Second Chances (a closed thread)

[Lady_Kit]

[size=large]Welcome!
Class of ‘94[/size]

Kate looked at the large banner above the door and wondered where the years had gone; ten of them had passed since she left this sheltered campus. When she graduated she’d imagined a life within the cultured world of fine art; perhaps spending her days in galleries and museums, and her nights among artists, or collectors. That was her dream, until she found herself swept off her feet by an Army officer that she met through her older brother. Donald Brooks was ten years her senior and achingly handsome; his tales of Paris, Milan, and Salzburg had captivated her. She was a born romantic, and Don seemed to be everything she wanted in a husband; they were married within months of her graduation. It didn’t take long to decide that she’d made a mistake, but, as her mother put it, she’d made her bed, and so she stayed. Initially she thought she might still have her career, but military moves soon squashed that idea. Though she found solace in museums and tiny galleries where ever she and Don were stationed, her dream of working in the world she loved was put aside.

Everything changed six months ago when Don retired and announced that he wanted a divorce. It wasn’t a shock, they’d grown apart in recent years; or maybe they’d never been together at all. In the end it didn’t matter to Kate, the important thing was that she was now free to pursue her own life. The invitation to her 10-year college reunion seemed like the fates giving her the chance to go back and start over from graduation. She intended to take advantage of their largess and make the anniversary of her exit from college the first day of the rest of her life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kate Edwards was blessed with height and the blonde good looks of her Scandinavian ancestors. She stood a respectable 5’6” in her stockings, and carried her slightly curvy figure with natural grace. Her hair fell to her shoulders in a pale gold wave that framed her face and emphasized her large blue eyes. Modesty kept the finer details of her shape hidden, but it was hard to disguise the long legs and full breasts that had caused more than one young soldier to take a covert glance when their CO, her stern faced ex-husband, wasn’t looking.

OOC: Ever play the “what if” game? Ever wish you could go back and relive the past take a different course, or perhaps a different lover? If circumstances brought you face to face with the person you ran from before, would you do things differently? Kate is about to find out.

Read along as lucky-E-leven and I relive the past in this closed thread.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

Becca paced before the floor to ceiling windows of her penthouse apartment, arguing with herself for the umpteenth time since the reunion invitation had arrived in her mailbox weeks earlier. She was furious and clenched her fists momentarily, attempting to will away the fact that she'd made her decision to attend the gathering the moment she first laid eyes on the silver-leaf eagle embossed on the navy cardstock. Her decision was further confirmed by the fact that she'd spent the afternoon at the salon, getting her hair and nails done and was now anxiously pacing her living room in a shimmery black cocktail dress that she'd spent weeks searching for.

Ten years ago, she'd had the world at her feet. She had graduated at the top of her class, earned a coveted internship with a famous architecture firm and landed a posh apartment just inside the city. And she was ready to take full advantage of it all. She felt as though she'd waited her whole life for this opportunity and she knew that she was going to make it to the top. Despite her ire concerning the reunion, Becca had to grin as she looked out the huge window at the twinkling lights of the city below and reveled in the fact that she'd done just that.

The moment was broken when her telephone rang and she mumbled under her breath as her heels clicked along the hardwoods beneath her, as she went to answer it. The answering machine picked up just before she reached the kitchen and she stopped in her tracks when she heard the voice coming from the tiny speaker.

Rebecca Foster, if you're standing there listening to this message instead of picking up the phone, then you are a wise woman. I hope you're already on your way to that reunion, to patch things up with Kate...it breaks my heart that you two lost touch when she married Donald and went off to travel the world.

Becca's shoulders sagged just slightly and a soft frown touched her lips as guilt washed over her for the lie she'd told her mother so long ago.

I also hope you find some nice young man that suits your fancy so you can stop being so damn lonely all the time.

An uncomfortable silence fell in the kitchen and Becca was just turning away, assuming the call was over, when her mother's voice rang out again.

Becca? I know you're still there trying to decide whether or not to go through with it. But it's time to go back and confront whatever it is that's been haunting you since you graduated. I love you.

Becca stood in stunned silence as she heard the tell-tale click, ending the call. Haunted, she thought. That's exactly how she'd felt since graduation, but how had her mother known? Questions and doubts descended upon her quickly and with her mother's encouragement still ringing in her ears, she grabbed her purse and keys from the counter and walked straight out the door.

Twenty minutes later, she swung the sleek black sports car into a parking space and turned off the motor. Her hands trembled slightly and her heart hammered in her chest as a hundred reasons to turn around and leave, cirlced her brain. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she popped the door open and stepped out of the car. The woman that emerged from the car was quite a contrast to the woman who'd just occupided the driver's seat, and the speed at which Becca became the poised and savvy business professional that she portrayed daily, was uncanny.

