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.

By mid-morning, the county snowplows had finally cleared the roads after the foot of snow that fell the night before. The sun shone, aiding the plows and the various people shoveling their driveways. The road became slushy and within the hour, and the newly packed snow was already becoming brown from car exhaust. But the little blond boy, the raven-haired young woman, and the elderly dog that played in the Cannizarro front yard didn’t care as they put the finishing touches on the snowman.

"What do you think?" Sam inspected the snowman, her cheeks ruddy from the cold air. The frigid winter weather gave shape to her breath. She adjusted her cap and pulled her mittens off, giving her warm hands some breathing room.

"Wonderful, Sammy! You’re a great artist!" Allen enthused, his sun-kissed cheeks glowing. "Let’s build a snowwoman now. And Corny says he wants us to make a snowdog for him."

"Does he?" Sam raised an eyebrow and turned to her canine. Corny’s muzzle was almost completely white, his limp more pronounced. But his eternal grin remained on his loyal face and his tail whipped in its usual excited gait.

"Yes, he does!" Allen bolstered the dog’s case by stomping his boots.

"All right, all right." Sam threw her hands up and chuckled. The towhead looked so much like his sister when he pouted. Actually, the boy, now five-and-a-half years old, looked more and like Allison with each passing day.

During the months Sam had been at Gallaudet for her first semester in college, she had visited often, a weekend each month, plus Thanksgiving and winter break. Each time she returned home, she marveled at how Allen was growing. He seemed to lose baby teeth at the rate of one a week. He had Allison’s innocent vulnerability, her trusting nature, her humor, ability to comfort, her kindness, her smarts. Fortunately, thought Sam often, he and his sister had inherited nothing from their biological parents.

Sam hoped that would be the case with the new baby—at least where its mother was concerned. Her stepmother was seven months pregnant.

Corny nudged his mistress, drawing her out of the reverie. "Whuff!" he grinned happily.

Pfft! A snowball connected with Sam’s face. She caught the perpetrator easily. Her stepbrother was hiding and giggling behind the snowman. "Bad!" Sam laughed as she hauled Allen onto her knee and stuffed heaps of snow down his shirt.

"Agggh!" he screamed, laughing as the cold stuff blistered his sensitive skin. "Stop!" His face contorted with red even more as his wriggling increased.

Glancing at her watch, Sam relented and held Allen against her chest. "Come on. Let’s go see how Al’s doing then we’ll come back out and build a snowwoman and a snowdog."

"Okay!" He agreed enthusiastically and wrinkled his nose. "I don’t like being sick. I wish Al would get better so she could play with us."

"Me too." Sam nodded her head in agreement.

"Do you love Al, Sammy?" The boy asked the question solemnly. "Do you kiss her?"

"What?" Sam did a double take, the question taking her by surprise. "We’re good friends."

Allen shook his head impishly as he wiped snow off his jacket. "I know you two like each other."

"Well… we do." Sam wasn’t quite sure how to handle Allen’s questioning. "We’re best friends. Hey, let’s go inside and get all warm, ok?" Sam swooped her stepbrother in her arms before he could further pursue the matter.

After they dried themselves off on the front porch and tugged their boots off, the brunette carried Allen into the house. Allison had been sick with the flu for a few days, but was feeling much better. She had hopes for a full recovery by the end of the week.

"Hey!" Allison merrily waved to the wind-chapped duo from the living room.

"Hi." A smile immediately appeared on Sam’s face, the same grin that showed up every time she saw her lover. Sam crossed the hallway and wrapped Allison in her arms, Allen still in the middle. Finally, the brunette broke the embrace. "You’re feeling better."

"Much." Allison’s green eyes were almost back to their lively state. "That medicine you gave me this morning really helped." The blonde winked, as the medicine had included a big dose of loving.

"Come see the snowman, Al!" Allen enthused after Sam set him down.

"I will after lunch," Allison said. "Let’s eat some hot soup to warm those cold bones of yours."

Allen frowned. "Lunchtime already? Daddy said he’d be home to eat with us. He promised. He said he’d take me sleighing."

Allison sighed. Neither she nor Sam had the heart to tell the boy that Barry was on track to break yet another promise and probably wouldn’t be home until after supper. He spent almost all his time at work now, even on the weekends. Susan was pushing him away with her ceaseless whining and yammering. In addition, he was not thrilled to hear the surprising news that he was to be a father again.

Allison poured everyone’s tomato soup and prepared piping hot cheese sandwiches. She led the boy to the dining room table and sat him down. "Be careful," she warned. "Let the food cool off first. I need to talk with Sammy for a minute, okay?"

The blonde led Sam into the living room, her green eyes suddenly serious.

"What is it?" Sam hated when Allison became somber, because that could only spell unfavorable news. The brunette’s features took on her companion’s tense appearance.

Allison grinned. "Oh, no. It’s not bad news. I just wanted to tell you… well… I’m ready. Before we go back to college."

"Ready?" Sam didn’t understand at first then the realization hit her. "Oh! You’re ready." She ran her fingers through her dark hair. "Wow. Yeah, that’s great." About time! She hugged Allison impulsively, holding her longer than was necessary. Sam had never pressured her girlfriend about making love, but she made her interest known on more than a few occasions, especially since now they had been dating for over one and a half years. She peered into the shorter girl’s eyes, keeping a hand on Allison’s back. "Are you sure? Don’t do this just because I’m a horny old goat whenever I’m with you." The brunette grinned, her neat white teeth setting off her red cheeks perfectly.

"I’m sure." Allison nodded firmly. "I know it’s the right thing. I can’t wait to be with you, Sam. We’ve done pretty much everything already. Just throw in candles and a few more tricks and…" she grinned. "Will you let me surprise you? I want to take care of the arrangements. Just save a spot for me Friday night."

"Aww… come on." Sam’s face fell momentarily. She liked making plans herself. "How about a compromise? I want to take you somewhere unique for spring break. Don’t worry about the money, nothing. How about it? And you can surprise me this Friday."

"Deal." Allison grinned mischievously.

Sam narrowed her eyes. "Alli… you know I really don’t like surprises. Don’t pull anything funny."

