# Chapter 33

They had been driving through the mountain region for just under an hour. Cory was amazed at the landscape. Her attention drifted back to her partner when she heard a groan.

“You okay?” Cory placed her hand on JJ’s knee.

JJ shook her head. “No. If we don’t stop soon, I’m going to fall asleep behind the wheel. Plus the rain isn’t helping.”

“Want me to drive?”

JJ raised an eyebrow in response. “You being serious?”

“Sure. The roads are pretty wide. There are no great intersections, so I should be okay. It’ll be safer than you falling asleep, and us plummeting over the edge! How far away are we?”

JJ pulled over. “About half an hour. The rain slowed us down. If you’re okay with this, then I am.”

The two women traded seats. JJ grinned when she saw Cory pulling the seat forward. Then it turned into a full-blown laugh when she saw Cory hit her left hand against the door. “ The stick shift is on this side of your body! Are you sure about this?”

Cory blushed. “Yeah. Instinct. It’s very hard to change a habit I’ve been doing for so many years.” She placed her foot on the clutch, and consciously moved her right hand to the gear stick. It took a little bit of maneuvering, but she soon found first. She glanced up to check the rear view mirror. It wasn’t where she expected it to be. JJ waggled her finger to the right and Cory checked the mirror and then behind her. She pulled onto the road and tried for second gear. Changing through the gears as she picked up speed, Cory felt her confidence growing. She looked to her right. JJ was sitting with a death grip on her seat. “Nervous? Where’s your faith!”

JJ smiled. “I’m okay.” She looked at the speedometer. “Uhh, Cor, we don’t drive that fast on these types of roads. We’re not in England now. Try keeping it under fifty.”

“Oops.”

Cory drove steadily. Driving on the right wasn’t that difficult but she listened carefully to JJ when she had to take turns. Especially the right hand ones. She had a tendency to take them wider than necessary. They entered a small village. She slowed down as JJ had instructed, and pulled the truck in front of a battered looking colonial house.

“This is it.” JJ glanced at Cory. “It looks a little weather beaten, but it’s a good solid house.”

“How old is it?” Cory stretched her arms above her head, and leaned over to peck JJ on the cheek.

JJ opened her door and climbed out. She took a few moments to stretch out the kinks in her back. She lifted the snug top cover off the bed of the truck and lifted the bags out. Cory joined her and helped. “I’d say it was late eighteen hundreds. First thing we need to do is turn the water on.” She opened the door and led Cory inside.

Cory looked around. The décor was late 70’s style, and the furniture looked like it had seen better days. She followed JJ on the tour. “I know it looks old, but when we all bought into it we had great plans. Then as the years went by, and the others settled down, their priorities changed. I got bought out when I went to Germany. The other owners came up for skiing in the winter, and the lake activities in the summer. It’s got a roof and four walls, keeps the wind, rain and snow out. Maybe one day we’ll all make it up and give it a good paint job. Which room should we sleep in?”

Cory shrugged. “I don’t mind. Wherever you’re sleeping, I’m right beside you!”

“Or on top of me!” JJ winked. “I know you Williams, and a little bit of bed isn’t for you. For such a short woman you sure do like to spread out and over.”

“Are you complaining?” Cory pretended to pout.

“And don’t even try to make me feel bad. Want to help me turn the water on?” JJ headed to a small door in the living room.

Cory followed her. As they walked down old, rickety wooden stairs, Cory shivered. She looked around. The basement reminded her of the cellars she’d seen in horror movies. She moved closer to JJ. Her eyes fell on the axe that was leaning against the wall. Her hand went to JJ’s back. JJ felt the hand and turned round. She saw Cory’s pale face. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“Sure, you’re just clinging to my back because you love me. Fess up.”

Cory looked at the tool table. A smaller wood axe was lying next to a piece of wood. Cory’s mind was running riot. Her fears took over her sensibility and she froze to the spot.

“Babe…babe!”

Cory snapped out of her dream state when she heard the concern in her partner’s voice. She felt JJ take her hand, and let herself be led back up the stairs. She sat on the sofa and let JJ hold her.

JJ hadn’t got a clue what was wrong with Cory. She’d just seen the panic written all over the blonde’s face. “Shush. Hey, want to tell me what’s wrong?”

Cory buried her head in JJ’s shirt. “Too embarrassed.” She mumbled.

The taller woman placed her fingers under her lover’s head and tilted it upwards. “Cory, I have seen every bit of you. I know more about you than you do. Now, something happened to you down in that cellar, and I want to know what. Come on, nothing can be that bad.”

Cory looked up and saw the concern etched on JJ’s beautiful face. “It’s silly. I saw the axes, and my mind just flashed back to how scared I was last weekend when the phone calls happened. I imagined someone breaking in and attacking me. I just had the same images. It was like I was in a horror movie.”

“Babe, they’re just wood axes. It’s what we use in the winter to chop the wood. You really are a town girl, huh? I promise nobody will hurt you. You’re safe with me.”

“Can anyone get in through the cellar?” Cory trembled. She knew she was being paranoid.

“No, honey. I mean, you can it has access through the barn, but it’s locked. It’s a really small town. Most people don’t even bother locking their doors, but I will. I’ll make sure we close every window and door before bed tonight. Okay?” She kissed Cory’s head. “I didn’t realize, honey.”

