Again
(Part II Conclusion)
By
Minerva
See Part I for Disclaimers
and Copyright information.
Chapter III
Propped up on an elbow, Randi leaned over the brunettes prone form. Somehow she had
gotten a still incoherent, Reese to get up and crawl into bed. The blonde had been able to
wrestle her out of most of her clothes before she gave up to exhaustion and worry.
She looked at me as if I were a ghost. I wasnt expecting that, and it doesnt
make any sense. Maybe shes working too hard. Ill have to talk to Ken and see
if anything is going on at her job that shes not telling me about.
With soft fingertips, Randi traced her lovers eyebrows, then an aquiline nose. So
beautiful, and I still cant believe shes with me. Momma would be proud. She
always said Id find a woman larger than life who would take good care of me. Look,
momma, we take care of each other. After you died, I didnt think I could ever let
anybody in again only to watch them leave one way or another. Randi pulled away from
her lover and laid down on her back, peering up at the ceiling. Her thoughts and silent
whispers strayed to those she missed most.
I still dont know how she did it. You should have heard the cheesy lines, and I
swear she thought they were working. The blonde smiled in reminiscence. I guess they did.
She makes me laugh momma, so hard that I forget everything. She doesnt mind my
temper or my foul mouth. A breath of fresh air I think she called it.
Weve been together for a whole year, and I still think Im the only one besides
Ken who is completely honest with her. I love her so much, but I think that scares her
sometimes. I can see this cornered look in her eyes. I still know that she cares. She
wouldnt be here otherwise.
I wish you could talk back, momma. I cant believe it's been almost three years. I
swear you kept me laughing even in the end. Laughter is the best medicine. I believe you
now, because I dont think you suffered that much at all, despite the cancer. I know
its been a long time since I talked to you. I guess Im doing it now because
its Christmas, and for once, Im not miserable.
Krystal still wont really talk to me, my own sister. Can you believe that? She still
thinks all this is a phase, even after four years and two relationships. You didnt
mind, I dont understand why she does. Well, I can be stubborn too. Its a
Davenport trait. I miss you, momma. A soft groan disturbed her train of thought, and
Randi found herself peering at the brunette once more. "Screw her. I got better
things to take care of." I need to find out whats going on with this one.
The blonde smirked as Reese began to snore slightly. It was something she only did when
exhausted. "Time to get up sleepy head. You got some questions to answer, and you
know Im not the patient sort," she whispered. Randi reached over and tweaked
the brunettes nose. She snorted and wrinkled her nostrils in response, but the
snoring started again after a moment. The teacher rolled her eyes and tried another
tactic. She pinched nostrils together and tried to contain the giggles.
Resse gasped and shot up in a sitting position. Her eyes were wide as they scanned the
unfamiliar room. "What the fu. ." Pale eyes landed on the blonde, who quirked a
tiny smile and waved.
The brunette squealed and tried to jump out of the bed. The sheets wrapped around her
prevented it. She ended up on the floor instead, with a loud thud.
"Ow!" Exasperated, she tore at the sheets and stood up ungracefully only to feel
a draft over her semi naked form, clad in bra and panties. She squealed again and tried to
cover herself with two large hands. Shes real, and shes looking at me! Of
all people to stick me with, Clotho had to choose her?! The one person that. . .that made
me. . . She refused to finish the thought. Embarrassed and irritated, she barked at
the blonde, "Cant you see Im naked? Turn around!"
Randis lips twitched in an attempt to hide her mirth. At the last moment, she
decided not to hide it at all. A full smile formed on her face, crinkling her nose and the
skin around her eyes. She eyed the brunette from head to toe and raised a fair brow.
"You know, Ive seen those before. Naked even."
Reeses eyes widened incredulously. Same old Randi. I swear I could never rattle
that women, except when I broke. . . I cant go there. "How the hell did I
get like this anyway?"
Randi batted her eyes coquetishly. She is acting too weird, but Ill play along
for now. She removed the sheet from her body and lay back, leaving herself deliciously
exposed. "All this. . ." The blonde waved a hand down her body. "Struck you
blind, and you fainted," she said in a sing-song voice. "After, I finally got
you up. You begged me to undress you. Something about feeling me against you, if I
remember correctly." Randi pursed her lips then allowed her smile to get bigger.
Dark brows shot up into even darker bangs. The brunettes mouth suddenly went dry as
her groin twitched to life. God! Definitely same old Randi! Always keeping me on my
toes.
Reese had to bite her bottom lip to keep from smiling, but she couldnt keep it out
of her voice. "You nut. Youre lying. I remember blacking out, but the rest is
total bunk."
The blonde chuckled. "Uh huh, but it was a pretty one wasnt it?"
Reese smiled despite herself. "So are you, so I guess it goes hand in hand,
huh?"
Green eyes narrowed. "Its way to early to be giving me cheese, love."
The brunette threw back her head in laughter. God, I missed you.
Theres the woman I know and love. What happened to you last night. "You
okay now? You kinda had me scared last night."
Reese cleared her throat. "Last night. . last night was kinda strange, and I guess
seeing you like that sort of threw me, you know?" This is some kind of
cosmic/karma thing. Clotho I dont want to hurt her a second time, and I dont
want to have to run a second time.
Worry scrunched the blondes brow. "Everything okay there?"
Im starting this whole thing off lying to her. That cant be good. How is
that gonna fix anything? What the hell am I supposed to be fixing anyway? "Um,
Ken told me something I thought Id never hear out of him. Hes in love."
"Oh, he told her? Thats great! Glorias quiet a woman."
Confused, Reese asked, "We know her?" Is everything different? What else did
she change?
Randi frowned again. "Yeah, we do. Theyve been over for dinner I dont
know how many times."
Oh, sweet Mary. Panic ceased her, and she finally sat gingerly on the edge of the
bed. "You live. . here with me?" Reese shook her head suddenly realizing how
suspicious she sounded. "Uh, I mean, how long have we lived here together?"
Okay, what the hell is going on with her. Shes hiding something from me. Fear
grasped her. Is she trying to tell me something? Getting a little angry, Randi
retorted, " A little over a month and a half. You know all this. What the hell is
going on with you? If you werent sure about us being together like this, you shoulda
said something before we bought the fucking house!"
Her sense of self-preservation kicked in overtime. This is her idea of a second
chance?! Sticking me with the only woman that made me feel? And already, Im saying
and doing the wrong thing. Shell end up walking out just like everybody else before
the holiday is even over. Im no good at this! Forever running, Reese added,
"Look, I dont want to talk about this right now." She stood up and jerked
the sheet, wrapping it around her.
Randi felt the breath rattle in her throat as she watched the brunette leave. "Well
Merry fucking Christmas to you too!" She could feel angry blood rushing to her face.
The blonde covered her face with her hands and screamed into them. Please let me be
overreacting. Dont do this to me, Reese, not now. You promised me I wasnt like
the rest of them, and I believed you.
She sat up and grabbed a pillow, launching it across the room. I do it every time. So damn
gullible. You taught me that people were good, momma. After all these strikes, youd
think my perceptions would have changed, but they havent. First, Judy, I believed
every lie that came from her mouth even the one where she said I was the only one.
