Graceful Waters

TWELVE MONTHS

Grace could not have been more excited. Spring break brought not only a week off from school but a promise from Carey that she could come visit since Sapling Hill was between sessions. Everything was packed and she was now waiting on the porch for the truck that would come, and more importantly, the woman driving it. "Come on, Carey, hurry up," she muttered, growing more anxious by the minute.

The second she saw the blue truck turn the comer she was on her feet and dragging her suitcase down the steps. "I thought you'd never get here," she said as Carey pulled the truck to a stop.

"Hello to you too." Carey unbuckled her seat belt and stepped out. "I told you I was coming," she said as she walked around the front of the truck. "You just have no patience."

"Hi," Grace said, a shy smile coming to her lips. "Can I get a hug?" At Carey's hesitation she added, "Friends hug, you know."

"I know," Carey said. "All right, a quick one and then let's go."

Grace paid no attention to anything said after she was given the go-ahead, wrapping her arms around Carey's waist and sighing happily.

"I've missed you so much," she said against the thick winter jacket.

"Going through another growth spurt?" Carey said, giving Grace a quick squeeze, then backing up and reaching for the suitcase.

"I think so," Grace said. Did you miss me too? "Either that or my jeans are getting shorter." She picked up her backpack and hoisted it into the bed of the truck, letting it fall with a loud thump.

"Don't dent my truck," Carey said, opening the passenger door and stashing the suitcase behind the seat.

Grace found her to be too close to resist and moved in for another hug. "I really missed you."

"I missed you too," Carey said, gently but firmly moving Grace back after a few seconds so she could get out from between the truck and the passenger door. "And that's enough hugs right now."

Grace looked down. "I'm sorry." Gentle fingers lifted her chin, bringing her face to face with soft brown eyes.

"I'm sorry too," Carey said. "I don't want to hurt you, but I don't want to feel uncomfortable either."

"I'll be good, I promise," Grace said. She forced a smile to her face.

"Well, okay, let's go."

"My God, Grace," Carey said as she hefted the backpack. "What is in this?"

"Books," the teen said. "Economics, Accounting, both computer courses and my English Compo You don't think the professors would give us a week off without piling on the homework, do you?"

"Ugh," Carey said. "Just don't ask me to help you with it. It's all over my head." She carried the backpack in and set it next to the closet. "Are you hungry?"

"Starved."

"I'll get dinner started while you get settled," Carey said, kicking off her sneakers.

"Want help?"

"I'll get it," Carey said. "You relax."

"Carey?"

"Hmm?"

"You wouldn't be in the mood for some of that great coffee you make so well, would you?" Grace asked, batting her eyes.

"You think that's going to convince me?" Carey leaned against the archway to the kitchen and crossed her arms.

Grace smiled. "I'll...clean the oven."

Carey shook her head. "It's self-cleaning. Try again."

"Um…I'll mop the kitchen floor?"

"Already mopped."

A devilish thought popped into the teen's head. "I'll be your slave for life." The words had the desired effect, wiping the smile from Carey's face.

"I was thinking more along the lines of doing the dishes," Carey said, turning away from Grace and going into the kitchen. "Behave."

"Mmm," Grace said as she took a sip. "I've missed your coffee."

Carey smiled. "Did you?"

"The closest I've found is a blend at the Coffee Bean, but it's almost two dollars a cup," Grace said. "Oh this is good."

"Two dollars? You spend two dollars on a cup of coffee?"

Grace took another swallow before answering. "It's one of my few extras," she said. "Only once or twice a week."

"I'll have to send you home with some," Carey said. "Do you have a coffeemaker?"

Grace nodded. "Dad sent me one. I don't have that many outlets so if I want to make coffee I have to unplug the laptop. Mrs. Somers doesn't allow extension cords or power strips."

"Are you ready for another cup?"

"I'll get it," Grace said, rising to her feet and reaching for Carey's mug. "Cream, no sugar, right?"

"Right, thanks."

"My pleasure," Grace said as she headed for the kitchen. Her back to Carey, she smiled as she filled the two mugs, taking enjoyment from being able to do even the littlest thing for the woman she cared about so deeply. "It must be nice to have a break from work," she said.

"It is," Carey said. "Five months with only every other Sunday off is hard. We deserve this month off, even if half of it is spent doing paperwork and getting ready for the next session."

"Was the last group better or worse than mine?" Grace asked, smiling at all the papers stuck to the refrigerator with ICC magnets.

"A slightly different mix, but about the same," Carey said. "The usual characters, the usual situations."

"I got a letter from Jan Bowen," Grace said as she returned to the living room. "She's working at the mall in Mohawk. Management trainee."

"Good for her," Carey said as she took her mug. "How are things going for you at the diner?"

"It's okay," Grace said. "I hate being on my feet so long and having to bus the tables, but the tips are decent and dinner is free." She sat down on the couch and tucked her left leg beneath her. "The customers can really suck sometimes, though."

"Decided to let your hair grow out?"

"Too busy to get it cut," Grace said. "Do you like it?"

"As long as it's all one color," Carey said.

"I don't do that anymore," Grace said. "But did you like it shorter?"

Carey smiled. "Grace, what I like or don't like doesn't matter. It's your hair. Wear it the way you want to."

"But—“

"Shorter," Carey said.

Grace smiled. "You like short hair'?"

Carey nodded. "I'm partial to short hair," she admitted.

"Did Eve have short hair?"

Carey looked at her for moment before answering. "Yes. At least she did then. I wouldn't know now."

"Were the two of you together long?"

Carey took a deep breath, then let it out. "You won't be happy until I tell you, will you?" Grace shook her head. "All right. Eve and I met when we were both in the Coast Guard. We were together for almost two years before we broke up."

"When she called that day," Grace said. "You said something to her about not being the one who came home pregnant."

"She had a boyfriend on the side," Carey said. "I don't tolerate cheating, especially like that."

"Like that?"

"With a man," Carey said. "Without protection. I thought we were a monogamous couple." She clenched her jaw, then slowly relaxed. "I had no idea. The whole thing still disgusts me."

Grace moved from the couch to the comer of the coffee table, her knees inches from the footrest. "I would never do that to you," she said.

Carey gave her a small smile. "We're not a couple," she reminded gently. "I'm sure someone will come along to turn your eye."

"They haven't yet," Grace said. "And it's not like I haven't been offered." She touched Carey's sock. "I know who I want."

"Grace..."

"I know how you feel," she said, patting Carey's foot, then sitting back. "I'm not pushing. I just want you to know I'm not off getting laid by every girl in school."

"I never thought that," Carey said. "But I don't want you giving up a chance at true happiness waiting for me."

"It doesn't make sense to get involved with someone my age," Grace said. "I know these women. One week they're madly in love, the next week they're living together and six months down the road they break up. I don't want that." She gave Carey a sly smile. "I bet they don't use dental dams either." Carey smiled and looked away. "What?" Grace asked, smiling at the older woman's blush. "Oh, please tell me."

"I shouldn't," Carey said.

Grace scooted closer. "Come on, I'm sure I've heard worse."

"No. I don't want to give you any ideas."

"Michelle says using a dental dam is like trying to lick an ice cream

through plastic wrap," Grace said. "No point if you can't taste it."

Carey looked at her in surprise. "What are they teaching you at that school?"

"Michelle is a friend that I met through the gay and lesbian student union," Grace said. "I know lots of great lesbian jokes."

"Your friend has a point," Carey said.

