Lesbian Romance
© 2015
édition el!es
www.elles-books.com
info@elles-book.com
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form whatsoever.
ISBN 978-3-95609-154-4
Cover photo:
© Kesu – Fotolia.com
To Alison, thank you so much for your advice and tireless effort, your assistance was invaluable. We spent many long hours working on this, but the most special part was becoming much closer friends. For all of this I thank you.
To two of my dearest friends, Cheryl (Sugar) and Mary for your honest opinions and advise. Thanks for letting me talk endlessly about my book while I was writing it and not allowing you to read it until it was complete. Thank you for being there.
To Allan, your expertise was greatly appreciated and a blessing. Thank you for your support on this project.
Thanks to all my family and friends who offered their wonderful support and encouraging words.
Also, thanks to Gloria, because without her vision, I do not think I would have had the courage to pursue my dream of being a published author.
SPECIAL THANKS
To my wife Heather, who from the very beginning was always supportive. You encouraged me and gave me confidence to follow my dream during this entire journey. I love you for that. Your support and input was a welcomed asset to my writing and I am forever grateful to have you by my side. I love you Heather, now and always.
Karen headed to the grocery store to pick up the fresh vegetables for the party. Driving home she felt self-conscious and confused that she was so consumed by thoughts of Jessie. Once the groceries were in the house, Karen went back out to fill the bird feeders. Karen began humming, joining in the birds’ chorus of chirps and whistles. She loved feeling a part of something as beautiful as the nature that surrounded her.
Back inside, she turned on some rock’n’roll tunes, cranking them loud enough to make her hips feel the beat. The vegetables took some time to clean and cut up. After arranging them on a platter, Karen focused on getting herself ready. She changed her mind on the outfit. The one she had chosen earlier no longer seemed to match her mood. Karen decided on something a little more casual and dressed it up with a couple of accessories.
It was almost seven o’clock when Karen headed out. On her drive she wondered if Sophie’s team had won the basketball tournament. She hoped they had. Everyone had put so much effort into it.
By the time Karen arrived at Julie and Rhonda’s, there were already about eight or ten people there. That was good. Karen never liked to be the first to arrive. Julie met her at the door and helped her with the platter. Karen put down her cooler, took her coat off and handed Julie the Christmas ornament she had picked up as a hostess gift.
“What a beautiful decoration! That is so sweet of you! You are always so thoughtful! And, thanks so much for doing the veggies and the dip for me, Karen.” Julie was truly grateful of Karen’s efforts.
“No problem. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to help.” Once her coat was hung up Karen and Julie exchanged hugs and kisses as usual.
Just then Rhonda arrived. “Hey, I want my share of the warm fuzzies going on in here.” They laughed as Rhonda gave Karen a big hug. “I don’t have to tell you this, but make yourself at home,” Rhonda instructed.
They headed towards the kitchen where people seemed to have gathered. Karen quickly greeted everyone and mixed herself a drink.
Jane and Sharon were there. They were a cute couple that had started dating about six months ago. Then there were Janet and Martha. They seemed like a nice couple. Karen didn’t really know them that well. She had only met them a few times. Mary managed to get John to come with her. Not many of the guys usually came. Probably because some were a little uncomfortable when their wives got more stares from the girls than they did.
John however always fit in and seemed very secure in his own relationship. He usually had a good time. There were also Heather and Connie from the hockey team who each came alone.
Karen felt comfortable. She knew everyone who was there. The doorbell kept ringing, and people kept arriving. It was starting to get louder. Groups of people now spread around the living room and the kitchen. It was just after eight. Still Jessie had not arrived. Obviously her day must have been too tiring. Karen was extremely disappointed at this realization, but she could not let it show. Julie and Rhonda would question her, if they saw her moping. Karen decided to make the best of it and party like she came to do.
Just then Julie entered the room. “Is anybody interested in playing charades?”
Along with Karen there were seven others willing to embarrass themselves, which made two teams of four. Julie and Rhonda each picked their teams. Karen was on Rhonda’s team, as well as Barb and John. Julie had Martha, Jane and Connie on her team. Julie went over the rules, and the game began.
