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 telling 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
Copyright © Dimples 2002. All rights reserved.
Part Five
Ch.9
Jennifer stretched her cramped up muscles as she raised herself off the couch. She looked around for Jay and not seeing her anywhere, she got up and went to the kitchenette to drink some water. "Jay?" Still looking around, she heard Jay's muffled voice coming from her bedroom. Leaving the glass in the small sink, she inched her way towards her bedroom. "Jay?" She asked again, still not recieving a clear answer. She turned the handle and opened the door slightly. When she was halfway in the room, Jennifer almost jumped out of her skin when someone grabbed her from behind. "Ahh!" She screamed and turned around, prepared to deal with whoever was there.
"Happy birthday, Jennifer!" Said a brightly smiling Jay, standing in front of her with her arms spread wide.
"You jerk!" Yelled Jennifer as she slapped Jay on the arm a few times. Jay tried to get away from the slapping hands while laughing wildly. "Is that the way to treat your friend?" Jay asked innocently.
Jennifer just got angrier and tried to get a better angle to actually hit Jay. Jay kept laughing, almost toppling over. She then grabbed Jennifer's wrists and pinned them behind her back.
Chuckling a few more times, Jay took a deep breath and calmed herself. "I made you breakfast." She said with a silly smile plastered on her face.
When Jennifer heard the word 'breakfast', her stomach decided to make itself known and growled. "I guess that means your hungry?"
"Yeah, I am." Jennifer muttered grouchily.
"And that I'm forgiven?" Jay asked, sheepishly.
Jennifer turned around and with a happy glint in her eyes covered by a menacing scowel she said, "Don't push it, buster!"
Jay smiled and raised her hands in surrender.
Jennifer walked to her bed and looked at the tray that Jay had fixed for her. It was filled with all the things she loved and she noticed that some of the things were prepared for two. The plate was arranged beautifully with eggs, french toast, butter and jam on the side. And in a long glass vase was a single, perfect red rose. "Wow, Jay...I...I don't know what to say..."
Jay smiled gently and said, "You don't have to say anything just eat. Come on, the food's getting cold."
Jennifer sat on the bed and pulled the tray over her lap. She patted the bed and motioned for Jay to join her. She place her hand on Jay's thigh and looked into her eyes, "Thank you."
Jay shrugged and grinned, "You're welcome. Eat."
Jennifer returned the smile and started eating. "Mmmmm. God, this is so good. You made this?" She asked incredulously.
"Yes, I made this. I'm not totaly incompetent in the kitchen, you know."
They shared the meal quietly and polished the plate of everything it had included. Jay picked up the empty tray and put it next to their door, on the hallway, keeping hold of the vase.
They moved into the living room and sat back down on the sofa. "So, what do you want to do now?" asked Jay and then she remembered her gift. They had been planning Jennifer's birthday for some time and that's why she had bought the present quite a while ago. "Wait, I have something for you."
"What, something more? Jay..." Before Jennifer could start to protest, Jay had gotten up from the couch and was already inside her bedroom. A couple of minutes later, Jay returned with a small box in her hands that was wrapped in golden paper. She sat back down and handed the box to Jennifer. "Here, open it. I really hope you like it."
"I know I will."
Jennifer opened the wrap carefully and extracted a small black velvet box. "Jay..."
She opened the box and looked inside. A small gasp escaped her throat as she looked at Jay.
Jay smiled shyly and said, "You remember when we were kids and we used to lay out on the grass behind your house and star gaze?"
Jennifer nodded.
"Well, we never do that anymore and every time I see a starry night, I think of you. When I saw this, it reminded me of you." Jay looked down at her crossed legs and played with the seam of her pants.
Jennifer was on the verge of tears as she cupped Jay's face in her hand. She raised her face so she could look into Jay's eyes and caressed her cheek softly, marveling at the way Jay melted into her. "Thank you. I...Nobody ever gave me anything like this before. It's so beautiful and...Thank you."
Jay laid her hand on top of Jennifer's and smiled, "You're welcome. Happy birthday." She pulled Jennifer into a hug and held her tightly. Jennifer backed up first and asked, "Could you put it on for me, please?"
"Sure." Jay picked up the necklace with the golden star hanging from it and put it around Jennifer's neck. "It looks beautiful."
"Thanks." She leaned closer and kissed Jay softly on the cheek. Jay smiled and wiped the few tears that had escaped Jennifer's eyes.
