Chapter Six: Seeking the Truth

Motionless, Janice stood as the world around her seemed to crumble right before her eyes. She steadied herself with the aid of the banister and wondered why the fates would be so cruel and merciless. She silently tightened her hand into a fist and breathed in hard. The tall man looked over Mel's shoulder and smiled. "Hello." Janice nodded.

"Oh, where are my manners?" Mel shook her head as if that would help her regain her composure. She stepped aside and allowed the dark-haired man to step forward. "Charles Lombard, this is Doctor Janice Covington."

Charles extended his hand. Janice took it and squeezed tightly. "So you are the one whose been keeping Melinda away from home?"

"You could say that." Janice carefully looked over the tall man before her. His white shirt was open at the top and his black pants were neatly pressed while his black hair hung just above his ears. He was handsome. "Actually, I couldn't get rid of Mel even if I tried." Janice tried to smile, but her lips curled into a slight smirk. Janice looked over to Mel, her eyes full of questions. Who exactly was this guy? Before she could say anything, Mel grabbed Charles's forearm and led him into the living room. Mel motioned for Janice to join them, but she hesitated. She looked down at her hand that was still clinched in a fist. She released her fingers and followed the couple into the other room.

"Last I heard, you were still up north. When did you get back?" Mel sat on the sofa with her legs crossed as she waited for the answer to her question.

"I got back a couple of months ago. I came around, but I heard you had up and left for Greece. Trying to live out that adventurous streak of yours." He smiled slightly. "Well, I found out yesterday that you were back in town so here I am. It's really good to see you again, Melinda." Charles looked over to Janice who was sitting on a chair opposite him. "So tell me Dr. Covington, what exactly are you looking for in Greece? I would think an archeologist would be down in Egypt searching for some lost treasure."

Janice smiled and leaned forward. "What I'm looking for is much more valuable then any Pharaoh treasure. I'm looking for history."

"History, Dr. Covington? I'm sure history doesn't pay well." Charles took a sip of his iced tea. "Wouldn't you much rather prefer the spoils of your profession?"

"I'm not in this for the money or the glory. I seek the truth."

"We are looking for certain scrolls which would change the way we looked at the world," Mel interjected. "Janice is continuing her father's search."

"Oh, that is noble of you Dr. Covington." Charles looked over to Mel. "I'm sure Melinda has been a great asset to your search for...the truth."

"Yes, she has." Janice looked over at Mel. "Without her, my research would be at least three months delayed. I owe her a lot." Mel's eyes were fixed on Janice. She smiled at her words. This was the closest she had ever come to saying that she needed Mel.

Charles placed his drink back on the coffee and turned his attention back to the lovely blue-eyed woman sitting next to him. "So I assume you are back to stay?"

"Well, Janice and I are planning on heading back to Greece once we can get some funding together."

"Oh." Charles was visibly disappointed. "I was hoping we could...catch up on old times now that you are here."

"I would like that. I'm not planning on leaving right away."

"Good." Charles gave Mel a lop-sided grin.

Janice felt like she was witnessing something that she shouldn't have been seeing. These were obviously two people who shared a past together. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

Charles grabbed Mel's hand. He kissed her knuckles lightly. "It's really good to see you again."

Janice could not contain the need to leave the room any longer. She felt as if a weight had suddenly landed on top of her chest as she quickly and abruptly rose from her chair. "I'm going to..." She brought a small cigar to lips. "Excuse me." She hurriedly headed for the bronzed, engraved patio doorknob. Once outside, she absorbed the warm, moist air as her breathing returned to normal. She slammed her fist again the red brickface of the house. How could she been so stupid? How could she even think...Mel would want to? She let the smoke slowly escape her lips. She needed this release. As she looked up at the beautiful and ethereal dark night sky, she heard the sound of Mel's laughter make its way through the patio door. She needed to take a long walk. Suddenly, the patio door opened with a decided creaking noise. Charles smiled as he shut the door behind him.

"I need some air." Janice could only grumble in response. Charles walked toward the smaller woman. "Have I said something to offend you? If I have, I deeply apologize."

"Don't apologize." Janice said sharply through her teeth. "You've done nothing...you haven't offended me." She took the small cigar out of her mouth and let it burn between her fingers. "I just haven't been myself lately."

"Melinda tells me you just recovered from a very serious illness."

"Mel tends to exaggerate. I just caught a little bug that's all." Janice put the cigar back into her mouth. "I'm fine now."

"As I can plainly see." Charles studied the small, blond-headed woman. "You're not like most doctors I've met."

