No?

Its just a distraction, a threat if you will, so that Francesca thinks she cannot keep me from getting The Planet. So maybe she will want to just get out of the situation.

The California Law Institute recommended I approach Francesca for support. Now, I dont want support from her, although they assure me it would be a reasonable expectation. The strategy is to encourage Francesca to buy me out. Sign over The Planet and the house with the agreement that I do not pursue support. It would be a lot of money when you consider her other holdings, seven homes spread across Europe. All of them clear of debt. Because of this, they intend to negotiate with her to pay off The Planet and the house.

Thats unbelievable, she has seven other homes.

Yes. She mentioned this to me just before she left, boasting of her other relationships. She has purposely kept our home and The Planet in debt, using all revenues to pay for the homes in Europe. I had no idea this was happening. The attorney hired an investigator. Thats how it was discovered.

Shes used the debt to hold you to her, what a vicious conniving human being. Your attorney must be good to think he can get her to do this, and hes got to be expensive. Good thing the auction went well.

No. That is yours not mine. Marina smiles a broad prideful smile, The very first time I spoke with the attorney, he drew up papers to make you the owner of all that was left in the apartment. Bette and Shane witnessed the documents and they are now on file. Those monies are yours Jenny, to do with whatever you choose.

Jenny sits down trying to sort out what this means, Why would you do that?

Remember, I told you, I never want you to have to accept the limitations in your life that I accepted. This is my way to help you, so you are free to make your own choices, so your life is more full of possibilities.

I didnt tell you before because there was nothing to tell if the artwork didnt sell. At the time I didnt know about the poems, but they are included by default. I told you, you could have whatever you wanted.

We should go see the girls; they are probably dying to know what happened in here. Marinas smile is warm and assuring as she reaches her hand out to Jenny.

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

Al is desperately trying to sort out all the implications of whats being said, What are you saying, Bette? That Francesca legally owes Marina? How long have you guys known this?

Since the beginning of the month when Marina and I first spoke about her artwork, I had already contacted my attorney about the palimony laws. I wanted to

I dont believe you! I dont want anything of yours! Tinas face is red with fury at the suggestion in what Bette is saying about her, she gets up to leave shaking her head as she glares at Bette.

T. T, its not what you think, T Bette eyes look at Tina in disbelief. She so desperately wants her to understand. Bette gets up and rushes to catch up to her, T, I only contacted them because I wanted to help you, I want you to have something to help you, if… if youre going to refuse to work this out, you need a home, income. T, please try to understand.

You need to understand Bette; I dont want anything from you, not anymore. You took away the only thing I wanted and that was you, the Bette I knew and loved. I dont know the Bette standing in front of me now. Tina leaves her standing there with eyes filled with tears, eyes without hope, eyes full of pain.

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

Shane watches Jenny and Marina approach the table, sees that Marina is smiling and has that confident stride she loves to watch. Jenny on the other hand seems a little distracted.

Alice turns, So, what happened?

Shes going to have her attorney call mine. She has the papers we sent to Virginia, its why shes here.

I guess the battle begins, huh? Thats not gonna be pretty, lets face it, its Francesca were talking about. Al shakes her head as if shes picturing it all in her mind.

Jenny tugs at Marinas arm, I gotta go to work soon. I better go get ready.

Ill see you later? You wanna come over to the house for dinner?

Okay. Jenny heads back to the apartment as Al begins to throw more questions at Marina.

Marina, where is Francesca going to stay while shes here?

Shane sits up straight in her chair, Man, you better do something to keep her away from the house.

I have to keep her away from The Planet, she upsets everyone. Not sure what I..

Restraining order, thats what you do, I uh, kinda know about them. Cops make sure you dont get too close, you know what I mean.

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

Marina has dinner prepared and ready to serve, its been a busy a day. A relaxing evening, knowing everything is in the works, will be a welcomed break.

She heads upstairs to prepare a bath for herself and Jenny. Jenny will be arriving soon and she wants her to be able to relax as well.

She hears her come in, Jenny, Im up here, come join me. Candles are lit, wine glasses are filled, Marina gets into the bath.

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

Francesca stops to look at the painting, How quaint, Marina.

Hearing Marinas invitation, she smiles and heads up the stairs. She looks around the bedroom, hears Marina in the bath. Im in here Jenny, I want to wash you, all of you, the voice is inviting, that low sultry accent smooth like butter.

Francesca begins to unbutton her top with a knowing smile on her face, knowing the beauty that lies on the other side of that wall. She remembers every inch of her, all the spots she has visited and revisited many times over the years.

Marina smiles to herself, hearing Jenny moving about the room, hearing the clothes fall to the floor, anticipating her.

Francesca is completely nude when she hears the front door, listening, she hears Jenny begin the ascent up the stairs.

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

Jennys thoughts of all the happenings over the past twenty four hours have finally started to subside, she just wants to relax. Realizing Marina must be upstairs, she heads for her, her choice, her possibility, her Marina.

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

Francesca steps into the room, Marina is shocked, What are you doing here?

Ive come to be with you sweetheart.

