I'm still here! Promise. Thank you all for the every kind view and review! They keep me going strong. Here's chapter six for you awesome people. I apologize for the lateness, as it is almost the end of the semester. Whoo-whoo! I promised that I was finishing this story, and I meant it. :)
As always, this is for my beautiful lady, who is an amazing amount of help and inspiration for this story.
The nights she spent with Kate were always full of excitement, spontaneity, and joy. Beth couldn't remember the last time that she felt so alive and real. Something about Kate brought out Beth's naturally young soul, the curiosity and playfulness of a child.
It made Beth smile and laugh like she hadn't in years. It was refreshing, new, and completely invigorating. Friday night, after their stint at Beth's apartment, had gone over magnificently. They spent the evening giggling, teasing each other, and just being themselves.
Kate spoke of her anxieties in lighthearted tones, while Beth squeezed Kate's hands in silent reassurance. Then, they switches roles with Kate nudging Beth's shoulder each time Beth spoke of how one of her teachers had screwed her over or how someone had been a jerk to her at work. It was a beautiful cycle, both so pure and intimate. It made Beth's heart thump wildly in her chest in anticipation and wonderful uncertainty.
The mood of Friday carried over to Monday, long after that blissful Friday evening and Saturday morning at Kate's house both ended. A smile seemed to forever crease Beth's lips, even as she realized that she was staring into two, blazing brown eyes.
It was Monday morning. Her weekend of happiness and harmony was evidently over.
Wedged in the back of the school library was Beth and a peeved-looking blonde whose arms were presently crossed. Beth was watching her with a vacant stare, obviously not paying her any credible attention.
"Beth!" hissed the girl, her eyes aflame with rage. "Are you even listening to me?" The girl's voice was juvenile and whiny, and it grated painfully on Beth's nerves for some reason.
"Riley," Beth sighed. "I'm listening. I promise."
Riley didn't look pleased, Beth knew. It was just difficult to care, particularly when the last person Beth wanted to deal with this morning was Riley and her attitude.
Scoffing, Riley made a point to blatantly roll her eyes.
"What the hell were you doing hanging out with her, again?" Riley growled.
Beth just stared at her oddly. In a simple, mollifying voice, she spoke quietly to the other girl.
"Riley, Kate's my best friend," She shrugged.
"Well, I'm your girlfriend!" Riley snapped back.
Beth's eyes narrowed.
"Riley… what does that have to do with anything? I know you're my girlfriend. Girlfriends and best friends aren't always the same thing, you know," Beth commented lamely, her voice distracted and plainly unsympathetic.
The flames of spitting fury in Riley's eyes blazed to an entirely new degree of rage. Beth briefly thought that the other girl might spring at her and viciously claw her eyes out.
"I knew this would happen," Riley growled bitterly. "Ever since you started hanging out with that whore, she's all you ever talk about!"
Anger flooded Beth's previously docile façade much quicker than she intended. Nevertheless, she kept her head square on her shoulders. This was just what Riley wanted, to get a rise out of her.
"You know, Riley," Beth's eyes narrowed. "You can be seriously immature. Kate hasn't done anything to you."
"She's stolen my girlfriend!" Vicious possession tinted Riley's voice, triggering Beth to recoil.
"You're acting like such a brat," Beth was finding it increasingly difficult to remain civil.
Suddenly, Riley was directly in Beth's face, spewing hate from her dark brown eyes.
"You know what—"
"No," Beth interrupted her with contemptuous eyes. "Riley, stop. I'm sick of dealing with your shit. Seriously!" She threw her hands up in disgust. "All you ever do is bitch and moan to me about something!"
"That's not—"
"Yes," Beth corrected her with the highest cynicism. "it is. I'm tired of it. I'm done."
Riley's eyes rounded with shock and inner dismay. She pulled her lips back in a snarl of sorts and almost seemed as though she would charge Beth at that very moment.
"You're joking, right?" she barked at her irately.
"Uh, no," Beth scoffed and folded her arms. "I'm really not."
Riley grumbled loudly and balled her fists.
"Fine!" she snapped, practically throwing her purse onto her shoulder. "I don't need a girlfriend who doesn't want me anyway."
Beth's eyes narrowed once again.
