Naked and close on the couch in the office, cuddled under the soft cotton blankets, Jenny feels it lying against her neck remembering.

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

Guys I hope you dont mind, wed planned on exchanging our gifts later, but Amuras excitement kinda changed that. Id really like to give Marina hers now, if thats okay?

They all look at her as if shes being silly, Amura reaches into the tree, Ive got it.

It was a small box not unlike that of Marinas to her. She was unaccustomed to buying gifts of love, unfamiliar with having the money to buy what she wanted rather than what she could afford. Anxious, she held her hands clenched together under her chin as she sat next to Marina, sideways on the couch, watching, anticipating.

Marina had turned towards her, smiling graciously at the other girls as she did. Noticing all eyes upon them, even Shane had gotten up on her knees for a better view. Her emotions raged once again with the sense of being bare and open for all to see.

Jenny recognized Marinas uneasiness thought for a moment then grabbed the present and exclaimed, Wait. Please wait, cause I cant. Sorry, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Her eyes pleaded for understanding as got up from the couch and headed to the stairs to their bedroom.

As she neared the bedroom door, she called back down, Marina, would you come here, please.

Marina welcomed the invitation, concerned about Jenny yet feeling awkward about her urge to race to her, Why dont you refresh your drinks, grab some appetizers if youre hungry. Well be back in a few minutes.

As she stepped into the bedroom, she closed the door behind her, Jenny, are you alright?

Jenny pats the bed beside her, Marina looked at her a little puzzled as she sat down next to her. I dont really need to go to the bathroom, well, I do, I always do these days but, thats not why I did this I want you to open it here, private between the two of us. Jenny tenderly laid her gift in Marinas hands. As she lifted one leg onto the bed to face her, she rested her hands lovingly on Marinas side and leg.

Marina eyes were calm, her voice affectionate, as she murmured, okay.

Safe and close to her lover, in the privacy of their bedroom, she unwraps the box with tender care slowly lifting off the top. Do you remember what you told me when I asked what you wanted?

Marina lifts it carefully from the box holding the pendant in one hand as she strokes it softly with the other, oh, Jenny, its lovely. Her smile mixed with emotion and her eyes glistened with a loving tear, Its exactly what I asked for your heart and the key that keeps it locked to all, but me.

Asymmetrical in design, the white gold key penetrated the yellow gold heart forever melded, smooth and soft, hanging delicately from the round braided strand of leather. I told the artist what I was looking for and he made it. I imagined it and he made it real. Come here, Ill put it on you.

Marina leaned closer as Jenny reached behind her fastening it. Her face close to Marina instinctively she brushes her lips against Marinas ear with a little kiss. She runs her fingers along the leather, straightening it to lie perfectly, leaving the pendant to rest just at the crest between her lovers *****.

Marina shook her head, as she wiped the tears running down her face, I dont know why, I cant seem to stop them these days.

Jenny stood up and walked around to sit on Marinas lap, wrapping her arms around her, she leaned to kiss the tears away. Marina closed her eyes to her soothing touch, relaxing in her tender embrace, responding when Jennys lips met hers.

They rested for a moment with their heads together, forehead to forehead, guess we should get back to our guests.

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

Jenny heard someone unlatch and enter the front door of The Planet, she nudge Marina, Marina, Thomas is already here, what are we gonna do?

Her eyes still fuzzy, squinting at Jenny, lets head up to Shanes. We can get dressed there and go home. They each wrapped a blanket around them, grabbed their clothes and tip toed up the stairs.

Vee had on one of Shanes oversized tees when she answered the door, yawning, what are you doing here? why why arent you dressed

Marina just grinned at her as she motioned Jenny to step past her and they both entered the apartment, maybe we could talk about this after we get the door closed. Besides, I think we could be asking you the same questions.

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

Has anyone double checked that we have everything for the party tomorrow night?

Mark and Joe are going over everything now. Did you confirm the additional help?

Merde. Ill go make the calls now. If we dont get the help, then Ill work.

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

Jenny, Im so sorry. I havent been paying enough attention to The Planet, I shouldve confirmed sooner. Everyone will be there, you can still enjoy yourself. Jenny tried to hide her disappointment, having wanted them to spend the evening together, yet understanding the unusual demands on their time over the holidays.

You will find time to dance with me, wont you, at least once? Then theres the actual moment when the New Year comes in, you will come be with me then? Jenny continued to comb her hair, trying to look busy and not too let down, as she waited for Marinas response.

