The Happiest Place on Earth, Chapter 22
The following is a story that I have been tinkering with for a year and a half. I have gone back and forth on parts of it. It starts off on a rather heavy note, but lightens up to match the title. I can only “hope” it works for you all.
Pairing: Miranda / Andrea - ‘cause I just can’t seem to care about any others.
Caroline and Cassidy are with us on this one.
Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own anything… really. As I have mentioned before, all I own in this world is a 2003 Toyota Corolla- although it is an LE. Nothing to get out of me if you sue… so don’t. Please, allow us poor folk some fun. We aren’t hurting anyone.
Rating: Have to go with NC-17 Sorry all you “innocents”, J don’t want to harm your virtue or anything. Rated due to SEX and adult only themes.
Which leads to the WARNINGS: I apologize, sincerely if this should offend anyone, but for some odd reason I was motivated, moved, +/or hypnotically commanded to write about a rape. It is not overly explicit, however it does occur. If you are not up to this, for any reason, I am sorry. Rewriting it just wouldn’t work. Again, sorry. I will alert w/ each chapter necessary w/o giving everything away.
Chapter 22: The girls are home. And so is Miranda’s ex.
Rating: NC-17 / M
The Happiest Place on Earth
Chapter 22
Andy sipped mindlessly at her coffee, waiting for Miranda to descend from the bedroom. It was already eleven o’clock and they had just now managed to awake after their active night. Andy let her thoughts drift back over their marathon of sex. Although they didn’t exactly break any kind of records in freakiness, it was Andy’s first ever experience in mutual cunnilingus. Even now, closing her eyes, all she could see was Miranda sexily extending her leg over Andy’s chest and lowering her hips so Andy could easily reach her center with a probing tongue. Andy had already been immersed in Miranda’s scent and taste when she felt the first swipe of Miranda’s own talented muscle. Andy had never been so over stimulated in her life. By the time her orgasm had released her to collapse back into the sweat dampened mattress, she could not physically move. She lay struggling for breath, her body tingling and suffering occasional spasms. Miranda had rolled to her side and, although weak from her own climax, she attempted to soothe Andy. Not getting any response but a breathless gasp, Miranda threatened to call the emergency services. A weak , amused “nnnnn…ooo” from Andy stayed her hand as she reached for the phone.
After a half hour, Andy regained enough strength to stand and Miranda assisted her into the shower. They washed quickly, removing the sweat and salt from their skin, followed by Miranda washing Andy’s hair. Afterwards, as Andy sat waiting in the arm chair, Miranda changed the bedding. Crawling into clean, dry, warm sheets, the twosome sought each other out, meeting in the middle of the bed. Miranda stretched out on her back, pulling Andy into her. Andy snuggled in, nuzzling into Miranda’s neck, breathing in her scent, finding a peaceful solace.
Lost in her memories, Andy never heard the cadence of Miranda’s heels as she entered the kitchen. She jumped as Miranda’s arms slid around her, a warm chuckle blowing across the back of her neck. “I think I know what was on your mind from the look on your face.”
“Mmm, guess I’m pretty obvious.”
“Are you upset?”
“No. Amazed, overwhelmed, enamored, stunned, and maybe a little proud, but not upset.”
“Good.” Miranda dropped a kiss to Andy’s cheek, then released her to get herself a cup of coffee. Turning back to her love she smiled mischievously and reminded Andy, “It would appear we forgot to move you out of your apartment yesterday.”
“I know”, Andy grinned. “Do you have time today before the girls get home?”
“I do. In fact, I am taking the entire day off. So we have,” glancing at her watch, “three hours before they arrive.”
“I’m ready whenever you are.”
“Well then, let us be off. Sunday traffic can be unpredictable.”
The task actually took four and a half hours. Caroline and Cassidy were home and waiting with their irate father by the time the women stumbled through the front door, juggling boxes of books. The cartons hit the foyer floor as the pair of redheads slid across the tile into their weather chilled bodies. Hugs and murmured greetings distracted the family from the man who stood glowering in the front hall. After initial pleasantries were exchanged, Miranda asked the girls to help Andy with her belongings while she directed Richard to the study. The door closed and Richard turned on Miranda with venom, “What the hell are you up to, Miranda?”
