Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2004 11:45:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: ben albrecht <orpfynmakyr@yahoo.com>
Subject: exchanging enemies?

"Exchanging Enemies?"

by GrandMoff

	This is a fictional story--a sequel to "Enemy or Not?"--intended
purely for the entertainment of readers.  It involves sexual situations
between two young women, i.e. (f/f) There's also a bit of blood and
violence in this story. If this offends you, or you can't legally view
this, please don't read the story.  Any resemblance between these
characters and any person is coincidental.

	"Oh, darling," Athena's mother, Nancy said.  "I noticed a formal
gown on my credit card bill today.  Would you mind sharing the details?"
	The moment Athena had been nervously anticipating we suddenly upon
her.  "It's my dress for the February Formal, Mom," she said.  "I have a
date and we got our dresses about a week ago."
	Nancy didn't notice what her daughter had implied, because Athena
had been properly subtle.  "Let's see this dress of yours," she said, "and
talk some more about this dance."
	"Sure," Athena answered brightly.  (This was no time to appear
scared, she figured.)
	The women climbed the stairs and Athena led the way to the smaller
of her walk-in closets.  She pulled the dress from the hanging rod.  "Here
it is," she announced.
	"Oh, nice!" Nancy said.  She stepped back and admired the pale blue
gown with its delicate lace and shimmering skirts.  "You've got my fashion
sense, honey.  It's beautiful."
	"Thank you, Mom."
	"So, have I met your date?"
	In the past week, Nancy certainly had met Theresa.  The tall
chestnut-haired girl had been at their manor nearly every day and had slept
over twice.  Athena swallowed, hoping htis would go well.  "Yes, you have."
	"Come on, then; who is he?"
	Deep breath.  "'He' is Theresa."
	Nancy's eyes nearly popped from her head.  Then she laughed in
puzzlement.  "No, seriously..."
	Athena just stared solemnly, almost defiantly at her.
	"...But you...Athena.  You...are serious, aren't you?  No!  Honey,
people will think you're a...lesbian," Nancy whispered.
	Athena still gazed earnestly at her mother.
	Nancy was overwhelmed.  "Listen to me, Athena Marianne; you are not
a lesbian and you are not going to the dance with that Theresa girl."
	"I don't understand.  You seem fine with Uncle Michael--"
	"--Michael is my brother, not my only daughter.  I can't help him."
Then Nancy stopped; she hadn't meant to say that.
	Athena was shocked.  "'Help him?'  So your acceptance of him has
been a lie!  You'd change him if you could."
	"I--I didn't mean it that way.  It's true; I do wish he wasn't gay.
I don't think he's wrong, per se."
	"Mother," Athena asked calmly, "how exactly did you mean it, then?"
	Nancy was angry and very confused.  She wasn't totally sure what
she had meant.  "Just keep your uncle out of this.  His life isn't relevant
to this discussion."
	"I think it is.  If you're so ashamed of your gay brother--"
	All Nancy wanted was for Athena to quit talking.  Seeing red, Nancy
drew back and punched her daughter, slamming her fist into Athena's mouth
and knocking her backwards; Athena tripped over a coffee table and fell to
the linoleum floor.
	"Oh my God!" Nancy cried.  She realized with horror that she'd just
hit her only child.  She rushed to help her.
	"Stay the fuck away from me!" Athena roared.  She got up limping
and painfully half-ran to the bedroom she used most.  She grabbed her
favorite overnight bag and threw a bunch of stuff in it.  She was still a
month too young to have her driver's license, but she took the keys to the
Lexus, threw her bag in the back seat, and sped off toward Theresa's house.
	As soon as Theresa opened the door, Athena dropped her bag and
