Disclaimer: These characters and this narrative are mine, so there is nothing to disclaim in this here story.  Besides, if you are still reading my stuff, you already know the drill - you will need an open mind to read it.  If you find something you think needs disclaiming, you are more than welcome to let me know.  It won’t change anything, but it may make you feel better.   Ugliness will earn you a smack to the back of your head.

Thanks: To my truly awesome Beta Team – Phil, Mac and Jeanne.  They have certainly gone above and beyond for this story... 26 months of reading for mistakes.  There was a point when I know each of you thought it was never going to end... because I wondered the same thing <g>.  Thanks, ya’ll... this would have been much more difficult process without your efforts.  You guys ROCK!

Author’s Notes: So it did actually take 26 months of writing to complete this sucker, and it’s so much more than I ever envisioned it would be because I certainly never expected it to be almost 700 pages when all was said and done.  Still I think it was worth the effort – we ended up with a good solid story and some great characters.  And who knows?  We may see them again someday.

The Storyteller’s Cardinal Rule is in effect.


                                                                                  Guardian Angel
                                                                                                               By D



Prologue

Everyone has heard of guardian angels – we probably have the best PR department in the world.  On the other hand they're also very good about keeping the true nature of our job out of the press so to speak.  Oh don't misunderstand – some guardian angels do exactly what is advertised.  That is the job of a few... to uphold the myth that we are there for the protection of mankind.  Most guardian angels don’t protect – they offer hope to the scared and the lonely and the wounded.  But for a few even that is not their primary function.

No, for a very few guardian angels, their job is to be there at a crucial time in their charge's life.  They are supposed to guide and help a person make the right choice.  Only sometimes they’re not in the right place at the right time and that’s where I come in.

My job is clean up.  When the guardian angel misses their opportunity, my job is to determine if the charge can be salvaged in spite of the guardian screw-up or if there is another choice that can be made or another opportunity offered. 

This is the story of one such charge.


Chapter I

“Jim, I don’t care what you have to do - just make it happen!” The woman jabbed her phone off with an aggrieved sigh and turned to the entourage standing next to her.  “Opal, grab my day planner and meet me in the office.  We have to rearrange a few things.  Barbara, I need you to get Senator Reynolds on the phone, please and make sure Kent is available to pick Adam up from school.  Luke, I’d kill for a fresh cup of coffee,” nodding in satisfaction when her assistant and aides scattered.  Then she walked into her office and slid behind her desk, kicking off her shoes and removing her jacket before settling into the day’s work.

************

Let me stop a minute here and bring you up to speed.  I think you need to understand at least a little of the woman whose life I am now in charge of trying to salvage.

Charisma Tagherty is a smart, successful woman who has spent a lifetime in politics and as a Senator is counted as one of the up-and-coming leaders of not only her party, but the nation as well.  She is as well known for her charitable causes as she is for her political platform.  She has worked hard to establish her reputation as a savvy politician, a smart businesswoman and a caring humanitarian and has succeeded beyond most expectations - except her own.  She demanded success from herself and has done everything she could to ensure the results she was looking for.

Doesn’t sound like she needs to be salvaged much, does it?

Except she is a liar - a liar of the highest order... beyond what you would expect from someone who spent their life as a politician.  Charisma Tagherty has spent a lifetime lying to herself and it is destroying her and those who mean the most to her... even the unacknowledged ones.

You see a person can only pretend for so long then the lies become real and one can no longer distinguish the lies from truth... happiness from make-believe.  The up side to that is that there is happiness - whether real or simply perceived - for a little while.  The down side is eventually it will all come crashing down like a house of cards and what is left in its wake is generally disastrous to everyone touched by the aftershocks.

The course she is on now is headed for catastrophe unless I can help her be honest.  Let me take you back to the beginning.  Then you’ll be able to see just exactly where we went wrong.

************

“You’re gonna do big things, Charisma.  I have faith in you,” Patrick Tagherty said to his five-year-old daughter with a smile.

“What kind of things, Daddy?”  Big blue eyes gazed up into eyes just like hers.

“Anything you want, Baby.  You’re smart enough to be anything you wanna be.”

“Really?”

Patrick smiled at her wide-eyed innocence.  “Really.”

Charisma Tagherty was the fourth child and only daughter of Patrick and Okasa Tagherty.  Doted on by her three older brothers as well as her parents, Charisma lived up to her name in personality as well as looks.  Beautiful with the dark hair and skin tone she’d inherited from her mother and her father’s sparkling blue eyes, already she knew how to charm people.  She was one of those who it seemed was destined to easily succeed throughout her life.

And so it went for Charisma; beautiful and gifted, she went through life always popular… always successful.  Junior high school introduced her to politics and she decided then that would be her chosen profession.  She liked the power and the elevated status it gave her, and she learned how to wield that power to accomplish the things she set out to achieve.

By the time she was a senior in high school, Charisma was well versed in the art of illusion and presentation and she knew what image to show to the world at large.  She was popular - president of the Student Government Association; a cheerleader; a track star; participated in glee club and band; and spent her summers overseas as an exchange student courtesy of her father’s contacts.  Popular, but unwilling to sacrifice what little free time she had to having a regular boyfriend.

It suited her parents - none of the boys she hung out within her social circle were good enough for their little girl, and as long as she had friends and didn’t isolate herself from everyone, they didn’t see a problem with not rushing into a relationship that probably wouldn’t last beyond high school anyway.  Charisma had big dreams - Presidential dreams.  There was no reason to give them up so early in her life for a tumble with someone she wouldn’t remember when their five year class reunion rolled around.

************

Me again - sorry, but I need to break in here for a moment.  In fairness to everyone involved in this situation... angels and humans alike... they were absolutely right.  Any involvement on Charisma’s part with anyone at this point would have been detrimental to her dreams.  You see fair or not, women are judged by a different set of standards than men are; they always have been.  They are valued for their beauty and innocence and morality, while men are judged by their prowess and cunning and conquests.  I’m not saying it’s right - God knows we’ve had more than our share of crap to clean up because of these archaic ideals - but it is the truth nonetheless.

What we didn’t know then... what we wouldn’t know until much later was there was a far bigger reason Charisma Tagherty wasn’t interested in the whole dating scene.  But we will get to that... eventually.

Let me move time forward just a little bit - to Charisma’s foray into college.  This was the first time her guardian angel failed her...  something I didn’t learn of until much, much later.

************

“Are you sure about this, Princess?  It’s not too late....”

“Oh, Daddy... don’t be silly.  This is going to be so awesome.”

“Awesome, huh?” opening his arms and wrapping her in a tight embrace.  “You think you’re gonna like being a college kid?” chuckling when he felt her head bob up and down against his chest.  He kissed the top of her dark head.  “All right, just don’t forget to give your mama and me a call now and then, okay?  Let us know how you’re doing and what’s going on.”

“I will, Daddy.”  She tilted her head back and looked up at him with bright, blue eyes.  “Thank you for believing in me.  It means everything.”

“Always, Tiger... you know that.  You really are going to do great things, and I’ll be able to say I knew you when.” He added the last with a crooked smile.

Charisma snorted at him and patted his chest as she pulled out of the hug.  “You’ll be able to say you changed me when.”

Patrick guffawed and Charisma gave him her mother’s smile, blinding in its intensity.  “You’re right, me wee lassie,” he agreed, affecting a thick brogue.  “I’m sure all the newspapers are waitin’ for that particular scoop too. I’ll have your mama go lookin’ for some naked baby pictures.”

Now she swatted at his arm hard.  “You better not!” horrified at the thought.  Charisma knew her mother; the woman had pictures of everything.  She didn’t want her naked baby butt out on the front page of every newspaper in the country for the whole world to stare at.  She covered her eyes with her hand.  “God... talk about embarrassing.”

“It’d be one way to meet the press.”

Charisma snorted. “Yes, but that doesn’t make it a good way.”

Patrick laughed aloud.  “No, but it would certainly be memorable,” ducking when she swung at him again.  “Parent abuse! Parent abuse!” he squawked around his laughter as he tried to slide out of her reach....

... then stopped abruptly when a blonde head cautiously poked around the doorway and halted at the commotion inside the dorm room.

“Excuse me... I was looking for my dorm room and...” she consulted the slip of paper in her hand, “... and someone named Charisma Tagherty.”

“I’m Charisma,” the young woman offered, pushing her father to one side to extend her hand to the owner of the blonde hair.  “And you are...?” wondering if the eyes hidden behind the glasses were really as green as they appeared to be or if it was just the lighting in the room.

“Brianna... Brianna Walker - your new roommate.”  She took Charisma’s hand and allowed the other woman to pull her into the room.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Brianna Brianna Walker,” Charisma offered with an impish smile.  “This big oaf is my father, Patrick.  I promise he doesn’t bite.”

“Hey!” glaring at Charisma before giving Brianna a dashing smile.  “Only if you ask nice, lassie,” Patrick corrected, laying on the brogue as thickly as he could manage.

“Only until Mama hears him offer,” Charisma countered, rolling her eyes in Brianna’s direction and causing Brianna to smother her chuckle behind her hand.  Patrick huffed.

“Well, I can see I’m not needed here.”  He turned to Brianna and held out his hand, watching with some amusement as she hesitated momentarily before taking it in a firm grasp.  “It’s been very nice to meet you, Ms Walker.  I hope Charisma doesn’t make you as crazy as she has her mother and me for the past eighteen years.  You’re gonna have your hands full with this one.”

“HA!  Don’t believe a word of it, Brianna Brianna.  I was the one bright spot of sanity in a world laden with testosterone.”

“And you,” Patrick turned back to Charisma.  “Behave... and call your mother.”

“Yes, Daddy.”  Charisma leaned forward and gave Patrick a hug only to find herself in a near-crushing embrace.  Brianna moved further into the room to give the two at the door a modicum of privacy.

