JUNIPER’S DAUGHTER - FRAGMENTED WHOLE

JUNIPER’S DAUGHTER - FRAGMENTED WHOLE

   Emma was twenty nine, from Manchester and single. She had a four year old daughter called Kate. Emma was an only child, her mum died of cancer and her dad lived in Sheffield. They’re not very close; he was an absent father. There were only two childhood friends who stuck by each other through a variety of events: first boyfriends, starting work, getting married, having kids and splitting up. All shared experiences. Alison and Lisa were Emma’s friends, knowing one another since Secondary School, aged eleven. Unbroken bonds of friendship, unbreakable?

   They all went on holiday to Spain after leaving school, at sixteen. Getting drunk, chasing guys, being chased in return, met some Spanish lads, were rescued by English teenagers and fled the fight that erupted. The lads fought it out; the girls ran and laughed madly. This holiday brought them closer together and more mad times followed, both good and bad, over the coming years.

   Emma went for her first tattoo with Alison and Lisa when they were all eighteen. Each had a butterfly design, the same but with different colours. Emma’s was blue, Alison’s green and Lisa’s red. Now over a decade later, the tats were a bit faded but still looked cool and got noticed by people who asked what they meant and why all three girls had them. Symbolic in their meaning of a shared bond of friendship, joint experiences, and freedom. When their butterfly tattoos were done, they came from events that happened in each of their lives. Within the space of two years of their holiday, the girls met various boyfriends. They were happy at first.

   Emma met Pete. He was twenty eight, a decade older than her, was a car salesman and appeared a gentleman. His niceness stopped there. Over the three months they were together, Pete used, abused and seduced Emma. Then left. Emma was a mess. Her friends were there for her, wiping away her endless tears and listening to her pour her heart out.

   Alison met Oliver. He was a year older and on the dole. Being a nice guy, she was okay on the fact he was skint all the time. They had a two week romance; he took her pride, a grand in cash and most importantly, her virginity. And was never caught, getting away with it. Alison was Oliver’s doormat. Emma and Lisa were there for her.

   Lisa met Jason, a twenty five year old boxer. He used his skills on her dad after a late night out after her father complained. Jason got the red mist and left the older man in a wheel chair. The six month romance meant nothing to him, nor did his three month stint in jail after the assault trial collapsed. Lisa was terrified to give evidence. The other girls never left her side and supported their scared friend.

   The three girls swore to look after each other and never let a man upset, use or abuse them ever again. They went and got inked, having butterflies on their right shoulders, individual eye catching tattoos. Each picked a colour, their favourite. The tats represented closeness, friendship and femininity, especially in bad situations. They played like butterflies, flitting from bar to bar, from man to man before any got too close, taking what they wanted, always being free. Past lessons were learnt, a lifetime promise of friendship endured. Would it endure a new holiday and all it entailed? They would book it next week and find out.

   Emma reminisced on her youthful times with her mates. Now, they were still young and planned a new holiday back to Spain to remember their earlier times and have a new adventure. Emma attracted all the lads, nice ones and bad ones. Her blond hair and grey eyes captured many hearts, she was a fey lass who was a Tinker Bell and liked to get her way. Being a party person she loved girly get togethers in one of their flats or a night out. Many such nights were in Manchester, involving loud music, smudged lipstick and lots to drink. Especially for Emma, who was single. She paid a baby sitter to watch Kate. Her job as a fashion designer paid for her frivolous life style. On a recent night out, the girls planned their new holiday to Benidorm. Emma had a range of new clothes to take, Lisa a new hairdo to show off and Alison cash from her new job to spend.

***

   In Spain, it was hot. The three girls were on the beach; all wore fetching bikinis and nothing else. Their figures were still trim and very noticeable by the passing guys in swimming trunks. Ignoring these, the girls acted aloof and chatted amongst themselves. Emma whispered, “I do like that blond body builder over by the rocks. You see him?”

   Lisa and Alison glanced to where their friend indicated with her head. Their glance was quick and went unnoticed by the large muscled man. But he noticed their sexy bodies and the promise each scantily clad body held.

   “Very nice. The question is there’s three of us and one of him. Who will have him?” Alison commented, nodding slowly. She risked another glance.

   “Yes indeed. We could all share him,” laughed Lisa, rolling her eyes and smirking.

