Bette, Im so attracted to you, Sidney whispered. She ran her hands along Bettes sides, flirting with the smooth skin of Bettes taut stomach as she lifted the bottom of her t-shirt.

Sidney, Ive never done this before. Bette whispered in return.

Dont worry Bette, you seem to be a quick learner, said Sidney, nibbling on Bettes neck and driving the tan-colored beauty insane with her caresses. There was a strawberry scent in Sidneys hair and Bette lost herself in the fragrance. This beautiful woman had confessed her attraction and given Bette her every desire handed to her on a silver platter. Suddenly, Bette started to panic. Oh, no! What am I supposed to do now? Im not ready for this yet. Im not ready. I need a minute to get myself to together. This is going so fast!

Bette pulled away, the fear apparent in her eyes. Sidney, II like you. But this is too fast. Im not

Sidney interrupted again and caressed Bettes face with her hand, rubbing her thumb across Bettes lips. Its okay. We have all the time in the world. How about we head on home and Ill give you a call tomorrow? Is that okay?, she asked.

Bette slowly nodded, grateful for this break in their physical contact. She kissed Sidneys lips again and said, Thank you. Id really like that.

Sidney smiled and took Bettes hand as they headed towards the dorms. As they walked, Sidney told Bette that she had been with just one woman. The woman was both older and married and had shown Sidney quite a few things about pleasing a woman. Bette walked beside her, half-listening, half-processing her own emotions. When they came to their fork in the road, Bette and Sidney kissed once more before parting ways and returning to their respective corners.

Bette strolled leisurely to her room and wasnt surprised to find Tina still up and in bed on the phone. Bette smiled weakly at her roommate and locked the door behind her. Im sure thats Eric, she thought, sitting on her bed and taking off her shoes.

When Bette entered the room, Tina immediately knew something was wrong. Bettes eyes were glossy and her brow was furrowed. The art history majors inner sparkle was dim and Tina was concerned. As quickly as she could, she ended her call to Eric with an I love you that was not lost on Bettes ears.

Bette, whats wrong?, asked Tina. She sat up and looked at roommate, awaiting an answer.

Bette didnt know how to answer. She felt her body tense up and the room became blurry behind the wall of tears standing in her eyes. Whats wrong with me? Why am I freaking out like this? I need to talk to someone about this *****, but I cant talk to Tina. Not about this. She wont understand.  Bette shook her head, agreeing with the debate going on in her mind.

Meanwhile, Tina was growing more and more concerned. She could tell that Bette was struggling not to cry. The protective instinct in the blond kicked in and she found herself moving across the room to comfort Bette.

Bette, look at me. Tell me whats going on., said Tina. As she looked closer at Bette, she noticed red marks on the girls neck. Who gave her that hickey? I hope to God she wasnt assaulted., thought Tina.

Bette looked into Tinas brown eyes, unsure of what to do. She felt the first set of tears snake their way down her cheeks and opened her mouth to speak.

TBC