Sapphic Voices Romance

Portrait Of A Stranger

Conclusion

JANE, SALLY AND LORD BROUGH -- TOGETHER

Jane braked to a stop in front of the second hand shop and jumped from the car, her eyes searching for a sign of Sally. An excited yelp drew her attention to the interior of the shop and she peered into the darkness, seeing the outline of Sally with Broughy cradled in her arms. She walked in, allowing her eyes time to adjust to the dimness. Sally called out.

"Hi, Jane. I thought it was safer to hold him. The policy in here is 'you break it -- you buy it!' and there's so many knickknacks around which he could knock over. How are you? Did you have a good drive down?"

"I'm fine thanks and yes, it was a pleasant drive. Yes, Yes, Broughy I see you, so you can stop shouting at me now."

Sally led Jane over to the guitar which was half hidden by a stack of boxes.

"I'd never have seen it if it hadn't been for Brough growling at it. I haven't examined it, there really would have been no point as I didn't know what to look for. The assistant looked in the book and found that the selling price is three hundred dollars but I thought I'd leave it to you to look at it. If you don't like it, I'm sure they'd let my deposit be used towards something else."

Jane only half heard,

"I can't believe it, you just never see these going in second hand shops. In fact it looks, ….." she leaned closer, "and smells, as if it's just been varnished or lacquered. It's in great condition, no visible cracks. This guitar would normally cost over a thousand dollars, even second hand. Whoever sold it to the shop didn't realise its worth and, luckily for me, neither did the shop owner. It's probably completely out of tune but all the strings are there. I brought some with me in case there was some missing."

Jane leaned down and caressed the guitar, running a feather-light touch over its lines. She finally picked it up and held it comfortably, the neck nestled in the left hand, while her right arm wrapped itself lovingly around the body. The fingers on her left hand found a chord and, almost afraid of disappointment, she strummed with the tips of her right fingers. The sound was perfect to Sally's inexperienced ear and it even brought a smile to Jane's face.

"Not perfectly tuned -- but not bad, not bad at all." She looked with delight at Sally. "Thank you so much. This is almost exactly the same as the one which was stolen, only the colour is different. No, Brough! Stop growling. I'm grateful that you led Sally to it but I'm not accepting your opinion of it!"

Brough looked from one to the other in frustration: couldn't they smell it? It was a bit dimmer now than when they were in here the other day. It had been really strong then, even above the smell of the varnish. Brough couldn't picture the face of the young man the smell belonged to but the face of the older man was vivid. At the memory, his hackles rose and he growled. 'If I could only get to see them again, I'd show them what for!'

"Sorry Brough, we don't follow you." Sally soothed Brough "However, we are hungry, so let's head off. Ok Jane?" Jane agreed and went to the counter to pay the balance, holding the precious purchase with care.

Jane followed Sally along the highway and then the ten kilometres down the smaller road to Preston Beach. When they arrived, Sally showed Jane the small, single bedroom that was to be her room for the night.

"It's not really supposed to be a bedroom, more a little box room but I managed to fit this bed in here, as I thought you'd prefer a little privacy tonight. I have two spare double bedrooms and a mattress, that I'll be throwing onto the lounge floor. This will accommodate the three couples who are coming down. You haven't got any problem with them being in couples have you?"

"No, not at all. Specially if they are all like Fiona and Barbara."

"Yes. I've met them all, in fact they are all in the painting. They're great fun but they're not over the top. It should be a good evening."

Jane left her bag in the bedroom and went to help Sally with the last preparations for the cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomatoes and fresh mushrooms along with the fruit juice, tea and toast.

After vowing that she wouldn't be able to consume half of what she was offered, Jane proceeded to polish off the whole plateful.

"It must be the sea air," she explained sheepishly as they took their second cup of tea into the studio. Jane wandered around, looking at the sketches which were scattered around on Sally's desk. She compared them with the finished painting and was surprised at their accuracy.

She turned around to tell Sally how impressed she was with the professional finish to the painting and could only see the top of Sally's head, as her hands guided the pencil over the sketch pad. Sally glanced up and saw Jane watching her with uncertainty.

"Sorry, I couldn't wait."

"What, exactly, do you want me to do?"

"I really don't want you to do anything special. How about playing me a tune. I'd love to hear you play."

Jane showed her relief as she picked up her guitar with enthusiasm.

"I'll just have to tune it. Won't take a minute." Sally sketched quickly as Jane's concentration changed the _expression on her face. Her tongue was just peeping out between her lips as she slightly cocked her head to listen. Her tuning flowed into a lilting melody that made Sally stop sketching so she could listen and watch. Jane lifted her head, met Sally's look and smiled.

Jane eased from one tune into the next, sometimes singing softly, sometimes humming. Occasionally Sally would ask for a different position from Jane and once she asked her to undo a few buttons on the turquoise blouse she was wearing.

"How about a swim?" Jane was startled by the question.

"I didn't think to bring any swim wear, though it sounds wonderful."

"I have plenty of bathers." Sally looked appraisingly at Jane. "We're not that different in size, though you are a little fuller in the breast than I am. Come on, let's look at them. I need a break and the weather's warming up nicely."

Jane went into the bathroom with a selection of all-in-one bathers and bikinis. With daring, she chose a purple and white bikini. Feeling slightly self-conscious, she threw the beach towel around her shoulders and left the bathroom.

"I'm out here." Sally called from the front of the house. "Hurry up! Brough and I are waiting." She playfully teased.

They walked over the sand hills and Jane was glad she had stayed so fit. In some places they had to climb in single file so Sally led the way. Jane found herself admiring Sally's legs once more and she was so busy watching the calf muscles contract and relax that she didn't see the rock formation overlapping their track. She was unprepared when her foot tripped on it and she pitched forward into the back of her companion. Sally, caught off balance, missed her footing and they both fell into the soft sand. Jane was apologetic.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was putting my feet. Are you sure you're all right?" Sally felt Jane's light weight on top of her, aware of the imprint of the breasts pressing into her lower back. She laughed.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's soft below and soft above so no harm done." They got up, brushed themselves down and Sally teased,

"Well that's one way of having a rest but there's no need for any more. Just over this rise, it's all downhill to the water. I'll race you!" At that, she was off and running as much as the soft sand would let her. Jane laughed and took off after her with Broughy yapping and kicking up more sand than the two women put together.

Sally arrived at the water first and plunged straight in, throwing herself into the surf as the waves cascaded onto the beach. Jane was more circumspect as she reached the water, only wading in knee high and allowing the waves to splash her thighs. She slowly moved in, gasping as the water first touched the sensitive spot on her hips. She gave a half-strangled scream as Sally erupted from the water next to her.

"Come on, scaredy cat. Get wet!" Jane politely refused, saying she preferred to do it slowly.

"Bull! That hurts more. Here, let me help …" and with that she engulfed Jane in a very wet bear hug. Jane's 'No!' was cut short and changed to an involuntary laugh as she realised she was as wet as she could be now anyway. She wrapped her own arms around Sally, hooked a leg behind her and moved forward, effectively dunking Sally - and herself in the bargain. They surfaced with much spluttering and, on Sally's, side, accusations of attempted murder.

"Ok, fair's fair. We're equal now." Jane tried to negotiate.

"Mm, I'm not sure about that. I think I owe you one but ….. we'll call a truce for now."

They both swam with confidence and did some body surfing for a while before they got a little chilly. They decided to return to the house along the road, which was less arduous than the sand hills. When they arrived back, Sally suggested that Jane have a shower to wash off the sand. She handed over a pair of boxer shorts and a silk wrap.

"Here. Put these on, it'll save getting too hot in the studio - the afternoon sun heats it up more than the rest of the house, even though the breeze cools it a little."

When Jane had showered and washed her hair, she dressed in the comfortable clothes and wandered into the studio to find a similarly showered Sally pouring drinks into two tall glasses.

"I'm guessing that you like lemon, lime and bitters." Jane nodded with pleasure.

"That sounds delicious, thanks Sally."

They sipped in silence, appreciating the quenching of thirst. Jane finished first and wandered over to the high-backed stool she'd used before, taking her guitar with her. She settled down and played a haunting melody which Sally had never heard before. When she finished, she answered Sally's query,

"It's my own composition; I get a lot of enjoyment out of building a tune from scratch. I hoped you'd like that one."

"I love it. Play it again, please." As Jane started to strum, Sally, once more, sketched. Halfway through the tune Sally moved across and, without interrupting the guitar playing, slightly moved Jane's position on the stool.

There was no sound in the next half hour, except for the scratching of pencil and, occasionally, charcoal on paper and the soft chords from the guitar. There was no movement, except for the occasional trip across the room by Sally to adjust Jane's position and, one time, to undo the belt holding the wrap in place, opening it slightly to reveal the curves of the upper part of Jane's breasts.

