Language warning:
Not often but yes.
Love and sex warning: This story definitely portrays
a loving relationship between two women.
Violence Warning: A little, unless you also count a
projectile camera and battered door.
Thanks: I would like to thank first of all Garnet
for doing a wonderful job in beta reading this story. To Carolyne, for her
constant support throughout, and giving me the kick up the backside to continue
writing whether she realised or not.
And last but no means least Tammy, for all the invaluable information on
horses that she gave me and for naming the two horsey characters.
Let me know what you think: mj_poet@hotmail.com
3
It
was dark, the lights weren’t on, but then again they weren’t really
needed. There was a heavy silence in
the air, only broken by the disturbance of distant noises. Nikki lay on her bed thinking about what had
happened the day before. It was now
Sunday evening and she had spent most of the day in her room after stating that
she didn’t feel too well. It was just a
ruse to be alone; unfortunately her slightly less than truthful comment had a
negative result. Her mother had decided
that it must have been going out into the cold that had caused her to feel
ill. And remarks about how she should
not have gone out with Tess had stared once again. She had spent all Saturday evening listening to them, and had
then to endure it the next day too.
Nikki
rolled onto her stomach, burying her face into a pillow. She’d had negative responses from people
before about her blindness and had, over time, developed a defence against the
upset it once caused. When she was
younger she would get hurt that other children were not forth coming to play
with her, and her parents had taken this as a sign to keep her away from the
sadness it caused. It was James the
butler who had explained to Nikki that the other children just needed a dose of
understanding, and he had helped her provide it. After that, she had always been able to charm her way around
those who seemed uncomfortable with her.
And though she didn’t realise it herself, she had created quite a
following of admirers, a fact closely monitored by her mother. Yet as she lay on her bed thinking, she
couldn’t understand why she had reacted the way she had towards Tess, and why
it hurt her to think that the woman would be uncomfortable around her.
She
recognised Lisa’s footsteps, and knew she was about to getting a visit from her
younger sister.
The
door cautiously opened and the teen poked her head around, not able to see
anything she switched on the light.
Spotting Nikki lying face down on her bed, she gingerly stepped in,
closing the door behind her.
“Hey
sis how are you feeling, still a bit under the weather?”
Nikki
responded only with a shake of her head.
“You
weren’t really feeling ill were you?”
Again
Nikki shook her head.
Lisa
sighed, “What happened yesterday, with Tess Alexander and mum. You were gone a lot longer than I thought
you would have been, you know.” She sat down on the corner of Nikki’s bed, “So
did you have fun then…what is she really like?”
Waiting
for an answer, Lisa looked around the immaculately presented bedroom. As the saying went ‘there was a place for
everything and everything in its place’.
Nikki’s bedroom was arranged just so, everything was in a certain place
and order so that she could move around the privacy of her own room with
comfort and familiarity. Everything had
a place, from the lamp by her bed, to her brush on her dressing table.
The
teen looked back to her sister, who still had yet to speak, “Did something
happen while you were out Nikki?”
The
blonde rolled over, facing the ceiling.
Lisa could now see the pained expression the older girls eyes held.
“What
happened with her Nikki, you have never reacted this way about the parents
behaviour before…so I know it had to have been her…what did she do?”
Nikki
didn’t want to speak; she didn’t want to tell her sister what had
happened. She found herself not wanting
to say anything bad about the woman, yet feeling foolish that she had trusted
her. And at the same time she didn’t
want her sister to think that she had in fact, been irrational in the way she
had reacted to Tess’s comment without giving her a chance to explain. So instead she decided it was best to say
nothing on the subject.
“So
are you going to speak or what?”
Nikki
smiled, “Nothing happened, we had a good time.
We took her dog to the park and played fetch. Then we went to Jakes Wine Bar in the city and had something to
eat.”
Lisa’s
eyes bulged, “Jakes Bar…man that place is supposed to be so cool…” She paused,
“But if you had such a good time, why do you look like you lost a tenner and
found a penny?”
The
blonde rolled her eyes, “Look I just wanted some time alone alright, I don’t
know what the big deal is anyway…I just want to be left alone.”
Taking
her sisters hint, the brunette got up off the bed and walked to the bedroom
door. “Fine you want to be alone…be
alone.” She walked out and shut the
door firmly behind her.
Nikki
rolled back onto her stomach and sighed, she had just hurt her sister and knew
she would have to apologise. Still she
decided to wait until she felt a little more like herself.
*******
Mondays,
it was said to be the most hated day of the week. Why? Tess was a little unsure.
She herself had always liked Mondays, but maybe that was because she’d
always loved her job. For most people
it signified the start of a new working week, and if they hated their job, then
they would obviously hate the day that meant the end of their relaxing weekend.
Unfortunately
on this Monday, Tess was not in the best of moods; in fact she was probably in
the worst mood that she had ever recalled.
And as she made her way towards the entrance of Snap Shots, she knew she
was not going to be flavour of the month.
Still
what did she care, the day before she had been just too miserable for
words. She had spent the morning
watching religious programs. The
afternoon watching omnibus editions of soaps that she had never even heard of,
and the evening watching lame British comedies, that should have been axed
along with the writers, long before. It
was clear to say, she had spent the entire day, in front of the TV, doing and
eating nothing. Even the dog seemed to be
aware of her masters mood and had the good sense to stay away, thankful at least
that Tess had fed her on time.
Walking
into the building, the photographer saw two appointments already waiting in
reception. She carried on walking,
straight past Jason who seemed to look a little on the sheepish side. He noticed the cold look she held and
decided it was not the right time to tell her that the Mayor had called and
cancelled the appointment until Wednesday.
She hated cancellations.
