All in the Family Part 21 (conclusion)

The next morning, Sam and Allison rose early, dressed, and showered. They arrived at the hospital cafeteria just in time to catch limp cold eggs and semi-toasted bagels. Sam took a sip of coffee and spewed it into a napkin. "Eww! They burnt coffee. This could put hair on my chest. Can coffee even be burned? Your batches are always better!"

Allison smiled and tugged at Sam’s leather jacket. "Can’t you drop the bad-ass image for one minute? Or at least take off those sunglasses so I can see your pretty blues? We are indoors, you know?"

Sam rolled her eyes and pushed up her shades. "Better?"

Allison giggled. "Much. And to answer your question, yes, coffee can be burnt. You’re the one who burnt water. Water." She winked knowingly. "Don’t think for one minute I’m your new coffee slave. If you’re nice…I might make some coffee for you." She laughed and snatched the brunette’s plate away. "You can’t eat this crap. Have some of this." Allison pushed some fruit and half a bagel towards the brunette. "Eat up."

"Yes, mom." Sam inhaled the food and was done in minutes. "Yum, that was good. Let’s go see Allen."

Allison took Sam’s hand and they silently traveled upstairs, content with holding hands. They paused outside of the blond boy’s room. He was sleeping and his face seemed so peaceful and serene. "Seems like he found the note. It’s in his hand," Allison commented.

Sam nodded. "Let’s just sit in here and watch him for a while." Peeking into the room, she spotted the game system. "Maybe later, Allen and I can whip your butt at one of those video games." She pointed towards the system and winked at the younger woman.

"No fair! Ganging up on me. I don’t think so." She crossed her arms and glared at the brunette.

Sam grinned. "That won’t work." She grabbed the green-eyed woman and hugged her, lifting her off the ground. Allison heard a throat clear and looked up to meet the eyes of her stepfather and Julia. Beau was asleep, piggyback on his father.

"Oh, hi." Allison chuckled nervously.

There was no response from the couple. They stood in the hallway, slack-jawed at the sight before them. Barry finally spoke. "I take it you two worked out your…situation." He nodded hesitantly, unsure of Sam’s reception. "What happened to Helen?"

Julia’s eyes rolled skyward and she met Barry’s face. She whispered so only he could hear. "Such a tacky question to ask at this time, Barry!"

Allison shook her head and signed as she spoke. "Helen and I broke up. Sam and I have decided to work out some things."

Sam wrapped an arm around Allison’s shoulders and grinned at her father, silently challenging him to object.

Barry smiled. "That’s good news." He turned to Sam and signed slowly, although he was mostly gesturing. "Are you here to stay?"

Sam gritted her teeth and scoffed at her father’s clumsy efforts. "Yes. Alli and I are together." She signed slowly enough so that her aunt and the blonde would think she was making an effort to communicate with her father, but her speed was just fast enough so he couldn’t catch her words.

Barry’s brow furrowed and he shook his head, not understanding. "I’m sorry. Say again."

Sam nodded. "Again."

Julia shot daggers at her niece. "Samantha!"

Barry smiled. Sam groaned. "I was joking. Jeez! Look at him! He’s smiling. He got the joke."

Julia raised her eyebrows in a no-nonsense manner. "Sam."

The brunette rolled her eyes. "Okay. Dad, Allison and I are lovers." She signed slowly and mouthed each word so that her father could understand.

Barry bobbed his head enthusiastically. "That’s great! Allison’s wonderful!"

The blonde blushed at the compliment and looked down quickly as Barry continued. "I’m going to learn sign language and I’ll be better than both of them ladies in one year. You and me, we got a lot of catching up to do." He grinned but there was no reaction from Sam. His face sagged slightly as he realized he had moved too fast with his daughter. "I’m sorry."

Sam smiled inwardly. Her father was so cute sometimes. "It’s ok. We have things to talk about. You too, Julia. Let’s go into the waiting room and get this over with." She dropped her arm from the blonde’s shoulders and intertwined their hands.

Julia and Barry looked at each other and grinned nervously. Sam wanted to talk to both of them. Did she know that they had gotten into Julia’s secret marijuana stash, smoked pot, and had sex like rabbits all night long?

Sam saw the exchange and narrowed her eyes. "Is something up with the two of you?"

Barry shifted from one foot to another, his eyes darting around the waiting room. "Actually, yes. I told your Aunt Julia yesterday that I loved her and well, we’re dating now." He refused to meet his daughter’s gaze.

Sam’s head tilted in delayed understanding. "Oh. Eww, that’s gross! My dad and my aunt?" Her face scrunched up.

Barry drew himself up to full size when he heard his newfound girlfriend translate for him. "Whoa! Wait a minute, here. How about you two? My daughter and my stepdaughter. Julia and I are just as much related as you are to Allison!"

Sam rolled her eyes. "Ok. You have a point. I just don’t want to imagine–eek."

"And what do you think runs through my mind? You guys were together for a year and half under my roof! All those goings-on under my nose!"

"Actually, it was more like above your nose." In keeping with her blunt nature, Sam sprung another question at her father. "Are you with her because she reminds you of my mother?"

Barry’s heart constricted for a second and he sighed. "No. Julia and Norene are very different people. I’ll always love Norene but Julia and I here, we get along great. We love each other and, well. You know."

Sam nodded and sat down in a hard and cold plastic chair. She didn’t want to get around to the confession just yet. "What’s up with that woman?"

Barry’s head cocked in puzzlement. "Oh! That woman. Susan. She’s upstairs in surgery. Jackie did a job on her, all those diamonds on her hand. I suppose I can go upstairs and visit her a bit, wrap things up."

Beau woke up from his slumber and tugged at his father’s head, tearing out a clump of graying black hair. Barry cursed under his breath, not wanting to become prematurely bald. He placed his son down on a chair and smiled. "Susan and I are over. Divorce. I’m going to work on joint custody of Beau. If Allison wants Allen and he is ok with the idea, I’ll help you get custody of him."

Sam and Allison smiled gratefully at the tall man. "Thanks. We appreciate it." Allison grinned and echoed the sentiment, squeezing Sam’s hand.

Sam sighed. "Sit down. I got some things to tell you. Aunt Julia, do you mind interpreting for me?"

The older couple sat down. Barry was beyond ecstatic that his daughter finally was speaking to him.

Sam started her tale. "I never graduated from college. I partied too much and fucked up. I wasted the last few years of my life and most of my money." In three sentences, Sam summed up her experiences of the past few years. "I lied because I didn’t want to disappoint you, Julia." Her throat tightened at the look of displeasure on her aunt’s face. "But I’ve decided to move back here."

Barry grinned ear-to-ear. "We won’t dwell on bygones. Of course! You can live with me. You’ll work with me at the firm and you will go back to college and finish up. Then off to law school! You only have a couple of semesters, probably?"

Sam’s chest tensed. Her father was already ordering her around. But he was only trying to help. "Thanks. I appreciate the sentiment, but actually. I don’t have a couple of semesters. More like two, maybe three, years."

Barry and Julia’s jaws dropped in tandem. "What do you mean?"

Sam shrugged. "I had a lousy grade point average for just about my entire college career. NYU kicked me out."

"How is that possible?"

"My typical semester: four F’s. One D minus. That was in drawing." She nodded slowly, allowing the news to sink in, waiting for the barrage.

Barry wrung his hands together. "It’s all right. You’ll go back to school. Whatever it takes. You live with us, get to know your brother Beau better and work with me. It’ll be all right. Unless you plan on living with Allison at Helen’s?"

Julia rolled her eyes and buried her face in her hands. Again, she whispered to her dense boyfriend. "Barry, of course they wouldn’t! I’m sure Allison and Sam will get a place of their own."

"I suppose you’re right, Jul." Barry smiled and bobbed his head again.

Sam narrowed her eyes into blue slits. Her father and her aunt hadn’t reacted badly at all. They were just glad she was back but once reality sunk in, they would be angry. But at the moment, more pressing matters required her attention.

*****

Sam and Allison joined hands again and went to visit Allen. He was still asleep, but turning restlessly. He’d be up soon.

The silly grin was back on Sam’s face and her companion couldn’t help but smile.

"There’s that look again." Allison watched Sam as she changed the game in the system.

"What?" Sam glanced at the blonde quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"That silly grin. You really should smile more."

Sam frowned exaggeratedly and drew her lover in for a hug. "That better?" She kissed Allison lightly on the lips then let go, a huge smile on her planar features. "I’m happier than I can ever remember being. I have you and so much more."

Sam wasn’t the only one in a good mood. Allison was giddy and absolutely nothing would get her down today. "So, your father and Julia are dating. Romance must be in the air."

Sam shook her head and grimaced. "Yeah. Well… I don’t know quite what to make of that one yet. Hey, don’t you have work today?"

"Don’t worry. The school knows I won’t be in all week. Can you stay here for a sec with Allen? I’ll be right back. I want to find the doctor and see how Allen’s progressing. Then I suppose I should do some apartment or house hunting… look at two-bedrooms or more, hopefully. I swear to you, Sam. I am not letting my mother lay one finger on Allen." Allison sighed as another item came to mind. "Could you do me a favor and get those tests done today?"

The taller woman swallowed. "Consider it done," she whispered. "I’m sor–"

Allison waved the apology off. "It’s done and over with. Please, don’t worry."

Sam sighed and cocked her head. "You should get tested too."

Allison was drawn back at the blue-eyed woman’s request. "Why?"

"You never know. Helen could have given you something, and remember that incident in the elevator. Just to play it safe." Sam shrugged and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind Allison’s ear.

"I suppose that’s a good idea. We’ll get tested together. Want to go apartment hunting with me? After all, we’ll be living together. I can’t wait to have a house." I wish you’d been more responsible. I can’t imagine anything happening to you, especially since I just got you back.

Sam made an effort to paste a smile on her face; despite Allison’s protestations, Sam would never forgive herself for possibly putting the blonde at risk for a disease. "I’d love to go. See, what I was thinking is that I’ll live with dad for a while, a month or two, something along those lines. That’ll give you and Allen some quality time together and give me a chance to court you–"

Allison interrupted with a grin. "Don’t forget I’m courting you too."

Sam chuckled, warmth surging through her body every time she looked at the blonde and contemplated the fact that they were spending the rest of their lives together. "Of course. Pardon me for forgetting." She winked teasingly. "Dad and I can work on our problems and it’ll be a good transitory period. So, umm… how’s that?"

