They ventured from the bedroom when hunger beckoned. Holly took charge of the grill and steaks, informing Tracey although she lacked cooking skills, she could tell when the meat was done. Tracey prepared a spinach salad with a light wine dressing and set a romantic table on the far side of the porch, knowing the evening sky was far too beautiful to waste. They ate, drank and talked until dusk. Just as the sun began to set, Tracey took Holly by the hand, leading her to the end of the dock. They sat on the weathered boards of the dock with their feet dangling off the end just inches from the water.
Holly sat behind Tracey, wrapping her arms securely around the teacher's waist and resting her chin on her shoulder. She placed small kisses on the side of her neck as she felt Tracey's hands cover hers. The western sky danced with streaks of reds and oranges. The water sparkled just as the day ended and night greeted them. The word heaven ran through Holly's head. If there was such a place where people found peace and beauty, she was sitting in the middle of it. She felt content for the first time in a long time. Being in Tracey's presence sent her emotions into a hyper-sensitive mode. It was as if the air buzzed around them. She nuzzled Tracey's hair, smelling the floral scented shampoo she used.
Holly sat behind Tracey, wrapping her arms securely around the teacher's waist and resting her chin on her shoulder. She placed small kisses on the side of her neck as she felt Tracey's hands cover hers. The western sky danced with streaks of reds and oranges. The water sparkled just as the day ended and night greeted them. The word heaven ran through Holly's head. If there was such a place where people found peace and beauty, she was sitting in the middle of it. She felt content for the first time in a long time. Being in Tracey's presence sent her emotions into a hyper-sensitive mode. It was as if the air buzzed around them. She nuzzled Tracey's hair, smelling the floral scented shampoo she used.
Waiting until the last ray of sunlight disappeared, Tracey turned and kissed Holly. A warm soothing kiss, nothing hurried, like a promise of what was yet to come. Standing up, Tracey offered Holly a hand to her feet. There was no rush to climb the stairs to the bedroom. Slowly, they undressed each other, watching as the other stripped off their shirts and shorts.
Holly lifted the covers and let Tracey slip between the soft cotton sheets. Waiting until Tracey looked at her; she leaned over and kissed her. She slowly crawled on top of Tracey, careful not to put her full weight on her. They touched, breast to breast, belly to belly. She slid her thigh between Tracey's, gasping as Tracey pressed her lips to her a sensitive spot on her ear. There was no hurry, the night belonged to them.
~
Friday turned into a lazy morning for the couple. Holly woke in Tracey's arms just as the clock on the dresser glowed ten o'clock. Holly smiled at the memory of her name on Tracey's lips. She had taken the teacher to multiple peaks until they fell asleep sated. She snuggled against the warm breast her head rested on. Turning her head slightly, she was able to take the nipple into her mouth, feasting on the firm round mound once again. In a few moments, she felt Tracey move against her. Their naked bodies intertwined. Holly brought her thigh between Tracey's legs, pressing hard against her center. Tracey pushed against her thigh and flipped Holly on to her back. Her wet center painted her desire on Holly's muscular thigh. Holly knew they would climax quickly at this pace. She tried to slow the climax by shifting her position. Instead, Tracey straddled her hips, wanting more. Her legs were bent at the knees and she rode against Holly's center like a seasoned jockey. A muffled groan came from Tracey as Holly slipped two fingers inside her. Tracey lifted and lowered her sex on the fingers, trying to find the pinnacle of passion.
"More... When Holly added a third finger, the bed squeaked as Tracey bucked against her hand, banging the headboard against the wall. Holly watched in awe as Tracey thrust against her, harder and faster.
"That's it baby!" Tracey screamed as she threw her head back, lost in the moment. Her hands cupped her breasts, pinching the nipples and crying out. "Holly!" She collapsed on top of Holly's chest wearing a grin like the cat that ate the canary.
Holly slowly withdrew her fingers despite the groans of protest from the woman on top of her. She heard the bed squeak again and chuckled, wondering if there would be scratches on the hard wood floor beneath.
"Don't laugh at me." Tracey whined as she cuddled closer, kissing Holly's shoulder.
"Good morning to you too." Holly let her fingers run through the wild locks of Tracey's hair. "I wasn't laughing at you. I wish I could have this wake up call everyday." She let her hands run up and down Tracey's back. "I'd rarely hit the snooze button."
"You hit a button alright, but it definitely wasn't snooze." Tracey stretched like a cat waking from a nap. Her arms straight above her head and her back swayed as she unintentionally pressed against Holly's center. She smiled at the figure prone under her rear. "Come on, let's shower and see what trouble we can get into today." She leaned down and placed a love bite on Holly's neck before scrambling out of arm reach.
"Ouch!" Holly rubbed her neck as she scrambled out of bed, following Tracey into the bathroom.
~
Venturing into the small village, they spent a couple of hours browsing antique stores and walking along the water exploring the marina. Holly kept pointing out the sail boats with their sails billowing in the wind as they made their way out to sea. Tracey held her hand as they chatted while sightseeing. As they walked down the main street, Holly noted a lesbian couple outside the hardware store. She nudged Tracey and gestured towards the two women kissing goodbye in the middle of the parking lot.
"They look local." Tracey commented as she watched the blonde with the red smock walk back in the store.
"Did her uniform give it away that she works there?" Holly teased as she squeezed the hand in hers. The light jab to her ribs stopped the teasing from continuing. "I really like it out here. It's like a different world. No one's in a hurry. There aren't any sirens screaming in the air." Just as she finished her sentence, the siren on top of the Fire Station began to wail. The oversized garage doors lifted, revealing an ambulance and fire truck with all their lights blazing. The sharp toot of the truck's horn announced its departure from the depths of the garage. The ambulance followed the rig closely as they headed out of town towards the main highway. When she heard Tracey clear her throat, she tried to suppress her smile.
"Maybe you should ask for a million dollars." Her gray eyes twinkling in the sunshine, Tracey waited for Holly to20answer.
Throwing her head back, Holly cupped a hand to the side of her mouth and screamed, "I want a million dollars!" She held her hands out as if the cash would fall like rain from the sky.
"Me too honey!" A driver who was stopped for the emergency vehicles hollered back. Tracey busted out laughing, practically falling to the ground in hysterics. Holly stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for Tracey to gather her composure.
"How about lunch? That seems more realistic." Holly watched the traffic pass by, wondering if they thought Tracey was having an attack of some kind. "Well, if I ever get a million bucks, I'm not sharing with you."
"Awhhh... don't be that way. It was funny." Tracey wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "And you're cute when you blush." Holly leaned over and kissed the top of her head. Although she didn't voice it, she thought the guy's come back was hysterical. She'd never admit it to Tracey.
They ventured to a small bistro with an outside patio that overlooked the waterfront. The waitress set down some menus and gave them a warm smile.
"This is nice." Holly mentioned as she opened the menu.
They ate all the food they ordered, leaving nothing on the plates for the gulls to even think about. They thanked the waitress and walked towards the Jeep parked at the far end of the bridge.
"Do you want to head back since my money isn't showing up yet? Maybe we can go out on the boat for a while."
"Great idea. I can't wait to see what you look like in a bathing suit." Tracey whispered as she held tight to Holly's side. "And I want to continue what you started this morning."
"Don't even get me started with that, Ms. Campbell. You were just as guilty of occupying my time."
"Oh, and I wouldn't mind doing it again." She leaned over and kissed Holly's ear. "And again... and again." She nipped Holly's ear with her teeth.
"Shit..." Holly pushed her away. "Enough, or we're going to make a scene right here." Holly stepped away and began to walk backwards towards the car. "I doubt the locals would appreciate the visiting lesbians if we continue on this subject. Can I drive?"
"Sure." Tracey flipped the keys to her.
They headed back to Maxie's house, taking the back way off the main roads. Holly felt Tracey's hand on her leg and her mind drifted. For the first time in a long time, she felt relaxed. A romantic get away was just what she needed. Although the weekend had barely started, she hoped they would continue the closeness they had now. Holly glanced towards the water and saw a house with a For Sale by Owner sign in the front yard. She slowed the car and glanced back towards the house. "Did you see that house?"
"No." Tracey turned in the seat trying to gaze out the back window. "Pull over or turn around. The last thing=2 0we need is to end up in the emergency room."
"That would be interesting." Holly flashed a quick smile and pulled into the next drive way.
The red jeep reversed. The well weathered sign with a faded telephone number slumped across the high grass in the yard. The gravel and crushed seashell driveway curled towards the front of the white two story house with a large detached garage. Three double hung windows showcased the second floor as flagstone flower beds and walkway invited company towards the front door.
"Oh, it's beautiful." Tracey said as she took in the high peaks of the clapboard white and navy trim. The square cuts of gray flagsto ne ran across the front. On the porch sat well weathered Adirondack chairs which may have been white but faded to a dull gray.
"Wow, this is nice." Holly stopped the Jeep in front of one of the garage doors. "You want to look around?"
"Holly, are we looking for a house?" Tracey asked. The night of the party, they spoke briefly about living together, but never had an all out discussion regarding the subject.
