Crimson Night Ch. 05

Chapter 5 - Chaos rules when we're apart

After spending an emotional night with Liz, Paige gets back on the road. She plans to drive the whole way in a single day this time. It won't be fun, but it's doable. There's only so long she can be away from work, and she has so much to do now. She spent the morning tearfully talking things over. Liz was a good listener, and helped her come up with a plan. It's not complete, but she has her next steps. She isn't stumbling blind in a panic anymore.

The first thing she has to do is get a temporary place to stay. Paige sent a few emails about short term rentals, and can stay in a hotel for a bit. Longer term she plans to use the money Liz gave her to buy a home of her own. She wants to start looking as soon as possible but it's a bit of a process. That would let her be in control of her own life, no matter what. No matter where things end up with Sarah.

She had thought she would be living with Sarah soon.

Liz's story from the previous night made a lot of things make sense. Her heart hurt imagining what trauma Sarah might have gone through. It explains the violence, not taking no, the alcohol, even the mood swings. It explains them, but it doesn't excuse them. It doesn't entitle her to use Paige like some kind of toy, manipulating her. The worst part is, if Sarah had just talked to her like a person, she probably would have fallen for her anyway.

Paige drives for hours, letting the music wash over her. She lets her brain check out. No specific thoughts, just letting her emotions flow. It doesn't take long for the tears to start. Only a few days ago she thought she finally had things figured out. That her life was finally finding some stability. So quickly it just fell apart. She thinks about the expensive red lingerie she bought. That was the night she found out Liz was NightSiren. It just got forgotten about after that. She never even got to wear it for Sarah.

As Paige gets closer to home the sun starts to get low. Once it gets dark these mountain roads get more dangerous. Even on the divided highways, accidents happen all the time. She looks out over the ravine by the road. There aren't even any guardrails here. When she first moved here she was so scared to drive these roads. It seemed absolutely insane to her that people could do this all the time. In rain, or snow, and often at reckless speeds. She saw news stories all the time about people falling asleep, or hitting ice and going over the side. Her heart rate would spike any time she drove out this way.

But it didn't seem scary anymore. She was used to it now. The ravines that seemed so scary now seemed comforting. Even inviting. She starts letting the car inch over the dividing line. It would be quick. It would be so easy. They always say it's never the answer, but thats a lie. It's an easy answer to so many problems, and that's what makes it so scary to Paige. She lets the car drift more over the line as she silently makes her peace. She hates what this will do to her parents, and prays they'll understand. The car rumbles as it starts to reach the shoulder. The rough cutouts designed to warn drivers they're near the edge of the road. She closes her eyes about to give the wheel the final turn, when her phone starts to ring.

It's Sarah. Paige jerks the car back onto the road. She quickly hits the accept button and answers the call, trying hard to not think about she was about to do.

"Paige," Sarah says. Her voice horse. She's definitely been crying. "Please, I'm sorry. I know I'm fucked up, and if you want nothing to do with me I understand. Can we talk first? I don't want things to end the way they did."

Paige almost says no. She thinks about the gun in the trunk of the car, the weight of what it means. Of how scared Liz was of Sarah. She also thinks about how much Liz loved Sarah. About how much she herself loved Sarah, despite not knowing her at all. Weighing it all together she still ends up at no. It would be madness to get involved with her again. At least so soon. She had a chance to walk away, to give herself time to figure things out. However in the silence she hears Sarah sniffle, and it's just enough to warm her heart and tip the scale slightly.

"I'll let you know when I get back to town. We can talk then," Paige says finally.

Once Paige is nearly settled in, she grabs her phone to text Sarah. She tells her where she's staying, and lets her know shes ready. She takes a quick shower in the time it takes Sarah to get there. Mentally preparing herself for a stressful, late night talk.

When Paige hears the knock, she slowly walks to the door. She takes deep breaths, struggling to calm herself. Not wanting to let herself lose control of her emotions. She needs to be collected for this.

