DISCLAIMERS:

COPYRIGHT: Xena Warrior Princess, and Gabrielle, are the property of MCA/Universal and are used here without permission. No copyright infringement implied or intended. No dinars will be made on this story. The leading ladies resemble our two X:WP heroines. Any character or name resemblance to 'real' people currently living or dead is completely coincidental. The characters are mine... If you want to use them, please ask me first. Download it, print it out and pass it around if you'd like, but be sure to include these disclaimers.

SUBTEXT: This is a story about two women who are very committed to a caring and loving relationship. Sex is part of that relationship, but not the focus. There are some mildly graphic sex scenes within, but nothing explicit or kinky. If this type of love offends you, if you are less than 18 years old, or if love is illegal where you live, climb on board the anti-subtext train and get outta town.

VIOLENCE: None

TIME LINE: This is the ninth installment in a modern day Uber-Xena sequence, starting with "The 'Commitment'" and followed by "A Family in Blood", "Personal Preferences", "Fighting City Hall", "Visions in Paradise", "What's In A Name?", "Promise Me Paradise", and "While I Was Gone...". Since these stories are continuations of each other, there are events mentioned within that will not make much sense if you haven't read them all in order.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I strongly believe that love is love, regardless of how it is packaged, so please don't flame me for believing in something so wonderful. All flames will be flushed down the toilet, however, I do encourage constructive criticism. Send all feedback to warriorx@together.net.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: To Brett: Thank you for providing some much needed clinical information and making this tale a lot more believable and technically accurate. You've been a great sounding board, friend, and a wonderful source of information. I could not have written this story without your help. To Rosa: For "Rosa-Proofing" the text...I dared you on this one girl... - thanks for the inputs! To Herbard: A very special thank you for editing my copy. As always, my friend, you have provided immeasurable help and moral support, and have prevented me, once more, from looking like a literary idiot! Thank you, kd. :-)

Unchained Memories

By: kd bard

Started 02/20/99

Finished 03/02/99

NOTE TO READERS: This story takes place IMMEDIATELY following "While I Was Gone". I generally do not post incomplete stories, and I apologize to anyone who was miffed by the abrupt end to "While I Was Gone", but the document was becoming quite a monster in size, so I decided to split it into two stories. However... I did wait until both documents were finished before posting them together,... so forgive me... please? kd :-)

CHAPTER XI

Billie woke up then next morning to find a warm body snuggled up against her back. Very carefully, she slid over and looked over at her bed mate, fully expecting to see Cat lying there. Instead, smiling blue eyes looked up at her.

"Sky, Honey. You surprised me. I thought you were Mama." Billie said, smiling back at the child.

Skylar snuggled in closer, tucking her face into Billie's neck. "Mama is sleeping on the couch." Skylar said as Billie wrapped her arms around the child.

"Mama is still sleeping? Are Tara and Seth up yet? she asked the little girl.

"They're watching cartoons in the living room." she replied while shaking her head yes.

"With Mama sleeping right there?" Billie asked.

Skylar just nodded her head.

"Boy, that woman can sleep through anything!" Billie thought. "I wonder how she ever made it to work on time before we met." she mused, suddenly wonder where that thought had come from.

"Mommy, how come you didn't sleep in your bed last night?" Skylar asked innocently.

"Because my legs need more practice before I can climb that many stairs, Sweet Heart." Billie explained.

"How come Mama didn't sleep with you?" she asked. "She always sleeps with you."

Billie swallowed hard. "How do I explain this one?" she thought. "Ah.... Mama wanted to make sure I slept well... Mama's a bed hog, you know... kind of like a little four year old rugrag I know." Billie said, hoping the child would accept the answer.

"Me?" Skylar asked.

"Yes.... You!" Billie answered. "Do you know what I do to bed hogs?" Billie asked.

Skylar looked at her with wide eyes and shook her head no.

"THE CLAW!!! Arrrrgggghhhh!" Billie said as she formed her hand into the claw and ticked the child mercilessly.

Skylar screamed in delight as Billie tickled her into submission.

Suddenly, Cat ran into the room, her hair a mess and her nightshirt askew. "Who screamed!" she said worriedly.

Skylar poked her head up from behind Billie. "I did Mama. Mommy was tickling me!" she exclaimed happily.

Cat walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Sky, Did you wake Mommy up this morning?" she asked, with a hint of reprimand in her voice.

Coming to her rescue, Billie said. "No she didn't. Actually, she was sleeping and I almost rolled over on top of her."

Skylar looked at Cat. "Mommy said you were a bed hog!" she said laughing. Billie quickly grabbed the child and put her hand over Skylar's mouth, shooting Cat a look that said... "Oh, oh, I'm in trouble here, right?"

Cat raised her eyebrows to Billie. "Oh she did, did she?"

Skylar shook her head yes, Billie still holding her hand over the child's mouth.

Cat looked back at Skylar. "Well, I think Mommy is exaggerating a bit" she said. "Ya know what we do to people who exaggerate?" Cat asked, looking at first Skylar, then Billie.

A look of comical worry crossed Billie's face. "The Claw?" she said in a little girl voice?

"THE CLAW!!" Cat said as she pounced on Billie. and started to tickle her. Skylar thought that looked like a lot of fun and readily joined in. Soon Tara and Seth came into the room, hearing the ruckus from the living room. Within seconds, they had joined the melee as an all out tickle war ensued. Finally, with Billie and Cat both falling victim to the kids, who had ganged up against them, the war was over and the kids had declared victory. Their reward was a blueberry pancake breakfast with link sausage .

The kids all ran back to watch cartoons while waiting for breakfast. Cat swung her legs off the bed and got up. Smiling at Billie, she said, "Well, I guess I'd better go start breakfast."

"Wait, I'll come with you. I think I might be able to cook the sausage links without too many of them committing suicide on me." she said, smiling.

Cat grinned and waited patiently for her to climb off the bed and grab her crutches. Rising to her feet, she walked up to Cat and looked down at her from her height advantage. Looking directly into Cat's green eyes, she said, "I sure could use a good morning hug."

Billie didn't need to ask twice. Cat instantly slid her arms around the tall woman's waist and rested her head on the space between Billie's chin and breasts. Billie leaned into Cat slightly for support and raised one arm up to circle Cat's back and hold her close. Cat stood like this for long moments, listening to Billie's heartbeat and savoring the feeling of closeness.

Finally, Cat looked up at Billie and said, "I really need to get breakfast started."

Billie leaned her head down and kissed Cat full on the lips. One long kiss followed by several light butterfly kisses. "Okay, let's go." she said smiling at an obviously aroused Cat.

Cat took a deep breath and steadied herself before leading Billie into the kitchen for breakfast duty.

**********

Billie sat at her usual place at the kitchen table while the kids dug into the stack of pancakes and sausage. She had a full cup of coffee in front of her, while Cat was standing at the stove flipping the last batch of cakes.

"Who wants more pancakes?" Cat asked, holding the spatula over a tall plate of cakes.

Seth and Tara both held out their plates eagerly as Cat served up more cakes to the children.

Billie looked from the children to Cat, smiling at how much the children could eat, when suddenly, a loud ringing started in her ears, and a wave a heat rose from her chest into her neck and head. Billie gripped the edges of the table to keep her balance, then turned to see herself standing in the kitchen doorway.

.........."Me too, Mama!" said a small voice from the kitchen doorway.

Cat looked up to see Skylar held securely in the arms of a very battered Billie. Blue eyes held green for a long moment before Cat finally broke the trance and turned toward the cubbard to grab a plate for Skylar. Billie walked with very slow and painful steps toward the table where she placed Skylar in a chair. Looking at the other two children, she smiled at them and opened her arms. Both of them rose from the table and rushed to her, causing her to wince at the bear hugs they gave her. Billie wrapped her arms around them, cooing words of love into their ears. Finally, with a kiss for each child, she sent them back to their seats to finish their breakfast.

Standing as erect as possible, given her injuries, she gingerly approached the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee, then refilled the cup Cat was drinking from, carrying it to the table for her, and setting down. Cat followed her with a clean plate and utensils for her to help herself to the stack of fresh pancakes and sausage in the center of the table. Billie passed on the food and opted to drink her coffee in silence, listening to the children chatter about their plans to go to the park with Stevie and Karissa later that day. Billie just sipped her coffee and watched her family interact, praying to whatever god that was listening, that Cat would let her stay.

After the children finished eating, Billie rose from the table and silently helped Cat clear away the breakfast dishes and load them into the dishwasher. As usual, Billie rinsed them and handed them to Cat, who arranged them neatly in the tray. As the last dish was loaded, their eyes met and held for a moment. Cat frowned and looked away, grabbing the dishcloth from the counter to wash the table.

"Cat." Billie said, trying to get her attention.

Cat continued to wash the table, not looking at the tall woman. "Billie, please... Not now." was all she said...........

Billie shook her head to clear the confusion, and looked around once more to see Cat dishing pancakes out to the children, and then dropping a few on two other plates for the both of them. Sliding one of the plates over to Billie, Cat said, "Eat up... you'll need your strength for therapy today, love."

Billie looked at the plate and then at Cat, then reached for her fork and the plate of sausages.

After the children were settled, Cat sat down, and joined the family for a lively breakfast.

"Billie... Billie, Honey, are you all right?" Cat asked.

"Huh? I'm sorry... what was it you said?" Billie said.

"Billie, you've been sitting there staring at your plate for several minutes. Are you sure you're okay?" Cat asked again.

Billie smiled crookedly. "Yeah, I'm fine. I guess all this is pretty overwhelming." he said, indicating their home and family. "Sorry for drifting off on you like that."