"Sounds great." Allison kissed Sam lightly on the lips. "I better warn you that Beau can be somewhat of a brat. My mother’s brainwashed him but hopefully he’ll turn out okay once Barry gets custody."

Sam rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it. He bit me yesterday. Right here on my lower leg." The brunette tugged up the edges of her jeans and revealed small teeth imprints. "Don’t worry, though. I’ll set him straight. And if dad and Julia are really serious… boy. She won’t Beau get away with that crap."

Allison giggled. "It was hilarious when she pulled you by your ear out of the cafeteria. Be right back. I just saw Dr. Downs go by." The blonde grinned and left in search of Allen’s doctor.

Sam watched over Allen’s sleeping figure, still not quite able to comprehend that this boy was Allison’s son. Allison was a mother to a nine-year-old child.

Julia opened the patient’s door a crack and slipped in. "Hey." She embraced Sam warmly, her dark eyes shining. "Thank you for listening to me."

Sam grinned wryly. "How long have you and my father… ah…" She gestured in the air, searching for a phrase to complete her sentence. "Been aware of your attraction to each other?"

Julia’s mouth curved upward in a thin smile. "We’ve always been good friends and he really helped me cope with Julio’s passing. We just grew close. Don’t change the subject, Sam. What happened with Allison?"

Sam leaned against the wall and sighed, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, her blue eyes twinkling with happiness. "At the airport, she explained some things and after I thought about it, I decided to come back and move on with my life. Alli and I, we’re going to work things out." She fiddled with a piece of thread that had come out of the bottom of her shirt. She cast her eyes away and muttered. "I love her. It’s time I grew up and started facing my problems."

Julia walked to her niece and hugged her. She guided Sam’s chin up and looked her in the eye. "I know. I’m proud of you, sweetie."

"So. What about you and dad? Exactly what is there between you two?" Sam tilted her head to the side and scrutinized her aunt’s face.

"We’re just dating. We’ll see how things go. Sam…" Julia crossed her arms and drew her head back to study her niece. "What did you do in New York?"

Sam gulped. Time for the big interrogation. "I partied a lot. I didn’t really go to classes. I got expelled on academic dismissal and just kicked back for a while."

"What’s your excuse? I know you transferred to NYU for a change. I know what happened with Allison hurt you badly but I think there’s more to the story." Julia maintained an even and steady tone.

"I got into a slump, that’s all." Sam avoided her aunt’s gaze and noticed a huge card from Barry’s parents, her own grandparents, that stood on the nightstand. Speedy wishes for a great recovery! The brunette scowled. Politicians were full of shit.

"Were you doing any drugs?"

Sam sighed and shook her head. "I did what any normal college student does. Drinking, smoking, pot, some acid, mushrooms. Nothing big. I don’t do any of that anymore. Drugs were never a problem for me. I just didn’t put any energy into school or life. Period." Her defensive wall was back in place and her face dropped into an inscrutable mask. She hooked her thumbs into the pockets of her jeans.

"I’m not angry, sweetie. Just… a bit surprised and disappointed. I expected so much more from you, Sam."

"Hey. I just got off track momentarily. That’s all! I’m getting back in step with my life, ok? I don’t need anybody telling me what to do! I’m going back to school and finishing up a degree." Sam retreated backwards and crossed her arms, glaring at the older woman.

Julia stepped up to Sam and embraced her. "Sam, I’m not mad at you and I am not telling you what to do. I just want what’s best for you. Are you going to live with Allison? What about money? Do you have any of your mother’s money left?"

Sam nodded mutely. "I thought I would live with dad for a couple of months, give us a chance to catch up. I’ll probably move in with Allison in a few months though. I’ll get a job. I didn’t blow all of mom’s money and the money you sent me. I’ve got enough to go to school and get set up. I just didn’t use the money because I didn’t care about how I lived. I know I wasted the last few years but I learned many valuable lessons. Lesson number one, always listen to your favorite aunt. I wonder where she is?" Sam looked at the ceiling in mock question then looked again at her companion. "Thank you for being there for me after what happened with Allison and sticking by me all those years. It couldn’t have been easy but, well, I owe you a lot." The taller woman grinned sheepishly.

Julia sighed and tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "I’m always here for you. Your father will be thrilled to have you under the same roof. You and your brother Beau will be good for each other. I can see you in him. Stubborn with an attitude." Julia grinned. "I mean that in a nice way." She hugged her niece once more and tousled her hair.

Sam squirmed and smoothed out her hair. "This doesn’t do much for my bad-girl image, ya know? Allison and Allen just saw that!" She indicated the now-awake boy and the blonde hiding behind the door. Allison stepped into the room, smiling, and stopped near the edge of the hospital bed.

Julia turned her attention to the patient. "Hello Allen. How are you feeling today?"

"Fine." He croaked and pressed the electronic button that maneuvered the bed into a semi-upright position. "Sam. You’re still here."

The blue-eyed woman sat on the bedside and hugged him gingerly, taking care not to injure her stepbrother. "I’m still here and I’ll be here tomorrow and the day after and next week. Next month too and next year."

"You’re back for good?" Allen’s eyes shone with exultation. "That’s great. We’ll have fun." He winced and rotated his wrist. "Still hurts a bit. Are you and Al…" Sam nodded silently, chewing her lower lip. The boy smiled. "I’m glad. Where’s momma?"

Allison’s head lowered and she sighed. Allen still thought of Susan as his mother, but of course, it had only been a few days since his discovery.

Sam laughed out loud. "Your momma and your Aunt Jackie got in a fight. Fists everywhere from what I heard. I wish I’d been there to see Susan get it. I think they are upstairs in cosmetic surgery."

Allen giggled. "Funny." He turned his attention to his other visitors. "Thanks for coming. Could you leave Sam and me alone?" He nodded a farewell to Julia and glanced away, not giving Allison any acknowledgement.

Allison’s heart clenched at her son’s rejection, especially after their seeming progress from the night before. Tears sprung to her eyes as she quickly turned away and stormed out of the room. Julia shook her head at Sam who was about to follow the blonde. With a flick of her head, she silently encouraged Sam to remain and talk to the boy. The older woman stepped out of the room to see Allison.

Sam sat down in a chair and pulled it up to the bed. "What’s up?"

"Did you know that Al is my mother?" Allen fidgeted with his nail cuticles.

"I found out last night. I was surprised. But it kinda makes sense. She always took care of you; she obviously loves you and thinks the world of you." Sam squeezed the boy’s hand. "So do I."

"I’m still mad at her." Allen fearfully studied Sam’s reaction.

"That’s all right. Totally understandable. The important thing is to share your feelings and work them out rather than bottling them all up and running away from your problems. Give others the benefit of the doubt. You’re nine, almost ten. Can you imagine being a father at your age? Or even in just a couple of years? Al was vulnerable. She didn’t really have choices."

"She could have told me. She could have taken me with her when she moved out," objected Allen.

"She could have but she didn’t because she thought that she couldn’t do as good a job as Susan and Barry in providing for you and raising you. Whatever she did, she thought it was best. She wasn’t always right but she’s human."

"What’s going to happen now? Do I have to go back to momma? I don’t want to hurt her feelings." Allen’s face took on a look of distaste as he mentioned Susan.

"I don’t know. I can’t answer that question. If you want to, Allison will try to get custody of you. Barry will help with that as well. Or you can continue to live at the house with Barry and Beau. Susan will be fine. You can always visit with her if you don’t want to live with her. Al won’t stop you." Sam grinned and mussed the boy’s hair.

"Do I have to call Al mother now? What about you?" His brow was scrunched and he jerked his chin towards Sam to indicate the person in question.

Sam chuckled. "It’ll be weird seeing you call her mom, probably feel funny to call her that. She’s always been your sister. You’ll have to ask her but I suppose you’ll do whatever is comfortable for you. As for me, I’m not going to start calling her mom!" The brunette winked at her friend.

Allen swatted Sam’s shoulder weakly. "Okay."

"How you feeling?" Sam asked concernedly, noticing that the short conversation had drained most of the youth’s energy.

Allen grimaced slightly. "Better now that you’re back."

"Al’s talking to the doctor right now. Do you want to see her?"

Allen shook his head gravely. "Maybe for just a little bit. I want to watch TV. Don’t wanna see Susan. You’re ok, though. I told Al last night that I loved her."

Sam’s face inclined in understanding. "That’s good. That’s good. Sure. We can play video games when you have more energy." She reached for the remote control and clicked on the television. The taller woman made sure that Allen was settled in and comfortable. "I have to take care of some things today," she said. "I’ll be back in a few hours, ok?"

"Okay." Allen smiled and instantly wiped off the kiss Sam planted on his forehead. "Yuck."

The dark-haired woman grinned. "Just for that, you get a hug." She leaned over and embraced him lightly. "Be good. I’ll see you soon."

Allison was nervously stirring in the waiting room. When she saw Sam, she jumped to her feet and walked quickly to greet her stepsister. "Well?" Her eyebrow was raised in question.

"He’s thawing. He just needs time to get adjusted to the shock of everything. Very tired, though. He said he’d talk to you for a few minutes." Sam delivered the good news with a smile. "I’ll let you do that now. Hey, what did the doctor say?" The brunette rubbed her hand across Allison’s back.

"Great." Allison’s eyes shone with determination. "The doctor had good news. Allen’s recovering on track and hopefully he’ll be out of the hospital by the end of next week."

"Nothing to worry about." A small smile of enchantment touched Sam’s lips. "I’ll wait here." She sat down and stretched her long legs languidly, watching Allison’s rump sway from side to side as the blonde made her way to Allen’s room. After Allison left, Sam went to the bank of pay phones and called her former physician in the area. She made appointments for both herself and Allison to get tested that day.

Allison poked her head in her son’s room and saw Allen’s eyes beginning to droop. "Hi, sweetie."

Allen’s head turned towards his visitor. "Hi, Al."

The blonde stepped in and sat down on the side of Allen’s bed. Allison took the young boy’s hand and stroked the back with her thumb. "Bet you’re tired of the hospital already."

"Kinda. All the TV and sleep I want, which is cool, but I hate being stuck to this damn bed." Allen’s voice was low and raspy.

"Sweetie, don’t use that kind of language. Dr. Downs told me you’d be able to get out of here by the end of next week." Allison grinned easily, her happiness shining through.

Allen rolled his eyes and gripped the older woman’s hand. "Gee! When will I be old enough to use that ‘kind of language’?" He imitated his visitor’s tone of voice and scowled at his companion.

The blonde swatted her son’s hand and raised a fair eyebrow. "Never."

Allen nodded and groaned. "I don’t feel so hot anymore." His wheezing increased.

"Okay." Allison rose and kissed the youth’s forehead. "The doctor’s coming to look in at you soon." Right on cue, the doctor strode into the room. "I love you, sweetie." Allison stroked the boy’s fair cheek with her fingers. "When you’re better, we’ll all have a video game marathon."

Allen winked at his companion and managed a frail raspberry. "Haha. I’m gonna whip your butt."

*****

Allison joined her lover in the alcove of pay phones. "Hi sweetheart. Who you been calling? Any old flames?" She winked at the blue-eyed woman and embraced her.

Sam’s mouth curved into an unconscious smile. "Yeah. I’ve been calling up all of my old girlfriends, thought we’d have a grand old party." She poked the blonde’s ribs, eliciting a squeaky giggle.

The younger woman pinched the taller woman’s butt. "Thanks a lot. Am I at least the guest of honor or a V.I.P?"

"Not a V.I.P. You’re the M.I.P, the M.V.P., the O.P." Sam saw the confusion register on the blonde’s fair features. "Only player," Sam clarified and laughed easily. "Nah. We got an appointment downtown for the tests. We have time to look at a couple of apartment complexes first too. Ready?"

Butterflies attacked Allison’s stomach and she thought she was ill for a moment. Her face blanched and she sighed heavily, avoiding eye contact with her lover. "I don’t know. It’s necessary, but I wish we didn’t have to do those tests."

"Don’t worry, babe. We’re in and out fast, just a little blood. No big deal, and we’ll find out the results soon enough." Sam’s dark brow furrowed and she tilted the blonde’s chin up.

Allison shook her head, frustrated. "It’s not the needles. It’s…uhh…the thought that I could lose you or that we can’t…don’t get me wrong. That’s not just about sex but it would be nice to be able to consummate our love."

"I know, Alli. It’ll be all right. I have faith. The tests are just a precaution. That’s all. I promise." Sam kissed the shorter woman gently and held her tightly.

*****

After applying at several apartment complexes and taking the tests, Sam and Allison headed to the apartment where the blonde had shared a life with her former lover. Allison cut the engine and sighed. Helen’s BMW was prominently parked in the parking lot. "Sam, it’s not necessary for you to come in with me. I don’t want to make a scene."

Sam’s jaw dropped and she clutched the armrest in the car. "A scene? I wouldn’t."

"Not you! I didn’t say you would make a scene. It’s just that it’ll be awkward for all of us and I don’t want to make Helen uncomfortable. I’m just going to run in and pack a few things for the next couple of days and once we find an apartment, we’ll get the rest of my things." Allison kissed Sam on the tip of her nose. "Back in a jiffy."

Sam grabbed the blonde’s wrist before she could get out of the vehicle and kissed Allison roughly on the mouth. "Don’t forget about me up there, will you?" She winked and let the younger woman go, glowering inwardly at allowing her lover alone with another woman. I do trust her; it’s Helen I don’t trust. Who couldn’t resist a babe like Alli? I should go in. Just yesterday, Helen left Alli with another woman and looky what happened. Sam steeled her resolve and studied the apartment building with detached interest, counting the seconds for her blonde to come walking outside with a suitcase. One thing she knew for sure, their apartment hunting would not include this area.

*****

Allison knocked softly then unlocked the door quietly and closed it behind her. She saw Helen sprawled over the couch watching television. Bags resided underneath the lawyer’s bloodshot eyes. It was almost two in the afternoon on a workday but she was still in her pajamas, her hair imitating a mad scientist’s mane. Her nose was bandaged and swollen. "Hi, Helen." Allison managed a feeble greeting and approached the couch.

Helen croaked out a response. "Hi, Allison. Where’s your little sex-kitty?" She reached over to the floor and took a sip from a glass of tea, but did not move from her position.

"She’s in the car. I just stopped by to get some things. I’ll be moving out in a few days." Allison’s heart went out to the tall woman who had been a solid rock of support those past few years.

"That’s good, I suppose. How’s Allen doing?" Helen whispered in a tear-smothered voice.

"Much better. Out of the hospital soon. I’m sorry, Helen. I do love you, just in a different way." Allison knelt beside the couch and hugged the older woman fiercely. "You’ll always be special to me. I hope we can be friends. I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything, and I mean that. You’ve done so much for me. I can’t possibly begin to put into words how important you are to me."

"Oh, baby. Don’t be upset. We weren’t really together before you went running off to Sam. We had been emotionally separated for more than a year before the shooting. I just had to go and propose, so to speak." Helen’s voice cracked and she swallowed. "I want to be friends too. I’m always here for you. I wish things had worked out otherwise…" She trailed off, unable to complete her sentence.

Allison answered quickly over her choking, beating heart. "I know. I should go pack."

"Do you need my help?" Helen offered graciously.

"That’s not necessary. I’m just taking some clothes." They nodded in awkward silence and Allison’s hands wavered for a moment before she took hesitant steps towards the bedroom, passing the room in where she had shared many passionate nights with the lawyer.

She quickly tossed a few changes of clothes and toiletries in an overnight bag.

Allison went to the closet and sifted through various shoes and boxes on the floor, finally extracting the box that held many mementos of her time with Sam. She carefully placed the box into the bag and zipped it shut. She grabbed a book she was in middle of reading and stuffed it into an exterior side compartment, surveying the room. Neither she nor Allen had much that needed to be moved.

Allison returned to the living room and stood next to Helen. "Well, I’m off now. I’ll be back later this week for the rest." Allison raised her hands and let them slump to her sides, chewing her lower lip. She studiously avoided Helen’s pained dark eyes.

The lawyer hauled herself from the couch and walked the blonde to the entryway. She opened the door for her former lover. They stepped outside together and Helen bowed her head, not sure of what to say. "I’m happy for you, Allison. I love you and, well, don’t be a stranger. If you need my help or legal expertise, you know my number." A tear trickled its way down her caramel skin. Being a gracious loser was damn near impossible.

Allison cupped Helen’s chin and wiped away the tear with her thumb, resisting the urge for one last kiss. "Good-bye, Helen. I love you." The blonde turned away and ran down the steps as Helen slowly retreated to her cave.

*****

Allison was subdued during the drive back to the hospital, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Sam. The brunette chose to postpone discussion on the matter for later that evening and remained quiet as well. They checked in on Allen briefly; he was sleeping and recovering normally on all cylinders.

A homeless woman with most of her teeth missing had set up a makeshift stand outside the hospital. She approached the two women, wearing a cardboard sign around her neck that read in scrawling and nearly indecipherable handwriting: "Poor deaf need food. Buy card $1 learn abc’s help me." She held out a shaking hand, stinking of urine and body odor.

Sam wrinkled her nose at the sight. Those peddlers were a disgrace to the deaf community and promoted the stereotype of the lazy, dumb deaf person. And to boot, most of those people weren’t even deaf. Sam narrowed her eyes and nudged Allison aside.

The woman pointed feebly to the sign then poked her index fingers in her ears, indicating she couldn’t hear. She outlined the word HELP on the cardboard necklace. The brunette tilted her head gravely and signed a quick sentence. "Hey. What’s your name? Where you from?"

The woman’s mouth dropped in amazement and she shook her head. She gestured, indicating she didn’t understand sign either. Sam made a disgusted noise and reached for Allison’s hand. She pulled the blonde to the motel, angrily commenting. "That woman was hearing. Gods! Even if she was deaf, that’s no excuse to go around begging."

Allison watched her lover warily. "I’ve seen some of them around. I always gave them money."

"Oh, no." Sam held up a cautioning finger. "Never do that. It just enables them. There are plenty of resources, organizations that can help them. Okay?"

Allison acquiesced to Sam’s wishes. "I won’t. I just feel so sorry for them."

Sam rolled her eyes. "I’m hungry. Can you call for pizza?"

Allison giggled eagerly. "You read my mind." She trotted to the phone and dialed a number she knew by heart. She took a few minutes to make the call and hung up. The blonde reached into her overnight bag and pulled out the shoebox, her green eyes shining. Silently, she extracted the ring and slipped it over her finger. "I am never taking this off again."

"Still a perfect fit," breathed Sam as she caressed the purple ring and the accompanying slender finger. "So…" Sam eyed the blonde warily as they waited for the pizza to arrive. "What gives? You’ve been quiet since Helen’s."

Allison wrapped her arms around Sam and curled into the curve of her body. "I just wish I didn’t have to hurt Helen. Allen, either. Remember how you and I became friends in the first place? And now how we’ve gotten back together?" The blonde chuckled wryly at the memory from many years past.

Sam forced her breathing to settle down to a more even beat. "Yep. Allen fell and had to go to the hospital. Gods, that was such a long time ago." She pulled away from the blonde and studied her. "Poor kid. First that, now the shooting. Well, Alli, I guess it seems that, at least for Allen’s sake, we can’t break up again. Who knows what’ll happen to him next time?"

The shorter woman laughed gently. "I second that." She ambled to one of the beds and pulled off her sneakers and wiggled her sock-covered toes. "So, you think the third place we looked at is better than the last place?"

"Sure." Sam presented her case. "It’s a bit on the expensive side but Allen’s school is right there and so is yours. It’s a steal, really."

Allison chuckled. "Never thought I’d see the day when you wanted to live in an expensive home."

Sam sat next to the blonde and pressed their lips together for a long kiss. "We’ll be paying less than what I pay right now for that shit-hole in LA."

"Are you sure you don’t need to go back and get your stuff? I could go with you. We’d make a vacation out of it." A rap sounded on the door and Allison went to greet the pizza man.

Both women used the bed as their table and gobbled their dinner down hungrily. "I’m sure. I’ll buy a new Bronco here for the same or less than what it’ll cost to fly to LA and get that ratty car and drive it back. That place is depressing." Sam winked and fed her lover a cheese stick. "Any place without you is depressing."

Allison gobbled the treat with gusto. "Don’t you want to say good-bye to your friends?"

"Nope." Sam took a sip of her Coke. "I don’t really have any friends there. Acquaintances, yeah. The only reason why I moved out to LA was ‘cause it was on the other side of the country. Far, far away." She blew out a breath glumly. "Enough about me. Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did." Allison responded teasingly.