rushed into the taller girl's arms.  She hugged her lover hard and sobbed
into her chest.  Theresa stroked her hair and embraced her lovingly.  "Oh,
sweetie.  Are you all right?"
	"I didn't know it would be like this!  Hold me, 'Resa.  Hold me
tight!"
	And Theresa held her delicate young companion, caressing her in a
comforting way.  Her touch was caring--there was nothing sexual about it.
Athena sensed that and appreciated it.  Her love for Theresa swelled even
more.  She eventually calmed and Theresa gently pulled her away to hold her
at arms' length.
	"You're bleeding!" she gasped.  "Come in, I'll try to fix up your
lip."  She lifted Athena's black bag and guided the smaller girl into the
house.  Theresa told Athena to get comfortable in her overstuffed blue
reclining chair.  Athena sank into the chair gratefully and tried to get a
handle on her emotions.  Theresa returned quickly.  She carefully cleaned
the blood from Athena's mouth.  Then she applied a dab of soothing salve
and finished by holding a small cloth filled with ice chips to Athena's
swollen lip.
	"Athena...I won't ever try to make you tell me something you don't
want to tell me...but I've got some questions.  For starters, are you
okay?"
	Athena sighed.  "Physically, yes.  Emotionally, not really."
	"Who split your lip?"
	"...My mom did."
	"Oh God, baby!"  Theresa cradled Athena in her arms again.  "I'm
sorry."
	"You've got nothing to be sorry for," Athena said.  "You told me
things like this would happen.  I guess I didn't know how it would feel;
that's all."
	"Do you want to tell me about it?" Theresa asked.
	"There's not much to say, really.  Half of my friends are avoiding
me or being nasty to me or treating me like some sideshow.  Laurie's dad
told me I'm no longer welcome at their house.  He said, 'My daughter isn't
like you and she doesn't want to be.'  Like being attracted to a woman is
contagious or something!
	"But I didn't expect Mom to have a problem with you and me.  I've
told you about Uncle Michael, haven't I?"
	"Your mom's gay brother?"
	"Yeah.  She seems cool with him whenever he's at the manor.  I
thought--Mom must--'Resa...I'm not sure I know her at all.  I don't think I
can take it if she hates me too--"
	Athena started crying again.  Theresa hugged her and whispered,
"Sh.  She doesn't hate you.  It will be all right, love.  Everything will
work out."
	"I believe you."
	Theresa knew first-hand about the turmoil Athena was enduring.  One
thing that always had helped her was exercise, and she told Athena so.  "I
think we ought to do something physical," she said.  "How about hitting the
slopes?"
	Skiing was one of their common interests--both girls liked sports
in general--golf, basketball, skiing, tennis, and running in particular.
Today was a chilly, comfortable day; skiing with a friend in the soft
powder would be very therapeutic.
	"Yeah!" Athena said.  "Um...how does my lip look?"
	"The swelling's gone down.  You look great, dearest."  Theresa
leaned forward and kissed Athena lightly.  "You feel very good, too."
	"Where would I be without you, 'Resa?  I love you so much."  The
shorter girl got on her tiptoes and initiated a longer, more passionate
kiss.  After several seconds, both girls broke off, panting.
	"You seem to be recovering," Theresa said with a smirk.  "If we
don't leave soon, I'm going to want to stay here all day, kissing and
licking that supremely fine body of yours."
	Athena turned red: a brilliant, shining red.  "I guess we ought to
go now, if that's the case," she murmured.
	"My beautiful little cherry tomato," Theresa said.  "You have no
idea how gorgeous you are when you blush!"  Of course, that made Athena
blush even harder.  "We'd better go right now!  Otherwise I'm going to eat
you alive."

