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CHAPTER 12-The Finale

With her eyes closed, she gritted her teeth at the sound of loud crunching near her ear. She had had just about all she could handle. Opening her eyes, Desiree looked over at her sister with an annoyed expression plainly written on her face. "Will you please eat your nuts more quietly or just move to a vacant seat? Some of us are trying to get some rest."

Larisa cocked her head to the side as she gazed back at her sister curiously. "You know what I'm wondering?"

"Not really," Desiree retorted testily.

The other woman smirked. "Well I'll tell you anyway. I'm wondering when was the exact moment that you decided to become a…oh how should I put this? Ah, I know. A female of the canine persuasion."

"That was when I decided that I wanted to be more like you because I so admire your smart-ass remarks."

Larisa laughed good-naturedly as she tossed another peanut into her mouth, working on the fourth bag. "Nice one sis."

Desiree turned her head, looking out of the small window at the land far below, which seemed so small from this altitude. "Thank you. I'm thrilled that you approve," she replied, not sounding thrilled in the least. The two sat in silence, both women lost in their own thoughts before Desiree let out a long sigh as she turned to her sister. "I'm sorry," she stated in a quiet voice. "I know that I've been difficult to deal with this past week. I don't know how you, Richie, and Mom put up with me. It's just been hard to be pleasant when all I feel like doing is climbing into bed and boohooing."

Placing a hand over Desiree's, Larisa gave it a squeeze. "It's okay Desi. I understand perfectly. Mother, Richie, and I love you and we're all trying to work through this. In times like these, it is highly common to feel anger. I've felt that way too. I'm pissed off. I'm pissed off because Father chose to die rather than deal with people confronting him about his past. I'm pissed off that he left our mother a widow and his children without a father, though we're all grown…well except for that baby who will probably never know who his or her father was," Larisa paused, "And I'm pissed off at you."

Desiree looked at her sister. "Me? Why? Because of the way that I've been behaving as of late?"

Larisa shook her head. "No, because you blew off the love of your life."

The strawberry-blonde turned her attention back to the window as though she was putting an end to this discussion before it ever really got the chance to get started, but Larisa was not having it. "We should talk about this."

"No we shouldn't," Desiree replied in a stubborn tone of voice.

"Allow me to rephrase that. We're going to talk about this."

Desiree turned back towards her sister, unable to suppress a glare. "What are you doing? Trying to fix my relationship with Piper? For the life of me, I can't figure out why you would want to do such a thing."

"And why is that?" Raising the bag to her mouth, Larisa polished off the small bag of peanuts.

"Well since Piper and I are no longer together, seems like you would want to move on in. After all, the two of you did have a relationship years ago. It all makes perfect sense now. The looks you've given her…you still love Piper don't you?" Desiree stared at her sister intently, waiting for an answer.

"Yes, I do," Larisa admitted softly. "I do love her and a part of me always will, but I have no plans to make a move on her as you put it. You and she should be together. What Piper and I shared was over long ago, and I've come to accept that."

"What she and I shared is over too."

"You're making a terribly big mistake Desi."

Desiree stared at her sister with a look of surprise. "Piper said the same thing to me last week. What? Do the two of you share a brain or something?" Desiree gave a momentary pause as Larisa smirked. "Listen, if I'm making a mistake then allow me to make it. I'm a big girl and I'm fully capable of making my own decisions. Play matchmaker with someone else, okay? Better yet, stay out of everyone else's business and mind your own."

Larisa chuckled, being highly amused, which caused Desiree to scowl at her. "Look at my little sister. Trying to acquire an attitude."

Desiree unbuckled her seat belt and started to rise when her sister gently yet firmly pushed her back into the seat, asking where she was going. "I'm going to find another place to sit and if I can't find one, I'd rather stay in the tiny restroom until we get ready to land, then sit here and put up with you."

Larisa concealed another chuckle. "I'm sorry." At Desiree's disbelieving look she went on, "I really am. I shouldn't be teasing you." She smiled. "You're just so cute when you become indignant."

The strawberry-blonde shook her head, though there was a faint smile on her lips. Big sisters could be such a pain sometimes. For one thing, they think they knew everything and for another, they often attempted to run your life. Desiree would not give up hers for anything in this world.

Larisa grinned as she looked at her sibling. "I know, I know. You've just got to love me."

Leaning towards her, Desiree kissed her sister on the cheek. "You drive me crazy sometimes, but I love you all the same."

"Yes, I know you do kid." Larisa winked at her as she wrapped an arm around Desiree's shoulders. "Now, back to Piper."

"Larisa…"

"Okay, okay," the older woman said quickly. "I'll drop it." She smiled to herself. For now anyway.

*****
After knocking on the door, Larisa stood on the threshold waiting for someone to answer. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Taj. He smiled at her as he drew her into a tender hug. She returned the warm embrace with a smile on her face. Releasing her, Taj invited Larisa inside before closing the door behind her.

"It's good to see you back Larisa," Taj earnestly admitted. "How did everything go in San Francisco?"

"Everything went well," Larisa replied while desperately wanting to forget that the last week ever happened. "It was a nice service." She decided to change the subject, not wanting to elaborate. "How are you and Valerie doing?" She smiled at Taj. "Set a date for the wedding yet?"

Taj chuckled. "We're great. We don't have a date as of yet, but when we do you'll be the first to know."

Larisa smiled. "I feel privileged." She looked around the quiet living room. "Are you the only one home?"

The Jamaican man nodded. "Yes, besides Tobias. By the way, he was an exceptional guest." Taj smiled. "Please tell Desi that he is welcome here anytime. Leroy went to lunch with some friends and Val and Pippy are at work."
Larisa chuckled. "I'll be sure to do that. So Piper got a job, huh?"

Taj nodded, looking proud as he replied, "Yes, she did. A few days ago, she gained employment. She's working at a restaurant, which is in walking distance from here. That works in Pippy's favor since she doesn't have a car." Reaching into his pocket, Taj removed a business card that he handed to Larisa. It displayed the address and phone number of the restaurant that Piper worked for.

Quickly reading the small card, Larisa tucked it into her pocket. She recognized the place instantly. Having been there a few times, Larisa knew that it was one of the trendiest restaurants this side of Los Angeles. Way to go Piper, she thought to herself. "How is she doing?" Larisa asked Taj.

He shook his head. "She's trying to act like everything is peachy-king but I know better. She misses Desiree like crazy though she won't admit it."

Larisa sighed. "Women."

Taj grinned at her. "So are you here to pick up Tobias?"

She nodded. "Yep. First thing Desiree asked when we arrived in town this morning was if I'd come over here to pick up her 'son'. I started to tell her to come get him herself, but I've been pushing her buttons a lot lately so I thought she might finally go over the edge and give me a swift butt kicking." Larisa laughed.

"Maybe that's just what you need." Taj laughed as he headed towards the stairs. "I'll be right back."

*****
Pulling up to the restaurant, Larisa cut off the ignition before turning to her passenger, who was sitting in a cage big enough for a full-grown Great Dane in the back seat. "I'll only be in here for a few minutes little buddy. You hang tight, okay?" Granting her with an 'as if I have any choice' expression, Tobias lay down and wearily closed his eyes. He couldn't wait to get out of this prison, which the human's insisted he be in for no good reason. This was simply cruel and unusual punishment.

Ignorant to her 'captive's' internal musings, Larisa exited the car and strolled towards the entrance of the restaurant. On walking inside, she noticed people milling around waiting to be seated at their tables. Walking up to the hostess, Larisa asked if she could speak with Piper Redding. The hostess went to the kitchen and soon returned with Piper walking closely behind her. Larisa checked her out as she approached. The tall woman was wearing a pair of black slacks and a white short-sleeved shirt with a black kerchief tied on her head, which made her look like a gorgeous pirate. Over her shoulder was thrown a once pristine white apron, which was laden with stains, but Piper was completely spotless except for a couple of small stains that were visible on her cast.


"Hi," the woman said in her husky voice as she neared Larisa. "Glad to see you got back to L.A. safely."

Larisa smiled. "Thanks. How are you?" She was chagrined to feel that old familiar tenseness between them.

"I'm doing all right," Piper replied, lying through her pearly white teeth. It was difficult to make it through each day, but she kept trudging on. "Can't complain. How are you? And your sister?"

"Us Love girls are hanging in there," Larisa replied, smiling again. "I know you probably should be getting back to work, but I just wanted to ask you if we could talk later. I could pack us a picnic basket and we could go to the beach or somewhere. I'd like the chance to clear the air between us."

Piper nodded. "I do owe you a talk so sure. That's fine. You want to pick me up at Taj's? My shift ends at four o'clock."

"I'll pick you up at five then?"

"Sounds good," Piper replied. "I'll see you later then. Gotta get back to the kitchen. I have a duck in the oven." She winked as she waved at Larisa before turning and hurrying towards the kitchen.

Larisa waved back and watched as she left, attempting to keep her eyes off of the other woman's derriere in those pants that fit her so very well. I am so very very naughty, she thought as she turned around and headed out of the restaurant. Glancing at her watch, Larisa started to think about Micaela. Taking out her cell phone, she paged the woman before making her way to the car. As soon as she was settled in and ready to start the car, her cell rang.

"Hello?"

"You paged me," Micaela said in a cheerfully warm voice.

A delightful smile spread across Larisa's lips. "Yes, I did. What time is your lunch break?"

"One o'clock."

Glancing at her watch, Larisa saw that it was twenty-five minutes to one. If she hurried, she could make it to the mall in time to pick Micaela up. "I have an idea…why don't I take you out to lunch?"

The Latina smiled into the phone. "Chinese?"

"You've got it babe."

"You're on."

*****

After searching the beach for the perfect spot, Larisa finally settled on a place near the water. She and Piper spread out the blanket they brought with them before settling on it. Larisa looked around, noticing that there were few others on the beach at this time of day. It was almost as though she and Piper had the beach all to themselves. Opening the picnic basket, she took removed a couple of sandwiches, a can of Pringles potato chips, a container filled with freshly cut carrots and celery, two bowls of fruit salad, and a couple of ice cold cans of soda.

