Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:31:28 -0600 From: Brianna Theis Subject: The Keeper part 3 Bella woke up in the morning to her alarm screaming in her ear. She groaned and slapped the snooze button. She sat up in her bed and stretched, realizing that her stomach had butterflies flying around in a frenzy and she wondered why. They weren't nervous ones, but almost happy? Then, it hit her. "Katerina," she whispered, smiling at the memories of the previous night. She couldn't believe she actually kissed a girl...and liked it so much. Bella has never considered that she was a lesbian. Yes, she has appreciated other women's beauty and knew that some girls in her school were more than attractive, but she never assumed she might actually be attracted to any of them. However, after kissing Katerina...feeling her lips on her own; feeling her body press against Bella's with desire—Bella was shocked it's taken her this long to figure it out, but she was more than happy by finding out with Katerina. Just thinking about her made Bella's heart flip a few times in her chest as she jumped out of bed, wide awake and ready for the day. She took a little longer than usual finding what to wear as she knew she was going to see her girlfriend that day. Bella actually giggled to herself at the thought of having a girlfriend. She finally decided on a jean skirt that came to her mid thigh and a casual red blouse. She jumped in the shower, paying more attention to washing herself in order to smell as nice as she could. What Bella didn't look forward to about meeting with Katerina at lunch was how they were supposed to act around her friends. Bella, just finding out that she was attracted to girls, was not ready to come out to her friends. She didn't know when, but Katerina had agreed to keep their relationship a secret until Bella was ready. This got Bella thinking. Was she really attracted to other girls or was it just Katerina that made her feel this way? Now thoroughly confused about what was happening, she stepped out of the shower, and dressed. Bella decided to have her hair simply straight and put on light make up with a little eye shadow and lip gloss. She eventually made it down stairs and greeted her mother with a kiss on the cheek. "Morning, sweetie. Breakfast?" she asked. "Sorry, mom. I'm running a little late. I'll see you after school," Bella replied. Diane worked at home as an accountant. She was pretty good at her job because her and Bella have been well off for years, even when Bella's father was in their life. "Have a good day, Bells," her mother called after her as she went out the front door. Bella jumped in her onyx black Mazda 6 car she got for her sixteenth birthday and drove to school with 94.9 KYLD hip hop station playing from the speakers. There was a new song playing, but she paid no attention to it, her mind far away from music. She drove to school in a blur, muttering that she needs to pay attention to the road more as she stepped out of her car. She walked into Galileo High and made her way to her locker, waving and saying hello to various friends along the way. "Okay, so did you see that Jake Holloway and Courtney Brown making out in the parking lot?" Kayla said as she came up to her best friend. "How many times have they broken up and gotten back together? Is this round six?" Bella was too busy searching for her History textbook to really pay attention to what Kayla was saying. "Uh-huh," Bella replied, frowning as she dug through her locker. Kayla noticed her distracted expression. "I slept with Max last night," Kayla said. Bella heard that one and stood quickly, hitting her head on the shelf at the top of her locker. She let out a curse word very loudly that made a few freshman stare as they walked by. "Are you okay?" Kayla asked, trying not to laugh. "You did what?" Bella demanded, shocked. That's when Kayla did let out a laugh. "I was just making sure you were paying attention to me," she said. Bella glared at her friend before going back to her locker. "Well, I can't find my History book," she explained. "Is it in your car? Or did you leave it in your room?" Kayla asked. "Probably the latter," Bella replied, sighing. "Whatever. I'll just share with Alyssa." "You've been acting strange ever since lunch yesterday. What is going on?" Kayla said, remembering how up and down she was being with her emotions yesterday. Kayla was not unobservant by any means. She knew something was going on in her best friend's head and wanted to help her out. Bella felt her heart pound in fear at her words and avoided her eyes by zipping up her backpack and closed her locker. "I'm fine. I wasn't feeling a hundred percent yesterday, that's all," Bella lied. She felt as if a stone was forming in her chest. She hated lying to Kayla. They've been best friends since they were in three years old and there were very, very few secrets they kept from each