by S Lee

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

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Copyright © 2004 by S Lee. All Rights Reserved.

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A couple of weeks after she left, I finished that part of my study and went back to California. I counted the days until I saw her again. My heart ached for her. I was distracted in my work, having a hard time concentrating. All I could think about was her. We talked on the phone every night. I looked forward to these calls.

"Hi honey. How was your day?" Hearing her voice completely made my day. I could picture her smiling face when we talked.

"It was good. How was yours? What did you do today?"

'It was good. Basically, I'm analyzing months of research, trying to put everything in some kind of order before I start my paper."

"That sounds interesting. I gave the first test today. It was kind of a rude awakening for some."

I started laughing."Ouch. I remember those. Do you still give as harsh tests as you used to?"

Then she started laughing." Of course I do. I can't wait to see you this weekend. I miss you terribly."

I felt a sharp stab in my chest at those words."Oh honey. I miss you so much. I can't wait to hold you. It seems like forever since I've seen you. I can't believe its only been a month. "

"I'm glad you're coming an extra couple of days."

"Me too. I just have to bring some of my research with me. I thought about you all day today. I'd give anything to have you beside me right now."

"So would I. But, we've got this weekend."

I smiled at the thought of being with her. I was all wrapped in my covers, wishing I weren't alone.

"So tell me, are you in bed?"

Giggling, she said, "yes, are you?"

The smile on my face was a mile wide. I was feeling lecherous. "Yes I am. What are you wearing?"

"Nothing. What are you wearing?"

I felt an immediate throbbing in my nether regions. I looked down at my shorts and t-shirt.

"Nothing," I choked out, lying. I stopped my train of thought for a minute. "Are you really naked?"

She started giggling."Uh huh."

I saw right through that laugh."You are not naked. You're lying to me."

She started laughing hysterically."Okay. No I'm not. But I will be when you're here."

"Damn skippy. Listen sweetheart, it's late where you are. I'll let you go to sleep now. I'll see you in a couple of days. I love you Carol. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight my love."

"Goodnight Sweetheart. I love you too. I'll talk to you tomorrow night."

My heart soared when I heard her words.

Two days later, I kept busy on the plane by working on my lap top, although it felt like that damn plane would never land. I walked out to the baggage claim and saw her waiting for me, looking beautiful, her smile beaming. She was holding a bouquet of red roses. I walked right into her arms as she enveloped me.

"You my dear, are a sight for sore eyes. I've missed you so much."

I could feel her quickened heartbeat as I laid my head against her breast. "You feel so good, Carol. Let's get my bag and we can go. "

I grabbed my bag as it came around. As soon as we got into the car, she covered my lips with her own. I could feel the heat rise. We reluctantly pulled apart after a few minutes.

"Are you hungry? Would you like to go somewhere for dinner?"

I licked my lips, teasing her. "Oh I'm hungry alright, but not for food. I am going to get you back to your place and have my way with you."

She grinned. "Promises, promises."

The entire way back to her house, I kissed her neck, ran my fingers on the inside of her thighs. I left my luggage in the car and we hurried into the house. Clothes flew off as we kissed and fondled our way to the bedroom. A couple hours later, we laid sated, lightly caressing one another with my head on her stomach.

"God Carol, you are so beautiful. I think you are even more beautiful now than you were ten years ago."

She smiled and ran her fingers through my short, blonde hair."I find that hard to believe, but thank you. I don't think I've ever felt anything this good in my life."

She ran her fingers along a long scar on my side. "Where did you get this? You didn't have this ten years ago."

"I got that on the Great Barrier Reef. We were looking at the marine life and I got cut along the side. Sliced right through my wet suit. I started bleeding all over the place. There are Great Whites down there and the smell of blood attracts them. We had to drag me out of the water immediately. "

"Ouch. I bet that hurt."

I laughed. "Yes, like hell. I got a bad infection and ended up in the hospital for two weeks."

She kissed my forehead. "My poor baby. You've got all sorts of little scars now."

"Yes. I've had all sorts of little accidents. I don't have the safest job in the world. "

I laughed. She wasn't amused.

"That's not something I want to hear."

I reassured her. "Oh sweetheart. I really am very careful. And now I have even more reason to be."

