Logo Design by Yasmin: http://members.theglobe.com/lessite/lessite.html
ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
An Affair to
Remember
Rewrite by
Logo
Design by Yasmin: http://members.theglobe.com/lessite/lessite.html
General
Copyright/Disclaimer: Xena:
Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, and all other characters who have appeared in the
syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and
backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance
Pictures. Twentieth Century Fox
produced “An Affair to Remember”; music was written by Leo McCarey.
I have used some actual dialogue from the script, especially the ending.
I borrowed some lines from a few other movies as well – see if you can
catch them. No copyright
infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction.
Love/Sex
Warning/Disclaimer: This
story depicts a love/sexual relationship between two consenting adult women.
If you’re not supposed to read it – don’t.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Special
Thanks:
To my beta-readers - my blood sister, Sworrac, Frenchie, and E-Bard.
Thank you for the bottom of my heart.
I would also like to thank all my special friends in the Xenaverse for
their inspiration, support and friendship.
I
would like to thank CN Winters for inviting me to participate in rewriting a
“classic.” I’m honored to be
in her company and the other Bards’ participating in this project.
I chose “An Affair to Remember” one week prior to the tragedy in
The
luxurious cruise ship, “Amazon Princess,” pulled out of the picturesque bay
in
“Phone
call for Senorita Ferrante,” announced the Spanish cabin boy.
“Over
here,” a dark-haired woman acknowledged, lounging poolside on the sunny Lido
Deck. As she was handed the
receiver, her eyes glanced over the semi-naked bodies on display around the
pool. “Hello, this is Nikki.”
“How
can you speak of love to me when you are going to be married,” the voice on
the other end cried.
Nikki
had thought she could skip out of
“Gabriella,
calm down.”
Gabriella’s
voice darkened with intensity. “If
I had a knife, I’d stab you in the back. You
have no soul, no heart. You
are…”
The
unsympathetic heartbreaker hung up the phone in the middle of the tirade and
handed it back to the cabin boy. “Gracias.”
Nikki
Ferrante had a string of scorned lovers across the globe.
One more casualty meant nothing to her.
In fact, the notorious beauty thrived on seduction and gained a sick
sense of satisfaction from the devious game.
She hadn’t always been so heartless - all she ever wanted was to be
loved, but in her quest, all she’d found were unhealthy and painful
relationships. Unfortunately, along
the way, she had learned to survive by becoming selfish and cruel.
Nikki
resumed her sunbathing, but couldn’t resist staring at the most beautiful
woman she had ever seen, gliding gracefully towards her.
The woman was carrying a familiar-looking cigarette case – the one
Nikki had recently lost.
Nikki
got up and attempted to grab it. “Excuse me, but you have my cigarette
case.”
The
young woman wouldn’t let go. “How
do I know it’s yours?”
An
arrogant grin lit up Nikki’s face. “It
has an inscription inside.”
The
fair-haired woman opened the solid gold case and read the inscription aloud.
“To Nikki … in memory of our three precious nights aboard La Gabriella.”
Terry
recalled seeing the yacht, “La Gabriella,” docked at the pier in
Nikki
removed her sunglasses, exposing her sapphire blue eyes.
“That’s me, but don’t believe everything you read.”
“Hmmm
… ” the blonde flicked the case closed and gave it back to Nikki.
“Must have been some three nights,” she said, and started to walk away.
Nobody
ever walked away from Nikki Ferrante. “Say,
wait a minute. Where did you get my
case?”
Hesitating
a bit, the young woman turned around. “I
think that I won’t answer that yet.”
“What’s
your name?”
“Terry
McKay.”
“I
haven’t seen one beautiful woman on board … until you.”
Terry
flushed. “I beg your pardon?”
Nikki
turned on her irresistible charm. “Say,
would you care to join me for a drink?”
“Thank
you, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Come
on … just one.”
“Being
with you is news, you know, and not always good news.”
“Well,
how about my stateroom then?” Nikki
batted her baby blues.
Terry
meant to say no, but the woman’s hypnotic eyes captivated her.
“How about mine?”
Nikki
smiled complacently. “Your
stateroom will be fine.” That was much easier than I thought.
*****
Nikki
would have said anything to get the girl in her bed, but in this instance, she
had to honestly agree. “You do
remind me of someone but I just can’t put my finger on it.”
