~ A Sibling's Rivalry ~
by Katia N. Ruiz
Disclaimers: See Part 1.
A Sibling's Rivalry
{Epilogue}
By Katia N. Ruiz
Copyright 1997
EPILOGUE
FRANCES was looking at herself in the mirror, assessing her attire. She looked at her hair, which was once again closely cropped again. She looked gorgeous and stylish. She was in the bedroom that used to belong to her before she moved out with Katie. She knew that Katie was somewhere in one of the numerous guest bedrooms of the house.
It had been over five months since everything had happened.
Francine had a long talk with Frances and Katie, suggested that they should have another vows exchange, since the one they had initially, had been broken when they'd separated. She suggested that they do it on the day of their fourth year anniversary. "Babies," She had said to both of them, her jeweled hands covering theirs. "It would be better if you did, it would be like starting over. Your father and I have even discussed a honeymoon for you two."
It was then that Frances thought about taking Katie and William to the house in France. Their son was recovering quickly; his birthday had just passed a few days before. Frances thought that she would also introduce her to Claudette, who'd agreed to stay Frances' friend no matter what. Frances confessed to Katie that Claudette was the last woman she'd slept with before returning to her. Katie took the information with no problem or jealousy; her trust towards Frances was already too deep.
Frances was still not satisfied with her look. As always, she had chosen off-white colors. Slacks with a Chinese collar blazer and brown stylish boots; very simple, really. But Frances was very nervous, just like the first time. She turned around when her mother knocked and instantly entered in a flurry of glistening jewelry and perfume. "Mother," She heard herself whine. "How do I look?"
Francine noticed her daughter's hands shook. She had just been at the opposing east wing of the house, where the room where Katie was lodged was located. Katie was a little calmer than Frances, who looked like she was just about to loose her mind. Francine looked at her daughter closely, proudly assessing her attire. The custom-made suit fit beautifully on her daughter's perfectly slim figure. The brown boots gave it all an earthly tone, giving the impression that Frances' tanned skin and golden hair shone healthily. Which it did, only the colors enhanced it all the more. "You look gorgeous!" Francine exclaimed, clearly proud. "I'm so proud of you." She walked over and kissed her on both cheeks.
Frances felt a little better. She hadn't been nervous like this since the night she asked Katie to marry her in front of most of the people that would be present tonight. Most of the youth accepted the opportunity to see these two stunningly beautiful women join together again as they had four years before. Frances knew the house would be full.
"Mother," She said. "Where is Katie?"
Francine smiled. "Do not worry, darling. We're about to start." She left the room after giving her daughter more kisses on her cheeks.
A few minutes later, Richard, Louie and Korina (who were now married and expecting their child in three months' time) walked into Frances' room. Frances was standing by the windows, hands in her pockets, staring thoughtfully out at the arriving guests. Her gray eyes were thoughtful. "Frances," Richard said when he noticed his daughter was distraught.
She jumped and turned to look at them. Her father, so handsome in his black suit, was still mourning for Ross. His silvery blond hair had a neat part on the left side, leaving the rest wavy and shining.
Louie was also handsome in his light gray suit. His blond hair was loosened over his shoulders, a perfect contrast with the light gray. The suit consisted of slacks, just a vest and an open Chinese collared blazer, revealing his muscular chest in a reserved way. He and Frances had developed a taste for Chinese collars together. Korina, on the other hand, was beautiful beyond belief. Her dark brown hair hung around her shoulders like a cape, it shone with health and the pregnancy shimmer. Frances realized that Katie's had glistened that way when they were expecting William. Korina was wearing a gown specially made to give room to her already plump stomach, but useful for night celebrations like this one.
"How are you, Frances?" Richard asked, walking up to her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
Frances fell into his embrace gratefully. "Nervous, father!" She exclaimed. She stood quiet for a few moments, then she suddenly asked: "What is Katie wearing?" Her eyes softened with the desire she felt by just thinking of Katie.
Richard, Louie and Korina laughed at the same time. "Do not worry," Louie said, chuckling. "She looks gorgeous, as usual."
Frances was not satisfied. "I want to see her." She said, frowning.
Korina walked up to Frances, hugged her and smiled broadly. "It is almost eight. It should be starting."
A few moments later, Francine ran into the room, grabbed her daughter's hand, and pulled her out into the hall. Frances was stunned. "Mother!" She gasped.
Francine turned to look at her, assessing her looks. "Beautiful! Magnifique!" She breathed. "Just go down the stairs, wait at the bottom. You three," She said to the others. "Go downstairs!" They obeyed without question. She then pushed Frances towards the stairs.
Frances was surprised at the multitude of people present. She nervously avoided the eyes of some of her admirers as she went slowly down the stairs. Cameras flashed pictures and videos recorded. She smiled and waved to their thunderous applause. She stood at the bottom of the stairs, as indicated. She shook hands with some of her colleagues, met eyes and smiles with Syrah and Lucy, who were not far to her right. Syrah threw her a friendly kiss and then planted a big one upon the pleasingly surprised Lucy. Frances threw her head back and laughed with delight. Suddenly, everyone went silent, looking up the stairs in awe. Sighs of admiration escaped their lips.
