The Flag of Truce

Beth’s reserved demeanor gave way to a kind nature which was usually well hidden. She decided on the spot to hail a large cab that was passing by. She bundled both of them and all of their gear from the Coach into it and head to her own apartment. As she got closer to home, she decided that she would organize a temporary bed for her distraught friend, even though she had never invited anybody home for a sleepover before.

*** Chapter 4 . An uneasy truce

As they sat in the apartment, Beth although still a little uneasy, did her best to console Melanie. Melanie in response thanked her for her concern and made a startling revelation.

“I may not have ever got close enough to say it but I do admire you very much, you know. You were so clever in school, and got a really great job, in a very worthwhile industry. You also have your own life free from your parents, with your own place. It must feel great to have finished your education so well. You were always so good in school while I was really scatty. I soon realised that I could never match your grades or sports prowess”.

Beth thanked her for this unexpected compliment. She sympathized with Melanie for the difficult thing she felt she needed to do. She gently outlined Melanie’s short term future as best she could while attempting to deal with her own dilemma.
“Melanie, I am glad that you have finally explained to your family that you are ....what you are. But I know that there was some gossiping about us in the bus, and my reputation is in the dumps over this. I am worried about how I am going to explain to my own friends and family what’s going on as this is sure to get out like wildfire, given your mother’s tirade in the hotel lobby today”

“Beth, you have nothing to worry about, after all your family know that you are not a lesbian. So, all of the tittle-tattle on the bus has no foundation. After all we are not together even though we slept in the same room!” The significance of staying in the same room suddenly hit Beth, and she could see how that could be misinterpreted. No wonder her mother had gone berserk!

She had wondered what was it that influenced Melanie’s decision to confide in her, and now assumed it was from a sense of admiration for her life choices. She decided that she would have to re-evaluate her opinion of Melanie.

Shaking herself loose from her thoughts, Beth decided to play the part of hostess properly. She had no girly sleep attire to offer, so she got a large shirt to act as a nightie for Melanie. She moved a small table out of the lounge to make up a bed for her, on the pullout settee she had. As Melanie lay down on the sofa bed with Beth on the futon beside her, they discussed the extraordinary day that Melanie had been through. They gave up trying to second guess or plan what should happen next. Melanie fell asleep holding her friends hand, before Beth quietly moved into her own room. The emotion of the day finally took its toll, and Beth slept like a log.

On Sunday morning Melanie who was an excellent cook quietly got up early to make a breakfast for them both, and went in to Beth to let her know that it was nearly ready. She gazed at her friend asleep, thinking how beautiful she looked, before gingerly awakening her. A delicious aroma roused Beth from her peaceful slumber, to be greeted by the stunning blue eyes of her guest.

Beth was so unaccustomed to being cooked for that she beamed when she identified the delicious aroma of a bacon and mushroom omelet coming from her kitchen. She was unaware of how alluring she looked in her baggy shorts, oversized t shirt and pink vest so was surprised with the big welcoming hug she got. Before pulling away she noticed how firm Melanie’s nipples felt against her body.

She hadn’t got fully disentangled when she was kissed so suddenly that she lost her breath. Her face was being tenderly touched as lips ghosted across hers so gently that her own lips tingled in response. Melanie’s lips held her captive while she slowly and gently drew Beth into a warm embrace, and the kiss soon became captivating. Beth’s initial reaction was one of sudden shyness, and she was temporarily rooted to the spot. However Melanie’s lips soon had a magical effect on Beth’s natural reserve which was quickly melting, to be replaced by an altogether new emotional sensation.

Beth’s heart rate was increasing steadily, to a degree that she found totally unexplainable but rather exciting. Her lips kept contact with this delicious form of temptation, and her instinctive reaction was to feel suddenly like a seductress, drawing the kiss towards her. Indeed she finally took the lead, kissing back instead of shyly standing still any longer, pulling Mel towards her with all her strength. Her body moulded against Melanie, and her height and strength gave her the upper hand which she deftly used to her advantage. She pushed Melanie into the Kitchen units, as their hips crunched together. Melanie’s dilated pupils shot open in shock.

A disoriented and very aroused Melanie finally broke her hold. She was shaking with passion as she said:-
“O My. Beth, where did you ever learn to kiss like that, you have made me go all weak. I almost swooned! Where did that come from? I thought maybe I was ....risking eviction”

Beth shrugged as she tried to formulate an answer, finally blurting out:-
“Don’t ask me because I just don’t know. I’ve never done that before, in fact I very seldom kiss anybody. It was really just a ....spur of the moment thing. I just meant to.... say thank you... for the lovely food. So please don’t get any ideas of doing it again partner, because that is not going to happen”.