The silence was broken by Sally speaking quietly.

"Can you slip the robe off now, Jane?" Jane slipped one arm out, then the other, allowing the wrap to slip to the floor as she again picked up the current melody.

Sally looked over at the bent head; seeing the damp tendrils of hair covering most of Jane's face. One foot was on the bar of the stool with the guitar resting on her knee. One breast was shielded by the guitar, while the other was exposed, the nipple hardening as the breeze touched it.

Jane appeared unfazed by the request and Sally was satisfied that, by allowing Jane time to adjust, it'd made the transition easier. Sally had enjoyed sketching the different angles, especially enjoying the changes to Jane's hair: from wet, to damply clinging to her face, to dry and fluffy. It now lay in disarray across her face, with the ends just touching the breast above the nipple.

Sally's pencil flew across the page and the instructions started to flow faster: head to one side - head back - one arm behind the neck - eyes closed - eyes open. The guitar was placed on the floor as Jane followed Sally's instructions without any embarrassment. She poured them both another drink and carried one over to the still sketching Jane. She asked how they were going. Sally was abstracted,

"Great. Now, just walk away from me and look back over your shoulder. Good, hold it there. Now turn to the side, let me get a profile. That's it - beautiful! Now, before the light goes I need to take some photographs." Jane looked surprised. "I need the muscle definition and you can't hold the pose I want for long enough. Trust me, Jane. I'll give them back to you when I've finished."

She picked up a camera, "Now, stretch your arms high above your head. Reach for the ceiling. That's it, great. Now, lean forward onto one leg, bend the knee, feel the stretch in your thigh. Ok, got it. Now, try to lift the desk. I know you can't but use your muscles to try. Hold it just like that. Great."

Sally took a full roll of 24 photographs, mostly close-ups. At the end of the film she touched Jane's hand, "Well, that's it kid. All finished At least for this weekend." Jane looked almost disappointed and said, with surprise,

"Hey, I enjoyed that. I didn't think it would be so easy." Sally grinned at her,

"You did really well. You've got a great body and there's never any need to be embarrassed about showing it. You should be really proud of it." Jane flushed with pleasure,

"Thanks a lot. That's really good for my ego." She leaned forward slightly as if to kiss Sally's cheek and then realised she was still only half dressed and thought better of it. She turned and went to pick up the silk wrap.


JANE, SALLY AND LORD BROUGH --AGAIN

Jane helped Sally to prepare some savouries for the evening and they snacked on some of the hot buttered bread and fresh ham. There appeared a lot of food for eight people but Sally said they could always finish it off for breakfast the following day. She asked Jane what time she and Broughy would have to leave.

"Oh, anytime," Jane told her, "I've got a rostered day off on Monday, so I can be home as late as I like on Sunday night. Just throw me out when you want some peace."

"Now peace is what I get all the time here. What I want is to party!" Sally grabbed hold of Jane and started to jig. "Anyway, I'm heading back up to town myself on Monday. I have to get my friend to develop the photographs. Don't worry, she's seen a lot more flesh than you showed.' Slightly out of breath she spun Jane round and smacked her rump. "Off you go; get ready. I'll finish up here. By the way, I hope you're not going to be too dressy. These girls don't go in too much for dressing up." Jane assured her that the slacks and top she intended wearing were very casual,

"I left the ball gown at home!" Sally flicked a tea towel at the quickly retreating back.

When Jane emerged again, she found that Sally had also showered and changed, to shorts and shirt; her legs looking very brown against the white shorts. The blue shirt made her grey/blue eyes look very blue and Jane noticed she had on a little mascara and a faint smudge of blue eye shadow. This made her glad that she'd also put on a little make-up.

Sally's head lifted as Jane walked in and she pursed her lips in a silent whistle as she took in the black fitted top and black velvet slacks. The gold trimmings, which included a broad necklace, showed the black off to perfection and the golden hair falling onto her shoulders completed the picture. As Jane entered the room, Sally caught the scent of 'Paris'. 'How did I know that that would be her perfume?' she wondered silently but spoke in a neutral tone.

"If that is casual - then 'dressed' would be something to see." Jane looked down ruefully,

"Sorry; I can change into a skirt if you prefer."

"No, No! That looks great. Give the girls a thrill - they'll love it ….. specially the top!"

Sally poured them both a glass of wine and they walked onto the back verandah to watch the sun set. In the silence they heard the car while it was still a distance away and Sally spoke for the first time in a while,

"Well - there goes the peace. It's time to party I guess."

The black four wheel drive pulled into the driveway and Fiona and Barbara jumped out, followed by two other women. Sally was introduced to Ann and Bronwyn.

"The other car's following. They had to stop for some booze." Fiona informed them before pulling Sally aside. "Sorry ….. but Deb rang last night to ask if we were still coming down and then turned up today, packed and ready to go. I hope you don't mind. There was nothing I could do, short of being very rude."

"No, I'm sure there wasn't." Sally grimaced, "She seems to be used to getting whatever she wants." Fiona's eyebrows lifted as she looked quizzically at Sally. "Not this time though!" Sally said with conviction.

Sally poured wine for the four women, then asked Jane to go into the kitchen with her. Jane followed, wondering what the quiet conversation between Sally and Fiona had been about. She soon heard, then …..

"Jane, could you help me out here? I haven't made any sleeping arrangements for an extra person and the only other available bed is my own queen bed. I'll be damned if I'm going to let Deb sleep in there with me. Would you be willing to let her have your bed? Then you could kip with me. I promise it's a big bed and I don't snore or kick. Please Jane." This was said with such a pleading, doleful look that Jane laughed.

"Yes, that's OK; but the least tiny snore and you're sleeping in the bath tub! Understood?

"Yeah, great. Quick! Grab your things and put them through to my room. It's the very last door, on the other side of the studio. Thanks Jane, I owe you one."

Jane collected her bag and was just leaving the room when she heard the sound of the other car pulling up. She carried the bag down the long corridor to the furthest room and opened the door, looking around the room with interest. The bedroom was large with a queen size bed in the centre with tasteful headboard and matching drawers. It was very neat and tidy, which quite surprised Jane as she'd thought that Sally may be a bit casual in her own private room.

The general tidiness was broken slightly by some papers which were scattered on the large desk on one side of the room. Jane wandered over and glanced at them, picking up one then another. They were all sketches of herself and Jane realised that Sally must've done them from memory, as they definitely weren't the sketches she'd done that day. Jane examined the face on the paper and saw that, though the likeness was very good, the face appeared to be that of a very beautiful, sensuous woman. The _expression in many of the sketches bordered on orgasmic and Jane was taken aback. 'Is this how she sees me?' she pondered. 'I'm definitely not that beautiful; and I don't remember ever feeling as rapturous as I look in these drawings.'

Hearing voices raised in greeting she opened the door and, glancing back, wondered which side of the bed Sally slept in. She herself had always slept on the right side; but only because James preferred the left. 'I'm glad I brought some sleep wear with me.' She'd slipped into the habit, in the last few nights, of only wearing briefs or boxer shorts, enjoying the feel of cool sheets on her breasts.

Lord Brough met everybody with a wag of the tail and a politely lifted left paw. They all solemnly shook hands with him, except Deb who didn't appear to notice him. A gruff voice in Brough's ear spoke.

"We've got a real stuck-up one here, haven't we? Let's play some tricks on her." Broughy turned a shocked _expression to Oscar,

"We couldn't do that to one of Sally's friends!"

"Just watch me, buddy. She hates cats. I've watched her looking at me; she's scared shitless. Now, where can I find some really good dirt?" Brough didn't argue any more; there was no point with Oscar. He just hoped that the cat's basic laziness would override his plan and sleep would be more tempting to him.

Jane was introduced to Cathy and Del and she gave a friendly greeting to Deb, receiving a cool nod in return. Jane wondered what she'd done to upset Deb, then guessed that it was probably just her presence here. Deb had obviously thought the numbers would be even and she'd have a chance with Sally. Jane smiled inwardly at Sally's probable reaction to such a move.

The beer and wine flowed and the conversation was both interesting and animated. Del and Cathy proved to be very funny and the repartee between them and Sally in particular was most amusing to the other women. It was a warm night and, when Oscar rubbed himself around Sally's legs and then walked to the patio door, Sally concurred.

"That's a good idea, Oscar. Let's sit outside for a while to cool off."

They carried their drinks outside and sat on the various chairs. Deb sat on a two seater bench up against the verandah rail. She patted the seat next to her,

"Come and sit here, Sally. I haven't had a chance to talk with you yet." Sally smiled her thanks,

"Yes, OK - I'll just refresh everyone's drinks first." She caught Jane's eye on her way back inside and tried to repress a grimace.

