~ A Sibling's Rivalry ~
by Katia N. Ruiz

Disclaimers: See Part 1.
Additional disclaimer. From here on it gets controversial, if you disagree with how it goes, then email me. But I don't accept outright mean and insulting criticism. That said, read on and enjoy!

A Sibling's Rivalry
{Part 2}
By Katia N. Ruiz
Copyright 1997


PART
TWO



`Love Not Lost...'
And then something happened and we broke apart.
Apart, but there was Love Not Lost.
We still loved each other with abandon.
We still needed, wanted, and loved each other with intensity.
Love Not Lost, there was...

ONE




"I cannot believe you left her!" Richard exclaimed, an expression of bewilderment over his handsome features.

Frances looked at him, frowning. Richard could see the pain in her eyes, the bitterness, and her face was flushed. This was one of the numerous moments he wished his wife were there to make their daughter feel better, though he suspected this time it wouldn't be that way. Frances would never feel better without Katie at her side. It was as if Katie was a part of her, a part of her soul that was now missing.

"If she's going to believe that bastard brother of mine, then she does not deserve me begging her... Besides, I did nothing wrong, Papa." She whispered in a sudden gust of anger.

Richard frowned. He lowered his head, looking down at his lap. "I have nothing to say about Ross. I'm sure he had nothing to do with this. Syrah has been gone for more than three years." He said. Though he didn't say so, Richard somehow suspected that Ross was involved in the incident with Syrah, but he didn't know how.

Frances smiled sadly as Alcides, Flores' niece, brought William in. He had just taken a bath, Frances could tell. His light brown hair was wet and neatly brushed to the side. His clothes were nicely ironed. When he saw Frances, he smiled and pulled his hand free of Alcides' grasp, running towards her. "Di!" He exclaimed, jumping into her waiting arms. It was unmistakable that this child loved Frances unconditionally; she was a part of his life that he wouldn't be able to live without.

"Hi, Rug Rat." Frances said, lifting him up so that his feet were on her lap, giving him a tight hug. "Did you miss me?"

William nodded. "Where's Mommy?" He asked. He flopped down on her lap.

Frances looked at Richard and sighed. "Mama is home. She misses you." She whispered.

Like any normal toddler, William hadn't really heard what Frances said, struggling free of her hug and jumping to the floor. He ran out through the open door, Alcides following quickly. Richard and Frances laughed softly. Frances stopped laughing abruptly; she eased her head back against the back of the chair, closing her eyes tightly. Richard saw the tears gather under her lids, begin to slip out between them. "I do not know if I will be able to take being away from Katie." She whispered. She stood up and walked towards the window, then abruptly turned around. "I am going to take a bath." She said, walking out of the den. Richard was left brooding and grieving for these two women. If Frances made a decision, it was as well as setting it in stone.

TWO




KATIE still lay on her bed. The emptiness she felt threatened to envelop her. She didn't know how long it had been since Frances left. She lay curled into a ball, her knees pressing against her chest. "Frances." She whispered over and over. She never thought Frances would actually leave her. "I need you!" Tears spilled from her eyes. She thought about William, a sudden feeling of longing attacking her. She needed him at that moment, needed to nurture him like the sunshine that he was. Suddenly, she unfolded from the ball of loneliness she had become. She looked at the phone, picked it up with a shaking hand, and dialed DeValoi's number. Their maid picked up.

"Hello Flores." Katie said shakily.

"Ms. Katie? Are you okay?" Floors asked, worry in her voice. "You sound shaky."

"I'm okay." Katie whispered, her voice was hoarse from crying. "I want to know if Frances is there."

"Yes, Ms. Frances is here. She's upstairs taking a bath." Flores answered; her voice took on a tone of deeper concern. "Should I go get her?" She asked.

"Where is William?" Katie asked instead of answering Flores' question.

"William is in the playroom with Alcides." Flores replied.

"Okay, may I speak to Mr. Richard then?" Katie asked, her voice broke.

"Sure, Ms. Katie." Flores said. "Just one second."

A few seconds later Katie heard the line click. "Katie?" Richard's extremely concerned voice came on the line.

"Yes," Katie said. Suddenly, she began to sob.

There was another click on the line, signaling that Flores had hung up the other phone. "How do you feel, love?" Richard asked, sounding worried.

"Like shit!" Katie sobbed. "I can't believe she left me. Richard, what did I do wrong?"