"Well, I'm not like most people you've ever met either." Janice could feel her anger starting to rise. Why was he out here talking to her? "I'm more of a hands-on archeologist. I hate museums and lecture halls. I'm in my element when I'm at a dig."

"I see." Charles followed his arms. "And how did you met Melinda?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" She flicked the excess ash from the cigar and quickly tried to bottle her anger. "I'm sure she can tell you the story better than I can. Why are you asking so many questions?"

"I just want to know who Melinda's friend is."

"Hmm...and why does that interest you?"

"I...I care about what happens to Melinda. I just want to know if..."

"Listen Lombard, she's in no danger from me. I care..." Her words were abruptly cut off by the sounds of the patio door opening as Mel poked her head outside.

"I was wondering where you two disappeared to. Are you two okay out here?"

"We're fine." Janice interjected. "We were just getting better acquainted." Janice stared at Charles.

Charles intently and unwavering stared back into her emerald green eyes. "Yes we were. Melinda, I think I should be going. It was rude of me to call upon you so late in the evening."

"Nonsense. You are always welcome here. You know that."

"I'll come by tomorrow in the afternoon. We can talk more about the old days." Charles extended his hand. "Every nice to meet you Dr. Covington. I hope to continue our discussion soon."

Janice tightened her grip on his hand. "You can count on it."

"Come on Charles, I'll walk you to the door." Mel grabbed his forearm and led him back into the living room.
===========================
This was when Janice felt the most useless. At the dig-sites, she was constantly the one giving the orders, but now she could only sit back and watch Mel do what she did best. And watch she did. Sitting infront of the large desk, Janice stared as Mel pushed up her glasses back upon the bridge of her nose. With her hair up in a tight bun, Janice had a clear view of her soft, slightly tanned neck. Eventually, her gaze made its way further downward. Janice then closed her eyes and buried her face in her hands before sinking back into the leather chair and breathing in deeply. She looked at the large map of Macedonia that hung on the wall near her. Why the hell was she here? She didn't need to be. She could be over there doing something more constructive then watching Mel decipher the remaining scrolls. It was getting late. She rubbed her eyes and looked at her pocket watch. It was a quarter past midnight. She looked across the desk. Mel's head was buried in a book. Several volumes of reference material were piled upon the desk. Her strand of black hair kept landing near her eyes. She finally pushed it back over her ear. "Mel, why don't we call it a night? It's getting late. You need to rest those blue eyes of yours."

"If you're tired, you can go on to bed. I'll be fine down here."

Janice got up from her chair and made her way across the desk. She closed several of the books that lay open upon the desk. "Hey, what good are you to me if you make mistakes. Tomorrow."

Mel took off her black frames and rubbed her eyes. A yawn escaped her lips. "I guess I could use some rest." She slid the frames back onto her face.

Janice watched Mel intently. "Come on, get some sleep." Janice started to walk out of the door. She stopped when she sensed Mel was standing directly behind her.

"You haven't asked," Mel said in almost a whisper.

"About what?" Janice said over her shoulder.

"Charles. I thought maybe you would want to know..."

Janice turned around and cut Mel's words off with a curt gesture. "Who you decided to see...it...it isn't any of my business."

"I just thought...I mean...I never mentioned him before and I thought you might be curious." Mel could see that Janice was annoyed. "Well, Charles is a friend of the family's. We grew up together." Janice's look softened. "He left for school up north and he stayed there for a couple of years. He's obviously back in town."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because...friends share. I mean if a strange man came to you, and you were excited to see him, I would wonder who he was."

"Believe me, there are no strange men in my past." She smiled slightly. "You didn't have to tell me. He seemed..." Janice paused to find to right word. "Nice."

"Charles is a true gentlemen. He's warm, sweet, and kind. We haven't seen each other in two years. He hasn't changed a bit though." Mel yawned. "Excuse me."

"Mel, go to sleep. We can talk in the morning." Janice slowly backed out the door. "Good night."
===========================
Janice turned once more in her bed. Her body ached and stiffened in the soft, large bed, but her mind raced. She replayed the day's events in her mind's eye. She saw Mel jump into his arms. She hated the feeling this memory induced, but soon her visions turned to her fingers touching Mel's; their hands were united. Emotions swelled within her. Anger and jealousy joined with love and desire, but it was the sensation of Mel's touch that entered her mind at the moment she drifted off to sleep. She smiled.