Piper admired the spread, her stomach starting to growl. She suddenly realized that she was hungry, having not eaten anything all day. Ironic, since she worked in a kitchen. "Everything looks so good," she said to the other woman.

Larisa's eyes trailed over Piper in her khaki pants and navy blue tank top that showed the feminine muscles in her upper arms. Indeed, everything did look quite good. Opening her soda, Larisa took a long swallow before replying. "Thanks Piper. I'd hoped you'd like it."

Blue eyes peered into hers. "I do. Thanks for this. I needed it." Piper glanced around their surroundings. "It's so peaceful here. I should get to the beach more often. I haven't been since Jamaica."

"That's what I wanted to speak with you about," Larisa started as she opened the Pringles and handed Piper a sandwich encased in Saran wrap. Larisa picked up her own sandwich and started to peel back the plastic. "I wasn't honest with you when we broke up all those years ago."

Removing the plastic from her sandwich, Piper took a big bite out of it as she silently waited for the other woman to continue. Unbidden, the memory of that dreadful day entered her mind. You know what? You're really pathetic. Sitting there crying like the baby that you are. Frankly, I don't now what I ever saw in you. You may have the body of twenty-five year old but you've got the mentality of a child. Piper shook her head to clear it of the memories that had caused her such pain.

"The truth is," Larisa went on, "I was just scared."

The other woman looked at her. Had Desiree not said that same thing to her last week? "Scared? Did I somehow scare you Larisa?"

"No." Larisa shook her head. "I don't mean that I was scared of you. No, I adored you," she said softly. "I was frightened of what my parents might think of my having a relationship with a woman. Back then I was not ready to deal with any hostility that they might have about it so instead of being brave and telling them the truth, I let you go. You were my true love but I was afraid of my father's resentment. Breaking up with you might have been the hardest thing that I've ever had to do. I never wanted to lose you Piper, but I was too afraid to keep you."

"Why didn't you just tell me this years ago?"

"What would you have said…done?" Larisa asked.

"I never would have let you go," the blue eyed woman replied with confidence. "I would have found some way to persuade you into staying with me."

Larisa placed her sandwich on the blanket as she looked down at it. "I'm sorry that I said all of those horrible things to you. I didn't mean any of it. It was tearing me up inside to see the pain that was evident in your eyes, but I had to make sure that you wouldn't try to win me back." She glanced across at Piper who was watching her intently. "I had to cause you to hate me in the hopes that you would get over me more quickly if you did."

Growing thoughtful, Piper didn't respond right away. "I'm not sure whether I should thank you or not."

"Thank me?" Of all the responses that she could give, Larisa never expected Piper to bestow gratitude upon her.

"Yes," Piper replied while nodding. "If you'd been honest in the first place, then you and I might still be together…though on second thought perhaps we wouldn't have been because I probably still would have went to prison."

"I would have waited for you," Larisa quickly interjected, knowing that it was the truth.

Piper grew momentarily speechless at the declaration. "Well…in that case we probably would have been. And Desiree never would have had to endure the pain and heartache that I put her through. You're father undoubtedly would still be alive," she paused. "On the other hand, I never would have taken your sister hostage and fallen in love with her. Despite everything, I'm glad that I did because she means everything to me. I love her more than I thought it was humanly possible to love. So I suppose that I should thank you."

Larisa swallowed hard as she tried to muster up a smile. "Anytime," she said in a light-hearted voice. "So…are we okay? I won't say that I never meant to hurt you because that was the whole point, but I'm awfully sorry that I did."

Piper playfully punched her in the arm. "We're more than okay." She smiled at Larisa, causing the other woman to smile back. "Now let's eat."

The two women began to dig into the food. "Hey Piper I just had a thought."

"What's that?" The blue-eyed woman picked up a carrot and began to munch on it.

"Though you would have been with me had things been different, you still would have met Desiree."

Piper nodded as she finished off the carrot before verbally answering, "True."

Larisa smiled. "So you know what I think? You two still would have ended up together. I have a feeling that somehow it would have happened anyway."

The other woman wore a thoughtful look. "Hm, you might be right about that. Though I would have fought hard to remain faithful to you, Desiree probably would have seduced me before long." Piper started to grin mischievously and ducked as Larisa tossed a piece of celery at her.

*****
She stood on the beach as the sweet summer wind blew gently in her face. She closed her eyes as the breeze caressed her body much like a lover would do. In her mind, she imagined that her lover was here. That her lover was touching and caressing her body, taking her to heights that she had never before known. The touch of those soft inviting lips on hers, the feel of those arms wrapped so tightly around her waist…she yearned it…craved it. Why had her lover traveled so far away? And would she ever return?

Highlighting the whole paragraph, Desiree stabbed the delete button with her index finger as she shook her head. It sounded too much like a Harlequin romance novel. Not that she had anything against them. She had read her fair share of those types of novels, but Desiree did not write them. Subconsciously, she knew that the woman standing on the beach was she and that the lover spoken about was Piper. Desiree tried not to think about her, but it was difficult not to. Piper had become a large part of her life within a small amount of time and Desiree secretly admitted that she missed her terribly. It had been over a month since she'd laid eyes on the woman and she often wondered how she was. Desiree sincerely hoped that all was well.

Letting out a loud ragged breath, she was about to start the third chapter over when the ringing of the phone pierced the silence in the room. Reaching over, she quickly picked it up with a cheerful greeting. Immediately recognizing the caller as Micaela, the strawberry-blonde smiled into the phone.

Over the past few weeks she had come to know the woman more and now thought of her as a dear friend. Desiree often teased her sister saying that if Larisa played her cards right, Micaela could become her sister-in-law. So far, the two of them appeared to only be friends but who knew what the future held? Desiree thought that Micaela and her sister would make quite a cute couple. Only one question though. Was the Latina beauty interested in women? Larisa and Desiree had their suspicions that she might be, but had yet to figure it out.

"Hey Mickey," Desiree started in a jovial tone. "What's up?"

"Nothing much sweetie. How is the writing coming along?"

Glancing at the blank page on her computer screen, Desiree frowned. "Well…my fingers seem to have a mind of their own and they're typing things that I don't want them to say." She chuckled. "My Muse is not being very nice to me right now."

"Oh, that naughty Muse. Would you like me to beat her up for you?"

"Will you?"

Micaela laughed. "Anything for you sweetie. Just let me dig my boxing gloves out of the closet and I'll be right over."

Desiree chuckled. "I'll be waiting."

"Oh, will you now?"

The strawberry blonde arched an eyebrow. Was it just her imagination or had Micaela's voice just grown a tad sexier? Was she flirting? Desiree grinned. She and Larisa finally had their first real clue. "Yes," Desiree answered. "I'll be waiting with bells on."

Micaela asked in a low and definitely sexy voice, "And is that all?" The Latina could not believe what she was doing. She was actually flirting and Micaela found that she was thoroughly enjoying it.

Rolling her computer chair back a bit, Desiree raised her legs and propped her feet up on her desk, one ankle crossed over the over. "Well should I be wearing anything else?" she asked, while trying not to feel guilty that she was flirting with the object of her sister's affections. It's harmless. We're just having some fun.

Just then, Larisa walked into the room. Hearing her footsteps, Desiree quickly swiveled around in the chair facing her sister, who was staring at her with one eyebrow raised in question. "Oh!" Desiree exclaimed, a blush rising to her cheeks. "Hi Risa."

"Hello," Larisa said in a curious tone of voice as she wondered just whom her sister was talking with so brazenly. It couldn't be Piper could it? As far as Larisa knew, nothing had changed between them. They hadn't even spoken. Larisa watched as her sister returned her attention to the phone. A moment later, Desiree handed the phone out to her. With a quizzical look, Larisa took the phone and spoke into it.

"Hey you," Micaela said in greeting. "How goes it?"

Larisa's eyebrow arched again. Desiree and Micaela had been flirting with each other? Attempting not to feel jealous, Larisa blithely said hello back. "It goes well. What's going on?" She watched as her sister swiveled around to face her computer.

"I need a huge favor. I would really appreciate it if you could help me out. I'd be willing to pay you."

"No need to pay me babe," Larisa replied. "What can I do for you?"

"You're too sweet," Micaela warmly stated. "A friend of mine has fallen ill and she teaches this art class every Saturday evening at a little studio that she rents. Well she asked me if I would teach tonight's session and since Carly has plans tonight, I wondered if you could watch Dante for me. I shouldn't be gone any longer than a couple of hours."

"I'd be delighted to," Larisa replied, smiling. She absolutely adored the three-year-old. Dante had become her little buddy over the past few weeks. "I'll be right over."

"Perfect. Thanks Larisa. I really appreciate this."

The two women then ended the conversation. Larisa quietly placed the phone on Desiree's desk and then studied her sister as the younger woman's eyes remained glued to the computer screen. Larisa noticed that though Desiree's fingers were on the computer keys, they were not moving. Arching an eyebrow, Larisa stood quietly as she waited for the strawberry-blonde to look up at her. Finally, Desiree did with a slightly guilty expression on her face. Larisa attempted to hide a smile, noting that the younger woman looked as though she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"It was just casual flirting," Desiree explained, the silence getting to her.

Larisa laughed lightly. "It's okay Desi." Reaching out a hand, she patted her sister on the back. "I imagine that Mickey would be fun to flirt with."

Desiree nodded slightly, still looking a tad guilty.

Leaning down, Larisa pecked the other woman on the cheek and watched as Desiree smiled at her. "It's no big deal. I'm just delighted to see you in an upbeat mood. And if flirting with Mickey causes that to happen then by all means do it." Hearing her choice of words, Larisa went on as Desiree started to grin, "Umm…flirt that is."

*****
The black Cadillac pulled up in front of the apartment complex. Four doors opened almost simultaneously before four men exited the car. A distinguished looking man with silver-colored hair reached up and smoothed it back before he fixed his black trench coat. He nodded to the other three and they began to follow him as he walked towards the apartment buildings. He glanced at the young man…teenager really, walking next to him.
"What apartment did you say it was?"