Tess
shook off her coat as she headed towards the employees lounge. Once inside she slung it on the nearest
chair and headed towards the drinks machine, she needed caffeine and she needed
it now. As she picked up her cup,
Robert walked into the lounge.
“Bad
weekend or just a bad day?” Robert asked folding his arms.
“Why.”
Tess asked putting the sugar spoon back into the pot.
“Because
that was four sugars you just put in the coffee, you only go for the sweet
stuff when you’ve had a bad one or you are possibly pre menstrual.”
She
turned to face the man, slightly angry at his comment, “When the hell did I
become so fucking transparent.”
Robert
winced inside, she was really in a mood, “You are not transparent, I am just a
good judge of character, and anyways I have known you a while now…I am bound to
notice things.”
Tess
walked towards the door, “Well for your information it was a bad weekend…now if
you will excuse me, I have work to do.”
Robert
stepped out of the way and she excited the room, shutting the door behind her.
He
realised that Jason obviously hadn’t told her about the Mayors cancellation, ‘Shit…why
do I get the feeling, there will be yet another argument as to who is going to
tell her about this.’
*******
Safely
shut away within the confines of her studio, Tess locked the door behind her
and walked into the dark room. She
turned on the overhead lights and sat at her desk, deep in thought.
She
had never let things bother her like this had.
The woman had always been able to keep a tight rein on her emotions,
never letting anything upsetting bother her.
Really she knew it was fear, she was afraid to feel. She would deceive herself with the notion
that it was strength to keep control, yet really she knew it was a
weakness. Her mother had stated as such
on the day her father died. She refused
to cry, refused to even admit that it hurt…but it did. Control, it was an important word in Tess’
vocabulary, and one she constantly tried to assert within herself, even though
occasionally it meant shutting others out.
Tess
leaned back in her chair and looked over at the photo lying on her desk. It was a picture of Nikki, the first one
that she had developed. Although
knowing it was wrong, she had purposely left it out of the proof set that she
had taken round to the Mayor last Friday.
For some reason, she found she was unable to let it go. It seemed strange when she thought about it,
but for some reason, she could not part with it. The shot seemed to capture a side of Nikki that seemed to shine
with her inner being. Tess felt it was
yet another insight into the young woman’s personality, but some how only
visible to her. If she was to admit it
to herself, it was the side she most wanted to get to know. But now she had ruined it, all because of
her stupid insecurities, and guarded persona.
Rubbing
her eyes furiously, Tess got up out of her chair. It was pointless dwelling on what had happened, so she had two
options. Forget about it, or go explain
herself. In any other situation, she
would have forgotten about it, but the fact that this had invaded her
conscience proved that was not going to happen. So with the easiest option out of play, she was left with the
latter, she had to explain herself, and hopefully salvage the friendship before
it was too late.
Tess
thought back to the hurt expression in Nikki’s eyes as she spoke to her in the
car. The realisation that she had
caused that pain was just as painful to her as she was sure her cowardly
comment was to Nikki.
With
the affirmation to speak to Nikki, Tess headed out of her office to find out
what time Richard Morris was to come for the viewing.
*******
By
afternoon the sun had risen high in the sky, but as usual it had not taken the
chill out of the air. Unseen to Nikki,
it shone down between a mass of white clouds, warming her fair features. There was always something so comforting
about it, she decided. It was the
warmth, like a welcome, soothing presence.
Whether on a cold day like today or a warm summers day, when the sun was
shining she felt peaceful.
Walking
at a familiar pace, she made her way to the stables feeling a need to see her
two neglected horses. She had not been
with them since Saturday morning and had gotten Lisa to look after them while
she was in her reclusion. Obviously her
sister was none too pleased with this, she knew how to tend to them but didn’t
much care for it. There were much more
interesting things that she could have been doing.
Tilting
her face towards the penetrating warmth, Nikki breathed in the cool air. She remembered Tess’ comment about the
colour of her hair and could not help but smile, however it didn’t last
long. The comments that she over heard
in Jakes Bar surfaced in her mind.
Again she scolded herself for letting it bother her, she was angry but
she was not sure at whom, herself for allowing this to get to her, or Tess for
her ignorance. Was it ignorance?
She questioned as she entered the stable doors. Thinking back to the rest of her overheard conversation, she was
suddenly unsure. She got the strange
feeling that Tess was being ribbed for dating the Mayors daughter. Dating? With a frown of confusion, she made her way over to Thunder, and
entered his stall.
Thunder
nickered, upon seeing Nikki.
“Hi
there baby, and how are you today?” She
asked as she picked up his grooming brush. “I am sorry that I haven’t been to
see you since Saturday, but I’ve had a few things on my mind.”
Reaching
into her pocket, she pulled out half an apple and held it out, smiling when she
felt him take it from her hand. “But I
am here now and I am going to spend the rest of the afternoon with you and
Jenna, how does that sound?”
Thunder
nickered again, and Jenna in the stall to the right followed suit. With a contented smile, Nikki started
grooming.
Her
thoughts wandered once again to Tess.
When she had asked her whether she was all right in the bar, she had
sounded so genuinely concerned. Why
then the contradictions, what had she missed, and why didn’t she give the
photographer more of a chance to explain?
Making
an inner decision, that she needed to give the woman a chance to do as such,
Nikki suddenly felt a little more contented.
Still she wasn’t sure when and how she was to do this. Her father was not going into town until
Wednesday and she was damned sure he would not take her.
“Sod
him,” She whispered, as she realised she was doing exactly what her parents
wanted her to do…depend on them.
“I
don’t need them to take me anywhere do I boy, I can find another way. Get a taxi, or if I have to, I will bloody
well ride you into town.”
Thunder
nickered once again shaking his head.
“Well
ok then…I will get a cab…how does that sound?”
The
black stallion leaned down to started eating some of his food.
