"THE GIRL ACROSS THE WAY"

by

Jeanne D'eau

Author's Note: This is based on one of the first pieces of lesbian erotica I ever wrote, around 1991 or '92. Kaye and little P.J. had just moved back to B.C. after her divorce. I had just broken up with my previous lover a few months earlier, and even though we'd kept in touch by phone and letters, Kaye and I hadn't seen each other in twelve years - and she now had a seven-year old daughter whom I had never met.

In short, neither of us were quite ready for another relationship. On some level, we both knew we wanted to be together - it just wasn't time yet. (More on this in my upcoming memoirs...)

In the meantime, I was feeling incredibly randy. The original story was my release. This version has been slightly updated (note the references to Disney's Aladdin and the unpleasantness in Afghanistan).

I: Laurie

Blue eyes, Laurie thought, looking over at the brown-skinned girl who had just sat at the desk next to her. Incredible....blue eyes.

The girl who had just sat down threw a look at Laurie and flashed a bright smile. She looked...exotic, was the only adjective Laurie could think of. She would have been hard-pressed to guess what her ethnic make-up was. Probably Asian, though she could have been almost anything from Middle Eastern to Latina. Laurie looked over at her. At that moment, the new girl looked up and smiled again. Laurie smiled back.

Was that my imagination, or did she wink at me?

As Laurie turned back around to open her textbook in preparation for class, she thought back of a Disney film she'd enjoyed very much when she was younger.

She reminds me of Princess Jasmine, she thought.

To be sure, the girl had the same dusky complexion, the long black hair and almond shaped-eyes as the animated heroine of Aladdin. But whereas Princess Jasmine's melting eyes had been deep brown, this girl's eyes were a striking -- even startling -- sapphire blue.

Bright, sapphire blue eyes gazing out of a dusky, dark-haired face.

Quite the first impression. Laurie found herself stealing glances at the girl periodically during the lecture.

And she seemed to be -- although Laurie couldn't be completely sure about this -- stealing glances at her, as well.

Almost like she's "checking me out," she thought. The idea amused her.

Laurie was used to being "checked out," she supposed. Though not as "striking" or unique as the girl who had seated herself behind the desk next to her, Laurie Anne Metzger was very attractive girl in her own right -- not tall, but well-proportioned, with light auburn hair and deep brown eyes ("doe eyes," someone commented). Otherwise, she was unremarkable. She was nineteen, living alone in a small apartment near East Bend Community College, where she was finishing her first year. She was a girl who could probably have gone out on many dates -- but for reasons known only to herself, she dated almost not at all (one boy in high school had sarcastically labelled her as "The Nun," because she wouldn't give him "none" -- or any of the other boys, it seemed).

The first day of spring quarter was warm, and Laurie often wore shorts to class. Still, she didn't always care for the leers she got from the boys (and sometimes her male professors) -- although she knew she should be flattered -- so she usually sat toward the back of the room.

That day, she came to her first class early, in order to get her preferred seat. Slowly, the others began filing in. It had been hard not to notice the new girl when she walked in, wearing a rather short pink sleevless dress, making her brown skin stand out all the more.

"So," the professor was continuing from the front of the class, "we shall see that the process of industrialization that began as a result of the Civil War led to the United States changing from an agricultural backwater to a major global power by the 1900..."

Laurie's mind was not on U.S. History...or much of anything else, as she watched the girl next to her crossing one leg over the other out the corner of her eye. Suddenly, she felt a yawn coming on. She stretched --

"Yes, Ms. -- " the professor looked down at his roll-book -- "Ms. Metzger."

"Uh -- what?"

The class tittered.

"I asked what other factors contributed to economic growth in the latter part of the nineteenth century. When you raised your hand, I assumed you had an answer."

"Oh -- uh...uh..."

"Come, Ms. Metzger. We haven't all day."

Panicing, she took a stab in the dark. "Uh...Trains? Uh, railroads?"

"Very good, Ms. Metzger. Anyone else?"

Laurie slumped down in her seat. She felt a touch on her shoulder. The girl next to her was attempting to pass a note, while facing forward.

Laurie discreetly took the note.

Is this guy boring, or what?

Laurie put a hand over her mouth in order to stifle a giggle. She looked over at her neighbor. The girl was smiling at her. Laurie smiled back and nodded.

I like her, she decided.

The hour positively dragged by. Laurie kept looking at her watch, wondering if the new girl had a class in the next hour, and if not, if she'd like to go grab an espresso.

Finally, the words she'd been straining to hear --

"And that concludes the lecture for today. For tomorrow, please read pages -- "

But the class was already out of their seats, preparing to leave. Laurie gathered up her notebook and text, opening her backpack. She looked up. "Hey, are you -- "

But the new girl was already gone.

Must have a class, Laurie thought, disappointedly. Well....maybe I'll catch her next Wednesday.

* * *

Laurie got back to her apartment around three. Opening the door, she picked up the pile of letters on the floor and looked through them quickly. Junk -- junk -- bill -- junk. Nothing else.

Did you really expect anything, Laurie?

The "anything" would have been a letter from her step-sister, whom she had not seen nor heard from in over a year and a half. Laurie sighed. Her parents had promised Laurie she and Suzi would never see each other again. And however her father had arranged it, it seemed to be working out well...

Laurie decided to put on her bikini and lie in the sun for awhile. Because she was so fair-skinned, she had to be careful -- plenty of sun-bloc #19, and no more than twenty minutes. It wasn't that she wanted a tan, necessarily...it was simply that she enjoyed the feeling of the warm sun and breeze against her bare skin...

Bikini-clad, Laurie picked up a towel and sauntered out the back door of her apartment and onto the grassy area that lie between her building and the one next door. She noticed another towel spread out across the way.

That's unusual, she thought. Usually, she had the area to herself. She shrugged, spread out her own towel, and lay down.

She had been lying with her eyes closed when a feminine voice said, "Say -- could I borrow some of your sunscreen oil?"

Laurie looked up. It was the dark, blue-eyed girl from her history class earlier.

Laurie sat up and smiled. "Hi! -- Uh -- sure, it's right here," she replied, handing her the bottle and wondering why the girl, with her dark complexion, would even need it.

"Thanks," the girl replied. She was wearing a rather skimpy blue bikini of her own. Laurie looked her over with frank admiration. Keeps herself in good shape, she thought.

"My name's Sabrina," the girl finally said, holding out her hand.

"Laurie," replied Laurie, taking the proffered hand.

"Would you like some company?"

Laurie smiled. "Sure," she said.

Sabrina spread her towel out next to Laurie's and sat down. She handed the bottle back to Laurie. "Put some of this on my back, will you?"

Laurie hesitated, then aquiesced. Slowly, she spread the oil over Sabrina's dark shoulders and upper back. She found herself enjoying the sensation of Sabrina's smooth, soft skin under her hands. She worked her way down to Sabrina's lower back and waist, lingering there perhaps a bit longer than necessary -- but there was no protest from Sabrina. Reluctantly, Laurie finished.

"Thanks," said Sabrina with a smile. "Would you like me to do you?"

Laurie looked over at Sabrina. Those eyes, she thought again.

"Sure," she said, lying on her stomach.

Sabrina spread the oil over Laurie's back and shoulders much the was Laurie had done her -- slowly. Laurie closed her eyes blissfully, enjoying the feel of Sabrina's hands on her skin. Her mind began to wander, imagining herself and the other girl on a deserted beach somewhere, totally nude. As Sabrina put the finishing touches on her lower back, Laurie lazily turned over and began to spread her arms --

"That enough?" Sabrina asked.

Laurie's brain snapped back to the here and now. She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled. "Yeah -- thanks."

They were quiet for a moment, then Laurie said, "Sabrina -- that's a pretty name."

Sabrina looked over at Laurie. "Thanks," she said.

"Are you new this quarter? I don't think I've seen you before."

Sabrina nodded. "Yeah, I just started. I spent last fall and winter working in my mom's law office."

"Really? Are you taking pre-law?"

"Hell, no!" retorted Sabrina, giggling. "Believe me, when both your folks are lawyers, you find out that it's the last career you want." She rolled onto her side, facing Laurie. "No, I think I'll major in phys. ed. when I get to PLU."