She was coaching a swim meet that Saturday, so I went and cheered her on. I loved watching her in her world. I sat in the stands watching these girls take off and swim as fast as they could. I had flashbacks of cutting through the water. She wanted her friends to get to know me, so we met them for dinner afterwards. It was a little shocking for me to be with some of my former teachers. But then again, I was dating one of my former teachers. It felt so wonderful to be a real couple and a real part of her life. The visit ended way too quickly. Yet again, we were saying goodbye. I kissed her softly before I got on the plane. She lifted my hand to her lips and kissed the inside of my palm. I walked away quickly before we both started crying.

We made arrangements for Carol to come visit the next month. I paced back and forth at the airport until I saw her. I felt complete again as she walked into my arms.

I held her tightly. "God woman, it's good to see you."

She kissed the top of my head. "Hello baby. I'm all yours for the next three days."

I laughed. "You're all mine anytime. I've got plans for you my dear." I wiggled my eyebrows to emphasize my meaning.

"I hope they involve you and I both being naked."

I grinned and took her hand and led her out of the airport to my car. We made love as soon as we got back to my house. Afterwards, I made her a candlelight dinner, where I served her in bed, naked.

"This is really wonderful Quinn. I love all of this. I could get used to eating dinner naked with you in bed. " She placed her lips on mine. "You are so beautiful. I have missed you. I am becoming quite used to being with you."

I showed her my lab, some of my favorite places. She even met my friends. I did everything I could think of to make her feel at home. I loved watching her around my place. It was amazing having her in my environment. I fell even more in love with her. But of course, the weekend would end and she would leave. The morning she left, she held me close, gently stroking my bare back.

"I've had a wonderful weekend. It's nice to get a glimpse into your world. I like your apartment. I like your friends. This feels really good to be together like this. It breaks my heart to leave you Quinn."

I wiped a tear off my cheek."Let's not talk about that now. Please just hold me. I just want to focus on this feeling right now, lying in your arms."

We didn't speak or move from our positions again until it was time for us to get ready to leave the house.

Our nightly phone calls became a necessity for me to sleep. The ache for her was growing each day. We looked forward to our first holiday together. I spent Thanksgiving in Texas with her. We made dinner for her family and mine. Later that night, we sat together in front of the fireplace on pillows, sharing some wine. She leaned in and placed her lips on mine.

"So tell me my dear, what did you think of our first Thanksgiving together?"

I gazed at her and wrapped my arms around her waist. "It was very domestic. I felt very much like a couple. I loved every minute of it. I like you being my girlfriend, my regular girlfriend, not just my summer romance."

She ran her fingers through my hair. "I loved it too Quinn. I think we're onto something very special here. My feelings have always been there for you. But since last summer, they've grown deeper and stronger. I love you Quinn. This love is what I am most thankful for."

I had tears in my eyes. I put our glasses down to the side. I wrapped my hands in her hair and pressed my lips to hers, seeking entrance. I opened her robe, and began my worship of this goddess who owned my heart. I whispered words of desire and devotion as I made love to her in the firelight.

She came and spent two weeks with me at Christmas. We went to three different places looking for a tree. She completely exasperated me.

"What about this one, Carol?"

She looked the tree up and down. She checked out all sides. "I don't know. It's a little bare on this side."

Laughing, I said, "we can turn that side to the wall." She came over and put her arm around me.

"This is our first tree together. We'll always remember this one. I want it to be perfect."

I just grinned. How can one argue with that?

Finally we found one that we both liked.

"This is it Quinn. This is the one. What do you think?"

A huge grin lit up my face. "Yes, I love it. Let's get it."

We put it up and bought decorations. We both picked out a special ornament to commemorate our first holiday. I was never happier in my life. We spent Christmas Eve watching holiday movies and cuddling. We watched the tree, which seemed to get more beautiful each time we looked at it. It seemed magical almost. We made love by the light of that tree. She was my greatest gift. The next morning, we laid in bed and exchanged presents. I gave her a gold necklace and pendant with the Claddagh symbol.

"I love it Quinn. It's beautiful."

I smiled and placed it on her, kissing her shoulder."I'm glad you like it. As you know, I'm Irish. I wanted you to have something to remind you of me. The Claddagh symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and love. Since I am not with you all the time, it is to remind you that you have all three from me. Although I can't be with you physically, my heart is with you always."

