Triple Dog Dare by K.C.

Have you ever had one of those days? You know the type I mean?the days that start just like any other but somehow everything goes wrong, except it doesn't really? You bumble, you fall, make a complete ass of yourself, sound familiar? Anyone? Alright fine, I know that pretty much sums up every single day in a teenager's life. But this day?this particular day? changed me. In big and small ways, this was the day my eyes opened to a whole world outside my own little angst ridden sphere. Of course, I didn't know it yet?hell, I wasn't even awake yet. But that was about to change?

Beep

Blink?

Beep

Blink?

The annoying persistence of my alarm clock pulled me from sleep. I was making an effort to get my eyes to open, even though what I really wanted to do was snuggle back into my pillow. It was dark out, and it wasn't until I attempted to shut off my alarm that I realized both of my arms were asleep.

During the night, somehow both of them got trapped under me. I sleep on my stomach, face down in my pillow, as a matter of fact. I know it's bad for my posture, but hey?it's not a crime. I was in the middle of trying to roll over onto my side by wriggling my knees up under myself to gain some leverage, which I might add, had the unfortunate side affect of forcing my ass to stick up in the air, when my mother banged on my wall.

"Shut it off, would you! Some of us are trying to sleep." She yelled, her voice still slurred from last night's activities. Lovely woman?so lady like?truly, I hope I grow up to be just like her. A shudder ran through me at even the thought.

Eventually, I managed to free an arm but overcompensated as I jerked it loose. I fell over towards the edge of my mattress, unable to stop myself, and realized I was about to suffer a very rude awakening. The floor was cold, and I fumbled to shut the noise off with a hand full of a million pins and needles stabbing it with each movement.

Several failed attempts later; I hit the correct switch and crawled back into bed. Laying there, blinking sleepily, remnants of a dream began to come back to me. I couldn't remember much, only the image of full red lips moving slowly towards my own, and the thundering of my heart.

With a groan, I flung myself out of my warm bed and into the chilly darkness. Winters in New Hampshire were definitely not my favorite time of year. The snow, ice, and freezing cold, combined with the shorter days made me want to hibernate until spring like a grumpy bear.

I never understood the draw of winter in New England. I mean sure, a snowy white Christmas was nice, but that was only one day. The rest of the season is filled with snow that won't melt, stops all your favorite activities, and sticks to everything. Not to mention it turns a disgusting black color all along the roadsides from the salt and sand.

Turning on my bedroom light, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Short spiky black hair alarmingly rumpled from sleep and bleary green eyes peered back at me. As a bonus, I even had pillow lines all over my face. I paused in an attempt to get my hair to lie down before giving it up as a bad job.

A good six inches was shorn off my head the week before, and I was still trying to get used to the short stubble of the shaved back and sides. Mother made me do it, not as in forced me, but she did something even worse. She pronounced me pretty in that tone of surprise used whenever anything remotely pleasing or feminine about me was discovered.

So I rebelled and got it all cut off. Can you blame me? Pretty?

I liked the new look, even though she took one look at me and said I was even "prettier". At least that's what it sounded like.

The new opinion was the new hairstyle brought out my eyes and strong jaw line. When I heard that, I chuckled to myself, having to restrain from observing aloud that I certainly didn't inherit it from her.

No one had a weaker chin than my mother. I often found myself annoying her purposefully just so I could watch the wobbling. I'm sure you're thinking I'm mean, but seriously?if you had built in entertainment wouldn't you take advantage of it too?

I hurried from my room determined to get to the shower before my sister. Vicky was a year younger than me and she made my life miserable. The complete opposite of me, Vicky was feminine, cheery, and stupid as a brick. She was also red haired, blue eyed, and the darling of my mother. I was quite literally the black sheep of the family.

Coffee was a necessity, so I paused long enough to set it to brew and went into the bathroom, turning the shower on. I stripped from my flannel pajama bottoms and long sleeved t-shirt, diving in as soon as the water was warm enough. I would have preferred a hot bath, but that took time and there was no way I was getting up earlier than I already did.

Hot steam gradually filled the room, warming the air enough to stop my shivering. I leaned forward with my hands on the wall bracing myself against my arms, letting the hot water cascade over my head and down my back. I took a few moments to bask in the heat flowing over me, feeling my body awaken.

My eyes drifted shut in pleasure and immediately the image of soft lips hovering over my own drifted across my closed lids. My brow furrowed as I tried to remember more of the dream, and slowly a face became clearer in my mind.

A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as I remembered, soft brown hair curling about her shoulders and full kissable lips. An inviting hollow at the base of her throat begging exploration by a willing tongue.

My eyes snapped open and a strangled groan escaped my tight chest. Ms. Jones. Her image hovered clearly in my mind. Of course?the woman tortured me during the day?five days a week. Why wouldn't she haunt my dreams too?

A jolt of arousal spread downwards as I replayed the dream over again like my own private movie. Ms. Jones' lips drawing closer, a sharp intake of breath, her inviting golden brown eyes fluttering closed as she drew near. I could almost feel her hand resting on my shoulder as she moved closer to press against me.

Yup, that did it. A quick look at the waterproof clock attached to the shower wall confirmed that there was enough time to fix my rapidly developing problem if I hurried.

Standing upright, I ran my fingers through my hair, slicking it back so the water wouldn't run into my eyes. My fingers trailed down my neck and over my chest, stopping to cup my breasts to feel the firm heaviness. I wasn't overly endowed but I could certainly fill a hand nicely. Of course, I only had my own to judge by, but I knew they were full enough to please.

Ms. Jones' delicate smaller hands replaced my own in my mind, as she brought my nipples to rigid peaks. Her fingers pinched and twisted gently before releasing them to roam down across my flattened belly. I braced myself on one arm as her hand hesitantly, almost shyly, covered the gentle swell of my womanhood.

She cupped it for a moment, feeling the heat radiating outwards, enjoying the way it filled her hand so perfectly. I could feel my clit beginning to pound with a deep pulse that matched the thrumming of my whole body. I fixed her image firmly in my mind as I lost myself to how it would feel if she took me thoroughly.

Her fingers gently parted my folds to dip down into my wetness, swirling around and circling my rigid need. I clenched my jaw and hissed in pleasure as she slowly stroked along the shaft of my clit with achingly sure motions.

Fingers moved from the base of my clit to the very tip, increasing the pressure slightly along the length of it. She released the tip only to drag back up along the sides to repeat the downward motion again. I could feel myself swelling with need, my clit becoming harder as she milked me. Moving up and changing position, she began rubbing in gentle circular motions at the base of my clit. Not too hard, and agonizingly unhurried, steadily building the pressure within me.

My jaw gritted together as I tried to steady my breathing. She slid lower until her fingertips hovered at my entrance and allowed them to circle around the opening in a teasing motion. My fantasy lover pressed inside just barely, gathering more of the wetness that lay within.

A groan escaped me and I opened my eyes in surprise. I hardly ever made any noise, and considering how thin the walls were, it was best if I didn't start now. I thought briefly about entering myself fully, of sliding my fingers deep within that slick heat surrounding me. A surge of nervousness halted any deeper motion since I never before actually did more than dip my fingertips inside.

For some reason, in my mind, this was forbidden territory. Some old fashioned notion taken root that this was something special, that my first time should be given to someone I loved. Definitely not a task for my own fingers...even if I was imagining they belonged to Ms. Jones.

The clock confirmed I was running out of time. I needed to hurry things along a bit. I reached up and grabbed the showerhead, unhooking it from the holder. I adjusted the water temperature so it was slightly cooler; setting it to the pulsating spray I knew would finish me off quickly.

The warm wetness, the pulsating jets of water moving randomly, rhythmically, across my hardened clit, made it easy to imagine this was Ms. Jones' mouth, her lips. It was her tongue making me gasp, making my hips begin to pump, working against the spray of water.

It was the image of Ms. Jones down on her knees, my fingers tangled in her wet locks, her face buried between my legs as I rode her tongue that sent me over the edge.

My head whipped back and my body arched forward, grinding myself harder against her mouth. Not a sound escaped my parted lips while tremors shook my body as she drew out all the pleasure from my orgasm she could. I eased the showerhead away from myself and in my mind, I could see her leaning back, licking her wet lips, savoring the taste. Her eyes were just beginning to peek open...

"Damn it, you're using all the hot water again!" Vicky shouted through the bathroom door. My god, she could make nails on a chalkboard sound pleasant.

"Shut it...I'm just about to get out." I growled. "Besides, if you didn't sleep in so late, maybe you'd actually get in here before me?" I paused for effect "Stinky."

The sound of her fist hitting the door made me grin. She hated that nickname and it was the quickest way to get her to leave me alone. It was a name she earned the one and only time we went Summer Camp. Vicky had snuck out to meet some boys from a near by camp with a group of other girls and was sprayed by a skunk. I wasn't with them since I was focused on other interests...namely, trying to get an eyeful of one of the female camp councilors by lurking around her cabin.

I stepped out of the shower after scrubbing up and began to hum happily as I set about my morning rituals. I didn't take long in the mornings to get ready, especially since the only makeup in my vocabulary was unflavored chap stick.

After finger combing my hair and spiking it up with some pomade, I was off to start my day. I poured my cup of coffee while Vicky flounced into the bathroom after me. She looked thoroughly annoyed, and I couldn't help my happy smirk.

Despite all prior indications, it was definitely shaping up to be a great day.

