by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@hotmail.com.

Dedications: To my angels, my nephews. Through the good and bad days, the joys and sorrows, the unconditional love and adoration you both exude makes the meaning of life apparently clear.

Copyright © August, 2004 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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It was late when they reached the city, so they decided it would be better to just retire and get up early to see the campus. Dara took the liberty of checking them into their room before grabbing their bags. Quietly they made their way to their quarters. Elisabeth turned on the light as they entered and then held the door for the brunette. Neither said much being so tired from working all day and then taking the five-hour drive. Without discussion they both prepared for bed.

Being that it was the first time they were sleeping together since all their feelings had been brought into the light, Elisabeth felt nervous about it. She knew with the way she felt there was a possibility of them getting carried away with each other and doing something they weren't ready for yet, even as much as they both wanted it. She also knew that it wasn't just Dara who was struggling with the emotions of being intimate. The blonde wanted to know her girlfriend in that way desperately.

Once Dara had come to bed and turned off the light, the two of them lay in the dark for a few moments in silence. Sensing something wrong by the older woman's tense frame, the taller woman asked, "Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?"

"It's nothing. I'm just coping with feelings."

"What kind of feelings? Are you anxious about seeing Suzanne?"

"Yes, but that's not what I was thinking about though."

Turning onto her side so she could see the blonde in the dark, Dara curved an arm around her waist and inquired, "Then what are you thinking about?"

"You," she confessed.

"What about me?"

"How much I want you," Elisabeth whispered. Dara moaned when she heard the acknowledgment. Hearing her girlfriend's response, the older woman went a little further in her explanation. "How much I want to feel you inside of me."

Dara groaned loudly. "Oh, God, Elisabeth. You have no idea what that does to me. I want that so much."

"So do I, Dara. I can't wait four more months."

"You know I'll give you whatever you want, Elisabeth. If you really want this, you can have it, but I thought you wanted to wait because of that lunatic."

"Don't even mention him right now. The last thing I want to think about is him," she said. Sighing she mentioned, "I know you're right though. This is just so hard. Chad warned me about how difficult this would be, but I never imagined that I would feel like I was going crazy. It's such irony that a man we both hate is keeping us apart."

"Not for much longer. Look, honey. We can be intimate without having sex, or if you really are ready, we can make love tonight. I'll give you whatever you need, Elisabeth, but I just want to make sure it's the right decision. We have all the time in the world. A few more months isn't going to make a difference in the long run, but it will affect your ability to do your job, I think."

"I know it will too," the blonde mumbled, reaching for her girlfriend. She lovingly caressed her cheek. "The problem is I don't think I'll be able to stop if we venture even a little. That's how much I want you."

"The feeling is definitely mutual, sweetie, but I will stop us. As much as I want you, I do have enough self-control to go around. I'm just afraid it will leave us more frustrated than anything to have to stop."

"You're probably right," Elisabeth agreed softly. Neither said anything for a moment as they continued to gaze at each other in the dark. However, after a lengthy pause, the older woman leaned over and slowly kissed her girlfriend.

Dara moaned lightly and pulled her closer as their kiss deepened. For a moment the brunette allowed it to continue, but when Elisabeth's hand slid under the hem of her t-shirt, she gasped. "Elisabeth, are you sure about this?"

"I trust you, Dara. I trust your restraint. I won't make it if you don't touch me right now," she explained between kisses.

With that permission the younger woman allowed her hands to roam over her girlfriend. Each other leisurely took in the landscape of their lover's body as their mouths continued to explore each other. Longing to feel her lover more intimately, the taller woman gently raised the blonde's shirt over her head. Elisabeth allowed her to do so and even reciprocated in action, leaving them both naked from the waist up. Dara groaned as she felt their naked torsos brush together for the first time. The older woman's skin felt so soft and inviting that she had to investigate further. As their kissing began to strengthen in intensity, the brunette's hands became active along her lover's body.

Elisabeth moaned in wanton need as she felt Dara cup her right breast for the first time. The emotions were just running rampant through her frame as she instinctively arched toward the caress. Wanting to feel her girlfriend, she responded in kind, trailing her hand from Dara's back around to the front of her body. Her touch was greeted with a shudder of want from the taller woman.

Going with the feelings coursing through her, Dara's lips moved from Elisabeth's and began to travel up toward her ear before moving down along her neck. The tiny whimpers urged her further as she rolled the blonde onto her back. Pulling herself on top of the smaller woman, Dara delved back into her lover's mouth.

The older woman groaned at the feeling of Dara's body on top of her. She had fantasized about what it would feel like so many times, and finally she had the chance to feel their frames meshed together, the weight of her lover firmly against her. It made her more anxious to feel the rest of Dara's body. Tracing along the strong back she had dreamed about for so long, her hands found their way down into the back of the brunette's sleeping shorts. Instantly the younger woman growled as Elisabeth's hands began to knead the muscles. Breaking away from Dara's mouth for a moment, the shorter woman huskily demanded, "Take them off."

The younger attorney immediately complied with her girlfriend's wishes and shed the last piece of clothing she was wearing before settling her hips between the blonde's thighs again. Instantly their lips were cohered once again as their tongues wrestled more urgently. Dara knew things were quickly spiraling out of control, but Elisabeth felt so good to her. Deciding she needed more before she would be satisfied though, she ducked her head into the blonde's neck again as her hands started to caress the light peaks of the older woman's breasts.

Elisabeth's back arched even more as Dara began to move down her body, her mouth taking in every contour before closing over her left breast. Crying out to her lover, the shorter woman cradled Dara's head even closer as her hips started to rock against Dara's stomach seeking relief. However, the cotton pants she was wearing kept her from the contact she wanted. Whining in protest she murmured, "I need to take my pants off. Take them off me, Dara."

