ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Repeating History

by Nyxie

© 2001 Nyxie

Disclaimers: You know whom they look like and you know I don’t own them. However, Jeri, Court, Mark, and Kaylee are mine. Their other names belong elsewhere.  *** “These Arms of Mine” was used without the permission of its composer. It is copyrighted 1962- Otis Redding. No profit is to be gained by it’s use, so please don’t sue me?***

Sex/Love: Ohhhh yah! This story is about two women, AKA lesbians. They make out, have sex, and well...other stuff. If you’re underage then “walk away!” If you live in a country, state, or province where homosexuality is illegal, then MOVE!

Violence/Language: No and maybe, baby!

To those who may assume I am cruel and insensitive and anti-summer camp: I am not cruel or insensitive, nor am I anti-summer camp. I know five year olds who have spent six weeks at one…I am also an ex-camp counselor, so ner-ner! I do know what it’s like to be up in the middle of the night with both sick and homesick campers, and I also can tell a broken bone when I see one. So hehe! Also a thank you here to Sonny…for catching my girls in the act while I was drugged up on God knows what kind of medication. Twelve is too young to be sneaking out to get felt up by the boys, anyways. (In my case not being felt up by the boys is the preferred option…)

Thanks: To my beta reader, Beck. Thank you James for letting me use your car. Now the important stuff…THANK YOU to everyone who has sent me e-mails and such telling me how much you enjoy everything I write. I want to send a thank you out to Phoenix Warrior for the support. Another big thank you to Cindy at ForevaXena for making it possible for me to get this stuff to you, because I am computer illiterate when it comes to the Internet. (Gimme Software!)

Random Thought: By the time I’m twenty-two I could have a beer gut. How bad would that be!?

Author’s note: Most of this story was written, either smelling like raw fish, not being able to smell at all, or being half asleep. Please forgive me for any errors there might be, but as you can see I am having a rough time…The raw fish bothers me most... *Pulls a face*

Prologue:

Court maneuvered her van through the streets, toward the small elementary school. She was running late again, as usual so it seemed, and she knew it. She had ten minutes to get to get where she needed to go, and she wasn’t sure she’d make it. She sighed and let her mind wander back to the last time she found herself in this situation.

One: Meeting…

Part A:

Jeri Kenneth sauntered up the stairs of the small elementary school. It was the Friday before Mother’s Day and the kindergarten was having a day for the kids where their mothers would come for a celebration. Jeri was there for her son. She made her way down the hallway as she made sure everything was in place. She adjusted her blue T-shirt to make sure that it wasn’t wrinkled, and did the same with her jeans. She entered the classroom and most of the other mothers began to stare at her. At five foot eleven, with jet-black hair, and icy blue eyes, Jeri was just a tad on the intimidating side.

Mark Kenneth came running to the classroom door to greet his mother. They had always been on their own, just the two of them. Mark never felt cheated in any way, because he had everything he could ever need. A father…well… had never been in the picture.  “Mommy! I’m happy you came!”

Jeri smiled at the boy and knelt down in front of him. She placed a kiss on his cheek and said; “You know that nothing would keep me away…”

“Not even a harpy, like on Xena?” he asked.

Jeri shook her head, “Not even a harpy…not even one hundred harpies!” she said with a smile. “Where’s your seat, baby?”

Mark grabbed his mother’s hand and led her to the front of the room. “Right here, next to Kaylee. She’s my best friend.” He told her as he sat down.

Jeri sat down next to him in one of the small chairs. She noticed the little girl next to Mark, Kaylee, was sitting alone, looking as though she would cry at any minute. Jeri felt bad for the small girl, but didn’t know what was wrong, so she did what all the other mothers were doing…she waited.

****

Twenty minutes later all the other mothers had arrived…all but one. Kaylee was a petite girl, with bright green eyes and a head full of golden blonde hair.  She sat sobbing at her desk, as her mother was no-where to be seen. Mark put his hand on her shoulder and said, “Don’t cry, Lee. She’ll come…” In contrast, Mark was tall for his age, with a mat of wavy black hair and sky blue eyes.

Kaylee looked over at him and said, “I don’t know…now I won’t have anyone to play with when we play the games.”

Mark thought a minute and said, “You can share my Mommy with me…see she’s big enough! She doesn’t even fit in our chairs!”

Kaylee smiled through her tears and asked, “Really?”

Jeri watched with pride as her son tried to comfort the girl. She answered, “Sure…here…” She picked up her chair and moved it, so that she was seated between the two children. “Now I get to have two times the fun!” She had to wonder what kind of mother didn’t show up for one of these things. Hell, even she was there.

“Thank you, Mrs. Mark’s Mommy…” Kaylee said.

“You can call me Jeri.” Jeri said.

Kaylee grinned again, “Thank you, Jeri.”

“You’re welcome, kid.” Jeri replied.

****

Jeri sat laughing at the play the kids were putting on. It was supposed to be Peter Rabbit, but it was more a lesson in controlled chaos. The classroom door opened and in stepped a woman. She was small; in fact she looked a lot like Kaylee. She had long blonde hair, dressed in a jeans/T-shirt outfit very similar to Jeri’s. She silently made her way to her daughter’s desk and sat down. She was silent until the play ended and the teacher took the kids to the back of the room. She was getting them ready to read their poems.

Court looked over at Jeri and smiled a little bit. She said, “I’m sure this looks really bad, doesn’t it?”

Jeri smiled and said, “Jeri Kenneth…and just a little, but you are here.”

“Court Webber, and yeah. Now I just have to find a sitter for tonight. My boss decided to give me hell about leaving and is making me work another shift tonight.” Court explained. She was a naturally friendly person.

Jeri had an idea. She suggested, “Why don’t I take Kaylee home to play with Mark? They seem to get along very well. I mean he told me they were best friends.” That was quite impressive considering Mark was a very reserved child.

“Mark…I’ve heard all about Mark, and it looks like their stories match up. Kaylee says that he’s the only friend she has.” Court smiled and shook her head. She continued, “It would work, but my shift isn’t over until midnight. That’s a bit late for me to take her home, don’t ya think?”

Jeri scratched her head. She offered, “Slumber party? Why don’t you come to the house after your shift, and I’ll set up the guest room? I have to be at work at six tomorrow. If it’s alright with you, you could stay with them until I get off at noon. At least I won’t have to drag Mark along, again.”

It sounded like a good idea to Court. She asked, “Won’t your husband mind?” She didn’t want to make any assumptions.

Jeri shook her head, “What’s a husband?”

Court started laughing, “Like I would know? I’ve never had one…” She decided she’d have to do some investigating later. For now that was all the answer she needed to accept.

“Never wanted one…” Jeri said with a grin. She was serious. Mark had been an accident, and so had sleeping with his father…it was only experimentation. More or less she wanted to know if she would be missing anything if she stuck to women. She found that she wasn’t missing a thing.

“Me either. I think you’ve got yourself a deal.” Court said. Court’s story was the same as Jeri’s. The only difference was that she had only ever been with one person, and that was Kaylee’s father.

“Where do you work?” Jeri asked. This was one of her few attempts at small talk.

Court replied, “In the factory on St. James Rd. How ‘bout you?”

“Manger of the fish market by the bay. I like it…I mean I have the time to spend with Mark, and they let me leave to get him here every morning. Plus they give me double wages for clerking.” Jeri explained.

“Wow…if it wasn't the fact that the factory gives me the option of being home when Kaylee gets here, I would have quit a long time ago.” Court said as their kids approached them.

Kaylee smiled, “Mama! You came!” She ran into her mother and gave her a giant hug. “I thought you wouldn’t come!”

Court hugged her little girl and said, “I’m sorry I was late…I wouldn’t miss it.”

Kaylee grinned at Mark. She said, “Mama this is Mark, and he said I could share his Mommy with him!”

Mark climbed onto Jeri’s lap and smiled. Court said, “That was very nice of you, Mark.”

Mark smiled and said, “Sit with me, Lee! There’s enough room…”

“Okay!” Kaylee climbed on Jeri’s other leg and sat next to her friend.

Jeri looked at Court and rolled her eyes. She said to Kaylee, “How would you like to spend the night with Mark, tonight?”

Kaylee looked at Court and asked, “Can I!? Really!?”

“Yes you can…I’m going to get some clothes and bring them over. Then I have to go back to work, and I’ll be there when you wake up. How does that sound?” Court asked her daughter.

“Good…right Mark?” Kaylee asked.

“Yeah! Cool!” Mark agreed.

****

The kids went up in their rows. One by one they read their poems and then took their seats. Finally it was Mark and Kaylee’s turn. They went up and Mark read:

“My mom is great.

She loves me a lot.

She works hard.

She does cool stuff with me.

I love my mom.”

Instead of sitting down he moved closer to Kaylee. Court hoped for the best; she knew that Kaylee wasn’t a very good reader. Kaylee started to read:

“My Mama…loves me

We… play games

My Mama is…pretty.

I love my Mama a lot.”

Every so often Kaylee would pause at a word. Mark would look at the paper and whisper to her what it was, so she could read it to her mother. They both went back to their mothers and sat between them.

“Did ya like it, Mommy?” Mark asked.

“Yeah, I did. I was very proud of you, baby.” She leaned down and kissed Mark’s cheek.

Court smiled at Kaylee and said, “That was beautiful.”

“Mark helped me…” Kaylee admitted.

“I know…” Court said as she kissed her daughter’s forehead.

****

Jeri and Court and their kids made their way out of the classroom and down the hallway. Court said to Jeri, “You raised a great kid, Jeri.”

“Thank you.” She replied as she kneeled down, “You guys ready?” she asked.

They both nodded and Kaylee went to Court. She said, “I love you, Mama!”

“I love you too…you be good for Jeri, okay?” Court asked.

“I will…I promise.” Kaylee swore.

“Okay…I’ll see you in the morning.” Court said as she kissed the little girl and headed back to work. She looked at Jeri, “Do you want me to bring by pajama’s before I go to work?”

“Umm…actually I have some stuff she can fit into from when my niece spends the night. I also have extra toothbrushes, and hairbrushes, and hair scrunches, and Barbie toothpaste…not that I ever use hair scrunches or Barbie toothpaste. Besides, we’ve gotta go shopping before we go home. We’ve got no food…Want anything for tomorrow?”

“Pancake mix, coffee, and an orange juice?” Court asked, hoping she wasn’t over stepping her boundaries.

“Well there’s always coffee in the house, but orange juice and napcake mix? What are you possibly going to do with that?” Jeri asked. She was quite serious.

“Pancakes…Cook it…for breakfast. Ya know?” Court asked.

Jeri just shrugged and grinned. She replied, “We don’t cook. I’ll see you later. I’ll make sure you have your ratcakes and orange juice.”

Court chuckled a little, “Pancakes…”

Jeri picked up both of the kids and asked, “Ready to go?”

“Yeah!” They both giggled.

Mark looked at his mother and asked, “What’s a cakepan and an orange juice?”

Kaylee looked at him funny as Jeri replied, “Beats the hell outta me, but I’m sure Kaylee can help us.”

“I can!” Kaylee agreed

Court gave Jeri and Mark a bemused look as the three of them left. She thought, “What’s so hard about pancakes? Wow…now she’s one of the few people I could see myself being friends with.”

“Maybe I’ll have to look into keeping her around for a while. She wants to cook panflakes…” Jeri thought as she approached her Bronco.

****

Jeri buckled Kaylee and Mark into the back of her Bronco. She checked again and made sure they were in right and closed the door. She circled the Bronco and got in. As she headed to the store Mark pointed out, “Mommy! It’s Friday!”

Jeri glanced into the rearview and smiled at the excited expression on Mark’s face. She asked him, “Domino’s or Pizza Hut or Papa John’s?”

“Hmmm…what’s your favorite, Kaylee?” Mark asked his friend.

“I like Pizza Hut…” Kaylee said.

Mark nodded his head and replied, “My favorite’s Domino’s, but we can have Pizza Hut tonight. ” He turned his head toward the front of the car and said, “We’re gonna have Pizza Hut…that’s Kaylee’s favorite.”

Jeri nodded, “Okay…” she pulled into the superstore’s parking lot and jumped out. She opened the door for Mark and Kaylee; she had to get mark out of his booster seat before he could go anywhere. She helped them out of the car and took each of their hands.

Mark smiled up at his mom and asked, “What are we getting this weekend?”

“Canpakes and orange juice. Ice cream, microwave dinners, bologna, cheese, beer, chicken nuggets…you want the cheese kind?”

“Yeah.” Mark replied and then added, “Animal crackers, Oreos, Dr. Pepper, and Coke…”

Kaylee pulled on Jeri’s sleeve and added, “Oil, eggs, and milk for the pancakes.”

Mark made a face, “Eggs and milk?” he asked.

“Don’t worry…we’ll buy some syrup too…then we can have chocolate milk. As for the eggs…umm…we’ll save what we don’t use and then one night we can throw them at things…” Jeri deducted. She nodded and smiled at the two children.

****

Kaylee looked at the shopping cart in awe. She had never see so much junk food at once; Court seldom bought any. Jeri looked at her and said, “Now where do we find these things you call tanplates?”

“You mean pancakes?” Kaylee asked.

“Yeah…” Jeri replied. “Crabcakes.”

“Over here.” Kaylee said as she pulled Jeri toward the cereal aisle. They went down to the end of it and Kaylee pointed to the shelves of pancake mix. “Those.” She said.

Mark and Jeri looked up in awe. There were about twenty different kinds of pancake mix in front of them. Mark asked, “What one? There’s zillions…”

“I dunno, baby.” Jeri said as she looked to Kaylee. She asked, “What one does your mom use?”

“The one in the yellow box…” the girl answered. Everyone should know that. The stuff in the yellow box was the best.

Jeri reached up and grabbed the yellow box. She said and smiled, “Bisquick! Mark…I know what this stuff is. Gramma used to make it before she went through that whole vegetable only phase. She walked across the isle and picked up a bottle of syrup and threw it in the cart…Gramma called them flapjacks. Need that or they taste like…bread stuff.”

“Like no sugar?” Mark asked.

“Exactly…we don’t eat things like that.” Jeri said to Mark, although he already knew. Kaylee looked at them and was quite confused.

Kaylee asked, “You guys eat all this stuff all the time?”

Mark smiled, “Yeah, or we call the pizza people.”

Jeri grinned as they headed toward the checkout line. She was sensing that Court was one of those mothers who made sure the children were properly fed. Jeri wasn’t one of those mothers. She spent at least an hour a day working out, except the weekends, and she did do a lot of running. Mark was just as active, playing flag football, and winter wrestling. They could eat however they wanted.

Mark pulled on Jeri’s sleeve as she unloaded the cart. She looked down and Mark asked, “Chocolate?”

“Go to town kid…you too Kaylee. Whatever you want.” Jeri said to them. She looked back up to see the cashier staring at her.

“You let them eat like that?” the elderly clerk asked.

“Yeah…” Jeri replied as she looked at her name-tag.

“And you eat like that?” May questioned.

“Yeah…”

“And ya’ll still look like that?” May asked.

“Yeah…”

“God bless you all.” The old woman laughed as she began to ring up their purchases.

