The Woman in Blue

Dale attended Celine’s funeral with Misha at her side, then life went on. Misha fell deeper and deeper for the woman who had taken her under her wing and into her home and life. Dale was one of the most loving, sensitive, and easy-going people she had ever met. Never once did she feel tension when in her presence or like she was on pins and needles or walking on eggshells, as she’d known many people to say they had felt with their lovers. Dale fell just as hard and deep for the spunky, intelligent Misha, whose wonderful sense of humor could brighten up even the darkest of days. They often took walks in the woods. Misha felt safe knowing that Dale knew the woods well and that she was armed just in case they had to take on anything dangerous—human or inhuman—that might confront them with evil in mind. They made love frequently and enjoyed their time together watching movies, playing on the computer, reading books, going to shops, and sometimes just chatting. Harry Lawson and Carlos Gomez were tried together. The trial was a speedy one, though Misha didn’t enjoy testifying one bit or having to see them again face-to-face. Mr. Nervous-turned-Mr. Shy kept his eyes toward the floor, while Scary Harry stared Misha down without ever so much as a slight blink. It seemed the only emotion those cold, dead eyes could emanate was hate. It sent chills down Misha’s spine despite the armed guards in the courtroom. His parents sat behind him, their eyes just as hateful as they bore into Misha’s soft blue ones. They didn’t see what their son had done. They only saw the young woman who was helping the state to put him away for his monstrous acts. Spring had turned to summer by the time they were sentenced to two life sentences, along with a slew of lesser charges. “Miss Nichols!” someone called from behind her. “Miss Nichols.” Misha turned in the Sacramento courthouse hallway to look behind her. It was the DA assigned to the Lawson/Gomez trial. “Hi,” he said, a bit out of breath once he caught up to them. “Hi,” said Misha, as both she and Dale looked at the DA inquisitively. The DA ran his fingers through his hair. “I just wanted to thank you for your testimony—and with such little preparation, too. I tried to contact you earlier to go over any questions you may’ve had, but I had no idea you were still up in Ukiah.” “Oh, yes,” Misha said with a chuckle. “It’s a nice little town with some very nice occupants, and so I decided to stick around.” Dale’s eyes twinkled with amusement as the DA’s eyes flickered between Misha and Dale. Misha realized he had then put two and two together, for Dale might not have looked butchy, but she wasn’t nearly as feminine as Misha was either, with her shape, mannerisms, lack of makeup, and shorter hair. When one thought about lesbians, Dale did look the part, unlike her more curvaceous counterpart. “Well, good luck to you then,” the DA said with a knowing smile. “Thank you,” said Misha before she and Dale returned to Ukiah. The two spent the first part of the drive chatting excitedly and singing to the radio. Dale was quite impressed with Misha’s singing voice. “Not bad, girl, not bad,” she said with a smile. At one point during the ride, Misha turned to glance at Dale’s profile and wondered how she managed to snag such a great-looking catch. Despite her lack of makeup, slightly blotchy complexion, tousled hair with its crooked part, and the plain business suit she wore, there was something so sexy about Dale that could turn Misha on just thinking about her. Dale wondered the same thing. Just how was it that she, an average-looking person, could get such a beauty? Her firm body and soft skin were undoubtedly that of any red-blooded straight man’s fantasy. Her lustrous hair and large, long-lashed eyes were just as likely to be the envy of any woman. And what straight man or gay woman wouldn’t wonder just what it would be like to kiss those sweet, full, sensuous lips? Keeping her eyes on the road, Dale’s hand reached out to rest on Misha’s thigh. Misha put her hand on Dale’s and slowly guided it up underneath her skirt. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Misha met Dale’s friends, Alexa and Shannon, who seemed to be direct opposites of one another in looks and personality. Alexa, tall, thin, and Mexican, was a quiet contrast to the short, plump, blue-eyed blonde Shannon and her more bubbly nature. Misha kept in touch by phone and e-mail with Meagan and Samantha. They eventually drove up together for a visit. “It’s about time you two got up here to meet my woman and see me,” said Misha with her hands on her hips as Meagan and Samantha exited Samantha’s sports car. Both wore shorts and sleeveless shirts, while Misha wore a floral sundress. “Yeah, we finally made it,” Meagan said with a chuckle. “Wow,” said Samantha, gazing around her, “what a sanctuary.” “It is,” agreed Meagan. “It’s so peaceful. All you hear are chirping birds.” Just then, Dale stepped outside wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt. She also wore a little makeup. Meagan’s jaw dropped. She looked at Misha as if to say, “Wow, you really did get a good-looking one.” “Hello there,” said Dale. If she noticed the look of approval and even envy coming from Meagan, Dale didn’t let it show. “Hi, nice to meet you,” said Meagan. “Yes, finally,” added Samantha, with a smile. “Likewise,” said Dale. The foursome strolled around the outside of the house for a while, then toured the inside. “This is so cozy and secluded. I’d love to live in a house like this in this kind of setting and quaint little town,” said Meagan. “I grew up here,” said Dale, “and I never had the desire to live anywhere else.” “So your nearest neighbor is a few hundred feet away or something?” asked Samantha. “Yes, that’d be Tom and Brianne,” said Dale. “They pretty much keep to themselves. Tom’s a really nice guy, very friendly. His wife doesn’t seem to like people as much. She’s polite, but not friendly.” Samantha and Meagan visited for a few hours. Both were impressed with Dale and happy for Misha and her newfound love and happiness.