Sunday Afternoon/Evening: Part 2

Sunday Afternoon/Evening: Part 2

Allison

Allison opened her eyes and glanced up at the clock. “Half an hour? That’s a new record.” She glanced to her side and smiled at the still-sleeping Emanuel, and connected with Kara’s eyes. “Did I wake you?”

She laughed. “No. I woke up a few minutes ago.” She paused and looked at Emanuel. “I think I surprised him a few times there.”

“Both of us to some degree. When did you decide you wanted to join in like that?”

“A little after you both got going on me. I couldn’t help but think how much fun it would be to do that to someone else. And I felt so loved by both of you; how gentle you were to me, the attention you were both paying to me. And after the kiss, those thoughts exploded and I wanted to see if I could make you feel as good as you made me feel.”

“You seem a little confused though.”

“Yeah. I’ve always identified as straight. But all of that awakened something; and now the label doesn’t feel quite right.”

Allison smiled. “At the beginning of last week, I never could have imagined I’d find myself here, doing even a fifth of what I’ve done. But I have, and I feel way better having shed the old labels that really don’t fit anymore. Do you want any advice?”

“Yeah, I could use some.”

“Don’t rush anything. There’s no harm in exploring options, especially if you have someone you can depend on to support you during it. But don’t let anyone push you into trying something you really don’t want to do.”

“What if I kind of want to?”

“Then if you can find someone who you trust to try those things with, there really isn’t any harm in it. The worst that can happen is that you try and, whatever it is, it’s not right for you.”

Kara went silent for a few moments. “And if I said Emanuel is that person? Would you be okay with that?”

“I know it must seem like madness, but I’m sure that I won’t lose him by sharing him with another; even someone else he shares a deep emotional bond with. Does that make sense?”

“In a way. How about” she paused, the nervousness thick in her voice “if I said that you are one of those people?”

Allison smiled gently. “I’d say, I’m honored. It sounds crazy, but this whole thing feels...” she paused and grinned “right. I can’t explain how, but it just does.”

“Emanuel’s mentioned those sorts of feelings before. It really feels right to you?”

Allison laughed softly. “Yes. Just like the feeling that Manny and I are going to last for a long time.”

“Marriage long?”

“Probably. Call me crazy if you like, but that’s how I feel.”

Emanuel stirred between them. “How long have you two been up?”

“Maybe ten or fifteen minutes. We were having a good conversation.”

“Sounds like it.” He turned to Kara. “There’s one more thing Allison and I did if you’re interested.”

“Oh?”

“We made love in the shower.”

“Was it good for you two?”

“Yes. Different, but definitely good.”

Kara paused in thought. “I’d like that if it’s okay.”

“Sure. It’ll just be the two of us, okay? I’m not sure the shower is big enough for three.”

I’d wager it is sweetheart. But, we can explore that possibility another time if we’re all interested.

Kara looks relieved anyway; I’m pretty sure she wanted it to just be the two of us.

Kara got up, walked to the door, and motioned for him to follow. Enjoy yourselves.

I’m sure we will. He smiled and followed Kara toward the bathroom.

Allison breathed deeply and focused on the wall in her mind. That should do it. Am I right in following this feeling? It seems crazy to accept another into our lives so willingly when we’ve just been together for a week; the only thing crazier is seriously considering the idea of being Emanuel’s wife this early in the relationship. And what would happen to Kara if we do follow through on that? Society would suggest that marriage is incompatible with that kind of extra relationship.

She stood up. The books from Tony. Maybe one of them has a little more information on this kind of relationship. Allison dashed toward her room. It’ll probably be in the book we didn’t look as clearly at. I don’t remember seeing anything like this in the other one. What was it that mom called it? Polyamory? She scanned the table of contents. Monogamy and Polyamory; there it is. Let’s see what the book has to say on it.

Some of the more common variants are closed triads/quads/etc, open triads/etc, anarchical or free, and V shapes. Triad merely refers to a relationship with three people in it; quad for four and so on. Closed relationships act a lot like monogamous ones; the people involved have made a commitment to each other, and no one else is allowed in without the agreement of all of them. Open relationships allow their members to take on new relationships as they see fit; usually with some set of boundaries in place that all members agree to. Anarchical are completely free; each person is free to do what they want to when they want to, and anyone may enter or leave at any point. Finally, V’s are simply relationships where one person (the center person) has some intimate relationship with two or more others. These people are sometimes referred to as the spokes of the V; it’s the fact that the spokes usually don’t have a relationships with each other (assuming they actively know each other at all) that separates the V from a triad.