Richard sighed; he opted for honesty. "You didn't trust her, dear." He said. "You were actually the first and only woman to whom she has given such commitment. She loves you like she never loved anybody and needs you to live. But she won't go back to you until you trust her."

"I don't know what to do!" Katie exclaimed. "I can't trust her. I try, but I can't. You know how she used to be, Papa, you know!" Her voice was full of tears.

"Katie, I cannot tell you what to do. I am only here to give you advice." Richard said softly. He felt a sudden pang of emotional pain. Katie was like his daughter, and he couldn't bear to hear her suffering.

"I want her back." Katie whispered.

"She won't go back to you unless you trust her." Richard said again. "She made that very clear."

Katie stayed quiet for a few seconds. "Can you please bring William to me?" She asked. "Right now I need his company. He reminds me so much of Frances."

"Gladly, Katie." Richard said. "I'll bring him in an hour or so. Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes." Katie replied. She sat up. "Call me before you head out here." She said.

"Sure." He replied. "Speak to you later."

"Bye."



İİİİİİİİİİ



ROSS quickly walked away from the door of his father's home office. He had been listening to his father's side of the conversation and realized that his plan worked better and quicker than he thought. He never thought Syrah would be so quick in seeking Frances out, but he should have suspected it would be that way; Syrah was so in love with Frances. There was a triumphant smile on his face. He quickly ran up to his room, relieved at not having encountered Frances on the way. He picked up his phone, quickly dialing Syrah's number.

"Hello?" Syrah said.

"Hello, Syrah." Ross greeted.

"Hi, Ross! How are you?" She sensed that she was about to find out something very interesting.

"I am fine." He replied. "I have good news for you."

"Really?" Syrah pretended to sound interested. "What is it?"

"Frances left Katie!" He said, a smile coming to his face. "She left her this morning. And she's here in my parent's house."

"Well, I'm going to have to give her a great visit." Syrah said, definitely interested now. Katie was a good riddance; Frances didn't need to get hurt any more. She thought. "I do not want it to seem suspicious, so I'm going down in a few nights. I'll tell you when I'll be going." She didn't want any one to think she had anything to do with the separation, even though she inadvertedly did have something to do with it. "Do you know what caused this?"

"No idea. It must have been bad because my sister was set on never going back to her again. You know that thing about her decisions. You know it was real bad when even the kid couldn't keep them together." Ross answered. "See you, then!" He said, hanging up without waiting for a response. He stood up from his bed and went into his bathroom.

He didn't expect things to go this fast, but some parts of his plans were going as he wanted them to go; add the fact that some of the things were happening on their own. Anyway, Syrah had unknowingly served him very well. He was going to go see Katie, but not that night; he was going to wait out as Syrah was going to. She could still be of a little more help to him.

THREE




KATIE picked William up from the floor as he threw his arms up for her. "Mamma!" He cried out as he jumped into her arms. He was just learning to speak and Mamma was still his preferred vocabulary word for Mommy.

"Hi, baby!" She said, holding him tightly. "Did you miss me?"

"Yeah." He said, nodding. "Di at gandpa's house." He spoke with surprising accuracy, though Katie had heard him speak like this many times. Still, every time he spoke clearly like that, it left her delighted.

"Yes, I know." Katie said, suddenly sad again. She put William down, gently taking off his coat. "William, did Di talk to you?"

"No." William said. He took a little toy car from his pocket, instantly distracted.

"Di gave you that?" Katie asked, aware of the pain she felt in her heart.

"Yeah." He answered. He turned away and ran into the living room.

Katie turned to look at Richard, who was coming up the steps, some of William's night bags in his hands. "Hello, Katie." Richard said.

"Hello Richard." Katie greeted, taking some of the bags from his hands. "Come in." She let him go inside, closing the door after him. She walked past the living room and into the kitchen, where William was on the floor playing with the car.

Richard stood in the living room waiting for Katie to join him. She brought William in with her. She motioned for him to sit down, and she sat with him. "Stay here, William." She said softly. Her attention went to Richard. "What did she say when you were bringing him back?" She asked softly.

Richard could see the love in her eyes, the pain, and the deep regret of saying all those words to hurt Frances, because she was hurting so much herself. "She didn't say a thing." Richard replied, sitting back and gazing at Katie thoughtfully. "She gave him a long hug, a kiss and the toy car he's playing with right now," After a long pause, he said: "She said that she'll come get him Friday early after work, to take him to the zoo."

"She's coming here?" Katie asked, smiling. The prospect of seeing Frances again was overwhelming. She hadn't seen her in only a day and already she was missing her immensely.

