I'd also like to thank everyone who helped. Thanks to Steph, Critic, Ink, and everyone else who has contributed.

Many people have asked me about my posting policy, so here's a rundown. I have a personal policy to post at least once a week, but if I am ahead of schedule or have extra time, I'll post more than once.

A Note: In the story, when Sam (or someone who is signing) murmurs, mumbles or whatever, they are not speaking. The 'screams' 'whispers' and so forth are merely the sign language equivalent.

Author's Note: There is an untitled poem in this part. I do not know who wrote it, but if you can help, please e-mail me so I can give the poet proper credit.

Allison couldn't move or speak. She didn't even tremble. Her mouth froze and her arms remained still by her hips. Wide-eyed and not breathing, she stood completely stunned, while Susan's rage grew. Sam recovered quickly from the surprise of the sudden presence of her stepmother. Before she could do anything, Susan was clutching her daughter's shirt fiercely and screaming words that the deaf girl couldn't understand.

The redhead must have seen everything, and she wasn't thrilled, to say the least. Sam forced herself to act rationally and methodically. A hot reaction to Susan's spittle would only exacerbate the older woman's fury.

"Allison! I told you to change! That horrible garment does not match your windbreaker!" shrilled the redhead. "You're such a rebel! Why don't you ever listen to me?"

Susan's blistering yet relatively mild language slithered through Allison's thought processes. Slowly, the blonde realized her mother hadn't seen the kiss. She didn't suspect a thing! The older woman was upset merely because her daughter's clothes did not match. Sam made a low sound of displeasure as she towered over her stepmother, but Allison held up a cautioning hand to push the taller girl away.

Giddy relief poured through Allison and her knees grew weak as giggles quickly turned into laughter escaped her mouth and shook her body. Her heartbeat slowed a bit.

"Why are you laughing?" Susan screamed. "You think this is funny?" She shoved her daughter away in disgust and glared at her horrible masculine stepdaughter. Shaking her head wildly, she pointed to Allison's shirt as if she'd swallowed a bottle of poison. "It's entirely your fault, Samantha! No wonder Allison didn't meet any boys this week! You two make absolutely no effort to look nice!" As long Allison was suitably occupied with other boys, her Beauregard was safe from the hussy's clutches.

Sam did a double take, attempting to figure out the whole scene. The redhead seemed upset about Allison's... shirt? Maybe Susan hadn't seen anything and was just aggravated about the blonde's choice of wardrobe. The older woman haughtily thrust the bucket of ice into Sam's chest and with a final glare at the duo, spun on her heels and waddled contemptuously around the corner.

"Oh! Oh!" Allison couldn't remember ever being so light-headed. The blonde held her hand over her heart, gasping shallow breaths, as she realized by how narrowly she had lucked out. She might not be as fortunate next time.

The dark-haired girl took her stepsister's free hand in hers and kissed the top. "She didn't see?"

Allison shook her head emphatically, avoiding a direct eye contact with her friend. "Not a thing!" she squawked. "Not a blessed thing! She didn't like the shirt..." Allison's eyelids fluttered frantically.

"Hey! Hey." Sam furrowed her brows, shaking her highly agitated stepsister by the shoulders. "Calm down. Calm down!" The brunette squeezed Allison's arm. "Breathe, Alli."

"She didn't see! Oh, she didn't see!" Tears of joy welled in Allison's green eyes as she forced herself to breathe slowly. I'm safe for now. But that taught me a lesson, and I know what I have to do.

Sam lifted Allison's chin with her index finger but the blonde pulled back abruptly, harshly. "No! What if someone catches us? What if she comes back? We can't do this." She rammed Sam's carefully handwritten poem into the bucket. "We cannot do this!" Her face a mottled red and white, Allison vanished furiously around the corner.

The brunette quashed her first impulse to take off after her stepsister and whack some sense into the mama's girl. Why couldn't she grow a spine for once and stand up to her witch of a mother? What was the worst that could happen? Sam slammed the ice bucket onto a windowsill. She fisted and flexed her hands, pacing the small alcove, as she forced herself to think. Allison had just undergone a major scare. She wasn't thinking right. Remember what happened after your first kiss during the birthday party? The blue-eyed young woman gritted her teeth, reached for the poem, and carefully refolded the paper. She and Allison were long overdue for a serious talk. Of one thing, Sam was sure. She didn't want to lose Allison, especially because of Susan Cannizarro. And Allison had to learn to become her own person, not her mother's puppet.

*****

Susan, seated on the couch, glared at Allison coldly as the blonde entered the condo. Without a word, the older woman sauntered into the master bedroom and locked the door behind her. Allen was asleep when Allison ran into their room.

Allison quickly changed into her pajamas in the darkened room, shame filling her. She had treated Sam so horribly, like dirt. And after all Sam had done, writing that beautiful and sweet poem, what did she get in return? The blonde fought the urge to cry as she heard the front door open quietly. Her stepsister didn't know and would never understand the whole complicated mess. Allison crept into bed and pulled the covers to her chin. Sam should be in the room any minute now and the blonde didn't want to talk.

Green eyes adjusted to the darkened room, aided especially by the moonlight filtering through the windows, as Allison listened to Sam's movements throughout the condo. She heard Sam open the refrigerator, probably for a small snack, then heard the TV turn on. Soft but indistinct voices floated into Allison's ears and then the sound was muted. Allison studied the ceiling, then shifted her attention to the sleeping figure on the cot next to her. She loved watching Allen sleep, how angelic he looked with his light eyelashes curling up and his contented sighs. She couldn't lose the boy. Her son was her life and she and Sam wouldn't be able to conceal a romantic relationship under Susan's nose for the rest of their lives. Sam wouldn't stand for it, anyway, Allison reasoned. The dark-haired girl was one of those challenging and aggressive types. Allison felt better now that she had reminded herself of the trap she was in and firmed her resolve. Her son came first, before anybody else. And that included Allison herself and Sam.

Sam numbly watched the bland actors speak their lines on TV. Even though the closed-captioning was on, she wasn't paying one iota of attention to the program. She decided to wait until she was completely calm before approaching Allison or anybody else. The last thing she wanted to happen was an ugly fight, and she was notorious for her hot temper flaring with the smallest provocation. Or better yet, she was hoping the blonde would come to her. Half an hour later, the credits for the comedy rolled and no Allison. The dark-haired girl sighed and clicked the TV off. She turned off the lights in the kitchen and living room.

