Til Morning Comes

by Lisa Ann Harper

  So preoccupied, Jellie had been oblivious until the moment of penetration when suddenly, a conflagration of such intensity filled her body she could not continue.

  “Oh darling, that feels so good, I could cry.” She was all animal emotion, lost in her involvement with this wonderful woman.

  “Let me take you, like this.”

  “Oh yes … yes!”

  Mal brought her right hand down as she moved herself underneath Jellie’s breasts. She took one mound into her mouth and once settled, began slowly stroking between the lubricated lips, now tumescent and hot. She went all the way from front to back. Jellie, captured on her stomach, could do nothing but receive; so many sensations were building. She knew Mal had started to circle inside her at the back, could feel how her muscles were tight, straining; aware of every move.

  Mal releasing Jellie’s breast ordered, in a strange, harsh voice: “Kiss me!”

  Jellie moved her body down slightly and placed her soft, full mouth on Mal’s firm lips. At this moment Mal slid two fingers deep, deep inside her vagina to the furthest length and held herself still. She could feel Jellie’s throbbing tightness around her, she was in her element; her senses inflamed, at last free to do what she felt born to do, her destiny finally fulfilled. With commanding power, without force, she took Jellie’s mouth and kissed her with a thick, probing tongue. It was deeply penetrating, filling all her spaces and then she began a series of measured withdrawals and re-entry into that soft, lubricated passage. Each time she went to the hilt, but stayed unhurried.

  Jellie could not resist this onslaught. Totally enslaved and dominated, she had to let go all her control. Her head dropped to rest on Mal’s neck. She never before had experienced such rapture from such abandoned submission. She wanted Mal to take her like she was her plaything, to do anything she liked with her. She would obey.

  Mal commanded, in a voice totally unknown to her before: “This is the time, stay with me!” Now, clasped both front and back, Jellie began her ascent. Mal, at last in her glory, synchronised her thrusts and with gradual augmentation, increased her rhythm. This was her ride! She never reached to her own speed. Jellie’s orgasm exploded on them both with such a bounding surge, it was done. The cry was low, drawn out. Mal, experiencing all of it squeezed her thighs to let herself come in harmony with every convulsive pulsation of her woman’s contractions. Too soon, she thought, but there would be more.

  When they returned from their heights, Mal slid from the back and told Jellie to roll to her side. Lying comfortably together, she began to kiss the closed eyelids, all tenderness again. She stroked her lashes with her tongue then nibbled softly at an ear lobe. It was not long before Jellie let out a gentle, “Oh!”

  Mal pulled back: “Ah!” She had remained unmoving inside Jellie, but with this response placed her other hand over Jellie’s bush and let her finger tips lie on the protruding bud.

  “Darling, what are you doing?”

  “Bring your hand down to me and do what I do.”

  Feeling Mal’s slippery lubrication for the first time renewed Jellie’s passion. Her desire for more grew fast.

  “Slowly … softly, Jells.”

  Guided by Mal, she followed her lead then took over for herself and Mal stopped. She let her explore and discover and finally experience another woman’s orgasm. Jellie was overwhelmed by the pleasure it gave her, but in no time Mal began to stroke her clit and she felt her vagina respond. It would not be long before she followed her love in another ecstatic climax.

  Eventually, with tranquil satiation, they were ready for sleep. Naked, they stretched out together belly to belly and breast to breast, serenely snuggled close in their private world, enveloped in the wispy softness of their feathery doona.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “I’ve been thinking about your brother’s wedding.”

  “Mm…m,” Mal had her head buried in some work files she had had to bring home. Nikki had given her a cohort of kids under four which was proving to be quite the challenge. Jellie was catching up on the ironing, mostly Mal’s clothes for work.

  “I think, with the success of the jumping arena and EJ’s capabilities, you could take a two week vacation and visit your family.”

  Mal set down her papers and looked up. This past month her personal side of things had not been to the forefront of her mind. It was true, their business was under control and the staff had been great. Delinda Knobel had finally achieved her accreditation and been in touch with them. Undeniably, with her on board they would be doing well. Mal thought out loud.

  “August could be a good time. With the school year finished, many of them are away for the summer break.”

  “Nessa’s experience means she could take over the accounts, especially with the teaching load down.”

  “I’ll pass it by Nikki and see if the time would be in conflict with any of the others. They could be hoping for August, too and they’ve been with her longer than I have.”

  “So you will consider it?” Jellie asked hopefully, as she hung up another shirt and went on to the next.

  * * *

  Because Mal was working part-time her holiday hours were not on the same scale as the permanents. This allowed time off at the supervisor’s discretion, so she was able to report back that the first two weeks could be a ‘go’.

  “Give your Mother a call then. It will make her so happy.” She waited ’til her next day off, checked the time difference and called early evening their time.

  “Mallory it’s you!” June answered.

  “How’re you and Dad?”

  “Good. Good. How are you dear?”