Sam rolled her eyes and poked the blonde in the ribs. "Punk. Anyway, if you’re uncomfortable with this, let me know. I’m just wondering, umm… about Bob. Where is he now? What about your father? Was he really a drunk?"

Allison stiffened at the questions as unpleasant memories congested her mind. Sam hesitated, measuring the blonde’s reaction. Sensing her disquiet, the taller woman smiled reassuringly. "Sorry. You don’t have to talk about them."

Allison looked up at Sam with an effort. "You need to know. We’ve got to get everything out in the open, all our secrets and skeletons. Everything. My father died when I was eight years old. All else you know about him is true. He was definitely a drunk and I was happy when he died. Uhh… I don’t remember anything positive about him. Just negative crap." Allison’s lips curved upward thinly as she tried to depict an ease she didn’t feel. "Momma worked hard to support the three of us but he died with a lot of debts. She had to work her butt off to pay off what he owed. She resented me somewhat because I symbolized a dream gone sour. He really swept momma off her feet but he screwed up and I was proof of a love gone bad. But momma and I were okay. All we had for about two years after he died was each other." Allison studied her companion, who was sitting very still with slanted eyes. Sam relaxed and stroked Allison’s hair tenderly.

"I’m glad we can talk about this. Maybe you can understand why I love my mother in spite of everything she’s done." Allison tried to swallow the lump that lingered in her throat and a look of tired sadness passed across her fair features. "Well, anyway. She managed to pull us out of debt. She had to work so hard, Sam. Three, four jobs." The blonde’s green eyes pleaded with her companion. "I almost never saw her but she always made sure I had the basic needs even if it meant she went without food. Sam…" Allison’s voice choked momentarily with tears. "I remember once I saw that all of her socks had holes in them. Her family rejected her, and I was all she had. We clung to each other. When I was almost 11, she met Bob. He was a great guy at first, he really was. Momma fell hard for him and it seemed like they were perfect together. Bob… oh gosh. I hope Allen doesn’t want to track that man down."

Another round of painful memories appeared. "Around that time, I was beginning to feel like I was different from other girls my age. They chattered endlessly about boys, boys, boys. Momma encouraged me to hang out with the right girls and to look pretty. She wanted me to live a better life than she had. But Sam, you see… I know I already told you this before, how I realized I was gay…"

Sam cleared her throat. "We have all evening. I don’t mind. You can talk to me anytime about anything." The brunette placed the pizza box aside and took her lover’s good hand in hers. Allison needed some prodding. "I remember that you just never felt right with guys. You didn’t get what the deal was but you had crushes on your teachers." The blue-eyed woman grinned.

Allison pressed her hand over her eyes as if they burned with weariness. "Yeah." She gazed at Sam. "I left out a few things from that account. I was in the grocery store one day and a woman left behind a lesbian magazine outside so I took it. I went back to the trailer and read the magazine. Bob was really becoming a bastard by then, just like my father. Momma lucked out with Barry, you know. I was really scared for a moment there ‘cause it looked like Barry was going to have a drinking problem like my dad and Bob."

Sam squinted her eyes in puzzlement. "Really? My father?"

"Yeah." Allison took a deep, unsteady breath. "He’s fine now, though. There was just a rough patch with my mother and you being gone, all that… anyway, back to Bob. He was fired from his job that day and came home drunk. Saw me reading the magazine." The blonde squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, then peeled them open.

"Alli…" Sam studied her stepsister intently. "You don’t need to tell me every detail, like what the color of the couch was or what the pattern in the wallpaper was. Really."

"No, no." Allison shook her head in protest. "I want to talk about this. I need to get it out. Maybe then I can finally…" Her hands trembled at the memories.

"You didn’t tell Helen?"

"No." The blonde answered in the negative. "I mean, she knew, but I just told her the bare details. I told her about Allen too because I learned from my mistakes with you. But I really want to get this off my chest. I want to talk." She peered cautiously into Sam’s blue eyes and continued when she saw a nod of encouragement. "He called me a dyke. He was very drunk and his speech was slurred. I knew better than to provoke him in that kind of situation so I played dumb, like I didn’t know what kind of magazine I was reading. He didn’t buy it and promised to convert me. Well, he tried."

Allison grimaced thinly. "Boy, did he try. He tried about ten times over the course of a month. We kept our ‘affair’ a secret from momma. I felt so guilty because momma really loved him. He really was good to her, the first man that ever treated her right. He made her feel special in spite of his drinking problem. He always would do things for her–buy her candy, flowers, whatnot. It wasn’t really forced rape. He said if I told anyone, he would do worse, much worse. Needless to say, he failed miserably in converting me and kinda gave up when he got tired of his new toy. But he did get me pregnant. I was really sick for a few weeks and momma took me to a doctor. I was just as shocked as she was to hear the news. Momma forced me to admit who the father was but Bob denied it, then he called me a whore, saying I had taken advantage of him. He left the next morning and we haven’t heard from him since. Momma calls him the love of her life and what I did… inexcusable. She blames me for seducing him. That totally ruined the relationship between me and my mother. She became a completely different woman, Sam. So bitter and suspicious, vengeful. I guess the best way to put this is, remember how you felt when I broke up with you? That was kind of how momma felt when she discovered I was pregnant with Bob’s baby. She hated me. She got her revenge on me, didn’t she…"

Allison maintained her composure and gained strength from the momentum of her words. "Momma and I agreed to raise the baby as her son, as Phillip’s son. We made plans to move near Aunt Jackie and start over. When Allen was born…" A wistful look crept into the blonde’s jade eyes. "I loved being pregnant, Sam. There was a life growing inside of me and I felt the baby grow, kick, his heartbeat. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. When Allen was born, momma immediately took over. She didn’t let me breast feed Allen or name him. She really started abusing me emotionally. Physically sometimes, but not really. I never bore any ill will towards her, though, because I always felt like the whole screw up was my fault. The rest is history, I guess." Allison smiled at Sam without humor. "You know the story."

"Wow." The taller woman exhaled deeply.

Allison gave a resigned shrug. She leaned over and snuggled into Sam’s sturdy but soft chest. "I feel so much better now that this isn’t all bottled up. I haven’t scared you away, have I?"

"Mmm." Sam brought Allison into her fiercely. "Of course not. How did Allen get a gun, anyway?"

The blonde groaned and shook her head in frustration. "Your father left a loaded gun in his room!" She exclaimed with disbelieving green eyes.

"No way!" Sam whispered. "He’s not that dumb."

Allison fiddled with a lock of her hair and spoke tersely. "I’m sure he’s learned his lesson. He was arrested a couple days ago and released on bond. He feels really bad. I’ll be honest with you, Sam. If Allen wasn’t doing as good as he is now, I’d be much more angry at your father. It’s so stupid!" Allison’s face flushed with rage. "It’s my fault too though. I should have ensured the safety of Allen’s living conditions."

Smiling, Sam tilted Allison’s chin up. "You’re not Superwoman." Softly, Sam’s breath fanned the blonde’s face and she relaxed in the embrace. Allison gradually became conscious of where Sam’s warm flesh touched her and murmured contentedly.

****

By the time the weekend rolled around, Allison snagged an apartment in a nice part of town, near both her place of work and Allen’s school. She was assured that she lived in an area where most of her son’s friends resided and she was confident about making this step in her life. Sam and Barry had volunteered to help Allison move on Sunday, using a rented moving van.

Susan, after her release from the hospital, was sent packing to the nicest hotel in town, courtesy of Beauregard Cannizarro, pending the divorce proceedings. She needed to find new living quarters and simply couldn’t get over the horrible condition of her face. However, she took secret pleasure in knowing that she had marred Jackie’s all-American looks forever. She gave custody of Allen to her daughter, knowing that she was better off not putting up too much of a fuss. Barry promised her joint custody of Beau and the redhead was content, knowing that with time, her Beauregard would regain his senses and crawl back to her.

Sam grinned easily at her blonde lover and raised a dark eyebrow. "Sure you want to do this?" She nodded, now silent, unsure of what to say next. The couple was parked in Sam’s newly purchased sports utility vehicle, courtesy of her father, off the entrance to the parkway. "We don’t have to if you feel uncomfortable."

"I want to, Sam. I need to do this, get some closure and move on with my life." Allison’s voice trembled with anxiety, not enthusiastic about recovering certain memories and feelings associated with the parkway. "Let’s go before I lose my nerve."

"All right." Sam inclined her head curtly and pulled onto the parkway, keeping an eye on her passenger for any signs of distress. Once the pseudo-funeral was done and over with, they could forget about the young man who had tried to rape Allison many years ago and move on with their lives.

Too soon for Allison, Sam arrived at the spot where Mickey died. The younger woman made no move to exit the vehicle, staring at the spot where Mickey’s body had lain. Her knuckles blanched as she gripped the armrests, memories of that night coming back to her. Creepy visions of blood and mangled matter crossed her mind and she squeezed her eyes shut. Her breathing became ragged.

Sam’s brow furrowed in concern and she growled slightly. She started the engine and pulled the transmission into reverse. Allison opened her eyes and glared at the blue-eyed woman. "Where are we going?"

Sam’s shoulders slumped. "You seemed upset so… I decided to pull out and let you relax." She gripped the blonde’s shoulder and squeezed it gently. "We’ll do this another time."

The younger woman sighed and her hand reached up to hold Sam’s hand. "I need to do this now. Come with me." Allison got out of the car and strode briskly to the edge of the clearing, overlooking the side of the mountain. "It’s really beautiful here."

"I’ve a better view, Alli." Sam leered at her companion and winked. "That skirt certainly hugs in the right places." She smiled and shrugged apologetically.

Allison rolled her green eyes and chuckled. "Ok. What do we do now?"

"I don’t know. How about making a pile of rocks and putting some flowers there and saying a few thoughts?" Sam pointed to a piece of dirt, between two trees, off the side of the clearing.

Allison shrugged. "I guess that’s as good idea as any." She went into the woods to search for suitably sized rocks, realizing that her platform sandals were not a good choice of footwear. She stumbled on occasion, cursing under her breath. She tripped over an exposed tree root and glared at the offending part in question. "Dang it. Fret it!" She moaned, realizing that her beautiful one-of-a-kind silk turquoise shirt was ruined. She groaned once more, seeing her white platforms were marred and dirty from the mud. Next time, have Sam do all the dirty work. She’s dressed for it.

Her eyes rose and appreciatively studied her companion. The brunette was industriously searching for more rocks. Sam was dressed casually in shorts, hiking boots, and a royal blue polo shirt. Her thighs were exposed for Allison to take in and she appreciated the tanned curves and tightly corded muscles in the taller woman’s legs.

