Title: Snapshots: Anthology of a Life Well Lived

Author: Kimberly21570

Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children

Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca

Disclaimer: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, Ava Peralta, Ashlee Wolfe-Rivera, Maureen Reardon, and Phillip, James, Lizzie, and Payton Spaulding are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The character Ethan Ramsey is owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park. The original characters of Tracy Jackson-Morgan, Sutton Keller, and Dantéa Francesca, Isabella Mia, Marissa, and Ariana Spencer-Rivera are the property of this author, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, or any other entity. The dialogue and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.

This chapter's title comes from Shakespeare's The Tempest, Act 2, Scene 1.

This update has not been proofread; therefore, all mistakes are my own. If you notice any, please let me know. I will gladly correct them.

Rating: This section of Chapter 7 is rated R for language and some explicit sexual content.

Synopsis: It's a stroll down memory lane for Olivia and Natalia, Lena and Bianca, and their friends and family, as two of our favorite couples' daughters prepare to enter into wedded bliss, in a double wedding… of sorts…

Author's Note: Pay particular attention to the transitions in time, as this chapter contains flashbacks.

As always, thank you all for your continued interest in my stories. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have a receptive, invested audience for my ponderings on these characters. This update is longer than what I've been writing, of late, but not as long as in the past. Another relatively long one will follow in the coming weeks. I'm already at almost 9 pages on that. It feels great to be able to create again. I do hope you all enjoy.

May you all have a safe and festive Labor Day weekend as we here in the U.S. place an endcap on "Summer," and continued blessings for all the days that follow.

Regards—

Kimberly

Snapshots: Anthology of a Life Well Lived

Copyright September 2012

"What's past is prologue, and the world awaits."

— Lisa Mantchev, Eyes Like Stars

Chapter 7.6—What's Past is Prologue:

The Farmhouse of Love—Saturday, May 12, 2029, 5:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Always an early riser, especially since starting her residency at Mass Gen, Emma was up in time to see the sunrise as it painted the sky over the farmhouse with its glorious hues. Having quietly dressed in a fairly well-preserved Stanford t-shirt, running shorts, and a pair of worn cross-trainers she'd found abandoned beneath the sofa, she left Sutton snoring softly in her bed, as she tugged the bill of her favorite Cubs cap down over her forehead, and bounded down the back steps from her apartment over the farmhouse garage.

As much as she'd wished Jordan and their mutual friends could've come earlier, she was glad to have had the time alone with Sutton. After what turned into an impromptu family dinner at the Beacon the evening prior, they'd excused themselves to Emma's apartment with the promise of seeing everyone for breakfast upon the Montgomery-Kundera's arrival the following morning. And then they'd settled into Emma's bed for an evening of popcorn, champagne, and movies—an odd combination, to be certain, but enjoyable, nonetheless.

They'd toasted Emma's upcoming stint as Chief Resident at Children's—Sutton was so incredibly proud of her—and Sutton's agreement to remain stateside until the wedding—Emma was thrilled to have her close by for the next month. And then they spent a couple of hours mocking some cheesy RomCom they'd found streaming online, before turning it off, and spending the rest of the evening talking and laughing just like they did back in undergrad. It was the perfect evening, and neither of them wanted it to end.

But end, it had, as they fell asleep in Emma's bed.

And now it was morning. The sun was peeking over the horizon, filtering through the trees. The air was fresh and still a little cool. Her hands planted on her hips as she scanned the vast expanse of land that surrounded her, Emma released a contented sigh, a sense of nostalgia covering her. No matter where life took her, this farmhouse, this land, would always be home. Nothing felt better, more welcoming, than breathing this air, especially after months of city living. She lingered there, simply taking it all in. And then she switched on the music of her favorite musician, and pocketing her phone, she was off for a run on the familiar trails she and Rafe had forged over the years.

She couldn't help but smile as she thought about Rafe. It had been so good to see him last night. Of her three older brothers, he was the only one she had ever really lived with. She hadn't even known Ethan existed until she was a teenager, and he an already grown man. And James had lived with her dad and stepmom most of his life, so she didn't really grow up with him, either; though she did know him better than she did Ethan, because he was at least in Springfield. But Rafe, he had always been there, and he had always been so good to her, even when he was struggling with their moms being together.

