Smoothing my hair, I smile at myself in the mirror. I look good in a pair of black high heels, a silk blouse with slacks, and my favorite fur coat. Tonight is my firs fancy date out with Mary Eunice and I want to impress her.
We've been together since the whole incident with Erica, about a month now, and it's honestly the happiest I've been since Briarcliff. Mary Eunice is constantly making me laugh and smile; she's so thoughtful and considerate. She looks after Erica, goes out of her way to surprise me, and she even cooks dinner.
Tonight Kit has agreed to watch Erica overnight so Mary and I can have a night out on the town. She won't tell me where we are going, all she said was to dress nice. My heart is racing from excitement.
After one last glance in the mirror, I head downstairs to where Mary is waiting. "Holy shit Lana, you look stunning!" Mary's jaw almost hits the floor when she sees me, and honestly, so does mine.
"So do you, love. You're breathtaking."
Her strong arms wrap around my waist as she pulls me in for a kiss. "How'd I get so damn lucky Miss Winters?" Mary Eunice says through giggles and kisses.
"That's a very good question." I reply playfully.
Grinning, Mary takes my hand and leads me to her car. "We better get going before we miss our reservations." She opens the door for me, making me blush.
"Aren't you quite the princess charming tonight."
She kisses my lips quickly, a huge smile spreading across her cheeks. "I like to think that I always am, not just tonight. I mean, I have to be with a queen like you."
That was possibly the cheesiest, corniest line I've ever heard in my entire life but it makes me blush none the less. "So do I get to know where these reservations are yet?"
"Nope."
"Can I at least have a hint?"
"Nope." Chuckling, Mary squeezes my hand. "We're almost there anyways."
I light up a cigarette and blow smoke out the window into the cool evening air. "Hey Mary?"
"Yes darling?"
"I love you."
I watch her eyes light up and her whole being seems to radiate with happiness. "I love you too, Lana."
The car comes to a stop behind a tall building that u don't recognize. I can hear music coming from inside and my heart races with excitement once more. Taking my hand, Mary Eunice grins as we walk up the cobblestone pavement to the front door. I give her a quizzical expression to which she only smiles and replies, "Trust me, you'll love it."
Mary Eunice opens the door and the sight that greets my eyes is wonderful! It's a beautiful, classy restaurant with couples spinning about the dance floor while a band plays Elton John's popular hits. Mary and I are seated at a table for two by a window and I practically swoon.
I take a few more minutes to look around the room. It's stunning, cozy yet filled with energy. "Wow Mary, this place is amazing!"
"I'm so glad you like it Lana." She reaches across the table and laces our fingers together. I go to pull away after another second but she holds on.
Quickly glancing around the room to make sure no one has seen, I whisper, "We've talked about this Mary… We can't seem like a couple in public, not because of shame or embarrassment or anything like that, just for our own safety. You saw what they did to Lois and Alice the other week; she still can't see right out of her black eye."
But Mary disregards me and brings my hand to her lips, kissing my knuckles. "Look around again love, we don't have to hide here." Anxiously I turn my eyes back to the establishment. "There, just below the door knob."
Then I see it, a tiny pink nautical star indicating sanctuary and acceptance to people like us. I don't know how she found this place, but I'm so glad she did. Safe spaces are getting harder and harder to find every day.
"Thank you Mary Eunice."
My partner just winks and passes me a menu. "I'd recommend the seafood, but try to stay away from anything underlined in red, they're so damn spicy and I know you're not a big fan of heat like that."
It's little things like that, moments when I see exactly how much Mary listens and knows me, that I fall in love with her even more. Sometimes I don't think it's possible to love her anymore, but then all the sudden I fall for her all over again.
The waiter comes to take our order and comments on how beautiful we look together. I have to agree. Mary Eunice definitely dressed to the 10s tonight in a cinched silver gown. Just the sight of her nearly makes me forget how to think straight.
"What are you thinking about Lana?" Mary asks with a smile.
"You." I answer simply. "Always you."
My lover blushes, trying to hide it behind her glass of wine which only makes it worse. I chuckle, loving that I have this effect on her.
