Clan MacLeod
by
Prudence MacLeod
Copyright, August 5th / 2001. All rights reserved.
Smashwords edition
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Prologue
We have seen previously how Calan and Angela MacLeod met and married. We have also seen how Angela has helped Calan to heal and how Callie’s loving support has help Angela grow and mature. As we left the ladies last time they were just finishing up a breakfast gathering at their home. Now it is time to see how the loving influence of Calan and Angela will affect those friends who affectionately call themselves Clan MacLeod.
First Date One
Bonny was pacing in front of the residence door. She had only been at the university for a few days and already she had her dream come true. Bonny had a date, with a girl. At five foot five with brown hair, brown eyes, a very girlish figure, and an obvious abundance of energy, she would attract attention anywhere. Dressed in a denim miniskirt and tight cotton sweater, Bonny was attracting attention now. It was the kind of attention she didn’t want.
“Sorry, I’m waiting for someone,” she smiled for the umteenth time.
“I’m someone,” leered the tall young fellow.
“She’s waiting for someone with class.” The speaker was a tall red haired girl. “Sorry if I kept you waiting Bonny; are you all ready to go?”
“All set.” Bonny smiled with delight as she fell into step with the five foot nine redhead. “It’s alright, Judy, I was early. I’m just a bit excited, that’s all.”
“Try to contain yourself until we get in the car, will you?” Judy sighed elaborately, her grin taking the sting out of her words. Judy was a slender girl with sea green eyes; eyes that took in everything and missed nothing; eyes that had seen too much in her short life. Bonny could feel the wariness in her and began to cast her gaze about as well.
“What is it, Judy?” she asked quietly. “Are we in danger or something?”
“Sorry, I don’t mean to make you nervous, it is just my natural instincts making sure we are safe and stay that way.”
“Is this part of the training Miss MacLeod gave you?” Bonny was still in awe of Calan MacLeod and her partner Angela, Judy’s mentors and teachers.
“Yes it is, and again I apologize. It is just that this place is all so new to me and I don’t know where the dangers are and where are the safe havens. I’ll settle down in a few more days, you’ll see.”
“Promise?”
“Sure I do,” laughed Judy. “Oh heck, I guess I will always be a Nervous Nellie to some extent, but I will relax a bit once I know my way around better.”
“It will be alright, Judy.” Bonny became more serious. “We’ll stick to the well-traveled roads and ....”
“Whoa there, this is getting away from us. I am just naturally a bit careful, that’s all. You don’t have to go on full battle alert or anything. Just please be a bit patient with me if I turn into a scaredy mouse once in a while. Oh gods, I am messing this all up; can we start again?”
“Sure,” Bonny replied brightly. “Hi Judy, sorry I’m late, but my hair dryer was on the fritz. Have you been waiting long?”
“Bonny, you’re a complete nut,” laughed Judy.
“But you like that, right?” “It is one of your more endearing qualities, my dear. Here we are, the company chariot.” They had arrived at a small red import car with the Hi Tech East logo on the side belonging to Judy’s employer. Judy opened the door for Bonny and settled her in before going round to the driver’s seat. “Ok, hang onto your hat; I’m not a very good driver yet.”
“Now she tells...,” Bonny stopped and gave Judy a gentle smile. “I’m sorry, I sometimes hide the real me behind all the teasing. I promise I won’t do that to you, Judy; I can see it upsets you. Take your time, there is no hurry.”
“Thank you for that,” Judy replied softly. “Our mother used to be really mean to us and she called it teasing, but it was really cruel.” She put the car in gear and pulled out onto the road.
“That wasn’t all she did to you was it?”
“No it wasn’t, but that is a story for another time.” Judy had her eyes glued to the road. “You can tease me a bit if you want; I kind of like it. Just be gentle please.”
“We need a magic word,” declared Bonny.
“What??”
“A magic word; if I start to tease too hard, or if you just want me to shut up, you can say the magic word and I will know what it means.”
“Hey, that’s a cool idea. You would do that for me?”
“I’d do anything for you, Judy,” purred Bonny in her best sexy voice.