When he finally came around, it happened in a big way, and he went from being her mother's greatest challenge to her most ardent supporter, practically overnight. And though she did recall one particular incident where he hadn't been so happy with her, he'd never looked back. She wouldn't have understood back then what he was so upset about that afternoon, but now as she recalled his retelling of the incident during a conversation they'd had years later—one where she was complaining about their mothers' obviously active sex life—she couldn't help but laugh at the way her Mama had put him firmly in his place…

The Farmhouse of Love—Thursday, April 5, 2012, 4:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Olivia was in the kitchen, grinning like a Cheshire cat, as she poured a glass of juice for Natalia. They had just stared an exquisite afternoon of lovemaking, and Olivia was on an absolute high. Even now, after all this time, she still couldn't believe how completely satisfying it was to feel Natalia come apart in her arms.

Rafe stumbled in, glaring at her with daggers in his coal-black eyes.

The expression on his face wiped the grin from hers. "Jeez, what did I do?"

He slammed a coffee cup onto the counter. "Couldn't you have at least waited a few more weeks?" he said accusingly. "For Christ's sake, Olivia, she just had a baby two weeks ago!"

Shocked, Olivia jumped back. She wondered how long he had been home. "I—Rafe—it's not what—," she stuttered; then sighed. He didn't need to know how things had transpired between them. Natalia deserved more respect than that. "You know what, Rafe, you're right. I—"

"For your information, Rafael," Natalia interrupted, as she sauntered into the room, looking freshly showered and thoroughly sated, "I was the one who wanted to have sex. Olivia said 'no,' but I seduced her into it."

The expression on Rafe's face screamed, Oh, God, Ma, I did not need to hear that!

Natalia offered him a pointed look in response, which prompted him to say, "I know, I know… if I'm old enough to ask the question, I'm old enough to hear the answer."

"Exactly," Natalia said forthrightly. "Next time, perhaps you should mind your own business, huh?" It wasn't really a suggestion.

"Yes, Ma'am," Rafe quickly agreed. And with that, he was out the door like a shot.

Natalia grinned at Olivia. "Seems our son has a bit of an issue with that fact that his Mommies enjoy having sex."

Olivia just laughed, and pulled her close, kissing her. "Guess it's a good thing he didn't walk in on us here in the kitchen a couple of weeks ago."

Natalia chucked. "He would've accused you of causing my labor to start."

"He probably would've been right," Olivia acknowledged, nuzzling against Natalia's ear.

"Yeah, but he doesn't need to know that…"

"I have never agreed with you more," Olivia said.

"Y'know, Kait told me orgasms help the uterus shrink," Natalia said suggestively. "So… the way I see it, the first three got things started; a few more certainly couldn't hurt."

"Are you serious?" Olivia grinned. "You want more?"

"Are you complaining?"

"No!"

"Emma won't be home for at least another hour," Natalia enticed, nipping at Olivia's ear. "And I'm sure Rafe won't come back in here for quite a while…"

Laughing, Olivia covered Natalia's mouth in a sultry kiss, and within moments, they were both more than ready to go again.


The Farmhouse of Love—Saturday, May 12, 2029, 6:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Olivia woke up with a start. Sitting bolt upright in bed, she wondered why she was dreaming about that afternoon from so long ago. Not that it was an unpleasant memory—not by any means; but it was still a bit odd for that to come up just out of the blue.

A soft chuckle emanated from beside her, and she turned her head toward the sound. "You look like you've seen a ghost," Natalia said with a teasing lilt. "What on earth were you dreaming about?"

An exaggerated facial expression preceded Olivia's response. "Actually, I was dreaming about that afternoon you seduced me," she grinned.

"Which one?" Natalia inquired, a rather seductive expression on her face as she scooted upright in bed beside her wife.

"The one after Bella was born," Olivia answered.

"Oh…" Natalia purred. She looked rather pleased with herself. "That was a good one."

Olivia laughed, as she purposely turned her memory to that long-ago afternoon. "Yes," she agreed, pulling Natalia close against her. "Yes, it was."

The Farmhouse of Love—Thursday, April 5, 2012, 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

"Honey, are you all right?" Olivia's tone was riddled with concern as she entered their bedroom, quietly closing the door behind her.

"You're home early," Natalia nearly purred. She was more than pleased about the unexpected change in Olivia's schedule.

"It's not like you to be in bed in the middle of the day," Olivia pointed out, ignoring Natalia's observation. "And I know you're not pregnant," she grinned.

"Oh, I don't know, Liv," Natalia challenged, "that kiss you gave me on your way out this morning certainly could've done the trick." Her voice was low and playful.

"It was that good, was it?" Olivia crowed.

The sparkle in Natalia's eyes answered her question, and her own eyes adopted a prideful glint. She crawled across their bed toward Natalia like a feral cat, stalking its prey.

Natalia arched an eyebrow. "I think the expression in your eyes right now, alone, could get me pregnant," she murmured.

Olivia laughed and kissed her, before curling up beside her, tucking her own feet up underneath.

Natalia settled into willing arms, resting her head against Olivia's shoulder.

Sighing contentedly, Olivia asked, "Where's Em?"

"She's playing over at Jacob and Dylan's," Natalia answered. "Tracy said she'd bring her home around five thirty since tomorrow's a school day."

"And Bella?"

"Sound asleep…," Natalia said, glancing toward the little pink and white bassinet beside their bed.

"Ah… so you mean we could just curl up here together, and take a nice long, uninterrupted nap before dinner?" It was more suggestion than question.

Natalia groaned at the suggestion, and nuzzled against Olivia's ear. "That's not exactly what I had in mind." Her voice left no question as to her intentions.

It was Olivia's turn to groan. "You know we can't," she protested. "It's too soon."

"It's not too soon for what I have in mind," Natalia nearly growled.

Olivia's attention was piqued. She waited with eager anticipation for further information.

Natalia certainly didn't disappoint. "You've always been able to make me come just by sucking my nipples." It was an unnecessary reminder—Olivia was well-aware of that little joy.

"I can't do that, Honey," Olivia protested. "Bella…"

"Bella just ate, and there's plenty left for you," Natalia murmured. She nipped at Olivia's ear. "And I expressed twice today, so there's extra in the fridge if we need it."

An eyebrow arched, and Olivia grinned. "You've been planning this all day, haven't you?"

"Oh, and then some." Natalia's grin was pure mischief.

Olivia kissed her softly. "Why is this so important to you?" she asked, brushing wayward strands of dark hair from Natalia's face. She knew Natalia far too well. Not that Natalia's desire wasn't sincere, Olivia knew it was, but something other than pure desire was driving this.

Natalia bit her bottom lip. "Isn't it enough just to know that I want you?"

"It would be, if I didn't know there was something else driving it," Olivia answered quietly. "So tell me, why?"

Lifting her hand, Natalia caressed Olivia's cheek. "I kept you at such a distance after Téa was born," she said, her voice filled with regret, "and I don't ever wanna go that long without being intimate with you again."

The heat of tears prickled Olivia's eyes, and she fought to keep them at bay. "Oh, Sweetheart," she whispered, her heart aching for her wife, "come here, come here," she coaxed, pulling her impossibly close. "Listen to me, you weren't keeping me at a distance because you didn't love me," she recognized. "You were grieving for our child. We both were, and I understood that. I don't fault you for it. I never did."

"I did enough blaming of myself for both of us," Natalia admitted.

"It was no one's fault," Olivia gently reminded. "It was just what was."

"I know that now," Natalia said, her voice softening. "I just wish…"

Gently, Olivia pressed two fingertips against Natalia's lips. "No regrets," she reminded. "You and I, we're perfect now. We've weathered the storm, and we're stronger than ever."

Natalia's eyes lit up when she smiled. "We are," she declared. And then she shifted on the bed, her inner thighs coming to rest against Olivia's outer thighs as she straddled her wife's lap. Reaching up, she cupped Olivia's face in her hands. "I love everything about us," she whispered. And then she was kissing Olivia, her fingertips getting lost in those soft, chestnut locks.

It didn't take long for things to grow heated. Whether fighting or making love, it never did with the two of them.

"I want you, Olivia," Natalia purred, as their clothes began to fall by the wayside. "You can touch me now," she whispered provocatively, as she brushed Olivia's lips with her tongue. She didn't need to explain why it was okay now, Olivia knew. "You just can't go inside." She nipped at Olivia's bottom lip; enticing her, as her fingers deftly manipulated the buttons of Olivia's crisp, white shirt.

One stroke of Natalia's tongue, and Olivia was rendered helpless to refuse her. Noises of approval slipped through her lips, and Natalia continued, "You don't really need to anyway—I'm wet all over for you."

Olivia released a guttural moan. She was wet all over now too. And now Natalia was kissing her. Deeply. Intensifying her arousal. "Feel me, Liv," she murmured breathily. "Feel how much I want you."

Olivia didn't need to feel anything. She could smell the intoxicating aroma of Natalia's desire rising between them; mingling with her own. And she was gone. Turning the tables on Natalia, she took control then, and easing her wife down onto their bed, she did exactly as she'd been told.


The Farmhouse of Love—Saturday, May 12, 2029, 6:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Midway through her run, Emma slowed, stretching out her muscles as she moved. Several minutes later, she stopped at a favorite spot along the stream that cut across their land—a tributary of the South Fork Sagamon River that flowed not far beyond their property line. And there, under a thick canopy of trees, she settled on the ground beside the streaming water. It was mostly packed dirt with patches of grass scattered about—a remnant, she was certain, of her and Rafe playing there when she was younger.

