A Boy Named Willow Pt. 10

Author's Note: This is the 10th and final part of 'A Boy Named Willow.' If you find LGBTQ+ themes offensive, you should avoid this story. All characters in intimate situations are at least 18.

This story is fiction. All characters are just figments of my imagination. If I have used an actual place as a setting, I have fictionalized the details to fit my story.

Finally, as this is the last story in the "A Rose Called Miracle" universe, I'd like to thank all those who've read my stories; plus a special thanks to those who've taken the time to rate, or even better, to leave their comments.

*****

"True love bears all, endures all and triumphs!" Dada Vaswani

"Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another." Thomas Merton

*****

A Boy Named Willow, Part 10

Molly looked over to Willow. Willow looked back and nodded, "Okay Auntie, I'd like to do it."

"Excellent. Remember, three applications precisely 7 days apart, and your hair is gone permanently. Make damn sure this is what you want before you do the third application."

"I understand Aunt Natalie.

"By the way, Molly, you said you shaved last night?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay. Give yourself at least five days to let your stubble to grow out a bit before you use the lotion. It works better that way."

"Gotcha. I'll wait until I finish my next period... it's due tomorrow or the next day."

"Hey Aunt Natalie? Molly?" Willow interrupted, "Is it true that over time, women living together see their periods get into sync, or it that just an urban legend?"

Natalie nodded, "I've heard that too. But I've never seen anything published that supported it, and Cherry, Celia, and I certainly have never synced up, so I'd say no, it is a myth."

"Too bad, it would have been convenient."

*****

Eight days later Molly and Willow met at the front table for their lunch. "I think tonight is the night. My period's over and my stubble is scratching and itching like crazy. You should see my damn legs." Molly complained.

"Don't need to see 'em Kitty. Last night it felt like I was sleeping with a damn cactus."

"Why didn't you send me to the couch?"

"Why would I do that? I'd rather sleep with you and be a little scratchy than sleep alone and without you." Willow squeezed Molly's hand. "We'd better hurry up before Jamie or Nicole come looking for us." They were gathering trash when Kate Hellsen entered through the front door.

"Hey Grandma, how ya' doin'?" Molly called out. Willow waved a greeting as she chewed the last bit of one of the chocolate chip cookies she'd baked for Molly the night before.

"I'm well, Molly, thank you. I've got news for Willow."

Willow turned to face her, "Have I done something wrong?"

"No Dear. I came to tell you that I've spoken with... acquaintances... at Harvard, MIT, and BC.

"Oh. I'd forgotten about that. News?"

"Yes. First, BC is willing to accept you in their program but not until September of next year. MIT and Harvard both will accept you, but if you want the government and political science major you can't begin until January. As I spoke with my friend at Harvard, she said that they do have an opening in the Cultural Anthropology department... specifically in Folklore Studies."

"I don't want to be rude but what the heck is folklore studies?" Willow carried her lunch trash over to the garbage can behind the desk.

Kate chuckled, "I asked Mandy the same question. She said it is a subfield of cultural anthropology. It studies the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a culture. Folklore includes oral traditions, myths, legends, fairy tales, rituals, and folk art. Mandy explained that it emphasizes the ways in which cultural elements are passed from generation to generation."

"That sounds like I'd end up spending a lot of time in the field away from home... away from Molly. I don't want that. You said I can get the government program if I wait for January?"

"That's right."

"Okay. I'd like that. Kitty, what do you think? I hang around here until Thanksgiving, save up some spending money, then I'll go up to Boston... I mean Cambridge... with you and get accustomed to the area before I start classes?"

Molly and Kate shared a quick, secret smile.

"That sounds like a plan; except I want you to come up north with me in July and help me find an apartment. Then you can fly back once we find a place."

"Fly? Like in an airplane?"

"Yes. Unless the rose gave you some superpowers you haven't mentioned." Molly teased.

"I can't say I'm afraid of flying because I've never done it. Let's say I'm nervous about it." She flapped her arms vigorously. She created a nice breeze but that was it. "Nope. Looks like it will be by airplane." Willow laughed.

Kate patted Willow on the shoulder, "Get used to the idea of flying, Sweetie. Remember, you're joining the Hellsen family. And the Hellsen's travel a LOT. And I don't mean to brag, but the Hellsen's travel well, don't we Molly?"

Molly grinned and gave Kate a thumbs-up, "Yes Grandma, very well."

"Girls, Nicole is standing over there watching us. I think she might be expecting you to get back to work. Oh, before I go, Willow jot down your email and I'll have Mandy get with you for the information she needs for your admission."

"Okay Kate. Thank you so much." She turned to where Nicole was approaching. "Coming Nicole. Kate had some news for me."

"That's fine. Grab your gloves, a set of overalls, some goggles and a respirator because we'll be doing fertilizer for the rest of the day. Oh, you might also want to grab a T-shirt and cover your hair. David's secret organic fertilizer is pretty stinky."

Willow and Nicole got suited up and headed out to greenhouse #20. "So what was the news from Kate?" Niki asked.

"I got accepted to college, up in Boston, starting in January."

"Really? I'm happy for you but sad to see you leave. I enjoy working with you; you work hard and you don't whine. When will you be leaving?"

"Right after Thanksgiving."

"How will you and Molly deal with the separation until then?"

"Video chats, e-mail, texts. We should be good. Then after Thanksgiving I'll join her up in Cambridge... Kate got me into Harvard's school of government."

"Nice. I will admit I'm having a little trouble picturing you among the stereotypical 'Harvard' students. Do you think you'll fit in?"

"I'm not too worried about that. I know that each evening after classes I'll be able to go home to Molly, cook dinner, and recharge my batteries. I understand that Molly's law studies will be intense and time-consuming but I'll be there to support and encourage her. I've promised not to begrudge her the time she needs to excel but I will cherish the time we can spend together."

"You said government? Why?"

"In high school about the only class I enjoyed was government and the problems of democracy."

"What will you do with a degree in government?" Niki asked as she zipped her coveralls and adjusted the straps of her respirator.

"Not really sure. Honestly, until Kate interceded on my behalf, I never even considered going to college. I envisioned myself happily working in the greenhouse, married to Molly, and maybe raising a couple kids. Who knows how things will end up."

"You want kids?"

"Yes. But that's something Molly and I will discuss. I will not insist on parenthood." Willow donned her respirator and the conversation ended as the women got to work applying the fertilizer.

They ended their workday in Greenhouse #16. They stepped out into the corridor and stripped off their protective gear and left it piled by the door. "We'll need this stuff tomorrow... and probably the next day. We'll do normal work in the mornings and then fertilize in the afternoon... and then race home for a shower! Don't be offended if Molly doesn't want to be anywhere near you until after you wash up." She laughed happily. "My wife, Vera, hates fertilizer days. She claims that after the rose she is something called a 'super smeller' and the fertilizer odor really bothers her."

They went up front to the sales area. Molly began sniffing the air and frowning while Willow was still several feet away, "God! Is that you I smell? I'll let you shower first when we get home."

"Gee, thanks. Are you ready to take me home? Since you're insisting I shower, why don't you call out for a pizza while I clean myself. Then we'll eat and I'll clean the kitchen. After I finish there, we'll go to the bathroom for your... you know."

"Yeah. I remember. Honest, I'm looking forward to it. Come on, let's go... don't get too close."

*****

Willow scrubbed herself while Molly opted to stay in the kitchen and order their pizza. Finished, Willow strolled out and asked if she smelled better. Molly sniffed then wrinkled her nose, "Once more Babe. I think, though, that the smell is in your hair. Why don't you wait and I'll give it a good scrub after we eat."

"Deal."

"Now, Sweetheart, as much as I admire your naked body, and as much as I hate to say this, why don't you go put on some clothes before the pizza gets here."

Willow sighed theatrically, "Aww, if you insist." She spun on her toes like a ballerina and flounced out of the kitchen. Molly laughed happily... and never took her eyes off Willow's hair as it swayed back and forth in sync with Willow's hips.

Willow dressed in a pair of pink yoga pants and a tight pink crop top that barely covered her breasts. She took a few minutes to work out the worst of the tangles in her hair and then strolled out to the kitchen just as the doorbell rang and the pizza arrived.

Molly put the box on the table and flopped it open. "Hey Babe, do you mind if I have a beer with the pizza?"

"Go ahead. I won't tell anyone... wait, you're over 21, so it's no one else's business. Enjoy. Would you grab a diet cola from the fridge for me?" They sat, ate, drank, and talked. Molly regaled Willow with the story of the idiot man who'd come into the greenhouse that afternoon asking for help with some flowers but wouldn't tell Molly or Jamie any preferences." She shook her head in disgust. "He left without buying anything... said we weren't being helpful."

"I think I would have rather dealt with the idiot than work with that fertilizer. Damn, that shit stinks." Willow took a long sip of her soda.

"I know, right? But Gramps swears by the stuff, and you can't argue with the results... or Gramps." She stuffed the last of a pizza crust into her mouth, then sipped her beer. She offered the bottle to Willow, "Want a taste? I won't tell."

Willow accepted the bottle and sipped about a teaspoonful. She wrinkled her nose, "Too bitter. I'll stick to soda."

"Yeah, that's the Hops. I felt the same way the first time I tried it. Of course, I was only 13 and you know what I was getting up to that year." She took back the bottle and had another sip.

"I'll clean up and put away the leftovers. Why don't you go get your lotion and we'll read the instructions again. We don't want any mistakes." Willow closed the pizza box and put it in the fridge. She gathered and threw away their napkins and then rinsed their empties and tossed them in the recycling bin. She walked to the bedroom and found Molly sitting on the bed and reading the instructions on the tube.

"You know, it's interesting," Molly looked up from her reading, "Once you break the seal on the tube the lotion is only effective for 24 hours."

"Anything else we need to know?"

"Nope. It just says 'break seal, apply liberally, wait 20 minutes, and rinse off. Expect minor itchiness.' Hell, it can't itch much worse that the stubble I've got going. Let's do this Babe."

Molly started applying the lotion at her ankles but quickly stopped and asked Willow to continue because she simply couldn't see what she was doing. Willow finished Molly's legs. "Okay Kitty, spread your legs and stay still while I do between your legs." She carefully applied the lotion along Molly's labia and the junction of her legs. Eventually she'd covered every square inch of Molly's body. Only then did she start the timer.

As the timer approached the 20-minute mark Molly was trembling, "God! It itches. How much longer?"

"About 45 seconds." Willow answered as she washed her hands for the fourth time since applying the lotion. The timer pinged, "Okay Kitty, get in the shower, and rinse off. Make sure the hair filter is in place."

"Ahhh!" Molly sighed with relief as the warm water flowed over her body. "That feels better. Babe, would you check my back and make sure I'm rinsed."

Willow checked her whole body. "Give me the sprayer, you missed the creases of your knees and between your legs. Okay, you're all set. Damn Kitty, check out the drain filter."

