Through Thick And Thin
By Dimples
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.
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:
This story doesn't (how surprising) depict violence. I hope that's okay with all of you. ;)
Thanks:
To my beta-reader AC D'amato for everything. For reading, correcting my stories and doing a great job of it and for coming to my rescue just in the nick of time! AC, you rule babe!
To my wonderful, amazing friend, Stormy. Thank you for everything. I hope you know how much I care and appreciate you.
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 an uber novel, much the same as my previous ones and 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 received amazing responses on my story "So Close, So Far". I don't even have the words to begin to thank all the those sweet people that wrote to me with the encouraging, heart warming comments. You truly made my heart soar. I was asked about a sequel and I promised that I would get back to these ladies in the future. Well, imagine my surprise when this story idea popped into my head. I really didn't expect to write a sequel so soon but as I was sitting around the house, it just came to me. So here it is, sooner than expected but here nonetheless. I truly hope that you enjoy this one at least as much as you enjoyed "So close, So far." It's not necessary to read the first one but it is recommended. My other new story is still in progress and its first part will be posted soon as well.
The same as my other stories, 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 Nov 2002. All rights reserved.
Part Two
Ch. 4
The next morning came much too fast for both women's tastes. They had to rise bright and early since the road in front of them was long and tiring and they didn't want to stop along the way. The sooner they got back home, the better. They packed what little they had with them and checked out of the hotel. Since the tour was over and they were officially on vacation, the rest of their group was free as well. Everyone left for home the day before so the tour bus was not a possibility for transportation. Shawn, their driver went home with the rest of their staff and Jay wasn't in the mood to handle the large bus on the open roads. Besides, they had a flight scheduled out of Seattle to Los Angeles and from there, they would take a rented car for the rest of the way home. The whole deal didn't take more than a few hours since all the arrangements were done ahead of time.
"It's really nice having a quiet flight once in awhile." Said Jay to an almost dozing Jennifer. She relaxed against her backrest and pulled Jennifer into the crook of her shoulder.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Not having to worry about anything but getting home safely. you know, I'm kind of starting to get a bit nervous."
"Nervous? Why?"
"I don't know. I guess it's probably because of some kind of anxiousness to see all those people from back then, not to mention that we're going to accept an award. It's stressing."
Jay chuckled, "Oh please, Jen. Stressing? What you gotta do? Take the award and say thank you? Yeah, sounds real stressing to me." Jay said sarcastically.
Jennifer frowned, her forehead crinkling, "Oh stop smirking. Yes, stressing. Now don't tell me you don't feel even the a bit stressed out or nervous about this...I mean it is our old school, friends, the whole town we grew up in."
Jay plainly shrugged, not offering any response.
"Oh sorry, I forgot 'oh stoic one', you are unnerved by such small, insignificant things like us mere mortals..." Jennifer said sarcastically with a small tinge of annoyance.
"Mm-huh." Jay quickly agreed, nodding her head.
Jennifer punched her lightly on the shoulder and said, "You are so incorrigible."
Jay gave her a toothy grin and pulled her closer into her. Jennifer put her arm around Jay's waist and laid her head on her shoulder, sighing contently. "The first time we went back home I was nervous as well, but for different reason altogether. I t wad like going to a place I've never been to before, you know? Now though..." She left the sentence hanging. Jay gave her a soft squeeze and reassured, "It's alright, baby. You have nothing to worry about, I'll be right there with you. Everything that's happened in the past is just that, in the past. Besides, people change, you know that, you have seen with your eyes. Your parents have as well, remember?"
Jennifer bit her bottom lip and nodded, "I know they have but there's still a small part of me that can't let go of the past. I know I have to and I know things are different but it's hard sometimes, especially when I recall all those nasty things they did and said."
"I know." There was nothing else Jay could say. She remembered all those incidents Jennifer was talking about as though they happened yesterday and she was still having a hard time getting over them herself, so she couldn't really blame Jennifer for her feelings. But she knew she had to get over it...for both their sakes.
Jay was in a good mood. The end of the school was nearing and the smell of freedom was in the air. A small smile formed on her lips as she was walking down the crowded school hall. She had decided to grace her history teacher with delightful presence, so instead of having her hands stuck in her jeans' pockets, she was actually holding onto books.
As Jennifer stepped out of her own class, she turned towards her locker and was stunned mute. Not only was her friend actually in the building, sometimes she wondered if she knew what it looked like form the inside, but she had books in her hands. Everything pointed out to the conclusion that she had attended one of her classes. Jay flashed a white, toothy smile in her way and casually went to open her own locker. "You actually know the combination for that?" Jennifer asked, pointing to the said locker.
Jay quirked her lips and said, "Yes I do, smart ass."
"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" Jennifer teased.
Jay smirked and said, "Ha ha."
Jennifer's teasing grin slowly transformed into a soft, gentle smile as she touched Jay's leather clad arm. "I'm glad you decided to show up. Thank you."
Jay's heart swelled with love and warmth and she was decidedly happy that she had chosen to make an appearance. 'Anything to make her happy and see that beautiful smile on her face.' She though to herself.
"Would you like to come over after school?" Asked Jennifer. Since Jay had gotten her bike restored, they had fallen into a routine. If Jay happened to be at school, she would wait for Jennifer to finish her classes and then give her a ride home. The days Jay didn't show up, she would wait for her outside the school premises and still take her home. So that day wasn't any different. However, an invitation to Jennifer's house right after school was a bit unusual since her parents had a distinct dislike for her and were never too shy about reminding her of that fact. The times that she was 'welcome' into their home was when they whether weren't there or she sneaked in and they hadn't found her out.
"What about your parents?"
"They won't be home for quite some time. They went to see my grandparents. My grandmother isn't feeling too well."
"Oh. Is she okay?" Jay asked, worriedly.
Jennifer smiled slightly and said, "I think so. I'm not too sure 'cause my mom's answer is always about the same, but thanks for asking."
Jay shrugged, "No problem."
