========================================================================
Four Seasons: Harvest Moon
(FF, rom, light bond, outdoors)
========================================================================
(c) Copyright - April 1998
All Rights Reserved
Crimson Dragon
(dcrimson@yahoo.com)
========================================================================
The small stones against the glass sounded as loud as a hundred tiny
gunshots in the stillness of the night. Kate cringed, positive that she
was going to wake up the entire household. She stood motionless on the
back lawn, still breathing heavily from her run but ready to bolt like a
frightened rabbit at the first sign of disturbance. She wasn't even sure
that Linda would be there, much less if she would respond to their old
signal.
A diffused light switched on in Linda's old room, not the main light, a
bedside lamp perhaps. Kate's breath caught in her throat. She didn't
quite dare to look up to the second story window. Instead, she studied
her feet.
Her running shoes were dusty from the mile run from her parent's
homestead. She'd taken the old path through the fields that wound
between the Miller and the Gibson properties. In early October, the path
wasn't the awkward mudpit that it was in May. The bottom of her blue
jeans were also dusty from her jog and she brushed at the dust with her
hand. She had remained here on the back lawn for fifteen minutes or so
catching her breath and trying to decide whether or not to continue this
crazy adventure. She had taken a deep breath, told herself that she had
nothing to lose, and tossed the stones gently up to the second story
window. She didn't even know if Linda was home for the Thanksgiving
holidays.
Kate heard the sash rise quietly. Her breath hitched and she prepared to
dash into the shadows. Faintly, she heard a horse whinny in the darkness
to the right.
"Kate?" Linda's voice quietly floated down from above.
"Linda?" Kate whispered into the night. She looked up. Linda hadn't cut
her hair since the last time she'd seen her. Linda's long brown hair
hung down like Rapunzel's, silhouetted by the soft light of the bedside
lamp. Linda leaned out into the darkness.
"Just a sec. I'll be right down."
"Don't wake anyone up." Kate whispered back urgently.
"Have I ever?" Linda quietly closed the window and Kate could faintly
hear the lock click. Moments later, the light was extinguished in the
room.
Kate settled herself on the ground and hugged her knees. She knew that
it would take Linda a few minutes to get dressed and sneak out of the
house. That fourth step creaked and Linda always had to be cautious of
it. Kate felt the butterflies begin in her stomach. She was accustomed
to their appearance, but by now she had expected the tingling to reduce
on these midnight visits. Granted, it had been a while since they'd seen
one another. She hadn't even heard from Linda since September when
they'd parted to attend different Universities, University of Waterloo
for Kate, Queen's for Linda. Kate didn't even know if Linda felt the
same way anymore. University had a way of changing people.
She heard the faint sound of the back screen door; the hinges had always
creaked a little. Kate watched as Linda emerged as a silhouette. She
carefully held the screen door and prevented it from slamming shut as
though she'd had years of practice. Linda turned and scanned the dark
yard for Kate.
"Over here." Kate whispered from the shadows.
Linda turned towards the sound and ran across the yard. Kate smiled in
the dark as Linda practically leapt into her arms hugging her fiercely.
The two girls held each other for a few moments until Linda spoke.
"God, I've missed you."
They parted. In the faint light, Kate could make out that Linda hadn't
even bothered with clothes. She stood barefoot in the grass wearing only
her flannel nightgown. She was breathing heavily and was flushed.
Linda's perfect breasts rose and fell beneath the white fabric as they
gazed at each other.
Linda whispered, "I wasn't sure you'd come."
"I almost didn't."
"I'm really glad you did. I've missed you."
"I missed you too. I. I guess I just wasn't sure you ..."
"Felt the same?" Linda finished her thought. "Of course I do. Don't be
silly."
Linda stepped in quickly and kissed Kate's lips in reassurance. Kate
felt Linda's fingers entwining with hers as she broke the kiss. The kiss
had been far more passionate than a friendly peck. Kate sighed
contentedly; Linda still felt the same. The butterflies trapped in her
belly flew off to bother someone else far away.
Linda began to lead them off towards the barn. As they moved away from
the sleeping house and down the dirt path, the girls began to talk a
little more normally, their voices melting into the darkness.
"I was sure that those stones were going to wake up the world. I'm
surprised it didn't wake *my* father up." Kate was referring to the
clattering of stones she had thrown lightly at Linda's window to wake
her.
"Well, they certainly woke me up with a start. I don't think they woke
up anyone else, though. Never have before. I was having a nice dream
too. Surprised that I didn't wake up the house. Managed to stifle the
scream, I think."
"What were you dreaming about?"
"You. Me. The apple tree."
Kate blushed. "I like that."
They lapsed into silence as Linda pulled open the big barn doors. The
doors creaked horribly loud in the silence. The horses shifted uneasily
in the dark.
"Shhhhh. Shhhhh. It's just me and Kate. Shhhh." Linda spoke quietly to
the animals. The horses reacted to the familiar voice and quieted,
snorting in the pitch darkness of the barn. Linda and Kate petted the
outstretched noses as they passed the stalls. Kate smiled at the
memories. Linda and herself riding like the wind through the fields and
forests together. She giggled as her memories flooded back of that
summer day three or four years ago. Linda had come up with the crazy
idea of both of them pulling a Lady Godiva together. Thank God she
hadn't listened to Linda and hadn't left their clothes at the stream as
Linda had suggested. Someone must have been watching over them that day
when Kate had spotted Linda's brother riding out to tell them that lunch
was ready well before he'd spotted them. She remembered that Linda had
still been arranging her t-shirt as her brother had found them. Neither
of them had had time to put on their underwear.
"The Lady Godiva thing?" Linda asked quietly after taking note of Kate's
giggling.
"Yeah."
"That was bloody close."
"Don't I know it."
"How old were we?"
"I don't know. Fifteen? Sixteen maybe?"
Linda laughed quietly to herself as she rooted through one of the tack
closets at the back of the barn. "Dammit. I should have grabbed a
flashlight." She pulled a few items free and turned to Kate. "These do?"
Kate smiled at what she saw in Linda's hands. "If you want to visit the
Tree, it'll be fine."
Kate lifted the old picnic blanket from its home on a back shelf and
threw it over her shoulder.
"You sure you want to do this?" Kate asked Linda. "You know we can just
sit and talk. We have a lot of catching up to do."
"Are you telling me that you don't want to do it anymore in your subtle
way? I want it more than anything in the world," Linda replied as they
exited the barn and closed the doors. The shrieks of the hinges sounded
like small banshees in the stillness. "It's all I've been able to think
about for a month and a half."
"Me? Not want to? I knocked at your window didn't I? At great personal
peril, I might add."
The two girls began walking towards the south field, softly talking and
catching up. Their quiet conversation flitted easily between professors,
classes, new friends, and their families.
The corn stalks were still standing, though it was late for harvest. A
light wind ruffled the field. The two girls stopped and gazed up at the
sky. A billion points of light were glittering above them. Kate gasped.
She touched Linda, pointing towards the eastern horizon. Linda stood
transfixed staring at the bright, full, amber moon hanging motionless in
the sky above the fields. Kate touched Linda's shoulder again breaking
the trance.
"Harvest moon," Linda breathed.
Silently the girls continued. They entered the ocean of corn, gently
pushing their way through the field. A lone wolf howled somewhere off in
the distance, but beyond that the only sounds in the night were the
rustling of the crop and the girls' laboured breathing.
In the middle of the field stood an ancient apple tree untouched by
farmer or storm. The tired old tree no longer even bore fruit. It
silently watched over the fields like a lonely sentinel lost in the
night. A small grassy clearing surrounded the tree where the plow had
never touched. The clearing and tree were lit eerily bright by the now
full moon. With no warning, the peaceful place heard the patter of small
feminine feet, one pair bare, the other in running shoes.
Kate sighed as she spread the blanket down under the old tree. She sat
down, motioning for Linda to join her. Linda sat facing her and they
just held hands, staring at one another.
"It's been a long time." Linda's voice was almost reverent.
The last time they had sneaked out to the Tree was probably early summer.
They'd seen each other many times since then, intimately even, but the
Tree was special. They didn't want to break the magic of the place by
meeting here too often.
"It's been too long. You sure you want to do this?"
"You ask me everytime. And you know that I do," Linda whispered.
Almost like a hesitant lover, Linda leaned over and kissed Kate softly
on the lips. Her hands wrapped around Kate's neck; her fingers connected
holding Kate close. Their lips met with a tingle of electricity. Kate
gasped quietly as Linda moaned to herself softly. They parted, both
breathing harder. Kate gazed into Linda's deep brown eyes and guided her
down to the blanket. They kissed again, just holding one another in the
moonlight and feeling the familiar curves of one another. Their breasts
touched through the nightgown and Kate's light top.
Linda broke the embrace and sat up. She smiled and pulled the nightgown
over her head. She tossed it carelessly onto the grass beside the
blanket. Kate swallowed. She'd never tire of seeing Linda's nudity, no
matter how often she had the fortune of having it displayed for her.
Linda's high firm breasts caught the moonlight almost making her pale
skin glow, her darker nipples high and erect. Kate's eyes traveled over
Linda, taking in her long legs, her face, even her dusty bare feet.
Laughing, Linda leapt back into Kate's arms, tugging at her clothing.
Kate could feel her hands running over Linda's soft skin, exploring this
person for whom she had ached so long. She felt her own top leaving her
body. She raised her arms to make it easier for Linda to disrobe her.
She felt Linda tugging at her jeans. She hadn't worn underwear tonight
in the hopes that she wouldn't be needing it. Kate whispered Linda's
name as she felt her jeans being tugged down her long legs. Kate's shoes
disappeared into the darkness and she felt herself become as nude as
her friend. She felt the warmth of Linda's bare breasts lightly touching
her own. Their nipples brushed sending tingles up and down their spines.
The two girls were breathing hard, kissing passionately, and allowing
their fingers to lightly caress one another. A month, nearly two, of
abstinence made itself intensely known in both girls.
Kate felt Linda's fingers tracing down her belly as she laid back. Linda
teased her by running her fingers lightly along her lower lips, only
occasionally touching inside. Linda leaned down, lightly teasing Kate
with her tongue, just enough to make her squirm and cry out.
Sighing, Linda crawled back up and kissed Kate full on her mouth. Kate
gasped. Her arousal intensified tenfold as she tasted herself on Linda's
lips.
"You ready?" Kate whispered, breathing hard.
"I. I was born ready." Linda gasped.
Linda knelt and Kate scrambled to get the soft ropes that Linda had
retrieved from the tack closet. If Linda's father had any idea to what
uses his eldest daughter put his rope, he'd probably die of a heart
attack on the spot.
Linda held out her slender wrists in front of herself, watching and
shivering as Kate tied them together. When Kate had finished, she pulled
idly at her bound wrists. She knew that she was never going to get free.
