DISCLAIMER: Don't own 'em, no infringement intended, no profit made!
SERIES: First story in
ARCHIVING: Don't care!
"You think I can't handle being around gay people? That I might be bigoted or homophobic or something?"
"Uh… the thought had occurred to me," Jo responded.
Blair laughed ironically.
"You have no idea how many gay people run in my circles. Ca ne fait rien. It's positively passé."
Jo rolled her eyes.
"Speaking French does not make you gay-friendly, Blair."
"I suppose not," the blonde answered whimsically. "So I've been brushing up on my Oscar Wilde witticisms to burnish my credentials."
Jo couldn't help but let a smile cross her lips. Her manner softened.
"Be honest. Why do you want to tag along with me tomorrow? This really isn't your kinda' thing."
Blair looked incredulous.
"Excuse me? A social gathering with food, dancing and fashionable people not my thing: Have you met me?"
"It's ain't a society mixer, Blair. It's political. There will be speakers, causes, all sorts of tedious activities in the support of social justice and human rights," Jo sighed. "Look this is important to me. It's Langley's first Gay Pride weekend and since I've become active in Student Government, I want to make sure all parties have a voice; that everyone is represented."
Blair looked offended.
"What makes you think I'm not interested in social justice?"
"Your bank account," Jo smirked.
"Just because I'm a person of means doesn't mean I don't care about inclusion and equal rights."
Now it was Jo's turn to look incredulous.
"Yes it does!"
"I care about the little people as much as the next person!"
Jo was horrified.
"The little people?" she spit out.
"You know what I meant: the um, the um…"
"The great unwashed, the masses?" Jo interrupted her. "The wretched refuse yearning to breathe free?"
"You're being hyperbolic, Jo. I only meant…"
"Look, I've been an outsider since I got here," Jo cut her off again. "I know what it means to struggle for basic human acceptance. What do you know about any of this with your clothes and hair-do's and cars? Forget it, Blair. You're not coming. That's final!"
The blonde's face turned angry. "Why do you always have to so cruel to me?"
"I'm not being cruel. I'm being realistic."
"I'll go and do as I please. I'm a grown woman! You're not my keeper!" She plopped down in a dining room chair and rested her chin on both fists with her elbows set resolutely on the table. She peered up at Jo with a mix of anger and frustration.
"Real mature, Blair," Jo scoffed. She took a moment to regard her friend. She had her big pout working… the one that usually got her whatever she wanted. Such a spoiled brat! Yet, even as Blair glowered at her, she began to reflect upon their relationship. And here was the thing: she knew Blair was not actually a brat, nor a snob, nor insubstantial in any way. For all her riches and advantages, Blair had not had it that easy growing up. Her father was absent. Her mother had paraded a clown car of husbands and boyfriends through her life. She was often left alone as a child: no playmates, no family… only servants and nannies. The pretenses and airs the heiress often put on were really nothing more than a reflexive defense mechanism to shield herself from the melancholy truth that she wasn't always a priority in her own parents' lives. At least Jo had that: the undeniable love of her parents. They sacrificed everything for her to attend private schools. This gave Jo a foundation built on love. It was a safe internal space that the other woman just didn't have. The most secure underpinning of love that Blair had ever experienced had probably been with Mrs. Garrett, Natalie, Tootie… and her. It was sad.
She was also acutely aware of Blair's vulnerability. She didn't want anyone to see the hurt that lurked just below the surface. To Jo's knowledge, she had shared her feelings with no one but her. And truth be told, she hadn't revealed much to Jo. Only when she had noticed her in a down mood after yet another failed interaction with one of her parents would Blair open up about her disappointment. But she would always snap out of it quickly, covering with her usual élan.
It was amazing that Blair had turned out as well as she had. She was actually a caring, genuinely kind person and Jo knew it. This is what attracted her to Blair, well, one of the many things, if Jo was honest. It displayed incredible strength of character to rise above what could have been a life spent in the lap of luxury dwelling on her pain, poor little rich girl, to form close, loving relationships and truly care about others. Caring meant exposing oneself to emotional pain… and Blair had had enough of that in her young life.
Jo sighed as she peered at the heiress, face set resolutely upon two fists. She was so much tougher than anyone even guessed at, Jo thought. How long had she been in love with her? She couldn't remember when it first became clear to her that her feelings for Blair were more than just friendly. But she remembered the time when the blonde skipped a skiing vacation in Vail to come spend Christmas with her and Mrs. Garrett in Peekskill. It was a gesture of love. Later that evening, the other girls gone, Blair had slipped into her bed and held her. She had tried to tell herself that she was too sleepy to realize what was happening, but she wasn't. She allowed it to happen. It felt good. In the morning, she had given it to Blair.
"Blair, what are you doing?"
"I just wanted to wake up close to someone on Christmas morning!" Blair had replied cheerfully.
"Okay. So now you have… back off."
She recalled the hurt that crossed Blair's features and had regretted it ever since. They had gone on to have a lovely day, denying what was evident, as usual. But it remained one of her biggest sorrows. A sweet, lonely girl had reached out, risking rejection, to hold her through the night… and Jo had reflexively rebuffed her! If only I could take that back, I would in a heartbeat! Stupid! What was wrong with me? She had determined not to spurn Blair again if a similar occasion arose, but one never did. There was also the question of whether Blair felt the same way. Perhaps Blair just needed to be held, after all. It would be a terrible mistake to confuse Blair's need for physical comfort with sexual desire. Blair had never even hinted at being attracted to women. Yet…
Jo relented a little. "I just don't understand why you want to come."
Blair had that hurt look again. "You're so popular, Jo, so accomplished and successful at everything you attempt. Maybe I just want to be around that."
Jo was taken aback by her response. What did that even mean?
"Wait… what?"
"I just mean, look at all the clubs you're in and how far you've gone in student government. Everyone respects and loves you. I, uh…" Blair stopped short.
"You uh… what?" Jo prodded her.
Blair quickly avoided her glance. "Nothing. I just respect you… so much."
"Blair, people love and respect you, too. Hell, half the male population of Langley drools over you."
"I don't care about that anymore," Blair met her gaze. "I want to be respected for the right reasons."
"Seriously?" Jo gave her a disbelieving look.
"Oh, all right," Blair conceded as she rolled her eyes. "I still want to be adored. That's a given. But not by half the drooling male population at Langley."
"Well, when you put it that way…"
"I just want to be viewed as serious person, like you. Is that so hard to believe?"
"Look, I've made choices, Blair. You could be doing the same thing. Your priorities are just a little different."
"My priorities have been changing, Jo. Haven't you noticed at all?"
"Geez, Blair, I don't know," she sighed deeply. "Just explain to me why it is so important to you to come to this event with me: to Gay Pride? You haven't showed any interest in my political activities before."
"Why is it you are so set on me not going to Gay Pride with you, Jo?"
Jo felt suddenly uncomfortable. Is she implying something? Does she know something, for Pete's sake?
"No reason!" she blurted out a little too defensively.
"Then it's settled," Blair jumped up beaming a radiant smile. "I'm going!"
Jo shook her head slowly. How does she always get her way?
"All right, then," she could barely get the words out before Blair had wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"I'm so happy! This will be so much fun!" Blair enthused.
Jo pushed her back and looked her in the eyes.
"Listen, Blair. We haven't got all the booths set up yet. I have to leave early and help with setting up stands and tables and such. If you're really interested in working for social justice, you can pitch in."
"I can do that," Blair nodded.
"Not in the fancy duds you usually wear. You'll have to dress for a little physical labor."
"I'll dress in my best dyke couture."
Jo lifted an eyebrow. "Dyke couture? That could be perceived as very offensive coming from a straight woman. You're pushing it, Warner."
Blair merely shrugged and gently swatted her friend's shoulder.
"Better get to bed now. Tomorrow's going to be a big day," she smiled seductively.
Now what did she mean by that?
Jo pondered the constant conundrum that was Blair Warner as she trailed her up the stairs to bed.
