CHAPTER 2

It's been a few months since the Valentine's day dance. Carl is still my boyfriend. We don't hold hands, hug or kiss in public. Neither one of us are interested in PDA, we prefer to keep our dating life private. It's Saturday night and I'm going to Carl's house to watch Ghostbusters. I haven't seen it before, but he assured me I'd like it. He was right, it's a great movie. I could picture myself watching it again... on repeat.

Carl and I started kissing during the end credits. He flipped to MTV to have music play in the background. I straddled his hips to continue our make out session. Kissing Carl was causing me to feel things I haven't experienced before. Tingling moved from my lips to my privates. His hands found their way up my shirt to my breasts. I could feel his hands shake. He was really nervous. "Carl, you don't need to be nervous. I like what you're doing, but I'm not ready to have sex yet." I was wearing a Wonder Woman shirt with dark blue track pants.

"Okay. We can do other things... if you want. Only things you want to do. I won't pressure you." He was very unsure of himself, but also wanting to push me further than I was willing to go. His touch felt amazing and I wanted him to touch me down there, but I didn't want to have sex. Maybe he could touch but not penetrate?

"Thank you." He reached into my shirt and removed my bra to touch my bare breasts. My shirt was still covering me. His thumbs trailed over my nipples, causing them to peak. I moaned from the contact. It felt really good.

"Do I have permission to kiss you here?" he asked as his thumbs stroked my nipples.

"Yes." As he lifted my shirt over my head, his mouth found my nipple. He sucked it into his mouth as he stroked the other one. I leaned my head back and moaned. My panties were getting moist as he sucked my other nipple into his mouth. I could feel his erection growing.

"Steph, can I touch your privates?" He wanted to touch me as much as I wanted him to.

"Only if I could touch yours." I stood up to pull off my track pants, but left my panties in place. Carl pulled his jeans and underwear down so I could touch him too. Before I could touch him, Carl nudged me to lay on the couch. Once I was in position, he pulled my panties to the side to lick my slit. He pushed a finger into me. Carl kept licking me and pumping his finger in and out. I could feel my temperature rising and my heart racing before my body shook violently. According to Mary Lou, that was an orgasm. He kissed up my body to my mouth.

Placing my hand on his erection, I stroked him until he erupted onto my stomach. "Sorry Stephanie. I shouldn't have done that." He sounded embarrassed. Mary Lou told me that would happen the first time.

"It's alright Carl. Please don't tell anyone what we did tonight. If my mom finds out, I'll be grounded. Not even Eddie. If I hear you tell anyone, I'll break up with you." I suddenly regretted what we've shared tonight and I was panicking. It may not have been penile penetration, but we still had a form of sex. I am so dead when mom finds out.

He assured me, "I promise not to tell anyone. Not even Eddie." Carl grabbed some tissues for me to wipe his semen off my stomach.

We just finished dressing when Carl's mom came into the basement. "Stephanie, it's close to your curfew." My face flushed pink when she took in our wrinkled clothes. There was no doubt in her mind what we were doing. Mrs Costanza didn't spread gossip, so I knew our secret was safe for now. It all depended on Carl's ability to keep our secret. I had no intention of sharing this with anyone, not even Mary Lou.

"Thank you Mrs Costanza. I'll have Carl walk me home." We left his house immediately, but I was still five minutes late. I was as good as grounded.

During our walk he asked if I enjoyed tonight, "Yes Carl. I really enjoyed what we did."

"Would you like to do that again?" he tentatively asked.

"Sure. I liked when you touched my breasts and pinched my nipples," I whispered.

"I liked that too. I can tell you liked it. Your privates got really wet," he whispered. He kissed my cheek at the door. "See you at school." I waved goodbye before entering the house.

On Monday, I heard Carl tell Eddie about Saturday night and his plans to pop my cherry this weekend. It was so embarrassing and I was furious. He promised he wouldn't tell and he knows I don't want to have sex yet. I have to work after school, so I won't see him until tomorrow. A few nights a week, I work until the Tasty Pastry closes at 10 pm, the same time as my curfew. Mom and Dad makes an exception when I work, as long as my grades are maintained.

I passed my driver's test and was driving Mom's car to work. The silver Buick was fun to drive. I liked having my independence. She picked me up after school and I dropped her off at home on my way to work. "Thank you for letting me borrow your car Mom." I wondered if she was only letting me drive because picking me up was an inconvenience for her.