*****

	After some discussion about where to ski, Athena persuaded Theresa
to try the Whitetail Hills Resort.  Theresa had never been there--it was
members only--but the Carsons were prominent members and Athena could bring
guests whenever she wanted to do so.  Theresa was kind of insecure about
her own blue-collar status at first, but Athena had reassured her often and
now she had no reservations about going to an exclusive place.
	"We'll have to get your skis," the tall girl said as she drove
toward Athena's manor.
	"Yeah.  They're in the equipment shed.  There's no way we'll see my
mom there."
	"Baby...you're going to have to face her soon..."
	"...I know.  But not yet.  And...just in case, would you come with
me when I do?"
	"Yes!  Payback time," Theresa said, her knuckles growing white.
	"No!  Don't, 'Resa; that won't help at all.  I need you to be there
in case she freaks out again.  But she's my mom!  Promise me you won't hurt
her."
	"She--all right, I promise.  But if she makes a move to hurt you in
any way, I'm going to forcibly stop her, however I have to."
	They arrived at the manor and got Athena's skis without seeing
Nancy, or anyone else.  It was a relief.  Athena relaxed more easily and
began to act like her old self.  By the time they reached the resort,
Theresa and Athena were joking and talking trash.  "You'll be lucky to come
in second," Theresa was saying.  "You don't know anyone who handles moguls
as well as I do."
	"Whatever!  I own this hill!  I could beat you wearing snow shoes,"
Athena retorted.
	"Big talk for such a tiny girl," Theresa jibed.
	Athena became playful.  She said quietly, "The smallest things can
have the biggest impact.  My tongue's small, but you really seem to like
it."  She gave Theresa's backside a quick pinch.
	"Hey!" Theresa yelped.  "You can't do--"
	"Let's hurry and get our lift tickets."
	"You are SO going to pay for that."
	The girls were in no hurry when they began their day.  It became
obvious that Theresa was faster, but Athena's experience and agility was
greater.  Luck also appeared to be on the younger girl's side as she took
the intermediate slalom.
	"Ready to surrender yet?" Athena asked.  She had won four of the
six courses they'd tried.
	"You wish," Theresa said.  "The next slope is long and has no sharp
turns.  There's no way you'll even finish within ten meters of me."
	Neither girl had been paying much attention to the sky.  Dark
clouds had appeared from nowhere.  Fine snow began to fall.  The snowfall
grew heavier and heavier.
	"Ah!  It's cold!"
	"Well, don't stand there in it."  Athena grabbed Theresa's hand,
taking her to th e lift and then to the long resort lodgehouse.
	The two young ladies stood beneath the eaves of the lodge and
watched the snow.  "Quite peaceful," Theresa said.
	Athena began rubbing her girlfriend's leg lightly.  "I've said it
before; you look terrific wet."
	"Hm?  Trying to get my attention?" Theresa softly stroked Athena's
back.  "Do you like snowstorms like this one?"
	The shorter girl subtly moved her hands higher.  "Give me a reason
to like them.  Do they turn you on?  That would be a great reason."
	"Yes.  Falling snow turns me on; but it doesn't hurt to have my
lover caressing me either.  You sure enjoy teasing me, don't you?"
	Athena let her hands wander.  "Someone with an ass this amazing
needs a little teasing now and then," she answered.
	"You're pretty brazen today," Theresa said.  "What about the other
skiers?"
	"They're in the bar drinking by now," Athena murmured.
	"In that case..." Theresa put her hands under Athena's soft yellow
sweater.  She pushed it past Athena's small, perfect breasts.  She traced
Athena's breasts and prominent nipples delicately.
	"...feels so good," Athena whispered.  Her nimble fingers began
unfastening Theresa's denim pants.  "Ooh, you don't know what you do to
me."
	"Let's kiss in the snow."  Theresa led Athena from beneath the
eaves and into the snowstorm.  Their lips met as if for the first time.
The kiss began chastely but they slowly took it deeper.  Their hands
started to roam again.
	Theresa cupped Athena's butt and lifted her.  "Legs around my
waist, baby," she urged.  Athena sighed and clamped her strong legs above
Theresa's hips.  She held on while Theresa kissed, licked, and sucked her
exposed breasts.
	"'Resa...oh, yes...oh!"
	The tall brunette looked at her girlfriend's rapturous face.  This
is the epitome of beauty, she thought.  I'll give her even greater
pleasure.  She easily carried Athena to the lodge and held her against the
wall.  She kissed Athena's mouth again.  Her lover's moans and gyrations
were the sweetest praise she'd ever received.  She opened Athena's fly.
	"Mm--stop, 'Resa," the black-haired girl panted.
	"Huh?  But I'm so worked up now...why?"
	"I just..."
	"...Please, tell me.  You know you can tell me."
	"I'm having my visitor," Athena said, turning pink.
	"I see.  You know--and it doesn't always happen--I can get pretty
horny at that time of month.  Do you?"
	"Sometimes."
	"From your behavior, this is one of those times, isn't it?"
	"Yes."
	A wicked smile crossed Theresa's face.  "Kind of selfish, making me
stop for a little thing like that."
	"What!"  Athena was totally floored.  "Are you--that's so--"
