The Forgotten

By Mavis Applewater

October 2004

Disclaimer, the story and characters are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author's permission. So there! If for any reason real or imagined you are uncomfortable with or do not wish to read a story containing graphic descriptions of two consenting adult women in a loving and sexual relationship then do not read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view the material go away and do not return until it is no longer a crime. Once again I'd like to thank the members of the Royal Academy for inviting me back for Halloween. Oh yeah there is a typo warning with this one. Heather has been ill and I didn't have time to have this story edited. I know that typos are annoying please over look any mistakes.

As always this is for Heather.

It is said she led an unremarkable life. Not a soul can remember her passing and very few remembered much about her when she was alive. Her name was Shauna McQue. She lived and died in the small New England town of Manchester sometime during the nineteenth century. She was a maid. Those who remembered anything about her was that she was a quiet girl who did her job well and rarely spoke. Unnoticed in life and forgotten in death. A sad tale or was it? Cara Temple wondered. Cara first encountered Shauna after the quiet maid had been dead for over one hundred years.

Cara was a sensible woman newly divorced and trying to find her way in the world. She bought a very small house in Manchester or rather as the locals insisted to call it Manchester By The Sea. Cara quickly learned that it was considered blasphemy not to add the by sea part to the affluent town's name. The small house located not far from Singing Beach was surprisingly affordable. Given the insanely high cost of real estate in the area Cara quickly put in a bid on the small house that had once been nothing more than a carriage house and a place to house servants.

The house was buried behind what had once been the main house. The Phelps family had owned the grand manor for hundreds of years. A snooty stockbroker and his trophy wife now owned the larger more pristine home. Cara had tried to be friendly with her neighbors since she lived so close to them. They had no interest in forming a friendship with the quiet bookkeeper. "So be it," Cara reasoned while making a lengthy list of things that needed to be done to her new home.

The carriage house had fallen into a sad state of disrepair; Cara mistakenly assumed that was why the price was so ridiculously low. Not long after the workmen had completed restoring the carriage house and Cara finally moved in she would learn there was another reason her new home came at such a cheap price.

She moved in on a cool crisp autumn day thrilled that she was beginning her new life. The conversion of the carriage house was complete and complied with the town's strict guidelines that demanded she didn't alter the structure's historical value. She had converted the lower portion that had once stabled horses and carriages into an expansive living room and kitchen. It was wide open, filling the house with warmth. The upstairs, which once housed a few servants including a couple of maids and of course the footman, was now her bedroom. She had the old fireplaces restored opened up the tiny quarters that barely passed for the staff's living space and put in a luxurious bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi.

This was her home now and she chose to furnish her new home with new things. She needed to leave the past behind; this was her beginning. For the first time in her thirty some odd years, she was on her own. Or at least she thought she was. The first night she enjoyed lounging on the sofa eating her simple dinner. When the lights suddenly flickered on and off, she grumbled that the electrician had screwed up. It happened a few times during the night, each time she checked the switches and circuit breakers only to discover nothing amiss.

That night she climbed into her new bed content and exhausted from unpacking. Around three in the morning she awoke feeling cold. She checked the thermostat confused by the lack of heat. "Okay, tomorrow I call the electrician and the heating guy," she growled before climbing back into bed bundling herself up in a large feather comforter. She felt a small pang of fear as she made a mental list of things that needed to be done. Normally Jack handled such matters. Then again Jack handled everything. "I should have listened to my parents," she grunted recalling how they cautioned the couple that they were much too young to be considering marriage.

Throughout her marriage she endured refusing to admit that her parents had been right. Jack was a good man, a good husband and provider. Jack bored her, for which she blamed herself. Still she endured long after the ennui had devoured the both of them. Then after almost fifteen years of marriage, Jack finally surprised her by leaving her for another woman. Per usual, Jack handled the details of the divorce yet he was truly surprised at how well Cara accepted the break up. The truth was she wanted to jump up and down shouting, "Thank God I'm finally free!" She refrained not ever letting the man, whose bed she had shared since she was just a teenager, discover that she doubted that she ever loved him.

When Jack walked out Cara realized that the two of them were strangers. She also discovered that she had no idea who she was. Now was her time. The sudden coldness seemed to disappear and Cara sighed, feeling at peace for the first time in her life. The peaceful feeling was shattered when the hair on the nape of her neck prickled and she heard a woman's voice echoing from the other side of the room. ‘Come back to me,' the voice pleaded.

Cara shot up jumping out of bed searching for a weapon. She turned on every light in the house; searched every nook and cranny only to discover that she was alone. After an hour of pacing around her new home she finally calmed managing to convince herself that she had fallen asleep and what she heard was nothing more than a dream. Still she didn't sleep that night perhaps it was because she left all of the lights on or, perhaps, it was because that deep down she knew she had been wide awake when she heard the voice.

The following day she called the workmen who found nothing amiss with the heating or wiring. She reasoned that it was an old house and these things happen or her repairmen were ripping her off. Later that day the lights flickered again she grumbled and rolled her eyes before scouring the yellow pages for a new electrician. She decided to call in the morning and after a simple meal she settled down for the night.

She was just about to drift off to sleep when she heard a loud noise. It sounded as if something went crashing down the staircase located only a few feet from her bed. Once again, she sprung from her bed turned on every light in the house only to discover… nothing. She deduced that it was probably thunder or the neighbors and returned to bed. After spending another night without sleeping, she went to work. When she returned home she rechecked the alarm system to ensure it was working. Everything seemed fine except the rocking chair she had placed by the bookshelves had been moved to the other side of the room by the fireplace.

Cara couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that someone was in her house. She searched everywhere only to confirm that she was alone. "I'm going crazy," she grimly accepted after searching her home once again. She failed to sleep for yet another night, once again leaving all of the lights on. The only difference on that evening was nothing out of the ordinary happened. The following night she was convinced that it was simply the wind or an over active imagination playing tricks on her. Still she spent another evening with every light on opting to stay awake all night watching television. Nothing happened.

As she sat awake searching for something to watch, her mind was racing. She prayed that she hadn't made a mistake in purchasing the carriage house. Despite recent events she truly loved the space and the surrounding area. This was her home. She fell in love with it back when she first visited what was then a crumbling structure. She saw beyond the ramshackle appearance and now it resembled the vision she had pictured.

She continued to play with the remote control silently hoping that the problems with her home would prove to be minor and temporary.

She had so many questions to face now that she was finally finding her way. She didn't need or want the distraction of whatever was lurking about her home. She had wasted fifteen years of her life questioning her heart wondering who she truly was. It was easier then to hide behind her marriage vows and pretend. The answers to her questions frightened her yet for the first time in her life she felt she was almost ready to face the truth.

"Almost," she sighed thinking of how even her own mother had questioned her sexuality many years ago. The possibility had terrified her deeply. So deeply that she started dating Jack. Her mother's query hadn't been judgmental or an accusation still Cara was a scared teenager still in high school. "I'm not a kid anymore," she reminded herself smiling when she discovered an old episode of Cagney and Lacey playing. "Okay I can say it, Chris Cagney is hot. That wasn't so hard."