Brough was relaxing in the cool when he spied Oscar circling the outside tap, which was dripping a little. He watched as Oscar delicately walked over to the fertilised and freshly turned soil in the flower bed, deliberately walking through it. Brough watched with wide eyes as Oscar chose just the moment when Deb was lifting her glass of red wine to her lips, to spring up on the balcony behind Deb and step onto her shoulder. He then walked down the front of her white top, nimbly avoiding the red wine which Deb, in her fright, spilled down the front of her shirt, to mingle with the soft mud, and drip onto her skirt. Deb's scream brought Sally running outside. Jane, who had seen Oscar's leap and Deb's reaction, was already on her feet.

"Oh dear!" was all Sally could get out, when she saw the damage her cat had caused, before she broke into smothered laughter. "I'm sorry, Deb. I shouldn't laugh; but he couldn't have caused any more mess if he'd tried! Jane, could you take Deb to her bedroom and show her the bathroom. If you bring the top down Deb, I'll soak it in nappy soaker -- it's the very best for stains."

Deb looked as if she wanted to disagree with the arrangements but when Jane took hold of her arm, she allowed herself to be led back into the house, her face pale with anger. Jane showed her the room and the bathroom and Deb opened the bag she'd brought with her, snatching out a different top and a pair of slacks.

"God, I hate cats!' her face grimaced with distaste. "Dogs too for that matter."

"Yes, well I'll leave you to change." Jane made her escape, with relief.

Jane met the other women on the way back in; too many mosquitoes being the unanimous opinion. Sally asked Jane if she'd play some pieces on her guitar and the other women chorused the request, as Sally had been singing Jane's praises in her absence.

Jane picked up the guitar and strummed a popular tune, then smoothly changed to a more up-beat one that had a few of the women singing along. She played and sang a variety of songs and all the women joined, in except Deb, who had rejoined them and was looking bored and unimpressed. After half a dozen or so tunes, Deb interrupted, making the suggestion that they listen to some real music so they could dance. Fiona and Barbara looked embarrassed at Deb's rudeness but Jane merely said that it was a good idea and she felt like dancing.

They put on three CDs and set them for random play. The first song was 'I Believe in Miracles' by Hot Chocolate from the compilation dance album. This set the theme for the remainder of the evening as they all got up to dance. They danced to Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morrisette and the dance CD. Occasionally a slow tune would come on and Sally and Jane would sit it out or refresh everyone's drinks.

As the evening wore on and everyone became a little more merry, the fast dancing became more boisterous and the slow dancing a little more amorous. Sally finally succumbed to Deb's persistence and agreed to dance with her. Jane watched as Deb's arms encircled Sally's waist. Sally appeared to be trying to keep a little distance between them but was fighting a losing battle.

Jane felt her gut tighten with what felt like anger. Broughy jumped onto her knee and she whispered to him,

"Damn woman! Why can't she keep her hands to herself? Yes Broughy, you're quite right; I don't like her dancing with Sally. In fact, I can't watch. I'm off to get a drink."

Sally certainly had her work cut out trying to hold off a very tipsy Deb. She could feel the other woman's hand stroking up her back and the breath on her neck was hot and clammy. When the dance was over and a faster tempo one came on, Deb said she was really hot and Sally felt relief, until Deb gripped her wrist and insisted that she needed to take another look at the painting in the studio,

"It'll be so much cooler in there."

Not wanting to make a fuss and being sure she could handle the situation, Sally allowed herself to be led from the room, down the hallway to the studio. She pushed open the door and reached for the light switch but Deb stopped her,

"There's enough light shining in from the hall." She put her arms around Sally and pulled her close. "You know I want you and I can see you want me too."

"No, you're wrong." Sally forced herself to not pull away, "You know I'm not gay and, though I'm flattered by your interest, I just don't feel the same way."

"No! You only think you're straight because you're afraid to let go and follow your heart. I knew you were gay the first time I saw you. The dyke detector went off big time!"

Sally was a little taken aback by Deb's words,

"I don't know what a dyke detector is but I assure you I've never …" here she paused a little, then said firmly, "I haven't got any attraction to you at all."

While this was happening in the studio, Jane was noisily crashing bottles around in the kitchen, while she poured the drink. Brough came rushing in, yelping. He rushed up to her, then ran back to the doorway.

"What is it, Broughy?" She walked towards him but he ran down the hall. She followed him until she heard voices coming from the open doorway up ahead. She recognised Deb's voice and stopped.

"I can make you. You're just nervous because it's new. Let me teach you." The seduction in the tone was evident to Jane and the silence that followed brought vivid images of a kiss, given and received. She quickly turned on her heels and went back to the living room, her face burning. Brough watched her go, not understanding. 'After all,' he frowned, 'she was the one that didn't want them to be together: and I brought her along so she could stop it.' He thought for a moment. 'Well, if she won't, I'll have to. I'll be damned if I just turn away.' With the thought came the deed. He stalked up to the door of the studio and then changed his gait radically as, with a pitiful whimper, he limped through the doorway.

Sally was in the process of coolly examining her reactions; and what she was feeling. Deb's lips were on her own and the feel of it was nice, she liked the softness. She felt nothing at all towards Deb, except a little dislike but there was no revulsion at the idea that she was being kissed by a woman. Sally felt a detachment from herself as if she were watching the scene from a distance. Deb's arms were around her and she was pressing her breasts into Sally's own breasts, slightly hurting a nipple. When Deb's tongue tried to force its way past Sally's teeth, she decided she'd had enough and had just started to pull away when she heard a whimpering sound from the doorway. Her head jerked back and she turned towards the pitiful bundle who limped a couple of steps, then held his paw off the ground.

"What's the matter, Broughy?" Deb totally forgotten, "What have you done to your paw, baby?" She knelt in front of him as she heard an irritated 'tut' from behind her. Looking round she saw Deb's flushed, angry face.

"What is it with the animals in this place? Bloody cat and now this pansy dog!"

Sally straightened,

"I think you've had a little too much to drink, Deb. It may be a good idea if you went to bed now. Don't you think?" Deb looked at her, glared at the dog and took an unsteady step forward,

"Right! I'm going to bed. There doesn't seem much point in staying up." One last glare at the innocent face of the elated dog and she carefully made her way out into the hallway.

"Say goodnight to everyone for me."

"Certainly. Have a good night." her voice remained neutral.

Sally turned back to Broughy and her voice changed, "Did you step on something, pet? Let Sally have a look at it." Broughy gave a quick bark and jumped up at her with a big smile on his face. He pranced around her, all thoughts of the pretense forgotten. Sally was bemused,

"What happened to the sore paw? If that was all a sham I'll…I'll…kiss you!" and with that she scooped him up and kissed his nose. "You are a lovely little dog and your timing is perfect. Let's go back and join the party."

Jane's head turned to the door as Sally sailed in, holding Broughy. She saw the huge smile on Sally's face and her heart seemed to plummet. She looked for Deb but it appeared that Sally was alone. She heard Sally's husky laugh ring out.

"Jane, your dog's crazy. He just came up to us whimpering and limping: and the next minute he's bouncing around me as right as rain. By the way everybody, Deb said to say her 'goodnights' as she was feeling a little tired and has decided to go to bed." Jane saw Fiona catch Barbara's eye and a look of relief passed between them. Jane felt her own spirits lift and she grabbed hold of Ann, saying,

Come on, let's dance. I love this song."

The women continued to dance and one time, during a slow song, Jane watched Cathy and Del kissing while they danced. They were totally oblivious of the other women and Jane glanced across to where Sally was sitting. Sally was also watching the couple until she turned her head slightly and caught Jane's glance. On an impulse Jane asked,

"Do you want to dance? This is one of my favourite songs."

Sally's reply was to stand up and reach for Jane's hand. Sally, slightly the smaller of the two, rested her hands on Jane's waist, while Jane's hands lightly gripped her partner's shoulders Their bodies didn't touch and, compared with the other couples, they appeared a little stiff but, as Chris Rea's 'Lady in Red' continued, they relaxed more and moved in unison, their eyes closing as they felt the rhythm.

The music changed to a faster beat and they parted and danced separately, joining in with the other women. The dancing and drinking continued, though Jane noticed that Sally was now drinking water. Jane herself had drunk wine during the evening but only slowly. She finished her glass, deciding she's had enough alcohol for the evening. Her head was spinning a little and she felt less in control of herself than normal. She was laughing a lot and responding to the other women's hugs with genuine hugs of her own.

Fiona looked at her watch,

"My God, it's 1.30am!" she exclaimed. Sally was contrite,

"I haven't offered anyone coffee. I'll make it now. Who'd like some?"