What little grass there was seemed to still be a bit damp from the morning dew—an observation made evident by the fact that the back end of her shorts was now wet. It didn't bother her though, because they would dry before she got back to the farmhouse, and if she was quick enough, she would get them into the washing machine before her Ma noticed the inevitable dirt and grass stains. She chuckled to herself at the fact that at age twenty-nine, she still worried about getting into trouble with her Ma—over anything, really. But she did, because she loved and respected her so much. The same went for her mother, of course, but Olivia had been far more permissive than Natalia on most occasions growing up.

Olivia had allowed all four of them, and even Rafe, to have experiences that Natalia often balked about—at least at first. And as she sat there on the bank of that stream, her mind lulled by the steady babble of the cool water, she recalled one such experience—the one that changed the course of her future in ways she'd never imagined…

Women's Week, Provincetown, Massachusetts—Friday, October 15, 2021, 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

It was the famed Women's Week in Provincetown—a week to celebrate women, culture, and community, the website had boasted to Emma as she'd perused it. She was looking for a getaway to celebrate her twenty-first birthday with her girlfriends, and this sounded perfect—despite the fact that she wouldn't actually turn twenty-one until nearly two weeks after the event. It wasn't about alcohol or partying for her; it was all about connection, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

She didn't have to ask for permission to go—she was a grown adult with a substantial trust fund and the good sense not to throw it all away on frivolities; which is why her parents gave her access when she turned eighteen. Not to all of it, of course, but to enough that she could learn how to manage it responsibly. And learn, she had, for the same reason she'd asked permission when it wasn't necessary: She respected her parents—all four of them—more than anyone else in the world.

Not surprisingly, Natalia responded with objections: Emma had school that week, and besides, it looked like the whole town was overtaken during this event every year… so many people, what if something happened to Emma or one of her friends. She fussed and fretted, the way she always did, and Olivia's response shouldn't have been surprising to anyone: She suggested that the entire family go, and that they invite the Montgomery-Kundera's to join them. Natalia had a tizzy over that, as well—the younger girls had school too, and education was important! But once Lena and Bianca were on-board—and they were, enthusiastically so—Natalia settled down, and actually found herself looking forward to sharing the experience with her girls.

Emma had been excited at first by the prospect of having Jordan along for her birthday celebration. And then she recalled how emotionally intense things had gotten between them when they were in Provincetown the summer previous. She knew Jordan well enough to know that she wouldn't give up. When she wanted something, she fought for it. She'd already told Emma as much. Would Emma be strong enough to resist temptation again?

As she contemplated that question, she just felt nervous.

And now here they were, on the fifth day of their adventure—Emma, Sutton, Maury, and still-seventeen-year-old Jordan, front-and-center at an outdoor concert featuring Emma's favorite singer: Tessa Porter. The rest of the family was there too, of course, but the Mom Quad was busy corralling the younger kids, while Lexie pouted because she was told that, once again, she wasn't "old enough" to hang with the "big girls."

Sometimes being thirteen really sucked.

Emma could commiserate. Sometimes being almost twenty-one, and completely in love with a seventeen-year-old with a steady boyfriend sucked, too. Especially when that girl looked the way Jordan did in that cute black and blue flannel, with those jeans that hugged her ass just so, and boots that made her just tall enough to look Emma directly in the eyes when they stood face-to-face. Jordan Montgomery-Kundera was the sexiest girl Emma had ever seen, and the fact that she loved her only made things harder. It took everything in her not to act upon her feelings, but somehow, she managed it. For now….

Setting those thoughts aside, Emma settled in, focusing on Tessa's music. She loved that most of it was acoustic, and more-so that even when it wasn't, it never sounded overproduced. It was fresh and clean, and always emotionally stirring. Tessa's voice was smooth, melodious one moment, husky and emotional the next, and always perfectly accentuated by the rich, minor tones of the chords she chose to accompany her deeply personal lyrics about love and redemption, self-acceptance, and finally figuring out where you belong. They were everything, those lyrics, and they spoke to Emma on a level so deep she couldn't even put the feelings they evoked into words. And one glance at Jordan who sat right there beside her on a shared blanket, tears streaming down her cheeks, told Emma that those lyrics affected her just as deeply.

Before her brain could convince itself what a monumentally bad idea it was, Emma reached over, taking Jordan's hand into her own. A quick glance transformed into a steady gaze, their fingers intertwining as if by instinct. Emma's breath caught as Jordan leaned toward her, only to release again, lulling her into contentment when Jordan rested her head against Emma's shoulder, settling into her side.