Jeri smiled as she realized the bottom of her basket was filled with chocolate bars. She reached in and picked them up. She placed them on the belt and said to Kaylee, “Hand me four Kit Kats?”

Kaylee smiled and did as she was asked. She had a feeling she would enjoy spending time with Jeri and Mark.

****

It was about twelve-thirty when Court got to Jeri’s house. She saw a note on the front door telling her to come right in. Court opened the door and called out, “Jeri?”

“In the kitchen.” Jeri replied.

Court walked into the small foyer and through the living room. She went up two steps and then down two steps and found herself in the kitchen. Jeri was sitting at the kitchen table playing a video game. She was quite a sight; a beautiful woman in silk boxers and a tank top sitting in a kitchen playing Nintendo. She hit the pause button and took a gulp of her beer. 

“Wow…” was all Court could say.

“Welcome to Casa Jeri. This is the kitchen…” Jeri announced as she took Court’s bag.

Court nodded, “I see…how were the kids?”

“Well, we went shopping and Kaylee helped me find the fatcakes stuff…” Jeri said as a laughing Court cut her off. “What?”

“PAN- CAKE. Say it with me, please?” Court begged. “Say pan.”

“Pan.” Jeri repeated.

“Now cake.”

“Cake.” Jeri said.

Court suggested, “Now put them together.”

“Pancake…” Jeri said with a grin.

“Very impressive.” Court said with a smile.

Jeri nodded and continued, “So Kaylee helped me find the ratcake stuff, and it turns out that my mom used to make them before she decided to go on her all vegetable kick…flapjacks! Anyways, we got some pizza from Pizza Hut, and then we came home and ate that, and some ice cream and we watched Xena. Then I gave them a bath, kinda…and put them to bed.” She finished her beer and sat in a chair.

“What do you mean, kinda?” Court asked. She was very curious.

“Well I don’t know the whole rule about boys and girls in bathtubs…my niece takes showers, but Mark still gets a bath, and Kaylee said she did too…So I let them bathe together under the stipulation that they wear bathing suits.” Jeri said. She was incredibly proud of herself.

Court started laughing at the image of the two kids in the tub in swimsuits. She asked, “Do you take baths with Mark?”

Jeri nodded, “Yeah…sometimes. I mean he’s only five.”

“And when will you stop?” Court asked.

“Dunno…I’ll know when the time comes, I guess.” Jeri reasoned.

Court nodded, “Well then there’s the rule. When you think he’s too old to bathe with you, then that’s when you’ll know he’s too old to bathe with girls.”

Jeri smiled, “I like the way you think…I’ll remember it for next time.” She said and added, “Sometimes I think it would be easier if he had a father…ya know? To teach him about man stuff.”

Court came and sat down next to her. She nodded, “Kaylee asked once where her father was, and I told her I didn’t know. She asked why I didn’t find someone else to be her daddy…”

“Mark asked once. I guess I had an easier time, because I know that his father is in Southern California. I told him that his father didn’t want to live with us. He said that I didn’t need a husband because he was going to take care of me and he didn’t need a daddy because I’d take care of him.” Jeri said with a smile. She asked, “Why didn’t you ever remarry? If you don’t mind that question…”

“Not at all. Just don’t hold the answer against Kaylee, please. A lot of people I know would.” Court began as rested her head in her hand.

“Nope…wouldn’t do that.” Jeri assured her. She was pretty sure she knew what was coming next.

“I don’t want to be with a man; I never have. I wanted to see what the big deal about sex with a guy was, and there wasn’t a big deal. I found out what I already knew…I’m neither sexually or physically attracted to them.” Court summarized and hoped for the best.

“So you aren’t attracted to anything?” Jeri asked mischievously.

“Wouldn’t say that…I merely don’t date outside of my gender.” Court remarked.

Jeri smiled; she was quite pleased with herself. She said, “Well the last date I had was a woman…in fact all but one were women. Then again I don’t remember what a date is…it’s been like five years.”

“Six here…I don’t think I’ll ever have another date.” Court joked. She was a little more at ease now that she wasn’t keeping anything in.

Jeri felt the same way. She said, “You will…I know you will.”

“How?” Court asked.

Jeri chuckled, “Wanna go on a date with me tomorrow night?”

“Seriously?” Court asked.

Jeri nodded, “Yeah…I’ll call my mom and she can baby-sit. I’ll take you to dinner, and a movie…and then we can hang out in the local coffee house like all the cool kids do, now a days.” She laughed at her own joke, and Court was laughing with her.

“I’d love to...”

Part B:

Court stood in the kitchen making her pancakes. It was about eleven-thirty when the kids woke up. Mark asked, “Am I gonna like the ratcakes?”

“Try one.” Court suggested as she handed him a pancake.

Mark looked at it and took a bite; his entire expression changed. “Court…”

“Yes?” she asked with an amused grin.

“They’re pretty good.” He took another bite and smiled as Kaylee walked over.

“You like them?” Kaylee asked.

“Sure…canpakes are good.” He agreed as he sat down by the table.

“Pancakes!” Kaylee corrected.

Jeri came sauntering into the kitchen to see her son eating a plain pancake. She couldn’t believe that. She smiled at the kids and motioned for them to keep quiet; they were very quiet for five year-olds. She crept up behind Court and grabbed her hips, “Whatcha cookin’ this morning?” she asked.

Court jumped and spun around. She wasn’t quite used to anyone touching her, aside from Kaylee. It had been like that since she got pregnant.  As soon as she realized it was Jeri she relaxed and smiled. She said, “Pancakes and bacon. Your son likes them.”

Jeri made no attempt to move her hands from Court’s hips, noticing that Court made no effort to move. She just smiled and said, “I’ve noticed. I can promise you won’t have that kind of luck with me.”

“We’ll see about that. I am sure I won’t have any luck with you now…but later.” Court said.

Jeri blushed a little bit. She was surprised at where the conversation was going. She asked, “Ummm…Court?”

“Oh get your mind out of the gutter. I was talking about eating…you won’t be eating anything unhealthy tonight.” Court replied with a smirk. All double meanings were present.

“Oh? Well then, would you mind telling me what I’ll be eating?” Jeri asked.

“Dunno yet…but your selection is limited.” Court said as she started to laugh.

Jeri finally moved back and grabbed a piece of bacon. “Hope so.” She said with a smirk as Court’s face turned red.

****

Mark and Kaylee watched the exchange between their mothers with interest. Mark whispered, “I think my Mommy likes your Mama.”

Kaylee grinned and whispered, “I think my Mama likes your Mom too.”

“My Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Laura do stuff like that…they’re married.” Mark pointed out quietly.

“Maybe my Mama can marry your Mommy and you could be my brother…” Kaylee suggested.

Mark thought a minute and said, “They have to go out first…they can’t get married unless they go on a date…” The five year-old deducted.

“How do you know?” Kaylee asked.

“I saw it on TV…they can be like Xena and Gabrielle.” Mark giggled.

Kaylee shook her head, “They don’t go on a date.”

“No but they kiss! That means they’re already married, right?” Mark asked.

“I think so…kissing is gross!” Kaylee said.

“Yeah!” Mark giggled.

****

Jeri and Court sat down at the table. Jeri said to Mark, “So Gramma’s gonna come and pick you guys up tonight…she’s gonna take you to Chuck E. Cheese.”

Mark smiled, “Kaylee, my Gramma’s soooo cool! She makes cookies!”

Kaylee asked her mother, “Where are you going?”

Court bit her lower lip and replied, “Me an’ Jeri are going to see a movie and have dinner.”

