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TITLE: A Thousand Glimpses
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fondness for British girl bands.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yet more family time. The show is getting pretty drama filled. Here are some happy songs from my favorite British girl bands because I'm a dork and music always cheers me up like that.
Hanging On A Star by Sugababes : Turn To Stone by Girls Aloud
Oh yes, and if you're for some reason as weird and nerdy as me and want to see Reese's wall clock that is Salvador Dali inspired then Click Here. Yes, I did research on a clock. I'm a sad person.
I forgot something! Kendall getting her hair caught in a plastic fan was an idea given to me bysulkygeek so much props and love to her.
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Thirteen
Maurice was a human calendar in many ways. He would appear at the start of each work day, inform Reese of every last thing she had to do and when she had to do it then ask if there was anything he left out that she needed to complete. Depending on the day, he would say the new thing was easily arranged or next to impossible but somehow he always got whatever Reese needed done, and done on time. It was why Reese loved him and felt, despite his sometimes overbearing personality, he was the perfect assistant.
While Reese appreciated Maurice for keeping track of her daily work schedule, she didn't necessarily need constant reminding. Since grade school she made the habit of writing things down, whether it be what time to go to torturous ballet practice or when she was supposed to accompany her father to a job site, Reese always wrote it down in her pocket sized planner. As she grew up and became more fixated on having new and fun technology based toys to play with, she came to rely heavily on her BlackBerry for this.
Her compulsion for calendars and dates was how she knew that today, July 13th, which was the allegedly unluckiest of Friday's, she had been dating Bianca for precisely three weeks. It was strange because the time went so fast when she was with Bianca, hours seemed like minutes and it was never enough. No matter what she had been doing with the other woman, whether it be playing with Miranda, dancing at a club, or having a romantic dinner at her house, Reese never failed to find a simple sort of perfection in the activity. All the same, it seemed to Reese as if they had known each other for years because the bond between them had emerged so effortlessly.
Almost like the connection had always been there and was simply waiting for the two women to meet and solidify it. Reese knew such thoughts were bordering on the ludicrous but she couldn't help herself when it came to Bianca. When she was with the brunette, that ever present logical part of her brain died or at least took an extensive nap and her more whimsical romantic side was quickly taking over. She didn't know if she was particularly comfortable knowing this about herself but it did demonstrate a certain truth about their relationship. Namely that it was bringing out different aspects to her personality that Reese hadn't even realized existed before meeting Bianca.
The news of her ending the engagement to Simon traveled through her office like wildfire and Reese was wary of the reaction at first. Wondering how her inquisitive employees would take the news and if they would look down on her for calling the wedding off so close to the planned date but she never got that sense from them. In fact, it was the strangest thing, she didn't get anything. No looks, no whispers, no remarks, and not even any verbal sympathy. This left her rather perplexed until she spoke to Maurice about it and he turned to her, wearing that imperious look of mild boredom, then he said that perhaps they didn't say anything because there was nothing to say.
It reminded Reese of an article she read once, the world ends with a fizzle instead of a bang. She supposed her relationship with Simon was the same. There hadn't ever been any strong emotion behind it, at least not on her part, and while she knew Simon loved her and she regretted hurting him they hadn't shared any sort of deep bond and she thought eventually he would realize that. He would know she had been holding back the entire time they had been together. Reese was aware life with her mother taught her to be a stupendous actress, to become what others wanted her to be, but she didn't think she was all that good at it. If she was then Bianca wouldn't be able to read her so easily.
Perhaps she was though, and it was simply the fact she wasn't good at it with Bianca. Clearly she could do it because she hadn't told the brunette about her relationship with Simon, encouraged by the brunette stating she didn't want them to discuss their romantic histories, and it was easy for Reese to comply. She didn't want to talk about him with Bianca because she had this fear lurking in the back of her mind that should Bianca find out about her past she might not want her anymore and the idea of this was almost too much to bear.
Control had been her standby for years, control of her life, control of her emotions, everything controlled. Then she met Bianca and that went out the window and it frightened and thrilled her at the same time. This was just the beginning in a much larger story, somehow Reese sensed it, somehow she knew they would have more together, feel more, experience more, and the possibility of losing that was crushing.
She kept pushing those thoughts away, not wanting them to ruin her time with Bianca, especially when they didn't have any basis. Each day they spent together they became closer and Reese could feel the bond between them growing stronger, becoming deeper, and it left her with a sense of fulfillment she never thought she would achieve. Like everything was right in the world and things were finally as they should be.
This belief was reinforced in small ways, including the fact that Bianca could enter her office with only a soft knock on the door and a call of enter from Reese and there wasn't a herd of curious employees stalking her in the process.
Her eyes lighting up on seeing the other woman, Reese rose to greet her. As she walked towards Bianca, she glanced at the clock hanging on the far left wall and frowned on seeing the time. The brunette asked her the night before if she wanted to go with her to pick Miranda up at preschool then eat out for an early dinner and Reese promptly agreed but she had been so engrossed in her work on perfecting the designs for Sig. Passeri the hours had escaped her.
"I lost track of time," Reese said apologetically, giving Bianca a light kiss and smoothing a lock of hair away from the brunette's face. "I'm sorry, I should've met you down in the lobby almost five minutes ago."
"It's all right," said Bianca sweetly. A look of wry humor touched her pale features and she remarked, "Danielle was more than happy to keep me occupied. She's awfully curious about the two of us, I hope you know."
"Danielle is curious about everything, we're just the latest on a long list," said Reese in droll tones, reluctantly moving away from Bianca to gather up her briefcase, carefully putting her sketch book and favorite Kohinoor Rapidograph Technical pen inside. She rolled up her latest schematics and carefully stored them inside her aluminum mailing tube. Putting them both over her shoulder, she inspected her office furtively, arranging everything on her desk exactly as she liked it, trying to recall if there was anything else she needed before they left. She paused in the middle of this ritual on hearing a soft chuckle and she looked up to see Bianca watching her with an affectionate expression. "What?"
"Nothing," Bianca shook her head, the affection remaining on her face even as she shifted her attention to the wall clock Reese had been focused on just moments earlier. Frowning slightly, she tilted her head and commented, "Is that supposed to remind me of Dali?"
"The Persistence of Memory," said Reese and she couldn't help the pleasure she felt on Bianca recognizing why the clock was purposefully designed to be distorted, appearing as if it was melting just like the watches in the painting. "Do you like surrealist art?"
"Yes," admitted Bianca, an almost sheepish tinge to her voice as she said this. Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, she said, "My family isn't quite as appreciative. I had a surrealist self-portrait in my apartment back when I was pregnant with Miranda and I don't know how many times Kendall told me that Miranda was going to have nightmares from looking at it. I've got it in storage, hopefully she hasn't thrown it out."
"Who was the artist?" asked Reese, interested but still trying to recall if she needed anything else. There was a little nagging voice in her head, telling her she was forgetting something and she couldn't remember what it was just yet.
