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Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 01

By: OldKingClancy



Note: This series occurs at the same time and place of my previous series entitled 'Death & Love' of which the main characters of this story -- Heather and Amanda -- are characters. You don't need to have read 'Death & Love'- although I recommend you do - but you should know that around the time she is 18, the character of Billie Dawltry in this story is having sex with her brother Caleb who has a brain condition that will kill him. With that out the way let's get started.

All characters are 18 or older.

*

Isn't it amazing how quickly things can change? 

Everything changed for us when we were 12, too young perhaps but it still happened. There was four of us in our own little gang, me; Heather Richards, my long-time friend Billie Dawltry, the kindest person I knew, my best friend Amanda Townsend, loud and outgoing but she was always fun to be with, and Amanda's twin sister Carol, complete opposite to her sister Carol was quiet and shy but if you had a question about anything she'd answer it. The four of us were walking back to Billie's house from school, because Billie's was so near it was just the four of us, no parents, and we had just reached a crossing, Amanda had pressed the button and we were waiting for the green man. When the green man did come we all skipped across, except Carol who was kneeling down.

'Come on Carol, hurry up.' Amanda tried to quicken her sister.

'In a sec Mands, I'm just tying my laces.'

Carol got her laces tied quickly, she looked up and saw the green man and red light were still there, she didn't think to look on the road; none of us did. So when the speeding car hit Carol when she was still crossing it took all of us by surprise, and that's an understatement. Carol went flying near ten feet across the road, not caring about any other cars Amanda ran straight to her sister who was lying in a bloodied, broken heap on the road, her lifeless eyes staring at us. Amanda just started crying, she held Carol and refused to let go, believing if she wished hard enough Carol would breath again.

She never did.

And that's what changed us, Billie got a fear of death she never recovered from, not helped when just two years later her older brother Caleb told her he had inherited their father's disease and was going to die. Amanda and her family got the worst change, her parents argued constantly, completely ignoring their surviving daughter. Not long after Carol's death Amanda's father ran out on them, divorced her mother and went off with his young secretary, Amanda refused to see her father and stayed with her mum but she was so distraught by the whole thing she became an alcoholic. With nowhere else to go, Amanda spent most nights at my house and had become my unofficial sister, my parents even joked about legally adopting her but they never went through with it. And me? I became a lesbian; ok it wasn't that quickly but the events leading from Carol's death to my discovery of being gay are closely linked.

Forgive me if I sound vain but I feel I should tell you a little about myself, I'm average height -- about 5' 9'' -- but I'm also very skinny, in fact some of the more bitchy of my fellow students spread rumours that I was anorexic. Nobody believed them but compared to Amanda or Billie I could see how I could be perceived that why, the two of them were curvy, womanly and both had about D-Cup breasts with Billie's being marginally bigger. Mine are B-Cup but for what I lack in size I make up for in sensitivity and while that meant my nipples were permanently hard I could deal with it. I've been told by friends that my best feature is my legs which were long and silky -- their words not mine -- and my round, taut ass a close second. I disagree however, I'm not a girly girl and I don't spend a lot of time on my looks but I do think I'm pretty cute, I've got a chipmunk style face framed by my long dirty blonde hair.

Sexuality wise I wasn't always gay, I grew up thinking I was straight, or at least bi due to a few drunken girl kisses I secretly wished had lasted longer. My first indication of being a lesbian was when I was just turned 18 and I lost my virginity, it wasn't anything special or romantic, it was quick and drunk and over with before I realised. The guy was nice and all but he showed no interest in going any further and I didn't want anything from him; good thing as well as a few days later one of the football players girlfriends had overheard one of the other players bragging about fucking a virgin, she listen to his description and despite his crudeness she knew it was me. I sort of went off men by that stage, to be honest I just wanted to be alone a lot of the time, I had such regret about how my first time was that I was so self-conscious about seeing anyone else. That was until a few months later, my friends Billie and I were at a party and Billie had had a little too much to drink so I took her back to mine, we both ended up on the floor laughing, both of us close together, I looked into her eyes and thought she was just beautiful. That's when I kissed her, it was a quick kiss but I could tell she enjoyed it, mostly due to the fact she kissed me the second time.

This was my second indication.

Billie and I didn't go any further than a few kisses and some light touching above the belt but it was still nice, the next morning we just laughed about it and never did it again -- well that's not true we did have some kisses every so often but despite her being so beautiful I was not attracted to Billie, I didn't know who I was attracted to until I was in university. Amanda, Billie and I all managed to get into the same uni and because Billie was living with her brother at his house it allowed me and Amanda to find our own flat so we could live together. 

Now a little back story on Amada, one of the things that changed in her after Carol's death was she became a little, well I wouldn't say promiscuous, she had a lot of sex but with very few guys, possibly to get her parents attention, maybe she had daddy issues, which would explain why she took a Psych class -- something I still find confusing but when I asked her why she told me it looked interesting -- whatever the reason Amanda wasn't far from having a guy in her room, thankfully we had separate rooms but I still heard her and it was quite distracting some nights. But one night was different; I hadn't heard anything so I went to get a midnight drink, walking back to my room I saw Amanda's door was slightly open, I didn't mean to look but when I walked pass the door I caught a glimpse of Amanda.

She was bouncing naked on top of some blonde haired guy.

Curiosity got the better of me and I had to see more, I stood by the door and got a better look of everything. Being roommates I had seen Amanda naked before but this was different, here she was sweating so her golden skin looked like it was shining, her deep red hair clung to her large breasts which were jumping on her chest, again my curiosity got me and I looked down to her pussy, she had kept the hair trimmed but it was still there, a much lighter red colour. I didn't see who the guy was but I didn't care, all I cared about was watching my best friend in a way I'd never seen her in before. By the time she had finished my juices were already soaking my leg so I rushed straight back to my room, ripped my panties off and rubbed my pussy red raw until I had the biggest orgasm of my life. After that two things were certain in my life.

1: I was definitely a lesbian.

2: I fancied my best friend.

JULY

With no university for weeks several people started throwing parties; this one was at Daniel Entwistle's house, a boy in our uni whose parents had gone on holiday. Me and Amanda arrived quite late, we were giving a lift by Craig Allen; he was the blonde boy I saw Amanda fucking and he was now her boyfriend of three months. I didn't hate him but I found it difficult to hide my jealously. When we walked in most people were already drunk and stumbling but it didn't stop Amanda and Craig finding the nearest bottle and sharing it. 

Trying to get my mind off Amanda I found Billie on her own in the kitchen, I sat down next to her and tried my hardest to keep my eyes off her fantastic cleavage.

'Hezz, you made it.' She hugged me. 'What took you so long?'

'After I got dressed Mands decided to get undressed and jump on Craig.'

Billie giggled. 'Shame you didn't get here earlier, I'm just about to leave.'

'Aw B, why?'

'I just feel guilty about leaving Caleb at home alone.'

'Wasn't he invited?'

'Yeah but you know Cay. Anyway as soon as I find Vincent I'll get going.'

'Vincent Moreno? Didn't know you two were an item.'

'We're not, he asked me so I agreed to come with him. I think he's in the toilet right now.'

At that point Natalie Adams, a girl at our uni and Daniel's girlfriend came up to us looking worried. 'Hey, have you guys seen Danny, I can't find him anywhere.'

'I don't know I just got here.'

'I think I saw him go upstairs a few minutes ago.'

'Thank Billie.'

Natalie left quickly to find her boyfriend. Billie and I got back to talking.

'You ok Hezz, you seem down.'

'It's nothing B.'

'Come on Hezz tell me what's wrong with you.'

'No Billie, this is personal alright I can't get into it.'

I looked across the room and saw Amanda kissing Craig; I couldn't look and turned away. I caught Billie looking at what I was looking at. 'Oh. Say no more Hezz I understand.'

Before I could say anything there was a loud crash from upstairs, everyone looked to the stairs and saw a crying Natalie run out the house, a drunken Daniel stumbled after her and a half naked girl called Katie -- a well known slut -- walked casually behind them both. Everyone stopped what they were doing and followed the three of them outside.

'...Nats I was drunk I thought she was you.'

'How could you think I that bitch, at what point did you think I became plastic.'

'Nats I was near unconscious on the bed, she said nothing and I assumed it was you I'm sorry.'

'Sorry doesn't change the fact that you fucked her.' Natalie didn't say anymore, she just turned and walked away. A broken Daniel turned in the opposite direction back to the house, Katie began walking over to him.

'Oh baby, you don't need her. I'll take good care of you.'

Despite Katie's terrible attempt at sex talk Daniel was no fool...

And punched her in the face, breaking her nose in the process.

'You stupid cunt, you've ruined the best thing I've ever had because you couldn't go five minutes without someone fucking you.' Daniel looked up and saw the shocked crowd. 'Shows fucking over, fuck off home all of you.'

Nobody needed telling twice and pretty soon everyone began to leave. Billie left with Vincent so I begrudgingly had to find Amanda and Craig, I found them round the back, Amanda throwing up.

'Jesus Mands what happened?'

'She had a little too much to drink.' Craig spoke for her.

'We were only here ten minutes.'

'We found some tequila and were doing shots, she couldn't hold her drink. I'm taking her back to mine.'

I found a way to get back at Craig for all the times he flaunted Amanda at me. 'No. She's my responsibility I'll take her back to OUR dorm. I'm not leaving her with you so you can fuck her drunken corpse. And before you say anything I'll not insinuating anything I'd just feel safer if Mands was somewhere I knew.'

Surprisingly Craig smiled. 'Ok you do that, I'll drop you both off then go home.'

With some difficulty me and Craig pulled the drunken Amanda to his car and lay her out on the back seat, I sat with her to stop her falling off. From the angle I could see right up Amanda's skirt, every-so-often I would catch a peek of her red thong and her ass checks, god my panties were getting soaked. When we got back I carried Amanda inside and put her on the sofa, I was going to leave her there but she stirred awake.

'Where you going Hezz, it ain't that late.'

'It's near as makes no difference midnight, I'm going to bed and so should you.'

'Why, we have all night.'

'To do what, I'm not going back out there to go to some assholes party, that one was bad enough. Christ we were barely there and you got hammered on shots.'

'Get off you fucking high horse Hezz. At least get me some painkillers I've got a bitch of a headache.'

As much as I loved Amanda I hated her when she was drunk, I got her the painkillers and some water, both of which she quickly took.

'Cheers Hezz, listen sorry about being a bitch just then, but like you said I was hammered.'

'It's fine Mands, I've gotten use to it, if I can survive your mother I can survive you.'

'Oh come on that's taking it a bit too far. I hate being compared to that alkie bitch but she's the best of a bad bunch.'

'Calm Mands.' I sat down next to her. 'I was only joking.'

Amanda hugged me, I was taking slightly aback but returned it all the same, taking a second to smell her hair, through the booze and smoke from other people's cigarettes I could smell her beautiful scent.

'Hey Hezz, do you mind if I put some music on, I wanna try anything to stop me from falling asleep.'

'Sure, nothing too loud though. What d'you have in mind?'

Amanda got up and put a C.D. in the player. 'Your favourite'.

'Love That Burns' by Fleetwood Mac started playing, she was right it was my favourite. I watched as the still tipsy Amada started slow dancing to the tune.

'Would you love me tomorrow? Like you say you love me now.' I couldn't help but laugh at Amanda's attempt at singing. But then again I also couldn't help joining in. 

'Would you love me, would you love me tomorrow? Like you say you love me now.'

Amanda got closer to me. 'When the flames of our flesh have stopped burning.' She pulled me up and started dancing with me. 'And the fire of our love has cooled down.'

We started twirling each other around the room, laughing like maniacs as we did. Amanda pulled me close, softly clutched my hand and continued the song.

'Too many times I've given too much.'

'Baby give me your love in return.'

I looked longingly into her deep brown eyes, wondering if she could feel what I felt. Suddenly our feet got tangled and we fell to the floor, Amanda landed on top of me and I put my hands up to protect myself. After the initial shock of the fall was over Amanda and I caught each other's eyes, we could both feel my left hand pressing against her breast as I had tried to save myself from the fall and my right hand resting on her bare ass as her skirt had lifted. Looking into my eyes I could see she was reading my mind, she knew I didn't want to move them. The song kept playing.

'Too many times I've given too much.'

'Baby give me your love in return.' I sang along, hoping Amanda would read between the lines.

With one of her hands Amanda gently stroked my cheek and moved my hair away from my eyes. I could feel myself filling with tears, whether they were sadness, joy or fear I don't remember.

'Give your mind and your heart.'

And it was at this point Amanda leaned forward and kissed me. 

'But please don't leave me with a love that burns.'

We had had kisses in the past, like I said there were drunken moments I wished lasted longer. But this was different; there was something behind this kiss, passion, love. Lust? Whatever it was I loved it.