Kaylee and Mark looked at each other and smiled. Jeri was convinced if they smiled a little more their faces would split in half. They slapped each other five. Mark asked, “Are we sleeping over Gramma’s?”

Jeri nodded, “Yup… if you want to. Do you want to?”

Kaylee and Mark replied in unison, “Yes!”

“Then it’s settled?” Court asked.

The kids responded, “Yup.” They set about giggling, whispering, and occasionally eating their breakfast.

Jeri arched an eyebrow at them and commented, “Something’s up…” as she opened her mouth she found it stuffed with a pancake. She pulled a disgusted face as she chewed.

“Uh-huh…” Court said as she started laughing at Jeri. “Swallow.”

Jeri swallowed and immediately gulped some coffee. “Paybacks are a bitch, stimpy.”

“Who you callin’ stimpy?” Court asked.

Jeri just smiled and shrugged.

****

The kids were picked up around four-thirty. Court decided to bring another change of clothes for that night, so she wouldn’t have to go home late. She had to go home for Kaylee’s things anyway. Jeri sat across from Court in the booth at Burger King. “Good choice.” Jeri said as she ate a French Fry.

“Figured you’d like it. It’s my way of apologizing for the pancake this morning.” Court admitted.

Jeri threw a French fry at her and smiled, “I think I like you…”

This caught Court off guard. Granted, she had developed a crush on Jeri, but she never expected Jeri to be so forward. She asked, “Friend like me? You’re hot I want a piece of that, like me? Or I think I have a crush, like me?”

Jeri’s smile got bigger. She lowered her head, then looked up a little bit. “More than ratcakes…” She received a look from Court and continued, “All three…mostly the third one though.” She waited for Court to tell her the same, or different.

“Have you always been this honest with your dates?” Court asked.

“No…I usually told them what they wanted to hear so I could get a cheap thrill.” Jeri chided.

“I’ve dated women like you…they never got a cheap thrill.” Court laughed.

Jeri nodded. She liked the fact that Court wasn’t that experienced. She said thoughtfully, “I feel bad for my mom. I lost count of the number of women she had to comfort the morning after…she has tally marks on the wall by the front door.”

Court just shook her head in disbelief.  She questioned, “You’re mom was okay with you being gay?”

“Sure, she’s a hippy. Your parents weren’t?” Jeri replied.

“No. They kicked me out after they found out I was a pregnant lesbian. I haven’t talked to them since then, and I haven’t got any other family. When I say it’s been just me and Kaylee for the past six years I mean that literally.” Court explained as she sipped her Dr. Pepper. Her mood was getting worse by the minute, now.

Jeri reached out and covered Court’s hand with her’s. She said, “Well you have family now, and if you need anything ever, you call me.”

“What I need is somebody to love… can you help me there?” Court asked with a slight grin.

Jeri nodded, “I could, but we should be careful.” She said thoughtfully.

“We should…we have two other people to think of in all of this.” Court said softly.

“They are the most important. The rules are easy though. No foreplay in front of them, kissing is okay, we don’t move in together for a while, and we make sure they’re happy. And…now that we have all this mushy stuff out of the way, lets go act like a couple of teenagers, eh?” Jeri suggested.

Court noticed she had a way of lightening any mood. She smiled and leaned across the table, placing a kiss on Jeri’s cheek. “Lets…”

“Lets…” Jeri echoed as she stood up and cleared their trays.

As Court caught up with Jeri she grabbed her hand and pulled her to a stop. She said, “Thank you, Jer.”

“You’re welcome…” Jeri said as she leaned down and brushed a kiss against Court’s forehead. “Paybacks…”

****

Court and Jeri made their way into the back row of seats in the theater. They sat in the furthest possible corner. They thought they were very pathetic, as they were at a ten o’clock showing of a Looney Tunes movie; needless to they were the only two in the place.

“I really do feel like a teenager.” Court said with a hint of wonder.

Jeri leaned over and whispered in her ear, “What do teenagers do in movie theaters?”

“I like you…” Court said as she looked ahead at the screen. “But you’ll have to show me what teenagers do in movie theaters.”

“Tease!” Jeri started laughing. She said, “Well they start like this.” She mock yawned and stretched her arms out, draping one arm around Court’s shoulder.

“Wait…it’s coming back to me now…” Court laughed as her hand slid on the armrest and onto Jeri’s lap.

Jeri turned sideways in her seat and pushed Court’s face toward her. She said quite seriously, “This is what happens next…” She leaned in until her lips were inches away from Court’s. She asked, “Are you sure?”

Court nodded her head and leaned forward until her lips connected with Jeri’s. As Jeri slid her tongue into Court’s mouth, Court stood up. Not breaking the kiss, she moved into Jeri’s lap and slid her arms around Jeri’s neck. At twenty-six and twenty-five neither of them could belive they were making out in a movie theater. They stayed that way for the rest of the movie.

****

“How did you like the movie?” Jeri asked as she and Court walked hand in hand down toward the coffee shop.

“What movie? I wasn’t really paying attention to a movie.” Court remarked as she pulled Jeri to a stop and pulled her head down. She continued, “I was quite focused on what your hands were doing under my shirt.”

“Would you belive that’s the first time I’ve been felt up at the movies?” Jeri asked with a sly grin.

“If you say so.” Court replied as she ran her fingers through Jeri’s hair.

Jeri leaned into the woman’s touch and smiled. She asked, “Why don’t we skip the coffee?”

“Tempt me…” Court suggested as she bit her lower lip.

Jeri took her hand and led her to the car; she was suddenly glad she had kept the old Crown Royal. There was more than enough room in the back of it. She unlocked the back door and got in. Lying across the seat, she took her shirt off. She asked, “Tempting enough?”

“Oh yeah…” Court replied as she crawled in, closing the door behind her. She stretched out over Jeri and removed her own shirt.

Jeri reached down and grabbed the blanket Mark kept in the car and pulled it over them. With a bit of effort she managed to roll herself on top of Court. She lowered her lips until they met those of the woman beneath her.

Court’s arms wrapped around Jeri’s neck as she pulled her down closer; Jeri broke the kiss and started placing trails of them down Court’s throat and chest. Her hands were trailing over her girlfriend’s breasts when she pulled up. She whispered, “Maybe we shouldn’t do this yet…and if we did I wouldn’t want it to be here.”

“You’re right.” Court agreed. “We need to think before we do anything we might regret.”

“Yeah…” Jeri agreed as she pulled herself off of Court. “If it’s meant to be, it will be. God knows, we’ve got time.”

“That we do.” Court agreed.

-Narration-

Things continued for Court and Jeri. They started spending more time together and doing more things together. Mark and Kaylee had both grown very attached to the other’s mother and to each other. A few nights a week Court and Kaylee would spend the night at Jeri’s; a lot of their things had taken residence there any way. Kaylee had taken over the guest room, as Court and Jeri shared a room and bed. So far, they had been true to their decision to think things over and take things slowly. Most nights ended in a long make-out session.

Two: Commitment…

Part C: A month and a half later…

Jeri and Court sat across from Mark and Kaylee at the dinner table. They were having one of their sleep-overs that night, as well as the last. Partially because Jeri and Court wanted to see each other, and their child, and partially because they were taking Mark and Kaylee to their first sleep away camp the next morning. Court asked them, “Are you guys ready for this? You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“We’re ready,” Kaylee replied. “I’ll be okay, ‘cos I got Mark with me.”

“Right. I’ll be okay ‘cos got Lee!” Mark agreed. They were at the point where they were not only best friends, but like brother and sister. He took a bite of his doughnut and winked at Kaylee. They had been brewing a plan for the better part of a week and today was the day they decided to start it.

“So who wants a bath first tonight?” Court asked.

