MEMORIES OF LOVE by Leslaureate

CHAPTER FIVE

Cynthia sat on the bench, not moving, just staring straight ahead, oblivious to anything going on around her. She was numb and in shock. ‘It couldn’t be happening again!’ The one time she thought she found a chance at happiness and her world was destroyed by her past. And now, albeit in another time and place, it seemed as if the nightmare was starting all over again. It was too surreal. She no longer seemed to know what was real or what was imagined.

Could it be Jessica? Could she be the purveyor of bad luck? She quickly dismissed such ridiculous thoughts. Since the floodgates had opened, she could no longer repress her memories of Jessica. Not being to think of anything else other than what had happened so long ago, she realized how she had never grieved over her loss love. In comparison to everything else at the time, it seemed so inconsequential. In her quest to save her career, she never once gave thought to her feelings for Jessica, or the consequences of her actions on others. The guilt and remorse began to consume her, causing her body to spasm in sobs. Cynthia knew she had truly been in love with Jessica and that she has discarded Jessica and her emotions like dirty bath water.

The sun began to set and the air got colder, stirring her from her semi-catatonic state. She gathered herself and returned to her hotel room. Feeling dirty from her past, she took a shower, trying to scrub the pain away. She changed into jeans and a t-shirt, grabbed a beer from the mini-bar, and laid on the bed wishing she could just escape into a drunken stupor. But she knew getting drunk would do no good and would only make her feel worse the next day.

She couldn’t stay in the hotel room, the walls seemed to be closing in on her; but she also knew that she’d still feel claustrophobic if she went out. Not wanting to stay in what she once deemed "Hell Diego" any longer, she picked up the phone, hit a few buttons and was soon connected to the airlines. Not concerned with cost, she booked a flight leaving in two hours. She quickly packed her belongings, checked out and grabbed a shuttle to the airport to leave "Hell Diego" for, perhaps, the last time.

She sat in a window seat, her head resting on the window. Despite the exorbitant cost, she was able to get a First Class seat on the red-eye back to D.C. She was fortunate that the seat beside her was empty so she wouldn’t have to be rude by refusing to make idle chit chat with a seat mate. Although she didn’t eat earlier, she merely picked at the snack given to her by the flight attendant, hunger for food turning into a seemingly foreign concept. Settling back into the plush reclined seat, exhaustion finally took hold of her and she fell into a deep, deep sleep.

She’s lying in bed, not alone. Her eyes flutter open and she looks around her surroundings. She knows she is dreaming, but she feels the naked body curled up beside her as if she were actually awake. She looks around the room, trying to figure out where she is. She feels strange- she knows that she’s asleep but she’s looking around at her surroundings like someone watching a movie, like an out of body experience. The body snuggles up even closer to her. She feels a wave of contentment and happiness swell through her soul. . The other woman’s eyes open and look up at her. She sees it’s a much younger Jessica. This Jessica moves her face towards her own, their lips meeting. She feels a surge of excitement run through her. As the kiss deepens and their tongues entwine, she feels the body that she’s holding lighten and slowly fade from her senses until it disappears completely and she is left alone holding nothing but air.

She looks down at her empty arms and blinks, suddenly finding herself in an office, sitting in a chair in front of a military issued desk. She looks down at herself and sees that she’s wearing her dress whites. She hears voices interrogating her, calling her by her title Petty Officer, but in a demeaning and condescending way, like she didn’t deserve the title. She glances around the room, but doesn’t see anyone.

A mixture of fear, anger, and hatred oozed through her. Each time an accusation is thrown at her, she feels a hole in her, in her soul, grow bigger and bigger until she suddenly felt nothing, no fear, no anger, no love, no hate. In her numbness she wished that she could just snap her fingers and disappear, escape the filth of the words being thrown at her. The numbness soon engulfed her completely, until she was nothing more than a shell made only of skin and bones.

In the corner of her eye she saw movement. She turned her head to see who or what finally joined her. She saw Jessica standing in shackles, surrounded by MPs. She heard her tormentors say something about "your silence will bring her destruction". She tries to open her mouth and reach out, but the muscles won’t react and she can’t speak or move her extremities. The only feeling she can sense is a fire burning in her heart and a sense of panic that Jessica will be harmed. She then sees the MPs leading Jessica away. Jessica turns toward her and she sees Jessica’s eyes pleading for help. But as hard as she tried, she was still paralyzed – she couldn’t move or speak. In her head she was screaming for them to stop; to bring Jessica back.

"Ms. Jarvis? Ms. Jarvis?" The female flight attendant gently called to her, trying to rouse her from her sleep. She woke up suddenly, fearful that she still suffered from the paralysis. "Sorry to wake you, but you were having a nightmare and was screaming. Is there anything I can get for you?"