Sam wandered into the bathroom and splashed some cool water on her face. She studied her reflection in the mirror and shook her head wryly at the worried face that stared back. Love was no stroll in the park. She undid her bra latches and slipped the undergarment off through her shirtsleeves. Bra in hand, she went into the bedroom that she'd shared with her stepsiblings for the previous week. She left the door open a crack, allowing faint light from the hallway to spill through. Allen was sleeping, and so was Allison-or pretending to be. Sam couldn't tell. The brunette pulled a drawer open and tossed her bra and the poem inside, then closed it quietly. She padded to the bedroom door and did the same, closing it.

Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the hurt and rage growing inside of her. Allison apparently didn't care. Didn't give a shit, really. The tall girl leaned against the door wearily as she surveyed the two sleeping figures, then her bed. She'd just gone on a roller coaster ride. Her high from earlier that evening had turned into a huge letdown. After the tumultuous day, the empty bed seemed awfully bleak and unwelcoming.

Allison pretended to sleep on her side facing the wall, so she wouldn't have to look at Sam. Damn you, Sam. Why do you have to do this? The blonde mentally chastised herself, knowing her stepsister was not the guilty party. She tensed and her heart wobbled as the weight in her bed suddenly shifted. Sam was getting into bed with her.

The blonde feigned deep sleep as her body remained still. Why can't Sam stay away? The brunette's special musky smell immediately engulfed Allison and she smelled mint toothpaste. Sam sighed happily as she burrowed into the younger girl's scent of apples and coffee and snuggled up to her. The dark-haired girl put her arm over Allison's hips and gently forced her younger stepsister closer, until their bodies touched. She noted with relief that Allison voluntarily snuggled as well.

Sam slid her hand under Allison's shirt and rubbed her back gently, going in slow, lazy circles, feeling the fine blond hairs. Allison gradually relented under the dark-haired girl's touch and her cherubic face turned to meet Sam's troubled blue eyes. The brunette smiled at her companion, her beauty and innocence infinitely overwhelming and breathtaking. Sam leaned in for a gentle kiss on her sweetheart's cheek and then signed to her. "Allison-talk to me. Please."

The younger girl sighed as she stroked her bedmate's smooth hair. "Sam... I'm sorry." Allison tilted her friend's head and kissed her on the lips, gently, with the promise of more to come. "I'm sorry. I'm not like you... can't stand up to my mother. But, Sam, you know... I am so crazy about you. I'm always thinking about you. You're sweet, smart, funny, and romantic." The blonde chuckled and kissed Sam again as her eyes flickered to the angelic little boy sleeping a mere few feet away.

Sam followed the gaze but said nothing for a moment. She searched the blonde's face for clues and saw something she didn't want to see. "What do you have to lose really? Susan's a bigot, yes, but... are you... well, are you afraid or unsure of your sexuality? All those boyfriends?"

Allison grinned and shook her head. "No. I've liked girls for as long as I can remember. Boys never... eek." She made a face and Sam laughed. "You're my first though... I'm sure you've had plenty of girlfriends before."

She nervously glanced at Allen again, hoping he wouldn't catch them in bed together. They'd been lucky to avoid detection the previous night. Allison relaxed somewhat in her companion's presence as she observed that the boy was fast asleep.

Sam chuckled silently, her heart fluttering at the blonde's choice of words. "Nope. Allison, what you said... does that mean we're girlfriends now?" She peered into green eyes hopefully. "I'm flexible. We'll take it slow. Whatever you need, I can-"

"Just give me time." Allison interrupted silently and somberly. "And please don't tell anyone. Not even Paul. At least for the time being, please don't tell anyone." She repeated the sentence for emphasis.

Sam nodded, all too willing to accept her companion's terms. "Take all the time you need. And don't worry your pretty little head. Mum's the word." She brushed Allison's light bangs and kissed her forehead. "I just want to make you happy." Sam's eyes shone as she caressed her bedmate's delicate face.

Allison smiled. She was so lucky to have Sam; she didn't deserve such an amazing person in her life. "I hope I can make you happy," she whispered in Sam's ear, not signing. "Ohh..." she cried softly as Sam gently caressed her lower back. "Sam..." Allison forced herself to pull back a bit. "We shouldn't sleep together tonight."

"I know." The brunette grinned, feeling as if she was on cloud nine, as she rolled out of the bed and stood on the floor. "Good night, Alli."

Allison pouted and held out her arms. "No bedtime kiss for me?"

Sam chuckled. "Have you been good today?"

The blonde nodded her head enthusiastically. "Good as gold."

"Well..." Sam pressed her fingers against her chin. "I guess you deserve a little something." She leaned down and placed her hands on the bed to support herself. Allison's skin prickled and warmth spread throughout her body as Sam's breasts grazed her own then settled for the embrace. The brunette's lips met Allison's for a leisurely goodnight kiss as their tongues stroked each other.

"Wow. If this is what I get for being good, I wonder what happens if I'm being really good?" the blonde teased after Sam stood up again.

The blue-eyed young woman winked. "Well, you'll just have to wait and find out. Good night." She tugged the bedcovers and wrapped Allison securely in the bed. "Sleep well."

*****

Allison glanced at the clock again for the umpteenth time in the last half-hour. Come on, come on! She couldn't wait for her shift to end but the blessed moment wouldn't arrive for a few hours yet. Her mother and stepfather had left earlier in the morning on a four-day business trip and wouldn't be back until Saturday night or Sunday morning... which meant one big house for her and Sam to frolic in when Allen was asleep or not at home. They'd been back from the beach for three and a half days. Sunday morning, when she and Sam woke up, their interaction had been awkward, but now they were becoming more comfortable with each other. Concealing from the older Cannizarros the fact that she and Sam were more than stepsisters or friends had been easier than expected.

Allison's earlier unease about a romantic relationship with Sam had stabilized. While it was a major concern, she was more than happy with the brunette, albeit the fact that the relationship was only a few days old. Sam did little things for her, candy under her pillow, a sweet poem, a rose. They had a date tonight, their first official date. Allison had been the one to ask Sam out, wanting to do her share of the wooing. She loved the reaction on Sam's face whenever she was surprised and delighted.

Allison turned on the water faucet and rinsed the bean grinder as she contemplated the evening that awaited them. She'd resisted Sam's begging and darn cute pouting, refusing to disclose where they were going. "Just be ready at 8 when I get off work, ok?" she'd said slyly. "I'll pick you up at home." All the arrangements were taken care of. Allen would stay at Richie's overnight.

"Do you really gotta work? Can't you take a long weekend off?" Sam sighed, wishing she didn't have to wait until midnight every night to spend quality time with her sweetie.

"Yes, I do!" Allison chided her stepsister gently. "I had to beg and plead to get off early Wednesday."

"Fine, fine." Sam smiled mischievously.

"Oh, no you don't!" The blonde yelped, knowing that expression all too well.

