So Close

So Close, So Far

By Dimples

Disclaimers:

The characters in this story are all mine and the story is all mine. The characters may look like two of our favorite actresses that are not mine, but that's where the similarity ends. The song in this part is all mine, as well.

Love/Sex/Language:

Yes to all of the above. This story depicts an explicit loving relationship between adult women. If you're under-aged or live in a place that this isn't allowed or this isn't your cup of tea, I suggest you move along and look for something else to occupy your free time.

Violence:

There are some scenes that contain pretty graphic violence but I don't consider them to be much. But if you're of the fainter heart, I'd suggest you don't read 'em. They're really not bad though...Not worse than any regular Xena episode.. There is a scene that deals with an almost-rape but nothing serious and nothing graphic.

Thanks:

To my beta-reader Erin Jennifer for everything. For reading and correcting my stories and doing a great job of it!

To all the readers that took the time to write to me and tell me what they thought, you encouraged me to keep on writing.

And to all the great bards around and their amazing stories that I loved reading and gave me the inspiration to start writing my own.

Author's comments and Feedback: This is my second novel length story. I hope you'll like it. Unfortunately, the story is yet to be finished because I'm quite busy in my day to day life at the moment so I apologize ahead for the delays in my posting of the parts. I promise to try and write as fast as I possibly can. I hope you decide on reading it anyhow...

I decided to put on hold the writing of the sequel to my story "Time and Time Again". Now about this story, everything in this story is meant purely for fun and I hope you find it funny (in places it was meant to be funny), dramatic (the same) and so on. I would really appreciate knowing what you think of my stories. Tell me if I'm doin' alright or if I royally suck. Some plot ideas would be very much appreciated also. Actually, come to think of it, any comment would be very much appreciated :) mailto:Dimples_2000_fr@yahoo.com

Dedication: This story is for a special friend I met on-line. Stormy, I thank you for all your encouragement and sweet words and hope that this friendship will continue to grow. I'd also like to thank you for providing me with great ideas for the plot to this story and maybe others in the future.

Part Ten (Conclusion)

Ch. 26

Jay couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned all night long without much success. Her muscles were sore, her head throbbed and her mind wouldn't let go of the images. She saw Jennifer on the stretcher heading to the hospital. She saw her small frame laying on the white, starched bed like it was happening all over again. She could hear all those terrible words Jennifer's father had thrown at her, echoing through her head over and over again. 'You're a trouble maker and a bad person.' 'You're no good to her.' The accident on the bike from earlier didn't help ease her mind either.

At around 5 am, she decided enough was enough. She punched the mattress in frustration, threw the covers off of her and got out of bed. While dreaming of all the better left forgotten memories, her body perspired abundantly. She was covered in a thick sheen of sweat causing her clothes to stick to her body. She brushed the matted hair out of her eyes and went to change into a clean pair of sweats and t-shirt.

***

Jennifer wasn't able to sleep peacefully either. Her overactive imagination wouldn't let her rest. The accident kept flashing back to her. She kept seeing Jay's crumpled body on the ground, unmoving, bleeding and there was nothing she could do to help her. Other flashes from different memories swept through her, bits of her past, of her present. Two small children, one dark, one light were walking hand in hand in a grassy field then the image of a crying Jay appeared. She was screaming something, crying but she couldn't hear her. Then the darkened hills near their home, where the accident occurred came back. She was kneeling next to Jay, crying, trying to get her to respond. Jay's lifeless body turned towards her and she let out a blood curdling scream. Jennifer woke up with a loud gasp, straight into a sitting position. Just like Jay, she was covered in sweat when she got out of bed. Running her hand through her sweat soaked, tousled hair, she took deep breaths to try and calm her racing heart. Leaning forward, she cradled her face in her palms. "I can't lose her...I can't..." She kept murmuring these words to herself over and over, shaking her head.

Wiping her tearful eyes, she pushed herself up. Taking some clean clothes in her hand, she went to take a shower, hoping it would calm her nerves and ease the tightness in her body and heart.

***

Jay stumbled down the stairs, towards the kitchen. She went to the refrigerator and pulled the door open. Scanning the contents, she didn't find anything of interest. She shut the door with a huff and went to check the cupboards. Opening and closing cupboards all along the kitchen counter, she still didn't find anything to her liking. By the time she went through all of them, she was pouting in frustration with her arms crossed over her chest childishly. The throbbing in her head increased so she decided to go down to the studio and do some work. Working on her music had always calmed her. Even when things looked rough and she thought she couldn't handle it anymore, she found shelter in her music.