"So, will you?"
"Oh, yeah sure."
"Great."
Jay walked Jennifer to her next class and then, surprisingly, headed to her own as well. Two hours later, they were out of the building.
When they reached Jennifer's house, Jay parked her bike around back, as close to Jennifer's bedroom window as possible. She wasn't sure when she'd have to get out and how fast so better be safe than sorry. Jennifer led her through the front door and winced at Jay's words, "Wow, it's kind of different coming in here through the front door." Jay meant to say that as a joke but when she saw the anger and hurt pass over Jennifer's fair features, she immediately regretted it. Jennifer took hold of Jay's shirt and pulled her to her room. "Jen? Jen, I'm sorry okay? I was just joking . You know I don't mind."
"But I do."
Jennifer threw her backpack on the floor, next to the bed and took her shoes off before climbing on the bed. Jay did the same and took her place next to Jennifer. Both girls relaxed against the headboard and looked at each other. "Would you relax?" Asked Jay. She knew the relationship between Jennifer and her parents wasn't too good to begin with, she also knew that she was the main reason for that. The last thing she wanted to do was make it worse.
"I'm very relaxed, what gave you the idea that I'm not?" Jennifer said in a low threatening voice.
"Oh, I don't know, maybe that vein bulging in your forehead and that scary tone of yours gave it away a bit." Jay said sarcastically, soft teasing underlining her efforts to lighten up the mood.
Jennifer looked at her quizzically and brought her hand up to her forehead. Jay chuckled softly and took Jennifer's hand into her own.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Asked Jennifer, subtly changing the subject.
"Sure."
"What would you like?"
"I don't know, what do you have?" Jay smiled.
Jennifer thought about it for a second and then said, "We have water, I think we have some juice in there and maybe a beer."
"A beer would be great but are you sure that's okay?"
"Yeah, don't worry. If there's more than one, I don't see the problem." Jennifer went to the kitchen to bring their drinks. She had a beer for Jay and a glass of water for herself. She went back to the bed, handing the beer to Jay and settled cross-legged in front of her.
"Thanks." said Jay as she took a long swig of the cold beer.
"You're welcome."
"So, how's it going with Josh?"
"Alright. We went out on a few more dates and he was really sweet and all."
"But..." Jay sensed that there was something hidden behind Jennifer's words.
"No but. I guess he's become my boyfriend."
Jay took a large swig and swallowed hard, nodding slightly, "Cool."
"How about we write something?" Offered Jennifer. They both felt a strange kind of tension in the air between them and neither liked the feeling of having to tiptoe around each other so as not to break it. So, when Jennifer broke the ice with the thing that both loved, they jumped at the chance. "Sure."
Jay put her beer down on the night stand and pulled Jennifer's guitar onto her lap. Strumming a few chords, she hummed a soft melody. "What is that?" Asked Jennifer.
"Nothing yet. Just something that was running around my head for awhile now."
"It's really beautiful."
Jay smiled and blushed slightly. "Thanks."
When Jennifer was about to get up and bring a notebook for them to write in, the sound of car doors slamming shut startled them. "What the...?" Jennifer looked at Jay and then ran to the living room to glance out of the window. "Damn!" She cursed to herself as she ran back to her room. "Jay, they're back."
Ch. 5
Jennifer expected for Jay to quickly scramble up her things and get out as fast as she possibly could. She was surprised when she saw Jay look completely relaxed, taking another swig of her now warm beer. When Jennifer pulled the beer away from her, Jay was in mid-swallow and she just about choked. Jay tried to stop her coughs as Jennifer patted her on the back and frantically opened the window with her other hand at the same time. "Jennifer?" Jay said between intake of breaths. Jennifer pulled Jay onto her feet and helped her put her shoes on. Jay had a hard time regulating her breath with Jennifer trying to push her out of the window. "Jennifer! Would you calm down?" Jay said, trying to stop Jennifer's frantic movements.
"Calm down--calm down?! Are you crazy? I don't think so, now move!"
"Okay, okay, sheesh." Jay took her bag and jumped out of the window just when they heard the front door open. A few seconds later, Jennifer heard the roar of Jay's bike as it sped away from her house.
"Jennifer? Honey, we're home."
Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief and then straightened her clothes and her breathing before going into the living room to face her parents. "Hey mom, dad. How is grandma?"
Rachel sighed and shook her head, "She's as good as she can get right now."
Not really knowing what that meant, Jennifer stuck to nodding.
"Did you get home long before us?"
"Nah, I just got home myself." 'A little white lie never hurt nobody.' She said to herself.
"Good, good. I'm going to start on dinner, it's already pretty late. I'll call you when it's ready."
"Okay, mom. I'm going to do some homework."
Rachel nodded happily and went into the kitchen to start preparing dinner. Joseph went to the refrigerator to take out a beer for himself and Jennifer went to her room. Just as she was about to close her door and arrange her room, she heard her father call for her. "Jennifer, where is my beer?"
Jennifer peeked into the living room and asked, "What do you mean?" 'He couldn't have noticed that one is missing, could he?'
"I had two bottles of beer here and now there's only one. Have you started drinking my beer?"
'No! What is this, the third degree? I didn't drink your beer. Maybe you did and you just forgot about it?"
Joseph was getting angry at his daughter, "I'm not senile, contrary to what you may think! I remember perfectly that I had two beers in there and now I only have one. Now you wither drank one of them or I don't know."
Their tones started rising in octave and soon they were in the middle of a full-blown fight. "Well then, you don't know! God, you're now accusing me of drinking your precious beer? What next?" The color was rising on Jennifer's cheeks and she decided it wasn't worth it so she started to turn to go back to her room.
"Don't turn away from me, young lady!" Joseph yelled at the retreating from and followed her to her bedroom. Rachel was looking on almost helplessly and followed suit. Jennifer saw him approaching and tried to hurry inside her room in order to hide the half-empty beer bottle before her father saw it. Unfortunately for her, she hadn't managed to do it in time and Joseph stormed toward her, picking up the bottle and looking menacingly at Jennifer.