Marina walked up behind, pressing her lips against Jennys neck, of course I will. They watched each other from their reflection in the mirror, Jenny leaned back against her. Marina wrapped an arm around Jenny just under her ***** as her other hand caressed the small round belly, how can I possibly withstand an entire evening without holding you close to me

Her lips once again pressed against her neck causing Jenny to turn to her, pulling her close, searching for her lips. Heated is their embrace, desire never far from the surface, exploding inside them both. Their hands began to ravage the other, panting Jenny breathed, do we have time? Marina slipped Jennys robe off her shoulders, then dropped her own to the floor.

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

Shane, wheres Jenny? You said youd pick up Jenny. Marina cant believe she would forget, especially not tonight knowing the disappointment Jenny felt with her having to work, you have to go get her, now

whoa wait a minute, everythings cool, Shane held her hands up in the air gesturing for Marina to slow down, Vees picking her up. I came early in case you needed some help.

Marina took a breath, shutting eyes for a moment, sorry, I could use your help. I really need Mark to work the tables, but I dont have anyone to cover the door, would you mind?

Shane nods, patting Marinas arm, not a problem, Ill send him your way.

Shane went about collecting tickets at the door, suggesting available seating. When Bette and Tina arrived, she pulled Bette to the side, not sure whats up, but Marinas like a cat on a hot tin roof, we need to kinda watch things help her out if we can

Bette frowned looking in Marinas direction, noticing the lack of her usual smile, the missing calm in the midst of a storm, thats not like Marina at all, somethings wrong. Have you seen Jenny? Whats she like?

Shane shook her head, no, shes coming with Vee, theyll be here in a bit. I hadnt thought of that, guess something coulda happened there but that doesnt ring for me its something else, Im sure of it

oh, by the way, Al, Dana, their respective dates are all back by the DJ. Als got an interesting one tonight, pretty hot in a different sorta way, at least for Al. Shane smiled at the thought of the doubtful duo.

After saying hello to everyone, Bette made her way to Marina, Hear youre short handed, anything I can do to help?

Marina looked at her for moment, thoughts flashing through her head of her ivy-league friend serving drinks, I think we have it under control for the moment, but Ill keep you in mind, thanks for the offer. Marina turned to Mark, what are you doing? You should be at table nine actually you should have been there ten minutes ago. Well, dont just stand there, go.

Bette grabbed Marinas arm, pulled her insistently towards the back, Marina, whats going on and dont tell me nothing, somethings wrong.

Marina throws her arms in the air, she began her tirade, I dont have enough servers, everyones running late, and its only seven thirty, I cant imagine what it will be like in a couple hours. Its our first New Years together and Im working.

Her eyes avoided meeting Bettes, Bette took her arm, motioning for Marina to look at her, and?

Marina just stared at her for moment, her face stern, almost angry, and Francescas in town. I heard shes coming here tonight, that cant be good. Always something happens when shes around Jenny and me. If I have to work, I cant watch her, I cant keep her from Jenny.

Bette thought for a moment, Ive got an idea, let me make a couple calls.

Marina pointed to the office, its quieter.

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

When Marina turned, she was stunned by her, I take it you like. Jenny smiled her demure little smile as she came around the corner behind the counter resting her hands on Marinas waist.

Its new, I wanted to surprise you. Jenny had on her pearl earrings perfectly matched to the black shiny outfit she was wearing. She knew she looked good, especially now that she could see it reflected in Marinas eyes.

Marinas look grew tormented, frustrated and helpless, its just so busy, so early it upsets me not to be with you.

You havent told me how I look. Jennys eyes calm warm trying hard to sooth her.

Marinas voice low and breathless as she responded, remarkable

Jenny rose up and kissed her lightly, excellent just what I wanted, enough encouragement for you to find your way to me tonight She watched her make way back to the table, longing to be at her side.

Bette stepped up and touched her shoulder, Marina? Marina was startled out of her trance, sharply turning her head to Bette, I found some help. Itll be an hour before they can get here. Therere three of them, theyve helped out at CAC before. Pure luck they had been out of town and hadnt gotten a gig for tonight.

Three? Thats perfect. She grabbed Bette and hugged her, thank you so much.

If you dont need me here, Ill go check on Shane, see how shes doing.

Marina stopped Mark as he came back for more drinks, Im sorry for my outburst earlier. It was uncalled for, you do a fine job Mark and I want you to know that. Mark leaned and kissed her cheek, going on about his work.

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

Bette whispered in Shanes ear, I know whats wrong.

Shane looked straight ahead, so do I

Francesca smiled at their blank faces, hello ladies, found new work I see. Here are our tickets, oh and this is Adelina. Adelina this is Shane and Bette, old friends of mine.

