December 23, 1959 - 13 East 81st Street, New York City

December 23, 1959 - 13 East 81st Street, New York City
© M.R.H. Guerriere 12/2005 aka Absinthe Angel 777 - disclaimer below

"Janice honey!" Melinda Pappas piped the cheery announcement which rang through the large, festively decorated apartment. "There’s somebody here to see you!". She gracefully walked past the inner doorways each festooned in holly garland. Drawing her thumbs underneath her silky black hair she readjusted the tortoise shell clip which held it back and smoothed out the bunching of her crimson cashmere sweater.

Not hearing a response, she leaned her long, sensuous frame around the hallway door and called sweetly towards a small, smoky, half-lit room. "Jan?"

Wearing nothing but a rumpled, oversized men’s light blue pajama top, government issue olive drab boxer shorts and biting a short cherrito, Janice Covington stormed past Melinda making a bee-line towards the entrance. She grumbled through a tousled mop of blonde hair as she eyed the slim male figure begging passage and slammed the door in his face.

"Hi Jan! Merry Christmas!" greeted the muffled, stranded voice from outside the hallway.

"Janice! You didn’t!" Melinda admonished the shorter, headstrong woman who made a return trip to her inner sanctum . Melinda stopped taking dishes down from the cupboard and ran to open the door.

"Henry! Merry Christmas! Please do come in!" Melinda kissed the cheek of the tall, gangly teenager who patiently waited in the hall, almost knocking off his horn-rimmed glasses. "It’s so good to see you!"

"Hey Melinda! Merry Merry Christmas!" The boy scratched the side of his Vitalised head and blushed at the slight attentions from the tall, gorgeous brunette. He hurried to pick up his two battered tan suitcases and large leather briefcase. "Thanks! Boy, the place looks swell, Melinda!"

Melinda waved her long fingers in dismissal. "Oh, you know how I love to decorate. Here, let me take your coat! Isn’t the snow so pretty on Fifth Avenue?" She took the boy’s thick herringbone coat and hung on a heavy, wooden hanger. As she twisted the glass knob and shut the door to the outer stairwell, she asked, "Did you have something to eat or come here straight from the train station?"

"I came here right away. My train got in at 5:35."

"Well, you’re just in time for supper. You make yourself comfortable. Excuse me just a moment, darlin’. I’ll be right back."

The boy smiled and nodded, sat in a comfortable chair and looked out the large window at the falling snow.

Melinda went through the kitchen following the strains of John Coltrane to a small, dark room packed wall to wall with books. She closed the door behind her, walked over to the radio and turned off the music. "Janice Covington, you are the rudest thing on earth. That is your baby brother out there who came all the way from Pennsylvania and the very least you could do is wish him a Merry Christmas!"

"Half brother." The stubborn, muscular blonde grunted and took a drink of Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon never looking up from what she was reading. "And I never asked for him or any of the other bastards my father left."

"Hmpf!" Melinda pursed her lips, put her hands on her hips and thought a moment.

Melinda turned in place slowly as if to leave then came back at Janice. Manicured fingers took the rocks glass out of Janice’s hand before the drink once again reached her lips and set it firmly down on the mahogany coffee table. Melinda draped herself on the arm of the heavy, leather upholstered chair and into the other woman’s lap. Red nails slowly passed through Janice’s hair and crimson lips overtook hers in a slow, seductive embrace. "You never asked for me either. But aren’t you glad you found me?"

Janice took in the deep, heady scent of Melinda’s sultry perfume and attempted to steel herself. "Play nice, Mel."

"I never play nice." Removing black cats eye glasses Melinda opened her bright, blue eyes wide and begged, "For me? Let him stay for me and I promise that Santa’s prettiest helper will come to you dressed in red satin lingerie."

Janice grew quiet, licked her lips and thought a moment. "Will she play games with silk scarves and candy canes?"

"She will!" Melinda dug her nails into Janice’s chest. "I guarantee she loves to play games like that!".

"Deal. But he stays out of my way."

"Agreed." Melinda kissed Janice on the cheek and sauntered to the door slowly, looking back with a victorious smile. "Janice, put on some real clothes."