They both shrugged it off.
Terry
cocked her head to the side and appeared perplexed again.
“What
is it?” asked Nikki.
“I
read you are getting married to that millionaire, Lewis Clark.
Does he know about Gabriella?”
“Well,
you could say so … it’s his ex-wife.”
Terry
almost choked on her drink.
“Say,
why don’t we just change the subject … this girl just wants to have fun.”
Nikki flashed a lascivious grin.
Terry
didn’t have a clue. “What do you
mean?”
Nikki
wondered, Is Terry
playing hard to get or could she really be that naïve?
Not one to mince words, Nikki decided to get right to the point.
She got up, walked over to Terry, kissed her on the cheek and whispered
seductively in her ear.
“You
really turn me on. I want to have
you for lunch … and dinner.”
Terry
did choke on her drink this time.
Then, she quickly regained her composure and stiffly pointed to a framed
photograph of a handsome man on her nightstand.
“I’m
engaged as well.”
“So
what? Doesn’t
matter to me.”
“Well,
it matters to me.” Terry insisted.
“If
you’re engaged to a man, what are
you doing on this Olivia cruise?”
Terry
refused to be intimidated. “I
might ask the same question of you.”
Nikki
raised her glass. “Touché,
blondie!” Then she downed her
drink. “If you want the truth,
Lewis thinks I’m cruising back with Gabriella.
But since Gabriella and I had a … ” Nikki cleared her throat and
poured another drink. “Disagreement,
the thought of a voyage home with some Amazon women sounded delicious to me.
Now, how about you?” Nikki
downed another shot. “Gorgeous!”
“You
may not believe this, but my fiancé booked me on this ship.
I don’t think he realized what kind of cruise this is.
I’m certain he’ll be very surprised when he meets me at the harbor in
“I’m
sure he will be but I bet you were surprised too.”
Terry
replied candidly. “You could say
that.”
“When
did you realize the passengers were all lesbians?”
“When
I was on the Lido Deck … ” Visions of what she had seen caused Terry to
fidget uncomfortably in her seat.
Nikki
snickered. “I’ve nicknamed it
the Libido Deck.”
Terry
burst out laughing, “The Libido Deck? Oh,
that’s rich.”
Terry’s
laugh was contagious and Nikki smiled. “It’s
about time, you’ve been so serious since we’ve met.”
“Well,
I’ve never even met a lesbian before and now I’m on a ship full of them.”
“So,
you’ve never been with a woman before?”
Terry
squirmed in her seat again. “Gods,
no! I can’t even imagine … ”
“Have
you been to bed with your fiancé yet?” Nikki
enjoyed pushing those buttons.
Terry
leapt out of her chair. “If you
don’t mind, I have to get ready for dinner.
It was nice talking to you.”
“You’re
a virgin, aren’t you?”
Terry
opened the door and gestured for Nikki to leave, but Nikki unlocked her
cigarette case, took out a cigarette and put it between her lips.
“Do you have a light?”
“I
think you could light it from the inscription.”
The blonde shot back sarcastically.
Nikki
grinned but was unrelenting. “So
does he trust you?”
Terry
blurted out:
“Imagine how attractive he is if I can resist you.”
Then she realized what she had said and cringed.
“I
didn’t ask about attractive, I asked about trusting.”
Nikki took advantage of her uneasiness.
“Can I join you for dinner?”
“I
don’t think so.”
“Haven’t
you realized by now that you can’t say no to me?”
“It’s
hopeless then?”
Nikki
raised her eyebrow and nodded with assurance.
Terry
submitted. “Well then…of
course.”
Nikki
wanted her more than ever.
*****
Everyone
stared as they were escorted to a private table in the royal dining room.
Terry was not accustomed to all the attention and hurried her pace.
As they were being seated, one of the dykes raised her fist at Nikki and
hollered.
“Traitor!”
Nikki
was unfazed. “What would you like
to drink?”
“I
love Perrier-Jouët.”
“That
suits you.” Nikki ordered a bottle
of the bubbly. “You look
exceptionally beautiful tonight and I love your dress.
Red is definitely your color.” Nikki
wasn’t handing her a line – Terry did look radiant.