"It wasn't going to work, Riles. You didn't like Kat—"
"'Riles' is for people who I actually give two shits about, Beth," Riley growled. "and anyone with a brain can see you drooling over that loser. Grow up! You're the one who's immature and stupid if you think you can get a straight girl to fall for you."
Beth opened her mouth to protest, but nothing came out. She stared blankly as Riley stomped out of the library, slamming the double-doors behind her. The brunette winced at the noise, but then sighed. It was hard to believe. She was Riley-free! Beth inwardly melted with joy. It was nice, for once, to be unattached, to be free—free to live, free to grow, free to—
She paused and slipped her phone out of her jeans' right pocket. Two texts from Kate.
One was a simple: hey, r u at school yet?, while the other merely said: call me if u can. Beth bit her lip and glanced around. The library was empty, and school didn't start for another ten minutes or so.
She breathed and pressed speed dial number two. The dial tone echoed in her ear three times before a breathless voice answered.
"Beth?"
"Kate!" Beth chirped into the receiver. "Hi. Sorry, I… I just got your texts."
Beth could practically hear Kate smiling widely over the phone.
"Yeah," she sighed heavily, obviously catching her breath.
"You okay?" Beth asked idly, looking around the library.
"Mmhm," Kate insisted between clenched lips before she took a gulp of air in. "I'm just running a few laps before school."
Beth smiled to herself.
"You and the track team, Kate," Beth's voice was a low purr of affection.
"Hey!" she feigned hurt. "You said I looked good in these shorts."
"You do," Beth maintained. "You have amazing legs." and curves, and chest, and— Shit. Beth caught herself and fumbled with the phone self-consciously. Down, girl, she warned herself.
Kate sounded as though she was beaming with pride.
"Thanks," she replied happily. "I'm glad you think so."
Beth gave a noncommittal noise as a reply. Her mind had slipped elsewhere, until Kate brought it back again. She had to focus.
"Anyway," Beth tried her hand at regaining her mental composure. "I was wondering if you wanted to go out tonight. We could see a movie or go eat," she hoped she sounded casual and not as though she had motive. The last thing Beth wanted was for Kate to see her break-up with Riley as a reason for pity during one of Kate and Beth's outings together.
"Uhm," Kate's voice was distant and contemplative; Beth found her body pulsing with worry. "I have to work tonight," the blonde mumbled regrettably.
Beth frowned.
"That's okay," The brunette replied flatly.
"But…" Kate trailed off, her breathing level again. Apparently, she had stopped running long ago, and Beth had taken little or no notice. "I get off at nine, if you'll still have me."
Hope sparked in Beth's chest.
"Of course!" Beth's heart fluttered and soared, surprising even her. She came down off her quick high with a sweet giggle. "Let's meet somewhere," she decided, blinking in thought. "I know! Let me buy you some ice cream."
Uncertainty clouded Kate's reply.
"But, Beth, you don't eat—"
"I know," Beth hushed her fondly. "but you do," she said it as though it were the most obvious and precious notion in the world to her. "I really want to get you some, Kate."
A sigh sounded over the phone, and, after a few moments of thought, Kate relented.
"Okay," she sighed in defeat. "but, only if I can bring you a snack that you can eat, too."
Beth would have waved her hand dismissively if Kate had been here to see it.
"Sure, sure," she clicked her tongue and eyed the newest arrival in the library. The librarian.
"I'll be there by nine-thirty," Kate told her.
Beth smiled against the phone.
"It's a date."
The words resonated in Beth's head, and she almost felt dizzy from them. Swallowing hard, she tried to focus on a quick goodbye to Kate.
"See you in class," Kate promised.
"'Bye," Beth choked out the word swiftly before sliding her phone shut and shoving it into her pocket. She exhaled with great effort, and then looked around.
Her head felt fuzzy with confusion and disbelief. If only that word were true. An evening with Kate, an actual date, that sounded perfect. Beth couldn't ignore the fear in the pit of her stomach.
There was no reassurance for this. It was taboo to even think about.
Beth bundled up her nerves, as well as her belongings, and then headed out of the library. For once, it wasn't so comforting being lost within her thoughts. She only felt as though she was drowning in private chaos and apprehension.
