Twists of Fate Chapter 7
Title: Twists of Fate (7/?)
Chapter 7
Pairing: Jo/Blair
Rating: T
Disclaimer: This is Facts of Life Fan Fiction. I don’t own Jo, Blair, or their counterparts from the TV shows…I only wish. I am going to be adding a few of my own characters however.
Summary: Our now larger combined group spends the day in Washington DC. Zayne and Blair grow closer.
Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed and to those who are now following or favorited. I hope you continue to follow along. Now on to the next chapter. Enjoy your reading.
Previously… Zayne smiled to herself, her girls were awesome. “Come on Blair it will be sorta like old times, but watch out the girls are snugglers and you may wake to find one of them half thrown over you using you as a teddy bear.”
The blonde woman looked at the three smiling faces in the bed and didn’t think that sounded too bad at all. Blair easily gave in climbing into the bed after the girls. Far be it from her to deny something she wanted to do so much.
Four happy ladies snuggled into bed together quickly falling into a deep slumber taking that first step on a road that could form a family.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Chapter 7
The cell phone on the nightstand began to vibrate and play a tinkling tune and Zayne’s hand shot out from under her pillow to shut it off before it could wake up the twins. She still felt tired, but much refreshed since her long hours in surgery.
The little body laying against her shifted. The doctor opened her eyes to find the beautiful sight of her girls asleep cuddled up in the warm bedding. They looked so innocent when asleep. They could still pull off innocent when awake, but their eyes always held that twinkle of mischief you had to watch out for.
What really was amazing was looking over to find Blair on the other side of the bed with Zoe snuggled against her and Blair’s arm over the girl protectively. The sight made Zayne’s heart warm and flutter. Blair had always had a special place in her heart, but she hoped she got the chance to know the woman Blair had become. It seemed her daughters were getting to know her and becoming fond of her, or they would never have invited Blair to stay with them. The twins were usually very protective of their alone time with their Mom.
Zayne sighed, she didn’t want to get up but she really needed to go to the hospital and check on her patient. Until she was sure the girl was out of the woods, as far as her expertise was concerned, she would keep an eye on her. The dark haired woman eased out from under Abby slipping from the bed while shifting her pillow for the girl to snuggle against. She took a moment to savior the sight of the trio sleeping peacefully together. Easing the door open to the living room area of the suite she stepped out. All of her things except for her go pack were on the couch in the room, where she had tossed them when she came in the night before. She hoped her things weren’t too wrinkled in her garment bag. Zayne was pleased to see that a few more bags had been left on the couch with a note folded on top.
Morning sweetheart.
Nice to see you and your ladies sleeping so peacefully together. Your girls and Blair have spent a lot of time together since you had to leave and have become quite attached to one another. Those little rascals have been feeling the woman out about how she feels about you. I think they believe you two may make a good match. They did an excellent job getting her in bed with you. If you notice we have taken the liberty of packing up the few things Blair had unpacked and moved her bags into your suite. The girl’s things are in the other bedroom. We weren’t sure where to put Blair’s things so we left them by the bar. Don’t let that woman go back to the suite to share with Nat and Dorothy. Keep her with you and the girls. Get to know her again, see how you mesh as a unit. We often don’t get second chances in life so don’t throw this one away.
Love you, Mom.
Zayne folded the note up and slipped it into a pocket on her electronics bag. She moved to see the precious ones sleeping. It brought a smile to her face. Mom was right, second chances didn’t come often, and she was going to see where this one took her and her girls.
It didn’t take her long to dress in slacks, a nice blouse, and comfy yet fashionable shoes. She found a designer purse, which Marie had picked out, in her luggage already filled with the essentials all she needed to do was toss her wallet, phone, and IPad in. As an afterthought she tossed in the hotel suite’s keycard. She stepped back into the bedroom heading to the bathroom to get the necklace and earrings she had taken off the night before and noticed Blair’s eyes opening. She smiled and moved around to Blair’s side of the bed.