Becca fixed her emerald gaze on the imposing building that was her destination and headed toward the entrance. Her curly chestnut hair was piled on top of her head, and a few loose tendrils spiraled down past her temples, lightly brushing her cheeks as she moved across the parking lot.

But Rebecca Foster didn't just move. Even at 5' 8" she had a dancer's grace and, anyone watching her would have said she floated, rather than moved. She'd never thought of herself as beautiful, but after years of working amongst wealthy clientele she'd learned a thing or two about style. The shimmery black fabric of her dress rested neatly over her right shoulder, leaving the left one bare, and gently hugged her torso before slightly flaring just below her hips. The thin black seam of her silk stockings ran down the back of her thighs, over muscular calves and finally disappeared into a pair of four inch heels.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Kate tugged at the low neckline of the navy blue dress that the sales girl talked her into buying for the reunion cocktail party. It was much more daring than anything she’d worn in years, possibly more so than anything she’d ever owned. Noting, in the mirror of the hotel room, the expanse of cleavage on display Kate was glad she’d at least held her ground about the length of the skirt and sleeves, she was showing enough skin as it was. Thankfully, both were longish, the former hanging in soft folds just above her knees, the latter fitted to her wrists. The back was the real problem. She didn’t remember that it plunged quite so low from the strap of fabric that connected the sleeves; nearly to the base of her spine, she now realized. The view from the front was actually conservative by comparison. A large triangle of silver fringed patterned silk lay across the chair that held her evening bag. It would provide adequate cover for her back, or so she hoped. Her hair was loose, her make-up soft and subtle. She’d dispensed with her usual pantyhose tonight, her skin was lightly tanned and even she had to admit, that her bare legs still looked pretty good. The silver sandals were a bit much; maybe she should have brought navy pumps instead. Of course she hadn’t, and now the high-heeled confections of thin silver straps would have to do.

A short cab ride from the hotel had her back at the university and soon settled among the members of her old group of friends. Everyone had connected that afternoon at the early registration. Tonight they’d commandeered a large round table in one corner of the room, much like they’d done in school when they’d gathered to prepare for exams, commiserate after grades were released each quarter, or on those rare occasions when someone had spare cash, to share pizza, beer and plans for the future. Though everyone looked different on the outside, a wrinkle here, a gray hair there, or for some less hair and a paunch, Kate could still see her friends shining through. All but one, Becca hadn’t arrived and no one seemed sure that she would come at all.

An hour or so into the party, a small band began to play and the four couples that shared her table got up to dance. Kate was left to her own company after assuring them all that she didn’t mind. After they left Kate let her thoughts stray back to Becca, the missing member of their group. She hadn’t thought of her long-time friend in years; deliberately so. The memory of their last night in the shared dorm room was too unpleasant and Kate kept it as far from her thoughts as possible. She should have handled things differently with Becca, but there had been no time the next morning to set things right. Kate was scheduled on an early flight home, and Becca was gone when she woke up. The trip home had changed Kates life, she met Don on that trip and didn’t see Becca again until the wedding; when so many things had changed for them both.

The music was soft in the large room, the lights were dim and couples swayed rhythmically in the center of the dance floor. Kate wondered how many college romances would be resurrected this weekend. She wasn’t the only one here alone, but she’d be willing to bet that not all of the other “singles” were as unattached. When the next song started and no one returned to the table Kate began to entertain herself by trying to guess the names of the other occupants of the room. She wasn’t doing very well until her eyes swept the space just inside the doorway. A figure stood in near silhouette between the dim light of the room and the glow from the lobby outside. Kate would know that shape anywhere. All to soon, the time had arrived to confront her ghosts, but there was little courage in her voice as she whispered out a name she hadn’t said aloud in years.

Becca

 

[lucky-E-leven]

Becca carefully weaved her way through the parking lot and steeled herself for the uncomfortable run-ins she was bound to have with old boyfriends. Of course, they'd be married now and it was always awkward to be introduced to a spouse when you happened to be the dreaded 'ex'. A sharp whistle rang out near the steps leading into the lobby and while she normally didn't give cat-calls a sideways glance, something made her turn. Tommy Hastings was smoking in the shadows and appeared as though he intended to speak with her, but she politely waved and continued inside. She was quite certain he hadn't been sober during his entire college career and she wasn't in the mood to see if he'd changed his ways. Truth be told, she didn't want to be here at all. If she had her 'druthers, she'd have screwed up her courage and contacted Kate years ago, but such wasn't the case.