"If you want her back, why do not you ask her?" Richard suggested.

Katie frowned. "I think I will." She said, deep in thought. Tears came to her eyes. "I can't live without her. I love her too much."

"Good girl!" Richard said, taking her hand and squeezing it gently.

FOUR




FRIDAY.

Katie opened the door to find Frances standing there. She was so gorgeous, standing there, wearing those off-white colored slacks with that off-white V-neck T-shirt and that black jean jacket; she looked so perfect in them. Katie thought she was going to faint, so weak with love and desire she was. "Hi." She whispered.

Frances smiled bitterly, not meeting her eyes. "Where is William?" She asked; she sounded distant. The truth was that she wanted to make love to Katie with an abandon that would leave them both hurting even more. By being distant, she figured she could be a little stronger in holding her conviction.

Katie looked into Frances' eyes; saw the unhidden pain there. "Come in." She said, forcing herself not to cry.

Frances shook her head, looking away. "It is going to be late. Sesame Plaza gets crowded." She explained.

Without a word, Katie turned away, her heart aching. She walked unsteadily down the hallway and found William sitting on the couch, miraculously waiting for her to go and get him. "Come on, baby. Di is here." She said, trying to sound light to his smart little ears. She knew he knew the difference in their home by now.

William jumped off the couch and ran towards the front door, Katie followed. Frances took William in her arms and hugged him gently. She turned away with him in her arms and walked down the steps. "I am not sure of what time I'll bring him in. I will call you to let you know, though." She said over her shoulder.

Katie quietly watched Frances put William into the child safety seat and get into the car. After Frances drove away, Katie once again felt all the pain of not having her in her arms. She closed the door and began to sob.

FIVE

Two Weeks Later



FRANCES glanced up from the law book resting on her lap, the one she was absently reading to find that Syrah was standing in front of her, smiling down at her with great tenderness. "Hello Syrah." She said, standing up and extending her hand. She seemed very composed and relaxed, but Syrah could still see the intense pain in her eyes.

Syrah took her hand and shook it slowly, remembering their smoothness when they touched her body. "Hello, Frances." She replied. She smiled up at her, her eyes moving uninhibitedly along Frances' body. She admired the beauty that she always possessed, no matter what she was wearing. At that moment, Frances was wearing loose sweat-pants and a tight white tank top, her slender feet bare, her hair loose down to her shoulders. Syrah's eyes ran the length of her body, her eyes resting on the muscles of her arms and shoulders.

Frances frowned. "How did you know I was here?" She asked huskily.

"I called your office and Lucy said so." Syrah lied. "Is this how polite you are? You do not even ask me to sit down?" She asked. She couldn't help but flirt with her.

"Sorry… take a seat." Frances said, sitting down. Syrah sat next to her on the love seat. Frances shifted uncertainly; she didn't know what to say.

"Where is your wife?" Syrah asked, putting her hand on Frances' muscled thigh and squeezing.

"I'm not with her anymore, obviously." Frances replied without expression in her face and voice. She looked into Syrah's eyes. "You left lipstick on my collar that day." She whispered softly, narrowing her eyes. "She saw it and we had a fight."

"Really?" Syrah said with wide, honest eyes; she didn't know about the lipstick. She suddenly felt very guilty. "I didn't do it on purpose."

"Sure you did not?" Frances inquired, arching her eyebrow. She was too weary to be angry, which made Syrah a lucky woman.

Syrah sat back on the seat. "You do not think I would stoop so low." She said, looking into Frances' eyes. She felt her passion for Frances resurface. After a long time of studying her, she whispered: "You are so beautiful."

Frances shifted uncomfortably, feeling a flicker of the old desire. "You.... are beautiful too." She whispered.

Syrah smiled. She caressed Frances soft face with the tips of her fingers. "Your skin was always so soft and tasty." She whispered, kissing Frances' cheek. "Why wont you kiss me?" She asked, softly blowing on Frances' ear.

Frances frowned, thinking again of Katie. She shivered as the breath caressed her skin, and looked down at Syrah and was astonished by what she saw. She saw Katie's face in Syrah, her smile, and her thick and tender full lips! She took Syrah's face in her hands and pulled her close. She still saw Katie's features, closing her eyes and bringing her face closer to Syrah's. Their lips met softly. Syrah slowly wrapped her arms around Frances' neck, pulling herself closer to her. They breathed deeply against one another. Frances sighed, holding Syrah's small form tightly. Suddenly, she pulled away. "I can not do this." She whispered, standing up.