   Emma stammered a reply, “You what? That’s naughty Lisa. I saw him first, so if anyone should have a choice of him, it should be me. Anyhow, he’s not my type. Too much muscle. He’s probably a himbo.”

   “I think he’s quite sexy, all that toned flesh and who cares if he has the intelligence of a moron,” Lisa replied, “he might be able to go all night!”

   “Yes just imagine that, all night long. Making love seven times, not getting a wink of sleep,” Alison added to the conversation, which was rapidly going downhill. Her face was a look of sheer delight.

   “Right you two, enough of that! We came here to have a break and chill. Yes we can party but enough of that talk, for now. I want to get a tan,” Emma said, silencing the talk. The other girls glanced at the man, to Emma and then out to sea. What were they thinking?

***

   A day later in an exotic Spanish restaurant, the girls were eating a three course meal and were dressed to kill; very sexy looking ladies. The starter had been eaten and they were waiting for the main course. Conversation was light and on a number of topics. Lisa was chatting to Emma when Alison’s attention was drawn to the door. A man walked in. He was instantly recognizable, even in his expensive Armani suit which clung to his body like a second skin, barely hiding his fine physique.

   Crikey! It’s the body builder from the beach. I hope the other girls don’t see him. It’ll be handbags at dawn if they do. I wonder if I can get the man’s room number? I’d love to spend some time with him, thought Alison, running a hand through her hair. Her eyes remained on the man. This wasn’t unnoticed.

   “Alison what are you staring at? Is our conversation boring you?” Lisa commented, looking at her friend.

   Emma stopped talking about music and followed Alison’s stare. It led straight to the muscle man that Emma had originally spotted on the beach. Oh my! He looks fit!

   “It’s him! The muscle man,” Alison said, regaining the use of her voice.

   “He looks a million dollars,” Emma gasped, suddenly feeling light headed.

   “Hands off girls, he’s mine,” Lisa added, nodding in affirmation.

   The damage was done. The body builder spotted the ladies and walked purposely over. In seconds he was with them, towering over the girls. He was a man mountain of muscle and sinew. “Hello ladies. How is your evening? You don’t mind if I join you, do you?” he politely asked.

   Silence descended, each young woman was speechless and spellbound. It was really him, the body builder! He looked even better close up and in a sharp stylish suit. A walking god! If a man could be called beautiful, this one certainly was.

   He dealt with the embarrassing silence by saying, “I’m sorry for interrupting your meal. Maybe I’ll come back another time?”

   “No, no don’t go. Please join us, there’s another seat next to Lisa,” Emma stammered. Was she taking charge of the situation or hoping the man would pick her? It was always about boy meets girl, wasn’t it?

   “Yes, sit here next to me,” Lisa said, moving the empty chair out.

   “Thank you, I think I will then. It’s an honour to meet such nice ladies, it really is,” replied the man, smiling. He sat down in a graceful movement. His size didn’t make him clumsy; it accentuated his poise and style.

   “Nice to meet you. We saw you on the beach the other day,” Lisa said. “I’m Lisa.”

  “Ah yes, when I was doing my exercises. My name is Rudy,” the muscle man said, introducing himself.

   “And I’m Emma and this is Alison,” Emma added, forcing a smile. This is one I can lose. It’s blatantly obvious that Alison and Lisa want to bed Rudy. Just look how Alison looks at him and how close Lisa is sat near him! I must keep cool and not look an idiot. Or he won’t want me.

   “Nice to meet you. I think you all look very nice and lady like. I do approve,” Rudy complimented.  He closely looked at each lady and saw their butterfly tattoos. The girls’ shoulders were all bare on this warm evening. “And what are those? You all have the same tattoos?”

   “Yes, we have the same body art,” replied Emma. She wanted Rudy and tried not to show it.

   “Do you like them?” asked Lisa, only inches away from Rudy. She sensed what he was capable of and could hardly compose herself. Did he know the affect he was having upon the girls?

   “They’re quite unique and it’s different when you all have them and each is a different colour. Yes, I like them very much. What do they mean?” Rudy replied.

   “They mean closeness, friendship, femininity and freedom. We’re all free spirits,” Alison explained. He can have part of my free spirit later, oh yes!