Cat reached over and stroked Billie's face. "That's all right, love. I understand." Cat replied. "I was just talking about your therapy schedule for the week."

While the adults talked, one by one, the children excused themselves from the table. Rinsing their dishes, they left them in the sink and went into the living room to watch cartoons.

When they had both eaten their fill, Cat got up and took Billie's plate from her, loading it, and the rest of the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher. Then, grabbing the coffee pot, she refilled both their cups and announced that she was going to run out to the mailbox for the morning paper.

Billie sat at the kitchen table nursing her coffee while she waited for Cat to return. Suddenly, a pain tore through her skull as the loud ringing returned.. Billie looked up as Cat came back into the house.

..........Cat closed the kitchen door and leaned against it, watching Billie struggle back to her feet through the pain. A sweat had broken out on Billie's brow and upper lip from the effort. She pulled out a chair and sat at the table to regain her strength. Cat continued to lean against the door, watching the taller woman compose herself.

Finally, Cat broke the silence. "You wanted to talk? ...Then talk." she said.

Billie pushed a chair out with her foot. "Please, sit down, Cat." she said.

"No... No, I think I'm fine right here." Cat replied, continuing to lean against the door, crossing her arms in front of her.

Cat's refusal to cooperate, along with the pain, angered Billie beyond control. Rising to her feet, she glared at Cat and said, "I asked you nicely to sit down. I won't be so nice the next time. Now DO IT!" she bellowed.

Cat's defiance matched Billie's anger. "I don't think so, Billie... You're my wife, NOT my boss."

"Damn you, Cat!" Billie shouted, slamming her fist down onto the table. "Get your ass over here before you make me do something I'll regret later!" she threatened.

Cat's stubborn nature held. "Judging by those photographs, Billie, I'd say you've already done something you'll regret later!" she threw at the taller woman.

"Arrggghhh!" Billie yelled, grabbing her chair and sending it flying across the room. She stomped threateningly close to Cat, stopping within inches of her face, hands clenched in tight fists, her face, a mask of anger and pain. She tried desperately to calm the raging tide that was churning in her chest, but her warrior nature took over as she placed both hands against the door on either side of Cat, trapping her there. "I promised MY son that I wouldn't hurt you, Cat. Otherwise I'd give you the beating you so sorely deserve!" she yelled into her face.

Cat was pissed. Uncaring about the danger she was putting herself in, she shouted back, "What was that, Brian? Does it make you feel good to pick on someone weaker than you... Brian?"

Billie reached forward as though to wrap her hands around Cat's throat. Cat could see her struggling with herself to hold back, the veins in the taller woman's neck bulging and threatening to burst. Meeting Cat's eyes, she let all the pain and hatred she felt during her life with Brian, enter into them. Dropping her hands to her sides, Billie turned around and walked a step away, then turned back to Cat. Lifting her right hand, she pointed a finger in Cat's face. "Don't you EVER call me Brian again." she spat. "You have no idea what he was capable of!" she said.

"And just what was he capable of, Billie?" Cat challenged.

Billie was breathing rapidly, each breath sending waves of pain through her bruised ribs. She backed away a few steps and ran a hand through her hair. Looking back at Cat, she said, "Do you really want to see, Cat? Do you?... Okay!... You've got it." Billie reached out and grabbed Cat by the arm, dragging her over to the table and pushing her roughly into a chair. "Don't you dare move out of that chair." she said. Billie gave Cat one more warning look before she left the room.

Cat sat there, convinced that she had pushed the older woman too far. Her rational mind told her to get up and run while Billie was out of the room, but her heart told her to stay put. Moments later, Billie was back, breathing deeply and holding her side from her painful run up the stairs and back. Entering the kitchen, she threw the photographs that had started this whole mess, on the table in front of Cat.

"That is what he's capable of, Cat." Billie said angrily, pointing to the pictures.

Cat looked away, not wanting to see the hated images in front of her.

Billie grabbed a handful of Cat's hair and turned her face forward, forcing her to look at the pictures. With her free hand, she spread them out before the red headed woman.

"Look at them, Cat. Look closely." she said. Noticing that Cat had closed her eyes, Billie grabbed her chin and roughly turned her face to look at her. "Damn it, Cat! Open your eyes. You are so convinced that I'm guilty, yet you won't give me a chance to defend myself. Now open your eyes and look at the god damned pictures!" she demanded...........

"Billie! Billie..." Cat said as she shook the tall woman back to reality.

Billie looked at Cat with undisguised pain on her face. Her eyes darted around in confusion. Looking down at herself, there saw no evidence of injury. There were no photographs spread out on the table. There was no fear in Cat's eyes.

"Cat." Billie said. "Cat... I... hurt you!" she said, disgust evident in her voice.

"Billie, what are you talking about?" Cat asked. "Honey, you have never hurt me."

Billie's eyes filled with tears. "Here, in this kitchen... I pinned you against the door... I ... I wanted to hurt you!" Billie explained.

Cat's eyes flew open wide. "By the gods, Billie. You're remembering!" she exclaimed.

"Cat, I hurt you!" Billie said again.

Cat took both of Billie's hands in hers. Raising them up to her mouth, she kissed the knuckles then pulled the taller woman's hands in to rest over her heart. "No, Billie... You did not hurt me. You couldn't. You stopped yourself." Cat explained. Releasing her hands, Cat reached over to cup Billie's cheek in her palm. "Sweet Heart, What else to you remember?' she asked.

Billie looked at her blankly. "Nothing." she said.

**********

For most of the morning, Cat worked with Billie on various therapeutic exercises while the children played in the yard. Around mid-morning, Jen stopped over. Cat was helping Billie cross the living room without her crutches, walking backwards in front of Billie, while Billie walked forward, her hands laying lightly on top of Cat's upturned palms.

Being her normal uninhibited self, Jen barged into the living room without announcing her arrival. "Hi there, ladies!." she said, scaring both women out of their skins and distracting them to the point that Cat stepped over her own feet and fell on her butt, Billie landing right on top of her, pinning her to the floor.

Billie was immediately worried that she had hurt Cat. Coming awkwardly to her knees, she reached out to Cat who was holding her stomach. "Cat! Cat, Honey, are you all right?" she asked frantically.

Cat just held her hand up to Billie. "I'm o...okay. Just got the wind knocked out of me." she replied. "Are you okay, Billie?" she asked.

Billie shook her head, the sound of Jen laughing distracting her attention from Cat.

Cat and Billie looked up at Jen who was trying hard to control her laughter.

Billie grew indignant and sat back on her heels, crossing her arms and glaring at Jen. "Okay, Miss 'Neighbor Oxtraordinaire'. You think this is so funny... get your ass over here and help us up!" she demanded, her anger abating under Jen's constant chuckling.

Still chuckling, Jen approached the two women and offered her hands to the ladies to help them up. Billie and Cat quickly glanced at each other, then grabbed Jen's hands and yanked her down into a pile with them on the floor. Cat held her down while Billie administered The Claw to her midsection. After several moments of screaming and begging for them to stop, and after a few more moments of non-stop apologies for her unannounced intrusiveness, Billie and Cat ceased torturing their friend and let her sit up. All three women sat there, leaning on each other, their sides aching from the laughter, before they regained enough composure to climb to their feet.

Cat and Jen prepared lunch for the three of them, while Fred took all five of the children to McDonalds's and then to a minor league baseball game. It would be late in the day before they would return.

After lunch, Billie took a nap while Cat and Jen dragged the stationary bike and free weights up from the makeshift gym in a corner of the family room downstairs. The bike was placed in a strategic corner of the living room where it could be ridden while watching TV. It would become an important part of Billie's afternoon workout routine. That accomplished, Billie made a pot of coffee and sat down to tell Jen about the flashbacks Billie had had that morning during breakfast.

"It sounds like she starting to remember, Cat. Maybe being home has something to do with it." Jen suggested.

"Maybe, Jen. Daddy did say that being in familiar surroundings sometimes had a dramatic affect on memory recall. We've only been home for a day, Jen, but already, I have seen familiar habits starting to return. She made us tea last night, and instinctively knew where everything was, and how I drank mine. We got into a tickle war this morning with the kids and she was so like the old Billie that it was like this entire past few weeks had never happened. And now the flashbacks.... I just wish the memories that are returning were the good ones." Cat explained.

"It's only been a day, Cat... give it time. I have a good feeling about this." Jen said reaching out to take Cat's hand in hers.

"I hope you're right, Jen... I really hope you're right." Cat said.

**********

The afternoon therapy session was very tiring for Billie. After several passes of unassisted walking back and forth across the living room, with Jen standing close by for balance, and Cat holding onto the belt around Billie's waist, she moved on to the exercise bike and then to the free weights. By the time her workout was over, her clothing was damp with sweat and her muscles were quivering with exhaustion.

Billie sat at the kitchen table enjoying a tall glass of ice water while Cat went to fill the Jacuzzi in the bathroom with hot water. Noting Billie's exhaustion, Jen came up behind her, ruffled her rapidly growing hair, and then wrapped her arms around Billie's neck and shoulders, pressing her cheek up against the side of Billie's head.

"I'm afraid I don't smell very good right now, Jen." Billie said. "You're going to need a bath yourself if you keep doing that." she added.

"What's a little sweat between friends, huh?" Jen said. "Someone's got to hold you up in the shower... I thought I'd volunteer for the job." she joked.

Billie turned slightly to look at her friend. "I don't think Cat will appreciate that, Jen." she said smiling.

"Cat won't appreciate what?" said the red headed woman from the doorway.

"Busted!" said Jen.

