Something old: Stella Motta's pearl necklace
Something new: Starfish hair piece
Something borrowed: Nonna Rossi's lace gloves
Something blue: The binding on the bouquet & the bow on the garter.
Joe: [props the phone on his shoulder as it rings, packing up his last box]
Cecelia: Joe?
Joe: [shifts the phone and stands up a little taller] Hi, Mom.
Cecelia: Joe.. I haven't heard from you since Thanksgiving. I mean.. is everything alright?
Joe: Uh.. everything's fine. Everything's kind of great actually.
Cecelia: Oh?
Joe: Yeah, uh.. I got into graduate school and I thought I should give you an update on my life and stuff.. so.. yeah.
Cecelia: You did? That's fantastic. I just think that its amazing that you would go back to school. Where is it? Is it in California? [her voice hopeful] Or is it Ohio?
Joe: Its in neither of those places. Its in Washington.. like the state. I'm going to grad school in Seattle, Mom.
Cecelia: Oh..
Joe: Yeah. I just don't think there's not much for me in California or Ohio.
[There's a slight pause]
Cecelia: I.. spoke to your father the other day.
Joe: You did?
Cecelia: Yes.. he actually called me. You know how he changed all of his numbers but anyway.. he wanted to apologize.
Joe: Did you forgive him?
Cecelia: I'm not sure of that yet. I mean, 3 years is a long time but I don't know if I can ever forget what he did. But we're chatting. Trying to be amicable.
Joe: You would think that a Bible salesman would realize he needed to apologize sooner.
Cecelia: [laughs dryly] Right.
Joe: [sighs] I know this call is a long time coming. I just wasn't sure of what I could say. It just seemed like you were just going to say you were going to change but never do. I really do apologize for the harsh things I said to you, but that doesn't make them any less true.
Cecelia: I know, Joey. And I'm sorry. I truly am. I didn't realize how small minded I was coming off. I just get so worried about you. I worry about your happiness, and I really don't want anything happening to you.
Joe: Which I get. But Mom, I'm 23 years old and on the other side of the country. You can't think that keeping me under your watch in Ohio is the best thing for me. That nothing bad will ever happen to me because that's false. But Mom, you have always been there for me. For advice, to chat with, for everything. I mean, you are my best friend.
Cecelia: I'm just glad to hear that you're not mad at me anymore.
Joe: Yeah.. I've actually got to finished loading up the van. Gotta make my way to school today. But I'll talk to you later, alright?
God, it’s the assurance of your unfailing love which enables me to trust you with the changes I will go through in life and the uncertainties about the future. Change is never easy. Change makes us feel vulnerable, fearful and insecure. I get tempted, once again, to be my own savior. Spare me that misery, God, spare me and those that I love. Now’s not a time to lean on my own understanding or walk by the light of my own torch. Now, in fresh surrender, I give you my planning for the next season of my life. Show me the way I should go through my transitions—transitions of age and stage; loses and crosses; career and calling; health and finances; relationships and ministries. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Sunday's sermon, unsurprisingly, was about change. Renewal. Rebirth. With the new year, of course change is on everyone's minds with their resolutions and hopes for the new year.
2014.
You know 2014, always felt like some abstract number in the future. But its here. Right in front of me.
Of course, the pastor mentioned resolutions and how we should stop focusing on our physical ones but on our spiritual ones also.
How we want to grow and shape our love towards God. How we should put our faith, our energy, our everything towards the Supreme Being. As much as we may plan, as much as we may wish, he is the best of planners.
I won't lie. I've been lost. Instead of being hopeful and putting my trust in Him, I gave up. It was easier to. It was easier to sit down and do nothing and pretend like everything was alright.
The past year just feels like I did the same things as before. I made new friends. I grew weed. And then I dealt it. I broke up with my girlfriend and went falling off the rails.
And while the situations were different, I still feel the same. Like I haven't changed. That I am just placing myself in the same situation and hoping for different results.
This acceptance letter was the thing I needed. I can't just throw it and disregard it because of fear. Because of the unknown. Because of the doubts that I might not be good enough. This is a sign of God's plan for me. The something to break me out of this rut, this loop I keep finding myself in.
So I'm going to put my faith in him, wholeheartedly. I'm not going to regret this. I'm going to go to Washington with an open mind and an open heart because with Him on my side, I can never be lost.
Washington State is far, no doubt about it. Alot further than I ever planned or dreamed of being. Ohio is where my parents are, where my college was, where I spent my whole life. But its not my home anymore. Its not where my heart is.
I love my friends. I love them deeply. You know how they say if you started counted all the blessings that God has brought into your life, you could never stop? You'd be counting for the rest of your life?
My friends are my blessings. I couldn't even begin to count the number of ways they have shaped my life. Have made me into the Joe I am today.
They have been the people who I've depended on when I was down, laughed with when I was happy. They've all become my family. I grew up a homeschooled, only child. Other than my parents, I didn't have really anyone else.
But now? I have brothers and sisters. And nieces.. and I'm sad that they won't be a just a short trip upstairs or down the street. They are where my heart will always be. Where I feel at peace.