	Theresa kissed her sensuously, and slid her ski pants past her
thighs.
	"But the mess," Athena mumbled into Theresa's mouth.
	Theresa giggled.  "Don't you worry; I brought towels and stuff in
my bag.  Clean-up will be easy."
	"What if someone--"
	"--You said yourself, nobody's here anymore."
	Athena couldn't argue.  She surrendered to Theresa's careful
ministrations.  Soon she was nude from her waist to her knees.  Theresa
removed Athena's tampon and tossed it into the woods behind the lodge.  She
fingered the shorter girl gently, knowing how sensitive she probably was
now.  She tenderly licked Athena's nipples, which were so hard and swollen
they were almost sore.
	At most ski areas, the staff keeps track of who is on the slopes.
Whitetail Hills was no exception.  In fact--because it was a private
club--they paid close attention to where all their members were.  Only one
group, the Carson couple, hadn't returned to the lodge yet.  Nina, a
20-year-old college student who instructed at the resort, was sent to check
on them.  When she left the lodge, she looked around.  She was quite a
distance away when she spied two people standing under the eaves.  They
sure weren't skiing.
	They hadn't noticed her, which made sense; the visibility was poor
and they seemed focused on each other.  Instinctively, Nina approached the
pair cautiously.  She was curious; it looked like the couple was kissing.
	"Oh!  Oh, baby!" Athena gasped.  Her body was terribly, wonderfully
aroused.  She felt Theresa both teasing and satisfying her: nursing at her
breasts and finger-fucking her.  "I'm yours...take me...Take me!  Oh yes!
Do me, lover!"
	Theresa dropped to her knees and licked her girlfriend with deep,
extravagant strokes of her wide tongue.  The blood was diluted by Athena's
copious fluids, but Theresa could still taste it.  She loves me enough to
let me go down on her at a time like this, Theresa thought.  She was turned
on even more and she sucked madly at Athena's clit, determined to give her
the best orgasm of her life.
	Oh wow, she's licking me, Athena thought, amazed.  She loves me so
much, she's willing to eat my bloody pussy.  Overwhelmed with love, Athena
immediately had a small orgasm.  The large one continued to build.
	Nina crept closer to the couple in the snow.  They weren't kissing
anymore, she realized.  Weren't the two people in question both girls?  As
she drew nearer, she saw that--despite the height difference--they WERE
both girls!
	"That's disgusting," Nina whispered to herself.  She meant to
leave...but she couldn't.  She couldn't look away.  She couldn't close her
eyes.  Her mouth opened as she watched the taller girl make love to the
shorter girl.  It was so tender, so obviously loving--but so sexual as
well.  Nina stared.
	"'Resa...I love you..." Athena whimpered.  Her knees buckled and
her breathing stopped.  Theresa held her as the fierce orgasm shot through
her, blotting out everything else.
	"And I love you," Theresa said softly.
	Nina had seen the shorter girl climax.  As the taller girl stood,
Nina saw blood on her mouth and chin.  "No, that couldn't be..." Nina
murmured.  She watched the taller girl rummage through her bag.  She gave
the shorter girl a tampon and then started to wipe her own face with a
cloth.
	Nina was astonished.  The short girl is on the rag, she realized.
When I'm having my period, my boyfriend won't come anywhere near me.
	I'd better get out of here before they see me, Nina thought.  As
the coed walked away, she felt cool, sticky liquid.  Her panties were
saturated!  "I was...turned on...by two dykes?" she wondered aloud.  Well,
they were both quite beautiful.  She forced herself to stop thinking and
fled the scene.
	Theresa helped Athena get dressed.  The black-haired girl was a bit
too dazed to do it by herself.  Retreating to a bench under the eaves,
Theresa sat and pulled Athena into her lap.  "Take it easy, Athena.  Slow,
deep breaths.  You'll hyperventilate if you don't slow your breathing."
	"But--"
	Theresa pressed her finger to Athena's lips.  The younger girl
forced herself to concentrate on her breathing.  Theresa nuzzled her neck
and held her hands chastely around Athena's waist in a loose but warm
embrace.  Athena grew calm, almost sleepy.
	Once her breathing slowed, she tried again.  "The things you do to
me...you're the perfect fit, 'Resa."
	"Interesting choice of words," Theresa whispered.
	Athena grew red again.  "Meanie!  You like making me blush."
	"Guilty as charged."
	Athena squirmed in her lover's lap.  "You could at least deny it,
sex fiend."  She hopped up and clasped Theresa.  The girls kissed again.
"I ought to take my revenge now."  She kissed Theresa's neck and dragged
her fingertips lightly over Theresa's ribs.  Theresa was a sucker for
gentle attention to her neck, ears, and abdomen; Athena went over these
spots slowly, enjoying her companion's coos and sighs.  She took her time
working her hand into Theresa's panties.
	"Oh, don't stop!  Ooh!  So good!"  Theresa had to drape herself on
the smaller girl for support.
	"You like that?" Athena teased, planting light kisses on Theresa's
neck.  Her index and ring fingers spread Theresa's puffy labia and her