Karen was on her second drink and felt pretty relaxed. Even those that were not really playing were yelling out their guesses.
Once again it was Karen’s turn. She had to act out “pain in the neck”.
Everybody was laughing and talking loudly. Nobody heard the doorbell ring. Jessie let herself in and followed the sound of the laughter. She opened a beer for herself and searched for the cause of the noise. Just then she spotted Karen acting out a charade in the center of the room. Jessie moved closer to get a better view and was happy that she had made the effort to come tonight.
It took a bit of exaggerated effort on Karen’s part to get the team to guess the word “pain”. The “in the” came pretty easily. Karen could not help herself and immediately turned her back to everyone, stuck out her behind and pointed to it. Everybody yelled “ass” and laughed. They were clapping for themselves, proud that they had it. Then Karen turned and signalled they were wrong. She was laughing out loud. Redoing the last word again, “neck” was just as easy as “ass” for them to figure out, but not nearly as funny.
Karen was not aware that Jessie had entered the room. Once she finished, she grabbed her glass and decided to have one more drink before switching to tea.
Jessie had watched the whole charade and was laughing with everyone else at Karen’s actions. Karen had a great personality. She was funny, smart, polite, well liked and good looking. Jessie was smitten. Karen was wearing a navy pair of slacks with fine pinstripes, along with a white blouse that had a blue jay embroidered over the left breast. The blouse was unbuttoned just enough to show a lace camisole, drawing attention to her breasts.
Karen was mixing her drink when Jessie came up beside her.
“Hey there, I didn’t know they were having live entertainment here tonight,” Jessie said playfully.
“The pay is bad, but the fringe benefits are pretty good,” Karen remarked laughing. Looking up she discovered it was Jessie standing there. Her stomach instantly had butterflies.
“Now what fringe benefits would Julie and Rhonda have that would interest you?” Jessie played along, hopeful and curious about the answer.
“If I told you, I would have to kill you,” Karen quipped.
They both laughed.
“You sure are quite the performer,” Jessie praised, not getting the information she was looking for.
“I couldn’t help myself. Opportunity knocked, and I was unable to resist.” Karen was leaning against the wall. Jessie stood beside her. She was wearing flattering black slacks with a black T-shirt under a light blue fleece jacket. She looked comfortable and relaxed. Everything looked good on her. “So, tell me, did you win the tournament?” Karen asked.
“Unfortunately no, we didn’t. We lost the last game by six points.”
“That’s too bad. Your girls played so well today,” Karen sympathized.
“Yes, I am very proud of them. They gave it a good go.”
Just then Julie walked into the room. “Hey, you finally made it,” she said to Jessie.
“Just in time to catch the star of the show with her charade.” Jessie gestured towards Karen.
“You caught the main act, did you?” Julie laughed.
“It was the only act I saw, but I am glad I didn’t miss it.”
“Okay, okay enough.” Karen blushed.
“Let me go and grab Rhonda another beer.” Julie left the room thrilled with the fact the two of them were talking.
Twenty minutes later Rhonda discovered Karen and Jessie in the kitchen. Jessie was sitting on the counter; Karen was making herself a cup of tea. She was familiar with her friend’s kitchen. She had put the kettle on to boil and was getting a mug from the cupboard along with the teabags.
Jessie was watching Karen’s every move. Karen on the other hand seemed to be oblivious of the effect she had on Jessie.
“Are you gals doing okay in here?” Rhonda asked. Karen was always a little naive. How long would it take her to figure out it was a woman that was going to make her truly happy?
“Yes, just great!” Jessie answered quickly, and Karen agreed.
“These seem to be going down pretty good tonight.” Rhonda grabbed another beer from the fridge.
At that moment Connie came in. “Jessie, some of us are about to play a new game. Martha is going to teach it to us, but I need a partner. Come on and play, be my partner,” she pleaded.
“I’ll have to pass. I’m really tired from the tournament today. Besides, I’m enjoying my visit with Karen.”
Connie left the room, but not without sending Karen an unpleasant look that clearly conveyed her jealousy.
