This woman and Shannon made themselves comfortable outside on the neares wall.
"So are you going to tell me your name or not?" Shannon quizzed the woman, trying to get into an inquisitive mood. "Yeah. My name's Nancy." She answered. "But i'd much rather talk about you." "Well lets see, erm...i'm a waitress at Bob's cafe and this is my second time here." Her eyes were drawn to the floor with her last sentence, "And this is my second time here?" She thought, wanting to kick herself for sounding like one of those people from an alcohol rehabilitation centre. "How about you Nancy?" "Let me just say that i love the way my name sounds coming from your lips." Shannon blushed a coral pink, "I'm an estate agent. I work at locations and i...want to kiss you right now." Nancy chuckled at first, then her gaze became more serious. She put her palm to Shannon's cheek and held her face in place. Her grip was tight and forceful on Shannon's face. This seemed to sober Shannon up to what she was doing and she realised that this was the furthest thing from what she wanted. Suddenly her mouth was engulfed with Nancy's tongue. Her lips, unlike Adriana's, were thin and a little chapped, making the kiss far from pleasurable. Finally Nancy removed her lips.
"Hey! I d-!" Before Shannon could finish, her mouth was once again taken over. Shannon struggled but Nancy was stronger. Shannon then reached down deep and eventually managed to break free and scream: "Get the hell off me!"
By now Adriana had fought her way through the mob, and opened the entrance doors. Straight away she turned to face the screaming. Running on pure instinct, Adriana dragged Nancy off of Shannon and raised a fist to her.
"She said back off. Are you deaf?!" Adriana roared. Nancy held her arms up in defence and quickly backed away. There was a twitch about her. Adriana could tell that she was obviously on something, and it wasn't just alcohol.
"Once making sure that she was gone Adriana turned to Shannon. She looked her over, examining her for any injuries.
"Are you ok? Did she hurt you?" Shannon was disinclined to speak, but since Adriana had come to her aid she decided that she would reply. "A little...But i think you did a lot more damage than she did." Came Shannon's unforeseen reply. Suddenly Adriana noticed how interesting her shoes were and loked at them; anything to avoid eye contact. "You can really move your thing man. I saw you last week dancing with the blonde. She was all over you." Shannon said,smiling half-heartedly and trying unsuccessfully to hide her true feelings.
"Well." A you know would've followed nicely after the well but Adriana knew that nothing she could have said would have made the situation any less dense. "How come you followed me out here Adriana?" "Actually i came out here to sort out this thing between us." "Thing? I never knew we had anything going on!" Shannon was understandably bitter. "Hey and look we don't...I know you still have a thing for me or you wouldn't have shown up last Saturday or tonight, right?" "Don't flatter yourelf Adriana." Shannon's anger was increasing and at a fast rate. She was near tears, and for Adriana to see those warm, inviting eyes evoke tears, it softened her. She hated seeing girls cry. It made her want to buy them a car. Adriana impulsively grabbed Shannon's arm "Can we talk about this?" There was silence..."I'll take you out to coffee and we can talk about this." Offered Adriana, wanting to make a mends. Shannon nodded after a few seconds of making Adriana wait. "How are you getting home?" Asked Adriana "Cab." Adriana okayed her answer and went back inside the club.
Everyone surrounded the centre table in Le Boissons, shocked at Adriana's somewhat responsible actions. "So let me get this straight. You, Adriana Larsen, a woman who thinks that a date is just another factor of hetero life; employed to make people conform to society's order, is going on a date? What's gotten into you?" Asked Jade eying Adriana with sardonic concern.
"No. You people have it all wrong. This is not a date. I'm just going so she'll stop harassing me." Said Adriana, setting the record straight. Casey nodded her head, endorsing Adriana's words. "Yes, you heard her. It's not a date." "Well you would say that wouldn't you Case?" Shiana pointed out. Adriana looked in her direction, bemused to that comments meaning. But all was forgotten when Christy walked in.
