Story: Love Never Leaves (all chapters)

Authors: sneekie

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Chapter 1

Chloe and Alexandra met at medical school. Alexandra was studying to be a doctor and Chloe was already a nurse. They both in their late 20s, Alexandra was slender, shoulder length hair brunette. Chloe, shoot from the hip, blonde short hair. Chloe was save the world, , protester and peace keeper, a free spirit that pushed boundaries while Alexandra by the book, responsible, not a risk taker.

Alexandra had always dated guys but when she met Chloe at the medical school campus bar she immediate fell in love with this free spirited woman who always seem to be on a mission. Alexandra's family never approved of her relationship with Chloe but it didn't bother her, they were each others strength, and in-separable.

Alexandra’s hands reached back and touched the headboard, moans and groans echoed around their tiny bedroom. The room was lit with candles giving off a soft glow, Chloe believed in doing her bit for the environment.

Chloe worked hungrily between Alexandra's legs, licking and swallowing all that was offered. Alexandra body bucked, Chloe held her hips and flicked at Alexandra's swollen spot until she reached her peak

Chloe surfaced and made her way up the bed to Alexandra. The kissed passionately before Chloe broke free

"Oh wow baby, you were flooding like the Amazon in monsoonal season" coos Chloe

Alexandra sat up and Chloe sat in her lap. Chloe kissed Alexandra tenderly "you are so beautiful, so radiant every time we consummate our love."

Alexandra laughed "Chloe you should have majored in poetry or something."

Chloe grabbed Alexandra's hands and became serious "Have you given any thought to my suggestion."

Alexandra groaned, took a breath and looked into Chloe’s puppy dog eyes

"right... you want me to pack up and move to the jungles of Cameroon Africa with you for 12 months. Work in appalling conditions with the Red Cross to provide medical aid to the undomesticated inhabitants

Chloe scowled "they’re not animals, they are human beings and are entitled to medical aid like everyone else."

"then let their government handled it, why do you always feel you have to seek out missions."

"Alexandra... It's a worth while cause"

"You want to put our lives at risk for a country whose own government won't help, plus there's the matter about rebels going around killing who ever they bloody like. This is not an adventure Chloe, its…….

"we won't be in any danger, like I said we will be with the Red Cross and have guaranteed our protection. There will be no remote towns. I wouldn't be doing this if I thought it was going to put us in danger" Chloe’s eyes watered "but I understand your worry and the fact it wouldn't go down well with your parents…. like everything else I do"

Alexandra grabbed Chloe’s face "You listen to me Chloe Jane Poole it's got nothing to do with them, it’s to do with us, these are my concerns for our safety. I love you and I don’t know why you can’t be happy here"

"Alexandra I want to do more than just suture wounds and give enemas. I want to make a difference, even if it’s just a ripple."

"Oh Chloe" exhales Alexandra as Chloe starts to work her guilt trip

"I know the pay sucks, the living conditions will be less than desirable, but Alexandra the people we can help, save the mothers so they don’t die in child-birth. Alexandra I can't do it by myself."

"Chloe" Alexandra groaned as Chloe slowly rubbed her clit, building her up

"It's only 12 months" whined Chloe who started to plant kisses side of Alexandra’s neck and nibbled at her shoulder

Alexandra’s body craved more "you are sooo mean, my sexual content-ness rides on my answer doesn’t it... so cruel Chloe"

Chloe licked Alexandra’s nipple "I would never do that to you” she lies... “it will be fun my love, to experience another culture, to learn and also teach. It's a once and a lifetime experience.”

Alexandra slipped down the bed "ok ok ok... yes I will go with you."

Chloe sank down between Alexandra legs and relieved her sexual tension again.

The girls touched down on a small runway in Cameroon Africa, and was greeted by local doctor, an African called Tanyarn

"Dr Alexandra Taylor, Ms Chloe Poole." Both girls answered and followed their colleague to the Red Cross base camp.

They settled into their small living quarters, the weather was hot, humid and it rained on and off for days. Chloe lay with Alexandra in their small cot, stroking her hair "Have I told you today how much I love you"

Alexandra smiled "at least a dozen" Alexandra kissed her lover "and I never get tired of hearing it"

Chloe pulled out box from her coat pocket, she removed the chains that contained joint love hearts. She pulled them apart and put one chain around Alexandra’s neck and the other around hers. "now we are together, even when we are apart."

