Chapter 9
Catherine was astonished. She stayed in the same position long enough to look at sleeping Alexandra and be assured that this is real.
She looked around the room and saw her clothes lay on the floor. Without thinking what will be her next action, she got up and started to collect her belongings. She slowly dressed up. Then she realized that her underwear is missing. She looked around carefully but could not find it. In order to leave without waking up Alexandra, because she does not know how to behave with her, she decided to leave immediately.
Once she was outside, she caught a taxi. On the way home, she tried to remember what happened to her but she could not remember what happened after the second kiss.
At home, she had a shower. Then she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down to remember what happened last night. She definitely remembered the both kisses. She forced herself to remember the last night and she recalled leaving the bar with Alexandra to commute to her apartment.
She remembered only a few things but most of them were blurry. She also remembered Alexandra holding her while they walked out of the bar.
She enlightened, another scene came to her mind. She laid on the bed naked with Alexandra on top of her. The latter reclined to bed with her right arm, her fingers stroking Catherine's hair. Her left arm was below, she was caressing Catherine's left inner thigh with the tips of her fingers while kissing her neck. Her fingertips were trailing their path up...
Catherine stood up. Remembering that scene turned her on. On one hand, she was satisfied. On the other hand, she was angry with herself. She threw herself on the couch. Laying on her back and looking at the ceiling, she felt her eyes filling with tears.
She supposed to start a new life but she blew it off. She already slept with a colleague. Things will definitely be strange from now on. Especially, after Alexandra will start teaching in the Psychology department. How will she face her? How she will explain to her that their night together supposed to be a one-night stand.
Maybe, Catherine thought for a moment, maybe Alexandra was also looking for a fling, one meaningless sex. After all, she did not look like relationship material or someone with strong intentions. Yes, probably Alexandra will forget about this until their next meeting.
Just Catherine thought about it, she received a text message. "Cherchez la femme." It was Alexandra. Catherine did not expect it. She typed and sent, "what does it mean?" A few minutes later she received a response, "It means, look for the woman. Why did you leave so early?"
Catherine did not know what to answer. She did not even want to answer. Therefore, she ignored the SMS. She believed that way she will get rid of Alexandra's attention.
Close to the evening, her phone started ringing. Alexandra was calling her. Catherine waited a bit. She was analyzing the situation. She will not be able to ignore her all the time. She will face her eventually so she answered and heard a quite serious tone on the line.
-How are you, Catherine?
-I am OK.
-Good. Why did you leave without waking me up?
-Look, I am not feeling well to have this conversation. Let us meet at your favorite coffee place tomorrow and talk. Is it OK?
-Sure. 5pm?
-That sounds good.
The next day, Catherine was getting ready to go to work. She wore her blouse with a wide and deep cut and checked herself in the mirror before leaving. That is when she discovered a violet mark spot right on top of her heart. She touched it and discovered that it is a hickey. She went to her bedroom to change her top.
Catherine paid a visit to her office to read final papers and grade them. Close to 5 pm, she started feeling nervous. She wished not to have this meeting but she could not cancel it on a last minute call. It will look rude and Alexandra does not deserve that.
She decided to go to the coffee shop earlier, have a coffee and think about how she is going to handle the conversation.
While reorganizing her speech holding to her coffee cup with both hands, she heard the door to open and someone to enter. She was not willing to hold her head up.
-Did you start without me?
The familiar voice almost echoed. She did not want to look at her face.
-Are we going to talk like normal people at all?
Catherine looked at her. Alexandra was smiling.
-Do you want something? I will get myself something before sitting down.
-No.
-OK then.
After sitting down with her coffee, Alexandra looked at Catherine with warm in her eyes.
-I do not know how to greet you, to tell the truth. I do not know whether I should kiss you on the cheek, hug you or just say "hello".
-I would be happy if you could help me to recall the last night.
-You were drunk. I was not that drunk but I was not sober either. After exchanging a few sentences we made out at the bar table. Then...
She stopped, looked at Catherine and grinned.
-Well, you know the rest.
-Is there a little chance we did not do it?
-Catherine, if a woman goes into my bed naked, we always do it.
Catherine hid her face in both her hand palms.
-What I understand is you regret it.
Catherine raised her head
-Look, you are great. Beautiful and interesting. However, there is a problem. The reason why I was in that bar yesterday is I needed to find someone for a one-night stand. I am trying to get over someone.
-Why did you text me?
-I could not find anyone in the bar.
Alexandra looked at her curiously.
-Alexandra, I am sorry. Really, I am. It is just, I am getting over this person and I do not look for something serious. I do not want to hurt you but please let us try to forget the last night.
Alexandra looked at Catherine with a stern face. Catherine got scared that she might make a scene out of this. She waited for Alexandra's response impatiently. Alexandra did not wait long before answering.
-I want to understand one thing. Why would you think that I might perceive the last night as a hint for a serious stuff?
Catherine silently looked at her asking for more clarification.
-Look, if I want to have a relationship with a woman, I do not jump at her at the first chance. Besides, of all, I am also getting over someone. Frankly, the last night I wanted to blow some steam.
Catherine did not believe in what she just heard. It is going to be easy to forget about that. There will be no problems.
-Are you OK with it?
-Yes, Catherine.
Catherine felt relief. She instantly became cheerful. A beautiful smile emerged on her face.
-You felt better. I am glad about that.
-I am sorry. I thought it will be uncomfortable but now I feel relaxed. How are you, by the way?
-Good, thanks.
-I hope we can remain friendly.
-Of course.
Alexandra smiled.
-But there is one thing that bothers me. What am I supposes to do with your underwear you left at my place?
Catherine's eyes widened. She looked directly at Alexandra. Alexandra, on the other hand, looked very calm. Then she burst into laughter. She laughed like an innocent child, from her heart and a lot. Catherine watched her with an open mouse and wide eyes.
-Sorry, Catherine. But I should get the best of it. This is the price you pay for sleeping with me. I am going to tease you a lot.
Catherine closed her eyes for a bit and said to her:
-You are like a high schooler. I really thought you are mature.
-Oh, come on. You are going to love it. I should get going, Catherine. I should get my luggage ready.
-Are you going somewhere?
-Yes, I decided to visit Italy and France before the semester starts.
-Business trip?
-No, leisure.
-Have a safe flight and trip then.
-Thanks. See you at the department. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, btw.
-Thanks, you too.
Catherine smiled. Alexandra got up, came closer and kissed her on the right cheek.
-Bye, Catherine.
Then she moved to the door with quick and determined steps. Catherine looked at her from behind. She did not like her to leave but she could not do anything about it.