Well tonight was totally fucked! Taylor blinked her watery eyes, plopped down onto Jennys bed, and let her undress her. Taylor still wore her tux, now bloody and congealed. How am I going to explain this to the rental shop?
I think thats the least of your problems. Jenny peeled her jacket off and folded it neatly in a pile. She moved to unzip Taylors pants, but was stopped.
Ill do that, thanks. Taylor undid her pants and slid them off onto the floor. She wore a pair of sliver – gray silk boxers underneath.
Cute shorts, Jenny flung her dress onto a pile of dirty laundry and pulled on a white tee and a pair of shorts. TaylorI want to ask you something, but I think you might get upset – so Im not sure I should.
Taylor had an idea of what Jenny wanted to know. Jenny –
And its important to me. I think maybe it could have a negative impact on our relationship. I just really need to know.
Okay.
Jenny turned herself over on the bed to face her.
Is there a reason why you dont want me to see you with your clothes off? I cant even touch you below the waist. I want to be close to you, but you keep me at an arms length.
Taylor looked at the ceiling. She let out a long, tired sigh. Jenny, I
***
God, what a night! Tina put on her fuzzy wuzzy slippers.
I know. I still cant believe that club.
Hey, why dont we go out to dinner tomorrow, babe? Itll be much, much better than tonights dinner, I promise.
Tina, I hope you dont feel like you have to make it up to me. This wasnt your fault, you know that.
I know. But wouldnt it be nice, all the same?
Bette sat next to Tina, snuggling under the covers. She had practically moved back in with her, and half her wardrobe was slowly making its way back into her closet.
It sounds lovely, T. But Jenny and I –
She stopped.
Jenny and you, what? Tina eyed her carefully. Whats going on here, Bette?
I cant tell you. ItsIts a surprise. Bette knew it sounded bazaar, but she didnt know how to say anything else without ruining the secret.
A surprise. You and Jenny. Is this some kind of joke, Bette?
Tina, you just have to trust me this time, okay? I told you, Jenny and I are just friends. Its just that weve been planning something for you and I dont want to ruin it. I swear youre going to love it.
Tina looked at Bette, silent and pondering.
Alright, Im trusting you. Just dont let me down.
Bette smiled and reached for the lights.
I wont.
***
How do you feel? Does your nose still hurt?
Taylor felt it gently with her hand. No, its just numb. Listen, Jenny
Dont worry about it. I shouldnt have said anything. You should get some rest, okay? We have to be at Bettes tomorrow early to set up for the party.
K. Hey, I had a really great time, well – minus the hitting and all that. Taylor pulled the covers up over her bare legs. Jenny leaned down to kiss her forehead. Ill be in later. Taylor closed her eyes. Okay.
***
*****, Jenny – who were those guys? Shane cracked a beer and handed one to both Jenny and Carmen. It was just like old times, except Carmen was back with Shane, and Jenny had someone new – apparently.
I dont know, they came from Taylors prom. They were following us. It was so ***** creepy!
Carmen took a sip of her beer. I can imagine.
You guys dont have to stay, I can take care of Taylor. You should go back to Tantric, have a good time.
Shane looked at Jenny. Actually, we kind of wanted to hang here.
Oh. Thats cool. Im gonna go heat up a washcloth for Taylor.
Carmen looked at Shane. I should go, this is awkward.
No, dont go, okay? Jenny understands. Its cool. Well just chill.
Carmen shrugged her shoulders and sat down.
***
Alice.
Alice had fallen asleep only five minutes ago.
Alice, Dana whispered a little louder. Alice finally woke, strong irritation in her voice.
Do you ever sleep?
Dana spoke softly, Im sorry, Al. Theres something I wanted to ask you, and I wont be able to sleep tonight if I dont.
Okay. Whats on your mind?
Dont freak out on me, K? Danas lips pursed together with her thoughts.
I wont freak out Dana. Tell me whats up. Alice had her undivided attention. She propped herself up on two pillows, running her fingers through her blonde bed ridden hair.
Have you ever had weird dreams?
Alice cocked her head to one side, letting her shoulders drop. Arent most dreams pretty weird?