"I just want you to be safe coming home from work. It's more convenient than picking you up after your shift," she said to confirm my suspicion. I hugged Mom before she hopped out of the car. It's the thought that counts... or at least I had to believe it did. She passed me a lunch bag containing a sandwich and snacks.

Carl stopped by the bakery at 9:45 pm. He planned to drive me home from work. "Carl, I don't need a ride home anymore. Mom lets me use her car."

He looked a bit sad. "I forgot." I looked around the bakery and watched my last customer walk out the door.

"That's not the only thing you forgot Carl." I could feel my full rhino mode kick in.

He looked confused, "What else did I forget?" It was time for me to carry out my threat.

Placing my hands on my hips I curtly said, "You told Eddie about Saturday night. I overheard you at school telling him. You forgot to keep it to yourself. Carl, you betrayed my trust. I don't want to be your girlfriend anymore." I wiped the tears from my eyes and whispered, "You broke your promise. Just for your information, I'm not going to have anyone 'pop my cherry' anytime soon."

He sadly said, "Okay. You did warn me to stay quiet. Eddie promised not to tell anyone." As if that would actually make a difference. In time I knew I would forgive him. We've been friends too long just to it throw away completely.

"I need to get back to work. Can we still be friends?" I knew it was going to be difficult for a few weeks, but I'm a very forgiving person. It was one of my worst traits at times. People tend to take advantage of my kind, friendly and forgiving nature.

"I would like that." He left the bakery as I started the closing routine.

Friday night rolled around. Valerie brought a date home for dinner. "Mom, Dad, Stephie, this is my boyfriend Steve." She finally brought home the boy she was sneaking around to date. Steven has blond hair and blue eyes. He was close to six feet tall.

We all said 'hello' before Mom started asking questions. "Where is Carl? I was expecting to see him here tonight."

"We broke up Monday night." My tone gave away my feelings. I was sad we ended our relationship. He really was a nice guy until he wasn't.

She was getting upset, "I'll have to ask Susan why her son dumped you." Ya... not going to happen if I have anything to say about it.

"Mom. I broke up with him. We agreed to remain friends. He's been my friend for over ten years." I didn't say anything about not trusting him anymore. Mom and Dad really don't need to know the reason we split. It was sheer luck they haven't already found out.

"I was hoping you two would get married after graduation." Marriage would never be on my radar. Mom and Dad have been married for eighteen years. I learned they got married after Mom discovered she was pregnant. Most of the time, they appear to be coasting along in a loveless marriage. Other times, they appear to be completely in love. It's just way too confusing.

"Valerie," I started to ask. "When did you meet Steve?"

She smiled brightly, "I went on a tour of Rutgers College in January. He was our guide. We kind of hit it off right away." Mom was planning something. I could see it written all over her face.

"Steve, what is your area of study?" I inquired.

"I'm in pre-law right now. I was just accepted into Harvard Law." He was clearly bragging.

"Impressive. You need top grades to get into Harvard. Congratulations." Mom was truly impressed. I could see she has dollar signs in her eyes. It takes many years to build up clientele and even longer to start making big bucks as a lawyer. Not to mention the difference between corporate, real estate, criminal, family, labour, property, tax, commercial... need I go on... law. Depending on his area of study, it would determine exactly how much earning potential he has. I'm going to keep this tidbit of information to myself. No benefit in bursting her bubble.

"My mom and dad are very proud of me. I received a full scholarship too. All I need to do is maintain my average."

Valerie preened over his accomplishments. "I'm so proud of you." She obviously saw the dollar signs like Mom. I'm just not going to touch that.

Mom asked the question Valerie and I carefully avoided. "How many years of Law school before you become a lawyer?"

"Four years. In order to graduate, I need to spend my summers interning at a firm. My dad has already promised me an internship with his firm." We talked through dinner and dessert, getting to know Steven better. The more I learned, the more I didn't like. He came across as only dating Valerie for social standing. It would guarantee placement in a law firm if he proves to be a family man. I really hope this doesn't come back to bite my sister in the ass.

A letter arrived in the mail a few months later. Valerie has been accepted into the marketing program at Cambridge College. I was surprised when Mom and Dad gave her their blessing. It was my understanding that Valerie and I wouldn't be permitted to pursue a post secondary education. We'll see if they let me attend college when I graduate high school. Since we have an Aunt living in Cambridge Massachusetts, Valerie wouldn't need to live in a dorm, saving Mom and Dad a lot of money.