* * *
A cool breeze drew goosebumps on Beth's exposed legs as she waited outside the Coldstone creamery. She had foolishly chosen one of her blue jean miniskirts for their evening excursion. Either by purposeful intent or subconscious effort, it didn't matter. Beth found herself regretting the choice of dress, regardless of her long-sleeved, green shirt.
She hid her hands within her sleeves and crossed her arms over her chest. Suddenly, she wished Kate would get here sooner; however, a subliminal nag in the depths of Beth's mind screamed for Kate to not even show up at all. It would be torture, it was screaming. Yet, Beth had paid it no mind. She was intentionally deaf to any out-of-place thought of Kate that crossed her mind tonight.
Right now, Beth needed her best friend. She couldn't be caught up in thoughts that didn't even make any sense to her. She had just broken up with her girlfriend. Granted, they had only dated for three months, and Beth felt no emotional attachment whatsoever—but that was beside the point.
A night out with Kate was just what she needed to wind down, and that was what she was going to have.
Only two minutes passed before Kate's familiar BMW buzzed up to a stop near the front of the creamery. Beth put on her flashiest and best smile and waggled her fingers happily at her friend. Kate smiled, cut the engine, and then stepped out, a paper bag in one hand.
"Hey," Kate breathed, after locking her car and sauntering over. "Did you miss me?"
"Always," Beth grinned and touched Kate's shoulder affectionately. "What's in the bag?"
"I told you I was going to find you a snack, didn't I?"
Beth giggled and swatted at Kate's arm playfully.
"You didn't!"
"Hold on," Kate was grinning ear-to-ear. "Just wait until you see what it is first."
Beth looked on eagerly, her eyes widening as Kate produced a silver spoon and handed it to her. She watched as Kate reached into the bag and lifted out a moderately-sized carton of ice cream.
"It's Purely Decadent," Kate announced proudly.
"Oh, my God, Kate! You little rat!" Beth's eyes glittered with adoration for her best friend. That ice cream was not only Beth's absolute favorite, but notably Vegan certified, as well.
"Dairy free, and… it's your favorite: pecan praline!"
A feeling of warmth and admiration tickled the pit of Beth's stomach. Her heart was beating quickly in her chest as she received the ice cream from Kate.
"Kate, honey," she began to speak, but found herself at a loss with all those feelings fluttering recklessly within her. "Thanks so much. You have no idea how amazing you are."
Beth's knees felt tweaked with emotion. She had to steady herself, lest she fall victim to their intent to buckle. What's wrong with me? she questioned herself inwardly, all while her eyes shined with affection.
"I have a general idea," Kate noted both comically and humbly, as she wrapped an arm around Beth's back. Warmth instantly spread to that area, and Beth stood dumbfounded for a couple of seconds. Beth's body felt as though it was going absolutely crazy. She needed to act fast.
"Ready to go inside, pretty girl?" Beth winked at her teasingly and moved to hold the door open for her. Tactfully, she put her ice cream back into the bag for now. The last thing she wanted was for the people of Coldstone to flip their lids.
"Yes," Kate concluded with a smile, as she walked inside.
Beth soon bought Kate a gracious waffle cone of cherry cheesecake ice cream—Kate's favorite—with extra cherries. Once they had gotten plenty of napkins, the two girls headed outside and sat themselves on the concrete rim of a beautiful, running fountain.
"Mmmm," Beth hummed as she took the first spoonful of her own ice cream. "God, this is so good! I haven't had ice cream in forever."
Kate giggled while her own spoon rested between her lips.
"I know! This is delicious," The blonde licked her lips and smiled over at Beth. "Can I try some of yours? I've never had dairy free ice cream before."
"Definitely," Beth scooped some ice cream onto her own spoon, and then held it out to Kate for her to taste. Immediately, she regretted her decision. As she watched Kate's lips gingerly close around her spoon, she felt a familiar twinge in her lower belly. Beth tried her absolute hardest to ignore that telltale feeling, but she could do little to stop her newly rapid heartbeat as she watched her best friend try some of her ice cream. Beth was in agony at the sight. Kate had gone from gorgeous to completely sexy in half a second.
Shit! Beth desperately tried to will those thoughts away again. She was getting far too caught up in all of them.
A pleased noise sounded in Kate's throat as she tasted the ice cream, and Beth could only look on with a veiled expression of desire.
