College by Corbin Chapter 8 ********* "An only child alone and wild," -Dan Fogelberg ********** Nikki and I started to spend a lot of time together we would go out and have a few drinks but always came back to the dorms together hand in hand as we felt the bonds of a deep friendship take root, in ways neither of us had ever experienced before. Nikki got an Apartment close to campus and we spent a great deal of time there; talking, studying and just hanging out. On one evening in particular I found myself staring out the window of her car as I sat in the passenger seat, thinking about how far away from home I was, about my small room back at my parent's house how I had spent so many years growing up in that house. Suddenly I looked over and studied Nicole (I call her Nicole sometimes because that is her formal name) for a few minutes, she had such beautiful features, her eyes, neck, cheek bones...'She belongs on a cover girl magazine not getting banged up on some soccer field' I thought. "Let's sit down on the couch before one of us falls down." Nikki pointed as we both stumbled into her apartment, exhausted and a little drunk. I sighed, suddenly feeling serious and maybe a little mushy as I leaned back against the soft cushion, rubbing my tired eyes. "Your a class act." Nikki reached over and touched my left shoulder to punctuate the sincerity of her comment. "Thanks Nic." I slowly tried to focus on Nikki's face, difficult to do given my inebriated state. There wasn't allot more to say, Nikki and I had already shared everything there was to know about each other, she new I was a virgin and to my pleasant surprise she was also, I almost broke out in tears when she told me. I wasn't shocked when she told me, the more I came to know about my beautiful friend the more I understood that she had some very strong conservative values, much like mine, another reason we were so drawn to one another. But the fact of the matter is when you ooze sexuality like Nikki people tend to 'assume' things, and I was one of those people. I think it was her strong Portuguese influences (where she was born and raised for a good portion of her life) which included a naturally tan, strong athletic body, all of the above made for a very exotic, seductive, and sexual cocktail that all men and allot of women wanted to drink from. Nikki had a serious boyfriend all right, she and Rob had dated for over a year now. I wanted to hate him but he turned out to be such a decent, nice guy that I couldn't help but like him, no wonder Nikki fell in love with him. (As for me? Well I was still being way too judgmental about guys in general, or what I wanted in a boyfriend I should say. I was actually getting sick and tired of dating always being thrown in my face, it was damn impossible to go out and just socialize without being asked out, hitting on me, or someone trying to set me up all the freaking time! I became very irritable about the whole damn thing. Just leave me the hell alone! So I just threw myself into studying, sports, and hanging out with Nikki. I passed up allot of offers from many guys, damn gorgeous guys too, all because I was becoming a self-focused, sounds better then self centered I think. Sharon was the worst, nagging me about whom I was dating, when I was dating, or some guy I was talking to.) Nikki gave me this warm, appreciative smile, she blushed a little and tilted her head some her full lips parted to speak but she appeared at a total loss of words. Her dark eyes kept looking away, but her fingernails did the talking along my shoulder, gently squeezing. It was another awkward moment, my heart was pounding and I nervously reached up with my right hand to touch her left hand that still was on my shoulder. Nikki looked up and gave me that wonderful smile of hers, not a full blown toothy smile, but a good smile nonetheless, our fingers intertwined and I felt another dangerous moment approaching. My desires were pushing me toward something that I never thought I would be doing, let alone contemplating having a romantic kiss with another girl. The scary thought for me was wondering if Nikki was thinking the same thing? Another close call, but we both were tired and I stood to get ready for bed, I smiled and closed my eyes as my head rolled to the left and right to work out my stress. I suddenly felt Nikki grab my shoulders from behind and gently pinch, work my muscles, "Oh god Nikki." I moaned as Nikki's strong fingers probed deep into my muscles "Where did you learn to do that?" "You know I'm into physical therapy." She said softly. "They teach massage techniques like that in Physical Therapy?" I smiled sarcastically. "Well something like that, but not everyone has a talent for it." Nikki smiled with self satisfaction and then released her grip, performing a small pat on my back with her left palm before stepping away, "You got great muscle definition." She said in a whisper. "Freaking tease." I whipped my head around my long blonde hair flying over my shoulder as I watched Nikki walk towards the bedroom, my eyes unable to resist watching her walk away. Her snug skirt framed the most beautiful butt I had ever seen, she had that subtle sway in her hips when she walked and again I felt like I wanted to cry. I had seen Nikki undressed and nude in the locker room plenty of times so I already knew how perfect her body was. But here alone, the two of us together, I was constantly finding myself being tested in ways I never dreamed of. Nik also did some modeling on the side, but never talked about it much, most guys and girls thought Nikki's looks and body should not be getting all banged, scratched and bruised in sports. But Nik was truly an athlete; she was tall, strong, and fast! I think faster then any other girl on the team so she could really move the ball down the field. "Maybe if you're a good girl I'll give you a full massage one of these days." Nikki said as she disappeared into her dark