She wrapped her arms around me and kissed me soundly. "I love you so much. You are quite a woman. Now open yours."

I grinned and opened up the box to reveal a new diving watch with all the whistles and bells. "This is so awesome Carol. I love it. Thank you. "

I placed my lips against hers.

"Do you really like it?" She looked at me in anticipation as I put in on my wrist.

"Yes honey. It does everything. It's perfect and I'll use it all the time." She smiled.

"I thought you would. I wanted to get you some nice jewelry, but when would you wear it? You dress up when you're at fundraisers or speaking, but you spend most of your time in a lab or on a boat. I thought you would get more use out of this."

I raised her hand to my lips."This is perfect. First and foremost, I've got you with me. Secondly, I have a wonderful watch. This is the best Christmas I've ever had. I love you, Carol."

We rang in the New Year by drinking champagne and making love at an inn in Mendocino as the clock struck twelve. We looked forward to the new year together. Unfortunately, after the new year, I became busy preparing my paper for presentation at a conference in Paris. The swimming season picked up as she got the team ready for the state competition coming up. Our schedules started keeping us from seeing one another. I even had to cancel my trip for our first Valentine's together.

"I'm sorry I can't make it this weekend, honey. I've got a fundraiser dinner that I am expected to be at. I was informed about it today. It was made very clear to me that I needed to be there. The Institute needs this grant and they think that I will have something to do with getting it. Can you come here?"

"No. I've got a swim meet. Damnit Quinn. It's Valentines Day, our first one. This is the second time you've cancelled on me. I can't believe you're doing this."

I felt so guilty. "I'm really sorry. There's nothing I can do about it. I know I'm ruining our first Valentine's Day. We knew going into this, that there would be times like these. You've been really damn busy yourself. You've got a swim meet nearly every weekend. Please understand. I'll make it up to you. I'll see you for Spring Break if not sooner. " She sighed. It was not a good sigh.

"Fine. I guess I'll see you when I see you."

I hated disappointing her. "I love you sweetheart."

She was not happy with me. "Yeah, I love you too. I'm really tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

To make it up to her, I sent her two dozen red roses. She enjoyed them, but it wasn't the same. The lack of one on one time was definitely taking its toll on us. We began to argue more and more. Then something happened that changed everything.

It was early March and I was in Paris with my two assistants and another biologist from the institute. I had brought video and numerous aids to present my paper. I was at a reception with the other speakers at a colleague's house when my beeper vibrated. It was my parents, and it said "911". My first thought was my father, who had previously had a heart attack. I walked outside and called my mother.

"Mom, what's wrong? Is it Dad?"

"No, honey."

I was confused."What is it then?"

"It's Carol."

I didn't give her a chance to continue. I began to shake."What about Carol, Mom? Is she hurt? Is she sick? Is she okay?"

"Honey, just let me talk. The bus taking the boys and girls swim teams was in an accident. It was bad."

I had to sit down."Mom, how is she?"

"We don't know. We're about to go to the hospital now. We're going to meet her parents there. There were some fatalities."

I could feel myself getting nauseous."Is she....?"

"Quinn, we don't know. We were able to find out what hospital the kids and teachers are being brought to."

"I'll be there as soon as I can. Please tell her I'm on my way. Give her parents my love. Tell her I love her."

"I will sweetheart. Be careful and stay calm please."

"'Bye, Mom."

I walked back into the chateau and assembled my team."I need to leave."

They looked at me as if I were insane. "What are you talking about? You can't leave. "

"Carol was in a bus accident. I need to go."

My assistant, Joan looked at me with concern."Is she ok?"

I shook my head. "I don't know. I need y'all to present the paper. We did the research together. You'll be fine. Let people know I had a family emergency."

Sharon, the other biologist, and also a good friend wrapped her arms around me. "Go ahead. We'll take care of everything."

"Thanks."

I left and went to the hotel to pack up my things. I called the airlines to schedule a flight out. The earliest flight wasn't until ten the next morning, which was three in the U.S. I wouldn't be arriving until five in the afternoon. I felt like I was going to lose my mind. Carol needed me. she could be dying and I wasn't there. I suddenly hated my career. I couldn't sleep. The worst kept going through my head. When I finally got on the plane, so many memories ran through my head.

