Returning Home 4
It was after two in the morning and Andy was still awake. She sat in her study in front of a bucket of Founder's Favorite ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery revising an article for the upteenth time. Jacques Brel's voice drifted from a nearby speaker. His lyrics pierced her soul. The Belgian's songs are anywhere from joyful to downright depressing. Many nights have been spent nursing a bottle of red wine with "Ne Me Quitte Pas" on repeat. While her personal life remains in shambles, her professional life was still chugging along. Andy was surprised at her easy transition. It had been years since she last published something. Her latest article detailed the hardships affecting people unable to escape conflict ridden areas. She was scanning the final paragraph of her article when she heard a knock at the door. Andy glanced at the digital clock sitting on the edge of her desk,, which read 2:38 AM-Who could be here at this time of night?
"Wait a sec." She ran to her room for a robe. The knocking persisted "Hold on dammit. I'm coming-" Andy opened the door to a blurred eyed Serena.
"I didn't know where else to go. I'm so-" she was obviously distraught over something. And it must be serious to show up at Andy's this late.
"Don't worry about it" She stepped aside to allow Serena's entrance "Have a seat. I will be right back." After shutting down her laptop and placing the ice cream in the freezer, she went to her bedroom and grabbed her stash. She knew from Serena's appearance that this was definitely one of those occassions. Sitting down next to Serena she pulled out some papers and a piece of bud. Andy proceeded to roll a joint while she waited patiently for Serena to tell her what happened.
"It's...it's over." Andy tried to mask her shock at Serena's words.
She sparked the joint and took a hard hit. She didn't know how to respond.
Serena continued "I couldn't be at home. There are too many things that remind me of her. I couldn't think and before I knew it....I was standing in front of your building " Andy wiped a stray tear from her cheek and passed her the joint.
"You're free to stay here tonight. So what brought about the sudden change?" she knew they were having problems, but nothing other than their usual spat concerning the long distance nature of their relationship.
"Apparently she met someone else." she took a hit. Blowing the smoke from her nostrils "Can you believe I was planning on surprising her in two weeks?"
Andy took the joint "You didn't mention anything special at our last dinner." She took another hit.
"I must have slipped my mind. I was shocked at how eager Miranda was to give me a week's worth of vacation." she ran her fingers through her long honey-blonde hair "And you know how she is about missing work. Hell, Jocelyn practically gave birth in Runway."
Andy had to laugh "She does have a strong work ethic." She put the joint out in the ashtray. "I know it's late, but would you like a drink?" She nodded. "Alright. Be back in a sec."
Andy returned with to two vodka tonics and lime. "Here," she said handing Serena her drink. Andy took a sip of her own drink "Don't you want to see if there is a chance you could work it out? You can still go to Paris."
They sat in silence for a moment. After finishing her drink she looked Andy in the eyes "If I am really honest with myself, then I must admit it's been over for quite some time now." she sat her glass on the coffee table. Then taking Andy's glass, she sat it next to the one she was previously holding. "I need you, Andrea." Serena stroked her fingers through Andy's dark brown locks while holding a firm gaze.
Before Andy knew it, Serena was kissing her in the most delicious way. Her body responded instantly to Serena's touch. 'Oh my god' "Wait wait..." she was cut off by an even more intense kiss.
"You do realize I have been attracted to you for quite some time now." she lick at Andy's earlobe.
"No. I mean yes, but...." Andy's blood was boiling it had been far too long. If she didn't stop now, she couldn't be responsible for what happens next. Pushing Serena off of her "We can't. At least not this way."
Andy sat up and pulled Serena's head into her lap. She began to stroke her hair, leaning down to place a soft kiss on her forehead Andy whispered "It's not that I don't want to. You're beautiful. Who wouldn't? But we have something special and I would hate to fuck it by taking advantage of you during a difficult time." 'There has got to be a drug for my stupidity'' Serena nodded in understanding. Adam Levine's voice drifted into the room.
If I give my heart to you
I must be sure from the very start
That you would love me more than her
Andrea could feel Serena relaxing under her touch. Andy liked what they had. It whatever it was- was easy. It wasn't complicated like what Andy had with Miranda. And sex with Serena would lead to expectations, which in return, make things more difficult.