The following day she was exhausted and felt completely foolish. That night she went to bed very early leaving only one lamp in her expansive bedroom on. Finally, she slept. For more than a week nothing strange occurred and Cara managed to push the troublesome events from her first few nights from her thoughts.

Then, while trying to read in bed one night, the lights and television suddenly turned on and off. She sat in her bed paralyzed as the temperature in the room dropped and then nothing happened. Poor Cara spent another sleepless night waiting for something to happen. She was at her wit's end when she returned home from work one to find the stereo on. "Okay I know that wasn't on when I left," she trembled as she tentatively approached the sound system, which was playing loudly, and turned it off.

"It is an electrical problem," she tried to reason after once again checking her home for an intruder and finding nothing. By the time she washed up for bed she had managed to convince herself that there must be some electrical problem and that alone was the cause of her strife. Of course that didn't explain the misty figure of a young woman she discovered looking out her bedroom window when she emerged from the bathroom.

The scream froze in her throat. She was just about to pass out when the indistinct figure suddenly vanished. She stood rooted in place for over an hour staring at the window trying to rationalize what she had just seen. Finally she retreated under the covers hiding there until morning.

In the light of day, she once again reasoned that her new home had bad wiring and what she had seen lurking by the expansive window was nothing more than a figment of her over-weary mind. Being the ever-practical woman that she was, she allowed her friend, Mary, to set up an appointment with an electrician.

She hurried home the commute to her new town much longer than her previous one but it was a small price to pay for the beautiful scenery. All she had to do to find peace in her new home by straighten out the wiring. She cursed when she pulled into her driveway and spied the van awaiting her arrival. "Damn," she muttered knowing that she was late. "I hope he doesn't charge me for the time he spent sitting in my driveway."

"Hi," she sheepishly offered as she approached the van her jaw dropped when the leggy brunette slipped from the vehicle. She couldn't stop gaping at the tall woman standing before her. "I'm sorry I'm late," she sputtered as the woman flashed her a brilliant smile that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Not a problem," the woman brightly responded as she removed her sunglasses revealing the most amazing blue eyes Cara had ever seen. "I'm Sam, Mary Duggan called me. I hear you're having problems with your heating and lights."

"Cara," she stammered still unable to tear her gaze from the attractive stranger. "Yeah, a lot of really odd problems have been happening. I had the whole place renovated just before I moved in," she began to explain some of the problems with the lights and electrical devices skipping over the misty image in the window and furniture moving about. The last thing she wanted was for Sam to think she was insane.

"That is odd," Sam confirmed following after Cara with her toolbox. "Wow, I love what you've done with the place," she beamed when the entered the house.

"You've been here before?" Cara questioned.

"Long story," Sam shrugged. "Why don't you go about your business and I'll have a look around maybe I can figure out just what the problem is."

"Alright," Cara squeaked in response. She blew out a terse breath as Sam wandered off to have a look at the new wiring. Her heart was racing and her palms sweating. "Not again," she muttered knowing that this wasn't the first time an attractive woman had thrown her off kilter. Cara shook her head in an effort to vanquish her troublesome thoughts. Alas, just another reason her marriage was less than she had hoped for; she just couldn't feel anything for poor old Jack. She blushed with shame as she raced up to her bedroom. While changing into more comfortable clothing she couldn't erase the nagging doubts reminding that one of the reasons she rushed into her marriage so young was because she had a crush on her best friend. "I'm not ready to deal with this," she whimpered cowering in her bedroom until it was time for Sam to inspect the upstairs.

When the attractive woman entered her bedroom she made a quick excuse before retreating downstairs. She pretended to work on her laptop while Sam roamed about humming the most delightful tune. "All done," Sam announced over an hour later startling the petite redhead. "Sorry," Sam smirked. "Well Cara I have good news. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the wiring or anything else."

"There has to be," Cara argued.

"I wish there were I could use the business," Sam countered with a brilliant smile. "What did the realtor tell you about this place?"

Sam listened patiently as Cara recited the history of the carriage house. "Well that is almost the truth," Sam slowly began. "Except that this was a summer home for the Phelps family. Back in the 1800's this was considered to be a vacation town for the idle rich. What the realtor forgot to tell you is that the main house is fine but no one has managed to live in the carriage for more than a couple of months. It has changed hands more times than anyone can count. For a long time it was just used as a rental because the last owners refused to live here and they couldn‘t find a buyer. Back when I was in college I rented part of the upstairs and despite the phenomenally cheap rent I didn't stay past the first week. I don't know how to tell you this but your house is haunted."

"What?" Cara laughed at the absurdity of Sam's assessment.

"Hey that's what I would have said," Sam conceded. "The first couple of days I thought my roommates were screwing with me by moving my stuff around. One of them accused me of talking in my sleep. Now I know I snore or so I've been told but chatting in my sleep isn't something I've done before. Still I didn't think anything of it until I rolled over in bed late one night and saw her standing by the window. I moved out the next day."

"Saw who?" Cara choked out fearfully.

"I have no idea," Sam confessed with a slight shiver. "All I know is she was blonde and her body didn't go all the way down. I have to admit I almost didn't take this job because of what happened back then. I guess I was little curious."

"You're serious?" Cara scoffed.

"Oh yeah," Sam smirked. "If you want I could help research the place with you?" There was something in Sam's voice that made Cara feel warm. "I live just over the line in Beverly."

"No that's okay," Cara responded a little leery of Sam and her strange ideas. A small part of her wanted to accept the brunette's offer but it was just far too ridiculous to even consider.

"Okay," Sam shrugged the slightest hint of regret lingering in her voice. "Before I go I just have to ask about one more thing. Did you know about the grave behind the house?"

"Excuse me?" Cara squeaked her face turning pale. "Uhm... no I haven't ventured very far out there because of all the overgrowth. I was planning on clearing out the mess in the spring. It was too messy to check out completely."

"Come on?" Sam timidly offered. Cara shook her head in disbelief as she followed after the quirky woman. Sam put her toolbox in her van before guiding Cara around the back of her house. She was regretting her choice as they clomped through the mass of weeds and fallen trees. Cara's hazel eyes widen when they finally came upon a dilapidated iron fence that surrounded a tiny gravestone. Cara's jaw clenched when she spied the lines the surveyor she had hired left behind. The tiny unmarked grave was most definitely a part of her property.

"I can't believe no one told me about this," she fussed feeling a slightly pang in her heart for whoever was buried in the indistinct grave forgotten by everyone. She quirked her head her jaw quivered as she finally noticed that despite the wild shrubbery that had sprung up everywhere the grave was pristine.

"Weird huh?" Sam's warm voice broke the silence. "No wildflowers, weeds or trash nothing but leaves and grass. I know kids use to come out here to party that's how I knew about it. I've often wondered if it was her, you know, the blonde in the window. Well now that you are convinced that I'm completely nuts I guess I should get going."

They strolled back to the house in silence. Cara was trying to understand what was happening; none of it made any sense. She stood in the driveway as Sam shifted nervously fiddling with the keys to her van. "I hope I haven't scared you," Sam quickly muttered.

