Running From Forever

by K. Aten

  They talked for hours, starting with Sarah’s fears and later progressing to what each woman wanted from a relationship. At the end, Sarah looked seriously into Keller’s eyes. “Keller, as much as I care for you, Annie is the most important person in my life. I don’t want to watch her grow old while I stay young. In addition, I don’t want to watch her die while I’m still alive and healthy. I’m sorry, but I would rather stop seeing you right now if there were any chance of me catching what you have.”

  Keller thought for a second, digesting her lover’s words. She knew they were soul mates but she was also frustratingly aware that there was nothing she could say that would convince Sarah. Keller’s survival depended on the other woman now that they were bonded. She could only hope that in time the singer would change her mind. “Believe me when I say that I do understand. I promise that you can’t get what I have unintentionally.”

  Sarah looked at her but she had to drive the point home and make something clear. “It’s not just on accident that I’m worried about.” She looked deep into Keller’s eyes. “You have to promise me that you’ll never infect me, no matter what happens.”

  Keller returned the gaze and gave her solemn vow. “I promise that I’ll never infect you—unless asked.” She added caveat for her own piece of mind.

  Sarah grinned at the other woman’s persistence but she felt safe as long as she had her word. “Good enough—” she kissed her lightly on the lips “—and thanks for understanding.”

  “No problem, anytime.” Keller stood from the couch. “Would you care for some music?”

  Sensing Keller’s need for intimacy after their emotional talk, and wishing for the connection herself, Sarah nodded. With hooded eyes she watched the smaller woman walk over to the computer screen on the wall and delicately tapped out her commands. A mellow voice and smooth acoustic guitar emanated from the speakers in the bedroom. With a few more keystrokes, the lights lowered and she made her way back to the wine cooler. She squatted down and opened the door, raising an eyebrow in question. “Any preferences?”

  Sarah stood and brought the glasses and empty bottle back to the kitchen island. They had finished it sometime during their long talk. “Anything sounds good to me. Are you interested in a Jacuzzi bath?”

  Keller looked up from her rummaging and smirked at the other woman. “Are you feeling a little dirty tonight?”

  Green eyes twinkled back at her. “Maybe. I’ll go run some water just in case.”

  Their time in the tub started out innocently enough, it was both relaxing and comfortable. The wine, candles, and music added a sensuality that soon escalated their physical interaction. Wanting to show trust in her lover, Sarah let Keller take the lead. They were nearly horizontal with Keller facing Sarah in the tub, nestled between the taller woman’s legs. The kissing was slow and languid at first, with gentle touches and teasing thrusts of the tongue. A moan escaped Sarah when Keller’s knowing fingers grazed her nipple. Both women were nearly overwhelmed by the feel of skin sliding together in the water. After only a few minutes of caresses and kissing, their arousal began to simmer over. Keller eased back and slid to the side of the woman below her in the tub. Sarah whimpered at the lack of contact when Keller pulled away but was curious as well.

  “Keller, what are you—” Her question was cut off as Keller silenced her with a single finger to the lips.

  “Shhh, just close your eyes and let me lead for a while.”

  Sarah bestowed a look of trust onto her lover as she relaxed into her arms. Keller began placing tiny kisses along her neck and face as her right hand continued to wander. The left was under the singer caressing the firm globes close at hand. Sarah whimpered when fingertips strayed too near a taut nipple. And she hissed in pleasure when Keller followed the finger with moist lips.

  “Let me love you.” And Sarah did.

  JESSE HAD LONG since left for work and Sarah was on her second cup of coffee when Annie stumbled into the kitchen.

  Sarah looked up from the paper with a smile on her face. “Hey you! Guess whose name is in the paper, in the entertainment section?”

  Excitedly, Annie dropped the box of cereal she considered opening and ran over to the paper that was on the table. “Hot damn! They've got a write up about our Sip & Chug Music Spotlight!” Beyond ecstatic, she did a little happy dance in the middle of the checker-tiled floor. Sarah laughed at her sister's antics, simply happy that her sibling was happy. Annie began reading the article out loud.