Karen felt a little awkward, but it wasn’t like Jessie couldn’t have gone if she had wanted to.
Rhonda and Jessie smiled at each other and continued their conversation.
“Your Christmas decorations are absolutely beautiful. Who is the one with the creative touch?” Jessie complimented.
“That would be Julie. She has the patience for that. I help her, but she knows what looks good.”
“She certainly has the knack for it,” Jessie praised again.
Karen was almost done making her tea and listened to the conversation.
“How long have you and Julie been partners?” Jessie inquired.
“Believe it or not, it has only been three and a half years. The best three and a half years of my life,” Rhonda said smiling. “I wish I would have met her ten years ago.”
Jessie also smiled. “It isn’t meant to happen until its time. Fate put you together when the timing was right for both of you.” Jessie’s expression changed.
“Hey, why so serious all of a sudden? What’s wrong?” Karen jumped in, concerned for Jessie.
“Nothing.” Jessie forced a smile.
Just then Julie hollered for Rhonda. “Well, I’d better go and see what she needs.” Rhonda turned and left.
Karen came over to Jessie and gently rubbed her arm in a compassionate manner. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, I am absolutely fine. Simply a flashback of a bad memory. My ex-partner always had to do the decorating when we were together,.”
Karen didn’t know what to say. “This seems to be a sore spot,” Karen said reluctantly, still rubbing Jessie’s arm in an attempt to comfort her.
“A little.” Jessie admitted. “I always wanted us to do things together, and she wanted full control of the reins most of the time.”
“That doesn’t sound like a fifty-fifty relationship to me,” Karen sympathized.
Jessie could hardly refrain from pulling Karen into her arms. She longed for the comfort of Karen’s body next to hers. She could smell the soft fragrance of her perfume. And with Karen touching her arm, it was driving Jessie crazy.
Jessie jumped off the counter to get Karen to stop touching her before she could no longer control her desire. “Our relationship was never fifty-fifty. Lynne is in my past, and I want to keep it that way,” Jessie said firmly.
Karen decided to lighten the mood. “Okay then, so what plans do you have for the holidays?”
Jessie smiled again. “I am going home to Mattawa. I am leaving on Tuesday. I still need a few days here to do all my shopping and wrapping.”
“I am way ahead of you. I got most of mine done before tonight. I only have a bit of wrapping to finish up,” Karen bragged.
“You do remember that I am a teacher. I work two more days, and then I am on holidays until after New Year’s. There are some perks to my profession,” Jessie rubbed it in teasingly.
“You are very lucky. And yes, I am jealous,” Karen confessed. “I have to work the entire week. Additionally I took a four-hour-shift on Christmas morning for a co-worker who has children.” Karen wrinkled her nose and threw up her arms. “Why do I do such things?”
“Probably because you are such a nice person. It is your nature to help others in need.”
“And you know all this about me already?” Karen had a second cup of tea. Jessie joined her this time. “I must tell you though, after Christmas morning I do have holidays booked. I also will be off the following week,” Karen said with satisfaction. “That’s good, because I need to find someone who can trim a few branches off the trees along my driveway. They are interfering with the globe lights.”
Jessie saw an opportunity and jumped on it. “Why don’t you let me come and do it for you?”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“No, really, I don’t mind! I can come home a few days early, and we can tackle it together. I know how to use a chainsaw. If you don’t have one, I can borrow my brother Tom’s. You could save yourself some money. My fee could be dinner and wine.”
“I would love for you to help me, but I don’t want you to cut your visit home short.”
“Honestly, I love my parents dearly, but a few days at home with them, and I will thank you for letting me come to help.”
They both laughed.
Karen accepted the offer. Both satisfied with the arrangement, they raised their mugs and tapped them together, then began sipping their tea.
People were starting to leave the party. Julie and Rhonda were great hosts and saw their guests off at the door. As usual, Karen volunteered to help clean up and grabbed a garbage bag. Jessie offered to assist. Together they went around the house, Karen holding open the garbage bag and Jessie picking up the scattered paper plates and plastic cups and tossing them.
“Many hands make light work, that’s what my mother always says,” Karen commented.
