Author: Marcia M
Title: Synchronized Strides
Email Address:
marciamk936@hotmail.comFeedback: Yes, please.
Rating: Very PG right now but eventually NC-17
Note: I wrote this a while ago before I started writing fan fiction. Thought I’d put it out there so maybe someone besides me would read it. This is the first real story I wrote and it never had a beta. I hope you enjoy
Also, since this fic is finished the posts will be put up frequently and there's only 5 chapters.
Summary: One of my ‘two-girls-meet-and-fall-into-bed-or-love-or-both’ stories
Chapter 1
‘Stupid, stupid, stupid. What other explanation was there for the mess I’m in now? “It’ll be routine” he says, “Probably won’t even show up this morning”, he says, “you’ll be wired”, well obviously he has no idea what he’s talking about. I’ve been a police woman for about 2 years now, content in doing research, never was into the field work, but I fit the profile… I had to fit the profile.’ All these thoughts flashed quickly through Alex’s head and she wondered why she wasn’t more afraid?
‘I’m standing all alone in the middle of the park, the latest stupid thug breathing stinky nasty breath in my ear, one arm around my waist one across my chest holding a knife close to my throat. Alex, you’ve sure picked a good way to see if you like field work, and definitely leaning towards “no”. Well obviously the wire is not working or backup would be here by now. What should I do now?’
Before the thought had completely left her brain, the thug behind her yowled with pain and loosened his grip. Alex took the opportunity to break free and swung around just as the guy was hit between the legs with a very long stick wielded by an unseen person from behind him. At that he dropped his knife and dropped to his knees, moaning in pain. The figure behind him brought something down on the back of his head and he slumped over, out cold. She looked up to thank whoever it was that saved her and looked into the two bluest eyes she’d ever seen and was momentarily speechless. Regaining her composure she started to speak, to say thank you, but so did the blue-eyed woman.
“What they hell do you think you’re doing walking alone in the park at six o’clock in the morning?” Jean was fuming, on a major adrenaline rush after having seen this crazy guy attacking this woman. Had she actually knocked him out? She’d never done that before. Focusing on the woman in front of her once more, she noticed she was going to say something but cut her off.
“That has got to be the most insane thing in the whole world – do you not read the newspapers? Did you not hear about the crazed lunatic running around the park? You could have been hurt, killed even!”
Alex wanted to point out that he hadn’t actually killed anyone, was just pretty much a slime ball flasher that used a knife but decided she didn’t like being yelled at. “You’re walking around the park at six o’clock in the morning by yourself, are you some tuff karate chick or something or do you just like saving people?”
By this time the police had arrived. ‘I guess they finally figured they’d check up on me,’ thought Alex. The women were being shuffled away from the guy and ended up away from the commotion.
“I’m not a karate chick, but I’m trying not to draw attention to myself. You fit the profile in the papers to a “T”. Same build, same height, blond hair, tight clothes, unless…” Jean’s voice trailed off as she glanced up and down Alex’s frame. She was thinking this woman wanted to be caught, and she realized neither of them had called the police. Then it hit her and she instinctively reached out her hands and ran one across along the woman’s stomach and one along her back until she felt the wire.
Alex sucked in her breath, when this woman’s eyes had wondered up and down her body she had a sudden vision of her hands replacing her eyes. Then she had touched her, albeit through her clothes but the contact was electric. She realized what the woman was looking for as she paused on the wire.
“You’re a cop.” It wasn’t a question from Jean but Alex said “Yes, but I don’t normally do this. I usually do research but I have been through field training and like you said, I do sort of fit the profile same height, same build but not the hair.” With that she pulled off her blonde wig to reveal her dark hair, she ran her fingers through it so it wouldn’t lay flat on her head. “But we could fake the hair and… and tight clothes” Alex trailed off not really knowing why she was mumbling on, explaining to this woman.
Jean felt lame, she thought she was helping when she probably just got in the way. “Guess you think I’m some nutso, trying to help when you guys had it all under control. I should probably just get out of your way.” But for some reason she didn’t really want to, wanted to keep talking to this dark haired, dark eyed beauty… beauty? Did she just think that? ‘Stop it Jean, don’t get yourself in more romantic trouble, time to take your leave.’ “Yes, well like I said, I guess I’ll be going now, unless you need like a statement from me or something.”