“Morning Princess, I hope I didn’t wake you?” She whispered, her hand automatically coming up to move a wisp of hair from the beautiful face. “It was really nice seeing you here this morning. It seems you and my girls have become good friends.”
Blair’s heart raced as Zayne sat next to her and the feel of her finger brushing against her cheek as she moved her hair sent goosebumps racing down her neck and arms. “You didn’t wake me. This is my usual time for waking up.” She looked at the girls who had shifted with Abby cuddled against Zoe’s back and Zoe cuddled up against Blair’s side. “You have amazing daughters and we have become fast friends. They talk about you a lot. You are a pretty great Mom from what I have found out so far. I always knew you would be.”
“They are great kids and make it easy.” Without realizing it her hand had dropped to toy with Blair’s fingers and hand lying on the bed by her leg. “I really hate to go, but I need to check on the President’s daughter. It shouldn’t take long and then I’m free the rest of the day and tomorrow too. I have a meeting first thing Monday morning and I don’t know how long it will take.” She paused as she began to babble. “I look forward to getting to know you again. I hope I get the opportunity.”
“I would like that.” Blair clasped the hand stroking hers, squeezing briefly. “I will stay with your girls and watch over them so you needn’t wake Fiona or Marie.”
“Thank you, I really appreciate that. Their bags are in the other bedroom.” She looked up into the blonde’s eyes. “It seems your bags have been moved to this suite as well. I hope you decide to stay with me and the girls. It would give us all a chance to get to know one another, but I won’t push Blair. I don’t want more than you’re willing to give when you’re ready to give it.” She gave the soft hand a squeeze and stood. “I better run. The faster I leave, the faster I return. Tell my munchkins I love them and I will be back soon.” The doctor turned and was out the door before Blair could respond.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Blair lay thinking about all Zayne had said and all the awakened emotions the dark haired woman had raised within her. She finally sighed, she wasn’t getting anywhere laying there with her mind racing. Besides her bladder was demanding attention. The blonde eased out of bed repositioning her pillow as Zayne had done, smiling as the twins cuddled into each other.
Moments later Blair found all of the bags she had brought in the living area. Seems she hadn’t been very discrete in her interest in Zayne. She wasn’t sure where to unpack, but couldn’t let things in her garment bag wrinkle so took it back into the bedroom to hang things up, snatching Zayne’s bag off the couch on the way. The fair haired woman hung their things together in the closet fingering Zayne’s clothes, impressed with the quality and style of the garments. Another thing different from the girl she used to know. The powerful woman dressed classy, sophisticated, and sexy as hell.
She took her overnight bag into the bathroom and got cleaned up while the girls slept, it was still very early, only a little after six in the morning. Blair came out of the bathroom in her panties and bra with a robe thrown over them to find something casual to wear in her bags in the living area. She slipped her designer jeans and blouse. If something dressier was needed she could easily change later. An envelope had been sitting on top of one of the bags with her name on it, in Mrs. Garret’s distinctive script. Picking it up she headed into the little kitchen area to pour a cup of the coffee she had put on to brew earlier. Taking a seat at the little bar she sipped from a warm mug while she read.
Blair,
Please don’t be upset with us for moving your things. I know how you felt about Jo when you were younger and how she felt about you. I also know that you weren’t ready then to acknowledge your feelings or go against your family’s wishes. I also knew Jo was. The timing wasn’t right for the two of you then. However, life has given you both another chance at making a go of it. I feel you are ready to go your own way now Blair. Follow your heart. Those of us who really love and care for you are here for you no matter what. You, Zayne, and her precious girls could build something wonderful together. Take this opportunity to get to know Zayne and let her know you. You’re both different women from the girls of the past. Don’t be afraid to grab for the brass ring this time Blair, because you could win the biggest prize of all, the heart of the love of your life and the loving family you always dreamed of.
Be brave dear and follow your heart.
