Thank you for all of your wonderful feedback! Here's chapter four, coupled with a fair warning: I can't promise any activity at all next week. My lady and I have some much-needed quality time to spend!

But, don't worry. I have every intention to finish this story!

In the meantime, I hope this tides all of you over. :) (Though, it's possible that I'll have chapter five up sometime this week! Fingers crossed.)

P.S. Be sure to check out my girl's new, amazing Beth/Kate story, as well! It's called "Serendipity."

"No way!"

The sound of laughter filled Kate's cluttered room. It was the place where Beth and she had chosen to spend time together that day. Four days had passed since their reconciliation of sorts, and they had quickly grown more and more comfortable with each other.

"So, you seriously locked him outside in the cold… in just his underwear?" Beth continued in amazement.

Kate glanced away, instinctively embarrassed.

"I was just really annoyed that day," She insisted, smiling. "Let's just say he was one of the biggest jerks my mom's ever brought home."

"Good for you!" Beth chimed in, laughing.

They had been in Kate's room for nearly two hours now, just laughing and enjoying each other's company. It had only been awkward for the first five minutes or so. After that, they had grown accustomed to the tame silence that followed a pleasantly finished conversation.

"You know," Kate began, shifting in her extremely comfortable papasan chair. Beth had taken to the bed, where she was presently sprawled out on her stomach, facing Kate. "I don't think you've met my mom yet."

Beth's eyebrows raised curiously.

"Oooh," She cooed playfully. "I get to meet the parent already?"

Kate giggled as Beth winked at her suggestively.

"Well, of course," Kate grinned and folded her legs beneath her. "She's heard enough about you."

"That so?" Beth snickered and rolled over onto her back, staring over at Kate from an upside-down view. "At least now she won't think I'm some creeper trying to woo her daughter."

Kate tossed a pillow at Beth teasingly.

"You always call yourself that! Stop!" She laughed. "You're a far cry from the real 'creepers' around here."

"Oh, Kate," Beth's green eyes narrowed amiably. "Always the diplomat, always the counselor."

"How would you know?" Kate tried to hide the huge grin on her face.

"I just do," Beth shrugged and forced herself to sit up. "You're an easy read."

"No!" Kate feigned hurt.

"Relax, sweetie," Beth fluttered her eyelashes charmingly. "I like 'em easy."

Kate's mouth dropped open, and her face flushed.

"I, ah—"

"Oh, hush, you," Beth laughed and pushed herself up, off the bed. "You're so cute when you get all flustered," She maintained, grinning. "I was joking."

"I knew that," Kate insisted, swallowing her nerves away. She hadn't intended on getting so worked up over nothing; it had just happened.

"Besides," Beth continued composedly, assuming that now was the best moment as any. "I'm off the market, anyway. I can't be much of a lady-killer, now, can I?"

Kate blinked her eyes. She tried not to seem shocked, but could hardly help herself. Remembering what Carrie had said about Beth nearly a week ago, she glanced up at Beth. Was it true? Or… was Beth simply being comical?

"I didn't know that," Kate spoke quietly. Something that felt like disappointment nagged at Kate's stomach, and she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was coupled with the slight jealousy that she felt, as well. Kate had very much enjoyed the time that she and Beth had been spending together, and the thought of splitting that time with Beth's significant other made her feel somewhat irritated.

"That's because I didn't tell you," Beth spoke with a tinge of unease in her voice. "I didn't think it was that big of a deal."

"What's their name?" Kate wondered curiously. "Do I know them?"

Beth's eyebrows knitted as she sat in silence, suddenly avoiding eye-contact with Kate. There was something strange about revealing this furtive relationship to Kate. She almost wished that she could make this news simply disappear—cease to exist. It wouldn't bother Beth in the slightest; in fact, she would finally be allowed to free herself from the choking strain that she felt.

"Okay," Beth breathed, her eyes narrowing with intent. There was no sense in revealing the identity of the other half of her relationship. Something else lay on Beth's heart, something more important, but less of a secret. Holding back the news of a relationship was one thing; however, holding back the news of apart of Beth's makeup was another and even more fiercely unforgivable. "Look, let's just skip right to the point, all right?"

"Okay…" Kate was uncertain. Her palms twitched with nervousness. What was Beth making such a fuss about? Whatever her 'big secret' was, it couldn't too dreadful. Kate saw few noticeable flaws in her character.

"It's really not a big deal, or anything," Beth shrugged, placing herself at the end of Kate's bed, facing her friend. She was a mere foot from Kate. To Beth, this news was nothing; it was like telling someone that her hair was brown or that her eyes were green. "But, I don't want us to get any closer without you knowing."

