Marina drops the basket and lets go of Amuras hands, running to Jenny.

What happened, your bleeding, weve got to get her to a hospital. Temaru put her in the jeep. Amura tell your mother we are going to t

Marina, Im alright. It just a cut, maybe a bruise or two. They bleed more on the head. Im okay. Although shaky, she is convincing.

Marina leans down to her, cradling her with one arm, brushing Jennys hair away from the cut so she can see it better. Jenny, its a large cut, bleeding badly and already swelling. You need to have a doctor check it.

No, clear and to the point, no room for argument.

Marina head goes back turning slightly lips tight, she doesnt understand her resistance. Jenny accidents happen. Its okay. Brushing her hand to her cheek, Its okay.

Exactly, Marina. Its okay. Jenny stands, stumbles into Marina and she grabs her.

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

Temaru speaks softly but clearly, the laws here are vague. They do not support women in this situation and his father is wealthy. The villagers like me who disagree; we are the law on the island in this case. We do have justice, the law in Papeete may not.

Jenny shakes her head incessantly, no tears, they had dried during Temarus beating of that animal. I cant tell Marina. I wont tell her. You wont either. Swear. Swear it.

She cares for you, she needs to know. When the nightmares come, who will you turn to then? I speak as a father, as a brother, as a husband.

Will you punish him? Will you? Jenny has never felt such hatred.

With a sigh, he will be punished, before he leaves the island. You mustnt speak of this to others, outsiders.

Swear you wont tell her.

Temaru looks at her hard, You are wrong to do this. Temaru throws the water on the mans face, kicking him in the side, Get up. Get up.

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

Three days since her fall, bruising is bad but the swelling has started to go down. Her concern is great, all Jenny does is sit, sit in the house. She doesnt write, she eats only when Marina insists, very little at that, remaining angry with Marina for insisting.

Jenny, I dont know how to help you.

Maybe I dont need help, had that occurred to you. Words are angry, unwarranted, and always directed at Marina.

Is it because I was painting? That I wasnt with you? Is that why are you angry with me, Jenny? You have to tell me, its hurtful and its unfair. Words spoken that would never have been spoken to Francesca, sharing the depth of the hurt Jennys words can unleash upon her, yet she does not respond to her.

Marina walks to the door to go outside for air, to think, Marina, where are you going? Dont go out there.

Marina walks out the door and starts up the path to Temarus home. Jenny yells out to her, Dont leave me. Dont go out there. Marina shuts her eyes for a moment, desperately trying to silence Jennys screams, and continues to Temaru for answers.

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

Standing in the shadow she watches her rock, back and forth, back and forth. Doesnt she trust me? What was she thinking to hide this from me? I vowed to love her, to protect her. Tears, involuntary and silent, fall like rain on her face. She has never felt so alone so shunned.

Why wouldnt you tell me? Words soft and sad come in from the dark.

I was stupid. I made myself available.

What are you talking about? He came to our home. She steps into the doorway, disbelief on her face.

Its not like I havent been fucked before. He just didnt ask thats all.

Thats what makes it rape. Thats what makes it wrong. You are not an object to be had, to be owned, to be mauled at anyones will.

This is rape not *****. She turns away from the door, trying to get out of range, so Jenny does not hear, does not see what she cannot contain.

Oh my God. She breaks down falls to her knees in the clearing and cries. Cries the tears Jenny has refused herself. Cries in the agony rising over the need to correct this, to make it right, to make it gone. I knew, I felt it about him, I didnt warn her, I didnt tell her.

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

Amuras parents had kept her away from the house for these past days. But Marinas visit confirmed something was wrong. Not hearing or not understanding their words, she still knew that her Marina was very sad and that her cries were for Jenny. Permission unsolicited, she goes to them.

Jenny is sitting alone and still rocking on the couch. I hurt my head once, really bad. But, papa and mama held me and it was better. Do you want me to pray, that works too, I dont mind. I think God listen to kids pretty quick cause were small, like you.

Sitting down beside Jenny, she closes her eyes to pray. Once satisfied she had spoken what needed to be said, she began to pat Jennys back, It wont be long. God will fix it.