Looking up the staircase, she saw that Jennifer's door was still closed. Once Jennifer woke up they would have breakfast. Continuing down the stairs to the bottom floor, she opened the door that led into the recording booth. She entered a small hall and opened the second door that would lead her into the studio. The special structure was made in order to keep it sound proof. Once the door was closed, all sound would be blocked to the outside. The small hall had a large window that made it possible to watch what was going on inside the studio and hear what was being played. A red lightbulb above the door that signaled the use of the studio.

She flipped the light switch on and pushed the red button that would light the red bulb above the door. After Jay pushed all sorts of buttons and switches on the mixer and keyboards, the instruments came to life. She went to the chair in front of the mixer and took a seat. She rolled to the table in the corner and grabbed a writing block and a pen. Sliding out a platform from underneath the mixer, she laid the block down in front of her. Jay tapped the pen on her chin for a few moments and then went to pick up one of her guitars. She chose a black acoustic one. Strumming a few chords, she got into the feel of her beloved guitar. She began playing a few verses from one of their songs, humming along. Without breaking the rhythm, she started playing something else. A tune she had in the back of her mind for quite some time.

She tapped her foot to the melody and tried several different combinations of chords. The words quickly came. Her mind was suddenly flooded by lyrics. She had never experienced such a strong muse. Taking the pen out of her mouth, she started writing furiously, fearing that the words would somehow leave her. Before she even realized it, she had a complete song with verses and a chorus. She felt it in her heart that this would be a winner. She always had a sense for these kind of things.

Now all she had to do was fit the lyrics to the melody. When she read the lyrics it was as though it was for the first time. She could barely remember writing them. Sometimes when the feeling was so strong and the words just flowed from within her, it seemed like they didn't even come from her. She knew who the lyrics were meant for, she was just too afraid that it would be just as easy for Jennifer to see that as well. "Who am I kidding? She will see through this..." She berated herself quietly. "Well, at least if I ever do decide to tell her the truth, this song says it all..."

Rearranging the guitar on her lap, she started singing softly. Whenever she would sit down and write, she would always block out everything else. It would only be her, the guitar and her music. She never saw Jennifer standing in front of the window out in the hall, listening and watching.

(*To hear the song being played by me, please click on the link) "Waiting For You"

I was lost until I found you

Now I know my love is true

Can't believe it feels so strong

I would do anything for you.

I was blind until I saw you

You made my heart come alive

My soul was never this happy

You are the one for whom I thrive.

I was in the darkness until you came along, until you shined your light on me.

That smile you throw around, could light the darkest sea.

You don't need but to open your mouth

To captivate every heart in the room

Your goodness, your kindness shine through

As naturally as the stars and the moon.

I was in the darkness until you came along, until you shined your light on me.

That smile you throw around, could light the darkest sea.

She strummed the last chords of the song softly and then smoothly stopped. When she heard the door to the studio open, she opened her eyes. Jennifer walked in with her hand covering her mouth and tears in her eyes. "That was so beautiful."

Jay quirked a half grin and blushed, "Thanks. I was going to surprise you with this new song."

"I loved it." Jennifer contemplated for a few moments if she should mention that she had heard Jay's mumbled thoughts.

"How long have you been standing there?"

Well that certainly made my dilemma easier. "A while..." she answered vaguely.

Jennifer's heart fluttered in her chest when she heard the song. She had figured that Jay was talking about her when she expressed her thoughts aloud. She still couldn't be positively sure and she didn't want to embarrass her friend so she decided to avoid the subject altogether. That was what they did best, avoid uncomfortable situations and subjects so why should they start handling them now?

Jay was afraid that she had said too much. If Jennifer was standing there from the start then she must have heard what I said...She doesn't seem too bothered and she didn't mention anything so maybe...Maybe I'm an idiot...Why can't I just tell her?

Jennifer was thinking around the same lines as well, Why do I have to be such a coward? Why can't I just tell her that I lo...Ugh! I can barely admit it to myself. I don't want to lose her...

"Can I try to sing it too?" Jennifer asked shyly.

"Sure." Jay started strumming the chords and then began singing from the top. Soon, Jennifer's sweet, clear voice joined in. Their voices combined in perfect harmony.

"I think that the more I hear it, the more I love it."

"I'm glad."

"Oh, how is your head?" Jennifer suddenly remembered last night's occurrences. When she got out of her room to look for her friend and couldn't find her, she decided to look downstairs. The moment she heard Jay's beautiful voice, all the nightmares that plagued her sleep had miraculously vanished and she had forgotten to ask about her injury.

She was also surprised at her own voice when she started singing. It just came naturally to her and without thinking she followed Jay's lead and sang.

"It's better. How are you?" Jay was still worried about Jennifer, she couldn't help it after all that had happened.

"I'm fine." She didn't want to elaborate on her not so restful night since she didn't want to concern her overly protective friend.