  “There is an out of the way nightclub downtown that has been soaring in popularity in recent years. This place is called The Merge. Named for its combination of two bars, it features a state of the art dance club and a live music venue all under one roof. And let me tell you, the combination is nothing less than sweet harmony. Two years ago, the nightclub had an influx of fresh blood with the addition of Noble Keller, the manager and mastermind behind The Merge. She started with the stable guidance of long term Assistant Manager of the dance club, Lynne Jackson. Then she successfully renovated and rebranded the business in a way that few ever get to see. Spin, the dance club side, became one of the hottest spots in town. Finally, with the promotion of Annie Colby as the Assistant Manager of the music side of the business, Voodoo Pony has definitely cast a spell over the Columbus live music scene. Their fingers are clearly on the pulse of what is now and happening in the music world today. One example is the addition of the Sip & Chug music spotlight. These are limited series bi-monthly engagements featuring local bands of differing styles, playing opposite Fridays from each other. Nearly five months into the new series and locals are still thirsty for more. Catering to a diverse crowd of music fans inside an already diverse city, The Merge seems to be living up to its name and it’s certainly doing everything right.”

  Annie was practically glowing with excitement when she stopped reading. “This is insane!” She paused for a second and then exclaimed “I need to tell Keller!”

  Sarah could only shake her head as she watched her younger sister dash out of the kitchen in search of her phone. Sarah was rinsing her mug when Annie returned a short while later.

  “Hey, I just spoke with Keller, and Jesse. Keller suggested we have a celebratory dinner tomorrow, can you make it? I wasn’t sure if you had any lessons on your schedule but the rest of us are all free.”

  Sarah laughed at her enthusiasm. “Well it just so happens that I’m free as well. But I’d reschedule even if it was the mayor of Columbus, just to celebrate with you!”

  Annie burst out laughing and then hip checked her sister away from the coffee pot. “Give me a break, you hate the overly conservative mayor! Some compliment that is.”

  Green eyes twinkled. “Okay, you got me. But still, I would have worked out something if my schedule had been full.” Giving her sibling a serious look, she said, “I’m really proud of you, Annie, and I think Mom and Dad would have been proud too.”

  With watery eyes, Annie replied, “Thanks—for everything.” The hug that followed was full of love.

  When they released each other, Sarah subtly pulled herself back together. “All right, I’ve got to get out of here. I have a one o’clock with a seventy-year-old that wants to learn the drums.”

  Annie gave her a look of disbelief. “Isn’t he a little old? What happens if he has a heart attack?”

  Sarah smirked and corrected the other woman. “She. And she turns off her hearing aids when she plays.” She walked out of the kitchen with the sound of laughter following her.

  SATURDAY NIGHT WAS heavy with the lingering heat that had been building all week. The dog days of summer settled over the city of Columbus and the three women living in the Colby household dressed accordingly for the sweltering evening ahead. Dinner was fairly informal. They planned to meet Keller at a popular tapas restaurant downtown. There was no agenda beyond dinner, they’d decide what to do while they ate. Pitchers of sangria preceded the small dishes of various foods. Keller remarked
on the latest news in the bar scene as small plates passed around the table. “Have you guys heard of the new club that opened on Division and Fountain?”

  Sarah cocked her head curiously. “I don’t remember a club there, just that creepy old gothic church. Or did they finally tear it down?”

  The bar manager smiled and shook her head. “No, actually that creepy old church is the new club. They’ve done minimal renovation, mostly removing the bulk of the pews, adding drink bars on every floor, and turning the altar and nave of the main cathedral area into a stage and dance floor.”

  Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Wow. That just seems so—”

  Jesse chuckled, tickled by the idea. “Sacrilegious!” She shook her head and took another bite, then added. “That’s great though, I can’t wait to see it.”

