Chapter 9: A New Look and a New Beginning
Real beauty is to be true to oneself. That's what makes me feel good.
- Laetitia Casta
Laura's Diary 23rd October 2016
Everything has been going up and up, my tutor praises me for my progress and how hard I study. It seems that I could potentially become a model student, even a high flyer.
Liv and Isabel have been very supportive, and we've begun to compromise on chores, which will be allocated to us weekly. We have begun to not only live like students, but also like a family, and that was a bond we wanted to keep.
Tyler on the over hand, has made an attempt to enter my life and rekindle our broken relationship, which I was not so impetuous to agree on. However, I was willing to allow him back into my life.
We did meet up for coffee, which did go very well. We chatted about how we were getting on with our studies, and if anything interesting happened since we've been apart. Our meeting did end with an arrangement for another meeting, but we didn't confirm when it would be. We departed with a handshake and unexpectedly, Tyler kissed me on the cheek, which I was flattered about. We even hugged before we went our separate ways.
Afterwards I did reflect on my meeting with Tyler and the idea of getting back together, but I didn't feel tempted to get back into a relationship with him. Surely the kiss on the cheek would have revived the spark him and I once had, but it didn't. I was distracted by one other person, whom I've been spending more time with and warming up to, Marina.
When I permitted Marina to kiss me, she kissed with upmost passion and adoration. I was liberated and afresh as if a new chapter had begun in my life. I have discovered my bi-curious side. I didn't regret kissing Marina, maybe it is true that I have feelings for her and I should move on with her. Maybe not move on with her and forget Tyler, but try dating Marina, just to confirm if what I have for her is love. This poor troubled girl, who has never in her life been loved, needs love; and I want to give her love.
Unexpectedly, Laura's phone started to vibrate. The caller was displayed with a request to facechat, which was her mother, Caroline. Laura picks up the phone and answers the call promptly. A moving image of Caroline appeared with a warm expression.
„Hi mum," greeted Laura with a smile.
„Hi greenbean, are you all set to come and visit me today?" asked Caroline.
„Sure mum, I'll be there at 18:00 sharp," confirmed Laura.
„Is Tyler coming too?" asked Caroline.
„I'm afraid not, him and I did meet up, but we still want to take a break from each other," clarified Laura.
„Oh that's a shame, you want to bring one of your other friends instead?" offered Caroline.
„Well there is someone I would like to bring along. You've never met her before, but she is someone I've recently made friends with, and am also trying to help," answered Laura.
Caroline smiled with awe and responded, „That's so sweet, just like your father always wanting to help people... So who's this someone?"
„Her name is Marina, she's a really shy girl whom I'm trying to help fit in," revealed Laura.
„That is so sweet of you greenbean, I would be happy to meet your new friend," reacted Caroline.
Laura moved her eyes down to where the time was displayed on her phone. She realized her meeting with Marina is minutes away.
„Listen, I've got to be going mum. Marina is expecting me, but we'll see you at 18:00," announced Laura.
„Okay, I'll see you both at 18:00," acknowledged Caroline.
„Of course," affirmed Laura.
„I love you greenbean," concluded Caroline.
„I love you too mum," responded Laura.
Both smiled as Laura ended the call, and got herself ready to meet Marina. With haste, Laura got herself ready. Not having enough time to tend to her looks, knowing there was only enough time to collect Marina, get her make over done and then make it to her mum's on time.
Pedantically, Laura checked to see that the money required to spend on Marina's make over was in her possession. She was willing to spend a quantity of her money on Marina, which was money she inherited from her father. She would invest some of it to help what she would call her first mental patient. She was certain it's what her father would have wanted, whatever makes her happy.
Laura slipped on her jacket, slung her bag over her shoulder and paced towards the front door. She even wrote Marina a short message, informing her that she's on her way.
When Laura arrived to meet Marina, she noticed that there was more hair on her head, but it was scruffy and needed to be brushed. She wore a long brown silk skirt, which covered her legs. Instead of wearing her hoodie like she used to, she wore a dark short sleeved shirt. Despite her attempt to change her image, Laura knew that there was more work to be done on Marina, in order to spruce her up a bit and truly adorn her appearance.
Laura took Marina to the areas of town she never visited before, where the clothes shops and beauty salons were located. It was a nice sunny day, pertaining to the exciting and vigorous mood they were both in.
Their first visit was to shop for clothes and alter Marina's dress sense, and make her stand out more. Laura did ask Marina what her favorite colours were and which colours she didn't like, which would give her the idea what clothes she would be comfortable wearing. They spent half an hour browsing through clothes that Marina took an interest in. She showed no sign of irritation like kids do, when their mothers take them clothes shopping. She was enthusiastic and even pointed out clothes she was keen on, and wanted to try on.
They picked a wide selection of clothes to try on and went to the changing rooms, where Laura stood in front of the cubicle Marina was in. Marina would emerge from behind the curtain, beaming and posing herself in front of Laura in new clothes. Each time, Laura would give feedback on Marina's appearance and help her make a decision, which clothes she would like to purchase.
Eventually, Marina settled on the clothes, which was a bright red cotton vest with thin straps over the shoulder. She picked a black thin faux leather skirt, which reached her knees. In addition, she picked a beige woolen open jumper, which she would wear over her vest, this would make herself look even smarter and presentable.
Afterwards, they went shopping for shoes. Marina agreed to try out high heels, even though she never wore that type of footwear in her life. They did try on various types of high heels that were available. Laura even gave Marina a little lesson how to walk in high heels, and they both had a laugh when Marina would lose balance and nearly fall. Each time Marina tried catwalking in high heels, she conveyed nervousness as if she was riding a bike for the first time ever. She eventually got more confident and was able to strut in high heels, feeling a source of pride and invigoration. She even made facial expressions that models make when they catwalk, which did make Laura laugh.
They both got help from the shop owner, who was female and revealed herself to be a former model, but backed out of the industry because of all the hard work that was required. She helped Marina pick out the high heels that are suitable for amateurs, which were black kitten heels.
With a new change of clothes and new footwear, they went to the beauty salon to complete Marina's makeover. Laura knew the place well, both her, Olivia and Isabel were previous customers.
Upon entering the beauty salon, they were immediately greeted by the receptionist who offered Laura her hand. She even offered Marina her hand, but Marina was hesitant at first, but tensely (not looking at her in the eyes) took her hand. This was the first time Marina had ever shook hands with another human being, she could feel her wrist joint crack and loosen up.
„So what can I do for you two?" asked the receptionist ardently and amicably.
„Well, I've brought my friend round (Marina enlivened hearing Laura consider her a friend) to have a makeover," answered Laura.
The receptionist shifted her eyes from Laura to Marina, who then started to feel intimidated by a stranger looking at her in the eyes. Her heart started pumping rapidly, she could feel it climb its way into her throat. Her mouth started to go dry and she got that metallic taste whenever she got scared.
„Oh I see, well I know just the person for the job," said the receptionist. She looked to her left and called out, „Sabrina."
From the corner of the salon appeared a young blonde women in her late 20's, who approached with a warm sharp smile. Her hair was tied back in a hair-clip, obviously to help make her job easy. She wore bright red lipstick, which outlined her big pearl-white teeth.
„Hello," greeted Sabrina with her arms at her front and her hands together, showing her painted lacquered nails. Marina didn't look Sabrina in the eyes, and instead, looked at Laura for comfort.
„Hello, I'm not the one having the make over, my friend is," implied Laura. She introduced Marina to Sabrina, „This is Marina."
Sabrina's smile got bigger, as she stuck out her hand and greeted, „It's a pleasure to meet you Marina."
Marina started to immensely shiver and her hand trembled. She took Sabrina's gentle hand and her breathing stuttered, showing how nervous she was.
