17 comments/ 6311 views/ 29 favorites The Jackie Bailey Chronicles By: WilBeLes Jacqueline Shaw grew up in a small town in the middle of nowhere called, Kempton. It was the kind of town where everyone knew everything about everyone else. She lived with her father, Nathan Shaw, in a small beat-up house a mile outside of town. Her mother died of cancer just after her tenth birthday. Nathan changed drastically after his wife died. He started drinking everyday, coming home drunk and depressed. He wasted her mother's life insurance on alcohol. He was constantly looking for his next fix of rum. When Jackie started filling out at thirteen, everyone noticed her blooming beauty, including Nathan. He started abusing her at the age of fourteen. Small gestures and touches grew into something more over time. ****** Jackie lay in her bed clutching the covers tightly around her skinny form. She heard the front door slam and a deep rumbling voice slurring down the passage, groaning and complaining about loss and the pain that stays afterward. Her bedroom door opened, creaking. The light from the passage snuck into her dark room. She lay with her back facing the door, not daring to move a muscle. A shadow of a swaying drunken father painted on the wall in front of her. The door slowly creaked shut letting the darkness envelope the tiny room again. She squeezed her eyes shut. The strong grip on her shoulder pulled her onto her back. The covers disappeared from her shoulders to her feet. The cold air gripped her frail body like a vice. She could hear the sound of a belt buckle and a zipper. She felt the bed shift as her father got onto it. The unbearable weight kept her from squirming and the smell of rum filled her senses. Images of her mother filled her head: happy images filled with laughter, giggles and tickles. The smell of fresh flowers blooming in the garden together with the picture of her beautiful mother working in the garden put a small smile on her face. The images of her mother, with beauty fit for a princess, pulled young Jackie away from the horror every night. She slipped up behind her mother, soft and quiet. Her mother spun around to hug her tightly, a chuckle echoing from her soft flat belly under the tight t-shirt she wore. "I love you, my sweetheart." Her mother's words sounded loud and clear in her ears. "I love you, Mommy." Jackie replied. ****** Jackie was startled out of her flashback by a voice next to her. "Excuse me Ms... another coffee?" the waitress asked. Jackie answered by shaking her head, unable to clear the tightness in her throat. Finally finding her voice, she answered weakly. "May I have the bill please?" Jackie blinked her tears away. The waitress left her table to tend to another. Now, even at the age of thirty, the horrific memories still haunted her day and night. The only memories that kept her hanging on were those of her mother. The waitress returned a while later with the bill. Jackie placed a bill on the small plate under the receipt and handed it back to the waitress, smiling lightly. "Keep the rest as a tip." The waitress looked at the bill and smiled broadly. "Thank you, Ms, enjoy the rest of your day." Jackie smiled and got up. She walked toward the restaurant door. As she opened the door another woman walked into her. Jackie stumbled backward and then felt an arm wrap around her waist. Her eyes shot up to meet two of the most amazing hazel eyes she had ever seen. Their gazes locked. The rest of the world seemed to disappear. Jackie smiled. She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," Jackie said. She balanced herself and straightened her suit jacket and skirt, blushing furiously. The other woman cleared her throat and let go of Jackie's waist. "No, it was entirely my fault. I was looking at someone behind me..." The woman trailed off, stunned by the beauty in front of her. Jackie looked up from her feet, her eyes following a firm built body in tight jeans, and a plain t-shirt hugging a flat tummy and firm breasts, then met those gorgeous hazel eyes again. "Can I make it up to you by inviting you for a drink?" the woman asked, pointing to a table in the restaurant. "Sorry, I have to get back to work. If you come here often, we could make it tomorrow." Jackie suggested, smiling shyly at the woman. "Yeah, of course, I'm here everyday at this time." Jackie stepped aside to let the woman by. The woman stepped in the door and slid past her. She closed her eyes to take in the musk scent wafting up her nostrils from the dark haired woman. Jackie turned to leave, then stopped and turned, feeling a hand on her shoulder. "What's your name?" the woman asked her, letting go of her shoulder. Jackie smiled again at the woman. "My name is Jackie Bailey." The woman smiled brightly. "I'm Shane Dickenson." Jackie raised an eyebrow at the woman. "I know... my father was hoping for a boy. So the name stuck." Shane crinkled her nose making Jackie giggle. "Nice to meet you, Shane, see you around." Jackie held out her hand. Shane took her hand in her own. A spark ran through Jackie's hand from the other woman's silky soft touch. They smiled at each other as their eyes locked again. Jackie reluctantly let go of the warm soft hand in hers and turned around, smiling to herself. At the end of the pavement, she looked back to see the woman still staring at her. Jackie turned back and crossed the street toward a three story accounting firm. At the double glass doors, she looked back again, smiled at Shane and disappeared into the building. Her heart was racing and her breathing was erratic. She took the elevator to the top floor. Exiting the elevator and walking into the office, she smiled at her friend and business partner. "I'm back, Beverley, any messages while I was out?" Jackie stood in her own office door waiting. "Nothing important Jackie, just a few clients confirming payments made for our services." Beverley smiled then turned serious. "He called again, twice, looking for you." Beverley moved from behind her desk in her wheelchair. She had had a bad car accident a few years ago, leaving her legs totally numb and useless. Jackie's smile disappeared. A tear formed in the corner of her eye. "What did Nathan want this time?" she asked Beverley with sadness in her voice. "He didn't say, he just asked for you. When I told him you weren't in, he hung up." Jackie sighed as the memories threatened to take over her thoughts. "I really should report him for violating his restraining order. Okay... thank you Bev, enjoy your lunch." Jackie turned into her office, her head hanging low and her fingers working her temples. She sat down behind her desk, hiding her face behind her hands. "I'm having my lunch in today, so I will be here if you need me." Jackie dropped her hands to look at the woman in her doorway. "Oh Bev, you really don't have to stay in for lunch. Go out for an hour and enjoy yourself. You're not my slave. I still don't get why you don't want anyone to know that you own half of the firm." Beverley chuckled and cocked her head to the side. "I know... I just love working with you in secret. I don't like being in the spotlight. Besides, I ordered my lunch from the restaurant across the street before you got back. They brought it up for me." Jackie smiled at her secret partner. "I'm really happy that I have you as my best friend and my business partner. You deserve to be named a saint. Now go eat and don't you