Kate cringed. Whatever this was, Beth was hyping it up in a negative way. Kate half-expected her to say that she was secretly a hired assassin, or something. It was either that, or Beth was some felon, out to get close to her victims before she stole them away to some undisclosed location.

Though, those thoughts were quite possibly just Kate's wild imagination.

"I'm gay," Beth said plainly, her expression unchanging as she sustained eye-contact with Kate.

Kate practically fell all over herself. All of that buildup for that! She wanted to heave a heavy sigh of relief.

"You're… what?" Kate found herself sounding utterly stunned. Though she had assumed this, more or less, she hadn't expected Beth to be so clear-cut and forthright about it.

"I'm gay," Beth shrugged again, smiling this time.

"So…" Kate fluttered her eyes in slight, unintentional confusion. "You don't like boys… at all?"

Beth laughed and folded her own legs underneath her.

"Uh, no," She smiled. "Doesn't that kind of go with the job description?"

Kate's face burned with embarrassment. She glanced away, chuckling nervously all the while. For some reason, she found herself extremely intrigued. She had never had a friend or even an acquaintance that was gay before. Kate just wanted to ask Beth all kinds of questions, even though she knew that was probably uncalled for.

"Kate," Beth grinned at her knowingly. "You don't have to be so awkward about it. It's not a big deal, remember?" She winked at her lightheartedly.

"Y-yeah," Kate swallowed, her eyes blinking again. "I know."

Beth watched Kate's face for a moment, her own eyes reflecting serene thoughtfulness.

"You know you can ask me anything you want, right?" Beth encouraged her softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Kate seemed to release a particular breath that she had been holding onto for a long time at that single moment. She straightened her posture, and then stared into Beth's eyes.

"So, how long have you known?" Kate blurted out, instantly feeling shy again. Despite her previously acquired knowledge of Beth, learning this news felt as though she was learning something brand-new about the other girl.

"Well," Beth began, removing her now half-asleep legs out from under herself. "All my life, I was brought up believing in 'free love'—" She paused, seeing a muted question flash in Kate's eyes. "—which is not caring about the gender of the person that I sleep with. After that, I started to call myself bisexual. Then, after my freshmen year took off, I realized that I was totally gay," The brunette chuckled and brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I was like, 'who am I kidding?' I had no interest in guys whatsoever."

Kate had been watching her wide-eyed and curious, like a child. However, when Beth finished, the blonde willed herself back to reality and exhaled softly. She had no idea that sexual discovery involved so many levels. Did everyone experience this?

"So, you've—"

"Never had sex with any guys?" Beth finished for her, causing Kate's face to turn a dark shade of red. "I really wish I hadn't," She admitted quietly. "I don't think about it much. I used to… well, honestly," Beth's voice had dipped slightly. "I used to be a huge slut."

Kate furrowed her eyebrows.

"Used to be?"

Beth's eyes lit up humorously, and she tossed a pillow good-humouredly at Kate.

"What's that supposed to mean, Spencer?" She demanded teasingly, causing Kate to recoil in shame.

"No! I-I'm sorry! That's not what I—"

"Kate," Beth spoke her name gently. "Please just relax. You're going to hurt yourself."

"I really didn't mean that," Kate spoke quickly, her cheeks burning.

"I know," Beth blinked at her fondly. "But, no. I'm not like that anymore. I've really learned a lot about myself since then."

Kate realized that she herself was smiling.

"That's good," The blonde murmured contentedly.

Beth nodded.

"Yeah," She glanced aside, and then sighed. "Still not so great at school, but hey: you can't change everything in three years, can you?"

Once again, Beth winked at Kate, causing the blonde to smile in response. There was something about that simple gesture that made Kate feel very special each time Beth did it. It made her feel warm and entirely at-ease.

"Sure you can," Kate insisted playfully, smirking. "You get a tutor like me."

"You think?" Beth tilted her head, grinning widely. "That'd be great, actually. My Pre-Cal grade seriously sucks!"

"Pre-Cal…" Kate pursed her lips to keep from laughing. "Beth, what in the world are you doing in that class?"

"Ask my counselor! Her expectations for me are totally crazy."

"Did you not have enough credits—"

"Kate!" Beth howled with laughter, all of sudden. "Please. The last thing I want to talk about with you is school. I get it," She spoke drolly. "you're my sweet, little school geek, but c'mon!"

"Hey!" Kate squeaked, throwing the pillow from earlier back at her. "Don't be a jerk!"