“I’m just a wimp. Always have been. I never go anywhere on my own in the dark. Never stay on my own in the house, if I can help it. I don’t know why, but the dark really scares me. Always has. Thanks for not laughing at me. Sam always did.”

JJ hugged Cory even harder. “Well, I’m not Sam, and I never want to see you as scared as I saw you downstairs. How about we unpack the bags.” She yawned. “Then maybe we could just take a little nap. Tonight, I thought we could take the truck, and get some Chinese food from the restaurant a few miles away. Then tomorrow, we could take a drive down to the lake. There’s a boat moored down there, and we could take it out.”

“Sounds like a plan.” The blonde stood up and took JJ’s hand, leading her slowly towards the bedroom for an afternoon nap.

Cory woke to a crashing sound. Disorientated, she grabbed to her side. There was no sign of JJ. Fear gripped her, and she felt her legs turn to jelly. “J.” She whispered. “JJ, where are you?” There was no sound inside the house. She could hear the wind whistling and whooshing outside. The rain had turned into a gale from the sounds of it. “J.” Cory was beginning to worry. She slipped her feet out of the bed, and stood on unsteady legs. She shivered. The temperature had definitely dropped. She slid a t-shirt over her naked body, and crept slowly to the door. She peeked into the darkness of the living room. Feeling braver, she moved slowly into the room. She could see a sliver of light coming from the cellar doorway. She retreated back into the bedroom. “J.” She called. Her hand fell to the side of the door. She felt around and grabbed hold of what felt like a bat. She closed her hand firmly around it, and stepped back into the living room. As she walked towards the cellar door she heard the steps creak. Fear rose in her throat. “J.” She whispered. No sound came back. As she heard the squeak of the door latch, Cory lifted the bat above her head. Knees trembling, arms twitching, she waited as the door creaked open.

JJ gasped as she saw the shadow in front of her. As the light fell on the figure, she noticed the bat. She moved as quickly as lightning when she saw the wooden object swing towards her. “Whoa. STOP! Jesus.” The bat hit her on the back. The blow wasn’t as severe as she’d thought it would be. Years of getting hit on the ice had toughened her up somewhat. “Cory. Cory is that you?”

The blonde dropped the bat. She looked down to see the crumpled form of her partner. “Bloody hell, JJ, you scared the shit out me.”

“I scared you. You’re the one swinging bats around.” She groaned as she stood up. “It’s a good thing you Brits don’t know how to swing a baseball bat. Who the hell did you think was down there?”

Cory put her hands on JJ. “Shit, I’m sorry babe. I got scared. I woke up to a banging. You weren’t there. I saw the cellar light on, and got scared. Paranoid. God, I can’t believe I hit you with it. The light blinded me for a moment.”

JJ touched her sore back. “No damage done. Come on back to bed.”

Cory was confused. “What were you doing down there?” They climbed back into the bed and snuggled up. “I’m sorry.”

“Shush. I’m okay. The trees kept banging against the window, and they woke me up. I felt cold, and remembered we hadn’t put any wood in the burner. Figured it would only take me a few minutes. You sleep like a log, pardon the pun. I didn’t think you’d miss me. The draft must have shut the cellar door on me. Hey, you’re shaking.” JJ could feel the shivers running through her partner’s body.

Cory couldn’t control the shaking of her body, and the chattering of her teeth. “I’m… just… cold… A little…shocked.”

JJ banged her head on her pillow. “No, I was stupid. I shouldn’t have left you. I knew how you reacted this morning. I’m sorry honey. You tired?”

Cory shook her head. “Not really. The power nap we had earlier seems to have recharged my batteries.” The nap they’d both taken that morning had turned into a few hours of deep sleep. Both women had needed it. They’d spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for groceries and watching films. The Chinese had been wonderful. Cory had fallen in love with Crab Rangoons. JJ had found many ways to feed her lover them. This had turned into a feeding frenzy, with both women reciprocating the act of feeding the other. They’d finally fallen asleep, exhausted after another mammoth lovemaking session.

JJ glanced at her watch. The nightglow made the task easier. “It’s 2am. How about a little backrub to sooth your beating heart?”

“My heart is beating because of what your hand is doing! You’re a vixen, JJ Matthews, and I love every bit of you.” She rolled on top of JJ and kissed her tenderly. The kiss went deeper and soon both women were peeling shirts off each other.

Cory put her case in the truck. “I can’t believe this is the end of the first week. Time really does fly by when you’re having fun.” She pulled JJ into her. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, babe, so much. Now, go and do your pose in front of the house, and I’ll take a photo.”

Cory pouted. “I want you in the photo too.”

JJ placed the camera on the snug top of the truck. She looked through the viewfinder and made sure Cory was in the frame. “Okay, make room for a small one.” She pressed the timer button and ran to stand next to the blonde. She felt an arm snake around her waist and let out a contented sigh. The click of the camera informed them it was done.

Cory stood on tiptoes and kissed JJ on the cheek. “Thank you, J.”

“What for?”

“For being you, for being so sweet to me, for giving me the best week of my life. I don’t want to go home.”