"What harm will it do to look? Besides, it's cool." Holly leaned across t he armrest and kissed her. "Come on, it will be adventurous." Holly unfolded her long legs as she exited the car. She leaned and gestured for Tracey to join her.
"Your definition of adventurous is trespassing on someone property? I don't see the adventure in that." Tracey mumbled under her breath as she left the security of the car. "There better not be anyone home." Holly was already on the porch peering through the front windows.
"Look at this place." She said as she shielded her forehead against the glass pane. Hardwood floors coated with a layer of dust on them appeared to be in good shape and ran through most of the main level. A large front room and kitchen were on one side of the home. "Let's go around back."
From the back yard, the opposite side of the lagoon sat. A twenty foot dock floated on the waves. There was a sleek glossy black painted sailboat moored at the end. The teak wood and silver adornments shone in the afternoon sun. The name of the boat, Lady in Waiting, was scrawled on the black stern in large white letters. Holly wondered if the property owner was the same person who owned the boat. She turned back to the house and went window to window, trying to get a better glimpse of the interior. Finding a large sliding glass door, she pressed her forehead against the glass. She felt Tracey's body make contact next to her. The dark haired teacher mirrored her actions and looked into the home. The kitchen was large, with a breakfast bar and eating area.
"The kitchen is huge. Bigger than yours."
"It is. I love the yard, the porch. Oh, did you see?" Holly turned and pointed to the dock and the boat.
"A sail boat... humm. I think I've found a small vice of yours." Tracey turned back to the house.
"Do you like it?"
"The house?" At Holly's nod. "Oh course, it's beautiful."
"I'm going to call." Holly pulled out her phone and began to dial.
"Holly, we can't." Tracey heard the fear in her voice and watched as Holly disconnected the line.
"Why not? I just want to put some feelers out there? Are you scared?"
"It's too much, too soon." Tracey turned away. Scared, yes, she was de finitely scared. Holly said she wanted Tracey to live with her, but neither of them mentioned it again. Maybe Holly wanted to get information about the house and that was it. Tracey ran her hand along the window sill then turned to lean against the side of the house. Holly heard the hesitance in her voice and lifted her chin to look into the silver eyes of her lover.
"I just want to see how much it is. Not buy it. Hell, can you imagine the commute I'd have to Jessup?" She skimmed her lips across Tracey's, bringing a smile to the teacher's face. "God, you feel good." Holly said as she pressed her body into Tracey's.
"We can't." Tracey said as she threw back her head to allow Holly access to her neck and let her hands roam up and down Holly's back, then coming to rest on her hips. Holly pushed her up against the wall of the house and slid her thigh between Tracey's legs. Tracey put her hands around Holly's neck and pulled her closer. Bringing Holly's head down to her, she planted a full blown kiss on Holly's mouth, leaving the doctor breathless. With a finger, she pushed Holly an arm's length away before she uttered. "House! Now!" Tracey yelled as she scrambled off the back porch and raced to her car. Holly, hot on her heels, jumped into the passenger's seat just as Tracey put it in reverse and buzzed out the driveway.
A cloud of dust followed the Jeep down the gravel road as Tracey raced to the house. Holly's hand stroked her inner thigh. The five minute drive to the house seemed to take forever. The Jeep speed into driveway, Tracey slammed on the brakes.
"What the fuck!" Tracey's voice echoed off the interior of the car. In the driveway, Maxie's Land Rover sat parked crookedly near the boat house.
"Is that Maxie's car?" Holly asked as she shifted in her seat, leaning towards the front window to get a better look. "I thought..." Her statement left unfinished as their host stood on the porch with a large tumbler in her hand, waving at them. The contents of the cup spilled over the side and on to the porch.
"I can't believe it." She could hear the anger in Tracey's voice as the teacher's fingers wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. The Jeep continued and abruptly stopped at the side of the house and Tracey jumped out. She charged towards the porch, her back ramrod straight, her shoulders rigid and her hands flying in the air as sh e confronted Maxie. Holly took in the scene unfolding on the porch. She had witnessed this situation a number of times in the emergency room. No matter what Tracey said, Maxie would do what she wanted. Dealing with intoxicated individual challenged professionals, Tracey's approach to Maxie's state could quickly escalate the situation. Holly hoped the VP wasn't an angry drunk. When Maxie tripped trying to get closer to Tracey, Holly stepped from the car.
"You promised."
"Ahhh..." Maxie brought the palm of her hand up to her forehead like a V-8 commercial, except in her state, she smacked the crap out of herself. "Ouch..." She rubbed the spot she had just hit. 9 CTracey... hey baby. I'm here."
"Maxie, this is the weekend Holly and I were coming out here alone. We talked about it."
"Who?"
"Holly, my girlfriend."
"You're my girlfriend." The words slurred as Maxie tipped the cup towards her lips.
"God damn it Maxine! I'm not your girlfriend. I'm your friend and at this moment I'm questioning that." Tracey let her hand run through her hair, pushing the mass behind her ears. "This is the weekend you said I could use the house. Holly and I were supposed to have a weekend alone." Tracey reminded her. "Why did you do this?"
"That's this weekend?" She tilted her head and looked at Tracey. When Holly approached the women, Maxie's inebriation induced rant continued. "Who the fuck is that?" Her venomous remark was targeted at Holly.
"Hello Maxie." Holly said as she placed a hand on the small of Tracey's back trying to sooth her mood. Tracey placed a possessive arm around Holly's waist, drawing her close like a shield a warrior would carry into battle.
"You know Holly." The skewed look on Maxie's face conveyed she didn't. Tracey glanced at Holly for support. "You've been to her house. She's the doctor."
"Doctor..." Maxie laughed. "What's up Doc?" Her laughter continued until she saw the couple in an embrace. "You're supposed to be with me! Why don't you love me?" The glassy eyed woman leaned back against a porch column and slid to the wooden planks. Tracey hesitated before she stepped forward. She felt the reassuring touch of Holly urging her forward.
"Let's=2 0get you to the couch and take nap." Tracey knelt in front of her friend. With her fingers, she brushed an unruly lock of hair out of Maxie's eyes. "We'll talk about this later." Tracey helped Maxie to her feet, her eyes holding with Holly's as she led Maxie inside.
"Talk about what babe?" Maxie swayed until Tracey grabbed her around the waist to steady her.
"Holly?" Tracey called.
"Get her settled." Holly ran a hand through her hair. She questioned if Maxie had driven from the city drunk or if she started once she got to the house. She wa tched as the pair stumbled through the house to the sectional couch in front of the fireplace. Needing a little space, Holly walked over towards the black Range Rover. She knew Maxie had a good job and money. From the conversations she had with Tracey and the interactions she had with Maxie, something in her past still haunted her. In the Emergency Room, she treated people hurt by drunk drivers every day. She didn't want to knowingly let Maxie hurt anyone. The driver's door sat ajar and the keys dangled from the ignition. Sitting in the cup holder between the front seats, an empty fifth of Jim Beam Black rested. Lipstick the shade of Maxie's rimmed the lip of the bottle. She glanced back towards the house. Tracey unknowingly enabled her friend's behavior. She placed the bottle on top of the truck's roof, grabbed the keys from the column and shut the door. She carried the empty with her to show Tracey.
"She's asleep."
"She's passed out." Holly corrected and held up the bottle for inspection. "Is this normal for her?"
"No." Tracey stepped down on the steps. She wrapped her arms around her waist and leaned against the porch hand rail. "Something has to be bothering her. She's never this bad."
"Don't make excuses for her. She's lucky she didn't kill someone driving like that."
"Please understand." Tracey grumbled. Her mood completely ruined with Maxie's presence.
"Understand what? Your best friend is in love with you..." Holly's observation made Tracey frown. Holding her thoughts for a moment, Holly chose her words carefully. "She has a serious drinking problem Tracey. She needs help." She held up a hand to stop whatever retort Tracey was going to deliver. "She needs to admit her problem first. You can't do this for her. Believe me, I've seen it enough. She has to do it for herself." Holly walked up to where Tracey stood and placed a hand on her forearm. "You can support her. B e her friend, but don't make excuses for her behavior. She's an adult." Holly had experienced abusive drunks in the ER many times in the course of her career. Maxie didn't fit the typical mold. She was successful, with a career and money. And from the way Tracey defended her, the loyalty of her friends.
"She's got no one else."
"Support her." Holly repeated. She could see the tears forming in Tracey's eyes. "She has a strong connection with you. Stronger than I would prefer." Tracey placed her hands on Holly's face, bringing their lips together. The kiss was slow at first as Tracey savored every essence Holly had, tasting the moist texture of lips against one another, unbelievably soft, as20a soft whisper escaped from Tracey. Holly opened her mouth, inviting Tracey to deepen the meeting. The lust filled need which drove them back to the house returned. Their mouths broke apart, yet their foreheads rested together. "Is that our first make-up kiss?"
Were we fighting?"
"Clearing the tension is more like it. If you kiss like that as a make up, I may start more fights with you."
