Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 16:16:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mas P <maspgurl@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Bad Girl - Part 12

The story continues...I can't begin to apologize for the ridiculously
long wait.  Been pretty busy though!  But that's no excuse...  :(  hope
you all can forgive me.  I'm really trying to get back to the weekly
posts though.  The next part is done!  Hope you all like this one.

If you'd like to fan my ego, or take it down a notch then hit me up at:
maspgurl@yahoo.com

Thanks a mil Brenda for proofing it!



Bad Girl - 12

By Mas


I hate my family.

Yes, I know that we all say that at some point in our lives, especially
when we're teenagers.  And we may be overly dramatic most of the time when
we DO say those four words, but not this time.

Nope.  This time you can be assured that I am not having a teenage fit or
something.  No teenage angst.  Well, not entirely.  They're all out to make
me as unhappy as possible.

I was cuddled up in a ball on my bed crying and trying my best to make my
mother feel as horrible as possible.  She hated to see us cry.  So I made
sure that my eyes were nice and wet 24/7.

"...and you will NOT go anywhere. Come directly home after school young
lady-"

"You're not being fair mum!"

"Not being fair?  I'm being more than fair considering how you decided to
come home and with whom you decided to come home with after-"

"Kia would never hurt me!"

"I never said that she did-"

"Yes you did!  None of you know her even though you pretend that you do!"
I know that I was crossing the line by shouting at her, but I couldn't
control myself.

"Watch your tone Chloe..." She warned and I saw her eyes turn to slits.

"Why don't you want us to be together?  No one does..."  She sighed and
rubbed her eyes.

"Chloe, you were supposed to be at Donna's house. You come home with Kia
AND you come home with a black eye.  You're lucky I don't lock you up in
that damn room of yours for the rest of the year!  Now you're grounded for
two weeks and that's the end of it!"

My eyes pour tears as we glare at each other.  She steps forward but I step
back and cross my arms over my chest.  "I hate you." I said softly and see
her look away then nod her head.

"Yes, everyone hates their mom at your age."  There she goes again,
treating me like a child.  I wipe my eyes and stomp off to my room and make
sure to slam the door loudly for good measure.

It's been two days now, two afternoons of just coming straight home from
school.  I have to call my mother as soon as I am through the door and if
I'm late in calling her, she raises a fit.  Then, I can't sneak back out
since dad always "happens" to be at home some afternoons.

He just glares at me whenever he has a chance with his eyebrows hovering
heavily over his eyes.  "I'm disappointed in you Chloe."  Those were the
most words he said to me since that night.

I called Donna and she tried to console me.  At least she didn't take my
cell phone away too.

"I bet you let her cool off for a bit and you'll be fine with Mrs. Soto.
Your mom's so cool Chloe."  I snorted in response. "Come on Chloe, you know
she doesn't really think Kia hurt you..."

"Then why is she making a point to keep us apart now huh?"  I pout and
throw a pen across the room, satisfied for a moment when it smacks against
the wall.  "She told me that I can't even help Kia out with her
volunteering on the weekends.  She didn't have to go that far."

"Give her time Chloe."

"No Don, why doesn't everyone give US time?  NO ONE wants us to be
together!  Whenever we get closer some stupid drama starts up!"

"I know honey."  I cry some more then tell her that I want to go to bed.
"Call me whenever okay?  I'll see you in school..."

I was staring at the ceiling after I hung up.  I wanted to call Kia but
didn't.  Something was so off with her but I couldn't place it.  I felt it
though.  It started as soon as I told her about my mom grounding me
forever.  I picked up the phone and dialed her number but didn't press the
button that would connect us.

I threw the phone on the bed and curled up around my pillow instead.



When I woke up for school mom was already in the kitchen and making
breakfast surprisingly.  She usually didn't make breakfast on work days.
She looked up when I entered.  "Good morning," I mumbled.  "I made oatmeal;
I know how you hate the fake stuff."  My stomach growled at the scent of
it.  I loved mom's version.  She added brown sugar and vanilla.  But a bowl
of oatmeal wasn't going to make it all better.

I grabbed a bowl and a box of cereal and poured it in and then splashed
some milk in.  "I'll have cereal.  Thanks anyway." I felt her eyes on me as
I went back up to my room to eat.  When I came back down Chris was at the
table digging into a huge bowl of oatmeal.  MY oatmeal.

"She didn't make that for you !"

"Well YOU didn't eat it brat."  I rolled my eyes and checked the pot; she
had left exactly 3 tablespoons of oatmeal there.  I glared at the back of
her head.

"You're such a freak Chris."

"Oh I'm the freak when YOU'RE the one who's gonna have the whole family
talking this weekend.  You need to keep you new lifestyle on the DL unless
you wanna be like Karin.  All they do is talk about her."  I glared at her
and asked her to make some sense for once in her life.  "You have quite the
smart mouth since you got with that bitch of a girlfriend."

"KIA is NOT a bitch and you know it. And what are you even talking about?
What's happening this weekend?"

"The family party mom's been planning with Aunt Jenny all month...?"  She
looked at me as if waiting for some recognition.  She wasn't about to see
any since I completely forgot about it.  "That Aunt Carla and Karin are
flying in for...?"  Karin?  My conversation with dad flashed through my
mind.

"Aunt Carla?  Karin?  Don't they live on the other side of the country?"

"Aunt Carla, but Karin moved two states away apparently.  She's even
bringing her wife."  My eyes widened as I sat down leaning forward,
ignoring the smug look on Chris' face at having information that I
obviously wanted.  "She got married a year ago, some banker chic.  And we
all have to go to this party, even dad."

"Dad hates these things more than me."  Chris rolled her eyes as she stood
up.

"Dad hates anyone who doesn't know a lick about computers.  You know how
his brothers are."  They all wouldn't know their way around a computer if
you paid them.  They'd end up using it as a foot rest or something.  Good
thing my cousins are growing up in the 21st century.

"I'm not going." I said as I stood up.  "I'll tell dad, I'll get him not to
go and he won't let me go either."  Chris laughed.

"Oh, you think you being the youngest gonna get out outta this one?"  She
laughed and patted my back.  "Mom already threatened him.  You're going."

"We'll see." I said and grabbed my bag.  My extended family was weird.  The
more time I spent away from them the closer I got to maturing.