Syrah stood with her. "Yes you can," She breathed. "You just did." She stood in front of Frances, who looked at her with despair. "Please, let's just give this a try... You are not cheating on anybody, remember."

Frances looked on. "Do you not understand that I love her?" She croaked.

Syrah sighed. "Yes I do." She replied softly. "But please let me help you try to forget her."

Frances looked down, her face sad, resigned. "We will probably never get back together." She muttered.

Syrah sighed again. She walked closer to Frances and again, wrapped her arms around her neck. She looked into Frances' eyes. "Poor baby, I wish I could be of a little more help to your heart." She whispered. She kissed Frances' lips again. Frances responded. She made an instant decision: When she was faithful, the only one she truly loved never believed in her. She was going back to the old ways. She was not going to stick to just one woman. The only things she would stick to would be her career and her son.

She pulled her lips away from Syrah. "Come with me." She whispered, pulling Syrah towards the stairs. They quickly went up the steps and into Frances' room.



İİİİİİİİİİ



IN the bedroom, Frances slowly removed Syrah's clothes; she softly kissed every spot that she bared. Syrah moaned into her ear; she pulled Frances' hair softly, she knew Frances loved this. Frances made her mind go blank. She thought of nothing but sex. The painful thought of Katie would drive her to insanity. She pushed Syrah back on the bed, quickly and savagely removing the rest of her clothes.

SIX




KATIE opened the door to find Ross standing with a bouquet of yellow roses. He smiled sheepishly. "I know this isn't the right time, but I thought I could let you know that I'm your friend and you can count on me no matter what." He said. He handed the roses to her.

Katie took the roses. "Thank you. Come in." She said. Ross followed her inside, closing the door. "Take a seat while I put these in water." She said, walking into the kitchen. She put the roses in water and left them on the counter. She went back into the living room, sat on the couch. She looked at him and smiled softly, gratefully.

Ross looked into her green eyes. "How do you feel?" He asked.

"I feel fine, I guess." Katie replied with a sigh. "Trying to move ahead. Thinking a lot."

Ross frowned. "Thinking about what, may I ask?" He asked.

"I want to ask Frances to come back to me." Katie replied, looking down at her lap.

Ross sat back, feigning a guilty, more like worried, expression. He sighed heavily.

Katie stared at him. "What's wrong?" She asked, feeling dread.

Ross sighed, he carefully moved to Katie's side, throwing an arm over her shoulders and looking deeper into her eyes. "Katie," He whispered. After a long pause, he said: "Syrah is at my house, with Frances." He saw the look of disbelief in her eyes. "They were going into my sister's room just as I was leaving."

Katie seemed to come out of her stupor. She shook her head. "I don't believe you." She whispered fiercely, almost angrily.

"Call the house if you want." Ross said. "Actually, I'll call. Your phone has speaker, right?" He asked.

Katie nodded. She stood up, gesturing for Ross to follow her. He followed her to the kitchen, where she almost slammed the speaker button. She watched as Ross dialed for his house. The kitchen was enveloped by the sound of the ringing phone. "Hello, DeValoi residence."

"Flores." Ross said, his eyes never left Katie's.

"Yes, Mr. Ross?" Floors replied.

"Is Syrah still there?" He asked.

"Yes, Mr. Ross."

He looked pointedly at Jewl. "Oh, so she's still visiting with my sister?" He asked.

Flores hesitated. "Yes, Mr. Ross."

"Is she in the living room?" He asked, looking down.

"No, do you wish to speak to her, Mr. Ross?" Flores asked, puzzled.

"No." Ross replied. He thought a few seconds, then he said: "Where is she, Flores?" His eyes returned to Katie, whose hands were shaking.

"She is in Ms. Frances' bedroom, Mr. Ross. She came to visit her a while ago." Flores replied.

Ross sighed. "Okay Flores, do not tell Frances I called. Okay?" He said.

"Okay, Mr. Ross." Flores said.

"Good bye." He said, hitting the hang-up button. He looked at Katie, who by then was crying into her hands. He walked up to her and took her into his arms. He smiled secretly.

"Why?" Katie sobbed. "Why is she doing this to me?" She pounded on Ross' chest. "Oh, God!" She gasped; more tears came to her eyes. After a long while, she suddenly stiffened. She stopped crying, pulling away from Ross. "Ross, I want to be by myself. I hope you understand." She whispered shakily.

