The Other Side of the Nightmare

Rayna listened along with her husband as their daughter and Alicia excitedly explained the house they’d seen earlier in the day. “I really think this is it, Mom!” Alyssa exclaimed. “And she wants me to move in with her!” Alicia piped in even louder. Rayna, her husband, and their daughter cracked up in a fit of laughter so hard that they could barely sit up straight on the U-shaped sectional where the foursome sat. Once the laughter died down, they discussed the details. Alicia didn’t have much to contribute, and Rayna had the distinct feeling that all that really mattered to her was that she wouldn’t be left behind by her daughter. Although she knew she had no say in whether Alicia remained with her and Dan or went to live with Alyssa, Rayna wasn’t sure it was a very good idea for either Alicia or Alyssa if Alicia went to live with her daughter. Needing to get up early for work the next day, Alyssa turned in around ten, with Alicia following close behind, as usual. “You ready for bed already?” Rayna asked Alicia as they walked down the hallway. “Not really, but I can read until I’m tired enough.” “I just don’t want her coming and going from the bedroom while I’m asleep,” Alyssa said with a smile. “Well, soon you’ll have your own bedroom,” said Rayna. The two ladies said nothing more than a final “good night,” and Rayna wondered if they would really have their own bedroom once they moved. “So, what do you think about Alicia living with Alyssa?” Dan asked when they were tucked into bed themselves around eleven. “Shh,” said Rayna. “They’re still only a wall away. I’m not sure what to think, to be honest, but I have a theory.” “What’s that?” “That Alicia has a crush on Alyssa.” Dan blinked, unsure of what to say at first. Finally, he said one simple word: “Wow.” “Nothing wrong with it,” said his wife. “I’m just not sure how Alyssa feels. When have you ever known her to have any interest in women?” “Never. But we don’t know what the hell goes on in our daughter’s private mind and life either, hun. Did you tell your parents everything?” Rayna giggled and playfully pinched her husband. “Hardly.” “So how do you feel about the idea of them being together?” Dan asked. “I’ve always wanted Alyssa to do what makes her happiest. Man, woman… I don’t care, as long as it makes her happy.” Dan began to sing If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow. “Shh!” Rayna hissed, covering another eruption of giggles with the back of her hand. “Come on, let’s be serious.” “I am being serious. Aren’t you?” Laughing, Rayna said, “Happy or not, same-sex or not, I just wonder if they’re right for each other. I know it’s not for anyone else to decide, but I worry Lys is going to run out of patience with Alicia sooner or later. Alicia’s a big responsibility.” Dan snorted. “Not that big.” “She may not need diapers changed or to be fed and bathed, but if she’s left alone that long, she’s bound to get anxious. Maybe even depressed.” “The good doc doesn’t work as often as most people, my dear. You know that.” “Yes, but when she does, she works long hours. Very long. Sometimes she’ll go in at seven in the morning and not return until seven at night.” “No reason Alicia can’t stay here during those days, just like she can stay here if she doesn’t go with Alyssa during her travels.” “Yeah, I know she could, but that’s not it. I just worry about Alyssa and the added responsibility of caring for someone. She already has enough people to take care of on her patient panel.” “This is different.” “I know,” said Rayna, “and that’s the thing. She’s not used to just taking someone under her wing like that.” “Maybe the responsibility will be good for her. I hate to say it, but we’ve kind of spoiled our daughter at times, and she can be a bit selfish. Caring for patients is a far cry from caring for someone in your own home.” “So you think it will work out?” “Don’t know for sure,” said Dan, “but it’s definitely worth a try. We’ll be here as a backup for Alicia. If, for whatever reason, she can’t stay with Lys, she can stay with us until she gets a place of her own.” “Ok,” Rayna said as she turned off the bedside lamp and snuggled deeply under the covers. Although she had her doubts for reasons she couldn’t quite explain, she would let the ladies do what they wanted and hope for the best. That was all she could do anyway.