The blonde chuckled. "Promise." She crossed her heart with her fingers. "Let’s eat! I’m starving."

"Hold up." Sam grasped her stepsister’s wrist. "Outside, Allen asked me if we—you and me—were, well… together. I told him no, of course not, like we agreed. Just very good friends. Best friends, which is true. He didn’t believe me. Just letting you know."

Allison shook her head. "Thanks. We should be more careful, I guess."

"Why?" Sam exclaimed. "I don’t see what the deal is with keeping our relationship quiet. I love you, and you love me. Everyone will have to get used to it sooner or later, and better sooner! If they don’t like it, fuck them! We can take care of each other. I’m tired of sneaking around like we’re doing something wrong."

"Sam." Allison’s cautious tone belied that she wasn’t up for yet another argument with the brunette. They had the same row at least once a month. "Please, let’s not talk about this again."

Sam sighed and exhaled a frustrated breath. "Fine." She patted Allison on the shoulder gently and kissed her softly. "Fine. When does Susan get back from the doctor?"

*****

"Congratulations, Mrs. Cannizarro," said the doctor, repeating the line he knew from heart. "Another excellent checkup. The baby’s doing great and is right on track for the March 15 due date." He adjusted his spectacles, brushing a shock of white hair out of his eyes. "You wanted to know the sex, right?"

Susan beamed with joy. Her plan was succeeding perfectly. Now, if the child was a boy, it would be perfect beyond reason. A girl was wonderful, but a boy would bear and hopefully pass on the Cannizarro name. And she, as the mother of Beauregard’s son, would have her future paved in gold brick. She was ready for some good news. The last visit had been horrible; finding out this baby would be her last because of an ovarian complication. Moreover, Beauregard, without her prior knowledge, had a vasectomy last month. "I’m ready, doctor. Finally." She giggled. "So, tell me. Boy or girl?"

The doctor smiled as he handed Susan the latest sonogram. "Well, if you look there…" he pointed to a blemish on the sheet.

"Ohh…" Susan breathed. "It’s a boy. I’m going to have a boy! Thank you!" She jumped from the chair and hugged the doctor jubilantly. She kissed his cheek as she sounded out the name in her head. Beauregard Bartholomew Cannizarro, Junior. Grandson of a United States senator, son of a wealthy lawyer. And she, Susan, was his mother! Now, that would show her parents!

She hummed happily to winter music as she drove home in the Cadillac. It was barely two years old, horribly past its prime, but Beauregard refused to purchase a new vehicle for her. Her Beauregard was turning into a stranger. All he did nowadays was work, work, work. Susan knew he was having affairs with at least five women, but she didn’t care anymore. Just as long as she had her money and her biological son, not some bastard grandson without a penny to his name, she would be fine. In time, Beauregard would realize his mistakes and come running back to his wife, tail duly hanging between his sorry behind.

Susan’s garishly long red nails tapped on the steering wheel as she mused. He had the nerve to blame it all on her! It had all started about a year ago. Beauregard insisted on marriage counseling, accusing her of abusing his hard-earned money and not trusting him one iota. Now, if that wasn’t just far-fetched! Honestly! Susan laughed out loud at the thought.

She knew he needed to be placated, so she gave in to his demands. They went to a counselor twice a week for an hour each visit. Coincidentally, she pointed out with dripping sarcasm, this ‘counselor’ was a svelte blonde Swede who continually manhandled her Beauregard and ignored anything Susan had to say. After two months with her, Susan was fed up. She insisted on changing counselors. Beauie hadn’t been too happy, but had gone along with the arrangement. The second therapist, a stocky man with black horn rimmed glasses, failed abysmally.

Susan shook her head regretfully. How could she be blamed? Honestly! But then all her hard work came into fruition. She could feel it in her guts that day that Beauregard was going to tell her: I want a divorce. But she was one step ahead of her. Plan Bun in the Oven had some merit after all. She was pregnant, and that was that. Of course, Beauregard stayed with her.

Now all that remained to be done was find Allison Alexandra a husband and get her out of the house.

******

Allison hummed happily to herself as the hotel clerk hung up the phone. Friday would be perfect. A grand room in an exquisite hotel, king-sized bed, oversized Jacuzzi, the perfect romantic setting for her first time with Sam. She shoved away the small shard of doubt in the back of her mind. Sam had been overly patient with the blonde about many things, and Allison felt ready to give in to at least one wish.

Although Sam had never brought up sex directly, Allison could tell she wanted desperately to make love. And every time Allison steadied Sam’s hand or her mouth, the fleeting frustration across the brunette’s face was a stab in her heart. She almost never thought about Mickey anymore, or about Bob. The young man’s body, for all she and Sam knew, continued to rot undetected in the city dump. Something greater, not just her moral convictions, kept her from throwing caution to the wind and making love with Sam and telling her that Allen was her son. Sam would be very upset. She didn’t tolerate lying. And passing off her child as her brother was as grand a lie as anyone could concoct.

Standing by her window, she studied the snow outside as dusk tiptoed across the valley. The lazily floating flurries didn’t stick on the street. Allison didn’t miss the view of her old room one bit. After the experience with Mickey, Sam had gladly switched rooms with her stepsister. Anything for you, my love.

Allison figured that she felt as content now as she would ever be. She lived at home and commuted to a well-respected local college. Allison was leaning towards a major in deaf education. And most important of all, she saw her son every day and was with Sam more often than not. But, as the familiar Cadillac turned into the driveway, an unpleasant foreboding came across Allison. Her life would change soon, very soon.

Allison giggled. Sam always knew how to cheer her up.

*****

"Brr!" The blonde shivered as she pulled off her mittens, hat and scarf. Hastily, she tugged off her boots and dashed inside the warm and welcoming house. Allison was cross with Sam because the brunette had let her win a snow fight on purpose. She didn’t need to be babied.

Sam grinned, throwing off her cumbersome winter gear carelessly onto the deck, eager to join her lover. They were alone, all alone for the next couple of hours. Barry was working late as usual, Susan was at her sister’s house, and Allen was with Richie.

Allison darted upstairs to her bedroom and slipped under the covers. Sam was right at her heels and snuggled up to the green-eyed girl under the sheets. "You smell so good, Alli," the taller girl murmured. "You’ll visit at the end of the month, promise?"

