There could possibly be another chapter tonight since this one is so short. But, I can't promise anything since I have to study for a final I have tomorrow. Sorry this one is so short. In a couple weeks I will be able to give this story my full attention. Bear with me until then.

Felicity's eyes were heavy the following morning. She sat up slowly; her body ached. A groan escaped her mouth as her stomach lurched. She was familiar with this feeling from the few times she got bored enough at home to sneak her father's drinks. This was not the worst she had ever felt.

Glancing at the clock, Felicity realized that she needed to wake Pippa now if they were to arrive at breakfast on time. She pulled her heavy body out of the warm sheets and wandered to Pippa's bedside. Suddenly a vision from the previous night ripped through her core. She almost kissed Pippa. But that realization is not what caused Felicity to jump back from Pippa's bedside. Felicity lurched away because the urge lingered.

A few deep breaths were all that Felicity needed. Her head cleared and she once again leaned over Pippa's sleeping frame. "Pip," Felicity whispered, her voice hoarse. "Pippa, it's time to get up." Pippa groaned and rolled away from Felicity's touch. "Come on. You need to get up now."

Felicity took a seat on the edge of the bed and began stroking Pippa's hair. "Why are you shouting?" Pippa finally groaned. She rolled back over to face Felicity. "I feel absolutely terrible."

"You don't look so great either," Felicity laughed. Pippa jumped out of bed and ran to her mirror. The movement was too fast. Felicity watched as Pippa doubled over and dry heaved. "Take it easy, Pip. Your body can't take too much right now."

Pippa stood back up straight and looked in her mirror. Felicity watched as the reflection frowned deeply. "I look like a drunkard," Pippa squealed.

"Nonsense," Felicity replied as she stood. "You just look like you had a rough night." In one fluid motion Felicity had removed her nightgown. Pippa gasped and whipped around to face Felicity's turned back.

"What happened?" Pippa exclaimed.

Felicity covered her exposed breasts before turning to look at her melodramatic friend. "What's the problem?"

"Your back! Turn back around!"

Felicity did as she was told. A shock pierced through her body when two icy fingers slid across her spine. Felicity was embarrassed to hear herself sigh. "Wh-what's wrong?" she gulped with her eyes squeezed close.

"You have a terrible bruise," Pippa answered. "Does it hurt?"

Felicity thought for a second. She now remembered getting the bruise, but had no idea if Pippa even remembered the incident. "Not really."

"Where did it come from?"

"You don't remember," Felicity said, her voice twanged with a tiny bit of sadness.

Felicity listened to Pippa's labored breaths. Finally, the breathing stopped all together. "Oh my!"

"So, you do remember after all."

"I almost," Pippa whispered. "I almost made you kiss me."

Felicity smiled at the thought of Pippa forcing her into anything. "Do you remember the promise I made?"

Pippa's fingers continued to rub small circles up and down the soft skin of Felicity's back. Felicity bit her lip just to muffle all the sounds that were trying to break free. "Yes," Pippa whispered, so quiet that Felicity almost missed it.

"I intend to make good on that promise. All you have to do is ask." Pippa's hand dropped down to her side. Felicity felt a chill run up her back. The absence of those delicate fingers somehow felt wrong. But Felicity could see no way to take back what was said. She knew she had frightened Pippa. With no further words, Felicity finished changing behind her dressing screen. When she re-emerged, Pippa was already dressed.

"I'm sorry," Felicity whispered.

"For what?"

"Everything." And with that Felicity hurried out of the room so she could hide the wetness in her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if she had missed her chance for good.