“How did you know?” Alicia asked Alyssa when they went walking after work the next day. Keeping her eyes on the ground ahead of them, Alyssa cracked a smile. “What’s so funny?” “Just the way you sometimes ask these generalized questions and expect me to know what you’re referring to. How did I know I wanted to be a doctor? Or how did I know I wanted to rescue you from the streets?” “How did you know I liked you?” Alyssa’s grin grew wider. “As in really liked you?” “Well, I guess you’re just more obvious than you think at times,” she said, smoky blue eyes boring into Alicia’s emerald ones. Alyssa threw an arm around her, and Alicia threw one around her in return. “So, is the good doc going to finish our little restaurant discussion?” “Yeah, but there really isn’t much more to discuss. It’s just one of those lifestyles you’re either into or you’re not.” “But since it’d be new to both of us, what happens if one of us doesn’t like it?” “Then we stop. Simple as that.” “So, what’s the furthest you’ve ever gone with a woman in the past?” “Mmm… about six thousand miles.” Alicia roared with laughter, which got Alyssa laughing as well. “That’s hilarious as hell, Doc, but I was asking a serious question. You don’t have to answer, of course. I was just curious about you, that’s all.” “I’ve done stuff,” Alyssa admitted. “Nothing as serious as what we’re talking about, though.” “Well, for whatever it’s worth, I think you’re pretty damn hot from head to toe.” “Why, thank you, ma’am. You’re quite a cutie yourself.” “You know what the first thing was that I noticed about you?” “What was that?” Alyssa asked, smiling happily and striding along contentedly. “Your sexy smile.” “Yeah?” Alicia nodded. “And then your height. I have a thing for tall women.” “You do? What about blue eyes and blond hair?” “Actually, I usually prefer them dark. You’re one of those rare exceptions.” “Oh, lucky me,” Alyssa said with a chuckle. “You were very kind, caring, and patient with me, and that meant a lot.” “Aw.” “It isn’t just physical, but something about your personality turns me on as well,” Alicia said, no longer afraid to be overly descriptive. “I love your compassionate yet confident nature.” Again, Alyssa threw an arm around her, this time pulling her more tightly. “And I love your cuteness, your energy, and your goofy nature.” They walked in silence for a few minutes, each enjoying the closeness as they moved slowly, hand in hand. Then Alyssa said, “So, you gonna be my little sex slave?” Alicia looked up, a bit surprised. It wasn’t what she’d expected from the good doc. She wasn’t any less delighted or turned on, though. “I can be your little anything, Doc.” “I’m going to count on that,” Alyssa said with a sexy wink. “What kinds of things must your slave be required to do, sexy doc?” “Mmm…” Alyssa said, leaving Alicia to wonder if she wasn’t sure yet or was just holding back. “Do you have any suggestions?” she finally asked. “Not really. I thought you’d know more about it than I do. Figured you’d have at least researched the matter if you haven’t actually talked to anyone with firsthand experience.” A slight smile tugged at the corners of Alyssa’s lips, and Alicia wasn’t sure what to make of it. Sometimes she just wasn’t readable. “We’re just about at the house now, so we can discuss it more later, ok?” Alicia nodded, sorry that her curiosity had to wait… unless Alyssa didn’t want her to know certain things in advance. “Want to help me cook dinner tonight and surprise Mom and Dad with one of their favorites?” Alicia nodded again. The truth was, she really didn’t care for cooking. She just liked hanging out with Alyssa. Besides, whether or not she enjoyed cooking, there was nothing wrong with doing for those who had graciously done for her. They whipped up a tuna noodle casserole with a tossed salad on the side. Dessert consisted of cheesecake for four. Alicia hadn’t been this happy in ages. In fact, maybe she had never been this happy before. Alicia plopped into bed that night, the bench at the foot of the bed long since abandoned, and snuggled closely with Alyssa. The two rubbed their bodies together and playfully giggled and tickled each other. Alicia would squeal a little too loudly here and there, and Alyssa had to remind her to quiet down. Alicia lay awake in the darkness long after her sexy doctor’s breathing had become regular, never looking forward so much to just what goodies the future held for the two of them.