Thank you for all the wonderful, magnificent feedback! :) My muse is on a roll. I have brilliant plans for these lovely girls.

Thank you, Tracy, darling. You helped me immensely with this chapter, my love! You are truly my muse and inspiration.

Beth slouched in a heap of annoyance on her couch, her legs folded carelessly beneath her. Running her tongue over her lips, she sighed heavily, her eyes looking about ready to pop out of her head in a rush of paranoia and anxiety.

What's wrong with me? The question resonated in Beth's mind. You can't just go around trying to kiss your straight best friend, Beth. Life doesn't work that way.

Sure, it didn't. Beth sighed and squeezed her green eyes shut in an attempt to relax. It had been more than an hour and a half since she had left Kate's house. She had tried everything to calm her nerves: mediating, incense, soothing music—nothing was working for her. All she could think about was her stupid, insensitive mistake.

That's right, Beth jibed herself inwardly. Remember who screwed up the relationship next time you see her.

"God," Beth groaned to herself. "Why are women so damn complicated?"

"Lay off the weed, sis," Ember whirred, causing Beth to nearly leap from her uncomfortably comfortable possible on the couch. "You're talking to yourself again."

"No one asked you to listen," Beth shot back tensely, though with that veiled sensitivity that showed she was kidding.

"What kind of lesbian melodrama do I get to hear about today?" Ember asked, as she straddled the leg of the couch idly.

"Nothing," Beth retorted defensively. "Everything's fine."

Beth watched as Ember glanced over her own shoulder distractedly, as though she had forgotten something. A moment later, her sister was on her feet again, in preparation to do something or another.

"Sky, I know you take me for a dumbass, but—" Ember waggled her index finger at Beth threateningly. "—don't. Now, what's going on with you?" Good-natured irritation revealed itself in her characteristically rough voice.

"I'm just an idiot!" Beth exclaimed with a loud groan. "I just screwed up really bad, Em."

Ember tilted her head and moved over absentmindedly into their tiny kitchenette.

"Explain," the pink-and-black-haired young woman decided, as she began to root through the fridge.

Beth narrowed her eyes in her sister's general direction and drew her legs up close to her, wrapping her arms around them.

"I just… I don't know," Beth murmured, feeling hopeless.

What had happened, anyway? One moment, Kate's eyes had fluttered close—and the next, Beth had felt a rush of emotion, an unavoidable desire to kiss her. Beth's stomach flipped with anticipation as she recalled the almost-kiss. It made her crawl with nervousness and fear. Had she ruined their friendship?

Beth frowned, a deep pang of sorrow raking through her body suddenly. If she lost Kate, she wasn't sure what she would do.

"Well?" Ember prompted, reappearing in the living area that Beth was presently in, with a mug of something or another in her right hand.

"I… almost kissed Kate," Beth admitted, still feeling the sting of her words.

Ember just looked at her for a moment, her hazel eyes narrowed in confusion.

"What's your point?" her sister wondered blandly.

Beth felt anger flare in her stomach.

"You don't get it, do you? She's straight!" Beth barked unnecessarily. "She'll probably never talk to me again."

Ember rolled her eyes and took a sip of whatever it was she was drinking. Beth couldn't help but feel another rush of rage pass through her. Why was her sister even indulging her with this conversation if she didn't care to listen? She frowned once again.

"You're overreacting," Ember told her bluntly. "Kate's your best friend, right?" her sister made it obvious that the question was rhetorical as she heavily plopped down on the couch next to Beth. "Well, then she won't give a shit whether or not you tried to make a move on her."

"Says you," Beth countered, rolling her eyes at the other girl. "Kate's fragile, Em."

"Being 'fragile' doesn't mean she's ignorant," Ember looked irritated. "She's friends with you, isn't she?"

Beth narrowed her eyes again distastefully. What had her sister meant by that, anyway? Ember knew that Kate and Beth were inseparable. Was she insinuating that Kate wouldn't be her friend for some reason? Ember certainly had some nerve—Beth stopped. She was being far too sensitive and painfully hormonal. She really needed to relax.

"Yeah," Beth mumbled, after a long silence.