Frances turned slowly, following their gaze. She took an empty swallow when she saw Katie, her throat suddenly dry. Katie looked unbelievably gorgeous in the beautiful satin white gown that clung to her like skin. Her body's perfect curves were accentuated by the sensual tightness of the gown. The gown was designed to cause sensation and it worked. She wore high heels that brought her height up a couple of inches. Her shiny black hair was loosened around her shoulders like a cape, framing her sweet face, which was teasingly serious as she looked down at Frances. The cameras flashed fervently. Katie's somber expression slowly turned into a sensual smile directed exclusively at Frances, who looked at her with wide eyes and parted lips. Her red lips puckered softly in a kiss.
Katie studied Frances. She was gorgeous in her off-white colored suit. Her gray eyes were lovely orbs in her beautiful eyes. Her closely cropped hair was windblown and gave Frances a natural look. Katie started slowly down the stairs. When she reached Frances' side, she smiled at everyone, and then she turned to face her lover. Frances took her small hands into her larger ones and looked into her beautiful green eyes. "I love you." She whispered; her eyes shone with tears.
"I love you too." Katie whispered back.
Richard walked back up the stairs to stand one step behind them. Everyone quieted down when they saw that he was going to speak. "Welcome, everyone." He said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You all know that this is a vows exchange. You may say that this already happened; it did. But these vows were broken and it was suggested that they'd be amended." He paused for effect. "Well, we chose their fourth year anniversary to mark their new beginning." He looked down at them; they were still looking into each other's eyes. "Frances, Katie."
Frances swallowed again and spoke, her voice was hoarse with emotion: "I, Frances, promise you, Katie, to give you Love, Trust, Happiness, and my whole Soul, 'till death do us part." Everyone clapped.
When they quieted down, Katie spoke; her voice shook with tears: "I, Katie, promise you, Frances, to give you Love, Trust, Happiness, and my whole Soul, 'till death do us part."
Richard fought back the tears. Everyone waited for him to speak. "Well," He said after a while. "This is their new beginning. A joining of two-"
"Three." Katie and Frances said simultaneously.
Richard laughed. "Three souls. Katie, Frances, their son William; their new beginning. And with this, Francine and I have something for these two beautiful young women." He looked back at Francine, who was slowly coming down the stairs. Her red silk dress glistened with the bright lights. She was stunning and everybody knew it. She carried a palm-sized box in her hands. Richard took the box from her and kissed her softly on the lips when she reached his side. He opened the box and gave it back to Francine.
Frances and Katie were watching, confused. Richard took out a thin gold chain from the box, which carried a gold plate in the shape of a heart. Richard extended it for everyone to see. "This heart contains Frances' name." He explained. "Vows exchange also includes hearts exchange." He opened the chain and gave it to Frances.
Frances looked into Katie's eyes as she said: "I give you my heart, Katie." She reached around Katie's neck and clasped on the chain.
Richard smiled with satisfaction, reaching into the box and extracting a similar chain. "And of course, this chain contains Katie's name." He gave it to Katie.
Katie also looked into Frances eyes as she said: "And I give you my heart, Frances." Then she reached around Frances' neck also and clasped on the chain, leaving her arms wrapped around her neck. Frances didn't wait; she wrapped her arms around Katie's waist and pulled her tightly to herself, giving her a deep kiss. Their tongues met and they swayed in their passion.
The thunder of the claps reverberated throughout the house. Finally, Frances and Katie pulled away. They smiled at each other and then at everyone. The music started, a slow song, and Frances pulled her towards the crowd. They were aware of nothing but each other, dancing and slowly swaying their hips against one another. Their eyes were locked together. Frances kissed Katie softly and Katie responded, opening her mouth to her.
The hours passed quickly. It was three o'clock in the morning when Frances and Katie had decided to sneak out of the party. They had remained there, enjoying the attention they were receiving from the guests. Syrah and Frances exchanged partners and danced and talked and laughed. Francine would often take Frances and Katie around to her friends, showing them off. Frances and Katie laughed at this, going along with her.
When three o'clock came, Frances couldn't take it any more. Her desire for Katie was overwhelming. She quickly pulled her up the stairs and down the hall towards her old room. Once inside, she locked the door and pulled Katie into her embrace. They made love passionately, quickly, and desperately. Afterwards, as they lay languishing in each other's arms, they studied their plates.
"Katie?" Frances said, looking down at the plate hanging from the chain around her neck.
Katie looked up at her, smiling tenderly. "What?"
Frances smiled shyly, meeting her eyes, and asked: "Ha- have you thought of another child?" She tightened her arms around her lover.
Katie laughed and kissed her on the lips. "Of course!" She said. "I've been thinking about it all the time." She paused for a while. "Maybe a girl, this time?"
Frances chuckled happily and pulled her deeper into her arms. They kissed passionately, for a long time. Later, Frances spoke again. "This is unbelievable." She said huskily, smiling softly.
Katie looked at her with a confused expression. "What is?" She asked, stroking her hair gently.
"That I have you in my arms again." Frances replied. "And that I will have you forever."
Katie smiled and kissed Frances softly. "I know exactly what you mean." She whispered, pulling Frances tightly against her.
THE END
Katia N. Ruiz
The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive