A/N
It's been a while I know, things ended up piling on top of each other, (Uni, Work, Major commitments) and I've had minimal time for myself these past couple of months. I've been working on two chapters during this time, so I'm hoping I can upload the next one shortly after. If you've stuck with me since my last upload thank you.
Thanks for reading/Reviewing/Suggesting, I always appreciate it!
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School was becoming ritual as the months flew by, uneventful for the most part. Both Naomi and I were adjusting quickly to the new country. Things between the two of us remained affectionate but distanced as we traded each others' company for the barrage of assignments. In all honesty most of our time spent together was to study for tests or was spent around our friends.
I sighed, tapping a pen to the lecture pad I had been scribbling notes on. This was not how I'd usually spend my Saturdays. Back in Roundview they never had this many assessments, nor did they really care about your mark anyway. It was only a few more weeks until we would have a break from the torrent of assessments. Term holidays were teasing, so close yet obscured by the mounting pressure of school and I found myself sighing again, unable to relax ahead of time. My phone buzzed and lit up beside the text book I was working from and I set aside my pen, reading the text from Naomi.
I'm dying over here Emsy, I honestly don't know how you handled a social life and school. I'm actually starting to regret pushing mum to enrol me... On the bright side of things, two weeks until the spring term holidays! Anyway! If you are willing to of course, can I steal you away from those textbooks tomorrow? x
I chuckled lightly. It wasn't like Naomi to be overwhelmed by anything very easily. Though I suppose school is very different to home tutoring. I smiled as I tapped out a reply.
Haha, it's a struggle for me too don't think it's not! Yup! Two weeks couldn't come sooner.
I shifted my gaze to my textbooks guiltily. One day break couldn't hurt. Naomi and I had minimal contact all week, school and the drives to and from being the only time we'd spent together. I smiled in anticipation and typed out the rest of my reply.
Please oh prince, save me from the foul clutches of these evil textbooks!
English classes were definitely taking their toll on my mental state and I laughed weakly at the reference to our class textbook before hitting send. Idly picking up my pen again I tapped the ball point against the paper, leaving small dots where it had landed. My absentmindedness was interrupted by a reply from Naomi.
Oh dear princess, thou art but the fairest in all the land. Oh how gladdened am I to hear such words depart thy lips, it would make me no happier a prince than to spend the morrow with such beautiful a maiden as thee... We seriously need a break from studies don't we... Ha... So, I'll be at yours around 10 then?
I snorted as I read the reply blushing at the compliment within the text. I leaned back on my chair, tossing aside my pen, it was late already and now was for certain I would achieve little study if I tried. Even after several months I still felt butterflies at the thought of spending time with Naomi.
Ahaha, It sure looks that way... 10 sounds good, I'll see you then! :)
I hit send once more, smiling as I pictured a relaxed day with her. Though it had been several months and Naomi and I were confident about our relationship at home, in public we were both distant. Fearful of being judged or mocked, or worse hurting the other by such ridicule. We maintained an unintentional and unspoken boundary while in public or around our friends, of which none had hinted they knew about our relationship since Finn's comment on our first day. Which for the time being, suited us.
Naomi and I exchanged texts a while longer, wishing each other goodnight when I admitted my eyes were closing on their own. I rolled over, dropping my phone onto its charger, exhausted mentally from the week of concentrated study. I'd slept soundlessly, waking up at some point during the night to kick off my thick blanket as I grew sweaty beneath it.
In going to bed early I had earned an early start to the day and when I appeared in the kitchen at 7am, my dad looked up from his coffee, amazed.
"You're up early for a Sunday", he noted as I switched the kettle to boil and proceeded to open the fridge, exploring the shelves for anything that caught my appetite.
"I went to bed early" I replied blankly, fruitless in my searching.
I closed the fridge and opened the pantry absentmindedly, repeating the process.
"I was just about to make breakfast actually", my dad interrupted my hunt and I turned to him, closing the pantry door, nodding a thank you at the unspoken offer.
"I'll be out most of the day, I'm not sure when I'll be back", He withdrew a frying pan from beneath the stove. "Can you manage dinner?"
"No problem", I nodded once, sitting down on a kitchen bench to watch him work.
"So how's school treating you?" He paused briefly before continuing, "I haven't seen Naomi around in a while, is everything ok with you two?" The concern on his voice was apparent and I replied defensively.
"It's been busy, hence the lack of social life... Naomi is coming over today actually..." The kettle bell rang, telling me it had boiled and I pulled a cup from the cupboard, popping a teabag into it as I poured the boiling water over the sachet.
There was a brief silence before he spoke.
"I uh... I know that it's a bit different with you... Being... Having a girlfriend. But I still want you to take care... With things". He looked at the bacon, sizzling in the pan in embarrassment.
"Dad..." I started, my face flushed in mutual embarrassment.
"I know Ems, I'm sorry, I just... Your mother and I never spoke to you about things and well I know things are different in your circumstances but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful." He cracked two eggs into the pan, still avoiding eye contact.
An awkward silence filled the room for what seemed like hours before he spoke again.
"Well... Anyway, now that I can tick 'the talk' off my parenting list, how about some breakfast?" He hurriedly announced in an attempt to change the air of awkwardness.
"Please", I urged, producing two plates from the cabinet.
Dad left just past 9, leaving me to my thoughts with an hour before Naomi arrived. I sighed and lay on my bed lazily. I had left the balcony doors open, relaxing as I enjoyed the freshness with which the breeze carried. My thoughts travelled back to breakfast and what dad had said. I blushed crimson, still embarrassed by his prying.
Now that I think of it, Naomi and I haven't really done much else other than share a few kisses and although it was my own fault for being so shy, I couldn't help but sour my expression with the thought that she never even tried to take anything further. I wondered why that was the case before my thoughts were interrupted by the door bell. I hadn't heard Naomi's car pull up but sure enough one peek out of the balcony window confirmed she had.
"Hey" She smiled broadly before being cut off mid greeting.
I squeezed her tightly, sending a puff of air from her lungs. She steadied herself against my weight and returned the embrace. It was unhurried, we hadn't had time for any affection along the week.
"Now don't forget to do that along the week", I ordered as I pulled away.
"Yes Ma'am", Naomi replied humoured by my sour expression.
"Now, come in", I pulled Naomi by her hand into the house, shutting the door behind her.
"I could get used to dominant Emily", she winked and I blushed, releasing her hand.
I grew silent, suddenly remembering the conversation from earlier in the morning. My blush grew yet deeper when I looked to find Naomi staring intently at me. Hurriedly I turned to the kettle, switching it on before offering tea.
"I'd love tea", she responded, sitting herself on a kitchen stool.
I busied myself with the task, ignoring Naomi. I was unable to look at her without feeling embarrassed. Naomi noticed my avoidance and tentatively questioned.
"Is something wrong?" I could hear her rise from the stool and approach me when I made no effort to respond.
I shook my head, unable to speak through the lump in my throat for fear my voice would break. I was overcome by such sudden sadness and struggling against the tears that were threatening to flow.
I knew why I was upset. It was dads talk with me that made me realise just how different we were and no matter where we were, our relationship was always going to be different. To some even wrong or disgusting, even a thing of ridicule. My efforts were futile and the first tear began to make a slow crawl down my cheek. I breathed deeply, struggling to maintain my composure.
I could feel Naomi beside me and shied from the proximity somewhat. Lightly, she placed a hand atop mine before asking once more.
"Are you alright?" The concern in her voice hinted sadness and that alone was enough to break my resolve.
My shoulders shook through silent sobs, the tears now flowing freely down my cheeks. Gently Naomi turned me to face her. Her features softened in sympathy and she hugged me firmly.