“To what are you referring, Richard?”, Miranda asked in a sugary pleasant voice.
“Don’t play games with me. What do you mean by bringing your plaything into this house with my children? I won’t stand for this, Miranda. I’ll take you to court.”
“Oh, stop blowing your hot air. I can afford the heating bill, I don’t need your help.”
“I…”
“Stop, Richard. Just stop. I will not explain myself to you. Nor will I defend my actions. If you think you can find a lawyer to agree to try this in a court of law, or even a judges chambers, feel free. But I am telling you now. If you do try to harm Andréa, or the girls with such a selfish act, I will destroy you. We are in the twenty-first century, Richard. People are allowed to love whomever they wish. The courts are backing same sex couples, especially now with same sex marriages gaining legal status. There is no evidence of any kind that I have hurt our children in any way with my relationship. And, if you actually listened to your daughters, you might realize that they adore Andréa, and I believe, if pressed, they will choose her over you. So I strongly recommend you let it drop.”
Richard stood red faced and scowling at Miranda’s words. He was holding his breath as he went over everything in his head. Blowing the breath out, he seemed to calm down a bit and Miranda hoped he would be more reasonable.
“I don’t like this, Miranda.”
“I know.”
“I don’t like this woman having a say in how my girls are being raised.”
“Richard…” Miranda warned.
“I don’t know her. It is a valid concern.”
“I do know her. Do you think I would let someone of questionable character have a say in my girls lives? That I would let such a person near my children?”
“Well, no. But you did marry Stephen.”
“And although he and I married under false pretense and the marriage failed, he was still a gentleman of mostly decent character. He never said a word against my girls.” Before Richard could come up with anything else, Miranda continued, “Richard, you know how I am. You know I’m like a mother bear with those two. No one would dare try to harm a hair on their heads. Andréa has known me for close to three years. She has observed me with my children long before there was anything between us. She knows she would never survive intentionally harming my daughters. I think you know this is a false argument you are posing. Would you like to try to be honest now?”
“Fine. I don’t want people finding out my ex-wife is a dyke. Are you happy now?”
“Oh yes. I am thrilled. Richard, you are easily one of the greatest asses I have had the displeasure to know. At times like this, I even wonder about my ability to judge character. To think I actually loved you.”
“Miranda, this is ridiculous.”
“No, Richard, you are ridiculous. I see now that none of this has anything to do with our children. You are simply embarrassed to have to admit you were not man enough to keep your wife straight.”
“Oh please…”
“I know. Rather backwards thinking for such a progressive man such as yourself. Don’t worry, Richard. You can always blame Stephen for this twist of fate.”
“Miranda, I swear…” Richard blew out in frustration.
“And I swear, if I find out you spend any time with the girls trying to disparage Andréa, our relationship, or this family, I will turn on you with everything my money can afford. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal. As always.” Richard backed down. “Fine, Miranda. I promise not to say a word against you and your playmate. But if I notice any odd behavior from my girls, I will come after you.”
“Richard, they are entering their teen years. If that is the qualifier for your threat, you better have a lawyer on a very long term retainer.”
Richard simply glared at Miranda, then wrenched the door open and stormed out. He was so angry he forgot to say goodbye to his daughters. The front door slammed and Miranda sat back heavily against her desk. Her moment of solitude was brief at best. Caroline entered and quietly appeared at Miranda’s elbow.
“Did dad leave?”
“Yes, bobbsey, he’s gone.”
“I’m sorry we got you in trouble.”
Miranda’s eyes crinkled up in a genuine smile as she put an arm around Caroline’s shoulders and hugged her close. “My darling girl. You did not get me in trouble.”
“But dad’s been real mad all week.”
“I’m sure he has been. What exactly did you say to him?”