"Guess what?" Christy blurted out. "Erika and i are engaged. I finally persuaded her to see things through my eyes, and now she just wants me in her life." People randomly gave their little squeals of joy to congratulate her, as they knew what a tricky time she'd been having lately. All except Adriana who just rolled her eyes. "Does it not strike you odd that you have to persuade her to be with you? I think this marriage thing is all bullcrap!" This was nothing the group hadn't heard from Adriana's lips before and they just went on passing on the good wishes to Christy.
"Where's Nicole? She and i are supposed to be going shopping today." Christy asked.
"She had to work overtime today. She was told at the last minute. It's not like she couldn't do without the extra cash." A voice out of the female crowd called. Christy then selected a seat and got comfortable.
"Well it seems like everyone's changing. Adriana's actually going on a date, and Erika is finally settling for just one woman." Shiana commented, looking at both Christy and Adriana like a mother whose children had just graduated. "How many times do i have to tell you that it's not a date? It's just coffee!" Adriana raising her voice a little. "Sounds like a date to me," Christy added,"Who is she?" "Chris, why don't you concerntrate on keeping Erika in just your bed and stay out of my business?" Spat Adriana, angry that no one was listening to her.
Nothing burns like the truth and that was why Adriana was so defensive. She was finding it hard to admit that usually when a one night stand came back to bite her in the ass, she would just brush it off until they were gone. But she wasn't doing that with Shannon. Instead she was taking her for a drink. It was highly unlike her to give a damn. For the time being, the only reason for this "date" that made any sense to Adriana, was getting Shannon to stop the Saturday night watch.
Chapter Six:Bob's Cafe:
Shannon readily waved Adriana over from behind the counter. She'd just finished her shift and had a table at the back of the shop reserved for them. They said their hellos and took seats facing each other.
"First off, i just want you to know that i'm sorry i hurt your feelings the way i did."
Shannon took a sip of coffee, "Can i ask you a question?" Adriana nods,"Yeah." "When you were dancing with that woman, you looked me dead in the eye and then you kissed her like you were trying to make me jealous or something. Why did you do that?" Adriana hung her head in shame. She wasn't even sure why she did some of the things she did.
After a while she looked up, when an answer popped into her head. "Because i'm a jerk, that's why." She sniggered, hoping to lighten the mood. Shannon's face remained straight. Adriana was never good with these kind of situations and became serious with her next sentence, "You can...I...I'm an ass sometimes. I hurt people. I let them down, you know? So it's better not to get involved with anyone." Shannon reached across the table for Adriana's hand, but she pulls away. "How do you know if you don't give yourelf a chance?" "I'm not going to get myself into that situation. I stick to sex. That way everybody gets what they want, without getting stung." "Well that's complete utter bull." Said Shannon. Adriana's expression remained blase. "Gosh you're stubborn. My brother was right, i always seem to mingle with the most difficult people." Shannon smirked as she talked of her brother.
Wanting to change the subject, Adriana asked,"So where's your brother at?" "He's dead; car accident. You know how it goes." She sighed and took another sip of her coffee. Susceptibility wasn't something Adriana exhibited often, but here she was talking to a stranger about the inner-workings of her thoughts and emotions.
"So...do you have any siblings?" Poked Shannon. When Adriana ignored the question, it became clear that this was a subject she didn't care to discuss. "You came into my life and confused the hell out of me. I don't understand why you felt you had to do that." Shannon wanted answers and fast.
"I found you attractive." Adriana said, taking her first sip of cappuccino and feeling it's viscous, creamy texture glide down her throat. Shannon put her hand to her head and let her elbow take the weight, "So this is the price to pay for being attractive?" Adriana stared at the floating pieces of chocolate in her cappuccino. Now the roles had been inverted. Shannon was the outspoken one, and Adriana was meek for once. Being candid was due to anger on Shannon's part and for Adriana, being quiet was due to her trying to think up answers to all the questions were being fired at her.
