A SILVER LINING
'Oh man... where the hell am I' she thought looking around the room. The walls seemed to fade in and out, the edges blurring into oblivion. Faint shapes of a doorway, shadowed by candlelight. She was lying on a hard mattress, somewhat reminiscent of a school camp bunk bed.
Taking a better look at the room she was in, noticing that the walls were now melding into wood paneling, the ceiling being whitewashed, a single candle serving to light the area. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood up, instantly collapsing back onto the mattress, clutching her head.
"Crap that hurts" she muttered standing up again, this time taking it slower.
Getting to her feet, she stumbled towards the doorway, reaching the opening and walking through. The next room was very well lit, with dozens of candles illuminating the chamber. Surveying the decor, or what little there was of it, she noticed that there was a table with two bench seats to the left, an open fire to the right with two armchairs and another doorway directly opposite her. 'Well this just gets weirder by the minute' she thought stumbling over to the table and sitting down on one of the benches, a figure immediately looming up in the door.
"Well well... You're up already, that's a good sign at least" the figure said walking into the light.
"You! Who... Hang on..."she said looking up at the stranger, "Yeh, it is you... You've been in my dreams, you and some tall woman"
"Very good, you did remember" he said walking over to her and sitting down, "so Lian, have you figured out who I am yet?"
"No, well not really... I'm guessing that we're related somewhere along the lines" she answered rubbing her temples, "man I've got a headache"
"Yes we are related, Lian, I'm you're Great Grandfather, my name is William, you were named after me, take a good look at yourself, then at me" he said standing up again for her to inspection.
She took a long look, from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes. Admittedly there differences, they were after all four generations apart and of the opposite sex, but there were definitely similarities. Between the deep gray eyes that sparkled in the candlelight, the same sandy blonde hair that curled up at the front, their arms were almost identical in their length and muscle disposition. Shoulders both broadly set, sloping down to their respective waists and into strong legs.
"Wow... but hang on, you're dead... Ahhhhhhhhhhh" Lian yelled as she was suddenly hit with the possible reality, "if you're dead.... then... then I'm.... oh no"
"Wait" William called out, placing both hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down, "No, you're not dead, don't worry, but you might be soon if you don't wake up" he replied as both he and the room faded out.
**************
"Kick her again, maybe that'll wake her up" Brad bellowed as he walked out of the livingroom towards the kitchen.
Again Steve kicked the lifeless body in the stomach, the only response being an unconscious groan, "Nah, nothing, hang on, I'll try something else" he said, leaning down and pulling her into a sitting position. Having gotten her stable he then plucked her eye lids open, looking to see if there was any signs of life, "nup, forget it, she's way out of it bud"
"Damn, knew we shouldn't have kicked her around last night" he cackled with laughter at the memory. They'd managed to drag her body all the way back to the apartment, not bothering to carry her down the stairs to the basement, choosing rather to kick her down to the doorway.
"Heh, yeah, but it was fun, watching her go tumbling down those stairs" Steve chuckled.
The only thing they hadn't bargained on was that Sasha wouldn't be there when they got back, instead they found a note saying he'd gone to organize something, and would return later or the next day.
"Guess we just wait till Sasha gets back... what time is it now?" Brad called out from the kitchen we he was getting a couple of beers from the fridge.
"Ahh, it's only two am, he could be back soon... hopefully" Steve muttered as he punched Lian in the ribs, "that'll teach you, fucking whore"
*************
Lying on the dew soaked grass, Sabrina slowly began to regain consciousness. At first opting to stay in the position she was currently in, rather than try to move. 'Oh god, what happened?' she thought as her mind tried furiously to recall the preceding events. 'Ok, what can I remember... We were lying here... ugh, yeah that's pretty clear' she thought as a blush crept up her neck, 'what else... oh god... where's Lian?' she suddenly realized that her tall friend was now missing. "Those guys... Oh shit!" she yelped as she leapt to her feet, slightly tensing at the pain shooting through her head, "damn it, bastards hit me where Lian got me... Jeez!"
Now running towards the bar, frantically trying to think of all the details she could tell the police when she could make the call. "Ok, well one was called Brad, the other Steve... Yep, hmmm, description... Ugh, tall, ugly, both with broken noses" she half mused as she quickly covered the ground, sprinting towards the nearest source of help.
Rounding the corner she saw what was now a very welcome sight, "LISA!" she screamed as the off duty officer walked out the front door with her arm around a tall blonde.
"Whoa, Sabrina, hey where's tall light and lethal?" she chuckled as the shorter woman started gulping in air.
"She's been... we were... they've got her" Sabrina mumbled in between deep breaths.
"Hang on, slow down, what happened, who's got who?" Lisa replied in a serious tone, now aware that there was something wrong.
"We were attacked, by two men, they hit Lian, then me, I think they've taken her" she cried collapsing into Lisa's arms.
"Ok ok, what did they look like?" she asked as she slowly passed the girl over to her date, "Brandy, can you take her, I have to call in, this isn't good"
"Yeah sure hon" the good looking blonde said taking Sabrina into her arms and setting them both down on the nearby railing, "Ok babe, now take your time, and tell us what happened"
"Lian and I were over on the slope, fooling around, the next thing I know, I see these two figures come up behind us. One... ugh Steve I think his name was, hit her over the head with a bottle..." she recalled breaking into tears again.
"Ok, anything else?" Brandy urged.
"Mmm, yeah... he had a partner, Brad... I think Lian knew them" Sabrina murmured, as her body was shook from the emotional strain.