Chapter Seven: Only a Dream

"I close my eyes
and see your face before me
slowly sending me
to a place I never thought possible
-or maybe it just is
with you"

Janice blinked twice as her eyes tried to adjust to lightness. Despite the fact the curtains were closed, the sun still managed to find its way into the room. She tried to move, but her body had its own ideas about getting up. She was definitely not a morning person. She removed the sheets from her bare legs and sat awake for a few minutes before she decided to get herself something to eat. Well, if she could find where the refrigerator was. She slipped on her pants and moved slowly toward the door. She proceeded toward the stairs in the hallway passing a grandfather clock along the way. It read 7:30 am. Mel was probably up by now.

Just as she reached the top stair, Janice heard a muffled scream. All her senses told her something was wrong as she quickly turned around and ran back down the corridor. She stopped just outside the door of Mel's bedroom. Another scream pierced the silence of the Pappas estate and it was definitely coming from just beyond Mel's door. Janice frantically turned the door handle, but it was locked. She knew she had to break it down. She backed up and ran, shoulder first, straight for the door, but nothing happened. She backed away from the door again and ran toward it as if her life depended on it. The door flew open with a decisive crash. Janice landed on the floor of Mel's bedroom. Gripping her right shoulder, a sharp pain ran making its way through her, she looked up and saw Mel lying on her bed. The muffled scream came again, but this time she called out "Charles." Janice rose to her feet and saw Mel happily lying beneath the weight of her childhood friend. Charles grunted as he moved between Mel's thighs. Mel's head was buried at the base of Charles's neck. Another groan rose from her throat.

Suddenly, Charles looked directly at Janice. His brown eyes were cold and unfeeling. "You see, she wants me. She's always wanted me." Mel groaned again as if to affirm what he had just said. "Just leave. Get out of her life. I'm here now." Charles then buried his head in between Mel's breasts.

Janice tried to move, but she couldn't. The pain in her shoulder started to throb and her legs felt like two blocks of steel. She saw as Charles's hand moved toward the nightstand. Janice could make out something long and silver. She realized it was a knife. He grabbed the long knife and gripped it tightly in his hand. He looked up once again at Janice and smiled.

"NO!! Mel!!" Janice tried to move again, but she still couldn't. She saw as Charles buried the knife in Mel's shoulder. The white sheets began to turn a deep red. Charles laughed. His hips continued to thrust in between Mel's thighs and she continued to moan. The bloody knife rose again.

"NO!" Janice's hand tightened into a fist. She shifted her weight and launched herself into Charles with all her force. He was knocked off the bed. The knife flew across the room. Janice looked at Mel. Her eyes were closed tightly, but she was laughing. Blood covered her face. Janice knew Mel had to be in shock. Blood continued to flow freely from her shoulder. Mel's eyes flew open, but they had a look Janice had never seen before. She was knocked back. It was the same cold, unfeeling look Charles had. "Mel, what did he do to you?"

"You should have left when you had the chance." Mel's cold tone matched her cold stare.

Janice turned around. Charles held the knife over her head. She couldn't move again. She tried to scream as the knife came toward her, but....

Janice jerked out of bed. Breathing heavily, her body was covered in sweat and her heart knocked against her chest rapidly. Her cotton shirt clung to her like a second set of skin. It was still dark outside. She took a deep breath and tried to calm down, but the images of the dream still lingered. She rubbed her eyes and buried her face in her hands. "It was just a dream," she repeated to herself in a low whisper. She removed the cotton bed covers from her bare legs. She couldn't sleep anymore. She was totally awake now. She slipped on her pants. Maybe she could get some work done downstairs. She still needed to catalog the scrolls they had found.

Cautiously, Janice opened the bedroom door, but no strange noises greeted her awaiting ears except for the sound of the ticking grandfather clock. Slowly, she moved down the hall and stopped at Mel's bedroom door. She placed a palm on the door to reassure herself that everything was okay. She wanted to go in, but the memory of the dream sent chills down her spine. She was scared at what she might find on the other side of the door. She slowly moved her hand toward the handle. She turned it. She was slightly relieved when she found the door was unlocked. She went inside. Mel's room was dark, but she could see the outline of her body on the bed. She moved cautiously toward the bed. She didn't want to wake up her. She didn't want to have to explain why she was in her room so early in the morning. Janice stared at her sleeping friend. She looked peaceful. A slight smile graced her lips. Her black hair cascade over her bare shoulder, and her hands were tucked underneath her pillow. Janice looked over at the nightstand and was again relieved only to find her neatly folded glasses. There was nothing out of the ordinary, and Janice didn't want anything to be out of the ordinary. She took in a long breath. Even when she was asleep, Mel was still beautiful, even more so. Janice couldn't resist brushing some hair out of Mel's closed eyes. She stirred silently, but she didn't wake up. Janice slowly backed out of the room and quietly closed the door upon her exit.