"Watch it Graham, I throw a mean right hook." Tracey pulled away her eyes.
I don't plan on finding out. Let's take the boat for a ride and let Maxie rest." Holly held up the keys to the Toyota. "We can take these with us."
"Good idea." Tracey stepped to the grass and wrapped her arm around Holly's waist. "Just you and me." She trailed her finger down Holly's ribbed tank top, letting her hand come to rest on the waist band of her shorts. "Why don't you go change into your swim suit?" She tugged at the material. "Let me know if you need help."
"Right..." Holly said as she stepped past her. "We both know we'd never leave the room if you were helping me." < SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
"That's why I'm being good and staying here."
~
The boat sped across the channel into the open water of the Chesapeake Bay. Tracey turned towards her passenger who stood with one hand on the frame of the front window and the other gripping the high cushioned seat. For the past hour, Tracey had played tour guide, showing Holly the ins and outs of the water ways. Spying the piece of land she searched for, Tracey eased back on the throttle. The Bayliner slowed as Tracey steered towards the small inlet.
"What's up?" Holly learned quickly to hang on to a part of the boat. Tracey thoroughly enjoyed piloting the twenty-two foot bo at. Tracey pointed to the deserted sandy beach which seemed to stretch on for a mile.
"It's private for the association. Tomorrow, it will be packed. Today, it's all ours." Tracey let the engine idle as they entered shallow water. She taught Holly how to man the tow lines and anchor. When she nodded, Holly threw the heavy steel weight into the water. "Not shabby for a green horn!" Tracey teased as she let the blower run and placed the motor in neutral.
Holly leaned over the back of the boat surprised she could see the sand covered bottom. When Tracey shut off the motor, grabbed her beach bag and turned to Holly. "Ready to relax?"
"I'm more relaxed than I've been in months."
"Humm...I seem to remember you lying prone in a very relaxed position." Tracey recalled Holly turning to jelly and collapsing on the mattress hours before. The blush rising in Holly's cheeks made her center throb. No one had ever enticed such a response.
"Behave, or I will not be responsible for my actions." Holly slipped over the side. On her tall frame the water came to her waist. "Ohh!"
"Cold?"
"A little." Holly gestured for Tracey to hand her the bag. She lifted the bag high above her head and walked towards the shore. Tracey splashed into the water.
"Jesus..." Tracey hissed as her feet hit the cold water. Holly laughed as she reached the beach, watching Tracey quickly wade through the water. "That's cold."
"Yeah, but it's worth it." Tracey gestured towards the white sandy beach. "I'll rub lotion on you!" The raised eyebrows and the crooked grin had Holly pulling the large beach towels out of the bag and onto the sand. Settling her stomach on the surface of the beach towel, she handed the lotion bottle to Tracey.
Tracey took the lotion and bit her lip as she watched Holly's hands undo the top of her suit, holding the tiniest piece of material to her chest, and lay on the towel. "Sure." Tracey watched as Holly settled on the towel, her heart pounded against her chest as she took in the expanse of exposed skin begging for her touch. Tracey knelt on her towel next to Holly's. She looked up at the afternoon sun. If Holly wasn't careful, she'd burn.
"Are you comfortable?" Tracey heard the soft moan as her answer. She opened the bottle and placed some of the white substance on her hands. "It's a little cool to the touch." =2 0The murmur of a response was buried in the towel.
"You shouldn't have kept me up all night. I need to sleep." Holly shifted her hips. Her arms at her side, she waited for Tracey's weight to settle on her. When it didn't come, she let out a huff. "You're killing me."
"I'm not. Besides, you said you needed rest." Tracey settled on her towel. She lay on her back and placed a pair of sunglasses over her eyes. She stole a glance at Holly who had fallen asleep. "Get some rest, you're going to need it." Tracey smiled as she rubbed sun lotion on her arms and face. Maxie be damned, she was going to have a great weekend with Holly.
~
Chapter 16
Tracey tapped the toe of her Tommy Choo shoe on the floor of the banquet hall. In a moment of insanity, she had volunteered to chaperone the senior prom. Her reasons at the time were to get in the good graces of the budget committee, with the hopes of uniform approval. Her team really needed new uniforms for next season. When Mr. Holmes, the principal, asked for commitments from the staff for the May prom, Tracey raised her hand. Tonight, she regretted her decision. If she wanted to get dressed up and go out for a night on the town, she'd rather be with Holly than the senior students of Bayview High School. Her dress was one she had worn three years ago as bridesmaid for her college roommate. The emerald colored dress, altered from its original length, hung at the knee. For once, a bridal dress could actually be hemmed and worn for a special occasion. There was no way she was throwing three hundred dollars away on a dress she wore only once. The married couple was already heading to divorce court by the time Tracey found an alternative use for the dress. A smile crept on to her face as she recalled Holly's face when she walked into the ER earlier this evening.
The doctor was chatting with members of her staff when the dark skinned man who ran the admissions desk lifted his head as Tracey entered the unit.&nbs p; His bright white teeth shone in a smile as he nodded his approval to the teacher. Holly quit speaking when she realized her staff was preoccupied with something or some one behind her.
Tracey watched as the blonde haired doctor slowly turned to face her. The look on Holly's face went from total confusion to that of desire. Tracey walked up to the doctor and wrapped her arms around her neck. The light amount of pressure to the back of Holly's neck allowed their lips to meet. Tracey stood on her tip toes, running her fingers through the length of hair on the back of Holly's head.
"God... you're stunning." Holly said as soon as she lifted her lips from Tracey's. Their foreheads still touched as Tracey played with the hair at her collar. &nb sp; "I wish I was going with." Holly touched her lips to Tracey's again.
"We have a date afterwards, remember that Dr. Hot Stuff." Tracey let her fingers linger along Holly's shoulders and down her arms to her hands. With a quick squeeze, she turned away and headed back out the ambulance bay doors. "I just wanted to say hello." She gave Sandra wink then turned to blow a kiss to Holly.
"I remember." Holly called. She stood there, stunned at the brazen actions of the teacher.
"Come on Dr. Hot Stuff, you've got a patient."&nbs p; Sandra shoved a file at Holly. The doctor grabbed it, but her attention was still on the retreating figure in the green dress. "I like her. Don't screw it up Doc."
"I do too." Holly said as she opened the file to attend to the next patient.
Tracey laughed all the way to the car. She would love to see how Holly was handling being totally groped in the middle of the ER. She knew the staff knew of Holly's relationship with her, but you never can tell. Now standing at the entrance way greeting her students, Tracey looked at her watch, six and a half hours to go until she would find herself in Holly's arms for the night.
Tracey glanced towards the DJ who was spinning th e worst music of any event she had ever been subjected to. She thought the Bar Mitzvah for her neighbor's son Barry had the most torturous music. At least that had been in Hebrew. Tracey was proud of her players. Zoey had shown up with her friend Malcolm. She tried not to have a bias towards Michelle, but ever since the incident at the grocery store, Tracey steered clear of her former player. She brushed the incident off. Holly became upset about the student questioning her private life. When Holly mentioned Michelle's appearance at the ER again, Tracey wondered if the student needed assistance or counseling. She wasn't going to worry about Michelle, since the senior never approached her directly. The senior would be on her way to college soon. Tracey wanted to concentrate all of her free time on her relationship with Holly.
Since returning from their get away weekend, they hadn't spent a lot of time together. The newest crop of interns starting at Jessup had Holly training and covering their orientation to the field of Emergency Medicine. Her pager went off constantly. Interns with questions about treatment, medications, schedules and whatever else came up bombarded the Attending at every hour of the day. Holly never complained. She'd rather them ask the questions than misdiagnose or exacerbate a patience's health.
Tracey stood knee deep in wrapping up the school year and dealing with senior angst. Some of these kids would be off to college and away from home for the first time. Her Advanced Biology class, which consisted of mostly seniors, was having trouble passing the class. If they failed, they didn't graduate. Tracey knew most of her students had the potential to pass the class, but senioritis was very contagious. If a few students didn't straighten out, they would be looking at summer school.
The music stopped for a moment and the DJ announced dinner service was beginning. Tracey and the other members of the faculty chaperones sat at the table assigned to them. Tracey had worked with a number of them for years. Among the group sat Gerald Washington, the Government and Economics teacher and his wife, Lucille, who worked with Maxie at the bank. When Lucille took the seat next to Tracey, she knew the conversation would turn towards Maxie eventually.
"How was your spring break? Do anything exciting?" Her colleague's spouse asked.
"I spent a couple of days at the shore."
"At Maxie's house?" At Tracey's nod, Lucille continued, her voice filled with excitement. "I love that place. It's such a waste she only uses it on the weekends. Was Maxie with you?"
"You could say that. She was there for a couple of days." Tracey thought back to the confrontation she had with Maxie, once she sobered up. She and Holly had just returned from their afternoon out on the water.
Tracey brought the Bayliner up to one of the dock's pilings. The sound of the powerful inboard-outboard motor approaching then slowing in the lagoon had Maxie waiting on the=2 0strip of grass between the house and water.
"Ummm..." Holly started.