"That's how things work in my world Shannon. You may hate me for what i did, but walking away was the best hing i could've done for the both of us." Adriana mitigating her behaviour. That question that had been gnawing away at Shannon had not yet been answered and she was getting impatient. "No, i think the best thing you could've done would have been to have left me alone in the first place. If you knew you were going to do this, then why mess with me?" "I found you attractive! I slept with you! What's the big deal? It's called a one night stand Shannon." Adriana was getting bored of the interrogation and got up to leave. She couldn't handle talking about such a serious subject so openly. Usually she would water things like this down with humour. "Adriana, the big deal is that it was more than just a one night stand. We had things in common. We had a good time. You made me laugh, i made you laugh. You can't deny that!" Shannon shouted across the table. Adriana turned to face her. "A lot of people have things in common. A lot of people have a good time. So what Shannon?" Adriana returned the shot, putting the ball back in her court. "We clicked, that's what." Shannon put her hands on her hips. "Why did you ask me out to coffee if you didn't know that?" Adriana walked up close to Shannon. "Because you're right. We do click, and we do make each other laugh. I asked you here because i wanted to say sorry so that we could be friends. I think we could be great friends Shannon." Shannon ran her fingers through her hair, fatigued by their debate. "What do you say we quit arguing, and start hanging out? I would much prefer that instead. Wouldn't you?" Adriana eagerly stuck out her hand just as she had the first time they'd met. Shannon let out a guttural sigh before accepting Adriana's hand. being friends with Adriana had to be better than having no contact with her at all.
They stood outside of Bob's Cafe, ready to depart."I'm an ass, i know that Shannon. But this ass likes you...You got balls. Listen, my friends and i are going out Saturday. We're trying a new club. You can come if you want." Shannon didn't seem to keen and Adriana saw this, "Well if you want to come, call me and i'll tell you the details." It had taken everything Shannon had to fight the urge to hug Adriana, but it became too much and she gave in. She wrapped her arms tightly around Adriana and said, "I'll think about it. Bye." They waved goodbye and split.
Chapter Seven: Touching What You Can't Have:
Shiana and Casey walked side by side while browsing the aisles. Shiana picked up a v-neck t-shirt and showed it to Casey, looking for approval. Casey shook her head then continued to walk on.
"I'll tell you what Case, this girl Adriana's lusting after must have something extra. As long as i've known Adriana, no one has ever been so lucky to get her to take them out on a date." Shiana said, making conversation. "it's not a date. She told you that already. Adriana has to do something about that straight girl stalking her. Wouldn't you? The worst thing to tell a stalker is:leave me alone. So Adriana's being nice to her." Replied Casey. She was being defensive; you could hear it in her voice. Shiana couldn't help but notice that whenever she mentioned one of Adriana's flings, Casey would flip. "You know Adriana has to keep up this image of somebody who doesn't feel. I don't know, this girl could be good for her. She could be the one." "That girl isn't right for Adriana." Casey was adamant of this. "How do you know? You haven't even met the woman." "She's just not. I know she's not. I got that feeling." Shiana sighed in sympathy for Casey. "Would those feelings happen to be for Adriana?" Casey had been busted like a child with his hand in the cookie jar. Her none response was all the verification Shiana needed." Why do you do this to yourself Case? You're her best friend, but if you ask me i think you got no chance in hell with her. Case, you're gorgeous with your blonde hair and blue eyes, but Adriana doesn't look at the beauty in her women. I mean you've seen some of the women she's been with." "Don't remind me." Casey folded her arms and listened intently. "But it's not about that. It's about the fact that if you have feelings for Adriana, you're garanteed to get hurt." "I know all of this already. What am i supposed to do? Hope is the best i can do Shi."
Shannon had taken Adriana up on her offer and agreed to go out with the group. Her ears were still bleeping from her last night out, but she wasn't going to let that affect her. She was going to spend time with Adriana reguardless.
Casey sat; wound up that Adriana had invited Shannon along for the night. Shannon was introduced to the girls, and they all agreed that she was in the top ten of Adriana's women, especially Erika, who was mentally having raunchy sex with Shannon whilst kissing Christy. Nicole didn't know where to put her face. Shannon was one-hundred percent flesh and bone, and not one percent imagination. Although, she sure looked like the stuff fantasies were made of. Conversation was going smooth and they were getting along famously.
But their conversation was interrupted when a young lady approached Shannon. She was a lot more reluctant to go since her last encounter, but she wasn't one to dwell, and was receptive. Adriana stalked the woman fiercely.
"Looks like someone's jealous." Jade referring to Adriana. "What are you: stupid? I have to look out for her. She's new to the scene, and my responsibility since i invited her."
Forty-five minutes zoomed by and Shannon was still nowhere to be seen.
There was a little adorable couple dancing slowly to the laid back pace of the song, which the group couldn't keep their eyes off of.
"They're so charming together. Erika and i will be that way at our wedding." Christy beamed a smile, nudging Adriana so that she's look at the delightful pair. Adriana took one look at them and downed her Safari Juice. As she sat watching what she considered debauchery unfold before her, she wondered where Shannon was and went in search of her
Firstly, she checked the second floor. No Shannon. She then went to the toilets and Bingo! There stood Shannon with the woman that had taken her away. They looked like they were getting quite close.
"Shannon, we're going now." Said Adriana, startling the pair. "Oh ok." Shannon turned to the woman. "Maybe I'll call you." She then went to walk out when the woman said: "Hold on a minute." Shannon faced the woman, only to see that she was talking to Adriana. "Adriana?" The woman said, clearly expecting Adriana to know who she was. Adriana hadn't the first idea who this young girl was, but she figured she'd probably slept with her in the past. "It's me: Jo. You're looking good, as always...Well, if you ever need anything, like, if you ever need any of your stuff moving, i'm your woman..." Adriana glanced at Shannon. She wanted to see if Shannon had any inkling as to what this Jo was jabbering on about. "Jo works for U-Haul." Shannon filled in the blank. "Oh yeah." Adriana laughed, "Well thank you Jo. I'll be certain to do that hun. Bye now."
Walking out, Shannon chortled silently to herself. "What?" Adriana asked, looking at the big grin on Shannon's face, a smirk forming on her own. "You've got her totally whipped." "What, she's no different from anyone else in town. She just can't help it." Adriana gloated in an adorably childish manner. "I hear that." Shannon easily agreed. She could hardly deny it. She unequivocally had whipped branded on her forehead too. "Whipped by the Pussaay!" Adriana shouted in a silly voice.
Their laughs could be heard ecohing in the street, as they exited the club, along with the others. Casey glared at her best friend and this girl frolicking on the sidewalk. At that moment, you could honestly say that she was full of hate. She hated herself for not making her move on Adriana before; she hated Adriana for not noticing - ignoring her the entire night, and she despised Shannon for having the balls to go after what she wanted.
The ride home was tense. Casey was still upset, and everyone knew it. Shannon thought it had something to do with her but couldn't think of any valid reason for why it would.
Sunday morning, Shannon woke to see the number she'd gotten last night on her cabinet. Content with her innovative life, she stretched, yawned and reached over for the phone. Casey's little tantrum was plaguing her, and it was her excuse to hear Adriana's voice first thing in the morning.
"I'm glad i agreed to go. I enjoyed myself a lot...but what was up with Casey?" "Casey just isn't used to the spotlight being on me and somebody else, rather than me and her. Anyway, what did you enjoy the most? The music, the women - or was it Jo Jo's company?" "Actually, she wasn't really my type." Shannon smiled, thrilled that she'd stayed loyal to Adriana. "You have a type?" Adriana flirting with Shannon. "Doesn't everybody?" "I don't discriminate. I love women; all women. Besides, Jo was hot. I would've hit that." Adriana couldn't fully appreciate Shannon's motive for not jumping on her opportunity with Jo. "Something tells me you already did. But like i said, she wasn't for me. I'd much rather it be you all over me instead." Just as soon as the words had come out, Shannon wished she could suck them back in, swallow them, and keep them buried deep...But it was too late. The phone didn't have a device that did that, so she figured what the hell. "I really, really like you Adriana - like, alot." There, she'd said it. Adriana was mute, and Shannon realised that she'd pushed much too hard, "Ok i'm sorry. Look, if you just want to be friends, then...that's fine with me. Whatever you want Adriana." "Listen, I have to go but I'll call you." Said Adriana, putting the phone down. "At least she'd said bye this time" Shannon thought.
Adriana sat there and let the words: I really, really like you Adriana - like, alot, replay in her head over and over again like a scratched record. Suddenly it occured to her that she wasn't running a mile, and that hearing those words didn't make her feel cold and unfamiliar.
As the months passed, Shannon had manoeuvred her way into the group and had earned the title of Adriana's sidekick, apart from the fact that Shannon had gotten a whole lot further that Casey had when she held the title. This made Casey's blood boil, and Shannon feelings for Adriana were stronger than ever. Occasionally she would go over to Adriana's house and end up having to borrow nightclothes, not that she needed them. There was a downside though. Shannon was tiring of being at Adriana's beckon call. She was groeing impatient, and was sick of being used. Shannon had made her mind up that she was going to put an end to it. Even though it was probably going to kill her, she had to let Adriana know that she wasn't just some plaything.
Shannon waited anxiously and nervous on Adriana's couch. Now was the time to get it all off of her chest. Following the cliche, she even bit her nails. She then heard footsteps and saw the stunning goddess walking in her direction. They were focussed squarey on each other and for very different reasons. Adriana stared upon Shannon with lust and desire. This wasn't going to be easy for Shannon, but now was crunch time. Adriana admired the way Shannon looked before removing her own satin, smooth nightgown, just as she did everytime Shannon came over.
Shannon lay on her back with one arm cushioning her head as she fixed her eyes on Adriana. She witnessed Adriana glide over to the stereo. her body was heavenly, almost as if chiselled by perfect hands, and Shannon loved clutching it close to her own body.
Adriana casually flickered through the cd rack until she found the song that best suited the mood. This was the first time Adriana had gone through so much trouble. Normally there was no prelude. There was no wine or music, just straight to it. Now Adriana was making an effort. her song choice was equally as pleasing when Shannon heard Kid Loco's: A Grande Love Theme engulf the room. Was Adriana hinting with her choice of song? Shanon couldn't help but wonder if Adriana was letting the song title say the words she found so difficult just to even think about. Shannon was lost in the moment. It was all so romantic.
Feeling the weight of Adriana's silky, smooth body was very, very distracting. She ran her hands up, down and all over Adriana's curve defined back, loving ever moment of embracing the woman she loved. Simultaneously they brought their heads together, wrapped up in bliss. But as their lips gently brushed, Shannon was no longer drunk with lust, and jumped. Adriana raised up, worried. "What?" She asked, oblivious. "No. I can't do this anymore. I just, i can't do this." Rolling her eyes, Adriana knew that she was in for another one of Shannon's Oscar deserved performances, "This has got to stop. I'm not going to keep coming around here every time you click your fingers. I just can't settle for casual sex." Adriana got up off the couch altogether, "You say we're friends but i'm nothing but a convenient whore to you!" Shannon observed Adriana pace up and down the lounge before stopping and holding her hand up, signalling that it was her turn to talk. "You're not a whore Shannon." "Look, i can't tiptoe around you anymore. I can't pretend to feel nothing just so you don't feel wakward. Do you know how many nights i lay awake in my bed, wishing that you were next to me so that i could just hold you? I want us to be something, and you just want me for sex."
It felt great for Shannon to finally offload her thoughts. She could see Adriana struggling to deal with what was happening. Adriana abruptly stopped and ran a shaky hand through her thick, black hair.
