Persistence(6)

"Let's stay here." Drew suggested pushing Kate onto her back. Taking in the sight of Kate's chest rising and falling erratically, Drew gazed into her eyes. "God, you're still so beautiful, even after all these years. If I could only be sixteen again."

"This is our chance to relive the past. Be sixteen again, Drew. Show me how much you loved me. Make love to me."

Drew's eyes began to water. Pressing her face into Kate's clothed breasts, Drew inhaled deeply, taking in her distinctive scent. "God, Katherine. I never thought I'd hear those words from you, and I can't believe I'm about to say this. As much as I'd like to do this, I don't think it's right. You mean to much to me to take you in a drunken stupor. I'd much rather wait to see if this really is something we want to do sober. I wouldn't want to regret it or lose your friendship. Please, try to understand."

"I do. You truly are a wonderful person, Drew. We'll wait. For now though, come to bed with me. I want you to hold me tonight."

Drew was awakened late in the night by the sound of the front door. Noting the time, she realized it was past Lola's curfew. Sliding out of bed softly, as not to wake Kate, Drew opened the bedroom door in time to see Lola's close. Drew went up to the door and knocked.

Lola yanked it open surprised to see Drew standing there in only a t-shirt and boxer shorts. "Drew, what are you doing here?"

"It's a little past your curfew, isn't it?"

"Oh please. It's not like Mom even misses me with you around. So, what's the deal? Give her flowers and get an invitation to bed?"

Stepping into the room, Drew closed the door behind her. "How dare you speak about your mother like she's some sort of tramp? She's hurting, Lola. I'm just being her friend. I don't want to replace Paul in her life or yours."

"Then stop acting like it!"

"I'm not. I'm just trying to be a friend to your mom and to you."

"Well, maybe that's not what I want! Did you ever think of that?"

Drew stared at Lola with hurt and confusion. "Then what is it that you want from me, Lola? If you could have your way, how would I fit into your life? You've been acting strange with me for a week. What's wrong? What do you want from me?" Drew asked holding out her arms in frustration. They stared at each other for a few moments before Lola's eyes grew wet. Instantly Drew embraced her. Their eyes were still locked, Drew's questioning the emotions of Lola's. Suddenly Drew felt Lola's mouth sensuously lock with hers. Instantly Drew pulled away. "What's with you? Have you been drinking?"

"Drew, please." Lola begged holding Drew by the arms.

"Please what? Why did you just kiss me?"

"Because I've always wanted to."

"What? Lola, you're the daughter of my best friend. What do you mean you've always wanted to?"

"Drew, I never knew what I was feeling for you until you told me about being gay. Then suddenly it made sense."

"What did?"

"I want to be with you, Drew."

Pulling away completely, Drew crossed her arms protectively. "I'm not hearing this. Lola, listen to me. You're confused about your sexuality. That's okay. We can deal with that, but how do I fit into this picture? I'm old enough to be your mother. What would I tell your mom, my best friend? You're seventeen. I'm the sheriff of this county. Plainly you can see why this could never work."

"I don't care about any of that, Drew. All I know is what I feel. I want to feel you, Drew. I want to feel you touching me." Lola tried to pry Drew's arms open but to no avail.

Trying desperately to calm her erratic heart, Drew firmly stated, "I can't, Lola. I'm sorry, but it's not possible." Roughly Lola pushed Drew away and collapsing on the bed, she began to sob. "Look try to get some rest. You're obviously drunk and don't know what you're asking of me."

Lola glared at her with anger and hurt, a look Drew had never seen Lola cast at her before. "Of course I know what I'm asking, Drew! I'm not a child! I'm asking you to take me! I want you to hold me and make love to me! How much plainer can I make it? I know what I want!"

"God, please don't say that, Lola."

"Get out! Go back to my mother's bed! That's where you've always wanted to be! I don't want you in here!"

Drew withdrew from the room. Going into the living room, she fell onto the couch. Lying alone Drew thought about Lola's proposition. It was obvious that this had been brewing for some time, longer than she'd known about Drew being a lesbian. Drew wondered how she could've missed the signs. Distressed over what to tell Kate, Drew stayed up most of the night restlessly tossing on the couch.





CHAPTER THREE



IN THE MORNING she awoke to Kate in the kitchen. Following the smell of coffee, Drew made her way into the kitchen, falling into a chair. Kate glanced up from the stove. "Drew, I woke up and you were gone. Want some coffee?"