„Is something wrong?" asked Sabrina, expressing concern.
„Nothing, it's just Marina is really shy," explained Laura. She turned to face Marina, who was shaking like a leaf and asked, „Is everything okay Marina?"
„Laura, I don't know if I can go through with this," stuttered Marina.
Laura stroked Marina's hair back and stroked her cheeks, which made Marina smile and calm her nerves.
„Marina it's okay, you can trust her, she'll take care of you," coaxed Laura.
Marina looked Laura in the eye and requested, „Could you come with me?"
Laura being flattered by the idea persuaded, „I know you are shy and nervous, but Sabrina will be gentle with you. She knows what she's doing, besides she was my stylist when I was here last."
„Really?" asked Marina with surprise.
Laura nodded and affirmed, „Yeah, she's really good, and besides there are two things I would like you to do for me."
„What are they?" asked Marina.
Laura placed her hands on Marina's face and revealed, „I would like you to talk to Sabrina, trust me, she's a great person to talk to, and two; I want your make over to be a surprise, would you do that for me?"
Marina nodded and conceded, „Yeah, I'll do that."
Laura smiled and praised, „Good girl."
The two looked at each other in the eyes and smiled, it looked like they were about to kiss. Marina was hesitant to kiss in front of an audience, and Laura wanted to assure that Marina was okay and brave enough to be left with Sabrina.
„Go, I'll wait here for you," assured Laura. Marina's confidence boosted, she walked away from Laura, taking her hand and voluntarily letting it go. Marina looked at Laura with a smile before she turned her head to face a smiling Sabrina, who led her into the secluded section of the salon, where the other clients were; out of Laura's sight.
Once Marina was led to one of the chairs, where she saw other customers with their own stylist, Sabrina sat Marina on one of the chairs in front of the mirror. She asked if Marina wanted a drink and she requested a black coffee, which Sabrina cordially accepted and went to make coffee.
Marina store into the mirror resolutely having predictions about how her makeover would turn out, and if she'll like the new image. She casted those concerns out of her mind and shifted her focus on Laura, and how she will react and critique her new look. The thought of that brought Marina to smile at herself in the mirror for the first time in her life. She would keep her word to Laura that she would be conversational with Sabrina, and try to overcome her shyness.
Sabrina returned with a small mug on a saucer with sugar and a cinnamon cookie. She placed it in front of Marina and said, „Here you are Marina."
„Thank you," whispered Marina. Sabrina begun to play around with Marina's hair to determine what kind of hair she has.
„Hmm, you have thick jet black hair. Maybe we should keep it long, but make it fluffy, shall we do that?" asked Sabrina.
„Yeah that would be nice," approved Marina.
„Make it wavy, nice and fluffy," said Sabrina, grabbing handfuls of Marina's hair, scrunching it and flicking it out.
Sabrina brought Marina to the basin where she washed her hair, which made Marina more on edge, especially when she felt the warm water run through her hair. When Sabrina applied shampoo and conditioner in Marina's hair, the scent of the product was distinctive. Marina did enjoy the massaging of her scalp with hair products, which were rubbed deep into the roots, she felt relaxed and tranquil.
After her hair was washed, Sabrina wrapped a towel around Marina's head and created a turban, then she brought her back to the chair. Marina looked at herself in the mirror with a smile on her face, basking in the aftermath of the massage and seeing a turban on her head.
„You look so happy, and you have cute little dimples!" complimented Sabrina, pointing out the dimples at the side of Marina's mouth.
This compliment and implication made Marina giggle. She bared her teeth and her dimples loomed, and revealed a nasolabial fold. „Really?" asked Marina, feeling flattered by Sabrina's compliment, unaware of her own beauty that she has been unaware of throughout her years.
„Yeah you do, smiling is something you should do more of, it's a healthy expression to maintain your self-esteem and boost your confidence. That way others will notice you," lectured Sabrina.
The thought of that ignited and boosted Marina's confidence and self-esteem, her smile was fixated on her face, she couldn't bring her cheeks down.
When Sabrina dried her hair and begun to use the curlers to make her hair wavy, they started to make conversation. It begun with Sabrina asking Marina questions about her and what her interests are. Marina would happily answer Sabrina's questions and was open to revealing her interests, which were topics like art, writing and history; but then she revealed her more secretive, somber, and abstruse interests like: paganism, witchcraft and the occult. Sabrina would raise her eyebrows when she was made aware that Marina was into those kind of topics. She would ask why Marina was into that sort of thing, and Marina would reveal that it's a way of enlightenment, and discovering endless possibilities to find one's potential and inner strength.
After Marina's hair was finished, Sabrina proceeded to give Marina a pedicure and manicure, while they continued to have a conversation. This time the conversation became more personal, as it started to involve the conspicuous bond between Laura and Marina.
„You don't mind if I ask you something personal do you?" asked Sabrina.
„Sure," answered Marina.
„What is it between you and Laura?" wondered Sabrina with a curious expression.
Marina licked her lips and openly admitted, „Laura is my friend, my only friend."
Sabrina's eyebrows drew close together, her mouth hung open and she asked, „Your only friend, you mean you haven't had friends before?"
„No... I've always been alone, until Laura came into my life. She tried to help me to develop and find the real me," divulged Marina. Sabrina's face turned from bafflement to sympathy.
„Marina, you are a very pretty lady, you just hide in the shadows and are too afraid to interact with others," referred Sabrina.
„I know, but I made effort to have a conversation with Laura's ex boyfriend," acknowledged Marina.
This acknowledgement elated Sabrina's facial expression, and she praised, „There you go, it just takes that one little step to success, and nothing will stop you." Marina smiled with delight and Sabrina did the same.
When both Marina's toenails and fingernails were painted and glossed, Sabrina closely inspected Marina's facial features and structure.
„The reason I asked you, was because it seemed that it's more than just friendship between you and Laura," suspected Sabrina.
Marina pressed her lips together and conceded, „Well I have to confess… I have feelings for Laura."
Sabrina looked directly into Marina's eyes and questioned, „Are you gay?"
Marina did not take long to respond. She nodded and answered, „Yes, I love Laura. I love her more than anything in the world."
Sabrina awed upon hearing Marina's sincere confession that she loves Laura. She responded, „That is so sweet, have you ever told her how you feel?"
Marina smiled and spontaneously revealed, „We both kissed, about two or three times as far as I can remember."
„So are you two officially going out?" asked Sabrina.
„Well I don't know yet, I'm not sure if she wants to get back together with her ex boyfriend, or she is open for a new relationship," doubted Marina.
„She kissed you, that must mean something. Maybe you do have a chance with her," hinted Sabrina.
„You think so?" reacted Marina.
„Yeah I believe you have a very big chance of winning Laura's heart, but first we need to do your face. After I'm done, Laura is going to want to kiss you again," guaranteed Sabrina, placing her fingertips on Marina's smiling face.
Sabrina proceeded to do Marina's face by applying foundation, which made Marina close her eyes and let the foundation settle in.
While Sabrina proceeded to do Marina's eyes, Marina took the opportunity to ask Sabrina for advice. „What could I do to make Laura love me?" asked Marina.
Sabrina pulled herself away from Marina and answered, „Just do something fun and daring. When you two are alone, try to do the first thing that comes to mind, just be creative."
Sabrina resumed to do Marina's eyebrows to make them stand out more. Marina suggested, „I'll think of something. I was too nervous about how Laura would respond and feel afterwards, but I must follow my heart and show Laura that I can be a fun girl."
Sabrina smiled and praised, „That's more like it, just enjoy yourselves." She put the eyebrow pencil down, looked at Marina's lips and declared, „Now for the final touch up, which is your lips. First we need to moisten your lips before we colour them in, otherwise your lips would be dry and not good for kissing," insisted Sabrina with a giggle, taking a small tub of lip balm and screwing the top off. She dipped her finger in the tub, then applied the lip balm onto Marina's lips.