Blair passed the night in a fitful sleep. Internal dialogue kept her restless. The woman she desired more than anything in the world was a mere few feet from her. No longer would she allow her feelings to go unnoticed and unspoken. This was a gay celebration tomorrow and she intended to take full advantage of that.
She had no qualms about being with another woman. Why should it matter to her what others thought of whom she loved? She hadn't noticed anyone in her life consulting her on whom they loved. Not her father… and certainly not her mother! Her stepsister had no qualms about giving up sexuality altogether to love and serve God without consulting her. No one had ever bothered to ask her opinion on their choices in life. It was none of their business whom she loved! She would not allow ridicule at any cost, she had determined. No one had the right to pass judgment on or make fun of her love for Jo.
And she did love Jo. She never gave her any special consideration because she was rich. As a matter of fact, she despised it! She could never be sure with boyfriends if they really cared about her, or if they were just interested in her for her money and social position. Certainly, high society had played its role in whom she had chosen to date. But it was a double-edged sword. If one were to choose romantic partners merely on the basis of status, how could one ever really know the other on a truly intimate level? This was not the case with Jo. No. Jo loved her for who she really was. She was as sure of that as she had ever been sure of anything! No one had ever lit a fire inside her like Jo. The intensity of her feelings was a revelation: this is what being in love was. Even their arguments were passionate! The only remaining question was: would Jo accept her advances favorably?
Blair ran it over in her head. Catholic, working class families were fiercely traditional when it came to sexuality. She knew Jo was into her, she just knew it! Every fiber of her being called out to her that she was not in this alone. But would her upbringing prevent Jo from expressing her true desires?
Or, maybe, she allowed a shadow of a doubt to creep in, she was misinterpreting. She remembered a night she had wrapped Jo in a loving embrace. Jo had pulled her arm around her and sighed as she buried her face into her dark brown hair. She remembered kissing the back of her head. Eventually, when she was positive Jo was asleep; she ran her hand up under Jo's nightshirt and cupped her naked breast. Jo had moaned softly and placed her hand over hers. She was thrilled at the intimacy, but was terrified to try anything else! She remained frozen in this position, her senses hyper-aware, for as long as she dared. She then slipped her hand gently out from under the nightshirt and held her friend close until they awoke the next morning.
"Back off," stuck in Blair's head.
It had for over two years now. For all the signs that Jo loved her the way she loved Jo, those two negative words seemed to somehow carry a disproportionate weight. Despite that, it was probably the best Christmas of her life, Blair recalled. There were no boxes from over priced department stores, no jewelry exchanged, no superficial friends gloating over their exploits in Europe. Just two people she had grown to love preparing food and sharing laughter. This was love, Blair had realized. This is what Christmas was supposed to be all about. At long last it had happened: she had a family! But, was she mistaking familial love for sexual desire?
Ridiculous, she reassured herself. Of course Jo loves me like I love her! It can't be any other way!
True to her word, Blair was up early with Jo. She dressed in a pair of tights with leggings tucked into sensible (yet stylish) ankle boots, and topped it off with a soft sweater fastened around the waist with an over-sized belt… all in white. She assessed herself in the full-length mirror.
Not bad for a working girl: Elegant, yet functional.
As she swept her hair up on top of her head with a jeweled barrette, Jo appeared behind her in the mirror. She wore a bright pink dress shirt tucked into blue jeans. Her black boots were stylish with silver studs and chains. They matched her tie and suspenders. She had topped off her look with a white sport jacket. Blair smiled as she caught her eye in the mirror and turned to face her.
"You look amazing," they both said at once.
Both women blushed slightly before smiling sheepishly at each other.
"Not exactly what I expected, but dressed down enough for you, I guess," Jo ventured as she eyed her friend up and down. Wow. She really fills out that sweater. And the tights… "I'm afraid you might get a little dirty with all that white, though."
"I'm not worried about that," Blair responded.
Probably because she doesn't expect to do any work, Jo smirked to herself.
"Are those the boots I gave you last Christmas?" Blair inquired. "I haven't noticed you wearing them before. I thought maybe you didn't like them."
"No, I love them, really Blair. It's just that they're kinda' fancy. I didn't want to wear them just anywhere. I've been saving them for a special occasion. Today's the day!" Jo said proudly.
This was a true statement. Jo had been overwhelmed by such a thoughtful, not to mention expensive, gift. She had noticed them in a shoe store earlier that fall when, after much resistance and against her better judgment, she had been dragged along on a shopping trip with Blair. She had eyed them, felt the supple leather, fingered the shiny studs, picked them up and, noticing the price tag, dropped them on the spot.
When she opened the Christmas present, she was dumbstruck. Blair had been watching her? Blair had noticed someone besides herself on a shopping trip?! Blair knew her shoe size?! Jo had been aware of Blair's capacity for generosity for some time, but this was downright considerate, sweet even. Her gift to Blair had been a bracelet she had made in a leather crafts class she had taken as an elective. Stupid!
This gift had crystalized the depths of her feelings for the other woman. She had been deeply touched. As much as she had tried to conceal her emotions, as usual, she was pretty sure Blair had noticed the tears welling in her eyes. The boots were not Blair's style at all. To Jo they represented Blair's appreciation and acceptance of her style. They represented Blair's acceptance of her as a person. No one had ever given her such a thoughtful, not to mention expensive gift. They were way too important to be worn casually.
"I'm so happy you're finally wearing them!" Blair could barely contain her excitement as she beamed at her friend.
"Well," Jo looked at her feet, "I figured if I was going to be hanging out with you today, I better be wearin' something expensive. Wouldn't want to tarnish your rep by looking like a street urchin."
"You look anything but." She moved forward and fingered the lapel of Jo's jacket. "I am, however, concerned about your nice jacket. Not very practical."
"Nah, I'll just take it off, roll up my sleeves and I'm good to go!"
Blair was momentarily captivated by the image and became lost in her thoughts. Our little Bronx rag-a-muffin: all grown up. She radiates strength, confidence… every inch a woman. She's beautiful. She's…
"Earth to Blair," Jo's voice shook her from her reverie.
"Oh, sorry, Jo. Daydreaming."
"About what? You were just staring at me."
Blair shrugged and smiled a disarming smile.
"About what a fantastic day it's going to be, Silly. You and me working for the greater good."
"Yeah, about that," Jo cleared her throat. "We better get going. I want to get out of here before the others wake up. Let's take my bike to the campus. We can grab something to eat on the way out. Got a problem with that?"
"My hair's already up and helmet ready!"
"Good to know."
Blair and Jo closed the door to their room quietly. Jo took Blair's hand as she led her gingerly past Nat and Tootie's room.
"Why so stealth?" the blonde inquired out loud.
Jo quickly shushed her as she continued to lead her to the stairs.
"I just don't want to get held up by a million questions, is all," Jo whispered.
Just as they were about to descend, a voice called out from behind them.
"Hey! Where you two going?" Natalie boomed.
The two women froze. Jo gave Blair an irritated look before smiling at Natalie.
"Got a political action on campus this morning, Nat. Blair's coming with me to help out."
"A what?" Tootie yawned as she appeared at Natalie's side still rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"A political action," Jo repeated.
"Oh. You mean Gay Weekend?" Natalie beamed.
"Yes. Pride Weekend," Jo corrected. "It's called Pride now."
"Why's Blair with you?" Natalie continued.
"What's Pride Weekend?" Tootie was still yawning.
"Blair is coming to help me set up some booths."
"Dressed like that?" Natalie guffawed.
"Hey," Blair interjected defensively. "My ensemble has the advantage of being practical as well as elegant!"
"Whatever you say," Natalie rolled her eyes. "But since when is Blair Warner interested in gay rights?"
"Since I've come to empathize with the struggles of those who have always felt like outsiders, fighting for basic human acceptance!"
"Well said, Blair," Jo shook her head incredulously. "You're a regular Mother Theresa."