"Of course." Allison grinned as she burrowed into Sam’s powerful arms. "What are you doing?" The blonde turned on the halogen lamp, which was the only light on in the room. Allison supported herself with her elbow and rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Sam pulled her sweater and turtleneck over her luxurious black hair. God, how she loved Sam’s body! She couldn’t wait to savor every inch of it, to see the brunette naked in her full glory.

Sam chuckled as she unbuttoned her jeans. "Body heat, baby. Works wonders." She stepped out of the bed and slowly stripped to her panties for Allison. For once, Sam wasn’t wearing boxers. Allison gulped as she took in the taller girl’s femininity. Sam’s breasts threatened to pop out of the bra, as they strained against the thin, black fabric. "Care to undo the rest?" the brunette offered. Her long, statuesque legs turned, giving Allison a bird’s eye view of a firm back and perfect butt.

"Sam…" Allison shook her head, steadfastly ignoring the throbbing in her center and her hardening, aching nipples. "I want to…" she could barely control herself. "Hold everything for Friday."

"Come on." Sam waved the weak protest away easily. "You’ve seen me in a bikini before. Same thing. I’ll keep them on." She indicated the undergarments. The brunette joined Allison in bed again, luring the covers off the blonde’s smaller body. "I’ll do you." Sam’s breathing became heavy as she undid Allison’s bulky sweater. Her task was finally rewarded as her lover’s trembling breasts, cupped in a lacy bra, were revealed.

Protestations were the farthest thing from Allison’s mind when Sam took a breast in her hand, then in her mouth, and licked the aroused nipple. A little foreplay never hurt anyone.

"Ohh, Sam. God!" Allison yelped, arching her back in rapture as her body quaked from the slight touches. Friday, come soon, come soon!

Sam grinned at the quivering and gently replaced the breast in Allison’s bra. She wanted Allison all hot and bothered for Friday.

"Don’t do that!" Allison cried accusingly. "Go on."

"Nope." Sam puckered her lips together. "I won’t be able to stop. Friday."

"Sam…" Allison tore her stepsister’s bra off with unprecedented passion. She forced her legs around Sam’s body, gaining control of the brunette. Her quarry firmly entrenched, the blonde flipped Sam over and straddled the surprised young woman. "Sam… Friday be damned."

*****

Susan Cannizarro growled as she stomped into the house and set her purse onto the kitchen counter. She couldn’t tolerate one more minute with her sister! Pictures of their parents hung all over the house. Jacqueline was rubbing her status as the favorite child in Susan’s face. A new photo seemed to find its way onto some wall or the other at an alarming rate. Her back ached from her pregnant weight and a pounding headache threatened to develop.

Her ears perked as strange, guttural moaning sounded from upstairs. That’s not the music Allison Alexandra usually plays. "Oh!" Susan exclaimed as her hand covered her mouth. She narrowed her eyes. Finally, Beauregard and Allison, busted in bed together! And they couldn’t deny it. A woman on a mission, Susan strode into her bedroom and snatched the camera. Capturing her husband and her daughter in the middle of their throes of passion on film would net her a nice sum in a divorce settlement, if matters ever reached that point.

She tiptoed upstairs, her heart brimming with self-righteousness. Men were pigs, the lot of them! And Allison was just a filthy whore! Reaching the top of the staircase, she got down on her knees and crept the few inches to Allison’s bedroom, making sure the baby in her womb wasn’t harmed. The door was open and the horrible wailing was increasing in intensity. "Ohhh!" Susan heard Allison’s voice rise as if she’d just discovered God. Beauregard had never satisfied her to that extent before, and anger frothed inside her. Why hadn’t he? He just thought she was a good for nothing old bat, did he? Clueless! Well, she’d show him!

Still on all fours, Susan peeked into Allison’s dimly lit bedroom. The bed was certainly getting its share of vigorous activity. She stood up, camera positioned, ready to leap forth with triumph, blinding the illicit bastards with flash after flash of incriminating evidence.

Her gnarly finger settled on the button, seconds away from forever capturing Beauregard’s adultery on film.

It never happened. Gape-mouthed, Susan stood then retreated down the steps in complete shock and disappointment, with nary a whimper. Allison Alexandra and… Samantha! I must halt this travesty immediately. Both short-term and long-term. This matter requires delicate and discreet handling. Nodding conscientiously, she waddled to the garage and pressed the speed dial on her cellular phone. The device rang, rang, rang… until Allison’s answering machine picked up.

"Allison Alexandra!" Susan barked into the answering machine. "I’ll be home in five minutes. Make sure Oprah taped, ya hear?" She hung up. That’ll stop them for now. I can’t have people around town finding out. All that hard work for nothing!

Allison vaulted out of the bed as soon as her mother’s commandeering snaps emanated from the machine. She ran to the main bedroom light switch and immediately flicked the light on. Thank goodness we didn’t get far. Hastily, Allison, her undergarments still intact, dressed as she explained the situation to Sam.

The brunette’s hair fell in layers around her chest as she swore in frustration, her throbbing center hollering for gratification. This close! This close! Allison had been pulling her underwear down when the call from Susan rang through. Friday. Friday. Think about Friday. She searched the tangled mess of the bedcovers for her bra, her breasts pleasantly sore from Allison’s biting and sucking. The blonde had done most of the work in bed, gobbling Sam’s upper body like an eager and curious puppy.

******

"Well." Susan slammed the door as soon as Beauregard had left for work. Allen had school, and Samantha was going to the offices with her father for most of the day. The older woman whirled around to face her daughter angrily. "It’s time we talked, you smelly old whore! You have no standards!" Saliva burst forth from the woman’s enraged mouth as she grabbed Allison’s ear fiercely. She dragged the younger woman upstairs to her bedroom and pushed the blonde abruptly onto her bed, then turned on the harsh fluorescent lights. The redhead stomped to the two windows in Allison’s room, both facing the street, and pulled down the shades.

Allison rubbed her ear as she glared at her mother’s seemingly out of nowhere outburst, but she knew better not to raise her voice. "What do you want?" the blonde asked, in as even a tone she could muster. She tried to stand up from the bed, but Susan simply slammed the slight young woman right back.

