Raconteuses of Adulation
Helena walked with Myka along the streets to her parents' house, their hands clasped tightly. Helena held her left hand up, looking at the diamond on her finger. It shimmered and sparkled in the sun in such an astounding way. She mused on it—diamonds were so dense that light itself slowed down within them. For a brief moment time was frozen inside it. But it was this quality, this essence of time travel that made them so beautiful, elegant, and desired. Helena smiled to herself. She wondered if Myka had any idea as she glanced at her new fianceé. Myka was grinning at her; she looked down at the ring. "It suits you." She looked back at Helena. "My time traveler." Her eyes sparkled. Helena beamed; she knew.
Myka burst through the front door of her parents shop. "Mom, Dad!" Her voice rang with excitement.
Jeannie came reeling around a stack. "What is it Myka?"
Myka pulled her into a one armed hug, still holding tight to Helena. "Where's Dad?"
Jeannie laughed at her daughter's glowing smile. "He's out back."
"Go get him please. I have something to tell you." She bounced up and down a little, barely able to contain her excitement.
"All right." Jeannie went to retrieve her husband.
Myka grabbed Helena's arm and squeezed both her forearm and hand. She giggled with overflowing glee. Helena smiled and chuckled at her. "Myka, you will need to calm down enough to speak, darling."
"I know. But I'm so excited, we're getting married!" Myka leaned in and kissed Helena.
"All right, what's the news?" Warren asked as he and his wife approached the young pair.
"We're engaged!" Myka blurted out.
Her parents' faces lit up. "Congratulations." Jeannie hugged Myka. "Welcome to the family," she told Helena as she hugged her.
"Thank you, Jeannie."
"None of that nonsense now, you call me Mom."
Helena smiled. "Mum." It was a name not used for so long a time; it felt good on her lips.
Warren hugged them both. "Congratulations, girls."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Thank you," HG paused, "Dad."
He smiled at the two of them. His eyes settled on Myka. "Let's see it now, where's the ring?"
Helena held out her hand. Warren grinned at Myka. Jeannie took Helena's hand, angling her fingers to catch the light. "That is a gorgeous ring, Helena."
"Tiffany's." She beamed with pride.
"Impressive. Myka, you spoil her."
Myka grinned at Helena. "Yep. But she's worth it."
"We're closing early today. I'm taking my daughters out to celebrate!" Warren locked the door and flipped the sign in the window to read 'closed.' "Get your coat Jeannie, we're going to Myka's favorite restaurant."
The four sat around a glossy wooden table and placed their drink orders. Helena was impressed with the menu; food that had once been a rare delicacy was now common fare. Though, looking at the prices, one still paid for their luxury. Myka had known what she would order before they got there; rather than bothering with the menu, she watched Helena. She could study that woman forever. Myka grinned; she would have that chance now. She saw Helena's dark eyes go wide. Myka curled her fingers around HG's on the table and leaned in close. "Don't worry about the prices. My—our parents are paying for it."
Helena looked over at her to protest, the rate of inflation was something to which Helena was having trouble adjusting. But she saw the light in Myka's eyes, and the smile on her gorgeous lips. Helena's eyes fell to Myka's mouth and she licked her lips without realizing it. Myka blushed—she knew the thoughts that accompanied the look on Helena's face. Myka squeezed Helena's hand and HG looked back into her eyes. She caught the rouge on Myka's cheeks and cringed a silent apology. "I'm sorry, you know how I am about money."
"I know, sweetie."
"It's a gift." Warren smiled at them. "A welcome to the family gift. Don't worry about the price, order whatever you like."
Helena looked at him with a sheepish expression. "Thank you. And I am ever so grateful to be considered part of your family." She looked at Myka with her distant smile. "So very grateful."
Myka smiled at her, a surge of tears swelled up inside her. She fought it back and brought Helena's hand to her lips. "Me too," she whispered.
The waiter came out with their drinks and took their orders. "And add on a special occasion cake." Warren instructed.
