Holly was such a bright and vivacious young girl. On an impulse she got up and left the house, driving across town to the Carter house, to see if she could do anything. When she pulled up at the bungalow a full media circus was beginning. A little girl snatched out of her very home in sleepy Holland Marsh was big news. Sam walked up to the door and, before she could knock, it opened. A uniformed policeman stood in the doorway.

"Yes? Can I help you?"

"Uh... Yes. My name is Dr Hightower, I'm the Principal at Holly's school. I wanted to talk to Holly's parents, see if I could do anything."

"They aren't seeing anyone at the moment. But I'll let them know you called."

"Okay. Thank you." The words were hardly out of Sam's mouth when the door was closed in her face.

She turned and walked back to her car, trying to ignore the flashes from the cameras and the shouted questions of the reporters.

Once Sam was behind the wheel and driving she realised that she didn't want to be alone. Turning right instead of left she made her way through tree lined streets until she came to Rachel's house. She walked up to the door with a heavy heart and rang the doorbell. Rachel opened the door and, taking one look said "You've heard the news." Rachel opened her arms and Sam fell into them, taking comfort from her friend's calm. After a while Rachel pulled back slightly and brushed Sam's hair from her face. She kissed Sam on her pale lips and smiled softly. "Come on inside. You look like you need a drink." The two old friends went inside, Rachel grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses and then sat down next to Sam, her soft hip touching hers. As they sat, slowly drinking the wine Sam explained to Rachel her feelings. "Its hard to explain... I suppose it's something to do with how happy I've been since I settled here. This is the only place I've ever felt truly safe. And now..." "I know my darling, we all feel violated by Holly's abduction." Rachel held one of Sam's trembling hands between her own and stared deep into her violet eyes. Sam was silently crying, the tears rolling over her pale cheeks. Rachel reached out with her hands gently brushed the tears away with her thumbs. Gazing at her oldest friend with a slight smile on her lips, Rachel leaned forward and brushed a kiss over her lips. Sam moaned and opened her lips slightly, encouraging Rachel to go further. Rachel slipped her hands over Sam's shoulders and cupped the back of her head, pressing her lips harder against Sam's. Slowly she extended her tongue, licking lightly over her sweet lips and into her welcoming mouth. With a groan that came from deep within her soul, Sam surrendered herself to her first love.

Rachel eased Sam down so that she was lying on the couch. With trembling hands she reached out and began to unbutton Sam's blouse......(cont)