  The younger Colby sister giggled as well. “I’ve heard about the place, it’s called Temple du Loup. I also heard it’s pretty pricy to get in. But supposedly every Saturday night they have steampunk themed circus performers wandering around and up on a wire above the dance floor. And somehow they scored the hottest DJ in the state, Jon Kaydell! That place is definitely on my radar, if only for professional reasons. I seriously want to check it out— right after my boss gives me a pay raise because the fee to get in is ridiculous.”

  Keller looked around the table at her dinner companions, then reached into her back pocket. As she pulled out four paper passes, she asked “Well, your boss isn’t giving you a raise but you can still satisfy your curiosity. How do you all feel about checking out the place tonight?” She smiled enigmatically. “An old friend of mine is the new manager there. I’ve got VIP passes if you’re interested.”

  Annie leaned across the table so fast she nearly knocked over her drink. “Oh my God, shut up! Seriously, Keller, how did you score these?”

  Sarah grabbed for the glass at the same time Jessie pulled her girlfriend back into a seated position by the waistband of her shorts. Keller just snickered at her employee’s enthusiasm. “So is that a yes?”

  Jessie shrugged. “I’m down with it, sounds like fun.” She glanced over at her girlfriend, who was wiggling in her seat while she stared at the tickets she’d snatched out of Keller’s hand. “I think we already know how you feel, babe.”

  Sarah just laughed at her sister’s antics and nodded. “Yeah, sounds good. I’ve got nothing going on tomorrow so I can stay out late as I want.”

  After spending a leisurely amount of time over their tapas, the group decided it was time to make their way to the new club. They didn’t want to take two vehicles there though and since Annie’s house was closest, they had Keller follow them back to drop off her car before they all piled into Sarah’s RAV4. With Jesse’s back seat full of computer parts and Annie’s a legitimate disaster zone of fast food wrappers and assorted crap, there wasn’t much of a decision to make. Sarah’s vehicle was dirty and road worn so she wasn’t concerned about parking on the street. Sometimes nice cars invited vandalism, especially in the less affluent neighborhoods. Jesse volunteered to drive them all home so Sarah gave her the keys once the doors were locked.

  As they approached the club from a few blocks away, Jessie gave a whistle. “Holy shit guys, look at the line!”

  Keller gave her a little chuck to the right shoulder. “No worries, the VIP tickets will let us jump that.”

  Annie, who was holding her girlfriend’s left hand, grinned. “You’re the best boss ever!”

  Sarah took in the architecture of the massive building. There was a well-lit stained glass widow that took up two-thirds of the main street side face. The building itself was an amazing bit of beauty with its classic lines and architecture that were found on so many of the churches across Europe. It was a glory of stone and wood construction, featuring high vaulted ceilings and spires.

  They followed Keller around to the main entrance on the side of the building. The long line actually snaked around to the front, and many people weren’t happy when she bypassed it and walked up to one of the two bouncers stationed at the door. She held up her four tickets and pointed a thumb at the rest of the small group. The noise from the crowd echoed between the buildings on the side street, so they stood there silently. He held up a finger said something into the headset he wore, listened, then looked back and waved them through. “Louve will meet you on the other side.”

  Once inside, the noise took on a whole new quality. Sarah could hear the music and feel the bass through the soles of her shoes, but it was muted. She stared at the massive revolving wood door. It was like nothing she’d ever seen. Each panel face was carved with the relief of a different wolf’s head. There were windows on either side of it, so the inner sanctum could clearly be seen. And there was something else, an energy that pulsed around them. Annie and Jesse didn’t appear to notice it so she glanced at Keller. Sarah raised an eyebrow when she caught Keller’s eye and the shorter woman grinned. Just when Sarah was about to ask questions about the atmosphere, someone pushed through from the other side. The motion of the revolving door let a bit of music seep through as it spun around. The woman that approached them was short and androgynous with slicked-back black hair. She wore an outfit that could only be described as ringmaster steampunk, consisting of black pants tucked into high black riding boots, a cream shirt with ruffles and a black bowtie, a charcoal gray vest with pre-requisite pocket watch, all minimally covered by a short red coat. The entire outfit was finished off with a black felt top hat wrapped with a set of copper-rimmed goggles, and a curious looking cane. It looked like a graduated length of copper tubing, featuring a handle decorated with swirls and a single brass button.

