Title: Snapshots: Anthology of a Life Well Lived

Author: Kimberly21570

Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children

Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca

Disclaimers and Other Assorted Ramblings: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, and Natalia Rivera are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena and Paulina Kundera, Bianca Montgomery, Kendall Hart Slater, Alexander Cambias, Maggie Stone, Jake Martin, Boyd Larraby, Erica Kane, Jackson Montgomery, Greenlee Smythe, Reggie Montgomery, Myrtle Fargate, Aiden Devane, Boyd Laraby, AJ Chandler, as well as the entity Enchantment Cosmetics are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park. The original characters of Jordan Montgomery-Kundera, Sutton Keller, Francesca "Cheska" Stone, Jennifer, Tracy, Jacob, Dylan and Gia Jackson-Morgan, and Constance are the property of this author, and any resemblance to fictional characters, or 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 person or entity. The dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.

Rating: Overall, Chapter 8 is rated R, though this particular update is rated PG, I suppose. The story will eventually reach NC-17.

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 within flashbacks, including a brief BAM excerpt from my original Lianca saga, Restoration. Also, there are some very subtle clues as to the identity of those who are getting married, hidden in this update. Let's see who can put the pieces together…

Snapshots: Anthology of a Life Well Lived

Copyright September 2012

"She was calm, like the silence before the storm…"

Revathi Ravindran

Chapter 8.2—Showers and Thunderstorms / Calm before the Storm:

The Arbour/BGRC Properties—Ann Arbor, Thanksgiving Day—Thursday, November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving weekend of Emma's Junior Year at University of Michigan was less than traditional, in the… traditional sense, given that it also happened to be the weekend of The Game—the century-long, annual match-up between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines. As was tradition for an odd year, the 2021 game was hosted by the Wolverines in Michigan Stadium, which was also known as "The Big House," and thus, Dylan and his family were in town. Much to Emma's delight, her family decided to join them in Ann Arbor, as well.

Olivia and Natalia were hosting a huge Thanksgiving feast for the players from the rival teams, as well as their coaches, families, and even University administrators at the newly-opened BGRC property in Ann Arbor, aptly named The Arbour, meaning a shelter of vines or branches. Anyone who wanted to join in was welcome. It worked out well, given that Natalia had negotiated a deal with both schools to host their teams, regardless of the sport, whenever an event was scheduled within reasonable proximity of a BGRC property. Discounted room rates in exchange for free advertising at every venue—a sweet deal for both entities, and one that Natalia would eventually duplicate with universities on a global scale.

And so it was that Emma and Dylan found themselves temporary residents of not only the same hotel, but of the same suite; the multi-level penthouse suite, where both of their families were staying for the Holiday weekend. Though at times things between them were still a little strained, given Emma's decision to end their relationship before leaving for college, they were happy to see one another again, and they embraced the long weekend as an opportunity to reconnect.

University of Michigan—Ann Arbor—Saturday, November 27, 2021

On the morning of The Game, Michigan Stadium—a place that could hold well over a hundred thousand fans—was packed with another sell-out crowd. But not everyone there had a ticket. Despite a lack of tickets to the game, some fans had driven from thousands of miles away just to be a part of the action. A little thing like not having a ticket wouldn't get in the way of these diehard fans experiencing the energy of the day. They would simply camp out on the doorstep of The Big House, and listen to the game via the loudspeakers, or watch it on their portable Wi-Fi devices. Everyone was welcome there—after all, it was tradition.

Though the rival teams had been placed in separate divisions a decade prior, the time-honored tradition had been deemed a protected crossover game, and thus, continued to take place at the end of the regular season every year. Tensions were already running high as fans from both schools gathered to tailgate before the game.

Given the separation of divisions, this wasn't a winner-take-all competition, as it had been in decades past, but tensions still ran high for the players, as well. Conceivably, the teams could meet again the following week in the Big Ten Football Championship Game. But it was this particular game that was most important for Dylan, because this year—his Junior Year—he would lead his team in The Game for the first time in his college career. Win or lose, he was thrilled that his family was there to celebrate with him. Only leading his team to victory on his home turf would've made this day more spectacular.

