lazedaze Posted: 04 Jun 2005 10:00 pm

Cool Water

Gidday all.... :wink:

I'm not sure if my posts were going up on the other board, so I thought I'd pop them up here as well, and will continue to do so in this forum untill the mods telll me otherwise.

Thanks for all the lovely feedback :) I'm having fun writing this, although I realise now just how much time and effort it takes to create one of these stories! So to all the fabulous writers out there whose work I've enjoyed so much - a heart felt thanks for all your efforts.

I've started at the beginning again, as I wasn't that far into the story on the other MB.

I hope you enjoy my little fantasy.

LD 8)

PS Shed (the lucky buggers) own Nikki and Helen...

CHAPTER ONE—THE BEST OF THE BEST

Nikki Wade drew a deep breath and pushed the nose of her 6 foot 9 custom surfboard through the face of the awesome wave that was just about to break on top of her. As she pierced the massive wall of water and came up for air on the other side of the 8 foot Pipeline monster she took a deep breath, shook the salt water from her eyes, and concentrated on paddling hard to get out past where the waves were breaking.

It was a perfect day for surfing the infamous break at Oahu, Hawaii she thought as she turned her tanned face towards the warmth of the mid December sun and paddled powerfully to avoid being caught inside.

It always amazed her when she thought about the intricate weather patterns that made the conditions just right for her beloved sport of surfing. Days ago, and many thousands of kilometers away, a strong wind in the heart of the Pacific Ocean had generated the north west ground swell that was marching relentlessly towards the shores of Hawaii today. The result: near perfect 8-10 foot powerful and treacherous conditions at Pipe.

Nikki smiled to herself. It seemed that the waves were made just for her, as she had spent 4 years in her early twenties living on the North Shore of Hawaii, when she wasn’t away on tour, to master this very break.

That hard fought experience was paying dividends today. Big and powerful waves like these always reminded her of why she loved the sport of surfing so much. As far back as she could remember Nikki had loved the challenge of pitting herself and her courage against the unforgiving power of the world’s biggest waves. Although she excelled in all conditions and was used to the small and inconsistent waves that plagued the world tour, Nikki was a big wave surfer at heart.

She held the record of having surfed the biggest wave ever by a female - a 55 foot monster that was so big she had been towed into it behind a jet ski. A photo of her riding that mountain of water had also been the first time a shot of a woman had been featured on the cover of Surfer Magazine back in 1996.

She paddled up beside her fellow competitor with a smile and a wink.
“That was intense!” She said in her trademark hybrid accent that some days sounded British and other days sounded Australian. Nikki knew her last wave was good and she could see the look of discomfort on Kelly Slater’s face as he begrudgingly acknowledged her efforts.

“I thought you’d never make the drop.” He said, as he eyed the horizon, scanning for his next ride.

As Nikki sat up and straddled her board, bobbing up and down, she could hear the excitement in the announcers’ disembodied voice as it drifted out to her over the water.

“That’s right people, Nikki Wade, six time women’s world champ is in the Men’s final at Pipe - and she’s charging it!”

Nikki glanced back in the direction of the voice to see the huge crowd and the mass of marquees and sponsors banners wedged into every available space on the small strip of beach.

With a broad American accent, the voice went on saying, “It’s hard to believe the turn of events here in the last few days! The soul surfing, powerful natural footer, Nikki Wade, is blitzing all comers and is threatening to pull off the biggest upset in world surfing history! Just four days ago she was given a wild card entry into the men’s comp in a blaze of media hype and secret sponsorship deals. She’s copped intense media attention all week, but today folks, it seems she’s keen to let her surfing have the final word. She’s in the lead with that last wave. Kelly Slater will need to do something very special to catch her now because there’s only 2 minutes remaining in this amazing battle of the sexes!”

Nikki reflected on the last few waves she’d caught, and knew even if Kelly scored a great wave now, she pretty much had the title in the bag. She closed her eyes and felt an amazing sense of tranquility rush through her. When she was surfing it was like the rest of the world disappeared and her cares were washed away by the cool blue water.

For quite some time her sponsors had been trying to generate media interest in a male/female surfing showdown and Nikki had hoped, but never really thought she’d be allowed to compete in the men’s competition - let alone make it to the final of the Pipeline Masters.

Her sponsors were over the moon with the amount of publicity she had generated. Thinking back, Nikki could hardly believe it herself as she remembered her delight when her manager Ian, and her major sponsor, Rip Curl, had presented her with the wild card entry to compete at Pipe. The Pipeline masters was the most coveted title on the world tour, and surfing the ferocious break definitely wasn’t for the feint hearted.

She chuckled to herself at the thought of how satisfying it would be to chalk one up for all the women of the world - beating the world’s best male surfer, at the world’s most powerful and toughest break.

Unfortunately, surfing was still a chauvinistic fraternity and it wasn’t so long ago that the surfing media used to say that women just weren’t capable of riding the big waves because they were too “top heavy.” This had infuriated Nikki and early on in her career she’d made it her mission to debunk the stupid myth and provide a positive and strong role model for women the world over. Nikki knew women were capable of doing anything they put their mind to and nothing gave her greater joy than hearing that she had in some small way provided inspiration for women to strive for greater things in their lives.

But if Nikki was truly honest with herself, the main reason she wanted to win this event was not about gender politics, but because it was the only challenge left for her in a sport she had dominated for well over a decade. To be the best female surfer in history and to be recognised for her achievements had always been her goal, spurring her on to train harder than ever before and to perform beyond the absolute outer limits of her ability. But lately even that hadn’t felt like enough to motivate her to keep up with grueling and lonely toll that the world tour demanded of her.

It wasn’t just her natural talent and awesome physical prowess that made Nikki the best female surfer in the world. She was a fierce competitor, and it was to that trait alone that many commentators attributed her enormous success. She came across as supremely confident which in turn intimidated those she surfed against. Only a few close friends knew enough about Nikki to realise that her drive to succeed stemmed from a deep rooted need to prove herself.

Nikki’s train of thought was interrupted at that moment as her fellow competitor, Kelly Slater, dropped down onto his board and started paddling hard for a massive wave that was coming towards them.

She rarely felt nervous these days when competing, and today was no exception, but when she saw the spitting wave that Kelly was paddling into her gut clenched for him. He was obviously trying to catch it in a last ditch effort to win. He was behind on points and knew that he had to get a perfect ride to give himself any kind of shot at winning. Unfortunately that meant catching the notorious wave at its most dangerous takeoff point - directly over the jagged peaks of the volcanic reef that lay just a few feet below the churning surface.

Nikki felt some sympathy for him as she had always gotten on well with Kelly. He was a gentle bloke, unlike many of the boof head young boys she often encountered on the tour. She could well imagine the ribbing he was going to have to endure from the media and the other guys on tour for having been the bloke who was beaten by a chick at Pipe. His only comfort would be that he wasn’t the only one, as Nikki had knocked out six other big names in the heats on her way to the final.

She watched in horror as Kelly paddled in front of the 10 foot wall of furious water. Time seemed to slow down, and as he jumped to his feet the wave hollowed out viciously and he lost balance falling headfirst into the seething pit of liquid oblivion.

Nikki felt herself holding her own breath as the tons of water dumped down on the space where she saw Kelly disappear only moments before. The water looked like it was boiling as the wave spent its great energy on the reef and it seemed like an eternity passed with no sign of the other competitor.

The announcers shrieking hysterics from the beach began to intensify. Searching the water frantically, Nikki caught a glimpse of a limp form bobbing to the surface about ten metres in front of her, right in the middle of the most dangerous section of the break. Without a second thought she started paddling in an effort to reach him before the next wave came through and pounded the unconscious surfer again. She knew that she would get there sooner than the jet skis that were being launched from the beach and that if he went under again he might not make it out alive.

Nikki looked over her shoulder to gage how much time she had. She could see a huge wave gathering a way back behind her. Probably twentty seconds at most.

As she drew alongside the unconscious surfer who was face down in the water, she could see he was bleeding from a ragged looking head wound. She made an instant decision to abandon her board. She knew she’d get further without it and it would be a liability if she was caught in the impact zone tied to the hard projectile when the wave behind them broke.

She tore off her leg rope and jumped in beside Kelly. Nikki flipped him onto his back, and grabbed him under his chin. Luckily, she had spent her entire life at the beach and knew from her summers as a lifeguard exactly how to swim with an unconscious person. She started the side-crawl, kicking motion, working as fast as her well trained body would allow.

As she looked behind them again she could see the wave coming closer. But Nikki knew this break well, and that if she could just get about 10 metres to her right away from the shallow reef they would be in the deeper water where the monster waves lost their power and fizzled out.

Nikki could hear the wave breaking behind her and muttered, “Hold on Kelly.” She took a deep breath and braced herself for the impact.

She hugged unconscious world champ to her chest tightly just as the wave crashed over them. The force of it jerked them around violently beneath the surface and several times she felt her grip on the unconscious man start to slip, but each time she managed to grab another handful of his lycra rashie or his boardies before he was torn away from her grasp.

They were under water for so long that Nikki’s lungs felt like they were going to burst. She tried to remain calm, knowing that it was pointless to fight the wave’s energy and waited for the worst of the impact to abate. Just when she thought she couldn’t hold her breath any longer, her feet touched the bottom and she pushed up strongly in the direction she hoped was the surface.

She broke the water gasping for air, still clinging to the unconscious surfer. “Come on mate...,” she pleaded, gasping for air as she flipped him onto his back again and started the side crawl stroke again away from the impact zone.

Feeling as if every muscle in her body was on fire from the exertion, she looked around and could see another wave was bearing down on them. She started to feel a tremor of panic as she swallowed a mouthful of sea water. Coughing and spitting and trying to keep Kelly’s head above water was fast tapping her fitness reserves, but she still had a bit of energy left. She made a mental note to thank Rick, her personal trainer and longtime close friend for all the sessions they had spent sprinting up and down sand dunes.

Nikki could see that she only needed to make another 5 metres or so and they’d be out of the critical zone, but at that point the wave broke behind her and the heaving white water crashed over them once more.

As they tumbled around and around underwater it was all she could do this time to keep a hold of the unconscious man. The power of the wave seemed to hold them under for what seemed like an eternity and Nikki started to feel herself wanting to take a lungful of something, anything, before her lungs burst. But she knew that if she did she would most certainly drown. She was just about to give in to the urge when again she broke the surface and gasped in the sweetest tasting salt air of her entire 32 years.

Nikki looked around quickly assessing the situation and was immensely relieved to see they had been washed towards the edge of the deep water and that two lifeguards were speeding their way towards her on jet skis to assist.

They pulled alongside, and lifted the unconscious surfer onto a floating trailer secured behind one of them.

With a tired and sodden smile she quipped “What took you guys so long?”

“We thought we’d let you swim in Wade, seeing as though you seem to be invincible,” one of the bronzed lifeguards joked back with a broad smile as he reached down to give her a hand. Nikki gratefully heaved her board short and lycra clad body up behind him and by the time she was settled, the ski towing the injured Kelly Slater was already making its way quickly towards the safety of the shore.

As the lifeguard she was sitting behind maneuvered around to follow, Nikki looked over her shoulder at the imposing break behind her. An involuntary shiver passed through her at the sight. She had just come pretty close to meeting her maker, and she felt something fundamental in her shift as she marvelled at the awesome power of her first love - the ocean.

Last edited by lazedaze on 12 Jan 2006 02:04 pm; edited 1 time in total Down the Block



Joined: 04 Jun 2005
Posts: 29
Location: Australia




lazedaze Posted: 04 Jun 2005 10:02 pm
CHAPTER TWO—GREEN EYES

One month later.... Melbourne, Australia

“You know what we really need Hels?” Claire Walker called out to her business partner who was in the next room making coffee. “We need a celebrity spokesperson to become the public face of the shelter.”

Spike Webb looked up from the pile of concept boards and strategy papers he was sifting through on the table and nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly dahhhrling Claire! What a fabulous idea!” he said smiling broadly and waving his hand around in a camp gesture.

Helen Stewart walked back from her kitchen, which boasted the best appliances money could buy, to where her business partner and their latest pro bono client sat at her dining room table. She was dressed casually in a figure hugging red industrie t-shirt, teamed with her favorite pair of faded jeans, and her shoulder length, honey-coloured hair shone with vitality.