"I wouldn't know," Grace lamented with an exaggerated sigh.

"Behave," Carey said.

"You gonna tell me what you were thinking?" Grace asked. "It had to be good the way you turned red."

"It was just a joke I heard once," Carey said. "I can't tell you."

"Oh you have to," Grace pleaded.

Carey covered her face with her hands. "All right, why do lesbians like whales so much?"

"Why?"

"Because they have a really long tongue and an air hole on the top of their heads."

Grace started laughing. "That's bad."

"I told you so," Carey said, peeking through her fingers, then uncovering her face.

"Okay," Grace said, sitting up. "What's this?" She stuck her tongue out.

"What?"

"A lesbian with a hard-on."

Carey chuckled and slowly shook her head. "We need to change the subject."

Grace frowned. "Okay."

"I'm going to get dinner started," Carey said, standing up and walking toward the kitchen. As she did, she stopped behind the couch and leaned over. "As for your joke, if that was the case your tongue would never be in your mouth."

"Hey," Grace said, trying to sound offended. "Not all the time."

"Oh right," Carey said, continuing into the kitchen. "You do sleep from time to time."

"I've been good," Grace protested. "I haven't tried to get a hug from you in at least an hour."

"I should stop them," Carey said. "It's almost the equivalent to you being able to cop a feel."

"Don't, please," Grace said, turning around and kneeling up on the cushion to look at her. "It's all I can get. Don't take it away."

"I feel like I'm leading you on," Carey said. "It's not fair to you, Grace."

"So what?" Grace asked, leaving the couch to walk over to Carey's side.

"So I don't want to see you hurt by this," Carey said.

"And you don't think it'll hurt for you to not give me a hug anymore?" She reached for Carey's arm, then pulled back.

"Perhaps it'll hurt less in the long run," Carey said. "Grace, six months ago you were under my care. It makes me very uncomfortable to hug you and know you're thinking about me as a potential lover and not just a friend."

It hurt to hear those words and Grace turned away, knowing that was exactly what she was doing with her "friendly" hugs. "I have homework to do," she said.

"Wait," Carey said. Grace felt the touch of the older woman's hands on her shoulders. "I'm not trying to upset you."

"I know," Grace said. "And you're right...about the hugs. It's just that..." She closed her eyes and let her head fall forward. "A hug is the only way I get to touch you, and sometimes it's so hard not to." She reached up and touched Carey's hand for emphasis. "It's not like you. You get to touch me any time you want to."

"I'm sorry," Carey said, pulling her hands back. “I don't even notice when I do it."

"I don't mind," Grace said unnecessarily, turning to see Carey smiling at her quick response. "It makes me feel special. I just wish I could do it sometimes."

"Let's make a compromise," Carey said. "Friendly touches once in a while, ease up on the hugs, all right?"

Grace smiled happily. "Yes." Testing her new liberty, she reached out and briefly touched Carey's hand. "See? I can be good."

"When you want to," Carey said. "Grace? How long have I been doing that'?"

"What? Touching me'?" Grace thought about it. "You mean other than when you were making me do pushups or clobbering me in SD?"

"You know what I mean," Carey said.

“I think the first time I remember is when I was in the infirmary after that asshole hit me and I got the bump over my eye." She touched the spot over her left eyebrow. "You brought me a clean shirt."

"I remember," Carey said. "I remember how angry I was that he dared to lay his hands on you here and that your mother tried to minimize it."

"It really hurt that she wouldn't stand up to him for me. That she always took his side. You know?"

"I know."

Grace brightened up. "But that's in the past. I try not to dwell on it anymore. Life's too short to dwell on things I can't change. My life is good now."

Carey smiled. "I'm glad."

"So what are you doing now?" Carey asked, sitting down next to her. "I was just going to get some more programming done," Grace said.

"See? I've got the flow chart done but it's a chore putting the code together."

"I hate to tell you but this makes no sense to me."

Grace smiled and turned on the laptop. "The hardest part is not figuring out how to do something, but how to make the subroutines work without causing endless loops."

"And in English that means'?"

Taking a chance, Grace gently bumped the older woman with her shoulder. "It means I'm a computer geek and I love knowing something you don't." The startup screen changed to her desktop, causing her to blush and immediately close the laptop. "Um, let me change something here."

"Let me see," Carey said, lifting the screen. She smiled. "How did you do that?"

"Um..." Grace tapped the touch pad, bringing up a menu. "Tom has a scanner."

"Please tell me I'm not all over the Internet," Carey said, recognizing the picture as being taken on Grace's last day at Sapling Hill.

"No," Grace said. "I only have access at school and we just scanned the picture and put it on disk so I could transfer it to my laptop." She tapped the pad a few more times and the background changed from a picture of Carey to a bluish green color. "Do you want me to delete it?"

Carey patted her shoulder. "You can keep it," she said, thinking of the picture she had on her desk. "Besides, how would I know if you didn't?"

"Because if you told me to delete it, I would," Grace said.

"Sheets in the closet?"

Carey smiled. "Yes. You can change in the bathroom."

Grace gave her a devilish grin. "Or I could change out here."

"Behave," Carey said. "Or I'll make you sleep in the truck."

"I'll behave," Grace said. "Do I at least get a hug good night?"

Carey hesitated. "I'm not sure I should," she said, dropping the pillow on the couch. "Grace, I don't want to lead you on."

"I know," the teen said, stepping into Carey's personal space. "You're not."

Carey put her arms around Grace and pulled her close, very much aware of the sigh that escaped the young woman's lips. "I care about you," she whispered into golden blonde hair. "I don't want to see you hurt, especially because of me."

"I can't help how I feel," Grace said, giving a squeeze before she stepped back. "Any more than you can, I guess." She reached for her suitcase. "I'll be back in a minute."

"I hope you have homework to do," Carey said as she carried the box of file folders in. "It's going to take me hours to do this."

"What is it?" Grace asked, moving her books to make room on the coffee table for the box.

"The spring/summer session," Carey said. "Two weeks before the girls arrive, we get the files from the courts. I have to review them and prepare care sheets."

"So you knew about me before I arrived?"

Carey nodded. "Only the base facts from the court reports and from Crestwood." She set the box down and gave the teen a smile. "I knew you'd be a hard nut for me to crack."

"But you did eventually," Grace said.

Carey shook her head. "Not me. I could have used a sledgehammer and I wouldn't have gotten through. It was you pecking away from the inside that broke the shell."

"I still think it was you," Grace said, pressing her finger to Carey's lips to stop her from disagreeing. "And you'll never convince me otherwise." She pulled her hand back. "Now, are you going to sit out here or use the desk?"

Carey looked at the recliner. "I can do it out here," she said.

"I'm not tuning you out but I’m going to put a CD on, okay?" Grace asked. "I’ll use my headset."

"Fine with me," Carey said. "Don't turn it up so loud it hurts your ears."

"Yes, ma'am," Grace said, smiling and shaking her head. "You can't drop me for ten anymore, you know."

Carey looked at her and slowly gave her a wicked smile. "Don't tempt me."

"I'll keep it to a reasonable level," Grace said, reaching for her soft-sided suitcase.

"What kind of music do you listen to?" Carey asked, watching the teen unzip a CD organizer and flip through the discs.

"Mostly lesbian singers," Grace said, pulling a CD from its sleeve. "I have some older stuff like Bread, Journey, Hall and Oates, that kind of stuff." She touched a button on the front of the laptop, causing the CD tray to zip open. "I have speakers built in if you want to listen to something. I have some of Cris Williamson's vintage CDs."

