“What about you, babe? Do you have clients booked that week?” Skylar asked turning to Emma.
“No, I booked the holiday off in my diary at the beginning of the year. Well, except for emergencies of course that can’t be planned for and Neil could handle that until we get back. He knows which hospital to refer to,” Emma said. “It will be great. Should we ask Claire to join us?” Claire was an old physiotherapy friend of Emma’s and they spent regular time together. “Great,” Skylar said who genuinely liked Claire. They resonated well together as friends, both of them holding the same values and being dominant in their relationships. Claire had broken up with her partner two years ago. It would be good for her to get out and about a bit more, instead of just throwing herself into work. Emma smiled, knowing how much Skylar enjoyed Claire’s company. “I’ll phone her today.”
‘Great,” Marla echoed. Her heart sank a little. Claire was nice enough and very attractive. She was just a bit too much like Skylar. A bit too-strict . Imagine holidaying with two Skylars, she thought, slightly horrified, yet also a bit intrigued.
Chapter 4
Marla decided to spend some time finding out about the area they were going to visit and what could be seen and done there. All in all not a bad start to the day, she thought, after the blistering her bottom took the night before. She left for work her heart light and feeling excited. I must make amends, she thought, to that poor man. She decided to write an apology and also order some chocolates and a bottle of red wine to be delivered if she could get his address details from the insurance company. She realised it would not bring his brand new, undamaged car back, but at least he might know she was truly sorry. As she walked along to the bus stop she realised how she was really enjoying this city that for her, had just started out as just a holiday visit. The air was mostly fresh and not polluted like back home. Mountains framed the city in the distance and the city had an abundance of green parks and trees. There were even nature trails that followed the main river that ran lazily through the city centre.
She realised she was feeling a lot more relaxed and happier than one year ago. She had a job she really enjoyed, even thought it was only part time. Working as art museum guide made her feel closer to her brother, who had shared the same love of art she did. He had chosen to study art as his major whilst Marla studied art as a minor subject and business management as her major. She remembered how they said they were perfect to go in to business together. Thinking of her brother brought sadness, but not the same numbing sadness she had first felt when she landed on Skylar and Emma’s doorstep. Eric might have died, but he is alive in my heart, she thought. The Lakes, she thought, brilliant, I bet there are some exciting activities there . Kayaking perhaps, sailing, hiking. I wonder if there is any paragliding? The thought slipped into her mind that Skylar might not agree to her doing paragliding. She always seemed so concerned about safety. Perhaps it is because of her career as a fire woman. She put the thought aside and decided to concentrate on her day and do some research on the area of the Lakes.
Chapter 5
“Emma, babe, get a move on,” Skylar’s voice yelled up the stairs. “Okay honey, just give me ten minutes.” Emma looked at the case on the bed and all the clothes and shoes around it. What should I take, she thought, and why did I leave this until the last minute? She sighed. She was such a well organised person in her work, but very indecisive in her personal life. Skylar walked into the room “Come on...” she started to say “Emma, what the...you’re not even packed. Babe, get those clothes into the case, Claire is already here and we are only waiting for you.”
“Stop hassling me Skylar,” Emma said “I just need a few minutes.”