3 months passed and the long hours, limited supplies were having a toll on Alexandra. She pleaded with Chloe for them to leave but Chloe always managed to convince Alexandra to stay, that they were making a difference. Alexandra caves in as she always does to her partner’s persuasions.

Chloe rung out a damp cloth and wiped Alexandra's forehead and arms to cool down her fevered body. Alexandra opened her eyes and stroked Chloe’s worried face. Chloe grabbed Alexandra’s hand and kissed it "I'm so sorry" choking on her words

"hey hey cmon where's that Chloe bed-side manner that I love"

"If I hadn't dragged you on this stupid quest, you never would have got this"

"Chloe you were not to know the vaccinations wasn't going to work on me."

Chloe got up and in frustration hit the contents off their table "and now you are going to have these fever bouts for the rest of your life." Cries Chloe

"It's going to ok." The bed spins again Alexandra lies back down.

Chloe sat next to Alexandra and stroked her face “sweetheart I am going to look after you for the rest of your life and even after that."

Alexandra laughed "I will hold you to that honey"

Alexandra bounced back after a few weeks and was back working in a small town just 4 hours from there base camp. This was furtherest they had traveled in the 6 months. After 2 hours of suturing, plastering broken bones, vaccinating and child birth the sun was starting to set. The medical team packed up there supplies ready to leave.

Alexandra took final look in on the woman who had just given birth. "ok, that's all I can do" said Alexandra as she pulled her gloves off

"She's going to need monitoring, just in case she bleeds again. I'm going to stay back for a few hours, Tanyarn will come back for me" started Chloe

Alexandra shook her head "no... absolutely not" fired back Alexandra "you have heard the reports of rebels in this area. We were not even supposed to be out here."

Chloe huffed and kicked the ground "Alexandra you know I'm right"

"I don’t care that you are right the answer is still no. Why the fuck do you have to be the martyr." Spat Alexandra

Chloe noticed Alexandra was perspiring heavily and worried her fever was coming back

"It's ok guys, I'm happy to stay." Came voice behind the girls

"Ben... are you sure" said Chloe

Ben looked at Alexandra and nodded "Yeh, go on, I'll catch you guys later tonight for a beer."

Chloe, Alexandra, Tanyarn and few other medical staff sat quietly around the table. Chloe dropped head in hands "I can't believe it"

Alexandra jumped up from her chair and ran from the room

Chloe walked into their quarters to find Alexandra on bed crying. She sat down and stroked her back "hey sweetie"

"don't... just don't" growled Alexandra

Chloe stood up as Alexandra sat up "we are here to make a difference, nobody was going to get hurt you said. Ben is now dead and they killed everyone in that village"

"I know"

"I am so ashamed Chloe, I'm ashamed of the way I feel about it" cried Alexandra

Chloe went to hug her but Alexandra pushed her away

"I'm ashamed because I'm relieved" cried Alexandra "It could have been you, but I' am relieved it was Ben" Alexandra cries became quicken gasps as she couldn’t control her breathing

Chloe wrapped her arms around Alexandra and held her why she sobbed uncontrollably. “shhhh slow down, catch your breath.”

Alexandra sat on bed, pulled her legs to her chin, eyes still puffy. Chloe sat down in front, wiped her face with damp cloth, her fever was returning

Alexandra grabbed her "Chloe I want out, I can't do this anymore. I'm scared all the time, the government isn't doing nearly enough to protect us.

Chloe nodded "I know honey"

"I want us to go home. I want to go home first thing tomorrow morning" Alexandra trying to control her breathing

Chloe held her "sure baby, I'm happy to do that."

Alexandra relieved that she wasn’t going to fight on it, hugs and kisses her

"when we return, you still want to go ahead with our plans" asked Alexandra worried at how easy her lover had given in

Chloe kissed Alexandra and pushed her down onto the bed "Of course, when we get back we will get married and start a family. That hasn't changed for me" Chloe bit lightly at Alexandra's neck " I think we should practice right now"

The girls resolve their tensions of the day's events

Next day Chloe and Alexandra headed towards the airstrip where a plane was waiting for them. The rain was heavy and the road was turning into muddy streams, the jeep was sliding.

"fucking hell Chloe, if you get us out of this alive I will give you sex every day for a year"

Chloe laughed as she fought the road "promises, promises" her eyes caught something in the rear mirror. She accelerated faster through the jungle near Malabo. Chloe had to fight hard to keep the jeep from sliding down into the valley.