Sam felt a pair of eyes studying her and she knew what or, rather, to whom they belonged. She turned around and flashed a white, even toothy smile. Juggling rocks to one hand, she signed one-handed. "Like what you see? Want more?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Allison inclined her head enthusiastically, smiling her own toothy grin. "Let’s go. I think we have enough rocks," said Sam with gusto.

They clambered back to the spot the brunette pointed out earlier and set up the rocks in a rough pyramid. Allison placed a bouquet of flowers next to it and stood beside Sam. The blue-eyed woman snaked an arm around her lover in show of support and hugged her gently. "This was a stupid idea. I don’t know what to say," Allison grumbled and shook her head.

"Say whatever comes to your heart. I’ll start if you want." Sam searched the fair face for approval and found it, proceeding to say her own farewells. She felt dumb for talking to ‘nothing’ and would have preferred to think in silence but she was here to support Allison and she would do so. "Mickey, I’m sorry about what happened. I wish it hadn’t, not just, you know." Sam couldn’t bring herself to say the words and shook her head. "We were pals for a long time and I’ll remember you for the guy you were."

Allison leaned into her lover and wrapped an arm around Sam’s waist. "Good-bye, Mickey. Rest in peace. I know that’s cliché but I don’t know what else to say except I’m sorry. I’ve been sorry every day since then, not sorry that I defended myself but sorry that it had to happen in the first place. I know that you led a hard life. Wherever you are now, I hope you’re happy." She fell silent and turned into the brunette for a fully-enveloped embrace. They stood there for an eternity and finally pulled apart. "I love you, Sam." Allison looked into the taller woman’s azure eyes.

"Me too, Allison. Me too. I can’t help but love myself. I’m the most wonderful person…"

The blonde swatted the taller woman’s shoulder and sighed in exaggerated exasperation.

Sam chuckled and amended her statement. "I love you too. Let’s get out of here, all right?" The brunette pressed Allison to her and they walked away from the small monument.

Allison paused once before getting back into the vehicle. She stole one last look at the memorial and recited a silent prayer for Mickey’s sake. She hoped that all of Mickey’s ghosts, either real or imagined, would rest and leave the two young women alone in their daily remorse and regret.

*****

Sam lifted the blonde’s lavender armchair with ease and walked out of the door as if she had no care in the world. She transferred the chair carefully into the moving van and turned around to wave at her lover. Allison was standing at the balcony. Her heart thumped with anxiety each time Sam attempted an Atlas. "Please let me help, or Helen, or Barry. I don’t want you lifting all of those heavy things by yourself!"

Sam rolled her eyes and whirled her index finger in the air. "Whoopee! It’s a piece of cake." She shrugged casually, liking to show off. In truth, playing Hercules was much harder than she expected and her back and every muscle in her body was screaming for release. Massage tonight, oh yeah. She grinned wolfishly at the blonde and winked at her. "No problem." She thundered back up the steps.

Allison watched her lover, enjoying the brunette’s tank top and jeans. She committed to memory the play of muscles under Sam’s skin. Even the sweat trickling down her neck was sexy. Unconsciously, she ran the tip of her pink tongue across her lips and smiled sensually.

Helen watched the blonde’s reaction with a mixture of anger and sadness. She held onto the back of the balcony chair as if her life depended on it. Her nose flared with hurt as each of Allen’s and Allison’s belongings were transported out of her apartment and out of her life.

As much as she wanted to deny her feelings, she admitted that the blonde was beautiful, the brunette was gorgeous, and together, they had great rapport and made a devastatingly handsome couple. Helen blinked to prevent a tear from falling and shook her head.

Barry grimaced at Helen as he eyed one last cardboard box labeled Books/Journals. Who would have thought that books were so heavy? "I’ll see you at work, Helen." Barry half-smiled, half-scowled, then heaved up the huge container. He stormed past them and down the steps, running out of breath easily.

Sam stepped out on the patio with a smaller box and smiled at the other women on the deck. "This is the last of your things in here, right, Alli?"

Allison nodded. "I’ll double check and make sure. Wait right here." Sam conveyed her agreement and watched her lover head into the apartment.

The brunette shifted her attention to the attorney across from her. She tilted her head in greeting and an awkward silence ensued. Sam studied Helen’s bandaged nose. It was looking much better and less swollen than Allison had described from a few days ago.

Helen gulped and picked up a paper and pen and scribbled a message. Sam took the note and read it, chewing her lower lip. Take care of Allison. I hope you two will be happy. Sam sighed, regretting the pain the other woman was undergoing. Helen truly seemed like a good woman.

Sam nodded and smiled, pointing to the paper. She grabbed the pen from the table and jotted a response. I will. I promise or you can hunt me down. We will be happy and I hope you’ll find your own happiness. Sorry again about the nose.

Helen acknowledged the message with a slight smile and both women retreated to their respective corners of the porch, avoiding eye contact.

Allison bounced out of the apartment, shaking her head. "That’s all there is." She turned to Helen and heaved out a deep breath. "Thanks, Helen. I’ll keep in touch. Take care of Cat." The blonde tightly hugged her former landlord and lover and smiled weakly. "Good-bye." She waved to the older woman as her lover bounded the steps with the last remaining box.

Sam got into the rental van between her dad and Allison. "Are you going to miss her?" She cocked her head towards the silent figure on the balcony above.

Allison hoped Sam wouldn’t take her reply the wrong way. "Yes, I’ll miss her, but hopefully we’ll still see each other. She was my friend too and I hope eventually, all three of us can be friends."

Sam stiffened. "That would be good, I suppose." An irrational surge of jealousy seized her and she glared out of the window, counting to ten. Allison detected discomfort on the blue-eyed woman’s part and gently patted Sam’s forearm. Sam turned and they shared a sweet, passionate kiss. Barry industriously focused his eyes on the road ahead, a faint blush gracing his cheeks. A small smile also played around the corners of his mouth–Sam was back, she was happy, and he and his daughter were finally getting to know each other.

*****

Allison gently pressed the doorbell to the Cannizarro house and stood on the front porch, waiting for someone to answer. She held an overnight bag in her hand. The day was gray and chilly, and the cold stung her in spite of her trench coat. She looked skyward, hoping someone would answer the door before she froze to death. She tried the doorknob, but it was locked.

The blonde spied a pair of gray eyes staring back at her through the window next to the door and she smiled at Beau. "Let me in, please?" The little boy shook his head and stuck his tongue out. Allison groaned and pressed the doorbell once more.

A few seconds later Barry answered the door with a scowl. "Come in, Allison." He turned to his son and scolded him. "Beau! Why didn’t you open the door for your sister?"

Beau shrugged. "I ain’t supposa let strangers in."

The big man rolled his eyes. "She’s not a stranger. That’s your sister! Apologize."

"No." Beau crossed his arms and glared defiantly at his father.

Barry crouched to Beau’s eye level. "You will apologize. Now. Say I’m sorry."

Beau narrowed his eyes and stuck his tongue out at his father. "No."

"Ok fine. Be that way. No TV for you tonight."

"Don’t care," was Beau’s only answer.

"No dessert after dinner either. And no bedtime story. You’ll go straight to bed after dinner," Barry threatened.

Beau shook his head. "Don’t care. Don’t wanna."

"How difficult can it be to say sorry to someone?" Barry squeezed his son’s shoulder.

Beau sat down on the floor and balled his hands into fists. "No. You can’t make me."

"Yes, I can and I will. Let’s go to your room right now." Barry picked up the boy and started for the second floor. Beau grabbed hold of the banister for dear life and started kicking and screaming.

Allison studied the scene in amusement as her stepfather, soon to be former stepfather, made unsuccessful attempts to disentangle the rebellious child from the stairs. Finally, Barry pried Beau’s fingers from their position around the railing and held him tightly, transporting him to his room. Barry returned in a moment, sighing.

Allison giggled. "Stubborn little one, isn’t he. Must be tough to get into bed at night, huh?"

"Impossible is more like it. Little bugger can really negotiate. But you think that’s bad, you should’ve seen Sam as a kid. Makes Beau seem like an angel in comparison. Anyhow, I guess you’re here to see your darling? She’s in the basement working out." Barry inclined his head towards the door that led to the basement. "I’m going to make dinner if you’re interested." He winked at her.

"Hmm. Sam and I have plans but thanks." Allison blushed and giggled.

"What are y’all going to do?" Barry asked.

"Just an old fashioned movie and dinner. Maybe she’ll sneak her arm around me and we’ll make out like a pair of teenagers in the back." Allison laughed.

Barry sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The girls were happy. "Go see Sam. She’s anxious to see you."

Allison nodded a thanks to the big guy and walked part way down the steps. She paused, watching her lover do her martial arts work out. Sam was as graceful as a panther, moving through the basement with feline grace and skill. Sam stopped when she detected her visitor and her stern face turned into a smile. "Alli! Come on down!" She glanced at her watch and cringed. "Oops. I’m sorry I’m not ready for our date. I’m all sweaty. What’s the bag for? Staying over?"

The blonde smiled at the blue-eyed woman and jumped into Sam’s arms. They held each other for a few minutes, savoring the other’s essence. "I love sweaty women. You’ll see about the bag."

"Women? In the plural? I gotta beat them up." Sam mock-growled and kissed the blonde on the forehead. "I gotta take a shower."

"There’s something we have to do first," commanded Allison.

Sam furrowed her brow in question and the blonde giggled. "Here goes." She unbuttoned her coat and let it slip gradually to the floor. The brunette’s throat immediately went dry. Sam stammered, trying to gather her thoughts.

"Let’s play a little before we go out." Allison wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and her companion could only nod her head.

"Lock the door?" Sam’s eyes took in Allison’s firm body, completely naked under the trench coat. Her nipples were swollen and erect, and the patch of hair between her legs was magnetic. "You came here wearing only that? I guess I know what the bag’s for now."

Allison rolled her eyes. "Of course I locked the door. I’d die of mortification if Barry busted us like this!"

Sam smiled and her eyes became hooded with lust. They embraced each other and met in a crush of passion. Sam’s lips left a burning trail down Allison’s torso. She teased the blonde’s dusty pink nipples, touching her breasts with tantalizing possessiveness. Her hands slid across Allison’s silky belly and slipped between her legs.