Ross stepped back. "Are you sure?" He whispered. Katie nodded. "Okay, page me if you need anyone to talk to. Agreed?" He said. She nodded again. "See you later then." He walked out of the kitchen and out the front door, a triumphant smile on his face.

Katie waited. As soon as she heard the door slam shut, she began to cry. She walked towards the stairs, wiping at her tears. She went up to check on William, who was taking a nap. She walked to her bedroom and lay on the bed; she felt the tears spill out of her eyes and to the sides of her face. She cried as she did many times after Frances left.



İİİİİİİİİİ



FRANCES lay on her back; Syrah was lying with half of her body on top of her, her arm draped across Frances' chest. Frances stared at the ceiling quietly, holding back the tears that were threatening. Syrah had been looking up at her since they had finished their passionate encounter. Frances had been tender and passionate; Syrah suspected that it was only because she had been thinking about Katie all the time.

Syrah put her hand on Frances' beautiful face and caressed it. "Frances," She whispered. Frances looked down at her, her eyes were rimmed with unshed tears. "I understand how you feel," She continued softly. "But you have try to live with the pain."

Frances looked back up at the ceiling and closed her eyes tightly. Her heart and body ached for Katie. She felt like half a person, her other half seemingly torn away. Small convulsions shook her body as she cried. Tears escaped her eyes. Her sobs became audible, making Syrah feel like crying also. Syrah sat up, pulling Frances to herself. Frances complied, burying her head into Syrah's shoulder. "I love her so much!" She gasped. "I never loved anybody that way before! Never!"

Syrah felt her own tears spill out of her eyes. It had been years since she held her beloved Frances like this in her arms. "Oh, Frances," She soothed, caressing Frances' back. "Please, don't cry." She whispered, pulling Frances tighter to herself. "Please." She cried harder, her grip on Frances tightening.

After a while, Frances calmed down. Her depression still remained, but now she was sleeping in Syrah's arms. Syrah was awake, looking at Frances' face, stroking her hair softly. A great feeling of love and longing for Frances attacked her. She felt so guilty for Frances' pain, because she knew that she was at fault, because she left the lipstick on her shirt. As she slept, Frances' features were smooth, without the tears that were always there when she was awake. Her golden lashes rested against her fine cheeks, her full lips were soft and expressionless. A sudden feeling of love overwhelmed Syrah. "How could I ever stop loving you? Huh?" She whispered, more tears threatened. "How?"

SEVEN-

Another Two Weeks



FRANCES sat in her office, leaning back on the chair, a hand on her chin, absently staring at her computer. Her mind had been on Katie all day long. She missed her so much, felt the tangible empty feeling deep inside her. She closed her eyes and threw her head back, her throat convulsing with more tears. She didn't know she had so many tears in her body. She was startled by the sound of her personal phone-line ringing. She stared at it for a few seconds, then after a few rings, she finally picked it up. Clearing her throat, she said: "Hello?"

"Hello… Frances?" A voice with an even deeper French accent boomed.

Frances recognized the voice immediately. "Louie?" She said, a smile coming to her face. No matter how depressed she may be, Louie always made her smile, even when it was just hearing his voice. "How are you?"

"I am fine, how are you?" He replied.

"Hanging on." She said sadly. Louie had been her best friend and brother since she was fourteen. Now, he ran her family's wine business. In all her sadness, she had forgotten to call him and let him know that she and Katie were no longer together.

"What is wrong, Frances?" Louie asked, sensing the sadness in her voice. He could always read Frances as if she were a book, sensing when she was going through something.

"Nothing." Frances replied thickly, feeling the sadness almost overwhelm her; she was so close to tears.

"Bullshit!" Louie said softly. "What is going on, Cherie?"

"I-" Frances started, her voice broke. "I am not with Katie anymore."

"Why? Did your brother finally get his way?" Louie sounded pissed off. "What about William?" Then he sounded worried, his voice softened. "Oh dear, why didn't you call me?"

"No.... I do not know." Frances said, sounding disoriented to Louie. She must be going through so much shit, he thought. "William is still my son, I haven't stopped seeing him every day."

Louie sighed, and paused a few seconds. "Frances, it is about time you came down to see how the business is doing. You know how your father usually comes. Why do not you come instead? I would love it." He said soothingly.

"I will need to think about it." Frances said. She needed to consider William. "I need to think about what I would do with William." She deliberated. "I do not want to leave him just like that. He is my son too and I do not want to loose him. I see him every day." She repeated.