“Magic word, magic word,” exclaimed Judy, blushing to her roots. “Well, no not really. Just promise never to do that in public.”
“Like I did this morning in front all those people when I bullied you into asking me out? I am really sorry for embarrassing you like that, I just didn’t think.”
“No, those people are my friends; you can tease me in front of them and it is Ok.”
“Judy I need to tell you something,” said Bonny as they pulled into the mall parking lot. “I have always been attracted to girls, not boys. I went out with a few boys because that is what you are supposed to do, but I was always nervous and I hated being kissed. I hid it all as best I could and buried myself in my school work. Once I saw Angie kiss Miss Macloed I suddenly realized you could like girls and still be Ok. Judy, I swore when I left Sidney that I would stop hiding who I am, and that is why I did what I did this morning when I teased you into asking me out.”
“My turn I guess.” Judy sighed deeply before she spoke. “I have never been attracted to anybody before, ever. I was just too afraid of being hurt that I kept it all secret. Oh I guess I was somewhat attracted to a few people, but nothing like today. I just couldn’t take my eyes off you and I still don’t know if I will be able to hide it very well. I would like us to keep it pretty low key in public if we can. Will that work for you?”
“Judy, you are the answer to my prayers,” smiled Bonny, laying her fingers on Judy’s arm. “I prayed for a chance to go out with a real girl on a real date just like real people. Not just because somebody wants to get laid, but just because she wants to spend some time with me. I want to spend time with you and get to know you, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Low key it is, and we proceed at your comfort level. I promised to be on best behavior and I meant it.”
“Thank you for that, Bonny.” Judy smiled as she squeezed Bonny’s fingers. “I feel like I am getting to know you already and I like it. I guess we’d better go in if we want to catch that movie.”
“We could just go somewhere and talk if you would rather.”
“Yes and no,” grinned Judy. “I want to savor this, so I want to see the movie. I just want to see how it feels to sit close to you for a while without being teased.”
Ok,” laughed Bonny, “let’s go. High Tech.”
“High Tech???”
“The magic word to shut me up, just say High Tech and I’ll close up like a clam.”
“Thanks,” said Judy squeezing Bonny’s hand once again. They locked the car and hurried inside.
* * * * *
“No way,” laughed Bonny, “you bought the tickets, I’ll get the treats.” She paid and they took their load of popcorn and drinks, found a quiet corner at the back and settled in. As soon as the lights dimmed, Judy laced her fingers through Bonny’s. Bonny pulled their hands onto her lap and draped her jacket over them. Giving Judy a saucy wink, she offered the popcorn.
* * * * *
“I don’t know about you,” said Bonny as they came out of the theater, “but I am still full of popcorn. Are you in a hurry for that pizza?”
“Nope. Want to go somewhere and have that talk?”
“I’d really like that,” smiled Bonny. Judy drove up Signal Hill and parked near the Cabot Tower. “Wow, this must be some view in the daylight.”
“Yes it is. Want to walk around a bit?”
“I want to be alone with you; I guess this car is as close as we are going to get isn’t it?”
“That’s why Donna wanted us to have it tonight,” smiled Judy, reminding Bonny that her friend Donna had insisted they have the company car this night.
“So we would have a chance to get to know one another without the whole world listening in? That girl has class; I like her. So what was it like for you?”
“Huh??”
“Sitting with me through the movie and holding hands?”
“It was exciting, thrilling, and scary all at the same time,” replied Judy, taking Bonny’s hand in hers once again. “It makes me feel all funny inside. It feels a bit like frightening and fun all at the same time.”
“That sounds about right to me,” sighed Bonny. “I like it and I want more.”
“Me too,” sighed Judy, gazing into Bonny’s eyes. “I want a lot more, but it is going to be so hard to do. We are both in residence so we will only be able to see each other in public and I want to get you alone.”
“Oh?” teased Bonny mischievously. “What are you planning to do with me when you get me alone?”
“I want to kiss you, you silly nut. I just know it is going to be the thrill of a lifetime.”
“You think so? Well my dear, there is only one way to find out for sure. Kiss me now; this may be the last chance we have to be alone for some time.” She leaned toward Judy who hesitated awkwardly.