"Believe me, dear, you haven't seen me being a jerk yet," Beth promised her smoothly, her eyebrows raising challengingly and playfully.

"Okay, okay," Kate rolled her eyes in amusement, and then folded her hands in her lap. Her tongue itched to ask Beth more questions. Yet, she was afraid that she was beginning to lose her chance.

Kate looked up at Beth, figuring that it was now or never. She didn't want the moment to slip away.

"So… I was wondering," Kate started, losing her voice soon after.

"What?" Beth perked up, watching her expectantly.

"How, uhm, exactly did you know you were… gay?" Kate's mouth was as dry as cotton. She wasn't sure why this subject was so intense with her.

Beth looked momentarily taken aback, but she tossed the sentiment aside rather quickly.

"Well, I sure as hell didn't like sleeping with guys," She laughed. "What kind of answer are you looking for, Kate?"

"You just… make it sound so easy!" Kate exclaimed rapidly, withdrawing once more afterward. "I mean—I don't know… you're just so cool and collected about everything."

Beth plopped down on her stomach again and laughed without reserve.

"Oh, yeah," She snickered. "What Beth Davis do you know?"

Kate frowned somewhat.

"I mean it, Beth."

"Hey," Beth looked up at her sympathetically. "Don't get all upset," She insisted softly, before teasingly adding: "I hate to see such a pretty face so sad."

"I'm not sad at all," Kate maintained adamantly, pressing her lips tightly together. After a moment, though, she couldn't help but smile.

"Anyway," Beth continued for her, not bothering to wait for Kate to jumpstart the conversation again. "You just know, Kate," She advised her warmly. "It's just, like… do straight people go around flaunting their 'straightness?'"

"Well—"

"Okay," Beth smirked. "Do normal straight people?"

Kate shook her head.

"Right," Beth persisted, kicking her own feet forward once. "So, it's the same with gay people, too," She allowed her shoulders to fall. "I mean, sure… you'll always have those who throw it in people's faces, but that's the same with every situation."

"Wow," Kate breathed the word, her eyes widened ever so slightly.

"What?" Beth wondered calmly.

"Beth, you're just so…" Kate's heart swelled with pride and happiness for her friend. "I don't know. You're just so understanding and tolerant and… really, really wise and intelligent."

Beth laughed yet again, her brunette curls bouncing out of order as she shook her head in pleasant disagreement.

"I just put out what I expect from others," She told her simply.

Kate watched Beth thoughtfully. Respect for her friend was pouring out of her immeasurably. Beth was so serene and peaceful—so gentle and loving. Kate honestly admired her more than she could ever possibly put into words.

"I think that's how everyone should be," Kate added softly, her voice a little timid.

Beth's eyes shined with deference and pleased acknowledgment. Silently, though, she decided to move the topic of discussion along for Kate's sake.

"Was there anything else you wanted to ask?"

Kate glanced around her room as she thought.

"How many girls have you dated?" She asked her friend modestly.

Beth looked pensive, though only for a moment or two. She crossed her ankles and held Kate's placid gaze.

"I've been with several girls," She spoke evenly. "I thought I loved one of them once."

Kate was surprised by the bitterness laced in Beth's voice. She lowered her eyebrows uncertainly.

"What… happened?" Kate prompted her carefully.

Beth exhaled softly, her eyes finding it more and more difficult to remain affixed on Kate.

"She was older than me," She said frankly. "This was only about a year and a half ago. I was sixteen, and she was twenty-seven."

Kate fought well to hide the absolute shock in her eyes and on her face. The age difference was vast and accountable, but Kate was hardly one to judge. Even now, she trusted Beth's opinion immensely.

"It just didn't work out between us," Beth finished dryly. "We wanted different things."

Kate lowered her eyes for a couple of seconds, feeling somewhat awkward, if only briefly.

"I'm really sorry, Beth," Kate offered her empathetically.

"No," Beth sighed. "Kate, she was a real bitch. I was just blindsided by her. She was so beautiful and charming, but…" She shrugged and shook her head one time. "She wasn't for me at all. She wanted nothing but sex, and I wanted to take her out sometimes. It was getting old."

Kate parted her lips to draw in a good breath. Her mouth had been practically glued shut because of the tension. Her heart ached for Beth. Even if Beth was over this woman, she could tell that she still felt the sting.

"I'm not much better," Beth admitted in a meager voice. "but I'm learning."

Kate stared at her wistfully. She almost didn't want to think what Beth meant. It made her feel afraid for her friend.

"Anyhow," Beth cleared her throat and put on a smile. "I promise lesbians aren't all the drama they hype about."

