The Happiest Place on Earth, Chapter 29
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”, I 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 29: Revenge w/ a touch of class
Rating: PG13 / K+ for implications if not Technicolor paintings
Note: I do apologize for the abscense. Work schedule was upended due to covering for a friend and coworker who is going through breast cancer treatment w/ his wife. Home life has been upended w/ a freakin' predator picking off the chickens that are too stubborn to go into the coop at night. Due to my failing anger management class, I am not allowed to carry a gun. So I am left with trying to outsmart a natural, night time predator. I am failing. But at least three of the tree sitting chickens have decided it is actually warmer and safer in the coop at night. Sorry, I'm ranting again. I know, I know, I should be using this energy to write the next chapter.... I'm on it (like Blue Bonnet)
The Happiest Place on Earth
Chapter 29
Miranda stretched, shifting one muscle at a time, reveling in the familiar lethargy that infused her body after a night of love. She smiled at a twinge in her thigh, remembering exactly how she pulled it, momentarily overcome by the emotions that infused her heart. She knew, beyond a doubt, that Andréa Sachs would be the death of her and she prayed the woman would never leave. She repositioned onto her back. Turning her head to find the woman of her musings sitting on the bed next to her dressed in flannel boxer shorts and a tank top, waiting patiently.
“Hi”, Andy offered a brightly cheerful grin when Miranda’s eyes found her.
“Good morning,” Miranda murmured, still half asleep. “Well, what is it?” Miranda asked. She could easily read Andy’s body and could tell the girl was struggling to keep her mouth clamped shut, so as not to overwhelm Miranda with early morning exuberance.
Andy’s response was to crawl over Miranda, straddling her hips, and offering a sweet, chaste good morning kiss. Sitting back on Miranda’s thighs, Andy tumbled into the conversation that had been swirling through her head while she waited for Miranda to awake.
“I was thinking about what happened yesterday.”
“Our night of unbridled passion?” Miranda prodded.
“No. My run in with Richard.” The words instantly brought a tight scowl across Miranda’s visage, her body tensing, readying itself for war. Andy took Miranda’s hands and brought them both to her lips, leaving kisses across her knuckles before drawing the cools hands to her chest to hold for safe keeping.
“Miranda, don’t”, she commanded softly. “This is what I want to discuss with you.” Meeting Miranda’s angry eyes directly, she continued, ”I love how you are so fiercely protective of me. I also love how you always put your girl’s welfare ahead of everything.” She paused a moment to be sure Miranda was really listening. Nodding at the slight softening of Miranda’s expression she persisted. “I know you’re instinct is to destroy Richard, but you can’t do that.” A small snort gave Andy pause. Squeezing Miranda’s hand she went on. “Seriously, Miranda, you can not go after him in an act of aggression. Anything you pull out of your hat would have negative repercussions. The girls would suffer. At the very least they would be forced to choose sides. That would be so unfair to them.”
“What would you have me do?” Miranda questioned, actually curious to hear Andy’s answer.
“As I said last night, kill him with kindness. “ An arched eyebrow gave her all the prompting she needed to explain. “I have a theory…”
“A theory?”
“Yes. And be nice.” Andy dragged Miranda’s right hand up to nip at her palm. “I believe that Richard is not emotionally divorced from you. I think, even though you have been apart for seven years, that he still considers you his wife. So, I think we should have the twins invite him over with his latest conquest for dinner. It will be absolute torture for him to bear witness to our happiness for an entire evening. And he won’t have an out for his frustrations since he won’t attack you in front of his daughters.”
A slow Cheshire Cat smile turned Miranda’s lips. “I am beginning to think I have been underestimating you.”
“Most people do.” Andy smirked. “I think it’s the breasts.”
“I can’t argue that.” Miranda confessed as she traced fingers lightly around one of the objects in question. “Although, I think I would be more apt to blame your eyes. Always open and beguiling yet, they somehow manage to camouflage your razor sharp wit.”