"Jennifer! What's the meaning of this? First you lie to us about just getting home and then you steal from me and lie to me about this? I'll ask only once more, have you been drinking my beer, Jennifer?"
"No!"
It was then that something clicked into place in Joseph's mind, "It was her!" He yelled maniacally. "Wasn't it? You wouldn't drink beer or lie to us if it wasn't for her. You let that--that woman in this house?! My house?! How dare you? We already told you she's now welcome here and don;t think we don't know about all the times she sneaks in here through the window. We let those times go but not this time!"
"That woman is my best friend! How dare you speak of her that way? She's done more for me since I met her then you've done for me all my life! You never cared about what I do or what I love, everything had to be done your own way!" Screamed Jennifer.
"Don't you raise your voice at me, you hear me?! I will not tolerate you continuous disrespect in my house, do you understand?"
"Not, not when it includes not welcoming my best friend into this house, which is my house too."
"That's where you're wrong. This is my house and you will follow my rules if you want to continue living here!"
"Ugh! You call yourselves parents? You, with nothing on your mind but that stupid job of yours and your beer and you," She pointed toward her mother, "Agreeing with his bullshit, shutting up, cooking and being a good little wife instead of a mother!"
The sharp sting that came to her cheek startled her into silence. The silence was broken, however, by Rachel's scream, "Joseph!"
It had happened so fast that neither one ever saw it coming nor did they expect it. Her father indeed was all the things she said but he had never beaten her before. Feeling tears filling her eyes, she turned away from her parents. Joseph was clearly shaken as well. He hadn't meant to hit her. It had all happened so fast. "I--I'm sorry. I---" He tried to touch Jennifer on the shoulder but when she flinched away, he slowly backed out of the room. Rachel followed quickly behind and closed the door softly behind them. Jennifer wiped her tears angrily and tried to concentrate on her anger in order to avoid the emotional and physical pain she was feeling.
Without a second thought, she knew who would be there for her and take care of her no matter what. She packed a few things into her backpack and jumped out of her window, right after locking her bedroom door, just in case. She figured that her parents would steer away from her room. At least for the rest of the evening.
Several minutes later, she was in Jay's back yard. Inching closer to her window, she tapped lightly on the glass. She waited for a few moments and then tapped again. Light flickered on in the room, she hadn't realized it had become so late, and she saw Jay's shadowed figure move to open the window. "Jennifer?" She asked in surprise.
Jennifer sniffled and before she knew it, Jay had jumped out of her window and wrapped her tightly in her strong arms. She laid her cheek on Jennifer's soft, sweet-smelling hair, murmuring sweet endearments, her hands were moving slowly up and down her back. After several minutes, Jennifer's tears had subsided and Jay pulled away slightly, though still holding onto the shaken girl. "What happened, sweetie? What's the matter?"
Jennifer wiped her tears and with her balled up fists and said, "I--I had a fight---with, with my parents."
"Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry. It's okay now, I've got you." Jay hated seeing Jennifer cry and she felt her heart constrict in pain when she saw her wipe the crystal-like tears. Deep down she knew that again she was the cause for Jennifer's pain and that thought only intensified her own pain.
Jay pulled Jennifer closer into the light and noticed the forming bruise on her fair cheek. She pushed he away slightly and tucked a finger under her chin, pulling her face up, "Jennifer, what the hell happened to you?"
Jennifer didn't want to worry her friend so she lied, "I fell." Even if it was a poor attempt.
Jay raised an eyebrow and grit her teeth, "On your cheek? And came out with a hand print?!"
Jennifer cringed, "We got into such a huge fight, I said some really nasty things and it just kinda happened." Jennifer was worried about what might Jay's reaction be to the news so she rushed through the details, hoping she would somehow miss them.
"Who did this?" Jay asked through clenched teeth.
"He didn't mean it." Jennifer offered lamely.
"Your father? He did this?! I'll kill him!" Jay was about to pull out of her arms but stopped when Jennifer gripped her waist in a vice like grip. "Please don't. Jay, he didn't mean it. Please, please don't leave me."
When Jay saw Jennifer's eyes filling with tears again, she immediately pulled her back into her arms and helped her up through the window to her bedroom. "Come on, baby. You're sleeping here tonight, okay?"
Jennifer nodded her head against Jay's shirt.
"They won't be looking for you in your room, right?"
"I don't think so and besides, I locked the door."
"Good."
"That was such a horrible day, but you were so sweet to me. How you held me in your arms all night long and whispered in my ear all kind of silly things that didn't even make sense." Jennifer chuckled adoringly.
"God, I still feel that old anger well up inside when..." Jay's hand was balled into a tight fist. Jennifer noticed that and took Jay's hand into her own, gently prying the fingers open so she could lace their fingers together. "My hero."
Jay turned and kissed Jennifer on the forehead and whispered, "Always."
"At least they stopped bothering me after awhile afterwards. They knew you still came to see me but did nothing about it."
"Yeah, you have to give them that." Agreed Jay.
For the rest of the flight they slept, ate a small meal and by the time the sun disappeared from the horizon, they landed in Los Angeles. It was hot and humid when they stepped out of the cool airport. They couldn't help but think about the first time that they reached the same location. "It was only three months ago. It seems like a lifetime." Said Jennifer.
"Yeah, I know. Come on." Answered Jay and rested her hand on the small of Jennifer's back, leading her to their awaiting car. They had gotten the keys from one of the stands inside the airport and after appreciatively checking out the vehicle, Jay put their bags into the trunk and entered the driver's side. Since it was still early in the evening, the traffic wasn't too horrible on the way out of town and within the hour, they were on the highway, heading out of LA.
"I can't wait to see how everyone ended up." Said Jennifer, excitedly.
"Hmm."