"Send him mail, video. And you know the Internet is in style now. Besides," Louie suggested. "I do not think you'll be gone for too long."

Frances thought for a while, her thoughts on her son and Katie. She would miss him incredibly, he would miss her. But if she was ever going to get over Katie, she need to be away for a little while, even if it was just a week. Anything to make her a little stronger to this pain. "It is true." She said. She made up her mind. "I need a little vacation anyway."

"Great!" Louie exclaimed, sounding so happy. "When are you coming?" He asked.

Frances looked down at her left hand. Her eyes remained on the wedding band she still wore on her ring finger. She thought a moment and then she said: "I will head out in about two weeks." She hesitated. "I have some stuff I have to deal with."

EIGHT




"YOU are telling me you are going to look at the business in France?" Richard said slowly, shocked. Frances had never shown interest in going to look at the business. And now, after years of not returning to France, she just made up her mind to go. He looked at Frances in the eye. "Are you running away from your problems, dear child?" He asked gently.

Frances looked down at her lap; she brushed her hair back from her forehead. "No, father." She replied, looking back into his eyes. "I want to look at the business. I do have stock in it."

Richard sighed. "I understand that, darling. What about your son?" He asked. "Or are you deciding to forget about him along with Katie?" He didn't know why he said that, and regretted the words the minute they left his mouth; he wanted to bite his tongue.

At first, Frances just stared at him blankly. But then she became furious. She stood up and glared at her father. "How could you say that?" She said, her face turned red with anger. "I would never do that! I will only be gone for a short while, during that time I'll keep in touch; somehow! And if I stay there longer I will make sure he hears from me every day!" She said. Out of words, she lingered for a few seconds and then suddenly her face grew even redder and she stormed out of Richard's office, slamming doors and crying, leaving him in total shock.

NINE
-

A week later



FRANCES was making some plans for her time in France; she was already leaving the next day on the Air France Concorde. She had spent the last week shopping for new clothes and thinking of what she would do in France. Also, she had gone to her bank, arranging to leave an account for Katie and William. She would look at the business that she hadn't returned to since close to four years ago. She was bent over her desk, studying an old case, writing some notes on a notebook for one of the new interns. She realized that the more work she did, the less she thought about her problems.

She had failed to inform Katie of her departure. She made up her mind: She was going to visit William tonight and let Katie know of her leaving. She sorted some of her files and stood. She walked to her coat hanger and took her blazer, swinging it around her shoulders and slipping her arms into the sleeves. She walked out of the office, saying goodnight to Lucy, who was doing overtime before her vacation, receiving a Have a good trip reply.

Frances drove with her radio blaring KD Lang's version of "The Air That I breathe". She liked to do this when she was frustrated. It felt as if the music entered her body and pushed out all the built up frustration. She sped through the calm streets of Jamaica States, lip singing to the song. She slowed as the townhouse came into view. She drove the car into the driveway and turned it off. She took a deep breath, squeezing her eyes tightly shut, allowing her head to rest against the headrest.

Frances stepped out of the car. She went up the steps and rang the bell; she didn't want to go inside unexpectedly. Seconds later, the door swung open. Frances took a deep breath as she looked into Katie's surprised eyes. She is as beautiful as ever! Frances thought. She looked down at Katie's body, which was covered only with the silk bathrobe Frances had given her once for Christmas. Frances could make out the swell of her breasts, the erection of her nipples, her body feeling a responding surge of love and desire. The sight of her long shapely legs unnerved her.

Katie looked into her eyes as Frances looked up. She was aware of her eyes on her body, of the desire in her gaze. She was in shock at the sight of this woman whom she loved like she never loved anyone before. "Hello." She said shakily.

Frances smiled shyly. "May I come in?" She whispered. Katie gestured for her to follow her inside. "I needed to speak to you and William. Is he awake?"

"Yeah, he is." She said, wondering what it was that Frances had to tell her. She walked into the living room. William was sitting down quietly, already wearing his Big Bird pajamas, and looking at the cartoons on the TV. "I think he has realized that you do not live here any more." She said, watching Frances' face intently.

Frances looked back at her; she wanted to live there. She nodded. "He is a smart boy." She whispered. Then she looked at William, her expression changed. "Hi William!" She said, her sadness fading for a second. She knelt.

William looked at her and squealed, his face brightening with love for his other mother. "Di!" He called out, standing up and running into Frances' arms. He wrapped his little arms tightly around her neck.