Alexandra looked behind seeing the vehicles gaining. "Chloe" Alexandra in a scared voice

"It's ok..." Chloe remain calm. She hoped that they were going to take the next turn but cursed when they continued straight down after them. The jeep lost traction and slid sideways until it hit side of tree.

Chloe dragged Alexandra out "cmon" they ran through the jungle. They could hear the vehicles stop and people yelling.

Alexandra foot slipped and she fell down. Chloe dragged her up "run" the sounds of gun fire caused panic as they now ran for their lives. Alexandra stumbled sliding towards edge of the valley. Chloe grabbed her and they took off again when Alexandra felt Chloe stumble. Alexandra went back "Chloe" the voices of the men getting closer

Alexandra eyes focused on Chloe’s shirt stained with blood

"Alex... run" she pushes Alexandra away as the pain in her side worsened

"no Chloe I won't leave you." She cries

Chloe grabbed Alexandra and kissed her "I love you, I will find you." She pushes Alexandra down the side of the valley

Alexandra tumbled and slide colliding with branches, she heard her arm snap as she hit a rock before she stopped her fall. She hid behind a large rock cradling her arm, the bone sticking through her forearm. She could hear the voices almost above her, they weren’t English "Chloe" whimpered Alexandra

There was a moment of silence, followed by a short burst of gun fire that echoed around the valley, Alexandra gasped quickly putting hand over her mouth suppressing her scream.

Chapter 2

Alexandra stood in front of a row of candles, she lit her candle and looked up at the cross above her head

"Hello Alexandra, I thought I would see you today. It’s been 3 years hasn’t it

"yeh, it's getting easier"

The nun gave her a comforting smile, she new Alexandra was lying "would you like to stay for a cup of tea and a chat"

"I'm about to go on duty, thanks sister"

"My dear you are looking pale, can I get you a drink of water"

"It's the weather, the humidity." Alexandra feeling her fever coming back. Her fever always returned when the weather changed and rain threatened.

Her arms ached as she put her lab coat on, closing the door to her locker. She headed out when a nurse grabbed her

"Dr Taylor, we have a person coming in with gun shot wounds."

Just as she finished the door to the ER crashed open and the gurney came in. The guy was screaming, blood pooling around his body. The stain on his shirt stopped her for a moment, the sight bringing back memories in a big rush

"Doctor we are losing him. " Alexandra snapped back to reality

Alexandra put the sheet over his head and walked with the orderly to the morgue. Once he was loaded into the draw the orderly turned to Alexandra

"Doctor Taylor are you ok, you seemed to be perspiring a lot"

Alexandra throat was dry "I'm fine thanks, it’s nice to be in a cool place"

The orderly left and Alexandra stood alone when a voice spoke up

"Don't blame yourself, you did your best." Voice came from dark side of corner

Alexandra strained her eyes as a figure slowly moved from the shadows. Alexandra gasped "Chloe”

Her eyes focused on side of Chloe’s shirt, the red stain. "Alexandra" she called out and stumbled forward reaching for her. Alexandra tried to catch her " Noooo"

"Dr Taylor... Alexandra" she felt herself being slightly shaken. A soft voice brought her back. Alexandra sat up slowly supported by another colleague

"Oh my head" she groaned

Alexandra focused on her colleague "you fainted in the morgue, have you been taking your medication. Your temperature is up."

Alexandra got to her feet "It's not working like it used to."

Alexandra let herself into the pharmacy and rumbled around in the draws until she found the drug she was after. She dosed up a syringe and gave herself the shot. She knows that using painkillers could get her fired and disbarred but she was finding it harder to cope with the fever, each bout worse than the last.

Her head was still cloudy after the dose but continued to do her rounds. The corridor was cool the fluorescent lights flickered occasionally. She pushed through the door when she smelt something burning. It was familiar, sandalwood. The same scent that Chloe would burn in their apartment. She caught a glimpse out the corner of her eye, and followed around the next corner before stopping dead

"hello Alexandra, its good to see you again" came Chloe’s soothing voice

Alexandra backed up against the wall " it can't be... How" she stumbled

"I told you I would find you, it was a promise" Chloe touched side of Alexandra’s face

Alexandra started to cry "I looked... I stayed in Africa and looked for you for months. They said you were dead but I didn't believe them. Tanyarn thought you might have made it across the border."