The late-autumn chill was in the air, as was often the case on the weekend of The Game; but that did nothing to curtail the festivities. As always, there was much revelry leading up to the kickoff. Tents of blue and gold, signifying Wolverines' fans, popped up throughout the massive parking lots and adjacent grounds, with tents of red and white being pitched opposite them by Buckeyes' fans, as they strategically staked out their territory.

Dylan had to miss the pre-game festivities of course, but Emma and Jacob were there to witness as their family tailgated with thousands of other enthusiastic fans from both universities. It was a spectators' sport like none other, and they found themselves easily drawn into the excitement. It was clear through both words and actions that many of the spectators had hopes and dreams of their own, once upon a time—and many were there to live vicariously through the men who would play on that field later that afternoon.

After setting up their own tent, chairs, and assorted provisions, the family went exploring as a group, meandering through the endless maze of concession stands and memorabilia booths, where vendors were selling everything imaginable. Emma and Jacob found themselves being pulled in opposite directions, as their younger siblings tugged on their arms, left and right. They laughed good-naturedly about it, and took turns allowing the girls to explore as they pleased.

The first time they had attended The Game, during Emma's Freshman Year, Olivia was surprised at how many spectators brought their own provisions, including barbecue pits that smoked and sizzled behind SUVs and under tents, as families gathered to enjoy the pre-game action. Leaning over, she commented to Natalia that they would bring their own pit on future occasions. Natalia had simply smiled and nodded, silently reaffirming her vow that Olivia would never be allowed near an open flame. She may have been a Master Chef once upon a time, but nearly setting their house on fire ten years prior had effectively ended her access to anything that involved matches or an open flame. And when they arrived at the stadium earlier that afternoon, the barbeque pit and accessories were exactly where Natalia wanted them—secure under Jen and Tracy's watch.

Breaking away from the family, Emma and Jacob spent some time wandering on their own. They explored some of the booths they had missed in the girls' quests to find the perfect stuffed Wolverines souvenirs, and grabbed a couple of beers, some nachos, and a pretzel along the way. It was nice having the time to relax with Jacob, and Emma was sure to let him know. She hadn't seen him since the Christmas prior, and she had been pleased to hear he was flying in from Stanford for the weekend.

They ran into one of Emma's roommates, Sutton Keller, and chatted with her for a while. And then they moved on, reminiscing about the old days, recalling favorite memories, and simply enjoying the afternoon together. In the background, music blared, and the air crackled with energy, as distinct schools of blue and gold, and red and white, milled about in a sea of enthusiastic fans. There was plenty of good-natured trash-talk to be heard as they walked, and they came across their fair share of fans belting out the rival fight songs—some of them with megaphones. And if they heard the chant, "Go Blue!" once, they heard a thousand times that afternoon. Things were rowdy at times, but all-in-all it was simply good, clean, family fun, and both Emma and Jacob thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Returning from their walk, Emma had to laugh at the sight of her mothers, tailgating at a college football game. Clad in faded jeans, sneakers, and a U-M jersey, her long, dark tresses pulled back in a thick, messy ponytail that was threaded through the back of a well-worn U-M baseball cap, Natalia was kicked back in her official U-M tailgate chair, her feet propped up as she sipped on her third beer of the day. Emma had never seen her drink so freely, or look so relaxed, and she had to admit that she liked this laidback side of her Ma. Lounging next to her, in a matching chair, Olivia slowly sipped a mixed drink, as they chattered with Jen and Tracy, who were lazing in matching OSU chairs right beside them. The looks they received from passersby were priceless—it wasn't often that one saw Wolverines' and Buckeyes' fans even conversing, let alone sharing the same tent.

Pulling his parents' huge red cooler closer to the group, Jacob offered Emma a seat, and then sat down beside her. It took only a moment for his little sister Gia to plant herself firmly in his lap. She missed her Jacob, as much as she missed her Dylan. And both of her brothers adored her.