Sam attacked her playfully, tickling the smaller girl until she begged for mercy.

The blonde used a dishtowel to dry the bean grinder and ran another grinder under the faucet, a dreamy smile unconsciously running the length of her face.

"Allison!" a feminine voice cried from the counter. "Where have you been? I was getting worried when you didn't call or e-mail me."

The blonde whirled around at the sound of the familiar voice. "Hey, Beth! I've been really busy. Uhh... I'll take a short break right now."

Beth Miller, the self-proclaimed fashion queen, simpered. "Of course! You look wonderful. What a fab tan!" She flipped her carefully styled blonde hair over her shoulder and proudly displayed the new flowered sundress she wore.

Allison showed her friend to a table and they sat down. "You think so?" She peered at her skin. She'd tolerated days and days of pain for what seemed to her, a slight improvement in the tan department.

"So much better than that ghastly white you had before," Beth proclaimed affirmatively. "So, where have you been?"

Allison shrugged, feeling like Beth could read her mind. You superficial plastic Barbie wanna-be, I'm much happier hanging with Sam and Allen. "Working...just, you know... how about a shopping trip next week?" she asked hopefully. Maybe that request would get Beth off her back. And Susan would be thrilled.

"Yes! Wonderful. I can't stay long, really," Beth confided as she leaned in for a whisper. "I just stopped by to make sure you were okay. I heard you didn't take Joey's breaking up with you so well."

"Uhh... I wouldn't know about that." Allison shook her head. "Before I went to the beach, I told him it wasn't working out."

"So you wouldn't mind if I were to..." Beth tapped the table playfully. "Ask him out?"

"No. Be my guest," the blonde responded, absent-mindedly fiddling with her watch.

"Fab!" Beth jumped out of her seat and nearly choked Allison in a hug. "You are so cool! I'll see you next week!" She spotted a cell phone poking out of Allison's pocket. "Oh! That is such a fabulous cellular phone! Goodness, I am so thrilled you finally took my advice." Beth frowned as she realized one critical fact. "But you should get the updated version. It's a 4700 series. That one must be, what, two months old! However do you manage? Don't worry! I'll help you pick out a new one while we're shopping next week! Something to match your clothes! Honestly, that phone doesn't go with your eyes." She shook her head sadly, as if she'd just witnessed something tragic.

Allison chuckled awkwardly. "It's my mother's. I'm just borrowing it for the week while she's out of town in case of an emergency."

Beth gasped. "You need your own! Oh, no wonder your social life is such a dinosaur! We'll remedy that next week. Luvvies! And ta-ta." Throwing a wave over her shoulder, she strutted out of the shop, a huge smirk on her face.

Allison smiled insincerely. As if I care. She rolled her eyes as she returned to work. Setting the espresso machine, she thought about Beth's quick visit. She hadn't felt like prolonging the conversation and asking Beth what she meant by I heard you didn't take Joey's breaking up with you so well but in retrospect, wished she had. What was Beth talking about?

******

The oppressive sun bore down on the crackled earth, causing flowers to wilt in the harsh summer heat. A ladybug crept slowly across a rose leaf as a slim finger smoothly moved through the thick humidity, pointing at various bushes.

"These are the new hybrid roses I planted while you were on vacation," Julia explained carefully to her niece as she proudly displayed her lush flower garden. "I decided to put the sunflowers over there." The older woman indicated a small square of land to the duo's right. She picked up her hoe and scowled as she came across evidence of a four-legged, furry trespasser.

"Cool." Sam grinned, a dreamlike and silly smile on her face, blissfully unaware of the mosquitoes swarming all around her. "Where are those hybrid roses you wanted to show me?"

"Samantha!" Julia faced her younger companion. "You've been really out of it today." Her head, graced with a sun visor, bobbed up and down as a trickle of sweat crept down her face, leaving behind a trail of moist shininess.

Sam's blue eyes immediately became guarded and she feigned ignorance. Her dark eyebrows furrowed as she bit her lower lip. "Sorry. I think I'm getting sick or something." She was practically bursting at the seams to tell someone, but her promise to Allison remained paramount in her mind.

"Uh-uh." The older woman surveyed the exotic girl before her carefully. This wasn't a sick girl; this was a girl in love. The shining eyes, a smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth, the bounce to her walk. How could Barry not pick up on that? She shook her head, her dark hair not moving from its assigned spot, and patted her niece on the shoulder.

During the summers, she and Sam always spent Wednesday afternoons together, working on Julia's flower gardens, catching up, sneaking Julio's cookies, and just shooting the breeze. Their relationship was more like close friends than aunt and niece. Julia loved Norene's daughter, and wished that her sister had lived to watch the wonderful young woman grow up.

All afternoon, Sam had been quiet and dazed, her eyes and her mind scampering in some faraway place. Although she tried to cover it up, she was doing a half-assed job. Now was the time to get to the bottom of the matter. Julia suspected that little Allison Albrecht had a lot to do with the deaf girl's flighty mood.

"So, Sam... who's the lucky one?" Julia smiled and put her hands up in the air.

"Mmm?" The dark-haired girl furrowed her eyebrows in yet another attempt of counterfeit innocence.

"You know exactly what I mean." Julia put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. Even her niece couldn't outfox her.

Sam shook her head, acting overly casual. "I don't know what you're talking about." There's no way I'm gonna tell Julia. She's such a devout Catholic and besides, I promised Alli. Indeed, her stepsister was the only person other than Paul and Mickey aware of Sam's sexual orientation.

Her aunt sighed. "You and Allison make a darling couple." Julia smothered a laugh. She didn't want to make Sam feel bad.

Sam gasped. "What?" Her mouth dropped open as she shook her head rapidly. Her heart thumped against the ribcage as her mind attempted to process her aunt's latest statement.

"Hey, hey." The aunt grinned and wiped a handkerchief against her forehead. "I'm old, not blind."

Sam's jaw worked its way up and down. "Umm... Julia, look, I don't know where you got that idea but-"

"Oh, pshaw!" The woman waved her hand and scolded her niece. "I'm hurt that you didn't tell me earlier. So, tell me all about it. How long have you two been together? I'm assuming not long. Because when you dropped Corny off before the beach, you were your usual Sam self but Sunday night, you and Allison picked him up... yep. I could practically see the sparks in the air." She nodded her head knowingly as she rested the hoe against a wall. She inspected her garden from the corner of her eyes, waiting for her niece to confess.

The brunette swallowed as she studied her aunt with wide eyes. "But... but..." she stammered. Even Paul didn't have a clue!

"Sam, honey. Come here." Julia hugged the younger woman gently for a moment and squeezed her hand before breaking the embrace. "I'm glad for you. I am, really. You need to smile, need to be happy more." Julia studied her companion once again. Rarely was Sam speechless. "Please feel that you can tell me anything. That's why I'm here."