"I don't need this right now." She said, going over to the stereo and switching it off. Shannon then turned to monitor what Adriana's reaction to her next comment would be. "Yeah, but you need me, and that's what you hate isn't it? That's what you can't handle, the fact that you want me - need me in your life." it would seem as though arguing was their favourite pass time. Adriana picked her silky nightgown off of the floor, threw it on and unlocked the front door. "I don't have to listen to this. You can leave now." "You don't want a friend. You want a toy - something you can pick up and put down whenever you feel like it, and i refuse to your fucking toy!" In her rage, Shannon leaves, slamming the door behind her.
Alone, Adriana began thinking about what Shannon had said and still couldn't see anything erroneous with the situation. She didn't understand what was so wrong about not wanting to get emotionally involved. It was frustrating for her. She wished she could call her mother and ask for her advice, although they never had one of the closest relationships. She yearned to have girly chats with her mother like all of her other friend did with their mothers. But Adriana knew that would be impossible.
Her mother had died of an overdose when Adriana was thirteen, resulting in her being taken into care, where she later met Casey. She remembered coming home that night and seeing her mother's lifeless, limp body sprawled across the bathroom floor.
Then it dawned on her. Shannon was the only person that dared challenge her. She was the only person willing to tell her how things were, even if it wasn't what Adriana wanted to hear. Shannon had a level head. She'd grown up in what she'd described as the perfect family, and was a well-rounded person. She looked at the two full wine glasses on her little glass table and let her tears fall silently as she guzzled from the bottle.
Shannon poured out the last of her vodka and downed it hastily. She jumped at the sound of the front door being knocked, and dropped the glass on the floor. The sound of the scattering glass echoed through out thr room. She sighed and opened the door.
Adriana stood with one arm leant against the frame of the doorway. Words did not seem appropriate; only actions. Urgently they tugged at one another's clothing, not being able to resist. The two collapsed on the sofa kissing hungrily.
Five months ago, if someone had told Shannon that in five months time, she was going to be madly in love with a woman, she would have told them to go see a psychiatrist. Emotions this strong were unfathomable until she'd met Adriana. How could she end their affair and deny herself the fervency she'd awaited her entire life? How could she deprive herself of Adriana's touch? She just wasn't capable of doing that. Temptation had consumed her; it had won. In their fumbling, they fell to the ground with their lips still attatched. Hands were roaming and exploring places thay hadn't even known were there before. Their tongues duelled in each other's mouths. It was wonderful, until Adriana cried out:
"Ow!" Shannon saw the grimace on Adriana's face and knew she was in pain of some sort., "Something just stabbed me in the back." Adriana revealed, turning over so that Shannon could see what the problem was. "Oh crap," Shannon hated the sight of blood, " I...I dropped my glass earlier and one of the shards is - Well, it's in your back." She stuttered. Adriana looked over her shoulder, trying to get a glimpse of the damage. "I can't see it. Is there a lot of blood?" Adriana asked, as she felt the warm, rich, red liquid trickling down her back. "Wait here. I'll go and get something for it." Shannon left for the bathroom.
In her return, she had in hand a plaster, some gauze, and some cotton wool. Adriana flinched when Shannon dabbed the gauze onto the graze with the cotton wool. "I know it hurts, but the gauze will get rid of any bacteria." Shannon reassuring her, "We don't want any bacteria getting in do we?" Adriana grinned at the thought of Shannon babying her. "I'm really tired. I kind of had a little to drink when you left, and well, i'm not exactly sober. I need to sleep." Adriana announced. Shannon carefully placed the plaster on Adriana's back and made her a hot cup of chocolate. This was enough to really tire Adriana out, so Shannon helped her upstairs and into bed. She then occupied her time with some television.
Adriana was still soundly asleep when Shannon entered the room, being sure to creep so as not to wake Adriana. Shannon sought out a seat on her bed. Glancing at the lipstick smear on the mug she'd given Adriana, she pulled the covers further up over her sleeping beauty. Adriana muttered incoherent words in her sleep. "How cute." Shannon whispred to herself. She didn't quite know why, but she found solace in watching Adriana sleep peacefully. It was calming and soothing. There was an air about Adriana that screamed tragedy and romance. Shannon's fingers tingled to touch her. They itched to brush Adriana's dark hair away from her face. But she didn't. Her eyes then caught sight of Adriana's full, soft, cherry lips.