“Hey, no swear words. You are not allowed to mention that word until next Friday evening!” JJ smiled at Cory to show she wasn’t being too serious. “Come on, Cor, we have another week. An important week, too. Now, I expect to see some studying going on while I drive to my place.”

Cory looked at the house one last time. She hoped they’d return one day. The week had been so relaxing. The weather had been okay after the storm, and they had even managed to catch some sun one of the days, as they’d boated around the lake. JJ was a bit of a fisherman, and Cory had enjoyed watching her catch the local fish. Cory had been content to read a book and study her partner. She’d decided JJ was the most beautiful woman alive. Her eyes changed colour, depending on the sunlight and her mood. Her hair was raven black. Cory found it hard at times to not put her fingers through it. The natural waves set off JJ’s facial features. The contrast of the blue and the black took her breath away.

“Earth to Cory! Come in Cory!” JJ started the engine. “Where did you go off to? You had a dreamy look on your face.”

“I was just marveling at how pretty you are!”

“Sure! Well, Monday night you get to see me dressed up in my battle gear. I have a hockey game. If you want to come and watch, you’re welcome. Then you can see me all padded up, hot and sweaty. Then tell me I’m pretty!”

“Monday’s going to be a busy day for both of us. What plans are there for tonight?” Cory swallowed hard as she felt her ears popping. They were making their way down the mountain road. “Didn’t you mention Helen and Jo?”

JJ changed gear. Her own ears weren’t fairing any better than Cory’s. She fiddled around in the basket of junk she kept in between the seats and came up with a mushed packet of Lifesavers. “Want one?” She offered the candy to Cory.

“Thanks. You read my mind.”

JJ popped one in her mouth, and sucked hard. “I told Helen we might meet up. I wasn’t sure how tired we’d be. It’s up to you babe. A night in with me, or out with the girls.”

Cory pondered the choice. Both were appealing to her. She wanted to spend time with her girl, but she was curious to meet her friends. She’d heard a lot about them. The fact that Helen was one of JJ’s exes intrigued her. Curiosity won out. “Well, I’d like to meet the girls. Not that I don’t want to spend time with you. I do. But I also want to meet them.” She stopped babbling when she felt JJ’s hand on her knee.

“Hey. We have the rest of the week. Sunday’s Easter, so I thought we could rest at home. I have to go to hockey practice. We don’t usually practice on Easter Sunday, but we’re so close to the playoffs the team took a vote, and decided an early morning get together was needed. The team we are playing on Monday is leading the league, and we’re only a point behind them. I thought you could have a chance to study. Use the CD test and make sure you’re ready. Then we can spend the rest of the day studying the areas you’re having problems with. Jo is good at math. She offered her services on areas I can’t help you with. We could invite them over for an Easter dinner tomorrow afternoon. How about that?” Cory agreed.

The journey back was a tedious one for JJ. Cory drifted in and out of consciousness. Apologizing profusely when she realized she’d dozed off again but unable to prevent it happening. JJ didn’t mind. It gave her a chance to take in the week. She’d really enjoyed herself. They’d gotten on so well. Sometimes JJ felt they knew what each other was thinking. There had been times when she’d gone to say something, and Cory had beaten her to it. She loved this woman. The nearer they got to the house, the more nervous JJ became. She hoped Sarah hadn’t done anything stupid. She’d been surprised she hadn’t heard from her ex. It had helped that her cell phone hadn’t been able to get a signal. She wasn’t sure Sarah knew the New Hampshire house number. She glanced over to her partner. She was out of it.

JJ pulled onto the drive, and let out a sigh of relief. Sarah’s truck was nowhere to be seen. She gently shook Cory. “Hey, babe. We’re here.”

Cory rubbed her eyes. “Huh?”

“We’re here. This is my house.” JJ stroked the blonde wisps of hair off Cory’s face. She looked adorable. “Come on, Sleepyhead.”

“I slept most of the way. J, you should have woken me.” Cory was embarrassed. “What a great date I am.”

JJ climbed out the truck. “Hey, it wasn’t like you didn’t warn me. My cousin’s the same. Put her in a car, and she’s away with the fairies after the first mile. Plus, we’ve hardly been sleeping much. Someone seems to still be on English time, and then has to find a way to get back to sleep!” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Not that I’m complaining. Seriously, Cory, you’ve had a stressful few weeks. Your grandfather died, you split up with your husband, and you’ve entered the busiest time at work. Not to mention jet lag. I know I was beat when I arrived home after the week with you. Give yourself a break. Now let’s get the bags, give you the tour, and settle in front of the TV. I have a few DVDs I’d like to share with you.”

Cory followed JJ up the path with her case and backpack. The house was beautiful. She felt guilty that JJ was selling it because of her. The house was one level with a wooden porch area. She liked the colour of the paintwork. The wooden style houses had caught her eye. She hoped they’d be able to buy one of their own someday. The inside of the house was just as quaint. JJ gave her a tour of the office. It was to the left of the front door. There was a dining area and a huge open kitchen with a breakfast bar. The bathroom was off to the side of the kitchen. It also housed a washing machine and dryer. The living room was spacious, although the furniture didn’t seem to follow the décor. The spare bedroom was empty, besides a shelf of Disney videos. Finally, they reached the master bedroom. It was very plain. It contained just a queen size bed, bureau and washing basket. JJ placed her bag on the bed. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful, J. I feel so bad you’re giving it up for me.”