Helen placed a cup of freshly brewed coffee in front of each of her guests and weighed up Claire’s suggestion thoughtfully. “Well that’s no’ a bad idea...” she said in her husky Scottish lilt, as she took a sip of her own steaming brew. “Excep’, I hate to break it to ye’, but there won’t exactly be a mad rush of celebrities beating down your door to become the face o’ the National Queer Youth Support Network.” Helen looked apologetically at her guests.

Claire let out a deflated sigh and stared out at the impressive sunset view of Port Phillip Bay through the open bi-fold glass doors to her left. The plasma screen mounted on the wall in the tastefully decorated living room was casting a flickering glow over the soft furnishings of Helen’s home. The sound was muted however, and in its place the soft strains of Missy Higgins’s latest album were filtering through from the sleek bang and olufsen stereo speakers.

Best friends from the moment they met, Helen and Claire had joined forces six months ago to form their own Ad Agency, having worked together for 3 years at Publicis Mojo in Melbourne. They’d clicked instantly when they started working together and had soon become one of Melbourne’s hottest creative teams.

Claire was a talented copy writer, and Helen had been one of London’s most celebrated up and coming art directors before marrying her Australian boyfriend, Thomas Waugh, and moving to live with him in Melbourne 3 years ago.

Helen and Claire had become jaded by the endless commercialism and spin doctoring required to be a success in that agency sphere and after a particularly heavy night out on the town ten months ago, their infant agency called “Element” had been conceived.

The partners now had a client list that was rapidly growing through word of mouth and a reputation for cutting edge, effective creative. They had been very particular in choosing the types of clients they would work for, vowing to only turn their talents to promoting organisations that exercised sustainable and socially responsible business practices. They soon discovered a plethora of like minded companies that were willing to pay top dollar for their creative services and business was literally booming.

The altruistic business partners had also agreed at the outset to donate 10% of their time and profits to taking on pro bono charity work. And that was why they were sitting at Helens dining room table with Spike, the founder of the QYSN, trying to figure out a way to publicise the work of the community shelter and support group.

It was Claire who had proposed the idea of taking on the promotion of the virtually invisible organisation, as she and her partner Trish were both highly active members of the Melbourne GLBT community. Helen had wholeheartedly agreed, despite not being a member of that community herself. She’d been horrified by the terrible and sometimes tragic coming out stories she’d heard during the development of the campaign. Helen could see the need for change was great and hoped that she could help make a difference.

But what Helen hadn’t told Claire, despite their close friendship, was that she’d had some personal and very painful experiences related to the topic of coming out in her own youth. She’d always felt that her life could have easily taken another path had things worked out differently for her.

Claire was chewing absently on the end of her HB pencil whilst staring at the plasma, when all of a sudden she lunged for the remote control screaming “That’s it!!!”

She fumbled to turn up the sound. “Nikki Wade!!!! She would be a perfect spokesperson for the Queer Youth Support Network!”

Helen’s heart started beating faster at the very mention of that name and she turned around in her chair to see Nikki being interviewed on the ABC program that aired on Monday nights called “Australian Story”. It was a long running documentary style show and its format was to interview and tell the life story of famous and noteworthy Australians in an hour long program. The subjects were examined in depth and often opened up because it was highly respected and well produced, with none of the rampant cheque book journalism so prevalent on the commercial television stations.

Helen unconsciously licked her lips as a larger than life image of the tall, athletic surfer appeared on the plasma screen on her living room wall. Nikki was seated on the deck of her beach house located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. In shot behind her was an uninterrupted view of a sparkling turquoise ocean which seemed to stretch on forever until it met with the blue, cloud-free sky on the horizon.

Nikki lounged in a comfortable looking faded green canvas deck chair. Her long, tanned legs were stretched out in front of her, crossed at the ankles and she wore a pair a worn white rubber flip flops on her feet. There was a faded, but prominent scar on her left leg, just under her knee and the world champ was wearing a pair of red and white hibiscus print board shorts with a white singlet that showed off her amazing arms and shoulders - just one of the healthy by products of being a professional surfer. A pair of dark wrap around glasses were perched on top of her head and her short, dark hair had a wind swept appearance to it that was messy, but at the same time made her look all the more appealing.

Helen sighed and thought that Nikki Wade was what you’d expect a clear summer’s day at the beach would look like if it were a person.

The interview cut from the scene on Nikki’s back deck to some file footage of her in Hawaii last month just after she had famously won the Men’s final and heroically rescued her fellow competitor from drowning - all right in front of the media of the world. To say Nikki was riding a wave of media adulation was the under statement of the century.

The footage showed Nikki getting off the back of a Jet Ski and pushing her wet hair out of her eyes. As she took a few steps up the beach a reporter shoved a microphone into her face and asked, “How does it feel to not only win the Men’s Pipe Masters challenge, but to also save the life of your fellow finalist?”

Obviously still trying to catch her breath, a sodden and exhausted looking Nikki replied, “Well it goes without saying... that I’m glad I was able to help... and I’m glad that Kelly appears to be alright....he’s a top bloke.”

The television showed Nikki walking back up the beach being followed by throngs of fans and reporters, all shouting questions and patting her on the back. A concerned short, blonde woman approached Nikki and tenderly draped a towel around her shoulders, leading her away and shielding her from the throng. As Helen watched she wondered with a jealous pang just who that woman was and what she meant to Nikki.

The program then cut to a scene of medics working on Kelly Slater on the beach who seemed to be regaining consciousness, and then to a subsequent interview with the famous male surfer. He graciously acknowledged Nikki’s victory and gave a heartfelt thanks to her for saving his life. He added earnestly that if there was ever anything he could do to repay the favor; all Nikki had to do was give him a call.

The scene then cut back to the beach house and with genuine curiosity the interviewer asked, “So Nikki, do you consider yourself to be a competitive person?”

Nikki laughed derisively, and replied “I’m the most competitive human being on the planet. To be the best I think you have to be. And I wanted to be the best and stay there as long as possible.”

The interviewer, who was renowned for her ability to get her subjects to trust her, smiled warmly at Nikki and asked, “So where does all that drive to succeed come from?”

Nikki shifted in her seat, looking towards a distant point out in the ocean. “Well that’s quite personal... and I’ve always guarded my privacy fiercely...” Nikki paused, and looked as if she were considering not answering the question.

But then she looked back at the other woman as if she’d just made a decision to be totally honest and went on bravely. “Well, I’ve always felt the need to prove myself. My mother passed away in some pretty traumatic circumstances when I was fifteen and I guess you could say that that incident has shaped my life.”
The interviewer nodded sympathetically. “Can you tell me what happened?”

Once again Nikki hesitated, but eventually she started speaking. “We moved from Australia to live in London with my mother’s new husband when I was thirteen. I hated it. I was missing the beach and my surfing terribly. She sent me to an all girls catholic school which was a far cry from Nambour State School, where I could go surfing before and after school, and I was having difficulty fitting in. But I did make a friend. We became very close…and one day my mother discovered us kissing….”

The reporter nodded, and knew she had just gotten a huge scoop when Nikki had started talking so frankly. On the odd occasion the tabloids had snapped photos of Nikki looking quite cozy with various beautiful female companions, but she had never openly acknowledged her sexuality in the media, even though it was widely assumed she was gay.

Nikki went on saying, “Being the strict Catholic that she was, she marched me straight off to her priest for some ‘intervention’. My mother couldn’t possibly deal with the fact that her only child might be gay. At the time I was rebelling, but I refused to accept that what I felt for my best friend was wrong.”

Nikki’s face clouded over as she remembered the painful experience “We were on our way home from the church and we were arguing in the car. I yelled some terrible things at her…”

Nikki was staring out to sea and her dark eyes glistened with moisture. “Anyway - my mother must have taken her eyes off the road at that moment because the car drifted into the lane of oncoming traffic. The next thing I remember was coming to in the car wreck and looking over at my mother as she was gasping my name through mouthfuls of blood. As she died, the last thing she asked me to do was to turn my back on my ‘abominable homosexual urges and make something of myself...’ I felt so guilty and wanted to do anything to help her, so I promised her I would.”

Nikki looked directly at the interviewer with a rueful smile. “That sort of thing tends to mess you around a bit when you’re young, but in a nutshell, it’s the reason why I’ve always pushed so hard and expected so much of myself. I wanted to prove to my mother that I was a worthwhile human being, and I wanted to make her proud. The only thing I was ever good at was surfing, so I decided I was going to be the best….The really unfortunate thing is that I spent a long time trying to keep that dying promise to my mother, at the cost of being faithful to myself... and I’ve hurt some people who did nothing other than try to love me along the way.”

As Helen watched the interview she’d lost track of time and the other people sitting in her living room. Her emotions had soared between shock, anger, rejection and heart wrenching compassion for the woman being interviewed on the screen.

She wiped away a stray tear that had fallen quietly during the program as a familiar ache settled in deep in her heart.

CHAPTER THREE—OH, WHAT AN AUCTION!

G'day all. 8)

Here is the next chapter - there maybe a couple of partial answers in here for you ows. Let me know what you think...

Cheers

LD


Dressed in a figure hugging black dress that showed off her graceful shoulders and back, Helen turned more than a few heads as she entered the grand ball room at Melbourne’s Crown Casino complex.

Her hair was pulled up on top of her head in a sophisticated and elegant style, and her make up was done flawlessly. The dress she wore had a halter style neckline and was completely cut away over her shoulders and back, showing an expanse of tantalising bare flesh to her waistline. Her skin glowed with a soft tan and her outfit was complemented by a pair of strappy heels that accentuated the shape of her already perfect legs. She carried a small clutch which contained her mobile, some cash, her credit card, and her keys. As she made her way through the gathering crowd of VIPs Helen still couldn’t believe she’d agreed to go along with Claire’s mad plan.

It had only been four nights ago that she’d been sitting in her living room with Spike and Claire, brainstorming promotional ideas for the QYSN, whilst watching Nikki Wade come out officially on national TV.

Claire’s proposal had crystalised beautifully when Nikki had mentioned during the interview that she was appearing at a VIP event in Melbourne on Friday to help raise funds for the victims of the Boxing Day Tsunamis in Asia.

“It’ll be great Hels!” Claire had said after the program enthusiastically. “All we need to do is wangle you a ticket to that fancy shindig, and from there you can corner her and talk her into it. It shouldn’t be too hard for you. After all - you are very well known for your persuasive powers,” Claire said with a wink and a leer.

Helen had tried to cover her shock at seeing Nikki open up so honestly to the interviewer, and had spent the half hour following the program trying to convince Claire and Spike that Nikki wasn’t suitable for the job. But she may as well have stood on the beach and tried to tell the tide not to come in, because they were adamant about how perfect Nikki would be. The trouble was, deep down Helen knew they were right.

She also knew she was letting her emotions cloud her professional judgement, but the thought of having to deal with that part of her past was scaring the living daylights out of her.

Claire had watched her closely, slightly puzzled, trying to figure out Helen’s odd reaction. Eventually she’d said, “Look Helen - you know she’d be the perfect spokesperson for QYSN. And she’s already well known for the charity work she does with domestic violence and breast cancer research; not to mention the work she’s done with street kids and Drug Arm! So what’s the problem? It can’t hurt to just put the proposal to her surely?”

Claire was on her feet imploring Helen to see her reasoning. “It’s only logical to think that a woman like Nikki Wade - who’s just outed herself out on National TV talking about her own coming out issues - would want to help young people in the same position. She’s obviously got a huge social conscience. All we need to do is highlight the need and I reckon she’ll be in.”

Helen was worried that she still hadn’t confessed to her business partner that she already knew Nikki, and Claire would be upset that she’d withheld something this big from her. But for Helen, it was just too painful a memory to deal with right now. Besides, she’d never discussed it with anyone.

She had swallowed her rising sense of panic at the thought of coming face to face with Nikki again and protested feebly, “What makes ye’ think she’ll even listen to a wurd we have to say?” Her accent was thickening under the stress.

At this Spike had chimed in. “Oh come on darling! Just look at yourself!” He’d said, giving her a head to toe once over. “From what I’ve heard around the traps, our Nikki Wade has a reputation for fancying the good looking ones... If we send you in, she’ll probably take one look and offer to convert to playing badminton if you asked her!” Spike’s camp voice was comical and in a conspiratorial whisper he added “Just don’t tell her you bat for the straighty one eighties and it’ll be fine!”

Claire had laughed at the camp little man’s comment. Sensing Helen was about to give in, she pressed her advantage. “You know I’d love to do it myself, Hels, but you’re Element’s front person for a good reason. You’re our smooth talker..... and besides - I’d just end up melting at the poor woman’s feet and make a fool of myself by forgetting how to speak. Not to mention the fact that Trish would either divorce me or die from envy!”