"Hey." Adriana spoke with smooth gentleness "Hey." Shannon replied, "Did i wake you?" "Not really." Adriana confirmed lazily. Shannon casually pulled back the covers and climbed in next to her queen. She covered Adriana, draping her arm around her waist. Adriana didn't resist when she placed her hand a top of Shannon's, their fingers entwined. She could feel Shannon's warm breath on the back of her ear as she gave a sigh of relaxation. Now comfy behind Adriana, Shannon kissed the plaster that covered her gash.
"I'm going to ask you something." Shannon snuggled closer. "Ok." Answered Adriana, in a sleepy voice. "How do you really feel about me?" She had to know what role she played, and if she was best friend or, if lucky, girlfriend. Adriana's eyes instantly snapped open and she craned her neck so that she was looking back at Shannon. Her eyes darted frantically before she honestly replied: "I care about you." Shannon settled for those comforting words, and squeezed tighter.
Shannon awoke naturally, and looked to her side. Adriana was already awake, and looking at herself in the mirror that sat on the draws next to her side of the bed. Shannon kept still, and observed Adriana examining her face in this mirror. "You look beautiful." Shannon broke the silence. Remaining in the mirror, unstartled, Adriana tugged at the corner of her eye. "I look like shit. I gotta give up the alcohol." She said, turning around to look at Shannon, "Think i need botox?" Shannon laughed, "Shut up, if anybody needs botox, it's my mother...Nah, you just need someone to take care of you." "Honey, I stopped needing somebody to take care of me a long time ago." Adriana smiled. She had never called Shannon honey before. Shannon loved it. It just felt so right."Any chance i could hop in your shower?" Asked Adriana, hopping out of the bed to reveal her beautiful naked body. As the idea popped into her head, Shannon couldn't help but smirk, "Only if you let me join you; and you gotta promise to wash my back." "I'll wash a whole lot more than that." Adriana flirted, running off into the bathroom...
It was the first time Shannon had ever gotten out of the shower feeling dirtier than she did when she went in. Her legs were still wobbly from the earth-shattering orgasm she'd experienced in the shower with Adriana, as she dried her body of with her towel. "Careful there wobbly." Teased Adriana.
Chapter Eight: Rejection:
Walking into Le Boissons, Shannon gave Adriana's hand a reassuring squeeze. But being that her friends were watching, Adriana heartlessly brushed Shannon's hand away. In disbelief, Shannon stood statue-like, staring at Adriana while she took a sip of Nicole's coffee. Adriana had just taken a hammer to Shannon's heart, and was acting like she'd done nothing wrong. For those few hours last night, Shannon had seen a completely different side to Adriana. They elected their seats on opposite sides of the table and Shannon, even now, hadn't spoken a word. She was fuming like a raging fire, that Adriana had denied her like that, and especially after their revelation the night before. Adriana then upped and headed for the toilets. Shannon followed and Casey frowned as she looked on.
Shannon waited outside the cubicle occupied by Adriana. Finally when she decided to show her face, she brushed past Shannon in a cavalier fashion to wash her hands. Shannon's face was a pale crimson and the anger was rising like a fire that couldn't be extinguished.
