Soulmates

Sarah and Allison Oops

Sarah's mom was waiting for them when they came through the door, carrying the rest of their clothes. "Sarah, say good night to Allison and go to your room. Allison, get dressed while I call your mom." Both girls had that 'deer caught in the headlights' look. Sarah turned to Allison, kissed her cheek, and ran upstairs.

Allison's mom arrived a few minutes later and listened to Sarah's mom, "I'll call you tomorrow."

Allison turned to Sarah's mom, almost crying, "Tell Sarah I'm sorry, please. I'll call her tomorrow, if I can."

"I'll tell her, dear. You need to go with your mom now."

"I'm sorry," and followed her mom.

Sarah's mom locked up and turned off the downstairs lights. She trudged upstairs thinking "(This is the hard part, being their parent before being their friend)". She knocked on Sarah's door, hearing her cry as she opened it. Sarah had dressed and was lying on the bed. She sat on the edge of the bed and ran her fingers through Sarah's hair. "Honey, we need to talk."

Sarah crawled into her mom's lap, wrapped her arms around her neck, and cried on her shoulder, "I'm sorry, Mom."

Running her hands up and down Sarah's back, "It'll be OK. Allison said she would talk to you tomorrow, if she could. Now, as to the matter of punishment. You are grounded for 2 weeks and your driving privileges are revoked. Allison can come over after school, but has to go home for dinner. You may talk on the phone after dinner as long as your homework is done and checked. No sleepovers. It may change after I talk to Allison's mom in the morning. Any questions?"

Sarah looked up, still crying, "No, ma'am. I'm so very sorry."

"I know. I'm not really mad at you, just disappointed. Being a teenager is hard, and it is the nature of teenagers to occasionally push the envelope. This was your time. I'm just surprised at how far you went. We trusted you girls not to put yourselves at risk. What you did tonight was not only dangerous, but against the law. What would you have done if you'd been stopped by a patrol car? What would you have done if you'd been in an accident and Allison had been hurt? What would she have done if you'd been hurt?"

"Mom, I know we screwed up bad. It won't happen again."

"Darling, I know it won't. You rarely repeat a mistake. I believe in you. But you have to remember every day that if you love someone as much as you love Allison; you have to care what happens to them more than you care what happens to yourself. Can you go to sleep by yourself or would you like me to stay?"

"Can you stay, please? I love you."

"My pleasure. I love you too." Sarah slid off her mom's lap and lay back down on her bed. Her mom pulled the covers up, tucked them in tight, and sat on the edge of the bed beside Sarah, stroking her hair, and up and down her back. She cooed, "Shhh, darling. It'll be OK," until Sarah was asleep. Turning out the light and closing the door as she left Sarah's room, she sighed and turned towards the bedroom to talk to her husband.

Sarah was still asleep when her mom got up the next morning. When she peeked around the edge of the door, Sarah was huddled under the blankets. In the short time she watched, Sarah tossed and turned several times. She closed the door and went downstairs to make coffee and call Allison's mom.

It was just about lunchtime. Sarah had just awakened and was nursing a glass of juice at the kitchen table when there was a knock at the door. Her mom returned followed by Allison, carrying her book bag, and her mom. Sarah hugged Allison briefly by way of greetings. Neither had said anything when a plate containing a grilled cheese sandwich and chips, along with a glass of milk, was set before both of them.

"Eat, both of you. I know you think the world has come to an end, but it hasn't. Neither of you looks like you slept much last night." Everyone ate in silence. When they were finished, Allison's mom gathered up the plates and glasses. Sarah's mom motioned for the girls to follow her into the living room.

"Allison, lie down on the couch, please."

"But..."

"Do as I ask, please." When Allison was lying down, she turned to Sarah, "Lie down next to Allison, please."

"Yes, Mom."

When Sarah was lying next to her, she told Allison, "Hug her close." Allison wrapped both arms around Sarah and drew her in. She covered them with a knitted afghan, "Now, sleep. We'll be in the next room and nobody will disturb you. We'll wake you up in an hour or so." Allison snuggled into Sarah's neck and both girls closed their eyes. It was only a minute or so before they were asleep. The moms went back into the kitchen.

They let the girls sleep until they were ready to wake up. The moms heard the girls stir and went into the living room. They were sitting up, yawning, and stretching. "Feeling better?"

"Yes, Mom. Thank you."

Allison's mom sat on the couch with the girls. Sarah's mom sat in the chair. "Now, are there any questions about your punishment?"

Both girls replied, "No," their eyes on the floor.

"Look at me please." They both looked up. "There are a couple of changes. You will go to Allison's house after school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and come home for dinner. On Tuesday and Thursday, when you get here, you will call Allison's mom and check-in. She may come over and she may not. We'll decide about next Saturday later. You may go to church with either family, if you wish. Any questions?"

"No, Mom."

"We've been talking and we feel that we are partly to blame for what happened. You girls seemed to be handling the ins and outs of your relationship so well that we let you be older than you are. When you made a mistake, you had a long way to fall. What we're thinking is that we slow down and all get reconnected and reacquainted. You will spend more time around us, just being teenagers. Now I think you both need to go upstairs and take a shower. You probably need to wash your hair too." The girls headed upstairs, "Sarah."

"Yes, Mom"

"Bring the comb, brush, and hair dryer with you when you come down. And your books too."

"Yes, Mom."

"Allison?"

"Yes, Mom."

"I brought over some clean clothes for you," and pointed to a small bag near the bottom of the stairs. Allison picked up the bag and continued up behind Sarah. "Girls," they turned around and looked at her, "We can expect you back in about 15 minutes?"

"Yes, Mom...Yes, ma'am."

The girls came back down looking a little less pale. A Carpenters CD was playing on the stereo. Sarah's mom took the hair dryer and plugged it in. She motioned Sarah to sit in the kitchen chair in front of her. Allison's mom motioned her to the other empty chair. They were a little surprised when their moms started combing through their wet hair with their fingers.

The moms continued doing their daughter's hair, swapping comb, brush, and hairdryer as needed. They asked about school and homework. Allison told them how her soccer team was doing. Sarah was not cheerleading right now, but she and the rest of the team were training and practicing for the upcoming cheerleader competition. They talked about the end of "Friends" and "Frasier" and other TV programs they liked. They talked about movies they'd seen recently. They sang songs they liked. The entire tableau was one of love and normality.

Allison's mom finished putting the French braid in Allison's hair. "You both need to start on your homework while we get dinner started. Your dad is coming and we're all going to eat together."

She got a "Yes, Mom," from both, as the girls pulled out their books.

Allison and Sarah cracked the books while their moms cooked. The kitchen was soon redolent with wonderful smells. The girls helped each other and occasionally asked their moms. They made fast progress through their assignments and finished about time to set the table for dinner. Their homework was checked while they set the table.

Allison's dad came across the yards and Sarah's dad drove up at the same time. The girls served while the parents sat down. Conversation revolved around what the dad's had been doing and the events at Sarah's mom's practice. The girls continued to serve while talking about soccer and cheerleading and other upcoming events. A good time was had by all and nothing was said about the previous night's events.

Sarah went to church with Allison and her parents. They worked ahead on their assignments when they got back. Sarah noticed that Allison was still tense and a little distant. She wasn't her usual loquacious self. Sarah told herself that she would talk to their moms if Allison hadn't loosened up in a day or so.

They went to Allison's house after school on Monday as required. They had to shower one at a time because Allison's bathroom was smaller than Sarah's. Allison seemed looser, like she had taken the first steps towards putting the punishment behind her.

When they got to Sarah's after school on Tuesday, Allison was definitely worse. Sarah called to let Allison's mom know they were home and asked her to come over. She came through the yard a few minutes later. "I'm worried, Mrs. White. Allison is tense and quiet. That's not normal for her. I thought she was better yesterday, but she's worse today."

"I know, darling. I'm worried too. Let's wait 'til your mom gets home and we'll talk. Go work on your homework for now. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." Sarah went back inside to the living room and joined Allison on their homework.