It was physics class before I saw Kia that day.  She came in and placed a
small box on my table.  "Open it after class," she said as she settled down
in her seat.  Donna looked at me and squealed in excitement.  Kia leaned
over and looked at her as if she grew a third eye.  "What's up with her?" I
shook my head and slipped the box into my bag.

"She gets excited over gifts, even when they're not for her."  I looked at
Kia and smiled.  Her hair was straightened, like the day she came over for
dinner.  I shifted over my chair and placed my hand on her thigh.  She
looked sideways at me and smirked.  "Can you come over today?  For a little
while?"  I watched her as she looked at me.  I thought that she was going
to say no from the uncertainty I saw in her eyes.  When she nodded her head
slowly I squeezed her thigh then looked ahead as class started.




"Something's wrong Donna," I said as we sat around at lunch.  Donald
settled down with his lunch as Kia walked off to grab something to drink.
Donna looked over at Kia then back at me.

"What is it?"

"I don't know.  She won't talk to me."  Donna rubbed her chin then looked
at Donald.  When she looked back at me she had a mischievous look in her
eye.

"I'll find out babe.  No worries."

"No worries about what?" We heard and looked up to see Claudia and Missy
standing nearby.  "We miss you at our practices now."  Claudia said as she
pulled a chair over and straddled it, grabbing a chip out of Donald's bag.
Lovette came wandering over with a tray of food too.

"Hey Lovette," I said as I smiled at her.  She looked at me and blushed.  I
hadn't heard a thing from Jasmine but from the way she gave me the first
degree on Monday, I knew that something was still brewing between her and
the college student.  "How's Jas?"  She shrugged and mumbled "okay".

"She sure put this loud mouth in her place huh?" Missy said as she shoved
Claudia.  "She teases her about getting girls and Lovette goes off and gets
herself a college woman!"  We all laugh as Claudia manages to look
offended.

"I was pushing her," Claudia argued.

Kia came walking back toward us, stopping a few times to wave at this
person or that.  I had to roll my eyes at the dreamy eyed girls who stopped
her in the hallways now.  It was a little ridiculous but unavoidable I
guess.  After that performance...

Jen and Gavin were a few paces behind.  They smiled when they saw us.

"So is this the official gay hangout spot now or something?" Jen asked as
he pulled over a chair.  Donna crossed her arms and cleared her throat
loudly.  "Oh my bad, forgot we had some straight alliances in the mix."

"Well try not to forget again."

"Either you heal up fast or you know how to put on some makeup girl." Gavin
gently touched my eye.  "It's like you never even got hit that night."

"Kia's uncle took care of me after that night."  I saw her shift
uncomfortably next to me and turned towards her.  "What's wrong Kia?"  The
quiet words only reached her ears.

"Nothing."  Before I could ask her again Claudia started to tell us about a
game they were playing soon.  Some pick up game over the break with a rival
team.

"You guys coming right?  We always need support with this team.  They're
good."

"Wednesday night?" Donna asked and rubbed her chin in thought, "I should be
able to get my dad's jeep that night..."

"Well I'M still grounded.  So that's a no for me."  I said.  Kia looked at
me and bit her bottom lip.

"Come on man.  We need some cheerleaders.  Donna would do the cheers if you
come too."

"You have a cheer squad going with the team Claudia," I pointed out then
spotted a familiar face walking by.  "And don't you have a girl to cheer
for you?"  I watched as she scowled and crossed her arm.  If her face
wasn't already so cute I guess it would have been affective...it just made
her look like an irritated little care bear.

"No I don't..." she said, trailing off.  Missy rolled her eyes and shoved
her in the arm.

"This idiot decided to flirt with one of those twelfth grade hoes on Monday
and get her ass caught."

"I was just saying hi!"  Claudia looked at me pleadingly.  "Can't I saw hi
to other girls Chloe?  How the fuck can she get mad at me for saying hi?"
I shook my head in disbelief.  I knew what Claudia's version of "hi" was.
It probably involved touching and the use of her dimples.

"If you want Monica," I stopped and looked into her eyes, "and I'm guessing
we're talking about Monica from the dance and the party?" She nodded her
head reluctantly.  "If you want Monica then the answer is no Claudia, you
cannot say hi to twelfth graders."  She frowned and puffed out her chest.

"I can talk to whoever I want to.  No girl's gonna change THIS thug,"
Claudia said as she pointed to herself. Missy smirked and looked off to the
side.

"Oh look," she said dryly, "there's Monica."  Claudia whipped around and
searched her out until she spotted her.  I watched as Monica sat down at an
empty bench with Samantha and some other guy.  She was laughing when she
looked up and spotted us.  She waved shyly then her smile dropped a bit
when she spotted Claudia staring her way too.  I rolled my eyes and nudged
her.  She looked over at me and I caught the hurt in her eyes before she
put on her cocky mask.  These butches and their masks...

"Go talk to her Claudia." I say softly.  She bites her lip.  I watch her
look around to see if anyone else was watching her, only Missy was, but her
look was supportive.  She jumps up from the chair and starts to rush over
but slows down eventually and picks up her swagger.

Monica looked nervous as Claudia approached and looked away until she was
next to the bench.  When she sat down Samantha and the guy left and I
smiled when I saw Claudia leaning in close to talk to her.  Her cocky look
just about disappeared.  "Looks like you jus' got tamed Claudia." I said
with a smirk.

I look over at Kia, who had yet to say anything to anyone, including me
since she told me that she was fine.  She's watching Claudia too; or at
least she seems to be.  In her shades it's hard to tell.  I reach over and
pull them off.  She glances at me and looks away, sipping more of her
drink.

She pulls the excess moisture from her lower lip and I watch the pink flesh
dip out then into her mouth.  The soft skin glistens under the sunlight.
"You look so good."  She looks at me and smirks shaking her head.

"You can say that when you have gay guys telling you that you look good
with a black eye?"  She's exaggerating.  For someone who was so attractive
she never dwells on it.

"Will you come by today?  Will you drop me home?"  Suddenly I feel very
horny.  I look around to make sure no one was watching us since I couldn't
hide it if I tried.

Her brow draws up.  "Your mom..."  She reaches back for her shades but I
keep them right out of reach.

"She'll be at work."

