Beautiful Love

"When we overcome our assumptions based on indoctrinated hang-ups, we find beauty can be discovered within limitless opportunities." --- Storyteller4U

*

The sight of my beautiful Sarah sleeping soundly on our bed rekindled my emotions from last night's sensual encounter. Just 3 months ago, neither of us knew the other existed; yet I couldn't imagine feeling more grateful for our chance meeting. I've never known a person to fit so perfectly into my life. I've heard of soul mates, but never thought it was possible, till now.

Though I would have preferred sleeping in, today, I was needed to show up early for work. At least I've had the pleasure of viewing Sarah's nude body displayed on top of our bed, while I prepared for my workday. The absence of concealing blankets was the only advantage of the heat wave we've been suffering through lately. I viewed the remnants of last night, our intermingled love juices dried on her legs and matting her short, thin, brown hair that delicately flowed inward and downward, pointing the way to a priceless treasure.

I watched her breasts rise and fall with each breath she took. Fully exposed, those soft, firm mounds, topped by highly sensitive pink nipples, reached out and seemed to beg for more attention. A smile remained on her face. I'm not sure if it was stuck there from last night, or if she was dreaming a continuation. Her silky brown hair framed her fair complexion, draping just slightly below her shoulders.

I wanted to savor this sight longer, but knew I had to leave, and it was time for her to wake up. As I leaned down toward her, I inhaled her sweet scent flowing with the currents emanating from her body. Her warmth drew me in, till our lips met in a gentle kiss.

"Mmmmm," I heard from deep within her. "I love waking with my lover's luscious lips caressing mine." She pulled me down on the bed, wrapping her arms and legs around me. Into my ear she whispered, "I don't even need to open my eyes to feel the nurturing glow of Dawn. I love you, my dear Dawn." Fighting my desire to just stay there indefinitely, I peeled her arms and legs off me, as she cried out, "Till tonight, my love."

**

While driving to work, my mind relived our past wonderful months. I first encountered Sarah while working at my fairly new job. I've been working as a physical therapist, specializing in children who need prosthetics. This has been my field for 12 years, but I just recently started working for this state of the art facility at which I've wanted to work for many years. I heard someone was retiring and an opening was available, so jumped at this rare opportunity. I've loved it here. I couldn't have imagined a greater staff, and the kids have been a joy. I have been welcomed by all and made to feel at home.

One thing I thought was unusual was every day, when kids arrived, they'd ask, "Is Sarah coming today?" I had met all the staff, and acquainted myself with all the patients, and I wasn't aware of a Sarah among any of them. After a week of hearing this, I asked my supervisor who Sarah was. She informed me Sarah was a volunteer who came in and helped with the children. All the kids have loved her playfulness and caring. I was told she started coming by a few years back to get her mind off the divorce she was going through, fell in love with the kids and had been coming back ever since. I began to look forward to meeting this Wonder Woman.

Finally, the day arrived. I was working with a five-year-old boy, when the room broke out in shrieks, giggles and laughter. I looked up and saw Sarah. I'm not sure if it was just the sun shining through the window onto her or if she radiated her own glow, but her smile was contagious and her energy brightened the entire room. I feared she was going to be smothered by the horde of children gravitating toward her, yet she was very adept at protecting herself while making sure none of the kids were hurt or felt left out.

After about 10 minutes, our supervisor announced, "OK, back to work, now." The kids went back to their stations, and Sarah started making her rounds, giving each child special one-on-one attention. After connecting with each of the kids, she came up to me. "Hi, I'm Sarah. You must be Dawn, Mattie's replacement. Mattie will be greatly missed, but I've heard a lot of positive about you already, so I'm sure you'll fit right in at this great place." I was impressed from the start.

Sarah was friendly, playful, caring, respectful, sensitive, outgoing and yet was actually very humble and didn't push anything on anyone. I could tell this was a woman who would bring a lot of joy and happiness to a place that could be seen as a place of sadness and pain. Here was this room filled with children who had lost limbs or were born without them, and yet this same room was filled with joy and laughter.