"What do you say we go up and have some breakfast?" offered Jay.

"Sure. Are you making it?"

Jay chuckled and said, "Yes."

"Okay then." Jennifer agreed readily.

Jay put the guitar back on its stand and the song aside on the table. "We'll record a demo later."

"Okay." Switching off the equipment and the lights, they climbed up the stairs just to hear the sound of the answering machine picking up a call. 'Hey Jay, Jennifer. This is Sheila. I just wanted to see how you guys were. I hope everything's alright with you two and that you're getting better. We all miss you here and can't wait to have you back. Umm, well if you need anything you know where to reach me. Be well and take care of yourselves, bye.'

"We should have called them..." Said Jennifer, biting her lower lip.

"Yeah...Oh well. What do you want for breakfast?"

Jennifer turned incredulous eyes on her friend and glared, "I don't believe you. They're our friends..."

When Jay continued staring, blinking stupidly with a blank look on her face, Jennifer could almost hear the *blink, blink* sound that cartoon charchters make. She rolled her eyes at her and said, "Your incorrigible."

Jay shrugged and went to start on breakfast. Ten minutes later, the phone rang again. This time Jennifer went to pick it up. "Hello?"

"Hey Jonney." Jennifer moved the phone away from her ear to keep from damaging her hearing. Jonney was screaming angrily, loud enough to be heard from a distance. When it seemed that he had calmed down, she put the phone back to her ear. "Jonney?"

"Yes this is Jennifer. No, don't be sorry, it's okay...If you want I can put Jay on so you can yell at her. I think she heard you, she's right here. I'm okay...I'm better, I guess. Yeah, I'm starting to remember small things, just bits and pieces. I know, I'll be fine. Don't worry, she's taking great care of me. We miss you guys too. Yeah, okay...Hopefully that'll be soon. I know, thanks. Okay, Bye Jonney."

"He thought it was you and that's why he yelled."

"Gee, thanks, good to know."

Jennifer smirked, "He was mad at you because you didn't call."

"Hey, I had a lot on my mind."

"Don't worry, he forgives you. Anyhow, he just wanted to know how we're doing and to tell us not to worry about the tour. He said that when I get back to my old self and I feel ready to go back to business, that it won't be any problem."

"Yeah I know. He can arrange almost anything in no time. Here we go, breakfast is served." She put two steaming plates of mushroom and cheese omelets, fried bacon and toast on the counter in front of them and poured two glasses of orange juice. "Mmm...This is so good. Thank you, Jay. You spoil me."

"You're welcome and you deserve it." Jay winked and continued eating.

Between bites Jennifer said, "You know, I would like to get back on tour..."

"Yeah me too. When you get better."

"I am fine and you know that. This memory lapse can last a long time, you heard what the doctor said."

"Yes, I heard what he said but you are starting to remember things, you said it yourself. There is no hurry for us to get back. I want you to be absolutely healthy when we do. I won't risk your health for this." Jay said firmly.

"I wouldn't exactly call it risking my health...Maybe performing would trigger something back..."

"No." Jay said harshly then regretted it, she softened her tone and said, "No, Jennifer I want to be sure you're really okay when we do get back. I don't know what might happen...I'm scared for you. We will go back, I promise. I want that too but not like this. The doctor said all sorts of other things and I just..."

Jennifer laid a gentle hand on Jay's forearm and said, "It's okay, I understand. Thank you for worrying but I'm really not that fragile. I won't break."

"I know, I know. It's just..."

"It's alright. Forget it, okay? We'll go back when we're both ready." Jennifer understood Jay's need to protect her. She also realized that Jay might not be ready to go back herself. She was still shaken from the whole ordeal as well. Somehow, she had a feeling that Jay was blaming herself for her getting hurt.

Jay nodded and smiled. She cleared away the dishes and led them to the living room. "Would you choose something for us to watch?" Jay yelled from the kitchen.

"Sure."

"Hey Jen-bear, want another glass of OJ?" It's been years since Jay had called Jennifer by that nickname. The last few years, being in the spotlight made them drift apart from each other. They were still the best of friends but things changed. She changed, Jay had to admit to herself. She grew distant and obnoxious to be around. This time they spent away from everything brought the old Jay back. They became close again. Jay peeked into the living room to see Jennifer staring.

"What did you call me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot. This was a nickname I used to call you when we were kids...It's cause you were always helping other kids and you took me as a best friend so..."

Jennifer filled in the rest,"So you said I was just like one of those care-bears from TV. I remember." She had tears in her eyes. A strange sensation of fulfillment filled all of her senses. Images, memories came flooding back with amazing clarity.

Jay looked tentatively at Jennifer and jumped over the couch to sit in front of her. "What do you remember?" She asked excitedly. She couldn't let the hope race into her heart just yet, she wanted to be sure.