"Whoever that is," Carey said.

"The goddess of lesbian music, that's who," Grace said, shaking her head. "I'll use the earphones."

Carey chuckled and opened the first folder. The goddess of lesbian music. I'm not even going to ask how she managed to find music like that. There's not exactly a lesbian section in the record store that I've ever seen. Reaching for her coffee, she took advantage of Grace's preoccupation with whatever was on the computer screen to observe her. The blonde hair was longer but there were other changes as well. Six months had made quite a difference in Grace's face. Cheeks once rounded by a hint of baby fat were more angular, accented by the subtlest amount of blush. No wonder the girls are chasing you, she thought, peeking over the rim of the mug. Several moments passed before Carey realized she was staring and turned her attention to the paperwork in front of her. Grace started humming to the music, tapping her fingers against the sides of the laptop. "Grace."

"Oh, sorry," she said, stilling her fingers. Seconds later the humming started again. "So dream on, little teen queen. Angels on horseback will carry your dream..."

"Grace," Carey said again. "Try playing one that doesn't move you to song."

"Sorry," Grace said, pulling the headphones down. "I'll find another one." She flipped through the plastic sleeves, then put a different CD into the tray. "I guess I'm used to being alone in my room."

"At least you can carry a tune," Carey said.

"You can't sing?" Grace asked, her eyes widening.

Carey chuckled. "I can see that pedestal you have me on dropping a few inches," she said. "Hate to disappoint you but singing is not something I do. Yelling I'm good at." She smiled broadly. "Want to hear me yell?"

Grace smiled. "I'm quite familiar with your yell, thank you," she said.

"I still can't hear out of my right ear." She wiggled her ear for emphasis, a light blue stud in the center of the lobe.

"If you had listened in the first place, I wouldn't have had to yell," Carey said. "Get back to your homework."

"You're the one that interrupted me," Grace pointed out.

"You were singing."

"But I sing good."

"Sing well," Carey corrected. "And yes you do, but I can't concentrate on this…" She tapped the folder. "When you're singing."

"I'll be quiet," Grace said, smiling as she pushed the CD tray in. "Sorry you get distracted by me."

"It's all right," Carey said, looking down at the paperwork in front of her, then realizing what the young woman said. I'm not distracted by you, she thought to herself, her eyes flicking to see Grace still smiling as she typed. I have got to watch what I say around you. Reluctantly, she turned her attention back to the work in her lap. Within minutes Grace was humming again. I knew you couldn't last.

"I know the angel, I feel heaven in your wings. You are an an-gel, I can surely hear you sing. Because you ta-ake me so-o light-ly, I know…I know that I can fly..." Grace resumed her humming, apparently oblivious to having burst out in song. Carey shook her head and gave up, accepting the occasional breaks in concentration without comment.

"I hate leaving you," Grace said. "Especially when I won't see you again until next summer." She let her suitcase drop on the floor.

"Won't see me again?" Carey looked at the framed photo of herself next to the bed, taped to the window, and the one tacked to the corkboard. "You have a whole roll of film in there," she said, tapping the suitcase with her foot. "We talk on the phone every week and you know you can always call any other time if you need to." She opened her arms "Come here." Grace moved quickly. "I care about you, Grace. I really do."

"You didn't have to do this," Grace said as Tom stepped back and waved her inside. "It's not really something to celebrate."

"Are you kidding?" he said as they made their way into the kitchen where Stuart was busily slaving over the stove. "Stuart, Miss Thing here doesn't think getting off probation is worth having a party."

Stuart wiped his hands on the apron and reached for his drink. "Any excuse will do," he said. "I'm surprised he didn't throw one for Butterfly Recognition Day."

"When's that?" Tom asked, feigning excitement. "We could hang butterflies from the ceiling and have a guess the species contest."

"I don't know why I put up with him," Stuart said.

"Because I'm so good in bed," Tom said, patting his older lover on the rear as he headed for the refrigerator. "Beer, Grace?"

"I'm under twenty-one," she reminded him.

"So am I," Tom answered, pulling out two bottles of beer. "You driving?"

"You know I don't have a license or a car," she said, taking the offered bottle. "I just don't want to do anything to get Stuart in trouble."

"It's my house," Stuart said. "What I allow to go on here is my business. Speaking of which, no more probation means no more drug tests, right?"

"Right," she said, taking a sip of beer. Just one...maybe two. I won't get drunk. "No more peeing into a cup while someone watches." She shuddered. "God, I hated that."

"I made sure to have something special here for you," Tom said. "Let me go get it." He ran up the stairs, returning a few seconds later with a tall red acrylic waterpipe. "I've been waiting how many months now to share a hit with you?"

"Oh, I don't know about that," she said, though she was sorely tempted to take him up on the offer. "I'd better not."

"Come on," Tom said. "You told me you used to get stoned. I thought that'd be the first thing you'd want once you were free."

"Yeah, well, I don't think Carey would like it."

"We didn't invite her," Stuart said. "We won't say anything but it's up to you. Tom, don't push her."

"Maybe later," she said, surprised the bottle in her hand was half empty already. "So who else did you invite?"

"Oh, just a few friends," Tom said. "Michelle, Susan, Mary, Jimmy..."

"You didn't invite him, did you?" Stuart asked. "You know I don't care for him."

"He's bringing a date, so he won't bother you," Tom said, setting the bong on the counter. "Grace, it's here if you want some."

"Okay."

"Ready for another?" he asked, pointing at her beer.

"No, I'm good for now," she said.

"I almost ordered a keg," Stuart said. "But I decided bottles would be easier. There's plenty of beer, though; help yourself."

"I'm not planning on having too many," she said. "I promised Carey I wouldn't get drunk at a party."

"You need to get a girlfriend who's not such a prude," Tom said.

“She's not a prude," Grace said. "Well, maybe a little, but do you know how many women are raped at college parties each year?"

"The only guys here are gay," Stuart said. "You're safe."

"Uh-huh." She tipped the bottle again, taking several swallows. "You said you invited Susan. You know she's always coming on to me."

"Does she?" Tom said, turning to Stuart and giving him a sly wink.

"Don't give me that 'does she' bullshit. You know she does."

"Lighten up, Miss Thing. It's not like I set you up on a blind date or anything. There'll be plenty of people around to protect you from her." He put a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, she's nice. Why not have a little fun until Miss Iceberg thaws out enough to give you a chance." He looked over his shoulder at Stuart and added. "If she ever does."

"She will."

"For your sake, I hope she does, sweet cake. But there's no law against having a little fun, is there? I mean it's just a party. No one expects you to go to bed with her, so relax. It'll be a blast." A song came on that Tom liked and he grabbed her hands and started dancing around the kitchen with her. Grace couldn't help but laugh and join in the fun.

"Hey, Grace, wait up."

"Hi, Tom."

"You have any more finals?"

"No, that was my last one. I can't believe it's finally summer. My

brain could use a break."

"You taking any summer classes?"

"No," Grace said. "I've got a chance to work at the Waterhouse full time."

"Oh, nice tips."

"I hope so," she said. "They're raising tuition next year, you know."

"Too bad for my parents," he said.

"You're so lucky you don't have to worry about money for school."

"Don't I know it."

"Well, I do get a week with Carey before my new shift starts. She’s going to her cottage for a fishing trip, and I convinced her to take me with her," Grace said. "Just us and a lake full of fish. I can't wait."