********************************************

The bell rang and my locker was stuck...again. It was a miracle I made it to school on time. After jauntily stepping out of the house with my backpack and travel mug of coffee, I started my day whistling cheerfully. A few moments later, I was laying flat on my back after slipping on our icy deck and flying through the air.

For a crazy moment, while I hung suspended in the air, I imagined I could somehow save the situation. Perhaps my graceless tumble would look like some fantastic move, somewhere along the lines of an ice skater doing a Triple Lutz.

I failed to stick the landing. Instead, I held onto my backpack, which got in a good lick to my head, and my travel mug, which opened and spilled its contents all over me. A few colorful words and a change of clothing later, I once again set off to school. This time without coffee, less jaunt, and a lot more hobble.

After kicking my locker several times in frustration, the door swung open, spilling most of the contents onto the floor. I crammed my books and everything else back inside and grabbed my supplies for my first period English Literature class.

I was about to slam my locker shut when a slap stung my bottom. I swore and spun around, ready to dish out some serious trouble, only to be brought up short by a pair of merry blue eyes.

"One of these days Tom," I threatened, giving him the nastiest glare I could summon while rubbing my stinging left cheek through my jeans. The intimidation didn't work because all Tom did was laugh.

"Oh my god, BB?I thought you were going to climb into your locker. I didn't know midgets like you could jump so high!"

I pushed him on the shoulder and then snaked my arm around his neck to pull him down to my level. After a rather firm noogie that ruffled his carefully arranged blonde hair, I released him.

"You're lucky I didn't punch your lights out." I grinned at him while he grumbled about his hair. At 6'1", Tom was much taller than my own 5'4" frame, but by far, I was stronger than he was. Where he was tall and slender, almost to the point of being willowy, I was muscular and compact with broad shoulders. I was built like a boy, no hips or hourglass figure, but that suited me just fine.

Tom had been my best friend since we entered kindergarten together. He was the model All-American boy?good looks, rich family, honor student, and varsity basketball team member. He was also such a little Queen that I was surprised it wasn't written on his forehead. Of course, the outside world certainly didn't see that side of him like I did, he learned at a young age to keep that part hidden as much as possible.

"So BB, I hear there's a new rink over in Brenton. Do you want to go blading tonight and check it out?" Tom asked as we started off to class together.

Of course, BB wasn't my real name, not even my initials. Oh no, Tom had to nickname me Baby Butch when I came out to him when I was 13. My real name is Andrea Tanner, but hardly anyone calls me that.

It was too girly of a name, although I was grateful my mother hadn't named me Lacey as she initially planned. No one knew what BB stood for except Tom, but even the teachers gave in and started to call me it after too many blank stares when they called my name.

"Well, it's Friday, and there's no way I'm hanging at home tonight, so yeah?blading sounds good."

I looked up at Tom when he failed to respond and caught him eyeing Brad, the star quarter back of the football team. I reached up and smacked him on the back of the head before anyone else noticed where his eyes were lingering.

"Good God man, do you have a death wish?" I hissed. "Brad could rip you apart!"

Tom grinned and blew out a wistful sigh. I already knew what he was going to say. "Oh, but what a way to go."

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Typical Queen. I was surprised he wasn't twittering.

No one in school knew that either one of us was gay, although I often wondered how no one caught Tom's roving eye. Or mine for that matter. We lived in a rural area, and as far as I knew, we were the only 'inverts' around. I learned that term while in the school library one afternoon, reading anything I could get my hands on that even remotely mentioned homosexuality. I still couldn't figure out how anyone could come up with that description for someone as flamboyant as Tom.

By the time we got to class, we were more than a few minutes late. Ms. Jones looked up from her desk as we shuffled in and settled at our desks towards the back of the classroom. The tips of my ears began to burn as her stare settled on me.

I couldn't even look at her, half-afraid if I did, she would read my thoughts of her during my shower.

"So?Tom, BB, late again." Ms. Jones shone her verbal spotlight on us. A few girls in the class giggled. I'm sure almost everyone thought we were a couple, and for me it made a convenient excuse to get out of dating any boys. Not that many asked, I was far too tomboyish to attract many dates, but a few had tried only to be rebuffed.

"Sorry Ma'am," Tom said. "BB couldn't get her locker open."

I felt the blush deepening to the point where my ears were on fire and my cheeks burned.' How typical of him to blame it on me and not his leering at the quarterback. I kicked his leg under the desk and smirked wickedly at his muffled yelp.

"Be that as it may, this is the second time this semester," Ms. Jones said. "Once more, and it will be a week of detention."

I finally was able to peek at her through my lashes and nodded quickly, speaking in unison with Tom "Yes Ma'am, Sorry Ma'am." We grinned cheekily at each other only to groan in despair at the teacher's next words.

"Now, who can tell me what Conrad meant when he said "The horror, the horror" in the Heart of Darkness?"

**************************************

I don't believe I have ever been as grateful to hear a bell, as I was when English Literature finally ended. I even bowled a few people over in my haste to escape. Math, science, and history were next and I'm sure they were designed to torture students looking forward to a leisurely weekend.

I wasn't very good at math but I could hold my own. History was a different matter. I seemed to have a knack for getting into trouble in that class. Mr. Baker didn't exactly avoid me but he didn't call on me much after I pointed out our text books were written by American propagandists.

The only bright spot was lunch, where Tom and I sat in our usual corner and watched as people passed by. I'm a firm believer that they should sell admission tickets to high schools?kind of like a Zoo, but with a broader range of species. The same rules of not feeding the animals would definitely apply.

The school jocks swaggered by with the typical crowd of hormonal girls swooning in their wake. The loners huddled around the edges of the cafeteria trying to avoid looking like they fit in anywhere, and then there was Tom and I, sitting and studying them all.

After lunch, the day went quickly. By the time the final bell rang, I was in a daze. I was loaded with homework and even managed to make it through another period with Ms. Jones. Journalism was a study in agony. To top it all off, I made a complete ass out of myself by stuttering and blushing whenever Ms. Jones asked my opinion. Which she did a lot, but maybe it was my guilty conscious making it seem that way.

I knew I was being punished when she asked me to be the editor of the school literary magazine. Forget about the fact I'd been secretly hoping to be chosen all year. All I could think was this meant even more time in her presence each day after school. I silently vowed I would never, ever, repeat the morning's activities, and to curtail my impure thoughts. Especially since, I would now face my fantasy lover three hours every weekday.

Tom met me at my locker at the end of the day along with Tonya, a girl who was always hanging onto him and simpering. I don't even know if people really simper anymore but I'll be damned if she didn't. Her eyes flicked disdainfully over me, instantly dismissing what she saw.

"Tommy, I thought you were going to help me study this evening," Tonya pouted.

Her voice grated on me. You know the kind, slightly nasal, higher pitched at the end of every word. I bet she thought she was irresistible but, in truth, she was the most annoying person I ever had the displeasure to meet.

Poor Tom though, his parents were friends of Tonya's parents and were steadily applying the pressure to him. They thought it was time Tom got serious about a girl and lived in dread that perhaps he might be involved with me on the sly.

They only met my mother once, and somehow the meeting went off all wrong. Can you guess why? Personally, I think it was the fact she was piss ass drunk at the time and cursed at them for interrupting her shows. She forgot Tom's parents arranged to meet the family of the girl their son was running about with. They wanted to see if they approved of my "influence" on Tom. We were seven at the time and they were already onto my deviant ways.

Imagine that? And Tom always told me his parents' heads were stuck so far up their?

Tonya was still whining at Tom by the time I began to pay attention again. It was hard not to tune her out?a sort of self-preservation mechanism if you will.

"You know BB and I go out every Friday. I told you I'd help you on Saturday," Tom said, while glancing at me pleadingly for back up.

He was looking at Tonya as if she was a growth, but she seemed to think it was an adoring light in his eye, instead of the revulsion I could clearly see.

"I don't understand why it's such a big deal that you hang out with her, " Tonya said, emphasizing the her as if not exactly sure that's what I was.

"And why I can't ever come with you!" She was growing more petulant by the minute.

Poor girl, really?I tried to be mature, but the urge to stick my middle finger in her face was growing stronger with each word.

Tom and I set off weekly to cruise the nearby towns for any indication there were other people with the same inclinations as us. We didn't exactly want her trailing along, considering his parents were already planning the wedding. Might throw a wrench in the plot you could say.

So far, only Tom had any luck in that department. He got more than his fair share of doe eyed looks and maybe more, when we ventured into the city. Brenton was the largest city in New Hampshire with even a seedy little district that catered to gay culture.

Once, when we were feeling particularly brave, we wandered through the streets only to be brought up short by the window display of a sex store. Tom, of course, wanted to go in but I dragged him away, mortified by a silicone black butt plug sitting proudly in the middle of the display. I still think that thing should have come with a warning. You know, like the type on the side view mirrors on a car?objects may be bigger than they appear?that sort of thing.

The whining from Tonya continued to a point where all I could hear was a steady buzzing sound. Shrugging my backpack straps onto my shoulders, I looked up.

"Pick me up at six would you?" I asked, completely ignoring the girl clinging to him.

I heard her snort of disgust at being dismissed and something snapped loose inside. All of the sudden my arms were around her waist and I was pulling her rigid body closer to my own. I batted my eyelashes meaningfully at Tom and purred "Why don't you bring her along Tommy, I'm sure we could all have fun together."

Must make note, all it takes is one slap and a red handprint clearly marked on my cheek to get rid of annoying bitches.