A moment later, Emma's eyes slid closed as she settled her cheek against the top of Jordan's head. The familiar scent of her shampoo was nearly her undoing, but she made no move to put distance between them. She didn't want to; couldn't have, even if she did, so lost was she in the music, in the moment, and most of all, in Jordan.

From their seats on the other side of Emma, Maury and Sutton bore witness to the entire exchange, and glancing at one another, they shared a knowing smile. Surely, Emma wouldn't be able to hold out much longer.

When Tessa began singing about a love that made perfect sense, one that felt inevitable, and yet so far out of reach, Jordan gently tugged at the hand still holding her own as she stood from the blanket. And without protest, Emma followed, allowing Jordan to lead her to the edge of the crowd where she drew her close, holding her just as she had the night they danced together last summer. What neither knew was that the first time either of them heard this song, these deeply meaningful lyrics, their immediate thoughts were of the other, and each had lingered there in the resonance of words that echoed the depths of their souls, tears silently streaming down their faces.

Those same emotions suffused them now as, completely oblivious to everything except the music and each other, they moved together as one. The sensation of Jordan's arms wrapped firmly around her, the heat of their bodies pressed together, the warmth of her breath against Emma's cheek; this was the kind of overwhelming one never wished to escape.

Allowing herself to get lost in the moment, Emma buried her face in the mop of dark curls that gathered at Jordan's shoulder, reveling in the way their bodies fit together so perfectly as they moved. And then Tessa sang about everything making sense the moment her eyes fell on her love, getting lost in her in the early morning light, and how only she could bring that sense of complete safety, Emma felt the tears begin to flow. That was exactly how she felt every time she woke up to find Jordan sleeping peacefully beside her. It was in those moments that she could allow herself to get lost in her, never wanting to break the silence, the sweet escape she found in her peaceful presence.

Arms wrapped firmly around Emma's waist, Jordan nuzzled against Emma's neck, her own thoughts, feelings, and sensations a resounding echo of Emma's. How many times had she awakened next to Emma to find the early tendrils of morning light teasing the soft edges of Emma's face as she slept? How many times had she traced the shadows of daylight as they danced on her skin? She hadn't always understood what it was that she was feeling; but all of that had changed last summer, and now the mere thought of those feelings being out of reach felt unbearable to her.

Emma's next awareness was the sound of Jordan's voice as the song faded to a close. And then as she lifted her head from Jordan's shoulder, she found herself gazing directly into those dark, expressive eyes. Damn, those fucking boots—but please, don't ever take them off.

"First time I heard this song, all I could think about was you," Jordan confessed, her tearstained eyes locked on Emma's own teary gaze. "It made me cry then too."

"Thinking about me makes you cry, huh?" Emma intoned humorously, trying to keep things light, lest Jordan figure out it was the same for her. As if her own tears hadn't already given that away. "There's a cure for that, you know."

Ignoring her attempt at deflection, Jordan reached up, taking Emma's face into her hands. Gently, her thumb caressed a cheek. "Joke all you want, Emma Spencer," she said softly. "I know you feel this thing between us as strongly as I do."

Emma's breath caught the moment Jordan's fingertips touched her skin, and she bit her bottom lip to stifle the true depth of her reaction. "And I know you're still seventeen," she replied, when she finally regained her senses.

Delivered with a sharp edge, Emma's comment stung. "And when I turn eighteen?" Jordan challenged, her resolve never wavering. "What'll be your excuse then?"

When no response was forthcoming, Jordan allowed her frustration to show. Huffing as she released Emma from her hold, she turned, storming off into the crowd.

"Jordan, wait!" Emma called out as she watched Jordan leave. "I didn't mean…"

Then, knowing it was futile, she allowed her protest to fade, and closed her eyes as her head lulled backward. "Shit," she sighed, knowing Jordan was right. Six months from now, she would be out of legitimate excuses—and happily so.

The question was: Would Jordan still care?


The Prism, a BGRC Property in Provincetown, Massachusetts—Saturday, October 16, 2021, 1:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Having checked with her mom to make sure that Jordan was all right, and being assured that she was safe with the family, Emma decided that time alone is what she needed. Excusing herself from Sutton and Maury after the concert, she returned to the hotel where she'd wandered into the hotel kitchen, making herself something to eat. Then she meandered out to the atrium, settling into one of the sofas with a cup of coffee and a sigh. And there she sat, watching the comings and goings of hotel guests—including her family and friends—for hours, then getting lost in her thoughts once the traffic died down.

When Jordan walked in with Sutton and Maury, Emma briefly considered joining them upstairs in their shared suite; but the expression on Jordan's face made her think better of it. She was hurt, and Emma didn't blame her. She couldn't imagine trying to sleep next to her that night. Maybe she'd sleep in Sutton's bed, instead. But that would only serve to hurt Jordan more, and Emma knew it. And so she'd stayed in the atrium, avoiding.

