Double Grades

by Kristine Robinson

  "I'm sorry. I just needed to see how you were doing?" I thickly said as I followed her into her kitchen.

  Jami sighed and leaned against the island that sat in the middle of the kitchen. "I'm fine. How are you?"

  I shook my head. "Okay, I guess," I mumbled softly. "You look tired."

  "I haven't been sleeping very well," Jami said with a shrug.

  I looked down at my hands. "I'm sorry that you aren't sleeping well," I said thickly.

  "I don’t want to be angry. I hate this. I hate not seeing you, but every time I think of you, I picture you lying to me," Jami said miserably. "Tell me why you did it."

  I looked up at her and wiped a tear away before I said softly, "I thought that if you knew how broken I was that you wouldn't be able to love me. You deserve better than me, Jami. I'm sorry."

  "Broken?" Jami asked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

  I shook my head and said, "Please, don't make me say it."

  "Tell me, Chloe," Jami pleaded, and she reached her hand across the table to me.

  I tentatively took her hand even if my hand did shake while I did so. "Mike left me because I can't have children," I sobbed. "I'm broken."

  Jami came around the table and wrapped her arms around me. "Chloe, Sweetheart," Jami mumbled into my hair. "Infertility is a two-way street," Jami said softly. "It doesn't sound like Mike was taking any blame in the mix at all. Besides, there are lots of ways to have a family, Darling."

  I blinked my eyes open and looked at her brown eyes. "You aren't disgusted with me?"

  "I'm a woman, Chloe. I get infertility," Jami said. She brought her hands up to cup my face. "Darling, I can't have kids either. I've known since I was a teenager that I couldn't have kids the traditional way. Just as well, since I'm a lesbian and all." Jami gave me a shrug and laughed softly. "It doesn't make you worthless," Jami said firmly.

  I hesitated. "I don't know that I can accept that, not right now anyway," I spoke honestly, and I saw Jami's eyes soften.

  "This isn't a race, and I'll be around to help remind you that you are worth every little bit of happiness you can get," Jami said softly.

  I looked at her. "Do you mean it?"

  She nodded. "Yes. I love you, Silly."

  I laughed and said, "I love you too."

  Jami pressed her lips against mine. I desperately clung to her as we kissed. We leaned against the kitchen island. When we finally broke apart for breath, we were both panting heavily. "I've missed that," Jami whispered seductively. I gave her a smile. To my surprise, she dropped down to the floor instead of kissing me.

  My breath caught in my throat as Jami's fingers slid my pants down. I stepped out of them on auto-pilot. Jami's finger slipped up between my thighs, and I closed my eyes as I opened my legs wider for her. A groan escaped me as I clung to the countertop for dear life. All the wants and needs from the past couple months came tumbling out as she sent me over the edge. When Jami pulled me down to the floor with her, I went willingly.

  We teased, kissed, and caressed each other on that cold stone tile floor. I did not care about anything in the world other than Jami's bare skin pressed against mine. "Come on," whispered Jami as she pushed up off the floor. "Let's go to bed."

  I gave her a smile and let her pull me toward her bedroom. In her room, we fell unceremoniously onto her linen sheets, and Jami pressed me down as she grinned down at me. I was a bit smaller than her, and sometimes Jami liked to throw her weight around figuratively speaking. I gave her a grin back and parted my legs when she nudged her leg between my thighs. She rubbed her leg seductively between my legs and in doing so rubbed herself against one of my legs.

  Our breaths came in bursts. I moved against Jami's leg which made her moan. We had denied ourselves for so long that we made love frantically and then collapsed together. Jami kissed my neck languidly as we lay still intertwined. I made a noise of appreciation. "Let's get some sleep," I whispered to her. Jami gave me a silent nod and a kiss before we snuggled down together under the covers.

  ***

  "What is that?" I asked in disgust.

  Jami gave me a look of innocence. "What?" She said as she batted her eyelashes at me.

  I had to laugh despite myself. "You know what," I said and gestured toward the four-wheeler in the driveway.

  "What? It's nothing. George from work needed to get rid of it before they moved," Jami said as if it was no big deal.

  Jami and I had been living together for almost a year, and I swear every time I turned around she was always doing something that would throw me for a loop. "Jami, you can't have that," I said in exasperation.

  "Oh, the look on your face," Jami said in amusement as she cackled wildly.

  I narrowed my eyes at her. "It's about to get worse," I warned her.

  Jami just gave me a grin. "I'm just holding it for Darren. He and Robert want another one for their camping trip," Jami assured me. "No harm in test driving it, though."

  "I do not think so," I said firmly.

  Jami laughed and came over to put her arm around my shoulders. "You are nervous about the interview," she said as if it was a secret.

  "Of course, I am," I said defensively but I leaned into her and sighed happily. "You could stand to be a little worried too, you know?"

  Jami flicked her long hair off her shoulder and said, "What is going to be, is going to be. Regardless of how upset I am about it."

  "I wish I could brush things off that easily," I said sulkily. "We've been doing this for months."

