PHOTOGRAPH SMILE CHAPTER NINE

BY SUE

 

Remember I don’t own the Beatles or their families. This is just a fan fiction from my warped mind.

 

 

Julian brought everything into his flat. His hair was dry and blown, looking a mess. He felt weighed down by his soaked clothes and had removed his trainers and socks on the way back. Mary, even wet, with her tied back hair, and no shoes as he had figured, look stunning to him. He ran back out to the car and helped her with all her things for her cameras, while she carried the big case with all of them inside. Julian picked up the picnic basket and started into the kitchen.

 

“Jules? Can you do that later? I want to take a shower together.” Mary leaned against the banister of the stairs.

 

“ Nope, gonna put away the things that will go bad from being out so long. Go, I’ll be along in a sec.” Julian told her over his shoulder.

 

Mary ran up the stairs to the bedroom. She put her case down and took out some dry clothes and her things for the bath. She stripped down and pulled a towel around herself. She picked up her wet clothes and ran down the stairs, sliding into the kitchen.

 

Julian put the basket away and then saw Mary standing there in her towel, holding a bundle of wet clothes. The towel drew his attention further, his eyes dropped to the floor and wandered up her gorgeous legs to her hidden hips and torso, until he found her eyes. A smile lit up his face. It was then that he remembered the wet clothes in her arms and he wondered why she wasn’t starting the shower.

 

“ Thought you were starting the shower?” He tilted his head in confusion. He knew the clothes had to be done but could wait, not like the food.

 

“ Nope, need to wash these.” Mary told him as she opened the door where the washer was.

 

“ You doing this because I said the basket couldn’t wait?” He asked with amusement.

 

“ No, I’m not. Clothes need to be cleaned too.” Mary eyed him from the washer.

 

“ Ok, right, I believe that.” Julian chuckled, “ Never knew you were such a cheeky girl.” He leaned against the island and eyed her again as she bent over to put the clothes in. Yeah, he was a typical male, watching her bum, but he was so drawn to her, he thought.

 

She dropped her clothes in, keeping the lid opened, “ Now yours, sir.” Mary grinned, pointing to the washer.

 

“ You’re kidding, right?” Julian asked, caught off guard and not sure if he heard her right.

 

Mary waltzed over to him. She took the bottom of his sopping wet t-shirt and pulled it over his head, as he voluntarily moved his arms so she could get the shirt off. Julian gave her an amazed look and pulled out his wet socks from his jeans, dropping them to the floor along with his jeans.

 

“ You don’t get off that easy. Your under shorts too.” Mary held out her hand waiting for them. She held the rest of his clothes in her other arm.

 

Julian shrugged and took them off. He put them into her opened hand with a smile. She smiled back and then went to the washer and dropped them in. She added powder and put on the machine.

 

:” Ok, upstairs and into the shower, mister.” Mary ordered him with a grin.

 

Julian laughed and swatted her bum. He chased her upstairs and into the loo. He pinned her into the wall, his body hard against hers, lips pressed together and tongues swirling around each other. His hands undid the towel and let it fall to the floor. Julian’s hands then started caressing and teasing her breasts. Her moans encouraged and excited him further. He was ready and picked her up, resting her back against the wall. Julian pressed harder into Mary, holding her snuggly against the bathroom wall. He ran the palms of his hands under her legs, lifting and then sliding them around his waist. Once he had Mary’s legs in place, Julian continued to touch and excite her body along with his. Mary pushed Julian away.

 

“ Wait! What are you doing?” Mary asked, flushed, but somewhat bemused.

 

“ What do you think I’m doing?” Julian cocked his head. He didn’t know if she was kidding or not.

 

“ You want to do it here? Right now?” Mary asked with shock.

 

“ A, yeah? Anything wrong with spontaneity?” Julian couldn’t believe she stopped him with such a question. He wanted her and part of the excitement was the spontaneity.

 

“ I’ve, a, never, well, you know, done something like this. Against the wall, before a shower and all that.”

 

Julian couldn’t believe Mary had never done something like this before. He never realized how much he had been teaching her. He kissed her gently and placed both of his hands on her cheeks. She was still in the same position, and now to him, she looked so innocent, another turn on, he thought.