"Guess you couldn't sleep either, huh?"

Startled by the sound of a faintly familiar voice, Emma glanced up to find Tessa Porter standing beside her. "Tessa, hi!" she said, surprised to see her there. Quickly, she sat upright on the sofa, hoping she didn't look or sound like she was fangirling. "I didn't realize you were staying at my parents' hotel."

Tessa arched an eyebrow. "Your parents own this hotel?" Now it was her turn to sound surprised.

"Well, my mothers do," Emma shrugged. "With their business partners."

"I see," Tessa said. And then she offered an awkward smile. "Mind if I sit?"

Emma shook her head. "Make yourself at home," she said, gesturing toward the chair across from her.

Tessa settled into the chair, crossing her legs. "So, what's keeping you up?" she inquired, as she took a sip of her coffee. "If you don't mind my asking."

"Just a lot on my mind, I guess," Emma answered noncommittally.

"Yeah, your girlfriend did seem kinda mad earlier," Tessa recalled. From her vantage point on-stage, she was privy to quite a lot that went in near the front of the crowd and along the periphery. And she had noticed the two of them right away.

"My girlfr…" Momentarily, Emma looked confused. And then she realized Tessa must've noticed them while she was on stage. "Oh, you mean Jordan," she acknowledged. "She's not my… We're just friends."

Tessa chuckled softly. Oh, the song of denial. It was a familiar one to her. "You know, I have a lot of friends, but… I don't dance with them the way the two of you were dancing," she observed. "And I certainly don't look at them the way you were looking at her."

"It's… complicated," Emma attempted to justify.

"Isn't it always?" Tessa asked rhetorically.

Emma released a commiserative sigh. She glanced up, meeting Tessa's clear gaze. "Yes, I suppose it is," she conceded with a wobbly smile.

"So what is it that's so complicated?" Tessa asked.

"She's seventeen," Emma answered. "And she has a boyfriend."

Contemplating Emma's response, Tessa nodded. "Seems to me both of those things can be rectified," she pointed out. "One of them with nothing more than the passage of time."

Suddenly, Emma looked restless.

"I'm sorry," Tessa said, realizing in retrospect that she'd been intruding on something deeply personal. "I shouldn't have…"

"Oh, no, you're fine," Emma insisted. "I appreciate your candor. It's… refreshing, actually."

"Glad you think so," Tessa grinned sheepishly.

Emma offered a rueful grin. "She's the daughter of my parents' business partners," she sighed. "What if I fuck it up?"

A commiserative chuckle fell from Tessa's lips. "I am the queen of fucking it up," she proclaimed, hand to her chest. "And even I finally managed to get it right."

"Mariah?" Emma queried.

A warm smile hijacked Tessa's face, and she nodded. "Yeah…"

Emma loved that about Tessa—the fact that she had never hidden her relationship with Mariah from her fans. The gorgeous redhead had been a part of her first music video, she was often a part of photo shoots, her picture splashed all over the pages of magazines right there beside Tessa, and Tessa spoke of her openly at press conferences, interviews, and the like. "What was so complicated for you?" she dared ask.

"Well, for starters, when I fell in love with Mariah, I was dating her brother," Tessa admitted.

"Ouch!" Emma empathized.

"Right?" Tessa chuckled. "I'm just lucky she was so patient, and waited for me to get my head out of my ass."

It was Emma's turn to chuckle. Somehow, talking with Tessa was making her feel better. "I'm surprised you're so open about this," she commented. "I could be a reporter, you know, just out for some dirt to sell to the highest bidder."

"Are you?" Tessa inquired jokingly.

"No," Emma grinned. "I'm just Emma Spencer, college Junior."

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Emma Spencer, college Junior," Tessa grinned.

"It's nice to meet you, as well, Tessa Porter, Rockstar," Emma replied with a smile.

"Hardly," Tessa laughed dismissively.

"Definitely," Emma insisted. "I've seen you fill stadiums to overflowing. You're incredible."

When Tessa averted her gaze, cheeks flushing, Emma realized she was gushing, and had the good sense to feel embarrassed. "And… now I'm fangirling," she laughed.

Tessa laughed with her. "I'm just a singer/songwriter who got really lucky," she humbly declared. She could feel her face burning. "But thank you for the compliment."

"You're welcome," Emma said sweetly.

Taking a deep breath, Tessa reverted to a previous topic. Anything to avoid further blushing. "Anyway, it wouldn't matter if you were a reporter. My checkered past is all out there for anyone to see. And I think we should embrace our mistakes, learn from them," she said wisely.