Frances laughed in delight; tears were forming in her eyes. Katie missed these little scenes. She frowned, holding back the tears that were threatening to attack. "He misses you a lot. He is always asking for you." She said. But if you only knew how much I miss you, how much I need you by my side. She thought.

Frances gazed at Katie. "We need to talk." She said, standing up, William in her arms, and sitting down on the couch with him on her lap. When Katie sat down also, she spoke: "I am leaving to France tomorrow." She blurted, looking at Katie in the eye.

Katie took a deep breath. She felt a deep pain in her heart. "What?" She choked out. "What about William? Why didn't you-" She stuttered, really wanting to say: What about me? She knew that she could take care of William on her own. But who would love her? Frances was the only one whom she would allow to love her in the way she wanted.

Frances sat back, swallowing hard. William was looking at her, sad because he understood what she had just said by the tone of her voice and his mother's distress. Frances looked at him and hugged him tighter. "I would never abandon him. He will hear from me every day so that he knows I remember him and love him very much. And I trust that you will not let him forget me in this little time that I am going to be gone." Frances said softly. "I need you to not let that happen." She continued, frowning.

Katie nodded, a silent promise. "What are you going to be doing in France?" She asked, then silently chastised herself, she didn't have to ask her these questions; they weren't together anymore.

"I am going to take a look at our wine business." Frances replied, shrugging. "Learn a little more about it. Put some more stock in yours and William's name." They stared at each other for a long time.

Katie looked down at William and realized that he had fallen asleep. "He's asleep." She whispered.

Frances looked down and smiled softly. "May I take him upstairs to his room?" She whispered.

Katie smiled back and nodded. She followed Frances up the stairs and into William's room. Frances softly placed him on his bed, gazing at him tenderly. He stirred for a moment and then lay still. Frances turned to look at Katie. Their eyes met in the dimness. Frances moved forward, looking deeper into Katie's eyes. "I have missed you so much." She whispered with the trace of tears, touching Katie's shoulder with her hand. Her hand moved from her shoulder to her neck, touching the silky hair, running her soft fingers gently along the skin, up to her cheek.

Katie took a deep breath, her lips quivered. "I have... too." She said shakily. She let Frances pull her closer, feeling her body weakening with desire. Suddenly, she thought about how Frances had just been with Syrah. "I can't!" She gasped, out of breath. She turned away and walked out of William's room. She gasped when Frances took her by the elbow and spun her around. "Frances!" She tried pulling away, but Frances' grip was strong.

Frances pulled her to herself, wrapped her arms tightly around her waist and looked into her eyes. "I want you, even if it is just this one more time." She whispered. She felt Katie start to give in, felt her body yielding, softening into her arms. Their lips met passionately. Frances felt a quivering pleasurable sensation run throughout her whole body. She pushed her tongue deeply into Katie's mouth, caressing her tongue with her own, causing her to experience a soft yet overpowering orgasm. Katie quivered with desire, moaned, and tightly wrapped her arms around Frances' neck. She thought she missed Frances, but she didn't know how much until Frances' lips touched hers.

Frances bent over and easily picked Katie up, she was strong; their lips were still locked together. She walked with Katie in her arms towards their room. She placed Katie on the bed, lying on top of her. She opened Katie's robe and caressed her breast softly, pulling on her nipple softly. Katie cried out, she'd wanted this for so long. And the thought that this would be the last time they would do this intensified the feeling. Frances groaned, getting up on her knees and quickly removing her own clothes, painfully aware of Katie's eyes on her. She lay back down next to her Katie, looking deeply into her eyes.

Katie allowed her hands the pleasure of caressing Frances' taut shoulders; their eyes met. Katie pushed Frances onto her back and hovered over her, looking into her eyes. Frances looked up at her, smiling sadly, then tears came to her eyes. Katie licked her lips slowly. She kissed Frances' chest softly, kissed the flesh between Frances' breasts, underneath and right over her taut nipples. Katie heard Frances gasp and then groan softly. She felt Frances' hands running through her hair, caressing the back of her head.

Frances felt Katie's soft lips slowly trace her nipples; she moaned as Katie gently sucked on them. Felt Katie's love through her lips and tongue. She looked down as Katie moved lower; a slow feeling of anticipation attacked her senses, her breathing quickened until her chest hurt. She pushed her hips higher against Katie, who was slowly moving lower. "Katie!" She gasped. She was astonished at the anticipation Katie's soft lips caused her to feel. The pulse of her clitoris was unbearable and when Katie touched it with her silky tongue, she let out a loud gasp. Her body began to throb as Katie gently began to suck on her sensitiveness. She moaned, fervently pushing her hips harder against Katie's mouth.