Janice eyes blurred slightly as she wrote. The sun was slowly beginning to rise outside as she shifted in the large leather chair. She did like this study. She looked down at her notes. All the scrolls they had found at the last dig-site were in good condition. In total, there were ten scrolls. Each neatly wrapped and each with its own story to tell. She cursed herself for being so careless as to let the first batch of scrolls they found in Ares' tomb slip through her fingers. That idiot Jack from Hoboken better be taking really good care of them. Janice reached for the small scroll, part of Gabrielle's journal. Gabrielle, her ancestor, wrote this thousands of years ago. It seemed only fitting that the scrolls should end up in her hands, back with the family. She picked up Mel's transition of the scroll and read it again. Xena and Gabrielle's bond seemed unbreakable. Janice wondered if they ever found out how they felt about each other. I hope so. As much as she hated to admit it, she was a slight romantic. Janice moved to the leather couch. Her head now seemed heavy. She stared out of the window for a few minutes. The South Carolina sky was now a glow with red-orange sunshine. As much as she tried to fight it, sleep overtook her in a few minutes.

Mel's hands moved sensuously down her back. Janice did love how she felt against her skin. Each touch sent Janice closer to the edge. She brushed the hair out of Mel's eyes and stared into them. There was no need for words as blue eyes met green. She could tell what she was thinking. She knew. This was love. This was what it was like to share life with someone. Janice brought her hands to Mel's face. She brushed her lips with her thumb. Mel closed her eyes waiting for the kiss she knew was coming. Janice leaned in and touched Mel's lips with hers. The kiss was soft at first, but as the moments passed, it deepened. Janice never wanted it to end. Her lips parted as she buried her hands in Mel's long hair. She loved this woman and she wanted to show her just how much. Janice shifted her weight slightly. She pressed her body tightly against Mel's. "This has to be a dream," Janice muttered as her lips moved down Mel's long, soft throat.

Mel brought her mouth against Janice's ear. She whispered, "I love you, Janice," but she kept saying her name. "Janice." Mel's voice sounded far away. "Janice." She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Janice." Janice opened her eyes. Mel's face was mere inches away, but instead of a look of love and desire, she found a question. "What are you doing down here so early?"

Janice rubbed her eyes and sat up on the couch. She moved slightly away from her. The memory of the dream still weighing on her mind. "I...I couldn't sleep, so I came down here to see if I could get some work done. What time is it?"

"Almost eight o'clock." Mel sat down on the couch next to Janice. Her long brown legs crossed underneath her. "Why did you have trouble sleeping?"

"Ah, you don't want to know." Janice stood up and stretched. She walked toward the large oak desk. "Mel, I was thinking this morning. Do you think you could get me a meeting at the university? We really do need this money. I wouldn't ask you otherwise, but I can't stay here for that much longer or I'll go insane."

"I thought you liked it here."

"I did...I do, but this isn't what I'm used to. Servants and nice furniture. I would much rather be at a dig."

"I'm sure I could call some people. My father is still well respected at the University. It shouldn't be a problem." Mel seemed a little disappointed.

"Great." Janice couldn't seem to hold eye contact for too long. The dreams still lingered in her mind. She did needed to get away from this mansion as soon as possible. At the dig, her mind would be occupied doing other things. Here, she had time to dwell on thoughts and feelings. Now, she was having dreams. All of this was beginning to take its toll. "I guess we should try to get some work done then."

Chapter Eight: More Than Friends

Charles adjusted his crisp, white shirt unbuttoning the final two buttons. The midday heat was beginning to make its presence known. The South Carolina heat made it almost impossible to wear the formal suits he was used to up north. He never realized how much he loved his hometown and his family until he came back. He also never realized how much he missed a certain Southern beauty until he saw her again. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder. Charles had always cared about Melinda, she was his first real love, but they had never been more than friends. He was planning on doing something to change their stasis. Melinda was the perfect woman with beauty, charm and humor. She could be the perfect wife and the perfect mother. Charles could climb the ranks of Charleston society with the stunning Pappas beauty on his arm. He ran his hand through his hair once more and rang the doorbell to her South Carolina mansion. Melinda would be his, after all, they were meant to be and no one was going to dare stand in the way of destiny.