"That won't be a good idea."  I pout and shove the shades away from us
across the table.  When she reaches for it I grab her stomach.  She jerks
and grunts a bit, biting back a smile.  It seemed that I stumbled onto a
ticklish spot.  I did it again and she smiled grabbing at my hands.

"I had no idea you were ticklish." I try to break away but she's too
strong.  So I lean in and kiss her.  Her lips are warm with the tart taste
of the soda lingering but her tongue is chilly.  I know that I shouldn't
have been doing that while we were all talking but I wanted to get her to
giggle.

Her hand relaxed its hold just like I knew it would and I snatched mine
away using both hands to grab at her stomach the way that made her smile.
Then I heard it.  Kia giggled.

"That's so cute!"  She reached over for her shades again but I pushed her
back until I sat looking at her profile.  "You giggled..."

"No I didn't."  She grabbed her can then realized that it was empty and
crushed it in her hand.  She tossed it aside.  "Chloe, can you give me my
shades please?"

"Not until you admit that I made you giggle cutie."  By now I was talking
quietly to her since I knew she'd get embarrassed and snap someone's head
off if they overheard.  "Admit it," I whisper.

"You just might need a hearing aid baby," she said, finally turning to
smile at me.  At times like this I just wanted to hug her.  Claudia came
over with Monica then and reintroduced us all.  When they sat down I turned
by attention back to Kia.  She managed to sneak her shades away during that
time and looked quite smug slouching in them.

"Cheater," I said.  She shook her head and looked at me, her smile slipping
a bit.

"You know I want to spend time with you right?"  I told her yeah and she
nodded her head.  "I don't want to make it worse for you at home if your
mom catches me in your house."

"You're not banned from my house Kia..."  Another eye brow rose up and
remained until I sighed.  "Okay, so maybe you are...in a way...but not
officially."

"I'm gonna be gone by the time your mom arrives."  I smiled and nodded my
head quickly.  She chuckled and draped a long arm over my shoulder.  "I
miss you already too."  I sat back as Claudia started to talk with Kia
about some movie, disagreeing about something of course.  I was starting to
see that they disagreed on mostly everything.

When the bell rang for the end of lunch we all groaned.

"We need to have a party or something." Gavin said with a pout.

"We jus' did.  And that didn't end too hot either."  Claudia said, looking
pointedly at Kia.

"No, I mean a party just for us.  Jus' family."  Donna shoves him.  "And
friends!  Geesh!"  He rubs his arm as he frowns at Donna.

I noticed that Monica was pretty quiet but she looked interested in what we
were all saying.  "Hey, you going to this game Claudia's been moaning
about?"  She laughs and tells me yeah.

"But I'm not gonna be some cheerleader though."  She smiles and her eyes
widen as Claudia reaches for her hand as she talks to Gavin.  I had to
smile too; she was a cutie for sure and already seemed to be in love with
our little pesky friend.  "Ummm, are you going Chloe?"  I told her yes even
though I wasn't sure and saw the relief wash over her face.  "Oh good.  I
so wanted there to be someone I know there too."

"We're all going.  It's next week, she made us all promise to come too."
We chatted for a bit until we all had to go our own way.  I watched as Kia
spoke quietly with Claudia for a minute then nod her head and turn towards
me.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing."  I smiled at her flustered look.  "What?"

"Are you two friends now?"  She scowled at me and shook her head.

"Nope."  She was hilarious when she tried to act all tough.

"Okay," I said.  "I'll see you after school.  3 p.m. sharp."

"I'll be there."



When I got home I called my mum then ran to the bathroom to brush my teeth
and shower.  Kia just flung herself on my bed until I came out of the
bathroom and told her to brush her teeth.

"Okay mom," she said but went anyway.  When she came back I was lying in
bed.  She smirked at me as she pulled off her t-shirt.  "Ya know,
considering we both have two tests coming up on Friday we should really be
studying now."

"Just shut up and kiss me."  When she stretched her body over me I moaned
and hugged her, wrapping my arms and legs around her.  "I missed you."  I
loved feeling her weight pressing onto me.  To her, I was being crushed,
but it sure didn't feel like it to me.  When she pressed into me it was
like someone turned on a full body heater.

"We just spent all day together."  She said pressing her lips to my neck
until her touch turned into kisses.  I rubbed her bare back, then squeezed
my fingers between the back of her sports bra.

"Not the whole day, just lunch." She lifted her face from my neck to look
down on me.  "So technically you can't say the whole day..."

"When does your mum leave for home?"  She said tugging at my t-shirt.  I
lifted my arms as she pulled it off leaving me in my panties.  The tips of
her fingers ran along the seam for a moment then moved away.

"5:15 or so..." I unbuckled her jeans and spread my legs even father apart.
I had to clamp down on my lip when I felt her jeans pressing into me.

"It's already 3:30 Chloe."  I shoved her jeans down until they were past
her hips then slid my hands underneath her boxer briefs, tugging it away.
She rose up on her hands and pushed her center into me.  My hands
automatically grabbed her biceps.  A moan rose up from the back of my
throat when she pushed into me again.

"Then we better hurry up."  She smiled and rose up on her knees to pull my
panties off, then tug off her clothes until only her bra remains.  "The bra
too."

"Shhh..." She said as she started to move over me again, rubbing our
centers together until my eyes drift closed in concentration.  I felt the
hard nub of her clit grazing my skin.  I heard her breath picking up and
felt her lips pressing soft, feather-like kisses to my mouth with each
thrust into me.  She pushed my knees up more and I nearly came right then
when I felt the full pressure of her clit against me, sliding against me
easily.

"Faster," I said and grabbed her shoulders as she grinded into me.  When I
came I trembled against her body.  I felt her come too.  She came quietly.
Only a deep sigh and gush of wetness gave any proof of it even happening.

She continued to move slowly over me until we both were trembling against
each other.

I grabbed her arm when I felt her moving away and my eyes flew open when
she gently pried my fingers away and moved until she was sitting on the
edge of the bed.  "What are you doing?"

"Putting on my clothes."  I rose up in bed ready to protest when she placed
a finger over my mouth.  "I don't want anyone to come home and catch us
naked Chloe."

"But nobody's gonna be home 'til 6 Kia.  Just stay naked.  I prefer for you
to be naked.  Stop," I said as I tried to grab hold of her hand.

She just shook her head and zipped up her jeans.  "Okay, at least your
underwear then."