Love, Edna Garret
Blair sat staring at the letter lost in thought as she finished her coffee. A determined smile came over her face. Decision made she carried her three remaining bags into the bedroom. The kids continued sleeping soundly while she quietly unpacked her things before retrieving Zayne’s two remaining bags and doing the same for her. She hung their clothes beside each other in the closet, put their toiletries out on opposite sides of the sink, and put her remaining garments in separate drawers in a dresser in the bedroom. Their shoes were now side by side in the bottom of the closed by Zayne’s electronics case and her go pack. Blair placed the empty luggage in the top of the closet and in the far corner of the room under a table. Glancing at the girls glad to see she hadn’t woken them. She moved into the other bedroom and unpacked the twins’ things and noticed that even though the girls were twins they didn’t often dress alike. Zoe seemed to favor more girly colors and designs while Abby had a more sporty girl style. Their IPad covers were perfect examples. Zoe’s was purple with glitter and rhinestones all over it and Abby’s was pink and green camouflage. However, both enjoyed doing utterly girly things like going to the spa, they also liked more sporty or tomboy things like playing in the dirt and riding quad-runners with their mom and Marie’s son-in-law.
Once done Blair poured herself another cup of coffee, retrieved the newspaper that was placed outside their door, and settled into a comfy chair in the living area to wait for the twins to wake up. She would give them till eight. If the sleepy heads weren’t awake by then she would rouse them, and help them get dressed before they attacked the room service menu for breakfast.
At nine Blair answered the door to find Fiona, Mrs. Garret, and the rest of the gang waiting to be let in. “We were beginning to wonder if you were ever going to wake-up.” Tootie grinned.
The blonde waved them in. “We’ve been awake. The girls woke a little after seven. We ordered breakfast and I helped them dress while we waited for the food to arrive. They are currently stretched out across the bed in their room working on one of their school assignments on their IPads. I went over it with them to make sure they understood what to do. The twins wanted to get the assignments out of the way so they would be ready to go when their Mom returned.” She shut the door.
“Zayne left for the hospital shortly before six to do a follow-up visit with the President’s daughter. She called me shortly before the girls woke to let me know it would take a little longer than planned, because she had to meet with the President and First Lady to further discuss their daughter’s condition. Also when she stepped out of the room from that she had been approached for a consultation over some developments cropping up with the driver from the crash. Zayne said she would be heading back when she was through with that.”
“That all sounds very domestic of you Blair.” Nat teased from the couch. Everyone had made themselves at home once they were through the door.
Blair ignored the comment, but began to feel uncomfortable under the stares of Fiona, Martin, Teddy, and Marie. “Why are you looking at me like that? Have I grown a second head or something?”
They all shook their heads. Fiona pulled out her phone checking it. She glanced at the others curiously as they did the same. “Anything?”
They all shook their heads again and looked again at Blair in wonder.
“Why do you keep looking at Blair like that?” Beverly Anne asked.
Fiona was the first to speak. “She trusts you. Fully, deeply, and completely trusts you. I can hardly fathom it.”
Still not understanding the blonde shook her head. “What are you talking about?”
“Zayne.” Martin said. “She trusts absolutely no one with her children except for the four of us.”
“They go to ballet, martial arts, gymnastics, playdates, anywhere, and one of us must always be there if she can’t be herself. Zayne is religious about the security of her children.” Teddy explained.
“She will only allow my daughter and son-in-law to watch the girls alone if they are staying home at the rectory and both of them must be there. The four of us are the only ones she let’s take care of the girls alone until you.” Marie added.
“Zayne didn’t even call or text one of us that she was leaving them with you and for us to check on you three.” Fiona felt giddy inside. “She had full faith in you to take care of and protect her children. This is seriously good news.”
Blair sat stunned and outrageously touched by the trust Zayne placed in her. “I had no idea.”
“Ever since I have known her Zayne has been very security conscious and even more so after Faith was killed. It has grown more since she has come more into the public eye and her fortune has increased.” Fiona told them. “That is the reason for the elaborate security around the South Hampton estate and I don’t know if you realized this, but we have had a security detail watching over all of us from a distance since we left the estate. Zayne doesn’t have real enemies that we know if, at least not anymore, but she is a very wealthy individual with the ear of many prominent figures around the world. That can easily make her and her family targets. Although anyone would have to be insane to go after one of us. One thing she does not have any tolerance for is someone trying to cause any harm to her family.”
