Two Of A Kind

Chapter 14 – Homeward Bound

The gang was on guard when they reached the airport. It wasnt until they were in the air that a collective sigh of relief could be heard. Marina looked out the small window watching the ground slowly disappear and being replaced by small cotton wool like clouds. Her mind drifted back to that day. The day the games she played had come to bite her in the *****. When she had first seen Jenny there had been something about her that enthralled Marina. The writer at first amused her, later intrigued her and finally consumed her. Her first thought of the day would be of Jenny, as would be her last of the day. Her downfall had been her games. She had imagined she could treat Jenny the same as her other conquests, but she had overlooked the fact that their relationship was nothing like the others. Her games had only driven her further away until the damage was irreparable.

That night she had broken down and had done something rather uncharacteristic. She had bared her soul. She had placed her feelings on a silver platter and offered it to Jenny who hadnt even bothered to acknowledge them. She had merely ignored them and her as if their relationship had meant nothing. It was more than Marina could handle. She hadnt known what to do. The wine had been there. The pills had been there. And she had done something else uncharacteristic. She had simply given up.

Marina smirked. Perhaps the psychiatrist in the hospital had been right. Perhaps it had been a cry for help. Perhaps she would have been able to help her if she had opened up to her. Perhaps then her sister would not have been able to coax her into going with her. So many possibilities. Her mind whirled momentarily. She wondered how Jenny was. What had become of her, Robin and her fish friend?

Shane sat down next to her friend. She still felt guilty for not being there for Marina when she had needed her the most. She reached out and touched Marinas shoulder.

Hey. Marina looked up and smiled at her dear friend.

Hello. Marina sighed and placed her head on Shanes shoulder.

Thank you for not giving up on me. I dont know what would have happened if. Her voice trailed off.

Im sorry. I should have been there for you after you and Jenny Dude, why didnt you come to see me?. Marina chuckled.

I had my demons and you had yours. It didnt seem fair to unburden myself on you. Before Shane could respond, Marina continued, But I should have. I know that now.

****

The other passengers were gathered in the small seating area in the company plane. Alex was looking at the exchange between the two women. She knew Shane felt guilty for not having helped her friend. Hopefully shed be able to find some peace now.

So what the ***** is going on between the two of you?. Nicky looked at Alex with raised eyebrows and a big grin plastered on her face.

Yeah give us some details, Eric chimed in. Alex glared at him. It was almost as if none of it had happened now. And as always everyones attention had returned to her love life. Or a more accurate term would be ***** life.

I dunno. I like her. She likes me. Thats it. Just two people who like each other. And with that statement Alex opened up a magazine and did her best to ignore the chuckles around her.

****

Wow, this is some plane. Shane leaned against the counter where Alex was pouring herself a drink.

My fathers company plane. Alex shrugged. She didnt like talking about her money. It felt like she hadnt earned it. As if her family had just bequeathed it to her. Changing the subject she offered to show Shane the plane. The whole set up was quite impressive. Not exactly Air Force One, but it was good enough. More luxurious than Shane had ever encountered.

And this is the bedroom, Alex said dramatically as she showed Shane the room with the king-sized bed. Shane smiled at Alex suggestively and sauntered over to the bed falling back on it her legs sprawled out. She crooked her finger at Alex.

Ever thought of joining the mile high club?. Alex smiled kneeling between Shanes legs.

Sweetie, Im a long time member. Pushing up Shanes shirt she placed soft butterfly kisses on her stomach. She felt Shanes body react to her touch. Her fingers played with the hem of her shirt. She slowly unbuttoned her shirt kissing her way up to Shanes neck. Her lips lingered at that spot where her shoulder and neck meet. She sucked at the spot. Biting gently she elicited a moan from Shane.

Shane grabbed Alex hair and pulled her face close to hers. She let her lips gently lick Alex lips until she couldnt take it anymore and kissed her passionately grinding her hips into her. When her hand found Shanes breast, she elicited another moan. Her hand moved further down and unbuttoned Shanes jeans. She let her fingers briefly move over her panties. She could feel the moistness through them.

Tell me what you want Shane. Shane moaned into her mouth as she pushed her hips up to meet Alex hand.