Cynthia’s eyes darted around and she quickly gathered her bearings and realized that it had only been a dream and that she was on the plane home. "Thanks, and no I’ll be fine. Sorry if I disturbed anyone," she apologized, embarrassed by her unconscious outburst.

""We’ll be landing in about a half an hour", the attendant smiled, returning to her duties. Cynthia sat and stared out of the window watching the morning the sun reflect through the clouds, trying to make sense of the new twist to her nightmares.

* * *

For the next two weeks Cynthia deluged herself into work, trying to focus all her energy away from her anxiety from not hearing from Jessica. She felt disappointment every time the phone rang or every time she checked her email, and there was still no communication from Jessica. She knew she’d probably never hear from her again, but she still maintained hope. She also tried to shore the dam of memories that she had previously kept at bay, but found that she could no longer deny them. Pictures from the past continued to randomly pop into her mind, increasing her desire to contact Jessica. She knew she had to keep her resolve and honour Jessica’s wishes and not pick up the phone to call her or to drop her an email. The only way she knew how to deal with her emotional upheaval was to try to bury her emotions and her work was the most convenient distraction.

In her turmoil, she didn’t want to see or talk to anyone, including Megan. After much cajoling, she finally broke down and met Megan for coffee. After hearing what had happened in San Diego, Megan was concerned about her friend.

"Cyn, I love you darling, but you look like roadkill. You’ve just been working and not taking care of yourself, have you?" Megan surmised looking into Cynthia’s dull eyes with bags under them. Not receiving a response, she knew she had to do something to help her friend. "You know, I’ve known you for a very long time and probably know you better than you know yourself sometimes. And if I’m correct, then you’ve been pulling yourself through the ringer with guilt. Look at me!" she insisted causing Cynthia to raise her head to look into Megan’s eyes. "You were a shit. There is absolutely no denying that. But that person has grown up and would never, ever even imagine doing something like that again. Yes, I know you feel you need for Jessica to forgive you. But Hon, that very well may never happen, and it’s also selfish. The most important thing is for you to forgive yourself even if Jessica is a better woman than I and decides to forgive you."

Cynthia knew what her friend said was true, but had doubts. "How can I Megan? My God, what I did to that poor woman is incomprehensible even to me!"

"Exactly! It’s incomprehensible to the woman you now are, not the kid you used to be. I saw the death of that person. She’s long gone and you’ve mourned that death for a very long time. The very fact that you’re feeling such guilt and remorse is a statement in and of itself. Cyn, you can’t change the past. You are a beautiful, loving, and caring woman who would do just about anything short of committing a crime for the people who are important to you. Well Hon, you’re important to yourself. If I was doing the same thing, you’d kick me in the ass. Why should you treat yourself any differently?"

Cynthia took a sip of her coffee, letting Megan’s words settle in. "You’re right," she finally whispered.

"Excuse me, I didn’t hear you," Megan teased leaning in closer.

"Alright! You’re right!" She said louder, grimacing at Megan’s smug grin. "So what do I do? How do I make up for what I did?" she asked sincerely.

"You go on with your life. You know you could never do anything like that again. As for Jessica, you can’t really do anything but continue to observe her wishes. You’ve got to accept that you may never hear from her again. I know that’s hard on you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so upset over a woman the entire time I’ve known you, so I know you really care about her."

"You can’t imagine. The only person I’ve ever felt this way about was her seventeen years ago." Cynthia looked dejectedly down at her coffee cup on the table. "Maybe that’s my punishment… karma coming back at me."

"Possible, but one never knows. I agree that she was brought back into your life for some reason, but I doubt it’s retribution. You’re a good woman Cyn, and I think she knows that of the woman who she’s been talking to in emails and on the phone. Give it more time sweetie. I can’t even imagine how she’s feeling and the shock she’s in. But the bottom line is whether or not you do hear from her, that you take care of yourself. If she cares about you as much as I have inferred she does, she wouldn’t want you to waste away to nothing. I don’t thing she’s that vengeful. Do you?"

"No way, she wouldn’t. She’s even treated her ex, who cheated on her and beat the crap out of her, with more compassion than I ever could. I’d love to bitch slap that ho myself," Cynthia commented with a tad of anger.

"There you go. There’s part of the Cynthia I know and love," Megan laughed at the rapid change in her friend’s demeanor. "Good, so here’s the deal, for the next week I cook dinner for you. And no arguments!" she stated matter of factly sensing her friend’s objections.

"Fine, but I get to choose the menu," Cynthia pouted, knowing she would never be able to convince Megan to the contrary once she set her mind on something. "Thanks," she added, taking Megan’s hand.

"My pleasure amiga. That’s what friends are for…to love you until you can love yourself."

* * *

In the midst of a particularly trying day when her subcontractors were uncooperative and a program kept crashing even though there was a close deadline, Cynthia knew she needed to take a break before she started to pull out her hair. Deciding to check her personal email before playing a computer trivia game, she saw an email from Jessica. She could hear her heart start beating in her ears. She opened the email with trepidation.