"That's actually really good! Really, really good!" Kate told her, as she moved back to look at her friend.
Beth nodded and pursed her lips for a moment.
"What?" Her eyes danced with playfulness. "You didn't think it would be?"
"Oh, no, Beth—"
"Shhh," Beth cooed. "I know, Kate. I just love messing with you."
Kate rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
"I really should be used to your tricks by now," she said with a grin.
"No," Beth shook her head. "Then it'd never be exciting or new!"
Kate said nothing as she wiggled her eyebrows and licked her ice cream. Beth reminded herself to breathe. In that moment, Beth watched her with candid appreciation. She giggled once and softly, and then looked away, her heels clacking against the wall of the fountain.
"I'm really glad I got to see you tonight," Beth admitted gently.
Kate's eyes moved quickly over to Beth. Beth felt instant gratification at the faint blush that teased Kate's cheeks.
"Me too," Kate took another taste of her ice cream before continuing. "Work was killing me. My feet are throbbing." A laugh escaped her.
Beth snickered.
"I could always give you a foot massage. What're friends for, right?" A smirk dappled Beth's expression. She knew that giving Kate a foot massage would hardly be something innocent.
"Gosh, that sounds amazing, actually," Kate gushed, a giggle soon following. "I seriously can't feel them at all!"
"Then, let's do it now!"
"Beth, no!"
Kate squealed as Beth set down her carton of ice cream and began to reach for her feet. Beth was grinning wildly now. Just the idea of touching any part of Kate's soft, tempting skin gave her a rush.
"Come on!" Beth smirked, her fingers wrapping around Kate's ankle tightly. Kate screeched in surprise and reared backward, toward the fountain. The brunette immediately reached for her friend, grasping onto her arm before she fell in.
"Be careful, silly," Beth chided her playfully.
Kate was breathing heavily from all of her giggles.
"Beth, I swear… I'm so ticklish on my legs!"
"Really?" purred Beth, her fingertips trailing up Kate's ankle, past the jeans that concealed them. It went unnoticed how dangerously she bent over.
"Beth!" Kate squeaked the word as she tried fruitlessly to yank her leg away.
"I promised you a foot massage," Beth spoke charmingly.
"But—!"
"Katie…" Beth trilled, her husky voice sounding even more alluring. Their eyes locked briefly, and Beth felt something similar to lightning striking in the pit of her stomach. Her head lurched, and her mouth grew dry instantaneously.
Kate must have felt the intensity of the moment, because she jerked her head away, her gaze falling to the ground.
"Look at me," Beth prompted, her green eyes shimmering with curiosity and emotion. Her own unease was beginning to gnaw at her insides. Something had to be done.
Kate was visibly hesitant, Beth noted; however, after a moment, the pretty blonde looked at her friend with her gorgeous, rounded blue eyes.
"Now let me see your pretty, little foot, Kate Emily Spencer!" Beth shrieked suddenly, causing Kate to jerk and squirm.
"No! No!" Kate howled with laughter. Her ice cream (which was amazingly still poised in her right hand) was teetering dangerously toward the ground, but neither girl took any notice.
Beth, who had now successfully taken Kate's leg onto her lap, grinned with tangible satisfaction.
"I've got yo—"
Just as Beth gloated on her victory, Kate unintentionally kicked her leg. Beth let out something along the lines of a husky squeal, and then wobbled backward into the water of the large fountain.
Beth landed ungracefully, her legs propped up, against the fountain. Water splashed in all directions, and Kate immediately dropped her ice cream on the ground as she covered her mouth in hushed shock.
"Oh, my gosh!" Kate squeaked and leapt into action. "Beth, here, let me—"
Beth began to giggle. The water was filthy, and it reeked of sewage. The last thing she wanted was for Kate to smell the same.
"It's okay," Beth spoke over the noise of the water. It sounded louder than ever now, perhaps because the filter was mere inches from her backside.
"Beth, oh, my gosh… I'm so sorry!" Kate's face was dark red with embarrassment. "I'll help you! Give me your hand!"
Kate extended her hand, as if to better emphasize her demands, and Beth merely watched her.
"I can get up," Beth insisted with a grin. "I don't want you to smell like shit, too."
Kate bit her lip, looking cute and distressed. Beth's grin grew ten times its size now.
