Disclaimers: The characters in this story belong to me and only me. They may resemble a couple really cool women we know and love, but it ain't them, they're mine, did I say that yet???

Love/Sex Warning: Aww yeah, lots o' lovin in this tale. Some good, some bad, but it's all about the story right? Riiiight. So with that said, if you are not old enough to read this, please hit the "save" key until a later date.

Time Line: This is a follow up story to A Fresh Start. You may want to read that first in order to find out what the hell is going on in the storyline =)

Thank you's: Thanks to all of you that sent your feedback for A Fresh Start, it inspired me to continue the tale of these two lovely ladies. So without further adieu, please read on.....

In Healing Arms

By DS Bauden

"You are in such trouble when I catch you Alicia." Sydney growled.

"Yeah, well, you have to catch me first." Ally teased and ran towards the house.

Sydney was doing her best to wash down the horses. This, of course, involved a large, pressurized hose. Ally watched her friend tend to the horses, while she slowly approached her without being noticed. Initially her intent was to scare her lover, but once she saw the unattended hose, she lost all sense of control.

After dousing Sydney unmercifully, Ally ran to the main house to seek the safety of Eddi, her aunt and best friend. She found Eddi asleep in her rocking chair in the family room.

"Damn, now where can I hide?"

"Oh no you don't. You aren't getting away this time little missy."

"Now Sydney, you know I was only fooling around." She held her hands out in front of her and stuttered as she found herself backing away from a drenched, mildly agitated woman.

"Fooling around eh? Just what does "fooling around" entail? You sneaking up on me, you grabbing a hose and soaking my skin, and then you laugh and run inside to look for cover?" She playfully stalked and growled.

Ally just swallowed hard, not knowing what her Aussie lover had planned for her revenge. "Umm, yes?" She winced.

Ally found herself being backed into the entertainment unit while Sydney drew nearer with every tick of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Sydney's breath tickled Ally's ear as she bent down to give a warning.

"Paybacks are truly a bitch my dear Alicia. And believe me when I tell you, I always get my revenge." Sydney purred.

Ally found herself short of breath and completely at a loss for words, which was very rare for the young honey haired woman. She looked into the most challenging blue eyes she had ever seen, and knew she was no match for the tall raven-haired woman staring down at her. She just had to wait until her time had come. It was very exhilarating to her senses. Sydney, she discovered, was a very creative person. 'I wonder if everything she does is as imaginative as the things she does in bed.' Her thoughts sent shudders throughout her body, and her movements were not lost by Sydney.

"What's the matter Alicia? Cat got your tongue? Hmm?" She smiled and gracefully exited the room leaving a slackjawed Ally resting her body against the entertainment center.

"My God, what that woman does to me. Christ." She wiped her brow and made her way into the bathroom to wash her face and calm her nerves.

*~*~*~*

A couple of months had passed since the two women had met. Ally had arrived to her Aunt Eddi's ranch after losing both of her parents in a tragic car accident. Her aunt had graciously opened her home and her arms to her niece. Living alone in Chicago with the emptiness that evolved around her, was not a life that Ally wanted. Her aunt's offer came as an answered silent prayer.

*~*~*~*

The funeral went as well as to be expected. Most of Ally's family had attended the wake the previous night and attended the funeral procession the following day. Everyone gave their condolences to Ally not wishing to trade places with her for anything in the world. To lose both of her parents the way that she did, they half expected her to whither away herself. These people didn't know the strength inside this young woman. Neither did Ally at this time in her life.

Her Aunt Edna arrived a week before the traditional formalities had begun. She had arranged the burial for her sister Donna and her husband Tom. She knew that Ally wouldn't know how to handle the arrangements by herself. Hell, she didn't even know what she was doing. How often do you have to plan such an event? Hopefully, this was one of the last times she would have to do it. Burying her own husband was hard enough, but now her sister was taken away, along with her husband. It was very surreal to her. 'It's not nearly as hard on me as it is on her.' She thought to herself as she watched her niece hugging and talking with estranged family members.

The day was almost over, and most of the guests had left Ally's home. The after gathering was nicely catered, and the mood was as light as it was going to get on such a tragic day. Ally just wished away her migraine as she forced herself to meet the sorrowful stares she received for the duration of the day. Eddi walked up to her when she thought she had had enough.

"How are you honey? Do you want to call it a day? I can take care of the clean up down here."

"No Eddi, I will help. It's the least I can do. You planned everything while I did nothing."

"Nothing? Oh honey, you were finishing your schooling and had to move back here for the summer. You had plenty to do yourself. These things have a way of timing themselves very badly. Not that there will ever be a good time for this." She trailed off and found herself embracing a sobbing, scared little girl.

"Oh Eddi...what am I going to do now? I have lost almost everything in a blink of an eye." She sobbed into her aunt's shoulder.

"I know sweetie, I know. We just need to take things day by day. It's all we can do. But we have to keep going. Your mom would want that for you. I know she would have." She said as she cradled Ally's shaking body. " You want some tea?"

"Yeah...I think it may help my head...it's just pounding..."

"Alright kiddo, go sit down at the table, and I will bring two mugs with me. I gotta let out the last of our guests and I'll be in. We can talk if you want to. Or we can just stare, cry, scream, or whatever your lil heart desires. Okay?" She kissed the top of Ally's head.

"Thanks Eddi, I love you so much. Thanks for being here for me."

"Oh sweetie, there is no other place that I would be right now. Now scoot, I'll be in there in a couple of minutes."

"Alright Eddi, I'm just gonna say goodnight to Tracey." She said as she watched her aunt go into the foyer of the house.

Ally's best friend Tracey Miller came in from the front room and embraced Ally in a hug. "God hon, I'm so sorry. I wish there was more that I could do for you."

"Thanks Trace, I know. I just can't believe that this happened. You know, two weeks ago I was just talking with mom about summer plans and I how much I couldn't wait to see her when I got home." Ally pushed back a sob.

"I know honey, I know...." Tracey kept Ally in her arms until the fair-haired woman pulled away. Tracey looked from her deep brown eyes into sad green ones and felt her heart break for her childhood friend.

"I'll be alright Trace. Eddi's with me, you can go home if you want. I'm just gonna go to bed. I have the worst friggin headache."

"Well that's not surprising. Take care of yourself Ally. I love you, you know." She winked at Ally.

"I love you too Trace. Thanks for being here for me."

"What are friends for?" She questioned as she ran her fingers through her mass of curly blond hair.

"Well you are the best friend in the world. Good night." Ally hugged her friend again, kissed her cheek and watched her walk towards the front door.

She padded her way to the dining room table and sat down.

Ally's eyes roamed the room she was in. Every shelf on the bookcase had at least one picture of her or her parents. She scanned down to the rolltop desk and found a gift she had made her mother when she was ten. It was a picture frame that had "My Favorite Mom" etched into it, with a picture of her and her mother in it. 'Like I had more than one.' She said to no one. 'Now I don't even have one...' She stopped and put her head in her hands and continued to weep.

Edna made it back with the promised beverages and sat down next to Ally. She let her hand stroke Ally's back as she watched her swollen green-eyed niece down the healing liquid.

"Ally, I want to ask you something, and you don't have to answer until you are ready, okay?"

"What's wrong Eddi?"

"Nothing Ally, I just want to ask you something."

"Okay Eddi, shoot."

"I want you to consider something for me." She said as she took one of Ally's hands in her own.

"Alright..."

"I would really love it...if you came out to live with me...in Montana. I know it's far away from your friends and your school, but you make friends like bees make honey, and well, we got schools up in Montana as well."

Ally's face wrinkled up and she again began to cry.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. I should have waited to ask you that later on, I am so sorry."

Sniffling, "No Eddi, don't be sorry. I am just so thankful to have someone in my life like you. Thank you so much for that. Please let me think on it though. I have so much here; it would be such a huge change for me. I just don't know if I am ready for more change. Is that okay? Can I answer you in awhile? I mean, I won't take forever, I just need some time to really think it over."

"Of course sweetheart, take all the time you need. I'm not leaving for at least a week, so please, just think it over, and let me know. I just would hate to think of you in Chicago, by yourself. I mean, I know you have school and your friends, but this house, well, I know how many memories you have here. I just want you to be happy honey."

"I know Eddi, and I love you for it. Thank you."

"You are welcome, sweetie, and I love you back."

*~*~*~*

Ally was awoken from her reverie by a questioning stare.

"I'm sorry did you say something?"

"Yes Alicia, I asked if you were okay. You looked like you were a million miles away."

"I was actually, I'm okay though, don't you worry."

"When it comes to you, I worry. Just reflex, get used to it." Syd smiled and opened her arms to Ally.

Ally buried herself in Syd's strong embrace. She loved when her partner let her guard down and was just Sydney, loving, nurturing, and warm. But there was something in her that couldn't keep that wall from building back up. Ally wished she knew what it would take.

The last couple months had been wonderful. She had met someone that truly felt like the other half of her soul. There was trepidation behind the azure blues of her lover though. Sometimes she would find Sydney lost in thought. She looked frightened sometimes, but when asked, she always had something to say about it. Ally just let her think she was off the hook, when actually it saddened her to know she wasn't trusted enough to be let in on her secret.

Sydney didn't trust anyone she thought to herself. Sure she had friends that she spoke of, and she would go out from time to time with them as well, but the only one with her full trust was Eddi. Ally was almost jealous of their relationship. They would have long talks that sometimes went deep into the night. Ally had tried many a night to stay awake with them, but sleep usually found her halfway through. Time and time again, she found herself in Syd's arms being carried up to their room to bed.

Ally knew from the beginning that it would be an uphill battle to gain the trust of Sydney Thompson. It was, however, a fight that she had no intention of losing. The time it took for her just to give Syd a compliment and not have her read too much into, was exhausting. 'She must have been really hurt at one time. I just wish she would talk about it, maybe it would help her. She's got to know I would never do anything that would hurt her.' She mused as she pulled out of Syd's arms.

"So, what do you want for dinner? I think I should cook." She smiled up at her lover.

"If you think that cooking dinner is going to get you off the hook, you've got another thing coming." Syd smirked as she put her hands on her hips.

"Sydney, I am sorry about the hose thing, really. Please forgive me."

"Oh I forgive you my little city mouse, but I will have my revenge. Mark my words."

"Revenge on what? What the hell did I miss?" Eddi walked into the kitchen to find the heated discussion.

"Hey Edna, well it looks like your innocent little niece here likes to play with water." Edna peered over to look at a very amused Ally. She then looked back to Syd who looked as though she was waging war inside her head.

"Now look here girlies, if anything gets broken, I will put the hose on ya both! Just calm yourselves, Christ Almighty, a girl takes a nap for five minutes and all hell breaks loose...."She trailed off as she went to the fridge to get some juice.

"I swear to God, I don't know what gets into you girls." She said as she drank the juice from the container. She swallowed the liquid and looked into the stare of the two women.

"What? It's not like either of you will ever drink out of this!" She said as she showed the prune juice to her niece and Sydney. "Can I help it if I like to be regular? Hell you should try it, you may get rid of some of that hostility!!" She smiled at them. " Then again, I didn't get sprayed with that hose either."

"Hey! Who's side are you on?" Ally whined.

"The dry one. Now what are you making for dinner? This girl is hungry!"

Ally just rolled her eyes and began opening cabinets looking for some ideas for dinner for her two best girls.

*~*~*~*

The fall semester came and Ally had decided that she would enroll for the spring semester. Edna and Sydney had been very supportive of her decision and agreed that she may need some more time to get used to everything that has changed in her life. Starting a new school, in a new area, sharing a new home, with a new partner, and without her parents, was a little much for Ally to swallow at once. She was taking the days one by one and deciding that she needed it that way.

Thoughts of her parents were very frequent and mostly came at night through her dreams. Many a night did Sydney wake to Ally thrashing about trying to fight off the demons in her head and in her heart while she slept. Sydney would always wrap her larger frame around Ally and instantly she found the tiny woman relaxing in her embrace. Ally would always thank her in the morning for performing the exorcism, which she so lovingly called her bouts with the nightmares.

*~*~*~*

Ally really wanted Syd to come to Chicago to see her home before it was sold. The house had been on the market for about a month or so. It was a hard decision for Ally to make, but it made sense. She was in no financial shape to maintain her parents' home, so she gave in and called the family lawyer and then a Realtor. Her parents had left her quite a bit of money, but she wanted to use it for schooling to work on her journalism degree. Her cousin Jack had given her some tips on some stocks and mutual funds for investing, but she was scared to death of the stock market. It just didn't make sense to her. So for now her savings account had a little bulge in it.

Ally's mind was alive at dinner; she was in the defensive mode. After she showered Sydney unmercifully with the hose, she was waiting for the turnabout. It was bound to happen sooner or later, she just wished it was sooner, then it would be over with. She decided that she would ask Sydney to come to Chicago with her tonight. 'I think she would really love to see it. I think Eddi could handle things for a week. Hmm, maybe I'll ask Eddi first just to make sure.' She thought to herself.

