Only Us

At 3:06, eighteen year old Shannon O'Connor made her way to west campus where the Saints football team played their home games. It was so comically large that a whole new area two blocks from school had to be purchased to build it. Our Lady of Sorrows College Prep was primarily middle to upper class, but some students, like Shannon, managed to secure a yearly scholarship due to dire financial circumstances. All she had to do was maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Every Friday after the final bell, she met her best friend, Chloe, on the bleachers to unwind after a long week. It was their much needed ritual, as both of them took separate classes and interacted very little during the day. But today, Shannon didn't see her at all which caused a twinge of sadness as she passed through the hallways like a lone minnow in a shallow creek.

At some point, Chloe stuck a note in her locker that said she had a surprise waiting for her. Not one to embrace the unknown, Shannon spent the entire day wondering what it could be. As she considered the endless possibilities, she was quite melancholy remembering that senior year was almost over. Tender moments like these which got her through difficult times would soon come to an end as they graduated and went off to separate schools. Chloe was going out of state and Shannon was staying home to enroll at the community college downtown. Though it was a few months away, she didn't like to think about the inevitable separation.

What was even harder was the fact that over the course of the year, Chloe slowly filled Shannon's thoughts every night as she fell asleep. She loved her best friend of course, but somewhere deep down, she started to feel a different kind of love for her. Boys were never much a topic of conversation and neither seemed to sway in any direction romantically. But she knew being face to face with Chloe's soft gray eyes and shaggy curls gave her butterflies unlike anything she'd ever felt before.

The thing was, somehow it seemed like the feeling was mutual. Though she couldn't describe it, whenever the two were together, it was as if there was a sort of tension between them that was only heightened by a touch or being close together. What was once never given a second thought now became a deep seated desire. But whatever it was between them flowered into something that came from the very best friendship Shannon ever had. She just didn't want to ruin it with her hopeless crush.

Chloe marched to her own drum and followed the footsteps of no one. She listened to metal and wore motorcycle boots with her plaid skirt and knee socks, but she also read Sylvia Plath and volunteered to build houses on service days. Whenever she saw Shannon lacking in something, she always made sure her friend never went without. It's probably why she was to be voted "best all-around" of their graduating class.

Because of Shannon's strict Irish Catholic upbringing, having anyone in her bedroom was forbidden due to outdated morality purposes. But some nights she'd sneak Chloe in through the window and they'd lay in her bed and talk. The last time they did so, she wanted more than anything to turn over and rest her head on Chloe's chest, hoping strong arms would hold her like she'd dreamed of for so long.

But she placed her hands under her head instead.

Nervous fingers played with the scarlet braid that had been done loosely over her shoulder. It was quite long, but Chole once said she liked it that way so it remained untouched. As she entered the football field, she looked in the stands to see a figure at the top all the way at the end. She waved, then began climbing up the bleachers, the sound of aluminum planks resonating with each footstep.

As she approached her friend looking so good in her denim jacket, her heart flipped inside her chest and she admired the charismatic smile looking back at her.

"Hey!" said Chloe. "I'm sorry I didn't see you at all, I was down in ministry most of the day helping Sister Linda get ready for her event tonight."

Shannon sat down next to her, ridding her tired back of the heavy book bag she was bringing home. "It's okay. I got your note. You know I hate surprises." She watched her friend reach into her bag to procure a yellow envelope.

"I know," said Chloe. "But this is for you."

Taking the gift, Shannon smiled and revealed a simple card with a sunflower on its face.

"Open it." Chloe stretched her legs over the bench below and pulled up each white sock just below the knee.

Shannon unfolded the card to read the inscription,

"you're the sun to my flower-without you, I'd just be a stem."

She tried to suppress the flush from blooming on her cheeks, but they quickly warmed. Inside was a rectangle of construction paper that had been designed to look like an airline ticket. She picked it up and examined it for a few moments in confusion.

"California?" she asked.

Chloe's contained excitement seemed to explode as she clapped her hands together. "Yeah! We're going to California for spring break!"

Eyes growing wide, Shannon looked at the homemade ticket once more. "You and me?"

"And my mom and her sister," said Chloe. "But we'll have our own room and everything! Just like we've always talked about."

The girls squealed together and embraced in a long hug before Shannon sighed and pulled away. "This is too much. I-I can't accept this. I feel like a charity case."