Brandy and Lisa looked at each other, 'Nah, couldn't be... Could it?' Lisa thought as her mind started filing away the information. "Sabrina, I need to go call in for back-up, but can you tell me, were these two men drunk?" she asked as she began to walk towards the bar.
"Yes" she answered, starting to sob all over again.
"Ok" Lisa said as she reached the door, 'dammit, bastards, now this is personal' she thought opening the door and walking in.
The two women sat talking, Brandy trying to calm and reassure Sabrina, while Sabrina tried to think of anything that might help catch the men responsible. Minutes later Lisa returned, having called in for back up.
"Ok, we just wait here, some of the guys are on their way" she said sitting down on the other side of Sabrina and speaking to her, "hey, it'll be all right, I think I know the guys that did this, so don't worry about it, it'll be ok"
"I hope you're right" Sabrina mumbled as she started hiccuping.
"I'm telling you it will" Lisa reaffirmed, not letting Sabrina have any doubt in the matter, "so I take it you two... well you know" she asked deciding a positive subject change was in order.
"Yeah, well, yes and no... We're together, but not 'together' if you see where I'm coming from," she said looking at her feet to hide the blush that threatened to break out across her face.
"Uh huh... But I'm guessing you already know what I meant about her hands?" she replied noting the loss of eye contact.
"Ugh, yeah" Sabrina said softly, the blush exploding this time.
Chuckling Lisa told Brandy the story about how they'd met, and about Lian, "so are you two living together?" she asked returning to her conversation with Sabrina.
"No... No... We're just" she paused, 'hang on... I'm supposed to be staying at Uncle Harry's, and yet I can't actually remember the last time I slept in my bed' she mused, "No, I've been spending a lot of time with her, but we're not living together"
"Fair enough..." Lisa answered as the squad car pulled up across the street from them, "Brian, Eric, over here" she called.
The two officers crossed the road and came over to Lisa's side, "What's the emergency?" Brian asked looking at Sabrina.
"Right, here's the rundown, this is Sabrina, she's a good friend of mine, and a friend of hers has been abducted we think. Now I suspect a couple of guys, I've made enquiry's here at Ryans, and I have a good idea where they live. Now the only evidence we have is Sabrina's eye-witness account, and the whopping great bruise they've given her," she quickly said.
"Right, do we want more back-up, or just us?" Eric asked.
"No, just us, there's only two of them, three of us, I figure that's fair" Lisa grinned, "Brandy, I'll come by on my way home ok... So shall we get going, I don't want to wait any longer" she said waving her girlfriend off as she went to work.
The officers broke off from their conversation and headed towards the squad car, Sabrina slowly standing up and starting to follow behind Lisa.
"No, you stay here Sabrina, it's safer" Lisa said putting her hands on the girls shoulders and making her stop.
"NO! Those bastards have MY girlfriend, I am not standing here waiting, not knowing if she's all right or not. I'm coming with you!" Sabrina said shaking off Lisa's grip and walking towards the car again.
Reaching out and grabbing hold of the girls arm, Lisa spun her around, "You cannot come, we can't protect you and get her out, it's not safe" she stated matter of fact.
"I.... AM.... COMING!" Sabrina replied removing Lisa's hand and storming off, "end of discussion"
'Oh boy, hope you know what you got yourself into Lian' Lisa thought to herself as she ran over to the car, waving off the looks from Eric and Brian, "I'll explain later"
**********
Opening the front door and walking in, Sasha was somewhat surprised and then delighted to see what lay on the livingroom floor. Padding over to the body and Steve, he looked at one and then the other, sneering at the possibilities.
"Seems you boys have had an interesting night... This your new play toy?" he asked sinking a boot into Lians ribcage.
"Heh, yeah, thought you might want to play with it yourself... We can't seem to get any life outta her though" Brad smirked as he handed Steve a beer and gave the other to Sasha.
"Oh that I do boys, that I do" he said grinning as he bent down to take a good look at the unconscious form, noting the injuries and asking, "what the fuck have you two been up to?"
"Awww, nuttin much, ain't nothing there that's serious," Steve said as he gulped down a mouthful of beer.
"Nothing serious... She's bleeding from the back of her head, judging by the look of her shirt I'd she's been kicked more than once, so she's probably got broken ribs. Her leg's bleeding on the thigh, and... oh for goodness sake" he paused looking at her left arm, "guys, you've not only broken her arm, but pushed the bone right through her forearm"
Both men now looking at the lifeless body, with its various trails of blood, they both looked at each other before replying, "Sorry"
"Sorry... Goddamn, sorry for what? I couldn't have done better myself" Sasha broke out into a fit of laughter that seemed to rein through the apartment.
Laughing nervously the two men sat back down on the couch, relieved that they hadn't messed up.
"So what are we gonna do with her?" Steve asked as Sasha walked around Lian's body.
"Do, we ain't gonna do anything with her, it's what we're gonna do to her that you wanna know" he answered as he returned to the couch, signaling to Brad to get off.
"Ugh, yeah" they both answered as Sasha began to outline his plans for Lian's future.
**************
"Lian" William called as his great Granddaughter seemed to lose focus, "Lian, you must listen to me. You're in grave danger, you must wake up, if you don't, you're going to lose the one you love, this cannot happen"
Slowly shaking her head, Lian tried to look at William as face faded in and out, "why?" she asked.
