Melissa Good - Winds of Change

Part 1

A steady falling of snow dusted the yard and gates outside the window of the broad, three story mansion tucked near the crest of a hillside in Saugatuck, Michigan. Thick clouds clustered overhead, and two men were steadily shoveling the snow from the circular driveway, and two more were brushing off the tops of the multitude of cars parked along the curb.

On the second floor, the lights were on along the series of bedrooms, and in the corner one on the end the occupants inside busied themselves in dressing amidst the scents of apricot body wash, silk, and lightly spicy perfume.

“They're going to regret asking the wedding party to go strapless.” Kerry regarded her reflection in the mirror with a sense of slightly wicked bemusement. “I think mom forgot about the tattoo.” She studied the snake pattern on her chest, fully revealed on the tan skin over the neckline of her pale blue, floor length, snugly fit gown. “Besides, is this the weather for this kind of thing?”

“Could be worse.” Dar eased into position behind her, putting her arms around Kerry and giving her a hug. “Besides, who cares? You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” Kerry bumped her gently. “I”m glad I picked this one out myself. The one the bridesmaid's are wearing remind me of my prom.”

“Mm. You have exquisite taste.” Dar kissed the top of her head.

“Well, sure. I picked you, didn't I?” Kerry chuckled as she was squeezed again and released. “I can't believe it's snowing. My sister said it's been in the sixties all month.”

“Knew I was coming and had to drive.” Her partner said, succinctly. “Anyway, isn't snow at your wedding supposed to be lucky?”

Kerry eyed her with a tolerant smile. “No.” She said, lifting a pair of sapphire earrings and starting to fasten them to her ears as she watched Dar get into her burgundy, knee length dress and settle the, on her, mid arm length sleeves. “Are those supposed to be that short?”

“No.” Dar turned the cuff of the sleeve up one turn. “But I didn't have time to get something custom done.” She looked up and met Kerry's eyes in the mirror. “Look awful?” She smiled at Kerry's rolled eyes. “We could discuss a sleeveless option. I'm sure your mother has a pair of scissors around this place somewhere.”

Kerry merely chuckled. “Now that we're doing this, I kinda wish I'd turned my sister down on being in her wedding party.” She sighed. “It would be more fun sitting with you and mom and dad in church.” She finished fastening her other earring, then adjusted the crystal necklace that settled right above her breastbone.

“Won't be long.” Dar put her hands on Kerry's neck and massaged her gently. “My mother's loaded her purse with paint gun balls, by the way.”

“What?” Kerry paused, turning and looking up at her.

“Mm.” She's got a slingshot in there too. She hears anyone making remarks about either of us she's gonna let go with it.” Dar informed her. “Hope your mother doesn't mind green paint stains.”

Kerry blinked, unsure of whether to take her partner seriously or not. Dar's expression was mild and had a hint of gentle questioning, but after a moment, she saw the twinkle appear in her very blue eyes and relaxed. “Hon, you nearly got me there.” She sighed. “I wouldn't put that past your mom.”

“Me either.” Dar said, cheerfully. “C'mon, Ker, you've got the service, then a party, then tomorrow night we'll be home in time to share a glass of champagne in our hot tub for New Years..” She picked up the brush on the dresser and moved it through Kerry's pale blond locks. “Chill out.”

Kerry felt the tickle of the brush tines on her scalp, and considered the words. Was she unchilled, really? She let her eyes flick around the green tinted walls of the suite in her mother's home, and had to admit that yes, in fact, she was a little uptight, even though their visit so far had been in fact benign.

There were just too many bad memories here. Even though her father was gone, and her mother had stopped trying to reorder her life, still, she was hyper aware of the eyes on her, and the constant judging that seemed to permeate the place no matter how many changes it had recently seen.

“Hey, at least your uncles won't be here.” Dar leaned over and blew gently in her ear.

“Yeah, that's true.” Kerry turned and put her arms around her partner. “Thanks, Dardar.”

Dar returned the hug, giving Kerry's back a little scratch. “Anyway, it's nice to have a little break, even if it's here.” She said. “Too much going on otherwise.”

True. Kerry released her, then went over to sit down and put on her shoes. They were mid height heels, and matched her dress. “You wearing hose?”

“Nope.” Dar shook her head. “They'll never tell with this tan, or yours either.”

Also true. She regarded her companion's long legs. “You have sexy knees.” She commented, after a moment of silence.

Dar rolled a droll look in her direction. “What's sexier, this scar or this one?” She pointed at both, jagged white lines that bisected the front of her joints.

Kerry chuckled. “They just give you character.” She got up and looked out the window. “The limos are here.” She said. “Must be time to go.”

A soft knock came at the door. “C'mon in.” Kerry picked up her full length leather jacket and shrugged it on, looking over as the door opened and Ceci Roberts stuck her head in. “Hey mom.”

“Ah.” Ceci entered and sauntered over. “You ready? I heard that major-domo of your mother's inserting another baseball bat up his ass downstairs. I think the cars are here.” She came over to stand next to Kerry, both of them about the same height, and with Ceci's silvered blond hair, appeared more related than the older woman did to her tall, dark haired daughter.

Dar snickered and stood up, going over and removing her own jacket from the closet. “Glad I'm driving the rest of us. We're gonna stop at BK before the pate parade, want me to get you a fish sandwich?”

Kerry sighed. “Wish I was going with you.” She said. “I have to ride with my mother, and three of Angie's sorority sisters.” She fastened her jacket, and put a dark green pashmina scarf around her neck. “When's our flight tomorrow?”

Ceci patted her on the back. “Try to have fun.” She said. “Say mean things with big words they won't understand.”

Kerry pondered that. “Hm.” She grunted thoughtfully, as she followed Dar and Ceci from the room, pausing to join Dar's father, who was loitering in the hall. “Hey dad.”

“Kumquat.” Andrew was in his naval dress uniform, with an all weather parka over it. “Dardar, you want me to drive in this here stuff?”

“No.” Ceci answered for her, taking her husbands arm and leading him to the stairs. “She has to learn to drive in snow, Andrew. She's going to be spending a lot of time in it if the government keeps pecking at her.”

Dar and Kerry strolled after them. “That remains to be seen.” Dar commented. “Far as I'm concerned, I'm still retiring in three months.”

“Me too.” Kerry said. “We've got travel plans.” She reached out and took Dar's hand, interlacing their fingers. “They're pretty persistent though.”

“Gov'mint.” Andy groused. “Always wanting you to do something.”

Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. “They still calling you, Dad?” Dar asked.

“Jackass.” Her father said. “Told them ah do not want to be no consultant for nothing for em.”

They walked down the staircase as a group of other people came in from the hall, a gust of cold air blowing in from the now open door. The entry's marble floor reflected the sconces and chandelier, and the buzz of voices started to echo.