"Wow!" She saw the impressive clump of red hair in the filter, "That all came off me? Yuck!" She picked up a washcloth, soaped it, and washed off her entire body.

"Why don't you go ahead and dry off. I'll clean the filter." Willow suggested. Instead, she reached out and slid two fingers along Molly's Labia Majora. "Smooth as a baby's bottom." She whispered as Molly shivered violently and leaned against the tile wall.

Willow bent down and grabbed the drain trap before she handed one of the large soft towels to Molly. She'd turned to tap the filter into the trash when she heard Molly groan. She turned and found Molly standing and shaking with the towel held tightly to her breasts. Her eyes were wide. "My God Babe! My skin is so sensitive." She said breathlessly.

Willow reached up and lightly brushed Molly's nipple with her thumb. Molly gasped and her knees almost buckled as unfamiliar sensations raced through her denuded body. Willow caught her and held her close. Molly caught her breath again, "Damn Babe, this is going to take some getting used to." She carefully wrapped the towel around her waist and stepped out of the tub. She reached up and ruffled her fingers through her dark red hair. "Whew! At least my head feels the same." She leaned over and kissed Willow. "Thank you so much for helping me do this. Hey Willow, after you smelled the rose and lost all your hair is this what it felt like?"

"I honestly didn't notice. So many things happened in such a short time..." Willow sighed. "I'd just surrendered my anal virginity to a man I loved; found out my mother and sister were lovers; then I was betrayed; then I smelled the rose." She sighed again. "Shit, I had so many sensations and emotions going on I barely noticed the loss of my body hair."

"Willow? Your mother and sister... incest?"

Willow nodded. Suddenly Molly grabbed Willow and pulled her into a hug. "Oh, Babe... My Love..." Molly backed away with her hands on Willow's shoulders. "Willow... I understand now... the man that took your virginity and then betrayed you... it was your father, wasn't it."

Tears poured down Willow's cheeks as she nodded. "Did your mother know?" Molly asked.

"Yes. My mother gave me to my father as a sort of apology, and to soothe her guilt for abandoning him to be with my sister."

"My God! Those bastards. They should be in jail." Molly muttered in outrage.

"No."

"Why not?"

"I guess in some sick way I still love them. Besides without their betrayal I would never have met you, Kate, or the rose. I think I got the best of the deal."

"You survived brilliantly... I got the good deal." Molly smiled. "You never told me; what did you and Grandma get up to the other day?" She pushed Willow down to sit on the edge of the bed then sat behind her and began combing Willow's hair. "So...?" Molly hinted as she worked.

"Remember how I said I was now legal? Well, Kate arranged for me to meet with a judge who signed the decree changing my name legally to Willow Leigh Smith. Then I got my birth certificate corrected to show female. After that we did my driver's license and school records. Oh, and I did the paperwork for my passport. One other thing, before I did all that, I met with Dr. Lincoln for a checkup."

"Was everything okay?"

"Yeah. Fine. I needed a letter certifying that I'm female so my birth certificate could be re-issued. One interesting thing: the doctor said if we want kids, there's no reason I can't get pregnant and have babies."

"Doesn't that scare you? I'm horrified by the thought of being pregnant."

"Maybe a little. But I think... no, I know, if I'm physically able, I'd like to have kids. Don't you think we'd be good parents?"

"I think we'd be great parents, I do. But maybe not right away. Perhaps you should finish college and I'll finish law school and get my career started. Oh, and one more thing..."

"Where will we live?" Willow suggested.

"That too; but I was thinking who will we find to be the father... sperm donor? Are you planning to have sex or just artificial insemination?"

Willow looked startled, "Geez... I hadn't thought of that. Maybe we'd better table this discussion until I grow up. Isn't it strange that all the times I've fantasized about having a baby, I never once considered actually making the baby. The idea I'd have to have sex with a man is... is..."

"Revolting?" Molly suggested. "Disgusting?" She added. "I've got it... Nauseating."

"Yeah. That about covers it. Maybe horrifying?"

Molly laughed. "Okay. But Willow, don't get me wrong I'm not opposed to parenthood... I just want to make sure that when we decide we're ready, that we have our children for the right reasons." Molly kissed Willow's shoulder. "Okay Babe, your hair is as perfect as I can make it and I'm about as aroused as a human can be without exploding. Now turn around."

Willow turned as ordered; however, before Molly could begin... whatever she had planned... Willow pushed her back onto the mattress and draped herself like a blanket over Molly. Willow kissed Molly's forehead and the tip of her nose. She spent an hour kissing and battling Molly's tongue for control. Willow spent a couple days kissing her way down from Molly's lips to her breasts; the rest of the week she spent licking, nibbling and suckling on Molly's diamond-hard nipples. By that point Molly was vibrating and bouncing around the bed. The rest of the month, Willow's tongue relentlessly circled Molly's clit while her fingers slipped in and out of Molly's pussy, probing for her elusive G-spot.

At least it felt like a month to Molly. Every stroke of a finger, or kiss, or lick of a tongue on her desperately sensitive skin felt like a tiny explosion of sensation and pleasure. In reality Molly begged for release in less than 45 minutes. She flopped around kicking and pounding the mattress until Willow finished with a final long swipe of her fingers between Molly's labia. "Fuck... me..." Molly groaned before she shivered and fell asleep with her legs wrapped securely around Willows back.

"Damn, she got me again." Willow laughed at her predicament. "Well, I'm not sleeping like this." She worked her left hand free and began tickling Molly's right side. At last Molly moved to try and stop the tickling; Willow took the opportunity to escape. She got off the bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She thought about waking Molly and forcing her to do the same but her fiancée looked so blissfully sated sprawled on the bed that Willow didn't have the heart to disturb her. So, she climbed onto the bed, cuddled behind Molly, pulled up the comforter, and fell asleep.

It had been two weeks since Molly's first application of the lotion. Molly's second application had been a much simpler and neater task. As a result she was beautifully smooth and much less sensitive than she was after the first application. The previous evening, as they ate dinner, Molly had announced that she wanted to do the third treatment and be permanently hairless. "Excellent." Willow applauded, "I hoped that would be your decision." The lovemaking that followed was gentle and passionate and two-sided. As midnight approached both women were sound asleep.

"Hey Babe?" Molly asked the next afternoon as they drove home from work.

"Yeah?"

"When we get home, I'd like to do the hair removal lotion and then go out for dinner and clubbing to celebrate. Are you okay with that?"

"That sounds like fun. Do you think you can handle the sensations of a soft dress and stockings... not to mention me rubbing against you.?" Willow grinned. "I don't want you attacking me... or collapsing on the dance floor because you're having an orgasm."

"Awww. You take all the fun out of it... okay, maybe not all the fun."

They got home, pulled into the garage and hurried up the stairs to the apartment. Having done the lotion twice before, they made quick work of the final application... although Molly still complained about the itchiness as the 20-minute wait ticked past. "Well, I'm glad that's done." She sighed as Willow turned on the warm water.

Twenty minutes later, the two women stood in front of their closet trying to decide what to wear to the club. Willow, with Molly's hearty approval, chose a short-sleeved, pink, flowery mini dress. Molly chose a black, strapless mini dress. She selected two strings of pearls and offered one to Willow. "Don't lose these, they're gifts from my mother and grandmother." She started braiding Willow's hair, "It's kind of funny; I got both necklaces for my 16th birthday. Neither mom nor grandma knew what the other planned."

They were in Molly's car on their way to a dance club called "Tontino's". "Hey Willow, I don't want to be a 'Debbie Downer' but remember that you should never, ever, drink something that has been out of your sight. It's so easy for someone to slip something into your drink. As a beautiful woman, you'd be a tempting target."

"I understand. Thanks for reminding me."

The club's parking lot was nearly full, "Looks like it's going to be a lively night." Molly remarked as they approached the guy guarding the door.

"Good evening ladies, ID's please. Wait... Molly Hellsen, is that you?"

"Hello Johnny. It's been a while."

"Damn Girl! I didn't recognize you with the nice hairstyle... and wearing a dress? You look good Molly... and who is this with you?"

"This is my fiancée, Willow."

"Hello Willow, ID please." Johnny went from friendly to all business in the blink of an eye. Willow slipped her hand into her clutch and pulled out her license. Johnny studied it for just a second. "Okay. It's you, but you're only 18. Molly, are you sure you want to bring her here?"

"She'll be safe with me. You know that. But thanks for asking."

"Alright Molly but if there's trouble give my men a chance to calm things down. Okay? Welcome Miss Willow, give me your right hand. He slipped a pink bracelet onto Willow's wrist and used a key of some sort to tighten it. "This tells everyone in the club that you're under 21 and not allowed to drink alcohol or go above the ground floor. See me when y'all are ready to leave and I'll remove it for you. Welcome to Tontino's."

"Hey Johnny, can you call inside and get us a table for two?"

"Anything for you Molly. Take care of yourselves inside. Have fun."

The club was crowded, loud, and brightly lit. The music throbbed and the people on the packed dance floor bounced along with the beat. A woman in her 30's met Molly and Willow as they entered the main room. She said something to Molly but Willow couldn't hear. Molly reached over and lifted Willow's right hand to display the pink bracelet. The woman nodded and led them deeper into the club to a small table with a pink sign that read 'Reserved'.

Molly leaned over and shouted, "Dance with me?" They spent 40 minutes bouncing with the crowd to the loud music before a slow song played to give the dancers a breather. Willow happily settled into Molly's arms and followed her movements.

"I'm cutting in..." A male voice said and roughly grabbed Willow's shoulder.

"No, you're not. I'm only dancing with Molly." Suddenly Molly fell backwards being pulled and blocked by two other men. The guy holding Willow's shoulder let go, grabbed both her wrists, and pulled her across the dance floor which started vibrating as the music picked up the pace and volume. No one heard Willow's cries for help.

It took Molly less than a minute to get away from the two goons but by then Willow had disappeared. Molly looked around desperately trying to spot Willow's long black hair in the crowd but couldn't find her. In a near panic she ran outside and found Johnny and screamed at him that someone had taken Willow.

Johnny quickly pulled out his tablet, tapped a couple buttons, the music from inside went silent, and a red light began flashing. "Missing pink bracelet." He announced into his phone. He tapped a couple more times on the tablet. "Second floor. Shit! Come on. Molly... put away that fucking gun!" They raced inside and climbed a set of stairs, then crossed a walkway over the silent dance floor packed with staring people. At the end of the walkway Johnny stopped and looked at the tablet, "This way." They heard screaming as they approached a men's restroom. Johnny tried the door, it was locked. He stepped back and planted a hard kick just below the doorknob. The door's frame shattered.