"Really?"

"Yeah," said Sabrina. "I used to be a cheerleader in high school -- really liked it, and then I spent a couple of summers as a drill coach at a cheerleading camp."

Somehow, this didn't surprise Laurie. "Sounds fun."

"How about you?"

"What?"

"What are you taking?" Sabrina asked.

"Oh...this and that," replied Laurie non-committally. "I'm not really sure what I'm going to do."

Laurie and Sabrina continued talking and enjoying each other's company for almost an hour, when Laurie looked at her watch and said, "Y'know, I'd better go in now."

Sabrina nodded. "I guess you burn easily, huh?"

"Come on in and have a wine cooler," suggested Laurie.

"I'd like that," said Sabrina, brightening.

"Y'know," Sabrina continued as they entered Laurie's apartment, "we should go out sometime."

"Yeah...that'd be fun," replied Laurie. Sabrina sat down in a kitchen chair, crossing her long shapely legs in full view as she watched Laurie go to the refrigerator. She returned to the table with two bottles. "To new friends," said Laurie, opening her bottle and raising it. Sabrina raised her own, and the two girls drank. Laurie was genuinely enjoying herself. This is so much nicer than when I've had a guy over, she thought. No-one's trying to impress anyone, or put up a front.

"So," said Sabrina, "when are we going out?"

"I dunno. How 'bout Friday?"

"Oh, come on...I'm sure a foxy gal like you always has a date with some guy or another."

"No...not really..." said Laurie quietly.

Sabrina noticed this, but merely shrugged. "Okay," she said. "Friday night. Say, where's the little girl's room?"

Marianne motioned toward the front room. "In that door, through the bedroom," she said.

"Thanks. Be right back," Sabrina said, giving Marianne a wink.

II: Sabrina

Sabrina entered the bedroom. It was neat and clean, with the bed -- it looked to be a double -- carefully made. On the dresser was a framed photograph of a girl -- about 15 or 16, which made her about three or four years younger than herself or Laurie. The girl in the picture had dark brown hair, bright green eyes, and was quite pretty. Probably her sister, thought Sabrina, or a high school friend.

She entered the bathroom and closed the door. Behind the door was a large, flat piece of cork, and pinned to this were some Poloroid snapshots of a girl -- Sabrina recognized her as the same one as the girl in the framed picture -- except in these photos, she was completely naked. In another snapshot, Laurie -- also about three years younger -- and the brown haired girl were standing with their arms wrapped around each other in a close embrace, facing the camera, smiling shyly. Nothing unusual, except that both of the girls in the picture were naked.

Sabrina felt a tingling sensation between her thighs as she came back into the front room. Laurie had moved to the sofa, one leg tucked under her, the other crossed over. She smiled brightly and patted the cushions next to her. Sabrina, suddenly acutely aware of Laurie's beautiful body and how little either of them were wearing, sat down slowly, faacing toward her. She rested her elbow on the back of the sofa, and leaned her head on one hand.

For a moment, Laurie and Sabrina just gazed into each other's eyes, neither saying anything. Sabrina felt a strange mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Finally, she glanced around the room.

"Nice," she said.

"Thanks," replied Marianne.

Sabrina's eyes rested on another framed photo on top of the T.V. -- a high-school graduation picture of the same brown-haired girl. "Who is she?" asked Sabrina, by way of making conversation.

Laurie looked at the photo. "Oh, she's my step-sister," she said casually.

"Really?" said Sabrina, somewhat surprised. "You mean, she was like a sister to you?" She immediately chided herself for being nosy, but Laurie didn't seem to mind.

"Well -- " Laurie giggled nervously, "we were pretty close, but she really was my step-sister. My folks adopted her when I was seven, and she lived with us until we both graduated last year."

"Hmmm..." Sabrina replied. "She's pretty."

"Yeah...she is." Laurie seemed sad, Sabrina noticed.

"I'm sorry if I brought something up," said Sabrina quickly.

"Oh, no," replied Laurie, turning and putting a hand on Sabrina's arm. "It's just -- "

Sabrina sat up and put a hand over Marianne's. "You don't have to talk about it."

Laurie's eyes seemed moist. "No. it's just -- well, Suzi and I were really close...I -- miss her." A tear rolled down her cheek.

Sabrina touched Laurie's arm, stroking it a little. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Suddenly, Laurie turned to Sabrina and put her arms around her. Sabrina embraced her as she buried her head in Sabrina's shoulder and began to cry.

III: Suzi

When Mrs. Linda Metzger gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl nineteen years before, it was the happiest day of her life. The damper on the occaision came when the obstetrician regretfully informed her that there would be no others, and that, in fact, this one had been a miracle.

She and her husband had been trying for years to start a family -- and to them, a family was more than one child.

"We shouldn't raise her alone," Mrs. Metzger said.

"Perhaps not, but darling -- you were an only child, and it didn't hurt you in the least."

"And I hated it! Every minute of it!" A tear came to her eye. "Oh, don't get me wrong, Sam -- I'm so grateful we have little Laurie Anne -- but..."

"But what, darling?" said her husband gently.

"She...she really needs a little brother...or sister..."

Adoption was discussed, but nothing really came of those discussions until almost eight years later, when an old college friend of Sam's returned from Afghanistan after three years working in the Peace Corps. His name was Dwight, and with him was a beautiful, but haunted little girl. Her name, he said, was Aziza. She was dusky, with dark brown hair and brilliant green eyes (no doubt passed down from a Macedonian ancestor when Alexander the Great and his army had passed through twenty-five centuries earlier). She was orphaned when Soviet troops and Afghan rebels clashed in her village, effectively leveling it.

She a girl in desperate need of a loving home and family. She had learned English from Dwight. Best of all, she was the same age as Laurie.

How could the Metzgers refuse...?

Seven-year old Laurie was, at first, thrilled to be getting a sister at long last. A second bed was moved into her room, and space was made in the closet and dresser.

When little Aziza (whose name was rapidly corrupted to "Zizi," and finally to "Suzi") came to live with them, however, it was different than any of the Metzgers expected. Nor could they understand this little girl, who was silent, uncommunicative, and never smiled. How could they? How could any of them begin to comprehend the horrors the poor child must have experienced...?

Laurie tried, but to no avail. Suzi (as she was now known) wouldn't play with toys, or join Laurie in games -- most of the time, she wouldn't even talk...until the 4th of July.

The Metzgers lived on a hill overlooking a park, where a great fireworks display was held every year. Laurie looked forward to it each summer -- several of her cousins would come over, there would be a big afternoon barbeque picnic in the backyard, and then in the evening, the whole extended family sat on the back porch to watch the fireworks display.

Suzi was her usual withdrawn self throughout the day, though some of her behavior was puzzling to everyone -- when offered food, she would grab it almost violently, then run away before someone could take it from her. Understandable to anyone who had ever been a refugee, but, as usual, incomprehensible to her adoptive family.

"Tsk, tsk...such a rude child...

"What's her problem, Sam? She acts like everyone's out to get her..."

Laurie said nothing. She didn't understand her new foster-sister either, but unlike the adults and her older cousins, she sensed that there was something behind the way Suzi behaved... something awful that she couldn't -- or wouldn't -- talk about.

That night, as the adults sipped beer and wine coolers, the children set their chairs up on the back porch in anticipation of the fireworks show.

"Suzi, don't you wanna come watch fireworks?" asked Laurie. Suzi just stared at Laurie. Laurie took her hand and pulled her in the direction of the back porch. "C'mon -- it'll be fun."

Suzi neither protested nor aquiesced. She allowed Laurie to pull her along passively.

A few minutes later, everyone was standing out on the porch, looking out over the park. The fireworks began with a bang -- literally. A rocket went up. accompanied by a shrieking whistle, and exploded with a great noise.

From the Metzger household were "oohs" and "ahs," squeals of delight from the children -- and one mortally terrified shriek of terror.

As the explosions and flashes continued rapid-fire, no-one seemed to notices that one of the children was screaming not in delight, but in abject horror. Still screaming, poor Suzi ran into the house with her hands over her ears.