Cynthia,

Thanks for honouring my request and not contacting me. I can only

Cynthia read the words and both her hopes and heart fell. Tears slowly began streaming down her face. She struggled to read on, trying to focus on the words through the tears.

Jessica

To be certain she didn’t miss a word, Cynthia read the letter completely through twice and then leaned back in her chair and wiped the tears from her face, relieved.

Since she met Jessica face to face, she felt she had been atoning for the sins of her past and feared she would never have the opportunity to rectify her wrongs. Now she at least had a chance.

She clicked on the reply button, her fingers at first caustically typing on the keyboard as she carefully thought of the words she wanted to express.

Hi Jess,

Anyway, here it goes:

Cynthia leaned back into her chair feeling spent. She couldn’t remember opening up to anyone but Megan for a very long time. She prayed to the higher powers that be that she wasn’t completely out of line. Realizing that she had typed for over an hour, she stood and stretched, then walked into the kitchen and began to make a pot of coffee to sustain her through the long night of work she knew was ahead.

* * *

Jessica sat back into her chair, tears rolling down her face as she read the words on the screen. She never expected such a romantic response like that from Cynthia. That was not the Jazz she once knew. This woman was much softer and more reflective than the cocky young woman she had originally fallen in love with. She wiped the tears off of her face and reread the letter, deeply touched by the tale. She knew Cynthia must have struggled in expressing the tale and the sentiment behind it. She had felt the bond before, but she wondered if they could now feel anything remotely similar. She had never felt such a connection with anyone else since then.

She also caught hell when she told Shawn earlier that evening that she sent the email. Shawn and Jean had provided their shoulders for her to cry on and gave her much support over the last couple of weeks. But when she told Shawn that she had contacted Cynthia to try to start anew, Shawn exploded with concern.

"Are you fucking crazy!" Shawn exclaimed in disbelief. "She breaks your heart not once, but twice, and you’re going back for more?!"

Jessica looked around and saw the other patrons in the bar look at them after Shawn’s outburst. They had met for drinks at a woman’s bar after work. Jessica knew Shawn may not support her decision, but she never expected such vehemence. "Shawn, please, lower your voice…" she pleaded. "Look, I know she hurt me once, but I also know that the woman I’ve been talking to and corresponding with is not the same person I once knew. This woman is much more mature and responsible for her actions. I know it’s crazy, but I feel that I have to give whatever it is between us a chance. I feel such a connection with her. I don’t want to have the regret of not trying. Yes, I may get my heart broken again, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. Believe me, I’m going to take it slow and make her prove herself, but I have to do this."

Shawn saw the truth in her friend’s eyes and shook her head. "Jess, it’s just that I love you and I can’t stand seeing you hurt again. I know… you’re a big girl and make your own decisions… but just be careful, ok?"

* * *

Rereading Cynthia’s email, she slowly began to compose a response.

When Jessica arrived at work the next day, she was greeted by a vase

full of exotic flowers. Sniffing the aroma, she opened the card expecting to see Cynthia’s name.

I love you. Let’s give it another try.

Erin

She immediately threw the flowers, vase and all, into the trash can and called for her assistant, Carla, to come in. Walking into her office, Jessica instructed Carla to dump the trash for her. Seeing the flowers in the can, Carla looked at Jessica with a perplexed look and then followed the directions. Once Carla left, Jessica sat down in the chair at her desk. The arbitration was only a few weeks away and she couldn’t believe Erin’s audacity. She knew Erin was only trying to control and manipulate her as she had for so long. But this time she wasn’t going to let Erin succeed. She immediately picked up the phone and called Bridget, instructing her to wage her wrath.

* * *

Jessica stood at the kitchen sink washing vegetables to make stir fry, trying to do anything to keep her mind off of Cynthia’s eminent telephone call. Tasha, smelling the uncooked chicken and thinking that Mom in the kitchen meant food for her, meowed her "feed me" meow and walked back and forth between and against Jessica’s legs hoping that whatever Mom was making was for her. Glancing at the clock on the wall over the doorway and seeing it was 6:00 pm, Jessica placed the bowl of vegetables on the counter, turned the radio on to a country music station, and turned the stove on to heat up the wok. Once she saw it was hot enough she poured the chicken and stared to cook. Bopping and singing to a favorite song, she barely heard the phone ring. She turned the radio off a picked up the cordless phone sitting on the kitchen counter.

"Hello?" she greeted, making a final stir of the vegetables and chicken and turning the stove off.

"Hi! How are ya doin?" Cynthia greeted shyly.

"Good! How about you?" she placed the wok on a cold burner.

"Much better now! Thanks!"

"That’s good!"

"What are you doin?" Cynthia asked breaking a brief awkward silence.

"Cooking dinner and talking to you."

"Do you want me to call back later so you can finish and eat?" Cynthia offered.