"Don’t play dumb! Although you’re as dumb as they come!" Susan screamed. "Tell me what you were doing yesterday, right in this fucking bed, while I was at Jacqueline’s home!"

Allison’s green eyes widened and her pupils dilated. "Momma… I was napping. I don’t remember!" The blonde wailed. "What’s this for?"

"Oh really?" Susan crossed her arms, her elbows resting on her pregnant belly. "Bull-fucking-shit!" She stormed to Allison’s maple wood desk, yanked the drawers open, and flung everything out. Finally, she found what she was looking for, a photograph of her daughter and Samantha hugging. "See this!"

Allison squinted at the photo, at a loss for words. It had been taken before she and Sam had even gotten together. "A picture…" Again, she tried to rise from the bed, but the older woman hurled her daughter back. The blonde’s chin quivered as Susan’s nails produced a small trickle of blood on Allison’s chest. She bit her lip, refusing to allow her mother the satisfaction of seeing her cry. With a growl, Susan tore the picture, one of Allison’s favorites, into shreds.

"You’re fucking Samantha! If you couldn’t have Beauregard, then Beauregard’s daughter was an acceptable alternative! Wasn’t Bob enough? Not anymore! I just can’t tolerate you flaunting your pussy anymore, you yellow-bellied bitch! Who’s next, Cornelius? Huh?" Susan took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She needed to be in control of the situation. "Well? You have nothing to say for yourself, missy?"

The blonde fisted her trembling hands as tears threatened to burst her thin veneer of control. Her mother’s face was contorted with rage, her eyes bugging out, spittle flying everywhere as she hollered.

Streams of choice words and threats barreled out of Susan’s mouth as she berated her daughter. The words stung Allison and all she heard were expletives along the lines of: You’re worthless, a little tramp, a no-good for anything slut. You’ll never be good enough for anyone except a worm! How do you expect for her to provide for you? Especially since she’s deaf! What will people think? Honestly, Allison, you could get yourself a real man if you fixed yourself up. Is that what this all is about? Getting back at me through Beauie-poo’s daughter like Bob? Huh? It’s not so bad that she’s a woman but she’s deaf too! She belongs in a GROUP home! What will people think, my daughter in a lesbian relationship with a poor disadvantaged deaf girl? We’d be the town outcasts! You’re together only because nobody wants a deaf troublemaking dumb girl and she took you because you’re too fat and ugly for any self-respecting man. I’ve worked so hard to build us a secure future and you have to go ruin it with a retarded little bitch! What was wrong with Joseph? Joshua? Brock? William? Kiernan?

Susan paused, finally, and stared haughtily at her daughter for an answer. Cowering under her mother’s mad furor, Allison was unable to respond. "At a loss for words, huh, you trollop!" The redhead lunged for the girl and thrust her against the wall, their faces inches apart. Tears streamed down Allison’s face as her mother punched the blonde in the stomach. "You almost made me miscarry yesterday! Was that your plan, huh?"

"No!" Allison screamed and shoved her mother ferociously on the bed. "No! I love Sam!"

Susan vaulted from her weaker position and slammed the green-eyed girl against the wall. "Don’t you dare lay a finger on me! Your poor pregnant mother! You don’t love Sam! You hate me! And that’s why you do all this!"

Allison sat sobbing, her head in her lap. Her mother stood above the girl scornfully and laughed at her daughter’s worthless dithering. Finally, Allison ran out of tears and looked at her mother with pleading bloodshot eyes. "I love Sam. And I love you too, momma. Please…" She held out her arms, wishing for more than anything in the world, for her mother to hold her. "I love you, momma. We can work this out." The blonde knew that mother harbored many horrible secrets, and while reconciliation between the two would be a long and bumpy road, she loved the older woman and desperately wanted insight into her cold heart.

"Aww." Susan scowled at the vulnerable outstretched arms and went for the jugular. "Sure." She leaned into the embrace, helping the girl up, and even held her daughter for a few moments. When Allison had relaxed in her arms, she whispered in her ear. "You and Samantha are history."

Allison jerked back angrily. "No, we are not," she stated adamantly, placing her hands on her hips. "I think I want to spend the rest of my life with her." Before Susan could interrupt, Allison emitted quick sentences. "I understand your concerns. But you have nothing to worry about. Sam got 1480 out of 1600 on her SAT’s. She’s on full scholarship to college. She plays sports. She’s smart as a whip, momma, smarter than I am, really! We’ll support each other. She has so much potential, a great future… and I love her with all my heart." She looked evenly into her mother’s shocked gray eyes. "Love matters. Love! She loves me for who I am and her being deaf has nothing to do with anything!"

Allison Alexandra dares challenge me! Hah! "Is that right?" Susan slowly put her finger on her chin calmly. "She loves you for who you are. Hmm. Does she know who you really are?" The redhead glared at her daughter. "A harlot who seduced her mother’s boyfriend without remorse, gave birth to his bastard child, dumped the boy on her mother? Broke her mother’s heart? Huh? No, of course she doesn’t know that!"

Allison swallowed. The whole matter was hopeless. Her mother would never understand. "No," she admitted quietly. "No one knows."

"Exactly. And if she were to find out, Samantha would be disgusted with you! Repulsed!" Susan howled.

Allison gritted her teeth. "If that’s what you’re threatening me with, I’ll take my chances."

"Oh?" Susan raised her eyebrow at the girl’s arrogance. "Well, you’re out of luck, missy. If you stay with her, you never see that bastard kid of yours again! What will people think of me if they found out about you and Samantha? What kind of mother, what kind of person, will the town think I am? Allison…" Susan shook her head sadly. "You really need to start being less selfish. Put other people first for once."

Allison closed her eyes. She had dreaded this moment ever since Allen’s birth. Her mother always used the boy to control her daughter, and now the redhead was pulling out the big guns. Gradually, the green-eyed young woman opened her eyes and sat calmly on her desk chair. She would win the war. She had to. "You can’t keep me from Allen," she said rationally, although she knew Susan could easily do so.