But I need to do this for me.
I'm nearly 23. I shouldn't feel like I'm in a rut. I've got my whole life ahead of me to find a pattern, a form of habit. But for now? I'm going to take the plunge. I'm going to go to Washington State.
Tagging → Carter Pearson & Senay Seine
Time Frame → During Winter Break || December 2009
Location → Carter's Place || Cridersville, OH
General Notes → Oh nostalgia.
Carter glared down at the brownies she'd made. One wouldn't be able to tell they were brownies, by looking. Chewy pieces of charcoal, maybe. But brownies? Never. She'd been home for winter break, and now that Senay had decided to stop by, she wanted to make something. One would think she'd learn from all her failed attempts, but she never did. She wanted to make the girl something sweet; make her smile. But now all she could to was grab an air freshener to get rid of the burnt smell and figure out how she would get rid of the wasted dessert. It was already proving to be a challenge as she tried to dig the "brownies" out with a spatula, muttering about how the stove must be broken.
Senay shut off her car, twirling the keys around her index finger after she locked up her Jeep and headed toward Carter's front door. She was sure she had the right address but she paused briefly to look around. A moment to take in her friend's home seemed necessary just before she knocked. She rocked on her heels as she waited, hands settling into the pockets of her jeans and her lips pushing up into a soft smile for Carter.
Carter heard a knock on the front door just as she was attempting to get the last of her baked goods out of the tray. Giving up, she ripped a few paper towels off of the roll and layed them on top of it so Senay wouldn't have to see it. She just hoped the smell of lavender covered everything. Hurrying over to the door, she cleared her throat before opening it, eyes brightening at the sight of her. "Welcome la casa Pearson," she greeted, stepping back so her friend could enter.
Senay leaned in to give Carter's cheek a quick kiss as she walked in. "Hello, beautiful." She raised the shopping bag in her hand, "I brought you sparkling cider. Figured we could save the wine for a time when I don't have to drive." Walking further into the house, she took a sniff, brown eyes seeking out the kitchen. "What's the smell? Smells kind of floral. But there's something else there." An amused smile bent her lips as she took Carter's hand and urged her to lead the way. "Did you burn something?"
Carter 's cheeks burned immediately, reddening as she looked down, sticking her hands in her pockets. "Goddamnit, Senay," she mumbled. "Maybe. And the floral you're looking for is lavender. With what was supposed to be chocolate. She was still blushing as she made her way to the kitchen, flicking the paper towels off of the top of the dish.
Senay "Lavender. It's nice." Following Carter to the kitchen, Senay leaned over the pan, briefly inspected the brown, crumbly nuggets inside. "Well, you tried, right. That's what matters most of all. But if you would have waited, we could have made brownies together. I don't cook too much, but that's one thing I've got down."
Carter ran a hand through her hair, leaning on the counter and looking down at them. "Well, I was excited that you were coming over, so I wanted to surprise you. With sweets, you know? So you'd be all 'Carter you shouldn't have' and I'd be all 'Aw, babe, I wanted to' and then we'd proceed to cuddle and eat said brownies as I feel I've accomplished something." She sighed and dipped her head, laughing a little. "It backfired, so next time, we'll just make them together. But you brought sparkling cider, so it isn't all bad. I even have fancy glasses."
Senay eyed the brownies once more, shrugging off the failed baking attempt. "That was a damn good plan. But we can try again another time. If I can manage brownies, I can probably teach you." With a step closer, Senay placed a hand on the curve of Carter's hip, invading her space to press a soft kiss to her hips, humming at the gesture. "You're sweet enough for me, beautiful. The brownies are nice. But you're better."
Carter smirked and bit her lip. "You're such a damn smooth talker." She reached up, wrapping a strand of Senay's hair around her fingers before tucking it behind her ear. Stealing another kiss and placing a hand on her lower back, Carter reached up into the cabinets so she could pull out the glasses. "Now for that cider."
Senay shrugged. "I just don't want you feeling bad about your burned dessert." Using the nail of her thumb, Senay poked through the wrapping around the neck of the bottle, twisting off the cap once she'd gotten it off before handing the bottle off to Carter. "Try not to take advantage of me. I've been known to get a little loose when I've got--" she peered at the label on the bottle, "Welch's white grape in me."
Carter laughed, taking the bottle and pouring it into the plastic champagne flutes. "I'll try not to, but I'm drinking it as well, and I know for a fact it makes me a little handsy." She picked them up, leading them into the living room and sitting down on the couch before holding out the other glass. "For you, dearest Senay."
Senay shook her head, full lips still curving upward. "I never mind handsy. That may or may not be something I look forward to when we hang out." In the living room, Senay settled on the couch, crossing one leg over the over as she took her cider. "Thank you, lovely lady. You make one hell of a hostess."
