"Catherine?"
"Hey." Catherine turned to me as Brass walked away.
"So, how's your shift been?" I asked. Just smalltalk, I know, but I didn't really know what else to say. Six years I had been hoping for this time to come, going over it in my head. What I would say and do. And now that time had finally come I couldn't remember any of it.
The morning sun was gradually rising in the sky and Catherine was glowing after a long night at work. She gave me a warm smile.
"Who cares? Would you like some breakfast with me?" Before I could answer Catherine took my hand in hers and pulled me towards her car. In that one small gesture I felt safe and loved like I hadn't felt before. At long last it was like I belonged to someone. Someone who really cared for me and would never let me down. I climbed into Catherine's car and we drove out of the parking lot. We sat in silence for a couple of minutes, each of us stealing quick glances at the other. As I watched her I imagined myself stroking her soft skin and touching her smooth, blonde hair.
"What?" Catherine turned and spoke to me.
"What?"
"You're staring at me. Again."
"Sorry, it's just..."
"You don't have to appologise, Sara. It's nice."
"You're so beautiful, Catherine." I gave her a half smile. "I don't think I can help it!"
Catherine smiled at me before taking a left hand turn. I was slightly suprised as we pulled into a residential area I recognised.
"We're going to your house?" I asked. This day was just getting better and better!
"Sure. The diner is great if you like grease, but my place cheaper! Besides," Catherine turned and looked at me again. "I thought we might like somewhere a little more private."
As Catherine pulled into her driveway I took a deep breath and released it slowly. I could feel my heart fluttering in my chest as I anticipated spending the morning with her. It felt like the first step of an adventure we were about to embark on. As I stepped out of the car my emotions were certainly mixed; excitement, desperation, relief and Oh my God what if this doesn't work out like I hope? Catherine, sensing I was nervous, took hold of my hand.
"Come on." We walked up to her door together and she took out her key as she spoke. "Linds'll be on her way to school by now so we'll have the place to ourselves."
"Are you gonna tell her about us?" I asked. We were obviously going to come across a few problems if we were going to have any sort of relationship.
"Of course, eventually." Catherine looked thoughtfull. "Though it's obvious we've got a few things to discus. Go in and make yourself comfortable," she said, guesturing towards the sitting room. "What would you like to eat? Fruit? A fry up...?"
"Fruit will be fine, thanks," I replied. Catherine walked through to the kitchen and I sat on the couch, taking in my surroundings. The room was very neat and smart, without losing it's homely feeling. I had been in Catherine's house a few times before, at a couple of Christmasses and birthdays, and when I tutored Lindsey. I was suprised at how comfortable I felt there.
"Here you go." Catherine walked back into the room with two bowls of tropical fruit salad.
"Thanks." I said, taking one of the bowls from her.
"So..." said Catherine as she sat next to me, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
"So." I replied.
"Are you scared, Sara?" Catherine asked in all seriousness.
"I don't know, I guess so."
"Of what?"
I thought for a moment. "That I'll build myself up with excitement only to be knocked down again if it doesn't turn out like I hope. I'm scared that you'll realise that I'm not good enough for you." Catherine tried to say something at this point but I continued. "I'm scared that I'll wake up."
Catherine gave me a small smile. "Me too."
"You're scared too?" I asked as she moved closer, resting her body against me. I put my bowl on the coffee table, not wanting anything to distract me from Catherine.
"Of course. One big worry is Lindsey. I really don't know how she'll respond when I tell her." Catherine fell silent for a moment. "Maybe we should wait a while before we tell anyone. I mean, we need some time to get used to it ourselves, first."
"Yeah." I wrapped my arms around her, cherishing our closeness. Catherine turned and kissed me gently. Everything felt so right as I moved my hands down to her waist and under her shirt, touching her cool skin. We gradually adjusted ourselves on the couch into a more comfortable, horizontal position. Catherine slowly moved down to kiss my neck and I couldn't help but moan as the need for more swept over me. Wanting to be in control for I while I tried to roll over. That was a mistake. As the two of us moved together we ran out of space on the couch and collapsed onto the floor. For a millisecond we lay there in stunned silence, Catherine below me, until she started giggling and I couldn't help but join her infectious laughter. Her face lights up when she laughs, and I have always cherrished evering moment of her smile. I felt so overwhelmed with happiness as we lay on the floor together, my smile slowly dissapearing as I took in her beauty.
"Catherine, I..."
"Mmmm?"
"I love you."
