Love Times Four

by Jeanne Mccann

"Melinda, I love you." Emma's husky voice reassured her.

  "I love you."

  The two drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, and stayed that way all night. Emma slept comfortably, and Melinda woke her up only once to give her a pain pill. Melinda was up and ready for work by six in the morning while

  Emma remained sound asleep. Melinda was pleased that she appeared to be over the worst of her pain. Tia arrived right at six-thirty and Melinda let her in. They quietly visited over a cup of coffee in the kitchen for fifteen minutes before she prepared to leave.

  "Tia, Emma's pain pills are on her bedside stand. She needs to take one by eight o'clock."

  "Got it."

  "She also should keep her wrist up on a pillow. And you might want to suggest she use an ice bag."

  "Okay. Now, go kiss your girlfriend goodbye, and get out of here."

  "I'll do that." Melinda smiled. She headed down the hall and hesitated in the doorway of the bedroom. Emma slept peacefully on her side, her bandages hidden by her hair. The only evidence of her injuries was the cast on her wrist. Melinda's heart swelled with happiness as she looked at her girlfriend. She approached the bed and bent down to place a kiss on Emma's cheek. Emma's eyes fluttered open after Melinda kissed her.

  "Good morning, how are you feeling?" Melinda sat down next to her on the bed, her fingers touching her lover's cheek with all the love she had in her heart.

  "Not too bad. Can I get one more kiss before you leave?"

  "You sure can." Melinda kissed Emma deeply, savoring the pleasure and love she felt for Emma that just grew bigger and better every day.

  "Have a good day."

  "You too, honey. I'll call you later. Don't give Tia too hard a time."

  "Ha, funny, go on, get out of here."

  "Love you."

  "I love you."

  Melinda left for work and Tia joined Emma in bed with a cup of coffee. They quietly visited about Emma's accident and more importantly, her feelings for Melinda. At eight-thirty Emma called the school to talk to her assistant. After a ten minute conversation, Emma joined Tia in the kitchen. She was very angry.

  "Melinda had a meeting with the head of the school board this morning. It's all over the school that Melinda and I are involved. She didn't tell me about the meeting." Emma was more than angry, she was furious.

  "Emma, you were just in a car accident. Of course she wouldn't tell you."

  "Tia, it's just exactly like what happened to her in Portland. She must be scared to death."

  Tia was very aware of the terrible situation Melinda dealt with and how painful the whole thing had been for her. "Emma, she'll tell you all about it. She just didn't want you to worry."

  "But she's going though this all alone." Emma began to cry.

  "She is not, honey. She has you and me, Anna, and Van. We won't let her do anything alone. Now, you need to stop crying. Melinda would kill me if she saw you like this."

  Emma tried to settle down and she went back to bed to wait for Melinda's call. She was too upset to sleep but lay on the bed with an ice bag on her arm. She finally fell into restless sleep and Tia sat in the living room working, periodically checking on her. When the telephone rang she picked it up on the first ring trying to keep from waking Emma.

  "Hello."

  "Tia, it's Melinda."

  "Hi, how was your meeting this morning?" Emma had been pretty hot when her assistant had told her about the school board meeting. It was spreading through the school like wildfire.

  "Emma knows?"

  "Yes, and she's very angry that you didn't tell her what was going on."

  Melinda was silent for a few moments before she responded. "I should have."

  "What happened?"

  "I have an emergency board meeting at five to answer their questions."

  "Where's the meeting?"

  "Here at school, in the gymnasium."

  "Emma will demand to be there."

  "I know." Melinda sighed, her emotions very close to the surface.

  "I'll help her get ready and bring her."

  "Thanks, Tia."

  "No thanks needed, you're a friend of mine."

  "A very special friend, could I speak to Emma?"

  "Certainly, let me tell her you're on the telephone."

  Melinda and Emma spoke for several minutes and then Emma came out of her bedroom to join Tia in the living room. "Melinda said you're bringing me to the meeting."

  "I wouldn't miss it."

  "We've got some telephone calls to make before this afternoon."

  "Tell me what to do. Also, Van will be here at two. She's meeting a police detective here, a Detective Rhodes. She needs to talk to you about the accident."

  "Okay. Could you do me a favor? I'm going to take a bath and I'll need your help with my hair. I can't get my cast or my bandages wet, and I can't use a hair dryer by myself."

  "Sure, I can help. Now, what's your plan?"

  Two hours later Emma's plan had been put into motion, and she and Tia were seated in the living room waiting for the detective and Van to arrive.

  "Knock, knock, where are you Emma?" Van burst through the front door.

  "In the living room, Van."

  "Hey doll, how're you feeling?" Van was full of energy as she breezed into the living room. Her white blond hair stylish and her outfit caught their eye.

  "I feel fine. Wow, you look terrific!"

