2

New Years Day

Norma slowly opened her large eyes, waking up to the harsh light coming through the large windows in her room. She groaned and looked down, covering her eyes with her hand. She saw Joe's arm around her bare waist, she grinned with delight, almost thinking last night wasn't true…that it was a dream… She rolled over and faced him, stroking his cheek and moving closer to his warm body. He was still sound asleep, snoring softly. She watched him, still in denial that this was the man who almost left her. And now he was laying next to her, after he had made love to her last night. She wondered what he was dreaming about, and secretly hoping it was about her. She moved her head in the crook of his neck and kissed it gently, bringing her arm around him.

"Joe darling….wake up.." She whispered, rubbing his chest and kissing him.

Joe grunted and stretched his arms out, opening his eyes lightly. She smiled up at him, "Good morning…"

He looked down at her, suddenly remembering what happened last night. He paused, "Good morning.. Norma…" He kissed her head and rubbed her arm.

She couldn't believe this, a man in bed with her finally, a man she really loved. She felt so happy. This is what heaven feels like, she told herself. Joe sat up and rubbed his face, his mind wandering.

Norma brung her hand up on his back and stroked it, not knowing what to say. "Do you want something to eat?" She said sitting up, the blanket falling off her. Joe was being so quiet..

He turned his head and looked at her, and then at her chest. She watched him stare, blushing a little. "Is that a yes or no?" She teased, giggling a little. He suddenly took her in his arms and kissed her deeply, leaning back onto the bed. Norma gasped and moaned into his mouth, running her fingers through his hair.

"You were wonderful last night.." He acknowledged, his hands running down her chest. She beamed with happiness. But before she could answer, there was a quiet knock on the door. Her eyes widened, she totally forgot about Max. Joe moved off her and looked at the door.

"Madame?...I have made breakfast…" Max said awkwardly, looking at his wrist watch. It was already 10:45. He had clean bandages in his hands too. Norma quickly got out of bed, tying a silk robe around her naked body and motioning Joe to go in his room for a minute. She sighed and walked to the door, barely opening it.

"I'll be down in a second…" She said looking at him intensely, Max raised an eyebrow.

"And Mr. Gillis?..." He asked, staring at her.

She had a sharp look in her eyes, "He's with me…" She paused, " Now go!" Yanking the bandages out of his hands and slamming the door. Max sighed and went downstairs.

Norma turned around and pressed her back against the door. Joe walked back out, now in a robe. "What did he want?" He asked her.

She turned and looked at him, "Some food he made is waiting downstairs…" She placed her fingers on the bandages on her right wrist, he watched her.

Taking her hands, he sat her down. She needed his help with this. Slowly, he removed the old bandages on her wrists, his eyes widened seeing the dark, bloody marks. It made him weak. "Norma... Don't ever..do this again."

She trembled and her eyes welled up with tears, the pain hurt badly. She saw the look in his eyes, "Im sorry Joe...I..I just didn't think I would see you again…" A tear ran down her cheek, he carefully finished her right wrist with the bandages, leaning down and kissing it.

"I know…." He whispered and held her other wrist. She leaned her head against his shoulder, resting as he took care of her. Finally he finished, he took her chin and lifted her head, kissing her lightly on the lips. She sighed in relief.

They made their way downstairs, Norma walking slowly behind Joe. Her whole body was sore from the night before. Max looked at them, glaring them as they sat down. Norma peered at him, "Max..will you excuse us?" She said politely, not looking at him and picking up a fork. He quietly left the room and left them alone.

They silently ate their food, Joe gobbling everything on the tiny plate in front of him. Norma picked at her food, barely even hungry. She watched Joe, feeling aroused by everything he did. She took his hand and squeezed it, getting up from her chair and sitting on his lap. Joe was surprised at her, she kissed him and rubbed his chest.

"Finishing the script is going to be hard now…" She murmured, moving his robe from his chest and sticking her hand inside, rubbing his chest with her palm. He looked up at her, running his fingers in her hair. "But we'll get it done in no time.." She pecked his nose and stood up. Looking around, she could see that everything was still as it was the night before. The couches and tables moved, showing the shiny tiles underneath.

She turned around. "Dance with me... " She declared, pulling him to the tiles. He shook his head, grinning.

"Oh come on! Get up.." She pulled on his arms and he stood up, gliding toward her. He couldn't say no. He was in her life now, he came back, he made that decision. "Fine…" He uttered.

She crawled into his arms and they slowly danced, her arm tightly around him as she leaned against his chest.

They danced for awhile, he held her in his arms the whole time. He almost thought Norma had fallen asleep. She raised her head, "Now….let's go upstairs.." She stated seductively, her hand wandering around his body. Joe hesitated, not sure if he wanted to make love to her so early in the day. But he didn't say anything, he only nodded. You can't say no to Norma Desmond. They made their way back up the steps, and vanished into her dungeon of a room.