"2C," the teenager replied as he pointed to a building about twenty feet away. "This is the one. I checked it out a few weeks back," he stated proudly.

The man nodded. "Upstairs or down?"

"Down." The teenager studied the older man's walk and tried to mimic it. If there was anyone on this earth that he had admiration for, it was the man next to him and he aimed to be just like him.

The man nodded again as he headed in that direction. A sinister grin appeared on his lips as he anticipated what was about to happen. He had waited a long time for this moment and it had finally arrived. She was going to pay dearly. Ending her life would be payment enough.

*****

Larisa rubbed up and down the toddler's back as he slept soundly in his bed. She smiled adoringly as she watched him. Not long ago, she had finished reading Dante Jack and the Beanstalk. Half way into the story he fell asleep but Larisa kept on reading anyway until she reached the end.

After rubbing Dante's back for a few more minutes, Larisa arose from her chair and quietly headed out of the room, intent on venturing to the kitchen to fix herself a snack. Moments later, she was removing the ingredients needed to make a sandwich when she suddenly heard a noise coming from the front door. Looking at the doorknob, she noticed that it was jiggling as though someone were trying to come in. Putting a small bottle of mustard down, Larisa quickly walked over to the door and looked through the peek hole.

Damn. Burglars, she thought as she saw four men who were oddly well dressed for burglars. Turning around, Larisa ran back to Dante's room and gently shook the boy awake. Groggily, the toddler sat up in the bed as he wiped at his eyes with his balled up little fists. Dante sleepily asked his baby-sitter what was going on, but Larisa declined to answer as she picked him up in her arms. Seeing his earphones on the dresser, Larisa obtained those before she headed out of the bedroom. She glanced at the front door to see to her chagrin that it was slowly opening.

Entering the bathroom, Larisa quietly closed the door behind her before she turned on the night-light plugged into the wall, thinking that they would be able to see the bathroom light from underneath the door if she flipped the switch. Kneeling down on the floor with Dante still tucked safely in her arms, Larisa opened a cabinet underneath the sink and told the boy to climb inside. Though he gave her a questioning look, Dante did as he was told, pushing a few bathroom toiletries out of his way. Sitting down, the toddler crossed his legs Indian style as Larisa placed the earphones on his head.
"Hon we're going to play a game okay?" Larisa said in the calmest voice that she could muster at this moment. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest as she wondered what would happen. Her main concern was to protect Dante and she hoped that this would work. "I want you to stay in here and not make a sound okay? Whatever you may hear don't come out of this cabinet all right?" At the little boy's nod she went on, "If you stay in here until I come back you'll win the game and I'll give you five dollars."

"Cool," Dante said as a smile appeared on his face. The young boy had no idea that anything was wrong.

Larisa gave him a smile back as she pressed the play button and turned up the volume enough to make sure that Dante would not hear any noises. As the toddler began to listen to one of his favorite narrated fictional tales, Larisa winked at him before closing the cabinet. Standing, she grabbed a plunger sitting by the toilet, thinking that it was a sorry excuse for a weapon but it would have to do. Switching off the night-light, she headed out of the bathroom quietly and closed it behind her.

She stopped walking as she saw a man going into Micaela's bedroom. Breathing a sigh of relief that he did not see her, she took a few steps so that she could look around the corner into the living room. There she saw three men standing together. They were saying something but she could not figure out what it was. Larisa was trying to decide whether she should confront them or not when she heard a clicking noise. Swiftly looking in the direction of Micaela's bedroom, she saw the man who had went in there just a moment ago, pointing a gun at her. Though it was dark, she noticed a grin on his face as he told her to put her hands behind her head. Dropping the plunger, Larisa did as she was told, her heart beating so loud now, that she was sure he could hear it.

Quickly walking behind her, the man put an arm around her waist and pressed the cold barrel of the gun against her temple. He then instructed her to walk into the living room. As she did so, the man said something to the trio waiting by the front door.

"Hey boys, look what I caught." He chuckled as one of the other men turned on a light. "Clint…she's as pretty as you said she was." He then kissed Larisa on the cheek and as her stomach churned, she resisted the urge to elbow him in the stomach.

Clint Reynolds glared at the man standing proudly behind Larisa. "That's not Mickey you idiot. Didn't I tell you that she's Hispanic?"

The man looked at Larisa more closely. "Oh, yeah. That's right. Then who is she?"

"How the hell should I know?" Clint yelled as he took off his trench coat and tossed it towards the couch. "But I intend on finding out." Removing a silencer from the waistband of his pants, the tall Southern man ambled over towards them. He told the man holding Larisa to let her go. The man quickly did so, taking a couple of steps back. Clint charmingly smiled at Larisa who merely gave him a dirty look in return. "Hey darlin'," he began, ignoring the look, "why don't you tell me what your name is?"

"That really is none of your business, but I will tell you one thing. It's not darlin'."

Clint laughed, but it was devoid of any humor. Before Larisa could move out of his way, Clint backhanded her across the face hard enough to cause her cheek to become a brilliant red. His handsome face took on an evil look as he sneered at her. "You don't want to upset me beautiful," Clint stated in a soft tone of voice.

"It's Larisa Love," the youngest of the four men stated. All eyes turned to the teenager.

"How do you know that?" Clint asked his one and only nephew.

"Because I saw her on television a few weeks ago. Did you happen to see the news when that woman, Desiree Love, was taken hostage about a month and a half ago?"

The Southern man quickly jogged his memory. "I don't have that much time for the news but I think I recall that." He glanced at Larisa who still had her hands behind her head. "Is this her sister?"

The teenager nodded. "Yep."

Clint looked back at Larisa, the silencer in his hand pointed towards the floor, though she was aware of the fact that he could raise it at any moment and pull the trigger. "Did Mickey tell you about me?"

Larisa shook her head, though she figured that Clint was the man Micaela said she had fled away from three years ago. She had not given Larisa much information, but said that it had turned into a sour relationship and that the man whom she was involved with started beating her. One day she had had enough and decided to leave him after finding out that she was pregnant after having been raped by her sister's husband while visiting in Mexico during Christmas time. Micaela had never heard from him again.

"She didn't?" Clint cocked his head to the side. "She didn't tell you how she tried to kill me and left me for dead, running off with money that belonged to me?" At Larisa's disbelieving look, Clint unbuttoned the top four buttons on his silk shirt before pulling it open to show the woman two scars that the bullets left. He then buttoned his shirt back up, making sure that it was neat.

You forgot to mention that part Mickey, Larisa thought. Though, I know this bastard probably deserved it. "Well I'm sure you had those coming to you," Larisa boldly stated while wondering if she had a death wish. She thought back to the first tape her father made the day he died that Desiree let her listen to. He was right. I do have a big mouth. Must work on that. That is, if I'm able to make it through this night.

Switching his gun to his left hand, Clint balled up his fist and struck Larisa on the jaw, causing the woman to stumble to the floor. Pain radiating through her jaw, Larisa touched it as she winced. She tasted a warm fluid in her mouth and knew that she was bleeding. Spitting into her hand, Larisa saw one of her molars fall to her palm. Blinking her eyes rapidly to clear the stars clouding her vision, she looked up at Clint who was hovering over her with the silencer now pointed at her head.

"You really need to drop the attitude darlin', because it's gonna get you killed. Now…I want to know where Mickey is. Tell me."

Keeping her mouth shut, Larisa raised her right hand towards Clint and bent all of her fingers except for the middle one that stood proudly. Quickly reaching out, the man wrapped his hand around Larisa's middle finger and pulled forward until there was an audible snap. The woman screamed in pain as Clint let go of her finger, fully enraged now. Turning to his men, he motioned them over.

"Gentlemen," Clint began as he glanced down at Larisa who was now cradling her hand. "Why don't ya'll show Ms. Love what happens when I become irate."

Heading towards her, the three began to pummel Larisa while Clint stood watching stoically. After a few minutes, he yelled for them to stop, thinking that she might have changed her mind now. The two oldest men did, but the teenager kept going. He was about to deliver another kick to Larisa's stomach when Clint grabbed the back of his collar and snatched him back, glaring at the youth.

"When I tell you to stop," Clint started between clenched teeth, "I mean it. You understand?"

The teenager swiftly nodded, hoping that his uncle was not too upset with him. "Sorry Uncle Clint," he uttered.

Giving him one last glare, Clint looked down at Larisa, who was balled up on the floor in the fetal position. She was attempting not to cry as waves of pain went through her body. Larisa knew that no matter how much they tortured her, she would not ever reveal Micaela's whereabouts. Even if it meant that she would die.

"Ms. Love, surely you're ready to talk now. Where is Micaela? It doesn't appear that she's home now so where did she go?" Again, Clint pointed the gun at Larisa's head. He saw her shake her head negatively and growled in frustration as he kicked her in the stomach, forcing the woman onto her back as she yelped. Moving the silencer down her body, Clint pulled the trigger as he aimed at her kneecap, shattering it. Larisa screamed again as Clint repeated his question. She managed to shake her head and then cried out as a bullet entered her other knee. She fervently prayed that he would just get it over with by killing her.

"You are a stubborn one, aren't you?" Clint asked the woman. "You're willing to give up your life for Mickey? She must be pretty special to you." There was no response from Larisa as she closed her eyes, willing this to be a horrible nightmare. "Well Ms. Love, I'm going to ask you one more time. Where is Mickey?"

Opening her eyes, Larisa looked up at Clint, thinking that if these were the last moments of her life then she was going out tough. Opening her mouth she managed to reply, "Bite me asshole."

Clint stared at her for a few moments before shaking his head, the expression on his face and odd mixture of irritation, sadness, and respect for the woman refusing him despite the vulnerable position she was in. Glancing at his nephew who was standing right next to him, he handed the teenager his silencer. "Dennis, I want you to have the honors," Clint started. "Finish her off for me."

Dennis stared at the gun in his hand. Never in his life had he killed anyone, but if his uncle thought that he was up to it, then Dennis would not fail him. Licking his lips a little nervously, the teenager pointed the gun at Larisa's head.