Allison squeezed her legs shut, halting the bold movement. She snuggled up to Sam, satiated for the time being. "That was great, Sam. Perfect."

Sam bowed her head and grinned. "We have to do more. You can’t just show up here like that and tease me!" She leered at the blonde and ran a finger down the younger woman’s cleavage.

Allison shook her head. "Save that for later. The movie’s waiting."

Sam’s leer turned into a pout. "A movie’s better than this? Even if it’s captioned?"

Allison cocked her head to the side, grinning. "No, it isn’t. But Barry will begin to wonder why the door’s been locked all this time. We’ll go to the movies and make out there."

"Eek. How high school. Remember when we used to do that in high school?" Sam chuckled at the shades of red gracing the green-eyed woman’s face. "I take that as a yes." She rose and pulled her companion to her feet. "We’d pretend to be going out separately, leave the house thirty minutes apart, then meet up and make out."

*****

"Like your new pad?" Allison peered anxiously at Allen as he gingerly stepped out of the Taurus and surveyed the tall, ten-story apartment building.

The boy, his bandages gone, laughed. "It looks good so far but I’d like to see the inside." Over the course of the past week, Allison had described the interior of the place, the room measurements, the perks of the facility: swimming pool, laundry inside the unit, and so forth, with contagious enthusiasm. Before moving in, she made sure the location and place was acceptable to Allen. "They even allow pets," Allison explained. Her sling was gone as well, but she did not have full use of her arm yet.

"This is cool," Allen murmured as they stepped into the lobby. It was spacious and tastefully decorated. All of his things from Helen’s and most everything from the Cannizarro house were already in the new apartment, which was located on the fourth floor. Just him and Al would be living there for a few months, then Sam would join them. He hadn’t talked to Susan since the shooting and still didn’t want to see her.

"The view is great!" Allison repeated for, what seemed to Allen, the umpteenth time. She was trying so hard to please him. "Did I tell you that there’s a park only a few blocks down? It has a basketball court, baseball field, all kinds of stuff. Swings, too. There’s also an arcade close by. I really hope you like your room. Decorate it any way you want. If you don’t like this apartment, that’s fine. We’ll experiment; that’s why I only signed a three-month lease." She craned her neck, looking at Allen for approval. "Oh!" She remembered an important item. "Guess what?"

Allen pressed the up button on the elevator, grinning at the nervous expression on the blonde’s face. She really loved him. "Hmm… I don’t know."

Allison smiled and stepped into the elevator as the doors opened. "You got a letter today from the writing contest you entered. A big, very thick envelope." She was anxiously waiting for Allen to open it; she truly believed he had a good chance of winning the statewide short-story competition.

The boy’s face brightened. "Really? Did you open it?" He wiped his sweaty palms against his jeans, suddenly nervous about living all alone with Allison. They would be alone for a few hours before his big welcome home party tonight.

"Nah." Allison shook her head and pressed the button for the fourth floor. "You can do that. But I know it’ll be good news." Her green eyes sparkled and her heart beat excitedly. Allen knew she was his biological mother, yet he still wanted to live with her. She had explained to him about Bob in more detail, and so far, he’d expressed no desire to track down his father. They’d stayed off the sensitive topics since the shooting but they couldn’t avoid the sticky issues forever.

Allison proffered a key to Allen. "Here you go. Your key. Open up."

Allen grinned, unlocked the entrance, and stepped in. He whistled in approval. "Cool digs."

Allison grabbed his hand and practically dragged him around the fully furnished apartment for a grand tour. The last stop was his room and he surveyed it with a critical eye. "Well?" Allison ventured a nervous glance.

"Oh, Al." Allen shook his head and stood on his tiptoes, embracing the taller woman tightly. "Don’t worry," he whispered. "It’s perfect. Don’t look so serious."

Allison exhaled a jittery breath. "Just want you to be happy, sweetie."

"I am." Allen’s round green eyes shone, and the cloudy haze that had been present for most of his life was gradually disappearing. "Everything’s working out, isn’t it?"

Allison wiped a tear from her eye. "Yes."

Allen grinned crookedly and squeezed Allison’s hand. His face took on a serious tone. "Thank you for saving my life, not letting me kill myself. I don’t know why I just went off the deep end like that."

The blonde swallowed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, sweetie. Let’s uhh… open your mail, ok?"

Allison’s hunch was correct; her son indeed won first place. "Great! Now I can brag about you tonight," the blonde teased.

"Sure." Allen acknowledged the compliment and sat down at the dining table. He looked into the older woman’s green eyes and smiled. Might as well get the serious stuff out of the way now like the therapist said. "I’m happy for you and Sam."

Allison laughed and fetched two cans of pop from the refrigerator. "You’re just saying that ‘cause she spoils you rotten."

"Of course." Allen’s face broke out into a friendly, open smile. "I love you, Al."

The blonde reached over and tousled the boy’s hair. "I love you too, sweetie."

*****

Sam was the last party guest to leave that evening. Barry, Beau, Julia, Allen, Allison, and Sam celebrated his recovery and everyone’s good fortune. Barry and Julia were going strong, and Allison and Sam expected them to announce their engagement any day.

After Allen was in bed, Sam gathered Allison in her arms and held her snugly. "I haven’t seen you in two days!" The brunette chided in explanation.

Allison wound her arms around Sam’s back and brushed her lips against the brunette’s. "Hey, now. You were busy all day yesterday, if I recall correctly."

Sam grinned and nibbled at Allison’s earlobe. "Still… mmm." The taller woman covered Allison’s lips hungrily and outlined the circle of her breast gently. "It’s a good thing I already ate ‘cause you’re sweet and tasty. I could just gobble you up."

Allison giggled and pushed Sam away playfully, but the stronger woman quickly re-captured the blonde and gently eased her onto the couch. "Ohh, Sam," Allison whispered breathlessly, shivers of delight following Sam’s gentle caresses. The blonde pressed her hands against Sam’s firm posterior and ground her pelvis into the blue-eyed woman’s. "I can’t wait for us to make love."

"Mmm." Sam used her elbow to prop herself up. They’d gotten most of the test results back already, and all looked good. "I’m practically dying myself." She chuckled and traced Allison’s lips with her finger. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder, eh? We have lots of time to make up for."

"Yeah. We really do." Allison sighed and clasped her arms around Sam’s back. She smelled so good, as always. Her musky smell and gorgeous beauty nearly threatened to overpower the blonde into a pool of aroused nerves. "How’s everything at home going? Barry and Beau are really learning to sign great."

Sam laughed easily. "Ever since Allen told Beau about the ‘copter rides, the damn kid won’t leave me alone." Her blue eyes twinkled merrily despite her strong statement. "He has so much talent, Allison. He’s drawing better than I was at his age. I showed him how to paint yesterday." Sam smiled and rolled off her blonde lover, both clinging to each other, as not to fall off the couch. "Our brother’s a good kid. I’m glad I decided to come home, with my family where I belong. How’s everything with Allen?"

Allison reached for Sam’s silky black hair and wound a strand around her finger. "I’m happy you’re here too." She rested her head against Sam’s soft breasts and deeply inhaled her scent once more. "Allen and I will be ok." The blonde shifted position slightly and her gaze fell upon the clock. "You should be going now. First day of work tomorrow at Barry’s firm."

Sam chuckled. "Yep. He gave me a fancy-schmancy title. Samantha A. Cannizarro, ‘Research and Legal Assistant’. Hah. He’s really excited, though and the pay is awesome." Reluctantly, the brunette hauled herself up and reached for Allison’s hand, tugging her upwards as well.

"I’ll see you tomorrow, ok?" Allison smiled and pinched Sam teasingly on the butt.

Sam pouted and fell to her knees. "Can’t I stay tonight? Please?" She clasped her hands together and begged. Allison could almost never resist the cute act.

"No." Allison put her hands on her hips and shook her head severely, tapping her feet indignantly. "Absolutely not, young lady."

"Aww!" Sam whimpered and threw her arms around the blonde’s ankles. "Puuuhlllease? Pretty please? I’ll leave before Allen even wakes up!"

The green-eyed woman giggled at her lover’s antics but didn’t give in. "Nope! Besides, I don’t know if I could resist you tonight. And you need to be well rested tomorrow."

Sam narrowed her eyes ferociously and yanked Allison down on the floor with her. "I’ll play rough if I have to," she growled.

"Haha." Allison laughed and squirmed out of Sam’s grasp. "Just for that, you get a whupping. I don’t tolerate your sort of behavior."

Sam curled her lower lip and hung her head like a petulant child. "All right. Give it to me."

Allison grinned devilishly as she turned Sam around and paddled the brunette’s bottom. They took their time saying good-bye, and Sam protested valiantly, but thirty minutes later, the brunette finally left.

Allison was about to retire to bed an hour later when a soft knock sounded on the door. The blonde’s brows furrowed; maybe someone had forgotten something from the party. She didn’t bother to look through the peephole and just opened the door, a grin already on her face. "Hey, did you for–" Her green eyes widened at the person before her and she nearly slammed the door in her mother’s face. Only Susan’s defeated posture stopped the blonde from kicking her out. The redhead wore a shabby threadbare blouse and khakis with old worn out shoes.

"Momma." Allison finally spoke after recovering from the surprise. "It’s late."

"Hi darling." Susan spoke tremulously. "I know it’s late but… please, can I come in? I wanted to see how you were doing, how my grandson was doing." The redhead smiled when she saw Allison was out of her sling. She reached over and touched her daughter tentatively. "Oh, darling…" Her pleading gray eyes weakened Allison’s resolve; she hadn’t seen Susan in almost two weeks and the woman had just referred to Allen as her grandson.

Allison’s lips curved upward slightly. "Uhh… I guess you could come in for a bit, momma. Allen got home from the hospital today but he’s sleeping." The blonde guided her mother to the couch and Susan sat meekly, submissively. I’ve almost got her. Allison’s so easy to manipulate.

"This is a great home you have here. Is Samantha residing here also? I can’t wait to get to know her better."

Allison got her first good look at her mother’s face. Her skin was puffy, bruised, and scarred. "Oh, momma!" Allison whispered and lightly traced the wounds. "I had no idea you were hurt that badly…"

Tears welled in Susan’s eyes. "I want us to be all right again. I mean it."

Allison searched her mother’s face and found nothing but genuine sorrow and regret in her wrinkled lines. "I’d love that too." Spontaneously, she embraced her mother quickly. "Have you, uhh… seen Beau lately?"

