Sara pulls up outside the school and smiles as she watches Lindsay interact with her friends. A boy with spiky hair and a leather jacket comes up behind the blonde, and wraps his arms around her waist. Sara notes how quick Lindsay's friends are to disperse. Her jaw drops as the teenager engages in tongue wrestling with the boy. Anger rises as she observes the boys hands sliding slowly down Lindsay's back. Okay this isn't awkward at all. I'll say something if his hands reach their destination before Linzz pulls away. Sara adverts her eyes trying not to be nosy. She looks over to see Linzz pull away just in time. Thank God she saved me from what I would have had to do! I knew I loved that kid for some reason. Thank God! I will just have to remind her again that I love her, and I now have a new reason added to my quite long list. Lindsay kisses the boy again before pulling away, and turning her back to him. Her eyes lock with Sara's and red quickly burns its way onto her cheeks.
Opening the door Linzz gets in, and turns away from Sara. "Hey Linzz."
"Hey."
"You don't sound that excited to see me." Sara is trying to thin the blanket of awkwardness between them.
"Well considering what you just saw."
"I won't tell your mom if that's what you're worried about." Linzz shifts slightly so that Sara can see more of her face. Her cheeks are still bright red.
"Really?"
"Yeah no worries your secret is safe with me. It's not like I haven't done it before myself." Linzz looks at her mouth slightly open in disbelief.
"Why are you being so cool about this?"
"Because there is nothing wrong with kissing a guy Linzz. Plus I'm your friend not your mother. The only time I'll scold you is if I find out you are doing something stupid like drugs. Plus I don't think your mom would let you go see a separate movie tonight with him if she knew about this." Lindsay gives Sara a nervous smile.
"Ummmm did you tell her who we were going with?"
"Yeah."
"Oh sh…" She catches herself, and glances nervously over at Sara to see her reaction. Surprisingly there is no anger on the brunette's face only amusement at her almost slip.
"I don't care if you swear around me Linzz. Like I said before we are friends, and it is clear that you respect me so I won't take it as a sign of disrespect. I don't want you to think of me as a parent figure that you have to be cautious around. I'm here for you, and you can be as open as you want. I won't tell anyone I promise. A bit of advice though watch your language around your mother if she finds out I'm encouraging you to swear around me I will have an earful to deal with." Sara looks over at Linzz, and winks sending the girl into a fit of laughter. "So why is this oh shit?"
"I haven't told her I have a boyfriend yet."
"What!? Linzz it's been almost a month."
"I know I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm afraid of what she will think."
"Well we will find out tonight won't we?" Sara leans over, and pulls the young girl into a hug. "I've missed you kid."
"I've missed you too." The ride is silent, but not awkward. Linzz looks over, and gives Sara a puzzled look when she drives past the street to her house. "I thought we would go to the mall, and get you some new close for your date tonight. Though I don't know how long they will stay unwrinkled." Sara says teasingly. She couldn't help it; she chuckles as a light pink finds its way back onto Lindsay's face. The only problem is she forgot whose daughter she is dealing with.
"I'm not the only one who is going to have that problem tonight." It is Lindsay's turn to laugh as Sara feels her jaw drop for the second time in a span of no longer than ten minutes. Sara opens her mouth to say something, but the words refuse to come out.
"Oh come on Sara it's obvious. The way you two look at each other, and talk about each other. Just remember I like you and everything, but I'll kick your ass if you break my mom's heart." Sara is still struggling to make the words come out. She pulls into a parking space turning off the car she faces Lindsay.
"So you are really okay with this sweetie?"
"Of course Sara; as long as you love her."
"I do. Listen you can still come to me. I don't want this to change anything between us. I won't tell your mom anything you confide in me with unless it is life threatening. That's where I draw the line."
"I know, and it doesn't Sara you are still one of my best friends. Maybe we can find you some clothes for your hot date. Some lingerie maybe." Sara swats Lindsay lovingly.
"That's nice Linzz, real nice. Let's go get you some clothes." Lindsay smiles at Sara, and silently laughs to herself as she observes the red that has crept onto the brunette's cheeks at her last comment.
Sara is sitting outside the dressing room stall waiting impatiently for Lindsay to come out. The teenager has been in there for ten minutes and still has not shown Sara her first outfit. Finally the door opens, and Lindsay steps out from behind it in a skirt that seems way too short in Sara's opinion, and a shirt that has a deeper plunge in the neckline than Sara feels necessary. "The skirt kinda screams easy access, don't you think Linzz?" The blonde flashes her a look that clearly states 'duh that's the point!' "Never mind. As for the shirt hun it's pretty, but you don't need such a deep neckline to show off your cleavage. Trust me, I know. I've been drooling over it for seven years of my life."
