It's a gorgeous Saturday morning in March when Caroline finds herself on the road to Gillian's farm again. It had been months since she'd been out for a visit, not since Boxing Day in fact. She'd spent the week dreading it, not entirely certain how a full day alone with Gillian would go. The light morning drizzle and crisp air in Harrogate further set that dour mood, but once she reached the open countryside and rolling hills near Birstall the sun appeared, lifting her mood with the fog.
"Good morning sweetheart," She chirped into the air with a sweet smile as she answered the incoming call from the car's Bluetooth.
"Well, good morning darling. You're rather chipper this morning. Are you on the road yet?"
"Yep, I've just turned onto Gillian's drive."
"Oh wow, you were up early then."
"Yea, Gillian said she could be ready by 9 and our first appointment is at Crossley House at 9:45."
"So, are we still on for this evening?" Kate questions hopefully on the other end.
"Of course we are! Will half six work for you? You can come round to mine. I've got wine and thought we might make a coconut curry."
"Sounds perfect."
"Brilliant. Well, I'll see you tonight then. Oh, and bring an overnight bag with you." Her mouth curves up into a naughty grin as she pulls up to the wall in front of Gillian's cottage.
"What about the boys?"
"With John for the weekend; won't be back until tomorrow evening."
"Mmm, I'm looking forward to it already. See you tonight then. Have a nice day and good luck."
"Ha! Yea, thanks, I might need it. See you tonight darling, bye."
"Alright. Bye Caroline."
Caroline ends the call, grabs her mobile from the side pocket of her purse and steps out of the car. She stretches her arms up over her head and breathes the crisp Yorkshire air deeply. It really is quite relaxing out here; the air has a distinctly clean feeling. As she leans forward to straighten the wrinkles in her skinny black trousers and crisp white chiffon blouse she hears footsteps crunching towards her across the gravel. She looks up to find Gillian approaching with a smile.
"Hiya, how was the drive?" She questions with a wave as she moves around the front of the Jeep to Caroline.
"Good morning. It was fine. Actually, quite nice really; no traffic and the hills were glistening with dew in the sun."
"Yea, I love it when it looks like that; like hills made of emeralds or something." Gillian shifts her feet and sways her purse across the front of her calves.
"You look really nice. That color suites you," Caroline compliments, shocked to see Gillian in something other than jeans and plaid, but trying not to make her feel any more uncomfortable than she already looks. Gillian looks down a bit uneasily at the dress she is wearing and back up to Caroline.
"It's not…too much? I figured me jeans weren't nice enough for posh wedding venue shopping. Might think I was the hired help or something," she says with a self-effacing laugh. Caroline smiles in return.
"No, it's perfect. Where are mum and Alan? And Raff?"
"Oh, they left early for Bradford, going to some craft fair with Harry and Morris. Raff's with his girlfriend, Ellie."
"Ahh, ok. Well, are you ready then?"
"Yep, lead the way."
They ride in silence to the end of the drive and Caroline turns out onto the lane that connects back to Huddersfield Rd.
"Thanks for doing this Caroline. Are you sure you're not upset I volunteered us? It's only I know they have a lot on and I thought it might take some of the stress off me dad and his heart." Gillian finally says with a cautious glance across to Caroline.
"No, I mean yes, it's fine. I think really they could use the help, but were too stubborn to ask." Caroline flashes a half smile Gillian's direction.
"Yep, that'd be me dad and I'd venture to say that'd be Celia even more." Gillian cracks.
"Oh, you know mum so well already." Caroline replies with a laugh.
oOo
"I mean, who the hell do they think they are charging that much?! It's not Downton Bloody Abbey and besides that dusky blue carpet in the chapel was atrocious, the Dowager Countess would definitely NOT approve!" Caroline climbs into the Jeep, slamming the door shut behind her as Gillian climbs in the passenger seat trying to hide the rapidly growing grin on her face.
Caroline starts the engine and looks over to see the amused twinkle in Gillian's eyes.
"What?" She half barks in irritation. Gillian stares at her for a moment, amusement still written across her face, debating whether or not to say what's on her mind. Ahh, fuck it.
"You really are a snotty bitch, aren't you?" Gillian goads. Instantly a intense red flush moves across Caroline's chest and cheeks, the Ice Queen glare coming on full force. Gillian's smile grows wider.
"I actually liked the carpet. But….that's probably just because I'm low life trailer trash." She stares at Caroline for a moment longer before winking and cracking a megawatt smile.
The red gradually fades from Caroline's cheeks and she bites her lip to hide the growing smile on her face. She shakes her head in dismissal, but begins to laugh anyway. Gillian joins in and the car soon fills with roaring guffaws. Minutes later Caroline finally calms with deep sighing breaths as she wipes the tears from her eyes.
"Alright, dammit, what's the next place on the list? We better have good luck this time." She asks as she flips down the visor to check her eye make-up in the mirror.
Gillian wipes the corners of her eyes and pulls the list from her purse.
"Umm, Holdsworth House, just north of Halifax, off Whitehill Rd."