"That sounds wonderful," the effects of her alcohol consumption still on Jane's mind. The other three couples all declined, deciding they'd prefer to get in the extra sleep time. Fiona and Barbara, who had offered to go on the mattress in the living room, told Sally not to worry about moving the mattress out of the bedroom,

"There's plenty of room on the floor in the bedroom and the bedding's all there. Don't worry about us. You have your coffee in peace and we'll all toddle off to bed now." Fiona kissed them both softly on the lips. "Goodnight to you both. Thanks for a great night. Sleep well." The others said their goodnights with hugs and kisses.

Jane took the dirty glasses to the kitchen and washed them, while Sally made the coffee. The steaming coffee mugs were carried to the living room and Sally relaxed into a chair. The CD player was playing a compilation of love songs and Jane picked up her guitar and sat on a pouffe next to Sally's chair, leaning against one arm of it. She played a few chords before picking up the melody of the current song, k d Lang's 'Hush Sweet Lover'. Sally's hand dropped onto Jane's shoulder and she absent-mindedly started massaging the back of her neck. One song ran into another as Jane continued to play, her eyes closing as Sally's hand moved from her neck, up to her head. She felt the fingers massaging her scalp and then stroking her hair, the strands being gently pulled through Sally's fingers. Neither of them noticed when Jane stopped playing and let her head tip back as she lost herself in the pleasure of the feel of Sally's fingers.

The lilting tones of "Lady in Red' started once more and Jane, on impulse, touched Sally's hand, stilling the movement.

"Let's dance," she invited. They stood and walked into each others' arms with a naturalness not evident in their previous dance. Their bodies molded together and Sally's head rested on Jane's shoulder, her lips close to the soft skin of Jane's neck. Jane let her forehead drop onto Sally's head and they swayed in time to the music. Jane felt Sally's breath on her neck and gave a tiny shiver.

Sally's lips could feel the raised hairs on Jane's neck and had an impulse to press her lips against the beating pulse. She repressed it with reluctance, fearing it would frighten Jane and put an end to this dance, which she wanted to go on indefinitely. The thought occurred to her that Deb was right; she did have an attraction for a woman; but it was Jane, not Deb.

The music stopped but they continued to sway together, each wrapped up in their emotions. Sally's thoughts were fixed on this new idea that she could feel such a strong attraction to Jane; but Jane wasn't thinking at all, she just absorbed the sensation. Sally was the first to realise the absence of music. She lifted her head.

"Hey, the music's stopped. I think that's a signal that it's time for sleep."

Jane blinked and reluctantly dropped her arms from around Sally.

"Yes, I guess so. Thank you for inviting me tonight, it's been a lovely evening."

"Thank you for coming: and now you can head up to bed while I just tidy up a bit down here. Our coffees are cold by the way." Jane smiled sleepily and said goodnight in case she was asleep when Sally came to bed.

When Sally had tidied up and thought she'd given Jane enough time to finish in the bathroom, she entered her room and found Jane sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a chequered nightshirt.

"Which side of the bed do you like?" she asked Sally, her voice sounding very sleepy.

"God, I don't care, You choose."

"Well, I've always slept on the right." she paused, "So I'd like to sleep on the left, if that's OK?" Sally smiled at the underlying statement.

"That's fine. You take the left. I'll just have a quick shower. Sleep well." She undressed in the bathroom and had a leisurely shower, hoping Jane would be asleep when she'd finished. Sally's pulse was still racing and she wasn't sure if she would've been able to resist the powerful temptation to touch Jane, if she was still awake.

When she'd slipped on the oversize T-shirt, that being her only form of sleepwear, she emerged from the bathroom to find Jane fast asleep, well over on her side of the bed. She looked at the sleeping face for a while before turning off Jane's bedside lamp, slipping into her side of the bed and turning off her own light.

"Goodnight Jane," she whispered in the darkness to the sleeping form, "Pleasant dreams."

She lay back, waiting for sleep to come and half an hour later was still wide awake, conscious of Jane's nearness. She kicked down the covering sheet that was their only covering on this warm night. She turned one way then the other, trying to get to sleep; with no luck. Jane also became a bit restless, possibly dreaming, because she also kicked down her side of the cover and moaned a little in her sleep.

Jane was dreaming she was in bed with James and, for once, he was making the moves preparatory to making love. In her dream Jane knew that though she never did want his attentions, this time there was a more important reason for her not wanting them, if she could only remember what it was. With a mumbled 'no' she turned away from the dream James and her left hand encountered what was unmistakably a woman's breast. Slowly awakening but through the fuzz of sleep, Jane remembered where she was and whose breast her hand must be cupping. In her embarrassment she pretended sleep, forcing her hand to relax while listening to Sally's regular breathing, hoping that it was an indication that Sally was deep in sleep.

Sally had heard Jane's mumbled 'no' just as Jane rolled towards her, flinging her hand across Sally's chest, where the palm came to rest on her right breast. Knowing the movement was accidental and would be highly embarrassing to Jane if she became aware of it, she remained still. She guessed by the slight tensing of the hand just when Jane awoke and realised the predicament she was in. She felt the deliberate relaxing of the hand and realised that, like herself, Jane was feigning sleep. She smiled to herself.

Jane opened one eye and found she was looking at Sally's profile, only inches from her own face. She was aware of an ache in her hand, an urge to gently squeeze the soft flesh, to stroke the contours, to coax a hardness into the nipple. She longed to remove the T-shirt that separated her hand from the skin, which felt warm beneath the fabric. Her hand could feel Sally's heartbeat, surely faster than it should be in sleep. Jane's own heart was pounding with the excitement she was feeling.

Sally could feel warm breath on her neck as Jane's breathing quickened, coming from her mouth in silent gasps. She knew that, if Jane was aware that she was awake, she'd move her hand and Sally didn't want that to happen. She had to try to control her own breathing, though she knew there was nothing she could do about her racing heartbeat. She gave what she hoped sounded like a sleep-induced groan and moved slightly, pushing her breast more securely into Jane's hand, feeling the nipple harden against the palm. Releasing another moan, this time involuntarily, she lifted one arm across her chest, effectively trapping Jane's hand.

Sally was confident that Jane thought she was still asleep. She lay still, wondering about these new feelings. Recalling the kiss from Deb stirred her curiosity to know how it would feel to kiss Jane. Her lips tingled at the thought. 'OK' she pondered, 'does that mean I'm gay or have gay tendencies?' The answer wasn't conclusive. She knew that her present arousal was as much, if not more, than she'd felt in the past with men. Was it just that it was novel, therefore exciting? Sally was unsure. All she knew was that she wasn't attracted to Deb in the least, she'd felt a mild attraction for the other women there but Jane seemed to bring out feelings of more than attraction: a definite lust, a feeling of friendship and an almost unbearable need. She needed her smile, she needed her voice, she needed her presence, her affection and, most of all, she needed her touch.

Sally's attention was brought back to Jane's hand on her breast. 'I wonder if she's enjoying this as much as I am?' she knew that Jane was still awake, 'What would happen, I wonder, if we both knew that we were both awake? Would we break apart or would it lead us, tempt us, to more? Or would Jane leave, never to return?' Sally's arm tightened at the thought, involuntarily pressing Jane's hand down on her responsive breast.

Jane was in a quandary, her hand was now trapped by Sally's arm. Should she remove it before Sally woke to find that it wasn't a boyfriend in bed with her caressing her body. By the odd moan and the spasmodic movements, Jane knew that Sally was enjoying the sensation in her sleep as much as she was herself. 'Why have I never been as attracted to men as I am to Sally?' Even with James the sexual attraction had been minimal. The possible answer to the questions came to her. 'Is it because I'm gay?' she tossed the thought around a bit. It was frightening but it also felt like a huge relief to Jane. 'I'm not cold as James accused me of being. I'm nor frigid. I'm not abnormal. I'm just attracted to a woman rather than men!' She felt like laughing out loud. It explained the feelings she had for Sally, the urges to touch and be touched by her.

Jane knew she'd have to tell Sally. She couldn't live a lie: but that made it much more imperative that Sally didn't wake to find Jane holding her breast. While trying to find a way to extricate herself, her mind kept flitting to her new status. If she decided to embrace the lifestyle, it would be difficult for her to adjust. She'd have to deal with her children's reactions, possible discrimination from friends and the general community and plenty of other problems. She knew however that, now she'd faced it herself, she had to examine and test it. There was no chance of her ignoring her feelings.

Jane opened one eye again and peeped at Sally's profile with affection, 'If only…..' but she was sure that Sally's didn't have gay tendencies. After all, Deb was very attractive and had certainly put the hard word on Sally and all the indications were that Sally had rejected her. Sally had also given the impression that she'd enjoyed her many relationships with men. Jane sighed with disappointment and frustration, Sally being the only woman at present that Jane was attracted to. 'Hopefully there'll be others and anyway, when I tell her tomorrow it may affect our friendship. I still need her to be the first to know.'