Jennifer gazed out of the window, watching the scenery as it passed by. Back then at school, her parents weren't the only ones giving her grief. Their friends were childish and vindictive, like most kids are and she couldn't forget all those fights she had with Jay, even though with her it had been very different. Those particular fights, as upsetting and frustrating as they were, always ended favorably, like one time...
Jay arrived at school earlier than usual, looking for Jennifer. She locked her bike in place and started toward the school's front entrance. On the marble steps in front of the doors, sat Suzanne with a few of her friends, chatting quietly when Jay stepped up to her. "Hey Suz. Have you seen Jen?"
Suzanne looked up and blinked when the sun hit her in the eyes. She placed a hand on her forehead to shelter her eyes from the smoldering sun and said, "No, I don't think she's here yet." The other girls excused themselves and started scattering away to their respective classes, leaving Jay and Suzanne alone.
"So... We never get to talk much, do we?" Asked Jay, flirtatiously. She knew that what she was doing, flirting with Jen's friend, was wrong but she couldn't help herself. On the one hand, she subconsciously wanted to do this to somehow get back at Jennifer for dating Josh. She wanted to show her how much seeing her with Josh hurt her. On the other hand, She was doing it for herself. If Jennifer wasn't available and was out of the question anyhow, then why should she be alone? She couldn't help but find the cute, little redhead attractive and she wanted a chance to be happy too. She wasn't sure if Suzanne would accept her advances but it couldn't hurt to try.
"Yeah, it seems that we don't." Suzanne's soft, lilting voice brought her out of her musings and a sexy smirk slowly appear on Jay's tanned face.
"Now why do you think that is?"
Suzanne smiled shyly and shrugged her slender shoulders.
Jay leaned a bit closer and said, "I would very much like to get to know you better."
Suzanne blushed hotly and nodded, "I would like that too." She said so softly that she wasn't sure if Jay had heard her not. When Jay's smile broadened, she smiled as well and accepted the hand offered to her, "Would you give me the honor of escorting you to class, ma'am?"
Suzanne giggled and said, "But of course."
Ch. 6
Jennifer arrived at school a bit later than usual and had watched the whole scene between Jay and Suzanne enfold before her unbelieving eyes. At first she watched in curiosity since she had never actually noticed Jay and Suzanne exchanging more than a 'hello' and she figured Jay was asking for her whereabouts. After the rest if the girls left, she started walking toward them in order to join in on the conversation but stopped again by the look on Jay's face. She wasn't close enough to the two to hear their words but close enough to get a general idea of what their conversation was about or where it was heading. They hadn't noticed her and when she saw twin smiles cover both girls' faces before walking away with their arms entwined, she strode angrily through the entrance as well. She didn't like the new development one bit. The only problem was that she also didn't understand the reason behind her anger. She should have been happy that her two best friends got along. Right? Wrong. 'Not that well though.' She bitterly thought to herself. Not dwelling too much on the problem, she let her anger sweep her away on its deadly wings.
All through her classes Jennifer sat quietly, which was way out of character for her, and seethed. She couldn't wait to grab Suzanne for a little chat. When lunch time arrived, she walked right past Jay, who was heading her way. Jay turned back in surprise and looked at Jennifer's retreating back confusedly. 'Must be PMS or she hadn't noticed me, even though I'm hardly someone that can be missed. Women.' She shook her head and shrugged, continuing on her way to the cafeteria.
Suzanne was just coming out of her classroom when she spotted Jennifer. "Hey Je..." Before she could even finish her sentence, Jennifer had grabbed her arm and pulled her to a secluded corner of the hall.
"What were you doing with Jay this morning?" Jennifer asked accusingly, not bothering to beat around the bush.
Suzanne shrugged Jennifer's arm away and frowned, "Talking. You know, that thing when two people stand together and one says something and then the other answers..." She said sarcastically.
Jennifer's anger deflated slightly, thinking, 'They were just talking, geesh, get a grip, will ya? And even if they weren't just talking, so what? I have no right to tell Jay or Suzanne who to be with especially since I'm with Josh.'
'Do I detect a small pang of jealousy?' asked her inner voice, innocently.
'No! And butt out!'
"Jen, are you alright?" Asked Suzanne, worried about her friend, who looked a bit dizzy.
Jennifer snapped out of her thoughts and said, "Yes, I'm okay. Sorry for snapping at you like that. I'm just not feeling too well today."
"That's alright. What are friends for if not to take out your frustration and anger on?" She smiled, teasingly.
Jennifer chuckled softly and asked, "So, how were your classes? Didn't you have a math test or something?"
"Yeah, it was so hard. Damn that Mr. Harrison. He's so mean, he has to give the hardest tests, it was brutal. And just imagine, I studied for that test for two weeks straight and I'm still not sure if I even managed to pass."
Jennifer grimaced in sympathy, "I'm sorry to hear that especially since I have one of his tests in two days."
"Gee, thanks girl. Always nice to know you care."
Jennifer chuckled and said, "I'm only kidding. I really hope you did well on that test and thanks for the heads up."
"Hey, no problem."
Jay had come searching for the blonde in the cafeteria and once again received the cold shoulder when she passed next to her. Jay's temper was starting to get the better of her. She was getting fed up by Jennifer's treatment of her and not being one to listen to reason and go confront the problem, Jay did what she was used to do, she kept to herself and walked away.
Jennifer knew that she was being mean to her best friend and after thinking things through and letting the anger dissipate into nothing, she felt guilty for treating Jay the way she had. She hadn't gotten another chance of running into Jay again that day so she waited until she went home to be able to talk to her.
Jennifer got home early in the afternoon. It took more time for her to get home since Jay hadn't been there to give her a ride. "Hey mom." She went to kiss her mother then went into her bedroom to drop off her bag and kick off her shoes.
"How was school?" Asked Rachel.
"Okay. What's for lunch?" Her stomach grumbled loudly in protest for not being fed since early that morning.
"Fried chicken and french fries."