“So does that mean we’ll put my plan in action?”
“Oh, most definitely. The sooner, the better.” Miranda tugged at Andy’s hair, pulling the woman down to meet her own questing lips.
************************************************************************
Two hours later, Miranda emerged from the washroom, ready to spend a few hours at work, fulfilling the responsibilities she had ignored for a night. She found Andy in the kitchen, working on her coffee and the Times’ crossword puzzle. Pouring herself a cup, she moved to stand beside Andy’s chair, her hands restlessly combing through chocolate tresses. Andy leaned into the touch and hummed in satisfaction. Half a cup of coffee later, Miranda bent and left a loving buss against Andy’s temple. “Thank you for last night. It was certainly what I needed.” Miranda whispered seductively into the shell of Andy’s ear.
“You are more than welcome.” Andy replied, her voice gravelly from a sudden rush of passion.
“Will you call the girls and have them invite their father to stay for dinner tomorrow?”
“Really? Tomorrow?“
“You know how I love to sit on a plan of action.”
“Ok.” Andy responded carefully.
“And be sure to tell the girls to impress upon him that it was their idea. If he thinks we are unaware of the invitation until last minute, he will see it as a point in his favor in this silly war.”
“Got it. Anything else?”
“Yes, we are going out tonight. Make reservations at that sushi place for seven.”
“Right.”
“Wear the red Hervé Léger bandage dress.”
“The one with the V neck?”
“Yes. And the Kors faux silver fox jacket.”
“We’re having a sequel tonight, aren’t we?” Andy preened cheekily.
“Is that going to be a problem?” Miranda squinted with a mock glare.
“No! No problem.”
“Very well. I will see you this evening.” Miranda left Andy with the imprinted feel of hungry lips against her wanting mouth.
**********************************************************************
Caroline and Cassidy burst into the house, brightening the atmosphere with their excited energy. Miranda met them in the front hall, engulfing them both in needy arms. The chill that had grabbed at them in the few moments of their run from the car, dissipated quickly in the warmth of the house and Miranda’s embrace.
“Hello, my darlings. How was you weekend?”
“Ok.” Cassidy mumbled against Miranda’s shoulder.
“Boring” Caroline admitted, looking up to read her mother’s eyes. She was relieved to see mischief sparkling in their depths.
“Did you convince your father to stay for dinner?”
“Yeah. He’s just parking the car. He’ll be here in a minute.”
“Is he alone?”
“No. He has Jenna with him.”
“Ahh, the latest collegiate.”
“Mom, be nice.” Caroline rebuked. “She’s really not that bad. And he’s been with her for over a year, now.”
“Intriguing. All right. Lose the coats and go find Andréa. I believe she is slaving in the kitchen.”
The girls followed orders and disappeared deeper into the house when the front door swung open to allow Richard and his companion. Miranda stepped forward to welcome them, swallowing the urge to strike out at Richard, she put all her effort into being hospitable and entertaining. Approaching Richard’s lady friend, Miranda reached out to clasp her hands and pulled her close for a friendly greeting, touching her cheek to the young woman’s.
“Well, it is good to finally meet you, Jenna. The girls have spoken of you often.”
“Thank you. And thank you for having us. I’m sorry the twins sprung us on you like this.”
“Oh, it’s no bother. We are happy to have you. May I take your coat?”
Miranda was acting the perfect hostess and Richard was watching warily, waiting for the attack.
"Richard? Your coat?" Miranda asked, reaching a hand out to accept the weight of the heavy wool.
“Miranda.” Richard spoke in recognition and wonder.
“Please, follow me. I hope you don’t mind,” Miranda fairly gushed as she took Jenna’s elbow to guide her through the house, “but we are enjoying a family dinner in the kitchen this evening. We prefer the comfortable intimacy it offers.”
“Oh, that will be lovely.” Jenna followed, wide eyed in surprise. Their hostess was nothing like Richard described. She was warm, inviting, and pleasant. Not the cold hard bitch he continually ranted about.
