Family – Part 9

Okay, fine, Shane is your little pet project and hands off to me.

Shes not a project, shes a human being and shes in trouble. I like her and I want to help her.

You invest all the time you want, just take care with my money. I paid for the school, thats enough, no more. My money is not to be handed out to every little stray off the street, not without some payback to me.

You didnt pay for her school, I did. It came out of my wages.

Marina, how do you think your wages get paid? Weve got a business thats just started up, do you really think its making money.

Francesca softened her tone, redirecting her desires stirred by Shane over to Marina, Lets get to the real issue. She wraps an arm around Marinas waist, gently toying with a strand of her hair, You stay here in this apartment, leaving me alone at the house.

Francesca softly slides her hand under Marinas hair caressing her neck, I need someone in my bed, I prefer that someone to be you. If you want me to only sleep with you when Im here, then you must move into the house and be there with me. Marina relaxes in her embrace responding to her words. Words proclaiming her need of her, words as close to love as shes ever allowed.

This wouldnt change the rules when Im gone, just says when Im here I want my house the way I left it, thats with you in it waiting for me. She pulls Marina to her and kisses her, hungry for her touch.

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

She had no more than entered their bedroom, than the doorbell rang. Jenny stepped out of the bathroom, thats probably her.

Marina had just returned from The Planet, open on New Years Day, the clean up had started early. It was late morning when Thomas had come in to relieve her. She had wanted to spend some quiet time with Jenny and understand more of what Jenny had revealed the night before.

Already, I wanted to ask you some questions before she got here. Marinas eyes raced back and forth with her thoughts, Im not comfortable with this Jenny. Francesca doesnt do anything without a reason, without some benefit to Francesca.

Jenny smiled at her reassuring, Its okay. You dont have anything to worry about, well just accept her gift graciously and then shell leave. I really think she cares about you, shes just trying to find a way to show you, her way of reconciling with her feelings.

Jenny stepped up to her and gave her a quick kiss, Now, Im going to go answer the door. You freshen up, whatever you need to do, Ill entertain till you come down.

No, Ill go with you.

Jenny opened the door with Marina standing close behind her, Good Morning, come on in. Adelina didnt come with you?

Francesca stepped inside, instantly she began to gaze about, No, she had to exercise, this is a very nice house.

Would you like to look around? Jenny offered with Marina nearly outwardly wincing at the thought of Francesca being shown their home, Marina why dont you get Francesca something to drink and Ill show her around.

Marina quickly headed to the kitchen area, hoping to catch up with them before they got too far. Jenny had shown her the writing studio, speaking to each of the sketches she had discovered in her old apartment at The Planet. As they entered Marinas studio, she rushed in, Heres your wine.

Francesca wandered about the room, rummaging nonchalant through some sketches on the large open table, smiling at her discovery, interesting.

Marina instantly knew the sketches she had run across were those of Jenny, Marinas vision of her naked and in private situations. Marina hurried to the table, brushing the sketches out of Francescas reach, turning them over away from her view.

Marina, this ones new, Jenny stated as she stepped to the easel with Francesca right behind her.

Marina grabbed a cloth from the table and rushed to cover the canvas, yeah, I just started it, not ready to be shared yet.

Would you like to see upstairs, we havent started decorating the babys room yet with the holidays and all. Jenny headed out of the studio circling back towards the stairs.

Jenny, I dont think Francesca needs to be bothered with three floors. Im sure shes seen enough. Why dont we sit and relax awhile, she can enjoy her wine then.

Francesca grinned at Marinas nervousness, at her sense of privacy, I have to agree, I think your home is lovely, but lets sit awhile.

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

In a white tank tee and undies, she sat on the old trunk looking out the window watching the street below slowly come to life in concert with the sun. Curled sideways on the bed, unaware to Shane that she had awakened, Vee watched her, penny for your thoughts.

Glancing at her, returning quickly, to her gaze on the street and the questions floating inside, you graduate this spring, what will you do then, will you go home?

I might say yes if I knew where home was. I havent given it a lot of thought lately, I like it here. I like being with you. She stretches and scoots around on her stomach to the end of the bed, resting her head in her hands, did you answer my question?

Shane moves to the floor, leaning back against the bed, her face close to Vees, I like being with you too. Im not sure Im good enough for you though. You, you have a career ahead of you I have a job, its not the same.

Vee takes a hand brushing back the hair from Shanes face, scooting over the edge, she tenderly turns her face to her. I like being with you Shane. She wraps her arms around Shanes neck kissing her soft and wanting. Shane abruptly pulls her down off the bed, into her lap then sprawling onto the floor, covering her with body.

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

Wrapped in a Chenille pouch, the gift card read Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

I copied it from a book, Thoreau I believe it was.

They both looked at her and smiled, yes.

Francesca is unusually open about the care in her selection, her regard behind the giving, I thought you should have a special place for photos or sketches, especially with a baby on the way. The books supple but rugged leather cover of unique hand stitching gave it a rustic look with a soft feel, a work of art in its own.