“I’ll miss you, Princess.  Just remember that I believe in you.”

Charisma kissed his cheek.  “Bye, Daddy... love you.”

“Love you too, Princess.”

Charisma sighed as she closed the door behind Patrick after he left.  Then she turned and looked at her erstwhile roommate.  “Sorry about that,” she apologized waving her hand towards the door.  “I didn’t expect him to hang around so long, but I couldn’t tell him no when he asked to come with me.”

Brianna nodded.  “You seem pretty close,” was her comment.

“He’s my best friend,” Charisma confirmed.  “He’s always believed in me.  My mother too but in a different way.”  She shrugged.  “I guess I’ve always been a ‘Daddy’s Girl’.”

“That’s not a bad thing.  Did you choose...?” motioning between the two single beds.

“Not really... I dropped my stuff,” gesturing to the luggage on one side of the room, “but it really doesn’t matter to me.  I learned a long time ago to pick my battles, Brianna Brianna.  Sleeping arrangements don’t even make it into the top one hundred as far as I’m concerned.”  She glanced at the small bag Brianna still held.  “Is that all you brought?”

Brianna chuckled nervously and shook her head.  “Oh... no.  I just thought I’d carry the small one up first until I found the right room.  I’ll have to make a couple trips to get all my junk up here.”

“You want some help?”

“I couldn’t ask....”

“Maybe not, but you don’t have to - I offered.  Pick a bed,” waiting patiently until Brianna dropped her bag on the bed opposite the one Charisma had already placed her bags by.  “Great,” tugging on Brianna’s arm and leading her from the room and down the hallway bustling with activity as students began the process of moving in to begin the fall term.  “Let’s get your stuff moved in.”  The rumble of thunder caused a squealing outcry throughout the building and Brianna and Charisma hastened their steps in hopes of beating the downpour.

“So why didn’t your parents come?” Charisma asked conversationally as she followed Brianna to her car that was naturally parked on the north forty of the dorm parking lot.  The thunder rolled even closer and she cringed, hoping they’d make it back to their room before it let loose.

“They wanted to,” she said as they reached her vehicle and she started lifting bags from the trunk.  “Unfortunately they both wanted to come.”

Charisma’s forehead creased into a frown.  “And that’s a bad thing?  I mean the only reason Mama didn’t come was because my oldest brother’s wife went into labor and she was their midwife.  Otherwise you’d have been pounced on by both of my parents - my father the charmer and my mother the interrogator.”

Brianna looked at Charisma as she slammed the trunk closed and hefted the two heaviest bags.  Charisma returned the look and picked up the remaining two.  “I can see that,” she said frankly as they headed back inside.  “I’d say if I had to guess without meeting your mother that you have your father’s charm and your mother’s strength of will.  It probably gets you pretty much everything you want.”

Charisma blinked, bright blue eyes staring at Brianna in amazement.  “Are you psychic or something?”

Brianna laughed, her face tilted up to the heavens just as the bottom dropped out of the sky.  “Not at all... just very observant.”

“I’ll buy that for now Brianna Brianna,” Charisma agreed.  “But it still doesn’t explain why your folks aren’t here,” raising her voice to be heard over the rapid pelting of raindrops.  They reached the building dripping wet and stood in the common room shedding water for several minutes before deciding to take things upstairs.  Only when the door was firmly closed behind them did Brianna deign to answer.

“My parents are divorced... have been since I was about five.  I don’t know what happened between them, but let’s just say the settlement was less than amicable.  Everything about me became a competition between them, and I just couldn’t bear the thought of that following me into my adult life.  So I put my foot down and refused to allow either of them to come here.”

“Wow! That’s impressive.  How’d you manage that?”

Brianna snorted, removing a towel from her belongings while Charisma did the same with hers.  “It was easy.  I told them I’d disown them.”

Charisma’s eyebrows went to her hairline.  “You’re not pre-law by any chance?”

Brianna laughed again and Charisma found herself smiling from the happy sound.  “Better... I’m pre-law with a double major in theatre.  I figure one will teach me the law and the other will give me the best tools for presenting a case.  If I can act in the courtroom, I can own it.”

“You sound like a woman with a plan.”

“What about you?” wrapping the damp towel around her neck and turned her back to Charisma to slip out of her wet clothes. “What are you here for?”

“A degree in political science and a minor in the law.”

Brianna’s eyes widened.  “Can you minor in law?”

“If you schedule right, you can.”

“So you wanna be a politician?”

“I want to be President.  For now though, I’m just going to settle for being a poli-sci student with a lot of extracurriculars to make me a well-rounded individual.  It looks good to the press and on paper.”

“You’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“Ever since I was five.  Daddy told me to dream big; figured I might as well start at the top.  C’mon,” sliding into her dry clothes.  “Let’s get unpacked and see if we can find some space to dry these clothes in this room.  Then we can go find something to eat... I hope.”

With a laugh they settled down to work and in short order were heading out to find food.  It was the start of a beautiful friendship.

************

Did you see it?  Did you catch what we missed?  Don’t feel bad if you missed it - it took me half a dozen reviews of this and months of other moments before I caught it.  It is the only reason Rafe didn’t lose his job right away - no one was quick enough to catch it, and none of us could begin to imagine what was coming.

Let me show you what I mean... maybe you’ll be able to spot it faster knowing you should be looking for something.  Then again, Charisma is still in denial despite what she knows in her heart of hearts to be true - it ain’t just a river in Egypt, you know.

Who knows... maybe watching them *yet again* will help me to devise a solution to this ugly, convoluted mess.


Chapter II

I’m actually going to skip ahead three years - if you have to sit through each and every subtle nuance between Charisma and Brianna during this time, you’ll be here for a lifetime and we really don’t have time for that right now.  So I’ll give you the cliffs notes version; if you want to go through the nitty gritty details later, there’ll be time for that then.

The first year of college was an eye opening experience for both young women and they gravitated towards one another to keep from falling into temptations that would sidetrack them from their respective goals.  It helped them cement their friendship.

Not to say there weren’t a few dalliances, but for the most part they were both too focused on their studies and the extracurricular activities they were involved in.  Charisma became a cheerleader and Brianna never missed a game.  And Brianna’s involvement in the theatre ensured Charisma attended every new performance the drama department put on.

Charisma met Brianna’s parents, separately and then together and immediately issued a standing invitation for Brianna to join her on breaks and holidays.  Patrick and Okasa welcomed Brianna as another daughter and Charisma’s brothers treated her as though she was the coolest thing since sliced bread.  Charisma could have gotten jealous, but she was too busy enjoying Brianna’s reaction to a family life that was so different from her own.  Brianna was soon immersed in what a real family was like - the good and the bad.

Some of their breaks they spent traveling - Europe, Asia, Australia - but they were very brief sojourns as both women were enrolled in courses every term.  They were inseparable and their friends knew to include both of them in any activity they planned. Suffice it to say they spent a majority of their time together for three years creating a friendship and family both knew was unbreakable.

That brings us to their senior year - and the next step in their ever-evolving relationship.

************

"Brianna Brianna, you in here?" Charisma called out as she entered their apartment.

"In the kitchen."

Charisma dropped her backpack on the sturdy furniture they'd gotten from the secondhand store when they decided to rent an apartment together for their senior year.  It wasn't much, but it did give them each a tiny bedroom and a kitchenette that had seen as many failures as it had successes.  Judging from the scents coming from that direction it seemed that Brianna was well on her way to another success.  Charisma took a deep, appreciative breath.

"Smells good.  But wasn't it my turn?"

"Uh huh.  But if I had to wait for you to get done with all those extracurriculars you've got going on I'd starve to death," motioning to the cheerleading outfit Charisma was currently encased in.

"I know... sorry."

"It's all right, Ri.  I understand what you're doing and why.  How'd it go?"

Charisma shrugged.  "Same shit...."

"... different day. Take a seat.  It's about ready."

"Guess this means I've got clean up duty."

Brianna laughed.  "Pretty much.  Besides I’ve got rehearsal tonight.”

“Damn, I’d forgotten about that.  The performance is this weekend, correct?” Charisma rose and snatched her backpack from the floor.

“The first one, yes,” Brianna answered with a twinkle in her eye.

“Well since I’m a confirmed first nighter....” Charisma replied teasingly.

“I think Professor Mac is ready to gild your seat.”  Brianna blushed and bit her lip, looking away from her best friend.  Charisma noticed her withdrawal immediately and covered her hand. 

“What is it, Bri Bri?”

“I’m nervous about this one, Ri.  It’s just....”  She shrugged.

“Just what, Bri?”

“You ever feel like you’ve gotten in over your head?  I never meant for this to go public.  I never wanted to be a writer... not like this anyway.  I never expected for people to be performing my work.  That’s not why I took drama.”

“Bri, what are you worried about?  It’s good... really good.  I read it, remember?”

“I know... it’s just....”  She stuttered to stop once more.

“Just what?  C’mon, Brianna Brianna - this is me you’re talking to… you’re very best friend in the whole world.  What is bothering you so bad about this?  You were so excited about the prospect when Professor Mac first offered you the opportunity.”

Brianna let out a shaky breath.  “I feel exposed... like the whole world can see right into my mind... into my soul.  It’s unnerving.”

“Are you sure it’s not just a case of really cold feet?  Bri, you have a beautiful mind and an equally beautiful soul.  Hell, Girl... you’re beautiful inside and out.  If we weren’t both women....”  Charisma let the thought fall knowing she couldn’t let it go any farther.  Besides, she was absolutely straight - there really wasn’t anywhere else for that thought to go, right?

Brianna tilted her head thoughtfully.  “Would that really stop you?”  She smiled sadly at the mask of confusion Charisma forced onto her expression.  “Never mind, Ri.  That wasn’t a fair question.  Just forget it.”

“No, I want to understand what you were asking, Brianna Brianna,” picking at her own discomfort at what she knew Brianna was asking and trying to put a little levity back into the conversation.