One final, important note: marries couples can be (and often are) some part of these shapes. For example, a married man could have another lover in addition to his wife, just as the wife could have another lover as well.’

So, if I understood this correctly, Manny and I could marry, and Kara could still be in a relationship with one or both of us. That would simplify things considerably. Allison heard her stomach rumble. Seems I worked up quite an appetite. I imagine Manny and Kara will probably be hungry too. She started downstairs towards the kitchen. I’m not sure what we have that I can quickly make. Pasta perhaps? Maybe we have some of mom’s sauce left. Allison opened the refrigerator door. Wait, what’s that? A covered dish with a note on it. She smiled and pulled out the heavy glass pan. ‘Kids: in case you get hungry during or after your adventures, simply bake this at 350 degrees for ten minutes. Love, Mom.’

I should have realized mom would do something like this. But when could she have found the time to put something like this together? Doesn’t really matter. Allison set the oven for 350. Considering how much I hated Kara for so long, somehow I feel like I might be falling for her a little. I’d love it if what we did today can happen again. But, that’s crazy, right?

Allison heard the oven beep, put the dish into it, and set the timer. Maybe not. I think I need to talk to them about this. She breathed in and out deeply, and let the wall dissolve. Manny?

Yes precious?

Are you and Kara hungry? And are you almost done?

She felt him smile broadly. Hungry, yes. And we finished the love making part; we just need to actually wash up.

Okay. Mom left us a big tray of chicken parm. I’m warming it now.

Sounds good. We’ll bring some towels down with us when we’re done.

She felt his wall raise again. I hope I’m right in following these feelings. Intuition mom might call it. She breathed in deeply again, and started to set the table.

Five minutes later she heard footsteps on the stairs. Good. The food is nearly ready.

Yeah. Being able to laugh it off with you two nights ago helped me laugh it off this time as well. Emanuel came around the corner holding two towels. “Smells good.”

“It will be. Can we talk a little while we wait for it to finish?”

Is everything alright precious?

Yeah. It’s future stuff that I want to talk about.

Ah, okay. “Sure. Are you good with that Kara?”

Kara smiled gently. “Yes. I wanted to talk a bit too.”

Allison nodded at Emanuel and motioned to one of the center seats. “Good. Do you want to start Kara, or should I?”

Kara sat down across from Allison. “I’d like to if that’s okay.” Allison nodded; Kara took a few deep breaths and began. “Let me start by assuring both of you that all of this has been wonderful, and I feel good about everything I’ve done today. But, I’m uncertain about one thing” she paused again “where do we go from here? I don’t think I can go back to our relationships as they were before.”

She turned to Emanuel. “I feel so much closer to you than I ever thought possible. And to be honest, that scares me a little. I can see how close you two are, and kind of want something like that.” She turned to Allison. “I’m actually a little surprised just how close I feel to you now; especially since we hardly knew each other just a few days ago.” She paused again, then faced both of them. “I guess, what I want to say is this” she started, taking a deep breath “I want more of this; with both of you.”

“Are you talking about what we all physically did?”

Kara shook her head. “Not just that. That was great. I also want ... more of the emotional connection too.”

Hold that thought for a moment then. “I’m going to grab something from upstairs quickly. If the timer goes off while I’m doing that, can one of you pull the chicken parm from the oven?”

Kara glanced at Allison questioningly, then nodded. “I can do that.”

Allison smiled, quickly made her way upstairs, and grabbed the book from her bed. This should help Manny.

What should help?

Something in one of the books Tony gave us. It should at least give you some of the information you’re looking for. She dashed down the stairs as the timer went off, and Kara got up. Turn to the section with the bookmark Manny.

Okay. Emanuel scanned the section as Kara placed the glass tray on the table. “Really? There are that many options?”

Kara puzzledly looked at them. “For what?”

Allison turned to Emanuel. “And then some.” She turned to Kara. “One of the books you briefly saw earlier has some relevant information to your desire.”

“Do ... do you share it Allison?”

“Yes. Remember the conversation we were having before Manny woke up?”

“Yes. I thought you were only referring to the physical fun we were having.”

Allison smiled gently at Kara. “That’s what was on my mind at the moment, yes. But while you two were in the shower I did some thinking of my own. I realized that I genuinely care about you, and would count my own life as richer if you were a greater part of it.”