Jennifer looked with glazed eyes at the love shining in Jay's eyes. She didn't answer for a second, just marveled at the emotions she could see flickering over her tense face. She couldn't believe she didn't see it before. "You." She said finally.

Ch. 27

Jay frowned and tried to pick up the missing pieces, "Me?"

"Yes. You." And with those simple words, she threw all caution to the wind. She leaned forward and captured Jay's lips in a smoldering kiss of passion. Jay was stunned at first and so she didn't respond, but as soon as she felt the moist heat of Jennifer's tongue playing against her lips, she parted them and responded with as much fervor as she received.

The kiss was slow and tender at first but it was rapidly becoming heated. Jay cupped the back of Jennifer's head and pulled her closer still. Their lips nibbled on each other slowly then on the other's invading tongue. Neither was willing to back away for the much needed air, until it became almost impossible for them to continue. Jay pulled away first. Both were breathing hard, their hearts beating a mile a minute and neither knew what to say. "Jennifer..." Jay started but was stopped by Jennifer's questing mouth yet again. Jennifer pushed Jay back down on the couch and laid her body on top of her. Cupping Jay's face in her palms, she continued to give her the best kiss she had ever experienced in her life.

Jennifer slowed down and left Jay's swollen lips. She nibbled on her chin and jaw and then rested her head on her shoulder. Raising her head lazily, she said, "I can't take this anymore. I have to tell you what I should have said a long time ago but was too afraid. I love you, Jay. I'm totally and madly in love with you. I've never felt for anyone anything even remotely close to what I feel for you. I was too much of a coward to tell you because I didn't know if you felt the same and all those girls you were with...Didn't help either." Jay tried to say something but was silenced by Jennifer's fingers, "Let me finish, then you can talk. When you called me by that silly nickname, I remembered everything. All my memories came back to me and you know what they are? They're all of you. Since I can remember myself, it was always you. You are my past, my present and I hope, my future. I was too scared to tell you because I didn't want to lose our friendship, that's the most important thing in my life. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to tell you. All the things we went through these past few months just made my feelings stronger. They made me realize something. They made me realize that life's too short to live them in fear of the unknown. If you want something, you go and get it and so I did."

Jay was stunned mute by the speech and by the declaration of love. She had no idea that Jennifer had felt that way. She knew that she loved her but not this way...She was too afraid to hope.

"You can speak now..." Jennifer pushed fearfully.

Jay chuckled and wrapped her arms around Jennifer's body. "Everything you said, everything is exactly how I feel. I've always loved you but was too afraid to say anything, much less do anything. I couldn't hope that you felt the same, the pain would have been too much for me to bear. All those girls, they meant nothing. They were my poor attempt of trying to be with someone like you. I'm sorry that I ever hurt you. I promised to myself, after the attack that I would never let anything happen to you. I wouldn't let my stupidity and fear hurt you or get in our way ever again. I gave my life to you a long time ago. My future has always been yours."

A few crystal like tears slipped from Jennifer's eyes. Jay leaned closer and licked them slowly off. Kissing her nose gently, she moved to her brow and then to her flushed cheeks. As gently as possible, Jay put her arms around Jennifer's waist and flipped her over onto her back. "Don't you want to go upstairs?"

"No, I want this now, right here."

"Sweetheart, are you sure? We don't have to do anything."

"I know. I want to. I think we've waited long enough."

Jay smiled and moved to kiss Jennifer's tantalizing lips. The exploration was slow. They just moved their lips against each other, letting the feeling wash over them. Slowly, Jay bunched the hem of Jennifer's shirt in her hands and pulled up. Arching her back, Jennifer let Jay slip it off of her. Jay was pleasantly surprised to see that she had no bra on. "You are so beautiful. Just like an angel. My angel." Jay held herself up with one arm and with the other caressed Jennifer's collar bone. She then moved lower to the top of her chest, brushing the soft skin with the tips of her fingers. She moved down her arms, marveling at the goosebumps that formed in her wake. Her fingers went back to her chest and continued the journey down her lucious body. She made circles all around Jennifer's breasts, never touching the now hardened peaks that were crying for her attention.

Jennifer was breathing hard, her heart felt like it was about to beat out of her chest and with every new touch, she gasped for air.

Jay stopped her ministrations for a moment so she could take her own shirt off, her bra soon followed. Jennifer couldn't resist the temptation and brought her hands up to the newly exposed skin. She didn't take her time to tease Jay like Jay did her and immediately cupped both her breasts in her warm hands. She had waited long enough to do this. Jay gasped at the sensation and arched her back. Opening her eyes, she took both Jennifer's hands into her own and pulled them above her head, "Uh-uh. This is all for you. You'll have plenty of time later." Before Jennifer could protest, Jay took one of her hard nubs into her mouth and started a slow suction. Jennifer gasped loudly and arched into the touch, seeking firmer contact. She closed her eyes and let the sensation fill her.