Helen had run out of valid arguments and with a resigned sigh she’d said “Alright, alright. I’ll go.”

So it had come about that Helen had indeed managed to get a ticket to the exclusive event, thanks to a PR industry connection and she now found herself walking through the doors of the grand ballroom of the Crown Casino.

She looked around the room and took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. I may as well give myself some dutch courage, she thought, as she knocked back the champagne in one gulp and reached for another. She sipped this glass in a more lady-like fashion as she scanned the crowd, registering many famous faces as she went.

The room was filled with Australia’s A-list; from celebrities and sports personalities, to politicians and the downright filthy rich. They were all dressed in evening attire, and availing themselves of the plentiful drinks and finger food being distributed by waiters. Dozens of tables were set with crisp white linen and gleaming silver cutlery. The room was opulently appointed and absolutely massive and it was filling quickly with guests. A small jazz quartet was playing on the stage set up at the front of the glamorous chamber, and the atmosphere was one of sophisticated elegance.

Helen hung towards the back of the room, on the fringe of the throng of guests, trying to avoid having to talk to anyone she might recognise. The chances were high that many of Thomas’s socialite friends would be here and they were the last people she wanted to run into at the moment. She’d found them all to be a bunch of pretentious snobs, and Helen didn’t think she could bring herself to play along with their false concern tonight.

Since her split from her husband 11 months earlier, when she’d caught him cheating, her so-called ‘friends’ had deserted in droves. The fatal blow for their marriage had come though when Thomas had lost his temper and slapped her as they argued afterwards. It was then that she knew for certain that their relationship was a sham. She had kicked him out of their expensive home in St. Kilda and started divorce proceedings the next day.

Even though she appeared to be cool and confident, the beautiful art director was on edge this evening. She knew that at any moment she might run into Nikki and Helen still didn’t know what she was going to say to her. Claire’s suggestion of ‘Hey babe, how about it?’ had not been particularly useful.

On a large screen mounted behind the stage a rolling presentation was showing the destruction caused by the Tsunami just 3 weeks prior. World Vision volunteers were circulating amongst the guests selling raffle tickets for $50 a piece and Helen had just bought 5 of them, when the Mistress of Ceremonies - an irreverent Aussie comedian called Judith Lucy - had taken the stage and was calling for the guests to take their seats.

She cracked a few good natured jokes about various celebrities in the crowd and then started to explain the format for the evening as the guests were seating themselves. Dinner would be served shortly, and then after the meal was finished the highlight of the evening - an auction of various items donated by celebrities - was going to get under way. Each guest had been assigned a paddle with a large bidding number on it for use during the auction, and at the fall of the hammer an auction attendant would take the successful bidder to a transaction room to arrange payment and delivery of the item.

Helen picked up the program which listed the items being auctioned and their corresponding reserve price. It included things like a pair of Kylie Minogue’s hot pants with a reserve set at $50,000; a portrait of Kate Blanchett painted by a famous Australian artist reserved at $15,000; a pair of Harry Kewell’s soccer boots at $4,000; and a cricket ball Shane Warne had broken some test wicket record with reserved at $10,000.

Dinner had started arriving and Helen was drawn into an animated discussion with some of the other guests sitting at her table. They were mainly a PR crowd and Delia, who had gotten Helen her ticket, said rather loudly, “Did you hear about the absolutely brilliant stunt the Rip Curl PR people have pulled, Helen?”

“Do tell, Delia.” said Helen, instantly curious because she knew Rip Curl were Nikki’s major sponsor. Helen had known Delia since the early days working with Publicis Mojo and they’d always gotten on well.

A few of the other guests were waiting eagerly on Delia’s gossip and she leant in saying, “Well you know that Rip Curl are Nikki Wade’s sponsor... ? My god that woman is a publicist’s dream come true at the moment! What, with all that ‘beating the blokes and rescuing them’ caper a few weeks back!” Delia looked envious and realising she’d wandered off the topic, went on saying, “...but this is just pure genius! Instead of donating a boring old surf board, like you’d expect, they’ve somehow convinced Nikki to auction herself to the highest bidder for an all expenses paid ‘date’ tomorrow evening!! The lucky bidder will enjoy a limo ride with that gorgeous woman all the way down to Marc’s at Lorne, as well as an overnight stay, five star all the way - Separate rooms of course!” Delia winked.

Helen whistled dramatically, going along with Delia’s enthusiasm. Marc’s was an exclusive boutique hotel set on the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria in a town called Lorne. It was about two and a half hours drive from Melbourne, was famous for being the gateway township to the stunning Great Ocean Road.

“They’ve set the reserve at $5,000 and they are expecting the bidding to be fierce!” Delia was chuckling.

Vanessa, one of Delia’s colleagues, exclaimed, “Rip Curl are going to get amazing coverage out of a stunt like that! I mean - who doesn’t want to play voyeur to Nikki Wade’s clandestine lesbian love life at the moment? That woman is hot property. She almost makes me want to jump the fence! Sorry honey.” She smiled wanly at her husband seated to her left, as she mock fanned herself to cool down.

A trendy looking young man seated across from Helen piped up. “I’d pay double that for a night out with Nikki Wade. Just a pity she wouldn’t be interested in me!”
Yet another woman, who Helen didn’t recognize, added, “I’ve been told that Penny Ringley is prepared to pay whatever it takes!!! Poor Nikki!” The entire table chuckled at that because Penny Ringley was a well known powerful government bureaucrat who was in charge of the Victorian Department of Correctional Services. She was also notoriously known around the upper echelon of Melbourne’s social scene as a lecherous old lesbian who fancied beautiful young women who were half her age, and half her size.

The conversation drifted to other topics and Helen’s gaze wandered around the room searching for the woman at the centre of their conversation. She had suppressed pangs of jealousy over the fact that everyone seemed to be so enamored with Nikki. She knew she had no right to be feeling that way, and she couldn’t believe that these feelings were being dredged back up after more than ten years.

The auction was soon under way and the champagne was flowing freely. Helen was onto her fifth glass and starting to feel a bit tipsy when she spotted Nikki moving through the tables towards the stage about 20 metres away.

Nikki was dressed in an immaculately tailored white linen suit. The long, fitted jacket had a turned up collar and beneath it she wore a sheer, white shirt showing tempting amount of cleavage, with the beautiful cuffs turned back stylishly over the jacket sleeves. The white of her outfit contrasted beautifully with her slicked back dark hair and golden tan. On her feet she wore a pair of exquisitely crafted, cream coloured Italian leather slides. Helen held her breath as she watched her and couldn’t help but acknowledge that Nikki Wade carried herself beautifully, cutting a striking figure.

She was riveted to the spot as she watched Nikki make her way to the stage, smiling and giving a wave here and there to people in the crowd she recognised. The MC was introducing Nikki’s auction item, and the room buzzed with anticipation as she gained the stage and kissed Judith Lucy on the cheek warmly.

“Well Nikki,” Judith said in her trademark voice, which had an interesting inflection that sounded a lot like a nasally drag queen after a particularly heavy night out on the town. “You certainly do look the goods tonight,” she drawled. “I’m sure some lucky punter out there will be only too pleased to part with some hard earned cash in exchange for an evening in your charming company!” Judith winked and leered, pinching Nikki playfully on the bum for comedic effect. The crowd roared laughing and Nikki managed to keep smiling, though she did blush endearingly. “Let’s commence the bidding shall we? Lot number 13 - an all expenses paid ‘dinner date’ with the current and 6 times world women’s surfing champion, Nikki Wade! Who can start me off at the reserve of $5,000?”

A paddle across the room was instantly lifted and Helen recognised it belonged to Richard Wilkins, a prominent breakfast show entertainment reporter who had a reputation for being a bit sleazy and full of himself. His bid was instantly upped by a $500 increment by the flash of a paddle just a few metres to Helen’s right, being brandished by none other than the lecherous government bureaucrat, Penny Ringley.

From there the bidding became a tug of war between the two; one moment Richard held the bid, and the next moment Penny would counter him.

“Looks like this is going to be a two horse race ladies and gentlemen,” Judith commented. “Do I have $12,000 sir?” she directed the question at Richard, who indicated he was out by dropping his paddle onto the table.

Ringley had a grim look of determination on her chubby red face and currently held the bid at $11,750. Nikki was looking decidedly uncomfortable on the stage at this turn of events.

“Going once to the lady here at $11,750..... going twice....... going th.....” Judith was about to drop the hammer, when Helen gulped, and shot her own paddle into the air.

“We have a new bidder at the back folks! $12,000 ma’am?” Judith asked in Helen’s direction and Helen nodded calmly, even though it felt like giant butterflies were doing flick flacks in her stomach.

The entire room turned excited eyes towards Helen and the tension was mounting. Not to be outdone, Penny Ringley, raised her paddle again indicating another $500.

Looking back, Helen would never know why she did what she did next, but she calmly indicated fifteen thousand dollars to the auctioneer. The comedians eyes bulged and she confirmed the bid in a shrill, incredulous voice. “That’s fifteen thousand dollars, ma’am?” Helen nodded calmly with a shuttered expression on her beautiful face.

A few metres away Penny Ringrose looked stunned and petulant as Judith began to close the bidding. “Going once to the young woman at fifteen thousand dollars.......going twice .........going three times!!!!” The hammer fell. “SOLD!! to the woman with paddle number 72. Congratulations ma’am! An attendant will be with you in a moment to arrange payment and delivery!”

Last edited by lazedaze on 12 Jan 2006 02:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

CHAPTER FOUR—WHAT THE FFF.....?

G'day all 8)

Thankyou all so much for the lovely feedback - it makes it a pleasure to write when I know you are enjoying my little flight of fancy.

And sorry for the delay in posting ML Unfortunately the surf was up on the weekend when I'd planned to write this chapter and I couldn't resist! As it is I'm going to be bleary eyed for work tomorrow!! Ahhggg!

Enjoy

LD


As Nikki made her way to meet the winning bidder she couldn’t help but feel relieved that it wasn’t Penny Ringley. The woman was a desperate sleaze and Nikki had been horrified when it had looked like she was going to win. But she still didn’t know weather to be grateful or worried about who she would be spending tomorrow evening with.

She had tried to see the winning bidder but, with a spot light shining in her eyes and a column partially obstructing her view, she was unable to make out the mystery woman’s identity from her position on the stage.

What did amaze Nikki was that this stranger had paid $15,000 to secure a date with her and that seemed to her a touch extreme. She hoped she hadn’t signed up to go out with some axe murderer, or worse still, some fanatical stalker. She couldn’t quite believe she’d let her sponsors talk her into this ridiculous scenario, but she’d felt so bad for the victims of the tsunami and if she could help raise money by going on some silly date, then she figured it was a small price to pay.

The tall surfer was following an auction attendant down a corridor off the main ballroom. “The transaction room is right through this door Ms. Wade. You’ll meet the winning bidder in there and be able to make arrangements for tomorrow evening,” the man had said as he’d motioned to a doorway on Nikki’s left.

Nikki thanked him and walked through into a plushly appointed room. Another attendant standing at a cocktail table across the room smiled at her, whilst an elegant woman in a backless evening dress with her back towards her signed a credit card slip.

Nikki’s gaze swept appreciatively over the feminine figure in front of her. She wolf whistled under her breath as she took in the woman’s shapely legs, the gentle swell of her hips, her graceful back and shoulders, and her swept up hair. Hello, Nikki thought to herself, this might not be too bad after all!

Nikki cleared her throat to let them know she was in the room and put on her most charming smile. “Hi there, I’m Nikki W........” Nikki stopped mid sentence as the woman turned to face her. “Helen!! What the fff.....???!”

“Hiya Nikki.” Helen said in the most confident tone she could muster. Butterflies leapt in her stomach, but she forced herself to cross the room to where Nikki was standing, looking dumbstruck, and reached up to give the taller woman a kiss on the cheek. “It’s been a long time. Ye’ look well.” Her accent was thick.

Nikki felt as if her whole world had just tilted on its axis. Her heart was hammering and her breathing had quickened when she recognised the beautiful Scottish woman in front of her. Trying desperately to regain her composure she tried to say something but her voice wouldn’t work. She stared for endless moments at Helen whose very nearness was already playing havoc with her senses.

Finally she managed, “Helen. You’re the last person I expected to see. What are you doing in Australia?”