Becca made her way to the bar in the lobby and ordered a Cosmopolitan. She quickly scanned the bright room and saw a few familiar faces, but not the one she was looking for. She got lost in her thoughts as she waited for her drink and memories of her roommate flooded her brain. The way the sun glinted off of Kate's hair, her infectious giggle, the tiny dimple in her right cheek and the simple sight of her sleeping brought a wide grin to Becca's lips. Oh the hours she'd spent watching Kate sleep. She was snapped from her silent reverie by the bartender and she accepted the drink, tipped him and moved off to the side to survey her surroundings. Looking around the semi-crowded room, she saw plenty of flirting and hand-shaking but grew bored quickly and drained her drink before heading into the dimly lit reception hall. She stopped just inside the room and searched for friendly faces, but after a minute or two was disappointed to find that her normal group of friends wasn't gathered at a table yet.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Becca froze and slowly panned back to the right, her green eyes locking with familiar blue eyes. Everything around her ceased to exist. There was no music, no dancing, no laughing and no time. Nothing existed in Becca's mind, except the gorgeous blonde in the corner. Kate, Becca thought to herself and absently placed her fingers against her throat, as though it might allow her to breathe again. She was unable to break the intense stare until Kate's lips curled into a small smile. Everything inside Becca was screaming, Go to her, you silly fool. Run, don't walk! But her feet were rooted to the floor and she still wasn't aware if she was breathing. It wasn't until Kate motioned to her, that Becca was able to move.

Halfway across the dance floor, Becca felt a pair of large strong hands settle on her waist and spin her around. She instantly found herself in the arms of Tommy Hastings and by the smell of him, he was just as much of a drinker as he'd been 10 years prior. Becca was furious with the intrusion but didn't want to be rude. All she could do was smile and dance until the song was over, all the while, stealing glances to the corner of the room at the object of her every waking dream. I've waited ten long years, Becca thought to herself as Tommy twirled her away from Kate. What's five more minutes? And then, just as soon as she'd lost sight of the blonde, she saw her again.

Five minutes my ass. Eternity is more like it.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

deleted double post

 

[Lady_Kit]

Her feet felt like rocks buried into the floor of the room; she couldn’t move, could barely draw a breath. Then a thrill went through her body; Becca was here! After all the time spent wondering, now she knew. She smiled, just a little at first, then felt the grin grow wider. Kate gestured to Becca, urging her to come to the table. Becca began to move toward her, but she suddenly couldn’t wait. The feet that wouldn’t move before now had a mind of their own and Kate moved to meet Becca.

She wasn’t the only person to observe her friends’ arrival. Kate watched in dismay as Tommy Hastings captured Becca and quickly twirled the sexy brunette across the dance floor. Her eyes squinted slightly as she tried to keep track of them in the dim light. God! Would the damn song never end?! After what seemed like an eternity it did, and as luck would have it Tommy and Becca had completed their circuit of the dance floor just in front of where Kate now stood. As the final note sounded she stepped up to the couple.

Tommy! Thank goodness I’ve found you. I think your wife is looking for you. I believe she said something about a call from the sitter?

“Wha? Shit, can’t do anything without Her messing it up. ‘Scuse me, Bec…I’ll catch you later! Maybe we can get together…for old times sake.”

Becca moved quickly to avoid Tommys attempt at a kiss and shuddered delicately as the two women watched him stagger away.

They hugged quickly, though Kate would have preferred to linger just a moment. She wanted to let the warmth and scent of Beccas body seep into her, but this was hardly the place. Becca moved away first, and Kate turned to lead the way to the corner table. The familiar tingle was still there when she touched Becca. It lingered even as they pushed through the crowd around the dance floor finally breaking free enough to walk side by side to the back of the room.

“Is his wife really looking for him?” Becca asked as they moved away from the dance floor.

She was about an hour ago and since he is still here I assume he has evaded capture all this time.

“Well, thanks for the rescue.”

My pleasure, and purely selfish, I assure you. I was hoping you would come tonight, Becca. I wanted to see you. I…I’ve missed you and I hoped that we might finally put the past behind us.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

Becca was just getting ready to verbally blast the drunk man, attempting to dance with her, when the song finally wound down. She was still contemplating grinding the pointed heel of her shoe into his foot to repay him for stepping all over her feet, but never got the chance as Kate approached and rescued her with some story of Tommy's wife needing him.

Becca skillfully dodged an attempted kiss from him and suddenly found herself in Kate's arms. A ragged bolt of excitement coursed through her body as their breasts crushed together and the blonde's hands pressed into her back, drawing her closer still. The familiar scent of strawberry shampoo filled her nose and the velvety softness of Kate's skin was at least twice as intoxicating as the drink she'd just downed.