"Get back in bed," I rolled back and let her shove my panties back on and
pull a t-shirt over my head.  "So that's what I can expect when I want you
to do something you don't want to do huh?"  I didn't give her any help at
all with putting on my clothes.

"We only have about 30 minutes together and you want to get dressed."  She
shoved my shoulder until I turned away from her body then snuggled up
behind me.  I wiggled back until I was comfortable.

"You're sleepy. When you're sleepy you get all grumpy and shit.  Go to
sleep Chloe."

"And then I'll wake up and you'll be gone."  I tried to turn around but she
squeezed her arms around me until I grew still then rubbed my stomach.
"And I am not grumpy."

"Your mom thinks that I hit you Chloe."  I tried to turn again but she
squeezed me tighter until I relaxed.  "She won't like it if she sees me in
her house."  My eyes were growing heavy but I wanted to talk to her about
this.

"It's not that bad Kia..."

"Well it's bad enough.  I'm not gonna hang around and make it worse.  I
won't leave 'til you fall asleep though."

"I won't then."  She chuckled and assured me that I would.  We argued for
about a minute when suddenly I'm up for dinner and my mom's calling me
downstairs.  I rolled over and saw the pillow where Kia rested her head.
It was cold.

We had a week long break coming up and I didn't see how I could go through
it without being with Kia everyday.  I knew that I had to make my mom
change her mind about this somehow.



When I went downstairs I saw my mom coming back through our garage.  "Hey
mum."  She smiled and opened up a cupboard where she tossed the broom.

"Hey, you sick?  You were sleeping pretty deeply when I got home."  I was
glad that she had her attention focused on the stove because my face lit up
like a Christmas tree.

"Oh, just a bit tired.  I didn't hear you come in."  I almost always heard
her coming in the front door since she tended to slam it behind her.  For
someone who hated doors slammed in the house, she certainly liked to slam
it when she got home.

"Parked in the garage."

"Oh," I peeked in the pot and my mouth watered at the soup I saw cooking.
"Potato soup?"

"Uh huh."  She looked at me and I thought that she was about to say
something when she asked me to grab the salt instead.

"Where's dad?"

"He'll be home soon."  I nodded my head then looked up as Chris came into
the kitchen throwing her bag on the floor.

"School sucks."

"Well hello honey, oh I had a great day, thanks."  Chris rolled her eyes
then walked over to kiss mum on the cheek then announced that she was going
to take a shower.  Mum watched her walk away shaking her head.  She turned
back to the stove then looked at me.  It was as if she read my mind.  "We
have to go to this family day on Saturday."  I groaned instantly.  "All of
us!"

"Mum, please don't make me go!"  I crossed my arms suddenly losing my
appetite.  My family was so annoying.  The cousins all talked about stupid
things and the guys talked crap.  I felt as if I was the only mature one of
the bunch.  Only the younger cousins entertained me at these things.  I
smiled as I thought about Angelica, Angie.  She was Uncle Frank's kid.

"Karin is flying in from New York."  I sat up as my brows crinkled in
confusion.  I'm sure I was supposed to know that name..."She's coming in
with her partner too."  My cousin, my gay cousin who I forgot about, but
who apparently thought I was a doll baby years ago.

"She is?"  Mum nodded her head and I sat down at the table in thought.  It
would be cool to meet her.  I had no idea she lived in New York.  Then
again how would I when I didn't really know who she was, only dad's talking
about her brought her back to my memory.  Then it was a fuzzy one.  "Why?"

"Why what?"  My dad came bounding into the kitchen.  He rubbed my head and
kissed my mom.  After grabbing a soda he went upstairs.

"Why is she coming home now?"

"You can ask her yourself."

"Dad said that I was her favorite of the cousins."  Mom nodded her head and
smiled.

"Still don't know why that girl thought you were a little toy baby.  We had
to pry you from her when we left your Auntie's house."  I smiled as a
faraway look fell on her face.  I didn't have any close relationships with
my cousins at all.  We knew each other but that was about it.  When you
stayed out of their gossip ring you tended to be an outcast.

"That's so weird." I tried to imagine it, someone doing that.  I couldn't.
"I wonder how she looks now."

"Always was a pretty girl.  Carla showed me a recent picture of her.  Still
is."

"How about her girlfriend?"  Mom's eye brows pulled together in thought.

"She's pretty too.  Actually, I think the better word is handsome."  I
laughed at that.  "What?  She is."

"Handsome..." I said and she nodded her head.  "So how does Kia look to you
then?"  Mom glanced at me then reached for the plates and bowls for dinner.
I pushed her away and pulled out everything as she settled down in the
chair.

"Kia is a very beautiful young woman." She suddenly looked tense as she
looked at me.  "They gossiped a lot about Karin when she came out honey.
They all did.  They all do."  I looked at mom and sighed.  She took my hand
holding it firmly.  "I can't stop them..."

"I don't care mom, I don't like them anyway-" She frowned and I pouted.
"Except for Angie.  They're so fake mom.  You can't make me like them."
She chuckled and shook her head.

"Lucky you, I have no choice but to like my sisters and brother."

"Oh you have a choice mom.  There's always a choice."  She chuckled and
shook her head.  "I really don't want to go mom.  I told you about the
volunteer work I do with Kia now-"

"You're going Chloe."

"But mom!"

"You broke the rules bucko, you pay the price."  When she stood up I stuck
out my tongue.  "Better get that back in your mouth if you still want it."
I jumped up a bit in surprise then rolled my eyes.

"It's Valentine's Day on Monday," I said as my eyes began to water.  I
looked way, suddenly I didn't want to cry in front of my mom but I couldn't
hold in my frustration.  "I really am sorry for what I did mom but how can
you ground me during our break AND on Valentine's Day?  You know that she
didn't hurt me right?"

"I know that Chloe," she said but didn't sound very convinced.

"She'd never hurt me.  Of all the people I know she's the only one I trust
with my life."  Mum stopped working and looked down at me with an eyebrow
raised.  I replayed what I said and realized how heavy it sounded.

"Kinda serious for such a young relationship Chloe."  I shrugged.

"It's the truth mum."  She studied me for a bit then dished out my food.
"Can you think about it some more?  Give me Sunday at least to spend with
her?"