“Bonny I...”
“Never been kissed by a girl?” asked Bonny as she reached over to slide her fingers behind Judy’s neck and gently pull her closer.
“Never been kissed at all,” breathed Judy softly.
“Close your eyes,” whispered Bonny. Their lips were nearly touching, and Judy’s eyes fluttered closed. “Relax sweetheart, we are safe here.” She ever so gently let her lips touch Judy’s and was rewarded with a short gasp. Bonny parted her lips and gently pulled Judy into the kiss.
Judy gave a soft moan then responded hungrily. “More,” she gasped as their lips parted. She pulled Bonny to her and kissed her deeply once again. As their lips parted, Judy pulled Bonny closer and hugged her fiercely. Both women were breathing in short gasps and they took a moment before Judy spoke again. “So how was it?”
“Huh??”
“You said you wanted a real date with a real girl and you wanted a real kiss, so how was it?”
“Everything I had dreamed of and so much more,” Bonny sighed, with a dreamy smile. “I feel like I have just been shot through with electricity, how about you?”
“I have no words to express what a thrill that was,” Judy replied with a slight shiver. “I want more.”
“Coming right up,” grinned Bonny as she snuggled closer. Bonny tucked her hand under Judy’s shirt when they kissed. This time she was rewarded with another short gasp and soft moan. Suddenly Judy felt Bonny’s gentle fingers probing under her bra. She shifted her body to give Bonny access to her breast. Finally, as their lips parted, Judy sat back in her seat, a tear running down her cheek.
“Judy, I’m so sorry...”
“Hush now, my sweet. I love what you are doing to me and I want a lot more. It just isn’t fair, that’s all.”
“What’s not fair, my love?” asked Bonny as she pulled Judy into a hug. “Please let me hold you.”
Bonny hugged her fiercely. “You can hold me whenever you want, Sweet Bonny,” she whispered softly. “I would be happy to stay in your arms forever. It just isn’t fair that’s all.”
“Tell me what isn’t fair, sweetheart.”
“We have no place to go to have any privacy at all. I want to hold you and kiss you and love you and......”
“Me too, sweet Judy,” whispered Bonny, “me too; we’ll just have to fix this.”
“We’ll have to get it under control. We can fix it. We can get it under control.”
“We can? How?”
“I don’t know yet,” Judy whispered as she wiped away tears from Bonny’s cheeks. “Just give me a few days to work on it alright?”
“What are you going to do?”
“First I’ll ask my friends to help. They are a bunch of geniuses and they will find a way to help us.”
“One of us could get an apartment,” mused Bonny as she dried her eyes.
“Jill would have to find another roommate if I did that,” said Judy thoughtfully.
“Then it is up to me. I have to find a job so I can get an apartment.”
“Sweetheart,” said Judy pulling Bonny into another hug. “It would take everything you could earn to keep up an apartment. Between working and school, I would never see you anyway.”
“Angie did it,” Bonny whispered softly, “she told me so on the way to the house this morning. She said she had her own apartment.”
“Yes she did,” replied Judy. “Honey, promise me you will give me a few days to see what I can come up with before you go crazy.”
“This is wild,” sighed Bonny snuggling closer into Judy’s embrace.
“What is, sweetheart?”
“We are. We met this morning, kissed this evening and listen to us. Sweetheart this and honey that.”
“Yes I guess it is a bit weird at that, but it feels right to me.”
“And to me, my love, I have always had to be so self-reliant. If I wanted something I had to go get it for myself; now here you want to take care of me. It is so wild.”
“So will you let me? Will you let me fix this for us?”
“All right, Judy. I’ll be the dutiful girlfriend for a few days. See what you can come up with, but know I intend to work anyway.”
“I understand that you need a job, Bonny dearest. I just don’t want it to take up all of your spare time, that’s all. I want you to have time for me too.”
“I will always have time for you, Judy,” smiled Bonny. “After all, I bullied you into asking me out, didn’t I?”
“Yes you did, and I am so glad you did. Now kiss me again.”
* * * * *
“We completely forgot about the pizza,” Bonny sighed as Judy walked her to her door.