“Smart woman, your mother.”
Karen found herself staring at Jessie, once again mesmerized by her strikingly dark eyes and her easy nature.
They found an empty case and began gathering the beer bottles.
“Aren’t you two just a handy pair to have around,” Rhonda commented, glad to see the mess was disappearing before her eyes.
“Don’t get too excited. There is still a lot to clean up in the kitchen,” Jessie remarked.
“Not a problem. Why do you think I keep Julie around,” Rhonda joked, knowing Julie could hear her.
The laughter got even louder when Julie came running across the room and jumped into Rhonda’s arms. Both landed on the couch. “You will pay for that comment,” Julie threatened.
“I sure hope so.”
“Will you two get a room, or at least wait until your guests have left?” Karen joked.
“No, I think this is great fun. I finally get to see a side of Julie I haven’t seen before,” Jessie admired.
“Don’t encourage her. Run now, before she shows you more,” Karen teased again.
They all went into the kitchen, tidying up quickly, chatting and laughing.
“Ladies, it has been a long day, so I am going to head out.” Jessie turned to Karen. “It has been good talking with you. Can I get your phone number? When I get back from Mattawa I will give you a call, so we can arrange to cut those branches.”
Karen wrote it down and gave it to her. “Great, but I don’t have a chainsaw. Are you sure your brother won’t mind?”
“Trust me, he will be fine with it.” Jessie turned to the hosts, who had walked the two of them to the door. “Thank you for the invitation. It has been a great time. Enjoy your holidays.”
“Thanks for coming, Jessie.” Julie reached out and gave her a hug.
Rhonda did the same.
A little awkward Jessie looked at Karen.
Karen’s arms were already reaching out to give her a hug, as well. “Enjoy the holidays with your family. See you after Christmas.”
“I will call when I get back.” Jessie turned to leave.
Karen quickly put on her boots and coat. “I have to get going, too.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay and fill us in on what you two talked about all night?” Julie pried.
“I am sure you have more important things to do than to worry about our conversation.”
“Not really.” Julie winked at Rhonda.
“Nothing that can’t wait,” Rhonda agreed.
Karen laughed at the two of them. “You two crazy girls truly deserve each other. I must get going. I had a great evening. Thanks again for everything.”
They exchanged hugs and kisses. Karen headed out the door.
Julie and Rhonda left the rest of the dishes for the morning. Instead they decided to call it a night and enjoy their playful mood.
Julie and Rhonda had been tossing around the idea of hosting a party for the hockey team in celebration of the approaching holiday season. Although Karen was not on the team, she attended most of the games and was friends with most of the girls on the team.
“Let’s include her,” Julie suggested. “Judging by the questions she has been asking about Jessie lately, I bet there is an underlying interest that needs to be explored. I want to give it a little push in the right direction.”
Rhonda was concerned. “Julie, you wouldn’t be trying to play matchmaker here, would you?”
“Hell, yeah! I think Karen is on her way to discover a whole new world.”
“Do you really think Karen may have a sexual interest in Jessie?” Rhonda asked.
“I believe she is much more interested in her than she realizes.” Julie paused a moment. “Karen is treading unfamiliar territory here. I think she wants to meet Jessie and at the very least get to know more about her. All she does is talk about Number 9 and what a great player she is and how the team is lucky to have her. So all it takes for me is to get the ball rolling . . .”
The next morning at work Julie and Karen spent their break at the hospital cafeteria as they often did to get off their feet. It had been a busy morning. Karen decided on a fresh fruit cup and hot tea, Julie had her usual bowl of cereal and an order of toast.
Sitting down at a table, Julie started the conversation. “Great game last night. Exciting to watch.”
Karen nodded in agreement without hesitation, her mouth full of fruit.
“Rhonda and I are hosting a party in a few weeks to celebrate the holidays.”
“I don’t remember the last time you and Rhonda threw a party. It has been quite some time.”
“You’re right. I think it was back in early February. We have decided on December 18th, two weeks from Saturday. You can come, can’t you?”
“I will have to check the schedule to see if I have to work.”