"Playing with smelly fish is not my idea of fun, sweet thing," he said, wrinkling his nose.

"I've never been fishing, but Carey loves it. I really don't care what she wants to do, as long as she lets me tag along."

"Hey, come out with us tonight. It's eighties night at the Straw. It'll be a blast."

"I shouldn't," she said. "You know I have to watch every penny."

"Let us treat."

"I can't do that," she said. "How much do you think it's going to cost?"

"No more than twenty bucks, and if it does, Stuart and I will cover it. Come on, Grace. It’ll be fun. A real blast." He batted his eyes at her. "Please?"

"Oh, all right," Grace said, laughing at his puppy-dog antics. "Where is it?"

"We'll pick you up. Do you have a tie?"

"Now why would I have a tie?"

"Because it's eighties night, silly," he said. "You have to wear a thin leather tie and a button-down shirt, preferably white. That was the style back then."

"I don't have anything like that."

"We do," he said proudly. "We'll swing by around seven thirty."

"I feel silly," Grace said as she stepped out of the car. "Are you sure I need the hat?"

"Oh you are one sexy dyke tonight," Tom said. "The girls are going to just fall all over you."

"I don't want the girls to fall all over me," she said. "You promised to show me how to play pool."

"I did," he said. "But don't be surprised when they start asking you to dance. Very déclassé to refuse." He nudged her shoulder. "See?"

Grace turned to see and colored instantly when the two women smiled at her. "Oh God. Tom, I can't do this."

"Oh yes you can," Stuart said, hooking his arm through hers. "You're going to die. It's absolutely fabulous in here."

Fabulous was not the word Grace would have used to describe the Last Straw. Dim, smoky, seedy, and loud were the terms that came to her mind. Once through the door, they had to navigate past the bar and what Tom explained was the "meat rack," a rail that ran along the wall opposite the bar where people looking for a companion would stand. Beyond the bar was the largest area, half decorated with neon lights and mirrors where everyone danced and the other half done in a combination of license plates and hubcaps where the pool table sat. The back section was the pinball machines and small tables that were used more for a place to put drinks down than to sit at. "I've got the first game," Tom said, walking over to the chalkboard and adding their names to the list.

"I'll get the first round," Stuart said. "What can I get you, Grace?"

"Do they have coffee?"

"In ten different flavors," he said. "I know what he wants, a virgin pina colada. Wait here, I'll be right back. I'll get you the mocha hazelnut, you'll love it."

Grace kept an eye on Tom as he stopped to talk to someone, unaware that she was being watched until she felt the warmth of another body pressing against her right side. "Hello," the soft voice purred. "I haven't seen you here before." The woman held her hand out. "Rachel."

Oh, easy on the makeup, Grace thought as she shook hands. "Grace."

"Would you care to dance, Grace?"

"No, thank you," she said. "Besides, how do you dance to this?"

"The DJ takes requests," the older woman said, her cigarette breath too close for Grace's comfort.

"Excuse me," Grace said, walking away and over to Tom. "Don't leave me alone again," she said. "That Rocky Horror reject just tried to pick me up."

"Rachel?" Tom laughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't warn you about her. She's here every night. She likes the young ones."

"Apparently," she said. "What is that?" she asked, pointing at the television mounted high on the wall, the angle of which made it impossible for her to see it before. "Oh no, are they? They are. Tom, they're—“

"I know," he said with a grin. "We can't rent them in the video stores but we can come here and watch them for free. Guess that's not your cup of tea, huh?"

Grace looked away from the television. "Seeing two guys going at it is not my idea of fun," she said.

"Hang around," he said. "They show the girls around midnight."

Stuart arrived with the drinks, setting them on the wide rail that ran along the wall. "Isn't the music great?" he said. "I can't believe they're playing Puttin ' On The Ritz."

"He loves the era of glam rock and video music infancy," Tom said. "Ah, she sank the eight ball. I'm next. I'll win the table and then I’ll show you how to play." Tom walked over to the cue rack and selected the one he wanted, then introduced himself to the woman who currently ran the table. Grace watched, wondering what was taking so long. Then Tom and the woman approached. "She wants to play doubles."

"Oh," Grace said, looking at Stuart. "Go ahead. I'll watch."

"No," Tom said. "You and me against the two of them."

Grace smiled and shook her head. “I don't know how to play."

"That's okay," the beefy teen with straight black hair and gothic makeup said. "Mary doesn't know how to play either." She held out her hand, pale white in stark contrast to the black fingernails. "I'm Cassie."

"Grace."

"Nice to meet you, Grace. You guys rack."

"I'll do it," Tom said, reaching above the light for the triangle.

"They get to break," Stuart explained. "Then you and Tom alternate shots. You'll either be going for the high balls or the low balls based on what they end up getting. The low balls are solids and the high balls are stripes."

Grace nodded, taking a sip of her flavored coffee while Tom set the balls on the table, then stepped back. Cassie made the break well, scattering the balls all over the table. "Stripes."

"So you two have solids," Stuart said. "Now watch how Tom's holding the cue stick. See the fingers? Nice and smooth, just line up your shot and let it go." Tom sank two, then missed. Mary took her shot sending the cue ball into the pocket. "Your turn," Stuart said.

Grace took the offered cue from Mary, then walked over to Tom.

"Now what do I do?"

Tom took the cue ball and set it on the table, lining up an easy shot at the two ball into the comer. "Okay, come over here, lean over, and just hit it straight on." He positioned her fingers. "Not too hard and not too soft."

"And I'm supposed to know what's too hard and what's too soft, right?" she asked, giving him a bump with her hip.

"Just hit the cue ball hard enough to send it into the two ball."

"The white ball into the blue, right?"

"Right."

Grace looked down the line of the cue stick, the tip of her tongue sticking out between her lips. Pulling the cue back, she sent it forward with what she thought was a good medium force. The cue ball smacked into the two ball, then bounced off the table.

"Scratch," Cassie said.

"Shit," Grace said, handing the stick back to Mary.

"A little softer next time," Tom said, handing her drink to her. Grace brought the mug to her lips just as Cassie moved close and whispered in her ear.

"Hey, sexy, there's some smoke going on out on the deck."

"Thanks, but I'm fine here," Grace said.

"Open invitation," Cassie said, moving to the other side of the table to make her shot.

"Having fun?" Tom asked.

"Sure," Grace said. "I've been propositioned by a Rocky Horror reject, seen a gay porn video, and had a joint offered to me."

“Oh good, and Stuart was worried you wouldn't have any fun," Tom said. "Your shot."

"Okay," Grace said, looking at the half dozen balls on the table.

"What should I go for?"

Tom frowned. "You don't really have any decent shots," he said. "It's a long shot but you could try for the four in the far corner."

Grace tried to position herself. "It's too far away."

"Lean over the table," he said. "Just don't move any of the other balls."

Grace looked at the shot again. "All right, but don't yell at me when I miss." Carefully she leaned over the table, then situated the cue stick where she wanted it. Don't miss. Don't miss. Nervously she sent the cue forward, connecting with the white ball and sending the four ball into the pocket. When she straightened up, it was to the sound of a wolf whistle and clapping from behind.

"Thank you," Mary said when Grace turned around.

Embarrassed by the blatant action, Grace nodded and quickly walked

over to Tom and Stuart. "I can't believe you didn't warn me she was standing there," she said, lightly punching Tom's arm.

"That's Mary Barracuda," Tom said. "She goes after all the ladies. Come four O’clock if she's still here she'll go after Rachel."