"No," Cara mumbled her mind still trying to grasp what Sam had told her.

"Well nice meeting and again I love what you did with the place," Sam sighed finally opening the door to her van.

"Wait," Cara blurted out. "Uhm... I saw her," she finally confessed. "Standing by the window. I saw her. I thought it was my imagination. Does anyone know who she is?"

"No," Sam softly answered. "Are you going to be alright? I mean staying here alone?"

"Oh sure," Cara lied. "It will be like having a roommate," she laughed suddenly finding her situation funny. "Oh man I should have known the price was too good. Jack would have asked questions."

"Jack?" Sam crinkled her brow.

"My ex-husband," Cara blew out.

"Oh?" Sam coughed her eyes widening with surprise. "Didn't see that coming," she muttered under her breath as Cara gave her a curious look.

"See what coming?" Cara questioned in bewilderment.

"Nothing," Sam quickly asserted. "Well I think my work here is done. Your wiring is perfect and I've scared you half to death I think I'll just run now before I cause anymore problems."

"Wait what do I owe you?" Cara questioned not eager for Sam to leave or to be alone.

"Nothing," Sam laughed once again her laughter spreading warmth throughout Cara's body. "You didn't need me and I've managed to do more harm than good."

"Nonsense," Cara protested. "I mean it is a little funky and I'm not sure I believe any of this, it would have been nice if someone had told me. What am I saying? I wouldn't have believed it."

Sam apologized once again before driving off. Cara was more upset by the quirky woman's departure than she was about the possibility that she was sharing her home with a ghost. Once again she scoffed at the notion that her home was inhabited by something not among the living. That was until she walked back inside and discovered that the rocking chair had once again been moved next to the fireplace. "I'll just leave it there," she shuddered before grabbing her wallet suddenly deciding to dine out for the evening.

She sat alone in the small restaurant not far from her new home. Hiding in the back she ignored the merriment that surrounded her as she drink a glass of wine after completely her meal. "So think I'm crazy?" A familiar voice purred. Cara gaped over at Sam who took the seat beside her.

"The jury is still out," she quipped in response. "Buy you a drink?"

"Thank you," Sam readily agreed. "I am sorry about this afternoon, lunacy isn't something I usually display when trying to woo a potential client."

"No, I found it endearing," Cara teased as they ordered another round. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Sam sighed offering a shy smile that made Cara's heart flutter.

"Why were you surprised that I am divorced?" Cara bluntly inquired already sensing the answer.

Sam chewed on her lip for a moment before giving her response. "I made an incorrect assumption."

"Which was?" Cara pressed.

"I'd rather not say," Sam hedged as an older gentleman approached them.

"Sammy? What cha' doing out tonight?" He questioned in a boisterous tone.

"I thought I had a client turns out I don't," she shrugged. "This is Cara, she just moved to town. This is Captain Bill older than dirt and knows everyone and everything about this town."

"You always were a smart ass Sammy," Bill grunted. "You'd be the gal that bought the carriage house," he greeted Cara.

"Told you," Sam laughed at Cara's surprise.

"What were you thinking that old place is haunted?" Bill prattled on.

"No one told me," Cara grumbled. "Oh hell, I can't believe this. So if you know everything who's buried in the back yard?"

"Shauna," he snorted. "I think she was one of the Phelps maids died suddenly one summer back in 1887 or thereabout."

"You never told me that," Sam groaned. "This isn't one of your wild tales now, is it?"

"Might be," Bill teased. "No, I'm pretty certain that was her name. My grandfather use to talk about it."

"Why?" Cara pushed.

"A lot of folks found her sudden passing odd. She was young and healthy the family claimed she fell down the staircase in the carriage house," he continued as they ordered another round of drinks. "The thing of it was the Phelps bolted out of town right after it happened. The family never used the house again."

"Wait, the maid dies accidentally and they just bury her in the backyard and don't come back?" Sam sputtered.

"They never used the house again," Bill asserted. "No one did until the grandkids sold it back in the twenties. But ever since Shauna took that fall, folks have seen odd things in the carriage house. Lights burning when the place is empty the sounds of woman crying. I remember back when I was about sixteen a bunch us decided to take a look around. It was late we broke in there wasn't anything there just dirt, pile of dust and the sound of a woman crying. Got the hell out of there and ran off didn't stop until we were half way home."

"Oh yeah this is going to help me sleep tonight," Cara gasped.

"Sammy could always keep you company," he wryly suggested with a wink.

"Bill?" Sam hissed.

"Yeah?" He snorted.

"Shut up," Sam growled.

Cara sat there numbly as Bill laughed heartily before walking away. "Sorry about that," Sam softly apologized.

"I'm sorry too," Cara muttered absently.

"What that Bill thinks I'm making a pass at you?" Sam inquired as the waitress brought them a round of drinks, compliments of Bill.

"No," Cara laughed. "I'm just buzzed enough to let myself enjoy that. I meant Shauna being dumped in the yard like a stray animal not even bothering to put her name on the headstone."

"It is sad but if it makes you feel better Bill has been known to spin some pretty wild tales," Sam concluded. "And for the record, I'm not making a pass. Although I am curious as to why you look so disappointed that I'm not. A subject for another time," Sam graciously offered as Cara blew out a sigh of relief. "For now tell me about yourself? Then I'll walk you home since neither of us are in any condition to drive."

They talked until closing time; Cara was in heaven. Sam was indeed quirky but sweet and not to mention gorgeous. Cara smiled happily as they strolled up the winding street that led to her home. It wasn't the first time she felt attraction towards another woman but it was the first time she was just drunk enough and free enough to allow herself to simply enjoy the feeling. Sam was truly an enigma she was bright, loved what she did for a living open about her life and lifestyle and despite her seemingly level headed attitude completely convinced that the carriage house was haunted.

They stumbled into the driveway Cara froze with fear as she gaped at her home brightly lit up. "Oh goodie," she stammered still gaping at the sight.

"Can I use your phone? I need to call a cab," Sam calmly inquired. "The only thing that sucks about being way out here is that there aren't any towers so you can just forget about using your cell. What is it?"

Cara couldn't speak her body trembled until she felt Sam's gaze melting her body. She took a hard swallow in an effort to calm down. "I didn't leave any lights on when I left," she sputtered still staring at her home. Her body remained rooted in place unable to move terrified to walk into her house. She yelped when a hand touched her shoulder. She laughed wildly when she jumped only to discover that it was Sam's hand that had came to rest on her shoulder. "Sorry," she laughed.

"May I suggest plan B?" Sam tenderly offered as Cara gazed up at her. Suddenly her fears vanished as she stared deeply into the brunette's mesmerizing gaze.

"Plan B?" She responded in a breathy whisper fighting against the rush of emotions that suddenly encompassed her. It was so tempting. The wine had lowered her inhibitions just enough to encourage her. She reached up surprised when Sam took a shy step back.