Nikki
grinned, “Great I knew I could trust your opinion on this boy.”
*******
The
sun was low in the late afternoon sky, as Nikki made her way back inside. It was hidden behind a mass of large grey
clouds, and with the drop in temperature, she knew more snow was soon on its
way. Taking a detour from her usual
familiar path, she decided to enter the house by the side entrance, leading
into the conservatory.
Her
parents were still not back from whatever function they were supposed to be
attending today, and with Lisa out with her friends, she was on her own in the
house. Smiling at the thought, she
pulled open the conservatory door, walking slowly inside and shutting it
quietly behind her. In the not so
distance, she could hear the clanking of metal, and realised it must be around
half past four, as James, regular as clockwork, always cleaned the silver on
this day and time. It was one of the
many ways she was able to gage the time of day, without the aid of her audio
watch.
James
turned around at the sound of footsteps entering the dining room, and smiled as
Nikki pulled off her woollen hat.
“And
how are Thunder and Jenna today Miss Morris?” He asked, in his usual friendly
manner.
Nikki
smiled, turning in the butlers’ direction, “They are great…not too happy with
the weather I don’t think, but a few apples tends to appease their moods a
little.”
James
finished putting away a large silver teapot, and closed the sideboard
door. He turned fully around, leaning
against the edge of the rich mahogany wood.
“Mr Morris called while you were out in the stables, they are not to
return until late this evening, and Miss Lisa called just five minutes ago, she
is staying the night round her friends house.”
Nikki
sighed, “Great, so what culinary delights do I have for dinner this evening
James?”
The
greying man smiled and walked towards the smaller woman, placing a hand on her
back as they made their way towards the kitchen. “Why your favourite of course.
I thought that being as though you would be the only one dining tonight,
I would prepare you favourite dish.”
The
blonde smiled indulgently, “Spaghetti bolognaise?” she asked hopefully as they
entered the large, white and silver catering kitchen.
“What
else.” James replied.
Nikki
smiled, “You will be eating with me, wont you James?”
The
smartly dressed man smiled tenderly at the woman, who had come to mean as much
to him as a daughter would. He knew
that although Nikki liked the time she was able to spend alone, away from the
constant molly coddling she received from her mother, she still preferred not
to be by herself, and welcomed his presence, as he did hers.
“It
is always my pleasure Miss Morris.” He replied.
*******
Kat
stood in the doorway to the employees lounge, looking at Tess who was flaked
out over a two-seated sofa. Her head
rested on the dark armrest and her long navy trouser covered legs, hung over
the other end, swinging idly near the ground.
It
was Tuesday, late afternoon, and had been one hell of a day. Stan had called in early that morning,
saying he was unable to come in due to a sudden bout of the flu (24 hours Tess
was sure!), and what with Carl, the other of the four photographers out on an
all day school shoot, Tess and Kat were the only people left to take the
sittings.
The
blonde walked in lounge and sat on the chair facing the flaked out woman. Tess’s eyes were closed, and in her right
hand she held a small slip of paper and mobile phone.
“This
may sound cliché…but you look just how I feel” Kat stated, leaning back into
the comfortable seat.
Tess
opened her eyes and look to her right, taking in the sight of the tired looking
woman, “Well if you feel like you may take early retirement, go live on a
desert island somewhere, and vow never to return to the rat race ever
again…then I know how you feel.”
Kat
smiled and closed her eyes, sighing in the quiet of the room, “Uh huh, sounds
about right. That was one hell of a day
today huh?”
The
green-eyed woman blew out a forced breath between pursed lips, “If I ever state
that I want children…remind me of this day will you? If I was that way inclined I would consider putting a curse on
Stan for leaving me with that booking.”
Kat
chuckled, “Hey not all children are ‘Screaming spawns from hell’” Kat said,
quoting the exact statement that Tess had used to describe her last sitting to
Robert not ten minutes before.
Tess
chuckled, “I was talking about the twins I had to put up with, I am sure your
kid’s an angel Kathryn.”
The
blonde pulled a wary face, “Well he has his moments, but all in all I would
have to agree with you”
Tess
smirked and looked back towards the ceiling.
Kat
looked at the phone in Tess’s hand.
“Are you making a call…I can give you some privacy if you want?”
The
photographer looked down at her hand and pulled the piece of paper from under
the mobile, looking at the number she had scrawled down earlier. It was Richard Morris’s home number, and she
was going to call on the pretence of confirming the appointment tomorrow, with
the hope that she would get a chance to talk to Nikki.
“Err…well no that is ok, I was going to go
back to my office and make the call, I just came in for a coffee.”
The
older woman nodded, “Uh huh, but found the appeal of the couch too tempting to
pass up.”
Tess shrugged, “Something like that.” She said. ‘Or I was just biding my time before I make the call, putting it off until this nervous feeling in my stomach disappears.’
Drumming her fingers idly
on her stomach, she swung her legs round and rose to a standing position,
knowing that if she didn’t move her arse soon, she never would. She looked down at the scrawled phone number
on the slip of paper and sighed, thinking that she might as well get it over
with. So with an anxious look, and
death like grip on her phone, Tess headed back to her office.
Kat watched the woman
trudge out, wondering what kind of phone call it was that would put such an
anxious look on the photographers face.
*******
Lisa lay in the family
room across one of the three-seated sofas, her head rested on top of a large
cushion, and her feet lay upon her sisters’ lap. They were watching one of the usual early evening quiz shows and trying
to out do each other in answering the questions.
Nikki sat slightly to her
right side, elbow resting on the arm of the chair and her head held comfortably
in her hand. Her other hand lay at the
bottom of her sisters legs, where sensitive fingers idly traced the flowery
patters at the bottom of Lisa’s trousers.