I rolled over so that I was on top of Amanda, I didn't want this to end due to second thoughts or regrets. I started to unbutton her shirt, it became more and more obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra underneath. When her beautiful breasts had escaped I moved forward and suckled on them; feeling them harden in my mouth. My fingers found their way under Amanda's skirt and into her panties, I could feel that she was freshly bald, making it a hell of a lot easier to find her soaking slit. I slipped my index and middle finger into Amanda while my thumb rubbed her clit furiously, determined to make her feel what I was feeling. It wasn't long before Amanda let out a small moan and gently convulsed, I had made her cum, but I wasn't finished. 

I kissed her lips once more, then I kissed her neck, I kissed her breasts, her stomach. I jumped down and planted kisses up and down her legs, licking them, stroking their smoothness and stopping just before her cunny on each leg. I could practically see her wetness pour out of her. I slowly pulled her panties down, slowly, methodically, patiently until finally, her bald pussy was revealed to my for the first time -- ok it wasn't the first time but you know what I mean. My face never leaving her groin I looked up at Amanda, her eyes were closed, I look of strange, new pleasure across her face, she was shivering and I could only guess why. 

I'll admit I was scared, I had never gone down on a girl before, this was a new experience for us both. Carefully I moved my head down and gently kissed her clit.

'Oh my God. Oh God Hezz don't stop please.'

That was all the reassurance I needed, I continued to kiss her clit and dove my tongue into her slit, she tasted surprisingly sweet which only made me want to taste more of her. I alternated between kissing her clit and licking her lips and a few times I even fingered her, my best friend, the one person I truly loved. It didn't take her long before she came.

'Oh, oh, oh GGGGOOOOODDDDDDD!' Amanda's screaming would have woken the whole dorm had nobody been out at Daniel's party. I kept licking her making damn sure I drunk every single drop of her cum.

'Fuck me Hezz that was incredible. Why didn't we do that before?'

'Because 5 nights in the week you have some dick in you.'

Amanda mocked disbelief on her face but I rectified it with another kiss. We went to bed soon afterwards, we'd kissed and fondled and Amanda had stroked my pussy but we didn't go any further. I was a little disappointed; I'd hoped Amanda would return the favour of cunnilingus but she didn't. I wrestled with the thought of telling her how much I loved her but went against it, not point in potentially ruining this moment. We fell asleep spooning each other, her hair covering my face. And through the booze and smoke from other people's cigarettes I could smell her beautiful scent.

OCTOBER

Much to my dismay Amanda and I never repeated our little experiment, which was fine for her she just thought of it as a drunken fumble that got interesting, I was left with feelings of confusion and desire. I did however spend a lot of my free time with Amanda, a few days ago some teenager had been stabbed and killed so my parents told me and Amanda to look after each other. Of course three's a crowd and Amanda was spending more and more time with Craig, I still didn't like how he paraded her in front of me, showing me what I couldn't have. 

But it wasn't bad for everyone, Billie had finally lost her virginity but she refused to reveal who took it, after a week of interrogating her I dropped it, for a while.

It was a cold October afternoon when I decided to tell Billie about me and Amanda, although Amanda was my best friend Billie was who I turned to when I was having trouble. We were walking back from the shops, Billie had bought herself a new mirror, and nearing Billie's house when I brought up the topic.

'Hey B, can I tell you something? Something personal?'

'No Hezz your ass does not look fat in those trousers.'

'That's not what I mean. It's about me and Mands.'

'And that you have an almighty crush on her.'

'How did you know?'

'Remember Daniel's party, we both saw Mands kissing Craig, you couldn't watch it. I thought at first you fancied Craig but you never showed any interest in him before. I put two and two together.'

'Well done Sherlock. Ok yes I have a crush on Amanda, although I'm starting to think it's more than that.'


Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 01



'Why'd you say that?'

'After me and Mands got home we started... Well there's no way to put this nicely, we kissed, we fondled, I suck her nipples and ate her out.'

I looked away from Billie, fearing judgement, instead I got laughter.

'Oh my god Hezz you actually ate Mands' pussy.'

'Yes, it was a wonderful night and I wanted it to continue but ever since then she's been with Craig and it kills me B, I think I love Amanda.'

We arrived at Billie's house, a large place her brother bought a couple of years ago, Billie took her keys out while we talked.

'Have you felt this way about anyone else?'

'No, you came close but it's not the same.'

Billie blushed at that comment. 'Are you a lesbian?'

'I don't know, I can't tell if it's just Amanda or all women. I haven't had sex with a guy since that asshole football player.'

'What are you going to do?' Billie opened her door.

'I don't know.' We walked inside, Billie's brother Caleb was asleep on the couch. 'I'll have to talk to her, see how she's taking this.'

'You should Hezz, you'll never know until you make that leap.'

'Speaking of leap making...' I know it was a cheap shot but I'd manage to get the Amanda incident off my chest and I wanted to learn more about who took Billie's virginity.

'Hezz give it up, I'm not telling you who I slept with.'

'Come on B, you lost your virginity not even a week ago and you're not telling me who it was. I thought we were sisters.'

'It's a private thing Hezz and keep quiet my brother's right there.'

'He's asleep, he can't hear us. Now tell me please.'

'I'm not telling you who it was, but if it gets you to shut up about it I'll tell you what it was like.'

Billie led me into her living room and sat me down on one of the chairs, she was still tight-lipped on who did the deed but this was a start.

'The sex was, it's hard to explain. On one hand it was fantastic I mean I was pushed up against the wall, his fingers deep in my pussy then after I came he fucked me hard and fast, I swear I never came that hard before from anything.'

I squirmed in my chair, the image of Billie getting fucked against the wall was soaking my panties.

'My God Billie that sounds amazing.'

'It was but the problem was that it was hard and it was fast. This was my first time and afterwards I sort of regretted it, I just wish it was more slow, more tender, more loving.'

'I can sympathise.' I knew it was too good to be true, Billie's mystery lover had done to her what my football playing fucker had done to me and gone too fast with no care.

At that moment Caleb woke up, yawning very loudly. 'Hey, what you two talking about?'

'Girl stuff.' I quickly half-lied, I didn't want to continue this conversation with Caleb now conscious, he was a good guy but other than a few talks we weren't that close. 'Alright B I better get going, damn homework.'

'Sure thing Hezz and remember to talk to her.'

'I will, bye.' 

With that I hugged Billie and left, I was somewhat happy that Billie convinced me to talk to Amanda, I could have figured to do that myself but Billie gave me the push I needed. 

I arrived back at the dorm at around seven, I caught a glimpse of James Morrison, a boy in my year, kissing Rachel McCormack, a girl also in my year and the preacher's daughter, under the stairs. They looked ashamed that I'd caught them but I ignored them and went upstairs. The room was empty; a note on the fridge from Amanda told me she was out at a party with Craig. Typical Amanda, even in goddamn October she'd find a party and go to it. Of course without her being there I was able to think about what I would say to her, how I would tell her I wanted to make love to her again. 

It was nearing 11 when I got the phone call that changed everything.

'Hello.'

'Hello, is this Heather Richards?' The female voice was very formal.'

'Yes, who is this?'

'This is Glasgow Central Hospital, I'm calling you in regards to Amada Townsend, you're listed as her emergency contact.'

'Oh my god is she ok, is everything alright, what's wrong?'

'Miss Richards calm down.'

'Don't tell me to calm down I want to know if my friend is alright.'

'Miss Townsend is alive, however the matters of why she is here cannot be discussed over the phone, are you able to make it to the hospital?'

'Sure I can borrow a friend's car. Are you sure she's alright?'

'As I said Miss Richards, this cannot be discussed over the phone, it'd be much more appropriate to hear this personally.'

'Fine, I'll be there in twenty minutes.' Of course it wasn't fine, something had happened to Amanda and I was worried sick. I hung up the phone and went all around the dorm trying to find someone who would lend me their car. Soon enough one of the girls gave me her keys and I drove off to the hospital.

*

I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter of the new story. Just a few pointers, I know from comments in previous stories that violence doesn't always go down very well so let me explain;

The death of Carol at the beginning is integral to the story and not some random death.

The incident with Daniel and the girl near the beginning wasn't random, that's part of a future story that like this story and 'Death & Love' will coincide with each other.

Also, if anyone has read 'Death & Love' and noticed a copy of scenes from there that was not lazy writing, it was intentional and will happen again. 

Please leave any and all comments below and I will take them all into consideration. 



Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 02



Thanks for the feedback on the first chapter, it was my first attempt at a 'lesbian' story and I'm glad to see it went down well. This chapter picks up about a half hour after the end of the first one.

Warning -- There are references to sexual violence that may offend some readers.

*

I arrived at the hospital and ran inside, I was running through my head what could have happened to Amanda. I crashed into the receptionists' desk.

'Imlookingformyfriendwhereisshe?' I was so fast I could barely understand myself.

'Calm down dear, take a deep breath and tell me how I can help you.' She seemed friendly despite the godless hour.

I took her advice and took a deep breath. 'I'm looking for my friend, where is she? Her name's Amanda Townsend and I was told she was here, brought in not long ago.'

The receptionist looked at a chart. 'Ah yes, Townsend. Down the hall, third down on the left.'

'Thanks.' I walked quickly down the hall towards a door with a male and female doctor, both in their late twenties, in front of it.

'Excuse me.' The man stopped me from going in. 'Can I help you?'

'I'm Heather Richards, I was called about my friend Amanda.' I looked in through the window on the door, Amanda was sitting on the edge of the bed covered in a towel and crying, two police officers standing next to her with notepads out. 'What happened to her?'

The female doctor took me away from the door. 'I believe I was the one who called you. This may be difficult to comprehend but your friend was attacked tonight, sexually.'

'Oh my god is she alright, who did it, have they caught him?'

'Relax Miss Richards; she managed to escape her attacker before he could... do anything. However the whole event has left her shaken and scared, I recommend you take her home when the police are finished with her and stay with her, she'll be very scared and vulnerable so try not to leave her alone as much as possible.'

'Ok, I'll do that. Jesus I can't imagine what Mands' is going through.'

'I doubt many can, I'll have to ask you to stay before you take her home; the police may want to question you.'

The male doctor came up to us. 'The police have finished taking her statement, you can see her now.'

I damn near ran into the room, as soon as I saw Amanda I made a beeline towards her and engulfed her in a hug, tears filling both our eyes.

'God Hezz, I'm an idiot, a fucking idiot.'

'Hey hey, in no way is this your fault. All that matters is that you're safe.'

Amanda began to cry, it took all my strength not to join her. She pulled away from me and wiped her nose.

'Excuse me.' One of the police officers spoke up. 'If we might have a word with you Miss.'

I understood that he was talking to me so I followed him and his partner out the room.

'I am to understand you are Miss Townsend's roommate Miss Richards?'

'Yes, Heather's my name.'

'Heather, I'm D.C.I. Ross this is my partner D.I. Brown. Now Miss Richards I trust you were filled in about the attempted sexual attack on Miss Townsend.'

'Yeah, one of the doctor's told me.'

'Good, now Miss Townsend claims she was attacked by a Mr Craig Allen.'

I couldn't believe it, the rat-bastard had actually tried to rape Amanda. If possible I hated him more than ever. The officer kept talking.

'We understand you can't help us as a witness but for a character study what can you tell us about Mr Allen?'

'I, uh, I didn't like him.'

'Why not?'

'Um, this is confidential right?'

'We can't guarantee that.'

I sighed. 'Well, I don't think he treated Mands' all that well anyway.' I decided to keep my insane jealousy to myself.

'How so?' 

'Amanda and Craig had sex, a lot. It wasn't uncommon to hear them at all hours of the night. But I don't think he ever cared for her, it was just sex to him.'

'You have any other proof of this?'

'Not much, little thing he said and did around Amanda.'

'Would you classify Mr Allen as a violent man?'

'I didn't know him that well. However if there was a fight to be had with someone he would have trouble backing down from it, I seem him for than a few times square up to someone ready to go.'

'These ever escalate into violence?'

'No, Craig's a big guy; he's on the football team, so most people just back down, he's use to throwing his weight around and getting his own way.'

'Thank you Miss Richards that'll be all for now, we'll call you if we have any more questions.'

The two officers left after that, I went back inside Amanda's room, the male doctor from earlier was softly bending Amanda's arms, I guess for tests.

'Well I'd like to keep you here overnight to do some more tests; you can go home if you want or you can stay here it's your choice.'

'I'd like to go home please, I want to forget about this as soon as possible.'

'That's understandable.' He turned and saw me. 'We haven't been properly introduced; I'm Dr Thomas Freeman I'll be looking after your friend.'

I shook his hand. 'Heather Richards. Would it be ok if I take Amanda back?'

'Of course.' 

Just then an elderly doctor walked past the room, Thomas stuck his head out the door.

'Dad, Mr Dawltry called, he wants to confirm the next meeting.'

'Thanks Tom, I'll give him a call in the morning.'

The old doctor left, Thomas returned to us. 'Sorry about that, it's my dad, Gordon, he got a call from one of his patients. Right well I'll leave you two alone to get some rest and I'll see before you leave.'

Thomas left the room, as soon as he did I leaped onto the bed and faced Amanda.

'Mands what the hell happened?'