Carter shook her head. "I tried, anyway. I'm kinda surprised you braved that drive in the snow to come see me. It seriously won't stop. You didn't get lost, did you?" She took another hearty sip of her cider, pulling her legs up onto the couch and folding them under her as gracefully as she could. Her free hand rested on the back of the couch, scratching at the fabric. She looked around, slightly self-conscious she hadn't straightened up enough, considering she rarely had people over, but with another slow sip and Senay beginning to speak again, her form was relaxed and the momentary worry went as quickly as it came.
Senay tipped up her cup, giving a shake of her head. "Well, I'm a brave girl. Wasn't any trouble at all to get here, though. Four wheel drive, maximum heat, and Britney's greatest hits left me all good to go. But I'm used to driving in this kind of stuff. The winters weren't exactly gentle in Philly. The cold and I are pretty good friends." She took another sip of her drink, smirking as Carter looked around the room. "So is there a tour involved here? Or does my evening just involve staring at your pretty face all night?"
Carter laughed a little. "Of course. I should have known." Her smile widened and she licked her lips, offering a shrug of her shoulders before moving to stand. "While that was an option, I'd be happy to give you a tour of my mansion." She held out her free hand, the other wrapped around her glass, helping Senay up so she could take her around. "This is the living room. The place where I spend most of my time, because there's a TV and everything I need is within ten feet of it. This is where I discovered my love for HBO and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Also, Scarlett Johansson." She gently pulled Senay to the kitchen, waving her glass around the area with a small flourish. "This is the kitchen. Where I have burnt many desserts and entrees, done un-kitchenlike things, and retrieved many beers for my immense amount of houseguests, ranging from the Queen to D List celebrities. And if you'll follow me, we can move on to where the magic happens."
Senay stood from the couch, oohing and awwing at the appropriate times as Carter showed her around. The home was nice, and she looked for hints of her friend all over the place. "So this is the epicenter of the home. Got it." The kitchen was next, and Senay watched the tour with a quiet laugh, following along to view more of the house. "And where does the magic happen?" she asked with a silly wiggle of her eyebrows. "My money is on the closet. Or the bathroom...if you've got a big enough shower."
Carter "You'll just have to see, Peaches. All things in due time. Gotta keep you on your toes." Lacing her fingers with hers, she walked them into the hallway, breezing past her mother's door to a hall closet, opening it with a grin. "Extremely tight, but trusty for our winter coats," she commented. The next stop was their small dining room. "This is where I host magnificent dinner parties. Legendary in Cridersville, let me tell you. It looks completely unused, but that's just because I'm so good at cleaning things until they're immaculate. I'm like Cinderella...without all the other stuff." Further down the hall, they passed the laundry room and a few old photos on the wall until they reached her bedroom door. "Now. We've reached where the magic happens. My room, also known as the Faded headquarters and the Champagne Room, where some of my most legendary seductions have taken place." With a small laugh, she turned the knob, pulling Senay inside. It was messier than the rest of the house, but she knew where everything was, so it didn't bother her at all. There was a time when one could see her blue walls, but now they were covered with posters and polaroids, some autographed, some ripped out of magazines. Her bed was in the corner, buried in more comforters than she probably needed and wires, all connected to her laptop, which she'd left open, along with the notebook beside it. Her desk chair was hidden in jackets she'd thrown onto it over time, forgetting she had a closet to hang them in, and the desk itself had scribbles in Sharpie all over it, her excuse being that she had ideas, and could not find a notepad that wasn't full or designated for something else. "Glamorous, right?"
Senay bit her lip against a wide smile, entirely amused by the showing off Carter did. It was cute, watching her in this way, floating around the house she probably knew like the back of her hand. Easily, the bedroom was the main attraction and Senay allowed the grin to fully overtake her face as she drifted away from Carter as she was drawn to different things in the room. A marked up desk caught her attention, and she let a tanned hand run over the surface of it, outlining the letters and smiling at a few of the things she could make out. "I think you're about ready for Cribs now, lady. I'm glad you let me have a sneak peek before you show your castle off to the rest of the world."
Carter snorted, instinctively covering her nose after and shook her head. "Soon. I can feel it. I'm already pretty famous. As for a great bulk of the magic..." she joked, moving to the small bathroom connected to her room. "Here we are. No big shower. Just a tub with a shower head above it. An imposter shower, if you will." She walked in, hopping up onto the sink to sit, dangling her legs against the cabinet. "And I think that concludes our tour. What matters of it, anyway."
Senay "I know you are. I'm sure you're well renowned all over." A laugh escaped Senay at the "imposter shower" term, bringing her hand together in a slow clap to applaud Carter's efforts. "That was beautiful," she remarked with a smirk as she moved to stand in front of Carter, hands smoothing up the girl's thighs, "Best tour I've had all year. But, as you know, my work as a celebrity home decorating allows me to tour many elaborate homes. But yours, my dear, has been the finest of all. You should be proud of your abode."
Carter chuckled, pushing some of her hair behind her ear. "You flatter me, Senay. How lucky it is that two extremely successful, worldly women would cross paths like this? My, I'm thinking it must be fate." One of her hands dropped, resting on top of where Senay's remained on her thigh. "I think the tables have turned a little. I finished my glass, and you're very close," she mentioned, her voice dropping above a whisper.