"Hey," Chloe held her hand. "You're not a charity case. You're my best friend and it was actually my mom's idea. She wanted a reason to get away from the house for a week. And I wouldn't have fun watching her and my aunt get drunk on my own."

Shannon's smile returned and she shook her head. "Thank you, Chloe. This is...amazing. More than that, it's-it's.."

"I know," said Chloe. "It is." She let go of Shannon's hand and reached into the side of her skirt to pull out a piece of gum. "Are we doing anything this weekend?"

"Mmm I don't know." Shannon moved a red tendril away from her eye and tucked it behind her ear. "I have that baptism to go to and then my dad's birthday is on Sunday so probably not, unfortunately."

Chloe settled into the corner of the stands looking rather comfortable in such an unforgiving seat. "Can I come see you tonight then?"

Her inquiry caused Shannon's insides to feel as though she were falling backwards off a mountain bluff. The idea was exhilarating.

"Yeah, just wait until after 8:00. What do you want to do?"

"Just spend time with you." Chloe gave her friend a playful shove with the bottom of her boot. "My favorite thing."

Shannon's pale cheeks reddened even further and she sighed as she studied the gift with thoughtful eyes. The construction, the detail...everything just to make her smile. She could've fallen into Chloe's arms.






"Well, I guess it'll be okay since you've kept a 4.0," said Shannon's father. "But there better not be any drinking."

"Of course not," said Shannon. "Just the beach, the Getty, and a whale and dolphin watching cruise." She had hardly eaten her casserole in fear of bringing up this trip to her parents. "Have I ever done anything to make you think I'd be so rebellious?" Her smile was sly and she patted her father's hand.

Her mother began clearing the table. "You deserve it honey. I think it's very nice of Chloe to invite you."

Shannon's stomach began to feel like crashing waves thinking about seeing Chloe again so soon. Her parents were a bit older and tended to retire to bed early, giving her enough of an excuse to spend time alone in her room.

"We'll scrounge up a little money so you can buy yourself a souvenir," said Mom.

Shannon shook her head. "No, it's all right. Just going is enough."

Her father gave a pained look as if he felt ashamed of their circumstances, but he mustered up a smile. "You have a good friend in Chloe. Better keep in touch when she moves away."

"We will," said Shannon. "I'm counting on it."

After she excused herself from the table, she helped her mother clean up then wished them a good night before slipping away to her bedroom to wait for Chloe's arrival.

At 8:05, she stared at her phone seeing how long it'd been since Chloe said she was on her way. She sighed and tried to let the ambiance brought on by hanging Christmas lights calm her racing mind. It caused a subdued glow to cast itself over the small room almost as if it were lit by candles. The inside of her cheek was bitten as she felt the sensation of pins and needles across her shoulders, and her fingertips danced across the wooden desk to the tune of a hymn she heard in church the week before.

When a soft knock was heard, she rose from her bed and walked to the window, smiling as she saw her best friend's goofy grin on the other side. She slid it open and backed away to allow her to crawl in awkwardly.

"I brought you something," said Chloe. She handed over a fast food bag from a local spot that made the world's best curly fries.

Shannon took the bag with a gasp. "A girl after my own heart!"

They settled on the bed and shared fries while chatting about music and homework they had over the weekend. But after a while, they lay side by side and watched the twinkling Christmas lights above them while their conversation deepened.

"Are you gonna work over the summer?" asked Chloe.

Shannon sighed. "Yeah, my dad has a friend who's a lawyer. He said I could do clerical work during the week."

"It'll be good experience for when you go to law school."

"If I go to law school." Shannon shook her head. "I could never afford it. My parents can't afford it. I might have to think of something else."

"Don't say that," said Chloe, her voice soft like spring grass. "Promise me you won't give up."

Shannon knew she was getting ahead of herself. She was still in high school after all. "Okay, I promise. When do you leave again?"

"August fifteenth." Chloe placed her hands under her head and crossed her ankles. "We have plenty of time together."

The way that sentence hung in the air was uncomfortable and foreboding. Shannon could almost see the cloud hovering over them taunting her with a countdown to their unavoidable parting.

"I'm gonna really miss you."

"I know," said Chloe. "I'm gonna miss you too." She glanced over to see Shannon looking at her with a gaze that had never before been offered.