“Why,
thank you. You look good
yourself.” Terry ran her hand down
the sleeve of Nikki’s jacket. “Is
that leather?”
“Yes,
Italian.” Nikki lit a cigarette. “So, what do you
do?”
“I’m
a singer.”
“I
never would have pegged you for a singer! Come
to think of it though, a woman as beautiful as you must have a sweet voice…a
velvet voice.”
Terry
blushed.
“Do
you have any hobbies?”
“Well,
I like to write and I’m studying yoga. You?”
Nikki
flashed her brilliant smile. “I
have many skills.”
Terry
nodded her head. “I’ll bet you
do.”
Dinner
was served. “Bon appetit,” said
the waiter. Nikki sliced into a
thick juicy steak and Terry feasted on classic Italian cuisine.
They both had hearty appetites and savored the Epicurean delights.
“Now
let’s talk about you.” Terry
nibbled on a dessert canapé. “Nikki,
I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you what they call…a bisexual?”
Nikki
was uncommonly surprised, but felt such an upfront question deserved an honest
answer. “I don’t like labels,
but if you must know, I prefer women. Men
tend to be so one-dimensional. Women
have much more depth.”
Terry
was baffled. “Then why are you
marrying a man?”
“You
see, I’m used to being taken care of, pampered and catered to, and I just
couldn’t pass up Lewis’ $600 million. Does
that shock you?”
“I’m
not the one to judge. Besides, my
penthouse suite in
“And
you don’t have to sleep with him?”
“He
knows I’m an old-fashioned girl and he respects me.”
“A
gentleman then…what a dying breed.”
Terry
continued her line of questioning. “Do
you love this rich man?”
Nikki
was a master at this game. “Do you
love your fiancé?”
The
singer was taken off-guard. Hmm … Do I love Ken?
Before
she could answer, their effeminate waiter interrupted.
“Mademoiselle Ferrante, do you wish to reserve the table for dinner
every night?”
“Oui,”
Nikki replied, without consulting Terry.
Thankful
for the interruption, Terry grabbed her handbag, yawned and got up to leave.
“I
thought we’d have another glass of champagne?”
Nikki sounded disappointed.
“No,
I really must be going. Morpheus is
calling. Thank you for the lovely
evening, Nikki.”
Nikki
stood up, took Terry’s hand and gently kissed it. “The
pleasure was all mine. Say, tomorrow
we dock in
Terry’s
emerald green eyes lit up. “I
can’t think of anything I would like more.”
“See
you tomorrow then.” Nikki watched
as the most beautiful woman that she had ever seen, gliding gracefully out of
the room. She would go to bed alone
this night, but for some reason it didn’t seem to bother her.
There was always tomorrow and she loved a challenge.
*****
As
Terry stood on the observation deck, the nearby island sparkled like a diamond
beckoning. As she began to take off
her jacket, Nikki appeared and helped her. Surprisingly, Nikki’s touch aroused
her. Terry’s stomach fluttered a
bit and she broke out in goose bumps.
Nikki
noticed and asked, “Are you cold?”
Terry
put her jacket back on and immediately changed the subject.
“Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
“Lovely
… and so are you.”
“You
can be so sweet, thank you. You
know, you’re quite attractive yourself.”
Nikki
already knew that, but nodded her head graciously.
“Cablegram
for Senorita Ferrante,” the ship’s officer announced.
He handed the telegram to Nikki. As
she was about to read it, he handed one to Terry as well.
“From
him?” Terry nodded.
“From
him?” Nikki nodded.
They
read them simultaneously, but neither said a word about what they had read.
Nikki stuffed her telegram in her pants pocket, and Terry stuffed hers in
her purse.
The
ship dropped anchor in
“Yes,”
the blonde replied with delightful excitement.
Nikki
knew she was not about to spend the day touring with the other passengers,
especially those bohemian women. Once
ashore, she rented a jeep and patted the seat.
“Hop in.”
As
they were driving, Nikki caught a glance of Terry’s golden halo of hair
blowing in the soothing breeze. She
wanted to run her fingers through it, but kept her hands on the steering wheel.
They
entered the Propylaea, the sacred gates guarding the sanctuary of Athena.
Merchants lined the roads selling flocati rugs, tamari bags, exquisite
antiques and handcrafted jewelry. Terry
looked on with the fascination of a child.