Jay swirled her tongue around the flesh in her mouth and let the taste of every bit of flesh flood her senses. Her hands worked on Jennifer's shorts while her mouth moved to her other breast, to lavish the same attention on it. Jennifer entwined her fingers in Jay's thick, black locks and pulled her closer still. Her mouth was open in a silent cry, drawing shallow breaths into her lungs.

Jay managed to pull Jennifer's pants down to her knees. She left her creamy breasts for the moment and traveled down to her abdomen. As soon as Jay's moist mouth left her straining nipples, letting the cool air of the room hit them, they became impossibly harder. She kissed and licked her way down her stomach, leaving a wet trail behind. She dipped her tongue into her navel and sucked on it until she heard the desperate cry torn from Jennifer's throat. She pushed the pants the rest of the way and positioned herself between Jennifer's spread thighs. She blew a few puffs of hot air onto her swollen lips and watched Jennifer's reaction.

Her eyes were closed in concentration, her brow wrinkled and her head thrashed from side to side. She was panting harshly and Jay noticed that her hands were tightly clutching the couch. Leaning her face into Jennifer's inner thigh, she moved her cheek up and down the soft yet firm muscle. She kissed both sides before using her fingers to splay open the moist lips of her core. "Oh God, Jay. Please..." Jennifer cried out. Jay waited for a few moments, unmoving. Jennifer opened her unfocused eyes and looked down between her legs. "Jay...?" That was what Jay had been waiting for, she wanted for Jennifer to watch, to see her make love to her.

With the first touch of her tongue, Jennifer cried out. One of her hands let go of the couch and entangled in Jay's hair. Jay move her tongue up and down Jennifer's slit, slowly, languidly. She would reach the hard clit and then back down. She circled her opening and dipped inside several times. She would take one of the nether lips into her mouth and suck on it and then do the same with the other. Then without warning, she took the throbbing clit between her lips and sucked strongly. Jennifer arched her back halfway off the couch and almost threw Jay off in the process. She let out an excited shriek and pushed harder on Jay's head. Jay had had enough of teasing Jennifer, she wanted to feel her come for her. She brought her hand up and rolled two fingers around the wet opening. Taking her hard clit into her mouth, she sucked and nibbled on it while she pushed the fingers deep inside Jennifer. She started a slow, continuos rhythm inside the writhing woman.

Feeling Jennifer's other hand clutch her shoulder, she raised her free hand and grabbed it. Entwining their fingers, she felt every convulsion like she was experiencing it directly. The first contractions of orgasm were starting to pull at her deeply embedded fingers. She picked up the pace of her fingers, curling them inside to touch the silky walls. When her teeth bit slightly into the tip of her clit then soothed it with her tongue, Jennifer went over the edge. She clutched Jay's head and hand hard enough to make her whimper and arched her back. She went rigid for several long seconds while the waves of her orgasms ripped through her body then screamed her throat raw. Finally, she calmed down and flopped breathlessly back on the sofa. She let go of Jay's hair and hand and let her hands fall limply at her sides. She was breathing in short, harsh pants, her mouth open and her eyes closed. She was positive that Jay could hear her thundering heart. After several minutes, she opened her eyes to see Jay looking down at her with a soft smile curving her lips.

"That was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced." Said Jay.

Jennifer chuckled tiredly, "Are you kidding? I'm supposed to say that. That was incredible."

"You are incredible." She bent down to kiss her lips. Jennifer opened her eyes in surprise when she tasted herself on Jay's lips. Seeking more, she went back for another long, deep kiss. Using all her strength, she flipped Jay over. Capturing her hands, she pushed them down onto the sofa, next to Jay's head. "Now it's my turn." With a wicked gleam in her eyes, she lowered herself to sample all of the treasures that awaited her on Jay's body.

The new lovers continued to acquatint themselves with each other for several long hours. Sometime later, they were snuggled in bed together, sighing contently. "I love you." Said Jennifer. "It's such a relief to finally be able to tell you that."

"Hmm, I know. I love you too." Jay kissed Jennifer's hair and laid her cheek back to its previous position on the sweet scented hair. "How do you feel?"

"Mmm...Never been better." Jennifer answered with a lazy smile.

They spent a few more moments getting used to the new, welcome feeling of being pressed to the other's naked body until sleep claimed them.