Helen smiled at Nikki and replied, “I’ve lived in Melbourne for the last 3 years actually Nikki. I moved over here when I married.” For some reason Helen wanted to shield herself from Nikki and implying that she was married seemed like a good way to do it.

Nikki flinched visibly at the news. The information settled heavily in her heart, even though she knew she’d long ago blown any chance she’d ever had with Helen. For some reason Nikki’s heart had already leapt to the hopeful conclusion that if Helen had paid fifteen thousand dollars for a date with her then maybe she was giving Nikki another chance to get things right. Fat chance Wade, you’ve already screwed up with her twice, she thought as the pain of regret stole through her again as she remembered their shared history.

.......................................

She and Helen had first met when they were just thirteen. Nikki had been sent to the same exclusive all girls school that Helen had attended, but it was only chance that had thrown them together at first.

Nikki was having trouble settling into the school because she had longed desperately for her home. She was rebelling and had landed outside the Head Mistresses office four times in her first week. To the thirteen year old Nikki Wade, the grey dreariness of London in winter was the worst torture her mother could possibly impose on her. She knew back home it would be beautiful blue skies and clear warm days - perfect for catching waves before and after school at her local break on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, in Australia.

Nikki had also been missing her grandfather terribly. Back then he had been her rock and her confidant and the one who had taught her how to surf and how to understand the ocean. Nikki and her mother had lived with him since her father died when she was 8, and she had quickly grown dependant on the old mans love and guidance.

On this particular occasion Nikki was outside the head mistresses office for refusing to wear her uniform properly. The old crone, Ms. Bunn, was in the middle of giving a sermon about the importance of the uniform and how one should wear it with pride, when an equally young Helen had happened to walk by her office.

Ms. Bunn had called out to her model student and had charged her with taking Nikki under her wing and to try to have a good influence on her. At first Helen had resented the task because she didn’t want distractions from her studies. Nikki had acted tough, but Helen had seen through it immediately to the vulnerable girl beneath. She had always been a sucker for the underdog, and she could see how much Nikki was missing her home in Australia.

The girls had quickly become inseparable and although Nikki had still loved to disobey the rules, she’d settled down with the help of her new found friend. Helen had admired Nikki’s free spirit and loved to hear Nikki tell stories about her lazy summers spent at the beach back home in Australia. They had promised each other that when they grew up they would live at the beach. In their dreams Nikki would be a famous surfer, and Helen would be an artist.

When Nikki looked back on those days she could identify the exact moment when she had fallen in love with her best friend. It was two years later and she had just turned 15. As a surprise for her birthday, Helen had taken Nikki on a 6 hour cross country train journey to her great Aunt Esther’s home in Cornwall. Helen had convinced her Dad and Nikki’s Mum that they were old enough to make the journey alone and her eccentric old Aunt was delighted at the prospect of a visit from her niece.

Helen had done her research and knew that Fistral Beach, Newquay, was one of the best surf beaches in the UK. A determined fifteen year old had saved her allowance for 6 months to pay for the £60 return train fares, and the hire of a wet suit and board from a local surf shop just so Nikki could go surfing on her birthday.

Helen felt sorry for her friend because her Mother rarely took her to the beach and she knew Nikki’s spirit was being crushed each day she spent living in London. Helen had beamed at the joy on Nikki’s face as she ran towards the waters edge that day.

The surf had been mushy, the water freezing, and the sky was overcast, but for Nikki it was the best surf she could ever remember having. She was amazed at the thoughtfulness of her best friend’s gesture and it was that moment that Nikki realised she had fallen in love with her best friend.

The lanky dark haired girl had begun to feel increasingly uncomfortable around Helen for reasons she barely dared to recognise. She’d started to think about Helen in ways that she knew she wasn’t supposed to and she was terrified Helen would see right through her.

Later that night, as they lay in Aunt Esther’s spare room, sharing a huge antique four poster bed, an awkward teenage Nikki had reached out to hug her best friend and thank her for making her birthday so special. But the mood had changed suddenly as Helen had turned to face Nikki and had kissed her gently on the lips.

The two friends had been shocked at first and were overwhelmed by the sensations they were feeling. They had stared at each other for a while, foreheads pressed together, before continuing their first innocent explorations.

After their trip to Cornwall they had become even more inseparable and they had continued their secret romance right up to the point where Nikki’s mother had caught them kissing at a sleep over at Nikki’s house.

The world champ still cringed at the thought of the ugly scene even to this day....Her mother had gone ballistic and told Helen to go home immediately. She’d then called Nikki all manner of things, including an abomination to god and a sinner against his natural laws. The next 24 hours were a blur and her memories had faded in and out between excruciating lectures given to her by her mother and stepfather, to the trip to the priest the next morning, and finally to every word of her last conversation with her dying mother in that car wreck.

After the accident everything had changed for Nikki. She had been in hospital for nearly four weeks recovering from severe injuries to her left leg and knee. She’d not been able to attend her mother’s funeral and she had lost an alarming amount of weight because she refused to eat.

Nikki was consumed with guilt over her mother’s death. She had flat out refused to see Helen until one day in a blind panic, the determined young Scott had pushed past Nikki’s stepfather and insisted on speaking to the lifeless girl lying in the hospital bed.

Nikki had coldly informed her that she wanted nothing more to do with her, and had asked her to never contact her again. But what Nikki had really wanted to do was to hold onto Helen and be comforted by her, but her promise to her mother was still ringing in her ears, and that had given her the determination she had needed to reject her girlfriend so coldly.

The young Helen had felt as if her heart was breaking as she sat on the bus on the way home from the hospital. But she had done as Nikki had asked and had stopped trying to contact her. It was a month later that Helen had heard through friends at school that Nikki’s stepfather had sent her back to Australia to live with her grandfather. She was happy for Nikki that she was once again living by the ocean, but Helen had carried an ache around in her heart from that day forward.
.......................................
Helen couldn’t believe the physical reaction she was experiencing just by being in the same room as Nikki. It had been almost ten years since they’d last seen each other and Nikki looked better than she could have imagined in the flesh. As she had leant up to kiss Nikki’s cheek Helen had caught the achingly familiar scent of the tall surfer. The dark haired woman seemed to have the ever present scent of sunlight and a clean ocean breeze about her, and it had always driven Helen wild. Her nostrils flared, and her lips tingled from where they had made contact with Nikki’s cheek. She subconsciously touched her lips with her finger tips and was lost in a sea of emotion, when the attendant made an uncomfortable show of clearing his throat.

“If you ladies know each other, then perhaps I can leave you to make the final arrangements regarding tomorrow evening yourselves?”

Helen nodded mutely and as he left the room, he said, “The details are in the envelope over there Ms. Stewart. World Vision thanks you very much for your generosity. Have a good evening.”

Nikki was still staring at Helen in disbelief, wondering absently why Helen had retained her maiden name, when it occurred to her to ask, “Why on earth would you want to pay fifteen thousand dollars for a date with me Helen? If you wanted to see me all you had to do was call.”

Helen shrugged, trying to affect an air of casualness that she definitely wasn’t feeling. “I’ve been wanting to donate to the Tsunami appeal anyway, but when I saw Penny Ringley closing in, I took pity on you .”

“Well I have to say I’m relieved I didn’t end up stuck with her. I owe you one for that!” Nikki smiled wryly.

“I’ll add that one to the list then shall I?” Helen hadn’t meant for the comment to come out like that, and she regretted it as she watched Nikki having the good grace to look ashamed.

“Look Helen. It probably means nothing to you now after so long, but for what it’s worth, I am so sorry about the way I treated you in South Africa. You didn’t deserve that.”

Nikki was watching Helen, trying to figure out why she was here. Helen was asking herself that same question, because she now realised that she had miscalculated the effect that the bronzed surfer would have on her. At Nikki’s mention of South Africa, she was catapulted back ten years to the summer they had spent together as lovers in 1994.

.......................................

They were just babies of twenty two back then, and Helen had been so happy and carefree. She’d just finished her degree in visual design and communication arts six months earlier, and was working for a small London agency when Nikki had turned up unannounced one night on her doorstep.

She’d been on the women’s pro surfing tour for several years by this stage, and Helen had watched Nikki’s achievements from afar with a mixture of pride and regret. She’d often thought of Nikki, and had sent a few letters to her grandfather’s address in Australia, but with no response.

Over the years, Helen had eventually put Nikki out of her mind enough to manage a few unsuccessful college romances with boys. But she had never again come close to feeling what she had felt for Nikki when they were 15, nor had she ever been attracted to another woman.

It was only when Nikki had been competing at a fledgling competition in Newquay, that the surfer had been consumed with memories of Helen from their trip seven years earlier. Nikki had never managed to forget Helen, and she had decided then and there to get on a train bound for London to see if she could find her.

When Nikki had turned up on her doorstep with a back pack and an enormous surfboard bag under her arm Helen had been surprised, but had welcomed Nikki warmly.

That evening they had caught up over a couple of bottles of wine, and the electric connection between the two women had been re-established immediately. Nikki had artfully avoided the painful topic of her mother’s death and that last terrible conversation she’d had with Helen that day in the hospital.

Helen had offered for Nikki to stay the night, but it was a small 1 bedroom apartment and the only place for Nikki to sleep was in Helen’s bed. Nikki had showered first and was lying on her back with her eyes closed when Helen had gotten into bed beside her.

Helen had asked quietly if she were still awake and Nikki had turned to face her propping herself up on her elbow. The sexual tension between them was crackling, and Helen’s next words were seared into Nikki’s memory forever. “Make love with me Nikki... I’ve missed you... I need you...”

Nikki had needed no further encouragement, and so they had explored and delighted in each others bodies all that long night. It wasn’t until the grey light of dawn started filtering through the window that they had fallen asleep entwined in each others arms.

Nikki had stayed with Helen for a week after that night, and they had existed in a haze of frenzied love making, although time was slipping away from the young lovers because Nikki was due in South Africa in a few days time for the next leg of the tour.

Unable to cope with the thought of leaving Helen behind, and totally suppressing her feelings of guilt, Nikki had asked Helen to come with her. Being absolutely besotted with the dark haired surfer, Helen had agreed without a second thought and had chucked in her job that day.

Nikki hadn’t really won enough competitions to have made any significant money from her career at that stage, but she had just signed a sponsorship deal with Rip Curl, and she was able to fund the costs of living on tour comfortably together with money from the inheritance she had received when her grandfather father had passed away a few years back.

Nikki had had a few flings with other girls on tour, but for the most part she had tried to deny her sexuality and live her life according to the promise she had made to her dying mother. Whenever she looked like becoming emotionally connected to any of them she had broken it off immediately, because she could still hear the words she had said to her mother all those years ago, and she still carried a great burden of guilt.

Their first few weeks together had been fantastic. Nikki was winning every contest she entered, and they were spending their free time exploring South Africa and each other. The first sign that something wasn’t right with the tall woman had come one night when Helen had confessed her love for Nikki after an exhausting session in the bedroom. She was lying with her head on Nikki’s shoulder, one leg draped over Nikki’s, whilst tracing the muscles of her tanned abdomen with her fingertips. Without thinking, she’d said, “I love you Nikki Wade. I feel like the whole world disappears when you make love to me like that...”

Instead of returning the sentiment, Nikki had withdrawn instantly. She had become moody and irritable in the days following and Helen was incredibly hurt by the rejection. She had decided not to press Nikki - instead trying to give her the space to come to her when she was ready to talk about what was troubling her. They still had amazing chemistry when they were in bed, so Helen had consoled herself by being close to Nikki in that way.

But things had gone downhill rapidly from there. It was getting very late one evening about a month later, and Helen had been expecting Nikki home hours ago. Worried sick, she had eventually called a few of the other girls on tour. One of them had been able to tell Helen that they’d seen Nikki at the local bar which overlooked the beach, about a block from the seaside bungalow where they were renting.

Helen had made the short walk down to the waters edge, and followed it until she had come to the bar. She had walked through the front doors and made her way out onto the deck that was overlooking the inky blue ocean. The moon was high in the night sky and the stars were bright. The location would have been romantic had it not been for the overwhelming sense of dread that Helen was feeling.

She’d shivered when she recognised the familiar lone figure sitting at a table in the corner. Nikki was staring out to sea with several empty glasses in front of her.

Helen felt a surge of anger shoot through her - she hadn’t understood what was going on with Nikki, and she was tired of being the one who Nikki took her problems out on. “Glad to see you’re alright!!! ... wha’ the hell is going on?” Helen grated out.

