A/N: So this chapter is frakking LONG! Hence why it took so long for me to update (plus being busy/sick/hospital/school/work/etc). I'm SO SORRY! This is the first chapter while they are in New York (this is the first two days). I think I am only going to do two chapters based in New York because I have lost of exciting chapters ahead (don't fret I will post again, I'm determined to actually finish a story). Remember my last update when I told you that I split that chapter, that is the first half of this. SORRRY! And I know it seems a bit odd, but things happen in this chapter for a reason (well, most things). Sharon's son is in this chapter, Drystan. And mentions of a sister (Vivvi) and her daughter (Caycee [pronounced Cah-cee because that's how I want it pronounced]), and of her mother and her youth. Next chapter will have more Rusty/Sharon family things, as well as many other layers.

Also, sorry if some of the wording transitions are weird. Most of this was written at like 3 am, and I was having a hard time going from scene to scene, and sometimes even action to action. Something about this chapter doesn't seem right, but I've put it off as long I can. So here you are .

Chapter Seven

The flight had taken all of 9 hours, due to an unexpected layover in Detroit. When they landed it was 8pm with the time changes. They all had grown tired and sore from the long amount of time they spent sitting. When they reached the gate they began making their way to baggage claim, Sharon caught sight of a young man standing near their baggage claim.

"Sharon, are you okay?" Rusty asked, pulling himself from the conversation he was having with a fellow classmate, Judith. Sharon barely acknowledged him and her eyes remained fixed to the man. Brenda heard the question, and looked over to Sharon who was squinting.

"I'm fine, it's just… It can't be…" she muttered mainly to herself. "Drystan?" She called out. The young man turned and met the eyes of the woman, confirming her thoughts. The others watched as Sharon's face lite up. "Drystan! What are you doing here?" She said, rushing up to him. She threw her arms over his shoulders, forcing her to jump slightly, pulling him in close. His arms wrapped around her waist, keeping her off of the ground.

He was about 6'3" with dark brown hair in his mid to late twenties. His eyes were bright green, much like Sharon's. He was hansom, and sharp, but somehow still delicate. One could tell he was use to power and control, but had a soft spot, especially with Sharon. When she touched him, his whole demeanor changed into a warm presence, as did Sharon's. It surprised Rusty and Brenda, as they had never seen her act in such a way.

"I thought I would surprise you! So I decided to extend my stay!" He said, holding her tightly. She pulled back slightly. He let her settle down back on the ground.

"There is no room for you to stay," she pointed out.

"I will take the couch," he offered.

She smiled, and pulled into him again, this time with her arms around his mid-section. She rested her head on his chest. "It's so good to see you. It's really been too long." Her smile was huge, and kind.

"I'm sorry, Mom, I've just been so busy and you havn't come back in a few years."

"I know, I'm sorry," she apologized, pulling away from him. She turned to the group that was looking at her with confusion. "I'm sorry. How rude of me. This is Drystan, my son," she introduced to the group. "Drystan, this is Rusty; the boy I was telling you about. Brenda, whom you've heard about previously, as well. And Rusty's classmates; Judith, Leo, Terri, Piper, Gav, and Joseph." She point to each as she said their name.

Brenda stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you Drystan," she said, her accent running thick, and a smirk on her face.

"You too," he said, with a smile. He took her hand, and kissed it lightly.

"My, you sure know how to flatter a woman," Brenda said, blushing lightly.

"I was trained well," he joked. Sharon elbowed him lightly.

"Oh, shush," Sharon laughed. There was a buzz, indicating their luggage was coming. They moved closer to the claiming area, each grabbing their bag as it came. Once Sharon grabbed her luggage, she turned to Drystan. "How long are you staying?"

"Just tonight, and I leave at 9pm tomorrow," he answered. He took her bag from her and threw it over his shoulder.

"Thank you," she acknowledged. "You know we will be gone all day tomorrow though?"

"I figured as much, I just wanted to see you. I know you're going to be busy, but I figured, why not?"

"Well, I am glad you did," she said giving him another small hug. She glanced over to Brenda and Rusty looking at her with a slightly uncomfortable gaze.

They left the airport using the shuttle to get to the car rental place. Once they got the car they drove down the streets. Sharon drove while Brenda sat beside her. Rusty and Drystan took the middle seat with Gav, after a long debate if he or Piper would sit next to Rusty. They were talking about the shows they were to see, and the upcoming chess tournament. Brenda turned to Sharon to ask her what they were to have to for dinner, when she saw Sharon in almost a trans like state.

"Sharon, are you alright?" She asked her, but received no response. Sharon continued to drive down the well known streets, lost in thoughts.

"Don't bother, she won't say anything till we get there. She does this every time she is here," Drystan explained. Brenda turned back to look at him sitting behind his mother.

"What do you mean, 'every time she is here?'" She asked, now confused.

He drew his eyebrows in. "We're heading to her house, she didn't tell you?"

"No," Brenda whispered, and glanced at Sharon. Sharon was still lost in her own mind. "She looks like she has a lot of memories here."

"She does… And not good ones. I am surprised she even agreed to stay there; I've never seen her there for more than an hour. She would have to feel really safe to do so."

Brenda wanted to grab her hand, but knew it was better not to. She would talk to Sharon about it later, but not know. She wanted to know why she hadn't told her.

Sharon's mind wondered back onto her youth. When she played in the streets till dusk, and her mother's voice calling her inside. Her grandma's warm home welcoming her. She would never forget playing down in the den and hearing the terrifying scream that forever changed her. She would never forget looking down at the dead body in her mother's study, and shielding her sister from seeing it.

"Mom!" She heard Drystan call her, snapping out of her thoughts. She jerked the car to the right, swerving around a cat in the middle of the road, and then realigned herself in the lane. This act caused everyone to grow momentarily panicked.

"Sorry," she apologized.

"Maybe you should pay a little more attention," Piper stated rudely. This got her a glare from multiple peoples in the vehicle.

"Are we almost there?" Brenda's patience asked. They were in Manhattan in front of a large building. It was a large home, but not big enough to be considered a "mansion", and the build was like an old Victorian home.

"Yes," she answered, turning on her turn signal and parked in front of the large old house.

"This is the house?" Rusty asked, in awe.

"Yes," she repeated.

"You should see the one in Utah my Grandma owns, it's three times this size," Drystan put in.

They opened the doors, got out, grabbed their luggage, and entered the home. The inside was even more extravagant then the outside. It was painting ivory, and bore many paintings and sculptures that fit the theme of the house. Its furniture was deep red, and dark stained wood. The foyer was all they had seen and they were all taken back. Sharon pushed and began the tour. On the first level was the kitchen, all baring new appliances due to her children staying there over the years. The living room, family room, men's study, one bathroom, dining room, and patio. The second floor consisted of the three bedrooms, and two baths, and the women's study.

Sharon had avoided going near the women's study, which was down at the end of the hall. Across from the master room, where Brenda and her were staying. The girls were staying in a bed room with one bed, and the boys in a room with double beds, while Drystan took the couch in the family room. They all unpacked and agreed to join back in the living room in fifteen minutes.

"This house looks like not much work has been done to it in years," Brenda said as they unpacked.

"There hasn't been much done to it since my family moved here in the 1800s, just some new appliances here and there" Sharon told her. "The house belonged to a wealthy merchant. My few times over great grandmother had an affair with the man who owned the house. Being Irish was looked down upon here at the time, so they couldn't be public about their relationship. They married in secret, and she was killed by some of the townsmen. Hung. And her husband shot himself years later," she paused for a moment looking towards the door again. Brenda knew she was thinking about the study. "She had a child before she died. All the land, and his business's went towards their son. Ever since then this house goes to the first born."

"And you don't live here because?" Brenda leaned against the dresser.

Sharon took a deep breath. "Many reasons. I don't really like being here at all, but I feel like I need to be right now… I choose not to live here, because by the time it was passed down to me I already had a family and home. I just let any of the family stay when they are here; hence the upgrades it does have."

Sharon and Brenda were the first to meet back downstairs, where Drystan was already sitting with a book in his hand. Sharon reached down, placing her hand on his shoulder lightly, calming his attention astray from the world it was in.

"Is there any food in the kitchen?"

"Uh, no. I didn't know what you'd want," he answered. She sighed, but knew he was right. They wouldn't be eating herr to much anyways.

"Is that pizzeria down the road still open?" She wondered, not knowing.

"Yea, I think so. Want me to go get some?"

"Well, we can order it, go get some groceries, and pick it up on the way back," she told him. She looked at Brenda. "You wouldn't mind staying here with the kids, would you?"

Brenda shrugged. "No. That's fine."

Sharon smiled lightly. "Is there anything you'd like me to pick up at the store?" She asked her.

"Not that I can think of," she said, glad that Sharon cared to ask. Sharon tilted her head.

"You sure?"

Brenda laughed slightly. "I'm positive. If I think of anythin' I'll call."

"Okay," She said, reaching out for her hand. She squeezed it lightly, and dropped it. She turned to Drystan. "Let me get my coat, and we can go." She walked back upstairs, grabbed her coat, and waited in the doorway of her old bedroom, and watched Rusty unpacking his things with the other boys.

"Rusty," she said, calling his attention. He looked over to her with excitement in his eyes.

"Yea?" He wondered.

"Drystan and I are going to get pizza, any specific kind you want?"

"Uh, meat lovers?" He suggested. She nodded.

"I will be back soon, Brenda is staying with you guys."

"Alright," he said. She turned to walk away, but was stopped. "Wait, Sharon. Is there a chess board around here? We want to practice a bit."

"Uh, yea, it's in… in the uh," she thought back all those years ago. The memory of the location hit her, and she shook her head. "No… There isn't one. Sorry. I will pick one up. See you when I get back." She walked out of the room, back downstairs to see her son and Brenda waiting.

"We'll be back shortly," Sharon told them, pulling out the keys from her pocket.

"I'll be here ," Brenda replied with a slight tilt of her head.

"I know you will," Sharon continued, and looked at her with a small smirk. Brenda saw Sharon's gaze, and cleared her throat. "Till then," she said, making her way to the foyer.

Drystan went after her, throwing his coat over himself as he did. They walked out to the van together, Sharon taking the passengers, letting Drystan take the drivers. Sharon called in their order as they drove to the grocery store, and was told that her order would be ready in 45 minutes. Drystan pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store.

Once inside, she grabbed a few things she knew they would need for breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the students. It wasn't until they were in the bread isle down at the other end of the store, that Drystan finally decided to say something about what he had seen between his mother and Brenda.

"So, Mom," he began. Sharon looked away from the bread, and looked at him.

"Huh?" She wondered.

"What's… Uh… What's going on between you and Brenda?" He asked. Sharon's mouth opened slightly.

"What are you talking about?" She played cool.

"Mom, come on. I'm not blind. I've never seen you act like that with anyone except me, Caycee, and Aunt Vivvi. You're so kind to her, and from what you've told me over the years, this is a fairly recent development. You are usually harsh, especially with others you work with. You've certaintly never even act like that to people you've dated, men or women."

"I've never slept with any of the women I've dated, Drsytan," she informed him. Her eyes shut her eyes tight, bit her tounge, after realizing that she just unintentionally admitted her relationship status to him. Then she brought her lips in, and opened her eyes. She looked at Drystan whose mouth hung open in awe. "It's not like that," she tried to cover it.

"Really, then what's it like. I'm really curious to know?"

She tried to think of an excuse, but she couldn't. "It's not…" She sighed, giving up. "It's more than just that," she told the truth.

"You love her?" He asked. Her eyes welled, and she nodded slightly.

"I do," she answered. He nodded. He had known that his mother was bisexual since he was young, but he never thought of her actually being with a woman until now. He just wanted her to be happy, which is what brought up his next question.

"Wasn't she wearing a wedding ring?" Unable to answer out loud, she nodded again. "Mom!" He exclaimed. "You're having an affair with a married woman? Are you insane?"

"Lower your voice," she demanded, looking around to make sure he hadn't drawn unwanted attention. "And my love life is none of your concern," she said, stepping closer so no one would hear her. She grabbed two loafs of bread and stuck them in the cart. She began pushing the cart away, when Drystan stopped it by grabbing the side.

"It is my concern, you're my mother," he reminded her. "I don't want you to get hurt, or this to somehow hurt Rusty. Plus, what am I going to tell Vivvi and Caycee?"

She turned to him. "You aren't going to tell them anything! I know you and your sister have always shared your secrets, but this isn't yours to keep. It's mine. Do you understand?"

He nodded, reverting back to his five year old self. "Yes, ma'am," he said. He sighed. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I've never seen you so… invested in a relationship. And that is just seeing how you act in the brief time I've seen you together. I can see it in the way you look at each other. I can't even imagine how you are acting when you aren't trying to hide your relationship. And it's such a dangerous relationship, too. It's so unlike you to put yourself in such a compromising position. I've always thought that was why you never had been in a serious relationship, as a way of protecting yourself."

"I've always held a lot of responsibility since your grandmother died, I had to take care of Vivvi, and then I moved and got married, and had to take care of you and Caycee. I couldn't take a chance like that…" She told him. "I still shouldn't be; not while I'm watching over Rusty. What happened between Brenda and I, never should have happened. It hurts me everyday, Drystan. I don't know how it is going to end. It's stupid and foolish and selfish, but I love her so much. I think I deserve it, at least once. She means everything to me, and I can't loose her. Not now. It probably doesn't make sense to you, but I can't. It would hurt worse."

"I do understand, that is how I feel with Aibhilin. It's why I married her. I just…" he stopped and thought for a moment. "I hope that it turns out for the best. I want you to be happy for once. You do deserve it, Mom."

"Thank you, Honey," she said with a small smile. "I am happy though, she makes me happy. It scares me, but I can't live without her."

He saw the truth in his mothers eyes, and he had never see her be so honest. "If something goes wrong, and you need someone to talk to about it, I'm here."

She squeezed his arm slightly. "I know, thank you." She looked down at the cart. "We should hurry, the pizza should be done soon."

They rushed through the rest of the store, grabbing things they thought would be needed (along with the cheese board she'd promised), and drove to the pizzeria. When they walked up to the counter, their order of 4 pizza's was ready. Drystan drove them back to Sharon's house. Sharon greeted Brenda briefly, while Drystan began putting up the groceries, and headed upstairs to inform the others that dinner had arrived. She walked down stairs as the others rushed by her, in a hurry for food.

Once she reached the kitchen, Brenda was the only one still in the room, and the pizza boxes were nearly empty. All but four slices had been left. Sharon looked at the boxes in awe.

"You'd think they were hungry?" She said, still gawking down at the boxes.

"They swarmed, grabbed, and were gone to the dining room. I didn't dare cut in," Brenda explained. Sharon smirked, laughing through her nose. Brenda handed her a plate, which she accepted.

"Thank you."

They grabbed their dinner with a glass of water each, and walked to the dining room. Rusty's class mates were sitting in chairs Brenda had located for them, and were kind enough to leave both of them a spot at the dining room table. Though, none had seemed to realize when Sharon and Brenda walked into the room.

"Piper, shut the hell up," Judithcalled across the table. "The 30 seconds your ex-boyfriend lasted, doesn't count as sex."

The sip Sharon had just taken, spat back out and across the table and onto Piper and Gavine. Earning a yelp from Piper. She bent over, and pinched her nose tight. She coughed heavily, the soda rolling out of her mouth and onto her pants. Brenda looked over to her, and began laughing. As well did the rest of the room.

"Oh god, it's in my nose," Sharon pleaded for someone to help, still pitching her nose and hunched over.

Brenda grabbed a napkin, and handed it to Sharon. Which Sharon clamped under her nose to let the soda come out. While she fixed that Brenda grabbed another, and tried whipping it off her free hand (and down to her elbow) and lap.

"You okay?" Brenda asked.

"It burns," Sharon replied, trying to get it the rest of the fluid out of her. She cleared her throat, and patted her nose dry. "Thank you," she said with a watery voice. Her eyes now blood shot.

"You're welcome," Brenda said, trying not to laugh again. She grabbed Sharon's chin with her finger tips, making her look at her, and dapped the rest of the soda from around her mouth using her finger and the napkin. After Brenda had finished, Sharon grabbed a napkin, and began dabbing her pizza dry.

"Is that really appropriate dinner talk?" Sharon asked the two girls. The girls coward back into their seats.

"We didn't realize you were in here," Olivia said. She pushed her black hair behind her heavily pierced ear.

"You should grow more aware of your surroundings. A comment like that could get you detention in school," she warned. The girls nodded, and looked down to their food.

"Yes, Ma'am," they said in unison.

*.*.*.*.*

Sharon sat on the edge of the bed, and looked over to Brenda.

"What?" Brenda asked curiously.

"I'm sticky," Sharon answered. She gripped her arm and pulled it off, feeling the stickiness on her arm. She looked up to Brenda, and frowned.

"Well, then get in the bath," Brenda pointed.

"Both of the ones up here are being used, and you said you were going to take a shower in the one downstairs," she replied.

"I can wait, I don't have soda all over me," she said, once again laughing at the situation.

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Sharon grabbed her bathrobe, and a towel on her way downstairs. She stopped briefly to see if anyone needed to use to restroom before she got in. She turned on warm water for a bath, plugging the drain for the water to stay. She knelt down to the cabinet under the sink to see if her mothers candles were still there. Which they were. She reached to the top of the drawer under the sink, pulling a hidden match box from it. She lit the candles, and set them beside the tub. She placed a small about of bubbles in the pouring water, and watched them foam. Her hair was then pulled up into the clip she pulled from her bath road, leaving a few hairs dangling free from the clip. Carefully, she took off her clothing, and rested into the tub with a slight hum of relaxation. She rushed through washing her body so she could spend more of the time relaxing.

She found her lost in the bliss of nothingness. She hadn't know how long she had been lying in the water, nor did she seem to mind that fact. Her mind only started again as she heard a knock on the door, and her heart skip a beat and her body to sit up.

"Yes?" She called out.

"Are you okay?" Brenda called back.

"Fine." She leaned back against the walls of the tub, and closed her eyes again. She heard the door click, and Brenda swiftly enter the bathroom. Her left eye peaked open, and watched as Brenda began taking off her clothing. "Planning on joining me?"

"If you are goin' to take this long, yes I am," Brenda confirmed. She carefully stepped into the bath at the opposite end of Sharon.

"You shouldn't be in here," Sharon warned.

"And you should lock the door," Brenda retaliated. Her hand moved along Sharon's calve.

"Mm, I forgot." Sharon's voice got shallower as Brenda's hand moved to the inside of her thigh.

"I didn't."

Brenda's body now hovered above Sharon's. Her hands roaming Sharon's lower half.

"We can't," Sharon said, almost as a plea for Brenda not to press on further. She knew if Brenda did she'd give in, but it was not the right time nor place.

"If you're quite we can." Sharon looked at with a look of 'seriously'. They had never been quite, or at least not on Sharon's end. "You're right." Brenda's hand cupped between Sharon's legs, causing Sharon to half whimper and gasp. "But you want it so bad." Her finger's began playing with the folds underneath them, causing Sharon's mouth to open wide and her head to tilt back. A moan pushed through her. Brenda took her free hand and covered Sharon's mouth. "Sh," she said, knowing it would do nothing. "Do you really want everyone in the house knowing what I am doing to you?" The words elicited another moan from Sharon, and her hands threw up to grip the edges of the bathtub.

*.*.*

Brenda felt Sharon's hand run along her back, cleaning it for her. She leaned back into the brunettes arms once she had finished rinsing it off. Sharon rested chin on Brenda's shoulder and wrapped her arms around her.

"I can't believe you did that," Sharon said.

"What? Surprised you with mind blowing sex?"

"Yes, we can't do that here. Not with so many people around. Not when it is so easy to get caught."

"Do you ever take risks?"

Sharon laughed slightly at the statement. "What do you think all of this is?" She exhaled slightly. "Shouldn't you be the one more cautious?" Sharon began cleaning off Brenda's arm.

"I should be, but I'm not. When I am with you, I just don't care. I just want to be with you. I want you happy, and excited," she explained. "I don't even care about my own pleasure, just as long as I know you do." She leaned further back into Sharon's body.

They were silent for a few moments. The only sound came from the water, and their movements.

"Tell me a poem," Brenda requested.

"Off the top of my head?"

"You can't tell me you don't know one. You full of thin's like that, and I know you to well for you to tell me you don't."

"I guess you do. Give me a second." Sharon searched her mind for a few moments, thinking of which one to tell Brenda. "Okay, I have one:

So long had life together been that now

the second of January fell again

on Tuesday, making her astonished brow

lift like a windshield wiper in the rain,

so that her misty sadness cleared, and showed

a cloudless distance waiting up the road.

So long had life together been that once

the snow began to fall, it seemed unending;

that, lest the flakes should make her eyelids wince,

I'd shield them with my hand, and they, pretending

not to believe that cherishing of eyes,

would beat against my palm like butterflies.

So alien had all novelty become

that sleep's entanglements would put to shame

whatever depths the analysts might plumb;

that when my lips blew out the candle flame,

her lips, fluttering from my shoulder, sought

to join my own, without another thought.

So long had life together been that all

that tattered brood of papered roses went,

and a whole birch grove grew upon the wall,

and we had money by some accident,

and tonguelike on the sea, for thirty days,

the sunset threatened Turkey with its blaze.

So long had life together been without

books, chairs, utensils-only that ancient bed-

that the triangle, before it came about,

had been a perpendicular, the head

of some acquaintance hovering above

two points which had been coalesced by love.

So long had life together been that she

and I, with our joint shadows, had composed

a double door, a door which, even if we

were lost in work or sleep, was always closed;

somehow its halves were split and we went right

through them into the future, into night."

She had recited it word for word, without flaw, pause, or hesitation. Her voice giving the tone giving even more to the poem. By the time she had finished Brenda had finished washing herself.