They were watching
‘Blockbusters’ a questions and answer show quiz show for students. Nikki listened to the female presenter,
waiting for her to stop chatting and start asking the next question. She shifted in her seat when the contestant
chose another letter.
“What ‘H’ was the
Roman city, destroyed along with Pompeii when Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD”
Lisa scratched her head,
“Err…oh god I know this one…damn it, what is it again…awe…we did it in school.”
Nikki shook her head, “It
was Herculaneum.”
The teen rolled her eyes,
“Nope that was not it.”
“Herculaneum.” Answered
one of the contestants
“NOPE” Lisa shouted
“Correct” Answered the
host.
Lisa looked around to the
TV shocked, “Since when?” She asked
Nikki chuckled, “Since 79
AD.”
The teen folded her arms;
about to make her reply when the phone rang, she grabbed the remote control,
turning down the volume on the box in order to hear the conversation, thinking
it may be somebody for her.
By
the sound of the footsteps echoing down the hall, Nikki could tell her mother
was heading towards the phone.
*******
Tess
sat at her desk chewing on her bottom lip, as she waited a short eternity for
her call to be answered.
“Hello Rosalind Morris
speaking.”
Tess
cringed, remembering the look on the woman’s face last time they had met. “Hello Mrs Morris, this it Tess
Alexander. I am ringing to confirm Mr
Morris’s appointment for tomorrow.”
“Miss Alexander, how nice to
hear from you…”
From
the other room both Nikki and Lisa’s ears pricked up at the mention of the
photographers’ name.
“Why yes…Mr Morris and
myself will both be present to give you our choices tomorrow…one o’clock in the
afternoon right?”
Tess
nodded, “Err, yes one o’clock.” She
didn’t realise they would both be present. “Well I shall look forward to seeing
you both tomorrow.” She drummed her
fingers upon her desk nervously. “Mrs
Morris…I was just wondering whether Nikki was there?”
Rosalind
smiled “No I am sorry, she isn’t here at
the moment.”
Tess
swirled her fingers around the patterned grain on her wooden desk, “Oh OK, well
thank you anyway, and I shall see you tomorrow.”
“Yes see you then Miss
Alexander…goodbye”
The
line went dead.
The
green-eyed woman hit the termination button on her phone and placed it down on
the desk. She breathed a sigh of
relief, feeling a slight reprieve at the fact that Nikki was not home, but at
the same time it meant she still had to speak to her…and she had spent ages
practising what she was going to say as well.
Glancing
at the watch on her wrist, she realised it was almost half past six. Deciding she had spent way too much time at
work today, Tess rose from the desk and grabbed her bag, slinging it over her
shoulder as she headed towards the door.
She was pretty sure Leto would be in need of some company, and a nice
long walk around in the woods at the back of the house sounded pretty good too.
*******
Rosalind
Morris placed the phone back on its charger and headed into the family room,
where she knew her daughters were watching TV.
She was not a big fan of the rubbish that seemed to be on the television
these days, but at least they were watching an educational program.
Walking
into the room, she found her youngest daughter sprawled across the settee with
her legs upon her eldest daughters lap.
“Lisa
Margaret Anne Morris, sit up like a proper young lady. For goodness sake, what
would people think if they saw the way you two were sitting, like a pair of
lower class scoundrels.”?
Lisa
shuffled up to a sitting position, then swirled her legs around to the floor,
sitting like her mother had always instructed them to. Naturally and without thought, Nikki
straightened her posture, sitting upright in the chair.
“So
who was on the phone mother?” Lisa asked
Rosalind
smiled, “It was the photographers, just confirming the appointment for your
father and myself tomorrow afternoon.”
Lisa
nodded and covertly looked towards Nikki, who was sitting with her head down,
listening to the conversation. They had
both heard their mother on the phone and knew that Tess had asked to speak to
somebody else, and for whatever reason, the woman had chosen to tell her that
whoever she wanted was not at home. Both girls were pretty sure Tess had asked
for Nikki.
Rosalind
folded her hands together, “Well I do believe Abbot should have supper ready
shortly, so why don’t the two of you go and wash up. I better go and remind your father about tomorrow’s appointment.”
And
with that she left the room.
Lisa
and Nikki rose together and headed towards the door. The teen walked up to her sister and put an arm around slim
shoulders.
“Do
you think that Tess Alexander had asked for you?”
Nikki
shrugged.
“I
think she did.” Lisa supplied.
“I
do to.” The blonde answered.
Together
they headed out of the family room and towards the stairs, climbing them
side-by-side, Lisa’s mind working overtime.
“What
happened on Saturday Nikki? Why wont
mother let you talk to her, and why do you look so down every time I mention
Tess Alexander?”
Nikki
sighed, “It is nothing, just a misunderstanding. She said something and I should have given her a chance to
explain…but I didn’t…and now she probably thinks I no longer wish to speak to
her…and that is so not true.”
“What
did she say?”
The
blue-eyed woman shrugged once again, “It is not important now…but lets just say
I intend to speak to her, and apologise for the way I was…and the way mother
acted.”
“You
don’t have to apologise for her Nik”
“I
have to, Tess is a nice person and I don’t want to lose her friendship.”
Lisa
scrunched her nose and grinned, “Uh huh…is that all?”
Nikki
frowned, “What do you mean?”
The
brunette smiled, “Oh nothing.” And chuckled to herself as they reached the top
of the stairs.
*******
Wednesday
morning found Tess sitting upon the counter in her kitchen, watching the small
TV that sat on top of the fridge. She
had been awoken by her usual alarm clock…Leto pinning her to the bed in the
hopes of getting a bowl of tea out of her.
It was only seven and she had three hours until she wanted to be at
work, so she was wondering what to do with her time.
Nibbling
on a slice of dry toast, she aimlessly watched the TV, not even completely
aware what it was she was watching. It
had puppets and was obviously intended for children that was all she was sure
of.