“No kidding. Remember the repairman who thought Marie’s daughter was alone in the house and that he could force himself on her. Zayne had been in her study across the hall from where Anna, Marie’s daughter, had been cleaning. The rest of us had taken the girls on a nature walk and picnic. Anna’s husband, Charles, had taken his truck into town for a tune-up and to get new tires. All we know is that Zayne heard Anna’s cry for help and had the large man writhing on the floor in pain seconds later. Zayne had Anna go call the police and wait outside for them. We all arrived back at the house as the police car was rushing up the driveway. Anna ran out to her mother explaining what had happened. We don’t know what was said or what went on between Zayne and the man, but he had no obvious signs of injury, however he practically ran out of the Rectory and jumped into the police car. He was far more scared of the furious woman who followed him out of the house. I don’t know how she did it, but that man confessed to what he had done, and to all the other times he had done it, and got away with it.” Martin was smiling by the end of his story.
Blair smiled. “I’m not surprised by that at all. She has always been very protective of those she cared about even as a teenager.” The blonde remembered the times Jo had come to her rescue in many different ways.
Mrs. Garret, Nat, Tootie, and Beverly Anne began sharing tales of times when Jo had come to their rescue, or Blair’s.
Blair moved into the empty bedroom when her phone rang so she could talk in private and in silence. “Hi, Zayne. Are you calling to say you are going to be later or that you’re on your way?” She teased.
Zayne laughed. “I will be on my way shortly, but I wanted to tell everyone to get ready to go over to the White House once I return. I have a private tour arranged for us. We will get to see some places the public tours don’t show you. I hope that is okay with everyone.”
“I am sure it will be.”
“Are the kids still behaving for you?”
“Yes, they are. They are lovely girls. They are working on their lessons now and from the sounds coming from the other room they have finished them. The rest of the gang dropped in a few minutes ago. It sounds like the girls have joined them.”
“Good. The twins are very eager to finish up their second grade school year lessons. I promised them a spa weekend once they had done so.”
“I had heard that while they were painting my finger and toe nails a rainbow of colors.” Blair laughed.
“I wish I had a picture of that. Maybe if you are free when the time comes you could join us. It will be only the girls and me.”
Blair’s heart was fluttering again. “That sounds like a fun time. I will see what I can do to be there.”
“Excellent. Well I better let you go so I can wrap-up and get out of here and you can inform the others of our plans. See you in a few.”
“See you soon and be safe.”
“I will. Bye!”
“Bye!” Sighing happily the blonde woman turned back towards the living area. Things felt familiar yet entirely different between her and Zayne. Something more was taking flight, taking their relationship to places it had never been.
“That was Zayne.” Blair said when she stepped back into the room. “She said to get ready to go to the White House for a private tour. We are going to get a much better tour than the general public gets. So let’s get ready to go. Zayne said she would be here shortly.”
Everyone excitedly dispersed.
When Zayne arrived back to her suite she found everyone attired in dressy casual clothes and ready to go. “I am glad to see you all ready to go. Our transport is downstairs. Give me five to freshen up and we’ll be on our way.” She slipped into the bedroom reappearing a few minutes later with her hair shining from a fresh brushing and the light hint of fresh perfume in the air. “Okay gang let’s go storm the White House.”
The group was given the general public tour to begin with and saw the Diplomatic Reception Room, Vermeil Room, Library, China Room, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room. On the private side they saw the Oval Office, the Senate Room, the Press Room, the entire grounds including gardens. The best part came when the President’s eldest daughter replaced their guide and they were given a tour of the private areas only those closest to the President and his family were able to see.
All of the group, except for Zayne, were surprised when they found themselves having a private late lunch with the President, First Lady, and their two eldest daughters. The First Lady informed them that her parents and sister were currently sitting with their youngest daughter and that she and her other daughters would be returning to sit with the girl that night.
All in all it was an enjoyable luncheon, especially when the President inquired what it had been like to be Knighted or in Zayne’s case Damed by the Queen. Zayne’s old friends were shocked and listened eagerly.