Clad from head to toe in a replica OSU uniform, complete with shoulder pads, cleats, and a helmet, Gia looked like Dylan's double. At five-and-a-half, she looked so much like him, in fact, that their mothers had long-ago dubbed her Dylan's "mini-me." From an early age, her mothers had instilled in her the idea that the only limitations in life were the ones she placed on herself. And thus, she was determined to play football someday, and she often declared that she wanted to grow up to be "just like my Dylan." It simply didn't matter to her that she was a girl.

There were news vans and camera crews everywhere, scouting out stories, and shooting coverage of the big event. And one particularly curious reporter stopped to interview the anomaly—Wolverines and Buckeyes tailgating together. Emma laughed as she responded to the reporter's initial inquiry, explaining that their families had been close since she and Dylan Morgan—the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, which she made sure to mention—were kids.

Taking a long, slow perusal of Emma who was dressed head-to-toe in Wolverines' gear, as any good Michigan student would be, the reporter dared ask, "So… who are you rooting for today?"

Emma smiled. "I don't care who wins the game, I'm always rooting for Dylan," she answered. "On and off the field."

The reporter arched an eyebrow. "Do I sense a rivalry romance here?"

Nostalgia painted itself across her face for a moment, and then Emma shook her head. "Yesterday's news," she said, passively. "But our friendship… that's a forever thing."


The Farmhouse of Love—Saturday, May 12, 2029, 7:15 a.m. Central Daylight Time

That was the calm before the storm. And oh, how things had changed after that conversation, Emma recalled as she reached the stairs that led to her apartment upon her return from her morning run. The storm that followed caused such deep, agonizing destruction that it had taken years to restore, and it nearly cost Emma the love of her life.

How she had gotten off on such a tangent, thinking about those times with Dylan and all that had transpired, she couldn't say. But there she was in the midst of memories that were equal parts exhilarating and devastating, and she felt powerless against the force of them.

Despite the emotional rollercoaster she'd been on, she felt energized after her morning run. And now, she needed a quick shower. Dylan had texted. He was on his way over. And Jordan would be landing soon, and Emma couldn't wait to see her.


Volare Airlines, Flight 867, New York/LaGuardia to Springfield—Saturday, May 12, 2029, 7:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Yawning and stretching after a short in-flight nap between Chicago and Springfield, Jordan worked out the kinks in her neck, and then rolled her head toward the partially-shaded window. Smiling into the sunrise, she welcomed a beautiful new day—one that would celebrate the very essence of Emma. Checking her watch, she noted the time. She would be landing soon. And then she would see her again.

Suddenly, a wave of excitement rippled through her. She couldn't have stopped it if she tried.

Nearly eight years after she experienced those first pangs of longing for Emma, they still caught her just as strongly, still held her just as fervently. And she wondered, not for the first time, if they would ever wane.

As she contemplated her fate in that regard, she was drawn back to a conversation with her Aunt Maggie, her mother's best friend of nearly thirty years—a conversation that was equal parts tender and enlightening on several fronts, and exactly what she'd needed to hear at that particular juncture in her life…

The Boathouse at Willow Lake, Pine Valley— Friday, September 10, 2021, 5:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

"Aunt Maggie?" Jordan uttered tentatively.

"What's up, Baby Girl?" Maggie asked affectionately, as she turned her attention to her goddaughter. They were sitting side-by-side, feet dangling from the dock at the boathouse where she and Bianca often met for long heart-to-heart chats. It was a beautiful late-summer afternoon, and it felt nostalgic in a way, to sit with Bianca's daughter here. That's why she had suggested it when Jordan texted, asking to meet up with her for a talk.

"May I… Umm—May I ask you something?"

"Anything, Jordan," Maggie replied, feeling curious and a bit concerned. She wasn't accustomed to Jordan being so proper about conversing with her, so this hesitant precursor was a bit alarming.