Johnny rushed into the room, then stopped and started laughing. Molly held her breath in fear as she peeked around the door frame... and found Willow standing there: dress ripped off, bra and panties shredded, stockings a mess. "Mother Fucking Cocksucker." Willow stopped shouting to catch her breath. "Son of a bitch Bastard." Willow chanted as she kicked the screaming man at her feet. "Shit eating whore!" She yelled at she planted two, rapid fire and particularly vicious kicks to the groin area. "Bastard goat fucker." She yelled.

Willow turned, nearly naked and red-faced from exertion, "This scumbag thought because I'm small I'm not dangerous. You took your time getting here." The guy on the floor groaned. Willow turned and kicked him in the face. An NFL team would have applauded her kicking style.

"Any idea who he is?" Johnny asked.

"His name is Sean Gallagher. This motherfucker is my father. Molly, Sweetheart, would you be a dear and loan me your pistol and then leave us alone for a couple minutes?"

Molly came out of her trance and grabbed Willow in a hug, "No."

"Okay... um... could I get some clothes? Asshole here had a knife and ruined my stuff before I got the situation under control." She hauled back to kick him again but Molly stopped her.

"Easy Babe, you're safe now. Johnny how did we find her so fast?"

"Our pink bracelets have locators in them. We want to keep our minors safe. Willow, here, take my jacket to cover up." He put his hand to his ear, "Copy that." He turned to Willow, "The police are on the way."

Molly turned to Johnny, "Can we keep Willow and me out of this?" Willow donned and buttoned the jacket as they stepped out of the restroom.

"Yes. I'll pass the word that he was seen bothering a tall, chubby, short-haired blonde, who then disappeared."

"Isn't it ironic," Willow laughed, "You guys busted down that door assuming you were saving me; however, you actually saved him."

"You two had better get out of here. Wait... let me take off your bracelet." Johnny used his key while Molly looked around and picked up the tattered remains of Willow's clothing. A tall, brawny man entered the room. "Marcus," Johnny said, "Take... these women... out the back way. Escort them all the way to their vehicle. Watch them drive away... and then forget that they were here or that you ever saw them. Got it?"

"Yes Sir. Ladies, if you'll follow me."

They walked silently to Molly's car and drove away. Willow stared out the window and either ignored or didn't hear Molly's attempts to start a conversation. Once home she allowed Molly to take her hand and lead her upstairs. They went inside; Willow went over and sat on the sofa facing the TV.

She sat for over an hour. She didn't respond to any of Molly's questions. At last she turned to Molly, "I would have killed him." She said in a flat, emotionless voice.

"What?"

"When I asked for your pistol; if you'd given it to me, I would have shot him."

"I know. I could see it in your eyes. That's why I didn't give it to you."

"Thanks." Willow paused for a while, simply staring the silent TV, "Do you think we'll have any trouble because of this?" She asked quietly.

The two women sat quietly until almost 1:00 AM. Molly suggested a shower and Willow agreed. Willow allowed Molly to scrub her, wash her hair, dry her, and then put her to bed. When Molly's phone rang, Willow gasped and cowered. Molly opened the call, "Yes?" She listened, "No. She's really shaken by what happened. I suspect she'll need some help... professional help." Molly paused, listened, smiled, and then laughed. "Thanks Johnny. I'll make sure to tell her. I'll get your jacket back to you as soon as I can. Wait! Johnny, this stays between us, right? You're a good friend Johnny, thanks."

Molly looked across the bed and found Willow peeking from under the comforter. "Take down the comforter and look at me." Molly ordered. "I want you to know... to remember... and to understand that what happened tonight was NOT your fault. The man that assaulted you was drunk."

"I heard you laughing... this wasn't funny."

"You're right Sweetheart; it wasn't funny at all. The reason I laughed was that when the police arrived at Tontino's nobody remembered anything; Johnny made sure the security discs showed no evidence we, or... your father had been there. Now, here's why I laughed: the police finally found your father beaten and bloody in an alley two blocks away. He was in severe pain, but conscious. He swore to the police that he'd been mugged and beaten by four huge, muscular, masked men armed with baseball bats."

"They took him to the hospital?"

"Oh yeah. Johnny's girlfriend is a nurse there. She told Johnny your father has: a severe concussion, a broken jaw, five broken teeth, severely bruised kidneys, a broken arm, and four broken ribs. Oh, and his testicles are ruined... he's going to lose them."

"Good. Molly I need to sleep, would you hold me, please?"

"Anything for you Love."

*****

They woke early the next morning with Willow still tightly wrapped in Molly's arms. Molly pushed Willow's hair out of the way and placed a kiss behind her left ear. "Hey Babe. Are you okay to go to work today?"

"Yeah. Let's keep last night quiet, okay?"

They hurried to shower and get ready for work. As they waited at their favorite stoplight, Willow turned to Molly, "Are you disappointed with me? About what happened last night?"

Molly goosed the gas pedal as the light turned green, she swung the car to the right and bounced over a rumble strip entering a parking lot. She slammed the car in neutral and set her parking brake, she turned abruptly to Willow, her eyes blazing, "Why in the hell would I be disappointed in you?"

"I let him pull me away from you..."

"He outweighed you by 100 pounds. What choice did you have. Don't forget he had two other guys blocking me; you were on your own."

"But won't... what I did... cause problems."

"What problem? You mean like you getting raped? Hell Babe, I'm so proud of you for defending yourself I could just bust. I want to stand on top of this car and yell to everybody that my future wife just kicked the shit out of a fucking rapist. In fact..." Molly popped open her door and undid her seatbelt.

Willow gasped and reached across the center console. She managed to grab Molly's belt and keep her in the car. Molly turned to Willow with a grin, "Trying to undress me here in the car?"

"No. Just trying to keep my future wife from climbing on top of the car and possibly hurting herself."

"What if she promises to be careful?"

"She might scratch her paint job?"

"You're smiling. I'm glad to see that. Willow you have absolutely nothing to be sorry or ashamed about."

"Okay. I'll try to remember that. Please don't tell anyone; let's keep it between us."

"I promise. I'd better call that TV news station and tell them to cancel the story."

"WHAT?!"

"Kidding Babe. We need to get to work. But Willow, I am, or you are, take your pick... going to tell my grandmother what happened."

"Kate?"

"That would be my grandmother."

"Oh Jeez." In the end, Kate made the decision easy... she was parked and waiting for them when they pulled into the Hellsen Garden Center parking lot. As soon as they stopped, Kate jumped out of her car and hurried over to them.

"Willow, I have terrible news... your father has been severely injured." She looked at the girls and frowned, "Why are you two laughing? This isn't funny!"

"Grams..." Molly took Kate's right hand; Willow took her left, "Let's go inside so we can talk."

The door closed behind them, "Okay you two what the hell is going on?" Kate demanded.

Molly looked at Willow, "You're up. Try not to swear too much."

"I assume you've heard on the news that the assh... my father... was mugged and beaten by four men with baseball bats?"

"Yes? And?"

"The truth is he was beaten by one, tiny, pissed off 18-year-old girl that he pulled away from her fiancée, dragged to a bathroom, used a knife to cut off her clothes, and tried to rape her. She kicked him in the balls as he tried to secure her hands. He went down and she didn't stop kicking and hitting him until her fiancée kicked down the locked door and pulled her away and saved his miserable, worthless life. Because I... I mean she... would have killed him."

"Your father tried to rape you..." Kate hissed. "I'll destroy the SOB. I'll have him in jail for the rest of his life. I'll see that he's castrated. I'll..."

"Grams, from what I've heard from a friend who knows one of the nurses, Willow pretty much took care of rendering his testicles useless. Those pointy toed heels she was wearing should be classified as Weapons of Manhood Destruction."

"And you weren't injured?" Kate asked Willow.

"No. Well, I do have a pretty good bruise on my right elbow from knocking out some of his teeth."

"So it's safe to assume you won't want to visit or send a get well card."

"Not unless there's one that says, 'I hope you rot in hell, you miserable co....'"

"Willow! Language!" Molly interrupted.

Kate hugged Molly, then hugged Willow, "I'm glad you're both okay. Would you like to come over for dinner tonight?"

"Thanks Kate, but I've already thawed the chicken for making chicken parm tonight. Molly asked if I knew how to make it."

"Alright. It seems like you're doing well. Promise me, though, that you'll call if you need someone to talk to."

"I will Kate. But Molly did a good job this morning helping me sort things out. I've accepted that I only did what I had to do to protect myself. I'm good with that."

"Okay Willow. You know, I came here this morning to ask if you wanted me to give your father the rose to help him heal..."

"Oh! Hell! No!" Willow and Molly shouted, startling Kate and a couple customers.

"Sorry Grams... but no. Not after what he tried to do to Willow."

Willow hugged Kate, "Thank you for the sentiment. Let him heal... or not... naturally."

"Very well. I see Jamie and Nicole over there checking their watches and giving us evil looks. I guess you two have work to do. Don't forget to call once in a while. Love you both. Bye."

As soon as Kate touched the door, Jamie and Nicole marched over to Molly and Willow and began issuing orders. Molly received instructions to work the cash register and in-between customers to inspect the sales area and call Nicole for any plants that needed to be brought up. After that, Nicole took Willow over to an equipment cabinet and handed her a pair of elbow-length rubber gloves, a large rubber apron, and a clipboard with instructions and a checklist. "Today you'll be doing the quarterly inspection of our irrigation system. Read the instructions; follow the checklist. Don't hurry but finish before you leave tonight."

Willow nodded and grinned, "Okay, no pressure." She read over the instructions and checklist, put on the waterproof gear and got to work. About an hour later, Willow entered Greenhouse #4. She glanced at the 'Safety First' sign hanging from the irrigation piping. As she walked down the aisle she happened to look back and for the first time noticed the back of the sign. Someone had used a black marker to write, 'On this spot, in XXXX, David Hellsen fell off a ladder and broke his leg. Be Careful.' Willow chuckled and then went about finishing the inspection as Nicole had ordered. She found a couple small leaks and marked them down on the checklist. Jamie looked over the checklist, noted the leaks, and said she'd have a plumber come out the next morning. She told Willow to be ready to take the plumber and point out the leaks.

Willow walked up front to clock out for the day. Molly saw her and giggled, "Damn girl, you look like a drowned rat!" The apron hadn't provided all that much protection; Willow's hair and clothes were soaked.

"You have no idea how many cold showers I've taken today. I don't think I'll ever be dry again."

"Well, let's go home and get you out of those wet clothes. Then we'll see what we can do about drying you off and warming you up."

"Mmmm. I like being warmed up... by you. They leaned in together and shared a kiss. Before Willow knew it, Molly's fingers had twined themselves into her still damp hair and begun massaging her scalp. Without considering where they were, Willow slipped her hands under Molly's T-shirt and cupped her bra-encased breasts.

They kissed and played for hours and hours... until the sharp rap on the car window startled them and they jumped back. They found Nicole and Jamie bent over and staring in the passenger side window. Molly pulled down her T-shirt and pushed the button to lower the window. "Jeez! Why don't you two get a room?" Nicole laughed.