"Ohh, yum. Sounds great." Jennifer sat down and ate her lunch in record time, helped load the dishwasher and then finally went to call Jay. She waited for the phone to be picked up and after a few rings, Jay answered in a gruff voice, "Yeah?"
"Jay?"
"Yeah Jen, what do you want?"
Jennifer cringed because she knew she deserved the abrupt, not very friendly response that she got. "I wondered if you'd like to come over?" Jennifer asked softly.
"Why? So you could continue ignoring me?"
"Jay, I'm sorry for ignoring you. I was upset with something and I just took it out on you. I thought maybe we could talk about it if you came over?"
There was a long pause and then finally, Jay relented, "Fine, I'll be there in a few minutes."
Jennifer smiled and hung up the phone after a quick goodbye. "Mom? I'm going to do my homework, okay? I also have a huge exam in two days so..."
Rachel turned to look at Jennifer and smiled, "Which means not to bother you, right?" When Jennifer smiled thankfully Rachel nodded, "Alright, don't worry. I'll stay out of your way. Study hard."
Jennifer went into her room and locked the door behind her. A few minutes later, Jay appeared at her window. Jennifer hurried to open the window and let Jay in. Jay dusted herself off and took a seat on Jennifer's bed. "So what did you want to tell me?"
Jennifer cringed a bit at Jay's harsh tone and said softly, "I'm sorry for ignoring you today but when I came to school in the morning and saw you and Suz together, I guess I just..."
Jay narrowed her eyes dangerously and snarled, "And you just what?! You call this an apology? What is it even to you who I talk to or be with?"
"Jay, I---"
"You what? You think you're the only that deserves to be with someone? Or maybe you just think that only I don't deserve to be with anyone, especially since it's your friend we're talking about. So, what is it? Did I say anything to you when you started dating that asshole Josh? No, I didn't, even though there was a lot to say about that. I let you make the mistake of dating him without saying one word."
Jennifer was feeling her anger rising again as well, "Are you through yet?" Without waiting for Jay to answer, she angrily continued, "Let me date him? Who do you think you are? You think I need your permission to date someone? Is your ego really that big that you think you're the center of everyone's world? I started dating Josh because I liked him and if you have a problem with that, you can just keep it to yourself. I wouldn't have cared less if you had told me not to. And as for you and whoever you date, stay away from Suzanne, she's not like you." Before Jennifer realized exactly what she had said, it was out of her mouth and there was no way for her to take it back. She was on a roll and said some things she immediately regretted and now, it was too late to apologize. Her still roiling anger wouldn't even allow her to try at that moment.
Jay's expression changed into a hurt one for a small moment in time and then as fast as it had appeared, it was gone. "Not like me, huh? Well we'll just have to see that, now won't we?" With those words, she jumped out of Jennifer's bedroom window and rushed to her bike. Jennifer watched silently as she got onto her bike, revving it loudly before speeding away, the tires screeching on the pavement.
Jennifer felt the tears prickling the corner of her eyes but she quickly blinked them away. She was too angry to let them fall. 'Was I really so out of line with this? But Suzanne is not like that...' She tried telling herself.
'Oh stop it, will you? You're acting like Jay is some freak.' Retorted her inner voice angrily.
'But she had no right...'
'You had no right!'
'Shut up! Ugh! I hate this , she's driving me insane. I'm actually standing here arguing with myself. I bet she'd be thrilled if I was sent to some mental institute especially if she was the cause.'
Jennifer plopped down into her chair and decided to actually do her homework and study for her upcoming math test.
The next day, Jay and Jennifer both made sure to ignore each other, sometimes doing things deliberately in order to irritate the other. Right before lunch time, Jennifer was standing in front of her locker taking out a few books that were necessary for her next class when she was approached from behind. Josh enfolded her in a bear hug and kissed her on the cheek. Jennifer was startled a bit at first but soon relaxed into his touch. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jay trying to pretend that she wasn't interested in what was going on between them, right in front of her eyes. Jennifer smiled devilishly and turned in Josh's arms, kissing him lightly on the lips in greeting. She knew why she was giving up this display. She was doing it to further irritate Jay and maybe make her a bit jealous...'Jealous? What the hell?' Shaking her head, she tried to clear her thoughts when she noticed that Josh's lips were moving. Lost in her own thoughts, she had totally missed what he had said. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"You're a bit out of it today, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. My mind just drifted there for a second." 'Strange to where it drifted to exactly, especially when you were kissing him...' Teased her inner voice, making Jen grit her teeth.
"Must have been the kiss..." Josh offered cockily.
Jennifer forced a small smile, "Yeah, must have been."
"I asked you if you wanted to do something tonight?"
Jennifer took another glance toward Jay, seeing that she had apparently lost interest and averted her gaze, she said, "Sure, sounds great. What time?"
They had already gone through almost half of the way to Tucson, Arizona. Jennifer was napping on and off as Jay's eyes were focused on the road, glancing at the sleeping blonde from time to time. Jay's eyes were filled with adoration each time she looked at Jennifer. Raising a hand, she tucked a fair strand of hair behind Jennifer's shell-like ear. Smiling lovingly, she turned her full attention back to the road.
Like every other evening, Josh came to pick her up. She was dressed in a tight blue turtleneck and blue jeans. Josh sported a long black T-shirt and black jeans. They made for a very handsome couple.
"You look beautiful." Commented Josh.
"Thanks." Said Jennifer, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
Josh took Jennifer to a nice restaurant for a quiet dinner. They exchanged soft commentaries on school work but mostly, they focused on their meal and soon, they noticed that dinner had taken more than a couple of hours. Smiling at each other, Josh paid for the meal and on the wait out to the car, suggested a ride to the beach. Jennifer readily accepted, delightfully surprised by the romantic suggestion since she hadn't figured Josh to be much of a romantic.
When they reached the beach, Josh parked the car in a secluded spot and rolled down his window. "Isn't this nice?"