Dara paused for a moment, knowing that if she did what was asked of her she may not be able to stop herself from taking what she wanted. "Are you sure?" she whispered.

"Yes. Now," Elisabeth insisted.

Following directions, the brunette rolled off her lover to assist her out of her final article of clothing. As she discarded it haphazardly on the floor, she took a moment to evaluate the situation. She knew she had to be the strong one between them and that Elisabeth would regret it if they went too far due to her job regardless of how much they truly wanted each other. Fortifying where she would draw the line between them if she had to, Dara leaned in again.

This time Elisabeth wasted no time and grabbed her lover around the back, pulling her body down against her own. Naturally Dara's body came to rest between her legs. The older woman's eyes rolled closed in the ecstasy of the feeling of them naked in each other's embrace. It was just as she imagined it and yet even more pleasurable than she had conceived.

Going back to task, Dara's mouth kissed over the blonde's body in unbridled fashion. The older woman just felt so good that she couldn't seem to get enough of her delicate skin against her lips. She thought her body was going to combust with the heat passing between them. Feeling Elisabeth's hips again grinding into her stomach, she growled torridly. She could feel how excited her girlfriend was becoming by the wetness that was suddenly coating her skin. "God, you feel so good, Elisabeth," she whispered as her mouth managed to settle once again on her lover's chest.

"So do you," the blonde managed to breathlessly reply.

Wanting to get even closer contact between them, the taller woman let her right hand trail over the blonde's side, over her hip and to her thigh. Instinctively Elisabeth's leg bent slightly as the brunette lifted it and wound it around the brunette's hip, bringing their bodies into even closer contact. Letting her hand stay there, she began to fondle her lover's leg, tracing light patterns over the back and inner portion of her thigh. As soon as her fingers skimmed close to where Elisabeth desperately wanted them, she cried out her girlfriend's name longingly. Dara knew the older woman was closing in on a peak just by the way her body was responding.

"That's it, Elisabeth. Let me hear you. You're so beautiful like this," Dara whispered lovingly, trying to give the woman she loved the little push she needed to get the relief her body craved. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Dara," Elisabeth panted. "Oh, God. Please."

Pressing herself even closer to her lover, Dara murmured, "Just let go, baby. I have you. You feel so good. I can imagine myself inside of you. I want to feel you contracting around me. Can you feel me?"

In her mind Elisabeth could picture Dara just as she described, and it was enough to carry her over the edge. Quivering uncontrollably she allowed the feelings to wash over her as she clung to the woman she loved. The brunette just held her for several moments as she felt Elisabeth's body tensing sporadically. Neither said anything for a few moments. Finally as Elisabeth came back from the induced euphoria, she sighed as she tried to catch her breath. "Oh God," she mumbled.

"Are you okay?" Dara asked sweetly.

"Better than that. I never thought it could be like that. I can only imagine what it's going to be like when we really can be together completely. That was incredible."

"Well, glad you enjoyed it."

"You should be a phone sex operator in your spare time," the blonde joked as she stroked the dark head that was resting against her shoulder. Wondering if her girlfriend had gotten satisfaction out of their activities, she quietly asked with some uncertain hesitation, "Did you enjoy it?"

"Tremendously, Elisabeth," she assured, because she could tell the blonde was suddenly nervous.

"But you didn't...," she started.

"It's okay, baby. I don't need to. This was about your needs," Dara explained, even though her body was taut with sequestered passion. As much as she would have loved to have reached climax, she didn't want to push her lover into something if she wasn't ready for it.

"That hardly seems fair. You give me an unbelievable orgasm, and I let you roll over and go to sleep without the same treatment. I'm not some prima donna bitch, Dara," she stated. "You deserve a little something for your efforts. I don't know who you've been dating in the last decade, but the last time I did this, it was a give-give situation, and I want to give you as much as you have to me."

Feeling the blonde's thigh maneuver its way between her legs, Dara gasped. "I swear I'm about to explode if you touch me like that," she admitted.

Laughing lightly Elisabeth replied, "Let's just see about that, shall we?" Taking the lead between them, the older woman put both hands on the brunette's hips, forcing them to grind against her thigh. Dara groaned loudly, but it was quickly muffled by a fiery lip lock. For the next several minutes Elisabeth toyed with her lover, bringing her close and then backing off just before the imminent moment until the younger woman finally begged for release. Quickly the older attorney obliged her, making her as breathless as she once had been.

When Dara had come down from her own climax, she rolled off the shorter woman. "Oh, man. Shelby was right," she mumbled still gasping for air.

Curling up against the brunette's shoulder, Elisabeth questioned, "What was she right about?"

"You are a tomcat disguised as a Republican," she jested.

Elisabeth laughed at the joke. "I bet old George would just hate it if he knew I was in bed with his worst enemy," she teased.

"Oh no. You are his worst enemy, Elisabeth, and that's what so ironic about the whole thing. He can't stay away from you, and yet it's going to be you that brings his downfall."

"Yeah, well, let's not talk about him. I'd much rather lie here in your arms and listen to you breathe."

"That makes two of us," Dara admitted, wrapping her arms securely around her lover's bare body.

The following morning the two women slept in a little before deciding to get dressed for the day. The brunette decided to shower first, leaving the blonde to ponder her outfit choices as she went into the bathroom. However, she had only been in there long enough to wash her hair when she was startled by the curtain being flung open. Elisabeth stood there with a seductive smile and nothing else. Dara gasped audibly at the sight of the woman she loved completely naked. She had never seen her before, and she could feel her knees beginning to weaken at the sight of her on perfect display.

Eyeing the woman she loved, the blonde felt her stomach churn. Dara was even sexier without clothes than she ever fantasized. "Room for one more?" she questioned breathlessly.