Grace shuddered. "Ugh. I wouldn't touch her if she was the last woman on earth."

"Enough to send you straight, eh?" Stuart joked. "No way," she said. "I'd just stock up on batteries."

"And rent a lot of adult movies," Tom added.

"I don't have a VCR," she said. "Just the thirteen-inch TV my Dad got me." She smirked. "Maybe I should ask for a VCR for my birthday." She turned at the light touch on her shoulder.

"Would you care to dance?" Mary asked.

"Actually, I—“

"One dance," the redhead said, tugging Grace's arm. Grace reluctantly followed the redhead to the dance floor just as the music changed. No, not a slow song, she groaned mentally as a Marvin Gaye classic began to play. Hands went around her waist, pulling her close enough that their bodies touched.

"You're very pretty," Mary said, her hands moving to Grace's hips. "I'd love to go out with you sometime."

"Thanks, but I'm interested in someone," Grace said, taking a step back to put some distance between them, her hands barely reaching the redhead's shoulders.

"In the meantime, you're here, I'm here, why not have a good time?" Mary said, her roaming hands moving up Grace's sides.

"No," Grace said. "I told you. I'm interested in someone."

"Lucky her," Mary said, her fingers tracing the waistband of Grace's jeans. "So there's no chance?"

"It's look, don't touch," Grace said, politely but firmly removing the redhead's hands. “I’m taken."

"Close your eyes," Carey said, and Grace complied without asking why. The sun was setting and Carey could see the color spreading across the sky. She knew the lake would be breathtaking with a sky like that reflected in all its glory in the shimmering waters. They emerged from the woodland and Carey pulled the truck to the side of the road. Below she could see the small community of Packard, and she smiled. "Keep them closed. I'm going to come around and get you."

Grace couldn't help but giggle and wonder what her mentor was up to. The truck door opened and Carey took her hand and helped her out, then led her to the perfect spot to view the panorama below them.

"Okay, you can open them now."

"Wow," was all Grace could say. This had to be about the most beautiful sight the city girl had ever seen. The timing could not have been better, the lake and the sky merging into one in glorious array of color.

"I love this view," Carey said, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. She pointed to the left where a few buildings could be seen in the distance. "Over there is the town proper. Population is about 1,800 year-round residents."

"Why don't more people live in a beautiful place like this?" Grace asked.

"Most people like the conveniences of city life. Packard has the bare necessities. If you wanted to go to a mall you'd have to be willing to drive an hour to get there." Carey walked over to a large rock and sat down. "In the summer the population swells to about 2,000. I only get up here a couple of weeks a year." She looked over at Grace and smiled. "But like I said before, I intend to move here when I retire."

"Where's your cottage?" Grace asked as she walked over to stand by her friend.

"See the little island at the north side of the lake?"

Grace squinted and shook her head. "No, I don't...oh, wait, I see it. That tiny little speck is an island? Don't tell me you have a cottage on that little bit of ground?"

Carey laughed. "It's bigger than it looks from here, but, no, that's just my landmark. I'm east of the island tucked back against that stand of trees." She stood up and brushed off her pants. "Come on. I'm gonna buy you dinner at Martha Jane's Diner. She serves the best chicken fried steak you ever tasted."

"Mm, can't wait," Grace said as she followed Carey back to the truck.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," Carey called through the door.

"Let me sleep a little longer," Grace said, as she buried her head under her pillow. She started to drift off again when suddenly her covers were yanked off and Carey grabbed her ankles and pulled her to the bottom of the bed.

"What?" Grace said, blinking rapidly.

"I've got the coffee on and the batter for pancakes ready. Now get up. We need to get out there while the fish are biting."

Grace looked at the window. "But it's still dark out."

"Won't be by the time we get out there." Carey reached out and grabbed her hands, pulling her to her feet. "You hit the bathroom and I’ll start cooking."

Grace laughed as Carey turned and marched from the room. "A little anxious, aren't we?"

"Hey," Carey called from the other room. "I don't get up here much and I don't intend to waste a moment."

Grace shook her head and padded to the bathroom.

"How will I know when I get one?"

Carey grinned. "Don't worry, you'll know."

"But how?"

"When you feel a tug on the line, you've got one. Or when you see the bobber go under, you've got one." Carey handed Grace a pole. "When that happens you give a quick jerk to set the hook."

Grace nodded. "It doesn't sound so hard."

"It's not, once you get the hang of it." Carey glanced back at her boat and shook her head. She had wanted to take it out on the lake but one of her renters failed to tell her that they had damaged it. Shouldn't take too long to repair, she thought. We'll take it out tomorrow. Grace looked at the bucket of thawed-out shrimp that Carey had brought along for bait. "I thought you were supposed to use worms for bait?"

"You can use lots of things for bait. Worms, crickets, chicken liver, cheese. Any number of things, really."

"They all sound pretty disgusting to me. Well, all except the cheese."

Carey laughed. "If you're going to be a first-class fisherwoman, you'll try them all." She walked to the edge of the dock. "The water's pretty shallow around the dock, so you're going to have to cast your hook out to the deeper water. I want you to practice a few casts before you bait

your hook. Watch me."

Grace watched everything the older woman did and it looked pretty easy to her.

"Piece of cake," she said, taking her rod and flipping it back over her shoulder, then screaming out as the fishhook embedded itself in her backside. She dropped her pole and grabbed Carey's arm. "Get it out!"

"Turn around and let me see," Carey said, trying her best not to laugh

at the whimpering young woman.

Grace turned around, but she flinched every time Carey tried to touch her.

"You're going to have to be still, Grace."

"Okay, just get it out...please." Grace bent over and squeezed her eyes shut. She held her breath and tried to be as still as possible.

"Got it."

"Ouch!" Grace stood up, rubbing her backside.

"Come on," Carey said. "Let’s go back to the cottage and clean you up. We don't want that pretty little ass of yours getting infected." She couldn't hold back the laughter any longer, tears running down her cheeks as she watched Grace stomp back toward the house.

Carey retrieved her first aid kit from the truck and joined Grace in the cottage. The sight that greeted her when she opened the door caused her to stop dead in her tracks, her breath catching. Grace was standing with her jeans and panties down around her ankles, trying to look over her shoulder at her injured butt.

"Does it look bad?"

Carey didn't need an invitation to stare at the beautiful young woman. She couldn't help herself. "Not too bad," she finally answered, pulling herself out of her daze. "Go lie down on the couch and I’ll be right there."

Grace didn't miss the look of desire that flashed in Carey's eyes. Hmm, she thought. That hook hurt like hell, but it just might have been worth it. Grace kicked off her jeans and walked to the couch, aware that the older woman's eyes never left her.

Carey knelt down next to the couch and opened up her kit. She dabbed at the wound with a cotton ball that had been saturated with hydrogen peroxide. She felt the young woman tremble, heard a small gasp.

"Did I hurt you?"

"No, it feels wonderful."

"Behave," Carey said, sticking a bandage over the hook bite, then giving a small slap to the other cheek. "Now are we going to do some fishing or what?"

Grace put her suitcase on her bed and turned to say good-bye to Carey. The week at the cottage had gone too fast, and it seemed that every time they had to part it was harder to say good-bye. "I had a great time, even if I did rip a hole in my ass."

"I had fun too. I'm glad you came."

"Can I have a hug?"

Carey smiled and opened up her arms. "Come here."

Grace rushed over and wrapped her arms around her. "I wish you

could stay longer."

"I wish I could too, but I'll call you."

