Red Petals

Chapter 11

Miranda

I watch my daughter pace back and forth. She has on her thinking face and she's standing in front of the mirror with a beautiful gold gown. She turns around, "Do you think the gown is too much?" '

I stand and give my daughter a tight hug. "You look beautiful, darling."

Nathalie smile turn big and bright, "Really. I want this engagement party to be perfect. Rose is inviting her parents and Sam family is coming too, oh and granny and grandpa. I'm just really nervous."

I move a strand of hair out of Nathalie face, "There is no reason to be nervous, sweetheart. Everything will be perfect."

Sam walk into the room with bagels and coffee. She stops and grin, "You look good." She smile and then yawn into her mouth. She take a seat on the couch next to me. We've been here for hours. This has to be the thirtieth dress Nathalie has tried on. Sam passes me one of the cups and I begin to sip and smile at the perfection inside the cup. Sam begin to unravel her bagel and I crinkle my nose at the extra cream cheese. She devours it anyway. I roll my eyes and then stare up and down her body. She was wearing athletic apparel and I arch my eyebrow and wonder how she can keep her body so tight and eat the way she does.

"I think I'll go with this one." Nathalie finally make a decision after looking at herself in the mirror several more times. Sam phone begins to vibrate and I notice her face and I lean over to look at her phone. "Who is it?" I ask annoyed.

Sam shrug her shoulder and lock her phone, "Tessa." She answers.

I roll my eyes, "Do she ever learn?"

"I guess not." Sam reply. "She's been apologizing but I've been ignoring her."

"Let me see." I ask.

Sam chuckle and unlock her phone, "Chill babe. Stop being crazy."

"I have all the reasons to be crazy." I say before reading through all the messages. Sam laugh again and then move to go talk to Nathalie. All the messages pretty much say the same thing. "I'm sorry. I messed up. I was drunk. I do respect your relationship. I'm so stupid." You are stupid. I think to myself. I continue to scroll down and a few messages catch my attention.

We need to finish this final project.

-Tessa

I walk over toward Sam and Nathalie and the two of them is laughing about something. I purchase the gown and we head out the store. Sam yawn in her hand again and we ride in the car back toward the house. Nathalie and Sam talk the whole time and I still have Sam phone and it vibrates again.

Sam. I know you're mad but we will fail the class if we don't finish this project. Text me back please.

-Tessa

I huff. It was literally impossible to get rid of this specimen. She was like a pet that wouldn't go away. We arrive to the house and Nathalie disappears to find Rose. Sam and I walk to Sam bedroom and she showers before coming out of the bathroom and collapsing on her bed. She buries herself underneath the covers and then pat the other side. "Come here." She say. I slowly take off my clothes before getting into the bed next to her. She immediately pull me closer and she's asleep.

I lay there and think to myself if I should go on campus and convince Sam professor to make her change partners. I groan. Sam wouldn't want that. Plus, it would make everything more complicated because it's their final project. My thoughts continue to argue with each other and I give up before falling asleep. I wake up and Sam is halfway on top of me. She's only wearing a big shirt and her lace panties.

I can't help myself but my fingers start to trail up and down her back where I know she's sensitive. My nail dig softly into her lower spine and she shifts on top of me. She blinks open her eyes and hum into my neck. I don't stop and I continue to run my nails down her back and squeeze her butt in a teasing manner. "Miranda." She say into my neck. It's a warning but I don't care. If she really wanted me to stop she would be giving me a lecture on how we're waiting.

I lift up slightly and turn her over so she's laying on her back.

I hover over her and she look up at me, "Tell me to stop." I challenge her. She open her mouth but I run my hand underneath her shirt and squeeze her breast.

She inhale and mutter, "That's unfair."

I arch my eyebrow, "Should have wore a bra."

Sam laughs, "That wouldn't have mattered."

I bend down and connect our lips together. Usually I'm in a rush to get all her clothes off because I'm greedy and impatient. But, I wanted to move slowly this time. I kiss her neck and nip before sucking. I can hear her gasping and her hand going for my shirt. I lean up and pull the shirt over my head. She lean up and kiss my chest before going to unhook my bra.

But, I stop her.

She lay back on the bed and pout. I ignore her and kiss her again and this time my tongue move past her lips before I'm sucking on her bottom lip. Sam spread her legs and I rest my knee between them. I move down her body and kiss between her breast before taking one into my mouth. She moans and pull at my hair softly. I smirk against her and she withers below me. I continue to tease her. Going as slow as possible. I lick around her nipple before biting. She hisses, "Miranda. I get it."