other. They were always honest and uninhibited with details from their intimate moments with boys. Bella, unlike Kayla, was a virgin so she didn't have as much to tell, but their love lives were basically an open book to each other. They went on double dates all the time and if one of them found out that their boyfriend was cheating or lying, they immediately told each other. They were protective of each other and wouldn't hesitate to come to the other's defense. Bella and Kayla were in every way, except blood, sisters. They have been through so much together, they couldn't imagine not ever being friends. So, to keep something as big as Bella's new relationship with Katerina from Kayla wracked Bella with guilt. Bella figured that Kayla would be okay if Bella told her she was a lesbian (if that's what she is), but she was still scared. There is still a possibility that Kayla may be disgusted or not want to be her friend. Again, Bella felt guilt for even thinking that, but that fear still kept her from spilling her guts to her best friend. "Are you sure? I think it goes without saying that you can tell me," Kayla said, now looking concerned. She always knew when Bella was lying. She was a horrible actress, especially when she was avoiding Kayla's eyes as if she were incredibly deformed. "I know, and I would if there were anything to tell. Look, I got to get to History. I'll see you at lunch, okay?" Bella said. "Okay," Kayla said, feeling her heart twist in slight pain. But she knew that Bella would tell her when she was ready. "See you." Bella tried to get away from her friend quickly without looking too obvious. When she was out of her sight, Bella leaned against the wall and let out a breath of relief. * * *Perfect. Now I just have to do that every minute of every day I'm with her until she either figures it out or I tell her* Bella thought. The warning bell rang and Bella walked to her History class, praying that Kayla wouldn't figure it out anytime soon. ```````````` At twelve fifteen pm, when the bell rang signaling lunch for Bella and her friends, she got those butterflies again, but this time, her heart pounding in excitement was more noticeable. She left her Calculus classroom and met up with her friends, trying to keep her smile to a friendly hello instead of betraying the excitement she really felt. The restaurant, El Lorro's, was Bella and her friend's favorite place to go eat. They had the best Mexican food in San Francisco and it wasn't expensive, either. They started eating there when they were freshman and usually eat there every Monday and Thursday. Also, since it was only a few blocks from school, they walked every day. "You are so wrong," Alyssa said to Kayla. "I am not. Davidson was very clear on this," Kayla replied. Bella was trying to pay attention, but found that she had didn't really know what they were talking about, but Davidson is Kayla's AP Statistics and Probability teacher. Alyssa had the same class, but a different teacher and Bella figured they were arguing about some kind of problem or other. They were all waiting for their food to arrive and Bella was growing more nervous/anxious to see Katerina. In her excitement, she didn't see Kayla glancing at Bella's wandering eyes or her fingers tapping unconsciously on the table. When Bella saw her watch hit twelve thirty and her heart flipped in anticipation. She took several drinks of her water due to her dry mouth. ** * * *I need to calm down* Bella told herself. *Why am I acting like this? We haven't even been together for one day and I am already going crazy from being away from her.* Bella has never felt this way about someone, she knew that much, but she never imagined that she would be feeling like this when she did develop these feelings. "Hey everyone," came a voice from behind her that made her heart leap into her throat. She turned around slowly and looked up to see Katerina smiling down at her. If it was even possible, she looked even more beautiful than last night. She was wearing jeans that hugged her curves in every right way possible. Her shirt was a simple turquoise tee that was rouched on the side with a navy light, short cropped pee coat. Her raven hair was pulled back into a pony tail with a gray headband. Bella slowly took in her good looks, still not used to how exquisite she could be. "Hey, Katerina," Harvey said. "We didn't know you were coming." "Bella invited me last night when she took me home," she explained, grabbing chair and sitting in between Bella and Alyssa. Katerina locked eyes with Bella's and Bella noticed, while there was happiness to see her, there was something else, too. Bella thought it was apprehension, but wasn't sure. "Hey," Katerina said to Bella, giving her a smile that made Bella's mind spin. She managed to smile back. "Hey," she breathed. Katerina looked away, which Bella, while disappointed to not be looking into her beautiful eyes, was