Poema discouraged Temaru from checking on their new guests so early. She reminded him of having discovered their love-making on the beach late the evening before. Scoffing at him, warning him they could still be there, sleeping.

Poema smiled a knowing smile at Temaru, Or, waking up. He blushed at the suggestive reference his wife had made and reluctantly agreed to wait, but made the promise he would go there mid-morning for he did not want them to feel they were neglected.


When Temaru and Amura arrived at the house, Marina was putting gesso on to the canvas prepping it for painting. As soon as Amura neared her, she ran up and hugged her leg. Marina laid the brush down and hugged her back warmly adding a kiss to the top of her head.

Jenny enjoyed watching the two of them exchange their warm greetings. It would prove to be the normal between them, with Marina often sitting letting Amura climb on her lap and together discussing and admiring the progress of the mural. Or, should Marina be absorbed in her painting, Amura would sit and watch her, waiting patiently for the moment she would take a break.

Often they spoke in French, leaving Jenny wondering of the meaning of the melodic words being expressed. She had never been around children with Marina and would come to witness the emergence of a new dimension in the loving and nurturing Marina.

Jenny, sitting not far away with her laptop, was typing in short spurts, Good morning, we made a shopping list like you said and left it on the counter.

Temaru smiles broadly, Yes, Poema has already gotten the list. When we saw you here in the clearing, she headed up the shorter path to the top entrance to the house and is already on her way to the local market.

Temaru went about trimming back any new growth from the clearing and the paths, checking the generator, all the basic chores he would perform routinely throughout their visit. Poema, upon returning, put away the food, washed any leftover dishes, and lightly dusted throughout the house. Chores completed, they shared updates on upcoming events and discussed the charms of each discerning which may prove the most enjoyable for Jenny and Marina.

This quickly became their morning routine. Mid-day and early afternoons were left to short jaunts or excursions about the island. Late afternoons were for private naps in the shade, whether in bed or on a blanket under the protection of the low trees on the hillside.

Evenings, evenings were for them, a banquet with live performers at the docks or a local resort, or, home at the house or on the beach. They soon found they had more than enough on Moorea to need or want to leave it.

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

Bette and Tina had arranged to extend their visit to include two weekends, arriving on a Friday and leaving on a Monday. This provided Jenny and Marina ample time to be certain they got a delightful flavoring of the islands.

Marina and Jenny, with Temaru and Poemas help, had prepared a special dinner to be enjoyed under a blanket of stars in the clearing near the house, complete with flower lei for each. They had insisted they too wear pareos during their stay, now understanding the dual purpose they offered.

During dinner Tina and Bette shared the happenings at home, while Marina and Jenny spoke warmly of the special time theyve had together over the past three weeks. They told them of some events they would be attending during their stay. Both weekends were planned to include evening banquets where festivities would include dancing, food, and drink all in native Polynesian style.

As the evening drew late, Marina excused herself to the house to return shortly. Handing Bette a wine flask and two glasses then a blanket to Tina, We suggest a long walk along the beach. We found it to be charming the night we arrived.

Bette nods looking at Tina, Um, okay, T would you like to take a walk.

Having been given a loving albeit brief account by Jenny of her and Marinas first night together, Tina cooed, I cant think of anything else I rather do.

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

The next morning Bette and Tina came walking up the path arm in arm, Marina was painting and Jenny was writing. Bonjour, Marina says with only a backward glance from her painting, I trust you enjoyed the wine.

Jenny grins at the impishness of Marinas inference, Hi Tina, hi Bette, theres fresh fruit on the counter, juice in the cooler.

Focusing now on the new color she is mixing, Marina smiles to her self, And, water for showering with a soft bed waiting at the end of the hall.

Bette and Tina, with broad smiles and flushed cheeks, in unison, Thanks, Guys.

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

They left Bette and Tina alone to settle in for a late morning nap and headed to the beach for a refreshing swim, with Amura not far behind.

The turquoise water was clear and often they would snorkel and explore for hidden treasures. Under Marina and Amuras skillful direction, Jenny had come to love it and Marina enjoyed watching her as she swam about or played on the beach with Amura.

Coming up for a break, Jenny stood in the soft waves in awe of her surroundings, I dont think I will ever get over how beautiful it is here, enchanting.

With Amura content in constructing the newest addition to their shell adorned sand castle, Marina sat contented to watch her and to admire Jenny, her small delicate body, her own ocean treasure, shifting in the waves, When do we tell them?

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

They bustle about the house preparing to go to the banquet. Drinks and food will be served at seven with dance performances beginning promptly at eight. With a twenty minute jaunt in the jeep they would be arriving shortly.

Jenny and Marina are especially excited about this evening, Poema and Temaru will be participating in the dance performance. Amura will be with her grandmother and certain to pleasure them with a visit while there.

The songs sang during dinner were of traditional Polynesian form and element. Their harmonies were fascinating combinations of male bass rhythm and female verse. There were probably a hundred singers in the finale, all dressed in the same Polynesian fabric, vibrantly colorful and in an infinite variety of floral patterns.

Jenny leans to Tina, I dont think I ever heard or seen anything so beautiful in my life.

Oh, I know, Bette and I went to Hawaii a few years back. Its fantastic.

Marina and Bette watch attentively as the singers moved off the stage, making way for the dancers. The dance begins with a brilliant display by the teenagers full of energy and enthusiasm, honored to be performing on the stage. Finally, the mature experienced dancers begin their performance. It was apparent the devotion and expense spent in the costuming, music, and choreography.