“Now Emma,” Skylar ordered, knowing her wife well. She would dither over what tank top would go with which shorts, what colour socks would match which hiking shoes. “You have five minutes Emma,” she warned her wife. “If you are not down at the car, then I will come back up and be packing for you.”With that threat she walked out, leaving Emma slightly panicked. Skylar’s packing would entail picking up the nearest items of clothing, flinging them in the case and making her leave without even her face creams. She stifled her irritation and started folding clothes. Five minutes passed in a few seconds it seemed, as Skylar reopened the door, shut Emma’s case which was not even full, picked it up and marched downstairs with Emma running behind her, toilet bag in one hand and running shoes in the other. Red faced she reached the car as Skylar was loading her case in the back. The boot of the off road car was neatly stowed with everyone’s luggage and all emergency equipment Skylar felt was necessary. Emma tried not to make a face as she noted her wife’s impeccable planning and packing. Flouncing slightly she got into the front passenger seat and turned to greet Claire who was already seated in the back with an excited Marla. Marla looked cute, dressed in a small tight white vest top and cut off denim shorts, her long, slim legs smooth and tanned. Emma smiled at them both. Claire smiled back at Emma, well used to her friend’s procrastination over packing and asked her how her practice was going. Claire was a natural dark red head with a dominant attitude to go with it. Her green eyes were large and clear and full of good humour. She was as muscular as Skylar and Marla found her eyes drawn to her. She blushed slightly when Claire looked back. Claire smiled and asked her how she was doing. They had met a few times when Claire came over for dinner, but they had not spoken over much. Goodness, Mala thought, she is quite sexy ! Claire’s arms were bare and firm. They looked strong and feminine at the same time. Get a grip Marla; she told herself sternly, you are not here to drool over Emma and Skylar’s best friend . She pulled her mind back to the lakes and day dreamed about what the week ahead would be like. In the front seat, Skylar drove with ease and Emma and Claire chatted about their respective physiotherapy practices. Marla suddenly realised that Claire was talking to her. She brought herself out of her day dream to focus her attention on what Claire was saying, which turned out to be asking if the car was fixed. Marla almost blushed and said yes shortly. Claire laughed. Marla had a sneaking suspicion she knew just what had transpired after she had bumped the car. Her bottom tingled and she shifted uneasily. Claire smiled again and patted her hand. “It’s okay honey, we’ve all been there,” she said, “and you seem to be sitting comfortably enough.” Now Marla did blush. “Don’t tease her Claire,” Skylar said, “she learnt her lesson well.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Claire said smiling teasingly at Marla. “We would not want a repeat would we?” Marla’s head snapped up as she looked at Claire. Was Claire flirting with her? She blushed again and looked out of the window. “Nearly there,” Skylar said. Marla gasped as they reached the top of a peak. The view was stunning. The lakes were a series of inland waters that were separated by mountains and fields. From this vantage point, five different lakes all of varying sizes could be seen. The sun and clouds reflected on the lakes’ surfaces, creating images that changed as the waters moved with the wind above and currents below. The mountains were ragged in their beauty, some with steep peaks and one with a flat top almost as if it were a table. Hiking paths twisted and curled around rocky outcrops that at some points got lost in the armies of dark green pine trees that lined the sides of some of the mountains. The scenery was breath taking. It seemed an ideal setting for a fantasy scene or perhaps a romantic setting, Marla unconscious mind popped up with. She blushed and shook her head to clear that disturbing thought. The area was best known for hiking but also sailing and kayaking where some of the lakes were linked to each other by small rivers that sloped downwards. Skylar stopped the car and they stretched their legs whilst taking in the immensity of nature around and below them. The silence seemed almost deafening. No cars, no people, just the sounds of nature. In the distance Marla could see a white waterfall on one side of a mountain. It tumbled and rushed downward as if in a hurry to reach the cool greenness off the lake below. Here and there she spotted flashes of red, orange and pink bushes. She wanted to hike immediate
ly. Far below, by the lake nearest to them, she could see wooden cabins. They were well spaced, separated by trees. Setting off again, Skylar carefully wound the car down the steep single road that led to the cabin area. They found their cabin easily, having picked up the keys in the village, before taking the steep road that climbed into the mountains before descending again. Their cabin was large having a top and bottom floor. The front faced the lake, with a green lawn and shrubs that led down to the water. A mountain rose from behind the cabin and a dense area of pine trees stood in front of it, creating a wood one would have to get through before hiking up the mountain. The air was thick and shrill with the cries of cicadas and even though a car could be seen at another cabin further away, no human voices could be heard. The waves of the lake gently lapped the shore. This is bliss, Marla thought, absolute bliss. “Right,” Skylar said, breaking Marla’s blissful moment. “Let’s unpack and then meet in the lounge to discuss some safety ground rules.” Marla’s head snapped up in disbelief. Rules, rules on holiday! She felt irritated. Looking sideways she saw Claire’s amused eyes on her. She blushed and looked away. Emma said, “Come on babe, let’s just get settled and into that lake for a swim.” Skylar hugged her tenderly and ran her lips over her hair. “Rules first babe, swimming later.” Emma pouted, then laughed. “Okay Skylar.” They started unpacking the car.