Zayne wasn’t so happy. She had worked hard to keep that fact a secret and asked how he had found out. The Queen herself had ratted her out when she called to give her best wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured girl.
The President took great delight in sharing the tale the Queen had told him. The Queen had also led him to believe there was more Zayne had done, but wouldn’t elaborate. He told of Zayne being on hand when Prince Harry had taken a serious fall while the Royals were on an outing together in Scotland. Zayne had been there after meeting the family while assisting Dr. Leeds in performing surgery on the Queen herself. The Queen said Zayne hit it off with some of the younger generations and had been invited to come along with them on the trip. Zayne had apparently used her magic hands to save Prince Harry and because of her efforts and skills they were able to keep the whole incident under wraps.
The President duly informed them that Zayne was honored with the title Dame under the Royal Victorian Order and was given a Silver Royal Victorian Medal for personal services to the Crown. “The PM also contacted me, giving me praises of you both as a Doctor and a Computer Guru. He led me to believe you may be receiving more honors in the future for the feats you performed with your technical expertise. I believe you are meeting Monday with the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs to see about pulling off some of those technical feats for us as well.” President O’Brian looked Zayne over as he waited for her response. The woman before him was highly skilled and intelligent, but very protective of her privacy. He had a growing respect for the attractive woman.”
“I don’t know about the further honors, but I do have a meeting at the Pentagon Monday to discuss doing something similar here.”
“I will arrange for all your family here to get a private tour of the Pentagon while you are at your meetings. Is that agreeable with you?”
Zayne glanced at her family receiving excited nods from them. “Yes, sir. That would be appreciated.”
“Please call me Ian. We discussed that earlier Zayne.” He teased. “Did the Queen have such a hard time getting you to address her by her first name?”
“What makes you think I have leave to do so? Very few do.”
He enjoyed chatting with the cagey woman. “A conversation I had with Prince William. He too called me. It seems you are a particular favorite person of the Queen and have been called to have private teas, luncheons, and visits with her many times. She respects and enjoys your straight forwardness.”
“It seems you have spoken to many people about me.”
“As I should, you had my daughter’s life in your hands. I have found that I was advised well in having you perform surgery on my youngest. You are a very intriguing woman, Dame Zaynedria Masters, MD.”
Zayne had to force herself not to groan. She didn’t feel the need for all the praise, she did her job and she did it well.
“You still haven’t said if you are really on a first name basis with the Queen.”
“Mom he’s talking about that Lady Elizabeth you talk to on the phone so often. She does seem to like you a lot.” Abby turned to the President. “She even let me and Zoe come with Mom a couple of times. We wore really pretty dresses and had tea and really good cookies and little cakes.”
Zoe leaned forward. “Prince Charles and Lady Camilla stopped by for a little bit one time, but they didn’t have tea with us. Lady Camilla seemed nice, but what I heard Mom say about Prince Charles one time was right and Abby agrees with me.”
Abby was nodding that agreement as Zoe finished her thoughts.
Zayne totally gave up and started to chuckle as all eyes focused on the twins.
“What did your Mom say about Prince Charles?” The First Lady inquired.
Zoe and Abby ended up answering together in their hurry to be the first to answer. “That he is a real stuffed shirt.” They said with excitement at the attention they were getting.
Everyone cracked up.
The First Lady dried her eyes. “I will deny this if asked, but I totally agree with you Zayne.”
“As I shall never confirm or deny that I said it or that I am on a first name basis with the Queen, PM, or the both of you.” The dark haired woman smiled as the President raised his hands in defeat.
He stood and everyone followed suit. “It has been a pleasure meeting you all and I believe my daughters wanted to also show you the third floor and the ground floor where the bowling alley is before your tour is finished. Zayne if we could have a private word while they finish their tour?” The powerful man indicated for her to come with him.
Zayne nodded turning to her family. “You go on without me. I will catch up to you as soon as I am able.” She squatted down in front of her girls. “You two be good and stop telling tales out of turn.” She pinched at both their noses getting them both laughing.