middle finger circled Theresa's needy clitoris.  "Can you cum for me,
pretty girl?"
	Wonderful weakness spread through Theresa's body.  She slipped
lower and lower until she was on her knees on the lodge's wooden deck.
Athena sank down with her, not missing a beat.  "Oh...oh, that's it!  Ah!
Athena, I'm cumming!  Oh, I love you!  I love you!  Ah!"
	Very satisfied with her lover's quiet litany, Athena grinned and
stroked Theresa to an intense orgasm.  Theresa recovered quickly as usual,
and looked up to find Athena licking her fingers.  Theresa gently grasped
Athena's wrist and looked her in the eyes, taking the shorter girl's middle
finger into her mouth and carefully cleaning it with her tongue.  She
slurped and let it go with a pop.  Athena was growing aroused again.
	"You're so sexy," the black-haired girl breathed.
	"Let's get out of here," Theresa suggested.
	"We haven't finished racing--"
	"--You win.  I just want you, now!  I can't get enough of you.  I
want you naked so I can enjoy every centimeter of delicous you."
	"Oh, 'Resa..."
	Due to the snow, the girls found that they couldn't leave the hill.
"How long does it usually take them to clear the road?" Theresa asked,
failing to hide her frustration.
	"Two or three hours.  But," the brown-eyed girl lowered her voice,
"they've got a couple of rooms.  We could use one."
	"They do?"
	"Only VIPs can use them.  Let's get a room."
	"Yeah," Theresa agreed, slightly overwhelmed.
	Athena talked to the lodge manager and secured a room.  She also
arranged for a few things to be brought to the room.  Then she led Theresa
through two halls and up a flight of stairs.  She unlocked the door.
	"I had no idea this was even here," Theresa said.  "Wow!  It looks
so cozy."
	"How about a shower to warm our poor, chilled bodies?"
	"I call washing Athena!"
	"I call washing Theresa!"
	The two young ladies washed and warmed each other very well.  They
dried themselves and slipped into the robes that the lodge provided.
	"Today started badly.  It could have become the worst day of my
life.  Instead, it's been one of the best.  Thanks, 'Resa," Athena said
while Theresa brushed her long hair.
	"I'll always do my best to make you happy," Theresa answered.  "I
can't stand seeing you sad."
	When Theresa was nearly done brushing Athena's hair, there was a
knock.  "I'll get that," Athena said.
	"But--we aren't exactly dressed for that."
	"True, whoever's at the door will know we're lovers.  So what?"
	Theresa was surprised again by Athena's boldness.  "I'll answer
with you, then," she said.  Athena reached for the doorknob.  Theresa
hugged the shorter girl from behind.  Athena opened the door.
	A short man in his late 20s or early 30s held a covered platter.
He looked startled for only a moment.  "Where shall I set this, Miss?" he
asked quickly.
	"Right there, thanks," Athena said, pointing at the coffee table
near the door.
	The man put down the platter.  "Thank you," he said, taking the tip
Athena offered him.  He quickly left the doorway.  Maybe some of his
friends would have asked to watch, but he would never be such a twit.
"After all, I wouldn't like it if someone asked to watch me with my wife,"
he muttered to himself.  "What's private is private."
	Theresa locked the door.  Athena picked up the platter.  "Come with
me," she invited.  "See that remote control?  Hit the 'on' button, please."
	Theresa did so, and a fire sprang to life in the fireplace.  Athena
sat on the long sofa that faced the fire.  "You can put your head in my lap
if you want to."
	Theresa immediately lay on the sofa, relaxing into her girlfriend's
lap.  Athena started feeding her red grapes from the platter, one at a
time.  "You're such a romantic," Theresa sighed.  "I'm the luckiest girl in
the world."
	When about half the grapes were gone, Theresa coaxed Athena into
switching places with her.  As Theresa fed Athena, her arousal grew.
Athena was so trusting and so caring...Theresa decided to thank her as only
she could.  She fed Athena the last grape.
	Then she lunged, trapping Athena's arms.
	"Hey!" Athena protested.
	Theresa swiftly controlled both of Athena's wrists with one hand
and very slowly opened her robe with the other hand.  She kissed Athena,
sharing her breath.  Her fingers gently explored Athena's trembling,
twitching body.
	"Ooh," Athena moaned into the green-eyed girl's mouth.
	Theresa broke the kiss long enough to pant "I love you," then she
fastened her mouth to Athena's again.  She traced Athena's nipples and they
grew tall and rigid, begging for attention.  Theresa kneaded each breast in
turn.  Eventually, she let herself slip lower, dawdling, tantalizing the
writhing girl beneath her.
	Athena ached helplessly.  She could only hope that Theresa would
hurry up--she didn't think she could stand any more teasing.
	Finally, Theresa's fingers swept across Athena's favorite spot.
After just three circles around and over Athena's clitoris, Athena came:
shaking violently, breathing hard.
	"Oh, 'Resa," she purred in her afterglow.  "That was so cruel but
so good!"
	"Cruel?  Don't make me laugh!  You like being dominated as much
as..."
	"...What?  As much as you do, is that what you were going to say?"
	"I--"
	"--Too late now!  I'll remember that.  Payback is so fun."