"There you go," Ember offered indifferently. "You're kind of an asshole, kind of a flower child freak, and kind of impulsive, Sky. She's a saint for putting up with you. What makes you think she's going to give up now, after all the time she's spent, dealing with your bullshit?"

Beth was used to her sister's brash way of speaking. It was endearing to her, in a strange way. However, Ember's words struck her deeply: she was right. Beth knew that Kate cared deeply for her. The looks that Kate gave her told Beth that much.

Kate would understand. If anything, why freak out when Beth wasn't even sure of Kate's view on it all? Beth smiled and shook her head.

"Em, you're kind of a backwards bitch, but… you're right," Beth admitted with a purposefully overly dramatic sigh.

Ember took a gracious sip from her mug and shrugged nonchalantly.

"What can I say? When my baby sister screams for advice: I listen; I give; and I succeed," Ember jabbed Beth with her elbow.

"Sure," Beth laughed, knowing full well that this was far from the truth.

"So, now that we've got your drama out of the way," Ember began, causing Beth to glance at her uncertainly through the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, no," Beth breathed sardonically, and then turned her body so that she could see her sister better.

"Gavin's on his way over," Ember told her plainly.

Beth narrowed her eyes, but otherwise refused to indulge that notion. Ember was quick, though, and hardly missed her sister's obvious disapproval.

"Look, I knew you'd be pissed about it," she rolled her eyes. "So, how about you just go hang out somewhere cool, all right? I have twenty dollars from work, and—"

"Don't worry about it," Beth said hurriedly, as she pushed herself up and off the couch. She tried to hide her hurt and anger over the situation. "I'll just… find something to do myself."

"Sky, remember, it's—like—" Ember looked to the nearest clock. "Almost eleven o'clock at night. Don't piss off the cops, or anything."

"I won't," Beth replied bitterly, as she trudged toward her room to retrieve her laptop and coat. "When is he leaving?" Her voice called.

"I dunno," Ember shrugged to herself. "He'll probably spend the night."

Beth frowned and paused in mid-step. With a sigh of defeat, she allowed her shoulders to slump.

"Okay," Beth called sullenly. "That's fine."

Realizing that there was no sense in trying to gather up her things for a brief outing, Beth snatched up her wallet and cell phone and exited her room, locking her door behind her.

"Stay out of my room," Beth warned her sister, her green gaze searing her.

Ember narrowed her eyes, but held her hands up in compromise.

"Hey," she said. "We'll only be in mine."

Beth just sighed and headed toward the front door. The urge to call Kate was strong, but she wasn't even sure if that was a viable option anymore.

* * *

A day had passed since their awkward scene on Kate's porch, and Kate's mind was still caught up in a daze. They had barely texted, much less talked since then.

Beth had uncomfortably called Kate to check on her this morning, but Kate could easily pinpoint the sadness and regret in her voice, as well as a considerable amount of physical exhaustion. She had been tempted to ask why, but she had decided against it.

The logical and empathetic part of Kate wanted to tell Beth that she was coming over, that she didn't care that they had almost kissed. After all, they were best friends. However, the confused and irrational part of Kate worried that her obvious feelings for Beth would only worsen their current situation.

Therefore, she had decided to swipe her mother's grocery list and get out of her house. Kate felt ill that her mother was out with yet another unknown man, so she supposed that productivity would ease all of her woes.

As she slipped into the store, she grabbed a grocery cart and gazed at the list curiously.

"Nice," Kate commented sarcastically to herself.

The list was ten words long at best: cake mix, chocolate icing, ice cream, sprinkles, Snickers, Skittles, M&Ms, Airheads, steak, fish sticks, and coffee mix.

Kate's nose wrinkled in disbelief.

Really, Mom?

Smiling to herself, she shook her head and continued to cruise down the aisles with her cart. She supposed it wouldn't hurt if she picked up some food that wouldn't give them both heart attacks.

Stifling a yawn, Kate made her way down the aisles, subconsciously ignoring the chicken, beef, and pork as she passed the processed meats section. Looking ahead of herself, she paused when she reached the fruit yogurts.

Her house hadn't had these in a while. Shoveling a few into her cart, she kept on going, steering away from the cheeses as she made her way down the cereal aisle.