“It doesn’t really matter, Ri... honestly.”

Blue eyes glared into green and Charisma held onto the hand she still covered when Brianna tried to pull away.  “Would what really stop me Bri?”

“Would the fact that we are both women really stop you if we fell in love with one another?  Or any woman, for that matter - would the fact that you’re a woman keep you from allowing yourself to love another woman even if you had feelings for her?”

To her credit Charisma didn’t pulled away; she held on to Brianna as tightly as she had before, wanting her to understand that nothing would change between them because of this conversation.  They would still be... would always be... best friends.

They sat in silence for a moment - Brianna confident of what Charisma would say and Charisma framing her answer.  Finally....  “In all honesty, Bri?  I can’t see myself falling in love with another woman.  And frankly it’s just not a part of my political plan.  Even if I had strong feelings for a woman, I’m not willing to give up everything I’ve worked for... my entire political career... just to be with her.  Hell’s bells... I’m not willing to do that with a man either at the moment.”

“Maybe you just haven’t met the right one, Ri,” Brianna offered with another sad smile.

“Oh, I’m certain of that. If... when... I get married it’s going to have to be to someone who is willing to be second fiddle to my career.  These college boys are still boys and they are much too full of themselves to be of any use to me.  But,” she said, pulling her hand from Brianna’s and slapping her thighs before she stood to take the dishes to the sink.  “We’re pretty far afield of what started this whole conversation which would in point of fact be your play.”  Charisma moved back over and knelt at Brianna’s side.  “Trust me when I tell you that this play of yours is going to go off without a hitch, and if you’re not careful you’re going to become a sought-after playwright instead of a kick-ass attorney.”

“Oh... no way!” Brianna exclaimed, pushing their previous conversation out of her mind.  She rose to her feet and pulled Charisma up to stand beside her.  “I have worked too damn hard for that law degree to let the lure of the theatre sway me now!” shaking her fist at the ceiling.

Charisma snorted.  “Um... you don’t think that was a little theatrical?”

“Nah,” Brianna said with a straight face though her eyes twinkled merrily.  “That was aggressive posturing.”

“Oh, is that what they’re calling it in your law class now?”

“Well, no,” Brianna replied sheepishly.  “Professor Hayes calls it theatrics, but she has admitted their effectiveness in the courtroom if used sparingly and to good effect.”

“So she approves of your drama classes now?” remembering the sarcasm Brianna had been subjected to by that particular professor for her choice of minors.

“Hardly, though at this point I think it has become more of a teasing argument than anything.  Why else would she bother to attend every new performance I am a part of at least once?”

“Perhaps she is a theatre lover like I am.”

Brianna pouted.  “And here I thought you came just for me.” Her eyes slid to the clock.  “Shit!  I’m gonna be late!  You’ve got this?” motioning around the kitchen.  Charisma rolled her eyes.

“I’ve got this.  G’wan... get out of here before Professor Mac sends out a search party for you.  You know the roommate is always the most likely suspect.”

Brianna laughed and slung her backpack over her shoulder.  “If your study group finishes early, drop by the theatre.  You can have a sneak peek at what the piece you read at the beginning of the term has evolved into.”

“That different, huh?”

Brianna opened the door.  “You tell me.  See you later?”

“Yeah... wait for me.  We’ll go for ice cream or beer when rehearsal’s over.”

Brianna made a face and crossed the threshold into the breezeway.  “Hopefully not together.  Bye, Ri.”

“Later, Bri.”

************

Now I know what you’re thinking - you’re thinking that Charisma’s and Brianna’s little discussion about loving another woman made them self-conscious about one another and drove them apart.  Actually it didn’t.  It opened up their communication with one another even more though that particular subject never came up again.  That is the main reason Rafe missed the importance of it.

He, like you, expected things to be awkward and for it to put distance between them immediately, and when that didn’t happen he disregarded it as a fluke.  For our two players in this little drama, however, it was anything but a fluke, and eventually it would have far-reaching consequences.

************

“Brianna Brianna, that was amazing!!” Charisma exclaimed as she wrapped her best friend in a tight hug.  “Are you sure you’re destined to be a lawyer?”

“That’s what I keep asking her,” Professor Mac MacAvoy commented as he walked up behind the two women grinning like a maniac.  “She has a real gift for storytelling.”

“All the better to convince a jury of her position in court, Mac.  Leave my star student alone and get your own protégé,” Janice Hayes commented to Mac with a smile.  Brianna just blushed at the perceived rivalry over her between her two most important professors.

“I have one - she just has to get the law bug out of her system first.”

“All right, you two,” Charisma cut in.  “That’s enough.  You’re embarrassing Brianna and this is her night.”

Mac and Janice looked at the two young women with surprise, then they exchanged glances.  “You’re right, Charisma,” Mac said with a charming smile.  He turned to Brianna.  “Fabulous effort, my dear.  Absolutely exceptional work.  I think it’s safe to say your grade for the year is in the bag.  And if you should ever change your mind on making drama your major....”

“Thanks, Prof,” Brianna said with a smile.

“It really was wonderful, Ms Walker.  I enjoyed it very much.  Now don’t you have an opening night party to be the center of attention at?”

“As a matter of fact....  Thanks, Professor Hayes.”  The two young women made their way out the theatre door under the watchful eyes of the two teachers.

“Okay... that was pretty cool, Brianna Brianna.  Why are you shaking?”

“That was the most nerve-wracking thing I have ever been through.”

“But...?”

“It really was pretty cool.  Nice to know the profs probably won’t fail me.”

Charisma snorted.  “Not that that was even a possibility with your grades, Bri.  Now c’mon... let’s go celebrate your success with your colleagues for a little while.  I’ll make sure you get home before you crash or go crazy.”

“Glad you’ve got my back, Ri.”

“Always, Brianna Brianna.”

************

Brianna’s play was the hit of season, but despite Mac’s greatest efforts and most eloquent pleas, she continued on her chosen path to law school.

When commencement rolled around, there were a number of tears and hugs between Charisma and Brianna as they packed up four years of living together.  A lot of their time was spent reminiscing over the good times they had shared and the bad times they had helped one another through.

“You know,” Charisma said, laughing through their latest round of tears.  “We’re acting like we’re never going to be together again.”

“Ri, we probably won’t be together again... at least not like this.  I mean, I’m heading off to law school in September and you’ll be headed to DC to start your political career as a White House aide.  You’re going to do big things, you know, and I expect to be invited to the Inaugural Ball when you become President.”

“Invited?  I expect you to attend as a member of my new cabinet if not as my running mate!”

“You’ve got yourself a date, President Tagherty.” 

Charisma grinned at Brianna’s words. “I like the sound of that.” 

Brianna chuckled. “Somehow I figured you might.  But you see what I mean?”

Charisma sighed.  “Yeah, I know. But we’ve got mail and phone and if Bill is telling the truth, we’ll soon be using a computer to keep in touch.”

“That could be pretty cool if he can make it work.”

“In the meantime, we have one more trip to take together and this time, we have almost three months.  I plan to make a lifetime of memories with my best friend.”

“That sounds great, but we gotta finish packing up all this stuff first,” Brianna said motioning to the mess still scattered around the room.

“Always something getting in the way of our fun,” Charisma grumbled.  “C’mon... before my parents get here and Mama decides she needs to help.”  Brianna’s eyes widened.  She loved Okasa Tagherty as much as she did her own mother, but she knew exactly what would happen if Okasa took a notion to help.

“I’m on it,” and soon the two were working in tandem once more, packing up four years of life together.

************

I’m going to pause right here because the next bit is going to be a bit involved and you probably need a break at this point to review all the evidence so far.  Can you see what we missed?  Is it apparent to you what is happening... what has already happened between Charisma and Brianna?

It is so obvious to me now - the signs were there.  They were just so subtle, so innocuous that they were impossible to see until it was too late and I was called in on a salvage operation.  Sometimes I wonder if there was any way to keep this from becoming a salvage operation, but I guess we’ll never know now.

Now the only thing I can do is give my best effort to fix this cluster.


Chapter III

You want to know one of the most interesting things about being a guardian angel - especially a guardian angel on clean-up detail? I spend time in the world of men as a human being.  And while it’s generally not glamorous, it is fascinating.  I get to interact with a number of people on a more personal level - something I find intriguing.  Human beings are so different from angels... so different from one another, and yet you are all the same as well.  Not in a bad way.  All of you think and feel and bleed and breathe, and those are good things.  True, there are varying degrees of success in the thinking and feeling departments, but that is part of what makes you all human.  It is one of the reasons guardian angels stay so busy, though thankfully I am not called upon too often - only in cases of dire need.  But when I am called on it gives me a chance to be a part of the world.

Why am I telling you this?  This is very rare for me - both the opportunity to be part of the human experience as well as the drama involved in this particular situation.  You have to understand - until recently we never had drama in heaven.  That thing with Lucifer doesn’t count.  He was a moron, and frankly most of us were glad to see the obnoxious prick go.  The other - that’s personal and a story for another time.  Maybe I’ll share it with you one day.

For now, however, let me briefly take you back to the present day Charisma Tagherty.  I need you to see where she is before I can take you back to where we were.  Don’t worry - we will go back.  There’s still a lot more ground we have to cover.

************

“Senator Tagherty?”  When there was no answer Esmeralda stuck her head into the office, noting the dark head bent over a file on the desk.  A single lamp near her left elbow provided the only illumination in the room, its small circle of light leaving the rest of the room in virtual darkness.  “Charisma?” Esmeralda called out again, knowing no one was around to object to the familiarity in which she referred to the senator.

Charisma’s head popped up at the sound of her name - so few people actually referenced her as anything besides her title.  It had been one reason though not the only one that she’d given Esmeralda leave to do so.  She had no problem skirting protocol and getting right to the heart of things.  A smile formed on Charisma’s face and she beckoned Esmeralda into her office.