Then Sabrina applied foundation onto Marina's lips, then used lip liner to draw an outline around Marina's lips. Marina ruminated back when Laura did her make up, and realized how patient and artistic Sabrina was when she applied make up.
„Okay, now it's time to colour them in," announced Sabrina, then browsed through her wide selection of lipsticks. Marina smiled knowing this was going to be the second time she had ever worn lipstick in her life. Her heart was pumping as Sabrina selected the colour for her.
When Sabrina took off the cap of the lipstick and screwed the bottom of the base, she commented, „You have such pretty lips you know that?"
Marina giggled and bantered, „I know, that's what Laura said, well something similar."
Sabrina smiled and instructed, „Okay Marina, you're going to have to slightly open your mouth and keep still."
Marina popped open her mouth, and Sabrina pressed the soft wax against the left corner of Marina's lips, then coloured the bottom lip with one smooth horizontal stroke. After the bottom lips were painted, Sabrina proceeded to paint the cupid's bow with a horizontal stroke.
She then got a folded piece of tissue paper and commanded, „Okay, now press your lips down onto the paper." Marina bit into the tissue paper with her lips, then released the tissue paper. „Now press your lips together and then smack them open," commanded Sabrina, giving her an example with her lips. Marina did so, and could hear a popping sound when she popped her lips apart. Sabrina gazed and smiled, revealing her big pearl white teeth.
„There we are, we are all done… want to look in the mirror?" asked Sabrina enthusiastically and eagerly. Marina nodded with a smile, and Sabrina stepped aside and moved behind her so Marina could see the final result in the mirror. There in front of Marina was a different reflection of herself. No longer was she the pale, shady and drab girl, but a stunningly attractive and happy girl. Marina looked at her reflection in shock, but chortled when she let her new look sink in. So much did she like her new look, she continued to chortle and almost cried.
„So what do you think?" asked Sabrina.
Marina put her hand in front of her mouth before she answered, „Oh my… I'm so beautiful."
Marina's compliment brought a smile to Sabrina's face, she responded, „Laura is going to love this… come, lets go and show Laura how beautiful you look."
Before Sabrina turned her back and expected Marina to follow her, Marina stood up but held position and asked, „How do I know if Laura wants to kiss me?" Sabrina froze and hummed in bewilderment, not understanding what Marina was trying to say. „I don't know if she's going to want to kiss me again, or last time was just a one off," worried Marina.
Sabrina walked up to Marina and explained, „It's hard to tell if Laura wants to kiss, you just have to read her body language and assess the mood. When you finish talking and there's a long pause, look at each other in the eyes. Once you are sure she wants to kiss, lean forward slowly and see how she reacts. If she pulls back, that's a sign that she does not want to kiss, and you may want to apologize afterwards." Marina swallowed hard on the thought that Laura would probably decline another kiss, should she make the move.
Sabrina ardently took Marina's hands and offered, „How about we have a rehearsal how the night turns out?"
„Sure," responded Marina nervously. She looked at Sabrina in the eyes, trying to conjure and maintain courage.
„Oh Marina, I had such a lovely time, thank you so much," beamed Sabrina, putting on a convincing performance.
Marina hesitated as she opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her stomach started to twist, she gulped, licked her lips and asserted her own self confidence with a response, „You're welcome Laura (almost said Sabrina), I had an amazing time with you too."
Sabrina acted as if she was deeply touched, she tilted her head sidewards; then there was a moment of silence between the two holding hands. It was obvious that Sabrina was giving Marina the hint that it was okay to kiss her, as she maintained eye contact as did Marina too. The thought of kissing any other female apart from Laura wasn't often on Marina's mind, but she couldn't deny that she did indeed find Sabrina attractive both inside and out. Such a peppy and friendly lady, who presents herself with a captivating exterior with how she cultivates her good looks.
Marina inclined herself towards Sabrina's ruby red lips, with her face expressing confidence and determination to obtain a kiss as a reward for showing Laura a wonderful time. When Marina's face was within a couple of inches of Sabrina's face, Sabrina shifted her head sideways over Marina's left shoulder. She air kissed without any contact of Marina's skin, and Marina did the same, smelling Sabrina's perfume at the same time.
„Sorry, I would like to kiss you on the lips as pretty as they are, but it's against policy to kiss customers. Besides you don't want my lipstick on your face do you?" quipped Sabrina, which caused Marina to smile.
„No, I guess not, you did a fine job on my face," complimented Marina.
„Thank you," responded Sabrina with a nod.
Marina opened her mouth and stammered, struggled to find the question she was looking for. „If a relationship does happen between Laura and I, how do I make the relationship last long?" asked Marina, who was on edge and clinging onto hope that a relationship between her and Laura will happen.
„Well, one thing you need to be is not boring, have fun together and just be spontaneous. Also you will need to be supportive, you both need to help each other through hard times, and be there for one another. Lastly, I would advise that you give each other space from time to time, it's not all about cuddling up together and kissing. Sometimes you need alone time to revitalize, and get yourself in the mood for love," advised Sabrina. Marina attentively listened and absorbed advice that would hopefully prove useful in the future. „So yeah, that's all the advice I can give you regarding relationships, but just go with the flow. Show her how much she means to you," apprised Sabrina.
Marina closed her lips, smiled, nodded and responded, „I will do that, thank you for your advice Sabrina."
Sabrina lightly nodded in approval and responds, „My pleasure Marina, come, lets go and see Laura." Sabrina extended out her hand and beckoned, „Come" and Marina took Sabrina's slender but firm hand. They walked together to the reception where Laura awaited.
Laura sat patiently in the reception, reading magazines that were out of date. She was sure she read them the last time she attended the salon. She also spent an amount of time checking her phone for any updates on her Facebook profile, but nothing new that intrigued her enough compared to older posts she received from friends. To make time go faster, she messaged her mum who was luckily online. She would update her what is currently happening, including the make over Marina was having done.
„Laura," whispered a familiar, soft and delicate voice, which made Laura look up to see who whispered her name. There in front of Laura's eyes stood someone she could identify, which was Sabrina. Next to her was a new acquaintance, but on closer inspection unveiled the identity, and confirmed that this wasn't a new acquaintance. The blue sapphire eyes that sparkled into hers, including a wide open smile with dimples and a nasolabial fold. Her hair was thick fluffy and jet black, which dangled over her shoulders. Immediately the recognition hit Laura like a bolt of lightening and realized it was Marina, but unlike the Marina she recognized and identified at first glance. Her eyebrows stood out more, there was make up around her eyes and her lips were coloured in.
Laura got up onto her feet and approached the now adorned and jubilant Marina. She reacted and questioned, „Marina, is that you?"
Marina giggled and her smile widened. She nodded and confirmed with a soft delicate voice, „Yes Laura, it's me."
Laura stared and stared, she stepped closer to the spruced and reinvigorated Marina. She effused, „Oh my… Marina, I can't believe this is you… you're so pretty, no you're gorgeous."
„Thank you Laura," responded Marina. They held hands and faced one another, then looked into each other's eyes. Marina was inclined to kiss Laura and Laura was almost inclined to do the same, or even hug her in an act of affection and accomplishment.
Sabrina broke up the moment by clearing her throat, which prompted Marina to turn and face Sabrina, who held a contact card inbetween her finger. „Here's my contact card," offered Sabrina. Marina took the card and saw Sabrina's contact information and Facebook business page address. Sabrina explained, „That way you can get in contact with me if you require any advice, or tips regarding makeup, even financially budget your cosmetics."
Marina smiled graciously and responded, „Thank you Sabrina, I appreciate what you've done for me, I really do."