Seeing
Terry’s excitement made the jaded jet setter feel alive again.
“Well then … if I remember correctly,” stated Nikki, “we were
going to talk about you today.”
“Well,
if you must know, I was born in
“So
you will make a charming wife?”
“Hmmm
… ”
“That’s
only one page.”
“That’s
the only page!”
From
a distance, the magnificent Parthenon came into view and they were rendered
speechless. Elegant Doric and Ionic
columns stood in tandem and the picturesque Parthenon opened before them.
They exited the jeep and spent the day walking uphill to the Acropolis,
strolling in the footsteps of Gods.
They
were fascinated with the temples, statues, ancient carvings, sacred symbols and
fascinating relics. When they
entered the
“Have
you been to
“No,
but by the gods, this place looks familiar.”
“I
know. It’s like deja-vu all over
again”
“Perhaps
in another lifetime.”
“Perhaps.”
They
shared reminiscently tender glances of affection.
The boat whistle unexpectedly sounded.
It was time to return to the ship.
Suddenly,
Nikki heard a mysterious voice say, “Xena,
come back to me.”
Nikki
was unnerved. “What did you just
say?”
“I
didn’t say anything, but I heard something too.”
“What
did you hear?”
“Someone
or something said, Xena, come back to me.”
“That’s
the same thing I heard. It wasn’t
you?”
“No,
I thought it was you. Who’s
Xena?”
“Let’s
not stick around to find out.” They
both looked suspiciously over their shoulders.
“Hang on. ” Terry floored it back to the ship.
On
the ride back, Nikki ached to touch Terry. She
reached down to hold her steady as they went over several dangerous bumps.
Her hand lingered even as the road smoothed out and she began to play
softly with the young woman’s fingers. Terry
absently twined her fingers around the other woman’s.
Stepping
on board, they were greeted by glaring flashes of light.
The ship’s photographer began snapping photos of them.
Her hands shaking with rage, Nikki snatched the camera from the annoying
photographer and pulled out the film. Terry
grabbed the film and threw it into the sea. The butch photographer swung her
fists and tried to start a fight. One
icy stare from Nikki was all it took though.
The dyke disappeared, but the damage was done.
Reality had smacked Terry in the face and she felt exposed.
“We
really shouldn’t be seen together. I
don’t want to end up on the cover of Life.
Thank you for the lovely day … goodnight.”
“Afraid
of some bad publicity?”
“No,
but … ”
“What
are you afraid of?”
Unbeknownst
to them, the photographer was secretly hiding beneath one of the lifeboats
snapping more photos.
Terry
hastily retreated. “You go your
way and I’ll go mine.”
Nikki
desperately wanted to see her again. “Please
have dinner with me again tonight?”
Terry
didn’t answer; she just kept on walking. Nikki
was left standing with her mouth open. The
tables had most definitely turned. What
is it about this blonde?
Safe
in her cabin, Terry took out her journal and began to write.
What am I afraid of Nikki?
I’m afraid of you.
I’ve never felt like this before. She
was more than scared; she was terrified.
*****
The
following morning, Terry woke up uncommonly early and decided to go for a swim
to work off some of her nervous energy. She
didn’t want a repeat of the night before, so she carefully tiptoed to the pool
to make sure no one was there. Satisfied,
she took off her robe, dove into the water and began to swim its length
underwater.
A
few seconds later, Nikki showed up at the opposite end of the pool and jumped
in. Half a length into their swim,
they ran into each other underwater. Their
eyes met in surprise followed by mutual satisfaction.
Nikki put her arms around Terry’s waist, spun her around upward and
kissed her until they floated to the top.
Terry
surfaced, swam to the stairs and got out of the water.
Nikki watched as the beauty toweled off and lay down on one of the deck
chairs. She quickly followed,
settling on the lounge chair next to Terry’s and took in her desirable
playmate’s remarkably fit and proportioned body.
Nikki
was the first to break the silence. “You
have the most incredible figure. Do
you work out?” She glanced at
Terry and noticed she was as white as a ghost.
“What’s wrong?”
Terry
stuttered, “Y…you kissed me.”
“Yes,
and you kissed me back.”
“I
don’t know where that came from but it’s back where it belongs.