Kate had been doing this to her for far too long to allow her to wiggle
free easily. Linda squirmed as her arousal increased with the sensations
of the rope holding her wrists. She sighed as she got to her bare feet
and padded over to the Tree. Kate followed a few steps behind.
Kate guided the bound woman to the eastern side of the Tree. She wanted
Linda to be able to gaze at the stunning moon if she wanted. Linda
walked willingly to that side of the tree and raised her hands above her
head. Kate stepped back and regarded the picture. What she saw was her
best friend, gloriously naked in the bright moonlight, with her bare
breasts pulled up deliciously, her bound hands reaching for the sky.
Linda's long brown hair curled delicately over her shoulders and down her
back. Linda trusted Kate and waited quietly, enjoying the inspection
with a shiver. Kate took a deep breath and stepped forward again. She
secured her friend's hands to a low overhanging branch with a short
length of rope threaded through the lashing holding Linda's wrists.
Linda shuddered. She knew that her freedom was gone. She and the tree
were one tonight; no way to separate herself from it until Kate let her
go. She idly wondered if this Tree was aware of her bound helpless to
it, if the Tree could ever remember her after she was gone, if it missed
her. She almost felt like part of the Tree when she was here like this.
She wondered if any other girls had ever been secured to it in the past,
like her. A smile graced her face as she remembered the multitude of
picnics with her family, right here, with her knowing her secret about
this place. She wondered if anyone could ever imagine that she had made
love countless times with Kate right here, on the same picnic blanket.
Could anyone guess that she had stood here, like this, at midnight, so
many times? Could anyone absorb the vibes from the favorite blanket, or
could the tree tell them what it had witnessed?
Linda's mind wandered back to her situation. She trusted Kate
completely, but she could still feel nerves in her stomach. What if Kate
decided to take off, got angry with her, and left her here, naked and
bound to the Tree? How would she explain that to her parents when she
was found? She would rather die. Kate could run and Linda had no way of
stopping her. The tingles of her helplessness pulsated through her body
as her arousal continued its upward climb. She loved it here, loved the
sensations.
Kate had knelt in front of her. Linda gazed down at her naked friend,
silently begging with her eyes. Linda slowly parted her legs as she felt
Kate's fingers urging her. She felt the rough texture of the grass
beneath her feet and she felt the tension increase on her bound arms as
she lowered her body closer to Kate. It was all part of the experience.
Linda cried out as she felt the first light and teasing touches of
Kate's soft tongue as it traced along her most private parts. She could
even feel Kate's soft breath against her thighs and Kate's small hands
cupping her bare bottom. Kate teased her for what seemed like hours and
may have been. Linda's cries filled the field and the night. They
wouldn't carry to the house, but the clearing reverberated with her
gentle moans. Kate's tongue finally darted inside, teasingly found
Linda's clitoris and lightly stroked it to the rhythm to which they were
both so accustomed. Linda lost herself in the stimulation, feeling her
restraints, the helplessness, the openness, the moon and the raw
sensuality. She exploded as Kate's tongue relentlessly touched her and
Kate's fingers teased her bare skin. She pulled at her wrists, writhing
as her muscles contracted and lights exploded behind her closed eyelids.
She whispered Kate's name as her breathing became short and ragged.
Kate's tongue continued to tease her until the last strains of her
climax had subsided. Linda had to gently push the other girl away with
her bare foot, letting her know that she was finished and completely
spent.
Kate knelt back on her heels, her face slightly damp with Linda's
secretions, very aroused. She smiled up at Linda who was just hanging by
her wrists, her legs not having the strength to support herself after
the climax. Linda had waited two months for that climax. And Kate had
waited two months to give it to her. Knowing that her friend was going
to want to stay in the ropes for a few minutes afterwards, Kate rose to
her bare feet and kissed her friend on the mouth. Linda responded
greedily to the kiss and pressed her bound body against Kate. Her tongue
traced along Kate's lips.
Linda murmured after the kiss was broken, "Katie? Can I do you in a few
minutes? I know you're hot and bothered. I promise I'll do you. I'd just
like to stay here for a second? Okay? Please?"
"Of course, sweety. Take your time. I can even do myself if you want.
You know I don't mind." Kate whispered to the restrained, tired woman.
Kate sank to the grass, feeling the odd tickle of the turf against her
vagina and her bottom. She could still feel the waves of her arousal
washing through her senses, all her senses heightened and sensitive.
Together they gazed at the moon; it had risen higher in the sky shedding
more light on their illicit meeting. Kate could not remember ever having
seen anything quite as lovely or peaceful in all the time that she'd
been with Linda. She felt Linda shifting her weight beside her.
Recovering, Linda closed her legs and supported herself more with her
feet than her wrists. Linda softly sighed.
After what seemed like an eternity, Linda whispered, "Katie? Thank you.
I've been waiting months for that." She paused. "God, I wish we could be
together."
"We are together."
"I guess I should be happy with what we have. I am. Really. I am."
"I know, honey. Your father wouldn't understand. And even if he did, the
good Reverend's church wouldn't. And I love them all like my own family.
I don't want to hurt them anymore than you do. We can't tell them. I
understand. Really I do."
The girls paused, still absorbed by the bright globe hanging silently in
the night above them.
"I'm ready."
Kate looked up at Linda. "Ready?"
"Ready to be let down, you silly girl."
Kate rose to her feet and released the rope holding Linda's hands in the
air. Linda sighed and pulled down her still bound hands in front of her.
Kate reached for Linda's hands to release them, but Linda pulled back a
bit.
"Leave them. Lie down. It's your turn," Linda whispered.
Kate looked at Linda quizzically but obeyed. It was almost a ritual with
the Tree. She released Linda afterwards, and then received the most mind
blowing orgasms of her life from Linda's soft knowing fingers. Tonight
it didn't seem like Linda was going to use her fingers. She closed her
eyes and felt Linda kneel beside her in the grass. The grass faintly
itched Kate's bare back, but she soon lost that sensation as Linda
kissed her again. Her arousal, which had cooled a bit while they'd gazed
at the heavens together, flooded back into her body. She felt her
nipples rising with the kiss. Her clitoris throbbed at the renewed
stimulation. Linda softly kissed her way down Kate's bare body. Her lips
found and teased Kate's nipples until Kate was moaning and softly
begging. Finally, her tongue traced past Kate's belly button and through
the fine thatch between Kate's legs. Kate spread her thighs willingly as
Linda motioned them apart with her bound hands. Linda knew the rhythms
of her friend. Her tongue darted inside the soft folds, searching and
finding the swollen clitoris. She slowly stroked and circled it with her
tongue until Kate held her breath and then cried out, arching her body
and biting her lip as she climaxed heavily.
As she felt her friend coming down, Linda rocked back on her heels. She
would never tire of seeing Kate's climaxes. Kate's full body flush was
visible even in the muted light. She looked beautiful lying in the
grass, eyes closed and peaceful, her breasts heaving as she struggled to
control her breathing. Kate opened her eyes and both girls looked at
each other. They exchanged a look of pure relief. Finally satisfied.
Linda struggled to lie herself down in the grass with Kate, her still
bound wrists making the journey a bit difficult. She raised her arms and
worked her wrists around Kate's neck. Their lips touched again as Kate's
arms wound around Linda's small waist. They moved easily together; their
bodies fit as though they'd been designed to belong together. They
peacefully held one another, their skin still warm from their exertions.
Kate gazed up at the stars as Linda's breathing slowly fell into a
shallow, regular pace. Kate turned her attention from the heavens to her
friend nude, asleep, and cradled in her arms. Complete trust. She let
Linda sleep for a while, simply enjoying her soft presence. Kate's mind
wandered back to their life together, their childhood as neighbours, as
best friends, and finally in high school, as lovers. She didn't know if
she was in love with this woman or not, but she thought that it could
become that. Wishful thinking, perhaps, but right now, with Linda here
in her arms, it seemed right.
After a while, Kate gently shook Linda. Linda mumbled in her sleep,
kicking a bit. Another gentle shake awakened her. Linda looked up
sleepily, realized where she was and tenderly kissed Kate's mouth again.
"Time to part, again? What time is it?" Linda asked quietly.
"I have no idea. But we've probably been out here too long as it is."
"I guess. I just don't want to leave."
"Me neither sweetheart. But you want to see me again don't you?"
"You know I do."
"Then we have to get you home before your father comes out looking for
you."
Linda giggled seriously as she realized what her father would find. Her
buried and content in her lover's arms. It wouldn't be so bad, she was
old enough to make these decisions on her own, but it was Kate. He loved
Kate as a daughter. And he'd never understand or forgive them.
Kate gently extracted Linda's hands from around her neck. She rose to
her bare feet and shook her long hair out. She extended her hands and
helped Linda to her feet by grasping Linda's bound hands in her own.
Kate again reached for the ropes, and again Linda pulled away.
"Please? Not yet. I like it."
"Alright. You realize I have to untie you before you go back in, but if
that's what you want."
"I want," Linda spoke quietly.
The girls bent and gathered up the scattered clothing and the rumpled
blanket. Kate slipped back on her jeans, top and shoes. She threw the
blanket and Linda's nightgown over her shoulder. Linda cradled the
remainder of the ropes in her arms. They made one last circuit of the
Tree, ensuring that they hadn't missed anything that would give away
their midnight rendezvous.
"Three twenty-two a.m." Kate whispered to Linda as she pressed the
Indiglo button on her watch.
"Yikes. I guess we lost track of the time. I have to get back."
The women gazed back at the moonlit clearing, smiling at the old Tree
and their secret. They turned and walked silently back through the corn.
Linda had to quiet the horses again as she replaced the blanket and all
but her wrist ropes into the tack closet. She rejoined Kate in the back
yard.
The two girls hugged. Anyone watching from the house would have seen two
beautiful girls, one nude, one clothed, bathed in moonlight embracing
like lost lovers in the middle of the lawn.
They kissed tenderly, their lips still sending electric shivers down
their bodies. Linda stepped back, finally allowing Kate to release her
hands. She rubbed her wrists as she gazed back at her girlfriend. The
bright light from the full moon glinted off the wetness of her tears
falling down her cheeks.
She gathered the soft rope and her nightgown into her arms. She hadn't
bothered to replace her sleepwear yet.
"Am I ever going to see you again? Like this?"
Kate did her best to smile. "Sweety. I really don't know. I hope so.
Christmas maybe?"
Kate bent and quickly kissed Linda's lips one last time. Linda, tears
still streaming down her face, attempted a smile, but failed. She
nodded, knowing that university and distance might separate them. No
promises. She struggled with her feelings, but could do nothing but turn
on her bare feet and walk slowly back towards the front porch and her
home. Kate stood and watched Linda's nude silhouette until she had given
one final wave at the door and slipped silently back inside.
She walked back to her own home following the path upon which she'd
arrived. Her tears fell slowly down her face as she walked. She already
missed Linda.