"Portia Ligabue, she was based in Philadelphia," said Bianca, who studied Reese carefully. A slow smile forming on her features, she questioned mischievously, "Do you need help finding something? Or are you distracted by your pencil not being precisely four inches from the edge of the desk just like you like it?"
"No, I'm not even sure what--" Reese paused in her reply and placing her hands on her hips, she narrowed her eyes at the brunette. "You're making fun of me, aren't you? I think keeping a tidy workspace is an admirable trait, no matter what you or Audrey might say."
"Tidy is one thing, anal retentive is another," said Bianca, laughing when Reese grumbled in reply. Making her way over to the blonde, she gently cupped Reese's face in her hands, kissing her cheek and pulling her into a loose embrace. "I'm sorry," she soothed, laughter still in her voice as she rubbed the small of the older woman's back. "What can I do to make it up to you?"
Making a show out of her contemplation, Reese observed Bianca with lidded eyes as she said, "Another kiss would be a start."
"Just a start?" Bianca murmured, moving in to give said kiss, a smile curving on her lips.
"I'm sure I'll have plans for later," responded Reese, returning the smile and sighing as Bianca kissed her in a careful study. She could feel her briefcase sliding down her shoulder and she was sure the aluminum mailing tube would soon follow but she couldn't find it in her to care. Not in the midst of this kiss that to Reese seemed to be as happy and playful as their relationship, causing the blonde to delight in it, following along with Bianca's faint nibbles and slow suck of her tongue, tasting Reese all too well then pulling away, parting with a smile still on her features. Chuckling low and quiet, Reese said in a drawl, "Correction. I'll definitely have plans for later."
Laughing happily, Bianca pressed a soft kiss to her cheek and murmured, "Are you positive you're not forgetting something? You looked like you were trying to remember pretty hard. Enough to make a cute 'I'm concentrating seriously' face."
"I'm insulted that you don't think I always concentrate seriously," sniffed Reese, peering at Bianca and trying her best to look superior and positive she was failing from the wide smile forming on the other woman's features. The put upon expression falling away, Reese glanced around her office and murmured, "I just know that I'm forgetting something but I don't know what it is for the life of me…" She trailed off and peering over Bianca's shoulder, she caught sight of a green plastic box. "That's it!" Releasing the other woman, Reese walked over to one of her couches where the box sat hidden behind it. Lifting it up by the clear plastic handle on its lid, she presented it proudly to Bianca so she could read the label. "What do you think? A good choice?"
"DUPLO Deluxe Brick Box," Bianca read out loud, fondness shining in her dark gaze as she regarded Reese. "When did you get this?"
"Yesterday," said Reese with a casual shrug, holding the box at her side and adjusting her briefcase over her shoulder. "I had a lunch meeting with Herr Ebersbach about his account with us and the restaurant was right by Au Bon Marché. I couldn't resist inspecting their toy department then low and behold, what do I find but a massive sale on all their Lego products? How could an architect possibly pass that up?"
"How indeed," chuckled Bianca and she approached the blonde in a smooth gait then easily pulled Reese towards her. The Legos clacked together from the movement as Bianca tilted her head, observing Reese with fathomless eyes, deep in their affection. "That's a lot of Legos," Bianca noted. "What are you planning on making with Miranda?"
"A house? A city hall? I hadn't thought about it," replied Reese humorously. "Why? Do you have any ideas?"
"No, I was just wondering if you did," said Bianca and she continued to study Reese with those dark eyes, making Reese blush just because there was something in her gaze that hinted of an appreciation that was stronger and more significant than anything she ever experienced.
This occupying her thoughts, Reese couldn't help but ask, "Do you think Miranda will like it?"
"Like it?" Bianca echoed and Reese watched transfixed as the smile on the brunette's lips tugged upwards, slow and sensual as Bianca threaded her fingers in her hair, her breath a whisper on Reese's skin. "No," she murmured. "I think she'll love it."
Bianca pulled her in for a kiss, her caress exquisite in its care and concentration. There was a sweetness to this kiss, a regard that was solemn and true in its admiration and while Reese had enjoyed all their previous kisses, maybe each one more than the last, somehow this kiss was different because of the feeling behind it. One that let her know without a doubt how much Bianca was touched by her gift for Miranda. In this respect, to Reese, it almost made it feel like a gift to herself as well, particularly since she was so pleased to receive it.
---
Ecole active Bilingue, Bianca explained to Reese, was a wonderful school for the children of expatriates. They offered three separate programs, one for French students, one for expatriates, and another for those wishing to reenter the British or American schooling system. Miranda's preschool was at the Lamartine campus where she was in their immersion program for expatriate children, one of the main focuses being helping the students adapt to the French language and culture. Bianca chose the school for the proximity to her house and its reputation for excellence as well as its creative education programs. Also confessing she liked the fact that the school went up to Grade 12. This meant that Miranda could stay there throughout the length of her education should they decide to remain in Paris.
Having heard so much about the school from Bianca, when they arrived at 123 Rue de la Pompe, Reese was looking forward to seeing the campus for herself. On the outside, the school looked like every other innocuous building in the city but once you went inside it was a sea of bright and cheerful colors that made Reese think perhaps this school, along with Bianca's love and attention, had a great deal to do with Miranda's sunny disposition. They made their way through the halls until the familiar figure of Nathan came into view. He was leaning against a doorway, his stiff features unusually relaxed and a ghost of a smile making him look much less severe.
"Nathan," Bianca said his name warmly, smiling when the bodyguard turned to greet them. "How was her day?"
"Good, she made a painting for you," said Nathan and for the first time since she met him Reese detected a friendly tone to his voice. "I've got it in my car. I was going to give it to you at the house later to put on the fridge." He jerked his chin forward and his sharp gaze held a subtle mirth as he continued, "She's holding court in the playroom."
"Not again," said Bianca, giving a bemused groan as she moved past Nathan with Reese following close behind.
Upon entering the preschool playroom they found a few parents speaking with one of the teachers while the children all remained flocked around Miranda who was explaining something to them with an utterly serious expression on her face. Once she was done speaking, three small boys and two girls went dashing off to collect some toys before returning to Miranda who sat down on the floor with them and continued speaking. As they neared the children, they heard her informing them in French all the different games they could play with the toys while her companions looked at her with wide eyed attention, hanging on her every word.
Incapable of holding back her amusement and charmed reaction at seeing this display, Reese released a snort of laughter, causing Bianca to give her something of a dirty look that made Reese respond with a playfully wounded one in return. "It's adorable," Reese said, gesturing towards the children who were nodding avidly at whatever Miranda was telling them. "They've all got crushes on her. You've got a future heartbreaker on your hands. I have a feeling your mother would be proud her grandchild is carrying on with a fine family tradition."
