We are going to have about two more chapters of happiness before Kirsten and Sandy have the talk. Thank you to all those who reviewed. They are much appreciated. Keep it up and Enjoy. D We were inspired by the many Julie-Kirsten moments in the episode The Anger Management.
Chapter 9: The Respective Closeness
Kirsten walked back to Sandy who was sitting on the sand. She sat between his legs and held his hands as she leaned against him. They watched as their sons and their girlfriends played in the water. He kissed her temple. They sat content, comfortable in their blissful silence. "Sandy. I think I like the ocean."
Sandy leaned his head on her shoulder. She giggled as he whispered lyrics to their song in her ear. She was glad he had heard her. Somehow it reassured her that nothing was wrong, at least for the moment. Her doubts were eased away as she listened to his voice and the sound of the ocean. She noticed him looking longingly at the surfers, drifting up and down on a wave. The water wasn't as alive as she had expected. Four footers were nowhere to be seen. This was perhaps a different part of the beach. She glanced at the surfboard little way behind them. Sandy's eyes lit as he saw a surfer ride a wave elegantly. He wished she could feel the ocean like he did. He wished she could be one with the water. He wished she could feel what it was like to lose her mind to the dull roar of the ocean and the passion behind it. She wished she could be connected to him again. Maybe she would. One day.
They had eventually made it home. She had sat in the front seat and had agreed to let Seth choose the music; after all, she had thrown him into the water. A Lack of Color by Death Cab for Cutie rang through their ears during the drive and now, it was stuck in Kirsten and Sandy's heads. Seth hadn't realized the damage he had done until he heard Kirsten humming the tune to, much to Seth's chagrin, Sandy's singing, "All the girls in every girly magazine can't make me feel, any less alone, I'm reaching for the phone to call at 7:03, on your machine I slur a plea for you to come home. And now I know it's too late, I should have given you a reason to stay, given you a reason to staaaaaaaayyyy…" Seth looked at his parents, disgusted. Ryan had an amused look on his face as he watched as Kirsten chimed in for the chorus, "If you feel discouraged, there's a lack of color here…" Seth groaned, as their voices grew louder.
"Mom! Dad! Stop!" he cried, placing his hands over his ears. Sandy laughed as Kirsten rolled her eyes, leading everyone to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and took out two bottles of Mountain Dew and two of water. Her boys accepted them gratefully as they leaned against the island and the counter.
"I have to call Summer and Marissa about tomorrow. I'll be right back," said Kirsten, suddenly, taking the phone as well as her leave.
Sandy took this as the perfect opportunity to let the boys in on his plan for the evening. Well, not the entire plan. "Boys. I was thinking, maybe, you and the girls could go out for dinner tonight. Your mother and I need some time alone to talk about a few things and we would really appreciate it if you weren't here for all of it. Just be back by 2 okay?"
Seth and Ryan groaned in disgust. Too much information. They agreed as they shuffled to the living room to join Kirsten. She was already on the phone with their female friends anyway.
"Okay, so it's tanning, waxing, facials, mud wraps, manicures, pedicures, deep tissue massage, sauna, lunch, shopping?" said Kirsten, in a breath. She paused for a moment and nodded, letting out a light laugh. Seth and Ryan smiled. They missed her laugh.
Her smiles quickly changed to a shocked expression painted on her beautiful face, "Julie. You can't talk like that in front of the girls. They're off the phone? When did they—Julie, no. Julie, I am not getting 'the hot limo driver with the arms' he got lost on the way to our houses! We lived right next to each other. Julie, might I remind you that we are smart, sophisticated women who don't need hot limo drivers to be taking us around. He's a driver! We don't have to be amused by his body! He just has to drive. Julie. Julie! Are you even paying attention to me? Julie! Why can't I just let the agency send us one? What? I do not have bad taste in men, Julie. Just because I don't like to ogle strange men, doesn't mean I don't have good taste. Julie. No. You can't choose. It isn't fair. Because maybe it's my turn to decide. Look at us, we're acting like high school girls over a limo driver. This is ridiculous, Julie, no, why can't we have a enjoyable ride with a driver we don't have to talk to? Hey! It was not my fault you didn't enjoy the hot driver. Fine. Maybe I did say some things that upset you but you're not supposed to enjoy the driver that way! You were married! Julie. Oh my God. This is never going to end is it? Put the girls on the phone. Now. Summer, not you too. Vibrating at a high frequency? Summer, it's a driver. His vibrations won't affect us. Don't even say it, Julie. Marissa, you have to back me up on this one. What? Okay, fine. Fine. Hot limo driver it is. I have to say though, the boys won't be very happy about this. "
"Dad! Mom's hiring a hot limo driver for tomorrow! I think he might be a stripper!" yelled Seth, suddenly. There is no way Summer is spending time with that man.
