My apologies to everyone once again. I am so sorry. Life and allergies have seemed to have taken over. Living in the mountains is ***** for someone with sinus problems. In fact, I have been fighting a sinus headache all day, but wanted to write a chapter for you. I again apologize for taking so long…unfortunately, my life has taken a turn for the better, and I have recieved a new position and will be working 12 & 13 hour days possibly…I promise to keep writing, but it may be a few days in between like this time (hopeful not this long though).

I am not going to thank everyone individually, it would be 2 pages longso to those who have been with me from the beginningyou have become a staple in my lifethank you so very much. To those who are just posting for the first time, welcome and I hope you keep enjoying this journey. Knowing that you are out there is very wonderfulthank you also.

And Kyou know you have captured my heart and are my reason to keep writing. You are more wonderful than you will ever know. Thank you for being in my life.

Nowfor the weekend edition of our favorite wordsgrab whatever and enjoy!


Chapter 20

As the tears began to spill over, the visitor just stared. He had no idea how bad Sharon would look. He had never seen anyone so near death. As he slowly entered the room, he began to breathe deeply, trying to stay calm. Once he reached the bedside, his heart sank.

I am so sorry. He muttered out loud. He moved his crutches a little closer, and hobbled even closer so he could whisper. Please forgive me.

No response could be seen or heard. His head hung low, he wondered why he had been so stupid. What was it for? Why did he have to take the challenge of a race? He couldnt back down from a challenge, he couldnt be weak. Now he was at his weakest, being faced with several charges and now seeing what he had truly done. He couldnt believe how stupid he had been. He made a vow not to ever be that stupid again.

Excuse me?

The voice startled the young man and jolted him from his silent vow.

May I help you?

He turned to face an older man who looked as if he hadnt slept. Umm He couldnt think of anything to say to this man that stood before him. He began to leave and his crutch slipped and he fell forward into this mans arms. Im sorry. The sentence had so many meanings.

Are you ok? Irwin wasnt sure who he was, but he didnt want to see him hurt, at least not yet.

Yeah, Im fine. The young man regained his balance and stood straight up.
I thought only family was allowed back in here? I dont think you are part of out family. May I ask your name? Irwin was beginning to suspect who this may be.

Umm, my name is Jason, Jason Conners. He dropped his head, I am the one who hit the car this lady was in.

The rage returned to Irwins eyes. You are who? His voice joining his eyes in the rage department. YOU did this to my wife?

The tears now flowed freely down Jasons face. Y-y-y-yes sir. His eyes never left the floor as he stuttered out the two words.

The commotion had gained the attention of the nurses. Is everything alright?

Im leaving, Jason didnt give Irwin a chance to tell them no. I made a mistake. A stupid choice. With the last statement, he looked directly into Irwins eyes for the first time.

As he hobbled out, Irwin followed right behind. Once they were outside the ICU doors, How could you be so stupid? What were you thinking racing on public streets? The rage had returned to Irwins voice.

I know I made a stupid choice sir. Jason hung his head again, he knew he was trapped.

Look me in the eye you little punk.

As Jason raised his head to make eye contact, Irwin saw the fear and tears in the young mans eyes. Im so sorry sir. Your daughter made me realize how stupid that my choice was yesterday in the ER. Jason wiped a tear from his cheek. I will regret my choice for the rest of my life. I never meant to hurt anyone.

Irwin saw the regret in Jason and his faith that God had a reason for things to happen the way they did, helped him realized that what this young man had just said was the truth. He placed his hand on Jasons shoulder and felt him shudder in fright. Im not going to hurt you. He gave Jasons shoulder a little squeeze. I know that you have deep regret over what you did and I couldnt say that I was a true Christian if I didnt have forgiveness in my heart.

Hope seemed to glimmer in Jasons eyes. I see where your daughter gets her fire. She had me a little more rattled than you did. Jason looked at the floor, I wanted to apologize to her too. Is she here?

No. Sheshe Irwin was having trouble finding the words. She is not a part of our family anymore.

She isnt? Im sorry, I had no idea. Jason didnt know what to do. Well, I will leave you alone. I just wanted to apologize and if there is anything that I can do to try and make up for what I have done, please let me know. Jason turned to leave.