They entered the kitchen to find Caroline and Cassidy busily assisting Andy with the dinner. Miranda turned to pour wine for the newcomers and announced, “Andréa, our guests have arrived.”
Andy turned from the stove with a beautiful thousand watt smile lighting up her face. “Hello. Welcome. We’re so glad you could make it.” She did not offer a physical show of welcome since she was busy attending the cream sauce, but her natural warmth infused the air with acceptance and she didn’t even change expression when her eyes met Richard’s. “Come in and find a seat. We already have some appetizers out, if you’re hungry.” She nodded towards the island counter and the spread of culinary offerings. Jenna and Richard both accepted glasses from Miranda and Jenna stepped unabashedly toward the food.
“Oh, wow. This is delicious. Richard, you have to try one of these mushrooms.”
To say Richard was confused was an understatement. Confounded, bewildered, and flabbergasted were probably more accurate. He stared, mouth slightly open, wine glass half way to his lips, and eyes clouded with expectant concern. This had to be a set up. At some point, these two formidable women were going to blast him. As the absurdity of the evening wore on, he was convinced that they really were planning to kill him and dump his body.
The girls were animated and amusing during dinner. Miranda and Andy interacted in a manner that displayed their support and feeling for one another. Miranda helped present the dinner and while moving about the work area, she would frequently place a hand to Andy’s lower back or arm, directing bodies to avoid collision. They would softly murmur instructions to each other, highlighting their natural affection and familiarity. Each touch, smile, and whispered word was a knife digging into Richard’s psyche. Jenna, not comprehending that she was in the midst of a hostile battle, thoroughly enjoyed her evening.
At the dinner table, instead of having the hosts take their usual positions at opposite ends, Miranda sat at the head with Andy directly to her right. Richard sat opposite Miranda with Jenna to his left and the twins sat next to each other. Dinner conversation rambled all over the place. Topics ran from work to politics to college choices for the girls. Somehow, in some way, Miranda was able to connect every subject to herself and Andy, imbuing every comment with a note of permanence, implying that their’s was an immutable, stable, lasting relationship.
At one point, after the dessert had been decimated, the girls and Andy were sharing a hearty laugh with Jenna when Miranda’s eyes locked with Richard’s. The message, though flashed so briefly through her eyes, was definite, absolute, and hard: “Never again.” The light of understanding finally dawned in Richard’s eyes. Never again clearly covered it all. Never would he and Miranda again be together, never would he again say a word against Andy, and never would he again ever threaten Miranda with the girls as pawns. This war was over and Miranda was the clear victor. He winced with the loss but raised his glass in a silent toast, nodding his head in surrender. The smile Miranda returned was genuine. Meant to absolve, it really only managed to make Richard’s loss just that much more poignant.
At the door, coats wrapped tightly against the cold night air, Richard and Jenna made their farewells. Jenna waited patiently at the door while Richard took his turn. First, offering a kiss to Miranda’s cheek, “Thank you. It was a memorable night.”
“I am pleased. Thank you for joining us.” Miranda spoke with deeper meaning.
Turning to Andy, Richard took her hand and raised it to kiss her knuckles. Not breaking eye contact he began, “I… um, I’m…”
“I accept” Andy whispered, saving him from more embarrassment. “Water under the bridge.”
“Thank you.” He spoke with conviction. “And thank you for being so good for all of them.” he added.
“Oh, please,” Andy chuckled. “Absolutely my pleasure.”
“Mmm, I’m sure.” He stepped away. “Well, ladies, thank you and good night.”
The door closed and Andy fell back into Miranda’s embrace. After a moment’s silence Miranda nudged Andy, “Surely you are not going to pass up this moment.”
“I am not going to lower myself. You and I both know it, so why should I say it?”
“Because you really want to.” Miranda snickered.
“True that.” Andy laughed. Twisting from Miranda’s hold Andy ran for the stairs. “I told you so.” rang out into the echoing home.