  “Is the wedding still on?”

  “Sure is. Are you calling about coming over?”

  “I am.”

  “Oh Possum, what good news,” Mal heard her call out: ‘Stan, come here,’ then she was back to the line.

  “How long will you be able to stay? Can you get someone to look after your ward?”

  Now her mother had mentioned Jellie, Mal thought the time opportune to make her suggestion. She had recalled that she had speculated before on bringing her over for Christmas, but the wedding would be even better.

  “Hi Dad, Mum listen, how would it be if I brought Nigella with me?”

  There was silence, then: “Is she someone capable of travelling?” The voice lacked warmth, but Mal didn’t notice, too swept up in her exciting proposition.

  “Oh yes. She’s all better now. It would be a wonderful experience for her.”

  Stan came on the line. “That’ll be beaut, girl. More for our side, I say.”

  “Actually, I haven’t asked her yet. I thought I’d pass it by you first. If it’s all right with you, then I’ll check it out and get back to you.”

  Stan again: “Do that. Let us know as soon as you can, OK?”

  June’s turn: “Mallory, this will be such good timing having you come over just now. Gavin’s got a number of his mates who’ll be here for the celebrations. There’ll be lots of nice young men for you to cast your eye over. Not all of them are married or have girlfriends.” She was feeling uncommonly elated. Everything was going to work out just right after all. In her enthusiasm she waxed expansively on the plans for the wedding. They were going to hold the reception at the Paradise Golf and Country Club. “It’s not too far from the church. They keep the gardens so beautiful. Oh, it will be lovely.”

  “That sounds good,” but she was hardly listening. She wanted to hear what Jellie would say. “Mum, I have to go and I’ll call again to let you know.”

  First thing, as soon as she closed off, was to go in search of Jellie. Such a temperate afternoon, she was outside making the most of it pottering in the garden. The flowers too, early Dahlias, had turned their multi-coloured heads sunward to glory in its rays. It was truly liberating after being cooped up over winter and she found the routine of garden work relaxing, before the kids arrived. Mal sat on a sawn log and watched for a while, enjoying Jellie’s total absor
ption in her occupation. She stretched out her legs to feel the quiet breeze and let the soothing warmth waft over her.

  “Hey Babe, how would you like to make the trip with me?” she called out.

  Jellie sat back on her haunches, taking a break from the weeding: “Both of us – away at the same time?”

  “You said yourself we’ve got enough people to take over.” She raised her hand to her brow, squinting against the sun’s glare.

  “To visit Australia, to meet your family, I think that would be awesome.”

  “I promised to let them know what you decide. I was hoping you’d go for it, but I wasn’t game to speak in your place.”

  “Darling, surely you know I’d like to go anywhere with you … and especially to meet your Mama and Papa.” She set down her tools and pulled off her gloves.

  “Mm…m, as to that you won’t find them anything like yours. My folks are very down to earth … I call them Mum and Dad.”

  “I’ll love your Mum and Dad …” she enunciated with care then laughed: “… because they gave me you.” She straightened herself up and went over to plant a big, fat kiss on her lips. Mal pulled her down to her lap.

  “I’ll see about making the bookings. If I do them over the internet I may be able to locate a good deal. Two months in advance should make any airline interested,” then she gave her a smacking kiss in return.

  As it happened it was almost a week later when next she phoned. Events hadn’t unfolded quite as quickly as expected, but in the end she had been able to secure a healthy discount. Now, armed with Jellie’s agreement and the dates, she was ready for the confirmation call. June was alone.

  “Good news Mum. Jellie would love to come. I’ve got the dates for you. We’ll arrive one week in advance of the wedding then stay on for one more after that. I want to show Jellie something of Queensland and she’s keen to see where I grew up.”

  “Two weeks isn’t much seeing as how you’re coming such a long way, but I guess if that’s all the time you can manage …?”

  “My boss is sort of squeezing me out, so to speak, for that time.” Mal was pleased it had fallen into place with comparatively little hassle. “In a way, she’s doing me a big favour.” With everything going so well, she made the decision to fill her in and tell her that she and Jellie were an ‘item’. It would be so much better when they all met, that everything was out in the open. Gavin would be pleased for her, if he could think of anyone but Kryssi by then. She knew her Mum wanted to see her settled and happy. Yes, this will be the better way to go.

  “Something else Mum …”

  “Yes dear?”

  “Do you remember when you first called, how you said you would like to know I’d found someone to settle down with?”

  “Indeed, we both would.”

  “Well, Mum I have.”

  “Oh Mal, that’s wonderful news. Who is he? When did this happen?” She could hear the smile in her voice.

  “Mum, it’s Nigella. It was on my birthday.”

  “Nigella!” the name exploded from her lips. A lengthy silence followed. It stretched out along the transatlantic cable, the dead air registering a negative reception.

  “Mum?”

  “A woman! You’re not serious?”