Susan cackled and chortled until tears streamed down her face. "You truly are stupid, Allison Alexandra. Look at me." Using her fingers, she snapped Allison’s chin up. "Look at me. I have a huge house, tons of money, a great husband. A baby, who’ll be Allen’s little brother. And… Come here." She took Allison’s hand with great deliberation and led her to the bathroom. "Look at that face in there. What do you see?"

Allison studied her reflection in the mirror. Suddenly, she appeared very ugly and haggard. And young, impossibly young. "You are eighteen years old, almost nineteen. If I so choose… I could kick you out. I have plenty of justifiable reasons. No place of your own. No car. No money. A paltry little job at a coffee shop. A female lover. A history of promiscuity. And I have so many examples where I’ve taken care of Allen so much more, so much better than you have. You locked him in a car once, during the hot summer, when he was a baby. Remember that? No court would give you the boy. Even for visitation. You’re immature and irresponsible. You can’t provide for him. And with your past, I can…" Susan snapped her finger. "Like this, in a heartbeat, I can make sure you never see your bastard son again. And I guarantee you, your life will be a living hell. And all this time, you’ll be wondering about Allen. And let me tell you something. I’ll ensure that he is the unhappiest, unluckiest boy in the whole wide world. He’ll be miserable! Is that what you want?"

Allison shook her head numbly.

"There is a simple solution. Break it off with Sam. Tell her it was just a fun little experiment but you’ve tired of her. And make sure you both keep quiet. Because, honestly! I can’t have people finding out about this! And…" Susan’s chin trembled. "How you flaunt your pussy just disgusts me! You stab me in the heart over and over again! When Sam gets back, tell her. Put on a show." Susan grinned. "I’ll even help you write and practice your lines."

Allison lurched to the bedroom door, placed her hand on the knob. She turned sideways and looked at her mother with deflated green eyes, but she wasn’t down yet. "I’m going to think about this. I’ll be back."

Susan smirked at her sniveling daughter. Once again, the redhead had won, even if Allison didn’t know it yet. "You do that. You do that. And come back. Nothing will have changed."

*****

The blonde was in complete shock as she numbly waited for the Pinto to heat up. Allison drove aimlessly around town. She weighed her options time and time again. The time had come to choose. Sam and Allen. She owed the dark-haired girl so much, loved her with all her heart. Her time with Sam had been nothing short of heaven, because the green-eyed girl knew that with Sam at her side, helping her, things would turn out all right. Before she knew it, Allison parked the Pinto at the same outlook where she had killed Mickey. Allison thought about Mickey’s family, his mother. How was she doing?

The blonde stepped out of the car, a thin layer of snow crunching under her feet, and walked to the tree from where the owl had taunted her over a year ago. She leaned against the tree, pulling her heavy blue jacket around her for insulation.

Her son was her life. He was a part of her. That would always be true. She had changed hundreds of diapers, bathed him countless times, fixed him meals, read him bedtime stories. Kissed his boo-boos when he was hurt and wiped away his tears. Her relationship with Sam was more unpredictable. They were so young. Perhaps what they had now was just a fling. From deep inside her heart, Allison knew she was lying to herself. She and Sam shared a deep spiritual connection. There was no way she could end things with Sam, break the brunette’s heart. She could go get Allen at school now, and see Sam and Barry at the law offices. Surely Barry would believe her over Susan. Sam would side with her. She had to. If worse came to worst, she and Sam would kidnap Allen.

She took the long way back into town, mentally validating her decision. Allison drove by Allen’s special school for gifted students, but noted with horror that school was already out. Allen would be home by now. Alone with Susan.

She flung open the front door and rushed inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods overwhelming her. "Allen!" she called. "Where are you?"

"Al!" his excited voice responded from the kitchen.

Thank goodness! He seems all right. Allison dashed into the kitchen, and veered to a halt. The sight before her was completely unexpected. Susan held Allen in her arms, and both were giggling hysterically. The older woman had a checkered apron around her waist and a billowy chef’s hat protruded from her head. Allen wore silver alien antennae and his cherubic face was covered in flour and paint.

"Al!" he cried happily. "I helped momma make some cookies and cake! We gonna make pie now!" He looked at Susan eagerly, asking a silent question. She nodded, an eager grin on her face. "Then we’re gonna make some Play-Doh, all the colors. Then we gonna draw pictures." The kindergartner bobbed his head enthusiastically as he continued to recount his adventures. "I felt the baby kick, Al! Three times! Momma says I’m gonna be a good big brother." The boy crossed his arms proudly, his green eyes shining.

Allison gulped as her son kissed Susan on the nose. Her mood sank as the redhead’s manipulation increased. "I love you, Momma. Can you read me a story tonight? Al does it good but I like when you do it too. Can you read to me more?"

"Of course, baby," Susan simpered. "You love your momma, don’t you? You’re happy. And in just two months, you’ll have a baby brother to play with."

"I love you," he echoed seriously as Susan sat him on the counter. "And daddy too. You won’t leave me like my real daddy in Arkansasy did, will you?"

Perfect bait! Susan thought. Hook, line, and sinker. "Never. What will you do if someone tries to steal you?"

Allen’s words stung Allison more than anything Susan could ever throw at her. No matter what, Allen believed Susan was his mother. Susan was his mother, for all intents and purposes. He loved her in a way he would never love Allison.

"I won’t ever leave you, no matter what. You’re better than anyone else," the boy grinned as he took Susan’s hand in his. He sniffed the air. "The cake’s burning."

As the baking duo tended to the cake, Allison left the kitchen, deflated, her back hunched. Her heart broke even further when Allen didn’t call after her. He was too caught up having fun with Susan. The redhead joined the blonde a few minutes later, in Allison’s dark bedroom.

"You saw that, huh?" Susan smirked. "If you have a heart, you won’t take Allen away from his mother. You can go trollop with Sam if you like, but we’ll know who really matters to Allen. And can’t you see how he would be heartbroken if Al moved out suddenly and I started… doing things to him?"

"You made your point," Allison said through clenched teeth, her face buried in the pillows. "Now get the hell out of my room."