Thinking
back to her conversation with Rosalind Morris yesterday, Tess idly wondered
where Nikki was. With her horses maybe
or out with her sister somewhere? A
fleeting thought in her mind wondered whether the blonde was actually there
when she called, but she dismissed the notion as soon as it entered her mind.
The
kettle boiled then clicked off, and Tess jumped down from the work surface,
pouring the hot water into her cup and Leto’s bowl. The golden dog, running excitedly round her legs with
impatience. After topping the bowl up
with enough cold water to cool the hot tea, she placed it on the floor, and
watched amused as the hound dove in, almost inhaling the beverage before it
even had a chance to hit her taste buds.
Shaking
her head, she jumped back onto the counter and picked up her coffee, wrapping
her hands around the warmth. It was
cold, even though she had put on the heating; she knew it took a while for
these old houses to warm up. Besides she
was only wearing grey shorts and a red tank top, not exactly winter woollies
now.
Taking
a drink, Tess revelled in the heat making its way through her body, luxuriating
in its welcoming warmth. There was no
doubt that it was going to be another cold day, and it was only getting
colder. She was glad her car was in a
garage, as it meant she would not have to waste time, waiting for the iced up
windows to clear and engine to warm up.
Once
again her thoughts returned to Nikki, they seemed to be doing a lot of that
lately. Ever since she had first met
the woman, she found her thoughts would turn to her at the most unexpected of
times. Wondering what she was doing,
how she was feeling, and often after hearing an amusing comment, thinking of
how it would have make the small blonde laugh as well.
It
was strange, she had not know the woman that long, yet she had made such an
impact on to her consciousness, in such a small amount of time. It was so much
so, that the though of not being able to re-new her friendship with the blonde,
was becoming a painful concept.
Pursing
her lips, Tess jumped down from the counter and made her way to the stairs,
intent on having a shower. Why sit
there waiting to warm up when she could just as easily jump into the hot stream
of water and heat up in no time at all.
*******
Jason
sat at his desk, chewing on his thumb as he scanned the appointment books. He had just finished doing a bit of a
reshuffle, and hoped Tess would not be too annoyed at why he’d had to change
her booking to an earlier time. Luckily
the customers had been happy with the change.
Scratching
the tip of his nose, he scrolled through the day’s appointments.
“Stop
picking that before your head caves in.”
Jason
jumped and looked up, surprised to see Tess standing by his side.
“Good god woman, are you trying to give me a heart
attack. Besides I was not picking my
nose, I was just scratching it.”
Tess rubbed her chin, nodding her head with faux
sincerity, “Of course you were.”
Jason folded his arms with a sulky expression on his
face. “You are late this morning,
sleep in?”
Sitting down on the edge of Jason’s desk, Tess
folded her arms as well, “Well considering I don’t have any appointments until
twelve o’clock, I though I would do a bit of cleaning at home, I still have two
hours before the sitting anyway.”
Tess watched the man shuffle nervously in his seat;
she arched an eyebrow and looked at him expectantly “OK…what is going on?”
The man smiled. “Well the Mayor rang this morning…he
wanted to change his appointment today.”
“Tell me you are joking Jason…now.”
The secretary shook his head, “Afraid not…but he
only wanted to bring it forward an hour…twelve instead of one o’clock. So I managed to push your twelve o’clock
sitting to eleven…in other words, your sitting today is in one hour not two.”
Tess rose from the edge of Jason’s desk, “Why is
it…that man has everybody running around after him huh? Why didn’t you just say that it could not be
done?”
“I did…at first…knowing how much you hate to be
messed around. Then he said he would
have to cancel it for today, and knowing that he’d done that once already, I
checked with your sitting to see whether it would be OK, and it was. In his defence though, he did seem very
apologetic about having to switch times.”
“Oh I am sure he was”
Jason shrugged, “Well I don’t know what you are so
gripey about girl…this means you get an extra hour on your half day today. You
can go take pictures of the mud or piles of stones, or whatever it is you
artistic types do when you have private time.”
“Jason did anybody ever tell you, that you have a
unique eloquence with your words?”
The young man smirked, “Tess, did anybody ever tell
you sarcasm does not become you?”
The tall woman grinned and headed towards her
studio, “Sure…many times, but you wouldn’t want me any other way right?”
Jason didn’t answer.
“I take that as a NO then.”
Jason turned to give his retort, but she was gone.
*******
Lisa stood at her bedroom window watching the black
Bentley move down the driveway. A grin
formed on her face as the official car disappeared out of view.
“NIKKI?” she shouted.
She waited for a few moments but heard nothing.
She moved towards her door, “Nikki, are you there?”
A few seconds later the
blonde appeared in Lisa doorway, “I heard you the first time Lisa, I was not in
the stables you know. Though I think
Thunder and Jenna, might have actually heard you shout my name like that!”
Lisa grinned, “Oh ha de
ha, so you told me to tell you when the parents left…and they have.”
“Right.” Nikki walked back out of her sister bedroom,
Lisa right behind her.
“Hey are you going to tell
me what is going on?”
Nikki shrugged, “I have
something to do. If mum and dad get
back before I do, which is more than likely, just tell them I have gone out,
but you do not know where…ok?”
Lisa nodded, “Sure. Are you going to see Tess Alexander?”
The blonde disappeared
into her bedroom, grabbing her black padded jacket, gloves and woolly hat.
“Yeah.”
The teen smiled, “Well
good luck sis.”
Nikki sighed as she pulled
the zipper up on her jacket, “Thanks.”
She picked up her cane, and bag walking back out her bedroom door
towards the stairs, “Now I just hope I can get a cab that will get me to the
studio, after mum and dad have left.”