"Why?"

"So I can take them off later, silly. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes."

Victorious once again, Melinda checked her appearance quickly in the full length bathroom mirror and made her way back towards her cooking.

"Henry, how’s your mother?", Melinda checked on the roast in the oven and called out to the boy in the living room. "She does know you’re here, doesn’t she?"

Henry leaned against the wall in a crisp, white, button-down, short-sleeve shirt. "I told" the young man’s voice changed pitch three times within the two words he spoke. He cleared his throat again and braced himself in the kitchen doorway. "I told her I was coming here. She was busy with her new boyfriend. I’m not sure if she really paid much attention."

Melinda cocked her red holiday oven mitt to her hip. "Got another beau, has she?"

Henry scratched his head again. "I told her you were going to show me around Columbia University. Columbia!" I can’t believe it! Melinda! Oh wait!"

He raced into the other room and came back with his briefcase, dumping the contents of a cloth bag onto the kitchen table. "I’ve got something really neat to show you!".

"Well, you aren’t accepted yet. But with your grades, we can sure try." The roast sizzled as it came out of the oven. "Now isn’t that a tasty little dish? Mmmm……"

Janice entered the kitchen in loose dungarees and a white men’s button down shirt with rolled up sleeves. She took a fag from a pack of Old Gold cigarettes lying on the table, flicked open a battered engraved Zippo, lit the end and drew on the tobacco deeply . "Hey, don’t flirt with me in front of the kid."

Smoke curled from her mouth as frantic eyes searched the table for a coffee cup. " Mel, you wanna stop standing around and make me some joe?"

Transfixed on a multitude of old coins he was pouring from a sack, Henry ignored the banter and carefully laid out the metal rounds in neat rows on the kitchen table.

"Well, if that isn’t the snazziest coin collection in the world!" Melinda exclaimed as she measured out the ground coffee and put it in the steel percolator.

"Yeah!" Henry proudly surveyed his cache of primitive money. "I sold my stamp collection and started with coins!"

Janice furrowed her brows and made a delicate reach for the dullest slug in the lot.

"I have some coins from ancient Greece I can give you." Melinda offered "Janice and I dug them up when we were in Macedonia. But they’re so common. I don’t think they’re worth anything. Right Jan?"

Janice ignored the question and turned the coin in her fingers around slowly. "What college does he want to go to?"

"Columbia!" Henry offered. "Gee, I’d really appreciate those coins from ancient Macedonia! That would be so boss!"

"And how much does it cost?" Janice continued.

"Remember the museum staff dinner I went to a few weeks ago? I was introduced to a charming handsome professor from Sarah Lawrence University, who happened to be a Columbia alumnus. He was so nice. Not at all like the average Northern academics I’ve encountered." Melinda popped open the small white oven door a few inches to check the progress of her roast, "He offered to give me a lovely letter of introduction for Henry! Knew everything imaginable about American Indians! So tall, what a smile! If only…"

"Yeah, if only." Janice rolled her eyes masking jealousy. "Melinda, I asked you a question. How much does it cost?"

"I’m sorry, dumpling, was I ramblin’ on?" Melinda pouted with innocent batted eyes.

"You were." Janice warned with stern sarcasm. "Are you gonna tell me now?"

"4 years at Columbia?" Setting the roast lamb into the middle of the table alongside large dishes of mashed potatoes and green beans, Melinda sighed. "Realistically? A small fortune. But with his grades and the letter of introduction, I was hoping to get him in."

"He’s going." Janice snapped the coin face up in the middle of the table like a Las Vegas royal flush.

"What?" Henry gasped.

"You’re going." Janice looked at her brother expressionless and then to Melinda. She cut her meat. "I don’t know where the fuck…"

Melinda picked up the gravy boat, sighed and shook her head at the cuss words.

Janice smiled knowing she was annoying Melinda. "Or how the fuck you got this coin but it will pay for 4 years easy."

"I" Henry started to explain but Janice put her hand up in front of his face.

"Welcome to the Covington clan, Hank. We don’t reveal our sources. We’ll sell it in the morning. Now eat your dinner."