Our food comes shortly and it's literally the best I've ever eaten. Mary and I joke and laugh between bites, but by the end of our meal I notice her getting a bit distracted, nervous almost. Finally she takes a deep breath and stands. "Will you dance with me Lana?"
"Of course." The wine has gone to my head, making me slightly dizzy when I stand, but Mary holds me close to her. We walk to the center of the dance floor together, gaining confidence with each step.
The band is in full swing, playing hits like The Beatles and Carole King. Everything in the world slips away besides the music and my lover. She sways her hips sensually, dancing with our bodies pressed close. I move in time with her, completely mesmerized.
Together we twirl and spin gracefully, laughing and smiling the whole time. I can't believe I've found someone who makes me this incredibly happy. The music changes to a slow rhythm but Mary Eunice takes a step back. I frown at her, confused.
The lead singer steps up to the mic. "Well hello everybody and thanks for coming out tonight! We have a special treat for you! So please put your hands together to welcome Mary Beth Simon!"
For a moment I don't get it. But then I recognize Mary's new legal name and can't believe it. No fucking way! Mary kisses my cheek quickly before walking onto the stage. The other guests clap and cheer, and I soon join them.
"Thank you for having me. I'm gonna sing 'And I Love Her' by The Beatles. This is dedicated to my beautiful partner Lana." Mary gestures to me, sending a wink my way. I can only smile with this huge stupid grin on my face.
The familiar melody begins to fill the room and Mary gazes right at me. "I give her all my love, that's all I do. And if you saw my love, you'd love her too. I love her."
Mary's voice makes me weak in the knees; she makes my heart flutter and my insides melt. I've never heard her sing before. Her voice is a mixture of desire and power. She's wildly talented. I could listen to Mary Eunice sing for the rest of my life.
"A love like ours could never die, as long as I have you near me. Bright are the stars that shine. Dark is the sky. I know this love of mine, will never die. And I love her."
Mary's voice fades away as she puts the microphone back in its stand. "I love you." I mouth to her. Everyone claps and even gives her a standing ovation. Blushing and smiling, Mary goes to step off the stage but something gives her pause.
Her face turns pale white, as if she's seen a ghost. I follow her line of sight, fear creeping into my veins. Arden, doctor Arthur Arden, is clapping with a smug expression. He looks out of place here; I've never seen him without the lab coat. His yellow tooth grin sends shivers up my spine.
Quickly leaving the stage, Mary rushes over to me. "We have to go, Arden is here."
"I know, I just saw him." The rest of the crowd goes on about their business, unaware of the potential danger. We head towards the exit almost frantically.
"Leaving so soon?" fuck. Arden stands blocking the doorway. "Surely you aren't cutting your evening short on my account, are you?"
Mary Eunice stands protectively in front of me. "What do you want Arthur?"
"Nothing really, just a memento of sorts… I strand of your hair would do perfectly, and one of yours too Miss Winters."
Mary practically snarls. "You're a sick monster Arthur, now get out of our way."
"Monster is such a strong word. I prefer devoted scientist."
"I'll give it to you."
"Lana, no." Mary whispers sternly.
"I'll give it to you if you swear to leave me and my family alone. Never contact us again, never look for us again, never even think about us again."
Arden just stares at me for a minute before holding out his hand. "Deal."
"Deal." We shake and it is final. Mary and I each give over a strand of our hair and the doctor promptly leaves the restaurant.
"Why'd you do that Lana? He could be doing anything with our DNA…"
I wrap my arms around my partner and pull her close to me. "Because of you and Erica. I want to have a life with you, a normal life free of lunatics and asylums and kidnappings. If Arden leaves us alone, even if it's only for a little while, at least I'll get time to be with you and our daughter in peace. I love you Mary. You're my most cherished, unexpected miracle and I never want to lose you."
"I love you Lana. I love you so much."
Her baby blue eyes meet mine and I finally start to feel it, peace.
FIN.
AN: thank you again to everyone who has read this story and stuck with it from the beginning, I'm so grateful to you! This is the end but only for now, I hope to start a sequel sometime soon. I love you guys!