Kate slipped silently back into her darkened bedroom. She pulled off her
dusty clothing, sighing as she remembered the last time, only a half
hour ago, that she had not been wearing them. She sat up for hours on
the edge of her bed, simply gazing at the harvest moon and dreaming.
Linda, a mile or so away, was doing exactly the same thing.
========================================================================
Four Seasons: Christmas Presents
(FF, rom, light bond)
========================================================================
(c) Copyright - April 1998
All Rights Reserved
Crimson Dragon
(dcrimson@yahoo.com)
========================================================================
It snowed for Christmas. The soft flakes had coated the trees and the
fields in a dazzling display of white as far as Kate could see. She had
awoken and gazed out her window for a half hour before she could even
bring herself to tear her eyes away from the scene outside. She almost
expected to see the proverbial sleigh drawn by reindeer emerge from the
over the low rolling hills surrounding her home.
She wrapped her dressing gown around her body as she spotted her father
trudging through the fresh snow from the barn. She ran down the stairs,
practically leaping into her father's cold arms as he entered the house.
Laughing, he swung his daughter around before placing her on her bare
feet.
"What's that all about, pumpkin?"
"Merry Christmas Eve, Daddy," she replied.
"Merry Christmas Eve. How's my clever psychology student this morning?"
He was referring to her university transcript that she'd brought home
with a flourish at the beginning of the week. Not a mark below 80. He
was inordinately proud of his only child.
"She's just fine. Hungry. But fine."
"Let's see about breakfast, then."
Kate gathered the fresh eggs from the refrigerator as her father
assembled the rest of the cooking utensils. Together they whipped up a
huge batch of scrambled eggs and toast. After the smells had driven them
crazy, they sat and savoured the breakfast.
"You heard from Linda?" her father asked as they noisily ate. "Wonder
how she's doing? Haven't seen her at all since September."
"She hasn't called." Kate desperately wanted to know about Linda as
well. For different reasons. She'd called the Millers early in the week,
but Linda wasn't expected until today or even tomorrow. Her parents
weren't even sure that Linda was coming home for the holidays. Her exam
schedule had been much more hectic than Kate's.
"That's too bad, pumpkin. Maybe later today. You going to be alright on
your own today? I've got some work in the barn to finish up. We can
still have a wonderful dinner, if you'll brave my cookin' again."
"I'll be alright. I've got some reading to catch up on. And I love your
cooking."
Kate rose and cleared the table after they finished eating. She washed
and her father dried. Just as they finished cleaning up, the phone rang.
Kate rushed to answer it.
Linda's voice emerged from the earpiece. "Hey, girlfriend."
"Where the hell have you been?" Kate cringed at the look from her
father. Even the word 'hell' was frowned upon in this household. Kate
felt bad that she'd slipped. Her father looked a little disappointed,
but he would never say anything to her. Kate idly noticed that his
unspoken disappointment hurt more than if he'd chastised her. She tried
to slip back into home mode.
"Unlike you, I've been studying my pretty brains out. I just got in this
morning," Linda's voice replied over the line.
"Can we see each other? My father is ditching me."
"Of course, sweety. I thought you'd be lonely today and I managed to
score you both an invite for dinner. Sound good? You two shouldn't be
alone on Christmas Eve."
"Hold on." Kate turned to her father who was looking quizzically at her.
"Linda's invited us for Christmas Eve dinner."
"Sounds good to me. I love Pam's cooking. And I'm afraid I didn't have
much planned. Just you and me and some Kraft Dinner." He looked
sheepishly at his daughter.
"Actually your plan sounds nice, too, Daddy, but I'll tell her we'll be
there." She raised the telephone back to her lips and relayed the
decision.
"Good. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Hey. You want to come over
early? We can do some riding? I promise I won't force you to pull any
more Lady Godivas." Kate could tell that Linda was grinning on her end
of the phone. Obviously, Linda had found herself a private extension.
"You minx. It's far to cold out there for those games. What time is
dinner?"
"I don't know. Six-ish? Why don't you come by in an hour or so, we'll
take Starr and Lady?"
"You got it." Kate gently replaced the receiver into its cradle.
"What the heck was that all about?" her father asked.
"Dinner's at six, I'm going riding until then."
He smiled. "Dress warmly."
"Daddy. I know. I'm not a little girl anymore."
"Sorry. Sorry. I know you aren't. You're my big grown up university
girl. You are beginning to really remind me of your mother. She hated it
when I babied her as well. I guess I just liked my little girl. Guess
I'm not used to my little woman, yet."
"You don't like your little psychology major?" Kate pouted.
"I don't just like her. I think I love her." Her gathered his daughter
into his arms and squeezed her until she gasped. He released her and she
scampered towards the stairs.
"See you later, Daddy. And I love you too."
She raced up the stairs and into the bathroom. She peeled off her
nightgown and threw herself into a hot shower. In a half hour she
emerged, dripping and refreshed. She quickly dried off and ran naked to
her room where she threw on a warm sweater and jeans.
She scampered downstairs and wrapped herself in her down ski jacket and
boots. On her way out, she poked her head into the barn where her father
was messing with some kind of leather work. She watched him for a few
moments, her breath making steam in the air. He looked up and smiled at
her.
"Aren't you gone, yet?"
"I'm on my way out." She pranced over to his chair and kissed his
forehead.
"You be careful. Don't get lost."
"We won't Daddy. Don't be silly," she tossed over her shoulder as she
closed the big barn doors.
She stopped and gazed around. The world was suddenly pure white, the
bright sunshine reflecting off everything. It didn't even seem real. The
snow seemed so peaceful and pristine. She almost hated to disturb it by
walking on it, but she wouldn't see Linda if she didn't. She began to
make her way slowly along the old path to the Miller residence, her feet
making crunching noises in the snow.
Halfway along, she spotted deer tracks through the snow. She hadn't seen
a deer since last fall. The horses would probably scare them, but she
was hoping to spot one on the ride.
As she approached the Miller home, she saw Linda standing on the back
porch, her bare hand extended in front of her. As Kate approached, she
noticed the birds. Chickadees swooped out of the trees and landed on
Linda's hand, only to pick up something and flit away with their
distinctive call. Linda's face was a mask of childish wonder, watching
the small creatures trusting her. As Kate walked closer the birds became
skittish and stopped their flights. Linda broke out into a smile as she
spotted her best friend crossing the back lawn. She let the remainder of
her birdseed fall to the snow and ran out to embrace Kate. Kate's mind
flashed back to a warm October night with a harvest moon when Linda had
practically flown into her arms.
The two friends hugged fiercely. Linda whispered in her ear, "I missed
you. God, I wish we could do more than this." She placed a wet kiss on
Kate's cheek and broke the embrace. Linda's face was a little flushed,
but whether is was the cold, or something deeper, Kate couldn't quite
tell. Kate's stomach was in knots just from seeing her.
"Dad's got the horses saddled for us. Care to join me?"
Linda grabbed at Kate's hand and pulled her towards the barn. Kate
wasn't sure that she was going to be able to see the back of that barn
without remembering the tack closet, but she was sure going to try. She
could feel her face flush as she remembered that night. Just Linda and
her and the moon. It was the last time that she had seen Linda.
As the girls approached the barn, they heard whistling from within.
Linda pulled open the doors to find her father just tightening the last
straps on the saddle. The horses looked anxious to go.
"Merry Christmas, Reverend Miller."
Linda's father looked up and walked over to the two girls. He gave Kate
a big kiss on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas. How's my Kate?"
"I'm fine, sir. Looking forward to riding Starr again."
"And she's looking forward to taking you. Where are you two off to
anyway?"
"Just around." Linda answered.
"Be back for supper. And be careful out there. It's cold." He checked
Linda's parka as though she was still twelve.
"Daddy. I'm dressed. Relax."
"Alright. Alright. Can't a father take care of his daughter anymore?"
Linda stepped up on her toes and gave him a kiss. "You can take care of
me as long as you want."
The girls stepped past Linda's father and towards the horses. Like
experts, the two girls mounted and cantered out of the barn. Linda
kicked her horse into a gallop and Lady sprang happily into gear. Kate
urged Starr into a gallop and together they flew across the fields, the
cold air biting at their unprotected faces. The Reverend watched the two
girls as they disappeared over the rise, smiling. He closed the barn
door and slowly walked to the main house. The two girls were both
daughters to him. He couldn't imagine life here without either one of
them. He missed them both terribly when they were away at school, but
there comes a time when you have to let them go. It was the natural
order of things. His head swam with ideas for his next sermon. The
natural order of things.
Laughing, Kate and Linda raced over the empty fields towards the forest
that bordered the east side of the Miller property. The horses' hooves
thundered over the frozen ground, their breathing hard and fast. The
horses seemed almost happy to be let free of the barn. The girls stopped
their mounts just outside of the treeline. The snow coated everything.
The branches of the trees bent under the weight of the snow. It was like
a postcard. Kate would have given just about anything for a camera. The
girls just sat quietly, marveling at it. Winter wasn't quite as clean
and bright in Kingston or Waterloo. They guided the horses slowly down
into the trees, where they knew the path was somewhere beneath the snow.
They had played here so long they probably could have found the trails
blindfolded.
They talked easily back and forth. University. Professors. School.
Grades. The topic slowly revolved to friends. A knot formed in Kate's
stomach as Linda described a new friend of her's, Lorne. Seeing the
stricken look on Kate's face, Linda reassured her.
"Come on, Kate. He's just a friend. Cute. But just a friend. He's got a
girlfriend. Just like I do."
The horses moved together and stopped. Linda leaned over and gently
kissed Kate's lips. Both girls' lips were curiously cold from the winter
air, but they quickly warmed with the contact. The knot in the pit of
Kate's stomach dissipated. She still wasn't sure exactly what Linda and
her felt. She knew that they'd always be friends, no matter what
happened. But that knot was an indication of far more than friends, and
Kate knew it.
Linda broke the kiss and laughed. She kicked her horse and the girls
chased one another through the forest. They continued to talk throughout
the day until they finally ended up at the stream. Morning had crept
into afternoon. They had to get back soon and warm up. Kate looked over
wistfully at the moss covered boulder on the other side of the frozen
stream. Linda and Kate had made love there once in a warmer time, just
rolling in the leaves, laughing. It was so hard being apart.
They dismounted and walked over to the boulder. It was large enough to
support both of them. They brushed off the snow and sat down together
gently swinging their legs. The horses ranged without fetters on the
opposite side of the stream, ignoring the girls.
"Linda?"
"What's up?"
"This was really nice. It's beautiful out here."
"Isn't it? Merry Christmas, sweety."
"I was afraid I wasn't going to see you. It was driving me nuts."
"I know. I know. I had to get up at four this morning to catch a ride
back here. I wanted to see you too. And I know my parents are going to
drag me around for the rest of the week. Our only chance was today."
Linda leaned forward and allowed her hands to snake around Kate's neck.
Linda bent her head and touched Kate's lips with her own. Kate sighed
and responded to the kiss. Her breathing quickened as she felt Linda's
tongue softly trace her lips. Kate swallowed and broke the kiss.