"Do you?" I lean up and whisper in her ear. My nails run up and down her inner thigh in a tortuous manner.

Sam pouts, "Yes." She moan.

I kiss her neck softly and my hand squeeze her thigh.

"I shouldn't have made you wait this long..." She explain.

I chuckle and kiss her deeply. My fingers begin to touch her where she wants. She moans and I move deeper inside of her. She throw her head back in pleasure and I bite her neck in a greedy manner. She moans loudly and I move to kiss her. I wasn't sure if anyone was home. But, I don't stop and soon she's bursting in ecstasy in my arms.

I watch as she tries to catch her breath and damn it's a site. I move and straddle her and she leans up and unclasp my bra. She smile brightly and squeeze them. "My turn." She whispers in my ear before wrapping her tongue around it.

[][]

I run my fingers through the red strands as Sam lay her head on my stomach. "I really missed you." She mutters while drawing random patterns on my thigh. I hum because my body is still buzzing from the last orgasm and I was out of breath. She move and kisses my tummy before going further down between my legs. I hiss because I'm sensitive but I spread my legs anyway.

Before Sam can start her phone is ringing, "Ignore it." I say moving her head where I want it. Sam however lifts up and say, "It's Nathalie ring." She moves off the bed and answers it. I can't hear anything but I move to grab something to cover myself.

"What?" Sam ask. She run her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Okay. Okay. I understand. I'm about to come out." She then hang up the phone and grab a pair of adidas sweat pants pulling them up her body. She then grab a shirt off the floor and put that on quickly.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Nothing." Sam say. "I'll be back." She gives me that look and wink. "Promise." I shudder. I wait a few minutes but I become impatient. I move to put on clothes and walk out the door. I see Sam shifting at the door. "Look. We can finish the project through google drive or something. You crossed the line, Tessa."

I see Nathalie standing there watching with her arms crossed. I'm guessing Sam told her everything. Rose is behind Nathalie with three cookies in her hand.

Tessa however is not giving up. "We both know that's impossible, Sam. We have to use the program that was assigned."

"I'll finish it then. You don't have to do anything. I'll email you updates or whatever and you can correct anything you want." Sam tries.

"That will take longer. It's due next week, Sam." She pause and look toward Rose and Nathalie. "Can we have privacy please?"

"No you cannot." I finally make myself known. Tessa scrunch her nose up and look me up and down. I'm in Sam clothes and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to notice my wild hair and the red mark on the side of Sam neck to put two and two together.

Tessa huffs, "I deserve this treatment but we don't deserve to fail this class, Sam. If you want that job..."

"Sam can get whatever job she wants with or without you." I speak. I then wave my hand. "However, she will finish the project. You can leave now."

Tessa looks confused just the same as everyone else. I shut the door in Tessa face and Sam look at me in a questioning manner, "You don't deserve to fail. I trust you." I tell her.

"Wow." Rose speaks while biting into her cookie. "I did not expect that, good job momma bear."

"I'll cut your tongue out and feed it to you." I hiss. Rose roll her eyes and grab Nathalie hand. They disappear into the other room. Sam laughs in amusement. She then kisses me on the lips while pushing me back into the door. Her hand squeeze my butt. "You look good in my clothes." She whispers against my lips. She then bite at my lower lip. "Let's go to your place." She say. "I miss hearing you scream my name."

[][]

I walk into work my dark shades on my face and I ignore everyone. I sit down and a cup of coffee is placed in front of me. I sip it quietly and whoever disappears from my sight. I move and frown at how sore my body is. I send Sam a quick text letting her know payback's a bitch. She send me a quick emoji with a kissy face and another one with a wink that say 'can't wait.'

I smile and then get to work. Once lunch roll around Austin come into the office and smile. "You're in a good mood." He teases me. I ignore him but I can't wipe the small smile off my face. I get another text from Sam and it's a nude. I almost drop my phone. I look up and Austin look at me oddly but then he wiggle his eyebrows playfully. "Naughty picture?"

"Go away." I wave at him. "Find something else to do."

He chuckles and disappears. I stand and look out my office window. I call Sam and she immediately pick up. "Meet me here in thirty minutes." I command softly.

Sam chuckles on the other end of the phone. "I can't now babe."