"What's the occasion, sir?"
He looked at Myka with pride. "My daughters' engagement."
"Will the groom be joining you?"
"I'm right here." Helena retorted.
The waiter looked up from his pad and stared at Helena. He noticed her hand clasped with Myka's on the table. An involuntary grin turned his lips. "My apologies." Helena nodded her acceptance. "Can I get your names for the cake?"
"Myka. M-y-k-a."
"Helena."
"Congratulations." He smiled at them.
"Thank you." They answered in unison.
Helena looked around the restaurant. It was homey, rustic without being country. It was comfortable, natural and welcoming with its stonemason walls and the warm polished wood of the tables and counters. From what she had seen, it was representative of the city itself. The atmosphere alone made it clear why it was Myka's favorite.
"Helena." She was shaken from her observation by Warren. "Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? About your family, if you wish. Let us get to know our new daughter."
Myka's eyes went wide just a little. Helena bit her lip. "I grew up outside of London, in the countryside. Though it's very different now, I doubt much—if anything, of what I remember is there now. Such is the way of progress. It was peaceful; I enjoyed it. We moved into the city when my mother died, my father, brother and I. I was young. I don't recall much of my mother." She looked at Jeannie. "It was so very long ago. Over a century and a quarter." She remembered herself, "Or so it seems." Helena sighed. "She was warm, I remember that." She had a sad smile. "My brother Charles was a writer. We used to talk about his stories. I'd give him ideas, help him with research. He was one of my best friends."
"Was he ever published? Anything we'd recognize?"
Myka bit back a laugh. Helena pouted her lip, contemplating how best to answer. "I don't think that you would, no. It was very obscure, not a large printing." Helena sighed heavily. Her face turned dark and Myka recognized the cloud that came over her countenance. "I had a daughter. Christina." Myka squeezed Helena's hand and rubbed her thumb along the back of her knuckles. "She died..." Helena reached down and pulled out her locket, tracing her fingers along its edges. "Two years ago." She was quiet, staring at the photo in her locket. Helena removed her necklace and handed it to Jeannie at her side. Warren passed it back to her.
"She was a beautiful girl." Jeannie smiled.
"It was...tragic." Helena was close to tears. Myka held her hand tighter, trying not to lose her. "But," she took a deep breath. "Had it not happened I never would have met Myka." Helena squeezed Myka's hand in return. As she looked at Myka, the light began to return to Helena's face. Helena smiled at her; Myka was gorgeous. "My dear Myka." Helena's eyes teared up with gratitude and love. "She saved me," she said softly.
Myka leaned over and kissed her. "Likewise, I assure you," she grinned at Helena.
Myka's parents smiled to each other, they'd never seen Myka so in love, so happy. "Alright, tell me how you proposed."
Myka looked at her mom with a massive grin. "We were in the park, just sitting on a bench. I was thinking about everything, my life." She looked back at Helena. "How everything is perfect; I have everything I want. I wanted everything to stay just like this. Forever." Her grin grew a little and her eyes sparkled. "I looked over at you and I knew. You were all I wanted for the rest of my life."
Helena smiled sweetly at her. "Me too."
Jeannie smiled to herself. On the very rare occasion when Myka made a decision without careful planning, it had meant that she was following her heart. Leaping forward based on pure love, pure emotion, that what she felt was so powerful as to overwhelm her and compel her to action without forethought. It meant she truly loved Helena with everything she had.
Myka beamed. "So I got down on my knee in the snow and I took her hand. And I asked her to marry me."
Helena laughed. "I was speechless."
"For once." Myka teased.
Helena glanced sideways at her. "My hand was shaking. 'Could she really have just asked what I think she did?' I wanted to say 'yes' so badly, but I couldn't answer. Were you worried, darling?"
Myka smiled at her and cocked her head to the side. "No," she replied in her sweet high tone. "I saw it in your eyes. I could've waited for you to say it." Myka understood now. "Your heart gave you away," she whispered.
