We were in Antequera today, before going to Malaga, we stopped in at Elenas shop, Marina smiles tenderly, Three children sounded like she and Nicols are doing well and theyre very happy.

Adn considered for a moment before conveying his words, words he knew would be unwelcome, You should have been Nicolass wife, and those should be your children, my grandchildren.

Why would you say that? Theyre happy together, its as it should be.

Marina, you have to know Ill never agree with the lifestyle youve chosen. It is against God. It is against all I believe and I fear for your immortal soul.

They had gone back in time. The words had been shouted then, thrown at her. Today theyre not thrown, but their impact remains the same. Last night I thought you understood This is who I am. I cant be anyone else. I dont want to be anyone else.

Last night, you spoke of Borges, Jennifer, and yourself. I was very glad youd found a friend, a special friend who shares in your passion for him and his writings. I love you, and of course I want you to be happy.

But I fear for you and your lust for women. Youve turned your back on God. You defile him in his own house.

I cant believe God would condemn me for loving someone, turning his back to love. I cant believe he would do that to me, to so many others.

Dont you want a family with someone you love that loves you, to have children, devoting yourself as God has asked you to do? Havent your mother and I shown you the gift this can be. Dont you want this for yourself?

Yes. I do. I do want what you and mother have had. And Im going to have a family, with Jenny.

Marina, thats ridiculous. Adn struggles with his thoughts, expressing them difficult, desperate in his attempt to prompt her to hear him.

Marinas eyes narrowed, Ridiculous?

Yes, youre two women, what Im talking about isnt possible between two women.

Her voice is firm, rejecting any possibility of not being heard, You need to understand, Jenny and I, are a couple. Weve vowed to each other our love and protection.

And, you and Francesca, werent you a couple? Dont you see, itll never last because its not supposed to? Its sacred between a man and a woman.

And if I say to you, Im going to stay with Jenny, what then?

I would hope you wouldnt do that.

And if I do, what then?

Adn hears in her voice what he cannot abide. It will leave this distance between us. The same as it has been these past years.

So the ultimatum hasnt changed. Im here so that you can tell me Im not me. So that you can convince me Im not me, disappointment and disbelief smothering in the garden air.

Adn resolute with his values, certainty blaring from his silence, head held high with conviction, eyes confessing to the judgment passed.

it is possible voice low and deep, motioning her head, its so possible, that you should know, were having a baby. Her eyes burned into him, cooled only by the dead calm of her voice, Its that possible.

She leaves behind the garden sanctuary, strange and betraying to her, with his presence.

*****************************

Ana, I just want to thank you for all you did today. Youre an amazing woman, admiration glistened in her eyes.

We went shopping thats all.

Jennys sentiment intensifies its worth, with her modesty. You organized a trip, transportation, hotel, everything, while taking us shopping throughout Andalucia. It all came together so perfectly and never once did you seem stressed by it. That by itself was pretty amazing. But, you also did it without failing to notice whatever we did or said. Youre such a loving mother.

Soon, you will be the doting mother. Youll see how easy it becomes, how natural it is, expressing a confidence in Jenny not fully believed by Jenny. Why the frown?

Im just not sure that Ill be a good mother. I um Im not as giving as you are. Sometimes I think Im more the taker. I dont mean that mean or anything. I just dont think Im very good at being aware of other peoples needs like you are.

Ive watched you and Marina together. I would have to disagree with you. Ana smiles, takes a soft breath, Maybe you dont notice because its natural. You move the hair back from her face when her hands are busy. You touch her arm as you pass by her. You tell her you love her with your eyes and your smile.

Yes, I think maybe its you that you dont pay attention to.

Jenny smiles at Anas revelation, I think Id like to go write for a while. She kisses Ana on the cheek, Goodnight, Ana.

Patting her hand, Sweet dreams Jenny.

*****************************

Surprised the early evening hour finds Marina sitting on the balconade, I thought youd still be in the garden with your dad. After talking with your mother, I felt like I should be writing.

Its okay, you go ahead. I just wanna sit here and relax for awhile. I may turn in early tonight. Im a little tired from the trip today.