‘Did they need a statement?’ Alex wondered to herself. Of course they did, geez what was wrong with her? She said, “Yes we will need a statement but… I also wanted to say thank you. Something went wrong and they couldn’t hear me through the wire, so you really did save me”. Alex was never one into fairytales, at least not the part about a knight riding up and saving the day, and this seemed so much better.
Jean looked at her, trying to decide if she was telling the truth or just making her feel better. The woman must have read her mind because she said “Really.” Then she offered her hand and said, “My name’s Alex by the way.”
“I’m Jean.” Jean clasped Alex’s hand and couldn’t help but feel a spark and then heat from the brunette’s hand seemed to be working it’s way up her arm, better get that statement out of the way before she did something stupid.
Alex also felt the spark and the warmth, and she didn’t want to let go. Just then her supervisor came up and she reluctantly dropped Jean’s hand, immediately missing the feeling of it in her own, and turned to face Steve. “We’ll need a statement from both of you.”
Alex and Jean each recounted what had happened. Alex hadn’t realized that Jean used some type of walking pole to hit the man but it seemed quite effective. She was reluctant to see Jean go and desperately wanted to see her again. Trying to think quickly she said, “So do you walk here every morning?” She didn’t sound too forward did she?
“Every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Why, you want to track down another criminal or something?” Jean was teasing and felt a little satisfaction when a slight blush touched Alex’s cheeks.
“No, I was wondering, maybe, if you don’t mind, I mean, if it would be all right if I, uh” Why couldn’t she just say it, it wasn’t a date, it was just walking, deep breath. “You said I shouldn’t walk by myself so I was wondering if I could meet you and walk with you?”
“Sure.” ‘Sure? That’s all you could come up with was sure? Geez Jean you’d think you’d never talked to a woman before. You may not be the most verbal person in the world but you should at least be able to come up with better than one-word answers.’
“Great so we’ll start tomorrow?” said Alex, “and I should probably get your phone number.” As Jean raised her eyebrows, Alex continued on quickly. “In case I need to get in touch with you about the case.” Alex was pretty proud of her answer and started to grin until she realized that the officer that took the statement already had that information. She started to blush slightly again.
“Yes, we can start tomorrow, and here’s my phone number.” Jean pulled out one of her business cards in her wallet. “Just use the cell phone number listed there, I have it with me all the time.” Was it really necessary to add the last part? “You can use it in case something happens you can’t make it in the morning.” There, a good cover, she thought. Looking at her watch, Jean realized she wouldn’t be finishing her walk this morning. “I guess I better head off so I’m not late for work. Until tomorrow?”
“Until tomorrow,” Alex repeated. “Have a good day, Jean.” Jean waved as she walked away. Alex somehow knew she would be spending the day thinking about the woman she just met and couldn’t wait to get to know her better.
**********
So for the next several of weeks, Jean and Alex would meet at the park at least 3 mornings a week to walk. They usually spent the first thirty minutes of their walk in silence as the concentrated on getting a good workout. Then they would spend time taking a leisurely cool down stroll that gave them time to talk. This portion of their walk was starting to get longer and longer so they started meeting earlier to allow themselves the extra time.
Jean always brought her walking poles, the same ones she used to knock out the guy the first day they met. Alex thought they were pretty cool, but there were times, especially during their cool down, that she wished Jean didn’t have them. Maybe then she could “accidentally” brush their arms together. Remembering Jean’s touch when they first shook hands made her long to touch her skin again. She wanted to know if the same sparks would be there or if it had been something caused by all of the excitement. Ok, she was pretty sure the sparks would still be there but she liked to try and convince herself that it was simply an experiment and not a longing just to touch her new friend again. She tried to convince herself that being just friends with Jean was OK with her.
Jean looked sideways at Alex, seeing her deep in thought or maybe just concentrating on their walk? They usually didn’t speak during their “power walk” portion but she couldn’t help but ask, “Whatcha thinkin’?”
Alex jumped at the sound of Jean’s voice, not expecting to hear it. ‘Could she tell I was just thinking what it would be feel like to brush my fingertips across her arms, to link our fingers together as we walked during our cool down?’ “Um, I was just thinking about your walking poles.”