She placed my food in front of me and looked into my eyes.  I really tried
to put some tears there for the effect.  I guess it worked.  She ruffled my
hair and told me that she'd think about it.  I jumped up and hugged her.

"But only Sunday!  We'll discuss next week and you're going to that party
on Saturday."

I pouted but sat down happily.  "I'll just play with Angie all day then."
I was already excited about telling Kia the good news.




I couldn't reach her all night so I had to wait for school.  When I saw her
enter the building I quickly walked over nearly stopping when I saw her
walking with Claudia.  I smiled but hid it away by the time she spotted me.
"Hey," I said.  She draped her arm over my shoulder and smiled down at me.

"Hey."

"Hey Claudia,"

"Wassup honey?"  Kia glared over at her and she laughed throwing up her
hands.  "Oh I'm sorry, I forgot."  Then she turned back to me.  "Good
morning Chloe.  How are you?"  I looked at them both as Claudia laughed and
Kia tried to hide her smile away.  It was beyond weird seeing them so
relaxed together.  They were so different.

"Guess what?"  I stood next to her locker smiling from ear too ear as she
grabbed a book and shoved her jacket into her locker.  She glanced at me
then looked back again when I stood smiling at her.

"So you actually expect me to guess some random thought that you're
thinking at the moment?"  I nodded my head excitedly.  "Just tell me
Chloe."

"Oh I know!" Claudia said.  "You're gonna drop out of school to become a
stripper."  Kia punched her in the arm as she laughed her head off.

"Shut up Claudia." Claudia raised her hands and Kia turned back to me.

"No crazy," I turned back to Kia.  "Guess."

"Just tell me."

"No! Guess!"  She rolled her eyes and leaned against a locker.

"You got an A on that test you were freaking out about?"

"Nooooo.  My mom's gonna let me spend all Sunday with you!"  I was
stretching the truth a bit but I really think that she was going to do it.
I watched as Claudia punched Kia's arm softly.

"Guess she don't hate you after all." She said.  Kia glared at her and told
her to shut up.

"Who did you think hated you? My mom?"  Claudia nodded her head.

"Apparently she thought that-"

"Shut the fuck up Claudia," Kia said quietly as she glared at her.  Claudia
made a show of zipping up her lips and throwing away a key.  But as soon as
she spotted Monica in the hallway those lips opened up again as she called
out to her.  Monica smiled and walked over.

"Hey baby," she said as she took Monica's hand.

"Hi," came her shy reply and then she waved at Kia and I.  Kia chuckled as
Claudia stood gazing at Monica like some lovesick puppy.  I had to smile
too.  The bell rang, saving Claudia from further embarrassment. Not that
she'd notice.  She turned and nodded at us both.

"I'll catch you two at lunch."  Before we could respond she had her eyes
back on Monica.

"Isn't that cute Kia?  She's in love."

"She's pussy whipped."  I slapped her stomach but she just looked down at
me with an eyebrow raised.  "What?  They had sex the other day and-" I
clamped my hand over her mouth.  Her eyes still looked wicked.

"I do NOT want to hear about Claudia's sex life Kia."

"Okay." She smiled at me.  "I was jus' gonna say that Monica put some
lovin' on her so good that she was seeing double then-" I grabbed for her
mouth again but she just laughed as she kept shoving her face out of my
reach, "THEN! Then that innocent little face knows how to use a strap so-"
I punched her in the stomach and she laughed as she promised to stop.

"I'm so serious Kia!  I would tell Monica and you know it!"  Kia sobered at
that and promised to behave.  There was still a little smile on her lips
but she stopped.  "Aren't you happy at my news?"

"I am."

"It doesn't seem so..." She looked over at me as we neared my classroom.

"I am.  I just..." She sighed and shoved her hand in her pocket.  "I'm
happy.  I want to spend the day with you."  She stepped closer to me, our
lips a few inches apart.  "All day." When her voice dipped that low I know
what was on her mind.

"Will you drop me home this afternoon?  And stay for a while?"

"You said your mum may be coming home earlier today..."  I frowned at that.
It was the truth.  She did tell me that she was heading home earlier.

"But we'll only have Friday until I can see you on Sunday.  And she'll
definitely be home early on Friday to cook for Saturday."  She grabbed my
hand and squeezed it before letting it go and backing up.

"We'll figure something out."  Her tone made me worry.  Something wasn't
right about the way her eyes shifted away.  She usually rubbed my hand when
she held it but she just let it go.  When I opened my mouth to ask her she
turned away and headed off to class.  I could have been imagining it.
Probably was.



Kia didn't end up coming over after all.  She dropped me off then said she
had to head home to do some homework.  No matter how much a pleaded or how
close I pulled her.

I even ran my hand up her thigh.  I heard her gasp and hold back a moan,
but when I looked up into her eyes she just shook her head and bit her lip.
I stood for about 5 minutes staring at the empty spot where her car was
after she drove away then got on the phone with Donna.

"What do you mean you think she's gonna break up with you?"  Yes.  So maybe
I was being a little overly dramatic.

"Something's wrong Donna.  She's all weird."

"Nothing new there..."

"Donna!"  She apologized though it sounded like one of those apologies to
shut the other person up.

"I know I've been a little distant lately."  I smiled and shook my head
then remembered that she couldn't see me.

"You're in a new relationship..."

"So?  That's no excuse.  When you got with Kia we still talked and hung
out."

"I understand, so don't apologize.  I mean we see each other 5 days a week
Don."  Donna was quiet and I knew that she was smiling.

"So the tall, dark and brooding one, what do you think is going on?"

"That's what I want YOU to tell ME.  I mean, I know that mom's been a
little strict about this curfew and grounding me and all but not THAT
strict.  She didn't say that she can't come over for dinner or anything.  I
asked her to eat here tonight and she backed away like I was coming at her
with a knife."

"You think it's your mom?" I rubbed my eyes.

"Why?  I already told her-"

"No. Not the way you think.  Maybe it is your MOM Chloe." I sat back in my
chair as I stared at the wall.  Could my mom be intimidating Kia somehow?
Scaring her?  My mom?  She hardly intimidates me...

"She can't be scared of my mom Don."

"Probably not the way you think.  She lost her mom when she was young.
Maybe she started to really like your mom then after all the crap that
happened and your mom thought she hit you it messed her up.  Brought back
her feelings about being motherless..." I looked at the phone as what Donna
said started to actually make sense.