"Whoooo hooooooooo!" Henry cheered and ran out into the living room jumping and screaming. "I’m going to Columbia! This is crazy man! I’ll be in Fat City! Whoooooooooooooo wheeeeeee! "

Melinda smiled and from under the table secretly ran a toe from Janice’s ankle up to her knee and teased her inner thigh.

"Can I have some milk, Melinda, dearest pal?" Janice’s eyes popped out of head with sexual frustration as she jiggled her glass.

"You’ll get more than that." Melinda poured the milk into the glass, never unlocking eyes with Janice. "You old softie. Merry Christmas."

Janice squinted at the compliment, "Shut up."

"Make me." Melinda’s eyes smoldered a challenge.

"I might."

Melinda kept the eye contact for a few enflamed seconds and changed the subject. "Thank you. For your brother I mean."

"Kid’s a fucking genius and he’s slick. I didn’t do anything."

Henry stood at the doorway, panting and breathless from screaming.

"Calm down Hank. We didn’t sell it yet." Janice reminded the excitable boy.

"Come and eat, Henry" Melinda pointed to the chair "A college freshman needs his strength."

"But you will, Jan, right?" Henry pleaded.

"You will sell the coin like you promised, won’t you Janice?" Melinda placed her hand on Janice’s, squeezed it tight and stared across the table.

"I’ll find a buyer. I always do. I’m a Covington."

Janice stared at the dirty coin again and chuckled with thoughts of the neat little profit she was about to make. "Merry Christmas, indeed."


To be continued…..

Copyright and Disclaimer Information
© M. R.H. Guerriere 12/2005 aka Absinthe Angel 777

Legal disclaimer: Mel & Janice are the property of Ren Pics and MCA/Universal - who knows?. The other character is mine.This is amateur fan fiction only. This story may not be reproduced without my express written permission. Thank you, dear reader, in advance for taking the time to consider this piece. Happy Holidays! - MRHG

Indecent Proposal

Indecent Proposal

© M.R.H. Guerriere 12/1/2004 aka Absinthe Angel 777


TIME FRAME: SOMEWHERE BETWEEN SEASONS 1 & 2
(Actors and crew were on break. When the staff is away - the characters will play!)

SCENE I

EXT. MIDDAY OUTSIDE SMALL WALLED CITY

Xena on horseback, Gabrielle behind her on same saddle.



XENA
Here we are. The Kingdom of Eroticus.
Minor conspiracy against the King. Easy money!

GABRIELLE
Xena, we’ve been to ten villages in two weeks.
I thought we were going to rest!

XENA
C’mon. Piece of cake.
Besides, it’s on the list Hercules gave me.
(waves parchment)

GABRIELLE
(grabs parchment and reads)
"To Do"
Xena, this is a scrap list from Hercules?
We’re doing his "B" list work?

XENA
It’s things he couldn’t get around to.
Besides…they pay.
You know Hercules can’t take money.
He’s a God.

GABRIELLE
Demi-God.
Hercules was through this area 2 weeks ago.
Why couldn’t he finish this job?
Why didn’t he come back to this place?

XENA
I don’t know and I don’t care.
All I know is, it’s on the list and we’re getting paid.

GABRIELLE
(cocks head curiously reading parchment again)
We’re doing clean-up for Hercules.
How nice.
OK. Make it really quick. I am so tired.

XENA
(reassuring)
Hercules said the King was very, very friendly to him and Iolaus.
Herc said this job screamed Xena and Gabrielle.
And besides I already sent word ahead to the King.
Everything’s in place.

GABRIELLE
(sarcastic and tired)
Who are we dressing up as this time?

XENA
No dress up!
We’re Xena and Gabrielle.


GABRIELLE
(sigh)
OK. If there’s food, a pillow and a bed. I’m in.

XENA
Just play along.

GABRIELLE
There had better be a bed, Xena.

XENA
There’s a bed. There’s a bed.
I promise.




Xena and Gabrielle slowly ride up to snoozing guard.
Xena kicks the side of the door.
Guard suddenly bolts up.