"We have an interview a bit later but until then we could do whatever you want..." said Jay.
"Yeah, I know. How about we just stay here and watch a movie or something. It's still pretty early."
"Okay, whatever you want." She winked at her and got up to look through the list of movies availabe for purchasing.
They were back into their cuddled position on the couch, watching the not so interesting movie and just reveling in the atmosphere when there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." Said Jay.
"Happy birthday!" yelled Jonney excitedly when Jay opened the door.
Jay smirked and said, "Why thank you!", grabbed his face and gave him a loud kiss on the lips. Jonney stumbled back into the hallway, stunned and Jay sauntered back to the couch with an evil smirk on her lips. "It's for you." She said to Jennifer and turned to the movie.
Jennifer released a loud belly laugh and shook her head at Jay's antics as she got up to greet Jonney. "Hi Jonney."
"Hi. That partner of yours will give me a heart attack one of these days!" said Jonney as he glared at the chuckling singer. "Anyhow, happy birthday, sweet cheeks!" He said, once again thrilled with delight. He pulled her strongly into his arms and hugged her for all he was worth, picking her up in the air. Jennifer laughed merrily as she hugged him back and thanked him. "Here, this is a little something from me and the boys." He gave her a small box as well. She opened it and found herself staring at a pair of beautiful diamond earrings. "Oh Jonney, you guys shouldn't have. Thank you, they're beautiful." She pulled him back into another hug and kissed his cheek in thanks.
He stayed for a little while, talking with them and then retired back to his own room. A few minutes after he had left their room, another knock on their door roused them from their seated position. This time Jennifer went to open the door and was greeted with much of the same greeting they had recieved from Jonney. Sheila was at the door, smiling widely and holding a neatly wrapped present in her hand. The same procedure was gone through again. They kissed and hugged and talked. Sheila brought Jennifer a nice bottle of her favorite perfume. "It suits you."
"Thank you, Sheila."
"Your welcome."
Jennifer leaned in to give her a chaste kiss on hte cheek and smiled. Sheila returned the smile with a tinge of sadness to it. After spending some time with the duo and keeping them company, she left as well.
Before the next knock came, an hour had passed. Jennifer got up to answer the door. "Miss Terry?" The bell boy asked, shyly.
"Yes..." Said Jennifer.
"These are for you." He said, handing her a large, colorful bouquet of flowers.
"Thank you. Who are they from?"
"They're from a..." He looked at the card and read, "Ms. Clark."
She thanked him once again, tipped him and with a smile closed the door. "Jay..."
"Yes..." Answered Jay teasingly.
Jennifer was smiling and biting her lower lip. "They're beautiful. Thank you."
"What are?" Jay asked innocently.
"Silly, the flowers."
"Oh!" She slapped her forehead playfuly.
Jennifer went to put them in water and then placed the vase on the coffee table. She situated herself next to Jay and cuddled into her as she read the card, "To Jennifer, these flowers pale in comparison to your beauty, inside and out. Always remember that I love you dearly and that I'd never be able to go without. You're my best friend, my partner, you hold such a large part of my heart. Happy birthday, Love, Jay Clark." As she finished reading the note, her eyes were tearing up and she couldn't do anything to stop them nor did she want to. She felt the words down to her soul. "Oh, Jay. That's the most beautiful thing I've ever read in my life! Thank you and I love you too." She turned in Jay's embrace and hugged her, laying a kiss on her exposed collar bone. She held on for a few minutes and just stroked the silky, dark hair.
Jay was happy that she had made Jennifer happy. She could hold her for as long as she wanted. Before letting go of her, she placed a kiss on the crown of her head and helped Jennifer situate herself more comfortably in her arms, facing the TV.
Ch. 10
After a while of watching TV, Jennifer felt the need to get up and stretch her muscles. Looking over at Jay, she noticed contently that she had fallen asleep. Pondering over what to do to spend the time left until the interview, she finally decided on visiting Donna and Ashley, two of their musicians. Checking Jay over one more time, she happily noted that she was still fast asleep and left.
The girls' rooms were a couple of doors down the hall from theirs. She knocked softly on the door and waited. After a few seconds and some mumbled whispers from the inside, Donna opened the door. Inside the room, Ashley was sitting crossed legged on the bed and Kenny and Michael, the other two musicians, were seated on chairs, in front of the bed.
"Hi Jennifer!We were just about to come over and wish you a happy birthday. Come in." Said Donna enthusiastically, as she pulled Jennifer inside the room.