"You are awfully quiet Alicia. Are you alright?" Syd questioned her unusually quiet partner.

"Yeah Syd, I am fine. Please stop worrying, really, I am okay." She looked at Syd with eyes that betrayed her truth. She had black puffy circles under her usually vibrant green eyes, which made Syd wish peaceful dreams for her every single night.

"Alicia, I will always worry about you. As long as I breathe, I will worry."

"Hey take it while you can sweetie, it's hard to find someone that will do your worrying for you." Her aunt interjected.

Smiling, "I guess you are right. Thanks Sydney, it means the world to me to know you care so much."

"I do care for you Ally, very much. I think I always will." She said as she gently stroked the inside of Ally's wrist with her thumb.

"Me too."

"Well with that established, can I have some more of those potatoes? Ally you outdid yourself. I love AuGratin, they are my favorite."

"Thanks Eddi, eat up. Sorry for the mushy stuff." She said smiling.

"Not to worry, it makes me sleep better knowing you have someone in your life like Syd. I knew it was going to happen when I saw the first looks you two gave each other. It was priceless. It was loooove at first sight. Ally could barely eat and Syd kept staring at her during dinner." The two just looked at each other and blushed at their memories Edna was reliving.

"It was quite the entertainment. I knew once I left for Indiana, I would come home to some kind of news. I am glad that I wasn't disappointed. Syd was just what you needed Ally, and I think the same goes for you my dear." She simply stated while pointing her finger at Syd.

"Whaa... I.... Wasn..." Sydney started sputtering and looked at Edna with her eyebrows high into her bangs.

"Yes you were and you did, so enough out of you." She waved her fork at Syd, while Ally just marveled at how well her aunt could work Sydney. 'God, I don't think there is another person on this planet who could get away with half the stuff Eddi does with her.'

"Hey there, we lost you again..." Syd said breaking Ally away from her thoughts.

"I was just thinking is all."

"UH OH." Edna and Sydney said in unison then laughed.

"Cut that out!! The both of you!! You know...oh nevermind, I will never win against you both." She said exasperatedly through a smile.

The two women just hi-fived each other and grinned stupidly at Ally, who in turn just rolled her eyes and continued to eat her delicious meal.

*~*~*~*

"Hey Eddi, can I ask you something?" Ally walked in to Edna's room as she got ready for bed.

"Sure hon, what do you need."

"Well it's not a need really. Well, it's more of a want kind of thing. I was ahhh.. just wondering if.. well if it won't be too much trouble...." Her aunt was patiently waiting for her request and interrupted her ramblings.

"Good God girl, I'm not getting any younger here! Just ask me." Ally just smiled and reproached her aunt.

"Eddi I was wondering if I could take Syd to Chicago with me while I tried to pack the rest of the house up."

Edna sat and pondered the question for a moment and realized this may be a good thing for both of them.

"It will only be for a week or so I swear. I won't take her from her chores too long. Do you think we could?"

"I think it's a wonderful idea Ally. I think it might do you some good to go back there for a bit. Syd tells me you haven't been sleeping all that well. Maybe you need to go there. Have you asked her yet?"

"No not yet, I was waiting to hear what you thought, and she is your employee after all so I wanted to make sure that it would be OK. I just would hate it if I took her from you while you needed her..."

"My goodness girl, you can talk at the speed of light. I am surprised I can understand you at all when you get going like that." She chuckled to her niece.

"I'm sorry Eddi, I am just really excited about this. I really want to go and take her with me. I would love for Tracey to meet her too."

"Oh yeah, how is Tracey doing?"

"She is doing well, I talked with her last night actually and she really wants me to come and see her while I'm home....umm....visiting... anyway, she said to say hi to you."

"God how long have you two known each other now, ten years? Fifteen?"

"We have been friends since I was five. I have really missed her this summer. We usually sat poolside all summer or just hung out on the roof of her house and stuff. I missed that..." She trailed off and her aunt took her hand and squeezed it.

"Does she know about you and Syd?"

"Oh my God Eddi, she was the one that told me I was gay."

"What?"

"Yeah, about two years ago she told me that I was going to get fed up with not getting what I wanted from men. Then she said to make sure that dinner plans, on me of course, were arranged when I figured it out. I guess a "I told you so" kind of celebration." She giggled.

"That girl is too much. So how did she take the news about you two?"

"Oh please, my ears are still ringing. She is very happy for us though, and she can't wait to meet her."

"Who can't wait to meet who?" Syd poked her head into Edna's room. "I was wondering what was keeping you." She said looking at the two women standing close together in a deep conversation. " Alright, what's up you two? You look as though you are conspiring against someone. It's not me is it? Cuz I can outrun you both."

The two women started laughing and Ally wrapped herself around Syd's waist. "No Hon, we aren't conspiring, I promise." She reassured.

"That's a relief, I can't be too sure around you two." She turned herself to look at a smiling Ally in her arms. "Are you ready for bed sweetheart?"

"Mmm, yes I am. Good night Eddi, we'll see you in the morning." Ally reached towards her aunt and gently squeezed her arm.

"Good night you two." The two were just out of the doorway when Edna's voice picked up a bit. "And could you keep it down tonight? I almost called an old friend to keep me company last night." Ally couldn't keep the blush from flooding her entire body and Syd could do nothing but wink and smile at Edna as she closed her door.

"Oh my God, I never thought she would hear us!!" A completely embarrassed Ally spouted.

"Alicia, you could wake the next county if you wanted to." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Not that I'm complaining, I rather enjoy your vocal skills, amongst your other ones."

"Good answer mate." They laughed as they walked arm in arm into their room and closed the door for good measure.

Ally walked to the bed and folded down the blankets and fluffed Syd's pillow as she has done every night for the last two months. She tossed her socks into the hamper and got under the sheets. Syd followed suit and assumed her position while Ally immediately snuggled into Syd's shoulder. It was a routine that the two women weren't willing to break anytime soon.

"Syd..."

"Yeah baby?"

"I need to ask you something."

"Do I need to get up?"

"Oh no, nothing like that."

"OK, then ask me. Ow!" She giggled at Ally's small jab to her ribcage.

"OK, well, lately I have been thinking."

"So, I have noticed. Is anything wrong?" Syd asked curiously.

"No honey, just listen, please." She paused and took a deep breath. "I really want to go back to Chicago." Sydney's body stiffened and she sat up to look at Ally, willing the tears away from her eyes.

"Chicago? Wait Ally, what are you saying? We just started something really great here. Do you really want to leave now?" Ally sensing a little bit of a misunderstanding gently pressed her fingers to Syd's lips.

"Sshhh. You didn't let me finish honey. I need to finish packing up the house and I wanted you to come with me. That's all, I swear."

Relief swept through Sydney like a tornado and she thought she was going to pass out from the sensation of it all.

"Sydney? Are you OK? You look as pale as a ghost." Ally said as she felt Syd's forehead and wiped away a thin layer of perspiration from her brow. 'God she really hurt you didn't she? I hope we never meet, I won't be responsible for my actions.' Ally thought to herself.

"I..Uh...I... would love to go with you. I need to ask Edna if it's all right though. She does depend on me to tend to the horses."

"She said it would be a great idea. So.... What do you think, next week all right with you?"

"Sounds great to me. I think I need a vacation anyhow." She smiled.

"Thanks Sydney you don't know how much this means to me. I can't wait for you to see the house. And, I can't wait for you to meet Tracey. You guys are going to get along great. I can't wait!! Thank you, I really mean that."

"Honey, I am excited too. I have never been to Chicago."

"Well we don't really live in Chicago; we live in the suburbs about 30 miles or so north of the city. But we can go down there if you want. It's going to be quite a different scene from here. It's much louder and so much more is going on all the time. I don't really miss that part of it."

"Is your school near there?"

"No, I went to the University of Illinois, which was in Champaign. That's about 3 hours from my house. It's kind of in the middle of Illinois." She had a sad expression on her face as she spoke of school.

"You miss it already don't you?"

"Am I that transparent?"

"Like glass baby." Syd slowly sunk back to the bed dragging along with her a saddened teary-eyed Alicia. She kissed the top of her head and began to stroke her hair down her back.

"I'm sorry Syd."

"For what?"

"I am always crying it seems lately."

"Honey it's okay, really. I am glad that I can be of some comfort to you. You know how much I care about you. When you are sad, I am sad. I will do what I can to make sure that beautiful face carries a smile whenever possible."

"You are so good to me Sydney." 'How did she ever leave you?' She thought to herself.

Ally turned to face her partner and gently kissed her lips. Syd returned the gesture and slowly deepened the kiss. Ally found herself opening her mouth in offering to Syd and was rewarded with a hot tongue probing her mouth. The two stayed like this for a long moment and then pulled back to stare into each other's eyes while soft hands caressed smooth facial features. They were breathing heavily and soon found sleep to be an option for much later.

"God baby, you make me so crazy." Syd purred into Ally's ear.

As shivers went throughout Ally's body she found herself pulling at her shirt to free herself of any obstacle keeping her away from Syd's bare skin. 'Just another advantage of Syd sleeping naked, not much to take off.' She mused to herself. Syd helped Ally with her shirt and her underpants followed shortly afterwards.

"I still don't understand why you dress at all for bed. I never let you keep anything on anyway."

"I'm slowly seeing your point." She giggled as she pulled Syd on top of her.

Syd slowly steered her thigh between Ally's and both moaned at the contact that was made. Ally's wetness was no mystery to Syd who relished the fact that she was the cause of the excitement. Ally raked Syd's back with her fingernails as she felt the larger woman's tongue leave a blazing trail from her ear to her breasts. Syd latched on to one of Ally's erect nipples and began to gently nip at the tip. Ally arched into the touch and began stroking Syd's long dark hair.

"God sweetheart you feel so good."

"Good, so do you. You taste incredible," She said with a smile.

Syd brought one of her hands to the other nipple and began to tease it as she continued to suckle the other. Syd slowly began to grind her thigh into Ally's sex. Ally's moans grew louder and her body began to rock against Syd's thigh. Syd could feel her younger companion's desire building as she slowly moved up Ally's body and gently purred into Ally's ear.

"You know what sweetheart?" She said as she licked her earlobe.

"What baby? Tell me...." Ally panted in response.

"Paybacks are truly a bitch." She smiled and gently rolled over to her side of the bed leaving a thoroughly aroused and confused Ally to her musings.

"Whaa...you can't be serious?" She managed to squeak out.

"Good night Alicia, sweet dreams." She feigned sleep waiting for the explosion she knew was coming, trying desperately not to let out the laugh that was raging within her.

"Sydney Elizabeth Thompson, you aren't going to just leave me like this are you?!?!" She was completely beside herself.

"Like what honey?" She had to control her voice before she broke out into laughter.

"OH...MY GOD. This is about the hose isn't it? You are going to let me sit here and stew in my totally "I WANT YOU NOW" state because of the hose, am I right?"

"Uh huh...that's right." She couldn't control the giggle that leaked from her lips.

"Oh no you don't. You can't raise my heart rate like this and just roll over knowing that I won't be able to sleep for at least a week..." Ally stopped as she heard Sydney's laughter betray her every whim. "You are laughing at me, aren't you?"

Trying to regain her composure, "Yyyes... As a matter of fact...I am..." the fits of laughter continued and slowly she turned over to see bright green fire looking down at her. 'Uh oh, I'm in trouble.' Syd thought to herself.

"Now Alicia, you know you had it coming. I told you I always get my revenge...and I did." She tried to be stern as she spoke with a grin.

"You feel better honey?" Ally purred as she slowly maneuvered Syd to her back.

"Yeah, I guess I do, thanks for asking."

"Oh I'm not asking...I'm telling...you feel better" She climbed on top of Sydney and straddled her midsection. Her wetness was spreading over Syd's stomach and the woman underneath couldn't control her erratic breathing once she felt it.

"Oh yeah, you feel much better baby." Ally said as she ground herself faster into Syd's strong abdomen. "Oh yeah...much better. Uungh" Syd couldn't help but grab the sides of Ally's hips and move her own body into her lover.

"Oh no, you wanted your fun, now I want mine. You can just sit there and watch." Ally sternly looked down at Syd's face that changed from confusion to passionate desire as she watched Ally move her fingers over her clit and began moving her fingers in a strong circular motion.

Syd licked her lips as she watched her lover writhe above her in ecstasy. She could tell that Ally was close and wanted so much to take her. Her senses were on overload giving her the strength to flip Ally over onto her back and thrust two fingers deep inside of her. Ally's protests turned into moans of pleasure. Syd continued to thrust into her lover as she moved southward to taste the sweet nectar waiting for her. She glided her tongue over Ally's clit creating another wave of building excitement from Ally.

"Oh baby, God... you feel so incredible. I'm so close...ungh" Ally panted out.

"Mmm..... Let it go baby...that's it..." Syd managed to get out while trying to keep rhythm with Ally.