Tom was roaring with laughter, tears pouring down his face as he looked at me. "Jesus, BB" he wheezed weakly as he tried to regain his breath. "That was absolutely fucking perfect; you should have seen the look on her face, or yours!"

I rubbed my burning cheek and smirked at him

"You owe me one buddy; I'll have to scrub for an hour to get her stink off of me." I shuddered dramatically and turned to watch Tonya flouncing down the hall in indignation.

*********************************************************

Six o'clock couldn't come quick enough. I was only home for two hours and already I was ready to leave. Mother broke into the wine early and was plastered by the time I got home. Now she appeared hell bent on making dinner.

A pot was bubbling on the stove filled with?something...gray. She would pause every once in awhile from tossing things in, to taste it and go "Mmmmm" in a drunken slurred way. In truth, she sounded a bit like the critters from that movie the Dark Crystal and it was freaking me out. I was doing my best to avoid the kitchen altogether. There was no way in hell I was going to eat whatever she was brewing in there.

Vicky was sprawled on the couch snickering with one of her friends on the phone. I heard her shriek, the phone thudding to the floor, and her feet pounding as she came storming up the hallway straight to my bedroom.

"Tell me you didn't grope Tonya today after school," she demanded. Her lips were ringed white from pressing them together in disapproval. I put down the book I was reading and looked steadily into her eyes.

"Twat?" I asked?oh so mature, I know, but my god?she was looking at me like I just announced I was possessed and spewed green pea soup.

"You freak, did you or did you not molest Tonya today after school!" Her voice was rising hysterically and red splotches were beginning to appear on her cheeks. I grinned at her and shrugged my shoulders.

"Oh my god," she moaned, covering her face with her hands. "You did, didn't you!"

"Oh screw off would you, Vicky. Can't you see I'm reading? It was just a joke for fuck's sake." I growled. Now she was pissing me off. I couldn't stand her self-righteous attitude.

Apparently, having a molesting dyke for a sister was so much worse than having the town joke of a drunken mother and a run-away father. I did mention this is a small town right? Everyone always has their noses up someone's business and my family already had quite the reputation built up.

Vicky tossed her hair back over her shoulder and glared at me. "I always knew you were a freak, you know. You're so fucking weird and wear men's clothing. Even as a kid you were odd?I've known it ever since I can remember." Spittle was flying from her lips as she vented her hatred.

She took one last look at me and pronounced what I'm sure she thought was her most hurtful accusation. "Ever noticed how Mum and I have red hair? And Dad was blonde? Where did your black hair come from? I think you were adopted, that's what!" She was hissing by now.

"There's no way we share the same blood!" Vicky spun around and stormed from my room, slamming the door behind her.

I sat for a moment looking at the spot where she just stood. The only thought going through my head was Oh thank fuck?please let it be true.

Sadly, I knew it wasn't. There were actual pictures of Mother holding me right after the birth. I often wished I was adopted?it sure would have explained a few things. I never felt like I belonged in my family?hell, I never wanted to feel like I belonged. In fact, the only one I truly felt at home with was Tom. He understood and accepted me, ever since the moment I first tried to take a Tonka truck away from him in the sand box.

Hey?don't judge?it was a really cool dump truck with a working bucket and everything!

Deciding to get ready, I got off my bed after dog earring my place in the book. I hated doing that. I preferred to keep my books pages pristine, but it was a school copy so I didn't really care.

Worn blue jeans that hung low on my hips were tossed across my bed. I selected a thermal gray shirt and a black t-shirt with the saying "Can't sleep?Clowns will eat me" repeating over and over on the front of it. My lips quirked up when I read it. Course, I do hate clowns. Creepy things really, what with the blood red smile and all. And forget about porcelain dolls, they are the agents of Satan.

Getting dressed was quick, my steel toed boots and a black leather belt completing my outfit. I shrugged a black hooded sweatshirt over my head, spritzed some Perry Ellis 360 on, and I was ready to go. Spiking my hair back up while looking in the mirror, I decided I looked down right perky.

I worked all through the summer at two jobs and there was quite a bit of money left over in my savings. Aside from liking to work, it also kept me out of the house for most of those long months. I paid for a lot of my own expenses, school clothes and any extras I might need or want. Mother got some money from the state and the law managed to track down my father, so she even got some child support. Of course, that usually all went to her steady wine supply and to whatever Vicky decided she simply must have.

Shopping in thrift stores and limiting my urge to go out and blow large chunks of money on frivolous items served me well. My only real splurge was my boots. They were not very practical in the winter since the steel was freezing cold in the snow and took forever to warm up, but they were very tough looking and Tom assured me that every self respecting butch had a pair in her possession.

It helped, of course, that the sales clerk was one of the most stunning women I had ever seen. I went into the store intent on buying a basic pair of hiking boots, when I saw her and was knocked stupid. She looked about the same age as me, with bright pink hair cut in a short bob that framed her face.

The pink haired clerk immediately walked up to me when I entered the store. I wasn't even five steps inside before she was by my side asking if she could help me. Well of course, she could, but probably not in any way that she was imagining. We struck up a conversation as I roamed along the shelves looking for the cheapest pair of boots I could find.

Stopping in the middle of the store, I was drawn to the pair of boots I now wore, and reached out to finger the leather laces. I heard her sigh softly behind me and her voice wafted over my shoulder saying they would look perfect on me. I grabbed the pair, not even looking at the price tag, and pronounced I would take them.

"Do you want to try them on?" she questioned.

I stammered a bit, flustered, and not having a clue as to what I was doing anymore. How could I when she was standing so close to me? Before I knew what was happening, I was seated on a bench with both my sneakers off and this vision of a woman was kneeling at my feet. She loosened the laces on the boots and peeked up at me.

"May I?" she asked and I was lost. I nodded dumbly as she wrapped her fingers around my jean-covered calf and lifted my leg to slip the boot onto my foot.

"Press down." she murmured. I swear I felt those long elegant fingers caress my leg for a brief moment before her hand slid down to grasp the top of the boot. I pressed downwards while she tugged slightly upwards and my foot slid down fully into the boot. I was in awe. And not because the black leather fit me perfectly, but because there was another one to put on and I got to go through this whole brilliant experience again.

By the time my other foot was encased in the boot, I was mute. This time I was sure I felt her fingers stroking my calf not once but twice, and then she insisted on lacing them for me. My eyes were popping as she scooted forward so my boot was between her knees. Dear god?I thought I saw her press her legs together. Random bright lights were flashing in my vision as my mind began to misfire, sending erratic twitches throughout my body.

Sweet Baby Jesus, she did. She did press her knees together around the boot. I realized I was rapidly becoming religious?but wouldn't you?

My foot was now trapped between her legs and her nimble fingers were tugging on the laces to tighten them. I knew then in my next life I wanted to be a boot?that lucky damned boot held so tightly between the firm muscles of her thighs. My eyes were riveted on the toe of my boot, and the heat of a blush raged across my face. A trickle of sweat began to roll down my back.

"Perfect." she said, after completing the whole ritual with the second lucky boot and rising gracefully to her feet. "Why don't you walk around a bit to see how they feel?" I nodded, still unable to speak, and rose on unsteady legs.

I just experienced the single most erotic moment of my life?and she wanted me to walk.

My eyes met hers and I was transfixed by her gaze. Her eyes were the most beautiful I had ever seen. The blue and green flecks mixing together brought to mind the ocean on an overcast day, where only a single ray of sunlight breaks free from the clouds to break upon the water. Her eyes were that single patch of stormy sea touched by the light.

I swallowed. What else could I do? I couldn't very well say any of that?I couldn't believe I was even thinking that. I broke the eye contact between us and bent down to gather my discarded sneakers.

"Th?th?thank you" I managed to get out. Shit, when did I develop a stutter? Her eyes and the sensual curve of her lips entranced me once more. She smiled at me in what I imagined to be a knowing sort of way.

"Come and get me when you're ready to check out?they look fantastic on you by the way." My heart was beating against my chest so hard I could feel it moving my body, and my mind was screaming to say something?anything?to keep her by my side.

I was still nodding like a bobble head when she turned and walked away. I watched the gentle sway of her hips as she moved and it wasn't until she turned the corner, moving out of my sight that I sank?boneless?back onto the bench. I looked down at the boots on my feet and finally spotted the price tag on the box.

I almost choked when I saw they were $150 dollars, but I knew I'd be walking out in them. I didn't ever want to take them off.

In a complete daze, I wandered around the store, trying to get my body back under control. I kept sneaking glances around, hoping for a glimpse of pink hair and stormy eyes. I spotted her three aisles over, helping a burly young teenage boy select some sneakers. I was giddy in relief at the bored look upon her face as he flirted with her.

Her eyes flicked up, as if she felt me watching her, and her lips quirked in that smile again, a smile just for me. I rolled my eyes, pointed at the jock she was helping and mouthed "Loser." My heart knocked about some more when her delicate chuckle met my ears. I swaggered off feeling ten feet tall over the fact I had made her laugh.

I was ready to pay for my purchase, glancing about anxiously for her, when Tom strolled into the store. His arms were full of shopping bags from the other outlet stores and he let out a low wolf whistle when he saw me.

"Girlfriend, you're card carrying now" he joked, eyeing my boot selection with obvious approval. I blushed and hushed him, still searching the aisles for the woman of my dreams. There?at the counter, I practically skipped over to her line even though it was longer than the others.

Tom poked and prodded me while we stood waiting. Shopping always put him in a giddy mood and today was no exception. He leaned over and whispered in my ear "I think that clerk is checking me out."