Amanda didn't look me in the eye as she told her story. 'I was at the party with Craig and I had a lot to drink. You know I can't hold my drink and I got real tipsy real fast. Anyway I ended up kissing some random guy by accident, Craig took me out after that he wanted to go home. I tried to patch things up but he called me a slut, said I was cheating on him, Hezz I wasn't. I told him the only time I ever came close to cheating on him was a little experiment with you and that meant nothing.'

That hurt me a lot, I know it was selfish but to hear her say our thing was nothing upset me. However I said nothing and let Amanda continue.

'That set him off, he dragged me into an ally and threw me to the ground. He said if I was going to act like a whore he'd treat me like me. He ripped off my trousers and panties and was about to... I fumbled around the ground and found a bottle which I hit him with and ran away, I found a police car nearby and they helped me.'

Amanda started crying. 'God Hezz I'm so stupid, why didn't I see it, why didn't I see him for what he really was?'

'Mands I said before this isn't your fault, it's his; the jealous fuck. He had no right to do that to you.'

Amanda grabbed me in a hug. 'Oh Hezz, I don't know what I'd do without you.'

I said nothing, I only laughed quietly; I was so upset over what had happened I couldn't do anything else. Later that night Thomas took a few more tests on Amanda and set her free. Amanda said nothing on the way home, I don't blame her but I wanted something to break the silence. Mands' jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped and ran inside, I found the owner of the keys.

'Hey, what happened, how is she?' The girl, Rachel McCormack, asked.

'A little shaken, apparently Craig Allen tried to have his way with Mands; she only just managed to escape.'

'That bastard, I knew there was something up with him.'

I turned to leave but Rachel stopped me.

'Heather, when you saw me and James yesterday, behind the staircase.'

'Yeah.'

'Could you maybe not tell anyone, I don't want my father finding out about us.'

'Scared of Father Aiden are you?'

'Firstly he's retired from priesthood and secondly yes I am.'

'Don't worry Rach, I won't say anything.'

I left Rachel to find Amanda, the sound of smashing coming from our dorm told me where she was. Amanda was breaking anything Craig had given her, ripping any photos of the two of them, tearing any of his clothes he'd left. She was barely at it for two minutes before she burst into tears and gave up.

'You must think I'm pathetic Hezz, I can't even get rid of this bullshit without breaking down.'

'Mands' I don't judge you, no-one can after what happened. Get yourself a shower and I'll clean this up.'

Amanda got up and went to the bathroom, I started cleaning up but Amanda's cry of pain distracted me. I rushed to the bathroom to see what had hurt my friend. 

Amanda was standing wearing only her panties, holding her bruised side in pain.

'Fuck Hezz, I can't do this it's too sore.'

'I, I , I could hel, help you.' I was trying and failing to hide my arousal, even after her attack I still had an almighty crush on Mands.

Accepting my help, Amanda pulled down her panties -- Oh god -- and stepped into the shower, the water soaked her deep red hair and made it cling to her skin, still golden through everything. She handed me her sponge and body-wash, still completely unaware that I was looking at every perfect inch of her. I lathered the sponge and slowly rubbed it on her back, as I got closer to her ass my own panties were wetter. I washed Amanda's ass regardless, staying on it as long as I dare to get a good feel without arousing suspicion. I bent down to wash her legs, my face so close to her ass I could have kissed it without moving my head. I washed the inside her legs, my hand between her legs, I could actually feel the heat radiating from her cunny; as the water from the shower hit me I convinced myself it was her juices, and I was the one creating them.

Sensing I'd spent too long on her legs I darted back up.

'Lift your arms please.' My voice was barely a breathy whisper but Mands' followed my instruction. She lifted her arms allowing me access to wash her underarms. Of course washing her underarms made my fingers brush against Mands' breasts and at one point my index finger caught the underside of her left breast.

In the split second I thought of everything, I would grab Amanda's breast with one hand then stroke her pussy with the other, I would kiss her neck and shoulder, tell her everything, how much I love, how I long to be with her. I would make love to her in the shower.

But I didn't, I merely apologized and moved my hand. I'm such a fucking idiot.

'You want me to wash your hair?' I asked her half-hoping she'd say yes.

'No thanks, I can get it. Thanks for the help.'

'No problem.' I left as quickly as I could, ran to my room and shut the door behind me. Ripping off my clothes I jumped onto my bed; with one hand squeezing my nipples and the other rubbing my clit I masturbated to a furious orgasm, the image of Amanda's naked body never leaving my head.

I fell asleep not long afterwards.

It must have been early morning when I heard the knock on my door. 

'Hezz it's me, can I come in?'

'Sure Mands'.' Amanda entered my room, she was wearing an old cut-off t-shirt and boy shorts, a scared and vulnerable look across her face. 'What is it?' I asked her.

'Is it, this is going to sound silly. Is it ok if I, sleep in your bed?'

'Um, I don't know Mands if you want sure I'll take the sofa and...'

'No, can I sleep in your bed, with you there, as well?' She sounded so awkward asking that. 'I don't want to sleep alone tonight.'

'Wow, sure Mands' I threw open my covers to welcome her in, then the cold air reminded me of my nudity from earlier. 'Oh shit, sorry Mands' I forgot, I can put on something if you want.'

Amanda giggled quietly to herself. 'It's fine Hezz, I've seen you naked before.'

As she got into my bed I wondered to myself 'When' but never questioned her on it, it was good enough that she laughed at anything. Despite what happened Amanda fell asleep quite quickly, I on the other hand was left wide awake watching her sleep, she looked so beautiful, so peaceful. I held my hand a few inches above her cheek, wanting so desperately to touch her, feel her. But I didn't, I couldn't, I wiped a tear from my eye and fell asleep.

NOVEMBER

That's how it was for several weeks, Amanda would come into my room and sleep in my bed, I loved it and hated it at the same time. The main side effect of sleeping with Amanda was that I had all this pent-up frustration and no viable means of releasing it, I know there was masturbation but there's a difference between pleasuring yourself and just doing it because you're bored. 

I felt sorry for Billie who had become almost like a human stress reliever, I would vent my troubles onto her and she would listen, of course Billie being Billie she never once complained. And she always seemed to have the right thing to tell me, there was one such day when she was at my apartment; I was helping her do her hair up for a big dinner that night with Caleb -- it seemed strange that Billie would get dressed up for dinner with her brother but she said it was important for the two of them -- and she just sat there listening to my complaints.

'I, I don't know what I'm going to do B, every night she comes and it's not like I can push her away. But I keep getting angrier and angrier with all this aggravation, if it wasn't for you I'd have gone crazy by now.'

'Happy to help Hezz.'

I smiled at her chirpiness. 'I'm sorry for dumping this on you Billie but I really don't know what to do.'

'Have you tried telling her?'

'What telling her I want her out my bed?'

'No telling her you're in love with her, if that's too strong tell her you've been having this feelings towards her and you don't know what they mean and having her in your bed every night isn't helping. Hell even just start by telling her you're a lesbian, see how she takes it.'

'Are you sure that's the right idea, what if she hates me for it, what if she never speaks to me again.'

'What if she doesn't mind, what if it excites her, what if secretly she's been feeling the same way?'

I could easily feel the juices run down my leg as Billie described the possibility of Mands returning my love.

'You're really sure I should tell her my feelings.'

'Go for it Hezz, you'll never know until you try. Hell if she shoots you down you'll never regret it.'

'I might do that, thanks B I really need your help.'

'It's fine Hezz, I know you need help. After all, you...'

I saw Billie press something she was holding, suddenly my C.D. player burst on.

'Got a black magic woman.'

I was left stunned, trying to figure out how Fleetwood Mac had got on. Billie's laughter suggested she had something to do with it.

'I'm sorry Hezz, I stole you C.D. remote about twenty minutes ago and I've been waiting for a moment to use it.'

We both laughed and listened to more of Fleetwood Mac, Billie left about an hour later. I waited for Amanda to return home, playing out how I was going to tell her I was gay over and over in my head. Trying to pick a good time to tell her.

Obviously when she stormed in grumbling under her breath wasn't one.

'What's wrong Mands?'

'My bitch of a mother, I went round to see her today, hoping to tell her about my attack and does she care? Does she hell, stupid bitch just wanders around looking for the nearest bottle, I hate her when she's like that.'

I gently put an arm around Amanda's shoulder and held her. 'Your mum's got a problem, you've tried to help her and she's ignored you. You're well within your right to be angry with her, but don't forget she's still your mother.'

'I know I know.' That calmed her down. 'Alright I'm going to bed, you coming up?'

'Sure in a few minutes, I'll just get a drink and meet you up there.'

Amanda left and went to bed, I decided there and then I would tell her tonight. After a small glass of milk I joined Amanda in the bed, we talked for a while but soon enough I bulked up the courage and told her.

'Mands', there's something I need to tell you. These past few weeks, I've, I've really enjoyed having you here.'

'I've enjoyed being here too.'

'No Mands' I mean I've REALLY enjoyed being here with you, being allowed to see you sleep, lying here with you in the most intimate... God I sound ridiculous. Mands' do you remember that night a few months back where you and I, fooled around?'

'Yeah.' I could sense her worry from my earlier verbal spew.

'Well that meant a lot to me, emotionally as well as sexually. For a while now I've been feeling something and I don't know what it is but every time I see you the feeling grows stronger...'

'Hezz Hezz, you're rambling again. Just tell me.'

'Mands', I think, I think I'm a lesbian. More importantly, I think I'm in love with you. I know that's completely inappropriate to say and I've probably scared you so if you want to leave just leave and I'll understand.'

I expected Amanda to jump out the bed and run. 

I did not expect for her to kiss me. 'What the...'

'I'll let you in on a secret Hezz, about a week after a first slept here I started getting my own feeling, I felt safe with you, soon that safety turned to care, and after that, I started to fall in love with you. I don't think I'm gay but when I'm with you my heart jumps up.'

Someone was smiling on me, Amanda kissed me again, we rolled over so she was on top of me and moving down, she kissed my neck then looked me in the eye. 'I never got to repay you for our first encounter.'

Holy hell this was unbelievable. Amanda lifted up the shirt I was wearing and set about kissing my breasts, being smaller than hers she spent less time on mine then I did on hers but when Mands started sucking my nipples I nearly came right there. Still Amanda went down, still kissing every part of my body; my chest, my neck, my stomach, even my belly button, until she got to my panties, she wasted no time in taking them off and burying her face in my pussy, looking down and seeing that long red hair just made me wetter. 

Amanda started blowing softly on my pussy, the cold air created by her and my wetness caused me to shiver but it also excited me. 'Oh god Mands' this is incredible.'

'This, this is nothing.'

When her tongue entered me I swear I came straight away but she stayed locked on me, licking kissing, sucking she made me feel things I'd never felt before, opened new doors in my mind, introduced me to new ideas, the heavens above opened and I saw God, the angels singing about my love found at last. The surge of ecstasy soared around my body until finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I settled down, Amanda looked up at me, her face covered in my juices. She opened her mouth to say something but I kissed her before she could. We fucked the whole night, I ate her out, she at me out, we 69'd, we kissed, we fondled, trying desperately to keep the noise down. 

We weren't very successful.

As the morning came Amanda and I were left in each other's arms, sweating viciously, naked and panting.

'God Mands, that was amazing. That was the best night of my life, I'm never leaving this bed or you again.'

'I'm glad you liked it, it was special for me too.'

There was a strange sadness to Amanda's voice, I looked in her eyes and saw them close to tears.

'Do you regret anything Mands'?'

'No, Hezz you've been so kind to me after what's happened. I told you earlier that I started having feelings for you but I was scared of telling you, I had no clue how you'd react. But when you told me first I almost jumped out of bed with joy.'

'Can I tell you a secret, I was terrified of telling you how I felt, I assumed you just wanted company after what Craig did, I loved having you in bed with me but it was driving me insane with frustration.'

'What made you change your mind?'

'Billie convinced me to tell you, see how you'd react to me telling you I'm a lesbian, at the very least I thought you'd leave the bed and I wouldn't be so frustrated.'




Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 02



'How'd you like this alternative?'

I smiled and softly kissed Amanda. 'Much better.'

From there on out me and Amanda were a couple, we weren't open about our relationship but we didn't hide it either, if anyone wanted to confirm the rumours going around uni we would tell them straight. I'll admit it could've been under better circumstances and I'd much rather Amanda had fell in love with me like I'd done with her instead of finding me for safety but I wasn't about to ruin this, I'd waited months for Amanda to feel the way I do and there was nothing that was going to ruin that.

DECEMBER

As winter arrived the cold air brought news both good and bad; firstly Craig Allen was found guilty of attempted rape and sentenced to jail. 

But as the song goes, one step forward, two steps back; about two weeks before Christmas there was an incident at Billie's house, serial stalker and all round creep Vincent Moreno had been killed in an accident as a result of a fight between him and Caleb, thankfully no charges were pressed against them as the death was ruled an accident but they were both left shaken, when we got the chance Amanda and I went round to Billie's to talk to her. She was alone when we arrived, still shaken about Vincent's death.

'Hey, B, how you doing?'

'Hezz, Mands, come in.'

Billie's red, puffy eyes told us she'd been crying a lot.

'Where's Caleb?'