dare do any work for the next hour." Jackie said sternly. She tried not to smile but couldn't help it. Beverley returned the smile, winked and then closed the office door as she left. Jackie sat back in her chair staring at the ceiling. Shane suddenly popped into her mind, kicking thoughts of Nathan out of the way. Shane's tight jeans and snug t-shirt, both accentuating every curve in the right way, filled her mind. Jackie licked her lips and closed her eyes, remembering the soft and gentle touch of the woman's hand... Oh my god and her sweet musk scent; Jackie moaned unconsciously. She thought about Shane's full lips and hazel eyes. Her silky smooth short black hair hanging to just above her ear framed her face perfectly. The woman's face came into clear view: the gentle curve of her 'u' shaped jaw and her cute button nose. The smile that the woman gave her and the way her hazel eyes looked at her made Jackie feel special. ****** Shane sat at a table in the corner next to the window, staring at the accounting firm across the street. The big bright letters on the front of the building read: Bailey Accountants. It was the first time any woman had ever had such an effect on her. The image of the woman with the form hugging business suit and low heels had her in a lusting trance. Her tenderly curved 'v' shaped jaw, brown-green eyes, full red painted lips and small gentle pointy nose encased in long red curly locks had Shane drooling after her. Shane remembered the shy smile and slight blush after they literally bumped into one another. Shane's hand still tingled from the spark she felt when they shook hands. A soft sweet and floral perfume still tickled Shane's nose. She knew that the powerful smell would never leave her memory banks. All her curves were in the right places. Shane sipped her drink then took the last bite of her lunch. She looked at her watch on her wrist. It's time to go. Shane had a gym to open. She waved at the waitress for her bill. She turned to her right on exiting the restaurant. Five doors down the street she stopped to unlock her kick boxing gym. She stepped into her office in the back and sulked. She had too much paperwork to sort out. There were still boxes to unpack. Moving from Canada a month ago, away from her scowling family, hadn't been easy on her. She had left her whole life behind to start out fresh. Shane had seen Jackie in the restaurant a few times before. The woman had worn a distant expression on her sweet features, a look of longing sadness reflecting loss, or even betrayal. The sense of deep unhappiness was reflected in her eyes. Jackie looked like she needed a friend, someone to help carry whatever load had created that sadness. Shane had felt impelled to talk to the redhead several times, walking up to her table to introduce herself, but always losing her nerve and continuing past. Today had been chance, perhaps even fate. Either way, Shane was pleased that she had finally talked to the woman that fascinated her, after a month of fruitless staring. ****** The hours passed by painfully as the day went on as usual. Jackie was checking books and answering the phone every few minutes. She took pride in her work; it was all she had aside from Beverley. The phone next to her laptop rang, startling her. She answered it without thinking. "Bailey Accountants, how may I help you?" She froze at the sound of the rough deep voice on the other end of the line. "What do you want Nathan? You aren't supposed to make contact with me." Her hands started shaking and her heart rate spiked. "I will call you whatever I bloody well feel like. My father is dead." She listened to the man who had once been her father. "No I am not giving you any more money. Now please stop calling me." She slammed the phone down, ending the call. Her face sank into her hands. She started crying. She sobbed uncontrollably. After all these years her father still had the power to send her scampering for cover out of fear and shame. She switched everything off, grabbed her bag and coat and locked the offices. She was the only one left in the building except for the night security guard down in the lobby. Everyone else left at five o'clock. Jackie always stayed until six. She made sure everything was ready for the next day's morning meeting. She stepped out of the elevator into the lobby. "Good evening Ms Bailey, have a good evening." She looked up at the guard and smiled. "Hi James," She turned at the double glass doors. "How's the wife doing?" The young African American man gave her a gentle smile. "She is pregnant and hormonal; I'm happy to be at work." Jackie chuckled softly. "Good luck James. Give my love to Sarah, will you?" He chuckled and smiled brightly. "I'll do that Ms Bailey, good night." "Good night James." Jackie walked to her apartment around the corner of the block. The call from Nathan floated in her mind. He called her time and again, but only to taunt her or to ask for money so he could drink more rum. ****** Jackie dreamed that she sat alone under a great oak on a lonely hill under the moon and starlit sky, talking to her mother and praying. The fresh cool night air filled her lungs. She could hear little nocturnal creatures scurry about in the darkness. Jackie and her mother used to have picnics under the great oak on sunny days. The oak tree was the only place she could find peace, any longer. Jackie sat quietly contemplating her options. A vision of her mother stood in front of her. Jackie froze for a second; she couldn't believe what was happening. She remembered her mother from pictures she had. Her mother had never visited her before. Annabelle sat down beside her daughter and wrapped her arms around her. "Mommy... is it really you?" Jackie stared at the woman sitting next her... holding her. It felt good to feel those arms again. "Yes it is my dear, but I'm not here to stay." Jackie thought about the statement for a moment. "What are you here for Mommy?" Annabelle looked at her daughter with a smile. "You were always the smart one. I am here to give you a message." Jackie sighed, resting her head against the creamy shoulder. "I miss you Mommy." Annabelle kissed her forehead. "I miss you too, my dear. You are a strong woman but there is a certain dark haired stranger out there who wants to be strong for you and love you and take away the loneliness. You have to let go of the pain. Only then will you be able to face your fears. Nothing that happened to you is your fault; it never was. I love you so much and I will always watch over you." Jackie kissed her mother's cheek. "I think I know who you are talking about. I love you too Mommy." The two women held each other one last time as the dream faded; leaving Jackie in a more peaceful sleep she had had in twenty years. The next day, Jackie stepped into Beverley's office with a huge grin painted on her face. Beverley looked at the redhead. Her own smile grew into a grin. "Good morning Jackie, you look very happy this morning." Jackie sighed happily standing in front of Beverley's desk. "Oh I literally ran into someone yesterday during lunch... Or should I say she ran into me. She almost knocked me off my feet but caught me just in time. Boy she has strong arms." Jackie walked toward the window behind Beverley's desk and stared at the restaurant across the street. Beverley knew about Jackie's past and knew that Jackie had become attracted to women as a result. "So... tell