Her nipples began to tingle and Becca quickly pulled out of the blonde's embrace. The urge to kiss her was almost overwhelming and Becca quickly blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Is his wife really looking for him?"

Kate admitted that she had been earlier and probably still was.

"Well thanks for the rescue."

"My pleasure, and purely selfish, I assure you. I was hoping you would come tonight, Becca. I wanted to see you. I…I’ve missed you and I hoped that we might finally put the past behind us."

Becca reached for the blonde's hand and stopped walking. Kate turned to see what was wrong and was startled to see the brunette leaning toward her. Becca pressed her cheek to the blonde's temple and spoke in a hushed voice.

"I didn't come here to put the past behind us, Kate. What's in the past, will stay in the past. I came because I had to see you again. I've been living in the past for the last ten years. All I'm interested in now is the future."

Kate's hand was trembling in Becca's by the time she finished and when the blonde didn't respond, she continued.

"You're trembling, beautiful. For the sake of appearances, we'll stay until ten-thirty. After that, you're all mine. Understand?"

Becca surrpetitiously glanced around before tugging at Kate's earlobe with her teeth. She then stood straight and looked down into blue eyes filled with surprise, excitement and a trace of lust. Kate softly nodded her understanding and guided the brunette to the table in the corner.

Becca couldn't tear her eyes from the gentle sway of the blonde's ass and she was grateful that Kate was still holding her hand. Otherwise, she'd have surely reached out and grabbed the smaller woman's gorgeous backside which might have been a tad awkward, considering their current location.

She waited until Kate was seated and then took the seat next to her without a word. Becca reached for a glass of water and had just raised it to her lips when she felt a warm hand settle on her thigh. Instant joy filled her heart as tingles danced across her flesh beneath Kate's hand.

 

[Lady_Kit]

"You're trembling, beautiful. For the sake of appearances, we'll stay until ten-thirty. After that, you're all mine. Understand?"

Kate, late of the regimented life of the military wife, was taken off-guard by the spontaneity of Beccas advance. Not that it wasn’t exactly what she’d hoped for; it was just that it had happened so quickly, and so naturally. The fact that it felt so right to hold that soft hand, to feel the light caress of a smooth cheek against her skin gave Kate the confidence that she’d lacked with Donald. Then there was the nip at her earlobe. The sensation had sent lightning bolts from her ear straight through her body!

Absently, she’d agreed that they would leave at 10:30, simply nodding her head in response to Beccas plans. It was all she could do after Becca had looked into her soul with those beautiful green eyes. Kate felt more than a little dazed from the contact with her friend, and it wasn’t just that touch of skin and teeth. The mere proximity of Becca was enough to befuddle Kates normally rational mind. As they returned to the table she tried to gather her scattered thoughts, but it seemed she could focus on little more than the presence of the beautiful brunette, and the warm fingers that gripped her own trembling hand. Kate wasn’t much of a drinker, hadn’t done pills or pot since college, but right now she felt drunk, stoned, completely intoxicated by the faint scent of Beccas’ cologne. The feeling of unreality that started when she saw Becca arrive was still present, and it made Kate feel more daring that she would have in other circumstances. At least that’s the reason she gave herself for succumbing to the impulse to lay her hand on Beccas leg.

A smile of pleasure touched Kates lips when beautiful green eyes widened in surprise. Becca never missed a beat, and sipped calmly from her water glass as if nothing was going on beneath the table. Kate wondered how long Becca could maintain that look of cool detachment in the presence of a woman determined to heat things up. The challenge to break through that serene demeanor was too much to resist. She began to lightly stroke the smooth surface of Beccas stocking covered thigh; small circles and light scrapes of her rose tipped nails alternated with a soft caress of her fingertips. The glass landed upright, but with a small thud, as Becca returned it to the table before turning to look at Kate. The eyes were familiar, but the open desire that darkened the emerald green gaze was new. Something neither had allowed the other to see all those years ago.

Their crowd of friends returned to the table while the band took a break, and Becca was forced to stand up to return the hugs & kisses from her old friends. Once everyone settled back down, and a friendly waitress came over to get drink orders they began to catch up on the last ten years. It was all pretty standard stuff, children, jobs, homes, vacations, the sad loss of one or two classmates. There was general sympathy about Kates divorce, but she smiled and brushed aside the collective concern.

It’s the best thing that’s happened to me in years. In fact, I feel like it’s a real chance to make some changes in my life. Maybe even go back and start again. I missed a lot by marrying Donald and now I wonder if he was the right person for me after all. I know that if I could go back to that last night before graduation, I’d do things differently. What about you, Becca? Ever wish you could have a second chance at something you missed?