"I don't think so," said Bianca and there was an almost ominous warning in the way she said this, holding up a finger and giving Reese the impression with her hard stare that the last thing she wanted was for Miranda to take after her grandmother in romance. Directing her attention to her daughter, Bianca called out, "Miranda! C'est l'heure d'y aller."
Lifting her head, Miranda's face lit up in a brilliant smile and she rose to her feet, running over to her mother as she exclaimed, "Maman! Reese! J'ai fait in dessin. Est-ce que Nathan te l'a donne?"
"Not yet," Bianca replied, switching to English as they headed out of the playroom, watching with a rueful sort of affection as Miranda responded to the various shouted goodbyes of the other students as they exited. "We can get it from his car if you want to show me right away."
Miranda gave an affirming sound, nodding her head as she replied, "I painted us! Reese too."
"Oh? Reese too?" asked Bianca, a teasing quality to her voice as she looked to the blonde whose eyes went a bit wide on hearing this, similar to the children who had been surrounding Miranda earlier with smitten expressions. "What are we doing in the painting?"
"Playing," Miranda informed, sounding quite pleased with herself, swinging her hand in Bianca's. "Like the start."
There was a moment of pause as Bianca tried to place what Miranda meant but Reese instantly realized and questioned wryly, "You didn't paint your Mommy kicking another soccer ball at me, did you Miranda?"
"No," said Miranda with a delighted laugh, beaming up at Reese. "That's mean."
"Yes," Bianca said in extremely droll tones as she eyed a smirking Reese. "That is mean. Especially since it was an accident."
"A fated accident," corrected Reese, chuckling again when Bianca rolled her eyes.
After they retrieved Miranda's painting from Nathan's car, complimenting the child on her artistic skills on seeing it, they set about arranging Miranda in her booster seat. Reese chose to remain in the back seat of the car with Miranda and they began the task of deciding what to have for dinner. Buffalo Grill was the little girl's first suggestion but when Bianca gently reminded her that it wasn't their night for American food, she announced her choice of Apollo restaurant in Denfert-Rochereau. Haven eaten there one or twice herself and enjoying the menu greatly, Reese endorsed this pick of eatery and Bianca agreed while stating that Miranda should try something different on their children's menu.
The décor in Apollo restaurant was vibrant, featuring multi-colored lamps shaped like bubbles and a variety of curved mirrors. Overall, it reminded Reese distinctly of the seventies and somehow she wasn't surprised to find it was a popular restaurant with children. It had a playfulness to it, a sense of ingrained fun, that would appeal to the younger set. They asked to be seated on the large outdoor terrace, enjoying the balmy summer air, quietly discussing their food options and in between asking Miranda about her day.
With a bit of help from Bianca and a strategic plan to get Miranda inside the house before anyone else, Reese managed to keep her big box of Legos a secret until she pulled it, barely disguised, from behind her back. Setting it down on the floor of the living room, she opened the plastic lid and set about explaining to Miranda all the things they could make with the Legos together as Bianca walked over to the answering machine to check any messages that had been left in their absence. While Miranda discussed whether or not to build a mansion or a fairy tale castle with Reese, the now familiar voice of Bianca's sister, Kendall, filled the house as she left one of her daily messages.
"Binks!" Kendall said Bianca's nickname in the same gushing way Reese had come to expect since being privy to the messages she often left for her younger sister. There was always an eagerness in how Kendall addressed Bianca along with an underlining love which made it all too obvious how close the pair were. In the background there was a muffled whirring and it resulted in Kendall speaking louder than her usual exuberant tones, causing her to shout. "Don't get me wrong, I love my new kid, but not being pregnant with them. Zach refuses to buy me more pickles and thinks it's disgusting I want them fried. He keeps forgetting I grew up in Florida and it's part of the south and we like things fried down south. That kinda sounds dirty doesn't it? I wish you were here to be my lamaze coach. Remember when I helped you out with Mimo? It was all good until that horror video of the live birth got played. I wonder why they show things like that anyway. Maybe it's a form of birth control."
Suddenly the muffled whirring increased in volume and Kendall released a stream of curse words that had Reese instinctively covering Miranda's ears, causing the child to pause in her exploration of the Lego box to look up at the blonde. Then Kendall's voice, tight and pained, was declaring, "Oh my god, you stupid plastic fan, release my hair! If I didn't hate having frizzy hair I'd destroy you! Zach better get me a new hairdryer soon or I'm filing for divorce!" Then there was the sound of a loud beep and Bianca remained frozen for a moment then went dashing off to get her cell phone to presumably call her sister back. Reese, in the meantime, was in something of a stunned state at what she just heard develop. She was used to Kendall's snarky rants and sarcastic humor, but not her bouts of sudden cursing and probable injury.
Dropping her hands from Miranda's ears as the cursing was long gone, Reese directed her attention to the little girl who didn't seem the least bothered by what just occurred, continuing her search for the perfect Legos to build a fairy tale castle with. Turning to Miranda and trying to hide the wariness in both her voice and expression, she asked the child, "Is it normal for things like this to happen to your Aunt Kendall?"
"Uh huh," Miranda replied absently, not phased at all by her aunt's screaming message and her mother's abrupt departure, continuing her search through the box of Legos. "She got exploded twice."
"Exploded?" repeated Reese and she wasn't sure she wanted more information on this particular subject but was perversely curious all the same. "What do you mean by exploded, Miranda?"
Studying a large yellow Lego and putting it in a pile with others matching its color, Miranda said, "She went boom." Looking up at Reese and appearing utterly solemn, she questioned, "Can we make a tower for the castle?"
"Sure," said Reese vaguely, trying to shake herself out of the mental daze caused from discovering that Bianca's sister had apparently been involved in at least two explosions that, if you considered a three year old's definition of the word boom, were likely very serious.
They continued to construct Miranda's fairy tale castle for fifteen minutes until Reese finally gave into her curiosity and need to use the restroom and excused herself briefly. Walking down the hall, she knew she should have kept going but instead she paused just before the open door to Bianca's study, listening to the brunette speak with her sister. Eavesdropping was a huge social faux pas and one she had never indulged in before thanks to her mother's teachings but Reese was so very tempted, more tempted than she had ever been, mostly because she heard Bianca say her name in that breathlessly sweet manner she had whenever she found something incredibly enchanting.
"She bought them specifically to play with Miranda though," Bianca said in a rush and there was a giddiness to her words, making Reese blush slightly as she realized the brunette was speaking about the Legos she purchased as a gift. "Because they used to be her favorite toy, that's why Kendall! You're just pretending to be cynical again. I know you think it's sweet too. Didn't you like it when Zach bought Spike those skates and tried to teach him how to play hockey at way too young an age?" A pause then Bianca laughed and said with dry humor, "Zoe wasn't that bad but yes, you were right." Another pause then Bianca snorted and said, "But that doesn't mean you're always right."