"You like that poem," Brenda said, more as a statement than a question.

"I do. It was my mothers favorite," Sharon told her. She pushed Brenda's back slightly, urging her to sit up so Sharon could get out. She grabbed a towel, and began dabbing herself dry.

"Why don't you ever talk about them?" Brenda questioned. She leaned against the edge of the bathtub with her arms folded on top of it, watching Sharon.

"About who?" She replied, not looking back to Brenda.

"Your parents."

Sharon shifted uneasily, her shoulder popping in the process. "What's there to talk about? They are both dead. They both abandoned me in body and soul." Her voice almost snapped. She pulled her hair out of the clip, and ran her fingers through it mixing the wet strands into the dry ones.

Brenda was taken back. Had she known that she wouldn't have said anything. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Sharon rubbed her lips together, as she sat on the edge of the tub. "Don't apologize. How could you have known?" Her fingers traced down Brenda's cheek to her jaw. She lifted Brenda's face, and kissed her softly. "I'm sorry for snapping," she said as ran her thumb along Brenda's bottom lip.

"Its fine."

Sharon stood, and threw her bathrobe on. "I will see you back upstairs."

"Yes, you will."

*.*.*.*.*

Brenda, half asleep, reached across the bed to pull Sharon in close to her. Her hand fell into the empty bed beside her. She squinted trying to see if Sharon was beside her, which she was not. Her body sat up, and looked around.

"Sharon?" She called out. She gained no response. As she stood, she wrapped her robe around her half naked body. "Sharon?" She called out again, as she opened the bedroom door.

She saw a light coming from under the door across the hall in the study. Skeptically she opened the door, and saw Sharon sitting on the floor with her hand resting beside the red stained wood. The room looked as though it hadn't been opened it years. As she walked around the dust covered desk and closer to Sharon, she realized that Sharon was silent crying.

"Sharon?" She said softly. Sharon looked up to her, and Brenda's heart sunk. She knelt beside Sharon, and pulled her into a hug. Brenda looked down at the stain on the floor, assuming it was blood. Her thoughts were confirmed as she looked over to the wall, were blood splatter laid. "Why don't we go back to the room?" She suggested.

Sharon nodded into her shoulder. Brenda helped Sharon up, and Sharon's terrified eyes wondered around the room on last time. Quickly Brenda rushed them out of the room, and back into the bedroom. She made sure to lock the door to the study on the way out. She laid Sharon down, and laid beside her. She tried soothing Sharon by bringing her into her as much as she could. Sharon was wrapped around Brenda, and her head rest on Brenda chest as though Brenda was cradling her. Brenda's hand made small circles on Sharon's shoulder and, with her other hand, the small of her back. She felt a need to protect Sharon from whatever horrors were in that room.

"I couldn't sleep," Sharon finally said, her voice wavering from trying not to cry in front of Brenda.

"You don't have to explain," Brenda said. Though she wanted to know, she didn't want to push Sharon.

"Yes, I do. I thought I could do it, with you here. I feel safe with you, but I can't stop thinking about that room. My mind is stuck on that awful day."

"The rest of the reason why you don't come to this house?" Sharon nodded yes.

"I was 5, and this was still my Grandmothers home. We were up here all the time from Salt Lake City. It was my mothers favorite place to be. She suffered from postpartum depression, she never got over it. It got worse, and worse, until one day she got a phone call. I just remember hearing the phone ringing, and I was downstairs in the basement, playing. Not long after the phone had rung, I heard a loud pop. It was followed by my Grandmothers scream. I'd never heard her scream like that. So, I ran to where I hear it coming from, and I found my mother in a pool of her own blood. Half face was blown off, and a gun was lying in her hand. I had never seen a dead body before, or even knew of anyone that died. I still remember it as if it happened yesterday, and being here only makes it worse. I wanted to help Rusty, and pitch in with the trip. And with you here I thought I could be strong enough, but I'm not." Brenda pulled her in closer.

"Yes, you are. You are so much stronger than you know, Sharon. That's what I love about you."

Sharon pulled back to look into Brenda's eyes with curiosity. She wondered if the blonde had realized her confession, but she didn't seem to. It was as though it was the most natural thing in the world for her to say. Sharon curled back into Brenda's chest.

"My mother was never really there for me, but took care of me. My father lost the love of his life, and was never there in mind growing up. I had to take care of myself and…" she trailed off. Sharon had opened up to Brenda about a lot of thing, but her sister was one she couldn't. Not right now, on top of the discussion already.

Brenda had no idea what time it was. She was to worried about Sharon to even look at the clock. She could only assume that it was late.

"Try to get some sleep; tomorrow is going to be a long day, and you need it. I'll be right here when you wake up," she promised. And she was.

When Sharon opened her eyes the next morning, Brenda's was fast asleep with her arms around her. She smiled lightly, and moved her armed, that were curled into her own chest, around Brenda. She wanted to stay like this the whole day, like she did every time she touched Brenda. But she knew she couldn't. She knew she had to get up and make breakfast for all who were there.

With a sigh, she pulled away from Brenda's warm embrace. She hadn't realized how cold it was until she had done so. Silently, she put on a pair of jeans with a sweater, and made her way downstairs. The rest of the house was still asleep. When she walked through the living room, she couldn't help but let a small laugh at her son thrown about the couch with his limbs hanging off.

'Eggs and bacon, or French toast?' she debated once she opened the fridge. She had landed on what sounded better for her, the French toast. Once she had begun frying some pieces of the toast in the skillet, she heard footsteps behind her.

"Good morning," she said, to whomever was behind her. She felt small hands rub over her hips, and down to her abdomen, and a head rest on her shoulder.

