Thank you to all of you that are continuing to read, review, add this to your favs and those of you who decided to give this fic a chance......
A little bit of warning... A little 'M' rating in effect...
Beautiful and Strange
"I don't have it with me" Simone said a little forcefully.
"I know you do, what else do you carry around in your satchel? Its not like you have papers to grade in there, please, just let me see them"? Annabelle plead, finding those pleadings falling on deaf ears as Simone just shook her head no.
"I am going to change and freshen up a bit, then we can go okay"? Simone stated as she picked up her bag that contained her projects from work and headed down the hallway into her room to keep said work for her eyes only.
"Do you need help"? Annabelle said playfully.
"Thanks, but, I think I can handle this one on my own" Simone replied, trying to smother a grin that was forming at Annabelle's suggestion.
"Okay, just trying to help. Don't blame me if you get stared at all night in your 'old lady' attire" Annabelle said teasingly as she flipped though the newspaper at the kitchen table.
Simone just closed the door behind her and let that grin appear full force at the quips that she and Annabelle had just been exchanging. She was also grinning at the fact that for once, in what had seemed like a lifetime of struggle where the two of them were concerned, she felt relaxed, she felt happy, she felt like she had the whole world at her feet. She was so used to functioning in such a strangling existence. She still hadn't fully embraced her new 'freedom', letting go of that old way of living was not as easy as Simone thought it would be, even with a new career, a new outlook , a full and open heart. She found herself just getting lost in thought most days as the blue-eyed angel that had been sent her way drifted into her senses when she would have a breathtaking photograph attached to an email, thinking that it didn't compare to Annabelle's beauty. Something as small as a line or a melody from a song that came over the radio would soon have her submerged into the intricacies of the tune and remind her of the sheer talent of this younger girl and her ability to take words and transform them into epics of love and longing, that in Simone's heart, were timeless masterpieces. She would find herself in a haze after receiving a phone call and hearing her gentle voice ring through the line and the different tones it would take depending on what mood she was in or what they were talking about. Simone just closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and thanked God for allowing someone like Annabelle to have entered her life. She could not recall a time when she had felt this way, and in some ways, she couldn't even describe it if it someone were to ask her to. She really felt there were no words to describe what she would feel when in Annabelle's presence or even when just the thought of her would sweep across the landscape of her mind. Simone was determined to finally let her heart open to the many possibilities that were now right in front of her, begging her, prodding her, to take down the walls that had sheltered her all these years. Sheltered her from any true, deep, and meaningful relationships. Someone, after all these years finally found the key, and as Simone looked at herself one last time in the mirror, she just smiled, realizing that she never wanted to have the key returned.
"Its about time" Annabelle stated with a slight smirk without even looking up, but noticing Simone's presence in the kitchen.
"Well, I didn't want you to be embarrassed to be seen with me in public" Simone replied as she bent down and gave Annabelle a gentle kiss on the side of her neck, just below her ear.
"Um, we really don't have to go anywhere, uh, we could just stay here and watch a movie" Annabelle stuttered out while unsuccessfully trying to ignore Simone's actions as she was still hovering behind her.
"Well, while that thought sounds tempting, I was really looking forward to our first 'official' date. However, if you would like to stay here, I can always bring you something back" Simone replied teasingly as she grabbed her keys from the counter and her adjusted her jacket to keep out the chill in the air waiting for them as soon as they went outside.
"Well, I guess I should go with you, I wouldn't want you to bring anything else back with you besides food" Annabelle stated as she walked over to the door, wanting to hold it open for the blue-eyed beauty that could get her heart racing with just the sound of her voice, and as she passed by, she let a light kiss fall onto Simone's lips, then she smiled at the look that was now resting on Simone's face at her last comment and continued by saying "After you, age before beauty".
Simone just said a quick "Thank you" as she moved passed Annabelle not wanting to make a comment about the 'age' thing, she was just going to take the high road and of course was now fighting the temptation to just shut the door and have their 'official' first date spent at her house.
The ride south of Berkeley to the restaurant was quiet; both just relegated the small talk to the more intimate hand holding and stolen glances. Annabelle was more nervous than she thought she would be. It is not like this was the first time they were meeting, or doing something together. For some reason, she thought that this would just be a simple evening out with dinner and a movie. As Annabelle sat and watched the lights fade in and out from dimly lit neon signs that cluttered the sidewalks on the way to their destination, she let a small sigh escape from her mouth and hadn't realized that she was holding Simone's hand a little more tightly as they neared their first stop.
