Chapter 23

As the Wheels Turn…

The Sunday morning sunshine peeked through the window of Skuld's room. She stirred a little as the warmth made her uncomfortable. She opened her eyes and looked around the room. She gave a half-hearted smile to herself as she got up and looked at herself in the mirror. "I certainly don't "feel" any different" she thought to herself as she looked at her body and her face. Her hair was still disheveled from her sleep last night. Her dress was hanging on the closet door were she had left it. "I'm gonna have to ask Megumi if I can keep it, I don't think I could part with it at all now." She mused.

Skuld gathered her change of clothes, and headed down the hall to take a shower, when she past Urd in the hallway.

Urd: "Good morning sleepy head."

Skuld: "Good morning Sis."

Urd: "Have a good time last nite?"

Skuld: "Yes. It was wonderful. I had a great time."

Urd: "That's great. Talk to you about it in a bit."

Skuld: "Ok Urd."

Skuld went into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. Urd stood in the hall, thinking a moment. "A "wonderful" time huh? I bet it was! You naughty girl you..heheh." Urd mumbled to herself as she went to the Kitchen where Bell was making breakfast.

Megumi woke with an awful taste in her mouth, she jumped out of bed to the bathroom, now occupied by Skuld. "Ah! Hurry Skuld I need the bathroom." She shouted.

"Go use the one in Kei's room, I'm in the shower ok?" Skuld spoke.

"Ok-ok. I'll use the other one." Megumi stumbled to speak, without puking in the floor. About the time she hit the other bathroom, she was leaned over the toilet puking her guts out.

Kei: "Hey. You ok Megumi?" Kei spoke as he came in to comfort her.

Megumi: "I-I'll be ok Kei. Sorry if I woke you up. I just," she stuck her head back in the toilet.

Kei: "Too much to drink huh? It's ok. Just get it out of your system. If you need me shout for me."

Megumi: "Ok. Just close the D.." she continued to lose the contents of her fun last night. Kei understood, and he shut the door behind him.

Will woke up to the alarm screaming at his face. He quickly kicked it off with his hand and knocked it to the floor in a single motion. He opened his eyes, and looked to his right, with his arm extended, expecting something but not realizing he'd done it. "oh, that's right." He thought as he sat up and rubbed his face with his hands.

He wasn't sure what to make of last night. He felt strange, that something like that had happened to soon. He had never taken a relationship that far so quickly before. He was concerned for himself as well as Skuld. "What if she felt like I took advantage of her, I should have said no." he thought. He sat on the edge of the bed for a while with his face in his hands. "I hope she doesn't have a change of heart now. I sure won't, but I still feel so awkward." He said to himself as he got up to take a shower and put on fresh clothes. "It's Sunday, so I guess I'll take it easy today. Guess I need to go see her today too. Maybe, go out alone with her and talk about last night." He passed this through his mind as he showered, he got out and toweled off, shaved and put on his jeans and his favorite black cotton t-shirt. He continued downstairs to fix himself something for breakfast.

Bell: "What are you saying Urd?"

Urd: "You "know" what I'm saying, stop denying it."

Bell: "No Urd. I know that you're mistaken. Skuld isn't some floozie that does that kind of thing. She's a virgin Urd."

Urd: "And just when did you and Kei make things "final"?"

Bell: "Urd, I just. I just can't believe you think that you're sweet little sister would do that so suddenly."

Urd: "Well, you don't believe me you ask her yourself. You know she won't lie to you. Especially after that little love tap of yours."

Bell: "AH! Urd, that's not funny. I still feel really bad about that. Stop bringing it up."

Urd: "Ok. Just talk to her."

Bell: "Fine I will then."

Skuld: "Will what Bell?"

Urd: "Ah the porn queen has arrived. Hahah!"

Skuld: "What? What are you talking about Urd?"

Bell: "Pay her no mind Skuld. I want to talk to you for a minute ok?"