When Sarah's mom got home. Sarah and Mrs. White joined her on the patio. "I agree with you. I've noticed that Allison's been quieter than usual."

"I want to try something."

"What, darling?"

"A relaxation exercise."

"Why?"

"If Allison is dwelling on what happened, she may be feeling guilty and unable to put it behind her. If I can get her to blur the edges of the memory, move it into the past, she may be able heal."

"Interesting. How did you learn this?"

"We covered it in class. I was intrigued and looked it up in the library and on the Internet. I've tried it on myself with some success."

"You realize you're talking about hypnosis."

"Yes, if you take it to a deeper level. I don't want to go that deep. I want to work on the surface level."

"The next time you use it on yourself, please let me know. We want to listen while you work with Allison. How will you approach her?"

"I'll tell her I need some help on an assignment."

"OK."

Sarah went back inside and approached Allison. Their moms went back into the kitchen. "Allison?"

"Yea, Munchkin?"

"I need some help with a Biology assignment. You willing."

"What's in it for me?"

"Immortality when I write the report and my undying love and gratitude for your help."

"Sounds good to me. What do I need to do?"

"Let me get some stuff from my room. Do you need to visit the bathroom? We may be awhile." Sarah came back a minute later with an oil lamp, a futon, and a pillow. She threw down the futon and pillow and turned off the lights. "Lay down for me please, Sunshine." Sarah lit the oil lamp and put a couple of drops from two different bottles into it. An interesting scent filled the room. Sarah set the bottles down where her mom could reach them without Allison seeing.

"Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Clear your mind." Allison took a deep breath and held it for a moment. When she let it out, her face was visibly more relaxed.

"The only sounds you can hear are my voice and the beating of your heart. Continue to breathe deeply. The only thing you can smell is the censer. Feel yourself on the futon. Feel the cushion holding you up. Feel the relaxation spreading through your body."

Allison was better. Her hands rested on the cushion. Her arms and legs were flat, not tense. Sarah motioned to the moms that they could come closer if they wanted, but quietly. Sarah's mom picked up the bottles. One was labeled 'Sandalwood' and the other 'Frankincense'.

Sarah continued, "As you settle, the relaxation spreads. Every breath you take fills you with more relaxation. Every time you exhale, the tension flows out, and you relax even more." Sarah's measured tones led Allison, "Your feet and legs feel heavy and so relaxed. Your hips and back get more relaxed with each breath. Relaxation flows into your hands, arms, and shoulders with every breath you take and word I speak. Yes, so relaxed. Your head and neck relax with every heart beat." Allison took a slow, deep breath, and let it out, relaxing even more."

Sarah sat back to let Allison settle for a moment. She looked at her mom, who nodded, letting her continue. "Allison, can you hear me?"

Very quiet, "Yes."

"You're on a beach. The sun is shining. There is a gentle, ocean breeze. You are safe, protected, and comfortable. You believe that, don't you?"

Still very quiet, "Yes."

"Now I want you to see a white screen in the air in front of you. Do you see it?"

"Yes."

"The screen is now displaying what happened Friday night, Saturday morning." Allison frowned, tensing up. Sarah continued, "Calm, safe, comfortable. Relax." Allison relaxed.

"Why did you frown?"

"Guilty. Sorry you got in trouble."

"I want you to look at the screen again. Parts of the screen are a little out of focus now. The parts that made you feel loved are still sharp. The parts that made you feel sad are fuzzy. They don't make you feel as sad anymore. Do you see it?"

"Yes."

"Do you feel as bad anymore?"

"No."

"The screen is gone now and you can enjoy the beach again."

Sarah turned to their moms. "I hope she'll be OK now."

Allison's mom said, "I appreciate that you tried. I think she'll be ok too."

Sarah turned back to Allison, "Do you like this place? Would you like to be able to come back?"

"Yes."

"When you are in a safe place and you want to visit the beach, all you need to do is say "quiet beach". If you hear it in your mind or from a recording of your voice, your eyes will close and you will be on the beach; quiet, safe, comfortable. Will you do this for me?"

"Yes."

"Would you like me or our moms to be able to take you there too?"

"Yes."

"If you're in a safe place and your mom, my mom, or I caress the back of your neck and say "quiet beach, darling", you will visit the beach. If we say "sleep now, darling", you will find a comfortable position and go to sleep. Will you do this for me?"

"Yes."

"I want you to wake up on the count of three. You're walking towards the changing cabana on the beach. One. You are almost done changing your clothes. Two. You're done changing and you will wake up relaxed, refreshed, and totally alert. Three." Allison's eyes opened. "Afternoon, sweets. How're you doing?"

"Pretty good. Did you get what you needed for your assignment?"

"Just about. One more test." Sarah helped Allison up to a sitting position. She reached up and caressed the back of Allison's neck, "Quiet beach, darling." Allison's eyes closed and she slumped back onto the futon. "Sleep now, darling." Allison rolled onto her side and snored.

Sarah went over and sat beside her mom, "I don't know how long the trigger will last, but even if it's just a few days, she can get some rest."

Her mom replied, "I think you did a fine job, honey."

"I agree."

"I know a little about aromatherapy. Why choose these scents?"

"I've used the sandalwood before. It relieves stress and tension. The frankincense is supposed to create a calm mind, able to enjoy the present rather than dwelling in the past. It's the first time I've used it."

"That's interesting. I've got to look into that. There may be a use for it in the practice. What is your trigger?"

Sarah looked a little sheepish. Her mom had made the leap that this was not the first time she'd tried the trigger. "Forest glade."

"And the back of the neck, too."

"Yes."

"And I can activate it?"

"Yes, and Allison and her mom too."

"Very Interesting. You realize that you've given us a way to get you girls out of our hair when you're being bratty about something."

Sarah's eyes got big, "Mom, you wouldn't?"

"Probably not, kitten. But it does raise intriguing possibilities. We will talk about this again." Sarah's mom took her hand and led her over to the futon. "Sit next to Allison, please."

"Sure, Mom."

"I love you."

"I love you too, Mom. I count on it."

Sarah's mom reached down and caressed the back of her neck. "Forest glade, darling." Sarah lay down next to Allison. "Sleep now, darling." She spooned up to Allison. Even asleep, Allison knew Sarah was there and draped an arm across her.

The moms let the girls sleep while they cooked dinner. When both dads arrived, they woke them up to set the table. Both families had a good time, filled with excellent food and innocuous conversation. Sarah and Allison volunteered to clear the table and do the dishes. Their parents took their coffee into the living room.

While they worked over the sink, Allison started, "I'm sorry I fell asleep on you, darling. I don't know what happened to me. Did you get what you needed for your Biology assignment?"

"Subject to some follow-up work, yes. I think everything went well. Don't worry about falling asleep. We both needed it. That's why you found me next to you when our moms woke us up."

"When do I get to find out what we did?"

"I promise I'll let you see the report before I turn it in. But until I do the follow-up, I won't know if I was successful. So, I think I'll keep it to myself for now."

"You're the scientist."

"How're you doing?"

"Me or the dishes?"

"Both, duh."

"Well, the dishes are almost done and I could use a kiss."

Sarah was heartened. It was the first time Allison had asked for a kiss in several days. "My pleasure, Darling." She wrapped her wet, soapy hands around Allison's neck and bussed her quite thoroughly. Allison returned the kiss with equal fervor. "Welcome back, Sunshine. You are feeling better."

Allison and her parents went home a few minutes later. Sarah tackled the rest of her homework before wishing her mom and dad good night. "Nite, Momster, dad."

"Nite, punkin. Sweet dreams."

Over the next few days, Allison did indeed return to her normal gregarious self. She laughed and smiled. She hugged and kissed Sarah whenever she could, almost as if she was trying to make up for lost time. The girls served out the rest of their punishment and nothing more was said about it. The first chance they got, the loving was slow, sweet, and intense.

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Copyright 2004 Donal