Senay shrugged, "I don't know how it happened but I'm certainly glad it did. The universe must be trying to tell us something." Gaze drifting down to their hands, Senay chanced pushing a little higher, her eyes gently flicking back toward Carter's. "I am close. I like being close to you. Is that a problem?"
Carter shook her head. "Nope, not at all. I'm all about you doing what you like. Get as close as possible." As her hands slipped higher, Carter inched forward, ghosting her lips over Senay's before pressing a sound kiss to them. "As if it wasn't clear, I like being close to you too," she added with a small smirk.
Senay grinned at the invitation, accepting the kiss with a quiet hum as her hands traveled higher to rest on Carter's hips. "I heard you loud and clear, beautiful," she returned. She used the grip to tug her closer, and without waiting, she moved to taste that sweet smirk again, lips separating to deepen the kiss while her hands idly pushed beneath the fabric of Carter's shirt to graze the soft skin beneath.
Carter gasped slightly at the feeling of Senay's fingers against her flesh, eagerly returning her kiss, bringing her hands to the sides of her neck as her tongue ran the seam of her lip. She found herself wanting to be closer, wrapping her legs around her waist and taking in her scent. Pulling back a small bit to breathe, Carter bit her lip, glancing down at Senay's before meeting her eyes again. "I have an idea," she whispered, against her lips as if there was anyone else there and she was attempting to keep a secret. "You don't have anywhere to be, do you?"
Senay was cold when she came in, but the feeling was nowhere to be found as it had been quickly replaced with a warmth she couldn't help but chase. She allowed herself to be pulled closer, deeper into the heat. The little words between she and Carter made her shiver, and she raised an eyebrow in question. "I haven't got anywhere to go at all. Just here. What's the idea?"
Carter cocked her head. "Well there was talk of a large shower, and since I couldn't deliver on that, a warm bath might be a good alternative." She pecked her lips, eyes widening once she pulled away again. "And, we have more sparkling cider. So then we feel like the high society residents of mansions we are."
Senay 's lips drifted into a grin--slow and easy, and she accented the smile with a soft kiss. "That sounds like a lovely idea. It'd be nice to get all warmed up before I've gotta face the cold again." Stepping back from the sink, she tugged Carter back to her feet, hands still brushing the skin beneath her shirt. "You run the bath and I'll get the cider?"
Carter nodded, lightly smacking Senay's ass before making her way to the tub, kneeling down and turning on the hot water. The stopper was in and she reached for soap, hoping to produce a fair amount of bubbles. It filled pretty quickly, almost to the brim, and had she been distracted, it probably would have overflowed.
Senay trotted off to the kitchen to grab the bottle of cider, rounding up their flutes along the way and bringing everything back to the bathroom. Carefully, she refilled both glassed, twisting the top back onto the bottle before she began to shed her clothes. Cardigan, t-shirt, jeans, boots, and socks. Everything she pushed into a neat pile before lifting her hair into a messy bun and tying it with the hairband around her wrist. The hooks on her bra came open with a few quick flicks, and she smiled at Carter as the piece of clothing slipped to the floor. "You want front or back, beautiful?"
Carter had been running her hand through the water the test the temperature when she heard Senay come in, adding a tiny bit of cold water where she saw fit. Senay's voice pulled her out of a small trance, and she turned around to respond, though once she saw her friend, standing bare next to the bottle and glasses by the sink, she paused, gulping and licking her lips at the vision. "Uh...back. I want back. Just give me a minute to catch up," she finally responded, smiling and standing up straight. Her tee, underwear and jeans were kicked next to the toilet in mere moments before she walked over, slipping a foot into the tub followed by the other so she could sit comfortably against the back. "It's all you, Miss."
Senay chuckled, taking a moment to appreciate the view as Carter undressed. Once she was settled in the tub, Senay wiggled out of her underwear, adding them to her pile before she grabbed both of their drinks and handed one to Carter. The other she held in her hand, keeping herself balanced as she stepped into the tub and made herself comfortable. Her back resting against Carter's front, she hummed softly as she shifted in the warm water, completely comfortable. "Now this, is almost as lovely as you are."
Carter snaked her free arm around Senay's torso, lowering her head to press a kiss to her shoulder. Bending her legs, she spread them wider, tracing her fingers along collarbones before taking a long sip of her drink. "Yeah, sometimes I get the best ideas. My muscles were a little sore from work, too."
Senay sighed at the soft kiss, head lolling back to rest on Carter's shoulder. Her free hand dipped into the water, fingers idly trailing up the leg pressed to the side of hers. "This was a great idea... How'd you get sore? Spending too much time hunched over that magazine?"
Carter laughed a little, blowing on a pile of bubbles that had accumulated in her line of vision. "Hey, sitting in one position for hours can be very taxing on my limbs," she replied, her hand traveling down Senay's front. It wasn't conscious, but her skin was smooth and the act was soothing. "Also, even though break has begun, they still have some stuff on campus I had to tend. So much reaching for glasses and dodging waiters. /God/, Peaches. It's all so much work."