Sometimes, when I was working with a frightened child, Sarah appeared, and all fear dissolved from the child. She had a way with everyone. How could anyone help but love her? One day, after bringing a smile to Nikki, a scared young girl, she touched my arm as she rose to move on. Her touch was so gentle, yet I felt like a bolt of lightning entered where her hand touched.

I looked up and saw a twinkle in her eye as our eyes connected for a moment, before she looked at Nikki and gave her one last reassurance. She said, "You're a very lucky girl, because Dawn is our most skilled and gentle therapist, and she never gives up. She's going to help you to be able to run around and play and do all the things you've ever dreamt of doing." Following a smile and very interesting eye contact with me, she moved on.

**

Dawn's story:

As far back as I could remember I have gravitated towards girls. It's not that I didn't like boys; it's just that the gentleness and sensitivity of girls seemed to melt my heart. I never exposed this side of me to anyone as I was growing, as I realized it wasn't acceptable to be different. I didn't want to be labeled as different and ostracized by others.

I fantasized in my mind, and pictured girls when I masturbated, but kept this as my secret. I went out on a few dates with guys in high school, and though I enjoyed the time we spent together, they just didn't have that softness I yearned for. I felt nothing when they kissed me. Maybe they sensed that, as I was never asked out on a second date.

In college, I discovered the gay and lesbian student group. I realized I now had the opportunity to safely explore who I really was. I made some friends who were willing to show me the ropes and let me grow at my own pace. I even developed some relationships that gave me a taste of the love I yearned for. Nothing seemed to become permanent, but I did feel much stronger regarding my identity by the time I graduated college. Though I wasn't meeting as many lesbians after I graduated, I did end up in a few relationships that lasted up to 2 years. My ideal had still eluded me.

I was never into roles, where one person had to act like a woman and the other like a man. I never questioned my being a woman, and I enjoyed being a woman. I also knew I appreciated an equal partner who also enjoyed being a woman. I dreamt of a woman who appreciated me for who I was, without attempting to mold me into her image of a partner.

Maybe I expected too much, but preferred being alone, feeling good about my life and myself, rather than settling, just to be in a relationship. I could be assertive when I felt I belonged; yet tended to be quiet and waited for others to make the first move, which limited my opportunities. My belief was the right relationship was worth waiting for.

**

Sarah's story:

I didn't want to stop cuddling with Dawn's pillow on our bed, savoring the scent that still lingered on her pillow. I can't believe where life has taken me. I never expected to end up here, yet I couldn't imagine a place I'd rather be. I don't think anyone would have guessed I'd have ended up with a woman, yet nothing could have felt more right to me. I knew I had to get up and start my day, yet I just wanted to savor the view of Dawn's face, which was burned into my mind.

It's not that I've never had any experiences with a female before. I shared a lot with my best friend Kate, actually, everything. We met in the 3rd grade. We were both new students at the school, and the established cliques were too tight to be open to new kids, so Kate and I established our own Mutual Admiration Society. We were tight. As long as we had each other, we felt we could conquer the world. Even back in the 3rd grade, we were both quite boy crazy. We would look and giggle and pretend, while sharing our dreams only with each other.

As we entered puberty, Kate and I helped each other to learn about and be comfortable with the changes in our bodies. During our sleepovers, we did a lot of looking, touching and exploring. We felt totally safe with each other. As we got deeper into adolescence, and anticipated we might actually go out with boys, we practiced on each other, so we wouldn't stumble around and look foolish when the time arrived. We taught each other how to kiss and helped each other to discover the pleasures of sex. We shared our first orgasms with each other. It was wonderful, but we knew our goal was to be with boys and never thought of ourselves as lesbian or even bi-sexual.

During high school, we got our first opportunity to put our practice to good use, and enjoyed being with boys. After each new experience, we were eager to share what happened with our best friend. We knew we'd always be close. Unfortunately, our college opportunities led us to different coasts. We cared too much about each other to hold the other back, so encouraged each other to take the best opportunity.