“We promise Mom.” Again speaking together.
Zayne glanced at Blair. “I will catch up to you soon.” She reached out and squeezed the blonde’s hand in passing before walking off with the President.
The First Lady turned to Blair. “That Zayne of yours is an amazing woman and absolutely gorgeous. You are a lucky woman.”
Blair didn’t deny that Zayne was hers and she completely agreed with her. “Thank you, and thank you for such a lovely luncheon and the marvelous tour. It is more than any of us expected.”
“It is my pleasure and you all have been delightful company. Now I will let my daughters finish your tour. I must take care of a few matters so I can have plenty of time to spend with my youngest later.”
“Of course and please let her know she is in our thoughts and prayers.” Blair said before stepping back for the woman to pass.
“Thank you dear and I will let her know.” The woman turned to the rest of the group. “Please enjoy the remainder of your visit, it was wonderful meeting you all.” With that she left the dining room.
“Well if you would follow us up to the third floor we will show you where we go to have fun in residence and you can also take the opportunity to freshen up if needed.” The eldest girl said as she led the way to the stairs and up to the third floor.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
The tour was complete and the First daughters had the twins rolling bowling balls down the lanes in the bowling alley when Zayne joined them. “Looks like I missed all the fun.” She said stepping up beside Blair gently placing her hand on the shorter woman’s back.
“Your girls may be begging to have one of these alleys built in your house soon.” Blair teased.
“I wouldn’t doubt it. They look like they are having fun.”
“Yes.” She glanced up at Zayne. “Did your meeting go well?”
“Yes it did.” The dark haired beauty nodded, but didn’t elaborate.
Blair hadn’t expected her to.
“Wonderful bowling there girls, but we must be going. Your new friends’ mother asked me to send them to her when I found you, so they could get ready to go see their sister.”
With a little good natured grumbling the twins did as bidden saying farewell to their new friends before they were escorted back through the White House and to the fancy bus they arrived in.
“I hope you all had a good time.” Zayne said as she was the last one to board the small bus. She took a seat beside Blair as everyone began talking about the good time they had and their favorite parts.
Blair leaned into her. “It was a really nice thing you did. You didn’t have to share this with all of us.”
“It wouldn’t have been near as fun without you there.” Zayne looked right into Blair’s eyes when she said it, letting the blonde see the sincerity in her words.
They were called back into the conversation around them by the twins retelling their adventure of bouncing on a really tall bed, but the connection between the two women was still there. Zayne casually slid her hand around Blair’s. Blair opened her palm and linked her fingers with Zayne’s.
It was amazing how strong a sense of peace and rightness could be felt in such a simple gesture.
That evening after a dinner where Zayne had to answer many questions about her relationship with the Queen and being Knighted, the twins decided that they would all four sleep together again. Zayne and Blair neither one argued, because it was the only safe way to stay close to one another, and it was too soon to attempt sleeping in the same bed alone.
Once they were all in bed the girls were soon asleep after a big day. “Blair would you accompany me and the kids to the Children’s Museum tomorrow? They have been around no one, but adults and older kids lately. I thought it would give them a good chance to interact with kids their own age, and we could talk and spend some time together while we watched them.”
“I would like that very much, but what about the others?” Blair was excited about getting to spend some more time alone with Zayne and the twins.
“I thought they would have fun on a couple of scandal tours that wouldn’t really be appropriate or exciting for the girls.”
Blair laughed. “It sounds like something the others would enjoy.”
“We better get some rest, these two may run us ragged tomorrow.” Zayne snuggled down turning towards the middle of the bed, seeing Blair had done the same, placing one of her delicate hands lying across Zoe’s back. Zayne moved her hand from Abby’s back sliding it over to cover Blair’s as the two women followed the children to dream land.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Another chapter down and the relationship is growing between Zayne and Blair. Some may complain about making Zayne so awesome, but I like it this way so I will continue on writing the story as it seems right to me. Thanks for reading and I would love to hear from you. Hearing from readers makes my day. Until Next Time…