Dana looked into Alices eyes, harder and searching. She wanted to know for sure that asking her this wouldnt send her packing.
Okay, Im just gonna come right out and say it, Dana bounced upright, bracing herself for Alices reaction. As a *****, do you think its normal to Alice put both her hands on Danas thigh, to have dreams about men?
There was nothing but silence. Dana instantly regretted asking the question.
Are you having dreams about men? Alice had a strange look on her face that Dana read as shock, but Alice was actually very intrigued by this revelation. A small grin eased onto Alices face. Maybe youre bisexual.
Dana almost threw up. Oh, God! What if I am? She ran to the bathroom and turned on the cold water, splashing her face vigorously.
Calm down, calm down! *****, Dana, I was only joking! Just because you had a dream about a man doesnt make you bi or straight or anything. Dreams are part of the subconscious, totally random.
Meaning? Dana walked back into the bedroom, her face wet from the water.
Meaning, youre still a healthy, ***** loving *****. If youre really worried about it, why dont you just tell me what happened in the dream, and Ill tell you what I think it might mean.
Dana got herself back under the sheets and looked up at the ceiling, then at the mirrored wall in front of her.
Youll laugh.
Alice held Danas hand. She stroked her hair, kissed her lips and rested her head in the nape of Danas neck. I wont laugh.
Dana closed her eyes. The dreams sequence came back to her in an instant, like a haunting childhood memory.
I was sitting at a bar, and I ordered a drink.
What kind of drink?
Dana looked at Alice with puzzlement. How is that relevant?
I dont know, Alice replied, maybe it has some kind of hidden meaning.
Im not sure, I think it was a glass of wine.
Red or white?
Alice!
Alice gave up her charade, sorry. please continue.
So I ordered my drink, and I thought the bartender was a woman, but when she turned around it was a man. I thought I was in a womans bar, but then when I started to look around, I noticed there were men and women dancing together. At first I thought, oh, its butch and femme, but then a man, I mean a real manhairy chest and deep voice kind of man, he came up to me and asked me to dance.
Alice rested her head in her hand. She was becoming aroused at the thought of her girl friend being attracted to a man. Was that wrong?
He asked me to dance and I said yes. So we walked out to the dance floor and he put his arms around my waist. It felt strange, but I didnt stop him. I cant figure out for the life of me why.
So what happened next? Alices voice quivered with anticipation.
Shane was there.
Shane?
Dana scratched her nose. Yeah. But she wasnt herself.
How so?
Shane was a man.
Dana watched Alices face scrunch up, and she knew she was trying not to laugh.
Dont you dare! Dana pointed her index finger in Alices face. She swallowed.
Not laughing.
She was like, a transsexual or something. It really didnt make any sense. It was like, the male version of Shane.
Shane already has a male version.
You know what I mean.
Okay, Alice wanted to get back to the part where Dana was romancing with the mysterious man, so then
So then, all of a sudden we were here, in your apartment.
My apartment?
Do you want me to finish the story, Al?
Alice shut her trap. Dana continued, we started kissing, and he took my shirt off. Then I was on top of him. II wasFuck.
Alice moved closer to Danas body.
*****, Al. Is this turning you on?
Maybe. Just a little.
Dana rolled her eyes.
Okay, a lot. What? Its hot, Dana!
Thanks, Al.
No, No. Okay, I wont do anything. I wont say another word until you tell me to.
Fine. So there I am, riding this guy, a total and complete stranger, and you walk in with a leather whip in your hand andyou say this really cheesy line.
Alice stayed quiet. Dana hated to say it. You said, whos your daddy.
Alices eyes bugged. She wanted badly to say something , but saw Dana hesitate and kept it to herself. Then you came into the bed and I fucked you with a strap on while he fucked me.
The room fell to utter silence.
And? Alice expected more.
Thats it. Thats where the dream ended.
*****, Dana.
Does it mean Im not *****? Or make me less of a *****? Al, Im really worried here. Ive never had a dream like this before in my entire life. It was more like a nightmare, actually.