me more... don't leave me hanging here." Beverley asked excited that Jackie had finally met someone who sparked her interests so strongly. "We're meeting today for lunch, but I'm going to have to change lunch hours with you. Oh Bev, it's the first time ever that anyone has made me feel this nervous and happy for no reason. I don't know what to expect or what to do." Jackie turned to face Beverley with a look of apprehension on her face. Beverley wheeled herself from behind her desk. "Why don't we go make some hot chocolate and talk in the break room? It sounds like you need a friend to talk to." Jackie followed Beverley to the break room in silence. They helped one another make the hot chocolate like so many other days when one of them needed a friend. Beverley sat beside Jackie, holding her cup in both hands in her lap. "First of all Jackie, you need to learn to trust your judgement of people you meet. You have to let go of your past if you want a happy future. If you meet the right partner it won't be that difficult to face your nightmares. You have been trying to face all this alone for a long time." Beverley took a sip of her hot chocolate watching Jackie do the same. "Way too long, Jackie." The redhead was clearly thinking about what Bev had said. She leaned forward, elbows on her knees. "You're right as always. You know me so well by now. Every time I meet someone, I shy away and run because of my fear, my living nightmare. The only person I ever let into my heart was you. I need someone to fill the empty part of my heart and soul that you can't." Jackie looked at Bev with a light smile. "No offence meant but you're straight and I need sex, the loving kind." They stared at each other and burst out laughing at Jackie's admission. Jackie turned serious again. "I'm scared to let anyone else touch me. It brings back too many painful memories. I've tried; I can't even touch myself without cringing. I had a dream of my mother last night. We were sitting under the old oak tree I told you about. She told me to let go of my pain, then I will be able to let go of my fear. She also told me that there is someone waiting out there for me, a dark haired stranger." "Sweetie, I agree with your mother. Just take your time to get to know this woman before you jump into bed with her. Give her a chance. You will know if she is the one to fill the empty spot in your heart." Beverley smiled holding Jackie's hand. Jackie gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Bev, you are the world's best friend ever. Now, we have to get ready for this morning's meeting." After the meeting was settled, Jackie spent the rest of her morning in her office as she worked her way through clients' books, making sure everything balanced. The closer it got to lunch time, the more her nerves rattled. Jackie was so into her work that she didn't even hear her office door open. Beverley sat in the door watching her friend pack herself to death in work. "I'm back, Sweetie." Beverley announced as she wheeled her way to Jackie's desk. "Oh good god Bev, don't scare me like that." Jackie said with a nervous giggle. Beverley chuckled softly. "Sorry, I didn't realise that you were that nervous over a lunch date." Jackie released a deep loud sigh. "Is it that obvious?" she asked, looking at her friend. "To anyone else who doesn't know you? No... I just know you too well to miss anything. Now get ready, you have a date with destiny." Beverley turned and headed for the door giggling. "It's not a date, it's just lunch." Jackie said giggling at her friend. "Oh I believe you. You're stalling, get going already. You'll never know unless you try." Jackie watched her friend disappear through the doors to her own office. She knew that Beverley was right; she was stalling. Jackie got up, grabbed her coat and headed out. Beverley watched as Jackie left, giving her a mischievous grin. Jackie just shook her head getting into the elevator. When she reached the door of the restaurant, she felt her heart pumping wildly, skipping beats every few seconds. Her hand reached out for the door. She was shaking uncontrollably. She pushed the door open, took a deep breath and stepped over the threshold. She looked around the restaurant and spotted Shane sitting in a dimly lit corner on her own, drinking coffee. Jackie walked over very slowly. Shane sipped her coffee and almost choked as she saw Jackie make her way over to her table. She stood up, grabbed a napkin and dabbed at her chin and lips. Jackie smiled sheepishly as their eyes met. Jackie was wearing a black pants suit with a crisp white female cut button up shirt under her suit jacket. Her coat was thick, heavy and long, reaching down to her ankles. Shane looked down at the redhead's small feet, noticing that she was wearing black high heel boots, polished to a shimmering gloss. The Jackie Bailey Chronicles As Jackie walked over, she was admiring the dark haired woman's firm built body showcased by a buttocks and thigh hugging pair of jeans. Her flat stomach, broad chest and firm breasts were perfectly accentuated by a plain white t-shirt with an open brown leather jacket sprawled over her shoulders. "Hi Jackie," Shane greeted, not knowing what else to say. She never thought that Jackie would actually join her for lunch. She held out her hand to shake Jackie's hand. "Hi Shane, it's good to see you again." They held each other's hands and gazes for what seemed like forever. Jackie cleared her throat and smiled shyly, looking down at their joined hands. Shane blushed wildly and released her. She stepped around the table and pulled a chair out for Jackie and seated the redhead. Shane took her seat and waved the waitress over. "What would you like to drink?" Shane asked, staring into Jackie's brown-green eyes. Her eyes went to the redhead's lips as she spoke. "Just a coffee for now please, Shane." Jackie answered, smiling widely when she saw Shane lick her lips. Shane looked away, blushing even more, when she noticed Jackie had caught her staring. The waitress came over to stand next to them with a fake smile pasted on her face. She placed a menu in front of each of the two women. "May I bring you anything to drink?" she asked, she dug in her apron for a pen and a small note book. "I'll have another coffee, and one for my friend here." Shane ordered. She eyed the waitress with a raised eyebrow as she wrote down the order. When the waitress caught her staring Shane pasted on a fake grin. "That's all for now thanks... uh... Rachel." Shane said, looking at her name tag. The waitress disappeared, mumbling to herself through her teeth. Shane returned her gaze to a giggling Jackie. "She really needs to be a little friendlier. She'll make more tips." Jackie said. She put her hand in front of her mouth and giggled again. Shane joined Jackie in her giggle fit, breaking the nervous tension between them. "I'm glad to see that someone likes my dry humour." Shane said, smiling brightly. Jackie smiled sweetly back. "It certainly is difficult to find a person that turns straightforward comments into something funny." Jackie commented. "I like to make people laugh. It makes them feel better." Shane put her empty cup aside as she saw the waitress return with their order. Rachel put their orders in front of them. "Have you decided what you would like to eat?" she asked wryly. Shane raised her eyebrow slowly at Jackie. The other woman shrugged and picked