While Marina and Sabrina continued conversation, Laura paid the bill at the reception with her card, and would collect Marina. „Ready Marina?" asked Laura.
Marina nodded and answered, „Yeah."
„Well I hope you two have a lovely day," said Sabrina.
„Thank you, you too," said Laura. She and Marina proceeded to leave the salon, and Marina caught a glimpse of Sabrina winking at Marina for good luck. This reinvigorated Marina to acknowledge the advice Sabrina gave her, and exploit it to bring her success in winning Laura's heart.
After leaving the salon, content and satisfied with the service, they went to the train station and purchased a return ticket. Laura's mum did not live far away from the college, it was only half an hour by train, which would get them there on time.
Once on the train, Laura took the time to do her makeup to make herself look more presentable for her mum. The two engaged in conversation about how Marina was going to introduce herself to her mum, and make a good impression. One concern Marina had was how to have good table manners, because Marina did not usually eat her meals which were served on a plate, when cutlery was required. Laura could only provide Marina with vague instructions, which would include cutting food into small pieces and chewing her food before swallowing.
The thought of Marina attending the birthday dinner party that passed, kind of made her cringe. The thought of her sitting at the table, inappropriately dressed and demonstrating bad table manners. The idea of inviting Marina to have dinner with her mum, she saw as a way to redeem herself for not inviting Marina to her birthday dinner, despite she knew Marina forgave her long ago.
When the train arrived at their destination, the two walked from the station to Laura's mum's, which was only 10 minutes walk from the station. Marina expressed and conveyed nerves, her bowels were rumbling and her stomach was shriveling.
When the two arrived at Laura's mum's house, Laura rung the door bell and seconds later the door was answered by Laura's mum, Caroline. Caroline's reaction seeing her daughter, who she doesn't see often in person brought her to smile and throw her arms open to embrace her daughter.
„Oh my greenbean, how I missed you, so glad you could come," cried Caroline, resting her chin on Laura's shoulder and shedding sentimental tears.
„I missed you too mum," expressed Laura tearfully.
Marina stood and watched mother and daughter embrace each other passionately. This sight should have envied Marina who has never received any loving contact from her mother. Instead, Marina observed and started to cry. Not over envy of Laura having a mother, but knowing this was the love that her own misfortune cheated her out of.
When Laura and Caroline released each other, Caroline drew her attention to the right where Marina stood. „Who's this young lady?" asked Caroline curiously.
„Oh sorry, I should introduce her to you, mum; this is Marina," introduced Laura.
„Hello Marina," greeted Caroline.
Marina would shy away and look at the ground. She hoarsely responds, „Hi."
„Aw, is your friend shy?" asked Caroline sympathetically.
„Yeah, she's not very social," confirmed Laura, looking at Marina by her side.
Marina squeezed one hand over the other, and continued to look at the ground, reluctant to make eye contact with her new acquaintance; who expressed friendliness and warmth.
„Marina, she's not going to hurt you," joked Laura, laughing at Marina looking painfully shy and stroking down her arm.
„She's so beautiful Laura, how can such a beautiful lady be so shy," questioned Caroline, looking suspiciously at Marina only taking glimpses, but reverting back to looking down at the patio. „Marina," said Caroline, as Marina glanced at Caroline in the eyes, „Come here."
Caroline opened her arms for Marina and embraced her. Marina only placed her hands on Caroline's sides, but then wrapped her arms around her, enjoying the embrace from another woman who is related to Laura and resembles her.
When Caroline released Marina, she looked in her eyes, smiled and beckoned, „Come in, I'll make us coffee."
Laura and Marina stepped inside and Laura knelt down to remove her shoes, and she saw Marina standing next to her, admiring the interior of the house.
„Marina," said Laura and Marina turned her head to look at Laura still crouching, „Got to take off your shoes."
„Of course," obeyed Marina. She willingly took off her shoes and let her feet touch the smooth, polished wooden floor.
Marina looked down at her feet and stretched out her toes, and Laura called out, „Marina." Marina looked up and Laura was standing next to the entrance to the lounge. Laura beckoned with her head and commanded, „Come, we're going to have coffee." Marina smiled and followed Marina into the inviting and cosy looking lounge.
The lounge was recently cleaned, the smell of dust remover and air freshener filled the room with a strong aroma. Laura sat on the couch and signaled Marina to sit down too, as she put her feet up side saddled. Marina slowly sat down keeping her knees together, with her hands together on her lap. Marina continued to observe and inspect the features of the room, breathing it in and letting the sunlit and warm ambiance sink in. Laura remained seated and was happy to remain silent and allow Marina to bask in such hospitality she's never indulged before. It was a pleasure to see Marina's eyes light up with joy, but also a concern that her eyes begun to leak tears of happiness. Out of all the tears Marina could shed, these were the tears Laura wanted to see, and was more than happy to cry with her.
Shortly Caroline arrived in the lounge, carrying a large tray of with coffee, sugar, cream and three cups. She ardently asked Marina how she takes her coffee, which Marina requested black. Caroline poured her coffee first and handed it to her.
When all three had their coffee, Caroline sat on the armchair next to sofa that was facing diagonally. The conversation commenced with Laura's studies and how well she's doing with her course work, but then the subject changed to how Laura met Marina. Laura would disclose how she met Marina, but was unwilling to talk about her former clingy attitude. Caroline would ask why she didn't invite her to the party, which Laura alibied that Marina was too nervous to be around other people.
Caroline would then ask Marina to tell her about herself and what she's into. Marina would more than gladly answer her questions, feeling like the center of attention. Every time she answered, she was flattered, as she would even giggle and blush.
When it seemed that Caroline and Marina were the only conversationalists in the room, Laura experienced a strange feeling of loneliness, which reminded her what she wanted to tell her mum. She took the opportunity and cut in, „Sorry, I've got to use the bathroom, I think I drank too much on the way."
„Of course greenbean, you know where the bathroom is," jested Caroline, watching her young daughter get up and walk into the hallway and go up the stairs.
Laura took refuge in the bathroom, and would mentally prepare herself to confess about how she felt about Marina, and her evolving sexuality. She would use the mirror to rehearse her confession, and she would recite over and over, until she was confident to go back downstairs again.
When Laura was no longer in the lounge, and it was just Marina and Caroline, Marina would stare at Caroline's belly and imaged Laura as a fetus in her womb. Marina had the guilty fantasy of also being in the womb with Laura and being birthed by the same mother. Of course Marina did not want to feel like she was disregarding her own late mother, who she never knew personally and still possessed sentimentality and love for.
„You have a wonderful daughter Mrs Woodson," complimented Marina, holding her mug in her hand with the saucer underneath.
„Please Marina, call me Caroline," insisted Caroline.
„Okay, Caroline… you have a wonderful daughter, so beautiful and charismatic," praised Marina, anxiously waiting for a response.
„She is, she's my little greenbean, makes my late husband and me so proud," responded Caroline, conveying pride in her daughter's accomplishments.
Marina begun to expatiate about Laura in vivid poetic detail, „I've noticed too, she's posted it on her Facebook, her profile says it all; about what an amazing person she is and how she changed my life. Before I met her, I was dubious and fearful of humans, because to me they were so complex and illogical. I was too afraid that people would reject me if I approached them, but it wasn't until I met Laura, did my perspective about people change. She was so different from the rest, unlike many girls, she's so caring, altruistic and affable. When I look at Laura and into her beautiful alluring eyes, my insides melt like butter, and I feel so subdued and captivated by her presence. When she smiles at me, both our worlds collide and eclipse to make two worlds become one, and I know that's a sign that she's the one who will understand and socially accept me. Laura is my muse, no my inspiration, no not just that; she's my life, Without her, I feel so empty and alone. An angel like her and a leper like me, who grovels before her feet and longs for salvation, which only she can grant me. No longer am I the creature that cowers in the shadows, she gives me her soft delicate hand and takes me to heaven. Her and I become not two, but one, we do everything together; we grow old together and we die together. I'm sorry if it sounded corny, but that's how I feel about her… I just hope it made sense."