"Suzi!" cried Laurie. Her mother turned and saw what was happening.

"Good Lord, what's the matter with that child now?"

Laurie ran into the house after her. When she reached their bedroom, the door was shut tightly, but she could hear sobbing and wails from within. Cautiously, she entered. "Suzi?"

The noises were coming from the closet. Suzi had hidden herself there, and was curled into a fetal ball, crying and whimpering in terror. Slowly, Laurie put a hand on her shoulder. Suzi jumped and moved away.

"Hey -- it's okay, Suzi...it's just me...c'mon..."

Suzi looked back at her with those haunted eyes. Laurie gathered her step-sister into her arms and held her tightly, trying to comfort her, rocking slowly back and forth...

Eventually, Suzi's sobbing began to subside. The two girls sat in the closet together like that for a long time.

Mr. and Mrs. Metzger found them like that two hours later -- asleep on the floor of the closet, their arms wrapped tightly around each other.

It was the turning point for Laurie and Suzi.

* * *

Slowly, over the next few years, Suzi began to come out of her shell. She could never talk about what had happened to her in Afghanistan -- there are some experiences children have that are so horrible, and happen at such a tender age, they never develop the vocabulary to describe them -- but occasionally, one of her teachers would send a picture home. Suzi drew many pictures -- most of them, though crude and childish, clearly depicted events that no child should ever have to experience -- or even know about.

The pictures were theraputic, however. Slowly, Suzi became more like "normal" children. And one day -- which Laurie and her parents would always remember -- Suzi actually smiled!

By the time Suzi had lived with the Metzgers for a year, she and Laurie had become inseparable. In time, they would stay up after bedtime, talking and giggling like any normal girls. And while they each had their own bed, there were many nights when they would wind up curled together in the same bed.

"Sam, do you think it's really healthy for Laurie and Suzi to be as close as they are?" Mrs. Metzger asked once.

"I don't know what you're concerned about, Linda -- it's what you wanted, isn't it?"

IV: Laurie

Laurie continued crying softly as Sabrina held her in her arms, one hand stroking her hair. "I'm sorry," she sniffed. "I just barely met you, and now here I am, blabbing on -- "

"Shh -- it's alright," Sabrina said, rocking Laurie slightly. "I'm glad you feel comfortable enough with me to talk about it."

Laurie stopped and looked up. She giggled a little through her tears. She did feel comfortable with this new girl -- more comfortable than she had with anyone else she'd met in the almost two years since she'd left home.

Comfortable enough to be sitting here on the sofa in a close embrace, with both of them wearing almost nothing

Suddenly, Laurie was acutely aware of how little either of them had on, and the sensation of Sabrina's bare skin against her own. At some point, as Laurie had curled up close to her, Sabrina had wound up with her right leg over Laurie's left, with their thighs touching all the way down...

Sabrina smiled down at Laurie. She ran one hand over Laurie's soft flank and shoulder, brushed her cheek and touched her nose playfully. "That's better," she said.

Laurie sighed and rested her head against Sabrina's shoulder again. "I guess I've needed to talk about it for a long time..."

"Sounds like you and Suzi really loved each other."

Laurie smiled sadly. "More than you know."

Sabrina hugged Laurie even closer. She placed one hand under Laurie's chin and lifted her face up. The two of them looked into each other's eyes for a few moments. Sabrina began to grin in a way that could only be described as mischievious.

"What?" said Laurie, starting to grin herself.

"Can I ask you a slightly wierd question?" said Sabrina.

Laurie sniffed and giggled. She wiped a tear from her eye and said, "What?"

"Do you like to make out?"

Laurie hesitated, then burst out laughing. "What's that supposed to mean?" she giggled, pushing away from Sabrina and sitting up. Sabrina let the hand that had been stroking Laurie's hair slide over her shoulder and down her arm. It came to rest on Laurie's hand.

"You know -- hug, kiss -- make out." Sabrina smiled, and put her other hand on Laurie's bare thigh.

Laurie looked away toward the picture on the TV set, then back at Sabrina. Despite herself, she turned her hand over and interlaced her fingers with Sabrina's.

"Well...yeah, sure. Doesn't everyone?" She giggled again.

"I like hearing you laugh," said Sabrina.

"Oh -- is that why you asked about 'making out'?" giggled Laurie.

"Maybe," replied Sabrina with a mysterious smile. "So -- how's your boyfriend? Is he any good?"

"I don't have a boyfriend -- remember?"

"No, you said you didn't have a date this Friday."

"When?" asked Laurie.

"Remember, when I said you and I should go out sometime?"

V: Suzi

Suzi always had problems. Though she eventually became a girl that could smile, laugh, play, and even love and be loved, there was an "edge" to her character that no amount of love, understanding, or even counseling and therapy could remove. She was still deeply suspicious of everyone but ber beloved step-sister. There were occasions when she would suddenly fly into a violent rage with no apparent reason, or go on a crying jag that would last for hours. And she was often rebellious and disobedient (much to Laurie's dismay, who was almost a model child).

The two girls hit puberty at nearly the same time -- toward the end of sixth grade -- but the experience was very different for each of them.

Laurie was in denial about it, in the beginning. Her new, developing figure was almost an embarrassment to her, and she took to wearing loose-fitting clothing that downplayed the changes taking place with her body.

Suzi, on the other hand, seemed to take it very much in stride. She even enjoyed it, and by seventh grade, was flaunting her developing sexuality to the boys at school. Her behavior dismayed Laurie, who worried about her step-sister, and met with disapproval from Mr. and Mrs. Metzger. The Metzgers had long since despaired of controlling their wayward step-daughter, however.

The final result was that Laurie and Suzi began to grow apart during their middle school years.

* * *

"Suzi, I don't believe you did that!" screamed Laurie, on the verge of tears.

Suzi simply continued admiring herself in the mirror, wearing the newly-altered skirt and tank-top.

Suzi and Laurie were fourteen, and having yet another knock-down, drag-out fight. The object was a favorite skirt of Laurie's that she had shared with her step-sister -- an ankle length skirt that now rose to upper-thigh level. Suzi had gotten quite handy with needle and thread, Laurie had to admit (since their parents wouldn't let Suzi buy the kind of provocative clothing she would have liked), but her favorite skirt?!?

"Don't sweat it, step-sister," said Suzi non-chalantly. "You can still wear it. I didn't alter the waist-line..."

"I'd rather die than go out looking like that!"

Suzi eyed Laurie. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Look, Suzi -- I don't know what's been happening. We used to be best friends, but since sixth grade, you've been acting like..."

"Like what?" demanded Suzi. "a slut? Is that what you were going to say?" She moved toward Laurie menacingly.

"No, no! But Suzi, the way you act -- the way you dress -- you're gonna get a 'rep' if you're not careful!"

"Why don't you just fuck off, sister!" said Suzi, as she stomped out of the room.

Laurie began to cry -- not for her skirt (though she was far from pleased by Suzi's alterations), but for the loss of her best friend...her beloved step-sister, who was becoming someone Laurie didn't even know.

* * *

By the end of eighth grade, Laurie and Suzi barely even spoke to each other. Even though they still shared a bedroom, they were like strangers. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger couldn't understand it either, but so far, she had only been in serious trouble once -- when a teacher had caught her with a cigarette, and Suzi had told her to "fuck off." Her grades were passing -- barely. It was as if she did only enough schoolwork to get by (Laurie was an almost straight-A student), and while her behaviour was not bad enough for suspension or expulsion, she served her fair share of detention time. It was a line she seemed to enjoy getting dangerously close to.

* * *

The summer before entering high school, Suzi started staying out nights -- in defiance of Mr. and Mrs. Metzger. Where she went, nobody knew -- only that she would stay out until after midnight on many occasions.

Laurie, on the other hand, had gotten her first job that summer -- at a place not far from her home called the "Burger Bar." Suzi would drop in some evenings to say "hi" -- or flaunt the fact that she was "going with" Dave Griswold, the tenth-grade jock who was one of the shift managers. Laurie had at one time mentioned that she thought Dave was "cute," and that seemed to be all that Suzi needed to set her sights on him. Not that Laurie cared that much -- it had really been just a passing fancy on her part, and in truth, she normally didn't spend much time thinking about boys. But Suzi's actions had hurt her, and worried her as well -- Dave was older, and had his own car. Did Suzi really know what she was getting into?