Silence and Reese's body seemed to move of its own volition, looking into the study and watching Bianca sigh heavily. The younger woman was sitting on a leather sofa, her head tilted back and an earnest look on her face, letting Reese know whatever Kendall was saying, Bianca was taking it to heart. Her dark eyes were closed and she kept her head tilted back as she murmured, "I know I should worry. I do worry, Kendall. She took it so hard when Maggie left… I don't want to do that to Miranda again but if you could see them together," Bianca trailed off, giving a quiet shuddering sigh. "What do you want me to do?" she asked, sounding almost broken. "Not date at all? Or keep all my dates from Miranda entirely? I don't think that would do any good in the long run, it would just make her more isolated."
"Oh no," Bianca laughed and there was a deep affection in her words. "Please don't get worked up, it's not good for the baby. Besides, I'm not upset and no, you didn't just majorly depress me," she said wryly. "I just like her so much, Kendall. I'm feeling really good about things." Another laugh, boisterous and loud, then Bianca said, "It is big for me! I don't care what anyone says, I'm not perfect and I'm certainly not happy go lucky all the time. You of all people should know that I can get as angry and depressed as the rest of them."
Guilty that she had listened in and thinking she heard more than enough, Reese slipped past the door and headed into the bathroom, encouraged by Bianca's words and troubled by them at the same time. It had been apparent from the start that Bianca's main concern in life was her daughter, she had even told Reese this in very plain terms, but what the blonde failed to comprehend until now was that it was also a concern for how much Bianca allowed Reese to bond with both her and Miranda in the long term. Bianca was taking a huge risk by letting Reese into their life and it wasn't one that the architect entirely understood until this moment because she hadn't grasped how it would affect Miranda if something bad should happen in their romance. It wasn't like Reese didn't realize the little girl would be a huge part of her relationship with Bianca, she just didn't think about how their problems would influence Miranda in the long run.
Things had just begun between them and Reese knew she couldn't verbally reassure Bianca in her fears about this. Especially since she wasn't even supposed to be aware of them but she could do her best to make it very obvious to the other woman that she didn't want to go anywhere. That she wanted more than anything to be in a relationship with Bianca and to be a part of Miranda's life for as long as she was allowed. Reese could only hope that doing this would be enough to convince the brunette of the truth and honesty behind her intentions.
---
The rest of the evening was spent constructing Miranda's fairy tale castle out of Legos and by the end of the night they had four towers and a fairly accurate turret that Reese felt was a good example of a medieval design. Once Miranda was in settled into bed after her bedtime story, they returned to the living room, where the usual flow of easy conversation and melting kisses consumed them. Reese gave her attention fully to Bianca in their time together, unable to do anything else she was so often beguiled by the other woman but when they said their reluctant goodbyes and she was driving back to her house, Reese found herself fixating on that overheard conversation.
Proving herself was something Reese was sadly used to. She had to do it on a daily basis during her childhood and for most of her adult life as well. Though the pressure lessoned thanks to her move to Paris, it was still there in her interactions with her mother and Reese bowed to it for the most part, only recently breaking away by ending her engagement to Simon. Though it pained her to think she would have to do the same thing with Bianca who, up to this point, had been so different from everyone else in her life, she was prepared to do so. It wasn't an enjoyable thing, to prove her worth, but Reese could do it and Reese would do it if that was what was required to remain a part of Bianca and Miranda's life. The problem was she wasn't entirely sure how to go about doing this.
It wasn't like you could buy presents and make flowery declarations of love in this type of situation. There was no simple and easy solution to this problem. Instead it would have to be a long and drawn out process with Reese showing Bianca with every moment they spent together how much she cared for the brunette and her daughter. How she wanted to be a permanent part of their lives until they couldn't imagine her not being there anymore. Each and every day would have to be dedicated to this and though the prospect was somewhat daunting Reese didn't feel pressured or overwhelmed by it just because she knew ultimately it was going to be an experience she would enjoy.
More than that, it would be one she loved and cherished because she was positive that as she reassured Bianca of her feelings on this matter the other woman would be doing the same thing for her. Everything in their relationship consisted of a natural give and take, something that flowed from one into the other and Reese was sure this would follow suit and she couldn't wait for those moments. The times like in her office when Bianca looked at her with those dark and shining eyes, brimming with emotion, all because of a gift Reese had bought for Miranda.
Parking her car in its usual space, Reese locked it with an electronic beep and unlocked her front door, flipping on the lights and setting her keys down on the small table in the foyer, staring at the flashing light of her answering machine. Studying it for a moment, she pressed the play button and was surprised to hear her mother's voice filling the air.
"Reese," her mother said and it was that rare tone she only heard every once in awhile. It was an ill-defined type of sorrow that often made Reese wonder about what sort of sad things happened to her mother in her life to be able to sound like that. "Your father informed me of your talk. I've never intended for you to feel as if I support Simon more than you. He is a… well," she sighed deeply. "We shouldn't speak of him. This isn't about him, is it? It's about you and us, I would imagine. I'd enjoy visiting Paris in the fall, I think the orchestra should be on break around that time. Perhaps we could see the Orchestre de Paris? I know you spoke of the Philharmonie de Paris that is being built in the Parc de la Villette before. If it's as impressive as you say I would be interested in seeing the construction." Another pause then her mother cleared her throat, an uncomfortable awkward air clinging to her words as she said, "I do wish you would visit us, Reese. It isn't the same, speaking of these things over the phone. I don't find it proper. They should be done in person and I would like you to return home so we might do that. I think it would please your father, he's been missing you terribly and he has been stressed with his latest projects at work. Simon hasn't been in any shape--" Her mother stopped again then she said, more stiffly than before, "I should go. Think about what I said."
For the most part Reese thought she understood her mother but then she did things like this. Things that were completely unexpected and tended to leave her feeling absolutely flummoxed and desperate to comprehend precisely what she was up to. Except that was the maddening thing about her mother, she couldn't be understood. Or at least once you thought you understood her she did something to prove you wrong. It was a habit that Reese sometimes suspected arose out of sheer fickleness or a sense of humorous spite.
The logical part of her brain, the one she was losing to the romantic whimsical side thanks to Bianca, returned in full force as Reese considered her mother's invitation. Unable to help that tiny ray of hope that maybe this time things would be different, that if she accepted her mother's inept attempt at reconciliation and went to New York things could go well. She found herself thinking about her conversation with her father, how he spoke about only wanting her to be happy and how her mother just wanted the same thing. She didn't believe it then but now, hearing that strained invitation, which was more genuine and filled with more feeling than she heard from her mother in years, Reese found herself believing that this might just be true. Slowly she walked towards her office, her pace increasing with every step, becoming more eager and enthusiastic. Reese sat down in front of her laptop and set about buying airline tickets to New York.
Her new life had already begun with Bianca and it seemed like it was time for it to include her parents in it as well. As anxious she was about the concept of coming out to them, Reese also had a newfound optimism thanks to her mother's message and that overheard conversation with Bianca. Each of them telling her quite clearly what she wanted in her life and how she had to go about achieving it.