Janice heard the chimes from the study. Standing on a stepladder, Mel was looking for a particular reference book on the many shelves. She looked up Janice who was scribbling something in her notebook. The chimes came again, and dropping her pen, Janice got up from her chair. She walked over to the study door and peered out. There was no one in sight. She walked slowly toward the front door and turned the handle. Janice groaned inwardly as she caught sight on who was on the other side of the door. Charles's smile waned slightly as his eyes might Janice's. "Dr. Covington, how are you this afternoon?"

"Fine," she said still holding the door slightly ajar.

"May I come in?" Charles stood impatiently with his hands behind his back. He had been taught it was improper to enter a house without being properly invited in.

"Might as well." Janice stepped aside to let the tall man in. She had the overwhelming urge to hit him across the jaw. Images from her dream were still fresh on her mind.

Charles looked down at the smaller strawberry-blond woman and knew she was trying to hide animosity underneath a thin layer of indifference, but he could see her eyes were ablaze with anger. Charles felt a little bit of anger well inside of him as well. "Is Melinda here?"

"She's here. I suspect she's expecting you." She closed the front door. "She's in the study. I'm sure you remember where that is."

Charles walked ahead of Janice. He was a proper gentleman indeed. He was respectful and polite, but there was just something about this guy that made Janice's blood boil. The memories of what he did in her dream didn't help matters either. It seemed he was always trying to hide something underneath that gentleman facade.

Mel's eyes lit up upon seeing her childhood friend. She hugged him and kissed his cheek.
"I wasn't expecting you until later."

"Well, I'm here early. If this is a bad time, I'll go..."

"Nonsense. I was going to take a break anyway." Mel looked over at Janice who stood just behind Charles near the door. Her eyes held a look Mel had never seen before. She quickly looked away and focused her attention on Charles. "We've been working for a while."

Janice stood back and absorbed the scene. They did make a handsome couple. Mel's soft features and blue eyes complimented his dark eyes and sturdy frame. They shared something that Janice could never be apart of....a history. "I'll leave you two to catch up on old times. I'll be..." Janice grabbed her notes from the large oak desk and made a hasty exit before Mel could insist that she stay. She didn't want to be apart of this trip into nostalgia.

Mel watched Janice leave. This was so unlike her. Before she could say a word, Janice had disappeared through the door. She turned her attention back to Charles.

"So what are you working on with Dr. Covington?"

"I'm translating some of the ancient scrolls we brought back from the last dig." Mel pointed to the desk scattered with papers and open books. She carefully picked up the scroll she had been working on. "This is thousands of years old."

Charles looked over Melinda's shoulder. "Are you really happy doing this? Translating scrolls. Taking orders from this Dr. Covington."

Surprised, Mel turned around. "Yes, I am happy...for the first time in my life. I'm finally doing something I'm good at. And I love being with..." There was a momentary pause "..being partners with Janice."

"From what I've seen, Dr. Covington hardly seems to the type to treat people as equals. How did you fall in with her?"

"Well, I was going through Daddy's things and I found a telegram from her. I needed to get away from this for a while. So I boarded a plane...."

"Melinda, you can't be safe at those digs. I mean there is a war going on in Europe. Why don't you stay here? Why are you planning to go back with her?"

"She needs me." Mel said swiftly. "To translate the scrolls I mean."

"Seems to me like she doesn't need anybody," Charles said with a slight tone of disgust in his deep voice.

"Well, she does. Like I've said, we are partners."

Quickly, Janice made her way up the stairs. By the time she reached the top stair, she had to catch her breath. Why was all of this happening? Why was she feeling this way? She hated being at the mercy of her emotions. She hated being a slave to them, but there was nothing to do. As much as she tried to fight it, she knew that she was more than friends with Mel. At least, she wanted to be. She silently reached her door and opened it. She had to get out of this place before something happened she would later regret. She was beginning to lose her sanity. She closed the door behind her and wished she could do the same with the flood of emotion that was threatening to overtake her.

Mel took Charles's hand and led him to the leather couch. "Enough about me. What about you? What brings you back to town? I heard you were doing pretty well with yourself up north."

"I was. A law firm hired me right after I graduated, but I just couldn't fit in with all those Yankees. There was just something missing. I decided to come back here and try my luck. I missed home." Charles looked deeply into Mel's eyes. "And...and I missed you. I missed our talks on the porch. I missed this. Up north, I didn't have anyone. I missed being with a friend."

Mel broke eye contact first. "I never realized I was being missed. You sounded so happy in your letters."

"I was...for a while, but then something happens when you realize there is something more than money. I needed to get back here before I lost sight of that all together."

"So you are back to stay?"

"Yes. I'm planning on starting a firm down here. Settling down. Raising a family." Charles grabbed Mel's hand. "All the things I used to talk to you about."