"Linda?"
"What's the matter?"
"You know I love it when you do that. But. You know we can't exactly
take these things off." Kate sighed and tugged at her jacket.
"What's the matter? I'm turning you on? We'd just be cold for a while."
Linda smiled mischievously.
"Are you serious?"
"No, honey. I don't think we'd be very happy in the snow. Cool us off
awful quick."
"I guess." Kate looked disappointed.
Linda leaned in and kissed Kate again. The girls kissed until Linda
sighed and broke it again.
"Maybe later, if we get a chance," Linda whispered.
Kate nodded glumly, knowing that the chances that they would get were
slim to none. Her body was aching for Linda's soft touch. She was doomed
to frustration. At least they'd stolen this time together.
"My butt's frozen." Linda laughed and raised herself off the boulder to
her feet. Kate followed, rubbing at her own bottom, brushing loose snow
off her jeans.
The girls walked back to the horses, both of them breathing a bit
heavier sending plumes of steam into the frozen air. They mounted the
horses and raced back to the barn. They carefully brushed down the
animals, and de-saddled them, returning everything to where it belonged
as they been taught nearly since they'd been born.
They wriggled out of their jackets as they entered the house.
"Hi Mom!" Linda greeted her mother who was cooking. The smells of turkey
and sweet potatoes permeated the air. Kate felt her stomach rumble
having missed lunch.
"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Miller," Kate echoed as they entered the kitchen.
"You two were gone forever out there. Aren't you cold?"
Kate thought back to the stolen kiss at the stream and thought to
herself, quite the opposite, actually. She kept her thoughts to herself.
Linda's mother handed the girls steaming cups of hot chocolate and
ushered them out of the kitchen. They found their way into the living
room and curled up in front of the fire, quietly sipping at the steaming
mugs. The Miller's Christmas tree was bedecked simply with lights and
tinsel. Presents adorned the floor below it, brightly wrapped.
They stole a quick kiss just before Linda's father walked in. The girls
separated at the sound of his footsteps. Kate scrambled over to grab a
board game before he stepped into the room.
"Hi girls." He remarked. "Went down to the stream? How was it?"
Linda and Kate both exchanged glances and nodded. They both struggled to
control the flush that threatened to rise into their faces. "Pretty out
there," Kate managed to say. She hoped that the quiver in her voice was
only noticeable by her.
Kate spread out the Monopoly game on the floor in front of the
fireplace. The Reverend settled down in his easy chair and sipped at his
eggnog. He was perfectly content to watch the girls play.
An hour later, Kate's father entered the room. He bent and kissed both
girls, with a chorus of Merry Christmas's. The Reverend and Kate's
father fell into some religious discussion as the girls just idly played
their game. It was hard to concentrate on the game when all they could
think about was the other girl across the board. Linda's brother
wandered in a couple of times but returned to his video games, not
really wanting to be stuck in some boring conversation or play with his
sister.
Finally, Mrs. Miller poked her head into the room.
"Dinner's on."
"Thanks Pam," Kate's father was the first to rise. "It smells divine."
The girls quickly cleaned up and ran to the table. Everyone was already
seated. Grace having been said, they dug into the delicious turkey
dinner. Conversation revolved around school, and the church. Kate, if
asked, wouldn't have been able to remember a word of the dinner
conversation. She was far more distracted by the soft toes that kept
caressing her calves and thighs beneath the table. She was completely
absorbed by the sensations and struggling to ignore Linda's evil grin.
Her frustration mounted as the dinner progressed.
After dinner the family gathered in the family room. The older folk got
involved in talk of the church and neighbourhood gossip, sipping at
their after dinner Cointreau. Linda and Kate sipped at their Kahlua and
tried to follow the conversations, but seemed distracted. Linda's
brother broke into the conversation.
"Anyone mind if I go play Sega?"
The Millers waved, giving the boy his freedom.
"Excuse me," Linda spoke softly. She rose to her feet and padded out of
the room, leaving Kate alone with the parents. Kate sat on the floor and
just listened to the droning voices, sipping at her liqueur. She slipped
briefly into a memory of an apple tree and a midnight rendezvous before
she caught herself. She smiled as Linda returned to sit with her on the
carpet.
"Uh. Mom?" Linda asked. Her face was flushed a bit.
"Yes dear?"
"You mind if Kate and I run upstairs for a while? We have a lot of
catching up to do. And I'm not going to get to see her tomorrow."
Her mother nodded. Kate and Linda rose off the floor and made their way
up the stairs.
"God. They'll be talking down there until doomsday. And I doubt that
they'd notice it even happened."
Kate laughed. "I thought I was going to die of boredom."
"We'll see if we can change that." Linda smiled mischievously.
The girls entered Linda's cluttered bedroom and Kate sat down on the bed
which was about the only place that was reasonably clear. Linda remained
standing by the door.
"I got a present for you," Linda whispered.
"Oh Christ. I didn't get you anything. I thought we agreed not to get
each other anything. Since like three years ago."
"It's actually something for both of us."
"What?"
Linda looked around carefully, took a deep breath, grasped the bottom of
her sweater and pulled it off in one quick motion. She let it drift to
the floor at her feet.
Kate gasped. Linda was wearing nothing but red ribbon beneath the
sweater. The ribbon wound around her, over her shoulders and gently
around her bare breasts, ending in a bow between them. She was breathing
a bit harder as she watched Kate.
"Oh my God. Is that why you excused yourself?"
"Of course."
"What if your parents come up here?"
"They usually knock."
Linda hooked her fingers into her jeans and gently pushed them down her
long legs. No underwear. She pulled off her socks with her toes. She
grinned at Kate.
"Merry Christmas," she whispered spreading her arms wide.
"You. You can't do that. We can't. Not here."
"Of course we can. We just have to be quiet and quick."
The nude girl knelt down to her desk drawer.
"And here's your final present." She pulled a pair of steel handcuffs
from the bottom drawer. "Put them on me. Please?"
"We. Can't." Kate's protests were losing steam.
Linda walked over to Kate and dropped the handcuffs into her lap. She
bent down and kissed her full on the lips. Kate moaned and responded.
"I'll stop, if you really want me to," Linda whispered in her ear.
Kate reached up and closed her eyes. "I don't. God. I don't."
Linda pushed Kate down onto the bed and they embraced, still kissing
passionately.
"God, I've missed you. And your kisses," Kate whispered.
"Put them on me. Please?"
"But your parents. Your brother."
"Well, yeah. My brother hardly ever knocks. The weasel."
"I. I'm not sure I can do this."
"Can you be quiet?"
"I guess."
Linda picked up the cuffs and dangled them in front of Kate.
"They're yours. I'm yours."
"Your parents."
"Look at it this way. If they walk in on us, it ain't going to matter
much whether I'm handcuffed or not. Either way, my father is going to
have a coronary." Linda grinned mischievously.
Kate slowly took the steel from Linda's fingers. Linda held her hands
loosely behind herself and waited as Kate took a deep breath. The steel
closed around her wrists, and Linda shuddered. Helpless. She pulled at
the steel, loving the sensation of her restraint.
Kate flushed, but her desires were beginning to build. Just seeing Linda
in that silly bow and handcuffs. She looked around and quickly peeled
off her clothing. Linda watched with furtive glances at the closed door.
Kate pulled the bound girl down onto her bed and kissed her again. The
kisses ignited both girls and soon Kate's fingers were playing up and
down Linda's soft skin. Touching her. Her breasts. Her legs. Her toes.
Linda lay back on the bed, sighing as she spread herself slightly. Kate
let her fingers stroke her friend as she kissed her. Linda squirmed,
wanting more. So much more. Slowly, Kate entered Linda with her fingers,
letting her thumb find the rhythm on Linda's swollen clitoris. She
kissed Linda to muffle the moans and soft cries. It wasn't long before
Linda climaxed hard. Her body arched and she cried out into Kate's
mouth. Finally the waves subsided and both girls lay quietly, trying to
determine if the house had heard. They held each other, content with the
soft feel of one another.
"Alright," Kate said quickly. "That was your Christmas present from me.
Can we get dressed now?"
"Don't be dumb. They are going to be down there all night talking about
heaven and hell, or whatever it is they are talking about. Come on. I
don't want to leave you hanging. It's not fair. Especially at
Christmas." Linda thrust her lower lip out in a pretend pout.
Linda worked herself off the bed and knelt on the floor. Kate took a
deep breath and sat on the edge of the bed. She sighed, knowing that she
wanted this as much as Linda did. She needed it. To hell with the
danger. It was Christmas. She let her legs rest on Linda's bare
shoulders and lay back, gasping as Linda's soft tongue found her. Kate's
fingers brushed at her own nipples as she concentrated on Linda's mouth.
Linda teased her, running her tongue up and down the sensitive slit,
loving the soft cries falling from Kate's lips. Knowing that they
probably had risked far too much as it was, Linda began to circle Kate's
clit with her soft tongue, knowing the rhythm, gently kissing and
sucking. Kate exploded with a small scream. Linda's mouth wasn't there
to muffle the sounds. Kate writhed as her muscles contracted in unison,
struggling to keep quiet, almost pushing the handcuffed woman from her
task. Finally Kate lay back, gasping, whispering Linda's name softly.
She closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing. She lifted her
head and gazed into Linda's deep brown eyes. Linda smiled and gazed back
from between Kate's legs, her long hair surrounding her face like a
halo, her perfect breasts rising and falling with her ragged breathing.
Kate lay her head back down, closing her eyes and relaxing into the
afterglow.
"Linda?" a feminine voice called. It sounded like it had come from the
foot of the stairs. Kate's eyes snapped open and she scrambled for her
clothes.
"No time," Linda hissed. "Just answer her."
Kate scrambled off Linda's bed and padded over to the door. She prayed
that Linda's brother was still downstairs. She opened the door slightly
and poked her head out. Anyone in the hallway was still going to get an
eyeful of her, if they were in the right position.
"Hi, Mrs. Miller," Kate called down, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Are you two alright? I thought I heard a cry."
"That was me, I'm fine. Just stubbed my toe." Kate fervently prayed that
her unstifled cries of ecstasy resembled her cries of pain.
"Alright. You sure you're okay? You want me to look at it for you? You
didn't break it?"
"I'm fine, really." Kate called down. Mrs. Miller was going to get more
of a look at her than her pretty toes if she came up here now. And for
extra measure, she'd get a nice view of her bare daughter cuffed,
ribboned and kneeling on the floor which she could probably do without.
Please let her go back. Please let her go back, Kate prayed to herself.
"You two anti-social girls coming down anytime soon? You've been up
there an hour."
An hour? Kate couldn't believe that they'd been making love for an hour.
Her father was down there.
"We'll be right down. Give us a second."
Kate closed the door and tried to control her breathing. Linda was
softly laughing, still on her knees.
"That was close," she got out between giggles.