"What's that face for?"

Shannon blinked and looked away. "I didn't realize I was making one."

"Well what were you thinking about?" Chloe turned over and leaned on her elbow. Her stare was piercing, yet warm.

"I-um..." Shannon began to stutter and laughed at her faltering. She couldn't be truthful but she also couldn't lie. At this moment, meeting Chloe's eyes seemed like an impossible task and she could feel them burning a hole in her as she fidgeted with the pillowcase.

"Nothing."

"You're such a liar," Chloe said with a chuckle. She placed a finger on Shannon's hand and caressed it. "Hey, look at me."

Shannon lifted her eyes and met Chloe's gaze, her heart thudding in her chest with force.

Chloe's smile had faded, only to be replaced with a tenderness that brought out her delicate features. "Do you feel like maybe lately things have been different between us? Not bad, just...different. Or maybe it's just me who feels that way."

Shannon knew exactly what she was talking about, but playing dumb seemed safe just in case her feelings weren't requited. "Different how?"

"I'm not sure." Chloe tilted her head. "Like I feel like I want to spend more time with you. And I thought about you a lot today while I was working with Sister Linda."

Shannon tried hard to conceal her smile, but it slipped out at her friend's revelation. "Good things I hope?"

"I could never think anything bad about you, Shan." Pulling at the bed sheet underneath, Chloe suddenly smiled again.

Feeling emboldened by her words, Shannon felt encouraged to test the waters. After all, shouldn't she tell her best friend everything? "I've been thinking a lot about you too. Good things."

While she waited for a response, all that remained was an unbearable tension in what little space was between them. But when Chloe finally spoke, it was like the room flooded with a heavenly light.

"Do you...do you think it would be okay if I kissed you?"

Shannon's breath hitched for a split second while she accepted the surprising turn of events. She took a moment to swallow any nerves and nodded.

"Okay."

Chloe brought her in and pressed their lips together gently. It was brief and still, but Shannon felt she could've melted into the hand that held her cheek. When they pulled away, Chloe's brow creased as if she were deep in thought. She traced a thumb over her friend's lips and stared for a few moments before leaning forward for another hungry kiss which felt like it had been held in for much too long. Their lips parted and gave way to eager tongues that explored one another in a dance. Shannon pulled Chloe on top of her and sighed as her legs were spread apart to make room. She gripped at her friend's band shirt and brought their hips together in a smooth rhythm. Breaths grew deep and heavy as the intensity of their kiss grew much more carnal. Pretty soon, she felt a throbbing in her shorts that was begging for a release.

"Take this off," she whispered.

Chloe sat back on her knees and pulled at the hem of her shirt, but stopped upon looking at the clock on the nightstand.

"Fuck. I-I've gotta go. My dad will kill me if I'm late again."

Shannon sat up to catch her breath. "Oh, okay."

"I'm so sorry," said Chloe. "I'm disappointed too." She slid off the bed and slipped on her boots and jacket before letting out a great sigh. "I'll text you when I get home."

Shannon watched her climb out the window and gave a few words before laying back in bed with a groan. That was so perfect. If only they had more time.

A little while later, her phone went off with a message from her friend.

Made it home. Goodnight






They didn't speak of what happened at all on Saturday or Sunday, and Shannon worried that it would be a one time thing. But she wouldn't dare bring it up first, feeling much too craven to even consider it. On Monday before class, they met in the cafeteria and talked about their weekend, though it was obvious things were a little uncomfortable.

"What?" asked Shannon. She recognized how fidgety her friend was being.

Chloe clenched her jaw and sighed. "I'm just gonna say it. I can't stop thinking about Friday night. I'm really sorry I had to leave." She wiggled a pen between her fingers until it looked like a piece of rubber moving back and forth.

"I know, me neither," said Shannon as she pulled at her braid. "Rain check?"

Chloe opened her mouth to say something, but the first bell rang. She gave a frustrated sigh and stood. "Meet me at the bleachers after school? I know it's Monday, but..."

"Okay, sounds good." Shannon gave a smile and grabbed her books. As she watched Chloe walk away, her heart felt as if it were being squeezed in the best way. All she needed to do was get through seven periods.