"Oh." It was the only response Mel could mutter. She never thought of Charles like this. He was just...well, just Charles.

"I would love to take you out tonight. Relive old times." He squeezed her hand lightly.

"I would like that." Mel looked down at her hand. She had held Charles's hand many times before, but she knew this was more than two friends showing signs of affection. She didn't let go of his hand. "I would really like that."

Chapter Nine: Sins of a Father

Janice hated getting dressed up, but if this is what it took to get money, she had to do it. She had no other choice. Janice had been here for the better part of two weeks, and she was wondering if Mel's room was beginning to affect her fashion choices. She looked at herself in the mirror for the third time in the last three minutes. Her strawberry-blond hair hung neatly around her face, her bangs covered her forehead and the rest of the strands were swept behind her ears. Her shoes were brightly polished, her cream-colored shirt was clean and her black skirt was neatly pressed, but her pantyhose were still lying on the bed. Instead, she opted to dress without them. Pantyhose were invented by the devil himself, Janice mused as she looked at her strong, tanned legs in the mirror. The last time she wore this outfit, she received a grant for five thousand dollars. Maybe it would work again, she thought to herself. Not that she believed in superstition, but it couldn't hurt.

A light knock came at the door. "Come in, Mel." Mel paused in the doorway as she took in the sight of Janice's well-toned legs exposed by a skirt which hung around her knees. Bright red lipstick and a hint of blush adorned her normal tanned complextion while her hair hung in loose, soft curls around her face. Mel could not believe this was the same tough-talking, cigar smoking, whiskey drinking Janice Covington, and she had to admit, she liked seeing this softer side.

"If you say a word..." Janice said as she pointed an accusing finger.

"No, it looks...you look nice." She walked over and removed a bit of excess lipstick on the side of Janice's mouth and moving a few strands of hair back over her shoulder. Mel smiling at the short, yet intimate contact. "I just have to get used to seeing your legs that's all."

Janice looked down at herself. "I have to get used to seeing them too."

"Are you ready?"

Janice breathed in slightly and tossed a glance at the mirror. "As I'll ever be."
===========================
Mel drove cautiously. She hated to drive, but Janice didn't know the way to the university. It was decided the trip would be much less taxing if she did the driving. The last thing they need was arriving late to a meeting with head of the archeological department and other university officials. Janice carefully fumbled with notes she had written the night before.

She looked over at Mel. She had been spending more and more time with Charles of late. It had been almost week and a half since he arrived on her doorstep, and it always seemed he was around. They always seemed to be on the front porch immersed in some deep conversation about some distance childhood memory or laughing about some wild childhood dream. Janice hated to walk past the front window. The sight that greeted her always sent a dull, numbing pain throughout her body. Charles's hands would always be resting comfortably in Mel's. Janice tried to cover up what this was doing to her. Mel was still getting translating done, but Janice hardly had a moment alone with her where they could talk. Maybe it was better this way. Maybe if Mel weren't around so much, it would be easier to forget what she was feeling. But looking at Mel right now, it was hard to think of anything but what she was feeling. She looked back at her notes. She had stared at Mel long enough.

"Janice, you'll do fine. They are just people you know. Like you and me."

"Well, maybe like you, but definitely not like me. I'm so close, Mel." Janice stared off in the distance. "I can't let my father down."

"You won't." Mel looked over at Janice. She smiled slightly.

"I wish I could share your vision."
===========================
"As you can see gentleman, the dig will require substantial funding. We are talking about unearthing an entire village, but I can guarantee that what we will find there will be worth the money spent."

A gray-haired man at the other end of a long conference table spoke in a thick Southern accent. "How can you be certain that more scrolls exist, Dr. Covington? You have found almost dozen already."

"The truth is I can't be certain that more exist, but I have a feeling that..."

"Dr. Covington, you can hardly expect us to part with that much money on a feeling?"

"I understand that sir, but even if no more scrolls are found at this site, there will still be great archeological finds that can be uncovered concerning how an ancient Greek village functioned. That knowledge alone is much more valuable than any dollar amount. Finding more scrolls would be an added bonus."