Laurie waas sitting up one night reading. Earlier, there had been a terrible fight between Suzi and their parents. Suzi had gotten dressed up into one of her "sexy" outfits, determined to go out with Dave Griswold that night. At first, her parents had told her she was too young -- fifteen -- to be going out with a boy Dave's age, unchaperoned, and in the boy's car. Suzi had stalked off to the room she shared with Laurie (Laurie had been at work, so had heard about all of this second-hand from her mother), had gotten dressed, and climbed out the window.

Laurie had seen the outfit Suzi had chosen when she came by the Burger Bar to meet Dave. She had deliberately ignored Laurie (who had been busy cleaning the grille anyway). Laurie thought Suzi's get-up for the night made her look like a street-walker.She had desperately wanted to say something as she and Dave Griswold sauntered out of the store that night -- but decided against it.

She came home that night after work, took a shower, changed into a clean pair of panties and a loose-fitting T-shirt, and flopped down on her bed. As she picked up the mystery novel she'd been reading, the first thought that came to her was of Suzi.

God, I hope she's all right, Laurie thought.

Even after all that Suzi had put her and their parents through, Laurie still cared for her deeply. As for why, she couldn't figure...

Although the novel was about a the mob killing of a prominent politician (A mercy killing, Laurie thought dryly -- they put him out of the voters' misery), she'd come to a rather steamy love-scene involving the district attorney and her paramour, who just happened to be the judge on the case. As she read, she felt the temperature in the room go up several degrees...or was it her imagination? Slowly, she put one hand on her breast, feeling the hardening nipple under her T-shirt --

Suddenly, she heard the front door open and close rather violently. Quickly, she sat up. Both her parents were asleep (they tended to be rather sound sleepers) -- who could it be?

Laurie began to get nervous as footsteps came closer to the bedroom door. Quickly, she grapped the lamp off off Suzi's nighstand and stood next to the door, ready to brain whoever had made their way into their home -- for what, Laurie was afraid to think --

The door opened, and in walked Suzi. A short startled scream escaped from both of them as they saw each other.

"Suzi! What -- "

"Yeah, me! What are you doing? You wanna beat me over the head?"

Laurie put the lamp down slowly. "Jee-zus, Suzi -- you scared me half to death." Then she looked at Suzi. She was disheveled -- her makeup was smeared, her blouse was torn -- the fishnet stockings she'd been wearing were gone, and the heel of one shoe was broken off. She looked as if she had been crying. "Suzi -- my god, what happened to you?"

Suzi turned away. "Just leave me alone!" she snapped, going over to her bed and sitting down. She buried her face in her hands and started crying softly.

Laurie watched her for a few minutes, then slowly walked over to the bed and sat next to her. Gingerly, she put an arm around Suzi.

"Suzi, is everything alright?" she asked timidly.

Suzi turned to Laurie angrily. "And what the fuck do you care?" But just as suddenly, her eyes started welling with tears.

"Come here," said Laurie gently, gathering her step-sister into her arms. Suzi didn't resist. Instead, she buried her face in Laurie's breast and sobbed as if her heart would break.

Finally, Laurie said, "Did -- Dave do this to you?"

Suzi sniffed, and nodded.

"He didn't -- he didn't try to -- " Laurie couldn't finish the sentence by saying the word, but Suzi spared her from it.

"Oh, he tried. He tried." She laughed bitterly. "I don't think he'll try it again."

"Oh god -- Suzi, are you alright? Should we wake up Mom and Dad -- ?"

Suzi shook her head vehemently. "Dave didn't -- he didn't rape me, if that's what you were thinking."

"Then what happened?"

Slowly, Suzi told Laurie the story of that evening. Apparently, Laurie's dire predictions had come true. Suzi was getting a "rep" for being a girl who'd "put out" to any boy who asked her.

"Is it true?" Laurie asked.

"Is what true?"

"Do you -- do you have -- sex with those guys?"

Suzi laughed again and shook her head. "No -- nothing like that." She sighed. "I -- I don't know why I've been -- acting the way I do?"

Indeed, Suzi had been playing a dangerous game the last few years. The provocative dress -- the attitude -- even the occasional "make out" sessions behind the bleachers -- it had all been a game in order to manipulate the boys into doing what she wanted.

"Suzi, why?" asked Laurie.

Again, Suzi shook her head. "I -- I don't know...it was fun, sometimes," she confessed. "And -- it was a way to -- get stuff from 'em."

"Suzi, that's wrong."

"Yeah, well -- " Suzi began to retort. She stopped, then sighed. "Anyway, I guess the guy showed me, tonight."

"Yeah, what did happen with you and Dave?"

Suzi looked down at the floor. "He -- wanted to go all the way," she said. "When I told him no, he got really nasty about it."

She began to cry again. Laurie gathered Suzi in her arms and held her.

Dave had tried to force himself on her. They'd struggled, until Suzi managed to slam her foot between his legs, breaking off the heel. Finally, Dave had thown her out of the car and driven off, leaving Suzi to walk home alone -- five miles.

By now, Laurie was starting to cry as well. "Oh, Suzi -- I'm -- I'm just so glad you're all right."

The two girls held each other for a long time. Finally, Suzi said, "Why is it you even care -- after the way I've been?"

Laurie smiled. "You know, we used to be best friends -- remember?"

Suzi sniffed, and smiled. "I've been a total bitch."

Laurie nodded. "Yes, you have -- but you know something?"

"What?"

Laurie put a hand on Suzi's cheek. "I never gave up hoping you'd come back." She turned around, opened the drawer of her nightstand, and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. "Remember this?" she asked, handing it to Suzi.

Suzi took it gingerly. On it was a crudely drawn heart shape, and in the middle it said:

Laurie + Suzi

4-ever

Suzi smiled, and tears began running down her cheeks again. "I -- I gave you that on your birthday when we were ten."

Laurie nodded.

"Oh, Laurie -- I'm so, so sorry!" She threw her arms around Laurie again, and they hugged each other tightly like they hadn't in four years.

"It's all right, Suzi," said Laurie, as they rocked back and forth gently. "I'm just glad you're back."

Slowly, they lay down together on the bed. Looking into each other's eyes, Laurie put a hand on Suzi's cheek. "I love you, Suzi," she said.

"I love you, Laurie," Suzi replied.

Without even thinking about it, they kissed each other on the lips, then drifted off to sleep, arms still wrapped around each other.

VI: Sabrina

"So what happened then?" asked Sabrina, dying with curiousity.

Laurie shrugged. "Well -- we were friends again. I'll just leave it at that, for now."

Thinking about the photos she'd seen in the bathroom, Sabrina didn't particularly want to "leave it at that" -- but decided it was best not to push. Instead, she decided to take the plunge.

"If I tell you something, will you promise not to freak out?"

Laurie raised an eyebrow. "What?" she giggled. Her fingers were still interlaced with Sabrina's, and Sabrina still had a hand on her thigh.

"I've really wondered how it'd be to kiss another girl," Sabrina said in a conspiratorial whisper.

Laurie giggled again. "Where's that come from?"

"C'mon, Laurie -- don't tell me you've never at least thought about it!"

Laurie smiled mysteriously, looking down at her legs. "Well," she said shyly, "sure. I've thought about it." Then she added, "Doesn't that cross every girl's mind at some point?"

Sabrina replied, "You know, I read this article -- I think it was in Cosmo -- "

Laurie slapped at Sabrina's leg playfully. "Oh, that magazine is such trash!"

"No, it's great!" said Sabrina. "Anyway, it was by this woman who'd actually had an affair with her best girlfriend -- she said kissing another woman was the most sensuous experience she'd ever had."

Again, Laurie raised an eyebrow. "And just how many girls have you kissed?" she queried.

"I told you -- I've just wondered about it." Sabrina protested.