Then, there was Toni. Should have known better than to get involved with a student.
Surprised I still have my job. Damn, freshmen experimentation. This was supposed to be
different. I love you, Reese. I know you, and I cant let you run from me. I still
wanna believe you. I cant help myself. Knowing they needed to talk, Randi got up and
pulled on shorts and a t-shirt before going to search for her lover.
Pale blue scanned the living room, looking for anything familiar. The cream-colored
furniture, pastel carpeting, potted plants, and paintings, none of it was her. The only
thing that reeked of her influence was the large entertainment center. She even studied
the Christmas tree that she missed last night. The muliti-colored lights still blinked,
making the bows and tassels glow. There were even presents. Warmth snuck up on her before
she even had a chance to think.
For a brief second, Reese reveled in it. It was the ultimate what if. The
whole house was smaller than I thought it would be, but knowing the Randi, she wanted
everything split fifty-fifty, regardless of how much I make. She wanted this then. I could
see it in her eyes. Some part of me wanted to give it to her. I just couldnt,
knowing that she would eventually leave. Just the thought of it hurt too much. I had to
run before she did.
She made me feel . . .things that I still cant identify. Being near her, I can feel
it happening already like the feelings never left. Her mind flashed back to the airport,
remembering the light that died in the blondes eyes and the tearing she felt
herself. Oh God, I cant do that either.
Reese turned and went back down the hall, hoping to find an office where she could sit and
think. She found what she was looking for. A big, hand carved desk complete with leather
chair greeted her, along with a state of the art computer. There were various papers and
books scattered about. It was a mess. She smiled, knowing it was indeed her office.
Now seated, the brunette draped the sheet around her, leaned back, and rested her legs on
top of the desk. "Now, what the hell am I going to do?" She sighed and closed
her eyes. Contrary to what I believed yesterday, I dont think I can just cut and
run. After seeing Randi again, Idont know if I want to. That alone scares me.
Five minutes alone with her, and Im falling again. Can I make it last? Is this what
Im here for? To give it another go? Maybe Clothos trying to tell me that we
were meant to be. I have a chance to make this last, but I dont know what Im
doing though either way. How can I learn to be the woman she needs in a week? If I do
this, will she be the one person that stays?
To start things off, Ive lied to her and alienated her because of my own stupid
fears, but the bottom line is that Ive missed her. Is she that missing chunk in me?
I didnt have that hollow spot when I was with her, but I did before and after. Reese
pulled on her bottom lip and stared into space.
>Here is the whole thing in a nutshell. Im back with the one thing that felt
right in my life, and if I dont try to learn how to keep it that way, I end up with
nothing. Theres no other choice. I have to give this a try. I have to learn to
listen to my heart. A combined frission of hope and fear lodged in her chest at the
thought. She looked up at the ceiling. "I hope someone up there is willing to give me
a hand because I dont know what the hell Im doing."
Randi stood outside her lovers office door. She looked down at the present in her
hand, hoping to use this one as a peace offering. I wish you would talk to me, Reese.
Theres so much I dont know about you. Some places you wont let me in.
Why do you hide from me? I just dont want to lose you. I have to try and see if we
can fix this. The blonde knocked on the door slightly then let herself in.
Reese glanced up. Her heart lurched in reaction. I dont know where to start. How
do I show you what I didnt the first time? How do I open up and do that? Will it
make you see or make you stay? I wanna know what it feels like to stand still for once.
Maybe it will make me a different woman. Anything has to be an improvement from what I was
before. She swallowed. Here goes nothing. "Uh, hi."
Hesitant green eyes met blue. Randi picked at the wrapping paper, needing something to do
with nervous hands. "Hi, I, um, wanted to apologize for overreacting. Its just
that sometimes I dont know. . ." The blond head hung. "Sometimes I
dont know what youre thinking, and I dont know which way to go when you
dont share."
I guess Ive been the same old Reese even here, keeping her at arms length.
Im gonna have to skip a few steps and leap over this fear. Take the chance, Reese
girl, just like you did everyday in that office. The brunette cleared her throat , and
pale eyes softened. "You didnt," she replied softly.
Confused, Randi added, "Didnt what?"
"Overreact." Reese took her feet off the desk and leaned forward in the chair.
"Id say. . .you were right on the money." She reached up to scratch the
top of her head in nervousness. "I imagine theres a lot of things I should know
and dont."
The blondes heart thudded. Is she apologizing? I havent heard her say
Im sorry since forever. Whats going on here? Its not like she could
change overnight. I mean, is she finally seeing that its better to hold on to
whats in front of her? "Yeah." She continued to fiddle with the
wrapping paper around the present.
"I-Im sorry, Randi. I dont understand how you put up with me." Because,
I didnt want anybody to. Because I knew they would always leave.
Randi sighed shakily and moved a couple of steps closer. "You still dont know
by now, do you? I love you. Its as simple as that." And Ill keep
telling you until it sinks into your thick head!
The brunettes heart thudded upon hearing words it had been deprived of for so long. It
should have always been as simple, but it never has been for me. Reese opened her
mouth to respond with feelings that she always knew were there, "I. . .I" Her
mouth closed then opened as she tried again.
"Its okay, Reese. You dont have to say it. I know you care." I
know I live in there somewhere.
The executive knew when she was being let off easy. "Yeah, I do." More than I
can tell you right now. More than I think you ever knew. To compensate, she got up out
of the chair, moving around to where the blonde stood. Reese peered down at the small
wrapped box in the smaller womans hands. I hope theres something under the
tree for her. "You come bearing gifts I see."
"Yeah, it is Christmas, and I wanted it to be a peace offering."
"I just think we need talk more, you know?" Whoa, did I say that? Maybe
Im learning something after all.
"I think that Ive been waiting for you to say that for a long time. I mean, we
talk about everything except us." I want to know whats inside you.
Cant you see that?
The dark head hung. "I know. Its just hard to do when Im used to keeping
everything to myself. I dont think anyone was ever interested before."
"Im very interested, and I hope this shows it." Randi grasped a large hand
and deposited the present there. "Merry Christmas, baby." She watched with eyes
full of emotion as the brunette began to tear the paper from around the box.
Reese dispensed with the wrapping paper with child-like glee. It showed on her face and in
her eyes. "Its been a long time since I had Christmas or even cared about
it."
Randi smiled softly, "I know." She paused impatiently. "Now will you hurry
up and open it. Youre making me anxious!"
The brunette smiled goofily as she got rid of the last piece of tape to reveal a velvet
jewelers box. She swallowed but without hesitation opened the box to reveal a delicate
gold watch. "Oooh."
Nervous despite the reaction, Randi felt the need to explain herself. "I know
youre not much for jewelry, but gold does look so good on you. Read the engraving on
the back."
The executive did as she was told and turned the watch over. Her breath caught, making the
words come out shaky, "My heart All the Time." Pale blue sparkled with warmth.
"Ill never take it off." She held out her arm and gave the blonde the
watch. "Help me."
With trembling hands, Randi procured the watch around the brunettes wrist. She
looked down at it. "Beautiful."