“Come in, Es.  How are you?  How’s the family?”

Esmeralda pushed her cleaning cart ahead of her into the room, then walked around the desk to greet the now standing senator with a brief, fierce hug that was returned wholeheartedly.  Then Charisma motioned to the chairs across the desk from hers and resumed her seat.  Esmeralda accepted the unspoken invitation and took a chair across from Charisma, who sat waiting with her arms propped on the desk and an expectant expression on her face.  “Well?  How are you?” she repeated when Esmeralda didn’t reply immediately.  “How’s the family?  We’ve missed you around here.”

“I’m doing much better, Sen... Charisma,” she corrected herself when Charisma held up a hand to do so.  “It’s slow progress, but at least it’s progress. And Saphira has been so patient with me.”

“She loves you, Es.  Why wouldn’t she be?”

Esmeralda shook her head.  “The last few months have been so hard....”

“Yes, but isn’t that when love becomes the strongest?”

“Thankfully in our case - yes.  Sometimes though... so many times I’ve seen something like this break up a couple.  But she has been my rock.”

“And you’ve been hers as well, I’ll bet.”

“As much as I can.  It’s nice to get back to work, though.”

“Well, you’ve definitely been missed around here.”

“And how would you know?” Esmeralda asked archly.  “You’re not supposed to be here this late.  Aren’t you supposed to be home with your family at this time of day?”  For the first time, Charisma’s eyes shuttered and her head dropped.  Esmeralda stood from her chair and walked around the desk to kneel at Charisma’s side.  “Talk to me, Charisma.  What troubles you, my friend?”

Charisma smiled weakly at the address Esmeralda used.  “You’re one of the few friends I have ever had, Es.  Almost everyone I know is a colleague or an employee or an acquaintance.  I hope Saphira knows how lucky she is to have you.”

“We’re lucky to have one another, Charisma, but that is not answering my question, is it?  Is there something I can help with... something I can do to make things better?”

“Why would you want to, Esmeralda?  Do you think you can get something out of me?”

The attack was unexpected and green eyes burned brightly with anger.  Charisma was visibly startled.  She’d never seen Esmeralda anything but helpful and friendly to everyone and her rage was shocking.  She watched in fascination as Esmeralda deliberately put her anger aside and returned her eyes to meet Charisma’s squarely.  “I think you know how unfair that was,” Esmeralda said softly.  “But I’m guessing the reason behind it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with whatever it is that is bothering you.”  Esmeralda rose from her place beside Charisma and extended her hand.  “C’mon.  I can’t stay on the floor and I think you really need someone to talk to.”

Charisma took the hand Esmeralda was holding out to her and stood, following the smaller woman over to the couch. Then she curled into one corner while Esmeralda folded herself into the other.

“I’m sorry,” Charisma said quietly.  “You’re right; that was completely uncalled for.  You’ve never been anything but honest and upfront with me.”  She paused.  “Are you happy, Es?”  Charisma held up her hands to prevent Esmeralda from answering before she was finished.  “I mean - you’ve been through so much recently what with Saphira’s job issues and your illness.  And yet you seem to have a sense of peace.”

“I do have peace, Charisma.  And I am happy.”

“How?  You have so little and you have been through so much.  How is it you have happiness?”

Esmeralda smiled and propped her head on her hand.  “Do you think that I shouldn’t?  Charisma, you yourself just pointed out that despite everything my relationship with Saphira has grown stronger.  Everything else is just so much chaff that has to be sorted from the wheat.”

“But don’t you find the struggle draining?  Don’t you ever wish it was easier... that you had more?”  She broke off, not sure how to ask what she wanted to without sounding condescending.

Esmeralda smiled.  “Charisma, we can’t all be leaders and college graduates.  Someone has to do the physical labor that gets things done.  If there weren’t custodians and garbage men and housekeepers, the world would be a perpetual dump.  And what about the truck drivers and the sales clerks and construction workers?  I’m proud of what I do and I’m good at it.”

Charisma chuckled.  “Trust me - I understand that.  I know how impossible my life would be without all those people and so many others that take care of day-to-day drudgery I don’t seems to have time for.  But that’s not what I meant exactly.”  She bit her lip and looked away from Esmeralda, blue eyes studying the office cast in darkness and shadow.

“Charisma, you’re not going to offend me.  Just spit it out!”

The chuckle this time was wry with an underlying hint of sadness.  “Why are you happy??  I look at what you have and what you’ve been through recently and I wonder what I’m doing wrong.  You do work many sneer at; you live paycheck to paycheck; your lifestyle and companion is a subject of derision and criticism....”  Esmeralda remained silent, knowing Charisma was talking to herself as much as she was to Esmeralda.  “I have everything - power, influence, wealth, a nice home and a picture perfect family.  And yet....”

“Yet?”

“I’m not sure I’m happy.”

Silence reigned for a time until Charisma turned to face Esmeralda to find Esmeralda gazing at her compassionately.  It was nearly her undoing.  Esmeralda reached out and covered the hand closest to her.

“Who are you living for, Charisma Tagherty?”

A frown crossed her face and she turned away again.  “I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking, Es.”

“The Senator lives for the vote or the power or the constituency.  The humanitarian lives for those in need or the fundraising efforts or the next charity event.  The wife lives for her husband,” noting the flicker that passed over Charisma’s face, “sharing a life and love and a home.  The mom lives for the child as a provider and teacher and guide.  Then there’s the woman - the person Charisma Tagherty is deep in her heart - the one who thinks and feels and laughs and cries.”

“I haven’t seen that Charisma Tagherty in a long, long time.  There’s not room for her in my world.”

“You’ll never find happiness then, Charisma.  Until you’re happy with the person you are, the most you will ever find is contentment.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

Esmeralda laughed.  “If only it was.  The truth is it’s the hardest thing in the world.  It’s easy to live for others - you only have to be honest as far as their expectations are concerned.  With yourself - you can lie to yourself, but you still know that you’re lying.”

“You think I’m lying to myself?” Charisma said, turning intent blue eyes towards Esmeralda.

Esmeralda smiled.  “Only you know if you’re lying and what you’re lying about.  You wanted to know why you’re not happy.  I’m just offering you an explanation based on my experience and observations.”  She took a deep breath.  “Maybe you should consider Charisma’s happiness first for a change.”

“I’m not sure I know how to do that anymore.”

“Do you remember the last time you were happy?”

Charisma sighed.  “I was happy when Adam was born.  He’s brought such joy into my life.  I almost gave up my career then.”

“But...?”

“But it’s not enough.  It wasn’t enough then.”

“What would be?  What would bring you happiness, Charisma?”

“I don’t know, Es.  I really don’t know.”

Esmeralda was silent for a while.  “Go home, Charisma.  Whatever you’re working on here will wait for another day.  Go home and spend some time with your family.  Maybe it will help you remember what happiness is.”

“And if it doesn’t?” her smile wry and a little sad.

“I’ll be here tomorrow night.  We can talk some more then.”

“Promise?”

“Absolutely.”

Charisma stood and offered Esmeralda a hand up, then pulled her into an unexpected hug.  “Thanks, Es.”

“Anytime, Charisma.  You know that.”

Charisma moved to her desk as Esmeralda walked to her cart, retrieving the supplies she needed to begin her work.  Charisma slid into her jacket, picked up her purse and walked to the door before turning back to look at Esmeralda.

“Es?” waiting for the green eyes to meet hers.  “Do you think I could meet Saphira sometime?”

“Do you really want to?”

Charisma appeared nonplussed at the question.  “Yes, I would really like to.”

Esmeralda nodded.  “All right.  I’ll ask her.”

“Thanks,” was Charisma’s only response before disappearing out the door.

************

Being a janitor isn’t glamorous work, but it is one of the best ways to learn about a charge and gain their trust.  Custodians see and hear a lot of secrets - it’s all about dissemination and discretion.  Fortunately as a guardian angel, I learned those skills early in my existence.  And I’m a clean-up angel - I’m all about making things neat and tidy.  It’s a job I do with great success.

One reason I was chosen for this assignment was the truth I had shared with Charisma Tagherty.  Saphira is my mate and we have been through our share trials and tribulations.  Not for the reasons you think - heaven is not nearly as uptight as some human beings would like to believe.  It really doesn’t matter at the moment.  What does matter is that it added a sympathy on my part I had never had before and a depth of truth that Charisma could feel in my words and actions.

Now I just had to use all that to help Charisma find her own truth... and maybe even happiness.

************

The following evening Esmeralda tapped on Charisma Tagherty’s office door.  “Charisma?” she called out as she crossed the threshold, then covered her mouth when she realized what she was interrupting.  Charisma Tagherty lay on her sofa cradling her young son reading to him.  Esmeralda started to back out of the room when Charisma looked up and motioned her closer.  Esmeralda pushed her cart to its customary place, then walked to the couch and knelt beside Charisma.  “Sorry.  I didn’t realize....”

Twin pairs of blue eyes met Esmeralda’s green and she smiled at their equally guileless stare.  They returned her smile and Adam reached for her.  Esmeralda took his hand, tickling his palm and chuckling at the laughter it elicited.  Without warning he lunged for her and only lightning fast reflexes allowed Esmeralda to catch him.  Instinctively Charisma lunged for her son, then relaxed when she realized that Esmeralda had him well in hand.  Instead she sat up and leaned back to watch their interaction.

“Hello, little man,” Esmeralda greeted softly.  “My name is Esmeralda.”

The boy smiled big and reached for her long hair.  Esmeralda pulled her head back quickly, catching the child’s hands and looking at Charisma who was laughing quietly at the two of them. 

“Great reflexes,” she commented.  “Meet my son, Adam.”

“Hi Adam,” tweaking his nose and making him squeal.  “He’s beautiful, Charisma.”

“Adam big boy,” he said proudly.

“Mama’s big boy?”