Senay 's body arched slightly toward Carter's touch, the movement an involuntary bend as she breathed a soft laugh. "I'm sure you've got it very hard, sitting on your bum like that." Her head dipped, "You have to be careful with that, the reaching. Wouldn't want you to pull anything in the line of duty."
Carter leaned forward, her nose touching the ridge of Senay's spine and moving along it until she could kiss the base of her neck. "I know you're mocking me," she whispered. "But it's hard work. And I'm taller than most of the other girls on duty, believe it or not. So then they look to me when they need things. And I like helping. I just want people to look up to me." She laughed a little, pulling Senay flush to her, leaning into the the skin below her jaw. "I guess I should stop being so helpful. But it's not as easy as it looks."
Senay ignored the slight tingle in her spine, breathing a laugh at Carter's words. "There's no way you're taller than the other girls. You're cute and tiny and now I want to get you a step stool for work." After finishing off what was left in her flute, Senay sat it aside, settled against Carter once more as she pressed a hand over the other girl's and began to idly move it over the front of her body, humming at the touches to the more sensitive areas of her skin.
Carter chuckled, sighing as she took in her scent. "Shut up, Senay. I'm not short. The doctor says I'm average. You're just...slightly above average." The end of her sentence was muffled, due to her lips pressed against her shoulder, making a close trail up to her earlobe. "I don't need a step stool. I get along just fine crawling onto the bar." Her hand dipped lower, tracing her hip and cupping between her legs.
Senay "I’m as tall as you are. I've only got you by like an inch, lady. You're still tinier than me, though. And I'll feel free to hold that above your head. Literally. Because I'm so tall." Feeling Carter's hand slipping further south, Senay sighed, the sound coasting out of her as her head came to rest on Carter's shoulder. "Did you lose something down there?" she questioned with a smirk, despite the slight shift of her hips.
Carter "An inch. Meaning if I'm average, you're slightly above it. Stop calling my tiny. I'm telling you, I stand over those girls and they look up to me. You don't even know." She laughed, biting her lip and shaking her head, despite her answer to the question. "What? Did I? I might've." She only laughed more at her own 'innocent' voice. "I can't remember what it is, but I'm sure I'll find it." Her words were punctuated with a brush of Senay's warmth with her fingers and a slow swipe along her slit. "You're incredibly soft," she murmured.
Senay smiled, "You must work with a team of little people, then. Is their a height requirement for hiring?" Eyebrows raising, Senay only shook her head at Carter's words, thighs spreading a little wider beneath the water. "So I've heard..." The reply was quiet, a whisper followed by a low moan as her hips gave another quiet shift. "I hope you find what you're lookin' for down there, beautiful."
Carter shook her head at the question, her mind clouding a little from the heat and smell of the soap, causing her to almost forget what they were talking about. She was just determined to find what she was looking for, so to speak. A slow smile graced her lips, and she nudged Senay's chin so she would face her more, immediately capturing her lips in a soft, yet hard, deep kiss. Two of her fingers pressed against her submerged button, rubbing in slow circles to get a reaction.
Senay 's head shifted just enough for her lips to meet Carter's. The kiss paired with the pressure on her clit made her center throb, deep clenches that teetered along the line of feeling like an ache. Full lips parted in a moan, the sound brushing Carter's mouth and combining with the wanton whimper she couldn't swallow. Eagerly, her hand slipped through the water, covering the one between her thighs to urge more pressure against her twitching bundle.
Carter smiled against her lips. "There it is. Found it," she whispered, gently rolling her clit between her fingers, stroking the area a little harder per her request. Her kisses traveled to the corner of her mouth, to her jaw, to the expanse of her neck as she continued her attention while sinking an idle finger into her core. "I want to see you a little more, but there are things I need first. For one," she said, sinking another finger inside of her and curving her digits to begin a steady pump in and out of her, finding her sweet spot. "I need to hear you come, loud and clear for the first time. And we're in the perfect position to do that." She placed another kiss to her neck, biting down slightly, speeding up her fingers before speaking again. "Because I have to hear if I'm doing a good job. I really get off from that positive reinforcement. So, does this feel good? Hmm?" The pad of her thumb pressed against Senay's button more as her fingers curved again.
Senay shifted her hips toward Carter's hand, the movements becoming more fluid as her center gripped the fingers slipping in and out of her warmth. Heavy kisses and whispered words made her tremble, sighs tumbling from her as her fingers curved over Carter's thigh and pressed her nails into the soft, slippery skin. She didn't need the extra coaxing, but it helped, it made her fight to keep her legs open, made her lick her own suddenly dry lips as she nodded at the posed questions. An actual response wasn't an option, it seemed. She'd been reduced to nothing more than loud moans, deep clenches, and snapping hips that all served as proper precursors to her breathlessly voiced climax.
Carter smiled wide, her words eliciting the exact response she hoped for as well as her hands, one striving to push her to the edge, the other threading through Senay's hair. Her rolling hips and clenches pushed a small moan from Carter's own lips and increased breaths pressed against her cheek. She was quiet, peppering kisses there as she stroked her down from her high. "Do you think you could turn around on my lap? Face me?" she asked quietly.