They decided not to question anything. They were happy, Jennifer got her memory back and they were together. Those were the most important things. Even though they were eager to get back into the spotlight, they needed the rest. After the emotional battles they each fought to get to this point, they were tired and in need of more alone time. Even though they were best friends and knew everything about each other, this was a new aspect to their relationship. New grounds to walk on, where neither was too sure of their steps. They had to tread lightly and slowly. Both had to admit that deep down inside, they were always in love with each other. However, Jennifer had no experience with relationships and Jay, who had too much experience was known to fear relationships like the plague.

So, they decided to take some more time off, remain at the house and just relax. They didn't plan on staying for long because as much as they needed and wanted this free time, something inside them itched to get back. It was an itch that had to be scratched or they'd be two very unhappy singers.

After several days had passed, playing around, making love in every imaginable place and just enjoying themselves, it was time to go. All the arrangements had to be made as soon as possible for them to be able to leave. Jay called Jonney and told him that they wanted to go back to business. There wasn't a happier man on earth then Jonney when he heard the news. He was thrilled that Jennifer was back to her old self and that they decided to return. He had to admit that he feared they might not come back. The fans and the media would be thrilled as well.

Jonney promised to make all the flight, hotel and tour arrangements that very moment. He promised that by the day after tomorrow they would have two tickets waiting for them at the closest airport. A car would be expecting them in LA to take them to their hotel, where they would meet with their whole crew. By the next evening they would be on stage, performing in front of their loving fans, right where they left off before the tour was viciously interrupted.

"Everything's arranged with Jonney. We'll be leaving the day after tomorrow. Now all that's left to do is call Shelly and tell her that we're leaving and then pack." Jay said to Jennifer. They had to ask Shelly, their housekeeper to come over after they left and take care of the house.

"Alright. I should also call my parents."

"Yeah. Want me to do it?"

Jennifer smiled adoringly and thanked her but shook her head, "No, I have to do it." As soon as she was about to pick up the phone, it started ringing. Jennifer frowned and went to answer. "Hello?"

"Hey sweetie."

Jennifer smiled crookedly, "Hi mom."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine. Actually, I was just about to call you. I got my memory back." Jennifer frowned when she heard faint sobbing coming from her mother. "Mom?" Her father picked up the phone instead. "Hello honey. Your mom is just excited to hear that you're alright. How did it happen, when?"

"Umm...Well..." She wasn't sure how to tell her parents what happened. They already didn't get along with Jay, this might make it worse. She decided to censor things a bit and be more subtle, "Jay called me by a childhood nickname and suddenly everything clicked back in place. It happened a couple of days ago." She cringed in anticipation for the outburst that was sure to come. She was surprised to hear her father's still calm voice, "I'm glad, honey. All that matters is that you're alright now." Joseph was happy that his daughter was healthy. He didn't want to push on the subject as to why she didn't call to inform them sooner. He knew she was still reluctant to speak with them and so he understood and let it go.

Jennifer smiled tenderly and thanked her dad. "Umm, dad?"

"Yes, baby?"

"We'll be leaving the day after tomorrow. We're going back on tour."

"You're leaving? So soon? Are you sure that is wise? I mean, you just got your memory back. Won't a tour be too strenuous for you?" Joseph didn't want to let his little girl leave yet again, especially since they were finally making amends

"Dad, we have to. We want to. I'm fine and you know that singing is what I love to do. It's never too strenuous for me, I love it."

Joseph was getting angry again, he wanted to blame it all on Jay, just like he did the first time around. "Are you sure this is your idea? Maybe you should reconsider? Maybe come here and stay with us for a while, huh? What do you think?"

Jennifer got her temper from her father and she could feel it flare inside her at her dad's words, "Yes, this is my idea and I am not staying here. Do you want to repeat what happened all those years ago? Because I can promise you that this time, I will not let things go and forgive. This time bigger things are at stake here." She said and gazed over at Jay, who was leaning against the wall, listening intently.

Joseph sighed deeply and handed the phone over to his wife, who had calmed down, "Jennifer?"

Jennifer sighed in exasperation and said, "Yes mother?"

"Will you at least come over before you leave? I...We want to see you."

"Wait a second, mom." She covered the mouth piece and turned to ask Jay, "Do we have time to stop at my parents' house before we leave?"

"Sure, if you want. We'll go tomorrow."

Jennifer nodded and told her mother. They exchanged good byes and hung up the phone. "What happened?" Asked Jay.

"Nothing. My father started it again."

"Started what?"

"The same thing he did years ago. He asked me to reconsider leaving and go back to stay with them."

"Oh."