She felt the younger woman's fingers grasping at her hair and knew she was almost there. Syd sucked at the swollen nub and gently nipped at its tip sending Ally over the edge of reality and directly to the clouds. Syd stayed where she was and absorbed all of Ally's body spasms. Ally's body began to calm as she caressed the head still nestled between her thighs.

"Ah.... Revenge is a beautiful thing. Don't you agree Sydney?" Ally kidded as her breathing reached its normal pace again.

"Oh yeah.... There's nothing like it." Sydney agreed and just smiled up at her lover. She climbed up her partner's body and cradled Ally in her strong arms.

"Now my sweet Aussie, what is your pleasure? You know I will give you whatever you want." She said as she nipped Sydney's neck below her ear.

Sydney shuddered and felt her body move into Ally's in a subtle sensuous movement.

"I think I know what you need." She traced a circle around Syd's nipple. "How's this? Do you like this?"

"Oh Alicia, you feel so good."

"You know I will never tire of your voice cooing my name like that. Did I ever tell you how sexy your accent is?"

"I keep telling you I do not have an accent." She giggled and nipped against Ally's neck sending shivers down the young woman's back.

Ally moved her fingers around Syd's bellybutton and playfully inserted one of her fingertips inside. "You know, if I dipped somewhere else, I know it would be much wetter, what do you think?"

"I think you should test out your theory on that."

"Don't mind if I do." Ally slowly moved her hand through the soft dark curly hair above Sydney's passion. She lightly traced her lips without quite touching her desire.

"God Alicia, please, don't tease. I need to feel you inside."

"I will take you Sydney, don't worry about that." With that Ally slowly moved through Syd's river of desire and reveled in the feel of her lover. She gently brushed against Syd's clit causing her to jump from the contact.

"Ohhh, we are a bit excited now, aren't we?"

"Mmmmm, God you are such a quick study."

"I had a wonderfully patient teacher. You feel like silk under my fingers Syd. I love when you get this excited."

"Only for you...ungh...please..."

"What do you want Syd?"

Ally's movements were making speech almost impossible for Sydney. She rubbed Syd's clit in slow sensuous movements keeping in time with her body's movements. She played with the outside of her entry and gently dipped one finger into the dark wetness.

"Is this what you want Sydney?"

"Oh yes...God yes.... More..." Syd panted out.

Ally shifted her own body so that she was completely above Syd and staring down at her writhing lover. She plunged another finger inside Syd and was rewarded with a low growl from within her lover. She knew what Sydney needed and what Ally herself wanted more than anything right now.

"I need to taste you Syd. I want to feel you release into my mouth."

Ally thrust her fingers deep into Syd as she lowered her mouth to feast on her lover. She stroked Syd's clit fast and with purpose. She lapped and lapped and felt the stiffening of her lover above her.

"Oh God Ally.... I'm...ooohhhhhhhh!!!!!" She panted as her release shrieked through her body.

Ally grabbed the back of Syd's hips to ride out the greatest feeling she had ever known. She opened her eyes to look at Sydney only to find the precious blues staring right back at her in the throes of passion. Ally knew right then and there that the feelings she had for Sydney were a love deeper than any fairy tale she had ever read. To watch her lover's desire in her eyes sent chills throughout her body and she knew that Syd loved her, even though the "L" word had never come up.

"Allllyyyy...I...unghhhh!!!"

Ally felt the last of Sydney's tremors cease as her name was being called out again and again. She slowly withdrew her fingers as a whimper of protest left Sydney's mouth. Ally moved up her lover's body to kiss her with a passion and a tenderness that only Syd could evoke from her. The two just cuddled and kissed themselves into a peaceful loving sleep.

Down the hall and in her room, Edna just threw her pillow over her head, again.

*~*~*~*

The sun always came up earlier for Ally than she'd like. This morning was nicer than most though. She knew that in just hours, she would be back in Chicago, and in the house that she grew up in. She couldn't wait to show Syd her home. She was excited for Tracey to meet the love of her life as well. The only thing that would be missing would be her dad and mom. She knew going back was going to be hard, but she was also hoping that in some way, it would help her with her demons. She was just grateful that she had someone like Sydney that understood all of what she was feeling and still wanted to go through that with her.

Sydney was looking forward to this trip. Her mind was reeling from so many emotions. She was terrified at her feelings for Alicia. In the same breath she was so happy and tingly whenever she and Ally were around each other. The problem was that she was being brought back to a time in her life when she was the most vulnerable, and that scared the living shit out of her.

*~*~*~*

"Come on love, come to the States with me. You will love Montana. Please, just think about it Syd, for me. You know how much I love you. Let me erase of all your painful memories from here. We will be so happy together." Sharon pleaded.

"My entire life is here babe. I grew up here. My family's station is here, you know how much that means to me. It's the only thing I have left of my family, well other than Tim, I don't know if I can just up and leave it."

"That's what I would be doing though hon. School isn't for me, you know that. I can't stay here; it's just not me. The States is my home; I need to go back there. I would really love it if you would come with me. I guess it's a test of our love if you follow suit. After everything I have done for you, I can't believe that you wouldn't come with me."

"Don't doubt my love for you babe, you know I love you. I would do anything for you, you know that. This is just a huge step for me. Let me talk with my brother about the sheep station. If he gives me a proposal for it that I can live with, I will take you up on your offer. I promise."

"Oh love, you don't know how happy that makes me. I just know you'll make the right decision."

'I hope so.' Sydney thought as she hugged her lover.

*~*~*~*

"So Timmy, do you really want it? I mean is this something that you know you really want? I mean I know you know how to run it, you basically showed me everything I needed to know. I just want to make sure that this is something that you want for your life, your future." Syd said to her brother.

"Syd, when you took over the station, I wasn't really happy about not being a part of it. It's the last thing mom and dad had together. It was always apart of our family; Dad, Mom, and Bi..." Tim paused at his own words.

"You know you can say his name Tim. It won't bother me, unless it bothers you to say it. I really hope that it's not the case though. He was a good kid Tim. Unfortunately he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If anyone should be silenced from saying his name, it should be me. I know what the courts said, but it doesn't take away the fact that I was a part of what happened to him. I can now say that I have forgiven myself. But that is only because you forgave me too. So for the hundredth time, thank you for that. I would hate going through life without my older brother. I know that you will be a great foreman to the station too. Please know Tim, that I never thought you had any desire to have it, otherwise you KNOW that I would have shared it with you. It would have been great to run it with you. I just figured since you didn't say anything, that you were okay with it. I'm so sorry."

"Aw sis, don't apologize. I am just happy you thought of me before you sold it to some Joe off the street. Consider it sold, to the best and highest bidder. About Billy, I do forgive you. Sometimes it is still hard to hear his name though. He'll be around though, I'm sure of it. Mom and dad too. I think I will be surrounded by them everyday that I am there."

"I think so too Tim." Syd paused as she rose from her chair to look out to the fields of her backyard. "The only thing that I hate about this deal, is the fact that I am going to be leaving now. I will miss you. We have finally come together you and I. I am so sorry for all the years that we didn't speak. I just didn't understand death and why it happened. I didn't want to get it. You saw what I became; I was a monster that didn't know what love really was. God, and after Billy and mom died, I wasn't sure that I wanted to live at all. I am out of that hell now, and I finally know the value of family and loved ones. You are all the family I have left now. Well, besides Sharon that is. I love her with all my heart Tim. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Even after everything that has happened in my life, she is willing to take a chance on me. I just don't want to disappoint her in any way. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for her."

"I know, but..."

"But?"

"Yeah but.... But why couldn't you have fallen for a woman who lived on this side of the planet?" They shared a smile and embraced each other. "I will miss you too sis, I love you ya big softy...God she has you so whipped doesn't she?"

"Yeah well, love makes you do the strangest of things Timmy. Let's call dad's lawyer and legalize all of this eh?"

"You betcha."

*~*~*~*

"Alright sweetheart I'll see you when you get home. Don't work so hard. I love you."

"I love you too Syd, I should be done with this project hopefully in about four hours or so. I will be home as soon as I am done here, I promise."

"OK Shar, take care hon." Syd said as she hung up the phone.

"You too. Bye." Sharon said as she placed the receiver in the cradle on her desk.

The tall red head sitting across from her smiled wide as she approached Sharon like a hunter searching out prey for its meal.

"We got four hours then. You are mine until that time runs out then." She said as she straddled Sharon's lap.

"Oh yeah baby, we got a loooong time. I can do a lot to you in four hours. What'cha got on under that skirt baby?" Sharon said as she grabbed Tina's naked ass from under her skirt.

"You'd know better than anyone. Oooh yeah, I like that." Tina cooed into Sharon's ear.

*~*~*~*

"My poor workaholic, I think I will bring her a little picnic. She will be so surprised to see me. God I can't wait to see the expression on her face." Syd excitedly said as she packed up some dinner for her lover. She threw in a bottle of wine for good measure, and made her way out the door.

*~*~*~*

"Oh God...yes...right there...ungh" Tina panted from on top of the desk. Sharon had her head buried in between Tina's thighs trying hard to keep up with the writhing body above her.

"Yeah baby.... I can feel how close you are...come on baby.... Come for me." Sharon coaxed as she thrusted her fingers deep inside her. "I love the way you sound, God, I love you Tina.... Ungh..." Sharon said as she felt herself slipping over the edge of the precipice.

The two women found a rhythm between them and began to thrust their bodies for all that they were worth.

"Yes...yes...yes!!!" Tina shouted.

"Yesssss Tina.... Oh God! Yes!

The two were oblivious to Sharon's door opening with Syd walking in. Her smile soon changed to a fierce angry howl.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" Syd shouted out as she witnessed the hugest betrayal of her life. Her heart was breaking into a thousand pieces and there was nothing she could do about it.

The two women climaxed just as Syd walked in and couldn't stop their bodies until it was too late. Sharon tried to move from underneath Tina, but couldn't coax her body to move.

"Syd.... Syd wait." Sharon panted.

"What Sharon, is this where you say this isn't what it looks like? Too fucking bad that won't work in this case. Who's your whore? Nice to meet you I am Sydney Thompson, Sharon's girlfriend."

Tina saw the six foot, black haired woman approach her and began to get very nervous. She wasn't sure what she had planned.

"So Sharon, aren't you going to introduce us? We do have so much in common don't we?"

"Tina."

"Ahhh Tina. Well at least I know what name to shout out when I break your fucking head open!"

"Syd, No!!!" Sharon shouted.

"Oh sticking up for your new fling Sharon? Too fucking bad. I gave up everything for you, and this is what I get in return? You Bitch!!! You took me halfway around the world just to spit in my face? Fuck Sharon, you couldn't have done that in Australia?"

"Oh Syd, you act as if this never happens." Sharon said very desensitized.

"It doesn't happen to me."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, because frankly Syd, it's happening to you, right now."

Syd spit at Sharon and grabbed Tina's head by her hair.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't beat the shit out of you right now?" Syd threatened.

"It wasn't my idea, it was Sharon's." Tina pleaded.

"Oh you see Sharon; your little puta can't even take responsibility for her own affairs. How old are ya darlin? Eighteen, nineteen? Robbing the cradle don't you think Sharon? God you are pathetic."

"Oh Syd, just look at us. You are the pathetic one. You are so gullible. Someone tells you that they love you, and you leave yourself open for things like this. I saw what you were in school; I knew what you had done. I knew that I could have you if I made you believe that I loved the person you were. All of your baggage was nothing more than an invitation to have my cake and eat it too. I had more than just Tina here, and I always had a beauty like you on my arm wherever we went. Everytime I came home I had someone waiting for me in my bed. What a beautiful relationship." Sharon smugly said as she nonchalantly slid into her chair and crossed her naked legs.

"So everything was just a lie? So I was just a pretty plaything with a fucked up life, that you took control over? So I was just a hood ornament for you, a Goddamn trophy? You fucking cu....no, I won't say it." Syd let go of Tina's hair and less than gently patted her head. "I will just leave you to your pet. Don't come home tonight if you know what is good for you. I will be gone by the morning. Don't come looking for me either, I don't want to be found by you." Syd smiled as she warned. She kicked over the bag of food and slammed the door to Sharon's office as she left.

*~*~*~*

"Sweetheart? Are you packed?" Ally broke Syd of her reverie.

"Hmm? I'm sorry Hon, what did you say?" Syd asked.

"Sydney are you alright? It looked like you were out of it when I walked in." Ally walked over to Syd and placed a hand on Sydney's arm. She felt her flinch under her touch and slowly pulled away.

"I'm sorry Alicia, I didn't mean to..."

"Sydney, I know you are bothered by something, I just hope that one day you will feel that you can trust me enough to talk about it." Ally said comfortingly as she picked up the rest of her bags and went downstairs.

'So do I love, so do I.' Ally thought to herself as she wrapped her arms around herself for comfort.