"It must be nice to be young." Jamie joined in the teasing. "All those hormones raging and destroying common sense. Goodnight girls."

"Well, that was embarrassing," Molly smiled. "But damn, your hands felt so good playing with my girls. Let's head home... fast."

"Agreed. Don't forget I need to cook the chicken tonight."

"You still want to cook?"

"Kitty, we need to eat."

"Well, yeah, I just wasn't thinking about chicken."

Willow laughed until her stomach hurt, "How about this. While I prepare the chicken you go take a shower and then get in bed... naked of course. Then, once I get the chicken in the oven, I'll take a shower and join you in the bed..."

"Naked of course!" Molly snapped.

"Yes. And I'll make you a wager that I can make you climax... at least twice... before the chicken is ready."

"Okay. And if I cum twice and you win?"

"I'll willingly give you my virginity tonight... after we eat the chicken."

"What happens if you lose?"

"You get to take my virginity tonight... after we eat the chicken."

"Take?"

"Yup."

"Willow, Sweetheart, after last evening, are you sure that's how you want to approach this."

"You may be right. I didn't think this through, did I? Can you tell me what it was like when you gave up your V-card?"

Molly laughed. "Jimmy Wills. A football player... the summer after we graduated. He was a nice guy; however, neither of us had the slightest clue about what we were doing. At least he had the decency to have a condom. It wasn't the greatest night of my life... but we got the job done. It was pretty uncomfortable, really, I was so nervous... and I wasn't really aroused... I already was about 75% certain that I was gay. I kept trying to deny it... but I knew, deep down, that it was true.

"When you told your family... was it a problem?"

"Nah. Remember, my mother had two fathers so she wasn't bothered at all... oh, of course she hoped for grandchildren, but, you know. Plus, I grew up around Aunt Vera and Aunt Nicole. On top of that, during high school and college I turned down quite a few dates with women. They laughed when I said I wasn't gay. They knew... even if I didn't."

"Was there a defining moment?"

"Yeah. Freshman year at UVA. A guy I knew from Chemistry class asked me to go to a football game with him. I agreed. I watched all those big, sweaty men bashing each other. Then at half-time I got super horny watching the cheer squad perform. I realized I was smitten by a beautiful, blonde, cheerleader with the face of an angel. I looked over at my date and thought 'Yuck!'."

"Did you and the cheerleader... um..."

Molly laughed and slapped the steering wheel, "No." Then she frowned and became quiet as she turned the car into Jamie and Addison's driveway. After parking she turned to face Willow. "That day I faced two truths. First, I finally acknowledged that I was a lesbian. Second, I discovered the extent to which bigotry still ran rampant. After the game, I quickly ditched my date and went to find my blonde goddess cheerleader. I approached her and tried to introduce myself. She slapped me and yelled, "Who the hell are you? Get out of my face you fucking dyke!"

"Oh Kitty, I'm so sorry."

"Thanks. I guess everyone has that defining moment in their life when the truth slaps them in the face. It's just that for me, the slap was real." She leaned over and kissed Willow. "I'm happy we found each other. I feel complete now." She hesitated. "Babe, Willow... tonight, if you decide you're not ready, speak up. I won't be upset."

Willow reached up and stroked Molly's cheek. She tried to understand the cruelty and stupidity of the woman who'd slapped her. "I'm not going to change my mind. Tonight I'm going to cook a wonderful dinner for you and then you're going to take me to bed, arouse me, and then I'm going to give you my virginity."

They went inside. Willow shooed Molly off to the shower while she washed her hands and face and began preparing dinner. She put the chicken in the oven and set the probe thermometer for 150 degrees so that she'd have time to prep the pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. After that she hurried to the bathroom and got in the shower. Molly joined her long enough to wash her hair then went to the bedroom. She finished her shower, squeezed the water out of her hair and wrapped it in the microfiber towel Molly had given her.

Willow walked into the bedroom and found Molly lying naked on the bed, eyes closed, legs spread wide. Willow stared and drank in her beauty. She tiptoed over, kneeled between Molly's legs, and rested her cheek on Molly's hairless mound. "Oh my God!" Willow moaned, "You're so soft and smooth." She pulled back just a bit and looked up. She met Molly's gaze, smiled, and began licking, kissing, and touching. Molly finally had to beg Willow to give some attention to her hard, needy clit. Willow obliged... and quickly won their wager... twice... before Willow heard the thermometer's alarm sounding in the kitchen. "Get dressed Kitty. Dinner in twenty." She gave Molly's smooth mound one last kiss, put on a bra, panties, skirt, and blouse and then went to the kitchen.

*****

"Damn that smells good!" Molly walked into the kitchen wearing a flowery silk robe. She kissed the back of Willow's neck. Willow turned and returned the kiss, "I love that robe. Relax, I've got this." Molly stepped back while Willow began humming as she ladled sauce and placed slices of mozzarella on top of the chicken. Molly delighted in watching Willow's shoulders and hips moving in time with her humming; especially when she bent to place the baking dish under the broiler.

They ate quietly with their chairs pushed close so their thighs touched. They happily fed each other tiny bites of chicken and pasta. They each shivered as Molly reached up with a napkin to dab away a spot of sauce from the corner of Willow's mouth.

When they finished eating Molly offered to help clean up. Willow kissed her, thanked her, and shooed her out of the kitchen. Alone, she had a moment of panic; she couldn't decide whether to hurry the cleanup and race to the bedroom or drag it out as long as possible and then find someplace to hide.

It turned out to be an easy decision. At about the time Willow set the last dish in her drying rack Molly strolled out of the bedroom. This time wearing a short black silk robe with a colorful dragon embroidered on the back. Willow admired the robe for a couple seconds before she noticed an obvious bulge near the bottom. Her eyes went wide and she involuntarily licked her lips.

Molly waited; Willow had to make this decision. After only a few seconds that seemed to last hours Willow stepped forward into Molly's arms. She felt the bulge press against her abdomen. She recognized the sensation from her night with her father so long ago.

Molly leaned in and kissed her deeply. "Would you like to go to the bedroom Babe?" Willow nodded as her voice failed her. Molly took her hand and they walked back side-by-side. Once beside the bed, Molly turned to Willow, "I'm going to make love to you now. Remember, I'll stop if you tell me to."

She cupped her hands on Willow's face and kissed her. She lowered her hands and slowly untucked and unbuttoned Willow's pink blouse. The blouse fell to the floor and Molly kissed Willow again as she reached back and unhooked her bra. The bra followed the blouse to the floor. Willow bit gently on Molly's tongue and refused to let her pull back... at least until she felt Molly's dexterous fingers working on the buttons of her skirt.

When the skirt fell, Molly reached up and lightly touched Willow's nipples. "How do your piercings feel?"

"Okay." She kissed Molly. "Just don't get crazy. Now it's my turn. She untied the belt to Molly's robe. "Why do I feel like a kid opening a Christmas present?" She finished undoing the belt and peeled open the robe. "Oh my!"

She stepped back and stared at the belt and straps securing the 6" light-tan-colored dildo over Molly's mound. She touched it; it felt cool. It looked realistic but felt different from the real cock she'd touched and... done other things.

"Would you like to taste it?" Molly whispered.

"No. Been there, done that, don't want to do it again."

"I understand." The two women kissed again before Molly leaned down and slid Willow's panties off. Willow flinched as Molly slid a finger between her labia. Molly was surprised; Willow's vagina was still bone dry without the slightest hint of arousal. Molly stood up and placed her hands on Willow's shoulders. "I think we should stop, you're not enjoying this."

"I'm scared it's going to hurt."

"Yes. It probably will. Honestly, though, it won't be that much worse than getting that beautiful tattoo or those spectacular nipple rings that you did for me. Come on, let's lay down and get comfortable... relax, I love you and I'm not going to do anything unless you tell me to."

They got into the bed and slid together. "Kiss me, please?" Willow said. Molly obliged. At the same time Molly waited for Willow to insist she get rid of the strap-on. Willow never did. After a while as they pushed their bodies together the silicone appendage worked its way between Willow's thighs and simply rested there while the women touched, caressed, and kissed.

Molly at last sensed Willow's breathing pattern change. She slipped down and began massaging Willow's breasts and finally moved down again and gave Willow's mound a kiss. Willow stayed quiet as Molly fingered and spread her labia and ran her tongue roughly across her sex. Willow sighed with pleasure and lifted her hips to try and increase the friction between tongue and pussy.

"You're getting nice and wet; shall we try again?" Molly crawled up and kissed Willow.

Willow nodded jerkily.

"That's my girl. I'm going to go get a towel to put under you. Why don't you get the lube." Molly was gone less than a minute. Willow had the lube ready and carefully coated the tool.

When Molly was positioned between her legs Willow closed her eyes tight. "I don't want to see that thing enter me." She whispered as Molly rubbed the head of the slick dildo between her labia and carefully settled the first inch in place and worked it in and out to spread the lubrication.

Willow winced as Molly bumped against her barrier, "Wait! Wait!" Willow clenched and unclenched her fists in the sheets. Molly froze.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No. Give me just a second."

Molly carefully leaned forward and kissed Willow. She laughed as Willow opened one eye to peek at her. "Would you like a blindfold?" Molly teased. "You know you're not a condemned person going to an execution, right?"

"I know. Sorry for being such a drama queen." Willow took a long deep breath. "On three?"

Molly nodded. Willow counted, "One... twoooo... Oww!" Molly didn't wait for three; she thrust her hips hard and drove the fake phallus sharply through Willow's maidenhead. Willow hissed in a couple deep breaths as she adjusted to the intrusion.

"Babe, are you okay?" Molly asked as she stroked Willow's cheek. She moved her hips back and forth by fractions of an inch.

"Yeah. Stay still and let me adjust. By the way..." Willow opened her eyes, "What the hell happened to three?" She giggled, then frowned. "Kitty, thank you for doing this for me. Now, would you pull that thing out, I really don't want it inside me."

Willow sighed with relief as the dildo slid free. She reached down and touched herself and sat up. Molly got off the bed and started taking off the harness and dildo. Willow noticed a couple streaks of her blood. She stood up and gathered the towel; it was still clean. Molly and Willow showered together before they went to sleep.

*****

It was late August now. Willow and Molly had packed Molly's things into the car and drove up I-95 to Cambridge and the apartment they'd found in July. They spent four wonderful days getting the apartment set up and wandering around and getting familiar with the neighborhood. On the fifth day, Molly drove Willow to Boston's Logan Airport. They parked on the top level of the giant central parking garage and then walked to Terminal B together. Willow went through check-in and then they hugged and stayed together as long as possible before Willow had to make her way to the security checkpoint or risk missing her flight.