"Sure. Of course. There is always room for you," Dara answered in pleasant surprise. Shelby had told her Elisabeth was going to be a hot lover, but she hadn't actually pondered it until the previous night. Now after their impromptu session the night before and this morning's shower, she knew she was going to be in for an exciting ride, especially when they could consummate their relationship fully. As the older woman stepped in, she closed the curtain behind her. Dara immediately wrapped her arms around the smaller woman's body and smiled. Lightly she asked, "Miss me already?"

"Always," the older woman mumbled as she intently began to kiss the brunette's neck.

The younger woman moaned at the gesture, because it was clear Elisabeth wanted more of last night. Knowing they had the time for it, the brunette indulged her girlfriend in the moment, catching her mouth for a searing kiss. Quickly things escalated as usual, but both of them found quick peaks before settling down to just hold each other in the warm spray of the water.

Embracing the woman she loved in her arms and feeling Elisabeth's heart racing, the younger woman knew she was so far gone she may never return from the bliss they had found together, and it was in that moment she realized she did want to hold this woman forever. Elisabeth was the one she wanted to be with for the rest of her life, and the thought suddenly frightened her, because the older woman was playing such a dangerous game. In fact, her life could be at stake if she was ever found out by the wrong people. As much as she thought the President ignorant, she worried what he was capable of should he discover Elisabeth's true intentions. However, she also knew she couldn't dissuade the blonde from her mission. The older woman wanted to go this course, and all Dara could do was support her.

Knowing they had somewhere to be soon, Dara eased out of Elisabeth's embrace far enough to finish bathing. The blonde did the same, and they were both quietly contemplative for the rest of the shower. Dressing and breakfast followed much in the same fashion. When it was time to head over to the college, Dara reminded herself what she had to do. They had agreed to pretend to only be friends as long as they were around others for the sake of Elisabeth's career. However, at the turn in events it was the last thing the brunette really wanted, even though she knew the necessity of it.

They arrived with only a few minutes to spare, leaving them just enough time to find their seats before the program began. As Dara looked at the program they had been handed as they had entered the gym, Elisabeth looked around at the other attendees, and her heart stopped momentarily. Sitting two rows in front of them and off to the right was her first love. Suzanne was sitting around some other women chatting amiably, oblivious to the blonde's presence, giving Elisabeth ample time to just gaze at her. She didn't look as if she had changed much over the years. She still had her figure and personality it appeared. Suddenly the blonde found herself caught up in the recollections of the two of them together, their friendship in high school, the prom, first day of college, and their first kiss all came flooding into her mind. As she continued to stare, the intimate memories followed, the first time Suzanne had ever touched her, the feeling of Suzanne inside of her for the very first time, making love in the barn at school. All the emotions she had ever felt for her long-time acquaintance came rushing into her heart. She and Suzanne had promised each other forever when they were young, and back then the blonde had wanted it to last that long.

Sensing something change in her lover, Dara looked over at her to see what was wrong. Seeing eyes elsewhere though, the brunette cast her glance in the same direction and saw Suzanne as well. Instinctively she knew what was bothering the older woman. Leaning to her ear so no one could hear them, she whispered, "Are you all right?"

Hearing the voice Elisabeth turned and met a concerned dark gaze. The woman sitting next to her loved her so dearly, and she knew it, but her eyes couldn't stay away from what she had once had. Blue eyes went back to Suzanne, watching her every move. Dara sighed, knowing this was not something with which she could help. Only Elisabeth could battle her feelings herself. It hurt Dara a little to see the apparent longing in her lover's eyes as she continued to look at Suzanne. She knew that the blonde loved her and furthermore her old college buddy would never look at Elisabeth the way she had a decade ago, but it still stung to see the unresolved feelings play across her girlfriend's face.

Throughout the next hour and a half Dara tried to focus on why she was there. She was to receive an award, not watch her girlfriend gawk over an old flame. When it was time for the inductees to receive their awards, Dara's name was called last, because they were being called by class year, and she was the youngest. Coincidentally that placed her next to Suzanne as they all stood with the awards for photographs.

As the two old teammates stood close to each other listening to their old athletic director speaking about them, Suzanne leaned closer to Dara and inquired, "Dara, who is that woman you are sitting next to?"

"An old friend of yours," she mumbled, looking over at Elisabeth and seeing the blonde gazing in her direction. Although she wasn't sure if those blue eyes were looking at her or Suzanne. With the way Elisabeth had been acting, she figured they were on Suzanne.

"Elisabeth Gunter?" The brunette nodded. "She looks fabulous. Are you two dating or just friends?"

"We're just friends," Dara lied, not wanting to but knowing it was what was expected of her.

"Is she married?"

"No."

Seeing Dara and Suzanne whispering to each other as they stood in front of their audience left the blonde feeling awkward. Both women were staring at her just as intently as she was at them, so she wondered what was being said.

Finally when the induction was over, all the athletes went outside for more pictures. Elisabeth just hung around inside the gym watching them from afar. She was surprised at how well Dara and Suzanne got along. Both of them were chatting easily as they posed for pictures. Once those were complete, the athletes and their families were invited to a small reception. During that time Dara introduced Elisabeth to everyone they spoke to, but Suzanne steered clear of the two of them, although the blonde noticed her ex-lover looking at her constantly. The taller woman noticed it as well and figured she should be the most mature of them and allow the two to speak. Directing her girlfriend that way, Dara smiled at she reached Suzanne.

"What a great reception this is," she mentioned to try to get the two of them to talk.

Suzanne nodded. "It is nice." Looking at the blonde, she softly greeted, "Hi, Elisabeth."

"Hello, Suzanne," cooly Elisabeth responded.