 

“ Go with it, luv. I promise, you’ll like this.” Was all Julian said as he started kissing the nap of her neck, caressing her body with his hands and rubbing against her.

 

Mary moaned as the passion took over. She relaxed, trusting Julian to do whatever he wanted to her. Mary’s arms circled his neck to keep her in place and welcomed the kisses from her lover.

 

Julian felt the change in Mary almost instantly. He continued to bring her to almost begging him, before entering her. She felt so good is all that ran through his mind. The lust took over and he pushed into her urgently.

 

Mary followed Julian’s lead and went eagerly with him. She could feel him purposely rub against her sensitive spot in between her legs as he kept pushing in and pulling out. Julian moved faster and his body continued a circular motion for the pressure that rubbed and brought Mary further towards her release.

 

 

Mary couldn’t think. She felt Julian move in and out of her. The room disappeared as she felt him rub against her swollen bud, which only wanted to explode with passion. She felt her body quiver, her mind not able to think and the sweet lips that fell onto hers, bringing her into full rapture. Mary moaned loudly into Julian’s mouth, making him push harder and faster on his quest to reach his peak.

 

After a few minutes, Mary felt her stomach knot and her body start to drive forward towards another orgasm. Julian kissed her hotly all around her face and then down into her neck.

 

 Julian’s body tightened up and a guttural groan fell from his mouth when he started to peak. He felt like he was falling, his body rolling with the intensity of sensations. It grew stronger when Mary followed him down from the top and tumbled with him into the emotional and physical fall. 

 

When their release was over, Julian laid a sweaty head on Mary’s shoulder, still pinning her to the wall. Breathing coming back to normal, Julian pulled out and slowly slid Mary down the wall. He took her legs from around him. Julian caught her as she almost fell to the ground. He chuckled in between tiny pants.

 

“ You all right, then?” Julian asked, his breathing almost back to normal. He held her close to him. Mary’s arms hung tightly around Julian’s neck and her head rested on his chest. Tiny sobs came from her heaving chest. Julian’s concern grew. Did he hurt her? Why was she crying? His arms tightened, and then his one palm came up and covered the back of her head. His palm stroked the soft mane of hair. Julian leaned into her ear.

 

“ What? What’s wrong? Did I hurt you, luv?” Julian’s voice was laced with fear and concern that he might have hurt her.

 

Mary’s sobs slowed, her head rose. She stood on her toes, tilted her head and kissed him gently. “ No, no you didn’t hurt me. You brought me to a place I’ve never been before. A place filled with emotion as well as physical joy. I’ve never experienced such a powerful feeling that it made me cry. I’m sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” Mary took a deep breath, lowered herself and ran her hands down his chest.

 

Never had she experienced this. What did that mean? It thrilled her, yet scared her. What about Alistair? He wanted to talk when he came back from the states in three weeks. It sounded like he knew he had been wrong and didn’t want to take anymore time off. They had never officially broken it off. They were still engaged, just taking some time to think. It was hard to keep this from Julian, but she just couldn’t tell him yet. She adored him and didn’t want to hurt him. Alistair had just asked her last night if she was still his girl and she told him yes. She still wore his engagement ring and knew that this would all end soon. Part of her just didn’t want that to happen. She felt selfish, but if she told Julian, then he’d not only be hurt, but then she couldn’t continue something that had become so amazing to her. She wondered if she’d ever have this with Alistair. Would he’d ever bring her to places that Julian brought her to, both emotionally and physically. What would Alistair say when all of a sudden she wanted to have sex differently?

 

The thoughts raced through her mind. She wanted to enjoy this time with Julian and then slowly cut it off. She didn’t want to hurt him. After the weekend she’d start to tell him that Alistair had started to call. Mary would make sure they didn’t get into the conversations until she was sure that she had to. The feelings that Julian had evoked in her were unbelievable she couldn’t get over it. But she knew she wasn’t being honest with him and Julian had always been honest with her, including how much he loved her. That touched her deeply. The back of Julian’s hand caressing her cheek brought her mind back.