'Helping an old friend pack away, they're moving house.'

Amanda put her arm around Billie's shoulder.

'How you holding up?'

'Not good, I can't stop seeing his face, Vincent's dead, bloodied face in the snow.'

'You'll get over it.'

'But when Hezz, when will I stop having these fucking nightmares, I only feel safe with my brother and I can't depend on him forever. I killed that bastard and now he won't leave me alone.'

That confused both of us, I spoke up for us. 'Uh, B, I thought the death was an accident.'

'It wasn't, I killed him, I threw the mirror in his face, I left him there to slip about, I let him slip and fall, it's my fault he's dead and I don't care.'

Me and Amanda stayed with Billie for an hour or two longer before we left, it was obvious she was overcome with guilt and no amount of our comforting could help. Billie spent her Christmas holidays with Caleb, I on the other hand spent it with Amanda and my family. I took the courage to tell them that Amanda and I were an item; my parents were at first shocked but the more they thought about it the more they realised they didn't care, just as long as I was happy. My little brother jokingly told my dad he (my dad) owed him (my brother) a fiver for a bet they made about me and Mands. At least I hope they were joking.

By the time Christmas passed Mands and I were one of the hot gossip talks, an open lesbian couple in university seemed almost scandalous but we didn't mind the odd wolf-whistle or catty remark, just as long as we were hearing them together. To try and show face in lieu of our unconventional relationship we had invited a few people in our flat and some more from the Uni to come up for a New Year's party, I was pouring a drink when Natalie Adams found me.

'Hezz, great party.'

'Thanks Nats, glad you could make it.'

'Mum and dad are at friend's house so I thought 'why not'. Hey have you got any...'

Natalie stopped talking, she had just caught the eye of Daniel, he ex-boyfriend. Saying nothing she turned and walked away, Daniel ran after her, both of them left the party.

'Hey everyone, they're counting down.'

Everyone huddled around the TV as the ball began to drop.

10 seconds to midnight.

The phone rang.

9 seconds to midnight.

Amanda answered it.

8 seconds to midnight.

'Hello.'

7 seconds.

'Yes this is her.'

6 seconds.

'Oh my god.'

5 seconds.

Amanda drops the phone and backs away crying.

4 seconds.

'Mands' what's wrong?'

3.

'That was the hospital.'

2.

'Someone found my mum lying in the snow.'

1.

'My mum's dead.'

Happy New Year.

Ch. 3 might take a while since I'll be focussing on a standalone story for the upcoming Summer Lovin contest. 

As ever feedback, questions and comments are welcomed and appreciated.



Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 03



Just a quick note, this chapter is a little longer than the other two but there's a lot to get through here.

Also this is (possible) the penultimate chapter of the Curiosity series, there may be one or two more but the end is near. Enjoy.

I start off this chapter with a new motto of mine that I will use from now on; Story first, sex second.

*

JANUARY

First Carol, then Craig, now her mother. I will never understand how Mands survives any of this, so many bad things happen in her life and she keeps going, it's times like these that I admire Amanda's spirit. As soon as we got the call Amanda and I drove to the hospital, I took the wheel of Amanda's car, she was crying too much to drive anything. When we reached the hospital Amanda didn't even wait for me to fully park before bursting out and running inside, I followed her immediately. I feared I would lose her in the hospital but thankfully she was still in the reception area having run into Thomas Freeman, the male doctor from her attack months ago, Mands had her face on his shoulder, crying her eyes out.

'Miss Richards.' Thomas spoke up over Amanda. 'Nice to see you and Miss Townsend again, I only wish it was under better circumstances.'

'You know about her mum's death.'

'Yeah.' Thomas looked at the floor, a sad look on his face. 'Yeah I was the one who pronounced her death, when I saw the surname I feared the worst. Would you like to see her?'

Amanda looked up at Thomas; she spoke in a soft whisper. 'Yes please.'

Thomas led us to the room where Amanda's mum was, Thomas explained he left her there for Amanda. Thomas and I stayed out the room while we watched Amanda go in and look over her dead mum. She cried and said a few words but I didn't hear what she said.

'It's a damn shame.' Thomas spoke up. 'First she was attacked then her mother dies so soon afterwards.'

'This isn't the first time, her twin sister died when she was 12, hit by a car.'

'Fuck. Sorry.'

'It's alright. How'd she die?'

'Hypothermia. She'd obviously passed out due to alcohol and ended up in the snow, the cold weather and alcohol in her bloodstream was just too much. Given the temperature she was probably out in the snow for two to three hours.'

Amanda came out; the tears in her eyes were obvious. 'Hezz, c, can we go, go home now please.'

'Of course Mands. We'll deal with this all in the morning.

'You want me to phone your father?' Thomas asked. 'Or do you want to do that yourself?'

'Please do that, I can't talk to that bastard.'

'I will.'

We got back in the car and drove back home, much like our last trip back from the hospital Mands was silent, only this time I didn't mind, she had every reason not to talk. When we got back to the apartment Mands seemed almost in a dream-like state, she simply drifted through the hallways and up the stairs, saying barely two words to anyone offering condolences. Everyone from our New Year's party had left; the only ones left were Rachel and James.

'We stayed behind.' Said Rachel getting up off the sofa. 'Made sure nobody stole anything and we didn't know if you had your keys.'

'Thanks.' I looked over Rachel's shoulder and saw Amanda float into the bedroom. Rachel turned round and saw what I was looking at.

'How's she taking it?' Asked James.

'I don't know, she seemed pretty bad at the hospital but for the past half hour she looks, dead inside.'

Rachel put her hand on my shoulder 'Look after her ok, I know what it's like to lose your mother and I was lucky enough to have my sister with me. You're like a sister to Amanda, make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.'

'Thanks Rach.'

Rachel and James left, I headed for the bedroom to find Amanda. She was lying on her side on the bed, softly crying to herself, I lay down beside her and placed my arm over her stomach.

'I didn't even say goodbye.' Amanda spoke quietly through her tears. 'The last thing I said to her was "Drink yourself to death you alkie bitch." She did Hezz, I told her to and now she'd dead.'

'Hey hey, this is in no way your fault. You did nothing wrong, if you start blaming yourself you'll only end up harming yourself and others around you.'

I kissed her cheek and snuggled in close to her, I felt her hand lock fingers with mine across her stomach. Not knowing what else to do I tenderly sung to her.

'Would you love me tomorrow? Like you say you love me now. Would you love me, would you love me tomorrow? Like you say you love me now. When the flames of our flesh have stopped burning, and the fire of our love has cooled down.'

I don't know if it helped any but Amanda stayed quiet the rest of the night, she fell asleep first, I followed not long after.

About a week later Billie came by to see how Amanda was, she apologised for not coming earlier but there was a bunch of shit with Vincent's death and Caleb's brain problems had a big jolt; he was fine but they'd had a scare. While at ours I noticed Billie had her hand on her stomach and went to the toilet a fair few times, when I questioned her on it she passed it off as a virus but I wasn't convinced.

FEBRUARY

Thomas stayed true to his word and phoned Amanda's father, because he had a steady income he arranged the funeral with a few of his ex-wife's siblings. Amanda had by now gotten over her mother's death, it still hurt her but she was able to put on a brave face. I accompanied her to the funeral, for moral support more than anything but also to pay my respects, before she fell to the demon drink I was on good terms with Amanda's mother and I was sad to see her go. The choice for the body was cremation, after the ceremony and a few words had been said -- Amanda almost got up but sadness and anger stopped her -- everyone in the church watched the casket go slowly into the furnace, all except Amanda who looked at the floor the entire time, avoiding eye-contact with anyone. 

A few hours later almost everyone was at Amanda's dad's house for the wake, there was general chatter and conversation; a few people gave their sympathies to Amanda. But then the one person who we both wanted to avoid found us, Amanda's father.

'Hello dear, how've you been?'

'Fine.' Amanda didn't even look at her father.

'Hello Heather.'

'Hello Peter.'

Peter returned to his daughter 'Any big news, any changes in your life.'

'Yes.'

'You going to tell me what they are?'

'No.'

As much as an asshole as he was Peter knew when to let something go. 'Well I hope you're well.'

'Why do you care?'

'Amanda please, you're still my daughter and I still love you.'

'Not enough obviously.'

He ignored her and continued talking. 'There's someone I want you to meet.'

Peter waved over to someone, a few seconds later a young woman -- in her early 30s -- holding a blanketed bundle came over to us. Instantly Amanda and I both feared the worst. Peter put his arm around the young women.

'You remember Stephanie don't you Amanda?'

'Yeah, the gold-digging, home-wrecking slut.'

Stephanie opened her mouth to protest but Peter stopped her. 'What you may think of Stephanie doesn't matter, all that matters is this little girl.'

Peter moved the blanket to show the face of a baby, she was clearly very young, possible only a few months. Amanda took one short look at the baby and turned away.

'This is Rose. Amanda this is your sister.'

Peter had just said what Amanda already knew but to hear that she had a new sister brought it all crashing down on her. I could see in her eyes the memories of Carol rushing through her head, Peter was oblivious to this.

'Do you want to hold her?'

'No.' Amanda didn't even think about it. 'I don't.'

Peter was noticeably shocked at her answer. 'Why not?'

'Because if I get close to her she's going to know who I am and I'm going to hate her. She'll have done nothing wrong but every time I'd see her I'll be reminded of you leaving my mother and the state you left her in. That little thing is completely innocent and doesn't deserve any hate I'd give her but I won't be able to help myself. Come on Hezz let's get out of here.'

I followed Amanda out to the car; she got in the driver's seat for a change and stormed away from the house. I felt terrified as Amanda belted down the motorway to home.

'Mands, you might want to slow down. Mands, will you slow down.'

She was deaf to my pleas. 'Amanda stop the car.' I yelled at her.

The car came to a screeching halt on a lay-by; the entire motorway was empty so thankfully we never hit anything. I opened my mouth to tell Amanda off but she pounced on me, kissing me ferociously, taking me by surprise. 

'Shut up Hezz and fuck me.'

I said nothing; I couldn't say anything to her like this. Amanda skilfully climbed over the gear stick and knelt on top of me. She started taking off her top and I copied her, Amanda's top was already off and on the floor by the time I was only half-way unbuttoning mine. I could tell Mands' was impatient as she grabbed my top and ripped it off me. I looked over Amanda, her fantastic breasts spilling out of her black, lacy bra; I wasted no time in burying my head in her cleavage, licking, kissing and sucking any piece of flesh I could find. But Amanda had no time for my slow, tender love; she pushed me back down on the chair, yanked my own bra down and went to work on my already hard nipples. The sensitivity I normally have felt tripled today as Amanda kissed and sucked me, one of her hands slipped into my trousers and passed my panties, she fingered me, fast and hard, my juices coating the crotch of my trousers and some spilling out to the seat. I was dangerously close to climax.

Then Amanda bit my nipple. It came out of nowhere and freaked me out. 'Ow Mands what was that?'

No answer, another bite, harder this time. 'Ow, Mands watch it.'

A third bite, the hardest of them all. Scared, I threw Amanda off me and back to her side; she fell over the gear stick and landed awkwardly on her side. I look at her and all I see is anger, but not at me. Fury poured over Amanda and she started hitting the steering wheel and dashboard.

'That bastard, that motherfucking bastard. How the fuck could he do that, how the fuck could he fucking leave my mum when she needed him then turn up to her funeral, not a fucking care about her, and show me that fucking baby he had with that cunt. The slutty cunt that ruined my family, the cunt baby they have and my cunt father at the cunty head of the whole cunt family. THOSE FUCKING CUNTS KILLED MY MUM.'

I could do nothing but watch as Amanda let out this verbal abuse to the people that were essentially her family, it was then I realised that even though Mands hated her mum she was still her family, her dad wasn't, she had no-one now. I covered myself first then put a coat over Amanda and let her cry in the lay-by.

Billie stopped by my apartment a couple of days after the funeral, Amanda had gone to the shops for a few things so I was alone when Billie arrived. 

'Hey Hezz.'

'Hey B.' We hugged each other. 'How you been?'

'Good, good, Caleb stopped seeing Doctor Freeman so he's got some more free time.'

'Caleb was seeing Thomas?'

'No Gordon, his father I think. What about Mands, how's she doing?'

'A little better, obviously she's still hurt by her mum; she also met her dad at the funeral, his trophy wife and their daughter.'

'Daughter, no way, Mands' got a sister. I bet she hated that.'

'Yeah, didn't even go near the baby for fear of hating it. We left early and she almost killed us on the way home, then she took it all out on me.'

'She took it out on you? What like blamed you for her mum's death?'

'No she... she bit me.'

'Bit you? Do I want to know how that came about?'

'I managed to get her to stop the car on the way home and she jumped me, we got a little heated...'

'It still sounds weird to hear that.'

'And then out of nowhere she bites my uh, well me.'

'Jeez, why'd she do that?'

'Anger, frustration, she wasn't thinking I don't know. All I know is that she was furious at everyone.'

'God.' Suddenly Billie grabbed her stomach and covered her mouth. She rushed to the bathroom and shut the door behind her, now I was really suspicious.