"Why don't you take a shower and I'll start dinner. I want to talk with Max." Tracey maneuvered the boat in the water so its plastic fenders gently bumped against the protective covering on the dock. "Holly, grab that pole." The doctor reached out and grabbed the protruding metal of the dock.
Maxie hurried along the dock to assist with the boat's docking. She took hold of the rope at the front of the boat and secured it to a cleat on the boards. She had her hand against her forehead to block out the evening sun. She glanced at Holly, but focused her attention on Tracey. The scowl on the teacher's face had Maxie wondering if there was something wrong with the boat.
"Nice landing. You okay?" Maxie held out her hand to assist Tracey from the craft. Holly climbed onto the dock without any acknowledgement from the owner.
"Holly." Tracey called to the tall figure who had just reached the shore. "I may join you." The blush that colored her face made Tracey smile. The smile faded as soon as she turned her attention to Maxie. She disregarded the offered hand and climbed out of the boat.
"Well, hello to you too." Maxie crossed her arms over her chest and stood watching Tracey secure the boat to the dock. "You know you could at least give me a greeting, after all it is my house and my boat."
"Funny Maxine, we exchanged pleasantries a few hours ago." The strange look that passed over the banker's face let Tracey know she had no memory of their earlier exchange. "When did you get here?"
"Not that long ago." Maxie shrugged her shoulders.
"Really, try six hours ago. Holly and I came back from lunch and you were here drunk as a skunk."
"Yeah right. Tracey I just got here."
"How Maxie?"
"I drove."
"Where are your keys?" Tracey challenged. When Maxie felt her pockets, Tracey knew she didn't know where they were.
"On the counter probably, or in the Rover."
"I have your keys." Tracey held up the key chain that belonged to her friend. "I took them so you didn't go for another drive."
Tracey turned to face her friend, her hands planted on her hips. "What is going on with you?"
"Nothing." Maxie glanced towards the house when the screen door banged behind Holly.
"You said I could use the house this weekend." Tracey waited for her words to sink in.
"Remember, I wanted to have a romantic weekend with Holly. You said I could use the house and the boat. No one would bother us."
"No one is bothering you." Maxie answered.
"Oh yeah!" Tracey walked pass her to the shore. "You're here."
"It's my house."
"I know that." Tracey pinched the bridge of her nose, a habit she had when things weren't.
"How do you think it makes me feel when you're drunk and declaring your love for me in front of my girlfriend?" Tracey waited. "I'll tell you how it feels. It feels like you and I need to get a few things straight."
"Straight... yeah right." Maxie laughed.
"Go ahead and laugh. You drove here smashed off your ass. You could have hurt someone." When Maxie smirked at her, Tracey continued. "You were falling down and slurring. Gee Maxine, I don't know why I won't go out with you." Tracey watched as Maxie's jaw tightened and her smile disappeared. "I will not be your girlfriend ever ever again." Tracey pushed a finger into Maxie's shoulder. "Got it."
"You're being over dramatic." Maxie backed up a step.
"Listen to me. Either you leave or we will. I had very specific plans with Holly, which included as much sex as possible."
"Jesus, Tracey what is it with you and this doctor? Can't you see she's no good for you?"
"Are you kidding? Holly is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She is sweet, caring, and she makes me laugh." Tracey regarded the banker who just stared at her. "I'm in love with her."
"Does she love you?" Maxie's question made Tracey pause. The teacher knew Holly had ne ver confessed her feelings. She knew there was an attraction but she wasn't about to let Maxie know the internal battle between her heart and her head.
"Are you leaving or are we?"
"Can't we all stay here?"
"You agreed that I could use the house. I told you I'd rent a place so we could be by ourselves."
"You don't need to rent a place. Jesus, you don't make that much money to go wasting it on her.E2
"It's not a waste!" Her finances were not a concern of Maxie's. "Again, we wanted to be by ourselves." Tracey brushed past the banker and headed into the house.
Holly stood at the bottom of the steps. Tracey wondered if she heard the question Maxie asked her. "Get packed, we're going to find somewhere else to stay." Tracey walked towards the phone hanging on the kitchen wall. She pulled out the yellow pages and began to look for accommodations. With each page she flipped, she cursed quietly. When she went to pick up the receiver, she looked at Holly. Holly gestured towards Maxie who appe ared to be crying.
"I'm going to take a shower. Tracey, let me know what you've decided." Holly went to Tracey's side and kissed her temple. "Talk to her. She's confused and hurting. Just try for me."
Holly went up the wooden staircase to the second floor. Tracey placed the phone back in the cradle. "You know everywhere out here is booked solid for the weekend."
"Tracey, can't you stay?"
"We're going to stay. I just wish you had stuck by your promise." Tracey lowered her head. She started towards the steps. "I'll be down in a bit to start dinner."
"I can..."
"No, Maxie, I will cook. I don't want you to do anything for us." Tracey grabbed the hand rail and started up the steps. Half way up she turned to Maxie. "I don't understand why you do the things you do sometimes Maxie. I wanted to let you know you've hurt me for the last time." Tracey went upstairs and found comfort in Holly's arms. For the remainder of the weekend, they avoided Maxie. The banker proceeded to get inebriated each day until they left.
"Have you seen Maxine lately?" Lucille folded her linen napkin on her lap. Gerald huffed out a breath and gave his wife a stern look.
"It's been a few weeks. We had a disagreement and haven't spoken since." Tracey refused Maxie's calls and ignored her when she knocked on her apartment door. Even Piper asked what was going on between her mutual friends. Tracey replied with Maxie's need to grow up.
"She's been missing work. I hope everything is alright." Lucille commented as the server placed her dinner on the table.
=0 A
"I'm sure she's fine." Tracey wondered if Maxie found solace at the bottle of a whiskey bottle. "Maxie wouldn't tell anyone if it wasn't."
Hours later when one of her co-workers mentioned the words "last dance" every bone in Tracey's feet rejoiced. The shoes she borrowed from her mother were fashionable not practical.
"Dance with me." Tracey's head shot towards the voice next to her. Michelle Stanley stood holding her hand out to the teacher. Tracey shook her head wondering if she had heard the student correctly. "Dance with me, Tracey." The student requested again.
"Michelle," Tracey started calmly but heard the screaming in her head to yell at this kid and get a reality check. "You are a student, I'm a teacher. It is highly inappropriate." Tracey heard the first bars of Whitney Houston's Saving All My Love. "Besides, this is a slow song." Tracey tried to make light of the awkward situation.
"You're a lesbian. You've danced with women before. Dance with me." Michelle demanded as she placed her hand on Tracey's forearm. Tracey's eyes shot towards Zoey and Malcolm, wondering if the students had broken their promise.
"No."&n bsp; Tracey's forceful rejection caught the attention of the nearby crowd. Tracey took a few steps backwards and into Mr. Holmes. "I'm not sure what you're referring to Michelle, but I think you'd have a much better chance of finding a dance partner amongst your peers." Tracey placed Mr. Holmes between herself and Michelle.
"Come on coach, I was just joking. Lighten up." The former center smiled sweetly and called to a passing boy.
"What was that all about Ms. Campbell?" Mr. Holmes took in her pale face and shocked expression.
"I'm not quite sure what to make of it myself." Tracey's hand had a vice-like grip on the edge of the table. "When I figure it out, I'll let you know." Tracey put a hand to her face. She was burning up. "I'm not feeling well. Do you mind if I call it a night?" Tracey asked as she opened her clutch purse searching for her keys.
"Not at all Tracey. I hope you feel better." The principal said as he watched one of his favorite employees flee the prom.
~
Holly waited impatiently in her living room. The flicking of the candle light danced in the air, making odd shadows on the walls. Holly had run around the house trying to get everything perfect. Since the strange weekend at the shore, she felt as if a gap was growing with Tracey. She could blame the crop of new residents she was overseeing. The medical board for the Emergency Room had yet to name the Chief Resident for the department. Once that was settled, Holly's responsibility would shift to them. As part of the board, she was balancing meetings, students, staff, patience's, and her personal life. The neglect fell mostly on Tracey. Tonight, she planned on rectifying the situation.
Rushing home from work an hour ago, she immediately set the dozen pink roses in a vase on the coffee table and went through the house placing dozens of white candles. Once in place, she headed upstairs to shower and change before Tracey came home. The prom always seemed to be a traditional night of passage for most people. Holly never understood this concep t, since she had never attended any type of formal dance while in school. She wanted to set the mood as if she and Tracey actually attended the prom tonight. Next year, she would ask Tracey to attend the HRC gala, instead of going as Greg and Mark's third wheel date.
Freshly showered, Holly dressed in a pair of brush black slacks, a white tuxedo shirt with pearl inlayed shirt studs. The matching jacket hung on the back of the dining room chair. The only thing missing was Tracey. The emerald green dress Tracey wore knocked Holly's socks off. She stood staring at Tracey's retreating figure long enough for her staff to be concern. If Rollins hadn't smacked her in the arm, she would have stood there all night burning the memory of the teacher's backside in her mind.