It didnt turn you on, not even the slightest bit? Alice ran her fingers along the inside of Danas leg. Dana closed her eyes and felt a moment of warm pleasure.
Al.
I dont think it means anything. If it did, maybe it meant you want to have a threesome or something. Ive known of a few lesbians whove had straight ***** dreams, and they were just as freaked out about it as you are.
Are they still *****?
They both went back to the *****. It was really tragic.
*****! Dana shot out of bed.
Im joking, Dana! Damn, youre so gullible.
***** you, Alice.
I want you to. Right now. ***** me, Dana.
What?
I said, Alice walked over to Dana, grabbed her around her waist and ground her hip in between Danas legs, ***** me.
Dana saw her own reflection in Alices eyes. Seriously, Alice. Dont you think its abnormal to be having dreams about doing it with a man? I mean, gross!
Hey, Alice warned, Im still bi here.
I mean, what if Im not who I thought I was. What if Im confused?
Dana, you need to calm down. Theres nothing wrong with you. You have to believe me. If you want, we can go see a shrink and get a second opinion.
Ill spare myself the humiliation, thanks.
Come here, Dana.
Dana paused, then melted into Alices arms.
Lie down with me.
Alice ran her hand along Danas stomach. Her lips brushed over her belly button, and she pulled back her shirt to expose skin. You are so hot. Dana grabbed Alices *****.
Show me how much you love me.
Alice pulled Danas purple lace panties down to her knees and put her fingers inside.
I love you.
***
Jenny tip – toed into her bed, keeping the light off so as not to disturb Taylors slumber. She stripped down to nothing but her red bikini briefs. The sheets were warm with Taylors body. It felt good to have someone lying next to her again. She closed her eyes, when Taylor suddenly awoke. She drew in a horribly panicked breath and sat straight up, looking around the room frantically. You have to stop it, do you hear me? Make it STOP! Taylors voice rose with her fear.
Stop what? TaylorTaylor! Jenny tried to connect with her.
Jenny? Taylor seemed confused. *****. Youre not going to leave, are you? *****, Jenny. Please dont. Please, please!
Im not going to leave! Jenny was frightened. Im staying here, with you. Im right here.
Taylor wrapped her arms around Jenny. Thank God. She squeezed her so hard Jenny had to wriggle a bit to keep breathing.
Thank God.
***
So dont come by until four, okay?
Bette walked Tina to her apartment door. This whole mysterious secret has me worried. Should I be worried?
Bette held her hand and raised it to her lips. She gave it a gentle kiss. No. No worries. Today is going to be perfect. You just wait and see.
Great. Well, I guess Ill see you at four.
Yes. Actually, why dont I come and pick you up. You shouldnt be driving in your condition.
Id like that, Tina turned the key in the door handle. The door swung open and she set her purse down on a small round table.
Okay. See you later.
Bette let her arms hang at her sides. See you.
Tina shut the door. Bette headed down the staircase, flipping open her cell. Jenny, Hi. Im going to start setting up – I think I need more shrimp, though. Okay. Okay, sounds good. Do you have the caterers number? Great. Alright. Bye.
***
Who was that?
Taylor was wide awake, sipping a cup of hot tea and nursing her bruised nose with a damp cloth Jenny had so thoughtfully brought her.
Bette. She wants me to order more shrimp for the party.
Carmen and Shane had disappeared. Jenny figured they were either in Shanes bedroom, or had decided to go to Carmens. Oddly enough, after many bouts of hidden jealousy, Jenny didnt care. She was so concerned with Taylor that she didnt have time.
Youre coming, right?
Coming? To what? Taylor had forgotten their plans.
To Tinas baby shower. Jenny pulled a bowl down from the cupboard. I need to go over to Bettes to help set up.
*****!
What? Jenny turned, a box of Total under one arm.
I didnt buy her a gift. Im such a *****!
Its okay. I bought Tina something already. You can sign the card.
But that makes me seem cheap.
Taylor rubbed her nose with a piece of ice from the freezer.
I know you dont have a job, Taylor. I dont mind. Besides, you barely even know her. I dont think she expects you to get her a gift.
Okay, I guess.