College felt odd, as we weren't as readily available to share with each other. We had to deal both with the distance and the time difference. We stayed in contact, but started growing apart. I lived in the dorm and was more academically than socially oriented. I did have occasional dates, my little escapes, but I kept my priorities in check. I became friendly with Derek, who lived on the same floor as me. We didn't seem to feel chemistry for each other, but enjoyed hanging out with each other. I felt safe with him, knowing I wouldn't have to deal with any pressure.

Even though we were both academically oriented, we also appreciated sex, though not with each other. After going out on dates, we would share notes and enjoyed hearing of the other's experiences. We would openly talk about sex and masturbation, yet never even touched each other. I guess he helped me get over the loss I felt from not having Kate to share with. Over the 4 years, he went through multiple girlfriends and I went through multiple boyfriends.

Over Christmas break during our senior year, Derek invited me to spend the vacation at his family's home, as I had no family close by. I had already met his family on many occasions and felt comfortable with them, so accepted his invitation. During that break, we seemed to constantly hear from his family members, "So, now you are graduating, when will we hear wedding bells?" This caught us totally off guard, as we had never thought of marrying each other, though we knew we both wanted to be married to someone. This planted a seed that germinated and grew over the next 6 months. By the time graduation came around, we had ourselves convinced we would be ideal partners, so got engaged.

One year after the seed was planted, we tied the knot. Going in, he knew, though I loved kids, I couldn't see bringing kids into this world filled with anger, war and hatred. He said he was fine with having no kids. We got along very well and enjoyed our careers and being married. As we approached the age of 30, he started questioning whether I had changed my mind about kids, as we were running out of time if we decided to have kids. I reassured him I had no plan to change my decision.

He seemed to bring the subject up more and more, till I realized he wasn't concerned I would lose out on this opportunity, but he would lose out on this opportunity. Finally, he admitted he truly felt a need to have kids. I had grown to love him, and truly wanted him to feel happy and fulfilled, so I encouraged him to find a partner with whom he could have children. Eventually, he did find this woman, and we decided to part ways. We thought we could still maintain contact, as we still cared a great deal about each other, but his new wife was jealous of me, so all contact stopped.

Though I wanted Derek to be happy, I was feeling a loss when we actually moved apart. I decided to fill the void by doing some volunteering, as I had too much free time that was filled with too much thinking. A friend of mine told me about the Variety Club's annual telethon to raise money for their limb bank for children.

This sounded interesting, so I spent the weekend there, helping out. I fell in love with these kids, and that's what led me to my ongoing volunteering at the Children's Prosthetic Center. Though I loved my career, I loved spending time with "my kids", also. At first, I thought I'd find spending time with these children to be depressing, yet I couldn't believe how fulfilled and energized I felt after spending time with them, watching them overcome their hurdles and accomplish their goals.

After several years at the center, Mattie, one of the center's most loved physical therapists, announced she was retiring. I couldn't picture that place without her. I guess truth could be found in the statement every time a door closes, another one opens, for she was replaced by an angel, Dawn. I had taken some time off after Mattie's retirement party, as I couldn't bear to see the emptiness I anticipated left by her absence. I stayed in touch with some of the staff, and was surprised to hear them give glowing reports regarding Mattie's replacement. I felt confused. How could they forget about Mattie, move on and replace her so easily?

Mattie called me up, one day, and invited me to have lunch with her. It was so good to see her. She told me she had been keeping in contact with the center and knew I hadn't been around. The center would always be an important part of her, but she was getting up in years. It was harder for her to handle the physical demands of the job, so it was time for her to move on. She told me one reason she felt able to move on was I was there to keep the laughter going. "But they replaced you," I sobbed.

"No, Sarah, they replaced my position, not me. They continue to call me and seek my advice on a regular basis."

"But what about all these glowing comments they are pouring out about this new woman? How can they feel so good about someone they barely know?"

"Sarah, you need to know I was in on the decision to hire Dawn. I talked to her previous employer and several other people who knew her well. Based on what I learned about her, I convinced the center she was the best person for the job. Give her a chance. You may grow to like her as much as I've grown to like her."

How was I to know I would grow to "like" Dawn much more than she could ever imagine? Obviously, I did give her a chance, and I'm definitely not sorry I did. I watched her in action and was truly impressed with what I saw. She was a very conscientious person, caring, hard working, sensitive and loving. I felt ashamed of myself for judging her before I had even met her, so pushed myself to greet her and welcome her to "our" center. Once I saw her clearly, I knew I had to show her I was happy she was there.

**

What was that look? What was that smile? She was married. No one knew I was a lesbian. My mind was racing. I felt so many mixed and confusing messages run through me. There was something about this woman. I know I've never made the first move, and I doubt she'd be interested, but how could I just ignore it and let something that felt so unique just pass by? I decided I had to take a chance, allow some vulnerability. It was almost noon on Friday, the time Sarah left for her regular job. I knew it would be too painful to wait till Monday. I had to reach out. I saw Sarah walking over to pick up her purse. Well, it was now or never. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"Hi Sarah, thanks for those kind words you shared with Nikki."

"You deserved hearing them, also. I meant everything I said. I had a hard time believing anyone could replace Mattie, but I was being closed-minded. I have always been of the belief that a closed mind limits opportunities. My experience has shown me every time I've expanded my horizons and been open to new experiences, I've always been pleasantly surprised. You have proved that, once again, to me. Thank you, Dawn."

"Sarah, I'd enjoy getting together with you and learning more about you. If there is a time that is convenient and a desire on your part, I'd like to make plans."

"I'm available tomorrow all day. How about lunch?"

We met at a nice, quiet restaurant and sat in an open-air atrium. Lunch went beautifully. We discovered we have much in common, and communication flowed very smoothly. We lost track of time. It was getting dark, and I didn't want Sarah to feel I was demanding or expecting too much from her, so I pointed out it was getting late. She couldn't believe so much time had passed, either. We got our things together, and I walked her to her car. Before we got to her car, I put my hand on her arm and stopped her.

"Sarah, I need to share something with you, and, hopefully, what I say won't give the beautiful day we've had so far a bad taste. Sarah, what I am going to say is not meant to come across as an expectation of you, but because I feel you deserve to know the truth. I've enjoyed spending time with you, and I truly like you. I hope we can enjoy friendship between us. I want you to know if what I say causes you any discomfort, I will respect your wishes, even if you request I distance myself from you. I would hate for you to hear this information from someone else, resulting in your feeling deceived by me, so I need to let you know I am a lesbian."

"And I'm a Lithuanian," laughed Sarah. "Dawn, I told you my view on closed minds. I'm not afraid of you. I can't say what the future holds, but I know whatever the future holds will be beautiful, so I'm eager to experience it. Other than my early explorations with my best friend, I have only experienced men, but I've had plenty of women friends. I'm not making any promises, other than to be true to myself and my beliefs, but I'm not placing any limits, either. I feel privileged you have trusted me with this information and flattered you wanted to share it with me. I have also enjoyed everything we've shared, and I truly like you, too."

I felt many mixed feelings: awkward, giddy, excited, scared and who knows what else. When we arrived at Sarah's car, she said, "Here it is." She leaned down, unlocked the door and then opened it. I expected her to get in her car, but she turned, looked deep into my eyes, brought her hand up to my cheek, caressing it gently, leaned in and gave me a very tender kiss, right on my lips. "Thank you for a lovely day," she said, before sitting down in her car and driving off. My lips were on fire.

Never did I expect such a response. Never did I expect such a quick and comfortable connection. I thought about Sarah my entire drive home. Upon getting out of my car, I noticed a dark wet spot, right where I was sitting. A smile came to my face.

I was so happy I took the chance and opened that door. Sarah and I spent much of our free time together over the next few months. One Saturday, we spent a wonderful day together, culminating with us cooking a very romantic dinner together at my home. At 9pm she took hold of my hands and said, "I don't want to leave."