bedroom. "Huh? Good! If I'm anymore good I'll have to join a convent." I rolled my eyes and pushed off from the table snapping to attention. Nikki reappeared in her doorway her left arm cradling a nightshirt, in her right hand a pillow and blanket. "Oh thanks." I smiled and walked towards her but Nikki pulled her right arm away when I reached for the pillow. "What?" I paused thinking I had done something wrong. "It's for me, I'll take the sofa, you take I bed." Nikki smiled. "No way, I'll take the sofa Nikki." I insisted. "No, I am taking the sofa." She took a step back. "Come on, really please." I pleaded. "No." Nikki shook her head and held the blanket and pillow out of arms reach. "Fine." I sighed and walked towards the bathroom. The nightshirt was barely long enough to cover my panties, but I wasn't shy around Nik, as I already said we had each seen each other in various stages of undress in the women's locker room and nude in the showers. "Good night." Nikki said, standing in the doorway to the dark bedroom and from my vantage point my eyes noted, quickly though, the outline of Nikki's toned bare legs and how her own night shirt barely covered her privates. "Thanks for letting me stay." and I took a short step forward, Nikki quickly stepped in and reached for me to return her hug. The front of our bodies pressed against one another our breasts free from the confines of our bras pressed against one another. I could also tell the free movement had stimulated our nipples, but nothing as intimate then the briefest of touches that took place between our pubic mounds. A shiver went up my spine as Nikki's crotch felt as if it was actually pressing into mine and shockingly, I had the urge to press back, and I did! It was an exchange that burned into my brain, leaving me confused, hostile, embarrassed but wanting more as we both pulled away. I felt safe as I snuggled under the blanket, drawing my knees up tight to my chest in a ball as I thought about my friend in the other room, school, boys, home and finally sleep. "Huh?" I sat up, it was sometime in the night still, my sleepy eyes looked for and found the glowing green light of the digital display clock, next to the bed; 4:30am. "You okay?" The voice startled me as I looked over to the door, seeing Nikki standing there with a glass of water in her hand. "Sorry, I must have startled you when I got something to drink, go back to bed." and she turned to walk back into the kitchen. I slowly laid down and closed my eyes, I was out of it but pleasantly surprised I didn't have a hang over. I heard a glass being gently placed into the sink and I smiled as my friend tried to be quiet. "Nikki." I called out from the bedroom and a few seconds later she was there, but it was still so dark, I could only make out a silhouette. "Yeah?" Nikki replied. "I'd feel much better if you would just sleep in here with me, after all it's a double bed, and I feel bad about you being on that couch." "It's not so bad." I just laid there, my eyelids growing heavy again and I sighed with an odd 'down' feeling, I guess she wasn't going to take me up on my request. But a minute later my head sprung up off the pillow as I felt someone's weight on the mattress and watched Nikki's long dark form crawl over to the right side of the bed. "But it's not as comfortable as the bed." Nikki whispered jokingly and we both smiled as I pulled the cover over both of us. "Nice to have another warm body nearby." I sighed, but kept my eyes shut as I remained turned away from my friend. My heart felt like it was beating in an irregular manner. I in fact could feel Nikki close, so very close. I just about had a heart attack, but remained still, at the unexpected touch of Nikki's hand now resting on my waist. My hand moved from its tucked position and found that of my friends, slowly our fingers intertwined. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as I scooted back closer to Nik, neither of us spoke a word as our bodies adjusted and snuggled against one another. It seemed all very innocent, both of us finding physical comfort in the other's arms. It was a kind of a reassurance, a special bond of sorts as Nikki and I held one another in silence, but yet the silence remained as if we both knew how fragile the moment was. Nikki curled her right forearm across my tummy and pulled me in close as we lay in the classic 'spoon' position. Somewhere between consciousness and sleep I felt Nikki's head turn and her warm mouth press against the back of my head, she sounded sleepy when she said the words, and I still wonder if I was truly awake when she uttered, "I think your beautiful." "Thank you Nikki." I whispered back. "Your welcome love." Nikki softly said, I think we were both dead asleep shortly after that. That was the first time that I can remember contemplating what it might be like to have a girlfriend as in dating another girl. I knew allot of guys that would do back flips to be in Nikki's position, or in mine for that matter. But here we were, two girls finding comfort in each other's arms tonight. But it was all innocent as I indicated, even if it wasn't the case deeper in our subconscious. While these moments of bonding with Nikki where wonderful and some of my fondest memories, there where also many times that I wanted to cry, my emotions were so messed up where Nikki was concerned, I was very disturbed that I was falling for another girl. "Thanks for everything." I smiled as Nikki pulled up in front of my dorm. We had not spoken allot this morning, we both seemed to be having lengthy conversations in our respective heads about what did and 'did not' take place last night. "I'll see you at practice later today." Nikki said and looked down at her lap. "You betcha!" I smiled and paused, quickly I leaned over and hugged Nikki around the neck, she was initially caught off guard but returned my hug with equal intensity. "You're my best friend." I whispered into