Distracted for five minutes, she went a round the house lighting the candles. The plan called for Holly to surprise Tracey at the kitchen door dressed in the tuxedo with a rose. Diligently, she listened for the Jeep to make its way down the back drive and for the door to slam shut. She didn't know how it happened, but when she turned around from fixing the stereo, Tracey stood in the living room, basked in candle light.
"Shit." Holly pouted. Her plan ruined.
"Well good evening to you too." Tracey eyed Holly's outfit, then the candles in the room. "Are you expecting company?"
"I wanted to surprise you." Holly stood20in front of Tracey, her head lowered. Tracey took her hand and lifted the doctor's chin to gaze in her soulful brown eyes.
"I'm surprised." Tracey's breath caught when she walked into the house. Her car refused to start and she was able to catch a ride with the Washingtons, since they were heading to Holly's side of town. The candle-filled room with the romantic music playing softly through the speakers and the sight of Holly in the tuxedo made her heart pound against her chest. The scrubs did not do the doctor's figure justice. "You look sharp." Tracey lifted an eyebrow as Holly ran her hand through her hair in frustration.
"I wanted to greet you at the door." Holly lifted a hand to cup Tracey's cheek. Her thumb skimmed across her skin lightly. "I can't seem to do anything right lately."
"What are you talking about?" Tracey leaned into the warmth of Holly's hand. "You haven't done anything wrong."
"It's just me." Holly pulled her hand away. She knew her insecurities were starting to rear their ugly heads. With Pam, the distance between them started slowly. Holly failed to recognize it until it was too late to do anything about it. With Tracey, she felt like she was losing the teacher's interest. "Hi." Holly leaned for a small kiss. 20"You look beautiful tonight."
"Holly, greet me at the door." Tracey gave her a small kiss then walked out the back door.
Knocking softly, Tracey expected the door to open immediately. Concerned when Holly didn't answer, she knocked again. The door opened hastily, Holly stood there looking dashing, her tuxedo jacket on, a single rose in her hand and Come on Get Higher by Matt Nathanson playing in the background. Her eyes looking only at Tracey, she smiled and handed her the rose.
"I never got to go to my prom. I thought you'd like to fill that void." Holly held a hand out. Tracey=2 0laced her fingers with Holly's, wondering how she got so lucky.
"Best offer I've had all night." Tracey said as she wrapped her arms around Holly's waist and pulled her in for a hug. Resting her head on Holly's shoulder for a moment, Tracey lifted her head and brought their lips together. Her hands roamed from Holly's waist, up her back and into her hair. The intensity of their kiss increased. Mouths opened as nips were exchanged.
"You're beautiful." Holly pulled away but grabbed one of Tracey's hands. She backed up into the living room. "That first night you came over, we danced in my living room."
"I remember." Tracey felt the blush in her cheeks. That cold January night seemed a life time ago. She couldn't imagine her life without Holly in it. The relationship started in such a strange way. She wouldn't change it for anything.
"Would you like to do that again?" Holly's quiet question pulled Tracey from her thoughts.
"Depends..." Tracey looked around the house that felt more like her home than her apartment. She reached out to touch Holly's waist. Gone was that timid stranger she had met months ago. Instead, she looked into the eyes of her lover, her other half, the woman who held her heart. &nbs p;
"On?"
"Do I get to spend the night?" Tracey squeezed Holly's hand. She saw the concerned look on Holly's face take on a mischievous quality.
"You could have spent the night here the first time." Holly spun her around in a dance move, bringing their bodies in full contact. "I would like you to spend the night. I heard it's a tradition to get lucky on prom night."
"You'll be the first one to score with me on prom night."&n bsp; Tracey went into the embrace of Holly's arms. The music played just like that night months ago.
"Did you like your date?"
"Let's just , compared to Nick Carson, you're batting a thousand." Holly laughed and lowered her head to Tracey's shoulder. They danced in a small circle between her couch and the television.
Tracey ran her hands under the tuxedo jacket and lifted it from Holly's frame. With a free hand, she threw it on to the back of the couch. "Better." She said as she ran her hands across Holly's shoulders and down her back. Pulling the white material from the waistband of Holly's pants, she groaned as her hands touched the warm flesh of Holly's back.& nbsp;
"You don't like the jacket?"
"I do, but I like you out of it more." Tracey let her hands wander across the planes of Holly's back. Holly lifted her head and began to place kisses on Tracey's neck, gradually making her way to her ear. She nipped at the lobe taking it between her teeth until Tracey started to squirm.
"This dress had me in a daze for a while." Holly confessed as she nuzzled her face against Tracey's hair.
"Is that right, Dr. Hot Stuff?" Tracey teased as she felt Holly's hand at the zipper between her shoulder blades.
"Yes..." The moaned word echoed in Tracey's head, as Holly lowered the zipper of her dress, letting the material gradually pool at her feet. "I've wanted to do that all night." Holly stepped back to inspect the matching burgundy lace bra and panties Tracey wore under the dress. "Wow... I hope it was me you had in mind when you picked those out." Holly let her finger examine the silky material covering Tracey's breasts. Playing with her nipple, she circled her finger around the nub through the soft material.
"If you're a tall gorgeous doctor then..." Holly placed her lips where her finger had just been. "Oh!"< SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> The moan escaped from Tracey as Holly pulled the nipple into her mouth letting her tongue circle the material.
"Do you like that?" Holly reached for the clasp between Tracey's breasts to free them from the constraining garment. "I love your breasts." Holly cupped one, then the other. Her lips and tongue covered the expanse of Tracey's torso.
"Why is it you always have more clothes on than I do?" Tracey began to work the studs holding Holly's shirt closed. Frustrated, she pulled the white shirt over Holly's head and began to undo her slacks.
Holly traced her finge r along Tracey's jaw line and then her lips. She quickly replaced her finger with her lips. The kiss started slowly. Sweetness was savored as lips parted and tongues met. Urgency was felt as Tracey pulled Holly closer to her. Holly wanted to feel every part of Tracey's flesh as her hands moved from her hair down her side and up her back. She could feel their breasts pressing together. She wanted to feel Tracey's skin against her own.
"You feel so good." Tracey moaned as they continued to kiss. Holly's hand stroked her breast until the pink nipple stood rigid from contact. Her lips moved over Tracey's neck and nuzzled her ear. Holly stopped to look at Tracey. Her breathing was heavy and her eyes filled with excitement. She stared back at Holly with such intensity. "I've been thinking about you all night." Holly's knee pushed between her thighs.
"I want you." Tracey moved against Holly's knee. She slipped Holly's bra straps off her shoulders and began to lick and kiss her breasts. She captured one in her mouth and began to suckle on it. Her tongue flicked over the peak and she pushed down on Holly's hips, pulling her closer. A moan escaped Holly's lips as Tracey's pushed up towards her.
"Come with me." Holly whispered against her lips. She pulled Tracey by the hands.
They continued to kiss as they made their way towards the bedroom until Tracey pushed Holly up against the wall of the living room, capturing her hands above her head. She placed hungry kisses on her breast and her neck and recaptured her lips. She leaned into Holly's crotch, with her free hand pulling the black slacks to the floor. Holly let out a groan as Tracey's fingers slid across her wetness. Tracey released her hands and Holly placed them on her shoulders for support. Their mouths met again. Kisses were filled with desire and intensity. Tracey's fingers continued to tease and caress her, coming so close to the place Holly wanted them. Raising her hips, Holly tried to move so Tracey would ease her suffering. Tracey's lips left hers as she trailed kisses down her neck, across her navel and stopped between her thighs. Tracey knelt in front of her, kissing and caressing Holly with her lips and tongue. Lapping the flowing nectar from Holly's center, Tracey felt like a purring kitten. The pleasure of tasting Holly's essence tantalized her tongue. Holly fisted a handful of her h air as Tracey's tongue grazed her clit. Holly leaned against the wall, hoping she could continue to stand as Tracey's mouth worked its magic. Her body began to throb and convulse as Tracey's mouth and fingers worked her into frenzy. Holly's entire body rocked.
Tracey could feel the growing tightness as Holly's internal muscles began to clench around her fingers. Increasing the pace, Holly rode against her fingers while Tracey took the engorged clit between her lips, sucking and milking the orgasm, trying to prolong the wave of ecstasy she rode.
"Oh my God!!" Holly yelled as her hands pulled Tracey's head closer to her. Holly felt the sensation shake her. "Tracey!! Tracey!!" She called her name out. Holly fell20to the floor, pushing Tracey to the carpet. Hovering over Tracey, Holly kissed her, tasting her passion on her lover's lips.
Holly wanted to touch her. She pulled at Tracey's underwear and threw them to the side. Her hand felt the sweetness of Tracey womanhood, velvety smooth and wet, so wet. Holly's kisses intensified their feelings. Tracey clung to her as they moved together on the floor. She arched as her center tightened around Holly's fingers. Holly's thumb found her clit and began to caress her there. Tracey vibrated against her finger with each touch.
"You feel so good." Holly whispered with heavy passion. She barely recognized her own voice. She started down at Tracey's flushed face. Tracey trembled again, and a gasp escaped her lips. "I can't stop touching you."