Kaylee and Mark looked at each other and Kaylee said, “I’ll go…I want Jeri to do it.”

“I wan’ Court to do mine.” Mark said.

Jeri and Court exchanged glances and shrugged. “Okay…” Court said as she stood up and cleared the dishes.

Jeri followed Court to the sink and wrapped her arms around her midsection. She said quietly, “They’re up to something…” She placed a kiss on Court’s cheek.

Court nodded, “What was your first clue? They’ve been acting weird since we met, and this is just the icing on the cake.”

Jeri nodded and asked, “Wanna bathe with them, or with me later?”

“Usually I’d choose the latter, but tonight I’m gonna say we bathe with them and see what comes out of it.” Court laughed. She added, “We’re childless for the next two weeks…”

“Yes we are.” Jeri said.

“Bathe the monster, so I can do the dishes…please, before I drop one.” Court said as she placed a dish in the rack.

Jeri turned her around and brushed a kiss across her lips. “Alright.” she agreed.

****

Kaylee looked at Mark and pointed out, “They’re kissing…”

“I know…” Mark said with a sly little grin. “Maybe that means they’re already married?”

“Dunno…” Kaylee said as Jeri picked her up.

“Come on…bath time…” Jeri said.

Kaylee looked over Jeri’s shoulder and winked at Mark.

****

Kaylee and Jeri sat in the tub. Jeri was washing Kaylee’s hair as the girl turned around. She asked, “Can Mama and me come live with you an’ Mark?”

Jeri was caught off guard by the question and asked, “Huh?”

“Can we live with you?” Kaylee repeated.

Jeri took a deep breath and asked, “Live with us?”

Kaylee nodded, “Yeah. I miss you when we don’t come over.” She wrapped her arms around Jeri’s neck and kissed her cheek.

Jeri laughed, “I miss you too, squirt. We’ll have to work it out so I can see you more.” She lowered the girl back into the tub and started rinsing her hair. She smiled to herself, realizing she never really answered the question.

“You really miss me, Jeri?” Kaylee asked.

“Sure…and I miss your Mama too.” Jeri said as she got the last of the suds out of Kaylee’s hair. She began rinsing her own.

“Do you love us?” Kaylee asked as she looked up at Jeri.

Jeri smiled, “You know I do.”

“Good, cos’ I love you too!” Kaylee said.

****

Mark was standing on a stool next to Court. He was helping her to dry the dishes, as she washed them. He asked, “Court…will you an’ Lee come an’ live with me and Mommy?”

Court looked over at Mark and asked, “Will we come live with you?”

“Yeah, ‘cos I miss you lots when you don’t come over.” Mark explained as he put a glass in the rack.

 “I miss you too, baby.” Court said. It was the truth, she really did miss Mark and Jeri. She turned off the sink and helped Mark off the stool.

Mark wrapped his arms around Court’s thighs and said, “I love you, Court.”

“I love you too, baby.” Court said as she ruffled the boy’s hair.

****

Eight o’clock in the evening. Both children had been bathed and they’d double checked their suit cases. Tonight they’d be sharing Mark’s bed, so Court and Jeri sat on either side to tuck them in. “Good night.” Jeri said as she leaned down and kissed Mark’s forehead. She circled the bed and did the same to Kaylee.

Court kissed Kaylee’s cheek and then Mark’s. She said, “Night…see you tomorrow.”

Mark and Kaylee said, “Goodnight!” As soon as Jeri and Court left the room they started comparing notes.

****

Court and Jeri decided to call it an early night, too. Jeri lay on her back staring at the ceiling, Court’s head resting on her shoulder. “Court…what did Mark say?” she asked.

“He wants me and Kaylee to move in with you guys.” Court said as she kissed the skin between Jeri’s shoulder and her breast. “What about Kaylee?”

“Same thing…I told her we’d work it out so she wouldn’t have to miss me when you guys don’t sleep over.” Jeri said.

“Mark said he missed me too…”

Jeri nodded and ran her hands over Court’s arms and shoulders. She said softly, “You could move in, Court. We could be a family.”

Court rolled herself onto Jeri; she wrapped her arms around Jeri’s neck and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She said, “I’d love to be a family, and I’d love to live with you.”

“Glad the feeling is mutual, because I know for a fact that I’ve fallen completely in love with you, Court.” Jeri whispered into Court’s ear.

Court rested her head on Jeri’s chest. She said, “I know…and belive me when I tell you that I love you too.”

“God, I love you.” Jeri said with a tear in her eye.

“I know…” Court sighed. That night they both slept very well.

Part D:

Jeri and Court walked up to the sign in area, kids in tow. It had been a long ride and now it was time for them to let their kids go. They went through the sign in ritual and then took the kids to their cabins. Kaylee’s was their first stop, and Mark was more than willing to go along. They approached the cabin, in their car, and saw two counselors sitting on the steps. There were a bunch of little girls running around, playing a game of sorts.

One of the counselors stood up and approached the group. She looked at a list and then asked, “Who’s this?”

Court smiled, “This is Kaylee Webber.”

Kaylee smiled at the counselor and said, “I’m Kaylee. That’s Mark, and that’s Jeri, and that’s my Mama.”

“I’m Annie. I’ll be your counselor along with Phoebe, over there. Fee for short.” Annie said as she shook Court and Jeri’s hand. “Can I take anything to the cabin?”

Jeri smiled and opened the trunk of the car. She pulled out Kaylee’s truck and put it on the ground. She handed Annie a sleeping bag. “That…” she said as she picked up the truck.

Court, Kaylee and Mark followed them to the cabin and in. They took a few minutes getting Kaylee set up and finally it was time to go to Mark’s cabin. Kaylee went along with them to get Mark settled. His counselors were Tony and Bobby. After getting him settled Court and Jeri kneeled down to say goodbye.

Kaylee hugged Court and said, “I’ll miss you, Mama.” She kissed Court and moved to Jeri. She said, “I’ll miss you too, Mommy.” She kissed Jeri’s cheek.

Mark smiled and went to Court, “Bye, Mama.” He kissed her and went to Jeri, “Bye, Mommy.” He kissed Jeri and said, “Come on, Kaylee…I’ll walk you back to your cabin.”

Jeri and Court watched the two of them walk off in silence. Jeri was the first to speak, “She called me Mommy.”

“He called me Mama.” Court said in disbelief. They headed back to the car and when they got in Court looked at Jeri. She said, “I guess we really are becoming a family?”

“Looks that way.” Jeri said with a smile.

Three: A few days later…  

Part E:

Jeri and Court sat down on the couch; they finally had all of Court and Kaylee’s things moved in. They had the radio on and suddenly Jeri smiled at Court. She said, “I love this song…dance with me?” She stood up and offered a hand to her girlfriend.

***“These arms of mine
they are lonely
Lonely and feeling blue
these arms of mine
they are yearning
Yearning from wanting you

Court took her hand and stood up. She found herself pulled close to Jeri; she smiled and placed her hands on Jeri’s cheeks as they began to move to the music.

And if you
would let them
hold you Oh how grateful I will be

Court pulled Jeri’s face down and kissed her softly. Jeri smiled against Court’s lips as her arms locked around her waist. She leaned her head down, to the side and started kissing Court’s neck.

These arms of mine
They are burning
Burning from wanting you
These arms of mine
They are wanting
Wanting to hold you

“You are beautiful, baby.” Jeri remarked as she gazed into Court’s eyes.

Court smiled and kissed the exposed skin where Jeri’s shirt collar was unbuttoned. “So are you…”

And if you
Would let them hold you
Ohh how grateful I will be

“I want you, Court. I want all of you.” Jeri said as her hands slid under Court’s shirt.