up her menu. "Why don't you give us another minute, please?" Shane asked, grinning widely at the waitress. Rachel nodded and walked off. "So... Jackie... have you decided what you would like to eat?" Shane asked, mimicking the waitress and making Jackie giggle again. "Well, I usually pick a salad or something light. I think I'll let you order for us both." Jackie replied, putting her menu down and folding her hands on top of it. Shane cocked her head to the side. "Okay, if you say so. I should warn you though; I'm a kick boxer so I don't eat light." "Oh don't worry about me. You'd be surprised at what I can pack into this small frame of mine. I have a very active appetite." Jackie blushed slightly as she realised the little flirt she had worked into what she said. Shane chuckled softly. "Hhhmmm, that sounds intriguing. Tell me a bit about yourself Jackie." Shane suggested while looking for their waitress. "There's not much to tell. I'm a single thirty year old woman who owns fifty percent of an accounting firm. My best friend owns the other fifty percent. I see myself as a down-to-earth small town girl with big dreams of being successful in life. I'm a shy girl at first until I get to know the people I'm with, and then I can't shut up. I'm an only child. My mother died of cancer when I was ten and my father... well... let's just say he changed after that. It's your turn now Shane." Jackie thought of saying more but that meant treading on darker territory with someone she barely knew, sparks or no sparks. "Mmmm... I get the small town girl part, I'm one myself. I'm thirty two, oldest of two kids. My younger sister died at seven. My parents live in Canada and I own the kick boxing gym down the block. I used to fight professionally until a few months ago. I opened the gym yesterday to keep kids off the streets. It took me a whole month to get everything set up and ready for business. I'm ambitious, friendly, honest and I like being around people." They smiled softly at each other. Shane took a quick look at the menu in front of her on the table. The waitress came around to their table. Shane spoke up as soon as the waitress made her appearance. "I would like two orders of your cheddar melt chicken schnitzel served with fries and a side of calamari. I would also like two glasses of dry red wine with that order. Then for a dessert we will share a trip choc bowl of ice cream." Shane returned her gaze to Jackie, who was just smiling at the order she had placed. "Would you like a starter?" Jackie nodded eagerly. "For starters we'll have snails smothered in garlic. You know what; bring the wine with the starters." Shane passed the menus back to the waitress with a grin. The waitress disappeared again. "You really don't like the waitress, do you?" Jackie asked while she sipped her coffee. Shane crinkled her nose as if thinking then smiled. "No. She served me yesterday as well. She was all smiles until she found out that I'm gay. I was on the phone talking to an old friend in Canada when she overheard my conversation." Shane watched Jackie's face to see her reaction to what she had said. To her relief, Jackie just smiled lightly and nodded. "Yeah, she pretty much treats me the same way every time she serves me. I learned to shut her negativity out over the last five years." Jackie's train of thought tried straying to her past but she kept it on track by thinking about the foot lightly tapping against hers under the table. She smiled mischievously at Shane, who was blushing slightly again. As the hour passed by, they giggled and laughed while they ate. None of the stares they received bothered them one bit. Each of them was too enthralled by the person sitting in front of them to notice. The rest of the week passed. Jackie and Shane waited in anticipation to see each other again, everyday. Jackie was sitting in her office with a dreamy look on her face when Beverley came in. "Jackie Sweetie, I got a message for you..." Beverley trailed off, noticing that Jackie wasn't listening to a word she was saying. Beverley wheeled herself closer to the desk, and then stretched her hand out to touch Jackie's hand. Jackie snapped out of her daydream and shot a look toward Beverley, smiling widely. "Sorry Bev... I was... uhm... thinking." Jackie smiled lopsidedly at Beverley. "Were you saying something?" "Yeah, I have a message for you from a... Shane... she asked if you could call her as soon as possible. She left her number for you." Jackie smiled wide again at the mention of Shane's name. Beverley pasted a small sticky note onto the screen of Jackie's laptop with a giggle. "Yeah, thank you Bev. I'll call her straight away." Beverley turned and left with a smile on her face, closing the door behind her. Jackie picked up her cell phone, dialled the number and waited. Shane answered on the third ring. "Shane's gym, how may I help you?" "Hi Shane, it's Jackie, you asked me to contact you." "Oh hi Jackie; thanks for calling me back." "Yeah no problem, what's up?" "I can't make lunch today but I was hoping you could join me tonight. I'm going to a local lesbian club I heard about. I would hate to go alone." Jackie thought about the offer for a second. "Sure, I'll go with you." Shane sighed in relief causing Jackie to smile. "Great. May I come fetch you after work at six? I'll wait in the lobby." "Sure, that wouldn't be a problem." "Wonderful, then I'll see you tonight. Have a great Friday." "I can't wait, you too." "Bye Jackie." "Bye Shane." Jackie put her cell phone down with a satisfied grin then stood up, heading toward Beverley's office. "Bev, I'm ordering a pizza for lunch. Would you like to join me for lunch today?" Jackie asked, sticking her head through the doorway. Beverley looked up smiling brightly. "No lunch date today?" Jackie shook her head with a smile. "She can't make lunch but we're going to a club after work. Luckily I dressed in jeans today. So... you going to join me for lunch or not?" Jackie pouted her lips knowing that Beverley wouldn't be able to resist. "Yes... you know I can't say no to your pout... or to pizza." Beverley and Jackie chuckled together. "Great... I'll order now. By the time the pizza gets here, it will be lunch time. Maybe we can have a small drink with it in my office." Jackie suggested with a smile. Beverley returned the smile. "I'll forward all calls to your landline then. I'll bring the pizza in when it arrives." The two women went about their business until their lunch arrived. They spent their lunch hour in Jackie's office enjoying lunch while Jackie told Beverley everything about Shane that she had learned so far. Beverley told a little more about her exes before she had the accident. After their lunch the women went back to work, finishing off the rest of the day. Five o'clock came and Beverley announced her departure. "Sweetie I'm off; I'll come over tomorrow after I'm done with the books." Beverley said from the door. Jackie smiled brightly at her best friend. "Okay, bye Sweetie, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll prepare your favourite for lunch, as always." Beverley smiled wide as she turned in the doorway. "Have fun." She wheeled off to the elevator, leaving Jackie to finish the last of her work for the day. Jackie got so engrossed in her work that she almost forgot about her date with Shane. James had called her on the landline and told her that she had a lady waiting in the lobby. Jackie