"No," Clint said, shaking his head. Reaching up, he pushed Dennis' hand down until the gun was aimed at her chest. "I want this to be symbolic. Shoot her twice in the chest."

Putting his finger on the trigger, Dennis looked into Larisa's face and noticed that she had her eyes closed waiting for him to end her existence. Taking a deep breath, the teenager steadied his trembling hand and pulled the trigger twice.

*****

After the story ended, Dante pulled the earphones off of his head and sat it along with his Walkman beside him. He did not know where Larisa had learned this game from, but he was not enjoying it in the least. It was one of the least fun games he had ever played. Knowing that he was relinquishing the five dollars, the little boy pushed open the cabinets door and climbed out. Standing up, he felt around for the doorknob in the dark. Finding it, Dante turned the knob and opened the door, walking out.

Peeping in his room, he noticed that Larisa did not appear to be there so he headed in the direction of the living room. That was when he saw her lying on the floor with blood soaking the carpet around her. Dante gasped as he ran to her, kneeling down. With his little hand, he shook her shoulder but the woman would not wake up. The little boy began to cry, knowing even at his young age that something was desperately wrong.

Suddenly he remembered what his mother had taught him in case there was ever an emergency. Standing, the toddler ran over to the cordless phone and picked it up. Pressing 9-1-1, he put the phone to his ear as someone picked up after the first ring.

"Hello," Dante started in a shaky voice as he continued to cry. "Risa has a big boo-boo! I need an am lance fast!"

"Sweetie," the operator started in a calm voice hoping that it would have an effect on the young boy she was speaking to, "can you tell me what happened?"

"I dunno," Dante cried. "We were playin' a game and I came outta the bath womb and saw her asleep on the floor. She's beeding."

"She's bleeding? Okay sweetie, there is an ambulance on the way. They should be there soon. Can you do me a favor?"

Dante nodded as he sniffed. "Yeah."

"Can you go outside in a few minutes and see if the ambulance has arrived? I see that you live in an apartment and they might need directions on how to get to your home, so do you think you can do that for me?"

"Yeah, I can do that Ma'am."

The operator smiled. "Okay sweetie. Why don't we talk until you go outside okay?"

"Okay." He listened as the operator began to talk. She told him how she had a little boy who was probably around his age. Walking back over to Larisa, Dante kneeled by her and took her hand gently in his smaller one. He gave it a squeeze wishing that Larisa would open her eyes.

*****

As the sunlight began to glare through her eyelids, Desiree opened her eyes. Moving her head, she winced because she had a crook in her neck from sleeping in the chair all night. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she waited until they focused before looking at the woman lying in the hospital bed. It did not appear that Larisa had moved an inch all night, which meant that she was still unconscious. Standing up, Desiree stretched before walking the short distance to the bed. Leaning down, she placed a tender kiss on her sister's forehead before she started to rub Larisa's cheek gently with the back of her hand.

Whoever had broken into Micaela's home had beaten the young woman badly. Larisa had two gunshot wounds to her chest, both of which had thankfully missed her heart by bare centimeters. A bullet in each of her kneecaps had shattered them both, so a surgeon had to remove them. Larisa also suffered from a broken jaw, which was now wired so that it could properly heal. Three of her ribs were broken, along with the middle finger on her right hand. There were multiple contusions all over her body, especially her face where Larisa's eyes were swollen with dark purple circles around them. To help with her breathing, the doctors had inserted into her nose, nasal prongs, which were connected to a tube that ran into the wall where an oxygen tank was stored.

Desiree looked at her sister in amazement. Not everyone could survive what she had been through the night before. Continuing to caress Larisa's cheek, Desiree once again sent a silent prayer of thanks that her sister was alive. If she had lost Larisa, Desiree did not know what she would have done. It was times like these when one recognized just how precious life was. That it should never be taken for granted because it could be stopped at any given moment.

Who did this to you Risa? Desiree thought. Though the police had interviewed Micaela's neighbors, none of them had anything to report, which meant that the only witness was the victim, who now lay unconscious.

Taking her seat again, Desiree glanced at the other bed in the hospital room to see Dante there fast asleep. Poor thing, she thought as she looked at him. The toddler had cried on and off last night while constantly inquiring if Larisa was going to be all right. Micaela started to make arrangements so that someone could keep him last night while she was at the hospital with Desiree, but Dante insisted on staying as well. He said that he did not want to leave until "his Risa" woke up.

Finding that her bladder was full, Desiree arose from the chair and quietly walked towards the bathroom so as not to disturb Dante. By the time she came back out, Micaela was walking through the door with two Styrofoam cups in hand. The Latina smiled at Desiree as she handed her one of the cups.

"I found one of those hot beverage machines. Thought you might like a cup of coffee," Micaela started as both she and Desiree took their seats next to Larisa's bed. "Though I warn you, it ain't Starbucks." She softly chuckled, as did the strawberry-blonde.

"Thanks Mickey." Desiree smiled at the woman before lifting the cup to her mouth and taking a sip. She found that the coffee was already lukewarm. As the women drank their coffee, Micaela informed Desiree that she had called Taj and Piper about half an hour ago to let them know what happened last night. Having not thought about doing that, Desiree thanked her as her heart rate began to increase. Did that mean that Piper could show up at the hospital at any moment? What would she say to her?

"Are you sure you don't want to call your mother?" Micaela asked as she leaned down, setting her coffee cup on the floor.

Desiree nodded. "She's been through enough lately, so I'd like to wait until Larisa is completely out of the woods." Blue-green eyes brimming with fresh tears, she looked at Micaela while softly inquiring, "She is going to be okay, right? I don't wanna lose her." Her voice starting to crack, Desiree added, "I can't lose my sister too."

Standing up, Micaela opened her arms wide as she replied, "C'mere."

Coming to her feet, Desiree all but ran into Micaela's arms and buried her face in the woman's neck. The Latina held her tightly as she stroked up and down her back while Desiree cried. The two women stood in a tight embrace for what seemed an eternity until Micaela took a step backwards before turning Desiree around so that she was facing Larisa. Standing behind her, Micaela wrapped her arms around the younger woman's waist before Desiree folded her own arms over hers. She asked Desiree to look at the woman in the bed and the strawberry-blonde did so, almost starting to cry all over again.

"She is going to be just fine," Micaela said in a confident tone of voice. "You just have to have some faith. Your sister is one of the strongest women that I have ever met…just like you, and I know that she will pull through this. Now it's going to take some time for her to recover… it won't be an overnight process… but she will. She's going to make it sweetie. Believe that. Draw comfort from it."

Looking back at her, Desiree softly smiled at the woman. "Thank you Mickey. I'm so glad that you're here. I think you really are an angel."

Micaela smiled back. "You're the angel." While giving the younger woman a small squeeze, Micaela kissed the top of her head.

As she reached the correct hospital room after having gotten lost a couple of times, Piper was about to enter when she saw Desiree and Micaela in what could only be described as a very intimate embrace. Telling herself that what she saw was nothing more than two people comforting each other, Piper lightly knocked on the already open door.

As they looked up, they noticed that Piper was standing at the door with a bouquet of lilies in her hand. Micaela disengaged her arms from around Desiree's waist, as she got the feeling that Piper did not appreciate them being there. Micaela greeted Piper with a smile as the strawberry-blonde motioned her to come in.

"Hi Piper," Desiree said in a pleasant voice. Her heart was beating even faster now and was it her imagination or had it suddenly become stifling hot in there? "Is Taj with you?"

"Hey there," Piper replied. "No he's not. I came in my own car. He should be here soon though."

Returning Micaela's smile, albeit a bit tightly, Piper walked into the room. She then placed the flowers, which were already in a vase, on the small dresser next to Larisa's hospital bed. Looking down at her, Piper felt her blood began to boil. At that moment, she would have loved to get her hands around the throat of the person or persons responsible for this.

Piper looked up at Desiree and Micaela. "There aren't any leads?"

Both shook their head. "My neighbors didn't see anyone and they didn't hear anything. The only person who knows what happened in my apartment is Larisa," Micaela replied as she crossed her arms over her chest. Last night when she came home to find the police at her place, the thought that Clint had found out where she lived and then did this horrible thing to her friend crossed her mind, but then Micaela remembered that this could not have been Clint's doing. She had ended his life three years ago and watched as he died.

"And they didn't take anything? Whoever put Larisa in this condition?" Piper inquired.

Micaela shook her head again. "Not one thing was missing. It's like they just broke in, tried to end her life and then left."

Piper glanced at Dante sleeping in the other bed before she returned her eyes to his mother. "Your son didn't see or hear anything?"

"He said that Larisa wanted to play a game. She woke him up and then carried him into the bathroom where she told him to get into the bathroom cabinet. She then put his earphones on his head claiming that if he stayed in there until she came back, that she would give him five dollars. After that she left and soon Dante got tired of waiting for her to return so he climbed out and left the bathroom. That's when he found her lying on the living room floor. She was of course unconscious."

Piper nodded. "So this person or persons broke into your apartment. They beat and shot Larisa and then left without taking any of your possessions," she paused a beat. "There has got to be a motive. I don't think that people normally do that sort of thing without a motive. Micaela, you don't know anyone that would want to do you harm?"

"If you'd asked me that a few years ago I would have said yes."

Piper cocked her head to the side. "Why has your answer changed?" She had grown suddenly suspicious. Piper did not know what it was, but Micaela was hiding something. She was sure of it.

"Because the person that would have done me harm then is not trying to do it now," Micaela slowly replied as she carefully chose her words.

Blue eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How can you be so sure?"

"Piper," Desiree started, "please leave Mickey alone. You're acting like she pulled the trigger. Why don't you stop and just let the police do their job, okay?" She gave Piper a pleading look.

"Sweetie, Piper just wants to know what happened to Larisa."

Desiree ran a hand through her hair in frustration. "We all do, but attacking you is not the way to go about doing that."

"You know what?" Piper started. "I'll just go. Desiree, I was not attacking your new…friend. However since you got the impression that I was, then I sincerely apologize. See you around." Turning, Piper started to march out of the room when Desiree called her name. "What?"