Emma and Skylar occupied the first master bedroom that faced out on the lake. Marla felt more comfortable taking a smaller room that faced out onto the mountain at the back. Its majesty took her breath way just looking at it. Claire occupied the room opposite hers that had a view of both lake and mountain. She called out as she passed Marla’s room and saw her staring up at the mountain. “Hope you not planning on climbing that alone, darling,” she drawled, “it’s too dangerous for a city girl like you.” Marla whirled around indignantly, about to tell her she had plenty of experience in a gym of climbing and walking. She stopped when she saw Claire grinning at her. Infuriating woman! Claire laughed and went into her own room. Fifteen minutes later they met downstairs. Skylar reminded Marla and Emma to be careful, not to hike alone on the mountains and if going for walk around the lake flat lands to be sure to let either herself or Claire know. She added that they were not to take on any kayaking or other sports until she or Claire had checked that they were safe. Emma, used to Skylar and Claire’s safety rules, merely nodded. Marla felt annoyed. No way was she going to be chaperoned her entire holiday. She saw Skylar and Claire watching her carefully, so she followed Emma’s example and nodded in agreement. Claire spoke, “Marla, I know you might think that Skylar and I are being a bit over the top, but we are both experienced hikers and climbers. Two years ago a woman here went hiking alone and when the mist came down she got lost and fell. She was badly injured. We don’t want that happening to any of us.” Her voice was a bit stern. Marla bristled: she was under the care of Skylar and Emma not Claire. “Marla, Claire is talking to you,” Skylar said. “We expect you to obey her as you would us. She is more experienced than any of us in this area. So whilst we are here you will follow her guidance as you do ours. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Marla muttered. Yes, I understand that no matter how fun loving that red haired seductress looks she plans to spoil my holiday, popped silently into her head. “I beg your pardon?” Skylar raised an eyebrow.
“Yes,” she said trying to sound a bit more pleasant. “Good,” Claire grinned. “Well Emma, you want to go for that swim?” Emma and Claire hurried off and Marla went and sat on the porch watching them as they entered the water. They looked happy and Emma looked relaxed. It was not that easy running’s one’s own business and this time off was a well-deserved break for Emma. Marla tried not to stare at Claire’s muscular, firm body. Her green boy shorts bikini showed her off her strong legs and her abdomen was flat and toned.
Marla felt more cheerful as Skylar came through, a beer in hand. They had requested the kitchen to be fully stocked before they arrived. “Honey, do you want a drink?” Skylar asked.
“I’ll get one shortly,” she said. “Skylar, you really love Emma don’t you?” she asked suddenly.
“Yes, yes, I do,” Skylar answered, “I could not imagine my life without her.”
“I hope I meet someone who loves me like that,” Marla said. “You will,” Skylar answered affectionately giving her a hug “You will.”
Chapter 6
Later that evening the four of them sat outside, around a fire that Skylar had lit. It was warm but they had decided that a fire would add a cosy element. Emma had made a delicious meal and they sat with their plates on their laps. Marla felt content and relaxed. She looked at up the dark night sky and saw millions of stars. She felt someone watching her and looking back down she saw Claire smiling tenderly at her. “It’s beautiful isn’t it?” she said softly.
“It is,” Marla answered all traces of her earlier irritation gone. “Do you see that star there?” Claire asked. “That is part of Orion’s belt.”
“You seem to know a lot about this area,” Marla said interestedly. “Yes, I was born not far from here. These mountains are like coming home for me.” Claire answered. Marla shifted closer. She had not realised that the sophisticated Claire had been born here. “I love coming here,” she continued. “It makes me feel closer to my father. He died four years ago. We used to hike these mountains together.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Marla said, immediately thinking of her brother. “Thanks,” Claire said, “I heard you lost your bother.”
“Yes, it was hard, we were very close. But Skylar and Emma have really helped me.”