Living in Massachusetts, Valerie and Steve could continue dating without the fear of the long distance relationship. Not to mention it would reduce the chance of him cheating on her. "Wow. Good job Valerie. I'm happy for you," I said when Valerie shared her good news.

"I'll be home for holidays and the occasional weekend. You won't have time to miss me." I held back my laughter. When Val moves, she won't be able to blame me as easily to divert attention away from her. I was looking forward to the day she leaves. Her graduation ceremony is next weekend.

My boss gave me the night off work so I could attend Val's graduation with my family. After each grad received their diploma, the principal announced he had several scholarships to award. Nine students were awarded scholarships for sports or academia in Math and Sciences.

The final scholarship was the Humanitarian award given to the student who committed to humanitarian issues of a local or global importance. Principal Collins stated, "This student raised funds to help injured Army service men rehabilitate. She volunteered many weekends and days during each summer to raise awareness. The student receiving this prestigious award is Valerie Plum, who will be studying Marketing at Cambridge College in the fall. This scholarship will cover her tuition expenses for her four year program." We jumped out of our seats to whistle, clap and scream. She blushed when Collins shook her hand before handing her the envelope. We went to Risolli's to celebrate.

I wrote my last exam today, which was English. The teacher gave us a few essay topics from books we read during the semester. I selected the option for George Orwell's 1984. In my essay, I argued the whole 'big brother' concept. Although it was good in theory, it was also an invasion of privacy. I was confident I aced that exam as well. My grades will be available on Monday when I clean out my locker.

This weekend I was going to Point Pleasant with Mary Lou and her family. My boss gave me the weekend off as long as I worked the next four. I quickly agreed. I went to my room and packed my small suitcase. Mary Lou's dad will be arriving any minute to pick me up. Mentally, I checked through my list to make sure I packed everything. Bikini... check, flip flops... check, towels... check, shorts... check, tank tops... check, tampons... check, extra elastics... check, sunscreen... check. I was planning to wear my sneakers, hat and sunglasses.

My period isn't supposed to start for another week, but it was still best to be prepared. Mary Lou often found herself needing feminine products. I learned to carry extra with me just in case she needed it. We discovered last year our periods were synchronized. She knocked on the front door as I was descending the stairs.

Mom opened the door, "Good afternoon Mary Lou. Are you prepared for your weekend away?"

"Yes Mrs Plum, I'm prepared." Mom handed her a bag of snacks and drinks. "Thank you for the snacks Mrs Plum."

"You're welcome dear. It's the least I could do for your family." Mom always sent us with snacks whenever I visited the Molnar cottage. It was her way of saying thanks for taking care of me.

On Sunday, around noon, we saw a family of Latinos picnicking on the beach six feet away from us. I didn't notice them arriving. Likely, I was napping when they arrived and spread out their lunch. They had three blankets spread on the beach with a feast on the middle one. The adults were on the blanket to the left, and the teenagers on the other one. I was watching the teenagers.

A few boys noticed Mary Lou and I tanning on our towels. My bikini perfectly matched my eye colour. Mary Lou was wearing a one piece black suit. One boy has lightly tanned skin, blond hair and green eyes. The other has mocha skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was smaller and skinnier than the blond boy. I guessed his age to be fourteen and the blond to be sixteen.

There was another boy who was obviously younger, maybe nine. He still had baby fat on his body and face. The four girls were beautiful and had the same skin tone as two of the boys. I guess their ages to range between seventeen and twenty two.

If I had to guess, I would say the mocha coloured girls and boys were siblings. I assumed the blond was just a family friend. Grabbing my towel, I wrapped it around my waist as I walked towards the water. I tossed my towel on the beach and waded into the water.

Swimming was my favourite activity. Mary Lou refused to come into the water. She didn't want to get her hair wet (insert eye roll here). It didn't really bother me. Wet hair made my curls easier to tame... until it dried. I had my hair French braided to keep it under control. Mary Lou helped me braid my hair this morning. We often practiced different types of braids on each other.

The Latino family joined me in the ocean. "Ricky, primo, don't swim too fast. I can't catch up." I smiled, that boy could really swim. "Hi beautiful."

I looked at the blond boy. "Are you talking to me?"

"Yes beautiful, I'm talking to you. My name is Lester Santos. That scrawny brat is my cousin." He pointed to the boy who swam out to the buoy.

"Nice to meet you Lester. My name is Steph. Stephanie Plum. The girl tanning on the beach is my best friend Mary Lou." We talked for a few minutes, getting to know each other. He was very friendly and flirtatious. I liked him immediately.