Well, here we go again. I dont know why I sound so downmaybe it is because my muse left for a 3-day weekendYou know who you are!!!! But as they say, Life goes on, so must I.

Ash, I pray that your parents dont react the way you think they will. Funny thing is, I come from a Roman catholic, republican family (thank goodness there are a couple of us in the family that usually go against the grain).

Darkhorse & Sous ChefThank you SO much for your continued supportI always look forward to reading your comments, as I do all my comments. Yes, you are correct, her parents are idiots. Unfortunately there are a lot of idiots in this world (and just not about this subject). Who knows, maybe we can open some eyes.

LSUfanHow can I say thisI dont knowyes I doit is so nice that a story like this can bring 2 SEC rivals together (I bleed UK blue”I have a shirt that says soLOL). I hope that you dont hold that against me and you keep reading.

To all my other readers, thank you again for taking time out of your day or night to spend it with me.

Nowyou all know the drill by heart by now…grab what you want and enjoy!

Chapter 10

It had only seemed like a few minutes, but Dana had been asleep for three hours. She didnt want to move, she was comfortable with her head in Laras lap. She also didnt want to wake her napping partner. Just being like this seemed to give some relief to Danas pain. She didnt know how she was going to face the world, but she knew that the woman who was with her would somehow help her through. She felt safe as she intertwined her fingers with the ones that were laid upon her side. As she turned over and ran one of her fingers back and forth over Laras palm, a sleepy smile formed on Laras lips as she began to open her eyes.

That feels nice.

Thank you for everything. I am so glad that you are here with me.

I wouldnt want to be anyplace else. Lara became hesitant, Sweetheart, do youumdo you think that you could talk about what happened?

Dana turned her face away and brought her free hand to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. II dontI dont know if I can.

Well, when Lara was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Who could that be? Dana couldnt think of who could be stopping by, so she got up and walked to the door to find out. Shane, what are you doing here?

Alice called and told me to come pick her up at your place. Are you doing okay? Shane wouldnt ever let anyone know it, but she did have a soft place in her heart where her friends were concerned.

I am feeling kinda numb right now. Dana didnt really know what she was feeling, the feelings coursing through her body were all jumbled like a 1000 piece puzzle that had just been dumped, waiting to be put together.

Shane looked around and a saw Lara heading towards the kitchen. Hey Lara.

Hi. Lara wanted to give the two friends some privacy. Im going to go grab something to drink real quick, would anyone like something?

NahIm fine. Thanks though.

Dana, can I bring you back anything from the kitchen?

Maybe in a little while, I really dont feel like anything right now. Dana now returned her attention back to Shane. Why did Alice want you to pick her up here? Dana didnt remember Alice taking the SUV because at that moment all she was thinking was how her parents would probably never talk to her again.

She took your new ride home. Dana looked even more confused. Lara was apparently walking you in and you or her told Alice to go on and take the Subaru home instead of calling a cab.

OhI really dont remember a lot from this afternoon. After the hotel I just shutdown.

Yeah thats what Al said. But she knew you were in good hands, so she didnt want to intrude.

One corner of Danas mouth curled up, Thats a first. Ive never known Alice not pass up a chance to be in the middle of something.

Yeah, youre right bout that one.

What is she right about? Neither had noticed Alice open the door and walk in. Oh, here are your keysI love the car you got from Subaruit drives great! So what is Dana right about? Alice looked like she was watching on of Danas tennis matches waiting for someone to answer her question.

She is right about you.

Me?

Yeah, Shane began to get a little animated with her shoulders and arms, about how you are such a concerned friend. Alice looked perplexed. You know, how you somehow always end up in the middle of everything.

Dana was standing there supporting her right elbow as her hand was trying to cover the laughter. It was the first time sincewell since her parents walked out on her. Lara stood back and felt a sense of relief seeing Dana finally laugh.

Hey are you going to come to the party Dane?

I dont know Shane. I mean Im kinda tired and Lara

Bring her with yayou know the more the merrier.

Ill see if she wants to go. I know that she is pretty tired herself.

Lara listening to the conversation and walking up behind Dana, scaring her, Whos tired?

God you scared the ***** outta me. I didnt hear you come back in.

You scare too easily. Lara said as she placed a kiss on Danas red cheek. Hey Alice, I didnt know you were here. So whats goin on?