"Uh-uh," insisted Laurie, standing up and going to the refrigerator. "Something like that doesn't just come out of the blue." She pulled out a pitcher. "Like some water?"

"Sure."

Laurie poured out two glasses of ice-water, the returned to the sofa. "So -- out with it."

"Out with what?"

"How many girls have you kissed?"

Sabrina rolled her eyes, and giggled. "Alright, one."

Laurie smiled. "I thought so." She took a sip, then said: "So did you 'make out' with her?"

Sabrina smiled back. "Wouldn't you like to know!" she said playfully.

They were quiet for a few minutes. Sabrina turned and looked at Laurie, as she took a few strands of her black hair and twirled in her fingers. Laurie turned and smiled at her as Sabrina licked her lips.

"What are you looking at me like that for?" Laurie said, giggling nervously.

Sabrina took a deep breath and said, "Do you want to kiss?"

Laurie crossed her legs and giggled. Slowly, she took Sabrina's hand again.

"I really like you, Sabrina."

"I like you too, Laurie."

Slowly, Laurie turned and put her hands on Sabrina's shoulders. Sabrina slid her arms around Laurie's waist.

Laurie grinned, pushed her hair back out of the way and tilted her head. Slowly, shyly, Sabrina pressed her lips gently against Laurie's.

Sabrina felt Laurie pout her lips just a little and poke the tip of her tongue out. She did the same, and the two of them played like that, touching just the tips of their tongues and caressing each other's lips.

"You have done this before!" said Sabrina delightedly after they parted.

Laurie grinned sheepishly. "Busted," she confessed. She slipped her hand around the back of Sabrina's head and pulled her close, fastening her open mouth onto Sabrina's. Sabrina almost gasped as she felt Laurie slide her tongue into her mouth.

For the next half-hour, Sabrina and Laurie sat on the sofa in a close embrace, their tongues entwining in long, hot kisses.

VII: Suzi

"So when are you two going out?" asked Suzi exictedly.

A few weeks had passed since the night Suzi had gone out with Dave Griswold. Since then, Suzi and Laurie had renewed the close relationship they'd had as children

-- and Laurie had met a new boy she was interested in. It was Friday night, and Suzi and Laurie were staying up, talking and giggling like they used to.

"I don't know!" Laurie protested. "I really just met the guy!"

"Do you like him?" Suzi persisted.

"I don't know if I do or not." Laurie thought a moment. "He seemed -- I dunno...nice." Suddenly, she realized something. "Omigod! Suzi -- "

"What?"

"What if he -- y'know, wants to..." Laurie hesitated.

Suzi smiled slyly. "Make out?"

Laurie blushed. "Well...yeah."

Suzi giggled. "So just go with it!"

"But Suzi -- "

"What?"

"I've -- I've never -- you know..."

Suzi smirked. "You've never 'made out' with a guy."

Laurie sighed and lay back on the bed. She'd casually thrown her leg over Suzi's. Suzi lay back next to her, and Laurie put one arm around her neck. Suzi rested her head against Laurie's shoulder and put a hand on her bare thigh.

"Suzi...I'm not sure I'd even know what to do."

Suzi began running her hand gently up and down Laurie's thigh. Laurie smiled and turned her face toward Suzi's.

"You know, Laurie -- it's not rocket science."

Laurie laughed. "I know, but -- "

"'But' what? Laurie, you just do what feels good."

At fifteen, Laurie had never even kissed a boy. She fantasized about kissing -- not kissing anyone in particular, just the act itself -- but had never actually done it. It was just a vague idea at this point, but the thought of it tended to make her nipples harden and experience those strange feelings between her thighs that made her want to touch herself.

"I still don't know, Suzi -- "

"Okay, look." Suzi found herself with a radical -- but intriguing -- idea. "I'm your step-sister, right?"

Laurie smiled and nodded.

"I'm also your best friend."

Laurie nodded again.

"And I'm the one who loves you -- right?"

Laurie smiled again and hugged Suzi a little tighter. "I love you too, Suzi."

"Okay, we've got that straight," replied Suzi, with mock-relief. "Now, let me ask you something."

"Okay," said Laurie nervously.

"Do you trust me?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean," Suzi re-iterated, "do you trust me?"

"Suzi, I love you! Of course I trust you!"

Suzi's face broke into a wide -- but mischievious grin. "Then...why don't you let me show you?" she asked softly.

At first, Laurie was puzzled. "Show me? What do you mean?"

"I mean...about kissing."

"I still don't get it."

Suzi sighed in near exasperation. "I mean -- why don't I let you practice with me? I'll show you everything you need to know."

Laurie raised an eyebrow. "You mean, make out with you?"

Suzi giggled. "Yeah -- why not?"

"Uh -- Suzi...you're a girl."

"Hope to shout!" Suzi declared.

Laurie sighed. "Suzi, if I make out with you, that makes us -- " she hesitated, trying to remember the word...

" -- lez -- lesbians. Doesn't it?"

Suzi giggled again. "Laurie, let me ask you something. Do you like guys?"

Laurie thought for a moment. "Well, yeah...I guess..." she finally said, though in truth, she hadn't really given the subject of boys much thought at all -- except for Dave Griswold and the new boy at school. And both of them were really just passing fancies. In fact, Laurie had almost forgotten about the new boy since she and Suzi had started this conversation.

Suzi replied, "So do I. Even if Dave Griswold was a shit." They both giggled at this.

"So...?" said Laurie.

"So -- we're not lesbians. Okay? It's just practice, I promise."

Laurie smiled at Suzi. "I do love you, Suzi," she said again.

"I love you, too," Suzi replied. "And I wanna help you through this. So -- will you trust me?"

Laurie smiled again, and nodded. "What do I do first?"

"Okay, watch me -- " Suzi gently puckered her lips in a soft, pouty sort of way. "Can you do that?"

Laurie nodded and did the same.

"Good...now, close your eyes..."

Slowly, Suzi touched her lips to Laurie's and held them there for several seconds, then pulled away with a gentle smack.

Laurie opened her eyes. "Did I do okay?"

Suzi smiled and nodded. "You're a natural, sis," she said. "Let's try it again -- "

This time, Suzi opened her mouth a little and let the tip of her tongue lightly touch Laurie's lips. She felt Laurie react with a slight intake of air. Suzi pulled away.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Did that -- gross you out?"

Laurie's eyes opened wide, and her breathed out with a big sigh. "Uh -- no, not at all." Slowly, her hand went to her breast. She felt her nipples begin to harden again. "I -- I just didn't -- expect it, that's all."

"Did you like it?" Suzi asked, softly.

Laurie smiled. "I'm...not sure. Maybe we should try it again..."

Once again, Suzi kissed Laurie with her mouth opened ever so slightly, and began touching Laurie's lips with her tongue. She felt Laurie press her mouth a little harder on her own, so Suzi got bolder, exploring Laurie's soft lips with her tongue. A few seconds later, Laurie parted her lips, and Suzi felt the warm softness of Laurie's tongue meeting hers.

This time, it was Suzi who reacted.

She hugged Laurie a little tighter, and opened her mouth just a little more, sliding her lips against Laurie's, the tips of their tongues caressing teasingly. They kissed like that for almost a minute before Suzi pulled back.

"Whoa," Suzi whispered. "Are you sure you haven't done this before?"

Laurie shook her head slowly. The two of them gazed into each others eyes for a moment. Laurie put a hand on Suzi's cheek. "Show me some more," she said softly.

Suzi sighed again. "Okay...now, watch me..." she made a slight, relaxed pout with her lips parted. As Laurie did the same, Suzi continued, "Okay. Now relax and close your eyes..."

Suzi began caressing Laurie's lips with her tongue. Again, Laurie sighed. Slowly, she extended her own tongue, licking the underside of Suzi's as she ran her tongue over Laurie's upper lip...

Shyly, tentatively, Suzi began sliding her tongue into Laurie's mouth gently. Laurie opened her mouth wider, welcoming her in as she began exploring Suzi's mouth with her own tongue... Slowly, they turned their bodies toward each other, hugging a little tighter as they kissed. Instinctively, Laurie moved one leg forward over Suzi's hip, as Suzi moved her hand up and down her thigh. The sensation of Suzi's breasts pressing against her own gave Laurie that same tingling sensation between her legs. She thrust her tongue deeper into Suzi's mouth, and began sucking on Suzi's tongue gently.