"It's ok", she ran a hand over my hair as she whispered the assurance.
"Talk to me, what happened", her embrace tightened as she wrapped herself around me defensively, cupping my head with one hand and pulling my shoulders toward her with the other, "Please Em". Her voice was a hushed whisper beside my ear.
When I made no effort to speak Naomi continued.
"When I see you sad, It hurts me too, please talk to me Emsy", with those words, she released her hold, planting a kiss on my cheek as she withdrew to arms length.
I held onto several deep breaths before making any effort to speak. Naomi watched patiently, wiping a tear from my cheek.
"I'm just... We're not normal..." Another wave of sobs broke free and I forced them back down before continuing.
"We never will be... And, I'm tired... Tired of having to pretend we're not what we are to everyone else..." Naomi breathed deeply upon hearing my words, fighting her own tears back before pulling me into a hug once more.
The kettle bell chimed but we remained in a silent embrace for several more seconds before Naomi spoke again.
"I'm so sorry... I thought that's what you wanted... Em, I'm so stupid... I thought you weren't ready". Her voice cracked slightly as she hushed the words before withdrawing, firmly grasping each shoulder.
"I don't care what anyone says Emily... Fuck what people think", I looked to her, surprised as she spat the words, Naomi rarely swore, in fact I could count the occasions on one hand.
"I don't care what anyone thinks of me", she continued, "I didn't want you to get hurt Em".
Her eyes grew softer as she looked into my own.
"I love you", those words brought forth yet more tears, but I smiled, my sobs mixed with laughter as she hugged me once more.
"Come on", Naomi ordered, wiping her thumbs beneath my eyes gently and taking my hand in hers.
I was taken slightly aback by the sudden change in demeanour, but before I could question her actions she had left me standing by the front door before dashing up stairs to where I guessed was my room. Remerging a moment later, around the corner of the staircase holding my bag.
"Let's go", she smiled broadly, excitement in her voice.
Once more she took my hand, leading me out of the front door and to her car.
"Where are we-" I was interrupted by Naomi's answer.
"You'll see", she grew in excitement as I entered the vehicle beside her.
After a silent ride we arrived at the beach. Naomi looked to me, smiling as she gave me a wink. I exited the vehicle slowly, still perplexed by the rushed decision. Before I could think more on it, Naomi was by my side, closing the passengers door as she held out a hand for me to take.
"I did offer to be your prince charming today did I not?", she smirked, her usual lopsided grin was as contagious as ever and I found myself returning the smile as I took her hand.
Naomi's smile broadened as she leaned in, her lips pressed firmly against mine as she purposefully publicised her affection. Pulling away after several long seconds, her face was one of complete joy as she lead me toward the beach.
We walked in the whitewash a fair distance before I noticed a pearlescent shell being dragged back to sea by the receding waves. Picking it up to examine it further I noticed a semi formed pearl within. The shell no longer resembled an oyster shell, months if not years of rolling across the ocean floor had seen to it that all which remained was the pearlescent layering. Naomi, sensing I was no longer by her side rejoined me, taking interest to the shell in my hand.
"Pretty", she commented leaning over my shoulder as I traced a finger over the would be pearl.
I smiled, her closeness in public no longer daunted me and I pocketed the pearl before turning to face her.
"Why thank you", I replied, purposely misunderstanding the direction of her remark.
"The shell too of course", she winked knowingly.
I opened my mouth to say more before being hit with a dozen speckles of sea water as Naomi splashed me. I opened my mouth in protest and shock only to be hit with several more droplets. with a huff of irritation I splashed her back, cupping more water in my hands than I had intended.
Naomi was caught off guard and now it was her turn to wear the mask of shock as I watched in mixed horror and amusement as her expression changed. I put a hand over my mouth, hiding my grin and muffling my chuckles. Her demeanour had changed and a glint of wickedness touched her eyes before she leered. Anticipating what her next action would be I backed off hastily, she followed, slow in her approach, like a predator would its prey.