"Plan B," Sam sweetly asserted. "Is that instead of trying to get a taxi at this ungodly hour and paying a small fortune to get home, I crash on your sofa. I can get my van from downtown in the morning and you won't have to spend the night alone."

"The sofa?" Cara whispered feeling a sudden sense of sadness.

"The sofa," Sam pressed motioning Cara to unlock the front door.

Cara took a cleansing breath fighting against the urge to wrap her arms around Sam's warm inviting body. "The sofa," she grumbled under her breath not missing Sam's snickering coming from behind her as she opened the front door.

"Shauna we're home," Sam boldly called out once they stumbled across the threshold.

"Oh you're a riot," Cara sighed rolling her eyes while she locked up behind them.

"All part of my charm," Sam quipped shoving her hands into the front pocket of her faded jeans.

"Yes, you must have women falling at your feet," Cara laughed looking around fearful that she would find the mysterious Shauna wandering about. Her heart fluttered when her gazed stopped at the sofa. "I bet you do," she added sadly knowing that she wanted Sam to stay but not on the sofa.

"No I don't but thank you," Sam murmured softly the rich tone of her voice made Cara quiver. "Cara?"

The redhead swallowed hard feeling the heat from Sam's body just behind her. She wanted to invite the brunette to spend the night upstairs with her. Frightened by her desires and hurt by Sam's obvious rejection Cara was on the verge of tears. Her body tensed when she felt Sam's hands resting on her shoulders. "Spare me the "it's not you it's me" speech," Cara hissed.

"I wasn't going to say that," Sam wearily responded. "Your life is in upheaval, you just got divorced, your house is scaring you, there is a body in the backyard and you're drunk. You're not thinking clearly."

Cara stood there numbly drinking in everything Sam had just said. It was the truth sadly it didn't quell the desires stirring inside of her. She released a terse breath parting her lips ready to accept Sam's words when the rocking chair creaked.

Sam's arms wrapped around her waist in a protective manner as they watched the chair slowly rocking back and forth. Cara couldn't breathe her only source of comfort was Sam's embrace. "I was...uhm," she sputtered. "I was just about to agree with everything you said," she squeaked out watching the steady rhythm of the chair. "And offer to get you some blankets for the couch but now I'll pay you to sleep upstairs with me and not because I want to get fresh with you. Keep your clothes on whatever I just really rather not be alone up there."

"Good idea," Sam fearfully agreed.

They stepped back slowly never taking their eyes off of the rocking chair that was still moving as they climbed up the staircase. They were still trembling when they reached the top landing peering down over the rail that looked over the bottom half of the house. The chair slowly came to a halt yet Cara's body was still covered with a rash of goose bumps. Suddenly the house was plunged into darkness. Cara squeaked with fear as she stepped backward crashing into Sam.

"At least she waited until we were up here," Sam laughed trying to sound cavalier about the situation the telltale creak in her voice unmasking her fear.

"I'll get the light," Cara offered her voice and body shaking as she pried herself away from Sam's embrace. Each of them released a sigh of relief when Cara clicked on the lamp by her bedside. "That was fun," she tossed out as she kicked off her shoes feeling a small sense of relief when Sam mirrored her actions.

"I'm a fun date aren't I?" Sam laughed still shivering slightly.

"The best," Cara wryly retorted nervously running her fingers through her hair. She shrugged off her slacks her heart fluttered as she watched Sam doing the same with her jeans. She released a tiny whimper when she spied the brunette's long legs. "Damn," she grunted once she finally managed to stop ogling Sam's body.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Sam smirked as they climbed up onto the bed.

Cara searched her mind for some witty remark as they nestled on top of the bedding still half dressed and each maintaining an appropriate distance from one another. "Thank you for staying with me," Cara managed to utter.

"My pleasure," Sam shyly responded slipping slightly further away. "Want to talk since I doubt either of us are going to get any sleep tonight?"

"Yes," Cara smiled trying to work up the nerve to move a little closer to Sam. "I really enjoyed talking to you back at the pub. Sam when did you know that you are gay?"

"When didn't I?" Sam countered playfully. "When did you?"

"Know you were gay?" Cara hedged suspecting that wasn't what Sam had meant. "When you told me."

"That wasn't what I meant," Sam groaned nudging the redhead slightly.

"I know," Cara grumbled slightly miffed at Sam's awareness. "I've had my doubts since I was about fifteen. Ever time I, or someone else, suspected something I ran out got a new boyfriend… or married. Poor Jack, I don't think he ever suspected. I'm still not ready to."

"I've noticed," Sam cut her off. "Which is why I'm staying way over on this side of the bed."

"Party pooper," Cara quipped relieved that Sam seemed to truly understand her predicament.

"No, just a realist," Sam explained. "Trust me I was tempted more than once today. But if anything had happened I think it would have freaked you out a lot more than the shenanigans Shauna has been pulling. Instead I‘m happy to have made a new friend with a really cool house."

"A cool house?" Cara laughed. "Why because the lights turn on and off all by themselves?"

"No, because of the old brick, beamed ceilings, fireplaces, walking distance to the beach and not to mention that Jacuzzi I saw in the bathroom," Sam brightly concluded. "Frankly I think you need a pet so I can housesit for you whenever you need to go out of town."

"Are you this helpful with all of your clients?" Cara barked with laughter.

"Oh but you're not a client," Sam quickly corrected. "Although electrical work isn't all I do. I'm a handyman or handywoman, as it were. If it makes you feel better, you can hire me next spring to clear out the back?"

"You'd charge a friend to help with yard work?" Cara groused.

"Oh now I'm a friend I see how this works," Sam snickered.

"We could wait until spring and judge it by just how friendly we are?" Cara suggested hopefully.

"Lucky for you, I'm a patient woman," Sam reassured the suddenly nervous bookkeeper.

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Throughout the evening the unlikely duo chatted endless only stopping when they heard a strange creak or some other noise. Thankfully each time it was only the wind and no other eerie events occurred. The only strife Cara encountered was the occasional urge to close the distance between them and kiss her companion. More than once she spied the same longing in Sam's eyes. Still they managed to simply rest side by side and talk.

When the morning arrived, Cara's head was aching from the wine and lack of sleep. Her body was agitated from sharing the night with Sam and having nothing transpire except stimulating conversation. "What's that look for?" She inquired noticing that her companion's brow was furrowed and she was drumming her fingers nervously against the blankets.

"Nothing," Sam sneered. "You know exhaustion, hangover and…" she mumbled the last part so softly that Cara couldn't understand what the brunette had said.

Cara searched her mind in an effort to fill in the blanks. She knew she was also exhausted from lack of sleep and hung over the last part for her was frustrated. She smiled suddenly hoping that was the part Sam was omitting. She reached out ready to test her theory grimacing when Sam caught her wandering hand.

"Don't," Sam playfully cautioned her. "This is hard enough you should know I don't like to rush into things. The circumstances of your life are complicated."

"Less and less," Cara confessed rolling onto her side pleased that Sam was still holding her hand. "But you're right," she reluctantly accepted. "I've spent over thirty years avoiding my feelings, this is going to take time."

