Lara's Story

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Lara's Story

Part Three

By Chris

"I'm taking her outside for a few moments, if one of you would get her a Mountain Dew, it would be greatly appreciated." Gena said pulling Lara with her toward the stairs.

Gena heard Agent Stone said as an order, "You heard her, someone go get Lara a Mountain Dew, get her several!"

Gena had to force Lara toward the stairs, gripping her tightly around the shoulders as she guided her down the stairs. Lara was still crying but the sobbing had stopped. They were passed on the stairs by one of the agents that was with Agent Stone, he was obviously the one assigned to get Lara her Mountain Dews. By the time that Gena had Lara at the bottom of the stairs, Lara seemed to have given up on going back to slap her father and was going with her. She took her out the doors and past the government cars to a clear area under one of the old tall oak trees. Lara was still shaking, so Gena pulled her into her body and held her tightly for a few minutes. When she felt Lara start to wiggle and try to pull away, she released her but she kept an eye on her seeing Lara's tear streaked cheeks. She reached up with her fingers wiping the tears from Lara's eyes causing Lara to give her a slight smile.

"I guess I made a fool of myself up there didn't I, slapping my father when he could no longer fight back." Lara said as she began to softly smile.

"No I think everyone who has heard your story this week understands why you did that and don't blame you for doing it." Gena told her wiping the tears from Lara's eyes. "If it was me, I would have probably got my gun out and shot him a couple of more times just to make sure the SOB was really dead."

Lara laughed, "Well if I had a gun I would have done that too. I still would."

"Then I guess we had better keep any guns away from you then don't we." Gena said with a laugh but she was also serious figuring that Lara just might do as she said she would.

"No I won't do that, but it is nice to think about, he really is a bastard," Lara told her.

"He was a bastard, but now he is just a dead drug trafficker, nothing more." Gena assured her. "He's nothing to you now, he can't hurt you now, nor can your brothers."

"I know but..." Lara said.

"No buts, they can't hurt you and they never got a chance to call anyone that could hurt you. You're safe now." Gena assured her.

"You... You sure..." Lara said as the tears began to fall once again.

Gena pulled Lara back into her body hugging her tightly, she whispered into her ear, "Yes I'm sure."

Gena rubbed her back as she held her tightly and she felt Lara melt into her arms taking in the feeling of security that Gena was trying to give her. Lara was gripping her tightly however as the minutes passed, that grip began to loosen. Gena knew that Lara was beginning to get control over herself and that was when the agent that had went to get Lara's Mountain Dews arrived holding a bottle out to her and having two more six packs in his arms.

"Honey, your Mountain Dews have arrived, you know what that means don't you?" She asked.

Lara pulled back and asked, "What's that?"

"That you need to earn that DEA uniform that you are wearing, they still need you to break into your father's computers." Gena said hoping that giving Lara something to do would help her.

Lara looked down at the uniform that she was wearing and slowly a smile came over her face, "I guess I had better earn my keep then."

Lara wiped the tears from her face before turning to the agent, taking the offered drink, and saying "Thank You." She then began to march back toward the house with her back straight and her head held high. Gena was so surprised by Lara action that she was stuck in place for a moment before she said to the agent, "Put those in the fridge and tell Agent Stone that we're heading to Lara's father's office." Gena then caught back up with Lara who was walking with a purpose now. As they entered the house, they were wheeling her father out on a stretcher with his body covered. Gena heard Lara say to him, "bastard," then she went on inside.

Lara went into the house making a left hand turn and heading to what Gena assumed was her father's office. As they entered it, Gena was amazed as to how big his office was; she could fit her kitchen and living room into the office and still have some room left over. There were several men and one woman gathered around Lara's father computer screen and they all seemed to be frustrated at what they were seeing.

"Let me at it, I'll get you into the bastard's files." Lara told them however they all just sat there looking at her like she was crazy. Gena could just see them thinking that if they couldn't get in then this young lady would never be able to. They all stood there in this standoff and Gena was about to say something when she heard the DEA Director's voice come from the door.

"You heard her, let Lara at that computer; you might learn something from her." He told them.

You could see the disbelief in their eyes however that didn't stop them from doing what he said. They knew better than to disobey an order from the Director no matter how stupid it sounded.

Lara went over and sat in her father's seat and for a moment she just sat there. Gena knew that Lara was getting so much joy just at being able to sit in a chair and in a room she was never allowed to be in. She allowed herself just a moment of this pleasure before she slid forward. "Everything in the computer in encrypted, it is just a matter of figuring out what encryption and then how to break it."

"We know that but how are you going to figure that out?" The agent who was in the seat asked.

"The man who taught me also taught my father so it has to be similar. Plus my father wasn't all that great on computers so it has to have a simple code to break it. It may take me a few minutes but I'll get in there." Lara told them then her fingers began to fly across the keys.

Gena went over to one of the chairs in the room and sat down. She watched as Lara's forehead knitted as she concentrated on what she was doing. She only paused to take a long sip of her drink then she went back at it. Lara just kept working trying different things but never once did she seem to get frustrated by her lack of progress. She also saw the smiles get bigger on the agents faces as Lara had trouble getting in, however Gena was certain that Lara would eventually get in and she did.

"Bingo!" Lara said with a smile on her face and frowns on the other's faces.

"Where do you want me to download this file, we got lots more to get into people." Lara said now firmly in charge.

"Here, connect it to this laptop, then we can see what you are doing and download the files to the office." The female agent said giving Lara a cord to hook the two computers together.

Gena knew that Lara would be okay now, so she went out to find the sheriff and see about everything else that was going down. She found him in the kitchen with Agent Simpson, Hillary, and Kurt who were all having a cup of coffee. Gena got herself a cup and stood at the counter listening to them talk. She found out that the Concord sheriff and his two deputies had been woken at six that morning and arrested. The whole department was now being questioned to see if anyone knew what had been going on. The state police had taken over the sheriff's office and would run it until everything could be figured out and the city council could appoint a new sheriff. The DEA also had raided the places that Lara had gone to get the drugs and more arrests were made there with lots of drugs found. And the warehouse that the family had been shipping from was also raided at the same time with more drugs found and men arrested. In one fell swoop, the whole operation was taken down and they were all sure that once Lara's father's computer was opened and the files downloaded, there would be more drugs to be confiscated and people arrested. Gena could not believe that her one traffic stop had lead to all of this, but the real credit, she knew, went to Lara for coming clean and taking the risk of death just to do what was right.

About noon, Gena went back into where Lara was working and she ate the sandwiches that were brought in with Lara as she worked on her father's computer. Gena saw that the agents were now all on Lara's side kidding and joking with her as she worked. They finally had accepted the fact that they could learn a lot from this girl and they were feeding on the knowledge. When lunch was over, they had downloaded everything from Lara's father computer; they trooped to her brother's computers to find what they could there, not that there was much since her father had complete control over the operation. Once that was done, Lara helped them unhook everything and put it out in the vans to haul to the main office along with the papers that were found in the house. Everything would be gone through for any leads that they could get to bring down anyone else that was involved.

As things were winding down and the DEA agents, that Lara was working with were gone, Gena could see that Lara was a bit lost. "Would you show me your room before we go?" Gena asked.

Lara seemed to pause and Gena said, "You don't have to if you don't want, if it bothers you."

"No I want to." Lara said firmly. "Come on; let's go see it for the last time."

"Are you sure?" Gena asked.

"Yea, I'm sure." Lara said as she took Gena's hand leading her toward the kitchen.

Gena realized that she was so close to the room and had forgotten to look in when she was drinking coffee and finding out what all had gone down. She also realized that Lara had a firm grip on her hand and it felt nice, it felt natural to her. This bothered her a bit but not enough to let go. Lara went through the kitchen and there at the far end was a door, Lara opened it and went in taking Gena with her.

Gena had been amazed by the size of the house and the offices and bedroom and now she was amazed by how small this room was, it was less than the size of the cells in their jail. There wasn't even a window to look out. What there was; were a couple of small pads lying on the floor with a sheet and blanket and a pillow. Along the back wall and to the side were neatly stacked jeans, tee shirts and some bras and panties and nothing else.

"Oh god, this is even smaller than I had imagined. How did you live in this place and not go crazy?" Gena had to ask as she put her right hand to her mouth.

"It wasn't bad when Nana was here but it got hard once she left me. But then I got big enough to drive and my father found out that I was great with numbers and computers, then I got my laptop and that helped me pass the time. Plus with me sneaking out at night and roaming the place and grounds gave me some relief." Lara told her.

"Just how did your father discover you were good with numbers and computers?" Gena had to ask as she was curious about that.

"One night when Buster or rather Ray, I believe the director said his name was." Lara said and Gena nodded that it was.

"Anyway one night he was working late and I happened upon him. I guess he wanted company and I was bored so he began to show me things and he only had to show it once to me and I knew it. I stayed by his side all night working with him. Then I guess he told my father who came into my room and slapped the shit out of me and threatened to kill me like he did my mother and then he stormed out. I knew I was dead but I guess Ray talked him into letting him train me and put me to use. So I guess I owe Ray my life." Lara said.

"I guess maybe you do. At least he did something good in his life." Gena told her.

"So who taught you to drive anyway?" Gena asked her.

"You're just full of questions today aren't you?" Lara stated however she did have a slight smile on her face.

"Sorry, it's just there some things that I couldn't figure out as you told me some about your life." Gena told her.

"It's cool; I don't mind talking about it now." Lara said. "Actually Johnny showed me how to drive. The normal driver showed up one day high as a kite, I guess he got hooked on the drugs that he was carrying so they couldn't trust him anymore. They had no one to send and I guess Johnny thought of me. I was just big enough to reach the pedals so I was given the job. Johnny took me on the trip making me drive when we were off the main roads which we were most of the time. So by the time the next trip was scheduled, I had all those driver licenses made for me and I went on my way. Of course my father chose to slap me around me a bit to keep me in line as well as more than a few threats. He then gave me some cash to get down there and back up. They mapped out the first few trips, after that, they just told me to take a different route and gave me a week to get there and back. That way I could stop when I wanted and visit places so I would look like a tourist or some student on a road trip. I did as they said until I knew they were no longer watching me, then I began to hurry down there and back then I would get a motel and just relax and explore the area that I lived in." Lara said.

"I would ask you why you didn't try to run but after seeing how your family tried to protect their territory today, I know why you didn't." Gena told her.

"No they would have found me and killed me, of that I have no doubt." Lara said.

"Well I don't know about you but I am ready to get out of here, is there anything that you want to take with you? I don't think there is anything here that anyone but you would be interested in." Gena told her.

Lara looked around and said, "No there is nothing from this place that I want." Lara said as she turned to leave.

"What about your panties and bras?" Gena asked.

"No I want to get some more and throw away everything I have now, I want to start fresh." Lara said.

"Well I can understand that," Gena said as she followed Lara out the door.

On the way out, Gena saw the sheriff, so she sent Lara on and she stopped to talk to him. That led them to Agent Stone and Agent Simpson who talked to the computer agents. Another twenty minutes later, Gena found Lara sitting in the passenger seat of her car.

"Would you believe that we both got the weekend off," Gena said as she got into the car.

"They don't need me to do anything else?" Lara asked with a worried look on her face.

"Well at least not for the weekend but we are on call in case they come across something that they need your help with. But for the moment they have everyone they wanted arrested or they are dead, and you have opened all the files. They have even frozen all of your family's assets which will become property of the federal and state governments. Sorry but you won't be inheriting anything." Gena told her with a smile.

"I don't want anything from this place," Lara told her.

"Yea, I didn't think that part would bother you any," Gena said with a big smile.

"We just got to stop and get our clothes from the van, there'll be an agent there to let us get them and then we can head home." Gena told her.

"I'm ready; it has been a long day." Lara said.

Gena asked Lara what she wanted to do during the weekend and she wasn't surprised that watching movies were high on the list. And going to a real theater was at the top. They stopped at the van and they both changed back into the clothes that they had come in leaving the DEA uniforms in the van, then they were on their way. Before they left the small city that was Concord, Gena pulled into a large discount store.

"What do you need here?" Lara asked.

"Nothing but you do," Gena told her with a smile.

Lara turned and gave Gena a strange look, "What do I need?"

"How about some bras and panties to start; and then maybe a pair of jeans and a tee shirt or two to get you started on your new life." Gena told her.

"But I don't have any money; they have my purse and besides the money in it was from my father." Lara told her.

"This is my treat, which is why we are at this discount store," Gena told her giving her a little wink.

"You sure?" Lara asked giving her a shy but happy smile.

"Yes I'm sure," Gena assured her.

"Well then maybe a few panties and bras, will be okay," Lara said now smiling fully.

"What about some jeans and tee shirts?" Gena asked.

"Oh I got the sweat suits you gave me; they'll do me just fine," Lara told her.

"You got to have more than that to wear," Gena replied.

"No I don't." Lara said with a big smile as she got out of the car.

"Okay but we'll figure something out for you to wear other than sweat suits." Gena said conceding the point for the moment.

They went on into the store, going on back to the lingerie section. Lara looked through the panties and seeing all the different styles going from thongs to boy shorts, to the plain cotton ones that she had been wearing. Lara looked around and she went to the inexpensive panties and bras much like what Gena had seen her in. However Gena could see that Lara's eyes kept flashing over to the more hip styles so Gena stepped in to suggest that she chose some of them. Lara resisted at first but Gena didn't have to do much talking to convince Lara to go with some of the nylon hip huggers and she even talked her into getting one pack of thongs. They then went to the bras where again they got a couple of different styles including some that hooked in the front that Lara seemed to like. While she was at it, Gena got herself some as she needed some new bras and panties too.

"God I'm glad to be home again." Gena said as she entered the house.

"Me too, it has been a long day, too long of a day." Lara said as she followed her into the house.

"Why don't you go take a shower while I make a pot of coffee." Gena told her.

"No you take yours first while I make the coffee, that way it will be ready for you when you get out." Lara said as she slipped in around of Gena going toward the kitchen.

"If I wasn't so tired, I'd argue with you." Gena said and that got a laugh from Lara.

So Gena went on to her bedroom, locking her gun away and then heading toward the bathroom with a gown and clean panties in hand. She quickly undressed and jumped into the shower even before the water was completely warm as a way to wake herself up a little. It did help and then she just sort of cleared her mind not wanting to think about their day. It was just too much to process and she was tired of thinking.

When she came out of the bathroom, Lara was standing there ready to enter. "Your coffee is ready; I even made you a cup just the way that like you like it." Lara told her with a smile.

"And just how do you know how I like it?" Gena asked.

"I've only watched you make about a thousand cups of coffee this week; I know exactly how you like it." Lara said with a big grin on her face.

"I've not drank that many cups in a week." Gena protested.

"Okay, then nine hundred and ninety-nine cups." Lara replied as she entered the bathroom and shutting the door behind her.

"Watch that mouth or I'll..." Gena said when the door came open and Lara stood there in her bra and sweat pants on, "Or you'll what?" Lara asked and Gena could see from her expression that Lara just knew what she was about to say and she didn't like it.

Gena smiled at her and said, "Or I'll make you drink nine hundred and ninty-nine cups of coffee my smart mouth friend."

Lara's mouth slowly softens and she said, "Oh..." She then started to shut the door then she opened the door again and asked, "Why do you like coffee so much anyway?"

"Why do you like Mountain Dews so much?" was Gena's reply.

"I don't know, I just do," Lara said.

"Well that is the same for me." Gena said then she paused for a moment, "... ah no that's not the real reason."

"What is?" Lara asked.

"When I got older, I helped Miss Prior put the younger girls to bed at the orphanage, and then she and I would go to the kitchen and she would fix me a cup of coffee and I would drink it with her as we sat and talked. She was a sweet lady that had worked at the orphanage for years and years. I once asked her how old she was and her reply was "Older than dirt" which always made me laugh."

"She sounds like a nice old lady," Lara said.

She is," Gena told her.

"What was it like growing up there?" Lara asked.

"You go take your shower first, you stink, and then I might just tell you all about it." Gena said.

"Okay," Lara said then she started to shut the door when she stopped and almost shouted, "I don't stink either!"

Gena laughed, "I wondered if you caught that or not."

"I did, you ass..." Lara said then she opened the door and said quickly, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

Gena gave her a soft smile, "Honey you can call me an asshole if you want; especially when I say something mean like that. It's cool. I won't get mad and I won't ever call you a bitch and I won't slap your face. However if you are naughty, I might spank that butt of yours." Gena then laughed to show she was kidding about that last part but was serious about the other.

Lara smiled and said, "I know you won't, you're too sweet to ever treat me like my family did. You've treated me better than anyone ever did." Lara said.

"What about Nana?" Gena asked knowing that Nana was so important to Lara in her early life.

"She never took me out of there, you did." Lara said seriously and then tears began to form in her eyes. Gena wanted to say something but she wasn't sure what, but then Lara shut the door relieving her of having to come up with something.

Gena went on to the kitchen and there on the table was her cup of coffee, she sat down, picking up the cup and took a sip. She thought to herself that it was one of the best cups of coffee that she had ever tasted. She wasn't sure if it was because she had been drinking bad and cold coffee all day or because that Lara had taken so much care making it for her. She was hoping that it was for the first reason; however she feared it was because of the second one. The coffee was so good that by the time that Lara returned from her shower and in her nightgown, she had about finished it.

"I'll make you another cup." Lara said just as Gena started to get up.

"You don't have to; I can make my own coffee." Gena protested.

"I know but I like to just as I like to cook, so sit there and tell me about the orphanage, what it was like growing up there." Lara said as she stood by the counter with her back to Gena.

"What would you like to know?" Gena asked as she watched Lara standing there and she seemed to be wiggling her ass. Gena was beginning to wonder what Lara was doing. Was she doing it for her which she didn't think so but then it hit her what Lara's problem was.

"Everything," Lara said then she couldn't resist it any longer as she reached to the back of her gown and pulled on the top of her panties.

"Got a problem there?" Gena asked innocently like and trying not to laugh.

"No there's no problem." Lara said turning toward her with Gena's cup in her hand and her cheeks were red.

"You sure," Gena said trying not to laugh.

"No I'm fine." Lara said blushing more, and then she had to reach back and tug on her panties through her gown. "Yes there is, it's these damn thong panties you talked me in getting, I feel like I got... I don't know what between my bottom cheeks." Then she blushed more.

Gena then had to burst out laughing even as much as she was trying not to do so. "I'm going to take these damn things off." Lara said as she started to stomp out of the kitchen.

Gena jumped up catching Lara's arm stopping her, "I'm sorry I wasn't laughing at you but with you and at myself."

"Laughing at yourself?" Lara asked with a disbelieving expression on her face.

"Sit down and let me tell you about the first time I wore a pair of thongs." Gena said as she moved Lara to the table making her sit down. She then went to the fridge, getting Lara her Mountain Dew that she had been drinking on and then she sat down.

"When I was at the orphanage, we mostly wore what was donated to the orphanage so I never had anything fancy. So when I got out on my own and was going to school as I worked, one of the first things I bought was a pair of thongs, as all the girls were wearing them and for once I wanted to be like everyone else. Well I got me several pairs and when I got home, I put a pair on. I wore them a whole five minutes, pulling and tugging on them the whole time. Then I said "Fuck this shit" and pulled them off. That is what I was laughing at, as you were doing a perfect imitation of me." Gena told her.

"So did you ever wear them again?" Lara asked.

"Oh yes, I had to try them again and did so several days later and this time I immediately went to class so I was forced to wear them all day. After a while, I got to liking them and I wear them quiet often now." Gena said giving her a wink.

"You really wear them?" Lara asked.

Gena didn't say anything, she just stood up and turned around. She grabbed her gown in her hands, pulling it up quickly, going high enough to show her ass and the thong that she was wearing. She then dropped her gown and turned around to see Lara's face slightly flushed. At first she feared that she had embarrassed Lara by flashing her but then she saw the shy smile on her face and thought that there might be another reason for the redness on Lara's cheeks. "Any other questions?" Gena asked with a smile.

"No," Lara said then she took a sip of her pop.

"Wear those tonight and see if you don't like them by the morning." Gena suggested.

"Okay," Lara replied then she paused for a moment as something obviously important came to her mind, "That reminds me, where are your garbage bags?"

"Over there in the pantry, why?" Gena asked.

"I want... need to get rid of my old clothes, I don't want this day to end before I do that. It's very important to me and I need to get it done now." Lara told her with a real sense of urgency in her voice.

"You know, I think you are right, you do need to do that tonight however I don't think you should throw them away." Gena told her.

"What should I do with them, give them away? I can't do that; these clothes must never imprison anyone else." Lara told her. After everything that had happened that day and seeing Lara's small room, Gena could understand Lara's need.

"Just go get them and meet me on the back porch," Gena said getting up from the table.

"Why?" Lara asked with a puzzled look on her face.

"Just do it, you'll see," Gena said ushering her out of the kitchen.

Gena got the things that she needed and then she hurried out onto the porch wanting to get there before Lara did. A couple of minutes later, Lara came out on the porch carrying her suitcase.

"Now what?" Lara asked.

"Take off those tennis shoes and put these flip flops on. Then bring your things and come with me." Gena told her then she waited as Lara took off her shoes and socks and put the flip flops on her feet. She then led her off the porch going toward the far back corner of the yard. Luckily there was still light from the setting summer sun so they could see.

Gena stopped in front of an old metal barrel that she sometimes burned her leaves and limbs in during the fall. "I think you should burn your old clothes, send them to the heavens thus burning out your old life and starting your new one."

Lara's face broke into a smile, "I like this idea." she said. She put the suitcase down and opening it. Lara put several of her panties and bras into the barrel with an old faded pair of jeans.

"Pour some of this charcoal lighter fluid on it." Gena instructed her and once Lara had done that, Gena gave her a box of wooden matches.

Lara struck the match against the side of the box causing the tip to ignite; she stared at the flame for a second before throwing it onto the clothes causing them to burst into flames. "Watch them burn, that is my old life going up in flames." Lara said with a big smile on her face.

"Yep, today you're ending your old life and you're now starting a new one with a new name and everything." Gena said putting her arm around Lara's shoulders giving them a squeeze.

"This is a great idea, when did you think of it." Lara asked as she watched the flames flicker.

"When you said that you wanted nothing from your house and wanted to start out with new stuff, it just hit it me that this might be good therapy for you. Just throwing them away, I don't think would have been enough for you." Gena told her giving her a last squeeze before letting her go so that Lara could put some more of her old clothes into the can.

"No watching them burn like my father and brothers are doing now is much better." Lara said with venom in her voice.

"At least you know they will never hurt you again," Gena told her.

"No they won't, you said you'd protect me and you did." Lara said as she reached down getting a couple of blouses from her suitcase and throwing them onto the fire.

"You know, you have to give the DEA most of the credit, they are the ones that got a hold of this and got things done." Gena told her.

"Yea they did, but you're still my knight in shining armor." Lara told her with a big smile.

"I don't know too many knights that wear a nightgown, thong panties and flip flops at dust in their back yard." Gena told her with a smile.

"Mine does!" Lara said giving her a big smile.

"You're funny." Gena said as she tussled Lara's hair making her smile bigger.

Lara slowly added more of her clothes and Gena remained silent just watching Lara as she watched the flames. She could just see some of the anger that Lara had been hiding within herself slowly come out and being released. Gena knew that Lara had a long way to go before becoming halfway normal but she saw that this just might be a good start to the healing process. The suitcase slowly became empty and then the tennis shoes went on causing black smoke to bellow out and making them both have to back away. Gena quickly realized that burning them wasn't such a good idea but it was too late now. Gena let them burn a bit before getting the garden hose out and letting Lara put out the flames thus completing the process. She had started the fire and thus releasing her past and now she was sealing it with the water. Lara had wanted to burn the suitcase but after the tennis shoes, it was easy to convince Lara to give the suitcase away. Once the fire was out, they went back inside, stopping to change out of their smoke scented nightgowns and into new ones. Then Gena got herself a fresh cup of coffee and Lara a new pop and they retired to the couch in the living room.

"So what now?" Gena asked as she folded her legs up under herself.

"Now you tell me all about growing up in an orphanage." Lara told her as she turned toward in on the couch and folding her legs up under herself like Gena had done.

"That would take all night or maybe just a couple of minutes." Gena said teasing her a bit.

"We don't have to be anywhere in the morning so make it last all night." Lara told her.

"I'm not sure I can last all night but I'll give you as much as I can and we can talk more tomorrow if you want to know more." Gena told her.

"Okay but tell me a lot, I want to know what it was like to grow up with so many kids." Lara said.

Gena had always hated having to live in an orphanage but after seeing what Lara went through without anyone, maybe living in an orphanage wasn't so bad. "Well I know that I was born to a young teenage girl, I don't know how old she was but she was much too young to be a mother, so I was given up in hopes of having a better life. I started out in foster homes and normally babies get adopted pretty quickly but for some reason, I wasn't, maybe I was an ugly baby or cried a lot, I don't know." Gena told her.

"I doubt that," Lara told her as she gave Gena a smile.

"Well I don't know but anyway when I was three or four, the foster family I was with had to move out of state and there wasn't anyone other family to take me in so I ended up at the orphanage. It was one of the few in the state but well known and well run. At first it was tough and I got picked on a lot but that only served to toughen me up a bit. So I learned how to hold my own with the older girls there. Again I was passed over when couples came in to adopt someone but I didn't mind anymore..." Gena said as she paused a moment, "Well I minded a little but it wasn't so bad. I had found my place and I liked taking care of the babies when they came in and looking after the younger girls. I guess that was when I actually became a cop, since I was the one that kept the peace when the girls started to fight."

"I think it was," Lara said as she took a sip of her pop.

"That is also when Miss Prior began to let me drink coffee with her after the girls went to sleep. I think she was a bit lonely never having any kids of her own. All of the girls at the orphanage were her daughters and she treated us like that. But I guess I was mature for my age and I helped her keep everyone in line so I got the privilege of staying up at night with her and listening to her talk as we drank our coffee. She always drank hers black but that was too bitter for me so I added lots of milk and sugar to mine and have done so since." Gena said as she paused to take a sip of her coffee.

"Did you ever get into any meanness when you were there?" Lara asked grinning at her.

"Who me?" Gena responded as if she couldn't believe Lara would ask such a question of her.

"Yes you!" Lara said giggling.

Gena laughed, "Oh I might have been known to short sheet some of my tormentors or put honey in their hair as they slept."

"That's all?" Lara asked slightly disappointed that was all she had done.

"Do you think I would do worse than that?" Gena asked of her.

Lara hesitated for a moment as she thought about what to say, "Yea I think you did."

"Well there was one time that these three girls who did something to me that I didn't like, I really don't remember what it was now but I had to get even. So when they went to take their showers, I got all the other girls to leave before they did, then I took all of their clothes and all the towels from the shower area. They yelled for about fifteen minutes for someone to bring their clothes back but no one would, not that they could as I hid them all myself. Finally they had to walk back down the hall wet and naked to where we all slept. About this time Miss Prior came in and saw them wet, naked and very angry as they screamed. She asked where their clothes were and why they were still wet. They all pointed at me and yelled that I had done it. Miss Prior wasn't stupid; she already knew I had done it and why I had done it. Sometimes she would step in and sometimes she would let us work things out. This was one of those times she obviously decided that the girls needed to be taught a lesson so she made them go to bed naked, wet and cold. Once I got away with that one, I had to keep going. The power went to my head a bit. Those girls began to live in fear of what I would do to them next and I did go a bit over board stealing all their panties making them go to class without any which at their age was very embarrassing. Finally Miss Prior did step in telling me that enough was enough and it was time to make peace with them."

"Did you?" Lara asked.

"Yea I did, I knew that I had gone as far as Miss Prior was going to let me go and by then I had developed a friendship with her that I liked and didn't want to ruin. I was getting to stay up later than anyone and drink coffee, and that was worth making peace with my enemies to keep." Gena told her.

"I can see that, though I wish I could have been there to see those girls coming into the room naked, wet and all so angry at you. Wasn't you afraid that they would beat you up of something?" Lara asked.

"Of course I was, but I wasn't going to let them see that. And then Miss Prior came in just at the right time to save me," Gena told her.

"Was that luck or do you think Miss Prior knew what was going on and came in when she knew she should." Lara asked her.

"I don't know, I was just thankful that she did and that she took my side." Gena said with a laugh.

"So what else did you do?" Lara asked of her.

"Mmmm... let me think as I make myself a cup of coffee." Gena said looking at her empty cup. She then got up before Lara could offer to get it for her as she could see that she was about to do. "Do you want something?"

"You got anything to snack on?" Lara asked as she got up.

"How about a bag of popcorn?" Gena suggested.

"Oh yea, I love popcorn," Lara said as she followed Gena into the kitchen.

As the popcorn popped in the microwave, Gena began to tell her more stories of the orphanage and the girls there. Some of the stories were about her and some were of the other girls. They ate the popcorn as they sat and talked until the early morning hours when they both were having trouble keeping their eyes open. So Gena said that story time was over for the night. They both retired to their bedrooms for some much needed sleep.

Gena awoke the next morning to the sun light coming through her bedroom window and the rich aroma of coffee brewing in the kitchen. Gena sat up with a smile and she felt a little sad that soon Lara would be leaving going to some distant place where she wouldn't know her name or whereabouts. It bothered Gena that she was feeling sad that Lara would be leaving her but she knew that was what was going to happen and she knew that was for the best. And any feelings that she felt was beginning to grow within her for this girl would quickly fade away.

She got up, going to the bathroom before heading to the kitchen for her first cup of coffee. She stopped in the doorway where found a happy Lara fussing around the kitchen, cutting up some of the fruit that they had bought and making some toast. Gena saw a jar of jam on the table.

"Morning," Gena said coming on into the kitchen.

"Morning," she replied, "I thought that we would have something nutritious this morning for breakfast."

"God knows that I could use it. I haven't worked out for a week now and you have been feeding me much too well." Gena told her with a smile.

"I'm sorry..." Lara said as a frown came to her face.

Seeing that Lara had taken what she had say the wrong way, Gena put the coffee cup she was about to fill onto the counter, going to Lara, and putting her hands to her cheeks making her look up at her. "Honey that was meant as a compliment, your cooking is great and I have loved every bite and if that requires me to have to work out a bit more then it's worth it."

"You like my cooking?" Lara asked.

"Yes I do, I have told you that over and over and I meant it each time," Gena told her.

"Thank you," Lara said putting her arms around Gena and giving her a hug.

Gena slipped her arms around Lara in return hugging her close to her body and feeling the warmth of Lara's body against her. She kept her hands on Lara's upper back however slowly the urge to move them downward a little overcame her and she yielded to that urge. She heard Lara coo as Gena began to caress her back. Gena then realized what she was doing and the feelings that she was feeling so she quickly pulled back. She saw a moment's disappointment in Lara's eyes for the briefest of moments but then it was replaced with a smile.

"Go get your coffee; I'll have everything ready in just a second." Lara told her.

"Yes, Ma'am," Gena said with a laugh that made Gena giggle.

"So what do you want to do today?" Gena asked as she sat down at the kitchen table.

"I don't know, I'm not used to having the freedom to just do anything. It's like I want to do everything at once but yet it scares me a little..." Lara told her.

"Mmmm... then I guess I'll have to think of something, won't I." Gena told her as she thought for a moment then she realized that maybe she had something fun that is if...

"Are you afraid of heights?" Gena asked her.

"No why?" Lara asked.

"There's a hot air balloon show going on this weekend over in Buncombe County. I have always wanted to try one and had thought about going one day, I think today would be as good as any, what do you think?" Gena asked.

"I'd love it. I saw those things on the internet on my laptop. I think it would be fun." Lara said excitedly.

"Then that's what we'll do. However it is suppose to hot today so I'm going to have to find you some shorts and put lots of sunscreen on you. You'll fry with skin as pale as yours is."Gena told her.

"Okay, do you have any shorts?" Lara asked.

"None that will fit you but we can stop along the way and get you some." Gena told her taking a bite of her toast with a little jam on it.

"Oh we can find you something for you real cheap. Don't worry." Gena said as she saw Lara's face turn into a frown.

"I don't mean to cost you any more than I have already." Lara told her.

"I have barely spent anything on you and besides, I'm not buying designer clothes. I'm getting you the cheap stuff." Gena said with a laugh.

"Okay but nothing else," Lara told her.

"Deal," Gena said not sure that she would really hold herself to that promise.

"Thanks for getting these for me, but where am I going to put them on?" Lara asked.

"There's a place down the road where we can pull off. It's a hiding place I sometimes use near the county line that I know about." Gena told her.

"You mean a place you hide to catch speeders." Lara asked.

Gena laughed, "Yea, it might be just such a place."

"What if there is a cop there already?" Lara asked a bit worried.

"There won't be on a Saturday, there's not that many speeders on this road on the weekends and no truckers, which is mainly the ones we want to slow down." Gena told her.

"Do you always give tickets when you catch someone?" Lara asked her.

"No, sometimes I don't, it just depends on how fast they go and what attitude they give me. If they try to protest or are just being a pain in the ass then they don't stand a change of getting out of the ticket." Gena told her giving her a smile.

"Well I guess I still owe you for my ticket for speeding." Lara told her.

"No actually I never charged you for speeding, after we found the drugs that you were carrying, then a speeding ticket didn't make any sense." Gena told her with a smile on her face.

"That's good since I don't have any money to pay it. I'd hate to get out of all the drug charges but then go to jail since I couldn't pay my speeding ticket." Lara told her.

Gena laughed, "Yea that would be bad wouldn't it."

"Yes it would, now let's get dressed and get going." Gena said getting up from the table. Once they were both ready, Gena head toward Buncombe County but first making a stop at the discount store for Lara's shorts and she got her a nice sleeveless top to wear that went with the shorts.

"Here we go." Gena said as she began to ease off the road pulling up ahead of the small area then backing into the area between the trees.

"You can go in behind the trees and change, no one will see you." Gena told her as she unlocked the doors.

"Okay be right back," Lara said as she grabbing her short set and getting out of the car. Gena watched through the rearview mirrors as Lara went behind the car and then into the woods. It only took her a couple of minutes before she came back out of the woods in her sleeveless top and the shorts that they had bought. Gena had to admit that she did look cute in them.

"Does that feel better?" Gena asked as Lara got into the car.

"Yea, I've never worn shorts before, they do feel cooler." Lara said with a smile.

"Some days, I wish I could wear them to work, especially when it is hot out like it is today." Gena told her, and then she started the car and got them back out on their way.

They talked about the balloons and if they would actually get to go up in one since they were coming in a bit late, however they decided it would be was just getting to go and see them. When they got there, there were still lots of balloons on the ground and they went around looking at them. They then found one that would give them a short ride. It was a two day fair and today was the day that they were giving rides. So they got into the basket and they listened carefully to the nice man that was taking them up. He was giving them instructions on where to stand and what to do and more importantly what not to do. Gena was glad to hear that he hadn't lost a passenger yet as she was sure she didn't want to be the first.

He then began to turn on the motor and Gena could feel the basket wanting to leave the ground. Once he was sure that they had enough lift, he gave the signal to the ground crew to let them loose. Lara let out a scream as the balloon jerked upwards. Gena had to laugh at her which earned her a mean look from Lara but then a big smile as they floated upwards. Gena had thought far enough ahead to bring her little digital camera. She took a few pictures as they got high up in the air. She also got a few of Lara as she had a huge grin on her face as she looked in wonder as the ground passed slowly underneath them. They went up pretty high but yet not nearly as high as the balloon could go, but it was more than high enough for both Lara and Gena.

The man giving them the ride pointed out things as they passed over them and he also explained some of the working of how the balloon worked. It was all very interesting to see and hear and worth the money that she had to pay to get the ride. However before either of them wanted, the man began to let the air out of the balloon and they began to descend. They landed in a large field where there were a couple of other balloons were getting packed up for the trip back to where the fair was located. Once on the ground, Lara and Gena got out and then helped the ground crew get the balloon packed up for the ten mile trip back. On the way back, they sat up front with the driver with Gena by the passenger door and Lara sitting in the middle. Lara talked the poor guy's ear off making Gena smile. She knew everything that Lara was telling him, he had heard a thousand times before but he acted if Lara was the first person to discover the fun of ballooning. The driver was a good salesman ensuring that Lara would be back for another ride which put money in his pocket and helped to keep the fair coming back each year.

Once they got back to the fair, they got a hotdog and a cold drink. They ate them as they walked around for a couple of hours looking at the other balloons and to the people there. Even though one ride was enough to fulfill Gena's curiosity, she allowed Lara to talk her into another one. Gena wanted to try another balloon but Lara was determined to go back to the one that they had ridden on. It was being set up so they had to wait a while for the driver and workers to get the balloon inflated again and then they had to make sure that everything was safe and no damage had been done to the balloon. Then they had their ride which was just as fun the second time around. Gena noticed that Lara looked out over the horizon more than the ground this time and she just felt like Lara was looking out at her new found freedom. She wasn't completely sure if that was what she was thinking but that did seem like what she was doing. She wanted to talk to her but Lara seemed so at peace that she didn't want to disturb her. So she just leaned back against the basket and watched. The driver also was less talkative as he let Lara enjoy the ride. Again they helped take the balloon down and then rode in the truck as they went back to the fair. The rest of the afternoon, Lara seemed to be quieter but Gena could see that Lara was having fun and enjoying her day.

"Do they have this fair each year?" Lara asked after they got back on the road heading home.

"Yea, as far as I know, I know they have had it the last several years," Gena told her.

"Do you think we can come back next year?" Lara asked.

"Sure, I don't see why not." Gena said but then the thought came to her head that Lara would not be anywhere near here when the fair came back, however Gena kept that thought to herself. She did look over at Lara and she saw that the same realization was coming to her.

There was a long pause before Lara said, "I wonder where they'll send me?"

"I don't know honey, with your family dead, who knows what they will do," Gena told her.

"Maybe they will let me stay here..." Lara said happily.

"Maybe... but there is still a lot of bad people that they have arrested who don't know that you exist but will soon find out once the trials start," Gena warned her.

"Oh yea, I forgot about that, but maybe they won't need me to testify..." Lara said.

"Maybe... but let's not worry about that now, we got the rest of the weekend to enjoy so let's just do that," Gena told her.

Lara was silent for a moment, "Okay, so what are we going to do when we get home?" she asked.

"I don't know about you but I'm soaked in sweat and I want a shower... and a cup..." Gena was saying.

"Of coffee..." Lara said with a laugh.

"Yes I want a cup of coffee, smartass," Gena replied with a laugh.

Lara let out a childish giggle that Gena thought was cute as well as the big smile on Lara's face. She then began to talk about the balloon rides and how much fun they were and what all that she could see from so high in the sky. Gena let her talk only commenting when she needed to. After talking nonstop for a while, Lara slowly grew quiet. Gena noticed that she was looking out the passenger window so she let Lara get lost in her own thoughts. However after a bit, Gena thought that Lara had become too quiet and she started to say something but then she saw that Lara had her head against the window and was sound asleep. Gena envied her a bit as she was growing tired herself plus she so needed a shower. Gena loved getting sweaty whether that being from a workout or being out in the sun however once she was inside or had finished her workout, she was ready to get the sweat off.

When they got home, Lara insisted that Gena take her shower first. She wasn't too surprised to find that a fresh pot of coffee had been made and there was a cup already made for her to start drinking. She started to think about what to make for supper as those hotdogs that they had eaten had long since worn off. She always hated trying to figure out what to fix which is why she ate a lot of salads and sandwiches. She was about to push herself off the counter and start to look in the pantry hoping that something would jump out at her, when she saw that the oven light was on and she began to get this aroma of something that made her stomach growl with its approval.

"That shit!" Gena said aloud knowing that Lara wouldn't be able to hear her from the bathroom. She went over to the stove, opening the oven door to see what appeared to be a quick version of Chicken pot pie. She closed the door then looked into the top of the trash can to see a opened can of mixed vegetables, a couple of cans of chicken, and a can of biscuits. Gena had to smile even though she had wanted to make at least one meal while Lara was here. She knew now that if she ever wanted to do that, she was going to have to tie Lara into a chair. She smiled as she thought that was just what she would do or at least threaten to do. So she went out to get some rope that she knew she had somewhere, it was just a matter of finding where it was.

When Lara came back into the kitchen with her long black hair still slightly damp, she went straight to the oven, opening the door to check on the chicken pot pie. Gena was sitting at the table drinking her second cup of coffee. Lara used a toothpick to check the biscuits that were on top of the liquid that was bubbling as it cooked. Lara then shut the door then turned up the heat just a tad. She then went to the fridge to get the Mountain Dew that she had opened before she went to take her shower. She then came over and sat on the other side of the table from Gena.

"What's the rope for?" Lara asked as she picked up a piece of it.

"I've decided that if I'm ever going to cook another meal while you are here then I'm going to have to tie you to a chair first," Gena said seriously.

Lara started to laugh but then she saw that Gena wasn't laughing, "You're serious aren't you? You'd really tie me up," Lara said.

"Yep," Gena said with a serious look on her face but after a long pause, she smiled. "No, I won't do that but you will miss out on a great homemade pizza that's I'm famous for," Gena told her.

"Oh! Let's have that tomorrow then. I'll help you!" Lara said excitedly.

"You'll what?" Gena asked.

Lara gave her a confused look but then she giggled, "I'll sit and watch you make it."

"That's better," Gena said with a smile but then she added, "No you can help."

"Great, I can't wait," Lara said excitedly.

"Then will have it after we go to a Sunday matinee at the theater tomorrow," Gena told her.

"We're going to the movies tomorrow?" Lara asked hopefully.

"If you want," Gena said giving her a smile.

"I do! What we going to see?" Lara asked as she got up to check the oven.

"Anything you want, we'll look on the computer to see what is playing. I wish we had a theater here but will have to go to Monroe to find a theater."Gena told her as she got up to get some plates down as Lara got their dinner out of the oven.

They talked a little about the current movies that were now playing as they ate, then after dinner, Gena fired up her desktop computer so that they could look for something to see. Monroe was a decently sized city so they had a bunch of movies to choose from. Lara finally narrowed her choices down to a few that were playing in a theater that was on the east side of Monroe which was on their side of the city. From there they went to the couch where Lara had Gena tell her more about living in an orphanage and some of the mischievous things that she had done. Gena really had trouble coming up with some as most she had forgotten about and then once she had grown older and had become more of the leader of the girls, she really didn't get into trouble, she spent most of her time keeping the other girls out of trouble. So Lara had her tell her about some of the things that the other girls had done.

They went to bed late again that night and Gena awoke to the smell of coffee and to bacon frying in the kitchen. After breakfast, they talked for a bit as Gena drank her second and third cups of coffee. Then she was awake enough to start her day.

"So what are we going to do this morning?" Lara asked her as she got up from the table to stretch.

"Well I need to get a workout in, you're more than welcome to join me but you don't have to if you don't want..." Gena told her.

"No, I'll go... but I've never worked out before." Lara told her with some hesitation in her voice.

Gena gave her a big smile, "Don't worry; I'll go easy on you."

"Well I do need to lose a few pounds; I used to be real skinny when I was young..." Lara told her.

"You look just fine to me," Gena said then as she saw the shy smile that come over Lara's face and Gena realized that she was being more honest that maybe she should have been. But Lara did look just fine to her.

"You look great too... you don't look like you need to work out," Lara told her.

"I don't know about that but if I don't work out, I'd weigh a thousand pounds and never be able to catch the bad guys." Gena said with a laugh.

"Like me..." Lara asked.

"Honey, you're not a bad person, you were just put into a bad position that you had no way to get out of. Never think of yourself as being some bad person because you're not." Gena assured her.

"Thanks, but I'm not so sure about that," Lara said sadly.

Gena started to argue with her but she knew it would take her a long time for her to convince Lara that she wasn't as bad a person as she thought of herself as being. "Come on; let's see if we can work up a sweat." Gena said cheerfully.

"So where do you work out?" Lara asked as they got into Gena's car.

"There's an old store in town that one of the girls from the orphanage fixed into a work out center. It isn't fancy or anything but it has everything that one would need to work out. It even has a boxing ring in the back." Gena told her as she started the car.

"Have you ever boxed there?" Lara asked.

"I might have gone a round or two a few times..." Gena hinted.

"Really? You actually fought someone in there?" Lara asked surprised.

"No I sparred a few rounds with several of the people that work out there, there is a big difference between sparring and fighting," Gena cautioned her.

"Men or women?" Lara asked.

"Both but neither of us were trying to hurt the other one. We just went a few rounds to learn from the other. It's a great cardio workout." Gena told her.

"I think I'll leave the boxing to you," Lara told her.

"I don't know... I think I might like to get you into the ring..." Gena said giving her a grin.

"Oh no, you'd kill me." Lara said fearfully.

"I don't think so, from what I've seen you got one hell of a right cross..." Gena told her reaching over and patting Lara's right knee.

Lara gave her a confused look and she began to blush as a smile came to her face, "I forgot about that. I really shouldn't have done that, it wasn't like he could fight back..." Lara said.

"Well as far as I am concerned, he got what he deserved." Gena told her.

"Yes he did..." Lara replied then she turned her head to look out the window.

Gena wished she hadn't brought up Lara's father but it was too late now to take it back. So she let Lara be until they pulled up to the store front where there was just a simple sign over the door, Rosie's Place.

"Is Rosie your friend from the orphanage?" Lara asked.

"No her name is actually Mary, after the store closed down a lady named Rosie turned this place into a honky tonk. But when the old sheriff retired and the current one came in, he closed the place down. It wasn't the nicest place in town if you know what I mean," Gena told her as she shut the car down and started to get out.

"So why didn't Mary change the name?" Lara asked.

"Well she put all her money into the equipment so she didn't have any money left to put a new sign up, so she just left it," Gena told her.

"Oh okay... it looks closed, when does it open?" Lara asked as they went up to the door.

"As soon as I unlock the door," Gena said putting her key into the door and unlocking it.

"How did you get a key?" Lara asked a bit surprised.

"Well I always come in early on Sunday mornings to work out so Mary lets me have a key to open up so she can sleep late. Plus I helped her get the place started. It seems that the people that owned the house I bought were into working out and they had a bunch of equipment in the garage. I used to work out in my house but when Mary said she wanted to open this place, I gave her all my equipment plus I gave her a little money that I had saved up to help her out." Gena said as she went inside.

"So you're a part owner?" Lara asked.

"Well I guess but I never see any money from the place. Mary makes enough to live on and to keep the place going but that is about it." Gena said with a laugh.

"Do you get anything out of it?" Lara asked.

"Yea, I get to open the place early on Sunday's," Gena said with a laugh.

Lara laughed with her as she came on into the workout center. She followed Gena around as she turned on the lights and got the fans going that kept the place halfway cool. Gena then went to the machine that she always started with, putting on a few weights to give her just enough resistance to start warming her up. There was another one just like it sitting in front of it. Gena put some weights on this machine going for about half of what she was using. She sat Lara on that machine as she went to the one she was going to use. She demonstrated how to use the machine as Lara watched. Then she stopped as Lara tried it out. Gena saw that she needed to make a few adjustments to the machine so she got up making those adjustments and she had Lara start again. Once she was sure that Lara had it down pat, she went back to her machine and began. She cautioned Lara to go at her own pace and not try to keep up with her. She worked on this machine for about twenty minutes with Lara going about fifteen before stopping.

Gena then went from one machine to another letting Lara work a few minutes before adding weight and doing her own work. She had soon worked up a sweat and she saw that so had Lara. She tried to make the workout fun kidding with Lara as they went along and also taking lots of breaks to get some cold water that she kept in Mary's office. That was another benefit that she got for her help in starting the business with Mary.

Once she had her muscles good and loose and she had gotten in a decent workout, she decided that a cardio workout was the way to finish off their workout and she knew just the way to do it.

"Come on, we got one last thing to do and we'll be done." Gena told Lara as she took her hand leading her to the back of the place. Gena went through a shut door, entering the large room where the boxing ring was. Lara went with her but stopped once she saw the ring.

"Are you going to do some boxing?" Lara asked.

"Yep," Gena told her.

"Who you going to fight with, there's no one here but you and I..." Lara said as she looked at Gena who had a big smile on her face. "On no! I'm not going to get into that ring with you! You'll kill me!"

Lara took a step backwards however Gena grabbed her arm before she could get too far. "Wait a second; I'm not going to kill you."

"Yea you will, you know what you're doing, I don't have a clue." Lara said with fear in her eyes, fear that Gena had seen so much of since she had met her and she wanted Lara to stop being afraid of everything.

Gena took a hold of Lara's other arm making her look at her. "Have I ever done anything to hurt you since you have known me?" Gena asked her.

"Ahhh... no... you're the only one who has ever helped me," Lara admitted.

"Then do you think I am going to get you into the ring just to beat the shit out of you now?" Gena asked as she raised her eyebrows.

"No, but..." Lara said.

"But what?' Gena asked.

"I'm still scared, I don't like fighting." Lara told her.

"We're not going to fight; we're going to spar a little. I'm just going to show you how to box a little. I promise that I won't hurt you and if I do by accident, I'll give you a free shot. You can hit me as hard as you want anywhere you want," Gena told her.

"Now come on, let's put on some gloves." Gena said pulling Lara over to where there were several gloves hanging on the wall. Before Lara could protest, Gena began to put the gloves on her lacing them up good and tight. Gena then put her own gloves on; tucking the laces inside since she couldn't tighten them down very well with the gloves on her hands. Gena helped Lara up the steps to the ring then held the ropes open so that Lara could get inside.

"Okay first I'm going to show you how to throw a punch." Gena told her.

"Okay," Lara said nervously.

"Don't be scared, all we are going to be doing is punching air then I'm going to let you punch at my gloves," Gena told her.

"I don't want to hurt your hands." Lara said seriously.

Gena laughed which drew a frown from Lara, "You won't, I assure you. These are the lightest gloves there is," Gena told her and saw that Lara didn't believe her.

"Here, press the glove against your arm." Gena told her, "See how soft they are?"

"Yea," Lara said finally letting out a smile.

"These are made to practice with, not to have a real boxing match with." Gena assured her.

"Okay, I see now." Lara told her.

"You ready to start?" Gena asked.

"I guess..." Lara said with some hesitation.

"I guess or you are?" Gena asked.

Lara smiled, "I'm ready."

"Good, let's begin then." Gena told her then she began to show her how to throw a jab, just sticking her arm out. Gena would show her then make Lara do it. Once Lara began to really throw a jab, Gena moved in front of her holding up her left glove.

"Now hit my glove." Gena told her and Lara did so but she barely touched it.

"Oh I know you can hit it harder than that." Gena told her.

Lara giggled a bit then she did hit Gena's glove just a bit harder... but still not hard enough to satisfy Gena. She knew that this could be her last weekend with Lara and she wanted her to show more of the backbone that Lara had showed at times during the week with the DEA agents. Lara would soon be back on her own, truly alone and Gena wanted to make sure that she would be strong enough to stand up for herself. This wasn't what she had in mind when she asked her to go for a workout with her. But the opportunity presented itself so she was going to take it.

"Better... but hit my hand harder still. I know that you can do better than that." Gena told her.

Lara's face showed her concentration as she stuck out her tongue as she began to try harder. Gena smiled as she finally was able to feel Lara's glove hit her glove. Once Lara got a little better, Gena began to move around the ring making Lara follow her. Lara's footwork wasn't all that great but this was her first lesson so she let that pass. When she saw Lara get a bit arm weary, she let her rest a moment, and then when they started again, she had Lara aim for her body. Lara hesitated for a moment so Gena snuck in a little jab hitting Lara lightly on her right shoulder. Lara, seeing that it didn't hurt, began to aim at Gena's body. Gena didn't just stand still but she kept moving around the ring, making Lara chase her. Gena faked her jabs at first but slowly she began to land a few, mostly going for Lara's arms and shoulders and staying away from Lara's unprotected face.

As Gena began to hit Lara more, Lara's own jabs were becoming harder which was what Gena wanted from her. Lara's face was turning red and the sweat was starting to drip off her face as she tried harder to hit her as Gena danced around the ring. Gena increased her jabs as she began to hit Lara more than Lara was able to hit her as she had begun to block most of Lara's jabs. Gena saw that she was getting to Lara and Lara was becoming frustrated. However before Lara could give up, Gena began to increase the pressure by saying, "Come on girl, hit me!"

Lara moved forward and what little form that Lara had, began to go away as she began to just swing her arms. "Is that all you got, I thought you were tougher than that!" Gena taunted her when Lara dropped her arms to her side.

"You're just a pussy aren't you!" Gena said as she gave Lara several jabs to Lara's stomach and then a couple to her boobs that she knew Lara felt.

Gena saw that she had pushed the right button as Lara's face turned red and she screamed, "I'm not no pussy, I thought that you were nice, but you're just a bitch!" Lara screamed then she went flying at Gena who had just enough time to cover her head with her gloves as Lara's gloves came flying at her at every angle. There was no form at all but just flying hands.

"Hit me Lara, let it out!" Gena screamed as she saw the tears running from Lara's eyes as she just flung her arms at her.

Gena kept encouraging her as she moved around the ring. She could hear Lara breathing hard as she just kept going. Gena was on her second swing around the ring when she got her feet tangled up with Lara's and she began to fall backwards. She had to move her gloves from her face to catch herself and Lara actually caught her on the chin ringing her bell just a little. Gena hit the floor hard but then she felt Lara come down on top of her and she found that she was looking up into Lara's angry face.

Gena caught Lara's arms in hers as she smiled up at that angry face which seemed to take Lara by surprise and thus confusing her. "That felt good didn't it?' Gena said softly.

"What? Lara asked as the sweat and tears fell down onto Gena's face.

"It felt good to get angry and to strike back for once, didn't it?" Gena asked her.

Lara lay there looking at her and panting as she tried to figure out what Gena was asking or rather telling her. After a moment, Lara began to smile, "Yea it did."

"Good, you need to let it out sometimes." Gena said as she pulled off her gloves, and then she used her fingers to push the wet hair from Lara's face.

Gena looked up into Lara's deep green eyes, knowing that she shouldn't as she saw the need in those eyes and she felt her own need coming out in her own body. She found that she was losing herself in those eyes whose tears had stopped and were now staring back at her. She could sense Lara lowering her head and she wanted to stop her from doing so. She had her hands resting on Lara's cheeks and all she had to do was to hold that slowly lowering head but she didn't have the will to do so; the conflict within her was slowly resolved in Lara's favor. She found that she wanted to kiss Lara, kiss her again and again.

End of Part Three

To be continued...

Please let me know what you think of my story. I welcome all comments good or bad. You can email me at numlfl@hotmail.com