I dodged with a shrill squeal as she cupped both hands into the water, dragging a large amount of sea water up with them. I managed to dodge the main body of water but was caught by a handful of breakaway droplets. Before she had the chance to repeat the action I dashed up the sand toward the boardwalk. Naomi was faster than I anticipated, fuelled by a sadistic humour. She made a lunge for my arm, her grip slipping as I tugged away laughing. I changed direction in an attempt to lose her, Naomi anticipated the turn and lunged once more, this time wrapping her arms around my waist in a gentle tackle.
I was caught off balance and tumbled to the sand, rolling onto my back and laughing in childlike amusement. Naomi followed the action and we spent several seconds composing ourselves before Naomi commented.
"You're almost too fast for me". The words came out in a puff, the effort of the sprint working her lungs.
I chuckled again before turning my head toward her, watching her chest rise and fall as she caught her breath.
"Well if it isn't the two lovebirds themselves!" A familiar voice broke the silence and I turned to see Finn standing before me.
He wore nothing but loose fitting swim shorts and showed off an impressively lean muscled body. Though teasing in his greeting, he wore a friendly smile as he looked from myself to Naomi.
"What brings you two to the beach today?" He questioned, shifting his eyes between the two of us deliberately.
Before either of us could respond a second familiar voice called out.
"Finn, stop bothering every girl you see..." Several seconds later Elissa was beside Finn, she wore a two piece bathing suit and held a Frisbee in one hand.
"Sorry about him-" She started before looking to us, blushing as she recognised both Naomi and myself.
"Oh! Hey", she finished, surprised.
"Oh please, don't stop what you were doing", Finn grinned mischievously.
"Ignore him", Elissa sighed, rolling her eyes.
"What? Don't be so jealous" He teased Elissa.
Her blush deepened in embarrassment before she cleared her throat.
"I didn't know you two were going to be at the beach today, if I'd known I would have invited you", she paused to look to me apologetically before continuing, "I didn't really want anyone to think I didn't care about my exams, that and I really didn't want to be seen with this one". She pointed an accusing thumb toward Finn who acted hurt by the remark.
"Oh, no don't be, we actually came here on a whim" laughed Naomi in understanding. "To be honest studies have been pretty intense the past week, we thought we could use a break for a day".
Elissa smiled in thanks at her understanding.
"You girls up for a bit of frisbee?" Finns grin returned and he winked to Elissa before continuing, "I'll be on blondies team", he nodded toward Naomi.
Being her usual diplomatic self, her face gave away no emotion as she stood up, wiping the sand off her shorts. She smiled weakly to me before shrugging as I followed suit.
"Hold up", she announced as I began to follow Finn and Elissa.
I turned, questioning the request. Naomi pat the back of my shorts, winking as she walked off ahead of me.
"You had a little sand", she called back humorously.
I blushed, turning to view my backside for any more sand before catching up with the three of them.
We lost track of time, somehow spending 4 hours with Elissa and Finn. We'd played Frisbee, had lunch together and talked about the stress of exams before I realised I had to get home to make dinner. I apologised and offered that we meet up again soon before turning to leave with Naomi.
"Finn's actually a lot smarter than he makes out to be... I was surprised", Naomi commented as I shut the passenger side door behind me and she turned the ignition.
"I didn't think he cared about his studies very much. As it turns out he's a bigger nerd than you", I laughed heartily before being slapped playfully by Naomi.
"What?... It's true." I chuckled, "You've had straight A's in every subject so far".
"So have you..." She rolled her eyes in mock irritation.
"Uh... Not true... I got 78% in my last P.D.H.P.E exam", I rebutted.
She let out a sigh of exasperation.
"Anyway, thanks for today", I smiled, remembering how easily she had changed my mood.
"Anytime", Naomi returned a warm smile and we drove in comfortable silence the remainder of the ride home.