I thought of the first time I saw her. I walked into her Honors History class, feeling cocky. I was a straight A student, so I thought the class would be a piece of cake. I also figured she'd get to know me on the swim team and give me a break. I was stunned when I read the syllabus. I thought, 'Oh shit, this class is going to be harder than I thought.' My mind continued to drift to all the times she cheered for me as I swam my heart out. I thought of the times she cried with me when I lost. My mind drifted to the first night we made love. I could still remember feeling her breasts against mine that first time. I remembered how her voice sounded the first time she told me she loved me. By that point, tears were streaming down my face.

I finally arrived late that afternoon and my mother picked me up at the airport.

"How is she?"

I was walking as fast as I could out of the airport. "She has a broken leg, broken arm, ribs, some stitches on her face, and a concussion. She's in a lot of pain, but she's alright. She's been in and out of it. She's on pain medication that knocks her out. She's been asking for you."

I felt my eyes beginning to burn with tears again. "I hate it that I wasn't there for her."

She patted my hand as we got in the car. "But you're here now and she's going to need you. Three of the girls on her team were killed and her assistant coach."

"Oh no. She must be devastated."

My mother nodded. "She hasn't quite taken it all in yet."

We finally got to her hospital room. My heart broke when I saw the condition she was in. I sat next to her and kissed her head tenderly and held her hand. Her parents were by her side as well. She opened her eyes and looked at me.

"Are you really here?"

Her voice was ragged and barely above a whisper. I kissed her hand.

"Yes honey. I'm here." I began to cry.

"Thought you were in Paris."

I nodded. "I came as soon as I heard. I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner." I raised her hand to my lips again. "I love you."

"Love you."

She fell back asleep. I watched her. She woke up sporadically. I stayed until the nurses ordered me to leave. I made a decision that night. I wasn't going to leave her anymore.

Early the next morning, I called my team in Paris. The paper was very well received. I had earned high praise for my work. I made a second call to head of the science department at the University of Texas-San Antonio. We had met and come to know each other fairly well at conferences.

"Susan, it's Dr. Quinn O'Brien. How are you?"

"Hi Quinn, I'm good. How are you? Are you in the states?"

"Yes. I'm in San Antonio actually. I just got back from Paris."

"I heard you were presenting your paper. How'd it go?"

"It went well. I had a family emergency, so my team had to present it."

"I hope everything's okay. I'm looking forward to reading it though. So what can I do for you today?"

"Well Susan, what would you say if I told you told you I was interested in coming back to San Antonio and teaching?"

"Are you really? You've been with the Institute for so long. That would be so fantastic."

"I need to be here in town. My partner is a high school swim coach. In fact, she was one of the teachers hurt in the school bus accident. My family is here and this is my home."

"I understand. It's been all over the news. What about going in the field?"

"I would limit it to the summers."

"I've got a great idea. Would you be interested in starting a program where you take students out on an expedition for the summers? Plus, there is a need for biologists here locally to study the flora and fauna in the Edwards Aquifer."

"That sounds interesting."

"Quinn, I'd love to have you on the faculty. You could help us build a decent marine biology program. You're more than qualified. Let me talk to the President and I'll give you a call. Having your name attached to this science program would be great for us. I don't think it will be a problem. I'm really excited about making this happen."

"Thanks Susan. This means a lot to me."

"You're very welcome. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something. Bye."

"Bye." I hung up the phone feeling recharged. I wanted to be here with the woman I loved more than anything I could remember. I went to the hospital and held Carol's hand while she slept. She was in and out of consciousness, still recovering. I had no doubts that I was doing the right thing by coming home.

I received a call that afternoon from my friend with a meeting scheduled the following day. At the meeting, they offered me a full professorship at a slightly higher than average salary. I would begin in the fall and was scheduled to appear with them when they made the press announcement. I asked them to give me a week to tie things up with my current job before going public.

I called the Institute and let them know what was going on and that I was leaving. I had been with them for a long time. They weren't happy, but they understood. I told them to call me if there was an emergency. I hated telling them over the phone, but there was no way in hell I was going to leave Carol. I also called some friends of mine at Sea World to let them know I was available this Spring and Summer and would be in town from now on. They offered me a temporary position until the semester started. They needed help with a pregnant beluga whale. It seemed that I had everything set up. I felt wonderful. The way everything fell into place, I knew it was meant to be.

