally and looked out the window and stared into the night’s sky.

"You were right Billy. There really is no love greater than the one you have for your family. Ally and Timmy are my family now, and I will do everything that I can to protect them. It was a hard lesson for me to learn, but I think I finally understood what you were trying to teach me. I miss you, Billy, but I know that you would be proud of the woman I am today. This little one in my arms is living proof of that."

A shooting star shot across the clear sky as Sydney finished her conversation with her brother. She smiled at his response and gently rocked her precious cargo until she too, fell captive to the night.

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

Well it’s finally finished!!! WOOHOOOO! Thank you all SO MUCH for hanging on with me until I completed this thing. It turned into so much more than I had originally planned. Please let me know what you think, I LOVE to hear from you guys.

DEDICATIONS:

This story is dedicated to my father. I lost him to Cancer during the writing of this piece. He is now back in the arms of my mom, who I lost eleven months before him to ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I actually learned alot from Ally, if that is possible, and was able to mourn and go on with my life. So dad, I know we agreed to disagree about a lot of things in life, including my sexuality, but know that I am truly happy. I think of you both all the time and I miss you terribly. Take good care of each other, just like you always have. I love you.

To the love of my life: Thank you for helping me throughout the darkest point of my life. If you weren’t with me, I shudder to think of what my life would be right now. There are no words that I could possibly utter, that describe what you mean to me.

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