"Ewwww…. Sara that was way too much information! I know you are talking about my mom I'm not retarded!…So not the right outfit huh?"
"I'm positive your mom wouldn't let you out of the house."
"Okay I'll be back out."
"Alright try not to take an hour this time." Lindsay stops turning her head Sara's direction, and sticks her tongue out at the brunette before retreating back into the dressing room.
"So did Mom like her surprise?" Linzz's voice floats out from beneath the stall door.
"Yeah she did."
"I bet you had a busy afternoon."
"Lindsay! Would you really want to know that stuff….I mean it's your mom? But if you must know yes I did, sleeping."
"Well putting it that way I'm not certain I want to know whether you are lying or not."
"Sweetie I'm not. Your mom was so tired she could barely hold herself up."
"Again?"
"What do you mean again? Does it happen often?"
"Yeah almost all the time. I ask her if she is okay…" Linzz steps out of the dressing room, and spins for Sara.
"Pants! We are on the right track. Different shirt."
"Alright. So I ask her if she is okay, but you know her she is too stubborn to admit that she isn't. I advise her to get some sleep, because she is obviously tired, and not giving herself time to heal. She goes in her room, but I don't know who she thinks she is fooling she doesn't sleep. I hear her in there bawling her heart out. I figure she misses you, but I know there is more to it. Sometimes I try to comfort her, but there is only so much I can do. I tell her to eat and she takes two bites before pushing her plate away. She will come into my room most mornings to snuggle. She is treating her body like shit. I am so worried about her. The way she took care of herself wasn't alright before, and it defiantly isn't alright now after all that has happened. I'm afraid that one day she will push her body too hard, and it will give out on her. Promise me something Sara?"
"Sure Honey, what is it?"
"Help her."
"I'll do my best. That's all I can promise."
"That's all I'm asking for."
Sara stands, and pulls the blonde into her arms. She can see the tears building in those crystal blue eyes. She wishes she could take all of Linzz's pain away. She is too young to have to be dealing with this; taking care of her mother. "It will be okay. We will find a way to help her through this. Now get your butt back in the dressing room, and try on a different shirt. At the rate we are going by the time we get back to your house we will have five minutes to get ready before we have to leave." Sara is still waiting for Lindsay when her phone begins to vibrate in her pocket. "Well speak of the Devil! You will never guess who is calling me."
"Mom?"
"Damn it! How'd you know?"
"I'd pick up the phone before she starts to get pissed. She has been very moody lately."
"Thanks for the heads up Linzz it is very helpful now!"
"No problem. Pick up the phone!"
"Hello sleepyhead."
"Lindsay has a boyfriend?"
"It is nice to hear your voice too Cat. Yes she does."
"What do you know about him?"
"What he looks like… why are you grilling me? Linzz you got me in trouble!" Lindsay chuckles as she steps back into the room. Sara gives her a thumbs up, and silently signals to her to hurry up changing.
"Well obviously you knew about him, and I didn't."
"I found out about him like two weeks ago. Cat, I figured you knew so I didn't mention it. Not that I really had the chance to since we were both busy whenever we had the chance to talk. Listen you aren't in the best mood right now, and I don't want to get into it. I want to have a good night. I recommend you have a relaxing bath, pick out the movie you want to see tonight, and be ready by five."
"Why aren't the kids picking out something to watch?"
"They have. What they are going to see."
"I don't know about this…"
"Relax it will be fine. I have to go. I will see you later. Bye." Sara hangs up the phone without waiting for a response. Lindsay comes out of the dressing room with a nervous expression painted on her face. "Don't worry Linzz I got it under control. So are you going to help me pick out my outfit now?"- -
Sara and Linzz enter the house to find Catherine staring off into space in the dark living room. The blonde has an expression of defeat on her face. She seems small and fragile instead of the familiar strong woman they both know and love. "You should probably go talk to her," Sara whispers into Lindsay's ear, "I'll go get ready, and then we will switch places. If you finish talking before I'm done I think it might be better to just leave her to her own mind right now." Lindsay nods, and takes a deep breath before going to face her mom. Sara retreats to Catherine's bathroom to take a quick shower.