*~*~*~*

The flight into Chicago was a quiet ride. Ally sat next to a very quiet Sydney on the airplane. They exited into Chicago's O'Hare Airport and immediately Ally felt exuberated at being home again. Sydney remained quiet, other than basic small talk with Ally, as they waited for their luggage. Ally was really worried about Sydney since she hadn't said much since they left Edna in Montana.

"Syd, honey, are you sure that everything is alright? You haven't said more than two words since we boarded the plane."

"Of course Alicia, I am fine." She lied as she thought about the last time she was inside an airplane.

Syd was on her way from Sydney to the USA with her love Sharon Harris. This was supposed to be the next step towards her eternal happiness with her partner. Too bad Sharon's extracurricular love life took precedence over a longtime commitment. Syd shivered at the thought of Sharon and what she sacrificed for her. She swore she wouldn't let this bother her relationship with Ally, but right now it was all too familiar. Sydney knew that Ally was going to ask her soon about what was bothering her. She just had to build up the strength to share the pain that she had never voiced to another person other than Sharon. Least of all one that she was completely in love with. She knew that she loved Ally, but every fiber in her being was scared to death of sharing that information with her lover. Once she did that, she would be setting herself up for heartbreak. She couldn't handle that kind of pain ever again.

"There's Tracey Syd, come on!! " Ally said excitedly as she saw her longtime friend waving from the arrival drive up.

"Tracey!!!" Ally screamed with joy as she embraced her friend.

"Hey girlfriend!! God I have missed you. Let me look at you." She said as she outstretched their entwined arms and looked at her jovial friend. "And who do we have here?" She asked, as she looked Sydney up and down in appreciation.

"Tracey Miller meet the love of my life, Sydney Thompson. Sydney this is Tracey." Ally introduced.

"Hello Tracey, Alicia has spoken so highly of you. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Syd said politely as she outstretched her hand. Tracey shook it and marveled in the strength she felt within it.

"Right back atcha. It is a pleasure to meet the woman that has stolen the heart of my best friend. I can see why she finally switched teams." She wiggled her eyebrows and nudged Ally as she batted away Ally's poking finger. Syd smiled courteously and shifted uncomfortably.

"Shall we get going? We don't want to fall into traffic on I90, the tollway is a bitch this time of day if we don't get moving." Tracey explained as she started putting their bags into her trunk of her car.

"Oh God, I don't miss the traffic around here, that's for sure. Yeah let's go." Ally agreed and took Sydney's hand and both got into the car. Syd took the backseat as Ally took the front.

"So how was the flight?" Tracey inquired.

"It wasn't too bad actually, thank God, I hate flying. I'm sure Syd's hands are still sore from the landing."

"I think the blood has finally returned, don't worry about it hon." Syd smiled and patted her lover's shoulder from the backseat.

Tracey and Ally chuckled at Syd's agreement of Ally's dislike of flying. They made small talk until they reached the end of Ally's street and Ally could feel her nerves set in like a stampede of horses over her body. The sweat beaded on her brow and without words Syd reached her hand over the seat and next to the window to softly caress Ally's shoulder. She moved to the edge of her seat to reach Ally's ear to whisper to her.

"You are gonna be great sweetheart, I'm right here for you. If you want to cry, it's OK, my shoulder will be right here for you." Syd comforted while Tracey tried not to overhear the sweet reassurances between Ally and her new lover. Ally's reached up and squeezed Syd's hand in thanks and was never so grateful to have someone in her life like Sydney, as she was right now. She felt a wave of warmth swept through her as they entered her driveway. She instantly felt her parents with her and hoped they would stay with her until her stay was over.

"Wow Alicia, your home is beautiful. You never mentioned how expansive the landscape was. God it reminds me of home. This is just gorgeous."

"Thanks sweetheart, yeah, mom loved this house and it took dad almost ten years to realize what he had. He didn't want to move here, but mom loved the area. It's very private and quiet. A lot like Eddi's except we don't have horses. We have a pool though, I think you'll enjoy your stay here. Wink wink." Ally joked as Tracey put the car in park in front of the garage. Syd smiled and stepped out of the car and took a deep breath and was pleased that their travels were over for now.

Syd looked over the two story Victorian house and was in awe of its beauty. They all grabbed the bags from the luggage and after Ally found her key to the house, they entered her childhood home.

"Smells musty, I'm going to open some windows as soon as we get our bags upstairs." Ally said while walking towards the stairs.

Syd noticed her lover's slow glances around the quiet home and watched her facial expression change from indifference to a complete sadness as she walked up the steps.

"Hey Sydney, I gotta get back to work. I think she's gonna need you right about now. Tell her I'll be back later on tonight, okay?" Tracey said.

"Sure Tracey, I think it'll take a bit of getting used to for her to be here without her parents. I'll let her know you'll be back." She responded.

"Thanks for being here for her Syd, she's very lucky."

"I'm the lucky one, Tracey." Syd corrected.

"Alright then. I'll see you later. It was great to meet you. You have a great accent, did you know that?" Tracey smiled.

Syd rolled her eyes and smiled. "I don't have an accent, you do!! What is it with you women?" Syd and Tracey laughed as Syd walked Tracey to the door.

After she led Tracey out, she walked upstairs and tried to guess which room Ally would have gone to. There were several rooms upstairs to choose from. She sat and listened to see if she could hear where Ally had gone. She listened closely and found Ally in what she assumed was her parents' bedroom. She was sitting on their bed holding a picture of her parents that she took from the nighttable. She just stared at it while stroking their faces with her finger.

"Hey." Syd softly spoke.

"Hey." Ally pushed out before she let the tears loose that she had been holding in since she walked into the house.

"Hey, come here." Syd put her arms around Ally's shoulders and pulled her to an embrace. Syd felt Ally's sobs wrack her body and held onto her and decided that she would stay like this until Ally needed otherwise.

"God I miss them so much Sydney." Ally sobbed.

"I know honey, I know. Shhh I'm here, I gotcha. Let it all out baby, I'm right here." Sydney soothed.

"I'm so glad you're here Sydney, God I love you." Ally said before she could stop herself. She felt Sydney's heartrate increase rapidly but said nothing.

"I know you do...." Syd said continuing to console her lover. She knew that Ally heard her gasp at the revelation of Ally's love for her. It's not like she didn't know, it just hit hard hearing it for the first time. She wasn't sure if she ever wanted to hear anyone say that to her ever again. If love meant the treatment that she got from Sharon, than she wanted no part of it. She found herself in a very bad situation emotionally. She wanted to run away, but she knew that Ally needed her more than ever right now. So for Ally, she endured.

*~*~*~*

An hour or so later Ally had finished giving Sydney the nickel tour of her home. Syd was amazed at the size of the house and why Ally hadn't mentioned before that her family was wealthy.

"My father was a Psychologist and he had money. I mean I'm only twenty years old, well I will be in a week or so. I never thought of myself as wealthy because I didn't earn a substantial living. Hopefully my journalism degree will change that, and with the money they left me, I may have a chance at finding out what making a good living is all about." Ally explained.

"I have no doubt of your writing talent. Um, back up a sec, did you say you would be turning twenty in a week.?" Syd questioned.

"Yeah September twenty-first. I'll be twenty, almost legal." She smiled and nudged Sydney.

"Like I was worried. Well fair is fair, I will be twenty-five in April."

"You know, I never asked you how old you were. I guess it really didn't matter to me, but now that I know, I should have guessed that we were close in age. You don't look a day over twenty-four." Ally said playfully.

"Oh thank you, may I take that as a compliment?" She retorted.

"You can do whatever it is that you like."

"Oh really? Anything?"

"Should I be afraid now?" Ally said as she backed up a few steps as Sydney prowled closer to her.

"Oh, definitely, be very afraid Alicia." Sydney purred as she swept Ally into a soaring kiss that knocked Ally's knees from under her. Syd caught Ally and held her tightly until their kiss tapered off.

"That was incredible. God, did you learn that from somewhere?"

Chuckling, "I'm glad that you liked that. You kiss quite lovely yourself."

"Oh thank you my dear." She said bowing to her partner.

They moved upstairs and began to unpack some of their things. The window in Ally's room had been opened and Sydney took the opportunity to look out into their backyard. She took in a breath of fall air coming in from the screen and exhaled softly.

"You know, one of these days, I think I will take you home to Sydney. I think you'd love it there. It's very quiet, much like the ranch, but my God, it is gorgeous." Syd turned to look at Ally's loving gaze.

"You miss home don't you?" Ally asked softly.

"Mmhmm, very much. I haven't been home in what....six years? You would love my brother Tim, he is such a clown. I thought that he would decline my offer of the sheep station when I was deciding to leave Australia, but he didn't. He was excited to have a part of my family in his life." Sydney paused but Ally just waited and listened. Sydney rarely spoke of her past and she wasn't going to butt in now.

"He says that things are going well and I would be happy with the way he was running things. I'm sure I would be. He taught me everything I needed to know, well everything that my dad didn't." She smiled. "Anyway, when Shar....when I decided to leave home I never thought I would miss it so much. So I can understand why you miss home so much." She still had a hard time even speaking Sharon's name. Ally didn't miss the slip and she hoped there would be more of them on their vacation together. Hopefully this trip would open up Sydney to Ally and she would finally understand the pain in the older woman's heart. "It's the part of you that is the most you. Does that make any sense? I mean just being here for little over an hour, I see so much of you in this house."

"Really? You can see that just from being here?"

"Oh yeah. The warmth of the decor of your bedroom is so you. The openness and brightness of your reading room is unmistakably you. There are just so many little things I see in this house that are you."

"Wow, you are really incredible Sydney. I truly mean that." She said almost telling her how much she loved her again. She decided that a hug would suffice for now. She walked up to Sydney and wrapped her arms around the taller woman's body.

"Mmm I like it here. I like you here too." Syd said as she ran her fingers through Ally's silky golden hair. She ran her hand up and down Ally's back unconsciously and Ally let out a moan of content bringing a smile to Syd's lips.

"It's still pretty warm and musty in here don't you think?" Syd nodded and released Ally's hold.

Ally walked through the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, study, and sunroom opening every window imaginable, letting in as much air into the stuffy old house as possible.

Ally found Syd sitting on the leather sofa in the family room in deep thought. She didn't want to pry but she really wanted Sydney to open up to her. 'Soon, I hope.' Ally thought to herself.

"So Syd, when did Tracey say that she would be back?"

"Ahh, she said that she had to go back to work and that she'd be back later on tonight. She wasn't really specific with the time."

"Hmm, I wonder if she wants to do dinner with us this evening." She checked her watch and realized that she was still on Montana time. She moved her watch forward and then saw that it was close to mealtime "technically". "Did you remember to change your watch? I almost forgot." Ally said nonchalantly as she fixed her watchstrap.

"Yes I did already. I did it on the plane, I didn't want to get screwed up later on." Syd replied. "So Ally? When do we get to try out that pool of yours?"

"You get a sudden urge to go swimming or something?"

"Maybe........" She said with a bit of a grin on her face.

"I'll have to see if the pool was set up for the summer. I don't know if it was even filled this year. So much was going on when I came home, I didn't even notice. Let's go out back and check, you'll love it out there. Dad had the best garden, he had the most beautiful roses, I wonder if he planted any before....." She trailed off as Syd softly caressed her cheek.

"Let's go see." She said as she kissed the top of Ally's head. She took Ally's arm and walked out into the patio and then out to the pool area.

There they were as beautiful as Ally remembered. There were rows and rows of roses in the garden adjacent to their fence. Syd just marveled at Ally's face when she saw them. She took a look for herself and was amazed at their beauty.

"My God they are gorgeous. You were so right. Your father definitely had a green thumb. I don't think I have ever seen roses like that before." Syd said in awe.

"I don't think you'll ever see any like this anywhere. He truly made it an art." Ally explained proudly.

There was still a cover on the pool and Ally walked into the pool shed and opened the door to flip a switch. With a click the electronic pool cover slid open and revealed a full swimming pool. Ally looked up at Sydney and smiled.

"I bet I know who is responsible for this."

"Edna?"

"None other. I bet she called ahead and had the service come and take care of this. She is too much. We have to remember to call her tonight and thank her."

"Absolutely, she is such a wonderful woman Ally. You are very lucky to have her as a part of your family."

"She's your family too Syd. I know Eddi thinks of you as family. She has said so many times. I think you are the daughter she never had. I always hoped that I was that girl, but I really think that she feels that way about you. She loves you, you know."

"Yeah I do, she is one in a million. She took me in after Sharon and I split up..." Syd realized a second too late that she had mentioned her ex's name to Ally for the first time. Ally tried to control the excitement of Sydney's disclosure of her name. She played it off coolly not wanting this conversation to end. Syd's body had panic running rampantly throughout it after she slipped up. "Anyway, she really helped to get my head together. I will be forever grateful to her for that."

"That's our Eddi, she will stop at nothing to help people in need. That is just in her make-up and I would never change that about her. God, I miss her already!" Ally laughed at herself.