Nikki looked at her through tear filled, bloodshot eyes and said with a slur, “It’sh no good... I can’t Helen.... I promised her, and I can’t............ I jusht can’t.”

CHAPTER FIVE—THE SHIPWRECK COAST

G'day chicks 8)

Big apology for the delay, but I do hope you enjoy the next installment!

ML please forgive the poetic license I will take in describing Lorne and the hotel and restaurant. The restaurant does exist, just not with a hotel attached to it :)

Now - I've totally underestimated how much time it takes to write one of these stories and unfortunately work is going to be a bit crazy for me in the next month, so the updates won't be as frequent as I'd like them to be. So, thanks in advance for your patience, and I promise I will continue to update as often as I can.

Enjoy

LD



Helen had awoken on the Saturday morning following the Tsunami fund raiser feeling both anxious and excited about her date later that day with Nikki.

The two women had been obviously shaken by the encounter the evening before and, after some awkward moments laced with the memories of all they had shared in the past, Helen had been eager to retreat from the opulent function and re gather herself. She’d quickly scribbled her address on the back of her business card, and had made hasty arrangements for Nikki to pick her up from her home in St. Kilda the following day at 2pm.

Helen had then made a quick exit, and had spent a restless night tossing and turning, trying to figure out why Nikki still affected her so strongly.

She’d called Claire early the next morning, and had arranged to meet her for breakfast at their favorite cafe in Ackland Street. She really needed to talk to her best friend, and as Helen told her about her past with Nikki, Claire’s jaw had dropped in shock. “Oh honey! I’m so sorry I sent you into that situation! If I’d known, I wouldn’t have made you go.....why didn’t you tell me?” Claire was patting Helen’s hand across the table.

Helen shook her head, “ I down’t know... I guess it’s just always been a very painful topic for me. What I’ve felt for Nikki has been so strong - even when we were just teenagers......and she’s hurt me so much. I think the easiest way to deal with it has been to pretend it never happened.”

“I should have known from your odd reaction the other night that something was up.....” Claire said. “And you paid fifteen thousand dollars for a date with her? Wow! At least you’re putting Thomas’s money to good use!!!”

Helen had arched her eyebrow at her friend, but Claire pressed on saying, “Well you don’t have to go through with this date thing you know... I’m sure we can find someone else who would love to go. And we can easily find someone else to be the spokesperson of the QYSN too, so don’t feel you have to go on that score either.”

Helen had appreciated her friend’s show of loyalty and support, but she was shaking her head as she took another sip of her black coffee. “No, no.... for some strange reason I feel compelled to take this opportunity to spend some time with her. I’m definitely going through with it. Besides, Nikki will be the perfect spokesperson for the QYSN, and I’m going to make sure she agrees to do it.”

Claire had smiled, “Well you just promise me that you’ll take good care of your heart. And tell Nikki Wade that if she hurts you she’ll have me to deal with. Just wait till I tell Trish about this!!!! She will just die!”

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

Nikki had arrived at Helens house in a black limousine at 2pm sharp that afternoon. The sight of the tall, lean surfer had made Helens heart ache as she watched her shut the car door, and push her sunglasses up on top of her dark head.

Nikki was wearing faded blue jeans, flip flops and a dark blue singlet, almost the mirror image of Helen’s outfit, except she was wearing a tight white designer t-shirt instead. Nikki had smiled and waved to Helen when she’d noticed her on the front verandah, and had crossed the lawn quickly in a few long strides. Taking the steps two at a time and standing just below Helen on the top step, Nikki had bowed theatrically, “Nikki Wade at your service madam - I hope I don’t disappoint! Are you ready to go on your fifteen thousand dollar date?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be” Helen had felt herself being charmed already, and smiled back as Nikki picked up her overnight bag and turned back towards the car in the driveway.

“So tell me Helen,” Nikki had asked over her shoulder, as they crossed the front lawn to where the limo waited. “What does your husband think about you taking off like this with a famous, recently-outed lesbian for the weekend?”

Nikki couldn’t stop herself from asking this burning question. She’d been lying awake in her hotel room most of the previous night thinking about Helen, and had tormented herself with thoughts of her in the arms of her husband. Nikki had eventually resolved to be as pleasant as possible, and to get on with her obligations to go on the silly date. But she was worried about her ability to resist the urge to ravish the beautiful woman who’d always had such a powerful effect on her senses.

“I’m no’ sure what Thomas would think Nikki.” Helen had replied casually. “We separated 11 months ago.” Helen hadn’t wanted to divulge this information, but she wouldn’t lie either. She had popped her sunglasses on at that moment, and had climbed into the back seat of the limo, treating Nikki to the sight of her shapely, designer-denim clad bottom.

Nikki’s heart had lightened a little at Helens words. Helen and her husband were no longer together! But Nikki could swear she had seen troubled shadows in the smaller woman’s face before she had masked her expression with her very trendy Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses. She could only assume Helen was still hurting over the split from her husband. She was amazed that anyone could ever let go of the talented and beautiful art director, even though she had done that very thing herself ten years earlier.

The drive down to Lorne from Melbourne had been a bit awkward and tense at times, but for the most part they had managed a steady flow of conversation around safe topics like Nikki’s career highlights and Helen’s new business venture. Helen was relieved when a few hours later they had pulled into the driveway of the charming boutique hotel where they would be staying in Lorne. After just two hours being so close to Nikki, Helen was already doubting her ability to remain unaffected by the taller woman.

Lorne was a charming little seaside village which stood at the beginning of the famous great ocean road. With a small population of permanent residents, it had managed to retain its charm, despite the frequent influx of Melbournites and tourists fleeing the city during the holiday season. The road into, and out of Lorne followed the magnificent rugged coastline of southwest Victoria. And if you kept driving west it eventually lead to the amazing geological formations of the twelve apostles - huge columns of sheer rock, standing proudly in the seething southern ocean off the picturesque southern coastline of Australia.

After they had checked into their rooms, and agreed to meet at 8pm in the restaurant for dinner, Helen had decided to go for a walk along the beach.

The sun was sinking slowly in the west and the ocean twinkled with the gradually deepening colours of the early twilight. Helen had found a large boulder and had perched herself on it staring out at a couple of laughing teenage girls in the surf who were taking turns catching waves on an old surfboard.

She was startled when Nikki’s voice came from behind her. “Reminds me of our trip to Cornwall...when I was trying to teach you how to catch the white water at Fistral. It was so cold that day.” Nikki’s voice had sounded wistful. She’d seen Helen walking down to the beach from the balcony of her room, and had decided to follow.

“I’m surprised you remember so much about that day.” Helen said matter of factly without looking at her.

“Why’s that?” Nikki sounded bewildered.

“Och, I just didna’ think it was all that important to ye, that’s all.”

Nikki took a few steps and stood in front of Helen, staring in disbelief at the smaller woman who was avoiding eye contact. Helen was looking down at her legs dangling over the edge of the rock she was perched on. The ocean breeze was playing with a few strands of her hair, and the brilliant last rays of the setting sun were illuminating her silhouette with a golden halo. To Nikki, Helen had never looked more beautiful, but she could sense her vulnerability, and gently turned her face so they were looking into each others eyes. “Helen, to this day, that was the most special and thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. I remember every single moment of that trip.”

Nikki leaned in closer against the rock between Helens legs, still cupping her face with her hands. Helen was trembling, and wanted to press herself into Nikki’s embrace, but she held herself rigid, too afraid to give into this woman who she knew still had the power to hurt her so much.

“Helen, I’m so sorry I hurt you....I never wanted to do that. You have to believe me.” Nikki’s eyes were glistening with moisture, “You loved me when I didn’t deserve it, and I threw that love back in your face.”

“Oh Nicola.....” Helen breathed raggedly, and tears for that old pain were also shining brightly in her beautiful green eyes.

“Helen, I have no excuse, other than I was really messed up by what happened with my mum. I’ve regretted driving you away for the last ten years of my life, but I’ve been too ashamed of myself to try and contact you, even after I’d sorted through all my issues....and now, all of a sudden, for whatever reason, you’re here and my senses are reeling.”

Nikki paused, and then whispered, “I want to make love to you all night long....”

She stopped talking, and leant in to kiss Helen gently, her hands tangling in the silky strands of her hair. Helen closed her eyes, and responded instinctively by winding her arms around Nikki’s neck and wrapping her legs around the taller woman’s waist, pulling her close against her very core.

The kiss deepened as the sun dropped behind the mountains, and they were powerless to deny the need they felt for one another. They drank from each other with a thirst that had been denied for a decade. Their tongues dipped in and out, touched gently, and plunged deeply, whilst their hands caressed each others face and body urgently.

Helen pressed herself closer to Nikki and the tall woman arched her back to increase the contact between them. Nikki was pulling at the hem of Helens shirt, wanting to feel her naked skin, when suddenly Helen broke away and untangled herself from the tall woman’s embrace.
“What’s wrong?” Nikki asked breathlessly.

“It’s just too much too soon Nikki.” Helen was straightening her shirt and smoothing her hair with shaky hands. “I don’t deny that I want you. I always have. But the sex between us was never the problem, was it?” Helen had slipped down off the rock and was hugging her arms around herself in a protective gesture. “I can’t just jump back into bed with you. Besides, it’s not why I came here...”

Helen had started walking back down the beach in the direction of the Hotel. Dusk was turning the landscape to a shade of pinkish grey, and the lights of the town were winking golden in the distance.

“So why did you come here Helen?” Nikki asked, as she followed a few paces behind.

“I down’t know Nikki....it was a mistake I guess. I thought I could handle it, but I was wrong....” Tears had started to roll down her cheeks and Nikki’s heart broke at the sight. She stopped Helen, grabbing her hand and hugged her tightly. Helens body was shaking as she cried the long unshed tears. “Don’t cry babe....I’m so sorry....shhhh.....don’t cry...” Nikki whispered, as she comforted Helen.

She pulled back and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear tenderly, and then hugged her again. “We’ll go back to the hotel, and then we can either get ready for dinner as planned, or we can eat in our rooms. What ever you want. No pressure okay?” Nikki kissed the top of Helens head tenderly, as she nodded.

They stood holding each other on the beach for a long time, with Nikki whispering words of comfort until Helens tears had stopped. They had eventually walked back to the hotel in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Nikki was finally beginning to realise how much she’d hurt Helen. And at the same time, she was forced to acknowledge to herself what she had tried to deny since her mother died - that Helen Stewart was the one person in the world that she loved with her entire heart and soul. Helen was the yin to her yang, the other half of her whole, and Nikki knew then that she would never be complete without her.

CHAPTER SIX—TAKE A WARM SHOWER!

Hi chicks 8)

Sorry again for the delay, and thanks for sticking with me on this one. Our gals seem to be sorting it out slowly, but you never know what might be around the corner... :wink:

Anyway, I hope you enjoy...shouldn't be so long between updates now (fingers crossed)!

Cheers

LD

Helen was standing beneath the soothing, warm spray of the shower in her hotel room, trying desperately to gather her jangled emotions. She was rattled by the heat of her physical response to Nikki Wade, and the depth of her subsequent emotional outpouring to her on the beach half an hour ago.

Being so fiercely independent, Helen was not accustomed to feeling vulnerable, or in need of comfort from another person. She was used to being in control of her emotions, and, if anything, giving others support – not receiving it.

Her tears on the beach had made her realise just how deeply she had burried her hurt all those years ago in South Africa. Back then she had known instinctively that she needed to stay in control, because she knew that if she truly gave into her feelings, she would never be able to cope with the pain and loss of Nikki’s rejection.

………………………….

Helen had left a drunk Nikki in the bar in South Africa that night, and had gone back to their bungalow and packed her meager belongings. She’d left a note that simply read:

Nikki,
I’ll always love you, but I don’t think you’ll ever let me. Please find happiness.
Hx

She’d gone straight to the airport and had caught the next flight back to London and had not spoken to Nikki again up until two days ago.

She’d gotten a job shortly after returning to London as a junior art director in a big name ad agency, and she had thrown herself into her work as a distraction. She’d soon been promoted to work on the bigger accounts, and had taken the agency from strength to strength on the back of her creative skills and hard work.

In those early years, when she was running away from the painful memory of what she and Nikki had shared, she’d won every major Art Directors award going in the UK and Europe. As a result, her salary had skyrocketed and she’d made some serious money, most of which she had invested wisely in property and blue chip shares.