   “No man will ever pin us down or capture us,” Emma said. Was it too late now? Was the cat amongst the pigeons? “We had a number of bad experiences with men some time ago and decided to stick together and never let it happen again. Not with any man.”

   “That’s some reason to have tattoos, it really is. I’ve never heard anything like it. A powerful reason,” Rudy gasped, taken in by the girls’ bond of unity and determination through the years. Did he know that he himself was right now, a very threat to what the girls had agreed to all those years before?

   “Yes, it’s quite different isn’t it?” Lisa commented. “Ah look, here comes the waiter with our main course meal.”

   The young Spanish waiter hurried over carrying three plates full of food. God knew how he didn’t drop them. The conversation stopped while the waiter took the empty plates and glasses and took new drink orders. Rudy asked if he could order a cold beer. It was okay to, Emma nodded.

   “I’m very impressed with you all, thanks for letting me join you,” Rudy said. “Everything about you all is unique and beautiful.”

   “We’re glad you joined us. You have a male beauty all of your own,” Emma whispered. The other two girls were strangely quiet. Were they planning something?

   “Thank you Emma. It’s an honor to join you.”

   The drinks arrived and the four people quietly drank. Each was left with their own thoughts and views on this encounter. Lisa and Alison both read one another’s minds and planned to steal the muscle man from Emma, they knew she liked him very much from the way she avoided their eyes. When would they both act? Would Emma be mad?

   Minutes ticked by and dessert was ordered, along with more drinks. Emma and Rudy chatted amongst themselves, as if the other two girls weren’t there. Lisa and Alison exchanged words now and again. Neither was happy but not showing it. Finally the meal was over and the bill ordered.

   “Let me pay your bill ladies,” Rudy suddenly said. Before anyone could object, especially Emma, he took his bulging leather snakeskin wallet out and took out the cash. With one hand he indicated for the waiter to come over and paid the bill. He left a large tip.

   “Rudy, you didn’t have to pay our bill,” Emma stammered, taken aback.

   “We don’t even know you,” Lisa said.

   “Thanks a lot Rudy,” Alison added.

   “The pleasure is all mine. Thanks for letting me join you and drink with you. I must go now, I’ll see you soon. Of that I’m sure. I’m staying in the Sheridan Hotel, Room 109,” Rudy smoothly replied. He was a really professional player. All of the girls would be calling up to his room.

   “Thanks see you soon,” the girls replied together, as Rudy finished his drink and left the three women. Their eyes never left him till he was out of sight.

***

   Lisa went up to Room 109 to see Rudy, creeping out of her friends' room as they soundly slept. She went up the dark stairway to Rudy's room. Shadows danced over her mousy brown hair and her grey eyes shone with mischief. In her mind she knew what she was doing was wrong; her friends would be hurt but her heart said do it. Lisa climbed the stairs. At Rudy's door, she waited for a minute composing herself. Then she knocked. Seconds ticked slowly by and her heart thudded in her chest. After an age, his door opened. Rudy stood there, before the darkened room, naked. A candle illuminated the scene. How romantic thought Lisa, oh my, he's naked!

   "I knew you would come to me," Rudy whispered, stepping aside to let Lisa enter. He looked longingly at her bare legs under her white t shirt.  

   “Yes, I’m here. Did you think I wouldn’t come?” the young woman said to the alpha male who stood before her.

   He closed the door and stepped toward the girl; she didn’t step back. His arms embraced her and she felt fire course through her body, something making her feel alive. It was her who initiated the kiss. She placed her hand on his neck and drew his face to hers and they kissed.

   She is perfect. Lisa is wonderful, Rudy thought as he held Lisa. His strength was immense but he treated her like a butterfly, for he knew she was delicate even though her kisses were passionate. For ten minutes they stood kissing, eyes closed letting their emotions rule their hearts. Feeling of joy and well being made him reluctant to break their embrace. It was Lisa who did so.

   “To the bed…” was all she said.

   It was six steps to the bed and they took their time. Rudy lifted up and took off Lisa’s t shirt in one swift movement, she didn’t object. It fell to the floor. In the candle light Lisa was stunning, so was Rudy. This was how it was intended all along, from exchanging looks on the beach. The body builder pushed his lady gently down onto the luxurious King Size bed; she was so small under his enormous frame. His cock was erect and it brushed her thigh, her body shuddered.

