Reunion Part 13: "Showers of Life

by Judy

A light rain was falling, splashing the windows, and washing away all traces of residue that had settled on the glass. The droplets gathered to form a broad sheet on the pane, then fell in a puddle to the ground, below. Though they couldn't see it yet, the windows would soon open and let in a morning fresh with hope and laughter.

Brenda was the first to wake from their healing sleep. She stirred to the gentle melody of the raindrops singing in contrast to the rhythmic beat of Jax's heart under her head and the soothing sound of his steady breathing above her. She lay in his arms, comforted by his presence. She carefully tried to reposition herself so she could see his face, so strong and serene. She couldn't remember ever watching him sleep before. But as she moved ever so slightly to get a better view, he instinctively clutched her even more tightly - as though fearful she would leave him. Not wanting to disturb his peace or wake him any sooner than necessary, Brenda settled for cautiously feeling her way to his brow and gingerly smoothing the furrows running across his forehead. Then she loving ran the palm of her open hand across the power of his broad chest, absorbing his presence into her body through the connection. She could feel the muscles in his shoulders relax with her caress and she was comforted knowing that he found her touch soothing even as he slept.

She had no idea what time it was as the shutters were tightly closed and she could see only a faint hint of daylight breaking through the wooden slats. The patter of the rain continued and it seemed fitting that the clouds, in unison with her solemn mood, obscured the sun. Even so, the rain seemed to be washing away some of her pain.

She stared at the ring on her finger, reflecting on all the hopes and dreams it represented, as well as the single sadness it would always hold. "I won't let that one slip backward ruin our lives," she determined to herself. She realized life would never be perfect, but instead of that thought making her sad, she became more resolved to enjoy every bit of pleasure she and Jax could know together.

The clock radio signaled the start of the day. The words of the song filling the room mirrored her thoughts so closely that she longed for Jax to join her in the moment and revel in the message she knew he would understand.

"The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling like thunder now
As I look in your eyes

I hold on to your body
And feel each move you make
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake . . ."

As the music reached a crescendo, Brenda could feel Jax's waking presence beneath her. More than the music, her tender caresses had reached him through his slumber and roused him with an overwhelming sense of love and desire. She could feel his knowing eyes burning through her closed lids and she turned her face upward to meet his gaze. He kissed her cautiously. It set her soul on fire.

"Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can

Lost is how I'm feeling lying
In your arms
When the world outside's too
Much to take
That all ends when I'm with you . . ."

"I won't break, Jax" she whispered reassuringly.

It was all the encouragement he needed.

"We're heading for somewhere
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love

The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear
Suddenly the feeling that
I can't go on
Is light years away

"Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can"*

********
The rain continued but the sun was bravely trying to emerge from behind the clouds. Jax and Brenda prepared for their journey home in quiet peace, once again feeling secure and comfortable in each other's presence. As they worked to pack their few belongings into the suitcase they were sharing for the trip back to Port Charles, they occasionally brushed against one another. At each touch, they would pause to enjoy the closeness. They found it difficult to keep to the task at hand when their hearts were once again focussed on each other. Brenda would occasionally look up to find Jax staring at her with such longing and tenderness that her stomach and knees would go weak from wanting him. Knowing that he needed to get back to Port Charles for a long postponed business meeting, she abruptly left the bedroom to keep her attention on getting ready for the trip before them.
Once in the bathroom, she quietly slipped into the shower, the warm water washing over her, her thoughts drifting to what the days ahead might bring. So deep in her musings was she that she hadn't noticed Jax standing in the shower behind her.

Taking the soap from her hand, he trickled a stream of liquid and lather down her back and she nearly collapsed from his touch. So many time during their year together he had followed her into the shower, usually on a challenge she had initiated. It had been part of the game they'd played and both had enjoyed it immensely. Thinking back, Brenda realized it had been part of the flirtation and courting Jax had used to try and win her love. She realized now how much she had missed it.

He was teasing her mercilessly now, blowing in her ear, tickling her and blocking the stream of water with his huge body making her shiver from the lack of warmth. They laughed and it felt good knowing that they still could.

"Hey, no fair hogging all the water," Brenda complained without anger. "I was here first."

"I know," Jax replied with a phony pout, "I'm hurt because you didn't invite me."

"Oh, Jax," Brenda patronized, "I'm sorry. I thought you knew that you had a standing invitation. Besides," she said, slapping his wet thigh gently, "I thought we were in a hurry to get back to Port Charles for your business meeting. I wouldn't want to make us miss the plane."

"It's our plane, remember," Jax whispered seductively in her ear. "I've already rescheduled the meeting."

"I was wondering what took you so long to get in here," she said in a tantalizing tone that made him grab her and kiss her hard and long . . .

********
The sun had broken through the clouds and the air was fresh and clean when they finally threw their suitcase into the car. Before they left, they took a quick stroll down the private beach and watched the sun dance on the water of their reflecting pool. In the brightness of day, the beacon was gone, but their image together was strong and sure.

Reluctantly they said good-bye to Anna who was in tears over their departure. They reassured her they would return soon and often. After repeated rounds of hugs and kisses, they jumped into the waiting car and were off to the airport.

The ride passed quickly as Brenda drank in every sight along the route. These memories would have to hold her until they could return once again.
The flight was smooth and easy. Brenda amused herself with music and magazines while Jax concentrated on long overdue business matters. She was happy just to be with him and he felt the comfort of her presence as he focussed on the computer screen before him.

He couldn't help glancing over at her every once in a while to reassure himself that she was safe and with him.

Each time he did, she was already smiling at him and he trusted that she was truly his.