"Are you okay"? Simone asked a preoccupied Annabelle.
"What, oh, I'm fine, why"? Annabelle replied with a slight grin trying to hide her nervousness.
"You just seem, 'somewhere' else, and my hand is losing circulation as we speak" Simone said in a comforting tone.
"Sorry, I was just thinking that I hope you don' t mind being seen in public with me" Annabelle quipped trying to again cover the fact that her heart was now beating out of her chest.
"Just behave yourself, and we won't have any problems, okay"? Simone replied trying to lighten the mood, sensing that Annabelle was uneasy about something.
"Well, I can't promise anything, but I will try my best" Annabelle said as she unbuckled her seat belt and began to open the passenger side door.
"Wait" Simone said as she lightly grabbed Annabelle's wrist signaling that she didn't want her to get out just yet.
Annabelle watched Simone exit the car with a confused expression and weakly stated "What are you do-" when she felt a slight chill and as she looked up, she noticed Simone holding the passenger door open for her all the while wearing a knowing smile as she read the expression now washed across Annabelle's face that was also tinged with a slight crimson color. Simone held out her hand to help Annabelle's exit and was soon relishing in the warm sensation now running through her body at the mere touch of Annabelle's hand in hers.
"Thanks" Annabelle stated as she was finally at the same level as Simone, who had not only helped her out of the car, but had pulled her a little bit closer, just enough to make Annabelle close her eyes at the feel of Simone's warm breath as she said "Relax, lets just go enjoy our night okay. I don't know about you but, I'm starving"!
"As hungry as I am, you um, are kind of making it hard to think about food right now" Annabelle stated as she leaned in a bit closer, still avoiding any other contact than their hands, looking to see if she was having the same effect on Simone, and when she got her answer, she leaned in to Simone's ear and continued by saying "I think someone else needs to relax".
Simone just blinked a couple of times, to allow herself to come out of the trance she was now under, realizing they were not alone on this Friday night in the parking lot full of dinner guests scurrying from their vehicles so they could get a view with their orders on this clear November night.
"Come on, our table is waiting" Simone stated with a small sigh and a slight grin as she moved from Annabelle's personal space she had claimed just moments before and shut the passenger door before motioning the blue-eyed beauty toward the front entrance.
Bocce Café was bustling with patrons waiting to get their fix of anything from their famous Antipasto platter to the five layer lasagna that contained so much cheese you had to wrap it around your fork like pasta to finish one bite so as to not leave a trail from your plate to your mouth. Simone had gotten recommendations from her co-workers about this place with its charming décor, delicious food, romantic ambiance, and on Friday nights, live music.
"Right this way" The hostess stated as she ushered the girls to their table and handed each one of them a menu.
"You won't need that" Simone said after the hostess had walked away, pointing to the menu now resting in Annabelle's hand.
"Okay, are you able to read my mind now"? Annabelle replied with a smirk as she set the menu down.
"No, I just already know what 'we' are going to order, and if you don't like it, well, more for me" Simone said as she leaned in across the table for emphasis.
"Yes ma'am" Annabelle replied as she raised one eyebrow at Simone's attempt at being assertive.
The waitress came over and took the girl's order for drinks and when Simone ordered water along side Annabelle, Annabelle gave Simone a quizzical look.
"What"? Simone asked as she double checked the menu for the dish name that she was about to order.
"Since when do you drink water with Italian food"? Annabelle replied pulling the wine list from the edge of the table and handing it to Simone.
"Since I wanted water with dinner, is that okay"? Simone questioned, a bit puzzled at Annabelle's comments.
"Simone, its okay if you get wine, or any other drink with your dinner, if that is what you would normally do" Annabelle stated in a subtly firm tone.
"Annabelle, I "- Simone was cut off by Annabelle saying "I get it, and I appreciate it, but really, its okay, please enjoy yourself".
"Believe me, I am enjoying myself, more than any glass of wine would allow me to do, so let's just enjoy our dinner with a refreshing glass of ice water, okay"? Simone stated in a gentle tone as she raised her glass for a toast.