An awkward moment ensued. "Well, I know the two of you have some catching up you would like to do, so I'm just going to go talk to coach," Dara mentioned with a smile for both of them which she didn't quite feel before leaving them alone.

Suzanne watched her leave before nervously smiling at the blonde. "Well it's been a long time."

"Yes, it has."

"Still mad at me, I see. You did swear never to speak to me again."

"I know, and if it weren't for Dara, I'd have kept that promise."

"She knows about us, doesn't she? That's why she came over here."

"She knows. My sister told her."

"Oh? And how is Shelby? Still the brat I used to know?"

Unable to help herself, Elisabeth chuckled at the description of her sister. "Yes, as a matter of fact. She's been meddling with Dara and me since they met."

"I see, but it hasn't worked. You're not with Dara?"

"We're friends," the blonde answered as her eyes sought out the topic of conversation.

"That's too bad. So, tell me. What are you doing with your life?"

"Well, I'm working on the Minion-Bonaparte re-election campaign right now. After that I'm going to go back to my job at the DOJ."

"You're on the re-election campaign, and you're friends with Dara? Are you sure that woman isn't interested in you? She wouldn't normally stand for something like that. That's not her nature."

"Well, maybe she's changed. People do change, Suzanne," Elisabeth snipped.

"I know. Listen, Elisabeth. I understand why you're still upset with me after all this time, but it was ten years ago. There has been so many times where I've wanted to call or write you and tell you how sorry I was for what happened." Not know what to say, the blonde simply nodded. Suzanne sighed deeply. "You know, I had this speech prepared in the event I ever saw you again, but I never thought I'd be able to use it. Could we maybe just step outside in private for a few minutes? There's something I want to say to you."

Casting a glance in her girlfriend's direction, the blonde saw that Dara was engaged in conversation, so she nodded her head. "Fine." Both women left the reception and went out onto the front quad. They walked in silence until they got to a bench. Sitting the blonde looked at her ex-girlfriend and waited for what she wasn't sure. She watched as Suzanne gathered her thoughts.

"I wrote you a letter that you never answered," Suzanne stated. "In it I bared my soul to you, Elisabeth. Did you ever even read it?" The blonde shook her head. She knew exactly the letter Suzanne was talking about, but she had never been able to open it.

"It's probably for the best that you didn't. I said some things in there that could have ended my marriage back then. Elisabeth, I hope you never doubted my love for you. I loved you in a way I have never loved anyone else in this world. You were the best thing that had ever happened to me. Even when we were in high school and both dating boys, I always loved you, and it was my secret hope to one day be able to say that. I finally got that chance, and you made my life heaven by being with me. Then when I met Bryan things began to change. For the first time in my life I found myself in love with two people, both of you very different. I did cheat on you, and for that I am truly sorry. I never told you the complete truth about Bryan and me. You see, the day that we last spoke, I had found out that I was pregnant. It was an accident. I didn't know what to do, and I thought if I married Bryan I could have some normality in life. That's why I broke things off with you. Well, I miscarried, but Bryan still wanted to get married. I had already lost you, so I thought I should marry him. I still loved him, but I also loved you. As it turned out, over the course of time, I realized what a horrible mistake I had made. I loved you more than him, but I tried to make it work with him, because we had kids. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you in ten years, and he finally realized I never would. He left me a few months ago."

"What are you saying, Suzanne?" Elisabeth questioned hesitantly, unsure of where the conversation was suddenly going.

"I'm saying that letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life. I loved you then. I've loved you the whole time I was married to him, and I love you now."

"What? Suzanne, what do you mean? What are you trying to do? Playing with my feelings isn't right."

"I'm trying to tell you that I wish I had a second chance to make things right, but I know that I don't. You're heart belongs to someone else," she said, taking the blonde's hands. "Elisabeth, listen to me. Don't make the same mistake I made. Don't let love slip away, because you're too worried about what people will think or your career or any other reason. Do whatever it takes to make sure you and Dara are together," she insisted.

"What?"

"Don't pretend to be something you're not. You're going to lose her. Trust me on this. I can tell you love her just by the way you look at her. You used to look at me that way. Furthermore, it's obvious that she feels the same. That's all that should matter. She's a lucky woman to have your love, and you're lucky to have hers. Let nothing drive you two apart." With tears in her eyes, Elisabeth reached for her ex and embraced her in a hug. Suddenly the years of animosity faded as Suzanne laid down the burden she had been carrying and supported the blonde's feelings for Dara. The two women sat hugging for several moments before Suzanne pulled away and inquired, "Are you going to be okay?"

"I'll be fine. I just need a minute."

"All right. I'm going to go back inside unless you want me to stay."

"No. Go on."

Nodding her head Suzanne stood. "Maybe someday Dara, you, and I can all be friends. Until then though just know that I'm thinking about the two of you and hoping for the best." With that she walked away, leaving Elisabeth on the bench alone. The blonde continued to cry quietly at what had just transpired. She had never expected Suzanne to express feelings of remorse or love for her still. It left her completely aghast, but at the same time she was comforted by the fact that even Suzanne could see the love she shared with Dara. It meant that it seemed as strong to other people as she hoped it did between two of them.

Since Dara had seen Elisabeth and Suzanne disappear together, she wondered where they had gone and what they were doing, but she knew she had to trust her love for the blonde. Seeing Suzanne return alone though made the brunette uneasy, so she headed outside to see if she could find her lover. Spotting her on a bench, she cautiously made her way over. She could hear Elisabeth crying and felt bad that she had initiated their contact.

"Elisabeth, sweetie, are you all right?" she inquired gently, taking a seat next to the woman she loved.

Immediately wet blue eyes met hers. Unable to stop herself, the blonde threw her arms around Dara's neck and pulled her into a powerful kiss. The younger woman moaned lightly but tenderly pulled back to see what her lover could possibly be thinking. "I love you, Dara. I love you so much it hurts my heart."