*****

	Hours later, the satisfied couple left the ski lodge.
	"Back to my house?" Theresa asked.
	"...No, take me to the manor, please."
	"Athena?"
	"I don't want to avoid my mother.  I don't want her to think I'm
ashamed being with you."
	"Okay."  There was a strange note in Theresa's voice.
	"What is it?" Athena asked.
	"I know the pain you're in for; I've felt it myself.  You know, you
could spare yourself that pain.  If you would just tell people what they
want to hear--"
	"--Stop it, Theresa!  I know you're trying to protect me--and I
love you for it--but I won't lie about this."
	A tear escaped Theresa's eye.  "Good for you," she whispered.  "And
I will always be there to comfort you and support you and love you."
	Hand-in-hand, Theresa and Athena entered the manor.  No sooner had
they hung their coats than Rosalie, the maid, noticed them.  "Athena,
you're back!  Your mother's been frantic looking for you!  Oh, and you have
a phone message.  Your mom is in the billiard room; please see her, okay?"
	"Okay, calm down!" Athena laughed.
	"It's good to see you as well, Theresa," Rosalie said warmly.
	"It's nice to see you, Rosalie.  How are you?"
	"I'm very well, thanks."
	"Is anyone with my mom?" Athena asked.  Theresa thought she heard a
hint of nervousness.  She squeezed the small hand she held.  Athena looked
at her gratefully and the pair proceeded toward the billiard room.
	"You're too young for her," Athena muttered.
	"Um...what?"
	"You didn't see it?  I hope I'm imagining things--I think Rosalie's
been making eyes at you."
	Theresa stumbled but recovered.  "Do you?  But..."
	"...Yeah.  As I said, I hope I'm wrong.  I like Rosalie.  You've
seen it though; I get jealous really easily."
	"Don't worry, babe.  I love only you."  Theresa gave Athena a
reassuring kiss.
	"So are you ready?" Athena asked.
	Theresa nodded.  Athena swallowed and opened the door to the
billiard room.
	Nancy, Athena, and Theresa stared at each other for a few long
seconds.
	"I'm sorry.  I'm sorry, darling," Nancy said, slowly approaching
the couple.  She was crying by the time she reached her daughter and hugged
her.
	"It's all right, Mom," Athena said.  She began to cry quietly too.
"I forgive you."
	Daughter and mother stood for a minute, hugging each other.  "My
little girl is growing up," Nancy sniffed.  "I love you.  If you want to go
to the dance with Theresa, it's your choice and I will stand by you.  I
will, I promise.  And I won't ever hurt you again.  Oh God!  I'm sorry!"
	Athena carefully disengaged herself from her sobbing mother.  She
hugged Theresa.  "Mom, I want to introduce you to my girlfriend, Theresa."
	Theresa extended her hand.  Nancy hesitated, then took it
awkwardly.  "I apologize to you too," Nancy squeaked.  "You must be someone
very special."
	It's all right, Mrs. Carson," Theresa answered.  "I love Athena."
She hugged Athena a little tighter and looked into her eyes.  "I love you,
Athena."
	"I love you, 'Resa.  And Mom, I love you too.  Please, let's all
forget this awful morning and move on."

*****

	The three women drank tea, played pool, and talked.  At first, the
conversation was totally serious, but it gradually became more relaxed.
When Athena had drawn real laughter from both of her companions, she
thought that she could leave them alone with each other safely.  Earlier,
she wouldn't have taken the chance.  "I'll be right back," she announced,
"Rosalie said I had a message and I ought to hear it before I can be called
rude."  She left the room.
	The door closed with a click.
	"Mrs. Carson," Theresa said, her eyes flashing, her voice trembling
with barely-restrained fury, "you hit the woman I love.  Don't ever do it
again."
	"I swear I won't," Nancy replied.  "I see how much you love her.  I
also love her."

*****

	"Oh, Athena!  Is everything all right?"
	"Yes, it's fine, Rosalie.  You said I had a message?"
	"Mhmm; it was from a girl named Tammy Shelton..."
	Athena's eyes widened.

The End (for now)