"What!" exclaimed Sandy, his head peeking out from the kitchen. Kirsten gave him an innocent wave as she passed the phone to the boys.
"It's nothing. Really," she said unconvincingly.
"Maybe I should go with you,"
"Sandy. This is my Kirsten-Summer-Marissa-Julie time. Girl time. Last time I checked, you weren't a girl. And besides, we're going to tan, wax, get facials, mud wraps, manicures, pedicures, deep tissue massages, hit the sauna, and go shopping. And I know you're not interested in any of that… actually, baby, if you wanted you could be waxed. I could call someone in to do your eyebrows. Or your chest," said Kirsten, seductively. Sandy looked frightened as he shook his head. She laughed as she watched the boys roll their eyes.
"Where are they going?"
"They're going out for dinner with their female cohorts. I am making you a romantic dinner," said Sandy as Kirsten wrapped her arms around him appreciatively. They walked to the kitchen as Seth and Ryan mumbled goodbyes and left the house. Kirsten and Sandy were finally alone.
She walked in to find the salmon on the baking tin, a few lemons sitting near a cutting board. She walked over to it asking Sandy if she could help. She picked up a knife and a lemon. She felt Sandy's presence behind her. She smiled. His hands began on her shoulders and slid gracefully down to her hands. His hands guided hers as they cut the lemon in slices. She felt his nose graze her ear, his breath on her neck. He blew aside some of her hair, exposing more of her neck and shoulder. Her eyes fluttered shut as he left a trail of kisses on her skin. "Sandy," she breathed. He laced his fingers with hers and wrapped their arms around her body. She leaned against him, sighing gently at his warmth. He whispered, "I love you" as he kissed the nape of her neck. He pressed his chest against her back protectively as he guided her legs to the couch. They fell together, Kirsten on his lap. She laughed as she slid off to his left, letting go of his hands. His left arm never left her back as she laced his fingers with her right hand. She stroked his hand gently with her thumb. This was how they used to sit in Berkley. Close, with their touches unrelenting. This was how Kirsten Nichol and Sandford Cohen used to cuddle after a fight. This was how Kirsten and Sandy Cohen sat when they just needed time to be husband a wife.
She gazed into his eyes as she leaned her forehead against his. He gently cupped her cheek with his right hand, rubbing and stroking her porcelain skin lightly as he leant further toward her. Their lips met gently and parted as they looked into each other's eyes again.
She knew was he was asking her. He knew she did not know what she wanted. She knew she was confused about whether or not she wanted this. He knew, too. Nevertheless, in the end, all she wanted was him. At least just for tonight, until tomorrow night when they would have to confront all the demons from the past year. All the mistakes made.
She leaned in this time, brushing her lips against his, kissing him lightly. Their lips met in a light flurry of kisses, each lighter than a butterfly's wing but so full of passion, nonetheless. Their lips would part only for a moment before meeting again. She needed him tonight. At least for one night, nothing would exist except the love between them. She took his upper lip in his mouth and sucked gently, a soft moan escaping her. She let go of his hand, leaning into him further. He smiled as she ran her tongue over his lip, begging for entrance. He opened his mouth and greeted her tongue with his as he pushed her down onto the couch.
"Not here," she breathed, gently. She let out a light squeal of surprise as he lifted her easily and began toward their bedroom. Kirsten left small kisses on his cheek and neck, stopping occasionally to nibble on his earlobe. She wanted him. At least for one night.
Kirsten woke up with a start, Seth's voice booming through the hallway toward their room. "Mom! Mom! The limo's here! They're all waiting for you! What is taking so long? Mom!"
She sat up abruptly, elbowing Sandy in the ribs, forcing him to wake up, "What? Honey, what's wrong? What's the matter? Is it Seth? Is Ryan okay? What's going on?" said Sandy, speaking a mile a minute.
She leant over him, holding a sheet to her naked body. She grabbed the alarm clock and groaned in frustration. Sandy wrapped his arms around her, pressing her to him. "Sandy, I really don't have time. I'm late and they're wai—" her words were cut off my his mouth on hers. She moaned lightly as his tongue entered her mouth. She deepened the kiss and quickly broke it off, pushing off him and sitting up at the edge of the bed. He smiled, knowing she was simply using her kiss to tease him and leave him wanting more. He ran a hand up and down her back. She shivered, turning around and cupping his face with her hand. She smiled as she got up, taking the sheet with her. His only cover was gone. She laughed as he grabbed her pillow and covered himself as he followed her to the closet. She furiously grabbed a pair of jeans, tank top, and sweater. "Baby, aren't you going to shower first?"