Helena's face lit up and she brought Myka's hand to her lips. "I love you, Myka."
Myka grinned and a gleam came into her eye. "I know." She giggled.
"I know you know." Helena smirked.
"I know you know I know." Myka laughed and kissed Helena. Myka made a quiet noise of pleasure under her breath and licked her lips.
Helena stared at Myka for a moment; there was a dangerous fire growing in those green eyes. This was not the time nor the place for that, Helena needed to throw water on the blaze. "Myka took me to Tiffany's and let me pick out a ring." Helena looked down at the shining stone on her finger. "Though I still think it's too much." She looked up at Myka. "You didn't have to take me there, it wasn't necessary. Someplace less expensive would have been fine, Myka."
Myka smiled at her. "Nothing but the very best would have been worthy of gracing your hand." Helena glanced down at Myka's hand on hers and smiled; nothing but the very best.
"It's a very beautiful ring." Jeannie smiled at the girls.
Helena bowed her head slightly at the woman. "Thank you."
"Oh, here comes the food."
Myka had a plate of shrimp and scallops that Helena had been eying for quite a while, but she focused on her own steak.
"Helena." Myka finally said.
"Yes dear?"
"Just ask." Myka smirked.
Helena looked at her sheepishly. "I was trying to be polite." Myka gave her a look with the sweetest smile and only a hint of amused chastising. It was quite plain to Helena what Myka was thinking. Why would she feel any trepidation about asking, and why should she even feel like she would have to ask at this point? "I know, Myka, I know. Old habits." Helena smiled guiltily.
"Would you like one?" Myka laughed.
Helena smiled. "Yes, please."
Myka speared a piece of scallop with her fork and held it up for Helena. She smiled at Myka with the barest hint of a devilish spark in her eye. Helena leaned over to slowly curl her lips around the morsel. Myka fought to keep her smile only mildly flirtatious, but Helena could see her pupils dilating. It was cute. Helena brushed her tongue over the firm flesh; Myka swallowed hard. Helena chuckled softly to herself as she savored the taste.
"Did you enjoy that?" Myka asked.
Helena smiled impishly. "Very much. Delicious."
Myka smirked. "I'm glad." Her smirk grew. "Would you like another?"
"Of course, darling."
Myka repeated her gesture and Helena made even more use of her tongue, though having the discretion to do so in a manner in which only Myka could see it. Adults or not, it would have been inappropriate to do anything so overt in front of their parents. Helena could see Myka's throat quiver with her increasing heartbeat. As enjoyable as it was to arouse Myka, Helena knew she should stop. The blush creeping over Myka's pale skin cemented the thought. Her pale skin. Her soft, smooth, warm, pale skin. Helena's eyes drifted down to Myka's chest and the exposed skin; she adored Myka's propensity for V neck tops. HG licked her lips. iHelena, stop it. Stop that right this instant./i Helena painfully tore her eyes from Myka's chest and looked at Jeannie. "So," she paused for just a moment, "Mum, how did," she paused again, still growing accustomed to having parents again. "Dad propose to you?"
Jeannie smiled; Warren chuckled—those two were a mess, so incredibly in love with each other.
"I'm sorry we can't stay, but we really do need to get back." Myka apologized regretfully to her parents.
"It's okay, honey." Her mother hugged her. "We understand." She hugged Helena. "It was wonderful to meet you."
Helena smiled. "Likewise, I assure you."
"Dad, help me get my presents?"
"Oh, yes." They headed inside leaving Jeannie and Helena alone.
"Thank you for your candid forthrightness." Jeannie smiled at her. "Truly, thank you. It was a great burden off Myka's shoulders. I can't say how today, this weekend, would have gone if she'd had to worry constantly about how and when, or even if, to tell you about us."
Jeannie smiled more familiarly at her. "I know my daughter. She likes to bear things alone, in silence until she can work out exactly how to deal with it. If she lets you see that in her, know you carry a privilege that I don't think many have ever had from her."