Senay was still shaking when she heard Carter's request. The words didn't fully register over the beating in her ears and the moans still coasting past her parted lips. Before she could still the gentle convulsions of her body, she was lifting herself from the water, resettling until she was comfortable in Carter's lap. Immediately, her fingers pushed into the other girl's hair, tugging her head back so she should drop a hungry kiss to her lips, nipping and sucking at the flesh.
Carter placed her hands on Senay's waist, nails digging into the flesh of her hips. The feel of her hands gripping her hair made her moan into the kiss, her hands holding her tight and pulling her closer into a grind. Another moan left her, muffled by Senay's mouth as her thighs closed to calm the clench and throb between them.
Senay shuddered when Carter moved beneath her, tasting the moan from her lips and curving her hips in an attempt to earn another. She wanted more of those sounds, and more of the nails denting her skin. "You like that, beautiful?" she asked with another slow, concentrated roll as she moved one hand to curl around the edge of the tub. "You want more?"
Carter 's hands slipped onto the curve of her ass, following the movement of her hips and tilting her head back, biting her lip to stifle another tell-tale groan. She simply smiled up at her friend, offering a small nod as one of her hands traveled up her torso, cupping her breast and gliding a thumb over her brown, stiff bud. The second question was answered with a whimper and a roll of her own hips. She couldn't get enough, touching her and feeling her body on top of her own, and her warmth pressing against hers to coax another, louder sound of approval from her lips.
Senay had to lap at that smile. It tasted just as sweet as it looked, and she hummed a hungry moan when she earned that little whimper that only served to make her lower half move harder. Her swipes sped up, her body gliding through the water with more focus, and more intention to chase the pulsing in her center that had started up again. She tugged away from Carter's lips, trailing her own along the girl's jaw, switching between kisses and bites that were also punctuated with pleasure-filled moans.
Carter whimpered her name, her hands drifting in different directions over her skin as she lifted her hips continuously. The water sloshed, and the bubbles grew wider apart, but she couldn't tear her eyes from Senay's. The contact only served to make the feeling more intense, clit against clit and her moans deeper. She could feel her abs tighten, and her thighs trembled, spreading as much as they could as she got closer to her release. She cursed, throwing her head back again, her nails digging into Senay's skin. She wanted to ride it out, prolong it, but she knew she wouldn't last much longer. "Shit..."
Senay let her fingers slip from the thick locks, wrapping around the edge of the tub as her mouth moved back to claim more heady kisses. Her body was already tense, and she struggled to keep her movements smooth through each rock of her hips. "I know you're close," she rasped sweetly over Carter's lips. "I want you to come for me, beautiful. Do you know how beautiful you are when you come? Hmm? I wanna fucking see it."
Carter gasped, her hands loosening their grip on Senay's hips as she arched her back, mouth fixed open as she came. Clipped, erratic moans followed, her toes curling and her head resting on the back of the tub. She cursed, shakily grabbing the back of Senay's neck to pull her in for a heated, wet kiss while wrapping her legs around her and sinking lower. "Jesus," she mumbled, grinning before kissing her again, another followed by another as her fingers traced the length of her spine.
Senay felt the pressure in her middle then the release that followed the tightness and felt so damn good as she her hips rolled to a slow stop. She dutifully returned Carter's kisses, still panting soft breaths through the trembles of her form. She relaxed into the water, arms curling around Carter's neck to keep her as close as possible. "You're just fucking wonderful... One hell of a tour guide..."
Carter looked down briefly and smiled, keeping her hand on her back, enjoying the way her soft skin felt at her fingertips. "Well thank you. I'd like to think I am. I try to be thorough," she replied, meeting Senay's eyes. "You're a great...touree. Is that the name for it? Either way, you ooh'd and ahh'd at all the right moments."
Senay huffed a soft laugh, her eyes landing on Carter's. "I don't know that there's a proper term for it, but I'll take it. I try to do my job damn good, too." She stole another quick peck, allowing her lips to linger as she pressed one more kiss. Combing a wet hand through Carter's hair, she grinned, dipping her forehead to settle it against her friend's. "It's too bad we can't stay in here for a good while, but I don't want you to see me all wrinkly."
Carter sighed, agreeing because being so close felt so good in that moment. After a moment of thought, she returned the grin. "Well...we could grab a comforter and some snacks -- sadly, no brownies, and huddle in front of a movie or two once we get out. How does that sound?"
Senay pursed her lips, pretending to think over the idea before giving an affirming nod. "That sounds fine to me. I'll forgive you for the brownies this time. Those are my favorite, so I guess you get credit for trying to make them." With a smirk, she lifted from the water, carefully climbing out of the tub before reaching back to offering Carter a hand up.
Carter took her hand, stepping over the edge of the tub and out. She grabbed two towels off of the rack for both of them. "I know they are. Which is why I was trying to make them specifically for your visit. Then that happened. I'll do better next time." Wrapping the towel around her middle, she led Senay back into her bedroom. "And there will be many next times."