"Yes, very nice." Jennifer smiled genuinely as she looked at the crushing waves of the midnight blue sea. 'The color is so much like Jay's eyes when she's excited about something.' At the strange thought, Jennifer shook her head and berated herself angrily, 'Would you stop thinking about her? You're supposed to be mad at her.' Josh laid a hand on her forearm, looking at her questioningly. Jennifer smiled and laid a soft hand onto his. Turning her gaze back at the breathtaking view, she marveled at how the stars were shining particularly bright that evening, giving the sky an ethereal glow.
Sighing at the beauty of nature, she wondered if Josh was feeling the same way. Josh's hand that was still purchased on her arm, started rubbing it softly, up and down. A smoky, lust filled haze filled his brown eyes as he looked at her, a small smile quirking his lips.
'Well, now you know why he brought you here...Romantic, humph.' Taunted her inner voice. Ignoring her thoughts, she let him put his arm around her shoulders and pull her closer to him. He leaned forward and captured her lips in a soft kiss. The kiss started as gentle and undemanding but soon turned into passionate and filled with uncontrollable ardor. Jennifer gave in to the soft kiss but as it turned harder, she tried pushing him away, without much success. Thinking back to the day's events, she remembered Jay's words and her anger overpowered her better judgment. When Josh raised a hand to her breast and started kneading it slowly, she let him continue without much of a fight. Josh's lips traveled down to her neck, kissing and nipping his way down until he reached the collar of her turtleneck. "You feel so good, baby." He whispered hotly as his hands started to get busy with the hem of her shirt. When Josh grabbed the edges and started pulling it up her body, Jennifer stiffened and pushed with all her might against his chest. "Josh!"
Josh raised his head confusedly, still breathing hard from his excitement, "What?"
"I said stop. I don't want this." She said as she straightened out her blouse.
"What do you mean you don't want this? You were fine with it a moment ago, what happened?"
"Nothing changed. I let you get too far for my taste. I'm sorry but I can't."
"You can't or you won't?" Josh asked, angrily.
"I can't and I won't. Would you please drive me home?" She asked in a tiny voice. She was a bit ashamed for leading him on like that but he had gone too far. When at first he didn't move to comply to her wishes, she began worrying that he would ignore her wishes and might force her into something she neither wanted nor was ready for. Finally, Josh curled his lip in disgust, the muscles in his jaw twitching erratically as he said, "Fine! Continue being a baby and run to your mommy."
Jennifer was stunned and offended by Josh's remarks, she couldn't believe he would be so low. She turned to look out of the window, curling tighter into herself. Ten minutes later, they reached her house and before she was fully out of his car, he sped away, the screeching tires of the car making her cringe. "Then I guess you won't be walking me to my door?" She mumbled sarcastically to herself.
The next day at school, she didn't see any strange looks from the other students or her friends so she figured everything was alright. Even though Josh had been an asshole the night before, he was apparently mature enough to keep quiet.
Josh, however, had his own reasons for keeping the whole ordeal to himself. He had no interest in spreading a rumor about Jennifer because that might make him look bad. He did, however, want to hurt Jennifer.
He was feeling hurt and emasculated by the way Jennifer had treated him. He wanted to get back at Jennifer for teasing him and then turning him down. No one turned him down...No one. "Hello Jay." He said with a fake smile as he crossed in her path. "What do you want, Crenshaw?"
"Oh nothing, just wanted to tell you how well my date with Jen went last night." The fake smile turned into a predatory smile. He knew that by doing this he would hurt both Jay and Jennifer. Between Jay and him was a mutual relationship of dislike. Besides that, Jay had something that he was very jealous of. She had Jennifer's eternal friendship and love, which he desperately tried to gain.
"I don't give a damn, now get out of my way." Jay was on her way to her bike, which was parked at the back of the school. The back yard was completely deserted since it was already late in the afternoon.
"Oh, I think you may give a damn. She was so good..." He moaned.
Jay felt her pulse begin to quicken, her blood pound through her veins and her anger filling every pore on her body. Her teeth were grinding so hard that one might fear that dust would come out if she opened her mouth. "Get out of my way." She whispered threateningly in her low timbre voice.
"Are you getting angry at me? But why? She gave it all very freely." Josh wasn't aware of the danger he was actually facing as he kept taunting and testing Jay's resolve. "But one moment just blew me away...That single moment when I entered her and took her virginity was..." Before he could finish his entrance, Jay punched him so hard that his teeth rattled. His nose and split lip started bleeding profusely. Josh screamed in pain and shock, bringing his hands to cover his face. Through the haze of pain he managed to look at Jay's enraged features. Jay advanced slowly toward the cowering boy as she backhanded him across the face, throwing him to the ground from the force of the hit. "You never touched her and you never will and don't you ever talk about her like that again or I'll kill ya, understand?" She asked menacingly through clenched teeth.
Josh was trembling in fear as he nodded rapidly. Jay wiped the blood that got smeared on her fist on Josh's shirt and without looking back, she turned and headed for her motorcycle as though nothing had happened.
Ch. 7
The days passed uneventfully for Jennifer and she thought all was forgotten but when she saw Josh approaching her on the hall one day, she gasped in horror. Before she could even utter a word, he grabbed her arm roughly and pulled her into an empty classroom. "Josh, you're hurting me! Let go of my arm!" Jennifer clenched her teeth, gasping from the pain. She was sure Josh's grip would leave a bruise. Relaxing his hold a bit, he said menacingly, "I want you to stay away from that--that bitch, Jay! Do you understand me?"
"What? What are you talking about?" Jennifer asked confusedly.
"Let me put it this way, if you don't stop hanging around that fucking dyke, you can forget about me being your boyfriend. You should thank me for even looking your way after you humiliated me the other night."
Jennifer pulled her hand forcefully away and narrowed her eyes dangerously, "How dare you? How dare you talk about her this way? You have no right to tell me who to see nor give me an ultimatum. You have absolutely no claim on me! You're the one that should thank me for even agreeing to go out with your sorry ass."