"Oh right. I've been there with John once, decades ago, for his colleague's wedding. Can't recall much about it though, except that it was fall and it rained constantly. I remember having to walk from the car to the lobby in the rain because that tosser forgot the brollies after I reminded him twice."
"Oh God, did you melt?" Gillian mocks in horror.
"Very nearly!" Caroline squeals in agreeance then cuts a suspicious leer to Gillian.
"...Daft cow." Caroline retorts with a shrewd smirk.
"Ha!" Gillian grins impishly.
oOo
Caroline and Gillian stand outside the Jeep parked in Gillian's drive, both warm and smiling from the 2 glasses of complimentary champagne they each had at Holdsworth House as they signed the necessary paperwork to secure a reservation for Alan and Celia's wedding do.
"Fancy some tea before you go? I can put kettle on and we can enjoy the peace and quiet before everyone else gets home." Gillian offers cordially.
"No, thank you. I best be off. I've got dinner arrangements with a friend and I don't want to be late. I had a really nice day though Gillian, truly." Caroline says with a genuine smile as she pats Gillian's bicep.
"Yea, I'm not the chav you thought I was, eh?"
Caroline playfully slaps Gillian's arm with a laugh before her face grows serious.
"I'm really sorry about that Gillian. I shouldn't have said that to you and I really didn't mean it. I was angry, but that's no excuse. I really did enjoy today. I like you, you make me laugh and God knows I can always stand a little more of that."
"Nah, you're not the posh twat I thought you were either. Well, you are, but I like you anyway…and you're quite funny yourself, so no worries, we're cool Vincent."
"Vincent?" Caroline questions with a confused look on her face.
"Oh, it's from a movie; Pulp Fiction….Tarantino film." A glint of recognition flashes across Caroline's face.
"Oh, is that the one where everybody shoots each other and they stick a syringe straight into that leggy blonde's heart? Uma Thurman or something; I think she had black hair in the movie."
"Yea! You've seen it? I'm impressed!"
"John begged me to go see it with him. I thought it was terrible…and scientifically inaccurate."
Gillian frowns in disapproval. "Damn, and we were doing so well." Caroline laughs heartily.
"Right, well I'm off, go make that cuppa and enjoy the quiet before mum and Alan get home." Caroline says as she steps to Gillian for a hug.
"Yea, I will and thanks for helping me today. I'm glad we got it sorted and I had a nice time." Gillian steps away from the hug and makes eye contact with Caroline, smiling to show her appreciation.
"Me too. Have a good night and I'll talk to you soon. Bye."
Caroline slides into the Jeep and Gillian stands waving as she backs out until she turns onto the drive.
oOo
Caroline lay in bed on her stomach, the sheet draped dangerously low across her derriere, her arms tucked underneath her head below the pillow. Kate lay on her side next to her, head propped atop her hand, the other hand leisurely tracing aimless patterns on the bare smooth skin of Caroline's back. When her trailing hand moves south to cup Caroline's right buttock, Caroline exhales with a moan, swiftly turning on her side and deftly pulling Kate's body firmly against her.
"Two and a half weeks of little to no physical contact is just unacceptable darling. A stolen kiss and caress in the choir room after school, just doesn't cut it." Caroline mews as she leans into Kate's neck for a sensual kiss.
"Mmm, well, I guess we'll just have to make up for it now." She rolls Caroline onto her back and crawls on top of her. Her oral assault on Caroline wanders across her body only momentarily before returning to its intended course southward. Caroline inhales sharply and releases a sensual chuckle.
oOo
Kate awakens to the satisfying sensation of Caroline half draped across her body. Her right leg is wrapped possessively around Kate's and her arm leisurely thrown across Kate's stomach. Her head rests on Kate's chest and she can feel Caroline's warm breath across her nipple. She inhales shallowly and tries to adjust the pillows to better support her head without waking Caroline. She's unsuccessful in her attempt and Caroline inhales loudly with a mumble.
"Sorry sweetheart, I just had to move because my neck was hurting." Kate apologizes as she runs a tender hand through Caroline's tousled hair. Caroline lifts her head and kisses Kate's breast before moving her head to snuggle next to Kate on the pillow.
"Mmm, what time is it? I didn't realize we had nodded off." Caroline queries hoarsely.
"Just after midnight."
Caroline rolls onto her back and runs a hand through her hair, squeezing Kate's thigh with her other hand.
"You hungry? I've got a bowl of strawberries in the fridge. I had intended to make us strawberries and cream, but I seem to recall getting a bit distracted while doing the dishes after dinner," Caroline teases.
"That sounds delicious. I can go get them, and the rest of the champagne, and we can enjoy them in bed, " Kate offers with a coy smile.
"No, I need to get up for a minute. My neck is a bit stiff."
"Alright, fair enough." Kate leans over for a gentle kiss before getting out of bed to collect her dressing gown. Caroline sits up on the edge of the bed and watches her as she moves about the room.