Strangely, Kate couldn't help but think that she had eyes on her. Ever since she had gotten out of her car, she had felt as though she was being watched. Even now, as she picked through the boxes of cereal, she found herself glancing around, checking to see if anyone was around.

Of course, there was no one there. In her line of sight, anyway.

"Kate!" called a voice, almost entirely foreign to the blonde.

Kate withheld a squeak of surprise as she allowed the Lucky Charms that she was holding to fall to the ground. Sharply turning her head, she couldn't help but stare in complete incredulity at the person who had called her name.

"R-Riley?" Kate's eyes were wide with shock.

"Hey, sorry," Riley told her, as she bent down to pick up the box of cereal that Kate had dropped. "Didn't mean to scare you."

"It's… okay," Kate fibbed, adding a shrug. What was Beth's ex-girlfriend doing here, talking to her, of all people?

In silence, Kate placed the box back on the shelf, unwilling to take it home after all the commotion.

"So," Riley began, her eyes never once leaving Kate. "I just wanted to say 'I'm sorry.'"

Kate narrowed her eyes. She didn't know Riley personally. Beth, despite rather mean scenes Kate had witnessed Riley playing in, had never said anything terribly unkind about her ex-girlfriend. In fact, Beth had rarely mentioned her at all.

"Uh…" Kate was at a loss for words. "For what?"

"I don't know," Riley shrugged. With a sigh, she continued: "I've just felt so awful since… well, since Beth and I broke up. It really hurts, you know?"

Kate blinked. Perhaps it was just her natural pull, but Kate had always searched for the positive traits in everyone. Riley was no different. Reluctantly, Kate realized that she was beginning to feel pity for the other blonde.

Taking this cue, Riley propped her hand on one of her hips.

"I just didn't want you to think I was this… horrible person," she reasoned. "I mean, you're Beth's… best friend. I still want to be friends with her, too."

Kate's heart was beating wildly. There was something strange about being around Beth's ex-girlfriend. Was there some sort of taboo about talking to your best friend's ex? Kate didn't know, honestly. This established best friend 'thing' was still quite novel to her.

"I-I… I never thought you were," Kate said truthfully, her eyebrows knitting together. "Beth's… never said anything bad about you, either."

Riley, for a moment, looked genuinely surprised. Though, after a small laugh, she reinforced her theory with a smile.

"I know," Riley told her. "Beth's a really nice person, isn't she?" Her eyes were suddenly filled with what Kate recognized to be sadness. "I don't blame her, or anything."

Kate tilted her head and found her grip tightening on the bar of her grocery cart. She felt bad for Riley. She looked as though she was entirely affected by not being in a relationship with Beth anymore. She looked… heartbroken.

"Yes, she is," Kate replied, still feeling a little confused about this whole situation.

"You two still hang out, right?" Riley wondered casually, before laughing again. "No, of course you do. You're always together."

There was something bizarre about this whole ordeal. Kate couldn't even begin to pretend that this was natural.

"I, ah—" Kate paused, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. This is all… a little—"

"Weird?" Riley grinned. "Kate, I'm Beth's friend, too. You don't have to feel weird around me."

"I guess so…" Kate's voice was full of hesitance. She needed to talk to Beth. In a way, she felt immensely guilty for talking to Riley so candidly. Yet, it wasn't as though she was betraying Beth, or anything. She would never do that.

Riley reached out, touching Kate's arm gently. Kate looked at her awkwardly, forcing the smallest of smiles.

"Look, Kate," Riley began, watching Kate with a gaze that never seemed to waver. "Why don't we hang out more, get to know each other?" she smiled. "We can start over—be friends."

Be friends? Kate's head was reeling. What was going on? First, Beth and she had almost kissed. Now Riley Matthews—Beth's ex-girlfriend, the girl who had openly struck her down upon first meeting her—wanted to hang out with her. Was this even happening right now? Kate almost felt as though she needed to just get away, to lie down somewhere.

"Riley, uh…" Kate narrowed her eyes, feeling more than just a little uncomfortable. "I don't really know you that well."

Riley's lips tightened to form what Kate assumed was supposed to constitute a smile.

"That's why we should hang out," Riley announced with that curious grin. "I already have your number. So, I can text you, and we'll make plans."

Kate's pulse was quickening. She was getting an unnerving rush from all of this.