Sam chortled nervously. "Umm... well. I'm surprised."

"Why?" Julia frowned.

"Oh, well... no offense but I thought you were, well..." Sam was once again at a loss for words as her brain raced to figure out how Julia had figured her secret out. She'd tried to act causal whenever Allison was around and apparently her fa¡ade hadn't worked.

"What? Old-fashioned? Homophobic? An old hag?" Julia supplied helpfully. "Just because I'm a faithful Catholic doesn't mean I'm automatically closed-minded. Okay? Come on! Is that what you think of me?" Julia drew back, half in jest, half in hurt.

"No, no." Sam defended herself cautiously, her head moving slowly in the negative. "Well... okay, maybe. You have to understand. It's not easy for me being... and we never discussed it." The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her aunt.

Julia exhaled loudly, her shoulders sagging. "I love you, honey. No matter what. I know it's not easy being gay in today's world."

A soft blush crept up Sam's face as the older woman said the "g" word. Talking about such matters with her aunt unsettled her. Here was a side of Julia Julian she'd never seen before or even considered. Sam glanced away shyly, her blue eyes darting across the garden.

"You can talk to me anytime," the older woman persisted. "I mean that." Julia gently patted Sam's back. "I won't ask any more questions but I'm happy for you and Allison. You tell me however much you want to." I just hope everything works out. Sam's finally happy.

Sam tilted her head slightly. "Thank you. One favor... please don't tell anyone. Not even Julio. I promised her I would keep quiet about it." Her face scrunched in worry as she studied her aunt apprehensively.

"Fine, fine. That's fine." Julia half-grinned. "My goodness, Sam, you're crazy about her, aren't you?"

Sam's blush deepened even further but she succeeded in keeping her face a light red. "You have no idea, Aunt Julia. I... it's like... I'll do anything for her. I just want to give her the world." Sam glanced at her aunt nervously.

Julia chuckled; her niece was completely besotted with the blonde. "Allison is a very lucky young woman. Come on. I want to show you the new organic weed killer."

*****

Allison, grinning mischievously, tugged Sam through the kitchen and into the garage. The older girl would just love her surprise tonight.

Sam pleaded with the younger girl silently, with her eyes. "Come on! You have to tell me where we're going!" She slipped her hand out of the smaller woman's grasp and crossed her arms in mock defiance. "I hate surprises!"

Allison shook her head. "I don't care. I am not telling you. You'll find out when you find out." She stretched up on her toes and kissed Sam on the tip of her nose. "Come on. Let's get the show on the road."

The blue-eyed girl grumbled good-naturedly and surveyed the Pinto with a critical eye. "I won't fit in that thing. Let me drive. Since I'm driving, you have to tell me where we're going!" A broad and victorious smile spread on the tall girl's face.

Allison laughed. "Sorry. Nice try but, no go. We're taking the Cadillac. Now get in." She cocked her head and jerked her thumb towards the fancier vehicle.

Sam glared at the blonde and ducked in the passenger door. "I'm gonna get you for this, Alli."

A few minutes later, the blonde was steering the car slowly and carefully down the street. Her mother would die if an abrasion appeared on the precious "status vehicle." Sam recognized downtown and she smiled with the realization that the blonde was taking her to Webster's Virtual Reality Arcade. "Not bad. Webster's, hmm..." She kept a straight face.

A look of puzzlement appeared on Allison's features as she was taken aback. "Webster's? What's that?" She was clueless.

Sam's face fell then a thought popped up. She's just acting dumb. "Oh, a virtual reality place. I've always wanted to go."

Allison shrugged. "Oh. That's cool. Yep. Maybe another time." She nodded slowly as she took secret pleasure in torturing Sam.

Sam slumped back against the seat, her mind racing. Where? Hmm...not The Music Cafª. That's a dumb place to go; after all, I'm deaf. Her face brightened slowly as she understood where she was going. There, before her, was Mecca.

SportsZone Arena. 30,000 square feet of heaven on earth. The place to be.

Sam had been waiting five months for the place to open. According to Paul, it wasn't scheduled to be open for another week, though. They had already marked their calendar for next week for the kick-off ceremony. Complete with full service bars, restaurant, souvenir shop, arcade, all kinds of sports on various televisions, games, a rock climbing wall, a virtual reality jump, basketball shot challenge, putt-putt challenge. Her hand slowly traveled to the door handle and she pulled the door open.

She stepped out of the car and her feet automatically carried her towards the restaurant. Sam promptly forgot her date as she took in the massive palace of happiness and joy. Out of the corner of her eye she saw HIM. All seven feet of him. Her favorite wrestler, The DaPunkaToup, was here! She found herself attracted to him like a magnet was attracted to a refrigerator, seeking out a spot in the long winding autograph line. Sam studied the wrestler adoringly and ecstatically. Oh yeah. This was indeed the place to be.

A tap on her shoulder jerked her head downward and she blushed in embarrassment as she realized she'd neglected her date. "Oh, I'm sorry, Allison. This is just..." She waved her arm cross the scene. "This is great! Paul told me this place wouldn't open 'til next week."

Allison shrugged. "He must have been wrong. I'm glad you like it, Sam." She began to comment further but an autograph was jammed into the tall girl's hand. Sam wandered off into the restaurant and fingered a case containing a baseball mitt once owned by Abner Doubleday.

The blonde smiled as she enjoyed the childlike look on the blue-eyed girl's face. Coming here had been a bad idea. She'd get no attention from Sam all night. She absently spoke to the maitre'd and reserved a table for two. She followed Sam downstairs to an enclosed glass cage where Sam was whacking hockey pucks.

A blonde brow shot up as she appreciated Sam's muscular physique flexing as she aggressively battled the pucks. Allison shook her head; Sam was really worth her hard earned money.

The dark-haired girl jumped out of the cage, eagerly thrusting a giant panda bear in Allison's hands. "Look Alli! I won a bear for you." She squeezed the blonde's shoulders as the smaller woman smiled at the greeting.

"I thought you'd forgotten all about me!" Allison grinned. "Thanks beary much."

Sam nodded her head. "I didn't. But I'm going to now." She chuckled when she saw green eyes scowl at her. "Hey! I'm just kidding. Come and play with me. What do you want to try? How about the...basketball shot challenge? I bet you could do that! Or the putt-putt game?" She threw her arm around Allison's shoulders and guided her to the line for the shot challenge.