“Mama’s big boy,” he agreed with a scrunched nose grin, jumping back into Charisma’s arms.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“It’s all right, Es.  I wanted you to meet him.  We were waiting for you.”

“Well, I’m glad you did.  He’s precious,” stroking the dark head tucked under his mother’s chin.

“Yeah, he is.  He’s the best part of my life.”

“So he is what makes you happy?”

“I’m happy when I’m with him.”

“Only then?”

“At least then.”

Esmeralda shifted, sliding from the floor and slipping into the chair closest to the head of the sofa.  “Tell me the last time you were happy, Charisma.”

She frowned and looked down at the body she cradled.  “I told you....”

“Before Adam - when was the last time you were happy?”

“I don’t... I don’t know.”

“Think about it, Charisma.  It’s important.”

She slid back down on the couch, resting her head on the arm and tucking her son onto her chest.  “It’s been a long time,” she confided after an interminable silence.  “I think it was after my college graduation.”

“What happened then?  What made you happy?”

“I took a trip to Europe with the very best friend I had in the world.”

“Tell me.”


Chapter IV

Charisma’s eyes took on a distant look and her lips creased into an enigmatic smile.  She hugged the tiny body curled into hers a little tighter and kissed the top of her son’s head.  After a long moment Charisma turned blue eyes to meet Esmeralda’s green eyes briefly.  She shook her head a little and turned her attention inward again, shifting her body until she was laying down looking up at the ceiling.

“I don’t remember much really.  I have impressions mostly.  The fog in London; the mist and scent of heather in Scotland; the Guinness in Ireland.  I remember the sangria in Spain; the echoing caves on Gibraltar; the color of the Mediterranean; the reflection of the sun off the buildings on Santorini; the market in Istanbul.  I remember freshness of the air in the Alps; the sense of timelessness in Rome; the amazing food in France.”

Esmeralda waited but nothing more was forthcoming.  “Do you have pictures?”

“Somewhere, I’m sure,” Charisma replied noncommittally though Esmeralda sensed a distinct tension suddenly present in Charisma’s frame.  Adam squirmed a little uncomfortably and Charisma forced herself to relax.

“It sounds like it was magical,” Esmeralda offered with a smile in her voice.

“It was.  I remember feeling happy then.”

“So what happened?”

Charisma shrugged carefully so as not to disturb the child sleeping so peacefully again on her chest.  “It was time to grow up.  And life just became a roller coaster on the fast track.”

“And what of your best friend?”

Charisma shook her head.  “I don’t know.  I lost touch with her years ago.”  There was an inflection in her tone, but whether it was sadness or anger or something else again, Esmeralda wasn’t sure. 

“I guess that is part of growing up and getting older,” Esmeralda commented.  “We let go of the old as new friends and responsibilities enter our lives.  It’s a shame we can’t hold onto both.”

“Um,” was Charisma’s only reply.  She had closed her eyes and her breathing was deepening and evening out in the first stages of sleep.  But it couldn’t stop the tear that trickled from the corner of her eye.  Esmeralda stood and pulled the coverlet from the couch, tucking in Charisma and Adam before crossing back over to her cart to begin her night’s work.

************

I had hoped when I asked her to share, Charisma would have been more forthcoming.  I’m not sure if she really can’t remember or if she just doesn’t want to. 

However I don’t need her to remember to know what happened to share it with you.  Sometimes it’s good to be an angel with the ability to rewind and review peoples’ lives.  I just wish it wasn’t necessary because utilizing that option means something’s gone wrong.

Still it’s nice to have the ability when it’s needed.  So let me show you what happened on that trip to Europe. 

************

Controlled chaos was perhaps the best way to describe the goings-on in the Tagherty household as Brianna and Charisma rushed through their final preparations.  Over and over they packed and repacked their rucksacks, knowing everything they considered necessary provisions for the next few months needed to fit into their backpacks.

T-shirts, shorts, jeans, underwear, a thick sweater, a waterproof jacket and several pairs of heavy socks all managed to find a place.  A few toiletries, a towel and washcloth and a notepad, a pen and a few addressed, stamped envelopes rounded out their supplies.  They had determined to purchase sleeping bags once they reached Europe.  Though the idea was to stay in hostels and mingle with others their age, they would both feel better about having something to protect them from the elements… just in case.

Charisma’s brothers came to see them off before they left for the airport and Brianna’s parents both called to wish them well in their travels.  Then it was time to rush to the airport for the flight to London.

Okasa and Patrick accompanied the two young women to the terminal and waited with them until their flight was called.  Then they embraced each girl in turn.

“Take lots of pictures and write once in a while,” Okasa instructed them both.  “And I tucked a couple phone cards into your bags for you to use so don’t wait for an emergency to call, all right?”

“Yes, Mama,” Charisma confirmed with a nervous smile and Brianna backed her up with a brisk nod of her head.

“Take care of each other out there and live everyday as though it was going to be your last.  This time will never come your way again,” Patrick admonished them.  Then he brushed a kiss over first the dark head, then the light and gently herded them towards the gate.  He took Okasa’s hand and together they gave the girls one last wave when they turned for a final glance before stepping into the jetway to board the plane.

Patrick and Okasa walked to the window, watching as the plane warmed up and rolled out of the gate headed for the runway.  It wasn’t until the plane was a mere speck in the sky that Patrick glanced at his wife who returned his soft, knowing smile.

“Do you think they suspect?  Do they have any idea?”

“Charisma doesn’t,” Okasa said confidently.  “Or she would never have agreed to go on this trip.”

“And Brianna?”

“I think she’s a little more aware than our daughter, but I firmly believe Charisma doesn’t see because she has deliberately turned her eyes away from that possibility.”

Patrick shook his head and tugged on Okasa’s hand, leading them away from the window and back towards the parking lot.  “Sometimes I wonder if that is my fault; if she thinks she has to give up happiness to follow her dreams.”

“Did you ever tell her that, Patrick-me-love?”

Blue eyes glared at twinkling brown for the moment it took for him to register the teasing in her voice.  “You know I didn’t,” his voice growling though he couldn’t stop the smile that flitted across his lips.

“You have to let her make her own decisions and mistakes, Paddy.  You will always be her father, and she will probably always come to you for advice and direction.  But she’s a grown woman - it’s time to let go.  She’s got to spread her wings and fly on her own.”

“When did you get to be so smart?”

Okasa clutched his arm, squeezing lightly and smiling up at Patrick so brightly he was compelled to return the gesture.  He covered her hand and waited for her to speak.  “Probably when I decided to get you to marry me,” Okasa admitted, causing laughter to spring forth from deep in his chest.

“So I had no choice in this, hmm?”

“Of course you didn’t.  I set my sights on you and you were a goner.”

“Well,” he said drolly, infusing his speech with a bit of a brogue as he pushed the door open to allow them to step outdoors.  “If I had to go, I’m glad I went the way I did.”

Okasa rolled her eyes and shook her head and together the Tagherty’s made their way to their car.

************

I know what you’re thinking - if they could see what was happening, how could an angel miss it?  Trust me when I tell you that you’re not the only one asking that particular question.  The fact that Okasa was not only aware of the state of affairs between her daughters but had accurately pegged their reactions has complicated things immeasurably for Rafe.  *His* only saving grace is the fact that mamas seem to have a sixth sense about these things.

However that is neither here nor there at the moment.  The fact remains that even at this juncture, subtle as the signs were, there was at least some awareness of something between the two of them and heaven missed it.  Talk about dropping the ball….

Still the signs remained subtle.  They had to… for Charisma’s peace of mind.

Let me show you what she doesn’t remember.

************

It was actually sunny in London when the plane landed at Heathrow, and the two young women smiled in response as they exited the terminal.  It was a wonderful omen for the start of their journey. 

They found a hostel that was cheap yet close enough to get to everything, then they headed out to explore the city.   For several days they went around, seeing the sights and finding interesting little shops and places to eat. Nights they spent sharing a tiny room with two single beds and a bathroom just down the hall.

“This is so much like our first years in college,” Brianna commented as she returned from taking a shower.  “I’d forgotten how much I hated community bathrooms.”

Charisma snickered.  “I hadn’t.  But it’s the price we pay for traveling cheap.”

“Remind me to win the lottery before we do this again,” Brianna grumbled good-naturedly.

“Well, maybe the castle in Scotland will be a little more modern.”

Brianna rolled her eyes at Charisma.  “I don’t think indoor plumbing was a real priority when most of those castles were built.  But as long as we don’t have to run outside to use the privy, I’ll make do.”

Charisma laughed.  “Me too.”

The Highlands were beautiful and the castle they’d found to stay in was in the first stages of refurbishment, forcing them to share accommodations.  The room they were given was spacious and ancient, enfolding them in a sense of timelessness.

“I never expected….”

“No… neither did I.  Everything about this place is different than what I had imagined - the palatial room; the fabulous vista; the friendly people.  But I’m glad we came here,” Brianna agreed as they hiked the trail their hostess had directed them to the following morning.

“Me too,” Charisma said, catching Brianna’s hand as she stumbled.  “You all right?”

“Yeah… too busy looking around to watch where I’m going, thanks.”

“Anytime.  C’mon,” tugging on the hand she still held.  “We should be getting back.”

They walked slowly back towards the castle, only to pause when they heard the plaintive wailing of the pipes.  Charisma shivered.  “Bagpipes always sound so mournful,” she said softly as they resumed their trek.

“Not always,” Brianna disagreed as the sound turned decidedly upbeat.  “I wonder what’s going on.”  Then they emerged from the trail into the garden area, stopping when they realized they’d walked into the middle of someone’s wedding.  They froze… not wanting to disturb the nuptials, but unwilling to intrude on a private moment.  Suddenly the decision was taken out of their hands - the bride and groom beckoned them to join the circle and after a brief glance at each other they did so, joining their hands with others in the circle until it was complete once more.