"Good mornin'," Brenda repeated back. "That smells amazin'."

Sharon inhaled the sent. The smell filled her with some sort of homey happiness, that she couldn't explain. "It does," was all she said in reply.

Brenda moved her right hand off of Sharon, and pushed Sharon's hair over her right shoulder. She kissed her neck tenderly, making Sharon hum. Sharon's hand, that was not turning over a piece of toast, reached down for Brenda's.

"You know we can't," she warned.

"No one is awake," Brenda teased. Sharon looked over her shoulder, now face to face with Brenda.

Sharon bit the edge of her lip. "Mm," she mummered as she closed in on Brenda. Their lips brushed across each others soft at first, then grew into a loving one when Sharon reached back for Brenda's neck. It wasn't long until Sharon had turned around. Brenda pushed her into the counter, gaining a yelped from Sharon. Brenda's body was so close to Sharon's. Her arms around Sharon's waist, Sharon's were around Brenda's neck. The kiss's were small, and broken. Brenda's hands pushed under Sharon's silk top, tracing her hands in small circles on the small of her back.

"Ah hem," they heard. Both jumped turning around, and away from each other, and saw Drystan standing in the door way with a cocked eyebrow. Brenda 's hand flew over her mouth, and Sharon looked down.

"No one is awake?" She questioned Brenda again.

"He wasn't when I walked through," she defended.

"My phone woke me up, and I heard Mom in here and I wanted to tell her something," he explained. Sharon turned back to the toast, which was clearly burnt.

"And what was that, Dear?" She asked. "Oh, it burnt," she stated obviously.

"I think if you hadn't been eating your girlfriends face off that wouldn't have happened," he pointed out in a joking manor. Brenda coughed slightly. Drystan walked over to his mother, as she dumped the bread into the trash. He pulled out his phone, and showed a picture that caused her to drop the pan into the garbage. She looked up to Drystan, not caring of the discarded pan or the fact that it was burning through the plastic bag.

"Oh my god," she yipped with excitement. She snatched the phone from his hands. "Oh my god!"

"What?" Brenda asked. Sharon practically shoved the phone into Brenda's face.

"I'm going to be a grandma!" She exclaimed. Brenda took the phone Sharon's hand to look at the photo on it.

"Aibhilin is two weeks in her second trimester," he told them.

"You waited four months to tell me!?" She almost growled at him.

"We were going to tell anyone until she had made it past the first trimester. I knew she was going to the doctor's last night, and sent me the photo's just now. I wanted to tell you in person."

Her face grew soft, and teary. "Is this why you extended your trip, to tell me in person that I am going to be a grandmother?" He nodded. She pulled her son into a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you, Honey."

"Thanks."

"I hate to break up this happy moment, but I think the pan you dropped in the trash is burnin' through the garbage can," Brenda said looking over to the trash can. The room now smelling like burning plastic, and filled with a dim smoke.

"Shit," she mumbled rushing over to the can. She pulled the pan out of the trash, seeing the thick line it had burn through the can. "Shit." She threw the pan into the sink. She sighed , and pushed her hair behind her ear.

"Where are the pans?" Brenda asked Drystan, quiet enough for Sharon not to hear. He pointed to the cabinet on the opposite side of her. She silently walked over, and knelt down to grab another.

Sharon watched her with a small twinkle in her eye as Brenda helped her. Brenda walked up to the oven, and began another piece of French toast. A small smile appeared on Sharon's face.

"You don't have to do that," she told Brenda.

"I want to," Brenda said, urging her that she would take over.

"Well, in that case. I'll go wake everyone up, let them fight over the bathrooms, and such."

Sharon walked out of the kitchen, and towards the stairs. Drystan turned to Brenda. He sighed, slightly.

"Is somethin' wrong?"

"Don't hurt her," he said in almost warning like tone. Brenda looked back.

"I don't intend to," she replied.

"Then why are you still married?"

She nearly dropped the spatula. "I'm sorry?"

"I asked you, that if you don't want to hurt her why are you still married? She may have this hard exterior, but she has her weak spots. She has gone through a lot in life-"

"-I know."

"And she doesn't deserve that, and you don't deserve her-"

"-I know," she repeated and started the next few pieces of toast. She knew Sharon deserved better than her, everyone deserved better than her; or at least that was how she felt.

"You don't deserve her love-"

"-I kn-…" she stopped and looked him dead in the eye. "What?"

"She loves you, Brenda. I've never seen her more in love with anyone, and I don't think she has been in love like the one she shares with you. Not ever. She has forced herself to never fall in love. If you hurt her, you will surely lose the best thing that has ever happened to you." Brenda felt herself cowering inside herself. She knew what he was saying was more than true. And it all made sense as to why Sharon, the woman Brenda would have thought to taken all control of a relationship, was so resistant. "I can see you love her too…" She bit her lip at hearing yet another truth. "That's why I am hoping you'll make it right choice."

Brenda looked down, blinking away tears. She wished it was that easy. She prayed it was.

Sharon swooped back into the kitchen, still with a large smile on her face. She was practically beaming. Seemingly happy and perfectly content. She bounced with glee in her step.

"They will be coming down once they stop fighting over the bathrooms," she said looking at between the two of them. Her smile faded slightly when she saw Drystan's serious face, and Brenda's eye watering. "What's wrong? What's going on?"

"Nothing," they both said in sync. Sharon walked up to Brenda. She brushed her index finger along Brenda's cheek, whipping a tear.

"Why are you crying?" Sharon asked with concern. Brenda turned into Sharon's hand tenderly and gave a her a unconvincing smile.