An elegant hand lifted to cup the blondes cheek. "Yeah, you are."
The teacher bit her lip and chuckled, "Corny but effective."
"Eh, I got a million of them, but Im only gonna use them on you."
Randi patted the hand then kissed it. "Good to know."
Reese closed her eyes and concentrated on the shiver at the feel of soft lips. How does
she do this to me? The only one. When eyes opened again, they were dark and shining.
"Anytime," the brunette replied hoarsely. Her gaze riveted on full unpainted
lips. Do you still taste the same? Its been six months. I have to find out.
The taller woman took a step closer engulfing the blonde in heat. Randi gasped at the
overwhelming feeling that always seemed to take over when the brunette got too close. She
let the heat envelope her. Their gazes met and sizzled, almost producing a crackle in the
air.
Reese wet her lips reflexively and smiled softly as green eyes followed the action. With a
thumb, she began to explore the blondes lower lip. The softness was still there, but
it wasnt until the other womans tongue snaked out to greet the appendage that
the brunette was reminded of the wet heat. She sucked in a breath and pushed inside,
meeting the inferno head on. Oh God, just like I remembered.
Breathing turned ragged from that act alone, and Randi found that she couldnt tear
her eyes away from the face that had become suddenly flushed and animated with need. The
blonde wanted to heighten those features and feelings. With the onset of a warm suction
and flicking tongue, she did just that, watching the executives lips part softly and
rasp in breath.
Impatience suddenly became the brunettes best friend. The need to taste her lover
had become a compulsion. "Missed this," she whispered as her head descended over
finger and all. Tongues touched before lips did, making them both moan harshly at the wet,
teasing contact. Reese used her finger to open the blondes mouth wide, letting her
spear deeply inside. She whimpered at the taste. So good. So sweet. The air
warmed around them then thickened with tension.
Randi wrapped her hands in dark hair and crushed her lovers mouth on her own. This
was no different then the hundreds or thousands of other times they kissed or touch. She
began to shake from the inside out, feeling as though the ground was quaking beneath her
feet. Her heart stopped its normal sinus and beat in some errant rhythm that made her
dizzy and hungry for more.
The need to breathe broke the kiss but not the proximity of the bodies. Their foreheads
touched as they took advantage of the moment to breathe normally again. Randi recovered
first. She brought fingertips up to trace the brunettes warm, wet lips then
whimpered when she realized that she had to have them again.
Reese felt control slipping, and as a result, she panicked. I cant do this
now. Feels too good and I feel too much. She grasped wrist and brought them to her
lips, hoping to play her apprehension as sexual arousal. Their eyes met in silence.
Randi was the first to speak. "Youre right. Were having company real
soon. Would do for your mother to come over and catch us like this. Id die of
embarrassment. Ken said that hed call from Glorias parents house
sometime tonight."
The brunettes insides turned to ice. It cant be. That woman left me.
Ill be damned before I give her a second chance at anything! Her jaws slammed
shut, causing a muscle to tick on the side. She tried to swallow down the bile and anger,
but they came back up quickly. Instead, she untangled herself from the blonde and turned
away. "My mother?" Her tone was low, icy.
Noticing the quick transition to anger she was more than familiar with, Randi blanched.
What the hell just happened here? Its like shes Jekyl and Hyde.
"Yeah, your mother. Reese? Whats going on with you? Youve been acting
weird all morning, and its starting to get to me."
Reese laughed derisively. "Even if I told you, you still wouldnt know."
With her back still turned, she put a hand on a hip and stared out the window. I
guess everything is screwed up here. Who the hell else is gonna jump out at me?
"What about my father?"
Throwing her hands up in exasperation, Randi replied, "Your father? I dont know
about your father you never talked about him. You keep things from me just like
youre doing right now." Is it that hard, Reese, open up to me? Dont
you trust me at all?
Reese flinched in reaction. I never told her? Have I ever told her anything about
myself? About my life? How could she put up with that? Stupid! She loves me, and I shut
her out. That would make anybody leave. I have to do something. Theres so much going
on here. I just need time to figure it all out. She turned around and met sad green.
Overwhelmed and irritated, the brunette ran a hand through bed raggled hair.
"Look, I can tell you this much and be sure. I dont know where my father is. As
far as everything else goes, Im so-so sorry for being an asshole. Its hard to
clean that up when since Ive been one my whole life. Im gonna rectify that
though. I just gotta learn how."
Randi shook her head in confusion. "I dont mean to look a gift horse in the
mouth, but whats happened to you? You dont sound like yourself, and weve
argued more this morning than we have in a long time. Its almost like everything is
new to you. I dont understand. . ."
"Neither do I, but Im gonna try to make this right. I just need some time. My
head just isnt on straight for some reason." Are these all the things I have
to atone for? Randi I can understand, and I even look forward to. But, my mother, I never
did anything to her. She did it to me! She left me! This shit doesnt make any sense.
Concerned, Randi moved forward. "What do you mean? You feeling okay?"
The brunette held out a hand to stop her advance. "Yeah, Im fine, and Ill
let you know whats going on as soon as I get it straight. Trust me?" I
promise Ill do right by you this time. Ill try.
Confused but having confidence in her lover, the blonde nodded.
"Unconditionally." I trust you and I love you. I dont know how to do
anything else where youre concerned.
Reese smiled softly and reached out for the blondes hand, ignoring the sudden weight
on her shoulders. "Okay." She pulled them toward the office door. "Then
lets get Christmas started. I think theres some things under the tree with
your name on it." The brunette winked. "We might need to get dressed too. Got
people to see and food to eat. Cant wait to tear into the spread you made," she
added with cheer that she didnt feel.
Giving her lover a fake pout, the blonde said, "Good cause I didnt slave all
day yesterday for nothing. Now," Randi paused and smiled. "Lead me to the
bedroom."
Chapter IV
Reese smoothed a sweaty hand down the front of wool slacks. It had been twenty years since
shed seen Sara Darden, and in a few more minutes, the woman was going to come
walking through the front door like time hadnt passed at all. The brunette was
angry, apprehensive, and wary, hoping she could keep her contempt in enough so as not to
alarm the blonde.
They had decided to forego breakfast since it was late anyway and go right to the
Christmas meal. They had even agreed to wait on the brunettes mother before doing
presents. With relief, Reese spotted several gifts from her to her lover, and to her
consternation, some for her mother as well. She listened to the clanging in the kitchen,
as her thoughts went into a whirl.
How do you greet someone who abandoned you? Hi, I did fine. I didnt need your ass
anyway, or how about: Hi, because of you I turned into a grade A thieving asshole. Does it
matter? All I know right now is that Im scared to death and unsure about everything,
even my own sanity. I mean, is this reality and everything else was a dream? I dont
know anymore. I have to admit that a small part of me is eager to see her again. I guess
its the kid she left, but the woman in me wants to hate her. I guess Im gonna
have to wait and see who wins.
Reese jumped up from the couch at the sound of the doorbell. Her breath caught in her
throat, and she swallowed the lump that accompanied it. The brunette willed her hands to
stop shaking and her heart to stop thudding, but it seemed that in this world she had
command of nothing.