I like you Nikki, but I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”
“What
are you saying?”
“I’m
saying I’m straight and engaged and you don’t stand a snowball’s chance in
Tartarus with me.”
“You
said you’re straight and engaged, but you didn’t say you didn’t like it.
Besides, I’ve been to Tartarus before and I didn’t melt.
I did, however, melt from your kiss.”
Nikki licked her lips as if to say, you
tasted so good.
Just
above a whisper, Terry replied, “So did I.”
Nikki
was inspired but knew she had to go slow with this one.
“I have a great idea. What
do you say while everyone goes ashore in
Terry
was about to answer when Nikki added, “Remember, I won’t take no for an
answer – I’m a warrior and I do not accept defeat.”
Feeling
a strange sense of pleasure in being dictated to in such a forceful manner,
Terry willingly surrendered. “Okay,
Warrior Princess.”
“Good
girl.” Nikki threw back her wild
hair. “Now put some sunscreen on
my back, please.”
Terry
couldn’t help but notice how sexy Nikki looked in her leopard print bathing
suit and what a fabulous body she had. Without
hesitation, she squirted some lotion on her hands and began to massage it into
the warrior’s muscular back. Even
at her all-girl schools, she had never been this close to another woman, let
alone touched one. She was trembling
but didn’t want to stop. She drew
the sculpture of Nikki’s back with her hands.
Her hands followed the swell of her muscles until her palms were dry.
She put more lotion in her hands and continued applying it to Nikki’s
commanding arms and legs. Erotic
chills ascended up her spine.
Suddenly,
Nikki turned over. “You have a
nice touch, darlin’.”
Nikki’s
piercing blue eyes weakened Terry further. She
became afraid of her feelings and stood up.
“I had better get dressed.” She
picked up her beach towel. “I’ll
see you soon.”
Nikki
lay out a while longer and worked on her already incredible tan.
All sorts of thoughts raced through her mind but one thing was for sure -
she had never felt such a sweet attraction before, and it was beyond lust.
*****
Nikki
steered the catamaran through the pristine waters until she found the perfect
coral reef. They spent the day
snorkeling with the tortoise and hand fed the stingrays.
Exhausted, they went ashore, spread out a blanket and collapsed onto the
deserted beach.
Feeling
the joys of the day wash over her, Terry stole a look at Nikki and desperately
wanted to reach over and touch her glowing skin, but she was afraid.
Nikki
glanced over and caught Terry looking at her.
The look was unmistakable - desire begging to be satisfied.
The waves rolled in at their feet and the sound of the surf seemed to
echo their hearts. Nikki brushed
back Terry’s blonde hair, cupped her face, and decided to give her what she
wanted. She sought out her mouth and
kissed her furiously.
No
one had ever kissed Terry like that. She
found herself falling deeper and deeper into oblivion.
Nikki then passed her strong hands along the satiny curves of the young
woman’s ravishing body, arousing every bit of her flesh, like the heat of the
sun arousing a flower.
The
ship’s whistle blew and startled Terry into consciousness.
She quickly broke their embrace, sat up and muttered abruptly.
“I think we’d better go.”
Nikki
was forced to temper her desires. “Okay.”
She grumbled.
Damn
that whistle!
*****
Over
the course of the next few weeks, they explored
Nikki
yearned to possess the blonde completely. In
the past, she would have eaten her up and spit her out but she couldn’t do
that to Terry, nor did she want to - she respected her innocence.
Each day, their friendship deepened.
Nikki was no saint though - her kisses grew more frequent and more
intense. Remarkably, Terry allowed
Nikki’s curious hands to explore her body further.
“When
we arrive in
“I’d
love to, Nikki.”
*****
A
horse-drawn carriage took Nikki and Terry through
the genteel French countryside to the cobblestone streets of
Terry
observed a neatly wrapped package in Nikki’s lap.
“It’s
a gift for Janou, my grandmother. I
can hardly wait for you to meet her.”
The
carriage dropped them off and they walked up chiseled steps on the side of a
mountain. Terry suddenly found
herself in a beautiful flower garden adorned with a magnificent fountain.
“What a divine place.”
Nikki
smiled. “I knew you’d be
pleased.”
Nikki
called for Janou and saw her grandmother’s dog, Fidel, sitting on the steps of
the chapel. “She must be in
there.”
