Language warning:
Not often but yes.
Love and sex warning: This story definitely portrays
a loving relationship between two women.
Violence Warning: A little, unless you also count a
projectile camera and battered door.
Thanks: I would like to thank first of all Garnet
for doing a wonderful job in beta reading this story. To Carolyne, for her
constant support throughout, and giving me the kick up the backside to continue
writing whether she realised or not.
And last but no means least Tammy, for all the invaluable information on
horses that she gave me and for naming the two horsey characters.
Let me know what you think: mj_poet@hotmail.com
2
IThe
person on the other end of the phone ranted and raved with no sign of
stopping. It was a voice so loud that
it echoed off the thankfully empty waiting room. Jason held the receiver away from his ear with a scrunched up
face, thankful that there were no customers in this early. At the first moment of silence, he put the
phone back to his ear ready to speak, only to thrust it away again when the
irate voice started up.
Lowering
his head, light brown locks fell into his eyes and his body began to
shake. It was at this point that Tess
walked in, finding the seemingly deflated, man sitting with the phone away from
his ear, his body shook. Tess frowned
and took a step closer, wondering whether the guy was all right.
Sensing
movement Jason looked up, and it was then that the woman could see that he was
in fact laughing. Jason clamped his
hand over his mouth and rolled his eyes, pushing the phone in Tess’s
direction. With a questioning smile she
accepted the noisy apparatus. Curiously
she moved it towards her ear listening.
“AND
ANOTHER THING…”
Tess
pulled the phone away with a inquiring grin, she put her hand over the mouth
piece, “What’s all this about?”
Jason
shook his head and laughed, “I haven’t even had the opportunity to ask…but I
get the impression it is somebody who thinks we are a delivery company of some
kind, who seem to have messed up a dispatch.” He poked out his bottom lip with
a shrug.
Tess
pulled the phone back to her ear, grinning evilly as she listened to the
woman’s rants; just then Kat walked into the office. The blonde woman looked at the amused expression on both Tess and
Jason’s face and enquired as to what was going on. Jason quickly filled the woman in and Kat motioned for Tess to
hand over the phone, the tall woman did so with a grin. Kat put the receiver to her ear:
“…BE HERE YESTERDAY…SO HOW MUCH LONGER DO I HAVE TO
WAIT?”
“Ahem…all
I can do is apologise for the mix up Mrs…?”
“Simons.”
Jason
eyes bulged as he listened to Kats polite, docile voice.
“Mrs
Simons…and say that we will do all in our power to get your delivery back from
Scotland as soon as possible.”
Tess
grinned at Jason.
“SCOTLAND…HOW IN HELL DID IT END UP IN SCOTLAND.”
The
blonde woman pulled a face down the phone while the sandy haired man shook his
head, “You are evil.” He whispered.
Kat
nodded her head. “Yes Mrs Simons…that is where your…hold on a moment please”
she paused, “Oh my…Mrs Simons…yes that is where your Deluxe Inflatable
Vibrating Toy Boy has been shipped.”
“WHAT?”
Kat
slammed down the phone quickly, unable to hold her composure any longer. Jason had given up and had rush to the other
side of the room, trying to lessen the sound of his hysterics. Just then Robert walked out into the waiting
room, to see Jason doubled over in laughter, Tess with an amused smirk on her
face, and Kat chuckling silently.
“What
on earth is going on here?”
Jason
tried unsuccessfully to calm, but failed as the phone started ringing
again. Kat look at him expectantly but
realising he was in no condition to answer the shrilling apparatus, still there
was no way she was going to pick it up now.
With
a confused look to a smirking Tess, Robert picked up the phone “Good morning
Snap Shots…No…No a photography studio…No I am sorry…ok then…yes good bye.” He
put the phone back down and looked back and forth between the sniggering work
mates. “That was some woman thinking we
were Express Deliveries.”
Kat
and Jason looked at each other once more and burst into laughter, leaving a
bewildered Robert wondering what the hell was going on.
*******
Tess
wondered why she was doing this; they usually hired a courier to send out the
proofs of the photographs, to those who didn’t come in for a viewing. So why was she driving all the way back out
into the countryside to deliver them herself.
It had been an impulse suggestion that she would bring them over, and
even then she had wondered why. Not
that she was busy today…though it was a Friday, she’d only had one sitting in
the morning and had the rest of the day to her self. The dark woman had planned on taking a trip down to Boscastle, to
see her mother over the weekend. It was
a good job she had not called with plans.
Steering
her car into the courtyard, Tess pulled into a side car park by the
garages. She grabbed the folder from
the passenger seat and got out, pulling her thick padded jacket out the back
before locking the door behind her.
It
was getting colder, but the snow had more or less disappeared, leaving behind
the odd remains of icy, grey slush.
Placing the plastic folder between her jean clan knees, the tall woman
slipped on her black jacket. Once ready
she retrieved the folder and resumed her trek to the front door. She rung the bell and waited, wishing she
had donned some gloves as well.
It
was a few moments before the door opened; James looked at the woman and smiled,
“Miss Tess, nice to see you again.”
Tess
smiled, “You too James, is Mr Morris in?”
The
butler shook his head, “No…he and Mrs Morris had to go out on Official
business…but he told me you were coming round this afternoon and I was to take
the proofs with thanks. He says the
family will go over them tonight and call in to the studio Monday with his
decisions.”
Tess
nodded, “Ok…well here you go.”