Where the adult wanted to slow down and make the other woman wait, the kid walked briskly
toward the door and pulled it open to admit her mother. They both took note of the BMW
sitting in the driveway like it had never moved.
The woman that smiled back at the brunette was a head shorter, with curly hair the same
color as her own speckled with gray. Her own eyes peered back at her, crinkling at the
sides in a smile. Inside, the kid sobbed. Outside, the woman was complacent and
emotionless.
Sara Darden patted her daughters stomach with her free hand. "You just gonna
stand there, Reesie or are you gonna let Santa in. I come bearing gifts and alcohol."
She held up the bag then thrusts it into her daughters hands.
As if on automatic pilot, Reese moved aside, letting the older woman enter. The brunette
followed and dumped the bag onto the couch. She turned around and found herself engulfed
in a hug. "Merry Christmas, Reesie."
Little Reese felt the warmth all the way to her toes. The older version raged at the
womans audacity. She didnt return the hug, but she didnt break it
either. Her arms stayed pasted to her sides and her body remained stiff.
Sara frowned in concern. She stepped back and looked up into her daughters face to
see a pained expression. She raised her hand to touch but gasped when Reese flinched as if
hit. "Reese, honey, whats wrong? Did you and Randi have a fight? Feel free to
talk about it if you want."
I cant believe Im standing here looking at the woman who took half of my
heart with her when she left. I felt nothing for her for so long. I heard once that hate
is the other side of love. Who ever said it was wrong. Its indifference. Its
what Ive felt for all these years, and now its like a war is going on inside.
Why is she trying to get out now? I cried for her when I was ten. Im not ten
anymore.
This time the child inside her shouted angrily. She wanted to put her arms around her
mother. She wanted to smile, to kiss. With each shout of outrage, little Reese got
stronger.
Reese clinched her hands into fists and peered down at the older woman. Her voice was low,
husky. "No, mother." She spat out the words as if they were nasty. The child
pummeled her from the inside. After twenty years, she wanted out. Dont do this to
me. I cant forgive her so easily. But another voice whispered, a smaller one. She
never left. Why are you mad? She never left. Reese bit her jaw and swallowed the
coppery blood before she spoke again. Her voice softened but was just as husky. "I
just woke up from a nightmare, mother. You want to hear about it?"
Sara nodded and tapped her daughter on the nose. "Yeah, I do. You used to tell me
about all of them when you were little. Nothing should change now. Youre still my
little girl."
Reese felt the little girls relief and happiness, and it made her giddy. Still trying to
hide it, with a wave of her hand, she motioned her mother to sit down on the couch.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Randi got out the China to set the dining room table. She set the plates and gravy boat on
the counter and turned to set the timer for the reheating food. The blonde leaned against
the counter and sighed. "My first real Christmas in three years. I still cant
believe it." She smiled at the sound of the doorbell. "And here comes another
woman Ive grown to love." The blonde chuckled but it lacked humor as her
thoughts and voice turned inward.
It doesnt seem like that long ago that it was just me, a couple of Coronas,
a pizza, and freakin Jimmy Stewart. I dont think Ill ever be able to
watch that movie again. I was tired of the damn snow, tired of my damn school. Hell, I was
tired of everything. I have to admit. Im surprise Im still at IU.
Damn fool faculty and their hang-ups. So what if I decided to expand my curriculum a
little and add some gay writers. That (gasps) talk about being gay! I swear old men and
their tight underwear. I think I was pissed off that mom left, pissed off at Krystal, and
generally pissed off at everything and everybody. And then came those wrecks I call
relationships. They pissed me off even more.
Hell, I wanted to be pissed off at the bull coming out of Reeses mouth that day, but
somehow, looking at that face and those eyes, I just couldnt be.
"I have her. I know I do, and Im happy. It just feels. . .like somethings
missing. A year, and she never said I love you. Shouldnt I be angry at
that? I mean, I know she cares. I can feel it every time she looks at me. I just want to
be inside her, all the way, and I may be stubborn enough to stay until she lets me
in," Randi commented out loud. She paused and scratched her chin.
"And now she says she wants to try and start talking to me, really talking to me, and
I question it because shes acting a little strange. Whats wrong with me? I
dont care if its because of the season or whatever. I should be happy that
Reese is even attempting to open up. Still, what did she mean by her head isnt on
straight?" The ding of the timer got her attention. It was time to get dinner
together.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Sara drew her brows together in worry. "You say I left you when you were ten?"
"Yeah, and at first I thought my life was going pretty good, but it really
wasnt."
Sara Darden brought her hands together in her lap and looked down at them. "Can I
tell you something?" Her voice was hesitant, wary.
"Yes." The little girl inside her smiled as she soaked in the tone of her
mothers voice.
"I almost did leave once. Around that time too. Your father and me were having a lot
of problems. I think he forgot he was married to me. Money and power was all he
wanted."
Reese swallowed. Why couldnt this have been my real life? "Why
didnt you?" She asked softly. She stared at her mother until blue met blue
again.
"Because, I knew Id never see you again. He wasnt going to let me have
you. To him, you were his legacy. You were going to make his name bigger than it already
was. He would have done anything to keep you."
Wanting so much to know what happened to her father, Reese asked but couldnt keep
the trepidation out of her voice. "Have. . .have you talked to him lately?"
Sara shook her head. "No, havent visited his grave since this summer."
Reeses stomach dropped and a tight band of emotion cinched around her chest. For a
moment, she couldnt breathe. In this world, she had traded one abandonment for
another. He chose money rather than a life with his family. I dont understand how
he could do that. She paused remembering the power and adrenaline that gushed through
her each time she made even the smallest amount of money. Yes, I can.
The brunette swallowed before speaking again. "He taught me everything I know about
this business. I can be grateful for that."
Her mother smiled sadly. "Yes, I just hope his obsession didnt pass on to you.
You know, theres one thing Ill never forget about him. He only told me that he
loved me once, and that was before we were married. I never heard it again, even after he
was forced to resign because of the money he took. Even after we went broke, I kept
telling myself that he did." She turned away. "Im sorry. I probably
shouldnt be telling you this. I dont want to ruin the image you have of
him."
Reese was shaken to the core, but she had to comment. "H-he never told me at
all." Tears prickled behind her eyes.
Blue met again. While Reese couldnt cry, her mother did it for her. "Oh,
sweetie. I didnt mean to be so weak. I should have tried harder to get us both out
of there." Sara moved closer and engulfed her only child in another hug. Reese
stiffened but after a few seconds, her body relaxed. For the time being, the kid had won.
Sara rocked her daughter back and forth. "You had no childhood, hardly any friends,
and I am so sorry. You always seemed so alone. Im glad you found Randi."
Reese wrapped an arm around her mothers and whispered, "Me too."
Long minutes later, Reese jumped up and ran toward the voice coming from the kitchen.
Still shaken, the brunette was able to smile at the beauty that stood before her. The
blonde head turned and green eyes smiled back.
"You yelled?"
"I did not. I simply. . . talked loudly," Randi quipped.