"We'll talk about it later," she told Sharon, grabbing her hand that was on her face and holding it lightly.

"Okay," Sharon mumbled, hoping she would be true to her word. Though Brenda hoped that she would forget. She gave Brenda's hand a reassuring squeeze before pulling away. Just in time to, just Gav and Rusty made their way into kitchen.

"Hey," Rusty said, looking over Brenda to see the cooking food. "Smells good."

"Good, these ones are done," Brenda added. She pulled the three pieces off, and she placed them on plate. She handed the plate backwards to the boys. She didn't pay attention to who took it as she quickly placed next few in the pan.

She followed these measures until there was enough pieces for everyone. She ate in silence. When they finished eating, she went upstairs and dressed in silence. Sharon was trying to be hopeful, and to not ask. Though it was hard, she managed to refrain.

*.*.*.*.*

"I can't believe you all are still awake," Sharon said, sitting on the sofa next to Brenda. She looked around the living room at the teenagers filling it.

"It's only 9pm our time," Piper said, almost sarcastically.

"We aren't really tired," Rusty added.

Sharon sighed, knowing she was. They had gone to Liberty Island, a museum, dinner, and a show today, and after not sleeping well the previous night she was very tired. She only imagined Brenda was too, because she had kept her up.

"How about a movie?" Sharon suggested.

"What movies do you have?" Gav wonder, almost scared of the selection.

Sharon looked up to the ceiling. "I don't actually know," she said, trying to recall the last time she had watched a movie in this house.

Though she'd known Drystan would certainty have some around. She wished she'd been smart enough to ask before him leaving back to Utah earlier that day. She stood, and walked up to the television set. She pulled opened the drawer right beneath it and was relieved to find it full of cassette tapes and DVD's.

"I have, uh," she gazed over the options, her eyes landing on one. "What is Dances With Wolves?"

Brenda looked at her with awe. "You've never seen it before?"

"No, should I have?" She wondered.

"Everyone should see this, at least once. It's a classic," Brenda informed her. Her eyes were wide, still with disbelief. "Am I the only one that's seen it?" She asked, looking around the room at the confused eyes. "I am. Put it in," she demanded.

"What's it about?" Joseph asked.

"Just watch it," she said, urging them on in almost a begging tone. She hadn't seen the movie in years, almost 20, and wouldn't mind seeing it again.

"Fine," Sharon said with a sigh.

She lifted herself so she was above the dvd player, and carefully placed the movie inside. She then moved back to the couch beside Brenda, waiting for the movie to start. Leo, stood and turned off the light. The boys moved to the floor, so they could lay, leaving the couch to Brenda and Sharon alone. They now had the whole couch, were not required to sit so near each other.

After twenty minutes into the movie, Gav scrambled up, and looked at Sharon directly in her face. Sharon, who was now on the opposite end of the couch, with her legs curled next to her.

"Oh my god, you look just like her?!" He exclaimed.

"Just like who?" Sharon wondered. Gav moved over to the TV, and waited for the screen to show the woman again, but this time an up close shot. He paused the movie, and looked at Sharon.

"Her!"

"Stands with a Fist?" Brenda said, and looked over to Sharon. All that she, or anyone, could see of Sharon was made from the glow of the TV.

"Who?" Sharon asked Brenda.

"That's her name in the movie," Brenda said. "Oh my god you do!"

"You guys are insane," she stated, hoping this would end soon. It did not.

Leo stood again, turning back on the lights. The whole room now starring intensively, without wondering eyes, at her face. She was use to being stared at, but never had she felt so uncomfortable about it. She put her arms across her stomach, and looked at each person. They all had the same look on their faces, and were all doing a small agreeing nod.

"That's who you remind me of!" Piper exclaimed, breaking the silence. Sharon looked directly at her. "She is the same chick that plays the President in Battlestar Galactica," she explained. "I knew you looked like someone, but I couldn't place it."

"That's not the same chick," Terri intervened.

"Yes, it is," Piper argued back. The girls then got into a heated debate over it, causing Sharon to sigh heavily.

"Girls, either shut up or take this argument upstairs. I'm tired, and I go to sleep," Sharon said, cutting them off. The girls looked at each other, then moved back into their chairs. "Can we all just agree to disagree this woman looks like me?"

"You're the only one disagreeing," Rusty pointed out. She glared at him for a few seconds. "Just sayin'," he said before moving back down onto the floor. Leo shut back off the light, and Gav pressed play.

"She really is your doppleganger," Brenda whispered to Sharon. Sharon smirked at the ironic comment.

Brenda reached out to Sharon's feet, knowing they were hurting her from wearing heels all day, and began rubbing them. Sharon melted into her touch, and turned, putting her back against the arm of the couch. She extended her legs out, setting her feet on Brenda's lap. Brenda messaged them lovingly, as they watched the movie. The sensation made Sharon sleepier than she was.

*.*.*.*

Sharon eyes open, the room around her black with a dim light from the kitchen shinning in. A yawn rolled out of her, and her body stretched upward, and her hand wearily covered her mouth. She felt a weight on her chest, and reached down for it. She felt a head of hair, and she took in a small but purposeful breath. The familiar scent of the woman on her filled her. She smiled lightly, resting her hand on the woman's shoulder.

"Brenda," she said softly, not wanting to break the silence that filled the room. "Brenda, wake up, Honey." She shook Brenda's shoulder lightly, to wake her. Brenda groaned, clearly not wanting to wake.

"What?" Brenda replied in a whinny tone.

"We fell asleep downstairs," Sharon pointed out, recalling falling asleep during the movie. She wondered when they had ended up in the position they were currently in. "We should head up to bed," she suggested, pushing Brenda upright, as well as herself. Brenda huffed, not wanting to move.