"Sandy. I don't have time; I'll shower at the spa. Make yourself useful and grab my shoes, please," she said hastily putting on her clothes. He turned to grab the shoes she motioned to and when he walked back to her, she was fully dressed in a light pink tank top that clung to her body and a pair of fitted jeans. Her sweater was clutched in one hand her bags in the other. Her foot tapped impatiently against the floor as he bent down and put them on for her. She had managed to tame her hair and had applied some concealer and lip-gloss. She gave him a quick kiss and turned to leave. She ran out of their bedroom and toward the door, met by the girls, who had made themselves comfortable on the couch.
"Where's Julie?" asked Kirsten, motioning for them to leave. She opened the door and let out laugh. Julie was standing close to the driver, an ass graze barely visible. Julie let go immediately and ran over, giving her a tight hug.
"I've missed you, Kiki… wait, you don't smell like you," said Julie, pulling away from her, her nose crinkled as she sniffed some more. Kirsten looked around nervously, if anyone understood everything about men, it was Julie Cooper. The driver grabbed Kirsten's bags as Summer and Marissa emerged from the house, looking at Kirsten, confused.
"Let's go, shall we? I hope you don't mind if take a quick shower at the spa. I had a late morning. The alarm didn't go off and I slept a little late," said Kirsten, apologetically, climbing into the limo.
"I got it! You smell like Sandy! You have his cologne all over you! What'd you do last night, Kirsten, hmm? You don't waste any time, do you?" said Julie, laughing lightly.
"Julie, don't. The girls," said Kirsten, insistently, motioning at Marissa and Summer.
"Kirsten, don't worry about it. This summer, Marissa, Julie, and I talked about everything. It's all about trust with us, now. Isn't that right, Coop?" said Summer, reassuringly.
"She's right, you know. We have decided to be open with everything. There is no point in hiding anything. Who else can you turn to if not those you are closest to? And I know that we aren't as close as we'd like to be but we're getting there and the first step to becoming the best girlfriends is being open," said Marissa as Julie placed a hand on her daughter's knee and smiled.
"So, you two are okay?" asked Kirsten.
"Yeah. In the end, it all comes down to family. We've gotten past everything that's happened and we decided it was time to put all bickering aside. For a moment, I thought I was alone. Marissa made me realize that we would battle everything together and that we always did. And now we're like best friends, aren't we, Mariss?" said Julie. Marissa nodded and smiled.
"I really don't feel comfortable… I mean, it's not like I don't want a relationship with you three, it's just I don't really…" began Kirsten.
"Kirsten," said the three of them, simultaneously. She looked at them startled and laughed, throwing her hands up in surrender.
"Okay. Fine. Last night, Sandy sent the boys out with you girls so we could spend some time alone. The last time he and I were alone, well, I was… drunk. The last time he touched me was, well, quite a long time ago. He and I, we were going through some hard times before I left for Suriak. There was this rift between us when the boys left and then there were all these problems. I wasn't going to sleep with Sandy last night. We were supposed to talk about what had happened between us and we, well, didn't," began Kirsten. Kirsten laughed as they let out a few whistles and squeals.
Her expression suddenly changed, "I just wanted him, at least for one night. I pushed away every doubt, every fight, everything, all for last night. For a moment, I thought I was losing him and I wasn't sure he still felt the same and last night just reassured me that even through all this, he still loves me. I don't know what's going to happen after tonight. We're going to talk about it, everything."
"So, last night… was it worth it? Postponing the talk?" asked Julie, expectantly.
Kirsten laughed gently, "I didn't think the openness of this relationship involved sharing everything."
"It does. Now spill. It had to be good right? Months of nothing and then boom, one night of hot sex."
"It wasn't like that."
"Not so hot?"
"No. Julie," scolded Kirsten, "It was kind of like the first time we did it. You know that scene in Ghost, where Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are doing that pottery thing. It was like that. I was slicing some lemons, he came up behind me, and it was one of the more romantically cheesy moments. He had his arms around me and we walked to the couch and…"
"Oh my God. The couch? Remind me never to sit on it, again!" said Summer, laughing.