"Unh-huh. I guess you need help with all that?" She pointed toward the ham,
green beans, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes all packed neatly on the large
counter, in the appropriate dish.
The blonde smirked. "Duh, you think?"
"Smart ass." Reese swiped the aforementioned body part as she breezed by. She
stopped in front of the large plate that held the ham.
Unable to help herself, Randi recalled what happened a few hours earlier. She touched her
lovers arm. "Hey, you doing okay with your mom and everything? You seemed kind
of apprehensive."
Reese turned to the blonde and smiled wanly. "Lets just say. . .that I feel
like a kid again, and a lot of bad years seemed like they never happened."
Reaching out and knowing she might get burned, Randi did it anyway. "Share with me
later?"
Reese reached over and brushed back a wisp of blonde before she traced from forehead to
cheek. "Ill try. Be patient with me?"
Randi nodded and turned to kiss the hand. "With you, always."
~*~*~*~*~*
Dinner was equal in the awkwardness it generated as well as the happiness. Little Reese
was out full force. She turned to her mother time and time again making sure she was still
there. She memorized every line, every smile, every laugh, and every once in a while older
Reese would do the same. They talked, laughed and devoured the wine as well as the food.
After the table was cleaned, the trio ventured back into the living room for presents.
Still stuck knee deep in her childhood, Reese sat on the floor by the tree with her legs
crossed. She looked up to see the blonde doing the same. Blue eyes peered up at her
mother, and the brunette realized that for once the hollow feeling was gone. She twisted
toward the tree and grabbed as many of the gifts as possible. Turning back to the blonde,
she smiled. "I think its your turn now."
Reese watched in satisfaction and relief as the blonde and Sara oohed and awed over the
diamond earrings, silk blouses, cashmere sweater, and the array of other items the
brunette had purchased for her lover. I want to be able to put that look on her face
everyday.
She peered at her mother unobtrusively. I think I understand why youre here
mother. I was blind all those years. Is that who my father really was? He loved the life
so much that he traded his family in for it. I never saw my mothers pain. I never
even imagined what she went through. Her own pain real or imagined was still there,
but the child dampened it with her wonder and glee.
Randi opened each present with wide eyes. Each time her flush of happiness got deeper,
coloring her fair features a bright red. She looked up into pale blue and found the
brunette watchful and waiting. Unable to contain herself any longer, she surged forward
and wrapped her arms around the executive, adding a long kiss for good measure.
They both started at the sound of a chuckle and blinked at the flash that blinded them
suddenly. "I think this will look really good in my photo album," Sara replied
to their wide eyed stares.
Feeling too old to sit on the floor, Sara Darden sat on the couch and opened her gifts.
Her eyes filled with gratitude and warmth when she uncovered the ticket for an all expense
paid trip to the Bahamas as well as money and gift certificates for a new wardrobe for the
trip. Flustered, she got up and placed kisses on both their foreheads. "You two. . .
I dont know what to say. I think being with both of you like this makes this the
best Christmas Ive ever had."
She touched gentle fingers to Randis forehead. "Thank you for making my
daughter happy. I know she can be difficult. I think all us Dardens are, but thank
you for loving her and staying by her."
Randi smiled and looked from the older brunette to her lover. "No, thank you guys.
Its nice to have people I love in my life again."
Reese was the last to open gifts. By the time, she got through ripping through wrapping
paper the floor was covered in it. For the first time in a long while, she was unashamed
of the emotion flowing through her, and she showed it freely. The brunette laughed,
gasped, and smiled with each new surprise from pc games, DVDs to sweaters.
After cleaning up, they sat down and finished the other two bottles of wine that were
hiding in the refrigerator. Ken called, but the trio chatted on into the day until night
caught them.
Sara looked down at her watch in surprise. "Oh, its getting late, and I know
you have to work in the morning, Reesie."
"I hate it too. Wish I could have her to myself the three weeks Im stuck at
home for semester break," Randi added.
Reese pasted a smile on her face as her trepidation grew suddenly. Work. She had forgotten
that she had to go. Yesterday, it meant power. It meant everything. Today, it was
temptation. A temptation she may not be able to resist. It was a lure to a world she could
get lost in, foregoing everything else.
Her father did, and in another world so did she. Look what I have here. It
shouldnt even compare to what I have at the office. All I have to do is think about
her and this, and it will keep me from getting tied up in it all. That has to be the
answer. Please let it be. Otherwise, I dont know what to do. "Well,
its going to be a busy day tomorrow. Somebody has to do it," she replied with
false cheer. The fear of losing it all in the face of a temptation she could never resist
began to eat at her. In hopes of changing the subject, Reese asked, "Mother, why
dont you stay here tonight? I would take you home, but weve all been drinking.
. ."
"Yeah, I can make up one of the spare rooms for you. Take your pick," the blonde
interjected.
"Only if you girls are sure. I dont want to intrude. If I do, I need to leave
early. I heard the weatherman say something about an incoming snow storm that should be
right on top of us tomorrow afternoon."
"Youre not, and you can leave whenever youre ready."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Trying to remain stoic, Reese whispered a good night to her mother as she closed the door.
The ten year old wanted to go bounce on the bed, wanted to talk, wanted to cuddle, but for
the woman, old habits died hard. She fought back tooth and nail.
Why am I fighting this? This woman has done nothing to me. She showed me the truth. How
can I be angry at her for that? This woman has always been here. Im just hanging on
to old pain, letting it shape me. Because pain and money is all youve been able to
be sure of. You dont know anything else. Wait till tomorrow. Youll see. A
voice whispered from deep inside. It chilled her because it was the truth.
The statement stayed on her mind, and it pushed her past her own bedroom in favor of the
living room. Reese flopped down on the couch and leaned back. Can I resist it all
tomorrow or is it just inevitable? If it is, whats the point of this? Ive
never been able to resist the money or the power even when I could feel myself falling for
Randi the first time, and now that I know who my father really was, it should be a real
deterrent. But, I have the feeling that it wont be. That makes all the stuff I told
Randi bullshit. I want to be with her. I want to know my mother, but what if I want
whats in that office more?
Was it right, that voice? Maybe I should be preparing myself for not seeing Randi or
mother again. When I go back to my own world, cant I give the money back and still
keep my job and all that goes with it? Clotho never said I couldnt. Maybe by going
back, Ill be saving them both heartache. I dont want to choose them and then
let them down by getting lost in my job. In my world, Randi and my mother wont be
any the wiser.
Reese closed her eyes and rubbed a hand across her face. "I guess it all depends on
how tomorrow goes, but maybe I need to start breaking away now for my own sake." The
brunette refused to see the whole thing for what it was another type of running. Rather
than take the chance at love and happiness, she sat there and convinced herself that it
may be best to concentrate on the definite.
Long minutes later, Reese opened the door to her own bedroom to find the blonde already in
bed. Despite the smile that waited for her, Reese looked away, missing the frown on the
blondes face.
Oh God, whats wrong now. Things were going so good today. Stay with me baby.
"Reese? You okay?"
The brunette still refused to turn to her lover. She walked toward the dresser and began
to get undressed. Her mind was a heap of doubts. "Today was good wasnt
it?" Too good for it to be real. I dont know what is anymore. Only mon. . .