You. Alex slid her hand inside her panties and started moving her fingers slow at first. Shane cried out when she felt Alex fingers thrusting inside her. Alex moved up the pace gradually driving Shane over the edge.

****

Welcome to the mile high club, Nicky quipped when they heard Shane cry out. The rest of the plane burst out into laughter.

****

When the plane landed, Marina and Shane were the first to get off. They were so glad to be back in LA. At the bottom of the steps stood a tall blonde looking exceptionally pissed off. She was giving off corporate vibes left and right dressed in a dark gray business suit that complemented her light gray eyes. Marina looked at her admiringly. Even angry the blonde looked stunning.

Hello. Marina. The blonde took the outstretched hand sizing up the exotic brunette in the process. She smiled and her face softened instantly making her look even more stunning.

Angela Morris. Still holding her hand Marina led the blonde away from the plane telling her about their little adventure in London. She glanced back over her shoulder at Shane and winked. Shane smiled, relieved her friend was making an attempt at moving on. She had told her about Robin and Jenny. The hurt look on Marinas face had almost broken her heart. To her surprise Marina had opened up to her completely and told her everything that had happened and that she had felt from the day she had met Jenny. Somehow telling Shane had had a purifying effect on Marina. And Shane was glad to see a spark back in her eye.

Fifty bucks says my sister tells Marina to go piss up a rope. Alex moved behind Shane and wrapped her arms around her waist.

Your sister?.

Yeah, didnt you notice the family resemblance?, Alex joked. Ok, so there is no resemblance. Im adopted its a long story dont ask. And she put her head on Shanes shoulder kissing her neck.

Come on you guys, break it up or were going to miss the surprise party. Shane untangled herself from Alex arms and moved over to help Ice with the bags.

Alex, get a move on. If were late, Alice will kill me.

****

The Planet was absolutely packed. It looked as if Alice had invited every woman she had ever met in her entire life. The music was pumping and so were the bodies on the dance floor. All the girls were there enjoying themselves, except Dana who was looking a little upset having already spotted three of Alices ex-girlfriends in the time span of five minutes.

Jeez, Al, did you have to invite every single woman youve ever slept with. Alice stopped mid-sentence to stare at her girlfriend who looked even more gorgeous than usual when she was jealous.

Well, Dane, I gotta do something to keep you on you toes. Before Dana could respond she pulled her into a smoldering kiss. Shane had been right about one thing. The more they fought, the more hot wild monkey make up ***** they were having. Dana was even starting to suspect that that was the reason Alice was sometimes picking fights with her.

Uh oh, Tina exclaimed under her breath. Dana and Alice both turned to see Jenny and Robin approaching. Alice let out a wholehearted *****.

What the ***** is she doing here?. She had gotten a call from Shane when they had boarded the plane. Alice had almost jumped through the roof when she heard Marina was all right. Five seconds later though she had to fight the urge to thrust her hand down the phone and strangle Shane when she got the abbreviated version of the events that took place at the mansion. She was furious at Shane for almost getting herself killed.

The girls had agreed to throw Marina a welcome home surprise party. Kit had taken care of the music at the Planet. And the rest of them had invited just about anyone they could think of. The only person who had definitely not been on their list was Jenny. It wasnt that they didnt like the writer. Theyd been worried about the effect she might have on Marina. Finally it had been Bette who had decided itd be better if Jenny didnt know about this.

Hi. Jenny stopped at their table holding Robins hand. Wow, this place is really packed. Is something going on. Suddenly Jenny stopped. Her eyes were taking in the banner that the girls had hung over the bar. Welcome home, Marina.

*****. They all stared at her waiting for more, but all Jenny did, was stare at the banner licking her lips and repeatedly saying *****. Bette was about to suggest that maybe it wasnt such a good idea for her to be here, when they heard a girl yell.

Shes here!!!. Alice let out a big whoop and she grabbed Tina, Bette and Dana yanking all of them through the crowd to the front door.