I pout. "Why?" I almost even stomp my foot.

"Cause." Sam explains. "I'm on campus." She pause. "You know... wrap up this final project."

I frown. "Fine."

"I can come over tonight." Sam say.

"Nathalie engagement dinner is tonight, Sam." I remind her. "You do have your dress right?"

"Yeah. I know." Sam say and she sound out of breath like she is running or speed walking. "Nathalie got the dress and I'm talking about after the dinner. I can come over if you want."

"Yes, come." I tell her.

"Okay. I gotta go babe." Sam say. "I'll text you."

Sam hang up the phone and I call for Austin. He rush into the office and I say, "I need you to go on campus and make sure Tessa is behaving herself."

Austin shifts, "Remember you got in trouble the last time you went stalking."

"I'm not stalking." I argue.

"Well." Austin say. "I thought you trust Sam. She said this was your idea."

"I do trust her." I explain. "I don't trust, Tessa. I agreed to this but I'm not stupid." I wave my hand. "Honestly I don't even understand why I hired you."

"Because I'm good." Austin tries.

"Go away." I say. "Austin."

Austin pause and turn around. "Yeah."

"You're a good friend." I say and he smiles. "Go away." I repeat.

I lean back in my chair and call Rose. She answer, "What's up." I roll my eyes.

"I need you to go on campus and make sure Tessa is behaving." I tell her.

"Stalker much." Rose comments. "Was this not your idea?" She questions.

"I'm not stalking if I'm not there." I say.

Rose pause. "You're right. Smart woman. Anyway, I'll go later. I'm with Nathalie right now."

"Keep me updated." I tell her. "Oh and don't wear that red tux."

"Why?" Rose whine. "I spent a lot on that."

I roll my eyes, "Trust me. It won't go well with Nathalie gown. Bye."

[][]

Later in the day I get lunch with Joy. She bring the twins and we walk our way to the center so they can see Piper. Delilah and Lily run ahead of us and Joy scream, "Slow down." She then look at me and say, "That is very mature of you. Letting Sam finish the project with Tessa."

I hum checking my phone for any updates.

Joy laugh, "There is no reason to stress yourself Miranda. Sam loves you very much."

I lock my phone. "You're right." I then drop my phone into my purse. I look up and Delilah is on the floor with someone helping her up. Joy and I walk faster toward the scene and Lily is bending down looking at Delilah bloody hand.

"Delilah." Joy say loudly. "Let me see." She take the small hand and Delilah hisses. She then began to move stuff around in her purse and pull out some wipes and clean up the wound. "This is why I said slow down." She lectures.

Delilah wiggles around and say, "I'm okay." She whines.

"Kids huh." The woman smile.

"And who are you?" Joy looks up with an attitude.

"Mom this is Diane." Lily explains. "Look." She points. "She can paint and Delilah accidentally trip and fell hurting her hand."

I finally look at the woman and it is Diane. Joy completely ignore the lady. "Nice to see you again." I throw my hand out. She shake it and Joy stand and finally really look at her. Diane gives Joy a cheeky smile and even though she is wearing a white shirt with paint all over it and a pair of boyfriend jeans she still look good. Joy blushes and Diane take her hand and squeeze softly.

Lily points at all of the brushes and paint. "Can we bring Piper back. She'll love this."

"Yeah!" Delilah agrees.

"I don't know babies." Joy look at all the artwork and paint. "I'm sure Diane is a busy woman."

"Oh no." Diane wave her hand. "Anything for the kids. Bring them here, tomorrow. I'll have everything set up." She hand her a card. "This is a personal number. Please. Message me."

[][]

We get to the center and Piper tackles me in a hug before running off with Lily and Delilah. Joy and I watch the two run around until they are too exhausted to continue. We then take them for ice-cream. As I walk Piper back into the center she hold my hand and ask, "Why can I not go home with you?"

I pause and my heart clench. I bend down and ask, "You would want that?"

Piper smile is wide and innocent, "Yes!" She then pause. "But, they won't let you take me huh. Cause the government owns me."

"Where did you hear that from?" I ask.

"The bigger kids say that people like you only come around to look good." Piper explain. "But, I don't believe them. I know you're nice."

I run my fingers through Piper hair. "I'll figure out a way to get you home with me." I throw out my pinky. "Pinky promise."