"Beth, it's okay. I mean, it was m-my fault, and…" Kate was crawling over the fountain's edge now, her covered knees pressed against the rough concrete.
"Kate, I don't think that's a good idea," Beth warned her gently, as she pushed herself up, trying to stand. Rusting, stray coins and manmade algae prevented her from doing so, and she silently cursed. "I'm fine, really."
Kate looked at Beth long and hard. For a moment, it looked as though she was about to cry. Beth blinked with concern.
"Kate, what's wrong—?"
As if to show her deference, Kate purposefully slipped into the fountain beside Beth, water flying in all directions yet again. Beth opened her mouth in shock and disbelief, but then closed it again as the foul-tasting water attempted to gain access.
"You crazy, little bitch!" Beth proclaimed in surprise and admiration. "Kate Spencer!"
Kate was laughing now, long, heartfelt laughs that shook her body to its core. Beth smiled as she watched her. She had never seen her friend have so much fun before.
"This water is awful!" Kate droned, as she cupped some in her hand and tossed it at Beth.
Beth averted her head and returned the favor.
"Yeah," said Beth, her eyes narrowed. "and if we stay long enough, we'll be in an even grosser place—" Her green eyes flickered as she tossed a stray penny past Kate's hand, intentionally missing. "—jail!"
"No way," Kate laughed. "We're still seventeen! If we're lucky, they'll just pack us up and ship us over to juvenile hall."
"Juvey's too good for us, Kate," Beth reproached her warmly. "They'll put us under house arrest at my apartment."
Kate gasped in disapproval.
"Beth, hush!" she scooped up some water and flung it at her again.
Beth's lips creased into a fond smile. Her own legs were freezing, and she hadn't even noticed. Mental note, Beth reminded herself solemnly, wear pants the next time I even think of taking Kate near a fountain.
"Let's get out of this thing before we both catch the bird flu, or something," Beth announced, as she gripped at the side of the fountain.
Kate narrowed her eyes in confusion at Beth's prophetical diagnosis, but dismissed it with a giggle.
"Here," Beth said, as she very carefully stood herself up in the fountain and extended her hand to Kate. Slowly and delicately, Beth lifted Kate up. She was careful to keep a close watch on Kate's footing, just in case.
"Thanks," Kate smiled and brushed her blond hair behind her ears. It looked wet and sticky, but even more unbelievably gorgeous. Its natural curl was something that Beth truly admired and adored. Self-control threatened to fail her as she envisioned being able to coil her own fingers around Kate's beautiful strands of golden blond hair.
"Mmhm," Beth's words fled from her as she looked into Kate's pretty blue eyes. They were bright and alert, and abruptly Beth realized that her hold on Kate's slender wrist had sustained itself. She had yet to let go; she hadn't wanted to.
Kate's eyes stared back into hers uncertainly. Beth felt lighthearted when she thought she sensed a calm questioning in Kate's eyes. She shivered, half from cold and half from longing as she watched Kate.
"I'm cold," Kate murmured softly, as she drew her arms around herself.
Beth snapped back to attention.
"Oh!" Her voice quivered slightly. "Don't you still have my jacket in your car from a few days ago?" Beth's heart was beating so loudly she was certain that Kate could hear it. That thought only made her even more nervous.
"Yeah, I think so," Kate supplied with a gentle smile.
"Let's go, then," Beth said resolutely.
As Kate shifted, though, readying herself to get out of the fountain, her footing faltered. Beth gasped softly, her arms shooting out to grab a hold of her. She drew Kate into her arms protectively, wrapping them around her back to steady her. Beth's lower belly burned with desire as she realized that a soaking-wet Kate was suddenly pressed against her, breathing heavily with surprise.
"Are you okay?" Beth asked her hoarsely, concerned.
Kate nodded her head. Beth could feel her quickened heartbeat, however. She knew that nearly plunging back into the freezing water had jolted Kate back to attention.
"We can go back to—" Beth paused, as she helped Kate out of the fountain successfully this time. She was going to suggest that they go back to her apartment and both get showers, but even Beth knew that was wishful thinking. Kate was petrified of that section of town, and Beth didn't want to seem desperate after revealing to Kate that she had just broken up with Riley during their ride back to Kate's house within the next few minutes.