"Don't go Piper." She sighed. How had things got out of hand so quickly?

"Why stay? You don't want me around," Piper replied, a hurt look appearing on her face before it quickly vanished.

"How can you say that?"

"Over a month ago you made it crystal clear that you wanted me out of your life." Piper nodded towards Micaela. "Why would you want me here when you've got Super Mickey? I bet she's stuck by you like glue ever since the night she brought you home drunk from that bar, hasn't she?" Piper knew that she was acting childish, but she was helpless to stop it. The thought of Desiree and Micaela possibly being a couple rubbed her the wrong way.

"Guys…" Micaela started softly, but neither of them was paying her any attention. She glanced at her son to see that he was still sleeping soundly.

"Piper just shut up."

The dark-haired woman raised an eyebrow. "Shut up? You want me to shut up Desiree? Tell you what…I'll just leave. I'm out of here." With that said, Piper stormed out of the room.

On her way out of the hospital, Piper ran into Taj…literally.

"Whoa!" The man put a restraining hand on his friend's shoulder. By the expression on her face, she was seething about something. Taj asked the woman what was wrong. When Piper attempted to walk past him without answering, the Jamaican man quickly moved so that he was standing directly in her path. Taj repeated his question.

"Everything!" Piper shouted loud enough for everyone within a twenty-foot radius to hear.

"That's a little broad," Taj said. "Could you please be more specific?"

Piper suddenly burst into tears as other people looked at she and Taj curiously. "I'm an idiot," Piper said as she wiped at the tears strolling down her cheeks.

"Pippy, you are not an idiot," Taj gently replied as he wrapped his arms around her.

The dark-haired woman nodded as she put her arms around Taj's waist briefly before letting go and taking a step back. "Yes, I am." She sniffed as she stopped crying and wiped away at the remaining tears. "I don't know why I act the way that I do sometimes. Why I just fly off of the handle for no good reason. Desi probably hates me now."

"What happened with you two?"

"It would be better if I just left her alone. Who am I trying to kid? I'm no good for her. She deserves much better. I'll talk with you later Taj. I have to go now." Piper started to walk out of the hospital. Taj called after her, but the woman merely kept going refusing to turn around.

*****

Desiree glanced at her watch. It was nearly twelve o'clock now. Except for Taj, she was the only one in Larisa's hospital room. Not too long ago, Micaela had taken Dante down to the cafeteria to get something for lunch. Standing up, Desiree asked Taj if he would care for anything because she was going to get something to drink. When he declined the offer, Desiree started to walk out of the room saying that she would be right back when she suddenly her a low moan. Quickly turning around, she looked at Larisa, as did Taj. Both walked over to the bed, one on either side of it as they gazed down at the woman. They then heard another moan escape her lips.

"Larisa," Desiree started softly, "please wake up hon. Come back to us."

Slowly Larisa's eyes opened. She blinked several times before she looked between Taj and Desiree the best she could with her eyes being swollen. Both Taj and Desiree noted that her right eye was blood red.

"Hello there," Desire said softly. "Welcome back hon." Reaching out a hand, she gently brushed her sister's cheek. Larisa then tried to speak but Desiree quickly shook her head. "No, hon. Don't say anything. Your jaw has been wired so you won't be able to talk for a little bit. Do you feel like writing on a sheet of paper?"

When Larisa nodded, Taj walked out of the room. He soon returned with a notepad and a pen that he obtained from the nurse's station. Handing the items to Larisa, he located a button the hospital bed that would elevate her head. Inquiring if she wanted to be raised, Taj then pressed the button as the woman nodded. Both watched as she began to write something using her left hand since it was difficult to do it with the right. Larisa then showed them the paper.

"How long have I been unconscious?"

"You've been unconscious since last night Risa," Desiree answered. "Do you remember what happened to you?" At Larisa's nod, she went on. "Do you know who did this to you?" Nodding, Larisa began to write again. This time it took her a few minutes before she finished. She had to turn the paper over because she was writing so much. Taj and Desiree then began to read what she wrote.

"Three men and one teenager broke into Mickey's apartment. They assaulted me, because they wanted to know where Mickey was but I would not divulge that information, so this is what happened. I remember them like it happened…well yesterday. The leader of the quartet's name was Clint. I don't know his last name though. Anyway, he had silvery short hair and I'd say he was about forty-four or five. He stood about six feet and two or three inches and had a Southern accent. The teenager's name was Dennis. Probably about seventeen or eighteen. He was about the same height as Clint, but he didn't have an accent. The other two, I don't know what their names were, but one was about five feet ten inches and had a dark beard. He was bald as an eagle. Around thirty-five years of age. The other was about the same height, but he had long blond hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. He was probably about forty."

Taj's expression grew thoughtful. He then looked across at Desiree. "Little one, remember that teenage boy who was trying to extort money from you in exchange for that tape?"

The strawberry-blonde nodded. "His name was Dennis right? You think this might be the same Dennis?"

The man nodded. "It's possible." Feeling a tap on his arm, Taj looked down at Larisa, who had a hand on his arm. She then showed him something that she had just remembered and written down.

"Dennis referred to Clint as his uncle."

"Uncle Clint," Taj started. "Okay, I'll do some research on Dennis' family background and see if I can turn up an Uncle Clint."

"Did you say Clint?"

Everyone turned to look at Micaela, who was standing at the door with Dante beside her. The Latina hoped that she had heard incorrectly. Taj nodded, causing Micaela to sigh. "Clint had something to do with Larisa's attack didn't he?"

"He was there," Desiree offered the information. "Do you know a Clint?"

Micaela sighed again as she nodded. Saying that she would be right back, Micaela picked up her son and headed out of the room. Walking towards the waiting room, which was not far from Larisa's room, she set the boy down. Explaining to Dante to stay put, Micaela assured him that she would be back soon. Heading back to the room, the woman tried to gather her thoughts. Micaela felt her palms become wet as she entered the room and walked over towards the trio, choosing to stand next to Desiree. She smiled down at Larisa, overjoyed to see her awake. Larisa smiled back as best she could, since her jaw and cheeks were sore.
"Clint…Clint Reynolds," Micaela said, "is a man that I was involved with three years ago. I met and moved in with him when I was twenty years old. To make a long story short, after a while he started to physically and mentally abuse me." Micaela took a deep breath as old memories that she rather had forgotten flooded back. "He allowed others to physically abuse me as well. I took it for all those years but three years ago I ended up pregnant so I knew that I had to leave him. Otherwise, he would try to make me give up my baby. Plus, I just couldn't take it anymore. So," she paused, "one night I shot him. Twice in the chest while he was in the shower. And then I took ten thousand dollars and fled. I ended up here in California a couple weeks later. For the past three years I've thought that Clint was dead." She glanced at the other three and softly smiled as Desiree put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "That must have been him last night. He and his nephew Dennis."

Larisa drew everyone's attention to her as she waved the notepad in the air. They read the latest note she jotted down.

"That was definitely him. It was Clint Reynolds. He basically said the same thing…leaving out the abused part however. Mickey…that…I hate to use the word man…is insane. I don't think you should go back to your apartment because he obviously has revenge on his mind."

"She won't," Taj said as he finished reading. He looked across at Micaela. It was clear that he was furious, but not with her. "I want you to stay at my house tonight, until I can get this taken care of." Taj's eyes moved to Desiree. "And the same goes for you."

"Why me?" she asked.

"Because this appears to be a cycle. First Dennis tries to get money from you in order for you to have your father's tape. Then a few weeks later, he and his Uncle Clint show up at Micaela's apartment evidently looking for her. Now all of these years Clint couldn't find Micaela, but he suddenly does now? Why now? Because his nephew led him to her."

Desiree replied, "Could be just a coincidence. I couldn't have led Dennis to Micaela. I didn't even really know her then."

"But I gave you my address, remember?" Micaela interjected. "After you and Larisa got back from San Francisco, I called and invited you over for dinner one night. You said that your sister was busy that night but you could make it. You asked me for my address again because you'd misplaced it…"

Desiree thought back, her brow crinkling in concentration. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen that paper you wrote your address on since the day you gave it to me. And Dennis came over the day afterwards. He could have taken it."

"Then it's settled," Taj said. "You both are staying with me tonight. I've got plenty of room." He looked down at Larisa. "Risa, I'm going to have a couple friends of mine come here this evening to guard you. I really don't think these guys are going to come after you again, but just as a precaution." Taj glanced at Micaela and Desiree again. "Meanwhile, this evening I'll escort the two of you to your places to grab a few belongings and then I'll take you to my house where you'll stay until I can take care of this."

Desiree looked at Micaela. "We're in good hands now. You see this is Taj's occupation." She smiled faintly. "He's a problem solver."

*****

That night while lying wide-awake in her bed, Desiree glanced at the clock for the hundredth time noticing that it was now after midnight. She then looked at Tobias who was sleeping peacefully curled up next to her. Thinking about her sister, Desiree sent a silent prayer that Larisa was resting well. This evening the doctors were quite positive about a full recovery. More than likely, Larisa would be in the hospital for at least two weeks, but it appeared that she would be just fine.

Turning on her side facing Tobias, Desiree's thoughts drifted on to Piper. She had moved from Taj's house into her own apartment nearly three weeks ago, so Taj and Leroy were the only ones living there now. Desiree softly smiled as she thought of Taj's little brother. Earlier that evening, he'd offered to fluff her pillows, tuck her in…everything but do the actual sleeping for Desiree. Leroy did not attempt to hide it. He had a huge crush on her, which Desiree found endearing.

The strawberry-blonde glanced at the clock again. It was 12:24 now. Leroy, Micaela, and Dante were probably all fast asleep by now. Leroy was in his own room while Micaela and her son shared one. Taj most likely was not at home. After taking them to their homes to pick up a few belongings (Desiree picked up Tobias as well), Taj dropped Micaela and Desiree at his home, informing the women to make themselves at home. He explained that he and some other people, whom he would not give names to, were going to locate Clint. However, he neglected to mention what would take place if they were successful in doing so. Whatever they were going to do, Taj specifically asked Larisa not to tell the police what she told them that afternoon about those that attacked her. She was to pretend that she could not remember anything. Desiree wondered what Taj and his crew would do, but part of her would rather remain clueless.