Nikki's ear and quickly pulled away, bolting from the car and running up the steps to the dorm not looking back once. ********** I found Soccer practice to be typically exhausting, so while most people were up and just starting to party their assess off at ten or eleven o'clock at night, I was turning my light off as I routinely do on most weeknights to get some shut eye. The past couple of weeks had been a dramatic change in my life, in fact I felt as though my entire life up until now was unable to compare with the emotional growth and changes I was going thru. Physically, I felt like I was pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior by being so affectionate with both Nikki. Nikki's affection was intense, purposeful, even dangerous, while on the other hand, my friendship with other girl's like Sharon didn't have any of that intensity. ********** "Damn girl!" A voice called out from behind me causing my whole face to light up. Even before turning around the voice was unmistakable as I saw Sharon standing there, sunglasses on looking her 'cool' self. It was an unusually warm day and for the first time that fall I was wearing a tank top out on a sun drenched patio while reading. Sharon removed her sunglasses and leaned down, I guess she had never seen me in this a great a shape. My shoulders, arms, and abs rolled distinctly under the tight top, impressive I suppose, anyway my book practically fell to the ground as I reached over and hugged her as if I had not seen her in months, when in fact it had only been a few days. A few guys looked over and watched, in fact they had been stealing glances at me for the past several minutes as I sat reading. (Okay I admit, on occasion I do enjoy some attention.) "I know..." Sharon sighed, "...I've been a terrible friend but you wouldn't believe the schedule I am on..." I sat and listened as Sharon talked on and on about everything. Suddenly Sharon's hand reaches over to grab my tank top near my stomach, "Hey!" I smacked Sharon's hand away before she could get a grip. "Come on, let me see." Sharon teased, "I see something under there." "See what?" I complained a little confused. "Those abs, that's what! Your time in the gym is paying off big time!" Sharon leaned down poking her fingers at my stomach. "Stop that!" I looked around nervously to see if anyone was watching and continued to swat Sharon's fingers away. "Not until you show me." Sharon demanded leaning back placing both hands on her hips. "Jesus Sharon..." I looked around and rotated my body away from where most everyone was lounging around on the large common area. "What are you doing? Just lift it up!" Sharon watched me turn away. "Not in front of everyone." I hissed, "If you want to see then step around here." I whispered. "You're sad you know that, nobody gives a shit if you lift up your shirt, it's not like your flashing your tits." Sharon shook her head. "Not so loud!" I blushed and looked over my shoulder, but I did watch several guys staring in my direction and honestly I did feel stupid, stupid for being so bashful. "Holy shit." Sharon sighed and leaned as her right hand rubbed up and down the rolling muscles of my stomach. "Don't flex you showoff just relax." Sharon sighed. "I am relaxed." I snapped impatiently, "This is flexed!" I said feeling ridiculous as I watched Sharon perform some inspection like she was shopping for something. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the transformation take place from what was simply obvious before to something seemingly etched and hard. Sharon's fingers reached out again, moving from side to side following the deep cuts that separated the muscles along my waist. "Serratus anterior" I said quietly. "What?" Sharon glanced up. "What your touching now." I said. "And this?" Sharon looked down and back up. "Abdominal oblique." I replied and actually felt proud of my body and the effect it was having on Sharon and me! Sharon didn't say anything but simply dragged her fingers over my warm, smooth skin until she stopped and looked up again. "Rectus Abdominis" I smiled and a chill went up my spine at how Sharon's touch lingered and caressed my skin, gently probing my definition. She withdrew her touch and straightened up, shaking her head in disbelief, "Wow that's impressive, I mean I knew you were built, but..." Sharon smirked, she seemed actually at a loss for words for once. "DAMN! What abs!" A guy's voice suddenly interrupted the moment and my whole body jumped as I watched a guy walk by, but he quickly come to an abrupt stop staring at my exposed stomach. "Shit." I complained and yanked my shirt down, quickly reaching for my books feeling stupid. "I meant that as a compliment." The guy looked on, but I kept walking away, head down and embarrassed. "I didn't mean anything." The guy waved his arms out to his side with a smile. "Corbin wait!" Sharon chased me down. "Yeah? What is it?" I stared blankly. "Look," She said seriously, "...I have to tell you something. You know I've been staying at the Sorority house more and more often now." Sharon paused and seemed troubled, "...but once the pledging is up, I'll be spending more nights at the Sorority house, it's a really big deal!" Sharon tried to perk up and emphasize the importance of this to me and gripped my arm tighter. "I'm sorry." Sharon frowned. "Sorry? About what? I'm busy with school work, practice and all that stuff, nothing as exciting as your schedule." I shrugged and half heartedly smiled, "But that's okay Sharon, really, I know it means allot to you." "You sure?" Sharon stepped in and hugged me. "Oh come on!" I leaned away with a perplexed look, "I'm a big girl, besides I'm busy with sports as well." I laughed a little but I was falling apart inside, but would never admit it, as much as Sharon and I sometimes get on each other's nerves, I hated the thought of our friendship suffering anymore. "You still hanging out with Nikki?" Sharon asked