Jean slowed down and said, “Would you like to try them?”
“I’m not very coordinated.” ‘Especially being this close to you,’ thought Alex.
“It’s pretty natural once you get the feel of it. I can help you if you’d like.”
“Ok,” Alex relented. Jean stopped completely and handed her the poles (they remind her of ski poles but they were made out of wood). Now that she was gripping the poles she asked, “So what do I do?”
“Just walk normally, don’t try to bring the poles all the way up yet, just let them swing at your sides. Your body’s natural motion will guide you.” Jean reached out for Alex’s arms to show her how they would swing naturally. As soon as she contacted Alex’s skin, she felt that same spark she felt the first day. She let her hands linger, probably just a little too long, before dropping them back to her sides
Alex was disappointed that Jean let go of her arms; she missed the contact immediately. And now she couldn’t concentrate and was afraid she really wouldn’t be able to walk, so she just stood there swinging her arms.
“Um, Alex?”
“Yes?”
“You can move your feet now.”
“Feet?”
“Those things at the end of your legs, you use them for walking, running…”
“Oh… feet, yes…. walking, I can do that.” ‘Maybe I can do that,’ Alex thinks to herself, still feeling Jean’s touch on her arms. She went to take a step forward and started with her left foot and left arm forward. Realizing that didn’t feel right, she stopped.
“Just relax,” said Jean, grinning at her friend. “You’ve been walking all your life, let me help.” Without thinking she walked up behind Alex and reached both her arms around Alex to grab her wrists. She began swinging Alex’s arms, keeping her feet still and realized her mistake instantly. As Alex’s arms pulled forward, Jean couldn’t help but lean into her and felt her breasts push up against Alex’s back. Her nipples hardened so she jumped back. “Um, you’re a… uh... little taller than I am so maybe we should...” she trailed off as she tried to steady her heart rate and think of a what they should do and not what her body obviously wanted to do. ‘We’re just friends, we’re just friends,’ she repeated to herself with each breath she took.
Alex barely heard Jean as her own heartbeat sounded in her ears, her arms and back tingled where Jean touched her. They had to have at least three layers of clothes between them, how could she feel Jean’s breasts pressed against her back? And why did she have to jump back? Alex was imagining if Jean wrapped her arms around her waist so that Alex could lean back into her…
“Alex…”
Snapping out of her fantasy she answered, “Jean, I mean yes?”
“I think I have another idea. When you were a kid did you ever play that game where you would get as close behind someone as you could and mimic their steps?” At Alex’s affirmative nod she continued, “We’ll try something like that. If you could step behind me,” was this such a good idea? “I’ll show you what I mean”
“How close do you want me?” The question came out a little huskily from Alex as so many images came to mind. She was close enough to Jean that their clothes were brushing against each other but they weren’t actually touching. She was inches away from Jean’s exposed neck wondering if she pressed her lips to it, would it taste salty from their workout…
“Um, maybe, uh just a step back.” Just being close to a person should not do this to one’s heart rate. She could feel Alex’s breath on her neck. ‘What will happen when we actually touch each other… wait, not when, hello repeat, we’re just friends.’
Alex reluctantly took a step back. Jean reached for the walking poles.
“I’ll hold onto the tops and you can grab them towards the bottom, but don’t move your feet too far back, relax your arms. We want to increase the range of motion. I’ll step off with my right foot and you just follow my feet and I’ll start swinging our arms, OK?.... OK? Alex?
Alex looked up as Jean said her name. She had meant to just look down at Jean’s feet but her eyes were stopped on her bum. Jean always wore very baggy sweats when they walked and Alex couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to reach out and…
“Yes, ready, concentrating on your feet.”
Jean gave her a smile and said, “Here we go.” They started walking in tandem. They fell into a good rhythm and Jean began swinging their arms, close to mimicking what it would feel like when using the poles. She was picturing them, walking in unison, swinging the poles and started giggling.
Alex liked this exercise. She could definitely feel the movement in her arms and she got to stare at Jean’s bum. She looked up when Jean started to giggle harder and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“What do you think we look like to other people?” Jean asked, slowing down as she started to laugh harder.