She’d met Thomas in London in 1998 at a work function. He was a founding partner in the Australian software company, TSBG, who had just won a contract to supply trading and settlement software systems to the London Stock Exchange. He was a self-made man, living in London for a year to oversee the implementation of the project, and in that year they had been pretty much inseparable. Thomas loved the London social scene, and having one of the countries most talented and beautiful creatives as his girlfriend did his ego the world of good.

Helen on the other hand, had welcomed the distraction from her work, and at the end of his project, when Thomas had asked her to marry him, she’d agreed.

She’d felt it was time she settled down, and Thomas had seemed to fit most of her criteria. He was charming and funny, and he didn’t seem to mind that they connected more on a physical level than an emotional one. Helen was comfortable with their relationship, and had convinced herself that she was happy, despite the gnawing misgivings she felt every time she saw Nikki’s name pop up on the sports news late at night, or in a magazine she was reading.

When she had discovered Thomas cheating on her three years later, she’d realised that she had been kidding herself all along about what she’ ever seen in her husband. She’d figured out too late that he was a shallow, materialistic man, who only cared about whether or not they were seen at the right functions, with the right people. She had started to withdraw from their shallow relationship, and the last straw had been broken when she’d walked in on him and some blonde 19 year old in the bed that they had shared. She hadn’t felt a thing. Not betrayal, not anger, not loss – just a numb void.

He had accused her of being a heartless robot who had never opened up to him, and when she had calmly asked him to leave the house, he had lashed out angrily and slapped her. She had been surprised at his violent outburst, but she had remained calm and, sure she was doing the right thing, had again asked him to leave or else she would call the police.

That had been eleven months ago now, and seeing Nikki again had made her realise in an instant how much she had shut down her emotions in order to protect herself from the pain of loosing her all those years ago in South Africa.
…………………………..

As she turned off the shower and stepped onto the fluffy bath matt, Helen felt as if she had come to a point of insight about what she was going to do. She wanted to face her feelings for Nikki once and for all – wherever that should lead her.

Had someone told her a week ago that she would be doing this she would have dismissed the notion as madness. But Helen was a great believer in things happening for a reason, and she felt as if fate had knocked on her door last Monday night and had led her down the path she was currently traveling. How else could one rationalise the crazy turn of events of the past few days?

She wasn’t sure where Nikki was at with her issues, but she got the definite impression from watching her interview on Australian Story, and from what she’d said to her on the beach just an hour ago, that the tall surfer had faced the demons of her sexuality and the death of mother, which had been at the root of their problems ten years ago.

Nikki had seemed earnest in her apology, and Helen desperately wanted to believe in Nikki again. She felt that she truly understood, better than anyone, how difficult the dark-haired woman’s journey had been. She had been there and had witnessed first hand the pain and suffering Nikki had gone through as a teenager. But Helen was still scared of being hurt again. She wasn’t that idealistic teenager anymore, nor was she the trusting young woman who had followed Nikki to South Africa without a second thought, thinking that love would be enough.

She knew Nikki wanted her – that much was obvious – and she wanted Nikki in a way that felt primal. Their attraction was as strong as ever. The kiss they had shared on the beach had proved that, and Helen knew that her response was something she’d never felt with anyone before.

She remembered how good they had been together and suppressed a quiver of anticipation at the thought of feeling Nikki’s naked body against her own again. She let her imagination wander towards thoughts of touching her skin, of kissing her languidly, of pressing her hips against hers, of tasting her.......

Helen’s fantasy was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Bugger!” she exclaimed as she shook herself from her musings and glanced at her watch on the bathroom bench. It was 7:50pm and that would be Nikki at the door. “Coming!” She called out, as she wrapped the oversized fluffy white towel around her naked, wet body and quickly ran her fingers through her damp hair.

Nikki choked on her greeting as Helen answered the door wrapped only in a towel, looking slightly flushed and guilty. “Sorry I’m running late... I lost track o’ time and got caught enjoying my shower for too long I’m afraid.” Helen said.

Nikki was rendered mute as Helen motioned towards the sofa, saying, “Come in and sit down.” The taller woman followed her into the tastefully decorated room, watching the spot where Helen had tucked in the towel with fascination. She wanted to tug at that vulnerable spot to reveal Helen’s nakedness, and she barely resisted the urge to kiss away the beaded drops of water left on Helen’s shoulder.

“I think there’s some beer and champagne in the mini bar. Help yourself. I won’t be too long.” Helen said, as she disappeared into the bathroom.

Nikki took a moment to compose herself and refocus on her latest resolution. The sound of a hairdryer came from the adjoining bathroom, and realising she had a while till Helen would be ready, Nikki got herself a beer and sat sipping it in a contemplative manner.

Although she now acknowledged to herself how much she’d always loved Helen, Nikki also knew just how much she’d hurt her, and that there was every chance that Helen may not be able to forgive her.

Indeed, Helen may still be recovering from the breakup of her marriage for all she knew... All of these thoughts had made Nikki resolve to not push Helen too hard. She had decided she was going to try and win back her love, but she was going to take things slowly, and try to re-establish a sense of trust between them. Whatever the reason for Helen being back in her life, Nikki saw it as fate handing her another chance, and she was not about to let this one go without a fight.

Nikki had just finished her drink when the door to the bathroom opened and Helen walked out smiling. She’d dressed casually in a silky, deep red top, with a plunging neckline that showed off an impressive expanse of flesh. The colour brought out the green of her eyes and her makeup was done subtly to highlight them further. She’d paired the top with a pair of black flowing Asian style pants and a silver necklace featuring an elongated triangular-shaped piece of raw turquoise that swung tantalizingly between her breasts.

“You look absolutely stunning, Helen. Every time I see you I swear you get more and more beautiful...How are you feeling now?” Nikki had asked with concern as she got up from the sofa. Nikki was in awe of Helen’s natural beauty and her heart constricted with the emotion she was feeling at being around the beautiful Scotswoman again.

“Much better thanks.” Helen said in a slightly self conscious fashion, although she was pleased Nikki thought she looked beautiful. “And I’m sorry for breaking down like tha’ on you. I’ve been under a lot o’ strain lately...must of needed a good old cry.” She’d said, trying to diffuse Nikki’s concern, and focus on enjoying the evening ahead.

Nikki smiled and put out her elbow in a chivalrous gesture, “Well... all ready for our dinner date then? I hear the salmon is fabulous!”

Helen laced her arm through Nikki’s and they set off for the restaurant downstairs.

CHAPTER SEVEN—THIRD TIME LUCKY

Gidday Chicks 8)

As promised - not so long between updates this time...

I have to admit though, that this is the first time I've ever written a raunchy scene - so I'm a tad ... so go easy on me!

Hope ya'll enjoy ... with any luck more posts are imminent, as I'm having 5 days off work next week. The long range surf forecast is not looking too good either, so there should be plenty of time for me to write 8)

BGF - seems taking things slow is a bit beyond either of them! :wink:

And thanks for the lovely comment ILMJ - you and MJ do a top job here, so keep up the good work!


Cheers

LD


Nikki and Helen were greeted by the Maitre d’ who showed them to a beautifully laid table with a crisp white table cloth and a candle flickering in a glass bowl in the centre. The room was softly lit and boasted a stunning view of the bay which the township of Lorne was nestled beside.

Bright stars dotted the expansive night sky, and the reflections dancing on the dark surface of the water reminded Helen of one of her favorite impressionist paintings – Starry night over the Rhône, by Vincent van Gogh. Soft music was playing, and the moon that hung low over the distant horizon was almost full. A gentle breeze was shifting the silhouetted trees on the headland and the odd silvery cloud moved lazily across the sky. The other tables in the restaurant were occupied mostly by couples enjoying the romantic setting, but they were set at discreet distances apart, which encouraged an intimate atmosphere.

Nikki was dressed in black from top to toe. A sleek pair of Veronika Mayne pants rode low and snug on her lean hips, falling in perfect lines, and accentuating her impressive height. Her shirt was made from a sheer black material with a silver pinstripe running through it, which left little to the imagination, outlining Nikki’s well toned body and hinting at the black bra she was wearing underneath. It buttoned up the front, hugging her curves, and featured an exaggerated pair of folded back cuffs, through which Nikki had studded a pair of silver cufflinks inlaid with an intricate design crafted from black and white mother of pearl. She wore a large silver ring on her right hand middle finger, and Helen was stunned to see the distinctive silver bracelet she had given to her in South Africa ten years ago on Nikki’s left wrist.

At Helen’s request, Nikki had perused the wine list and selected a bottle of Hollicks Sauvignon Blanc Semillon from the hovering waiter. Helen could not stop herself from staring at the stunning sight of the self-assured woman sitting before her. She reached across the table to touch the bracelet on Nikki’s wrist, arching an inquisitive eyebrow.

“My most prized possession...” Nikki said simply in response to Helen’s unspoken question. “I take it everywhere with me. It’s been to every continent on the face of this earth.”

“I remember when I found that in the markets in Cape Town...I knew it’d suit you as soon as I saw it....” Helen looked away thoughtfully with a tinge of sadness in her eyes.

Nikki could see Helen was thinking about those last days in South Africa, so she deliberately lightened the mood, saying, “Do you remember that time we were chased by that White Rhino in Umfaloze game reserve? I just about wet myself when I saw the size of that huge eye staring back at me through that scrawny thicket!” Nikki chuckled, and Helen’s eyes lit up with laughter at the memory of them scrambling up the nearest tree to avoid being charged.

The waiter arrived with their wine, and from there the evening had relaxed into one of shared good memories, laughter and more than a little sexual tension. The time seemed to stand still and pass quickly all at once. They enjoyed the sumptuous food, sharing the tasty morsels intimately from each others’ plates. Neither woman had wanted it to end.

Towards the end of the meal the atmosphere had become heavily laden with the sexual charge that seemed to ignite whenever they were close. The other patrons had started to thin out and Nikki realised that it was probably time to go. “I’ve had a really wonderful night Helen. Thank you so much.” Nikki said, as she took the last sip of wine from her glass and tried to reel in her racing libido.

Helen leant towards her with a seductive glint in her eye that Nikki was all too familiar with, treating Nikki to a view of her plunging cleavage. “Me too Nikki. It’s been great – even if it did cost me fifteen thousand dollars...”

“But worth every cent huh?” Nikki had said with a wink, trying to keep the mood playful. Patience Wade, remember you’re taking it slowly, she counseled herself firmly. She wanted Helen badly, but had promised herself she would not rush her. The woman had been a tearful mess in her arms only hours earlier and she didn’t want to take advantage of the situation if Helen was feeling tipsy and vulnerable.

“Shall we head off? I expect you’ll be pretty tired?” Nikki had stood quickly, nearly knocking the table over in her nervousness. She had thanked their waiter on the way out and had tipped him heavily, even though the bill had already been taken care of by World Vision.

She knew she needed to get away from Helen quickly if she was to stand any chance of keeping her resolve, and had hurriedly led Helen the short distance towards their rooms at the side of the complex.

When they arrived at Helen’s door Nikki started to speak, but was interrupted by the smaller woman placing her finger on her lips to silence her. “I know the deal wasn’t an all inclusive date... but I was wondering if you’d like to come in for a nightcap?” Helen trailed her finger around the outline of the Nikki’s lips, and was fascinated to see them tremble in response.

She leant up and pressed her lips tenderly to Nikki’s, and the dark woman moaned at the soft contact. Her hands had caught in Helen’s hair and she was fast loosing her will to take things slowly. Against Helen’s lips she said softly, “Helen, baby. I don’t want to rush you....” She stared into Helen’s eyes, trying to understand how the smaller woman was feeling – searching for a clue and finding only raw desire staring back at her. “Things are moving so fast, but I really want to see if we can give things between us another chance....? I’m prepared to wait as long as it takes...” She rushed on, saying “I’m just so scared of screwing things up with you again.” There. She’d said it and put herself out there on the line, and was waiting anxiously for Helen’s response.

Helen was gazing up at her with tenderness shining in her eyes, and said “I want tha’ too Nikki. But right now, I want you to come inside and make love with me. I need you... now.” She finished on a demanding ragged note, as she took Nikki’s hand and placed it firmly over her breast.

Nikki wasted no time and responded urgently, pushing Helen back against the door as she bent to kiss her. She stroked her breast through the thin fabric of her shirt until she could feel the taughtness of the straining bud against her hand.

Helen groaned and grabbed Nikki’s butt, pulling her close and grinding her hips against the taller woman’s leg which had insinuated itself between her thighs. Helen could feel a rush of heat and moisture between her legs and knew that she needed Nikki with a depth of yearning that frightened her. With a frustrated moan, she pulled her lips away from Nikki’s mouth and fumbled for the swipe card in her purse.