Jenny proceeds towards her, inviting herself onto Marinas lap, mind if I join you? If I remember correctly, there was a promise made this morning. Oh and um little tugs and gropes throughout the day, I cant believe you came under the curtain in that one shop.

Finally, a smile and a chuckle surface, Well, I did promise to torture you today. So how did I do? Hmmm she slides her hand under Jennys top caressing her back.

You grabbed me Youre mean turn me on then go back under the curtain leaving me there all alone, feigning a pout with her eyes and her mouth.

Marina brushes her hand tenderly across her cheek, Do you know how much you mean to me? How much I care about you?

Jennys small hands frame her face as she leans into Marina, gently pulling her face to her own, and kisses her pressing her lips slightly open, breathing her in. As Jenny raises her head, Marina lays her face against her neck, holding her close. Their caresses tender with emotion, gentle with caring, they begin their dance, their dance of love.

Adn had ventured far along the path of the outer garden, unwarily discovering his daughter with her lover. For a moment he watched, undaunted by the serenity in their being together, denying the tranquil peace they found in each others arms.

*****************************

Jenny whispers, Oh Marina, this is beautiful. Ive never been to a place like this before.

Their flight was just a little over an hour, and by mid-afternoon they had arrived in Madrid. Ana had arranged everything, but Jenny had had no idea the extent of her generosity. They had walked up to quite possibly the grandest hotel in Madrid, Gran Hotel Conde Duque, elegant and sophisticated. She should have expected no less from her.

They had no more than checked-in when Marina whisked Jenny back out into the streets, Madrid is alive, day and night, alive with people. I want you to see her as I see her, I want you to feel her passion for life.

They walked throughout the Botanical Garden, gazing upon the Fountains of Cibeles, Apolo and Neptuno, visting often, the numerous terrazos along the main boulevards, for tea or wine.

Did you ever live here? sipping wine and grinning, already caught up in the bustle of the city.

I visited, often, with friends. Marina had known the possibility that she would ask, Francesca and I, rather Francesca, had a home here.

Really. Does she still?

Yes, its where my father contacted her, shes had a home here for many years. Marina reached her hand across the table touching Jennys, theres nothing to be upset about, you know that dont you?

Jennys head tilts and her eyes grow soft, yes.

We should return to the hotel, I want to go to La Rosas. I want you to meet one of my friends from long ago, Rosa.

*****************************

They had no sooner entered their suite when the phone rang, Marina answered, Hello. Yes. Read it please. Okay. Thank You.

Marinas face is tight, searching inside, smiling and turning to Jenny, I need to go to the desk and take care of something. I may have to run out for a little bit, not long.

Is something wrong?

She walks to Jenny putting her arms around her holding her close, No. Just some business I need to get settled so we dont have to be concerned while were here. Why dont you shower and get ready while Im out.

Oh, okay. I was hoping wed have our bath, its Thursday.

Marina kisses her, We will, I promise, later when we return from La Rosas.

As Marina opens the door, she looks back to Jenny, Wear one of the new outfits we bought in Malaga, something *****.

*****************************

Hello Sweetheart. Francesca leaned over the table, her hair draping softly across her shoulders framing the ample ***** screaming to be gazed upon.

Francesca, Marina nods as she sits down. What is it thats so urgent, that you call my mother and are able to convince her to tell you where we are?

Oh, I didnt talk to Ana, I talked to your father. He didnt seem to hesitate to tell me where you were. She smiles knowing his willingness had two edges. I take it he still resists accepting you for who you are. I guess Im supposed to distract you from Jenny. Could I?

What do you want? Marina is trying to be patient, trying to not let the interference imposed by her father to affect her in front of Francesca.

Thomas let it slip that you were here in Spain. Id already heard about Moorea, all about Moorea the wedding the baby

I miss you Marina, Ive never been this long without you. I wondered if all this new responsibility might change your mind on some things. I thought your being here maybe you missed me too. Francescas brows raise waiting patiently for the response.