Marina jumps up and steps out of the bath. Francesca steps towards her and runs her hands across Marina ***** resting her hands on her hips continuing her assault with her eyes as she looks at all of her. Marina has to step closer to her to reach past her for a towel, Francesca leans and kisses her neck, as she does Marina sees Jenny standing there paralyzed.

Marina grabs the towel, pushes past Francesca as she wraps the towel around her, stands before her, Jenny, was all she could say.

Jenny turns and runs down the stairs with Marina following, Jenny, wait, please stop.

As she reaches the door, she turns looking first at Marina, then at Francesca standing proudly naked at the top of the stairs. Francesca smirking, Goodnight, Jenny dear.

Marina turns at hearing Francesca, brows tight, face full of disbelief.

***** you both, Jenny turns and walks out the door.

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

I cant go inside. Theres too much of her in there, I cant look at her, I cant be near her now.

Jenny sits at the top of the stairs, looking to the ground unable to take in any more into this once again over-crowded mind. The tears begin, uncontrollable, relentless in their attack.

You were right, she is a seductress creating illusions, playing on our vulnerabilities, satisfying whatever need arises with whoever is available and willing. Youre such a fool Jenny.

Wait! Ive been quiet. Ive been watching and listening. Youre wrong. Think about it, youre wrong Jenny.

Sarah had kept her promise, because she believed Jenny had discovered a part of them that was missing, lacking. Yes, once I thought it was no different than the professors, a good experience for a storyline, a nice way to reassure you and counter my ever condemning self-loathing. You told me to look closer, you told me to give her some credit. I did, now look at you. Believing what you see instead of what you know, what youve lived through with her.

You pointed it out to me, shes never lied to you. Jenny, she told you she loved you, why would she lie, what gain is there. Shes told you all there is to tell, you know details no one else knows about her.

Shes back to her old ways Sarah, the pawn they used once again to find each other desirable.

Jenny, shes your friend, no, our friend, our lover, our love. Everything shes done has been for us, as we wished, when we wished. Dont be the coward I once was, dont be afraid to see all there is to see. Youre lying to yourself to us if you believe she wants Francesca and not us.

Oh, I believe she wants us, she needs us to keep Francesca.

Once you told me, you accepted her, needed her, wanted her. Jenny, I have come to accept her, I need her, I want her. She has loved us as no one has loved us, openly, without restraint, without conditions.

Jenny, please, please, dont cheat us and take from us what has made us one.

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

I want you out. I want you out of this house. I want you out of my life. Now, forever, Marina words came from a place inside once unfamiliar to her, a place only Jenny possesses, a place that now has a gaping wound. Her words were spoken with such deliberation their sincerity was not to be doubted.

Francesca could not believe what she was hearing. It had never occurred to her that Marina would actually leave her. She finally understood and, in a Francesca sort of way, respected her for wanting to no longer be held to her by finances. She even understood how Jenny might touch her heart in way she never had. But never, did she believe Marina wanted her out of her life, until now.

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

Marina stands quietly watching her, watching her weep, seeing once again this woman surrounded by pain due to her. She doesnt want Jenny to hurt anymore.

Do you know how much you mean to me?

Jenny looks up. She sees such sadness in her dark eyes, eyes clouded with the threat of tears.

Not since I was a young girl have I been so happy. You are the cause of my happiness, while I am the cause of your anguish. I never wanted to hurt you. I know I cant keep saying these words to you. I have to leave you alone, so you can find your happiness. Im so sorry Jenny, Im so sorry.

Jenny watches her turn and leave, saying nothing, numb to all that has happened, quieted with Sarahs silence inside her head.

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

You gonna leave it like that? You gonna let her walk away.

You know Jenny, I’m not one to be real sympathetic with other peoples problems. But, theres something I think you should know.

I dont really know what love is, but if I had to guess it was just standing at your feet.

Marina didnt know I was in the house, she thought I was you. Timing was impeccable. You didnt see what you thought you saw. After you left, she told me she wanted me out of her life, forever. Gotta admit, thats a pretty long time.

If I were you, I think Id go get that bath she had planned for you.

Francesca turns to leave, Oh and one more thing, if you do decide to go for it, would you tell her, Ill sign the papers tomorrow. She can have whatever she wants.

Jenny watches as her second visitor walks away, this time the clouds are clearing and she realizes today must have been the first time Francesca ever understood what love was.

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

Jenny enters the bedroom, sees Marina sitting on the edge staring into nothingness. She walks past her heading towards the bath, I guess well need fresh water, as she starts to run a new bath.

Did I tell you, when we were in Palm Springs, how I told this room full of women my coming out story. How I had met the most beautiful woman I ever saw. How I had the best ***** ever in the whole ***** world. She stops the water, steps into the bedroom, walks over to Marina, How this woman told me the first night we made love that she thinks she could fall in love with me.

Jenny begins to unzip Marinas top, Anyhow, I was wondering, if that woman could love me for awhile, a long while.

Marina cannot take her eyes off of Jenny, she watches her lips as she speaks, her hands as she undresses her. Looking back into Jenny eyes with wonder in her own eyes she says, Yes.

And, I was wondering, if that woman would make love to me for awhile, a long while.

Marinas accent is heavy with desire, You mean, the best ***** you ever had, kind of thing?

Oh no, the best ***** ever, in the whole ***** world.