Chloe smiled and stepped forward taking Alexandra in her arms "shhhhh it’s alright….I’ve missed you... I looked for you too" Chloe looked down and her eyes narrowed when she spotted wedding band on Alexandra’s finger

"you got married... I thought I was your only" Chloe stepped back

"we are not together anymore, I couldn't love him... I can never love another person after you. I've lost my son because I'm an unfit mother and this fever. I can't cope anymore, I miss you so much" tears of pain and frustration flowed

Chloe kissed her "shhhhh, I've found you and I'm not going away. Come on lets go home"

Alexandra walks through the door to their apartment, it was lit with candles.

"your brother cleaned up your apartment, when did you unpack and... "

the smell of sandalwood distracted her for a moment when two arms slipped around her from behind and a kiss planted on her neck

Alexandra turned around and found her lips locked with Chloe’s "I've missed your lips baby" coos Chloe. They collapse onto the bed and continue of with their sexual reconnection.

Alexandra eyes open as Chloe put her shirt on and got up "where you going sexy" called out Alexandra

Chloe sat down on side of bed and wiped Alexandra damp fringe "I have to go"

"NO..." yelled Alexandra " I've just got you back, you can’t leave me"

"shhhhh, it's going to be alright Alexandra. Just sleep and I'll see you soon" Alexandra eyes felt heavy and closed.

Alexandra woke, the rain had started, the humid air was cooling. Alexandra closed the window and looked around. This wasn't the apartment she shared with Chloe. It was the one she moved into when she came back from Africa, she couldn't face returning to their apartment.

Alexandra picked up the mail that had been piling up all week at her front door flicking through bills until she came across unusual envelope. The writing was familiar and the air stamp caught her attention immediately. She ripped the envelop open and pulled out the letter. Something shiny fell onto the table. She stared at it for a moment before picking it up. It was a gold chain with a half love heart pendant. Tears started to drop onto the letter.

Dear Dr Alexandra Taylor

I am sorry to bring you this news, but I believe it is closure we all need. I promised you that I would not stop looking until I found Chloe. I was told of some graves and when I investigated I found this chain in the grave along with the skeletal remains of the person. I remember you having a similar chain around your neck.

Alexandra felt her chest, she withdrew her pendant and matched her half of the heart with the one she just received, and they connected.

We all hoped that she had made it over the border but this grave has spoken. Again I'm truly sorry but hope this brings closure to your pain.

Alexandra looked at the photo that came with the letter. It showed a grave with bones and she immediately recognized the shirt. The one Chloe always wore because it was a present from her.

Alexandra slide down the wall and screamed hysterically, something she had suppressed that day on the side of the valley when she heard the gun shots. The screams continued until she passed out.

Alexandra injected herself with the drug and sat on the couch waiting for the wave of europhia to wash away her sickness. "Oh Chloe I miss you so much... "

Alexandra phone rang "I've just come off duty, can't you call. Fine... I'm on my way "

Alexandra walked to streets, her clothes heavy from the rain. Her head fuzzy as the painkillers numbed her senses.

"watch out" called someone.

The sound of screeching tyres didn’t register with Alexandra at first. She stood still in the middle of the street and looked up as the car hit her, her body thrown forward and rested in silence in front of the gathering crowd..

The room was quiet, only the sound of machines echoes the room along with a small whimper and sniffles

Alexandra looks over at her young son and ex-husband standing other side of her. She drops her eyes down to see her body invaded with tubes, she felt cool. The flicking of a fluorescent light outside her room broke the attention from her body to someone just outside her doorway

"Alexandra, it’s going to be ok"

Alexandra stepped forward to Chloe "I don't understand, please come in here"

Chloe didn't move "I can't come in, but you can come out."

Alexandra moved "but... If you do... you can't go back... to your life to your family."

The alarms started to get louder on her machines and people were rushing around. Alexandra looked at her son crying for her. She watched the paddles hit her body and she collapsed at the pain

"Chloe ... Help me" she calls out

Tears flowed from Chloe at her lover’s pain "I can't... you don't have to come now... I will wait, I will wait for you Alexandra."

Alexandra watched as they worked on her body, her son yelling at her. Chloe watched on "It's ok Alex... I will wait for how ever long it takes."