Jessica walked into the living room. "No!" she responded immediately. "To be honest, I was nervous and was just trying to keep busy until you called," Jessica admitted, lying on the couch with her head against the armrest.

"Me too…Nervous I mean… I just wanted to let you know right off how happy I was to receive your email. I was getting a little worried for a while that I lost you again," Cynthia admitted.

"You didn’t lose me in the first place you goofball. That’s how we got into this fine mess. Remember?" Jessica teased gently.

"True, you got me there… but you know what I meant… I hope."

"Yeh, I did. I am glad you offered to come out here again. I wouldn’t have asked you to that that you know."

"I figured, but I want to see you again and I want to talk about things face to face and not just on the phone and in emails."

"That and you owe me dinner," Jessica teased.

"Indeed I do. That and probably a lot more." She said with guilt. "I’m sorry, I know I have a lot more atoning to do."

"Take it easy on yourself Cyn. I can sense that you’re being sincere. All I want from you right now is honesty and open communication. If there’s something going on, let me know and talk to me about it. Don’t shut me out."

"I will. I promise."

"If I even remotely think that you’re holding back too much and not being honest, it’ll hurt too much and I’ll probably walk away. Understand?"

"Yeh, I do," Cynthia exhaled.

"How about you? This is a two way street you know. Anything I should know about, other than the name? And I promise I’ll try not to regress and call you by that name again."

Cynthia paused a few moments before responding. "No, just that you also be honest and communicative with me as well. Let me know if I screw up," she tried to joke self-defeatingly.

"OK, I can do that," Jessica smiled. "So, interested in the zoo and a barbeque while you’re out here?" she asked sensing it was time to move to a little lighter subject.

"Ummm, sure. What exactly did you have in mind?"

"Well, here’s what I was thinking. Dinner Thursday night, the zoo and Balboa Park on Friday, and a barbeque at Shawn’s late Saturday afternoon. How does that sound?"

"I’ll just call you Julie, since you’re such a cruise director!" Cynthia laughed. "Well, it sounds fine, except maybe the barbeque with Shawn. Being that she’s your best friend, I’m afraid she’s going to hurt me. Are you sure you want me to meet your friends this trip?"

"I promise you she’ll be on her best behavior. I’d just like for you to meet some of the people who are really important to me. They’ll be Shawn, Jean, and maybe a few other people, friends of Shawn’s mostly."

"Uh huh… Who’s Jean?" The name wasn’t familiar and she was curious.

"My friend from Orange County. I met her the same time I met you," she answered non-chalantly, not thinking anything of her relationship with Jean.

Cynthia felt a wave of jealousy run through her. "Really? Ummm, I know it’s none of my business right now, but are you dating her?" she found the courage to ask.

"No silly. I thought I told you about her before in my emails. We are just friends," Jessica reassured.

"Good," Cynthia said relieved. "I just need to know these things right now, like where I may stand."

"I’ll let you know," Jessica laughed, flattered by Cynthia’s possessive reaction.

"I’m scared Jess," Cynthia said softly, catching Jessica completely off guard with the naked honesty.

"Me too. Lets just take it one step at a time. Heck, you may not even like the person I now am."

"Unlikely. I think I’ve gotten to know a bit of that person over the last few months and I like what I see."

"Thanks," Jessica said softly.

Both were silent, taking in the admissions they both made.

"So, has the bitch been leaving you alone?" Cynthia asked candidly, again surprising Jessica.

"No, not really. This morning she sent me flowers, wanting to get back together," Jessica answered.

"You have got to be kidding!"

"Nope, but I took care of it."

"Did you smack her?" Cynthia asked semi-seriously, causing Jessica to laugh.

"No, I think you know I couldn’t do that."

"I do. Can I smack her when I’m out there?"

Jessica laughed again. "No, you may not. My attorney is taking care of it." Jessica was again struck by Cynthia’s apparent protectiveness. "Anyway, I thought you weren’t violent?"

"I’m not. She just really pisses me off," Cynthia admitted. "She sure does have cajones, but it would be better if she got out of her fantasy world."

"Yeah, but the arbitration is all set and it should be over soon."

"I’ll be very glad for you when it is. You don’t need or deserve this shit."

"Thanks," was all Jessica could think to say.

"Hey, I hate to make this short, but if I’m going to fly out on Thursday, I better get my rear in gear and get to work. OK?"

"I understand. Talk to you before you come out?"
"You betcha! Tomorrow?"

"Yep"

"Great! And Jess?"

"Yeh?"

"Thanks again for emailing. I’m very happy you did and am excited to be able to see you again."

"Me too."