thankful. It took her all of her strength to not kiss her girlfriend. Bella and Katerina didn't participate very much in everyone else's conversations. Instead, Katerina would sometimes ask Bella questions such as how was the rest of her night and how was school so far. What Bella truly loved about talking with Katerina was that she would feel as if Katerina was always truly interested in what she was saying. It didn't matter if it was something as boring as a pop quiz in her Spanish class, Katerina's eyes and expression showed the utmost attention, as if Bella were the only one in the world. This only served to make Bella even happier to see Katerina. After five minutes of being with Katerina, Bella berated herself for thinking that things would be too different in front of her friends. After all, Bella and Katerina have been friends for a while and have hung out with Bella's group since the party. They were all comfortable with her and Bella was pretty sure that Katerina was the same way. It was easy to act as if they hadn't made out in Alyssa's bathroom the previous night. However, Bella still wanted to feel Katerina's smooth skin on her fingers, to feel her soft lips slowly and tantalizingly moving against her own. The thought of kissing her again made Bella's whole body tingle with impatience for when they could. Lunch ended around one o'clock and everyone paid, then started to walk back to the school. "Do you have a free period?" Katerina asked Bella. They were several paces behind their friends and walking close enough to brush arms against each other, making Bella's arm hair raise. "Yes, sixth period at one fifty," Bella answered. "Can you leave campus?" she asked. "We're not supposed, but it's easy to get off of school grounds." "Would you like to meet me somewhere so we can talk in private?" she asked. Bella knew there was something serious she wanted to talk about, which made her heart pound in fear.** * * *Is she re-thinking this? Does she not want to be in a relationship with me anymore?* were Bella's first thoughts. She forced her heart to calm down. "All right, where?" she asked. Katerina told her to meet her at a small park with a playground that was only a few blocks north of Galileo High. "I'm really happy that you came today," Bella said, sounding as sincere as she could, and lightly grazed her fingers against the back of Katerina's hand. She saw her shiver at her touch and felt a warmth in her chest knowing that she did have some kind of effect on her. Katerina looked at her and smiled, obviously pleased with what Bella said. "So am I," she replied. Her dark brown eyes burning with honesty. The beauty of her eyes stunned Bella for a moment as she momentarily forgot to breathe. Katerina smiled again and turned away, leaving Bella slightly dizzy. When they reached the high school, Bella and Katerina departed with a hug, both of them trying hard not to make it look like a lovers hug instead of two friends saying goodbye. "See you soon," Katerina breathed onto Bella's neck. They let go and Bella watched her disappear down the street. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to look forward or dread their talk later. Bella's knees bounced up and down quickly in her Contemporary Literature class. She paid attention, took notes, and listened to her teacher lecture, but her body was on edge to see Katerina alone. She tried really hard not to think about what she wanted to talk about, but started to when the bell rang. Her stomach clenched with nerves as she put her books away in her locker. Bella made her way to the back entrance to the school, where no teachers went and where the smokers went out and not worry about getting caught with tobacco on campus. She circled around the school just off of the grounds and walked north to the park she was told to meet her. She ran through different scenarios in her head during the walk. Maybe Katerina just wanted to talk with Bella and not have to worry about her friends overhearing. Or maybe, said the pessimist side of Bella, she realized that she doesn't like her like that. While Bella cared about Katerina as a person, now that she knew what it was like to kiss her, to feel her body against hers, she didn't want that to go away anytime soon. She reached the park within five minutes and sat on one of the swings. Not even a minute later did she feel someone's hand enfold itself over Bella's that was clinging to the chain on the swing. That someone leaned their lips to Bella's ear. "You look beautiful today," they said. Bella shuddered and turned to smile at Katerina. "And you are always beautiful," Bella replied and was rewarded with another dazzling smile with some pink in her cheeks appearing. It was absolutely adorable. "How was fifth period?" she asked. "Boring," Bella answered with a shrug. Katerina walked around her and leaned against one of the metal poles that held up the swing set. "School