They didn't see much of one another throughout the day. But in passing, Chloe reached for Shannon's hand and gave it a squeeze before moving on with the throngs of students headed towards lunch.

When the final bell sounded, Shannon was kept back by her English teacher who wanted to talk about sending her essay into a local competition. She was thrilled of course, but all that was on her mind during their conversation was meeting Chloe at the football field. Each step towards west campus was hurried and the mixture of afternoon light and excitement made her feel as if she were in a dream.

As she walked through the stadium, she looked up to see Chloe in the farthest corner at the top. She began climbing up the rows of planks feeling short of breath, though she knew it wasn't from the bleachers.

"I've been waiting for your ass!" said Chloe. "Where have you been?"

Shannon sat down next to her and rolled her eyes. "Mr. Taylor wanted to talk to me, I'm sorry."

"I'm just teasing you, don't worry about it." Chloe straddled the bench with open legs and moved close to her friend. Things were quiet for a few moments, then she cleared her throat. "I just wanted to say...with what happened and everything-it's not something I suddenly decided to do. I wanted it for a while. And laying there with you just seemed like a good moment to do something about it."

Shannon put both hands on the aluminum at her sides. "Me too. I didn't wake up one day and feel this way. It just sort of happened over time. But I'm glad to know now you feel the same." She looked over to see Chloe wearing a thoughtful expression and exchanged a smile. Feeling courageous for once, she put both legs on either side of the bench to face her. Steady hands were placed on her cheeks and lips were brought together to share the taste of peppermint chapstick.

Their kiss was soft and slow, tongues avidly exploring each other's mouths. Chloe moved closer, wrapping her arms around Shannon's waist with a strong but tender grip. Though after a minute or two, Shannon felt a hand sliding up her thigh. She grabbed Chloe's oxford shirt as the hand pushed her pleated skirt higher, neither girl caring that they were out in the open, although no one appeared to be in the area. Fingers rubbed the cotton of her briefs, teasing her with its touch.

Their lips broke apart, but they kept their foreheads together as Chloe pushed aside the fabric and stroked Shannon's clit. It was slick and aching for attention. Chloe grit her teeth as if she were concentrating, her hot breath blanketing Shannon's full mouth.

With a gasp, Shannon felt two fingers slip inside her and she gave a shudder.

"Oh God..." She rocked her hips back and forth against Chloe's palm and tugged on her button down with clenched fists.

"Does this feel good?" whispered Chloe.

Shannon licked her lips and nodded. "Faster...please."

Chloe went deeper and her thrusts quickened in pace. Soft moans turned into whimpers as Shannon felt the long awaited release surfacing inside her pelvis. It was like a flare shooting into the sky just waiting to combust.

"Fuck...I'm gonna-I'm gonna come." She squeezed fingers around Chloe's shirt and groaned as she throbbed against her hand.

They stayed still for a few moments as the flare made its descent towards the earth. Shannon loosened her grasp on Chloe and straightened out the creases she made.

"Are you okay?" asked Chloe, her voice quiet.

Shannon smiled and rubbed her face. "I'm...I'm...I just don't want to stop." She glanced behind her at the empty stands and field before turning around again. "Your turn."

"I can't." Chloe gave a pained look. "I've got to pick up my brother from school, he had a piano lesson today. But...I can come by later tonight? Or we can wait 'til Friday."

Shannon couldn't hide her disappointment. She suddenly had a voracious appetite knowing only one thing could satiate it. With a sigh, she drummed fingers on her bouncing knee.

"I really can't until the end of the week. I've got a test in almost every class coming up."

"Friday it is then," said Chloe. "I'm sorry."

Shannon shook her head. "It's okay. It'll give me something to look forward to. Now go on, I think I need to sit here for a little while."

After grabbing her bag, Chloe kissed her friend sweetly before hopping down the bleacher bench by bench until her boots found grass. She looked as if she were flying through the air. Then she turned around and gave a salute before disappearing from the stands.

Shannon took a deep breath and stared at the empty field as she came down from the highest high she'd ever experienced. The thought of Friday night gave her goosebumps in places she'd never had them before. Chloe was her best friend of four years, but now she saw her in such a different way-it almost scared her. Though in her heart of hearts she wanted this more than anything.



That night and into Tuesday, things were normal as usual. The pair of friends talked at school as if nothing had happened between them, though their exchanged smiles were a little more knowing. But on Wednesday night as Shannon studied for a history test, Chloe sent a text that was not so out of the ordinary.