“Sorry love, I had my mind on other things.”
“Me to,” giggled Bonny. “Will I see you for breakfast?”
“Some of us are going running in the morning, want to come?”
“I’ll pass on the run, it isn’t really my thing. I want to have breakfast with you though.”
“I’ll come get you about eight?”
“I’ll be ready with bells on,” laughed Bonny as they reached her door. The music was blasting from inside. Suddenly she stepped into Judy’s arms and kissed her again. She released her and tried to step away, but Judy held her tightly.
“I will miss you until morning,” whispered Judy. She kissed Bonny again then released her. As she turned around there was a girl staring at them.
“Yes, can I help you?” Judy asked, in a voice like ice. The girl blushed and dashed into a nearby room, slamming the door. “Crap, so much for secrecy,” Judy growled as she headed for the stairs that would take her to her own floor.
First Date Two
Sean O’Brian paced nervously in front of the women’s residence at the university. He was wearing a suit, but no tie. He had tried, but Sean was just not a tie kind of guy. At six foot two and two hundred thirty pounds of muscle, Sean O’Brian cut quite a figure.
“What’s all this?” asked a pleasantly surprised Jill as she spotted Sean waiting by the big doors. Jill was a mirror image of her twin sister Judy. Jill had dressed up for this occasion as well. She was wearing a sea green dress that really brought out the color of her eyes and flattered her figure. The dress was the only thing she had bought for herself all summer and she was really pleased with the way it made her feel. “My, oh my, Mr. O’Brian, you really clean up nice.”
“Jill, you are absolutely beautiful,” he said with a smile of appreciation. She lowered her eyes and blushed. “Come, my lady fair,” he said as he offered her his arm, “your chariot awaits.”
“Sean, where’s the truck?” asked Jill as she saw the shiny Cadillac he was leading her toward.
“Jill, I asked you to dress up tonight. I couldn’t ask you to ride in that old truck dressed as pretty as you are. I borrowed the caddy from Calan for this evening. It was also the only way she would let me take you out. Since I have to return the car, she’ll know what time I took you home.”
“Sean, you didn’t really ask her permission to take me out did you?” laughed Jill as he seated her in the passenger’s seat.
Sean closed her door then walked around and got behind the wheel before he answered her question. “Yes I did,” he said somewhat seriously. “I respect Callie’s feelings about you and your sister, Jill my love. I really wanted to clear it with her first.” He pulled the car into gear and backed slowly out of the parking slot.
“What would you have done if she’d said no?”
“I’d have rented a car somewhere else and come for you anyway, but I am really glad I didn’t have to do that,” he said as he pulled out into traffic.
“So am I. Sean, where are we going?”
“No pizza for you tonight, my sweet,” he said with a grin. “Since this is essentially our first date without a half dozen chaperones, I thought it might be nice to do something special.”
“Such as?”
“Dinner at the Battery, then maybe a play at the LSPU Hall; is that alright with you?”
“Gods, Sean, I’ve never been any place like that before,” Jill exclaimed somewhat flustered. “I’ll just embarrass you by doing something dumb.”
“That doesn’t sound like my Jill at all. What happened to the girl who always has things under control?”
“She got scared, Sean; I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“Jill, I could never be embarrassed to be in your company. I really wanted to do something special for you tonight. We can go someplace else if you prefer.”
“Oh gods, Sean, just don’t let me trip on my hem or slop food in my lap.”
“There are a few tricks to that,” he laughed. “I asked Callie the same thing and she gave me a few tips. Never order anything sloppy. Only order things you can eat without making a mess.”
“So no spaghetti, or stuff like that. Ok, I think I got it. We’ll see how much I can remember of the etiquette lessons Miss Simms gave us.”
“No problem, my sweet, Callie gave me a crash course when I picked up the car, just follow my lead and if there is any problem, it is my fault.”
“Stop it, Sean; you are making me all nervous now.”
“Sorry. Well, here we are.”
Jill kept her eyes down and smiled a lot as he escorted her from the car to the dining room. She thanked him softly as he seated her first then took his chair across the table from her. “Wow, this is some view,” she said softly. They were at the same table Angela and Calan had occupied on Calan’s birthday. The view was indeed awesome.
