ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
Heaven
On Earth
by Julia Ford
Disclaimers: The characters Xena, Gabrielle, and company are owned by MCA/Universal/Renaissance Pictures/Studios USA (have I missed anyone?). Kennedy and Dawn may seem familiar and I thank X:WP for the inspiration. The other characters are my creation and are not intended to resemble anyone else living or dead (except for one of my buddies and she knows who she is <g>). My apologies if the story and or characters resemble anyone else's! Many of the places in Toronto that are described really exist…come & visit sometime.
Subtext: Oh yes. If you object to intimate relationships between two women and/or if it is illegal where you live or for your age, do not read any further.
Violence: None worth mentioning.
Thanks: Having not written a modern day uber story before I was a little nervous about starting a series. My thanks to one of the great uber bards for having a look and giving me positive feedback. And, as always, my thanks to FX for humouring me by posting my stories <g>
Inspiration: A very special upcoming double wedding in the Xenaverse <g> and my own journey through the priesthood.
August 11, 2001
I'd love to hear your thoughts about my creative endeavors. I can be reached at fordju@attglobal.net
CHAPTER 1
As Anne and Susan looked out over the dance floor from their spot at the head table they felt the pounding of the music and saw the swaying bodies dance. It had been a fantastic day for them…their wedding day. They hadn't believed that it would ever come, or if it had, they thought they would have to settle for a simple commitment ceremony devoid of the blessing of a Priest. As much as organized religion drove them crazy, they still had their faith in God and they figured God had something to do with Father "Ken" becoming the local parish priest.
Now Kennedy Frazer was the most gorgeous, tall, dark haired, blue eyed woman either of them had ever seen in their entire lives. Susan had known Kennedy since college days and was totally blown away when she realized that her old buddy was going to be their priest. Father Ken, as Kennedy came to be known was a no-nonsense down to earth person who was an excellent priest even though she never seemed to be quite comfortable in her role of priest.
Although she had a boyfriend, Kennedy had quickly became a part of the women's scene in town and many assumed she was at least bi-sexual, although nobody had successfully proved it! Kennedy played sports with the local dyke teams and didn't seem to have any problems with anyone's sexual preference. Anne and Susan had been totally delighted when she'd agreed to break all the rules and marry them. Some how it didn't matter that the church wouldn't recognize the marriage, so long as Father Ken did.
"Look at her dance," said Anne as she gazed out towards where Kennedy seemed to be into to it hot and heavy with Gina.
"Gods, yes. With a body like hers it is a wonder that anyone else can dance. I'd want to stop and gawk," replied Susan.
"Well, you can gawk, but no touching…you're married now!"
Susan smiled at Anne and then brought her lips to Anne's and started a long, sensuous kiss that left her wife breathless. Then she whispered to her "don't worry, you're the only one I want to touch."
After another kiss, the two women gazed out towards the dance floor, but instead of seeing Kennedy dancing the tall woman has stopped and looked if she were going to kill Gina. They watched as Kennedy turned abruptly and headed for the doors to the balcony. Anne and Susan looked at each other, got up and walked towards Gina to find out what happened.
Gina was standing on the dance floor looking totally confused when the married couple made their way up to her.
"What's going on Gina?" asked Anne as Susan took the woman's arm and led her away from the dance floor.
"Did you see the way she was dancing with me? Did you see how her sexiness was just seeping out from her? Did you?" asked Gina.
"Yeah…" said Susan slowly.
"Well, I told her I was hot for her and asked her to come home with me. I thought she wanted it by how she was dancing…" Gina's voice trailed off in disappointment.
Susan laughed and said, "Well, you're as dumb as ditch water. Didn't you hear what she said in the service about faithfulness and commitment? Kennedy's no more likely to cheat on her boyfriend than I'm going to be flying on next week's shuttle mission!"
Anne looked at Susan and nodded her head in the direction that Kennedy had gone. Susan smiled and left Anne with Gina as she went to find Kennedy.
The priest was leaning against the balcony as she looked out at the lights of the city. There was a definite aura of sadness and loneliness about her. Quietly Susan walked up and stood beside Kennedy but didn't say a word. It was Kennedy who broke the silence with small talk.
"It's a great view of the city from the up here isn't it?" said Kennedy very quietly.
"Yeah, I'm glad we were able to get this place for our wedding," replied Susan who then continued, "you OK?"
Kennedy looked over at her friend and shrugged. "I will be."
The sadness that showed in her eyes told another tale, but Susan knew not to try and push Kennedy to talk when she wasn't ready to open up. So they just stood there and looked out at the city.
Kennedy's emotions swirled around inside her as she tried to deal with the shambles of her life. Oh, on the outside everything usually looked as if she had the world by its tale. Nobody, except possibly Susan, ever saw the loneliness. Kennedy's outbreak of anger this evening wasn't really directed at Gina. No, it was directed at herself. Kennedy knew she had been enjoying herself far too much as she danced with Gina and wasn't surprized when the woman propositioned her. What surprized her was that she'd almost said yes. She wasn't attracted to Gina, she wasn't even sure she could be attracted to any woman. But the thought of spending the night with someone who really wanted to be with her had appealed to her.
Mark, her boyfriend, would be rolling in drunk tonight well after the bars closed. He'd been invited to the wedding, but had turned down the invitation saying that he wouldn't feel comfortable around all those women who had no use for him as a man. They had argued over why Kennedy was spending so much time with Susan and Anne and the others. He was sure they were trying to steal her from him. Kennedy would only say that she liked the feel of their energy. Mark had said that was nonsense and had stormed out of the rectory and had slammed the door as he left. No, Mark wouldn't be home anytime soon.
And for this being a priest gig, Kennedy still couldn't believe she'd made it through all the selection committees and the course of study. She'd been sure someone would stop her. But they didn't and she was ordained and with her ordination had hoped she would be in a position to make amends for her earlier life as a corporate raider. But, she was growing to realize that she was not finding the redemption she was searching for in the church. She was strongly considering resigning her orders…a fancy way of saying she was considering quitting. 'Oh by the gods, please help me to find meaning in my life!' was Kennedy's silent plea.
All the time while Kennedy mused, Susan stood quietly beside her friend and watched the storm gather in Kennedy's heart, powerless to do anything about it.
'If only she could find the place where she belongs and a person to share her life with. Oh God, help her!' though Susan as she looked over at her miserable friend.
Just then the soft step of Anne was heard approaching and Susan watched as Kennedy pulled herself together and turned to greet the newlywed.
"Hi Anne, I'm sorry I've kept Susan here so long," said the raven-haired beauty as she gave Anne a gentle kiss on the cheek. "I must be going now, but I wanted you both to know how much it meant to me to do your wedding. May it be truly blessed." With that she gave Susan a hug and a kiss and then walked away.
"She's not doing well is she?" asked Anne.
"Nope, but lets go in and try to celebrate our wedding the way I know she'd want us to celebrate," said Susan.
"I have a better idea," said Anne as she put her arms around her spouse and whispered in her ear, "There's a wedding suite ready and waiting. Let's not make it wait any longer."
By the time they'd finished kissing and headed to
their suite, I'm afraid Kennedy had been forgotten.
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