Alex started picturing them from someone else’s view and she started to laugh, too. “I bet we look like a choo choo train!”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking! Woo, Woo!” They both busted out laughing and fell onto the nearest bench, trying to settle themselves.
Jean spoke first, “Maybe we’ll just get you your own walking poles and practice then; not that this wasn’t the most fun I’ve had for awhile.”
Alex couldn’t agree more. “This was really fun, I think we should keep sharing your poles, though I don’t think we’d get much done during our power walk time. But laughter is supposed to be a workout too, right?.... Though I guess you’re right, where did you get these?”
“Actually you can buy fancy walking or trekking poles made out of aluminum and carbide, but I just made these. You can get these wooden rods at pretty much any lumber place, then these are just bicycle grips to put on the ends, to make it easier to hold onto. Actually I was really glad the first night we met that I did have the wooden poles, they turned into a nice weapon to catch that creep between the legs.” Jean grinned at the memory.
“Did you use it to hit him in the leg first?” asked Alex, trying to remember.
“Actually, I just kicked him in the calf first.”
“Did it hurt your foot?”
Jean smiled even wider as she lifted her foot. “No, these shoes have weights in the soles, each shoe weighs over two pounds, and I kicked him like I would a soccer ball. I bet he had a pretty good bruise.” She giggled.
Alex decided she wanted to hear Jean’s laughter more often. “They look like normal high tops, they really have weights in them?”
“Yeah, plus they add an inch or two to my height, brings me up to about five foot ten or so,” Jean laughed.
Alex joined her laughter because even with her shoes, there’s no way she was more than five foot two. “I think I’m an inch or two taller than you, so that must mean, I’m hovering around the six foot mark.” This made both of them laugh harder. Enjoying their laughter so much, Alex reached out and grabbed one of Jean’s hands in her own, giving it a squeeze. She was relieved when Jean squeezed back and didn’t force her to let go. And why should she, friends hold hands all the time.
Jean enjoyed the feeling of Alex’s hand in her own and decided she didn’t want to let go just yet. Why should she feel guilty, she’s a grown woman, over thirty, not some giddy teenager, though being around Alex made her feel young. Jean looked at their hands and catching a glimpse of her watch, let out a small moan.
“What is it?” Alex asked glancing at her own watch. Good thing it’s Saturday because their normal hour together has stretched into almost two.
“I have to get going, I’ve got to be somewhere at ten thirty and definitely need to shower first.”
“Oh you already have plans today?” Alex asked, a little disappointed because she was working up the nerve to ask Jean if she wanted to go to breakfast with her.
“Yes, this morning, why?”
“I was thinking of getting some breakfast, but since you have plans…”
“I have plans this morning but, when can go after that. Well maybe not for breakfast but what about a late lunch/early dinner, there’s a new little Italian place in the mall, very casual, does that sound OK?”
Alex perked up at that idea “Sure, that would be great. Should we meet somewhere or I could just pick you up?”
“If you don’t mind picking me up, there’s really no reason for us to take separate vehicles.” ‘And it would give us more time together.’
“That sounds great, is three o’clock too early?”
“Nope, that’s perfect.” Jean knew she grinning like a fool. Two friends are going to get some dinner, nothing else she told herself. “Well, I guess we should get going.” She stood up and realized they were still holding hands. She gently pulled Alex up with her. She just stood there a second looking into Alex’s dark brown eyes, thinking she could get lost in them. Reluctantly she looked away and bent to pick up her walking poles. Still not letting go of Alex’s hand, she was content to hold it as long as Alex wouldn’t make her let go. She was trying to figure out how to keep their hands clasped and manage to carry both poles in one hand. Just as she was thinking she’d have to let go, Alex said, “Here, let me carry one”
Alex had felt Jean’s hand start to pull away and she just didn’t want to let go. There was a warmth spreading through her just from that simple contact and she didn’t want it to stop just yet. She took one of the walking poles from Jean and they started walking leisurely back to the parking lot.
They were both enjoying the closeness the slow stroll, not talking until Jean looked over and said, “Hey, you’re doing it!” At Alex’s puzzled look she nodded towards the walking pole and continued, “I didn’t realize, but we’re in sync.”