Kara turned to Emanuel. “And you? Are you going to continue to be the odd man out?” she asked sadly.

“I’m not as sure as Allison seems to be. But, based on what she gave me to read here, I can certainly say it would be possible.”

Kara looked confused. “How? Wouldn’t it be cheating if either of you had another relationship?”

Allison laughed softly. “Not at all. Have you ever heard of the term ‘polyamorous’?”

Kara quietly began to serve them. “A little. I always thought that was some weird fringe thing that normal people consider, well, ‘wrong’.”

Allison laughed loudly. “Normal people are full of shit sometimes, and that is one area they are horribly wrong about.” She dug into the food.

“But I thought that monogamy was the only right way to handle a relationship.”

“Do you remember history class last year?”

“When we were covering world history. Yeah. Why?”

“If I’m remembering correctly, there were a number of older societies where multiple relationships were allowed and even encouraged. Some tribal societies still practice that today. I believe it was only in the last few hundred years that monogamy became the dominant relationship model.”

“Would ... would you be willing to try a ... polyamorous model instead?”

Allison smiled and glanced at Emanuel. “I’m willing. Manny?”

“I’m ... uncertain. But I’m not opposed to the idea.”

Allison shook her head. “We can try a V first if you’d be more comfortable with that. But, I’d rather explore us as a triad, and have the V be a backup in case that doesn’t work for one of us.”

“V? Triad? What do you mean by that Allison?”

Allison grabbed some extra napkins, folded them in half, and placed one between her and Emanuel. “This is what a monogamous relationship might look like, if you think of the bond between the two people like the kind we learned in chemistry.” She added a second between Emanuel and Kara. “This is an example of a V. Manny would have a relationship with me, and one with you, but we wouldn’t share one with each other.”

“I want more than that though.”

“That’s where triads come in.” She took the final napkin and placed it between her and Kara. “We would each have a relationship with each other. And the good thing about that model is that one of us could decide one of the relationships isn’t what they need, and end that one” she took away the napkin between Kara and herself “without the others needing to end as well. As long as any changes happen in a friendly fashion, the relationships can grow and change as they need to.”

“Emanuel? What do you think of this?”

“I see Allison’s point about trying a triad first. It won’t be easy; two relationships for each of us means twice the scheduling and potential challenges that one would normally have. And, we’ll really need to be on the ball with how we communicate with each other. None of the games that couples often ‘play’ or hiding something one of us is feeling.”

“Agreed. We’d need as near to complete honesty with each other if we want to really try this. Are you willing to do that Kara?”

“Yes” she replied enthusiastically. “You two?”

Allison smiled. “Yes. Manny?”

“As long as we’re all on the same page, yes.”

Kara smiled brightly. “Do we need to do anything special?”

She and Emanuel both turned to Allison. You only skimmed the section I gave you, didn’t you.

Yeah.

Very well. I’ll explain it then. “Nothing special really, but there are two more things we really should discuss sooner rather than later.” They nodded in assent. “The first is to decide whether we want this to be an open or closed triad.”

“What’s the difference between the two?” Kara asked.

“Closed would mean there is only one way for one of us to start a relationship with someone outside the group; all three of us need to agree to allow it. If we opt for an open one, then one of us could start something with someone outside of the group without needing to tell the others.”

Kara looked pensive for a moment. “I imagine both have their pros and cons. Do you have an idea of what they could be?”

Allison smiled. “I have a few. The closed idea sounds like it would be more stable and easier to adapt to. Just take what would be normal in a monogamous relationship; especially the traditional sense of fidelity, and apply it to all three of us. But, it would be less fluid and adaptable to change; that could prove problematic at some point. Also important to consider; you haven’t done your week in the program yet Kara; a closed system could greatly limit your ability to fully engage with it and enjoy it.

The open system is far more fluid, and would allow us deal with sudden, needed changes more easily. You’d have a lot more freedom to experience your program week too. That freedom isn’t without cost though; I can see us needing to work harder to maintain the same level of stability we could with a closed system. It’s also the system further from the monogamy we’re already used to; there will likely be a much steeper learning curve. Any thoughts yet?”

Kara seemed deep in though for a moment. “Those sound like two very different options. Is there something in between that wouldn’t be so restrictive?”

“The book didn’t specifically say it, but I get the sense that its not open versus closed. Rather, it’s a spectrum; we can choose how much freedom we think is appropriate, and adjust it as need be. That connects to the second thing.”

“Boundaries?”