"When did you become so...?"

"Smart? Psychologically inclined? Mature?" I laughed and told her yeah.
"People can rub off on you..."

"I'm sure."  I heard Donna sigh.  "Long day?"  She laughed.

"You should know; we had the same classes today."

"Her and Claudia are like best friends now," I said absently.

"I noticed that!  That's so random." My mom was downstairs fiddling away
and shouting at my dad to do something or the other.  "Well maybe not."

"Uh huh....Wait. What?  It IS random.  It's actually kinda weird."

"Not really, they have something in common."

"Being gay?  Duh."

"Well yeah, that too.  But I meant YOU smartass."  I heard her cell phone
ring in the background.

"So you don't think she's planning to break up with me?"

"No silly.  She'd be crazy to break up with you.  You should call Claudia
since they're so chummy now.  Ask her about it."

"Maybe..."  My mom hollered about something downstairs and I heard my name
in the midst of it.  "I've gotta go Don.  We'll talk later hon."

"Yeah, I can come by tomorrow to chill if you're still stuck home after
this party."

"Ooh that'll be awesome Don."  We made tentative plans and she hung up.  I
ran downstairs only to have my mom tell me to throw out the garbage I
forgot to throw out earlier.  After grumbling my way back upstairs I tried
Kia again.  No answer.  I knew that she was home.

I called Claudia a moment later.

"Hello?" Came the drowsy voice.

"I woke you up?"

"No," she lied.  "Who is this?"

"It's Chloe."

"Chloe .Baby, Kia let you keep my number in that phone girl?"

"Shut up.  I'm calling about something serious."  After laughing a bit she
settled down.

"What's up mama."

"You tell me.  What's wrong with Kia?  Is she going to break up with me?"
There was a moment of silence.  Maybe my choice to put it all out there was
the wrong one.  I hoped to stun her into some confession.  Instead I heard
her laughing on the other end of the line.  It didn't seem as if she had
any intention of stopping anytime soon too.  "Claudia..."

"Wait..."  More laughter.

"Claudia stop laughing! This is serious."

"Yes it is.  You jus' gone lost ya mind."  I jumped from my chair and fell
back on my bed.

"But she's been so weird lately Claudia."

"Why don't you talk to her mama?"

"Stop calling me mama.  Because when I try to she disappears.  What's going
on Claudia?"  She didn't speak for a few moments.  When she did she sounded
hesitant.

"All I can tell you is that that girl is far from getting ready to break up
with you Chloe.  I mean, I think that when someone threatens to kill me if
I mess with their girl that she cares for her a lot...but that's just me.
I could be wrong of course."

"You're not gonna tell me are you?"

"Talk to her mama."  I sighed dramatically but she just chuckled into the
phone.

"One of the only times you call me and it's to talk about your
girl. Women!"

"Thanks Claudia."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll talk to you later mama."  I stared at the phone then put
it back to my ear.  I have no idea when this mama business started up and
asked her as much.  "When I got me a mama it started up."

"How is Monica doing?"

"She's fine as hell." I heard whispering then Claudia telling someone it's
"just Chloe."  My eyes opened wide when I realized that Monica had to be at
Claudia's house.  And in her bed.

"I'm sorry Claudia.  I didn't know you...umm..."  She laughed and told me
not to worry about it.  "Your parents must be really cool for you to have
Monica over..."

"They went away.  Left me and my lil brother.  Just had to throw out a
bunch of his thug ass friends.  Smokin' weed up in my house..." I smiled at
her grumbling then told her to tell Monica hello.

I tried Kia again at home on her dad's line.  I hated risking waking him up
but this was insane and I was starting to get frustrated.  If she wasn't
breaking up with me and what Donna suggested was the case then we needed to
talk.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Pratt?"

"Yes it is. Who's this?"

"It's Chloe, sorry for calling so late..."

"Oh it's fine, how are you?"  We chatted for a while then I managed to ask
him if Kia was home.  "Yes she is.  Did you try her line? Or cell phone?"

"Yes, it must be off the hook, would you be able to check on her for me?
See if she's alright?"  I heard him knocking on a door.  When Kia shouted
out in the background my heart broke a little.  So she was home.  She was
just ignoring me.

"It's Chloe on the phone.  Is the phone working okay in here?"  There was
the sound of the phone being handled then silence.  For a moment I thought
that she hung up on me.

"Hey."  All lunch time she's quiet and moody then all I got is a "hey."

"What's going on Akia?"  She said that nothing was going on.  "Well, I know
that you aren't about to break up with me so-"

"What?!  Who the fuck told you that?"

"I told me that."  A deep sigh filled the phone then silence. "Talk to me
Kia..."

"I love you Chloe."  I smiled and told her that I knew that.  "I don't want
to hurt you."

"You don't hurt me Kia."

"But I can, look what happened to your eye; your mom thought I did it."
Something clicked in my head after she said that.  Well, it was more like
the way she said it.

"Kia, mom knows that you'd never hurt me."

"You don't know that." She said quietly.

"Why don't you come and tell her yourself?" There was silence.  "Come to
dinner or something.  Talk to her."

"Okay."  I asked her what she was up to and we got into a light
conversation about homework and tests.

"I think I failed it Kia."

"No you didn't.  You did fine."

"So says the genius."  She snorted.

"Far from it."  Everything felt better now that I knew what was going on.
It wasn't fixed but it was good to now that it was fixable.  "They're gonna
miss you tomorrow."

"I know..."  I couldn't convince her to let me help Kia on Saturday.
Sunday seemed possible though.  "Maybe on Sunday I can come."

"I hope so..."  The conversation naturally winded down then I heard her
yawn.

"You tired? Kinda early for you isn't it."

"Didn't sleep well last night."

"I'm sorry.  Wish I could help."

"You are."  She knew how to make me smile, that's for sure.  "You could
help me even more if you were here."

"What'll I do? Rub your back?"

"No, not my back..."  I smiled into the phone as my mind traveled the road
Kia's mind was undoubtedly wandering down. Bad Chloe.

"Go to bed Kia."  She laughed and did as she was told.



There was salsa music blaring from the speakers when we arrived at the
party.  Eleven a.m. and the alcohol was already pouring.  Dad grabbed a
cooler of drinks and walked over to the uncles and older male cousins who
gathered around the bar area.