Piper wrap her pinky around mine. She then hug me and sprint off into the building. The rest of the trip home I'm questioning myself. I do some research on adopting. I pause. Was this even the time to adopt. I should probably ask Sam what she thinks first. Would she even care. I run my fingers through my hair and pace the floor nervously. I promised her. I can't go back on my promises.

Sam comes and pick me up and we both head out to the dinner. She is wearing a dark navy blue gown that looks beautiful on her. I choose to wear a black pantsuit that goes well with her.

We walk in together and Sam mother is the first one to approach us. "Sam!" She shrieks and pull her daughter in a hug. "This place is beautiful. Where is my favorite girl?" She ask. "Marriage is such a beautiful thing. Then kids. Right Miranda. You'll be a grandma! But." She pause and narrow her eyes. "I want grandkids too. So, give them to me quickly."

I blush. Sam mother still looked the same. She is wearing a flowing dress and her red hair is pinned up in a perfect bun.

Sam also turn red. "Ma! Come on. Stop it. Plus, I thought I was your favorite girl."

Sam mom wave off her daughter muttering, "You know I love you." She then pull me in a hug and I'm surprised but I take in the feeling. Matt, Sam uncle gives me a smirking smile, "Still look beautiful as ever." I can see Sam rolling her eyes and nudging him away. "I should have been more daring like Sam back in my day. There is still time." He winks at me.

We all mingle and talk and Sam is next to me the entire time. We go together and speak to my parents and my father is nice but my mother is dramatic as ever, "How are you?" She ask me as Sam and my father talk.

"Fine." I tell her.

"Your daughter is getting married and you seem far away." She say narrow her eyes at me.

"Mother can you please..."

She cut me off. "I'm your mother. I notice things. Are you having problems with Sam."

"We're better." I answer.

"So, there was problems?" My mother continue to drill me.

"This is not about Sam." I hiss. "I'm thinking about adopting."

My mother hums. I look at her and narrow my eyes, "What? You don't support that either."

"No." My mother shake her head. "Raising a child is the best thing in the world. I should have had more kids."

"Why?" I hiss. "I didn't become what you wanted?"

"No." My mother shake her head. "You became everything I ever wanted." She then lean over and kiss me on the cheek. "Don't overthink everything, Miranda. You're a successful woman with a girlfriend who loves you more than she loves life and a daughter who is beautiful and intelligent. I support you. Give this child life the blessing of having you as a mother."

I swallow and I am lost for words but before I can say anything else the music is drowning out and Nathalie is walking through the doors with Rose by her side. Everyone began to clap and I can see Sam over in the other corner with Austin and Viv.

Everyone begin to take their seats and I'm seating to next to Sam and directly across from Austin and Viv and on one end there is Rose parents and they are with Sam parents and on the other end is my parents with Rose friends from back home. Joy is on the other side of me and Nathalie and Rose is sitting together in the middle.

The first course of the meal is served and the dinner goes by perfectly. Rose father even seem to be enjoying himself as he laugh along with Matt. I cock my head to side curiously. It seem Sam family could make anyone melt. Sam mother laugh loudly at a joke Rose father tells her and Rose arch her eyebrow in shock. Sam shrug her shoulders. Once the main course is serve someone walk through the door.

I clench my fist underneath the table and our end of the table becomes silent. Viv look away and focus on her food, Rose is shocked, Nathalie is silent, and Sam groan in her hand. "What is she doing here?" I hiss underneath my breath.

Tessa take a seat next to Austin and say, "I'm sorry for the delay."

The other adults at the table don't seem to mind. They speak anyway and Tessa greets everyone politely. Sam goes to stand but Nathalie shake her head. Sam sit back down quietly and the dinner continues. I completely ignore the other girl and focus all my attention on my daughter and her happiness.

Dinner proceeds and once it is over everyone congratulate Rose and Nathalie before leaving. After most of everyone leave it is just Austin, Viv, Tessa, and Rose friends talking on the other side of the room.

"Are you okay?" Sam ask.

"I'm fine." I reply with a smile. I squeeze her hand. "There is something I would like to discuss with you."

Sam pull me off to the side, "Tell me."

I shift uncomfortable. "It's about Piper."

"Is she okay?" Sam ask cocking her head to the side. "You went to see her today right?"

"Yes." I run my fingers through my hair. "I know our relationship is getting better and I don't want to throw this on you. I just want your honest opinion."

Sam move a few strands out my face and then rub my cheek softly, "What is it?"