Allison smiled. “Exactly Kara. Are the ones we initially established with you going to be sufficient, or do we need to define them in more detail?”

The original ones were rather broad. I think the only dealt with you being the first to make have sex with me.

That’s kind of moot at this point.

Mostly. There are a few things we haven’t tried yet that could apply to.

“Uhm ... I’m not sure those apply any more. Not after today anyway.”

“Yeah, that’s the problem. We need a new set of boundaries that takes into account the past few days, and the months and years ahead. Maybe ‘kissing is reserved for the three of us only’, but that’s the only one I can think of.”

“You’re only thinking about the physical boundaries precious. How about the emotional ones?”

“The way I see it, there are basically two types of those boundaries. The first are the ones that we can’t predict needing because we haven’t faced it’s relevant situation yet. The second are the bigger ones, but those tie strongly into ‘open or closed’, and can’t really be figured out until we figure out which side we want to err towards.”

Kara looked up at the nearby clock, then back at them. “Maybe we start closer to closed, with allowances for the physical stuff with people we really trust.”

Allison thought for a moment. “That sounds pretty good, but I have two questions. What would the specifics of those allowances be, and can one of us veto another’s choice if need be?”

“Well, I’m not interested in having sex with anyone except the two of you. Maybe we can draw the limit there? And what would we expect if someone could use a veto?”

Allison nodded. “I think that could be a good upper limit, with one caveat; exceptions to that rule could be allowed on a case by case basis. Also, I think it fair to require someone who wants to use a veto to explain why; what is it about the chosen person that they don’t like or trust?”

Emanuel nodded his head. “I think that’s a good start.”

Kara smiled. “I can agree to that.”

Allison started to lift her water glass, then put it back down. “One more thing we need to consider:” she paused “the Program. When it’s Kara’s turn, is she held to the usual limits? How about us? I doubt we’ll be able to get away with doing nothing with the Program participants considering our reputations.”

“I think I have this one Ally. Program limits supersede our limits while on school grounds or at school events. They have to. We have more freedom regarding the Program though; no one, not even a participant can force us to do anything we don’t want to. So that leaves if we’re interested in doing things with others as part of the Program rules.” He turned to Kara. “Are you okay with that?”

“I think so; as long as I have the same rights as well.”

Allison smiled. “Are we good then?” They nodded their heads. She stood up, went to a cabinet and grabbed a trio of wine glasses. “Then there’s only one thing left to do.” She pulled a bottle of sparkling wine out of the fridge, opened it, and poured some into each glass. “Mom left a note on this bottle too. It said ‘should you find an occasion to celebrate, feel free to use this.’ I think this is a reason to celebrate.” She handed a glass to each of them, and smiled. “To us and our new relationship. May it grow strong and bring us all tons of joy and happiness.”

“To us” they replied as they clinked their glasses together.

Every time I think I have a good sense of just how sharp your mom is, she proves me wrong.

Allison laughed. She’s proven me wrong often enough.

Kara turned to her. “That’s one thing I wish I could do too.”

“Sorry Kara. We’ve gotten so used to communicating that way that it’s starting to become instinct. We’ll do our best to talk aloud more” she paused “especially when it’s just the three of us.” She glanced up at the clock. “Are you satisfied from everything we’ve done? I think we might have enough time for one more round if you’re still a little horny.”

“I’m good. Any more, and I’ll risk being too sore tomorrow. I just hope I don’t get pulled into the Program right away. Are you good Allison?”

Allison laughed softly. “Mostly. I can always get in another round with Manny before bed tonight though.” She paused; “If we’re good for now, then, I’ll call Mom and let her know it’s safe to come home.” She got up, walked over to the phone, and quickly dialed the the number. “Hi Mom!” she paused “Yes, we’re good ... the food was delicious ... yes, we saw the bottle, and I’ll answer the second question when you got home ... totally.” She glanced at Kara and Emanuel. “I’m sure they’d appreciate that ... forty minutes? Okay, see you then.”

Emanuel turned to Allison. “We’d appreciate what?”

She smiled. “Mom is going to stop on their way back and pick up an ice cream cake.”

Kara smiled, then looked puzzled for a moment. “Why didn’t you tell your mom about us? I mean, you mentioned the bottle.”

Allison laughed. “I want us to tell them in person. But, I suspect she already knows. I’ll be very surprised if she doesn’t.” She glanced at the table. “Let’s clean up the table, and then maybe we can cuddle for a bit?”

Kara smiled and started to gather the dishes. “I’d like that a lot. Where?”