grabbed her leather jacket and headed out with her purse in hand. She walked out of the elevator to find James and Shane talking about sports. "Well, if it isn't two of my favourite people in the world." Jackie announced with a smile. "Good evening Ms Bailey. I was just keeping your guest entertained." "Good evening Jackie." James and Shane greeted her, each smiling brightly. "Good evening James, Shane. Thank you James, I didn't lock up. I know it's about now that you do your rounds upstairs." James smiled a warm smile. "No problem Ms, I'll lock up when I'm done. Have a great evening." "You too James, say hi to Sarah for me." "I'll do that Ms Bailey." Jackie turned to Shane smiling shyly. "Ready to go, Jackie?" Shane asked holding out her arm. Jackie hooked her hand into the offered arm nodding her head. James followed the two women to the door and locked up after them. Shane led Jackie to a grey Jeep standing in front of the building and opened the passenger door for her. Jackie got in, watched Shane close the door, walk around and get in the driver side. Shane drove them to a cosy little lesbian club hidden underneath a restaurant among diners, other restaurants, video shops and 24 hour convenience stores. The tall dark haired woman led Jackie through a restaurant, down some stairs and through a thick steel door where a bouncer let them in. The club had a massive open floor lit by flickering lights synchronised to the DJ's music. Along the walls on both sides were private little booths under dimmed lights. There were a lot of couples and groups on the dance floor. The lights made it seem like they were dancing in slow motion. Two booths were open on one side of the floor. The others were filled with occupants talking, laughing, drinking or making out in public. To the far end against the wall stood the bar where two bar ladies served drinks to customers. Shane led them to an empty booth. "What would you like to drink?" she asked. She took a seat on one side of the table. "A glass of sweet white wine would be fine, thanks Shane." Shane removed her jacket and set it on the other side of the table on the bench. "I'll be right back with our drinks." Shane smiled softly at the redhead then headed to the bar. Jackie watched the couples on the dance floor as they danced to the rhythmic music filling the large room. It was a mildly erotic scene of women rubbing themselves up against each other, showing their affection and lust for each other. A slightly overweight woman with an army cut hairstyle, loose hanging leathers, army boots and a wife beater shirt walked up to her. Jackie looked at her hands on the table hoping that the woman would leave her and walk past. As soon as she heard the woman's voice she felt intimidated and scared. "Hey, what is a fluff like you doing sitting alone? Would you like to dance with me?" Jackie took a deep breath wishing that Shane would hurry back. "I'm with someone, sorry. She went to get our drinks." Jackie briefly looked up at the woman regretting it. She caught a sly grin playing across a manly looking face and the smell of rum. "I'm sure she won't mind one dance." Jackie sighed. She looked toward the bar in search of Shane. "Thank you but no thank you." Jackie chanced another quick glance at the woman. Shane paid for their drinks and turned to see a tough looking butch hovering over Jackie. The redhead looked scared but the butch seemed to be insisting on something. Shane walked over calmly and placed their drinks on the table. She noticed Jackie sigh in relief at her arrival and smile up at her. "Hey Honey, I'm back with our drinks. That bar sure is busy." Jackie played along with Shane. "Its fine Baby, this nice lady was just keeping me company." Shane took a seat across from Jackie purposely flexing the muscle in her arms as she sat down. Shane looked up at the woman. "Hi, may I help you with something?" Shane asked smiling the sweetest smile she could conjure. The woman shook her head swallowing, noticeably. "N-no... as the fluff... I mean your lady said... I was just keeping her company." Shane reached over the table for Jackie's hand and entwined their fingers smiling at her friend. She returned her gaze to the butch. "Thank you very much. I wouldn't like it if anything were to happen to my lady." Shane kept the fake smile but her eyes told the butch to back off, which she did when Shane flexed her muscles again. Shane and Jackie looked at one another for a moment then burst into a fit of giggles. "Are you alright my lady?" Shane asked mockingly. Jackie giggled again. "Thanks to you... yes. I am easily frightened by people who are intimidating and by the smell of rum." Jackie explained in part. She saw a flash of anger in Shane's eyes that faded into a soft genuine smile. "Let's just forget about it and enjoy the evening. I thought we both could use a genuine break from everything." Shane suggested, knowing that Jackie would talk about whatever it was that had her so scared of other people in her own time. "Thank you, Shane." Jackie squeezed their tangled fingers in appreciation. They kept their fingers tangled on the table as they talked and drank. Shane looked longingly at the couples on the floor. Jackie caught the expression and stood up, pulling Shane with her toward the dance floor. Shane stood stunned as Jackie began swaying to the music. Jackie smiled at her, took Shane's hands and placed them on her hips. Shane did the same with Jackie's hands and followed the redhead's lead. After a few more drinks and a little more dancing, they were both relaxed. They settled into enjoying themselves and each other's company. The two women froze when the DJ started playing a slow song. They stared at each other, then at the couples around them. Shane took control and pulled Jackie into her arms. They softly swayed to the song. They stared deeply into each other's eyes. Jackie settled her head against Shane's shoulder, relishing the comforting warmth the woman has to offer. She tightened her arms around Shane's neck. The song ended, leaving them hugging each other close. Jackie raised her head and leaned in to kiss Shane. The moment was abruptly interrupted by a young girl crashing into them from the side. Shane and Jackie both reached out to the girl kneeling before them on the floor and helped her to her feet. "Sorry, I fell." The young girl explained, dusting herself off. "It's not your fault. Don't apologise." Shane said. She looked in the direction the girl came from. Jackie followed her gaze to see the same butch from earlier. She was laughing at the girl, her friends among her. The girl started crying and looked away from them. "I have to go now. Sorry for ruining your moment." The girl strode off to the bar. Shane and Jackie returned to their booth to finish their drinks. They sat next to each other and watched the girl talk to one of the bar ladies. A moment later, a female bouncer removed the butch from earlier from the building with force. The girl was holding a cloth to her eye when the bouncer returned. They stared at each other for a moment. She escorted the girl to the door and out, both smiling widely. The girl had the bouncer's arm around her shoulders and her hand on the bouncer's firm ass. "I guess that butch got what she deserved," Shane commented with a broad smile. "So did the girl and the bouncer by the looks of it," Jackie said. Shane returned her gaze to Jackie. Her thoughts