Skuld: "Sure sister. What's the matter?"

Bell: "Follow me. We'll talk in private."

Skuld had a strange look on her face as she followed Bell to her bedroom.

Bell: "Kei? Kei? May Skuld and I talk in private for a few minutes?"

Kei: "Sure sweetheart. I'll see you both downstairs, ok?"

Bell: "Ok honey."

Kei left the room and shut the door behind him.

Bell: "Skuld I have something important I want to talk to you about."

Skuld: "umm. Sure. Go ahead."

Bell: "Well, you remember when I talked to you about, um. About mortal, ah."

Skuld: "Huh? What do you mean Bell?"

Bell: "You remember when I told you about mortal sex?"

Skuld: "Yes. Why Bell? What are you getting at?"

Bell: "Skuld, Urd has brought it to my attention that you might have, um. Had sex last night. B-But i. I don't believe her, please don't be angry with me!"

Skuld only blushed, a little more than she had liked. Her face was red with embarrassment. At the same time she wondered if she should tell Bell the truth or fib to her to save her feelings.

Skuld: "Why, why would Urd think that?"

Bell: "Well I mean you know Urd that's what she lives for I guess."

Skuld didn't say anything at first. Her mind was racing for an answer.

Bell: "Skuld I only want you to know, that should you ever, um. Need any help, I mean. If you need any advice as to what mortal men like. I can maybe tell you some things."

Skuld was really red now. She couldn't believe Belldandy was willing to talk about intimate sex topics with her.

Bell: "I. I really would be honored to talk and answer any questions you might have about, um. Positions or..or what many men like."

Skuld: "B-Belldandy I."

Bell: "Yes Skuld? What is it? Please ask me, I'm not embarrassed really." Her face was as red as Skuld's by now. Skuld just let out a little laugh.

Skuld: "Well ok. Is it normal for it to hurt a little the first time."

Bell: "Well, yes. It can sometimes be a little painful I think. Especially if his penis is quite large." Bell's face was pale once she realized what she just said. Skuld was laughing even louder.

Bell: "Why are you laughing Skuld? Please, it's not funny now."

Skuld: "I'm sorry Bell. Um. What if, uh. What else do, I mean. Do guys really like for girls to um. Pay attention to their, you know."

Bell: "Oh, their Penis? It's not a naughty word Skuld. It's ok to say.."

Skuld was laughing so hard that Bell joined in, since her laughter was so contagious.

Skuld: "Is it wrong to um, please it with your hand or um."

Bell: "I think many like oral sex quite a bit."

Skuld: "OH. You mean to.."

Bell: "Skuld, I get the feeling you're not telling me something. Did you make out with Will last night?"

Skuld: "Make out? You mean kiss and stuff?"
Bell: "Well yes. Did you? I won't be angry, it's your decision after all."

Skuld: "Well we did kiss quite a bit."

Bell: "Well that's ok. It's normal in a relationship to be affectionate and want to explore each others bodies."

Skuld: "Well we did quite a bit "exploring" hehe."

Bell: "Oh did you now? That's good. I think."

Bell stopped a moment, with an odd look on her face.

Bell: "Wait a minute. Why did you ask me if it was "normal" for it to hurt the first time? Skuld! You. You had sex with Will didn't you?"

Skuld hung her head down, ashamed that her sister was so surprised at what she'd done.

Skuld: "It just "happened" Belldandy. Please don't be angry with me. I mean Megumi was upstairs making all those noises, I think we just got to excited ourselves and…"

Bell: "MEGUMI TOO? OH My what did you all do last night!"

Skuld: "N-NO! Bell! It wasn't like "THAT" at all. Please listen."

Belldandy was busy tending to her face wrenched with confusion.

Skuld: "I. I made love to Will last night. I'm sorry if I've let you down in any way. But. But I love Will with all my heart."

Bell: "But Skuld, it's so soon. You've only known each other a few weeks and.."