*****

Mickey settled down in the tree branches across from the pixie's window. They had a special arrangement this week to meet daily at 12:30 am after his angel got off work. He would enjoy her special strip show and they'd bond psychically. Tonight would be their last night of multi-dimensional bonding. Tomorrow, they would come together physically and before long, go away to Florida with his mother and their son. Escape the pixie's bitch of a mother who had hurt the blondie.

Mickey sniffled and wiped away a tear. He hated to think of anyone hurting his wife and young child. He gulped as his shifty eyes anticipated the blonde's arrival. His son had dutifully informed him that he was going to a friend's house for the night. It would be just him and the pixie. He perked when the living room windows lit up. She's home! He waited patiently for a few minutes but the angel didn't appear for their nightly meeting.

Mickey sighed as he slipped down the tree and peered into the living room. The sight before his eyes enraged him and tears threatened to burst forth. His lower lip quivered as his hand worked into a fist. The fucking dyke bitch had managed to get her hands on his pixie. His property! His woman! An inhuman, guttural growl escaped his throat as he watched the dark-haired girl settle down on the couch, her arms wrapped around the blonde in her lap. Don't worry, darling. I'll get you out of her clutches soon! Tomorrow. God, how can she do this to our family? To our son? He craned his head for a better vantage point and exhaled sharply.

The brunette and the pixie were making out like a couple of lovesick teenagers. The filth of the whole situation made him sick but Mickey knew better. He knew that Allison wasn't happy and that Sam was forcing the angel against her will. He was going to rescue her tomorrow and whisk her off to their fairy tale wedding. Before that fucking dyke bitch stole the special virginity that the pixie had saved for him. Her gift to him. Never mind the fact that she'd given birth to their son already. That just went to show how special their spiritual relationship was. His hope turned into despair and rage as he saw his pixie leading the fucking dyke bitch upstairs. Tears trickled down his face as he watched her hold Sam's hand and ascend the stairs. He clambered up the tree for a look into Allison's room but there was no sign of the couple in there.

Noting a flicker of movement in the hallway, he stealthily climbed onto the roof and slid down to the garage side. He peered into Sam's window and saw a gruesome sight. The fucking dyke bitch had managed to convince the pixie to convert. She'd spoiled the special gift, the special bond they were going to have, the bond they already had! The home wrecker had seduced poor, innocent, naîve Allison and turned her into... he couldn't even think about it.

Sam had gone into the bathroom and Allison was humming happily to herself. The dark-haired girl wasn't there to watch or make Allison do anything. Mickey realized that the pixie, of her own accord, wanted to be with Sam, not him. She was flaunting their destiny! Well, she wasn't going to get away with this horrible disobedience. He had planned to whisk her away but since she wasn't going to go of her own accord, he'd just have to persuade her otherwise. He was confident his son would be a willing and eager helper, but Allen would be used as a last resort. Mickey hadn't shared his plans with the towhead; he didn't want to encourage his son to keep secrets from his mother. He trembled, willing himself not to cry. Unsuccessful, he slid down on his seat, buried his face in his arms, and sobbed.

*****

Allison groaned as another jab of pain shot through her spine. Standing on her feet for hours at a time wasn't good. She couldn't wait to go home and get a nice back massage from Sam. Her green eyes flicked over to the clock and narrowed as she realized she was getting off in a few minutes. She whistled a happy tune and skipped to the rear of the shop.

Beady rat-like eyes stared into the gaily-decorated windows of the Addict. Mickey's plan was finally reaching its culmination, after weeks of careful and meticulous preparation. An evil smile spread across his sharp features, erotic thoughts tumbling around in his head. He could already feel her giving herself to him. A moan escaped his throat as he watched the pixie bend down to pack condiments in a cabinet. Her ass was firm and shapely underneath the tight pair of jeans. Don't worry, darling. Today's the last time you'll ever have to work.

Allison grinned as she reread the phone message from Sam, who had called about two hours ago. She was so sweet. "Allison- I'm going to pick you up at work and take you to a special place. Don't worry about Allen. He's taken care of. -Sam"

The blonde carefully tucked the paper in her purse and checked her teeth in the mirror. Satisfied that she looked presentable for Sam, she walked outside and her face brightened as she saw the familiar red Bronco make its way across the parking lot.

Mickey, although glad that his ploy was working so far, snarled furiously as the blondie skipped happily to the vehicle, a silly smile on her face. She's happy to see the fucking dyke bitch!

Allison hauled herself up into the Bronco and turned to greet the dark-haired girl. "Hey, beautiful," she said while she fumbled with the seatbelt.

The blonde gasped as mean, cold eyes stared back at her. Mickey! He grabbed her wrist and roughly handcuffed her hand to the metal bar behind the passenger seat. Her stomach lurched in fear as a thousand thoughts ran rampant through her head.

"Don't you call that fucking dyke bitch 'beautiful!' " Mickey barked angrily. "Fucking dyke stole you from me! What about our destiny? Our son? Don't you care about our family?" He stifled a sob as he gunned the engine and pressed down on the accelerator. Dino lurched out of the parking lot and Mickey turned right towards the parkway.

What have you done to Sam? Oh, please... Allison shook her head. She could get out of this. Wait a minute. What was that? Had she understood the young man's slurred speech correctly? "Our son?" Allison shook her head in confusion.

"Don't worry. That dyke just messed with your mind. You'll realize that we're a family! We're going to Florida, us and our son. Allen loves Florida. He had fun at the beach, didn't he? Mama's coming too. I won't let that Susan bitch hurt you any more. She always says you ain't pretty but you are!" Mickey scowled as he overtook the vehicle in front of him.

Allison strained to make some sense of her abductor's fuzzy and indignant speech. Unfortunately, she had understood him correctly. How does he know Allen's my son? "Mickey, we didn't even know each other when Allen was born!" the blonde protested. Couldn't he see reason? "Did you go through my things?" Allison's voice became louder and incensed at the possible violation of her sacred private space, never mind the fact that she was being kidnapped by a madman.

"Spiritual bonding, honey." He looked into her eyes dreamily. "Destiny. What can I say? Allen was conceived because of our fated love. I knew you wouldn't mind me reading your journal. You've been communicating with me, showing me a few treasures. Hidden messages in the journal." Mickey fondled Allison's breast as she squirmed to avoid his slimy touch.

The green-eyed girl's stomach turned in nausea as she thought of Mickey rummaging through her room and touching her personal things. He'd been in her room goodness knows how many times. Watching her. He probably had seen her undress and do private things.

"He's a great boy," Mickey continued. "I haven't told him yet that I'm his father. He'll need some time to adjust to that, of course. Mama will love you both. She's just like that. He has my mama's eyes, darling pixie. Your stubborn chin too." The pockmarked young man cradled his angel's chin gently in his strong hand. "We've got ourselves a wonderful son. And..." Mickey winked. "There's more from where that came. Hey, you know that picture Allen painted of the backyard? I helped him do that."