"Oh yeah? You think you could do better than me? Well you're wrong, little girl. No one would even give you the time of day. I just felt sorry for you and that's why I took you out. Maybe you like hanging around that dyke because you're just like her, my mistake then. You deserve each other!" He spat angrily.
Jennifer was steaming mad. Her face reddened to such extent that she seemed like she might burst. Bids of seat dotted her upper lip and without a second thought she raised her hand and slapped Josh with all her might. The sound of the slap bouncing off the walls of the empty room.
Josh was still nursing a broken nose and a dislocated jaw from his not so pleasant encounter with Jay, so when Jennifer slapped him he felt his jaw bone crack under the pressure and he let out a horrible, pain-filled scream. Just when he was about to lunge at Jennifer and retaliate, the door of the classroom creaked open and someone came in. Jennifer took the opportunity and fled the room, leaving behind a dazed, furious Josh.
'I feel so stupid. Jay was so right about him, I wish I had listened to her, then none of this would have happened. Whatever happened to that asshole, whoever kicked his ass, he deserved it and more. Not only didn't I listen to her but I fought with her as well and now, I don't even know what to do to make things right. All I know is that right now, I just want to find Jay and crawl into her strong, warm arms and stay there forever.' Jennifer thought to herself as she walked out of the building, not glancing behind in fear that she'd see Josh's angry features haunting her.
As she descended down the front steps, a small, delighted smile appeared on her lips when she saw that Jay hadn't left school yet.
Jay was arranging her backpack on the bike when she noticed Jennifer's form rushing toward her. She frowned slightly at the mixed feelings Jennifer sported on her face. Turning away from her bike, she was about to say something when Jennifer threw herself into her arms. Jay quickly and without a second thought, wound her arms around Jennifer's waist, pulling her more closely. When it came to Jennifer, she was always easy to make up with. She stared worriedly at Jennifer's trembling body as she tried to calm the distraught girl down. Jennifer was mumbling mostly incoherent things, confusing Jay all the more. Jay tried her best to understand what had happened but when she saw that her tries were futile, she pulled the blonde closer and started stroking her hair comfortingly and whispering soft endearments into her ear. That always seemed to work best on her.
All the anger Jay felt before toward her little friend disappeared in a flash and was replaced with a warm feeling, clouding her mind and heart. When Jennifer calmed down somewhat, Jay pulled away a bit and asked, "What happened, sweetie?"
Jennifer sniffled and said, "I had a huge fight with Josh and we broke up."
Jay couldn't help but feel a small twinge of happiness course through her body at the news but she tried her best to stay as neutral to the subject as possible. She could see that Jennifer was hurting and she didn't want to be responsible for causing her friend any more pain. So, putting her own feelings aside for the moment, she pulled the crying girl back into her arms and whispered comfortingly, "I'm so sorry, baby."
Jennifer gave Jay a squeeze of thanks for not saying 'I told you so' and said, "I'm not. He was such an asshole. You were right, I should have listened to you."
"I'm sorry you had to get hurt. What was the fight about?" Jay asked curiously. One of her hands was continuously caressing Jennifer's back softly while the other was cupping the back of her head close to her chest.
Jennifer didn't want to upset Jay so she evaded the question, "Nothing important. Let's just say that I saw who he really was. I just want to go home."
Jay had a feeling as to what the fight was about but she was glad that she had put that bastard in his place. She was truly sorry though that Jennifer had to be the one that got caught in the middle of things. "Alright, sweetheart." She pulled back and gave Jennifer a helmet to wear before mounting the bike.
"That whole ordeal was good for us eventually." Said a sleepy Jennifer. Jennifer brushed the sleep from her eyes with her balled fists and looked out the window.
"Yeah. Wow, he really said those things to you? I mean, I did figure that he was mad about me beating him up but still..."
"Oh, he was pissed. The only thing he managed to do though was drive me further into your arms."
Jay smiled lovingly. "Hmm. I remember it like it was yesterday. That was the first time we..."
Jay was heading to Jennifer's house when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned her head slightly to the right and said, "What is it, Jen?"
"I want to go to your place."
Jay frowned but changed her direction. Several minutes later, Jay parked her bike in front of her house. "My parents aren't home, I'm not sure when or if they're coming back today." Said Jay.
"Okay. I just don't want to be alone right now." Said Jennifer in a small voice.
Jay threw her arm around Jennifer's shoulders and said, "Jen, It's alright. You don't have to give me reasons for staying here with me. You know you're always welcome and you know how much I love the company." Jay smiled when Jennifer kissed her on the cheek and burrowed her head into her chest.
Jay unlocked the front door and entered into the living room. Taking both their coats off, she threw the on the couch. "Want anything to drink?" Jay asked as she went to take out a beer for herself.
"No thanks." Said Jennifer as she followed Jay into her room. On the left stood a large king-sized bed with a night stand on its left. To the left, stood a closet with clothes hanging out of the drawers and a guitar leaned up against the far wall. The windows that covered most of the far wall were providing light into the dark colored room. Jay took Jennifer's hand and pulled her onto the bed, cuddling next to her. "Okay, now would you like to tell me what was the reason for your fight with Josh?"
Jennifer shrugged childishly at first but at Jay's raised eyebrow, she released a deep sigh. "He was being an asshole."
"And that was a surprise to you?" Jay teased playfully, trying to draw a smile to her friend's beautiful features.
Jennifer frowned and bit her lip, trying not to give in to the smile that was threatening to consume her.
"So, what did he do to make you say that? Not that I'm disputing it or anything."
Jennifer finally cracked and let a small smile come out, "He just said some really nasty things."
"About who?"
Jennifer shrugged nonchalantly, "About me, about you, it doesn't matter. He was pretty banged up though, maybe that was what caused to act the way he did."
Jay smirked slightly at the stunned look on Josh's face right before her fist connected his nose. "I don't care if he said something about me. I do, however, care of he said something about you. What did he say?"
"Jay please, just forget it. What made me so mad was the comments he made about you. I know that you don't care about that but I do."