“Yes it is,” he agreed with a smile. Jill blushed as she realized he was looking at her.
Sean worked his Irish charm overtime as they chatted happily through the meal. Jill was keenly aware that he was doing all in his power to make the experience pleasurable for her and she decided to let him. She relaxed and just enjoyed the meal. By the time they returned to the car Jill was completely at ease and fully convinced that she could learn to love living this way.
“Enjoy you dinner?” he asked as he got behind the wheel.
“Oh Sean, that was like nothing I could have imagined. I enjoyed it more than you can know.”
“I’m glad Jill,” he replied with a warm smile as he pulled out into traffic.
“Where are we going now?”
“There is a new play on at the LSPU Hall tonight and I have tickets. I hope you like the theater. I know we have never talked about it before.”
“I don’t know if I like it or not. I have never seen a play before.”
“Lord, Jill, you sure have led a sheltered life.”
“I’ll tell you about it someday,” she said quietly.
“Jill, I’m really sorry. Callie warned me to mind my own business.”
“It is alright, Sean,” replied Jill laying her hand on his arm. “I am having a wonderful time, let’s not spoil it with serious talk.”
“All right,” he agreed softly. “How about I just tell you how beautiful you look tonight.”
“Sure,” she replied blushing deeply. “That would be Ok.”
“Here we are,” he smiled as he guided the car into a parking spot near the stairs. “Stay there, I want to come to let you out.”
He came around the car and opened the door for her, holding her hand as she rose from the car. Sean locked the car and offered Jill his arm. It was easy to see how proud he was to have her on his arm and Jill could feel the difference in him. Whenever they were out with the others, he had always been like a big brother. Tonight, he was acting like Jill had always imagined a suitor would act toward a rich woman. Jill loved it. She laced her fingers through his while they watched the play.
Sean watched his lovely companion as she thoroughly enjoyed the show. After the last curtain call, he took her back stage and introduced her around to the actors. “So you are Jill,” said the lead actress. “Sean has told us all about you.”
“Has he now?” asked Jill, with an eyebrow arched at Sean.
“Oh yes he has, my dear; the poor boy is quite smitten with you.” Sean was blushing furiously and Jill was enjoying his discomfort.
“That is so good to know. I’ll take full advantage from now on.”
“You do already, Jillian Everson,” laughed Sean as he gently squeezed her fingers. “I’ll get you for this, Mary.”
“You already have many times,” she said with a sweet smile as she walked away.
“How do you know all these folks, Sean?”
“I volunteer to help build the sets, and they give me free tickets. I asked for special seats tonight, but had to confess why I needed them. They all wanted to meet you, so I had to promise to introduce you.”
“Sean,” she said softly, “take me home.”
“Sure Jill,” he said easily as he offered her his arm.
* * * * *
Sean started to turn toward the university, but Jill put her hand on the wheel so he could not turn. “Take me home, Sean,” she whispered softly.
“I tried Jill,” he said somewhat puzzled.
“Your home, Sean, take me to your home.”
“Jill, what are you saying?”
“Sean, it seems like we need to have a few minutes alone, and we have never had that yet. I think it is time. Let’s go take back the car and face the music.”
“Alright, Jill, but I want you to know it is a measure of my feelings for you that I am willing to face Calan MacLeod for a few moments alone with you.”
“Don’t worry, Sean, I’ll protect you from Momma Callie.”
“Thank god for that,” he grinned, “otherwise I’m a dead duck. Well here we are, time to face the music.” He pulled the big Cadillac into the driveway and turned off the key.
“Stay right there, Sean, I’ll go exchange the keys for you.”
“I’ll come with you. No use being a coward.”
They rang the doorbell and Angela answered. “Come on in guys,” she said cheerfully.
“Thanks, Angie, but we can’t stay. We are going to Sean’s for a while before I go back to residence.”
“Oh?” enquired Calan as she approached the door.
“I want to have a few moments alone with him, Mi.. I mean Callie,” said Jill as she stepped into the tall woman’s arms and hugged her. “Thanks for caring so much about me, but I trust Sean. I’ll be Ok, I promise.”