Lisa bit her lip as she
watched Nikki go down the stairs; she crossed her fingers for her sister. She hoped so too.
*******
Tess’s eleven o’clock
sitting had gone well. She was taking
the shots of a young couple that had wanted engagement photos, and had enjoyed
working with the humours couple. As she
escorted them back to the waiting room, she noticed Richard and Rosalind Morris
enter the building. A tall blonde
haired man was also with them, and it was he who opened the door for them to
enter. She noticed he was wearing a smart
black suit and cap and realised he must have been the driver of the illegally
parked Bentley at the front of the studio.
She could see it clear as day through the double, clear glass doors, and
felt a fleeting hope that a traffic warden would happen upon it and give them a
ticket.
Grinning at the sly
thought, she waved goodbye to the couple and walked over to greet the Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress.
“Mr and Mrs Morris…how
nice to see you again.” She gushed,
while grating her teeth on the inside.
Richard Morris held out
his hand first, “Miss Alexander, thank you so much for agreeing to bring this
forward an hour.” He said, taking her
hand.
Tess grinned,
‘agreeing?’ She looked over at Jason, only to
find him drooling over the tall, smartly dressed blonde. Making a mental note to have a few words
with the man, she turned to Rosalind who stood by her husband quietly.
“Mrs Morris?” She said.
Rosalind held out her
hand, and Tess took it, shaking lightly before both women pulled away, a little
too quickly.
“Well if you would both
follow me, I have the shots ready for you to go through. Would either of you like a drink?” Tess asked as she led them into the viewing
room.
“Tea would be nice.”
Richard answered.
“I wont be a moment.” Tess responded and disappeared back out of
the room. She jogged up to Jason who
was making a beeline for the chauffer.
“Jase…” she shouted
The sandy haired man
jumped, and looked in Tess’s direction.
“Tea…now…thank you.” She
said, and made her way back to the viewing room.
Jason sighed and turned
towards the kitchen. “I’ll give that
girl bloody tea.” He moaned, and took a
fleeting look at the blonde Adonis, before he disappeared from view.
*******
Tess sat in her chair,
wondering how she had managed to keep her cool during the most annoying hour
and a half of her life. Rosalind Morris
had gone through each shot one by one, pointing out every nuance she though
ruined the picture, a hair out of place here, a hand in the wrong position
there. Luckily she had managed to pick
a family shot that she agreed look ‘acceptable’ and now all they had left were
the shots of Nikki and Lisa to look through.
“If you don’t mind me
saying Miss Alexander, you took some beautiful shots of the girls.” Richard
Morris said. He pulled up a particular
one of Nikki that had caught his eye.
“This one here is outstanding.
It is as though you have managed to catch something in her that I have
never been seen before. Quite
remarkable…”
Tess smiled, “Yes she is a
very beautiful woman Mr Morris.” She
noticed Rosalind flinch in the corner of her eye, and decided to amend her
statement.
“Two beautiful daughters
in fact, it was a pleasure capturing that.”
Richard smiled proud of
his offspring. “Well thank you Miss Alexander, I must agree of course.” He joked.
The rest of the sitting
took another ten minutes, with the Mayor choosing his favourite shots of Nikki
and Lisa. And by the time the session
was over, both women seemed glad to get out of there, a fact completely unknown
by Richard Morris.
As the three made their
way back out into the waiting room, Tess was the first to spot Jason looking a
little too friendly with the Mayor’s chauffer.
She cleared her throat as they all entered the front foyer.
“Well Mr and Mrs Morris.”
She said with a little extra volume to make sure Jason was back in place. “I will get on with your order, and will
personally call you when everything is ready for you to view. As for your Christmas cards, I shall get
them done first and delivered to you by tomorrow evening.”
Richard Morris clapped his
hands together, “Wonderful, that is just wonderful. Thank you so much Miss Alexander, and I shall look forward to
seeing you tomorrow evening with the finished results.”
The Chauffer, to which
Jason had discovered was called Dennis, stood and opened the door for the
couple. He smiled at them both as they
headed out to the Bentley, and then winked at Jason before leaving the building
himself.
Tess’s mouth dropped,
“Have you forgotten that you are almost a married man?”
Jason grinned, “Nothing
wrong with a bit of harmless flirting.”
“Uh huh…I…” Tess’s reply
was halted as Kat’s appointment came through the door. It was a young couple, arriving to view
their pictures. Tess smiled at them both, “Ah the future Mr and Mrs Lloyd…nice
to see you again.”
They smiled shyly, and
Tess thought how much a match this couple made, they both seemed to be afraid
of their own shadow.
Jason looked over to the
pair, “Please sit down a moment…we will be with you shortly.”
As the young man and woman
made their way to the row of chairs, Jason looked desperately towards the tall
woman, “Hey!” she looked at him and he motioned her to move closer.
“What is it?”
Jason frowned, “Kat isn’t
in yet, she is running late this morning, can you do the viewing…I don’t know
how long she will be. She called me
while you were in with your last appointment and asked me to ask you
to cover for her.”
Tess rolled her eyes,
“Yeah, yeah that’s fine.” She looked up at the young man and woman, “Mr Lloyd,
Miss Miller…follow me please.”
The couple got up and
followed Tess as she led them towards the viewing room.
*******
This viewing had gone a
lot smoother than her last and had only taken Tess twenty minutes. The photographer emerged back into the
waiting room, a smiling couple by her side within half an hour. After a quiet
thank you the future Mr and Mrs Lloyd left the building.
“Well that went easy!”
Tess commented.
“Please tell me you didn’t
scare that poor couple into buying all their pictures just for the extra
commission.”
Tess folded her arms, “Hey
that commission stays Kat’s, and no I didn’t scare them I was a perfect
gentleman…if you even know what that means?”