* * *

Parking her car in the first available space she could find, Jessica glanced at her watch seeing she was running a little late. She immediately got out of the car and walked briskly towards the restaurant. As she walked, she had a sense of déjà vu. The biggest differences, she thought, were that the butterflies were not as aerobic and she surprisingly felt calmer than the last time she approached the restaurant. Glancing towards the entrance, she saw Cynthia standing out front waiting for her. She saw a smile grow across Cynthia’s face as she got closer to the building.

"Jessica? Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Cynthia Jarvis. I’m glad to finally meet you!" she said with a cockeyed grin, handing Jessica a purple rose, and holding her hand out to Jessica to shake.

"Pleasure to meet you Cynthia," Jessica played along taking the flower and shaking Cynthia’s offered hand.

"Thank you for the flower. It’s beautiful," she commented, holding the flower to her nose and taking a smell of its sweet aroma. The two stood holding the other’s hand and looking deeply into the other’s eyes, taking everything in, studying the other’s face.

"You look gorgeous," Cynthia complimented. Jessica had decided to go for the comfortable and casual look, and was wearing jeans and a pressed blouse. "C’mon, let’s go get that dinner I owe you." Cynthia said breaking the moment they both felt they shared. She released Jessica’s hand and guided her inside the restaurant, not breaking the contact by putting her hand in the crook of Jessica’s back.

After advising the host her reservation, he quickly led them to a table by the window. He handed them each a menu and advised them that their server would be by shortly. Settling in, they placed their menus on the table and sat looking at one another, both nervous and not wanting to be the first to speak.

"Thank you," Cynthia spoke softly, finally breaking the silence.

"For what?" Jessica asked perplexed.

"For agreeing to meet with me again – for agreeing to let me come out to see you again so soon," she said sincerely.

"Well, I don’t know if that deserves a thank you quite yet," she smiled nervously, "But you’re welcome."

They picked up their menus and started to quietly peruse the offerings. Their food server came, advised them of the specials and took their drink orders. The sun was just beginning to set. The sky was enflamed in pink and purple and the fiery glow of the sun reflected off the water, causing the harbor water to sparkle.

"Man, that’s one beautiful sunset," Jessica absently observed, looking out the window. Cynthia turned to look where Jessica’s gaze had wandered.

"Yeh, it is. I forgot how beautiful the sunsets can be here," Cynthia commented.

"Yep. They seem to be more beautiful when you see it against the water rather than inland," Jessica agreed.

Their server returned with their drinks and took their orders. The two slipped into comfortable conversation and laughter that lasted throughout the meal. Not wanting the evening to end so soon, Jessica suggested that they walk along the waterfront to Seaport Village, a popular tourist dining and shopping area to which Cynthia agreed. They set off walking, physically not touching, but remaining close as they strolled around to the shopping area. Once there, they stepped into a few stores before deciding to save their energy for the next day’s activities. They walked back to the restaurant, and Cynthia escorted Jessica back to her vehicle. Jessica unlocked the car door and turned to face Cynthia.

"Thanks for dinner. I had a really good time," Jessica said shyly looking up into Cynthia’s eyes.

"Me too. Thanks for a great night" Cynthia responded, looking into Jessica’s eyes, not knowing whether or not she should give her companion a hug or a kiss on the cheek.

"Pick you up at your hotel at 8:30?" Jessica confirmed.

"Yep. Sounds good."

"Great," Jessica said. She reached up and gave Cynthia an unexpected hug and stood on her toes and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Til tomorrow then," she smiled, turned and opened the car door and slid into the vehicle. Cynthia stepped back and watched Jessica pull out and waved to her as she drove away. Walking to her rental car with a new found spring in her step, Cynthia could only smile and touched her cheek where Jessica’s lips had graced her skin.

* * *

"So, are you ready to go visit your relatives? Jessica teased as Cynthia sat in the bucket seat and fastened her seatbelt. Cynthia had been waiting outside the hotel lobby where Jessica picked her up promptly at 8:30 AM. She was a little cold in her khaki shorts and polo shirt, but knew it would warm up as the day progressed. They had agreed to get to the zoo as early as possible, because the animals were usually more visible and active in the cooler morning hours.

"Humph… at least mine are of the same species," Cynthia playfully retorted. As they drove to the zoo, Cynthia couldn’t help but glance over at Jessica and admire her tight fitting tank top, her form accentuated by the seat belt strap across her chest. It left little to Cynthia’s already overactive imagination.

Using her membership card and a free pass to enter, Jessica guided Cynthia through the turnstile into the front of the San Diego Zoo. Being off season, there weren’t that many people around, mostly locals appreciating their world class treasure. Jessica suggested they take a tour bus around so they could decide what parts they wanted to walk to and see closer. She explained that with this bus, they could get out where they wanted and get on another bus later if they wanted. Boarding the bus, they were joined by only a handful of others. The bus soon began to make its way around the zoo. They laughed and admired the animals that they could see and sat back and relaxed listening to the tour guide.