The two-hour flight seemed to last 10. They were surrounded by storms and the turbulence was severe. Worse than that was that Willow was seated next to a much older, lecherous, businessman. He wouldn't stop talking and trying to get her name and phone number. Every time the plane bounced his hand landed on Willow's thigh. Finally she'd had enough. The next time his hand wandered, she grabbed his wrist and twisted... enough to hurt but not injure. "If you touch me again..." She added a little more pressure, "I'll break your wrist!" She hissed.

"Miss, are you okay?" There was a flight attendant standing beside her. Willow released her grip on the lech's hand.

"This... gentleman... keeps touching my leg. I'm just explaining what will happen if he doesn't stop."

"I see. Would you like to change seats?"

"No thanks. I believe he understands what will happen if he does it again."

The rest of the flight passed in relative silence. After landing Willow stood up, her seatmate indicated she could go first. "No thanks. I may by young, but I'm not stupid enough to walk around with you behind me."

She hurried down the jetway and made her way out of the airport. She found a car waiting. An unfamiliar driver held up a sign, 'Willow Smith'.

She approached carefully, "I'm Willow Smith. You are...?"

"Good afternoon Miss Smith. My name is Solomon Street III. I work for Spencer International Security. Your fiancée and future in-laws enrolled you in our 10-week personal security academy... your training starts tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM.

"Seriously? What about my job? My apartment?"

"I will take you to your apartment where you can gather clothing and underwear. After that we'll proceed to the academy."

"What kind of clothes? Party, casual, dress-up?"

"You'll be outfitted with training uniforms and boots. Most of our students dress in jeans and T-shirts during their off time." He laughed.

"What's so funny, Mr. Street?"

"There is VERY little off time. These next 10 weeks are going to be the most intense of your life. The academy is NOT a party school."

They reached the car. "I need to make a phone call." Willow stood back and snapped a picture of the license plate of the car. She dialed Molly's number.

"Hey Babe, miss me already?" Molly answered on the first ring.

"Hell, I missed you as soon as I walked through security back in Boston. The reason I called is, I was just met by a guy claiming to be from Spencer International Security. He says you enrolled me in some academy?"

"Yes. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, and Dad insisted. They told me to keep my mouth shut." Willow noticed Mr. Street's eyes shift past her. She turned and saw the lecherous old man approaching. "Son of a bitch. This guy won't quit." She tensed, ready to defend herself. "Gotta go. Call you later." She snapped his picture and dropped the phone in her purse.

The older man stopped and raised his hands. "Please Miss Smith, give me one moment to explain before you attack." He looked at Willow's driver, "Hello Son, how's she doing?"

"Hey Dad. She's cautious, pays attention, and seems willing to defend herself." The driver faced Willow, "Miss Smith, let me introduce my father, Solomon Street Jr, the President of Spencer International Security as was his father before him."

"Good afternoon Miss Smith. I apologize for my behavior on the airplane. But we like to use situations like that to evaluate our trainees' abilities and... more importantly... their attitudes." The older man turned to the younger man, "If she wasn't already headed for Harvard in January, I'd say we should try to hire her; Nine months with us and she'd make a first-rate personal protection agent."

"A what?" Willow asked

"A bodyguard Miss Smith; A bodyguard."

*****

The academy escort opened the door for Willow. "These will be your personal quarters while you're here. There are no locks. Keep your things neat; housekeeping comes in twice a day. The bag on the end of the bed is for laundry. It's collected Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, then returned the next day. If you need something sooner than that... wash it yourself in the bathroom sink. Be downstairs at the supply room in 15 minutes for your initial equipment allocation. Any questions? No. Good." The escort turned and walked away. At the door she stopped, "Oh... and welcome to the Spencer International Personal Security Academy."

Ten weeks later Willow graduated from the academy. She'd been rated as 'Outstanding' in every training block except firearms, where she'd been rated as 'Ineffective'. She could not overcome her distaste for pistols and rifles. However, considering her aversion to firearms, her instructors found her 'Terrifyingly Lethal... A Savant' with bladed weapons long and short, which she could use to slice, stab, chop, or throw with frightening lethality. Her eyes gleamed when her instructor, a retired Navy Seal Master Chief, presented her with an antique Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife and scabbard as a graduation gift.

Willow stepped out of the academy still wearing the black cargo pants, black T-shirt, boots, and black ball cap that had been her uniform for the last two and a half months. "Hello Willow, how are you?" Kate Hellsen greeted her and looked her up and down. "You look like you've lost weight."

"Hello Kate. It's good to see you. I've actually gained three pounds but it's all muscle in place of a lot of baby fat. My BMI is way down."

"You look good. Have you spoken to Molly?"

"Oh yeah. Every night at ten o'clock sharp she puts down the law books and I put down whatever I'm doing and we videochat for at least 30 minutes."

"Just chatting?" Kate gave Willow a leering grin.

"Well... a few of the chats may have been... um... clothing optional?"

"Good for you. Separations are hard on couples. Molly's coming for Thanksgiving, right?"

"Yeah, she'll be here late Wednesday evening or early Thursday. We'll be leaving for Boston early Saturday. I can't wait to be with her again."

"I'll bet. What are your plans for the next few days?"

"I need to get all my stuff packed and ready to ship up to Cambridge and then clean the apartment in case Jamie needs it for someone else."

By Wednesday morning Willow had boxed up all the things she and Molly had purchased for the apartment. She looked around and was satisfied that she was leaving the apartment in better condition than she'd found it. Her clothing was packed in suitcases. Jamie arrived along with the movers. While the movers loaded a large crate with the household boxes, Jamie walked through the apartment. "Thank you Willow. You and Molly did a good job taking care of the place. I appreciate it. Would you mind coming to the greenhouse and doing a couple hours on the cash register? Today the rest of us will be setting up to receive Christmas trees on Monday."

"Sure. Tonight is the sisterhood meeting, right?"

"Yeah. You're in for a treat. Remember to wear something you can easily move to show off your tattoo. We usually do that when we have a new member... after everybody has a couple glasses of wine."

"If Molly arrives in time, can she be there with me?"

"No. The meeting is for members only. A long time ago, actually it was Emma's first meeting when she was 11, we voted to limit attendance to sisters only. It's more... intimate... that way. We can talk freely. Our spouses and significant others stay downstairs. Come on, I'll help you with your bags. We need to get to work."

All during the drive to the greenhouse Willow pestered Jamie about what to expect and who she would see at the meeting. Jamie, much to Willow's frustration, always answered, "You'll see." Once at the greenhouse, Willow took over the cash register and watched as everyone else began moving tables and equipment and replacing them with a Christmas tree stand every few paces.

"Damn Jamie," Willow commented as they munched on pizza at lunchtime, "How many trees are you getting?"

"Last year we sold just over 1100 and donated over 200 to charities. This year we're shooting for 1500. They'll be delivered in batches of 500 starting Monday."

"I bet it's going to smell good in here."

"It does. It's almost as good as the lab... not quite, but almost." Jamie swiped a napkin across her mouth. "Remember Willow, we start kicking customers out at 2:00 PM. We lock the doors at three sharp... no excuses."

At 2:00 PM on the dot, Jamie came to the front desk and activated the loudspeakers, "Attention, Attention, Hellsen Garden Center is now closing. Please bring your purchases to the register. Anyone still in the greenhouse at 3:00 will be locked in until the staff returns on Monday morning." Jamie laughed and turned to the temp workers, "Okay folks, let's go round 'em up and kick 'em out. Willow, Nicole and I have a party to go to."

They locked the doors right on time and put up a sign that read, 'Closed for Thanksgiving. Will re-open Monday'. They hurried out to Jamie's truck and got on the road. "Have you ever visited Kate's house before?" Jamie asked. Willow shook her head 'no'.

When they arrived, they had to park over 100 yards from the house. It turned out that because President Spencer-Jarvis was to be a guest, the Secret Service had cordoned off the area and would not allow vehicles any closer. "Names?" Demanded an agent at a hastily erected gate. The agent checked them off, inspected their bags (made a hell of a mess in Willow's), and allowed them onto the property. Two more agents waited at the door. "Miss Smith, is that you?"

Willow looked up and recognized the man she'd known only as Mr. Jones for the past 10 weeks. Out of habit she snapped to attention, "Yes Sir!" She responded. The agent turned to his partner, "This is the girl I was telling you about; can't shoot for shit but absolutely devastating with a blade in her hand."

Jamie turned and stared. "Knives?" The other agent turned and sneered, "Knives... against a pistol. I call BS."

"Agent, I'd advise you to keep a civil tongue in your head. We timed her at the academy... from a dead start and empty-handed, she put two knives in the eyes of the target 15 feet away. And she did it faster than I did it with my pistol."

Mr. Jones simply smiled as he turned back to Willow, "Miss Smith where are your knives?"

"Sir, I left them in the truck. I thought the Secret Service might not appreciate me being armed." She failed to mention the non-metallic blade that wouldn't alert metal detectors. Mr. Jones had been the instructor to tell her about them.

"Good decision Miss Smith."

"Thank you, Sir. You too." She glanced at the other agent and dismissed him with the shake of her head. Willow started to walk away.

"Miss Smith!" Called out Agent Jones.

"Yes Sir?"

"Why don't take out the non-metallic knife and leave it with me." He turned to the junior agent, "I warned you about the non-metallics." Willow unsheathed the knife on her left forearm, flipped it around, and held it out to Agent Jones.

"Thank you Miss Smith. Have a good evening."

Kate opened the door and greeted them, "Thank God! I wondered if you'd get by the Gestapo out there."

"Ah, they're just doing their job the best they can. The older gentleman on the door was my personal defense instructor at the academy. The young one with him is an obnoxious dickhead; I wouldn't trust him. Molly's not here yet, is she?"

Kate grinned, "No Dear. She called about an hour ago and said she just passed the New York and New Jersey border."

"God, I can't wait to see her, I miss her so much."

"Why don't you go upstairs, shower, and change. Just go up the grand staircase, turn left, third bedroom on the left. You'll see your names on the door. Feel free to take a nap. We'll come get you in plenty of time for the meeting."

As Willow climbed the stairs pulling her suitcase, she heard the doorbell chime, followed by happy shouts of "Hello! How are you?"

Willow laughed as she got to her room. As Kate had promised her name was on the door... Willow + Molly... inside a big red heart. She left the note on the door and went into the room. She unpacked, put things away, and then took a shower. After her shower she lay on the bed imagining what the meeting would be like. If she hadn't fallen asleep she never would have believed she could have fallen asleep. It was the tapping on the door that woke her. "Come on Willow, time to get up." Jamie called.

"Come on in." She called out. Jamie entered wearing a nice dress. Willow quickly donned a flowery, off-the-shoulder peasant dress, stay up stockings, and low heels. She ran a comb through her hair while wishing Molly was there to do it for her.

"Ready?" Jamie asked. "Come on. Give me your hand." She led Willow down the hall, past the grand staircase, and then to a room on the right. A man in a suit stood outside the door.