"With me here? What am I, chopped steak?"

"Liver honey, chopped liver."

"Ew, I hate liver, I would much rather be steak."

"I love steak, it's the most delectable of meats I think. I could eat steak all the time." Ally said in her most sexy voice.

"Really? I think you do get your share of steak..... don't you think Alicia?" She purred playing along with their analogy.

"You can never have enough steak, especially when it tastes as good as it does." Ally said seductively enjoying the playfulness of Sydney.

"You like the flavor........ you like the juice when you poke your fork into it for your first bite. The anticipation of the dripping morsel onto your taste buds......it's intoxicating isn't it?" She rumbled into Ally's ears sending her into fits of arousal.

"Yes it is......and it's a good thing that I am not a vegetarian. Don't you think?" She gulped as she saw the dark desire forming in her lover's eyes.

"Yes I do........come here Alicia........I need to kiss you....." Syd commanded in soft humming tones.

Ally moved within reach of Sydney's lips and slowly pressed hers against Syd's. The passion from one kiss was astounding to Ally and she wanted Syd to take her right then and there when she heard someone clearing their throat behind them.

Looking up startled. "Tracey!! My God you scared the hell outta me!!" She screamed at a smiling curly headed blonde.

"Yeah, you looked scared......hey Syd, how are ya?"

"Fine thanks, you?" She said trying to hide the blush she felt creeping up her neck.

"I am well. Damn hungry though, you guys up for pizza?"

"God Tracey is that all you still eat?"

"Hey it's a fine meal, if I do say so myself. You have eaten plenty of them with me if my memory serves correctly."

"Haha I know. You know Trace.......you could take us to the bar tonight, if you wanted." She wiggled her eyebrows at Tracey who in turn raised hers high into her forehead.

"THE BAR?? You want to go there? God I never thought I would see the day!! Man Syd, I don't know what you have done to her, but I like the results."

"Hey! I went to plenty of bars at school. I just never wanted to go to a gay bar before. Now I think I would love to enter a club on the arm of this beauty." Ally winked at Syd whose body immediately reacted to the comment.

"Umm, could you two excuse me...?" She said as she practically ran up to the house.

"What was that about?" Tracey asked.

Ally just shrugged her shoulders, "I have no idea. Excuse me Trace, would you? I really want to know what is bugging her. She has been so strange since we left Montana. I'll be back in a few. Sorry hon. " She said as she squeezed her friends forearm and ran up to the house in search of her love.

*~*~*~*

Sydney ran into the house and quickly found the powder room to heave her guts out. Her body was shaking from the stabbing pain in her gut. 'She's not Sharon, Sydney, she's not Sharon. She wouldn't treat me like a prop. She's not like that!!' Her head was saying in a mantra. Her body continued to tremble as another wave of nausea hit her hard. This was going to be a long night indeed.

Ally ran into the house shouting Syd's name and got no response. Only after seeing Syd's pale face exit from the powder room did she calm her bellowing.

"Syd, honey, are you ill? You look so pale." She ran up to Syd and rested the back of her hand to her cheek. "You are warm, come on and sit down in here." Ally said as she walked Syd back to the couch. "Relax a bit. I'll get you some water." She caressed Syd's ashen face and went into the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water.

Tracey came back into the house and saw Sydney on the sofa in the family room. Her head was resting on the armrest of the sofa and she looked as if she was crying. Tracey heard Ally in the kitchen and decided to find her first.

"Hey Ally, is Syd okay? She looks like she's crying over there." She said sympathetically.

"I don't know Trace. Do you mind if we take a raincheck tonight? I think she has airsickness or flu or something. She just came out of the powder room and she looked like she had just gotten sick." She explained.

"Sure babe. Tomorrow is Friday anyway, maybe we could go to the bar then, I mean if you guys are up to it."

"OK Trace, thanks hon. I have lots of packing to do here, and hopefully I will get lots done during the day so we can play after dark!!" She said as she smiled at her friend.

"I have missed you girl." Tracey said as she hugged her buddy.

"Me too Trace, have a good night."

"You too hon."

"I have a feeling though, it's gonna be a long night."

"Well hopefully not too long. You look like you could use some sleep. Those eyes of yours need some shuteye."

"Yeah I know. I haven't been sleeping all that well as of late. I was hoping that coming home would cure me of my night demons. I have bad dreams all the time. Syd usually cuddles me close and then I usually calm down. We call it "The Exorcism"." She laughed as she enunciated the words while using her hands to mime quotation marks.

"God you guys are sickening. I'm glad you are happy though Ally. She is gorgeous! And my God how do you not feint with that accent calling out your name?? Don't tell me she doesn't. I know my talks with you taught you something!!!"

"Christ Tracey!!" Laughing, "Although it took awhile not to blush whenever I heard my name called that's for sure, but I will never tire of it. Not from that mouth or with that voice. God she could melt butter with that voice." She said proudly. "Speaking of meltdowns, I think I need to get back to her. See you tomorrow?"

"You bet babe, nite." Tracey said as she kissed Ally's cheek and left to go home. Before she left, she waved good-bye to Syd and bid her a goodnight as well.

*~*~*~*

Ally returned to Sydney's side with her water. She gave her the glass and watched her pale partner slowly drink the contents. She sighed softly and then looked into Ally's eyes.

"I'm sorry honey. I guess I am just not feeling that well. I don't like to fly, and maybe it finally got to me." She lied with a sincere smile.

"That's alright sweetie, just lay here." She shifted so Sydney could lay on the couch with her head resting on Ally's thigh. She stroked Syd's long dark hair and started to knead the knots from her neck and shoulders. She could instantly feel the stress from within Sydney.

"God Syd, you are so stiff and balled up with tension. Are you sure that you are okay?" Ally asked hoping that Syd would finally open up to her.

"Yeah baby, I'm feeling better just being here with you. Sorry your first night home turned into a bust." Syd said sleepily.

"Spending time with my best girl is never a bust in my eyes." She said outloud. 'I love you, you big goof.' She wished she could say out loud. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you Sydney. I hope you know that."

"Mmhhmmm" Sydney said as she fell off into a restless rest.

Ally continued to rub Syd's head as she felt her body completely relax and her breathing deepened. She just sat there and held her love trying to soothe whatever demons may have invaded Syd's soul. She shifted a little and felt Syd's grip on her legs tighten.

"Shhh, don't worry love, I'm not going anywhere. I love you Sydney. You don't know how hard it is for me not to tell you that." She began whispering to her slumbering companion while rubbing her head. "You have helped me so much in the last few months. You have helped me to deal with the biggest loss in my life. When my parents were killed, I never wanted to know love again. I didn't want to hurt like that ever again, and loving you sets me up for that. I don't care though, you brought out the person in me that I was afraid to know was there. I was afraid of knowing the person inside of me because I knew I was different. You showed me that loving a woman is no different than the love my father showed my mother. I know who I am for the first time in my life. I'm not afraid of the future because I know that I'll have you at my side. It just makes me sad that you don't tell me what is bothering you so much. I know it's about that woman you used to be with, you just need to tell me. You know whatever you say to me won't change the way I feel about you, nothing will. I just know that whatever it is that she did to you, will make me feel that much more sorry for her. She lost her chance with you, and you're mine now. It's bad enough I can't even compliment you without you thinking that's all I love about you. God you aren't a trophy or a possession. Sydney you are a gorgeous woman, that is just the facts. Your physical beauty, though, doesn't even compare to the woman you are to me." Ally sighed and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "I love you baby, I love you with all of my heart." Ally finished as she leaned her head back into the couch.

Sydney lay her in lap with one teary eye opened not knowing what to say to Ally. 'Do I let her know that I heard most of what she said? Or do I lay here and pretend to be asleep? God she is the most wonderful person I have ever known. She has a heart that parallels no other. I do love you Alicia, I just wish I knew how to say it again. Those words have hurt so many. I want them to be more than just words, especially with the love I feel for you. I really hoped that I would have forgotten about Sharon, because I never wanted to talk about her again. I hope that you never meet her, I would hate it if she tried to hurt you. She hurt me really badly, and I never want you two in the same room together. Even if she is only here in conversation. I promise I will tell you everything, I just need the courage, help me find that courage Alicia. Only you can help me to find that strength. I just hope it's not too late by the time it arrives. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. Ever.' Sydney mused to herself as she nonchalantly shifted in her "sleep" to wipe her tear stained face.

*~*~*~*

Ally awoke to find Sydney gone from her lap and the couch. She got up and stretched to go find her lover. She walked into the kitchen and the room was dark. She managed to turn on the lights in the hallway and walked up the stairs. She found her bathroom door closed and heard the shower turn off. A smile came to her face as she approached the door. She tapped lightly on the door.

"If you are a 5'4" blonde haired beauty you may enter. If not please go away, my girlfriend will be up soon." Sydney said as she grabbed a towel and began to dry herself off.

The door opened up and the chill air ran up her semi-wet naked form. Syd grabbed Ally and quickly ushered her inside to close the door. She embraced Ally in a full bear hug and relaxed when she felt the smaller woman's hands on her.

"When did you wake up honey?"

"A couple of hours ago. Did you have a good rest?"

"Mm, yeah I did. I didn't even know I was tired. Must have been the traveling. I'm going to be up all night now." She pouted.

"Ooh, I hope so. I would hate to think that I would be up all by myself in this big house. I may get scared." She joked around. "Besides, I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise? For me? Why? What did I do?"

"You are just you, baby, that's why." She smiled and looked at their hugging reflection in the mirror.

"Well where is it?"

"It's downstairs, you want to see it?"

"Sure in a sec. First I want to know if you are feeling better. Your coloring is so much better."

"I feel one hundred percent better sweetheart, and it is because of you and your TLC. Thanks for taking care of me."

"Aww sweetie, it was no big deal. I like taking care of you. I hope to do it for a long time." She sweetly smiled.

"Me too. I'm hungry, let's go downstairs."

"Ohhh, the surprise is food related?"

"How else would I thank you appropriately? Food is like gold to you babe."

"Got that right. Lead the way!!" She said excitedly.

Syd grabbed a T-shirt and shorts from their room and lead Ally downstairs. She led Ally through the sunroom and out towards the pool.

"Oh Sydney....." Ally gasped at the sight in front of her.

The perimeter of the pool was illuminated by candlelight. Syd had set up a table with several entrees of Ally's favorite delicacy, Chinese food.

"Sydney, how did........this is beautiful. How did you do this without me knowing?"

"I found the keys to one of the cars in the garage, found a phonebook, and I am not above asking for directions." She smiled triumphantly.

"You are incredible! Thank you so much, God you are so thoughtful." Ally said as she captured Sydney's lips in a deep sensual kiss.

"Mmm, you are so welcome. I know that you wanted to spend your first night with Tracey, so I wanted to make up for it somehow." She guiltily said.

"Oh Sydney, you don't have to make up for being sick, it just happened. Don't think that you had to make up for that."

"Ally....I........I....." Sydney softly began.

"What Sydney?" Ally asked.

"Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that I am really happy you brought me here." She said as she released a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Me too sweetie, I am so glad that you are here with me. Are you hungry?" Ally excitedly asked.

"Sure, let's hit it. Now remember, no swimming for at least an hour after eating."

"Oh Sydney, I think they have pushed it down to a half hour now." She answered mischievously. She sat down and started spooning little portions of everything that Sydney ordered for them. "Ooh can you pass me an egg roll?"

Laughing, "You know it still is such entertainment for me to watch you eat. Between you and your aunt, I think I have found the two most adoring eaters on the planet. It is really something to watch." She said as she put a forkful of Cashew Chicken in her mouth. "Mmm this is good." She mumbled.

"Mmhhmm it is. Oh you got to try the Shrimp and Pea Pods, God, I have missed this place. They just don't have this in Montana. So um, did you venture around town?"

"Yeah I did a little, I didn't want to go too far without a chaperone." Syd jokingly replied.

"Did you like Market Square? Isn't like a little town of make believe?" Ally inquired.

"Yeah, it was like.....what was that guy's name who had a children's show on television here in the States, a Mr. Robinson, or someone?"

Laughing, "Ha, I think you mean Mr. Roger's. Yeah, he had a show for kids, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. It was one of my favorite shows as a kid. But I see your point, it is a little like that. You should see it around Christmas, they really do a wonderful job with lights all over every single tree in the square."

"Even the huge one near the fountain?"

"Especially that one. It's really something to see."

"You know what?" Sydney asked as she was staring at her lover.

"Hmm?" Ally replied in between bites.

"You looked about twelve years old just then. I don't think I have seen that look in your eyes before you spoke of Christmas. You are so adorable Alicia."

"You are just biased."

"No I just call them as I see them.' She said as she winked at Ally.

*~*~*~*

"Oh Sydney that was just wonderful, God it feels good to have food in my belly. I didn't want to eat too much, because I really want to get in the water. I don't remember September being this warm."