"Who's gay?" Tootie questioned.
"No one's gay," Natalie informed her friend.
Jo straightened up and glared at Natalie.
"As a matter of fact, Nat, many people are gay, right here in good old Peekskill. That's what this weekend is all about: visibility, understanding and acceptance."
"I think celebration should be thrown in there too, Jo," Blair interjected.
"What?" Jo looked at her confused.
"I would think the celebration of diversity, of alternate lifestyles and sexual preferences, should be a big part of what this weekend is about."
"Have you been doing research or something?" Jo asked, stunned.
Blair shrugged, but did not respond.
"I didn't mean that no one is gay," Natalie clarified. "I meant that nobody here is gay."
She suddenly stopped herself.
"I mean, that I know of…"
"What's going on out here?" Mrs. Garrett's head popped out from behind her bedroom door.
"Great," Jo groaned.
"Blair and Jo are going to some gay thing together, Mrs. G," Tootie informed.
"Oh, the Pride Festival," Mrs. Garrett waved them off. "Have a good time girls. I'm going back to bed. I'll be downstairs by nine. Should be a big weekend for Over Our Heads!" she said merrily. "But do try and keep it down out here."
As she shut her bedroom door, Jo glared at Nat and Tootie.
"Just go back to bed, the both of ya'."
"Why?" Natalie seemed offended. "What did we do?"
"Blair and I are going to be late. Don't you guys have to work this morning?"
"Yeah, but we'll be off this afternoon," Natalie nodded her head and smiled. "I want to go to Pride Weekend."
"Look," Jo sighed deeply, "it gets going at noon: speakers, bands, booths, concessions. Dance starts at six. All are welcome. Come by whenever you want."
"What? No parade?" Natalie looked confused. "I thought there were always parades on Gay Day."
"We gotta' go," Jo said almost plaintively.
Natalie turned to Tootie.
"No parade. Why don't people tell me these things?"
"What is Pride again?" Tootie could be heard asking as their door closed and Blair and Jo finally made it down the stairs.
"Um, grab some pastries from the kitchen, Blair. I'll pull the bike around. We'll get coffee on the way."
Blair saluted as Jo rolled her eyes.
"Hey Nat, come here," Tootie called as she looked out the window.
"What are we looking at?" Natalie asked excitedly.
"Blair and Jo. Look. Jo's helping her with her helmet."
"So?"
"I don't know. Something about the way they look. Do you think people will think they're gay today?"
"Why, Tootie, just because they're supporting gay rights? You can support gay rights and not be gay yourself, you know?"
"No. Because, well, Jo's so butch and Blair's so femme."
"First of all, Jo is not butch."
"Uh… she works on motorcycle motors, Nat. Just sayin'."
"Well there is that," Natalie conceded.
"Besides, next to Blair, at least, Jo is butch," Tootie eyed her friend with a skeptical look.
"Next to Blair, we're all a little butch," Nat smirked. "But where did you come up with this butch/femme stuff anyway? You didn't even know what Pride was?"
"That's because it's a new term for Gay Freedom Day. You didn't know either 'til Jo told you. Besides, I know what Gay Freedom Day is and I know what butch/femme is. I am in the theatre, you know."
The two watched as Jo strapped the helmet beneath Blair's chin. She then knocked on top of the helmet a couple of times as if to make sure it was tight.
"Oooh, this is going to be trouble! Blair's not going to like that," Tootie exclaimed.
The girls watched as Blair punched Jo's shoulder. Jo feigned injury as she grabbed her arm. Blair swatted Jo gently as both women smiled. Jo then fastened her own helmet and climbed on board her bike. Blair mounted behind her and slipped her arms around her waist. Jo reached back and touched her thigh, making sure she was secure.
"They are pretty cute together," Natalie ventured.
"That's all I'm saying," Tootie's eyes lit up. "People might think they're a couple."
"They might at that," Natalie smiled nodding her head. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"What? That Jo and Blair are gay?"
"It would explain so much, Tootie, think about it!"
"Jo was pretty upset with you for not understanding gay rights."
"Hey! I understand gay rights! I just never thought that two of my best friends could be gay!"
"We don't really know that, Nat. We're just speculating, to be truthful."
"But it explains so much," Natalie repeated. "All those fights, the charged energy between them…"
"We're letting our imaginations run away, Nat. Jo and Blair aren't gay."
"Yeah, but wouldn't it be cool?"
"It would be totally weird," Tootie said.
"I think it would be cool: our two big sisters, all grown up and in love! So let's follow them today."
"Why?" Tootie asked.
"To spy on them, duh! Inquiring minds want to know!"
"You have to get off first, Blair. I can't get off 'til you do."
"I know that, Jo. I think I've been on your bike enough times."
"Then get off already!"
Blair still had her arms wrapped around Jo gripping two lidded cups of coffee in each hand.
"Take the coffee."
"No. Just get off."
"This was a completely unnecessary risk having me try to balance on the back of your bike while holding coffee. Why doesn't this thing have cup holders?"
"It's a Kawasaki, Blair, not a limo."
"It was dangerous. Why didn't you just have me ride side-saddle while you were at it?"
"Aw, quit your griping. It wasn't that bad. It was just a few blocks and I wasn't even going fast."
"It's bad enough I had to hold hot coffee while clinging to you with my elbows and knees on the back of a motorcycle. I'm not going to risk spilling on my outfit while I get off. Take the coffee!"
Jo removed the cups of coffee from the blonde's hands. Blair proceeded to remove her helmet and fluff her hair.
"Knock it off, Blair!" Jo complained.
So focused were the two women on their intricate dance of bickering, they were startled by the voice of another.
"Hey Jo!"
Chris Lowell was tall, slender and attractive with short-cropped hair died David Bowie red. Black eye make-up was applied liberally, yet expertly. Her ears sported several piercings. There was also a delicate ring attached to her lower lip. She wore a black leather jacket with chains over a large striped shirt. Her jeans were clean, but ripped at the knees. She had tucked them into black motorcycle boots. She looked every bit the androgynous rock star.
"Oh, hey, Chris!" Jo replied quickly.
Blair jumped off the back of the bike.
"Ready to get started?" Chris inquired.
"Yeah. Sure!"
"I'm glad you brought your girlfriend. We can use all the help we can get," Chris nodded at Blair.
Blair glared at the young woman.
"Chris?" she questioned. "Christina Lowell?"
A look of recognition crossed Chris's features.
"Blair?"
"Oh my God," Blair exuded as she embraced the taller woman. "I haven't seen you since, since…"
"My debutante ball five years ago," Chris smiled.
"What? Wait a minute," Jo looked completely confused. "You two know each other?"
"Jo, Jo, Jo," Blair smiled at her friend and shook her head. "Don't you know who this is? This is Christina Lowell. Her family is very high society. We go WAY back."
"Yes, Blair, I know who this is. Chris Lowell: president of the gay club here on campus."
"I've had a slightly different coming out party since we last saw each other, Blair," Chris offered.
"You have changed," Blair eyed her up and down appreciatively. "But, I've got to say: it's a good look for you."
"You look pretty good yourself, Blair," Chris nodded as she gave her the once over. "But then, you always did."
Blair positively glowed as she soaked up the praise.
"I'm kind of surprised to see you with Jo," Chris continued.
"Why, because I'm working class?" Jo interrupted. "It's okay, Chris. You can say it. I'm proud of where I come from."
"Maybe she was going to say serious or thoughtful, Jo, if you had given her the chance," Blair scolded. "Why are you always thinking people are looking down on you? You're beautiful, strong, confident…"
"And working class," Jo finished her sentence. "I claim it. And knock it off with the beautiful stuff. I'm no debutante."
"You are definitely an odd couple," Chris interjected. "I never would've expected you two to be together. But, wow, I can really feel the energy between you. You have an amazing vibe. It's electric. Very cool."
Jo smiled sweetly at Chris.
"I think you've got the wrong idea here. Blair and I are not a couple. There are no vibes or energy or electricity or anything else passing between us."