Jenny curled up on the couch next to Amura, holding her close and after awhile finally falling asleep. Thats when Amura went looking for Marina. She found her lying on the ground in the clearing staring at the stars. Amura laid down beside her, resting her small hand on Marinas arm.

Marina turns to her and gives her a soft loving smile, full of sadness, and fear. Amura lays her head and arm across Marinas chest with Marinas arm securely wrapped around her.

In the early morning hours, Marina carried Amura back to her own house. She asked Temaru to please leave her and Jenny alone tomorrow, they needed time. She reminded him they would need to crate the canvas and pack for their return home on the following day.

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

Marina picked her up and carried her to their bed. Jenny quickly drew up into a fetal position facing away from her. She slid quietly in beside her and spooned up to her, holding her affectionately against her.

Jennys sleep was restless, moaning and fighting her new demons. Marina held her tight tighter whispering to ears that could not hear, I love you, Jenny. I love you.

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

She was sitting up beside her when Marina woke up, arms holding her legs tightly against her. I tripped back against the rocks, that when he got me. He called me ugly names, grabbed my throat, put his mouth on me. I bit his tongue and he rewarded me with a fist to my face.

Marina sat across from her, hands resting lightly on Jennys legs, listening closely with care and concern.

Thats when he shoved me around to face the rock. He slammed my face on it, that shut me up. I really dont remember a lot after that. I just know suddenly he let go and moved back away from me.

I was afraid to turn around, then I realized someone else was there, thats when I saw Temaru. He was fierce, brave. I enjoyed watching him hit him.

I made him promise they would punish him.

Not wanting to dissuade her from continuing, Marina didnt tell her. Temaru had told her what they do, the villagers. It seemed cruel to hear it said, but, it would have to do.

I asked him not to tell you. Im not sure why. Embarrassed maybe, ashamed at being so stupid. Hating him for making it feel so ugly. Not sure how you feel about it.

I need to take another shower.

Okay May I help you? In truth, Jenny had been scrubbing herself so harshly she had left her skin red and marred after each washing. Marina wanted to be close to her, to console her, offer evidence of her love, softening the attack she insisted on subjecting herself.

Although reluctant at first, Jenny allowed Marina to enter the bath with her. Avoiding where possible their touching, Jenny, Im not going to hurt you. Please let me hold you as we do, as weve done before.

Marina, I dont want that, I dont want *****. The words stung, but she took them, silently.

I only want to wash you, gently. Hesitantly, slowly, Marina slid behind her cradling her by default with her body. She took the soft cloth and began to wash the outside of Jennys arms, What has happened to you is a hateful thing, a human violation. A man like that is able to perform such an act because he sees ***** as an object to be had, rather than an action based on thought and emotion to be given.

She soaps the cloth again washing her back, then her neck, smooth soft strokes, You made me understand this. You helped me realize the combination of thought and emotion.

We make love, freely to one another. Not forced, not taken, but given, freely.

With a gentle tug lean back so I can reach your legs, Jenny lies back against her. Marina continues to wash her legs, her thighs, never advancing to forbidden parts.

Her face so close, Marina takes a hand laying it softly against her forehead urging her. Jenny lays her head back against Marinas shoulder. Marina rinsing the cloth leaving it wet, wipes her face, the bruises, the cut, trying desperately to cleanse the pain.

Wiping the water from her eyes, Jenny, I love you. I would never do anything purposely to hurt you. You know that dont you? Jenny looks at her, sees her really sees her for the first time in days, and begins to cry. She turns sideways into Marinas cradling arms and cries.

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

Marina called Bette and told her what had happened. She was afraid the gang may have some surprise celebration and didnt think Jenny was up to it. Bette offered to make calls to find them support avenues upon their return. Marina appreciated the offer but warned Jenny was not real receptive of help at this point.

They had not made love since and other than in the tub that day, it had not been discussed. But Jenny had accepted her hand when boarding the plane, and was still holding her hand when they exited the gate.

Bette and Tina were to meet them, but to their surprise everyone was there. It had only been a week since the assault and the bruises and cuts were still easily noticeable. Kit embraced them and held Jenny as they left the airport. Alice and Dana helped with bags and offered soft words of support, and Shane with a warm hug and a nod walked beside Marina. Words silenced by the knowing, scars left on them all.