To be continued...
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR:
dreiserEMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fondness for British girl bands.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yet more family time. The show is getting pretty drama filled. Here are some happy songs from my favorite British girl bands because I'm a dork and music always cheers me up like that.
Hanging On A Star by Sugababes : Turn To Stone by Girls Aloud
Oh yes, and if you're for some reason as weird and nerdy as me and want to see Reese's wall clock that is Salvador Dali inspired then Click Here. Yes, I did research on a clock. I'm a sad person.
I forgot something! Kendall getting her hair caught in a plastic fan was an idea given to me by
sulkygeek so much props and love to her. A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Thirteen
Maurice was a human calendar in many ways. He would appear at the start of each work day, inform Reese of every last thing she had to do and when she had to do it then ask if there was anything he left out that she needed to complete. Depending on the day, he would say the new thing was easily arranged or next to impossible but somehow he always got whatever Reese needed done, and done on time. It was why Reese loved him and felt, despite his sometimes overbearing personality, he was the perfect assistant.
While Reese appreciated Maurice for keeping track of her daily work schedule, she didn't necessarily need constant reminding. Since grade school she made the habit of writing things down, whether it be what time to go to torturous ballet practice or when she was supposed to accompany her father to a job site, Reese always wrote it down in her pocket sized planner. As she grew up and became more fixated on having new and fun technology based toys to play with, she came to rely heavily on her BlackBerry for this.
Her compulsion for calendars and dates was how she knew that today, July 13th, which was the allegedly unluckiest of Friday's, she had been dating Bianca for precisely three weeks. It was strange because the time went so fast when she was with Bianca, hours seemed like minutes and it was never enough. No matter what she had been doing with the other woman, whether it be playing with Miranda, dancing at a club, or having a romantic dinner at her house, Reese never failed to find a simple sort of perfection in the activity. All the same, it seemed to Reese as if they had known each other for years because the bond between them had emerged so effortlessly.
Almost like the connection had always been there and was simply waiting for the two women to meet and solidify it. Reese knew such thoughts were bordering on the ludicrous but she couldn't help herself when it came to Bianca. When she was with the brunette, that ever present logical part of her brain died or at least took an extensive nap and her more whimsical romantic side was quickly taking over. She didn't know if she was particularly comfortable knowing this about herself but it did demonstrate a certain truth about their relationship. Namely that it was bringing out different aspects to her personality that Reese hadn't even realized existed before meeting Bianca.
The news of her ending the engagement to Simon traveled through her office like wildfire and Reese was wary of the reaction at first. Wondering how her inquisitive employees would take the news and if they would look down on her for calling the wedding off so close to the planned date but she never got that sense from them. In fact, it was the strangest thing, she didn't get anything. No looks, no whispers, no remarks, and not even any verbal sympathy. This left her rather perplexed until she spoke to Maurice about it and he turned to her, wearing that imperious look of mild boredom, then he said that perhaps they didn't say anything because there was nothing to say.
It reminded Reese of an article she read once, the world ends with a fizzle instead of a bang. She supposed her relationship with Simon was the same. There hadn't ever been any strong emotion behind it, at least not on her part, and while she knew Simon loved her and she regretted hurting him they hadn't shared any sort of deep bond and she thought eventually he would realize that. He would know she had been holding back the entire time they had been together. Reese was aware life with her mother taught her to be a stupendous actress, to become what others wanted her to be, but she didn't think she was all that good at it. If she was then Bianca wouldn't be able to read her so easily.
Perhaps she was though, and it was simply the fact she wasn't good at it with Bianca. Clearly she could do it because she hadn't told the brunette about her relationship with Simon, encouraged by the brunette stating she didn't want them to discuss their romantic histories, and it was easy for Reese to comply. She didn't want to talk about him with Bianca because she had this fear lurking in the back of her mind that should Bianca find out about her past she might not want her anymore and the idea of this was almost too much to bear.
Control had been her standby for years, control of her life, control of her emotions, everything controlled. Then she met Bianca and that went out the window and it frightened and thrilled her at the same time. This was just the beginning in a much larger story, somehow Reese sensed it, somehow she knew they would have more together, feel more, experience more, and the possibility of losing that was crushing.
She kept pushing those thoughts away, not wanting them to ruin her time with Bianca, especially when they didn't have any basis. Each day they spent together they became closer and Reese could feel the bond between them growing stronger, becoming deeper, and it left her with a sense of fulfillment she never thought she would achieve. Like everything was right in the world and things were finally as they should be.
This belief was reinforced in small ways, including the fact that Bianca could enter her office with only a soft knock on the door and a call of enter from Reese and there wasn't a herd of curious employees stalking her in the process.
Her eyes lighting up on seeing the other woman, Reese rose to greet her. As she walked towards Bianca, she glanced at the clock hanging on the far left wall and frowned on seeing the time. The brunette asked her the night before if she wanted to go with her to pick Miranda up at preschool then eat out for an early dinner and Reese promptly agreed but she had been so engrossed in her work on perfecting the designs for Sig. Passeri the hours had escaped her.
"I lost track of time," Reese said apologetically, giving Bianca a light kiss and smoothing a lock of hair away from the brunette's face. "I'm sorry, I should've met you down in the lobby almost five minutes ago."
"It's all right," said Bianca sweetly. A look of wry humor touched her pale features and she remarked, "Danielle was more than happy to keep me occupied. She's awfully curious about the two of us, I hope you know."
"Danielle is curious about everything, we're just the latest on a long list," said Reese in droll tones, reluctantly moving away from Bianca to gather up her briefcase, carefully putting her sketch book and favorite Kohinoor Rapidograph Technical pen inside. She rolled up her latest schematics and carefully stored them inside her aluminum mailing tube. Putting them both over her shoulder, she inspected her office furtively, arranging everything on her desk exactly as she liked it, trying to recall if there was anything else she needed before they left. She paused in the middle of this ritual on hearing a soft chuckle and she looked up to see Bianca watching her with an affectionate expression. "What?"
"Nothing," Bianca shook her head, the affection remaining on her face even as she shifted her attention to the wall clock Reese had been focused on just moments earlier. Frowning slightly, she tilted her head and commented, "Is that supposed to remind me of Dali?"
"The Persistence of Memory," said Reese and she couldn't help the pleasure she felt on Bianca recognizing why the clock was purposefully designed to be distorted, appearing as if it was melting just like the watches in the painting. "Do you like surrealist art?"
"Yes," admitted Bianca, an almost sheepish tinge to her voice as she said this. Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, she said, "My family isn't quite as appreciative. I had a surrealist self-portrait in my apartment back when I was pregnant with Miranda and I don't know how many times Kendall told me that Miranda was going to have nightmares from looking at it. I've got it in storage, hopefully she hasn't thrown it out."
"Who was the artist?" asked Reese, interested but still trying to recall if she needed anything else. There was a little nagging voice in her head, telling her she was forgetting something and she couldn't remember what it was just yet.