"C’mon, let’s get out here!" Jessica said excited, grabbing Cynthia’s hand as the bus came to a stop. "Polar Bears!" was all she said grinning ear to ear. Exiting the bus, she released Cynthia’s hand and quickly walked up the path to the enclosure, leaving Cynthia laughing at her companion’s exuberance while trying to keep up. She walked into the enclave where they could watch the polar bears play underwater. Jessica stopped at the rail and laughed as she watched a particularly playful adolescent frolic and play with his toys and then try to chase a bird that flew into his habitat. Cynthia stood next to her leaning against the rail, also enjoying the bear’s antics.

"I love to watch them play. As large and powerful as they are, they look so soft, snuggly, and childlike when they play like that," Jessica observed.

Cynthia leaned toward her. "But they’d love you as an appetizer. They’d eat you right up," Cynthia whispered into Jessica’s ear, her breath and timbre sending a surge of excitement through Jessica. Cynthia moved back to where she had been standing and watched Jessica’s expression change noticeably.

"Is that so?" Jessica finally stuttered, regaining her composure.

"Yep," Cynthia said, pleased that her action and words seemed to have their desired effect.

The two left the enclosure, hiking up a hill past various deer and African wildlife. Feeling out of shape as they panted, they decided to take the Skyfari back to the upper part of the zoo. As they glided hundreds of feet over land, they both took in the panoramic view that surrounded them. Reaching the end of the ride, they jumped out of the cart and leisurely strolled around looking at meer cats, koala bears, camels, giraffes, and elephants. Tiring, they stopped at one of the shops near the exit, looking at the various items and stopping to play with the stuffed animals.

Spotting a polar bear, Cynthia picked it up and turned to Jessica, holding it menacingly in her face. "Come here my pretty. You look good enough to eat," Cynthia joked with her eyebrow raised, laughing at her own feeble attempt at a deep polar bear voice.

"Wanna taste?" Jessica asked sexily, trying to beat Cynthia at her own game.

"Is that an invitation?" Cynthia took a step toward her.

Jessica gulped. "Ummm, maybe," she stammered, quickly losing her bravado and feeling the intensity of Cynthia’s body heat next to her.

"Hmmm…," Cynthia smiled, sensing she shouldn’t push their playful banter any further. "C’mon, this fella needs a good home to snuggle in and I think yours is it," she smiled, leading Jessica to the checkout counter where she paid for the bear and then turned and handed the bag to Jessica.

"Thanks Cyn! That was so sweet," Jessica thanked her, taking the bear out of the bag and hugging it.

"So, what are you going to name it?"

"Nanook. I think it’s their Eskimo name."

"Well, c’mon Nanook, lets go get you some fish to eat, I’m starving!"

After grabbing a quick snack, the pair left the zoo and walked down the path towards the museums and shops. They wandered into Spanish Village, a collection of small artist studios where the artists could sell their wares as well as work on their craft.

"You know, for some reason I always forget this place is here," Jessica admitted as they walked into a small shop with glass objects and art. "It’s like rediscovering it again when I do remember."

"It’s really nice. I never knew it existed." Cynthia glanced around the shop admiring the works it housed. She turned and saw Jessica pick up an item to admire it more closely. Watching Jessica, she didn’t know how much longer she could behave herself and not grabbing her companion and kissing her. She knew she may’ve been pushing the envelope back at the zoo, but was both pleased and relieved that Jessica had played along. Cynthia was confused on how she should act, whether to let Jessica make the first move or to act on her own feelings.

As they had walked around the zoo and park, she felt the electricity that was passing through them and hoped Jessica felt the same energy. She increasingly had to exercise self-control as the day progressed. She wanted nothing more than to walk around holding Jessica’s hand or put her arm around her. She craved the physical affection and intimacy the contact would provide.

"Hey! Earth to Cynthia!" Jessica startled her out of her fantasy. "Where did you go?"

"Just admiring," Cynthia smirked.

"Well, admire all you want for a few minutes. I’ll be right back. I’m going to find the rest room," Jessica informed her.

Cynthia watched Jessica walk out of the shop, peering out the door to make sure she wasn’t turning back for anything. Sensing it was safe, she stepped over and picked up the piece that Jessica had just been admiring. She saw it was a cat etched into a thick piece of glass, shaped like an egg.

"Excuse me," she said interrupting the artist who was working on another piece, "I’d like to get this and a few other things." After paying for the items, she walked out of the store to wait for Jessica.

"Sorry it took so long. They were farther away than I thought," Jessica apologized, finding Cynthia sitting on a bench under a tree outside of the shop. "Hey! What did you get?" she asked curiously, noticing the bag that Cynthia was holding.

"They had a really cool wood pen that I liked and I found something for Megan," she answered as they walked toward another shop.

* * *

They walked around the shops for awhile longer when Jessica heard Cynthia’s stomach begin to growl. Suggesting they go get lunch, they walked back to the car and drove to Jessica’s favorite breakfast restaurant that was nearby. As they ate and relaxed, Jessica could see the fatigue on Cynthia’s face.