"It seems a little out of season, but I agree it is quite warm out, it's so beautiful though. The sky is clear and you can see lots of stars, but you are right, you don't quite see as many as you do by Edna's." She said as she poured more wine for herself.

"I am glad that you are feeling better. What do you suppose hit you? Air sickness?"

"Well, whatever it was, I'm glad it decided to leave as quickly as it arrived."

"Me too." She smiled as she gestured to Sydney to fill her glass as well. "You know, you could get arrested for aiding to the delinquency of a minor."

"Yeah well I think they could arrest me for more than a drinking violation. Certain acts of love are illegal here in the States, no?"

Thinking about what Syd said brought a flush of acknowledgment to what acts she was talking about.

"You are so beautiful when you blush Alicia. I am a lucky woman."

"No Sydney, I am the lucky one." She leaned over and kissed her partner.

"Mm, do you want to try the pool yet?" Sydney asked hopefully. "There is a little more to the surprise for this evening."

"Oohh there's more? What could you possibly have done in two hours?"

Sydney smiled innocently.

"Should I be afraid?"

"Yes, be very afraid. You left me on my own for a couple hours, be very afraid Alicia." She purred in Ally's ear. Ally audibly gulped as she felt Sydney pull her to her feet.

"I don't think you'll be needing these." Sydney seductively said as she began to remove Ally's shorts. Sydney pushed the unwanted clothing to Ally's feet followed by her underwear. The warm air felt wonderful on Ally's aroused skin. Syd slowly unbuttoned Ally's shirt as she kept eye contact with the smaller woman. She gently brought the garment over Ally's shoulders and down her arms, revealing well tanned, delectable skin that she needed to taste. After her shirt fell to the ground with the other items of clothing, she removed the final piece of apparel unleashing Alicia's beautiful breasts.

Sydney just stared at her lover as she gently cupped Ally's breasts and began to brush her thumbs across Ally's already erect nipples.

"You are such a sensual person Sydney, I just love it. I never knew that making love could be this incredible. You never leave me wanting for more. You satisfy every need I thought I would ever have. Sometimes you satisfy wants that I didn't even know I had."

"Good I am glad. I hope that you like what I have planned for you for tonight then." She said as she captured Ally's wanting mouth with her own. She let her tongue linger inside Ally's mouth as they exchanged gentle touches and caresses. Ally tugged on Syd's shorts and pulled away breathlessly from the kiss.

"These have to go as well my sweet."

"Oh that's not a problem, I want to feel your body against mine. I love the way our bodies feel when they are together. It's like we were made to fit perfectly with each other. We must have been considering the differences of our heights."

"Mmmm I love your body and the way it feels. I bet it will feel even better in there." She said as she gestured to the water.

"Come on, let's get wet."

"Too late for that my little country mouse. I have already reached that point. I don't think I will ever have to worry about that being a problem as long as you are in my life." Sydney chuckled at Ally's admission.

The two women slowly entered the candle lit pool by walking down the stairs in the shallow end. Ally held onto the metal railing as she stepped down letting the temperature of the water wash over her skin. Sydney dove under the water and came up like a goddess as the water cascaded down her tanned muscled form. Ally just watched Sydney like a child in awe of a phenomenon. The desire she felt right now challenged any emotion she had ever had, and won.

Ally dove in towards her lover and surfaced in front of her. The taller woman wrapped her arms around the smaller form in front of her. Their bodies were warm and wet and glistened in the candlelight.

"You know, the only other time I have been naked in this pool was with Tracey. We got drunk and went skinny dipping a couple summers ago. I thought that was fun. It doesn't even hold a candle to this....sorry, no pun intended."

"You and Tracey huh? Should I be jealous?"

"Oh God no, Tracey is my best friend. I think that sex is the only thing we haven't shared. Did I tell you that she was the one that told me I was gay? I thought she was just wishfully thinking aloud. She just knew me better than I knew myself. Still does sometimes. Other than you and Edna, I have never trusted someone, as I trust her. She is the best friend ever."

"She seems like she really cares about you. I think I will like getting to know her." Syd said as she leaned over and gently nibbled on Ally's neck. She felt Ally's body shudder and she moved her lips over to Ally's throat and began to gently kiss and suckle at it.

"Mm, no more talk about Tracey." Ally panted out as she claimed Syd's mouth again. Ally thrusted her tongue deep inside Syd's mouth. She felt feverish with the passion running through her body. Syd reached down and started massaging Ally's bottom and was rewarded with a hungry growl from Ally.

"Oh yes Syd, God you are so incredible. I want you so badly right now." She gasped.

"I know baby, me too. Come on, here's where the surprise comes into play, and I do mean play. Do you trust me?"

"You know I do. What did you have in mind?" Ally asked while half of her was nervous, her other half was on fire.

Syd took Ally's hand and led them back to the stairs leading out of the pool. She sat Ally down on the last step leaving her upper body exposed to her. She bent down to her knees and knelt between Ally's legs. Ally reached out and pulled Sydney into a lustful kiss. Their tongues battled for control inside their mouths while their bodies began to move against each other in a rhythm of desire. Syd leaned over and reached for the towel she had resting poolside. She opened the towel to reveal a pair of handcuffs. They separated from their kiss and Syd raised her eyebrow in question.

"You game?" Syd asked as she dangled the cuffs from her finger.

"Where did you want to cuff me to, the water?" Ally chuckled.

"No, I thought this would serve us well." She clanged the cuffs against the railing next to the stairs.

"Oh, um, I sense a well thought out plan. Remind me to leave you alone more often." She smiled seductively at her lover.

Ally leaned back and reached up so her hands were on either side of the railing. Sydney reached over and locked the cuffs to each of Ally's wrists around the railing. She ladled some water in her hands and poured it slowly over Ally's breasts watching the droplets of water return to their origin. Ally's nipples were fully erect and Sydney found her mouth eager to taste them. She leaned into Ally's body and captured a nipple with her teeth and gently stroked it with her tongue eliciting a pleasurable moan from Ally. She looked up and found Ally's eyes closed and her mouth was open wide enough for her tongue to moisten her lips. Syd climbed a little further up Ally's body and whispered in her ear.

"How far do you want to go?"

"I'd go anywhere with you Sydney."

"All right. Then I want you to tell me how you feel about this." She smiled and lifted a candle and poured a little drop of wax on her palm and showed Ally. "You want to play with fire, scarecrow?"

"Do it Sydney, you won't hurt me." Ally said confidently as she watched Syd raise the candle over her chest and painfully waited in anticipation as the wax slowly ran from the candle onto her chest. "Oooh......." She hissed.

"Did that hurt you?" Syd asked sincerely.

"No it feels really umm.........I don't know how to describe it, but it definitely didn't hurt."

"The journalist doesn't know how to describe something?" She kidded.

"You win this time Sydney, take it while you can."

"How about I take you instead?" She purred as she let another few drops fall onto Ally's chest. A drop of wax rolled to her nipple before it hardened making Ally pull on her restrained arms. Her body was reacting to the stimulus with a ferocity she didn't expect. She was fully enjoying Sydney's little surprise. Another flow of the wax fell onto her and it landed directly on her nipple making her cry out. Sydney dripped some water from the pool on the same spot and the combination of hot and cold made Ally shudder with desire.

Sydney drew patterns on her lover's chest and abdomen with the wax until she wanted to do much more than watch her lover squirm, she wanted to take Ally over the edge of reality. She wanted the screams, she needed to hear her name called into the heavens. She ladled more water over Ally's body and rubbed her chest until all the wax fell off her body. The exotic massage had Ally writhing with need. Sydney brought her hands lower to feel Ally's excitement. Not even the pool could wash away her lover's wetness.

Syd played in Ally's folds of skin and slowly entered her with one teasing finger.

"Oh sweet Jesus!!!!" Ally screamed out.

Syd began to thrust slowly into her lover as her thumb stimulated Ally's clitoris. She added a finger to the assault and felt Ally's body grind into her. Her arms were pulling hard on the railing wanting to be free to pull Sydney into her. The excitement of the restraints was almost unbearable...almost.

Syd slid down and raised Ally's legs over her shoulders. She leaned back pulling on Ally, making the rest of Ally's body buoyant. She kissed her inner thighs and looked into Ally's eyes knowing that it wouldn't take much to bring her to release. Sydney had never seen a more beautiful sight in her life. She leaned forward and licked Ally's sex from the base of her anus to the tip of her clitoris. Ally's body started squirming from the welcomed invasion. Her breath was coming in short pants and Syd heard her name coming from deep within Ally's throat. Her tongue rapidly moved against Ally's clit bringing her closer and closer to release. She drove her fingers deeper inside of Ally as she moved her tongue faster.

"Oh my God....Sydney.......fuck..........I'm..........ooooooooohhh!!!" Ally shouted out as her release flooded through her body. She hung on to the railing as Sydney continued her assault on her body. Her body shook with every touch from Sydney's mouth and fingers. When Sydney knew her lover had had enough, she slowly lowered Ally's legs back into the water and pressed her body against her. Ally wrapped her head against Sydney's head and shoulder in an embrace.

"Please....Sydney, can you take these off now? I need to hold you." Ally pleaded.

"Yes sweetheart, of course." She reached up to the towel and found the key releasing Ally's spent arms. Ally brought her arms around Sydney's strong form and held her as tightly as she could.

"My God Sydney, that was amazing." She whispered out. "The combination of everything was so exhilarating. You are really an incredible lover." She said softly as her emotions came over her and she began to cry.

"Shh, it's OK sweetie, I've gotcha. Shhh. It was really wonderful for me too baby. To feel you lose all control like that, watching your expressions change, feeling your body finally giving in to me. Oh My God.....there is no other feeling like it. You are quite an astonishing lover yourself." She said as she gently kissed her lover's forehead.

"I thank God everyday for bringing you to me. You are the most important thing in my life. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

"Let's not think about that. Hopefully we won't ever have to find that out." She squeezed Ally closer to her. "Let's think about something much happier, like your birthday."

"What about my birthday?"

"Is there anything special you want or want to do?"

"I haven't really thought about it. I'm sure you'll think of something though. You, I have found out, are very resourceful." Ally smiled into Syd's strong embrace.

'Yes I am, and believe me, between Tracey and I, you are going to have the best birthday ever, you just wait.' Syd thought as she felt Ally's smile against her.

*~*~*~*

The first night sleeping in Ally's house was a quiet one for the two women, especially Sydney. Even though they fell off to sleep in the wee hours of the morning, she still woke up with the birds. She wasn't quite sure what to do with herself, since this was the first morning in about three years that she didn't have to tend to the horses in Edna's stables. Edna always would ask her to take a vacation, but Sydney would always politely decline.

Syd decided to get up from under the warm assault of Ally's body. She managed to sneak out of the bed without waking her. There wasn't an easy way to awaken Ally, so she knew she could escape without disturbing her. She walked downstairs and started to clean up their mess they had made the previous night. The sight in front of her made her smile. Her little surprise paid off in spades. They had both had a wonderful time, but Sydney still felt a little guilty for not telling Ally about Sharon and her past with her. Syd knew she would probably feel better, but she couldn't stand the thought of what Ally would think of her after she knew what was done to her. She didn't want pity, she just wished all of the past and all of her thoughts of Sharon, would just go away.

*~*~*~*

Ally opened her eyes and noticed right away that she was alone. At first she was a little unnerved by this, then she figured that Syd probably got up at dawn like she usually does.

"Does she ever sleep?" She sleepily said to herself.

Ally got up and put a pair of shorts on and one of Syd's large T-shirts on and stumbled into the bathroom. After she finished with her morning necessities, she went downstairs in search of Sydney. She found her poolside sunning herself. Ally took in the breathtaking sight before her. Sydney had donned her black bikini and went out for a morning swim. She did a few laps then lied in the lawnchair to get some sunshine. She felt Ally's presence before Ally even said anything to her.

"Good morning gorgeous." Syd greeted.

"How do you do that?" Ally marveled.

"I have many skills." She smiled and squinted up at her friend.

"Yes, I think you have shown me that." Ally smiled back. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Mmm, yes I did. Your bed is quite comfortable."

"Yeah, I had forgotten what it felt like. I think last night was the first night in weeks that I didn't have a nightmare."

"I was going to say something about that but I didn't want to jinx anything."

"Thanks for noticing."

"Hey, when you are concerned, I always notice. In a room of thousands, I would know if you were missing."

"You are sweet." She said as she put her arms around Sydney from behind her chair.

"Yeah, but don't let that get around. I got a reputation to uphold."

"Ooh, right. Sorry." She kissed Sydney's cheek.

"Are you hungry sweetheart? I think you worked up quite an appetite from last night."

"Yeah, but whose fault is that?"

"Oh I'll take full responsibility for that, with pleasure." She said as she gave a full smile to Ally.

"God you are so beautiful."

"So are you little one. So are you." She said as she caressed the cheek looking down at her. "Let's get some breakfast."

"Sure. You up for going into town? I really don't want to cook."

"Alright, let me put something on that's not so revealing, and we can go."