The ceremony was mercifully short; the reception, on the other hand, went on long into the night.  And it was very late when Charisma and Brianna returned to their room.  Charisma sat down in the wing chair nearest the bed and bent down to remove her shoes.

“Wow,” Brianna said breathlessly and more than a little drunk as she flopped backwards onto the bed.  “That was pretty amazing.”  Her words were low and measured, the only true indication Charisma had about how intoxicated her friend really was.  But before she could comment on either Brianna’s condition or her words, Brianna rolled onto her stomach and propped her head up on her hand.  “You ever think about that?” she asked Charisma thoughtfully.  Charisma cocked her head and raised an eyebrow in question.  Brianna chuckled.  “Sorry,” she continued with a hiccup.  “Your wedding… do you ever think about your wedding?”

Charisma’s brow furrowed as she frowned.  “Um… no?  Why would I?  It’s not like it’s even on the horizon of possibilities at the moment.”

“And?  C’mon, Ri… every little girl dreams about her wedding to her very own Prince Charming.  You’re telling me you’ve never even thought about it?”

“Pretty much.  I’m sure I’ll find the right man someday and settle down to whatever extent my career will allow.  But getting married isn’t the be all and end all for me.”  She rose from the chair and padded over to the bed, dropping gracelessly onto her back before folding her hands across her belly and turning her head to look at Brianna.  “Are you telling me getting married is now a priority for you, Brianna Brianna?”

“What?!? Oh, hell no!” Brianna replied with a laugh.  “I thought about it once, but I realized that’s not what I want out of life… at least not right now.”  She shrugged and dropped her gaze to the heavy coverlet on the bed.  “I suppose if and when I ever find the right person to share my life with that might change, but for now I am happy to be free and independent.”

“You sound like Rudolph.”  Brianna rolled her eyes.

“Better the reindeer than the elf, I guess.  At least the reindeer gets to be the hero.”

Charisma snorted.  “I think you should have skipped that last glass of punch.”

“I think I should have skipped more than that.  I have a feeling I may regret tonight when tomorrow comes.”

Charisma sighed, then rolled off the bed.  She reached for Brianna’s hands, pulling her upright and sliding Brianna’s shoes from her feet, deliberately tickling them.  Brianna laughed then glared, tucking her legs up under her.

“That wasn’t nice.”

“No… but it was funny.  Here,” passing Brianna several aspirin and a glass of water.  “Drink up.  You’ll feel better in the morning.”

“Yes, Mom,” Brianna answered drolly, but she complied, grimacing as the bitter taste of aspirin hit the back of her tongue.  Dutifully she chugged the water, handing Charisma the empty glass and shimmying out of her jeans before flopping back onto the bed.  “Man, I’m tired.”

“You going to go to sleep in your clothes?”

“I don’t think you’d appreciate it if I slept nude.”

It was Charisma’s turn to roll her eyes  “Nothing I haven’t seen before, Bri, but I don’t think you’d appreciate it too much if you slept in the nude.  It’s still pretty chilly here in the Highlands in the morning.  And I’m not keeping you warm,” she added with a smirk.

“Spoilsport,” Brianna complained good-naturedly.  But she was smiling when she said it.  She accepted the heavy shirt Charisma passed to her, not noticing that Charisma turned her back as she whipped off she other shirt and bra before she slipped into the flannel.  “Ah… much better.”

Charisma had turned down the bed in the meantime and Brianna climbed in with a sense of relief.  It only took another moment before Charisma was dressed for bed and she slid in beside Brianna. She didn’t even stiffen when Brianna curled up into her and gave her a brief hug before moving back to her side of the bed.

“Thanks, Ri,” she said with a yawn, curling on her side and tucking her hands under her head.

“For what?” Charisma asked sleepily.

“Taking such good care of me,” Brianna mumbled as she drifted to sleep.

“That’s what friends do, Bri,” Charisma whispered before following her friend into Morpheus’ realm.

************

The first time I viewed this bit, I wondered if perhaps it was the point of awakening for Charisma.  But the more I watched, the more I was convinced it wasn’t.  Why?  Because I am fairly certain she is still in complete denial.

Of course at the time, neither young woman could foresee that this would be the last time they would be actively involved in one another’s lives.  All they knew then was that they were best friends having a wonderful time together.

Fortunately they took Patrick’s words to heart and lived each day as though it could be their last.  They went new places and tried new things, creating some beautiful memories.  It’s just a damned shame Charisma is no longer willing or able to remember them.  C’mon… let me show you some more.  You may as well enjoy the rest of the trip; it goes a long way towards explaining so much.


Chapter V

“Ya know, I knew from reading that Ireland was green, but I never expected it to be so green,” Brianna commented as she looked at the rolling hills that surrounded their current abode.  “I’ve never seen anything so lush… so vibrant.  Have you?”

Charisma looked at Brianna as though she had grown a second head.  “Hello?  Look in the mirror much?”  Brianna frowned.  “C’mon, Bri - your eyes rival any shade of green out here.”

Those green eyes widened.  “Do you really think so?”

Charisma cupped Brianna’s face in her hands and stared into her eyes for a long moment, searching.  Finally she leaned forward and kissed Brianna’s forehead.  “Yes,” she said bluntly, then stood and offered Brianna her hand.  “C’mon.  I hear a Guinness calling our names.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful.”  And it was - the ale was cold and spicy and both young women had more than a few before making their unsteady way back to their room.

“We’re gonna regret this in the mornin’ aren’t we?” Charisma slurred as she fell gracelessly onto the bed.

“I’m thinkin’,” Brianna said with a groan.  She tripped over to the nightstand that held a pitcher of water and a washbowl, pouring a glassful and guzzling it before refilling it and handing it to Charisma.  Charisma looked at Brianna with disdain when she knocked against her knees, then reluctantly sat up and accepted the water.  When the glass was empty, she passed it back to Brianna and flopped back down.  “You want some aspirin?”

“I s’pose we should,” Charisma mumbled, one hand over her eyes and the other hand extended.  Brianna chuckled and tapped Charisma’s lips.

“Open wide and say ‘ahh’.”

“Yes, mahhhhm,” Charisma replied, trying not to choke on the pills or her laughter at the look on Brianna’s face.

“I’ll mom you in a minute.  We could always call your mother.”

“Um… NO.  I’m drunk, not stupid.”

“You’re not even good drunk - just a little tipsy.”

“Let’s hope the hangover tomorrow bears that out.”

“Go t’sleep, Ri,” Brianna instructed as she removed Charisma’s shoes and tucked her erstwhile friend into bed.  Then she crossed the room and collapsed on her own bed, kicking her shoes off before falling into sleep.

************

The next morning they were both moaning but ambulatory and after a cold shower to wash away the last of their hangovers, they headed out to do a bit of sightseeing.

“Do you think Mama would like this?” Charisma asked, holding up a beautifully cut fruit bowl.  Brianna just looked at her in disbelief.

“Ri, it’s Waterford Crystal.  What’s not to like about it?”

“Good point. Are you going to get anything?”

“I’m still looking. I’d like something - I just haven’t decided what yet.”

Charisma nodded.  “All right.  I’m going to check out.  Meet you outside?”

“Yeah,” Brianna replied absently, her mind whirling with possibilities.  The truth was she knew what she wanted.  It was simply a matter of choosing the right picture frame and the right Christmas ornament.  It took a few minutes, but she finally found the perfect frame - simple in design, yet exactly what she needed to set off a photograph.  The ornament was a little more difficult as most were too ornate for her taste.  Still Brianna did manage to find what she wanted and soon her purchases were paid for and she headed out to meet Charisma.

“Guinness?” she offered.  “You know they’ll never be as good as they are here.”

“One,” Charisma answered firmly.  “I want to remember this trip and too many nights like last night will make it nothing but a haze.”

“Agreed.  We need to pace ourselves a little better.  So a Guinness and some dinner?”

“You’ve got yourself a date, Brianna Brianna.”

************

“Shall we head to the Continent tomorrow?”

“Yes.  I promised Mama a postcard from Paris and I really want to see the City of Lights at night.”

“You just want to go to the Moulin Rouge.”

“Duh!” Charisma exclaimed with a chuckle.  “If I don’t sow my wild oats now, I’ll never get to.  It’s straight into the political arena for me as soon as we get back home.”

“Do you regret that, Charisma?  Jumping into politics as a career, I mean.  You seem to be giving up so much to ensure your success at it and sometimes I wonder if you really believe it’s worth it.”

“Becoming President is all I’ve ever wanted to do, Bri - it’s all I’ve ever really planned for.  I’ve been on this path since I was five years old.  It’s all I know.”

“But is it enough?”  Brianna held up a hand.  “I’m not doubting you’re sincerity or your calling - you’re brilliant, and I really do think you’d make an outstanding President.  But don’t you miss getting to live a little without worrying about how the rest of the world might judge you for it?”

“Nah… that’s what I have you for.  You do all this fun, crazy stuff and I get to enjoy it without actually having to do it.  Except the Moulin Rouge… I really would like to go there.”

“If I take you to the Moulin Rouge, you’re gonna have to dance.  And don’t give me that look.  I know you can - I’ve seen you do it.”

Charisma huffed.  “Fine.  Dictator,” she grumbled.

“I heard that, ya know,” Brianna complained.  Charisma just laughed.

************

“That was fun!” Brianna gushed as they arrived back in their tiny hostel room.

“Except for those jackasses.”

“C’mon, Ri - those are everywhere and you’re gonna run into them a lot in the political arena.  At least you know how to shut them down with a smile.  Besides, how many jackasses in Washington are going to proposition you for a three-way with your hot girlfriend?  Your ‘hot girlfriend’,” rolling her eyes, “isn’t going to be anywhere near Washington and no one there is gonna ask once you get your reputation back as an Ice Princess.”

“You think I’m an Ice Princess?”