"I don't want you to."
Holly shifted her weight and wrapped Tracey in her arms. They lay on the floor touching each other lightly. "Are you okay?"
"I think I could use another word to describe how I feel." Tracey smile widened. "Wow, would be one. Intense is another. Satisfied... happy." She looked around the room. "We never made it to the bed."
"Are you going to blame me for that? " Holly joked. She placed a hand on Tracey's cheek. "Your eyes are my weak point. I feel like you can see inside me."
"My eyes huh..." Tracey said as she rolled on top of Holly and stared down at her. Her hair was pushed to the side and framed her face.
"Yes, I lost it. One look and I was duh... duh." Holly teased her.
"You lia r. You were all calm cool Dr. Hot Stuff. I was the one freaking out." Tracey touched her face. "So you like my eyes."
"I like you." Holly said, "Very much and it was much more than just okay." She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Chapter 17
Humming along with the song playing on the radio, Holly pulled her Honda into the parking lot of Bayview High School. The blue skies above danced with fluffy white clouds. The warm May afternoon had the golf courses filled with business men ducking out of work early. According to Tracey, the kids were chomping at the bit for summer break. Holly drove around the parking lot looking for a visitor parking spot. Tracey's car had broken down the night of the prom and still sat in the shop. Frank dropped his daughter off in the morning and Holly accepted the task of picking the teacher up in the afternoon. Recalling her first time at the school, Holly came to watch Tracey coach her injury ridden team. Although the team didn't fare well, the time she spent with the coach afterwards served as a foundation of their current relationship.
Exiting her car, Holly straightened her suit jacket. She had come from a department meeting. The decision to name the Chief Resident had been narrowed down to Lily Holt and Serge Phelps, both fourth year Residents at Jessup. Either selection Holly approved of, although Serge's demeanor with the other residents and patients appealed to her softer side. The young French Canadian learned conversational English quickly when he began rounds. Holly thought it amusing he drank milk instead of coffee and called his mother twice a week. Lily's strength of medical knowledge and diagnoses enchanted some of the staff. Her clinical approach to treating patients lacked emotionally.
Acknowledging the school's posted sign for visitors to check in, Holly went into the main office. The white haired woman behind the desk looked up from her computer to greet her.
"Good Afternoon." The woman stood up. Between her hair and height, the employee reminded her of the actress Betty White. "How can I help you?"
"Hello." Holly picked up the pen attached to the clipboard. "I'm here to see Tracey Campbell. She's having..."
"Car troubles. You must be Dr. Graham." Holly was relieved that she didn't refer to her at Dr. Hot Stuff, as the staff at Jessup would. "I am. Miss?"
"Mrs. Denton, I'm the school's administrator. I believe Ms. Campbell is finishing up graduation practice in the auditorium. I can have one of the student aides show you the way."
"I think I was supposed to meet her in her office."
"The dungeon." Holly's eyebrows quirked up at the comment. "Oh, her office is in the lower section of the girls' locker room, with no windows. I call it the dungeon because it doesn't have windows. No natural light." She quickly explained. "I'll get one of the students to show you the way."
"Hey Dr. Graham." Michelle Stanley greeted her as soon as she walked into the office. "Hello Mrs. Denton, love your pin." The older woman fingered the pin on her blouse and smiled at the student. "Thank you Michelle. It was a gift from my granddaughter."
"Are you looking for Coach Campbell?" Michelle asked Holly as she stepped closer to the doctor.
"Michelle, can you take Dr. Graham to the auditorium?" Holly went to voice an objection but the look of relief on Mrs. Denton's face halted her concerns.
"No problem. Dr. Graham, long time no see." Michelle said with a wink and a laugh as she held open the door for Holly.
"Miss Stanley, it seems to be coming a habit running into you. Literally." Holly thought back to the day she smashed into the teenager outside the ambulance bay. "You're lucky you got me." The teenager walked backwards, staring at her. Michelle looked around at her peers for a moment then turned to face Holly. "People can get lost in these halls."
Holly used every resource she had to refrain from berating the student for her behavior at the prom. Tracey thought it was a joke and the teen wanted attention. Holly wondered why this student seemed to show up around one of them all the time.
"How's your leg?"
"Hurts sometimes, usually when it's cold outside." Holly noticed a slight hitch in the teen's gait. No one else would notice but Holly did.
"You still have a slight limp. Are you going to Physical Therapy?"
"Once every two weeks." The teen replied as they rounded another corner and continued to walk into areas of the building Holly had never been to before. "What I'd really like is for someone to massage it. You know, one of those really deep, curl your toes massages."
"Are you sure she's here?" Holly wanted to steer away from any conversation involving massages with the teenager. Feeling a bit uneasy, Holly commented. "I should have checked her office. She said she'd be in the office."
"Are you looking for Coach Campbell?" A passing student asked the pair. Holly nodded at the student's passing by in the main hallway. "She's in the auditorium." The young man pointed down the hallway towards the back of the building.
"They were practicing a run through for graduation." Michelle explained as they turned down another hallway. Holly noticed the number of students in the halls began to dissipate. "I was just down here five minutes ago." Michelle said.
"It seems like we've been walking for at least ten." Holly looked at the empty classrooms and the lack of students and teachers. A bit of relief came over her when she recognized the student walking towards them, Zoey, the small blonde player.
"Hi Dr. Graham." The blonde greeted her. The angry look which passed between the students was not missed by Holly. There was no love lost between the teens. "Michelle, where are you going?" Zoey turned around questioning her classmate.
"Mind your own business Zoey." Michelle snapped.
"There's no need to be like that." Holly said as Michelle quickly looked her way and flashed a bright smile.
"She's jealous of me." Michelle flipped her long brown hair over her shoulder. "She thinks she's getting athlete of the year. There is no way Coach would go for her."
"I know Tra..Coach pretty well, I'm sure she'll select who is the best athlete." An eerie feeling came over Holly at that moment. Goosebumps rose on her forearms and she rubbed them away.
Michelle reached the end of the hallway and reached out to open a large blue double door. Rows of flood lights lit the stage area. Michelle looped her arm in Holly's and began to escort her towards the stage.
"I can't wait to graduate. Finally, I will be considered an adult and to do what I really want to do." She declared as her grip tightened on Holly's arm.
"What do you want to do?" Holly asked as she disengaged her arm from the teen's. Michelle stepped in front of her and headed towards the raised stage. Just as they reached the center, Michelle spun around quickly to face Holly. Her face showed the anger Holly had seen at the hospital.
"You're with Coach, aren't you?" Her question resonated with spite. She reached her hand out to touch Holly, running her fingers along Holly's forearm.
"What?" Holly was caught off guard by the abrupt actions and question.
"You and Coach Campbell..Tracy. You're together?" Michelle's fingers began to slide up to the lapels on Holly's blazer. "You like women, don't you?"
The hair on the back of Holly's neck stood up as she stepped back from the student. Michelle grabbed both sides of her jacket lapels and pulled Holly towards her with such force that it knocked them against the stage. Michelle brought her lips to the doctors. Shocked, Holly placed her hands on Michelle's shoulders and pushed away.
"Holly!" Tracey's voice reverberated in the auditorium acoustics. Michelle let out a scream and pushed past Holly into Tracy's arms. Hysterically she sobbed in the teacher's arms as another staff member stood at the entrance of the room. Dumbfounded by the actions of the teenager and the anger in Tracy's voice, Holly stared at the crumpled lapels of her blazer. She could still see the indentations from Michelle's fingers. She faced Tracy and the other member of the faculty. Zoey stood just outside the entrance watching the scene unfold.
Tracy's anger boiled over as she pushed the crying teen into the hands of her counterpart. With a gesture of her hand, she requested them to leave the auditorium. Slowly, she approached Holly. The fury in her silver eyes burned like lightning. "Tracy... it's" The movement of Tracy's hand was so quick Holly never expected the slap. The brute force of the blow caused Holly to stumble backwards. Her cheek stung as the blood vessels reacted to the impact. Putting her hand to her face, Holly stood numbed in silence staring at Tracey. "Leave, Dr. Graham. You're never to set foot in this institution again." Her voice cracked with rage.
"I love you." The words spilled out. Holly wanted to tell her during a special occasion, not like this. "Please Tracey, let me..." Holly tried to make heads or tails of the situation. This wasn't happening. She was here to pick up Tracey. They were going to dinner with Tracey's parents tonight. This weekend they were heading back to the shore to look at the house.
"Explain? Explain? You want me to listen to your excuse. If you "love" me, why were you and Michelle wrapped in each other's arms kissing? Please..." Tracey hissed out as she turned away. "I hope you have a really good lawyer." Half way up the aisle, she turned to Holly and added another nail to the coffin. "I see there are some things that do run in the family."