“You’re doing a Saturday run tomorrow?” asked Calan softly.
“Yes ma’am,...”
“I expect a full report over breakfast. I expect you here too, Sean.”
“Yes ma’am, I’ll be here to face the music.”
“Sean...”
“I know, Callie,” he said softly, “I promise to behave myself.”
“I don’t,” grinned Jill as they stepped through the door.
“Stop that, you’ll get me killed,” he hissed at her. She giggled as they unlocked the truck.
* * * * *
“Nice house,” mused Jill as they pulled into the driveway. “Yours alone?”
“Yes indeed,” he said with obvious pride. “I made a few changes to make it comfortable for myself, but it still needs some more work though. Three more payments and she is all mine.”
“Is that why you drive this old truck?”
“That’s right, Jill my duck, all my money has gone into this house.”
“Except for tonight,” she said softly as he unlocked the door.
“Except for tonight,” he said gently as he opened the door and ushered her inside. “I really enjoyed tonight, Jill. Thanks for coming.”
“I had a wonderful time, Sean, thank you.”
“Want the grand tour?” he asked as they went inside.
“Another time,” she answered softly. “Tonight I just want you to sit and talk to me.”
“Alright Jill,” Sean said gently, “right this way.” He led her into the living room and flicked a switch. A soft light came on behind the huge couch. It was a large room and all the furniture was oversized.
“I feel like I am in a giant’s house,” giggled Jill.
“I’m a big boy,” he replied with a grin, “I like big stuff.” He sat on the couch and gently pulled her down beside him.
“So you have told everybody about me,” she said impishly. “Does that mean you like me?”
“Yes it does. Jill, at first I flirted with you because it was fun and you seemed to like it. Later Trudy asked me and Tony to be seen with you guys, and believe me that was no hardship.”
“Trudy’s idea? How are you about the Trudy and Gloria thing?”
“It’s Ok with me. Trudy and I were having a lot of fun just hanging out, but there was something missing for us both. We now know what that was for Trudy and I think I know what it was for me too.”
“What was missing for you Sean?”
“Trudy is a powerhouse,” he sighed. “She can see right through your soul and she knows you, but she doesn’t really need you. She is like Callie that way, she is so strong. Trudy knew that she could never give me what I need.”
“What do you need Sean?”
“Someone who needs me,” he said barely above a whisper.
“And you think I need you?”
“You’re strong like Trudy too, but there is a part of you that is like a little girl that wants to be protected, and I like that a lot. You make me feel strong and powerful. I like being with you because you take my teasing as I mean it, all in fun. You tease me back, but ever so gently, never saying anything that might hurt or be misunderstood. You baby me and yet you let me protect you at the same time. You make me feel important and I like that, Jill.”
“Very insightful, Mr. O’Brian,” she said softly, laying her head on his shoulder. “You are absolutely right you know. There is a part of me that desperately needs to be protected, one day I will tell you why. I love the way you make me feel special and important, Sean, and I want more if you do.”
“What are you saying, Jill?”
“Kiss me, Sean.”
“Jill...”
“Quit stalling and kiss me, Sean O’Brian,” she whispered.
Trembling, he gathered her gently in his huge arms. Holding her as delicately as an eggshell, he kissed her. It was soft and gentle, but a fire ran through him at the touch of her lips and he fought desperately to keep from crushing her to him. Jill felt the thrill of excitement run through her too and she pressed herself harder against him. She clung to his neck as their lips parted; holding him as though her life depended on it.
“You liked that didn’t you?” she breathed into his ear.
“Oh gods, did I ever,” he gasped. Sean was holding her tightly, but still very gently.
“Hold me tighter Sean,” she whispered, “I won’t break, I promise.” He tightened his arms. “Tighter, just like you want to,” she whispered. Suddenly he hugged her fiercely and she returned his embrace. “Now kiss me like you mean it.” He did. Jill took his hand and moved it to her breast, but he pulled away.
“Don’t you want to touch me?” she asked in the quietest, most frightened voice he had ever heard.
