Journey towards Acceptance

Together at Last

Lana was pacing back and forth, anxious as to what was going on at Briarcliff. She was unable to sleep properly, Jude could have knocked at any moment and she wanted to be ready. It was now the third day and she started panicking. ‘What if something didn’t work out? Wouldn't Mary or Jude call, informing me on the situation? Lana, everything is fine, Jude said a week so you have three and a half days until you should start panicking’. She decided to take a bath to calm her nerves.

The first thing Lana did after she checked-in at the hotel three days ago, was take a very long shower. She was trying to rid of the stench that was left on her from Briarcliff. After that, she had a proper meal, since she hasn’t had one for a while, and then picked up a newspaper, updating herself on what is going on in the real world. These events were repeated in different order the next two days but today she felt quite ill. It could be the medication getting out of her body. Whatever it was, it was painful. She sat in the warm tub and closed her eyes. The next thing she knew, the water was cold and someone was stroking her hair. Her eyes shot open immediately and when she saw Jude sitting by her side she sat up straight and kissed her.

“Jude. I’ve missed you so much. I couldn't wait for you to get in. How did you know which room I was in? What happened? Did he let you leave or did you escape? Actually I don't care. All that matters is that you are here.”

Jude did not attempt to answer any of Lana’s questions. She just leaned in and kissed the younger woman again and when they broke the kiss she said “I am not leaving your side ever again.”

Lana got out of the bathtub and placed a towel around her. She locked the door and kissed Jude guiding her to the bed.

Both were now naked and out of breath on the double bed. Lana was playing with Jude’s hair and Jude was moving her fingers up and down Lana’s stomach.

“I need to get my things from my old apartment.”

“That would be a good idea. Should we do that tomorrow?”

“Obviously, unless you want to move from the bed.”

“No. It is a double bed and we are together. Unless I am forced to move, I will not get up.”

Lana chuckled and observed how cute Jude was when she spoke to her.

The next morning, they went to visit Lana’s old apartment. Lana knew Wendy would be in since it was a Saturday but she didn't know if ‘that Oliver guy’ was there too. Lana walked towards the door with Jude right behind her. They avoided holding hands because they didn't want Wendy to know about them. She rang the doorbell and was greeted by a very happy Wendy who upon seeing who was on the other side of the door replaced her current expression with a cold and professional one.

“What do you want?”

“I just need my stuff. I will grab them and leave.”

“Make it quick.” she let the couple in and they were welcomed by Oliver.

“Well if it isn't Sister Jude and Lana. I told Wendy you would come pick up your things one day but she wouldn't believe me and now here you are. I won a deal.”

“I am glad our visit assisted you one way or another. I hope you won something good." Jude said and sat on the chair next to him. They talked a bit while Lana was arguing with Wendy as to what belongs to her and what not.

An hour of compromising later Lana had two suitcases filled with clothes and books and the couple hit the road.

“Where to?” Lana asked this time letting Jude drive.

“It's a surprise” Jude said making Lana smile.

Twenty minutes later Jude said “Here we are."

Lana was confused, she had no idea where they were. “Where are we exactly?”

“This is our neighbourhood, and that over there is our apartment.” Jude said shyly waiting for Lana’s response.

Lana couldn't form any words so when Jude turned to look at her she just threw herself on the older woman. “We are going to live together, I am so happy. I have been waiting for this moment for two months now. I know it is not a long time but that doesn’t make it less important.”

“Do you like your surprise?”

“Judy, you are the best.”

It has now been a month since they started living together and it was as amazing as they thought it would be. Lana went back to working at the paper and Jude was teaching at Sunday school. Every night Jude would cook for Lana and they would spend quality time together. Lana decided that she would not bring work at home because that would disturb the balance they had.

“How was work today dear?” Jude asked while going through today’s mail.

“Really good. I am not exclusively writing the cooking column anymore.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“It is actually. I am all over the place to be fair. I write about any story they let me handle and I couldn't be more happy. Every story is a new adventure.”

“I am happy that you are doing what you like” Jude spotted a letter that looked quite important “Oh, Lana, this one is for you, from work.”

“I can open it tomorrow when I go to work. We said no work at home remember.” Lana kissed her partner.

“This could be an exception. They wouldn't send you a letter if it was something that could wait till tomorrow. I really think you should open it now.”

“Only because you say so.” Lana chuckled and opened the letter. She began reading it and she slowly sat on the chair next to her. Her face dropped and she couldn't believe what she was reading.

“Lana, dear what is it? What does the letter say?” Jude asked concerned upon seeing Lana’s sudden change of expression.

“They want me to interview a young woman tomorrow morning about the ‘Where are they today’ part for the health column.” Lana was double checking that she read this correctly.

“What is wrong with that column? Are you interviewing a celebrity?” Jude was now very confused.

“She is not a celebrity but we both know her. I know for a fact you saw her before.”

Jude laughed at how vague Lana’s description of this woman was and leaned next to her to look at the picture. She froze instantly when she saw a picture of a young girl with black glasses, brown hair and a characteristic blue coat. “Is that the person I think it is?” Jude said, her voice not louder than a whisper.

“It is. It says here that this young woman was hit by a car when she was twelve and the person who did it left her behind.”

“What is her name?”

“Missy.”

Jude began to cry and Lana quickly held her in her arms. “The newspaper I read the morning after the incident clearly stated that Missy was dead. I don't understand.”

“There are many newspapers that do that Judy. They think that people will believe them because they say something different but the only thing they accomplish is confuse their readers. The important part is that Missy is alive, you didn't kill her. She is healthy and a mother of a little boy.” Lana paused for a few minutes thinking about how she could help Jude “I have an idea and you can refuse if you don’t like it. Would you like to join me tomorrow?”

Jude nodded her head unable to form any words in her current state and Lana pulled her softly down on the chair.

“Great. Tomorrow morning is the day you let go of the last haunting memory from your past.”