"Portia Ligabue, she was based in Philadelphia," said Bianca, who studied Reese carefully. A slow smile forming on her features, she questioned mischievously, "Do you need help finding something? Or are you distracted by your pencil not being precisely four inches from the edge of the desk just like you like it?"
"No, I'm not even sure what--" Reese paused in her reply and placing her hands on her hips, she narrowed her eyes at the brunette. "You're making fun of me, aren't you? I think keeping a tidy workspace is an admirable trait, no matter what you or Audrey might say."
"Tidy is one thing, anal retentive is another," said Bianca, laughing when Reese grumbled in reply. Making her way over to the blonde, she gently cupped Reese's face in her hands, kissing her cheek and pulling her into a loose embrace. "I'm sorry," she soothed, laughter still in her voice as she rubbed the small of the older woman's back. "What can I do to make it up to you?"
Making a show out of her contemplation, Reese observed Bianca with lidded eyes as she said, "Another kiss would be a start."
"Just a start?" Bianca murmured, moving in to give said kiss, a smile curving on her lips.
"I'm sure I'll have plans for later," responded Reese, returning the smile and sighing as Bianca kissed her in a careful study. She could feel her briefcase sliding down her shoulder and she was sure the aluminum mailing tube would soon follow but she couldn't find it in her to care. Not in the midst of this kiss that to Reese seemed to be as happy and playful as their relationship, causing the blonde to delight in it, following along with Bianca's faint nibbles and slow suck of her tongue, tasting Reese all too well then pulling away, parting with a smile still on her features. Chuckling low and quiet, Reese said in a drawl, "Correction. I'll definitely have plans for later."
Laughing happily, Bianca pressed a soft kiss to her cheek and murmured, "Are you positive you're not forgetting something? You looked like you were trying to remember pretty hard. Enough to make a cute 'I'm concentrating seriously' face."
"I'm insulted that you don't think I always concentrate seriously," sniffed Reese, peering at Bianca and trying her best to look superior and positive she was failing from the wide smile forming on the other woman's features. The put upon expression falling away, Reese glanced around her office and murmured, "I just know that I'm forgetting something but I don't know what it is for the life of me…" She trailed off and peering over Bianca's shoulder, she caught sight of a green plastic box. "That's it!" Releasing the other woman, Reese walked over to one of her couches where the box sat hidden behind it. Lifting it up by the clear plastic handle on its lid, she presented it proudly to Bianca so she could read the label. "What do you think? A good choice?"
"DUPLO Deluxe Brick Box," Bianca read out loud, fondness shining in her dark gaze as she regarded Reese. "When did you get this?"
"Yesterday," said Reese with a casual shrug, holding the box at her side and adjusting her briefcase over her shoulder. "I had a lunch meeting with Herr Ebersbach about his account with us and the restaurant was right by Au Bon Marché. I couldn't resist inspecting their toy department then low and behold, what do I find but a massive sale on all their Lego products? How could an architect possibly pass that up?"
"How indeed," chuckled Bianca and she approached the blonde in a smooth gait then easily pulled Reese towards her. The Legos clacked together from the movement as Bianca tilted her head, observing Reese with fathomless eyes, deep in their affection. "That's a lot of Legos," Bianca noted. "What are you planning on making with Miranda?"
"A house? A city hall? I hadn't thought about it," replied Reese humorously. "Why? Do you have any ideas?"
"No, I was just wondering if you did," said Bianca and she continued to study Reese with those dark eyes, making Reese blush just because there was something in her gaze that hinted of an appreciation that was stronger and more significant than anything she ever experienced.
This occupying her thoughts, Reese couldn't help but ask, "Do you think Miranda will like it?"
"Like it?" Bianca echoed and Reese watched transfixed as the smile on the brunette's lips tugged upwards, slow and sensual as Bianca threaded her fingers in her hair, her breath a whisper on Reese's skin. "No," she murmured. "I think she'll love it."
Bianca pulled her in for a kiss, her caress exquisite in its care and concentration. There was a sweetness to this kiss, a regard that was solemn and true in its admiration and while Reese had enjoyed all their previous kisses, maybe each one more than the last, somehow this kiss was different because of the feeling behind it. One that let her know without a doubt how much Bianca was touched by her gift for Miranda. In this respect, to Reese, it almost made it feel like a gift to herself as well, particularly since she was so pleased to receive it.
---
Ecole active Bilingue, Bianca explained to Reese, was a wonderful school for the children of expatriates. They offered three separate programs, one for French students, one for expatriates, and another for those wishing to reenter the British or American schooling system. Miranda's preschool was at the Lamartine campus where she was in their immersion program for expatriate children, one of the main focuses being helping the students adapt to the French language and culture. Bianca chose the school for the proximity to her house and its reputation for excellence as well as its creative education programs. Also confessing she liked the fact that the school went up to Grade 12. This meant that Miranda could stay there throughout the length of her education should they decide to remain in Paris.
Having heard so much about the school from Bianca, when they arrived at 123 Rue de la Pompe, Reese was looking forward to seeing the campus for herself. On the outside, the school looked like every other innocuous building in the city but once you went inside it was a sea of bright and cheerful colors that made Reese think perhaps this school, along with Bianca's love and attention, had a great deal to do with Miranda's sunny disposition. They made their way through the halls until the familiar figure of Nathan came into view. He was leaning against a doorway, his stiff features unusually relaxed and a ghost of a smile making him look much less severe.
"Nathan," Bianca said his name warmly, smiling when the bodyguard turned to greet them. "How was her day?"
"Good, she made a painting for you," said Nathan and for the first time since she met him Reese detected a friendly tone to his voice. "I've got it in my car. I was going to give it to you at the house later to put on the fridge." He jerked his chin forward and his sharp gaze held a subtle mirth as he continued, "She's holding court in the playroom."
"Not again," said Bianca, giving a bemused groan as she moved past Nathan with Reese following close behind.
Upon entering the preschool playroom they found a few parents speaking with one of the teachers while the children all remained flocked around Miranda who was explaining something to them with an utterly serious expression on her face. Once she was done speaking, three small boys and two girls went dashing off to collect some toys before returning to Miranda who sat down on the floor with them and continued speaking. As they neared the children, they heard her informing them in French all the different games they could play with the toys while her companions looked at her with wide eyed attention, hanging on her every word.
Incapable of holding back her amusement and charmed reaction at seeing this display, Reese released a snort of laughter, causing Bianca to give her something of a dirty look that made Reese respond with a playfully wounded one in return. "It's adorable," Reese said, gesturing towards the children who were nodding avidly at whatever Miranda was telling them. "They've all got crushes on her. You've got a future heartbreaker on your hands. I have a feeling your mother would be proud her grandchild is carrying on with a fine family tradition."