“More than anything on earth I want to touch you, Jill,” he said through his ragged breathing.
“Then why did you pull away?”
“Because if I start I won’t be able to stop,” he said softly. “Not now, not ever. Jill, you are no one night stand to me. I want you and I want you forever. If I can’t have you forever, then I don’t want to start. I’d rather not go through life knowing what I’d missed.”
“There are things about me you need to know before you make any promises like that,” she said softly. Jill reached back and unzipped her dress.
“Jill, what are you doing?”
“Hush now, Sean,” she said gently as she rose gracefully to her feet. “Look at me carefully.” She stepped out of her dress and he gasped as he got a good look at her. She stood before him in her panties and shoes, turning slowly around to give him a clear view of her body.
“You are without doubt the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” he whispered through ragged breath.
“Look closer, Sean,” she said in a trembling voice.
Puzzled, he did as she bid; then he saw the scars. “Jill are those scars?” he asked softly. “What are they from?”
“Cigarette burns,” she whispered as tears started to flow down her cheeks. “Now you see that I am not as you thought, and that I am a lie. You don’t want to spend a lifetime with a scarred woman Sean. Just take me tonight so I have one night to remember.”
He leaped to his feet and swept her into his arms, tears running down his face as he clutched her to him. Trembling, he kissed her so very gently then released her back into his hug. “When I get my hands on whoever did this, I will introduce them to a whole new world of pain,” he growled through clenched teeth.
“No Sean,” she whispered through her tears, “it is all in the past, just leave it there. I just want tonight.”
“No way,” he said emphatically, “it is all or nothing. You have to take me forever or not at all.”
“Sean?”
“I mean it, Jill,” he said as he sobbed into her hair, “all or nothing.”
“But Sean, you saw...”
“I saw the world’s most beautiful woman naked, and now I want her more than ever,” he said, as he regained some composure. “Jill, the fact that you were tortured and survived makes me admire you more, not want you less. I swear I will never let anyone ever put hands on you again as long as I live.”
Jill was holding his face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You’d better mean what you say, Sean O’Brian.”
“I mean what I say,” he whispered as she searched his eyes. Suddenly she flung herself into his arms. “She lied,” was all she said as she clung to his neck.
“Who lied, Jill?” he asked gently as he rocked her back and forth in his huge arms.
“My mother. She marked me that way so no one would ever have me. That’s what she said.”
“You mother?”
“In the past now, my love,” she said softly, “please let’s leave it there.”
“Whatever you want, my darling,” he said hugging her tightly again, “you shall have.”
“Then I want you to take me to bed and make love to me. I was so afraid you would never want me, and now I don’t want to waste another minute.”
“Oh gods, Callie’s going to kill me,” he moaned as he swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.
“Not to worry, sweetest,” she whispered into his huge shoulder. “Momma Jill will protect you.”
“You’d better,” he grinned as he laid her on the bed and pulled off his shirt, “or this will be a very short romance.”
* * * * *
“I have to go back, Sean,” Jill sighed languidly as she stretched and rose slowly from the bed. “Judy will be frantic if I don’t.”
“Dear gods, you’re right honey,” he said as he sat up. “I’ll pull on some sweats and drive you back.”
“Give me the truck and I’ll come get you in the morning.”
“No way,” he grinned as he pulled on his t-shirt. “If I drive you home, I get another twenty minutes of your company, and I’m not giving that up.” Suddenly he pulled her close and held her gently. “There is something I forgot to tell you, Jill.”
“What’s that, lover?” she asked as she returned the hug.
“I love you, Jill Everson, and I want to change your name to Jill O’Brian.”
“I love you too, Sean,” she breathed into his shoulder, “and you’ve got a deal.”
* * * * *
“Somebody had a good time tonight,” Judy observed softly as Jill slipped quietly into the room. “I was beginning to think you might not come home tonight.”
“I didn’t want to,” Jill replied softly.
“It went that well?”
“Beyond my wildest dreams.”
“Jill, did you have sex with him?” asked Judy rising from her bed to hold Jill at arm’s length.
“Yes,” answered Jill softly. “Judy, he saw me and it didn’t matter at all. I showed him the scars and he didn’t even care.”