“I already checked for you when I was checking my own. We are both off that weekend. We can even sleep in the next morning in case we get a little wild and foolish,” Julie said with a mischievous grin on her face.
Karen hesitated. “It is such a busy time of year with shopping and decorating.”
Julie pushed a little harder. “Yeah, Rhonda and I discussed that. But it is still a couple of weeks away. People will have time to schedule other seasonal duties around it.”
“I would love to come. I will simply have to make an extra effort to get my shopping done early. Actually that way I won’t have to fight the crowds later.” Karen smiled, pleased to avoid the Christmas rush. “Who else are you inviting?”
“Rhonda’s entire hockey team and their partners, spouses, and a few other friends.”
Karen picked up her tea casually and nodded in approval. “It should be a good time. Those women like to party. Besides it will be a good opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, especially Jessie. She only knows the girls on the team and not really anybody’s significant other.”
Break time was over. They headed back to work. Julie was immediately called to care for a patient who had just arrived in the emergency room, while Karen had to finish up some paperwork.
Karen was all smiles and cheerful the remainder of the day. As soon as she arrived home she marked the date on her calendar – December 18th, party – meet Jessie. Each time she thought of the date, an unfamiliar jittery sensation twitched in the pit of her stomach. Karen didn’t understand what this woman was doing to her. She could not put her finger on it. All she knew was that she was attracted to Jessie in some strange way. It was an attraction she had never experienced before.
The days passed quickly. It was Thursday night, ladies’ hockey night. Karen decided not to go home from work for dinner before the game. Instead she wanted to grab a bite at a burger joint and get some serious shopping done. Having planned ahead, she brought herself a change of clothes which she put on before leaving work. It was shortly after 5:00 p.m. when Karen walked to her car. She took in deep breaths of the cool evening air. What a beautiful night, she thought and looked up into the clear dark sky.
The Thousand Islands Shopping Mall was her first stop after taking time for a burger and fries. Karen was on a mission. She had a list of places to go to and pick out the ideal Christmas gifts for her parents. She also needed to get something for Julie’s party on the 18th. There was enough time left before Christmas to shop for the rest of her family and friends.
Karen was tired and needed a few minutes to recoup from shopping before going to the game. She bought a cold drink and headed over to the hockey arena.
Rhonda and Julie had come to the rink a little earlier, because Rhonda wanted to extend party invitations to her teammates. Rhonda was putting her gear on, when the girls started to come in. Jessie was not there, yet.
“Can I have everyone’s attention,” Rhonda shouted loudly, after she had her entire gear on. “Hey, girls, listen up. Julie and I are having a party at our place for you gals and your partners, spouses, and significant others.”
Rumblings and laughter erupted in the locker room.
At that moment Jessie entered. “Hey, everybody, what’s going on?”
Carla spoke up. “Rhonda was just telling us that she and Julie are having a party for the team.”
“Let me clarify,” Rhonda interrupted. “I said the team and your partners, spouses, and significant others. We want everyone to come.”
“Sounds great. I would love to get to know what makes some of you clowns, oops, I mean gals, tick.” Jessie had all the players in the dressing room laughing and tossing things at her.
“I like your sense of humor,” Rhonda commented. “You fit right in with the rest of these comedians.”
“When did you say this big bash is taking place?” Jessie asked.
“December 18th, two weeks from Saturday.”
“Oh, damn! I have a basketball tournament that day; one we are hosting here in town.”
Rhonda took a deep breath. “Will you be able to make it to the party?”
“You don’t want to miss a party hosted by Rhonda and Julie,” Carla added. “They are always great fun.”
“Tournaments do run late sometimes. But it’s scheduled to be over by five. Even if it runs a bit late I should be able to make it by around eight o’clock or so.”
“Perfect.” Rhonda exhaled with relief. It looked like things were going to work out nicely. “Okay everybody, let’s get out there and play like you are ready to party. Let’s go!” Rhonda had just stirred the team up enough to get them pumped to play a fantastic game.
When Rhonda came out on the ice for her warm-up, she looked up at Julie and signaled her that Jessie was able to attend the party.