"Tired?" Jessica asked.

"Yeh, a bit. My internal clock is still a little off and you’ve worn me out by walking around so much," she smiled.

"Want to go back to your hotel and rest?"

"That would be great!" she smiled in gratitude.

"So, what are you going to do the rest of the day?" Cynthia asked as they drove back to her hotel.

"You wore me out as well! Probably just go home and relax for awhile," Jessica answered glancing over at Cynthia.

"Would you like to come in with me? I mean, we could lay out by the pool, or watch a movie or something." Cynthia asked nervously, not wanting her time with Jessica to end.

Jessica paused to carefully consider Cynthia’s invitation. "Yeh, that sounds great," she answered finally, momentarily taking her eyes off of the road to look at Cynthia and seeing the big smile her answer had produced.

After parking the car, they walked into the hotel lobby and stopped at a Starbucks kiosk in the hotel lobby and each ordered a drink. Entering the elevator, both were quiet, nervous about what would happen once they were completely alone .

"Welcome to my temporary abode," Jessica welcomed her as she opened the door to spacious accommodations. The room overlooked the harbor and had a view of Coronado. Two queen size beds faced an armoire containing a 32’ TV. Cynthia placed her bags on the table near the sliding glass window leading to the balcony and then lay down on the bed near the window. "I’m wiped!" she stated. Jessica sat down on the other bed feeling awkward. "Go on, get comfortable over there. Climb up and lay down and relax." Cynthia instructed noticing Jessica’s discomfort. Jessica followed the directions and laid her head onto the pillow, kicked her shoes off and exhaled a sigh of relief. "More like it huh?" Cynthia chuckled kicking off her own shoes.

"Yep. I didn’t realize this would feel so good," Jessica answered, putting her forearm over her closed eyes.

The two laid silent, each allowing their bodies to relax from the walking they had exerted earlier. "So, wanna watch a movie?" Cynthia asked. Not receiving an answer she looked over and saw Jessica was sound asleep. Smiling, she reached for the remote, turned the tv on and lowered the volume not wanting to disturb the sleeping beauty on the other bed.

* * *

"Hey sleepy head. Have a good nap?" Cynthia greeted softly when she saw Jessica open her eyes. She was laying on her side facing Jessica’s bed and was reading a book.

When Jessica initially opened her eyes, she was disoriented, not knowing where she was at first. "Hey," she greeted groggily once she got her bearings. "How long was I out?"

"About two hours," Cynthia answered closing her book and placing it on the nightstand in between the two beds.

"I’m so sorry!" Jessica apologized, embarrassed. "Why didn’t you wake me up?"

"Don’t be. I snoozed for awhile as well and you looked like you needed the rest."

"What time is it?"

"About 4:00."
"Shit!" Jessica grumbled pulling herself into a sitting position with her feet on the floor.

"What’s wrong? Late for a hot date?" Cynthia teased.

"No, I promised Shawn I’d call her by now," she said taking a sip of her watered down iced coffee. "I better call her now," she excused herself and stepped out onto the balcony, closing the door behind her.

Cynthia watched as Jessica pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and pressed some numbers. She could tell Jessica was still a bit groggy by the way she rubbed her eyes as she spoke on the phone and thought to herself how cute her companion was when she awakened. "I could get used to that look" she thought aloud.

Jessica ended the call and came back inside. "So, what’s up for tonight?" Cynthia asked as Jessica sat facing Cynthia on the empty bed.

"Don’t know, something mellow. What do you want to do?"

"You’re not sick of me yet?"

"Nah, not yet. How about you? Are you sick of me yet?"

"Never in a million years," Cynthia said huskily looking Jessica straight in the eyes.

Jessica shifted uncomfortably on the bed. She didn’t know how to react to Cynthia’s flirting. She was definitely flattered and wanted to return the attention, but a part of her was still hesitant. She definitely enjoyed her time with and was more than attracted to Cynthia, but part of her was still holding back, wanting to go slow and make sure she truly trusted Cynthia. "Well, do you want to go out and taste some San Diego nightlife?"

"Nah. How about a movie and room service or take out? I’m still a bit wiped. I didn’t get as long of a nap as someone else I know," she teased and was met by a pillow thrown at her.

After studying the room service menu and calling in the order, the two watched tv in comfortable silence as they waited for their meal to be delivered. Room service soon arrived and they carried their plates outside to the table on the balcony and ate overlooking the water.

"You know, we seem to have a have a thing for sunsets and eating," Jessica observed as the sun began to set.

"So it seems," Cynthia agreed. "But you know, it brings out the blond highlights in your hair and makes you even more beautiful," she complimented. No sooner than the words were out of her mouth that she noticed Jessica tense a bit. "Jess?"

"Yeah?" she responded looking up from her plate.