Senay dried off some of her body before securing the towel above her chest. "That was sweet as hell. I thought the brownies were just a random pick. Now I'm even more flattered that you tried to make them for me. Next time, we'll do it together." She grabbed her clothes the floor, following Carter into the bedroom and finding a place for her things. "Now that I know that I'm invited back, we're going to teach you to make brownies, lady.”
Carter walked up to her, securing her hands on her hips again and pulling her in. "Well, clearly I need it so we'll put it on the list. And I'll be looking forward to it. But I'm gonna take advantage of you being here now."
Senay draped her arms over Carter's shoulders, an eyebrow raising in curiosity as she stepped to close the space between them. "I'm fine with you taking advantage of me. I'm good with coming back, too. Is my next tour gonna end in the tub, too?"
Carter gave a light shrug and a small smile. "Who knows? We've gotta leave a little mystery to it. But I wouldn't be upset at all if it did."
Senay: [rolls her eyes as she answers the phone] Hi, Stacy.
Stacy: [agitatedly] Merry Christmas. Is there a reason why I haven't heard from you yet?
Senay: I've been calling you. Is there a reason /I/ haven't heard from /you/?
Stacy: I was out of town. Max and I--
Senay: [raises her voice] We talked. You knew I was coming. Why weren't you there? All you had to do was be home. I wasn't expecting gifts or anything at all. I just wanted to fucking see you. I-- [pulls in her lips, quieting herself abruptly]
Stacy: I'm sorry. I had things to do. But I didn't call you to argue, Senay.
Senay: [huffs an annoyed laugh] So what did you call for? Why call at all? You should have known what you were going to get when you picked up the phone to call me. Did you really expect me to not be angry with you?
Stacy: [sighs] I just wanted to tell you that your check is late. You were supposed to send one before Christmas.
Senay: Mom... [grits her teeth, swallowing hard to keep her temper] I'm not sending anything. The money was contingent on you making time in your schedule to spend Christmas day with your daughter. You couldn't do that. So I've got nothing for you.
Stacy: [lets out a deep breath] Then I guess we're done here.
Senay: ...Seriously?
Stacy: Are you still in the city?
Senay: I am. Been staying with Ian. But I'm leaving soon. [quietly] I don't want to be here any more.
Stacy: Well, I hope you enjoy your trip home. Be safe. [ends the call]
Tagging→ Joe Hart and Sa'd Mahmoud
Time Frame → Early Morning | 12.26.13
Location → Joe's Apartment
General Notes →
He sighed as he continued to flip the channels and yelled back. "You don't need to be 4 hours early for a domestic flight. I think we'll be okay."
Coming out of his room, his bag slung over his shoulder, Sa'd shook his head. "Whatever. You've obviously never been 'randomly searched' by TSA." His eyes darting all over the room, his energy still frantic. Do you know where I printed out my boarding pass?"
Joe shrugged and then pointed in the general area of his desk."Uh.. check my desk. Its probably near the printer or something."
Sa'd looked through the packets of paper that were on Joe's desk. He called out to his friend again. "Hey, Joe. What are all these?"
Joe hopped to his feet and took the papers from him. "Ehh.. just some graduate school applications, a couple of fellowships. I kind of just started, turned in a couple and then never picked them back up."
"Why not?"
"I kind of got sidetracked. Figured I could grow more weed.. focus on modeling a little more."
"Really? That's what you want to do with the rest of your life?"
"No.. its more of like side projects to waste time with. Its nothing permanent."
"Joe, I really didn't want to say anything, but you kind of been really.."
"Really what? Say it."
"Well since I've been here, we haven't really seen any of your friends. You barely celebrated Christmas, which is pretty much your favorite holiday. And I figured its probably because I'm here and you didn't want to offend or whatever.. but you didn't even have a tree. Any lights. Not even a wreath or miniature Santa. And since you're not working, you kind of just sit there and ignore all the phone calls you've been getting."
"Those phone calls are just from people hassling me about getting their weed."
"You're dealing again?"
"I was.. but not really."
"Not really? What.. Nevermind. So what are you doing now?"
"Uh.. nothing really. I mean, I go to go sees occasionally. And pose for a couple of pictures."
"I meant like about Botany. You know your passion. I mean, I remember back in college, you could talk my head off about photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation and all that." Sa'd shuffled the papers in his hands. "Whoa. Wait. You actually got into one of them. No offense. Look here. Washington State. You'll be on the West Coast, which you love. So you could go to graduate school and study and do something."
"I could."
"So what's stopping you? What's stopping you from doing any of it?"
"I've spent the past year doing everything but anything academic. And I like it here in San Francisco. With my friends. With my sushi place. With the gyro place around the corner."
"Joe, trust me. You can get sushi and gyros anywhere. What you can't get anywhere is a Masters in Botany. And look they even have a fellowship where you can go down to South America and study plants from the Amazon."
"Yeah, I know. I mean, I've been here but who's to say that I won't go to Washington State or wherever and actually be good at it. My job at CalSciences basically told me that I'm great at writing field reports. That its. That's all I have to show for my one year there. That and an extensive knowledge of ferns."