As she noticed a hurt reaction she added “But thanks for cooking the breakfast. I am starving since I got the lovely smell!”
Melanie beamed at this compliment.

Beth really enjoyed her breakfast, with Melanie providing a constant supply of toast. Beth tried to ignore the intense attention that Melanie was lavishing on her, as she now felt slightly uncomfortable anywhere near Melanie. She excused herself as she needed a shower. As Beth headed in to her shower, a bewildered Melanie was still a little disorientated. That kiss still tingled on her lips, and it had only confirmed what she already knew, that she was very easily aroused by Beth.

She also knew now that she was embarking on the right path. She needed to make Beth see how she felt but she could see that Beth had a very reserved nature, and didn’t know how to deal with her. She absentmindedly answered the door only to be photographed by press reporters who had heard the latest gossip and were looking to interview her for a story. She quickly slammed the door shut realising she was wearing a skimpy ensemble that would further embarrass her father and all of the charities she had worked so hard for.

As Beth made her way from her bathroom she could hear a loud slam of the door and asked Melanie what was wrong. Melanie tearfully told her that the press were parked outside the apartment complex and had taken revealing pictures of her, and given her association with a national Charity wanted an interview. Beth told her to ring her mum or dad again, just in case the pictures were printed, but told her to say nothing to the press.

Mel spoke to her Dad, to explain what had just happened. She confided in him that she was worried that it would break his heart to see her portrayed in such a bad light. Bill in turn asked to speak to Beth briefly, thanking her for looking after his daughter so well. Having hung up the phone she sighed with thankful satisfaction at Melanie’s father’s gracious nature.

But Beth was also a little put out. She reluctantly decided that she would have to forgo her usual Sunday cycle trip through the park and out as far as the river to keep her friend company. This left her feeling more ill at ease given Melanie’s advances. A sense of barely concealed panic hit Beth as she wondered how her family would react to a story like this about her and her friend. By early afternoon she felt like a caged lioness, and had a sudden bout of sympathy with those animals in the zoo. Beth was also aware that Melanie would read far more into that kiss than she intended, which worried her.

Finally the press clamour abated as their deadline approached and passed. The door bell stopped ringing late in the afternoon and they trudged off without a story. This left the coast clear to attempt to get Melanie out.
“So, what are we going to do with you? Do you have any money in your account to cover a Hotel in the country for a few days? I will come and see you once the coast is clear, assuming your bank account can stand the strain.”

Melanie checked her Bank details on her iPhone and was relieved to see her monthly allowance had been lodged to her account by her father on the previous Thursday. So she packed up her few belongings and headed off with Beth to a shopping mall for some emergency clothes to tide her over.

Once completed, they headed off to the parking lot to get Melanie’s car, before heading back to Beth’s apartment.

Once settled in they immediately split the chores of cooking and tidying, and Melanie agreed to prepare them a good meal. Beth selected some music and Melanie danced as she prepared the food, and they enjoyed the time together. They sang along to some tracks by Adele and shyly smiled as they realised they had at least a shared love of music.

*** Chapter 5. An Unexpected Intervention.

Later they checked the internet and found a Hotel on Richmond Hill, Surrey with a wonderful view of the Thames. They felt re-assured with booking this the hotel as it was renowned for its discretion, having catered for numerous celebrities. The Hotel accepted Melanie’s booking, made in her mother’s maiden name. Melanie got to her car in the apartment basement unnoticed as Beth gave her all of her contact details and checked to make sure that there were no press close by observing Melanie leaving.

As Melanie was about to leave in her Mini Cooper she told Beth to remember that she would be using the name Delia in the Hotel. Beth promised a tearful Melanie she would stay in touch. They hugged, and Beth conceded to herself that she did like the feel of Melanie’s closeness, and was upset because she could see that Melanie was so distraught .

“Beth please call me Mel, it’s time that I find a new identity and somehow Melanie doesn’t match who I want to be. This Mommy’s girl image is just not me, you know. I am not the person that I was pretending to be. I want to be myself at last, be independent, and get a job just like you. I want to have a life of my own, especially if my mother doesn’t want me anymore”

Beth heard the raw emotion in Mel’s voice and knew her friend was still smarting at her mother’s reaction.