"You're a descendant of an ancient warrior, a lineage that's so old not even the historians of old can trace it. This is your heritage, your destiny, but you must choose which path you take. If you don't fight back, you will lose the other half of your soul for another generation, if you do fight, your life will be full of many challenges and much heartbreak. There is no simple answer to this decision" he answered taking her hand in his.
"Great so either way I'm up shit creek... wonderful" Lian answered letting a small piece of sarcasm escape before she could stop it.
"No, you're not, but this is a serious matter, and you're running out of time" he stated as he turned them both towards the fireplace, where the flames suddenly became a window into her life. "You've been through a great deal already my child, but there is so much for you to accomplish, so much more you're meant to do, don't give in because it's hard"
Looking into the flames she saw herself as a child, with her best friend only weeks before he died, then as a young teen, standing up against a group of others, seeming to protect a smaller girl. Then in college, where she'd had to face off against a system that threatened to disallow her to follow her heart. "I'd forgotten all that..." she said watching the flames flicker as they showed the present. Her, lying on the floor in an apartment, three men looming above her. "Is that what's happening now?" she asked.
"Yes" William answered, shaking his head.
"What?" she asked again.
"Keep watching" he replied as the vision showed two men and two women walking into the apartment.
She instantly recognized both the women, one was Sabrina, the other Lisa. Then she saw two of the men that were standing over her spin round and attack the two officers, the third man turned so she could see his face.
"Sasha!" she cried out jumping to her feet and running over to the fire.
"Stop! Don't touch it! Just watch" William called out as she neared the edge.
Once again she halted and looked into the flames. Sasha turned as the two officers and attackers started fighting, he then took steps towards the two women. Reaching into his pants he drew a pistol and aimed it at Sabrina and Lisa. There the vision stopped, and the fire resumed its normal appearance.
"What happened? Why'd it stop?" she yelled looking intently into the flames, trying to see what was happening.
"That is not yet seen Lian, what happens after that is up to you" he said turning and walking towards the door that he came through. "I'm sorry Lian, but our time is up, you must choose now, face your future, or...." he trailed off as he faded through the doorway and into oblivion.
Turning to see the last rays of her Great Grandfather, Lian knew what she had to do. Her choice was made, her fate sealed. For better or worse, she had to go back and save her friends, she had to do something.
**************
The car pulled up silently at the curb, the engine being shut off and the occupants opening the doors and getting out. The driver and front passenger signaling to one of the rear passengers to come around to the front of the house. Together the three stood talking in low voices. Minutes later they broke away, the two men leading while the fourth passenger along with the third followed in the rear.
"Right, Eric will just do a quick sweep, make sure there's no back way out, then be back to come with us" Brian said as Eric started the mission at hand.
"Ok, so what do I do?" Sabrina asked now feeling much better. They'd run a check on the two suspects as they drove along, finding out exactly where they were supposed to be living, they'd only had a few minor charges, like parking fines, and broken traffic laws.
"Nothing, you stay outside and wait while we go in and get the two of them" Lisa answered, "and before you can argue, NO, you are staying out here, no if, buts and or maybes!"
Pouting and scuffing her feet, Sabrina sat back down on the trunk of the car, "Fine, but the minute they're out, I'm coming in!"
"Whatever" Lisa retorted as Eric returned, signaling that the coast was clear, that there was only one way in or out.
"Ok, let's go" Brian said as the three of them set off towards the front door, creeping down the stairs and approaching the door. Knocking on the door Eric called out, "Open it, it's the police", there was no answer so he knocked again, "It's the police, could you open the door please"
************
Sitting on the couch and looking at the body, the three men were discussing their plans when they heard several knocks on the door, and the announcement that they really didn't want to hear.
"What do we do?" Brad mumbled as he started squirming.
"I'll get rid of them," Steve said jumping up and racing over to the door, opening it before Sasha could stop him.
"Noooooooo!" Sasha screamed as both Eric and Brian stormed in the door, easily pushing Steve backwards, Eric chasing after Brad.
"Freeze POLICE!" Lisa yelled running through the door as Sabrina came racing down the stairs behind her.
On the floor Lian slowly cracked an eye open, seeing two officers come racing through the door and capturing Steve and shortly after Brad. Looking over towards Sasha, she saw him starting to walk towards Lisa and Sabrina. 'Oh god, here we go, got to get into action now' she thought as she started to haul herself up off the ground, instantly feeling the broken arm and laceration on her thigh. 'Oh shit... this is gonna hurt' she thought getting to her feet.
"Stay there bitch, I'm warning you" Sasha ranted as he reached into his pants pocket, pulling out a colt .45 and aiming it at Lisa.
"Sasha" Sabrina cried looking at the man who now had a gun pointed at her.
"Don't make me use this," he said cocking the pistol.
"Put the gun down Sasha" Lisa said stepping to her side, trying to cover Sabrina.
Stumbling towards Sasha, Lian only having enough time and energy to aim her attack once.
"LIAN!" Sabrina called, Sasha turning to look straight into Lians eyes as she sent a punch flying into his face. The impact making him stagger backwards, Lisa coming towards him. Spinning around he looked right at Lian.
"You, I thought you were dead" he spat aiming the gun at her, "never mind, you will be soon"
Pulling her piece from under the back of her shirt, Lisa quickly aimed it at Sasha and gave him one last chance, "Sasha, put the gun down NOW!"
Turning to look at the female officer, Sasha winked and squeezed the trigger, "over my dead body bitch"
Lians body chose that moment to collapse. She went thudding to the floor again, narrowly escaping the bullet that was aimed at her. The last sounds she heard were that of two gunshots.