XENA
I’m Xena the Warrior.
I have a meeting with King…
(looks at a different piece of folded parchment, double-checks name)
Fallus Rex


Gabrielle grabs Xena’s waist tighter, hides her face in Xena’s back and snickers.
Guard opens gate.
Xena elbows Gabrielle.
Xena clears her throat and maintains a sober face as they ride through.

SCENE II

INT. THRONE ROOM


KING FALLUS REX
Allow me to introduce my husband Titus

XENA
(curious then formal)
It’s an honor. And this is my wife and business partner, Gabrielle.

KING
Delighted.

TITUS
(nods to Xena, then to Gabrielle)
Charmed.

GABRIELLE
(Polite but suprised smile. Slight bow to King and Titus)
Your Majesty. Lord Titus.


Gabrielle shoots Xena an angry glare.
Xena raises an eyebrow as a warning to keep Gabrielle from openly discrediting her statement.


XENA
Your Majesty, would You please excuse Gabrielle?
She needs to lay out her equipment in our room.


KING FALLUS REX
Guards please escort the Lady Gabrielle to their sleeping quarters.


Guards pick up Xena & Gabrielle’s satchels and start to walk down the hall.
Gabrielle turns away from King and bends in to say something to Xena.


GABRIELLE
(curses in a whisper)
Xena! You…you!

XENA
(cuts Gabrielle off, speaking loudly and smiling, pushing Gabrielle towards the guards gently)
Don’t worry about me, dear.
I’ll be along soon.


Gabrielle stamps down the hallway,
mutters to herself,
almost knocks over a wrought-iron candelabra,
readjusts it as it teeters,
then runs out of sight to keep up with the guards


TITUS
Charming girl.

XENA
(ascertains Gabrielle’s departure)
She’s very excited to be here.

KING FALLUS REX
So, you truly believe the conspirators will be present at the feast tomorrow night?

XENA
Definitely. Everyone has been notified of my arrival?

KING FALLUS REX
Yes. I leaked the information to the court’s most notorious gossip

XENA
And you sent the invitation out to Hercules who arranged to decline at the last moment?

KING FALLUS REX
Yes, but wouldn’t you rather be working in secret?

XENA
No one can resist fame, Your Highness.
Celebrity draws the power-hungry like moths to a flame.
Your enemies will make an appearance.
Now, I believe my work is done here for the evening.
I’ll make a brief inspection of the castle and see you in the morning.

KING FALLUS REX
Goodnight Xena. In the morning then.

TITUS
Xena, I arranged to have dinner sent to your quarters for you and your lovely wife.

XENA
That was very thoughtful.
Thank you, Lord Titus. Goodnight.


Xena turns tongue in cheek with a smirk on her face and strolls slowly around the castle.



SCENE III

INT. XENA & GABRIELLE'S SUITE

One candle is burning, next to a table of half-eaten food.
Gabrielle is laying in a huge bed, her back facing the doorway.
She does not move.
Xena pops a few grapes in her mouth,
strips off all her clothes and slides into bed, next to Gabrielle, under the covers.



GABRIELLE
I’m not asleep

XENA
(signs)
I was trying to be quiet

GABRIELLE
I couldn’t sleep.

XENA
The work is all done for tonight.
Just relax.

GABRIELLE
(exasperated)
Xena, you told them I’m your wife!

XENA
I told them what I had to tell them.
It’s not a big deal.

GABRIELLE
(firmly)
We’re lying in bed together, naked.
You have your arms around me and this entire castle believes
that I’m the mate of Xena, Warrior Princess.
That’s a very big deal.

XENA
I didn’t tell you to lie here naked.

GABRIELLE
That’s not the issue.

XENA
(quietly exasperated, leans into the back of Gabrielle’s head)
What is the issue?

GABRIELLE
This kingdom.
They’re not entirely cut off from the world you know.
Traders, other bards do come through here.
We’re not inconspicuous.
People talk.
What if my Mother hears about this?
What about my friends in Athens?
Gabrielle the Bard marrying Xena the Warrior Princess?
(laughs)
Who would believe that?