*****

The blonde ventured from underneath the covers about an hour later. She needed to prepare for Sam’s arrival. She had to end the relationship so that Sam would never come back. If she did, Allison knew she wouldn’t be able to say no. In the short term, the breakup would hurt the blue-eyed young woman but it was better for everyone in the long run. Sam was beautiful and intelligent. She’d get over Allison and find someone else who deserved her. But for Allison, there could never be anyone else. Allen, school, and work would have to be enough to fill her life.

Allison spent half an hour in the bathroom, applying makeup and rehearsing her speech. She had never lied outright to Sam to this extent, and she needed to pull off the act of her life. She wasn’t looking forward in the least to showing a whole other side of herself to Sam, but if she didn’t, the dark-haired young woman wouldn’t buy her act. And Allison would never see her son again.

The younger girl held in her breath as the front door opened. That would be Sam. Allison’s heart thudded as the light footfalls bounced up the stairs, to her. In a few seconds, there Sam was, standing behind her, gorgeous and sweet as ever. A ponytail held her glossy black hair and her maroon sweater accentuated her eyes brilliantly.

Sam reached into her pocket and extracted a yellow teddy bear about the length of a 12-ounce soda can. "For you," she grinned. "I saw it at the gas station and thought of you immediately." Sam held the stuffed animal out for her lover’s inspection, her good mood preventing her from noticing the grim look on Allison’s face. "See, it’s yellow with green eyes." Sam brought out another bear from her pocket, this one black with blue eyes. "That’s us. We make a merry beary pair." She grinned as she searched the blonde’s face for the usual pleased reaction. But all she saw was a stone expression. "What’s wrong, sweetie?" Her dark eyebrows furrowed as she studied her object of affection with great concern. Sam laid the bears on the toilet lid and reached to embrace Allison but the shorter girl pulled back, a gesture colder than the North Pole.

Sam stared, puzzled as to the sudden change in Allison’s attitude. This morning, they had been all warm and lovey-dovey and now she was acting as if Sam was a complete stranger.

"Sam…" Allison fumbled with her lines. "I’m breaking up with you. Don’t take this the wrong way. You’re wonderful. It’s not you, it’s me. I’m sure you’ll find someone else."

"Huh?" Sam cocked her head. "Where did that come from? If it’s the bears, I can take them back." The blue-eyed girl quipped as she brushed away Allison’s feeble attempt.

"No!" Allison pushed Sam back angrily. "I mean it."

Sam narrowed her eyes. "If something’s bothering you, tell me. Are you nervous about this Friday? We can wait. We’ll do it another time."

"It has nothing to do with Friday or those pathetic bears. I don’t love you. I just want to be friends."

Sam was speechless and confused. "If you need space… or time, I understand."

Allison shook her head furiously. "What fucking part don’t you understand?"

"Whoa." Sam stepped back. "I understand that I don’t want to lose you."

The pain and confusion on Sam’s beautiful face nearly penetrated Allison’s resolve. She remembered Allen’s cute and cherubic cheeks, and how important his happiness was to her. More important than her own happiness.

"We’re over. I don’t love you. Never have. It was fun while it lasted. You were a good roll in the hay but now...I wish we’d never gone this far. I do like you, Sam, but not in that way. I was just…experimenting. I should’ve just stuck with guys. I wanted to make sure you would keep shut about Mickey so I thought, why not give her what she so obviously wants? At least for a while until you were in too deep." Allison signed fluently, hoping that Sam wouldn’t push the issue. "But now you’re stifling me. Making me do things I don’t want to do. I’m straight. I know that now. And, well… to be honest with you, your deafness is a big drag. I don’t want to be stuck with a handicapped girl. I mean, you’re fine as a friend and sign language is cool and all but…" The blonde wrinkled her nose distastefully.

Sam felt as though someone punched her in the chest. Allison maintained an indifferent facade as her stomach flip-flopped in a thousand directions. The shorter girl waited a few moments before continuing, this time, cheerfully. "Once you get over this, we can still be friends, can’t we?" she grinned.

Sam’s whole being lurched with unbearable pain. Suddenly she felt ill and light-headed. Had Allison just...broken up with her? Just used her?

"Alli…" Sam sat on the toilet lid numbly, disbelieving, squishing the bears. "You’re joking right?" The horribly wounded young woman with suffering and anguish written all over her face, looked at her lover incredulously. "This isn’t funny."

Allison chuckled. "Oh, come on. We had fun. We can still do stuff together." She sighed. "Look… I don’t mean to hurt you. But, hey, better now than later!"

Sam chewed her lip and shook her head dazedly. "I...I love you. You...this morning...yesterday afternoon… what about this Friday? You couldn’t have faked the last year and seven months!" Her signing increased in intensity along with her protests. "I don’t believe one word you say!" She stood and grabbed Allison by the wrist.

Allison shrugged callously. "I wanted one last session with you Friday but I just don’t want to eat pussy. I must admit you aren’t half-bad in bed. Good practice, eh? Now I’ll know what to do when I find a real man."

The blonde shuddered as the wild look of uncontrollable rage returned to Sam’s blue eyes. The taller girl stared blankly at her stepsister, desperately trying to make sense of the whole mess. No playful smile danced around the corners of Allison’s lips to imply she was teasing. No sparkles in her green eyes. Slowly, Sam shook her head mutely.

"Oh well. Hey, let’s still do dinner Friday, before you go back. For your trouble." Allison brushed past Sam nonchalantly and left the bathroom, then the bedroom.

Sam stood in the bathroom, not breathing, as her jaw worked its way up and down. Breathe. Don’t erupt. She stumbled after Allison and caught her hand. "This isn’t you. You’d never do this."

Allison raised an eyebrow. "You never really knew me. For all you know, actually, I could have killed Mickey in cold blood. Planned it for months. For all you know I could have. You’re just a blind fool in love, Sam."

"No." Sam shook her head in protest. "No. I won’t accept that." She tried to kiss Allison but the shorter girl rejected the touch coolly. "Look… please." The brunette straightened, processing her thoughts. Allison circled to head downstairs but Sam grabbed her wrist. "Listen to me. My heart’s in the palm of your hand. I’m helpless here. Please? At least… how can you do this?" Sam screamed as tears sprung in her emotional blue eyes. "I bared my soul to you! You know all my fears, secrets, my thoughts…"

Allison sneered at the taller girl, rolling her eyes. "You are so overreacting, Sam. But I gotta admit, it’s a power trip. I know everything about you. Hee-hee."