Paige opens the door, and sees Sarah for the first time in days. Sarah is wearing the same clothing she was that night. Her eyes are puffy and red. At some point she tried to put makeup on but her tears have made it run down her face. Sarah's beautiful red hair is tangled at matted. She looks awful, even smells awful. Sarah sniffles softly, and Paige can't resist.

Paige holds Sarah close, ignoring the smell. She gives her a soft kiss. Paige can already feel her anger melt away. She knows already that she's willing to forgive Sarah. Forgive, but not forget.

"Start over? As equals?" Paige asks softly. Sarah nods against Paige's shoulder.

"I should tell you about... about Gwen," Sarah says.

"Liz told me already, it's OK. We draw a line here and start again. We can't change the past, but we can be better now," Paige says. She tenderly traces a line down Sarah's neck. They just each other in silence, neither of them wanting to take the next step.

"You're pretty," Paige says finally.

"Thanks," Sarah replies. A slight blush in her face.

"Pretty stinky," Paige finishes with a soft, intimate chuckle.

Sarah is mortified, but doesn't dispute it. Paige takes her to the bathroom to enjoy the large bathtub together. They take turns bathing each other. It doesn't take too long for Sarah to be sitting between Paige's legs, falling asleep against her. Paige sits against the back of the tub, her arms wrapped around Sarah. Not wanting to let go.

The very next morning Paige starts on her house hunt. Several of the realtor's she emailed are quick to get back to her. As the days go by she sees a few homes in person. Most of the listings she can eliminate just from the online listing. Too big, too small, too far, too expensive, too old. She knows she can't be too picky, that unless she builds her own home no existing house will be exactly what she wants in every single way. Still she doesn't want to compromise too much.

It takes a few attempts, but she finally finds a place that's the right fit. It's on the smaller side. People had passed on it because one of the two bedrooms had been converted to a sauna. Paige remembers Sarah laying on her in the sauna on their spa trip, and feels like it's a perfect fit. Unfortunately even after signing the documents it's going to be a while before she can move in. Paige impatiently spends her days in her long term hotel room, and at work.

In the evenings and weekends she sees Sarah again. They start off slow. The first time they see each other again, they have a nice dinner at a kind of fancy steakhouse. A nice dimly lit private booth. The night filled with good food, shared stories, and tender touches whenever an arm got near the middle of the table.

Paige spends more time with Sarah in her garden. Sarah gives her a small section and helps her get some plants started. While the bright sun didn't really agree with Paige's pale skin. The sight of Sarah in her sun dresses more than made up for it.

Sarah starts to give Paige music lessons. They really bond over the creativity. Paige struggles with the actual playing, but is drawn to the studio equipment. Her day job as a lab tech has her very familiar with complex equipment with heavy manuals. Things having to be setup in just the right positions and measurements, she's absolutely at home with it.

Staying the night has been off the table for Paige. At least for now. She's stayed late a few times, but always went home after. Sex is fine. At this point Paige can perfectly picture every inch of Sarah's body. Her full breasts, the way they feel in her hands, or in her mouth. The way she feels when Paige slides her fingers in. Her smell, her taste, all of it just intoxicating. Paige was nervous at first, new to the whole idea of being with another woman. As she grew in confidence she began exploring more of Sarah. Trying things she wouldn't have ever considered before.

Paige gets back to her hotel room for the night. Exhausted from her night with Sarah. She gets into bed, hopeful for the future. Once she get's possession of her new place she has to have Sarah over and use the sauna. The thought of Sarah, sitting naked on the wooden benches. Sweat running down those magnificent breasts. Without thinking Paige begins to slide her hand between her legs. Glancing at the clock she decides she shouldn't. She has enough trouble sleeping in this hotel room anyway, and she has to work in the morning.

"Soon," she tells herself. "Once things feel stable. Everything will be OK again."

Finally the day comes for Paige to close and take possession of her home. She picks up the keys, signs an endless stack of paperwork, and hands over the biggest check she's ever held. As she leaves the lawyers office she decides she has to text all her friends. It hits her then that "all her friends" means just Liz and Sarah at this point. Sarah is nearly twice her age, and Liz actually is twice her age. She wouldn't want to give up either of them for anything, but she does wish she had more friends. Maybe even some her own age.