"You could've fooled me," Chris looked at them both skeptically.
"Nah. Blair and I are," Jo looked over to Blair. "Well, we're um…"
"Don't look to me for help," Blair feigned haughtiness. "Perhaps you could use some of your working class practicality to explain our relationship."
Jo turned to Chris with a smirk.
"Definitely not a couple," she said.
"No matter," Chris shrugged. "C'mon, we've got work to do."
Jo rolled up her sleeves and began hammering and stapling anything that looked like it needed hammering or stapling. Chris had found a different job for Blair. She put her in charge of passing out leaflets that explained the school's guidelines for organized political activities.
"I knew she'd get out of any actual physical labor," Jo thought. She marveled as she watched Blair work the activists and vendors. She had a smile for everyone. She flirted with men and women alike, despite their appearance or attitude. She seemed to glide through the campus square spreading good will like fairy dust.
Not like this place needed anymore fairy dust. Jesus, Blair, how do you do it?
Each booth she visited, she left with a trail of smiles. Each person wrapped around her little finger. It was amazing to Jo how comfortable Blair had become with the hoi polloi since she had first met her. She had retained her confident, self-assured attitude, but now had extended it out to include the whole of humanity, not just her "circle" of privileged friends.
She can really turn on the charm. I should know. She's charmed me enough times. Look at her…
"OW!" Jo exclaimed as she sent a staple through her thumb. "God dammit!"
"It would help if you kept your mind on the job," Chris offered. "Instead of staring at Blair."
"I was not starin' at Blair," Jo protested.
"Whatever," Chris rolled her eyes.
Blair, who had kept her eye on Jo, as well, came running up.
"Are you alright? That had to hurt!"
"Yeah it hurt, Einstein. Whadda' ya think?"
"Let me see it."
"It's okay, really, Blair," Jo shook her hand vigorously in the air.
"Let me see it," Blair demanded as she grabbed Jo's hand.
"Ouch, be careful," Jo protested.
Blair turned Jo's hand over gently in her own.
"It's bleeding and it's going to swell. We need some ice."
"The first-aid booth isn't set up yet," Chris explained. "But, there's ice over in the dining commons."
"Perfect," Blair declared. "We can get a real breakfast while we're there."
Jo looked to Chris. "Would you mind?"
"Nope. Breakfast is a great idea. I'll join you!"
As they walked to the dining commons, Jo noticed a drop of her blood on Blair's sweater. She opened her mouth to inform her friend, but then thought the better of it. Don't want to ruin her good mood in front of Chris. I'll tell her later. When we're alone.
Jo wrapped her thumb in ice and the three women chatted amiably over breakfast. After Chris and Blair had finished catching up, the conversation turned to careers and their hopes for the future.
"A lawyer, Blair," Chris nodded approval. "I'm really impressed. What kind of law do you want to practice?"
"I've been researching that and, you know, I'm really drawn to social justice."
Jo's mouth dropped open.
"You are?"
"Yes, Jo, I am."
"So what… you'd work for the ACLU or something?"
"Nothing so grandiose as all that," Blair smiled. "Besides, I wouldn't want to give my father apoplexy! No. I was thinking of representing non-profits and, maybe, start-up businesses. Helping people who help others and those who need a break."
"I didn't know you were thinking that way," Jo looked at her with astonishment.
"That's because you haven't been paying attention. All wrapped up in student government and such. That's one of the reasons I wanted to come today: to meet people, to listen to their concerns and causes. I figure the Warner family has taken enough from others. It's time for one of us to give a little back."
"You're blowing me away, Blondie."
Chris noticed the interchange between them: how they gazed at each other with such familiarity. Despite her animosity towards the upper class, Jo called Blair "Blondie" with genuine affection. Yet, they denied being a couple. Let's see…
"You certainly won't have any problem attracting clients," she eyed Blair seductively.
"Oh, Chris," Blair smiled disarmingly as she swatted the other woman's shoulder. "You were always the charmer."
"Whoa! Wait a minute…" Jo thought. "What was that?"
She definitely wasn't used to Blair flirting with other women. It bothered her. She felt possessive with an intensity that surprised her. She had to get Blair's attention back on her!
"I'm thinking of being a cop," she blurted out.
Blair turned to her with eyes wide: "No your not!"
"Yep," Jo smiled smugly. "NYPD."
"But, Jo," Blair protested. "You can't!"
"Why not? It's a noble profession, pays well…"
"Well, for one thing, it could put us on opposite sides of the law!"
"Nah. I'd be a good cop. I want to help people, too."
"But it's WAY too dangerous. You could get hurt or, or… I don't even want to think of it!"
"Hey," Jo held up her thumb. "I could get hurt just stapling things on Pride Day here at Langley."
She noticed the blood spot on Blair's sweater again. Gonna' have to tell her. Damn.
"What happened to being a teacher or social worker? Teaching is an excellent way to contribute to society and help people," Blair looked at her plaintively. "Please don't be a cop, Jo. I couldn't stand it."
"Relax," Jo smiled, feeling self-satisfied. She had provoked the response she had hoped for. "No one's running away to join the circus just yet."
"Speaking of joining the circus," Chris stood up. "I think it's time we got back."
Blair and Jo manned the information booth with Chris. Occasionally, one or the other would walk through the crowd and checkout the booths. Towards mid afternoon, Chris offered the other two a break.
"Why don't you guys go get something to eat? I can hold down the fort here."
Jo looked at Blair.
"Whadda' ya think? I smelled some wicked sausage and peppers from one of the vendors!"
"You don't have to ask me twice," Blair smiled.
Jo walked to the back of the booth to retrieve something. She came forward with a blanket and proffered it to Blair.
"I didn't want you to stain your nice clothes on the grass," she grinned.
"Oh, Jo, you are so thoughtful sometimes," Blair beamed as she took the blanket.
They spread the blanket on a grass embankment overlooking the square and sat down to eat their meal.
"Better eat carefully," Blair observed. "Sausage and peppers are a little messy. Wouldn't want to spill."
"Um," Jo hesitated for a moment. "There's been something I've been meaning to tell you, Blair. Just been working up the courage."
Blair gazed at Jo expectantly.
"Tell me, Jo. You know you can tell me anything."
"Well, um," Jo cleared her throat, "You see…"
"Wow! This must be important," Blair thought. "She's practically stuttering. Is this it? Is this the moment she tells me how she really feels?"
"When you were helping me with my thumb, some of my blood, um, accidently got on your sweater."
"Oh," Blair was momentarily confused. "That."
"Wait a minute," Jo inquired. "You knew?"
"Yeah. I noticed it when we were eating breakfast. It had already set by then. But, no big deal."
"No big deal? I was dreading telling you!"
"Why? Your thumb is way more important than a silly old sweater."
Jo shook her head.
"I remember a story you told me from when you were little about a perfect white dress, with perfect white gloves and perfect white shoes and your Mom told you not to mess it up," Jo gave her a serious glance. "Well, you kinda' look like that today."
Blair laughed ironically.
"I'm not a little girl anymore. I don't care about being perfect."
"Since when? What happened?"
Blair looked at her friend without smiling. Her demeanor was thoughtful, calm.
"Since I grew up."
"You never stop surprising me," Jo nodded.
They ate their sausage and peppers in silence as they listened to a speaker relate her story about a struggle for acceptance from her strictly religious family.
"Don't you think Chris looks amazing?" Blair broke the silence.
"Um, I never really thought about it," Jo shrugged.
"I mean, the short hair and the rock star make-up. It really works for her. I never thought I'd say this about her, but she looks down-right sexy."
"So, what are you trying to tell me, Blair? That you're attracted to her?"
"No" Blair looked directly at Jo. "Not to her."
Jo finished her meal and crumpled the foil wrapper. She leaned back on her arms, her legs propped comfortably in front of her. Blair crumpled her foil and tossed it at Jo. It bounced off her forehead.
