Christie woke up with a start. As soon as she sat up from her bed, the feeling as if her head was being split overwhelmed her.
"Holy shit!" she exclaimed, trying to massage her throbbing head.
After a few moments, she was finally able to open her eyes. Her view was met with the familiar sight of her hotel room. She tried to find a clue on what happened to her and why she was feeling horrible. Unfortunately, she could not think of any reason.
Christie's eyes landed on the wall clock and was surprised with how late it already was. She was supposed to meet Emma Kliesen in 15 minutes. With this realization, she jumped out of her bed and ran to take a shower.
"Sorry I'm late, Emma," Christie apologized as she sat down on one of the tables in a nearby coffee shop wherein a blond woman was already seated.
Emma Kliesen gave her a warm smile. "There is no problem, Christie. We actually just arrived too so there's nothing to worry about," she said kindly with her thick German accent.
"Um… We?" Christie asked, trying not to frown. The plan was that she wanted to ask Emma on everything she knew about the Iron Fist Tournament but it seemed like their conversation will not be a private one.
The older woman nodded. "Yes, I'm with my daughter. Actually here she comes now."
Christie followed Emma's gaze which was behind her back. Upon seeing the approaching figure, the smile on her face slowly disappeared as the familiarity of the person became clearer to her. Suddenly, she remembered everything that had happened to her last night though vaguely.
"Um, did you say again that she's your daughter?" Christie asked nervously, with her intense gaze on Emma.
"Yes," the older woman nodded. "Why? Have you two met?"
Before Christie could respond, though she never really had an answer to the question, the tall blond person joined the two women on the table.
"Christie, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Leo. Leo, this is Christie. She plans to join the Iron Fist Tournament," was Emma's introduction to the two.
Christie's eyes were caught by Leo's blue ones. The shock on her face was so evident, attempting to study the soft features of the person she once thought was a guy. And of course, she had to check the chest if there are breasts bulging out like hers. But there was none. Was this a joke?
As if on cue, Emma's phone started ringing and so she had to excuse herself, leaving the two alone.
"Y-y-you're a-a-a-" Christie stammered, unable to blurt out what she just found out.
"A girl," Leo laughed. "Funny, right? You just made out with a-"
"Stop!" Christie exclaimed, holding her palm up on the person in front of her. "Don't say it please. It sounds like that popular song I often hear on the radio and I found it sickening, seriously."
"Really, Christie? Do you really?" Leo asked while wriggling his - HER eyebrows.
Christie wanted to glare at Leo but she only found herself drowning into his- HER blue eyes. Trying to distract herself, she tried to look on another feature of Leo's face and she was suddenly staring at his - HER soft lips. This was actually worse since she had this impulsive urge to kiss Leo so she just looked down at her hands just to be safe.
"Why did you not tell me you're a freaking girl?" Christie demanded.
Her question was received with a loud chortle. "I didn't think it would matter. I thought we would never meet each other again actually. Besides, you thought I'm a gay and you're actually right."
A sigh escaped from the Brazilian's mouth. "Look, I thought you're the kind of gay who's a guy that likes guys. I didn't think you're the kind that you're a girl who also wants a girl!" she cried.
Leo leaned back on her chair, placing his - HER arms behind her head. "Does it really matter? I mean, you enjoyed the kissed, right?"
"Ugh! Please don't say it!" Christie exclaimed, clasping her hands on her ears. She could feel the hangover from last night taking over her. "I could not even remember getting home by myself."
"Well, that was easy. You had the address of your hotel in your wallet. I just brought you home and then I left."
A silence fell over them as Christie continued to stare at her hands. She did not know what to do and how to react anymore. "So I guess I owe you a thank you then?" she asked shyly.
"It was nothing," Leo laughed again with a wave of his - HER hand. "But be honest. You told me I'm very different from all the guys you've met, right? Now that you know I am the same gender as you are, maybe all you really need is another woman."
Mastering enough courage, Christie met Leo's eyes again and tried not to smile. "Please stop being charming."
If Christie would really be honest to herself, she did enjoy Leo's company. And she did enjoy their kiss, more than she's willing to admit. And somehow, it does not matter what this person's gender is because she could feel a strong attraction to him - HER. Her issue though was being conflicted with her own sexuality.
"So sorry I had to take that call," Emma intruded with an apologetic look, joining the table again.
"Oh it was nothing mom," Leo smoothly answered. "Christie and I were just talking. We became fast friends. Right, Christie?"
Christie stared on Leo's eyes, completely letting herself to finally drown into them. She grinned guiltily but with pleasure and said dreamily, "You've got that right, Leo."
THE END.