usually is," Katerina said. Bella smiled. "But...it's better now that I get to see you," she said. Katerina smiled, but it wavered slightly. Bella felt her heart sink as she realized that her pessimistic side was right. "Bella...are you...having second thoughts about this?" Katerina asked slowly. Bella tried to remain calm. "You mean, about us?" she clarified. Katerina nodded. "No, absolutely not." Katerina's showed relief, but her expression was still guarded. "Are you?" Bella asked quietly. Katerina's face changed to surprise. "What? No, I'm not. I was just concerned that you had. I mean, things got pretty heated last night, but sometimes, once someone has time to sleep on what they've done, things change. I just want to make sure this is what you really want now that you've had time to think about it," Katerina said. Bella actually let out a sigh as she felt her heart slow down to normal speed. "I thought you meant you didn't—" Bella said, but didn't finish. Katerina knelt in front of her and looked into her eyes. "I said this before Bella, unless you literally tell me to I won't leave you," she said, brushing Bella's hair out of her eyes. She smiled. "I like you a lot. After an hour of spending time with you the first day we met, I had this strange feeling that something might happen." "Really?" Bella asked, surprised. "I realized it the night I spent in your apartment after Kayla's party." Katerina leaned up and kissed Bella lightly on the lips, making Bella sigh. She placed her hand on the back of Katerina's neck and pulled her in for a deeper kiss. The feelings that she had when they shared their first kiss came roaring back to Bella, almost causing her to fall backwards off the swing. Katerina held her close and expertly caressed her tongue against Bella's, the kiss falling into a perfect rhythm. It was as if they had been doing this their entire lives instead of less than twenty four hours. "Wow..." Bella whispered when they came up for air. "My thoughts exactly," Katerina replied, her eyes glazed over and a goofy smile on her lips. She leaned her forehead against Bella's and sighed happily. Bella closed her eyes and took in her presence, reveling in it; she never knew that anyone could feel like this with someone just standing next to them. Every breath Bella took she would inhale Katerina's natural scent, which was better than any perfume. Her eyes saw her beauty that never failed to stun Bella. Her fingers would run across the softness of her skin that made Bella drunk with desire it felt so good to touch. * * *This is all happening so fast, but I love it* Bella thought, breathing in deeply. "What are you thinking?" Katerina asked suddenly, breaking Bella's thoughts. Bella didn't reply immediately. "Maybe I'll tell you one day, but not now," she said. This is what Katerina often said to her when Bella asked the same question. She didn't want to scare Katerina by telling her all of how she felt. Katerina nodded her head understandingly. She stood up straight suddenly and took Bella's hand in her own, the movement so natural that both of them barely noticed it happening or thought anything of it. "So, what are your plans for Friday night?" she asked, jumping on the monkey bars and hung there, smiling at Bella, who was taken aback. Although Katerina was only two years older than herself, Bella thought of her as an adult. Not like a parental adult, but someone who was mature and didn't do childish things like swing on the monkey bars like a kid while smiling dopily at her girlfriend who was, more or less, skipping class. Bella stared at her for a second, and decided that she liked seeing Katerina's child side. It was very endearing. "Nothing official yet," she answered. "Well, what do you say to a dinner and a movie?" she asked, adjusting how she was holding the bars as she feet dangled a foot from the ground. Bella smiled suspiciously. "Are you asking me out on a date, Miss Markos?" Bella said, playfully being naive. Katerina smiled, her expression cocky. "Yes, I am, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer," she replied. "Oh, you think so, huh?" "Yes, I do." "Well, then, you won't be surprised if I politely decline," Bella stated, her face completely serious, although she was using all of her strength to not laugh. Katerina raised an eyebrow and played along. "Politely decline? What if I throw in a ride and let you choose the dinner and restaurant?" she asked. "A ride?" "I have invested in this thing called a motor vehicle. They are a modern day mode of transportation to take you from point A to point B," she explained slowly as if Bella were mentally challenged. "Invest in this, Markos," Bella said, reaching out and tickled Katerina's ribs which were out in the open with her arms busy holding herself on the monkey bars. Katerina burst into laughter and let go of the bars. Bella was merciless and Katerina, weakened by the abuse, fell