Lisa aimed the trigger at Sasha's shoulder and pulled the trigger, sending a bullet flying into his shoulder-blade, causing him to drop the weapon and fall to the floor in pain, "I told you to drop the gun.... Jerk!" she spat as she walked over and kicked his firearm away.
Sabrina raced passed Lisa, jumping over the howling Sasha where Lisa was now reading him his rights as she handcuffed him. Dropping to her knees she looked at Lians body, searching for the gunshot wound, not finding it she rolled the body over, gasping with shock at the appearance of her friend. She was black and blue, from her head to her waist. Bleeding cuts and broken bones, torn clothing and dirt staining otherwise creamy white skin.
"Oh god, no... NO!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed clutching at the body, that was no longer making any movement.
Eric and Brian taking the opportunity to remove the other two, calling for an ambulance. "Hey Brian, next time Lisa says there's an easy job, how about we give it to someone else" Eric said trying to lighten the air that was running thick with tension.
"Uh, sure buddy, that sounds like a great idea to me" he replied as they shunted the two captives out the door and up the stairs.
"Is she ok?" Lisa asked having secured Sasha and placed him on the couch.
"I don't think so... These wounds look pretty bad" Sabrina answered as she pulled Lians body into her lap.
"Ok, just stay with her, keep talking to her, we'll get an ambulance" Lisa assured her, taking a quick look at her unconscious friend, and not liking what she saw.
Nodding in recognition, Sabrina started smoothing away Lian's hair, softly singing to her.
Twenty minutes later an ambulance had arrived, the paramedics treating Lian and placing her in the back of the vehicle, then tending to Sasha, loading him up they drove off to the nearest hospital, both Lisa and Sabrina accompanying them.
***************
Opening her eyes and looking around the room, she noticed that she was once again back in the wood paneled room, laying on the pallet again she wondered just what was going on this time. Propping herself up on the mattress, Lian focused her eyes clearly on the doorway where a figure now.
"Hey, you're awake, good" the figure said as he uncrossed his legs.
"Ugh, Grandfather?" Lian asked as she swung her legs round, wincing at the pain the shot down her left leg.
"Whoa, easy there sprite" he answered walking into the light, "yes it's me"
"Cool... So why am I back here?" Lian asked as she looked at his face.
"You're back here because right now you're body is too abused to deal with real life, but don't worry, you'll be going back soon" he said sitting down on the bed and looking at Lian.
Lian sat looking at the man seated next to her. Taking in his features, he seemed older somehow.
Laughing he looked at Lian, "Yes, I'm older, grayer, but it's still me, Oh and there's someone I'd like you to meet" he chuckled as a short raven haired, brown eyed woman walked into the room with a mug full of steaming liquid.
"Here, drink this, it'll help with the pain" she said.
"Lian, this is my wife and soulmate, Caitlin" William said holding out his hand, it being eagerly taken up by the other woman.
"Um, nice to meet you" Lian said holding out her hand and firmly shaking it.
"Wow, that's some grip you've got there" Caitlin said shaking Lians hand before leaning into William looking into his eyes, "reminds me of someone else I know".
"Ugh, so when do I get to go back?" Lian said looking around the room, noticing the room beginning to fade.
"Soon, very soon. We just thought we'd come and sit with you for a while" William said, "I just wanted you to meet a very special person. If I had done what I was supposed to, at the right time, we would have been able to live out our lives together. But I didn't, and we were separated for many years"
"I'm sorry, that really bites" Lian said smiling at the couple and wishing for all the world that Sabrina was there.
"Thank you, but it's ok, we're together now, and have been for a long time now. But there's something you must understand before you go. Lian, no matter what happens, your life will be alright, you and..."William trailed off as an apparition of Sabrina glimmered into sight, "will be fine"
Leaping off the pallet and walking over to Sabrina, Lian wrapped her arms around her and kissed her, "Gods I've missed you" she said holding the young woman tightly.
"I know baby, I know, it's time" Sabrina said holding Lian close and waving to William and Caitlin.
"Hi Sabrina, take good care of our girl, ok" Caitlin said smiling at the young girl.
"Don't worry, I'm not ever leaving her side, never again" she replied taking Lian's hand and pulling her towards the doorway.
"I guess this is good bye then" Lian called as they passed through the opening.
"For now my child, only for now" Williams voice echoed in her mind.
**********
"Wha???? Where am I" Lian called out as she opened her eyes, jerking upright.
"Whoa, easy tiger, settle" Sabrina cried leaping out of the nearby seat and racing to hit the nurses button and to her friends side, "thank the gods you're all right, you've had me so scared"
"What, what are you talking about, where am I?" Lian asked again as she looked around the room, taking in the surrounds. She was in a hospital bed, tubes poking into her body, pumping in who knew what and draining out liquids she didn't even want to think about.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Sabrina stroked Lians arm, "you're in the hospital baby, you've been unconscious for a week" she said starting to cry.
"I've been what?" she repeated, "a week, are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure, I've barely left your side, the doctor said if you didn't wake up in the next couple of days, that... well it wasn't good" she answered pulling the covers straight and fussing around Lians bed.
"Would you please stop that" Lian called, "I'm fine, don't worry"
"Fine? How can you say that, do you have any idea what's wrong with you?" she shot back, the emotions becoming too much for her.