"Already escaping work..." my mom grumbled.  We spotted some cousins our
age and Chris and I walked over to talk to them, seems like we chose the
wrong group.

"...and she's coming with her girlfriend. Can't believe they're letting her
come."  Desiree, one of the ring leaders was babbling.  They had to be
talking about Karin.  Chris glanced at me and I saw a glimmer of pity then
annoyance spark in her eye.

"Who gives a shit Desiree?  At least she has someone."  They glared at
Chris.  They never did like her much.  I loved her the most at that moment
though.  "She hasn't been home in years.  So what if she's a lesbian?"

I watched as they all tried to back peddle.  Where was little Angie when I
needed her?  I sighed as I remembered mum saying that auntie was going to
be around later because of work. Chris mumbled something about finding food
and left me with them.  I nearly cried in relief when my cell phone rang
and I saw Kia's name on the display.

"Oh my GOD!  You have no idea how happy I am to hear from you."

"Wha?"  I told her where I was.  "Where's the house? What address?"

"787 Orchard Drive.  You gonna come save me?"

"Isn't your cousin coming too?"  I told her yes and we talked a bit about
how excited I was to see her after hearing so much about her.  My dad
called out for me to help with something over the music so I had to hang
up.  "Call me back in exactly an hour."  She chuckled and promised to.




We were all in the house when a dark van pulled up outside, a dark and very
expensive looking van.  It had to be Karin.  Everyone was trying to squeeze
outside but Chris and I just went in the back yard, happy to find some
peace and quite.

"This is shit.  Why are we even here?  They all don't like us anyway."  She
grumbled as she sat down in a chair.  "I could be at the movies now.  Not
like I don't have classes to study for you know."  I just let her rant and
rave and looked up as the family slowly made their way through the house to
the back.  The crowd finally parted and I saw a smiling Karin with a
shorter and very blonde woman behind her.

She WAS pretty.  I saw a few pictures of her when she was younger, just
verging onto those awkward years as a teenager but now...now she was
beautiful.  Very dark, shiny hair.  A happy oval face with laugh lines she
didn't seem to be trying to hide.  Shapely lips, she had the telltale
features of our family.  The same nose, eyes.  Average height.  Something
about her glowed though, set her apart from the other cousins.  She
seemed...happy.

Those same cousins who were talking about her a few hours ago were now
gushing at how pretty she was, how happy they were to see her, how glad
they were to meet her girlfriend.  I winced at that.  They weren't
girlfriends; they were partners, married.  I wanted to slap Desiree just
for being an ass.  Chris and I looked at each other and stood up to avoid
being labeled as antisocial.

Karin smiled at everyone; Aunt Carla was beaming proudly at everyone as she
herded Karin about.  "Mamaaaa," we heard her mumble quietly and had to
smile.  Aunt Carla was just like our mum when we were meeting some of her
work mates or friends.  It was the best time to ask for something you've
been coveting forever.  She never told us no in front of friends.

Karin looked over at us then and smiled.  She took the blonde lady's hand
and made her way through the crowd of irritated faces.  No one likes to be
ignored in our family.

"Look at little Chloe, all grown up now.  And look at you Chris!"  We
hugged and waited expectantly when Karin pulled the woman forward.  "Sarah,
this is Chloe and Chris."

"Aahh, the little doll baby."  I tried to hold back my smile at being
talked about by the most talked about cousin in the pack.  "Nice to meet
you."  I smiled up at the pretty eyes that her bangs fell over.  She was
hot in that I-don't-really-care kind of way.  Yes, she was dressed nicely
but I had a feeling that appearances weren't something she focused on.  Mum
walked over and we started to talk.  Eventually the rest of the aunts moved
closer as they all wanted a piece of Karin and her "girlfriend".  Only mom
and Aunt Jenny used the word wife at all.

When they found out that Sarah was an investment banker I saw the dollar
signs pop into some of their eyes.  I rolled my eyes and went inside to get
some more food.  After checking my phone for the umpteenth time I sighed
and sat out on the front porch.

"I want to go home."

"But the party's just starting." I looked up and smiled when I saw Karin
walking over.  When she settled down next to me I smiled over at her even
more.  She looked at me in wonder for a while.  "You really have grown up
Chloe.  I remember when you were so tiny.  I'd beg mama to let me go to
Aunt Lori's just to play with you."

"I remember you, but only small flashes..." It made me sad that I couldn't
really remember such a cool person.  She had to be the only other normal
cousin in our family.  She hugged my shoulders for a moment and smiled.
When she moved her arm I felt the loss.  I didn't get a lot of hugs in my
family.

"I'm glad you're here." I said.

"Me too.  Mama got tired of flying up to New York so I decided to make the
sacrifice and take a few weeks off..."  We laughed then settled back into
an easy silence.  "How have you been Chloe?"

I started to tell her about school, my writing, my dreams.  I have no idea
even now how it was that it was so easy to talk to her and how comfortable
I felt around her.  She was practically a stranger to me but I felt as if I
knew her forever.

"You did like to babble to me in that baby talk.  Shoulda guessed you would
have been a writer."  I laughed.  "Aunt Lori called my mom..." She looked
at me unsure.  I knew what she was talking about instantly.

I looked away and started to play with a small stone at my foot.  "Oh," I
said.

"I guess in a way now I knew why I was so protective of you."  I looked up
at her smiling face.  I saw understanding there.

"Why couldn't you live here?  You're so cool.  The rest of them are so
weird."  She laughed and looked back through the window.  No one realized
she was missing yet.

"And I left Sarah with the lot of 'em."  I asked her if she wanted to go
back.  "Nah, she's fine.  She's from Manhattan.  They raise 'em tough
there."

"She's very pretty."  I watched her eyes soften and a smile that I know now
she only had for Sarah fall on her lips.

"She is.  I'll tell her that you think so too.  She never tires of
compliments."

"Oh she's gonna have a lot by the time she leaves.  All of them are tryin'
to find a rich man to marry."  Karin's eye brow rose in confusion.  "A
butch lesbian will do just fine."  When she burst out laughing I grinned,
loving that I could make her laugh.

"Listen, before I leave today I'm gonna give you my contact info. So that
way when you guys want to come up to the city you can stay with us."  I
nearly reached over and hugged her at hearing that.  She ruffled my hair.
"You're not a baby anymore but your still my little baby doll."

