Ballad Of Flavia And Sarah Chorus

This is part 4/6 of "The Ballad of Flavia and Sarah".

Once more, many thanks to

DawnDuckie

for editing this story.

"Sarah? You need to keep time to the beat track."

"I know." Sarah pressed the headphones against her ears as she spoke into the mic. "But once I start singing, I can't hear it." Looking up, she saw the rest of the band watching her through the glass into the mouldy-smelling recording studio.

"OK." The sound engineer sounded bored. "Let's try you with the rest of the band turned up."

The opening keyboards of

Silent Tears

began playing, and beneath it the beeping of the beat track. Sarah launched into the vocals as she always did, and tried to give it her all. But somehow it wasn't right. Her singing, and the rest of the band's playing, didn't feel right. They had recorded their tracks individually, not bouncing off each other. There was something inorganic, antiseptic, about the music.

When the track ended, the engineer's voice came on again. "Yeah. Let's try that again."

🎤

Sarah was enjoying the spicy taste of her vegan noodles. Opposite her in the rustic pub were the Sallys, and beside her, holding her hand, was Flavia.

Tall Sally topped up their wine glasses from a bottle of Chardonnay. "So, how are you two finding living together?"

Flavia was chewing her food, so Sarah answered. "Amazing!"

Flavia swallowed and gazed at Sarah. "Yes, I've never been happier. Though this one insists on cleaning the house and cooking meals for Marie and me. Our maid has nothing to do when she comes over."

Sarah shrugged. "I can't help it if I like taking care of you."

Short Sally turned to Tall Sally. "Can't you see how loved up they are? I'm surprised they could drag themselves out of bed to meet us. How's your mum taking it, Sarah?"

"Not great. We're back on speaking terms, but I'm not moving back in, and she won't be meeting Flavia again any time soon."

"I'm sorry," said Tall Sally. "But at least I hear your band is doing well. Flavia mentioned you've got a single out."

"Yes. We've uploaded it everywhere we could think of: Spotify, TikTok, YouTube. With any luck, more people will hear about us."

Short Sally raised her arm in a toast. "Good luck. You should put it on Facebook too."

"What's Facebook?" asked Sarah.

To the Sallys' stunned look, Flavia said, "That's one disadvantage of dating someone so much younger: occasionally she'll say something and I'll be reminded we were born in different centuries."

Tall Sally chuckled. "Different millennia."

Flavia laughed. "Thanks, that makes it sound so much better. How's the festival coming along?"

Tall Sally said, "Very well, though we do have an empty slot in one of the small stages. It's a late afternoon shift, so it's not very prestigious. But do you think your band would want to play it, Sarah? We're always on the look out for more female performers."

Sarah's mouth hung open for a moment before her brain slid back into gear, even though Tall Sally had hinted at it before. "We'd love to. I'd have to check with the others, but they'll say 'yes'. I'm sure of it. Oh, unless it's the same weekend as Flavia's son's wedding."

Flavia squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, it's not."

Short Sally said, "She won't want to play your little pub once she's a festival star, Flavia."

"Fortunately, I've got planning permission for an extension. It won't quite be Madison Square Garden, but for a provincial pub, it'll be a respectable size."

🎤

The band sat about in the vast tent, listening to the muffled music from bigger bands on other stages.

"I don't know," said Daniella. "Some of those comments on

Silent Tears

were really mean. I'm not sure I can face playing a festival."

Georgina, sitting on a rickety sofa on the opposite side of the tent from Kira, said, "Of course you can. There's always gonna be haters, but this could be our big break. And anyway, we're here now."

"I dunno," said Bethany. "I think the comments had a point. We didn't sound very good. I don't know why not. Maybe we should just give up."

"Give up?" Sarah stood. "No, we promised to play this gig, and we will. There was something off about recording in a studio; maybe we need more practice, maybe we'll never get good at it. But we're good live; we're great live. Not that time my voice gave out, but the rest of the time we are. So we're playing today, and we're going to show this crowd what

The Unnamed Band

is really like. Dorothy's in the crowd, Daniella. You don't want to let her down, do you? And Flavia's out there too, so..."

Kira stood beside her. "I can't believe I'm agreeing with Georgina, but we've got to push on. We've had some setbacks. That doesn't mean we're finished."

The tent flap folded back and Tall Sally entered. "You girls ready? You're on in ten."

Daniella looked up and took a deep breath. "We're ready."