"I have to search you..." He started to reach for Willow but she stepped back.

"Jefferson!" A voice called from the room, "Leave the women alone. They're part of the group. Let them in and then go downstairs. None of you are to come up here unless I call for you. Understood? And absolutely NO eavesdropping!"

"Yes Ma'am." The agent's face flushed but he obeyed. Jamie led Willow into the room and found 15 or so women of varying ages standing in an incomplete circle. Jamie led Willow over to the circle and joined hands with Kate Hellsen on her left. The woman on Willow's right tapped her hand. The lady smiled as they joined hands and completed the circle.

Willow looked around the circle. She recognized four or five of the other women... especially President Emma Spencer-Jarvis. One woman a couple spots to the President's right was striking... of indeterminate age, beautiful, tanned, and with lustrous silver hair. Looking further around the circle she was surprised to see her half-sister Celia.

Jamie spoke, "Good Evening Sisters. Welcome to our annual gathering. My name is Jamie, I am Sister #1. My fondest dream was to be a woman." Kate spoke next. "Good Evening Sisters. My name is Katherine. I am Sister #3. After that it was Vera's turn and then Nicole's.

The silver-haired beauty spoke next, "In this room my name is Kari. I am Sister #7. My fondest wish was for my husband to recover from three bullet wounds and a severe brain injury."

Soon, the President spoke, "My name is Emma. I am Sister #9. I was born blind, deaf, and mute. My fondest wish was to be able to do all three. My adoptive mother, Annabeth, Sister #8, died last year, please pray for her. Willow stared at the president. The woman was tiny; Willow doubted she'd reached 5' tall; but on TV and the news she looked and sounded so much larger.

Willow heard a few sniffles and then the roll call continued around the room. "My name is Brenda. I am Sister #17. I worked for Sister #8. My fondest wish was to save and regain the use of my legs after they were crushed in an accident."

"My name is Celia. I am Sister #20. My fondest wish was to defeat leukemia. That was 14 years ago."

Willow stared at her half-sister, shocked at the revelation. Celia smiled and winked. Willow wasn't paying attention as the next three women spoke. The woman on her right squeezed Willow's hand, "Sister, it's your turn." She whispered and smiled.

"My name is... Willow. I am Sister #24. Until four months ago I was a boy named Niall; my fondest wish was to be a woman; to marry, to have children, and to raise a family. The rose has granted me so much more than that."

Jamie squeezed Willow's hand, "Sisters, please may we have a moment of silence to honor and remember the sisters who are no longer with us."

"Thank you." Jamie spoke softly. She released Willow's hand and then pulled her into a hug. "Welcome to the Sisterhood of the Rose." After that, each of the other women hugged and welcomed her. After Emma Spencer-Jarvis' hug, Willow said, "Thank you, Madam President. It's an honor to meet you."

"Please, Willow," The president replied, "In this room, among the sisters, call me Emma." The president grabbed a glass of wine off a side table and sipped deeply, "Aah! Kate, where do you get this delicious wine?" She called across the room to where Kate was speaking with Kari of the silver hair.

"Here and there." Kate called back. "Would you like me to send you a case?"

"Nah. The secret service would probably drink it all while claiming to check it for poison... or explosives." She laughed. "Maybe I could just stop by now and then... have Marine One land in your front yard and drop me off for a couple hours... impress the neighbors?"

"More likely to piss them off Em. I'm pretty sure they all voted for your opponent."

"In that case I'll have Marine One land in their yards and wreck their lawns." She laughed happily and refilled her glass from a nearby bottle and found a comfortable chair and propped up her feet. "God! It feels good to sit, relax, and talk to friends... and know that it all stays in this room." She sipped, "Do you feel the same way Kari?"

"I do Em. After 50 years as Queen, it felt so good to sit naked on a beach and get a suntan without the fu... paparazzi sticking cameras in my face."

"Queen?" Willow said louder than she intended, "Shit! You're that woman that disappeared. Everybody thinks you're dead. Wait a minute... everything I've read says you're at least 90... you look... that can't be true... can it?"

The silver-haired beauty named Kari smiled as she walked over to Willow. "Hello Willow, I've been looking forward to meeting you. That I'm 90 is no less true than the tale of the 18-year-old boy who overnight became a woman. I think each of us..." She swept her arm around the room, "... has felt the same confusion and wonder."

"Here here!" Exclaimed the tall, lean brunette across the room. She tipped her wine glass toward Kari. "Sister Kari, if you ever decide to go public please call me."

"Thank you Tracy. I'll keep you in mind."

Willow approached the brunette, "You're Tracy... from channel 7 news, aren't you? I watch you every night." Willow was a huge fan.

"Thank you." Tracy switched her wine glass to her left hand and reached out to shake hands. The woman hissed and jumped like she'd gotten a static shock as she touched Willow's hand. She stepped back and stared at Willow. "When I met the rose, my fondest wish was to be brave enough to reach for my goals... and Ta Da!... here I am. But I also asked the rose to help me 'Know' people. As I touched you, I knew... not specifics... but I know you are destined to accomplish wonderful things with your life. It is going to be amazing. I envy you."

"Willow, Hi!" Celia called out. "How do you like it?"

"Overwhelming."

"So Willow?" Kari called from across the room as she pulled a bottle of soda pop from the fridge, "Have you done your tattoo yet?"

"Yes Ma'am. Could I have one of those sodas?" She crossed the room. Kari held up a bottle... then pulled it back. "Tattoo reveal first." She laughed.

"Me?" Willow squeaked.

"Newest member first. It's a rule." Kate called. "Show it off! Show it off!" Several sisters laughed and toasted her with their wine glasses. Willow grinned, shrugged, and pulled down the top of her dress. Kari immediately gestured her over and looked closely, "Let me guess," She said, "You visited a Stiletto parlor?"

"Yes. Is it that obvious?"

"It's absolutely beautiful." Kari smiled and handed the still-topless girl her drink. She unbuttoned her blouse and undid the front clasp bra. "My elbows and shoulders aren't as flexible as they used to be." She laughed as she turned.

"Oh My God!" Willow gasped as she saw the rose bouquet on Kari's back. "May I touch you... it?" Kari nodded. Willow carefully traced her finger along all the lines, marveling at the artistry. "Hey Kari?"

"Yes Dear?"

"In your butterfly, I'd swear I see the word s..."

"Shhh. Don't say it. But yes I know the word is there. Please keep my secret."

"I promise. Will you tell me the backstory some day?"

"I won't promise. I was a mess earlier in my life. I've come a long way in the last 55 years. Come on, we need to make sure everyone sees our art... and we get a peek at theirs. Hey, I like your nipple rings."

"Mmm. Yours too... I just didn't want to be rude."

"Thanks. Hey! Everybody! You need to see Willow's rose. It's the same technique that I did. Lubricated by wine the women had become mellow and started shedding clothes to display their ink. Only Vera didn't do so willingly. "I was drunk that night!!" She complained. "Somebody give me another glass of wine, please."

"Nice rose," Willow commented, "But damn, that must have hurt like a bitch!" She exclaimed as she checked out the rose on Vera's bald mons.

The meeting broke up shortly after that. Once all the women had their clothes straightened Emma walked unsteadily to the door and opened it. "Agents! Please come up here. We need a little help." Willow heard running and at least six men rushed to the door.

"What's the problem Madam President?" Mr. Jones asked in a concerned voice as he looked around the room.

"Ah! Agent Jones, my friends and I seem to have had a bit too much to drink this evening. Mrs. Hellsen served some truly outstanding wine. Would you and your fellow agents mind terribly helping us down the stairs so no one gets hurt?"

The agent barely avoided laughing, "Our pleasure Ma'am. Ladies? Who's first?"

"Me! Me!" Celia raised her hand and stumbled to the agent, "You're Cute," She slurred, then frowned as Jeanie, Sister #13, took the agent's other arm. It took the agents three trips to get the happy and tipsy sisters downstairs and seated around the dining room table for some dinner. Kari and Willow, as the only two non-drinkers, shared sober grins and passed the food around.

When they'd finished eating, the agents re-entered the dining room. Emma stood and spoke, "Sisters, it's been a wonderful evening, but I have to go. Thank you for the great time."

"Madam President, May I?" Agent Jones offered his arm to the moderately alcohol-impaired president.

"Thank you Agent Jones. This evening's events never happened, correct?"

"You spent the entire evening at the residence Ma'am. I believe you and the First Gentleman were playing Cribbage?"

"Gin Rummy."

"Thank you. Lord, I'm going to have such a hangover in the morning. Agent Jones would you do me a great favor and tell the Democrats, Republicans, Russians, and Chinese to behave themselves for 24 hours?"

Agent Jones laughed out loud, "I'll pass the word Madam President."

Kate roused herself from the dining table, "Anyone want more wine?" She waved lazily as President Emma Spencer-Jarvis and her entourage departed.

*****

Molly arrived at the Hellsen homestead a little after 1:15 AM thanks to road construction on the New Jersey Turnpike. Inside the house, it was silent. She went to the kitchen for a drink of water and found the envelope with her name on it: 'Dear Molly, Welcome Home. Willow is in the guest wing, 3rd door on the left. Please keep the noise down as there are several women sleeping off their overindulgence in my wine (yours truly included.) Love, Grandma.'

Molly grinned, grabbed her bag, and raced up the stairs. She reached for the doorknob but Willow beat her to it, took her hand, and pulled her into the room. "Wow, you're buff now." Molly held her at arm's length and admired her fiancée's trim and muscular body. "The academy really worked you over."

Willow dropped her robe and stepped back to put her nude body on full display. "Like it?"

"Love it... Love you. Even though we talked every night, I missed you so much. I'm not letting you out of my sight again!"

"Okay. Now hush and kiss me... everywhere."

"How are your nipples?"

"Totally healed... go for it."

Molly groaned, "I've waited so long for this." She dove down and engulfed Willow's closest nipple with her mouth. She drew (and none too gently) the rapidly hardening bud between her teeth while she ravaged it with her tongue. At the same time her right hand played with the ring in Willow's other nipple.

"Switch!" Willow tapped Molly's shoulder. She lay back while Molly swapped her attentions to the opposite breast. Willow reveled in the attention and rough touches. "Harder!" She blurted out without really thinking about what she was asking.

Molly looked up, saw the lust in Willow's eyes, and bit down firmly. At the same time she grasped the ring in Willow's other breast and lifted it up. Willow gasped and closed her eyes, "Harder!" She pleaded. Molly released the two nipples, gave both breasts a brutal squeeze, then grabbed Willow's hips and rolled her over on to her front.

"Harder?" Molly asked as she slid down and started massaging Willow's butt cheeks, "Are you sure?"

Willow nodded, "Ow!" She hissed as Molly spanked first one cheek then the other. Willow reached back and rubbed the spot where Molly had spanked her. "That's enough. Please."