Julie began to laugh. Her matchmaking idea was in motion! She reached over and punched Karen in the arm with excitement.
Baffled Karen looked at her. “Ouch, what was that about?”
Julie giggled. “Nothing, I just love Rhonda so much!”
“You and Rhonda are very lucky to have each other. I am envious of your relationship.” Karen sighed. Someday I hope to experience the same happiness with someone, she thought.
Karen had planned on wrapping some of her presents on Saturday and putting up her Christmas tree. When the phone rang at five-thirty in the morning it startled her. It was the hospital. Someone had called in sick. They needed her to come in for an extra shift. After dragging herself out of bed and turning on the kettle for her morning tea, she hopped in the shower. Soon she was refreshed and ready to head off to work.
Actually it wasn’t a bad day at work, and the time went by fairly quickly. When Karen got home she was tired. However, she still wanted to get her tree up and decorated, so she called her sister Joan for help.
Joan was only three years older than Karen. Growing up they had not been close, but that had changed since they had both moved away from home and got their own lives.
“Hi, Joan. I was planning on putting my Christmas tree up tonight, and wondered if you would give me a hand with the decorations.”
“Sorry, Karen, but Sophie is home tonight. We were looking forward to spending time together.” Sophie was Joan’s daughter. Being a teenager, she was not often up for a night in with her parents.
“Bring Sophie along. It would be great fun having the two of you here decorating and singing carols.” Karen was hopeful. “What do you say? Ask Sophie if she would like to join us.” Karen could hear Joan yell up the stairs to Sophie.
“Actually, Karen, Sophie thinks it would be a blast. What time do you want us?”
“Well, it is almost six o’clock now. How about seven?”
“Seven works for us. See you then.”
Karen hung up the phone, prepared soup for a quick dinner and got some treats ready to serve her guests.
It wasn’t long before the doorbell rang. “I am so glad you both were able to make it on such short notice. I don’t enjoy decorating my Christmas tree alone.”
Sophie jumped in right away. “Aunt Karen, you really need to find someone. You deserve to be happy and not alone all the time.”
“Is that so?” Karen tugged on Sophie’s shirt collar. She pulled her close to give her a kiss on the cheek. “What makes you think I am lonely and unhappy?”
“Aunt Karen, I didn’t mean you were unhappy! You are one of the happiest people I know. What I meant is that you should have a companion, someone to share special occasions with.”
“Well, if I had a companion, then I wouldn’t have this special time with my favorite niece and sister, right?” Karen teased Sophie a bit longer, although she knew Sophie had a point. She did want a companion to share special times with. She always figured it would happen when the time was right.
Over the course of the evening the singing got a little crazy and loud. “It’s a good thing I live out in the country so my neighbors can’t hear us.” Karen put the final ornament on the tree and brought in eggnog and snacks.
“Hey, Aunt Karen, would you be interested in coming to our basketball tournament in a couple of weeks?”
Karen immediately felt a tug in her stomach. “A basketball tournament?”
“Yeah, on December 18th,” Sophie confirmed.
“Roger and I are looking forward to it,” Joan intersected. “We have been unable to attend any games so far. But we have heard a lot about Miss Carmichael.”
“Miss Carmichael is an awesome coach,” Sophie added with enthusiasm. “And she has a great sense of humor.”
Karen knew the party was on that same night. “I would love to come and watch. Joan, call me and let me know when the games are, and I will watch with you and Roger.”
“Great. I’ll take any chance I can get to spend time with my baby sister.” Joan stood up. “Come on, Sophie. We better get going, or your father will think we got lost.” They all chuckled and headed toward the door.
“I can’t thank you two enough for your terrific company and your help. I really enjoyed it. The singing was pretty special for sure!” Karen could not resist one last jab at the vocals. They all hugged and kissed good-bye.
“We had fun, too, Aunt Karen. Thanks for including me.” Sophie gave Karen one more squeeze and told her that she loved her.
As they were leaving they were surprised to see that it had started to snow.
“What a perfect ending to a tree decorating evening with family.” Karen wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing them to keep the chill off as she watched her company head out the driveway. After they were on the road, Karen gave Roger a quick call to let him know Joan and Sophie had just left her place so he wouldn’t worry.