"How will I know… well, when I meet the right person," Jordan wondered aloud for the first time. Ever since that last trip to the Vineyard, and particularly Provincetown with Emma, she hadn't been able to keep her mind off of the woman. "I mean the person who will make me feel the way my parents feel about each other?"

"That's difficult to say," Maggie answered honestly.

"When did you know Uncle Jake was the one?" Jordan asked.

"Honestly, it took me a really long time, Honey," Maggie admitted. She had met and married Dr. Jake Martin when her daughter Francesca, named for her twin sister, Frankie, was not quite two years old. He was the only father Cheska had ever known, given her biological father's untimely death in an explosion in the Enchantment Cosmetics laboratory before she was even born. "I was heartbroken when your Uncle Boyd died. I thought he was it for me."

Leaning back, she surveyed her goddaughter. This really was more than just some casual conversation. "Why do you ask?" she wondered. "Do you think maybe you've met that special someone?" It wouldn't have surprised her, given that Lena and Bianca had brought her in for birth control a few months prior. "AJ, perhaps?"

"Well, no… I mean, Yes… Oh, I don't know," Jordan stammered, shaking her head to swipe away confusion. "Maybe…" She paused for a moment, and then glanced up at her aunt, "It's not about AJ," she said. "And that's part of the problem."

"Why's that?" Now Maggie was curious.

"Because… he's who I'm dating, but… he's not who I think about all the time," Jordan confessed. "I've never felt this way about anyone before; it's the most real thing I've ever known. And I know I can't just change how I feel, but it makes me feel like a jerk sometimes."

"Well, one thing's for sure… You're not a jerk for having feelings," Maggie said without hesitation.

"No, but I'd be a total jerk for acting on it," Jordan countered. "And god help me, Aunt Maggie, I really want to."

Maggie could definitely relate. From the moment she met Jake Martin, she'd felt the physical attraction. And the more she got to know him—his endless sense of empathy toward others, and his lighthearted, clowning ways—the more she liked him as a person. But despite the fact that Boyd had been gone for more than a year, still, she felt guilty for even contemplating another romantic relationship. "I get that," she said.

"You do?" Jordan sounded relieved.

Leaning over, Maggie pressed a kiss to Jordan's temple. "More than you know," she said, explaining about her conflicted emotions where Jake was concerned. After a brief pause, she glanced at Jordan. "So… who is he?" she ventured. She couldn't stand the suspense anymore.

"She…"

"What?" Taken aback, Maggie's response sounded judgmental and a bit harsh, though that was never her intention. Obviously, it wasn't an issue for her, but she remembered Bianca telling her how upset Jordan was about disappointing her parents by not being gay. "I'm sorry, that came out wrong," she quickly corrected. "I just… I didn't realize you were attracted to women. I thought you came out to your parents as… straight." Her tone asked the question, even as she contemplated how strange that statement sounded.

"Not women," Jordan said quietly, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by her truth. "Just her…"

"She must be an incredibly special woman," Maggie said, as a supportive hand brushed across her goddaughter's back.

"She is, Aunt Maggie," Jordan gushed. "She's… everything. And when I'm with her, I… I get really nervous, like… a billion butterflies in my stomach, and… my heart races like crazy, and I feel all weird and tingly all over. But at the same time, I feel like I could conquer the world."

Oh, the signs and symptoms of young love, Maggie thought. "And you don't feel those things with AJ?"

A soft sound—part laugh, part gasp—tumbled from Jordan's lips. "Not even close," she answered. "So I honestly don't know what I am at this point," she sighed. "All I know is that I can't get her out of my head… or my heart."

"Who says you need to?" Maggie challenged.

"Well, mostly she does," Jordan said wryly.

Maggie felt her heart drop into her stomach. It felt like Déjà vu. "Let me guess," she said ruefully. "She's into guys…"

Jordan's brow furrowed. "Well, yeah," she shrugged. "But she's into girls, too."

"Oh," Maggie frowned. Now she was confused.

Jordan turned to her. "What's the story?" she asked, curious about Maggie's sudden change in demeanor.