Jennifer looked quizzically at the dejected look on her lover's face and walked over to her. She pulled Jay's arms away from her chest and wound them around her back. Wrapping her own arms around Jay's back, Jennifer rested her head against the strong shoulder peacefully, "Honey, I would never leave you. Why do you think I got so angry at him. Things as they are now are not the same as they were then. They couldn't stop me then and they definitely won't stop me now. If they tried, I'm not all that sure that I could forgive them this time. I love you and even without the music, wherever you go, I go. You are my love, my life and I will not let anyone try to pull me away from you." Jay tightened her hold on Jennifer's waist and said, "The same goes for me. Where you go, I go. You were always my home, my life and that's what you will always be for me."

Jennifer placed a soft kiss on Jay's chest and pulled slightly away. "So, what do you want to do?" She asked seductively.

Jay flashed her an evil little smirk and pushed herself away from the wall. Abruptly, she picked her up and threw her over her shoulder, delighting in the excited shrieks and giggles coming from Jennifer. "Oh, I have a few things in mind."

Ch. 28

Tomorrow came all too soon. The bright rays of sunshine hit the slumbering couple straight in the eyes, forcing them to wake up and face the new day. They scrambled out of bed and went into the shower. The shower that was supposed to be quick turned into a long, passionate affair. Stumbling weakly into the bedroom, smiles gracing their faces, they got dressed.

"Let's get this over with." Said Jennifer, referring to visiting her parents.

"Sweetie, we don't have to go if you don't want to." Offered Jay.

"No, I want to go. I want to give them another chance. I have to believe that they'll try and accept you, our life, for me."

"Okay."

Forty-five minutes later, they were standing on the threshold to Jennifer's old house. Knocking on the door softly, they waited. Seconds later, they were greeted by a very happy Rachel, "I'm so glad you could come." She pulled Jennifer into a hug, then looked shyly over at Jay. With no more than a moment's thought, she pulled Jay into a warm hug as well, making Jennifer smile brightly. "Come in."

Cookies and coffee were already waiting for them on the coffee table in the middle of the living room. "Mom, you shouldn't have bothered. We still have some things to do at home before we leave so we can't stay for long." They had spent yesterday's entire day, making love and so they hadn't had time to pack anything yet or even call Shelly.

"I understand." Said Rachel. Joseph entered the room and went straight to his daughter. He looked into her eyes for a moment, searching for some kind of rejection and when he saw nothing but affection, he picked her up in a bear-hug. Jennifer giggled and returned the hug. Turning to Jay, he stood looking at her for a moment. Rachel and Jennifer were both holding their breaths in nervous anticipation. Eventually, Joseph nodded and offered his hand, "Jay."

Everybody in the room exhaled the soft breath that they were holding and smiled when Jay took the hand and shook it. Jay and Jennifer took a seat on the couch next to each other and Joseph and Rachel sat in chairs in front of them. "So, you're going back?" Asked Rachel.

"Yes. Tomorrow. Everything's ready for us to return. We can barely wait." Answered Jennifer.

"And you are both alright? Have you gotten some rest?"

"Yes we have, mom. Thanks for asking."

"Well, we wish you good luck. I know you'll be great and do us proud."

"Thanks mom." Jennifer's expression turned soft. She took her mother's hand in her own and gave it a squeeze. "That means a lot." Joseph didn't utter a word all through the conversation. Jennifer knew this must be hard for him but he had to understand that it was hard for her too.

They stayed for no more than half an hour, ate some cookies and drank some coffee. They talked about all kinds of things, nothing specific. Brought up good, old memories and then, it came time to leave.

Joseph and Rachel escorted the girls to the door. "We'll stay in touch?" It was meant to be said as a statement, but it came out sounding more like a question. Jennifer touched her mother's arm and said, "Of course, I promise. Don't worry." Rachel nodded and pulled Jennifer into another hug. She then went to hug Jay while Joseph said goodbye to his daughter. Joseph felt the love that radiated from the two girls standing on their threshold. He had always felt that when he was around them, even when they were kids. He had kept quiet all through the short visit and didn't try to persuade Jennifer to stay, even though it tugged at his heart that she was leaving again. However, he knew that this time it would be different. They would keep in touch and now, at least they were on speaking terms. He would not lose his daughter again. From the love he saw shining in Jay's eyes every time she looked at his daughter, he figured she couldn't be all that bad after all.

"You take care of her, this time." He said to Jay. Even though he accepted things as they were, he still had to say something. However, the way he had said it, with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, told Jay he was only playing, so that was the way she took it. She smiled crookedly and said, "You bet."

Jay decided to take the Jaguar today. The bike still had to be fixed and she felt the car would be safer for now. When they were on the way back to their house, Jennifer asked Jay, "What exactly went on between you and my dad?"

Jay smirked and said, "Oh nothing. Let's just say that everything's alright and we understand each other."

Jennifer furrowed her brows and tried to understand what Jay had just said, but to no avail. Shaking her head, she said "Okay" and dropped it. She was just happy that they were finally getting along. What did it matter if she understood it or not?

