I am changing the rating to "M". Reviews are not only welcome but are appreciated as well.

It was around 9:30 when Angela and Jane were preparing to leave. Maura walked to the front door with the Mom and Daughter, to bid them goodnight. Maura kissed Angela on the cheek, and thanked her for all her help, and assured her that she could have the guest house back as soon as Constance left.

Turning to Jane, she held her friends hands, "And thank you for everything."

"I'd do anything for you Maura," said Jane, "I don't know where I'd be without you as my best friend."

As the women embraced Maura whispered, "I love you, Jane."

"I love you to." Jane replied.

Maura returned to the patio where she, Samantha and Constance, enjoyed the mild evening under the stars drinking beer and catching up. There was talk about school exploits, even the time portrayed Lady Godiva in protest of fee increases. About an hour later, Constance mentioned that she was ready for bed so Maura said she would walk with her to the guest house.

"While you do that, I'm going in to get ready for bed myself." remarked Samantha.

"I'll only be a few minutes, Sam." said Maura.

"I'll wait." replied Samantha.

Maura insured that her Mom was settled in in the guest house then walked back to the main house, finding that Samantha was no longer on the patio.

Maura, went inside, closing the sliding door behind her and securing it before drawing the curtains. She then made sure the other doors were locked before proceeding through the kitchen and into the den turning out lights as she went.

Not finding Samantha in the den, Maura assumed that she had given up and gone to bed. So she headed to her own bedroom. She was surprised as she walked down the hall that her bedroom light was on and even more surprised when she found Samantha in the room waiting for her.

Samantha had never been one to be shy, and she decided that now was not the time to begin. She wanted to rekindle the relationship she had so many years before and was pretty straightforward in communicating that to Maura.

As Samantha knelt, totally nude, beside Maura's bed, she said, "I realize that I can't simply walk in after seventeen years and have everything be as it was the last night we made love. But I want to impress upon you how committed I am to having a relationship with you."

"I'm certainly flattered, Samantha, and I won't rule anything out, but I hope you don't think kneeling at offer beside my bed will result in us sleeping together tonight." said Maura.

"I have no preconceived notions, Maura," she replied, "I simply want to demonstrate the level of my commitment and let you know that if you want me in your bed tonight I will be there for as long as you want me there and however you want me there."

"Again, I am flattered, but if this is to happen it will take time for me to sort out everything." said Maura.

"Should I assume that you are with Jane?" she asked.

"You shouldn't assume anything, but I will say that as it stands, Jane and I very close friends. In fact I consider her my best friend." explained Maura. "I think the best way to describe it would be evolving and in flux."

"I'm glad I have a chance then." said Samantha.

"You do, but for now, you should be in your bed in the guest room, because I am going to bed in here alone, at least for tonight." continued Maura.

Samantha stood up, unashamed by her nudity. Maura looked at the body with which she was so familiar and realized that Samantha still took care of herself and kept fit. Walking over to Maura, took her hand lifted it to her lips and kissed it. Maura closed her eyes as memories of their raced through her mind. Samantha released Maura's hand and silently walked out,closing the door behind herself.

Even a hot shower and a cool bed couldn't help Maura clear her mind enough to fall asleep. Maura had become accustomed to the wrenching discomfort of not knowing. She didn't know if she would ever be able to have anything more than a friendship with the woman she loved, the woman she wanted so much to bring to her bed.

Maura's pace was drawing her closer to Jane with every stride. By the time they entered the park she was within just a few steps. A quick burst and she was running beside her friend and the pair continued for the next quarter mile running side by side in silence.

Maura finally broke the silence with a question. "You did hear me last night didn't you, when I said I love you?"

"Yes, I heard you," replied Jane, "you heard me say I love you to, right."

"I did, and that made me happy." replied Maura

"Can I ask a question," said Jane.

"You can ask me anything," answered Maura.

"What did she say?"

"What did who say?"

"What did Samantha say to you at the door last night." explained Jane.

"Do you want an exact translation?" asked Maura.

"Serbian is one of the 2 dozen or whatever languages you speak isn't it" said Jane, "What is the translation?"

"She said – I am your slave my lover, my only wish is your pleasure." said Maura

"And then what was it that you said?" continued Jane.

"I said – You will be used for my pleasure." said Maura.

Jane stopped running, stepping to the side of the track, bending at the waist and leaning with her hands on her knees. Being caught by surprise, Maura continued a more strides before stopping.

"I can't say anything, I can't say anything, I can't say anything," repeated Jane under her breath and barely audible.

"What are you saying Jane." asked Maura.

"I'm telling myself that I can't say anything. I know that I don't have any right to say anything about you sleeping with Samantha." said Jane.

Suddenly standing straight, Maura said, "I didn't sleep with Samantha, at least not last night, if that's what you are referring to."

Jane sits on the ground, leaning forward head in her hands. Maura stood beside her friend leaning over with her hand on Jane's shoulder, not sure what to say or do. Several minutes passed with the two women remaining motionless.

"I think we have a lot to talk about, Jane." said Maura.

Looking up at Maura, Jane replied, "Are you sure, Maura?"

"I'm sure I want to know what's on your mind, and I hope you want to know what's on my mind."

"What is on your mind Maura." asked Jane.

"You are. I'm confused, you are confusing me." said Maura, "You were perfectly happy when I was with Jack, and you never asked if I slept with him. How is Samantha different."

"I don't know, I guess I'm confused to." said Jane "Maybe it was different with Jack because I didn't feel threatened."

Maura sits on the ground beside her friend. "We will get to the bottom of this." she said.

"When we get to the bottom of it, will we still be together." asked Jane.

"I don't know." Replied Maura.