  Her lips brushed against my ear. "It can take years to go through the process of adopting, and you know that," She reminded me.

  "Doesn’t mean I have to like it," I said defiantly which only caused Jami to laugh as she steered me back toward the house.

  Jami agreed with a soft laugh, "True. You can rage at the universe all you like, Darling. Right now, though, how bout we do something a little different?"

  I gave her an indulgent smile. "Like what?" I asked curiously.

  "Oh, you know…" Jami said in an evasive manner as she led me back inside. She pulled me toward the master bathroom, and I narrowed my eyes at her. "I'm all sweaty from helping George get the four-wheeler unloaded," Jami said innocently. I nodded my head as if I did not buy that that was the whole truth, but I indulged her anyway.

  Once in the bathroom, Jami turned on the water and set about getting the water just how she wanted it. When she finally had the bath filling up to her liking, Jami turned back to me. "Come here," she said coaxingly. "You look way too nervous."

  "I have already had a bath," I said defiantly, but Jami was already grabbing my wrist and tugging me over to her. I went willingly but still narrowed my eyes at the blond woman who began to undress me far too helpfully. She unbuttoned my cream-colored shirt and slid it off my shoulders. Her fingertips grazed my breasts ever so lightly as she slid around me to unfasten my bra. I could feel my nipples tingling and tightening at the rush of cool air in the bathroom.

  Jami leaned over and ran her tongue along one of my taut nipples. I crooned in delight at the sensations even as a blush that I could not help spread over my face. Despite how many times Jami and I had been intimate, I still could not get over this modesty when it came to expressing myself verbally. To that end, Jami sought out any and all ways to make me vocalize during sex. When she found a way that made me scream, moan, or cry out then, she used it ruthlessly. I called it her guilty pleasure. She loved taking me outside my comfort zone. She said she just liked taking me. A phrase that too made me blush.

  Jami's lips and tongue teased and tortured my nipples, even as her hands helped to undo my jeans and slip them down. I stepped out of my jeans absentmindedly as I ran my hands through Jami's long hair. The silky strands brushing against my stomach made me squirm in a delightful way.

  "You are very eager," Jami said in a sensual whisper against my skin. She raised her head and took my hand in hers. She guided my hand down between my legs, and I began rubbin
g myself while she watched me sedately. Jami enjoyed watching me sometimes. That was another one of her guilty pleasures. I teased myself and stroked myself as I eyed Jami boldly. I could see the lust burning in her eyes. Soon enough she came over and jealously pushed my hand away from my clitoris. She wanted to be the one to push me over the edge.

  Jami quickly undressed and then stepped into the bath. I joined her carefully, and we eased down into the bath water gently. The water was warm and silky with the oils that Jami had added to it. I could smell the lavender and Jasmine that swirled in the warm liquid around us. Jami massaged the oils into the skin of arms and breasts. I sat between her legs and leaned back against her. The worries of the day were long forgotten.

  I smiled as I leaned my head back onto her shoulder. The relaxing moment turned heated once again as Jami slid her slick hands down onto my thighs. I spread my legs willingly as both her hands kneaded and massaged me until I was moving helplessly against them. Jami moaned as my squirming caused me to rub against her as well. It took very little time before I turned and straddled the blond woman. Jami and I caressed each other with our fingers. We urged each other on, and we found ourselves falling into a gentle rhythm. The rhythm grew more and more intense until the sensations washed over me. I shook as the tension released itself into a warmth that flooded my body. I fell softly against Jami as she smiled at me.

  "Feeling more relaxed?" Jami teased.

  I gave the blond a kiss. "Yes. Thank you," I softly said with a smile.

  ***

  I felt sick and excited and terrified. The emotions spiraled through me until I felt like I had vertigo. Jami put her arms around my shoulders. We had gotten word that our adoption had gone through for two siblings. For a year and a half, we had been meeting with the children and the adoption agency. Now, at last, they would be coming home with us to stay.

  I saw Gabriel round the corner. The moment that those little brown eyes spotted mine, I knelt down and waited. Gabriel at five could barely remember anything beyond the foster system. Gabriel and his little sister collided with me, and I wrapped them in a hug. "It's time to go home," I whispered.

  Jami scooped up Sarah, and I took Gabriel's hand. Jami and I looked at each other, and we smiled.

  Gabriel said, "Are we really never coming back here?"

  Jami said, "Never, ever."

  Gabriel gave me a grin. "You are my Mommy now."

  I gave him a grin back as I lifted him up into my arms. "You have no idea how long I have waited to be your Mommy."

  After Divorce

  ~ Bonus Story ~

  A First Time Straight To Gay Lesbian Romance

  After eight years of marriage, I found out that my husband was sleeping with his assistant. The entire ordeal took me by such surprise, I honestly had no idea what would happen to me. My entire life, I had lived just for Elliot. Doing everything she wished, supporting his life and being the perfect wife. Now, I had nothing. No husband, no future family, no plans. It was a position hat I had never found myself in before. I had no idea how to date and honestly, getting back into the scene sounded absolutely horrifying. Yet I still went to the bar that night. I still decided that you know what, I’ll see what fate has in store. She already screwed me over once, what worse could she do? So, I went out to drink away my worries, hoping to get hit by a car. That didn’t happen, of course, or else, who would be telling you this story? The story of how I finally cut away from my husband, took control of my life and, during that fateful night at the bar, met two people that would completely change my life in a way I never imagined? Whoever it would be, they certainly would leave out all the good details. So, pull up a chair, cause I have quite a story to share. It’s about me, and two beautiful women who taught me to love again.