"Oh Gods." Sam stepped back in disbelief. The young woman before her with the calculating green eyes and the heart of steel wasn’t the Allison she loved. "Tell me one thing. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t love me. You never loved me. Say that and I won’t bother you ever again."

Allison sighed in exasperation. Without a hitch, she studied the taller girl squarely in the face and said: "I don’t love you. Never did."

"That’s a lie!" Sam exclaimed, noticing a slight flicker in the blonde’s green eyes. "This is just too sudden. What, did Susan put you up to this?"

"Um?" Allison laughed. "Ha. No. Wow, I had no idea you’d take this so seriously."

Sam gaped as tears blurred her vision. She’d never seen this side of Allison. "You’re the love of my life! You taught me how to love, how to feel. You accepted me for who I was, never rejected me. I’d say that’s pretty serious." The blonde didn’t waver, not even a flinch. "Please, Alli. Give me another chance." She fell onto her knees and wrapped her arms around the blonde’s lower legs. "Please," she begged as her body shook with tears. She cast beseeching looks in Allison’s direction. "We’re perfect together. What do I need to do to change? If you’d like to date other people for a bit—or—I’ll go to college closer to home if that’s—"

Allison kicked her way out of Sam’s last-ditch effort, crunching on her slender fingers accidentally but harder than necessary. "Sam…" she shook her head sadly. "Get over it. Remember what someone said at your mom’s funeral? Shit happens, kid. Oh, I almost forgot." The green-eyed girl extricated a purple ring from her pocket. Carelessly, she tossed the precious alien ring on the carpeted floor. It landed by Sam’s boots. Allison turned on her heels and strolled down the steps. The moment she was on the bottom stair, she heard Sam slam a hole in the wall. That single expression of anger and agony set a torrent of tears down the blonde’s face, her heart already shattered alongside Sam’s. The blonde hastily dodged into her mother’s bedroom before her former lover caught her crying. A few minutes later, Sam stalked down the stairs, a murderous glint in her eyes, but the person she was after wasn’t her stepsister.

*****

Meanwhile, Barry wasn’t having such a hot day either.

"Thanks for postponing the meeting with the client, Helen," Barry said as he latched his briefcase and stretched his back muscles. He studied his associate’s high cheekbones and her crooked smile. He could look at her forever and never be bored.

"No problem. Those proposals really needed serious revision." Helen grinned. "You enjoyed having your daughter visit for the day, didn’t you? She catches on easily. Got a sharp and perceptive mind." The woman lawyer studied her colleague’s lean muscles and easygoing smile, but sensed trouble and worry behind his projected aura of power. She knew vaguely of problems at home, with his wife. The office practically was his first home now.

"Oh yeah." The barrel-chested man’s eyes glimmered with fatherly pride. "She’s going to law school. Harvard. I’ve already reserved an office for her here. Next to mine."

Barry shuffled a stack of papers as he considered asking Helen to dinner. Most of his time was spent at work now. In the beginning, it had been to escape Susan, but now, there was another reason. Helen was the complete opposite of his overbearing wife. She loved hiking, camping, French fries, and pizza. Her face was intelligent and sharp, beautiful, not like Susan’s jowly face with a permanent whine. Furthermore, Helen knew the value of hard work and money. She invested her finances wisely, still managing to lead a wealthy life without worrying about the basic needs. And she wasn’t obsessed with her appearance. She’d even joked about gaining five pounds over Christmas.

"Oh, Barry. Just don’t pressure her. I get the feeling that Sam doesn’t really want to go into law." Helen absent-mindedly reached for Barry’s shoulder and squeezed it encouragingly. Suddenly, Barry enveloped the dark-haired woman in a tight hug. She smelled of baby powder and sweat. "Oh, Helen…" he whispered.

Helen returned the powerful gesture as her chocolate eyes locked with Barry’s vibrant blue eyes. "Barry… you can’t," she said finally. "Your wife is pregnant. You’re a married man. You have responsibilities and obligations."

"Ohh…" Barry rubbed his temples. "You’re right. I don’t know what I’m doing anymore." He glanced at his co-worker helplessly. "I really don’t."

Helen wasn’t sure how to respond so she just took Barry’s hand in a small gesture of comfort. I wish I could do more. "I’m here if you ever need to talk." She consulted her watch. "I’ve got to go now. Don’t stay too late, ok?" She peered in the broad chested man’s eyes.

"I won’t." Barry shook his head. "Drive carefully, Helen." He watched as the cheeks of her wonderfully round butt, the muscular torso, and the long, supple legs disappeared out the door of the conference room. "God!" He unlatched his briefcase and grabbed his liquor container. He swigged from it, sighed as the blessed sensation relieved his agitated nerves. Took another swill. Damn. Empty. He headed for his office, looking around to ensure no one was near, and opened the bottom drawer of his desk for his favorite scotch. It would last him until he got home.

He drove home recklessly, almost bouncing off the slick road a couple times. The lazy snowflakes pounded down harder, sticking on the road, and the wind whipped against his car, rocking it. Barry turned the heat up to full blast, letting the alcohol warm him where the heat couldn’t. His thoughts, as they inevitably always did, returned to his wife.

Susan.

Their honeymoon had lasted, what, two months? Probably not even that long. Already, after less than two years of marriage, their relationship was over. Dead. He knew now that he should’ve waited before proposing to the redhead. But, alas, it was too late. She was pregnant. Barry shook his head as he yet again considered the irony. He’d been about to announce his desire for a divorce, after months of blaming and failed marriage counseling, when she had blurted the "wonderful" news of her pregnancy. She hadn’t even let him set foot in the house, instead corralling him in the garage. She had probably anticipated his request for a divorce.

He said nothing at first. Just looked at her, shocked. At her manipulative, mean face. "I thought we agreed not to have children. I used condoms every time and you’re taking birth control pills."