How did I ever get so lucky? She thinks to herself as she admires Kate moving gracefully to the en suite. She appears a few minutes later, deliciously wrapped in her garnet red silk dressing gown, the neckline gaping open to expose the swath of velvety skin between her ample breasts.
Caroline gets up and caresses Kate's hip as she passes her to the en suite. She returns a few minutes later, dressed in her own powder blue silk dressing gown and her hair pulled back into a French twist with a clip. They make their way down to the kitchen for refreshments.
Caroline retrieves the dish of strawberries from the fridge as Kate collects a flute and pours them a glass of champagne. She takes a sip and passes it to Caroline then takes a strawberry from the bowl and leans against the island as she eats it.
"These are really good, sweeter than the ones I bought the other day at Tesco." Kate says as she offers the final bite to Caroline. Caroline leans in and takes it from Kate's hand with her teeth, her eyes twinkling with renewed desire. She takes another sip of champagne before setting the flute on the counter next to Kate.
She steps into Kate's body and places her hands on the cold granite surface on either side of Kate's hips, pinning her in place. Kate smiles and bites her bottom lip as she leans forward and slips her hands under the edge of Caroline's gown, running them slowly up the back of Caroline's slightly trembling thighs.
Caroline leans forward to whisper in Kate's ear, "God, you are delicious."
She nibbles it seductively then begins trailing kisses down Kate's long neck. Kate closes her eyes, savoring the sensation as her hands trek north until they are groping Caroline's bottom and strongly pulling her closer.
Caroline's kiss pauses momentarily at the hollow of Kate's collarbone before slowly descending to the smooth triangle between Kate's breasts. A soft moan escapes Kate's lips as she begins to melt into Caroline's touch.
When Kate finally opens her eyes, she's horrified. Standing slack-jawed in the doorway to the kitchen are William and Lawrence. Her body grows rigid and her heart leaps into her throat.
"Caroline," It croaks out of her throat as an awkward high-pitched sound, causing Caroline to stop kissing and look up instantly. She follows Kate's gaze and her face goes white as she sees her sons across the room. She quickly steps away from Kate, her back to her sons, pulling her robe tightly around herself as Kate does the same. She tries to collect herself as she turns around to speak.
"Wh, wh, what are you doing here? I, I, I, I tho…I, uhh, I thought you were with your dad." Caroline chokes. William has an awkward look on his face and Lawrence is still standing with his mouth hanging open.
"He…he had to take Judith to hospital. She was having severe stomach pains and they were worried about the baby. I umm, I tried calling you…three times, but…" he trails off.
"You were obviously busy." Lawrence pipes in instantly before snorting and shaking his head then stomping away.
"W,w,well, how did you get here?" Caroline stutters.
"Called a taxi; since you weren't answering your phone." William answers, looking down at the floor.
"William, I am…so sorry." Caroline says on the verge of tears as she takes a timid step towards her eldest son.
"It's, it's…fine mum. I'm sorry…we interrupted. I'll just…I'm just going to go to bed. Good night Kate." He stammers, but with a polite nod to Kate before quickly and quietly leaving the room.
Caroline stands shell-shocked at the end of the island, her whole body beginning to tremble with fear. Kate steps to her and places a gentle hand on Caroline's shoulder, running it tenderly down Caroline's bicep. Caroline grows stiff, and Kate stops her movement, but leaves her hand securely cupped around Caroline's arm. Finally Caroline turns to face her and the tears begin to fall.
"What am I supposed to say to them now?" Caroline asks through the tears. Kate's heart nearly breaks seeing Caroline so exposed and afraid.
"Just tell them the truth sweetheart, that's all you can do. I would be happy to talk to them with you, just tell me what you need." Kate replies tenderly as she runs her hands down Caroline's arms, taking her hands into her own to give a reassuring squeeze.
Caroline stands quietly for a long moment as the tears begin to subside; she raises her head to meet Kate's eyes with a sad, defeated smile.
"No, I need to do this on my own. I think it's probably best if you go, but I promise to call you in the morning."
Kate can't stop the sting of the words on her heart, though she knows they aren't meant to wound. She pulls Caroline into her arms and wraps her into a tight embrace, willing strength and love to physically pass from her to Caroline.
"I'm so sorry it has happened this way sweetheart, but know that I love you and I am here for you however you need me." She leans back to look into the sad azure eyes before her, conveying as much through her gaze as she did with her words.
Caroline is crying silently again and Kate reaches up and gently wipes her tears, then kisses her cheeks before finally placing a long tender kiss on her trembling lips. She guides Caroline's head with her hands to meet her gaze.
"I love you Caroline, do you hear me? I love you." Caroline nods slightly, sniffling loudly through the tears.
"You can do this, I know you can. You are strong, smart, and an excellent mother to those two caring boys who love you so very much. Just tell the truth and everything will work out. I'll call you first thing in the morning, ok?" Caroline nods her head a final time as she reaches up to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Kate leans forward and places another tender kiss on her lips before leaving to collect her things and head home.
Caroline stands alone in the darkened kitchen, praying to whoever will listen, that this conversation will not be a repeat of the one that nearly ruined her life almost 30 years ago.