A rueful smile ghosted Maggie's lips. "Once upon a time, I was very confused about my feelings for your mom," she confessed. "So I very famously told her I was 'into guys'."

Realization dawned in Jordan's eyes. "I never knew that," she said, sounding as though the final piece of a mysterious puzzle had just fallen into place.

"I loved her very much," Maggie said softly. "Still do, actually. But I didn't know how to deal with those feelings, so I brushed them off, hoping they would fade."

"Did they?"

"They never faded," Maggie answered. "But they did change into something I could manage."

"How?" Suddenly Jordan really wanted to know. Could she possibly find a way to live with what she felt for Emma, even if they could never be together?

"She met your Mama, and fell in love," Maggie said, her eyes glistening with tears as she smiled at her beautiful goddaughter.

A soft smile flickered across Jordan's lips. "Even though they can get embarrassing at times, I love the way they love each other," she said affectionately of her mothers. "Even when they fight, there's this sense of peace in our house, because they know their love is stronger than any disparaging circumstance. And all of us girls know it too."

"Well, the kind of love that your moms share is extremely rare," Maggie noted. "It's a love borne of overwhelming circumstances and excruciating pain. And it's a love they both determinedly fought to save."

Jordan nodded her head in understanding. "I don't know the details, obviously, but that's something that I've always sensed about them."

"Here's the thing, Jordan," Maggie said seriously, her gaze locked on Jordan's. "If you really love Emma, don't ever give up."

Jordan's face adopted a look of astonishment. "I never said…"

Grinning, Maggie shook her head. "Sweetheart, once I knew a woman was an option for you romantically, you didn't have to," she said. "I've seen the two of you together."

"It's that obvious?" Jordan intoned.

Maggie arched an eyebrow. "In retrospect… it's more obvious than playing Where's Waldo at a nudist camp," she teased.

Jordan groaned. "That was… absolutely awful," she laughed.

"Hey, I'm a women's health specialist," Maggie reminded. "Your Mom's the shrink. She has a far better way with words."

Leaning over, Jordan pressed a kiss to Maggie's cheek. "You have a perfect way with words," she declared. "You knew exactly how to help, so thank you."

Maggie took Jordan's hands into her own, giving them a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad you came to me with this, Honey. I'm always here for you."

Fighting to hold her composure, lest she turn into a blubbering mess, Jordan nodded. "I know you are," she acknowledged, pulling her godmother into a hug. "And I love you for it."

"Oh, my sweet girl, I love you too," Maggie said with deep affection as she squeezed Jordan tight. "Always have, always will."

"I know," Jordan said. "I've felt it every single day of my life."

And it was true: Maggie had loved Jordan as her own from the moment she learned Bianca was pregnant. It hadn't mattered how she was conceived, only that she was loved completely—and just as importantly, that Jordan always knew it. Her heart soared at the acknowledgement from Jordan, and for a brief moment, she hugged her all the tighter for the gift of knowing it was true.


The Boathouse at Willow Lake, Pine Valley— Friday, September 10, 2021, 7:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time

When Jordan left a few minutes later, Maggie leaned back against the piling, and propping her foot up on the deck, she draped an arm across her knee as her gaze drifted out across the water. Resurrected memories of Bianca coupled with the setting of the sun drew her back to the day she'd finally been able to let go of the feelings she'd shuttered deep inside her for so long—the day after Bianca married Lena…

The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard— Sunday, June 13, 2004, 8:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

The evening sky glowed with variegated hues of orange and purple, as the sun slowly sank beyond the waters on the horizon, and taking advantage of the impending sunset, Lena's dear friend Alexander Cambias finally summoned the courage to ask her mother, Paulina, for a walk on the beach. Bianca's uncle, Jackson and her mother, Erica had long-since taken their friend Myrtle, and Jack's children Reggie and Greenlee back to their hotel, and friends Aiden and Boyd excused themselves, heading down to the marina to handle last minute details on the yacht, per Kendall's request, while Lena chatted with their new nanny, Constance, getting better acquainted with her, as they tended to Jordan together, and Maggie helped Kendall with cleanup in the kitchen.