My eyes whipped up and sure enough, her eyes were riveted on Tom. There was no endearing smile gracing her lips, but the appraising light in her eyes was unmistakable. My heart sank and I heard the popping sound my euphoric bubble made when it burst.

I ignored Tom's muffled gasp when it was my turn to pay for my purchase. He never saw me pay for anything more expensive than a twenty and he knew the cost of the boots would set my savings back quite a bit. I elbowed him in the ribs and chanced a look at my pink haired dream girl.

Her eyes were turning a startling shade of blue, gone were the flecks of green that warmed the color, and they were still fixed firmly on Tom. I was forgotten in the presence of this blonde Adonis and her manner was crisp and business like.

A crack burst in my chest as money was exchanged and change given back to me. Her fingers grazed mine for a moment when she folded the money into my outstretched palm, jolting me with a tingle of awareness that brought my eyes to hers once more.

She smiled at me; I thought a little wistfully, and wished me a good day. She hoped my shopping experience had been pleasant. Her final words of "Come back soon" were lost on me as her eyes were once again drawn to Tom.

Sigh.

Back to reality.

That was back in June, seven months ago. Each time I put on my boots, I remembered the slightly sweet vanilla scent of her perfume.

A final look in the mirror and I was ready.

I walked out of my room and was assailed by an odor faintly reminiscent of burned stinky gym socks?don't ask me how I know what that smells like?and to the sound of Mother in the kitchen going "Mmmmmm."

**********************************************************

I was already out on the porch waiting for Tom when he arrived exactly at 6:00. He drove a beautiful 1965 black Mustang, loaded with chrome, that he got for his sixteenth birthday the year before and I thought he was the luckiest bastard on earth. She was stunning and if she were a woman, I would have proposed to her on the spot. She even had red leather interior that was soft and silky to the touch. Perfection.

I could tell from the look on Tom's face that things didn't go well with his parents over the stunt I pulled after school. As I slid into the passenger seat, I patted him on the shoulder. "Thank god you were on time?I was beginning to freeze my ass off out there." Tom looked at me with those big blue eyes and smiled gratefully. He knew what my home life was like?the same way I knew his.

We were opposite sides of the spectrum, Tom and I. His parents were overly controlling, involved in every single aspect of his life?and mine were non-existent. I felt he got the bad end of the deal, however, since I didn't have to worry about letting anyone down just by the very fact I existed.

The Mustang pulled away from my darkened home. A brief moment of freedom soared over me as the distance stretched between me and my own private hell. Out here with Tom, I could be who I was meant to be, without all the roles and masks. I think that was what I liked most about him, the room to breathe and just be.

Soon the thrumming base of the car's stereo system erased such deep thoughts from my mind. Tom was a huge Pink fan and her newest record was blaring away on the speakers making my body throb with the music's vibrations. The song "I'm Not Dead" was playing and Tom was singing, "I'm not scared, just changing" in an endearing high-pitched way.

Rolling my head to the side, I watched him as he sang. In truth, I loved this song, identifying with it on a level only music and the written word could touch. Pink's words flowed true as she sang, "Underneath the ink of my tattoo, I tried to hide my scars from you." Hmmm?a tattoo. I was turning 18 in a month and suddenly I knew what I was going to be getting for myself.

Wiggling my toes in my boots as they began to warm from the car's heater, my mind turned back to that day and the sales clerk. I didn't even get her name and Tom was relentless with tormenting me after I told him the story. He was convinced the woman was flirting with me, pointing out no one else in the store got that type of treatment from any of the other sales people. I tried to pass it off but deep down a tiny bit of hope existed.

Two months later, Tom was still going on and finally he convinced me to go back to the store. I walked in nervous, but excited at the thought of being near her again. My boots were freshly polished, and I immediately began to look around for her. I didn't find her anywhere, despite the fact it was the same day of the week I was there previously.

After roaming about for far too long and making the clerks suspicious that I was going to lift something, I finally got up enough nerve to ask about the pink haired girl

"Oh you mean Teri." An annoying pimple ridden man-child said. "She's already left, gone off to college and wanted to get settled before the school year began." His noisy chewing of the wad of gum in his mouth disgusted me.

So, college, and my chance blown. She was gone and I didn't know where, no number, no forwarding address. But at least I learned her name. Teri?I repeated it in my mind, even said it quietly, just to hear it in my own voice.

Tom was very understanding, told me not to fret, there were plenty of other girls out there and perhaps she would be back to work next summer. The same sensitive Tom who was now singing along to 'U and Ur Hand' while making nasty motions with his right hand.

I gave him a good smack on his arm. "Ewww gross boy, don't you practice that move enough in private?" Tom smirked at me and reached over to turn down the radio.

"So I hear this place is really cool?skating, dancing, and an arcade all rolled into one." He glanced over at me and I smiled encouragingly. I wasn't one for dancing but perhaps the arcade would be fun, and I'd find a pinball machine to beat up on while Tom cruised.

"How bad was it at home?" I questioned him, bringing up the topic we both were avoiding. Tom sighed and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "You know?same old. Tonya's family called my parents and told them you accosted their precious daughter and that I let you." He blew it all out in one breath and glanced at me.

"They did their usual, told me they were disappointed in me, you were a bad influence on me, blah blah blah" he joked, trying to make light of their reaction.

"What about you? Get any grief?" He asked while looking over at me. I know he caught the brief look of pain that flashed over my features before I steeled myself.

"Gossiping Vicky got the scoop from one of her friends that I molested Tonya," I said. "Mother was already trashed by the time I got home. Don't think she even knew I was there." Tom looked at my sympathetically.

"Don't look at me like that?I've only got a few more months of hell to look forward to. Soon as I graduate, I'm getting out. I've already been accepted to Simmons and I'm trying to get into their summer program." Tom's face fell at the reminder. For the first time since we started school, we would no longer be together. A full scholarship to Simmons College in Boston was my escape and he was going to M.I.T.

"I'm going to miss you too Tom, but you know you can't turn a school like that down, especially when your parents are giving you a free ride," I consoled him.

"It's going to be so different without you," Tom said. "You've always been there to stick up for me and keep me sane." I gave him a soft smile and messed with his hair, which earned me the typical squawk of outrage.

"And I always will be, my friend, at least we'll be in the same city right?" He nodded and looked a bit more chipper.

And far away from here, I added silently to myself, looking out at the dark streets as we drove past cheerfully lit homes. I was looking forward to Boston, a real city where no one knew me or my family. A fresh start?and I admit, the number of women I suspected were like me when I visited the campus, was something else to look forward to.

"Right" he said.

********************************************************

Finding a spot in the parking lot of The Zone, as the place was called, proved a bit tedious. The club was only open to kids 16 to 19 on Friday nights after 7 o'clock, supposedly to give older teenagers a place to be and have fun that didn't involve alcohol or other dangerous activities.

Judging by the crowded parking lot, it appeared we weren't the only teenagers out on a Friday night with nothing better to do than hang out and blow some money. Imagine that. Dotted along the sides of the building were huddled groups of people trying to look like they weren't freezing as they smoked and passed drinks around. By the shifty looks we received driving past, something told me these guys weren't sharing a soda.

Parking the car, Tom spent a few moments making sure his hair looked perfect. I, on the other hand, reached into the backseat and grabbed my black fitted cap I kept in his car. It fit me perfectly, embroidered with the word Outkast in raised silver thread. I rolled the brim of the cap with my hands to make sure it was curved how I liked it and snugged it down over my head.

"Ready?" I asked.

Silence greeted me and I turned my head to look at what Tom could possibly be fussing with now. He was staring at me with his mouth hanging open and gesturing at my hat.

"Girl, you look like a boy with that hat on." Tom gave me an exaggerated once over with his eyes and leered at me "A cuuuuute boy too!" "Oh shut up, you pervert." I glared at him and flipped down the visor to look at myself in the mirror. He was right. It was the first time since I got my hair cut off that I wore a hat and the effect was startling. I brought my hand up and rubbed at the back of my head where my hair was closely shaved. I did look like a boy and the sweatshirt I wore hid my more feminine curves. The cute was debatable, however.

"Well, maybe I'll get lucky tonight," I joked, batting my lashes at him. "God knows it's my turn for once." The cold air was biting and a sudden gust stole the breath from me as soon as we got out of the car. I jogged ahead to get into the promised warmth of the building, slowing down once I neared the entrance. The ice under my feet thought differently however, making me propel forward at an increasing speed. My arms spread out from my body, as I tried to keep my balance. I was headed straight into a group of people who were exiting the building.

I was saved from a performance reminiscent of the morning's icy tumble by a pair of arms attached to a very feminine body. "Careful there, big guy" she laughed, helping to steady me before releasing her grip. I was about to thank her when I made the mistake of looking at my savior.

Light blonde hair wisped about her delicate face, ruffled by the same breeze I was cursing a moment ago. I was rather thankful for it now, as her cheeks were turning a beautiful shade of pink from the cold. Full lips curved in a smile as this angel looked at me. A trail of light freckles splashed across her pert, upturned nose, to spill onto her cheeks, but her eyes were what made my heart drop into my boots. Twinkling blue green eyes looked back at me without a hint of recognition and just a touch of concern.

Teri reached up absently to tuck the hair blowing across her face behind her adorable little ear. "Are you alright?" she asked. I nodded and shoved my hands into my pockets to stop them from reaching out to touch her.

The hair was different, obviously in color, but quite a bit longer as well, reaching down past the collar of her blue jacket to brush across her shoulders.