"Sucks, don't it?" Sam laughed giving Cara's hand a squeeze before releasing it. "In the meantime I was serious about helping you finding out what we can about Shauna. Maybe knowing more about her will help quiet things down around here. You said you heard her speaking what did she say?"

"Come back to me," Cara responded finally accepting that the strange happenings were real.

"Broken hearted and forgotten," Sam noted sadly. "The poor girl. I hate to say it but I need to go. I'm sure that my van has already been ticketed if I don't get it now it will be towed."

*****************************************************

Cara's life proceed finally the missing pieces of her spirit were falling into place. True to her word Sam stopped by frequently offering to spend the day scouring the town library or some other place in an effort to find out about Shauna or to at least confirm that was woman's name. Cara suspected that Bill had indeed told them the truth since whenever something would happen she would call out Shauna's name and things would quiet down.

Shauna seemed fascinated by anything electrical on one morning her curiosity ruined Cara's morning coffee by playing with the coffee maker. Shauna must have felt remorse for her transgression since when Cara returned from work that day there was a fresh pot of coffee waiting for her. "Thank you," she sputtered fearfully. Later that evening Cara relaxed by the fire wryly pondering if she could convince Shauna to do a little housework? "Now I'm just being silly," she laughed the laughter dying on her lips when the rocking chair slowly began to move. Cara quickly retreated upstairs praying that Shauna would simply enjoy sitting by the fire and leave her alone for the rest of the evening.

A few nights later Cara awoke startled by the sudden coldness and the sounds of a woman crying. Her heart felt heavy as she listened to the muffled sobs and the now familiar words, ‘Come back to me,' echoing in the darkness.

"It is heartbreaking," she confessed to Sam the following evening when she explained the recent events over dinner at a local restaurant. "She is so sad," she continued. "Although she does seem to enjoy sitting by the fire and playing with the appliances."

"I can understand her enjoying the warmth of the fire," Sam theorized. "Remember when we found the original plans for the place? The servant's quarters were tiny and the only heat was from the fireplaces. If she lived there year round the winters must have been torture. The horses were kept warmer than the staff."

"Maybe she lived somewhere else, you said it was a summer home," Cara countered still surprised at how easily she accepted the strange goings on in her new home. "I did find something," she continued sliding a photocopy over to her companion.

"Shauna McQue died suddenly at the home of her employer," Sam recited as she read from the old obituary that Cara had stumbled across while surfing the Internet. "No services. That is it? Jesus didn't this woman have any friends or family?"

"That was all I could find," Cara grimly supplied. "I'm not even certain it is the same woman. I ran into Captain Bill at the market the other day and got the same story he told us before. He thinks her name was Shauna and she worked as a maid for the Phelps family but he isn't certain."

"Yeah I talked to him last week and got the same story," Sam sighed heavily.

Cara sat back watching her new friend. Her eyes riveted to every move Sam made. ‘This is bad,' she mentally sighed.

"It is so sad," Sam continued seemingly unaware that Cara was more interested in watching the brunette speaking than listening to what she was actually saying. "Her life was condensed into a single sentence. Makes you wonder why someone even bothered putting up a grave stone or fencing off her grave."

"I am more curious about who did that?" Cara offered quickly suddenly aware that she was staring. "Maybe it was the person she keeps calling for?"

"Perhaps," Sam responded curiously. "He loved her enough to mark her grave but not enough to pay a few pennies and have her name engraved?"

*****************************************************************

"It is said she led an unremarkable life not a soul can remember her passing and very few remembered much about her when she was alive. Her name was Shauna McQue she lived and died in the small New England town of Manchester sometime during the nineteenth century. She was a maid those that remembered anything about her was that she was a quiet girl who did her job well and rarely spoke. Unnoticed in life and forgotten in death," Cara read from the photocopy that Sam had given her. "Who wrote this?"

"Sarah Phelps," Sam supplied leaning back against the sofa cushions. "I found a copy of her diary buried in the stacks at the town library."

Cara gave Sam a curious look. They had been searching for weeks to no avail. Tonight, Halloween night, Sam showed up on her doorstep with bundles of take-out, a bottle of wine and a stack of papers. "It is so sad," Cara sighed, accepting another glass of wine. She glanced over at Sam who was shuffling through the stack of papers. She studied the woman whom had been helping her and confusing her since the moment they met. The emotional tug of war was beginning to take its toll on the both of them. Somehow dealing with the strange happenings in her home was much easier than dealing with the overwhelming attraction she felt for the brunette.

A few days ago they began snipping at one another the tension from pretending that they were nothing more than friends finally emerging. Cara felt broken hearted when Sam finally said, "I can't do this anymore," and walked away. She was wallowing in a sea of self-pity that night after handing out candy to the few small children who had ventured out that night. She had just turned off her outside light ready to call it a day when there was a knock on her door. She was stunned when she discovered Sam waiting on the other side.

Sam politely asked to come in waving the food and wine as a bribe. Sam began to explain that she had found something about Shauna. Other than that the brunette offered no explanation as to why she was there. She glanced over when the rocking chair creaked. "You know, I'm getting use to it," she laughed while pondering what was going on with Sam? "Why are you here?"

"I found Shauna's story maybe it might help if someone finally told it," Sam explained with a curious gleam in her eyes. "Plus I feel like an ass for storming out of here the other day. Let me tell you Shauna's story?"

Cara nodded simply happy that Sam was there and curious to hear about Shauna. "The rest of the entry for that day is this," Sam softly began. "I remember Shauna. She was a maid for my family during the summers in Manchester. I was young and failed to understand that the quiet woman who had always been kind to me was a servant. She lived in the Carriage house year round simply waiting for us to arrive. Father normally stayed in the city sans a few scattered weekends during the summers. What I remember most about those summers was how happy my mother was. She looked forward to our summers by the sea. The only times her mood darkened was when father arrived. The other times she laughed and played with Shauna and us. The days we spent at our home in the city, my mother was never happy. Shauna seemed to light up her world. I never questioned why Shauna could bring out the best in my mother. One summer day it early August everything changed. I awoke to my mother wailing and my father screaming. Suddenly everything was quiet the staff quickly packing up our belongings. I fussed, confused as to why we were leaving in such a hurry. I searched for Shauna confident that she could explain things to me. I failed to find her and we never returned to Manchester. My mother was so despondent when we returned to the city that she retired to her bedroom permanently. Years later, I would learn through hushed whispers that Shauna had died the night before we fled. It was a curious accident. I never understood why my father chose to bury her in haste and flee Manchester. Years later after father's passing my mother was nearing the end of her life, I learned the truth. It was a sad tale, which I am forced to carry to my grave. My children have sold the old summer home. I pray that Mother and Shauna rest peacefully and that my father is paying for his crime."

Cara stared at Sam her jaw dropped as she drank in the story. "It stops there," Sam concluded. "Thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I think that Sarah's mother and Shauna were very close," Cara noted wryly. "And Sarah's father found out and Shauna's accident wasn't an accident. I hope the son of a bitch is burning in hell."