Having an idea, Desiree pushed the covers back before getting out of the bed. Tobias opened one eye looking at her before closing it and going back to sleep. Standing up, Desiree slipped her feet into her slippers and put her robe on, tying the straps as she walked towards the door. Opening it, she walked down the hall quietly and headed towards the stairs on her way to the kitchen to get a cup of warm milk, hoping that it would work in helping her to get to sleep.

As Desiree reached the bottom of the stairs, she spied Micaela sitting on the couch watching television. At least she hoped that it was Micaela, because all she could see was the back of the person's head and it was dark except for the glow emanating from the television screen. Quietly tiptoeing towards the couch, Desiree softly called out the woman's name. Looking over her shoulder, Micaela smiled as she watched Desiree approach the couch and take a seat next to her.

"Hey, what are you doing up?" Desiree asked as she tucked one leg underneath her, glancing at the television where an infomercial was currently on. "Can't sleep?"

Micaela shook her head. "Nope." She pointed at the television with the remote control. "I'm thinking about buying these knives. They showed one of the knives cutting through a brick. And they said that I better act now 'cause this is a once in a lifetime deal and that you can't and never will be able to find these special knives in any store."

Desiree laughed.

Micaela joined in as she reached over and switched on a lamp before turning the television off. She turned so that she was facing Desiree. "You can't sleep either?"

"No, I can't. My mind won't allow me to settle down."

The Latina nodded. "Mine either. I keep thinking about Larisa lying in that hospital bed and how if it weren't for me that she wouldn't be."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," Micaela went on, "that it's my fault. It's my fault that she almost lost her life." Tears formed in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. Micaela figured that if she had never tried to take Clint's life three years ago that he never would have came after her and ultimately almost kill her friend. She blamed herself because she deemed what she did wrong, although Clint was a sinister man. Who was she to decide when his life should be ended?

"Mickey," Desiree said softly as she pulled the woman into an embrace. Micaela tightly wrapped her arms around the smaller woman as she rested her cheek on her shoulder. Desiree began to rock her gently as she said, "I believe that everything happens for a reason and this is not your fault. You did what you thought you had to do. In your place, a lot of people, myself included, might have done the same thing if there were no alternative." She pulled back so that she could look into Micaela's eyes. "You were trying to protect the life of your unborn child, which is what every mother is supposed to do. Who knows? If you had done differently, perhaps that precious little boy of yours wouldn't be here today. You didn't make Clint and his men break into your home and attack Larisa. Please don't blame yourself for this. No one else does."

Smiling softly at her, Micaela said, "You are indeed an angel Desiree." Raising her hand, Micaela brushed it across the other woman's cheek.


Desiree returned the smile as a small blush appeared on her cheeks. Before she knew what she was doing, Desiree found herself leaning towards Micaela and pressing her lips against hers softly. A little surprised at first, the Latina returned the kiss, both of her arms going around Desiree's waist, gently pulling her closer. Desiree touched the tip of her tongue to Micaela's lips, silently asking permission to enter. Her lips parting, the Latina moaned as Desiree's tongue slipped into her mouth searching for her own. Their tongues intertwined as the women's hands began to wander on each other's body. Both wondered what they were doing, but they found themselves unable to stop. They craved this contact and it felt so exquisite.

Breaking the kiss, Desiree stood up, taking Micaela's hand in hers. The Latina stood and Desiree led her towards the stairs after switching off the lamp. They held hands the whole way to Desiree's bedroom. Tobias scurried past them out the door as the two women entered. As the door closed behind them, the strawberry-blonde sought out Micaela's lips again as the other woman loosened the straps of her robe before pulling it down her arms and off of her body. Micaela wrapped her arms around Desiree's body again, feeling her warmth now without the robe in the way. Her hands slid down until she was cupping the smaller woman's rear, squeezing her firm cheeks gently. Desiree moaned as she did so, her lips keeping contact with Micaela's.

"I've wanted you since the first time I laid eyes on you," Micaela softly admitted against Desiree's lips. Her hands slipped under the short nightshirt that the younger woman wore, warm palms gliding up the back of Desiree's thighs until they reached her rear again, squeezing and kneading her cheeks.

Taking a step back, Desiree crossed her arms over herself and in one easy motion pulled the nightshirt over her head before tossing it across the room as she kicked her slippers off. She stood there in front of Micaela wearing only a pair of dark blue french-cut silk panties. The Latina's eyes roamed up and down Desiree's beautiful body, spending more time on her full high breasts with their rosy tips. Micaela felt a dampness forming in the crotch of her underwear as she began to strip out of her own clothes. Discarding her flannel pajama bottoms, panties, T-shirt, and socks Micaela took Desiree's hand and led her towards the bed where Desiree laid down on her back. She tried not to think about the possible consequences of this happening, only feel as she felt Micaela's lips on her neck, gently sucking the skin between her teeth. Raising a leg, Desiree rubbed her thigh against the other woman's mound, feeling Micaela's wetness and warmth as the dark-haired woman moaned into her neck.

Kissing along Desiree's jaw and chin, Micaela captured the woman's lips in a searing kiss as she moved her center up and down Desiree's strong thigh. The strawberry-blonde sucked Micaela's tongue into her mouth as she felt the woman's fingers making contact with her own mound. Micaela's fingers rubbed up and down Desiree's outer labia eliciting low moans from her lips. Desiree's back arched as the Latina entered her slowly with two fingers, beginning to pump in and out of her at an unhurried pace. Desiree pressed her thigh against Micaela's center more as her hands slid down the woman's back and cupped her derriere as it moved back and forth. Using her thumb, Micaela flicked it over Desiree's clitoris, causing the smaller woman to jump beneath her at the pleasure it produced.

Ending the kiss, blue-green eyes stared into brown ones as Desiree breathlessly said, "I want to come with you Mickey."

"Then let's do it together sweetheart," the Latina whispered before leaning down and tenderly kissing Desiree's lips as her digits plunged deep within the woman while she moved her mound along Desiree's thigh, the friction sending waves of pleasure through Micaela's body.

Soon, both women felt themselves nearing the edge as their imminent climaxes drew closer and closer. Micaela's fingers pumped in and out of Desiree faster and harder as she ground her mound onto the woman's thigh. Both began to come as moans of ecstasy filled the room. They called out each other's name as their overheated bodies moved against one another.

After lying on top of her for a few minutes, Micaela gently slipped her fingers out of the woman before moving so that she was lying next to her. Wrapping both of her arms around Desiree, the Latina pulled her closer. Desiree rested her cheek against Micaela's chest, feeling the woman's rapid heartbeat beneath. She listened as it slowed until it reached normal speed while Micaela quietly stroked up and down her back. Desiree's eyelids began to grow heavy and soon she drifted into Morpheus' realm. Micaela was soon to join her there.

*****
Hearing an insistent knock on the door, Desiree quickly awoke from a deep sleep, her head snapping towards the closed bedroom door. She heard Taj tell her to get up in jovial tones. In fact, he said, "Rise and shine little one." Letting out a long yawn, Desiree sat up in the bed as she ran a hand through her messy hair. Looking down at herself, she noticed that she was completely naked as thoughts of last night ran through her mind. She had sex with Micaela, who was the woman that her sister was falling for. Desiree felt the guilt due to her actions. What had gotten into her?

Glancing around the bed and the room, she found that she was the only one there. Micaela must have slipped away earlier. Desiree wondered what Micaela was feeling as she got out of the bed, searching the room for her nightshirt and underwear. Minutes later she was dressed and tying the straps of her robe before leaving the room to make a pit stop at the bathroom to wash up and relieve herself.

Desiree heard whistling coming from the dining room as she came down the stairs. She smiled as she saw Taj putting platters of food on the dining room table while he whistled a little tune. Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, Taj looked her way and smiled brightly at the woman.


"Good morning little one," he said, motioning her to come over and take a seat. Desiree said hello back as she walked towards the table. She thanked Taj as he did the gentlemanly thing by pulling a chair out for her. "You're welcome," he said warmly as he placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of her. "Did you sleep well?" Taj asked as he leaned against the table, studying Desiree's face curiously.

She nodded as she picked up the coffee and took a few tiny sips before putting it back down on her place mat. "Yes, I did once I got to sleep."

"And how was that exactly?" Taj grinned at her.

Raising an eyebrow, Desiree was about to say something when she and Taj heard footsteps. They looked towards the stairs to see Leroy, Micaela, and Dante walking down the stairs. Actually, it was more like trudging. All three still looked sleepy after having been gotten out of bed at six-thirty in the morning. Taj greeted them all with a cheery good morning and a smile. Desiree smiled at them, doing her best not to look sheepish when her eyes feel upon Micaela. The older woman smiled at her, though there was nothing sheepish, shy, or guilty about it. Though, Desiree figured that Micaela had nothing to feel guilty about. It was not as if Desiree was still seeing Piper, and Micaela as far as she knew, had no idea about Larisa's feelings towards her.

Nearing the table, Micaela leaned down and placed a tender kiss on Desiree's cheek, missing the blush that appeared as she turned to put Dante in a chair that Taj had put a plump pillow in so that the toddler could reach the table easily. Soon, everyone had taken their seat and was beginning to fill their plates, Micaela making both hers and her son's.

"This all looks terrific Taj," Micaela said as she added eggs with bits of ham and melted cheese in them onto her plate and Dante's.

"Taj is an awesome cook," Desiree remarked as she smiled over to him. He winked in return, that grin from earlier reappearing for a moment. Desiree pretended as though she did not see it. "You seem like you're in a happy mood," Desiree directed the statement towards Taj. "What happened last night? Were you able to find who you were looking for?"

He nodded as he took a long swallow of orange juice. "Mission accomplished. You and Micaela can go home today if you like. There is no…" Taj glanced at the young Dante as he cautiously chose his words. "There is nothing to be alarmed over."

"That's it?" Desiree asked. "It's over?"