“That’s good,” Claire said. She reached forward to get her drink and her muscled arm brushed Marla’s. Marla felt a slight electric shock and her tummy tingled. She looked at Claire who seemed oblivious. Get a grip Marla; she was just reaching for her drink. She sat back and looked out into the distance. Out of the corner of her eye she could not help noticing how the colour of Claire’s hair glinted in the light of the flames. Claire looked at her and she blushed and lowered her eyes. So sweet , Claire thought, so sexy as well with that brown hair framing her face, eyes so grey one minute and blue the next. I wonder if she knows how pretty she really is . Marla suddenly jumped up startling them all. “I’m off to bed. I suddenly feel so tired,” she said. “Okay, honey,” Emma said, “sleep well. Do you have everything you need?”
“Yes, yes,” Marla said and went inside.
“Is it my imagination or has she been looking at you all afternoon,” Skylar teased turning to Claire. “I don’t mind her looking.” Claire smiled. “Uh, oh, is there something going on here we should know about?” Emma said, grinning. Claire laughed and leaned back in her chair linking her arms behind her head. Hm…was there something there, she wondered . Marla had been glancing at her throughout the day. Upstairs Marla climbed into bed and lay thinking. What was it about Claire? She felt drawn to her. Surely Claire was too bossy. Just like Skylar. But still, she was so sexy, so sure of herself. She thought about how her green eyes danced with care and humour at the same time. Marla decided not to think any more and go to sleep. The mountain air was fresh and clear and she fell asleep almost instantly.
Chapter 7
The next morning Marla woke up early. She wondered what time the others had gone to bed. She felt rested and full of energy. The air was fresh and cool. Dressing as quietly as she could, she crept downstairs. She quietly opened the front door and found that she was not the first one up. Emma was outside on the patio, dressed in shorts and hiking shoes with a cute, little yellow top that set off her dark hair. She was sitting on a deck chair gazing out at the lake, drinking a cup of coffee. “Morning Marla, I was just up. How did you sleep?”
“Well thanks. I thought I might go for an early morning walk before getting breakfast. Would you like to join me?”
“I don’t think we should,” Emma said. “I’m dying to get out and explore myself, but I don’t think Skylar and Claire would like us to g
o alone.”
“We won’t be alone,” Marla said logically, “we’ll be together.” Emma laughed. “I meant without one of them. They know the area well.”
“We won’t go far,” Marla coaxed. “Please Emma...” Emma hesitated, she did not want to disobey her wife but Marla was right: they would be walking together and they did not have to go far.
“Okay,” she said, “but not too far. Apparently there is some wildlife in this area that could be dangerous.” Marla bounced up happily . Forget the wild life, she thought , we are on holiday. “One hour tops,” she said “it’s early and we’ll come back and make breakfast before those two lazy heads are even up.” They set off, following a path that led alongside the lake away from the cabin area. The lake seemed at its best: fish jumping, the gentle breeze designing patterns on its surface, birds skimming its top. They talked as they walked and Marla found herself opening up to Emma in a way she had not before. Emma responded easily and found out that Marla was definitely not the prickly person she sometimes portrayed herself as.
After sometime she noticed that the lake seemed further away from their left and that they had climbed upward a bit without noticing. She stopped Marla and they looked around. The cabins were way behind them. Up ahead was a forest of pine trees mixed with some trees they could not identify. “We best go back,” she said. “Let’s just continue to those trees. It looks interesting,” Marla said. Throwing her natural caution to the wind, heady in the early morning sun and air, Emma agreed and they walked on. The ground got a bit rougher and the path started to rise and then descend. They reached the trees after another ten minutes. It was dark and cool underneath the trees and mushrooms huddled in groups around moss. They walked further in and Emma felt amazed. She had been to the Lakes before but had not seen this stretch of area. It was like scenery from a fairy tale, albeit the darker type of fairy tale, like Hansel and Gretel. “We best go back,” she said reluctantly. After ten minutes of walking back the way they had come, the edge of the trees did not come into view. “That’s odd,” Emma said, “I’m sure we came from this side.”
Marla: A Lesbian Domestic Discipline Romance Trilogy Page 4