Standing against the door frame Sara is torn between remaining where she is, and drooling over Catherine, or leaving her spot, and joining Catherine on the couch to comfort her. She knows what her decision will be, but she takes her time admiring Catherine's appearance. The blonde is wear a long-sleeve, red, silk, button up shirt with tight black jeans. Her hair is slightly wavy the way Catherine wears it when she allows it to dry naturally. Sara can see the new bracelet she sent the blonde peeking out from the sleeve of her shirt. Sara crosses the room, and sits next to the woman who is perched on the edge of the couch with her head in her hands. It appears she has still not noticed Sara's presence in the room. Sara places a single red rose in Catherine's lap, and begins to rub her back. Catherine flinches under Sara's touch, but Sara notes it is much less noticeable then the last time she saw the blonde. "Sorry," Catherine says barely audible from between her hands.
"For what?"
"Flinching. I know it bothers you, and for the way I treated you on the phone."
"It's okay Baby." Catherine removes her hands from her face, and twirls the rose in her fingers for a few minutes before looking at Sara. There are tears traveling down her cheeks. Sara reaches up, and wipes them away. Catherine gives the brunette a weak smile, and leans in brushing her lips against Sara's. Sara caresses her cheek as she searches the dark blue depths of Catherine's eyes. "Are you feeling better?"
"A little."
"You looks less tired. You look beautiful actually."
"Thanks," Catherine's voice is still quiet. A small smile lingers on her lips coated in sadness. "You look nice."
"Thanks Baby. What's wrong?"
"It's not important."
"Hey anything in that mind of yours is important to me, because it is important to you, so tell me what is wrong."
"It's nothing……. It's just…my baby girl is growing up too fast." Another tear makes an appearance on Catherine's cheek. Sara kisses it away, and wraps her arm around Catherine.
"Oh Baby," Sara says lovingly with a small smile on her face. Catherine looks back up at her.
"You think I'm being ridiculous don't you?"
"No Cat you are being a mom. She has to grow up sometime though."
"Yeah I guess so, but if I could just delay it for a couple more years…… or thirty…" Sara quietly chuckles, and Catherine nudges the brunette with her body. "Hey I can dream can't I!"
"Sure you can." Catherine kisses Sara who deepens the kiss quickly. Catherine is about to straddle Sara's lap when they hear footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Perfect timing Linzz," Catherine whispers under her breath, and Sara cracks up. She is still laughing when Lindsay comes through the room.
"What's so funny?" Lindsay asks giving Sara a puzzled look. When Sara can't manage to get enough air to respond she turns to her mom.
"You got me. I made one comment, and now she can't breathe, and…." Catherine and Linzz begin to laugh as Sara falls off the couch still doubled over in laughter. Catherine is the first to compose herself, "I think she might be tired." Lindsay nods, and attempts to pull herself together. Sara looks up from the floor her face bright red, and catches the laughter in Catherine's ice blue eyes.
"Sorry."--
They are sitting outside a small house. Sara turns, and looks at Lindsay who looks like she is about to barf. "Nervous?"
"A little."
"You sure this is the place?"
" Yep."
"It will be okay sweetie," Catherine swirls in her seat and gives her daughter a reassuring smile. Lindsay steps out of the car, and goes up to the door. Sara watches Catherine's eyes go wide at her first sight of the boy. "Jesus he is a punk," she whispers. Sara chuckles thank God she wasn't the one to pick up Lindsay she probably would have had a heart attack.
"Don't say anything Cat. You have to support her decision."
"I…I know, but he's a punk."
"Keep quiet okay? She values your opinion above anyone else's."
"I know, I know, but look at him." Sara can't help but laugh at how Catherine's mind suddenly becomes one tracked when it comes to her daughter. Sara rests her hand on Catherine's thigh. She feels the now familiar small jump, but it diverts the blonde's attention stopping her from murdering the boy with her eyes.
"Give him a chance."
"I will. What makes you think that I won't?"
"You look like you are shooting flames from your eyes at him."
"Oh are my intentions that obvious," Catherine says with a smile. Sara quickly removes her hand from Catherine when Lindsay opens the door. She doesn't want to get the girl in more trouble if Lindsay hasn't told her mom that she knows about the two of them. The two teenagers get in the car, and both older women turn to get a good look at Lindsay's boyfriend.
"Umm Johnny this is my mom," Sara can see Catherine's obvious effort to be nice. "And this is Sara she's my mom's ummm friend. Sara, mom this is Johnny."
"Hi."
"Hey Johnny it's nice to meet you," Lindsay throws Sara an appreciative look for acting more than civil toward her boyfriend.