  "Thanks, I had a meeting with a client earlier." Van was wearing a lemon yellow jacket and matching short skirt. "I'm serious, Em. How're you really feeling, and why are you dressed, and out of bed?"

  "I'm feeling better, and I'm going to a school board meeting tonight. Melinda's being questioned about our relationship and I have to be there."

  "Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry. Can I go with you?"

  "I think Melinda would like that. Thanks, Van."

  "I love you, Em. And I love Melinda."

  "I love you, too."

  The doorbell rang interrupting them and Tia went to answer it. She introduced Detective Rhodes to Emma.

  "Hello Ms. Sharp, how are you feeling?"

  "Fine, thank you. Please, have a seat." Emma smiled at the woman detective. Van had not mentioned to her how young, and how beautiful she was. Actually, Van had neglected to tell them a lot. The young detective was wearing tan slacks and a yellow silk shirt, her brown leather jacket was worn, but made her very appealing.

  "Thanks."

  Tia raised her eyebrows at Van as she blushed while she looked at the detective. Tia couldn't help the chuckle that threatened to escape. Van rarely reacted to a woman especially the last couple of years, but she obviously was responding to Detective Rhodes. It made Tia grin.

  "Can we get you something to drink?" Tia inquired. "Emma?"

  "Thanks, Tia. A glass of water would be nice."

  "Nothing for me."

  "Van, come help me in the kitchen." Tia looked emphatically at Van. Van glared at her but trailed after Tia into the other room. Emma grinned as she watched Detective Rhodes' eyes follow Van's figure as she left the room.

  "Okay, Van, confess. What's going on between you and Detective Rhodes?"

  "Nothing, I met her yesterday at the police precinct. She was very helpful with the paperwork and getting the car released." Van answered innocently.

  "And she's gorgeous. Is she gay?"

  "I don't know, the question never came up."

  "Don't be smart with me." Tia poked her. "You blushed when she came in the room."

  "I told you she was very nice."

  "Isn't it unusual for a detective to be talking care of an accident?"

  "She volunteered to help me at the police station after another police officer tried to hit on me." Van blushed again. "She was the one who suggested she come over here to confirm things with Emma. She asked me if I was going to be here."

  "Ah ha, does she know you're gay?" Tia continued to question her as she grabbed a glass of water for Emma.

  "She could, c
onsidering what I said to the cop who got in my face at the station." Van colored again.

  "What did you say?" Tia groaned as she looked at Van. Van was not known for her tact. In fact, her directness tended to land her in a lot of trouble.

  "I asked him to leave me alone, twice. And when he wouldn't take a hint I might have told him I'd rather date his sister."

  "Geez, Van, in the police department?"

  "Well, he was a pig."

  "I think Detective Rhodes is interested in little old Van."

  "She's a doll, isn't she?" Van grinned at Tia.

  "She is. Now, let's go join the two of them." Tia suggested. "And Van, try to keep your tongue in your mouth."

  "Really, Tia." Van grumbled as they headed back in to the living room.

  Emma and Detective Rhodes were sharing a laugh. "Hey ladies, Cara knows Anna, isn't it a small world?"

  "How do you know Anna?"

  "I know a woman who works with her and Anna came to a party I attended."

  Tin grinned at Emma as Cara responded to Van. Her dark eyes flashed as she spoke directly to her. Her gaze locked on Van's face. Van's attention was focused directly on the beautiful woman. It was very obvious that the two of them were interested in each other.

  "Cara, I appreciate your help with all of this stuff."

  "No problem, Emma. You have my number. I'm just glad you're going to be okay. Just leave everything to your insurance and don't worry." She stood up and smiled. "Well, I'd better leave and let you get some rest."

  "Thank you, again. Van said you were very nice to her when she was at the station."

  "It was nothing. I'm sorry that Detective Handel gave her a bad time. He's a jerk."

  "Thanks for getting him to back off." Van smiled at Cara and her bright blue eyes sparkled. Cara just grinned in return, her eyes locked on Van's.

  Cara headed for the door. "Well, I'd better get going."

  "Van, why don't you walk Detective Rhodes to her car?" Emma suggested, trying hard not to laugh.

  While Van happily walked Cara out, Emma and Tia spied on them through the front window blinds. Cara and Van stood next to Cara's Four-Runner talking. It was a good twenty minutes before Cara drove away and Van re-entered Emma's house.

  "Well?" Tia and Emma watched Van expectantly.

  "Well, what?" Van grinned slyly at her friends. She knew what they wanted to know, but she was going to draw it out.

  "Van!"

  "Okay, we're going out tomorrow night. We're going to dinner at Jazz Alley."

  "Congratulations, I'm glad you got up the nerve."

  "I didn't. She asked me out." Van blushed shyly. It wasn't often that Van was shy.

  "Very cool, girlfriend."