Skuld: "I realize that Belldandy. I can't explain how I felt at the time, but I know I did what my heart wanted me to do."

Belldandy smiled at her sister, and let out a quiet giggle.

Bell: "Was your first time, ok? I mean do you feel uncomfortable?"

Skuld: "Actually. No. I felt like everything I did, he accepted. I feel a little awkward though. Maybe guilty?"

Bell: "It's ok Skuld. You really love him don't you?"

Skuld: "Yes of course. I-I think about him every minute of the day and night."

Bell: "Oh Skuld. That's is so sweet. I like Will. I think he is very sweet and a terrific man."

Skuld: "I'm glad you like him so Bell. Do you feel his aura when he's around. I know you've had to notice."

Bell: "Yes I have. When we first met."

Skuld: "Please don't tell Kei about Taka and Megumi. He might get really mad."

Bell: "Ok. I won't. So are you and Will going to be serious now?"

Skuld: "I. I don't know, I think we should talk about it more."

Bell: "Well, why don't you call him?"

Urd walked in and gave them both a strange look.

Urd: "Looks like you won't have to."

Skuld: "Huh?"

Urd: "Loverboy is here for you Skuld. Hahaha! You must have been some lover girl!"

Skuld just blushed.

Bell: "Please keep it to yourself Urd. I MEAN it."

Urd: "Ok OK. I'll be quiet about it."

Bell: "Skuld? Hurry and go to Will. Don't make him wait long ok?"

Skuld: "Ok."

Skuld ran down to the living room and almost knocked Will down in the process, from running around the corner.

Skuld: "OH! Will I'm sorry. I should have watched where I was going."

Will stood there with Skuld wrapped into his arms.

Will: "Nah. Is ok, if I get to do this more often. Heheh."

Skuld: "If that's what you want then Sure!" she smiled and winked at him.

Will: "Say. Would you go off with me for a while?"

Skuld gave him a sultry look.

Skuld: "Well sure. Why?"

Will: "I just wanted to talk is all. Just the two of us."

Skuld: "Ok. Bell? Belldandy!"

Bell: "Yes Skuld? Oh hi Will how are you?"

Will: "I'm fine Bell. You look nice today."

Bell: "Why thank you Will, that's sweet of you to say." giggles

Skuld: "I'm going off with Will for a little while. I'll be back later ok?"

Bell: "Sure. Have fun you two. Please be back by 3 so we may eat dinner together. Is that ok Will? Please eat with us today."

Will: "Sure I'd love it Belldandy. See you guys in just a while."
Bell: "Bye-bye. Be careful."

Urd: "Hey Bell?"

Bell: "Yes Urd?"

Urd: "Are you going to let Skuld tell Will about our little "secret"?"

Bell: "We haven't talked about that yet." Bell had a very concerned look on her face.

Urd: "It's ok Bell. She has to grow up sooner or later. At least he isn't a deadbeat scum like a lot of guys."

Bell wasn't consoled much by Urd's comment. She was still quite worried, even more so by Urd's remark about Skuld talking to Will about who they really are. It would end up being something that would consume her thoughts for the entire day.

Will and Skuld were riding north of town in the cool mid morning air. Skuld was quiet for much of the ride, just observing the scenery and road as it past by. She liked the look of the rural countryside that Will decided to take her to. Will didn't have much to say for a lot of the trip, he struggled with saying how he truly felt last night. But it made him extremely uncomfortable to think of bringing it up in normal conversation.

He fiddled a bit with the radio as it played softly through the speakers.

Skuld: "Will? Can you stop somewhere nearby?"

Will: "Sure Skuld. You need a rest stop?"

Skuld: "No. I just thought we'd get out and stretch. Is that ok?"

Will: "Sure. I need to move around a bit myself."

Will pulled off in an area that had a camping and picnic area. He stopped and they got out and held hands as they walked toward the waterline of the lake.