trailed back to their almost kiss on the dance floor. Jackie was a beautiful woman indeed. Her sheer beauty could attract the attention of anyone around her. Jackie looked back at Shane smiling sweetly. "We should probably get going? It's getting very late," she suggested. Shane nodded her answer. She stood up and held out her hand to Jackie. The other woman took the offered hand. They walked hand in hand to Shane's jeep, parked outside the door. Shane opened the door for her date then walked around and got in the drivers side. Shane parked her Jeep behind the gym. Jackie stood aside watching Shane lock up and join her. "Would you like to have dinner before we go home?" Jackie asked as she walked beside the gym toward the street, Shane next to her. "I think that would be best. I'll buy," Shane insisted. Jackie chuckled softly. "Uh-uh... you spent enough on me tonight, and on lunch since Tuesday. It's my turn to pay." Jackie and Shane looked at each other smiling wide. Shane lowered her head, looking at the pavement as they walked toward the restaurant. "Alright, we could take turns to pay. One day you pay, one day I pay," Shane suggested with a sweet smile. Jackie took her hand entwining their fingers with a mischievous smile on her full lips. "That can work, but I'm still paying for dinner." They walked slowly enjoying the cool stillness of the night. "Do you think we're going to have a snowy Christmas?" Jackie asked out of the blue. Shane looked at her with a grin. "I really hope so; I enjoy the snow especially on Christmas." Shane stuck their clasped hands into her jacket pocket to keep them warm. "Mmmm... me too... there's nothing better than having a snowy Christmas with hot chocolate and people you love. Its times like these I miss my mom the most. She always found a way to make something out of nothing and it would be even more special." Jackie sighed with a small smile at the memories as they stepped into the restaurant. "I noticed that you are exactly the same way; make the best out of everything. I enjoy spending time with you." Shane caught Jackie's gaze. They took a seat next to each other in a dimmed lonely booth away from other occupied tables. The Jackie Bailey Chronicles "I enjoy spending time with you too," Jackie admitted with a shy smile. "I'm very happy you almost knocked me off my feet." Jackie smiled sheepishly at Shane. The dark haired woman chuckled softly. "Maybe after some time I could really sweep you off your feet," Shane commented keeping Jackie's gaze. "You already have..." Jackie stated, trailing off, averting her eyes. "I just need some time to sort a few things on my own before we can..." Jackie looked up at Shane. "...start a relationship." Shane smiled softly squeezing their hands still in her jacket pocket. "I understand completely Jackie. We can just take it slow and hang out until we're both ready for a relationship. I have my own things to sort out too." "I agree besides... there's a lot more I want to know about you. How'd you know that I was in trouble at the club with that butch?" Jackie asked. Shane's face turned serious for a moment. "I saw the fear and pain in your eyes. I figured that you had a rough time... maybe as a teen. I just felt this... burning... need to protect you." Jackie settled her head on Shane's shoulder. "I'm glad you did. I have very bad memories of an intimidating person who smelled of rum." "I figured that might be the case. You don't have to talk about it, not tonight." The waitress came around to take their orders. They spent an hour and a half talking about small non-essential little things and walked home together. They found out that they lived in the same apartment building, Shane on the second floor and Jackie on the third. Shane had the apartment right beneath Jackie's. Three weeks passed. Jackie and Shane met every day for lunch, taking their time to get to know one another. Jackie had permanently changed lunch hours with Beverley so she could meet her new friend for lunch. Beverley just smiled happily, knowing that Jackie had met someone she really liked. Jackie had never had a relationship because of the fear she had developed toward men and any more intimidating partners. Somehow Shane seemed different to Jackie. The woman was strong, no doubt, but she was patient and understanding as well. She didn't push. Shane was strong but not intimidating. Jackie revelled in their small innuendo-filled flirtations; she knew that she would eventually let Shane completely into her heart. Shane seemed to enjoy her company. She made Jackie laugh a lot. Then the phone calls from Nathan became more frequent and demanding. He would scowl at her and threaten her with death. Jackie had a land line put into her office that would give her the identity of her caller and record any calls at the press of a button. Her friendship with Shane grew from longer than needed hand shakes to longer than needed hugs. They went out to the lesbian club every Friday night. Jackie grew even closer to Shane when they danced together. One night after locking up the offices, the redhead headed home after a long day of countless errors and complaints about a new employee. Jackie stepped into the cold winter's night after greeting James as she usually did. She pulled the collar of her coat up around her neck. It was early December and growing colder every day. She felt a soft flake flutter onto her cheek from above. She looked up. She held her hands out to catch the snowflakes and smiled. She always enjoyed snowy winters. She walked left from the doors of the firm. A feeling of unease seeped into her happiness. She shivered. She stood still trying to listen. Footsteps sounded behind her, and stopped as she stopped. She continued walking. She saw the lights of the gym on. The doors were open. It was the closest to safety she could think of. Jackie quickened her pace as she crossed the street. She noticed that the footsteps behind her quickened as well. While crossing the street, she looked back over her shoulder. She saw a shadowy figure following her across the street. The form of the shadow was unmistakable; it was Nathan. She stumbled through the gym doors. She turned and faced the doors as she walked backward into the gym. Nathan stopped at the door. The light showed a smug and hungry grin spread across his face. He started to take a step inside, and froze. Jackie took one more step backward, right into someone's arms. "Hey, slow down there, Honey." She turned on her heels facing Shane with tear-filled eyes. She sagged in relief to see and feel her friend. Shane put her hands on Jackie's shoulders, looked into her eyes, and looked toward the door at the man standing there. "Is that man bugging you Jackie?" Jackie shook her head abruptly still shaking in fear while trying to blink her tears away. "No... yes... no..." Shane let go of Jackie and walked toward the door. She rolled her sleeves up her arms. She could smell rum in the air around the man as she reached the door. "I think you better leave before I call the cops," Shane said calmly, her fists opening and closing at her sides. The man turned and ran into the darkness without saying a word. Shane stood at the door watching him run like a coward, then closed and locked the doors. She turned to face Jackie and walked slowly toward the fear-filled woman, unrolling her sleeves. Jackie ran into her arms. She clutched her chest tightly and hid