 

“ Where are you?” Julian asked looking down at the girl his heart was lost to.

 

“ Thinking about what just happened, sorry. Lets shower and clean up.” Mary answered him quickly and pulled him towards the shower.

 

Julian stopped her. “ Wait, you sure you’re alright?” Concern clearly in his voice.

 

“ I’m fine, really. I just never experienced what you brought out in me or in that position. You were right, that is a smashing way to shag.” Mary giggled as she pulled a reassured Julian into the shower.

 

 

 

The first two days went by fast. They were so much fun for both of them. Julian loved falling asleep and waking to Mary in his arms. He wished it could always be this way. But she’d have to go home in two more nights and he’d again feel inane.

 

 They had rented a motorcycle and rode around all day, having a great time. The day before they spent half of it in bed and then went to a club that Julian always loved. Mary as always, brought her camera, taking rolls of film. Tomorrow she told him they’d stop over her dad’s house and develop them so he could have a copy and no one would be the wiser.

 

It had gotten cooler outside as the evening began to roll in. Julian was in the kitchen throwing together something to eat. They were going to stay in and watch some movies. Mary went through Julian’s videos and dvd’s when she ran across one of him. She pulled out the dvd and studied the picture of him on it. Julian was in his early twenties and looked good. Mary sat there on her knees when Julian walked in.

 

“ Whatcha lookin’ at?” Julian knelt down by her. He looked over her shoulder and groaned.

 

“ Why are you groaning? I think this is smashing, never saw you in concert. I’d love to see this and it has some music videos from Valotte on it.” Mary loved that Julian was so humble. She knew he hated this sort of thing and wondered why he had it with him then.

 

“I’m groaning ‘cause I don’t wanna watch myself. I watch it and make sure I like it before it goes out and that’s it or maybe to see how I did something before a tour. The company sent this by with some extra stuff on it now that they’re making it into a dvd. They need my approval first. Matter of fact I forgot about it and think I have to get in touch with them over it.” Julian said thoughtfully.

 

“ Good then we can watch it.” Mary said excitedly. She rose up on her knees, turned on the t.v. and the dvd player, then put in the dvd, “ C’mon, you said the food wouldn’t be ready for another hour or so,” Mary got up and tried to pull up a reluctant Julian. He got up and plopped onto the couch, pulling her onto his lap.

 

“ You love to torture me don’tcha. “ Julian groan again as the dvd started.

 

They watched his concert and Mary commented on how he put on a great show. Julian shied away from the complement.

 

“ I love the parts were you speak of the influence of your dad. You do have that quirkiness in you like him. You said you loved that about him. The part where you all go out in the fake glasses and noses, that is just to funny. How you were saying you love how the Beatle’s joked around and you need more of that to make things fun. You have those faces too, not as bad as your dad but you do them too.” Mary let him know.

 

“ Right, I do. He is me dad, got some of him in me,” Julian stopped for a minute and thought back to a part in the dvd, “ That part is true, y’know. Where when I first got into music and my mum first heard me. She really did get tears in her eyes, said that I reminded her of dad when they first were together and he was getting into his music. She said she could hear and see him in me. I suppose if she could that’s why the papers said it as well. Plus, they think it great that I too, never had any formal lessons in music and taught myself. That part where they say I am a small man with an impish grin and myopic like my dad, never could figure that out. But they were right, the first tour I tried but I had to improve my stage show. I eventually improved and then didn’t care what the papers said.” Julian thought back to the hard years of making it in the music world. So many things ran through his mind, most seemed at this point to make him smile.

 

“ Jules, stop it, you’re great in concert and I should know seeing my dad and mum all the time growing up. Also you were a sexy lad.” She smiled up at him and then kissed him.

 

“ Fine, yeah I do alright. But nothing like your da. Eh, wait. I’m a sexy lad in my twenties? What about my thirties?” Julian squeezed Mary in a tight hug.

 

“ You have matured and filled out in all the right places and to me even more sexy, thirty-five suits you.” Mary hugged Julian back as she laughed and he joined her.