Skuld: "Will, about last night. I just wanted to tell you that I had such a terrific time. It meant a lot to me for us to be so close. I hope you felt, the same?"

Will: "Yes. I umm. I admit I was surprised at first, but I really love you a lot. It sounds kinda silly. But the first time I saw you, I felt connected to you somehow. I'm still not sure why though."

Skuld softly giggled.

Will: "Is it that funny?"

Skuld: "No, No! Don't take that the wrong way please. I. I really love you a lot also. I think about you constantly. I feel like, like we are supposed to be together? It's not to strange to feel that way is it?"

Will: "I guess not."

He stopped and paused under a willow tree, he took both of her hands, and clasped her hands entwined with his fingers in hers. He looked at her and smiled and gave her a kiss, than wrapped his arms around her. She closed her eyes and smiled as she hugged him tightly.

Will: "I hope this doesn't sound like I'm being critical. But last night was the first time I've made love in quite a while, and the first time I've ever done it so soon in a relationship."

Skuld: "Well, I guess you know that it was, umm."
Will: "I know. It's ok. You don't have to explain."

Skuld: "I was worried the whole time, that I might. Mess up?"

Will laughed: "Mess up? NO way. Not by a long shot.."

Skuld was blushing, she buried her face into his chest.

Will: "Really. Don't worry. It was exactly how I told you last night."

Skuld: "So does this mean that we're a couple?"

Will: "I wouldn't want it any other way Skuld. I mean that."

Skuld: "I love you so much."
Will: "I love you very much too, Skuld."

They stayed at the park for another hour, talking to each other about anything that came to mind, walking and laughing, chatting as they held hands walking around the waters edge.

Felicia: "Hello, Felicia speaking."

Voice: "Hi. Is Regina there?"

Felicia: "Um. May I ask who's calling?"

Voice: "Yes. It's Robert. May I speak with her please?"

Felicia: "Sure hang on a minute."
Felicia set the receiver of the phone down to get Regina.

Felicia: "Regina? Hey. Some guy named Robert wants to talk to you."

Regina: "Robert? No way! I'm coming."

Robert: "Hi there sweetheart. How are you doing?"

Regina: "Robert? Hey how are you doing? I'm fine. I thought you were in Illinois working for that networking company?"

Robert: "I was. But I got transferred out here for good. We're opening a new office in town."
Regina: "Great! When can I get to see you?"

Robert: "I'd like to come by this evening if I can. Will won't be pissed will he?"

Regina: "No,no. I'll talk to him this afternoon ok?"

Robert: "Ok. So can I call you around 4 today at home?"

Regina: "Yes, I'll be home then. God I've missed you. We have a lot to catch up on."

Robert: "I know, there's lots I want to talk to you about. We'll talk later though, ok. I can't wait to see you tonight."

Regina: "I can't wait either. I'll see you later. Take care sweetie!"

Robert: "Bye honey. Talk to you later."

Regina couldn't believe he was back, and to be back in her life again. It made her so happy. But she knew of someone that didn't feel the same as her.

Regina: "Felicia, I'm gonna head home. I have to shower and find something nice to wear for later."

Felicia: "Ok Regina. Be careful going home. Call me later today ok."

Regina: "I will. I'll tell you all about Robert then. Bye!"

Regina headed to her car to head home. Robert was back in her life as quickly as he was when he left. She had a lot to catch up on with him tonight.

Later that afternoon Skuld and Will returned and they all had dinner together with Bell, Kei and Urd. They all enjoyed the meal Belldandy prepared, afterwards Kei and Will went outside in the back yard and talked about business and throwing technical ideas at each other as the girls cleaned up in the kitchen. Will pulled a smoke from his back pocket.

Will: "Um, you don't mind do you Kei?"

Kei: "Certainly not. I didn't know you smoked?"

Will: "I quit actually a couple of years ago, but I still like one to relax myself every now and then."