Staring at Tracey's back as she walked out of the auditorium, Holly was spent. How could Tracey accuse her of such actions, to put her in the same category as her father? Looking at her surroundings, Holly began to question everything. Her relationship with Tracey. Why Michelle Stanley attacked her. What had she done to the teenager to make her so angry and come after her? She didn't do anything wrong. This wasn't her fault. None of this was her fault. Maybe the same thing happened to her father. Were his actions mistaken for something else? For the first time in her life, she actually wished she had believed her father was innocent.
With her head lowered, Holly walked to the nearest exit, not caring whether or not a fire alarm sounded. Greeted by the bright sunlight, the heavy door slammed behind her. Losing her bearings for a moment, she followed a pathway around the school eventually leading to the main parking lot. She silently prayed Tracey would realize what happened in the school wasn't her fault and be waiting at her car. Instead, her gray CRV stood isolated in the half empty lot. She slid behind the wheel and wondered how her life became so complicated. They were supposed to go to dinner with the Campbells tonight. This weekend they were going to look at the house they explored out on the shore. In a matter of fifteen minutes, her life went from bliss to complete chaos.
Pulling out of the school, she wondered what would happen next. Surely, the school would see the crap Michelle was pulling. She was innocent. She had Tracey. Why would she want anyone else, especially a spoiled rotten teenager? Holly stopped at a red light. Everything happened so fast she didn't know how to react or what to do. And Tracey's actions. Her cheek still stung. She flipped down the vanity mirror and traced the visible handprint on her face. What Tracey said hurt more than the slap. The teacher's words echoed in her head. Was she like her father? She knew she was innocent. Was he innocent? Could the same thing have happened to her as happened to him? Some spoiled teenagers not getting what they wanted so they took it out on someone else. She remembered the girl who accused her father. Louise, she was a rich daddy's girl pining for attention.
What was Michelle's motive? The girl was showing up at odd times. She came to the ER twice requesting Holly treat her. God, what was that all about? Rollins was pissed off about the teen, but never said anything. When Holly mentioned the teen, she could tell Sandra was irritated. Michelle had touched Holly in the course of conversation and on more than one occasion. She winked at her and questioned her about liking women.
Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed Greg's number. As her superior and her friend, she needed to advise the hospital of the possible charges. She left him a message. When she pulled the phone away from her cheek she noticed the moisture and realized that she had been crying. She wiped away the tears and drove to home.
~
Dumbfounded, Tracey sat in Andy's car outside her parent's house. Andy came as soon as she called him. She didn't remember dialing his number or their conversation. When her assistant coach knelt in front of her and took her hand in his, she began to cry. He wrapped her in a hug and tried to ease her suffering. Her heart was broken. Never in a million years would she have believed what transpired. She saw it. She saw Holly pinning Michelle Stanley against the stage in what was anything but a chaste kiss.
"Do you want me to take you home?" Andy's soft voice penetrated the fogginess around her. "My parents. Take me there." Tracey mumbled wondering how her world had turned upside down so quickly. Her heart felt as if it were being ripped from her chest. By the time, she heard the fire alarm go off, she had numbly stumbled towards the front office.
Rushing down the hallway towards her was Principal Holmes. His face showed concern as he reached Tracey.
"What the hell happened?" Morris Holmes had three teachers and a very distraught student waiting in his office.
"There was..." Tracey stumbled over her words. She didn't know how to articulate what she had just witnessed. "I saw..."
"Just take a moment." He placed a hand on her arm in a calming gesture. Tracey closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. What had she seen?
"I got to the office and Mrs. Denton said my ride was here looking for me. That Michelle Stanley and Dr. Graham headed to the auditorium." Tracey paused. Michelle had been at graduation practice and knew they were finished. The only people left in the
auditorium were the audio visual crew. "So Karen... Mrs. Wagner and I headed back here to meet up with them." Tracey gestured back towards the section of the school she had just been in. "When we walked in, I saw Michelle Stanley being pressed against the stage and engaged in a kiss with Dr. Graham." In her mind, she replayed the scene over and over, Holly pressing into Michelle, their mouths touching. Even from the back of the room, there was no doubt of what was transpiring between the women.
"Shit! Michelle Stanley?" Morris placed his hand against his forehead. His run-ins with Geoff Stanley usually ended with the principal apologizing to the county official in the hopes of funding not being cut off. "Why in the hell was this Dr. Graham in the building?"
"My car is in the shop. I asked her to pick me up after school." Tracey didn't recognize her own voice, the flatness emptiness of it. She felt hollow.
"A woman? Dr. Graham is a woman?" Mr. Holmes' eyes closed as he tried to concentrate on the procedures for this type of situation. He ran off a mental tick list in his head. He needed to notify the board and the attorneys. "Please tell me Ms. Campbell, do you know of any interaction between this student and your friend?" When the teacher's face fell further, he knew there had been some contact.
"Dr. Graham treated Michelle after the bus accident. I believe there was additional contact at the hospital and possibly at a restaurant."
"Nothing else at the school?" "Not that I am aware of."
"It appears as if you are aware of enough Ms. Campbell. You are going to be placed on administrative suspension and will be contacted by the school district's attorneys." Shaking his head, he only had one week of the school year left, why did this have to happen under his tenure? The slumped shoulders of the woman in front of him conveyed her shock and disbelief as well. "Some times people are not what they appear to be Ms. Campbell. Think of this as a life lesson." Principal Holmes turned back towards his office, readying his brain to deal with the questions his superiors would have. "Ms. Campbell, don't talk to anyone regarding this situation. I do not want any aspect of this investigation to be compromised."
"Thank you for everything Andy." Tracey shook her head at his offer. She went through the motions of exiting the car and entering her parents' house without a thought. She immediately went to her old bedroom and collapsed on the bed. She didn't hear the door open or feel the bed sag when Ellen sat on it.
A warm hand on her back tried to sooth the sobs away, but nothing seemed to erase the image of Holly kissing her student. When Ellen lay down next to her, Tracey curled into her mother's arms and cried harder.
"It's alright." Ellen said as she kissed the top of her daughter's head. Andy called warned her something happened at school today, but she wasn't prepared for Tracey to be in a full out meltdown. "Nothing can be so bad it can't be fixed." Ellen offered encouragement.
"Oh mom, it's bad. It's so bad I don't know where I went wrong." Tracey cried into Ellen's chest. Her life was being ripped apart at the seams. She thought blowing out her knee in college caused her pain. That was nothing compared to the anguish she was dealing with. Her girlfriend was in a relationship with her student which she inadvertently introduced them and contributed to. She allowed a relationship to continue between Holly and her student even though Michelle reached out to her multiple times. Did she just miss the signs or had Holly been playing her the entire time? Maxie warned her, but she thought her friend's concern was out of jealousy. Was the story about Holly's father a way to throw Tracey off the real reason for their relationship? Maybe that was the reason Holly refused to go into detail about her father's death.
Principal Holmes' comment about her awareness of the interaction between Holly and Michelle made her sit up in bed. Ellen looked stunned at the sudden change in her daughter's demeanor.
"Mom, I'm going to need a lawyer, a very good lawyer." Tracey cradled her head in her hands. She was going to have to deal with reality of the situation. An inappropriate relationship between her student and her friend developed. At the center of it, she introduced them. She knew about their meetings. She knew they had seen each other on more than one occasion. Michelle mentioned Holly in every conversation she had with Tracey, first at the grocery store and then at the prom. Eddie mentioned Michelle wanted to date someone more mature. Tracey realized how naïve she had been. The two seniors on her team were in a relationship until the day of the bus accident. Then Holly comes into her life and sweeps her off. The doctor plays it cool, letting Tracey set the pace for the relationship. When Holly finally declares her love, she was caught kissing a student. Holly said she loved me, Tracey let the through roll around her brain for a moment. In the panic of being caught with Michelle, Holly finally proclaims her love.
"Fool!" Tracey stated out loud. "Mom, I'm a complete idiot. I can't believe I let some dupe me like this."
"Tracey, what the hell is going on?" Ellen looked at the clock on the night stand. They were supposed to go to dinner in an hour, but from Tracey's state, it looked like those plans would be postponed.
"I believed her. I believed every line of crap she fed me." Tracey got to her feet and began to pace the floor in front of her window.
"I'll assume you are referring to Holly as her." Ellen sat on the bed, her back resting on the headboard. "Tracey, every couple has fights. It's part of a relationship to have disagreements." Ellen watched as Tracey quit pacing and fixed that steely gaze on her.
"Does making out with a seventeen year old student of mine count as a disagreement?" Tracey heard the resentment in her voice and felt bad for taking it out on her mother. When Ellen placed a hand over her heart, Tracey lowered her head. "I'm sorry mom. I'm just in shock. I can't believe it."
"Are you sure Tracey? Holly doesn't strike me as the type of person who would be interested in a teenager."
"Mom, I saw them. I'm the one who walked into the auditorium and caught them. I reported it."
"Do you know the student?"
"It's Michelle Stanley, the kid who broke her leg during the bus accident." Tracey sat down on the hard wooden desk chair. She crossed her legs placing an elbow on them and rested her chin in her hand.
"Holly treated her?"
"Yes. For Christ's sake, I met her in the middle of Michelle's room. She thought I was Michelle's mother."