 

 

After the concert the music video for Valotte came on and Mary became excited and even more interested. It was a recording studio with brown stonewalls, dark, except for the control booth and the dim light around Julian. There were chairs against the wall with guitars in front of them. The piano faced the chairs. Julian sat behind the piano singing into the mic with papers on top of the black shiny piano. It was just Julian with a few shots of the guy in the booth. She watched as he got up and took a piece of paper with him. His dress was sexy, she thought. His dark shirt with side snaps, which were in style in the eighties. The snaps were undone and he had on tight jeans. His long blondish brown hair fell long, just onto his shoulders. Mary’s eyes were glued to the set. The next video was Too Late For Good-byes, Mary saw other players in this one, guitarists and Julian on the keyboard instead of the piano. She giggled at the eighties look again. He wore a stripped shirt with the collar up and wrinkled. Through his hair you could see his earring. She looked at the tight jeans with a leather pocket and his jewelry. In this one you could see his hazel eyes and she could even see in certain shots, his contacts. This was done at the same place.

 

“ God that guy is so gorgeous!” Mary squealed and then laughed as Julian rolled his eyes up.

 

“ Wise arse.” He shook his head.

 

“ I love the eighties outfits and in this one I can see your hazel eyes, I love them. I can even see your contacts for a second in some shots. Your nose is like your father’s too.” Mary commented.

 

“ You can see my contacts? “ Julian said with alarm and then realized what she had said about his nose, “My myopic stare and my nose? Is it?” Uncertainty came through in Julian’s voice.

 

“ Yes, your nose, it’s aquiline, not as much as your dad’s though. And I told you, with your contact no one would know how blind you are.” Mary told him after studying his nose and then giggled at her statement about his vision.

 

“ Right.” Julian said dryly. He wasn’t ashamed of looking like his dad. He was just tired of watching himself. He then thought maybe he’d tell her a bit about how Valotte came about and how they recorded in several studios but finished in the same one where his dad and Yoko had recorded Double Fantasy. It had felt strange to be in there but at the same time he felt as if his dad were watching him proudly and that felt good.

 

Julian paused the dvd player. He turned to a confused Mary. “ I thought you might wanna hear how Valotte came about since you seem to get so barmy over the videos.”

 

Mary nodded. “ Yes, I’d love to hear all about it. Then we can watch the rest of the dvd, after all you do have to approve of this and call the company.” She chuckled at her good fortune.

 

Julian turned sideways on the couch. His one knee against the back and his foot curled into his other thigh. Mary turned and rested her arm and head against the back of the couch. Her hand touched his and their fingers played and caressed each other’s.

 

 

“ Right, the short version. We, a few of my mate and me went to France. We rented a chateau near Nevers, which is very different than Paris. We went up in the fall of 1983 and the chateau we rented was named Mannor de Valotte, hence the name for the album. Justin Clayton an old and dear friend, who helps me write some of the songs along with Carlos Maroles, went up to do some demos. It took us three months to do them all in a building on all that land. The building wasn’t the best but the acoustics were great, “ Julian smiled at the memories that filled his head. The fun they all had in the beginning, making the demos. He could feel the cool air, smell the grass and change of the seasons. It was a thrilling time for him and his mind lay comfortably in the past, “ We had a grand time of it. Between doing the writing and demos, we hiked and played around, just a grand time. The season changing was simply beautiful. Christ Mar, you have to see it, you’d take so many pictures, “Julian smiled and then realized that he had mentioned the future between them, or at least that’s what he meant, “ Anyways, it went really well. We came back to the states and recorded the album in so many different studios it was crazy. Finally they did the final mix in New York. I got to see Sean, which was rather nice. I reckoned I really enjoyed it. What was the best besides France was that Bradshaw Leigh did the mixing and let me be a part of it. He knew I’d be thrilled. See, we mixed it at the Hit Factory, where dad and Yoko had recorded and mixed Double Fantasy and later Milk and Honey was done there. I got to mix on the same console as my dad used just a few years before,” Julian’s mind wondered to the way he felt during that time and how strong his father’s presence was. He revived in the idea of his father watching over him,

 

“ I felt funny at first when I walked in there, y’ know? Like that eerie feeling of a ghost and that sort. But after the first day I was just thrilled at touching the same mixing board that my dad used and I felt like he was watching over me and was proud. Amazing, that. I really felt like he was proud of me, and helping me, strange, but I did think I felt him a few times. It was a grand time, it was. “ Julian’ s voice wandered off into his deep thoughts.