"That is what I thought," Sam smiled brightly as Cara stood and tended to the fire that was burning brightly in the fireplace. Sam was still smiling when Cara curled back up on the sofa. "So being the nosy busy body that I am I did some more digging. I have a friend who works in the archives at the anthem in Salem and she found a letter that Mildred Phelps, Sarah's mother wrote just before her death. Care to read it?"

Cara snatched the photocopy from Sam's grasp almost knocking the taller woman over in her eagerness to read the letter. "I'll take that as a yes," Sam laughed heartily.

"August tenth nineteen sixteen," Cara began. "It is the anniversary of her death. I pray each day since she was taken from me that I will finally join my beloved."

*************************************************************

August 10th, 1916

Summering in Manchester had been my husband's idea. I saw no need to leave the city although I was intrigued by the prospect of not having to spend my days and nights with my husband Thomas. His only explanation was that the family summer cottage was being wasted. A staff was hired and the children and I were packed off to enjoy the shore. Manchester was pleasant enough that first summer. The most enjoyable part was the shy lass Shauna McQue who had been employed as the maid.

Miss McQue was only two or three years my junior and very competent when it came to performing her duties. The girl was so quiet at times I failed to notice she was about. Still there was a light about her. She seemed to bring sunshine to my dreary existence. The children simply adored her. Perhaps it was because she not only listened to them but also joined in on the games. I found that I was inviting Shauna to join in on more and more family activities.

Thomas was most displeased with her expanded duties. Though some many things displeased Thomas. After his first visit he had fired the footman and made Shauna a nervous wreck. I found it quite distasteful that my husband would openly leer at the girl. I worried when the new footman was hired, Frederick an older gentleman who lived in town. Since Frederick resided nearby Shauna was given the small luxury of living alone in the carriage house. What caused me concern was that after the staff changes had been made Thomas on occasion would go for a stroll lingering around the carriage house. Thankfully Shauna kept the doors locked.

Thomas was never a vulgar man, he accepted that the girl was not interested in his attention. His evening strolls ceased still he continued to leer at the shy blonde. I was quite brisk with him the night I brought the matter to his attention. He seemed surprised by my meddling. Thomas and I have never pretended to be more than we were. We married within our station and once our third child William was born we no longer shared a bedroom. Like most women I really did not care to know who comforted my husband or warmed his bed. I honestly was relieved that I was no longer required to do so.

Thomas was so miffed by my behavior he cut his first visit short and returned home. I was positively giddy when he departed. When Shauna helped me undress that evening and prepare for bed I spoke out of turn. I told her that if Mr. Phelps so much as looked at her crossed eyed she had my permission to knock him in the head with a fire poker.

The poor girl was so stunned by my bawdy suggestion she blushed from ear to ear. I laughed merrily before hugging her. The both of us were stunned by my familiarity. I had not only spoken freely in front of a domestic I hugged her like an old friend. I immediately apologized for my forwardness. Thankfully Shauna simply nodded and went about her duties.

I failed to find sleep that evening. I was troubled by my actions and by the curious way it felt warm and right to hold the girl in my arms. The following morning Shauna cleaned the house before joining the children and I for a stroll along the sandy beach. I love the beach near our little hideaway. The sand literally sings when you step upon it. The delightful sound had become quite a game for the children and us each trying to make the beach sing the loudest.

It was a joyful day the only dark cloud was my mood. I was still terribly troubled by my errant behavior the previous evening. So troubled when Shauna helped me that evening I rambled on and on trying to apologize. She just smiled up at me with her deep blue eyes that resembled the crystal waters not far from our home.

My heart fluttered when I brushed an errant strand of hair from her face. I gasped when I felt her leaning into my touch. It was truly amazing for the first time in my dreary existence I felt like a woman. How can I explain that this simple girl stirred something in my soul something that I never believed was true?

In my youth I endured listening to my friend's prattling about romance. I played along doubting that love existed. With one brush of my hand I discovered passion. By the rapid beating of my heart one would have thought I had just discovered Shangri La. Perhaps I had. Shauna smiled up at me and my heart swooned.

I was so unsettled by the experience my knees quivered. Shauna moved quickly clasping my hips to keep me from falling. Her touch was almost my undoing. My body quivered from the warm feeling of her hands resting on my hips and the sweet smile she was casting up at me. "Shauna," I whimpered helplessly her eyes darkening mirroring the emotions swirling through my own body and soul.

"Mrs." She timidly whispered reminding me of our stations and that I belonged to another.

I wanted to curse bang about like a child at the cruel reality of our predicament. I was a married woman, her employer nothing could ever happen between us. Yet the longing in her eyes drew me in. I threw caution to the wind dipped my head and brushed my lips against hers. It was a sweet kiss filled with innocence despite the fire raging inside of me. Her lips were soft and inviting tenderly moving against my own. Her sweet breath tickled my face her hands caressing my hips each of us confused by the rush of warmth encompassing us.

My eyes fluttered open I gazed down upon her. Shauna's eyes still tightly shut her lips parted as I watched her pink tongue peeking out licking her soft full lips. I could feel her body trembling; our hearts pounding in unison as we clung to one another. My transgression should have ceased at that moment. When her eyes slowly opened I knew that I could never resist her.

Her eyes burned brightly we tried to pretend that nothing had occurred as she went about undressing me. Under the rouse of preparing me for bed just as she did so many times her hands drifted to places she had never explored before. I willingly accepted her roaming fingers my flesh tingling from her touch.

I stood before her completely exposed as I had so many times before. That night she did not divert her gaze no that night her eyes coveted my flesh. I reached out to her gently tugging the ribbon that held her long blonde hair bundled upon her head. I gasped as I watched her hair cascading down caressing her shoulders.

I laced my fingers through her long silky locks and drew her to me. I was fearful guiding her towards my flesh the soft moan she released against my body filled me with reassurance and desire. I was stunned when a feral groan escaped my lips upon feeling her lips tenderly brushing against my bosom. I felt giddy listening to the soft murmurs she released from between my breasts while shy curious hands caressed my hips.

I yelped my body filled with immeasurable pleasure when I felt her tongue slowly tracing the swell of my breast. My thighs clenched in an effort to ebb to passion slipping from my body. The strange pool of wetness startled me at first my husband had never inspired such an occurrence and now my sweet Shauna had opened the gates.

My fingers dug into the thick cloth of her uniform I was filled with frustration my only desire was to feel her. Nagging voices deep inside of me screamed for me to keep my demons at bay. I needed to pull away from her fearful that I was corrupting her or forcing my wayward desires upon her innocent person. "We should stop this," I sniffed my heart aching at the very thought of releasing this magnificent woman from my embrace.

"Is that what you wish?" Her words hitching I could hear the pain echoing in her voice.

"No," I confessed clinging tighter to her. "I cannot bring myself to take what is not mine. We must cease before we sin."

I was firm filled with conviction that I was taking advantage of her still I was unable to release her from my grasp. I nuzzled her long strawberry blonde hair drinking in the sweet nectar my mind filled with the falsehood that it would be enough. Strong arms wrapped tighter around my waist hot breath teased my nipple and I was lost. I released a loud cry upon feeling her tongue teasing the bud coaxing it until the bud hardened against her touch. "You are my undoing," she moaned before her soft lips captured my nipple and she suckled it like a starving child.