"It's not funny."
"You had fun, didn't you?"
Kate tried to give Linda a stern look and failed miserably. She dropped
to her knees beside her best friend and hugged her, feeling their bare
breasts touch again. She felt tingles running all up and down her skin.
"Yes, lover, I had fun. I've wanted that for a while. But I want to be
able to do it again, too. They catch us, and it's game over."
"Me too. Now. You think it would be a good idea to get me out of these
things?" Linda rattled the chain of the handcuffs on her wrists.
"Where's the key?"
"Key?" Linda looked at her with a very serious face.
"Yeah. Key."
"I. I don't remember."
"You what?"
Linda broke out into a grin and began to giggle again. "In the top
drawer of the desk."
Kate let her breath out. "Don't do that to me. You scared the crap outta
me."
Linda just continued to giggle as Kate retrieved the small steel key.
"I have half a mind to leave you like that. Ribbons and all. Let your
father find you."
"You wouldn't."
"I would. That was mean."
"I'm sorry." Linda just continued her giggling as Kate unlocked her
wrists. She rubbed at them as she got to her feet.
"Come on. Before they get more suspicious than they already are."
Kate slipped back into her clothes and then sat and watched as Linda
pulled her sweater over her ribbons.
"You are keeping them on?"
"What? The ribbons? Yeah. They'll remind me of you when I strip to go to
bed tonight." Linda handed her the handcuffs. "And these will remind you
of me. Anytime you want, you can use them on me."
"How the heck am I going to get these home?"
"Your purse?"
"I didn't bring one."
Linda glanced around the room. She slipped into the closet and brought
out a brightly wrapped present.
"I hid this one. My brother shakes 'em." She began to unwrap the present
carefully. She pulled out the game cartridge that she'd gotten her
brother and slipped the handcuffs into the box. She then carefully
re-wrapped the present. She handed the small box to Kate. "There.
Camouflaged. Just don't open it in front of your father tomorrow." She
grinned as she slipped the game cartridge into a drawer to re-wrap
later.
"Thanks. I really needed that. Christ, I thought I'd died and gone to
heaven. I couldn't control the scream. I'm sorry."
"I really needed it too. And I would have screamed too if you hadn't
been kissing me," Linda whispered. "It's alright. When are you going to
be home next?"
"Probably Easter."
"Christ. I can't wait that long."
"Me neither, but I guess we'll just have to." Kate leaned in and pressed
her lips against Linda's, tasting herself on Linda's lips. The girls
broke the kiss with an effort.
"You better wash up."
"No way. I'm going to taste you until I fall asleep tonight. Especially
if it ain't going to be until Easter."
Kate ran a brush through her hair and then brushed out Linda's for her.
They checked themselves in the mirror and made sure their breathing was
calm.
Just then Linda's younger brother burst into the room. Without knocking.
Both girls looked at one another and sighed a huge breath of relief,
smiling.
"Mom says to get your butts downstairs."
"She didn't say that."
"Well, not exactly. But she wants you down there, pronto. I think it's
time for Kate to leave. It smells funny in here." Linda's brother
wrinkled his nose.
Realizing that the scents of both women were probably still strong in
the closed room, Linda hurried her brother out.
"We're coming. We're coming. Go on. Tell Mom."
Linda's brother thundered down the stairs to report. Kate and Linda
looked at each other at the top of the stairs.
"That's it, huh?"
"Yeah. They're dragging me all over hell's creation over the next few
days. I doubt if we'll get a chance see each other. I'd really like to,
but try explaining why to my parents."
Tears welled in Kate's eyes. "Linda? Easter. Okay? You promise?"
"I can't promise. But I'll sure try. Okay?" Tears had already broken
free of Linda's eyes. She wiped at them with the back of her hand.
"Remember me with the cuffs. Okay?"
Kate kissed Linda's lips for the last time and they held hands as long
as they could as they descended back to the family. Both girls somehow
managed to control the tears before they walked into the family room.
Kate's father already had his jacket on.
"What the heck were you two doing up there?"
"Just talking. Catching up," Kate replied softly. She was afraid to say
more, afraid that she'd say more than she could, afraid she'd start
crying again.
"You women. Always gabbing. Time to go, tiger. These fine folk want to
go to bed. It's after midnight and tomorrow's Christmas."
Kate walked back out to the kitchen and slipped her parka over her
shoulders. The girls exchanged glances, trying not to cry. Linda
followed the two of them out onto the porch, shivering, after they'd all
said their good-byes. She hadn't even slipped on her boots.
Linda hugged Kate fiercely as Kate's father moved on ahead a bit. She
whispered in Kate's ear. "Remember the ribbon. I'll be thinking of you.
And I think I love you. Merry Christmas." She quickly brushed her lips
against Kate's.
She gave Kate a push and retreated into the house before Kate could
respond.
As she moved unwillingly away from the Miller home, Kate turned to see
Linda waving from her window, holding a bright red ribbon. She swallowed
heavily, missing Linda's touch already. Holding hands, Kate and her
father trudged slowly through the snow towards their house a mile away.
It was far too dark for Kate's tears to be noticeable.
========================================================================
Four Seasons: Easter Tears
(FF, rom)
========================================================================
(c) Copyright - April 1998
All Rights Reserved
Crimson Dragon
(dcrimson@yahoo.com)
========================================================================
Tomorrow was Easter. Kate always looked forward to the holiday,
chocolate and candy being her passion. And every year her father
indulged her, sending her on a candy hunt every Easter Sunday for as
long back as she could remember. Not even University was going to
interfere with it this year.
Kate soaked in the late morning sun as she strolled towards the Miller's
home through the fields. She lifted her face, happy to be alive. She
felt a bubble of laughter rise, and she skipped along the path. Linda
had called this morning, quietly hinting at some time alone. The sun was
shining, warming the normally cooler April air. She could see the storm
clouds in the distance, but they weren't overhead yet. It was spring. It
was sunny. She was in love. She felt at peace with the world.
She practically ran the last quarter mile to the Miller's house, her
breathing ragged as she knocked at the back screen door. Linda's mother
opened the back door, surprising Kate. Kate had expected Linda. She
willed away the twinge of disappointment that ran through her.
"Happy Easter, Mrs. Miller."
Mrs. Miller peered through the door, a smile breaking out on her
motherly face.
"Happy Easter, Kate. What a pleasant surprise. Linda didn't tell me you
were coming over."
"Is she around?" Kate asked before her friend's mother could engage her
in idle chatter about school, or her father. She was anxious to see
Linda.
"She's in the barn, I think. At least that what she told me on her way
out. She seemed in a rush, though. She might already be out riding."
"I'll see. Thanks."
"Come back later for cookies. I just baked some fresh."
"Sounds absolutely wonderful."
Kate turned and walked slowly towards the Miller's barn. She could feel
her heart beginning to beat quicker as she approached. The barn doors
were closed. She couldn't believe that Linda had left without her. She
was in there; she had to be.
Kate unlatched the huge doors and poked her head into the cavernous
structure. The horses whinnied and shifted at her presence.
"Anybody home?"
A small feminine voice floated down from the loft. "Up here. I wasn't
expecting you so soon."
Kate stepped into the barn. "I ran," Kate replied to the air above her.
"What are you waiting for? Come on up."
Kate scampered to the wooden ladder that led to the barn's hayloft. She
climbed towards the trapdoor. She refused to look down, being somewhat
afraid of heights. She pulled herself up carefully until she was
standing on the wooden boards, gazing around the loft. Her eyes spotted
Linda reclining back in the pillowing hay. She was wearing cutoff
shorts, and a t-shirt. She'd kicked off her shoes which were lying
beside her. Kate noticed a stray piece of hay lying between the other
girl's toes. Her face was angelic, her long brown hair contrasting with
the golden colour of the dried hay. Her breasts were outlined clearly by
the t-shirt stretched provocatively across them. She was reclining in
the patch of sun streaming in through the open hayloft doors. Linda's
eyes were closed, seemingly at peace.
"I've missed you." Kate murmured.
Linda opened her eyes. She smiled, though not quite in her usual
exuberant way.
"I've missed you, too, sweety. Want to share some sun?"
Kate walked over to her friend and dropped down into the hay. She
relaxed feeling the radiant warmth of hay heated by the sunbeam. Small
particles of dust rose into the sunbeam as she settled herself back into
the hay.
"Where is everyone?" Kate asked.
"Well, Dad and Bobby took off to one of those dumb shows. Tractor pull,
or demolition derby, dirt biking or something dumb like that. You know,
the 'BE THERE!!!!' people." Linda had dropped her voice low to simulate
the awful commercials. She grinned. "Who the hell falls for those things
anyway? Maybe I'd just rather be here, not there. Mom's in the house."
"So we're alone?"
"Except for Mom, and she's really not likely to end up in the barn.
She's baking again."
"Fresh cookies. I know. Hmmmm." Kate stretched herself out and settled
herself into the hay. The two girls relaxed, just enjoying the sun and
the warmth of the early spring. Kate felt her fingers being taken by
Linda. She felt an incredible wave of fatigue rush over her and she
closed her eyes. There was the sensation of falling, a feeling of peace
and trust, and then darkness.
She awakened a while later to the touch of a soft pair of lips. She
opened her eyes, her senses filled.
The warm sun had disappeared, though the air was still warm in the loft.
She smelled the humidity on the air. A quick shift of her eyes confirmed
the clouds lying low over the farm. The smell of impending rain was
erotically mixed with Linda's soft scent. The slight fragrance of clover
washed over Kate as Linda's hair brushed her face. She fell into Linda's
soft lips as Linda leaned over her and kissed her again gently.
As the first quiet drops of rain fell against the roof of the barn,
Linda whispered in her ear. "Time to wake up, sleepyhead."
"How long? What time is it?"
"Relax. Lots of time yet. You've only been asleep a couple of hours."
"You let me sleep?"
"Yeah. I was pondering." Linda said it with a terrible English accent.
She reverted back to her normal voice. "I was just watching the storm
roll in, and you, of course."
"Me?"
"Yeah. You're cute when you sleep. Mumbling."
"I don't mumble."
Linda nodded, her eyes sparkling.
"What did I say?"
"Have no idea. Couldn't understand you."
"Sorry."
"Remember what you were dreaming?"
"'fraid not."
Linda bent down and kissed Kate again, tentatively. Kate responded as
she always did to the touch of Linda's lips. Tingles raced through her
body followed by butterflies. She gasped and returned the kiss, allowing
her tongue to trace along Linda's lips and teeth. Arms wrapped around
one another and they embraced, still kissing, as close as the clothing
allowed. Kate felt the familiar tingles as her breasts touched Linda's,
even through two t-shirts. Their legs entangled. Kate could feel Linda's
toes against her bare legs. Stroking. Touching. Kissing.
Kate felt Linda break the kiss and opened her eyes, wanting to feel the
softness again. Linda sat up in the hay, cross-legged and gazed at Kate.