"Cat won't appreciate what?" Cat asked again, hands on her hips.

Billie looked at Jen. "You're in trouble now, girlfriend... Let's see you worm your way out of this one." she laughed.

"Um.... Um... Cat wouldn't appreciate..... Ah.... Ah.... Gee! Is that Fred I hear calling me? Gotta go? See ya later!" Jen said, escaping out the kitchen door.

"Coward!" Billie chuckled as she watched her friend flee.

A few moments later, Billie was reclining in a tub of hot swirling water, a rolled up towel behind her neck, candles providing muted lighting, classical music playing softly from the cassette player on the vanity. Billie soon fell asleep.

..........Coming back to her full height, Billie took Cat's face in her hands and gently kissed her. Then she leaned over, scooped Cat up into her arms and stepped into the tub. Luckily, the tub was oval shaped, and fit Billie's long frame just right. Billie sat with her back against one end, and Cat tucked in front of her, using her chest as a back rest. Reaching over to the wine, Cat poured two glasses and handed one to Billie, relaxing back into Billie's arms and savoring the moment.

"This feels sooooo good!" Cat exclaimed, letting her head rest on Billie's shoulder."You take such good care of me." she continued. "You know, I never did thank you for watching Tara when I was sick. Hell, I never even asked you to stay with her..., but I'm so glad you did. She loves you very much, you know." Cat finished, slightly turning her head so that she could see Billie's face.

"I love her too, Cat. It's funny how she wriggled her way into my heart so fast." Pausing, she chuckled at a memory. "You should have seen her visiting with Seth. "He was, just lying there, totally unresponsive, but she just kept talking away at him like the little chatterbox she is."

"I can't wait for Seth to come home." Cat said. "We'll have to redecorate Terry's old room for him. I don't think he'll appreciate pink walls!" ...........

"I think we'd better wait to see what happens with Seth before you commit yourself, Cat. If the operation didn't work, the future may not be so rosy." Billie pointed out.

Cat turned around sharply, splashing water onto the floor and spilling her wine into the tub. "What did you just say?" she shouted angrily, into Billie's face.

"Just that you need to go into this with your eyes open, Cat." Billie said in her own defense.

"Is that what you really think of me, Billie?" Cat spat out. "That I would turn tail and run as soon as the going got rough?!" Cat had Billie pinned to the back of the tub by her arms now, their faces a mere breath's width away from each other. "Damn you, Billie!".

Cat pushed backward and retreated to the other end of the tub, tears cascading down her face. "Heaven forbid, if something were to ever happened to Tara, would you want out of the relationship?" Cat asked Billie in a shaky voice.

Billie cast her eyes down, knowing she had over reacted and feeling as guilty as hell. "No Cat, I wouldn't."

"Then why can't you have the same level of trust in me? Huh? I love you, and I love Seth. I will continue to love him, even if he stays the way he is for the rest of his life. I'm made of a lot tougher stuff than you give me credit for Billie. If I wasn't, Tara wouldn't be with us today." Cat paused, letting her message sink into Billie's thick skull.

"What do you mean.... about Tara?" Billie asked.

"Billie, haven't you ever wondered about Tara's father?" Cat asked.

"Yeah, but I just assumed...." Billie started to say.

"You assumed that either I had been married and divorced, or that I got myself into trouble. Right?" Cat supplied for her.

Billie just nodded.

"Billie, Tara is the product of rape." Cat watched Billie's head snap up, and her eyes fly wide open. " I was in my Junior year of college, walking back to the dorms from one of my evening classes. Tara's father was another student... one I had been acquainted with, but not on a friendly basis. He jumped me when I took a shortcut between two of the dorms." She paused, recalling the painful memories. "He beat the shit out of me, and then raped me. I was in the hospital for weeks. I took a pregnancy test as part of a post-rape physical, and it came back positive." She paused again, letting the information take effect. "The point is, Billie, I could have taken the easy way out. Considering that it was rape, I was given the choice of terminating the pregnancy. I chose not to, and I thank the gods every day for that decision. I won't say that it's been easy raising Tara alone, but I would do it again in a heartbeat." Finally, she added, "I have grown a lot over the past four years, Billie. I've grown older, wiser and stronger. I know that I am strong enough to accept Seth, and all of the potential consequences that go with him. The question is, will you let me?"

Billie's eyes filled with tears. She didn't know what to say. Cat was right... she was being stupid, and selfish, and she felt like the world's biggest asshole because of it. Not knowing what else to do, she lifted her arms out of the water and opened them for Cat. Seconds later, Cat was cradled against her chest, whispering endearments of love. All Billie could do was kiss the top of her head and hold her close, while she let the tears run down her face.

"So," Cat said, looking up at Billie. "Are we in this together, or not?"

Billie smiled through her tears. "Together, Cat... together"...........

Billie's eyes snapped opened. It took her a moment to realize where she was, then finally relaxing when she felt safe again. She closed her eyes once more and allowed herself to remember the dream. "Together...." she said under her breath.

**********

Later that evening after the kids had returned from the ball game, had been bathed and tucked into bed, Cat went to the bookcase in the family room and retrieved the video tape of Skylar's first birthday party.

Billie was moved to tears. On the video, Seth was very near the age Billie thought he was when she had her memory recall in the hospital. When the camera zoomed in on a chocolate-faced Skylar diving into her birthday cake, Cat could have sworn she heard Billie say under her breath, "Smile for Mommy, baby.", while she reached up and wiped a tear away.

In one part of the video, Jen had manned the camera so Billie could be in the video with her family. Billie frowned when she saw the sling on her arm. She looked at Cat, and then back at the video. "Cat." she said. "Why is my arm in a sling?"

"You rescued the kids and I from your ex-husband, Billie. He was holding us hostage, right here in the house, demanding custody of Seth and Sky. You broke into the house and ambushed him, but not before he managed to shoot you." Cat explained. "We almost lost you on the way to the hospital, Billie. It was only by the grace of the gods that you survived." she added.

As the video finished, Billie yawned tiredly. "Gods, I'm tired." She said.

Getting up off the couch, Cat shut off the TV and VCR and helped Billie up, walking arm in arm with her to the bedroom.

"Let me rub you down, Billie. You'll sleep better, okay?" she said, reaching to remove Billie's clothing without waiting for a reply. Soon, Billie was naked, except for her panties, and lying face down on the bed, her hands crossed under her chin. Cat began a deep massage, slowly working the stiffness out of Billie's tired muscles. She started at Billie's neck and massaged her entire body, down to her feet. Then, rolling her over, she repeated the process on Billie's front side, carefully avoiding her breasts.

Cat had to force herself to stay focused throughout the massage. "Remember what Laura said." she told herself. "Your job is to massage, not stimulate. Keep it under control, Cat... You can do it."

Finally, the massage was over. Cat looked into Billie's face and clearly thought she saw desire burning in her eyes. "Don't go there, Cat... Don't go there!" she told herself as she pulled a T-shirt over Billie's head and tucked her under the covers. Leaning over, she kissed Billie lightly on the lips. "I love you, Billie. Pleasant dreams." she said.

Billie grabbed her hand before she could walk away. Turning back, Cat looked Billie square in the face. "Thank you, Cat... for everything... and... I love you too." Billie said.

Cat leaned in to kiss her once more, before saying good night and retreating to the couch, where she knew sleep would be a long time coming. "Gods, Billie, I am on fire from touching you. So much for sleeping." she thought.

"Gods, Cat. Do you know what your touch does to me? So much for sleeping." Billie thought as she stared at the ceiling.

************************************************************************************************ CHAPTER XII

The next morning, Billie was up bright and early, well before the rest of the household started to arise. Making her way to the kitchen, she set up the coffee pot, then returned to her room to throw on a pair of shorts. Slipping her feet into her tennis shoes, she grabbed her crutches and slowly made her way down the porch steps, and over to the mailbox to retrieve the morning paper.

An hour later, Cat woke up and found Billie sitting balanced on the seat of the exercise bike, reading the paper as she pedaled. Cat sat up on the couch and looked over at Billie. "Good Morning." she said. "Getting a head start?" she asked.

Billie lowered the paper and looked at Cat, smiling broadly. "Good Morning, Cat. Sleep well?" she asked.

Cat wanted so much to say, "No... I was too busy making love to you in my mind to sleep!", but instead she simply answered, "Yeah, okay I guess."

"Good. Coffee's made." Billie replied.

"You are a lifesaver!" Cat exclaimed, climbing off the couch and heading to the kitchen.

Billie watched her go... all disheveled, hair a mess. "Gods, Cat... you are so sexy all mussed up like that!" Billie thought.

Cat came back into the living room carrying a full cup of coffee. She stopped next to Billie and asked. "Did you go out to the mailbox for that paper?"

Billie grinned and said, "Yep!"

"Cool!" Cat replied, taking a sip of her coffee. "Oh, Billie, this is sooooo good."

"Thanks... Ah, Cat. I want to thank you for the massage last night. It really felt good." Bille said. "You don't know just HOW good!" she thought to herself.

"Oh it was good for me too, Billie.... REAL good!" Cat thought. Verbally, she said, "You're welcome, Billie. We need to do that every day to keep your muscles from becoming too sore after therapy.

"Oh Goody!" Billie thought. "I can't wait." To Cat, Billie just nodded.

"Feel up to walking outdoors today? Cat asked.

"How far?" Billie questioned.

"Just to Jen's house and back. She lives three doors down the road. She's invited us all to lunch today and I thought the walk could replace part of your therapy session. What do you think?" Cat suggested.

"All right." Billie replied. "Cat, I want to practice stair climbing today, okay?" she added.