James
took the folder, “Are you sure you would not like to come in for a warm drink,
it is awfully cold out there today.”
The
photographer smiled, “Ah…no thanks…I guess I should get going. Catch you later James.”
The
grey haired man smiled, “Good day to you Miss Tess.” And with that he shut the door.
Tess
looked back at the door and shook her head, Miss Tess, that’s almost as bad
as Miss Alexander…makes me feel so old.
She
turned around to go back to her car, when a distant but very recognisable voice
sounded far off to the left. She turned
and looked around but saw nothing.
Waiting, she heard the voice again, it was Nikki, and though she may
have only spoken to the woman once, the voice was so familiar to her. Turning towards the gentle voice she headed
in its direction; the stables.
*******
Nikki
held the grooming brush with poise, brushing the stallion with smooth confident
strokes. She chatted amiably with the
large black horse, telling him about her day and what she had been reading
lately. Behind her a golden mare, stood
eating in the corner.
She
could hear the footsteps approaching, but was unable to recognise them. They seemed familiar but they didn’t belong
to anybody at the house. Continuing her
comforting task, she waited to see who was heading her way.
Tess
arrived at the open stable door and looked inside. It was fairly light and she could make out a golden horse over in
one corner of the sturdy brick structure and a black horse in the other. She frowned knowing that this was where she
had heard the voice coming from, yet there was nobody in sight.
Cocking
her head, and wondering why she didn’t just turn around and leave she stepped
into the building. The strong smell of
horses made her remember why she didn’t like the country, but she stepped
further inside anyway. Not stopping
until she was in the middle of the large space, Tess looked over at the black
stallion. She spotted something in its
close proximity.
“Well
are you going to introduce yourself?”
Nikki asked coming from around the side of the large horse.
Tess
spotted the short blonde locks first, “Oh…hi…yeah…sorry it’s Tess, from the
other day, I took the photos remember?”
Nikki
fully emerged from behind the black horse, “Hey yeah…god is it that time
already…I must have been out here for a while.
You came to bring the pictures round right?”
Tess
nodded before realising she would have to give a verbal answer, “Err…yeah. I left them with James, as nobody else
seemed to be in. Guess they timed it
just right.” She joked.
The
small honey haired woman smiled, “Well there is always something needing my
fathers presence, I didn’t see my parents at all yesterday” she paused, “…you
know what I mean.”
The
tall green-eyed woman smiled, desperately trying to find a conversation opener.
“Hmm…so your sister said you like horses.
That you want to work with them?”
Tess
watched how Nikki’s face lightened up at the mention of her favourite subject,
“Oh yes…I love horses. The black one
over there is Thunder and the golden one eating in the corner is Jenna. Jenna is pregnant, but she won’t give birth
for another few months yet, in the early spring, around March. Yep…Thunder is going to be a proud daddy
soon.” She walked back over to where
the black stallion calmly stood, “Aren’t you Thunder boy, yes you are going to
be a daddy soon.”
The
tall woman smirked, listening to Nikki talk to her horse. It was strange, but she had never really
considered horses as animals worthy of spending time with, but Nikki seemed to
fully enjoy their presence.
Turning
around, the blonde moved towards Tess, “You don’t like horses much do you?”
The
tall woman frowned, “Well it isn’t that I don’t like them. I have never been in the presence of one
before, kind of unsure how to react, you know.”
Nikki
grinned and held her hand out, “Well let me be the first to introduce you.”
Tess
frowned and backed up a step. She was
unsure of what the blonde had in mind, but was damn sure she was not going to
sit on one of those things. Anyway
don’t you need lessons first?
“Come
on, don’t get apprehensive on me, he wont bite…and neither will I.”
Nikki
grinned and held out her hand again, waiting to her the woman’s approach.
Cautiously
Tess walked forward, taking the smaller woman’s hand without much thought. However at first touch, a tingling heat
travelled from the blonde fingers and scorched Tess’s skin underneath. Surprised, she looked down at the entwined
appendages, wondering what the woman had been holding before she entered. She looked back up at Nikki, to see her
smiling face.
Not letting the hand go, Nikki pulled Tess over to the other side of the stable, where Jenna was idly watching the two women’s antics. She brought Tess to a standstill by the mares’ side. Thunder nickered softly, gaining his owners attention, wanting his grooming to continue, but Nikki knew he would not appreciate Tess having a lesson in grooming on his coat.
Lifting
up her other hand, Nikki brought the brush up to Tess’s hand currently within
her own grasp, and replaced it.
“Now
all you have to do…is groom.”
Tess
looked down at the wooden handled brush, suddenly feeling deprived. “Groom?”
Nikki
grinned, “Yeah…use the brush and brush down sweet old Jenna here. It is very calming, and a great way for
horse and human to bond.”
Tess
grinned slyly, “Ah…I am not sure I want to bond with a horse…aren’t their laws
about that kind of thing?”
The blonde smiled, “Don’t get funny with me ‘Miss Tess’. Just use the brush and start grooming…come on I bet you will actually find it quite tranquil after a while.” Nikki stepped back a little and waited, listening to the darker woman’s movements. After a while she heard a haphazard brushing sound.
“Whoa…hold
on…not like that.” She moved forward,
reaching out for Tess. The dark woman
took a hold of Nikki’s hand and placed it with her own, not even wondering
whether this was what she had in mind.
Nikki
felt the strong, sinewy hand beneath her own as she lead them both towards the
horse. With strong, confident strokes
she pushed the brush across Jenna’s golden coat.
“See
like this…how does that feel?”
Tess
breathed deeply, wondering how brushing a stupid old horse could feel so
good. Had she been missing out on
something all this time?
They
stood that way for some time, gently gliding the brush across the mare, neither
one wanting to end the unexpected turn of events. It was a very relaxing experience for both women.
Nikki
stood by the right side of Tess, both their right hands on top of each
other. A sudden though sprung to the
tall woman’s mind and she had to ask.
“Do
you mind if I asked how you lost your sight.” She said quietly.
The
blonde smiled, “Not at all…well actually I never had it to begin with…I was
born this way, I have never been able to see.”
Tess
just nodded.
“To
be honest, I couldn’t imagine life any different. I mean we all have our own perspectives on things and how they
come across to us, the impressions they make on us. I don’t feel different because I cannot see visually…I just use
my other senses more. If I want to know
the physical appearance of something I can feel it, if I want to know when
somebody is coming I will hear them way before any other person could. To me this is normal…I have lived with it
for twenty-three years now, guess I don’t know any different.”
Tess’s
hand had stopped, and she was looking down at the small blonde with
wonder. She had never seen it from that
perspective before, and although she could not agree, especially considering
her occupation, she understood Nikki completely. In only a few sentences the blonde had managed to give her a
unique perspective into her own world.
Nikki
moved slightly towards the brunette wondering why she had stopped. Realising she should do something, Tess
pulled away quickly and took a step back.
“Listen…I
really should be going. I have to get
back and get some cleaning done.”
Nikki
frowned, “You clean as well?”
Tess
grinned, “Yep but it is my house and if I don’t do it, nobody will. I know for damn sure Leto wont.”
“Who
is Leto…Your husband?”
The
tall woman laughed, “God no…Leto is my dog.
She is more into creating mess; I guess I have yet to teach her how to
put rubbish in the bin after she has finished tearing it to shreds. Not that she does it all the time, just when
she feels I have neglected her…if I am really naughty, she will even pee in my
shoes.”
Nikki
laughed, listening how Tess’s voice rung with enthusiasm when talking about her
dog, she was obviously an important part of her life.
“I
would love to meet her some time.” It
was an offhanded remark, but she did mean it.
Tess
smiled thinking of her dog, “Yeah, she would probably like you. You have the same colouring.”
The
blonde looked up, “Oh yeah…what’s that?”
Tess
frowned, trying to think of a good description for the honey-haired woman,
“Ah…well err…sun, yes like the sunshine.”
The
smaller woman smiled fondly, “Wow…I can actually sense that, thank you. Like the sun…so that would be warm and
comforting?” She waggled her eyebrows,
making Tess chuckle. “Or hot and encompassing?”
The
tall woman promptly stopped, the colour draining from her cheeks.
Nikki sensed the silence and smiled, “Oh chill out ‘Miss Tess’, I was only kidding, you don’t have to answer that really. This time Nikki chuckled, as the other woman shook her head.
“So
you wanna meet Leto then hey?”
“Would
love to…I have always wanted a dog, but mum’s allergic so that kind of blew
that idea out the window. Meant I couldn’t
have a guide either…that didn’t bother me much, I have my cane.”
The
taller woman frowned then looked around and saw the white stick, leaning
against the corner of the wall for the first time. She didn’t actually give any thought as to whether Nikki actually
used anything to get around with, but obviously that was the case.
“Well
how about tomorrow…I usually take her to the park. I could bring her round here first if you would like?”
“How
about I accompany you and Leto? I would
love to go to the park and play fetch.”
“Oh…ok
sure.” She wasn’t expecting that, but
the idea of spending more time in this woman’s company was strangely
appealing. “Ok I usually take her in
the afternoon…say about three, is that ok.” ‘Say yes, say yes, say yes’.
“Sounds fine with me.”
The
photographer smiled, “Ok then, and don’t forget to dress up in your winter
woollies, it gets pretty brisk down there.
Leto loves the snow, so I shall put her in her little doggie coat.”
Nikki
started to laugh and Tess wondered what was so funny.
“What?” She asked.
“Oh
nothing, it is just that…well I have heard a bit of your reputation. Tess Alexander, the brilliant but
supercilious photographer. I cannot
imagine you walking your pooch around in a little thermal coat.”
The
tall woman didn’t know whether that should offend that. But decided it was not worth the hassle,
besides she couldn’t muster up any annoyance for some reason. “Well I guess I
better get going then.”
“Yes…see you tomorrow… ‘Miss Tess’.” The blue-eyed woman grinned and moved back over to Thunder.
Tess
smiled, turned around and walked back out the stables.
*******
She
was expecting it even before she opened the door. It was inevitable really and although she did experience the odd
slam of pain, it was worth it to feel so unconditionally loved.
Opening the door, Tess slid quietly through, bracing herself for the inevitable. She didn’t have to wait long, as one golden mass of muscle hurtled its self towards her in a barking frenzy.
Leto pushed her owner up against the door and barked continually, while trying to jump up in her arms to cover her with pooch smooches, as Tess called them. Realising it was futile to try and escape until she had been greeted, the tall woman slid down the door, so the dog could welcome her home.
“Are you pleased to see mommy today ‘tow tow’?”