"Oh, I'd say I've got a fair idea" Lian chuckled, immediately regretting the action as it sent shooting pain through her body, "would you just shut up and come here so I can kiss you"
Sabrina walked over and hopped up onto the bed, leaning into Lian as the cook reached up and pulled her head down. Their lips touched sending other sensations shooting through both their bodies simultaneously.
"Ugh hummm" the nurse coughed at the door startling to two women, "Sorry to interrupt, but I believe I need to check this young lady out"
"No, that's all right, I think my girlfriend is doing a good enough job thanks" Lian said smiling sweetly at the nurse.
Laughing Lian and Sabrina parted, allowing the nurse to look over her patient. "Ok, well everything looks okay, we'll just keep you in over night to be sure" she said turning and walking back out the door.
Both women looked at each other and broke out into laughter.
***************
Two weeks later Lian was lying in bed, looking out across English Bay, waiting for Sabrina to return from running the days errands. 'Wow, well I can honestly say that the last month has been interesting' she thought as she pulled the covers up a bit further. The last week had been full or rest and recuperation, Sabrina not letting her lift a piece of paper unless she was sure the cook could handle it. But having to stay in bed had certain advantages, especially when Sabrina would snuggle up to her at night, not even leaving her side at nighttime.
"Ok Lian, time to get your butt out of bed and stretch these legs" she said to herself, still not budging from her warm position, "eh, maybe I'll just wait for Bri"
Looking down at her legs, Lian pulled part of the bed covers back and looked at the wound. The cut was nearly all healed up now, where there had been a long thing slice, sown up with thirty stitches, there was now only a faint pink line. Her arm on the other hand had been another story. It had been broken in three places, with part of the Ulna bone being pushed through the skin, leaving a very nasty wound. It had been put in a plaster, but it left her needing help doing many menial tasks, like showering. Not that this was a great hard ship, as she'd had an immediate volunteer. Sabrina deciding that in order to make it fair on Lian, she'd 'help' Lian wash, and in return, Lian could help her.
Thinking about that, Lian started to blush, ', or so frustrating' she thought as her mind played back over the last couple of weeks 'bath time' activities. "Oh yeah, I think I feel a shower coming on" she chuckled to herself. Her ribs were healing up nicely, there only being three broken ones and a few fractures. All the minor cuts and scrapes having healed up had begun fading away already.
Sasha had been charged and incarcerated, due to face court in a few months, and it appeared that this time he'd be put away for a very long time. The police had managed to recover the bulk of Harry's money, the restaurateur being most happy about its recovery.
John and Mary were taking over the lease on the apartment when it came up for renewal, he'd already moved the bulk of his belongings into Mary's room and the living room. Lian had checked with Immigration, and it was confirmed that she did have to leave within the next few days, she could apply for residency, but it had to be done from outside of the country, the obvious choice being America. So she'd planned on taking a bus down to Seattle and applying through the nearest office.
Walking into the room and jumping onto the bed, Sabrina bounced over to Lian, not waiting for her to open her arms for a hug, choosing rather to kiss the cook right there and then, "hey stranger, how you feeling?" she asked settling down into Lians arms.
"Mhmm, much better now babe, where'd you go?" she answered slipping a hand through Sabrina's sweater and shirt to her stomach where she started tracing soft lines across her belly.
"Mmm, good... Ugh, don't be mad, but I went to school, to speak to my professors" she answered returning the favor.
"Riiiiiiiiiight...." Lian purred before continuing, " and what did they have to say?"
"He said yes" Sabrina answered leaning up and kissing Lian again.
"Yes? That's pretty vague" she mumbled pulling the smaller woman on top of her, tugging her sweater off over the top of her head.
"I asked him if I could do the last bit of my course via the internet" Sabrina replied pulling at Lian's shirt, being careful as she slide her left arm out and lifting it over the blondes head.
"Ok..." Lian answered as she started undoing Sabrina's shirt, opening it up and taking in a deep breath of skin scented air, "hang on, the Internet, what are you up to?"
Leaning in and kissing Lian again, Sabrina slid her hands around to unfasten her bra.
"Babe, I'm coming with you, if I use your laptop to email him my essays, I don't have to attend class, I'm already passing all my subjects for the year, it's February now, there's spring vacation coming up, then only a few more weeks. I don't have any exams to sit, only papers to turn in, which I can do via the 'net'. So, I can come with you to America"
Sabrina said as she tugged the offending garment off, taking a deep breath as she looked down at the milky white breasts in front of her.
"I have a feeling I've been set up" Lian answered removing Sabrina's shirt, quickly followed by her bra. Sighing deeply Lian slowly reached out and traced a line around the edge of Sabrina's right nipple, "so, have I been?"
"Yesssssss..." she groaned, in answer to both the question and the touch of Lians hand on her skin, "but in a good way"
"Ok" Lian murmured as she pulled Sabrina down on top of her, starting a long sensual kiss, "no more talking, not now"
"If you're sure you want to do this" Sabrina breathed as she trailed kisses down Lians throat and onto her breastbone.
"I've never been more sure in my life" Lian answered silencing Sabrina as she slipped her hands underneath the waistband of her pants. Running her hands round to the back, Lian slowly slid the material down. Bringing her hands back up along her thighs and cupping the two firm cheeks and starting to knead them.
"Ugh" Sabrina moaned as she felt strong fingers start plying her flesh, molding and kneading. She ran her hands over the surface of Lians shoulders, noticing the small scar from Sashas first attack amongst others, leaning in and softly kissing each of them.
Looking into Lians eyes she saw a sparkle there that seemed to draw her in closer, closer until their lips met, tongues touching, sighs of contentment escaping both their mouths, "I love you Lian" she said as the taller woman rolled both of them over in the bed.