“Would the couch be too obvious?” Emanuel asked.

“Probably, but it would be the most convenient.” I’d rather not go to your bed; not until we’ve had a chance to air out the room a bit.

How about yours? What better way to show Kara we’re serious about what we said than inviting her there?

Allison paused for a few moments as the others continued to clean off the table. I wasn’t sure about that, but you’re right. She’s basically our girlfriend; that would only be right after everything we did today.

Emanuel smiled. It’s your room, I think you should be the one to suggest it.

You’re right. Allison turned to Kara. “We can use my bed if you’d like.”

Kara’s face lit up with a huge smile. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to invade space that’s yours.”

“You mean ours, right? You are OUR girlfriend.”

Kara put down the cups she was holding, and gave Allison a leaping hug. “Thank you.”

Allison smiled, pulled Kara in closer, and relaxed. This feels she paused good. Like you and me good.

Just as good?

Not quite. But, I think that’s okay. It doesn’t need to yet.

Kara broke the hug, picked the glasses back up, and went towards the dishwasher. “The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can all be cuddled up with each other.”

Allison smiled, nodded, and went to grab a few more dishes. “I think there’s room for most everything in the dishwasher. I’ll quickly hand wash the wine glasses and the pan.”

Emanuel shook his head. “No. Let me wash those while you and Kara finish clearing off the table.”

She nodded her head. “If you want to, sure.”

A few minutes later, Allison began to make her way up to her room, with Kara and Emanuel trailing a little bit behind. That sounds like a lively conversation you two are having.

Yeah. Kara wanted clarification on a few things. I think I was able to do so to her satisfaction. Have you given any thought to who will be next to who this time?

I assumed it will be the same as earlier.

If you really want it that way, sure. But I have the sense Kara has other ideas.

Allison shrugged and sat down on the bed. “So, like earlier?”

Kara looked uncertain, then sat down next to her. “If you really want to...”

She definitely has other ideas. “Did you want to do it differently?”

Kara smiled brightly, pulled Allison down to the middle of the bed, then snuggled close to her left side. “We already had Emanuel as a pillow. I want to see what an Allison pillow is like.”

Emanuel laughed. “Certainly, my ‘pillows’ have nothing on Ally’s where softness is concerned.” I think this is Kara’s way of trying to strengthen the connection between the two of you.

Allison felt Kara’s head gently rest on her breast. It makes sense. You two already have a really strong relationship; even if it wasn’t a romantic one until now. We never really had one until a few days ago.

Are you okay with how she’s doing it?

It feels a little strange; but I’m sure that’s the societal norms talking, not what I genuinely believe.

Makes sense. Emanuel laid down on her other side, and rested his head on the other breast. There’s one other thing we never decided earlier.

What is it?

“We never decided how obvious we want to be about this at school. Do we tell Tony and the others? Do we also hold hands with Kara the same way everyone is used to us doing?”

Kara glanced at them. “I’m sure you both know very well by now just how fast news travels through those hallways. If we don’t tell people the truth, then we’ll find a lie or a half-truth circulating.” She glanced at the wall for a moment. “And I don’t want to feel like this is some dirty little secret of yours” she added, softly.

Allison turned to her, and gently kissed on her on the forehead. “If we don’t tell someone, it’s not because we want to keep this some sort of secret. It’s because, frankly, it’s not everyone’s business what we do with each other.”

“But precious, it’s become everyone’s business, even though it shouldn’t be. We’ve both become celebrities, and I don’t think that’s going to change for a long time. Besides, the moment we confirm your mom’s suspicions, unless your sister is far away, she’ll know too. And I highly doubt she’ll be able to keep it to herself.”

Allison sighed. “Let’s ask Mom when they get home. I’m inclined to agree with you, but...” she paused “remember when Mom first mentioned poly relationships at breakfast?”

“Yes. Why?”

“The way she talked about it gave me a sense of familiarity that one can’t simply get from reading about it. She either knows people who practice it, or has practiced it herself.”

“You’re talking very calmly about things your parents may have done” Kara interjected. “I don’t think I could do that.”

“I’ve already had a few difficult conversations with Mom, and honestly, they weren’t anywhere near as bad as I thought they’d be. I can’t take the same attitude I used to. Try it with your parents; you might be surprised how ‘cool’ they can be about things.”

“You’re right. At the very least, I need to tell them about us, and who knows what doing that will unleash.” Kara snuggled in a little closer.