She reaches across placing her hand on top of Marinas. I take it Im right based on your silence.

Yes Ive thought about you, us, the beginning and how we were. Marinas eyes were serious almost sad in her admitted reminiscence.

I knew hed contact you, and I knew it wouldnt take long for you to react. The more I thought about you being here, the more I knew I had to see you. Francescas gaze is immersed in Marinas eyes, reaching deep into her memories.

Francesca, I cared so much for you for so long, begging you to love me in return. Becoming part of you, your ways, I used them to try to pull you closer. Marinas look familiar to her, sadness framed by love, love able to stir passions beyond Francescas imagination.

I have, since being here, thought a lot about you. Ive come to realize, the harder I tried to pull you close, the further I stepped away from you.

Uncomfortable with the implications, not wanting to hear what shes certain will follow, She really should get an abortion, thats not a very healthy way for a woman to get pregnant. At least not and expect to care for the child. Besides, Jenny seems a little too fragile for that kind of responsibility.

I will always love you. But Ill never be with you again. Marina gets up, standing for a moment, reflecting on the auburn haired girl that had so changed her life.

Good-bye.

*****************************

Shes laying on the floor beside the windowed wall on her stomach legs up and crossed leaning on her elbows with hands resting lightly on the pages. Marina smiles, shes reading Borges

She doesnt notice Marina has returned, enthralled in the book, lost in the words Marina leans back against the door taking her in

Her raven hair up high and loose in a ponytail fastened by a small dark leather strip, full bangs contouring her face. eyes lined dark in decisive contrast to the florescent sea green…

Ah, she picked the thin black gauze, barely attached with strips of cloth across her shoulders. Transparent and loose it lays, in slender layers, draping lightly across and into the valley between her *****.

Marina smiles to her self remembering Jennys discern over which of the necklaces to purchase, futile in her battle, Ana had insisted all be bought. Now, they lay, all of them, over and between, adorning the beauty of this raven, in a beaded mixture of metals, wood and amber.

The jacket, velvet, as caressing to the fingertips as theyd desire to be to the cloth, elegantly it presents the paisley pattern in dark maroons against a midnight black merging, striving to become one with her.

The kerchief length of the thin black gauze peaks out from under the velvet edge and rests on the linen textured charcoal, molded around her hips and thighs, trailing the length to cream stilettos.

Jenny looks up from the book, contemplating the passage just examined, she catches sight of Marina, Youre back, she says in her soft feminine speak. I want to read this to you.

“As I sleep, some dream beguiles me, and
suddenly I know I am dreaming. Then I
think: This is a dream, a pure diversion
of my will; and now that I have unlimited
power, I am going to cause a tiger.”

Marinas head now tilted down with eyes searing from the heat, she no longer leans. Slow and deliberate is the tigresss stride absorbed in her intentions. Comfortably coming to rest beside her prey, she slowly unfastens the zippered back of the molded covering of her quarrys hips. Proceeding with her first strike, lips pressing tenderly, mouth open slightly, and the tongue begins savor the flavor of her victory.

Jenny rolls to her back pulling Marina with her, lifting her lips offering another taste, I thought we were going out.

Marina runs her hand under the gentle caress of the thin black gauze, seeking the velvet touch of her lovers skin, maybe later, after our bath.

*****************************

It was obvious that La Rosas was an older place, age reflecting a time when such pleasures were hidden from the plain view of the bystander. The entrance a door on the side of building, no markings, no blaring advertisements other than the simple hand painted words to the side, La Rosa.

Are we overdressed? Jenny hesitates reacting to the simple surroundings.

Marina takes her hand, opens the door, smiling knowingly at her lover as they enter. A young man greets them, Bonsoir

Bonsoir, Rosa?

Oui, he steps beyond the black curtain secluding the doorway from whats inside and points showing Marina where she is.

Jenny pulls her self closer to Marina, wrapping her arms around her arm, French not Spanish?

Here it is um more international in its flavor there are all types of people Lets go see Rosa.