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”, I 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 29: Revenge w/ a touch of class
Rating: PG13 / K+ for implications if not Technicolor paintings
Note: I do apologize for the abscense. Work schedule was upended due to covering for a friend and coworker who is going through breast cancer treatment w/ his wife. Home life has been upended w/ a freakin' predator picking off the chickens that are too stubborn to go into the coop at night. Due to my failing anger management class, I am not allowed to carry a gun. So I am left with trying to outsmart a natural, night time predator. I am failing. But at least three of the tree sitting chickens have decided it is actually warmer and safer in the coop at night. Sorry, I'm ranting again. I know, I know, I should be using this energy to write the next chapter.... I'm on it (like Blue Bonnet)
The Happiest Place on Earth
Chapter 29
Miranda stretched, shifting one muscle at a time, reveling in the familiar lethargy that infused her body after a night of love. She smiled at a twinge in her thigh, remembering exactly how she pulled it, momentarily overcome by the emotions that infused her heart. She knew, beyond a doubt, that Andréa Sachs would be the death of her and she prayed the woman would never leave. She repositioned onto her back. Turning her head to find the woman of her musings sitting on the bed next to her dressed in flannel boxer shorts and a tank top, waiting patiently.
“Hi”, Andy offered a brightly cheerful grin when Miranda’s eyes found her.
“Good morning,” Miranda murmured, still half asleep. “Well, what is it?” Miranda asked. She could easily read Andy’s body and could tell the girl was struggling to keep her mouth clamped shut, so as not to overwhelm Miranda with early morning exuberance.
Andy’s response was to crawl over Miranda, straddling her hips, and offering a sweet, chaste good morning kiss. Sitting back on Miranda’s thighs, Andy tumbled into the conversation that had been swirling through her head while she waited for Miranda to awake.
“I was thinking about what happened yesterday.”
“Our night of unbridled passion?” Miranda prodded.
“No. My run in with Richard.” The words instantly brought a tight scowl across Miranda’s visage, her body tensing, readying itself for war. Andy took Miranda’s hands and brought them both to her lips, leaving kisses across her knuckles before drawing the cools hands to her chest to hold for safe keeping.
“Miranda, don’t”, she commanded softly. “This is what I want to discuss with you.” Meeting Miranda’s angry eyes directly, she continued, ”I love how you are so fiercely protective of me. I also love how you always put your girl’s welfare ahead of everything.” She paused a moment to be sure Miranda was really listening. Nodding at the slight softening of Miranda’s expression she persisted. “I know you’re instinct is to destroy Richard, but you can’t do that.” A small snort gave Andy pause. Squeezing Miranda’s hand she went on. “Seriously, Miranda, you can not go after him in an act of aggression. Anything you pull out of your hat would have negative repercussions. The girls would suffer. At the very least they would be forced to choose sides. That would be so unfair to them.”
“What would you have me do?” Miranda questioned, actually curious to hear Andy’s answer.
“As I said last night, kill him with kindness. “ An arched eyebrow gave her all the prompting she needed to explain. “I have a theory…”
“A theory?”
“Yes. And be nice.” Andy dragged Miranda’s right hand up to nip at her palm. “I believe that Richard is not emotionally divorced from you. I think, even though you have been apart for seven years, that he still considers you his wife. So, I think we should have the twins invite him over with his latest conquest for dinner. It will be absolute torture for him to bear witness to our happiness for an entire evening. And he won’t have an out for his frustrations since he won’t attack you in front of his daughters.”
A slow Cheshire Cat smile turned Miranda’s lips. “I am beginning to think I have been underestimating you.”
“Most people do.” Andy smirked. “I think it’s the breasts.”
“I can’t argue that.” Miranda confessed as she traced fingers lightly around one of the objects in question. “Although, I think I would be more apt to blame your eyes. Always open and beguiling yet, they somehow manage to camouflage your razor sharp wit.”
“So does that mean we’ll put my plan in action?”