"No, it wasn't like that. Anyway, Julie, you remember in high school, when you and your boyfriend would just sit on the couch and make out? It was like that. Nothing crazy, just innocent kisses and then they were, um, not so innocent so we moved it to the bedroom. And that's pretty much it but it was one of the greatest nights. I just missed him so much, it had been so long, and I just needed to forget everything. He does that. He makes me feel like flying sometimes. Last night was no different. It was like the first time we were together. We took it slow and that just made it so much better. I think it was at that point that I knew I didn't want to be with anyone else. Just him," she said, dreamily. Summer and Marissa exchanged looks. They wished one day they would be like that. Kirsten looked up at them and laughed, "I think I've shared enough, what about you?"
Summer and Marissa laughed nervously. Their partners weren't just their boyfriends; they were Kirsten's sons. "Oh, we're here!" exclaimed Summer, excitedly. Kirsten rolled her eyes as she followed the driver to their room. She needed a shower.
The women sang to their favorite songs as they tanned. They held hands as they were waxed, laughing at the cringing faces they all made. Kirsten had somehow managed to fall asleep while they were getting facials. The mud wraps had allowed Summer to tell Kirsten all about herself. Her past, her family, her education. Kirsten's eyes had filled with tears when Summer spoke about Seth. Their relationship reminded her of the better Kirsten and Sandy days. She missed them. Kirsten enjoyed the Kirsten-time during the massage. She needed time to think. There was only one thing her mind concluded to every time. It was only a matter of if she could actually muster up her courage to do it.
The four met up near the pool, sunglasses perched on their noses and wrapped in white robes with the spa's insignia. They sat down in the identical chairs as their toes were worked on. Kirsten closed her eyes but opened them at the sound of Marissa and Julie's voices and a clicking sound. She turned to look at them, Summer was writing madly on her handheld, giggling as Marissa and Julie spoke quietly on their cell phones. The boys, she concluded. Kirsten rolled her eyes, taking her own cell phone from the pocket of the robe.
"Hey, baby," said Sandy, seductively on the other line.
"Hi, honey. What is it that you boys are doing?" she asked, sweetly.
"We've been playing the 'station and, uh, yeah, that's about it. Jimmy brought over some McQueen movies. Ryan and Seth are over by the grill making lunch and I am prepping the junk. Why?"
"Honey, tell me, have they been slipping in and out of conversations, playing with their cell phones, taking random calls throughout the day, getting text messages?" asked Kirsten. She knew it.
"Yeah. How'd you know?"
"Well, turns out our people have not been following the rules. Take away the phones and I'll do the same," she suggested.
Sandy laughed, "Whatever you say, darling. Have fun."
Kirsten leant over and grabbed each of the other women's technology. They opened their mouths to complain but she shook her head laughing, "Ladies, might I remind you that this is our time. No boys. Let's keep focused on ourselves for today, hmm?"
They all sighed, leaning back into the chairs. Kirsten smiled, this was more like it. That is, until Summer's pocket began vibrating. Kirsten rolled her eyes as Summer sheepishly grinned, "Hey Seth,"
"Hang up! Hang up! Summer! Hang it up!" whispered Kirsten, motioning enthusiastically.
"Yeah, I know, Kirsten did the same thing. Really? She has? They have? Kirsten's going to have fun with this. Wait. Seth! Ryan? Give the phone back to Seth for a minute. Seth! Don't ever give the phone to someone else before saying 'Bye,' what the hell is wrong with you? Huh? I love you, too. Bye, Cohen. Here, Marissa it's for you," said Summer, handing the phone to her best friend next to her, "The boys are playing keep the phone away from the Sandy."
Marissa spoke to Ryan, quietly, giggling as she whispered, "I love you." Summer was eyeing Kirsten suspiciously as she glared at the phone in Marissa's hands. The phone was then thrown to Julie, who whispered, what Kirsten could only assume, were things that other people shouldn't hear. Luckily for Kirsten, Julie was right next to her. She quickly leaned over and grabbed the phone. "Hello? Who is this? Sandy? Hi. Take this phone away, too. No, I don't care. Well, keep one for emergencies. I want to be able to reach you in case something happens. What? Really? I miss you, too, baby. I love you. Yes, I'm smiling. Why? Aw, really, Sandy? That's so sweet, baby. Oh, I miss you. Yes, you and your cute eyebrows. I love them, too but I love you more. No, you. Aw, baby. Yes, I know. Well, that's for making me late this morning. I love you, too. I miss you. Yes, I love you. I want you, too. I lo—"
Marissa, Summer, and Julie exchanged looks as they pinned her down and grabbed the phone. Lucky for them, their toes had been finished and dried. Kirsten squealed as they tickled her sides. "Bye, Sandy," said the three at the phone as they hung it up. Kirsten laughed breathlessly.
"Hey!" she said.