Sally heard the sigh and felt for Jane in her predicament, knowing she must be wondering how to extricate herself. Reluctantly she knew she would have to break the contact so, with another realistic moan, she rolled away from Jane allowing the hand to slip from her breast and end up resting on her hip. 'It's up to her to move it away now, I've done my bit.' As her tired body started to succumb to sleep she felt the hand still resting on her hip and thought, sleepily, how at home it felt.


JANE, SALLY AND LORD BROUGH --STILL

The sound of a dog whining and scratching at the door woke both the women in the early hours of the morning. Sally mumbled,

"I'd better let him in, he'll just keep scratching." Jane's reply was a sleepy,

"No: my dog, my job." She swung her legs out of bed, exclaiming when she saw the time, "God, it's only 5.30am!" She opened the door and two impatient animals pushed their way past her and onto the bed.

"Oh, no! Not both of you!" Sally groaned "Go to sleep, both of you, it's much, much too early for breakfast."

Broughy was ecstatic to find his two favourite people in his favourite place - bed! He curled up between them, found the position not quite to his liking so tried another.

"Oops, sorry Oscar, didn't see you there. Yes, good idea; you go to the bottom of the bed and I'll just settle here."

A couple of hours later Sally woke to the sound of Brough's whimpers and growls and felt his legs kicking her back as he dreamt.

"Just how much room do you need, Brough? Oscar, you've taken over the whole of the bottom of the bed!"

"I'm afraid I've taken up some as well." stated a sleepy voice.

"God, you're nearly off the bed. Come back on, I won't bite!" and, with that, she moved Broughy out of the way and pulled Jane backwards, curling herself around her back. One arm was flung across Jane's shoulders.

"There now, we can all fit comfortably."

Jane felt Sally's knees tucked into the back of her own and felt the slight imprint of breasts on her back and sighed contentedly.

"We don't have to get up yet do we?"

"No, I'm having another half an hour or so before I do the hostess thing. Go back to sleep, I'll bring you a cuppa to wake you up."

They both dozed for a while before Sally extricated herself with reluctance and threw on a robe, going into the kitchen to put on the kettle Everyone was still asleep so she took her time preparing the breakfast things before taking a cup of tea into Jane, along with her own.

"Oscar and Broughy have had their breakfast and are outside. Everyone else is still asleep, no sound whatsoever." She sat on the side of the bed, "Sleep well?"

"Yes, great!" Jane stretched the truth a little. "I was out like a light."

"Mm, me too." Sally copied the fib.

"I was wondering….." Jane started. Sally raised an eyebrow in question. "What time are the girls planning on going?"

"Before lunch. A couple of them want to play tennis back in Perth this afternoon. Why?"

"I was wondering if I could stay a while after they've gone. There's something I wanted to discuss with you."

"Hell, yes. I was expecting you to stay until evening. I'd be disappointed if you left earlier." Sally was curious about what was making Jane look so serious. Surely nothing to do with last night. She thought they'd got through it very well, with no embarrassment or confrontation.

Jane's thanks didn't give anything away but her face did break into the smile that was starting to make Sally's heart flip every time it appeared. Jane threw the covers off and slid out of bed.

"I'll just shower, then give you a hand with breakfast. I love your ensuite, it makes things much more private for you when you have visitors. That is…." She continued after a pause, "when the visitors don't overflow into your room!" Sally laughed her amusement,

"It was a real pleasure." was said with conviction.

Deb was noticeably quiet when she appeared for breakfast. She kept glancing at Jane, sensing along with the other visitors that she was hugging some exciting secret to herself. Deb's face was sour as she wrongly guessed that Sally and Jane had become lovers. When the suggestion was made that they leave immediately after clearing away the breakfast dishes, Deb didn't argue.

Fiona lovingly packed her painting into her car, thanking Sally yet again for the wonderful job she'd done. She looked quizzically at Sally and Jane before leaving but refrained from comment, except to tell Jane she was looking forward to seeing her again; and kissing Sally on the side of her mouth, murmuring that she expected Sally to bring Jane over for a drink pretty soon.

Sally and Jane waved the cars away with slight sighs of relief. They went back inside and sat down for a second coffee. Jane didn't appear to be in any hurry for serious conversation, so Sally kept up the flow of amusing chatter, interspersing it with dialogue with both Oscar and Broughy. Jane loved the way Sally conversed with them both and then anticipated their answers. She didn't want to spoil the easy cameradie they'd built up by disclosing her new findings just yet. There was plenty of time for that, later.

They collected the bedding, washed it and hung it out, falling into an easy work pattern. They sat down for a break and Jane picked up the guitar to strum a couple of tunes.

"Damn!" Jane muttered, spoiling the effect of the tune, "Bass string's gone. Whenever one string goes I replace them all. Back soon." She went to her bag to collect the spare set of nylon strings.

Sally went to the store for fresh bread, milk and the Sunday paper. She returned to find Jane with lengths of strings on the table in front of her and a stunned look on her face.

"What's the matter?" Sally showed her concern, "Are you all right?" Jane lifted her eyes from the guitar.

"It's mine." she stated. Sally looked perplexed. "The guitar - it's mine. I mean…. It's actually my guitar that was stolen!"

"How do y…..?"

"Look here. It's part of my license number. I hid the numbers on the adjustment screws. The robbers must have re-varnished it but missed the numbers."

Sally examined the numbers, as they tried to guess how the guitar had arrived down in Mandurah and what the odds must've been for them to have actually bought it.

"No wonder Broughy was growling. He must have been able to smell the robbers." Jane deduced. "In that case maybe there'll be fingerprints, so I'd better not touch it any more." She put down the guitar.

"What are you going to do?" Sally wanted to know.

"Well, there's not a lot I can do on a Sunday. I'll get in touch with Constable Coyne tomorrow. I really would like to ask the shop owner some questions about who brought it in though and if they brought in anything else. I expect they're closed on a Sunday?"

"Yes, I think so. How about staying here again tonight and going in on the way home tomorrow?" Sally's tone was hopeful.

Jane agreed with enthusiasm, as the idea of staying one more night was as appealing as questioning the shop owner. Sally was decisive,

"There's nothing more we can do about it now, so let's have a swim; then we can decide what we want to do this afternoon and evening."

They took Broughy to the beach, where he did a lot of splashing in the shallows while Sally and Jane swam in the glassy ocean. Jane floated on her back and decided to defer the talk with Sally until later in the evening. 'Why chance spoiling things.'

They lay on their towels on the sand to dry off and Jane closed her eyes. Sally lay on her side, her head resting in her cupped hand, watching Jane's chest rise and fall rhythmically. She wondered how she could persuade Jane that her bed was the best place to sleep that night, without it sounding like she was making a move on her. 'Well, am I?' she wondered before convincing herself that she just wanted to be close to Jane. She told herself that sex was not an issue at all, 'After all, it's not as if I'm gay; I'm only attracted to one specific woman.'

Jane peeped through her eyelashes and saw Sally lost in thought. Jane wondered what Sally would think if she knew that she was imagining how nice it would be to be lying here as a couple, that it would be great for her to be able to lean over and kiss Sally's lips. That it would be perfect to walk together, hand in hand, back to the house, go to bed and make love all day. Jane sighed.

Opening her eyes fully, she met Sally's grey/blue eyes looking at her intently. She saw a message in them and tried to decipher it. Her mouth opened to speak but a gasp was emitted instead, as Broughy chose just that moment to shake cold sea water out of his coat, all over the two women.

"For God's sake Broughy, you've got an empty beach for miles around! Do you have to shake so close to us?" Sally grumbled; but her mind was on Jane. 'What had she been going to say?' Obviously the moment had been lost and the train of thought gone, as Jane now got to her feet, brushing water and sand off her body.

"What's the plans for the rest of the day then?" Sally thought for a while then made a suggestion.

"How about we grab a sandwich for lunch, then go for a walk. No! better still, do you play golf? If you like we could combine a walk around the golf course, with hitting a little white ball with a stick, trying to get it to go in the right direction, then drop into a very tiny hole surrounded by sand. How does that sound?"

"There's a course here? Well, the idea sounds great but I have no clubs of course. I do enjoy a round of golf; but Greg Norman - I'm not!"

They walked back to the house, had a quick lunch and found enough clubs in the shed to kit out them both. Walking up the first fairway, Jane wanted to know what Sally had meant about the hole being surrounded by sand.

"Are there lots of bunkers on the course?" Sally laughed,

"No, not too many. Have you never seen sand greens? If not, you're in for an experience." They topped the rise and Jane got her first view of the green. She looked in amazement.

