Code Red (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 13

Have you ever had your heart opened by love and realised you were a different person? Waverly woke to a new life she knew was her destiny. Her lover lay beside her, sleeping peacefully, a light snore Waverly would never grow tired of. She was here, now, in this moment and it was perfect. Nicole shifted slightly, her arm moving across Waverly to keep her close. Waverly turned, kissing her gently on the forehead. To let her know she was in her bed. To say, I am never leaving you.

She could have stayed there forever. Let the world go to hell. This was all she wanted. Fighting for something, fighting for a world to be at peace with itself, no longer held its allure. She had won. She had the prize. That prize was the most beautiful woman she had ever met entering her life, lying next to her. Nicole stirred. She opened her eyes, still raw from the night they had spent together. "Hello, my angel."

Waverly couldn't speak. Tears welling.

"Hey, hey. What's wrong?"

"I love you."

Nicole looked at Waverly. The love was there. Could she bring herself to say it back? "My darling. You are everything to me. I never knew someone could capture my heart so completely."

Waverly hugged Nicole as if her life depended on it. "Nikki, don't ever let me go."

It was Nicole's turn to cry.

Several hours later, Nicole suggested they really needed to do something other than stay in bed. Waverly, at first reluctant, agreed that perhaps they would enjoy the weekend more if they experienced something other than one room. Nicole recommended the lake. She would pack a picnic. They could take a leisurely stroll. Have lunch. Go for a swim.

Waverly looked hesitant. "I...I can't swim."

Nicole pulled her into an embrace. "My angel, but of course. Your wings would get wet."

Waverly giggled. The raw confidence of Nicole was what first reeled her in. Nicole's ability to make her feel like the only person in the world kept her hooked.

The lake was a short walk from the cottage. They made their way across the fields, holding hands, Nicole carrying the picnic basket, Waverly carrying a rug and two towels. Nicole found the spot her family used. Close enough to the lake to swim, discreet enough, not to be overlooked. There was no one around, which meant they had the lake to themselves that day.

They sat and ate. They really did need sustenance, given the length of their love making. A short sleep, huddled together on the blanket, Nicole pulled Waverly up and told her to take her clothes off.

"What here!" she exclaimed.

Nicole looked at her, confused. "Oh, sorry. No. I mean. We could. I meant, it's a great way to swim."

She laughed, realising Waverly now had sex on the brain.

They stood naked at the edge of the lake. Waverly wasn't sure stepping into the water was a good idea. She hovered nervously, until Nicole took her hand, guiding her, letting the coolness of the water enter her body. They moved slowly, Waverly finding her feet, feeling the water wash around her. Nicole still had hold of her hands, moving her body so she was facing her, letting Waverly feel the water take her weight. Nicole looked into her eyes. "Trust me. I won't let you go."

Sitting huddled in towels, Waverly had survived her first swimming lesson. She sat contemplating everything she had experienced. It was beyond words. She grabbed a small fruit knife from the basket, heading to the nearest tree. She stood for a while, carving something, Nicole, curious as to what she was doing, joined her.

The message read:

W4N

Nicole lit a fire when they got back. They sat, entwined on the sofa, Nicole reading a book to Waverly. Waverly at peace with the world. They ate. They made love. They had each other. Sunday came too soon. They made their way back to Bletchley early afternoon, neither wanting the weekend to end. The house was quiet. Mavis was out, a note saying she would be back at 5pm to prepare the evening meal. Chrissy wouldn't be back for hours. They had one more opportunity to be together.

Nicole found a bottle of champagne in her drinks cabinet. Not chilled. Sacrilege. But, needs must. Bottle and two glasses in her hands, she headed to Waverly's bedroom. Waverly was already in bed, smiling as Nicole entered. Champagne and Nicole, she thought, a perfect combination. They wasted no time. They let their love making express itself at full volume. Nicole was beside Waverly, licking an erect nipple, her hand between her legs, bringing her closer to the edge. They didn't hear the front door close. They didn't hear someone call out. They didn't hear footsteps on the stairs.

Chrissy heard movement in the room above her. Guessing Waverly was back, she went upstairs, eager to tell her how well the wedding had gone. That her advice had paid dividends and she felt more confident, more able to stand in her own intelligence than she had ever done before. She burst through the door ready to tell her friend everything. The sight that greeted her was not one she was expecting. Waverly, naked in bed, an equally naked Nicole in the middle of something that was making Waverly cry out with pleasure. She could see Waverly had her eyes closed, her body shaking, holding onto the metal bars above her head. She could hear her moans, Nicole moving her arm under the sheet, her lips on Waverly's breast.

"What the..."

Nicole looked up. Startled by the intrusion. Unable to stop Waverly from reaching another orgasm. As Waverly came, Nicole screamed. "Get out."

Their cover had been blown. Waverly, panting, unable to concentrate, it took her a few moments to come back into the room. Gathering herself, she realised what had happened. She needed to go to Chrissy. She grabbed her dressing gown and headed downstairs. Waverly knocked on her bedroom door. No answer. "Chrissy, please." No answer. "Chrissy. I can explain."

The door opened. Chrissy motioned for Waverly to enter. Chrissy sat on the bed, head down, not saying anything. Waverly didn't know whether to stand, sit, hug her friend. New territory. "Chrissy, I..." There were no words. What could she say? That she was sleeping with her boss. That they had contrived situations behind Chrissy's back. That they had lied to her. She couldn't stop herself from crying. "Chrissy. I'm so sorry. I couldn't tell you. I wanted to, so badly. But, I couldn't."

She had betrayed her good friend. How would she ever forgive her? Chrissy stood, moving towards Waverly, holding her in the warmest embrace she had ever felt. "Lamb chop, I guessed something was going on. You two were like animals on heat. I'm surprised the whole of Station X wasn't gossiping about the sexual tension between you."

Waverly was stunned. She knew Chrissy was extremely bright. She simply had assumed, like everyone else, the happy-go-lucky attitude she presented was all that was on offer to the world. There were depths to Chrissy few people were allowed to know. "Chrissy, I love you."

"Steady tiger. One female lover at a time."

Waverly laughed. Only Chrissy could be Chrissy in a moment like this. "I'm guessing you're OK with this?" Waverly asked, wanting reassurance.

"My dear. Perfectly. But, it will cost you." Waverly looked shocked. What would Chrissy demand? "Two bars of chocolate. That's my price," winking at Waverly.