 

Mary brushed Julian’s sandy blond hair from his face. She loved to hear him talk so proudly of his father. To hear the amazing story he had summarized for her. She wished she had been there with her camera. Mary leaned in and kissed him. “ Jules, Jules? Come back to the present, luv.” Mary smiled, caressing his face, “ That was so lovely. I loved hearing that and loved hearing how you felt about your dad. What a wonderful memory.”

 

“ Aye, It t’was at that.” Julian agreed with her, “ Sorry, got kinna caught up in it.”

 

“ That’s fine, sweetie. I enjoyed it and enjoyed seeing the happiness on your face.” Mary took the remote and turned the dvd back on, “ Now, the rest of this and then you are done being torture in this way, but I think I can torture you in other ways.” She laughed and snuggled up against him. 

 

“ I’d rather be tortured in other ways.” Julian teased, wrapping his arms around Mary as her head rested on his chest.

 

“ Later, you sex fiend.” Mary looked up and messed with his hair. They sat back and watched the rest of the dvd.

 

Later they went up stairs and made love until they were so spent sleep fell on them.

 

 

Julian brought up a tray with pancakes, syrup and tea. Mary had gotten out of the shower and crawled back onto the bed in her shorts and blouse. Julian sat along side of her, dressed and ready for the day. His heart soared with her around and he loved it, yet it scared him, knowing that it wouldn’t last. He again pushed it from his mind and ate along with her. When they were done he put the tray down and handed Mary another velvet box. Mary’s face took on a surprised look.

 

“ Jules you have to stop buying me things. You’re spoiling me.” She rubbed his hand with her thumb.

 

“ You’re worth spoiling, girl. Now, don’t be upset and open it.” Julian watched as she snapped the case opened, her mouth opened wide with surprise.

 

“ Jules how did you ever find these?” Mary looked in amazement at the small dangling earrings that matched her necklace.

 

“ I told you don’t be upset with me. I had them made to match the necklace. It looks so beautiful on you. Makes my heart swell to see that you like them. I’m not trying to buy you, just impulse. I’ll find other ways to your heart. You show me the way, but these are just trinkets of how I feel for you. Plus, as I said, I love how they look on you.” Julian watched Mary put the earrings on. They sparkled in the sunlight along with the necklace. To him this charming girl was made to wear them.

 

 

“ I feel so spoiled and I haven’t gotten you anything.” She looked worried and then thought, “ We’ll go to the house today as planned and I’ll make you a set for me and for you too. I think you’ll like them.” Mary admired the jewelry in the mirror.” They are lovely, really. Thank you so much.” Arms flew around a welcoming body and they made love again.

 

Coming up the drive Mary noticed the only car home was Stella’s. She was glad as Julian parked and brought in the case of film. They walked in the side door to see Stella making a cup of tea.

 

“ Well if it isn’t the handsome Julian and my wayward sister.” Stella teased.

 

“ Stel, you’re cheeky as always.” Julian kissed her on the cheek. He then set the case on the table, “ You makin’ me a cuppa?” Julian went back over and leaned on Stella’s shoulder.

 

“ For you? Of course, anything for you, gorgeous.” Stella’s eyes twinkled at her sister as she gave Julian a huge hug and then poured him a cup of tea, “ I see your accent is back to normal. Now you are one of us again.” Stella teased him and pinched his bum as he quickly sat in the kitchen chair.

 

“ You’re something else and I’m glad you approve of my accent becoming normal, whatever that’s supposed to mean.” Julian fixed his tea but didn’t miss the slanted look of disapproval Mary gave her sister.

 

“ Guess I have to make my own tea.” Mary began to pour as Stella sat next to Julian.