The gray-haired man raised his thumbs to his lips. He regarded Janice questioningly and looked around at the three other men sitting beside him, his gaze finally coming to rest Melinda who sat quietly in the opposite corner. "I can understand your passion Dr. Covington, but have no idea what you're asking. I think I speak for all of us here when I say I admire your tenacity and desire for the truth, but I think there is an issue we have yet to address." He leaned forward and fumbled with a pen. "Your father, Harry Covington, was known to take monetary compensation for artifacts. I don't know if I am all too comfortable with writing a large check to sponsor a dig for his daughter." Janice tried to hide the anger rising within her, but Mel could see she was starting to make a fist underneath the table. His eyes shifted to Melinda. "But, I have know Melinda since she was a baby, and I know she would never bring you here if she didn't completely trust you. She shares her father's abilities as a good judge of character." He looked again at Janice. "Therefore, I can't give you the money you ask for." Janice looked down. "However, I would be willing to give you a trial run, so to speak. The university will sponsor a smaller dig and if everything seems right after that money is spent, we will consider sponsoring a larger dig. That is my offer, Dr. Covington."

Janice rose from her seat and laid her fist on top of the smooth glass conference table. "With all due respect sir," she said with a sarcastic edge, "my father was the best damn archeologist that ever lived. And everything he did was intended to bring him closer to finding the scrolls. I'm not about to sacrifice his dream because some old man in a suit refuses to give me the proper funding. You're offer is unacceptable." Janice walked across the room and grabbed the handle.

"Dr. Covington, I know that was anger talking. My offer still stands. When you've had time to cool down, maybe you will see things my way. My door will be open if you decided to change your mind." He rose from his chair as did the other gentlemen in the room. "It was good to see you again, Melinda."

"Likewise sir." Mel rose and nodded respectfully at the older man. He made his way out of the door with the three other men following him. She turned her attention on Janice who had now moved to the other end of the room. "Janice, why don't you take the money? I mean...prove to them what the daughter of Harry Covington can do."

"You don't get it Mel. As long as I am the daughter of Harry Covington, they'll never see me as anything more than a thief."

"Don't you say that. I know you, Janice Covington. You are the most honest, trust-worthy person I know. I trust you completely. I trust you with my life."

Janice turned around to face Mel. She was taken aback by the sincerity of her look. "Listen Mel, I know that you trust me. I've never doubted that. It's just the rest of the world. I won't stop though...even if I have to raise the money myself." Janice's face softened. "I guess we'll be staying here for a while longer. Come on, let's get out of here." Janice shifted uncomfortably. "This skirt is killing me."

Chapter Ten: Confessions

The South Carolina sky provided yet another lengthy and beautiful battle between the sun and darkness. Janice stood and watched from her bedroom window as night slowly set in. This was becoming a habit. She reflected on today's events, like she had done every day for the past two weeks at this very window. She didn't like the prospect of having to spend an indefinite amount of time in this mansion, but she wasn't about to accept money from an institution that believed her father was a no-good thief. She had to think of some other way to raise the money she needed and fast. Being around Mel was becoming harder with each passing day as she had to constantly fight the urge to reach out and touch her face. Janice reached for a cigar. She lit it and happily absorbed the smoke. This was her form of meditation.

She thought about the tall, southern woman downstairs and the feelings that overwhelmed her whenever she was in her presence. Although she had tried to deny it at first, she had to accept the fact that she was in love with her. She was everything. Her smile filled Janice with an inconceivable joy and her touch sent blissful shockwaves through her body. She had never felt this way about anyone before. She never imagined she could feel like this. Janice tried to envision her life without Mel, and she couldn't. She couldn't even remember what her life before she met her. It was as if she had been in darkness all of her life, until Mel's ethereal, gentle radiance chased that darkness away. God, where was all this coming from. She was definitely turning soft. But she didn't care. There was only when thing that mattered, Mel's happiness.

Janice put out her cigar and took in a deep breath. At least now she accepted the truth, but that still didn't solve the problem. Accepting the truth and living with it were two entirely different issues. She knew she couldn't tell Mel. She didn't want to ruin their friendship, and she certainly knew that she wasn't interested. There was a certain Charles Lombard who seemed to be capturing all of Mel's attention these days. Janice could only watch helplessly as the woman she loved was falling in love with someone else, but what could she do to stop it? She grumbled to herself as the answer came to her...Nothing. She needed some air.
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The sun had long since disappeared below the horizon, and the bright moon had risen to take its place among the stars. Charles leaned back on the porch. A position he had taken many nights these past few days. He stared at Melinda who seemed to grow more beautiful every time he saw her. Her eyes gazed up into somewhere else. Charles smiled to himself. This beautiful woman was here with him. They were together like he had always hoped they would.

Mel looked up at the sky and silently her thoughts drifted back to many nights long ago, when Charles and herself would talk about their dreams for the future staring up a bright, brilliant moon like this one. "This is just like when we were kids. I remember how you told me what you wanted to be in you were older. Oh what was it...I believe you said you wanted to be a great explorer discovering distant lands. I wonder what happened to those exciting dreams."