Jason scowled, “Look be
nice or I may forget to tell you something kind of important.
Tess held up her hands,
“Oh, and what is that then?”
“Well…hmm.”
“Jason!”
The man grinned, “Oh
ok…since you look so cute when you are intrigued.”
Tess growled, and advanced
on the man.”
“Just kidding, gosh no
need to be so touchy.”
“Jason if you don’t tell
me…”
“Alright, alright…you had
a visitor, arrived just as you disappeared with Mr and Mrs docile. Cute blonde, blue eyes, went by the name of
Nikki” Jason watched amazed as the tall woman blanched.
“Who is Nikki?” Kat asked, as she entered main reception
looking harried, her coat hanging off one shoulder as she closed the front
doors.
“What did she say…where
did she go?” Tess asked nervously
Jason pushed a hand
through is hair, “Well I kind of got the feeling that she wanted to speak to you
alone, so…I escorted her to your office.”
“You left her there
alone!” Tess asked incredulously already moving towards the door.
“She knew I could not
leave front desk for long, and Kat was still on her way here, she said she
would be fine, that she had a book in her bag to keep her occupied
until…you…were…free...and…anyway.” Jason turned to look at Kat, “Why am I
continuing to speak when she has already left the room.”
Kat shrugged.
*******
Tess stood at the entrance to her studio; a nervous
fluttering besieged her stomach.
Placing her hand on the knob she took a deep breath and pushed open the
door, ready to face the woman she had not seen since Saturday evening.
Tentatively she walked into the spacious studio,
shutting the door behind her. The quiet
of the room seemed almost ghostly as she scanned the area looking for the
blonde. Her eyes moved over to an
ornate antique looking sofa, which was actually a prop of hers, and she spotted
Nikki tucked into one of its corners.
Her shoes were off, feet tucked under short legs, and her head resting
back and to the side. Her eyes were
closed and it was instantly obvious to Tess that that young woman was out for
the count.
With an affectionate smile, she moved towards the
sleeping figure, taking in the gentle sight.
Blonde eyelashes rested against pale cheeks, and soft pink lips were
slightly parted as Nikki took deep, somnolent breaths.
In her lap lay a medium size book, open on a
particular page. Tess looked down at
the page and ran her fingers over the curious bumps. She had never felt Braille
before, and as her fingers passed over the indentations, she wondered how on
earth Nikki was able to make either head or tail of these seemingly random
bumps. A new respect swelled inside of
her at the thought of all that the blonde had to over come, and more
importantly how she had managed to make it to the studio on her own. Obviously it was possible, she realised, but
the fact that she had taken the step, struck an unknown emotional cord deep
within her.
Kneeling, Tess leaned back on her heals, taking in
the vision still sleeping peacefully before her. She felt a sudden urge to push away the few stray locks that had
fallen into Nikki’s eyes, not that it would have bothered the blonde, but
unbeknownst to Tess, it was just an unconscious urge to make physical contact.
Deciding that Nikki wouldn’t really be too thrilled
to learn that she had slept through her return Tess wondered how to wake her
up. Feeling a little self conscious
about waking her in this way, she pushed herself to her feet and walked back to
the door. With more noise than she
would usually make, she opened the door and coughed loudly before closing it
with a little extra vigour.
Nikki jumped upon hearing the sound of coughing, the book in her lap fell to the floor with a clump, and she immediately bent forward to pick up the fallen object, flustered and a little confused.
“Hi!”
Tess said.
Nikki
pushed herself back to her feet; tucking the book under her arm, she smiled
sheepishly.
Tess
looked at the woman, and wondered whether she had made the right move in the
way she had woken her up. Every bone in
her body had been pushing her to wake the blonde up in some very different way
indeed.
“How
are you?” She asked, wondering whether
she sounded as lame to Nikki as she did to herself.
Nikki
smiled self-consciously, “Ok I guess, obviously a little tired…”
The
tall woman grinned.
“How
are you Tess?”
Tess
walked towards Nikki, not stopping until she was directly in front of her,
“Been better.” She answered truthfully.
Nikki
nodded, so Tess continued.
“Look
Nik, I am just going to come right out and say this…” she paused briefly “What
I said the other day, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded…honestly I
didn’t. I am sorry for how I behaved,
somebody made an assumption about you and I kind of reacted the wrong way, it
was not meant to sound the way it did.
I am so sorry that I hurt you.”
Nikki
moved until she felt her legs against the chair, and sat back down. “No I am sorry for the way I reacted without
giving you a chance to explain…I guess we were both a little wrong in how we
behaved.”
Tess
nodded, “Well in that case…I will accept your apology, as long as you will
accept mine…deal?”
The
blue-eyed woman grinned, “I do believe you have a deal there Miss Tess!”
“I’m
glad” Tess replied sincerely
Nikki
fiddled with the corner of her book, a certain thought running through her
head. It was a thought that had been
running through her head for the past few days. She moved her head up towards Tess, “So…what assumption was made
against me that got you kind of angry?”
Tess
looked down at the floor, suddenly finding the dull tiles very
interesting. “Ah well…it doesn’t really
matter now, it was something that they should not have assumed…and were very
wrong in doing so.”
“Oh”
Nikki responded, slightly disappointed with the reply.
Tess
moved forward and sat beside Nikki. “It
is in the past now…if we keep talking about it, I will feel the need to
apologise again, and me down on my knees is not a pretty sight…trust me.”
Nikki
laughed, “Oh shame, and here I was thinking I could milk you being down on your
knees for all it was worth.”
That
earned the blonde an arched brow, “Really, you think I should continue my
grovelling?”
“No,
you accepted my apology so I accepted yours…that was the deal remember.”
“Uh
huh…well in that case, I truly hope I never have to get down on my knees before
you then.”
“Why?”