"Happy birthday, Jennifer." Donna pulled the smiling singer into a heartfelt hug. Ashley got out of bed and waited for her turn to wish the sweet singer a happy birthday. They had become the duo's musicians not quite so long ago but they felt as though they had known them for years. They loved both singers but with Jennifer they had a special bond. Jennifer was the youngest of their whole crew and so they loved her like a little sister and felt the need to protect her and look after her.
"Sit down." Ashley motioned towards the bed.
"I didn't get much chance to talk to you guys after the show and I'm sorry about that. I had a lot of things on my mind and I was so tired. I still am." Said Jennifer, apologetically.
"Hey, It's okay. You really don't have to explain yourself, much less apologize to us. Trust me, we understand perfectly." Said Ashley. The musicians had noticed somewhat of a change in Jennifer for the past few months but they couldn't explain it or understand the reason behind it. They were bewildered as to what was happening. She had a certain sad, maybe haunted, glint in her usually vibrant eyes. The girls sensed Jennifer's mood and wanted a chance to talk to her privately. Well, no time like the present, thought Donna.
"Umm, boys? Would you mind leaving us alone for a little while?" asked Donna.
"Why?" asked Kenny, frowning at the trio on the bed.
Michael had realised what the girls meant by the not so subtle invitation to get out and slapped Kenny slightly over the head. "Don't you know that that's code for 'go away, we want to have a private girl conversation?"
Recognition dawned on Kenny's face as his mouth formed into an 'O' shape. He nodded a few times and simply said, "Okay," then got up to leave. The boys took the chairs they had been sitting on and put them back in place. They said their goodbyes and wished Jennifer a happy birthday again and then left. The girls shook their heads and turned back to their conversation.
"You didn't have to kick them out." Said Jennifer, even though she was happy at the chance to talk in private with the girls.
"Oh, come on. Of course we had to. Now spill it!" Said Donna, unable to hold back her enthusiasm at the impending conversation. She was itching to know what was troubling the fair singer.
Jennifer worried her bottom lip and tried to assemble her jumbled thoughts. "It's nothing really, just some things between Jay and I."
"You know, now that you mention it the two of you have been acting strangely for quite some time now. Either you hug each other or you're trying to bite the other's head off. What's going on?"
Jennifer sighed deeply and thought about the question for a moment, as though it were one of the hardest she'd ever been asked. "I don't know. I'm so confused. I mean, I love her and I know that she loves me but..."
The musicians waited for Jennifer to finish her thought and when she left it hanging for more than a few seconds, the anxious musicians added things up and reached the answer. "But to what extent, right?" Donna filled in.
Jennifer sighed again and lowered her eyes, "Exactly."
Ashley laid a comforting hand on Jennifer's thigh and smiled gently, "Maybe she's just scared and has these mixed feelings you're experiencing as well."
Jennifer snorted unamusedly and looked up, "Yeah right. She wasn't scared the other night."
"Other night? What happened the other night?" The girls asked in union.
"She brought some woman from the concert up to our room."
Both musicians hissed.
"I don't understand her. Either she does something like that or she acts all sweet like she did today." When she received two raised eyebrows, she explained, "She gave me this earlier," Jennifer pulled the necklace from its hiding place, underneath her shirt, where it slid earlier and showed it to them, "and then I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a note from her that was so romantic and heart-stopping, yet totally confusing. It's just like her."
"Well then, there you go." Said Ashley.
"It's not that simple. I think she did all those things just because she still felt guilty about the whole thing with that woman. We had a huge fight and made up only last night."
"Look, even if she does still feel guilty and did all those things because of that, there is still something behind these actions. And besides, anyone can see how she feels about you by just looking at her face or at her eyes, when she looks at you."
Jennifer frowned, "What do you mean?"
"I mean that you're both clueless. Her whole demeanor changes when she looks at you. It's the same look you have when you look at her."
Jennifer smiled a shy, crooked smile and said, "Is it that noticeable?"
The musicians looked at each other comically and shared a silent smirk, "Umm, yeah."
"Oh." Jennifer said simply.
"But so is Jay. I think you guys are the only ones that don't seem to notice it."
"Well...maybe you're right."
"Of course I am." answered Ashley confidently.
Jennifer then glanced at her watch and saw that it was getting late. "I should go and start getting ready for the interview."
"Okay, you do that and think about what we said."