Linda smiled seductively. "You want me to take these off?"
Kate smiled back and teased her. "What off? Lady, I don't know what you
are talking about."
"I'm not wearing anything underneath." Linda whispered. "Still don't
know what I'm talking about?"
Kate looked at her friend hungrily. "I'll show you mine if you'll show
me yours." She smiled.
Linda played with the bottom of her t-shirt, playfully lifting it to
just below her breasts and then letting it fall.
"I can't get it off. Care to help me?" Linda raised her hands above her.
She was perfectly silhouetted by the clouds outside the hayloft opening.
Kate crawled over to Linda, her fingers finding the top and flipping it
off in one fluid motion. Linda's perfect breasts sprang into view,
upthrust and beautiful. Kate bent and carefully let her tongue wet the
exposed skin, swirling softly around Linda's hardened nipples. Linda
moaned softly. Kate felt herself being pushed back into the hay. She
could smell her arousal mixed with Linda's and the rain and the hay. She
trembled as she let her fingers run over Linda's bare back, lightly
tracing the edges of her breasts as the two girls resumed kissing,
getting as close as they could.
Laughing, they rolled through the hay, Kate on top, Linda on top.
Linda's fingers fumbled at Kate's t-shirt, finally, with some help,
pulling it from Kate's body. Immediately, Kate could feel the hay
pressing into her bare skin, itching. The itch completely disappeared as
Linda's soft fingertips brushed her nipples through her bra. Gasping,
Kate reached behind herself, releasing the clasps, wanting to feel the
air against her breasts, wanting to feel Linda pressing up against them.
Linda pressed herself against Kate, not allowing the bra to come off.
The two girls, still letting their lips touch, felt each other through
just the thin bra. Kate pulled the fabric from between them, gasping as
she, at last, felt the skin on skin contact she wanted. Linda's soft
breasts and hard nipples pressed gently into her own. Kate could feel
Linda's fingers exploring her, running down her body as she laid back
into the cushioning hay. She felt the soft probing as Linda released the
button on her shorts and slipped under the waistband of her panties.
Linda's fingers brushed at her sparse pubic hair beneath Kate's shorts.
Kate almost screamed in frustration.
"Take them off me. Please?" Kate lifted her pelvis, allowing Linda to
pull off the restrictive clothing. Kate pushed off her runners, wanting,
no needing, to be completely unclothed, to share herself completely with
Linda. She could feel the prickly sensations of the hay between her
toes. She gasped as she felt Linda's fingers again brushing her outer
lips, teasing her, running through her light hair.
"I could tease you all day, you know." Linda whispered to the panting
girl.
"Oh God. Please no. Inside. Please."
Linda's fingers continued the tease. She lay back down beside Kate and
kissed her full on the lips, still refusing to enter Kate with her
fingers.
"Please. Please. Please?" Kate begged. "God I need you."
"Don't you want to take the last thing off me?"
"Mmmmmmm." Kate moaned gently as Linda let her middle finger slide
between the lips, softly touching the clitoris and retreating.
Linda pulled away the sensations completely and stood, just gazing at
her naked girlfriend in the hay.
"Where are you going?"
"Just taking off the last item for you, since you don't seem to be
interested."
"Oh God. I'm interested. Come back."
Kate watched as Linda slipped her cutoffs to her bare feet. Grinning,
Linda flipped the shorts out the hayloft opening with her bare foot.
Kate gasped. Smiling evilly, Linda picked up her t-shirt and
nonchalantly dropped it out the opening as well. She purposely looked at
the small pile of Kate's clothes.
Kate closed her eyes.
"Go ahead. I can't ever say no to you. Can I? You'll toss them whether I
refuse or not."
Linda, laughing, picked up Kate's clothes and dropped them as well. Bra,
shirt, shorts, all her clothing lying on the concrete pad a story below
in the pouring rain. The girls looked at each other, breathing hard.
"What the hell are we going to do now?"
"Hope that Daddy and Bobby don't show up early?"
"What if your mother comes in?"
"She never climbs up here."
"What if she sees the clothing?"
"You think you have problems? I was wearing a white t-shirt. With
nothing else. Either way, I'm screwed."
"Oh shit." Kate started to laugh. "You are so damn dumb."
Linda knelt back down. "I might be dumb, but I know how to make you feel
good. Come here."
Kate crawled naked over to where Linda was kneeling. She lay back on the
hay again, feeling the rain, her arousal, and Linda's soft skin as Linda
climbed over her. She closed her eyes concentrating on the sensations.
She felt Linda's tongue touching her, licking, softly biting her.
Linda's fingers gently entered her, causing another gasp. Linda's tongue
finally touched her swollen clit. Teasing. She opened her eyes, seeing
Linda's center above her face. Kate gently pulled her friend to her
lips, letting her tongue explore the inner reaches of Linda. Kate's
finger slowly inserted, softly pumping to the rhythm of her tongue. Both
girls crying out and gasping as the sex overwhelmed their senses.
Neither girl remembered their climax, though their bodies strained as
one. Their soft screams mixed together with the hiss of the rain against
the roof. Linda collapsed, her body covered in perspiration, feeling her
hot skin against Kate's, feeling Kate's wild breathing as she struggled
with the aftermath of her orgasm.
Linda carefully turned herself around and settled herself against Kate's
heaving breasts. Her hair, slightly damp from her exertions and the
humidity, fanned itself out across Kate's bare skin. She idly traced
Kate's still erect nipple with her index finger, eliciting yet more
moans. Kate ran her fingers through Linda's hair, stroking her.
Both girls lay there quietly listening to the other breathe, listening
to the soft rain, and simply enjoying being with one another.
Eventually, Linda raised her head and looked up into Kate's face.
"Hey, girlfriend."
"What's up?" Kate asked softly. "You want to go again?"
"Not yet, sweety. I'm still recovering."
"I hear you. That was absolutely wonderful."
"It was."
They were quiet again, Linda easily resting against Kate.
"We should get our clothes," Kate whispered.
"Later. I just want to stay here. Nobody is going to bother us. Mom
doesn't even know we're here."
"I suppose."
"Katie?"
"Mmm-hmmm."
"I have. I have to tell you something."
"What's that?"
Linda hesitated. She really didn't want to do this. Especially now, not
in the afterglow. She had to be honest, though. She couldn't live with
herself otherwise. Couldn't do that to Kate. She didn't want this to
end. But she knew if she blew it, Katie would do exactly that. Walk out
of here, not much she could do about it. Problem was, she loved both of
them and she had to tell her.
"I. I don't really know how to start."
"Shhhh. Don't worry about it. I know."
"You do? How?" Linda could feel the blood rise into her face.
"You told me at Christmas. Don't worry. I think I'm in love with you,
too."
Linda swallowed heavily. She couldn't do it now. Couldn't say what she
had to. Not now. "Please God, don't make me do this," flew through her
pretty head. But she had to and she knew it. Why did this have to be so
hard?
"I'm sorry," she managed to choke out. "I'm so sorry."
Kate tried to sit up, but Linda's head on her breast prevented it. She
lay back confused. Linda's body was beginning to shake, Kate had seen
Linda cry enough to know that silent tears were beginning to form in her
friend's eyes even though they were turned away from her.
"Linda? What's the matter?"
"Katie. I. You have to believe me. I'm sorry. I. I didn't mean ..." her
voice trailed off.
"Please? You are going to make me cry. What's the matter? Are you going
away? Did your father find out about us?"
"Oh God. I can't do this. Katie? Honey?" Linda raised her tear streaked
face again, looking at Kate. She closed her eyes. "Remember I told you
about Lorne at Christmas?"
"Oh God." Kate could feel a huge knot forming in the pit of her gut. She
wanted to run, to hide, not hear this, make it go away. She knew. She
swallowed heavily, tears already beginning to form in her eyes. "Please
no."
"Katie, I'm so sorry."
Kate gently pushed Linda away from her. Kate sat up, hugging her knees.
Unable to stop the tears.
Linda closed her eyes.
"I swear I wasn't seeing him at Christmas. I wasn't. He. He broke up
with his girlfriend in February. And. I don't know what happened. We
were good friends. And. God. We became more than friends. It just
happened. I'm so sorry Kate. I really am. I. The last thing I wanted was
to hurt you. I was so lonely. Please understand. Please. I don't want to
lose you. I don't."
Kate hung her head and sobbed, the tears running unashamedly down her
face. She felt Linda's soft fingers touch her shoulder. She wanted so
much to fall into Linda's arms and sob herself out, just let Linda
comfort her as she always did. But Linda had never hurt her. Until now.
Instead, she pulled herself away from Linda, scrabbling across the hay.
"Katie? Say something? Please?" Linda knelt, tears falling down her face
as well. "I. I'd like to. To. Stay friends. I. I don't want to lose you.
Please don't be angry with me. I don't want to lose you."
"I. I can't be here right now. I'm sorry, Linda. I really am," Kate
choked out between her sobs.
Kate, with an effort, pulled herself to her bare feet. She slowly
lowered herself through the trap door, no longer caring if anyone was in
the barn below, no longer afraid of heights. She didn't care if she was
seen, buck naked, climbing down the ladder. Her nudity just didn't seem
important anymore.
She looked one more time at Linda, naked, kneeling in the hay before
dropping out of sight.
"I'm sorry." Linda whispered through her tears as Kate's tear streaked
face disappeared below.
Kate climbed down the ladder, sobbing, blinded by her tears. She ran
nude through the barn, ignoring the confused horses, and pushed open the
barn doors, hinges screaming. She forced her bare legs to carry her into
the gentle rain and around the edge of the barn. She could feel the cool
water soaking her nude body, running unheeded through her hair and over
her face and breasts. Crying, she knelt below the loft and looked up,
almost hoping to see Linda again. Linda wasn't there. She blindly
gathered up her clothing into her arms. She realized that her shoes were
still in the loft. She didn't care. She wasn't going to go back there.
She couldn't.
Not bothering to dress in the soaked clothes, she ran. Her tears mixed
with the rain as she sprinted towards the muddy path leading back
towards her home. She fervently hoped that Mrs. Miller wasn't looking
out the back window as she ran blindly on. She thought she heard Linda's
soft voice calling her name over the sound of her ragged breathing, her
tears and the gentle rain.
Halfway back, her lungs burning and unable to run any further, she
slipped to her knees in the mud, her hands rising to her face. She
sobbed unreservedly, rain cascading over her bare body. She cried for
what seemed like hours there. Missing Linda. Knowing that she would
never be with her again. Eventually, she rose to her bare feet, drew on
her top and shorts, still carrying her underwear, and walked slowly
onwards. All she wanted was a hot bath, and her bed. She didn't care
that it was the middle of the afternoon. She didn't know what she'd say
to her father but she'd think of something. He'd know something was
wrong but he loved her. He'd give her her space.