"I love you, Elisabeth."

Going in for a second kiss, the older woman murmured, "I want to leave. I want to go home and make love with you the rest of the day."

Groaning deeply Dara felt the words settle between her thighs. "I want that too, baby, desperately, but we can't go home. We have to have dinner here with the school president, and then I promised to take you on a night tour of the city."

"But I want you."

"I want you too. I promise we'll have all the time in the world. We just can't. You know I'm right."

"I know, I know," she growled in frustration. "I'm just tired of waiting already."

"Time will fly before you know it. Now come on. I really should go back inside."

By the time Dara dropped Elisabeth off at home the following day, the blonde was full of emotions whirling within her. The whole experience at Hollins had left her with a feeling she had never had before in her life. She knew she wanted Dara, but the intensity of her emotions was more than she could even comprehend. It was all she could think about, being with the brunette.

As she went into her room to unpack her bags, she could hear loud music in Shelby's room next door. Wondering what her sister was up to, she walked out into the hall and knocked on the door. There was no answer, so she opened it. Immediately she regretted that choice as she saw her sister lying naked on her bed with Leah on top of her. The brunette was so involved she didn't seem to notice the intrusion at first, but Shelby's eyes met her sister's. Neither blonde said anything though as the younger one went right back to her pleasure. Quickly deciding it was best to just walk away, Elisabeth started to close the door when she noticed a camera sitting on a tripod across the room pointing in the direction of the bed and her sister's computer displaying everything that was taking place. Shocked at what was really transpiring, she made a hasty retreat downstairs to the kitchen.

Never could she have imagined that her sister would do such a thing. She knew Shelby was wild and unrestrained, but she never thought she would go so far as to record her own sexual encounters. Not knowing what else to do, she picked up the phone and dialed Dara.

"Miss me already?" the brunette joked.

"Dara, our sisters are upstairs right now screwing," she informed.

"So?"

"They're recording it as well."

"What? Are you kidding me?"

"No, I'm not kidding. I walked in on them. I have to stop them."

"Why? Elisabeth, you can't stop them. They're both adults. Just because we don't like it doesn't mean we have the right to interfere."

"Did you know about this?"

"I knew they were sleeping together. I didn't know Shelby had convinced Leah to do it on tape."

"You think this was Shelby's idea? Never. She wouldn't."

"Don't say never, Elisabeth. Your sister has it in her to do this. Just take my word for it."

"Why? Do you know something that I don't?" Dara hesitated in answer. "Well?" the older woman pressed.

"Let's just say I know more about her sexual escapades than you do and leave it at that. Both of them have the propensity for this behavior. I'm surprised that Leah has decided to participate, because I thought I knew where she stood, but I can't stop her any more than you can stop Shelby."

"But our reputations. Do you know what will happen if that tape gets out?"

"Nothing will happen. They'll see two hot chicks getting it on, but it won't reflect on us. People can discriminate between what we do and what our family does. Take Clinton and his brother for example. No one blames good old Bill for his brother's screw ups or vice versa. Just calm down. It's not that big of a deal."

"Not that big of a deal? You're not the one who had to walk in on it."

"Well, what do you want me to do? I'll talk to them. Is that good enough?"

Just then Elisabeth heard movement behind her and turned to see the topic of discussion standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Leah was dressed in a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt while Shelby wore only a robe. "Hold on a second, Dara." Thrusting the phone in Leah's direction, she said, "Your sister wants to talk to you."

"Hello?" Leah questioned hesitantly.

"What are you doing, Leah? Is that shit on her porn site?"

"Yeah but it's no big deal, Dara."

"Are you crazy? Think about what you're doing. You're not a prostitute. Do you realize that could ruin me?"

"Dara, there is no way I'd let that happen."

"Oh? And how are you going to protect me? I run for office and that tape comes up. I'm against pornography politically, Leah. That's my stance regardless of whether or not I like it personally. Not to mention they will probably pass that tape off as being Elisabeth and me instead of Shelby and you. We look that much alike, and Shelby and Elisabeth are almost carbon copies. I don't need that. It's going to be difficult for me to tell the people that it is in fact you and then condemn something that you've done in such a public arena."

"I understand, Dara. You'll do what you have to, but this is my life, and if it's something Shelby wants, I'm willing to do it for her."

"Why? What kind of hold does she have on you?"

"One that I've never felt in my entire life."

"Don't tell me you're in love with her," the older brunette stated.

"I can't help it, Dara. I think I am."

"Leah, she's not capable of loving someone. You see how she treats me. Can you deal with that? Your girlfriend pawing all over me?"

"Don't think so highly of yourself. She may have had a crush on you, but I'm the one she goes to bed with, not you."

Seeing that she wasn't able to talk sense into her sibling, she demanded, "Put Shelby on the phone."

A moment later the younger blonde said, "Dara, hi. What's up?"

"How did you talk Leah into having sex with you for the site?"

"She wanted to."

"I don't believe that. What was the incentive?"

"I don't know, and I don't care, Dara. She wanted to do it, and who am I to turn her down? After all she's by far the best lover I've ever had."

"What are you saying? You have feelings for my sister? That's why you did it?"

"No. Who said anything about that? It was fun."

"Well, for the sake of my sanity as well as your sister's, it needs to stop. Do you realize the two of you are mucking with our careers while you two are having fun? Shelby, I don't care that you and Leah are having a great time in and out of bed. I'm happy for you on that. However, please don't post anything with the two of you on your website. That's all I'm asking. Can you assure me of that much?"

"Dara, you're asking something impossible."

"Why?"

"You know why. I can't really discuss the monetary repercussions here."

"This is about money? You're exploiting my sister?"