Alexandra stepped closer to the doorway and looked back at herself in the bed.

"I can't... I can't wait anymore" Alexandra stepped through the doorway into the corridor. The light above flickered continuously again, the alarm bells screamed from Alexandra's room. Alexandra’s legs buckled, Chloe caught her.

The sheet was put over Alexandra’s body and her family left. Alexandra watched her son and ex-husband leave and felt a sense of lost. “Alexandra”

Alexandra faced Chloe who was looking down the corridor. A bright light illuminated from beyond the doors

“It’s time” Chloe says distractedly

“No…. I won’t let you go” Alexandra clutched Chloe’s shoulders fearful of losing her again. Pulled her in for a passionate, fiery kiss something she hadn’t done since that first night.

5 years earlier

Alexandra looked at herself in the mirror for about the 50th time. She finally got up the courage to ask Chloe over to help her study for her final exams. Her real motive was to admit her feelings and as she has never felt this way about a woman was at a lost on how she was going to communicate without making a fool.

Alexandra looks in the mirror again “Chloe there is something I need to tell you, and that is ahhhhhh like she is going to even want to know about my feelings to her.” She groans to her reflection

Alexandra smirks “so Chloe you want to take these study books into my bedroom” Alexandra groans “I can’t do it, I can’t tell her….I’m doomed to feel this way.”

Her self loathing was disturbed by knock which sent her heart racing.

The door opens and Chloe walks in “Hi Alexandra, hope you know your stuff cos I will be brutal.”

Alexandra smirked. Chloe sat at table with all the books and flicked through “so where do you want to start… anatomy”

Alexandra was melting “ummm so how did the demonstration go” eyeing off Chloe’s t’shirt 'free medical aid to Africa'

“well Red Cross is communicating with Cameroon’s government so we will see.”

Alexandra paced "Can I get you a drink, cola, orange juice, water”

Chloe was bemused by Alexandra’s flightiness around the room “ummm water will be fine”

Alexandra turned to leave then back “did you want tap, cold or spring”

Chloe cocked her head to the side and smiled “surprise me”

Chloe sat back stretched in her seat looking at her watch. She yawns “wow we have been at this for nearly 3 hours, you must be exhausted”

“umm no I’m fine” said Alexandra “maybe we should review…..”

Chloe closed the last book and gets up “Alexandra you everything there is to know, you really didn’t need me here. That is unless you were trying to show off how bright you are.” Teased Chloe

“no.. I wouldn’t do that… I just…”

Chloe waited “what…. Have you got something on your mind you want to talk about”

Alexandra paces again “well….. ummm” she turns to find Chloe in her personal space

“Alex…. We have known each other 6 months, I know when something is bugging you so you might as well tell me”

Alexandra didn’t know what to say instead grabbing Chloe’s shoulders and pulling her in for a kiss. She snatched nervously at Chloe’s wanting some sign until Chloe broke

“ok… well it’s about time you caught up” jokes Chloe

“what…. You knew…. Why didn’t you say….”

“well I tried…. I mean didn’t you wonder how I was on every one of your rounds this year. How I always forgot my stuff in the change room and had to borrow yours. Or how there was always manages to be a spare seat next to me in the cafeteria”

“I didn’t catch that, look I’ve never been interested in a woman before, so this is all new”

Chloe rests her hands on Alexandra hips and pulls her in for a more controlled, lingering kiss. Her tongue exploring Alexandra’s mouth.

Chloe broke the kiss and whispered in her ear. “so you want to continue studying in bed, I’m pretty good with female anatomy”

Alexandra laughs “I just know I’m going to fall in love with you Chloe” kisses her

“Well….. I’m a patient girl Alexandra I can wait for you to catch up.”

Present moment

Chloe pulled back “hey there I’m not going anywhere without you. I liked that memory.”

The maintenance guy came towards the flickering light, opened his ladder up and started to climb

“I’m scared Chloe….”

“don’t be…. I’m here… and I will never leave you again…promise”

Chloe wrapped a comforting arm around Alexandra waist and they proceeded towards the doors, towards the light

The maintenance guy was momentary distracted by the doors flapping open and closing all of a sudden

He looked up and down the corridor “huh…. Okkk”

He was about to take the faulty light out when it stopped flickering and came back on.

He felt a sudden chill come over him and climbed back down “ok now that was weird, I can’t wait for them to close this wing down.”

The end

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