When she came out she had a wet cloth over her mouth. 'Sorry about that Hezz, I'll put this in the washing.'

'What the hell is wrong with you B?'

'It's nothing, just a virus, it'll pass. Anyway I'd better get going, don't want to throw up on you carpet. I'll see you around.'

As quickly as she'd arrived Billie was gone. I didn't believe her, no-one has a stomach virus for that long and even if they do it doesn't come and go like that. I kept a close eye on Billie and I noticed her stomach grow slightly, unnoticeable to a casual onlooker but I knew Billie too well and I could tell, she was lying to me and I bet her mystery lover who took her virginity has something to do with it.

MARCH

Once satisfied Billie couldn't hide anything from me I went to confront her. I stormed to her house alone and banged on the door.

'Billie open up I want to talk to you.'

I didn't even wait for Billie to open the door fully before bursting in. 'Billie what the hell is going on?'

'What do you mean Hezz?'

'You know damn well what I mean, that thing in your stomach.' I pointed at her bump. 'Don't tell me your smuggling pillows. I can see right through you Billie, no-one else can but I can. So just tell me the truth.'

Billie took a deep breath. 'Sit down Hezz; you know you're my best friend right.'

'Yeah.' I sat down on the sofa, Billie did the same.

'Well, you're right. I'm pregnant.'

'I knew it, God Billie why didn't you tell me, who's the father?'

'The father's the reason I didn't tell you. He's someone I love, someone I care about deeply. Make me a promise Hezz; promise me that what I tell you now remains a secret.'

I was a little nervous about where this was going but I was still intrigued. 'I promise. So who is he?'

'Caleb.'

'Caleb? Cal... Caleb! Billie please tell me it isn't who I think it is.'

'It is.'

'Jesus Christ. Billie what were you thinking, getting knocked up by your brother that's sick. I, I gotta get out of here.'

'Hezz please, look at this from my view. I love my brother but I'm going to lose him and I haven't been able to accept that. Remember what happened with Carol?'

'What's Carol's death got to do with this?'

'You were there, we both were. We watched Carol get hit by that car we watched her die, and that terrified me, I've never been able to get over that fear. I get the same fear whenever I think about losing Cay.'

I couldn't believe it, my oldest friend, the one I'd known nearly my entire life had admitted sleeping with her brother and was trying to make it sound right. 'That still doesn't justify this.'

'Let me finish, I wanted to show Caleb how much I loved him, I wanted to be with him in the closest way possible. Think about it Hezz you know how long I've been in love with him.'

Actually looking back she had a point, Billie and Caleb had been closer than most siblings, even as kids they never wanted to leave each other's side. This was still wrong but I was willing to listen now. 'Ok, what's with the baby though?'

A male voice behind me scared the hell out of me. 'That was our idea, we both wanted it. The engagement however was mine.'

'Fuck Cay, I'm already on edge with this news. Did you say engagement?'

'Yes, we found a way and we're going through with it. I hope you won't judge us too harshly.'

This was all too much to take, I couldn't believe I was listening to these two people whom I loved and respected talk about marriage and kids. Billie could see the shock on my face and took my hand.

'Hezz, I love you and I hope you won't think less of us for this. If you can't accept this I won't stop you leaving, but if you can find it in your heart to acknowledge our relationship then I would love for you to be at our wedding as my maid of honour.' 

That sealed it for me, everything about an incestuous relationships was gone and now there was only a deep love for Billie, she wanted me by her side on the most important day of her life, no way was I going to deny her that.

'Damn it Billie I love you too much to hate you. Of course I'll be there.' 

I hugged Billie tightly, letting her know I was serious, after that I got up and walked over to Caleb. 'This is totally weird but thinking about it I'm surprised you two didn't do this sooner. Look after her won't you.'

'Of course.'

That was all the conformation I needed, I just wanted to make sure he wasn't taking my friend for a ride. I hugged Caleb as well, I think he was more surprised than I was but I needed to thank him somehow. I said my goodbyes and left them, the entire walk home I kept thinking of them as a couple and not siblings; maybe they were supposed to end up together.

I told Amanda about Caleb and Billie that night, I didn't want to but Mands could read me like a book, she knew I knew a secret and she got it out off me. The two of us were lying naked on the bed, Amanda on her stomach with me on my side stroking her back.

'Billie? Pregnant? Brother? Married? Jeez Hezz these are words that shouldn't be in the same sentence.'

'You're not going to hold it against her are you, Billie's loved her brother a long time and they're good together.'

'You seem to have consented this quite quickly.'

'I'm not agreeing with it I'm just saying I understand where's she's coming from.'

'I guess I do to, I'm not going to cast Billie off now after everything she's done for me since Carol. But come on this is fucked up, B was the last of us to lose her cherry and now she's knocked up by her brother.'

'Do I hint a tone of jealousy Mands?'

'I'm not jealous Hezz, ok maybe a little. I've been wanting a kid for a while and I guess I envy the fact Billie's got one already.'

I sat up straight and got closer to Amanda. 'You've never said anything about this before, what brought this on?'

'It started with Craig, I assumed he'd be the one I'd marry and have kids with until he fucked that up. I've never said anything to you because I love you and I didn't want you worrying about me. These are my own problems Hezz and I can get over them, besides it'll be years before I actually consider kids.'

This was a new side to Amanda, it never even crossed my mind she wanted a family. 'Wow, I never knew.'

'I never told you.' At that Amanda snuggled in closer to me, subconscious or otherwise I don't know but I liked it, my hand kept softly stroking the small of her back, moving up to the bottom of her spine and down to the top of her ass. I noticed that every time my hand neared her ass Mands would give a little shiver, feeling bold I started caressing a little lower each time. Mands soon caught onto what I was doing and opened her legs slightly; from there I could feel the heat radiating from her pussy. I slipped my hand down to the inside of her thigh and continued rubbing Mands, my fingers just touching her cunt, I could hear Mands' breathy whimper by my ear. With both of us ready for this to go somewhere Amanda spun round so she was on her back and I crawled down, her pussy was already glistening when I slowly began to lick her. As I had become accustomed to Mands moaned softly, I bored my tongue in deeper than I'd ever gone before, the angle made it so my nose was rubbing up against her clit, I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity like that. I shook my head from side-to-side getting both my tongue and nose to move quickly against Mands pussy; it drove her wild.

'Oh god Hezz, don't, don't stop.'

I felt Mands grab my head and push me in closer.

'Fuck, god, oh fuck god GOD FUCK FUCK.'

Amanda let out an almighty scream as she came, my mouth flooded with her juices, I drank them all down. A few seconds later there was a knock on the door, Amanda was still reeling in from her orgasm so I put on a dressing gown and answered it. It was James, he was standing half-asleep and completely naked I turned away quickly at his unashamed nudity. He handed me a £20 note he had in his hand.




Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 03



'Take this, find a hotel or something, keep them up.'

I took the money with hesitation and shut the door once he'd left. I turned back to Amanda who by now was over her cum.

'Shalom somebody's circumcised, what did he want?'

'He gave us money to find a hotel room; I guess we woke him up.'

Amanda gave an embarrassed laugh but we stayed in, keeping quiet for the rest of the night. I gave James the money back in the morning; he didn't remember anything and was just as embarrassed as Amanda was when I told him what he did.

MAY

By this time Billie's bump was getting quite large and more difficult to hide, as a result there were several rumours going around the Uni. On the way to class I would hear them all.

'She's getting fat, it's nothing more.'

'I heard she was knocked up by a dead guy.'

'I heard he was in jail.'

'She doesn't know who the father is; slut fucked three guys in one night.'

I heard every and all rumour, there were quite a few jokes about it being Caleb but I kept quiet. Most people asked once then left when they knew Billie wasn't going to tell anyone, but of course there was some who never let it go, namely the Uni slut Katie -- who was the girl Daniel slept with at his party and caused the big fuss, by now her broken nose, was healed but it still looked strange. It all came to a head around the middle of May when Katie cornered me and Billie by the lockers.

'So Billie, why are you keeping silent about the dad?'

'Because I want to Katie I don't have to yell it out because you say so.'

'Won't tell who fucked you first, won't tell who knocked you up. He must be one ugly bastard for you to keep quiet about him.'

'Just because you tell everyone who you've fucked every other weekday doesn't mean she has to.'

'Fuck off you dyke cunt nobody asked for your opinion.'

'Nobody wanted yours in the first place.'

That shut her up, I was used to arguments growing up with my younger brother and I knew how to end them quickly. However it didn't stop her from going on at Billie.

'Just tell me his name, or do you not even know?'

That obviously hurt Billie. 'I know his name you slut; unlike you I don't have a new guy in my bed every half-hour.'

'At least I'm careful with who I fuck, you fuck one guy and get knocked up I bet daddy's looking down on you and thinking who the fuck is that careless bitch.'

That was the final straw for me, I'm not a typically violent person but bringing up Billie's dead father was too far. I was about to punch Katie in the face but Billie grabbed my arm, she shook her head. Katie saw all this.

'What's this, a new girlfriend Heather, don't let her stop you from doing what you want.'

The moment had passed and I'd calmed down. 'Why the hell are you not letting this go Katie, why can't the father be a secret?'

'Because nobody stays this quiet unless they have something to hide. Just give me a name and I'll be on my way.'

Katie was leaning in on Billie, making her feel small and vulnerable. I wanted so much to punch her but Billie had already said not to and I wasn't going to ignore a friend.

'No, I'm not saying anything?'

'Why not?'

Suddenly it came to me. 'Because he's away on tour.'

Katie was obviously surprised by my outburst, Billie less so but she knew to stay quiet and see where this was going. 

'What did you say?'

'I said he's away on tour, he's in a band that passed through here during one of the battle of the bands contest. Him and Billie met up afterwards and it went from there, she only found out he was pregnant after he left to support another band, he won't be back until the end of the year. We didn't say anything because we knew no-one would believe Billie slept with an unknown rock-star.'

It was a weak lie, too many holes but it was just extravagant enough for an idiot like Katie to accept as truth. 'There, that wasn't so hard was it?' She left soon afterwards.

Billie turned to me; she was millimetres from bursting into tears. 'Where the hell did that come from Hezz?'

'I don't know, you wouldn't let me punch her so I had to improvise.'

'You know she's going to tell everyone now.'

'Yeah, but then everyone will stop asking who the father is.'

Billie saw my point and thanked me for helping her. As we thought Katie did spread the rumour and people started asking Billie what band he was in, who he was supporting and if they could get a demo c.d.

People can be really stupid.

SEPTEMBER

On the 6th of September Amanda and I got a call from Caleb, Billie's water had broke and she was in the hospital. We rushed there to be with our friend, when we arrived she had given birth and was asleep, Caleb was also asleep by her bed and there was an older man by the window with a camera, he spotted us.

'Hey, come on in. I'm Richard, I'm seeing the mother of the happy couple.'

I smirked at the comment and shook his hand. 'I'm Heather this is my girlfriend Amanda. We're friends of Billie. I guess you know of the unconventional relationship.'

'Yeah, they told us, that's me and their mother, back in February. She still hasn't got over it which is why I'm here, take photos of the baby.'

Just then Caleb woke up. 'Hey, when did you two get here?'

'A few minutes ago, where's the baby?'

'They're doing some tests shouldn't be too long, it's a boy but we haven't got a name yet.'

Just then, right on cue, the nurse wheeled the baby in. Oddly enough Thomas came in with the nurse.

'I've got to stop running into you two.' Thomas statement was directed at us.

'We swear it's an accident. What are you doing here anyway?'

'My dad was Caleb's therapist, he wants me to check in on them.'

All the commotion had woken up Billie, the first thing she saw was her son so she had a smile on her face. The nurse saw this immediately. 'You want to hold the baby miss.'

'Yes please.' Billie's voice was scarcely a whisper.

The nurse handed the bundle to Billie, I suddenly had a flashback to Mands mums' funeral and baby Rose, I'm pretty sure Amanda saw the same thing but once the boy was in his mother's arms that all disappeared. Tears began to slowly fall down Billie's cheeks and Caleb was soon to follow, he turned to his sister.

'What should we call him?'

'I don't know, you have any ideas?'

'I was thinking about T.J., how he was killed too early. Maybe, maybe Tyler.'

'Tyler Dawltry, I like it.'

Thomas leaned towards me and Amanda and whispered. 'Let's go to the cafe, leave these two to their new family.'

We both agreed and followed him out.

The next few days Billie and Caleb lived at the hospital, they never wanted to leave Tyler for even a second, despite the illegal nature of their relationship the Dawltry's were better than most other couples. I was most surprised by Tyler himself, when Billie announced her pregnancy I feared a mutant freak of a baby but no, he was completely normal. Every time I saw him I had the same surprise, one such time happened a couple of days after the birth, Billie was still bed-bound and Tyler was in a crib, the only other people were me and Amanda as Caleb had gone to get a coffee.

'Billie he's beautiful.'

Amanda spoke next. 'He is, I don't know what surprises me more; the fact that you have a kid or the fact you have your brother's kid.'

'Hezz you told her?'