Katie moaned against her. Every time she made love to Frances, she ended up loosing control of herself. She lay flat on the bed and began pushing her own hips against the mattress. She felt her passion overflow. She moaned softly when Frances' passion exploded into her mouth, taking in everything that Frances gave her. She rested her head on her thigh, breathing in the rich scent. After a while, Frances propped herself up on her elbows and looked down at her, Katie could see the tears in her eyes.

"Come here," Frances whispered, her voice hoarse. She pulled Katie up and held her in her arms. "I will never stop loving you." She whispered into Katie's ear. She moved so that Katie was under her.

Katie looked up into her eyes. "This is just a goodbye." She whispered.

Frances looked at her and stifled a cry. She buried her head into Katie's shoulder, trembling for a long time, feeling Katie's arms wrap tightly around her. She kissed her lips softly, tasting her own taste. Her lips traced the line of Katie's jaw; she moved lower, burying her lips into Katie's neck. "Katie..." She whispered softly.

Katie moaned softly, burying her fingers into Frances' hair. Soft tingling sensations ran throughout her whole body. Frances' warm lips kissed every spot of Katie's body. Katie squirmed under the soft, wet touch. She gasped when Frances' tender lips touched her nipples. "I love you," Frances muttered between kisses. "The feel of you! Your scent; all of you!" She softly licked Katie's belly. "I do not know if I can live without you!" She whispered.

Katie listened to her words. The thought about letting her come back home crossed her mind; but then she thought about Syrah having spent that day with her after she had left. And how many more? How many other women had there been? These thoughts were pushed aside when Frances' warm lips touched the soft mound between her legs. She gasped, taking a hold of Frances hair. Frances' tongue took turns between her clitoris and slipping quickly inside her. "Oh!" She moaned over and over. The intensity of Frances' tongue inside her caused her to tremble all over.

Frances gently pushed her tongue deeper inside Katie, moving it in circles, reveling on the softness and wetness of the walls. She felt as Katie began to loose control and pulled out, stroking her clitoris very slowly. Katie pulled at her hair, almost screaming out in her passion, and thrashing all over the bed. Her body was rigid, her thighs quivered violently, her breathing was short gasps as her passion instantly exploded, causing her insides to contract. Her moans came from deep within her throat and released themselves in each wave of passion.

Frances still hungrily feasted on Katie's juices, feeling another contraction coming from deep within her. Suddenly, Katie cried out again as another almost painful climax erupted from her body. Afterwards, she finally pushed Frances' mouth away, pulling her up to her. Frances moved up and held the still trembling Katie in her arms. "Katie..." She whispered. "Oh, Katie, I love you!"

Katie wrapped her arms tightly around Frances, finding herself not able to respond to what Frances had just said, her breathing was incredibly short. She closed her eyes, her body feeling the familiar hotness she felt when she was in Frances' arms. She cried softly, knowing that Frances would be gone again in just a few hours. She felt Frances' body shake and she knew that she was crying also. I wish things could be better, Katie thought.

They remained in each other's arms for the rest of the night, each comforting the other when she cried.



İİİİİİİİİİ



"RICHARD?" Francine said into Richard's back. They were lying on their bed, and sleep evaded them. Richard lay on his stomach and Francine too, with her arm draped across his torso and her face on his back.

"Yes?" He replied quickly, which meant that he wasn't asleep.

Francine remained quiet for a few seconds and then she spoke: "I'm sad." She was so subdued that it surprised everyone, though they knew that her daughter was in a state of depression. Everyone sought to make her happy again, to make her smile, but she wasn't smiling at anything. The only thing that could make her smile was her husband, - and he was depressed also, - and Frances' happiness, and that was destroying itself at that very moment.

Richard sighed. "I am also." He said softly.

"Our children fight like they hate each other, our son is in love with our daughter's partner, and he hates our daughter like she's done him something wrong, he has views that we never taught him… What will be next?" Her voice was sad and tired, devoid of the liveliness that was usually there.

Richard turned around and took Francine into his arms. "It'll be okay, Francine. Our daughters love each other too much to be separate for long." He said, squeezing her for comfort.

Francine wrapped her own arms around him and sighed into his chest. "God, I hope you're right!"





Continued in Part III





Katia N. Ruiz


The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive