Sapphic Voices Romance

The Bride In Pearls And Blood

Part Five

" Quien diablos te crees que eres, chibola!"

Catalina felt her head going numb while her father shook her violently. She could hardly make out her mother's upset cries because of the man's irate yells. Minutes earlier, her quiet declaration had ignited a war. Beside her, one of the chairs laid sideways, the dishes her mother had served the food in were shattered on the floor, and along them there was some of her blood. Her father's brutal slaps had taken that and the very breath from her. Even now as he pulled her hair to get her to look at him, she could hardly focus, let alone hear his screams as dazed as she was.

"Who the devil do you think you are, you ingrate! We have tolerated all of your ramblings and your nonsense for a while now, but don't think you're going to do what you want while you live under my roof! In this house things are done the way I say they should be!"

Another slap sent the slim girl to the floor and it took her severe efforts to get herself to move in her attempt to stand again. She thought she saw her mother hold her father's shoulders, trying to stop him from losing control though her spinning head didn't let her discern much. He quickly abandoned the kitchen, stomping his way upstairs like a mad man. Catalina felt her lips swelling, and in her mouth the raw taste of blood was strong. She had managed to sit up, with her mother's aid, but the older woman's touch was only making her trembling right arm ache harder.

"Catalina, are you alright?! Can you stand up?!"

"..Please.. Let go of me--"

She couldn't even complete her phrase before her coughing got the best of her. Her mother ignored her words and helped her stand with tears in her eyes, but before she could help her to her room, her husband had returned to the scene, with a large snake skin belt in his hand and an expression angrier than the one he had before.

"Roberto, por favor.. No more! She can hardly stand, let alone--"

"Stand aside! She's disrespected our family, our faith and our customs! Who is she to defy authority here?! She needs to be shown that it will be tolerated no more!"

He yanked the girl from the woman's arms violently and proceeded to strike her with the heavy girdle. Catalina didn't let out a single sound though, even as the heavy skin lashed against her bare legs.
After that second onslaught, he dragged her upstairs to her room, shoving onto the floor as if she were no more than a wastrel.

"You're going to stay here until you clean up your act, you heathen fool! And prepare yourself, because I'm going to speak with Felicio so that you marry as soon as possible! It is about time you assume your responsibilities! No more being a spoiled little brat!"

He left the room with a slam of the door, locking it from the outside. Catalina had managed to sit up once more, though her right arm wasn't so much help. Her had pulled her from it with so much force before that placing even some of her weight on it made it shake violently, and her legs were covered with blushing lashes that were swelling quickly. Her lips were bathed in blood, and she touched them wondering if any of her teeth were missing, though she was relieved to feel that they were still in place. The physical pain didn't deter the anger inside herself as she tightened her fists. Her messy hair cascaded upon her lowered face, insulating her own warmth around it.

".. I don't want to be anyone's puppet anymore.. "

Without the strength to get herself off the floor, she laid down slowly, minding her arm, and fell asleep for what seemed like an eternity. Her father's voice awoke her 2 hours later however, when she heard him talking to her mother in the next room. Much of it was unintelligible, but she could make out his exasperated comments about her being a terrible daughter and that her rebellion was unforgivable. She also made out her mother's soft weeping, but whatever else was said was turned to deaf ears because she didn't want to hear it. Some of her strength had been gathered by the nap, and she mustered up enough will to stand again. The following hour went by silently as she sat in her bed, thinking about Damiane. The next day wasn't going to be any better for her, she knew it, and Damiane was the only person to turn to. If nothing else, she could help her get back on her feet. Weary, she looked at the dress hanging from her wall, and contemplated the silence that had taken over the place. The scissors in her drawer were enough to rip it into shreds from the satin skirt up to the exotic patterns at the bust. It served as a strong rope from which to descend from her window down to the cold, empty streets. She ran down the block like a soul chased by the devil, not fearing her father,but rather that if she didn't hurry, Damiane would be gone by the time she arrived.

......................................................................................................

The cold of the night had chilled her bones. Her bitter tears obstructed her vision so greatly that it took her a while to find the bell to Damiane's apartment. She had to push the button many times before receiving a reply, and once she got one, Damiane's voice sounded husky and weary, obviously awakened, though her surprise was also noticeable when she realized who it was. The girl ascended to the sixth floor trembling slightly, kicking off small pebbles that had become imbedded on her plantars in her mad rush to be with the woman. Her breathing was heavy, and her right arm was trembling involuntarily.

"What the hell happened?"

".. I'm sorry..It's so late.."

"..Forget that.. Get in here.."

Without a second thought, Damiane helped her inside, laying her down on her soft bed, then closing the door. The place was mostly overshadowed by darkness, with only the soft glow of the nearby lava lamp illuminating the place with its red light. Catalina's bleeding lips had made a still weary Damiane snap to full awareness. She touched her face softly, staining her own hands.

"It hurts.."

"Who did this to you?.."

The tears she had swallowed before ran out of her eyes upon that angry inquiry. She couldn't help but break down before Damiane. She felt as if she was the only one whom she could find support in.

"..D-- Daddy.. I told him that I.. I said I didn't want to marry, and he-- He just started slapping me.."

"That bastard.."

"..You were right.. All this time, I've only been given the responsibilities of an adult, but when it comes to my own wishes, I am a child to them.."

Her words were hushed by her tears as she buried her face in her hands. Minutes passed and aside from Catalina's quiet sobbing, there was no sound. Damiane's face was a rictus of fury, illuminated in red as it was by the lamp. She soon placed her hands on Catalina's legs, tracing the lashes with her fingers, and Catalina felt herself quiver inside at her touch. The woman then went on to grasp the hem of the small night gown she wore and lifted it over her shoulders, leaving her almost completely nude. She observed Catalina's upper body, inspecting her for more of the marks, though there were fewer there. Her trembling arm didn't go unnoticed to her either. The woman's voice almost sounded like a bellow when she spoke to the blushing girl.

"Was that imbecile trying to break your arm.."

".. I don't know.. He was very angry when it all started.. He yanked me from it violently, then the slapping and the insults came, and the pulling of hair.. Mother tried to stop him, but.. That only got him angrier.. So he got his belt, and started hitting me with it.. Please.. Let me stay here with you Damiane.. He said that he's hastening the wedding now.. He wants to force me into it sooner, just to impose his authority over me.. I don't want to go back there.."

"You're staying here with me alright.. I can't risk him causing you a serious injury. Come on. I'll help you get all that blood off your face.."

Damiane stood up, with her rage still obvious in her features by what little Catalina could see. The girl was still afraid because of her situation, but a plethora of new emotions were rushing into her. She felt foolish and embarrassed for indulging her erotic thoughts at such at time, though she couldn't help herself. She was alone with the woman she was fascinated with, in the middle of the night and standing so close to her. The fact that she was wearing nothing but her panties and Damiane only had ripped jeans with an unbuttoned shirt on wasn't helping her keep her composure either. She didn't say a word however, feeling estranged because of her friend's current mood. Damiane's anger was visible in her eyes even after she helped Catalina step out of the shower and helped her to bed.

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Dusk had fallen when Catalina looked up at the window. There were some stars twinkling in the sky, and some of it was still stained dark orange from the setting sun. It had been three days since she had left her home, and all her injuries were slowly healing. She sat by the kitchen window quietly after having had finished reading one of Damiane's books, The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen. The story had sunken her mood a little, because she felt somewhat related to the main character in the story. Staying with Damiane had given her a lot of inner peace, and plenty of time to think. She wanted to tell Damiane how she felt about her, but she couldn't get the words together. How could she tell her? What would Damiane think? She felt a certain fear develop inside her as she closed the book, hoping she wouldn't have to suffer from unrequited love on top of everything else she had already gone through. She stood up and picked up the other books that were on stove and placed them back on Damiane's shelf, as neatly as they were before. She had decided to organize the place and make her something for dinner while she came home, because she couldn't think of any other way to thank her for keeping her at bay from her parents. While she cleaned however, she had noticed large boxes full of documents and computer parts, and luggage that was halfway done in Damiane's studio. She wondered if she was going somewhere, but she was rather shy about asking her. She heard the front door slam, and soon Damiane's footsteps lead her to her studio as she took off her coat. Catalina turned around to greet her shyly, feeling as if she was prying into the woman's privacy.

"Hey there.. Enjoying the literature?.."

"Um, yeah.. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude in your space.. I was just a little bored and decided to read some of your books.. I was just putting them back."

"Relax. You're welcome to use anything here. But what did you do to my living room? I didn't leave it that way.."

"I decided to tidy up the place for you a little.. And I made you something to eat because, I can't show my gratitude to you in any other way right about now.."

She had turned her face away, feeling embarrassment at how her comments had come off. She sounded like a high school girl with a crush, though before speaking she had tried to sound as neutral as possible. When she looked back at Damiane, she had an amused grin on her face, and she slanted forward a little like she always did, to emphasize her amusement.

"Wow. I didn't know you'd play a wife's role for me, but thank you. I am kind of hungry."

Catalina watched her fascinated. She had expected a reaction much less natural than that one. She followed the woman into the kitchen, allured by her soft scent. Damiane grabbed the plate sitting on the counter and climbed onto it swiftly, devouring the sandwiches while she stood close by, watching her with perusing eyes. She was trying to speak to her again, but she just couldn't voice her thoughts.

Even your name seems to flatter you..I think I'm in love.. So strange you are... Like a blend of strength and beauty.. I wish I could have you for myself.. How much of your love can I earn Damiane? What is the price I have to pay, to sing for you and awaken every morning beside you, living because of your every breath? Seeing with your every glance? Look at me.. Locked down in a cellar of gold, tied down by indestructible silk ropes.. My music is the sound of your voice.. I don't ever want to be set free..

The large bubble popped in Catalina's ear as she came back to reality to see Damiane standing behind her, chewing. She had taken off her Timberland boots and her usual ponytail was undone. Catalina hadn't even realized that she had jumped off the counter and walked past her. Facing her clashed her into her perfume once more as it mingled with the minty scent of the gum in her mouth.

"What the hell planet are you in, woman? I thanked you for the food."

"Oh.. Sorry. You're welcome.. But, Damiane..?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

Catalina turned around to face her, feeling her legs tremble a little. Damiane had once told her that one had to simply take charge of one's life and hold oneself to the consequences. She had decided to take that advice to heart at the moment. She didn't have the courage to voice her own words, so she'd simply confess without them. Noticing Damiane look back at her, curious and somewhat impatient, she took a deep breath, threw her arms around her and kissed her softly on her lips. She felt the woman tense up a little, but there wasn't any resistance. Damiane looked back at her intently after she pulled away. Catalina's cheeks were as red as roses.

"..T--that's a confession.. I've been meaning to make.."

"..This must be why you don't want to marry.."

"..I can't hide this anymore.."

Feeling her face grow hotter, the girl sent her gaze down to the floor. The reprimanding feelings of shame took over her and she could feel her petrified stillness. Cold sweat was forming in her hands, and inside her, her heart was about to burst. A million thoughts of self hatred were rushing into her mind all at the same time. In a moment though, everything was silenced when she felt Damiane press her lips against her forehead softly. The girl looked up at her, to see her opening her arms to her, welcoming her into an embrace she readily gave in to.

"..So, you've got a crush on me?.. How did you know I was a lesbian?.."

"I-- I didn't.."

"..Serendipitous huh.. Heh. You make wonderful mistakes, Catalina.."

"..I guess I do.."

"You should see the look on your face.. It's like you're a princess and I'm a gem ring.."

Damiane's pleased smirk left Catalia at a loss. She didn't realize her timid lust was permeating through her gaze.

"..I'm.. Well--.. The thing is.. All this time.. I've only daydreamed about this..In between my self loathing and regret, I've been thinking about this moment for years.. Of just.. Standing before a woman like you that I have strong feelings for and... I'm just.. I'm just trying to keep you in focus.. I want to feel you Damiane.. I want to have you close.. So that I can prove to myself that this isn't a dream.."

"Well then.. What say we get started?"

Amidst the a deep kiss that followed, Damiane switched off the main lamp, leaving them both standing in the red black darkness. Their silhouettes merged on the walls as they rid themselves of their clothing, plunging themselves deeper into their passion. Damiane's leading steps collapsed them both unto the large pillow-like bed, and Catalina lied above her, slowly letting go of her self control and allowing her hands to wander. The girl felt driven by timid curiosity, and she realized that none of the women of her imagination could compare to the one before her eyes at that moment. Those long, firm legs clad in tight black denim, the soft breasts that pressed against her own through cotton fabric and the soft scent on that velvet skin made her seem all too real. Tracing her neck with gentle kisses, Catalina felt as though she had just conquered a great empress, and yet she realized she was being allowed leadership after observing Damiane's eyes lovingly in the darkness and seeing in them paramount surrender. They seemed to say to her: "I know you're curious, so explore while you can." Discerning that message, she began to unbutton her lover's shirt and bra and kissed her yielding, awaiting breasts. She moaned softly feeling Damiane's hands run along the supple curves of her own body, beneath the simple shirt she had borrowed from her. In her mind, she was overcome with thoughts quite different from the ones of self hate from just minutes before.

I've been fighting this feeling for so long.. My desire to be this way, and yet.. I never knew exactly what I was up against.. Nothing can feel more natural.. Looking into this woman's eyes..Mingling her tongue with mine.. How could I ever have been foolish enough to think I could souse these emotions deep within myself?.. This is what I've always wanted.. What I've always dreamed of.. Soft lips, gentleness, beauty.. You Damiane, are all this.. And so much more.. I hadn't realized it up until shortly ago.. That I've been given far more than I would have asked for.. I wouldn't have it any other way..

Falling out of the spell of her thoughts, the girl found her waist locked in an embrace, and her nipples caressed by a gentle tongue. Her leadership had been cut short without her even realizing it, and the maddening pleasure she was feeling forced her to surrender. The firm thigh that pressed itself against her crotch paired with the hasty rocking soon drove her to a loud climax accentuated by the sharp curve of her back. It may have been minutes or hours after that when she succumbed to her need for rest, falling asleep in Damiane's arms.

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The brightness reflecting off the apartment's ivory walls awakened Catalina. She had expected to see her lover beneath her on first glance, but only the red velvet lied there, warm from her body that lied nude except for the thin quilt draped around her waist. She noticed Damiane sitting quietly on a chair, drinking something warm while observing her. To her, she appeared beautiful in the simple white sleeveless dress that hugged her curves down to her thigh.

"Finally awake mm?.. I was beginning to wonder if you'd become my Sleeping Beauty.."

"(yawn) How long has it been?.."

"..It's late morning already.. Heh, I think all of these nights of worrying about your family finally caught up to you last night.."

"..You really took it out of me.."

Catalina watched her smile to herself. Stroking some of her hair out of her eyes, she couldn't help but admire the woman's subtle elegance. Damiane seemed radiant, as if the incandescent session of love making from the previous night had revitalized her in much the same way as it had her.

"Did I really now.."

"..Yes.. You're so ardent..(giggle) I'm surprised I didn't melt.."

"Heh. Look at you. Blushing and all."

"..How come you're here still?"

"I won't be working for a while.."

"Why is that?.."

"..That's something I want to talk to you about.."

A slight degree of unease came upon Catalina. She wondered what could lie behind such an abrupt change in an otherwise romantic mood.

"Catalina.. Yesterday, I ran into your father."

"..Did something happen?.."

"No.. But he is looking for you. By the look on his face he's not trying to find you to ease his conscience.."

"..Hm. Daddy said to me that night.. That I had best prepare myself because he was hastening the wedding.. I really wouldn't be surprised if he were already taking all the necessary actions to carry that out.. He probably thinks I'll be coming back because I didn't take anything with me.."

"..Whatever the issue is, I don't think there's any point in you going back.."

"What do you mean?.."

"..The reason why I'm not going back to work for a while is because I've accepted a job offer elsewhere. I'm relocating altogether, I'm sure you've noticed.."

"..You're leaving?"

"Yes, I am. And I want you to come with me."

"What?.."

"I'm leaving in three weeks Catalina.. Come with me. There's nothing for you here anymore."

"Where will you go?.."

"Spain. I'm taking over my father's company."

"Damiane.. I--.."

" I'm not leaving without you. Please.. Just accept and come with me."

Catalina remained silent for a moment, looking back at her carefully. All of a sudden her family seemed so dear to her despite all of her conflicts with them. Either way she looked at it, she still loved her parents, and yet, she couldn't possibly feel anything other than happiness at the offer her love had just made her. Going off to Europe with her, leaving her nightmare behind. The silence that reigned while she thought out her decision seemed almost deafening, and Damiane didn't interrupt a minute of it.

Some part of me wants to place this all behind me.. As much as I love them, my life with them has been so difficult... I never even realized any of it until Damiane took the blindfold off of my eyes.. Slaving to their every demand.. Forcing myself to fit into the mold they've made for me.. It doesn't matter how much I love them.. To them.. To daddy.. I'm not really human.. I'm just a puppet.. A little porcelain doll he shows off and will wed off to uphold his authority and reputation.. But with Damiane.. None of this is true..

I want to set aside all of this self hatred.. I want to live my life in peace, standing on my own feet, and always beside her.. That's something that is never going to happen.. Not with daddy close to me.. She's freed me from everything already.. So I'll go. I'll follow you with closed eyes, Damiane..

"Alright.. I'll go with you. But.. There's something I have to take care of first.."

"It has to do with your family, I presume.."

"..It does. I want to talk to my father.. To my family. I'll tell them the truth before I go."

"You do realize all that that implies.."

"You told me once that you have to live your own life, and simply hold yourself to the consequences, whatever they were.. I have to face daddy. I can't keep running away. He has to know that I'm not going to be his compliant little tool anymore.. He has to know that it's you that I love.."

"You're not planning on going at this alone are you?.."

"Yes.. I am.."

"Catalina--"

"Please, Damiane.. I know what happened last time.. But I can't live in fear of him. If I can't face him and stand up for my own decisions, then I'm not really my own person yet.."

Catalina watched her think to herself silently for seconds before she stood up and answered her in a tempestuous voice.

"Alright.. I'll let you solve this one on your own.. Just bear in mind that if he hurts you again, I won't be nice enough to let him get away with it for the second time."

The Bride In Pearls And Blood - End of Part Five

If you have enjoyed Foreigner's "The Bride In Pearls And Blood - Part Five", then please be certain to e-mail at  SeekersRhapsody[at]yahoo.com  and thank her for posting this Story.

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