Halfway through the ride there Sara glances through the mirror, and winks at Lindsay. She observes as the Johnny whispers something in her ear, and she nods then he says something else, and Linzz lightly hits him. He lets out an oufff, and says, "Not as hot as you Babe." Catherine whips around in her seat, and seems to be contemplating the best way to kill the teenager. He glances at her and sinks further into his seat.
Sara decides to attempt to lighten the mood. She winces before turning to Johnny as they stop at the red light. "Now you're in trouble. You thought Lindsay was bad now you have to deal with her mother." She says this with a playful smile on her lips. He smiles at her gratefully as Catherine's attention turns to Sara. Catherine hits Sara's arm not as hard as she can but hard enough to leave a sting. "Owwww shit Catherine! That hurt."
"Sara watch your language."
"What, they are teenagers I'm sure they know every swear in the book." Catherine rolls her eyes again her mood back to irritated. Maybe this wasn't the best idea. Linzz didn't express the severity of her mood. Well hopefully she will be better when she is distracted by the movie. I have no clue what is going on with her. I have defiantly been away too long.--
Standing in the theater Catherine is watching Lindsay with a sad expression as Sara buys the tickets. Sara appears at her side, "This isn't a movie that is going to make you cry is it?"
"No."
"Catherine it is called PS I Love You. Are you sure about that?"
"No."
"She will be fine Catherine."
"Huh?"
"You are looking at Linzz like you are about to bawl, and she hasn't even gone into the movie yet she is buying popcorn."
"Oh." Lindsay and Johnny come back over to them. Catherine and Johnny are avoiding everyone's eyes. Linzz and Sara are looking at each other. Sara is trying to convey to Linzz what is wrong without words. Linzz mouths the word later, and Sara nods.
"So we are going to head into the theater."
"Okay have fun you two," says Catherine who has finally managed to get her mouth to work.
They are halfway to the door when Linzz turns toward them again. "Oh Sara, try to keep your hands off my mom as much as possible." Then she disappears into the theater.
Sara glances at Catherine who's jaw has hit the floor. "She didn't…Did she mean….No she doesn't…Did you tell her?" Sara shakes her head too overcome by laughter to talk. After she calms down she takes Catherine's hand, and pulls her behind the doors.
Ten minutes into the movie, and Catherine is already crying. Sara wraps her arms around Catherine's shoulders. Catherine focuses her attention on Sara, and smiles. She gets up, and sits on Sara's lap. Sara snakes her arms around Catherine's, and rest her head on Catherine's upper arm. "I thought you said this movie wouldn't make you cry," she whispers in Catherine's ear
"Yeah with a title like that you should have known better."
"I did. I just trusted your word."
"Well I was lying. Listen I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"My mood swings. I treated you horribly again when you were just trying to help me, and lighten the mood."
"Well I had been warned about your mood swing. I wasn't aware how extreme they were though. So you shouldn't be apologizing I should be for provoking them."
"Who warned you?"
"Who do you think Cat?"
"Linzz."
"I can't say yes or no she has my word that I won't tell you what she does or does not say."
"I understand." Sara brushes the tears away from Catherine's face. "She is so smart sometimes I underestimated her."
"What do you mean?"
"Well I still treat her like she is a little kid. I should have know she had figured out about us. That she observes more than I give her credit for."
"I think all moms do that. I wouldn't be too hard on yourself."
"I guess. How do you get along so well with her? I mean we are okay we don't fight as much, but we don't really talk."
"I'm her friend not her mom, and I remind her of that frequently so naturally we will have a different relationship. Do you wish you had a different one?"
"Sometimes."
"A daughter mother relationship is special Cath don't ever give it up. It is hard growing up without one. Trust me."
"I do. I know you've been through more than you are willing to tell me yet. I have no doubt you had that experience from what you've about your past so far. I mean with what happened with your mom in dad you couldn't really have the connection with your biological mother." Catherine leans in and kisses Sara nibbling on her bottom lip to grant her tongue access into the brunette's mouth. She slips her tongue into the back of Sara's throat and enjoys Sara's quiet moan that they can only hear. Pulling away she turns back to the movie, and leans into the brunette basking in her warmth.
TBC... sorry I procrastinated with other things again. I have seen PS I Love you it was a very good but sad movie. I don't think it is still out in theaters, but I needed a sad movie I was certain of. The next chapter will be out as soon as I can sort out what I want to put in it. Thanks for all your reviews it is so great to hear what you think!