"Well, looks like Little Miss 'No Boys Allowed' has been playing us all, ladies," said Summer, giving Kirsten an amused look.
"What?" asked Julie, "Oh, my God. You've been chatting with Sandy, all day haven't you?" Kirsten grinned innocently as Summer nodded enthusiastically.
"She has been calling him, all day. Seth told me. Sandy been 'going out for air' every half hour or so and he could hear Sandy using his 'romantic' voice, saying 'I love you, angel' all that mushy crap," said Summer, smiling.
"I am his angel," said Kirsten, shrugging.
"Kirsten! I am surprised at you, really. Telling us off for talking to our boys and you're off doing the same thing," said Marissa, laughing.
The girls never let Kirsten live it down as they laughed the rest of the day. They went out for lunch at a fast food restaurant. Julie had managed to persuade Kirsten into buying a "Double, double, heavy on the sauce with large fries and an orange soda." Kirsten didn't finish it. She managed to eat the fries and the soda and let Julie, Marissa and Summer eat the burger. After almost four hours of intense shopping, they decided to head home but not before Kirsten stopped at the video store to rent "The Lion King" and "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride." Kirsten loved watching Disney movies cuddled up to Sandy and the particular movies she loved most.
Flashback
It had been 10 months. 10 months since they had started dating. 4 since they had confessed their love for each other. Kirsten had finished watching a movie called "The Brothers" with a few of her girlfriends. The movie had brought up an interesting idea about how to know if your man truly loves you. When you are all cozy and snuggled up on the couch, watching TV and he gives you his last piece of food, he unconditionally loves you. Initially, Kirsten had found this to be rather stupid and ridiculous way to seek this truth but after talking about it with her friends, who had admitted to testing out the theory and had seen it work, she had decided to try it out on Sandy. She knew she loved him like that; it was a matter of did he?
Kirsten had insisted they stay home that night to watch movies, her choice of course. They had ordered in some Chinese and were on the last dumpling. He hadn't noticed of course but she had. She kissed him gently as the lions on the television danced and sang. Sandy wanted to sing along, too. She knew this all too well. She smiled as she pushed him down onto the couch, his thoughts forgotten. She kissed his nose as lay in front of him, wrapped tightly in his arms. He gently laid a trail of kisses up and down the side of her neck, causing her to giggle and eventually elbow him in the ribs.
He laughed, kissing the top of her head. He slid down so he could place his head next to hers as they watched TV, his arms squeezing her gently. He kissed her cheek, "I love you, you know that?"
"I love you, too. Hey, there's one dumpling left," she said. He looked at her; an eyebrow raised as he reached over her and picked it up. Her breaths came faster as he held it in his fingers. What was he going to do? He smiled and held it to her mouth.
"Here," he said, simply, smiling as she took it into her mouth. She turned suddenly, half the dumpling sticking out from lips. He moved so that he was above her. Her eyes danced playfully as she grabbed his head and pushed it forward. He took the other half of the dumpling in his mouth as he kissed her gently. She giggled as they ate between kisses.
"Sandy?" she asked.
"Hmm?"
"I love you." She lifted her head to meet his, hungrily.
"I love you, too." Truly.
End of Flashback
Kirsten came home to Sandy, sitting on the couch in the family room, flipping channels. "Hey, you."
"Hey, how was your boy's thing?" she asked, putting in the first movie.
"We played video games, watched some movies, and had steak. It was interesting. How was yours?"
"Fun. We had a great time at the spa, a very different lunch experience, and an excellent time shopping. Rosa's putting my bags upstairs as we speak," said Kirsten, laughing lightly.
"What's that?" he asked, point to the screen, which now had the Disney logo printed on it.
"It's 'The Lion King' I thought we could watch the two movies before we talked. I just think that maybe we should relax before getting into it. It's going to be a long night, Sandy. There are a lot of things we need to say to each other and I don't think it's going to be easy. I think we need to have a few laughs and a good cry first," said Kirsten, lightly, snuggling next to him. He put his arm around her as she put her head on his chest, "And no teasing," she finished.
Sandy laughed, kissing the top of his wife's head. She was right; it was going to be a long night.
We're so sorry for the time it took to update the story. We've written and re-written this chapter so many times and this is the only one that worked. The next chapter is a little darker, in that Sandy and Kirsten finally face their problems and Kirsten's suggestion leads to broken hearts. The other story, Back to You: Uncovered is a compilation of Kandy moments that are inappropriate for the rating. Anyway, Read and Review please. We would love to see what everyone thinks. Suggestions are fine as well. Feel free to message or email, too. Thank you.