JJ shrugged. “I can’t afford to buy Sarah out. If I could I would. If we go ahead and do the college thing, I need to cut my overheads down anyways. Cory, I’d live in a cardboard box if it meant being with you. Sorry about the lack of furniture. Sarah took most of it.”

Cory put her arms round JJ. “Come here and give me a kiss.” They both reveled in the feel of each other. “Well, we have a bed and a sofa. That’s good enough for me.” The rumbling of her stomach interrupted her thoughts.

JJ led her back to the kitchen. “There’s not much in here. I have some frozen burgers and buns. I could rustle up some French fries with it.” She began to make herself busy.

Cory sat at the breakfast bar. “So…what does Sarah think of me staying here?”

JJ stood still. “Well, she’s not over the moon about it. She was pissed last week, and said she’d stay here if we were here. But there’s no sign of her so I think she was just blowing hot air.”

“She wouldn’t do anything stupid would she?”

JJ paused, then shrugged. “I hope not. Look, Cory, we can book into a hotel if you’d feel safer?”

“No. I’m okay. You went out with the woman for years, so you know her better than me. You’re right. She was probably just mad.”

JJ hoped Cory was right. She continued to cook the burgers. “So, what do you want to eat tonight? I’ll give Helen a call after this and make plans.

Cory grinned as the muscular arms went round her. “Who said you could share my shower?”

JJ nuzzled into Cory’s neck. The woman’s skin felt so soft. She nibbled at the tender flesh. “Umm … you’ve been here five minutes and you’re taking over my things!” She let her hands roam over Cory’s soapy body. “I couldn’t resist. You made me so horny!” JJ continued her path along Cory’s shoulders.

“The movies made you horny!” Cory turned in her lover’s arms. She captured the brunette’s lips with her teeth. “Come on admit it. You’re hot for the blonde one!” They’d watched ‘Coyote ugly’ and ‘Better Than Chocolate’. Cory had enjoyed embarrassing JJ about her attraction to the blonde character in the latter film.

“Umm…I like blondes. Especially natural ones.” Her head dropped down to Cory’s waist. “Yep, blondes are my favourite.” She kissed Cory’s flat stomach and pulled her closer. She trailed kisses down the stomach until she reached the triangle of blonde curly hair. “Umm…blonde women have more fun. Wouldn’t you agree, babe?” Her response was a groan. She smiled and nuzzled into Cory. Flicking her tongue between the folds of Cory’s swollen skin, she tasted the sweet, musky scent of her girl. Delving deeper and deeper she licked and nibbled. Cory’s responses were growing louder, and she’d straddled the brunette woman. JJ lapped up her partner’s juices. Going faster and faster as her lover’s pants drove her crazy. She could feel herself swelling. Holding Cory steady with her right hand, she placed the left between her legs, and began stroking her own arousal. Keeping the same pace as her girlfriend’s thrusts, JJ brought them both to climax.

Cory’s head was spinning. She held onto the wall as she tried to control her breathing. She’d been so turned on, but had been driven crazy when she’d realized JJ had joined her. She lifted the darker woman up. “Someone couldn’t wait, huh?”

JJ blushed. “You mad?”

Cory wiped the water out of her eyes. “Are you kidding me? Drove me crazy. Knowing what you were doing to me, and to yourself. Turn round so I can clean your back.”

JJ laughed. “Oh, that’s what they’re calling it lately.” She moved round slowly. Feeling Cory’s hands and mouth brush her skin. “Baby… honey… you’re getting me all worked…up again. Oh God.” She gave up any kind of speaking when she felt Cory’s tongue trail lower. The blonde was paying her back in kind. She placed two hands either side of the shower unit and braced herself. A huge smile was the only thing she wore.

JJ looked down as she felt the pressure of Cory’s hand squeezing her own. “You okay?”

“Nervous.”

“Why?”

Cory shrugged, she didn’t really know why. “I guess because I’m meeting your friends. What if they don’t like me?”

“Remember what you told me when I was meeting Ange and Dave. It didn’t matter what they thought, because it was you that mattered. Well, likewise. It doesn’t matter what my friends think of you. I love you, and that’s all that matters. Plus, what’s not to like. You’re pretty, smart, you have an awesome body and you’re great in bed!”

“I know…huh” Cory hadn’t really been listening to JJ. “Do your friends really know that last part? Forget it, I don’t want to know. It’ll only make me more nervous. So where are they?” Cory peered around.

JJ followed Cory’s eyes. She waved as she saw Helen looking their way. “Over there in that booth.” They’d agreed to meet up at the local ‘99’ restaurant. JJ released Cory’s hand and moved her hand to the base of the blonde’s spine. She guided her towards the booth.

Helen stood up and shook Cory’s hand. She winked at JJ. Jo leaned over the table and greeted Cory with a smile and a shake of the hand.

“It’s nice to put a face to the voice.”