 

Mary felt a twinge of jealousy at seeing her sister flirting so openly with Julian and then sitting right beside him. She tried to shake it off but the irritation was getting to her and she didn’t understand it. She knew how Stella could be. She fixed her tea and sat at the other end of the small table.

 

“ What do you mean by wayward, Stel?” Mary asked tightly.

 

“ Just that you’re gone so much and with this gorgeous man.” Stella laughed at Mary’s reaction to her teasing and how Julian observed but stayed quiet, “ Plus I see that not only did you get that beautiful necklace, now you are flaunting earrings to match, very nice, Jules. I know she must love them.” Stella winked at Julian.

 

“ Ta, I had them made, thought they’d go rather nicely at that.” Julian’s eyes fixed on the sparkling necklace and earring set that framed Mary’s lovely face. He noticed the icy look Mary threw at her sister.

 

“ C’mon, you know what’s going on so stuff it.” Mary said curtly.

 

“ Oh my my, and after getting such lovely gifts. We aren’t jealous are we? Julian I think we should go off somewhere and see how jealous she really gets.” Stella laughed at how uncomfortable she was making her sister feel.

 

Julian couldn’t take it and laughed, spitting out his tea onto the table as he howled louder.

 

“ Funny, Stel, you’re a comedian and missed your calling.” Mary came back flatly.

 

Stella helped Julian clean up the tea and then went even farther to push her sister. She wanted them together and Alistair calling didn’t sit well with Stel, either did the fact that Julian didn’t know. Stella would make her sister see how important Julian was. If Mary didn’t take Julian, she had half a mind to have some fun with him.

 

“ Sorry Jules. Didn’t mean to make you laugh so hard you’d spit up your tea. I’ll make another cuppa.” Stella quickly poured another cup and put it in front of Julian and then shamelessly sat on his lap.

 

Julian thanked her for the tea and then gave her a bemused look before he saw a wink from Stel.

 

“ Mary, I know you’ve told me how good he is, but really, to feel him is utterly delicious.” Stella smiled trying to keep her laughter inside.

 

“ Stella, are you making a pass at me?” Julian asked knowing she was. He was enjoying the attention as any man would. He was also enjoying the fact that Stella was purposely making Mary jealous. It showed Julian that Mary did have more feelings than she let on. He had seen that her feelings were stronger every so often, but Mary was like her dad and could quickly hide what she felt. She’d hide it away and tried not to let Julian see it.

 

 

“ You’re a bit slow on the uptake, there, Jules. Yes, I thought it obvious. “ Stella gave a hard stare at her sister and then bent down and laid her lips hard on Julian’s.

 

Julian was shocked by the brazen and non-sisterly kiss. He didn’t open his mouth and looked stunned afterwards. Stella cackled at his look and stood up.

 

“ That was rather nice. Hmm, no wonder Mary sneaks off to your flat as often as she does. Too bad you only have eyes for her,” Stella picked up her purse.

 

Mary stood up and glared at her sister, and then she noticed the smile and knew that some of it was a show. But Mary knew some of it wasn’t. She remembered them both being attracted to Julian years back. She shook her head at Stella and pushed by her to get a lemon from the fridge.

 

“ Oh get on, you’re not upset with me. After all you still wear Alistair’s ring and Julian sees it, might not like it, but he isn’t blind, well, not without his contacts, anyways.” Stella chastised her sister.

 

“ I don’t think that’s your concern, Stel, nor are my goings on with Jules.” Mary snapped, sitting down hard on her chair.

 

“Oops, sorry, Jules. I think I got her going a bit sparce here,” Stel honestly told him and then turned back to her sister, “ It was a simple, sodding, kiss, so cool down. I initiated it, not him. I wish you’d make up your bleedin’ mind.” Truth spurted from Stella’s mouth.

 

“ You do know that I’m in the room, right? “ Julian asked slightly confused at what was going on and yet still amused by it.

 

“ Of course, how could someone not know that YOU were in the room, Jules?” Stella smiled and tilted her head.

 

“ Just checkin’” Julian answered and then sipped his tea.

 

Stella put her purse on the counter. She opened it and rooted through it for her car keys.

 

“ Did you like that kiss, Jules?” Stella asked curiously while still looking through her purse.