“Me?  No, Ri; after four years together I know better,” glad Charisma was ignoring the ‘hot girlfriend’ comment.  “But you did have the reputation in college.  You worked hard to establish it, remember?”

“I know.”

“Charisma,” Brianna addressed her dryly while wrapping her in a hug, “You can’t have it both ways, but I hope you never stop hoping for the best from people.  I would suggest you keep the Ice Princess persona though; you’re so nice about it you’ll always be popular with folks and it will protect you better than anything else.”

“Even you?”

“Even me.  I won’t always be able to be there but that persona will be.”

“I wonder why we never got those propositions in school.”

“We did - you just generally didn’t hear them.”

Charisma snorted and Brianna looked her question at her.  “I was just thinking - if I’m going to start hearing them, I think the Ice Princess may get a black belt in something so she can put her money where her mouth is.”

Brianna laughed.  “I want pictures.”  Charisma shook with laughter.  “You all right now?”

“Always with you, Bri.”

************

“I never expected the Mona Lisa to be so small.  It seems like it should be massive.”

“I know.  It’s been that way with all the masters’ we’ve seen.  Maybe it’s some sort of unwritten rule.”

“Maybe.  You ready to head to Switzerland?”

“Yeah… I want to see the Alps.”

“Me too.”

************

“It’s beautiful.  I could stay here for a while.”

“We can stay as long as you want, Ri; it’s not like we have a schedule to keep other than our own.  Maybe we should slow down and take some time to relax instead of pushing to see so much.”

“I am relaxed, Bri.  And I’m enjoying the trip.  This is just a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Paris.  I did enjoy the food there though.”

“Umm… so did I.  I’m gonna have to make sure I make enough money to have a French chef….”

“… and a personal trainer to work off all those butter and sugar calories.”  Brianna glared at Charisma’s laughing comment.

“I hate you.  Just for that, no chocolate for you,” opening the package she’d been carrying.  She deliberately withdrew a piece, sucking it into her mouth with a moan.  Charisma narrowed her eyes in calculation before allowing them to widen pleadingly and sticking out her bottom lip in a pout.  Brianna huffed.  “That’s not fair, Charisma.”

“All is fair in love and chocolate, Brianna Brianna.”

************

The market in Istanbul was loud and vibrant and unlike any place they had been before.  Charisma and Brianna were careful to follow the customs of the region, but it didn’t hinder their explorations.  The artisans were amazing and they enjoyed shopping to their heart’s content.

Then they moved on to Athens.

They spent several days wandering the city, visiting the obvious attractions as well as finding a few well off the beaten path.

“I sometimes wonder if somewhere way back in my ancestry there’s a Greek matriarch or something.  It feels a lot like home here.”

“For me too,” Brianna agreed.  “Almost like….”

“Almost like we’ve been here before.”

“I wish we had - you know, when this was all new.  I imagine it was fabulous.”

They looked around at the ruins they were currently standing in the middle of.  “Considering how amazing it still is, I’d have to agree.  Remember the friezes we saw in the British Museum?”

“Yeah… I wonder what stories those really told, because I don’t think the archeologists got it right.”  Brianna bit her lip pensively then she shrugged. “But what do I know?  I’m a lawyer, not a writer.”

“I think an argument could be made about that.”

“Don’t start.”  Charisma held up her hands in surrender.

“I’m not starting anything - just making a statement.  C’mon, the boat to Santorini should be at the dock soon and we don’t want to miss it.”

************

Their days in Santorini were slow and laid back; in complete contrast to their frenzied pace in Athens.  Then they were off to Italy on a sailboat that took them across the Mediterranean Sea.

“You do realize that leaving here and going home to weather that is turning cold and will soon be winter is less than appealing, right?” Brianna asked as she lay topless on the upper deck of the bow soaking in the sun’s rays.  Charisma kept her eyes closed to keep from staring or glaring; she had yet to gather enough courage to remove her top on the boat though she had done it on several of their beach trips together.  She didn’t care for the looks of appreciation and lust they garnered from men who saw them topless; she wasn’t thrilled that Brianna didn’t seem to notice them.  Still no one had made any real advances beyond looking so there wasn’t much Charisma could do about it.  She turned her attention back to their conversation.

“I know.  But at least you’ll be going with a tan.”

“And no one who will be able to appreciate it underneath all those layers.”

“You’ll find someone, Bri.  You’re too special not to.  Just remember they have to pass the Tagherty test first.”

“Geez, Ri… I’ll be dead and buried before I find someone who can meet all that criteria.”

Charisma shrugged but there was a wicked twinkle in her eyes.  “I don’t know - you found me that first day we became roommates.”

“Yes, and I think that was more due to Fate and the forces of the universe at work than anything I did in particular.”

“Being roommates?  Maybe.  But sweeping my daddy off his feet - that was all you, Sweetie.”

“So I need to find someone who can sweep Paddy off his feet?”

“Oh no… it won’t be that easy.  Not only do you have to sweep daddy off his feet, but mama, Hunter, Rocky, Forrest and of course, me as well.  One of the joys of being part of a big family; welcome to the Taghertys.”

Brianna sighed dramatically.  “Good thing I’m happy as a single woman, huh?”

“You’ll find someone one day, Brianna Brianna.  I have faith.”

“I already did,” she whispered some time later, secure in the knowledge that Charisma was sleeping.  Then she turned over and watched the shoreline grow closer, wondering what Italy held in store for them.

************

The Isle de Capris was beautiful and they spent a full day exploring before crossing over to Naples.  They walked Vesuvius and explored Pompeii, marveling at the life they could still feel in the city. 

“I wonder how much of this is actually graffiti?” Charisma asked, motioning to the writing on a wall with her free hand as they walked down a narrow street with their fingers lightly tangled together so as not to lose one another in all the clamoring round them.

“I think they’re ads - you know, for beer and cigarettes.  It was probably the local seven-eleven of its time.”

“You think?”

Brianna shrugged.  “Works for me.  According to the guidebook it was a storefront of some kind.”

“I would have liked to have visited here then; to have seen this place full of life and vitality.  I bet it was a real party town.”

“Considering the artwork we’ve seen… I’m betting you’re right.”  They approached another piece of erotic art, tilting their heads in tandem before glancing at one another.  “Is that even possible?”

“I think we’d have to break a couple things or grow some extra appendages to find out.”

The two women snickered at the image that thought produced and moved further into the ruins that were Pompeii.

************

“I can’t believe almost two months of our trip are gone,” Brianna said as they settled into their overnight berth on the train taking them to Rome.

“I can’t believe you bought that book of erotic art.  What is my mother going to say?”

“Are you going to show it to her?”

“What?!  NO!”

“Then I don’t think we’ll need to worry about her reaction.”

“I think you are discounting the mothers’ curse - the part where they always know when a kid has been up to something.  But I agree with you about how quickly this trip has gone by.  What a lifetime of memories we’ve already made.”

Brianna smiled.  “I can’t wait to see all the pictures we’ve taken.  As many rolls as we’ve taken, we should be able to fill a book or two.”

“And tomorrow we’ll be in Rome.”


Chapter VI

When the train stopped they linked arms to keep from losing one another in the crush.  They stepped out into the sunshine, looking around immediately for a metro line.  First stop - the Coliseum.

They spent a bit of time in the outer area, studying the exhibits and the architecture.  They marveled at the detail and precision involved in the building before taking the stairs into the stadium itself.  When they stepped into the arena area, Brianna shuddered and curled herself into Charisma.  Charisma automatically wrapped her arms around Brianna and bent her lips to the blonde woman’s ear.

“What’s wrong, Brianna Brianna?” blue eyes scouring the area to find what had set off such an alarming reaction.

“I don’t know, Ri.  I don’t like it here.  It reeks of suffering and death.”  She took a deep breath and met Charisma’s eyes.  “My soul hurts to be here.”

“Then we’ll go,” taking another look around.  “C’mon.  Let’s go see the Arches and the ruins across the way. Maybe we can get a look at the Emperor’s Palace or those baths we read about, huh?” Charisma commented as she led them out of the Coliseum.

Brianna gave her a shaky smile.  “I’d like that.  I hear they sometimes hold concerts there now.  I wouldn’t mind running into one of those; I bet the performance acoustics are amazing.”

“Performance acoustics, huh?  I’m telling you, Bri… you shouldn’t have given up the theatre for the law.”

“I had to.  Who would take me seriously as your running mate if I was an actor?”

“Two words, Bri - Ronald Reagan.”

“I’m not talking to you anymore,” Brianna grumbled as they left the Coliseum grounds, walking slightly ahead of Charisma.  “This is me not talking to you now.”

Charisma laughed and caught up with her, taking her hand as they wandered past the Arch of Constantine and towards the Arch of Titus.

************

“Okay… can I honestly tell you I never expected to be eating at McDonald’s in Rome?”

“I never expected to see a McDonald’s like this,” motioning to the marble and art that surrounded them.

“All right, I’ll grant you that.  So after we visit the Spanish Steps?”

“I don’t know.  There are still plenty of things left to see here.”

“As long as we visit the Trevi Fountain, I’ll be happy.”

“So let’s go see if we can find it.”

************

“Is it what you expected?” Brianna asked as Charisma stood gazing at the famous fountain.

“Not at all.  It is more and less than I ever imagined.”  She took Brianna’s hand and led them to the edge of the large reservoir.  “There is a legend told about this fountain that says that anyone who tosses a coin into the fountain will return to Rome again.”  She pulled two lire pieces from her pocket.  “What do you say, Brianna Brianna?  Shall we make a pact to return here together one day?”

For answer Brianna brought the coin to her lips, kissing it before letting it fly from her grasp.  Charisma laughed and did the same.  Then Brianna caught her hand and they headed back to the small room they were sharing in the hostel.

“This city is amazing,” Brianna commented as she curled up on her bed.  “So much history and yet so modern and alive at the same time.”

“So no more issues, then?”