While Caroline sat there and listened to Marina's exposition that sounded poetic and thought provoking, Caroline begun to blush and cry. „Aw Marina, that is so sweet… I never knew you were so poetic and creative," complimented Caroline with shed tears, as Marina blushed too
„Well when you're alone, you get time to be creative," elucidated Marina with a confident smile.
Caroline continued to shed more tears, she grabbed the tissues on the small table nearby and wiped her face. Once the tears were wiped away, she pulled herself together and re-embellished her face with a smile. „Oh Marina, bless you, bless your heart," cried Caroline. Marina scrunched her knees and hands together, and shied away with her face turning red, obviously blushing too. „Want to see pictures of Laura?" asked Caroline curiously.
„Sure, I would love to," reacted Marina gleefully, looking up into Caroline's eyes.
Caroline pulled herself back onto her feet, walked around the sofa and pulled out a thick book from the bookshelf. Marina watched and sat eagerly, as Caroline brought the thick brown book to the sofa and sat herself down next to Marina. The cover of the book was lifted, and there were a collection of photos displayed, which depicted Caroline in a hospital bed holding and smiling at a newborn baby. The baby was obviously Laura, who looked red in the face and her eyes were closed. Marina was in awe and smitten to see how tiny Laura was, so tiny, she virtually fit into Caroline's hands. In other photos, Laura was yawning with her eyes closed or just asleep either in her parents arms or in her cot. Caroline turned the pages and gave a brief story about Laura, which Marina attentively listened to. There were photos of Laura's eyes open and sitting up. Eventually Caroline would flip the pages to show Laura as a toddler, looking happy and smiling at the camera. Marina would instantly notice the striking resemblance of the adolescent Laura. Just as the pages would turn, the photos of Laura aged 6 to 8 years old displayed and revealed Laura's full lips and a round face she had, which would eventually evolve into a long shaped face.
Before Caroline would read halfway through the photo album, Marina would ask, „How did you and your husband meet?"
Caroline would take her eyes away from the photo album and answered, „Well we both met in college, the same college Laura is studying, he studied psychology and I studied accountancy. We met in the cafeteria, and we hit it off when we talked about music. We instantly bounded when we brought up the band Genesis."
„Genesis?" questioned Marina.
„Famous band, way before your time. We would then get into a heated debate which era of Genesis was better; Phil Collins or Peter Gabriel. I was into Phil Collins, but he was into Peter Gabriel. We argued and lectured so much, we went our own separate ways. It was the next day when he approached me, as I was half reluctant to reconcile with him, but he persuaded me to give him another chance. On our next date, he played me a Phil Collins Genesis track. We both took the dance floor and danced romantically to the music, and of course we fell in love and kissed," divulged Caroline, as Marina depicted the story in her head, which she found indeed romantic and compelling.
„So how did you both resolve the argument?" asked Marina.
„Well he admitted to me that he likes a bit of Phil Collins, and I admitted that I like a bit of Peter Gabriel. For our anniversary, he did a re-enactment from the film „Say Anything". He stood outside, held a boombox over his head, and played Peter Gabriel's „In your Eyes"; which was how I grew to like Peter Gabriel," explained Caroline.
„Does Laura like Phil Collins?" questioned Marina, assuming that Phil Collins would bring her and Laura together, just like it did with her parents.
„I don't think so, don't think she ever got into him when I put on his music," answered Caroline, trying to recall her daughter's reaction when Phil Collins played.
„I think she's more trendy than old school," assumed Marina.
„Yeah, she pretty much is, not too fussed when it comes to taste. She would even eat her greenbeans," bantered Caroline.
The two would then burst out laughing, as it was uncovered how Laura got her nickname, at least from her mother's side of the story.
„Do you have family Marina, if I may ask?" asked Caroline.
Marina would look up to look at Caroline in the eyes and answered, „Unfortunately I only know my adoptive parents, who contact me on occasions. I've never known my mum personally, she died of childbirth."
„Oh I'm so sorry to hear that," apologized Caroline, putting her hand onto Marina's. „I'm sure she loved you and was looking forward to your arrival," assured Caroline.
Marina nodded and added, „Well, I always wanted to know more about my mum and my family's legacy, which apparently dates back to the northern crusade in Europe. I wont go into details, because it's a lot to explain."
Caroline smiled and nodded in agreement, and curiously asked, „Do you have a boyfriend?"
„No, I've never been into boys. They never appealed to me, they are too butch and grotesque… in my opinion that is," revealed Marina.
Caroline nodded and understood Marina's point of view about men, but was unsure where to take the conversation from there. She started to hint that Marina is a lesbian.
„Oh I see, each to their own is what they say… I think I better get dinner on, you can help yourself to more photo albums. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me," said Caroline. She patted Marina's hand, stood up and went into the hallway and into the kitchen.
While Marina continued to pull photo albums from the bookshelf, and occupy herself with more pictures of Laura with her family, Laura came downstairs. Peeking through the entrance of the lounge to see Marina fixating her eyes on the photo albums, Laura decided to leave Marina to it and proceed into the kitchen to tell her mum. Laura entered the kitchen feeling nervous and queasy, predicting how her mum will respond when she tells her she might be bisexual.
Caroline was crouched down getting pots out from the cupboards below. Laura was watching her mum preparing to cook dinner. Not wanting to scare her mum, Laura helped her mum prepare for dinner by getting out the needed kitchen utensils and ingredients.
„Hello Laura," greeted Caroline, noticing Laura in the kitchen assisting with the cooking in a helpful manner.
„Hello mum, I… I think there is something I have to tell you," said Laura, stuttering with her mouth going dry, she had to produce saliva in her mouth in order to keep talking.
„Of course greenbean, that's what mummy is here for," approved Caroline. Laura sat herself at the marble kitchen table with her arms folded to control her shaking. Caroline would sit herself at the table too on one of the stools. Laura would take her time to reveal to her mother about her feelings for Marina, so much time, she would adjust her voice and suppress her nerves. Clearing her throat and lightly press her top teeth down onto her lip.
„It's about Marina, about what's really going on between us," begun Laura, while fidgeting with her hands.
„She's a new friend of yours obviously," guessed Caroline.
Laura looked at her mother in her awaiting eyes and disclosed, „Well she's not just a new friend, I think I should make the long story short." Caroline sat in silence and concern, waiting for her daughter to reveal all about Marina. Laura divulged, „Marina… I met on Facebook, she added me as her only ever friend... She was in the early stages of our friendship forward and intrusive, and I did try to politely rebuff her advances. She even invited herself to my birthday dinner, but I denied her invitation by lying to her, which wasn't a good idea. Mainly because she found out the truth and confronted me the next day. It became clear Marina was a deeply traumatized and troubled girl, who was trying to become the centre of my life. I felt bad for hurting her feelings, so I gave her another chance, and gradually accepted her as a new friend. My true intention was to help her overcome her shyness and insecurity, so she could gain a social life where I'm not her only friend. Of course somewhere along the way, I became drawn into Marina's mysterious life, and I would discover she has a heart of gold despite her bitterness and anger," explained Laura, as she got to the hardest part of her revelation. „As much as I wanted to help her and felt good about it, there was something that happened between her and I, which took our friendship to another level. One time Marina forced a kiss, and that's when I realized Marina wanted me more than a friend," unveiled Laura, which shocked Caroline, being taken aback by hearing that her daughter was apparently sexually assaulted.
„So she forced herself on you and you tried to push her away?" inquired Caroline, still shocked and appalled what happened to her daughter.