Jennifer nodded and smiled. They kissed and hugged each other again and then Jennifer left.
Jay had woken up an hour ago and began searching for Jennifer. When she didn't find her in their room, she went to take a look outside. She walked past a few doors and then reached Kenny's room. After several knocks, she was let in by a tired looking musician, who told her all about the conversation that was taking place in Donna's room. Jay remained for a little while and chatted with him pleasantly but then returned to her room. With not much else to do but wait, she decided to occupy herself by arranging a small lunch for Jennifer and herself.
Jennifer slipped quietly into the room and looked over at the couch. "Hey." Said Jay from behind. Jennifer jumped slightly but then turned and smiled at her, returning the greeting.
"Did you have a nice chat with Donna?" Asked Jay in a sarcastic, barbed tone. When she heard that Jennifer had spent all those hours in Donna's room, she got upset. She experienced a new, unknown feeling...Could it be, jealousy? Nah...
Jennifer looked quizzically at Jay, not understanding the strange tone she used. "Yes, yes I did. Why?"
Jay regretted her tone immediately when she noticed the bewildered look on Jennifer's face. "Oh, for no special reason. I made you lunch." She said as a way to calm things down and bring them back to normal.
Jennifer frowned and thanked her softly. I wonder what that was all about.
They ate in silence, quickly cleaned up and went to get ready for the interview. Both women dressed casually and then simply waited for Jonney to round them up. When his knock came, fifteen minutes afterwards, they picked up their belongings and left. The set where the interview was to take place wasn't very far from the hotel they were staying at and twenty five minutes later, they were parking the limo in front of the large building. The awaiting fans were already situated in front of the entrance, both back and front, screaming their throats raw when the limo pulled closer. The singers made it into the building with no incidents this time, after much waving and autograph signing to the eager fans.
Jennifer hadn't been told where the interview was going to take place or why they were giving it, and she was surprised to find herself at one of the better known TV stations located in the large city.
A tall man of about forty led them into the studio and showed them to their appointed seats. Almost immediately after, the countdown to the beginning of the show started.
Jennifer sat in the middle of the large leather couch, between Jay and Sheila. Further down the sides sat the rest of the musicians. One of the stage hands pulled another comfortable looking chair for Jonney at the end of the couch. The host of the show, "Day to day life with the stars", approached them and shook each of their hands, greeting them personally. He then situated himself in the single chair that was behind a small desk and flashed a fake smile at the camera. "Hello everyone. We have a great show today. Here with us today is one of the most successful music duos of all times. Give it a big hand for 'Double J'." He said as he motioned towards them. Up until then, the crowd held its peace but the moment that the duo's name was mentioned and the lights shone upon them, the silence turned into a mighty roar. The excited screams and applause made the singers beam.
The host tried to silence the crowd once again so he could get on with his show. The process lasted for a few more minutes and then he moved to introduce the other guests that were starting to feel a bit neglected by then. He began by asking the musicians a few questions but soon moved on to the singers. He went through the usual questions like, "Who writes your songs?"
Jay decided to answer and said, "Usually we do but sometimes we get help from our gang here." she smiled at the musicians.
"That's very nice. I know that the two of you are very close friends, how did you meet?"
The singers smiled and Jennifer told him the whole story of how they had ended up together. Embellishing a few parts and withholding others while managing to bring the crowd to tears of laughter and of sympathy.
After the first commercial break, the lights in the studio dimmed and as everyone grinned, Jennifer sat baffled in her seat. She frowned and lookd around and as she was about to ask Jay what this was all about, her eyes grew large as saucers. One of the stage hands was holding a cake with the inscription 'Happy 21st birthday, Jennifer!'. He laid the large cake down on the table, in front of the dumb struck singer and moved to the side. The twenty two candles were burning brightly, lighting the darkness of the studio and erasing the lingering sadness that was still in her heart.
"Oh God." said Jennifer softly.
"Make a wish." Whispered Jay into her ear.
Jennifer bent forward, drew her hair back and blew all the candles out. She sat back down and the lights were turned on again. The crowd cheered and whistled. Jay got up and took a microphone from of the workers and started singing Happy Birthday to Jennifer in a soft, sensual voice.
The crowd grew silent and watched as Jay knelt in front of Jennifer and took her hands into hers. When she finished the song, she leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, whispering another soft 'Happy Birthday' in her ear. The crowd went wild once again and Jay got up to her feet.