"What have you learned?" Emma asked curiously.

Thoughtfully considering Emma's question, Tessa replied, "Probably the most powerful thing I've ever learned is that honesty and gratitude are the keys to happiness. Mariah and I never hold back from one another, even when it hurts; and we're incredibly grateful for everything we've built together."

"You and Mariah sound a lot like my moms," Emma commented. "Jordan's too, actually."

Tessa offered a heart-stopping smile. "Sounds like we're in good company," she said.

Thinking of hers and Jordan's parents, Emma smiled fondly, and nodded. "The best."

Before their conversation could take off in a new direction, Jordan approached from behind. She smiled at Tessa, who had a clear view of her, surprised to see her there with Emma. Stopping at the corner of the sofa, she edged a hip up onto the overstuffed arm, and reached out, touching Emma's shoulder. "I never realized you were friends with a bonafide rockstar," she teased.

"By the way, awesome show tonight, Tessa," Jordan complimented, glancing over at the musician. "You totally nailed it."

Tessa felt her face redden again. "Thank you," she said sincerely.

Jordan turned her attention back to Emma. "You coming to bed anytime soon?" she asked, gently ruffling Emma's hair. "Or are you just gonna stay down here fangirling all night?" she teased.

Emma knew her face was flushed again, and she didn't dare look at either woman. "Depends," she shrugged.

"On?" Jordan prodded.

"You still mad?" Emma asked, glancing at her sheepishly.

"Of course not," Jordan answered, planting a kiss on the top of Emma's head. She stood up again, rounding the sofa. "You know I can never stay mad at you for long," she reminded, dropping down next to her, leaning into her side.

Tessa arched an eyebrow. These two were definitely not "just friends." But she, of all people, understood the strategic use of denial, even when it was against one's own best interests. She hoped they would find a way to make it work though—sooner, rather than later. That was one of many choices she regretted when it came to Mariah. She should've abandoned her plan with Noah long before she did, and grasped onto what Mariah was offering her that first Halloween. God, she had been so broken, and yet, so beautiful that night, when she poured her heart out to Tessa, so full of hope for their future, and begging for honesty in return. Tessa had admitted her feelings, but holding steadfast to her plan, she still let her walk away, and it took them another nine months to finally get together. Hindsight really was 20/20.

"You guys should come by The Pied Piper tomorrow night," Tessa said, returning her attention to the other young women. "We're not advertising it, but I'm playing a set over there, just for shits and giggles."

"Oh, yeah, we know that place," Jordan said. She glanced at Emma. "You remember, we went dancing there last summer."

Emma's heart quickened at the mere memory, and a soft smile flickered across her lips. "How could I forget?"

Delivered on a husky whisper, Emma's comment caused Jordan's heart to skip a beat. She held on to those words like a treasure. And before she could say or do something that would send Emma scrambling for safety, she quickly shifted her attention back to the musician. "That's a long way from your usual venues," she commented. She was just as aware of Tessa's success as Emma.

Unpretentiously, Tessa nodded her acknowledgment. "Mariah and I love the intimacy of the small club scene," she explained. "That's where we met: open mike night at her brother's club."

Emma arched an eyebrow. "The same brother…"

Tessa laughed. "One and the same."

"Did I just hear my name being used in vain?" Mariah queried as she approached the group. Her tone was light and playful.

An enthusiastic smile tripped across Tessa's lips at the sight of Mariah dressed in well-fitting black yoga pants and Tessa's old Rock & Roll t-shirt, her gorgeous mop of long, auburn locks mussed from sleep. She'd probably fallen asleep reading, waiting for Tessa to come to bed. "Only in the most flattering of ways, my love," she said sweetly. "Come, sit with me," she beckoned, reaching out a hand toward her partner. "Meet my new friends, Emma and Jordan."

Mariah smiled warmly at the younger women. "It's nice to meet you both," she said, taking Tessa's offered hand. It didn't surprise her that Tessa had found new friends and was getting to know them. Tessa was warm and friendly; she was drawn to people, and they to her. Mariah loved that about her—it was the reason they'd gotten so close, so fast in their early days.

Settling in Tessa's lap, she draped her arms around Tessa's neck and leaned in, pressing a kiss against those beckoning lips. "This doesn't look like songwriting to me," she teased.

"Oh, is that what's keeping you up tonight?" Emma inquired. She had wondered what had the singer up so late, but hadn't had a chance to ask. "I'm sorry I've kept you from it."

"Nah, I was just keyed up after the concert," Tessa replied. "But I do usually write late at night, when Mariah's sleeping," she explained, her dark eyes slowly perusing her partner's face. "My brain just works better that way."