I gave into the knowledge that I was not forcing Shauna to do anything she desired what I desired and nothing could come between us. That night belonged to us and we were helpless to stop the tidal wave of desire. The feel of her mouth devouring my breast drove me insane. My body ground shamelessly against hers as I begged her for release.

Dear sweet Shauna teased me as no other had before. My flesh damp from her kisses my fingers clawing at her dress while my body melted against hers. I was breathless my body on fire I drew her to me cupping her face in my hands. I kissed her passionately plunging my tongue inside of her mouth moaning when her tongue greeted my own. I was dimly aware of the sound of clothing tearing as I tore her dress.

The kiss turned savage my hands ripping her clothing while her hands teased my quivering flesh. I yanked the bodice of her dress aside cupping her firm breast with my hand. The jolt of pleasure I felt was indescribable - her nipple hardening against the palm of my hand while her nimble fingers brushed against my passion.

I was filled with a strange sense of delight knowing that she could feel the excitement she had inspired. Her fingers slipped inside my passion, my body thrust urgently against her touch. I teased her nipples capturing them between my fingers my hips rocking wildly as I allowed her to love me. Had these desires been brewing all this time? I have no answer. I only know that once she touched me, I was hers. I needed to feel her flesh pressing against my own. My hands reluctantly retreating from her firm breasts; eager to rid her of her clothing. She plunged deeper inside of me while we stumbled towards the bed. My mind was spinning my body filled with unfamiliar pleasure as I gave myself to her.

I fell upon the bed Shauna kisses drifting down my body. I shuddered from the feel of her hair tickling my thighs. I gazed down my naked body her brilliant blue orbs taunting me the feel of her breath taunting my womanhood. I was confused by her actions as she held me in a smoldering gaze. I was shocked when her tongue parted my swollen nether lips and she began to drink from me.

My shock was quickly cast aside when I felt her tongue gliding along my sex teasing my engorged nub. She suckled the pulsating bundle fighting to hold my thrashing form steady as she feasted upon me. Her fingers slipping deeper inside of my wetness plunging and teasing my body arching eager to feel all she offered. I was filled with wild abandonment pressing my wetness harder against her my passion spilling from my body as my screams echoed loudly. I collapsed from the sheer ecstasy she bestowed upon me. The world vanished I struggled for air as my lover continued to pleasure me.

The room was spinning when I finally managed to escape from her talented touch. I need her; I silently prayed that she would allow me to pleasure her as she had pleasure me. I made quick haste removing her clothing my hands exploring her flesh teasing and taunting her.

We were on the bed. I was hovering above her naked body basking in her beauty as my hands explored the wonders lying beneath me. She clasped my wrist guiding my inquisitive touch between her quivering thighs. I released a terse breath when her passion greeted my touch. She guided me deeper and I willing followed pleased by the sight of her body arching the sound of her voice pleading with me to love her.

I gave into my hedonistic desires slipping inside of her warm wetness. My touch faltering when my fingers met with resistance. My Shauna was innocent; the revelation filled me with fear. Her firm grasp guided my touch her hips thrust hard I watched as she impaled herself on my fingers. I was shaking from the knowledge that I had just taken her innocence. "I wanted it to be you," she whimpered her eyes filling with tears. "I tried to hide my sin."

"You have not sinned," I sobbed my touch turning gentle as I guided her into womanhood. I gently kissed her my senses reeling as I tasted my passion on her lips. I made love to her slowly tasting and touching every inch of her body. I felt that I, too, was a virgin that night -- the pleasure she shared with me was a delightfully foreign experience.

I selfishly kept her in my bed so I could hold her as she slept. I was filled with trepidation when morning arrived. Shauna's kiss quickly quieted my fears. We belonged to one another from that moment on and forever.

I basked in her passion for over four years. I grew impatient whenever I was forced to return home counting the days until we would be together again. I tried in vain to convince Thomas to hire my love for our home in Boston. He refused, thinking it was foolish. I never ceased trying… not happy that the only happiness I knew was from mid May to early September. I feared that she would find another during my extended absences -- she never strayed. Each time I left she would kiss me and beg me to come to her.

Then came the morning of August the 10th, 1887 Thomas had somehow discovered my secret. I do not know how perhaps he had finally noticed the longing looks Shauna and I exchanged during one of his visits. I was unaware that he had returned the evening before as I languished in my lover's bed in the Carriage House. It was near dawn when he stormed into the Carriage House and tore me from my lover's embrace.

He never uttered a word as he dragged me back to the main house and locked me in my bedroom. I pounded on the door screaming for freedom until my fists were bleeding. Finally, he returned. I spewed out a litany of curses as I begged him to simply walk away and allow me to stay with her. His laughter rang cruelly in my ears and I finally noticed that his clothing was covered with dirt and blood.

I was filled with horror as he screamed his disgust at what I was. I demanded to know what he had done. Then he turned silent; his eyes dark and evil. Then he told me what he had done. He was pleased at how he had beaten her throwing her down the staircase and how she begged for me to come to her before her neck snapped.

I fell to my knees wailing with grief, listening as he explained that he buried in the back like the dog that she was. The horror encompassed me. I was unable to think or speak. I felt numb as the house was packed up and we fled. I did manage to slip money to Frederick begging him to place a marker on Shauna's grave. Poor old Frederick begged me to know what had happened. I was unable to speak, consumed by the guilt that I had caused Shauna's death.

During the journey back to Boston, I tried to console myself knowing that I had my children to look after. They were the only reason I failed to reveal my husband's crime. The shame of what had happened would have ruined their lives. If not for them, I would I had gladly given my life to see Thomas suffer. The guilt and grief proved too much for me. Upon returning home I retired to my bedroom. At the time I foolishly thought I needed time to grieve or work up my courage to avenge Shauna's murder.

I never spoke nor did I leave my bedchambers. My mind and spirit died with her. I wallowed in bed numbly watching my children grow. Finally Thomas passed on and I spoke. My daughter came to me and told me that Thomas had died in his sleep. "Bastard," I spat out shocking my now grown daughter.

My callous reaction frightened her and my two sons. A month later during one of her visits she demanded to know what had happened. I told her everything. I do not know if she understands or has forgiven me. It was the last time I spoke now I simply pray for my own death. I feel that my wait is nearing the end that is why I am writing this letter. I need to write this even though there is no one to mail it to. I pray that Shauna has forgiven my cowardice. I know that I shall never forgive myself.

Mildred Phelps

****************************************************************

Cara brushed a tear from her cheek something stirred in the air as she set the paper down. "I… Uhm… don't know whether or not to sympathize with Mildred or bitch slap her?" She sniffed.