Alex now also noticed that their steps were synchronized and whenever their right leg would go forward, she moved her left arm with the pole out, when their left leg would go forward, Jean would move her right arm with the pole. “Hey! I really can walk, I’ve only been walking since I was two but you’re a great teacher.” She got the desired giggle response from Jean that she was hoping for and her own smile widened as she looked into Jean’s blue eyes and could see the smile there as well.
Unfortunately they were at the parking lot and it was time to say goodbye for now. Both left anticipating being together – but not on a date – this evening.
Chapter 2
Alex was trying to decide what to wear. Jean had said casual but how casual. Of course it was the mall. She really wanted to wear her favorite blue jeans but was that a good idea? Running out of time to get ready, she decided they would have to do. She pulled them on, grabbed one of her longer peach colored tank shirts, tucked it into her jeans and looked at herself in the mirror. She sighed, she new she should dress up more but she felt so much more comfortable like this. She slipped on her dark sneakers, grabbed her keys and headed out the door.
Jean was having her own dilemma. It was quarter ‘til three and she just got back. She was hoping to have time to change, but now it didn’t look like she would. She changed her top, grabbing a v-neck t-shirt, she pulled it over her head just as the doorbell rang. She went to the front door, saw Alex through the window and immediately began smiling. She was still smiling as she opened the front door. “Hey, Alex”
“Hey, Jean...” Alex’s voiced trailed off. She couldn’t help but stare at the woman before her. Jean was also wearing jeans, not tight, but resting across her hips. As she was looking at Jean’s hips, Jean reached up for her keys and her shirt pulled up so that Alex had a glimpse of bare flesh. As the shirt fell back down, Alex let her gaze continue to travel up Jean’s torso to her chest – and she gasped. She had only ever seen Jean in baggy clothes, and they could no way prepare her for the site before her. Jean’s breasts were just so, so full. She new she was staring but couldn’t help herself. Jean was wearing a plain gold chain necklace, with – what was it – the charm or whatever was on there couldn’t be seen because it fell into Jean’s cleavage. Only half realizing what she was doing, Alex reached out her hand.
Jean could hardly breath. Why did Alex keep looking at her like that? She could feel a blush creeping up to her cheeks. When Alex reached out her hand and she felt it touch her chest, just above her breasts, he nipples hardened instantly.
Alex picked up Jean’s necklace pretending to study the character daggling from it but she was really just enjoying the feel of Jean’s skin on the back of her hand.
Jean had to step away before she did something crazy. She took a step back, Alex was no longer touching her skin but was still holding her necklace. “M-marvin.” She said huskily
Alex finally tore her gaze from Jean’s chest and looked at her quizzically, so Jean repeated, hoping to be a little clearer “Marvin the Martian… that’s who you’re holding.”
Alex looked at her hand and realized what Jean meant. She must have been appearing to study it when she was actually mesmerized by Jean’s chest, especially since her nipples had hardened – probably from the outside air – and were now quite defined through her shirt. Trying to act nonchalant she slowly let the necklace drop from her grasp. She met Jean’s eyes and said, “I thought I recognized him.” Was that her voice that came out in a whisper? A little clearer she said, “He’s a Looney tunes character, right?”
Jean nodded her head, “Ready?”
“Yes” Alex stepped back to let Jean exit the house. Jean turned to lock the door and Alex took a moment to admire her backside. It was amazing how she never new how curvy Jean was, so much had been hiding under her clothes. Jean turned around and Alex quickly lifted her eyes so as not to be caught checking out Jean’s bum.
They walked to Alex’s car and climbed in, heading off to the mall.
******
They walked into the Italian restaurant and were seated right away at a quiet table for two in the corner. When their food arrived, they both realized how hungry they were; neither had eaten all day. Alex watched as Jean swirled some fettuccini on her fork and lifted it to her mouth. She pulled it off her fork slowly, as if to savor every taste, then her tongue darted out to catch some sauce that lingered on her lips. Alex had to stifle a moan. Maybe eating wasn’t such a good idea; this was very erotic.
Jean finished her third bite and asked Alex, “Is there something wrong with your food?”
Alex looked at her plate and realized she hadn’t even touched her ravioli. Smiling sheepishly, “No, it’s fine.” She picked up her fork and began to eat. They finished eating in comfortable silence, simply looking and smiling at each other.