“Mel, take care. Hopefully things will improve. I think you will be OK to leave now as the coast is clear. Think positively, after all your father is still talking to you and that’s good, isn’t it? Anyway call me when you are booked in”
As Mel’s Mini headed for the nearest roundabout to join the main road, Beth suddenly felt lonely, missing her friend. She could see that Mel was still very upset as she drove off in her car.

Later that evening she rang Mel who confirmed that she was settled into her room, snuggling in a large bathrobe watching a movie.

As she got into bed later that night and mulled over what she was going to say in work about her ill-fated golfing weekend Beth fell asleep. Her dream that night was very intense, and she could recall a shirt clad Blonde beauty in very revealing black lingerie kissing her in a way she hadn’t ever felt before. Images of well tanned thighs and tempting lingerie were no help to her unsettled sleep.

As she awoke her breasts were extremely tender to the touch, and she decided that the only thing to do was an extremely cold shower! As she left the shower she was still tormented by her own thoughts. Her memory bank was stubbornly refusing to delete the picture of Melanie in a bra and panties, and the feel of very aroused nipples pressing into her. A disturbing thought suddenly hit her. Not only was Melanie clearly very affected by her but.....

“No, I couldn’t be attracted to her, surely!”

As she got dressed she still had not really convinced herself that she didn’t fancy Mel a little, while admitting that something about Mel was very alluring, and sexy. Knowing Mel’s father’s generous and kind nature she hoped that Mel would develop similar traits now that she was free to be herself.

She got out her bike and furiously peddled her way through the parkland on her way to her lab to work off all of her pent up frustrated aggression.
In work she changed into her lab clothes. Before beginning on the latest lab experiment, her rugby chum Annie who worked in the advertising section of one of the local newspapers called her. She had spotted her friend’s name in a story being prepared about Melanie Chilcott. Beth outlined what happened and the position she found herself in. In reply, Annie told her some interesting news.

It appeared that the newspaper editor had buried the story about Mel when threatened with the withdrawal of several substantial advertising accounts by a high ranking Corporate Board Director. Beth thanked Annie for this bit of good news as her privacy meant a lot to Beth. Having ascertained that the story was totally unwarranted and unfounded, Annie commiserated with Beth on the difficult position she was put in.

Beth conceded to Annie that she found herself wanting to shield Mel from all of the angst and wanted to be her friend, even though Mel was embarking on a new lifestyle that Beth didn’t know how to deal with.

As she daydreamed, she wondered if she had a benevolent angel on her shoulder who had taken away all of the potential embarrassment of a news story. Thinking of her family she said a silent prayer of thanks for that. She did wonder if she could deny her own feelings even if their widespread publicity was no longer a threat to her privacy. She decided that she was in a state of total confusion and she couldn’t resolve this right now.

She decided to revert to previously used tactics when faced with a person pushing for too much of her attention. She would give Mel as wide a berth as possible, for as long as possible.
While Beth was engrossed in her lab, still giving unspoken thanks to the heavens for the fortunate turn of events; Mel had an unexpected visit from her father.

As they sat down in the hotel lounge with a mid morning feast of scones and jam her father told Mel that he loved her very much. He explained that he knew Beth well and really liked her a lot. He had thought there was something wrong for some time as Melanie had never had a crush on, or fallen in love in even a teenage way with any boy.

Since then he had stood back and observed Mel’s demeanour around her boyfriends and knew that she had shown no intention of “setting her cap” at any of them. He surmised that meant she either loved some boy who didn’t love her, or she did fancy a particular guy and was holding out for him. He admitted that he hadn’t got as far as imagining anything else. He then slightly shocked her as he told her he would always love her regardless of where her own life took her, and told her that being friends with Beth would be good for her.

Mel’s dad then informed her that he was able to put pressure on the newspaper guys not to use the story, and to destroy the prints of the photographs taken.

They discussed Mel’s future and her father agreed with her that while he intended to keep providing for her, she should spread her wings and set herself up in a job and apartment away from her mother’s gaze where she could be herself and let nature take its course. He promised to organize both for her in a very short time. He said that there may be an opportunity in a Charity Organization that she might like, as well as an apartment he was confident was secure enough to keep his precious daughter safe.

Mel wept with joy at her father’s love as she hugged him affectionately.