"I don't think so," said Bianca and there was an almost ominous warning in the way she said this, holding up a finger and giving Reese the impression with her hard stare that the last thing she wanted was for Miranda to take after her grandmother in romance. Directing her attention to her daughter, Bianca called out, "Miranda! C'est l'heure d'y aller."
Lifting her head, Miranda's face lit up in a brilliant smile and she rose to her feet, running over to her mother as she exclaimed, "Maman! Reese! J'ai fait in dessin. Est-ce que Nathan te l'a donne?"
"Not yet," Bianca replied, switching to English as they headed out of the playroom, watching with a rueful sort of affection as Miranda responded to the various shouted goodbyes of the other students as they exited. "We can get it from his car if you want to show me right away."
Miranda gave an affirming sound, nodding her head as she replied, "I painted us! Reese too."
"Oh? Reese too?" asked Bianca, a teasing quality to her voice as she looked to the blonde whose eyes went a bit wide on hearing this, similar to the children who had been surrounding Miranda earlier with smitten expressions. "What are we doing in the painting?"
"Playing," Miranda informed, sounding quite pleased with herself, swinging her hand in Bianca's. "Like the start."
There was a moment of pause as Bianca tried to place what Miranda meant but Reese instantly realized and questioned wryly, "You didn't paint your Mommy kicking another soccer ball at me, did you Miranda?"
"No," said Miranda with a delighted laugh, beaming up at Reese. "That's mean."
"Yes," Bianca said in extremely droll tones as she eyed a smirking Reese. "That is mean. Especially since it was an accident."
"A fated accident," corrected Reese, chuckling again when Bianca rolled her eyes.
After they retrieved Miranda's painting from Nathan's car, complimenting the child on her artistic skills on seeing it, they set about arranging Miranda in her booster seat. Reese chose to remain in the back seat of the car with Miranda and they began the task of deciding what to have for dinner. Buffalo Grill was the little girl's first suggestion but when Bianca gently reminded her that it wasn't their night for American food, she announced her choice of Apollo restaurant in Denfert-Rochereau. Haven eaten there one or twice herself and enjoying the menu greatly, Reese endorsed this pick of eatery and Bianca agreed while stating that Miranda should try something different on their children's menu.
The décor in Apollo restaurant was vibrant, featuring multi-colored lamps shaped like bubbles and a variety of curved mirrors. Overall, it reminded Reese distinctly of the seventies and somehow she wasn't surprised to find it was a popular restaurant with children. It had a playfulness to it, a sense of ingrained fun, that would appeal to the younger set. They asked to be seated on the large outdoor terrace, enjoying the balmy summer air, quietly discussing their food options and in between asking Miranda about her day.
With a bit of help from Bianca and a strategic plan to get Miranda inside the house before anyone else, Reese managed to keep her big box of Legos a secret until she pulled it, barely disguised, from behind her back. Setting it down on the floor of the living room, she opened the plastic lid and set about explaining to Miranda all the things they could make with the Legos together as Bianca walked over to the answering machine to check any messages that had been left in their absence. While Miranda discussed whether or not to build a mansion or a fairy tale castle with Reese, the now familiar voice of Bianca's sister, Kendall, filled the house as she left one of her daily messages.
"Binks!" Kendall said Bianca's nickname in the same gushing way Reese had come to expect since being privy to the messages she often left for her younger sister. There was always an eagerness in how Kendall addressed Bianca along with an underlining love which made it all too obvious how close the pair were. In the background there was a muffled whirring and it resulted in Kendall speaking louder than her usual exuberant tones, causing her to shout. "Don't get me wrong, I love my new kid, but not being pregnant with them. Zach refuses to buy me more pickles and thinks it's disgusting I want them fried. He keeps forgetting I grew up in Florida and it's part of the south and we like things fried down south. That kinda sounds dirty doesn't it? I wish you were here to be my lamaze coach. Remember when I helped you out with Mimo? It was all good until that horror video of the live birth got played. I wonder why they show things like that anyway. Maybe it's a form of birth control."
Suddenly the muffled whirring increased in volume and Kendall released a stream of curse words that had Reese instinctively covering Miranda's ears, causing the child to pause in her exploration of the Lego box to look up at the blonde. Then Kendall's voice, tight and pained, was declaring, "Oh my god, you stupid plastic fan, release my hair! If I didn't hate having frizzy hair I'd destroy you! Zach better get me a new hairdryer soon or I'm filing for divorce!" Then there was the sound of a loud beep and Bianca remained frozen for a moment then went dashing off to get her cell phone to presumably call her sister back. Reese, in the meantime, was in something of a stunned state at what she just heard develop. She was used to Kendall's snarky rants and sarcastic humor, but not her bouts of sudden cursing and probable injury.
Dropping her hands from Miranda's ears as the cursing was long gone, Reese directed her attention to the little girl who didn't seem the least bothered by what just occurred, continuing her search for the perfect Legos to build a fairy tale castle with. Turning to Miranda and trying to hide the wariness in both her voice and expression, she asked the child, "Is it normal for things like this to happen to your Aunt Kendall?"
"Uh huh," Miranda replied absently, not phased at all by her aunt's screaming message and her mother's abrupt departure, continuing her search through the box of Legos. "She got exploded twice."
"Exploded?" repeated Reese and she wasn't sure she wanted more information on this particular subject but was perversely curious all the same. "What do you mean by exploded, Miranda?"
Studying a large yellow Lego and putting it in a pile with others matching its color, Miranda said, "She went boom." Looking up at Reese and appearing utterly solemn, she questioned, "Can we make a tower for the castle?"
"Sure," said Reese vaguely, trying to shake herself out of the mental daze caused from discovering that Bianca's sister had apparently been involved in at least two explosions that, if you considered a three year old's definition of the word boom, were likely very serious.
They continued to construct Miranda's fairy tale castle for fifteen minutes until Reese finally gave into her curiosity and need to use the restroom and excused herself briefly. Walking down the hall, she knew she should have kept going but instead she paused just before the open door to Bianca's study, listening to the brunette speak with her sister. Eavesdropping was a huge social faux pas and one she had never indulged in before thanks to her mother's teachings but Reese was so very tempted, more tempted than she had ever been, mostly because she heard Bianca say her name in that breathlessly sweet manner she had whenever she found something incredibly enchanting.
"She bought them specifically to play with Miranda though," Bianca said in a rush and there was a giddiness to her words, making Reese blush slightly as she realized the brunette was speaking about the Legos she purchased as a gift. "Because they used to be her favorite toy, that's why Kendall! You're just pretending to be cynical again. I know you think it's sweet too. Didn't you like it when Zach bought Spike those skates and tried to teach him how to play hockey at way too young an age?" A pause then Bianca laughed and said with dry humor, "Zoe wasn't that bad but yes, you were right." Another pause then Bianca snorted and said, "But that doesn't mean you're always right."