"Sure... all right. Why don't you finish up on the bike and I'll fix us a quick breakfast,... the kids should be up soon..., Then we'll get started, okay?"

Billed smiled at Cat and said, "Great!"

As Cat predicted, over the next several minutes, the kids started making their appearance. Each one stopped to kiss and hug Billie before making their way into the kitchen looking for something to eat.

Seth was the last one up. As he approached his mother, she stopped pedaling and asked him to 'escort' her into the kitchen. In a very grown up fashion, he offered her his arm as they slowly made their way to the kitchen table. Pulling out her chair, he held it for her as she lowered herself into it. Then, coming around to the font of her, he let himself be pulled into her embrace for a hug and a kiss.

"Thank you, Sweet Love." Billie said to him.

Cat watched the scene with pride, winking at her son and causing him to blush profusely, when he peeked at her out of the corner of his eye.

Soon, breakfast was over and the kids ran off to get dressed.

Cat collected the breakfast dishes and rinsed them all in the sink.

"Let me help you with that." Billie said as she started to rise to her feet.

Cat turned around to look at her. "No, Billie... I've got it covered. You just sit there and rest. You've got a busy morning ahead of you." she reasoned.

Billie sat back down and watched Cat load the dishwasher, noticing how she had to bend over each time she put a dish on the bottom rack, presenting Billie with a fine shot of her backside. Billie found herself wishing they had dirtied more dishes, as the show was over way too soon.

Finally, Cat turned the dishwasher on and turned around to look at Billie. She noticed that Billie was flush, and she had a look on her face like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Ready to go to work?" Cat asked.

Billie nodded enthusiastically as she rose to her feet and walked slowly through the living room, with her hand resting lightly on Cat's shoulder. Cat carried her crutches for her to use at the top of the stairs.

The kids suddenly came charging down the stairs, nearly running into the two women. Cat instinctively threw her arm around Billie's waist to help her maintain her balance in the kids' wake.

"Whoa... slow down there... you almost knocked Mom over!" Cat scolded. "How many times have I told you three not to run in the house, huh?"

All three children stood there looking guiltily at Cat. Billie nudged Cat with her elbow to get her attention. When Cat looked at her, she gave her a "Aw come on... give'em a break!" look.

Cat just shook her head side to side. "What am I going to do with the FOUR of you?" she asked, including Billie in that statement.

"We're sorry, Mama." each child chimed in.

Cat looked at Billie and actually saw a pout on her face. "Christ.. don't do that to me... I can't possibly resist that face." she thought. "All right... just slow down, okay... Someone will get hurt one of these days." Cat said.

"Ma, Can we go over to Stevie and Karissa's this morning? Stevie has this new Nintendo game that I wanna play." Seth asked.

"I guess so. We're having lunch with them today anyway. Seth, honey, could you tell Jen for me that we'll be there around noon?" Receiving a nod from Seth, she added, "Oh, and Tara... include your sister, okay? You and Karissa have a tendency to shut her out... Be nice, okay?"

"All right, Mama." Tara said begrudgingly taking Skylar's hand and dragging her along.

Seconds later, as the kids were running out the door, Cat turned to Billie and punched her in the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" Billie asked.

"For giving me that cute little pouty face.... How can I be the disciplinarian when you look at me like that?" she said in mock anger.

Billie grinned. "You thought it was cute?" she said, wiggling her eyebrows up and down.

"What am I going to do with you?" Cat said. Then seeing the suggestive look on Billie's face, she added. "Strike that last comment... Come on, we've got work to do!"

Billie had absolutely no trouble negotiating the stairs, thanks to the rails that Fred and Jen had installed. Billie climbed and descended them twice, before climbing them a third time with the intention of exploring the second floor. Stopping at the top of the stairs, she turned to face the hallway. Without taking a step, she looked around. Suddenly, her eyes grew wide and she grasped Cat's arm. Cat looked up at her questioningly.

"Cat... This looks familiar!" she exclaimed. Then, pointing, she said, "That's Seth's room, then Tara's, and on this side is the bathroom, and Sky's room, and then our room at the end." she finished.

Cat smiled broadly. "Yes!" she said. "You're right, Billie! That's wonderful!"

Taking the crutches from Cat, Billie started moving down the hallway, looking in each room as she went, her eyes becoming fuller and fuller with unshed tears as the memories of the house came flooding back in. Finally, they reached the master bedroom at the end of the hall. Cat noticed that Billie's hand shook as she reached out for the doorknob.

Billie pushed the door open and stepped inside. Intense feelings of deja vu nearly overwhelmed her as she stood there and allowed herself to feel. She looked at Cat and said. "I can feel it, Cat. I feel like I belong here."

Cat was nearly bursting with excitement. "Gods, Billie. I have waited so long for you to realize that!" she exclaimed. "Billie... what else do you remember? Who else do you remember?" she asked.

Billie looked at Cat and knew she would see disappointment on her face at what she was about to say.

"Cat... Cat, I'm sorry. I remember the house, but.... I'm sorry, Cat. I don't remember you." Billie explained.

Cat was crestfallen, but tried very hard not to show it. "That's all right, Billie." she said, forcing a smile onto her face. "It will come back with time. I'm sure it will."

Billie was not impressed with Cat's acting job and felt really lousy for letting her down. "I'm sorry, Cat." she said again.

Cat grabbed her chin. "Damn it, Billie! Stop that! You have done nothing wrong, all right? Please?" she said.

Billie just nodded. "Cat, I think I'll take a shower as long as we're here. I'm kind of sweaty from all that work on the stairs. Okay?" she said.

"Sure, Billie. I'll just be down stairs. Please don't come down the stairs by yourself. I'll be close by - call to me when you're ready. Agreed?" Cat instructed.

"You got it, Sarge!" Billie said, causing Cat to smile before leaving Billie alone to take her shower.

The master bath was fairly large and contained mirrors on opposite walls to provide the right angle for looking at the back of an outfit. Stepping in between the mirrors, Billie started taking off her T-shirt and shorts. Out of curiosity, glanced in the mirror to look at her back. What she saw there sent her into a fit of panic.

Suddenly her world came crashing in on her. Pain tore through her head, driving her to her knees. Grabbing her head, she fell to the floor and pulled her body into a fetal position.

..........Before she had a chance to open her mouth, he was off the couch like a shot, grabbing her by the neck. "Where have you been, bitch? he demanded.

Trying to talk through the strangle hold he had on her throat, she choked out, "Hav.. Having coffee.."

"You were out fucking around on me, weren't you!... WEREN'T YOU!" he yelled.

"No... Brian.. No, I wasn't. Please let go." she said, grabbing at his arm.

He backed her up against the wall and slammed her head repeatedly into it. "You belong here with ME... taking care of that little bastard in the other room!" he screamed. "Not out screwing everything in sight!"

"I... I wasn't....." she stammered.

"DON'T LIE TO ME, YOU FILTHY WHORE!" he swore at her.

"Brian, stop... please!" she begged.

"I'll teach you to run out on me, bitch." he threatened. While he reached for his belt buckle, Billie raised her foot and kicked him in the shin. He let out a howl and immediately released the hold he had on her neck. Billie scampered away from him as fast as she could, but not fast enough. Catching her by the foot, he yanked on it as hard as he could, twisting it at the same time, causing an audible snap, and effectively stopping Billie's escape. While she lay there, grabbing her ankle, he climbed up and sat across her stomach, throwing blow after close-fisted blow toward her face. About half of the blows landed on target, the other half effectively blocked by Billie's flailing hands. When his own hands became too bloodied to continue, he removed his belt and snaked it back and forth across her back until stripes of blood could be seen through her blouse. Finally exhausted, he rolled off her and staggered to his feet, kicking her in the ribs for good measure. He returned to the couch in the living room and promptly passed out. Billie managed to crawl into Seth's room, where she locked the door and laid on the floor, trembling from anger, pain and fear through the remainder of the night...........

.........."By the gods, Billie..." she began. "These pictures... how old are they?" Cat asked.

"They were taken several years ago, when Seth was almost two.... and before you ask, yes, Brian took them." she replied.

Cat rose to her feet and circled behind Billie. She lifted the back of Billie's shirt and looked at the whip marks, comparing them to those in the photographs. She bent down and kissed the marks on Billie's back before lowering her shirt, causing a shudder to run through the taller woman. Returning to the table, she sat down once more.

Cat sat for a long time, looking at her hands and allowing tears of remorse fill her eyes. "Why did he beat you?" she asked..........

.........."No, this can't be happening again... No! Brian.. no more! Please! I won't do it again... I promise. Please Brian.. No more! Please!" her mind screamed as the belt rained down on her over and over. Crouching on the ground, she did he best to protect her face, while the wide strap fell across her back...........

..........Art looked down at the desk and took a deep breath. Looking back up at Billie, he said, "Tell me to mind my own business if you want, but that son of a bitch you were married to beat you, didn't he?"

Billie held eye contact with her tall friend. "More times than I can count." she replied...........

**********

Cat was in the living room, folding away the blankets that she had used on the couch the night before, when suddenly, she felt like someone had punched her in the stomach. The first thing that ran through her mind was that Billie had fallen and had hurt herself. Taking the stairs two at a time, she quickly made her way to the second floor and ran down the hall to the master bedroom. She found Billie curled up on the bathroom floor, terrified beyond all feeling, her body visibly trembling as her mind relived the abuse at the hands of her ex-husband.

Cat quickly fell to her knees and lifted Billie's head into her lap, cradling her like a baby. "Sweet Heart, what happened... tell me, please." Cat urged.