The short haired, golden dog whimpered and proceeded to give Tess a thorough doggie greeting. She allowed the over enthusiastic dog a minute of indulgence, before finally sliding back up to her feet. She walked into her kitchen and looked down at the floor, something had caught her eye. Frowning she moved closer and bent down to pick up the object, it was a letter.
“LETO!” The dog came happily scampering in, until she saw the ripped up envelope in her masters’ hand. Then her head lowered and she gingerly backed out of the room.
“Don’t you move.” If it was possible for a dog to gulp, Tess was sure she had just witnessed it.
“What is this?” She asked calmly
Leto’s head lowered and she lifted up her paw in hope.
“Don’t try and get around me now…you have eaten my mail, you little…hound.”
Leto whined and shuffled her still crouching body over to her master.
“Nope don’t want to know…and to think I was going to take you to the park.” Leto’s ears pricked up at her favourite word, “But maybe I wont take you to the park now. I was looking forward to taking you to the park, but the park will be one doggie less tomorrow.” Tess suddenly remembered who was supposed to be coming with them tomorrow. “Ah hell…you have some major sucking up to do ‘tow tow.’
Leaning up against the pine cupboards, the tall woman prised open the sheet of paper, in hopes of salvaging her mail.
When she realised it was nothing important, she threw it on the surface and trudged into the living room, all the while one despondent dog, grovelling closely behind. She pushed the wooden door open, and walked quietly into the room. It was sparsely decorated with two sofas, a TV, music system and small coffee table. There was only one picture on the pale sand coloured walls, of an ocean that she took while she was on holiday. It was a beautiful picture of the night sky, reflecting on the water below. When she’d developed it, the shot had captured her attention in such a way that she had enlarged it, purposely for her living room.
Dropping onto the couch, Tess folded her arms and looked down at the golden dog that was looking hopefully up at her master.
“No use Leto, you will have to kiss ass for a while longer yet.” The dog lowered its head and sunk to the floor, lying gingerly upon Tess’s feet.
Tess though back on her day. Am I crazy or I am taking the Mayors daughter to the park with me tomorrow. Jesus Christ…am I insane? She shook her head, how the hell will he react to that news, I wonder?
*******
Lisa looked up as she saw her sister walking the living room. The younger sibling could not be sure, but she thought she noticed a strange smile on the blonde woman’s face.
“Finished with the horses?” She asked looking at her sister expectantly
Nikki nodded, “Yep.” She moved around to the front of the couch and sat down next to her sister. “The parents not back yet?”
Lisa turned her body around, facing her older sister, “Nope…so Tess Alexander brought the proofs round today…” Nikki just nodded so she continued, “I saw her arrive from up stairs…she didn’t come in and her car was there for a while.” The blonde nodded again, “So what did you talk to her about?”
Nikki smiled, it was pointless asking her sister how she knew she had been with Tess, and she knew it. “Nothing much…horses…dogs…that kind of thing.”
The brunette nodded, “Yes and…what is that it? You had Tess Alexander in there with you and all you did was talk about horses and dogs…are you insane…it is a wonder you didn’t scare her off for fear of boredom.”
“Why?” Nikki asked.
“You can not talk to a woman like her, about boring things like that. She is fairly famous you know…takes pictures of famous people. I bet she could not wait to get out of there.”
Nikki turned her head away, “Actually no…I showed her how to groom Jenna and then she asked me to the park with her tomorrow. She takes her dog down there, said she would pick me up in the afternoon.”
Lisa’s eyes bulged, “What are you going to tell mum and dad?”
The blonde girl sighed, “I don’t know and I don’t care. I am fed up with them thinking they have to look out for me all the time, I am old enough to think for myself. I am going tomorrow and I am going to have fun, and that is the end of it ok?”
The brunette smiled, “You go Nikki…I can’t believe you are going to the park with her…my friend is going to be so jealous. You know Sally?”
Nikki nodded.
“Well she thinks Tess Alexander is absolutely gorgeous…she will be so jealous when I tell her this. She freaked when I told her she was taking our photographs…wait till she hears about this…I am going to call her later.”
Nikki was quiet for a while, Lisa’s comments going over in her mind.
“So she…Tess I mean…she is attractive then?
Lisa laughed, “Ha…that is an understatement sis. She is gorgeous, I think guys fall over her where ever she goes…all dark and mysterious to.”
The blonde nodded, it didn’t really bother her what Tess looked like, but she had the feeling the woman was captivating, in her looks as well as her personality.
Lisa got up, “Right I have a phone call to make.” She chuckled as she made her way out the door.
*******
Over the night a light snow had fallen, and though it was not enough to warrant not going outside, it was enough to cover the ground with a fresh blanket of brilliant white flakes. It set the day off looking like one of those corny Christmas cards…well that is what Tess thought. Everywhere was covered, but the sun still shone brightly in the sky, and the tall woman knew it would not be long before the snow melted away. For that she was glad, not wanting to take Leto out in the dense layers of icy flakes. Leto didn’t mind though, she loved the snow; it was the rain she had a problem with. Tess could never get the animal out then, the dog would take one look at the rapidly falling drops and would shake her head, almost literally.
As suspected by the afternoon, the density of the snow fall had more or less diminished, leaving behind more sporadic grey mound of slush. Tess opened her front door and looked out, Leto peeking out between her legs.
“What do you think girl…want to go to the park?”
Leto woofed, wagging her tail furiously.
Tess looked down her legs to the mass of whining muscle, “Well don’t just stand there…go and get your lead.”
With that order, the dog took off on a mad search, desperate to find the one item that secured her walk. Tess smiled as she heard the unmistakable sound of a rattling metal chain.
*******
Precisely on time, she was pulling her car by the side of the garages, at the mayors home. Leto woofed alarmed in the back seat, wondering why they had pulled up here, it definitely was not the park. Tess looked back and rolled her eyes, at the somewhat desperate expression on the hounds face.
Getting out of the car, the woman walked around to the front door, however before she could even knock Lisa was pulling it open with a beaming smile on her face. The photographer smiled at the teen before noticing another grinning face behind her. She looked at Lisa for an introduction.
“Tess I would like you to meet my friend, Sally.”
The tall woman smiled at the tall red head, who had suddenly become incredibly shy. Tess wasn’t positive, but she was sure she noticed a blush work its way around the girls’ cheeks.
Lisa opened the door fully allowing Tess to enter. She walked in and looked around expectantly for Nikki, and or her parents.
“Nikki is on her way, I think she was looking for her hat when I saw your car arrive. Mum and dad aren’t here, they have gone to a charity function, or something like that.”
Tess nodded her head, she had yet to speak, but as she was about to do so Nikki appeared in the hallway. The girl had on a pair of light blue jeans, brown boots and a thick padded jacket. Upon her head she wore a grey woolly hat that covered half her ears, and tiny wisps of her honey blonde hair poked out below.
Tess couldn’t help but smile at the vision, thinking it was funny that they had both worn similar clothing, though she was sans a woolly hat. She took a step closer to the blonde, noticing how Nikki smiled, sensing the movement towards her.
“Ready to go?” She asked
Nikki nodded, “Sure am…I have been looking forward to this. So where is Leto, in the car?”
“Sure is…wining like a baby as well, so we better get going, before she decided not to wait any longer, if you know what I mean?” Unsure of what to do, Tess waited wondering whether Nikki would want to walk out with her.
The blonde woman reached out and Tess naturally stuck her arm in the way for her to take. Nikki grinned as she hooked her arm around the taller woman’s. “Lead the way.” She proclaimed.
Lisa watched them leave with a crooked smile on her face. She turned to her friend and winked. “And you didn’t believe me.” She chastised, closing the door as the women walked out of view.
*******
Tess walked with Nikki to her car, taking her to the passengers’ side. Leto whined as the two women came into view, and proceeded to bark at the unknown blonde. It was not a bark of warning, merely to inform Nikki that she was there and would appreciate some attention.
Tess shook her head, “Oh for Gods sake Leto shut up…you will have plenty of time to say hello when we get to the park.” She chuckled lightly at the dogs’ antics.
Leto immediately shut up upon hearing her favourite word once again. Nikki giggled at the dogs’ antics, as she got into the passenger seat and closed the door. She pulled on her seat belt and waited as Tess made her way to the drivers’ side. Leto whined and scampered around, desperate to get attention from the new girl.
As Tess got into the front seat, she turned and gave the misbehaving dog and stern look; Leto took the hint and quieted down.
The journey to the park was filled with Nikki chatting amiably to Tess, who found it unusually pleasant just to sit back and listen. She didn’t really have to say much as blue-eyed woman told her about Lisa, her horses, the red head Sally who had a crush on her. Well at least it explained to Tess why the girl blushed when they were introduced.
When Tess casually asked what her parents thought about going to the park with her, Nikki had explained that she hadn’t even told them. That it wasn’t their decision anyway as she was old enough to take care and think for her self. Tess realised it must have been hard for her to assert her independence when she was constantly surrounded by two parents who thought they were doing the right thing by wrapping her in the proverbial cotton wool.
The journey to the park took twenty minutes. Tess drove around to the back entrance and parked her car in a small area reserved for patrons’ vehicles. There were no other cars, and for that she was glad, as it meant there was a possibility the place would be quite empty.
They both got out, and while Nikki stood by the passenger door waiting, Tess opened the boot to let the whining mass of muscle out. Before she could even react, Leto had raced off to find the woman who had yet to fuss her. The golden dog raced round the car and hurtled towards Nikki, but before she would usually pounce she stopped and sat at her feet, barking furiously.
Nikki bent down, reaching for the dog, “Ok…ok…wow you are a sturdy thing aren’t you?” She said, running her hands over the ecstatic hound.
Tess stood back and watched, surprised that the mutt hadn’t tried to knock the poor girl off her feet. She grinned, shaking her head.
“Wow…what does Tess feed you?” She slapped the dogs’ chest, feeling the solid muscle underneath. The dog spun around onto her back wanting more attention.
“Right that is it ‘tow tow’ come on if you want a god damn walk you better get your ass moving girl. You have all the time in the world to get attention from Nikki.” It wasn’t until the words left her mouth, that she realised its implications. Tess thought she better correct her sentence, but Nikki spoke up.
“Come on then ‘tow tow’” she said with a smile, “I think your mommy wants to get moving.”
Nikki pushed herself back to her feet and waited as the taller woman hooked the lead to the dogs collar.
“Ready?”
Nikki nodded and held her arm out, so she could hook it around the photographers. Once they were ready, they made their was to the fields, Leto pulling as hard as she could to get there faster.
*******
Cobble Stone Park wasn’t really that big. It was about the size of four-foot ball fields, with a children’s playing area at the far end, away from the main road. There were sporadically placed bushes, and trees that covered the main area, and a small pond in the centre. Unfortunately it had frozen over with the winter weather. Not that Tess minded, Leto had a tendency to dive into the pond and she didn’t like having to deal with the hound smelling like a wet dog.
Every summer the park would play host to the summer carnival, in which Tess would participate. She would work at the past times photography booth, where she would take black and white portraits of families dressed up in old style clothes. It was a huge attraction every year, and raised vast amounts of money for whatever charity was benefiting from the event that year.
Although the photographer preferred the city life, this was one open space that she didn’t mind coming to, basically because it was surrounded by the town. In the early mornings you would find people out jogging, or walking there dogs, and in Tess’s case doing both, (when she could be bothered). Around morning to midday, young children, with their parents and the elderly used it more. Around the afternoons to evenings there were more people out with their dogs or older children with nowhere else better to be.
Having never been before, Nikki held on to Tess as the tall woman manoeuvred them towards the centre of the field. She released her grip on the older woman’s arm as Tess bent down to un-clip the lead from Leto’s collar.
“There you go girl…now be good and don’t go chewing on anything unless it is something that has fallen from a tree…Ok?”
Leto barked excitedly, and as her lead was released, she took off on a mad sprint around the fields.
Nikki laughed, “Wow listen to that…I guess she really likes to get out in the open, hey?”
The photographer smiled, “Don’t all dogs…she has a fixation with the word park…though you only have to start with the ‘p’ and she is looking at you like her very life would depend on the rest of that word. But yeah, she loves it here.” Tess watched the dog sprinting towards the pond. “Oh no she is not going to…shit…LETO…NO.” She shouted.
But it was too late, the golden hound had hurled herself towards the pond, landing on the ice and sent herself skidding across the surface. Tess burst out laughing as the dog tried to right herself but her little legs kept slipping over the icy surface and she would fall over again.
“What happened?” Nikki asked amused.
Tess sucked in a breath, “Awe the stupid thing just tried to go for a swim, but the pond has completely frozen over. Now she can’t stand for falling on her butt.” Tess chuckled keeping her eyes on the confused mutt, “Oh hold on Nikki while I go and rescue her before she descends to the watery depths.”
Nikki waited with a smile as the dark woman ran off to rescue the whimpering dog. She managed to grasp a hold of its collar and pull it to safety…the whole time laughing lightly at the poor mutts plight.
“Well that will teach you for all those times I had to put up with your stinky ass on the way home wont it ‘tow tow’?” Tess stood back up and the Leto ran off as she made her way back to Nikki. “I think she may have learned her lesson…and gotten a good dose of hurt doggie pride in the process.” She stated with smugness in her expression.
The blonde started to laugh and Tess watched transfixed, unable to turn away from the small woman’s face, which had lightened up with unreserved joy. The cold wind had given the cheeks and tip of her nose a endearing rosy colour making her look incredibly cute in Tess’s eyes.
“I didn’t know they had any pride…they certainly don’t have any when it comes to begging, do they?”
Tess grinned, “I guess not.”
They linked up again idly strolling around the grassy area. Leto ran up with a recently found stick and dropped it at Nikki’s feet. She sat down and barked earnestly.
“I
think somebody wants you to throw her a stick, it’s by your right foot”
Nikki
bent down and retrieved the stick. She
listened carefully then turned around. “This way I think,” She threw the stick
into the air.
Leto
made after it in a mad dash, barking at the strip of wood as it sailed through
the air.
“Wow
nice throw Nikki, good arm you have there.
Say why did you choose to throw it that way?”
Nikki
grinned, “Because I know I have a good throw.”
She chuckled, “If I had thrown it the other way it would have probably
landed in the road. I can hear it not
far ahead, Brook street right?”
Tess
frowned, “How did you know that if you said you have never been here before?”
The
blonde arched an eyebrow, “Ah ha…it is all in the nose. I can smell the bakery and the fish
market. Only Brook Street has a bakery
and fish market on it. Oh…and the fact
that I can hear slot machines, there is an amusement arcade right next to the
bakery.”
Tess
folded her arms amazed, “Well, well I am impressed. So what other talents do you have Miss Morris?”
Nikki
waggled her eyebrows; “Oh I have many surprises up my sleeves.”
They
laughed as Leto returned with the stick, ready for another turn.
They
played with Leto for another half an hour, throwing the stick to see how long
it would take for the dog to give in and admit defeat. However it didn’t work. Leto was having far too much fun, and had
yet to show signs of slowing. In the
end it was Tess who decided to call it a day, realising that Nikki would not
give up if the dog wouldn’t. On her
final throw she ‘accidentally’ judged the distance wrong and the stick landed
on the frozen pond. Leto ran to the
frozen water and looked back at her master. She made several feeble attempts at
stepping on to the ice, but gave up in the end and walked away with a doggie
huff.
Tess
proclaimed that being as though the dog had given up they might as well start
to make tracks. She put her arm out for
Nikki, who took it as they began to make their way back to the car. Only an hour had gone by, but both women
were beginning to feel slightly tired.
They
made it back to the car and were strapped in and ready to go within two
minutes. It was then that the dog
decided to let her fatigue be known as she flaked out in the back of the car.
*******
The
drive back was a quiet one. Nikki listened
to Tess’s nervous tapping on the steering wheel, speculating as to what was
going through the woman’s mind. She
wondered whether she would voice whatever it was that seemed to be bugging her.
Tess
stared ahead not really looking at the road, there was something she wanted to
ask Nikki, but didn’t know whether it was appropriate. Oh for Gods sake just ask her Tess the
worst she can say is no right?
Taking a deep breath she looked towards Nikki, “Nik…I was wondering...do you fancy going out for a drink or something. I mean I understand if you would rather get back, it is just a thought really…if you want to that is.”
Nikki
grinned wondering why the woman felt so nervous about asking such a simple
question, “Yes I would love to…thanks”
Tess
felt like a weight had just been lifted off her shoulders, and released a
unknown held breath “Great…err…then we will take Leto home and go to the that
place in the city centre…is that ok for you…they do some food as well if you
like.”
The
blonde turned her head towards the apprehensive sounding woman, “Food sounds
good to…I am starving after all that fresh air…could eat a horse…no disrespect
towards Jenna or Thunder though of course.”
“Great,
food it is.” Tess stopped her nervous
tapping and a smile spread upon her features, as she drove the rest of the way
to her home.
*******
When
they got to Tess’s house, Nikki waited in the car while the tall woman
deposited the happy dog back home. She
gave her fresh water and food, and was back out of the house within in a
minute, ready to take the blonde girl out for something to eat.
The
drive into town was not quiet as Nikki opted to listen to the radio instead,
tuning it into her favourite station.
Tess rolled her eyes as she heard another mildly talented boy band, but
smiled when she heard Nikki’s corresponding groan at the current song.
“I
thought I was going to have to suffer in silence.” Tess commented
Nikki
shook hear head, “Nope can’t stand this either, but sometimes you have to put
up with the garbage in order to find what you are looking for.”
Tess
frowned, “I usually just turn the damned thing off.”
The
blonde shrugged, “Yeah suppose you could, but what if the next song happens to
be one that you like…then you will miss out.”
“That’s
a little profound considering we are just listening to the radio.”
Nikki
laughed, “Yeah well…what can I say I like to consider myself a musical
connoisseur.”
“So
you like music…can you play?”
“I
strum on the old acoustic occasionally…but don’t ask me to sing, because I guarantee
Leto’s howling would sound better.”
Tess
smirked, “I will keep that in mind.”
*******
The
usual ten-minute drive into town, took an extra ten due to the early evening
traffic. As it was the run up to
Christmas, shops were staying open longer and the city centre was still pretty
much alive with the throngs of rowdy shoppers.
They
arrived at ‘Jakes Wine Bar’ around five o’clock, before the evening crowds
would arrive. Walking into the
establishment a strong blast of heat engulfed them, marking a strong contrast
from the rapidly dropping temperature outside.
Nikki
immediately un-zipped her jacket and pulled the hat from her head, already she
could feel an on coming sweat. She
re-took Tess’s arm and they walked further into the bar, as the taller woman
scanned around for a table.
Jakes
bar was also an Italian restaurant. At
the far end were the kitchens, which were open to the patrons who would watch
the cooks, make their meals with a comedic edge. Juggling balls of dough between the chefs, and listening to their
competitive banter, all served as a draw to the place. In the centre of the large room was the bar,
which was another spot light for attention.
Sometimes the bar staff would compete with the cooks for the customers’
attention, and it all served as its own kind entertainment.
The
rest of the area was covered with tables, and Tess guided Nikki through,
towards her usual spot. She often came
here as Jake the owner was actually her work mate, Jason’s lover, and they
lived together above the bar.
Finding
the table empty, she and Nikki sat down across from each other, giving the
brunette an unobstructed view of the blonde.
She laughed.
“What’s
so funny?” Nikki asked.
Tess
shook her head, “Oh nothing you just look kind of cute with you hair all cow
licked from that hat you were wearing…it suits you.”
Nikki
scrunched her nose as she pushed a hand through her locks, “I thought it felt a
bit unruly.” She said, not really
comprehending what the woman had said.
Tess
looked around the room. Out of the
thirty or so tables, only eleven of them were occupied. She knew, that by seven the place would
really start to fill up, which is why she had chosen to eat early. She liked this place, but didn’t want to
subject Nikki to the hungry masses that would besiege the bar in a few hours
time.
“So
what would you like to drink?”
Nikki
shrugged, “Surprise me…as long as it is alcohol…just not too potent, a cider
would be ok.”
Tess
rose from her chair, “Well it wont be a surprise anymore but a cider it is…I
shall bring a menu back with me as well.”
After
purchasing the cider and a coke for herself, Tess grabbed a menu and made her
way back to Nikki. The woman sat
listening to the soft background music, it was Mozart’s ‘Clarinet concerto’.
“I
like this piece.” She commented.
Tess
sat down, putting Nikki’s drink in front of her, “Hmm, they will change it
soon, to a more upbeat sound. That will
be when the customers start to filter in, and the entertainment begins.”
“Entertainment?”
Nikki asked.
Tess
went on to describe what she meant, making the woman laugh with the story of
how she was once roped into joining the chefs with the juggling of the
dough.
By
six o’clock, they had eaten and were just sitting talking, when a loud vice
called Tess from four tables away. She
looked up to see her work mate Jason, sitting with his lover Jake.
Mindless
of the blonde sitting in front of her, she got up and walked over to the two
guys.