'I didn't Billie I swear.' I had but I told Amanda not to say anything, thankfully she saved us both

'Relax, I'm taking a major in Psyche class remember. It was all over his body language, the way he held Tyler he had so much love for him it was obvious. Don't worry I won't hold it against you this is clearly something you both planned and wanted.'

'Thanks Mands, now I just have to wait for what comes next.'

'You're not still going to marry him, Billie that's illegal.' I still didn't think a sibling marriage was a good idea.

'And this isn't Hezz. I want to marry my brother and I don't care what you think.'

'Sorry Billie I am happy for you guys but I'm still taking this in.'

I was genuinely happy for Billie but this whole thing had suddenly got very real and still hard to take. Amanda and I went home not long after that conversation, I felt a little dirty from spending so much time at the hospital and went upstairs for a shower.

The shower was a godsend, the hot water was like a cleansing waterfall, I just stood there for several minutes letting the water flow over me. I almost didn't hear Amanda enter the bathroom.

'What you doing Mands?' I turned round and saw she was undressing.

'I seem to remember you doing this for me a few months back and I never returned the favour.' Now naked Amanda got in the shower and started sponging my back. The shivers of erotic heat were too hard to hide, I could feel Mands smirking at my obvious pleasure.

'I take it you like this Hezz.'

'Oh, you bitch Mands.'

There was no point getting washed anymore, the wetness from my pussy was covering my legs. I spun round to face Amanda and kissed her, I could feel Amanda's hands stroke my stomach and get closer to my cunny. When her fingers entered me I let out a small moan, I myself headed straight for her beautiful breasts, kissing them and sucking her nipples in my mouth. With one hand fingering me, Amanda's free hand grabbed my ass and pushed it forward giving her other hand better reach into my cunt, I was practically jumping off her hands, my head bouncing against her breasts. Mands lowered her head and kissed me again, bringing my head back up to normal height, here she made her own move and kissed my own nipples, much gentler than in the car. The fingering getting faster and deeper, the kissing on my own very sensitive breasts and the fact that this was all down to my best friend was too much and I had one of the hardest orgasms of my life, thankfully I was a lot quieter than Amanda. We just stayed there in the shower letting the hot water clean us, truthfully even if the water hadn't been on I would have never wanted to leave Amanda's arms.

DECEMBER

The next few months things went almost back to normal, of course now being a mum we saw less of Billie around Uni but the times she was around almost everybody congratulated her. Around the middle of October Billie asked me to be Godmother to her son, I was surprised giving my being a lesbian but Billie didn't care about that so I accepted.

The snow came thick and heavy at the beginning of December, for a week straight there was a damn blizzard, lost a couple of days of Uni when it got too bad but once the worst was over the resulting cover of snow looked beautiful in the right light.

But even with the gorgeous scenery I couldn't feel happy, at the start of the Christmas holidays Amanda was going to visit an aunt and uncle over in America and would be gone for over a week. It sucked horribly because I had grown to truly love Amanda and I missed her when we weren't together; I know I said I've always been in love with Mands but since we got together it's gotten stronger. 

Because the flight was going to take about seven and a half hours to get to Chicago Amanda had to wake up pretty early in order to catch her flight, she had planned to do it quietly and leave without waking me up but Mands being Mands she failed. I woke up around 4:45 am.

'Sorry Hezz, I didn't mean to wake you.'

'Fine Mands, you ain't use to being quiet.'

There was no point in going back to sleep so I got up.

'What time's your plane at?'

'6, I was just about to phone a taxi.'

'Well if you wait for me to get washed and dressed I'll drive you to the airport, I'd love to give you a proper goodbye.'

'How long will you be?'

'Ten minutes for a shower, five to get dressed.'

Amanda looked at the clock on the wall. 'Alright, but be quick I love you but I do need to catch this plane.'

I jumped in the shower and gave myself the quickest wash I could, followed by the fastest dress possible which wasn't easy given the fact I had to put on so many layers but I was fully dressed and ready before 5. I helped Mands carry her suitcase downstairs and into her car, because Mands had been up longer she drove the car giving me a chance to wake up fully. We talked for the entire short drive to the airport, just casual stuff, what we were going to do, when and where we were going to meet back up, both of us ignoring the giant pink elephant in the back seat of how much we were going to miss each other, I know I was and looking in Amanda's eyes I could see she felt the same.

I dropped Mands off at the airport entrance and we said our goodbyes but before she left I gave her a long but soft kiss -- we also gave some businessman a good start to his morning. Reluctantly I let her go and she left quickly before I could see the tears in her eyes. Once Amanda was inside and out of site I drove away, I considered waiting to watch her plane take off but that would only hurt me more so I went home. I got back just before 6 which meant that Amanda was on her plane and getting ready to go, everyone else in the apartment was still asleep so I decided to take a little walk. 

There's a small hill not far from the Uni, it reaches a bench on the top and it looks out onto miles of farmland, normally people only go up there for a picnic but giving the heavy snow no-one had been up there in weeks. I on the other hand loved the snow, especially in the morning because standing on top of that hill and looking out I could see the brown light of the morning sun dance softly across the snowy fields, it all felt like a dream. I sat down on the bench and looked out across the beautiful landscapes, a lone bird flew across horizon and I felt a strange sense of contentment, something I only ever felt when in bed with Amanda. I felt cold tears swell up in my eyes, not just because of the gorgeous scene in front of me but because I couldn't help but be reminded of Mands mum which reminded me of Carol and then Amanda.

When I went to bed that night I felt truly alone, I lay on my side slowly rubbing Amanda's side, it was cold, as though she had been gone for years. I almost didn't hear the knocking on the door.

'It's open.' I yelled through, the time was about ten at night so I expected Rachel or perhaps Billie;

I did not expect to see Mands walk in and stand at the doorway to the bedroom. She had a smile on her face and was wrapped in long brown overcoat.

'Mands, what the hell?'

'The plane was delayed, fresh snow on the runway, after a few hours it was cancelled. I would have called but I wanted to surprise you, on the way home I picked this up.'

Amanda dropped the overcoat, underneath she was wearing only a red, sheer babydoll dress that reached halfway down her thighs and under that only a small matching thong. The middle showed all of her tight, smooth stomach and the red matched the colour of her hair. I felt my jaw drop at the pure sex Mands was exuding, she was cool, she was confident but most importantly she was mine.

Mands walked carefully and precisely over to the bed, she bent forward and crawled towards me, her incredible cleavage staring me in the face and the light bouncing off her uncovered ass-cheeks beamed at me. I could feel -- and no doubt Mands could see -- my panties getting wetter by the second. Still smiling Mands pulled my pants down little by little and left them down by my knees. Mands was what I can only describe as a cunt-smith, she had somehow gotten better at driving me wild. She started by planting kisses on my left thigh, going from my knee to just the side of my pussy, then she repeated the same for my right thigh. She kissed and licked all around my cunny without actually touching it, I was by now soaking wet and ruining the bed sheets although why that was on my mind I have no idea. Mands velvet tongue touched every square inch around my pussy but she never made contact with it and yet I was still hornier then I'd ever been with her and she knew damn well what she was doing to me, I felt her smile between my legs.

Now I've said before that I'm a lot quieter than Mands but what she was doing to me that night I was close to being as loud as she was. I grabbed the nearest pillow and covered my face as I screamed into it, I've never screamed before so the whole incident scared me and to a greater extent Amanda. When I'd finally calmed down Amanda was over me, a look of worry on her face that was only slightly off put by the remnants of my orgasm covering her mouth.

'Jesus Hezz are you alright?'

I smiled at Mands' worry and kissed her, then I grabbed her ass, flipped her onto the bed and returned the favour.

Mands did eventually go to America but it wasn't until March, when the trip came around she had saved enough money to buy me a second ticket to go with her. The trip was good and it's always funny to see people's reactions to hearing we were a couple but it was one of the first times that I thought we really were going to be together forever. 

JUNE

In the middle of June Caleb and Billie got married, I don't know how they did it being siblings but they found a priest willing to perform the ceremony and being the maid of honour I had to be there. The whole thing was very small, apart from me, the priest and the couple there was Amanda as a bridesmaid, Richard -- the older man we saw at Tyler's birth, as the best man, their mother, Tyler -- now nearly one, and a couple of guests, a young female and an older male, I didn't know although the man looked really familiar. 

Oh, and Billie was six months pregnant with her second child.

Being so close to the birth of Tyler I could only guess her and Caleb got back to bed as soon as they could, it still seemed weird to me but I kept quiet.

After the ceremony everyone went inside for the reception, I took this opportunity to find out where I recognized the male guest from. Walking over to him and the female I introduced myself.

'Hi, I'm Heather, the maid of honour.' I stretched out my hand for a shake.

The man took my offer. 'Hello, I'm Aiden McCormack, this is uh, this is my partner Jane.'

'Jane Gallagher, I'm an old friend of the couple.'

I shook Jane's hand. 'Gallagher? I remember you, you use to go to our Uni but you left to have a kid.'

'Yeah, that's Kathy asleep in the corner. The only memory I have of my first husband.'

'First?'

'Yeah Tyler, he was killed by some jealous bastard called Vincent.'

'Oh shit I heard about that, I'm so sorry.'

'It's fine, because of what happened to Tyler I met Aiden here, we're engaged to marry in the autumn.'

'Congratulations. You said your name is McCormack right?'

The man, Aiden, nodded.

'You any relation to Rachel McCormack?'

'Ah yes, she's my youngest daughter from my first marriage. My wife also died but of cancer instead of murder.'

'Same difference right.' I said rather morbidly. 'Aren't you a priest?'

'Was, quit a couple of years ago to look after my daughters. Glad I did too.'

I spent a couple more hours at the reception before me and Mands left, it was good day and I was glad for Billie. On the way back to the apartment we saw Thomas looking lost in his car, we pulled over to help him.

'Dr Freeman, fancy meeting you outside the hospital.'

Thomas turned round to see us. 'Really, you two again?' He was jokingly bored.

'You lost?'

'Yeah, I'm trying to find the Dawltry house.'

'We were just there why you need to go?'

'My dad was invited but he had an emergency down at the hospital to deal with. He sent me down with the wedding gift.'

I looked at Mands. 'Well I left my phone at the house so if you want I can take the present for you, Mands can take your car back to the apartment for a drink or something.'

'You sure Hezz?'

'Yeah, he's been good to us and deserves some repayment. I'll take the gift.'

Amanda got out the car and into Thomas's, he handed me the gift, got into his car and drove back to the apartment. I turned around and headed back to the Dawltry house. When I got back I saw Richard in the front garden having a cigarette.




Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 03



'I was wondering when you'd came back Miss Richards. Billie found this, I believe it belongs to you.'

Richard handed me my phone. 'Thanks Richard, oh and here, this is a gift from Gordon Freeman, he couldn't make it.'

'Thanks, I'll make sure to give it to the couple. You want to come in,there's still some cake left.'

'Nah I've got to get back to Mands, thanks anyway.'

I left, got back into my car and went home. It was early evening when I got back which meant everyone was probably out drinking so the place was quiet. I climb the stairs to our apartment but as I neared the door I heard a strange sound coming from within. Slowly I opened the door and peeked my head inside.

There, on the sofa, was Amanda bouncing naked on top of Thomas.

I couldn't believe it, I had flashbacks to when I caught Amanda with Craig so long ago. I was suddenly filled with a hundred emotions, anger, jealousy, hate but the biggest one was confusion; how could Amanda do this to me, she was my friend, my lover, my partner. I ran back downstairs, tears pouring down my cheeks, the image of Mands betrayal never leaving my mind. I got back in the car and drove off as fast as I could, no destination in mind just as long as it was away from here.

*

Like I said at the start there will be one or two more chapters before this series ends.

As always feedback, questions and comments are welcomed and appreciated.



Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 04



After some thought I've decided to make this the last chapter in the Curiosity series, after this I will move on. I hope all who have read this series have enjoyed it.

Story first, sex second. 

*

The rain pelted down on the window, everything blurred making it difficult to drive.

But it's June, there shouldn't be this much rain. Not rain, I'm still crying, I've been driving for nearly a half hour now and I haven't stopped. The image of Amanda on that sofa, naked and fucking someone else still burned into my eyes. I see a bar nearing me so I decide to stop, maybe get a drink to calm my nerves. 

The bar was a small place, the name 'Dreyer's' was on a sign over the door. Inside it was an average place, mostly wood, slightly old looking, more light than a usual drinking hole but with the usual old men littered around the place. There were two people working the bar, a man and women around my age, maybe a little older. I wiped my eyes and sat at the counter, near the door and away from everyone else. The women bartender spotted me and walked over to me, placing her hands on the counter in front of me.

'Can I get you anything?' There was a strong accent in her voice but I couldn't place it, definitely wasn't from Glasgow, Scotland or even Britain. 

'Yeah, can I get, just give me something cold.'

The women took one look at me; specifically she looked at my eyes. The women then poured me a soft drink.

'Here, you alright?'

'Yeah I'm fine. Why?'

'You look to have been crying. You want to talk about it?'

'No offence but I don't even know who you are.'