“You can have me…all of me.” Court replied as her heart started to beat faster.

Come on, come on baby
Just be my little woman [yeah]
Just be my lover I need somebody,
[Somebody] To treat me right
[Ohh] I need your warm loving arms to hold me tight
And I need you tender lips too
Hold me, hold me”

****

Jeri smiled and took Courts hand, leading her upstairs to their room. They reached the bed and Court felt Jeri push her to sit down, so she did. Jeri’s hands worked to slip the shirt over her lover’s head. Court smiled at her as Jeri pushed her back and lowered her to the bed. She felt Jeri’s hands unbutton and zip her jeans; they were slid down until they wouldn’t move over her shoes.

Jeri grinned, “Forgot something…”

Court chuckled and kicked off her shoes, so Jeri could get her pants off. Jeri pulled off her own shirt and jeans, leaving her in her sports bra and boxers. She lowered herself, so that she was on top of Court, and placed a kiss on Court’s lips.

“I’ve never done this before…” Court pointed out.

“You haven’t?” Jeri asked, a bit confused.

“Not with a woman. The only person I’ve ever been with was Kaylee’s father…once.” Court replied.

Jeri smiled, “That’s alright by me… I can show you anything you want. If you wanna stop and wait, we can do that too.” She really did love Court; she would do anything for her.

“No…I’ve been so in love with you, and I don’t want to stop now.” Court whispered into Jeri’s ear. Her hands ran over Jeri’s back, “I love you.”

“I love you too…” Jeri said as she ran her fingers through Court’s long blonde hair. They moved slightly and fell off the bed, as they were on the edge. Jeri rolled off of Court, and said, “Lets get back on the bed? All the way maybe?” She let out a small chuckle as she stood up.

Court smiled and moved back to the bed, followed by Jeri who stopped half way. She slipped off Court’s panties and continued up. Her hands reached Court’s bra and unhooked it, pulling it off. She lay back down on the bed; Jeri next to her.

Court sat up and pulled Jeri’s bra over her head. Next, she slipped Jeri’s boxers off and threw them on the floor, with the rest of their clothes. “Now what?” Court asked.

“You get me a Band-Aid.” Jeri pouted as she held her ear.

“What’s that for?” Court asked, “You’re not really kinky are you?”

Jeri shook her head and bit her lower lip. She replied, “No…my earring got caught on my bra when you pulled it off and it tore through my ear…” Her face was turning red as blood started to drip down her arm.

“Oh my god!” Court cried as she shot off in search of a Band-Aid. She came back a minute later with a gauze pad and a few bandages.

****

It took a little creativity and a little time before she got Jeri’s ear patched and cleaned.  She sighed, “I’m sorry…”

Jeri smiled and asked, “What for? I’ve been getting those damned things stuck for a year…you’ve got nothing to apologize for.” She pulled Court into her arms and  kissed her passionately. She shivered as she felt her breasts brush against Court’s; she lay them both down on the bed.

Court pulled Jeri closer to her as she wrapped her legs around Jeri’s midsection. Her hands ran down Jeri’s sides stopping at her waist pulling her closer.  “Jeri…”

“Yeah?” Jeri asked as she started kissing Court’s nipples. She looked up and saw the embarrassed expression on Court’s face. “Are you okay?”

Court covered her face and groaned. “I just got my period…”

“That’s not funny…” Jeri said seriously.

“Wasn’t joking…” Court said grimly.

Jeri looked down and her head dropped to Court’s stomach. She repeated, “You weren’t joking… we can wait…”

“Do we have a choice?” Court asked sarcastically.

Jeri looked up at Court with a smile plastered across her face. She replied, “We sure do…but I’m not exactly fond of our other options…”

“Me either.” Court agreed. “We’ll wait.” They both let out a frustrated sigh and decided to instead relax in a nice warm bath.

Part F:

Jeri and Court made the drive up to the summer camp to see their kids. “So you think they’re okay?” Jeri asked Court as she turned the car onto the gravel road.

“I’m sure they’re fine, Jeri. You realize that’s the sixth time this hour you’ve asked that?” Court chided. She put her hand over Jeri’s and smiled.

“I know…I just worry. Until now, Mark was all I had, and I just get so scared sometimes. Like how I’d feel if something happened to him.” Her right hand closed over Court’s as they parked the car in the lot.

“I’m pretty sure he’s fine, hon. Come on now and lets go see our kids?” Court asked.

Jeri smiled and nodded as she got out of the car. They made their way to the mess hall, area where they were to meet the campers. Upon arrival, they scanned the room looking for Kaylee and Mark. Court spotted them in a corner, Mark with his arms around Kaylee. They approached and noticed Kaylee’s arm was in a bandage; Court nearly had a heart attack.

“Oh my God! What happened?”  Court asked.

Kaylee looked at her mother and started sobbing, “Mamma, I wanna go home and they won’t let me!”

Mark ran to Jeri and jumped into her arms. He said with a sniff, “I wanna go too.”

Jeri nodded and said, “Mark…stay with Kaylee? Me and Court are gonna go take care of this.”

Court looked at Jeri and nodded, “We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

****

Jeri approached Kaylee’s counselor Annie. “Excuse me, but you’re Kaylee’s counselor?”

Annie nodded her head as she looked up from her notebook. “Unfortunately for me, yeah, I am. I’ve been awake with her every night since Monday.” Annie grumbled. “No-one came to pick her up.”

Jeri rolled her eyes and growled, “No-one called to tell us to pick her up.”

“You’re shitting me, right? I asked the director to call you on Monday when she broke her arm!” Annie yelled.

“We never got a call.” Court said grimly.

Jeri growled, “Thanks…can you tell me where I might find your director?”

“Camp office.” Annie replied as she scanned the mess hall, making sure all of her campers were where they were supposed to be.

****

Jeri and Court made their way to the camp office and finally reached it. Jeri stormed in, Court on her heels, to find the director sitting at her desk. Jeri tapped the woman on her shoulder and asked through clenched teeth, “Excuse me?”

The director turned around and stood face to face with two angry mothers. She smiled her friendliest smile and introduced herself, “Hi, my name is Sarah Jacobs.”

“I know who you are.” Jeri growled.

Sarah flinched as Court came up and rested her hands on Jeri’s arms. She asked, “Let me?”

“Yeah.” Jeri nodded, feeling calmed by Court’s hands resting on her arms.

Court looked at Sarah and said, “My daughter broke her arm Monday, and it’s now Sunday. We’d like to know why we were never notified. Her counselor said she asked you to call, and that she’s been crying since Monday?”

Sarah smiled again and said, “It wasn’t life threatening and we didn’t see any point in troubling you. Besides, we think she’s just homesick.”

Court said, “She’s got a broken arm. Her counselor told us.”

“She’s probably just faking it so we’ll send her home. Kids do that all the time.” Sarah explained.

Court felt her temper rising and was about to explode when she heard Jeri. “Not life threatening!? She’s five years old with a possibly broken arm…she’s crying now and she’s been crying since Monday! We have the right to know what’s going on with our own daughter!” By this time Court was in front of Jeri, securely held in place. It was the only thing that would keep her from lunging at the woman.

Sarah promised, “It won’t happen again…I’m…”

“Damn right it won’t happen again! Our kids are going home today, just like they asked. So you can get your little records and write down that Jeraldine Kenneth and Courtney Webber are signing out Marcus Kenneth and Kaylee Webber. We’ll be taking them immediately.” Jeri snarled as she turned from the office and held her hand out from Court to follow. Court took her hand and left with Jeri.

****

Jeri and Court entered the mess hall and walked back over to Annie. Jeri stated, “She said Kaylee was faking.”