Susan’s eyes lit up. "Yes. I got to spend last weekend with him." Her face fell and she chewed on her lower lip. "But…"

"What, momma?" Allison reached for her mother’s hand concernedly.

Susan sighed and leaned into her daughter’s embrace. "I miss you all. A weekend here and there isn’t enough. I didn’t know what I had until I missed it. You’re wonderful, darling Allison Alexandra, and I’ve simply been foolish," whimpered the redhead. "I got to thinking about the old days, when it was just you and me in Arkansas. We were best friends then. Remember how we’d stay up all night and watch movies, do each other’s hair and nails?" Susan’s voice choked in her throat. "Until men ruined everything. Let’s forget about all that! Can you ever forgive me?"

Allison fought back tears and pulled her mother to her fiercely. "It’s ok. We’ll work things out, momma. I know we can. I love you. Where are you staying now? Got a new place?"

Susan lowered her gaze shamefully. "I… oh, darling!" Her eyelids fluttered and she avoided her daughter’s scrutiny. "I… simply can’t afford a place right now. I’ve been searching for employment, and Beauregard gave me some money but it won’t last long. Oh, darling…"

Allison swallowed, hating to see her mother in pain. "You’ll stay here." Her tone was firm and adamant. When Susan began to argue, Allison held up a steadying hand. "Don’t protest. All right? Oh…" Her face shone as she clasped her mother’s hand to her heart. "Momma…" Her green eyes glimmered with tears. "You stay here as long as you need to get back on your feet. I insist. You’ve done so much for me and this is only fair."

"Oh!" Susan sniffled and honked her nose. "Darling!" She threw her arms around her daughter and murmured comfortingly into her ear. "You know your momma loves you."

"Yes." Allison grinned, finally seeing her life click into place. "Look, uhh… I have to work tomorrow and Allen has school. He has to make up for a lot of the time he’s missed. Just the two of us living here for now but my bed’s plenty big for you and me, momma. Or I could sleep on the couch." She smiled ear-to-ear.

"Wonderful!" The redhead breathed and stood. "Thanks so much, darling, for sleeping on the couch. Do you have any decent food? Do you get Oprah? Do you have salad, water, the like? Not that you need it. You’re looking nice and trim." Susan worked hard to conceal the disgust that she felt in her bones.

"Really?" Allison unconsciously ran her hands across her flat stomach, beaming at her mother’s approval. "Oh! Let me show you a shirt I bought last week." The blonde took her mother’s hand and towed the older woman to the master bedroom.

Susan ahh-ed and smiled appropriately at the recent purchases. "Maybe we can get a three-bedroom apartment. I’ll contact management and investigate the available options. I’ll chip in with the rent and we can all be a family. Don’t you think? I’ve worked so hard for us, when your father died, then Allen was born. I’ve sacrificed so much and to lose my family, oh, I’m so sorry! This is perhaps the nicest place I’ve lived in since mama and daddy kicked me out except for Beauregard’s residence."

"Al?" Allen wandered into the room, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He stopped in his tracks upon seeing Susan. "Momma?" He gaped, his mouth hanging open. "What…"

"Oh, darling Allen Alexander!" Susan shrilled and flamboyantly threw her arms around the youth. He looked more and more like his charming father with every passing day. "How are you?" She held him at arm’s length and surveyed him critically. "You’re looking wonderful!"

Allen’s eyes widened and his throat constricted suddenly. "Thanks, momma," he ventured weakly, taking in her smashed face. "Aunt Jackie really tore you up."

"Oh!" Susan shook her head proudly. "Come here, Allison." She motioned for her daughter and joined her two younger companions in a bear hug. "We’re a family, you know that?" She kissed Allison noisily on the forehead. "We all love each other and we’ll be here for each other, always."

Allison half-smiled, her heart stinging somewhat from Allen’s endearment of Susan. I’m his mother. But I want what’s best for him…"Of course, momma." Allison grinned and returned the embrace. "We’re a family, always."

*****

"Al?" Allen managed to catch Allison right before she stepped into the bathroom for a shower.

"Hey." Allison’s face brightened and she tousled the boy’s hair. "How was your nap? Feeling okay?"

"Fine." Allen obviously was bothered by something.

"What’s wrong, sweetie?" Allison motioned the youth inside the bathroom and closed the door behind them.

Allen sighed, nervously twisting the bottom of his shirt. "Momma’s been here for three days and I don’t like having her here."

The blonde’s green eyes widened. "I thought you’d love having her here. Hasn’t everything been great? She’s cooked us dinner and cleaned up the place well."

Allen gulped and avoided Allison’s gaze. "She’s just a bum."

"That’s not true." Allison held up an index finger emphatically. "She’s looking for a job. She’s got an interview tomorrow; she’ll find one soon. She just needs to get back on her feet, sweetie."

The boy fidgeted and shoved his hands in his short pockets. "All right, I guess. But then why haven’t you told anyone else that momma’s living with us?"

Allison grimaced and turned the shower knob, selecting the hottest temperature. "Uhh… Sam wouldn’t understand. I want to wait a week or so, give momma a chance to prove herself."

Allen blinked, disbelieving. "If you say so." He turned and trudged out of the bathroom, dragging his feet. The door closed behind him with barely a whimper.

*****

Susan flipped through the channels, searching for a decent show. The soaps were done for the day and she’d already watched Oprah. She adjusted her position on the couch and settled on another talk show, absorbing the problems of a couple with a wayward child.

The doorbell rang and she rolled her eyes, discontent to move from her comfortable position. When it became apparent that the visitor was not leaving and Allison was still in the shower, Allen still napping, the redhead got on her feet and glided to the door.

Sam’s mouth curled in disgust as her blue eyes met the other woman’s gray eyes. Susan looked horrible–her face was bruised, battered, and swollen, but why was she here?

The brunette furiously shouldered her way in and stood in the middle of the living room, glaring at the redhead. Susan studied the visitor with equal disgust. However can Allison Alexandra endure this savage? Whatever did Samantha do to bewitch my daughter?

Sam marched down the hall, flinging open various doors, searching for the blonde. She finally located the younger woman in the bathroom, towel-clad and blowing her hair dry. Sam pointed down the hall, her brow furrowed in anger. "What the hell is she doing here?! I came here to surprise you but looks like you beat me to the punch!"

Allison gasped and jumped back at Sam’s unexpected presence and furious signing. The brunette’s hands were flying everywhere. "She’s just staying for a few days, until she gets back on her feet."

Sam sighed and gripped the countertop. "I don’t think so. Why? After all she’s done?"

"Sam, please understand." Allison searched her lover’s stormy blue eyes. "She’s my mother. She’s done so much for me and Allen. I could hardly leave her destitute and homeless. She’s been great so far, cooking and cleaning for us. She’s even getting a job to help with the rent. And she’s learning sign. She really wants to make up and get to know you."

Sam scoffed. "I don’t think so. Daddy gave her a lot of money, enough money to buy decent house. Some money for child support, even though she only has Beau every other weekend. That sort of thing. I’d hardly call that broke." The brunette wrapped her arms around Allison and hugged her, then pulled back for a gentle explanation. "Look, she’s just laying a guilt trip on you, using you, for whatever. Throw her out."

"I can’t throw her out!" Allison’s face became cloudy.

Sam shrugged at the blonde’s frantic expression. "Fine. I’ll do it for you. I don’t like seeing anyone hurt you, and that woman has hurt you enough." Sam turned on her heels and strode into the living room. Ensuring she had Susan’s undivided attention, the brunette pointed firmly at the door. Allison and Allen joined the scene seconds later.

Susan shook her head, not understanding the gibberish Samantha was using.

Sam rolled her eyes and opened the door. "Out," she mouthed.

Susan gasped at the woman’s audacity and looked to her daughter for help. "Allison! Samantha seems terribly upset."

"Sam doesn’t want you here," Allen replied defiantly. "And I don’t want you here, either." The boy turned to Sam and bolstered her case. "She sleeps on Al’s nice, big bed and Al has to sleep on the couch." He shifted his attention back to Susan. "You’re just a bum. I never really loved you. You’re not my mother; you’re just some…"

Allison chewed her lip and shifted her weight, unable to speak. She wanted to defend her mother, but deep down inside, knew that Sam and Allen were right. Finally, she spoke, avoiding her mother’s eyes. "You should leave. Go. Barry gave you plenty of money."

Susan’s eyes narrowed. "Oh, you’ll choose a lover over your own mother? After everything I’ve done for you? Working four jobs and putting up with a drunk? Oh, Allison! You’ve injured me so!" Tears pooled in Susan’s eyes and trickled down her face.

Allison’s heart was torn. She knew Sam was right but she felt somewhat obligated to the older woman.

The brunette noticed her lover’s indecision. "You don’t owe her anything, especially after what she’s done to you."

Frantic thoughts ran through Allison’s mind, but the decision was already made. She straightened up and looked at her mother coldly. "I don’t owe you anything. I appreciate your sacrifices but after everything’s that happened, we’re even. Leave now. Good-bye."

Susan clutched her chest and shook her head dazedly. "What about my belongings?"

"I’ll take care of them and send them to you." Allison picked up the older woman’s gaudy large purse and threw it at the redhead. "Please go."

Susan glared at her daughter and former stepdaughter. "I understand we’re all momentarily upset. I’ll contact you later via telephone to resolve our issues. Farewell." Susan threw her hair back and stuck her nose in the air. She strode confidently out of the apartment, refusing to abandon one scrap of her pride and dignity.

Allison’s heart sank as the older woman left. The blonde pre-empted the inevitable comment from her lover. "I know, Sam. It had to be done. She’s not a mother; she’s a manipulator." Allison reached for her two companions and hugged them both. "So, Sam, you came to take us out to dinner? I’m hungry!"

Epilogue: Six Months Later

Sam and Allison headed out to check the mail together, as they had done for weeks. They were increasingly anxious to find out the results of the tests they took many months ago. But every day, the mailbox remained aloof and unhelpful. On this particular sunny day, however, a stark white envelope awaited their trembling hands. Sam was immediately paralyzed at the sight of the letter–which bore life-shattering news.

Unable to withstand the tension any longer, Allison grabbed the envelope and tore it open. A huge smile graced the blonde’s features and she eagerly jammed the note in Sam’s hand. "We’re both in the clear!"

The dark-haired woman let out the breath she’d been holding for months.

Allison’s beautiful green eyes shone as she looked up at her lover. "This is great. Now we can have the Friday night planned for so long ago. Let me make the arrangements for the hotel."

