Living the Life

The Babies Go to School

Caroline's mobile rang and she frowned at the interruption. As she slowly stopped typing, reluctant to loose her train of thought on this email, she registered that it was Kate's ring tone. Kate seldom called her at the office. Her first thought is that something was wrong at home.

"Kate?" Concern evident in her voice, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, course. It's just that Laurence has rung to say he left his Geometry on his desk and could I bring it over. It's his first class after lunch. And I thou-"

"The little bugger, I ask him every morning if he has everything and he always says yes. Now he wants you to load the babies into the car and come out to bring-"

"Caroline! Its fine, I don't mind. As a matter of fact, Beverley has been after me to bring the babies over to school so she can see them. So, I thou-"

Incredulous, "Beverley has? You talk to Beverley?"

Slightly impatient, "You will recall last Tuesday when you had her call me to say you'd be late because of that last minute meeting at St. B's. And twice the week before."

Embarrassed, "Right. Sorry."

Smiling into the phone, "Your on a tear this morning. What's going on?"

Coming to a full stop finally, "Oh, you don't want to know now. I'll tell you later." Apologetically, "Sorry. Sorry for interrupting you. Please, tell me why you called."

"It's alright, Dear Heart, I'm sorry if you're having a bad morning. It's just that I thought since I was coming over anyway, I might bring these two in just before lunch to see Beverley if you thought it wouldn't be too much of a disturbance. But it sounds like this might not be the best day.

"No. No, it's only me that's wound up, Beverley will love it." Smiling, "Bring them in if you like. It'll do me good to see all of you."

Merriment evident in her voice, "I thought we were coming to see Beverley."

Sultry overtones to her voice, "You didn't think you could slip into this building without me finding you did you?"

Soft intimate voice, "We'll see you soon. Bye."

Equally soft, "Bye bye."

xxx

As the meeting around the big table in Caroline's office came to a close, the two newly hired head teachers filed out just ahead of Gavin while Caroline brought up the rear. Seeing Kate in the outer office, Gavin stopped to say hello and offered to take the little boy she held. A little surprised at his interest Kate passed Thomas to him.

"I always loved them when they were this size. Before they began talking and giving out hell." Realizing his language, "Sorry ladies." Grinning, you know what I mean." Inspecting Thomas who was bestowing his toothless smile, "You're a fine fellow, aren't you?"

Kate's eye had not stopped moving along the file of meeting participants until it rested on Caroline, whose first glance around the outer office had homed in on Kate. Eyes meeting in silent greeting, neither could help the smile that played on her lips. Beverley missed none of this and saw clearly the reason her boss now entered the office chirping her good mornings each day.

Standing next to Beverley, Caroline suddenly realized that Callie was leaning and reaching for her. A smiling Beverley handed her over. "I can see this one knows where she belongs already."

Caroline turned a cheek to the incoming open-mouthed kiss of her daughter, placing a kiss on Callie's cheek in return. Remembering then that Kate had not met the two new heads, she introduced them and after shaking hands, they excused themselves to join the lunchtime throngs in the cafeteria.

Laurence almost bumped into them in his haste to enter the office, politely apologizing, he allowed them passage. Once through the door he was met by the gimlet-eyed stare of his Mum. Sheepishly, "Hi Mum, sorry." In the hope of removing himself as the center of attention he made a face at Callie who waved her arms in glee. Gavin handed Thomas to Laurence, explaining that he had a lunch meeting with the contractor for the new school and said his goodbyes.

Laurence turned to Kate, "You are staying for lunch, right? Angus is saving us a table."

Kate's gaze went to Caroline who suppressed a smile at Laurence's enthusiasm for having his family at school and gave a tilt of her head in agreement, saying, "Come on, Beverley, close up shop and join us, won't you?"

Following Laurence and Beverley down the corridor, Caroline still carried Callie whose head was on a constant swivel trying to take in all the activity around her. Kate walked close to her wife, matching her steps, letting her shoulder brush Caroline's. Caroline's eyes on Kate, she confided softly, "I'd almost forgotten how much I miss having you here."

Shooting her a look, "You'd better not forget because I'm coming back you know."

Surprised, "Are you?"

"Hmmm. We'll talk about that later too."

Throughout lunch there was a parade of students and teachers stopping by the Mckenzie-Elliot table, eager to see the two new babies. They were passed around until both were bewildered and began to cry for familiar arms. As Laurence and Angus headed off to their next class Kate called him back in a teacher voice she hadn't used for a while, "Laurence."

Turning Laurence saw Kate holding up the Geometry textbook he'd called to request. "Oh, right. Thanks Kate, I really appreciate this. Lunch was kind of fun though, wasn't it?"

Watching Laurence sprint after Angus, Kate questioned his Mum, "You don't think he forgot that book on purpose do you?"

"What makes you say that?"

Puzzling over it, "I don't know, something…"

Caroline rose saying, "I hate to break up a party but I have a parent meeting in 15 minutes. Just enough time to help you into the car." Heading back to the office to retrieve the double stroller, then on to the front door, the McKenzie-Elliots now formed the parade. All along the corridor her colleagues warmly greeted Kate and the babies were admired. The whole process took longer than expected. Disregarding her schedule, Caroline saw her family to the car. She helped to secure the babies into their car seats then stowed the stroller into the boot of the Jeep. Whoever had the babies now drove the Jeep because it was so much more practical for car seats and the other gear required for two infants on even their shortest outings. This accomplished, the two shared a brief but warm kiss as Kate got into the car. Caroline waved them off before turning to jog up the steps and make her way back to the office at pace for her next meeting.

An Evening at Home

Caroline sat on the floor beside the blanket, engaging the babies as Kate helped Laurence with the clearing up after supper. It was a scene that had recreated itself regularly in recent weeks. The two in the kitchen discussed Laurence's latest literature assignment as they worked. Kate's gentle interested questioning helping him clarify his opinions about what he'd read, thus improving the marks he received on the papers he submitted. After the first session or two, Laurence had begun to read the assignment more carefully in order to present a clear case to Kate from the outset. Leaning against the counter as Laurence stooped to put away the pots and pans, Kate caught Caroline's eye across the room and they exchanged a smile with one another because they were both enjoying Laurence's irreverent take on the work of the bard. Kate had come to look forward to these conversations with Laurence as a pleasant counterpoint to her childcare filled days.

Callie sat in the bounce seat that she would soon outgrow, both hands gripping fingers of the hand Caroline had given her. Thomas lay against her upraised knees intently watching her and smiling as she talked to both of them, bending frequently to kiss or nuzzle one or the other. Callie had become quite animated, waving her arms and legs, laughing when her Momma's face came in close, smiling and talking to her. Caroline looked up frequently, keeping an ear on the kitchen conversation as she played with the babies, often finding Kate's eyes on her. Caroline found that the time she spent with the babies each evening relaxed her and soothed away the cares of the day. Everything seemed to fall into perspective then.

xxx

Entering the dimly lit study, Kate dragged her hand across the back of Caroline's shoulders on her way to Thomas' cot to check on him. Lightly tugging the blanket higher on the sleeping infant Kate turned to wrap her arms around Caroline, still tapping on her iPad. Placing a cheek against Caroline's, "I wondered where you were."

Putting a hand to Kate's face, "Is Callie down?"

"Mmm. Sleeping soundly. Laurence is finishing his program on the telly." Registering the picture on the screen before them, "Why are you looking at cars?"

Twisting in her chair to look into Kate's face, "Seems like it might be time don't you think?"

Straightening and letting her hand run down Caroline's arm to draw her along, Kate headed for the wide chair next to the desk. Seating herself she waited for Caroline to sit on the raised edge of the armless chair and swing her legs across her lap to snuggle in. "What's brought this on?" Kate's arms went around Caroline with hands clasped lightly on her hip as Caroline's arm encircled her shoulders.

Ignoring the question, "Have I told you how much I enjoyed having you at school today?" At Kate's smile she went on, "I'd almost forgotten what a difference it makes in my day to see you. Even briefly." Tenderly stroking that stray lock of black hair behind Kate's ear, "You were right, I was feeling harassed this morning. But after seeing you and our babies at lunch, the afternoon seemed to go much better. A little puzzled, "Even though I had just as much to do."

Leaning back a little to focus on Kate's face, "On the way home I was thinking about it, I probably have a heavier workload now than I've ever had. I'm running one school and playing an integral role in opening another." Incredulously, "The thing is, I'm not really stressed out." Shrugging, "Sure, I can get temporarily overwhelmed as I was this morning but…" Smiling into Kate's face, "Being with you makes me so happy. When I come home, I'm thinking about you and our family. It grounds me." Suppressing a grin as she gazed into brown eyes warm with love, "I wasn't going to say this but you already know. Your not letting me read or work at my laptop in bed has helped me sleep better. I wake refreshed and ready for the day. The best part is knowing I come home to you again at the end of it." Taking Kate's beaming face in her hands Caroline kissed her sweetly, twice. "Thank you, Kate. Our peaceful happy home is your doing." Tears forming in blue eyes, "I never knew family life could be like this." As the tears overflowed she kissed Kate again then embraced her tightly.

"We make a home together Caroline. The happiest home I've had since I left my parents house." Sparkling brown eyes held blue until they kissed again.

Wiping tears from her cheeks, "So, are you really coming back to teach?"

"What if I came back part time for the autumn term?"

"Is that what you'd like to do?"

Slowly, "I think so. Much as I adore these two, I really miss being at school."

"Since you mentioned it today, I've been thinking." At the smile Kate gave her which said both how adorable she found Caroline and that she had expected just this result from her noontime comment, Caroline raised her chin and closed her eyes cheekily before going on, "You were right about Pamela Burke and your choirs, she has about run them into the ground. How would you like to have them back?" Realizing suddenly that she wasn't giving Kate much of a choice, "Or was it Languages you'd prefer?"

Giving her a smile and a quick squeeze, "No, you were right the first time, it's the music I miss most." Questioning, "Choirs still both scheduled early afternoon, Monday, Wednesday and Friday?"

"Mmmhmm."

Thoughtfully, "The babies would be napping most of that time. It could work." Smiling up into blue eyes, "Brilliant." Kate raised her lips for the inevitable kiss.

"Any thoughts yet on what to do with the dynamic duo while you are teaching?" Adding hastily, "Not that it's your job to figure that out on your own, I just wondered if you…"

Smiling a bit ruefully, "Not really. Any suggestions?"

Becoming distracted as her gaze roamed over Kate's features, "We don't have to decide this second, we'll work it out." Caroline placed a caressing cheek against Kate's, breathing in her scent.

Reminding softly as Caroline moved to place a cheek on the other side of her face with a bewitching look into her eyes as she did, "We sat down to discuss cars."

Disinterestedly, "Did we?"

Resolutely holding her off, "A Lexus SUV?"

Fingers stroking Kate's face as she studied it, running over that seductive upper lip, "Hybrid, middle of the class in price." Then tucking her chin reprovingly, "Your 2-door car is hardly practical for the family we have now."

Acutely aware of Caroline's lips beneath her ear, "I'm not driving my car, you are."

Pulling back to challenge her gently, "Yes, and when the time comes that you need to drop them off somewhere, say your Mum's, and I need to pick them up?" Twisting in to resume her assault on the other side of Kate's neck.

Unconvinced, "Caroline."