"How can you putt on sand? Surely it would slow the ball too much?"

"Actually it's not as bad as it looks. The sand is packed down tight. The main thing is to rake it smooth after finishing the hole, to get rid of footsteps."

They played the nine holes, talking constantly and laughing a lot. Sally was more experienced on that course so she got a slightly lower score but she conceded that, on a regular course, Jane would probably be the better player. Broughy bounded along beside them and, once he'd learnt that the ball wasn't for fetching back, he enjoyed himself following up all the trails of the myriad of small animals - and large kangaroos -- that swarmed over the course! He was imagining himself as the big hunter, conveniently forgetting his night in a real forest.

They arrived back at the house, feeling tired but happy in each other's company. They planned and prepared an easy meal and, over coffee, listened to a selection of Sally's CDs.

Jane's thoughts went again to her guitar and the robbery and she wondered aloud whether there was now a better chance of recovering the rest of her things, especially her paintings. This train of thought brought her to James and how pleased he'd be about getting his possessions back.

"Do you think I could use your phone? I really ought to let James know about finding the guitar."

"Yeah, sure. It's through in the kitchen. Be as long as you like.

When Jane came back into the lounge, she was looking a little distracted.

"That was strange. He almost sounded angry. First he said I must be mistaken but, when I told him about the license numbers, he sounded really annoyed. He told me not to do anything, that he'd contact the police tomorrow morning. I decided not to tell him I was going to approach the owner of the shop tomorrow. I couldn't be bothered arguing with him. God, Sally! How did I stay with him so long. I feel like I don't even know him. Why do people cling to a certain lifestyle just because it's secure?"

"It's the fear of the unknown." Sally was philosophical. "Sometimes it's easier to just stay put, or live your life a certain way, than to take that first step, or make that first move."

Jane made up her mind. This was the best cue she could get. She looked up, just as Sally stifled a huge yawn.

"God, I'm tired. The late night and then the game today. I'm bushed." Sally was still trying to work out how to ask Jane to sleep in her bed again but she hadn't come up with a good excuse yet.

Jane hesitated but then ploughed on.

"I said earlier today that I wanted to talk to you about something important. If you can delay going to bed for a while, then this is as good a time as any." Sally saw her opportunity.

"Hang on a minute, Jane. We're both pretty tired. What d'you say ….. we head up to my bedroom, get ready for bed, then you can tell me all about it there. It seems silly for us to make up another bed when we slept perfectly well in mine last night." Jane wasn't too sure that Sally would want to keep to that arrangement when she'd told her about her new findings but she was happy to prolong the feeling of harmony as long as possible, so she agreed with a fatalistic shrug, 'what will be, will be.'

They prepared for bed and then Sally left the room again,

"Back in a minute." She arrived back with an opened bottle of white wine and two glasses. Jane was grateful, a little Dutch courage wouldn't go astray. They both sat, propped up in the bed, Sally's legs tucked under her and her body turned towards Jane's profile.

"OK, it looks like it's worrying you a little, so - shoot! I'm listening." Jane sat in silence for a while, composing her words, before she started.

"I've told you a fair bit about my life - my marriage and what's been happening since the split. You know I haven't been in any other relationships, either before or after James."

Sally nodded and wondered what was going to follow but it seemed like Jane suddenly changed tack.

"I really enjoyed last night. I liked all the girls. Well, no, that's not quite true, I didn't really take to Deb; but I really liked the others." Sally nodded again.

"Yep, they're great. The more I know them, the more I like them."

"I've never met gay women before. I always thought they'd be very different from, you know - normal women. No, I don't mean that. I know they're not abnormal." She floundered a bit and Sally put a hand on her arm and helped her out.

"I know what you mean. I think the word you want is 'straight'. That, apparently, is the opposite of 'gay'. Jane smiled her thanks.

"OK. I found out last night that they were no different than straight women. It's just that they're attracted to and fall in love with other women rather than men. I watched them and I was touched by the feelings they had for each other and the sincerity and understanding of each other."

Jane could feel Sally's hand still resting on her arm. She took a sip of wine and was surprised to find the glass empty. Sally reached across her for the bottle and topped up the glasses, putting her hand back on Jane's arm and squeezing it.

"I felt the same. I enjoyed watching them. They somehow seemed closer to one another than a man and a woman get. I'm really glad you didn't disapprove and that you felt comfortable."

Jane took another sip of wine. 'Well, here goes!'

"That's just it, I felt so comfortable with it ….. that it made a lot of things fall into place. My lack of response to James, my disinterest in replacing him in my bed with any other man; and many other things." Sally wondered what was coming. It sounded like…..

"Sally, I've realised that I must be gay! That's why I can't get interested in men." There, she'd said it! Sally looked at her, a frown on her face.

"Jane, just because you don't fancy any men at the moment doesn't mean you are automatically gay. You need more than that - you need to be attracted to women - surely?"

Jane was glad that Sally hadn't yet removed her hand but she had no confidence that it would stay there once she's finished what she wanted to say.

"I'm sorry Sally. I've said it all the wrong way round. I stressed the lack of appeal that men have for me, rather than the attraction I have for women. No, that's not quite right either. It's the attraction I feel for one woman." Her eyes lifted from Sally's hand, which still rested on her own, to Sally's face. "It's you, Sally. I'm just so drawn to you. It's been building up since I first met you. I can't get you out of my mind. When we danced last night, it felt so right for me." She held up her hand as Sally started to speak. "No. Please let me finish. I know you're straight and I promise I'm not trying to proposition you. It's just that it's such a momentous revelation to me that I needed to tell someone; and I wanted that someone to be you. I'll understand if you feel repulsed by the idea. I know you were repulsed by Deb. And I really don't want you to feel threatened by me. I want to be your friend and I'm not sure if you'll want that; but I promise I wouldn't dream of forcing any unwelcome attentions onto you. I'm sure that, now I know who I am, I'll find someone who I can love as much as….." Jane's voice trailed off, as she seemed to be getting into deep water. She was relieved that Sally still met her eyes and her hand had remained still; but the slight frown that hovered between Sally's eyes did nothing to reassure her.

Sally's brain was whirling. The predominant thought was of Jane's bravery. Could she, herself, have said that? She thought not. The content of Jane's speech had surprised her considerably. How could she be so sure of her own feelings? How could Jane know with such certainty. She was restless, unsure of what to do or say. She swung her legs off the bed and stood up. Jane's heart sank. Well, this was the reaction she'd more or less expected.

Sally paced up and down the room, realising that she'd delayed for too long. Whatever she said now would sound stilted, forced. 'Damn it!' She thought, 'why didn't I just kiss her. That would've shown her that it was OK.'

Jane stood up slowly.

"I think it may be better if I sleep in another room." Sally was surprised into the question.

"Why?" She walked around the bed to where Jane was standing and took her hands. "No, Jane. Stay here. I know you wouldn't do anything you thought I wouldn't like. It's just surprised me a little. Let's sleep on it and we'll talk in the morning. Please, Jane. Just get back into bed."

Jane yielded without argument and climbed into bed, settling down to sleep. Sally turned the lights off and climbed in the other side, leaving a gap between them. Jane was fatalistic, 'Well, I didn't expect anything else. At least she still seems to want my friendship.' She repressed a sigh and closed her eyes to the darkness.

Sally lay awake, trying to understand herself. She knew she was very attracted to Jane; but was she prepared to change her life completely around for what may be only a passing attraction? She remembered the feel of Jane when they'd danced. It had felt so good. Jane was right, there was a naturalness about it, a rightness. Was she strong enough? Obviously Jane was. She'd considered it, looked at the drawbacks but had known it was right for her.

Sally heard Jane's soft sigh; she knew Jane must be feeling afraid and apprehensive of what Sally's belated reactions would be, on the following day. Her heart ached for Jane, 'She must feel so alone.'

Without any conscious intention, Sally found herself propped on one elbow, looking down on Jane's face. The dim light from the window showed that Jane's eyes were closed but Sally knew that sleep would be a long way away from her. With deliberation, she bent her head and softly, briefly, kissed Jane's relaxed lips. Jane's eyes flew open in surprise and she opened her mouth to speak. Sally's hand covered the mouth into silence, before replacing the hand with her lips.

The lips fused and Sally felt a moan at the back of her throat. Her hand cupped Jane's face and her thumb stroked the cheek. The lips parted slightly and Sally felt the warm breath enter her, as the kiss deepened. Jane's hand found the back of Sally's head and held it fast. Her stomach hollowed out as she felt her excitement reach unknown heights. She felt Sally pull back slightly and instantly released the pressure, allowing Sally to withdraw. Sally's intention, however, was not to pull away, it was to gentle the kiss somewhat, so they were barely touching. Sally gently possessed Jane's bottom lip between her own, sucking slightly on its fullness. The tip of Sally's tongue ran the length of the captive lip before releasing it. Jane felt tiny, feathery kisses around her mouth, onto her chin and down to her throat, which she volunteered immediately, welcoming the pressure of Sally's lips.