coldly. Sharon didn't like how close I was with Nikki, Sharon had this strange possessiveness where I was concerned, but I also think Sharon was insanely jealous of Nikki's beauty and fashion sense. "Yeah, Nikki and I are getting close." I stated but in a bit of a flat tone. "Okay" Sharon quickly dismissed the subject of Nikki and hugged me again, "I promise, I'll make plans for us to get together and we'll spend loads of time together, just like we used too." "Yep, sounds great." I sighed watched Sharon walk off. I paused upon entering my dorm room and glanced at Sharon's tidy, well made bed wondering if perhaps it would be the last time I would look over and see my friends' collection of stuffed animals and other belongings. "This sucks." I whimpered and tossed my backpack over onto my own bed. Told you people I'm not so tough, I have my blubbering crybaby moments. ********** I've mentioned in the past that I am very picky about who I would date, now what justifies as being picky? Well, in a world where almost anything and everything goes, the field of dating material is growing mighty thin. I'm not single anymore, but if I was, then the following policies kick into effect: Right from the word "Go" a man with tattoos, body piercing, involved with drugs or smokes (includes cigerrettes, cigars, pot...anything you puff on) is instantly eliminated. Tough shit, I believe you should not defile your body with stupid pictures and metal objects stabbed into your skin. If you get over those hurdles then you just have to be at least 5'10", athletic and humble...that's it!! Amazing huh, you thought the list would be incredibly long and complex. Yet you would be amazed (or maybe not) at how few men out there, that are athletic AND humble. ********** (Lot's of dialogue so skip it if you have ADD) Over the break, I did some running, to keep my cardio work up, it also took my mind off the fact that Sharon was a ghost. Although my contact with Nikki was becoming more frequent, I still found myself on the verge of boiling over with anger, which oddly enough was fine with me. 'Anger is an emotion, although not always a healthy one, it's making me feel more alive then I can remember in a long...long time.' I even took a break from the gym, almost a whole week when it dawned on me; 'You almost have almost a 4.0 grade average, you are athletic, you have a great friend in Nikki, and guys are hitting on you like there is no tomorrow: SO SUCK IT UP!' Basically I had snapped, not in the bad sense, but out of my funk and the very next day I went into the local gym to begin lifting again. Driving home, I hoped that another lengthy discussion with my parents would not ensue; they had quizzed me in length about boyfriends, actually the lack thereof and my obsession with working out. Mostly though, I had been able to convince my parents that working out helped me in soccer and I retold a few dates I had been on recently. My 'ace up the sleeve' were my grades, always they were high, the prior semester grades came back putting me at a 3.89 Average. "What the hell!" I took my foot off the gas as I let my car roll down the street towards my house. I caught my breath, trying to be sure as I stared at what I thought was Nikki's car sitting in my driveway. It was easily a two hour drive for Nikki and I was not at all expecting her. But that didn't stop me from practically busting thru the front door, my eyes quickly scanning every inch of the foyer, before finding Nikki sitting in the kitchen talking to my mom. "Nikki!" I gasped, my face breaking into a big smile. "Would you not slam the front door like that." My mom complained. "Sorry mom." I sighed and walked around to that beautiful black haired girl and we embraced in a tight hug. "Sorry to drop in uninvited." Nikki smiled as I pulled away, both of us sat back down at the table simultaneously. "Sorry?" I glared dumbfounded, "Are you kidding, I was going to give you a call later, this is even better!" I now sat grinning ear to ear, "You have to stay for dinner." I reached over with my right hand and gripped Nikki's left wrist urgently. "We were just talking about that." My mom piped up. "Yes, I would love too, thank you for the invitation." Nikki looked at my mom and nodded in appreciation. "Let's go up to my room to chat while I change out of these gym clothes." I quickly stood up and Nikki turned back to my mother and smiled, "It was nice meeting you." before following me upstairs. "Corbin!" My mom called out before I had a chance to escape, "Some boys called while you were out, you need to do the polite thing and call them back." I cringed with irritation; I tried not to rudely snap the list from my mom's outstretched hand, I know she was doing the motherly thing, and I suppose I should be thankful I have so many guys calling me, but when Nikki and I were together boys were not a topic of conversation. I dashed stairs, barely stepped foot into my room when I invited Nikki to stay the night, "Nic you have to stay over, you drove all this way, I don't want you driving back tonight." I unzipped my warm up jacket, revealing a grey tee shirt drenched in sweat. "Oh I don't want to impose." Nikki sighed and walked around my room, slowly taking everything in. "Well, I'm still blown away, what brings you all the way out here." I stood, hands on hips watching Nikki pause in her surveying of the room. Slowly she looked to her left, "I just wanted to see you." Nikki smiled and shrugged, her right finger ran along the edge of the dresser. "That' it?" I questioned with a perplexing shrug. "Isn't that enough?" Nikki whispered as she barely looked back over, and if I wasn't mistaken a hint of blush filled Nikki's cheeks. "It is for me." I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed to untie my shoelaces. "Well, if you can hold on, I'll jump in the shower and then talk to my mom about you staying over, I mean it's really a done deal I just need to tell my mom