Billie cried heart wrenching sobs, each one tearing Cat's heart out. Incapable of coherent speech, Billie just clung to Cat, laying in the circle of the smaller woman's arms. Feeling Cat's hands and lips caressing her head.

"I've got you, love. It's okay. I've got you." Cat repeated over and over.

Finally Billie had calmed down enough to take a deep breath, but continued to draw in short, hiccuping gulps of air. After a time, she spoke.

"Ccat. The scars on mmy bback... Bbrian...the mman at the bbar...." was all she could get out before breaking down into sobs again, and retreating back into Cat's arms.

Cat sat there, holding Billie for nearly an hour before she was able to convince her to lie down for a nap. Helping her to her feet, she walked her into the bedroom and threw down the covers on their bed. After tucking Billie in, she sat on the edge of the bed and reached for the telephone.

"Hi Jen... Cat. Jen, it looks like Billie and I won't be making it for lunch.... No, she's all right now... she had another recall... a really painful one from her first marriage. She's in bed right now... I'm going to stay with her for a while, she's pretty wrecked emotionally.... What's that? Sure, if you don't mind... Okay I'll pack their pajamas and clean clothes for tomorrow and run them over to you after Billie falls asleep. Okay? All right.... And, Jen... Thanks, you are such a good friend... I love you. Okay... see you in a while. Bye." Cat said, hanging up the phone.

She looked down at Billie and found blue orbs looking back at her. Cat reached over and ran her palm down the side of Billie's face. "Jen's going to keep the kids tonight." she said.

Billie nodded and said, "Cat, ccan you hold mme?"

Cat was under the covers with Billie in seconds, pulling her into the circle of her arms.

**********

Billie slept well into the afternoon. While she slept, Cat packed an overnight bag for the children and ran it over to Jen's. Jen wouldn't let her leave until she sat down and told her all the details of the recall.

"There isn't much to tell, Jen. All I know is that she remembered the beatings at Brian's hands, and that guy that beat her up in the alley behind the bar a few weeks ago. She was devastated Jen. I have never seen her so terrified of anything in my life." Cat explained, wiping a tear out of her eye.

Jen reached out and pulled Cat in for a hug. "Honey, Billie is such a lucky woman to have you. How you are managing to stay strong through all of this is beyond me. Sweetie, I want you to promise me that you'll call when you need help... let me help you help her, okay? You know how I feel about Billie... please let me help." Jen pleaded.

"I will, Jen. I promise." Cat said. "Look, I want to be there when she wakes up, so I need to get going. Kiss the kids for me when them come back from the park.... tell them I love them, all right?" Cat said trying very hard to be strong and to not break down in front of her friend.

"I will Cat. Now go take care of your lady... and call me if you need help." Jen said before finally letting Cat leave.

**********

Dinner that evening was very quiet. Billie had awakened late in the afternoon with no intention of doing further therapy that day. Cat did not press her, considering the emotional strain she had been under. After dinner, Billie insisted on returning to their room for the night, and insisted that Cat join her there. While she was unwilling to participate in any physical therapy, Cat did manage however, to get Billie to open up about the abuse.

"Cat, I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I have done to deserve it. I just don't have an answer for that." Billie said.

"It doesn't warrant an answer Billie because there isn't one. You did nothing to deserve the abuse. You were the unfortunate victim of a sick mind. Nobody asks for that kind of abuse." Cat explained.

"I can't help but think that if only I was a better wife... better mother..." Billie began.

"STOP IT, Billie! Stop it right now! This isn't about how good or bad you were... it is about how sick and twisted and controlling Brian is. This is about power and control, NOT about levels of goodness." Cat tried to explain. "And by the way, Billie, I happen to think you are a wonderful wife and mother." she added.

"I don't know Cat. I don't feel worthy of you right now. You are putting up with so much shit from me... because of me..." Billie stated.

"Billie, I love you with all my heart. When I look at you, I see the most wonderful, beautiful, worthy individual I have ever known. You are perfect Billie.. you are good. Please don't ever change. I love you just the way you are." Cat said, through her tears.

This time it was Billie's turn to hold Cat while she cried. And cry, she did.... releasing all the emotions she had been keeping in check since the beginning of Billie's illness, it was a full quarter hour later before the sobbing reduced to whimpering, and then finally to even breathing, and ultimately to sleep.

************************************************************************************************ CHAPTER XIII

Billie woke up the next morning with a splitting headache. Pulling herself up into a sitting position against the headboard, it took a few moments for her to look around and realize where she was. Her eyes scanned the room until they fell on Cat sleeping peacefully beside her. Billie sat there and studied the smaller woman for several moments. "Why do you love me, Cat?" she asked herself. "You are so smart and so beautiful. Why have you chosen me?"

.........."Billie, I have never been happier in my life. All through my teen years, I was ridiculed for my preferences. My so called 'friends' had me convinced that I would never have a normal, happy life,... never have children or a stable family.... Then came you. You have totally changed my life Billie. I have never loved anyone the way I love you. I would die for you, you know."..........

Closing her eyes against the intense pain, she rested her head against the wall for a few moments, before struggling out of bed and making her way to the bathroom to find some painkillers.

Cat woke up to find herself alone in bed. "Billie?" she said, as she sat up and looked around, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Right here, Cat." Billie said, stepping into the bedroom from the bathroom. "I have a headache... needed to find something to get rid of it." she explained.

"C'mere." Cat said, holding her arms out to Billie.

Billie made her way over to Cat and laid the crutches on the floor before crawling across the bed and laying her head in Cat's lap. Cat massaged her temples until the pain had subsided and the painkillers started to take affect.

Billie laid there, on her back, looking up at Cat. "Cat." she asked. "When did you know that you loved me?"

Cat traced Billie's brow, cheeks and chin with her fingertips. "From the first moment I saw you, Billie. That fateful day when I walked into your aerobics class four years ago." Cat answered.

Billie closed her eyes as a pressure started to build behind them.

..........She had red-blonde hair and a well-toned build, including wonderfully sculptured abs.. china-doll features, full lips, and to the most startling emerald green eyes she had ever seen. "My god, I wonder if the woman knows how striking she is"..........

.........."Now, on the count of four, Cat, we're going to take this two steps to the right, then two steps left, Okay? Billie said as she once again, came up behind Cat. .... Billie wrapped her arm around Cat's waist and pulled her directly to her, locking her in place tightly against her chest...... Watching the two of them in the mirror as they moved together, looked so right... Billie's arm wrapped securely around her waist ... Cat let her head fall back onto Billie's shoulder. Soon her eyes were closed as they floated back and forth across the room...........

.........."Seth, this is Cat... I told you all about her when I came to visit, remember?"

Looking directly at Cat, Seth blurted out, "Mom said you fell flat on your face in her aerobics class... that must have been funny!" he said, casting a glance at Tara that caused both of them to dissolve into giggles.

Cat felt Billie stiffen behind her. Turning to look at her partner, she said in a stern voice, "Billllllie...."

Billie tried to recover as gracefully as possible... "Ahhhh,...ahhhhh... Oh hell, Cat, I've never kept anything from him in the past.... I just wanted him to know and love everything about you... just like I do."..........

Billie opened her eyes quickly, a look of confusion evident in their depths.

"Billie, are you all right?" Cat asked.

"Fine... I'm fine, Cat." Billie said, rolling herself up into a sitting position.

"Is your headache gone, love?" Cat asked.

"Almost." Billie replied. "Look, Cat, we'd better get to work on my therapy."

Cat looked at her intently for a moment or two. "Billie are you sure you're all right?" she asked once more.

"Damn it Cat... Yes. I'm fine." she snapped.

"Okay... You don't have to be such a Scrooge about it!" Cat replied, climbing off the bed.

..........Cat backhanded Billie lightly across the stomach... "Oh don't be such a Scrooge, love. Christmas is only once a year... It doesn't kill you to shop with me."

"Bah, Humbug!." Billie said teasingly...........

Cat walked toward the door to the hall. Stopping, she looked back at Billie who was still sitting on the bed with a blank look on her face. "Well? Are you coming? she asked impatiently.

Billie snapped back to reality and grabbed her crutches. Pulling herself to her feet, she hobbled after Cat.

**********

Billie worked very hard at her morning PT routine, which included stair climbing and unassisted walking, with Cat holding tightly to her belt. Cat was uncharacteristically silent throughout the entire morning, still smarting from Billie's abruptness earlier in the day.

Billie, feeling guilty from her treatment of Cat, declared a refreshment break mid-morning, right in the middle of her stair climbing therapy. While Cat retrieved two tall glasses of ice water, Billie sat at the bottom of the stairs, thinking of a way to apologize for her thoughtlessness.

Cat handed Billie a glass of water and sat next to her on the stairs. "Thanks." she said, leaning sideways to bump shoulders with Cat. "Look, Cat. I'm sorry for snapping at you. I don't know what came over me. Forgive me?" she asked, flashing a crooked smile at Cat. Cat smiled back. "Still love me?" she asked.

.........."I am saying that I love you, and I am proud of you. I am not ashamed of our love and I want the world to know it."..........

.........."We belong together, Billie. We always have. We have since the warrior and bard started this 2,000 years ago. This is our destiny."..........

"Of course I still love you Billie. You are my life." Cat replied.

Billie gasped as the memories flashed through her mind. She looked nervously at Cat, then quickly regained her composure. "Well, I was acting like a fool, Cat. I'm sorry. I really do love you, you know." she said.

.........."Have I told you yet today just how much I love you, Cat? Billie asked.........."You tell me every time you look at me, love." came her reply..........