After texting Liz and Sarah she quickly phones her parents as she walks to her car. Excitedly telling them all about the house. Once she's in the car she heads straight to her new home. She spends a long time walking around, touching everything, opening every drawer and door. Just taking it all in. Planning where things will go. How she might use the space.

After she's explored everything, Paige sits down on the floor and checks her messages. Sarah replied with excitement, an offer to have dinner together, and very explicit picture to help persuade her. Paige accepts quickly, and lets her eyes linger on the photo for a bit.

Liz also replied with excitement, and says that she would celebrate with her if she wasn't so far.

"Why not come to my part of the world for a bit? I don't have a spare bedroom, but there's plenty of space if you want to stay here," Paige offers in reply.

After some consideration, Liz accepts. True to her word, she arrives at Paige's door a few days later. Her arms full of take out food, and bags of household necessities.

"Merry housewarming," Liz says as she hands over the haul. It contains all the basic consumables, paper towels, toilet paper, soaps. One of the bags contains a few towels, and a rolled up floor mat for the door. "I know its not exciting," Liz adds apologetically.

"No, I really appreciate it," Paige replies. She gives Liz a hug and leads her to the dining room. They both tear into the food, absolutely famished. Liz from driving all day, Paige from unpacking all day. Once she's finished, Paige leans back in her chair stretching.

"Ready for the tour now?" Paige asks. Liz stands up and lets Paige take her hand to lead her around her new home. She shows her all the boring rooms first, saving the sauna for last. "This one is my favorite room I think."

Paige steps inside, adjusting the controls and bringing the sauna to life. Liz fetches the towels she brought and begins to strip down. By the time the sauna is up to temperature the two of them are seated on the bench, arms intertwined. Paige lays her head on the older womans shoulder, parting her legs as Liz slides her hand lower. Moaning softly she adjust her position to allow for easier access.

Paige's breath comes in short pants as Liz tends to her, gently bringing her to orgasm. Passionately pulling Liz close she locks her in a passionate kiss before allowing herself to relax further into the post-orgasm haze.

When the time comes to haul their sauna heavy bodies to bed, Paige offers the couch to Liz. However Liz ignores her, snuggling up next to Paige in her bed instead. Paige lets Liz wrap her in her arms as she drifts to sleep.

Paige and Liz stay intertwined till late in the morning. For Paige the feeling of warmth, of love, even just a moment of normalcy was exactly what she needed. A reminder that whatever may happen with Sarah, Paige isn't alone.

Electing to keep the party going, Paige sends a text to Sarah planning a brunch outing. As the two of them begin to get ready, Liz hops in the shower first. Paige expects to take care of other things while she waits, but Liz pulls her into the shower after it warms up. It's a much more subdued event than last night. No sex, but Paige couldn't deny that she enjoyed the view. An advantage to Liz being so much taller than her is that Paige could rest her head on Liz's breasts while they stood under the hot water.

Paige lets her mind drift as the water rains down on her. Wishing she had the ability to just make things stop. To make the world slow down, and stop changing so much. To just take some of her most precious moments and stretch them into eternity. On the other hand if she never left her comfort zone a lot of her recent precious memories wouldn't exist. She stares at the breasts in front of her face, the perfect pink nipples. There would be a certain joy in being an infant again she supposes. Only worried about the next time she would get to latch onto a nipple. Part of her wishes she never had to grow up. To still be a child living at home. Things were so much simpler back then. Paige gives a soft sigh and kisses the nipple closest to her. She gives Liz a tight hug before stepping out of the shower and drying off. The world wouldn't wait for her, she had to keep moving or she would get left behind.

The brunch was fantastic. All three of them talked, laughed, and absolutely gorged themselves on endless breakfast items. The mimosas were had by the pitcher. By the time they all had finished eating, no one was OK to drive anymore. Stuffed to the bursting point they decided to walk around the mall across the parking lot for a while. Paige couldn't help but smile as they walked around. No one else in the mall had any idea she was walking around with 2 actual rock stars. She figured it must be a combination of the band being out of the spotlight just long enough that people don't think about them, and maybe a bit of the Clark Kent hidden in plain sight thing. Anyone looking would just see another group of drunk women walking around a mall on a weekend afternoon.