"I'm researching the best way to prepare for adoption." I rush out my mouth.

Sam smile turn big, "That's great, Miranda." She pulls me in a hug. "Piper would be lucky to have you as a mother."

"Really." I pause. "You really think that."

"Of course, baby." She pull me closer and kiss my forehead. "I'm happy for you and adopting won't make me think anything differently. I'm not mother ready." Sam jokes. "But, I'll help in the best way I can."

I chuckle and pull her close to kiss her. I push her into the wall out of everyone sight and my tongue wrap around hers. She moan into my mouth and I pull back, "Are you still coming over?"

"I don't break promises." She whisper against my lip before kissing me again. We jump apart when we hear something shatter and Nathalie voice.

We walk around the wall and back into the main room and standing there is someone with red roses and a tailored suit on.

"Paul?" Sam is the first one to speak.

He turn with a huge smile on his face. He has grown his hair out and it's pulled back in a bun. "Congratulations." He smile toward Nathalie and Rose. "I'm sorry for being late. Traffic was a muthafucker." He jokes. Everyone is still in shock and Austin is the first one to step forward but Rose beat him to it. She pushes Paul and the he stagger back in shock and the red roses drop to the floor. He try to bend down and pick them up but Rose kick them and they slide everywhere on the floor.

"What the hell?" Paul frown. "Those were for Nathalie."

"She doesn't want your fucking flowers." Rose hisses. "Why are you here? Trying to destroy my engagement you sick person!"

Nathalie tries to pull Rose back but it was impossible. Austin rush forward to help and he say, "Dammit. Paul. What's wrong with you? Why are you here?"

Paul fingers begin to twitch and Sam and I begin to step closer. Paul eyes meet mine and he begins to hyperventilate. "Miranda." He calls my name. Rose is still pushing him aggressively and screaming at him. But he is not paying her any attention. "You told me to come." He shouts.

Everyone is screaming and it's chaos.

"You told me to come, Miranda!" Paul screams and he begin to drop to the floor in panic. "Why would you send me that letter. You said everyone forgave me and that they would be happy to have me here, Miranda. Why would you do that Miranda." Paul cries and shouts. "Why? I would have never come if no one wanted me here. I could go to jail!" He tries to catch is breath but his words is broken and confusing. "I..I.." He shake his head and pull his knees to his chest. "You said they knew, Miranda. You said they knew you came to see me and that they had forgiven me Miranda why why why..."

I get to my knees and pull his head in my hands, "Breathe, Paul. You're having an attack."

"Why? Why?" His repeats and his eyes shut.

"Follow my voice." I coach him. "It's okay. You're fine."

He inhale and exhale and finally he open his eyes, "I thought it was okay to come."

I run my fingers through his hair to calm his nerves. "I didn't send you a letter Paul." I whisper to him. "You're going to stand and then we will leave to talk somewhere else okay."

"I will go to jail." He freaks.

"No you won't." I explain. "I'll make sure. I promise."

He nod his head.

"You ready?" I ask.

He nod his head and stand. Austin come forward to help. "Take him." I order Austin and for the first time the boy doesn't ask questions but he disappear with Paul. I turn around and Sam is looking at me with fury in her eyes.

"Sam..."

"Don't." Sam hisses in anger. "What is he talking about Miranda? That you went to see him."

I breathe and water begin to build in my eyes before I even say it, "I was with Paul when I was away."

Sam stand there and she doesn't say anything. Nathalie pull Rose and everyone disappears leaving me and Sam alone. I step forward but Sam moves away, "Don't touch me! You was with him the whole time..." She screams. "I needed you here with me and you was with Paul!"

I jump at her raised voice. "I was going to tell you." I say.

"No you weren't." She frown. "I can't believe you kept this away from me." She squeeze her fist.

"I was facing my fears." I try to explain. "I didn't enjoy it."

"Could have fooled me." She frown. "You just talked him out of his panic attack."

"He's sick." I explain.

"Now you're taking up for him?" She questions. "He's literally the reason why you left in the first place, Miranda! This is all Paul fault and you..." Tears begin to fall from her face. "You chose him over me."

"I chose what was best for you, Sam. This isn't about Paul. This is about us. I love you!" I cry.

Sam sigh and she wipe the tears from her face. "Not anymore." She walk past me.

"Sam." I call for her. "Sam, please don't..." The door shut with a slam leaving me in the middle of the room with broken red petals below my feet.