They parted, finally, panting.

"Wow..." said Suzi softly. "You're a fast learner."

Laurie smiled. "Seems I have a good teacher," she replied. "But..."

"But what?"

Laurie grinned mischieviously. "I -- I'm not quite sure I have the hang of it, yet."

Suzi smiled and nodded. "You need more practice."

Laurie nodded. Suzi put one hand on her face and drew her closer. They closed their eyes and their lips parted, tongues meeting, caressing each other as they joined mouths in another long, sweet kiss...followed by another...

It was well past midnight before the two of them drifted off to sleep, still in a close embrace.

IIX: Laurie

Laurie and Sabrina lay on the couch side-by-side, facing each other in a close embrace and legs entwined, nearly devouring each other as if each kiss would have to last forever. It was precarious -- one wrong shift and they would both roll off the couch and onto the floor.

Finally, they came up for air.

"Oh god, Laurie," panted Sabrina. She licked Laurie's lips. "I am so hot..."

Laurie stuck her tongue out playfully, and the two of them duelled with their tongues briefly. "Why don't we move into my room?" Laurie suggested, breathlessly.

"Are you sure?" asked Sabrina. They kissed again.

Laurie nodded, as she disentangled herself from Sabrina and moved off the couch. Slowly, she held out her hand. Sabrina took it, rose from the couch, and allowed Laurie to lead her into the bedroom.

They stood at the foot of Laurie's bed for several seconds, facing each other, caressing each other as they gazed into each other's eyes. Laurie was again acutely aware how little they were wearing. Sabrina's smooth, soft brown skin felt good against her own. She wanted more...

They ran their hands up and down each other's bare arms and shoulders. The insistent tingling sensation in Laurie's loins grew stronger. She began slowly rubbing her thighs back and forth against Sabrina's as the points of their breasts touched. She could feel Sabrina's hardened nipples against her own through the bathing suit material, and began wishing there were no material between them.

Sabrina placed her mouth against Laurie's again, moving her lips against Laurie's in a caressing fashion, teasing with her tongue. Laurie sighed and giggled, then suddenly, thrust her tongue playfully under Sabrina's upper lip, caressing her gums.

Sabrina responded by tickling the bottom of Laurie's tongue with her own. They both giggled as they parted.

"Ooh...that's hot," sighed Sabrina, kissing Laurie again.

Laurie smiled and slowly slid a finger under Sabrina's bikini top. "What say we take these off?" she whispered.

"And get naked?" Sabrina asked softly.

Laurie licked Sabrina's lips sensuously.All...the... way," she whispered, running her tongue over Sabrina's lips between words.

Sabrina moved her thigh between Laurie's legs. "Are you sure?" she replied.

Laurie responded with a long, deep kiss, as she and Sabrina explored each other's mouths with their tongues. "It's not like we're risking getting pregnant, or anything like that," she giggled. She tugged at the bikini straps again. "C'mon -- let's get naked."

IX: Suzi

"Are you sure I've got the hang of it, now?" asked Laurie, breathless from her third "practice session" with Suzi in a week.

"Oh, sweetie -- you've got it, alright," her step-sister assured her. "But .."

"But what?"

"But," replied Suzi, "there's still a few -- uh, refinements I could show you..."

"Oh, do show me!" Laurie said with a giggle.

Laurie and Suzi had spent hours that week, exploring every millimeter of each other's mouths with their tongues -- tasting, caressing, licking and sucking each other's lips and tongues in every way either of them could think of. In truth, Suzi was amazed and delighted by how creative Laurie could be with her tongue...

...and Laurie had completely stopped thinking about Jonny -- the new boy at school who had -- ostensibly -- been the whole reason for her "kissing lessons" from Suzi.

* * *

That Friday night, their parents had gone out with another couple to a dinner party. Laurie and Suzi lay together on one of the beds in their room, legs entwined, with Suzi's head on Laurie's shoulder as they watched an old movie on videotape -- something dreadful called "Xanadu" (but Laurie had always liked the music).

Laurie had her arm around Suzi. Suzi reached up and took Laurie's hand, interlacing their fingers. She began caressing Laurie's palm with her thumb and sighed.

"What's wrong, sis?" Laurie asked.

"Can I ask you a question?" replied Suzi.

Laurie giggled. "I think you just did."

"No, really!" said Suzi, slapping Laurie's thigh lightly.

"Alright -- what?"

Suzi hesitated a moment. Finally, she sighed and looked up at Laurie. "Do you think I'm pretty?" she asked.

Laurie giggled again. "Where's this coming from?"

"Just answer the question! Do you think I'm pretty, or not?"

Laurie gazed down into her step-sister's bright green eyes. "I've always thought you were beautiful," she said earnestly.

Suzi smiled and turned her eyes back to the television set. Laurie began playing with her hair. "Why do you ask?"

"I dunno," said Suzi. "Guess I just need a little reassurance." It had been awhile since Suzi had had a boyfriend -- or even been out on a date. "Seems like all the guys run scared from me these days."

"Well geez, Suzi -- I don't wonder, after the way you slammed your foot into Dave Griswold's -- uh, 'thing'."

Suzi had to laugh at that. "His balls, Laurie -- I kicked him in the balls. It's alright to say it."

"Okay. Balls." That set Laurie off giggling again.

There was another reason why boys were avoiding Suzi, Laurie suspected. She had overheard things -- troubling things -- at school. Laurie tended to be a loner by nature, so normally such things wouldn't have bothered her. Suzi, however, might be devestated -- or worse, given her personality and character, she might go off and seriously injure someone.

Despite their reconciliation, Suzi had continued to maintain her "bad girl" image. Laurie knew it was no more than that -- an image -- but outsiders might not realize it. But there was more to it than that.

Laurie and Suzi tended to "hang out" together at school quite a bit. Suzi had a tendency to be very demonstrative with her beloved step-sister, thinking nothing of touching, quick hugs and holding hands. Laurie had been the same way, and it hadn't bothered her in the least. Not until two days ago, when she'd passed Dave Griswold and his latest girlfriend in the hall. They'd been talking softly, looking at Laurie as she passed by, and Laurie thought she'd caught the word "lezzies."

My god, Laurie thought. Were they just talking about her, or was it Suzi? Or had she simply imagined it?

In any event, it had begun to trouble her.

And now, with the hours-long make-out sessions, Laurie was beginning to wonder, despite Suzi's claim that it was "just practice."

Not just about Suzi, but about herself as well...

Sometimes, late at night, she would touch and fondle herself while thinking about kissing, although, until now, there hadn't been anyone specific in her fantasies. Lately though, it seemed as if Suzi had entered those fantasies, and they were beginning to go beyond kissing. Laurie found herself thinking about Suzi's naked body -- touching her bare skin, and Suzi touching hers...

They had seen each other naked, of course, and had even showered and bathed together. But until now, there had never been anything about it that gave Laurie those delightful tingling sensations between her thighs that made her want to touch herself the way she did. (There was supposed to be a word for that, but Laurie had never figured out what it was.)

Suzi and Laurie lay there quietly in each other's arms, watching the video for a few minutes. Suddenly, out of the blue, Suzi said, "Ya wanna make out?"

Laurie turned and grinned at her. "I thought you said I already knew everything I needed to know."

"Yeah...but it's nice to keep in practice, ya know?"

Laurie giggled a little. "Are you saying you need some practice?"

"Well -- yeah, I guess," Suzi confessed. "I mean, you know, when I do get a guy again..." her voice trailed off.

Laurie watched the screen quietly for a moment, running her fingers through Suzi's hair and nuzzling her a bit. Her mind drifted to the snatch of conversation she'd overheard earlier that week. Finally, she sighed and said, "I dunno, Suzi...I'm not sure it's such a good idea."

Suzi looked up at her. "Why not?"

Laurie giggled. "Well -- you know...we are both girls..."

Suzi rolled her eyes. "I know that."