"Hey!"
"Hey, yourself," the blonde smiled as she moved leisurely and positioned herself between her friend's legs, her back resting upon Jo's chest.
"Eh," Jo protested weakly, "What are you doing, Blair? I'm not a chaise lounge."
Blair rested her head upon Jo's cheek.
"You kinda' are, right now," she sighed contentedly. "Do you remember that time you punched me in the mouth and then said you didn't have to apologize because God told you to do it?"
Jo shook her head and laughed a little.
"Blair? Why, in the hell, would you bring that up now? I mean, that was years ago. We were in high school, for cryin' out loud."
"I know, but I figure you still owe me. This is part of your reparations."
"What? Being used as a chaise lounge?"
"Yep."
"As I recall, you punched me this morning."
"There was no malicious intent, Jo. Intent is a big part of the law."
"I forgot: future social justice lawyer here."
"Try to keep that in mind."
"You're really something, Blair," Jo sighed. "Listen, I still cringe when I think that I actually hit you. It's something that will never happen again, believe me. I've grown up, too, ya' know?"
"Oh, I know that," Blair responded. "But, then again, that is what all abusers say."
"Don't push it."
They sat quietly for a short while until Blair could feel Jo's chest shaking with laughter.
"What's so funny?"
"You are. Reparations. You crack me up sometimes."
"Glad you find it so amusing."
"You know, I was amazed you didn't go down when I swung on you. I hit you hard."
"Ha! Barely even felt it! It's not easy to take me down!"
"Nope. It's not," Jo said as she tenderly placed a stray strand of golden hair behind Blair's ear.
"I didn't think you'd let me get away with this with just token resistance," Blair said.
"There are worse forms of reparations, I guess."
"We never do this, Jo. We never just sit and be with each other. But, isn't it nice?"
Jo could feel Blair's head resting upon her cheek, her back on her chest. Her legs straddled the other woman. It felt wonderful.
"Yeah, it is nice."
Blair closed her eyes and relaxed into her friend. She felt Jo's breasts pressed into her back, her legs securely bracketing her: very nice.
"End of argument?" Blair turned her face up to Jo. "I was expecting more from you, Polniaczek!"
"Do you ever wonder why we fight so much?" Jo asked.
"We don't fight, Jo. We bicker."
"Okay fine. Do you ever wonder why we bicker so much?"
"To relieve sexual tension."
Did she actually just SAY that? Jo felt confused.
"Seriously, Blair. I've been in my fair share of scrapes. But I never enjoyed arguing with someone… until I met you."
"It's like music with us," Blair explained. "We've taken bickering to a deeper level: our own private artform."
Moments passed in silence as the spring sun passed through billowy white clouds. A light wind lifted their hair, mingling blonde with brunette. The speaker had finished and music wafted upon the breeze.
"What are you thinking about?" Jo finally queried.
Blair sighed.
"Nothing, really. I'm just in the moment. The sun feels so nice. The clouds are beautiful. Look, Jo. What an amazing sky! I wish things could always be this peaceful."
"Perfect," Jo agreed.
Blair laughed a little.
"The only perfection I'm ever going to look for again is in moments like these. I don't even care about the scar-thingee anymore."
"Then why'd you bring it up?"
"Just reflecting on how much things have changed, I guess. On how much I've changed."
"I love your scar, Blair," Jo said as she lightly traced the delicate line of imperfection across her friend's forehead.
"Because you think it makes me look tough," Blair smirked.
"It's barely even noticeable anymore. But, I don't know why, Blair, I like that you have it. Gives you character."
"As I suspected. It was a stupid car accident, Jo, not a fencing duel."
"That's what you get for chasing after boys!"
"I think I've learned my lesson."
"How many loved your moments of glad grace, and loved your beauty, with love false or true; but there was one who loved the pilgrim soul in you, and loved the sorrows of your changing face."
Blair turned and faced Jo.
"A poem, Jo? You're reciting poetry?"
"I do take English Lit classes here, ya know?"
"That was so beautiful."
"I can't take credit for it," Jo blushed with a disarming smile. "W.B. Yeats."
Blair eyed Jo with affection. She loved her smile: the shy, self-conscious one that crossed her lips now, the sardonic one that indicated a pointed barb was about to be unleashed, the thousand watt one that could light up an entire ballroom. Blair loved Jo's smile. She fixated on her lips. They were full and soft and beautiful. Before she could stop herself, her fingers gently traced their shape.
"Blair? What are you doing?"
Blair moved in slowly for a kiss. Jo did not back away. Their lips were millimeters apart.
"Hey you guys!" Tootie's cheerful voice surprised them. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, um," Jo jumped up, startled. "Blair was just helping me with something."
"What? With her tongue?" Natalie asked sarcastically.
"Yeah. It looked like you two were going to kiss or something," Tootie chimed in as she surveyed her surroundings. Many couples were cuddling on the grass. "There sure are a lot of public displays of affection going on around here."
Natalie looked around, as well.
"This is certainly something you don't see here very often," she agreed with a huge smile. "Guess you just got caught up in the moment?"
"You shouldn't sneak up on people like that," Jo admonished. "What are you guys doing here anyway?"
"I told you we were coming: Our first Gay Freedom Day," Natalie stated proudly. "New York, San Francisco, Peekskill."
"Yeah. We're really moving up in the world," Jo replied sardonically. "I gotta' get back to relieve Chris. Blair, you coming?"
"You go ahead. I'll show Nat and Tootie around the festival."
"Suit yourself," Jo shrugged.
"See you later?" Blair asked expectantly.
Jo smiled. "Sure."
Natalie noticed the two women exchange a tender glance before they parted company.
"So. What's going on, Blair?"
"Out with it, Natalie. What is it you want to know?"
"I don't know. Is there something I should know?"
"About what?"
"Nothing, Blair," she shrugged as she rolled her eyes at Tootie. "Show us around!"
Jo sat pensively with Chris in the information booth. She had been sullen and quiet since returning from lunch. Chris decided to try and draw her out.
"So, Blair's changed a lot since I last saw her."
"How so?"
"Social justice? That's not the Blair Warner I knew back in the day."
"She's full of surprises," Jo agreed.
"Is that your influence?"
Jo glanced at her skeptically.
"What? No way. She's just," Jo thought for a moment. "Grown up."
"I'll say," Chris shook her head appreciatively. "When we ran together, I mean, she was always attractive, but now… just wow!"
"I get it," Jo responded in an irritated manner. "She's gorgeous. What else is new?"
"Does she know you're in love with her?"
Jo felt her face become flush. She had asked herself that question many times. But now, being confronted directly by another, she could no longer deny it: to herself or anyone else. It was a truth that her blood whispered, no… not whispered… screamed to her. It was a truth that colored every moment of her day. It had been a part of her for so long, without expression, that she could no longer contain it. She was in love with Blair and she didn't care if the whole world knew.
There was a long silence. Jo tried to will herself to respond.
"I'm sorry," Chris apologized. "It's none of my business. I shouldn't be so presumptuous."
"I don't know," Jo finally sighed. "I mean, I'm not sure if she knows."
"So, you two never talked about it?"
Jo shook her head.
"I'm pretty sure she's in love with you, too."
Jo perked up.
"What makes you say that?"
"Jesus, Jo, she's all over you. Haven't you noticed that? Everything you two have done since you arrived this morning has been all about the other. Thousands of people here and you two can't take your eyes off each other. It's kind of obvious."
"You think so?" Jo smiled hopefully.
"I do," Chris affirmed.
"She did mention something about sexual tension between us earlier."
"Wait a minute. Blair mentioned sexual tension to you and that wasn't a clue?"
"She was going to kiss me, I think, but we got interrupted by some buttinsky friends of ours."
Chris shook her head in disbelief. Jo watched her and suddenly felt like a dunce.
"I guess I'm pretty thick sometimes," she offered.
"Well, not usually, Jo. But when it comes to love, a lot of people are blockheads."