Susan shrugged happily and threw her arms around Barry. "Does it matter? I’m pregnant! A baby is a miracle!" She leaned back, looking into his convulsed face. "Wouldn’t you want a son? The obstetrician is so nice! He graduated from Yale and has a daughter around Allen’s age—"

"Susan…" Barry’s voice remained flat. "Have you been taking your pills?"

She stared at him, doe-eyed. "Of course, Beauie! I’m just as surprised as you are! But on the way home, I thought about everything. A baby! We’re having a baby!" she exclaimed.

"Have you been taking your pills?"

"Yes!" Susan defended herself, her pupils of her eyes dilating. "Yes. I have been taking my birth control pills." She crossed her arms in a defensive manner, closing herself off.

Barry nodded. Classic behavior of a liar. "Whatever you say, Susie." He brushed past her and promptly climbed back into the car he had left only moments ago. He drove to a liquor store, then back to the office. Within the hour, he was passed out in his chair, legal papers scattered all over the floor.

He shook his head, willing the thoughts to leave, as he turned into his driveway. Look at the bright side. He was luckier than most people.

*****

Susan’s fat butt was plopped on the couch, her idle gray eyes glued to yet another soap opera that she’d taped earlier that day. The redhead heard Samantha clacking down the steps, making such a horrible ruckus. Honestly, the girl needed to deal with her problems better. The older woman plastered a fake smile on her features, ready to greet her stepdaughter with: "We’re having yummy salads for dinner. Could you get me some water from the refrigerator?"

Sam blew through the hallway and into the living room like a tornado with a vendetta. Bending over the couch, she seized her stepmother’s sweater.

"You’re scaring me!" Susan yelped as she was ungraciously pillaged from her couch seat and rammed against her favorite picture, a huge landscape she had recently bought at an auction. "Don’t hurt the painting, Samantha! It’s one of a kind!" Unintelligible nonsense spewed from Samantha’s mouth and her hands made those funny uncivilized signs.

Sam’s bloodshot eyes were inhuman. They reminded Susan of a poor, unthinking savage.

Susan screamed as her stepdaughter pointed to a picture of Allison on the mantel and then used the same finger to bore a deep hole into her chest. Play dumb.

"You’re hurting me! I don’t understand what you want!" the redhead shrilled. Fucking Allison told her the truth. That hussy is in trouble! "Something to do with the mantel?" Sam grasped both her wrists, showing no sign of letting up.

Panic overwhelmed Susan and her defensive instincts kicked in. She moistened her mouth, reared back, and spat a globe of salvia directly onto Sam’s tortured face.

"Agh!" Sam let go immediately as she was bombed with the white goo. She compressed her arm muscles and brought her hand around for a resounding slap on Susan’s face as the side door of the house opened.

Sam clutched her stepmother’s sweater and propelled her against the wall again, then again, and again, showing no signs of letting up.

"Samantha!" Susan screamed hysterically, only half-acting. "The baby! You’re hurting the baby!"

Barry gasped at the scene in the living room, of his daughter pummeling his very pregnant wife to pieces. "Sam!" he cried, dashing to Susan’s rescue. He shoved the furious girl off the older woman, but Sam continued punching and kicking wildly.

Susan slumped to the floor, clutching her swollen stomach in agony. "Oh, God!" she wheezed as a puddle of water splattered on the floor. "The baby’s coming!"

"Susie, honey." Barry kneeled calmly on the floor and kissed his wife’s sweat-laden forehead. He had to be strong for her. "I’m taking you to the hospital now." Barry stood and stared in total disbelief at his daughter. Sam gaped as the growing puddle of water seeped into the carpet.

He lunged for her, veins jumping out of his neck. Shaking her furiously by the shoulders, the alcohol on his breath was strong and repulsive. "Get out of here! I don’t ever fucking want to see you again! You better hope the baby’s all right!" He flung her against the TV.

Allison heard the commotion from the master bedroom and ran to join the scene, her eyes no longer puffy and red. "Momma!" she cried upon seeing the collapsed woman on the floor and the water spreading. "Oh my God!" She ran to her mother and fell in beside her, taking the older woman in her arms. Allison glared accusingly at Sam. "How could you?"

Barry’s eyes bulged out of his sockets as he growled at his daughter. "Don’t come back until you’re ready to apologize and you mean it!"

The brunette narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms in a universally understood gesture. It was over. Sam fisted both of her hands and placed one fist in the crook of her other bent arm. FUCK YOU she mouthed emphatically to no one in particular. She turned on her heels and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

"Sammy?" Allen stood next to the snow family. She didn’t see him; she just went straight for her Bronco. He beat her to the vehicle, grinning. "I won, Sammy! What’s wrong?"

The brunette shoved her stepbrother out of her path, causing him to fall on his back into the snow. "Sammy?" he called. "Sammy!"

Sam hurled the door open and shoved her key into the ignition. "Woof!" Corny bounced up to the open door, but Sam barely glanced at the stately elderly dog, her constant companion and friend for as long as she could remember. He couldn’t have more than a year or so left to live, and time was precious. He attempted to jump into the Bronco, eager for another outdoors trip with his mistress.

Sam propelled the dog out of the vehicle, slammed the door shut, and screamed down the road and out of Allison’s life. The Bronco became immediately invisible in the whirling snow. Tears came to Corny’s affectionate brown eyes and he slunk to Allen, whimpering.

Barry’s car skidded in reverse out of the driveway a few seconds later, Susan heaving and moaning hysterically in the passenger seat, holding her stomach for dear life. She had absolutely no idea why Samantha had hit her so! Allison ran outside to collect Allen, who was also sobbing by this time.

"Sammy pushed me! Why is she leaving, Al?" He held his arms out for his sister, who blindly took him in her arms as a deluge of tears streamed down her face. Allison stooped helplessly in the snow as garbled words came from her mouth.

"Don’t cry, Al." Allen hugged his sister and comforted her the best he knew how. "I’ll be here for you, always." But his attempts to help just caused her to cry harder. Allison looked at the boy through teary eyes, holding onto him for dear life, wondering if she had done the right thing. She glanced at the road, but nothing was visible in the omnipresent snow. The blonde’s heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. She knew she’d never see the love of her life again.