Can I call you?

Shannon felt her stomach flip and she responded with an enthusiastic yes. About five minutes later, her phone rang and she answered breathlessly.

"Hey."

"Hey Shan. You have Mr. Lombard for Theology right?"

Shannon smiled. "Yeah, third period. I just finished writing my paper due on Friday."

Chloe sounded nervous. "Yeah, I'm stuck on it, meaning I haven't started. What's your topic?"

Spinning on her desk chair, Shannon began to feel almost restless. "Scriptual Authority and Theological Interpretation. What about you?"

"I don't have a topic yet. Actually, I don't have Mr. Lombard for Theology, I just wanted a reason to call you."

"What?" Shannon slapped her forehead. "Chloe, you're ridiculous, you don't need a reason to call me."

Chloe gave a weak laugh. "I know...but I've been thinking about you all day and got cold feet without an excuse."

"What have you been thinking about?" Shannon rose from her desk and laid down in bed, feeling flutters take over her chest.

"Well, just how much I care about you. And how pretty I think you are." She took a second to continue. "And what happened at the bleachers on Monday."

Shannon tugged at her t-shirt as the mention of being touched made her nipples grow quite hard. "What about what happened?"

"We-well," Chloe stuttered. "How badly I want it to happen again. Being close to you these last couple days without being able to touch you makes me feel some type of way. Is that...a bad thing to say?"

Shannon extended a few fingers over her head until it made contact with the headboard, feeling as though she needed to ground herself. "No, not at all. I want that too. More than that even. Before we stopped kissing that first time, I was ready to do anything."

"Anything?" asked Chloe. "Like what?"

"Like...taking your hand and sliding it under my shorts until you felt how wet you made me."

Chloe cleared her throat. "I'd like that. You feel good around my fingers. What else?"

Shannon closed her eyes and slipped a hand under her shirt, gently massaging her breast. "I want to feel your tongue and lips against my nipples. I want you to bite them until it hurts."

"Hmm," Chloe sighed. "Are they hard right now?"

"Yes."

"Are you touching them?"

"...yes."

Chloe chuckled. "You don't have to be shy. Do you want to keep going?"

"Yeah," said Shannon in a husky voice. "Are you alone in your room?"

"I am."

"I want to know what you were gonna do to me the other night if you didn't have to go home.

Chloe hummed for a moment. "I've never done it before, but what I really wanted to do was peel off those cute little shorts and taste you."

Shannon felt her body shudder as she began to throb.

"I bet you taste good."

"I bet you feel good."

Chloe's charming voice seeped through. "Why don't you pretend I'm tasting you now?"

Without hesitation, Shannon's hand drifted from her breast to the waistband of her shorts. She slipped under and felt how slick she'd gotten.

"Are you as wet for me as I am for you?"

"Yes. Very."

"Can you feel my tongue running along your slit?"

Shannon gasped as she stroked herself. "Ye-yes."

"Can you feel me gripping your hips as my hot breath teases you?"

"I can...I need to feel your lips on me."

It was clear Chloe was touching herself to her own words. Her breathing turned heavy and she swallowed loudly before responding.

"My lips are busy sucking while I slip two fingers inside you. You're so tight and wet."

Shannon could feel a finish forming. She rubbed herself hard and fast while envisioning the erotic daydream.

"You're moaning my name and pulling my hair."

"Chloe...you feel so good...so good."

"I'm gonna come," panted Chloe.

Shannon couldn't hold it any longer. She cried out quietly as a groan came from the other side. Her chest was heaving and she covered her eyes with a hand. "Oh...that just made it even harder to wait 'til Friday."

"Yeah, it did." Chloe laughed. "But...God, you're perfect."

A warmth spread across Shannon's chest. "I object to that notion, but thank you." Her breath slowed down and she looked back at her desk. "I really have to study now unfortunately, so I need to say goodnight."

"All right. Goodnight, Shan. I love you." Chloe stopped for a moment. "Well, as a friend. Not that I see you as just a friend." Her frustration was apparent. "What I mean to say is-"

"I love you too," said Shannon. "Goodnight."