her face in Shane's neck. "It looked like you knew him. Who was he?" Shane thought back to the intimidating way he looked at Jackie from the door. The sickly smell of rum clung to him like a cologne. He had a dominating aura about him. Jackie answered in a shaky voice, wanting to lie but told the truth instead. "He is my father." Jackie cried into her shoulder. Shane stood there holding the woman trying to comfort her by rubbing her back. "Come with me... I'll make you some hot chocolate, my treat." Jackie reluctantly let go of Shane's firm body and wiped at her tears. She met the other woman's concerned gaze. "Thank you, but I don't want to be a bother." Shane smiled lightly at the woman. She grasped Jackie's chin softly to keep their eyes locked. "You're no bother. I rarely get any visitors or damsels in distress stumbling into my arms. I could use the company." Jackie smiled back. "Sure, why not. I could use a chaperone to get me home afterward." She smiled shyly, and then looked down at her feet while fiddling with her hands. Shane smiled, adoring the shyness of the woman standing in front of her. "I will walk you home. I won't let you walk alone with him out there." Shane wiped the tears from Jackie's cheeks and eyes, and then led her to the back of the gym. Jackie followed Shane into a small kitchenette beside an office. She looked through the open door as they passed the tiny office. She saw trophies on a shelf and frames with certificates on the walls. A belt hung on the wall on hooks underneath a few photographs of Shane and some other people handing her the awards. Shane prepared two cups in front of a boiling kettle. She had a container of small marshmallows, a can of whipped cream and a small shaker with cinnamon beside the cups on the counter. Jackie leaned her back against the counter looking at the main doors. "Would you mind if I asked why you are so afraid of your father?" Shane looked at the woman's face. There was pain and sadness in her eyes. "You don't have to if you don't want to." Jackie looked at the floor then met her gaze. The woman deserved to know the whole truth about her. Jackie was afraid that Shane wouldn't look at her the same way again. If she knew what her father had done to her. "I don't mind. My therapist said that it would help me if I talked to friends about my past. Is there somewhere we can sit and talk? It might take a while." "I have a couch in my office. We could sit there," Shane answered. She poured hot water into the cups, stirred the mixture, sprayed a dollop of cream from the can, put a few marshmallows on top and added a dash of cinnamon. She handed Jackie a cup and pointed her hand toward the door. "Shall we?" Jackie nodded and followed Shane to her office, where they sat on the couch as she told her horrific story. She told from the day her mother died to the day she left Kempton. Jackie started secretly working at the age of sixteen everyday after school. She saved the money she had made. It was her escape fund. From the age of fourteen till the day she left, after she had finished high school, Nathan had abused her. Every night was the same, a vicious cycle of a horrific nightmare that didn't end. After finishing their hot chocolate, they walked home together. She continued: "I changed my name from Jacqueline to Jackie and my surname to my mother's maiden name, Bailey. I was very lucky the day I got here in Boston. I quickly found a small cheap place to stay." Jackie breathed in the icy cold air, feeling much better to get all this out. "After saving for two years, I had enough money to keep me going for a few weeks. I found a job at an accountant's office as a filing clerk. That's when I met Beverley, my business partner. I worked there for a few months. I noticed that I have a knack for numbers so I started going to night classes. When I got my degree, I applied for a higher paying job at the same firm and worked my way up the ladder. Five years ago, Beverley and I had saved up enough money to start our own business. I got myself a new, bigger apartment. The business is still going strong and I was happy until..." Jackie trailed off remembering the day Nathan first called her after all those years. "Your father found you," Shane finished her sentence. Their eyes met and Jackie nodded sorrowfully. "You don't deserve what he did to you. You are a warm hearted and good spirited person," Shane stated, smiling brightly. Jackie's breath caught in her throat at that stunning smile. Without realising it, they had reached Jackie's apartment door. Jackie looked at the number on the door then back at Shane. "Would you like to come in?" Shane stared into those brown-green eyes for a second then smiled lopsidedly. "I would love to but I have a feeling that if I go in I won't be leaving any time soon. So I bid you a very good night and hope to see you tomorrow morning. I'll walk with you to work." Shane bowed her head to the woman who was smiling at her silly antics. "You're feeling was correct... sort of." Jackie screwed her eyes at Shane then smiled lopsidedly. "I will see you tomorrow morning then. I'm not going to argue to get myself out of walking with you, because I want. I want to know a little more about you." Shane chuckled lightly at their little flirtations. "Have a very good night, Jackie." Jackie looked at the woman while biting her lower lip. She so wanted to kiss those full luscious lips. She leaned toward Shane and kissed her cheek instead. "Thank you for walking me home Shane, and for being a good listener." Shane smiled as her cheeks coloured slightly from the kiss. "No problem at all, I was happy to lend a hand and an ear or two." Shane leaned forward and kissed Jackie on her cheek. Jackie smiled shyly at her as her own cheeks flushed. Shane watched as Jackie unlocked her door and stepped into her apartment. "Good night Shane. See you in the morning." Shane turned toward the elevator as Jackie closed her door, a smile on her plump kissable lips. Later that night, Jackie had another of her many nightmares. They were more horrific memories that haunted her dreams. She was so tired after her night that she had forgotten to take her tablets. ****** She was hiding in a secret compartment under the stairs to the basement, a place she found while playing hide and seek with her mother. She tried to be as quiet as she could between sniffs and hiccups. Her father had found out that she was working. He had followed her after school to her job as a waitress in a small hidden diner next to the highway. He was furious with her. Nathan had dragged her out of the diner by her hair, threw her in the passenger side of the truck and driven her home. While he was parking the truck outside the house, she took the opportunity to get out of the moving truck and scampered into the house before he even figured what was happening. She was now holding her legs up, knees under her chin while rocking her tiny body. She needed to calm herself down so he wouldn't hear her. His booming anger-filled voice echoed in the house as he called for her. His footsteps sounded loudly on the old creaking hard wood floors and thumped down the passage to the bedrooms. "It's just a few more days to go," she whispered to herself. She focused on remembering the sound of her mother's voice, knowing that it always calmed her down. She was suddenly startled by the old stairs creaking above her head. Jackie took in a