"Remember that I'm working until closing at the Waterhouse now, so I'm not sure when you should call."

"Are you sure you should be working that late? How are you getting home?”

"It's only five blocks."

"Grace, I don't like the idea of you walking home at that hour by yourself."

"It's a well-lit street. What else am I supposed to do? I can't waste the money on a cab and I certainly can't afford a car."

Carey's first thought was to offer to loan her truck but realized that would not be appropriate. "I still don't like it. Are you sure you'll be safe?"

"As sure as I can be. If I get worried, I'll see if someone can escort me home or give me a ride, okay?"

"It'll have to be," Carey said. "It's a nice restaurant, right? Not some cheap diner."

"People make reservations."

Carey still did not like it but there was little she could do. "Just promise me you'll be safe and not take chances."

"I promise."

"Good. If you do something stupid, I’ll—“

"You'll make me do twenty, right?"

"At least," Carey said.

"I'll miss you."

"But we talk every week."

"It's not the same."

"I know."

Grace undid the top two buttons, finding the juice bar to be abnormally hot. She ordered a tall soda instead of her usual coffee, then headed back to the pinball machines to use up the quarters weighing down her pocket. She no sooner put a quarter in the machine than she was bumped from the side.

"Hey, good looking, what's up?"

It took only a second to recognize her friend. "Jan!" She gave Jan a hug. "It's great to see you."

"You too. How've you been?"

"Great, how about you?" The pinball game forgotten, Grace leaned against the machine. "You still working up at the mall?"

"Yeah," Jan said. "But I might get a promotion to the new store they're building out at the strip mall near the airport."

"Wow, that's great, I hope you get it."

Jan smiled. "You really look great," she said as her eyes swept over Grace's body. "But then I always thought you were hot. You have no idea how many times I came close to kissing you when we were alone."

"Jan, that was a long time ago."

Jan shrugged. "I know. I've got a girlfriend now and she gets really pissed when I screw around on her, so I'll behave. You got someone?"

Grace reached for her drink. "I'm working on it," she said. "You up for a game?" she asked, gesturing at the pinball machine.

"Sure."

Grace tossed another quarter in and hit the start button. "You can go first." She stepped out of the way.

"So how come I haven't seen you in here before?" Jan asked, her eyes on the silver ball pinging off the bumpers.

"I don't come here much," Grace said. "I just needed to get out tonight."

"I try to get out two or three times a week," Jan said. "Sondra and I fight if we're around each other too much." She smacked the machine as the ball went down the side. "Damn."

As Grace moved to take her turn, she felt Jan brush firmly against her backside. "So are you going to school, or just working?" she asked, hoping Jan would get the hint if she ignored the touch.

"Just working," Jan said, standing just behind Grace's left shoulder. "I make enough money. I don't need school. How about you?"

"Still at ICC," Grace said. "Working at the Waterhouse right now."

She smiled as the lights began flashing. "Ha! Multi-ball."

"Lucky you," Jan said. "So you see anyone from the hill?"

Grace tapped the flippers repeatedly, fighting to keep all three balls in play. "No, not really," she said. "I talk to Carey a lot, but none of the other girls that were there. I heard Latisha was moving to New York City to live with one of her aunts."

"You still talk to Scary Carey?"

"Come on, Jan. She wasn't that bad. She's really a nice person once you get to know her."

"And how well did you get to know her?" Jan asked.

"Not like that," Grace said, though she did allow herself a smile at the thought. "But not for a lack of trying."

"You were interested in Scary? The same woman you told me you

wished would get run over by a bus?"

"That was when I first got there," Grace said. "You know we were getting along really well by graduation."

"Yeah, but Scary?"

"Don't call her that," Grace said. "I really care about her. She's the one for me."

"Grace, don't waste your time," Jan said. "She's not right for you."

"How do you know?"

"Oh come on, you mean you're gonna be able to light up a joint in front of her or have a few beers? So-Carey's so straight-laced she'd never allow that."

"Once I turn twenty-one she has no say in whether I drink or not, and I'd rather have her than pot."

Jan shook her head. "Don't say I didn't warn you. You're only asking for heartbreak going after that one."

"It's my heart to break," Grace said.

"So, did you hear about that bitch Grenner?"

One of the balls slipped past the flippers. "Shit. No, what'd she do?"

"Tried to knock off a convenience store over in Iroquois. She was still on probation and just turned eighteen so they threw the book at her. She's serving a nickel at Irwin."

In quick succession Grace lost the other two balls, ending her turn. "Guess Sapling Hill didn't help her at all, did it?" She moved out of the way, careful not to brush up against Jan.

"Not a damn bit," Jan said as she pulled back the plunger. "Look at your score. I'll never catch up."

"Good thing we didn't bet on it, hmm?"

Jan gave her a rakish look. "Depends on the bet."

Grace smiled and shook her head. "What would Sondra say?"

Jan turned and leaned on the machine, ignoring the ball as it rolled down the center and between the flippers. "She'd say she's leaving me...again." She shrugged. "No biggie. I get a two-day vacation and then she's back."

"My turn," Grace said. "Doesn't sound like you two are very happy."

"Ah, we do okay," Jan said, draining her glass. "Buy you a drink?"

Holding the plunger to keep the ball from going into play, Grace jutted her chin in the direction of her drink. "I'm good for now."

"I know the bouncer at Kitty's. Twenty bucks and I can get you in."

Grace tapped the flippers. "And get caught underage in a bar? I'm happy being off probation."

"You wouldn't get caught unless the cops raided the place," Jan said.

"I'm not taking the chance," Grace said. "I'd hate for my dad to come down from Alaska just to bail me out of jail."

Jan shrugged. "Suit yourself. Wanna go out on the deck?"

“I don't have anything," Grace said, losing one of the balls down the side.

“I do."

"Maybe later. Hah! Sixty million."

"Twenty more and you get a free game," Jan said.

"I've done it a couple of times," Grace said. "Get a hundred million and Joey gives a free drink." She lost another ball. "Christian doesn't, so I'm glad he's not working the bar tonight." She smacked the flippers repeatedly, saving the last ball by sheer luck. "Whew, that was close. Hey, you up for a game of pool after this?"

"I'd rather dance," Jan said.

"You gonna behave?"

"Do I have to?" Jan asked as Grace finally ended her turn.

"Yes," Grace said. "I told you, I want Carey and I don't want to do anything to screw it up."

“She doesn't have to know," Jan said, pulling the plunger, then walking away from the game. "There, you won."

Grace reached for her drink. "Jan, I'm not interested."

"All right, I get the picture. She must be pretty special for you to turn down a chance to get laid."

"She is," Grace said.

"So do I get a dance or not?"

"Behave?"

Jan gave an exaggerated bow. "I'll be a perfect gentledyke."

"You busy?"

Carey looked up from her paperwork. "Come on in, Sue. What's up?”

“Just checking on you. You almost took Kosnowski's head off.”

"She shouldn't have tied McCafferty's laces together," Carey said.

"It wouldn't have anything to do with Grace going to Alaska for two weeks to go fishing with her father, would it?"

"I think it's great she's spending time with her father," Carey said. "She wants to show off her new fishing skills. She really was pretty good once she got the hang of it."

"But she won't be anywhere near a phone. How are you going to survive?"

"Don't start, Sue," Carey said. “I can survive two weeks without talking to Grace."

"Are you sure?" Gage asked. "You haven't had to do it since she left."

"She said if she saw a pay phone that she'd give me a call," Carey said.