"Aww and spoil my visual from across a table?"

"Sorry to disappoint, but I don't think everyone would share your opinion."

"Oh, I beg to differ. I'm sure there are plenty of people that wouldn't mind the view."

"Well, too bad for them that I am already taken."

"Yes, terrible shame don't you think?"

"Not for me. Come on, let's eat."

"There is a place called The Harbor that I know you will love. They only serve breakfast and lunch, but it is the best food around as far as breakfast. They will make you any kind of egg that you can think of. It's great stuff. Ooh I can't wait." She said clapping and skipping up to the house. Sydney just watched the childlike antics coming from Ally with a huge smile.

*~*~*~*

Ally drove into town like she was visiting for the first time. Her memories of life with her parents seemed so long ago. This was a whole new thing for her. She was just grateful that Sydney was there with her. They pulled into the small shopping plaza and parked near the restaurant. Ally couldn't believe that she was home again.

"God Sydney, it feels like I have been gone a lifetime. It is so strange to be here."

"I bet honey. Did you want to go in?"

"In a sec, I just want to look around for a minute."

Ally just walked through the tiny plaza gazing in every window to see if they had changed as much as she had in the last few months. She came across a tiny clothing shop and smiled to Sydney.

"They have the best cashmere sweaters in this place. Mom got me one for Christmas last year that is just the best."

"Did you want to browse for awhile before brunch?" She said looking at her watch.

"Nah, I just liked reminiscing. We can go, I am truly hungry."

"OK Hon, let's go. I hope there isn't a long wait."

"Hopefully not, but unfortunately this place is usually packed around lunchtime. Lots of business people come here from all over just to eat here. It's really great."

"Can't wait, let's go and get our name in."

Looking up from her menus the hostess asked, "How many?"

"Just the two of us." Ally replied.

"Name?"

"McKenna."

"McKenna?" The hostess asked again.

"Yes Ally McKenna."

"Wow, you probably don't remember me, it's Melissa Milo, we went to the high school together."

"Oh yeah, Melissa, how are you?"

"I am doing well. I heard about what happened to your parents. I am so sorry. Your father helped a lot of this town's "Most Stressed"."

"Thanks. It's been a rough year but I have had a lot of help from some really wonderful people. My dad loved what he did and really cared about his patients. I know a lot of people will miss him."

"Yes that's true. Umm, the wait will only be a few more minutes."

"That's all? This placed is jammed." Ally said as she looked around the restaurant.

"I'll get you in. I have a little bit of an edge over these people."

"Thanks Melissa." Ally gratefully smiled.

"Sure Ally, take care." Melissa said with a sincere smile.

"You too, good to see you."

"You too." She replied as she walked towards oncoming guests.

"She seemed nice." Syd chimed in.

"Yeah, she was extremely quiet in high school. You could be guaranteed a smile from her though if you said hello. She was one of those people who you knew would be a loyal friend. You know?"

"Yeah, so why didn't you hang with her?"

"We hung out in different circles I guess you could say. Funny, I don't really see or talk to any of those people now. My only constant has been Tracey."

"They say people change their ways in time. Those others weren't meant to be your friends."

"I guess not. I didn't even hear from alot of them when my parents died."

"That's terrible. I'm sorry."

"What for? I am much better off without them." Ally said confidently.

A voice came from the front counter. "McKenna, party of two."

"That's us, come on!" Ally jumped from the waiting seats.

"Right behind you." Syd chuckled at her obviously hungry partner.

The two women were seated in a large booth in the upper level of the restaurant. Syd just looked around in disbelief at a place being so crowded that only served two meals out of the day.

"It's really nice in here."

"Yeah, like I said a lot of people come here from all over. I think some just spend their lunch hour in the car to get here."

"Wow, it must have a great reputation." Sydney added.

"Yes it does, and it seems to be growing."

A waitress arrived at their table, "What can I get you ladies? Anything cold to drink today?"

"I'll just have water." Sydney said.

"Will that be bottled, filtered, mineral, carbonated, caffeinated or tap?"

Sydney just stared at Ally with her mouth open and eyes wide. She then returned her stare to the waitress. Ally had to stifle her laugh with her hand.

"Umm, I guess tap is fine."

"Lemon or no lemon?"

'Christ I just want a glass of water!!' She thought to herself. "No lemon...thank you."

"And you miss?" The waitress turned to Ally.

"I'll have what she's having." Ally said as she stopped herself from laughing out loud.

he waitress flipped her pad closed, smiled, and walked to get their innocuous beverages.

"Oh......my God. All I asked for was water. I never really thought about how many different ways people would drink it. Jesus!!" Syd said while still wide eyed.

Laughing with her, "I know, I wasn't sure if I should stop her to take a breath or not. Nothing is simple anymore, you know? Not EVEN water." She said looking at her menu, "What are you going to get?"

"God, I have no idea. If ordering water was this much trouble, I am afraid to order anything of substance."

Giggling, "Don't be, just get what you want. I'm sure they can make anything that you like."

"We'll see." She said smiling.

The waitress came back with their glasses of tap water, and opened her pad up to take the ladies' orders. Her eyes widened with the amount of food that Ally ordered. Sydney struggled through the ordering process and hoped to get her food the way she liked. Ally seemed confident that she would.

"Would you excuse me Ally, I am going to visit the ladies room. Where is it, do you know?"

"Umm...yeah... it's over by the kitchen area...see the arrow?"

"Yeah, thanks hon. See you in a bit."

"OK." Ally answered as she grabbed a package of breadsticks and began dipping them into the butter. "Mmm, God I am so hungry." She said to the empty seat across from her.

*~*~*~*

Sydney walked into the ladies room and did what she needed to do in there. She walked out of the stall and walked towards the sink to wash her hands and face. She rinsed off her face and felt a towel being held out to her. She accepted it and dried her face.

"Thanks..." Her words stopped cold when her eyes met with dark brown ones.

"Hello Sydney. My my my, what a small world it is." Sharon chuckled.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Syd nearly spat trying to control her emotions.

"Now Sydney is that anyway to treat an old friend?" She crooned.

"You are NOT my friend. Have you been following me? What the hell do you want from me? Answer my question!" She said very impatiently.

"Following you? My aren't we the arrogant one. Don't flatter yourself darling, I am here on business."

"Business?" She said disbelieving.

"Yes darling, daddy's little company is planning a merger with one of the big boys of the Midwest. He sent me to..."

"To use your only attribute? He wanted you to seduce the big boys into seeing things "your way"? Right? You make me sick." She tried to push away from the platinum blonde invading her space.

"Oh Sydney, you can't still be angry with me, can you?"

"Sharon, I don't feel anything but pity for you. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah, you can tell me the name of that fine little thing sitting with you."

Sydney couldn't control her temper any longer. She threw Sharon up against the wall and pinned her forearm under the blonde's throat. "You even breathe on her, and I will rip you apart with my bare hands. Do you understand me?"

"That's alright Sydney, I know all about young Alicia. Shame what happened to her parents. I bet she is desperate need of comfort. I'm sure I could..." Sharon was cut off by added pressure of Sydney's arm at her throat.

"You know what Sharon? You have about two seconds to shut the fuck up before I kill your whoring ass. Leave her alone you psychotic freak or I swear to you...." Sydney hissed at Sharon.

Laughing through her gritted teeth. "Oh Sydney...God I forgot how sexy you are. Especially when you get angry. Does she see that angry side of you Sydney? Does she know what a bad ass you are Sydney? Does she know about Billy? I bet you didn't tell her about that, did you?" Sharon paused and watched proudly as her words dug into Syd like daggers. "Does she see that aggressive sexual side of you? Does she like it rough like I did... Sydney?" The blonde taunted. Sydney's breath was coming in short gusts of emotion. Sharon just laughed and smiled. "Hmm?"

"You stay away from her Sharon. She is NOTHING like you!!! You harm one hair on her head, I swear to you; I will make it my purpose in life to make yours a living hell. If you even SPEAK my brother's name again, I will be your greatest nightmare. I promise you that." She seductively hissed into Sharon's ear.

"Ooh baby, I'm getting so hot. Talk to me some more." She said as she licked her lips.

"God you are disgusting!!" Sydney spat as she let go of her hold on Sharon. She pointed her finger at Sharon in warning. "If you do anything, or say anything to her, I'll come after you." She said and walked out of the ladies' room leaving an amused Sharon behind to straighten her suit. Sharon smiled at her reflection.

"Oh Sydney, you ain't seen nothing yet." She smiled with aplomb.

*~*~*~*

Sydney stormed out of the ladies room and stopped to collect herself. She stood behind the wall separating the restrooms from the main room of the restaurant. After taking a few breaths, she made her way back to the table to where Ally was seated.

"Hey sweetie, are you alright? You look a little pale." Ally observed.

"Ally......I...." Syd started as she sat down.

"Here we are..." The waitress came just as Sydney began to tell Ally what had happened.

"Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and an English muffin with strawberry jam." She said as she put Sydney's plate down in front of her.

"And for you, we have a three egg four cheese omelet, a side of bacon, a side of sausage, a small stack of blueberry pancakes, hash browns, an English muffin with grape jelly, a glass of milk, and two glasses of orange juice. Honey, I don't know where you are going to put this, but bon appetět." She said as she sauntered off to another table.

"Oooo, look at this, God I am so hungry. Dig in sweetheart." Ally said excitedly as she began to eat as if she hadn't in a week.

Sydney watched the younger woman consume huge amounts of food as she sat and stared at her full plate.

"Shydnee, are yooo k?" Ally said with a partially full mouth as she noticed Syd not eating.

"Yeah, um, I think I lost my appetite. I'm not feeling that well all of a sudden. Maybe it's a little flu left from last night." She lied.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. I forgot about that. God, I'm so sorry. We can take this to go so we can get back home." Ally compromised.

"NO! Please finish your meal. You know how much I love to watch you eat." She tried to sincerely smile but it just wasn't coming through, and Ally saw right through it.

"Sydney what is wrong, honey? Please tell me." Ally almost pleaded.

"I will tell you, but just not here, and just not now. When the time is right Ally, when the time is right." Syd explained.

"OK, I will hold you to that baby. You can tell me anything. It won't change the way I feel about you, nothing could."

"Thanks sweetheart, I don't know what I would do without you." She reached across the table to hold Ally's hand.

Sharon strolled out of the ladies room and glanced up at Sydney. They made eye contact, Sharon winked at her, smiled, then strut out of the restaurant. Sydney swallowed her emotions as she watched Sharon leave and gently caressed Ally's hand. Ally looked up from her meal and smiled at Sydney. She continued to devour the food in front of her until there was nothing but crumbs left. The waitress came by and in disbelief and took Ally's empty plates. She tossed away Sydney's uneaten eggs as per Sydney's request. 'Who likes to eat reheated eggs anyway?' Syd thought to herself.

Ally and Sydney walked up to the counter and Sydney insisted on paying for their meal. With a final huff, Ally agreed to let her pay and they left the restaurant. The two were quiet on the way home and Ally couldn't help but wonder what had set Sydney off. She was never like this. Ally looked over at her partner and saw the lost look on her face as she stared out the window.

'What is going on with you baby? God I wish you would just tell me. It can't be that bad. It can't be...' Ally thought to herself as they pulled into her driveway.

*~*~*~*

Ally went into the garage to get the last of the boxes she had to pack up the rest of her things. She had decided with Edna that the best way to handle all of the furniture in the house was to have an estate sale. Whatever she could sell she would, and whatever she couldn't she would donate or throw away. She had gone through quite a bit before moving to Montana, but there was more than ten years worth of stuff here. Tracey had helped her on more than one occasion get her ready for her big move. Her mother's jewelry and clothing had been sorted and given away. What people didn't want she donated to the Salvation Army. She had kept her mother's wedding ring set for herself. It was always a favorite of hers and she knew her mom would have wanted her to have it. There were a few items of her clothing that had extreme sentimental value to them, so she kept them as well. Her mother had recently gone to Paris and had brought back some wonderful perfume, Boucheron. On days when Ally really missed her, she would spray it into the air just to have her scent nearby.

Ally cleaned out her parent's room in a few hours while Sydney decided to take care of the living and dining rooms downstairs. Sydney took this time to wonder why Sharon was in town, and how she knew about Ally. She was shaking with feelings she hadn't felt in a long time. She was angry, nervous, and most of all she was in shock. Seeing Sharon was not on her things to do list for the day, and really was playing with her head.

'God, what the hell is she doing here anyway? How does she know about Alicia and what happened to her parents? It's not like she gives a shit about the human race, well only if she gets to sleep with them. Uugghhh, why the hell did she have to show up?' Sydney was reeling in her mind as Ally walked downstairs to meet her.

"Hey baby, feeling any better?" Ally asked sympathetically.

"Yeah I guess a little." She lied.

"Are you hungry at all? I could make you something to eat since you didn't get anything at the restaurant."