„No it's not like that, I humored and went along with it. After that event, I did question my sexuality and how I truly felt about Marina. So when we next had a meeting, I allowed her to kiss me, and I was actually comfortable and enthusiastic that time," admitted Laura, conveying nostalgia.
„So does this mean you are a lesbian now?" asked Caroline, showing signs of curiosity and not scorn.
„No, I still like men, but I feel I might be attracted to both genders," acknowledged Laura, feeling more relaxed now that her mum knows, and took it well.
„Oh greenbean," expressed Caroline, placing her hand on Laura's and assuaged, „It's okay if you're bisexual, and it's sweet that you want to help Marina."
Laura looked down at her mother's hand on hers and worried, „I know that this might be a phase, and if it is, I would have to let her down gently; but I want to wait until the time is right, when she'll be able to look after herself."
„Laura, she's a wonderful and beautiful girl who looks up to you, and I know you'll give her the confidence she needs to become independent," assured Caroline.
„Yeah you're right mum, I'm concerned if I'm feeding her obsession, and she'll become possessive," fretted Laura.
„Like your father, he told me some of the most notorious and psychotic patients he's worked with. His job was to build relationships and maintain a strong connection with them; it was only when they were cured did he let them go and break off the relationship," stated Caroline, and Laura smiled in agreement.
„Well Marina will be my first patient, but unlike my father and his patients, I will be having sexual relations with her; which I don't know if it's the right method to cure her or it's just to confirm if I really am bisexual, and that it's not a phase," pondered Laura.
„Got to do what you have to do, but as long as you don't break her heart on purpose, you are doing the right thing," affirmed Caroline.
„I know," acknowledged Laura.
„Besides, Marina is devoted to you, she's like a fan looking up to her idol; and as her idol, you need to bring out the best in her," encouraged Caroline. Caroline's words of encouragement fathomed in Laura's mind, which caused her to remain silent and slowly breakdown into tears. „Laura, Laura, Laura… come here sweety," soothed Caroline, getting off her chair, rushing to her crying daughter and taking her in her arms. „It's okay my greenbean," calmed Caroline, rocking her daughter gently and pressing her head into her chest, while she continued to sob.
„I'm going to help her mum, I'm going to make my dad proud," mumbled Laura with determination.
„I know you will baby," acknowledged Caroline, as she released her daughter, whose eyes have turned red and was wiping the tears with her finger. Caroline grabbed a paper towel, handed in to Laura and said, „Come let's put dinner on." Laura wiped her face dry and got off the chair to help her mother. „Would you like to do the onions?" bantered Caroline.
Laura got the sarcastic joke and chortled, „Mum." Caroline smiled, keeping her laughter bottled up by giggling out her nose, as she turned back to resume cooking.
When Laura and Caroline were occupied with the cooking, Marina turned up and offered to help, which Caroline was more than happy to permit; and allocated Marina to help Laura with the salad. Laura and Marina stood side by side and prepared the salad, as Laura prepared the salad dressing, while Marina timidly and tentatively chopped up the salad. Laura did watch Marina with caution, as she took the knife in her hand. She would stop her halfway when she was trying to chop the onions, as it looked she was about to accidentally cut herself. She offered to take over chopping up the vegetables, and Marina was to tend to the salad dressing. Marina was more at ease when she was mixing the salad dressing in a small ceramic bowl, and Laura chopped up the onions trying to resist crying and keep focused. After the daunting task of chopping up the onions, and the straightforward task of mixing the salad dressing, Marina and Laura proceeded to mix the salad by adding in the vegetables and dressing in the bowl.
Caroline was preparing the striped bass with seasoning, and was boiling new potatoes in a saucepan, which was on the stove. Once she put in the seasoned striped bass, she turned her attention to her daughter and guest, and suggested the two prepare the table.
Laura and Marina went into the dining room and laid the table with fine china, silverware cutlery and cabernet sauvignon wine glasses. Caroline came into the dining room with the food, as Laura went back into the kitchen to fetch a bottle of Wickhams Road Chardonnay white wine. Before everyone started to eat, Laura begun to pour the white wine and asked Marina amiably if she wanted a glass of wine. Marina was hesitant at first and almost declined, but hinting that Laura drinks white wine, she decided to conform and accepted the offer. She watched the strong scented white wine pour into the glass, and stared at her reflection and the bubbles that slowly rose then burst at the top.
Once everyone was sat at the table and all three had a glass of white wine, Caroline proposed a toast. All three clanged their glasses together, with Marina gently raising her glass and colliding it with the other glasses. She watched Laura and Caroline drink their wine, before she raised the rim of her glass to her lips and nipped the alcoholic beverage. Only dampening her lips with the wine, she tasted the strong fruity liquid with an acidic aftertaste, which hit her palate. After sampling how strong the wine was for her tolerance of alcohol and taste buds, she placed the wine down and begun to eat.
Laura and Caroline commenced eating, demonstrating impeccable table manners, which Marina observed and tried to mimic. She picked up her cutlery and like an amateur surgeon, she cut a small piece of fish, pierced it with her fork; and raised it to her gaping mouth. Chewing firmly and slowly, she swallowed the morsel and could taste the lemon and parsley. She reacted and savored the taste with a nod and a smile, knowing this was the first time she ever tasted fresh fish, and not frozen breadcrumbed fish.
Laura and Caroline engaged in conversation while Marina continued to cut her food into pieces, assuming it was good table manners to do so. The conversation between Laura and Caroline was about what Laura learnt in college recently, and the theories about human behavior she researched. She even referenced Sigmund Freud, who she considered to be one of her idols and source of inspiration (after her father) in the field of psychology.
When Caroline tried to initiate conversation with Marina, she startled Marina, who had her mouth full. Caroline asked Marina why she took an interest in psychology, and Marina stated she took a therapeutic and spiritual side of the subject. Laura made her mother aware of the animated shorts Marina had created and posted on her Facebook profile, which intrigued Caroline, and she expressed an interest in viewing them. Marina was elated to hear the appreciation and acknowledgement her work was getting, she would smile with pride, knowing she was receiving recognition.
After the main course was finished, Caroline brought in dessert, which was a slice of strawberry cheesecake. The three had a second glass of wine to go with the cheesecake, and while Laura and Caroline proceeded to eat the cheesecake with a fork, Marina had a difficult time eating hers. The way she tried to eat her cheesecake was very clumsy and messy, which made Laura snicker with a mouth full, she almost choked. She gazed over the table at Marina, who had a piece of cheesecake stuck on her chin, and would point at her own chin hinting where the cheesecake was stuck to. Marina had no idea why Laura was pointing at her own chin, so she copied her and felt the sticky cheesy substance on her finger, and realized she got cheesecake on her chin. Caroline also gazed at Marina and grinned. Marina would lick her finger and blush, feeling embarrassed, but finding it amusing too.
When dinner was finished and it was getting late, Laura and Marina slipped on their footwear while in the hallway where Caroline stood, waiting to see the two out. Caroline waited until the two had their high heels on, and then approached Marina with a two CDs in her hand. „These are for you to borrow," offered Caroline. She handed the CDs to Marina, which were two Genesis albums „A Trick of the Tail" and „Wind & Wuthering". „These were the albums, which brought Laura's dad and I together, maybe you'll like these," presumed Caroline. Marina held the two albums in her hand and glanced at the album covers, admiring the artistic design.
„Thank you Caroline, I'll listen to them," appreciated Marina with a shy smile, flattered by Caroline's offer.
„Feel free to add me on Facebook, I would be more than happy to accept," said Caroline with a warm smile.
Marina reacted with elation, „Sure, I'll do that."