"Am I over doing it? Have I been coming on too strong and making you uncomfortable?" she asked sincerely.

"No…it’s not you," she paused, looking out over the water. Cynthia was quiet, giving her time to answer. "Part of me is holding back, afraid. I’m afraid of moving too fast, of letting my guard down before I’m sure. I think I may be second guessing my instincts."

"Which are?"

"That it’s ok, that I can trust you," she said taking Cynthia’s hand with her own.

"I’m glad to hear that," Cynthia said relieved. "Is there a ‘but’ in there? Should I stop?" she asked cautiously.

Jessica laughed nervously. "No, I don’t think so. I’ll try to relax more. Cyn, I do enjoy being here with you. I would have left if I didn’t." she assured her companion.

"I’m really glad to hear that," she smiled, "I’m glad I came and that you’re here now."

"Me too." The two sat quietly for a moment before letting go of the other’s hand to finish eating their meals.

After finishing their dinner and placing the trays on the floor in the hallway outside of the front door, they sat on the beds to decide what movie to watch. Choosing a romantic comedy, Jessica excused herself to use the rest room before they ordered the movie. When she came back into the room and was stepping back to the bed, she saw Cynthia laying on her own bed with all of the pillows from both beds propped up behind and next to her. Cynthia patted the bed next to where she was laying, inviting Jessica to come join her. Jessica nervously stepped over to the bed and sat down where Cynthia patted, with one foot still firmly planted on the floor. Taking a deep breath, she laid back onto the pillows, her body close to Cynthia’s.

"Can we snuggle? Can I put my arm around you?" Cynthia asked. Jessica turned and leaned up as Cynthia placed her arm around her and she rested her head on Cynthia’s shoulder. "You ok?"

"Yeh, I am." She said relaxing back.

"Jess?"

"Yeh?"

"There’s been something that I’ve been wanting to do all day," she whispered, feeling Jessica’s body heat against her own.

"Is it this?" Jessica asked raising her head and closing the short distance between them, gently placing her lips on Cynthia’s.

"You read my mind," Cynthia whispered, gently kissing Jessica back. "I’ve wanted to touch you all day, even if it was just holding your hand."

"Despite all my hesitancy, me too," Jessica whispered, taking her hand and placing it on the back of Cynthia’s head, pulling her even closer. Their lips met again, gently at first, but then more passionate and probing. Cynthia pulled Jessica on top of her as their lips, then tongues, explored the other’s.

"God, you were always a good kisser," Jessica panted, breaking the kiss and resting her head on Cynthia’s shoulder.

"Never as good as you," she returned the compliment, gently running her fingers through Jessica’s hair.

Jessica laid back down on her side next to Cynthia and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. "Hey, about that movie?"

* * *

She’s back in the nondescript room. She sees Jessica in the shackles. She hears the voices and screams in the background. The fear and confusion are tearing her into two; but the fear of her being exposed, of losing her career, begins to slowly disappear. Her feelings for Jessica seemed to give her a strength she didn’t know she possessed. Could she? Could she sacrifice herself? She suddenly felt different, like she was older and wiser. The paranoia and fear that incapacitated her was rapidly dissipating.

"No!" she yelled out to the invisible forces. "Leave her alone!"

"Tell us…tell us…tell us…" the voices repeated.

"Will you leave her alone if I do?" she challenged.

"Tell us…tell us…tell us…"

She looked and saw the pain in Jessica’s eyes. "Jessica!" she shouted. Jessica shook her head in defeat as she was moved even farther away from Cynthia.

"Wait! Don’t take her!"

"Tell us…tell us… tell us…"

"NOOO!" she shouted again. She was becoming frantic, not knowing what to do to get them to release Jessica. Scared and spent of all energy, she fell to her knees crying. "Jess I love you!" she was able to yell.

Suddenly, the room was basked in florescent light. She was no longer in her uniform, but in civvies. Jessica was walking towards her smiling, holding out her hand to invite Cynthia to join her.

RING…RING. The phone blared waking Cynthia up from her dream. She reached and found the phone and heard the computer-generated voice of the hotel’s generic wake up call. She clumsily placed the phone back on the receiver and put her arm over her eyes, even though the room was completely dark, as the sun had not yet risen.

She remembered the dream in detail this time. She replayed the dream in her head and everything that had happened to her all those years ago; the realization of the intensity and depth of her feelings toward Jessica surprised her. Then another thought occurred to her. In the long run, it didn’t matter – the same result had occurred. Whether she had stood up for herself, who she was, and her relationship with Jessica or acted as a coward by hiding, as she felt she had, the end result of her staying in the Navy failed. But she had lost so much more taking the road she chose than sticking with her heart. She not only lost a piece of herself, but, ultimately, her dignity as well. As she lay in bed, she vowed never to make that mistake again.

Continued in Chapter 6

Copyright 1999, 2003

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