and dad." I walked back into the room in a pair of jeans, sandals and a loose white sweater. She watched me as I vigorously rubbed a towel over my wet hair. "I feel overdressed." Nikki sighed and stood up as we went back down stairs, looking down at her knee length wool skirt, dark grey with a silver button down blouse. "Never, you look wonderful." I glowed and took her hand, leading her downstairs. The rest of the evening was spent about the upcoming year and soccer as well as boys and such, but the subject of boys was one that Nikki seemed to oddly avoid, which was strange to me because Nikki had a boyfriend at the time. (Speaking of guys, I started to dread any break in the semester, because my phone would ring nonstop from guys and girls wanting to get together and go out and do stuff, since when in the hell did I become the focus of so much social attention? And to think, I was chastised by everyone for not being more open and friendly, but now I was like the center of so much attention. I guess I am just a slow starter...slow and steady, that's me! :) It was a wonderful evening, we sat and talked about so many things, I did what I do best and vent about guys pushing for dates and intimacy, when Nikki got very serious and grabbed my shoulders to accentuate her point; "Corbin, you need to accept you're too beautiful a girl for a guy to try and stay friends with, they are going to want to take it to the next level." "Oh please." I chuckled and even snorted a little at Nikki's comment about my appearance. And then Nikki fully understood, as she sat up a little straighter and leaned close in as if to make her point very clear, her big beautiful eyes narrowed up as she softly spoke, "You're uncomfortable with how good looking you are and the attention you receive." "Gee, you think!" I glared over to my right with a cocked eyebrow, mocking Nikki's declaration but quickly frowned, "Sorry Nic, I know you're trying to be serious". "Thanks." Nikki smiled slightly. "Look, I know allot of guys out there are okay and allot of they're antics are a front for their fragile egos underneath. But like I said, I just have high standards I'm not willing to settle for anything less then what 'I' want." I loved the way Nikki studied my face when we talked, she gave me her full attention always. "Don't ever compromise that on anything or anyone." Nikki said seriously as her right hand came up and stroked my face, "It's your strength and it's what draws people to you, but don't let it make you into an island that's untouchable or unreachable." Nikki said quietly, her eyes stared long and hard and I was relieved that she seemed to understand me. I didn't know why, but I suddenly blushed and glanced away, maybe it was how sincere Nikki seemed to be combined with her soothing touch and serious comments. "Sorry, I don't mean to get all serious and philosophical on you." Nikki sighed. "No it's okay, I like it." I sighed and reached out with my left hand to briefly touch Nikki's retreating hand. "They're wonderful words of encouragement. So, how do you handle it all? Even with a boyfriend, guys hound you for dates, trying to get your attention, your one of the most sought after girls in school, I dare say the most desired of all!" I was now trying to divert the attention off of me, and because I was genuinely interested to hear Nikki's take on things. Yeah, we've discussed this in length before but I always like to here her calm, philosophical take on things, hoping it will rub off on me eventually! Nikki smiled, looked down a little and thought about what to say, we were now holding hands and had rotated our bodies toward one another, the moment, like so many prior moments, had become very intense and intimate. "Well," Nikki started, "A supportive family, and I was encouraged to go out and pursue things, even sports at a young age. My family taught me that self respect and integrity wasn't tied to whom I dated, or what others thought of me. Kind of like you, I keep allot of people at arms length emotionally and can be very analytical of people and situations before I hand over my trust." Like so many things between us, we acted without hesitation or words, I simply reached for Nik and she smiled, we each embraced in a tight, warm hug. "Thanks Nic." I sighed as we hugged. "My god." Nikki pulled her head back and her fingers ran along my spine. "What?" I tensed as if something was wrong. "Corbin, I've never realized how defined you are, how muscular you are." Nikki ran her fingers up my back and around my shoulders, probing thru the layers of clothing as if she wanted to be sure. "Oh please!" I blushed, my shoulders slumping to further hide my physique. "No, I mean it!" Nikki leaned back her hands continued to explore my shoulders and arms, "When you hugged me just now you felt solid as a rock. No wonder you plow thru girls on the soccer field." "Supper's ready!" My mom shouted out and seemed to break the spell. "Let's eat!" Nikki quickly perked up and tried to head things back to a lighter conversation. ********** I reached up into my closet and pulled out a sleeping bag, "Tonight, you sleep in my bed!" I figured that we could get away sleeping together in a double bed at least, but mine was a single, leaving little room for just one person. "Corbin please!" Nikki began to protest, but I wasn't listening to her and kept unrolling the sleeping bag. "It's no use protesting." I said as I unzipped the side of the fluffy sleeper. "Okay." Nikki mumbled to herself and got ready for bed. I didn't know why I had become so giddy and excited about Nikki's visit, it was only about a week ago I was stressed out about how close we were getting physically, but it just felt too damn good right now to worry about any of that. I was pretty sure Nikki was still awake later that night, I couldn't see her face from where I was laying down on the floor, so I wasn't sure. "Nic?" I whispered. "What's up?" Nic whispered