  “Mum, of course I am.”

  “What will your father say?”

  “I hope he’ll be happy for me,” she retorted sharply.

  “Mallory this is not something to make him happy, me neither.” Her fingers curled tight around the hand piece as she thought of all the implications. Not only what she would say to Stan, but to friends and neighbours; and what about grandchildren?

  “Mum, what are you saying?”

  “What are you saying, girl?” She tried to hold back her anger, but there was still accusation in the voice. Silence returned. A curious expression crossed Mal’s face; something painful as she pressed her hand to her cheek, leaving white marks on her skin. There was an instant of knowing – she had misjudged their feelings. A wall of misconceptions lay between them, too great to leap in one phone call. She tried to dismiss her fears, but failed. She had thought all they wanted was for her to be happy. Now true sentiments had been stripped bare – leaving them with what?

  “We can’t talk now. I’ll have to speak to your father.” She really couldn’t bring herself to say more. She needed to hear what Stan would say. Much would depend on how he felt about this. Their plans for the future had been dashed in one brief moment. It was to be Gavin married, then Mallory. How could she do this to them?

  “All right, Mum.”

  “Perhaps, if you’re coming over, you should consider coming alone?” her voice had become neutral in an effort to hold back on her real emotions.

  “Mum, I don’t want it to seem like she’s someone I have to hide. Anyway, I don’t want to leave Nigella behind.”

  “If it’s like that, then perhaps it’s best you don’t come at all.” The silence stretched out between them.

  “If that’s how you feel …” she cut the connection. What a way to end!

  Bitter thoughts wracked her mind. Disappointment and anger struggled within her. Her eyes suddenly glistened and she blinked hurriedly, trying to eliminate the tears, but failed. A drop slid down her face. It was hard to absorb the shock of this sudden realisation. Now she was alienated from her family and she had always thought them so close and loving. What was this, ‘best you don’t come at all’? How could everything have gone so wrong?

  Should I have kept quiet? But what sort of visit would that be, trying to pretend … in the face of all that celebrating too.

  * * *

  “You look downhearted, dearest. What’s the matter?” Lessons had finished for the day and Jellie was on her way to the office to complete the bookwork.

  “Sit for a moment Jells,” Mal patted the cushions beside her. “I just spoke to Mum. It seems the trip’s off.” She was sitting with her shoulders stiff, back upright, as if to bend were impossible.

  “The wedding has been cancelled?” she asked incredulously as she sat down. Now her whole attention concentrated on Mal’s face.

  “No-o, but something’s come up.” Her knotted hands were twisting convulsively. She was scared to put the hideous truth into words; to tell her that she’d been cut by her parents – or the reason for it. Nor did she want Jellie living on, in excited anticipation, of a trip that was not to be.

  “What has come up?” She couldn’t imagine anything that would cancel a trip like this, except something wrong with the airline. As to that, there must be other carriers.

  Her eyes fixed on Jellie’s worried concern. “I’m sorry Babe. I know you were so looking forward to this.”

  “Tell me!”

  She couldn’t. Too ashamed and yes, humiliated. Nor did she want Jellie to feel in any way the cause. A frown passed across her brow then disappeared as she thought it over, regaining her interior authority. “Listen Jells,” she blurted out: “We’ll go to Australia … we’re just not going to a wedding, that’s all. We don’t have to cancel the trip.” She had found the way to solve her problem. We can bypass Cairns. We’ll go to Sydney. She’ll love it.

  “Not meet your parents, Gavin or Kryssi?”

  She gave a wan smile. “No Sweetness. It’s not going to happen,” then she visibly brightened: “But Australia’s a big country and there’s lots for you to see and enjoy. We’d have a lovely time. There’s so much I want to show you.”

  “But you want to see your Mama and Papa.” She was studying her face, trying to find something more tangible behind these words that lay on the surface. “There will have been so much preparation and all those people expecting to see you again; anticipating they’ll catch up on your news after all this time.” She wouldn’t leave it alone.

  “Jellie!” her voice rose as her frown deepened and her cheeks flared to a sudden red. She snapped out in hot fury: “I already told you that’s not going to happen. Can’t you open your ears and listen?
I’ve told you to stop. Now drop this.” There was a white line round her mouth; her unmitigated features were hard and uncompromising. Jellie recoiled in shock. Mal’s voice had been so abrasive and discordant. The usually faultless lines of her face were now rigid and insensitive. She hardly recognised this woman as her lover. She closed her lips tightly as nervous emotion washed over her. She had seen something of this same abraded anger in her childhood. Full of hurt, she got up to leave. Mal’s hand reached out and caught at her arm.

  “Darling, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so abrupt.” Her temper had died as rapidly as it had flared. Jellie turned, eyes challenging, but only to shake off the restraining hand and then she fled the room. Only Mal’s eyes followed. To have upset her so much sickened her, but it could not be undone. She would have to let her get over it in her own time.