"Well Suzi -- do you think it's normal?"

"What?"

"You -- and me -- making out, french-kissing, and all that..."

Suzi didn't answer for a moment. Finally, she said, "When we were doing it -- when I was teaching you -- did you like it?"

Unhesitantly, Laurie replied, "Sure."

"Me, too," Suzi said. "In fact..."

"In fact, what?"

Suzi grinned and put a finger on the tip of Laurie's nose. "You, sis, are absolutely the most incredible kisser I've ever known."

Laurie blushed, knowing that Suzi had "made out" with a lot of boys in the past year or so. "You don't mean that," she said.

"Oh, absolutely," Suzi said, tracing her finger over Laurie's soft cheek and over her lips. Laurie closed her eyes; the touch of Suzi's finger send a little chill through her body, right down to her hips...

Without even thinking about it, Laurie opened her mouth and ran her tongue over Suzi's finger, sucking on it just a little.

Suzi moved her face a little closer to Laurie's; their lips were only two or three inches apart. "I thought you said you didn't want to do this," Suzi said, moving her hand from Laurie's lips and placing it on her cheek.

"I only said I wasn't sure it was such a good idea, Suzi," Laurie replied softly. "I didn't say I didn't want to."

Suzi's bright green eyes stared into Laurie's deep brown ones for several seconds. Slowly, she moved her face closer to Laurie's until their parted lips were just touching.

"I love you, Laurie," Suzi whispered.

"I love you too, Suzi," Laurie replied softly, tilting her head and sliding her soft tongue forward to meet Suzi's as they began a series of long, sweet kisses. "I love you," she whispered again, as their open mouths came together, their lips forming a seal around a warm, wet secret chamber where their tongues made love with each other.

Slowly, Laurie lay back, gently pulling Suzi on top of her. Their mouths still glued together, they began intertwining their legs, enjoying the smooth softness of their bare thighs as they rubbed together. Laurie began reaching under Suzi's t-shirt, running her hands over her back. Suzi hugged her tighter.

"I wanna feel your skin on mine," whispered Suzi, her mouth still against Laurie's.

Laurie smiled under Suzi's mouth, and she began pulling her own t-shirt up, exposing her breasts and by-now erect nipples. Slowly, Suzi began wiggling out of her t-shirt as well, and Laurie could see that Suzi's nipples had gotten as hard and erect as her own.

Gazing into her eyes, Suzi propped herself up on her hands and began twisting her torso back and forth slowly so that her breasts rubbed against Laurie's. Laurie gasped in pleasure at the sensation, then slowly pulled Suzi's head back down, fastening her mouth on her step-sister's. Hungrily, they sought each other's tongues, licking, sucking and caressing as they kissed each other deeply.

Eventually, they rolled onto their sides, facing each other. Suzi slipped her knee between Laurie's thighs, and began pushing her thigh against her groin, feeling the warm wetness between her legs.

Instictively, Laurie slid her hands over Suzi's bottom, pressing herself against Suzi's thigh, and pushing her leg against Suzi the same way. Suzi closed her eyes and gave a soft moan.

"Do you like that?" Laurie whispered, breathlessly.

Suzi licked her lips and nodded, then looked into Laurie's eyes for a moment before joining her in another long, deep kiss, sucking Laurie's tongue into her mouth and gnawing on it gently. As they began moving their hips against each other in a circular motion, they kissed again and again, eyes open and focued on each other.

Laurie felt as though her tongue was on fire as she and Susi continued their french-kissing over and over -- in fact, her whole body felt hot, and the tingling sensation in her privates had grown into an almost over whelming hunger as she rubbed herself against Suzi's thigh harder.

Without even realizing it, they had started moving their hips back and forth against each other...

"Mmmm, you're incredible," murmured Suzi, her mouth still against Laurie's. She traced Laurie's lips with her tongue, then drew away, pushing herself halfway up.

"What's wrong?" asked Laurie.

"Nothing, except that I have to pee like a racehorse," said Suzi, sitting up. "I'll be right back." With that, she left the room.

Laurie lay there, still catching her breath. She closed her eyes.

She started thinking about the sensation of Suzi lying on top of her, and their legs rubbing together, and started wondering what it would be like if they took their shirts off...

The tingling sensation between her thighs was nearly overwhelming. Slowly, Laurie began to run her hand down over her breasts and stomach, slipping a hand into her panties and exploring herself with her fingers...

She had gotten rather damp during the last several minutes. Gradually, she began fingering herself, creating the most intensely pleasurable sensations. Her heart began to beat faster, and her breathing heavier. Eyes closed in bliss, she thought about Suzi's soft tongue and lips touching hers and began to moan softly. Suzi walked into the room...

In fact, she didn't notice anything but the building ecstacy in her loins until she felt a gentle hand on her breast.

All of a sudden, her eyes snapped open to see Suzi sitting on the edge of the sofa next to her. Quickly, she withdrew her hand, abashed. Oh god, she thought, her face turning red. What she must think of me...

Suzi just looked down into her eyes. As she reading her mind, she said "It's alright, Laurie...everyone does it."

"Even you?"

Suzi smiled. "Especially me," she said with a giggle. She bent down and kissed Laurie gently. "But..."

"But what?" asked Laurie, still a bit nervous.

Suzi began caressing Laurie's breast through her t-shirt. "Well...it's kind of a lot of work, isn't it?"

Laurie shook her head. "I'm not following you."

Again, Suzi bent down for a kiss. She caressed Laurie's lips with her tongue and said, "Don't you think it would be more fun if I did it for you?"

Laurie slid her arms around Suzi and opened her mouth, sucking her tongue inside. Slowly, Suzi slid her hand down over Laurie's body, slipping her own hand into Laurie's panties and picking up where Laurie had left off...

As Suzi's fingers explored her most intimate place, Laurie found herself catapulted up and onto a level of ecstacy she'd never knew existed...it was as if a firey explosion was building inside of her. As her body responded, she began sucking Suzi's sweet tongue deep into her mouth, wanting all of her.

Suddenly, without warning, the explosion came -- a shuddering, pulsing feeling that throbbed up from between her thighs, through her hips and into her torso and breasts. She clutched at Suzi, digging her fingernails into her back, sucking her tongue almost violently as an almost primal moan came from the back of her throat...

...and then it was over. Laurie went limp, her mouth releasing its grip on Suzi's tongue, her arms sliding down her soft flanks.

"Oh...my...god..." was all she managed to say, still panting.

Suzi smiled down at her and kissed her lips tenderly. "I take it you liked that," she said.

Laurie put a hand against Suzi's face. "God, that was incredible," was all she could say. She pulled Suzi's head down, pressing her mouth against hers in another lavish kiss. Soon they were thrusting and duelling with their tongues again as if they could not get enough of each other. Laurie shifted, pulling Suzi down on to her side, then rolling her on to her back. She ran her hand up the inner surface of Suzi's thigh, and on to her warm, wet mound. Almost frantically, Suzi grabbed Laurie's hand and guided it into her panties and through the curly patch of hair between her thighs. Instinctively, Laurie began to caress Suzi in the way she had done to her. Their mouths still locked in deep, ravenous kisses, they writhed against each other as Suzi arched her back, raising her hips against Laurie's hand.

Almost as suddenly as Laurie had done, Suzi broke off from their kiss, threw her head to one side and gave a short scream as she climaxed. She relaxed, took Laurie's face in her hands, and they began kissing each other's mouths over and over again.

"Oh, Laurie," Suzi gasped between kisses. "My god..."

Before long, Laurie felt the fire buiding up in her hips again. Slowly, she ran her hands over Suzi's shoulders, down over her hips, pulling her close against her own body...

Gradually, their kisses grew less frantic. Within a few minutes, the two girls were lying quietly together, still somewhat breathless from what they'd just experienced.

Laurie and Suzi were on their sides, facing each other, just gazing into each other's eyes, caressing each other tenderly. Finally Laurie spoke.

"What just happened?" she said quietly.

Suzi giggled. "I just came." Then she added, "So did you, I suspect."

Laurie looked at her step-sister quizzically. "'Came'?"