sharp breath filled with dust, mould and fear. The creaking stopped. A hand reached through the gaps in the steps. A firm grip seized her hair. She screamed. With an unimaginable strength, Nathan pulled her through the steps, shattering them into splinters. Bits spread over the cold cement floor. She landed with a thud on the corner of the bottom step. She hit the back of her head. She scampered into a corner across the stairs. A sharp pain coursed through her body from her backside and her head to her stomach as a big boot pinned her in place. Unable to move, Jackie clutched her eyes shut waiting for the blows she knew were coming. One eye opened slightly to see a huge hand rise and come down viciously hard. ****** Jackie awoke screaming in fear from her horrific dream. Her body was sopping wet. Sweat covered her body. She was shaking uncontrollably. She breathed in short sharp gasps. She looked around the darkened room for her attacker. A knock on her door startled her. She got up. She put on a robe and headed swiftly to the door. She looked through the peep hole, and then sighed in relief. She opened the door for the woman standing in front of her. She looked wonderful in a pair of red passion killers with puppies all over the soft material, thick red socks on her feet. "Are you alright? I heard you screaming," Shane asked. She placed her hands on Jackie's shoulders. She met those brown-green eyes for a moment, looked into the apartment searching for anyone else. Jackie sighed as she gathered her thoughts. "I just had a bad dream. Did I wake you? I'm so sorry." Jackie asked out of concern. Shane met her gaze and smiled. "No, you didn't wake me. I couldn't sleep after the day I had. Would you like some company?" Concern permeated her hazel eyes. She wants to be there for Jackie. She will do anything to win the woman's heart. Jackie nodded and stepped out of the way. Shane entered and waited for Jackie. "Would you like some coffee or tea?" Jackie walked toward the kitchen switching on every light in the apartment along the way. "Some coffee would be nice, thanks." Shane answered at the kitchen door. She watched Jackie shaking as she went about her business. "Please sit down? I promise I won't bite you." Jackie said, looking over her shoulder, trying to smile. Shane returned a small smile while sitting at the small table. "Do you have the nightmares often?" Jackie walked toward her with two full cups of coffee. She looked gloomy and tired. Shane couldn't understand what the woman was going through or why any person would hurt such a wonderful woman. "I get them whenever I forget to take my pills before I go to bed." Jackie sat down across from Shane. She placed one cup in front of her friend. "The nightmares don't get any easier, I know," Shane stated. She curled both her hands around the cup in front of her. A painful look flicker across those beautiful hazel eyes. "It sounds like you have your own past haunting you." Jackie blew into her cup then took a quick sip while looking at Shane. Jackie wanted to hear about Shane's past. It could help to take her mind off her own nightmares. Shane sighed loudly and took a quick sip from her cup. "Yeah, my younger sister..." Shane looked sorrowfully at the redhead as she trailed off. "We were out swimming in the lake at our cabin while on holiday. I was thirteen at the time and she was seven. I asked her to wait for me before she went in. She couldn't swim that well yet. I went into the cabin to tell our parents that we were going to swim and to fetch some towels." Shane took a sip of her coffee. Jackie's hand stretched over the table, settling over one of hers. The reassuring touch sent a shiver down her spine. They stared at one another for a while before she continued telling her story. "She was waiting on the deck when I walked down. She turned to look at me. She slipped. She hit her neck against one of the posts and fell into the water. I dropped everything, screaming for my parents. I rushed over and dove in. I grabbed her and got her out. I tried CPR but it didn't work. We later found out that she had broken her neck. She was dead before she even hit the water. My parents blamed me for months after that, years even, saying that I knew not to leave her alone. She hadn't been anywhere near the water when I left her. That whole scene keeps playing over and over in my dreams, haunting me. I haven't been in the water ever since that day. I see her there." Jackie gently squeezed her hand. "It wasn't your fault Shane. No matter what we do, we will always lose someone we love, in one way or another. It is just their time to go. I lost my father the same day my mother died. He changed into a monster, the total opposite of who he truly was. It's the memories of my mother that keep me holding onto the promise of better days. I look just like her. I think that's why Nathan started..." Jackie trailed off lowering her head to hide fresh tears. Shane moved her chair closer to Jackie and wrapped her arms around the woman. "Shhh... you don't have to finish that sentence. I'm here for you. He won't hurt you anymore." Jackie wrapped her arms around Shane's waist and held her close. They cried together. Jackie made them more coffee. They went to sit in the living room on the sofa. They sat talking about the happier days they had as children, Shane of the times with her sister and Jackie of her mother. "She used to make us hot chocolate just like you made it earlier tonight. I used to sit on her lap under a blanket and listen to her reading me stories while we drank our hot chocolate." Jackie smiled at the memory, leaning her head back against the sofa. "I used to make it for my sister and me. We used to sit beside the fireplace under a blanket drinking our hot chocolate while watching cartoons on television." Shane looked at her empty coffee cup and set it on the coffee table in front of the sofa. "I should probably get going," Shane said. She felt a hand on her arm as she moved forward on the sofa. She looked at Jackie's hand, and then into her eyes. "Please stay with me tonight? I don't want to be alone." Jackie let go of Shane's arm and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. She looked away. Shane remembered the small hints during their few weeks of friendship; the tender touches, soft undertones of innuendo, gentle kisses on the cheek, the quick sparkling glances. The Jackie at those times was confident and happy. The Jackie she saw tonight was scared and unsure. Shane smiled lightly at the redhead and sighed. "Sure... I can stay as long as you need me to." A grin grew on the redhead's lips, stretching from ear to ear. Shane's heart leaped. "There's that smile I like so much," she said out loud, making Jackie blush. After a few more minutes of talking and then a movie, Jackie went to bed leaving a sleeping Shane on the sofa cuddled under a thick blanket. Jackie still couldn't sleep. She couldn't take her pill at that time. She wouldn't wake up for work. She got up and walked into the living room in her flannel pyjamas not even bothering with a robe. She sat on the coffee table and watched Shane sleep. She got up, walked a bit closer and nudged Shane to move over. Shane moved sleepily onto her side making space for her. Jackie got under the thick blanket and cuddled close to Shane's warm firm body. Shane draped her arm over Jackie's waist. She smiled at her, peeking through one open eye.