To my horror, I found my stutter come rearing back as I tried to thank her. A sharp thump to my back announced Tom's arrival to the scene. "BB, are you about done falling at this poor girl's feet?" No truer words were ever spoken.

I looked down at the ground and scuffed the toe of my boot into the ice at my feet, trying to wiggle loose a pebble. He was smiling down at both of us and looked at Teri with a wink. "Sorry about him. He doesn't usually swallow his tongue like that."

I felt helpless to respond considering Tom just announced I was an idiot and a man all in the same sentence. Peering up at Teri through my dark lashes, I shrugged my shoulders, managing to say thank you to her without stuttering before bolting for the door.

I couldn't take feeling so self-conscious; all of them looking at me, her friends waiting for her?the stirrings of panic pounding against my brain. Fight or Flight kicked in and you can bet I was flying. Making my way over to the concession area of The Zone, I ordered a 7-Up and concentrated on my breathing back under control before I had a full-blown panic attack.

Why did it have to be her? Why did I have to make such a damned fool out of myself by practically running her over? And what the hell had Tom been thinking? A man? The panic was beginning to over-ride all rational thought as I made my way in a daze over to a booth against the wall and slumped down into it.

That's where Tom found me, cradling my head in my hands in an effort to hide from the world and from myself. "Are you okay BB? You didn't hurt yourself sliding did you?" I could hear the concern in his voice and looked up at him wearily.

"Tom, you are the world's biggest idiot sometimes?do you realize who that was out there? No? That was Teri, you shit?THE Teri?and you are sooo fucked if I ever get my hands on you!"

The whole time I was talking Tom's eyes were widening. It would have looked comical except I didn't feel like laughing. I knew my voice was getting louder with each word but I couldn't lower it.

Instead of the apology I expected, however, Tom grinned at me and leaned forward.

"I think if you ever get your hands on me, you're just going to hug me because Teri seemed awfully interested in you." He sat back with a smug look on his face that made me want to slap him silly.

Seriously?I'm not a violent woman but that look?well let's just say he could have made Mother Theresa lose her sainthood.

"She's interested in a boy, you moron!" I hissed. I spread my hands wide in a motion encompassing my whole body. "And what am I? That's right?I'm a woman?not a man." I spelled it out in case his dense skull wasn't getting the real issue at hand.

The boy smirked at me, literally smirked right into my face when I was in a high temper.

"Well" he said slowly "you're a girl who right now looks like a boy and you're also the one she ditched her friends to be with." He pointed to the other side of the room and sure enough, there stood Teri at the rental counter getting a pair of roller blades.

My eyes widened as I looked from him to her and I felt my throat close up. "C'mon, BB?I heard her say she was going to stick around for awhile right after you barged away like that. She was all distracted and kept looking towards the door like she wanted to go after you." Tom was looking earnestly at me and I knew he meant what he said.

"Look, it's one night, she doesn't know you and you don't know her. Shit, you never even have to see her again. You can pretend for one night and get a chance to hang out with her a bit?she's all you've talked about for months!" I shook my head, refusing to answer until taking a sip of my soda to clear the blockade in my throat.

"Tommy boy, you've lost your ever loving mind," I finally croaked out. A snort of disgust came from my friend and he folded his arms across his chest. He hated being called Tommy.

"I dare you BB, go out there and have a good time with her, no one will ever know. You really do look like a cute boy." Tom was wheedling now and he thought I could be hooked with the dare.

Now it's a well-known fact in school that I can't refuse a dare. Some recessive caveman pride factor kicks in and I find myself unable to say no, even when I know I should. This time, however, I wasn't falling for it. I wasn't about to play some girl for a fool just so I didn't welch on a bet. I shook my head no and saw a stubborn light come into Tom's eyes.

"I Double Dog Dare you" he said with a smirk. Dear god?not the D.D.D. I could feel the recklessness building within me. Stubbornly, I shook my head no?Teri was too special a memory for me to sully in this way. Tom grabbed my soda and took a long sip from it.

Bastard, he knew I wouldn't touch it now. I couldn't stand to share drinks with him ever since I saw him backwash once in second grade.

"I Triple Dog Dare you" Tom said with a triumphant flash in his eye and sat back in the booth. I couldn't help it, I gasped. Tom just committed a heinous breech in protocol.

The dreaded T.D.D. should only be evoked after the Triple Dare bet was made and rejected. It was a bet so potent that the last person I knew who accepted one ended up in the hospital for a week. Two broken legs was the cost of trying to skateboard down a steep road in the middle of winter in the dark. Especially considering the road was filled with potholes and frost heaves.

Triple Dog Dare was a bet no person big or small could walk away from and before I could stop myself, I pushed away from the booth. "You're on asshole." I walked away, shoulders slumped, hating myself for giving in. I almost turned around to tell him to go to hell, riding his dare all the way, when I caught a glimpse of Teri at the counter. She was looking straight at me and smiling her sweet smile that made me weak.

She pointed at me, crooked her finger, and beckoned me to her.

Oh, fuck.

***********************************************

Well of course I went. I mean come off it?wouldn't you?

All I had to do was cross from Point A to Point B to get to the most magnificent woman in existence. I don't know how those points got so far apart because it took me an eternity to shuffle over to her. The whole time she watched me. She leaned casually against the counter, her eyes traveling over my body starting with my boots and ending by gazing steadily into my eyes.

Blush was not a word that held any meaning to me anymore. I was an inferno by the time I stood by her side. My hands were jammed into the pockets of my jeans and I couldn't breathe properly to even speak to her.

Teri looked stunning. Her jacket draped over the counter and for the first time I noticed what she was wearing. Form fitting low-slung blue jeans snugged her hips and a forest green wrap around shirt clung to her upper body. The blouse flowed loosely about her waist, made of some soft looking material I desperately wanted to touch.

"So, what does BB stand for? Bad Boy?" Teri asked looking up at me. She was a good two inches shorter than I, with a slender delicate build. I nodded in confirmation, too afraid of what I might say if given a chance.

"I'm Teri." She held out her hand for me to take but I kept my hands clenched in my pockets. For the first time, I saw her falter, looking a little shy at my lack of response.

"Look BB, I'm obviously making you uncomfortable. You didn't have to come over here if you really didn't want to. It's just that your friend Tom said you weren't seeing anyone when I asked and that you might be?" Teri trailed off as if realizing what she was saying and the light blush spreading over her fascinated me.

It began by creeping up from below the V-neck of her blouse and shot up upwards, covering the gentle swell of her chest before rising to her neck and into her fair cheeks. I realized I was staring and that she was becoming even more flustered at my persistent silence. Her words sank into my dazed brain and a burst of joy flitted through me.

"You asked Tom if I was seeing anyone?" I said coyly. A grin that threatened to show her exactly how happy that made me was breaking free. I didn't even fight it. Teri blushed deeper, dipping her head down as she fingered the straps on her roller blades.

Blonde hair fell forward to hide her face. I brought two fingers under her chin to tip it back up. I ducked down and peeked into her eyes feeling rather cocky that this woman, this dream, asked about me.

"I'm not, you know" I said quietly, "Seeing anyone that is." The smile that curved her lips made my breathing hitch. She really was striking, a mixture of woman and girl, sensual and shy all at the same time. A subtle shifting of power was taking place as I felt her lean into my touch. Up until then she held it all but, as I looked into her eyes I felt strong, capable, a fierce protectiveness rising within me.

A war was going on inside of me as I battled with conflicting desires. I was terrified. I couldn't see a way where this whole situation would end well. Either I played along in this charade and was the boy she thought I was, or I told her the truth and watched her walk away in disgust. Maybe I would even get a matching slap for my efforts. I realized I couldn't bear to leave her side yet, didn't want to see the warmth flee those beautiful eyes when she looked at me.

The choice was taken from me when she reached up and took my hand that still rested on her face within her own smaller one. That bewitching feminine smile was curling the corners of her lips once more as she entwined our fingers together. "Well c'mon then?rent a pair and have some fun." Teri turned to the man behind the counter who was trying not to watch us and asked for a pair of men's blades size 7.

At my quizzical look, she smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "I worked selling shoes over summer break; I got quite good at guessing sizes." I paid the man for the rental and reluctantly let go of her hand, missing the feeling of her smaller fingers wrapped around my own. I gathered both pairs of rental blades and followed Teri over to the edge of the skating rink to change footgear.

I looked over my shoulder to where Tom sat. I shrugged sheepishly as he gave me a thumbs up. I was still going to kill him first chance I got but for tonight he got a reprieve, at least until he was trapped in the car with me on the way home. I changed out of my boots and tugged the roller blades on, watching as Teri finished tightening the straps on her own.

A rock song was playing from the speakers when we stepped onto the concrete floor of the rink. I wasn't a very good skater but I managed to hold my own. Teri took off as soon as her wheels touched the hard surface. She was good?very good. Her lithe body flowed with the music and soon she was circling me. I wobbled a bit but managed to keep my footing when she reached out and took my hand in her own once more.

Her eyes were sparking as she whispered in my ear "Let's dance."

I gulped. Dance? I was barely staying upright. I shook my head no, I didn't want to end up flat on my ass.

"I'll help?I promise I won't let you fall." My ear began to burn as she whispered, the warmth of her breath caressing my face. My heart stuttered when her soft lips brushed against the curve of my ear before she moved away.

Teri skated around me, looking me right in the eye as she passed in front of me, her hand trailing along my waist. She floated before me, captured in time laughing, the corners of her eyes crinkled with the force of her grin. Her eyes were full of laughter, making it impossible to look away.