****

Outside the Planet Marina stopped. She was finally home again. It had felt good to see family, but she knew that the truth was that the Planet was her home and the people that came with it were her family. Starting with Shane who had her arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

You ready to do this?. Marina nodded. She and Shane moved to the door. Alex, Nicky and Angela were right behind them. Alex and Nicky hadnt wanted to miss out on a wicked ***** party with plenty of willing lesbians ready for the picking, even though Nicky had known that Alex would probably spend most of the evening glued to Shane. And Marina had managed to talk Angela into escorting her as her date. Alex had gladly coughed up fifty dollars thinking her sister was more lucky than anything else.

Marina took in a deep breath and opened the door. The loud yelling nearly deafened her.

SURPRISE!!! WELCOME HOME!!!. Everyone started cheering as Marina was swept up into a huge group hug.

I cant believe youre finally here. We were so worried. What, didnt they have phones in London?. Marina couldnt believe how much she had missed her friends. She had even missed Alices ramblings. She was about to say something when her eyes fell on Jenny standing sheepishly a little to the side. Marina smiled and Jenny moved forward to give her a hug. It was exactly that moment when Angela showed up behind Marina and pulled her to the dance floor.

Lets dance, gorgeous. Angela pulled Marina close and smiled at her seductively. Alex smiled and shook her head at her sisters antics. She had told her what little she knew of Marinas history with Jenny and of all moments Angela had chosen this one to do something completely selfless. Or perhaps not entirely selfless Alex mused as she saw Angela grinding her hips into Marinas in the time of the music.

She turned around to see Shane in the same spot Marina had been only seconds before. Only her friends were not as cautious around her and were bombarding her with questions left and right. She decided this was her chance to pull an Angela and she walked over to the group and took Shanes hand in hers.

Talk to her later. Tonight shes mine. And she dragged her to the dance floor leaving the girls to their own devices. Alex and Shane were obviously enjoying each others closeness oblivious to all the people around them, causing Tina and Alice to exchange knowing glances. Bette was watching Tina watching them and she decided that it was now or never. She and Tina had been speaking again and theyd been trying to be more normal around each other. She leaned over and whispered in Tinas ear.

Do you want to dance?. Tina looked thoughtful for a moment. Then she nodded and the two of them moved to the dance floor. Followed closely by Dana and Alice. Alex motioned to Nicky who glided over and only too willingly let Alex and Shane sandwich her.

****

Whats wrong?. Alex looked Marina in the eyes. They were dancing to a slow tune. Nicky had gone off to find herself some entertainment. And Angela and Shane had gone off to get them some drinks.

Im going to have to go back, Marina sighed. Alex nodded. She had already seen this coming. For Marina to completely be rid of her past she was going to have to face it head on.

And Im coming with you. Shane handed Marina her drink. She had a determined look on her face.

Before you say anything, Im not letting you deal with your psycho family all by yourself. Im coming with you whether you like it or not. Marina smiled. She was starting to like this new protective side of Shanes. In the past they had never interfered in each others lives, but nearly getting gunned down together can shift the balance in a relationship she thought. Besides it was about time she let her family help her deal with her blood family. She gave Shane a hug.

Ok. Pulling back Shane nodded satisfied. Then she wrapped her arms around Alex neck and pulled her close moving to the rhythm of the music.

****

Previews

What is this?. Alex looked up to see Shane watching her with a very serious look on her face.

What do you mean?.

This thing we have. Going out. Going to dinner. *****. I mean if I didnt know better, Id think we were in a relationship.

Were not in a relationship until youve met my mother, Alex joked, but the smile on her face vanished when she realized Shane was being serious.

—–

Oy, Alex said indignantly, Im blissfully unemployed. Besides Ive never heard you complain before about all this time Ive got on my hands. She playfully whacked Shane on the head. Then her face turned serious.

But yeah, I think its about time I got up off my *****. I guess Ill have plenty of time to find myself a job while youre away with Marina frolicking in Italy. Alex had meant it as a joke, but she felt the mood change.

—–

An elegantly dressed woman, probably in her late forties, walked into the dining room plopping herself in the chair opposite Alex. She dropped her bag on the table and looking at Alex loudly exclaimed,

Ive left your father!. Alex just stared at her, her piece of toast falling back onto her plate.