"Dara, I'm taking care of her. Leah is in good hands."

"I know about your hands, Shelby. Please, if you two want the money that much, you could have just asked me for some. Leah doesn't lack funds when she wants them. Look. I can't make you stop, but I'm asking anyway as a friend and as someone who might be a future family member. How is that going to go over if that happens? If Elisabeth and I get married, you and Leah are going to be related by marriage. That's not going to be so hot to have footage of your torrid affair. Please, for me, just think about it. Think about what you are doing."

"Fine. Whatever."

"Now let me speak to Leah again." When her younger sister got on the phone, she said, "Leah, listen. You're an adult, so I can't make you do anything, but I want you to know that what you're doing has consequences. I don't know what they are yet, and neither do you, but you will have to pay a consequence for this. How much are you willing to sacrifice for what you're doing? Your degree? A future job? Our parents' high opinion of you? Just think about it. If our parents found out about this, they would be destroyed. Be with Shelby if you want. I'm not trying to stop you from that, but don't participate in something you know is a bad idea."

"But, Dara, you don't understand," she whined.

"I understand that if she cares about you she won't make you do it again if you say you don't want to. That's what I know. And whatever money you might be getting from this, it's not worth prostituting yourself, even in fun."

"Fine. I understand."

"Okay. Is Elisabeth still standing there?"

"Yeah."

"Then put her on the phone."

When the oldest woman got back on the phone, she asked, "Well, how did it go?"

"I don't know. I think I got through to Leah. I'm not sure about Shelby."

"Well, Leah just walked out of here with her head hung like a kid in trouble. Something you said must have stuck."

"We'll see. Have you calmed down?"

"Yeah, I'm better, but I'm still going to have a talk with Shelby once Leah leaves."

"Good luck with that. Well, I'm just about home now. I'll talk to you later. All right?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too. Good night."

Elisabeth hung up the phone and then poured herself a glass of milk as she pondered what she was going to say to her sister. Before she could even come up with an appropriate way to open the conversation, she heard yelling coming from upstairs. Wondering what the problem was, she went into the living room. She heard both Leah and Shelby bounding down the stairs bickering about Dara. The young med student was enraged as she grabbed the door handle and flung open the door. Elisabeth watched as she turned to Shelby.

"Dara was right! You are incapable of loving someone! I did this for you, Shelby! I don't care about the money! I don't even need the money! I care about you, so I thought this might make you care for me too, but all you can seem to think about is your business!"

"That's not fair, Leah! I do care about you! I just don't see why you don't want to make money at what we already do!"

"I just don't want to, Shelby! I want to just be with you! If my parents ever found out that I made a sex video and put it on the net, they'd kill me! I know it's what you do for a living, but I am not a whore for sale! I do care about what people think about me, especially Dara!"

"So you're going to let your big sister ruin everything? If she cared about you, she'd let you do what you want!"

"What I want is to love you, Shelby, but you love your website more than me! That's become clear! Until that changes you can consider this over!" she screamed, turning and storming out of the house. She slammed the door so hard a picture that had been hanging in the entryway fell off the wall.

Shelby turned and glared at her older sister. "Your fucking girlfriend just ruined everything!" she yelled.

"What the hell is going on, Shelby? What was Leah going on about? What website?"

"It's none of your fucking business!"

"Like hell it is! What have you done? You made a porn movie with Leah and put it on the internet?"

"So the fuck what? I couldn't get Dara, so I went after the next best thing!!"

"You bitch! You meddled with Leah's feelings? You pretended to be interested in her just to fuck her?"

"Well, I wanted to fuck Dara, but she was too interested in you! I figured Leah was the best substitute! She's not quite the kisser Dara is though!"

"Excuse me? Just how in the hell would you know that?" Elisabeth screamed as insecurities flooded through her. When they had first met, Dara had flirted with Shelby a great deal, but she thought it was only in play. She never conceived that there could be more to them.

"Oh come on, Lis! Do you actually think Dara is capable of just waiting until you're ready to stop being a frigid bitch? A bottle of tequila and she was more than ready to hit the sheets with me!"

"Are you saying you slept with my girlfriend?" the older woman accused.

"No! She had a change of heart! Apparently she does love you enough to at least try to be faithful! Not that I understand why after all you've put her through! She's a woman with needs, and she can get whoever she wants! I don't see what's go great about you that she passes up an available opportunity!"

"Oh, I don't know, Shelby! Maybe it's because you're a whore! Maybe it's because you sell your body on a website! Is that really true? Do you really do that?"

"Yes as a matter of fact! And that's not why Dara wouldn't sleep with me! She was all too intrigued with my website! She couldn't stop looking at it when I showed it to her! She just loved watching me perform!"

"She knows about the website?"

"Yeah! And she's been on the site even after I showed it to her!"

"How do you know?"

"I own it, Lis, and I have records of all my members! I gave her a free ID, and she's used it more than once! Face it! She's just like the rest! She might act gallant, but when she's at home, she's getting off by watching me!"

"You know where she goes on the site?"

"Yes! I can track every move she makes, and she's always watching my videos!"

Elisabeth didn't know what to say at that admission. She felt as her whole world was beginning to slip away. As much as she wanted to believe in Dara's love for her, she had her doubts in the far recesses of her mind. It was just in her nature after what had happened with Suzanne to hold skepticism. Feeling at a complete loss for words, she just looked at her sister. Shelby was obviously still seething, but she was just wounded by the information that had just been revealed. Not knowing what else to say, she merely walked away as she stared to cry. Going into the kitchen she slumped down at the table and wept. She had given her heart to Dara on faith, and she wasn't prepared for it to be shattered.