There is something you can do, pray. That was the only request Irwin had for the young man who had caused his family its latest pain.

I will. I will pray not only for your wife, but that you may forgive your daughter like you have forgiven me. Jason hobbled down the hallway, leaving a stunned Irwin standing in the there.

Across town, Dana laid next to the most beautiful woman in the world to her, oblivious that the young man whom she caused a fraction of pain to yesterday, was turning out to be a guardian angel to her. As she turned in Laras arms, her eyes opened and scanned the womans face next to her. Her smooth skin, her peaceful look. Dana couldnt help but barely stroke Laras face with the back of her fingers.

The feather touch began to arouse Lara, who began to grin in her sleep. She could feel the love in the person who was touching her. She never opened her eyes, but placed her hand behind Danas head and pulled her into a kiss.

Now this is the way I liked to be woke up. Lara said into Danas mouth as they continued. The kiss became deeper as Lara rolled Dana on her back and moving just slightly on top before breaking the breath-taking kiss. Now, since you woke me up, you know that you must be punished.

Now would you punish me? Dana fluttered her eyelids, trying to play innocent.

You know I would. A devilish grin came over Laras face, a passion in her eyes as her face came closer to Danas You know I cant resist to punish you. With that, Lara didnt kiss her, she began to tickle her.

The writhing and laughter that came from Dana brought joyful tears to her eyes. Please she couldnt catch her breath, stop.

So you want me to stop? Lara now straddled Dana, pinning her down.

All Dana could do was shake her head up and down.

Are you sure?

Y-y-yes. Tears now streamed out the sides of her eyes.

Are you sure? The torture was fun.

Little did Lara know, Dana had come up with a plan. Yea, I am. With that, Dana flipped Lara over and pinned her down. Now, I think that I didnt REALLY deserve that, do you?

Actually, you did. Lara couldnt help but begin to laugh, she knew that the torture for her was just about to begin.

I did, did I? Dana began her torture of Lara, but it didnt involve tickling.

Danas athleticism did pay off in places and situations other than on the courts. She quickly straddled Laras waist and held her in place with her muscular legs. She held her wrists tightly with her hands as she slowly bent down to place her lips upon Laras neck. The grip would get tighter as Lara would try and escape. You cant escape. Resistance is futile. She knew that Lara liked Star Trek, but she was the only one.

You havent won yet Lara wasnt going to give up that easily.

Well, Dana rose to look in Laras eyes, I know what will make you surrender to my power. The sparkle that Lara had missed before, returned to Danas eyes as she bent down to Laras ear and took the lobe into her mouth. I love you, was breathed into Laras ear and that was it, her resistance was gone.

Dana felt Lara relax below her and loosened her grip on her wrists and brought one hand gliding down Laras side and resting on her hip. Her mouth left Laras ear and traveled along her jaw line to her mouth. A mouth so inviting, so sensual, Dana had to pay it homage. Her tongue was welcomed into the warmth of Laras mouth. As the kiss grew deeper, the breathing became shallower, more wanting. Low moans escaped both of them. Dana finally released Laras other wrist and immediately found her lovers arms around her, one hand on the small of her back, the other on her shoulder blade.

As she reluctantly broke the kiss, she opened her eyes to look into Laras, look into her soul. She saw desire, love and understanding. All the things she had always wished for, she now had them. You are everything to me Lara. My heart, my life are yours. I never want to be without you.

The eyes that were windows into the soul were now brimming with tears, some beginning to cascade down the side of Laras face. The hand that was once on Danas shoulder traveled and cupped her cheek. You never will be. That was all she said before she pulled Dana into another kiss.

As hands roamed and tongues licked, Dana and Lara continued to shut out the outside world. As fingers entered and mouths sucked, their world of pleasure opened up for a second time. This time, Dana wanted to show Lara how she felt about her. The pleasure that she brought to her lover took them both to new heights. Both reaching an orgasmic state more than once.

As they both relaxed and came down from their high, they knew that it was about time to leave their sanctuary and face the day.