“No…just take the bandage off and look at her arm. It’s swollen and she can’t move it, and they said she was faking so they wouldn’t give her pain reliever…” Annie stopped and sighed, “Look I know I’m not allowed to do this, but I went to the Superstore on my night off and picked up the bandage and children’s Motrin. She slept in my bed for half of the time, and a few nights I took her to the infirmary.”

“Why’d you take her there if the nurse also said she was faking?” Court asked.

Annie smiled, “Mark’s counselor, Tony, is my brother. He took Mark up there a few nights so Kaylee would calm down.”

Court nodded, “Thank you very much.”

“Yeah, thanks. They’ll be coming home today…” Jeri started.

“Yeah, I kinda figured that, so I got all her stuff together last night and had Tony do the same for Mark.” Annie smiled. “All you have to do is get them and then come to the cabins.”

“Thanks.” Court said again as they went off in search of their kids.

****

Kaylee spotted Jeri from across the room and shot up. She and Mark went running through the mess hall toward their parents. Jeri leaned down and scooped Kaylee up into her arms and hugged her close. “We’re gonna take care of that arm for ya, okay?”

Kaylee’s good arm wrapped around Jeri’s neck, and her head rested on the strong shoulder. She nodded and said, “I love you, Mommy.”

Court smiled as Mark latched onto her leg and rested his head against her thigh. He said, “They were mean to Kaylee…I tried to make her feel better Mama…” Mark as Court bent down and picked him up.

“I know.” She told him as his little arms wrapped around her neck. He was much bigger than Kaylee, yet he wasn’t heavier.

“I love you, Mama…I wanna go home now.” Mark said.

“We’re gonna go get your stuff now, baby.” Jeri told him, as she leaned over and kissed his forehead. Her hands ran through Kaylee’s hair as she slept lightly in her arms. It had been a long week for the little girl, and she finally knew she was safe.

Mark asked, “Can we get lunch? The food here was bad! Their panflakes taste like dirt!”

Jeri and Court looked at each other and nodded. Jeri asked, “What do you want?”

“Pizza…” Mark said, “I know Kaylee likes that too.”

“Alright.” Court agreed.

Jeri nodded, “Pizza sounds good to me…Mama’s been making me eat the good kinda food all week.” This time she didn’t even realize that she’d referred to Court as “Mama.”

“No way, Mommy! You never eat that stuff!” Mark said in awe.

“Did this week…she even made me eat crabcakes!” Jeri said as the four of them headed up the hill.

Mark looked at Court and asked, “You really got her to eat cakepans?”

Court laughed, knowing that neither her girlfriend nor her son would ever say pancakes. “Yeah…she ate them!”

“Wow!” Mark said with a grin. He was glad they were finally going home.

****

Kaylee and Mark sat across from Jeri and Court in the booth in the pizza shop. Court looked at Jeri and asked, “Jeraldine and Marcus?”

“Not a word, Court…I happen to like the name Marcus, I also like the nickname Mark.” Jeri said with a scowl.

“Jeraldine?” Court asked again with a bigger grin.

Jeri narrowed her eyes, “I didn’t ask for the name…I did however ask for the nickname, Jeri.”

“Alright, Jeraldine…” Court prodded.

“Stop it Courtney!” Jeri snapped back.

Court flinched, “Fine! Truce…you’re Jeri and I’m Court.”

****

Mark and Kaylee watched their parents argue like children. Mark looked at Jeri and asked, “Mommy…can Mama and Kaylee come home with us, or do they have to go to their house?”

“I don’t wanna go to our house, Mama…” Kaylee pouted.

Jeri and Court smiled at them. Jeri said, “Guess we should tell you…while you were gone me an’ Mama decided that she and Kaylee could come live with us, Mark. So they’re coming to our house…”

Kaylee smiled, “Does that mean that Mark’s gonna be my brother now, an’ you’re gonna be my Mommy?”

“An’ Court’s gonna be my Mama, an’ Kaylee’s gonna be my sister?” Mark asked.

“Yeah…it does.” Jeri replied as her fingers intertwined with Court’s. She leaned over and placed a kiss on the woman’s cheek.

Part G:

Jodi Kenneth walked up the front steps of her daughter’s home. She smiled and thought, “It is good to know she’s happy.” She opened the door and was greeted by the two small inhabitants of the house. She agreed to take Kaylee and Mark for the week, so Jeri and Court could have a week together. Mark and Kaylee were more than happy to spend the week with their beloved grandmother. “Gramma!” They both called.

Jodi knelt down and greeted them both with a giant hug. Although Kaylee wasn’t her’s in the blood sense, she loved the little girl like she were. “How are my favorite grandchildren?” she asked

“Good.” Mark said as he kissed the older woman’s cheek.

“Really good.” Kaylee replied as she hugged Jodi with her good arm.

“How’s your arm?” Jodi asked.

“Better now.” Kaylee said with a grin.

“And where’s Mom and Mama?” She asked.

Mark replied, “In the kitchen cuddling.”

Kaylee giggled, “They kissed! It’s gross when people kiss!”

Mark nodded as he took his Gramma’s hand and led her toward the kitchen. He said, “At camp Tony kissed his girlfriend and that was really gross! It looked like he was gonna eat her head!”

Jodi laughed and shook her head, as she saw Court in Jeri’s arms. She said, “Noon, and you’re not dressed yet!”

Jeri looked at her mother and grinned, “But…it’s only Wednesday and we’re off! We never get to stay in our pajamas!”

“Jeraldine Xena Kenneth, you should be ashamed…I taught you better than that!” Jodi said with a laugh.

“Xena?” Court asked, as a sly grin played on her lips.

“Not another word, Court…” Jeri said as she kissed the woman’s cheek.

“Kissing!” Mark and Kaylee yelled, as they covered their eyes.

“We’re gonna get our bags so we can go!” Mark said.

“Yeah!” Kaylee agreed. “Kissing is yucky!”

Court smiled, “Be careful of that arm, Kaylee.”

“Don’ worry, Mama, I’ll take her bag.” Mark assured her as they took off.

Jodi approached and kissed Court and Jeri on the cheek. “Behave…” was all she said.

****

With the kids gone for the week, and the house to themselves, Jeri and Court decided to take a nice long bath. Court leaned back against Jeri in the tub and smiled up. “Is your middle name really Xena?”

“Yes…what’s yours?” Jeri asked. She had hated her name, both of them, since she could remember. Since the show had come out, she hadn’t used her middle name.

“Not telling!” Court said quickly.

Jeri pouted, “No fair! You know mine!”

“You wouldn’t belive me anyway.” Court said with a grin.

“Try me.” Jeri said as her hands settled on Court’s stomach.

Court sighed and said, “Gabrielle…and Kaylee’s is Hope.”

Jeri threw back her head and let out a loud, low laugh. She said, “Mark’s is Ares.”

“You’re sick…you know that don’t you?” Court asked.

“Why, because my son’s middle name is Ares? I can’t help the fact I have been reading about myths since I can remember….” Jeri defended herself.

“Well let’s see…that makes us Jeraldine Xena, Courtney Gabrielle, Kaylee Hope, and Marcus Ares…” Court said, slightly amused.

“What about a last name? We don’t have that in common…” Jeri pointed out.

Court nodded, “We could. You could adopt Kaylee, and I could adopt Mark…then we could hyphenate our last names and be Kenneth-Webber or Webber-Kenneth.”

“I like Kenneth-Webber, better. I like the idea too…” Jeri said and she smiled. She lowered her head and began trailing kisses down Court’s neck.

“Kissing!” Court imitated their children.

Jeri smiled and slid her hand down Court’s stomach, bringing it to a stop between her legs. She whispered, “Wonder what they’d say to that.” She moved her thumb a little bit.