Jenny and Marina were full of pride delighted at seeing their new friends perform in this powerful and passionate display of Polynesian dance. The men slowly one by one were departing the stage leaving only the women still dancing.

Marina and Bette grinned continuously as they were mesmerized by them and the provocative nature of their dance, leaving little to be imagined. They look at each other and shake their hands in the expression of too hot to handle and burst into laughter at having done it at the same time, when several of the female dancers begin to leave the stage dancing in and around the tables.

Until she worked her way to their table, they hadnt realized Poema was one of the dancers now dancing off stage. She was a beautiful woman with the same exotic appeal as that of Marina and Bette. Seeing the pleasure in the ladies faces, she smiled warmly and held out her hand to Marina. Marina returned the smile but shook her head declining the offer. Out of nowhere came Amura running up to her, Marina, Marina, I showed you, I showed you.

Marina looked from Amura to Poema to Jenny back to Amura, You can do it, Marina. I know you can.

Jenny smiled oddly amused at the extended hand and more so at the encouragement coming from Amura. Marina looked at Jenny, biting the left side of her lip, Should I?

“Can you?

Amura taught me.

Bette and Tina along with crowd applauded her, while Jenny sat stunned watching. The music slowed to a deep beat, forcing the gyrations of the female dancers to slow with it, increasing its seductive appeal with the women dancing close and suggestive. Poema danced closer and closer to Marina, tightening the space between them, legs bent, groin to thigh, bodies slowly grinding, sweat shiny on their skin, touching without touching, kissing without kissing. Mesmerized by what they saw, the crowd grew silent as they began to participate in the voyeuristic act.

Marina suddenly stopped.

She moved back to the table and sat down.

After a moment, the crowd escaped their hypnotic silence and applauded fervently.

The dance had ended.

Tina, Bette and Jenny could not take their eyes off Marina unable to believe what they had witnessed. She returned their looks and as she caught her breath a smile slowly formed on her face. She shrugged her shoulders and simply stated, We did it.

What, what did you do?

We silenced the crowd. Proof they were entranced. Dance is over. She leaned to Jenny, grabbed her face and kissed her hard on the mouth, grinning at her.

All Jenny could say was, Guys, I think I just had an *****, and they all burst into laughter.

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

Bette and Marina, along with Amuras help, discussed the progress of the mural, Marina, Im not sure this is what the HRC had in mind. But regardless, this is wonderful piece of art.

Amura proudly pointed to a section of the mural, This is me, me and Marina. Were going to get married when I grow up.

Bette and Marina raised their brows in surprise, Marina knelt and placed her arms gently around Amura smiling lovingly, maybe you will change your mind by then.

Amura threw her arms around Marinas neck hugging her tight, No, I love you Marina.

Marina hugged her in return softly whispering, But what about Jenny?

Amura thought for a moment and with great care and concern, I love Jenny too, she can stay with us.

Marina grinned, turning her head slightly and looking lovingly into her eyes, We love you too Amura, we love you too. The young four year old girl had definitely stolen her heart.

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

Throughout the week, Jenny and Tina began to spend more time together taking long walks along the beach or into the hillside. Im just not sure what it will be like when we go home. Here, the temptations have been mainly limited to a four year girl and her mother. What happens when she gets back and Lee is around or someone like her, what do we do?

Jenny, Marina is a big girl, she understands herself. Just the fact that shes shared so much with you, thats not the Marina we all know. That has to provide you some comfort. Fully aware how much Marina and Bette are alike, Tina also recognizes the differences in their drive and how or what affects them.

Bette and I had forgotten to keep the fires burning so to speak, I dont think you and Marina are ever going to have that problem.

Jennys eyes open wide, No, we or rather Marina, will never have that problem. As for me, all I have to do is look at her. Its the other women not leaving her alone, always pressing her, making it too available, you know.

The Marina Ive seen since weve been here; has grown, shes the same but shes different. She has something now, more than just material, and its something she wants. And I think, she knows what she must do to keep it. Shes a strong intelligent woman; shell do what she has to do.

Jennys head bent, hesitant to pry but concerned, What about you and Bette? How are you doing?

Its been slow, but it should be. We built something, and then we neglected it. Repairs take longer after things have been neglected, you know. Tina reflects inside for a moment, Its really hard to think of Bette with someone else. It hurts, deep. But, I know I had a part in that. I had become complacent, forcing Bette to be responsible, for everything. It wasnt fair, not to her and not to us. You see Jenny, Im changing, and Bette and I are changing, together. Were learning how to be a couple and still be ourselves. Its what you and Marina already have. You guys talked early on about strengths and weaknesses. You got them out in the open rather than burying them to rise up and haunt you later.

Jenny smiles at Tina and takes her hand, We better get back. Tomorrow is another banquet, a special one. Marina and I have some things we need to do.

As they begin their walk back to the house, their moods begin to shift, So, tell me more about your writing. Youve learned to write about happy things huh?

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

Bette, tonight you and Tina will have the house to your selves. Jenny and I will be staying somewhere else. Bette hears and sees seriousness in Marina, a gravity she hadnt noticed since they arrived.

Is something wrong?

Oh no, nothing is wrong. Actually, I am very happy today, just very serious too. You and Tina should wear something special tonight as will Jenny and I.