  "Enough of that, tell me what's going on at the school board meeting. And please, tell me why Melinda should have to explain to anyone about her relationship with you!" Van's anger was apparent in her voice and her face. She didn't understand why anyone would object to Melinda and Emma's relationship. Her unwavering loyalty to her friends was one of her most endearing qualities.

  "When I was in the hospital two teachers Melinda and I work with stopped in to see me. They caught Melinda and me kissing and I'm sure told everyone at school. She met with the school board president this morning and he told her he was calling a special meeting for this evening. She will have to answer questions about our relationship."

  "Why would they care about you and Melinda?"

  "They want to make sure we haven't acted inappropriately at school."

  "Anyone who knows the two of you wouldn't even ask such a question." Tia reassured Emma. "Why does it have to be public?"

  "Because the school board requested that it is an open meeting. I think it's to embarrass Melinda."

  "What time does it start?"

  "It begins at five."

  "I'm going to call Anna. She'd want to go." Van headed for the telephone.

  "Well, what do you think? Emma whispered to Tia.

  "I think Van got bitten by the love bug." Tia giggled as she grinned at Emma.

  "So do I and I can't wait to see how she handles it. Van needs an earth shaking love affair." Emma chuckled.

  "She's going to fall apart."

  Emma, Tia, Van, and Anna entered the school auditorium at quarter to five. The room was already filling up with students, teachers, and parents. Emma's telephone calls had done the trick. Melinda was seated in the front row along with Phil, the vice-principal, right next to her. Emma and her friends found seats several rows behind her. Melinda turned and smiled at her lover and Emma smiled back, praying that this whole proceeding would be painless to Melinda. She knew it wouldn't be. Melinda didn't deserve to be treated this way. Emma would have done anything to prevent this meeting.

  While they waited for the meeting to begin several students, teachers, and parents approached Emma and welcomed her back, wishing her a rapid recovery. Not one person acted the least bit uncomfortable or embarrassed and that reassured Emma that she had done the right thing in calling everyone.

  "Excuse me. Can we get started, please?" The president of the school board called out. "This meeting is called to order. The purpose of this meeting is to answer some questions brought to the school board's attention yesterday. Mrs. Lourde, would you like to proceed?"

  "Yes. Ms. Newcastle, it has come to the board's attention that you and Ms. Sharp are involved in an intimate relationship. Is this true?" Her opinion of the relationship was evident in her body language and the look on her face. She didn't like it one bit.

  "Yes, it is."

  "Our concern is that this relationship is unacceptable with the two of you working together. Could you respond to this?"

  Melinda felt slapped by the question but she kept her feelings well hidden as she responded. "I would be happy to. Ms. Sharp and I are in a committed, loving relationship and plan to remain in one for the rest of our lives. We do not allow our relationship to interfere with our work anymore then Mr. Dunn and his wife Irene do. We have never behaved inappropriately at school. If you have a problem with the way I do my job, please let me know. What I do in my private life is my own business, and I plan on keeping it private."

  "Excuse me, Ms. Newcastle, there is no question as to the quality of the work you do. We are not here to discuss your job."

  "If I am doing a good job, and it isn't in question, then what is the problem? Ms. Sharp does not report to me and our relationship is between the two of us."

  "There is some concern among members of the school board that your relationship with Ms. Sharpe is unhealthy."

  Emma gasped as she and the crowd in the auditorium reacted to the statement. Van grasped her hand and squeezed. Melinda slowly stood up in front of the crowd, her face devoid of emotion, but her stomach churned as she prepared to respond.

  "When you interviewed me, I was honest about the fact that I'm gay. The school board assured me that it wouldn't be a problem. Now that I have found someone to spend my life with, who I love with all my heart, you're questioning the healthiness of my relationship. What is healthier then finding a soul mate?"

  Emma began to cry as she listened to Melinda. You could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium. There was no doubt in her mind that Melinda loved her, she was putting her career on the line. It broke Emma's heart. The love and respect she felt for Melinda swelled as she proudly watched her speak.

  "Emma Sharpe is a very talented school counselor, whose professional behavior has never been questioned. I'm also a professional. I do not see a problem."

  "Either do I." Phil, the vice-principal stood up next to Melinda, his hand on her arm.

  "Me either." Chuck stood up, and one by one the teachers of Melinda's school stood in support of her. Within moments everyone in the room including Emma stood up to back Melinda.

  Melinda couldn't keep the tears from filling her eyes. She had never felt so loved and so incredibly lucky. Everything would be fine as long as she had Emma in her life.

&
nbsp; "Well, ah, are there any more questions for Ms. Newcastle?" The school board president inquired. The school board looked at the overwhelming support shown for Melinda and wisely remained silent.

  "Ms. Newcastle, the school board would like to thank you for your honesty and candor. We are certainly pleased with the job you're doing at your school, and encourage you to keep it up." The president of the school board smiled at Melinda. "I personally would like to apologize to you for intruding in your private life, and wish you nothing but happiness."