“Oh, most definitely. The sooner, the better.” Miranda tugged at Andy’s hair, pulling the woman down to meet her own questing lips.
************************************************************************
Two hours later, Miranda emerged from the washroom, ready to spend a few hours at work, fulfilling the responsibilities she had ignored for a night. She found Andy in the kitchen, working on her coffee and the Times’ crossword puzzle. Pouring herself a cup, she moved to stand beside Andy’s chair, her hands restlessly combing through chocolate tresses. Andy leaned into the touch and hummed in satisfaction. Half a cup of coffee later, Miranda bent and left a loving buss against Andy’s temple. “Thank you for last night. It was certainly what I needed.” Miranda whispered seductively into the shell of Andy’s ear.
“You are more than welcome.” Andy replied, her voice gravelly from a sudden rush of passion.
“Will you call the girls and have them invite their father to stay for dinner tomorrow?”
“Really? Tomorrow?“
“You know how I love to sit on a plan of action.”
“Ok.” Andy responded carefully.
“And be sure to tell the girls to impress upon him that it was their idea. If he thinks we are unaware of the invitation until last minute, he will see it as a point in his favor in this silly war.”
“Got it. Anything else?”
“Yes, we are going out tonight. Make reservations at that sushi place for seven.”
“Right.”
“Wear the red Hervé Léger bandage dress.”
“The one with the V neck?”
“Yes. And the Kors faux silver fox jacket.”
“We’re having a sequel tonight, aren’t we?” Andy preened cheekily.
“Is that going to be a problem?” Miranda squinted with a mock glare.
“No! No problem.”
“Very well. I will see you this evening.” Miranda left Andy with the imprinted feel of hungry lips against her wanting mouth.
**********************************************************************
Caroline and Cassidy burst into the house, brightening the atmosphere with their excited energy. Miranda met them in the front hall, engulfing them both in needy arms. The chill that had grabbed at them in the few moments of their run from the car, dissipated quickly in the warmth of the house and Miranda’s embrace.
“Hello, my darlings. How was you weekend?”
“Ok.” Cassidy mumbled against Miranda’s shoulder.
“Boring” Caroline admitted, looking up to read her mother’s eyes. She was relieved to see mischief sparkling in their depths.
“Did you convince your father to stay for dinner?”
“Yeah. He’s just parking the car. He’ll be here in a minute.”
“Is he alone?”
“No. He has Jenna with him.”
“Ahh, the latest collegiate.”
“Mom, be nice.” Caroline rebuked. “She’s really not that bad. And he’s been with her for over a year, now.”
“Intriguing. All right. Lose the coats and go find Andréa. I believe she is slaving in the kitchen.”
The girls followed orders and disappeared deeper into the house when the front door swung open to allow Richard and his companion. Miranda stepped forward to welcome them, swallowing the urge to strike out at Richard, she put all her effort into being hospitable and entertaining. Approaching Richard’s lady friend, Miranda reached out to clasp her hands and pulled her close for a friendly greeting, touching her cheek to the young woman’s.
“Well, it is good to finally meet you, Jenna. The girls have spoken of you often.”
“Thank you. And thank you for having us. I’m sorry the twins sprung us on you like this.”
“Oh, it’s no bother. We are happy to have you. May I take your coat?”
Miranda was acting the perfect hostess and Richard was watching warily, waiting for the attack.
"Richard? Your coat?" Miranda asked, reaching a hand out to accept the weight of the heavy wool.
“Miranda.” Richard spoke in recognition and wonder.
“Please, follow me. I hope you don’t mind,” Miranda fairly gushed as she took Jenna’s elbow to guide her through the house, “but we are enjoying a family dinner in the kitchen this evening. We prefer the comfortable intimacy it offers.”
“Oh, that will be lovely.” Jenna followed, wide eyed in surprise. Their hostess was nothing like Richard described. She was warm, inviting, and pleasant. Not the cold hard bitch he continually ranted about.