Karen came back inside and made herself another cup of tea. She slipped into her pajamas and wrapped herself in a housecoat. Putting her feet up, she relaxed on the couch, admiring her Christmas tree. How nice it looked! Her thoughts turned to Miss Jessie Carmichael. Karen took a sip of tea and sighed. Why do I like her so much when I don’t even know her?
She set her tea aside and fell into a peaceful sleep.
Snow fell steadily for two days and made everything shimmer and appear clean and pure. It certainly helped put the feel of Christmas in the air. Everywhere decorations and pretty lights were hung up, and holiday tunes were playing. Karen loved this time of year. She enjoyed all facets of the season except for the crowded shopping. But thanks to Julie’s and Rhonda’s party she had her Christmas shopping done and almost all gifts wrapped.
Due to another extra shift at work Karen had missed the hockey game the previous week. No wonder she was looking forward to this weekend. She hadn’t been this excited about an outing in a long time. Saturday couldn’t come soon enough.
Jessie’s schedule had been crazy. She had basketball practices after school every day and road trips for games a couple of times a week. Basketball and volleyball practices kept her busy, but they also kept her fit and feeling vibrant. Jessie loved her job, although it consumed a lot of her time.
Jessie lived in an apartment in town. It worked convenient with her extracurricular activities. She intended to go home for the holidays to see her family in Mattawa for Christmas break. But before she needed a couple of extra days to finish her Christmas shopping. Due to her obligations she was far behind. When she got home to her apartment after teaching all day, she simply wanted to go over the game plans and mark papers.
Jessie was very excited to be going home to see her family. Along with her parents, her brother Tom still lived in Mattawa with his wife Sharon. Jessie talked to them regularly.
Her brother Tom was her best friend and her biggest fan. His support of her lifestyle was amazing to Jessie. He had been by her side through all of it. When she had told her parents, Tom had held her hand, giving her strength. And when her former partner Lynne had left her for another woman two and a half years ago, Tom had come to be with her. He had held her while she had cried. He had always been there for her, and Jessie would be there for him if he ever needed her. Tom and Sharon had been married for four years. They wanted children, but had not been able to conceive, yet. As Tom always said, “It sure was fun trying.”
Feeling exhausted and a bit lonely, Jessie dialed Tom’s number. “Hey Tom, how are you keeping up?”
“Pretty good, Jess. Good to hear from you.”
“Are you ready for Christmas? Which really means: Do you have my presents bought, yet?” Jessie teased.
“Always the comedian.” Tom snickered. “So, tell me, any new love interests I should know about?” Tom always probed into Jessie’s love life, hoping she would find someone that he felt was good enough for her sometime soon.
“I have my eye on a woman that comes to watch our hockey games. She has a beautiful smile and is very attractive. I can’t stop thinking about her.” Jessie admitted. Her name is Karen.”
“Have you asked her out?”
“No. I am not even sure she is gay.”
“Since when has that ever held you back? Have you lost your touch? What is taking you so long?”
“There are lots of things I don’t know about her. I don’t even know her last name. Maybe she is married or has a partner already? What does she do for a living?” Jessie blurted out.
“Okay, slow down,” Tom stopped her. “Sounds to me like you are thinking too much. Why not act first, think later? That is what you always did.” He laughed.
“Yeah, and look where that got me. I have a lot of questions. I will ask Julie and Rhonda at their party on Saturday night.”
“Will this woman be there? Or can you invite her?”
“No, it is for the hockey team only. But I plan on finding out a lot more about Karen, and I will make this party no matter how tired I may be after the tournament. I have to make the time to socialize and meet new friends,” Jessie explained with new determination.
“Well, Sharon is calling me. I’d better get going. Keep me informed. Ask her to the party anyway. I love you, Jess.”
“Love you too. Bye, Tom.”
Jessie needed this Saturday night for her own sanity. It would be good to be with other lesbians and to see her teammates with their partners. She wanted to meet everybody. Jessie considered Tom’s suggestion of asking Karen to the party.