Dana, why dont we take some food just in case your brother and father are still there?

Dana couldnt believe how thoughtful Lara was. She wanted to take care of everyone else and always thought of the others. That sounds wonderful. It sounds just like you.

You are the one who is wonderfulthose things that you just did to me. Lara grinned from ear to ear. Now, lets get ready and go see your mom.

They both rose from the bed, not before one more kiss though. As they got dressed, Lara called the Thai place down the road and ordered four dinners to go. We can stop on our way.

Danas mood started to become more somber. Lara knew she was thinking about not only her mother, but that she was thinking about the possibility of facing her father again. She had not spoken to him since he had stuck the second dagger into her fragile heart. She reached out and drew Dana into her arms.

Itll be ok baby, I promise.

I know. There is just so much to do. Not only with mom, but I am supposed to go to that tournament, then the Dinah Shore event. I dont know when we are going to have time like this again. I dont know if I should just pull out of everything until mom is better or what. I just dont know what to do anymore.

Lets take it one thing at a time. They are supposed to start bringing your mother out of the coma in the morning. Lets see how she is doing and then you can decide on the other things, ok? Lara tried to put things into perspective for Dana. She knew that Dana had to do one thing at a time. Then they could concentrate on them.

Ok. I just dont know if I can do it all. Dana pulled back and looked for reassurance from Lara.

Yes you can. I promise.

You are such a wonderful person. You are like a drug to me, you are so addictive. I want to be like this all the time, in your arms, looking in your eyes and feeling the love between us. Dana placed a small, loving kiss upon Laras lips.

Im addictive? Lara grinned, I am addicted to you. I cant get enough of you. Lara tightened the embrace and returned the kiss. Now, lets go get the food and get to the hospital.

As they drove to the hospital, after they had picked up the food, Dana stared out the window, once again wondering how she was going to be able to do everything. How could she do anything if her mother was still in the hospital?

As they entered the ICU waiting room, they immediately saw Howie. As they walked over to him, he stood up and went to hug his sister. He usually didnt do this, so it scared Dana.

What happened Howie? The concern in Danas voice was evident.

He did. The guy that hit mom, he is what happened.

What are you talking about? The concern was beginning to grow.

Apparently he went in to see mom and dad caught him. They ended up out there in the hall and this guy apologized. After he left, dad cried. Howies eyes grew big. Dad actually cried. Can you believe it?

God Howie, you scared me, I thought something happened to mom. Dana slapped Howies arm like she had done several times in the past days. Where is dad now?

I dont know. I think he is in with mom.

Lara sat the food down, Have you eaten?

Nah, not really. I had a bag of chips out of the vending machine down the hall, thats about it. Howie was beginning to riffle through the bags. Whadya bring me?

Your favoriteexcept this time, you have your OWN container and dont have to eat mine or Danas. Lara chuckled.

Yeah, but I liked your alls better. Howie just smiled as he grabbed a container and returned to his seat.

Dana, here Lara couldnt find Dana, she had left the room.

As Dana stood in the doorway of her mothers ICU room, she saw her father sitting there, his back to her.

The young man that did this to you came by to apologize today. Irwin held his wifes hand. He said that he could see where Dana got her fire when I went after him. I had always thought that she was more like you. There was a long pause. How can it be so easy for me to have some forgiveness for him than it is for me to have it for my own daughter?

Tears ran down Danas face as she leaned against the door frame and continued to listen to her fathers confession.

Why is it so hard, I should, we should love her no matter what. But I just dont know. I cant. It goes against everything I have ever known, ever believed in. But when I asked Jason to pray, I meant for forgiveness and you, he told me that he would pray that I would be able to forgive Dana the way that I had forgiven him. Irwin hung his head and placed his forehead on Sharons hand. How can I do that? I need help doing that. You are the only one who can help me.

Hi Dana. Holli came up behind Dana, not knowing that she was trying not to let Irwin know she was there.

Dana jumped and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. Ummm Hi. Danas voice was shy and quiet.

Irwin turned around in shock. How long has she been there, How much did she hear? Thoughts ran rampant through Irwins mind.

Hi daddy.