“There’s
something about this place that makes you want to whisper,” remarked Terry.
“A
sweeter place I’ve never known,” Nikki said softly.
Janou
came out of the chapel and was overjoyed to see Nikki.
“Nicoletta!” They shared
a warm embrace, then Janou noticed Terry. Nikki
excitedly introduced them.
“Your
place is so beautiful, I could stay forever.
May I enter your chapel?”
“Of
course, dearest one,” said the older woman.
Terry went in.
“You’re
looking well, Grand-mère,” said Nikki.
“Thank
you but you didn’t come here to talk about how well I look.”
Janou paused. “There’s
been talk of you marrying this wealthy American.
Is that what you came to talk about?”
Gently
grabbing Janou by the arm, Nikki led her further down the path. “I could never
get one by you. Yes, I’m am
supposed to marry soon but now … I don’t know.
It was so simple just a few weeks ago, but now, I’m not so sure.”
“Is
it because of her,” Janou nodded toward the chapel, “that you’re having
these second thoughts?”
“Yes
and no. There’s always been something missing in my life and I thought I could
fill it with endless parties and money. It
worked until I met Terry and realized that nothing could fill that emptiness but
… oh, I don’t know. We’ve
barely met, but I feel like we’ve spent a lifetime together.”
Janou
liked the change in her granddaughter and embraced her.
A
few minutes later, Nikki entered the chapel and found Terry kneeling in front of
the altar, gazing upon a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Nikki came to kneel beside her. They
shared a brief glance then Terry bowed her head and began to pray fervently.
Nikki
was astonished - an aura of celestial light seemed to shine around the angelic
woman. Am
I in heaven? If so, I feel like
I’ve been there with her before.
The
heavenly creature got up, genuflected, made the sign of the cross and left.
Nikki did the same.
As
they walked outside, Nikki asked Terry, “What were you praying for?”
“Answers.”
Came the simple reply.
Once
they were outside, the gardener stopped by to say hello and asked Nikki to meet
his seven children. Nikki left and
Terry walked into the house with Janou. All
sorts of magnificent treasures embellished the sitting room.
One in particular caught her eye.
“That’s
a beautiful painting,” commented Terry. She
looked closer to read the signature and realized that Nikki had painted it.
“Nikki
was so talented, but she hasn’t painted anything since this.
When she was little, she used to play the piano, too.
Everything came so easy to her.” Janou
paused. She sensed that Terry needed
someone to talk to, but was wavering. She
decided to break the ice. “You
are the first person that Nikki has brought here to see me that I like.”
“Really?”
Terry was genuinely surprised, then added, “Perhaps I shouldn’t have
met her.”
“You
are different from the others. I’ve
been worried about her but when I saw you with her, I felt better.”
“I
wish I could share your confidence.”
“You
will have it when you need it. Nicoletta
needs someone like you.”
Nikki
returned and Terry’s green eyes darted towards the wall.
“Am
I interrupting something?”
“We
were just talking about your painting,” stated Janou.
“It’s
funny you should say that…” Nikki handed Janou the gift – it was a
portrait of her grandfather, André, that she had painted from memory.
Janou
lovingly ran her fingers over the painting of her husband.
“It’s so real, so like him. I
told you, you had talent.”
Nikki
poured everyone a glass of wine. Janou
raised her glass. “May your
journey home be a pleasant one.” From
the distance, the ship’s whistle sounded again, and Janou grew sad.
She knew they would be leaving soon.
“Janou,
please play the piano for us,” requested Nikki.
“Did you know she was a concert pianist?” she asked Terry.
“Yes,
please play for us. It would be
delightful.”
Janou
sat down and began to play a melody. It
was so beautiful and romantic that Nikki and Terry couldn’t help but share a
loving look. Mesmerized, Terry
started to hum the melody, then picked up the sheet music and sang the lyrics.
Une
histoire d'armour est une chose merveilleuse dont nous nous
souviendrons avec joie
Notre amour est né quand tu m’as prise dans tes bras
Une page arrachée au temps et à l’espace
Notre histoire d'amour - que sa flamme brule eternellement
Alors
prends ma main et prie avec ferveur
Pour
que nous vivions et partagions
UNE HISTOIRE D’AMOUR QUI RESTERA DANS NOS CŒURS.