"I'm sooo gonna visit you guys."

"Good.  Now when are you gonna tell me about this girlfriend of yours?"  I
rolled my eyes then looked around to make sure no one was near.

"Moms can sure talk..."

"You know how they are."  I smiled and when she nudged me I checked around
again.  "And I'm guessing by the covert looks that you're not out to
everyone yet?" She asked gently.  When I shook my head shyly she just
smiled.  "It's okay, no rush.  You're out to the ones that matter.  That's
what's important.  I just want you to know that you have me too.  That's
why I flew down now.  When mom told me I knew that I had to connect with
you again.  Make sure my favorite cousin was okay."  My eyes began to tear
at that.  Not even with Chris did I feel so at ease.  Kia was the only
other person I ever felt so safe with.  She draped an arm over my shoulder
as I wiped at a tear.

"Thank you."

"No problem.  Now, this girlfriend of yours..."  I laughed again.

"Well, she's hot as hell..." I began and for half and hour told her all
about Kia and the new friends I made at school now that I was out and the
true friends I kept along the way.  Some of the other cousins wandered
around to the front to check out Sarah's car that she drove down.  So that
was when we stopped talking and she entertained us all with stories of her
work in the city.  Someone yelled out dessert and we all migrated to the
back of the house again.  That was when Karin met up with Sarah again and I
smiled as the blonde woman reached out for her hand even as she talked to
my dad.

I looked around and saw that some of the aunts noticed it too.  Those women
didn't miss much.  It made me wonder if that was how I acted with Kia.  Did
I reach out for her subconsciously?  Touch her like Sarah was touching
Karin?

I hoped so. Someone else arrived at the house and the crowd shifted `a bit
to see who it was.  It had to be Justin, since he was the cousin who was
infamous for being late.  He just managed to always arrive when we had
about one plate of food left and about an hour or two left of partying to
do.  It was still a bit early for him though.

I glanced at my phone again then looked up when Chris called me over for
something to eat.  "This cake is good.  Who baked it?  Can't be Aunt Milly
with her being allergic to sugar," I nearly choked on my cake when Chris
started in on Aunt Milly.  I had to beg her to stop so that I could finish
off the last of it.  We finally got one of the older cousins to bake after
convincing Aunt Millie that she should make her "wonderful" lemonade
instead.  Mom made sure to gradually pour about half of it down the drain.

I had the last of my cake in my mouth when I glanced up at the back door.
It got lodged in my throat when I saw who was standing there.  I grabbed
Chris and pulled at her shirt.  She looked annoyed until she saw my face
and my hands gesturing at my throat.

"Oh fuck!"  She turned me around and told me to lean forward and slapped
the hell out of my back.  The cake came spewing out of my throat as my eyes
poured tears.  I wiped my eyes as she rubbed my back.  Even as I coughed I
made my way through the growing crowd of nosey aunts and cousins who were
gathering around the newcomer.

"What is she doing here Chloe?" Chris whispered.  I tried to answer but
only ended up coughing some more.  Karin spotted me wiping my eyes.  She
walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder but my eyes were only on Kia
and widened when I realized who she was talking to.

My mom.

"...never hurt her Mrs. Soto.  I love her with all my heart and would break
my fingers before I lay a hand on her.  I'd break anyone's fingers before
they lay a hand on her.  And if they do I'd break them afterwards. You have
to believe that I love Chloe too much to ever hurt her.  And I'm asking
permission to take her out for Valentines Day, or at least Sunday, to spend
the day together."  When she stopped she stepped back shoving her hands in
her pockets.  My mom was staring at her with her mouth hanging open and my
dad was a few feet away looking confused.  Chris looked embarrassed and I
felt every eye turn to me.

I could have died.

My mom looked from Kia to me then back at Kia just to look at me again.
Then she looked around at the now quiet party.  Even the music stopped.
Then someone shouted out what I'm sure they all were thinking.

"Chloe is a LESBIAN?!"  I covered my eyes and tried to disappear.

"Umm...ahhh..." My mum was trying to find something to say and Kia was
looking like she finally realized what she did when she looked around and
saw that everyone was looking at me and asking each other if I was gay.  As
if I was invisible.  I watched Kia walk toward me and heard Chris defending
me in the distance as my mom told anyone who asked her questions to ask me
since I was a standing right there.  They all disappeared as I saw Kia
walking over with a sheepish expression on her face.

It didn't help.  I was mad.

"Kia..."  I closed my eyes to block the looks of surprise and disdain.

"You said to talk to her."

"Kia..." I shook my head as I tried to clear away the red.  This was not
how I wanted my family to find out.  I thought it would be more...gradual.

"I only did what you said." She argued looking around at the people looking
at us curiously.

"Shhhit!  Kia-"

"I thought-"

"Alone Kia!"  The cat was officially out of the box.  I quieted down and
rubbed my eyes.  "I meant to talk to her ALONE.  Not in front of my entire
extended family!"

She looked around again and looked at her shoes then back up at me.

I turned around and walked through the crowd for the front door, needing
desperately to escape the eyes and questions.  I heard her behind me and
heard even more foot steps behind hers then Chris telling someone to fuck
off.  When I reached the front gates of the yard I stepped out and waited
on her to point me to her car. I leaned against the door and watched her
walk slowly over.  She looked afraid.  She looked unsure and reached to
pull her shades down.

"If you pull those shades down I will scream Kia." She yanked her hand away
and shoved it back into her pocket.

"So I guess you weren't out to the rest of your family yet..."  I shook my
head.  "I better leave then, I already caused-" When I started to laugh she
looked up startled.

"Leave?"  She nodded her head confused.

"After what you just did you're gonna LEAVE?  You have to be crazy.  You're
going back in there with me after I try NOT to go insane on you."  She
looked back at the heads that were peaking out of the house at us.

"Ahhh, maybe I better go Chloe."

"Ahhh, maybe you better go back inside that house with me Kia.  'Cause
you're not leaving this party until it's over."  She rubbed her eyes.

"Damn fucking Claudia..." she grumbled.  I paused and rolled my eyes.

"I don't even wanna know," I said as I grabbed her hand and pulled her
behind me.  "Let's get this over with."



To be continued...