They entered the kitchen to find Caroline and Cassidy busily assisting Andy with the dinner. Miranda turned to pour wine for the newcomers and announced, “Andréa, our guests have arrived.”
Andy turned from the stove with a beautiful thousand watt smile lighting up her face. “Hello. Welcome. We’re so glad you could make it.” She did not offer a physical show of welcome since she was busy attending the cream sauce, but her natural warmth infused the air with acceptance and she didn’t even change expression when her eyes met Richard’s. “Come in and find a seat. We already have some appetizers out, if you’re hungry.” She nodded towards the island counter and the spread of culinary offerings. Jenna and Richard both accepted glasses from Miranda and Jenna stepped unabashedly toward the food.
“Oh, wow. This is delicious. Richard, you have to try one of these mushrooms.”
To say Richard was confused was an understatement. Confounded, bewildered, and flabbergasted were probably more accurate. He stared, mouth slightly open, wine glass half way to his lips, and eyes clouded with expectant concern. This had to be a set up. At some point, these two formidable women were going to blast him. As the absurdity of the evening wore on, he was convinced that they really were planning to kill him and dump his body.
The girls were animated and amusing during dinner. Miranda and Andy interacted in a manner that displayed their support and feeling for one another. Miranda helped present the dinner and while moving about the work area, she would frequently place a hand to Andy’s lower back or arm, directing bodies to avoid collision. They would softly murmur instructions to each other, highlighting their natural affection and familiarity. Each touch, smile, and whispered word was a knife digging into Richard’s psyche. Jenna, not comprehending that she was in the midst of a hostile battle, thoroughly enjoyed her evening.
At the dinner table, instead of having the hosts take their usual positions at opposite ends, Miranda sat at the head with Andy directly to her right. Richard sat opposite Miranda with Jenna to his left and the twins sat next to each other. Dinner conversation rambled all over the place. Topics ran from work to politics to college choices for the girls. Somehow, in some way, Miranda was able to connect every subject to herself and Andy, imbuing every comment with a note of permanence, implying that their’s was an immutable, stable, lasting relationship.
At one point, after the dessert had been decimated, the girls and Andy were sharing a hearty laugh with Jenna when Miranda’s eyes locked with Richard’s. The message, though flashed so briefly through her eyes, was definite, absolute, and hard: “Never again.” The light of understanding finally dawned in Richard’s eyes. Never again clearly covered it all. Never would he and Miranda again be together, never would he again say a word against Andy, and never would he again ever threaten Miranda with the girls as pawns. This war was over and Miranda was the clear victor. He winced with the loss but raised his glass in a silent toast, nodding his head in surrender. The smile Miranda returned was genuine. Meant to absolve, it really only managed to make Richard’s loss just that much more poignant.
At the door, coats wrapped tightly against the cold night air, Richard and Jenna made their farewells. Jenna waited patiently at the door while Richard took his turn. First, offering a kiss to Miranda’s cheek, “Thank you. It was a memorable night.”
“I am pleased. Thank you for joining us.” Miranda spoke with deeper meaning.
Turning to Andy, Richard took her hand and raised it to kiss her knuckles. Not breaking eye contact he began, “I… um, I’m…”
“I accept” Andy whispered, saving him from more embarrassment. “Water under the bridge.”
“Thank you.” He spoke with conviction. “And thank you for being so good for all of them.” he added.
“Oh, please,” Andy chuckled. “Absolutely my pleasure.”
“Mmm, I’m sure.” He stepped away. “Well, ladies, thank you and good night.”
The door closed and Andy fell back into Miranda’s embrace. After a moment’s silence Miranda nudged Andy, “Surely you are not going to pass up this moment.”
“I am not going to lower myself. You and I both know it, so why should I say it?”
“Because you really want to.” Miranda snickered.
“True that.” Andy laughed. Twisting from Miranda’s hold Andy ran for the stairs. “I told you so.” rang out into the echoing home.