07/05/2004 10:44 PM

Dear Diary, I think I calmed Alex a bit. She's quite a beautiful girl. I almost understand David. I've invited her to the pool.

Mandy slowly sinks in the warm water of the indoor whirlpool. The candles and the underwater spots turn the room into a cosy place. Alex gently strolls in and takes the robe off and slips out her slippers. Her dark skin contrasts beautifully with white bikini, although she would have preferred a model that was a bit bigger. She walks to the edge of the pool and let herself softly glide in the water.

"Whew, Mandy, I didn't know you've such a big indoor pool. It's beautiful with these candles."

"Yeah, I enjoy it a lot. It's very relaxing after school or a shopping spree. Are you feeling a bit better?"

"Oh, yeah, thanks for the scrubbing. I feel clean again. It was an horrible experience."

"Do you want to talk it over, or rather not?"

"I don't really know. I think I do want to get it out of my system, but isn't this too much of a burden on you?"

"Spill it girl!"

"Well, David asked me out. I was startled at first, but ever so glad. This was the first time he actually asked one of us three out. I phoned Sam and Clover at once and together we choose what I was going to wear. Clover was a bit jealous, but it wore off quite quickly. Around seven David picked me up at the mall. We went to pick nick. He had a bottle of Champagne and caviar. I told him he was crazy but he said I was worth it. He told me he was leaving for a year and wanted to keep me in his mind. It was so sweet. We kissed, with passion .... "

Tears are welling in Alex's eyes. Carefully Mandy swims closer by and puts a comforting arm round Alex. Alex's dark tanned skin and Mandy's delicate pink skin close ever so gentle. Mandy gives Alex a supportive squeeze in the neck. With a swift, and to Mandy unforeseen, motion of her body Alex takes Mandy in her arms and kisses her.

"Thank you, Mandy. You're so wonderfully supportive. I know you liked David too." The startled Mandy, closes her arms round Alex and gently strokes her raven locks.

Alex relaxes under Mandy's strokes and picks her story back up.

"We were lying in the sand, holding hands, when he turned on his side. He had a queer look in his eyes. I should have realised there and then what he had in mind with remembering me ... "

Alex's voice trails off once more. Mandy takes her close by and gently kisses Alex's cheek, still caressing her hair. Mandy blushes and Alex's reaction to return this kiss even intensifies this blush. Alex takes Mandy's head in her hands and slowly gives her a kiss on the mouth, which finally turns to a French kiss. Mandy doesn't fight Alex off, on the contrary she joins her. Their tongues gently caress. Alex breaks the kiss and looks quizzically at Mandy.

"If this is your passionate kiss, Alex, I can almost understand David" sighs Mandy a bit out off breath. Alex looks at her in amazement and then burst out in laughter. Mandy sighs relieved, for a moment she thought Alex was going to cry again.

"Oh, well from there on it was rather straightforward. He started being pushy and his hands were everywhere on my body. I made it clear I wasn't that kind of a girl, and he made it clear he was that other kind of a boy. He ripped my shorts and when I jumped to my feet he tore at my tank top. Luckily I could give him a karate chop and ran away. I didn't really know the neighbourhood so I started hiding somewhere. When I heard his car drive off, I could kick myself in the ass not having taken it. Once he was gone, I came out of hiding and per chance came in this neighbourhood. You were the only person I knew over here so I rang on your door."

"Didn't you have your cell-phone?" Mandy asks.

"My handbag lies in David's car. I must be going home, my mom will become anxious about me."

"Why don't you stay overnight, Alex. David won't look for you over here a second time."

"WHAT, he's been here?"

Alex almost jumps out the water, it's only thanks to Mandy's swift reaction of taking her in her arms the Latino girl calms down a bit.

"Right before you called, I've turned him away. Scolded at him like a fishwife. He won't be coming back soon. If you want me to, I can call your mother and tell her your staying here."

Alex trembles softly, Mandy takes her in her arms and shushes the Latino girl. Alex looks Mandy in the eyes and asks hesitantly: "Would you do that, Mandy? That would be oversweet."

Mandy clears the pool and walks to a telephone installed by the wall. "I'm sorry, but I haven't your number in speed dial Alex."

Alex looks startled at Mandy, but realises quickly what Mandy means and calls out the phone-number. After a short conversation, Mandy waves at Alex that she can stay.