"I love you too" Lian answered as she began trailing kisses down her neckline, hands slipping down Sabrina's thigh, slowly creeping back up along the front of her leg, past the dark curls and onto the soft skin of her stomach. Tracing patterns across her skin, Lian edged her way down towards the swell of Sabrina's breast, nipping at the sweet tasting skin, cupping one breast and flicking the nipple with her tongue.
"Uhhh" Sabrina panted out, leaning into Lian, her other breast begging for attention, "you sure you're a virgin"
With a soft snort Lian answered, "hey, I read a lot, what can I say". Switching to her other breast Lian began softly suckling, drawing as much of the tender flesh into her mouth as she could. One hand manipulating the bud of the now unattended breast, while the other massaged her stomach.
Leaning her head, and bending her body upwards, Sabrina kissed Lians head as her new lover continued her ministrations. Feeling Lians mouth leave her breast she whimpered, it was quickly replaced by her other hand as she felt a fiery trail of kisses start descending along the center of her body.
Slowly but surely Lian worked her way towards her goal, pausing just above the damp curls, she looked back up into Sabrina's eyes, the look of total devotion on both their faces reassuring them of their love. Leaning back into the downy hairs, Lian softly kissed the patch before diverging off to the inside of her thighs, placing small kisses so close to Sabrina's center that it made the young girl twitch in anticipation.
"Lian... please" she begged as her hands clenched hold of the bed sheets, not wanting to force her friend to go where she desperately needed her.
Smiling Lian released her breasts where she'd never stopped her actions, pulling her hands down along the girls' body with slow precision, she brought her hands around to Sabrina's folds. Slowly parting them Lian leant in, 'no backing out now Li, you got the girl, you got to here, now enjoy this' she thought as a fit of butterflies suddenly hit her as she realized what she was doing and about to do.
Dipping her head, Lian leant in, her tongue running around the edges, teasing Sabrina's body with every pass as it neared her opening, only to just as quickly retract. Softly sliding her tongue up, Lian lightly flicked the now swollen nub, smiling to herself as Sabrina's body suddenly jerked, 'heh, well I guess that was a good reaction' she thought as she began to lightly suck, 'hmm, wonder what this'll get me'.
"Oh godsssssss...." Sabrina cried out as her body started quivering in response to what Lian was doing to her.
Removing her mouth from Sabrina's center, Lian placed her hand at Sabrina's opening, she crept back up along the girls' shaking body, slowly kissing her way up as she approached the now extremely sensitive breasts. Lian slowly pushed one finger in as she took a breast in her mouth, beginning a slow and purposeful rhythm, 'oh god I hope I'm doing this right' she thought increasing the depth and speed of the strokes. Sabrina's body shaking violently and her groaning as she neared her climax, reassuring Lian that she was.
Panting in between groans, Sabrina quickly climbed towards the edge, Lian delicately pushing her over and cradling her descent into oblivion as Sabrina called out Lians name.
Bodies soaked in sweat curled up into a heaving mass as they both lay in silence.
Chuckling lightly, Lian looked intently into Sabrina's eyes, "So, did I do ok?"
"Uh, yes, you did more than ok babe" Sabrina replied rolling Lian onto her back, "now it's my turn" she finished leaning in and starting a long sensual kiss, the was to lead to a very thorough exploration of her lover.
'Heh, not bad Lian, not bad at all for a first time' she thought to herself before Sabrina's touch claimed her mind, body and soul.
**************
Lying in bed with her body wrapped around a dozing Sabrina, Lian watched as the sleeping woman's chest rise and fall as she slept. Thinking back to the night before, 'wow, that was... wow' she thought. It hadn't been all smooth sailing, but it was definitely well worth going back for, time and time again. Stroking Sabrina's hair, Lian looked at the luminous numbers of her alarm clock as they slowly ticked over, approaching the time where she'd normally be getting ready for work.
Stirring as she woke up, Sabrina sleepily opened one eye before the other, peeping up and seeing two gray orbs watching over her, "hey stranger" she murmured snuggling in closer to the body she was already covering.
"Good morning beautiful" Lian smiled back, placing a kiss on top of her head, "you sleep ok?"
"Mhmm, like a baby. Had a really weird dream though... Something about an old man... he was smiling at me, told me to take good care of you... Funny thing is, he looked a lot like you" she answered as she hugged her new body pillow.
"Really?" she smirked, "remind me to tell you about that later" she finished starting to trail kisses down her neck.
"Ugh, ok" Sabrina mumbled as Lian began sucking on her pulse point.
"Mmm, I think I'd better stop... I need to get out of bed today, I... We leave day after tomorrow and I need to go run a few errands. So it's shower time my dear" Lian answered pulling away and kissing Sabrina on the lips before sliding out from underneath her.
"Wha? You start something like that, then walk away, I don't think so!" Sabrina bellowed leaping out of the bed and pulling Lian into a hug.
"Hmm, me, start what?" she replied getting out of the hug, gathering up a change of clothes and walking into the bathroom.
"Why, you... Oh no you don't" she retorted running after the cook, shutting the door as she passed through it.
"I don't know what you're talking about" Lian said turning the water on, stripping off as it quickly reached an appropriate temperature before stepping in.
"Yeah right, you're gonna regret starting that, then leaving me" Sabrina snorted as she hastily dispersed her clothing and followed Lian into the shower.