On Thursday, Shannon was in her fifth period Biology class when there was a knock at the door. She looked over to see Chloe walk in holding a pass from the office. It was a small piece of stationary used to take students out of class at the behest of admin brought around by students with a free period, which Chloe didn't have causing Shannon to raise an eyebrow. Her friend walked over to Mrs. Lazell at the podium and handed over the paper, keeping an unassuming expression the entire time.

The older woman looked up. "Miss O' Connor, you're needed in the office."

Shannon closed the textbook on her desk and came to her feet. Without a word, she followed Chloe out the door and spoke in a whisper when they were alone in the hall.

"What are you doing? You're not a runner. How did you get a pass from the office?"

Chloe snorted. "I just asked Mrs. Torres and said I needed it for something important. She gave it to me and said she'd tell everyone I stole it if I got caught. I also skipped class." Her smile was infectious and she took Shannon's hand, leading her down the hall towards the bathrooms.

"Where are we going?" asked Shannon, her heart beating furiously. As she was taken into the girl's room, she watched her friend scout the empty area before she was taken into the farthest stall.

Chloe locked the door before pinning her against it by the waist, smothering her in a deep kiss.

They let out sighs in tandem as tongues pressed against one another. Shannon pulled on Chloe's clean ironed oxford shirt while Chloe ran hands under her skirt along her ass and bare thighs.

"I couldn't sleep last night after our phone call," she said after biting Shannon's lip. "And I don't think I can wait until tomorrow." She kissed the side of her neck, letting her tongue make its mark against the skin.

"Well I'm not having sex with you in this bathroom," said Shannon, running fingers through her friend's hair.

"I know. I just wanted to kiss you is all." Chloe pressed their foreheads together and exhaled slowly. "You're driving me crazy, Shan. You're so beautiful."

Shannon felt her stomach flutter. "You've got to stop complimenting me, you'll give me a big ego."

They kissed again, slower this time like they were more purposeful in their movements.

Chloe's lips drifted to Shannon's ear and sang a line from a favorite ballad between soft bites.

"Don't start," sighed Shannon. "You know I love that song." She studied Chloe's overcast eyes and pulled on her collar. "I should get back to class before the end of the period. And you should maybe try going to class for once. You might learn something."

"Skipping class is cooler." Chloe kissed her cheek. "But you're right. I can't allow my bad habits to rub off on you. I'll see you tomorrow after school?"

Shannon nodded. "Just like always."

Before bed, she received a goodnight text from Chloe that made her lose her breath. It wasn't out of the ordinary, but at the end of it, a heart was sent which surprisingly never happened before. She responded in kind hoping it made Chloe smile as she fell asleep.

By the end of Friday, Shannon was walking on air as she made her way to the bleachers at west campus. Tonight, Chloe was coming over and words couldn't begin to describe how she felt about it. In study hall, she found herself doodling a heart with Chloe's initials in it.

"Hey stranger!" shouted Chloe from the top of the bleachers.

Shannon smiled as she ascended the steps. "Hey. Didn't see you today."

"I know. I've been busy getting volunteer sites together with Sister Linda for the service day."

"You're a saint."

Chloe laughed. "It gets me out of class so maybe I'm actually just good at manipulating ministry into letting me bounce from calc."

Sitting next to her, Shannon peered out to the field and watched the afternoon sun illuminate each blade of grass like a torch.

It was quiet for a few moments while the two of them studied the sky. Shannon looked down to see a hand enveloping hers and she gripped it.

"Are you nervous?" asked Chloe, her own voice wavering just a tad.

Shannon shrugged and pressed against her arm. "A little bit."

"What can I do to make you comfortable?"

"Nothing. Just be there."

"I'd never miss a date with you." Chole proceeded to clear her throat as though she were preparing something important to say. "Speaking of, I made reservations for us at a little place on Venice Beach one night on our vacation. It'll just be you and me. I'd like to take you on a real date. So...bring something nice to wear."

The sound of such a thing made Shannon feel either giddy or on the verge of tears-she couldn't tell which. She leaned her head on Chole's shoulder and smiled. "A nice date on the boardwalk with my best friend-I can think of nothing better. Wait, what will your mom think?"

Chloe rested her head against Shannon's. "You know my mom-she knows everything. A few weeks ago after you left my house, she straight up asked me how long I'd had a crush on you. I guess it was obvious."