Sam grinned mischievously. "Fuck that, Allison. We’re not waiting any longer. Let’s have a Friday night every night! Starting right now." Sam swooped the smaller woman in her arms and carried her through the apartment complex lobby and across the threshold into their love nest.

Allison’s eyes twinkled as Sam panted from the exertion. "Impatient, aren’t you?"

"You better believe it, sweetheart!" The dark-haired woman set Allison down on her feet, but before she could attack the blonde, Allison lunged for Sam’s tight T-shirt and ripped it off in one fluid motion. She pounced on her lover, devouring the taller woman’s warm, pulsating nipples.

Sam laughed, pleased with the smaller woman’s reaction. She pulled Allison into her arms and they fell onto the plush carpeted floor of the living room.

They furiously worked each other’s pants off. With shaking fingers, the brunette unbuttoned Allison’s shirt and peeled it off, exposing two perfectly formed breasts encased in a skimpy satin bra. Sam’s long fingers nimbly undid the clasp and she marveled at the milky white orbs inviting her mouth for a delicious exploration.

Sam flicked her tongue across the mere tip of Allison’s nipples, teasing them to their peak. The blonde arched her back, encouraging the dark-haired woman to take more flesh into her mouth. Hungrily, Sam massaged her lover’s swollen nipples with a skilled tongue.

Allison ran her hands though the brunette’s hair and gently pushed her down.

Sam grinned but was only too eager to please the demanding blonde. The taller woman’s hand slid across her companion’s silky belly and slipped between hot thighs. Sam’s fingers readily gained entrance between the blonde’s wet folds and taunted an enlarged clit.

The dark-haired woman’s tongue caressed the blonde’s sensitive, swollen nipples. Her touch was light and painfully teasing as Allison pressed herself against her lover’s hand, seeking release. Sam’s stroking fingers sent jolts of pleasure through the blonde as the brunette pressed against the clit, massaging it and slipping a couple of fingers into her nether regions.

Sam brought her lips up to Allison’s and pressed her mouth over the blonde’s. Their lips latched onto each other in a smoldering fit of passion.

Allison curled into the curve of Sam’s body. She slid one hand down the brunette’s taut stomach, grazing the swell of her hips. The blonde’s other hand tantalized the buds that had swelled to their fullest.

Allison paused to kiss Sam’s nipples, rousing a melting sweetness within the blue-eyed woman. Passion pounded in their blood as they touched skin to skin, together finding the tempo that bound their bodies together. They soared higher, peaking together as they exploding into a downpour of fiery sensations.

Contented and peaceful, they laid together, at last, satisfied… for a few minutes.

****

Barry looked sharp in his dark double-breasted suit and polished wingtips. He was decked out in a festive blue necktie and blue carnation. His azure eyes twinkled with joy. Sitting next to him was his new bride, Julia Julian. She had elected to keep her name in honor of the first love of her life and Barry had no problem with that.

Their wedding was small. Only close friends and family attended the ceremony and the reception. Julia wore a simple peach dress and Barry wore a suit; there would be no wedding trains or tuxedos nor a church for this wasn’t their first marriage. The last thing they wanted to do was diminish the memories of their beloved.

Sam and Allison sat at the round table across from the newly wedded couple, toasting them.

"Well, that was a lovely toast, Sam," proclaimed Barry. He had industriously relearned sign language and practiced his finger spelling skills to the point where he could now easily communicate with Sam. "When will your wedding be?" He added with a grin.

Sam and Allison laughed and shook their heads in tandem, their hands intertwined. Sam answered for both of them. "Do I hafta make a honest woman outta her?" She nudged the blonde playfully. "I’m moving in with her next week. It’d be too strange with y’all living under the same roof."

"No big wedding? But I always wanted to give you away. I’d give both of you away." Barry pleaded with his daughter. "Since you were a little girl, only knee-high, I’ve dreamed of the day I’d have you on my arm, walking down the aisle. And being a granddaddy." The lawyer’s easy smile spread and he wiggled his eyebrows. "You do plan on making me a grandfather, or will I have to wait for Beau here?" He jerked a thumb to his son, seated next to him. Beau was building a sculpture with his mashed potatoes and paid no attention to his surroundings. Julia’s two children had elected not to attend the wedding. They felt that it was a betrayal of their father’s memory and Julia had not been able to reverse their decision.

"Allen’ll have to be enough for now, Barry," replied Allison as she sipped her wine. "We’ll have kids after we finish school."

The brunette snaked an arm around her lover’s shoulders and left it there, her hand playing with wisps of Allison’s hair that strayed from their place in the bun. "This is really great. Everyone’s finally happy and we’re all moving on with our lives." Allison turned her attention to Sam’s aunt and new stepmother. "Congratulations on becoming chairwoman of the children’s trust. Did you know Sam made Dean’s List this semester?" Sam blushed and glanced away. "She’s too modest about her achievements. She didn’t tell me. I had to go find out from the mail!" Allison swatted her companion’s thigh and smiled at the blue-eyed woman.

Sam smiled naughtily. "I’ll get back at you for that one, honey. I’d like a refill of my glass. Can y’all call one of those waitresses over here?"

Barry raised a hand and signaled one of the servers.

Susan hitched up her skirt and groused at the uncomfortable waitressing shoes she wore. Never say never. Susan had sworn that the day she returned to serving food would be the day pigs flew but apparently she had fallen short of her objectives.

Her boss shouted at her in the kitchen. "Wait on the wedding party in the banquet room. Table six. Hurry!" The gray-haired matronly woman shooed the redhead out of the kitchen before any objections or protestations could be made.

Susan snarled and sulked to the banquet room. She hated waiting on wedding parties. They reminded her of her failed marriage to Beauregard, of the fleeting happiness she’d had with him all shot to hell thanks to the whore daughter of hers. Allison just had to go and ruin everything. Marriage and weddings now represented to Susan misery and reflections of her own pathetic existence. This week would be especially horrendous since Beauregard was taking his third wife. Now she surely had no chance of reconciliation with Beauregard. Susan stepped up to table six and plastered the best smile on her face she could muster.

She looked up and stepped half a step backward, gasping. Beauregard and that horrendous Julia Julian. The redhead spun around, searching the room for the couple in a tux and bridal gown. Finding none, her suspicions lurched to her stomach and she stifled a tear. She turned around and regained her composure. "What shall you have?" Susan’s strangled voice came out as she pretended not to know the party.

Barry grinned an even white smile. "Susan! So this is where you’re working?"

"Oh, hello, Beauregard. I hadn’t recognized you. I don’t work here. I’m just temporary staff for the tourist season. Doing a favor for a lovely friend of mine." Susan swallowed and kept her head high. "Beau. You’re looking lovely and that’s a nice sculpture you’re making. Are you excited to visit momma this weekend?"

Beau scowled at her. "I’m staying with Sam tonight while daddy go on his vac’on."

Susan tilted her head, refusing to show defeat. "Oh. That’s good. You must be having fun with your new family." She turned her attention to the younger members at the table. "Allen. Allison. You’re both looking recovered. Perhaps we may have some time together over the holidays?"

They were interrupted by a new arrival. Helen bent down and hugged Allison and her colleague, Barry. "Sorry I couldn’t make it to the ceremony. I left a gift on the table over yonder. Congratulations, you two."

Barry grinned. "It’s no trouble. Where’s your date?"

Helen tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and winked at Allison. "She’s coming. She had to make a pit stop first. Here she is." She pointed to a tall, waif-like blonde walking haughtily through the crowd. Helen’s date was immensely attractive and gorgeous. Heads turned as she walked past tables. Men’s jaws dropped open in tandem as they took in the young woman.

Allison’s heart stilled and her throat went dry. Beth Miller? The flaming heterosexual self-proclaimed fashion queen. The green-eyed looked at her former lover for affirmation that the approaching woman was her date.

The dark lawyer bobbed her head, a silly grin covering her face. "Yup. That’s her. My Bethie." She took Beth in her arm and squeezed the younger woman. Helen proceeded to make the introductions, pointing at each guest as she said their name. "Beth, this is Allison, Barry, Julia, Sam, Beau, Susan."

"Hi Allison! I…I had no idea." Beth’s face tilted down slowly as reality and her attitude from high school sank in.

Allison nodded slowly. "Me either." She honestly didn’t know what to say. "I guess congratulations are in order."

Susan gasped and grabbed Beth’s arm. "Are you all right? They’ve brainwashed you. No woman with good fashion sense can be a lesbian and date a colored. You’ve always been like a daughter to me; I always wished Allison could have been more like you. Let me help you." Susan’s gray eyes pleaded with the tall blonde.

Beth raised an eyebrow and glared at the waitress. "I was a self-centered, superficial, conceited bitch in high school but I grew up. You should try that. I love Helen and there’s nothing wrong with our relationship." Beth turned to Allison. "I have one last piece of fashion advice for you, blondie. Don’t change." She made her way around the table and patted the green-eyed woman on the back. "You’re great the way you are."

Helen smirked at Susan’s shocked expression.

Susan stammered. "This isn’t right. This is an outrage. Wait until your parents hear of this."

Beth scoffed. "My mother’s the one who introduced me to Helen. She just wants me to be happy and I am. Besides, you’re one to talk." She sat at one of the two empty seats at the table and pulled Helen down with her.

Susan felt all eyes in the restaurant boring into her. Slowly, she looked at each disgusted and repulsed face. They all knew that she was a social failure, demoted from the wife of a wealthy lawyer to a lowly waitress. The redhead cast her eyes downward and refused to meet the diners’ probing gazes. She was a permanent social outcast and they knew it.

Her voice breaking, Susan addressed the table. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

THE END…

E-MAIL: Sarkel_Bard@yahoo.com

REVISIONS: Thank you to all of the readers. I hope that All in the Family has been an enjoyable experience. AITF has been an incredible learning adventure for me, being my first major writing project. All of the feedback I’ve received has been helpful. Keep it coming. J At this time, revisions are being made to AITF. However, it has yet to be determined whether or not the revised version will be posted on the Internet.

SEQUEL: Many readers have asked about a sequel. A sequel is very possible in the coming future. Keep an eye out for that and for my other stories!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Thank you to everyone (readers, betas, site administrators, friends, etc.) who has been there for me through this whole shtick. Particular thanks to my silent writing partner, who has refused to take credit for her part in making this possible. Thanks, MoonWizard, for your invaluable dedication from start to finish and into the great beyond!

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