Allison nodded numbly as a horrific realization hit her. Somehow, this bastard had befriended her son. Please, please... let him be all right. The note said Allen had been taken care of. "You better have not hurt my son! Please tell me he's okay!" Tears streamed down her face. "You can have anything! Anything! Just tell me Allen's all right. Please..." She begged her abductor.

"Darling. Don't worry. Allen's all right. He's still with that fucking dyke but she won't turn him against us, I promise. I'll go get him as soon we've bonded in every sense of the word. Baby, baby, no, don't cry." Mickey crooned, wiping away the pixie's tears as his heart broke. She cared. She really did... and she had a good point. He shouldn't have left their son alone with the fucking dyke bitch.

"I'm sorry." The kidnapper returned both hands to the steering wheel and studied each passing sign more carefully. They'd be there soon. "Oh... how could I? I'm sorry!" His voice rose placatingly as his anguish increased. He was a good father, dammit. "I shouldn't have left our child with that monster. I can't believe what Sam has done to you! Violated you, taken you against your will. Everything! If you want, I'll let you make the first blow!" He divided his attention between the road and his woman, stroking her cheek lovingly.

Allison jerked her head away from the repulsive touch. Acting on instinct, she bit the meaty flesh of his palms and Mickey gasped in pain and rage. As long Allen was all right, she only cared about that. Physical bonding. He's going to rape me! "Sam's expecting me home any time soon. She won't be happy if you try anything with me!" She increased her agitation, twisting and turning in the seat, as she reached for the doorknob. The cell phone! Allison thrust a hand into her pocket but Mickey was one step ahead of her.

"No!" he seethed and grabbed the phone from the blonde's hand. He tossed it without a second look into the back of Dino. "Don't you mention that fucking dyke bitch's name in my fucking presence! We're destined! You and me! Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ratzlaff and son! She has no place in our family!" The young man leaned in closer with each declaration until his stale warm breath invaded Allison's consciousness. She was dealing with his insanity in completely the wrong way.

Allison shook her head as if Mickey's verbal slap had knocked some sense into her. Her eyes widened happily and she gazed at her abductor dreamily. "Oh, honey!" she chirruped. "Please forgive me! Of course, we're destined to be together. I care for you, I really do. That fucking dyke bitch had me thinking all those crazy thoughts but you're the only one, the only man, for me!" She pleaded with what she hoped was a sincere expression.

Mickey's heart warmed and a small smile graced his features as he cocked his head. "I knew you'd see the light, my pixie." A tear of joy escaped the corner of his eye as he refocused his attention on the road. The fucking dyke bitch was just a minor bump in the road. They'd take care of her easily enough in a few hours.

Allison sighed in relief. Her ruse was working. "I want to be with you..." she was interrupted by a big hand enveloping her thigh and squeezing it.

"I knew it! We'll be together in no time!" Mickey turned a curve and the Bronco screamed onward to its destination.

Allison grasped at a straw. "Honey.... Darling, we can't do this right now. I want our first time to be just perfect. Don't you, baby?" She raised her eyebrows in hope.

"Don't worry." Mickey jerked his thumb to the rear. "I have a picnic all ready. A nice blanket, candles, flowers, soft music. Everything a beautiful woman like you deserves and will have. Nothing but less than the best for Michael Ratzlaff's woman." He nodded with resolve as he arrived to their special place and shut the engine off. "Know where we are?"

The blonde peered outside the window, but couldn't discern much through the fog and the complete blackness. Suddenly, the revelation came to her. "Our first date," she whispered. "When we first... realized we were meant to be together." She purred lovingly, praying that her quivery voice and shaking hands wouldn't betray her.

"Right you are!" Mickey smirked in pleasure and turned to the blonde. Close up, inches away from him, she was even more beautiful than before. "Of course you remember. So, ready for our extraordinary moment?"

Allison moaned. She couldn't let him rape her. She wouldn't.

Meanwhile, at the Cannizarro house, Sam peered out of the foyer windows. Yet again, she didn't see Allison's Pinto. Where could she be? Even with traffic she should have been home by now. She made herself sit down and watch a TV show, as she anxiously anticipated the blonde's arrival. Allen was long asleep and Sam had planned a nice romantic make-out session. Heck, she'd be glad to just hold the blonde and talk for a while.

Mickey hummed affably as he spread a flowered blanket atop the slightly damp grass. He grinned in pleasure as he studied the blanket again. Mama had helped him pick it out from the catalog. She said chicks always went for the flower stuff. The young man reached into the picnic basket, extracted a cinnamon-scented candle, and lit it.

Allison's survival instincts kicked in. Still with one hand chained to the metal bar, she fumbled around with her remaining hand in her purse searching for a weapon, anything she could use to her advantage. Anything to get Mickey away. She felt each object inside the purse as her terror increased. Lipstick. Blush. Tampon. Keys. Pepper spray. Lipstick. Mirror. Eye shadow. Wait... PEPPER SPRAY!!!

Allison clutched the spray can, discreetly keeping her hand in her purse. She adjusted slightly in the seat so her kidnapper couldn't see the location of her other hand.

The shifty eyed teenager put the finishing touches on his date with destiny. He set out a bouquet of flowers. "Allen said you didn't have a favorite flower," he called to her, growing even harder at her gorgeous face through the half-opened window. "So..." He acknowledged the flowers with pride. "I bought you one of each. A rose, tulip, daisy, daffodil..."

"Wow. You're so thoughtful," Allison piped back. "Ohh baby. Are you hot? I am. Take me now! I'm wet!" She moaned, hoping to catch Mickey off guard before he had the opportunity to have everything in place.

The young man grinned as he plucked the petals off yet another group of flowers. Lovingly, he let the colorful blades flutter from his fingertips onto the blanket. "Oh, angel... we can wait five minutes more. I brought us some bubbly." He poured champagne into two swan-necked wineglasses. Damn, if I weren't myself, I'd be crazy about me. So handsome, irresistible. And romantic as hell.

Allison put on her best seductive smile as her abductor appeared at the window. "Ready?" He averted his gaze shyly. He wanted to do this right-no rushing, no hurrying. They would unify in the throes of love and passion when the time was optimal.

"Ohh..." The blonde's ardent wails increased in fervor as she arched her back. "Take me now!"

"Yyyeeesssss...." Mickey's thick and sweltering voice matched the exponential expansion of his manhood as he trembled, trying to open the door. "Yyyeeeesss, Allison." He met her eyes tenderly and undid the handcuffs. The young man kept the captured wrist in his firm hand and brought her palm down immediately to his firm cock. "Ohh..." He groaned in pleasure, closing his eyes as the blonde scrambled to undo his zipper.