Annabelle tapped Simone's glass and let a small grin appear due to Simone's insistence that she doesn't need to complete the meal with a drink, that the meal is complete enough, with Annabelle, sitting across from her, sharing this night, within the beautiful surroundings, the warm glow of the fireplace, and the aromas hovering in the room. As the two sat allowing their stares to linger a bit longer, they had forgotten, for a moment, where they were. They had forgotten the strangers that surrounded them making small talk and indulging in the last few bites of their meals. They had forgotten to be startled by the sounds coming from the kitchen whether it be the chef cursing at a waiter for illegible writing or the plate that had broken from a careless waitress who cleared too many dishes at once. They only knew that the blue eyes that were staring back at one another were all at once filled with passion as well as a calmness that would trickle down to settle in their hearts, silently letting the other know that no matter what obstacles they had overcome and were yet to face, this was it, this was what love had in store for them. This is what each had been searching for, that emotion that eludes most people their entire lives, whether its due to a barricaded heart or a twist of fate. They had found the match for their heart, mind and body. This was not something they could dismiss.
"Have you had a chance to look at the menu"? The waitress questioned as she took the pen from her ear.
"Yes, we will have the 'Seven Flavors' please" Simone responded as she cleared her throat just a bit.
"Okay, I will be right back with your bread basket" The waitress stated as she took the menus from the table.
"I know this is cliché, but if I forget to tell you, I had a great time tonight" Annabelle stated in s hushed tone, only wanting Simone to hear her confession.
Simone just mirrored Annabelle's facial expression and soon caught the subtle aroma of sourdough bread and as she slightly pushed the bread basket toward Annabelle, she said "You better take what you want before I eat this whole basket".
"I was about to tell you the same thing" Annabelle replied as she grabbed the slab of honey wheat bread and covered it with butter before devouring it and waving her hands in the air like she just finished a magic trick by making it disappear so quickly.
"Did you even taste it"? Simone said with a chuckle as she grabbed the flat bread that looked like the surface of the moon and proceed to top it off with butter as well before taking a few bites to complete her introduction to the meal they were about to partake in.
The waitress brought out their dinner that had the girls sampling different dishes garnering different sighs and light moans at the flavors that were woven together to create such reactions even to the most discriminating palate.
"I am officially full" Annabelle stated as she finished the last bite of the Gnocchi and leaned back as she tossed her napkin onto her plate.
"So, no dessert"? Simone said teasingly realizing she couldn't eat another bite either.
"Maybe later, just not right now" Annabelle said in a low tone with a slight smirk.
Simone pretended to allow the waitress bringing the bill to distract her from Annabelle's last comment when she just shot a quick glance in Annabelle's direction as she handed the waitress her credit card.
"Are you ready for round two"? Simone said as she finished signing the receipt and closed the folder completing their stay at the restaurant.
"Yes, that is if you can find a wheelchair, otherwise I don't think I can walk out of here on my own" Annabelle said while she patted her stomach and let out a big sigh.
"Come on, I will give you a ride" Simone stated playfully as she stood up and turned her back to Annabelle motioning for her to jump on.
"Then you will be the one needing the wheelchair, really, just give me a head start" Annabelle replied as she exaggerated her steps moving slowly in front of the older blonde.
Simone just smiled at Annabelle's antics and followed behind as they made their way through the restaurant and out to the parking lot. Simone followed her earlier actions by opening the door for Annabelle so she could ease in to the front seat for their journey to their second destination.
Simone slid quietly into the driver's seat and before she could start the car, she was being gently pulled into a warm kiss that quickly became more heated as Simone let go of the keys in the ignition and focused her hands around Annabelle's face, but was soon being met with the realization that Annabelle's mouth had moved a bit lower and was now caressing her jaw line eliciting a low moan from Simone as Annabelle's motions became more deliberate as she moved closer to continue her assault on the sensitive skin above Simone's collarbone. Simone had her fingers entwined in Annabelle's hair and with a light squeeze, allowed herself a small reprieve from Annabelle's lips and as she brought their foreheads together, she felt the warmth of Annabelle's breath and heard her say "I have been wanting to do that all night" as she continued to breathe erratically from the encounter just moments before.
"Not that I am complaining, but if I remember correctly, we have one more stop to make" Simone said with just as much heaviness falling from her words still reeling from Annabelle's intense attempt at a 'thank you for dinner' kiss.
"If you really have your heart set on seeing a movie, we better get going, otherwise, I will be more than happy to take a rain check for tonight" Annabelle said as she adjusted herself into her own seat all the while still lightly caressing Simone's hand with her own.
"Would you be upset if I said, 'yes' I really wanted to see this movie" Simone stated shyly.
"No, of course not, I don't care what we do, as long as I am with you" Annabelle replied looking directly into Simone's pools of blue.
"You really know how to charm a girl don't you" Simone said as she glanced sideways toward Annabelle as she reached her keys to start the car.