'Sometimes a strangers a better listener than a friend. My name's Paige Dreyer, my dad owns this place.'

The women put her hand out to shake, she seemed overly friendly but I needed company and she was offering hers.

'Heather Richards.'

I shook her hand.

'Nice to see you Heather. You want to go someplace quieter?'

'Don't you have to tend the bar?'

'Nah, it doesn't get much busier than this and Phil's got this covered. Phil, I'm going on break, call me if it gets too much.'

'Sure.'

Paige led me to the back room; it was dressed like a bedroom so I assumed she lived in the pub.

'So Heather, what's the problem?'

'Well for starters you're being far too friendly, what's going on there?'

'You and me, we got more in common than you realise.'

'What we're both sad and lonely?'

'No we're both gay.'

Out of all the answers this stranger could have given me I was not expecting that. 'What makes you think I'm gay?'

'Asides from me being as well? You came into a bar with tears in your eyes; you look to have been crying a while so I guessed you'd just broke up with someone. When a girl breaks up with someone they go to their best friend, unless it's their best friend who they broke up with.'

'Are you a fucking psychic?'

'No I'm a fucking bartender; it's in the job description to be able to read customers.'

'You still haven't said why you're helping me.'

'Because I know what it's like to lose someone and have nowhere to turn.'

'What makes you think I had nowhere...?'

'I'm pulling out the 'In a bar' card again.'

Paige and I sat in that back room for hours telling our stories; I told her about my history with Amanda from Carol's death to seeing her with Craig then to Craig's attack, her mother's death, our time together as lovers and ending with seeing her on the couch with Thomas. 

Paige told her own story to me, she was mixed race, her father South African and her mother Scottish, and lived in South Africa for the first 18 years of her life -- which explained the accent. She and her family moved to Scotland once her mother got a great job offer, needing a source of income her father bought an old bar, renovated it and hired Paige to tend it when he was out of town which he was frequently. Three years later and Dreyer's is a successful chain of bars up and down the country, Paige, now at 21 years old, is in full control of the original bar and was making a pretty penny -- although she still hasn't shaken the accent. Paige explained to me that she wasn't always a lesbian, like me she thought she was bisexual and was even in a long term relationship with a guy called Bryce. However he broke up with her just over 2 years ago claiming he was stringing her along for her body and the guilt was too much for him. After that Paige couldn't trust men and started seeing more women, she'd had a few girlfriends and a few more one-night-stands but nothing serious.

It wasn't until Mands phoned me at 2 in the morning that I realised how long I'd been there with Paige, we had just instantly clicked and were talking like old friends instead of strangers who met only hours earlier. I answered the phone.

'Hey Mands.'

'Hezz where the fuck is you, I've been so worried.'

'Why didn't you phone earlier?'

'I thought you were still at Billie's, talking about and eating cake or some shit.'

I could tell she was lying -- hell I knew she was -- but I said nothing. 'I'm fine Mands, I just ran into my cousin Lucy and her husband and they took me back to theirs for dinner. I would have called but I forgot, I'm sorry.'

'It's fine I'm just glad you're safe. So you coming back home or staying there?'

'I don't know yet, if I'm not back within the hour just go to sleep.'

'Sure, love you.'

'Love you too.'

I hung up, that was the first time I questioned my love for Mands, it was genuine but there was something missing. I felt Paige shift next to me on the sofa.

'I take it that was your girlfriend.'

'Yeah, she doesn't know I saw her with Thomas.'

'You going to tell her?'

'I don't know, I think I'll go back and try to talk about it with her in the morning. Thanks for everything Paige, I guess I needed a friend more than I thought.'

I got up to leave but Paige grabbed my arm, she took my hand and put a small piece of paper in it. 'My phone number, I want to see you again.'

I looked over Paige, I really did want to see her again, she was kind to me when I needed it most despite knowing nothing about me and in just a few hours we had become friends. The fact that there was an underlying attraction both of us felt towards each other didn't hurt, Paige was easily one of the most beautiful people I'd ever met, her skin was a light brown due to her mixed race giving her the look of a deep natural tan. Her hair was long and black with the look of silk reaching her shoulders, her body was tight and toned, obviously she exercised a lot, and I couldn't see them fully but I could tell her breasts were a sight to behold, they were easily bigger than mine but still smaller than Amanda's. As I looked over Paige I could see her looking over me.

I took the phone number. 'I'll call you, I definitely want to see you as well.'

Paige smiled at me. 'Would it totally inappropriate if I kissed you?'

'Please don't. I would love to after all you've done but I'm still in a relationship as broken as it is.'

'No problem, till next time.'

I hugged Paige, letting her know there would be a next time. As I held her I felt a hand on my thigh. I looked down just as Paige moved it sheepishly.

'Sorry, force of habit.

'Wouldn't do you any good. I don't put out on the first date.'

'You call this a first date?'

'What would you?'

'The start of a beautiful friendship.'

Chuckling I left Paige, the journey home wasn't long given the early time and lack of traffic. I arrived home just before three, Mands was asleep, she'd tried to stay up for me but just couldn't make it. I slipped into bed without waking her but I didn't join her sleep immediately, my mind was still racing over the events of today; Amanda had cheated on me with Thomas, a man we knew but not well and yet I was willing to do the same with a stranger, maybe not on a physical level but emotionally Paige was there for me. 

Was I just as bad as Amanda for finding someone new? Should I tell her that I saw her or wait for her to tell me?

I fell asleep a few minutes past four and awoke around 7:30, Mands was still asleep. I lay in bed watching her, annoyingly I was still in love with her despite what she did, I didn't want to be, I didn't want to be one of those women who know their partners cheating on them but do nothing about it but on the other hand I didn't want to lose Mands.

And to think less than 24 hours ago my life was fine.

I got up and headed for the shower alone, I don't know what woke me up but even with the warm water soaking my head I was falling asleep so I turned the radio on, putting it on quiet so as not to wake Mands. I missed the name of the song that came on but the lyrics seemed to speak to me.

My whole life, waiting for the right time, to tell you how I feel.

And though I try to, tell you that I need you, yet here I am without you.

I feel so lost but what can I do.

Cause I know this love seems real, but I don't know how to feel.

I missed the chorus, I was suddenly and unexpectedly reminded of how my love for Amanda started, how I spent so long trying to tell her. I sank to the bottom of the bath and cried, I cried like I hadn't in a long time. When I caught Mands with Thomas I was crying with anger, this was different, this time I was crying for true sadness. I managed to wipe myself off by the time Mands woke up.

For the next few days things were strange for me, not only did I have to deal with my knowledge of Mands infidelity but I had no-one to talk about it with; normally if something came up about me and Mands I would talk to Billie but she was married, had a one year old to handle and another kid on the way so she was busy. Call me selfish but I liked talking to Billie, it helped clear my mind. Besides it was more and more difficult to hide my anger from Mands, I was getting more and more distant from her as she vocalised several times, even in the bedroom I wasn't my usual self; I very rarely ate her out anymore and even when I did it was only after she had washed so I didn't have to taste the evidence of her cheating. I knew in the back of my mind that being this closed-off from Mands was probably pushing her closer to Thomas but I couldn't help myself.

It was a week after I caught Amanda that I called Paige again, partly because I wanted to see her again but mostly because I needed to get some things of my chest, Paige agreed to meet me at a cafe for breakfast. It was a small place we met up at; one of those 'greasy spoons', Paige had a cup of coffee while I wolfed down a plate of eggs and bacon, I needed all the strength I could get.

'I trust you didn't call me here to watch you pig out?'

I looked up from my plate, I reached over for a napkin and wiped my mouth. 'Sorry, I've been going through a lot and I need someone to talk to.'

'And you normally have your girlfriend to talk through shit with.'

'Oddly no, I have another close friend but she's got a husband and a kid now. I know we aren't that close but there was no-one else.'

'It's fine Heather, I'm a good listener.'

'Thanks, and call me Hezz, only one or two people call me Heather anymore.'

'Sure. So what's on your mind?'

'So much shit, you and me, if there is a you and me, Mands and Thomas, seeing them together like that. God I wished I hadn't open that door, this whole thing would be so much simpler if I was ignorant.'

'What made you open the door?'

'Curiosity, I heard noises and I wanted to know what they were. It was curiosity that made me realise I loved Mands and it was curiosity that took that love away.'

'But it didn't did it?'

'Ugh, no it didn't. That's what so fucked up about all this, I hate Mands for what she did but I can't stop loving her and I'm here doing the same thing she's doing.'

Paige looked at me confused. 'What do you mean, we haven't fucked. Yet.'

That made me smile. 'I mean that I'm moving on from her, I've found someone else and so has she but we haven't told each other. God I can't believe you're putting up with this shit.'

'I'm use to hearing sob stories, sort of built up a tolerance to them. Besides...' 

Paige took my hand in hers. 'You're a lot cuter than my usual customers.'

Again I smiled, there was something about Paige that just lit everything up; she was calm, cool and open, you knew talking to her would cheer you up. And I'd only known her two days. We paid for breakfast and left the cafe.

'Hey Hezz, you want a lift back, I can go out your way if you need.'

'No thanks, appreciate the offer but I'll walk.'

'No problem.'

We hugged again but this time our lips get dangerously close and our eyes linger at each other for just a second too long. I watched Paige get into her car and drive away, life was getting far too complicated.

That night in bed I decided to give Mands another shot, after my talk with Paige I knew for certain that I hadn't given up on her yet. Or had I? Mands was under the covers licking me to another fantastic orgasm and I was fighting back from yelling out Paige's name. 

I felt her kisses on my clit. 'Oh God, P, P, Pa.' In a sudden flash of worry I bit down on my lower lip to stop from yelling. A quick hot flash ran over my body and I knew I had come again. Mands shuffled up from under the covers to lay on top of me and look me in the eyes.

'God Hezz you must have really needed that. What were you saying earlier?'

'Um, I was almost yelling 'Please don't stop.' But I stopped myself; one of us yelling is bad enough.'

'I'll say, you're bleeding.'

'What?'

And that's when I tasted the blood, I had bitten down so hard I had burst my lip. 'Fuck, I didn't even realise.'

Mands just giggled at me. 'Guess I'm getting better or you were just really horny.'

'I'd say the latter Mands, we haven't fucked like that in a long time.'

'I know, I'm really glad we were able to do this, I've missed this. Something's come between us and I don't know what.'

I know, the dick of some doctor we hardly know you cheating cun...

My mind was screaming at me to tell Mands what I saw but my heart was telling me to keep quiet and not fuck up the best relationship I'd ever had.

'I know what you mean Mands, I guess we've both been preoccupied. Plus with Billie I guessed you wanted to be left alone for a while.'

'What'd you mean?'

'Well you were a little jealous about Billie having a kid now here she is with two and I felt a little guilty about not being able to give you one.'

Mands gave a cute little giggle. 'That's no reason for us to stop seeing each other. My problems are my problems, besides if I wanted a kid I'm not going to jump on the first dick I see.'

By now my mind was reduced to tears by my ignorance towards it but I couldn't say anything. I simply smiled and let Amanda fall asleep in my arms.

Fuck my head.

Fuck my heart.

Fuck my fucked up life.

JULY

Remember way back when Mands was attacked by Craig, that was almost two years ago. Back then I was frustrated because Mands was sharing a bed with me and I didn't know how to tell her. Now I'm frustrated because Mands was sharing a bed with someone else and I didn't know how to tell her I knew. 

This whole situation was ruining me, I'm know around Uni for being a friendly and easygoing person but lately I've been snapping at people and getting close to arguments with nearly everyone. Amanda's noticed it but I've said it's nothing and passed it off as one of many excuses I've used; now I'm running out. However it's not just Mands that's noticed it, on one day in July Rachel cornered me about what was bothering me, I kept it mostly secret, not letting her know about Mands cheating me, I still respected her privacy.

With no-one else to turn to I was spending almost all my time was Paige, she had become the new Billie in my life in that she listened to my problems but she was in danger of becoming the new Amanda in my life as well. One night in July sticks out as being particularly dangerous.

It was warm and sticky the entire day but by the evening it had cooled down a bit, I took a drive to Paige's bar, it was busier now than it had ever been before. As I walked in Paige spotted me.

'Hezz, hey. Just go round back I'll meet you in a minute or two.'

'Sure.'

I navigated my way to Paige's room at the back of the bar, on the way I heard a conversation between Paige and the other bartender Phil.

'That your new girlfriend Paige?'

'Yeah, she's got a beautiful cunt so hands off.'

That made me giggle. In Paige's room I realised it was the first time I had been in there on my own, I took a quick look round; the room was incredibly small, liveable but still small. There was a single bed on one side of the room and a two-seater sofa next to it. Instead of a wardrobe there was a pole drilled into two sides of a wall where all her coats where hanging and instead of a chest of drawers there was only a few selves on one wall side, her underwear on the top self out of sight. A poster was next to the selves, it was the famous one of the two girls in shirts and pants kissing on a bed, the whole thing was in black and white, the only other poster was an old movie one for Taxi Driver. Other than that there was a TV at the foot of the bed and a cabinet near the headrest with a lamp, a book -- Lady Chatterley's Lover, half-way read -- and a photo in a frame. I sat on the bed and looked at the photo, it was taken on a beach on a windy day, there was three people in the photo, Paige was on the left side looking a little younger than she does now, a boy about 18 or 19 was in the middle and another girl, maybe in her 20s, was on the right holding the camera, looking at the boy I saw an eerie resemblance to Caleb. Just then I heard the door open.