"Why don't you just admit you have something for her?"

"We've talked about this before," Carey said. "It would never work out."

"And what crystal ball did you get that information from?"

"I don't need this today, Sue."

"Because you miss Grace," the petite woman said. "Admit it." She set her hip on the comer of the desk. "You have to dig through the photo album to show me a picture of your mother but..." She tapped the framed photo of Carey and Grace on graduation day. “Do you want me to start on your refrigerator?"

"She's too young."

"Joanna Carey, you are a great big coward," Sue said. "You'll use any excuse in the book to avoid admitting what's right under your nose."

Carey sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Sue, she's going to wake up one day and realize that I'm not right for her."

"Better to keep her at a distance no matter what you feel so she doesn't break your heart, right?" Sue shook her head. "You're not doing a good job. Weekly phone calls, letters, visits, presents." She tapped the photo again. "Mixed messages, Carey."

"So what'd you think of that COBOL final?"

"Hey, Michelle," Grace said. "I think Professor Smith is a sadist. A hundred questions and write code?" She shook her head. "I'm glad I'm done with that. What are you up to?"

"June and I were going to head over to the Coffee Bean for a little while. You wanna tag along?"

Grace looked at her watch. "I have Spinnaker's final first thing tomorrow morning. I'd better go home and study."

"Grace Waters, you never take a break, do you?" Michelle made a clucking sound with her tongue. "I can get Linda to come along." She elbowed Grace. "You know she's dying to go out with you."

"I know and I'm not interested," Grace said. "I'd love to get a cappuccino but I can't be late getting back. I need to get a few more hours of studying in for Spinnaker's final."

"Look, it's not even five yet," Michelle said. "We'll head to the Bean then maybe grab a bite to eat afterwards. Come on, it'll be a blast."

Grace debated for a few seconds. "All right, but no Linda," she said. "She looks at me like I'm dinner."

"Deal," Michelle said. "Come on, June's waiting for me at the car." As they approached the beat-up hatchback, Grace saw June sitting on the hood, cigarette in mouth and a soda bottle with the label torn off in her hand.

"Hey, sexy," June said when she saw her.

"Hi, June," Grace said. "This thing runs?"

"Sure does," June said, patting the hood. "I had the engine souped up a bit. Purrs like a kitten or Michelle after a good night."

Always has to bring up sex, Grace thought. "I wouldn't know."

"I would," June said with a grin. She pulled the lever, flipping the driver's seat forward. "Climb in."

Grace looked at Michelle but seeing no concern on her face, squeezed into the small back seat. She reached between the seat bottom and back for the belt. "Where's the seat belt?"

"I don't know," Michelle said as she shut the passenger door.

"Don't worry about it," June said, starting the engine, then pressing the accelerator down several times. "I'm an excellent driver." She took the comer sharply, barely missing a cyclist. "Hey, after the Bean we can go over to the Brew and Beef. They've got the best steaks around."

"Don't you have to be twenty-one to get in there?" Grace asked. "I'm only nineteen."

June took her eyes off the road and looked at her lover. "She worries too much, doesn't she?"

"You only have to be twenty-one if you're at the bar," Michelle said. "If we sit in the back, we can usually get someone to bring us a few drinks."

"Watch the road," Grace said as they flew under the light just as it turned red. "The Bean is fine but I’ll pass on the Brew and Beef." She was nervous enough about June's driving without having to worry about her being intoxicated behind the wheel.

"Suit yourself," June said, taking another comer with enough speed to send Grace hard against the door. "Hey, Grace, you ever been to Gary's Go-Karts?"

“Oh we have to go," Michelle said. "You'll love it. They've got the greatest go-karts around and they just got a new foosball game in the arcade."

Carey rolled over and fumbled for the phone, finding it before the third ring. "Hello?"

"Miss Carey? This is Richard Waters."

The tone of his voice was enough to bring Carey to full wakefulness. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to call so late." She heard a shuddering breath before he continued. "The hospital called...she's been in an accident."

"Oh God," Carey said. "How bad?"

“I don’t know." The pain and fear in his voice matched her own. "She was brought in by ambulance and the woman said...she said they were working on her."

"Mr. Waters, which hospital? The medical center?"

"Yes. The nurse said I need to get there b-but the airport's snowed in."

"Don't worry," Carey said as she stripped off her pajamas. "I'll get there as fast as I can and call you as soon I find out anything."

"I don't know her mother's number."

"Maybe the school had it on file for her," Carey said, pulling her jeans on. "If not we might have it here in the old records."

"I can't get there," he said just before there was a click on the line. "This could be the hospital. Hold on."

"Of course," she said, then heard a click as he switched over to pick up the call waiting. She took advantage to set the phone down and put her bra and shirt on, then put the receiver to her ear and sat down on the bed to put her socks on. Her mind raced with horrific images as she

feared the worst. Please be all right, Grace.

"Miss Carey?"

"Yes, I'm here," she said.

"That was Dr. Ma-I can't remember his name." There was another shuddering breath. "He's treating my daughter and I can't remember his name."

"It's all right," she said. "What did he say?"

"They're taking her for surgery."

"Surgery?" She fumbled with the laces on her sneakers.

She heard him move the phone away and sniffle. "She's bleeding inside."

Carey covered her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'll call you as soon as I get there," she said.

"You have the number?"

"Yes," she said, shoving a small address book into her back pocket. "Grace gave it to me a while ago." She pulled her jacket off the hook and pushed one arm through the sleeve. "Mr. Waters, I'm sure she's going to be fine," she said, trying her best to sound convincing. "I'm leaving now."

"Okay. When you see her, you give her a big hug for me."

"I will," she said. "Good-bye." Hitting the button, she waited briefly for the dial tone, then with a trembling finger dialed another number. "Come on, come on, answer," she said as she heard ring after ring.

"Hello?"

"Sue, it's Carey. I need you to cover morning formation and PT."

"Carey? It's...almost two in the morning."

"Grace was in an accident. I've got to go. Cover me in the morning." She hung up the phone, snatched her keys from the hook and headed out the door.

Carey moved quickly through the automatic doors of the emergency room and headed for the first nurse she saw. "Excuse me, they brought a friend of mine in. Grace Waters."

"Are you family?"

"A friend of the family. Her father's stuck in Alaska. He called me to come down."

"Just a moment," the nurse said, turning and typing some information into the computer. "She's still in recovery," she said. "You can wait over there. I'll let the doctor know someone is here for her."

"Hey there," Carey said, when she saw Grace's eyes flutter open. "It's about time you woke up. You gave us quite a scare." She reached down and used her fingers to brush Grace's hair back. "Your dad's snowed in."

"It hurts," Grace said, wincing as she shifted.

“Easy," Carey said. "You just had major surgery."

"I'm glad you're here," she said, blue eyes locking with brown.

"Think I'd let you go through this all alone?" Realizing what she was doing with her hands, Carey stopped playing with the short blonde locks and gripped the bed rails.

"What happened?"

"You were in a car accident," Carey said. "The doctor said you must not have been wearing a seat belt."

"Car?" She shook her head. "I don't remember."

"You were with two girls," Carey said. "Michelle something..."

"Michelle Blake?"

"That's it," Carey said. "I don't remember the other girl's name."

"June?"

"Could be. I really wasn't paying attention to that part," Carey said. "I was more worried about you."

"Are they okay?"

Carey reached down and took the teen's hand in hers, careful of the tubing. "Their injuries were minor compared to yours," she said. "They've already been released."