Jenny untied the hand-braided wrap, opening to the hand torn pages revealing a beautifully deckled edge enhancing its rustic character, This is a very thoughtful gift, Thank You so much for thinking of us.

Francesca reached for the wine glass, sipping air from the empty container, Jenny reaches, here, let me get you more.

Left uncomfortably alone, Marina touches her arm, that was very kind of you. I I dont know what else to say.

Francescas eyes are kind and warm, I would say, tell me youre happy, but thats obvious. I dont believe anything else needs to be said.

Jenny hands her glass to her, you mentioned something else you wanted to talk about.

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

She sat in the truck, staring at the house, cautious to the inner workings of a mind like Francescas. She focused on the words strictly business for they provided the safety to even consider coming here. Anything else would be an insult not only to Marina and her friendship but also to this growing need inside her for Vees respect.

Her imaginings ran wild with possibilities finally she gets out and goes to the door. As she got closer she could see the note tucked securely in the corner of the frame. Sorry sweetheart, we had to catch a plane. You should go see Marina, she has the details. Ciao, Francesca

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

I dont know Jenny. I dont like her tying us together this way. It leaves her too much in control. Marina shakes her head, pacing at the edge of the table, pointing to the papers, If we sign them, she is permanent in our life. I just think we should give this more thought.

Marina, its not about us, its for Shane. I think we have to do this for Shane. Pleading with her, setting aside the risk to them, knowing Marina has wanted nothing more than for Shane to find peace.

Her face drawn tight, eyes squinted tightly shut, her head leaning into the hand rubbing across her forehead desperate to loosen the tension exploding inside. Tomorrow, we can decide tomorrow, she leaves Jenny wondering as she heads into her studio.

She opens the door allowing the ocean air to float heavy into the room, stepping out to greet it. Jenny follows taking her hand and pulling her towards the beach, lets walk.

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

Damn, doesnt any body stay home any more? Shane walks towards the back, knowing they have to be somewhere, their cars are here. Seeing the open door to the studio, she heads down the path to the beach.

She sees them in a loving embrace, looking out over the ocean, Jennys head resting against Marinas chest gently tucked against her neck. With the sun setting and in collaboration with the ocean, their silhouette proclaims their moment romantic and private. Marina turns to her, holding Jennys face in her hands as Jennys arms remain tightly wrapped around, speaking softly to one another. Shane turns and heads back up the path.

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

For a second day, the documents have lain threatening within their sight, never allowing them a moment without its consideration. Marina sets at the desk on the landing, once again going over the papers, matching the numbers, you realize, if it goes into default, she owns everything and we owe all debts to her. If not managed well, we could be in greater debt than the original loan, this could put our home and The Planet at risk. I just do not want to do this, I wish we could help Shane without Francescas involvement. I believe we could in time, just not now.

The phone rings and Marina leans to read the number, sighing, Its Shane, again.

Jenny steps out into clearing, Marina, I wont keep lying to her. You have to talk to her.

No. Tell her Im not back yet. With that she gets up and heads down the stairs, leaving the house and heading down to the dark beach.

Hello Shane. No she was back, but shes gone for a walk on the beach. She just has a lot on her mind right now. Of course, Ill tell her you called. Shane goodnight… Shane we love you.

Jenny grabs a blanket and heads after her. Standing in the water mid-calf, Jenny lays the blanket out, walking in behind her. She runs her hand tenderly down her back, slipping in close to her, wrapping her arms comfortingly around her. Marina lays her hand across Jennys, I could never forgive myself if I put us in harms way.

We, not you We are agreeing to this, we are deciding this. How could we look at ourselves if we didnt do this?

Marina turns to her, I promised to take care of you, protect you, how do I look at myself if I let something happen?

Sooner or later we have to trust, we have to trust ourselves we have to trust others. Come sit with me on the blanket, you need to relax. Youve been so stressed out over this youre actually starting to worry me.

Oh great, thats what Im after. They sit beside one another Jennys legs drawn up against her chest, Marina sitting Indian-style next to her.

Jenny leans bumping into her, Marina, you have to let me worry about you too. Youre not responsible for anyones happiness but your own. I guarantee if youre happy then that makes me happy. If we lived in some little house, without all the niceties we have today, Id still love you. I never had things like we do, I dont need them to be happy. If we did lose, we only lose those things that can be replaced. We dont lose each other.

Marina looks long into her eyes, loving this young woman more with each day, so tell me something, did you have a reason for bringing the blanket?

Jennys grin grows broad as she takes in her meaning, guess I can always hope.

Marina draws her back against the blanketed sand, a hand slipping warmly under the soft cloth, mmm they are still growing I think. She lifts the top, nodding her head, yes, I can see it.

Oh you can, can you? Marina nods and smiles as pulls down the remaining cloth covering them, cupping both hands around them, gently massaging as she takes a nipple between her lips.

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Family – Part 9

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