   “Oh Lisa, you’re perfect,” Rudy whispered, kissing Lisa once on her lips and moving down her face to her neck. Here he lingered for a minute, sending her into dreamy oblivion. Moving lower, he found her breasts and kissed them in turn, sucking her nipples and stroking her breasts. I’m in heaven, nothing can be better than this.

   “My Rudy, you’re perfect. Take me,” replied Lisa, holding his erect member in her hand and guiding it home. She wanted him and she knew he knew it. Moving her body, she guided him home and accommodated his eight inch cock. He thrust deeply into her and she wrapped her legs around his pounding shapely arse, to endure his rapid rhythm. It was obvious he knew what he was doing.

   Groans came from the couple; they were two people in harmony with one another. Each giving something to the other and creating a union they would never forget. Lisa started to cum; her orgasm built up and jolted her body making her move even faster. Her hair was over her face and she screamed and shouted Rudy’s name when he mercilessly made love to the maiden before him. When he shot his load, he moaned and groaned like a man possessed, looking at her through half closed eyes, he struggled for breath while kissing Lisa. For an age their orgasm was a joint thing, created by them. Finally it was over…

***

   Later, Lisa crept back down the stairs to her room. She silently entered and went back to bed totally unaware of Alison watching her and knowing what had happened. After half an hour, Alison rose and went to Rudy to repeat Lisa’s actions. Was this all planned or coincidence? Lisa was soon asleep, tired out by her crazy passionate time with her new lover.

   Alison climbed the stairs and went to Room 109 where Rudy was. She knocked lightly and didn’t wait for a reply, quickly entering and shut the door. Her eyes became accustomed to the candle light and she saw a dark form on the bed; it was Rudy, completely naked. She ran her eyes over his shadowy form and knew he was facing her. Lisa beat me to him but I’ll have my fun with him.

   “Hello young lady. I see you took my invitation and came to join me,” Rudy commented. With one hand he beckoned his guest over. She immediately joined him.

   “I know you made love to my friend Lisa, I saw her return. Now you can have me. Show me how you treat a lady,” Alison replied, running her hand up Rudy’s thigh. His skin was smooth and the muscle firm like steel. They moved closer and kissed.

   Rudy moved his hand up Alison’s silk nightshirt. He felt her body and moaned deeply, his hand finding her breasts.  What an angel.

   “Do it now, do it now Rudy. Make love to me!” she whispered between kisses.

   “Soon my dear, soon.” He held her in his perfectly sculpted arms like an artist holding a unique artwork of infinite value.

   Their kissing was a river of lust, building to a waterfall of love. There was no time here, only two lovers. When they made love, it was slow at first and then frantic like it was the end of the world. Alison cried for the love she had never known, for her heart had never felt like this. What was happening? Was her soul finally healed after years of pain from being broken hearted? Not even her friends knew how much she hurt inside. Only her frail green butterfly tattoo had stopped her from committing suicide.

   “Don’t cry my dear Alison. I’m here for you. Shh, don’t cry my love. No one will hurt you, I’ll protect you,” Rudy consoled her. He kissed her tears and held her close. He felt her body shudder in sadness and stroked her hair, soothing her.

   “I’ve been hurt so many times and no one understands. Now even my friends. All I have known is pain from men in my life, they use and abuse me. You’re the only one I’ve ever told that to,” she quietly said. A single tear ran down her cheek.

   “A woman should never cry. Not over a man. You have an inner strength that few people have. I respect you for that. Don’t be sad Alison; you make me sad because you cry.”

   “You don’t need to be sad for me,” Alison tried to laugh. “I’m a mess inside, it’s as simple as that and I’m not strong. I’m weak and just a boring girl.”

   “I admire you spirit and honesty and beauty. No, you’re not weak. You’re special and beautiful and I love you for who you are. Really, I do,” Rudy commented, kissing her once on the forehead and holding her close.

   “Thank you Rudy.” Alison closed her eyes and dozed, her sadness replaced by happiness and a new belief in herself.

***

   Emma woke in the morning and stretched in her bed. She looked tiredly round their room in the new dawn light and stopped in horror. Alison wasn’t there! She knew right away where she was; in Room 109 with Rudy! Lisa was still asleep and Emma quietly got up and went to confront her friend and her new lover. She was numb and angry. How dare Alison do this! How dare she, she knew I liked Rudy.