Jennifer couldn't stop smiling, she feared her face would split in two if she didn't stop soon but she couldn't help it. She thanked everyone around her, especially Jay and then spoke a few words of thanks to the audience, :"Thank you so much. This has definitely been one of my most memorable, most wonderful birthday I've ever had."
The rest of the interview didn't last long after that and soon they were back in the car, heading for the hotel. The interview had only been a small surprise for the birthday girl but the real celebration was yet to come, it would start later that night.
Jennifer didn't know a thing about what they had planned for her and Jay herself wasn't all that sure where Jonney and the gang had decided to take them to. They had a few hours to waste, and so the most reasonable solution on how to waste them, was to catch up on some more sleep. Being in the buisness that they were, one could never get too much sleep and so they would take a nap anytime and anywhere if given the chance.
The hours they managed to catch some shut-eye flew by and when they woke up, it was already time for them to get ready for the party. Jennifer kept asking Jay about the plans they had made for the evening only to be answered by a sly look and maddening silence. Jay couldn't wait to get to the club, no matter which club it was. She needed to relax and enjoy herself and was glad that her friends were joining her this time. She loved parties, there was no doubt about that. She had always enjoyed the club scene, the atmosphere, the people. She found it very relaxing while at the same time exciting, intoxicating.
Clad only in a very small bath towel, she stepped out of the bathroom and into her large bedroom. She threw open the closet's doors and roamed over her selction of clothes. After much thought and teeth-grinding, she decided to go with the look that looked best on her. She picked out a pair of black leather pants, a white tube top, her favorite pair of black leather boots and to finish the outfit, she chose her beat-up black leather jacket. She pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail, leaving a single strand of hair loose and then applied a soft layer of make-up.
In the meantime, Jennifer was battling her own indecisive mind while trying to choose an appropriate outfit. Finally, she decided to put on something that would most definitely be appropriate for any place they could take her to and would happen to be very flattering. She pulled out her new, short, skin-tight, black dress from the rack and laid it on the bed for a final inspection. With a critical eye, she roamed over it from all angles. At last, she smiled a satisfactory smile to herself and nodded her approval. From one of the draweres, she took out a pair of black, see-through stockings and then wiggled her way into the tight dress. It fit her like a second skin. It showed off her muscled legs and was cut low enough to provide quite an eyefull. She applied a touch of make-up, sprayed some perfume on her neck, wrists and in her cleavage just for good measure and brushed her hair, leaving it flowing down her back. She put on a pair of shiny black pumps and picked up her purse before joining the already waiting Jay in the living-room.
When Jennifer turned around and faced Jay, both women remained glued to the spot, mesmerized in the moment. Neither wanted to move so this magic spell wouldn't break. Jay blinked stupidly several times and then had to manually close her mouth. Jennifer smiled shyly and lowered her head slightly. She had been rendered speechless for those few precious seconds and now she had finally found her power of speech. "You...Uhh...You're breathtaking." Jennifer blushed beautifully and thanked her, "You look quite amazing yourself."
"Why thank you, fair lady." Jay said gallantly and bowed.
Jennifer snorted and playfully slapped her in the stomach, then both women moved to take a seat on the couch.
"All ready?" Asked Jay.
"As I'll ever be. Would you tell me where we're going now?"
"Nope. Sorry, it's a surprise." Jennifer frowned at her friend and said, pointedly, "You know what I think, miss smart-ass? I think you don't even know where we're going."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
Jay smirked but kept quiet as she pulled Jennifer after her toward the elevators. They decided to wait for the rest of the crew in the car. They didn't have long to wait and ten minutes later, they were set to go.
Nearly an hour later, they parked the row of cars in the large parking lot that belonged to the club. It wasn't such a big surprise for Jennifer that they brought her to a club; she had expected as much. The club seemed to be located in the middle of nowhere but it was swamped with cars and people. The bright, flashing sign that stood above the establishment presented the clubs' name, "The Hole". What a surprise, thought Jennifer to herself as she looked around. She wasn't really into the club scene, she rarely enjoyed or frequented such places. Jennifer would usually go for a nice, quiet evening at home or a romantic dinner and a good movie.
"This is one of the greatest clubs in town. You'll see." Said Jay, snapping Jennifer from her thoughts. Jennifer gave her a small, lopsided grin that didn't quite reach her eyes and averted her attention back to the club, where she was about to reluctantly spend the night and her 21st birthday.