She was delighted with his news, and promised to slowly get back into the family fold once they accepted her as she was, but declared that it was her intention to live her own life away from her mother, who she felt had let her down badly. He accepted the points she had made and decided that it was time to call in a few more favours. Her father then left the Hotel, resigned to the fact that his baby girl was not coming home. He sighed and shook his head as he realised that this was largely the result of his wife’s attitude, and possibly too much time spent in work by him. His girl had finally decided on her course, and he decided that he was proud of her for that.

Mel called Beth in the late afternoon and Beth reluctantly agreed to meet her to discuss the recent developments. Mel declared that she had great news to discuss with Beth.

Beth was intrigued at this call and reluctantly agreed to meet her in one of the well know real ale pubs outside Oxford, the ever popular and busy “Masons Arms” that evening. As she he got off the local bus at about 7pm Mel was waiting to greet her and her friend’s smile and hug caused her heart to do an unexpected flip. Mel looked to be brimming over with happiness and Beth was thrilled for her. They went in to the pub together and as Beth was famished she ordered a beautiful game pie and mashed potato, while Mel had a lighter salmon salad.
As Beth sipped the frothy head on a pint of excellent real ale, Mel over her glass of chilled white wine joyfully gave her the news that she had left the Hotel.

Her father had met Mel with some of her clothes and her beloved make-up and hair kit, and they were getting on really well. She was staying with a girlfriend in a local apartment close by until she got her own place. Mel said that she didn’t know what was going to happen between her and her Mom, as the last call still rankled. Mel also stated that this move was causing the type of friction that she didn’t want, need or expect. She had hoped for some degree of “conditional support” from her Mum, and was upset that her Mum had reacted so negatively to her only child. She explained that she had the offer of a job in a Charity organisation, and with her father’s help she hoped to get that job and a nearby apartment lease quite quickly.

Beth had a sudden pang of jealousy at the notion of Mel staying with this girlfriend which she hoped she masked by straightening her skirt and flicking her rather tangled auburn hair away from her face.

“Mel, I am genuinely delighted for you, you deserve a slice of good luck after the disaster of the Golf Club weekend. But we may still have a golf problem though. What on earth are we going to do if they select us? The other girls are bound to talk and maybe even criticize. We will be dubbed the dykes! Would you still play after all that embarrassment that your Mother caused us both?”

“Yes I would. I would be very proud to be your partner. I need you to be there, with me, as you give me the confidence to play well”
Beth felt pleased with the second compliment from her one time rival.

“Well let’s see what happens on the golf front, but you are more than welcome to a meal in my place if you like, anytime that would suit you”

Mel was surprised but thrilled with this invitation, as it would give her a chance to be close to Beth again. “That would be terrific I will give you a call to set it up sometime this week. I may want to get out from under my friend’s feet as often as I can, as she entertains her boyfriend some times. I think it’s getting serious, as they cannot keep their hands off one another. One of these nights the furniture will not survive their mutual passion, which takes them across the apartment like a whirlwind. Could I stay with you if he overnights?”

“Of course you can, just bring along your own pyjamas this time!”
“Great, but I cannot wait to get my own place as I love to sleep in the nude!”

The image of Mel au natural sent Beth’s mind in a whirl for moment before she regained her composure and laughed at the seemingly innocent remark.

As they sat there they both pledged their friendship to each other, with Mel seeking to find out more about how Beth knew her Dad so well. Beth happily explained what she did, shared some insights about her father, and his wicked sense of humour, and wily business nous. Mel was intrigued when she heard how Beth played with her brothers, dressing up in roman army gear to fight with plastic swords. Over some drinks they filled in the gaps in each other’s past history, their hobbies, their love of pop music and their enjoyment of dancing, and the attempts various guys had made to get them romantically interested.

Mel probed a little “Have you ever had ....sex with anybody?”
“I came close but never really....got that far, no” admitted Beth.
“Same here” replied Mel.

Their discussions became more frank as they quizzed one another. It intrigued them both that they were both still virgins technically as they neither had sex with anyone, even though both admitted that their hymens were “no longer intact”. It somehow strengthened their bond further to realize that they were at the same stage in their lives.

Beth seeking to lighten the discussion revealed that she longed to try her hand at amateur dramatics, which was a very strong part of University and College life. Mel told her how much she had enjoyed working with the local amateur dramatic society, on costumes and makeup.

“I might be able to help you there as I know the producers of two drama groups here in Oxford. Imagine you in full costume playing the role of Queen Boadicea on her chariot?”