back. "So, like, what's on your mind? I mean you've been sort of quiet since you got here, everything okay with you and Rob?" Rob being Nikki's boyfriend. "Yeah, we're still seeing each other." Nikki said in a somewhat monotone voice. I couldn't take the suspense, it was killing me and I sat up, quickly enough that it almost seemed to cause Nikki to jump a little bit. "You can tell me!" I said in the faintest whisper, but somewhat urgent while I propped my body up with my arms. My eyes had adjusted enough to see that Nikki's hand was now peeking out from underneath the covers, her index finger motioning for me to come closer. Yet Nikki still didn't say a word and the long shadows kept me from seeing my friend's expression. "What?" I nervously smiled and sat up some more, but Nikki kept slowly beckoning with a hand gesture, wanting me to come closer. "What?" I asked again in the softest whisper I could muster as I slid my legs out from under the sleeping bag and crawled hesitantly to the edge of the bed. "I want you to come over here!" Nikki said in her own soft, low voice, but it included a slight sarcastic tone as if I would only find out when I got closer. Now my heart was pounding, I was nervous about whatever Nikki was calling me closer for, and prayed that she wasn't about to reveal some horrible news. But I couldn't help it and my face got evidently tense with concern, "Nikki, your making me very nervous, what's wrong?" I pleaded, propping my elbows on the edge of my bed. "Sorry." Nikki smiled, "I'm not trying to make you nervous, I'm just being silly that's all." "Silly?" I smiled with a nervous chuckle, "That's okay." "I just didn't want to keep whispering back and forth, better if we talk closer I think." Nikki said and hesitated again, "I would like it if you would just lay here for a minute." "Only if you promise to tell me what's bothering you." I smiled devilishly and watched as Nikki raised her right arm, the heavy blanket seemed to float in the air and hold position. I crawled up under the blanket and adjusted myself but it was rather difficult in that it was a single bed and the full length of my body brushed up against Nikki's. The only thing that was slightly alarming was the way our bare legs touched from the top of our thighs down to our toes. It felt good actually, both of our legs were smooth and shaven and more importantly very warm. My eyes blinked and adjusted to the close proximity of Nikki's face, so close I could even feel my friend's breath on my face, yet there was a comfort in the closeness and a sense of security, something I had in fact enjoyed with Sharon on occasion. It was really no big deal I had decided. "Okay, what's up?" I said with a smile of anticipation. "Close your eyes." Nikki said. My eyelids narrowed suspiciously but I slowly narrowed them until they were indeed shut, but it was so damn dark that it was almost not necessary. "What are you up too?" I sighed as I felt Nikki's right hand move under the covers, closer to my head and it wasn't long before I felt a fingertip lightly graze my chin. "Shhhh and hold still." Nikki said, the tone in her voice serious. I smiled a little more but more so out of anxiety as a warm palm came to rest on my left cheek. The touch was soothing and comforting, but what happened next made my entire body tense, my lips felt something warm and very soft as a tingle shot down my spine igniting a warmth in the pit of my stomach that grew, spreading out over my entire body. Needless to say, my eyes did not stay closed and fluttered quickly open as my head jerked, but not necessarily in any specific direction. More so it seemed to snap me out of my comfortable haze, the lingering touch was now gone and only Nikki's smiling face was looking at my perplexed and somewhat shocked expression. "What did you do?" I gasped. "Please don't be mad at me." Nikki tried to maintain a smile as she looked for sympathy. "No, not mad, just wondering." I could barely bring myself to say what I suddenly realized had just happened and my heart was now hammering violently in my chest. "I'm sorry, I should have asked your permission first, but I wanted to feel..." and Nikki took a deep breath, a breath that was done to keep her composure because she appeared to become a bit emotional. "...what it was like to kiss you!" She blurted that out like it was physically painful to speak. When those words came from my friend's mouth I just about fainted, my chest swelled as I began to breathe harder. Another girl had just kissed me on the lips, although it was more of light peck then a real kiss."Why?" I croaked out nervously, 'Oh for crying out loud, stop playing dumb!' the back of my mind scolded me, this was something I had thought about for weeks and now it had finally happened. "I don't go around doing this, you must believe me, you're the first and only girl I've ever had such a strong urge to do 'that' with." Nikki was blushing now, I could feel the warmth of it in her cheeks as my left hand came up to brush her along the side of her face so she would know I was not mad. I was more concerned about the new trembling in my legs and arms. "I'm just scared, that's all." I sighed with the briefest smile. "I'm scared too." Nikki's voice trembled and we locked eyes for several seconds, no smiles, no distractions. It felt like an inferno under the blanket and there was no mistaking the pounding of our hearts, sometimes in unison it seemed. Once again it was an unspoken look between us, finally our eyes had adjusted enough to see each other's expressions. "There is more then a kiss between us." I said, almost choking on the words, my emotions were getting the best of me. Nikki smiled a little, "I know." She whispered, and how I wanted to cry, laugh and rejoice all at the same time at what we were experiencing. I watched Nikki tilt her head and my eyes narrowed in response, I placed my tongue between my lips to wet them, they felt so