This is not a date, Jean thought to herself. Stop acting like it is. She just couldn’t seem to stop looking at Alex and grinning all over. ‘Just being near her makes me happy.’ They had finished their dinner, the table was small and their hands were resting just inches apart. On impulse, Jean picked up Alex’s hand in her own and gave it a squeeze. She was going to let it go but decided just to hold it in her own hand as Alex continued her story.
As soon as Alex felt Jean touch her hand, her words seemed to quicken with the increase in her heart rate. “So then I jumped in the air, missed the bar, tried to catch myself and ended up breaking my arm. I was only 10 though so I healed pretty quickly.” That seemed like a good place to stop since she couldn’t think straight anymore because Jean was using her thumb to make small circles on her hand as she held it.
The waiter came with the check so Jean reluctantly released her hand to reach for her wallet. Alex did the same. They sat there for a few minutes and both started to speak at the same time.
“What type of…” Alex started
“Do you like…” Jean said.
“You go first,” they both said in unison, then started laughing. The waiter came back with their change so they got up and headed out of the restaurant.
“So what were you going to say?” asked Jean.
“I was just going to ask what type of movies you like”.
“Oh, well, drama, action, horror, comedy – guess I’m not really narrowing it down much. But basically, I love watching movies of all genre. I love watching moves period.”
“Me, too. I like curling up, watching a good movie, even if I’m by myself. Except horror movies, I don’t like to watch them alone and my roommate refuses to watch them so I haven’t seen a good one for awhile,” Andi explained.
“I prefer to watch horror movies with someone, makes it more fun. But sometimes, I have a hard time finding someone to watch them with me, so I do watch them alone as well. There’s a new one playing now I’d like to see.”
“Oh yeah. I saw the previews. Looks pretty good. Maybe we could see it together.” Alex was hoping to lead up to another day out with Jean when she’d started the conversation in the restaurant.
“Why don’t we go see it tonight – if you don’t have plans later that is?”
“No, I don’t have any plans, I’d love to go to the movies.” ‘Yes!’
“Great, lets go see when it starts.” Jean grabbed Alex’s hand, her excitement rising as they headed for the ticket counter.
They had over an hour before the movie started so they decided to head back into the mall for awhile, still walking hand and hand. They chatted to each other about nothing in particular, just happy to extend the evening. They were rounding a corner when Jean heard a familiar voice call “Mom!”
“Hey little one!” Jean said and she let go of Alex’s hand as a girl who looked like she was maybe fourteen or fifteen walked up and threw her arms around Jean. Jean returned the hug with enthusiasm. “What are you doing tonight?” Jean asked the girl.
Alex’s mind was spinning. Had she heard right? Did the girl say Mom? Jean never told her she had a daughter. They certainly looked alike, the girl had the same blond hair though hers was long and hung straight, halfway down her back, where Jean’s was short with curl. They had the same blue eyes. How could she not tell her about this, they were close friends, at least Alex had thought so. They had been getting to know each other so well these past couple of weeks, but to not tell her about a daughter. Had she been married? She must have been young, not real young maybe eighteen. Alex tried to focus back on the two in front of her.
“You can’t keep calling me little one, I’m taller than you are now.”
“You’ll always be little one to me,” Jean broke in. The girl continued, “I’m meeting Lizzie and Kristen, then we’re meeting the guys to go watch a movie. How about you? Is this your g---”
Jean cut her off with, “Let me introduce you to a good friend of mine. Jamie this is Alex, Alex, Jamie.”
Jamie extended her hand with a huge grin on her face. Alex shook it and simply nodded as she dropped her hand back to her side.
Jean turned to Alex and said, “Would you excuse us for just a minute?” Alex again just nodded and Jean pulled Jamie aside, just out of Alex’s hearing range.
“Just because I’m at the mall with a girl, doesn’t make her my girlfriend. I told you I have friends who are girls – straight girls,” Jean said, though she couldn’t really be mad at her little sister.
“I know that, but you all were holding hands and she seemed interested in you – more than just friends interested, that’s all.” Jamie looked hard at her sister and said, “You haven’t told her you’re gay have you?”
“Are you fourteen or twenty-five? No, I haven’t told her. It’s not a secret but it’s really difficult to meet someone and say ‘Hi I’m Jean and I’m gay, how do you like me so far.’ I like for them to get to know me first,” Jean said as she smiled at her sister.