  * * *

  CHAPTER 1

  Penelope Gavin. Those were the only words I needed to sign away years of my life. With a simple movement of a pen, I changed the future that I had laid out for myself. Years ago, when I said ‘I do’, so did the awful man sitting across from me. Elliot wasn’t even looking at me as I signed the divorce papers, instead of scrolling through his phone. I could feel the irritation of the divorce attorney beside me, but they remained silent, focusing their attention on me, instead.

  It was a straightforward agreement, simply parting ways. Everything was split down the middle and we both agreed to this, eager to end this arrangement and move on. While I was upset to be losing my marriage, after all, these years of trying to make everything work, I refused to be sad about what was happening. This was for the best - I deserved better than this, better than Elliot: a filthy, lying cheater.

  Setting the pen down, I looked towards the attorney with a soft smile, patting his hand and standing. “Thank you for all your assistance.” My voice was soft and Elliot snorted from across the table. Glancing over, I caught him rolling his eyes, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. He stood shortly after myself, grabbing his jacket and winking in my direction.

  “Well, I’m getting the hell outta here. I got a hot date across town.” I was certain he did, with the woman he had been seeing behind my back. The thought still caused my stomach to twist and I looked away. That didn’t stop him from talking, as he pulled on his jacket. “I’m just glad this is all said and done. I guess better luck next time, right Penny?” There was no point in looking, I already knew he was smirking as he spoke. “Perhaps we can remain friends after all this foolishness, but, I have things to do.” Grabbing his bag, Elliot walked over, laying a chaste kiss on my cheek before walking out of the office. “Ciao.”

  As he left, the tension in the room fluttered out with him and the walls around my emotional state crumbled. Giving a weak whimper, my hands came to my face, trying to hide the tears that were welling up. I felt an arm around me, pulling me close as my attorney held me close. He sighed, giving me a reassuring squeeze, rubbing my back. “.. What a dick.” He words caused me to give a bitter laugh and I pulled back, staring up at him. My cheeks were wet and he spared a weak smile. “You’re free, Ms. Gavin. I think this calls for some drinks, mh? I know some good bars if you would like a suggestion.”

  “No, thank you, but it’s fine. My friend is waiting outside, I think we’re going to have a girl’s night in.”

  He spared a smile, squeezing my shoulders. “Good. Go, have fun and please, do some shots on me. You’ve earned them.” I laughed again, nodding as I walked from the office, wiping my eyes as I stepped from the office. I really did need a drink.

  Which is exactly what we did. As I left the office, I found Carmine still waiting in the car, with a cigarette. Telling her my suggestion, she snorted and said she knew just the place. I asked the name but she stated that it would be a surprise. I didn’t fight her, instead of letting Carmine take the lead. I trusted her judgment and that would help me to relax.

  Of course, where we ended up, was far from what I expected. “Carmine?” She looked up for her cosmo with a smile, reaching over to fix my hair.

  “Yes, love?”

  “ … Is this a gay bar?”

  “Of course it is!”

  Oh my god. I should have assumed this was a gay bar, from how often that Carmine partook in these locations, yet the thought didn’t cross my mind. For some reason, I didn’t suspect that she would actually bring me to one. It wasn’t a bad location, not in the slightest. Low lit, with good music and sweet drinks. The only reason I knew was the drastic lack of straight couples I noticed. “Good lord, Carmine.”

  “You need a break from men, Penny! Besides, when was the last time you hooked up with a woman?” I didn’t answer that question and she winked tipping back her drink. Finishing, she set the cup aside and waved over the bartender, ordering us more drinks. While I was only one in, Carmine made it quite clear that she wasn’t going to let me escape anytime soon. Lovely.

  “Carmine, I don’t want to get plastered, slow down a bit.”

  “Not a chance in hell, babe. Can we get two shots of buttery
nipples and a red-headed slut?” The bartender laughed, nodding and stepped away. I rolled my eyes, elbowing Carmine with a huff, but she ignored me. “Babe, come on! You gotta loosen up. You’re totally free from my brother, isn’t that good? Now, you can be with anyone you want. Sleep with someone with no strings attached! That’s so amazing, you just don’t know it yet.” She winked and I sighed, rolling my eyes.

  “You’re impossible, Carmine.”

  “Oh, I’m not even done yet.” Before I had a chance to ask what she meant, the shots had arrived and a wicked grin was given towards me.

  “Carm-” I didn’t even get out her name before she leaned towards a woman that was sitting at the bar with us, holding up one of the shots.

  “Hey, wanna make cheers with us?”

  “Carmine!”