“Uhhhnnn.” Court moaned in reply. She felt as though she were in heaven as Jeri continued down her shoulders.

“You don’t have your period do you?” Jeri asked. She felt herself growing more and more aroused by the second.

“No…” Court sighed, “Earrings?”

“Out.” Jeri said as she started pushing Court up. Court stood up, Jeri following.

They stepped out of the tub and onto the cold floor. Jeri decided she couldn’t wait any more; she swept Court into her arms and carried her to their bedroom. They sat side by side on the bed, just looking at each other. “What do I do?” Court asked.

Jeri smiled as she licked her lips. She moved closer to Court and lowered her head, until their lips were touching. Court’s hands tentatively rested on Jeri’s shoulders as she opened her mouth. She felt Jeri’s tongue brushing against hers. Finally, Jeri pulled back and smiled at her lover. She said, “What do you want to do?”

Court looked down feeling embarrassed about what she was about to say. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she spoke, “What do you taste like? I want to know…”

Jeri lifted Court’s chin up and said, “No reason to be embarrassed, baby…do what you want.”

Court smiled lightly and ran her hand down Jeri’s stomach, stopping on her thigh. She wasn’t quite sure how she should proceed, so Jeri decided to help a little bit. She guided Court’s hand between her legs and pressed the small fingers against her. Jeri trembled, her entire body reacting to the long forgotten contact.

“Did I hurt you?” Court asked, in a concerned tone.

“No.” Jeri gasped out. “Never…”

Court felt a sudden surge of confidence; hell, she’d seen enough porno and read enough to know what she should be doing. She pushed Jeri back until she was lying flat. She took her fingers from between Jeri’s legs and put them in her mouth, so that her lover could see. “Jeri…you taste good…”

Jeri moaned as Court made her dream come true. She did exactly what Jeri needed when she needed it. This was something Jeri wouldn’t trade for anything in the world: loving Court and Court loving her in return.

****

Court clutched at the sheets underneath her and arched her hips into Jeri’s touch. They had been at it for hours, and never in her life had she experienced the things she was feeling right now. She could feel Jeri matching the rhythm of her hips; she felt as though she would explode at any second. “Harder…” she managed to breathe out.

Jeri smiled and complied with the request of her girlfriend. She added a third finger and drove her harder, until she could feel Court’s body trembling under her touch.

“Jeri!” Court practically screamed her name. “God, Jeri…”

Jeri waited until Court’s trembling stilled and began pumping her again, harder. She closed her mouth over Court’s clit, and ran her tongue over it.

“Ahh, Jeri…” Court gasped, as she quickly succumbed to oblivion.

Jeri once again felt her lover’s body become wracked with spasms. She crawled from her position between Court’s legs and pulled the woman next to her into a tight embrace. Once Court calmed down Jeri asked, “How ya doin?”

“I’m tired, happy, and I know that I could never love you more than right now.” Court told her.

Jeri smiled one more time and kissed Court’s cheek, as they both drifted off to sleep.

****

Jeri’s eyes fluttered open. She turned her head to the side and looked at the clock. 3:45 AM. She sighed contentedly as she realized they had been in bed since four in the afternoon. However, they’d only been asleep half of the time. Her hands were resting on Court’s back, while Court’s head rested on her shoulder. “Sleep well, love.” Jeri whispered.

Part H:

Jeri smiled to herself as she danced around the kitchen. She had been awake since seven and decided to make Court breakfast. The radio was a tad on the loud side, so when Court appeared in the doorway, Jeri remained oblivious. She sang along, “If there’s anything that you want, if there’s anything I can do! Just call on me and I’ll send it along, with love from me to you…I’ve got arms that long to hold you and keep you by my side! I’ve got lips that long to kiss you and keep you satisfied…”

Court crept into the kitchen and sat at the table; she was having quite the time watching Jeri dance around the kitchen and sing in her boxers and wife beater. She cleared her throat, “Watcha cookin?”

Jeri turned around and stared at Court. Embarrassed beyond belief, Jeri bowed her head a little bit. She mumbled, “Crepes and omelets…”

Court stood up and approached Jeri. She placed her finger against the woman’s throat and dragged it down to her chest. “Come on, Jer…I’ve see you in stranger positions. It’s cute and you’re…. Cooking!?”

Jeri blushed a little bit and nodded. She said, “Crepes and omelets…”

“Now this I have to see…taste…” Court stalked over to the plate of Crepes and the egg in the pan and looked down at them. “They look like thin pancakes!” she pointed out.

“No! Don’t even compare those to your ratcakes! These are crepes…they’re better.” Jeri said.

Court asked, “I thought you didn’t cook…”

“Usually don’t, but I can and this morning I had a reason too.” Jeri said with a smile.

Court asked casually, “What’s the reason?”

“You are…” Jeri replied as she turned Court to face her. “You are the only reason I’ll ever need again.” She placed a gentle kiss on Court’s lips, only to have it returned.

Epilogue:

Jeri Kenneth-Webber sauntered up the stairs of the small elementary school. It was the Friday before Mother’s Day and the kindergarten was having a day for the kids where their mothers would come for a celebration. Jeri was there for her son and daughter. She made her way down the hallway as she made sure everything was in place. She adjusted her blue T-shirt to make sure that it wasn’t wrinkled, and did the same with her jeans. She entered the classroom and as she stepped in two small blondes came bounding over to her. “Mommy! Mommy! Where’s Mama!?” They asked as they jumped into her arms.

“Hi babies, Mama’s coming. ” Jeri said as she picked them both up.

The twins were born a year after Court and Jeri moved in together. They were both small for their age, with chestnut colored hair. Jamie’s eyes were green and Jerry’s were blue. “So wanna take me to your seats?” Jeri asked with a grin as she set Jerry down. “Yeah…”Jerry said as he took his Mommy’s hand and led her to the seat. Jamie was quite content to stay in Jeri’s arms. She was a little on the shy side.

****

Court pulled her van into a parking spot and jumped out. She quickly made her way up the stairs to the school as she fixed her T-shirt. Since moving in with Jeri, she had gone into construction as she had planned to do throughout high school. She was a little bit unhappy, as she was late, but then again…she was a supervisor.

She quickly walked to the classroom and quietly entered. Realizing that she’d missed the play all together, she quietly took her a seat next to Jeri. Upon doing so, Jamie was almost immediately in her lap. “Mama…” she whispered softly.

The teacher called out, “Jamie and Jerry, it’s your turn.”

Jamie and Jerry made their way to the front of the room, collecting their poems on the way. They decided to make something together, and read it together. They started:

                                                “Our Mama and Mommy do lots

                                                They take care of us when we get sick” Jamie read.

                                                Jerry started, “On the weekends Mama makes us ratcakes.

                                                Mommy only eats the bacon and coffee.”

The group of mothers in the room laughed, including Jeri who smiled over at Court.

                                                Jamie corrected, “Pancakes…” She read, “We love our Mommy and our Mama.”

                                                Jerry added, “Very much…”

They went back to Court and Jeri and sat in their laps. “Did ya like it?” Jerry asked Jeri.

Jeri smiled at her son, “Yeah…coffee and bacon.”

“No ratcakes!” Jerry giggled.

Court shook her head and sighed. Mark still called them ratcakes, but at least he would eat them. Getting Jeri and Jerry to eat them was like fighting the third world war. “Not for you two.” She conceded.

****

Jeri looked at Court and smiled. They were sitting on their back porch, Court in Jeri’s lap. Jeri said, “Today brought back memories, huh?”

“Yeah…all good ones.” Court replied as she watched Jerry and Jamie play with a caterpillar on the steps.