dry. Nikki's right hand found and began to stroke my left forearm ever so gently as my left hand stroked thru the black strands of her hair that seemed to flow like a dark river from Nikki's beautiful head. We exchanged sleepy glances as we nervously allowed fingers to explore one another's hair, cheeks and arms. We rubbed noses, and our lips touched again and again, we seemed to be teasing each other, touching our lips so lightly as if they were so very fragile. Into my mouth Nikki whispered, "Your so kind and innocent Corbin, and my dearest friend." She paused as her right thumb gently caressed the outline of my lower lip and chin. I started to see the 'old Nikki' coming thru, that incredible sultry, sexy confidence that first drew the two of us together. "I don't physically connect with just anyone, and never..." Nikki's eyes suddenly looked up and found me staring back, "...never with another woman." Nikki studied me and realized I was hanging on her every word now, or maybe even her every action. "Your lips are so soft, they feel just like mine." We started to kiss for real now, I never imagined a kiss like this, my whole body suddenly was on fire and awake. Just a few minutes ago I was on the verge of sleep, now I was awake, alive and found myself almost crying when my body responded to the way Nikki kissed me. I found Nikki's tongue to be soft, sensual and highly erotic as it mingled with my own. I felt my pussy contract and a dampness filling my vagina, so much that there was an unmistakable wetness spreading thru my panties. I must be doing this right as I felt a moan slip past Nikki's mouth and into my own. Nikki's tongue was now exploring my mouth at will, I was amazed how aggressive she was being! "My god, your so damn sexy and beautiful Corbin." Nikki moaned and pulled me closer, all I could do was to respond with more kissing, it was so sensual how our tongues would explore and intertwine with one another, mostly in a slow lazy manner. We were now clutching one another under the covers, so anxiety filled that our fists gripped and pulled our shirts, almost to the point of ripping. I felt Nikki pull, forcing me closer against her body. "Oh Nik..." I mostly grunted, things started to speed up even more, she moved her tongue and lips down over my chin and neck, nibbling and licking at my sweat coated skin, "This is overwhelming." I groaned and rolled onto my back and writhed under covers, trying to understand what was happening. It was amazing, Nikki climbed on top of my body, like some predator, snuggling her body tightly against me as we held and embraced one another, our leg's intertwining with each other and we softly kissed each other's neck. We let our inhibitions go, our crotches pressed against one another and we both humped each other feverishly, our arched backs aching for greater contact and then our eyes met. I have never been so vulnerable and loving with anyone, tears streamed out of both our eyes. The friction of our panties was adding to the already tremendous amount of heat between our legs, I was on the verge of coming, my right hand reached down and grabbed a hold of my girlfriend's beautiful firm ass. Nikki shuddered and I could feel her muscles contracting, her ass was now rock hard as she humped me back, her mouth opened and her body began to squirm on top of me, my god she was coming, she was coming from rubbing against me! But hey, what are friends for! It was my turn and I wasn't far behind, I arched up and then I was grinding like some possessed woman. Nikki's free hands were squeezing and arousing my breasts, first over and then under my nightshirt as I shuddered thru my erotic spell. Still dressed in panties and nightshirts, we paused in the moment, each apparently reflecting on the many lines we had just crossed. I suddenly realized how drenched in sweat we were, legs and arms slick from what felt like an amazing workout. Nik sighed and I stroked my hands down her back until my the palms of my hands rested on her two round butt cheeks, she flexed them a little in response and smiled. "I love touching your body, how you smell, everything about you, you're the sexiest girl I know." I felt a little embarrassed at saying this to another girl, but I meant it, they did not feel like just words. Nikki smiled, and leaned in to give me a strong embrace as we lay silently amongst the dark shadows of my room, eventually we rolled to the side, me on my right, Nik on her left as we looked at one another. Nikki whispered, "Thank you, it makes me feel good to hear that." and suddenly I didn't feel silly anymore. There was never one of those uneasy moments between us, I thought there might be, you know where we both break out in giggles over the whole incident. Now THAT is the silly part, to think we would react like that, because it should come as no surprise that we took these actions seriously. From the moment we first met we both had a mutual desire for one another, the instant friends thing, life long friends, and now we were on our way to becoming lovers. At first I thought we were both falling asleep as we lay face to face, silly me! It all started with a slight shifting of our bodies, Nikki rubbing her bare thigh against mine, my left arm wrapping around her back so our naked bellies were pressed tight. Tenderly at first, ever so lightly our lips touched over and over again, until once more my bedroom was filled with the sounds of us kissing deep and long, panting and moaning. I felt Nikki's hand at the base of my back, then her fingers had a firm hold on my panties and with a slow firm tug, she had transformed them into a thong, I gasped a little, because it actually felt damn erotic as the fabric pulled tight across my crotch. My fingers were doing their own caressing, and I smiled a little during our kissing when I felt the abundance of moisture along the lining of her crotch. Nikki sensed my smile and knew, "Yes, you make me very, very wet, more then any one ever has." She moaned into my open mouth. 