“It was all a lie?” asked Judy as she hugged her sister fiercely.
“It was all a lie,” replied Jill as they both sobbed quietly in each other’s arms. “Judy, he loves me and it doesn’t matter and he doesn’t care and it was really all a lie.” They held each other for some time until they had cried themselves out.
“Why didn’t you stay with him tonight?”
“I will soon, but I had to come home so you wouldn’t worry, and because I had to tell you.”
“Jill, how was it? How do you feel?”
“It hurt some,” replied Jill, “but that’s just because it was the first time. It was sweet too and funny and wild and exciting and... Oh Judy I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean...”
“Hush, sweet sister,” Judy whispered softly as she hugged her twin sister tightly. “I am thrilled for you, honestly I am, and I am so glad to know it was a lie. Oh Jill, that is the best news ever. I am so thrilled for you. He is quite a man, if you like that sort of thing.”
“I do like that sort of thing,” giggled Jill. “I really do like that sort of thing. How was your date?”
“I guess it was only natural that I would like girls,” sighed Judy as she released Jill. “We mirror each other so well. I had a wonderful time tonight, Jill. Oh gods, it felt so wonderful to hold her in my arms. It was so magical, I got all giddy and silly and I want so much more, Jill...” She stopped speaking and started to cry again.
“Judy, what is it?” asked Jill as she held her sister. “Oh my god, of course, you and Bonny need some privacy and you have nowhere to go. Come on, girl, we’re happening sisters, we can get this thing under control.”
“You will help me?” asked Judy through her tears. “You have to spend your time with Sean.”
“Sean will help too. So will the others. We’ll get on it in the morning. If we get up early enough we can catch Angie, Trudy, and Leigh for the Saturday run. I’m sure they will help too. We’ll find a way to see that you and Bonny have time together. Don’t you worry about it; we’ll get it under control.”
“I’m sorry, Jill,” sniffed Judy, drying her tears. “I didn’t mean to cry. I am really happy for you and Sean and I am glad he is good to you. We are going to be alright aren’t we Jill? We are finding people who love us and we are going to have good lives and it really was all a lie.” They continued to hold each other for a long time before they finally went to bed.
First Date Three
“Gods I hope I know what I am getting into here,” thought the short brunette as she climbed the few stairs to the parking lot. She cast her deep brown eyes about and was rewarded with the sight of an old car carrying her date for the evening. “Donna, keep yourself together,” she admonished herself. “You have to be right up front with this person, nothing held back.” Donna was a recent graduate of Calan MacLeod’s survival school and she was about to date a former grad. This could prove to be really weird. Donna meant to be extremely careful.
“Hey, I was supposed to come to the door to get you,” said a soft feminine voice as Donna climbed into the car. Shirley was smiling brightly as she greeted her date for the evening. Shirley Alton was Donna’s date and they actually looked remarkably alike, Shirley being slightly taller with hazel eyes.
“Sorry, I thought I would save you the steps. Tell you what, promise to behave yourself and I will let you walk me to the door on the way home.”
“It’s a deal,” laughed Shirley. “Where would you like to go for dinner?”
“No place fancy,” grinned Donna, “neither of us is dressed for it.”
“We agreed on sweats this morning. Ok, what is your favorite form of fast food?”
“Wendy’s works for me, if it works for you.”
“Wendy’s it is,” smiled Shirley, clicking on her turn signal.
“Can we use the drive through?”
“Sure, any particular reason why?” asked Shirley, a bit puzzled.
“There’s more privacy, easier to talk. Gods this feels like a blind date, and I want us to get acquainted a bit before I try to fend you off in the dark theater.”
“Stop that,” laughed Shirley as she steered with one hand and clutched her side with the other. “You’ll make me drive off the road.”
“Sorry, it is just a coping mechanism when I’m nervous. I do want to have a bit of privacy though.”
“No need to be nervous,” replied Shirley, “I haven’t bitten anyone in over a week.”
“Darn,” complained Donna and Shirley went into another fit of nervous laughter.
“You know, Donna,” said Shirley as she regained her breath, “I think we are a perfect match.”