Two small hands clasped my hips as she came up behind me. The heat of her touch scorched through my jeans as she pulled her body firmly up behind my own. The whole length of her pressed against me, the firmness of her breasts pushing against the muscles in my back. Teri guided me forward, her hips rocking against my bottom as she skated with me.

Did I mention anything about having power? I gasped as her grip tightened on me, her strong fingers flexing as she adjusted her hold. Weakness spread throughout my body. If it weren't for her holding me against her body, I knew I would be slumped onto the concrete.

When did it get so damned hot? I wanted to tear the bulky sweatshirt from my body to feel her that much closer to me. I was rapidly overheating, my breaths coming in erratic aching pulls. Teri's cheek pressed against the back of my neck and I felt more than heard her whisper, "Just relax?move with me."

I briefly wondered if card-carrying butches swooned.

I leaned back against her as I instinctually followed her commands. Teri worked her fingers under my belt, and held me to her as we moved together around the rink.

This was heaven. Right here in this woman's arms.

I never wanted the song to end. I didn't have a clue what was playing but I knew it was my new favorite song. Teri was the only thing I could concentrate on as she steered us around the other skaters. She filled my senses. Each spot where her body pressed against me became the focus of my world.

"Faster" she urged. Her hips bucked against me as she increased our speed with strong sure outward pushes of her skates. My entire body throbbed with my pulse, the muscles in my stomach clenching as I followed her lead. Her breathy chuckle stirred the short hairs on my neck as she felt me respond.

I was going to lose it, right in the middle of my peers, with this goddess pressed against me. I couldn't help it, a groan was ripped from my throat as my center began to pound. A fine sheen of sweat rose all along my body, I was panting, and ever so grateful I was, in fact, not a boy. If I were, the world could have seen the effect she was having on me.

Teri's cheek rubbed against the back of my neck lazily before she turned her face slightly. Her lips pressed against my flushed skin in a soft kiss as she eased her body away from mine. I dimly heard the announcer interrupt the music to say something about a limbo contest as Teri tugged me towards the exit of the rink.

"C'mon big boy, let's get you a drink" Teri looked incredible, her hair mussed and with a bemused smile playing about her lips.

Walk? She expected me to walk?

**************************************************

To say I felt reservations about leaving Teri alone with Tommy at our table is a gross understatement. I wanted get outside and into the cold air so I could cool off my overheated body. I felt shaky all over and my hands wouldn't stop trembling. Electric tingles shot through me at the memory of her touching me. I purchased Teri a soda; I didn't even know what kind, along with one for myself and left her at the table with a grinning Tom.

Stammering my excuses, I fled towards the entrance of The Zone at top speed. I leaned against the cold brick of the building and tried to gather myself. I took my cap off and ran my fingers through my hair before jamming it back onto my head, blowing out a breath that froze in the winter air.

What the hell was I doing? Teri was going to hate me if she ever found out, and it was obvious to me that she would.

Closing my eyes, I allowed my mind to turn over my options. Who was I kidding? There were no options. I was hooked and I knew it. There was no way I could walk away from her now, not after she touched me like that. Fuck, she even kissed my neck.

I was damned, a low life coward who took advantage of innocent girls by leading them on. But dear god, did I want to hold her in my arms, to feel those butterfly kisses against my skin.

I sighed. I knew what to do if I ever wanted to look myself in the eye again. I needed to tell Teri the truth before it went any further. Even if I somehow made it through the night without her finding out my true gender, wouldn't she be hurt if I just walked away? I couldn't very well flirt with her, dance that closely, and then make no other plans together. I mean really, even a guy wouldn't do that right?

By the time I walked back into the building my mind was made up. I was going to tell Teri even though I knew it would make her hate me. I would still have that perfect memory of her and no one could take away from me, not even her.

I walked to the table dragging in my boots. Teri and Tom were chatting animatedly like old friends, and I was loath to be the one to make those eyes turn cold. Teri looked up at me and beamed a smile, scooting over in the bench so I could sit next to her.

"Tom was just telling me all about the trouble you two get into," Teri said while reaching for my hand as it lay on the table. I curled my fingers into a fist before she could touch me and caught a quick flash of hurt enter her eyes.

I glared at Tom across the table for getting me into this mess and turned to Teri. "We have to talk." Dread crept up in side of me and made me ill.

Tom quickly made his exit. Smart boy, it didn't happen often but sometimes he truly surprised me.

Teri was watching me and didn't seem to notice Tom scrambling away from the table. Her hand completed its move to take my own, and she hesitantly stroked her fingers along the tense knuckles of my clenched fist.

I couldn't even look at her, didn't want to see the look in her eyes when I told her what I came to say. My whole body was slumped in defeat and I gazed fixedly at the table in front of me. Teri's hand left my own and cupped my cheek, lifting my head up until I met her eyes.

"Don't hide from me baby. What's wrong?" she asked softly.

To my complete horror, I felt tears stinging my eyes. She looked so trusting, so open and I lied to her.

Baby?she called me baby. The endearment seared me with shame.

An ache was developing in my throat and I swallowed convulsively a few times in an effort to speak. My mouth opened, closed, and then opened again as I tried to get the words to come out?I was lost.

Teri reached up and took the brim of my hat, tugging it off of my head before I could stop her. She tossed the cap onto the table and returned to run her fingers through my short hair. I was unable to breathe, waiting for the realization to creep into her eyes as she touched me.

"When did you get this cut?" Teri asked, and looked at me, straight in the eyes?looked through me and into my soul, and in her gaze I found a steady acceptance.

A wrenching sob burst free from my tortured throat, the solid wall of dread formed around my heart melting with her tender touch, with her words. I was frantic, wanting to flee and not let her see the tears that threatened.

Teri knew.

The shock of it was even more than if she had hauled off and slapped me.

Her hand stroked down the side of my face and her arms were suddenly around me, pulling me close to her body. I surrendered to her warmth and found myself with my face nestled against her neck, a blonde curtain hiding me from the rest of the world. Teri held me to her, whispering soft words of acceptance and comfort I didn't even know existed.

A soft kiss was placed on the side of my head as I sniffed once more and tried to calm myself. My arms tentatively wrapped around her and returned the embrace as I nuzzled in deeper. I could feel the pulse point in her neck fluttering against my lips, her clean sweet scent surrounding me. I kissed her skin lightly, making her pulse jump and beat faster so it pounded.

"You knew," I murmured from my haven, not in question but as an affirmation. I felt her nod and then sigh.

"Baby, I knew as soon as I looked down at your boots scuffing at that pebble in the parking lot. I was right you know?they do look perfect on you." Teri's hand stroked my lower back in soothing circles as she continued. "What I didn't understand was what game Tom was playing at by calling you a guy."

"He was being an asshole," I mumbled, pausing to breathe her in deeply before leaning back to look into her face. I went to scrub the tears from eyes with the sleeves of my sweatshirt but Teri reached out and stopped me, her fingers stroking the tell tale signs from my cheeks.

"I didn't know what to do and then he Triple Dog Dared me to go talk to you and" I was babbling as I went on to explain the intricacies of the daring system and made myself stop talking.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to lie to you like that." I apologized and then assured her "and I'm still going to kill him?" Teri laughed, which caused my stomach to flip in a delightful way.

"Oh, I don't know. I think I owe Tom a lot for that dare, even if I did think he was your boyfriend at the store." I blinked in amazement as Teri looked at me shyly.

Sitting up I nervously grabbed my soda. I took a sip as I looked over at her and debated my next words. "I thought you were maybe, you know, interested in him that day." I said while shifting in my seat.

Teri looked stunned. "I was jealous," she admitted, looking down at her hands twisting in her lap.

"I'd been flirting with you, outrageously I might add, and I thought you were responding and?you were so adorable. Then he showed up. Standing there in line with you, touching you ?" Teri's voice trailed off and she shrugged one shoulder before looking back up at me.

I was beaming. Brilliantly beaming. She thought I was adorable. She'd been jealous.

Alright, alright, perhaps Tom could live after all.

****************************************************

I was happy. Climb a mountain, top of the world, happy.

It felt so right sitting there with Teri. She sat sideways in the booth so her back was against the wall and looked at me silently for a few minutes. I was fiddling absently with my drink as I tried to sort out the jumble of emotions in my mind. So much had changed within a span of a few hours.

Teri reached over and tugged at the sleeve of my sweatshirt. "Why don't you take this off, I know it's too hot in here for you to be wearing that."

It was definitely too warm for comfort and since I no longer needed to worry about hiding my upper body, I gratefully shrugged it over my head. Teri took it from me, tucked it behind her back as a cushion, and settled comfortably into it with her legs curled up onto the bench.

Left in my thermal with the t-shirt over it, I shoved my sleeves up my forearms, enjoying the much cooler air. As I settled in, Teri caught sight of the writing on my shirt and began laughing. I don't think I could ever get tired of that sound; it was the bubbling of a contented summer brook, all soft and rolling.

"I can't stand clowns either, too creepy" she said as she traced her fingers along the words repeating themselves into smaller print. She only touched the lines written across my stomach and the muscles tensed beneath her gentle touch. I was grinning at her, very pleased I had worn such a goofy shirt. Hell, any excuse for her to touch me was alright with me.

Did I mention she was perfect yet?

I jumped when Teri ran her fingers over a particularly sensitive spot on my ribs and quickly trapped her hand beneath my own. "Oh ho, ticklish are we?" Teri asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes. I tried to deny it, but I don't think she believed me, the giggle that came when she tested her theory giving me away. That is?if butches giggle?which I can assure you we do not. No, I'm sure it was more of a chuckle.