Beth laughed this off quickly but was pleased that Mel thought of her in this way. She could feel her attitude to Mel changing as she shed the image of the brainless blonde. As she revealed more about herself, Beth could see more of Mel’s father’s character emerging. They agreed that they should meet in Oxford that weekend and try to find a good dance venue where they could let their hair down.

On their way out in to the side garden of the pub Beth suddenly decided to drop her own sense of reserve and do something bold. In fact, she decided go for a high risk experiment, entirely inspired by her scientific intellect quizzing her about how she felt.

She pulled Mel close and before she could change her own mind she kissed Mel slowly and tenderly. Having no great experience of kissing, especially a girl, this kiss was even more astonishing for Beth as she felt entirely at ease doing it. The kiss slowly took on a new daring dimension as Beth became bolder. Her tongue which had teased Mel’s upper lip now became pushy, demanding access. With a small whimper Mel responded, parting her lips as Beth’s tongue invaded her mouth. Her tongue caressed Mel’s tongue and her own heart pounded. Mel’s lips parted wide open with a very sexy moan as their tongues began to explore. They became totally engrossed, before an oncoming car made them shrink back into the shadows.

As she finally relinquished Mel’s luscious lips and moved away from this very tantalising kiss she said:-
“Sorry Mel....Just checking something”
“O Beth, I am not sorry that you did that. Please do it again, it’s giving me the most wonderful feeling”
She shook her head at the plea that she saw clearly in Mel’s eyes. She shyly grinned “No. Let’s take this slowly while I try to figure what’s going on here. I have never done this with any girl, it’s just ....too hard to explain”

“Beth, you know that it’s all new for me too, to be here in your arms like this. But your kisses feel....so right to me, far too right to be wrong. I know I have never felt like this before. I know that you have probably got your own preconceived notion of what a lesbian is but I am only me. I have never been kissed by another girl like this either. Kiss me again? ....Pretty please?”

Beth quickly pulled away rather than give her any more encouragement.
“Don’t bat those eyelashes at me, please. You will just have to wait, assuming you can organise an outing. You could make that our date this weekend.... if you like?”

“We have a date? Wow, that’s great! I know all the best places to go. Leave it to me to organise. But I will want a reward, something like what just happened, for it!” She fluttered her eyelashes and gazed into Beth’s eyes pleadingly. Beth matched her gaze as they held hands; their eyes locked together sending hidden messages. Beth grinned, batted her own eyelashes and nodded.
“Well I don’t know....but maybe ....if that’s the deal!”

“It is Beth, so you can stop using your eyes like that to flirt with me. It is going to be going on our first official date out together so gussy yourself up for a good night out!”

They both grinned at their first flirting session, and Beth headed home, smiling in a conspiratorial way as she remembered those blue eyes and very active eyelashes. She was very pleased with herself as she felt that she out flirted Mel.

The kiss had also done precisely what any of her lab work did. It logically proved a theory that her lips already knew. She really had wanted to kiss another girl, especially Mel’s glossy covered lips. She realized that Mel’s eyes could undo her resolve, and the way she returned those kisses was very intoxicating. It was proving quite difficult to deny Mel anything when she looked at her like that. Suddenly the force of what she was thinking of doing became somehow more of a reality.

As she hummed a song called “Galileo” and she became engaged with the unique lyrics, Beth’s scientific background kicked in once again. She started to think about where to go from here, to figure out how a devoted scientist would confront and evaluate her own feelings towards someone else.

As she mused about what steps to take, she decided it was time to talk to some of her friends in the rugby team to get a few tips about dating a girl. Two girls in particular came to mind as they were a committed couple. Needing to feel informed she thought maybe a little homework on the internet was also required, in the privacy of her apartment.

*** Chapter 6. A Voyage of Discovery.

Beth went to work that week in very good form, which was spotted by her colleague and good friend Janice. As she bounded down one lab on her way to a break in the canteen, Janice gently ribbed her about this unusual change in demeanour which Beth evaded as best she could. Inside she couldn’t help but agree with Janice. She decided that a little confession would be good for the soul, and it would also keep Janice guessing!

“I have a date, with someone that I think I really fancy!”
“That’s great. I will want all of the saucy details by the end of next week, so be prepared to give me all of the low down!” Janice knew not to press for any more than this as she knew Beth would clam up if she tried to push too hard.
“Maybe, if it works out!”