"I can't remember any of it," Grace said, holding her hand up to look at the IV tube sticking out of it, but refusing to release Carey's fingers. "I really did it this time, didn't I?"

"You're alive," Carey said. "That's what matters. Grace, you were thrown around pretty good. You broke two ribs and ruptured your spleen." She took comfort in feeling Grace's hand squeezing hers after hours of being still while she waited for Grace to regain consciousness. "You were in shock by the time they got you here."

"Ruptured?" She licked her lips. "Doesn't sound good. Can I have some water?"

"I don't know," Carey said, reaching for the nurse button. "It's not good, but it could have been much worse. They had to remove it."

Grace closed her eyes. "That really doesn't sound good. What does the spleen do?"

"Helps fight infections and clean the blood," Carey said. "They're giving you antibiotics through the IV." She pointed at the small bag piggybacked to the larger bag of fluids.

"Carey?" Her voice sounded small and scared, making Carey want to take the young woman in her arms and protect her from harm. "Can I live without a spleen?"

"Yes," Carey said, rubbing her thumb over the back of Grace's hand. "The doctor said you'd be more susceptible to infections but after a while your other organs will compensate and that problem will be minimal." She reluctantly released Grace's hand and moved out of the way as the nurse came in. "She wants some water."

"I'll check her chart," the nurse said, glancing at the monitor mounted on the wall. "Miss Waters, how are you feeling?"

"Tired," Grace said. "Everything hurts."

"I'll check to see what pain medicines you're allowed," the nurse said, picking up the clipboard hooked to the foot of the bed. "I'll let the doctor know you're awake as well."

Carey kept her vigil by Grace’s side throughout the rest of the night and into the next morning, getting up only to get more coffee and to use the restroom. It was now approaching noon and the lack of sleep was catching up to her as the yawns became more frequent. Still, any movement brought Carey to full alertness. "Shh, easy now," Carey said, gently touching Grace's forehead as the teen groaned in pain.

"Hurts.”

"I know," Carey said. "They said the pain would come and go for a little while."

"Tell it to go."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No!" Grace opened her eyes and tried to sit up.

"Easy," Carey said, pressing on Grace's shoulder to get her to lie back down. "Relax. I'll stay for a while longer."

"Promise?"

"I promise." She turned her head at the sound of people entering the room.

"You'll do anything to get out of one of Spinnaker's tests, won't you?" a thin blond man said, setting a small basket of flowers on the tray. He stopped when he saw Carey, his eyes widening. "Ohmigod! It's you!" He reached out and took Carey's hand in both of his, shaking it rapidly. "I am so pleased to finally meet you. I'm sorry, I'm Tom and this is my boyfriend, Stuart." He turned to the older man standing next to him. "Stuart, this is the one and only Carey."

Carey looked at Grace, who was blushing furiously. "What did you tell them about me?"

"Nothing, nothing at all," Grace said, trying to sound innocent and failing miserably. "Tom, don't you say a word."

"You finally let me meet her and you expect me to not speak to her?" He made a tsking sound. "Forgive her," he said. "I try, but you know these young dykes. You just can't tell them a thing about manners."

"Stuart Masterson," the older man said, holding out his hand. Carey guessed him to be in his early forties, gray dominating what was left of his short curly hair.

"Hi," she said as they shook hands.

"So, Carey, did she show you her stitches yet?" Tom asked, earning a smack on the arm from his lover. "Ow. Don't hit me. I didn't ask if she showed her the tattoo, did I?" His eyes widened. "Oops."

"Tattoo?" Carey gave Grace a stern look. "Don't give me the deer in the headlights look," she said. "Where is it, what is it, and does your father know about it?"

Grace looked around her to Tom. "You know when I get out of here I'm going to kill you, right?"

"Don't worry," Stuart said, slapping his hand on the young man's shoulder. "I'll kill him for you."

"Grace," Carey tapped her nails on the bed rail. "I'm waiting."

"Um...it's a heart with a double woman's symbol in the middle," Grace said, looking down at her gown. "Do you know how many stitches I got, or if they were staples?"

"I didn't ask," Carey said. "And you didn't answer the rest of my question."

"Oh, Tommy boy, you are in big trouble," Stuart said.

"It's um..." Grace blushed all the more and crooked her finger. Carey leaned closer. "Let's just say I'd love to show it to you but the boys would have to leave the room first," she whispered.

Carey swallowed as her mind raced with possibilities. "I think we'll let this one drop for now."

"Good idea," Grace said. "The pain is coming back."

"I think you're giving me an excuse," Carey said.

"If you really want to see it," Grace offered, reaching for the neck of her gown.

"No, no, that's quite all right," Carey said, giving the teen a look for teasing her. "You behave," she whispered so the men would not hear.

"I'll be good, I promise."

"I've heard that one before," Carey said, though she settled back down in the chair.

"So," Tom said, deciding it was safe to approach his bedridden friend. "Spinnaker said you can do a make-up after you get out."

"Thanks," Grace said. "I'm still going to kill you, though." She reached for Carey's hand, intertwining their fingers. "Can you stay a while?" she asked.

"A little while longer," Carey said, rubbing her thumb absently over the back of Grace's hand. I'm going to owe Sue big time for this. “Do you want some water?"

Grace swallowed and licked her lips. "Please."

Carey went to reach for the pitcher. "Um, Grace? You have to let go." She wiggled their linked hands.

"Oh yeah, like that will happen," Tom said.

"I don't want to," Grace said as she let go and tried to sit up.

"Stay," Carey said. "I'll help you." She poured a small amount of water into the plastic cup, then added a bendable straw. "Do you want me to raise the bed or help you sit up a little bit?"

"Help," Grace and Tom said at the same time.

"Thomas Michael, stop it," Stuart reprimanded. "You're embarrassing Grace."

Carey gave Grace a soft smile. "Nice and slow, all right?" she said, putting her right hand behind the blonde head. "That's it, easy." She waited until Grace had drunk her fill, then helped her settle back down.

"Thanks."

Carey indulged herself, taking a moment to smooth Grace's ruffled hair and ignoring the smirk on Tom's face. She watched as her young friend's eyes closed for a moment, then slowly opened again. "You need your rest."

Grace nodded. "I am getting tired, but I'm afraid if I go to sleep, you'll be gone when I wake up."

Carey leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I'll be here, I promise. Now close your eyes."

"Yes, sweet thing, you close those eyes. Stuart and I will be back tomorrow. We don't want to tire you out." He turned to Carey. "And you really don't know how glad I am to meet you. I was beginning to wonder if you were just a figment of her imagination."

"Tom..."

"Okay, okay. We're leaving before I put my foot in my mouth again."

He blew Grace a kiss, then grabbed his lover's hand and dragged him out the door.

"Your friends are nice."

"Yeah, they are. I'm glad you got to meet them." Grace's eyes closed for a moment. "I'm glad you're here," she said as her eyelids fluttered. She forced them open in a desperate attempt to stay awake.

Carey reached over with the tips of her fingers and gently closed Grace’s eyes. "Sleep."

A tired smile curled the teen’s lip. "Yes, ma'am."

Carey sat and watched as Grace's breathing slowed and sleep claimed her. This scare had really shaken her. It forced her to accept how important the young woman was to her. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you. Grace. She closed her eyes and sighed. A smile came to her face as she thought of Tom's reaction when he met her.

"What have you been telling them about me, young lady?" she whispered softly as she reached over and stroked Grace's cheek.