Helena nodded. "I count everything from Myka as a privilege; I take not a second with her for granted. Every moment of this life is a gift to me. I owe your daughter a debt I can never repay. I can only hope that I will now have all the remainder of this lifetime the opportunity to balance the scales."
"She is lucky to have you."
Helena smiled. "And I thank you for accepting us—me so easily. I have," she paused, looking away. "Not always been so fortunate."
Jeannie put her hand on Helena's cheek, drawing back her attention. "I have never seen my daughter as happy as she is with you. To deny you, deny that, would be to deny Myka's happiness. And I wouldn't dare dream of that." Jeannie hugged her again. "You are always welcome in this family."
"Coming through." Myka announced as she and her father came out, each wielding a box. Helena opened the back of the SUV and they dropped the boxes inside. Myka hugged her father. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Drive safe. Oh." He ran back inside. "Don't forget your cake."
"Dad."
"Take it, celebrate with your friends. It's your cake anyway." He smiled. "It's got your names on it. Mostly."
"Thank you." Helena took the foil covered cake.
"Take care. Call when you get home. Even if it's late."
"Okay Mom." Myka smiled at her.
"All right, we won't hold you up any longer girls. Congratulations again. Goodbye."
"Bye Dad, Mom." Myka hugged her parents one last time.
"Goodbye Mum and Dad." Helena smiled at the words.
"Goodbye, Helena." Jeannie hugged her. "We'll get out of your hair now."
Their parents went back inside and the two women turned to each other. Helena wrapped her arms around Myka's waist, pulling her close. "Alone at last." She whispered against Myka's lips before kissing her deeply.
Myka slid her arms around Helena's neck, but by the time the kiss was over, found her hands on HG's backside. She squeezed a little and laughed at Helena's widened eyes. "Not sure how that happened, but I've got no complaints."
Helena grinned wickedly. "Nor do I," she mumbled as she nuzzled at Myka's neck.
"Mmm." Myka purred a small happy sound. "You better stop that." She sighed as Helena nibbled gently at her warm skin. "Or I'm going to have to throw you in the back of the car and rip your clothes off."
"I fail to see the problem," she whispered huskily into Myka's ear, before latching onto her earlobe.
"Ah." iCome on, Myka./i "Helena. Not in front of my parents' place."
"They already heard you scream once, darling. And I have every intention of making you do so again."
Myka moved her hands to HG's hips. "Helena, they could come out here and see us. I don't want..." Her voice trailed off as Helena slid her tongue over Myka's pulse point. She chuckled at Myka's racing heartbeat.
"Okay, Myka, as you wish." She pulled away from Myka's neck.
Myka smiled to herself; Helena hadn't read that book yet, there was no way she could have known what that phrase had come to mean. And yet, it was perfectly implied. "Thank you."
Helena smiled at her. "Anything for you, my dear sweet Myka." Myka grinned. Helena chuckled, Myka's smile was indescribable in its wonder. HG kissed her sweetly and hugged her tight. "So, what did your parents get you for Christmas?"
Myka bit her lip. "Open the box," she said with a knowing smile.
Helena pulled open the box closer to her, it was full of books. She read through the titles: iWhen the Sleeper Wakes, The Invisible Man, Tales of Space and Time, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Time Machine/i. "Myka, these are all mine."
"Mhmm." She grinned. "The rest are Charles' I would suppose. They got me the complete works of H. G. Wells. Everything ihe/i"—she giggled— "ever wrote." Myka licked her lips. "Apparently I have expressed a sudden growing interest for the author."
Helena let out a full laugh. "I'd say you have. And so has she for you." Helena kissed her.
"Come on, my wife-to-be, we have to go. It'll be late enough when we get home as it is."
Helena held her tight. "Wife-to-be." Her eyes sparkled.
Myka smiled at her. "Yes, my wife-to-be," she whispered. Myka gazed into Helena's eyes and knew she had made the right decision; there could never be anyone else for her. The female HG Wells frozen in time for a hundred years was her perfect match. No one could ever accuse Fate of not having a sense of humor. She chuckled a small laugh. "Come on. The sooner we get home, the sooner we can get to bed." Myka winked at her and slid her hand back down to grab a handful of Helena's ass.