“Likewise.” Cory liked Jo instantly. She climbed into the booth and sat opposite the woman. JJ settled beside Cory, and raised her eyebrows at Helen. Helen grinned inanely back at her.

Jo slapped Helen, “Behave!” She turned her attention back to Cory. “You’ll have to excuse these two. On their own, they’re fine. When they get together, it’s like having two kids.”

JJ tried to hide the grin on her face. “So, what do you think of Cory? Umpfh….ouch.” A sharp elbow dug into her side.

“I’m not some hockey trophy!” Cory teased.

JJ blushed. “I’m sorry.”

Helen finally found her voice. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Cory. This one’s been a pain in the butt moping around and missing you. It’s good to see her smile.”

The menus were handed around, and after some deliberation, they ordered their food. After the waitress had disappeared, JJ told the others about their week away. Cory began to relax as the conversation settled onto common ground. She loved the camaraderie between JJ and Helen. They really were good friends. She found Jo to be good company. They found themselves alone at the end of the meal. JJ and Helen had disappeared to the bathroom.

“She’s beautiful, JJ. You two make a handsome couple.”

“I know.” JJ grinned.

“As bigheaded as usual. Seriously, she makes you happy. I’ve never seen you like this. You go all gooey eyed around her. It’s cute.” They both went into individual stalls.

JJ came out first and washed her hands. Helen met her at the sinks. “Any news on Sarah?”

“Nope. Fingers crossed, she’s over her jealous wife routine.”

While their partners were away, Jo seized the opportunity to talk to Cory. “JJ looks very happy.”

“I think she is. I hope she is.” Cory dropped her head.

“Believe me, Cory, I’ve known her quite a few years, and I’ve never seen her so in love. That morning when you called, she was inconsolable. She really thought she’d cheated on you. It broke my heart watching her. Just remember, she may appear all big and brave, but on the inside she’s a real softy. These jocks always are. Speaking of which, here they come.”

Cory looked over and saw JJ. Her heart melted. “I’ll never hurt her.” She whispered, loud enough for Jo to hear.

By the time they got into bed that evening, Cory was insatiable. She’d had a hard time keeping her hands to herself at the restaurant. In the truck, on the way home she’d had to sit on her hands, as they’d begun to wander. JJ had found them too distracting, and had ordered Cory to behave herself. Now they were in bed, and Cory just needed to taste the woman beside her. She began a trail of soft strokes down JJ’s side. “You tired?”

“Not really… Maybe… depends what’s on offer.” JJ winked at Cory.

“Well, we didn’t have any dessert at the restaurant. So, I was wondering if you wanted to maybe partake in some after dinner delights?” Cory’s lips took hold of one of JJ’s nipples and she suckled it very gently. With the other hand she slowly circled the other nipple. “If you wanted to.”

JJ pulled Cory back up towards her. Kissing her on the lips, then on the neck, she continued to kiss Cory lower and lower. Breathing in the musky scent of arousal. “Only if we both dine at the same time.” As she said this she flipped her body round. Opening and offering herself to Cory, as she tasted the blonde for a third time that day.

The Sunday morning light filtered through the bedroom, illuminating the dozing bodies. JJ peeked open an eye. “Please, it can’t be morning already?”

Cory coughed gently, “Afraid so, love.”

JJ groaned. “But I only just fell asleep.”

“And whose fault is that?” Cory rolled over and kissed her grouchy partner.

“Yours!” JJ returned the kiss. Probing her tongue further into Cory’s mouth. “Morning. Happy Easter.”

“Umm…Happy Easter to you.” She reached over into her case, rummaged around and pulled out an Easter egg. “Here you go. English tradition. I hope it’s still in one piece.”

JJ smiled. “A Buffy Easter egg and mouse pad. Oh, and look it’s Willow.”

“Hey, even I know when Willow’s around I’m pushed to the side.” She grinned.

“No you’re not! Thanks, babe.” She jumped off the bed and went to the closet. She grabbed a decorative bag. “Here you go.”

Inside the bag was a fluffy Easter bunny and a box of Lindtz chocolates. “Oh, he is so cute! Thanks babe. Our first Easter together.”

JJ hugged Cory. “First of many I hope. I’m sorry it’s not very traditional. I’m not one for church anymore. I might pop in to see my father later tonight, if you want to come with me. Depends on how late the girls stay.”

Cory agreed. “It’s your turn to make the tea this morning. What time is practice?” Cory stretched her aching body.

“Too soon for my liking. I’ll bring your tea into you. No point both of us being up.” She climbed off the bed and padded down the hall.

“J, have you no shame. Cover yourself up, or you’ll frighten the neighbours.” Her response was a laugh.

A few minutes later, her partner returned with a steaming mug of tea in her hand. “If that’s all they’ve got to do this morning is look at me, then good luck to them. Are you sure you’re going to be okay here on your own? I can stay if you want me to.” JJ pulled her track pants out of the closet.

“No. You missed practice this week already. I’m surprised they let you play if you don’t practice.”

JJ was rooting through her underwear drawer. She found a pair that would be comfortable to play in. “Usually, they don’t. I explained to the coach, and he’s not stupid. He needs me out there. We’re close to the playoffs, and he’s not going to piss off one of his best players. He knows I don’t abuse the system, and if I need to miss practice, there’s a good reason. We’re a pretty good team, no one really slacks off, and so he respects us for it. I’m not sure how many will be there this morning. Like I said, we took a vote. But some players just might go to church instead.”