"Fine," Brenda gave in, pouting.

Sharon stood, and grabbed Brenda's wrist, pulling her off the bed. Brenda's weight was heavy and lazy from sleep. She let out another groan, making Sharon laugh slightly.

"Come on, sleepy head," Sharon said at the tired blonde. Sharon's hand moved down to Brenda's, leading the way upstairs. "Let's get you to bed."

"Is that an invitation?" Brenda joke, making Sharon's smile wider.

Once they reached the next floor, Sharon let go of Brenda's hand. Which gained a confused look from Brenda.

"I'm going to check on the kids, make sure they're all here and asleep," she explained. Brenda nodded softly.

"I'll meet you in the room." With that Brenda walked to the end of the hall and into the master bedroom.

Sharon check the girls room first, all accounted for and asleep. She then moved onto the boys, and found herself lingering in the room. She watched Rusty fast asleep on the bed. Her bed from when she was a child. Her mind wanted to cry looking at him, knowing that she felt as though he was her son, but he wasn't.

"Sharon," she heard Brenda call quietly at the end of the hall. She exited the room silently, and saw Brenda standing in the doorway, the light from the room spilling into the hallway. She walked to the room, shutting the door. "What's wrong?" Brenda asked, now more awake. She sat them on the bed.

"Nothing."

"I can tell when you are lyin', what is it?" Brenda asked, worry in her eyes. Sharon sighed, setting her hand on Brenda's.

"You know the trail is in a few months," Sharon began. Brenda answered with a small nod. "I haven't told Rusty yet."

"Why not?" Brenda asked. The fact surprised her.

"He is happy, finally. He's found a home, a family, friends. He finally has a life. I can't bear to put a count down on that." Sadness filled her eyes, showing Brenda how much she didn't want him to leave.

"Then don't. Sharon, why don't you adopt him?" She suggested. Sharon smiled a little.

"I have thought about it," she confessed. "But I don't know. I don't think I would be able to, get accepted I mean. I am older than most candidates, and I work more than full time." Brenda could hear in Sharon's tone that she had thought about it, and quite a bit. She sounded slightly defeated.

"But don't you think they would take in consideration that you've been looking after him this whole time, and damn good too."

Sharon gave a weak smile. "Thank you."

"I mean it, you're the only person to care enough to take care of him. And I…" she trailed off. Sharon gripped her hand, urging her to continue. "I don't think it would be right of you not to at least try."

"What do you mean?"

"You've taken him in, shown him kindness, grown on him… If you take that away, he will never trust anyone ever again."

Sharon looked down, knowing there was truth to what Brenda was saying. She didn't want Rusty to leave at all, but she didn't want to be denied being his legal parent either. Knowing that she didn't want him to relapse into his old ways, she would have to swallow her pride and do what was best for him.

"Why don't we go to sleep? It's has to be late," She said.

She stood, and so did Brenda. Brenda moved to the other side of the bed, and carelessly threw off her clothing onto the floor and crawled into bed; leaving only her tank top and underwear on.

"No pajama's?"

"To tired," Brenda moan, pulling the covers over her and scooting deep into the bed. She was facing the wall opposite of Sharon, but had turned to look over her shoulder at the brunette.

Sharon lifted the black sweater she was wearing over her head along with her tank top underneath. She quickly folded the two before setting them on the dresser. She reached behind her unhooking her purple lace clad bra, setting it next to her sweater. Her hands fell down her pants, and unbutton them, and pulled them down her long legs. She felt another yawn coming over her, and reach out, curled her back, stretching. She let a soft scuffle push out of her, and she turned around wiping under her eyes from the leaking the yawn created.

"What?" She asked, seeing Brenda staring at her.

"How was I so wrong about you?" Sharon lifted her eyebrow in wonderment. "How could I have thought you the way I did?"

"Well," Sharon tried answering, but pulling open a drawer.

"No, don't put anything on," Brenda said, before Sharon could pull out her nightgown. Sharon bit her lip, nodded, and moved over to the bed. She turned off the light, and laid herself in the bed. "Well?" she pressed as she felt Sharon's arm wrap around her, and her warm body now pressed against her own.

"Brenda, I've told you things about my past that I've never told anyone. Things that I've force in the back of my mind for a very long time," she said. Sharon's hand rested over her stomach, and Brenda's hand met it, lacing their fingers together. "I put on a display, and I think that pushing those back made me as cold as I am."

"You're not cold," Brenda corrected. Sharon smirked slightly, and kissed Brenda's shoulder.

"That's sweet of you, but you and I both know that's not how I am seen. It's who I had to become. But you've changed me, Brenda. You've let me find what I've lost. When I am around you I am the person I want to be. I actually like myself," her tone was in a whisper.

"Thank you," Brenda said softly, "for letting me in. Letting me become this person for you."

"And thank you for relieving you judgments of me."

Brenda smiled, and ran her thumb over Sharon's. She tugged on her hand slightly, pulling the older woman closer to her. Sharon's head bent rest on her pillow. Moments passed, what Brenda assumed was close to ten and she knew she couldn't fall asleep, not without saying she needed to say. The words scared Brenda, but she could no longer deny them. They were suffocating her everytime she didn't say them.

"Sharon?"

"Mm?" Sharon replied, clearly half asleep.

"I love you," she finally said. The weight on her chest now lifted. She felt Sharon's heavy head move closer, and her lips caress her back lightly just to the right of her spin.

"I know," were the last words Sharon spoke before falling asleep.

A/N: Once again sorry that was so long.