“Because
I never want to do or say anything that will hurt you ever again.” As the words left Tess’s mouth, she realised
just how true the statement was. She
smiled as a soft blush worked its way over Nikki’s cheeks and a crown of blonde
hair came into view, as Nikki moved her face out of view.
Placing
two fingers under Nikki’s chin, she lifted her head until she could once again
look into Nikki’s clear blue eyes.
“Why
that isn’t a blush I see is it…it cannot be?”
Nikki
laughed lightly and tried to move away but she was caught in a strong
grasp. The blush deepened further.
“Oh
more…I like that…looks very cute.”
Green
eyes watched blue move sightlessly around until they stopped, stock still,
seemingly looking straight into startled green. Tess stopped breathing, a bolt of awareness shooting through her,
so strong that it vibrated within her heart.
Nikki
sensed the change in Tess and wondered what the woman was thinking. She wanted to speak, but dared not break the
fragile spell that had woven its self around them, she did not understand it,
but felt powerless to pull away.
Tess’s
eyes searched the heart shaped face, taking in every line, freckle and barley
visible changes in skin tone. The soft
skin beneath her fingers glided gently over her tips, and she suddenly realised
she was stroking the tender area.
Blinking
rapidly, as if to break the unexpected trance, she pulled back ashamed of her
behaviour. Moving away, she rose to her
feet, and took a step away from the quiet woman.
“Err,
um…” She took another step away, desperately trying to think of something to
say. “So how did you get here?” Oh
that was a good one Tess, she scolded.
Nikki
shook her head, confused at what had just happened. “Oh…well, I err booked a taxi…to get here for when my parents
viewing had finished, so was my mother was her usual fastidious self?”
Tess
smiled, “She was kind of fussy yeah.”
The
blonde smiled, “You are so polite.” She chuckled, “I know how she is…wants
everything her way, and will do whatever it takes to keep it that way.”
The
smile left Tess’s face, “It must be hard for you being there, I don’t mean that
in any kind of disrespect to you or your family, it is just that…well she does
seem like the kind of woman to fight for what she wants and believes.” She
stated
Nikki
shook her head, “No it is more a case of fighting for what she thinks is most acceptable
and socially correct.”
Tess
nodded in understanding, “I take it they do not know you are here today?”
“No…as
far as I am concerned, they were not there when I made the decision to go out.”
She shrugged, “I am big enough and ugly enough to make my own decisions…sooner
or later they are going to have to accept that.”
“Uh
huh…well how about making another decision today?”
The
blonde pursed her lips, “And what may that be?”
Tess
sat next to the woman, “Come out with Leto and I this weekend, we are taking a
trip…though don’t tell Leto yet or she will not shut up about it until I leave
the house with her.”
Nikki
laughed, “Where are you going?” She asked.
Tess
shook her head, “Ah ha, that would be telling…it will be a surprise…do you want
to go?”
Nikki
pulled a face; appearing to be considering the offer, “Err…well as long as you
feed me, I think it sounds like a great idea.”
Tess
smiled, “It’s a deal.”
*******
Jason
and Kat sat in the employees lounge, heads close together in deep conversation. Their muted whispers sounded through the
room, and as Robert and Stan entered the area, they pulled away innocently.
Robert
looked over at his companion with a frown, and then looked at the two possible
conspirators.
“Ok…so
what is going on here?”
Jason
shook his head, and Kat shrugged as they all turned to the sound of footsteps
moving towards them.
Tess
appeared at the doorway, her arm closely held by a small blonde. All eyes looked at the two women full of
question.
“Everyone
this is Nikki…Nikki this is every one.
Jason, whom you have already met, Kat, and Stan they are photographers
like me. There is also Carl, but he is
out today, and last but not least Robert, the big bad boss.”
Nikki
smiled to a series of hi there, and hellos.
“Well
guys if you will excuse us…sorry we cannot stay and chat, but Nikki has a taxi
that should be here any minute, so we have to go.”
After
a few quick goodbyes, they left the doorway, heading for main reception.
Jason
looked towards Kat with a raised eyebrow, “So what do you think?” He whispered.
Kat
winked, “Definitely worth keeping an eye on.” She answered.
Robert
walked up to the two conspirators, “What is worth keeping an eye on?”
Kat
shook her head, “We will let you know when we have more proof.”
Robert
placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head, “Why do I get the feeling Tess
is not going to be pleased with you two?”
Two
wide eyed, innocent faces looked at each other in faux surprise.
*******
As
the women made it to reception, Tess was slightly disappointed to see that
Nikki’s taxi was already waiting for her.
With the blondes arm still held securely around her own, she guided her
out onto Main Street.
“Well
I guess I will see you on Saturday then yes?”
Nikki
nodded as the tall woman opened the door for her, “Even though you are not
going to tell me where we are going…yes you will…and thank you, I look forward
to it very much.”
“No
thank you.” Tess said, “Believe me, it will be nice to have more than the dogs
company for a change. No matter how
hard I try, I just cannot seem to grasp doggie language.”
That
earned the brunette a laugh, “Well I am glad I can be of service to you. So what time?”
Tess
thought about it quickly as Nikki got into the car, “I will let you know when I
bring your fathers cards around tomorrow…that ok? It is just that I am not completely sure yet.”
“That
is fine, I shall see you then…goodbye Tess.”
“Bye
Nikki.” She replied and shut the door.
Standing
on the curb, she watched as the vehicle drove silently away disappearing around
a corner, a happy smile never leaving her face.
From
inside the main reception, Jason, Kat, Stan and Robert all stood at the window
watching the scene with interest.
“So
what do you think?” Kat questioned the rest of the gang.
“Definitely
worth keeping an eye on.” Robert stated, a little uneasy about what his
employees were implying.
End of part 3
continued in part 4 .