“I’ll be fine. I want to go over the English section of the book. Then attempt the math. I have your mobile number if I need you. Jo will be here before you get back anyway. It’ll be good to get some dirt off her.”

JJ climbed up the bed. “Babe, there is no dirt! Well, unless you count… no just kidding. You know everything there is to know about me.”

Cory kissed JJ’s head. “I know I do babe. I was just teasing you. Now go and do your stuff. Jo and I will tackle the dinner, and have it waiting for you two when you get back.” She kissed the darker woman one more time, and then slapped her arse. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Honey. Heart and soul.”

Cory had dozed for a few more minutes before finally dragging her body out of the bed. She headed toward the kitchen and put some bread in the toaster. She poked her head round the office, her partner certainly kept things neat and in order. She really did like JJ’s house. It was compact, but gave a feeling of spaciousness. She booted up the computer, and went back into the kitchen. The toast was done to her liking. She searched the cupboards for jam or marmalade. In the end she settled for just butter. She quickly checked her email. There wasn’t much there. Rachel had sent an e-card, and there were some updates to stories, but other than that Cory was pleased to see nothing else there. No news was good news. She replied to Rachel. Letting her know how things were going. After checking some other websites, she shut down the Internet. She felt tired. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. There was no way she was going to get any studying done if she didn’t wake herself up. She decided to take a quick run around the block and get her blood circulating. She’d been a couch potato for over a week, and her body was beginning to rebel.

The weather was pretty good. She started at a slow pace. The gardens looked so pretty, decorated with little plastic eggs dangling from trees, cut out bunnies adorned lawns and pastel pictures were hung off fences. She picked up speed as she turned onto the main road. She didn’t want to travel too far, in case she got lost. After fifteen minutes she’d worked up quite a sweat, and estimated that she’d run about one and a half miles. She turned back. The trip back felt better as the wind blew coolly over her warm skin. As she turned into JJ’s drive, she noticed a black SUV on the driveway. She knew it wasn’t Jo’s car. They’d walked them to their car the previous evening. Cory walked past the house and noticed the side door was open. A chill ran down her spine. Sarah. It had to be Sarah. There was no way Cory wanted a run in with the woman. From all accounts, Sarah was a lot bigger than her, and could pack a punch. She continued to jog, cursing herself for being such a coward.

She turned onto the main road for a second time, and began to run along it. She hadn’t gone more than a few yards when she heard the honking of a horn. She looked up and saw Jo waving at her. She waved back.

“You’re an early bird.”

Cory slowed down and waited for Jo to pull into the side road. “Had to get some exercise other than the bedroom type!” She winked at Jo. “Now I’m being a big chicken and staying clear of the house. I think Sarah’s there.”

Jo winced. “Did she see you?”

Cory shook her head. “I’m not sure. Do you think I should have gone in there?”

Jo opened the passenger door. “Climb in.”

“I’m all sweaty. You don’t need your car smelling of me.”

“No problem, there’s a sheet in the back. Helen’s usually soaked after hockey practice, so the car’s used to it. I think you were very wise to steer clear of Sarah. She’s been a little unpredictable lately.” Suddenly, Jo pulled Cory toward her.

Cory had no idea what was going on. She had her head tucked in Jo’s shoulder. “Shush. Play along Sarah’s car is coming towards us. She won’t recognize my car, it’s pretty new, but I don’t want her to see me.”

Jo released Cory. “Sorry about that. Kind of panicked myself. Okay, let’s go back and see what Little Miss Pissed Off has done to the house. For her sake, I hope she didn’t do anything stupid.”

They pulled up to the house. Nothing appeared to be out of place. Cory untied her laces, slipped the key off them and opened the front door. She peered inside. Everything seemed in place. They both entered. Jo went to check the office. Cory went to the bedroom. Eerily nothing was out of place. They met in the living room. “That’s weird I expected a mess or something.”

“Maybe she just came by to check on things. She may not have realized you two were back.” Jo went into the kitchen and grabbed a soda from the fridge.

“I suppose so, except my case and bags are all over the bedroom. I’m just pleased I decided to go for a run. I was thinking of just taking a shower. Now that would have been a wonderful first meeting. It kind of makes me nervous, knowing she still has a key to this place.”

“Yeah, but the house is still half hers. How about you take that shower while I look at what things JJ has in the fridge and freezer. I bought some beef and potatoes, but I’m sure J said she had vegetables.”

“I can make some Yorkshire Puddings. It’s a traditional accompaniment to beef. I thought I saw a gravy packet in the cupboard earlier. What about a starter?”

Jo moved a few items in the freezer. “Bingo! Shrimp. That will do. Shoo. Go take a shower. I can amuse myself.”

Cory went into the bathroom. She peeled off her wet clothes and threw them straight into the washer. She turned the shower on, and waited for it to warm up. The water felt so good on her back. She dipped her head under the pulsing water, and looked around for some shampoo. She’d left her toiletries in the bedroom.

Jo smiled as Cory opened the bathroom door. “You look better.”