Suzi giggled again. "My god, you really don't know anything, do you?"

Suddenly, Laurie got a hurt look in her eyes. Quickly, Suzi hugged her tight. "I'm sorry -- I didn't mean that the way it sounded -- "

"It's alright," Laurie replied. "I just -- well, you know. What we just did -- "

"What about it?"

"Does this mean -- " Laurie hesitated a moment " -- we're not virgins anymore?"

At this, Suzi laughed out loud. "You know, I was reading an article in one of mom's journals a couple of months ago that 'virginity' is a -- " she paused, trying to remember exactly what she had read -- " 'patriarchal construct developed in order to mark territorial imperative.'"

Again, Laurie gave a blank look. "What's that mean?"

Suzi smirked and said, "I think it means that men invented it in order to keep women in line."

"I see..." Laurie. "So...what does it mean for us?"

Suzi smiled. "It means, it doesn't mean shit." She sighed. "'Virgin' is just a word, Laurie."

Laurie wasn't sure what to think about that. In truth, sex was not discussed freely in the Metzger household. Laurie'd had only the vaguest ideas about the subject, whereas Suzi...well, whether she'd actually "done it" with any of her boyfriends or not, she seemed to be quite knowledgeable on the subject. Laurie could only imagine where Suzi had gotten her information.

And at the moment, she didn't really care. She was experiencing the most wonderful and delightful feelings and sensations, and no interest in questioning or analyzing them.

Instead, she put a hand on Suzi's cheek. With her lips touching Suzi's, she whispered, "Well...if I really lost my virginity tonight, I'm glad it was with you."

Suzi smiled as she an Laurie kissed. "Me too, " she replied.

X: Sabrina

Laurie was stretched out full-length on top of Sabrina, their legs interlocked. Grasping each other's pelvises they rubbed back and forth vigorously as their breasts squeezed together. They held their tongues flat against each other, mouths wide open as they gasped for breath.

Sabrina felt as if she were on fire. She tilted her head back as Laurie ran her tongue over her lower lip, her chin, and under her jaw, bathing and sucking the soft skin of her neck. Drops of perspiration began to form on their bodies as they writhed together. Sabrina opened her eyes to find Laurie gazing at her as she moved her hips against her own. Laurie ran her hands up and over the soft skin of Sabrina's waist, arms, shoulders...finally holding Sabrina's face between her palms. Still making eye contact, Laurie began running her tongue all over Sabrina's lips -- back and forth, slowly, gently, circling Sabrina's mouth with her tongue.

Suddenly, Sabrina felt herself lose control. She rolled over, flipping Laurie onto her back; she climbed on top, and grabbing Laurie’s auburn curls, pulled Laurie’s head to her own. Sabrina crushed her wide open mouth hard against Laurie’s. With a hunger she’d never known before, Sabrina sucked Laurie’s tongue deep into her own mouth, gently gnawing on her tongue.

By now, their bodies were slick with sweat. They rolled back and forth across the bed violently, their mouths glued together. Sabrina slid one hand between their grinding hips, finding Laurie's swollen pleasure bud...

Laurie cried out at Sabrina's touch. She raised her thighs, wrapping her legs around Sabrina's hips, hugging her tightly as the other girl fondled her clit.

Together, Sabrina and Laurie rolled onto their sides, their bodies locked together. Sabrina's hand was still between Laurie's thighs, caressing and stroking. Great spasms of ecstacy shuddered through her own pelvis even as she felt the other girl's body stiffen against her own. Quickly, she covered Laurie's mouth with her own as she screamed uncontrollably, muffling the sound by sucking Laurie's tongue into her mouth.

Laurie and Sabrina licked and kissed each other all over as the waves of orgasmic splendour began to subside. Their hands began to slow their frantic movement; their kisses became less urgent and more relaxed...

Bodies still entwined, skin still damp with sweat, saliva and sex, Sabrina and Laurie lie on the bed together in the dim light of early evening, gazing into each other's eyes as they caressed and kissed each other tenderly, bathing in a post-orgasmic glow.

Suddenly, Laurie's eyes began to well up with tears.

"Honey, what's wrong?" asked Sabrina. "I'm so sorry if - "

Laurie shook her head. "It's not you," she said. She began to cry. "Just - just hold me..."

Gently, Sabrina gathered Laurie into her arms, stroking her hair, whispering to her as she tried to comfort her...

Epilogue

Laurie and Sabrina sat at the table next to the kitchen window, sipping tea. The sun was down; it was twilight outside. The only light in the kitchen came from a single candle on the center of the table.

The two girls looked out on the grassy lawn between the two rows of apartments where they had been sunning themselves earlier. Fireflies had just begun to come out for their evening show, while the chirping of a cricket could be heard just outside the window.

"I'm sorry that happened," said Sabrina softly.

Laurie was drained. Today, she'd gone from sadness, to excitement, to ecstacy, to despair and grief...

And now, she felt almost nothing. It was like months of hurting, wanting, longing for Suzi had been purged from her being...at least for the time being.

She also felt gratitude for the girl sitting next to her at the table. Gently, she took Sabrina's hand. They interlaced their fingers, gazing into each other's eyes.

"I wish I could help you find her," Sabrina said.

Laurie smiled, leaned over and kissed Sabrina. "That's sweet of you."

The two of them sat quietly in the gathering gloom, holding hands and finishing their tea. Finally, Sabrina stood up and stretched.

"I should head home...I have a paper due tomorrow morning."

Laurie nodded. "Yeah, and that reading assignment for U.S. History," she concurred, rising from her chair.

Laurie walked Sabrina over to the back door. Just before she turned the nob, she turned to Laurie. "You know, about Friday night..."

"Us going out together?"

Sabrina nodded. "I'm thinking maybe it's not such a good idea."

"Oh," said Laurie, hurt. She looked down at the floor, feeling like she was almost ready to cry again. Then she felt Sabrina's hand under her chin. Tenderly, Sabrina raised Laurie's face and smiled.

"I think," she said, "that it would be better if I just came over with a bottle of wine and some videos and we just stayed here."

Laurie grinned. "Maybe we won't even need the videos," she replied.

"Maybe...not..." said Sabrina, leaning forward and running her tongue lightly over Laurie's lips.

They slid their arms around each other and stood near the door, kissing for several minutes. Finally, Laurie said, "You're never gonna get that paper written."

Sabrina nodded. "You're right." Opening the door resolutely, she kissed Laurie one last time. "Good night," she said, walking across the green. "See you Friday."

"Good night," Laurie called, watching her new friend as she walked toward her own apartment. Slowly, she closed the door.

She liked Sabrina. She REALLY liked the way they'd spent the afternoon...

But she still loved Suzi.

Nonetheless, she hadn't seen Suzi in two years...not since that awful day after the night their mother (actually, Suzi's step-mother) caught them in bed together...

Both her parents swore the two girls would never see each other again. For months, Laurie tried to discover where their father had sent Suzi...to no avail.

Neither had Suzi been able to find her, though Laurie had to believe she was looking.

It was a pain in her heart that would never go away...unless she and Suzi could find each other again.

Did Sabrina understand that...?

Had she meant it when she'd said she wished she could help Laurie find her step-sister...?

I'm too tired to think about this right now, Laurie decided as she walked into the bedroom. Anyway, Suzi's not here...and I don't know if I'll ever see her again...

Although that thought stabbed her heart, the memory of her afternoon with Sabrina caused her loins to tingle.

Love the one you're with. Suddenly, the words to that song passed through her mind, as well as something else she's heard her grandmother say..."All we really have for sure is today."

Slowly, Laurie sat on the edge of the bed. The scent of her lovemaking with Sabrina that afternoon lingered, arousing her desire. Slowly, she slipped her hands into the shorts she was wearing, running her fingers through her still-damp pubic hair and the center of all her delight. She lay back on the bed, pleasuring herself, picturing Suzi in her mind...

All we really have for sure is today...

I'll think about it tomorrow...

Slowly, Laurie closed her eyes as she was sucked back down into a vortex of bliss and warmth...

I'll think about it tomorrow...

= The End (?)=

© IMM by Jeanne D'eau. All rights reserved.