Well we are trying to get your girlfriend to go to ***** the Night and have a few drinks with everyone, but she is being a fuddy-duddy

Alice, Ive had a rough day and

I was kidding Danaanyway, we were trying to get her to see if you wanted to go to.

Lara was touched by the invitation. These were the first real people that had befriended her. Its up to Dana, whatever she wants to do.

Well Dane? How bout it?

I guess I could use a night out and a drink or twoLara?

Sure, do I have time to change?

Why dont you meet us there? Alice knew that they both needed some time to get ready.

Sure, sounds like a plan. Dana wanted a little time alone with Lara before they went to this party. With that, Shane and Alice said their see ya theres and left. Dana turned around and pulled Lara into a hug. Do you know how wonderful you are and how lucky I am that you are in my life?

Not really, Lara began to get a devilish look in her eyes and grin on her face, why dont you tell me.

Dana leaned in towards Laras ear and seductively whispered, You are the most wonderful person that I know and my life is so much better with you in it. Dana pulled back and gazed into Laras eyes. You have been my strength and my heart. If you hadnt been here, I dont know what I would have done. She leaned in and gave her a sensual kiss.

Lara pulled back, I told you I wouldnt be anyplace else. They both stared at each other, allowing their eyes say their I love yous Well, we better get ready or theyll come looking for us.

Yeah, Alice would be back here if we didnt show up. They both laughed as they went to the bedroom to get changed. As they were heading upstairs, Dana was thinking how right this felt, having Lara there. She knew that she never wanted her to leave, but they had just gotten back together. Were they moving too fast?

They finally finished changing and headed out the door to Danas SUV. Lara thought that Dana seemed to get kind of distant over the last few minutes. Dana, are you okay?

Yeah, Im just thinking about everything.

Like what?

About what happened today, mom and dad, you.

Do you want to talk about them? Lara heard Dana when she said that she was thinking about her, but she knew that the feelings that were being kept hidden away about her parents were more important at that moment.

Right now, no. I wanna talk about you, about us. Dana was nervous, but she knew that she had been through the beginnings of ***** today, she could handle anything.

Us?

Yeah, I have been wondering something. Dana took a deep breath and began. You are helping me through the most horrible time in my life and you dont know what it means to have you here, with me. I know that we just got back together and that we have a lot to still work out, but, this, you, me, it just feels right. I hate you having to live out of a bag when you come over or wear my clothes.
You dont like me in your clothes? Lara feigned a hurt look, but she was figuring out where Dana was headed.

NO! Thats not itI love seeing you in my clothes, you look so ***** in them. Heck, you look ***** in anything. What I was trying toWhat I was wonderingOH *****! Lara, would you want to move in with me? There it was, she had asked Lara to share her house with her.

Dana, I dont

Never mind, I knew I was moving too fast. Dana thought she had gone too far, that Lara wasnt ready for this. Im sor..

Would you please let me finish? Lara cut Dana off in mid-sentence and got a nod. Thank you. What I was going to say was I dont think I could be anywhere else right now. She could see the relief come over Danas face and placed her hand over Danas.

You will?!? Danas eyes lit up and a smile came over her face.

But Dana, There it was, the but, Dana was hoping it wasnt going to show up. we need to set some ground rules. You were right, we do have a lot to work out and you have just been through something horrible. You are on an emotional roller coaster and you need to be sure that this is what you really want. I dont want to be a replacement for your family. I could never be that, a replacement or substitute.

Dana understood what Lara was saying. It did seem like she was filling the hole left in her life with Lara, but she knew that she wanted Lara with her and not across town. We can do ground rules. Whatever you want. Both women knew that this was right, but they both wanted to be cautious and do it right. The drive the rest of the party was silent.

Lara got out the passenger side and walked over to Dana and stopped her. Can we keep this just between us for right now?

If that is what you want, yeah.

Lara then took Danas hand and they walked through the cloth ***** that Shanes roommates had put over the door and paid the $15 fee. As they went on in, they saw Shane and Alice over at a table. It really wasnt hard to spot them because no one was there. By the way, Lara whispered in Danas ear, have I told you how ***** you are?

Dana turned her now blushing face towards Laras. No, you havent.

Well, I think you are *****. And she placed a chaste kiss upon Danas lips.

Hey you twothere will be none of that in front of me.