"Oh Jen." Jay leaned forward and pulled Jennifer into a soft hug, kissing the crown of her head. Jay tensed slightly in surprise when she felt a tentative kiss on her neck. "Jen..." Jay was about to pull back when the kisses became more reverently. "Jay please." Jennifer had no idea what she asking for but she knew she needed Jay. She put her arms around Jay's neck and before Jay could protest, captured her lips in a passionate, warm, wet kiss.
Jay tried to pull back at first but when the pressure of Jennifer's lips became harder. She gave in to the wonderful sensation that were coursing through her body and responded to the kiss with everything she had in her. At first moving her lisp in tune with Jennifer's and then taking her tongue out and running it over Jennifer's moist lips. Jennifer relaxed under the assault of Jay's tongue and let her slip inside her mouth. Jay moaned when she felt the hardness of Jennifer's teeth on her soft tongue and then both moaned in union when their tongue met. It was like an eruption of senses, feeling the smoothness of the other's tongue against their own. They continue playing in each other's mouths until the need for air was too great to bear.
They separated slightly and Jennifer leaned into Jay's neck, inhaling her spicy scent into her starved lungs. "Oh God." They were both breathing hard and soon their lips had engaged in contact once more. Jennifer felt Jay's resistance at first and she didn't want to give her a chance to back out. She was afraid to give herself a chance to back out as well. Throwing all caution to the wind and foregoing any possible thoughts of destructive consequences, Jay lowered Jennifer's lithe body down on her bed and started pulling at her shirt.
Doing quick work on her bra, she pulled backwards, looking lovingly at the beautiful sight displayed in front of her roving, ravaging eyes. "You are so perfect." Jennifer blushed and moved to help remove Jay's shirt and bra as well. After getting her fill of Jennifer's lips, Jay moved to her neck, licking and kissing her way down. She licked at the hollow of her neck and then captured the skin between her teeth, making Jennifer arch off the bed and into her touch. Lowering herself onto Jennifer's side, Jay took her time softly caressing the skin around Jennifer's breast. Trailing her fingers in light circles, making the rose colored bud pucker in anticipation.
Jay looked into Jennifer's eyes and lowered her head to capture the other nipple between her lips. She smiled when she saw Jennifer's eyes close in ecstasy and heard her sharp intake of breath. She spent long moments just fondling the nipple with her lips, occasionally flicking it with her tongue. When she felt Jennifer's hands tangle in her hair and push her closer into her chest, she suckled the bud harder, raking her teeth lightly on the milky flesh.
After giving the same, much needed attention to the other neglected breast, Jay moved to open Jennifer's jeans. Locking her eyes with Jennifer's, she asked, "Is this okay?"
Jennifer raised her hand to Jay's cheek and lightly stroked her fingers on the warm, soft skin. She smiled lovingly and nodded. Jay returned the smile and lowered the pants down her slim hips. Jennifer tugged at Jay's pants and soon, the only barrier between the friends, soon to be lovers, was the thin material of their underwear. Going back to Jennifer's soft, sensuous lips, they kissed deeply as Jay lowered the last garment. Jennifer spread her legs slightly in invitation and moaned when she felt Jay's body settle in between her thighs. They continue kissing deeply as Jay started a slow rocking rhythm against the soft skin of Jennifer's now sweaty body.
Jennifer tensed reflexively but quickly recovered and started matching the motion, thrust for thrust. Jennifer entangled her fingers in Jay's dark locks, stroking the strands of hair away from her angular face. Their breathing was rapid and they could feel the other's heart beat quickening as they pushed to get to the ultimate pleasure. Jay's hand went down Jennifer's stomach but stopped when it got to the silky, wet opening. Looking questioningly into Jennifer's aroused eyes, she slipped a finger in between the folds. Both women moaned at the sensation of touching and being touched in such an intimate way.
Jay started moving slowly up and down the wet heat, avoiding the entrance and the throbbing bundle of nerve endings. Jennifer gasped with each move she made. "Jay please. I can't..." Jay kissed Jennifer's sweaty brow and then moved to posses her lips once again as her finger slipped inside the entrance. Jennifer moaned and returned the kiss with as much passion she could muster. Their movements were getting faster and more desperate. When Jay plunged her tongue deep into the recess of Jennifer's mouth, she also plunged her finger all the way through the tight entrance.
Jennifer gasped in shock and stilled her movement altogether. She felt a searing pain for a fleeting moment and then just a strange sensation of being full. "Oh God, Jen. I thought you and Josh..."Jay was stunned. She didn't want to believe Josh's words but she had her doubts. Her emotions and the sensation of actually being inside if her love, her best friend were causing an emotional turbulence inside of her. With her free hand, she caressed Jennifer's hair and face as a tear slid down her cheek. "I wanted it to be you." Jennifer whispered through her haze of arousal.
Jay smiled and leaned in. Jennifer raised her head slightly and licked the tear from Jay's cheek, making Jay's body tremble with need. Jay slowly started moving her finger. When she didn't see any inkling that Jennifer may be uncomfortable, she took the finger all the way out and then pushed it as deep inside as she could reach. Jennifer groaned loudly and started moving her hips again, trying to get more of Jay inside of her. Jay kissed and nibbled Jennifer's neck and added a second finger to her thrusts. Jennifer's hips movements were becoming erratic, her breathing came out in harsh gasps and her moans grew in volume as she was about to cross over the edge.
Plunging her fingers deeply inside the wet, silky cavern one last time and twisting her hand to touch the convulsing walls, Jay delighted in the sound of Jennifer's loud scream and the image of her body trembling and writhing underneath her own. After several moments, Jennifer's body flopped limply back down on the bed and Jay reluctantly, took her hand out of her now new favorite place. Jennifer was exhausted and she softly kissed Jay's neck when she was pulled into the strong arms of her friend. Before she nodded of to sleep she whispered, "I love you" and then smiled when she heard the sentiment being returned.