to the sand unable to defend herself. "Stop, I beg you," she said breathlessly. Bella finally let up, kneeling next to her. She was smiling devilishly. "That was mean." Bella chuckled. "Oh, I'm sorry," she replied and leaned down, kissing Katerina's cheek intimately. Katerina half glared at her. "I think I deserve more than that with the torture you put me through," she said. Bella smiled and kissed her soft lips gently. She licked her lip and Katerina allowed her entry into her mouth, her eyes slightly rolled in the back of her head before closing all the way. It was a short, yet passionate kiss, leaving both girls happy. "So, you bought a car?" Bella asked, going back to their interrupted conversation. "Yes, I did. This morning. I got a silver 2007 Chevrolet Impala," she answered. They both switched to lay down on their sides facing each other, their heads propped up by their hands leaning on their elbows. Bella absentmindedly played with the sand with her free hand. "That's cool," she said. "So, about Friday." "Do you want to? It doesn't have to be a dinner and a movie. We can do whatever you want." "No, I want to do that, but I don't want to pick everything. How about you pick the restaurant and I pick the movie?" Bella suggested. Katerina grinned. "Deal," she responded. Bella smiled in return. "This is going to be the first date I've ever been excited to go on," she admitted. Katerina looked surprised. "Really? I know I'm the first girl you've gone out with—right?" she asked, suddenly unsure. Bella laughed lightly. "Yes, you are. I've never done anything with a girl before, and honestly, I never really thought about it until you came along," she said. "Dating, however, I've been on a few with some boys in my school. They weren't terrible, but I was never excited or anxious or nervous about them beforehand. Kayla has told me about some of her pre-date jitters, saying that means you like the person. I've never had that before with a guy." "Because you weren't really attracted to them," Katerina said, not asked. Bella frowned at the sand. "I'm sort of confused about what I am, actually," she whispered, not meeting Katerina's eyes. "How do you mean?" she asked. "Well, you're the first girl I've been attracted to. So, now I'm wondering if it's just you I like, or if I am a lesbian and find myself attracted to other girls. I've done some physical things with boys, but I've never truly enjoyed them. At least, not in any way close to what I feel with you," she explained, smiling at the memories. "Yeah, I see your dilemma. It's a big deal. Although I love being a lesbian, it certainly does add on some difficulties in your life sometimes. You're still in the closet, about us anyways if you're not a complete lesbian I suppose, so that's going to make things harder for you," Katerina said. "You're going to be watching what you say, how you act. But, I want you to know that I'm here for you. I know what it's like." Bella smiled and grabbed Katerina's hand. "Thank you," Bella whispered. Katerina smiled shyly and averted her gaze. They lay silently for a while in the sand. However, Bella glanced at her watch and realized she had to get back to school. She groaned. "I have to get back," she said. "Okay," Katerina sighed. They stood, wiped the sand off their bodies, and began walking the few blocks in silence, holding hands with their fingers interlocking. Bella looked forward to Friday and knew it would be a long five days. "So, I'll pick you up at seven and we can make a nine o'clock movie," Katerina said when Galileo High came into sight. "Okay, sounds good," Bella replied. "Do you want to do this again? Meeting during your free period, I mean." "Of course. I look forward to it since you're too old to go to high school," Bella said, pushing her playfully. "Oh, too old?" she asked. "You are an old lady," Bella laughed, poking Katerina's side. "Am I too old to do this?" Katerina asked. She grabbed Bella by the waist and pulled her behind the school sign, kissing her passionately and deep, making Bella's body to erupt with feelings. It was the most passionate kiss they have shared. Bella actually went weak in the knees, something she has only read about happening in books. Katerina pulled away too soon. "What were we talking about?" Bella gasped out, her mind barely able to form a coherent thought. "I can't remember," she answered and Bella knew she was just as disoriented. "But you need to get to school." "Right. School," Bella said, trying to gain control of her breathing. "Which way is that again?" Katerina chuckled and turned Bella's body in the direction of the entrance. "I'll see you tomorrow," she whispered into her ear. Bella turned her head and, for the second time, watched her disappear down the sidewalk. She took a deep breath, shook her head slightly to get her bearings, and walked into school, her mind focused entirely on Katerina for the rest of the day.