"I just have to be sure, is all," Jo insisted. "I mean, she's Blair Warner, you know?"
"Meaning?"
"She's rich and beautiful and talented and so smart and from an influential family…"
"You're all those things. Well, not rich, but you clean up nice. Don't sell yourself short, Jo. I've seen a lot of girls here checking you out."
"Nah. For real?"
"You're just so wrapped up in Blair that you haven't noticed."
"Look, Chris, I'm hardscrabble Bronx. She's high society."
"So was I."
"Okay. Point taken," Jo nodded. "It's just that no one's ever gotten under my skin like her. She can be vain and conceited and just drive me crazy. And then she'll be generous and kind, considerate and loving: sometimes, it seems, she's all those things at once."
"You've got it pretty bad."
Jo exhaled loudly. She placed her hand on her heart as she gazed at her friend.
"It's maddening," she began as she shook her head slowly, her eyes welling with tears. "But, we've been together for so long. What we have is special. She has my back and I've got hers. I don't want to ruin it all with my feelings, if she doesn't feel the same way."
Chris stared at her.
"She tried to kiss you, Jo. Blair fucking Warner, who never does anything she doesn't want to do, tried to kiss you. Hello?"
Jo blushed and quickly averted her glance. A smile slowly graced her features: as if realizing something for the first time. She looked back to Chris.
"She tried to kiss me."
"So, the only question is: are you ready for this?"
"I think so. It's been this whole process, ya' know? First realizing you have these feelings and having to deal with that."
"Internalized homophobia… I know it well," Chris nodded.
"Then, wanting to do something about it, but not sure if you can. I mean, what will my friends say… my family? Geez, that's going to be rough."
"You can't live for them. It's your life and you deserve to be happy."
"I'm still battling it. I was raised a strict Catholic in a tough neighborhood. Our faith was what helped us survive. It's not a bad thing, ya' know? But, where I come from, people don't do this kind of thing. Somehow though, here today… I dunno'. I feel like it could really happen. That maybe everything could work out."
"You've got to live your truth, Jo."
"I'm beginning to see that."
"Coming out is different for everyone, but we've all been through it. I'll be there for you all the way, if you need a friend."
"I do love Blair and I want to shout it from the rooftops. I've been keeping this in for so long. It feels amazing to be able to talk to someone about it. So, thanks."
"Imagine how it will feel when you talk to her about it?"
"But what if I'm wrong? What about all those boyfriends of hers? What if she's just being provocative to satisfy her own curiosity?"
"She's not."
"Yeah, probably not," Jo smiled shyly. "I just wish I didn't feel so nervous."
"It's a big step," Chris conceded. "But, you better hurry up, Jo Polniaczek. A woman like Blair on a day like today is going to get hit on. If you're not going to tap that, someone else will most certainly try."
Jo felt suddenly anxious. It had been a couple of hours. Where, the hell, was Blair?
Blair made the round of booths with Natalie and Tootie. It had taken quite some time, as all three were full of questions and chatter. Natalie had flirted with every man she encountered, Blair observed. "Did I used to be like that?" she wondered to herself. She was relieved that neither of the other two had brought up what they had interrupted between her and Jo. She needed to work things out with Jo first, she reasoned, before she could try to explain the situation to anyone else! Finally, they came upon a booth displaying artwork: paintings and leather crafts.
"These are exquisite," Blair remarked as she perused the art.
"Thank you," a voice came from behind her. "So are you."
Blair turned to face an attractive young man with tousled blonde hair, dimples and blue eyes.
"My name is Gary. I'm the artist."
"You're very good," Blair nodded as she took his hand. "Blair Warner. I paint, myself."
"Amazing," Gary smiled. "Beautiful and talented!"
Tootie and Natalie nudged each other.
"Look, Gary was it?" Blair smiled charmingly. "I understand why you are interested."
"Jesus," Natalie blurted to Tootie. "The ego on that woman!"
Blair shot her a look to silence her. Natalie shrugged with her palms up. "What?"
"But I have to stop you," Blair turned back to Gary. "I'm involved with someone."
"Who is he?" Gary demanded.
"That's what I'd like to know!" Natalie looked wide-eyed at Blair.
"I'll fight him for you!" Gary continued dramatically. He paused and looked around at the crowd. "Or her. Is it another girl you're involved with? I'll fight her, too!"
"Can we just talk about your artwork?" Blair was slightly annoyed.
"Sure," Gary gave way. "But you can't fault a guy for trying."
"I'm particularly interested in your leather crafts. Does it take long to create these pieces?"
"We do everything by hand at my studio," he related. "So, yes, it takes time."
"Aren't there machines you can use?" Blair inquired.
"There are, but mainly for bigger pieces and we don't use them anyway. We pride ourselves on handmade crafts! If you're really interested," he continued, "our studio is having an open house today with leather craft demonstrations. You could head on over there and watch for yourself."
"Oh, I'd love to!" Blair stated enthusiastically. She quickly gathered the pertinent information. "Nat, Tootie, c'mon! We're going to an art gallery!"
The other two shrugged at each other. "Okay."
Gary smiled and waved wistfully as they departed.
"God, he's gorgeous," Natalie swooned looking back.
As they walked the few blocks to their destination, her curiosity got the better of her.
"So, Blair, who's this mystery person you're involved with?"
"Oh that," Blair waved her hand nonchalantly. "I just wanted him to quit hitting on me."
"C'mon, Blair, I know you better than that. You are definitely smitten. So… who is it?"
"Jo!" Blair suddenly exclaimed with alarm. "I was supposed to get back to help with the information booth. I totally lost track of time!"
"Were almost there," Tootie complained. "Let's go check out the art gallery and then you can go back."
"Tootie's right," Natalie agreed. "We told Mrs. Garrett that we would help her close up tonight, so we have to drive back to Peekskill. We don't have time to go back to the campus. Let's just do the art gallery and then head our separate ways."
"I just wish there was some way to contact Jo," Blair lamented. "Someone needs to invent a pocket-sized phone so we can talk to each other whenever we want. Now that's something I'd tell my father to invest in!"
"Ha! That'll be the day," Tootie laughed. "Pocket-sized phones… what else: a computer that could fit on your lap? You're such a dreamer, Blair."
Jo became agitated waiting for Blair to return. Booths were broken down and the campus square was converted into a dance floor with overhead lights and rainbow streamers.
"I wonder what's keeping Blair?" she finally mentioned to Chris. "She should've been back a long time ago."
"Are you getting worried?"
"No. Blair can take care of herself. She's tougher than she looks."
"Okay, then. I'm sure she'll be back soon."
Music began to play over the loud speakers as people crowded the dance floor. Chris noticed that Jo was visibly restless.
"Why don't you go look for her?" she suggested.
"Yeah. Maybe I will. If she shows up here, tell her to wait for me, okay?"
"No problem," Chris smiled. "Go get your girl."
Blair finally made her way back to the campus square.
"Where's Jo?" she inquired of Chris.
"She's off looking for you," Chris gave her friend a knowing look.
"Damn," Blair exclaimed as she dropped into a folding chair beside her.
"So, Joe Polniaczek, huh?"
"She's really something, isn't she Chris?"
"She is at that. You two are pretty lucky to have found each other."
"Is it that obvious?"
"No. I mean, not unless you have eyes," Chris nudged her. They both laughed. "Jo is wonderful. I'm really happy for you, Blair. So what's the hang-up with you two? Why aren't you together already?"
"God, Chris, I've sat in her lap, tried to kiss her, I've literally thrown myself at her. She is either incredibly dense when it comes to matters of the heart, or…" her voice trailed off.
"She doesn't feel the same way?"
"I've got to wonder sometimes."
"She feels the same way, Blair."
"How do you know? Dish, Chrissie, what did she tell you?"
Chris, despite her now radical appearance, was a person of mannered upbringing. Being so, she refused to reveal her conversation with Jo. It would not be polite.
"As previously stated: it's obvious."