"How did you—"

"Beth gave it to me," Riley admitted quickly, laughing it off. "Well, I kind of saw it in her phone, you know. I asked if I could have it."

"Oh," Kate's shoulders fell somewhat; she supposed that was all right. Though, that seemed a bit out of character for Beth.

"So, you up for it?" Riley asked again, this time stepping closer to Kate.

Kate wanted to step back, away from her, but she refrained.

"I don't know. I mean, I'm… really busy. Semester exams are almost here," Kate replied anxiously. She wasn't exactly lying. Her loyalty to Beth just ran too deep.

Riley instantly began to frown. She swallowed hard and looked away. Kate's mouth slipped open ever so slightly. She hoped that she hadn't upset or offended her.

"Oh," Riley murmured dejectedly. "I get it."

"No, it's not that I—" Kate paused, trying to figure out what she was trying to say to the other girl. "I'm just so busy, and—"

"Kate, just say that you don't want to," Riley shrugged her purse back onto her shoulder, preparing to leave.

"No!" Kate defended herself swiftly. "I didn't say that at all."

"Is this because of how I yelled at you that one time?" Riley wondered, out of the blue. "Kate, I'm really sorry. That was so long ago."

Kate couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger. 'Yelling at' her was a severe understatement. 'Verbally assaulting' her sounded more like the truth, in Kate's eyes.

"No, Riley," Kate sighed, licking her lips nervously. "It's not that."

"What is it?" Riley asked, still frowning.

This was so wrong. Kate could feel the guilt creeping all over her skin, twisting its way into her very core. This wasn't right. Somehow, she felt as though this would be treading in bad territory. Beth wouldn't like this. No, Kate told herself, Beth wouldn't care. Beth has no bad feelings for anyone.

"Actually," Kate forced the word out of her mouth. "Sure. We can hang out."

Riley's eyes seemed to glimmer with delight.

"Really?" Riley squeaked out the word before throwing her arms around Kate excitedly. "That's great! I'll just text you later, okay?"

Kate remained as stiff as possible as Riley hugged her. All that was evident on Kate's expression was an uncomfortable smile.

"Yes," Kate replied, trying to keep herself from sighing. "Okay."

"See you later, Katie!" Riley called over her shoulder, as she trudged away, her strangely empty cart in tow.

Kate cringed. That nickname worked with no one other than Beth. Her guilt returned to her, fresh and strong, as the uncalled-for nickname resonated within her head. Trying to ignore it, Kate pushed her cart along.

She busied herself with shopping, hoping to rid herself of the guilt that was gnawing away at her conscience.

* * *

Seven texts. That was all she had gotten from Kate all day. Beth sighed, her chin resting on her arms, that had drawn her legs up close to her.

This was the second night that she had spent in the lobby. She hadn't slept virtually a wink, but she certainly preferred it to being around her sister's asinine boyfriend.

The lobby of the apartment was cold and dirty-looking, but Beth didn't care. Staring at her phone, she realized that it was ten o'clock at night. Kate would still be awake, she decided, probably studying or having a snack.

With a frown, she slid her phone open and stared at the keypad. How could words justify how she felt when she couldn't explain them? They would either come out all wrong or come out just decently. What she needed was a 'perfect' or 'just right.'

Kate, I'm sorry, but… I'm not. I'm sorry that I pushed you away, but as for almost kissing you… I miss you.

No. Beth sighed. That sounded sleazy and unforgiving. How was she supposed to sound gentle and honest? She wanted Kate to understand her, not shun her.

I miss you, Katie. I hope I can see you again really soon. Are we okay?

Oh, God, no. That sounded absolutely desperate. Besides, they weren't even dating. They were best friends. Beth wrinkled her nose.

As she began to lightly press the keys with her thumbs, she hoped that luck was shining on her in that moment. She wanted her words to mend things. She wanted her sweet Katie Spencer back.

Suddenly, Beth stopped texting. This wasn't right. She needed to call her. Texting her was the easy way out. It was cheap and uncaring.

Beth pursed her lips into another frown. It hadn't occurred to Beth just how much she missed Kate, given that they had barely spoken all day. She missed her voice, her laugh, her audible smiles as they talked.