"Hey, I was only nine. I think I've made out pretty good. And instead of being a great explorer, I'll be a great lawyer helping people and doing the right thing. Besides, I think you've done enough exploring for the both of us."

"So I guess I'll continue doing it for the both of us."

"Please don't leave on my account." He smiled. "I'd rather have you stay here."

Mel glanced over at her friend. He held her gaze for a moment. Mel looked back up at the moon. "Well, looks like I'm going to be staying a while longer now that Janice has refused the university's money. I was thinking about sponsoring the dig myself. I'm sure I have more than enough to cover the expenses..."

Charles cut her off mid-sentence. "Melinda, I don't think that is wise. I mean the university had good reason not to give her the money. Her father was, after all, a grave robber. I wouldn't trust her with any amount of money. I wonder sometimes if the only reason she is here in the first place is to pull off some money scheme."

"Janice would never do that. She is the finest friend I've ever had." Mel's voice rose, as did her anger. "I trust her completely, Charles. She has saved my life on more then one occasion."

"I don't doubt that, but maybe that's the only side she has shown to you. After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

"Charles, I will not tolerate that kind of talk in my house. Janice is the most noble, brave, honest person I know and I will not let anyone say anything to the contrary. You don't know her!"

"I'm sorry." Charles sat down next to her. "It's just that I don't want anyone to hurt you. I care about you too much to let that happen. Especially someone like her." Charles grabbed Mel's soft hand. "I might not know her, Melinda, but I know you. And I know you would do anything to help someone. That's always been one of your greatest strengths....and one of your weaknesses. You want to help someone so much that you are blinded to their real motives."

"Stop trying to protect me, Charles. We're not little kids any more."

"I know we're not kids anymore, but I can't stop how I feel." Charles took a deep breath and looked directly in Mel's eyes. She seemed puzzled by his sudden confession. He could tell she was wondering whether she had heard right or not. He needed to be free from these emotions. "Do you remember how I told you something was missing up north? Well, you were the part that was missing."

"Charles, you mean a lot to me too, but I don't know if..." Charles put a finger on her lips.

"Melinda, I've been wanting to say this for a long time, since we were kids." Charles removed his finger and placed his hands on the sides of her face. "I love you." He whispered slowly as he brought his lips closer to hers. He kissed her gently at her first, but when no resistance came, he kissed her firmly. Charles couldn't believe he was kissing the woman of his dreams. He slowly pulled away. Mel stared at him silently. "I know that you feel the same way. I know you love me too. I can see it in your eyes." He placed her hand in his as he rose from his seat. His eyes remained locked with her as he got down on one knee. "I know all of this is sudden. But when you came back in my life, I knew I couldn't let you go again. I think I've known ever since we were kids that I couldn't be with anyone else. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Charles took a deep breath and said, "Melinda, will you marry me?"
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Janice walked slowly down the stairs and adjusted her hat. She had stared out of that window long enough. The cool South Carolina night was almost begging her to come outside. A little fresh air will do me good, she thought to herself. At the very least, it would give her something to do. She could concentrate on the air, the movement of the leaves, her feet walking beneath her...anything besides what was going on inside her heart.

The house was quiet. The servants had retired for the night. As she reached the bottom of the landing, voices rose from an open window in the living room. She paused as she heard Mel's voice and the unmistakable Southern drawl of Charles. Janice rolled her eyes. What the hell do they talk about for so long? She walked toward the patio door on the other side of the long corridor, when she suddenly realized the voices outside had stopped. She halted her steps and slowly turned around. She reached the middle of the living room when Charles's voice rose again in a slightly silent whisper.

"I know you love me too. I can see it in your eyes." Charles's voice and seemed to echo in Janice's head. She waited to hear any response from Mel, but all there was silence. "I know all of this is sudden. But when you came back in my life, I knew I couldn't let you go again." Janice leaned back against the living room wall. It was the only thing that was holding her up. She waited for Mel to protest, but there was nothing. "I think I've know ever since we were kids that I couldn't be with anyone else. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Janice swallowed as she knew what he was about to say. "Melinda, will you marry me?" Janice had to leave. She couldn't hear Mel's answer. Her silence throughout the whole speech was enough. That was her answer. She didn't know where she was going, but she knew she had to leave the house. She walked across the marble-tiled floor, her boots making little squeaks, but she didn't care. She reached for the patio door's handle and turned the knob.