Taj nodded again. "That's right. It's over." He smiled at her. "I did my job. My guys and I solved the problem. Let's just say that you won't have anymore infestations, because the roaches have been exterminated."


Both Micaela and Larisa audibly gasped. Leroy looked at his older brother in shock as his fork clanked loudly on the plate. Taj glanced at the three of them while Dante did the same curiously, wondering what was wrong. He also wondered why Taj had exterminated their apartment when he and his mother did not have any roaches. There were hardly even any spiders, which he thought was a bummer since he was fascinated with the creepy crawlers.

"You exterminated the roaches?" Micaela quietly asked.

Taj slowly nodded. "Though it doesn't have to be in the way that you probably think."

"In what way is it?" Desiree asked.

The Jamaican man picked up a slice of bacon and took a bite of it. "Don't worry about it. Just be comforted by the fact that the problem has been taken care of."

"It's never going to bother us again?" Micaela inquired.

Taj looked straight at her. "Never."

*****

After having visited with her sister the whole day, Desiree was about to get into her car to go home when she spotted Micaela getting into her own car. Leaving Dante with the baby-sitter, Micaela had arrived at the hospital about two hours ago to spend some time with Larisa. She and Desiree had barely said a word to each other during that whole visit.

Calling out the woman's name, Desiree then jogged over to Micaela's car, saying hello as she arrived.

"Hello yourself," Micaela returned as she leaned against her car. "How are you doing?"

"I'm hanging in there. What about you?" Desiree shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans.

"Same here." The Latina smiled at her, knowing that something was on her mind. "This is about last night, isn't it?"

Desiree nodded as she chose to look down at her sneakers. "I…I don't…"

"Desi," Micaela called, causing the woman to look up at her. "It's all right. You don't owe me any explanation. What happened, happened. I will always cherish our night together but it's fine if you don't want history to ever repeat itself." She shrugged. "You were lonely and so was I. I think in a way we helped each other. We found solace with each other even if it was only for one night," Micaela paused. "It was really nice."

The strawberry-blonde smiled. "Yeah, it was pretty nice." She glanced back at her car. "Well I guess I better head on home," she said turning back to Micaela. "You drive safely Mickey."

Micaela took a deep breath while realizing that she wasn't ready for this woman to leave just yet. Of all the women in the world, I fall for one that is in love with someone else. Cupid should be fired. "You too Desi." She watched as Desiree turned around and started to leave. The woman was able to take three steps towards her car when she faintly heard Micaela ask, "May I have one last kiss?"

Smiling softly, Desiree turned back around and walked up to Micaela. Removing her hands from her pockets, she reached up to cup Micaela's cheeks. Leaning in, Desiree tenderly pressed her lips to the Latina's as their eyes closed. Micaela's arms encircled the other woman's waist as she languidly traced Desiree's lips with her tongue. Parting her lips, Desiree coaxed Micaela's tongue into her mouth, chasing it with her own. They held the kiss until needing air became a definite requirement. After ending it, the two tenderly smiled at each other.

"Goodnight sweetie," Micaela softly said before opening her car door and getting inside.

Reaching out, Desiree closed the door after the other woman was settled in the driver's seat. "Goodnight Mickey."

*****

Tucking Larisa into the bed, Desiree asked her sister if she could get her anything. When Larisa shook her head, the strawberry-blonde leaned down and hugged her gently. She smiled as Larisa wrapped her arms around her neck, returning the hug. Straightening, Desiree pushed her sister's wheelchair next to bed, warning Larisa not to get out of the bed without calling her first. The woman promised that she wouldn't as she happily snuggled beneath the covers. It felt wonderful not to be in the hospital anymore. Spending nearly three weeks there was more than enough. Larisa was overjoyed when the doctor informed her that she could be released today.

Turning her head to the right, she looked at the wheelchair next to her bed. Her goal now was to start walking again. If she had merely lost one kneecap then she would only have to use crutches or a cane, but since both were removed, Larisa had to get around in a wheelchair for the time being. It was going to be a real pain using the thing, but Larisa told herself that it was only temporary. She could not wait to start physical therapy.

"It's good to have you home," Desiree said as she brushed a strand of hair out of her sister's face.

"It's good to be home," Larisa replied, her jaw still hurting when she spoke. She tried not to open her mouth too wide.

Desiree smiled as she switched off the lamp and headed for the door. "Goodnight Risa," she softly said. "Have sweet dreams."

Quietly closing the door behind her, Desiree walked across the living room to her bedroom. When she entered, she began to remove her clothes before putting on a pair of shorts and an old T-shirt to sleep in. After making a trip to the bathroom to brush her teeth, Desiree got in the bed. She was alone tonight since Tobias had decided to sleep on the living room couch. Looking at the other side of the bed, Desiree felt a deep ache within her that it was empty. Not of Tobias, though she loved him dearly, but of Piper. It appeared that instead of the pain and loss lessening as the days went by, hers only seemed to increase. Desiree missed gazing into those baby blues and having those powerful arms around her.

Glancing at the top drawer of her nightstand, Desiree sat up in the bed. Reaching over, she opened it and removed a bottle of whiskey. She simply held the bottle in her hand as she stared at it for Desiree did not know how long. Finally, she twisted off the cap before raising the bottle to her lips, taking a few swigs. Desiree closed her eyes as the alcohol slid down her throat. She hoped that it would numb the pain, even if it were just temporary. Screwing the top back on, Desiree placed it back in her drawer before she turned out the light and lay back down in the bed. Closing her eyes, she began to drift off with thoughts of Piper running through her mind.

*****

Propping up pillows behind her head, Piper stretched out in her bed as she turned on the television, beginning to switch the channels. She had worked overtime and it had been a tiring evening at the restaurant, so all she wanted to do now was relax. Stopping on a talk show, she watched as a young woman wearing a skirt that was three times too small yelled at her twin sister who was currently sleeping with her husband and possibly pregnant with his baby. Piper laughed as she shook her head, wondering why some people chose to come on television with these outrageous confrontations.

As a commercial came on, Piper reached toward the nightstand where an airline ticket lay. Picking it up, she looked at it while deep in thought. In five days, she was to leave for Florida where she would start her new life. With Andrea's help, she had come to the decision to leave California, because there was nothing for her here. Not anymore. Everything was settled. Andrea had a cousin named Lindsay, who lived in Tampa, Florida. She had been looking for a roommate. After getting the phone number from Andrea, Piper had gotten in touch with her cousin. They talked on the phone for nearly half an hour and it was decided that she and Piper would become roommates.

Where she would be living was close to the restaurant that she would be working at as a chef. Though Piper liked where she was currently working, she had to admit that it would be worth her while to take the other job. The pay and benefits were better, it was in another state, one which she had always wanted to visit, and since she would have a roommate, Piper could save even more money that she would someday use to start a restaurant of her very own.

Five days and then she would attempt to put this all behind her, though Piper knew that she would never be able to forget the short time that she shared with Desiree. The younger woman was forever branded on her mind. Putting the airline ticket down, Piper reached for the remote and switched off the television, having had enough of the talk show. Deciding to listen to some music for a while, she turned her clock radio on. Turning off the light, she settled back on the bed and began to listen to a song playing. Seconds later it ended and another one that Piper recognized as I'm Wishing On a Star, began to play.

"What a perfect song to have playing right now," she said aloud to herself as she closed her eyes. She wished that Desiree were with her at this very moment.

I'm wishing on a star
To follow where you are
I'm wishing on a dream
To follow what it means

Hearing the bed faintly creak, as there was pressure put on it, Piper opened her eyes to see Desiree hovering over her on her hands and knees. Piper smiled up at the woman as though she fully expected her to be there. Sitting up, she started to say something when Desiree pressed two fingers to her lips. Keeping her mouth shut, Piper closed her eyes as the other woman leaned in, replacing her fingers with her lips.

And I wish on all the rainbows that I've seen
I wish on all the people who've really dreamed
And I wishing on tomorrow praying it'll come
And I'm wishing on all the loving we've ever done

I never thought I'd see
A time when you would be
So far away from home
So far away from me

The kissing seemed to last endlessly before Piper broke away, gazing at the woman before her. She watched as Desiree unbuttoned the thigh length shirt that she was wearing and shrugged out of it. This left her completely naked and Piper took her all in. Desiree was absolutely breathtaking. The dark-haired woman quickly shucked her boxers before she got to her knees, mirroring the strawberry-blonde's position. Desiree helped Piper out of her tank top before she leaned down and took one of the woman's nipples into her mouth, beginning to lightly suck, causing Piper to let out a throaty moan.

Just think of all the moments that we've spent
I just can't let you go
For me you were meant
And I didn't mean to hurt you
But I know
That in the game of love you reap what you sow

I feel it's time we should make up baby
I feel it's time for us to get back together
Make the best of things oh baby
When were together
Whether or never

Moving her mouth to Piper's other breast, Desiree gently pushed the woman back until Piper was once again lying down on her back. As Desiree began to suckle on her lover's nipple, Piper arched her back letting out another moan, putting a hand on the back of Desiree's head. The strawberry-blonde gently tugged at the nipple with the edge of her teeth as she flicked a thumb across Piper's other tip.

Leaving Piper's breasts, Desiree started to slowly kiss her way down the woman's body. Piper's breathing increased as she nearly squirmed with anticipation. Desiree's soft warm lips and the way she trailed the tip of her tongue along the older woman's skin were giving Piper goosebumps. It felt incredible.

And I wish on all the rainbows that I've seen
I wish on all the people we've ever greeted
And I'm hoping on all the days to come and days to go
And I'm hoping on days of loving you so

I'm wishing on a star
Follow where you are
I'm wishing on a star
Ooooh
And I wish on all the rainbows that I've seen
I'm wishing on a star
To follow where you are...

Reaching Piper's center, Desiree winked up at the woman as she placed soft kisses on the woman's dark curls. Piper squirmed on the bed as the amount of her wetness doubled. She felt as though she were on fire. Piper shuddered as Desiree lightly ran her tongue along her opening before starting to move up the woman's body, nipping and kissing on her way. Making her way to Piper's lips, Desiree kissed her passionately, darting her tongue in and out of her mouth as she pressed her body to the one beneath her.