Kei: "Ah, I see. Nothing wrong with that I guess."

Will: 'All said and done, I'm going to have to hire someone to help me at the shop. I was thinking about Taka. What do you think Kei?"

Kei: "Well, he seems to know quite a bit. But I know that doesn't go with experience."

Will: "I can teach him quite a bit if he really pays attention. I might give it a shot."

Kei: "I'm kind of nervous about work myself. Tomorrow is my first full day you know."

Will: "Don't sweat it, really. They know it will take time to get settled and acquainted with everyone."

Kei: "I sure hope so."

Bell: "Kei? Will? Are you two ready for a little tea?"

Will: "Sure! We done for now Kei?"

Kei: "Yeah, I could use some tea about now. Hehe."

Will kissed Skuld goodnight as he prepared to leave to go home for the evening. Bell felt guilty grabbing a peek of the two of them as they said goodbye for the evening, but she smiled none the less. She was really happy for them both. Will backed the car out of the drive and headed home to some needed rest. He pulled into the drive wondering where the hell the Grand National in the driveway came from. He got out of the car and did a slow walk around of the Black mystery vehicle in his driveway.

He wandered back around to the tag that read "BLUBYU" and he suddenly remembered the personalized tag, and his anger rose a few levels. He walked into the front door, and then into the kitchen where he grabbed a beer and sat at the kitchen table.

Regina: "Will? Is that you?"

Will: "Who the hell else would it be?"

Regina knew from the comment that he was pissed off about Robert being there. She had forgotten to call and talk to him about it.

Regina: "I know you know that Robert's here. I'm sorry if I didn't tell you earlier, please don't be angry with me."

Will: "Just a visit or what?"

Regina: "He's back in town to stay he says. We were just talking about it."

Will just shook his head as he finished the last of his beer, and promptly got up to have another one, as he snatched the door to the fridge open, Robert came down into the kitchen.

Robert: "Hi Will. How are you?"

Will: "Fine. How goes it."

Robert: "Finally got back to town with my new job. I'm grateful to you for letting me see Regina to talk."

Will: "She's a grown woman. She can do whatever she wants."

Regina: "Oh am I now? Hehehe."

Will just gave her a very nasty look, and the humor of the situation fled the room like a dog chasing a cat across the yard.

Regina: "Umm. Come on Robert, let's sit in the living room to talk."

Robert: "Sure. Okay. Nice to see you again Will. Thank you again."

Will: "No problem."

Will sucked down the rest of the beer he had in his hand and he dove into the fridge again and grabbed the four remaining in the pack and he headed upstairs to his room. He flipped on the TV as he quietly sat and flipped through the channels pausing every so often between swigs of his beer. Regina and Robert sat downstairs and talked for about an hour before he heard him crank his car to leave. Regina stopped by Will's room before heading off to bed herself. But he offered no comment about Robert being back in her life. Will didn't dislike him very much, not as far as hate anyway, but he'd never forgive him for what he did, and that made him very uncomfortable.

Will picked up the phone and dialed. The phone rang about six times before Taka answered.

Taka: "Hello?"

Will: "Taka, what's up bubba?"

Taka: "Will? Ah. Nothing much. Is something wrong?"

Will: "Nah. Ain't nuthin wrong bubba. I just wanted to tell you to be at work at 9 in the morning."

Taka: "HUH? What do you mean Will?"

Will: "Oh shit. That's right, I never asked you yet. You wanna work with me?"

Taka: "Well, um sure I would."

Will: "I know you're working with somebody now, but I need you to start tomorrow 'aight?"

Taka: "Well, ok. But what do I tell my work now?"

Will: "Tell them you finded a new job, they can bite your ass."

Taka: "Well, ok then. See you at 9 in the morning."

Will: "See you then bubba. Bye."

Will hung up and was watching some program about anger management on the tv, to which he threw the remote at it after turning it off. Then he forced himself into a restless sleep for the night.