"Yeah," Blair smiled confidently. "It is, isn't it?"
"I don't understand why you two don't talk about this."
"Oh, we talk all the time. But, usually we talk around this subject. Our modus operandi is to bicker: teasing and barbs. It's like constant fore play. We used to discuss boyfriends, if you can imagine that!"
"Anything but the truth: been there; done that."
"You know what's funny? It's never even bothered me that Jo is a woman, I mean, that we are both women. From the moment I first knew I loved her, I just accepted it. I kept up the pretense of just being her friend, but not because I was ashamed of my feelings. They were so strong and intense that I figured it would be best to just leave things status quo until I could figure out a way to express them without scaring her off, you know?"
"You think you'd scare her off? Really, Blair?"
"Jo is from a devoutly Catholic family. You've heard her talk about being proud of coming from a working class background? That's all wrapped up in her faith. It's part of who she is. I didn't think she could accept this as easily as I did, so that's why I've been quiet about it. But, I can't do that anymore," she shook her head. "I had a plan for today."
"Do tell," Chris smiled.
"I figured with all these gay people around, it might be the perfect opportunity to broach the subject with Jo, or jump her bones, one or the other."
"One or the other," Chris laughed out loud. "And social justice? Is that just a ploy to get into Jo's pants?"
"Don't be gauche," Blair feigned distaste. "No. I really am interested in helping people. I do want to give back. I've learned so much today. Did you know that trickle down economics is false? It's merely a way for the rich to get richer as we claim to be job creators deserving of special privilege. Meanwhile, we're turning the tax code on its head to favor ourselves!"
"I have heard this theory," Chris acknowledged.
"Not only that, the so called War on Drugs is actually a war on the lower classes. It tells people to Just Say No while not providing any viable opportunities for people living in poverty to better themselves! Also, did you know that President Reagan hasn't even uttered the word AIDS in public yet? And don't get me started on homelessness!"
"Blair Warner! What will your father say?"
"I might have a lot to say to him, if I ever see him again."
"Still distant?"
"Not distant, so much… just absent. But, hey, I remain a good tax shelter! We'll always have that!"
Chris smiled wanly, as she understood all too well.
"Jo Polniaczek," she suddenly conjectured, "Wouldn't she be an excellent way to get your father's attention?"
"It's not about that!" Blair was offended. "My feelings for Jo are the most real thing I have in my life. No one's ever understood me the way she does. For all our verbal sparring, she accepts me for who I am! She doesn't care about my money or status. She cares about me. That is precious to me, Chrissie. I could never lose that. I would just die."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry I mentioned it!"
"Look what she gave to me," Blair said as she retrieved her small, white handbag. She pulled out a delicate, leather bracelet. It was intricately wound with two shades of leather. Two garnets had been fixed in the middle, surrounded by two polished blonde stones.
"She made this for me, Chris. She actually made it with her own two hands. No one has ever given me something handmade before! I don't know if anyone has ever cared enough about me to actually make something for me. I'm used to getting things in a box from Tiffany's or Bergdorf's. But this took time and effort. It's the most amazing gift ever!"
"Why aren't you wearing it?"
"Oh I couldn't! What if I broke it? I just like to take it out and look at it," she replied as she lovingly fingered the leather and stones. "She told me the garnets were for my eyes and the polished stones for my hair. I've never owned anything so, so…"
"Valuable?" Chris finished her sentence.
"Precious," Blair fingered the leather bracelet lovingly.
"I'm really impressed with you, Blair."
"How do you mean?"
"You've grown so much! Your values have changed: handmade gifts, social justice. Much of this is Jo's influence, I suspect."
"There is truth in that, I won't deny it. I can't stand the injustice she has had to face in her life because of the circumstances of her birth. Not to mention the favor we have enjoyed because of the circumstances of ours. It's not right. I want to live in a country that stands for liberty and justice for all, not just the privileged class. How many other Jo's are out there, just needing a little extra help; a hand up?"
"Liberty and justice for all? Who is this blonde goddess?" a woman called out as she hugged Chris. She was tall and slender, and but for the fact that her hair was jet black, instead of red, looked remarkably like her friend. Two shorter, stockier women dressed in flannel shirts, jeans and army boots accompanied her.
"Blair, I would like you to meet my friend, Connie, and…" Chris looked to Connie for an introduction of the other two women.
"Slade and Marie," Connie nodded to her friends.
"Pleased to meet you," Blair smiled as she shook Slade and Marie's hands.
"Enchanté," Connie lifted Blair's hand and kissed it. "Where have you been hiding this one, Chris?"
"She's an old friend, Connie."
"You are the best thing I've seen all day… Blair, was it? A vision in white!"
Blair smiled charmingly. She did like compliments. She went to flip her hair before remembering she had swept it up to accommodate Jo's helmet.
"Shall we trip the light fantastic, Blair? I mean," Connie glanced at Chris. "If you're not already spoken for."
Chris raised her hands and shook her head.
"Not by me," she replied. "But…"
Jo finally spotted Blair across the dance floor. She was chatting with a group of people that included Chris. She was smiling and laughing: charming as usual, completely at ease. She floats on air. As Jo approached her from across the floor, a woman moved close to Blair. She whispered something in her ear. Blair smiled and lifted an eyebrow. The woman was clad in leather and denim and had a look similar to Chris. It was a look that Blair had admitted she found sexy earlier that day, Jo remembered. She quickened her pace as she watched the woman place a hand on Blair's arm.
"So, you still haven't answered me. Shall we dance?" Connie asked.
Blair wasn't sure what to do as she gazed at the beautiful woman before her. Should she dance with her? She had never been asked by another woman to dance, at least not in this context. Not in a romantic sort of way. It was new. It was intriguing. But, she knew just exactly with whom she wanted to dance and Connie, as beautiful as she was, was a poor substitute.
"Well, I…" she began.
"C'mon, Blair," Connie moved closer to her.
"Um," Jo interrupted as she gripped Blair's elbow. "She's with me."
Blair felt a jolt of electricity course through her body at Jo's touch. A huge smile graced her features.
"I'm with her," she shrugged apologetically to Connie.
She beamed at Jo as she held both her hands in her own.
"Wanna' dance?" Jo returned her smile.
"Well, since you asked so charmingly, how could I resist?"
Blair grabbed Jo's hand and led her to the dance floor as Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" began to play. They swayed gently to the music. Blair had her hands on Jo's waist. Jo's hands were on Blair's shoulder.
"Um, Blair?"
"Yes, Jo?"
"You're leading."
"Of course I am. I'm a Warner. I was born to lead. Besides, I wear the pants in this relationship. Well, not literally, but figuratively. You know that."
"Ha!" Jo scoffed as she moved her hands to Blair's waist. "In your dreams."
Blair repositioned her arms around Jo's shoulders and neck: "Happy now?"
"You know I like to drive," Jo responded. "So, were you going to dance with that girl?"
"Why? Jealous?"
"Me? Of course not," Jo dissembled. "It's just that she had her hands on you and was whispering in your ear. Looked pretty intimate."
"You are jealous!"
"Well, maybe, a little," Jo relented.
"You know what that means, don't you?"
"I'm pretty sure you're going to tell me."
"You're attracted to me."
Jo felt powerless to deny it.
"We need to talk, Blair."
"I think we've talked enough, Jo."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning… I'm going to kiss you now."
Jo gave her a shy smile, unsure of how to respond. "Really?" she finally whispered.
"Really," Blair breathed huskily as she moved in close and brushed her friend's lips gently with her own. She opened her eyes long enough to exchange a charged look with Jo.
"Was that okay?" she asked a little nervously.
Her answer was in the form of Jo moving in close for another kiss. She pressed her lips against her, but this time it was not gentle. It was a long, heated, passionate kiss. After some moments, they finally disengaged.
"That was, ah, ah…" Jo's words failed her.
"Intense," Blair finished her sentence. "I've wanted to kiss you forever. It was amazing."