Having been ushered out of the house at Maggie's insistence, Bianca sighed contentedly, as she sat on the edge of the upper deck, her feet planted on the step just below. She had ceased drinking alcohol after the champagne the night previous, in preparation for feeding Jordan that afternoon, and she slowly sipped on a glass of naturally sweetened grape juice, as she quietly soaked in the beauty of the sunset shimmering against the waters of Vineyard Sound.

Finishing the kitchen, Kendall went in search of Lena, to help her with preparations for their early-morning departure, as Maggie joined Bianca outside.

Dropping down behind her on the deck, Maggie's left leg brushed against Bianca's, as it dangled over the edge. It was a familiar position—one in which they often lounged as they chattered together on the dock at the boathouse at Willow Lake. Yet somehow it felt different now—the dynamics of their relationship had changed along with Bianca's name. Not in a regretful way, though, but rather in a way that signified the transition of their friendship from that of teenaged girls, into their friendship as women.

Setting her glass on the ledge, Bianca turned and smiled at her. "Hey, you…" she greeted cheerily, playfully bumping her shoulder against her best friend's chest.

"Hey…" Maggie grinned, bumping Bianca in return. "Great day today, huh?" she said, engaging her in idle chit-chat, as they relaxed together after the family cookout.

"The best…" Bianca gushed, her heart overflowing. "Thanks for everything you did to make this weekend so special for us," she said, appreciatively.

Maggie smiled, leaning her forehead against Bianca's temple. "That's what friends are for." Her voice was quiet, and filled with emotion.

"I know…" Bianca lightheartedly agreed. "I just felt the need to say thanks," she shrugged. "After all, you grill a mean pork steak, Girl," she grinned, "and your burgers are to-die-for."

Maggie laughed. "Well, you're welcome, B," she replied jovially. "Anytime…"

Bending her right leg then, Maggie planted her foot on the deck, casually resting her forearm on top of her knee, her bottle of Bud Light dangling between her fingers. "Drink?" she offered, swaying the bottle toward Bianca.

Bianca silently surveyed the blonde, dark eyes slowly dragging across that toned, athletic body, taking in both her form and her attire—Nike Air basketball shoes, khaki cargo shorts, and a form-fitting black tank top, covered by the loose-fitting white Pittsburgh Steelers jersey with black and gold trim Bianca had given her for Christmas the year prior. "No thanks," she grinned playfully, with the demure fluttering of dark eyelashes.

"What?!" Maggie chuckled, taking a swig of her beer.

Bianca laughed, enjoying the comfortable ease she and Maggie shared. "You just… you look a lot like Frankie when you dress and sit that way," she answered, offering her a crooked smile. She willfully pushed away the slight ache in her heart at the tender memory of Maggie's twin. "You'd better be careful, or some hot young lesbian is gonna make a play for your sexy ass," she teased, attempting to lighten the weight of the conversation they both knew was hovering on the horizon.

Maggie leaned closer, resting her forehead against Bianca's temple, as tears collected in her soft brown eyes. She closed her eyes to stave off those tears. "You know… I've always been sorry that I couldn't be what you needed me to be; that I… I couldn't love you the way she did—don't you, B?" she asked quietly.

"I know…" Bianca acknowledged; her voice low and wavering with emotion, eyes fluttering closed to ward off tears of her own, as she sank back against Maggie's body.

Setting her beer on the deck, Maggie wrapped her arms around Bianca, nuzzling into the side of her neck, as she held her best friend close. They were quiet for a while, simply resting in the embrace, the rhythmic cadence of the waves bringing them much needed solace.

Finally, a faint sigh escaped Maggie's lips, her warm breath brushing against Bianca's neck. "I'm happy you have Lena now," she said softly. "She loves you the way you deserve to be loved… The way I wish I could've loved you."

Bianca bit her lower lip to keep from crying. "You love me exactly the way you were meant to, Maggie," she said, softly.