“Not really - nothing like I felt at the Coliseum.  That was just creepy.  Besides, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican were incredible.  I’m glad we came here.”

“So am I.  I was uneasy about coming here and after your reaction at the Coliseum, I was afraid I might be right in my feeling.  I’m glad we proved me wrong.  I really wouldn’t mind coming here again.  But….”

“But…?”

“I need to figure out how to shrink to the size of my four year old niece before we come back.”

Brianna’s eyebrow went into her forehead.  “Why?  Most women would kill to look like you do.”

“Maybe,” Charisma agreed dismissively, “but they don’t make clothes for women my size here.  Did you see how tiny everything in the display windows was?”

“Yeah, but you don’t want to be that tiny.”

“Why not?”

“You’re better than that.  C’mon, Ri… think about this a minute.  It may be the eighties, but it’s going to be hard enough for you to be taken seriously as a woman in politics. Do you really want to be dismissed out of hand because you look like a four year old child?”

Charisma glared.  “You know what I mean.”

“Yes, and you know what I mean.  You’re a beautiful woman, Charisma.  Don’t discount that, and don’t pretend like it doesn’t matter to the people you’ll need to eventually vote for you.  Looks may not be everything, but they are part of the overall package.”

Charisma blinked at Brianna’s vehement tone.  “Where is all this coming from, Bri?”

Brianna blew out a frustrated breath.  “It bothers me to hear you talk like that about yourself, Charisma. You have so much to offer the world as the person you are.  I hate to hear about you trying to change that to conform to some image you think you should have.”

“But I should allow my looks to influence the way people see me.”

“You’re twisting my words.  Your looks do influence the way people see you - that is true for everyone.  But it’s even truer for a politician.  You have to present them with the picture you want them to see.  You like Italian fashion?  Excellent… great - I don’t blame you.  Have it tailored to suit you.  Don’t change your whole life for it.  You shouldn’t have to change your whole life for anything, Ri.  Stick to your guns on the things that matter most to you - the rest will settle itself.”

Charisma narrowed her eyes before sticking out her tongue.  “When did you get to be so smart?”

“I’ve been smart; it’s why they gave me a law degree with summa cum laude after it.”

“Smartass.”

“Better than a dumbass I always say.  Now shut up and go to sleep.  If we’re going to Florence tomorrow, we need to get some sleep tonight.”

“Have you always been this bossy?”

“Yes.  It is the sign of a great manager.  Now go to sleep.”

“But….”

“I have duct tape and I know how to use it.”

“Meanie.”

“It will fix that pouty lip too, ya know.”

“I hate you.”

“Goodnight, Charisma.”

************

“Okay, this is kinda gross.  I may never drink wine again.”

“Why?  We washed our feet.”

“I know we did.  I was thinking more along the lines of the gooshey feeling this is producing between my toes.  It’s just slimy.”

Charisma covered her eyes and struggled to maintain her balance.  “Thank you for the visual, Brianna Brianna.  I could have gone a long time without imagining that.  C’mon,” she added, tugging on Bri’s arm and easing out of the large vat.  “Let’s see what else there is to do here.”

They had stopped in Pisa on their way to Florence as a matter of course, taking the obligatory pictures and climbing their way up the narrow flight of stairs to look out over the town made famous by its leaning tower.  A local wine festival had attracted them and made them impromptu grape crushers, and the locals welcomed them with enthusiasm.

“That was a lot of fun,” Charisma commented as she licked at the gelato she held in her hand.  “Despite your slimy gooshiness.”

“Don’t blame me.  That’s the way it felt.”

“You didn’t need to share it though.  I’m fairly certain the vintners would prefer not to have that image of their wine making process.”

“Well, we can say we made wine once.  We just won’t share the gruesome details.”

“I’m sure folks will be glad if we don’t.”

They were back on the train on their way to Florence.  Brianna wanted to see David, to see if it lived up to the spectacle that had been the Sistine Chapel.  Frankly she didn’t see how it possibly could, but since it was considered one of the showpieces of the Renaissance….

She tilted her head to one side and then the other, narrowing her eyes at Charisma when she heard the soft chuckle coming from beside her.  “Are you laughing at me?” she growled though it was a struggle to keep the twinkle out of her eyes.

“Yes,” Charisma replied bluntly.  “How is tilting your head helping?”

“It’s not actually,” Brianna said as she straightened.  “I think a grape leaf might be the only thing that could save him.”

Charisma couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled over at Brianna’s words and she took Brianna by the arm and led her from the building under the watchful stares of the other patrons.  “C’mon, Brianna Brianna.  I’ve had enough culture and art to last me for a while.  Let’s go find some fun.”

Fun was fairly easy to find - there were tavernas with good food and cheap beer; squares filled with dancing; and a number of beaches along the coast to deepen their tans and erase any tan lines they had left.  They met any number of young people, but none more interesting to either of them than the company they were already keeping.  So they made their way across the Riviera to Barcelona, Spain and the end of their European journey.

Barcelona was odd and quirky and exciting and in the midst of making their bid for the Summer Olympic Games.  Still there was a lot to see and do though some of it was definitely more fascinating than others.

“Well, I liked Gaudi and that funky church, but I could have done without Picasso.”

“Yeah… me too.  What about Dali?”

Charisma shrugged.  “He was more interesting but still a little weird.  I am beginning to think it’s a requirement of all artists.”

Brianna laughed.  “I’d be inclined to agree with that.  Prof Mac preached it as a matter of fact.”

“Weirdness??  Boy, that explains a lot,” ducking away from the expected slap.

“No, goofball - thinking outside the box.  He believes that any artist - painter, writer, sculptor - has to see beyond what everyone else does to be a true artist.”

“Maybe.  But it takes real talent to make everyone else appreciate and understand what you’re seeing.  Some of that…” motioning vaguely with her hands.  “I don’t think I’ll ever get it.”

“That’s okay.  Some of that I’d rather not get… ever.”

It was quiet for a long time after that and just as Brianna started to fall into a doze, Charisma spoke softly into the darkness.

“I’ve had a wonderful time on this trip, Brianna.  So many good memories.”

“For me too, Ri.  I will always treasure this time in my life.”

Charisma chuckled lightly.  “We’re acting like this is goodbye forever or something,” the thought causing a pang in her heart.

“In a way, it is, Sweetie.  I’m off to law school for the next three years and you’re going to Washington to begin your political career.  We’ll never have a chance to spend time together like this again.  There will always be other responsibilities in our lives from now on.”

“Okay… that’s it.  I no longer want to be an adult. I’ve decided I’d much rather be a vagabond and wander around the world with you.”

Brianna smiled, glad the tears on her cheeks were hidden by the darkness of the room.  “That sounds wonderful, Ri.  But what of your dream of becoming President?  What about that picture perfect family?”

“I told you that family thing was a far-off consideration for me, and I can always be President when I’m forty-five instead of forty.”

“Yes, but you know and I know you have to be working on it now or it will be even later or never.  You can’t get cold feet about it now.”  She paused when Charisma blew a raspberry in her direction.  “How about this?  Why don’t we plan to do this again - the whole trip from beginning to end - in twenty years?  Unless you are President of course.  If that’s the case we’ll wait until your term’s over.”

“Why so long?” Charisma whined.

“Because it will take us that long to be able to afford to take three months out of our lives to do this again.”

“I hate it when you make sense.”  She sighed.  “All right.  Twenty years from now we’ll do this again.  I’ll ask Mama to make the arrangements with our travel agent when I get home.  You just make sure you’ve got the time to take of from your writing career to be there.”

“Careful there, Tagherty.  You keep it up and I’ll be the one writing the ‘tell-all’ book when you become President.”

“Can you do that??  Isn’t there some sort of best friend law against that?”

“Not if you keep calling me a writer there isn’t.”

“Very well, Brianna Walker, Esquire.  I expect you to defend me from all comers then when the time comes.”

“Yes, Madame President.”

************

Their goodbye at the airport the following morning was bittersweet.  Brianna was flying directly to law school while Charisma was headed home for a few days before reporting to Washington for the start of her internship.  Brianna walked Charisma to her gate and opened her arms, gratified when Charisma stepped into the embrace without a moment’s hesitation.  The hug lasted for long moments, and they only removed themselves from it when the gate agent started calling for boarding of Charisma’s flight.

“I’ve got to go,” she said sadly.

“I know. I’m gonna miss you, Cheerleader.”

“I’ll miss you too, Playwright, so much.”

They gazed at one another and Charisma started to pull away, turning towards her gate. Brianna held on, throwing caution to the wind and leaning forward to brush her lips against Charisma’s.  “I’ll always love you, Ri.  You’re my very best friend in the whole world.  I never had one of those before you came into my life.  Thank you,” she whispered, cupping her face tenderly for a minute before releasing Charisma from her touch and leaving without a backwards glance.

Charisma watched her go then boarded the plane, skin still tingling where Brianna’s essence lingered.  She wondered why it felt like a forever goodbye.

************

Charisma was right of course - it was a forever goodbye.  Brianna realized what was between the two of them and refused to force Charisma to choose.  Part of her decision was based in fear - she couldn’t bear to see pity or disgust in Charisma’s eyes; or worse, a failure to acknowledge the truth.  The other part however, was done out of a desire to spare Charisma the agony of deciding between her heart and her mind; her best friend and her career.

Instead Brianna made the choice and slipped from Charisma’s radar with an ease that belied the strength of the ties that bound them together.  And Charisma, unwilling to acknowledge her feelings to herself or anyone else, let her go without a fight.

Okasa and Paddy watched helplessly, unable to do more than stand aside and see the two women grow estranged by their own choice.  Brianna had demanded they stay out of it, threatening to cut off all contact with them if they didn’t.  So reluctantly, to maintain contact with one they had grown to love as their own, they remained silent but ever hopeful.  Until the day Charisma brought Kent Rockwell home.

Part 2