.........."Cat, its been over two years since I met you, and I can't believe that you still have the power to surprise and affect me so profoundly. I have never felt so vulnerable, yet so safe than when I'm in your arms. I have exposed my heart and my inner being to you, and you have never once given me reason to doubt my trust in you. Cat, if I had to die right now, I would die happy. I love you."..........

A pain shot through Billie's head. "Oh gods." she said, reaching up with one hand to quell it.

"Billie, what is it?" Cat asked anxiously, taking Billie's glass from her.

"My head. Still hurts." Billie replied.

"Billie, maybe you're overdoing it. You're not Superman, you know. You need to rest." Cat said.

..........Cat turned back to Billie. "The next time you need to stop a speeding bullet, call Superman, got it?" she said..........

"Maybe you're right Cat. I'm going to go lay down for a while." Billie said as she reached for her crutches.

"Do you want me to carry those for you while you climb the stairs, Billie?" Cat asked.

"No... I think I'll just lay down in the guest bedroom... it's closer." she said as she headed for the guest room for a short nap.

Cat remained sitting on the stairs for some time, contemplating Billie's strange behavior. She was still there when the kids came home around lunch time, followed by Jen.

An hour later, the kids had been fed and were in the back yard playing with Stevie and Karissa. Cat and Jen sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a glass of ice tea.

"So how's it going, Cat?" Jen asked.

"Something is happening, Jen. I can feel it." Cat replied. "Billie has been acting strange all morning."

"What do you mean, strange?" Jen said.

"Well, she keeps blanking out... staring into space. She has a headache that seems to come and go. I'm worried about her, Jen." Cat explained.

"Worried about who?" Billie said from the kitchen doorway.

"Billie!" Cat exclaimed. "You scared me! How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Headache's gone." the tall woman proclaimed with a smile, hobbling over to sit at the table.

"You've been giving your lady here reason to worry, Billie. Are you all right?" Jen asked.

Billie looked at her friend. "Jen?" she asked.

.........."I don't know how to thank you." she said. "We have treated you and your family so poorly, how can you ever forgive us?"

Billie wiped the tears off Jennifer's cheeks as she realized that this woman was no older than Cat..........

..........Fred tried hard to compose himself. Looking up at the two women, he said, "I'm so sorry for my ignorance and blindness." he said. "Just now, looking at the two of you, I suddenly realized that your love is as deep and profound as mine is for Jennifer. How could I have been so shallow and blind?" he asked no one in particular........

"Earth to Billie!" Jen said, waving her hand in front of her friend's face.

Billie shook her head to clear the fuzziness, then looked at Jen, her brow knit in confusion.

Jen looked at her intently. "You're remembering, aren't you, Billie?" she asked.

Billie looked from Jen to Cat and back to Jen. "Yes." she said.

**********

"You're remembering?" Cat said excitedly. "Are they memories from our life together... not your marriage to Brian?"

"Yes." Billie answered, not meeting Cat's eyes.

"Billie, why didn't you tell me?" Cat asked.

"I... I wasn't sure until now. Cat, they are isolated memories... Nothing connected. Glimpses in time." Billie tried to explain.

"What have you remembered, Billie?' Cat urged.

"I remember the day I first met you... our aerobic lessons... you meeting Seth when he awoke from his coma. I remember glimpses of conversations... Do you remember calling me Scrooge because I didn't want to go Christmas shopping, Cat?" she asked. "I remembered that." she said as Cat shook her head yes.

"I remember bringing Jen home with me from the hospital after their house burned, and thinking that she wasn't much older than you." Billie said as Jen grinned. "I remember our conversation with Fred about our love being no different than his and Jen's..... Events, glimpses... that is what I'm remembering. But it's not enough. They are disjointed, there is no continuity. I still don't know who WE are, Cat. I need that." Billie finished.

Cat got up and circled behind Billie, wrapping her arms around her neck and resting her head on Billie's shoulder. Billie closed her eyes. "I love you, Billie. It will happen, love. I can feel it." she said, kissing Billie on the cheek.

Jen got up and discretely wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "Well, lovebirds, I've got to go get dinner started." Walking around to where Cat was still standing behind Billie, Jen wrapped her arms around both of her friends for a group hug. "Hold it together, my friends. This will happen... I just know it will. I love you both." she said, placing a kiss on each of their cheeks. "Cat, you can send my two home when you get sick of them, okay?" she said, before beating a hasty retreat.

Billie looked up at Cat. "You know, that friend of ours is quite a mush-ball." she said.

Cat smiled. "That she is, my love. I totally agree!"

**********

That afternoon, Billie ventured into the family room in the basement for the first time since being home. As with the second story, strong feelings of familiarity invaded her mind as she walked around the room. Billie stopped in front of the fire place and ran her hand across the mantel. Looking at Cat, she said. "Seth's leggo castle was here, wasn't it? I remember Tara and Seth rebuilding it after it was destroyed by a collision in the hallway. I was studying for the bar exam at the time." she said.

..........Looking over the audience, blue eyes found and captured green. Such an intense look of love passed between them that it was almost palatable. Billie transferred the tassel from one side of her hat to the other as she descended from the stage and headed back to her seat..........

"Billie?" Cat said, placing a hand on her arm as she stood there, staring at the mantel. "Another memory?" she asked.

Billie looked at Cat and smiled slightly. "Graduation." she said.

Cat just nodded her head.

"Billie, come sit with me. I want to show you something." she said, leading Billie to the couch.

Cat retrieved a couple of photo albums from the bookcase and sat next to Billie on the couch. Opening the first book across both of their laps, Cat started to page through it. The previous four years of their lives were about to be laid out before them.

Tara at age four, sitting side by side with Seth, age six, in his wheelchair the day Seth came home from the hospital.

..........After class, Billie went to collect the children, and found Tara sitting in a chair, holding a cloth with ice in it to her lip. Seth was sitting on the floor playing with some race cars.... Tara piped in. "It was his fault, Mom!" she said, pointing to another boy who was sitting in the opposite corner, his hands crossed in front of his chest, a sour look on his face and a bruise rapidly darkening around his left eye. "He was mean to Seth. He called him a cripple, so I punched him, and he punched me back!" Tara admitted...........

Billie ran her fingertips over the pictures of the children, a smile crossing her face at the memory.

A photograph of a very pregnant Cat... sitting in the park, writing in her journal, unaware that her picture was being taken. "I remember the day this was taken." Billie said softly to Cat.

.........."Cat." Billie said. "When we first found out you were pregnant, I have to admit that I was upset, angry, and jealous, but..."

"Jealous?" Cat asked.

"Yeah, Jealous that I couldn't be the one to give you this child." She paused. "Anyway, I had mixed feelings at first, but now,...., now, I am so looking forward to this baby. Our baby. Cat, this child binds us together. It is the one true link between Seth and Tara. Don't you see? We've always been a family in spirit, but with this child, we are a family in blood. I don't care if the child isn't technically mine. It is mine in my heart, and I will do everything in my power to be a good parent. Thank you for giving me this chance, Cat."..........

A picture of Skylar, no more than a few days old.

.........."Okay, now, PUSH!" Billie said in her best coaching voice.

"Aaahhhhh!" was the only reply.

"Come on now, Cat." she said, pulling the woman against her chest a little tighter. "That's it... PUSH!"

"Damn it, Billie! If you want this so badly - YOU PUSH!" Cat screamed..........

..........Billie took Cat's hand in her own and lifted it to her mouth, kissing the back of each knuckle. Pulling Cat's hand to her heart and looking her straight in the eyes, she said, "We have a beautiful daughter, Cat. She looks like you, red hair and all!"..........

Billie looked up at Cat, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. "I remember them, Cat. I remember the children." she said, smiling through her tears. "You were so angry at me when Sky was born... You said... Damn it, Billie, if you want this so badly... YOU PUSH!!. Cat, I loved you so much at that moment." she said, causing tears to course down Cat's face as well.

Cat reached up and pulled Billie's face down for a kiss. "Are you all right, Billie? Do you want to go on?" Cat asked.

Billie nodded. "I need to be whole again, Cat. Help me to remember. Please."

Cat just nodded as she opened the second photo album to their wedding photo.

Billie stared at the picture for a long time before closing her eyes.

..........Billie dropped to one knee in front of Cat, holding a diamond engagement ring up in front of her. Looking up into Cat's tearstained face, she said, "Cat, I love you with all my heart. You are the mother of my children, and the other half of my soul. You complete me, and I can't live without you. Will you marry me?" ..........

.........."Cat, I hold our love close to my heart, as tightly as I now hold this ring. I will fiercely protect your love and ask you to accept this ring as a symbol of that love and protection and as your consent to be my wife."..........

.........."In the eyes of this church and our god, and in the presence of their friends and family, I declare Billie and Caitlain to be joined as one for all time."..........

..........I will always be your protector, love. That is something I can't... and won't change, but I promise to treat you with all the respect and reverence of a goddess, because that is truly what you are in my eyes. I love you, Cat..........

Several moments later, Billie looked at Cat and reached her hand out to the smaller woman. Cat placed her smaller hand inside Billie's larger one. Bringing it up to her mouth, Billie kissed the back of Cat's hand and then the palm. Cat closed her eyes and let herself feel the arousal building inside her.

Cat opened her eyes and looked at Billie, making no attempt to hide the desire burning in them. "I love you, Billie." she said softly.

Billie smiled and held Cat's hand tightly as she continued to thumb through the photo album.

Adoption day... a photograph of all five of them, with the words "The Charland's" written across he bottom of the photo. Jen had taken the picture. Billie smiled as the memories returned.