On Tuesday Jessie was going over some drills with the girls in her class. About twenty-five minutes into the period Jessie was watching Hope getting ready for the pass. She was in a good position, just outside the key. Sophie passed the ball to Hope.
“Nicely done, girls. Excellent set-up,” Jessie praised.
Hope caught the ball. With a firm hold she went for a lay-up. When Hope came down, her foot landed on the side. Hope went down to the floor so fast Jessie knew she had been hurt.
Jessie rushed over. “Hope, don’t move. Stay put for a moment.”
“It hurts like hell! Ohhhhh, shit! It hurts!” Hope was yelling and holding her leg.
“I know it does,” Jessie sympathized. “Just take a few deep breaths for me.”
“Ah, hell. It hurts!”
“Hope, look at me. Take a deep breath,” Jessie repeated. “Okay, now let me have a look.” Jessie looked up. “Sophie, can you please get the cold packs from the first aid kit in my office? Hurry!”
Within seconds Sophie was back.
Hope’s ankle was swollen. Once she pulled down the sock, the entire ankle was already turning black and blue. “Hope, I have to take you to the ER.”
“I can’t walk, Miss Carmichael.” Tears streamed down Hope’s face.
“Just try to be calm and keep the cold pack on it.” Jessie stood up, blew the whistle and motioned for the class to gather around. “I need someone to gather up the equipment and put it away.”
Instantly hands went up. Everyone volunteered to help. Jessie picked two of the girls for the job. “Obviously class is over, but I expect you girls to be responsible enough to spend the rest of this period in the library or put your next half hour to good use.” Jessie’s tone told the girls that she was serious. “No goofing off. I don’t want to hear about anybody misbehaving or getting into trouble.” Jessie dismissed them. “Sophie, can you please help me get Hope over to the bench?”
“No problem.” Sophie was immediately ready to help out.
“Hope, tell Sophie which coat is yours, and she will get it for you. I need to advise the secretary to call your parents. I will be right back.” Jessie turned to Sophie. “I am going to need help getting her to the car. Do you mind?”
Sophie replied without hesitation. “No, I don’t mind at all.”
Jessie pulled up just outside the hospital’s emergency entrance.
“Stay here, Hope. I will get you a wheelchair.” All Jessie could think about was taking care of her student. She headed in through the automatic doors. Just inside there were three wheelchairs. Jessie grabbed one and headed back out to get Hope. Once they had manoeuvred Hope into the wheelchair, Jessie took her inside and then ran back to park the car.
Jessie returned so quickly, Hope was surprised. “Wow, that was fast!”
“I didn’t want you waiting here in pain, so I ran. Besides, the extra exercise won’t hurt,” she joked, trying to take Hope’s mind off her pain.
Hope smiled. “You are in great shape, Miss Carmichael. I pray that I’m in as good a shape as you are when I’m your age.”
“My age?” Jessie grinned. “I will take that as a compliment. But that won’t get you any higher grade than you deserve!” she joked.
Hope was feeling much more relaxed and laughed out loud, however, the pain in her foot and ankle made her wince.
“Come on, let’s get you treated.” Jessie wheeled Hope over to the admissions window.
Much to her surprise the lady behind the window was Julie. Pleased to see her familiar face, Jessie relaxed a bit.
“Hi, Jessie. What brings you in today? Nothing too serious, I hope,” Julie queried.
“Actually I have brought in one of my students. She may have sprained her ankle. I need to get her checked.”
“Okay, let me get some information from you.” Once they had filled out as much of the paperwork as they could, Julie gestured to the chairs. “Have a seat. Someone will be with you shortly.”
Jessie and Hope sat in the waiting room for no more than ten minutes. The double doors opened and a nurse came out. With a friendly voice the nurse announced Hope Harper’s name. Both Hope and Jessie looked up. You could have knocked Jessie over with a feather if she hadn’t already been sitting down. There stood Karen.
Karen couldn’t believe who she saw sitting in her emergency room. No wonder Julie had insisted she handle this one. Karen forced herself to remain focused on the patient.
Jessie jumped up. “This is Hope Harper. She is one of my students. I am Jessie.”