I went back to the hospital with a big bouquet of flowers. Carol was awake and talking to the doctors, who greeted me and left.

"Hey sweetheart."

She smiled slightly. I put the flowers down and leaned in to kiss her gently."How are you feeling?" She started to cry.

"I lost my girls."

I grasped her hand securely as she sobbed. Her broken and bruised body shook with grief.

"I know honey, I know." I stroked her hair.

"It was so awful."

I comforted her as best as I could.

"They were so young. They had so much to live for. Why did this happen to them? It's just not fair."

I began to cry with her. She cried and cried until she couldn't anymore.

"Thank you for coming Quinn. I am so glad you're here. I need you."

I wiped the tears from her face. "And I'm here." I kissed her hand.

"What about your paper?"

I stroked her brow lightly.

"Sharon presented it. It went very well."

"I'm sorry you had to miss it. I hope it didn't hurt your career."

I smiled. "I'm not sorry. There's no place I would rather be. Don't worry about it, baby. When do you get out of here?"

"In a few days. When do you have to go back?" I was so tempted to tell her about my new job situation now, but I thought I'd wait.

"I'm not in a hurry. I've let them know that I had a family emergency and that I was needed here. I took some time off. I am going to help you when you get home and take care of you."

She smiled a little. "You don't need to do that."

I kissed her lightly. "Yes I do. You see, that's what people who love one another do."

A week later, she had come home and I was taking care of her. I still hadn't told her I was moving there. I made arrangements to move out of my apartment in a couple of weeks. She woke up every night crying. She was unable to make it to the funerals of her friend and students. The school had been very supportive. The house was flooded with cards and flowers from faculty, students, and parents.

I went to the University and appeared for the press release. The four local stations and the newspaper were there. That night, I sat with her on the bed, I had my arm around her.

Today, a very special addition to the faculty of UTSA was announced. San Antonio's own Dr. Quinn O'Brien, world renown for her work with sharks, has signed on as a full professor to the science department. The world renown marine biologist will begin teaching in the fall semester.

The President of the University spoke. "We're quite pleased to have a scientist of Dr. O' Brien's caliber join our faculty. She's a welcome addition. We will begin to add a whole marine biology department, including Summers at sea where students will get the chance to study marine life in the wild. In addition, Dr. O'Brien will be working on a study of the effect of pumping our water from the Edwards Aquifer on the flora and fauna. She has numerous published papers, articles, and her work has been the subject of several documentaries. We are excited about the growth of the University that her presence will bring. I know students will look forward to learning from her vast array of knowledge."

The reporters asked me questions.

"Dr. O'Brien, why have you made the decision to leave your position with the Oceanological Institute?"

"San Antonio is my home. My family is here and I have always loved it here. It's just really important to me to be back home. I'm excited about the opportunity to teach and study. I plan on beginning a first-rate marine biology program here. I am also working with Sea World until the fall."

"Will you still be doing rescue operations?"

"Yes of course. Anytime a marine animal is in danger and in need, I will assist in every way possible. Conservation of marine life has always been my goal."

The segment ended and she turned to look at me.

"Quinn, what's going on?"

I grinned at her. "I quit my job at the Institute, I signed on as a full professor at UTSA starting this fall. I'm working at Sea World until then. They have a pregnant beluga whale and they want help with that. I move out of my apartment in two weeks. "

She began to cry. "Why?"

I gently put both arms around her."Because I love you. Because I've loved you since I was fourteen years old. Because I want to be with you. Because I am tired of a long distance relationship. Because you needed me and I couldn't get to you. I don't like that feeling."

"But what about your work. You love what you do."

"I'll still go out during the summer. Maybe you can come with me. Plus, I have the study here. I'll still be involved in rescue operations. You are the most important thing in the world to me. You need me right now and I need to be here for you. I love you, woman and I want to spend my life with you. "

She was laughing. It was the first time I had heard her laugh since the accident."And why are you laughing?"

"I guess I'm just so happy. Where are you planning on living?"

I smiled."Well, I hadn't thought that far ahead."

She kissed me deeply.

"Move in here."

I put my hands on the sides of her face."Are you sure?" She nodded.

"Welcome home Quinn."

I covered her lips with my own. I was home.

The End

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