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

They had been back five weeks now and during that time Marina had gone about organizing things left undone, busying herself to fill the void no longer willingly filled by her lover. She finalized a work plan with Thomas to help co-manage The Planet. She had the canvas sent to Bette so that she could work with Lee Frank and not her. She didn’t want the added strain on their already fragile relationship.

She had met with the publishers regarding the books having come out. They were receiving modest reviews, but sales were slowly climbing. The publishers wanted them to host book-signing events. Marina agreed to only a few, she wasnt sure Jenny was ready for such a public appearance.

Jenny had not gone back to work yet, but she was typing once in while into her laptop. She stayed at the house with Marina not wanting to be alone.

Marina had wanted to begin legal papers needed to support their marriage. Jenny had asked her to wait not wanting to think about such serious matters. Marinas work with the HRC had enlightened her to many aspects of same-***** relationships she had never thought about before. It concerned her greatly that they had no legal protection or rights. What if things turned worse and Jenny needed her, what could she do.

Jennys depression had only slightly lessened and at times it seemed there was no end in sight. This of all things concerned her most, Jenny, I was thinking. Maybe now we could go to the counselor Bette suggested. I think she can help us.

I want to. This wasnt the first time Marina had inquired, but it was the first time Jenny had been agreeable. I did this once before, a long time ago.

Are you sure? I think we should, it can help.

Marina, I know you dont say anything, you dont complain about my not working, or my not wanting to take care of things in general and we havent made love since it happened. Sooner or later I will lose you and I dont want that to happen.

Marina nodded with tears welling up in her eyes and near unable to speak from fighting them back, Im glad Im very glad

Ill make an appointment in the morning. I think I should see her alone at first, I think that best.

Okay. Okay.

Jenny got up from the table walked around to Marina and kissed her on the head before going on to pick up the laptop.

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

The visits began a week later. After two visits a week over seven weeks, a brighter happier Jenny began to emerge. Slowly her affections towards Marina grew more frequent, first with words then with soft touches and an occasional hug here and there.

During all the weeks that had passed, she had slept in the same bed with Marina but only on occasion would they wake in each others arms. Marina often found herself in the early midnight hours, watching Jenny sleep. She would cry silent tears kiss her love on the cheek on the forehead or the arm and in the end having to turn away to fall asleep.

This night was no different, 2 a.m. and she was watching Jenny. Jenny stirred and shifted, leaving her head lying on Marinas arm, on this night she would not turn away. As daylight began to peak through the curtains, she woke realizing Jenny had her arm tightly around her with her head on her chest.

Uncertain to Jennys reaction should she awake, she tried to slowly move out from under her. She did not want Jenny to misunderstand, but Jennys arm tightened, Where are you going?

Jenny barely able to open one eye, looks at her, Where are going? Its not your day to work. Its Thursday right?

Yeah, yeah it is, its Thursday, trying to remain nonchalant about the situation.

Jenny shifted closer to her, extending one leg over Marinas leg. Marina had not lost her feelings of desire for Jenny and this closeness was becoming uncomfortable, uncomfortably warm.

Jenny moved slightly against her leg, Arent Thursdays our date night. Marinas mind raced with the wonderings of her meaning. Jennys arm lying across Marina moved, down, slowly down. Jenny raised her face towards her and spoke words Marina had longed to hear, Ive missed you. I want to touch you. May I?

Jenny slid her hand under the waistband and proceeded on, turned her head and kissed Marina’s soft skin. Rising up a little she moved to a nipple, kissing it, softly taking it between her lips, her tongue renewing its acquaintance, mouth suckling as her hand slid lovingly between Marinas legs.

Marina caught her breath as Jenny began to stroke her, smooth, steady. Her hips moved in concert with her, pressing against her. Jenny moved to the entrance, that place forbidden to all but her. Slowly exploring this place she had only briefly met not so long ago, and yet so long it had been since their last visit. Absent from her it had been, this memory of intoxicating power, the power to make her lover moan at her touch, move to her touch. Rhythm found, she moves in and out of her, this place where ecstasy lives.

So long she had wanted her touch. She could feel the desire rising inside her, that glorious high that only Jenny could supply.