 

“ Um, well it was different, Stel. I don’t think it necessary for it to happen again. If I didn’t feel the way I do about Mar, I’d say you have a lot of promise.” Julian fumbled for the right words. He didn’t want to have either sister upset with him. Julian suddenly felt like a pawn between them, along with the mentioned Alistair, which he had tried to forget.

 

“ Good show Jules. I’d say you sounded like daddy, very PR like. I know how you feel, so I won’t press it. Anyways, I’m off. Chow.” Stella smiled at them.

 

“ Ta-ra, Stel.” Julian answered back, leaving what she had said alone. Yes, she was right, he had used Paul’s PR like ways. He didn’t know how else to handle it, even though he fumbled through it. He watched the door shut as Mary softly said good-bye to her sister.

 

Mary stood up and grabbed the sugar, milk and lemon from the table. She put them in the fridge and banged the door shut. Going back for the teacups, Julian stood up. He came around behind Mary and surrounded her with his arms.

 

“ You put off with me?” Julian asked softly.

 

“ I just didn’t think that whole scene was necessary, is all. Stella can be a drama queen and we all know that, but some of it was real,” Mary turned around and pushed Julian’s arms away from her. She wanted to know if he enjoyed the attention and kiss by her sister. She knew she should drop it, but her gut was gnawing and a lump sat in her throat. She thought about what Stella had said about Alistair and making up her mind. She knew Julian didn’t understand all of it, but enough. Her guilt clawed at her insides, yet she felt possessive of him and shouldn’t. She didn’t want him to feel for anyone else. How selfish, she thought, once again. She needed to stay off the subject of Alistair, but also felt jealous, angry and hurt. Mary knew she had no right to, especially hiding what she was about Alistair.

 

Mary’s words came out before she could stop them. “ Did YOU like that kiss and her fawning all over you?” She huffed, staring up into his beautiful hazel eyes. She knew she shouldn’t have said anything, but it was out now, so she waited for an answer and tried to figure out how to get out of this mood.

 

“ Right, I knew you weren’t happy with me. I’m not going to lie to you, never have and never will.” Julian spoke slowly and evenly.

 

Mary’s stomach knotted further at his words about never lying to her. It didn’t show on her face while she kept waiting for his answer.

 

“Yes, as a typical male I enjoyed the attention from Stel. However, it’s you that has my heart, Mar. I know you don’t like me to say things like that, but it’s the truth and I have to be honest.” Julian explained. His insides were doing flip-flops and he felt a bit sick at telling her the truth. Yet again, after her asking him not to say things like that to her. He also wanted to know about Alistair and why she still wore the ring when they were taking a time out. After all Mary was with him all the time, not Al. Julian also knew that she’d tell him in all good time, but it didn’t make it any easier. Didn’t he have the right to know? Messing up this weekend wasn’t what he had planned. He wanted to stop it and return to the happiness they were feeling. He’d ask about Al another time. Julian pushed his feelings down for the hundredth time. It was never healthy for him to do so, he had learned that a few years ago, but he didn’t know what else to do at that moment. Julian had come clean many times and told Mary how he felt about her. He just needed to know where he stood.

 

 

Julian stopped Mary from sloshing water around in the attempt to wash the cups. He turned her around, and swung Mary down, leaning in, he kissed her.

 

She had fought it for a second until the affect of the kiss hit her. The kiss sparked fire down to her very soul. Being pulled up, she held on to him and felt herself quiver.

 

Julian tilted his head, studying her reaction. A smile formed on his lips as he saw the reaction he wanted and then went in for another long and meaningful kiss.

 

Afterwards, Mary’s defenses were down, her mood changed. “ I’m sorry, Jules. I shouldn’t have gone on like that.”

 

“ No worries. C’mon, I want you to teach me how to develop film. I’d like to try my hand at it if you don’t mind.” Julian informed her.

 

She loved that Julian enjoyed taking on new things and trying them. What he liked he did with gusto and made sure he learned it fully. What he didn’t, he’d say so and leave it for others who enjoyed it. She took his hand as he grabbed the case of film and she led him to her mom’s dark room.