Jamie giggled at her sister’s shyness and said, “Well I’m definitely fourteen but you still need to tell her… soon… she likes you, it’ll be ok.” Jamie got the ‘Should I be talking to my fourteen year-old sister about this’ look from Jean and continued on. “But... I think I may have done something bad.”
“You, bad… nooo?”
“I think I freaked your girlfriend.” At Jean’s warning look, she continued, “I mean friend that happens to be a girl and likes you.” She got another look, but Jamie chose to ignore that one and continued, “I, uh, accidentally called you Mom again.”
Jean thought back to the conversation and realized Jamie was right. She hardly noticed anymore, but glancing back at the confusion on Alex’s face, she realized someone had. She turned back to her sister, “That’s Ok. I’ll explain everything to her – just let me do it alright?” She flashed her sister a wide smile and gave her a quick hug to let her know it would be ok.
Jamie nodded, relived her sister wasn’t upset. Though she couldn’t ever remember her sister really being upset with her. They walked back to where Alex was standing and she saw her friends over by the doors.
“There’s Lizzie and Kristen, I better get going,” Jamie said
“What time is the movie over?”
“Nine thirty, we’ll be back to Lizzie’s around ten.”
“Be good.”
“Yes mother,” Jamie said with a grin and headed off to meet her friends.
Jean turned to Alex and felt very guilty for not explaining. She could see Alex had questions but Alex wasn’t looking at her. Jean reached for one of her hands saying, “Let’s go sit down, we still have a while before the movie starts.” She led Alex to a small bench away from the bustle of the crowd. They sat down and she still held Alex’s hand. Alex still wasn’t looking at her so she used her free hand to lift Alex’s chin up so that she could look into her eyes. She said gently, “She’s not my daughter”.
Alex felt Jean’s hand on her own, on her chin and – what did Jean say “What?”
“She’s not my daughter, she’s my sister.”
“But she called you Mom – twice.”
“The first time she said it unconsciously. She’s called me ‘Mom’ and mom ‘Sissy’ about a kazillion times since she could talk. And the second, well she just was being sarcastic because I was asking her so many questions.”
Alex was letting this information sink in and realized Jean hadn’t been keeping secrets from her. She began to smile and feel a little silly. “I’m sorry for thinking you wouldn’t tell me something like that.”
“No, I should have been more specific when I said my sister was younger than I am. I thought I’d introduce you later, not quite like this, though.” Jean was so relieved that Alex was ok, when she realized Alex’s chin was still in her hand, she lend forward and pressed her lips lightly to Alex’s cheek. She let them linger for a few seconds – certainly respectable for two friends who just went through what they had – and reluctantly moved away, missing the contact.
Alex new her cheeks were flushed when Jean pulled away, the suddenness of having her friend’s lips on her cheek caused a tingling sensation that she didn’t want to end. She was actually glad the misunderstanding had happened, since it led to Jean’s lips on her skin. Jean was pulling her to her feet saying, “Let’s go on in so we can find some seats”.
“Ok” as they stood she continued “I have something to confess to you to, Jean.” Jean looked at her friend having no idea what it might be as Alex continued, “When I watch horror movies, I tend to uh, jump, maybe squeal, grab things, close my eyes...” she trailed off with a grin.
“We don’t have to watch anything scary if you don’t want.”
“Oh no, I like being scared, but well, just wanted to warn you.”
“Well you can just grab hold of me and I’ll protect you. I can be a very intimidating person you know,” Jean said in mock seriousness and pulled herself up to her full five foot one height and did her best to look menacing.
Alex let her eyes run the length of her friend from head to toe, thinking she was the most adorable person she’d ever seen and couldn’t help but giggle. “I trust you completely.” Jean giggled as well and they started toward the theater.
After they settled into their seats Alex said, “What did you want ask me?” At Jean’s confused look, Alex continued, “In the restaurant, I was asking about what movies you like but you were going to ask me something, too. I guess we got a little distracted.”
Jean had also been trying to come up with a way for them to spend more time together, wanting to go ahead and see if they could get together tomorrow. She said, “I was going to ask if you liked four wheelers”
“Four wheelers?”