Allison suppressed vomit as she unbuttoned her kidnapper's jeans, horrifically aware of the tremendous bulge that awaited her. Now? No... he's still a bit guarded.

Mickey's eyes flew open immediately. "Come on, baby." He pressed her hand harder against his swollen manhood. "Take my pants off." He grabbed the pixie and set her on the ground below him. Notions of gentle lovemaking soared out of his mind as little Mick's needs became paramount. Frantically, Mickey grabbed her jeans and yanked them down as he tore his shirt off.

Allison cringed as the stiff cock attached itself against her leg. Her captor pumped against her rhythmically as she moved with him, pulling his pants down slightly. If she didn't do anything within a few moments, he would be inside her. "Oh, darling, darling!" she cried in ecstasy. Now.

Allison moved suddenly, jerking the pepper spray from her pocket. Mickey howled in rage as the pixie sprayed the burning chemicals into his face, rendering him blind. "What are you doing?" He screamed as he rubbed his eyes, only worsening his situation.

The blonde shoved Mickey away hastily and stumbled to the Bronco, pulling her jeans up. The club. The club. Allison floundered around in a compartment for the bat that Sam always kept hidden. Her fingers gripped dense metal as she tried to yank the bat out of its place. "No! No!" The blonde screamed as the bat refused to budge.

Mickey howled in pain and rage as he heard the bitch's voice. This isn't playing hard to get! He lurched towards her, his pants around his knees, as his arms flailed wildly for any part of her. "You fucking bitch!" Mickey screeched, still blind, as he encased Allison in his arms. "Just for that, you'll get it in the ass too! 'Til you bleed to death!"

Allison screamed and tugged the club free. Lunging for the young man, she swung the bat in a perfect semi-circle. It made a sickening pop as the blonde whacked her abductor's head.

He fell onto the blanket, dazed. Little Mick stood proudly erect, in stark contrast to Mickey's anguished wails and crooked body. Thwack! Allison smashed the would-be rapist's skull with a blow more fierce than the first. Mickey slumped even more, making gruesome and gurgling sounds. "Oh..." he whispered but his speech was completely blurred beyond recognition. "Darling..." He looked at Allison, his beady eyes suddenly human. His voice trailed off as his strength weakened. "Look after mama." Then he shook one last time and was quiet. Blood trickled from his head and a small amount brain matter slipped forth with the plasma. His eyes rolled back into his head and his head dropped as if he no longer had control over it.

Allison gasped and slowly a hand extended to cover her mouth. "Oh, no. Oh, no!" She stared numbly at the still body in front of her, her handiwork. She stopped breathing for what seemed like an eternity. Do something!

With an extreme calm that belied the panic bound to surface soon, Allison faltered as she approached the body. With the club barely remaining in her wildly trembling hands, the young woman nudged Mickey's legs, the only part of him within poking distance. Propelled by the instrument, Mickey moved slightly as another drip of blood made its way down his brown hair.

"Sam?" Allison barged ahead when the operator confirmed that the TTY had answered. "Rememberwhereyoupaulmemickeywentthatime?" Her words ran together frantically as the headlights of an upcoming car shone in the distance. "Please! Leave Allen! Come here." She screamed and abruptly ended the conversation as an owl hooted from a treetop. Who Who Who... You've killed a man. You're a murderer.

"No!" Allison yelled back at the unseen owl. "He's not dead! He'll be fine!"

"Nothing!" she justified vigilantly, beating the club into the ground.

"Stop it! Stop that, you bastard!" Allison howled as she stumbled in the direction of the owl. "Stop! Stop! Stop!" She covered her ears with her hands, but the bird's clear tones continued to haunt her.

"Goddamn fucking bastard!" The blonde heaved the club into the tree trunk, sobbing as she swung the bat aimlessly. "Shut up fucking owl! SHUT THE FUCK UP!" She grabbed a rock from the ground and hurled it into the treetops. "Ohgodohgod! I'll show you! He's fine!" Allison's head throbbed as she jogged to the unmoving body a few feet away.

She threw herself on her knees and shook Mickey's head frenetically, working herself into a frenzy. Mickey's wounds widened at the harsh treatment as more blood, pieces of skull, and brain matter seeped out. "You're not dead!" Her breathing became ragged. "You're not dead." She whispered hoarsely as blood splattered over her white shirt. "You're not dead. You can't be." Allison kneeled over the prone body as the minutes dragged by, thankful that the owl was quiet. He had made his point.

The blonde finally sat down, cradling Mickey's head in her lap. She stared at the whites of his eyes and at his now flaccid penis. All semblance of reason left her as she blacked out.

*****

"Alli! Alli!" Sam shook the blonde into consciousness. "What happened!"

Concern was evident on her stark features, the gruesome sight of Allison and Mickey, both unmoving, lying together in a bloody mess, catching her totally unprepared.

Allison's green eyes lolled open. "Sam?" she whispered. "Oh, Sam..." she sighed in contentment. "I had this horrible dream... that Mickey tried to rape me and I killed him. There was this horrible owl... oh Sam. Come lie down." She patted the spot beside her. She screamed, her hand coming into contact with slimy gray matter.

"Oh God!" The blonde jerked awake and leaped from the blanket. "Oh God!"

Sam forced her stepsister into her arms as the dark-haired girl held the trembling young woman fiercely for a few moments. The taller girl willed herself to be strong for Allison as she resisted a morbid investigation of the corpse. She studied the blonde from head to toe. "Alli... how badly did he hurt you?"

Allison shook her head. "He didn't." She used her hand to wipe a glob of snot from her nose.

Sam sighed. Mickey was stupid. He hadn't learned his lesson after her pummeling half a year ago. But he had been her friend. No matter what, he had been an important part of her life until Barry shipped her to military school.

The realization of his death hit Sam squarely in the face and she let go of Allison. "Mickey... oh Gods." Sam turned to her traumatized lover then back to the corpse of the man she had once called friend. "Mickey..." She signed dully. "He was my friend. We went to elementary together... we shared lunches. We even... we stole our first car together. He wanted the black one but I insisted on the... Oh Gods, Allison."

Blood smudged across her dark purple T-shirt, Sam bent down and pulled Mickey's pants up. He deserved that much.

"You hate me, don't you?" Tears overtook Allison and she began to quake. "I killed him! Just like the owl said!"

"Hey. Hey." The older girl squeezed her lover's shoulder. "No, I don't hate you. Calm down. I need you calm, ok?"

Allison threw herself into Sam's warm arms once again. "Oh, God, Sam. I'm so glad you're here. Help me Sam..." Her voice trailed off as her protector surveyed the scene.