Pulling her legs closer to her chest, she stared at her phone. She was going to call her. They needed to talk. This whole thing needed to just blow over, and that wasn't about to happen unless one of them caved. Beth was going to be the first to take the plunge.

"Kate?" Beth whispered softly into the receiver of the phone. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry we haven't talked all day."

Beth's lips curved into a fragile and tender smile as she heard her best friend's voice on the other end of the line. She almost felt like crying. It was incredible to hear Kate's sweet and soft giggle again.

"I know," Beth continued. "I'm sorry. I want to clear all of this up," she told her genuinely, her voice lowering to its natural and soothing coo. "Can I please see you again? I miss you."

An immediate and larger smile swept across Beth's features at Kate's response. She sounded just as eager and thrilled to see her again as Beth did. It was such a relief to hear her this way.

"I can't wait to see you, Katie," Beth told her sweetly, breathing a sigh of reprieve. "How about we meet for breakfast tomorrow? I'll take you out."

Beth's face paled suddenly.

"Tonight? Kate, no way," she tried to laugh it off. "It'll be ten-thirty by the time you get here, honey. It's dangerous. I don't want you to be scared."

Beth couldn't believe what she was hearing. Kate sounded so determined. She was entirely set on getting here as soon as possible.

"No," Beth shook her head. "I want to see you, too; believe me. More than anything."

Glancing around the darkened lobby, Beth's heart began to contort with anxiety and fear. How was she supposed to explain her current situation to Kate, anyway? She bit her lip apprehensively.

Her pull to Kate was too strong. Kate's conclusive voice meant too much to her. In all honesty, all Beth wanted was to see Kate now. She needed that blissful and uncomplicated reassurance that came packaged in Kate's beautiful smile.

"I really wish you wouldn't," the brunette chuckled uneasily. Then, out of nowhere, Beth had somewhat of an epiphany. All of this would just melt away, if she just went to Kate herself. She wouldn't have to explain why she was out in this dirty lobby, and she would have a place to stay.

Their awkwardness would dissolve quickly, knowing them. They would talk about what happened, and everything would be well again. She would have her best friend back.

"Kate!" Beth called suddenly. "Wait. Can I come over instead?"

At Kate's crestfallen reply, Beth hastily explained herself.

"I could spend the night," cooed Beth, with a grin. "Of course… only if you'll have me."

Kate's sway in mood was quick and decisive. Beth was happy to know that she agreed to her idea.

"I missed being over there with you," Beth confessed fondly. "We can talk, sweetie. We'll get everything figured out."

Once Kate concurred, Beth nodded to herself and rose to her feet.

"I hope you've got some PJs I can borrow," Beth finished with a smile. "I'll be over there soon. Want me to pick up anything?"

When Kate replied with a friendly 'no,' Beth grinned.

"All right, a dozen roses it is!" she announced in a sing-song voice. "See you soon, sweetheart."

* * *

Beth had only made a brief stop at the grocery store to pick up a little something for Kate. It wasn't much, but she knew that Kate would enjoy it, even if it went against Beth's nature code.

As she pulled up to Kate's house, memories from the night before filled her head. She swallowed, but got out of her car, her fingertips wrapped daintily around the slender gift in her hand. Having seen a light flicker off in the front window, Beth knew that Kate must have been watching for her. As soon as Beth appeared on the sidewalk leading to Kate's front steps, the door creaked open, revealing Kate's gorgeous form.

Kate was dressed in cute, slack pajama pants with a white tank top. Beth's cheeks flushed with color as she found herself gazing upon her best friend with eyes of admiration. She looked beautiful; Beth was beside herself.

Approaching her best friend, Beth smiled as she extended her hand to Kate which held a single, white lily.

"It goes against my belief that plants shouldn't be taken from the ground, but…" Beth smiled adoringly as a wide-eyed Kate received the pretty flower. "I would do anything for you, Kate."

In that single moment, Beth experienced a rush of an overwhelmingly warm and comforting feeling. This sentiment occurred just before (and then significantly intensified) as Kate wrapped her arms around Beth in appreciation—in silent forgiveness. Beth's lips formed the most delicate of smiles as her hands wound their way around the small of Kate's back in return.

This felt like home to her.