The boat whistle sounded again and Janou stopped playing. The notes had now become sad. Slowly, she got up from the piano bench and hugged them. “I don’t like boat whistles.”
“Neither
do I, Janou,” whispered Nikki as she embraced her beloved grandmother.
As
they walked outside, they noticed that the temperature had dropped considerably.
Terry tenderly wrapped Janou’s white lace shawl around the older
women’s shoulders. “It’s
lovely,” said Terry.
“Someday
I will send it to you.”
“Goodbye,
Janou – you have a perfect world.”
“Au
revoir, Janou. I
will come back to see you soon.” Nikki
hugged her grandmother again.
As
they were halfway down the path, Terry looked back at the precious old woman and
noticed the hint of a teardrop in her eye. She
ran back to her and gave her another warm embrace.
*****
As
the boat sailed out of the harbor, Nikki noticed Terry on deck, crying.
“What’s wrong?”
“Beauty
does that to me. I want to thank you
for the most beautiful day I have ever known.
You grandmother made me feel so welcome.
I will write to her.”
Nikki
was moved by Terry’s abundant tenderness, and took her hand in hers. “Let’s
go for a walk.” As they strolled
around the deck hand in hand, dusk fell quickly.
“Let
me walk you to your cabin.” Nikki
pointed for Terry to go up the staircase. Halfway
up, Terry stopped. Nikki walked up a
few steps. Terry’s glistening lips
called out to her – she kissed her. Lightheaded
from the intoxicating kisses, Terry grabbed the rails so she wouldn’t fall.
When they reached the top of the landing, Terry was crying again.
“No
more tears. What is it?”
“I
told you what beauty does to me.” Terry
paused. “We are headed into rough
seas, aren’t we?”
Nikki
took her in her arms. “We changed
our course today and what I’m feeling for you is more than simple
affection.”
Terry
instantly stiffened and pulled away. “I
don’t think I can see you again. Goodbye.”
She rushed away and Nikki was left alone on the deck yet again.
She couldn’t help but think, if Terry wasn’t going to surrender, why
had she let Nikki kiss her all the time?
Ah, women!
Payback sure is a bitch!
Nikki cussed.
*****
The
next morning, Terry was sitting in her room looking out the porthole.
It was pouring rain and she was feeling melancholy.
She missed Nikki and she wished she didn’t.
The memory of their kiss on the stairway lingered on and tears began to
stream down her cheeks. There was a
knock on the door. She wiped her
tears, opened it and found Nikki standing in the hallway.
Even
though Terry had hoped it would be Nikki, she had to make it clear that she
didn’t want to see her anymore. She
hoped she could be convincing because she wasn’t convinced herself.
She had fallen in love and was afraid of her obsessive feelings.
It was safer not to feel and just go home to Kenneth.
“Why
did you come here?” Terry did not
invite her in.
“I
think we have lots to talk about.” There
was a sense of urgency in Nikki’s voice.
“I
really want you leave, Nikki. Please,
leave me alone.” Terry slammed the
door shut.
Around
noontime, Nikki looked for Terry on deck. “I
have to see you one last time. Why
can’t we have dinner tonight?”
“No,
everyone will talk and I need to be away from you.”
She rushed off.
At
dinnertime, Nikki spotted Terry in the dining room and asked to join her but
Terry quickly got up. “Order
the bouillabaisse,” she said and left.
That’s
it!
Nikki had had enough.
Terry
retired to her cabin and Nikki stormed in. Before
she could say anything, an extremely annoying lipstick lesbian barged in and
asked them to autograph some photos. They
couldn’t believe their eyes – it was the photos the ship photographer had
snapped of them - even the one of them kissing on the staircase.
“I
don’t know what you are trying to hide, everyone knows about the two of
you,” stated the feminine woman.
Nikki
shoved the woman out into the corridor and slamming the door, turned to Terry.
“I’m so sorry, Terry.”
Terry
realized how ludicrous she had been and laughed.
“You know, I’m not as sorry as I thought I’d be.
We might as well make the most of it now.”
“Why
the change of heart?”
“Because
you make me feel more alive than I ever have before.
Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes.”
“That’s
the spirit. Do you like to dance?”
“Yes!”