When they got back home, they called Shelly then started packing. They decided that after the tour, they would come back to the house. They would pack lightly like they always did and leave everything else in its place. Several hours later, they were finished and ready to go. They didn't have much trouble finding something to do with the rest of the time they had left.

***

The alarm clock started beeping, waking the slumbering figures from a deep restful sleep. Jay hit the the clock, accidentally throwing it to the floor. "Jen? Come on, wake up."

"Mmm." Was Jennifer's answer right before she turned her back to Jay.

"Oh, so that's how you want it? Okay..." Jay jumped on Jennifer and started tickling her. They tumbled on the bed until they fell on the floor, laughing hysterically.

"I would much rather be awakened by a kiss, you brute!" Said Jennifer, teasingly.

Jay shrugged and kissed Jennifer senseless. Both breathing hard, they separated. Jay got to her feet and helped Jennifer up as well. "I could have lived without the former method."

They quickly entered the shower, got dressed, grabbed something to eat and got out of the house, suitcases in hand. Jay locked the front door and tried to remember if she had gotten the rest of the doors and windows locked as well. Shrugging, she picked the suitcases up and put them into the back seat of the comfortable BMW. She figured that anything they left open would be taken care of by Shelly.

They also arranged for their car to be picked up from the airport and brought back to their house after they left. Taking one final glance at the house and at the place that would always hold a special place in their hearts, they drove off.

The airport was fairly empty so they had no trouble parking the car as close to the entrance as possible. Immediately when they reached the service counters, they were handed their tickets and were ushered into the plane. The flight took two hours and passed quite pleasantly. They chatted for a while and then fell asleep for the rest of the flight. At LAX, a limousine was waiting for them to take them to the hotel, just as Jonney promised.

They didn't expect to see Jonney though and were surprised to see him get out of the limo to greet them. "Jennifer, Jay!" He went to hug them and pulled them into the car before a crowd could assemble. "How are you two?"

"We're good, Jonney. Thanks for arranging things so fast." Said Jay.

"Hey, no problem. Sweet-cheeks, how ya doing?"

Jennifer smiled affectionately and said, "I'm great. I've got my memory back, I'm here with the people I love, doing what I love. What can be better?"

"Good, good. Everyone missed you two so much." All through the forty-minute drive, they caught up on things. Jonney told them about all the news and gossip in the music world they had missed on and the girls talked about their time at home. They seemed at peace, more relaxed than he could ever remember them. It also seemed as though something had changed between them. They were like they used to be at the beginning, before the fame, before everything. It was a nice change.

At the hotel they met up with the rest of their staff. The reunion was filled with happiness and excitement. The rest felt so much like deja vu. They felt as if they had gone back in time and they were experiencing the first days in LA all over again. Not many people get the chance to do things all over again, they thought contently.

The show the next night was as breathtaking as the first show they ever put on in front of a crowd. The screams of the fans were somehow louder, the beating of their hearts was stronger and the flow of excitement was almost to the point of unbearable. They were back, bigger and better than ever because they got the old spark back. Everything was the same yet everything changed.

In the middle of the show, Jay decided to sing the new song she had written for Jennifer in front of the whole world. When the song ended, Jennifer did something that surprised her, Jay and every person around the world that was watching. She went over to Jay and planted a deep, long, steaming kiss on her lips. Jennifer had claimed Jay for herself in front of the whole world to see. Jonney, who was standing backstage, was watching with his mouth agape. The frown quickly turned into a smile as he thought, "That's what changed." It was definitely a nice change.

The crowd irrupted in excited cheers and wolf whistles at the loving display. The missing piece of what had long been displaced had clicked into place in that moment and every single person saw the change and welcomed it happily.

The End

Author's Note: This is it, it's finally over. I can't begin to tell you how much fun I've had writing this story. I have to say that this story has touched something deeper for me. It came straight from my heart and my many wild fantasies.

I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it and I'd love to know what you thought. You know that I love feedback (Is there any bard that doesn't?). mailto:dimples_2000_fr@yahoo.com

I have to thank my beta-reader, who even when she was busy with her own life and writing found the time to read, correct and offer guidance for my stories. Thank you so much, you're the best, Erin.

I'd also like to thank a special friend, Dawn for pushing me to finish this story as fast as I can. So if you want to thank someone for this fairly fast update, I should say she deserves that thanks. Dawn, you're a great friend and I thank you for that too. This friendship means a lot to me and I know it'll stay strong and continue to grow.

Last but definitely not least, I'd like to thank all the people that wrote to me about the story and encouraged me to continue. Because of you I write. The great sites that hosted my stories, you all rule. I love your sites and that's why I feel so honored being posted on them. Thank you.

Dimples

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