Nikki’s hands were all over her as Helen turned and pushed open the door. Nikki followed and slammed the door shut with her foot, never taking her hands from Helen. From behind, Nikki held her against her hips with one arm around her waist, whilst her other was moving Helen’s hair from the side of her neck to make way for the explorations of her mouth.

Her hand was underneath Helens shirt, stroking her belly and the tender skin covering her ribs, and Helen arched her back when Nikki’s hungry hands eventually made full contact with her naked breast.

“Babe - it’s been so long....” Nikki whispered in a ragged breath. Helen turned in her arms and started undoing the buttons on Nikki’s shirt as she backed towards the luxurious king size bed in the middle of the room. She was pushing the shirt over Nikki’s shoulders and treating every inch of skin she revealed to her hot kisses.

The shirt dropped to the floor and Helen stood back and admired the sight of Nikki in her sexy black bra standing before her, flushed with desire, with the moonlight creating beautiful shadows on her athletic form. Undoing Nikki’s bra with deft fingers and discarding it, Helen then reached towards the waistline of the other womans pants. She undid the buttons, slid down the zipper, and with a seductive glance she trailed her fingertips across the sensitive skin just below Nikki’s hip bone. She knew this was an extremely sensitive zone from past experience, and was rewarded with a sharply indrawn breath and an instant clenching of Nikki’s tanned stomach.

Her slacks pooled around her ankles, and Nikki kicked off her shoes and stepped aside to stand virtually naked before Helen in the skimpiest, silky black g-string. Helen flinched when she saw the angry scar on Nikki’s left leg again, and she dropped to her knees and tenderly kissed the raised, irregular pink skin just below her knee. “So much pain baby...so much hurt. All I ever wanted to do was take it all away ....” A tear glimmered in Nikki’s eye at Helen’s soft words, and her legs began to tremble as Helen started kissing her way up towards her hot molten centre.

Helen guided Nikki around so that her back was towards the bed and pulled down Nikki’s g-string, tossing it aside. Grabbing her hips, and inhaling her musky scent, she pushed Nikki gently back to land on the soft surface behind her. Helen stood and slipped her top over her head to reveal her own nakedness. She hadn’t been wearing a bra that evening, and Nikki pushed herself up onto her elbows to give herself a better view. Helen kicked off her shoes and undid the tie that was holding up her flowing trousers. Never taking her eyes off the woman on the bed, she let them fall and Nikki was surprised and aroused to see Helen had not been wearing any underwear at all that evening.

Helen knelt on the bed with one leg between Nikki’s and crawled sensuously over her body, brushing her hair and the very tips of her breasts against Nikki’s skin as she made her way up towards Nikki’s mouth.

At the precise moment her lips claimed Nikki’s, she pressed her thigh against Nikki’s throbbing centre. She was satisfied to hear the low moan of desire escape from the dark woman’s throat, and she could feel the wetness of the other woman’s that told her just how much she wanted her.

Nikki’s senses were reeling and she began to move her hips against Helen, wanting to be closer, needing to feel the other woman’s hands on her, and inside of her.

Nikki sat up on her haunches smoothly, lifting Helen’s slight form with her in one fluid motion so they were kneeling facing each other, but never loosing the intimate contact between their bodies and legs. She bent her head and kissed Helen hungrily. She held the smaller woman’s head with her left hand, and let the fingers of her right hand blaze a tingling trail down the length of Helen’s sensitive naked side. She stoked the skin under and around her breasts lightly before capturing Helen’s dusky pink erect nipple between her teeth and teasing it with her tongue.

Helen couldn’t bear it any longer and she moved back just enough to give herself access to the sensitive skin of Nikki’s inner thigh. Nikki twitched at the intimate touch and threw her head back in total surrender as Helen entered her soft, wet opening; first with one exploring finger, and then increasing the sensation at Nikki’s guttural plea for more, until eventually she had buried three fingers inside the dark-haired woman, whilst all the time skillfully stroking her clit with her thumb.

Nikki was totally out of control, bucking on Helen’s hand, and enjoying the warm, tingling sensations that she was creating throughout her entire body. But Nikki wanted to look into Helen’s eyes as they came together, so she unerringly sought out Helens soft folds, and took her in one perfectly timed stoke, matching the rhythm of Helen’s artfully thrusting fingers.

Helen couldn’t stop herself from crying out Nikki’s name, followed by several references to God and Jesus and any other deity that came to mind, as she ran her fingers through Nikki’s short, dark hair.


Helen groaned with the exquisite pleasure that was radiating from her core at feeling Nikki so completely and fully inside of her. They pressed their foreheads together, all the while matching the increasing rhythm of each others thrusts. Their bodies glistened with a light sheen of moisture from their exertions and Nikki could feel she was close to the edge, as the warmth and delicious tingling sensations of her orgasm began to radiate throughout her body. “Come with me baby .... oh Helen! oh god!” She cried out as she took Helens mouth in one last deep and passionate kiss.

Nikki couldn’t stop herself from catapulting over the edge when she’d recognised the tell tale signs of Helen’s orgasm; first it was her erratic breathing, then her jerking hips, and finally the contractions of the smaller woman’s muscles around her fingers as she climaxed.

They collapsed into a spent heap of tangled and sweaty limbs on the bed, and Helen waited until her breathing came back under control before looking at Nikki and whispering “You’re amazing, do you know that?” Nikki groaned, as Helen withdrew her hand and rolled on top of her to look into her dark eyes.

Nikki was over come by emotion at the sight of this beautiful woman whom she’d loved for over half her life. The tiny Scotswoman was looking down at her with loving eyes. She was framed by the moonlight coming through the glass doors of the balcony which overlooked the ocean, and Nikki knew that this image would stay with her forever. How she had ever let her go in the first place was beyond her, and she reached up to tuck Helen’s hair behind her ear, and cupped her face tenderly.

“I love you Helen, with all my heart.” Nikki whispered the words for the first time ever.

A tear escaped from the corner of Helen’s eye and dropped onto Nikki’s cheek, mingling with the dark haired woman’s own tears of joy.

Last edited by lazedaze on 12 Jan 2006 02:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

CHAPTER 8 – OH, OHHHH!

Hello there y'all - long time no see huh? :)

What can I say? Life was a whirl wind late last year, but I've been on holidays and have managed to pen a few more chapters of this fic. My New Years resolution is to finish it, so here's cheers to that!

Anyway - I hope you all had a happy new year and that you can remember what the hell I was writing about...hope you like it
;)

Cheers

LD

Nikki awoke the next morning to the sound of a mobile phone ringing. Sitting up and blinking the sleep from her eyes she spotted the offending instrument on the nightstand. As the memories of their night of passion came rushing back, Nikki looked around the hotel room for her lover, but realised she was in the shower from the sound of running water coming from the adjoining bathroom.

She contemplated answering it for a moment, but felt awkward about it when she saw the caller ID flashing “Claire Walker”. She knew Claire was Helen’s business partner and decided that if it was important Claire would leave a message.

As the mobile went to message bank Nikki lay on her back with her arm stretched above her head and smiled with languid satisfaction. The passion and lovemaking they had shared during the night had totally exhausted her, and she felt that a whole new raft of exciting possibilities had just opened up for her and Helen.

Nikki had been with her fair share of lovers over the years – some extremely beautiful and uninhibited women had been her bed partners – but none had ever come close to the depth of connection and feeling that she and Helen shared.

She was about to join Helen in the shower when the room phone started to ring. Figuring that someone wanted to talk to Helen urgently, she picked up the receiver and in a mumbled and sleepy voice said, “Hel-”

Before she could go any further, the excited voice on the other end of the line launched in, saying, “Soooooooooooo……how’d it go Hels?! Did you talk Wade into the proposal yet or what?? I bet you had her begging for mercy by the end of the night …” Claire was waiting for a response. “Hels?? Are you there?”

Nikki’s heart constricted at the flippant words from the woman on the line, and felt a sharp twist of anger, confusion and betrayal rise in her throat. After a pause she said tightly, “I’m sorry. Helen’s in the shower at the moment, but this is Nikki Wade.” Nikki heard Claire gasp, and asked, “Just exactly what is it that Helen was supposed to be talking me into?”

“Oh, shit……sorry…….Nikki….right. Ummmm, nothing really…” Claire was clearly flustered. “What are you doing in Helen’s room at 7am ….? Ahh…forget I asked that. I think I can figure it out…look I’m sorry. I think I’ve just really put my foot in it. I didn’t mean anything really …ummm, can you just get Helen to give me a call when she’s free? Cheers....” Claire hung up the phone hurriedly.

Nikki sat upright staring at the hand piece as she dropped it back into its cradle. Thoughts were whirring around in her head rapidly and the conclusions she was drawing about Helen’s motives for being here with her started to shift uncomfortably into place.

Helen had deliberately avoided talking about her reasons for suddenly showing up in her life again and now Nikki thought she understood why. Helen had some hidden agenda. She wanted something from her. She shouldn’t be surprised. She was used to people wanting things from her, but she never expected Helen to be one of those people.

For a moment Nikki just reeled from the pain, letting it wash over her in waves. The shower was still running in the bathroom and Nikki realized that she’d have to face Helen in a moment if she didn’t move. She made a snap decision and got up, dressed, and left the room without looking back.

………………………

A few minutes later Helen stepped out of the shower and toweled herself dry. She always woke early for her morning run, but this morning, instead of going for her usual 5km jog she was looking forward to a work out of a different variety. She intended to climb back into bed with Nikki and give her a very special kind of wake up call.

As she thought about the gorgeous woman she’d left asleep in her bed snoring softly this morning, she remembered fondly how hard it was to get the tall woman up and about in the mornings all those years ago. Some things never change…

She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. The woman staring back at her looked ridiculously happy with a rosy pink glow on her cheeks. She wasn’t really surprised – Nikki’s lovemaking had always left her feeling this way and she couldn’t really believe she was lucky enough to be experiencing it again. So much had happened in such a short period of time that Helen’s head was spinning. It seemed like just yesterday she was dealing with a cheating husband.

She quietly opened the bathroom door so as not to wake her sleeping lover, but was mildly puzzled to see that Nikki was nowhere in sight. Before she could collect her thoughts any further her mobile phone beeped indicating she had just received a text message. With a slight frown, still looking around for Nikki, she picked up her phone and read the message from Claire.

“Hels…I’m so sorry. Please ring me urgently. I didn’t mean to put my foot in it. Cx”

Helen’s frown deepened and a sense of dread started settling over her. Where was Nikki?

She walked through the entire suite and onto the balcony to confirm that Nikki was nowhere to be found. She dialed Claire’s mobile number and it was picked up before it even rang. “Wha’ the hell is so urgent at 7am, Claire, that it can’t wait ‘til a decent hour?” Helen demanded.

Helen’s frown got deeper and deeper as she listened to her friend recount the details of her earlier conversation with Nikki. “I’m so sorry Hels – I was just so excited and I didn’t even think that you wouldn’t be the one answering the phone in your room!” Claire was on the verge of hysterics, knowing she had really put Helen in an awkward position. “She sounded really pissed off ….”

Helen was angry with Claire, but even more angry with herself for not telling Nikki about the proposal sooner. She knew it was just an overblown miscommunication, and the irony was that she really didn’t care if Nikki wanted to do the spokesperson gig or not. Of course, she knew Nikki would be ideal for the job, but she also knew her world would still keep spinning if for some reason Nikki had refused. What she really cared about at that moment in time was not destroying the opportunity for her and Nikki to be together again.

She had to find Nikki and explain. Helen hurriedly hung up from Claire promising to call her later and threw on a pair of jeans and t-shirt. She grabbed a thick manila envelope containing the proposal from her overnight case as she went out the door.

A few minutes later she was knocking on Nikki’s door but she got no answer. She knocked again, a little louder and longer this time, but still with no answer. “Nikki! Please let me explain! Open the damn door!”

The door was suddenly jerked open and Nikki appeared before her clad in jeans and a skimpy black bonds singlet. Nikki was clearly not wearing a bra and Helen gulped at the sight. Even when she was angry, Nikki was a vision of dark beauty. Her hair was still tousled from sleep but the expression in her eyes was cold as she regarded Helen. “What do you want Helen? Apart from perhaps a quick fuck for old times sake..?”

Helen flinched at the angry tone. “Please Nikki. It’s no’ like tha’. Let me explain. Can I come in?” Helen made a move to enter the room, but Nikki blocked her entry and stood in front of her with her arms folded.

