Sapphic Voices General Fiction

Billy Kane

by Jess Adams
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Copyright © by Jess Adams, April 2010

Billy Kane was a fit young 28 year old ‘butch’ lesbian, she had broad shoulders and was well muscled but she also carried herself with a certain air of femininity. She worked casually at a café down town and casually as an instructor at a gym. She had had a hard start at life one she would never forget but she continued to live regardless of the down moments.

Billy was walking along the street, in no real rush, when she noticed a young girl up ahead of her dropped a piece of paper. Usually she would have ignored this but as she approached the piece of paper she realised it was a letter, she bent down and picked it up. Billy wasn’t going to read the letter and for a moment she thought about catching up to the girl when she noticed the slight dents in the paper where it had been wet.

She knew what dried tear drops on paper looked like as she had shed a few of her own on paper when she was a child. Slow after some hesitation Billy unfolded the letter, she didn’t read it strait away. Her morals told her she was violating the girl’s privacy but something urged her to read the letter;

Pen,

It’s been a couple of week’s since I have written to you. Sorry. He is at it again, I don’t understand why he does it, my mother isn’t enough?
I’m sorry I unload all these problems onto you, but it’s good to have someone to tell and you and your letters always make me feel better.
I wish I could understand why someone could do what he does, why does he touch me, why does he come to me after he has been with my mother, why does he come to me at all. I wish I had the answers to these questions; understanding would make it easier to deal with.
I started middle school this past week, its kind of exciting but there are too many people and you know I have no friends, I just sit at my desk and try to forget the night’s he comes to me. No one talks to me and I kind of like it that way, I mean what would I say to anyone, I never do anything.
You’re the only friend I have and I am glad I at least have you.
How are things over there, the weather is starting to clear up here, summer is on its way, my favourite time of the year.
Get back to me as soon as possible and tell me about all the things you have been up to, your letters keep me sane and it’s nice to hear about something different.

~Max.

Billy had grown increasingly furious as she had read the letter. Memories of her own childhood flooding back to her. She stood for a moment in the middle of the side walk trying to stay composed.

Billy was an expressly angry person, life hadn’t been kind to her so in turn she had put up defences and didn’t easily trust people, she wasn’t always angry but for the most part when dealing with people she wasn’t what you would call nice.

She folded the letter and went on her way to work putting the contents of the letter out of her mind for now but she planned to find the girl and talk to her. She got to work at the café and quietly went about bussing tables and serving coffee and dessert pastries. It was after her shift that she walked to the nearby middle school. It was after hours but she wanted to see where the girl went to school.

After standing outside the school wondering about the girl and worrying that she was probably being molested or rape right at that moment she sighed and walked home. She cooked a microwavable pizza and after showering and watching the headlines on the news she went to bed.

Billy was kept busy for the next couple of days as she had been called into work as one of the permanent waiters had called in sick but she hadn’t forgot about the girl. It was three days after she picked up the letter that Billy planned to go to the school, and she was just leaving work and heading to the school before the final bell rang when she heard familiar sneering.

Billy wasn’t easily intimidating, she was buff enough to take someone on if it was one on one but she knew the voices behind her and was certain with out looking that there were at least 3 people following her. She quickened her pace a little but it wasn’t good enough, up ahead of her she saw another familiar man and she was given no choice but to go down the alley to her left.

She had affectively cornered herself but she held herself ready and turned to face the 4 men now walking down the ally. She had never encountered them before but she had seen them a few times rough housing a young man a few weeks prior. She knew they were the bad kind of homophobe and knew she was there next target.

“So boy’s looks like we cornered us a dyke.” One of the men, the tallest, said with a southern drawl.

The men laughed and jeered as they continued towards her, she didn’t say anything. What could she say? She readied herself for the imminent attack and stilled her nerves facing the men with squared shoulders and a raised chin. She wasn’t about to feel ashamed of what she was.

“Mom, what are these men doing? Dad told me to tell you to pick up some milk on your way home.” A young female voice called down the alley and Billy looked to see the girl that had dropped the letter the other day.

“Well I don’t know what they are doing sweetheart. Why don’t you run along and grab that milk for your father?” Billy said hoping the girl wouldn’t come down here and get beaten also, the men looked confused.

The girl walked down the alley, un-afraid of the men and stepping between them she grabbed Billy’s hand and looked up at the men. “Excuse me sir’s did you want my mother for something or can we go?”

The men didn’t say anything they all continued to look confused as they stepped aside and let the two women pass. Billy and the young girl, Max, walked past the men without a word and made a hasty yet subtle escape. They didn’t slow there paces or drop hands until they was around the next corner of the block they was on.

“Jees kid, thanks a bunch for that but you shouldn’t have done it. We both could have gotten the shit kicked out of us.” Billy said when they felt safe.

“Sorry miss, I just saw them herd you in there and I had seen them beat up a woman a few months ago for being gay.” Max apologised a little timidly.

“Yeah, they’re bastards. Hey let me buy you a coffee or hot chocolate or something to say thanks, you don’t have to be home right away do you?” Billy asked tactfully.

“Actually a coffee would be great. My names Max.” Max smiled and Billy wondered how anyone could hurt such a polite child.

“I’m Billy.” Billy smiled back and they walked up the next block to a small café.

They talked casually as if they was old friends for a while and it was getting late when Max stood up and said she should go. Billy paid the bill for the coffee and walked a small way with the girl and they chatted further.

“So kid, what say you meet me for a coffee again on Thursday after school, I will meet you at the café?” Billy asked casually.

“Why would you want to have coffee with me again?” Max asked a little disbelievingly.

“Why not? I mean I don’t really have many friends, and your fun to talk to believe it or not. A change from my gold fish anyways.” Billy friendly joked.

“Well, sure, I could use a friend as well.” Max smiled and with that they parted ways.

The next two days went pretty quickly, Billy was eager to meet with Max again as she was going to give the girl the letter and try to talk to her about what was happening to her at home. Thursday came and Billy went to the café and waited for Max, it wasn’t long after the final bell went at school that Max showed up.

“Hey Max.” Billy said when Max sat down.

“Hello Billy.” Max smiled as she sat and noticed that Billy had already ordered her a coffee.

Billy asked Max about the last couple days and how school had been going and after listening intently to the young girl’s stories of the last few days she decided she had to ask now what was going on at her house. She reached inside her jeans pocket and pulled out the letter toying with it under the table for a little while before she sat it on the table in front of Max.

“Max, I read that. You dropped it the other day and I picked it up and I read it I won’t lie to you. Can we talk about it?” Billy spoke gently as she indicated the letter.

“No.” Max had gone still when she saw the letter, she instantly knew it was hers and she didn’t want to talk about what it told.

“Max, please, you can talk to me about it. I’m your friend.” Billy said gently trying to get the girl to open up.

“I don’t want to talk about it Billy. You shouldn’t have read it.” Max was sounding angrier with each word.

Billy was about to speak again when she noticed a woman around her own age was approaching them, the woman was attractive with mid length mouse brown hair tied in a pony tail at the back of her head, she had soft features and was very easy on the eye. She walked up the table and smiled at Billy before smiling to Max who had snatched the letter off the table moments before.

“Hello Miss Dwyer. I was hoping I might bump into you somewhere away from so many students.” The woman said smiling at Mac still.

“Hello Miss Philips, this is my friend Billy. Billy this is my Teacher.” Max said a little quietly.

“Hey.” Billy said in a slightly unfriendly tone.

“Hello Billy, my names Andrea Philips, but call me Andy. I’m sorry for interrupting but I was meaning to ask Max if she wanted to catch a movie with me sometime, I’m thinking of doing a report on a movie, something fun for the students and could use a student’s opinion, would you like to come Billy?” Andy asked politely.

“No thanks.” Billy said a little shortly.

“You’re going to take me to a movie, cant you get fired for that?” Max asked forgetting about the letter.

“Well if it was inappropriate I could yes. But it isn’t, I just want your opinion. Saturday alright, I can pick you up?” Andy smiled and Billy had the feeling that Andy was aware, at least in part of what was going on with Max.

“I will meet you there.” Max said a little quietly but she was smiling, Billy noticed that she smiled a lot regardless of what happened to her.

“Aright then, I will tell you what time tomorrow at school, I will leave you two too it then.” Andy said and after a brief bye, she left.

“I don’t want to talk about it Billy. I have to get home.” Max said getting up from the table.

“Alright Max, but if you change your mind, you can talk to me. Have fun with Miss Philips.” Billy said and rose as well.

Max mumbled a see you and then walked off scuffing her feet on the ground and Billy watched her walk off sighing to herself that the girl wouldn’t talk to her. She left shortly after and went home. She cooked herself fries and a burger before she showered and watched the news headlines before she went to bed.

Billy had been working at the gym the past 4 days and she hadn’t seen Max since the previous Thursday so that Monday after the final bell rang at school Billy decided to go and see Andy. She walked slowly to the school thinking about what she was going to say. She was just walking into the main building when she bumped into someone coming out, it was Andy.

“Sorry, I should have been watching where I was going.” Billy stammered as she reached out the steady the slightly smaller woman.

“Billy, how nice to see you.” Andy said smiling at Billy.

“Yeah, same. Actually I was coming to see you. I want to talk about Max and I think you know something.” Billy said politely though she was getting strait to the point.

“Yes. Well walk with me to the car.” Andy said, and she stepped past Billy and out the building, Billy in tow.

They talked about Max and Andy told Billy that she was aware Max was unhappy with her home life but wasn’t sure why. Billy didn’t give away exactly what was wrong with Max’s home life but she agreed there was something wrong. After standing and talking for a little while longer with Andy about Max Billy finally let the woman get home.

The next day Billy had an early shift at the café and had the rest of the day off. She was walking down the street when she looked up to see Max walking slowly up the sidewalk towards her. She called out to the girl and got her attention and Max walked over.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at school Max?” Billy asked when Max got to her.

“Yeah supposed to be.” Max said a little quietly and Billy didn’t want to press the matter.

“Well seeing as you have time you want to get a coffee and maybe you can come grocery shopping with me, you know give my old bones a break from carrying so much.” Billy grinned at the girl who giggled.

They had coffee before they went to the grocery store and they spent the rest of the day getting Billy some groceries to last her a while. They talked like old friends and neither of them mentioned the letter. Max helped Billy home with the groceries before she left and went home herself.

Billy cooked herself some food and after the usual routine she went to bed. The next day was much the same as the previous day except she didn’t see Max at all. She spent the day doing housework and after she ate, showered and watched the news headlines she went to bed.

A loud knocking at the front door woke Billy 3 hours later, it was only 11:30 but Billy had to wonder who it could possibly be. She got out of bed and went to the front door, as she approached it she could hear soft sobbing on the other side of it. Billy opened the door to see a crying Max standing there. She reached out automatically and hugged the girl to her.

“It’s ok Maxi.” Billy said gently as she pulled the girl into the house and shut the door.

“Can I stay with you tonight Billy, I can’t go home.” Max said sniffling against Billy.

“Sure, but can you call your mom and at least tell her where you are.” Billy said leaning away from the girl a little and brushing the hair out of her face.

“Yes, but she won’t care.” Max muttered and took the phone Billy handed to her.

Billy went into the kitchen while Max rang her mother and made her a cup of coffee, she had just sat it down on the table when Max walked into the kitchen. She sat the phone down on the table and stared at it for a moment as more tears rolled down her cheek.

“She doesn’t care. My mom’s a drug user.” Max said in a small broken voice.

Billy didn’t say anything; she sat across from Max and waited for her to continue. She was also furious that Max was so ill-treated and Billy didn’t want Max to feel like she had done something wrong if she started ranting.

“My dad, well he isn’t my real dad, my real dad died when I was 6. But my step dad, he… he makes me do stuff to him… with him.” Max started to cry all over again and Billy got up and hugged her.

“Why does he do it Billy? Why can’t he leave me alone? For 7 years he has done it.” Max sobbed into Billy’s shirt.

“I asked the same question’s honey.” Billy said quietly as she soothingly stroked Max’s hair.

They stood there for a while as Max cried and when she quietened down Billy stepped back from her and gave her a reassuring smile. She moved away from the young teen and got her a damp cloth so she could wash the salty tears from her face and then she showed her the rest of the house. Billy got Max one of her old shirts to sleep in and then tucked her into the bed in the spare room.

“Sleep tight Max. You’re safe here.” Billy said softly to the young girl.

“Thank you Billy.” Max muttered tiredly.

Billy walked to the door and turned the light off as she walked out shutting the door; she leaned against it for a moment fighting to keep her composure as tears of her own threatened to spill over. She moved from the door and climbed into her own bed down the hall. She didn’t go to sleep strait away, she couldn’t, her mind was running wild and she was too angry.

Billy’s alarm rang too soon for her and she felt as though she had only gotten a couple of hours sleep. She climbed out of bed and showered before going to the kitchen and putting the coffee pot on. She made two cups before she went to wake Max.

“Max, you going to get up kiddo?” Billy asked shaking the girls shoulder gently.

“I’m up.” Max muttered and snuggled into the blankets more.

Billy giggled and pulled the blankets off the girl and grabbed her ankles and tugged on them threatening and then laughed as Max struggled and sat up.

“Alright, alright I’m up.” Max scowled at Billy.

“Good, come have a coffee I just made you one.” Billy left and was just sitting down at the table when Max came out in her briefs and the shirt.

“Thanks for the coffee. Do I have to go to school today?” Max asked a little sleepily.

“Yeah I think it will be best, I will walk you I wanted to go see Andy… err Miss Philips, anyways.” Billy said hesitantly.

“Alright. Man its cold in here.” Max grumbled and pulled her legs up and covered them with the shirt she had on.

“Well go have a shower, I will find you some of my clothes they might be a bit big I’m afraid.” Billy got up from the table and put the now empty cup in the sink.

“That doesn’t matter.” Max said as she did the same and then went and showered.

It was almost an hour later when they arrived at the school Billy walked Max to her classroom and then went to the main office to find Andy. She was just about to ask the lady at the reception desk where she could find Andy when someone pinch her backside. Spinning around Billy came face to face with a giggling Andy and she couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You’re in a good mood today.” Billy said smiling unusually polite.

“I most certainly am, it’s a nice day.” Andy said smiling.

“Well would you mind meeting me for lunch today?” Billy asked curiously.

“Billy, are you asking me out?” Andy asked trying not to giggle.

“You’re such a kid at heart. I’m not asking you out unless you would say yes, otherwise I want to talk to you about Max that is all.” Billy was grinning now.

“You totally just asked me out then. Where are we meeting?” Andy asked a little more seriously.

“Genie’s Café?” Billy asked curiously.

“Yep, I will be there at 12 but I wont have very long I have a class this afternoon.” Andy said still smiling.

“Alright then no problem, see you then Andy.” Billy said and stepped past the teacher.

“See you, honey.” Andy called after her.

Billy chuckled to herself as she walked out of the school building. She got to work and after a few hours of bussing tables and taking orders from the irritable people she dealt with on a daily basis she was more then eager to have lunch with the attractive teacher.

She finished her shift at 11:30 AM and walked slowly to the small café a few blocks away. When she got there Andy was already there waiting and she smiled to herself as she moved to the small table by the window.

“Hey date!” Andy said almost excitedly.

“Hello Silly.” Billy chuckled.

“Silly and Billy, what a couple we are.” Andy said still enjoying herself.

“Why you’re quite full on aren’t you.” Billy laughed softly.

“Yeah so I have been told. Anyways you wanted to talk about Max, what is up?” Andy got down to business strait away.

Billy and Andy ordered some small egg and bacon pies and they ate as Billy told Andy about Max and what she had been through and that Max had stayed with Billy last night. By the time Billy was done telling Andy what she knew Billy had pulled her pie to pieces and her voice had gone steely.

“You really care about that kid don’t you?” Andy asked gently.

“Yes.” Billy said shortly.

“Well, something has to be done, but we can’t go to the police without Max.” Andy pondered a few ideas even as she spoke.

“Yeah and she wont go, she hardly opened up to me.” Billy was scowling as she spoke.

“Yea. Well I will think on it tonight, come see me in the morning?” Andy asked a little hopeful.

“Yeah I will for sure.” Billy couldn’t help but smile; she already liked the teacher a lot.

“Good, well I have to get back to school or I will get fired but I will see you tomorrow.” Andy stood up and waited as Billy stood also.

“Alright, have a good day.” Billy said smiling gently.

Andy surprised her then by leaning forward and placing a brief gentle kiss on her lips. Billy was so startled she stepped back and almost tripped on her chair. She blushed and steadied herself and then smiled a little shyly at the attractive teacher.

“Sorry.” Andy said as she tried to stifle a giggle.

“No I’m sorry, you surprised me is all. It’s been a while… like years in fact.” Billy’s face was still red.

“Well we need to work on that then don’t we.” Andy grinned at the taller woman.

“I think so. Get out of here I don’t want you to get fired. I’ll see you in the morning.” Billy grinned at the bold woman.

“Alright. Have a good one.” Andy said and then left.

Billy got the bill and then headed home, she busied herself the rest of the day with her house work and she washed her dirty clothes along with the ones Max had left there. She then cooked herself some spaghetti Bolognese and she was sitting at the table eating when there was a knock at the door. She got up and answered it and wasn’t surprised to see Max.

“Billy!” Max sobbed and moved into Billy’s open arms.

“Come on sweetheart, I will make you a coffee.” Billy pulled the girl into the house and shut the door.

She took her into the kitchen sat her down at the table and made the cup of coffee. She was shaking with rage as she handed the coffee cup to Max and the look on the girls face almost broke her heart.

“Maxi, Did he…” Billy couldn’t bring herself to complete the question.

“No, not this time. But he tried, I ran.” Max leaned back a little and indicated the large revealing tare in the shirt.

“Oh good, I’m glad you ran sweetie. Take that shirt off I will go grab you one of mine.” Billy kissed the girl on the head as she walked out of the room and she returned moments later with one of her shirts.

Max took the torn shirt off and pulled the clean one on over her head. She sat back down at the table and stared at her coffee cup.

“You hungry Maxi?” Billy asked gently to break the uncomfortable silence.

Max nodded and looked at the plate of spaghetti sitting in front of Billy.

“Alright I will get you some. Look Max, I don’t think I want you going back home.” Billy said gently as she got up and dished up some of her cooking.

“I don’t think I want to, but what if they want me back there for some reason?” Max sound small and frightened and it infuriated Billy.

“Well we will think about it later ok, just eat your dinner and we will watch a movie. We can talk about it tomorrow.” Billy said and smiled encouragingly.

They ate in relative silence before they moved into the lounge room; they sat on the couch and watched a movie. During the movie Max moved over against Billy and rested her head on her shoulder. Billy put her arm around the kid and they sat there in companionable silence as the movie played on.

When the movie was done Billy was feeling tired and she looked at Max and saw that she was asleep. She didn’t want to wake Max but she had no choice so gently she moved a little and shook Max awake. She pulled her up and took her into the spare room.

She pulled the blankets back before she turned to the still half asleep Max. She sighed and unbuttoned the girl’s jeans and pushed them down and waited for her to step out of them, she noticed for the first time the bruises on the girl’s legs and she bit back a sob. She helped Max into the bed and covered her with the blankets. She leaned over and gently kissed the girls temple.

Billy quietly exited the room and went and climbed into her own bed, she settled down and for the first time in many years she let the tears fall. She was upset that Max was going through something she knew wasn’t an easy thing. She realised that night that she loved the girl as if she was her own daughter and the thought of someone violating her made her want to cry, or scream or break things. She drifted off thinking about ways to permanently save Max from the hell her life was right now and she had one clear thought.

The next morning went much the same as the day before and after coffee and showers Billy walked Max to school. They chatted like old friends as they walked and they giggled and joked about some of the people they saw along the way. They had just made it to the school when they met Andy.

“Hey it’s my two favourite people.” Andy said walking over to them; she kissed Billy on the cheek when she got to them.

“So you two are dating then?” Max asked raising and eyebrow.

“Yeah! But shh. You should run along before you are late for class.” Andy said grinning at the girl.

“Alright, see you later Billy. Bye Miss Philips.” Max walked off to class.

“She stayed with you again then?” Andy asked seriously.

“She wasn’t going to, she went home but she ended up at my place yeah. Look Andy, I undressed her last night to get her into her bed, there are bruises all over her legs, I hate to think where else she has them.” Billy said a little angrily.

“Ouch. Ok Bill, take this, and meet me there at 12 ok, that’s her parents place. Don’t go in without me please it could be dangerous.” Andy had put a piece of paper with an address on it in Billy’s hand and kept hold of it.

“I will wait for you don’t worry. I’m going to have to go now though or I will be late for my shift at the Gym I will see you then though right.” Billy squeezed the teacher’s fingers a little.

“Alright, well have a good morning and make sure you wait for me.” Andy rose up on her tip toes and gently kissed Billy on the lips.

Billy, this time not startled, smiled against the other woman’s lips before pecking them with her own as Andy was moving away.

“I’ll wait, I promise.” Billy said barely above a whisper.

Andy smiled and without a word she left the taller woman watching after her. Billy smiled to herself as she turned and walked away. She realised, between spotting a woman lifting weights and picking up used towels from the change rooms, that she was completely taken with Andy. She spent the rest of her shift thinking about Andy and Max.

At the end of her shift Billy bought a bottle of water and then walked to the address that Andy had given her, she was just turning onto the street when Andy drove up behind her. She climbed into the car when Andy pulled over and opened the door and together they drove to Max’s mother’s house. At the house they sat in the car for a few moments for getting out and going up to the door in silence.

At the door they knocked and waited, no one answered so they knocked again. The second time elicited response and the door opened and Billy and Andy was hit the stench of marijuana. Andy grabbed Billy’s hand and stood slightly behind the taller woman and to her right.

“Who are you?” The woman who answered the door asked.

“I’m Billy. I want to talk to you about Max.” Billy said with confidence.

“You’re that bitch she has been running to the last couple of nights?” A mans voice asked before he appeared in the door way next to his wife.

“Yeah that’s me. Look she has told me some disturbing things and I don’t want her coming back here.” Billy said squaring her shoulders.

“Who cares what you want. And you shouldn’t believe that little bitch her imagination runs away with her.” The man said snidely.

“I care what she wants and Sir I would advise you do to because if you insist that Max comes back here and she runs to Billy again I will call the police.” Andy was angry and you could tell by the tone of her voice, she stepped forward and got in the mans face.

The man grabbed the front of Andy’s shirt with one hand and raised his other as if he was going to hit her. Billy got the drop on him how ever and she punched him hard in the nose. The man let go of Andy and stumbled back a little bit behind his wife.

“Look we just want Max.” Billy said snarled at the couple.

“You can have the little bitch. Just get out of my house.” The man said spitting blood as he spoke.

“I’m coming back tomorrow for her clothes.” Billy said and she turned and left dragging Andy along with her.

Billy was too angry to talk, she wanted to hit something, preferably that man again but she kept herself in check. She wasn’t usually a violent person and it took a lot to make her really angry but this was one of the few things that set her off. She went over to the car still holding Andy’s hand and kicked the tire.

“Hey honey, calm down.” Andy put a soothing hand on Billy’s fore arm and got her to face her.

“That son of a bitch had his hands on you, and to think he does what he does to Max, I could kill him.” Billy was livid.

“Well that wouldn’t help sweetheart, would only get you thrown in jail and your too nice for that.” Andy was trying to be sweet to calm Billy down but she was also being honest.

“Damn it, people like that just make me so mad. I’m sorry he touched you, he didn’t hurt you did he?” Billy reached over and parted the collar of Andy’s shirt and saw red irritated skin, she gently traced the outline of the mark with her finger tip.

“Its fine Billy, I have had worse. Look they said you can have Max so lets concentrate on making her feel at home at your place, hm?” Andy put her free hand over the one Billy had at her throat and she pressed the hand against her chest.

“Yeah.” Was all Billy said, she leaned forward and gently kissed the red mark just above her fingertips.

Andy sighed as she felt the lips against her skin and leaned into Billy slightly. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the soothing feeling for a moment.

“Billy that drives me crazy.” She sighed softly in Billy’s ear.

Billy leaned back and smiled down at Andy, she moved her hand from Andy’s chest and opened the car door and stepped back to let the teacher into her car.

“Best get you back to school then; you will need your wits about you while you’re dealing with all those teenagers.” Billy waited for Andy to get into the car before she closed the door and walked around and got into the passenger side.

“You’re so chivalrous Bill.” Andy grinned at her girlfriend.

“Well thanks, I think. So is there any chance I can just hang around the school until Max gets out?” Billy asked curiously.

“Sure thing Honey. I might walk out with her; I have her in my last class.” Andy informed as they turned the car on and drove to the school.

“Thank you.” Billy said, she had started to think about what she was going to do with Max, one thing was clear to her.

They arrived at the school and Billy said she would just sit outside in the sun while she waited for Max, Andy said see you and kissed Billy briefly before she left. Billy spent that afternoon on the phone to the DA, she asked questions she needed to know and she seemed to get all the answers she wanted. By the time she was done making phone calls the final bell rang and Billy didn’t have long to wait after before Max and Andy walked over to her.

“Billy, what are you doing here?” Max asked as she reached the woman and sat down beside her, Andy sat on the other side.

“You’re coming home with me. Andy and I went around to your parents place; they said you can stay with me.” Billy smiled as she spoke and she was pleased to see a smile form on Max’s face.

“I know most kids would be upset that there parents were giving them away, but I’m over the moon, I cant believe you want me.” Max was beaming by the time she was done talking.

“About wanting you, well Max how would you feel if I filed for custody?” Billy asked and she evidently surprised both Max and Andy.

“You would do that?” Max asked disbelievingly.

“Of course Maxi.” Billy smiled again and she felt Andy’s hand on her thigh.

Max opened her mouth and closed it again not knowing what to say and then after a moment she threw herself at Billy and Andy at the same time hugging them both tightly. She started crying shortly after and Billy and Andy wrapped there arms around her.

“Andy you want to come to my place for dinner?” Billy whispered to Andy while Max was sobbing against her neck.

“Sure, let me drive you two home so I know where to go and I will come back around dinner time.” Andy responded and then disengaged herself from the hug and ran back into the school building to grab her paper work.

When Andy came back out of the building Max and Billy was leaning against her car and Andy noticed how similar the two seemed to be, she was a little curious by then but they both seemed to hold themselves the same way. She shook her head and walked over to the car and unlocked it.

“Get in you two lets get you home.” Andy said as she climbed into the car.

They drove to Billy’s house and after Billy told Andy what time dinner was Andy left and went home. Billy and Max went inside and together they cooked a pasta meal and Billy got a frozen cheese cake out of the freezer.

“Jees Billy, your going all out aren’t you.” Max joked about the cheese cake.

“Shut up, I was never any good at actually making desserts ok. Rice and Cream about tops it for me.” Billy giggled a little as she sat the cheese cake on the bench to thaw.

“Yeah ok I will believe that. Hey maybe we should get some wine or something you know, to celebrate you possibly breaking Toms nose.” Max was hopeful.

“Yeah right Kiddo. What makes you think I would let you drink, your 13 for god’s sake.” Billy said sternly.

“Well it was worth a try. Can I borrow some more of your clothes, I don’t have any and I wanted to take a shower.” Max asked politely.

“Sure what ever you find in my room that you want to wear go right ahead, I’m going to finish this sauce.” Billy said stirring the pasta sauce she and Max made from scratch.

Max went off and found some clothes in Billy’s room and showered. Billy finished the sauce and out the pasta on to cook. It was about half done when Max came out of the bathroom wearing one of Billy’s singlet tops and a pair of her baggy cargo pants. Billy noticed the bruises on Max’s arms and chest and a bite mark at the point where her neck meets her shoulder.

“Its nice and warm in here from all the cooking so I figured I would wear one of these since its what you have the most of.” Max explained, indicating the shirt.

“That’s fine, what ever you like. You should put tooth paste on those bruises when you go to bed by the way.” Billy said gesturing the array of bruises on the girl’s arms and chest.

Max nodded though she had a confused look on her face and was about to ask why when Billy spoke again.

“Maxi you want to watch this pasta I might go take a shower myself.” Billy asked and started to leave the kitchen.

“Sure but don’t be too long I don’t know how to cook pasta.” Max said a little worry on her voice.

Billy laughed and called out some instructions as she got her clothes together, she chose a clean white singlet top like the one Max was wearing and a tidy pair of baggy jeans. She showered quickly and dressed before she went back out to the kitchen, when she got there Max was staring at the pasta with a worried crease in her brow.

“Turn the pot off. It should be done.” Billy said leaning over and looking at the pasta.

Max turned the pot off and looked around for a strainer. She looked high and low in cupboards but couldn’t find one. Finally she decided to ask a now giggling Billy where it was.

“You would make an awful housewife I’m afraid to say Maxi.” Billy said affectionately.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence Billy.” Max said scowling at the pot of pasta.

Billy giggled and grabbed the pot, she grabbed the lid and put it on, holding it there she tipped the pot on its side over the sink and drained all the water out. She sat the put back on the bench just as the there was a knock on the door. Billy and Max went to the door and opened it.

Andy walked in and then stood looking at the women in front of her; she smiled at them and kissed them both on the cheek after Max closed the door. They showed her to the kitchen and Billy sat them both down and then dished up there dinner. They talked lightly as they ate dinner.

“Billy, what is tooth paste going to do for bruises?” Max asked finally, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“Well it’s got that mint in it right and when you brush your teeth it burns. Well if you put it on bruises it has the same affect, but it loosens up the clotted blood and helps heal the bruise quicker.” Billy explained.

“How do you know that?” Andy asked curiously.

“Because… that’s what I did when I had bruises from my uncle I didn’t want anyone to see.” Billy spoke quietly.

“Billy you don’t mean…” Andy trailed off and Max just looked dumbfounded.

“I do. When my mom died my dad didn’t want me anymore, he gave me to his brother when I was 8. He was a lot like your step dad Maxi.” Billy explained gently.

“No wonder you seemed so angry when you saw the bruises last night, all those memories huh?” Max asked quietly.

Billy nodded and smiled at Andy when she felt the woman’s hand on her thigh under the table.

“Yeah, my uncle didn’t just force himself on me, he was real rough like. Hit me a lot and pushed me around. Tied me up and he cut me a lot to.” Billy said and she pulled her shirt up to show some fading white scars.

Max got up from her chair and walked around to Billy and looked at the scars. She had a look on her face that Billy didn’t know the name for but it reminded her of sadness. Max looked at Billy again and realised it was sympathy on her face and it almost made her cry.

“Did you have anyone?” Max asked quietly.

Billy looked away from Max and Andy for a moment before looking back and shaking her head. Andy made a small noise that sounded like a stifled sob and Max did sob and hugged Billy tight around the neck.

“Come on Kiddo, your choking me. It’s ok; I turned out alright by myself.” Billy said returning the hug; she looked at Andy and saw tears in her eyes.

“But you didn’t have anyone, at least I have Penelope, and now I have you and Miss Philips. You had no one. How long?” Max asked and she pulled away a little but still had her arms around Billy’s neck.

“I was 16 when I got out. I started working out when I was 12 and I was pretty well toned by 13 but I had issues with being scared of him. But it’s ok really.” Billy was trying to reassure her friends.

Max hugged her again and Andy squeezed her leg. She smiled reassuringly over Max’s shoulder at Andy. After a little while longer Billy pushed Max off of her and grinned before she stood up and walked into the kitchen. She took a deep breath as she got 3 spoons out of the draw and grabbed the cheese cake off the bench.

“Ok, who’s for dessert? It’s nothing special Andy I can’t cook desserts.” Billy sounded a little sad when she said it but it had the affect she was after. Max and Andy both giggled at her.

They sat at the table and put all thoughts of sexual abuse out of there minds as they all ate the cheese cake. It was 9 PM when they retired to the lounge room and they talked to Max about Penelope. After a while Max decided she was tired and stated she wanted to go to bed.

“Hey if you want something to sleep in just get something out of my room.” Billy said after she kissed the girl goodnight.

“Thanks Billy. See you tomorrow Andy.” Max said after yawning and she left the room.

Billy was smiling after the girl when she felt Andy’s hand go to her leg again. She turned and looked at the beautiful teacher and her smile broadened. Andy leaned forward and kissed Billy deeply and was rewarded when Billy returned the kiss.

“You know, I think I’m ready for bed too.” Andy said after she broke the kiss, her voice was suggestive.

“Do you mean…” Billy suddenly got nervous.

“Yes, unless you don’t want to.” Andy leaned back a little but moved her hand higher up Billy’s leg.

“I want to! It just really has been a long time…” Billy blushed.

“Well it’s about time you tried again then.” Andy stood up and grabbed Billy’s hand pulling her to her feet and stepping back to let her take her to the bedroom.

They retired to Billy’s bedroom and made love, several times in fact and Andy was a little louder then Billy would have liked considering Max was just a few rooms down but she enjoyed herself thoroughly that night. After they made love they snuggled down in one another’s arms and fell asleep.

Max woke up the next morning and realised before seeing the time that it was later than normal for a school morning. She climbed out of her bed and looked at the alarm clock 8:23 AM. She had half an hour to shower and get dressed and get to school before she was late. Suddenly she remembered Andy had stayed over, she giggled to herself when she remembered the sounds she heard last night.

Billy woke up from the feeling of someone shaking her, she wasn’t sure she was awake. She was aware of the woman still wrapped in her arms and she smiled ignoring the slight shaking.

“Billy, Andy, get up. Come on do you realise how late it is.” Max’s voice penetrated Billy’s sleepy haze and one word registered. Late.

Billy twisted and looked at the clock on her bedside table and swore loudly affectively waking Andy.

“Shit. I mustn’t have set my alarm.” Billy said sliding out of bed forgetting all about her nakedness.

“Yeah you mustn’t have. Other things on your mind I guess. Andy perhaps you should shower and get to school, I’m afraid I may be a little late.” Max said looking at Andy who also slid out of the bed, though she was swearing most un-lady like.

“Thanks Maxi, I will explain to the teacher in your first class.” Andy said as she ran out of the room.

“Thanks for waking us Maxi… look ah, sorry if we kept you up last night.” Billy apologised and blushed; she had pulled on her pants and a shirt.

“Yeah it’s ok, maybe if you’re going to forget to set the alarm next time you and Miss Philips should go to bed earlier. For all our sakes.” Max giggled at the blush on Billy’s face.

“Yeah, right. You don’t um, have a problem with me and Andy do you?” Billy asked curiously, she hadn’t thought about how Max might feel about the relationship until now.

“You mean that you’re dating my teacher or that you’re both lesbians?” Max asked a small smile still on her face.

“The later… or both actually I guess.” Billy frowned.

“No way, I think it’s great.” Max grinned, “I’ll go make some coffee.”

Billy smiled at Max’s eager response to the question and then went about finding some clothes. Andy came back in moments later and kissed Billy hard on the mouth before telling her she will see her later, she called out a see you to Max as she ran out the door.

Billy had the day off and the only thing she planned to do was go over and get Max’s things from her mother’s house and then come home and do house work so she let Max use the bathroom first. Max only ended up being 15 minutes late to school when Billy dropped her off and then drove slowly to Max’s parents place.

At the house Billy sat in her car for a few minutes, she was slightly worried about being in the house by herself but at the same time she was furious she would have to face Tom again. She finally got out of the car and went to the front door and knocked, she didn’t have to knock twice this time before Meg, Max’s mother, came to the door.

“I don’t want any trouble. I have just come to get Max’s things.” Billy said firmly.

“Sure what ever, come and get it then you can pack all her shit.” Meg said a little rudely and she walked into the house leaving the door open for Billy.

Billy walked in leaving the door open and followed the woman’s rough directions into Max’s room. She found a old suit case under the bed and started putting Max’s clothes in it. It didn’t take her long and she was done packing everything Max might have wanted and she left the room and went to the door, Meg and Tom followed her.

“Have fun with that little bitch. Nothing but trouble anyways.” Tom said nastily as Billy stepped outside.

“I will.” Billy mentally willed the man not to say anything that might get her really mad.

“She was no good in bed either.” Tom chuckled nastily and Billy tried not to lose it.

“Shut your god damn mouth you son of a bitch. Oh and by the way, I’m filing for custody of Max.” Billy said between clenched teeth.

“Good we don’t want her. She had mail in the letter box on your way out the gate.” Meg said slamming the door in Billy’s face.

Billy sighed and walked off; she grabbed the letter on her way out and noticed that it was from her friend Penelope. She smiled a little bit that Max had a friend she could confide in. Climbing into to the car after she put the suitcase in the back she turned on the ignition and was about to leave when her mobile rang. She answered the phone and listened to her solicitor and then hung up sighing again.

She started the car and drove back to her place slowly thinking about what the solicitor said. He had told her that the parents would have to willingly sign over custody or it would be a court case and it worried Billy. She wasn’t sure Meg and Tom would really want to go to court but she had a feeling deep in her stomach that had her worried they would do something to make it harder for Billy.

She shook her head and out it out of her mind and went home to her house work, she got everything done in record time and then got really bored. She hated days off as she never had anything to do after the house work was done. Finally she decided to walk to the school and wait for Max. She stopped at the Café on the way and picked up her cheque and a coffee for herself and Max.

By the time she got to the school she didn’t have very long to wait before the final bell rang. She smiled when she saw Max walking over to her and she pulled the letter out of her pocket and handed it to her when Max got to her.

“Got your stuff from your mom’s place.” Billy said when Max looked at her questioningly.

“Thanks, did they give you any trouble? Andy saw you out the window and asked me to ask you to wait for her by the way.” Max said sitting down and taking the coffee Billy was holding out to her.

“No not really. I could have kicked Tom’s ass but I refrained.” Billy said smiling gently.

“Yeah he brings that out in people.” Max said smiling as well, she opened the envelope and read the letter, and then read it again.

“Wow, Pen asked her parents if she could come over here for a few months and they said yes so long as she can find somewhere to stay.” Max was grinning ear to ear.

“Nice, those are pretty liberal parents.” Billy said a little disbelievingly.

“Yeah, Penelope shows my letters to her parents I think they feel bad for me.” Max said quietly.

“And they are letting Penelope come down here?” Billy asked curiously.

“Yeah, bit odd that. Can she stay with us?” Max asked quietly expecting Billy to say no.

“Well, send her another letter tell her to send future letters our address not your mom’s. Put my email in it and tell her to give it to her parents and we can talk about it and sort something out.” Billy said and smiled when Max grinned again.

“What’s the grin for Maxi?” Andy asked; she had approached quietly and affectively startled both of them.

“Andy! How you doing?” Billy was visibly excited.

“Doing good lovely how about you?” Andy sat down beside Billy and smiled when Billy kissed her on the cheek.

“Doing well, went and got Max’s things today and told her mom that I’m filing for custody. My solicitor is on his way over there with the papers.” Billy informed quietly.

“You went over there by yourself?” Andy was visibly angry.

“Sorry, I was going crazy in that house with nothing to do all day. Beside, you’ve seen this body; I’m all muscle and intimidation.” Billy said grinning.

“Yeah I have seen it.” Andy said quietly, her tone was sultry.

“Come off it you two, don’t forget I’m here.” Max said scowling at the women beside her.

“Do you want some loving too Maxi?” Billy asked in an innocent tone and wrapped her arms around the girl and pretended she was going to kiss her.

“No way Bill, you’re like way to old for me!” Max said giggling.

“Ouch.” Billy leaned back and put a hurt look on her face.

Andy laughed at her two companions and then stood up she kissed them both of the cheek before she spoke.

“I would invite myself over again tonight but I have papers to grade that I was meant to do last night.” She said smiling.

“Oh, that’s fine. Sorry for keeping you over last night.” Billy said apologetically.

“I’m not, I had a wonderful time.” Andy winked at Billy when she thought Max wasn’t paying attention.

“Yeah, I heard.” Max interrupted, her comment causing them both to blush.

“Yeah right. Anyways I should get home, but perhaps I can come over tomorrow?” Andy asked curiously looking at Billy.

“I would love that, so would Max, she loves spending time with her favourite teacher.” Billy said chuckling Max.

“I won’t lie, you are my favourite teacher Miss Philips, but you do nothing for my reputation.” Max said seriously, she tried to hide the smile.

“What reputation?” Billy asked after a moment.

“Your right, I don’t have one.” Max said with a dramatic sigh that made Andy and Billy laugh.

Andy kissed them both on the cheek again and hugged Max and was about to leave when her boss, the head master walked over to them. He looked serious and as if he had something serious on his mind. He stopped in front of the trio and looked at Max.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but I have to ask, is that appropriate Miss Philips, kissing and hugging this girl like that.” The head master said before turning to Andy and waiting for her answer.

“Well, it’s how you look at it Sir, but Miss Philips is going to be my mother one day.” Max said before Andy could respond.

“I’m sorry Miss Armstrong, but what do you mean?” The head master was visibly confused.

“Well you see, because of some trouble at home with my mother and step dad, Billy here is filing for custody. So because Billy and Miss Philips are dating, well they can’t stop gays from getting married for much longer Sir.” Max said and Billy was impressed with her maturity.

“You’re dating a woman?” Mr. Connor asked disbelievingly.

“Yes Sir. Is that a problem?” Andy asked there was a slight frown on her face.

“No, I’m just surprised I have known you for years and you have never seemed to have dates, this kind of explains why. I’m sorry for interrupting I will leave.” Mr. Connor said a he seemed to go a little red.

“That’s fine Sir, I will walk in with you if you don’t mind.” Andy said and she waved to Billy and Max as she left.

“Your quite mature for you age.” Billy said to Max.

“Does that really surprise you; I mean being a kid wasn’t that great for me Bill you understand.” Max said smiling at her soon to be foster mother.

“Yeah I understand, let’s head home we can have dinner and get that letter written so we can send it off in the morning.” Billy said getting up and starting off the school ground.

They went home and after Max showered she helped Billy cook dinner before they sat down to eat and write a letter to Penelope and her parents. After the letter was written Billy sat out in the lounge watching TV while Max set her bedroom up with all her things. After a while she came back out and announced she was tired and Billy went and tucked her in.

“That’s very motherly of you.” Max said sleepily when Billy tucked the blankets in around her.

“Thanks, its good to have someone to mother.” Billy smiled at the girl.

“It’s odd, but it’s a little sad my mother never did this for me, I like it. Feeling wanted, you know for something other then sex I mean.” Max yawned into the blanket.

“I do want you Maxi don’t doubt that. Your mom, did she ever… sell you? It’s just obvious they are on drugs I just wonder if they ever got desperate and…” Billy trailed off.

“Nope, not once. Thankfully. Don’t worry about it Bill, they can’t do it anymore, you saved me.” Max smiled at the woman.

Billy smiled back and leaned down and kissed Max on the forehead before she turned and left the room. She was having a little trouble keeping the tears at bay so she decided to go to bed as well. She had a fitful night and again forgot her alarm; she was woken early by Max though who was already dressed.

They had a quick breakfast and then walked to the post office before going to the café, it was a Saturday and Billy didn’t have to be to work until that afternoon. They sat and talked and giggled about some of the jokes Max had heard a school. Billy asked Max how she felt about school and Billy giggled at the answer she was expecting.

She gave Max some money and told her to go shopping while Billy was at work and after her three hour shift she went home. When she got there she was surprised to see Andy and Max both covered in flour and, she couldn’t name what else, standing in her kitchen glaring at the oven.

Leaning on the door jam she watched the two who were quietly discussing something as they glared at the oven. She grinned and listened to them talking about how they had made a lot of mess and hadn’t actually made anything edible yet. Billy quietly moved away from the door and went back outside where she called and ordered a pizza before going back inside.

“I didn’t see any planes today.” Billy said walking back into the kitchen.

“Billy, you’re home!” Andy cried spinning around; the movement caused more flour to fly.

“What do you mean you didn’t see any planes?” Max asked curiously.

“Well it looks like there was an air strike carried out on my kitchen.” Billy grinned and stopped in front of them.

They both giggled and looked around before blushing, Billy could see there blush through the thick coat of flour on there faces. They tried to explain what they was cooking and how they did it and Billy pointed out what they had done wrong and chuckled softly as they looked at one another and blushed more.

“Go sit down you two and let me tidy my kitchen.” Billy said ordering the two out of her kitchen.

“What, we made the mess we should clean it.” Andy said picking up the paper bag of flour.

Unfortunately the paper tore and the pack of flour fell to the floor. The impact made the flour puff out into the air creating a small mushroom cloud and affectively covering Max and Andy’s trousers.

“I have a better idea baby. You and Max can go and change into some different clothes. Ones that aren’t going to cover the rest of my house in flour, while I clean this mess up.” Billy had an eyebrow raised as she watched the flour setting on there clothes.

“May I borrow some of yours?” Andy asked in a resigned tone.

“Of course.” Billy said and watched the two leave.

Billy put all the cooking materials back in there respective cupboards and then wiped all the excess flour onto the vinyl covered floor. She then with a bust pan, swept up the flour on the floor and put it in the rubbish bin. She was just starting to mop the floor when the door rang.

“Maxi can you get that?” Billy called to the girl who was sitting in the lounge with her teacher.

Max ran to the door and answered, she giggled a little when she saw the man holding the pizza and a plastic bag. Max wasn’t sure what was in the bag but she took the pizzas and let the man in. He walked into the kitchen behind Max and grinned at Billy.

“Hey Sam. You’re a life saver by the way.” Billy greeted the young man.

“No worries Billy. What happened here?” Sam asked curiously.

“Well I got home from work and these two are in here covered in flour and there’s mess everywhere.” Billy explained dramatically.

“Hey, we were trying to do you a favour.” Andy said glaring at the oven as if she blamed the appliance.

“Yeah I know. Sam this is Max, I’m adopting her, and my girlfriend Andy.” Billy said introducing the two women.

“Damn Billy, you go from single to being a mother and lover in the same week. You’re a fast worker.” Sam said smiling at the Max and Andy.

“Yeah no joke. You want to stay for some pizza?” Billy asked curiously.

“I would but I can’t, got to work, you know how it is.” Sam said a little downcast.

“Yeah, well just a sec and I will grab you the money for this stuff.” Billy said as she rinsed the mop in the bucket and then left the room.

She came back moments later with the money for the pizza and the desserts she had asked Sam to pick up for her and a big tip for her best friend. After Sam left she turned and giggled at her two companions that where now eating the pizza she had ordered.

“You’re great Honey.” Andy said moving over and kissing Billy on the mouth while she was chewing on pizza.

Billy giggled and finished putting the dirty utensils in the sink before she grabbed her own slice of pizza. She giggled as Max and Andy tried to explain what they was trying to cook and after she finished her slice she went to the oven and took out the tart that her companions had been trying to cook.

She tasted it and then spluttered spitting it into the sink and taking a mouthful of orange juice out of the fridge.

“That bad?” Max asked around a mouthful of pizza.

“Well let me put it this way, you didn’t put any sugar in the black berries when you stewed them, and you used a recipe for a savoury pastry not a dessert pastry. It’s atrocious I’m sorry.” Billy explained to the two crestfallen women.

Max and Andy sighed as Billy pushed the tart into the trash can before she sat down to eat with her companions. They had a late night as they all sat up watching TV and talking and soon after Max went to bed Billy and Andy decided to do the same.

The two weeks following went smoothly and a lot similar to that night, except for the explosion in the kitchen didn’t occur again. Billy and Penelope’s parents through e-mails and phone calls sorted out living arrangements for Penelope while Penelope would be here and it was the day before Penelope’s plane arrived while Billy was outside her house that Meg and Tom approached her.

“Hey, here’s the deal lady, we are going to take you too court over custody of Max.” Meg said emotionlessly as she approached Billy.

“How the hell did you find out where I live?” Billy asked rudely as she turned to the two adults.

“Never mind that. Here’s the deal lady, you give us 50,000 dollars and we will move out of this state and sign over the papers without the hassle of a hearing.” Tom said stepping up to Billy.

“You would lose a hearing.” Billy said slowly.

“Yeah, but do you really want to drag Max through that?” Meg asked curiously.

“Get me the papers signed and I can have the money for you tomorrow.” Billy said finally, she sighed.

“Thought you would see it that way, we are selling our place in a week so you and that bitch kid I had wont have to see us ever again.” Meg said snidely.

“Good.” Billy said and watched as the couple turned and walked away.

Max walked out from behind Billy’s car where she had crept too when she saw Meg and Tom walking towards Billy. She moved over to Billy’s side and watched after her mother and step father for a few minutes in silence.

“You’re buying me?” Max asked slowly.

“Yes.” Billy said simply.

“Where are you going to get that money?”

“My father died a couple years ago from a work accident, I got the money from his life insurance pay back.”

“You would have won in court.” Max stated slowly.

“Yes, but this is easier.” Billy said quietly.

“But you’re spending your money on me. A lot of it.” Max said turning to look at Billy.

“Yeah and your worth a hell of a lot more than 50K.” Billy said honestly.

Max sobbed and hugged Billy and Billy sobbed and hugged her back. That was how Andy found them a few moments later when she arrived. She stood back and looked at her lover and the girl she was growing so attached to as a daughter. She was curious as to why they was sobbing and hugging but she didn’t want to interrupt.

“Thank you Mom.” Max said calling Billy mom for emphasis.

“Don’t thank me Maxi; just be happy you’re free of that.” Billy said smiling.

“I am. You both know it.” Max said smiling at Andy over Billy’s shoulder.

Billy turned and looked at Andy, she smiled as her lover approached and then hugged her in hello. They all stood there for a moment as Billy explained what had just happened and though Andy frowned she seemed happy that the papers where getting signed.

“So that’s why Maxi called you mom?” Andy asked smiling.

“Yep, and I think I’m going to have to start calling you Mom too.” Max said grinning at the teacher.

“Well that’s just confusing, what about Mama?” Billy said grinning at Andy as well.

“Yeah that works. Mom and Mama.” Max said smiling.

“What ever you like kiddo.” Andy said surprising them both.

“Maybe you should move in.” Billy blurted.

“Ok.” Andy surprised them both yet again; she had stayed there the whole week even taking her work back to Billy’s.

“Really?” Max asked excitedly.

“Well sure, if Billy was being serious. I love you guys.” Andy said, it was the first time she had said love when it came to Billy and even though she didn’t say it to Billy alone she knew that was what Andy meant.

“Yeah, I’m serious.” Billy said smiling.

“Well in that case, I might get us some take out tonight and I might go and get my stuff from my place.” Andy said grinning.

“Sound’s like a plan to me. You could take this thing if you like she needs something to do.” Billy said gesturing to Max.

“No I don’t, Mama gave me home work. A lot of it.” Max said sounding a little depressed like.

“Oh come on Maxi, I didn’t give you that much, besides you have 8 weeks to do that.” Andy said grinning at the girl.

“Yeah you have a point; in that case I will help you.” Max said grinning.

Andy and Max left and Billy went inside and wrote out a check for 50,000 dollars. She sat in on the dresser in her room and then went about clearing some space in her draws and wardrobe for Andy’s things. It wasn’t two hours when her lover and foster daughter got back to the house and by that time she had tidied everything up and moved the bed out of the spare room into Max’s room for Penelope to sleep on.

They sat down and ate there dinner, Andy had gotten them Chinese and after dinner they sat around and watched a movie. Max was excited but by 11 she decided it was time for her to go to bed. After she went to bed and Billy and Andy had tucked her in they also went to bed.

The next morning Billy was the first awake, she regretfully slid out of bed and Andy’s arms and put on some clothes before grabbing the check off the dresser and driving over to Meg’s place. She got there and knocked on the door and waited. Meg and Tom answered the door and handed her to signed documents stating that Max was officially hers.

“This check better not bounce.” Tom said taking the check from Billy.

“It wont, take it to the bank today and cash it.” Billy said and she turned and left.

In the car she called her solicitor and told him she had the signed papers before she drove back to her house. When she got there she was greeted by a slightly anxious looking Max and an irritated Andy.

“Where have you been?” Andy asked bluntly.

“I went and got my papers saying Max is mine.” Billy said looking apologetically at Andy.

“Who cares about that! Pen’s plane lands in 2 hours!” Max said excitedly and Billy and Andy both grinned at her.

“Alright calm down before you wet yourself. Go shower and don’t use all the hot water.” Billy ordered.

Max went and did as she was told and Billy and Andy made coffee and sat in the kitchen talking about the papers while Max was showering. When Max was done Andy showered next and Billy stretched out at the kitchen table and watched Max buzzing around the house excitedly.

Finally not half an hour later they was all dressed and in Andy’s car on the way to the airport. Max was suddenly nervous and Billy chuckled at her and told her it would be ok. At the airport they parked and went inside and waited on the next arrivals. They talked and joked and giggled about the French for a little while until it came over the speakers that the plane from France was almost there.

“Oh I’m freaking out.” Max said nervously as they watched the plane land five minutes later.

Andy laughed and put her arm around Max’s shoulders reassuringly. They watched as the people filed off the plane and walked into the terminal. They decided to move down to where Penelope would be getting her baggage and they waited there.

It wasn’t long after they arrive that the young 14 year old French girl with her long dark brown wavy hair and her attractive features walked over to the carrousel, she smiled shyly at the family and moved over to them.

“Hello. You are Max and her new family yes?” She asked politely and though she spoke good English she had a prominent French accent.

“That’s us. Don’t mind Maxi, she is nervous.” Billy said smiling.

“Why in the world would she be nervous, we have talked for years?” Penelope said curiously.

“I don’t know, it’s a mystery to us all. I’m Billy and this is my girlfriend Andy.” Billy said introducing herself and Andy.

“Nice to meet you. It is very nice of you to let me stay with you while I’m here.” Penelope said smiling and the couple.

“You say that now, you’re in for many sleepless nights with these two in the house.” Max said finally getting her voice back.

Both the girls giggled when Andy and Billy blushed. Billy grabbed Penelope’s bag and they all headed out to the car. They asked Penelope all about France as they drove back to the house and then some when they arrived. After they got home Penelope started asking her own questions and hours later they were still talking. Billy got up and cooked dinner for them all and they ate before watching TV.

Finally the girls went to bed and not long after Billy and Andy did the same though sleep didn’t come quickly as they heard frequent giggles and laughs coming from the room down the hall. The week went by quickly with Billy and Andy entertaining the girls when they had the time and the girls shopping in town when Billy was at work.

It was exactly one week later when Billy got the mail out of her letter box and found a rather thick letter with Max’s name on it. She took it in and sat it on the kitchen table before putting the coffee pot on and sitting back down at the table. Andy was the next one awake and she soon found herself in Billy’s lap at the kitchen table leaning her head on her lovers shoulder.

Next up was Penelope, her bladder getting the better of her apparently. She went out and sat at the kitchen table as well with a cup of hot coffee and stared at the letter for Max. Max got up not half an hour later and walked out to the kitchen and got herself some coffee before even noticing the letter.

“What’s that?” Max asked moving around to sit down at the table as well.

“Don’t know, it was in the letter box.” Billy said smiling.

Max picked it up and opened it; she looked inside it and then pulled out a piece of paper. She stared at the piece of paper before she unfolded it.

Max,

I was never a good mother and I will never be, truth is I didn’t want you in the first place but your father did. When he died, well I was never good to you.
I don’t mean to say this to hurt you further, just to understand that I didn’t want you and that is why I didn’t care what Tom did to you. I know this makes me a bad person but I can’t find it in myself to care.
But I put this money in here, it isn’t enough to pay you back for what I let happen, but it’s all I can afford to give you.
You won’t see us again; we will stay out of your life and you out of ours from now on.

Meg.

Max read the letter twice before sitting it on the table and tipping the contents of the letter out onto the table causing her mothers and her friend to gasp. She stared at the money for a moment longer before looking up at Billy.

“I guess this is yours Mom.” She said quietly.

Billy reached over and read the letter briefly before putting it back on the table; she looked at the money and did a quick count. 10,000 dollars in cash. She looked at her daughter and shook her head smiling.

“That’s your sweetheart; you can do what ever you like with it.” Billy informed.

“But, its part of the money you gave them to sign the letter.” Max said quietly.

“Yes, and they gave it to you, it’s yours Max. You’re free of them for ever.” Andy said turning on Billy’s lap to look at Max.

“Free Max.” Penelope said and she put her hand on Max’s thigh.

Max smiled at her mothers and then turned to Penelope smiling all the broader.

Penelope surprised them all then by leaning forward and kissing Max gently on the mouth.

If you have enjoyed Jess Adams' "Billy Kane", then please be certain to Contact The Writer and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here for a list of all of Jess Adams' Stories and Poetry at Sapphic Voices Authoresses.

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