Cause I couldn't stand the pain
And I would be sad
If our new love was in vain
She sat and held Serena in silence and listened to her iPod shuffle through her playlist. "Let's go to bed." Andy said rubbing her thumb against Serena's cheek. They remained quiet as Andy undressed Serena. She took off her robe and removed her bra and thong. She settled in to bed and wrapped her arm around Serena's mid-section. Placing a soft kiss behind her ear, Andy whispered, "Boa noite, Rio".
********
Andy was sitting on the her bar stool drinking coffee and reading the newspaper when Serena walked in. She thought it was damn near impossible to look that good after just waking up. She was wearing a pair of white boy shorts and Andy's Northwestern sweat shirt, "Bom dia. I hope I didn't make a fool of myself last night."
Andy waved her off. "Good morning." she looked up from her paper "There is some sliced fruit, pancakes, and coffee on the counter. You should eat something."
Serena picked up her plate of food and coffee and took the bar stool next to Andy. "Do you have anything planned for the day?"
She took off her glasses and sat the paper down "I am going over to the townhouse to visit with the children for a bit. Caroline needs help with an essay. Why?"
She picked up a strawberry and put it in her mouth. "Would you like to come over for dinner afterward. I am making feijoada."
"Sure. I should be finish no later than 7:30," she said snatching a piece of pineapple off of Serena's plate.
Serena seemed nervous. "What is it?" she said feeding her another strawberry.
"I would like you to stay after dinner. Spend the night with me" taking a sip of her coffee.
Andy hopped off the stool "I don't know. Let me see how the day progresses." She placed the plates in the dishwasher. She walked over to where Serena was still sitting on the bar stool. She grabbed her hand and with a smile said, "I'm exhausted. Let's go back to bed."
"Only if you promise not to snore." she said following Andy into the bedroom.
"I usually don't. I must have slept well." she said removing her robe and climbing back in to bed.
*********
Andy knocked on the door to Miranda's study "May I come in?"
Without looking up from The Book she responded "Yes"
"I didn't mean to interrupt. I just finished helping Caroline with her essay, so I am taking off now" Andy turned to leave.
"Can you stay for dinner? Maria made that pork you like." Andrea halted her steps and faced the silver haired fox. She wanted to say yes. However it was difficult being at the townhouse and not being home.
"I would love to stay, but I have a plans." she looked at her watch it was 7:48 "I am already late."
Miranda led Andy to the door "Well good night, Andrea."
"I will see you tomorrow. The kids asked me to take them to see this new film that they are just dying to watch."
"Okay" she said opening the door for Andy's exit. "Until tomorrow."
"Bye" she said heading towards the awaiting car. Mark, her driver, opened the door for Andy to enter.
Good evening, Mark." Andy said entering the car. She gave Mark the address to Serena's apartment, then turned and starred out the window. She watched as the streets of NY passed by.
********
Andy was helping Serena clean up the mess from dinner when she decided to pop the question "I have something I need to ask you.:
Placing the leftovers in the refrigerator she said "Go ahead."
"I realize you have a week's worth of vacation...And I am taking the boys to Spain in two weeks for their Spring Break" she nervously ran her hand through her hair " I was wondering if you would like to come with us"
"Are you sure?" she said giving Andy a wicked grin "Spain is a very beautiful country...romantic, in fact. I may not be able to resist."
"I think we could have a good time together. Should anything arise..." Andy trailed off.
"Should anything arise. What?" Serena replied closing the distance between her and Andy.
"Let's just go with the flow. You know. No expectations." Andy yawned. "Now I am tired. Let's go to bed."
"Te quiero con todo mi corazon" she said placing a soft kiss against Andy's lips. Andy had a weakness for languages. Miranda spoke different languages. Sex quickly became a learning experience. "But I will patient, as my name-sake states. Tonight I am going to hold you." They undressed and crawled into bed.
Andy turned to face Serena "Dame un otro besito." Serena quickly obliged the request. She was unsurprisingly a great kisser. Very passionate. They laid in bed making out until they drifted into blissful sleep. While she remained very much in love with Miranda, as she laid here in Serena's arms, she was absolutely content.
TBC
In case you're interested in the song : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbx4sglXruQ
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