Molly leaned over and kissed each of the bright red hand prints she'd left on Willow's ass. She slid back just a bit to admire her fiancée's lovely bottom when she felt wetness on her thigh. She reached down and was surprised and a little horrified to find she was soaking wet with arousal. She tentatively slipped a finger between Willow's splayed legs and found her just as wet... possibly wetter. 'Shit!' Molly thought, 'I don't want to do this.' She collapsed onto the mattress beside Willow and embraced her. "I love you Willow." She kissed the special spot behind Willow's left ear. "Please don't ever ask me to spank you again."

Willow turned to face Molly. She lazily draped an arm across Molly as they kissed. Molly moaned as Willow slid a wet finger softly along her labia. "Christ, that feels good." Willow kept working the finger up and down, deeper and deeper between Molly's labia. "OH! Right there Babe." Molly shuddered with pleasure. "God! Don't stop!"

Willow's nimble fingers picked up the pace and Molly shivered constantly.

"Cum for me now, Sweetheart." Willow Whispered as she slid down the bed, kissed Molly's clit while stroking her finger in and out. Molly gasped and began to shake. She tried to tell Willow how much she loved her but her words came out as unintelligible moans. Willow smiled happily as she eased back and gave Molly's clit a final flick of her tongue before she returned to Molly's side and kissed her. "Goodnight Love." She whispered.

The next morning they reluctantly got out of bed; and then only because people kept banging on their door and yelling to get out of bed. They took care of basic functions and dressed in workout clothes and sneakers. Today was the annual Hellsen Clan Thanksgiving Soccer Match. As Molly and Willow both were under 25, they were expected to participate.

Molly and Willow ended up on separate teams. A young teen boy ran over to Willow. "You're new, Hi! I'm Teddy."

"Hey Teddy, I'm Willow."

"Willow, oh yeah, you're Molly's girlfriend, right? She's always been the lucky one." He turned to the group, "Hey guys, this is Willow." He turned back, "Willow, do you know anything about soccer?"

"Not a clue."

"Oh. Okay. Anyway, we're the skins so you need to strip off that shirt." He said with an innocent smile.

Willow gave him a pitying glare, "In your dreams you little perv." She grinned, "But nice try. Do girls really fall for that."

Teddy shrugged without a hint of shame, "Sometimes. Come on, the game's starting; just run around, have fun, and if the ball comes to you, haul off and kick it."

Willow spent the next hour or so running back and forth as fast as she could, her long hair flying behind her, and trying to stay out of the way. Whenever she crossed paths with Molly, they'd stop and share a kiss, then start running again. In the end no one knew the score and both teams claimed victory as they trooped into Kate and David's house for refreshments and showers before Thanksgiving dinner.

As Willow and Molly strolled into the kitchen, Willow froze in her tracks. Molly and two sweaty teens bumped into her. Willow stared, her mouth moved but no words came out as she stared at the woman sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee with Kate and David.

Finally she pointed and exclaimed, "Elizabeth! Elizabeth Silanget! (she pronounced it Sahl-ahn-zhay) My God, I love your show!" Molly looked at Willow like she'd lost her mind. Then Willow started bouncing with excitement, "Can I have your autograph, Please. I started watching you when I was 14."

"Willow, Willow, calm down." Kate laughed. "Liz, I'd like you to meet Willow Smith. She's Molly's fiancée I was telling you about." Kate turned to Willow, "Willow, you obviously recognize Liz, do you know that she is President Emma's mother?"

Willow was again speechless as she shook hands with her idol.

"Hello Willow. I'm glad you like my show. Do you have a favorite episode?"

Willow nodded enthusiastically. "The show on how to roast a turkey. I wrote down everything you said during that show. I still have my notes... not with me of course. I packed them and they're on their way to Boston... um... Cambridge... um... jeez I can't believe I'm meeting someone famous."

"Ah... Willow?" Kate was laughing, "Last night you spent two hours with the President of the United States. Wouldn't you consider her famous?"

"Well yeah. But a President is kinda way out there... not really real, ya' know... sort of a myth. But Elizabeth Silinget... Shit... she's real. I've watched every episode of her cooking show at least three or four times and I have four of her cookbooks. That woman taught me how to cook!" Willow's exuberance finally overcame her natural reticence; she grabbed Elizabeth and hugged her. "Thank you for everything you taught me." She backed away, grinned, and shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry."

Molly laughed, "Babe, do I need to be jealous?"

"No." Willow answered seriously. "But you might want to thank her for teaching me to cook."

*****

Saturday afternoon, after a morning being teased by the Hellsen clan that they were running away for good, Molly and Willow got into the car and began driving north. They stopped for an hour at Molly's grandfather Jacob's store so that they could be measured for their wedding dresses.

As they drove across the George Washington Bridge from New Jersey to New York, and she was sure they were going in the right direction, Molly spoke. "You know Babe, we've been so busy the last few days I haven't had time to say anything, but you look fantastic."

"Thanks. The academy was hell, but it was good for me."

"How did you do with firearms."

"Lousy. They tried, they really, really tried... but I'm just afraid of the damn things. I ended up being rated 'Ineffective.' One of the instructors joked that when I was firing, the safest place to be was directly in front of my target. Anyway, they denied me a carry permit. Now, ask me about bladed weapons." Willow grinned. "Trust me, jI'm useless with a gun, but if I have a blade, I'm not defenseless. I have a non-metallic, undetectable knife that I carry everywhere."

"Really? Well... You know I pity the poor bastard or bastards that try to bother us." A while later they pulled into a rest stop in Connecticut. They used the facilities to freshen up before they bought snacks and drinks. They walked around and stretched sore muscles before they sat down at a picnic table.

They chatted while they ate; mostly it was Willow asking what life would be like as a college student. Molly explained, as best she could, what to expect in Boston and Cambridge. She promised that, come spring, they would take a romantic walk along the Boston side of the Charles River... just like thousands of college students had done before. "But remember, no matter how much fun we have, our studies come first. Right?"

"Wrong. You and I 'Cum' first." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Then, with the edge off, we study." She laughed.

"Oh you!" Molly laughed and playfully slapped Willow's left arm. She pulled her hand back. "What's that?"

"That's my knife." She slipped the blade out of its sheath and handed it, handle first, to Molly. "This is the non-metallic knife I told you about; no x-ray or metal detector can pick it up. As long as I don't act stupid, I can walk through any security checkpoint in the world."

"It looks positively evil. How do you use it?"

"It's perfectly balanced and needle sharp. I can throw it or stab with it. It's no good at all for slicing." Willow pointed to the rear of the blade, "This part, the cheek, is duller than a butter knife."

"Throwing? How far... how accurate."

"Are you sure you want to know?" Willow asked. Molly nodded. "Okay. Fifteen feet or less... I can hit a fly... in whichever wing I choose. Less than 25 feet I can do major damage to necks or legs... depending on whether I want the target hurt, crippled, or dead. More than 30 feet it becomes a crap shoot. But you'll be there with your pistol to take care of that, right?"

"Damn straight. Here's your knife; are you ready to get going?" Not long after that, as they passed the Ct./Ma. border, Molly put the car in AutoDrive and turned to Willow. "Hey Babe, I have a question for you... but don't feel pressured to answer."

"Okay?"

"You remember after I asked you to marry me we kind of skipped over the idea of parenthood."

"Yes, we did. But its something I really want."

"I understand and I'm not averse to hearing the pitter patter of little feet. What I wanted to ask was if you've given any thought to who we'll ask to be our sperm donor? How will you get pregnant? Will we want the donor to be part of our kid's lives?"

Willow nodded, "I have given it thought. It will have to be artificial... I can't bear the thought of having sex with a man. As far as the 'Who', I was thinking that we should find someone genetically close to you, so that you'll have that blood link to our children. For example, your brother or one of your cousins."

Molly nodded. "That's very kind and thoughtful of you. I hadn't considered the idea of genetics. If you're agreeable, I'd like to ask my brother first... when we're ready, of course, not right now."

"No. Not right now. At least one of us has to finish our schooling. Molly! Slow down and watch out for that big truck up there..."

As soon as Willow spoke, Molly took control of the car and started braking hard. At the same time the large tractor trailer violently swerved across the highway and crushed three passenger vehicles against the median guard railing. The truck then bounced off the median, began to tip, and careened across the highway. Molly, with Willow's warning, was able to stop and avoid hitting anything or more importantly being hit by anything. At least 15 other vehicles weren't so lucky.

"Call 911. I'll get the first aid kit." Molly ordered.

Willow made the call while Molly opened the boot, tossing Willow's things on the ground to get to the first aid kit. She hauled it out and looked around. The 15 or so cars that had collided with each other all seemed okay. Their driver's and passengers were out, standing around, and gawking at the smoldering crushed cars. Molly rushed over to the median and saw that no one had survived. All that was left was a bloody collection of mangled body parts.

She stepped back and looked around. She spotted Willow scrambling up the hood of the overturned truck, hauling open the passenger-side door, and dropping into the truck's cab. Molly hurried over to the truck and briefly plotted how to climb the truck carrying the suitcase-sized medical kit that her grandfather insisted she have available.

Willow poked her head out of the door. "Kitty we need help, ASAP. I'm pretty sure the driver has had a stroke: his right side is paralyzed, only the left side of his face can smile, he can't form words... he's in deep trouble. Oh, and he weighs about 300 pounds so I can't move him. They heard sirens, "Molly, go tell the responders I need help. I'll stay with the driver until they tell me to get out of the way."

It wasn't long before emergency crews arrived. Like Molly, they checked the crushed cars, shook their heads and hurried over to the truck. They found Willow sitting sideways on the truck's center console talking softly to the injured driver and trying to reassure him. "Miss, if you'll get out, we'll take over."

Willow climbed up and out. She walked away after telling the medics what she thought. She found Molly talking to a couple cops. She appeared relaxed so Willow walked up beside her and took her hand. Molly turned, embraced her, and gave her a kiss. She turned to the cops, "This is Willow, my fiancée, she's the one who saved us. She noticed the truck acting weird and warned me to take control and slow down."

After that, the road was completely blocked for more than three hours. Willow and Molly sat and talked. They agreed, in principle, that they'd approach Molly's brother Jacob first. If he refused they'd ask her cousin David Cross. And if he refused, they'd ask Molly's favorite uncle John.

It was approaching 2:00 AM as Molly exited the Mass Pike to Soldier's Field Rd and followed the signs to Cambridge and Harvard Square. After turning down a couple side streets Molly pulled the car into the underground garage, "We're home Babe. Time to wake up."

FOUR YEARS LATER

Willow Leigh Hellsen, first in her class in the school of government, marched down the aisle leading the procession of graduates. She waved happily to the large contingent of Hellsen's attending the ceremony. Great grandmother Kate held 18-month-old Charles while Great Grandfather David held Charles' twin sister named Kari. Molly stood beside her grandparents and happily waved to her wife--while keeping a watchful eye on her babies. Willow tapped her belly as she waved; the twins had a new brother and sister due in about a month.