Francesca leaned towards Shane, running her hand down her arm, we leave on Wednesday Id like to talk to you before then. Were staying at the old house, come see me tomorrow if youre up to it. They started to move on, Francesca turned her head back to Shane and smiled, oh and its strictly business.

Thomas tapped Marina on the arm, look.

Just as Marina saw her, Francesca looked her way, nodded and smiled then proceeded on to a table. Marina watched to see where they sat, glancing between them and Jenny, wondering if Jenny would see.

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

Shane and Bette waved at Marina, catching her attention as Jenny made her way to their table. Smiling and welcoming them, they spoke for a moment before Marina had made her way to them.

Marina wore the body forming soft black leather outfit bought in Madrid, a favorite of Jennys. This along with her loving pendant shining softly against her skin gave her strength and confidence, knowing that together, she and Jenny, were irreproachable by anyone. With an obvious familiar air, Marina affectionately stroked the long raven hair back from Jennys face and over her shoulder, smiling warmly into her lovers eyes.

Marina. Id like you to meet Adelina. Adelina, Id like you to

Before Francesca could finish, Marina offered her hand to Adelina, introduced herself speaking softly in Italian. Gracious and considerate, she spoke of the young womans youthful accomplishments proven in her stature as Prima Ballerina. Marina wished them a good evening, motioning Jenny towards their table.

As they started to step away Francesca called out, see you tomorrow

Making their way towards their table, Marina why did you speak in Italian, you know I dont understand.

She doesnt understand English very well, what did she mean see you tomorrow?

Francescas coming by she has a Christmas gift for us. How did you know she didnt speak English?

Shes the Prima Ballerina from the ballet, Gift of the Magi. Why on earth would Francesca have a gift for us?

There are things you dont know.

There are things you dont know, either.

Jenny stops dead in her tracks, turning to Marina with a stern face, are we fighting?

Marina offers an equally harsh look, I dont know are we? Jenny rolls her eyes and heads on to the table with Marina right behind her.

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

T.J. is a graphics artist. Al looks adoringly at the short haired blonde beside her. She has a comfortable androgynous look, much as that of Chloe Sevigny in a suit, and equally attractive in hers.

Al spoke primarily to Jenny and Marina, being the only other two people at the table not already in quiet conversation with their significant other. Marina stood up, Im going to check in with Thomas, see if he needs anything.

Isnt that like the third time in a half hour, Jenny whats up with Marina? Bette hears the question turning her head slightly to hear the answer. Shane too has heard, big crowd tonight. Hey Al, how come you and T.J. arent dancing?

Pleased to have someone to talk about T.J. with, oh, were waiting for a slow song. T.J. isnt much on the other stuff, right T.J.? She smiles half-sided and nods.

Marina returns to the table, settling in once again to her quiet ambivalence. A slow song comes on, cutting short the cordial conversation, there it is everyone decides to dance, everyone but Jenny and Marina.

They sat saying nothing, not looking at each other, fidgeting in their seats as they feigned interest in the other happenings about the room. Both had thoughts racing through their mind, thoughts of lashing out their questions of why, thoughts of gently asking why. Finally, they turn at the same time, hurt eyes looking into hurt eyes they both speak, why They both stop and start again, you go first

Jenny raises her hand, Ill go first.

She takes a breath and begins, Lee Frank is who called the publishers and Francesca paid her a visit, thats why they called and why they ended saying it was all a mistake. Shes who bought the house so we could buy the new one and get moved in before Christmas. As a show of equal consideration, I invited Francesca to our house for Christmas, although I never believed she would come. Im sorry I never told you.

Marina takes her turn, Id heard she was coming here tonight, I was so worried that something awful might happen. As for Adelina, I was only being polite. I remember how uncomfortable it was for you to be in a place where you only occasionally understood what was being said. Im sorry if I was rude to you.

They both let out a sigh of relief, once again speaking at the same time, I lov Broad smiles form across their faces as they chuckle at themselves. The song had ended and everyone was returning to the table. Marina and Jenny stood up, holding hands they walked to the dance floor.

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

Every table had an ice filled bucket with a bottle of champagne, larger tables having two. The time had arrived and corks were popping, streamers flying into the air, along with shouts of Happy New Years. Silent toasts were made between lovers, as couples began to embrace.

Jenny took a sip staring into Marinas eyes. She sat her glass down then took Marinas from her. Marina reached up brushing the long dark hair back from her lovers face as Jenny raised her lips to her.

Marina softly whispered, Feliz Ao Nuevo.

Jenny returned, Bonne anne. Marina smiled pleased with her French, Amura taught me before she left.