I was squirming by the time I managed to get her hand away from me and gave her a mock glare. "Behave or I'll have to find your ticklish spot." Somehow, I don't think it was much of a threat to her since all she did was arch one beautifully defined eyebrow. I, on the other hand, was tortured by visions of pinning her down, straddling her hips, feeling her wiggling beneath me as my hands?

"I thought getting you to take off your sweatshirt would cool you down. You're not going to go running out side again are you?" Wicked, wicked woman. I couldn't believe how much I could blush in one evening and judging by the heat I could feel radiating off me, I was suffering through yet another bout of going painfully bright red.

"So tell me, what does BB stand for anyway?" Teri asked, clearly taking pity on me. Her mercy didn't extend too far however, considering she reached up and stroked my burning ear with a fingertip. The smirk on her face was eerily similar to Tom's, but on her it was rather endearing.

I studied my soda before answering as I tried to figure out if I wanted to tell her the truth. "Baby Butch" I muttered. I couldn't help it?it really was a rather embarrassing nickname to explain. I sneaked a glance at her to find that shy look flit across her features as well as an emotion I couldn't quite place.

"It suits you, especially now with your hair cut" Teri said and drew in a breath before going on in a suddenly neutral tone "Who gave you the name?"

"Tom did, when I was 13." I answered and caught an unmistakable look of relief on her face that was gone as quickly as it appeared. Teri tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear and ducked her head. A light flush worked its way across her features before they became hidden from me.

Now I know I'm not exactly what one would call well versed in matters of the heart, but I knew enough to know something was going on with Teri. But for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what was wrong. One minute she was teasing me and the next she was staring at the table like she couldn't look at me.

I wanted to break the sudden tension between us, so I did the only thing I could think of. I asked.

Shocking I know, but I already did my fair share of guessing when it came to trying to figure out this girl.

"Hey, what is it?" I leaned close to her and touched her leg to get her attention.

Teri looked up at me with her stormy eyes and in a flash, I knew. It must have been one of those epiphany things. She was jealous. I wasn't sure why or how, but I was at least beginning to recognize the signs.

"I?" that delicate throat worked for a few heartbeats as she tried to get the words out.

"I thought some girl gave you the nickname," she said quietly.

Cue the light bulb suddenly illuminating the room, please.

I chuckled, which was not exactly the best reaction to a girl admitting she was feeling jealous.

Teri's head snapped up and I knew I was in trouble by the set of her jaw. Didn't she know I'd never been involved with anyone before? Of course, I certainly didn't recall mentioning it to her, but I needed to even if it was embarrassing to me. It was rather difficult to admit to being almost 18 and never having a date before.

I stroked the soft material of her jeans with my thumb and gave a gentle squeeze.

"Teri?there hasn't ever been any other girl, or boy for that matter."

I gulped, waiting for a laugh or for her to good-naturedly tease me a bit over being such a wallflower. I couldn't help that I knew I was gay at an early age, it definitely limited my dating opportunities.

What I didn't expect was to find my arms full of one very happy girl.

Teri wrapped herself around me so quickly and forcefully that she was practically sitting in my lap. She buried her face in my neck and I could feel the force of her smile against my skin.

I also heard the wistful "Mine?" whispered into my neck.

Most definitely.

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head while tightening my arms around her, whispering back just as softly.

"Yours."

**************************************************

I felt like I always knew Teri, as if she was lurking just around the corner beckoning to me for years.

We clicked in a way I never experienced before. And even I knew there were very few people who ever got to experience that feeling of safety and comfort. My very soul felt at ease and judging by the relaxed easy smile that graced Teri's lips, I'd say she felt the same.

There were moments of awkwardness between us, my body on constant alert from just sitting next to her talking. I was hyper-aware of any touch, her fingers stroking the muscles in my forearm as I gestured, the way that her thigh pressed warmly against the length of mine. I think I could have counted each breath she took, my attention was that focused.

But aside from my physical reactions to this woman, there was something else waiting under the surface. Perhaps it was the easy way about her, the frequent smiles and open trusting eyes. Or maybe it was how she leaned into my tentative touches, as if she was trying to prolong the contact whenever I stroked her shoulder or ran my fingers through her soft hair.

Whatever the reason, I felt Teri wanted me right where I was. That there was no place else she would rather be. It was a heady feeling of acceptance and joy that left me stunned and wanting more.

Tom wandered past at one point with a starry-eyed young man trailing behind him. I had wondered only briefly, what happened after he made his escape. I guess he must have felt it was safe to come out of hiding since it was clear Teri wasn't going to run from the building. He winked at me and waggled his eyebrows at Teri as he passed our table.

"Incorrigible brat, isn't he?" Teri said in what was more statement than question.

I agreed whole-heartedly. But I loved him for it. Judging by the warmth in Teri's eyes as she watched him move away, I'd say she was rather fond of that charming brat quality herself.

The grin slipped from my face as I remembered that day in the store when Teri's attention shifted to Tom. My hopes had been squashed so quickly that I still felt the sting, even though she was now sitting by my side.

Teri must have seen something in my eyes when I glanced at her in an attempt to reassure myself she was indeed there. She took my hand within her own smaller ones, giving my fingers a gentle squeeze.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked as she turned my hand over to run a finger across the lines of my palm. Her eyes followed the path of her fingertip instead of looking at me, and I could sense the nervousness that hovered behind the question. I felt awkward and shrugged my shoulders with what I hoped was a nonchalant expression on my face.

"I was just thinking about when I first met you at the store." I said after catching her fingers with my own. Who knew palms could be ticklish?

"Were you really flirting with me?" I asked and the corners of her mouth curled up in a bemused sort of way.

Teri peeked at me through her lashes and I felt rather silly for even questioning it. Her eyes held that same look as when she was lacing my boots, and I felt an ache within my chest. My ears began to burn at the warmth and desire directed at me with that single glance.

"You really couldn't tell?" Teri asked. Her voice was low, with a throaty quality that made my vision tunnel until only she was visible. A fluttering grew inside, starting in my stomach and radiating outwards all the way through me. I heard that particular tone once before when she pressed against me skating, telling me to go faster. My eyes slid shut at the memory and the flutter became a throb.

"I was right in the middle of helping a customer when you came walking through the door." Teri said.

"When I saw you, my god, I can't even begin to describe it. All I know is I left that guy standing there in mid-sentence." She was looking at me with an expression that made the ache inside me double.

Teri laughed a little self-consciously and shifted in her seat before continuing. "Next thing I know, I'm trailing along behind you like a lost puppy. I don't even remember what we were talking about." I was grinning, feeling more than a little inflated. I couldn't help it, she was describing being just as flustered as I had been.

Gentle hands shoved at my shoulder when she saw my reaction to her words. I wanted to kiss her, right there in the middle of the sweetest speech I ever heard.

"Jeez, BB, how could you not have known I was flirting! I practically straddled your boot." Teri's words wiped my cocky grin right off my face.

A visible shiver raced through me, my skin prickling at the memory. The image of her thighs tightening around my boot flashed before me, leaving me disoriented. A deep rumbling growl escaped me as my vision cleared only to find myself inches away from Teri's face. I had moved without any conscious decision, and now sat poised on the brink of kissing her.

Teri blinked, her eyes flitting from my own down to my lips and then back up to gaze steadily in my eyes. I was riveted. My eyes roamed her face, down the softness of her cheek to stop on her lips. They looked so soft, slightly parted as if in invitation. The small indentation on her upper lip beckoned me to taste, to feel. I wanted to sip from her lips and feel her respond.

Ever so slowly, I closed the gap between us until I could feel her breath caress my lips. I looked into her eyes before they slid closed in anticipation and saw the same hopeful yearning within them that I felt. The tip of my tongue slipped out to moisten my dry lips and I moved even closer until I could almost feel the slightest brush of her mouth against mine. I was going to do it, really do it. I was going to?

"Oh for fucks sake, would you hurry up and kiss her already?" Tom said and both of our heads whipped back from each other. He was standing at our table looking down at us with exasperation written all over his face.

"God damn it, Tom!" Teri and I both said at the same time. He actually looked surprised at our raised voices. I couldn't help it, I started laughing and Teri joined me. The expectant tension of the near kiss vanished and we near giddy in its wake.

Tom huffed as he walked away, but not before he got the last word in?as usual. "Girls, you make one lousy peep show."

It was too bad he wasn't going to survive me getting him alone in the car

********************************************

Teri nudged me with her shoulder after Tom made his exit. She smiled in that secretive way that made my heart stutter.

"Do you want to go play some games?" She asked. Hell, yes I did. I could think of several that I would love to play with her. I nodded adamantly and she narrowed her eyes at me as she pursed her lips. "Not those types of games, I meant in the arcade." Shit, was I that obvious?

I pretended to think for a moment before nodding with a lot less enthusiasm. Teri grinned at me as I stood and took her hand, drawing her up beside me. A mindless game sounded good to me after the wide range of emotions I had experienced.

The flashing lights of the pinball machine called to me when we entered the gaming area. I sidled up to a machine to begin playing. I put my quarters in as Teri brushed past me. She leaned against the machine and I pulled the plunger to let loose the first ball. I was immediately distracted by her presence, how could I not be? It came down to a choice between hitting a stupid metal ball with flippers or looking at my girl.

My girl. The thought shot a thrill through me and the ball went down the gutter.