With Willow's graduation, and Molly having just finished her year clerking for the Chief Justice of the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals, Willow and Molly were headed back to Maryland. They hoped to get there and settled before Willow went into labor. Molly was slated to take a position as a Deputy Assistant US Attorney specializing in financial crime starting the following Monday. The US Attorney, an acquaintance of Aunt Vera, had promised Molly six weeks of maternity leave when Willow had the babies.

The babies waited for 11 days before Willow made the call, "Hey Kitty. The babies are on the way. I'm headed for the hospital. Your grandmother Kate and Jamie are with me. Love you."

The attendant rolled Willow's gurney into the delivery suite where an OB nurse helped her put on a gown and attached monitors to keep an eye on the babies. "Okay Mrs. Hellsen, you're all set. Try to relax. The doctor will be here in just a sec."

Willow was in the middle of a contraction when the doctor walked in. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Hellsen. How are you doing?"

Willow gasped for breath and released her grasp of the bed sheets. "That was the hardest one yet."

"Do you want pain meds as you progress."

"Hell yeah. Gimme the good stuff."

Emma Elizabeth Hellsen and Alexander Henry Hellsen made their appearance at 2:47 and 3:05 AM respectively. Molly cut the umbilicals while Kate and Jamie kept an eye on the nurses as they checked the babies. Done with the cutting, Molly held Willow's hand and kissed her on the forehead.

"Tired... Are our babies okay?" Willow mumbled.

"You did good, Babe. The babies are perfect. You're perfect. Here's Emma." The nurse handed the newborn to Molly and propped up Willow on a couple pillows. "Here ya' go Babe." Molly handed the tiny bundle to Willow. About five minutes later tiny Alex joined Emma in their mother's arms. Unlike when Charles and Kari were born, this time Molly remembered to take lots and lots of photos. (A month later, Molly and Willow's favorite was still the one where Willow, Emma, and Alex all yawned in unison."

"Hello Baby Emma. Hello Baby Alex." She kissed the two bald heads. "I think I need to sleep for a bit."

*****

The next five years were as close to idyllic as Willow could imagine. She raised her children, cooked, tended her home, and loved her wife absolutely. In her 'spare' time, Willow even finished all her core requirements for her Master's Degree in Public Policy. She was waiting to hear if her thesis advocating for a revamping of the US Disaster Response Methodology had been accepted. Molly, after passing her bar exam, progressed quickly up the ranks of the US Attorney's office.

Everything went cattywampus the evening Molly and Willow got dressed up a little to attend parent's night at Charles' and Kari's elementary school. As a 'treat' the school had invited Congressman Richard Handley to deliver a few remarks. He was unremarkable and unmemorable... until at the end of his talk he announced that after the upcoming election, in the next session of congress, he intended to introduce legislation that would ban LGBTQ+ students from attending public schools.

"Are you suggesting that sexuality or gender identity will determine who can and cannot attend a public school." Willow interrupted him. "Please tell me that's not what you're saying."

"Babe, have at him but be careful." Molly hissed as Willow stood up.

"Madam, I assure you, good, decent, normal people like you and I do not want these deviates and perverts mixing with our children. But, of course, my bill would provide funding for separate schools to rehabilitate the undesirables."

"And what about the 1954 Supreme Court ruling stating that separate but equal is inherently unequal?" Willow stayed standing as she issued her challenge.

"That, obviously, was designed to fight racial inequality. Where deviance is involved we have the right to legislate to protect normal..."

"Like you and me?" Willow interrupted with a deadly smile.

"Exactly. Like you and me."

Molly stood up. Willow took her hand. "Mr.... sorry, I've forgotten your name... My name is Willow Hellsen and this is my wife, Assistant US Attorney Molly Hellsen. Our four kids are at home with their great grandmother Katherine Hellsen right now. Let this be a warning to you, and a challenge. I will NOT stand by and let you or any other bigot in this country take away an innocent child's right to an education because their sexuality or gender identity doesn't conform to your unenlightened and prejudiced view of 'normal'."

The room broke into applause and Willow found herself surrounded by wellwishers.

*****

EPILOGUE - 23 Years Later

"Good evening. This is Michelle Marquez, Channel 53 News, we interrupt our scheduled broadcast for Wilson Chao reporting breaking news from the US Capitol."

"Thank you Michelle. The U. S. Senate moments ago confirmed Judge Molly Hellsen, of the US 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The Senate's final confirmation vote was 76 For and 23 Against. Senator Willow Hellsen, Justice Hellsen's spouse, recused herself from the debate and vote; however, the senator, along with three of the couple's four adult children, did observe the entire confirmation hearing and vote from the visitor's gallery."

"When she takes her oath, Justice Hellsen will become the third youngest person to serve as Chief Justice and the first woman. She will also be the first openly LGBTQ Chief Justice; although during her confirmation hearings she was visibly angry when Sen. Wallis (R-Kansas) attempted to make Justice Hellsen's sexuality an issue. The judge responded by asking the Senators on the Judiciary Committee how many of them were gay, bi-sexual, straight, or something else. Not one senator answered. 'You see Senators, just as your sexuality is none of my business; my sexuality is none of yours. Next question please, and let's try to keep it professional.'

"Shortly after that exchange the Judiciary Committee approved Justice Hellsen's nomination and forwarded it to the full senate."

Observers noted that Justice Hellsen's acerbic response was reminiscent of her late Grandmother, Katherine Hellsen. During a Senate hearing on the influence of Hellsen Inc., Mrs. Hellsen had refused to answer several questions she found insulting... despite one senator's threat to have her charged with Contempt of the Senate. 'My contempt for certain Senators is long held and well known.' Was Mrs. Hellsen's famous and oft-quoted response."

"Justice Hellsen is renowned, as is her spouse, for being non-partisan and willing to seriously consider all sides of an argument. That being said, the new Chief Justice is also well known for her antipathy toward capital punishment. She admits to being deeply influenced by an appeals court ruling shortly after she ascended to the bench, where the majority, despite Judge Hellsen's dissent, allowed the execution of convicted serial killer Victoria Pearl Madison to proceed; however, several years after the execution in Texas' death chamber, videos and documents surfaced proving Ms. Madison's innocence and exposing the true culprits."

"This is Wilson Chao, Channel 53 news, reporting from the capitol. Back to you Michelle."

*****

Later that evening, after attending an impromptu celebratory mixer with Molly's associates and clerks of the 4th Circuit, Willow and Molly lay side-by-side in bed holding hands. "I don't know if I told you this before, Kitty," Willow began, "But I was so very proud of you... the way you handled yourself all through the hearings. You were seriously impressive... and I'm saying that as a sitting US Senator, not as your adoring wife."

"Thanks Sweetheart. How are the kids handling it? They disappeared before I could free myself from the crowd."

"Emma and Kari are thrilled. Emma can't wait for her next conference with her firm's managing partner. She is dying to say 'But my Mom, The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is of the opinion..." Willow laughed. "Kari is just focused on her doctoral thesis and her newest boyfriend. Charlie is already making career plans: he's decided to run for my seat in the senate when I retire... or lose an election.

"Oh yeah, like that's going to happen! You only received 87.6% of all votes last year." Molly snorted and rolled over to get a kiss.

Willow continued, "I haven't spoken with Alex for a while, Spencer Industries keeps him on the move. He's somewhere over in Europe right now... I think."

Molly turned serious, "You know Babe, this afternoon during a recess in the debate, I overheard a couple of your colleagues discussing a rumor that the national committee leaders were going to approach you about a run for the presidency."

"What?!" Willow jolted up in the bed and turned on the bedside light. "Why in the hell would I want to be president... Why didn't you tell me this earlier? Shit, Kitty, how am I supposed to sleep now?"

"Next to me, obviously. Preferably naked." Molly grinned. She thought Willow was more beautiful than ever when she got worked up like this.

"... and besides," Willow continued after taking a breath, "Why would I, We, want to move from our place in Great Falls to that dump on Pennsylvania Avenue?"

"Ah, don't worry about if Babe. You're so moderate, you could never get elected anyway. The extreme left detests you because you hate abortion even though you swore to never vote for a law against it. Then there's the extreme right that hates you because you co-sponsored and were the national face for the amendment to specifically abolish capital punishment. Nah, I guess you're right, you could never get elected."

"Are you trying to reverse-psychologize me?"

"How dare you accuse me of such an underhanded and devious tactic." Molly laughed. "Hold it... Is psychologize even a word?" She reached over and played with the gold hoop in Willow's left nipple. "I admit nothing... Is it working?"

Willow sighed, "I need to talk to Emma; find out if it's worth it. Mmm, don't stop playing with my nipple. Plus, I'm only 47, don't you think that's too young?"

"Wow! You've accepted the idea as possible. Excellent. And no, you're not too young. For president, the age of candidacy is only 35... I hate to admit I had to look it up."

"I haven't accepted. I just want you to stop talking and use that lovely mouth and tongue for something more enjoyable."

"Uh huh." Molly muttered as she rolled on top of her wife and started kissing her way down Willow's still lithe and firm body... despite bearing four children... two sets of fraternal twins. "We'll see." She grinned; Willow moaned and grabbed Molly's silver-streaked red hair to guide her where she wanted her.

"How about I get you a nice warm glass of milk to help you relax and go to sleep?" Molly asked.

"I'd like that Madame Chief Justice. But you'd probably burn it."

"That's insulting... but true." Goodnight Babe, Love ya'."

*****

19 Months Later on a cold January day

The raucous crowd quieted for just a moment as the beautiful woman, whose long black hair had begun to show streaks of silver, rose from her chair and walked to the center of the platform. She wore her spouse's favorite dark aubergine skirt suit, long sleeved white silk blouse, and a coordinated scarf and long overcoat. She smiled at the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court and raised her right hand while she placed her left hand on the glass case holding the original copy of the United States Constitution on loan from the National Archives. "I, Willow Leigh Hellsen, do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully uphold the office of President of the United States..." The crowd's roar of approval drowned out the rest of her oath of office.

When the crowd quieted, Willow stood alone at the podium and behind a clear bulletproof screen. "Madam Chief Justice, Mr. President, Vice President Cole, Senator Moran, Speaker Chambers, Senator Prentiss, Congresswoman Kenneally, My fellow Americans..."

The End

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my stories.

I had originally planned to end the story with Molly's confirmation to the Supreme Court; however, a few days ago, as I was cleaning and dusting my collection of LP's I came across an album by the late Harry Chapin titled "The Last Protest Singer". On the album was a song titled, "I Don't Want To Be President." I laughed and thought 'Why Not Willow, stranger things have happened.'

Finally, as I've said before if you find a character interesting feel free to take them on new adventures.

Wrighter42