Caroline approached Laura to fling her arms round her daughter, as she squeezed her and dug her chin into her shoulder, then kissed her on the cheek. „I love you greenbean, please visit me again soon," cried Caroline, looking tearful about her daughter's departure from her household.
„I love you too mum, I will come and visit you, that's a promise," sobbed Laura, sounding just as sentimental.
When Caroline released her daughter from her grasp, she looked at Marina who flinched looking as shy as she was when she arrived with Laura. Caroline smiled and awed at Marina, she hugged her too and whispered into her ear, „Shine On You Crazy Diamond." Marina could feel the motherly love Laura was bestowed as she reflected on what Caroline told her, and what it meant; must be of important moral value.
Laura and Marina waved to Caroline, as they walked out of the open doorway and watched her tearfully close the door. The neighborhood was quiet and the sun was setting, indicating that it was almost evening and it was time to be getting back.
On the way back, both Laura and Marina talked about the visit and how dinner was. Marina would also mention about the conversation she had with Caroline and when she mentioned Phil Collins. Laura only vaguely remembers Phil Collins as the music that her mother would play and dance to, which embarrassed her as a child. Marina would even claim how her confidence boosted with what Laura had done for her in regards to her makeover, and giving her the opportunity to meet her mother. The trauma of not being invited to the birthday party had faded away, and was happy to have had that dinner with just Laura and her mother.
When they arrived at the train station, which was abnormally quiet, they could feel how cold the air had gotten. Raindrops would fall from the night sky lightly, but then the rain got more fierce and heavy. Luckily both Laura and Marina remained under shelter by the entrance of the train station, where the ticket office was closed.
„Oh great it's raining," huffed Laura, gawking at how wet and damp it was out in the open. „Maybe I should call us a taxi," suggested Laura, pulling out her phone, as Marina recalled Sabrina's advise about being spontaneous and not boring. Marina came up with the idea of taking her high heels off, which Laura would noticed and stop the process of calling a taxi. „Marina, what are you doing?" laughed Laura.
Marina would tilt her head and banter, „Come Laura, lets run back to yours, barefoot; in the rain." Laura frowned in confusion, but became intrigued by the idea, as she took off her high heels too.
Laura then took Marina's free hand, as both carried their high heels in the other. Laura goaded, „Come Marina, lets get wet."
Marina smiled with glee, and they both paced down the steps and ran down the street screaming with how the rain poured over them, and soaked them through the skin. Their screaming was loud enough to wake up the entire neighborhood, but luckily they enjoyed the quiet, dark and wet environment as they hurried back to Laura's apartment.
When they finally arrived at the apartment and ran up the stairs, they were out of the rain. Both of their lungs were on fire, their throats were sore and dry, as they panted for breath. Laura and Marina slumped against the wall, and slid down onto the floor where they both tried to catch their breath. Laura took quicker to recover because she routinely does jogging in the morning, which gave her stamina. Marina was sweating and panting, looking like she was about to pass out from exhaustion, but remained conscious.
„Marina… that was fun, I never thought you could be this spontaneous," gasped Laura, still trying to recuperate.
Marina's forehead started to sweat, as a bead of sweat rolled down from her temple, past her lobule and down the side of her neck. She tried to respond, but was unable to, because the saliva in her mouth was so thick. When her mouth was moist enough to move her lips, and use the air in her lungs to communicate, she responded, „Well Sabrina advised me not to be boring."
Laura turned her head to look at Marina and quipped, „She sure taught you well, not only brought out the beauty in you, but also the fun in you."
Marina weakly chuckled with barely any sound coming out, just an expression of laughter.
Laura got onto her feet, while Marina still remained seated on the cold concrete floor, she looked down and commanded playfully, „Come on, on your feet." She took both of Marina's hands and helped her onto her feet, and made eye contact.
„Thank you for having me and introducing me to your mum, this has been the best day of my life!" thanked Marina gracefully.
„You're welcome, I'm thrilled to know you had a wonderful time," responded Laura.
A strand of hair dangled in front of Marina's forehead, and Laura brushed it away with her fingernails, which tickled Marina and made her titillate. They both rivet into each other's eyes and smile affectionately while holding hands. Reminded of Sabrina's advice, Marina read Laura's affable expression as a sign that she's expecting a kiss. She could then taste metal in her mouth, which was an indication that her mouth was moist for kissing.
Brave and determined, Marina moved her head towards Laura's who was also doing the same. They both closed their eyes and blindly found each other's lips, kissing slowly and passionately. When their lips separated, they touched noses and foreheads, looked into each others eyes and giggled.
„Guess I should be getting back now," assumed Marina, about to depart from Laura, but Laura shook her head in response.
„Don't be silly Marina, you need to dry off," tutted Laura, opening the front door to her apartment, took Marina firmly by her hands and requested, „Come in."
Marina was dragged into the apartment, which had a warm, bright and inviting ambiance. Laura closed the door behind her, and saw Marina submissively leaning against the wall beaming, knowing that she was forcibly invited into Laura's home. „Come here," whispered Laura longingly, pacing towards Marina, shoving her mouth onto hers and they smooched buoyantly.
Laura looked down at Marina's chin, which bared a small fleck of what she assumed to be from the cheesecake. „You've got some cheesecake on your chin," pointed out Laura with her finger.
„Really?" reacted Marina with shock.
Laura then stuck out her tongue, licked Marina's chin clean and remarked, „You taste so good."
The two giggled and Marina whispered, „I can taste the cheesecake on your lips."
Laura smiled and demanded, „Give me your tongue." Marina acted confused, and Laura gave her the hint by letting her tongue hang out over her chin, which prompted Marina to do the same. Laura licked Marina's tongue and they both commenced French kissing with both lips and tongues.
After their first French kiss, their lips were wet with each other's saliva, and they both found the experience of French kissing exhilarating, they giggled again. „I think I should get us some towels," suggested Laura, „Wait here."
Laura went off to get towels from the bathroom, and returned with two large white towels. Marina seeing Laura approach with the towels gave her déjá vu. They dried off by rubbing the towel in their hair and slung the towel over their shoulders to wear it like a cape. „Come, let's have a drink," enticed Laura, like a hostess treating her guest, as they both walk into the kitchen.
Laura opened up the fridge and pulled out two cold bottles of beer, opening them and handed one to Marina. Holding the cold bottle of beer in her hand, Marina was hesitant to take another alcoholic beverage into her system, but seeing Laura drink the beer like a thirsty camel; influenced her to neck the bottle of beer. Her parched throat was soothed and rinsed by the ice-cold, bubbly and yeasty brew. She removed the bottle from her lips, and gave a silent belch, as the gas ventilated out of her nose; bringing her to almost sneeze. She felt refreshed, smacking open her lips and looked at Laura who drunk half her bottle and smiled.
„Good isn't it?" elicited Laura.
„Sure is, first time I ever drank alcohol," answered Marina looking at the bottle.
„Well you only live once, might as well experiment," recommend Laura.
Suddenly, there was the rattling of metal, which turned out to be the lock of the front door. Laura's heart jumped in her chest, she almost dropped her beer. It meant that one of her flatmates had returned, either Olivia or Isabel. In a panic, Laura put her beer on the table and took Marina by the wrist, dragged her to the closet in the dark corner and urged, „Quick, get in." Marina was confused, but also panicking just like Laura, and was also feeling the adrenaline like it was a game of hide and seek. „Just keep quiet and don't make a noise," whispered Laura, closing the door firmly and waited to see who entered the kitchen.
Laura waited and acted normal, picking up her beer to make it look like nothing suspicious was going on. When the footsteps got louder and louder, Olivia entered the kitchen with two grocery bags in her arms, as she greeted, „Hi Laura."
„Hi Liv," greeted Laura back, raising her bottle and taking a swig of beer. Olivia would place the bags on the table and begin unpacking.