That evening after a long hot bath, as Kate had known she would, she
crawled between the sheets, hugging herself. She cried herself to sleep,
not knowing that only a mile away, another beautiful girl was doing the
same, weeping in the dark. Easter tears.
========================================================================
Four Seasons: June Revelations
(FF)
========================================================================
(c) Copyright - April 1998
All Rights Reserved
Crimson Dragon
(dcrimson@yahoo.com)
========================================================================
Kate's father cursed lightly as the wrench slipped. Kate looked up from
her reading and settled her deep brown eyes on him.
"Can I help, Daddy?"
"Not really work that you can do, honey. Thanks for the offer though."
Kate bent her head back to her book. The humidity was high today making
the pages stick together. She didn't mind, she was barely paying
attention to the words anyway. The sun beat down on the dusty yard. Her
father was tinkering with the tractor, tuning it up or something. She
had wandered out to keep him company, and distract herself. She was
wearing a light yellow sundress and was perched on an old stump left
from when the land was cleared. Her long brunette hair curled around her
shoulders in the slight wind. She'd reread the same sentence twelve
times, her thoughts elsewhere. A tear escaped and trickled down her pale
cheek.
She looked up from her book to find her father standing in front of her.
She hadn't noticed as he'd finished up with the mechanical work. He
crouched in front of her and lay his hard hands on her knees. They were
clean despite the work he was doing. Probably degreased himself before
coming over to her. He was thoughtful that way.
"Katie, sweetheart?"
"Mmmmm?" she cocked her head and looked at him quizzically. She absently
wiped at the tear running down her cheek, hoping that he wouldn't
notice. But she knew that he'd notice and she knew what was coming. She
hoped that she could avoid the discussion once again.
"Katie, you know I love you and I'll butt out. I know it's none of my
business."
"You're right, Daddy, it isn't."
"You were such good friends."
"I know. We. Just grew apart."
"Something happened. You won't even take her calls anymore. She's trying
you know. Whatever she did."
"You couldn't understand what she did."
"Whatever it is, she's trying at least. She calls here every day. And it
breaks my heart to have to keep telling her that you don't want to talk
to her. You used to listen at least, even if you didn't say anything
into that phone. Now, you won't even listen to her voice."
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
"Will you talk to her next time she calls?"
Kate bit her lip and slowly shook her head.
"Darling, you have your mother in you. She was stubborn as an old goat,
too. Think about it. You can't solve nothing without talking about it.
You're smart, you know that. Linda's worth more than that. You know
that, too."
"I know, Daddy."
He patted her knee and stood. "I just don't like seeing you this way,
pumpkin. I really wish I could help."
"You are. You're there." Kate smiled as best she could for her father.
He tried to smile back reassuringly. He really didn't want to impose,
but she was so darned unhappy these days. He knew it was Linda, but he
didn't quite understand why. They'd been inseparable. He'd even spoken
to the Reverend. Linda's father didn't know either. Just that they
weren't getting along and Linda desperately wanted to talk to Kate. He
couldn't very well tie her up and force her to listen, though. And he
loved her far too much to risk directing her wrath at him by butting in
where he had no right to be. He knew it wasn't right to get involved
anyway; this was between Kate and Linda. That's why he felt so helpless
as he turned back to the old tractor. It just broke his heart to see his
only daughter like this.
Kate quietly returned to her book. An hour or so had passed when she
looked up again. Her father had been cursing softly again. Just mild
cursing, nothing major. Cursing wasn't encouraged in the home.
She rose to her feet and approached her father.
"You want anything to drink?"
"Maybe an iced tea, if you are offering. It's durn hot out here."
She lifted the dress away from her skin at the hips by pinching the
fabric. "Stuck to me. I guess it is hot."
"You don't have to be out here with me, if you don't want."
"I'll keep you company. Who else will, you cantankerous old man?"
He aimed a swat at her with his oily hands but she danced away with a
laugh. She ran towards the house and stood by the kitchen window, mixing
up some iced tea. She added a few ice cubes to the mixture and poured
two tall glasses. She sipped at her glass as she returned to the back of
the house.
She stopped in her tracks after she'd descended from the porch, a look
of sadness and longing pervading her features. She stood motionless
trying to decide what to do. Walk quietly back into the house before
they noticed her, or deliver the drink to her father then return to the
house. Her heart was desperately trying to convince her mind to at least
say hello. She hadn't seen her in months. Not a word.
Her father glanced up from his conversation with the girl.
"Honey? Please?" he called out to Kate frozen to the spot.
Kate just quickly shook her head, eyes downcast.
"Please, Kate. It's only Linda, honey. She doesn't bite. At least come
and say hello. We're civil around here."
She doesn't bite? Actually she does, flitted through Kate's mind. An
unwanted tingle raced through her body at the sight of her neighbour and
the memories of her soft bites.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Gibson. I. I think I better go." Linda looked across the
dusty yard at Kate. "I'm sorry Kate. I truly am." Linda began to walk
backwards, back the way she had come. Tears had begun to fall from her
eyes as she slowly moved away.
Kate took a deep breath and forced her feet to make the walk towards her
father. She still hadn't uttered a word.
Linda had turned and was walking slowly towards the path. Kate watched
her, sure she was sobbing. Kate felt a tear fall down her own face
watching her leave.
"Come on, honey. I know you want to talk to her. I can see it in your
eyes. You wouldn't be crying if you didn't. All it would take is one
word before she's gone. Come on. Call her name. Get her back here. I
miss her, too."
Kate swallowed, feeling the tears intensify. "I. I can't, Daddy. You
don't understand."
"I don't need to understand." She felt his hand stroking her hair like
she was a little girl again. He had cleaned his hands recently with
orange degreaser. She could faintly smell it on the humid air. "All I
know is that you love her and she loves you. You are going to lose the
best friend of your life if you don't forgive her for whatever she's
done to you."
Kate swallowed hard, again, and moved away from her father. She sat down
on the old stump and held her face in her hands, sobbing again. Her
heart ached.
"Linda?" Kate's quivering voice called across the distance from her to
the other girl. "Don't go," she whispered to herself. Linda was walking
slowly and was almost out of earshot.
Linda hesitated, almost as if she hadn't quite heard and was frightened
that the voice was a figment of a hopeful imagination.
"Linda?" Kate called a bit louder and a bit stronger.
Linda turned, her face still completely tear streaked. She took a deep
breath and tried to control her emotions and her unhappiness. She began
a slow walk back towards her former friend and lover, giving them both
time to avoid the encounter if they wanted.
Kate looked over helplessly to her father, tears still streaming down
her fair features.
He mouthed to her, "I'm proud of you, baby." He nodded, and drink still
in hand, walked back towards the house, glad to give the girls their
privacy.
Linda stopped a meter from Kate's seat. The two girls looked at each
other, both unsure of the other, not quite knowing what to do.
Linda whispered first, "Kate? I don't expect you to forgive me. You have
every right in the world to be angry at me. But I am sorry. I am so
sorry I hurt you. You can't imagine."
Kate began to cry harder, her whole body shaking as she sat on the
stump, unable to speak. Linda was crying as well, but she desperately
tried to control herself, wanting so much to talk to Kate. Make her
understand. It had been so long since she'd even heard Kate's voice. The
girls had never fought as long as they had known one another.
Linda let Kate cry for a few minutes while struggling with her own
emotions.
"I. The only thing I want to do right now is gather you in my arms and
comfort you. And I can't." Linda spoke quietly.
"Please, don't." Kate choked out. "I'm fine."
"You aren't fine. And I can't stand that I caused it. I'm sorry. I'm
sorry. I'm sorry."
Linda stepped forward and fell to her knees, her jeans throwing dust up
from the ground as she dropped. She went to place her hands on Kate's
knees, the same way Kate's father had earlier, but then hesitated. She
didn't have the right to touch Kate any more. She'd given it up Easter
weekend. She rocked back on her heels instead and gazed up at Kate, her
pain evident on her pretty features.
"Kate? I know you're angry with me. I. Understand. But I don't want to
lose you. I never did. I loved you. I still do. I swear it. I always
wanted to be friends. I never wanted this to happen. Do you think I'd be
calling here every day if I did?"
Kate struggled to control her sobbing, forcing the tears to stop with an
act of will.
"I. I'm not sure I can go back to being just friends. I. I fell in love
with you. It's my fault. But. I'm sorry. I can't help it. I just want to
be alone if I can't have you."
Linda swallowed. "I know. I fell in love with you, as well."
"Then why?"
"I would have explained three months ago if you'd let me."
"I. I wasn't ready to listen. I was hurt. I still am."
"I know. I didn't mean to hurt you. I swear that I was just being
honest. And I screwed up. I didn't do it properly. Didn't say anything
right. At the worst possible time. I. I just thought you should know.
I'd never done anything like that before. I'm sorry. I didn't want this.
God, I didn't want this."
"Why him?"
"Oh God. I don't know. I was lonely. It was a mistake. I thought I liked
him. He made me forget about everything for a while. You. Here. My
loneliness."
Kate cocked her head and stared through her tears at Linda kneeling
before her. She couldn't believe how much it hurt to hear about Lorne.
Even after all this time. This shouldn't hurt this much. There was never
any real commitment except in her heart.
"I discovered something about myself that I've been trying to tell you
for months now. Ever since I got back. But you won't talk to me."
"Linda? I'm not sure I can do this."
"We're just talking, Kate. I swear, I'm not going to hurt you anymore.
I'm not expecting anything at all. If you want me to go, I will. I'll
wait until you are ready. But I'm not going to give up on you. I caused
this, I'm going to fix it. Somehow. And I'll just wait until you let me.
I. I'm persistent. Someday you'll talk to me again. I have to be with
you. I can't lose you."
"Alright. I'll listen. I don't promise anything though."
Linda swallowed. "I'll take that. And I don't expect you to forgive me."
She paused, gathering her thoughts and wiping at the tears on her face.
"I cried for hours in that loft, you know? I didn't know what to do. A
part of me died when you left. I contemplated jumping, you know that? I
was so miserable. If I was sure I would die instead of just breaking my
stupid arm, I would have. When it got dark, I managed to get myself out
of the hay we were in together and get my clothes. I missed you so much.
It was still raining and I vaguely remember walking into the house with
my stupid wet white t-shirt. I didn't care anymore. I'm pretty sure that
my father and my brother were at the table when I walked in. He didn't
say anything though I probably gave them a hell of a show. I just didn't
care anymore. You were gone. I didn't eat supper. I remember lying on my
bed crying my eyes out. I don't even remember falling asleep. It wasn't
until I got back to school that I realized that I wasn't thinking of
Lorne when I was crying up there. It was you."
"I cried all night, too. I've been crying ever since. Every night." Kate
whispered.
"I was so afraid that I'd never see you again. I was so screwed up. I. I
broke up with Lorne on the Tuesday. He still doesn't know why. All he
knew was that I was upset. And he was okay with it, though we never
really talked again like we used to."
"I'm sorry." Kate whispered again.