Elisabeth didn't know how long she sat in the kitchen crying, but the more she thought about what had just transpired, the more she realized she needed to talk to the woman she loved. She wanted answers from the brunette. Wanting to have the conversation in person though, she slowly got up from the table and went to get her car keys. She didn't even contemplate the hour as she headed for her girlfriend's place.

It was only when she knocked on the door and was greeted by the sight of Leah in pajamas yawning that she even looked at her watch. "I'm sorry I woke you," she apologized. "I need to talk to Dara now. It can't wait."

"She's upstairs with our parents," the younger woman stated. "I'll take you up."

Both women went through the basement apartment and then up a staircase that led them into the kitchen. Elisabeth felt nervous about the fact that she was about to meet Dara's parents at the same time she was about to have an altercation with her lover. It was not what she wanted, but she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep if she didn't confront her girlfriend.

Dara turned from her conversation with her parents as soon as she heard the door to her apartment open. Seeing Leah and Elisabeth, she smiled at them. "Hey, sweetheart. What an unexpected surprise," she greeted, getting up and coming to kiss the blonde. She felt the tense body of the older woman and sensed a problem. Nevertheless, she stated, "Let me introduce you to my parents." Moving the shorter woman over to the sofa where her parents were sitting, Dara smiled. "Mom, Dad, this is the lady I was just talking about. This is Elisabeth Gunter. Elisabeth, my parents, Eric and Emma Rosenthal."

Putting on a smile she really didn't feel, she said, "Hi. It's nice to meet you."

"You too, Elisabeth. Dara has told us so much about you. She's simply crazy about you," Dara's father said.

"I've never seen our daughter happier," her mother added as they all shook hands.

Elisabeth just nodded at the sentiment and turned to Dara. "I'm sorry to just barge in like this, Dara, but I really need to talk to you. It can't wait."

"Sure. Of course. Come on. Let's go into the study," she suggested, taking the blonde by the hand.

"It was nice meeting you," the older woman said to the brunette's parents before she was led away into another room.

As soon as the door was closed, Dara put her arms around Elisabeth and asked, "What's wrong?"

The touch of her lover burned her skin, making the blonde move away and across the room. She could see the hurt in her lover's eyes at the movement. Unable to stop herself from crying, she simply wept as she mumbled, "I feel like my life has just come to a screeching halt. I feel betrayed. I trusted you, and you've demolished me."

"What? What are you talking about? What did I do?" Dara questioned in panic. She couldn't think of any reason that her actions could make the older woman feel that way.

"You knew about Shelby's website, and you didn't tell me."

"She asked me not to. She said you wouldn't approve. I don't approve either, but it's legal, and I can't do anything to stop her."

"How can you say you don't approve when you've been on it several times watching her?"

"What are you talking about? I haven't been to her website. She showed it to me, but I never went there on my own."

"She says you did. She said she gave you a log in for it, and it's been used on several occasions and that you downloaded her stuff."

"Well, it's not true," Dara defended. "You know, I gave that log in to Leah. She may have been using it, but I didn't. I wouldn't do that to you. I love you, Elisabeth. I would never do something to hurt you like that."

"How can you say that? You made out with my sister!" she yelled as her emotions got the better of her.

"I did no such thing. Why would I do that?"

"That's what I want to know! Shelby said she tried to seduce you, and you were more than willing at first!"

Dara nodded her head. "All right. That is true. She did try. The emphasis is on the word try, Elisabeth, but I refused her. We kissed. I admit it. I'm not proud of it, but that's all I did, and it was before you and I ever even discussed having a relationship."

"When did this happen?"

"That night after we got back to your place after donating blood and having Mexican food. You had a meeting, so we were alone. We started drinking tequila shots and talking about life. She said she wanted to know what it was like to kiss a woman, so I showed her. It was innocent at first but quickly escalated. I was drunk, but I wasn't about to be stupid on top of it. I wanted you, not her, so I told her I couldn't sleep with her regardless of how tempting it was. That's when she told me about your feelings. Then we did something we shouldn't have done."

"What was that?"

"We went up to your bedroom. She had me lie on your bed and close my eyes," she stated softly.

"Then what?" Elisabeth prompted, not sure she really wanted to know but knowing she needed to find out.

"She read me an excerpt from your diary. I'm sorry, Elisabeth. It wasn't right to allow her to do that, but I couldn't help myself. I was dying to know what you thought about me."

"What did she read you?"

"It was a passage from a few days after the HRC banquet. You wrote about fantasizing about me, about us making love for the first time. You wrote that you had wished I was your first, your only lover, and that you hoped I would be your last," she whispered quietly, her own emotions swelling within her at the thought of such a notion. She felt the same way now about the blonde.

"Oh God," Elisabeth mumbled as she turned away in embarrassment.

"Elisabeth, I know it was wrong, and I can't tell you how sorry I am about invading your privacy. I didn't know that was what Shelby intended to do, but I wasn't thinking clearly that night because of the alcohol. I think she read that to me to make me horny and get into her bed, but I couldn't. The feelings that you wrote about were just so strong that I didn't want to hurt you. She left me alone in your room, and as wrong as it was, I continued to raid your domain. I looked at all your yearbooks and your photo albums. That's how I found out about your grandfather. I also found other things."

"Such as?" the older woman inquired. She wanted to know everything before she let her emotions rule what she was going to say.

"I found a letter from Suzanne that you had never opened. That's when I knew the extent of the hurt she had caused you, but there was one thing above all that caught my attention."

"What?"

"A picture of you and Suzanne. I was in the background. It made me realize the irony of the situation and that I was getting another opportunity with you. I didn't want to blow it. I left your room and went to the living room. I was too drunk to leave, so I watched TV. I fell asleep on the couch. I know I should have told you all of this a long time ago, but I was ashamed of the way I acted. It wasn't right, and I'm sorry."