..........Tara reached up to rub her eyes, then looked at Billie. "Are you my dad?" she asked...........

.........."Cat, she asked me to be her dad." Billie said.

Cat looked at Billie, and noticed the tears running down her cheeks. "And how do you feel about that, Billie?" she asked.

"How do I feel? Cat, how can you even ask that?" Billie said sharply. Then seeing that she had hurt Cat's feelings, she added. "The real question Cat, is when do we start adoption proceedings?"..........

Finally, pictures of this past Christmas. The children excitedly opening their presents, playing with their new toys. Billie remembered Tara being so worried about Santa finding her because her name had changed.

.........."Listen love, Santa knows you and loves you, regardless of what your last name is... just like Mama and I. Changing your name doesn't change who you are here, inside. Honey, you are still Tara..., and nothing will change that. Santa knows that. He will find you, Sweetie... I promise."...........

.........."Cat, this is the best Christmas I have ever had in my entire life. All I have ever wanted I have right here... in my arms and in my heart.... My love, my wife, my children. We are finally a family Cat, in name as well as in blood..........

Billie closed the photo album and moved it to the coffee table in front of the couch. Leaning over, she laid her head in Cat's lap and allowed her mind to process all that she had remembered. Cat stroked her head as they sat there in silence.

Finally, Billie spoke. "I am so close Cat... so close. But I still don't have you. I see you in my life, Cat, but I don't feel you. Come back to me, Cat, Please." she said.

**********

Cat and Billie's silent contemplation was rudely interrupted by the children charging down the cellar stairs. "Mom... Mom! Stevie and Karissa are tenting in their backyard tonight and they want us to sleep over. Can we? Can we? Please?" Seth begged, his pleas being mirrored by his two sisters.

Billie sat up and looked at Cat, then at the children. "What does Jen have to say about this?" she asked.

"Jen is perfectly fine with it." came a voice from the stairs. "They are more than welcome." Jen said.

"Can we, Mom? Can we?" Tara said hopefully.

Billie smiled. "Sure... Wait... We don't have any sleeping bags, do we Cat?" she asked.

"No we don't", Cat said.

"Not to worry... We've got several... The only thing they need to bring are their pillows." Jen said.

"All right then!" Billie said.

"Yeah!" the kids cheered as they hugged and kissed both of their mothers, before running off to collect their pillows.

Cat looked at Jen... "Are you sure about this?" she asked.

"Hey, it's Fred's idea... He's the sucker - not me!" she said, chuckling as she walked over to her friends. Bending down to lean against the back of the couch, she looked at her friends and said, "Are you two okay?"

Cat smiled. "We're better than okay, Jen. We've been sitting her going through the photo album. It's really helped" she explained.

Jen looked at Billie with raised eyebrows. "A lot has returned, Jen. Thanks for taking the kids. It will give me a chance to process what I've remembered without interruption. That means a lot." Billie said.

"No problem, Big Guy. Any time." Jen replied. "You two have a good evening, okay?" she said, dropping a kiss on both of their heads before heading up the stairs.

**********

After a quiet dinner, Billie spent some time on the stationary bike while Cat updated her journal. There was a slight tension in the air that was felt by both women.... an anticipatory feeling, like something was about to happen.

Cat filled the Jacuzzi in the master bathroom for Billie to relax in after her workout. She intentionally avoided the bathroom while Billie was soaking. The rubdown that she knew was coming was enough to arouse her almost beyond control. She didn't need to further torture herself by watching a naked Billie lying relaxed in a swirling hot tub before hand.

Before she knew it, Billie was done with her soak, and was lying face down on the bed with a towel thrown over her bottom, waiting for Cat to start the massage. Billie closed her eyes as Cat's hands started kneading her muscles. Suddenly a purging heat started to rise in Billie's chest, spreading to her neck and face. "Oh gods!" Billie exclaimed, grabbing her head with both hands.

Cat immediately stopped her massage and moved to Billie's head. Kneeling on the floor, she caressed Billie's head and said "Honey, what's wrong?"

Billie opened her eyes. Sitting up in the middle of the bed, totally mindless of her nakedness, she stared at Cat, her eyes wide as the memories rushed in. Cat stared back, unable to look away.

..........Releasing her face, Billie's hands roamed down Cat's neck to her shoulders. "You are so beautiful, my love." she whispered as her hands moved around to unbutton Cat's shirt. Pushing the shirt off her shoulders and capturing Cat's arms in the material, Billie descended onto her exposed neck and chest, placing butterfly kisses from shoulder to shoulder. All Cat could do was surrender and moan. Stripping the shirt from Cat's body and letting it drift to the floor, Billie went to work on her belt. Seconds later, Cat's belt and zipper were undone and Billie's hands found their way into the back of Cat's jeans, and under her panties, her large hands gripping the soft globes they found there. Billie pulled her lover closer to her, moaning, "Oh gods, Cat, I want you so much!"..........

..........At one point in the dance, Cat erotically peeled her gown away, slowly exposing her own heated flesh to Billie. Billie reached out to grab her, but she quickly darted away, only to circle her and run her naked breasts up against her back. Billie shuttered with desire. "Cat, I can't take this any more... I need you." Billie said desperately..........

Coming to her knees, Billie slowly crawled toward Cat, their eyes remaining locked. With the grace of a predator, she moved foward, hips swaying side to side as she slid her knees across the bed. Cat held her breath as she approached.

..........Billie looked up at Cat with anticipation as Cat reached over and grabbed her wine glass from the night stand. Taking a large sip and placing the glass back on the stand, she bent down and kissed Billie, transferring the red liquid into the taller woman's mouth. Their mouths locked and soon, their tongues entwined, sharing the taste of the sweet red wine..........

..........Billie broke the kiss as she lifted Cat onto the counter top, standing between her spread legs and pulling her closer. Chest to chest, Billie started nibbling on Cat's neck. Cat had thrown her head back to allow greater access to her pleasure points, while grabbing two handfuls of dark hair, pulling her tall lover's mouth closer to her neck. "Gods, Billie, that feels good." she said..........

Billie stopped in front of a still-kneeling Cat, upper body supported by her arms, their noses a hair's breath away from each other, their eyes locked in a gaze of passion. "Cat." Billie said, her eyes wide with anxiety and arousal.

Cat had no trouble reading the desire in her wife's eyes. "Billie... Have I come back to you?" Cat asked.

Billie nodded. "Cat, I need you..." she said huskily.

Cat leaned in and placed a delicate kiss on Billie's lips then pulled back and looked into her eyes. "Come to me lover." Cat whispered.

Billie rose to her knees and reached out for Cat, bringing the shorter woman to her feet. Taking Cat's face in her trembling hands, she pulled her toward the bed and held her gaze for long moments. Desire burned in her eyes, turning Cat's heart into a pool of liquid inside her chest. Finally, she spoke.

"I love you Cat." she whispered in between kisses, "I need to feel you.... I want you so much, my love.... I want to fill you with my soul,... I want to take you to heaven and back, Cat. Let me love you." she said passionately.

"Take me, Billie." Cat answered. "Please."

Billie pulled Cat's face to hers, lowering her mouth to smother the whimpers of passion coming from the smaller woman as her tongue fought for entrance into her lover's mouth. The kiss was deep and probing, threatening to consume them both in flames of passion. Cat took Billie hungrily into her mouth, devouring her tongue as it locked in an erotic dance with her own. Groans of pleasure escaped their throats as desire coursed through their veins.

Billie's mouth descended upon Cat's with wild abandon. Her hands caressed Cat's body, squeezing, grabbing, kneading,... the frustration and anger of the past few weeks manifesting itself in her lovemaking.

"Cat, I want you so much." Billie growled into her mouth as her hands grabbed the front of Cat's shirt and literally tore it open.

"Oh gods, Billie." Cat exclaimed, throwing her head back, as Billie's aggressiveness sent waves of desire straight into her groin. "Billie, please, take me... please. I need to feel you inside me." Cat begged, running her hands over an already naked Billie.

Billie began to explore the newly exposed territory, kissing and biting, leaving marks on Cat's throat and neck that would show evidence of their passion for days to come.

Cat stood there in front of Billie, shirt torn open, head thrown back, hands grasping Billie's head, eyes closed by the heat of passion, as the taller woman left a trail of kisses along her neck and shoulders. Billie pushed the remains of Cat's shirt off her shoulders and slid it down and off her arms, throwing it across the room. Reaching around the smaller woman, she released the catch on Cat's bra, allowing generous orbs to escape their prison. Lifting the full mounds in her hands, Billie's mouth met them half way, sucking one swollen bud in, and circling it with her tongue. Cat shrieked with desire as Billie bit down lightly on the sensitive nub, causing Cat to wriggle helplessly against the taller woman. "Billie! By the gods! Billie! Please!" Cat begged, pulling Billie head closer to their prize.

Working her way back up, Billie once again ravaged Cat's mouth with abandon, while her hands found and unzipped the front of Cat's jeans. Moving her hands around behind Cat, Billie slid them into the back of the offending garment and found their way under silk panties. Deeper, she pushed, until her large hands grasped firm buttocks, kneading them until they were red and warm, all the while, pulling Cat's lower body closer to her own.

Cat reached down and tried pushing the denim material off her hips. She needed to feel Billie, to remove the barrier between them. Sensing her need, Billie assisted in her efforts. Soon, her jeans were sitting in a pool around Cat's ankles. Stepping out of them, she pushed them aside with her foot, then lifted one knee up onto the bed.