Nikki
grabbed Terry’s hand and they beat a path down to Livia’s Lounge.
Nikki gathered the young woman into her arms and they danced to the
romantic sounds of the big band through the evening.
Their bodies resonated from the velocity of the music and the sensual
serenity of their closeness.
The
bandleader announced the last dance of the evening.
Holding Terry tightly, Nikki twirled them far from the maddening crowd
onto the deck. The skies had cleared
and the moon lit their faces.
Terry
breathed in the sea air and lifted her eyes to the night sky.
“Do you believe there is a dream for every star?”
Nikki
gazed upon Terry; her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the nighttime sky and her
hair was spun of gold from the moonlight. “Yes,
and you’re mine.”
“Why
can’t this go on forever?”
“I
don’t think the captain will turn the ship around,” Nikki replied.
The
music ended and the melody faded fast. Terry
broke their embrace and began to walk away.
Nikki
stopped her. “Tomorrow in
Terri
swallowed hard and managed a visible nod.
“Will
he be waiting for you, too?”
Nikki
nodded as well.
“You
said you weren’t in love with
him.” The blonde pouted.
“What
did you say?”
“Winter
must be cold for those with no warm memories.”
Nikki
turned extremely serious. “Terry,
please listen to what I have to say … this is possibly my last chance.
I’m tired of playing games and wasting time.
It’s now or never. We would
be fools to let happiness pass us by.”
Secretly,
Terry had the same thoughts. “Just
because our love is taboo and we haven’t supported ourselves … ”
Nikki
finished her sentence, “Doesn’t mean we can’t.
Hell, I don’t give a damn what other people say, but regarding the
finances … if I worked hard and got my act together - in six months, where
would you be?”
“What
are you trying to say?”
“I
just want to be worthy of being with you.”
Terry
was overwhelmed with confusion. “I
need some time. Let me tell you in
the morning.”
“It’s
going to be a long night.”
One
long last kiss and Terry left. Savoring
the scent of the woman, Nikki returned to her suite knowing she wouldn’t get
any sleep. She undressed, put on her
robe, poured herself a drink and went out to sit on the balcony.
There was that moon again. She
had just about given up hope of ever finding anyone.
Then along had come Terry. She
had forgotten just how beautiful life really was, but she was nervous.
What will her answer be?
There
was a knock on the door. “Who is
it?”
“It’s
me, Terry.”
Nikki
fastened her robe and walked to the door. When
she opened it, she found Terry standing in the hallway in her robe.
The blonde’s hands were in her pockets and her head was to the floor.
“Is
there something wrong?” Terry was
concerned.
Terry
lifted her head languidly and whispered “Nikki,
it’s tomorrow.” Then, she ran
into her sweetheart’s arms and buried her head in her voluptuous chest.
Nikki
gathered her arms about the young woman and cherished her delicious softness.
Their bodies burned with bliss and melted into a perfect oneness.
“Nikki?”
“Yes?”
“I
love you!”
“I
love you too!” She hugged Terry
even tighter and kissed the top of her head.
“Nikki?”
The blonde asked sheepishly.
“Yes?”
“There’s
more.”
“What
is it darlin’?”
“I
don’t think I want to be a good girl anymore.”
Nikki
lifted the young woman’s head with her soft touch.
“Are you sure?”
Terry’s
brilliant eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’m
sure.”
“What
do you want, Terry?” Nikki’s
impatience grew as her passion built like a storm.
“Make
love to me, Nikki.”
Nikki’s
flesh throbbed. “Oh, but I
will.”
She
unfastened Terry’s robe, let it fall to the floor and looked upon her
ravishing body. The sight of the
naked woman took her breath away.
“Terry,
you are so beautiful.”
Terry
blushed. “Thank you.”
Ever
so tenderly, Nikki picked up the young woman, carried her effortlessly to the
bed and placed her gently on it.
Terry
lay back comfortably and stretched out. A
bit shy at first, her erotic fever intensified as she watched Nikki rip off her
robe and stand strong and naked before her.
Her skin speckled in the moonlight, the legend shook her wild hair and
leapt on the bed.
Terry
shivered as Nikki took her hand and began to kiss it with a great deal of
tenderness.
“Oh, Terry. You bring out the best in me.” Savoring the young woman’