XENA
(sarcastic)
I didn’t have time to propose properly and get a blessing from everyone you know, OK?
The point is that for a few days I need you to do some spying for me.
And this is how you’re going to do it.

GABRIELLE
Since when do I have to marry you to spy?
Hey! Keep your hands still, Xena.

XENA
I know the architect of this dirty little cabal will try to get to me
through you if they think we’re together.
I know there’s a conspirator among the King’s confidantes and
I’m expecting they will make their move at the banquet tomorrow night.

GABRIELLE
So you think they’ll try to bargain with me, kidnap me or attack me.

XENA
I’m anticipating that.
Yes.
Someone’s attempting to make a move.

GABRIELLE
Someone’s attempting to make a move all right.
(slaps Xena’s hand under the covers)
I don’t know.
This scheme’s a little over the top, even for you.

XENA
Come on Gabrielle.
Work with me here.
What’s the difference?
(slowly kisses Gabrielle’s neck)
You ride with me don’t you?
(kiss)
You eat with me
(kiss)
You bathe with me
(kiss)
You sleep with me
(lingering kiss)

GABRIELLE
(dazed, panting, trying to maintain calm)
I sleep with you because you’re always warm and I’m always cold.

XENA
(kissing Gabrielle)
You’re not cold now.
You’re very
(kiss)
very
(kiss)
hot.

GABRIELLE
You are so…dammit.
(concedes)
All right. All right. You win. I’ll do it.

XENA
(smiles)
I knew you would.

GABRIELLE
(turns to face Xena, buries her face in Xena’s chest)
Incorrigible bitch.

XENA
It helps.

GABRIELLE
You’re my mate for the time being then?

XENA
(slowly running fingertips down Gabrielle’s back)
Yup.

GABRIELLE
(smiles)
Really?

XENA
(confident)
Really.

GABRIELLE
(whispers)
So I can say the things to you I’ve always dreamed of saying?
I can say anything?
(licks Xena’s neck)

XENA
(pants)
Anything you want gorgeous.

GABRIELLE
Then what in Aphrodite’s name am I dressing like a peasant for?
I want new boots, a new outfit, a new cape and a better saddle to ride on.
I need a gown for this dinner.
I can’t go out there dressed in rags.

XENA
Oh no. No, no no no no no.

GABRIELLE
I’m the wife of a Warrior Princess at a formal banquet.
I have to look the part.

XENA
Gabrielle!

GABRIELLE
If you want all the benefits,
(tightly squeezes Xena’s wrist)
which you seem to be totally intent on taking,
then you have to pay for it.

XENA
(groans)
This is too realistic.

GABRIELLE
(sniffs)
Did you wash up before you put your hands on me?

XENA
This is not in the script.
(kisses Gabrielle’s fingers)

GABRIELLE
You wanted me to play along.
Those were your exact words.

XENA
Save this award winning aspect of your performance for the bad guys.

GABRIELLE
I’m interpreting the part.
What did you expect?
I’m a natural.
I was born to be a thespian.

XENA
(moves hands to Gabrielle’s breasts and resumes kissing her neck)
Mmmm…I always knew you had potential.

GABRIELLE
Xena.
(smiles at the kisses)
I said THESPian.

XENA
You don’t like women?

GABRIELLE
No. I don’t like women.
Women!
(huffs dismissively)
Not just any woman can come along and get me to lie in bed naked with her.

XENA
I did.

GABRIELLE
You’re not just any woman.
You’re my wife.
(grabs Xena’s face, pulls in close to her lips and seductively commands)
And you’re buying me what I want.
Now shut up and kiss me.
(kisses Xena)

XENA
This is treachery.

GABRIELLE
Exactly.

XENA
You’re so good for this role.


- END OF SCENE -

FIN

Copyright & Disclaimer Information
© M.R.H.. Guerriere 12/1/2004 aka Absinthe Angel 777

Legal disclaimer: Xena & Gabrielle are the property of Ren Pics and MCA/Universal.
Notes from the Author: This story may not be reproduced without my express written permission. Thank you, dear reader, in advance for taking the time to consider this piece. I truly appreciate it. Enjoy! - MRHG