Billie circled one long arm around Cat's waist and pulled her up onto the bed with her. They were now both kneeling, facing each other, mouths locked in a torturous dance of desire, which was rapidly building out of control. Their hands roamed freely over bare skin. Cat sensed a marked difference in Billie at that point, more urgent, as she assaulted her neck and shoulders once more.

"God's Cat, I need you so much. I want so badly to ravish you, to touch your body and your soul to help me feel whole again... to help us feel whole again. I feel like I am bursting inside, my desire for you is so great." Kissing her way across Cat's jaw to her ear, Billie rasped in her ear, "I want you Cat. I want to make love to you over and over. I want to hear you call out my name at the height of desire. I want to plunge into your depths... I want to taste you on my lips. I want to drive you to the edge of madness, then catch you when you fall back to earth. Let me love you, Cat. I love you and I need you."

Cat's desire multiplied tenfold with every word Billie spoke. Reaching up, she grabbed Billie's head and turned it to look into breath taking depths of blue. Her own eyes afire with passion, she said in a raspy voice, "Billie, I need you... I need to feel you.... but I want all of you... Do you understand. I want all of you... all that you are and all that you have to give. No holding back. I have been aching with need for a very long time... I need you to love me, Billie." she demanded.

Billie responded by capturing Cat's mouth in a brutal kiss, burying her tongue deep into Cat's throat. Lowering them both to the bed, Billie trapped Cat's smaller body beneath hers and started ravaging every inch of Cat's skin.

"Oh gods, Billie,... Yes, more.... please." Cat begged.

Lying there totally naked, skin against skin, Billie left trails of bite marks along Cat's neck, shoulders and breasts. Cat dug her nails into Billie's back, driving spikes of desire though the taller woman. A low gutteral growl formed in the base of Billie's throat as she pressed her core into Cat's abdomen.

Crawling back up toward her face, Billie took Cat's hands and pinned them against the bed above her head. "Tell me what you want, Cat." Billie demanded, her mouth hovering over Cat's, her tongue flicking out to taste her lover's lips. "Tell me!"

"I want you, Billie. I want you inside me... please. I need to feel you..." Cat pleaded.

Billie smiled and kissed Cat tenderly before moving south once more. Placing kisses along the way, Billie stopped to worship at Cat's breasts, teasing the darkened nubs to attention before trailing her tongue down Cat's abdomen, dipping her tongue into the smaller woman's navel and grinning when she prompted a squeal of surprise from the smaller woman.

Cat squirmed with desire as Billie lovingly caressed her skin. Placing her hands on Billie's head, she urged her lower. Billie stopped momentarily and looked up at Cat. "Please?" Cat begged.

Without breaking eye contact, Billie lowered herself between Cat's legs and dove into the depth's of her core.

"Oh, gods! Billie... Gods!... Oh Gods!..." Cat moaned at the sensations that drove her completely to the brink of ecstasy. Sensing that Cat was about to go over the edge, Billie placed two fingers at her opening and plunged deep inside, without warning.

Cat grabbed the bed sheets as she threw her head back into the pillows, arched her back and thrust her chest upwards. "Billie... By the gods!" she screamed into the night. "Harder.. please." she demanded as Billie increased the speed and intensity of her thrusts. "Billie......" she screamed again as a deep intense fire ignited in the depths of her abdomen, spreading upwards and pushing her to the heights of Elisia. The petite woman nearly losing consciousness at the delicious sensations coursing through her.

For several moments afterwards, Billie held the quivering woman, wrapping her long frame around her lover and enveloping her in strong arms while aftershocks racked her body.

"I've got you, my love. I've got you." Billie chanted over and over as Cat recovered from the assault on her senses.

Cat gazed up lazily at her dark haired lover, tracing one finger across her brow and down the side of her cheek. "I love you, Billie... with all of my heart." she said.

Billie leaned down and placed a light kiss on Cat's mouth, allowing the smaller woman to share in her own essence.

Cat's eyes opened wide with realization brought on by the kiss, re-igniting the fire in her veins.

Surprising her tall lover, she locked legs with her and rolled Billie onto her back.

Pulling Billie's arms upward and pinning them to the pillow beside her head, she leaned in and kissed the dark haired woman passionately. "Stay here, love. I'll be right back." Cat said as she climbed off the bed, leaving a very wanting and aroused Billie in her wake.

Cat walked over to the dresser and placed a CD into the stereo, then seductively made her way back to the bed. Soon the sounds of Lionel Ritchie filled the room.

My Love... There's only you in my life,

You're everything that's right.

Cat approached the foot of the bed and slowly crawled her way up Billie's body, until she was laying face to face, and completely on top of the taller woman.

My First love... You're every breath that I take,

You're every step I make.

Bending down, she started her exploration. Beginning with Billie's forehead, Cat tasted and kissed every bit of skin on Billie's body. She worked her way down her face, over her mouth, jaw line, throat,... biting earlobes, and flicking her tongue inside Billie's ears. Kisses found their way across Billie's shoulders and down her breastbone between the generous mounds, screaming to be caressed. Billie moaned her disappointment as Cat continued downward, trailing her tongue across Billie's abdomen, across her right hip, down her leg. Billie's reflexes jerked as Cat bit the tender skin on the inside of her right knee.

And I.... I want to share all my love, with you.

No one else will do...

Billie thought she would die from the erotic torture as Cat moved to the other leg, kissing the inside of her inner thigh... left hip... navel... and abdomen. Stopping at her breasts, Cat took each one into her mouth, one at a time, biting and nipping at the raised buds. Billie moaned loudly as Cat set her nerve endings on fire with her caresses. Finally, Cat worked her way back up to Billie's shoulders... neck, and mouth. She had kissed every part of Billie's body except the place that Billie wanted her most. Billie was about to explode with desire.

And your eyes.....

They tell me how much you care.

Cat ended her journey straddling Billie's waist, and looking lovingly into her eyes as she plunged her tongue into her lover's mouth. Billie groaned and took the probing organ in, devouring it wholly, making Cat moan in return.

Billie reached up to circle Cat's slim waist with her hands, pulling her down closer, raising her hips to grind her abdomen against Cat's moist center. Cat broke the kiss and buried her face in Billie's neck as bolts of desire shot through her. "By the gods, Billie." she moaned.

Oh Yes, You will always be,

My Endless Love.

Sitting up once more, Cat reached out for the beautifully shaped, generous mounds that greeted her eyes. Reaching down, she took one in each hand and caressed their perfect balance. Marveling at how soft Billie's skin was, she let her thumbs roam around the soft buds, causing them to harden with excitement. Billie gasped and threw her head back, closing her eyes as Cat ran her tongue and teeth across the erect nipples.

"Oh gods, Cat. I need you, please..." Billie begged, heaving upward against Cat.

Two Hearts... two hearts that beat as one,

Our lives have just begun.

Billie was melting with molten desire. She couldn't believe how turned on she was. Cat's slow and torturous seduction was driving her insane with unfulfilled need.

Cat, I can't take this any more... I need you." Billie said desperately as she flipped Cat onto her back.

Forever, I'll hold you close in my arms.

I can't resist your charms.

Pushing up on Billie's chest, Cat broke the kiss and said, "Oh no, you don't. Not yet, lover.", then she proceeded to flip both of them over again so that she was on top, straddling the taller woman once more.

Billie reached up to touch Cat's face. "You are so beautiful, my love." she whispered. Billie pulled Cat toward her and invaded her exposed neck and chest, placing butterfly kisses from shoulder to shoulder. All Cat could do was surrender and moan.

"Oh gods, Cat, I want you so much!" Billie whispered into Cat's neck.

And love....

I'll be a fool for you.

Cat started exploring further, as she worked her way down her lover's body, caressing all of the secret places that made Billie scream out in ecstasy. "Cat, that feels so good. "Please, I need more." she said.

Cat climbed back up to Billie's face and whispered in her ear, "Close your eyes, my love." Billie quickly complied.

I'm sure, you know I don't mind.

Cause you.... You mean the world to me.

Billie lay there, anticipation driving her closer to the edge of release. Cat, sensing that she had pushed the taller woman as far as she could, worked her way down Billie's body and satisfied her lover's request by filling her core with all she had, plunging deep within the desperate woman. Suddenly, the room was filled with loud cries of release as Billie screamed Cat's name out, over and over while plunging off the cliff of ecstasy.

Oh, I know, I found in you....

My Endless Love.

When Billie finally came back to herself, she found that she was wrapped in small arms, her head resting on the smaller woman's shoulder.

"By the gods, Cat. I love you." Billie said, barely able to lift her head off Cat's shoulder.

"I love you too, Billie... with all that I am." Cat answered, kissing her on top of the head.

Oh and love,

I'll be a fool for you.

I'm sure... You know I don't mind.

And yet, you'll be the only one.

"Cat" Billie said.

"Yes, my love?" Cat answered, looking down lovingly on the dark haired woman.

"I missed you." Billie confessed, tears escaping her heavily laden eyelids.

"Welcome home, Billie." Cat said kissing her gently.

Cause no one can deny,

This love I have inside,

And I'll give it all to you.

My Love... My Endless Love

THE END

************************************************************************************************ NOTE TO READERS:

Much of the information on Epilepsy was found in a wonderful web site maintained by Andrew Patrick (andrew@calvin.dgbt.doc.ca), called Frequently Asked Questions about Epilepsy. It is located on the Net at: http://debra.dgbt.doc.ca/~andrew/epilepsy/. .

Information on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Acquired Brian Injury (ABI) can be found at John & Clara's TBI/ABI Related Sites and Info, located at http://tbinet.org/jlyon/tbi.html. This site contains a wonderful index on TBI, including information on support groups, mailing lists, epilepsy and seizures, education, legal issues and medication.