Realising Nikki wasn’t going to budge Helen began to explain. “Look Nikki. Whatever you think this is, you’re wrong. Yes, it’s true that the reason why I went to that fundraiser was to put a proposal to you about becoming a spokesperson for a client of mine, but everything from there on was about you and me, and this intense connection we have that won’t be broken...”

Nikki snorted derisively, but Helen went on doggedly. “Nikki, you’ve got to believe me. I didn’t sleep with you just to get you to sign a contract. I slept with you last night because of the way I feel about you. The way I’ve always felt about you-”

“Then why the hell didn’t you bring this up earlier Helen. Why wait ‘til we’ve slept together to spring me with this proposal of yours – whatever the hell it is?”

“I didn’t plan it this way. Things just happened so quickly and there just didn’t seem to be a good moment….please Nikki – can I come in? Let’s talk abo’ this?” Helen reached out to lay her hand on Nikki’s arm but was shrugged off by the taller woman.

“I’ve been hurt before by people who pretend to care, but really just want a pound of flesh from me Helen. For the love of god, I thought you were different, I thought if I could trust anyone it would be you, but it seems I was wrong….what the hell do you want me to promote anyway? Some new deodorant for your latest multi million dollar account? Perhaps tampons, or maybe something really classy like tinned fruit and jelly?!...”

Nikki took a deep breath and paused before delivering her final cutting remark in a tone devoid of anything but venom. “I suppose I can see now why you’ve been so successful – it’s not hard to be great when you can sleep your way to success is it?”

Helen couldn’t stop the rage that flared inside her at Nikki’s comment. Her cheeks flushed scarlet and in a tight and barely restrained voice said, “That is uncalled for Nikki. You know absolutely nothing about me anymore, and yet you presume to hurtle insults! You’re overreacting here and you know it…I did no’ sleep with you to get you to sign a contract. And I did no’ sleep with you because you’re famous…and I most certainly did not sleep with you last night to further my career!” Helen was indignant and her eyes glistened with moisture as she turned on her heel to go. She took one last hurt glance at Nikki, and said quietly “I slept with you last night, because I love you…”

Helen had taken a few steps before she stopped and said, “Oh, and by the way, here are the details of the proposal…” Helen threw the envelope at Nikki’s feet and strode off down the corridor.

CHAPTER 9 – TOUGH LOVE

Gidday chicks :)

Here is the next chapter - enjoy!

LD


The next few weeks went by in a blur for Helen. She threw herself into her work in an attempt to distract herself from thoughts of Nikki. She’d been working late each night and had started to develop dark shadows under her eyes from not sleeping very well. Claire and Helen were still working on the QYSN campaign, and although they hadn’t managed to get anyone with any kind of public profile remotely interested in joining the cause, they had developed some other concepts and strategies which were starting to come together nicely.

Claire had tactfully let the subject of Nikki’s potential involvement in the campaign drop, even though Helen could tell that her enthusiastic partner was disappointed at the way things had turned out. The writer was being so nice, to the point where Helen wanted to scream, and she knew it was because her friend felt bad about getting her into the situation whereby she’d had her heart broken by Nikki Wade – again.

Helen had arrived back from Lorne that Sunday afternoon two weeks ago to find Claire waiting on her front steps with a look of concern on her face and a bottle of vodka by her side. She’d hugged Helen and listened that night as the small Scot poured her heart out about her feelings for Nikki and what had transpired between them. By the end of the evening Claire had learnt more about her enigmatic friend than she ever could have imagined. Who would have thought that Helen, who had been married a year ago, would have had such a secret in her closet?

“What I don’t get is why you didn’t tell me you were attracted to women earlier Hels. We could’ve set you up with some nice girls after you broke up with Thomas – Caroline has always had a thing for you…Were you afraid to admit to it? Is that why you didn’t tell me about it?” Claire had asked that night after several shots of vodka.

Helen shook her head vigorously. “I’ve never been ashamed of the way I felt about Nikki. Not even back when I was 15. I knew how strongly I felt and that it couldn’t be wrong. Being with a woman has never bothered me – not like it used to bother Nikki. The problem was that when I left her in South Africa I knew I had to shut those feelings away or else I’d never survive. So I never spoke about it with anyone….ever. And then Thomas came along and I just decided to go with it. It seemed safe – manageable...” Helen shrugged and poured another shot.

She hadn’t blamed Claire for what had happened in Lorne. In fact, she hardly blamed herself for the outcome of that weekend. No, she really just felt numb and sad at Nikki’s reaction, only occasionally berating herself for her stupidity at not telling her sooner the initial reason she had had come back into her life.

She was beginning to wish she had never agreed to go to that fundraiser. Nikki was like a highly addictive drug, and now that she’d had a fix, her body was craving more. The problem was that Nikki didn’t want, or trust her, and that knowledge cut deep.

Helen had tried to stay angry, but when she put herself in Nikki’s shoes, she realised that it probably looked pretty suspect that Helen had not been up front about the proposal from the very beginning. And Nikki had said something about people having tried to take advantage of her in the past. That could explain why she had reacted so poorly.

But that didn’t excuse the hurtful insults that the tall woman had thrown at her. Helen had hoped that Nikki would give her the benefit of the doubt - especially considering their history - instead of assuming the worst of her. And she couldn’t believe that she actually still loved the fiery woman after all the pain and rejection she’d put her through. But love her she did, and it seemed that she was powerless in the face of it.

………………………


Nikki had fared no better than Helen after that fateful weekend. Her dreams were haunted with images of Helen leaning over her, naked, bathed in moonlight. She was tormented by memories of the ugly accusations she had flung, and the final words Helen had said to her before she had turned and walked away. I slept with you last night, because I love you…

Those words and the expression on Helen’s face as she’d turned to leave had nearly been her undoing. But her stubborn pride, coupled with her instinct to protect herself from her vulnerability where Helen was concerned, had stopped her from reaching out and telling her to stay.

She’d retreated to her beach house on Queensland’s sunshine coast as soon as she’d gotten back to Melbourne and had holed up in her sanctuary to lick her wounds.

Nikki had inherited the house when her grandfather had passed away and she’d lovingly restored the charming old beach shack to its former glory. She’d added a few modern comforts with the renovation, like the full galley kitchen, the air conditioning, and the latest in home entertainment systems which graced the breezy and light filled living room. She’d also ripped out the entire back wall and installed glass bi-fold doors which gave uninterrupted floor to ceiling views of the ocean. When they were open, the entire house transformed into one enormous living space which flowed from the comfort of the living room and kitchen out onto the expansive deck with its breathtaking view.

For 2 weeks Nikki had stayed close to home, only going out for groceries, and for a surf, when the call of the ocean became too much. It was then that she’d grab her board, trot down the stairs in her back yard to the beach below, and paddle out beyond the break to loose herself in the rhythm of the waves.

She’d cancelled several appearances with her sponsor and all of her social commitments. The excuses she gave were vague and varied and she was getting good at delicately declining offers from friends to socialize and catch up.

It was mid Monday afternoon, 2 weeks after her trip to Melbourne, and Nikki was sitting on the deck reading when she heard knocking coming from the front door. She decided to ignore it, thinking it was just some door to door sales person and took another swig of her mineral water, turning the page of her book. The knocking came again; this time louder and more insistent, so with a sigh she hauled herself out of the deck chair and went to answer the door. She opened it with a scowl to find her best friend, Sue Wilton, standing on her doorstep with an overnight bag at her feet.

The diminutive blond in front of her picked up her bag and brushed past her into the house. “Took your time answering the door Nik…nice to see you too darl,” She said, patting the tall woman’s shoulder on the way past the tall surfer into the living room. As she looked around the messy house, she wrinkled her nose. “Well I can see you’ve been far too busy cleaning your house to return my calls and keep your commitment to come to Bella’s birthday party,” She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “She missed you, ya know? ‘Where’s Aunty Nik’ was all the poor little thing kept asking.”

Nikki looked down at her feet feeling bad she had disappointed her god daughter. “I’m really sorry Suey…I just couldn’t bring myself to be in a chipper mood after what happened in Melbourne with Helen…” Sue simply nodded in silent understanding and gave her a hug.

They had been together when Nikki was 23, but had realised, after a turbulent on-again off-again relationship, that they were destined to be best friends, not lovers. Sue had been the only woman, other than Helen, that had managed to get past Nikki’s defensive wall. But things hadn’t worked out because Nikki had still been too busy trying to deny her sexuality, to truly be successful in any kind of relationship.

Back then Sue had been instrumental in helping Nikki start the process of healing, and had helped her every step along the way. Her friendship and support was something that Nikki treasured greatly, and the other woman always seemed to know when she needed her, even though Nikki could never articulate it.

“So. Are you going to offer me a drink, darl, or should I just help myself?”

Nikki smiled half heartedly as she pointed to the kitchen, “You know where the fridge is. Where’s Jane and Bella? And why exactly are you here unannounced?”

“Like I need to announce myself,” Sue scoffed. “They’re still in Brisbane. Jane’s got a few days off from the hospital, so she’s spending some quality time with Bella and her mum, who’s in town visiting… there’s only so much of my mother-in-law that I can take, so I decided to come and annoy you instead.” Sue rolled her eyes. “I swear that woman should have been a drill sergeant in the army the way she bosses people around! But Jane seems to enjoy having her here though, so who am I to argue?”

The attractive little blonde, dressed in cut off denim shorts and a bikini top, wandered over to the fridge, pulled out a bottle of San Pellegrino, and turned around, leaning on the counter in the middle of the kitchen. Nikki had followed her through the house as she was speaking, and now leant against the door frame of the kitchen watching her whirl wind of a friend make herself at home.

“Nice try Suey…so now tell me the real reason you are here?” Nikki smiled sweetly.

“Would you believe that I felt like a surf?”

Nikki shook her head grinning. “The last time you went surfing with me, I nearly lost an eye, remember?”

“Will you ever let me live that down? It wasn’t my fault you were in the wrong place when that freak wave swamped me!”

“Oh, so nothing to do with the fact you bailed out, and let go of your board like a nancy girl huh? Seriously Sue….why are you here? I told you on the phone I was ok-”

“And I’ve known you for far too long to believe that bull, Nik. I know something is seriously wrong when you cancel on me twice, and miss my daughter’s 5th birthday party.” Sue pushed off the bench, grabbed her bag and started to make her way to the guest room. “I’m getting changed into my boardies and we’re going for a surf ok? The waves look pretty good…”

Nikki smiled and, shaking her head, walked out onto the deck. She took a deep breath and stretched her arms above her head in the warm afternoon sunshine. When Sue emerged a few minutes later they collected the boards and made their way down to the stairs in Nikki’s back yard, which was her own private access point to the beach below.

……………….

Later that evening, the two friends found themselves sitting on the deck sharing their third glass of red wine. Nat Merchant was crooning softly in the background, and the Southern Cross twinkled in the night sky above them. They’d had a glorious late afternoon surf and had made dinner together afterwards in a companionable silence. Sue’s company was like soothing balm, and Nikki found herself glad that her friend had come to rescue her from her self imposed misery.

When Nikki had seemed unwilling to talk about her troubles, Sue had entertained her with stories about Bella’s birthday party and Jane’s new job as head of pediatric orthopedics at a hospital in Brisbane. Nikki was truly happy for her friend, who seemed to have found lasting happiness with her gorgeous and incredibly talented girlfriend, Dr Jane Phillips. The loving couple had been together for nearly 8 years now, and Sue had given birth to their daughter, Bella, just over 5 years ago. Nikki was thrilled when they had asked her to be Bella’s godmother, and had lost her heart to the little girl the moment she held her when she was less than 4 hours old.

A little while later, after the wine had started to loosen her up, Nikki gave into her need to talk to her friend about her heart ache, and she recounted the story of what had happened between her and Helen in Lorne.

“…so the last thing she did was throw that envelope at my feet, and then she turned and walked away.” Nikki had gestured towards the envelope sitting on the dining room table.

“Is this it?” Sue had walked over to the table and picked it up to inspect the mysterious package. “You haven’t even read it Nikki…it’s still sealed.”

“Why should I give her the time of day Suey – she tried to trick me-”

“She did not trick you. I think she just hadn’t gotten around to talking to you about it yet. From the sounds of things, I think you over reacted a bit Nik,” Sue said gently. “You’ve always been such a hot head. How do you know she wasn’t telling the truth when she said she loved you…maybe you shoul