"It wasn't to me!" Shannon exclaimed.

"It must be a mom thing then. I ended up confessing everything to her and she said she knew before I did, which I highly doubt but who knows?"

"What did you say?"

Chloe sighed. "I said I was happy being your best friend but I felt like I wanted more. And somewhere along the way I started noticing you in a different light. Do you remember when we went to do homework at the coffee house after Christmas? Well, at one point, I looked up and saw you. Like really saw you. You were sitting against the window and snow was falling outside. I found myself without words. You were nose deep in your copy of Canterbury Tales laughing at it and...my heart felt like it wanted to burst out of my chest. I never felt that for anyone before. And ever since then, I hoped maybe you felt the same."

Releasing their grip, Shannon turned to pull Chloe's jacket towards her. "I went home that night and screamed into my pillow because I couldn't stand how cute you looked in the sweater you got from the men's section at Abercrombie."

Chloe released a deep laugh and wrapped arms around her sides. "I wish I didn't have to go so soon, I want to hear about all the times you thought I was cute. But I promised my mom I'd start dinner before she got home from work. I'll see you tonight?"

Shannon offered a soft kiss, her hands trembling at the mention of later. "Yeah, sounds good." She watched Chloe grab her things and jump down to the grass step by step before turning around and giving a wave.

In that moment, she swore she felt their hearts collide.



By 8:15, Shannon was walking back and forth across her carpet in a state of agitation when knuckles against the windowpane made a soft rap. She walked over to open it hoping only she could hear how deafening her pulse was.

"Sorry I'm late," said Chloe as she climbed in. She kicked off her boots and tossed her jacket before sitting on the end of the bed.

Shannon began to pace once more. Her thoughts were scattered and her body was incongruous to the worries that vexed her. "Do you want something? I can get you a drink or I can change the music or-"

"Shan." Chloe brushed a curl from her eyes. "Come here."

Shannon moved forward and was pulled onto her lap. She slid hands around her neck and gave a light squeeze.

"I'm nervous too," said Chloe.

Feeling oddly calmed by her words, Shannon leaned forward to bring their lips together for a few moments. The affectionate act had become comfortable and familiar at this point. With a thumping heart, she sat back and pulled her t-shirt over her head.

Chloe ran shaking hands over her perky breasts and kissed her bare stomach before bringing each nipple to her mouth to bite and suck on until a pleased sigh sounded.

It was exactly what Shannon wanted though it was better than imagined.

Chloe picked her up and laid her on the bed, kissing her neck with abandon, only pausing to remove her own shirt.

Running fingers over her friend's bare back and broad shoulders, Shannon felt the throbbing return to her shorts. It was relentless and animalistic, only to be alleviated by someone else for a change.

As if her thoughts were heard, Chloe tugged at Shannon's waistband, pulling them down slowly before they were taken off and thrown across the room. She dragged a hand over her waist and studied her slender figure.

"You've got a killer body, Shan."

Red was felt on Shannon's cheeks, but she didn't look away.

Chloe kissed her stomach and navel before laying down between her legs, teasing her opening with two fingers causing her to gasp. As she slipped them in, she gave her clit a long and slow lick.

Trembling, Shannon gripped Chloe's curls and raised her hips. The sensation made the air in her lungs turn cold as a chill coursed through her body. She moaned softly, attempting not to disturb her parents on the second floor. It felt like nothing else before and she swore she could feel every fiber of the comforter against goose bumps along her back.

Chloe fucked and sucked her with intensity, adding another finger into her tight pussy.

The feeling of a tongue swirling around her clit caused Shannon's open legs to quiver with ecstacy. She pressed Chloe into her as she felt a climax building like the initial spark of an inferno.

"Keep going...fuck." Her breath quickened in pace while Chloe's head bobbed and her hips moved in rhythm drawing her closer to a finish. Every moan grew more throaty until only a strained cry escaped her. Rushing was heard in her ears and a pulsation of light vibrated behind her eyelids while each limb stiffened with radiant heat.

She lay both arms above her head and came to. Chloe bent forward to share her scent with a deep kiss.

"You do taste good."

Shannon opened her eyes and smiled, dragging her fingers along Chloe's abdomen until they rested on the top of her jeans. "And you feel good. Are you gonna take these off or do you want me to?"