Hey, I still have a few things to pick up at the store. Why dont you come with me? Taylor chucked the ice cube into the sink. Okay. Ill put on my shoes.
***
Babe? Are you ready to go? We have to get to Bettes by two. Dana rushed into the room, pulling on her sandals and brushing back her hair.
Yes, yes. Just give me one more – Dana pulled her right shoe on, giving it a quick tug, Ugh! Okay. Lets go.
***
The mall was crowded with all sorts of characters. A couple bound by a chain walked past, the woman was pierced from her nose, connecting the chain to her boyfriends wrist. They dawned spike covered leather jackets and torn up black jeans. Dana couldnt help but stare. Alice stifled a gasp.
Oh. My. God.
Dana felt embarrassed by Alices blatant reaction.
Shhh!
What? They want attention, dont they?
What a bunch of freaks, Dana window shopped as they strolled along.
Hey, lets go in here! Alice directed Dana into a rainbow decorated store.
Alice, Dana pulled on her arm, thats a leather shop!
How observant of you. Dana rolled her eyes. Cmon, Alice, were supposed to be shopping for Tinas shower.
Just five minutes; oh give me a break. Itll be fun.
Alice grabbed Dana and pulled her back into the store.
Agh!
***
Okay, okay. The caterers coming at three, the balloons are all blown up, the presents will go on this table here Bette wanted everything to be perfect. She went into the kitchen to pour a glass of wine. Okay, am I forgetting anything? Just then the phone rang. Hello? Oh, hi Jenny. Yeah, I think Ive got everything in order. Did you call the caterer? Good. Alright. Taylor? Okay. Apparently Taylor wanted to speak to Bette.
Bette?
Yes?
Hi, its Taylor, remember me from the club the other night?
Of course, how are you?
Well, Im okay. Long story. But right now Im having a ***** of a time finding Tina a gift.
You dont have to do that, I mean – you barely know each other.
Yeah, but she was so nice to me, and I dont want to show up empty handed.
Okay, wellhmm. She likes animal themes. Like ducks or bunnies or little turtles. In fact, now that I think about it, she was just telling me the other day how much shed love a set of sheets for the babies cribs.
Perfect. Thanks Bette.
Bette turned around to pick up her drink. Sure. Tell Jenny Ill se her soon. Okay. Bye.
They hung up.
Now, what should I serve to drink?
***
I am so embarrassed! Alice had decided to buy something from the leather store.
I can not believe you bought that, Al. Alice waved her rainbow tickler in the air.
Stop it!
Dana, youre so in the closet! Be proud!
Proud to be a perv?
Yeah! Alice put the tickler back in the bag. Youre gonna look so ***** wearing these nipple clips!
Oh, God.
***
How about these? Taylor held up a darling set of turtle and hare print crib sheets for Jenny to see.
Now those are cute. Jenny squeezed a rubber duck. It made a weee sound. She laughed. Do you think the babies would like this?
Taylor tried her hand at squeezing a ducky. Theyd love them. You better get two.
Hey, theres a set of them over there. Oh, look! Theres mother duck with all her little babies. Im gonna get this.
Taylor put the set of ducks along with the turtle and hare sheets into their cart. Okay, I think weve got enough stuff, dont you?
Yeah. I love this! All this stuff is so damn cute. Jenny picked up a stuffed teddy bear. Aww.
Taylor put her hand on Jennys arm. Wed better go before you buy out the whole store.
Jenny set the bear down. Okay, lets go. As they walked by a display of little tambourine monkeys, all twenty or so of them sounded off. Jenny pointed at the circus and sported a huge kiddy – grin.
Cmon, Taylor took her by the arm, Dont make me put you in the cart.
***
By the time two oclock rolled around, everyone had arrived. Bette was both nervous and incredibly excited.
Okay, the plan is
We hide behind the couch, Dana answered her, an arm around Alice.
Taylor and I get the lights, Jenny replied.
Shane looked at Carmen, then to Bette.
And? Bette put up her hands in question.
Oh, right. Carmen and I carry out the cake and yell SURPRISE!
Right. Good. Now all we have to do is wait for Tina to get here.
***