🎤

The "crowd" outside the small stage was tiny, not quite a dozen people. And since Dorothy, Flavia and Marie had come to see people they knew, the bored-looking strangers were almost outnumbered by the band. There were more people walking past, puddling through the mud left by the previous day's storm. The wet, unwashed bodies, warmed by the fierce sun, were giving off some interesting smells, most of them unpleasant.

They launched into their first song. And it all came back together. Daniella and Bethany set up a solid grove, playing off each other. Georgina played a driving, pulsing guitar part, and Kira filled in the gaps in the music with magical-sounding riffs and arpeggios. Audiences had absolute power, and could uncaringly destroy a band's chances. But even if people no longer liked their music, the band would end on a high. When it came to Sarah's turn, she found she could effortlessly put her soul into the lyrics, tossing them out to the crowd, an offering to an unrepentant god.

But the crowd did repent, warming up to the music, dancing and cheering as each song ended. And swelling. Passersby, with no intention of listening to an unknown band, found themselves tarrying to listen to just one more song, then another and another. The reaction buoyed up the band, pushing them to try harder. Soon people came to see them, whether drawn by the growing crowd or phoned by their friends.

By the time they came back on for an encore, there were several hundred people watching and listening. Sarah had lost track of where Flavia and the others were, swallowed up by the mass of festival-goers. As they walked off, Sarah took one last look back at their cheering audience. This was what music was about; her band mates were all grinning.

The band members were ecstatic when they had celebratory drinks in the tent afterwards. Georgina and Kira were deep in conversation in one corner of the tent, and Dorothy and Daniella were sharing a bottle while they sat on the floor, while Flavia and Sarah cuddled up on plastic seats. Bethany left to look for, in her words, "someone with an actual dick". Part way through a snog with Flavia, Sarah noticed several famous musicians enter the tent, and she spent the rest of the afternoon listening to their tales in wide-eyed wonder, before listening to their sets later in the evening.

🎤

Sarah got out of the Audi and stretched. It had been a long drive, but it reminded her of the journey to their Valentine's Day retreat. This time they travelled as lovers, at ease with each other as Sarah had never been with another person. Her only concern was in meeting Flavia's family, and it had been eating away at her for weeks.

They wheeled their luggage through to the hotel reception, Flavia holding the dress bags in one hand. Behind the desk was an elderly woman, smart but unsmiling. Flavia gave her name and said they were with the wedding party.

The receptionist tapped away at her keyboard for a moment. "Ah, here we are: Flavia Pagano, room 214." She looked up. "And what's your daughter's name? I'll look up her room too."

Sarah felt herself blush, but Flavia didn't miss a beat. "My daughter's making her own way to the hotel. This is my girlfriend. She'll share my room."

The receptionist looked like she was sucking on a lemon. "Girlfriend? But she's..." Wordlessly, she handed a key card over. "Floor two. The lifts are behind you."

Flavia placed the card in her handbag, then put her arm around Sarah and guided her towards the lifts. "Come along, Sarah, let's go to the room, where I can show you the night of your life." She pressed the lift button, then looked over her shoulder at reception. Loudly, she said, "But you're not the one who could really do with a good night of passion."

Sarah giggled, but couldn't bring herself to look back at the receptionist. Instead, she hugged Flavia.

🎤

The church was a small, stone, medieval building, beautiful among green lawns. The sun was dazzling, and Flavia led Sarah by the hand, both wearing long dresses. Inside was cool and dark, and Flavia took Sarah to the front pew, since she was the groom's mother. There were few others there, so they waited for the other guests to arrive. Soon Marie joined them, hugging them both. The groom entered, looking handsome in a top hat and tails, and Flavia introduced him as Jonathan. The four chatted for a while as the pews around them filled. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard after all.

As the time for the service neared, Jonathan began talking to his best man, nervously fingering his hat. Beside her, Sarah felt Flavia tense. Looking around, she saw a short middle-aged man walking down the aisle with a much younger woman on his arm. Sarah judged the woman to be in her mid-twenties.

"Look at them," hissed Flavia. "She must be half his age."

"That's Dad," whispered Marie. "And his new girlfriend."

Sarah turned to face her. "And your mum thinks she's too young for him?"

Marie shrugged. "I guess she's skipping self-reflection today. But the break-up was hard on her, so today will be hard."

Sarah took Flavia's hand. "Hey. Remember who you're with now?"