Al, leave the two lovebirds alone. Youre just jealous.

I thought this was supposed to be a party. Where is everybody?

Well Dane, if it werent my roommates throwing this thing, would you have really come to a party called ***** the night?

No I dont guess so. Hey, theres Jenny. Who is she with? Dana and Lara sat in between Shane and Alice.

I dont know. I havent seen her before. Shane knew just about every woman in LA and this was a new one to her.

You mean that there is a woman in LA that you havent slept with. Oh my god, call me an ambulanceIm having a heart attack!

Shut up Alice. I havent slept with EVERY woman in LA. Shane lowered her head and voice, Just most of them.

Hey, you havent slept with me. Lara said seeing if she would get Dana to react.

And I dont intend to let her to. Dana staked her claim right there. You are all mine and dont you forget it.

Alice had lost interest in the conversation and was dancing by her self at the table. Dana was trying to tell Shane exactly what had gone on earlier in the day without getting too detailed. Lara listened intently to Dana as she rehashed the days events. She knew that it was good that Dana was finally starting to open up, however little it was.

Hey guys. Marina and Francesca walked up behind Dana and Lara and Marina placed her hand on Danas shoulder.

Dana responded to the touch. Hey Marina, Francesca. How are you doing?

We are doing just fine. Marina smiled at her girlfriend as she replied. How are you doing? How did it go today?

The look on Danas face said it all, but Alice was responded to the question. It went like *****. Her parents reacted like she predicted.

Aww, Dana Im so sorry. If you need anything, Francesca and I are here for you. Marina then turned towards Lara, but it looks like you have the one you really need right herehow are you doing Lara?

Im fine. Thanks for asking.

Ill be right back. Marina sauntered towards the bathroom and Francesca saw Jenny start to get up and decided to head her off.

Hey watch this. Dana was now distracted that Marina and Francesca were there. She knew what had gone down with Jenny. At least it got her mind off of her problems for a minute. The exchange between the two women wasnt explosive, it was actually cordial.

Hey, this party isnt going anywhere. Would you mind if we went home Lara?

No, whatever you want.

Wait a minutehomeam I hearing you correctlyare you two

Alice, we just got back together. We are going to take it slow. Dana knew she was lying to her friend, but she wanted to keep her promise to Lara and keep it just between them for a while.

Okay. If you say so. But let me know when you two do move in togetherwell throw a huge party.

God Alice, leave em alone. Shane had to let her opinion be known, they are moving slowlet Dana at least breathe. She had a hard day.

Dana and Lara were already headed out the door and didnt hear the rest of what Shane had said. Lara pulled Dana to her as they reached the SUV. Thank you. I know you didnt want to lie to them, but I want us to have this to ourselves, just for a little while.

I know. I didnt want Alice to know right now anyway. If she knew, everyone would know by the morning, just like with Bette and Tinas baby.

Bette and Tina are having a baby? You never told me.

Oh, Im sorry. With everything else going on, I forgot. Yeah, Tina is about 11 or 12 weeks pregnant. Thats why they arent here tonight, they are going to this new parents counseling deal.

I was wondering why they werent here. They seem like a couple who have it all together. Lara pulled Dana closer, I wouldnt mind to be like them one day.

Me either. Dana gave Lara a long slow kiss. Lets go home.

Dana opened the passenger door for Lara, then closed once she was safely in. As Dana got in, Lara asked her, Dana, I know you might not be ready, but what did your mother say to you when you were out at the car?

Dana felt the lump form in her throat. She grabbed the steering wheel with both hands and placed her head upon them. She really wasnt ready to talk about it, but she knew she had to at some point.

If you dont want to

No, I dont want to, but I know that I need to. Dana took a deep breath and raised her head to face Lara. She said that we all have feelings for our girlfriends, but that doesnt mean that we have to act on them. Dana turned to face straight ahead again. She was just so cold to me. She has never been like that. Her eyes looked right through me. Not at me, through me like I no longer existed. Tears now fell from Danas eyes. And my dad just sat there, stone faced. Theyll never understand.

Lara reached across to the drivers side and wiped the tears from Danas cheek. They love you baby. They are just hurting right now. They dont understand our lifestyle. They will come around one day, I promise. Lara took her hand and swept Danas hair behind her ear as she made a promise to herself, I will make them understand how much I love you Now lets go to home.