“Nothing, really. Me and Cass were just telling him all about our vacation. He wasn’t even really listening to us until Cass told him about Andy getting up naked to help her when she wasn’t feeling good. Then all of a sudden, he got red and started asking us all these questions. We pretty much had to go over everything we already told him. I told him all about how cool Andy was at Disney World and Cass went and told him about how we asked her about sex. He got real mad at that and then he wanted to know how long Andy had been coming around and everything. I don’t know why he was so upset. It’s not like Andy’s been smackin’ us around or anything.”
“I know dear. It’s just your father’s manly way. Where is your sister?”
“Oh, right.“ Caroline startled. “Are you done down here? Andy needs your help upstairs.”
“Oh, of course. What’s the trouble?”
“She doesn’t know where to put all her clothes.”
Miranda and Caroline climbed the stairs to find Andy and Cassidy sitting on the floor in the hallway, each with a pile of clothes in her lap.
“Took ya long enough” Cassidy complained to her sister.
“Honestly, Andréa, this is the best you could do?”
“I didn’t want to haul everything to the room only to have to move it again. “
“Mmmm, yes. Well, come along.” Miranda ordered, leading them to her bedroom. Once in the closet, Miranda reviewed the collection and decided, “This isn’t so bad. All we have to do is pull everything out of season.” She began removing the items hung on the right. Andy stood back, her arms laden with her own sparse collection, as Caroline helped her mother strip half the closet bare. Once finished with their task, mother and daughter stood aside to allow Andy and Cassidy to unload their burdens.
“Miranda, what are you going to do with all of those?” Andy asked incredulously, pointing at the pile on the bed.
“Cara will take them for her church. Don’t worry, Andréa, they will go to good use.”
“Wow. What are they, like six months old? Worn only once?”
“Don’t be silly. I wore some of them twice.” Miranda’s rejoinder had no venom, just sarcastic playfulness. Andy heaved an internal sigh of relief that she hadn’t stepped on sensitive toes. “Is that all you had left of your belongings?”
“I, uh, still need a place for the… intimates.”
“Of course. You may have this dresser.”
Andy glanced at the dresser Miranda intended and instantly knew it had been used for the ex-husbands’ things. A slight frown crossed her face as she tried to identify how that made her feel. Miranda’s hushed voice next to her ear made her wince in reflex. “We can get a new bedroom set if you are that upset.”
“No. Really. It’s fine. Just a little weird.”
“This entire relationship is a little weird.” Miranda squeezed Andy’s hand in understanding before turning away and changing the subject and atmosphere with a casual announcement, “What say we go out for ice cream?”
“Really?” Cassidy beamed.
“Yes. It has been a fruitful, busy day. I think we have earned it.”
The girls were out the door and racing down the stairs before Miranda could change her mind. The smile of amusement across Miranda’s face melted Andy’s heart. Andy tugged at Miranda’s hand, pulling her into a warm embrace. Wrapped in Andy’s support, Miranda blew out the frustrated sigh she had been holding since her conversation with Richard.
“Was it so terrible?” Andy asked.
“The man is an ass. It should not come as a surprise to me. I knew it when I divorced him. However, I should have been more forthright with him before all this. I should have told him what I was planning from beginning. He is there father. He has a right to know.”
“Did he tell you every time he was involved with someone new?”
“No.”
“Then you owe him nothing.”
“But I am the more mature adult.”
“He would have had a cow either way. This way, we had a beginning without guilt. So screw him.” Andy giggled, “Well, don’t ‘screw’ him. Just forget about it.”
Miranda closed the slight distance between them, pressing her suddenly hungry lips to Andy’s. The contact blew the top off their simmering ardor, inflaming their desire from controlled smolder to burning flame in 0.3 seconds. As Andy felt the bed catch her fall, the voices of the girls yelling from the front door iced their interaction. “Mom, Andy, come on.”
“Dear God. You are an addiction. I can’t not want you. I have never felt such a constant desire.” Miranda confessed, staring down at Andy.