"Yeah, it was. It looked like you had a good time."
"I did. Thanks for the gifts by the way," Reese added emotionlessly.
The blondes breath caught. Somethings wrong I can hear it in her voice.
What is it baby? Why cant you just be happy? "Um, youre welcome.
Hurry and come to bed so I can hold you."
Reese pulled the shirt over her head without a word. I cant let you do that.
Id miss it too much. The brunette turned around and peered briefly at her lover.
Her eyes implored her. She ignored them and pulled the covers back on her side of the bed.
She got in and turned her back to the blonde. "Good night."
Randi stared at the broad back as pain blossomed and took root inside. She wanted to grab
the executive and shake her hard, but the teacher knew that she couldnt change a
thing, only Reese could do that. It didnt make the pain any less. It would keep her
warm tonight. Maybe youll try harder for me tomorrow, love. Maybe.
"Goodnight, baby."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Reese arose early, slipping out of bed and out of the house before anyone else joined the
ranks of the living. She denied herself breakfast and coffee to keep the sleeping
occupants from being disturbed.
Decked out in the wool coat and accessories, the brunette entered the local
McDonalds, ordering a couple of danish, hash browns, and a large coffee.
She drank it black and strong in an attempt to clear the fuzz from inside her head. Maybe
I should have woken her, touched her or something. Instead, I ran. Why? Because that voice
was right. I want to be able to love both of them, but this whole thing is just so. . .up
in the air. Reese wanted to scream in frustration, but instead, she drank the coffee
down letting it sting her tongue. She crushed the empty cup and began to laugh, despite
the stares of the morning crowd.
Somber, Reese glanced down at her new watch. It was time to go to work. Things
cant be that different there. Can they?
The elevator slid open and she made her way through the already busy front reception desk.
The brunette passed assistants desks. Blue eyes scanned faces and her heart thumped in
surprise. Colleagues she passed and assistants who were present were full of shy smiles
and nods. Reese looked for the hostility that she had gotten used to, but there was none.
Flabbergasted, she became more so when her own assistant, Sherrie, gave her a full smile
as she handed off messages. Finally in her office, the brunette closed the door and leaned
heavily against it. Deep down isnt this what she always wanted respect and
admiration from her peers? It flowed from them, making her feel ten feet tall. Before
Reese made it to her office door, she could feel the adrenaline pumping fast and furious
through her veins. She went around to her desk and threw her briefcase on top. What is
this? How the hell am I supposed to balance all of this? Its too much.
She jumped at the sound of the ringing phone. Reese picked it up gingerly. "Ken on
line one," Sherrie stated. "Yeah, Darden."
"Hey, was just on my way down there and wanted to make sure you were in," Ken
stated. "On my way."
The brunette didnt have a chance to reply before she was met with dial tone. There
was a knock on her door a minute later.
Ken let himself in, carrying two gifts under his arms. He smiled and left them on the desk
before dropping into a seat. "The blue one is from me and Gloria, and the red one is
from a few people in the office. They thought you would take it better coming from
me."
Reese swallowed, hard. Temptation nipped at her heels. "Thanks. I, uh, forgot yours.
Ill bring it tomorrow."
He waved his hand nonchalantly. "Dont worry about it. Sounded like you were
really having a good time yesterday."
The brunette shrugged. "It was okay."
Ken squinted his eyes. Shes not all here today. "Okay, what gives.
Whats up, Reesie?"
She turned caged eyes to him. "You ever wished for everything, Ken? And not know what
to do with it once you have it? Part of you wants to believe its real but the other
part wants to hold onto what you know is real like this." She spread her hands to
indicate the office. "The money and the power. How do you decide which to hold on
to?"
Taken aback, he tried to think of the right thing to say. "Weigh both sides I guess
and go from there." He sighed inwardly. Oh geez, I wish Gloria was here.
Shes better at the sensitive chats.
Reese turned away. "Ken, Ill talk to you later, okay. Ive got work to
do."
Concerned colored his features, but he said nothing as he left, feeling totally lost.
Alone again, Reese looked down at the headset on her desk. Without a second thought, she
placed it over her head, switched it on, and pulled out her roller decks.
As was custom at Dodd & Dodd, she called her list of clients to inquire about their
holiday. Each call was brief but consistent. They heaped praise upon her and continued to
allow her full control of their funds. Her heart thudded with excitement then tripled in
beat when she went to work to increase their monetary value. The Stock Market was about to
open.
A cool sweat broke over her forehead and upper lip as she scanned market activity with a
quick eye. The brunette smiled as each projection she made started to come true. Power
surged through her, and she walked back and forth around her desk shouting orders,
request, and sometimes expletives to whoever was on the other end. She soared in her
element, forgetting her surroundings and concentrating soley and the money growing and
changing hands.
Reese growled at the ringing of her office phone. She punched the intercom button in
irritation. "Yes, Sherrie?"
"Randi on line two."
The brunette paused and looked down at the headset she had taken off. This is the one
solid thing in my life. I can give the money back and change everything. No one gets hurt
that way. I think Ill take the hollowness over the pain Id cause them any day.
"Take a message, and from now on take messages for all non-business calls." She
hung up without waiting for a reply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Randi peered at the cordless phone as if it were evil. "She wont even talk to
me," the blonde whispered. "She wont even talk to me!" She screamed
and threw the phone across the bedroom. Her breathing came out in harsh, angry gasps. She
grasped the soft pillows and launched them where the phone was, letting out a growl and
muted scream with each throw.
The blonde was suddenly glad that she was alone. "How could you do this to me?! I
dont understand you!" Pain so intense ravaged her body, tearing sobs from her
raw throat. With each sob, a little bit of fight left her despite here promise of
patience.
Chapter V
The hours passed and Reese continued to work the boards and the Market. She paced back and
forth behind her desk. The brunette even turned to look out the window at the large white
flakes of snow that beat against her window with the help of the swirling wind.
The executive turned toward the knock on her office door. "Come in!"
Sherrie let herself in but didnt enter all the way. "The weathers getting
pretty bad. I was wondering if you would mind if I go ahead home. More than likely I need
to pick up my kids."
Reese waved nonchalantly. "Sure go ahead. Do something for me though. Call Randi and
tell her I wont be home tonight. Ill just bed down on the couch here or
something."
"Will do."
Reese blinked as she left. "Well, that went over smoothly. I guess theres no
need to hide my relationship here." She laughed without humor. "There is no
relationship. Theres only this." She tapped on the wood of her desk. "All
I have to do is keep out of everybodys way for the next few days then go back and
take care of things. At least I learned not to be that stupid with money. I already have
enough of it."
She turned back toward the window as it rattled the pane. Youre better off
without me Randi. Youll meet someone who can open up to you and love you without a
second thought. She sighed. "As for you mother, at least I know the truth now.
This is better for you too. In my world, you got out. I may not have you, but you
dont need me. Im more like dad than you know."
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Randi was tired of crying. It seemed like it had been hours. She had never been one to sit
idly by and just let things happen, but right now, she didnt feel as though she had
a choice.
