Prolog
Perhaps I clutter my mind with, too, much these days. Even knowing I have several things in the works, I went back to enjoy this earlier writing and found myself drawn to it once again. The public comments urged me towards adding to this tale, which I admit was left hanging, or something near that point. And so, I once again delve into the world of John, his sister Jan and best friend, Cathy. Enjoy.
"That's all I wanted;
But sometimes love can be mistaken for a crime
That's all I wanted;
Just to see my baby's blue eyes shine..."
Father Figure,
From the Album,
Ladies & Gentlemen
By George Michael
* * * * *
I awoke early the next day, feeling happier than I could ever recall. Slipping from bed and away from the loves of my life, I quietly put on my robe and left the bedroom, stopping briefly at the door to take one last look at Jan and Cathy. An hour later, they found me staring out the back door, reminiscing about days long past.
"Umm morning, is there coffee?" Jan asked, walking quietly up to my side. She planted a soft wet kiss on my cheek, as I told her there was. Cathy walked into the room moments later.
"Hey, good morning, I'm ready for some..." She started to announce, when Jan cut her off. "On the counter, John made it already."
Cathy was obviously more awake than Jan, judging by the lilt in her voice. She seemed happy and eager to start the day. I returned to the view and my thoughts, listening to the two talk and pour out coffee. When the scraping of kitchen chairs ceased and the women and taken seats Cathy called out to me.
"John, what are you doing? You're quiet this morning, anything wrong?" She asked.
I sighed, not heavy but, apparently enough to be heard and replied, "Nothing really, just reminiscing. And no nothing is wrong, in fact, everything is very much right, thanks to you two." I turned away from the door, smiling warmly at Jan and Cathy.
"Good – join us then." Jan responded, patting the table and returned my smile.
"Reminiscing, on what John?" Jan added, watching me walk over to the table.
I spent the next several minutes explaining my thoughts to Jan and Cathy. Towards the end they both rested their chins on up turned palms, looking at me almost dreamy eyed. It was hard for me to imagine that, after all this time, they still gave me butterflies, deep in the pit of my stomach. Watching them as I talked, their disheveled hair and slightly pink cheeks, a glow of life and love, endured them to my heart like never before.
"So, as I was saying, I'd love to do a set of renderings of you two again. It's been so long and it came to me when I was thinking. Any thoughts?" I asked, ending my oration.
Cathy and Jan sat in silence for a few minutes, making me wonder if they thought my idea was stupid. It was Cathy that finally broke the silence. "Model again - Jan and I? I mean, you really think we're still all that after so long John? Oh by the way, where are those penis drawings you did anyway? I'd love to see them again!"
"Hey, speak for yourself Cath! I'd love to John and so would she, she's just being coy. She's still hot and she knows it and getting naked for you has never been a problem with her, right my dear?" Jan replied quickly, giving Cathy a wink.
The laughter that followed was wonderful. It lit up the room and galvanized me into further thoughts, which I kept to myself. Jan and Cathy eagerly accepted the idea, growing excited as they discussed ideas for the drawings and paintings. Thoughtfully, they asked me my feelings about each idea and we agreed to start later that day. Strangely, the discussion turned towards more down to earth things, with Jan starting it off.
"Okay, so I've been doing some thinking too John, care to hear about what?" Jan asked, finishing her coffee.
"Sure, love to, what's on your mind?"
"Well...It's about the house, John, and Cathy. I want her to live with us and maybe we should think about moving, you know get a place in the country. Somewhere quiet where you can create and we can all enjoy each other without worry or prying eyes. Understand?" She came back.
Cathy's face registered a sort of shocked look, speechless might cover it. My only reaction was to smile. What Jan didn't know and what I hadn't brought up were those exact same thoughts. I reached out to grasp Jan and Cathy's arms, squeezing tenderly, and said, "Me too, the thought hit me early this morning. You want to stay don't you Cath, I mean I'd hate to loose a model and a lover in one day!"
Cathy's head dropped and, almost immediately afterward, so did large drops of tears. She was crying tears of joy, if that doesn't sound too corny. In a sudden rush, Cathy slid back her chair and launched into my arms. "Yes, yes, God yes I want to stay. I love you both so much." She sobbed out, bear hugging me.
Jan renewed the laughter from before, setting us all in motion once again, even though Cathy's was a mixture of laughs, sobs and more tears. I accepted Cathy's tear wet lips, running nose and all, as she planted kiss after kiss on my lips thanking me and Jan for wanting her. The joyous emotions calmed down and Jan got up to join us.