Sally's heart was pounding and she recognised the desire in herself; to kiss Jane all over, to touch her, both outside and inside; she wanted to please her, thrill her, satisfy her and capture her heart. A small voice inside kept insistently asking her if this was fair? Was she making a commitment? Was she prepared to make a commitment? If not, would she only be making things harder for Jane? Her body tried to suppress the voice: her lips were on fire, her fingers tingling with anticipation; but still the voice persisted. She would be no better than the men she despised if she used Jane's body for momentary gratification, without at least the intention of being able to give more of herself.

Reluctantly she stilled her hand, which had been stroking its way downwards, over the soft throat and shoulders; down to the breast, which was enticing it. She pressed one more kiss to the spot, just beneath the left ear, which had seemed to be Jane's most sensitive spot. She raised her head and looked at Jane's defenceless face. She watched as Jane opened eyelids, made heavy with passion.

Sally cleared her voice but it still felt thick and full of desire.

"I wanted - no, I needed you to know that the attraction is completely mutual, Jane. You turn my legs to water, you make my heart feel it will burst. I want to kiss you and hold you. I want to make love to you. I'm not as strong as you, though. I can't make a decision that will affect my whole life, so quickly. We can talk about it some more tomorrow. I need you to know that, though I want you, desire you above all else, I can't go any further than that tonight. Can you possibly understand?

Jane resisted the urge to press the issue. She knew that she would be able to overcome Sally's doubts. She knew from Sally's kisses that she could change her mind, that Sally's desires were equal to her own 'but' she admitted to herself, 'the problem is; I do understand.' She smiled up at Sally.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for showing me you care. Maybe I'll be able to sleep now." She rolled over, away from Sally, away from the body she craved. She felt Sally lie down behind her and deliberately suppressed the small sigh which threatened to escape. A moment later she felt Sally's arm encircle her waist and felt the body pressed up behind her with a familiarity which was comfortable. Sally's voice in her ear told her to sleep well - and she did.


JANE, SALLY AND LORD BROUGH -- CONTINUES

When Sally woke on the Monday morning, she was alone in the big bed. She heard the chink of cups moments before Jane walked into the bedroom, wearing her robe and carrying tea and toast. Jane looked at the sleepy face and smiled,

"I thought it was probably my turn. How did you sleep?"

"Like a log. You?"

"Ditto. I feel really good this morning." Her sparkling eyes were proof of this.

They sipped their tea and talked about the plans for the day. They aimed at getting to the shop around 9am to see the proprietor. Depending on how that went, they planned to have a coffee and then head off in their different cars back to Perth.

"Will you ring me?" Jane's apprehension was evident in her tone. Sally teased.

"Of course I will. I'll want to know what happens with the police investigation." She relented, "I'll also need to talk to you, to hear your voice." She reached for Jane's hand, "Jane, can you be patient with me? While I think things through, I mean." Tears pricked at the back of Jane's eyes as she nodded with a smile.

They packed their bags and shooed Oscar and Brough out to 'go' before they were allowed into their respective cars. The women turned to each other. Jane briefly touched Sally's hand,

"I'll never, ever forget this weekend. Thank you so much. My life has changed completely, in two short days."

"Well, let's hope that in a year or so you're still thanking me, not cursing me. It's a huge step for you." She enveloped Jane in an embrace. "Wherever my thoughts lead me, I really, really hope you'll be happy." She withdrew her head slightly and kissed Jane on the lips, before moving backwards and saying, briskly, "Come on. Let's get a move on. There are villains to catch."

They climbed into their cars but when Jane tried to start her Commodore there was a click and then an ominous silence. A couple more attempts brought the same results.

"Battery's flat," said the voice from outside the window, "and, wouldn't you know it, this is the first time I haven't brought the jump leads down with me. This changes the plans a bit. How about if we go in my car to Mandurah; we'll go to the shop, then we'll pick up a new battery and come back here? We can have lunch here and head up to Perth this afternoon. Sound OK?"

"Yes, it sounds fine but I'm sure it's putting you out." She saw Sally's _expression, "OK! OK! Yes, thanks, that sounds perfect.

"Good. All right, out you get, you two horrors." Oscar casually stepped out of the car with a bored 'Oh, whatever.' Look. Broughy jumped out of one car and straight into the other, making his wishes very clear.

"OK Brough, you can come too. See you later, Oscar. We shouldn't be too long." Oscar scratched behind his ear.


INTERLUDE

The two men sat in strained silence, the driver's face thunderous and his older passenger's face, belligerent.

"I told you that nothing was to surface in the metropolitan shops. Nothing!"

"I know, I know. Stupid dickhead thought Mandurah was safe but, shit, it was real unlucky. You'd never have expected it. Mind you, he has to be taught a lesson, I grant you. I'll be roughing him up a bit." The older man was hoping that it would be left at that. He knew the other man's vicious streak and he didn't think the young'un deserved more than a clip around the ear. The man was disappointed,

"No. I'll teach the little shit a lesson he won't forget in a hurry. Nobody disobeys me and gets away with it." His mouth turned up at the corners in anticipation. "Get out of my fucking way." he snarled at the slower driver in front.


JANE, SALLY AND LORD BROUGH

Sally released Jane's hand, which had been held firmly in her own all the time the V.W had been in fourth gear on the highway.

"We'll go to the shop first, which means we'll have to go around the one way system. I hope we learn someth….."

"Sally! There's James's car. Look! Down there. The Mercedes sports car. It is him. What's he doing down here. Maybe he's going to the shop too.. He's going the wrong way, though. Can you follow and try to catch him, to let him know where it is?"

"Right. I'm on my way. I can just cut down this street." They found the street the car had turned into but, after cruising around for a while, Sally admitted defeat.

"Sorry, my love, I've lost him."

"Never mind," Jane glowed at the endearment, "I would've liked to know what the police had said about it though."

They were heading back to the main road again when Sally grabbed Jane's arm.

"Hey! Isn't that his car? There. In that driveway. That's it, isn't it?"

"Yes, it sure is," and on impulse asked if Jane could pull up in front of the house. "I don't care if I'm interrupting something. I want to know what the police said."

Jane got out of the car and walked up the driveway. Reaching the front door she saw there was no bell, so she knocked on the fly screen. She could hear faint sounds from within -- the TV, she presumed. She knocked again but there was still no response. She heard James's voice raised in anger and thought she heard a grunt of pain. There was a deeper voice, also starting to get louder. She heard the sound of furniture being knocked over and her first thought was that there was a fight in progress and James, never a fighter, would get hurt.

Jane tried the fly screen and found it open. She went in tentatively and walked with trepidation towards the new sound of blows landing on flesh. The scene that assailed her when she turned into the living room was like a still photograph, everything remained engraved in that instant. The first thing that registered was one of her paintings looking incongruent on the wall. There was a young man with a scarf untidily wrapped around his mouth. His arms were being tightly held by an older man, who was standing behind him. His legs were trying to kick out at the man in front. Jane recognised the back view of her ex-husband. At the instant Jane walked in, James kneed the younger man in the groin, doubling him up and at the same time backhanded him across the face, not for the first time by the look of the man's bloodied face.

"What on earth….?" Jane got out. James spun round, the surprise evident on his face.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded through his teeth, before seeming to get control of himself. "Look!" he pointed at the wall. "We've found the bastard that robbed our place. I'm just teaching him a lesson. He tried to attack us." The younger man was shaking his head and trying to speak through the scarf. The older man laughed out loud at the situation they'd all found themselves in. Jane was looking about in bewilderment.

"How can he have been attacking you? He's gagged and ….. that man," she pointed to the still laughing, older man, "is holding him by the arms?"

James was looking irritable.

"Listen. Just keep out of it, it's not for women. Leave it to m…." he didn't get to finish as a small white ball of fluff streaked through the room and launched himself at the older man. His aim was all he wanted it to be and his teeth sank into his old adversary's groin. The man screamed and doubled up in pain. Broughy let go and came up behind the man, nipping and biting his calves and ankles.

The younger man, finding his arms free, ripped off the scarf, yelling,

"Oh no you're not, you bastards. You're not going to lay it all on me. You bastards were in on it too." He pointed to James. "It was all your idea; you prick." James lunged forward to the young man but Jane stepped between them.

"He's right isn't he? Yes, I can see it now. You'd do that for all your precious possessions. You bastard!" she whispered. "You even planned for them to abduct Broughy. I'm going to call the police." James pulled his hand back and brought it across her face with a resounding blow.