I glanced up a little sheepishly; Teri was looking at me with an eyebrow cocked and a knowing look in her eye.

"C'mon, big boy, you can do better than that" she taunted. I love a challenge and now I was determined to impress her.

Now if you've ever seen anyone play pinball, and I mean really play, you know it's quite the physical game. I worked the machine over until I got a multi-ball, and that's when the fun began. Buttons were being slammed, my hips pressing against the game so I could rock it.

After a particularly impressive save of my last ball, I flicked my eyes up to see if Teri had seen it. Her eyes were fixed firmly on something, but she wasn't watching my game.

Her gaze traveled across the straining fabric covering my shoulders, down my flexing arms. She lingered on the swell of my breasts before moving down to where my hips pressed against the pinball machine.

She swallowed and then jumped as the game made a loud jeering noise when the final metal missile was lost. I stood frozen in front of her, my mind wiped clean from the utterly carnal look that crossed her face. I couldn't move, my fingers hovering over the buttons on the side of the game.

That adorable blush was rising to her cheeks again when she realized I had been watching her.

I suddenly felt the craziest impulse, and heard myself asking the one thing I swore I would never voluntarily do.

"Come dance with me." I held my hand out to her and that spark flowed between us as she entwined her fingers with mine. I leaned in close, whispering into her delicate little ear "You're absolutely stunning when you blush."

Teri ducked her face away from me, but I could see she was flustered by my words. I watched in awe as she tucked her full bottom lip between her teeth and nibbled it in a shyly embarrassed way. I squeezed her hand as we made our way across the club to the dance floor.

I felt the overwhelming urge to hold Teri within my arms. I needed to feel that closeness to her as we moved together. The DJ was conspiring against me, however, and was only playing songs with a hard driving beat. It was impossible to dance closely without looking completely out of place.

We danced together for a few of the faster songs, well she danced and I tried to keep up. Teri smiled and moved around me in an easy sensual way, somehow managing to avoid my hands whenever I reached to draw her closer. She distracted me and I couldn't find the beat of the music. I was more than a bit off kilter.

No one on the floor seemed to be noticing we were two women dancing together, and I desperately wanted to hold her during a slow song. The only person I ever danced with was Tom and that was always rather awkward. I mean c'mon?have you ever tried to dance with a 6'1" queen who refused to lead?

Somehow, I knew having her in my arms was going to be one of the most important moments in my life. The evening was growing late and I was running out of time. I was impatient waiting for the DJ to change the pace, even though I was enjoying watching Teri move her body with the music.

I spotted Tom at the side of the dance floor flashing something silver at me and gesturing for me to come over. I leaned close to Teri so she could hear me over noise and asked her to wait for me. She nodded and I reluctantly left her side to go to Tom. I couldn't help but grin at the CD he held in his hand.

"Go ask them to play something for fuck sake." Tom said with his typical manners. "You're starting to look beyond pathetic out there." I looked at the CD and realized he must have grabbed it from his car. Annie Lennox's Bare record?perfect. I knew just the song. I dodged my way over to the DJ and after pleading with him and putting up with his skeptical looks, got him to play my selection.

The opening instrumental strains of "Wonderful" began to play as I approached Teri. I held out my arms to her, sighing when we came into contact. We moved together to the slow beginning of the song, finding our own rhythm. Annie Lennox was crooning about wondering and wanting an unsure love as Teri nestled against me.

I moved my hands down so they were resting on Teri's hips, and I could feel the gentle swell moving beneath my finger tips as we rocked together. My heart was trying to relocate as the words of the song told of how I was feeling. I held my breath, emotions overwhelming me, and Teri rested her head on my shoulder.

"Breathe baby?I love this song" was whispered into my neck.

Swallowing hard, I gripped her hips firmer when the tempo of the song changed to the driving beat of the chorus. Teri's hands roamed up my arms to drape around my neck, her palm stroking over the short soft bristles. My right hand left her hip and slid behind her so that my palm pressed firmly against the small of her back.

Teri leaned back in the anchor of my arms and looked me deeply in the eyes, her hips pressing forward into mine. I lost myself to the music, to the words pouring from my heart, to this beautiful woman I held within my arms. I never wanted to let her go.

The song was nearing the crescendo and I shifted to the side, stepping towards her so one foot rested between her own. My thigh fit tightly between hers and she moved forward with the gentle pressure of my hand on her back. Teri's eyes widened at the change in position, our bodies pressed closer together. Her arms tightened around my neck, her hand cupping the back of my head. I could feel her breath coming in short quick pants against my lips.

My hand was no longer content to stay still, and I gave her a crooked smile when it began to wander. I stroked the valley between the muscles on her back, dipping lower to run my shaking fingers along the edge of her blouse. I groaned out loud, enjoying her muscles flexing against my touch. A sudden movement of her body and her shirt billowed upwards, allowing my touch to settle on bare skin.

She was softer than I could have ever imagined and the heat of her skin surprised me. I loved stroking her back before, but this?this...was so much better. A rumbling moan came from her parted lips when I traced random designs upon her. Her fingers glided through my hair, to the longer length on top. I growled as her grip tightened to give a little pull when she reached her goal.

Teri's eyes were darkening while I gazed into them and I was falling into their depths. I felt that tug all the way down to my center, which was slowly grinding on Teri's thigh as she moved against my own. Our bodies blended in a way I never dreamed of, and I knew we were rapidly reaching the point of no return. I could see the pulse pounding in that graceful throat, begging me to taste it, to feel its thrumming against my lips.

The song ended when I was tipping my head forward to press my lips against hers. A frustrated groan came from Teri as she recovered first, stepping back from me to run trembling fingers through her golden hair. I could see a few strands were stuck to the moisture on her neck, and I had a sudden image of using my lips and tongue to lap along the length of her delicate collarbones.

"Naughty" Teri said, smiling slightly at me while trying to look stern and remove my wandering hand at the same time.

She hooked her fingers into my belt buckle, leading me off the dance floor by pulling me along. Her twinkling eyes peeked back at me over her shoulder as she repeated herself?

"Very naughty indeed."

************************************************

I soon found myself at the close of the most perfect evening.

It was getting late. Tom and I still were going to be traveling another hour and a half on the road before we would get home. Teri was going to fare slightly better having to drive only 45 minutes to Boston.

I was trying hard not to pout, but damn?it was hard.

A voice that was decidedly un-butch was whining in my head and throwing a tantrum at the thought of leaving her side. I stood holding her jacket open so she could slip into it. I know I must have looked pathetic when she turned around, but I couldn't help it.

I snugged the ends of her jacket together and gently did the zipper up, snugging it to right below her chin so she wouldn't get cold when we went outside. Teri looked up at me and smiled wistfully as she handed me my sweatshirt.

Somehow, it helped that she didn't look any happier than I felt.

I grabbed my cap off the table and tugged it onto my head with a sigh. I couldn't understand how the night went so quickly, but it was definitely time to go. We were actually some of the only people left, and I knew it was almost time for the club to close.

"Um?I'll just be over at the car," Tom said after we left the warmth of The Zone together. I nodded at him absently, not even bothering to shift my eyes away from Teri for a moment.

Alone, Teri and I walked over to her yellow Volkswagen Bug. Leaning against the driver's side door, she hooked her fingers into the belt loops of my jeans and pulled me close.

"I'm going to miss you during the week," she said with a sigh.

I nodded and brought my arms around her to hold her close to me for a few wonderful moments before replying. We already made plans to meet up the next weekend in Boston, and I couldn't wait for the week to be over. Seven long days stretched before me. "Don't forget to call Tom's cell phone when you get to your dorm okay?" At least I would know she got home safely. For the first time, I thanked Tom's parents for having an electronic leash on him at all times.

Teri grinned impishly as she reached up around me and snagged the cap from my head.

"I think I'll be keeping this, Handsome," she whispered.

My hat wasn't the only thing she would be keeping.

"Don't lose this. It has my cell number and email address." She let go of me only long enough to tuck a folded piece of paper into my front pocket before pulling me closer.

"You're going to call me, right?" Teri asked. .

"As often as I can." I answered and tried to ignore the pounding of my heart.

This was it?the moment I was waiting for.

I leaned closer to her and lifted my hands to cup her cheeks. I was going to kiss her and I wanted her to know it.

My thumb rubbed along the high arch of her cheekbone as my head dipped down to meet her slightly upturned expectant face. I pressed my lips against the corner of her mouth before pulling back after the briefest of touches to repeat the caress at the other corner. I felt it curve up lazily in that smile I knew so well and drew back.

I looked into her eyes and saw them flutter closed before moving in for a longer kiss. I sighed against her, overwhelmed by holding my dreams within my hands. Teri felt as soft and sweet as I thought she would. I wanted to kiss her forever. I felt her move against my mouth and my throat hitched as she parted her lips for me slightly, inviting me in. My tongue flicked out to stroke that beautiful little peak of her upper lip and she moaned against me, pulling me tighter against her body.

The perfect kiss?the perfect girl?the perfect day. I reluctantly broke contact and gulped at the freezing air.

Teri was looking at me in that adorable shy way and nibbling on her bottom lip. She gave me a little shove on my hips and released my belt loops.

"You better go before I decide to take you to college with me, baby." It wasn't much of a threat but it did get me shuffling backwards towards Tom's waiting car.

Teri put my cap on her head and tucked her hair behind her ear, watching as I walked away.

"Hey Teri," I called out just as she was opening her door to slip into her car. "Where do you go to college anyway?" "Simmons!" she called back.

The End?