   Coming to Room 109, Emma opened the door and peered inside. Two people were in bed asleep. She knew who they were.

   “Hey you two, how dare you do this!” shouted Emma. Tears of rage streamed down her cheeks and the two sleeping forms came rapidly to life, waking up with a start and sitting up in shock. Tired eyes stared at the intruder.

   “Eh? What the hell?” Rudy said.

   “Oh no, Emma...” from Alison.

   “That’s right Alison, its Emma your friend. Or we we’re friends before you did this!”

   “Calm down love, its fine. Don’t get stressed,” the body builder said, placing an arm lazily around Alison. She moved closer to him.

   “Don’t you even talk to me, you himbo! You haven’t got the sense you were born with!” Emma snapped.

   “Emma chill out, we’re having some fun,” Alison commented. The look of betrayal was clear to see.

   “Shut your fucking mouth you bitch! Don’t ever call yourself my friend again, do you hear? I mean it Alison.”

  “Emma, don’t say such things...” the naked girl stammered, realizing what she had done. She looked at Rudy and to Emma.

   “This has gone too far, I want you to leave the room. Now!” Rudy shouted, pointing with his free hand. The other still embraced Alison. It was obvious they were in this together. Emma was the intruder, in the room and in the sense that she hadn’t fucked Rudy, not part of his little club.

   “Before I go, I’ll say this. You two deserve one another. If I ever see you again Rudy I will claw your fucking eyes out and cut your prick off, do you understand? As for you Alison, this friendship of ours is over. You made your choice when you joined lover boy there.” Emma gained strength through her anger and turned to leave the room. She was stopped by a final verbal bullet from Rudy. It was devastating.

   “Give my regards to Lisa. She’s a good lover, different from Alison. Shame I never had you Emma, I’d like to see how you compare to your friends.”

   “Fuck you both...” Emma shouted and left the room. She didn’t close the door.

***

   Lisa was in bed pretending to be asleep. She knew Emma was upstairs at Room 109 and she doubted it was three in a bed, more like a confrontation. This was proven to be correct when Emma stormed into the room and hurriedly grabbed her things. Lisa sat up and watched her friend put on a pair of cut down jeans, her sandals and head for the door.

   “Wait, Emma, please don’t go. Where are you going? Come back,” Lisa cried, red in the face. Her betrayal was obvious.

   “Be quiet!” snapped Emma, picking up her mobile phone, money and passport.

   “I can explain. Listen to me.”

   “Fuck off you whore! You should be up there in Rudy’s bed with Alison. I know what you did, you pair of cunts!”

   “Don’t call me that. It was only some fun. It’s still not too late for you to fuck Rudy. We planned it all out,” Lisa said, crying.

   “You’re even more of a cow than Alison is. I’m flying home alone. Our friendship is over. Don’t try to call me ever again.” Emma left the room and slammed the door.

***

   Emma was aboard Olympic Flight 457 heading back to England. She tried to sleep but couldn’t. In her mind she saw Alison and Rudy in bed together and Lisa doing the same thing, earlier on. My two best friends, conniving against me to fuck some body builder they don’t even know. Both of them knew I liked him and fancied him. How dare they! We can never be friends now, not ever. When I get back home, I’m having my stupid butterfly tattoo removed. It doesn’t mean anything now, except pain and betrayal. Those bitches!

   The silver airliner flew majestically through the clear blue sky at forty one thousand feet. On the weather radar a big cold front was visible, reaching up to forty five thousand feet. The jet couldn’t climb over it; it was at maximum height. The pilot radioed Air Traffic Control and changed course. On a parallel course ten thousand feet higher and invisible to radar or the human eye, a silver flying disc followed the jet. A witch was inside. She had a bad feeling something terrible would happen.

   Yes we had some good times but now it’s time to move on and think of myself for once. I’ll change my number, email and block those two bitches on facebook. If they contact me, I’ll have them done for harassment. Time for a new start. Some good can come out of this, Emma thought, opening her eyes and looking out of the window. She saw huge grey clouds and jagged flashes of lightning. Then felt the turbulence hit, making the twin engine airliner lurch sickeningly. The Fasten Seatbelt sign came on and the pilot made an announcement on bad weather and a change of course.