"This is a lot to read into one meeting honey." Ellen thought about the shy physician who had been the center of her daughter's life for the last few months.
"There are other things." Tracey huffed out. Why didn't she see it? "Holly mentioned Michelle being at the ER a couple of times. She was at a restaurant when we were there for dinner. And..." Tracey debated on telling her mother about the conversations she and Michelle had. "Mom, she knew about Holly and me. She knew we were dating, a couple. She said I could do better and something about money."
"I know you're very quiet about your personal life at school, but is there a way she would have known?"
"Holly could have told her." Tracey thought about Zoey and Malcolm. "One night when we were out, a couple of my students saw us." There had been no indication from either teen that they spoke about Tracey's sexuality.
"Nothing about this makes sense." Tracey stood up in frustration.
"Tracey, what did Principal Holmes say?"
"He placed me on administrative suspension pending investigation."
"What about your job? Is there a possibility you could get fired over this?" Ellen got off the bed and walked to her daughter's side. She lifted Tracey's face to see the tear filled silver eyes.
"Mom, I knew about it. Not to the extent I know now." Tracey ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "How can I explain I knew they had seen each other?"
"Sweetie, you don't know if they are sleeping together."
"Ahhh! Great mom, now I have another visual." Tracey screamed out. "I'm going to have to explain why I didn't say anything and probably the extent of my relationship with Holly."
"One step at a time honey. Let's get your father dialed into the situation and see if we can call in a few favors. I think there is more than one attorney your father knows in Washington." Ellen wrapped an arm around her daughter's waist. "We'll get through this as a family." She hoped the reassurance in her voice filtered through her daughter's senses.
~
Empty bottles of beer covered the back porch of Holly's house and the lanky doctor's frame strung across the chaise lounge near the planter box. Greg picked up a couple of empties and deposited them in the recycle box. In the middle of an emergency surgery when Holly left him a message, he called his friend back, but got no answer. Between the confusion in her voice and the sobs, he deciphered a small amount of information. He called her cell and the house but got no answer. His pages went unanswered also. Finally, he decided to check her house. Tapping her lightly on the cheek, he noticed the red blemish in the form of a handprint
"What the hell happened?" He asked as he tried to roust her again. "Holly... come on honey." Greg soothed her hair with his hand.
"Tracey?" A drunken response was his only answer.
"No. It's Greg. What's happening?" Stale beer permeated from her crumpled form. The suit she wore to the department meeting earlier was rumpled and skewed with what appeared to be stains on the front. Instead of the normal styled messing look, her hair stuck out in every direction with pieces of foliage sprouting from it.
"It's a bad dream..." Holly tried to lift her head but couldn't. She rolled towards the rail and puked. Greg stared at his friend, the best doctor he knew, and wondered what had turned her world upside down. He knew she drank, in fact he drank with her most of the time. He had never seen her drink as much as she did this evening. When he couldn't reach Holly, he called Mel and asked her to meet him at Holly's when she got off work.
"Sweetie, what happen?" Greg probed again. Holly swayed into a sitting position. She spit the foul taste out of her mouth. "Do you want something to drink?" She nodded and he went into the kitchen. More empty beer bottles lined the countertop.
"Jesus Christ, what is going on?" He grabbed a coke from the frig and went back out on the deck. He handed the can to Holly. She popped the top and chugged the contents. When she was done, she wiped her face with her forearm, not concerned with ruining her suit. Greg sat by her feet and rubbed his hand along her leg. She moaned, turned over and passed out. The forty-three year old doctor rubbed his hands across his face, scratching at the daily growth of his beard. He looked at his TAG-Heuer watch, Mel should be arriving any second. Maybe with some help from the EMT, he would be able to get Holly upstairs into the shower and to bed. Something traumatic happened to his friend, but he didn't know what.
The sound of two car doors slamming made Greg lift his head to the back alley. Mel stood next to her Chevy Colorado waiting for the tall blonde woman. They were talking, but stopped when they saw Greg on the back porch. Taking a quick glance at Holly's form, Greg met the couple in the small yard.
"Mel, what's going on? I get here and she's three sheets to the wind drunk. She keeps mumbling something about Tracey. That's about all I can make out." He said as his hands running through his curly salt and pepper hair.
"Greg, Vonnie Piper. Greg works at the hospital, another doc." Mel explained. Greg nodded his greeting to the tall muscular woman who looked vaguely familiar. "Where is she?"
"Passed out on the porch. Can you help me get her upstairs? Maybe a shower and to bed?"
"Sure." Mel took a tentative step towards the porch then turned to look at Piper, who nodded. "Greg, she's going to need an attorney. Vonnie is a police officer and charges have been filed against Holly." Mel felt Piper's hand on the small of her back. She couldn't believe it when Vonnie told her about the charges. Once the hospital got wind of Holly's troubles, Mel knew they would suspend the ER Attending.
"No fucking way. There has got be some mistake. What the hell is she charged with? Giving away free services?" Greg knew Holly waived her fees for family who could not afford the medical costs.
"Gross sexual imposition of a minor." Piper repeated the charge she had heard at the station. The guys were pissed because the minor involved was a female and the daughter of the county official and a well known doctor from Jessup. Piper pulled a few strings and got a look at the report filed by the school district and Stanley family. "Holly is being charged with having a sexual relationship with a seventeen year old girl."
"Preposterous." Greg's barrel chest puffed out like he was ready to do battle with Piper. "She doesn't know any teenagers."
"Greg, I don't believe the charges either, but that doesn't help her situation. The fact is charges have been brought against her. Innocent or guilty, she needs to start figuring out how to prove her innocence or have the charges dropped."
"I thought it was innocent until proven guilty."
"Not in this day and age." Piper knew first hand of how innocent people were scorned because the evidence pointed their way. She'd seen lives ruined, families broken apart before a case even went to trial. When both medical workers eyed her, she continued. "Let's hope she is treated differently. I have a feeling this is going to be the top news story."
Mel watched as Piper placed an arm under Holly's knee and under her back. The officer lifted the doctor effortlessly and headed into the house. Piper carried Holly up the stairs and into the master bathroom. With Mel at her side, she held Holly as her counter part striped her clothes off.
"Please tell me she is still passed out."
"She's out. Why are you being so paranoid?"
"Melanie, you have to understand I've had limited contact with Dr. Graham and the contact I have had, let's just say, she's not one of my fans."
Mel reached into the shower stall and started the water. Testing the water's temperature with her hand, Mel winced at the coldness. She adjusted the knob and brought the water to a pliable level. She turned to see Piper struggling with Holly's suit jacket. For the past few weeks, she and Piper started to see each other. From the beginning, they decided their relationship would be theirs. They didn't want any outside influences from their friends or family. Mel knew her dating history was less than stellar. When Piper approached her at Holly party and started a conversation with her, Mel thought Holly and Tracey had set her up. Five minutes into their first meeting, Mel knew Piper was there of her own accord. There was no way, anyone could influence the officer into talking to anyone she wasn't interested in. When Holly and Tracey were no were in sight, Piper was at Mel's side trying to get to know the technician. Before the night ended, Vonnie asked for Mel's phone number. The next morning, Piper asked her to meet for breakfast, which led to lunch and eventually dinner. Mel's dating track record had her holding off telling anyone about her new relationship. This afternoon when Vonnie called her about Holly, Mel no longer cared. If Vonnie hadn't called her, she would be pissed. The tall blonde still held back from the spunky EMT, but tonight their relationship changed.
~
Tanya Pressmen, the local news anchor, sat on the set reading, "Noted Jessup Hospital physician, Holly Graham is being charged with gross sexual imposition of a minor. No details regarding how the doctor and the female minor came into contact. We hope to bring more information as details are released."
Frank flicked off the television with the remote. "Where is the justice system we founded this country on?" Holly's story made the first two minutes of the broadcast. Frustrated with the entire situation, Frank crossed his arms over his chest. Ellen took the remote control from his hand and placed it on the bedside table.
"She'll hear you." Ellen knew Tracey's room sat below theirs. Her daughter always had been a heavy sleeper but with today's events, she wasn't certain if Tracey could fall asleep.
"You can't tell me you believe Holly would do anything with some seventeen-year-old. I've talked to that woman. She doesn't let too many people in her life. I can't see it, Elle."
"Frank, we barely know Dr. Graham. I know Tracey's cares a great deal for her. Even loves the woman, but do we really know what anyone is capable of?" Ellen scooted down on the bed so she could rest her head on her husband's shoulder. Her hand ran through the patch of gray that covered his chest. "We need to support Tracey that is our role in this."
"And what about Holly? I'm telling you, 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark' and I'll bet the house that teenager has something to do with it."
"Holly's an adult who can take care of herself. Tracey said she's been on her own most of her life.
"Exactly. She would never do anything that would cost her everything she has scraped and scrapped for all her life. To throw it away...to throw her relationship with Tracey away. None of it makes a lick of sense." Frank huffed as he reached to turn off the lamp. He pulled Ellen closer and hoped Tracey would be able to pull out of the mess she was in the middle of.