Without waiting for a response, she pushed her over onto her back and unbuttoned her pants, biting at her bottom lip hard enough to make it swell.

"Easy," laughed Chloe, licking her tender lip. "You're gonna tear it off. But I kinda like you aggressive like this." She pulled at Shannon's freed copper hair, exposing her pale neck, which she licked hungrily.

Shannon felt more turned on than she ever had before. She ripped Chloe's pants and boyshorts off, then pressed their bodies together as she returned to rough kissing. Their firm nipples rubbed against each other as hips rocked together in unison.

Biting at Chloe's shoulder, Shannon could hardly restrain herself from digging nails into her skin. "I want to get on my knees for you," she whispered.

Sitting up on her elbows, Chloe watched as Shannon slid off the side of the bed and got on her knees with a docile expression. For a moment, she looked as if the sight of such a thing paralyzed her. But with a smile, she scooted over and sat off the edge of the bed, her legs tremoring in anticipation.

Shannon dragged hands up her thighs and left no room for teasing. She felt the muscles under her hands tense as she took all of Chloe into her mouth hoping she could do it as well as her friend could. But it soon became apparent that the taste of arousal was something that quenched her thirst as she couldn't get enough.

Chloe gasped and sputtered, her hands cradling Shannon's crimson cheeks. She thrusted into her as she was sucked, "Jesus Shan, you're gonna make me come already." She rolled her hips, her breath turning into pants.

Shannon felt a hand slide behind her head to grip her hair. She loved the idea of being handled and moaned into Chloe's pussy as she flicked her tongue against her clit.

"Mo-ther-fuck-er."

Chloe's hips jerked forward a few times before shuddering and she released her hands which were seemingly raised to wipe her eyes free of lust.

But Shannon was still feeling electrified. She lay back down on the bed, pulling a trembling Chloe on top and directed a hand to her aching pussy.

"I need you to fuck me again."

Still breathing heavily, Chloe filled her completely and fucked her hard and fast, panting into her open mouth. Bringing her knee up, she was able to go deeper than before.

Shannon could already feel an apex coming on like a bullet train.

"God, you feel so good...keep going please."

She gripped Chloe's flexed shoulders and arched her back as rapture moved like waves within her body. As she began to cry out, a hand covered her mouth and suppressed her screams of pleasure. After she settled into the bed, she finally let go of Chloe, who rolled over next to her with a sigh. There were so many things she wanted to say but no words could do her feelings justice.

After a few moments, Chloe extended her hands and motioned her closer.

Shannon felt a thudding in her ribs, but she moved over and laid her head on Chloe's chest. She could feel a pounding against her soft cheek through the skin.

"What now?" she whispered.

Chloe rubbed her back and sighed again. "Let's not worry about anything. We still need to finish school, and we still have our trip to look forward to. I think we should just enjoy seeing where things go, you know? I'm just glad it happened."

"Me too," said Shannon. She waited a minute unsure if she should say it. "You know I love you, right?"

Chloe chuckled. "I love you too, Shan."

Shannon held onto her friend tighter and closed her eyes.

When a sudden noise was heard, she awoke with a gasp and realized she was alone on the bed with a blanket draped over her. Looking over, she saw Chloe dressed putting on her jacket.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," said Chloe. "I have to get home before midnight." She walked over and sat on the side of the bed. "I had a nice time. Maybe we could do it again tomorrow? I was gonna ask you if you wanted to go see Bloodsuckers II."

Shannon laughed. "You hate those kind of movies."

"I know, but you love them, so I want to go." Chloe's words were said so earnestly, it was hard not to fall more for her sweetness.

"All right then," said Shannon. "I'd like that." She pulled Chloe towards her by the jacket and kissed her hard.

"Mmm, don't make it hard for me to leave. I can close the window from the outside, you just stay here and go back to sleep before I take my clothes off again." Chloe stood and gave a smile. "I'll text you about the movie tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Shannon replied, feeling almost bereft from the emptiness of her bed. She watched Chloe climb out the window and give a final smile before shutting it behind her. With a heavy sigh, she laid on her back and studied the Christmas lights above. Things would change in the future and it scared her. But right now, everything was perfect and she couldn't be happier. She closed her eyes and breathed in the lingering scent of sandalwood Chloe left behind. She was lucky to have a best friend like her.