"All I want is you. We. I can't stand that you won't return my calls.
That you won't speak to me. I know I deserve it. I know I'm a shit. I
know that you have every right to hate me. But it's tearing me apart.
I'll do whatever it takes. I swear it. I'll be lonely until the end of
time. I don't care. Eventually you'll at least be friends with me again.
Even if I can't have you like before. I'm not giving up."
Kate hung her head, not being able to fight the tears any longer. Her
body shook and she climbed slowly to her feet. Without thinking, she
turned and ran back towards the house crashing blindly through the back
door and up the stairs. She stood at her window, gazing at the girl
still kneeling in the dust. She watched as her father walked slowly out
towards her and helped the sobbing girl to her feet. He gently kissed
her forehead and steadied her until she seemed to be able to stand on
her own. He held her as he would his own daughter, letting her cry on
his shoulder. Tears were still streaming down Kate's face as she stood
watching, her heart breaking. Linda slowly turned away from the house
and walked away. She turned once and gazed up at Kate's window, tears
forming again but she turned and began to walk again, slowly away down
the path. Kate watched her as long as she could, until she was out of
sight.
Kate collapsed onto her bed and buried her head in the pillows. She
sobbed uncontrollably until her father knocked gently some time later.
It might even have been an hour later; time had ceased to exist for
Kate.
She savagely wiped at the tears with the back of her hand and ran her
fingers through her hair. His gentle voice floated through the door.
"Sweetheart? Pumpkin? Please let me in."
"I. Just want to be alone right now."
"Please?"
She nodded, and then realized that he couldn't see her. She took a deep
breath and whispered, "Come in."
She watched as the door opened in slow motion and he slid quietly into
the room. He sat down on her bed, cupping her face like he had when she
was a little girl.
"Honey? I'm proud of you."
"Proud? Of me? Why? Because I ran in here like a little girl? Refused to
talk to my best friend? Former best friend? Can't stop crying? Because I
can't tell you what's wrong?" Her small fist hammered into her thigh as
she spoke.
"Proud that you called her back. That you listened to her. Sometimes
these things take time. I don't pretend to know what you are going
through, but I know I miss her. My heart leapt when I saw her walk into
the yard. Loved her voice when she was talking to me out there. I miss
her. I can't imagine how much you must miss her."
"I. I do miss her. More than you can know."
"And you can't forgive her?"
"I don't know if I can."
"Whatever she's done, is she sorry?"
"She is."
"You know she is?"
"She's sorry. I know it."
"And you still can't forgive her? She was your best friend, honey.
You've spent your life with her. Playing. Riding. Sharing secrets. And
she's scared that she'll never see you again."
"I know. And I'm afraid of never seeing her again."
"Call her."
"I. I can't."
"Go see her then. She'll welcome you. I know."
"Daddy. You don't understand."
"I understand enough. Go see her. She's sorry. I'm sure her family is
missing you, too. I hate to see you both like this. You know how a
woman's tears pull at you? It's hard on me, too. You cry every day. I
notice no matter how much you try and hide it."
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
"Don't worry about me. Just worry about yourself. Whenever you are
ready. Just don't wait too long. You'll be at school in another couple
of months. Separated again. If you don't make an effort you will lose
her. Forever."
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. She cried into
his shoulder and sobbed until there weren't anymore tears. Her tears
mixed with Linda's on her father's shirt. He carefully lifted her arms
from around his neck and lay her back on the bed with a soft kiss on the
forehead.
"Go see her. Tonight. One of your midnight excursions. She'll be there.
Waiting. Hoping. As she has been every night that you two have been
back."
She looked at him quizzically.
"Don't look at me that way, young lady. You might have been able to fool
the Reverend, but I'm a light sleeper. I had to take care of you when
you were this big and smaller because your mother wasn't here. I may not
have heard you every night, but enough to know that you sneaked out
occasionally. I knew where you were going. I don't know what you did,
probably talked all night if I know you, but I know where you went.
Where else would you go? I know how young girls are. And I figured you
could take care of yourself. I trusted you."
"Thank you, Daddy. That means a lot to me."
"You want some dinner? I can whip up some hot dogs or something?"
She tried to crack a smile for him. He knew that she normally loved hot
dogs for dinner. "I'm not really hungry."
"If you change your mind, let me know. I'll make you whatever you want.
And remember, she was your best friend. That counts for something.
Whatever she did. She didn't mean to hurt you."
Kate nodded and lay back on the pillows. She sighed and glanced out at
the gathering gloom. She wondered where Linda was and what she was
doing. The tears returned, silently running down her cheeks.
***
Her alarm softly beeped at 11:45pm waking her from a fitful sleep. Her
dreams had not been entirely pleasant. She had a lingering feeling that
she had been tied to a chair and forced to watch Linda and Lorne make
love gently in front of her. The emotion of the dream faded and within
minutes she couldn't recall even that she had been dreaming.
She took a deep breath and slipped on her clothing. As she pulled her
jeans over her hips, she remembered vividly the sight of Linda kneeling
in the dust crying earlier this afternoon. She pursed her lips and
fought off her tears. Her stomach was full of butterflies. She hadn't
made this trek in months. She normally enjoyed the walk or run to the
Miller residence at midnight, but tonight she was just filled with
apprehension. She had no clue what she'd say or if she would say
anything. She didn't even know if Linda was there, or if she would
respond. She'd been out of touch so long, Linda may have found something
to do on these hot summer nights. Perhaps she was at a friend's house or
a party.
She'd be waiting for her, her father had said. And he was never wrong.
She slipped out of the room and quietly stepped down the stairs, her
hand trailing on the wooden banister. As she passed through the darkened
living room she almost screamed as she heard the disembodied voice float
up from the easy chair.
"Good luck," her father whispered.
Kate swallowed and bit her tongue. She wanted to yell and scream at him
for scaring her, but she didn't. Instead, she just whispered back,
"Thank-you." She wondered briefly how many times he'd been sitting there
as she carefully sneaked past, silently waiting for her return, making
sure she was safe.
She felt a little foolish, continuing to sneak out of the house, but
refrained from turning on the lights. She stumbled to the back door and
slipped on her running shoes. She walked out into the night.
The clean night air buried itself into her lungs. She'd forgotten how
invigorating it was. How erotic. She smelled the night and sighed
heavily. She wondered how this night was going to turn out.
She walked slowly down the winding path towards the Miller's. She
sometimes ran this part of the journey, but only if she was anxious to
get there. Tonight, she wasn't even sure she'd signal. Maybe she'd just
stand on the back lawn and watch her window for a while. The moon was
nearly full tonight. Not a harvest moon, but it lit the path preventing
any stumbles.
She arrived on the Miller's back lawn and checked her watch. 12:30. She
took a deep breath and sat down in the shadows, hugging her knees to her
chest. She watched the upstairs window. All the windows were dark. She
sat there for about twenty minutes fighting with herself. Finally, she
got to her feet and began to walk towards the house, her right hand full
of small stones.
"Kate?" a soft female voice spoke from the back porch.
Kate let out a small scream and immediately dropped the stones. She
clapped her hands over her mouth and prepared to run like a frightened
deer back the way she'd come. The female voice laughed softly but not
unkindly.
"Don't run. Please. I was waiting for you. I've waited for you every
night for the last month. Even when it rained. Hoping that you'd come.
You finally show up, and I scare you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to
frighten you. I can't believe you came."
Kate caught her breath. Linda. The other girl rose from the wicker chair
on the porch and stepped down onto the lawn. She didn't run into Kate's
arms as she used to. Her voice wasn't as playful anymore, just
sorrowful.
"I saw you sitting there on the lawn. You have no idea how hard it was
not to run to you, to sit still," Linda spoke quietly.
"You were watching me?"
"Yes. I. I was afraid that you weren't going to come to the house. That
you were just going to sit there and then leave."
"I was."
"Oh. If you had, I would have let you. You would never have known I was
here."
"I was going to signal you. With the stones."
"Didn't have to, this time. Will you let me talk? Without running? I'll
beg you on my knees if that's what you want."
Kate slowly turned and walked back out onto the lawn. She sat down in
the moonlight and motioned for Linda to join her. Linda padded over to
where Kate had settled. Kate noticed that Linda was again in her
nightgown. Barefoot. Linda knelt in front of Kate. How often she had
removed that nightgown for Kate. Kate felt a tingle again deep inside
her, but willed it away. She wasn't here for that. Not tonight.
"Kate. I know I was wrong. And I'm sorry. I'll say I'm sorry until the
day I die, if you want me to. I'm so sorry."
"I know you're sorry, Linda. I'm sorry, too."
Linda looked a bit surprised that Kate had spoken to her at all.
"Whatever I can do to make things right, I will. I'll be happy if you'll
just talk to me again. Even if you won't be my friend. I betrayed you. I
know I did. I. I won't let it ever happen again. I promise. As long as I
live. I can't go through this again. You mean too much to me."
Kate whispered so softly Linda wasn't even sure she'd heard it.
"I forgive you." Tears were streaming down her face. Kate reached
forward and touched Linda's hand. The first physical contact they'd had
in months. She felt like electricity was flowing from Linda to herself.
"I've wanted to forgive you for a long long time, but you hurt me so
much."
Linda closed her eyes and threw her arms around Kate's neck, hugging her
fiercely, her breasts mashed into Kate as Kate melted into the intense
embrace. Linda whispered, "I know I hurt you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Kate returned the hug, hungrily, missing the touch of Linda's body so
much it ached inside of her.
They reluctantly separated and Kate leaned back on her hands in the
grass. Linda rocked back on her heels. Both girls were very unsure of
where they were. What they could and couldn't do. It was as though they
were strangers meeting for the first time. It had been so easy before.
Kate couldn't remember if she'd ever come at midnight and they hadn't
been intimate. But it didn't quite seem right, though her body was
aching for Linda's knowing touches. She was sure that they both wanted
it. Maybe next time they'd be ready.
They looked at each other for a long time just drinking in the sight of
one another.
"I was afraid that I would never get to see you like this again," Linda
spoke quietly. "My whole life felt ... empty. I couldn't stop thinking
about you."
"I know. I hated you and I loved you. Back and forth. I felt like a damn
yo-yo. But it was always you on my mind."
"We'll be alright, won't we?"
"I don't know. I don't know how we're going to be. Let's take it slow?
Alright?"
Linda reached for Kate and Kate sat up, extending her hand. She gently
pulled Linda towards her and they embraced again. The two women lowered
themselves to the grass and just held each other. Kate let her emotions
flow through her for what seemed like the first time in what felt like
forever.
Kate whispered, "I don't know if it can be the same as it was."
Linda closed her eyes, fought off her sudden case of nerves, and lightly
brushed Kate's lips with her own.
"I meant what I said at Christmas. I do love you. And I always will."
Kate returned the kiss gently. "Let's start again, okay? I think I'm
falling back in love with you, too, sweety. I really do. Just slow.
Okay?"
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