"No sweetheart that is okay, I don't really feel up to eating. Did you talk to Tracey at all? Does she want to go out this evening?"

"I did get a chance to talk with her briefly after lunch but her new girlfriend wants to spend time with her tonight. So I guess it's just you and me tonight."

"Ohh, new girlfriend eh? Is she cute?" Ally wiggled her eyebrows.

"Well according to Trace, she is a "hotty". I guess they finally had sex, which is weird I think."

"Sex with your girlfriend is weird? Um, I think you had better talk to mine then, 'cause she kind of likes that."

Laughing, "Ha ha, no I mean it's kinda soon for Tracey. She was the type to wait a while before making that kind of commitment. She has only known this woman, um, Char I think her name is, for a couple months."

"Alicia, I hate to break it to you, but you and I made love within days of knowing each other."

"I know, but I am not Tracey, nor do I think it is the same. Char is a business associate of Tracey's. They have only really seen each other like four or five times."

"Oh, so she's isn't from around here?"

"No I think she is on the West Coast somewhere. LA maybe? I don't remember. Anyway, she just arrived and is actually staying for a week or so this time, so maybe we'll get to meet her."

"Great, maybe we can get together or something with them for dinner or what not."

"I think that is a great idea. I really want to meet the woman who made Tracey's morals go right down the crapper!!" She said with a large smile.

"Well I'm sure she is something else if she broke down Tracey's walls so easily."

"Well, I guess we have to wait to find out."

"Yep." Sydney agreed. "Ah, I got most of these rooms in boxes for the sale. Did you want any of this stuff? There is some really nice porcelain statues and things here."

"No, I pretty much went through and kept all that I wanted to keep, as did Edna. My other family really didn't come around that much so I don't think they are getting any of it. I think I would rather sell it or donate the rest. It looks so damn empty in here. It's like someone else's house."

Sydney wrapped her arms around Ally. "I know baby. How are you holding up? Can I do anything for you?" Syd asked sincerely.

"You just being here with me is all I will ever need. Thank you for coming here with me. I'm not sure I would be this together had you not."

"Where you go, I go, get used to it." She smiled into the top of Ally's head.

"That's easy enough." Ally tightened her hold on her. 'I love you baby' She thought to herself.

ONE WEEK LATER

"So everything is a go for tomorrow night?" Sydney asked Tracey quietly.

"Yes, I have called all of our friends and Edna should arrive early tomorrow morning. I will pick her up from the airport and keep her with me until the evening. Are you sure she has no idea?" Tracey inquired insistently.

"No Tracey, she hasn't the foggiest. I can't wait! She needs this so much. I think a night spent with old friends in celebration will be exactly what she needs to give her some kind of closure here. And Tracey?" Syd prompted.

"Yeah?" She responded.

"Thank you for this. You are truly a good friend. I can see why she speaks so highly of you."

"Right back atcha babe. She is so smitten with you. I have never seen her this happy. So I guess thanks are in order to you."

"I really care about Alicia. I wouldn't hurt her for anything in the world. I would rather spit on the Pope than break her heart."

"That's a lovely visual, but I get your meaning."

"All right then. I guess the last thing is to make sure we have enough to drink, the catering place knows the time and place. This is going to be a night that we all will remember, for a long time."

"I hope so, Sydney."

"Me too. I've got to run. Ciao." Sydney hung up abruptly.

"Ciao?" Tracey smirked as she hung up the phone. "Ally, you've got yourself an incredible woman." She said as she snuggled up to Char. "And so do I." Tracey said as she kissed the smiling face looking up at her. "Babe, you are going to love Ally and Sydney. They are so awesome. I can't wait. Ally is going to be so surprised!"

'So is Sydney.' Sharon smirked into Tracey's body. "I can't wait to see her expression!! God how I love surprises." Although it was Sydney's surprise Sharon was after, not Ally's.

"Me too Char, me too."

*~*~*~*

Tracey knew Char from Backburn Inc. a small software company looking to expand their company to the Midwest. Char came into Chicago to make a play for her company. Tracey being one of the research managers decided to meet with her to talk about her father's ideas of coming to the Midwest. They met a couple of months ago and have seen each other a few times to discuss their companies and what they might offer one another. Talking at a restaurant the two women discussed many things outside of work. They both discovered that they enjoyed the company of women, and made a point to see each other the next time Char came into town. Tracey could not wait. Char was a beautiful woman blonde hair, deep brown eyes and a beautifully shaped mouth. She stood about 5'8" and had absolutely no body fat. To Tracey she wreaked perfection.

Char came into Chicago to check the status of their merger and, of course, to see Tracey. The two were fast becoming more than friends. The distance was the only thing to come between them. Tracey and Char consummated their relationship after Char's third visit to Chicago. Tracey was not one for casual sex, but there was nothing casual about Char. She was extraordinarily exciting.

Everything about her was a mystery to Tracey. She seemed very elusive about her past, it was obvious she had been hurt and did not want to reopen old wounds. After Tracey had unsuccessfully asked her about it, she decided to leave well enough alone. Char didn't come in that often, so she just wanted to enjoy what little time they had together. Tracey was so excited about her enigmatic lover she couldn't wait for Ally to meet her. Tracey told Ally about Char the day she met her:

"Hello?" Ally answered.

"Hey baby!!"

"Trace!! How are you honey? God I miss you."

"Me too, I am really good. How are you doing?" Tracey asked tenderly.

"Things are alright Tracey. They get better each day. Sydney has been a great support to me. I can't wait for you two to meet. You are going to love her!!!"

"Well, I have some news myself."

"Do you??? Who did you meet and where?" Ally laughed knowing full well it had to be a woman.

"Ally, God, she is such a hotty!! She is like 5'8", blonde with brown eyes and a body to die for. There is no pinchability on this woman. The girl is tight!!" She said exuberantly.

"Wow Trace, she sounds fabulous. I can't wait to meet her. Where did you guys hook up?"

"Wanna hear something funny? We met at work. I was just saying how horrid it was working here since there was no eye candy, then in walks Char. God, she took my breath away. Girl she is soooo sexy. She could turn any straight woman, I am sure of it. God Damn!!"

"Damn Trace, sounds like you got a keeper there. Have you gone out yet? Like on a date or anything?"

"Well that's the problem. We went out once after one of our meetings to a restaurant and we just clicked. We talked about everything. I talked about you and Sydney and how long you and I have known each other. I mean we just talked and talked. I haven't met a woman that could hold a conversation like that in a long time. I was ready to swear off intelligent women because I didn't think they existed anymore!" They chuckled to each other. "No, seriously she is really amazing Ally."

"I am so happy for you. But wait, you mentioned a problem?"

"Oh yeah, um well, she lives in California. She works for a small software company that wants to move to the Midwest. So we are looking to do a small expansion to bring them over here. Blah blah you don't need to hear that part, that's the boring stuff. So she came out here to talk to some companies and she found us. The rest is history. So the problem is she lives across the country. I don't know if I am up for a long distance relationship. I mean, part of me says "Man, go get her!", then the sensible part of me says "No, it'll be too hard on you." I don't know what to do, but for right now, she is all I can think about."

"Well see what happens the next time she comes into town and play it from there."

"I guess you're right, but man. My luck huh? I finally find a "Woo!" girl and she lives two thousand miles away."

"I'm sorry Trace. Um, on a happier note, I think I'll be coming home in a month or so."

"Really? That is awesome!! I really miss you Ally."

"Me too hon. I am gonna sell the house, so I need to pack up and get it ready to sell. It'll probably be at the end of September."

"Kick ass, I can't wait to see you. I can't wait to meet Sydney. She sounds wonderful."

"She is Trace she is. But ah, I gotta get going so I will call you with information on when I'll be coming home okay?"

"OK Hon, take care of yourself, I love you."

"I love you too Trace. I'll talk with you soon. Bye."

"Bye."

*~*~*~*

"Who was that on the phone Hon?" Ally asked a startled Sydney.

"Um, it was Tracey, I thought you were going to take a nap?" Sydney quickly replied.

"No I couldn't sleep. What did she want?"

"Well she wanted to see what we were doing tomorrow night. I guess she wants to introduce her new girlfriend to us."

"Ooh cool!! I should call her back." Ally said excitedly.

"No!" Ally raised her eyebrows at Sydney's tone of voice. Thinking quickly Sydney said, "Um, well she said they were going out and she would call you in the morning or something."

Sighing, "Alright I guess I'll talk to her tomorrow then." Ally took a look around and saw that the entire downstairs had been cleaned. "My goodness Sydney. Look at all the work you did. This place is immaculate. You can actually hear an echo now. Thank you so much for all of your help. I couldn't have done all of this without you."

"You are most welcome sweetheart. I just want everything to go smoothly and as pain-free as possible for you. I know how hard this must be. I remember when we had to pack up my mom's belongings. It was really hard on my brother and me. She was all that we had left after dad and.....um....well after he died. I can't imagine what you must be going through. I, at least had Tim."

"Well Miss Sydney, I have you, and Eddi and I have Tracey. So I think I am doing just fine. Thank you for your concern though." She said as she circled her arms around Syd's larger frame and laid her head against her chest.

"You're welcome baby." Syd murmured into Ally. They sat like that for several minutes and enjoyed the peace that passed between them.

*~*~*~*

Sydney couldn't wait for the festivities to begin. She was determined to make this the best birthday Ally ever had. She was fighting a mental battle with herself and decided that she was going to bite the bullet and tell Ally that she loved her tonight. She had purchased Ally's birthday present when Ally was sleeping in. She found her way into town and went in to the town's jewelers. Her eyes immediately fixated on a simple gold band with several tiny diamonds embedded in it.

"Ooh, I like that one, may I see it please?" Syd pointed inside the glass case.

"Absolutely, it is quite an eye catcher." The jeweler opened the case and took out the ring and handed it to Sydney.

Sydney fingered the small band and decided it was simple yet classy, just like Alicia. It was perfect.

"Can I have it engraved today? I need it for tonight."

"As luck would have it, my engraver is working today which is rare for a Saturday. Let me ask him if he has anything else lined up." He said as he smiled at his customer. "Just give me a minute, I'll be right back." He took the ring in question with him to the back of the store. He went into the storeroom and looked for his employee.

Several moments had passed when the stocky man returned with a smile on his face.

"Well ma'am, you are in luck. He said he would take care of this for you while you waited. Do you have a few minutes?"

Excitedly Sydney shook her head. "Yes I do, thank you so very much. This will mean a great deal to a very special person." She gave the man a dazzling smile to which he found himself hypnotized by.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, he began filling out the invoice. Sydney gave him Ally's ring size and what she wanted engraved on it. Within a half-hour she had her gift and was on her way home.

"Now if I can keep this courage I will give it to her tonight. I don't know what I am worried about. Alicia is nothing like Sharon. I just have to keep reminding myself of that. They are nothing alike, thank God." She said to herself as she pulled into the driveway.

She parked the car in the garage and went into the house to wake her sleeping woman. She walked up the stairs and into Ally's room to find a breathtaking view. Ally had rolled onto her stomach while clutching her pillow. Her naked form was only covered from her waist down. Her knee was sticking out of the sheet and slightly hanging over the bed's edge. Her golden locks were spilled down her back and shoulders with a few stray strands falling into her face. She was absolutely beautiful. Suddenly Syd's fears all seemed to disappear with one look at Alicia. Seeing this angel before her completely dissolved any reservations she'd had in proclaiming her love.

After taking a moment to memorize every curve of Ally's lithe form, she decided to kick off her shoes and curl up next to her.

Ally immediately felt Sydney's presence and rolled her back into Sydney's front. Sydney's arm draped around Ally's waist in reflex, and the rest of her body spooned into Ally's back. It was a perfect fit.

Sydney just lay there smelling the wonderful scent that was Ally. Her hair smelled like flowers and her body emitted a fragrance that was crisp and clean. Sydney would have stayed like that all morning, but Ally stirred awake and rolled towards Sydney.

"Mm, good morning sweetheart." Ally sleepily said.

"Good morning sleepy head. Did you sleep well?"

"Mmhmm, I did. I have slept so well since coming home. I hope I don't get spoiled by this."

"I think you have just been really tired. We have been doing alot since we got here. You are just tuckered out."

"Perhaps. Have you been up long?"

"Nah, just an hour or so. I couldn't resist coming back to snuggle with you. You looked so damn cute."

Ally just smiled into Sydney's chest and inhaled deeply. She loved the way this woman smelled. She had this wonderful musk about her that was all her own. It was intoxicating as well as arousing. She could feel Sydney's fingernails moving up and down her back and she felt the gooseflesh rising. The touches became more urgent as did the need to be one with each other. Ally tilted her head up and captured Syd's wanting mouth with her own. Their tongues instantly sought out the other's. They tenderly stroked each other's tongues and nipped at each other's lips. Ally caught Sydney's bottom lip and began to suck on it. She fully pressed her mouth against Sydney's again and felt a bolt of desire wash over her. Sydney caught Ally's mo