Taking a sharp breath and straightening as she felt fingers snaking up under her jumper, "Kate, I want us to buy you a nice car. Something… mmm, Kate… you'll enjoy driving. Her voice growing dreamier as she went on and Kate's touch continued, "It doesn't have to be that one, I've only just started researching. You can look too, find something you like, something practical for the babies and all of their gear."

Feeling Caroline's fingers on the nape of her neck, moving up into her hairline, "So, what started all of this?"

Elongating her spine as Kate's fingers found her sensitive spot, "Putting you into the Jeep today. We haven't taken them out very much yet…" Softly on a rising note, "Ka-te." Taking a deep breath and continuing, "but that will change now that they're… getting older and the weather is improving."

With an amused expression, "And."

Kissing her nose, "You deserve something nice to drive. It's been a long time since you've had a new car."

Eyebrows raised, "And."

Sheepishly, "Your going to make me say it aren't you?" Seeing Kate's eyebrows still high as she nodded her head, Caroline tried to suppress her grin, "Fine. I don't like scrunching down to get into your car and I miss my Jeep. There, are you satisfied?"

Pulling Caroline in to kiss her neck, "Not yet, but I hope to be."

Her cheek again moving on Kate's she breathed, "Are we still talking about cars?"

"God, I hope not."

Hand in hand they peeked at Thomas again and checked on Callie, said goodnight to Laurence as Caroline reminded him of his bedtime, then on to their room knowing that Roger would let himself in with his key to care for the babies when they woke tonight.

Once in bed Caroline drew Kate to lie on top of her, luxuriating in the warm softness of her weight. Relaxing into Kate's kisses, she let her hands press that lithe form closer into her. Kate slid down unhurriedly paying attention to each breast in turn and would have moved down further but Caroline stopped her, drawing her back saying tenderly, "I want you here, with me, tonight. I want to see your face, feel your eyes on me."

Kate rolled them, "I want to see you too." One leg between Caroline's to support the hand she offered, "Come to me."

Both were breathing unevenly but Caroline gasped as she lifted and applied herself to long knowing fingers. "Ka-a-te."

"Slowly, love. Easy." Although she felt Caroline's body obey, she could tell by her breathing that these words had only increased her need as she knew they would. "Your so lovely," as Kate watched the luminous spotted form above her. Reaching she fondled heaving breasts. "You're so beautiful." Pressing long strokes upon her, "I want to hear you, Caroline. Talk to me" This elicited only moans and other inarticulate sounds through ragged breathing as she was beyond speech now but these were as effective on Kate as any words. Finally, arching and twisting through her orgasm, tears slid down Caroline's cheeks until she collapsed onto Kate, burying her face into her neck.

Holding her close, turning to kiss her wherever she could reach, Kate murmured soothing sounds of love until Caroline put salty lips on Kate's as she slid up and down against the responsive body beneath her.

Urgently, "Touch me." Tucking Caroline's hand between them. I need you."

Allowing her hand to explore and tease while her eyes adored, "I love your face. The lovely brown tones of your skin. The way your smile lights up your face. Your amazing eyes that see everything." Blue eyes crinkling, "I love that furrow between your eyebrows when you're concentrating on something… like now." Smiling as she felt Kate's writhing beneath her shifting them at her attempts to make contact with evading fingers. "And your lips, especially that little point right there…" as her tongue reached out to touch just there, Kate's mouth captured hers, desperate for an outlet for her arousal. On her back now with Kate above, she applied the long deft strokes that raised Kate's head and convulsed her body, expelling her breath.

Drinking in the sight of Kate in the throes of passion, "You are so beautiful." Meeting her pace for a time, then slowing, she watched Kate struggle for control before feeling her key into the new rhythm. "That's it. Yes. Yes." Then she reveled in the delight of Kate's body thrusting through her orgasm with gasping little cries that spiked into Caroline as she stroked through with her beloved.

Holding one another close, both women had tears in their eyes tonight at the beauty of the intimacy between them. Unwilling to separate, they fell asleep clinging tightly, woven together.