"Oh really?" Lian countered as she pinned Sabrina to the cold tiled wall, at the same time kissing and sucking her way down the girls' throat.
"Ugh" Sabrina groaned as Lian slid a wet thigh between her legs.
"Heh, so how do you like being set up?" she asked, not waiting for an answer, silencing her with another kiss, preferring to focus on the intermit dance they had begun under the warm running water.
****************
Walking hand in hand slowly back towards the apartment, Lian and Sabrina occasionally looking at each other and smirking, both lost in their thoughts. The shower had turned out to be very interesting, this is until the water ran cold on both of them, that had not been fun, even though it did add to the overall sensations.
They'd managed however to make get out without freezing too much, helping to dry each other off and get dressed. Lian had decided to go down to the bank and organize to get a credit card so that she could access her account easier from America. Having done that, they walked round to Roughtons and said hello to all the staff, most of them hadn't seen Lian for quite some time and had missed the Australian cook's antics. Lian had also been informed that there was a special farewell dinner prepared for her the following night, and the she was expected there no matter what.
She and Sabrina having already decided not to tell the others that Sabrina was leaving as well, opting only to ask Harry if it was ok with him. Receiving his blessing the two had left the restaurant and headed home. They'd made a few plans about where they were to go. Lian wanted to go up into the woods and mountains in Washington after she'd put her application for residency in, maybe follow the train tracks through the Rockies. Sabrina for her part was happy just follow wherever Lian went. She could happily write about the places they went, the people they met and the adventures they had.
"You just about packed?" Lian asked as they approached the front door.
"Yeah, one or two things left, but otherwise it's all done, what about you?" she answered opening the door helping Lian hobble through.
"Thanks, yeah I'm done, the only thing left is the laptop" she replied starting on the stairs.
"Lian, I've got one question... You've lived here for so long, climbing these stairs everyday... Why? There's an elevator right there" Sabrina pointed chuckling as Lian looked where she was directing.
"Well what do you know, I never noticed that... I'd probably still have taken the stairs anyway, but it would have been nice to know about when I was carrying a certain drunk damsel up to my apartment" she smirked nudging Sabrina as she came level with her.
"Now why doesn't that surprise me" she laughed as the pair climbed the stairs.
***************
Walking to the door, Lian paused to look back at the restaurant filled with staff and friends, she waved good bye, trying not to cry at the sight. The others had obviously spent the entire day setting up the room with streamers, balloons, party lights and confetti filled bags set to fall on her when she walked through the front door.
They'd had a really nice dinner, nothing too fantastic, simple and sincere, Joe using his talents to make some of the Aussie's home favorites like garlic prawns and pavlova. They'd even managed to import bottles of the best beer Australia had to offer, Victoria Bitter. She'd had a really good time. Not one who usually enjoyed parties, but this one was different somehow. It was a farewell of sorts, even if she came back to Canada, she wasn't coming back to Roughtons, it was in all effects, the end of an era, and they all knew it.
To top it off, Harry had let slip that Lian wasn't the only one leaving, the gang had finding out that Sabrina was to accompany the cook on her travels, so everyone was making sure that they had a memorable farewell party. Liz having organized two cakes, with inch thick frosting, which as irony would have it, soon became airborne in a tame food fight.
Fortunately for Harry and whoever the lucky cleaners were, it didn't last long.
"Hey, you never told us why you're going?" Liz called out to Lian and Sabrina as they opened the door.
"Oh, didn't we... Ugh, go figure" Lian smirked as Sabrina took her into a tight embrace.
"I guess you guys hadn't heard... Lian and I are..." Sabrina started to say, but being silenced as Lian leant down and sealed their mouths together, deciding to find out that if a picture was worth a thousand words, just how much was a real life scene worth.
Breaking away and looking back at the slack jawed crowd as they stood watching, "we're TOGETHER, she's my girlfriend" Lian said dragging Sabrina out the door after her.
"Well I never" Liz and Joe said in unison before Liz turned to Joe saying, "I told you she was gay, pay up sucker!"
Handing over ten dollars, Joe grumbled and walked off, being heard to say, "well I guess you would know".
Liz just stood there smirking, she'd always thought that Lian had been gay, as a memories faded into her mind, a line from a movie she'd seen some time ago came unbidden, 'Like speaks to like'. Snorting to herself she began clearing up some of the mess, content in the knowledge that the Cook was happy.
**********
Stepping outside into the cold night air, Lian took hold of Sabrina's hand as they began walking home, only to get to the corner of the street and stop where Harry was waiting for them in his car.
"Hold up you two, I've got something for you" he said climbing out of the 96 Jimmy.
"Mmm, you gonna give us a lift back to my place?" Lian chuckled as Sabrina came round in front of her, and wrapping Lians arms around her, "cause I think this one's having a bit of trouble with the cold"
"Close" he answered laughing, "actually, this is for you" he finished standing back from the driverŐs door and opening it up for her.
"Huh?" they both said looking at the older man.
"You're taking the car, I'm not having you using buses and god's knows what transport, you'll take the car, and that's the end of the matter" he said walking over and pushing the couple towards the open car.
"Hang on, what, I ... Harry I don't understand, why are you doing this?" Lian asked standing her ground, refusing to be pushed or pulled along any more.
"I'm doing this because I want to, because you're in love with my niece, and after all you've done and been through for me, it's the least I can do. So stop arguing and get in the car, it's getting cold and I want a lift home" he laughed as he pushed a stunned Lian into the car. Climbing back into the car, starting the engine and driving off.