„How's your mum?" asked Olivia, sounding too exhausted to express enthusiasm.
„She's doing great, she hopes you are well," answered Laura. Olivia smiled, taking the groceries out of the bag and putting them in the fridge and the cupboards.
„Shame Tyler couldn't come, it would have made the evening more interesting," reckoned Olivia.
„Well we're only on speaking terms, kind of think it would have been awkward if he tagged along," speculated Laura, shrugging her shoulders.
„Still, having someone tag along would have been fun," added Olivia, collecting more items from the bags to store in the open fridge.
Laura took another swig of her beer and presumed, „Isabel and Gustavo must be out drinking or stuffing themselves, unless they are back already and have passed out."
Laura and Olivia burst out laughing, as Olivia put her finger to her lips and hushed, „Laura, you might wake them, keep it down."
„You're the one to talk," argued Laura gaily, while watching Olivia finish putting all the groceries in storage.
„Well I'm about to go to bed, you should do the same," recommended Olivia, walking out of the kitchen, as Laura witnessed her enter the bathroom and lock the door.
Laura seized the opportunity and scurried to the closet, opened the door and saw Marina smiling and already hyped. Laura opened up the fridge and took two more beers out of the fridge, and with a mischievous smile called, „Come, quickly."
Marina's bowls began to rumble with excitement, trying to control her titter, while running with Laura down the corridor and into her bedroom. Along the way, Marina opened up her mouth and guffawed, which shocked Laura; worried that Olivia would hear from behind the closed bathroom door, and get suspicious. When Marina was in the sanctuary of Laura's bedroom, she was alleviated, but also elated to know that she had avoided detection; and was now in a room with Laura, and could enjoy her privacy with her.
Laura and Marina kissed to celebrate their victory of playing their little game of stealth and infiltration. Afterwards Laura would put her beer on the bedside table and get dressed for bed, which consisted of her only wearing her T-Shirt and thin, stretchy cotton shorts. Laura took out a spare T-Shirt from her chest of draws and threw a T-Shirt at Marina underarm. Marina got dressed in the shirt Laura lent her, after she took off the clothes she was wearing, leaving only her underwear on. Once they were dressed and got ready for bed, they opened another bottle of beer and sat on the bed socializing.
„I remember your mum saying something to me, which I took for some subliminal message," recalled Marina with Laura looking at Marina, promptly taking the bottle away from her lips.
„What was it she said?" asked Laura.
„Shine on you crazy diamond," recited Marina, still confused the meaning behind it.
Laura puckered her face and comprehended what that subliminal message could mean, and deciphered, „Maybe you're a diamond, (articulated) that's crazy."
Marina looked at Laura and frowned in a frisky way, Laura was expected a light punch in the arm from Marina, but instead Marina rebuked humorously, „Laura… it's insulting to be called crazy, but it's flattering to be called a diamond."
„All you need to do is shine on, because diamonds are suppose to shine," implied Laura, raising the beer to her lips.
„So how did you get acquainted with your friends?" asked Marina with curiousness.
„Well to make a long story short, Olivia was a childhood friend of mine. She was much older than me, so she kind of acted like my big sister. As for Isabel, she was also Liv's friend who I both met on the same day… then we continued to keep in touch from high school all the way to college, now we have our own flat; which is where we are now," disclosed Laura, spreading out her arms to emphasize her story.
„Such a lovely place you have, never been in a real home before," complimented Marina, as Laura looked at her, "Well you're mum's house was the first real home I've been in, but this pace is homely too, must be great to live with friends."
Laura nodded and agreed with Marina's statement, then added, „You're right, it's nice to live with friends, unfortunately we do get arguments and have disagreements." Marina drinking some beer out of her bottle, choked and was surprised to hear the contrary, listening to Laura continue, „Even Liv likes to think she's the man or woman of the house, which I kind of put up with. Then again, every group needs a leader."
Marina looks down at her beer, and sees how it's barely half empty and confessed, „You know, beer is great to have when your thirsty, but after a while; you begin to doubt if you like the taste," theorized Marina, and Laura dwelled on that theory by looking at the contents of the bottle.
„You drunk yet?" asked Laura with her lips tucked in, eyes looking like two cute slits and cheeks like two inflatable cushions.
„I don't think so, I've never got drunk before," answered Marina with a raised open smile embellished on her face.
„You're drunk," intoned Laura, pointing at Marina's still smiling face, which she could not willfully wipe off her face. Laura slapped her hand on Marina's lap and challenged, „I dare you to neck the bottle down." Laura swung her head back and sealed her lips around the bottleneck. Marina watched amusingly as big bubbles emerged upwards in the brew and burst, and the brew drained rapidly down. Marina could see the muscles in Laura's neck move, as the brew went down her gullet until the bottle was empty.
Laura removed the bottle from her lips and exhaled, feeling refreshed and put the empty bottle down on her bedside table, then she looked at Marina and emboldened, „Now you try." Marina instantly without hesitation or skepticism took the bottle to her lips, and necked the beer down her throat. Marina was struggling to drink as fast as Laura drank hers, and showed signs of choking. Some of the beer leaked from her lips and down her cheek and neck.
Once Marina had drunk all her beer, she choked and Laura laughed at her reaction. She slapped her on the back, took the empty bottle out of her hand and complimented, „Not bad for a beginner." Laura placed the empty bottle beside hers, and as she turned to face Marina, who she found close to her face.
„Beer kiss!" jabbered Marina, wrapping her lips around Laura's and they tumbled on the bed kissing. They got underneath the covers, hugging and kissing, as they lay on the double bed on a soft flexible, duck-feathered mattress. Marina lay on her side facing Laura, who was resting her elbow on the pillow and looking deep into Marina's eyes. Marina was trying to keep herself awake, but was exhausted and tired after a wonderful and exciting day with Laura. Maybe it was the intake of alcohol and all the caressing and kissing that contributed, but Marina for the first time was sleeping in a comfy double bed with the girl she loves.
„Laura," whispered Marina happily.
„Yes Marina," replied Laura, stroking the strands of hair that hung over Marina's face.
„I'm so proud… for the first time ever, I feel so proud," revealed Marina with confidence and security.
„What are you proud of?" asked Laura.
Marina instantly replied with a wide smile, „I'm so proud to be a lesbian."
„You are?" asked Laura with a shocked expression.
Marina nodded and responded, „I am."
„That's amazing Marina, a while ago you were this shy and insecure girl, but now you are beginning to show self-esteem and pride in who you are," addressed Laura.
„I would never have done it without you Laura," acknowledged Marina.
„We both helped each other, you gave me a new perspective on life, helped me face my fears and most of all; you gave me the opportunity to see my father again, and that I don't think I can ever repay you," clarified Laura.
„You already have repaid me, you gave me the chance to be your friend, if not your lover," reminded Marina, as she stammered when she brought „lover" into her sentence. Laura in return weakly chuckled, brought herself closer to Marina's smiling face and placed a long passionate kiss on her still red lips.
Marina's eyelids remained closed, even after Laura slowly withdrew herself from Marina's smiling face. „Oh Laura, I wish I didn't have to sleep, but I know I must. I want us to dream together…. Oh Laura I can't, I can't speak anymore, I feel so….tired," conveyed Marina poetically. Her lips formed a red, long curved smile and before she knew it, she fell asleep.
Laura turned to her bedside table and flicked off the lamp, leaving the whole room shrouded in darkness. No longer was Laura scared of the girl who continuously pursued her, and was desperate to devote her entire life to. She had achieved her mission in bringing out the confidence and beauty in Marina, and as she turned round to see Marina illuminated in moonlight, she saw how gorgeous and exquisite she looked. Resting her head on the pillow lying close to Marina, she whispered passionately, „Sleep well Marina." Then before she knew it, she was asleep too.
To be continued...