"Yeah," Jo gazed into her eyes lovingly. "It was. How did I get so lucky?"
"I'm the lucky one."
"I don't know what to do next, Blair. I, um…" Jo stuttered.
Blair whispered into her ear. "Next, Joanna Marie Polniaczek, we are going to make mad, passionate love all night long."
Jo went momentarily week in the knees. Blair placed her hand on her back to steady her.
"Jesus, Blair. I've never seen this side of you before."
"No one has. It belongs exclusively to you. God, I want you so bad, Jo. I've waited so long for this moment."
She ran a hand discreetly up Jo's side, glancing her breast, before returning it to the other woman's shoulder.
"People will see us," Jo protested softly.
Blair looked her in the eyes with a self-satisfied smirk upon her face. "Look around us, Jo. I don't think anyone here is going to notice, much less care."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Jo agreed as she perused the many same sex couples dancing.
"I'm always right. Even when I'm wrong, I'm right!"
Jo shook her head and smiled wryly. "Just shut up and hold me, Blair."
"Less talk, more touching. I think I can accommodate that."
Blair leaned into Jo as they drifted slowly to the music. She rested her head on her shoulder, lips close to her ear.
"You take my breath away," she exhaled.
The music stopped, but they didn't. The feeling of Blair's head on her shoulder, their arms wrapped around each other, felt so incredibly wonderful to Jo, she didn't want it to end.
"Um, the song's over," she finally stated softly.
"It's okay. Another one will start."
As if on cue, Madonna's "Crazy For You" began to play.
"I'm crazy for you," Jo sang along.
"Touch me once and you'll know it's true," Blair joined her.
"I never wanted anyone like this," they smiled at each other as they sang along together. "It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss… I'm crazy for you."
They kissed again.
"We need to get out of here, Blair," Jo sighed huskily. "I think I might explode if I have to wait another second to be alone with you."
"No way, Jo! I've waited a long time to dance with you. You're not getting away that easy!"
Jo eyed her as she bit her lower lip.
"But, Blair," she protested gently, "there are other things we've waited a long time to do."
"Let's dance just a few. Prolong the expectation," Blair suggested as she lifted an eyebrow provocatively. Jo felt as though she might melt right then and there.
"Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood began to play.
"Oh, I love this song!" Blair exclaimed. She began to rock out, dancing sensually around Jo, who eyed her in wonderment.
"Just watch me and move your hips like mine," Blair suggested.
Jo did as she was told. She was mesmerized by Blair's gyrations and followed along as best she could. Three more dance songs blasted out as Blair continued to pull Jo into her sensual whirlwind: at times picking up her hand and twirling beneath her, at times bumping her hip or crotch against her.
"I need a drink," Jo sputtered at last.
"Good idea!" Blair enthused. "Isn't this fun?" she lifted an eyebrow.
"Wow, you two were really tearing it up out there," Chris smiled knowingly at them as they returned.
"I'll say," Natalie's voice came from behind Chris. "Blair, who knew you were such a whirling dervish on the dance floor?!"
"I have many skills."
"Oh, um… Hi, Nat," Jo said nervously. "How long have you been here?"
"We just got back," Tootie informed. "Had to help Mrs. G. close up."
"So, dancing together," Natalie shook her head in approval. "Dancing together is nice." She gave Tootie a sly look.
"Well, It's better than fighting," Tootie acknowledged.
"Oh, I dunno'," Natalie mused. "I kind of like their fights."
"We don't fight!" Blair and Jo protested at once. They looked at each other and exchanged a grin.
"We bicker," Jo corrected.
"So, obviously, some good friends here," Chris interjected.
"Oh, Chris, how rude of me!" Blair apologized. "Chris Lowell this is Natalie Green and Tootie Ramsey: two of my dearest friends."
"Two of our dearest friends," Jo amended.
"Yes. Our friends," Blair emphasized the word our as she and Jo unconsciously linked hands, fingers intertwined together.
Natalie's eyes grew wide as she elbowed Tootie and inclined her head towards Jo and Blair's interlinked digits.
"Nice to meet you both," Chris extended her hand.
"The pleasure's ours," Natalie smiled broadly as she grabbed Chris's hand and shook it vigorously.
"Nice to meet you," Tootie smiled.
"Chris is the president of the Gay Club here on campus," Jo explained. "She was instrumental in setting this all up."
"So we have you to thank!" Natalie enthused. "Today was so great!"
"It was a group effort," Chris demurred.
"So what did you guys do today anyway?" Jo asked glaring at Blair. "You were gone for hours."
"We met all these wonderful people. So many causes, so little time!" Natalie explained.
"Then Blair took us to an art show," Tootie added.
"Blair took you to an art show?" Jo questioned.
"Yeah," Tootie continued. "We met this cute guy who had a booth with his paintings and leatherwork. He told us where his gallery was. Said there was a demonstration on leather crafts going on, so we went."
"A cute guy?" Jo scowled at Blair as she squeezed her hand tight.
"Ow! Knock it off," Blair complained. "You know I love art. Quit being silly."
"Never knew you to be interested in leather crafts," Jo huffed.
"You have no idea," Blair sighed. "I'll explain later," she whispered into Jo's ear.
"Anyway," Tootie started up again, irritated at being interrupted. "Then me and Natalie went back to help Mrs. Garrett. We promised we'd help her. It was SO busy today, she could barely spare us for a couple hours."
"And now we're back!" Natalie beamed. "I want to find that dreamy guy who was at that Boycott Sun City booth!"
"A lot of guys are gay here, Nat," Tootie admonished.
"He wasn't," Natalie smiled wickedly.
"Look, I've got a boyfriend, Nat. I'm not interested in hooking up here," Tootie stated adamantly.
"Hey, like you said, most of these guys are gay. No harm, no foul, right? And the great thing is, you can dance with the women, too! Worked for Blair and Jo!"
"Hey!" Jo warned.
Natalie shrugged. "Just sayin'."
"Maybe we should get back to check on Mrs. G.," Jo nodded at Blair.
"Oh, she went out tonight," Tootie's face lit up. "She actually had a dinner date! That's why she wanted us to come back to help her out."
"Yeah," Natalie smiled smugly. "The place is empty if you guys want to go home and unwind."
"I think we might," Jo said intimidatingly.
"Good! Then I think we're going to dance!" Natalie matched her menacing tone.
"Down, girls," Blair interceded. "This is a celebration. No need to come to blows."
"Nah, we're just kidding, right Jo?" Natalie nudged her.
Jo smiled begrudgingly. "Right, Nat."
"C'mon, Tootie, the night is still young!" Natalie gently ushered Tootie in the general direction of where the Sun City booth had been. "We'll be late," she called over her shoulder as they made their way through the crowd. "Don't wait up for us!"
"Oh we won't," Blair gave Jo her most seductive come hither look.
"So, uh, Chris," Jo was blushing furiously. "I think Blair and I are going to take off now, if that's okay with you."
"If you don't, I will kill you both," Chris glared at them imperiously.
"Thanks for everything," Jo hugged her.
Blair stepped in and hugged Chris, as well. "Yes. Thank you, Chrissie. It was so good to reconnect with you. You're an absolute doll!" Blair stepped back and gave her the once over. "And so beguiling these days!"
"Blair?" Jo gave her a scolding look.
"Get out of here, already," Chris smiled.
Blair and Jo gathered their belongings, joined hands and walked into the night. Chris could here their voices as they disappeared.
"Ya' just can't help yourself can you, Blair?"
"What? She looks great, doesn't she?"
"You'd flirt with a lamp post if it blinked at you!"
"I don't flirt anymore. I'm not a teenager."
"Excuse me? There's a whole section in the encyclopedia dedicated to flirting. Your picture is next to it."
"Yeah, well there's a whole section dedicated to boorishness. Your picture is there!"
"Ow! Knock it off, Blair!"
"Ow! You knock it off!"
Chris shook her head. She could hear them laughing as their voices trailed off.
"Love."