Kate nodded, ignoring the nagging feeling she felt inside. Beth caught on to Kate's discomfort quickly and decided to act on it.

"I've talked enough for today," Beth chuckled. "I miss hearing your voice, anyway," When Kate didn't speak up right away, Beth narrowed her eyes charismatically. "Come on, Kate. Smile for me… please?" She stood up and walked over to Kate threateningly. "Don't make me tickle you—"

"No!" Kate squealed, jerking away, nearly knocking herself over, along with her papasan chair. "I'm so ticklish, Beth! Please don't!" She laughed out the words, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Beg for mercy!" Beth howled through a laugh, as she launched herself at Kate, toppling the defenseless papasan chair over. Making sure that Kate was safe during the fall, Beth had strategically placed her hand behind Kate's head. The last thing she wanted was for her playfulness to land her friend in the hospital.

"No, Beth! No!" Kate's voice was shrill with laughter as Beth's hands traveled up and down her sides ruthlessly. "Oh, my gosh! Beth!"

Beth's legs were placed on either side of Kate as she continued to playfully torture the smaller girl.

"You should've listened!" Beth giggled, her eyes flickering with joy.

Kate continued to laugh, tears forming in the corners of her blue eyes.

"Please stop, I'm—"

All of a sudden, Liz Phair's "Why Can't I" blared from Beth's skirt's back pocket. Their hearts pounding, Beth, more or less, sat down on top of Kate, keeping her there.

"Hang on," She laughed softly, reaching for her cell phone. As soon as Beth's eyes saw the name flashed on the screen, she tried her hardest to hide her aversion. Flipping her phone open, she pressed the receiver to her head.

"Hello?"

Kate looked on curiously from her position under Beth. Her heart was racing, even though it had a fair amount of time to begin to calm itself. She felt a smile tugging the corners of her lips; she couldn't help herself. Being with Beth was just unadulterated fun.

Though, worry soon pricked her heart as she saw Beth's facial expression turn sour.

"Yeah," Beth rasped irritably. "Look, I'm just over here—no. I told you I'd be over at her house. Yeah," She rolled her eyes. "It's seriously not as big of a deal as you're making it," There was a long pause, a revolted face from Beth, and then: "Yeah, whatever. I'll be over there soon, okay?" Beth exhaled. "'Bye."

Clicking off her phone, she sighed agitatedly and shoved her cell phone back into her pocket.

"Kate."

Kate swallowed. She knew exactly what was coming, and it made her heart cry out in helpless dismay.

"I'm really sorry, sweetie," Beth started to say, her voice genuinely regretful and poignant. "I have to go."

"I figured," Kate murmured softly. "I understand."

Beth grudgingly willed herself to stand, and then extended her hand to help the blonde up, off the ground.

"I swear I'll make it up to you," Beth insisted, smiling to her.

Kate nodded, working her best smile for the other girl.

Sensing Kate's reluctance, Beth reached out and took Kate's hand. Kate's face flushed for half a millisecond, before the blonde looked up at the smiling brunette.

"We'll hang out tomorrow?" Beth ventured hopefully.

"Definitely," Kate affirmed, blinking her eyes.

Curling her fingertips over Kate's soft hand, Beth gave it a reassuring squeeze before releasing it. Kate smiled, her entire body prodded with unimaginable needles of some unknown sentiment.

Beth blinked her eyes adoringly at Kate before turning, poised and ready to leave.

"Who…" Kate caught herself. Abrupt self-consciousness came crashing down on her hard.

Fearing this confrontation, Beth found herself wedged between righteousness and deception. Terrified of losing any ounce of Kate's respect, she rightfully chose the initial selection.

"My girlfriend," Beth spoke unenthusiastically. "Riley."

Kate stared at her friend in masked disbelief. She nodded numbly and willed a smile as Beth waved a friendly goodbye, and then exited the room. The blonde was beside herself.

Riley? If memory served, Kate remembered her as the unwelcoming, loose-cannon from Beth's Vegetarian Club—the girl who outwardly despised Kate.

Kate's heart thumped restlessly in her chest. She moved over to her bed and glanced over at the outside wall, wordlessly thumbing for answers. She felt betrayed, and she felt utterly ashamed for feeling that way. After all, it wasn't as though Beth had begun dating Riley subsequent to the Vegetarian Club incident. Beth would have never done that, of that Kate was thoroughly convinced. Or, at least, Kate hoped.

Nevertheless, the thought of Beth's unintentional betrayal sustained a choking hold on her heart. It was that, and something else—something that Kate felt even more ashamed of.

For the first time in her entire life, Kate felt inconceivable jealousy—almost destructively so.