'You make me so wet' What a comment! For all of my big talk about love, friendship and so on (Yes I have spent pages trying to be as poetic about our feelings as I can) Nikki and I also had a sexually raw, primitive attraction for one another. ********** I blinked my eyes, no longer able to keep the morning sun from interrupting. The covers were discarded during the night as we both lay on my bed, our bodies still slightly entangled although we had both shifted some. But we still clung to one another, arms over and under, our shirts pushed up revealing allot of skin. I leaned up and saw my bare left leg draped over Nikki's right leg, our actions from last night suddenly came flooding back and I glanced over at my door as a thought of my mom walking in suddenly to the sight of her daughter and girlfriend embracing each other in the bed. I almost panicked at the thought but resisted springing from bed like a maniac, especially when Nikki stirred next to me. "Going to shower." I sighed and pulled away from Nikki's clutches. Nikki cracked and eyelid and watched me stand and walk towards the door, smiling at the way I self-consciously tugged on my nightshirt, making sure it covered my butt, which its length obviously did. I was thankful for the hot water that blasted down over me, I stood motionless under the spray while images of last night floated thru my head, my hand slowly turned the knob to cold, those images were sending me into an erotic zone and I needed to think. Not even my last boyfriend Erik comes close to this experience, last night was the most sexually active and alive I have ever felt, and it excited me, but it also scared me! When I came back into my room we exchanged blushing smiles as Nikki went about getting ready to go take a shower but she paused and we hugged for a minute. Within the silence we looked at one another and an emotional tenderness seemed to sweep over us, our hands began to stroke each other's faces with affection. I tried to say something, but ended up with a lump in my throat, the tears started down my cheeks as I let out a few sobs. Nikki pulled my head over onto her right shoulder and firmly held me, letting me rest my head for a few minutes. When I pulled away, Nikki was also crying a little, now we both were. "I don't know why I suddenly got so upset." I smiled as Nikki brushed the tears from my eyes. Nik just gave me this wonderful smile and then said, "It's hard sometimes, to admit how we feel about something. Sometimes it's even harder to put it into words." Nikki gently stroked my damp hair that ran down over my shoulders. Leaning in she kissed me on my left cheek and I felt the warm flush return, instantly I turned my head to the left, my eyes were closed and Nikki sensed what I wanted, our lips touched again and soon our mouths were open, searching and complimenting one another. "Ohhhh I love the taste of your mouth on mine, your tongue in my mouth." Nikki moaned and I couldn't believe what she was saying, it was just so fucking hot! "Nikki." I groaned repeatedly, "Why do I love kissing you so much? Your lips are so wonderful." "GIRLS!" My mom yelled from the downstairs kitchen causing us to scramble apart, gasping. Nikki running for the door and down the hall to the bathroom as I lunged for a brush on my nightstand, quickly pulling it thru my hair. "What's up mom?" I nervously yelled back. "Breakfast is almost ready!" "Okay." I said back and set the brush down on the dresser. "Get a grip." as my right hand came up and touched my heavy breast, noticing my nipples were so hard they made imprints right thru my bra and shirt. ********** "Okay, I'll see you at School." Nikki smiled as I walked her to the car. "Drive safe, okay?" I sighed and gripped Nikki's hand. "Will do." Nikki replied returning my grip. "Look Nic, I don't know what to make of all of this, I mean, I don't think." I stammered a bit as Nikki climbed into the Driver's seat. I knelt down next to the door as Nikki rolled her window down. "I understand Corbin, I don't want to over analyze this either. We're good friends and well, I don't know, there's a spark between us I guess." Both of us blushed and I had to look away at the reference to that physical connection. "I like that word 'spark'." I said and sheepishly looked up at Nikki and we stared for a second, studying each other's expressions. I glanced around, looking back at my house and then at the neighbors. Nikki picked up on what I was scoping out for making sure they we were alone and my heart began to throb in my chest, hoping. I couldn't believe it, I was now taking the initiative! ME! The shy one! And I leaned in the window and Nikki smiled as our lips met, the kiss was brief but satisfying as we moved our lips gently over one another exhaling sighs of pleasure that the touch brought. Our tongues came out for a brief touch as we both smiled. I pulled away and smiled, "That was nice." I no longer cared that Nikki was a girl, because it was all too perfect, the contour of our lips seemed to mold perfectly against one another and our mouths complimented each other in ways that could only be described as natural. "Very nice." Nikki glanced up with that sultry look. "It'll be hard to focus on school and boys when we get back." I sighed, stuffing my hands into my jean pockets as I backed away from the car. Nikki shook her head in agreement, "Very hard, but we'll be okay." I stood still, and for a moment never felt the chilly wind that was blowing into my face as I watched Nikki's car pull away. As I turned with a wave, my heart sank with the realization that I still needed to do some mending with my friendship with Sharon and that for the first time I would have to keep a secret from Sharon about my intimate connection with Nikki. "Damn." I mumbled to myself as I shut the front door, shaking off the cold, "How did things get so confusing so fast?"