"Hey, I really meant wh-" Annabelle was cut off by Simone rubbing her thumb across her cheek and whispering "I was just kidding" and placed a sweet kiss on Annabelle's lips removing the pout that was visible just seconds before.
Simone pulled away from the restaurant and returned to the road that allowed them to reach their first destination but this time would take them on a different route.
The roads and signs began to become all to familiar as they trekked to their last stop of the evening.
"I thought we were going to the movie theater in the city" Annabelle stated as she noticed the sign for the 80 North was now passing over their heads as Simone guided the car into the far right lane.
"I figured we could take in a movie closer to home" Simone replied as she completely merged onto the stretch of road that would lead them back to where they had began their journey.
"Okay, but you know as we get closer to the college, there won' t be a seat left in any theater within five miles of campus" Annabelle stated as she stared straight ahead noticing that Simone had just passed the exit that would take them toward campus.
"Don't worry, where we are going, we won't have to fight for a seat, we will have the whole place to ourselves" Simone said cryptically as she exited the freeway feeling the relief of being in familiar surroundings as she pulled further into the subdivision that she had gone in and out of most of her life.
"I think I am going to like this theater" Annabelle replied as she began to caress Simone's thigh for the last few moments of the drive.
The house was dark and quiet as they entered the doorway, just as they had left it a couple of hours before.
"If you want something to eat or drink, just bring it downstairs with you, I will be down in a second" Simone stated as she left Annabelle standing in the middle of the kitchen looking a bit confused.
Annabelle had just started to look in the fridge for something to quench her thirst when Simone reappeared with a handful of DVDs and a couple of pillows.
"Did you find what you wanted"? Simone stated as she made her way down the stairs leaving Annabelle staring into space while still leaning on an open door.
Annabelle just shook her head at Simone's comment and pulled two waters from the top shelf and finished her own descent down to the basement when she noticed Simone bent down and fiddling with the DVDs that were resting in her hands.
"Do you need some help"? Annabelle stated as she leaned over Simone and rested the chilled water on the back of her neck causing Simone to lose her grip on the DVD cases.
"That's it"! Simone said as she quickly got up and pushed a now laughing Annabelle back onto the couch, but not before she wrestled the other bottle of water from her hands. She continued by saying "That was not funny" as she began to open the bottle and moved her hand so the bottle was resting directly over Annabelle's head.
"I know you aren't going to do it" Annabelle stated confidently as she was trying to stifle her laughter.
"Just watch me" Simone replied as she lowered the bottle in an attempt to cool Annabelle off.
Just as Simone was about to douse Annabelle, Annabelle reached up and grabbed the bottle from Simone and said "Too slow" as she quickly reversed their positions and stood hovering over Simone's now nervous form.
"Annabelle, don't even think abou-" Simone was cut off by Annabelle saying "Don't think about what"? as she moved in closer and held herself just inches away from Simone's soft lips and when Simone couldn't find anymore words to impede Annabelle's actions, she took the bottle from Annabelle's grip and set it off to the side of the couch without releasing eye contact. Simone ran a gentle hand through Annabelle's hair as Annabelle leaned down and took Simone's lips and gave them coverage with her own. Simone soon felt the couch dip a bit more at the added weight of Annabelle's body straddling her own. Annabelle quickly deepened the kiss and silently moved Simone so she was lying completely on her back, her body now molded into the soft cushions below. Annabelle allowed her hands to wander down Simone's shirt and once they found the bottom, they made their way back up underneath and would quickly have Simone arching into Annabelle's touch. Simone ran a soft hand along Annabelle's back and was soon taking refuge under the waistband of the jeans that were perfectly formed to her body. Simone's hands moved more forcefully as she began to unbutton Annabelle's pants already knowing the events of the evening had led them to this point of needing to be this close, needing the soft caresses, the lasting kisses, the sweet release that had been simmering below the surface. Annabelle was slowly losing any sense of control that she had a few moments earlier as her breathing became more ragged as Simone entered her and immediately sent shock waves down to her toes as she felt the impending ecstasy begin to overtake her, she swiftly found Simone's heated center and began to ease the blue-eyed beauty into her own freedom from the tension that had been building since that first kiss in the car at the restaurant. Each had their unspoken requests fulfilled and as Annabelle relaxed in Simone's caring arms, she whispered "I love you" to which Simone replied with shortened breaths, "I love you more".
Hope you enjoyed!
TBC......
Have a great weekend!!