The blonde wiped her eyes and whispered out loud, "I wish you were here tonight,
momma. I dont have anyone else." After the words left her mouth, epiphany
struck, and she dragged herself from the bed to retrieve the phone to punch in familiar
numbers.
It rang twice before it was answered.
"Hello?"
"S-sara? Its Randi. I need to talk to you."
"Randi? Whats wrong?" The older woman couldnt hide the alarm in her
voice. "Is Reese okay? Are you okay?"
The blonde brought the back of her hand to her mouth in an attempt to suppress the sobs.
"No, nothing is okay. Its Reese. I think shes lost to me now. Shes
been acting strange for the past two days. I-I should have known something was wrong then,
but last night when she came to bed. It was like she wasnt there at all. She
wouldnt take my phone calls, and she wont come home. I dont know what to
do. I cant fight for her anymore if she doesnt want me."
The older woman sat up in her bed and gripped the bridge of her nose. "No, no listen.
Promise me you wont give up? Wait till you talk to her and see whats going
on."
Hearing what she needed to hear, Randi said hesitantly, "Theyre clearing the
roads right now. I could go over there. Its only a fifteen minute drive right off
the highway. I do have a Cherokee so that should help make the drive safer."
"I dont know. Its pretty rough out there."
"Itll be okay. Im used to driving in this weather."
"Okay, but you have to promise to call me as soon as you get there."
"I can do that."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Reese pulled the thin blanked over her still clothed form and growled at the ringing
phone. She knew sleep wasnt going to come, but she was at least going to try. The
brunette ignored the shrill sound, turning her back to it, but the ringing didnt
stop.
The executive counted twenty rings before she untangled herself from the blanket. She
peered at the phone in disgust as it rang the twenty-first then twenty-second time. The
brunette jerked the receiver toward her ear in vehemence causing the base to fall on the
floor with the unexpected momentum.
"What!" She barked.
"Now isnt the time for me to tell you how stupid youre acting. Right now,
you need to be here."
"Where the hell is here, mother."
"Its my fault. I should have tried to make her stay home. She was supposed to
call when she got there, and when she didnt, I got worried and called all the local
hospitals."
Impatient but suddenly apprehensive, Reese asked huskily, "Whats going
on?"
The older woman paused, and when her voice returned it was full of tears. "Randi was
coming to see you. There was an accident. . .involving five cars. She was part of it. You
have to come to Cook County General right now. I-its not looking good."
Reese let the phone fall from her grasp. The room began to spin and tip at odd angles.
Blood roared in her ears and her chest heaved as all breath left her. She held onto the
desk for support. "Oh God, I did this. I hurt her either way." Panic ceased her
as she searched the office for her shoes and coat. She let it come, making her hands shake
and her vision more blurry. The brunette moved about the room in animated fashion. Hoping
around as she pulled on a shoe and leaned as she grabbed for her keys. With one arm into
her coat, she headed out the office door.
Despite it being late night, traffic was at a crawl. Reese wanted to get out and walk,
despite the hard blowing snow. She wanted to run, fly or crawl, whichever would get her
there faster. Her insides twisted and she swallowed down bile for the umpteenth time. The
brunette leaned on the horn, knowing it was futile. "She wont die, " she
whispered. "She cant leave me. Itll just prove that shes like the
others. I wont let her go! Dont let her die. Ill do anything,"
Reese cried out imploring anyone to listen.
An eternity later, Reese ran through the automatic doors of the ER, bumping into passer
bys as she made a mad dash for the reception desk. Suddenly, the brunette heard her name
being called but it sounded like it was coming from a tin drum. Barely anything
couldnt penetrate the roaring and beating in her ears. She heard it again and turned
toward it to see her mother moving toward her.
Reveling in her desperation and growing madness she grabbed Sara Darden by the shoulders.
Her grip was bruising, but it seemed welcome to them both. "Where is she?! Is she
okay?!" Pale blue were frantic and wild with emotion, and she peered into blue that
reflected the same.
Sara tried to embrace her daughter but couldnt break from her grip. "I
dont know. Shes still in surgery."
Impatience welled in the brunette. She let go of her mother and turned toward the desk.
Reese opened her mouth to speak but what happened next angered her beyond belief. The
tall, round, balding clerk held up a finger signifying for her to wait as he finished his
call. He laughed and continued to do so.
A rumble started deep in her chest and bubbled forth as a roar. With one sweep, almost
everything on top of the desk flew to the floor. Reese smacked her hands against the wood,
making those around jump at the sound. "Youll help me now you insensitive
ass!"
The older mans eyes widened, but he replied with confidence he obviously didnt
feel. "Maam, Ill have to call security if you dont calm down."
"Youll do what you have to do." Her gaze was murderous. "But you will
give me the information I need. What is Randi Davenports prognosis. She was in the
five car pile up!" Reese felt her mothers hands at her back but refused to be
comforted.
The man looked around nervously and began to shuffle through papers and charts that lay at
the lower part of the desk. "Uh. . . are you a relative?"
Reese snarled at him. "What do you think?"
"Uhm, right. Shes in trauma two." He flipped through some papers.
"Massive head and chest injuries." He looked from the tall womans stricken
face to the shorter woman beside her. "N-now, Im going to have to ask you
ladies to take a seat. A doctor will be out to consult with you as soon as possible."
Whatever air was left in the executives lungs came out in a whoosh, leaving her
dizzy. Reese turned blindly toward her mother. This time, she needed an anchor and latched
on to the arm the other woman offered as they made their way back to the waiting area.
Reese allowed the cold numbness to take over. It was the only thing that protected her
from the pain that rested just on the other side. Im a selfish bitch. Its
been about my pain, my loss, and my fear. I was too stupid to see anyone elses. Now
it could be too fucking late! Her thoughts screamed. They sat there for what seemed
like forever. Reese with a blank look plastered on her face and her mother wearing an
expression of concern for her daughter and her lover.
They both stood up when a tall, well built black man called out Randis name. His
blue scrubs were covered in blood. Sara was the first to speak.
"Yes, were here for Randi. Is she okay?"
Brown eyes that seemed blank before, softened. "Im sorry. There was just too
much damage. We couldnt get back any brain activity. I know this is hard to think
about right now, but you might want to look into organ donation."
Pain that lurked just on the other side took over. A harsh sob escaped Reeses lips.
"No!" She flopped back down in the chair ungracefully, covering her face in her
hands. The brunette allowed the slimmer arms of her mother to engulf her. Saras own
silent tears added to the sad symphony.
The doctor turned to go. Reese refused to accept his words. She jumped up again and
grabbed his arm. "Can I see her? I need to see her."
He nodded knowingly. "Ill take you back, and you can stay as long as you
want."
Reese turned back to her mother. "Its okay, Reesie. Go on." With a nod the
brunette followed the doctor.
He left her in the abnormally quiet room. It smelled of chemicals, disinfectant, and
blood. Wild, fearful blue eyes peered down at the bloody sheet. With a shaky hand, she
peeled it back. Bile mixed with the contents of her stomach rushed up. She swallowed it
down with difficulty. "Oh God."
