Moonshine Kingdom

Renee, James, Roger and Rachel sat up the Christmas tree and decorations. Renee smiled softly as Rachel, James and Roger sang Christmas songs. Renee was dying to know if Rachel would end up dating Roger or James. She looked good with both of them.

Rachel hung up mistletoe in the doorway. Roger and James both looked at her with a lovelorn look in their eyes. Renee knew that they both wanted to date Rachel. She also noticed how their eyes softened when they spoke to her. Renee noticed the gentle voices and tender caresses that they used towards Rachel.

Roger made an excuse to go to the kitchen. He would have to pass Rachel. As he passed, he stopped and pressed Rachel against the door frame. One hand caressed her cheek as he pressed his lips against Rachel's. Rachel softly returned the kiss.

Renee warily turned her attention from Rachel and Roger to James. James watched the pair through slitted eyes. He radiated hatred and anger. James turned and left. Renee could have sworn that she had seen tears forming in his eyes. Roger broke the kiss. He smiled at Rachel and went into the kitchen.

Rachel looked at Renee. Renee returned Rachel's gaze with an open mouth. Rachel felt dazed and confused. She loved both of them in many different ways. She loved them as friends and possibly as boyfriends. Renee was stunned. She had just witnessed the possible beginning of an awkward stage in Rachel's relationship with Roger and James.

Rachel walked into the kitchen. Roger was setting at the table; his face resting in his hands. He looked up at her. Rachel saw confusion in those sapphire eyes.

"I'm sorry about kissing you... it was out of line." Roger said softly as Rachel sat down across from him.

"There's nothing to apologize for." Rachel said.

"You have to admit that it was pretty awkward." Roger told her.

"Yes, it was awkward." Rachel agreed.

"It's just that I really care about you. I love you so much." Roger said. Rachel's heart pounded so hard, so fast and so loudly that she was sure that Roger could hear it.

"I care about and love you, too." Rachel sniffed and wiped the hint of a tear away.

"I know that you feel the same way about Jam as you do about me and that he feels the same about you." Roger said.

"I know... and that's why it's difficult for me. If I date you or Jam then that would make our relationship very strained. You and Jam have been best friends for years and I don't want to be the cause of two friends turning against each other." Rachel said.

"I understand completely." Roger said.

"I'm going to go and try to smooth things out with Jam." Rachel said. Roger nodded. That was the most composed that she had seen Roger. She felt a small piece of her die as she left the room.

Rachel walked into one of the back bedrooms. James sat in a chair facing the window. He looked at her. James had been crying. Rachel sat down on the edge of the bed across from the chair.

"Jam... I'm sorry about what happened." Rachel said.

"You know, the two years that we've been friends is the happiest that I have ever been with woman. I was hoping that our friendship would turn into something more." James said softly.

"I've been happy with you, too. But if I date you or RoRo, things would get weird. I would be pitting you two against each other, unintentionally. Far be it from me to pit two best friends against each other." Rachel said. A tear raced down his cheek. Rachel reached out and brushed the tear away.

"It was foolish of me to think that you and I would ever be a couple." James said. The first tear was followed by two more.

"I don't think that is a foolish thought. We all think about a special someone at one point or another." Rachel said. "I'm sorry if I've mislead you in anyway." James looked at her. He got up and walked out without a word. She heard the kitchen door close. Rachel lay down on the bed and permitted herself to cry.

Renee watched as James left the back bedroom. Tears flooded his eyes. He left the house and was followed by Roger moments later. Renee sat and watched the bedroom door. She watched and waited for Rachel to come out. Soon, she leaned back into the chair.

She looked at the large velvet painting that hung over the fire place. It was of Led Zeppelin. Four faces stared back at her. It was Rachel's idea to hang a picture of a British rock band over the fire place. The bedroom door creaked open. Renee could hear the soft clatter of Rachel's high heels.

"Where's Jam and RoRo?" Rachel asked. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot.

"They're gone." Renee said. Rachel looked so pitiful standing there in the doorway. She looked so unlike her typical proud self.

"What have I done?" Rachel sat down on the couch.

"They know how awkward it would be if I were to date one of them. They would be fighting constantly!" Rachel said.

"You know both of them are mad about you. They love you. They always will." Renee said.

"I love them so much and I've driven them away." Rachel said.

"I think they'll come back once they think about what has been said." Renee told her.

"I hope you're right." Rachel said.