"I know," Sam responded sadly. "When I read the letter my initial reaction was that she was a coward and she and Thomas got off way too easy. If she kept it secret for the sake of her children then why leave her children's upbringing in the hands of a murderer? Then I read it again and again and wondered what I would have done? It was the 1800's the word gay wasn't even a label yet. These women couldn‘t even vote; hell I'm not sure they had indoor plumbing. I freak out if the cable goes out. I came out almost a hundred years after Mildred's sexual awakening and it still wasn't a picnic."

"She gave up everything," Cara argued.

"Yes… including herself," Sam expanded. "Mildred snapped. If she turned her husband in, everything would have come out. She probably would have ended up in jail herself for being a deviant. I live in the twenty-first century; on occasion I cross paths with someone who doesn't approve of my life style. I live in a state that permits me to marry a woman. I slap rainbow flags on everything and the other day I bolted. This dance we've been doing and your uncertainty it scares me. If I'm afraid I can only imagine how terrifying all of this is to you. Now image going through this over a hundred years ago."

"I wouldn't have taken the chances that they did," Cara thoughtfully replied. "I fear that my cowardice runs much deeper than Mildred's." She studied Sam carefully suddenly understanding why Sam was there. The brunette needed to know if Cara was finally going to follow her heart. "No more," she whispered closing the distance between. She was terrified that she had misinterpreted everything, fearful that Sam would reject her. "I'm tired of being of afraid," she asserted cupping Sam's face in her hands. She swallowed hard deciding it was time to start living.

Their breath mingled as Cara drew Sam closer. Her eyes fluttered shut as she gave into her desires brushing her lips tenderly against Sam's. Her heart soared the sounds of laughter echoing lightly. "Apparently Shauna agrees," Sam smiled before reclaiming Cara's lips. The passionate embrace made Cara's heart race as she melted against Sam's tender touch.

"That was worth waiting for," Sam smiled tightening her embrace around Cara's body.

"You did say that you are a patient woman," Cara shyly retorted feeling her body blushing. "I don't blame you for running. I wasn't offering you a reason to stay. I'm ready to do that now."

"Really?" Sam cautiously encouraged.

"Yes, really," Cara smiled. "I had a long talk with my mother after you took off. I told her that I'm gay."

"What did she say?" Sam's eyes widened with surprise.

"No kidding," Cara grumbled. "She's known for years. Then I told Mary at work. Her reaction was very similar to my mother's. Other than that I've only told Shauna. I don't know if that counts."

Cara yelped when they were plunged into darkness. She jumped into Sam's warm embrace. "I think Shauna counts," Sam laughed. "She's sorry," she called out in an effort to appease the entity. They waited for Shauna's reaction their bodies snuggling closer exchanging shy kisses until the lights finally blinked back on.

Cara was far more interested in tracing Sam's chiseled features with her fingers to care that the lights were back on. "Stay?" She asked her heart racing wildly as she waited for Sam's response.

"Afraid of Shauna?" Sam tested.

"No," Cara asserted her fingers drifting to the nape of Sam's neck. "Strangely enough I've gotten use to Shauna lingering about. What frightens me is giving into my fears and letting you walk out of my life. I wasted most of my life trying to be someone that I'm not. I can't do that anymore. I have feelings for you and I refuse to be an idiot. I'm not playing games, I'm not curious. I am simply completely and utterly gaga over you."

"Do have any idea how beautiful you are?" Sam questioned with amazement.

"Show me?" Cara pleaded as she stood and offered Sam her hand.

Cara felt complete as she guided her lover up the staircase and to her bedroom. She was nestled in Sam's arms kissing her soon to be lover tenderly while they slowly undressed one another. She shut out the horrible events that had happened in her home so many years ago. Instead of recalling Shauna's horrible fate she focused on the fact that once two people shared a great passion in what is now her home.

Sam's kisses and gentle touch made her body hum with desire. Everything about the enigmatic brunette was exciting. Her lungs seized as she gazed upon Sam's naked body for the first time. She was amazed when Sam blushed in response. "You're so beautiful," she gasped in wonderment.

"No, that would be you," Sam sighed her eyes raking up and down Cara's body. Bolstered by her lover's smoldering gaze Cara guided her lover to her bed. She moaned deeply when their naked bodies touched for the first time. The softness of Sam's breasts brushed against her own making her heart swoon as they fell on the bed. The feel of Sam's flesh covering her own was pure bliss. Cara's hands roamed along Sam's body exploring every curve her fingers tingling from the feel of Sam's flesh quivering beneath her touch.

Their bodies swayed in a slow mesmerizing rhythm Cara was lost in the feel of Sam's passion painting her flesh. Her body was throbbing Sam's lips teasing her neck hands caressing her thighs as their bodies became one. The soft murmurs escaping Sam's lips further enticing Cara to touch her lover. She quickly became enthralled with teasing Cara's nipples rolling them gently between her fingers as they became erect.

She cupped Sam's firm round breasts feeling the weight of them amazed at how good it felt to caress her lover. Lifting her head her tongue sneaked out flickering against the harden buds; the feel of Sam's hair tickling her skin filling her with a sense of warmth. In the background she thought she heard the soft sounds of music. Perhaps Shauna was helping perhaps the music was simply playing in her head born from the pure ecstasy encompassing her soul?

The night was magical her body swaying in perfect rhythm with Sam's each slipping between their bodies taunting and teasing the other's engorged nub. They kissed deeply their tongues greeting the others while they slipped inside the other's passion. Cara felt like a child on Christmas morning filled with awe as they pleasured one another until their screams filled the night.

Cara felt complete happy for the first time in her life her body trembling as Sam kissed a trail down her body. She arched her body as her lover cupped her backside and drew her in. The feel of Sam's breath caressing her sex was madding. She cried out when her lover parted her with her tongue and began to feast upon her. Wrapping her fingers in Sam's long dark tresses she drew her closer eager to give her lover anything.

The room was spinning Sam's eager touch driving her to the brink of pure ecstasy for the first time in her life. Cara's only thoughts were how amazing Sam's touch felt and why it had taken her so long to experience such bliss? She called out Sam's name over and over again until her throat was raw her body sated.

She curled up in Sam's arms amazed that their hearts were beating in unison. She smiled brightly her hands exploring Sam's exquisite body. She slipped inside of Sam's wetness nuzzling her breasts slowly gliding her fingers along the brunette's sex. She was pleased by the passionate pleas her lover released as she drove the taller woman to the edge. Her heart swelled when Sam's body erupted her passion spilling against Cara's touch.

Sam kissed her tenderly the taste of Cara's passion still lingering on her lips. The brunette's eyes glazed over with desire. "Happy Halloween," she stammered as Cara blushed.

"Happy Halloween," Cara echoed gleefully noticing that the fireplace in her bedroom was burning brightly. She shook her head knowing that she hadn't lit the fire. She hoped it was Shauna's way of approving of their coupling.

"Funky," Sam snickered when she spied the fire. "So is your new life everything you'd hoped it would be?"

"And more," Cara confessed. "A ghost and a beautiful woman in my life this isn't what I was expecting now I can't imagine my life any differently. Either I have completely snapped or I am where I should be. I'm happy."

"So am I," Sam asserted pulling Cara in for another kiss.

The End