Randis usually blonde hair was a mass of gore. A myriad of deep gashes littered her
head. Pale eyes traveled to her torso where a gaping wound, where it looked as though
something was wedged, started at a fragile collarbone and ended below her breastbone.
Reese felt her knees weaken. "Oh God, please no!" She cried louder.
Blunt nails dug into her hands, and she used tight fists to pummel her thighs in an
attempt to bring lurking pain to the surface. "I have to be able to do
something." Not knowing what else to do, Reese closed her eyes and screamed at the
top of her lungs, "Clotho!"
Silence.
"Clotho please! I need this to be over!" Her voice dripped with anguish.
Still nothing.
Suddenly, the room began to grow warm and before the executives eyes the area of
space in front of her turned itself inside out in a shimmer of sparks. The beautiful
redhead appeared among them along with two other women. One held a loom, one had scissors,
and the other peered into the loom as if she saw forever.
Clothos voice was a whisper, but somehow her voice carried. "It is already
over, Reese. My sisters agree." The scissors closed around a single string.
"No! It cant be." She took a step forward toward the trio. "I
havent made my decision!"
"Didnt you? We hear your thoughts. I am positive that you chose your job,
power, and money above all else."
"No! I thought that they would be better off without me! I dont want anyone to
die, especially her. Randi doesnt deserve this."
The women conferred with a series of whispers. Clotho turned back to the brunette.
"She didnt deserve what you gave her six months ago either."
"Youre talking in circles! I dont have time for this. It was different
then, and you know it! I was stupid and scared!"
"What is your excuse now?" Is it not the same? You have seemingly learned
nothing, and you have squandered the chance weve given you."
The blue gaze found the floor. Exasperated, confused, pained, and scared, Reese did the
only other thing she knew how to do. "Please?!"
They were silent.
The brunette sobbed and looked down at the remains of her lover. "But, I love
her," she whispered.
There were more whispers. "Do you? What else have you learned?"
Shaken, Reese pooled together the experiences of the last couple days and let her thoughts
flow freely from her mouth. "I made my life the way it was. It wasnt my mother
leaving. I-I allowed myself to become who I was. I used it all as an excuse. I could have
beaten it, gotten over it. The world owed me nothing. No one did. I had no right to take
what I didthe money and the women. I was a coward, and Id give anything to
make this right again. You have to believe me!"
Clotho nodded. "We know whats in your heart is true, but you had to know it
too. You have learned well, Reese, and you have also chosen well. The temptation you
wrestle with will always be there, but you know have the tools to combat it. You have real
love."
For the first time, Reese Darden allowed unchecked happiness to flow through her. It
changed her from a beautiful woman to an stunningly beautiful one. Her smile was big,
bright. "You mean. . ."
"Yes, leave this hospital and talk to no one. Go back home. Your day will be waiting
for you the way it started."
Reese stared at them hopefully. "Randi? My mother and father?"
"Your father has made his choice. We can not undo it. Go now."
They disappeared in the same manner in which they appeared. Reese peered at the empty
space before giddiness galvanized her into action. She burst through the trauma room doors
and ran down the halls toward the entrance with lightening speed. The brunette knocked
over the rude clerk without apology and ignored the calls from Sara.
She exited the revolving doors with a whoosh. The cold night met her, but Reese slid into
her BMW without a problem. There was no snow, no wind, and no storm. The executive breezed
through the light traffic as if she were gliding on the wings of Mercury.
The brunette up to the driveway with a sliding screech, stopping dangerously close to the
lowered garage door that housed the blondes jeep. She ran briskly toward the house
and fumbled with the keys before finding the right one.
Reese stood in the dim living room and wrestled out of her coat just as she did the night
before. A husky voice greeted her, "Merry Christmas, baby." The brunettes
eyes traveled to the chair, knowing it was where her lover sat.
Reese walked over to the blonde wrapped in the red bow. Without saying a word, she removed
her shoes and got down on her knees in front of the other woman. Large hands traced the
outside of thighs from hips to knees, loving the way muscle twitched in reaction. She bent
down further, laying her head on the blondes lower thigh. The brunette turned and
placed a kiss there before replying, "Merry Christmas. I love you."
Reese looked up in time to see a hand about to descend into her hair. It stopped upon her
confession, but the sob that escaped the blondes mouth didnt.
"I-Ive been waiting to hear. . ."
"I know. Ive been stupid, but Im not anymore. If I havent shown you
before, Im telling you now. You mean everything to me, and I wont run from it
anymore. Im tired, and I want to stay with you for as long as you want me."
Randi chuckled through her tears. "Thatll be a long time."
"Good." Because Im going to spend everyday thanking you for saving me,
for loving me, for making me see, and for giving me another chance.
The blonde reached over and pulled the cloth off the lamp, illuminating the room more.
Blue met green and for the first time Randi could see the brunettes soul laid bare.
Bristling with happiness, with a single finger she traced from nose to lips before pushing
small hands into thick, dark hair. "Can you say it again?"
Reese smiled toothily. "As many times as you want me to. I love you."
Randis eyes closed. She wallowed in the moment. See momma? I can be happy again.
I didnt think I could be not after losing you. Maybe Ill even call Krystal.
Regardless of how she feels, she is part of my family. Feeling another wet kiss on her
thigh, the blonde opened her eyes and peered down at her lover. She tugged on the bow.
"You ready to open your first present?"
Reese chuckled, "Oh yeah."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Fates appeared in front of Zeus gigantic throne. The still handsome man raised
an eyebrow in inquiry.
"It is done."
"Good. Thank you for the favor. Now maybe I can stop Dite from going on strike."
With a shimmer of pink light the Goddess of Love appeared. She did a quick check of her
hair and adjusted the bust of her gown with a shrug of creamy shoulders. Placing hands on
her hips, Aphrodite began to tap her foot in irritation. "How are they supposed to be
the Fates if they dont see everything?! Ares opened his big mouth and played with
her head!"
There was another display of fireworks. This one more profound than the last. Guitars
strummed a righteous cord as the drums hiked up the base. Ares appeared with a dark smirk
and stroking his goatee. "Oh yeah, gotta love those drums." Five sets of eyes
riveted on him. "What?!" He brushed imaginary lint off his leather vest and
looked up again. "Did I hear somebody say my name?" He asked innocently.
"Ares! Did you?" Zeus boomed.
The God of War rolled his eyes. "I dont see what the big deal is. She won
anyway!" He spat the words out and pointed at his sister accusingly. "What is
with you and that shrimp anyway? Is it a blonde thing?"
"Duh! It wasnt a contest shithead. They belong together, and for your
information they both have my favor!"
"No way! Shes mine. Always has been! Tell her, Dad!"
Dite snorted. "Who are you trying to convince me or yourself?"
"That is enough! The matter is settled! I will not tolerate anymore of this
bickering!"
The siblings glared at each other like playground children. Dite chuckled and stuck out
her tongue. With a wave of her hand, she was gone.
Irritated, Ares crossed his arms over his chest. "Laugh now sis. Shell be mine
again.
The End
Hope everyone enjoyed it. Sorry it took an extra day or two. It just got longer and
longer. Give me a jingle at Minerva