"What is it?! Didn't you enjoy being with me last night? What Adriana? It's like you have a multiple personality disorder or something!" "Last night was nice. It ws perfect...I just don't want to be in a relationship. I told you that before we started hanging out. No one is going to change me. Not even you. If it's any consolation, it's not you. I was never going to be this subservient little housewife, and i don't want you to be mine. You already know what i think of monogamy. It's for hetero's, not me." Shannon held her face in her hands, not knowing what else to say. Adriana reached for Shannon's arm, but this time it was Shannon retreating. "I'm sorry." Said Adriana, unceremoniously drying her hands. "No! No Adriana. Don't give me that shit. You said you cared about me. What happened to that?" Adriana glanced in the mirror and saw Shannon's distraught, crying reflection. She hated it when Shannon cried and hugged her. Seeing Shannon cry was one of the very few things in the world that seemed to reach inside of adriana. "Don't. Please. I do care about you. I care about you a lot." She released Shannon, "I just can't let my feelings get any deeper ok?" "Love isn't a crime. They're not gonna send you to the electric chair if you fall for someone." Shannon said. Her eyes were red and puffy with her bottom lip quivering. Adriana pulled open the door and gave Shannon a lingering look. "You're a great person Shannon. You deserve to be happy...you deserve a hell of a lot better than me." Frustration was now setting in, "I should be the one to make that decision. You want me. I know it, and so do you. We both want each other. I don't understand why you're preventing this!" Shannon pushed on desperately, hoping that her words would make a difference. Instead, Adriana just walked out.
"Come on Case. Aren't you just a little pissed that she's taking all of Adriana's time?" Jade stirring the pot. "Will you shut up. She's back." Casey whispered.
Chapter Nine: Should i Stay or Should I Go?:
A genuine smile graced Shannon's face as she heard her fathers voice for the first time in over a year." It's great to hear from you dad. How are things going?" Asked Shannon.
"Things aren't great hun," Shannon frowned. She'd had a crappy day and now she was about to hear more depressing news," Your mother hasn't been coping too well with your brother's accident. She said she needed a break and went to Australia - rented a cottage with your aunt Veronica. Didn't veronica tell you?" Asked Shannon's father. Shannon's aunt lived just a block away from Shannon. In a way, Shannon was kind of glad that veronica hadn't contacted her. If she had any idea that her favourite niece was sleeping with a woman... "No." Replied Shannon. "Andrew's gone...Your mother's gone...Shannon - how would you feel if i asked you to come stay out here for six months or so with me? It gets lonely, you know?"
Shannon thought about her fathers proposition and weighed the pros and cons. yes living in Miami was great, but all the drama wasn't. Her father, a person she knew she could trust, was in Europe.
After about two minutes of making her father wait, she concluded that she had nothing to stay for in Miami
"Yeah dad. Why not? I would love to come to England." She wiped her falling tears. "I can't wait to see you again." "This is great, honey. I'm going to show you around, take you shopping and do everything we used to do together. You don't know how happy you've made me princess." The tears forming in the back of her throat were affecting her voice, and she knew she had to end the conversation before she completely broke down. "I'll see you dad. Love you." She put down the phone and began dialling Angela.
The following day Shannon made it her mission to inform the group that she was going to England. She'd told them that there was nothing really keeping her in Miami - maybe the weather, but nothing other than that. As customary, Adriana put up the it doesn't bother me facade. When Shannon had eagerly told her, she just went on insensitively talking about some girl she'd slept with, only pausing once or twice to wish Shannon a happy trip. Adriana's inept behaviour only encouraged Shannon on her decision to leave. Now she was certain about going.
Shannon picked up her luggage and was all set to board the plane. "Bye you guys. Thanks for all of those great nights out, and everything out." They all took their turn in hugging her, even Casey. She couldn't wait to see the back of Shannon. When the line came to Adriana, Shannon politely requested that they have a few minutes alone. "You know this is all your fault...You're the only reason i'm leaving when in fact you should be the reason one reason i stay...Well if you're not going to answer then fine. before i go i want to tell you: Adriana Larsen, I Iove you." Shannon said with passion, thinking that just maybe Adriana would say it back under the circumstances. But nothing. Shannon leaned in and planted a subtle, but firm enough, kiss on Adriana's lips. She wanted nothing more than for Adriana to deter her from going. "Hope you like it in jolly old England. Do an english chick for me." Adriana playfully punched Shannon in the arm. "Bye. Have a safe trip." Whispered Adriana as she witnessed Shannon board the plane.
Check back for part 4. It'll be up soon. : ) I appreciate the comments. thank you.