Flavia turned back and hugged her (no kisses after taking so long doing each other's make-up). "Sorry,

innamorata

."

Talking stopped as the organ piped out the

Bridal March

. The bride was beautiful in her long white dress, and Sarah couldn't help but glance at Flavia. Would they ever do something like this? Would Flavia want to marry again, when she clearly bore the scars of her first marriage? Would Sarah want to -- well, of course she would. Standing in front of their friends and family and declaring undying love? She'd daydreamed of it many times, but never discussed it.

🎤

After the service, they posed for photographs in front of the church. Sarah was surprised to be in a lot of the pictures, but Flavia insisted she be with her as her guest.

Then they returned to the hotel, which was where the reception was to be held. Flavia congratulated the bride and groom, and Sarah echoed the sentiment, telling the bride how beautiful she looked. They formed a wedding line, Sarah stood beside Flavia, and she met the many guests. Quite a few were surprised to hear that she was Flavia's girlfriend. Some of the men smiled on being told that; what exactly they were imagining, Sarah didn't want to know.

As the last guest left, a deep voice from behind them said, "So this is the jailbait my wife's been spending my alimony on?". Turning, Sarah saw Flavia's ex.

Sarah tried not to react, but Flavia turned on him, furious. "You leave her out of it."

Sarah pulled on her arm. "It's your son's wedding. Can you both please behave?"

Flavia said, "Of course. You're right."

The bride's parents looked on worriedly. Just as Sarah was about to suggest moving away, she felt a hand take hers, and turning, saw Marie.

Marie said, "Come on, let's let them talk it out." She led Sarah a couple of yards before stopping and taking her father's girlfriend's hand and leading them both to a small table near the bar, where they ordered drinks.

Marie sipped her rum and Coke. "My parents! I love them both, but they really need to get over the past."

Sarah looked back to see Flavia and her ex in a heated discussion; had they even noticed their girlfriends moving away? At least their voices weren't raised. The three girls at the table began chatting about the day, and Sarah found she quite liked Rebecca, Flavia's ex's girlfriend.

"So," said Sarah, "How are you finding dating Marie's dad?"

Rebecca laughed. "It has its ups and downs." She nodded to where their girlfriend and boyfriend were still talking. "This is definitely a down. But most of the time, I can't get enough of Eric. I suspect you know just what it's like to be with an older person. And I do get on well with his daughter."

Sarah raised her glass in salute to Marie. "Absolutely. Marie's the best. And Jonathan and his new wife have been so nice too. I was worried about meeting my girlfriend's ex at the wedding." She glanced back at him. "But what I didn't expect was to like his girlfriend.

We

can at least be civil and try not to ruin their son's wedding."

Rebecca clinked her glass against Sarah's. "I'll drink to that. We didn't break them up, so it's not our fault. Though I won't lie; I'm glad their marriage ended. I wouldn't have Eric otherwise."

Sarah smiled. "Oh, I can echo that sentiment. Sorry Marie, but I'm so happy I've got Flavia."

Marie shrugged. "It was years ago.

I've

moved on. I just wish they could. They even have similar tastes in much younger women."

Rebecca glanced at the arguing pair again. "Do you think they'll remember us soon?"

🎤

The wedding breakfast was a sumptuous affair. Flavia was sat at the head table, and as her plus one, Sarah sat with her. Fortunately, Jonathan had had the good sense to seat Eric at the other end of the table. After some touching and amusing speeches, the newlyweds took their first dance. Sarah watched entranced, holding on to Flavia's arm. What would it feel like to take a first dance as a married couple?

When the song ended, the dancefloor opened up for everyone to take part. Sarah didn't miss a moment, leading Flavia out by the hand. They settled into a slow dance as

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

played. It was heavenly to lean into Flavia and feel her soft body, to smell her perfume as she led the dance.

But Flavia kept turning to look towards Eric and Rebecca, who were sat drinking at one of the tables.

Sarah placed a finger against Flavia's jaw and pushed until their eyes met. "Your date is right here in your arms. Focus on me."

"Sorry, darling. It's just..." she glanced at them again, before turning back to Sarah. "She's very pretty, isn't she?"

"I don't care how pretty she is. Because I'm dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room."

Flavia laughed and kissed her. "You can't be, because I'm dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room."

"She's nice, you know: Eric's girlfriend. Her name's Rebecca. I like her. So tell me: are you competing with him, or are you jealous because you wish he was still yours?"

"Neither. There's no competition when I've got you. And I don't want to be with him again. There's only one person for me."

Sarah's hand slipped down Flavia's back to rest on her bum. "Then be with me. Forget him; he's your past. I'm your present, and I hope your future. What's done is done. Let's carve out the best life we can together."

Flavia ran her fingers through Sarah's hair. "How did I ever get someone so amazing? And I'm sorry about what Eric said. It made me so angry."

"It's not your fault. Besides, my mum said worse to you. But you do control how you react; I want your full attention now. You promised I'd enjoy today, so I want three things from you."

"Oh?" Flavia's voice was low and sultry. She nibbled on Sarah's ear, sending sparks through the younger woman's body. "What are they?"

"First, I want a nice, romantic dance."

Flavia traced Sarah's jaw with kisses. "I can manage that. What's the second thing?"

Sarah wondered if she was getting lipstick marks on her face. She didn't care. "I want a nice, romantic kiss."

Flavia's lips moved slowly to Sarah's, their warmth and softness tantalising. Opening her mouth to her, Sarah felt herself surrendering to the older woman's embrace. Flavia didn't rush, and Sarah guessed that several songs played before the kiss ended. Though it was hard to track time, because her entire world had collapsed down to just one woman.

"So,

innamorata

, what's the third thing you want today?"

"I want a nice, romantic, right good seeing to."

Flavia laughed. "Oh, now that I can definitely provide."

Sarah leaned her head on Flavia's shoulder. "Good, because seeing you in that dress all day has been doing things to me. It hugs your curves and makes my heart flutter. You're always gorgeous, but I can't stop thinking about when you take it off. Then I'll kneel between your legs and lick you. I can't wait until your hairs tickle my nostrils."

"They tickle you? I can trim or shave them."

"Don't you dare; I love that feeling."

Flavia cradled Sarah's head and kissed her again, long, slowly and romantically. "I wish I could take you to bed right now. But as the mother of the groom, I'm expected to be one of the last to leave."

🎤

Flavia and Sarah made their way into their room, staggering slightly under the effects of alcohol. Collapsing into a chair, Sarah kicked off her shoes, her feet aching from wearing heels all day. She watched Flavia make her way to the dresser and remove her jewellery.

Seeing her in the mirror, Flavia smiled. "Why are you looking at me?"

Sarah stood, the plush carpet much softer under her feet than her shoes had been, and she walked to Flavia, hugging her from behind. "I was thinking how lucky I am to have you. I was so worried, about meeting your family, about strangers seeing us and judging that I'm with a woman so much older. But today, I just felt proud that the most beautiful, elegant woman I've ever met, is my girlfriend."

Flavia turned and cupped her face. "And I was proud. Men and women told me how envious they were of me, with the young beauty on my arm. But they don't really know how lucky I am, because they only see your looks. They don't know the real you." She kissed Sarah, lovingly, teasing her lips with her tongue. "I'm going to remove my make-up or I'll look a sight in the morning. Then I seem to remember my girlfriend asking for a third thing from me today. Do you recall what it was?"

Sarah had to rise on tiptoe to kiss Flavia, who was still in her heels. "Why don't we see if we can remember once we're in bed?"

When Flavia walked into the bathroom, Sarah took her own make-up off at the dresser. Then she checked her phone; there were two voicemails. The first was from Georgina.

"Hi Sarah. How's the wedding? You know I'm moving into a new flat? Well, I'd like Kira to move in with me. We've been fooling around a lot, but I want it to be more. So I wondered if you had any idea how I could ask her. I don't think she even likes me all that much. I'm afraid to tell her she means something to me. Please don't tell her I said anything."

Flavia came out of the bathroom, her make-up gone, wearing just yellow lace underwear. "Who's that?"

"Georgina. She's not sure how to ask her not-quite-girlfriend Kira to move in with her."

Flavia removed her bra, her bountiful breasts hanging loose. "Maybe she should just tell her?"

Sarah played the second message, in case it was important. As she did, she watched Flavia slip out of her knickers and slide into the bed.

Please be a short message

.

"Hi Sarah, it's Kira. I hope the wedding went well. Georgina's moving into a new flat, and I know we're not serious, and don't tell her I said anything, but I really want her to ask me to move in. Do you have any ideas how to get her to ask? You've been this sort of thing yourself, but she'd laugh in my face if I brought it up."