“Yeah. I feel better. More awake. Give me a few minutes to get dressed, and then I’ll drag the study books out. I do appreciate the help, Jo.”

“No problem. If it means we get to see your cute face around town, I’m all for it.” She liked the way Cory’s cheeks blushed.

“Thanks. It means a lot to me to know people are rooting for us.” She patted Jo on the arm, and headed toward the bedroom.

Helen followed JJ out of the rink. “Oh, Bitch alert.”

“Huh.” JJ’s head had been in the clouds. She’d found it hard to concentrate on her game knowing Cory was waiting for her at home.

“Sarah’s waiting by your truck. I’ll go and get a coffee. Seeing me always makes her worse.”

The brunette patted Helen on the back. “Thanks. I’ll try to make it quick.”

JJ paused. She really didn’t want another argument. She pushed her sunglasses down over her eyes, and continued towards the woman.

“I went round the house this morning.” Sarah said very quietly as JJ approached.

Fear clutched at JJ’s heart. “And?”

“I see you ignored my warnings and moved her in.” Tears flowed down Sarah’s cheeks.

JJ ran a hand through her wet hair. She rolled her eyes. “What did you do to her? If you hurt her in any way … I’ll…”

Sarah interrupted her, “I didn’t do anything. I wanted to. I saw her clothes, her things all over our bedroom, and I wanted to tear them up. But I didn’t. The bed sheets were strewn over the bed. J, how could you sleep with her in our bed?” She crumpled against the truck.

“I didn’t sleep with her in our bed. You took it. You’re sleeping with Chris in our bed. Seems like double standards to me.” She caught the surprised look in Sarah’s eyes. “So, you didn’t do anything to scare Cory?”

Sarah shook her head. “She wasn’t there.”

JJ looked confused. “What do you mean she wasn’t there?”

“I went in, and there was no sign of her. I thought you were still away at first. Then I saw the bags in the bedroom, and the covers. You’re usually so tidy, JJ, I looked around but there was no sign of her.”

The taller woman flicked her cell phone open and dialed her home number. She waited a few rings and the machine picked up. “Cory, It’s J, if you’re there pick up.”

“Hey.”

“So, you’re okay?” JJ blew out a relieved breath.

“Yeah. I’m sorry I didn’t pick up. Sarah was around this morning. I was screening the calls. Jo is here. We’ve been working on angles. I’ve learnedso much from her. How was training?” Cory could feel the tension radiating down the phone. “You don’t seem too surprised about Sarah’s visit.”

“No. She’s here with me now. She said you weren’t there, and I panicked.”

“I went for a run. Needed to clear the cobwebs away. Are you okay?”

JJ moved a few steps away from Sarah and turned her back. “Yeah. Relieved to hear you’re okay. I need to talk to her. She’s upset. We’ll be back soon I promise. I love you. Keep studying. I’m proud of you.”

“I love you, too. Be careful.”

JJ snapped the phone shut.

“See, I told you she was okay.” Spat Sarah.

JJ put the phone in her jacket pocket. She turned toward Sarah and ran both hands through her hair. “Sarah, this can’t continue. I’m beginning to hate seeing you. I hoped we could remain friends and get past the bitterness. It’s not like I broke your heart.”

“You did!” Sarah whined. “I miss you so much.”

JJ shook her head from side to side slowly, and let out a tiny laugh. “Geez, you have a funny way of showing it. You left me! You’re so quick to tell me how much I’ve hurt you. How I screwed you over. But in reality, you dumped me, and crawled into Chris’s bed before we’d even talked about it. I had every intention of talking to you about Cory. I was going to take that week and try and work out things with you when I returned. I didn’t make any move on Cory, or talk to her about my feelings until you told me it was over. I’ll admit I was attracted to her. I knew I liked her, but I also had a commitment to you. You broke that commitment first. So cut the crap. I want us to try and move on. I’m very happy. If you’re not happy, that’s not my fault. I feel bad about us splitting up, but I’m not going to let you use this guilt trip anymore. Once we sell the house, I don’t want to see you again. I’m sick of it. I feel like I’m caught in a type of Groundhog Day. We repeat the same conversation over and over again.”

Sarah wiped her eyes. “I know. I just hoped we’d make back up, but you really love her, don’t you?”

JJ nodded.

“You never cared for me like this did you?”

JJ shook her head. “No. I love you, Sarah. Just not the way I love Cory. I’m sorry. It’s like we fit. She’s the other half I’ve always been searching for. I can’t explain it but I feel it.”

Sarah digested the news. She’d known it all along, but she wanted to hear it from JJ. “JJ, I think we need to look at the price of the house. If we lower it down a little, it’ll sell quicker and we can both move on. Maybe build some bridges and become friends. I don’t want to lose your friendship, and I know I’ve done some stupid things these past few weeks.” She watched as JJ lifted her eyes to the sky. “I know you’ve been trying to tell me this all along. I talked to Chris last night. I was so angry because I knew you’d brought Cory to the house. I drove by yesterday and saw your truck. She told me I had to decide whether I was going to pine over you, or move on. I just wanted to make sure you were happy. Chris isn’t my true love. You are, and probably will always be.” Sarah wiped an errant tear away and continued. “But Chris wants us to try, and I promised her I’d talk to you. I’m sorry, the jealousy just rips through me.”