Ending the kiss, Desiree sat up and scooted forward until her mound was hovering over Piper's mouth. As the blue-eyed woman stuck her tongue out to taste her, Desiree raised her body so that Piper would miss. The smaller woman grinned and Piper found herself grinning back as the woman turned around to face the opposite direction with her mound over Piper's mouth again. Desiree then slid down her lover's body until her mouth was directly above Piper's center. She slowly entered with her tongue, causing Piper to let out a moan before she slipped her own tongue into Desiree while she rested her hands on the smaller woman's derriere, pressing Desiree into her more. Piper knew that it would not take long before she came as Desiree's tongue found her hardened nub and started to suck on it. She in the turn did the same.

*****
Desiree hurriedly pumped her fingers in and out of herself as she began to experience the impending orgasm. She plunged her fingers deep within her center as she moaned, beads of sweat covering her entire body. "Ooooh, Piper gods!" she screamed as pleasure soared through her. Desiree began to thrash on the bed as she came, imagining that the dark-haired woman was with her right now.

*****
"Aaah, baby I love you!" Piper called out she as pressed her fingers against her clitoris. Her heart was hammering beneath her chest as she came hard and fast while imagining that Desiree's tongue was deep inside of her. Piper rocked her hips back and forth, as a low moan escaped her lips.

Minutes later Piper's breathing slowed as she opened her eyes and glanced around the room. As she had suspected, no one was there but her. She had no idea that her imagination was so vivid. Piper sighed as she turned over onto her stomach, wrapping her arms tightly around her pillows. Resting her cheek on the pillow her eyes made contact with the phone. She had to hear her voice one more time.

Sitting up, Piper switched on the light before picking up the phone and punching Desiree's number into the keypad. The phone rang a couple of times before it was picked up. Desiree's voice sounded slightly breathless as she said hello. Wrapping a hand around the telephone cord tightly, Piper closed her eyes as she listened to that voice, knowing that she would and could never forget it. Desiree repeated the greeting but Piper said nothing. She had to bite her lower lip to keep from doing so. The other woman waited a few seconds before she hung up the phone, leaving Piper listening to the dial tone.

*****
Curling underneath the covers, Desiree lay on her side as she stared at the phone. Instinctively, she knew that the caller was Piper. It had to be. Part of her wanted to call the woman back but Desiree refrained from doing so. Closing her eyes, Desiree soon fell back asleep, wondering if she would wake up again from another erotic fantasy about Piper.
*****
Finishing the next chapter of her book, Desiree saved it before shutting her computer down. She glanced at the clock and noted the time. Desiree nodded, very pleased with herself. It had taken her a little over an hour to complete six pages, which was not bad at all.


Deciding to fix herself a snack, Desiree stood up and stretched. Since it was cold today and was pouring rain, a cup of hot tea along with a bowl of chicken noodle soup and sandwich sounded good. She turned to walk out of her bedroom when the phone began to ring. Jaunting over to it, she picked the phone up and said hello. It was Taj.

"Hey little one," he said. "I started not to do this, but there is something you should know about."

He sounded as though he were in hurry. "What's that?"

"She'd kill me if she found out that I told you, but oh well. I'm willing to take that chance. Piper is on her way to Florida today. She's moving there."

"Florida?" Desiree sat down heavily on the bed. Piper was leaving?

"Yes, Florida. I just thought you might want to know. You might also want to know that her plane departs at two-thirty this afternoon at gate seven."

Desiree glanced at her clock again. It was nearly two o'clock now. Could she make it in time to LAX by two-thirty? And was she actually going to go? "Thank…thank you for telling me Taj," she said.

"You're welcome little one. I'll let you go now."

He hung up the phone before she could say anything more. Quickly making up her mind, Desiree stood up and looked around the room for something to put on. She couldn't go out wearing nothing but a flannel shirt. Well, she could but then she would most likely be arrested for indecent exposure before she could successfully arrive at gate seven. Hurrying over to her closet she opened it and found a pair of blue jeans on a hanger. Snatching the pants off of the hanger, Desiree put them on in record time before slipping into a pair of sneakers.

Grabbing her keys off of the desk, she ran out of the room and across the living room. Knocking on Larisa's door, she waited until the woman granted her access before entering. Larisa was sitting up in the bed doing a crossword puzzle.

"Hon, I'm going to the airport to stop a plane," Desiree quickly explained as her sister stared at her quizzically. "I'll be back soon. You think you'll be all right by yourself for an hour or so?"

Larisa nodded. "Sure. I'll be just fine. But what do you mean that you're going to stop a plane?"

Desiree ran over to the bed and kissed Larisa on the cheek as she smiled. "I'll explain it all when I get back 'kay? I really must run now."

Larisa smiled back, though she wondered what was going on. She had a feeling that this had something to do with Piper. "Well…go get your woman sis."

The strawberry-blonde looked at Larisa in surprise before a grin spread across her lips. "I fully intend to."

*****

Managing to locate a parking space, Desiree pulled her Honda into it before jumping out of the car and running towards the entrance of LAX. The raindrops fell down upon her, but the young woman did not notice as she ran as fast as she could. Heading into the huge airport, she found out where gate seven was and ran towards it. Other people stared at her, most thinking that she had a plane to catch and was late getting to her gate.

Reaching gate seven, Desiree groaned as she noticed that the plane with Piper in it was pulling away. She placed her palms against the glass and watched as it left the gate. Coming to a decision, Desiree ran outside, heading in the direction of the plane. She called out Piper's name, although she knew that the woman would never be able to hear her. She had a feeling that she would not be able to catch up to the plane, but Desiree knew that she would always hate herself if she did not at least attempt to.

Though hearing people yelling at her to stop, Desiree kept going. She sighed in relief as the plane stopped moving as she continued to run towards it while wildly waving her hands in the air and calling Piper's name, her throat beginning to ache with the effort. Hearing hurried footsteps behind her, Desiree ran even harder to catch up to the plane. She was running towards her life…towards the love of her life. Just as Desiree drew next to the plane, two men grabbed her by her arms, trying to pull her back. Desiree tried to fight them off, but the men were too strong. Effortlessly picking her up, they began to carry her towards the building.

"All right, all right!" Desiree yelled to the men in irritation. "I'll walk."

They put Desiree down on her feet before beginning to walk, one on either side of her as they watched her cautiously to make sure that she would not bolt towards the plane. One of the men asked Desiree what her problem was. When she did not give any sort of reply, he repeated his question a bit louder.

"I was trying to stop someone from walking out of my life forever," she stated softly as she glanced at both men. "I apologize for what I just did, but I had my reasons."

"That was a very dangerous move Ma'am."

Desiree nodded. "Yes I realize that."

As they entered the building where people were talking in small groups after having just watched the obviously psychotic young woman run after a plane, the two men continued to tell Desiree how what she did was wrong. She nodded as they talked, not really listening to a word they said. All she wanted to do now was go home and have a good cry. They finally ended their reprimanding by asking Desiree if she was going to be all right. Both men could tell that the young woman was distraught. The strawberry-blonde nodded, assuring them that she was going to just fine, though Desiree did not actually know if the reply was true. Would she be all right now that Piper had walked out of her life, seemingly for good?

When the men allowed her to go, Desiree slowly began to walk back in the direction she had come earlier. Her clothes were nearly soaked through but the young woman still did not notice as she began to feel that familiar ache. Running a hand through her wet hair, Desiree finally exited the airport and walked towards where her car was parked as the rain continued to pour. As she came upon the lot where the Honda was, she noticed a figure leaning against her car. Her eyes squinted as she looked at the figure curiously. Desiree's pace suddenly sped up, as did the beating of her heart. Could it be? No, it couldn't. Could it?

Coming closer, Desiree had her answer. It was her. Desiree did not know how, but Piper was leaning against her car at this very moment. Her face lit up as she began to smile. Desiree stopped walking when she was within twenty feet of the figure and just stared in amazement.

"What can I say?" Piper shrugged as she grinned at Desiree. "I'm a sucker for a girl that chases after an airplane." Standing upright, she opened her arms wide. "C'mon Dino. You know you wanna."

Desiree squealed in delight as she ran towards Piper. Reaching her, she jumped into the woman's arms. Both laughed as Piper swung her around in circles before putting Desiree back down on her feet. Cupping the younger woman's cheeks, Piper offered her a warm smile before leaning down and gently capturing Desiree's lips with her own in a tender yet passionate kiss.

"How did you know I was here?" Desiree asked as the kiss ended. She kept her arms around Piper's neck, both of them completely wet as fat raindrops continued to fall on them.

Piper grinned. "Well I happened to glance out of my window and see a woman who looked just like you. I knew then that I had to get off the plane, so I told the pilot that you were my crazy cousin and that I had to help you to get back to the asylum before they knew you were missing," she teased.

Desiree gently slapped her on the arm though she had a broad smile on her face. "Ha ha. Very funny. And how did you get to my car?"

"I walked."

Desiree smirked.

Piper laughed. "I found your car by sheer luck. I just kept searching the rows until I did. It was actually very easy. I was surprised that you hadn't left yet." Leaning down, she kissed Desiree again. "Anyway, the important thing is that I caught you before you left and this time I don't plan on ever letting you go."

Desiree smiled up at her dreamily. "You'll keep me forever?"

"If you'll allow me to."

"I'm yours," Desiree replied.

Piper smiled. "And I'm yours baby. I love you."

The strawberry-blonde had tears of joy strolling down her cheeks along with the raindrops. It was difficult to tell which was which. "I love you too Piper."

Piper and Desiree shared another tender kiss as they embraced one another. Both were extremely happy to be together again and this time they silently vowed that it would last for eternity.

~The End~


Okay, that's all for now folks. Hope ya'll enjoyed. There is going to be a sequel, though I know it's taking an awfully long time. However, I'm going to get working on it, so be on the lookout if you care to read further adventures starring Piper and Desiree. Thanks for reading! ;-)
~ Ambrosia ~ May 28, 2003