“Well,
well, it looks like we need not ask what you are doing her. Who is the blonde?” Jake asked, pushing a hand through his thick
mass of black hair. He was your typical
good-looking Italian, though a little on the short side, a fact that Tess liked
to tease him about mercilessly.
“The
blonde is Nikki and we are just here having something to eat.”
Jason
frowned, “Nikki…never heard you mention her before…I didn’t know you were
seeing anybody called Nikki.”
“I
am not seeing anybody Jason, we are merely here for some food. If you must know it is Nikki Morris.”
Both
Jason and Jake frowned.
Tess
sighed, “Nikki Morris, as in Daughter to Richard Morris.”
A
sudden light dawned on Jason’s face.
“Nikki Morris as in daughter to the Mayor…Tess…the Mayors daughter…you
are taking out the fucking Mayors daughter?”
Tess
leaned forward, “I am not taking her out…it is not like that ok…besides why
would I…she is blind anyway.” She wasn’t sure whom she was trying to convince
more, the two men or herself.
Jake
frowned looking completely clueless, “Yeah, what does that have to do with
anything?”
“Oh
nothing, look I have to get back.” She
looked towards Jason, “See you on Monday.”
Tess
turned and walked back to the woman, waiting quietly at their table. She sat down and noticed the uncomfortable
look on Nikki’s face. Feeling an
instant rush of concern she reached out, taking her hand, “Nik, what’s wrong?”
Nikki
pulled her hand away, “Nothing I am just feeling a little under the weather I
guess. I think I need some fresh air…do
you think you could take me home now please?”
Tess
said yes and rose from her seat, as Nikki did the same, pulling on her coat in
the process. After securing the taller
woman’s arm, they navigated the tables and were on their way outside, and
towards the car park.
*******
The
drive back to Nikki’s home was quite with neither the radio on, nor any form of
idle talk. Tess wanted to say
something, but being as though conversation starting wasn’t her strong point,
she kept silent. Well there was also
the fact that she got the impression Nikki didn’t really want to speak, anyway.
It
was ten to seven when they pulled up outside the Mayor’s house. Tess cut the engine and turned to the still
silent Nikki.
“Well
here we are; how are you feeling?” She
asked concerned.
“Ok
I guess.”
“Do
you know what caused you to feel so unwell suddenly?”
Nikki
shrugged, “I was feeling fine Tess, I was having a wonderful time until I heard
your conversation with those two guys behind us.”
“You
heard that?”
“Of
course I did…good hearing remember.
Look I didn’t know that I made you uncomfortable in any way.” She said sadly, “And I am sorry I pushed to
take Leto out with you, it is obvious not that you were just being polite by
agreeing to let me come with you.”
Tess
shook her head, wanting to speak but Nikki continued.
“I
didn’t realise you had a problem with me, my bl…”
Suddenly
they both turned hearing the front door to the house open and Rosalind Morris
rush out the house. She headed for
Nikki’s side and opened her door.
“Nicole
where in Gods name have you been, we have been worried sick wondering where you
were.” Rosalind looked swiftly at Tess
giving her a cold stare.
“I
went out with Tess to take her dog for a walk mum, that is all. Didn’t Lisa tell you were I was, I asked her
to tell you if you got back first.”
Rosalind
took Nikki by the arm and led her out the car. “Yes she told us dear but that
was hours ago.”
“I
have only been out for about four hours mum.”
Tess
decided to speak up, “We only went out for something to eat, Rosa.”
The
woman looked at the brunette, “Mrs Morris to you.” She turned to look at her daughter. “Now come on and lets get you inside, you must be freezing…being
out in the cold” She looked accusingly at Tess once again.
The
photographer wanted to say something, but after what Nikki had said, she felt
suddenly deflated.
“You
must never do that to us again sweet heart, do you understand how worried we
were?”
Nikki
sighed; it was always the same, no matter how much she craved some semblance of
independence, she constantly felt like she was watched and coddled. She yearned for her parents to realise that
she could manage on her own and was old enough to make her own decisions.
For
a brief moment she felt the sudden urge to call out to Tess and ask her to take
her away from the constant overprotection, but then she remembered the tall
woman’s words at the bar. Instantly
defeated, she realised she might just as well go along with her mother to
placate the sudden surge in her overprotective behaviour.
“Yes
mother, don’t worry…I will not be doing it again.” She said despondently.
And
then she was whisked away by her mother.
She disappeared behind the door and it slammed shut behind them.
Tess
looked at the closed door, feeling suddenly bereft once again. It was just like when Nikki had pulled her
hand away on their first meeting.
Gripping the searing wheel she tried to clear her mind. ‘What the hell just happened here?’ It seemed like a dream, a whirlwind of
events happening in the space of a single hour. The echoing words of Nikki telling her mother she would not do it
again, hurt her deep inside. Why was
she even bothered by this, she cared little for others in any other way than
just a casual acquaintance, but this little blonde had just…she had no
idea.
Feeling
a surge of anger, that the fact she would care even the slightest that she may
have hurt the blondes’ feelings, she turned on her engine and drove out of the
courtyard. ‘Fuck it, why should
I care…this is exactly why I don’t keep close friends in the first
place…because I always fuck up.’
But with the hurt still strong in her chest, Tess knew it was not going to ease with anything short of Nikki’s understanding and forgiveness. She needed to explain, but how was that possible when she didn’t understand her own heart anymore than Nikki would herself.
End of part 2
continued in part 3