"Home it is then."
They pulled into the driveway of the Bed and Breakfast just before eleven that night. The lights were on downstairs, so at least some of their companions were awake. "Do you want to tell them tonight or wait until the morning?" Myka asked as she took Helena's hand.
Helena smiled. "I could hardly wait until the morning, darling. Besides, I think the cake would give us away. You iknow/i the boys would find it."
Myka laughed; Artie did seem to have some kind of sixth sense about sweets. "I don't think a one of them would be upset about being woken up for this."
They saw Claudia first, typing away on her computer in the living room. "Hey Claud, have you seen Pete?"
"Hey guys. He's in there." She pointed to the kitchen.
"Ah." Myka and Helena found Pete making a sandwich. "Hey Pete?"
"Yeah, Mykes?" He looked up. "Hey HG."
"Hello. Would you join Claudia in the parlour please? We have something to share with you all."
"Sure."
"Thanks." He nodded at them
"Now, where is our dear proprietor and our boss?"
"Artie's probably upstairs." Myka pulled Helena along to the base of the staircase. "Oh, Leena." Leena stopped on the landing above them. "Would you mind getting Artie and coming downstairs? We have an announcement."
Leena eyed the two women for a moment and smiled to herself. "So you do. We'll be right down."
"Thank you."
Myka turned to Helena when they were alone. "Do you want to tell them or should I?"
Helena smiled at her. "I would not dare to deprive you of that moment, darling."
"But I got to tell my parents. You don't have anyone to tell, except them. You can tell them if you want."
HG smirked at her. "Myka," Helena kissed her. "Tell your friends about it. I have you." She caressed Myka's cheek. "That's all that matters."
Myka grinned. "And I am all yours." She kissed Helena. "Let's go."
Helena and Myka joined Pete and Claudia in the living room. Pete shoved a bite of sandwich in his mouth. Claudia had put her computer away. "All right guys, what's the sitch?"
"You have to wait for everyone." Myka smiled at her.
Claudia looked down at their clasped hands. Myka ran her thumb over Helena's knuckles, brushing against a diamond ring. Wait, a diamond ring? On HG's left hand. She looked up at HG's face, then Myka's. HG was hard to read; she was happy, but she usually smiled around Myka. Myka though, there was no mistaking that grin. Claudia jumped off the sofa and hugged both women with a squeal. "Congrats guys!"
Myka smiled at Helena; HG chuckled. Artie and Leena came in. Artie was wrapped up in his robe. "This had better be good, I was about to go to bed."
"It is!" Claudia squeaked.
"Claudia." Helena chastised gently. "Let Myka."
"Oh, right! Right. Sorry guys, your spotlight." She sat back down, chomping at the bit. "Go."
Myka smiled at her. "Everyone." She licked her lips, suddenly nervous. Helena squeezed Myka's hand tenderly. Myka smiled. "We're getting married." Myka looked at Helena as everyone reacted. Myka pulled her closer.
Claudia jumped up and hugged each of them. "I'm so happy for you guys!" She snatched up their hands to look at the ring. "Very nice."
Helena smiled. "Tiffany's."
Claudia's eyes went wide. "Impressive." She jabbed Myka in the arm. "Big spender."
Leena came over to see the ring. "It is very beautiful, Helena. It suits you very well." Leena hugged them both and hurried off to make some hot chocolate—no one was going to bed anytime soon. Claudia gave them one last hug before scampering off to help Leena.
Artie came over to stand in front of them. He eyed Helena's ring sideways and looked up at their faces through bushy eyebrows, smiling his crooked smile. "That was worth getting out of bed for. I'm happy for you." Myka hugged him. He fussed, but hugged her back easily. He cleared his throat and headed into the kitchen.