Kate blinked her eyes curiously. Beth sighed and willed a smile.
"Give me the keys," Beth held out her hand. "I'll drive you home."
"Beth, I think I can drive my own car. Just let me drive you home," Kate chuckled and furrowed her eyebrows with incredulity. "Besides, how else will you get home?"
"I rode the bus over here," Beth smirked. "I'm pretty sure I can ride it back."
Kate frowned.
"No! Riding the bus late at night? Beth, that makes me nervous. Just let me drive you!"
"You've obviously never ridden on public transportation before," Beth's eyes were glistening with humor. "It's a party."
"Yeah, with really sketchy people!"
"Are you saying I'm sketchy?" Beth tried to look hurt, but only succeed in looking highly amused.
"I'm saying that I don't trust those other people with you," Kate replied quietly, her eyes full of distress. Beth knew that it would logically be easier for Kate to drive her home, but she didn't want Kate to go through the trouble of maneuvering out of Beth's area of town late at night by herself particularly when Beth knew how terrified Kate was of that district. The brunette would much rather just drive the sopping wet Kate home herself where Kate could comfortably shower and relax in her own home. In any case, Beth had no problem taking the bus.
Nevertheless, Beth's heart went out to Kate. Kate always went out of her way to make Beth feel so safe and warm and cared for. It only made Beth adore her even more. She was honestly the best friend that anyone could ever possibly wish for. Beth considered herself infinitely lucky.
"It's just too out of your way," Beth reasoned, her eyes locking with Kate's in a silent understanding.
Kate sighed. There was this unspoken agreement between the pair of them. Both Kate and she knew that Kate could and would not be able to accurately find her way through that part of town. It was that, and both girls almost knew of Kate's previously voiced fear. Beth could tell that both she and Kate were sharing similar thoughts on the matter.
"Kate," Beth's voice was gentle and filled with care. "If it really bothers you that much, I'll call Ember, okay?"
Hesitance lingered in the air. However, soon Kate sighed, despite her pouting lip of protest.
"That's better than riding the bus with bums," she decided.
Beth narrowed her eyes teasingly. Normally, she would take considerable offense to that, but she knew, understood, and respected Kate's humor and fully realized that she was just being complex and loving.
"Where do you think I became so witty?" Beth asked. "Experiences with public transportation, of course!"
Kate laughed softly and rolled her eyes.
"No," Her reply was said with the utmost affection. "I think everyone knows you were just born that way."
Beth blinked warmly at her friend before herding Kate toward her blue BMW. She opened the door for the other girl, and then motioned inside the vehicle.
"Your carriage awaits you, my lady," Beth cooed with refined pomp and circumstance.
Kate curtsied sweetly and sat down in her car, wiggling her fingers playfully at Beth.
"Thank you!"
Beth nodded, stuck her tongue out at her, shut the door behind her, and then wandered over to the driver's side of the car.
Though Beth was still sad about being unable to invite Kate over to her apartment, she took consolation in knowing that she could, at least, walk Kate up to her house and perhaps go inside for a moment. Both of the girls knew that they, unfortunately, could not spend the night together tonight. Research papers were calling them to their separate homes, a fact that Beth thoroughly cursed and condemned.
Her heart was calling her to Kate. It was frightening, but difficult to deny.
Beth felt captivated by Kate's beautiful, soft face, her beckoning curls, her gorgeous figure—those magnificent blue eyes! They all drove Beth up the wall. How had she never noticed before? Sure, there was the Riley Complex in the previous days, but that saga was over now. The fires were over, and all that was left in the ashes was a beautiful angel in the form of Kate.
Kate. Just the name made Beth's heart surge with longing. It was forbidden. Being attracted to a best friend only intended heartbreak for a majority of cases. Yet, this felt different. Beth was drawn to her. Kate's sexuality meant nothing; in fact, it had never really crossed Beth's mind to begin with.
It would be only be even more heartbreaking for her to think that Kate was overtly heterosexual. Dread nagged at Beth's stomach. To fall for a straight girl was utterly taboo in the lesbian world, and Beth knew it. It was self-destruction, but she didn't care.
She was painfully attracted to Kate, and the fact that she knew she wasn't supposed to be only made her infatuation intensify even more.