  Annie, sometimes lacking a filter, said exactly what was on her mind. “Well fuck me. That is the sweetest outfit I’ve ever seen!”

  The woman gave her a broad grin and tipped her hat with a little bow. “Merci!” When she turned her smile and gaze toward Keller, Sarah noticed her eyes were so dark they appeared black.

  The bar manager walked right up to the woman and greeted her with a strong hug and a kiss on each cheek. “Bonjour ma petite Louve. Comment avez-vous été”

  The woman that the other three were assuming was the same Louve the bouncer mentioned responded back to Keller in French. “Keller! Je suis bon, je vous remercie. Qui sont tes amis?”

  Annie snorted and remarked, “I knew I should have taken French instead of Spanish!”

  Jesse swatted her arm. “Shh!”

  Keller did the polite thing in mixed company and answered in English. Pointing to Annie first, she continued around the group. “This is my Voodoo Pony manager Annie, her girlfriend Jesse, and Annie’s sister, Sarah.” Turning back to her little group she added, “Ladies, say hello to Louve, the manager and part owner of Temple du Loup.”

  Louve smiled at them all and shook their hands, but held Sarah’s a little longer. She kissed the back of the singer’s hand, and in moderately accented English she said, “It is truly my pleasure.” When Keller took a small step forward at their prolonged contact, the French woman abruptly dropped the appendage. With a curious smile she looked back at Keller. “Oh, est que la façon dont il est?” When Keller gave her the slightest of nods, she added “mes-soeurs?” Keller hesitated, and then gave another nod. The French woman’s grin got even wider. “Interesting.”

  Sarah’s curiosity was piqued. “So how do you know Keller?” Louve laughed, and the sound flitted down Sarah’s spine like a melody of rain. Sarah looked at her sister and Jesse and became slightly unnerved that they didn’t appear to be affected in the least. When she dared a glance at her lover, Keller’s face only held a slight smirk.

  The French woman grabbed Keller’s hand and shook it slightly before releasing it again. “Oh, this one and I—we go way back. Don’t we, Keller? My late wife introduced us many, many years ago. Je l'espère, elle a trouvé la paix dans la mort” A frown graced her lips for but a second before sliding back into her easy grin.

  Keller
frowned as well. “I will always be sorry for the loss of Catherine.” Sarah’s gaze narrowed at her, wondering if this was the same Catherine from centuries ago. And if so, who was Louve?

  Louve waved her off. “Non. It is your fault mon ange de sang, but it is forgivable, no? Let us not speak of this again.”

  Keller’s tousled blond head gave a nod before she seemed to shake free from her memories. “Very well. Instead, why don’t you tell us about your club? I like the revolving door, it’s a nice touch.”

  Cane tapping occasionally on the floor, the petite ringmaster led them to the large, carved revolving doors. “Oh yes, it was a grand idea! It allows for a steady stream of people in and out, while keeping the noise and temperature from leaking into the foyer here. Our fire-breathing twins actually did the carving. It is beautiful, no?”

  Their little group stared at the carved work of art. Jesse’s whispered comment was barely heard. “It’s amazing!”

  Before they could say any more, a lithe costumed man pushed through the door. “Louve!”

  Their hostess looked at him and quickly pulled out her pocket watch. “Merde!” She turned to the four VIPs. “Forgive me, but I must go. I am the ringmaster after all but please look around and enjoy the show!” Then as abruptly as she appeared, she was gone.