Pete set his sandwich down on the table and stood up. He came over and Myka let go of Helena's hand, hugging him. He looked at Helena, "Congratulations." She nodded silently. Myka released him. "I'm happy for you. You couldn't have done better. Well," he looked at HG. "Maybe you could've." Myka made the most adorable scrunched up face and punched him in the shoulder. "Ow. Okay, only a little better." Myka hit him again. "Okay, okay. She couldn't have done better." He sobered. "There's no one more amazing than you."
Myka found Helena's hand again and entwined their fingers. HG looked at Myka with love and pride—and just a hint of possession. "There certainly isn't." Myka blushed a little and smiled. Pete grabbed his sandwich and went to the kitchen, leaving the women alone. Helena pulled Myka into her arms. "There truly is not anyone more amazing, astounding, brilliant, beautiful, or wonderful than you my dear sweet lovely Myka." Helena kissed her deeply as she held Myka tight in her arms. "I love you more than anything. I am so happy we are getting married because the thought of being without you..." She trailed off as her eyes filled with tears.
"Oh sweetie." Myka wiped a tear from HG's cheek. "Helena," she said gently as she held her face in her hands. "Helena...I will never leave you. I give you that promise, just as I give you my heart." Myka kissed her sweetly.
Myka wiped the moisture from Helena's cheeks and straightened her hair. Helena stared at Myka, her glowing smile and bright eyes. Everything there, everything radiating from her face was for her. She never would leave her, ever—it was written there in ink only visible to Helena. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "You okay now?" Myka asked. Helena smiled at her and nodded. They headed into the kitchen. "Oh, there's cake."
"Cake?" Artie perked up.
It was after midnight when Myka and Helena finally climbed the stairs to their room. They had been required to tell the tale of Myka's proposal, and many other details of their trip. Helena deftly avoided any mention Scott Grady and their little adventure in the backseat of Myka's SUV. And a particular shortage of hot water. Claudia found it hilarious that Myka was given HG's books for Christmas, it was just too perfect.
Helena stripped while Myka watched out of the corner of her eye. Myka came up behind her and wrapped her arms around Helena's waist. Helena held Myka's arms and sunk back against her with a smile. Myka kissed her cheek and whispered softly into Helena's ear, "Do you have any idea what your naked body does to me?"
Helena chuckled lightly. "I have an inkling, darling." She turned and kissed Myka.
"No pajamas tonight." Myka leaned her cheek against Helena's, resting her chin on HG's shoulder.
"Oh really?" Helena chuckled.
Myka smiled. "I am far too exhausted for that, my dear." She laughed. "I just want to feel you next to me." Myka took Helena's hand and held it up. She held Helena's fingers gently and ran her thumb over the engagement ring. Myka pulled her hand to her lips and kissed the stone. "Come to bed, Helena."
"Gladly. But you are a tad overdressed for that."
Myka laughed, her throat vibrating against Helena's neck. "I will remedy that."
"Let me watch."
Myka grinned at her. "Get in bed, sweetie."
Helena stepped away from Myka, whose trailing hands grazed teasingly over the bare skin of her ass making Helena's insides jump just a little. She climbed gracefully into bed and looked at Myka expectantly. There was a longing, a desire in that smile, but also a quiet sort of comfort and trust. Myka undressed, taking her time as Helena always liked for her to do. Myka stood, peaking over her shoulder at Helena. "Come darling, join me."
Myka slid under the covers and pressed her lips against Helena's in a warm, sleepy kiss. She curled up next to Helena and wrapped her arm around HG's waist, pulling her tight against her. Myka draped one long leg over Helena's and snuggled against her. "I love you, Helena." Myka kissed the back of HG's neck.
"I love you too my darling Myka. With all my heart."
"Good night my wife-to-be."
Helena chuckled and settled against Myka.
NOTES:
the restaurant they went to is a real place, and it looks and sounds AMAZING. Steaksmith Restaurant.
and for those who are curious, Helena's ring is also real, and available at Tiffany's on their website.