Marina holds her hand as they maneuver among the crowd. A small stage presents a young woman singing softly in French, with the trumpet player beside her, a sensual song of blues floating in the air. The murmur of the crowd is low, couples embracing, couples talking in soft words, few stopping to notice them as they approach.

Both in black, Jenny in her layers of gauze and velvet, Marina completes their ensemble with a balance in soft black leather. They are passion personified, breathing, floating through the club.

Marina stops and lets go of Jennys hand, moving hers around this woman. A woman small like Jenny but with a fuller shape and short red hair, Marina cups her ***** from behind, whispering into her ear, Ma cherie kissing her neck.

Jenny is surprised by Marina, suddenly feeling a little alone in this place, she glances about to see whos watching. One woman catches her eye, at the end of the bar, looking directly at her. The young woman is beautiful, wrapped in a dress tight black and shiny against the full curves of her body. Her hair long and brown, soft curls and waves framing the fine delicate features of her face. It is the girl that had been singing when they first walked in. She smiles at Jenny, tilting her head in a faint nod.

Marina! exclaims the red-headed woman, turning to her grabbing her face and planting a hard kiss to her lips. Where have you been, it has been so long, too long.

Marina turns slightly motioning for Jenny to step closer, Rosa, this is Jenny.

Youre absolutely gorgeous. Youll have trouble here tonight, fending them off. Come give me a hug. If youre with Marina, then youre with me. The woman clearly seen now, is much older than Marina, old enough to be her mother.

They sit and talk of old times, Marinas adventures here, how Rosa had taken her under her wing since she was twenty and first started coming. Slowly the air fills with another song from the trumpet player. The singer walked up to their table, leaned down to Jenny, whispering in a heavy French accent, Dance with me.

Oh, no, I cant. Im with Marina turned to her, its okay. I want to talk some more with Rosa, you should dance, enjoy yourself.

Surprised by Marinas encouragement, the girl takes her hand gently pulling her to her feet and leading her to the dance floor. She dances slow in front of her, without touching her, inviting her to join in. Slowly the sensuality besieges Jenny. Her body begins to move in harmony with the pretty woman before her. Closer and closer their bodies magnetic to the other, the girl places a hand on Jennys waist tightening the gap between their hips. The dance is intoxicating to their bodies, drunk with sexuality they continue to move, together.

Marina steps close behind Jenny wrapping one arm completely around her waist, pulling her back against her, placing her lips to her neck. The singer lets go and steps back, her eyes searching Jennys for her to confess the heat in them, stirred by her. She turns and walks away.

I thought you may need to be rescued, shes quite lovely and determined from what I could tell. Jenny turns pressing their bodies tight against the other. She runs her hand up along the inside of Marinas thigh, tracing the path and moving her leg there pressing to Marina.

Marina kisses her hungrily tasting her lover, passion surging through them. She grabs Jennys hand and quickly leads her to the back, towards a dim hallway.

They stop for a moment, searching the others eyes for approval, Jenny leaps to Marina. Lips wet exacting an onslaught of kisses upon her lovers mouth and face. Marina leans hard against her, moving them tight against the wall. Her mouth seeking access to the precious mounds just below the edge of the cloth, her hand slips in lifting one to freedom. Squeezing hard as her mouth engulfs it languishing it with wet licks and soft bites.

She slides down Jennys body, pressing her mouth between her legs, moving against the cloth, a gasp escapes Jennys throat. Marina reaches behind unzipping desperate to remove the unwanted barrier. Jenny pulls her up, wanting to taste her again, desire consuming her. Marinas hand makes it way beyond the cloth, hesitating at first touch, slowing her caress savoring the invitation from the warm juices welcoming her.

Staring into the eyes of her lover, she enters slowly finding that spot, Ohh, yes

*****************************

Smiling, leaning against each other and the wall, in the darkened hallway, smiling at the contented pleasure theyve shared. Marina whispers, her accent heavy and thick, Im so happy being with you Jenny

Oh, Marina Jennys eyes hazed over by the love between them, gently caresses her face.

I want to go home, begin our preparations for the baby.

You mean, leave Spain?

Yes.