"Uncle Harry, I have a question" Sabrina piped up from the back, "what are you going to do for a car while we've got this one?"
"Oh that's easy, I'm going to get one of those sports cars your mother hates, the one she's been nagging me not to get since I was a young man" he chortled as they drove along.
"Ohhhhh, yeah, Mom's gonna love that" Sabrina laughed as she imagined her mothers' response to her Uncles' actions.
Pulling up out front of his house, the three of them piled out, hugging Harry goodbye, Lian whispered in his ear, "Bye Harry, and thank you, for everything, I'll never forget you"
"No, thank you Lian, and I expect an invitation to the wedding" he whispered back laughing at the stunned look on Lians face.
"What'd you say to her Uncle Harry?" Sabrina asked as she hugged him.
"Nothing, just that I wanted to hear from you both" he said patting her on the back as he broke away, "If you two need anything, you call me, you hear?" he stated finishing up.
"Yes Sir" they both said saluting him. Both looking at each other and bursting out laughing, "Great minds" Harry muttered turning and heading towards the front door.
The happy couple got back into the car, Lian insisting on driving, "I'm not totally useless you know" she said putting the seatbelt on.
"Yeah, I know, but I get to drive tomorrow, ok" Sabrina countered.
"Ok" she relented, knowing there was no point arguing with the girl.
Waving farewell they drove off, a touch of sadness over coming them both, as their future together seemed to loom up in front of them. "We're going to be ok" Lian said taking hold of Sabrina's hand and squeezing it. "Yeah, as long as we're together" she said returning the gesture.
**********
Waking early the next morning, Lian rose and wandered out to the laptop, opening it up and quickly connecting to the Internet. 'Time to deal with the farewell emails I guess' she thought opening her mail program and downloading the latest amount. "Oh goodie" she said sarcastically, "only twenty there, guess I should have kept a better eye on this, oh well". Scanning through the relevant documents and deleting the others, she quickly typed out a letter to Rox and Mark, one to her parents, and a final one to Renee and Amy.
"Hmm, I wonder if Sabrina would like to go visit them" she said thinking out loud.
"Go see who?" a sleepy voice said coming from behind her.
"Morning Bright Eyes" Lian said turning to welcome her into a bear hug, "I was just wondering if you'd like to go and visit a couple of friends of mine in America"
"Sure, that'd be nice" Sabrina answered hugging her, nuzzling Lians chest and placing a kiss where the sleeping shirt sloped away on her shoulder.
"Ok, I'll let them know" she said releasing Sabrina and returning to her mail.
"Cool, when do we leave?" she asked sitting down on Lians lap.
"Um, well it's six am now, how's seven suit you, I'd like to get and early start" Lian replied hitting the send button and closing down the program.
"Mmm, sure, guess I'd better get in the shower then huh," she said getting off Lians lap.
"Heh, need a hand?" Lian smirked as she shut the computer down and started unplugging the cords.
"Hmmm, decisions, a quick shower on my own, or a longer way more enjoyable one with you" Sabrina muttered as she pretended to weight up her options.
"Scamp!" Lian smirked as she slapped Sabrina on the backside and limped off towards the bathroom.
Laughing Sabrina bounded after her, she grabbed hold of Lian just as they reached the bathroom door, "I love you, you know that, right?" she said pulling the older woman into the room.
"Yeah, I had a faint idea that you did" Lian replied pushing Sabrina up against the tiled wall and kissing her, "I love you too babe"
************
An hour later the happy couple was in the car, having loaded up the back with their bags and any other items that may prove useful. They were about to get in and leave when Mary and John came racing down the stairs, shouting at them to wait.
"Lian!!!!!! Sabrina!!!!!" Mary cried out running into the parking lot, waving frantically.
"What?" the both answered as the short redhead reached them. "What's up?" Lian asked as John loped over, joining his fiancée.
"We just wanted to say goodbye, and to give you this" Mary answered taking Lian into a big bear hug and pressing a small rectangular object into her hand.
"Ugh, thanks, I'll miss you" Lian said looking at the package that was wrapped in blue paper.
"I'll miss you too Aussie, you take care, ok, and look after the kid, she's a handful" Mary smirked winking at Sabrina before giving her a big hug.
"See ya Lian, take care pal" John said putting his hand out to shake hers.
"See ya John, be good to her, or I'll come back and whomp your butt!" Lian joked, "Nah, we'll do this the Aussie way," she said taking him up in a big bear hug and bouncing him up and down.
Stumbling backwards, John burst out laughing, "Christ if that's an Aussie hug, I'd hate to see what you do to her" he smirked looking at Sabrina.
"JOHN!" Mary cried, a little shocked that he'd said that.
"Don't worry about it Mary, he's just a dirty old man" Sabrina said climbing up into the Jimmy.
Hugging Mary one final time, Lian looked into her eyes and smiled, "Thanks for being there Mary, I'll always be here if you need me" she said getting into the passengers side of the vehicle.
"Bye Lian, Bye Sabrina" Mary and John called out as the car pulled away from the curb.
"So what's in the package?" Sabrina asked turning onto the interstate and heading southwards.
Opening the gift, Lian burst out laughing as she looked at the cover, it was a tape of Melissa Etheridge songs. "Well I guess she got us on that one" she smirked placing the tape into the player, listening to the music as the first song started to play.
Looking at each other and smiling, Sabrina and Lian just listening to the music as they drove along.
"Come on baby let's get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down
There's a chill in my bones
I don't want to be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive"
The End.