“Yeah, like ATVs…”
“I know what they are,” grinned Alex as she squeezed Jean’s hand. “I think they are pretty cool.”
“Do you like to ride? Uh, four wheelers, I mean,” Jean stammered as her cheeks turned pink.
“Don’t know, I never have.”
“Never?” When Alex shook her head ‘no’ Jean continued, “then you will have to come over and ride me, I mean with me.” ‘Was that a Freudian slip?’ “We could make a day of it”
Alex had picked up on Jean’s slip and the thought of being with her all day was invigorating. “That would be great! When, where, what do I need…”
Jean was delighted with her friend’s enthusiasm and decided she didn’t want to wait, she knew she was smiling like crazy but couldn’t help herself. She squeezed Alex’s hand to halt her questions momentarily. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”
“Nope, none”
“Well, you do now.”
“So, that’s the when but where, what…”
“Ok, Ok.” Jean giggled. “When I said about coming over, that’s really what I meant, if that’s Ok. I have my bike and Jamie leaves hers there, too. We can ride, then go inside, watch movies, chill, or whatever. Just a day of fun between two friends.”
Alex’s heart fell just a little at Jean’s last sentence. She knew they would only be just friends but there was a part of her that was hoping for more. The thought of spending the whole day with Jean though brought her spirits back up, especially when she heard Jean’s next sentence.
“Actually, maybe you should just stay tonight. Seems silly for you to drop me off, drive all the way home, then come back in the morning.” ‘Oh no,’ Jean thought to herself, ‘I’m being too forward. And where did that come from, you did so well with the ‘day between two friends’ stretch.’
“You wouldn’t mind?” Alex’s mind was racing with the idea of staying with Jean.
“I insist. Do you need to call your roommate to let her know you won’t be home?”
“Yeah, I probably should. There’s a pay phone in the lobby, I should be able to make it before the movie starts.”
“Here, just use my cell.”
“Thanks.” Alex started to dial, then stopped thinking out loud. “But what about clothes and stuff?”
“Oh…. You can just wear some of my stuff. I think I even have a new toothbrush you can use.” A thought struck Jean, what if Alex didn’t want to stay and was only being polite? She was being too pushy. “Um, unless you didn’t really want to stay with me…”
“I definitely want to stay with you and if you don’t mind me wearing your clothes...” Alex trailed off as she finished dialing and left a message for her roommate before Jean could change her mind and un-invite her.
Jean was so relieved; she thought she’d blown it. They were both just smiling at each other when the lights went dim and the movie started.
Alex had been telling the truth about her actions during scary movies. It wasn’t ten minutes into the movie before she let out her first gasp. A few minutes later she grabbed Jean’s arm. As Alex went to pull away, looking a little embarrassed, Jean caught her gaze and grabbed her hand intending to just give it a squeeze. Instead she pulled Alex’s hand to her lips for a quick kiss. That’s what she meant to do but when her lips met the back of Alex’s hand, she couldn’t help but let her lips linger for a few seconds, liking the feel of Alex’s skin. Jean slowly moved their hands into her own lap finally looking away from Alex’s eyes as they turned back towards the movie.
Alex’s entire body was humming from the touch of Jean’s lips, and now Jean was drawing circles with her thumb on her hand again, making it very hard to concentrate. She turned back to the movie just in time to see something else that made her jump and she closed her eyes and buried her face in Jean’s shoulder. She whispered in Jean’s ear “Let me know when the scary part is over”.
When Alex had whispered in her ear Jean felt a small shudder run through her body at the warmth of Alex’s breath. She loved having Alex’s head on her shoulder and after a few minutes reluctantly whispered, “The scary part is over”. She watched as Alex opened one eye to peek at the screen, then the other as she lifted her head away from Jean’s shoulder. Jean had an urge to reach up and pull her head back down but resisted and gave Alex’s hand a squeeze instead.
*****
As they were walking out of the theater Alex said, “That was a good movie”
Jean started laughing and said “How would you know, you spent half of the time with your eyes closed!”
“That’s how I know it was good” Alex replied, laughing as well. They got in the car and headed back to Jean’s house.
*****
TBC...
Marcia
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Hope to see more of this one soon, hun. *hugs*
hmmmm....