“You? How do you think I feel? The most beautiful woman to ever grace the pages of Runway, and I get to be with her. No one would ever condemn me for wanting to turn my back on civilization and remain holed up here with you.”
“But really, Andréa, wouldn’t you think after last night that we might be able to take a short recess?”
“My mind says yes, but my body says no freakin’ way.”
“You are a smooth talker, aren’t you?”
“Talked my way in here, didn’t I?” Andy had placed her hand over Miranda’s heart.
“You did.” Miranda’s face suddenly morphed into a serious cast. “From the moment in your interview when you said you did not fit in at Runway, you had an in to my heart.”
“MOOOMM! COME ONNN”
“All right, Caroline. We are coming.” Miranda rose her voice a bit, making it known she was not pleased with Caroline’s screaming.
“Speak for yourself. I was barely getting warm.” Andy teased following Miranda across the floor. “Ow! What was that for?” she rubbed the spot on her arm that Miranda had just pinched.
“Just trying to help you get your libido under control. God knows I don’t need to hear reports from Richard how my girlfriend corrupted my daughters at the ice cream parlor.”
“I promise I’ll be good.” Andy capitulated. “At least until we get home.”
They descended the stairs hand in hand, grinning at each other like a pair of simpletons. Once they reached the foyer Cassidy accused, “For Pete’s sake, can’t you two keep your hands off each other for five minutes?”
The concussion of Andy’s slap upside her head and Miranda’s verbal admonishment hit her at the same time.
“Cassidy Marie. I have a mind to lock you in your room.” Miranda glared at the girl, not giving her an inch.
“Sorry.”
“Hmm. Maybe you should stay here and catch up on you school readings.”
“I said I was sorry.” Cassidy pleaded.
“She kind of has a point.” Andy tried to help the child out. The glare turned up to meet Andy’s amused eyes.
“Perhaps you should stay home too.” Miranda countered.
“Can I be locked in my room?” Andy leered.
“Oh, do shut up.” Miranda huffed, sounding remarkably like Emily. “Get our coats.” she ordered Andy. Once the fur collar of her leather coat curled around her neck, Miranda was out the door, leading her family down the street in a regimental march towards the ice cream shop. Andy ducked into a Starbuck’s and caught up to the family just as they were entering the ice cream parlor. She handed the cup off to Miranda and joined the girls in line, leaving a smiling Miranda to find a table.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Butter Crunch, and Mocha Coffee were the flavors of choice for the day. Miranda absently sipped her coffee while she enjoyed the chatter of her family. As they strolled down the sidewalk towards home Miranda took Andy’s arm and moved in close to be heard without having to speak loudly.
“I believe you are happily unaware of the photographer who has been capturing our outing since you handed me my coffee.”
“What?! Where?” Andy stopped to look around. Miranda tugged her arm and pulled her along.
“Don’t make a scene, Andréa. We do not need to feed their voracious appetites. Just walk along like nothing is amiss.”
“Shit, Miranda. What are we going to do?”
“Absolutely nothing. Do you think if I was concerned with the potential outcome, I would be walking with you like this?” She squeezed Andy’s arm briefly to make her point.
“You’re ok with being outed already?”
“I am. Are you?”
“I guess I better be.” Andy answered with resolve. “Oh, crap.” came as an after thought.
“Is there a problem?”
“I guess I better call my parents.”
“You have not discussed this with your parents yet?” Miranda was astounded.
“Not really.”
“Not really? Just what have you told them?”
“I told them I was with you in Florida.”
“But as an assistant and glorified babysitter?”
“That may be what the assumed. I didn’t specifically say.”
“Andréa, when we arrive home, you will call your family. And if you have other friends that need to know, you will make those calls too.”
“Who have you told?”
“My girls.”
“That’s all?”
“They are the only ones in my life that matter.”
“Fine. I’ll make the phone calls. But you better be on stand by to pick up the pieces.”
“You don’t think it will go well?”
“I really don’t know.” Andy answered honestly.