JJ didn’t know what to do. She was relieved Sarah had finally seen the truth, and that she wanted to drop the house price. She still felt guilty for hurting the woman. She moved closer to Sarah, and put her arm around her. She pushed her glasses back through her hair, and looked down at Sarah. Her bright blue eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’d like that, Sarah. I’d like to move on. I hope one day to introduce you to Cory. She really isn’t the evil person you paint her out to be.” She pulled the shorter woman into a hug.

Sarah clung to JJ. She breathed in the smell of JJ’s soap, and closed her eyes. She knew this could be the last time she held JJ so close. Finally, pulling away she looked at JJ. “I have a gift for you.”

“For me?”

Sarah smiled. “It’s Easter. I got you a new bear for your collection.”

JJ didn’t know what to say. She was embarrassed. She hadn’t gotten Sarah anything. “I… umm… I….”

“JJ, the way I’ve behaved, I’m surprised you’re talking to me. I didn’t expect a gift. I saw the new Easter Beanie Baby, and thought of you. I wasn’t sure if you’d already bought it.” She passed the bag to JJ.

“Thanks.” She put the bear in her pocket as she saw Helen coming toward them. Sarah glanced the same way.

“Still keeping your collection a secret from your teammates, huh?” She knocked JJ sideways with her hip.

“Hey, a girl has an image to keep! Thanks, Sarah. How about meeting up next week, and we’ll talk about the house more?”

The stouter woman agreed, and they hugged goodbye. Sarah walked away as Helen approached. “Wow. That looked very civil.”

JJ opened the truck door. “Yeah. It went better than I expected.”

Helen climbed into the passenger seat. “Do you trust her?”

JJ started the engine. “I think so. She seemed sincere. Though I thought that last week, and look what happened. Only time will tell.”

The four women had a good meal. Cory had been keen to hear about JJ’s run in with Sarah. She’d enjoyed Jo’s company and felt she was surer about the math section of the test. They’d played a few board games. Helen and Cory had teamed up against JJ and Jo in Trivial Pursuit. They rented ‘The Diary of Bridget Jones’s’. This had caused them all to laugh. Cory enjoyed explaining some of the language. She felt some of the jokes were lost in the translation. Helen and Jo departed around 8pm. They had agreed to meet up later in the week.

As the two lovers had settled back onto the couch, a niggling thought had begun to worry Cory more. Her unusually quiet demeanor caught JJ’s attention. “Hey. You okay?”

“Yes.”

“You sure?” The darker woman tickled her blonde counterpart. “You don’t look okay. What’s wrong? The test?”

Cory pulled a face. “Maybe. Well, not exactly. I mean it is worrying me, but…well…I feel stupid saying it.”

“Hey, if it’s making you this quiet, I think I need to know.” JJ rubbed Cory’s arm. “Please. A problem shared is a problem halved, or something along those lines. It’s a good thing I’m not taking the English test tomorrow. Please.”

Cory turned to face JJ. She gently stroked the taller woman’s arm. “I’m worried about Sarah.”

JJ raised an eyebrow. She was a little confused. “But I told you she was fine. We left on good terms.”

“I know. I’m being silly. It’s just it scared me that she can come and go into the house. If I hadn’t been running this morning, I’d have been in the shower. I just don’t want my first meeting with her to be on my own. What if she flips again? What if she is the person that was calling me? I know my imagination can run away with me, but this morning was real. She was here. Tomorrow you’ll be leaving me for a few hours, and she knows that.” She stopped talking and stared at the TV screen.

JJ let the words sink in. She hadn’t really thought about it from Cory’s point of view. The blonde was right. Sarah could turn nasty again. She needed to protect her girlfriend. She stood up, as an idea had begun to form.

“Where you going? I didn’t mean to make you mad.” Cory lifted sad, green eyes to face JJ.

“I’m not mad, babe. You’re right. I can’t change the locks on Sarah. She’s a co-owner, and legally I don’t have a leg to stand on. She’s still paying the mortgage, too. But I can put some bolts on the inside of the door. That way she won’t be able to surprise you. It won’t stop her coming around, but it’ll prevent her coming in unannounced. If she asks I’ll tell her there’s been a few burglaries in the area, and I was just being cautious. I think I have some bolts down the basement.”

“You have a cellar?” Cory swallowed the fear. The memories of the previous week’s encounter fresh in her mind.

Seeing the fear her in her lover’s eyes JJ bent down and kissed her head. “It’s only accessible from outside. There’s no way someone can get into the house from there. It only goes under half the house anyway.” She kissed the blonde and went in search of the locks.

On her return, JJ fixed the locks on to both entrance doors. “This should make us feel more secure.” Seeing the troubled look in Cory’s eyes, she walked over to the blonde. “You were right, Cory. I shouldn’t trust Sarah until she shows me she’s over this obsessive behavior. I don’t want her to come around when you’re on your own.” She checked her watch. “It’s way too late to visit my father now. I’ll go and give him a call, and then we could get an early night.” She kissed Cory gently on the mouth, and went into the kitchen.

Part 34 Conclusion

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