"You didn't know it at the time, but it was supposed to be temporary. You were supposed to grow out of it and find something new. C'mon, Joe. This is an amazing opportunity. What are you afraid of?"
He glanced at the paper, remembering how weeks ago, he had gotten the acceptance letter and how he had just left it on the desk. "Its kind of a huge change. Packing up and going somewhere. Alone. I mean, when I applied, I figured I would have Carter. Or that I wouldn't get in. I'm telling you this is a bad idea."
"Doubtful."
"You don't know that."
"I don't. But God does. If its really weighing that heavy on you, talk to him. Seek His guidance. Pray. There's nothing wrong with that."
Joe sighed. "Fine. I'll think about it."
"Well think quickly, your reply is due at the end of the month."
"You nag worse than my mom." Joe grabbed his jacket and practically pushed Sa'd out the door. "Alright, alright. Let's get you on that plane, ok?"
Senay: [sits down on the porch steps, dialing the most recent phone number she has for Ian then pressing her fingers to the bridge of her nose as she shuts her eyes and waits for an answer]
Ian: Surely, you can't be serious.
Senay: [smiles halfheartedly, sighing and opening her eyes before she answers] I am serious...and don't call me Shirley.
Ian: Hello, beautiful.
Senay: Pretty sure Stacy and Sean named me Senay. Let's stick with that, shall we?
Ian: [nods, smirking] Whatever the lady would like, she'll get. What's going on?
Senay: Are you home?
Ian: Where else would I be?
Senay: Don't know. It's kind of hit or miss with people around the holidays...
Ian: Being Jewish means that I stay my ass home on Christmas.
Senay: Good to hear. Uh...do you mind if I stop by for a little while? [quickly adds] If you're not busy, of course. My mom isn't 'round and I can't check into my hotel until like four, so--
Ian: You kidding? I'm never too busy for you. Even if you neglect to tell me when you're in town...
Senay: I'm sorry. I didn't think to call. We haven't talked in a few months and--
Ian: [cuts her off] It's fine, Senay. I'm still in the same apartment. Come by. I was just going to spend some time sketching today. That'll be more fun with a subject.
Senay: [sniffs] So long as I can pose with my clothes on, I'm game.
Ian: We'll see about that when you get here. Hurry up.
Senay: [rolls her eyes] I'm coming. Be there in a bit.
Tagging → Senay Seine [Mentions: Stacy Seine]
Time Frame → Early Afternoon || 12.23.13
Location → The Seine-Ritter Residence || Philadelphia, PA
General Notes → Homecoming.
Well let me tell you 'bout the way she looked
The way she'd act and the colour of her hair
Her voice was soft and cool
Her eyes were clear and bright
But she's not there
A cab. A plane ride. A stop in Dayton. A train ride to Philadelphia. Another cab. And now three wide front steps were all that stood between Senay and Stacy.
Or so Senay thought.
There was still the matter of the emerald green door blocking her path and it appeared to be the final barrier before Senay could see her mother.
She took a moment to notice how the bright color of the wood matched the shutters, also painted in the same shade that was both Stacy's favorite color and her birthstone. The hue was one that soothed Senay, reminded her of the woman she'd made it her duty to love unconditionally despite the state of their relationship that seemed to be strained more often than not. The shade was a reminder of that devotion, even if it was associated with far too many gifts that were traded or pawned in support of Stacy's mission to chase one high or another.
Gently--always gently--Senay raised an arm to knock, rocking back on her heels while she waited for an answer and listened closely over the noise of cars passing by the busy street for someone stirring inside the home.
The only noise came from behind her back, from the street bustling with life and activity that seemed to still move and hum despite the stillness of the house in front of her.
Settling into her thoughts, Senay took advantage of her time outside, dropping her bag on the ground beside her for a moment while she fiddled with her clothing, straightening out the hem of her dress and tugging down the bunched sleeves of her blazer. There was a certain need to look good. A desire to see that warm smile Senay inherited from her mother. She wouldn't admit it, but she ached for that smile, to see a quick flash of it before she was gathered in Stacy's arms and showered with praises of how lovely she looked and how much she was missed.
So those idle hands toyed with her dress again. Maybe she was too dressed up. Maybe Stacy wouldn't appreciate the fact that Senay's almost-aquamarine dress was the same color as her birthstone. Maybe Stacy wouldn't remember how often she complimented her daughter when she wore blue. Maybe Senay was the only one who held onto her mother's silly story about purposely giving birth on March 4th instead of on her late February due date so that her little girl would always have reason to wear blue, a color Stacy knew belonged to Senay since the day she was born.
Senay waited for that praise. Mind skipping through the different exchanges that could happen the moment the door was open and she she was being pulled inside of the house she'd only visited a time or two before.
But that didn't happen. Not right away. Not even after fifteen minutes of soft knocking and heel rocking. So Senay gave it twenty minutes. Thirty. An hour on the porch stuck behind the taunting green it barrier. She gave it four phone calls, a couple of texts, and even an e-mail.