"You bitch. You're not going to have me put away. I'll shut your mouth for good before I let you do that, you frigid cow."

Jane felt James's hands around her neck, squeezing: but the blow had knocked the strength out of her and she couldn't fight him off. With huge relief, she felt him being dragged off her and, through a haze of pain, saw a rampaging Sally hit him across the side of his head with something clasped in her hand. He keeled over to the floor and Sally stood over him, her chest heaving. She grabbed hold of Jane, thrusting the woman behind herself, using her own body as a shield.

There was a knocking on the front door,

"What the hell is going on in there?" a voice shouted.

"Help! Help us!" Sally shouted. "Call the police." Two men rushed in and tried to take in the situation. They saw one man with blood all over his face and a bloody scarf round his neck, another man doubled up in agony with a small dog rushing in and out, biting his legs. They saw another man out cold on the floor, a trickle of blood visible behind his ear. They saw two women, one with a slight smear of blood at the corner of her mouth and red, angry marks on her neck, the other standing, threateningly over the unconscious man with a mobile phone in her hand.

"Here." Sally said, handing over the phone. "See if this still works."

The police arrived promptly and Sally, who was the most in control of herself, quickly briefed them of as much of the situation as she knew. After what seemed like hours, they were taken to a local hospital where Jane was checked over. It was found that she had a slight cut on the inside of her mouth where the blow had caused her teeth to break the skin. There was a bruise starting to appear on her cheek and the marks on her throat had been photographed, then had had a cold compress pressed over them.

They'd been to the police station where they'd given a preliminary statement, with the instructions that a full statement would have to be given in Perth the following day. The men had been arrested and were in the Mandurah lock-up for the night, prior to being taken to Perth. The younger man had told the police everything, leaving them in no doubt of the duplicity of the other men.

The police had offered the women a lift back to Sally's house but had been refused, Sally saying she was fine to drive. Broughy had been persuaded, finally, to leave the older man alone, having inflicted little bite marks all round the bottom of his legs, along with the more serious wounds to his scrotum.

The women didn't talk much on the way home. Sally kept taking sidelong looks at Jane, rather frightened to see the blank _expression on her face. She'd rather have seen tears or anger. As they walked in, the clock was showing 4.50pm. Sally asked Jane for her work telephone number.

"Why?" Jane asked, listlessly.

"Because you're staying here the night and you won't be going to work tomorrow. I'm just going to ring to tell them so." Jane acquiesced, without argument, giving Sally the number.

'Are you hungry?" Sally was concerned.

"Yes, I think I am rather. Do you mind if I go and have a shower first?"

"No, go right ahead. I'll ring your work; and then I'll make us a bite to eat. Off you go."

Jane went and had a long, leisurely shower and tried to make sense of her thoughts. She knew Sally was worrying about her but she wanted to straighten out her own feelings first before confiding them to Sally. She just couldn't understand why she felt so untouched by it all. It had been as if a stranger had hit her and tried to strangle her. She didn't feel betrayed by him and she felt she should. She didn't even feel relief that he would be spending time in prison. She just didn't care. She felt very happy that most of her belongings were going to be returned to her, especially her paintings; but that was all. 'It's funny,' she told herself, 'but the events of the weekend seem much more important to me than today's events.'

Jane finished her shower, slipping on her nightshirt as she didn't have any clean clothes left. She went down the hall to the kitchen to find that Sally had defrosted some homemade chicken soup, which smelled delicious. They had it with some of the fresh, crusty bread they'd got earlier in the day, for Sally to take back to Perth with her.

"Go and have your shower." Jane told an ever-quieter Sally. "I'll wash up in here. We'll have an early night if that's OK with you?"

"Yeah, fine." Sally said shortly. Jane looked at her retreating back, a worried _expression on her face. 'Maybe I should have told her earlier about my lack of feeling for what happened with James. Maybe she thinks it means a lot to me.' She quickly cleared away and washed the dishes. She opened a new bottle of wine and took it and two glasses into the bedroom.

When Sally emerged from the bathroom, she was wearing a sombre look and little else, not realising that Jane was in the bedroom. Sally grinned at her.

"I'm presuming I'm to be allowed to stay in here?" Receiving Sally's nod, she continued. "Well, in that case you'd better put something else on, or I'm not going to be able to concentrate on what I want to say to you!" Sally gave a perplexed smile at Jane's tone and grabbed a T-shirt out of a drawer. She picked up her full glass and took a long sip. Her legs crossed under her, she invited Jane to talk; saying that Jane ought to get it out, rather than bottling it in.

Jane started; trying to explain the lack of feeling she'd had regarding James. Sally was a little disbelieving.

"Are you sure you're not hiding it, even from yourself?" Jane tried again to explain that it hadn't seemed to matter somehow. That James hadn't seemed to have ever been part of her life. She paused for a while as she took a couple more sips of wine, noticing that Sally was consuming it at twice the rate that she was. The bottle finished, Sally went for another one. She opened it and poured herself another long glassful.

Jane tried to lighten things somewhat.

"Well, Broughy was certainly a hero today. How come he came rushing into the house?"

"After you left, he was watching the house intently and he must have heard that man's voice from inside. I didn't hear anything but he suddenly got frantic and started clawing at the passenger window. That one was only open a fraction so, before I knew it, he'd clambered across me and was out through my window. I tried to grab him but missed, so I thought I'd better follow. He got through the fly screen door and disappeared into the house. By the time I got to the front door I could hear sounds of a scuffle, then I heard a screech of pain: must've been when Broughy scored the bulls-eye. I came rushing in and saw James hit you. I saw red and started towards him; but not before he got you by the throat."

Sally started shaking, she tried to sip her drink but spilled a little. Jane took the glass from her unresisting fingers and put it on the bedside table. She turned back to see Sally's stricken face, her trembling lips,

"God, Jane. I thought he was going to kill you. I was so scared. I wanted to crush him, kill him, anything to get him off you." The tears were streaming down Sally's face. "I couldn't bear anyone to hurt you. I.. I.. couldn't bear you to be hurt." Her shoulders were shaking me."

Jane put her arms around Sally's shoulders and drew the unresisting head onto her chest.

"Don't. Please, don't! I can't stand to see you cry." She put her finger under Sally's chin and lifted it. She kissed the trembling mouth, tasting the salt of Sally's tears. Sally gave a small sob.

"I've never hit anybody before; and I wanted to kill him!"

"Shh, it was only to save me." she told the still shaking woman. She again pressed her lips to Sally. "Thank you Sally. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for rescuing me. Most of all, thank you for just being you." Their lips again met and merged. For just one moment Jane felt the sting of her cut mouth but then turned her mind from it. She felt the tip of Sally's tongue touch her lips and she opened them, welcoming the intrusion.

Sally lifted herself, so that she was leaning over Jane. She looked Jane in the eye as she removed her top with deliberation. She rolled Jane's nightshirt up over her hips and up over her waist ….. and higher, revealing her breasts. Jane lifted her head and shoulders off the bed and raised her arms to enable Sally to draw off the garment. Sally lowered herself back onto Jane's warm skin and gently kissed the bruise on her cheek.

"Sore?"

"No, it's not too bad. In fact, at the moment, I can't feel it at all." She stroked Sally's head, pushing down gently, encouraging Sally's mouth lower, towards her breasts. "Please." The plea came from the heart, when Sally's mouth hovered above her breast. "Please, love me." Sally's lips encircled Jane's nipple as she gently tugged at the erect flesh.

"Oh God, Jane." she groaned into the softness of the breast. "When I thought I may lose you, I knew how much I loved you. I can be strong if you're next to me. Help me be as strong as you, my love. Because I couldn't bear to lose you. All I know is that I love you and want to make love to you. I want to touch you, taste you, feel you. Please, my love. Love me."


LORD BROUGH

'I don't know what's the matter with Mum and Jane. They won't let me into the bedroom, even though I keep asking them and scratching at their door. You'd think they'd want me with them tonight as I was the one who saved Jane.' He grinned to himself in the dark at the memory of the big man's scream of agony. 'Well, if they don't want me, I'll go and see if Oscar wants to hear some more about today's excitement.'

"Hey, Oscar. Did I tell you about our exploits today? Did I tell you about how courageous I was today? About my fearlessness?"

"Shut up pip-squeak and go to sleep."

Deflated, Broughy curled up. He spoke in a small voice.

"OK Oscar." Oscar lifted his head off the cushion, relenting a little.

"You did good today, kid. You did real good!"

THE END

If you have enjoyed F.J. Davey's "Portrait Of A Stranger, Conclusion", then please be certain to e-mail her at  francis7[at]bigpond.net.au  and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here for a list of all of F.J. Davey's  Stories and Poetry at  Sapphic Voices Authoresses.