Sam nodded quietly. "Did you call the police?"

Green eyes widened. "No... I didn't think... I don't know. I don't remember!" She wailed in anguish.

"Okay, okay." Sam tried to be as reassuring as possible. "Call the cops now. Where's the cell phone?"

"Call the cops?" Allison repeated. "I can't go to jail! Allen needs me!"

"Tell the police what happened!" The dark-haired girl exclaimed. "You won't go to jail."

The shorter girl studied the scene dubiously as sound reasoning returned to her blond head. "Looks like cold blooded murder to me."

Sam groaned. "That's bullshit, Alli. Look, you must have scrapes all over you. Scratches, injuries. Your skin under his fingernails."

Allison shook her head in the negative. "No..." she whispered. "I pretended to go along with him... then sprayed him with pepper spray, hit him with the club."

"What?" Sam was dumbfounded. "If he didn't know you resisted, then how can you justify-"

"I resisted at first!" Allison pleaded. "But I wasn't getting anywhere! So I had to pretend and it just got out of hand! And now he's dead!" She couldn't even say the victim's name.

"Okay. Okay." Sam rubbed her temples. How to deal with this mess? "Where's the club?"

Allison pointed to a tree a few feet to her left as her voice crackled. "There..."

"Okay." The dark-haired girl counted to ten and examined Dino. No blood. She returned to the corpse. No blood on the grass, either. Just on the blanket and on our shirts. And on the bat.

"Oh, Gods, Allison... if we don't call the police, we have to cover it up. And I'm telling you, that's..."

"No!" The blonde shrilled. "I don't want to cover it up! I just want to..."

"What?" Sam felt like screaming at her lover. "What else is there? We can't just leave him. The police will trace the evidence back to you."

Allison's breathing slowed. "What do we do? No... what do I do?"

"Oh, honey..." The taller girl kissed the tip of Allison's nose gently. "We're in this together. But you make the decision."

"That's not fair to you," Allison protested.

"You had no idea. You never saw him again after that time I beat him up, right?"

The blonde avoided Sam's penetrating gaze. "Well... actually I did. He was kinda following me around but then it stopped a few days before you came home for the summer."

"Allison!" This time Sam screamed. "What the fuck? Why didn't you tell me? What did he do? Who did you tell?"

"You weren't answering my letters or e-mails!" Allison yelled back. "I didn't tell anyone! No one could help, even the cops. What could they do, slap a restraining order on him? Like he'd follow it anyway!"

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!" Sam kicked the Cadillac's tire. "At least the police would have it on file that he was stalking you!"

"I'm stupid! I'm just a stupid white trash slut killer!" Allison hurled angry words in Sam's direction. "Just say it!" She glared at her stepsister and stalked to a spot under another nearby tree.

"Fuck you!" Sam lashed back at Allison. "Fuck...Fuck! Dammit!" She shook her head and quietly joined her stepsister. "Oh, Alli... you're none of those. You're a wonderful person who just got caught up in some stuff you didn't know how to deal with... would you have told me if I had been talking to you?"

A fresh batch of tears spilled out of Allison's green eyes and she threw her arms around Sam for a moment, then broke the embrace. "Probably," she said, sniffling. "But it doesn't matter now."

The dark-haired girl stepped back stiffly. "It's my fault. My own fault for being so damn fucking stubborn! If only I had listened to you, not gotten angry so quickly-"

"No!" Allison argued with Sam. "You couldn't have..." Her ears perked up as the hum of a car's engine sounded from down the road. She clutched Sam's arm tightly. "A car's coming!" Without thinking, she ran to the corpse and wrapped the blanket around the stiff body. Brilliant headlights lit up the road for a moment as the vehicle passed by the outlook.

"No!" Sam was at the blonde's heels. "That's covering it up!" She struggled with her younger stepsister to no avail. The crazed, possessed look in her eyes said it all. She wasn't in her right mind. "Fine. Fine." What's the point of calling the cops? Dispose of the body... little evidence here... not that hard. The brunette shook her head. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

She used several leaves, as not to leave her fingerprints on the club, to transport the club to the blanket. Easy enough... all we need to do now is get home, burn our clothes, throw Mickey into a cooler or whatever, and dump him. Pick up the Pinto... The whole plan was too simple. They wouldn't get away with it. "Alli?" An obstacle occurred to Sam. "Did Mickey tell anyone about tonight, that you know of?"

Allison thought for a moment as she poured champagne into the ground. "No. But that doesn't mean... shit! He told his mom, I think."

"Okay." The brunette pondered matters again. "His mother's not in great shape. She's in a home, diagnosed as insane. If she's the only one who knows..." Sam shook her head. "I'm telling you. I'm not sure if we can get away with this."

"We have to try!" Allison blurted out. I can't let momma raise Allen. Can't take that risk. And just when I found love with Sam. "Please! We're so happy together. I couldn't bear if we were separated and this looks like a murder! It is a murder! I sprayed him with pepper spray. I could have called 911 then! And he'd be alive!" An anguished wail escaped the blonde as she understood this basic fact.

"I realize that it looks like a murder!" Sam seethed. "We are covering it up, okay? Now come on!" She bent down and picked up one end of the blanket that swaddled her former friend's corpse, the club, and all other evidence, and grunted for Allison to lift the other end. She shouted in exasperation as her stepsister stood stock-still. She was doing nothing to help!

"Another car's coming!" the blonde whispered urgently.

"Come on!" Sam exhorted. "Help me get the body in Dino!"

Allison turned to the brunette with wide green eyes as the headlights made their way into the overlook instead of continuing down the road. Sam gulped as she read the lettering on both sides of the four-door sedan: Park Ranger Patrol. In a matter of seconds, the car would join the scene.

"Oh God!" Allison moaned as her life flashed before her eyes. "What the-" she cried in alarm as Sam knocked her onto the blanket and quickly ripped her bloodied white shirt in two. Skillfully, the deaf girl balled the torn shirt into a tight mound and stuffed it inside the blanket. Urgently, the blue-eyed girl restrained Allison against the younger girl's will, muffling any sounds she made with a deep French kiss. Mickey's corpse dug into the blonde's back and she squirmed, trying to minimize contact with the dead body.

Allison immediately understood her stepsister's plan and began to play along. She slid her hands onto Sam's shorts and cupped her buttocks as the brunette's pelvis pressed against her own. Almost shamefully, the blonde tingled. I can't be aroused, not now!

"Busted." The park ranger's deep voice signaled the end of their tryst. "Did you two really think you could get away with this?" His eyes flickered to the incriminating evidence on the ground beyond, studying the oddly bundled blanket and spilled wine goblets.