Maggie shifted her body slightly, her left arm draped across Bianca's shoulder. Reaching up with her right hand, she tenderly brushed Bianca's cheek with her fingers, turning the brunette's face toward her. Their eyes met, and the blonde was no longer able to contain the tears. They trickled down her cheeks, as she leaned close, whispering softly, "You're the best friend I've ever had, Bianca Montgomery, and I do love you," she quietly shared. "I love you like I've never loved anyone else, not even Frankie."

"I know…" Bianca whispered huskily, a single bittersweet tear streaming down her cheek.

Her love for Maggie had once been intrinsically tangled with the love she felt for Frankie. But then, as the weeks and months had passed, and she and Maggie grew closer, she learned to love her for the intelligent, caring, beautiful woman that she was inside, rather than the shadow of the sister she once loved. And though the nature of her love for Maggie had changed since the early days of their friendship, she would never deny that the waters still ran just as deep; perhaps even deeper, given all that Maggie had been to her during her recovery from the rape.

She closed her eyes, attempting to stifle the floodgates that could easily flow if she let down her guard, and drawing in a deep breath, she slowly exhaled. "And I love you, Maggie Stone… more than words can say."

Tipping her chin, Maggie gently caressed Bianca's cheek, wiping the tear away with her thumb. "I know…" she whispered softly, searching those tearstained eyes.

The emotional current between them was palpable; almost unrelentingly so, and Maggie leaned in, brushing her lips against Bianca's cheek, before covering the younger woman's mouth with her own. The kiss was soft, slow, and measured, not exactly chaste, though certainly not romantic; and deeply meaningful, seasoned with the bittersweet paradox of holding on to that which was precious to them, while letting go of things that were never meant to be.

And when their lips parted, Maggie leaned her forehead against Bianca's again. "I will always love you, Bianca. Don't ever forget that," she whispered, pulling the younger woman into her arms again, where they lingered, both of them shedding years' worth of bittersweet tears.

There had once been a time when Bianca would have given anything to have Maggie kiss her and hold her—a time when Maggie had wished more than anything that she could give Bianca everything she needed. Those times were gone now, each of them having moved on in her own way, in her own time. And now, as they cried together, those tears washing away the past, they acknowledged that what they shared was a love that would always run far deeper than any ordinary friendship; a bond that would never be broken; a friendship that would sustain them, not only throughout all the joys and sorrows of this life, but throughout eternity.


Rhapsody, The Beacon, Springfield—Tuesday, June 12, 2029, 6:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Settling into a corner booth near the back of the coffee house at the Beacon, Maggie cradled the mug of life-giving dark roast in her hands, sipping it slowly. She had awakened with a start before her alarm had even gone off, and in an effort not to wake her husband who had arrived in Springfield in the middle of the night, she quietly dressed in the bathroom and slipped out the door.

She was thankful that her abrupt awakening hadn't disturbed Jake. How could she possibly have explained dreaming about that moment with Bianca? She couldn't fathom it herself; hadn't thought about that night in years. It must've been the memories marinated in the wine they'd shared last night—Bianca, Lena, and her—as they toasted a milestone anniversary and reminisced about their shared past. How could it be that Lena and Bianca had been married twenty-five years?

But they had. And happily so.

With an equal measure of blissfulness, she and Jake had celebrated their twenty-second anniversary a few months prior, and they'd toasted to another fifty, if not more.

Twenty-two years.

They certainly hadn't all been perfect. But they had gone by so swiftly, with a growing family, close friendships, and thriving careers. Their kids, now grown—Cheska, twenty-four; Stone, almost twenty-one—for the first time in their relationship, it was just her and Jake. And she loved him more with each passing day.

So why the dream about Bianca? She wondered curiously.

And then she smiled, her gaze fixed on her wedding ring. What did it matter now? Truth was, somehow outside her conscious awareness, Bianca Montgomery had become her first love—she realized that now. But Jake, he was her forever love, and she couldn't imagine her life without him.


TBC in Chapter 8.3…