"Yeah, that didn't work out so well back when we were living in the studio apartment," Mariah said, her tone filled with reminiscence. It was clear that she looked upon those days in their cracker box with fondness.

Tessa glanced over at Emma and Jordan. "I became intimately acquainted with the fire escape," she said in that deadpan tone of hers.

The other three women laughed, and Tessa grinned. "Wasn't so bad until the winters set in," she shrugged. "It's harder to play with your guitar strings covered in ice and snow."

"Oh, you stop it," Mariah shushed with a grin. "It wasn't that bad."

"Speak for yourself, Babe," Tessa challenged, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "I'm the one who had frostbitten fingers." She arched an eyebrow. "I should think you'd wanna protect these babies at all costs," she said, as she wiggled her fingers and eyebrows in synchronized suggestion.

Amused, Mariah barked out a laugh, and the others joined her; the double entendre not lost on any of them.

"And on that note… Come on, you," Mariah said in a tone that brooked no dispute as she rose from Tessa's lap. Taking Tessa's hand, she tugged gently. "Come sing me to sleep."

Shifting her attention toward Emma and Jordan as she stood, Tessa arched a suggestive eyebrow. "Singing is the last thing I plan on doing to put her to sleep tonight," she intoned.

Taking Tessa's other hand into her own, Mariah made a face at her. "You are absolutely incorrigible," she declared, accenting every word.

Grinning, Tessa took a step closer, her hands coming to rest on Mariah's waist. "No," she said, as she pulled Mariah against her, gazing into those expressive green eyes. "But I am very much in love."

Tessa's comment made Mariah's breath catch. Touching Tessa's cheek, slowly, she scanned her beautiful face. "How lucky am I?" she whispered, leaning in to kiss her tenderly.

"Well, you're about to find out," Tessa husked, drawing a soft laugh from Mariah.

"And this is why I love you," Mariah declared, loosely draping her arms around Tessa's neck.

"My stellar comedic timing?" Tessa said, her tone suggesting it was her best guess.

"Nope," Mariah said, leaning in to kiss her again. "Your roguishly sexy looks, and that reckless bent toward the inappropriate," she grinned, playfully ruffling those short, shaggy Rockstar locks.

An eyebrow vaulted provocatively. "Looks like I'm the one who's lucky tonight," Tessa intoned.

"You have no idea," Mariah husked.

Briefly turning her attention to Emma and Jordan, Tessa offered a mischievous smile. "See you guys tomorrow night?"

Casting a quick glance toward Jordan for approval, she earned a dimpled smile. Emma smiled in return, and nodded. "We'll be there," she assured.

"Great," Mariah said, taking Tessa's hand again. "See you then."

As they watched Mariah and Tessa walking toward the elevators, hand in hand, Jordan gushed, "Omigosh, those two are so adorable together!"

"They really are," Emma had to admit.

"How on earth did you end up down here talking to Tessa?" Jordan wondered aloud. And then she shoved Emma's shoulder playfully. "And why didn't you text me?" She sounded a little jealous that she hadn't been there the entire time.

Emma shrugged. "She just walked right up, asked if I minded if she joined me. And we just started talking."

"She does seem super chill," Jordan observed.

"And Mariah seems super not," Emma grinned.

Jordan laughed. "You picked up on that too, huh?"

"I think she's playful and relaxed with Tessa, but underneath, she likes to keep things under control," Emma commented.

"Reminds me of someone else I know," Jordan hinted.

"We might have that in common," Emma said begrudgingly. Giving Jordan the side eye, she couldn't stop the smile that played across her lips as she said it.

Grinning, Jordan took Emma's hand into her own as she stood from the sofa. "Come on, Control Freak," she said, tugging Emma to her feet. "I think it's time for bed."

"Look who's being a control freak now," Emma grumbled even as she acquiesced, willingly following Jordan toward the elevator, and ultimately, to their shared bed.

TBC in Chapter 7.7…

Additional Disclaimer: The characters Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) and Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks) from The Young and the Restless are owned by Bell Dramatic Serial Company, Corday Productions, CPT Holdings, Inc., and Sony Pictures Television. Thank you to my friend Bren for introducing me to these incredible characters and their unforgettable love story. I simply cannot get enough! CBS has come a long way in terms of LGBTQ representation since the Otalia days, but it's not enough, and we need the community's help. If you're not watching them, I strongly encourage you to check them out, and then join the campaign to protect them, as they're in jeopardy of being lost to us forever.

No copyright infringement intended with regard to The Young and the Restless, Bell Dramatic Serial Company, Corday Productions, CPT Holdings, Inc., Sony Pictures Television, or any other entity. The dialogue and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.