A moment passed in silence. Dara just hung her head and waited whatever fate had in store for her. She hoped Elisabeth would be able to forgive her indiscretion. After a minute the older woman sighed. "So, you admit that you had feelings for my sister and acted on them?"

"The only feeling I may have had was drunken lust, but I still couldn't act on them, and I never would," Dara asserted.

"You admit that you grossly encroached upon my most sacred place in the world looking for evidence of my feelings?"

Dara nodded her head shamefully. "Yes, but I'm so sorry I did that. It was wrong, and I swear I will never do it again."

"And you admit that you knew about my sister's sordid activities but didn't tell me because of some misplaced trust she fixed upon you?"

"Yes but I wanted to be on good terms with her, so she would help me with you. That's all I ever wanted, Elisabeth, to be with you." With that Elisabeth came to the taller woman and wrapped her arms around her neck. "Does this mean I'm forgiven?" she questioned hesitantly.

"Dara, I am mad about what you did. Drunk or not there is no excuse for invading privacy, but I'll get over it. Right now I'm just relieved to know that things were not as bad between you and Shelby as she inferred. The way she made it sound the two of you did a lot more than share a kiss."

"Why would she do that to you?"

"To get back at you. She's angry, because you talked sense into Leah. Obviously Leah didn't want to participate in the sex website anymore after talking to you, and they argued bitterly. Shelby blames you for Leah walking out on her."

"Leah did the right thing even though I know she's hurting. She told me she thought she might be in love with your sister."

"And this whole time Shelby just wanted a replacement for you to indulge her own fantasies. God, what a bitch she can be."

"Yes, she can but don't be too hard on her. She's never felt love the way we have. She doesn't know that there is more to life than sex. Neither did Leah until now I think. They both just thought of this as a game at first. However, then it got emotional, and for the first time I think Leah knows what it's like to be hurt. Cut Shelby a little slack. They both got what they wanted. It's just that Leah's heart wanted to change the rules, and Shelby doesn't like to change the game for anyone."

"How can you be so nice towards her? After all she hurt your sister."

"I know, but I was once like Shelby. Love was a game, not to be taken seriously, but I eventually grew up. She will too. Just give it time. I feel bad that my sister was a casualty, and I'll be there for her, but I did try to warn her. She just had to learn this the hard way."

"Do you think there is a chance they'll reconcile?"

"No. Leah's straight, and I'm pretty sure Shelby is too. In time Leah will just chalk this up to a sexual experiment and go on. She's not in love with your sister. She just has feelings she's never had before that she's mistaken for love. In reality it's just lust gone out of control."

Before anything else could be said, there was a knock on the door. Dara called the person into the room. Her mother smiled at the two of them still in their embrace. "Sorry to bother you. Your father and I are going to retire for the evening."

"Okay."

Looking at the blonde, the older woman said, "I was telling Dara earlier that she should invite you over for dinner one night soon. The family is going to be in town at the end of the month, and I think it would such a treat to have you there, so everyone can meet the woman who makes my daughter's eyes so bright."

Dara flushed in embarrassment at her mother's comment, but Elisabeth smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Rosenthal. That's sweet of you to ask. I'd love to come if I can fit it into my schedule."

"Please, call me Emma. It was such a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

"Likewise, Emma. Thank you." The mother smiled at the two of them before saying good night and shutting the door. Casting a smile up at her lover, the blonde stated, "I make your eyes bright, do I?"

"I told them about you for the first time tonight. I told them I had fallen in love with you. Needless to say they are happy that I've found someone so wonderful."

"I am pretty wonderful," Elisabeth agreed jokingly.

Wondering if the blonde had told anyone in her family about them, she timidly inquired, "Does anyone other than Shelby know about us?"

"No. I haven't told anyone for the obvious professional reasons. However, I want to tell my mom. Chad is bound to mention it to her the next time they speak anyway, but I want her to hear it from me. She's coming up here at the end of the summer on business. I'd like for you to meet her if you want."

"Of course. I'd love to meet her."

"Good. I was hoping you would." Holding each other quietly for another moment, the older woman said, "It's late. I should probably go. I just don't want to see Shelby again right now."

"Then stay with me. Let me hold you tonight. I think it would help."

Elisabeth nodded in agreement. The thought of sleeping close to the woman who held her heart was better than any other she could have had at the moment. "Come on then. I'm tired. Take me to bed."

Leaving her parents' house, Dara led the way back to the basement apartment. It was obvious Leah was asleep for the night. Checking to see that the door was locked, the brunette escorted her girlfriend to her bedroom. Neither said much as they undressed. Dara laid out some clothes for the blonde and then proceeded into the bathroom. Moments later she was joined by the older woman. They brushed their teeth and washed their faces together in comfortable silence. The moment felt so right to Dara that it made her heart start pounding in her chest. She wanted this with the woman standing next to her at the sink. She wanted them to be this way every night, doing their routines in familial fashion. The domesticity of it made her realize her heart was resolved in making a life with the shorter woman. Looking at the blonde out of the corner of her eye, she wondered if Elisabeth would ever feel the same. Her instinct told her she would, but when was the question Dara wanted answered. She knew Elisabeth held aspirations of permanence in their relationship, but she wanted to know if it was too soon to be discussing something of that magnitude with the woman she loved. After all they had only known each other four months, but Dara was sure this was the woman she was meant to be with for the rest of her life.

Going into the bedroom, Dara made herself comfortable in bed and just waited for Elisabeth to join her. The blonde did so a few moments later. Getting under the covers, the older woman snuggled up into the brunette's shoulder and released a long sigh. Dara sighed as well in contentment. This was all she needed at the moment as she turned out the light. Kissing the fair head, Dara whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too, Dara." Nothing else was said then as sleep quickly claimed them both.

Continued in Part 9

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