Strong Language/Violence: A lil' bit of the former but none of the latter. We're keeping the peace in this particular piece. By the way, there will be some borderline explicit sexual verbalization happening. Consider it Sex Ed. for adults ;-)

Feedback: Feedback is welcomed and loved. If you feel so inclined to do so, you may send me some at SumrBrezze@aol.com.

Gratitude: Thank you Shania Twain for your assistance in the making of this lil' story. I don't personally know the Canadian beauty, but unbeknownst to her (unless she's an avid reader of fan fiction) she did give me a few ideas. So muchas gracias Shania! ;-)

Other Stuff: This story mainly takes place in a department store called Shopaholics. Now as far as I know (I tried to find one) there isn't a store that has that name so I will hereby call it my store! And as far as I'm concerned, it kicks Wal-Mart, Target, and K-mart all rolled into one boo-tay's! Bwhahahaha! Okay, I'm reeeeally not as crazy as I sound…honest! ;) Anyhoo, enough of my rambling. On with the tale!

Arriving at the electronics section, Kori pulled the go-kart to a halt and turned toward her friend who had yet to utter a word since before the show she put on in the arcade. Since Skylar was looking straight ahead, Kori called her name to get her attention. However, when she didn't respond Kori had to call her twice more before blue eyes blinked and glanced in her direction questioningly.

"Are you okay? You're pretty quiet."

Nodding, Skylar briefly smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. I was just thinking."

"Penny for them? Quarter even?"

Smiling again--although this time for a longer period-- the brunette shook her head. "I'm not putting them up for sale just yet."

Returning the smile, Kori nodded. "That's fine," pausing, she leaned toward the other woman. "So are you ready to do it?"

"Do it?" Skylar very nearly whispered.

"Yeah, do it. To show you what a nice girl I can be I'll do it with you." Skylar started to speak then closed her mouth, looking reflective and a little puzzled. Kori barely held in a giggle. "I figure the sooner you do it the sooner you can get it over with." She indicated some equipment set up on a shelf. "There's the karaoke machine."

Blue eyes glanced to what she was referring to. "Oh! Right. I'm supposed to sing." Skylar nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

That captive giggle nearly breaking free, Kori coughed in the hopes of masking it. Evidently, it worked because Skylar didn't look in the least bit suspicious. "What did you think I was talking about?"

For a moment, the dentist resembled a deer caught in the headlights of an approaching mack truck. "Exactly what you were talking about." Not wanting to wait for a response, Skylar jumped out of the go-kart and headed in the direction of the karaoke machine, trying to look casual. She thought she detected a giggle but when she glanced over her shoulder toward the other woman, her expression was sober.

"Have any ideas on what you would like to sing?" Kori asked, sidling up to Skylar. "Do you listen to music?"

Fingering one of the microphones attached to the karaoke machine, the brunette nodded. "Yes, I do. My favorite is country."

Green eyes brightened with both surprise and delight. "Really? I love country. Well some anyway. Who are some of your favorite artists?"

Skylar thought for a moment before answering. "I like LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Lonestar."

"You have great taste." Smiling, Kori began to leaf through a book she found sitting next to the karaoke equipment. Using her index finger, she scrolled down a particular page until she found a possibly good song for them to perform as a duet. Showing her selection to Skylar, she asked her if she would like to sing it.

"Perfect. That's one of my favorite songs by Shania." She smiled. "Which part do you want?"

"Which do you want? It's your party so you get to choose." Kori winked and the other woman's smile broadened.

Skylar wanted to sing as little as was possible. "In that case I'll take Bryan's lines. I don't think he sings as much."

"Hon, I think we sing a lot of it concurrently." Chuckling, Kori located the correct disk and inserted it into the machine. It took her and Skylar a few minutes to figure out just how the tall rectangular box worked and when they did it was time to start their short concert. After they picked up the corded microphones, Kori pressed a button and the music to the song began to play over the speakers. Words appeared on the small screen built into the karaoke machine, but neither woman needed to look because they knew the lyrics by heart. Instead, they looked toward one another.

Waiting for the precise moment to do so, Kori began to sing and Skylar discovered just how well she could do so. She was instantly mesmerized by the younger woman's voice.

I just swear that I'll always be there. I'd give anything and everything and I will always care. Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse, I will love you with every beat of my heart.

From this moment life has begun
From this moment, you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on

From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love, I'd give my last breath
From this moment on

I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
Ooooh

You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
I will love you (I will love you)
As long as I live
From this moment on (on)
Mmmmmmmm

"Well…that was actually not so bad. Nice really," Skylar quietly admitted to the microphone still in her hand. She had a difficult time meeting Kori's eyes because if that happened she might take the smaller woman in her arms and never want to let go. Their duet was so powerful that she almost felt that they were truly singing to each other and meaning every single word. "You have a beautiful voice, Kori. You really do."

Placing her fingertips under Skylar's chin, Kori prompted her to raise her head until they were face to face. Tenderly, she smiled. "You're beautiful period." As she leaned forward, Skylar thought that she was about to kiss her on the lips but Kori missed them when her mouth landed on a smooth cheek instead. She also missed the disappointment that flashed across Skylar's face.

"I…I dig you Sky."

Though she had never heard dig used in that context, the brunette knew what she meant and a smile graced her lips. "And I dig you too Kori."

wwwww

Laying on their respective sleeping bags outside of Kori's temporary tent home, she and Skylar chatted about this and that. Since Kori already knew a little about hers, Skylar asked her about her family situation. Her parents met during the following fall after having graduated from high school, conceived their 'accidental miracle' within a couple of months, and promptly married before Kori's grandfather had the opportunity to threaten Jared Eaton with one of his numerous shotguns.

They remained married for the next seven years, mainly trying to stay a couple for the sake of their daughter, until ultimately they both decided that it wasn't working out and amicably divorced. Although they truly loved each other, it wasn't a deep romantic love one should have for their spouse. Three years later, Jared had to move to Boston because his job relocated there. However, he still called, saw, and kept his daughter on a regular basis. In fact, for the first few weeks of every summer and on alternate winter and spring breaks, Kori went to stay with him up until her senior year.

Meeting the love of his life not long after arriving in Boston, Jared married her the following year and they had two children, first a boy and then a