Silence and Reese's body seemed to move of its own volition, looking into the study and watching Bianca sigh heavily. The younger woman was sitting on a leather sofa, her head tilted back and an earnest look on her face, letting Reese know whatever Kendall was saying, Bianca was taking it to heart. Her dark eyes were closed and she kept her head tilted back as she murmured, "I know I should worry. I do worry, Kendall. She took it so hard when Maggie left… I don't want to do that to Miranda again but if you could see them together," Bianca trailed off, giving a quiet shuddering sigh. "What do you want me to do?" she asked, sounding almost broken. "Not date at all? Or keep all my dates from Miranda entirely? I don't think that would do any good in the long run, it would just make her more isolated."
"Oh no," Bianca laughed and there was a deep affection in her words. "Please don't get worked up, it's not good for the baby. Besides, I'm not upset and no, you didn't just majorly depress me," she said wryly. "I just like her so much, Kendall. I'm feeling really good about things." Another laugh, boisterous and loud, then Bianca said, "It is big for me! I don't care what anyone says, I'm not perfect and I'm certainly not happy go lucky all the time. You of all people should know that I can get as angry and depressed as the rest of them."
Guilty that she had listened in and thinking she heard more than enough, Reese slipped past the door and headed into the bathroom, encouraged by Bianca's words and troubled by them at the same time. It had been apparent from the start that Bianca's main concern in life was her daughter, she had even told Reese this in very plain terms, but what the blonde failed to comprehend until now was that it was also a concern for how much Bianca allowed Reese to bond with both her and Miranda in the long term. Bianca was taking a huge risk by letting Reese into their life and it wasn't one that the architect entirely understood until this moment because she hadn't grasped how it would affect Miranda if something bad should happen in their romance. It wasn't like Reese didn't realize the little girl would be a huge part of her relationship with Bianca, she just didn't think about how their problems would influence Miranda in the long run.
Things had just begun between them and Reese knew she couldn't verbally reassure Bianca in her fears about this. Especially since she wasn't even supposed to be aware of them but she could do her best to make it very obvious to the other woman that she didn't want to go anywhere. That she wanted more than anything to be in a relationship with Bianca and to be a part of Miranda's life for as long as she was allowed. Reese could only hope that doing this would be enough to convince the brunette of the truth and honesty behind her intentions.
---
The rest of the evening was spent constructing Miranda's fairy tale castle out of Legos and by the end of the night they had four towers and a fairly accurate turret that Reese felt was a good example of a medieval design. Once Miranda was in settled into bed after her bedtime story, they returned to the living room, where the usual flow of easy conversation and melting kisses consumed them. Reese gave her attention fully to Bianca in their time together, unable to do anything else she was so often beguiled by the other woman but when they said their reluctant goodbyes and she was driving back to her house, Reese found herself fixating on that overheard conversation.
Proving herself was something Reese was sadly used to. She had to do it on a daily basis during her childhood and for most of her adult life as well. Though the pressure lessoned thanks to her move to Paris, it was still there in her interactions with her mother and Reese bowed to it for the most part, only recently breaking away by ending her engagement to Simon. Though it pained her to think she would have to do the same thing with Bianca who, up to this point, had been so different from everyone else in her life, she was prepared to do so. It wasn't an enjoyable thing, to prove her worth, but Reese could do it and Reese would do it if that was what was required to remain a part of Bianca and Miranda's life. The problem was she wasn't entirely sure how to go about doing this.
It wasn't like you could buy presents and make flowery declarations of love in this type of situation. There was no simple and easy solution to this problem. Instead it would have to be a long and drawn out process with Reese showing Bianca with every moment they spent together how much she cared for the brunette and her daughter. How she wanted to be a permanent part of their lives until they couldn't imagine her not being there anymore. Each and every day would have to be dedicated to this and though the prospect was somewhat daunting Reese didn't feel pressured or overwhelmed by it just because she knew ultimately it was going to be an experience she would enjoy.
More than that, it would be one she loved and cherished because she was positive that as she reassured Bianca of her feelings on this matter the other woman would be doing the same thing for her. Everything in their relationship consisted of a natural give and take, something that flowed from one into the other and Reese was sure this would follow suit and she couldn't wait for those moments. The times like in her office when Bianca looked at her with those dark and shining eyes, brimming with emotion, all because of a gift Reese had bought for Miranda.
Parking her car in its usual space, Reese locked it with an electronic beep and unlocked her front door, flipping on the lights and setting her keys down on the small table in the foyer, staring at the flashing light of her answering machine. Studying it for a moment, she pressed the play button and was surprised to hear her mother's voice filling the air.
"Reese," her mother said and it was that rare tone she only heard every once in awhile. It was an ill-defined type of sorrow that often made Reese wonder about what sort of sad things happened to her mother in her life to be able to sound like that. "Your father informed me of your talk. I've never intended for you to feel as if I support Simon more than you. He is a… well," she sighed deeply. "We shouldn't speak of him. This isn't about him, is it? It's about you and us, I would imagine. I'd enjoy visiting Paris in the fall, I think the orchestra should be on break around that time. Perhaps we could see the Orchestre de Paris? I know you spoke of the Philharmonie de Paris that is being built in the Parc de la Villette before. If it's as impressive as you say I would be interested in seeing the construction." Another pause then her mother cleared her throat, an uncomfortable awkward air clinging to her words as she said, "I do wish you would visit us, Reese. It isn't the same, speaking of these things over the phone. I don't find it proper. They should be done in person and I would like you to return home so we might do that. I think it would please your father, he's been missing you terribly and he has been stressed with his latest projects at work. Simon hasn't been in any shape--" Her mother stopped again then she said, more stiffly than before, "I should go. Think about what I said."
For the most part Reese thought she understood her mother but then she did things like this. Things that were completely unexpected and tended to leave her feeling absolutely flummoxed and desperate to comprehend precisely what she was up to. Except that was the maddening thing about her mother, she couldn't be understood. Or at least once you thought you understood her she did something to prove you wrong. It was a habit that Reese sometimes suspected arose out of sheer fickleness or a sense of humorous spite.
The logical part of her brain, the one she was losing to the romantic whimsical side thanks to Bianca, returned in full force as Reese considered her mother's invitation. Unable to help that tiny ray of hope that maybe this time things would be different, that if she accepted her mother's inept attempt at reconciliation and went to New York things could go well. She found herself thinking about her conversation with her father, how he spoke about only wanting her to be happy and how her mother just wanted the same thing. She didn't believe it then but now, hearing that strained invitation, which was more genuine and filled with more feeling than she heard from her mother in years, Reese found herself believing that this might just be true. Slowly she walked towards her office, her pace increasing with every step, becoming more eager and enthusiastic. Reese sat down in front of her laptop and set about buying airline tickets to New York.
Her new life had already begun with Bianca and it seemed like it was time for it to include her parents in it as well. As anxious she was about the concept of coming out to them, Reese also had a newfound optimism thanks to her mother's message and that overheard conversation with Bianca. Each of them telling her quite clearly what she wanted in her life and how she had to go about achieving it.
To be continued...
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