   Juniper’s Daughter knew the airliner was heading for a storm. The black grey clouds towered up to her altitude. Opening up a vision window, the witch saw the jet slowly turn away from the wall of cloud. It was too late! Lighting reached for the frail metal plane. And found its mark.

   “I must save the airliner from the storm and all aboard,” Juniper’s Daughter commented. She dipped the nose of her disc and arrowed down to the plane.

   “Just brilliant,” Emma muttered. The passenger next to her heard her remark and nodded in agreement. Things became bad. A flash of lighting and a bang shook the whole airframe. A small of burning filled the cabin.

   Suddenly the turbulence became worse and the jet nose dived. Emma checked her lap belt and took a deep breath; her stomach was in free fall. Something was wrong. The airliner was in a dive and not flying level. Was the pilot trying to fly under the storm?

   Juniper’s Daughter was flying a hundred metres above the crippled airliner. She saw lighting repeatedly hit the plane. She energized her laser system to hold it in a tractor beam and guide the jet to safety. When she was just about to lock on it happened. Multiple massive bolts of lighting hit flying disc and a surge of energy smashed into the jet with a billion volts, upending it and sending it off course, upside down. The witch was knocked unconscious and was unable to help. She was in danger of dying herself. Her craft fell to the ocean like an autumn leaf.

   A whine indicated the engines were at full power and the plane vibrated. Luggage storage lockers popped open and bags and duty free bottles fell out, concussing several passengers. A stewardess who was trying to calm the passengers was thrown to the ceiling like a spider in a web. Panic gripped the cabin and the airliner rolled upside down, beginning its death dive into the cold choppy ocean many miles below. Two hundred and sixty seven souls were aboard the Olympic airliner. One was an upset young lady called Emma.

***

   Lisa and Alison stayed in Spain having fun with Rudy. They were certain Emma would come round and forgive them for their little erotic escapade when they got home. Lisa was watching the news in a bar when a news flash came up of an airliner going missing over the Mediterranean. She knew it was Emma’s plane. Sickness filled her entire body and she ran screaming from the bar, looking for Alison.

   Alison was with Rudy in the pool, chilling out and enjoying time together. Both looked up in alarm when Lisa ran towards them. She was hysterical. The couple hadn’t heard of the air crash.

   “Emma’s plane has crashed. She’s dead...”

   “What? What did you say?” Rudy asked, incredulous.

   “Lisa, you’re not making sense. We’ll see Emma next week when we return home,” Alison said. Is Lisa playing a joke on us?

   “She’s dead, God damn you! Her jet went down; it was on the fucking news!” Lisa screamed, weeping and collapsing to the floor. Alison got out of the pool and went to embrace her distraught friend. Rudy athletically climbed out and ran to the bar. He had a word with the waiter, who switched on the satellite TV. Rudy turned up the volume and they all heard the truth:

   “Olympic Flight 457 nose dived into the Mediterranean Sea after flying into a thunderstorm. It is feared all aboard are lost. Wreckage has been found and the search for survivors is continuing. No one has been found alive at the moment. Three bodies have been found...”

   Rudy’s eyes never left the large plasma TV. He started to cry. This was his fault! Oh my God. What have I done? If I hadn’t seduced the two girls, Emma wouldn’t have left for England and she’d still be alive. How can I live with this? What have I done?

   Alison and Lisa wept like children. They were as guilty as Rudy. What had they done?

***

   Two days later three bodies were found at the base of a cliff, smashed apart on jagged rocks and soaked by ocean spray. The broken body of a body builder and two English ladies with butterfly tattoos. A fourth body, with a butterfly tattoo, lay trapped one thousand metres under the Mediterranean Sea, in a crushed and broken airplane. Four young people, three who had endured so much, were together in heaven.

   Juniper’s Daughter was trapped in her damaged flying disc four miles from the airliner on the seabed. The silver flying saucer lay on its side against a seamount, debris littering the immediate area. Exotic alloys were holed and damaged. Internal systems were compromised. Not even the Devil had been able to do this before. Was he behind the thunderstorm? Had he finally won his eternal war of darkness?  The witch’s craft was invisible to sonar and not found by those looking for the jet. For her there would be no rescue. Was the witch dead too?

***