They shop for clothes. Liz and Sarah both taking turns dressing Paige up in all kinds of outfits. Liz insists they stop in one of those shops with all the candles, spending a long time sniffing different candles. Paige steps into a tea store and picks up a few different bags of tea leaves.

As they start to leave Sarah spots something and motions for them to follow her. She leads them into an adult store. Paige is embarrassed, but quickly relaxes and joins the other two women as they giggle and browse the various sex toys. The store offers a wide range of toys in all sizes, finger, fist, and forearm. Sarah picks out a variety of things, most notably a bunch of beautiful dark blue silk rope.

When they make their way back to Sarah's house, Sarah is quick to pull them into the bedroom. Sarah shows Paige how to use the rope to bind Liz up in all kinds of elegant knots and patterns. The three of them spend the afternoon in bed, taking turns tying each other up and having their way with the one who was currently bound. Initially hesitant, Paige finds herself getting more and more into it. She was scared when it was her turn to be tied up, but Liz and Sarah were so gentle and loving with her. The helplessness went from fear, to thrill.

Paige got more bold with it. Spanking Sarah with a small paddle while she was helplessly bound up. It was all consensual of course. They had a safe-word and could quit at any time. None of them did however. Paige thought she went too far for a moment when she bit down on Sarah's shoulder as she straddled her. Paige meant it to be a playful nip, but the coppery taste of blood in her mouth shocked her and brought her back to reality. Paige looked at Sarah expecting her to use the safe-word and end things here, but she never did. Paige continued to make love to Sarah, quickly shoving away the memory of the way the blood tasted in her mouth. It scared her, and at the time she thought it was because she had hurt Sarah. But if she had been able to be honest with herself, she would have realized what really scared her was how much she enjoyed it.

Like all good things, Liz's visit eventually comes to an end. It was a few days of incredible fun but Paige has to say goodbye to her temporary house-mate when she finally returns home. They share a last embrace before Liz walks out door, and Paige finds herself thinking about what a wild journey it's been. From an unexpected message on her stream, to a woman in her arms. Thinking about her stream gives her a pang of longing. She missed doing it, but with everything that's been going on she still hasn't been back to it. Once things settle down, she tells herself. When things are stable.

"When I grow up... I'll be stable," Paige whispers to her self. Not intending Liz to hear her.

"When I grow up... I'll turn the tables," Liz replies quietly. A soft smile on her face as she taps her finger to Paige's nose. Paige blushes, embarrassed, but at the same time feeling loved.

"Talk to you later Elizabeth Knightley," Paige says her farewell as she watches Liz walk to her car.

Paige heads back inside and begins getting ready for work. The days pass one by one, as they usually do. Things start to feel normal again. Days filled with work, evenings and weekends filled with Sarah. Sometimes at Sarah's home, others at Paige's. As expected, the sauna quickly becomes a favorite for both of them. One evening in the sauna as Sarah lays with her head in Paige's lap, she pitches an idea.

"It was fun with a third person wasn't it?" Sarah asks. "I was thinking, what I found a new tenant for your old place?"

Paige feels her heart beat harder.

"I don't like that idea. Of the deceptions," Paige says.

"I don't mean like that. No tricks. No games," Sarah quickly explains. Paige takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

"Entirely voluntary? You'd treat her right, right from the start?" Paige asks, still skeptical. When Sarah nods, Paige relaxes a bit. She holds Sarah tighter and adds, "You stay mine though."

"Of course. I didn't mean a replacement. Just an addition," Sarah says reassuring her.

Paige is still unsure about it, but can't deny that a third person would be a lot of fun. She already missed having Liz around. She was scared, but willing to explore this, as long as it was done slowly and carefully. Taking into account the third persons feelings the entire time is a must too. Paige decides she will be a part of it from the beginning, make sure everything is OK. She relaxes into the sauna. This will work, she tells herself.