'Sorry for keeping you, busy day today.'

'It's alright.'

'I see you found my favourite picture.' Paige sat down next to me and gently took the photo from my hands. 'That's my old boyfriend Bryce, taken a couple of years ago, I know he hurt me but it reminds me of a simpler time.'

'What's Bryce's surname?'

'Dawltry why?'

'He looks my friends' brother; his name is Dawltry as well. Might be related.'

They were actually, I called Billie later on and asked her about Bryce, he's their cousin on their dad's side but they don't see much of him.

'Who's the other girl?' I asked Paige.

'Sam, Bryce's cousin, or sister if you want to the specific.' Paige took one look at my confused face and thought it best to explain. 'Bryce's parents are dead, dad killed before he was born and mum committed suicide when he was a one year old. He was adopted and raised by his aunt and uncle, Sam's parents.'

'Thank god, I was afraid there might be a pattern forming in the Dawltry genes.'

'What?'

'Never mind.' I almost gave away Billie's secret again.

'Ok, what brings you back to my neck of the woods?'

'I'm supposed to have a reason now, what if I just wanted to see you?'

'What would your girlfriend say?'

'Mmfhmffhmfhff.'

'What the fuck was that?'

'That was her talking with a mouth full of dick.'

Paige mouth dropped in a manner suiting an 'Oh my god' moment. 'Hezz that's you girlfriend why you being so bitchy?'

'She cheated on me I have every right to be bitchy.'

'So why haven't you told her yet?'

That brought everything crashing back down, it was the one question I'd hope to avoid this whole evening. I fell backwards onto the bed.

'Same reason as always, same reason I didn't tell her yesterday, same reason I didn't tell her last week. Same reason I probably won't tell her next week. I'm still in love with her.'

Paige fell next to me on the bed, but she did it more gracefully and landed on her side, she propped herself up on her shoulder. 'I take it sharing's out of the question.'

Once again Paige had managed to make a smile cross my face. 'Yeah, I don't believe in open relationships, for Amanda it's either him or me.'




Love in the Time of Curiosity Ch. 04



'What about us?'

Those three words caused me to spin round and look Paige in the eyes, I didn't think there was an us but staring at her I realised there just might be. I was reminded or another verse of the song I heard in the shower.

Alright, everything is alright. Since you came along.

And before you, I had nowhere to run to, and nothing to hold on to. I came so close to giving it up.

We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, I don't remember who made the first move but I do remember finding my face edging closer to Paige's.

Then I kissed her.

No time to think I just kissed her, it was a different kiss than I'd had before with Mands; normally our kisses are quick and hard, full of passion and lust. Paige was far slowly, far softer, a truly loving kiss. We let each other go after a while, Paige looked embarrassed.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to do that.'

'It's fine Paige, I kissed you as well.'

'I know but... You're obviously having a hard time with all this, I don't want to confuse you any further.'

'I see. Should I leave then?'

'I think that'll be best.'

Quickly and silently I left the room, then just as quickly I left the bar. I got back to the apartment before ten, hoping I could come up with a good excuse for Mands. But there was no need, the apartment was empty when I got back, there was no note or anything telling me where Mands had gone, not that I needed one, I knew where she was. 

Here I was feeling guilty about cheating on her and yet she's doing the exact same to me, I cried myself to sleep that night. This had gone on too long, it had been over two months since I caught Mands and yet because I was too scared I hadn't done anything about it, I was going to tell her everything.

AUGUST

Ok I didn't tell Mands straight away, I needed courage, I needed time, I needed a good opportunity, any and all excuses I could find for not saying anything I took. It wasn't until the 28th of August that I finally ran out of excuses. We were both called to the hospital by Caleb, Billie had given birth to her second child. Amanda and I rushed to the hospital, the thought of our friend the only thing in our minds. When we got to the hospital and to Billie's room she was already holding her new baby to her breast.

'Hey you guys made it.' Billie spoke in a whisper. 'Come in.'

Silent as we could Amanda and I walked inside. Billie handed the baby to Amanda first. 'It's a girl.' She told us as she did.

Amanda looked into the sleeping face of the baby girl. 'Billie's she's gorgeous. What's her name?'

A mischievous smile went across Billie's face. 'Caleb and I had been talking and we thought we'd name her Carol.'

The colour drained from Amanda's face, I actually lent forward to catch the baby if Amanda dropped her. 'What?' 

'Well Cay got to name Tyler after his dead friend so I did the same for her. I hope you don't mind.'

The tears welling up in Mands face showed she didn't, she said nothing but we all knew she was glad the memory of her sister was being respected.

The next few hours were a little more hectic, several doctors came by for tests, a few choice family members as well. At one point Amanda went off to find a vending machine but when she didn't return for a while I went off to find her. But I didn't go to the vending machines, I asked around and found Thomas's office, I intended to barge in on whatever Mands was doing with him but I was cut short by Mands walking out. I ducked into a nearby room and watched, I couldn't hear what they said to each other but I could see them. 

And I could see the kiss they had.

Slow, gently, loving. This was a special kiss, there was something between them, it hurt a lot more than I thought. Perhaps I thought, or hoped, it was just fucking for the two of them but this confirmed what I feared, I was crying again, god I'd cried more in the last two months than I'd ever done before.

As soon as Mands was out of site I ran, not back to Billie but out, out the ward, out the hospital, out of a life I obviously didn't fit in. The rain started falling on the drive, it was small enough to drive in but it was getting heavier. When I arrived at the bar it was closed but I knew Paige was still be in, I knocked on the door.

'We're closed.'

I knocked again, harder.

'I said we're fucking closed.'

A third time knocking, footsteps to the door.

'You fucking drunks how many times...'

I didn't wait for Paige to finish, as soon as the door was open and she had time to recognize me I launched into a kiss which Paige welcomed. I slammed the door behind me and pushed Paige toward the bedroom, clothes were being torn off, jackets flung, shirts ripped, my bra was off by the time we reached the bedroom door. Paige spun me round and threw me to the bed. As she took off her top I was kicking off my trousers and pants, I looked on at Paige as her breasts were revealed to me, I'd obviously seen bigger with Amanda but Paige's looked tailor-made to her form, perfect in size with mini-marshmallow sized nipples jutting out on them, she looked like she tasted of sugar.

Because I was already naked Paige went down on me first, she was a lot more experienced than Mands and knew what she was doing straight away. I swear her tongue grew a foot in diameter, it was licking and touching damn near every part of my pussy, added to that the warm suction on my clit and two fingers stroking my cunt and I was going to cum soon.

But I couldn't get Mands out of my head, not in a sexual way but in a guilt-ridden one, she wouldn't leave. I couldn't go through with this.

'Paige, stop. Please Paige stop.'

I pushed her away from me so she would get the message.

'What's wrong Hezz?'

'I can't do this.'

'What?'

'I can't do this, I, I just can't. I'm sorry but.'

I started putting my clothes back on, only my trousers and shirt though I just to run.

'Hezz what is it calm down.'

'No, I can't. I need, I need to go, sorry.'

As soon I was suitable dressed I ran out without any more questions, started the car and drove off. My life was completely fucked, I don't tell my girlfriend I knew she's cheating because I don't want to lose her and yet when I do the same thing I get guilty. The rain by now was impossible to drive in and with the never-ending stream of tears in my eyes the inevitable happened. I didn't know where I was on the drive home, I was going by instinct to find the apartment, thankfully I didn't have much trouble finding home the problem came not long afterwards when I crashed the car into a lamppost. 

I just sat there in the car for ages, hours, weeks, years I don't know. The crash wasn't serious so physically I was fine, no broken bones or anything serious but emotionally I was broken, I couldn't go on anymore. I got out the car and allowed the rain to soak me, hiding my tears, I ran out into the middle of the road and just let it out.

'FFFFUUUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKK!!' I was screaming at no-one, there was just me in the middle of an empty road. 

Movement to my side caught my attention, I saw Mands walking towards me looking terrified. I couldn't hold back anymore and I just fell into her.

'I'm sorry Mands, I can't do this anymore.'

'Jesus Hezz, I heard the crash from upstairs, when I saw your car I feared the worst. Where the fuck were you, you disappeared from the hospital.'

I said nothing, I couldn't. Mands carried me towards the apartment, standing in the doorway I could see Thomas, Amanda saw me looking at him.

'He offered to take me home after you left.'

I stopped walking and took Amanda's hand off my shoulder. 'Mands I know.'

'Know what?'

'I know about you and Thomas, I saw you and him together.'

The rain was still drenching us, Mands didn't even try to hide her shame. 'How long have you known?'

'I saw you two on Billie's wedding day, I got back after delivering the present and I saw you two on the sofa.'

'Fuck Hezz I'm so sorry. Why didn't you say anything?'

'I didn't want to lose you. I hate myself so much for not saying anything and forcing myself into self-destruction but it meant I wouldn't have to lose you. Tell me Mands, how long has this been going on?'

'We've been meeting in secret ever since my mum's death, just a coffee or a bite to eat but it got more and more serious. Billie's wedding was the first time we had sex I swear.'

'Do you..?'

'Yes, I feel safe with him, I'm cared for and protected. I have you to thank for that.'

'What?'

'Our time together after what Craig did to me, you helped me passed that, you taught me to care again. I'll always love you Hezz, more than any friend should but this wasn't going to last, I'm not gay I never was, you just helped me see love once more.'

Mands was right, even when we were together for the first time, the proper time, she said she wasn't gay. I'm a fuckin idiot for believing we had a future together.

'I don't want this to end Mands, I can't believe this is ending.'

'I can't believe it either, just be glad it's now and not later.' Amanda gave me one last kiss. 'I'm so sorry Heather, I shouldn't have put you through this.'

I remember the chorus to the song I heard in the shower.

We say goodbye in the pouring rain and I break down as you walk away.

Cause all my life I felt this way but I could never find the words to say. Stay.

And like that it was over, two years with my best friend gone like that, washed away in the rain. It was the best and worst relationship I'd ever been in; I got to be with my best friend in the most intimate manner and love her closer than other friends can but in the end it ruined me. A few days after me and Mands broke up Rachel came to see me.

'Heather, I heard about you and Mands, I'm so sorry.'

'It's fine Rach, I'll get over it. Might take a while but I will.'

'You sure you're ok?'

'At the moment no but give it time.'

Rachel put her arm on my shoulder 'You know my dad's a priest right?'

'Yeah.'

'Well he taught me that everything happens for a reason, this will all work out in the end.'

I didn't realise it at the time but that advice would help me more than I thought. Surprisingly it was true, because of everything that had happened to Amanda she finally found someone who wouldn't forsake her, three years after they first got together Amanda Townsend and Thomas Freeman married in a May wedding, after five years of marriage they have twin daughters and are expecting a son in the autumn.

Craig Allen was released from prison on parole 7 years after he sent there, he paid a quick visit to Amanda where he apologized for what he did to her. Last I heard he joined the army, I don't know what became of him.

Caleb and Billie never had any more children but they stayed together for years. There was some panic when the kids were in their teens and they had to test them for Caleb's brain condition, Tyler was safe but Carol was diagnosed with the same condition. Caleb Dawltry died at the age of 39 after almost twenty years of marriage, Billie was obviously devastated she lost a brother and a husband. She never remarried.

And me, well the chapter in my life with Amanda was closed but another was starting.

OCTOBER

About two months after me and Mands broke up I got a surprise call.

'Hello?'

'Hey Hezz, it's Paige. I know it's been a while but I didn't know if you wanted to talk to me.'

'Paige, sorry I totally forgot. I've been going through a lot here. Me and Amanda broke up.'

'Man I'm sorry.'

'It's ok.'

'Say now that you're single do you fancy meeting up, catch a movie or a bite to eat.'

'Paige Dreyer are you asking me out on a date?'

'Depends, what are the chances of you putting out.?'

'Pay for dinner and we'll see.'

Paige and I made the arrangements to meet up, hanging up the phone I caught myself smiling for the first time in a long time. I thought about what Rachel said about things happening for a reason.

Carol died so that Amanda and I would get closer.

We got closer so that I would fall in love with her.

I fell in love with her so that we would have that drunken night together.

That drunken night would get Craig jealous and attack Mands.

That attack would introduce Mands to Thomas.

So does that mean I fell in love with Mands so that when I caught her and Thomas I would run away and find Paige? Is Paige who I'm going to spend the rest of my life with?

It's a curious thought, we just have to wait and see.

*

That is the end of the Curiosity series, I hope you all have enjoyed it, I'm actually surprised at the positive feedback it's received.

The next series will be a return to the Incest category for 'Seasons With Samantha' and shall be released for the Summer Lovin competition.

Thanks again for reading and please don't be afraid to leave any feedback, questions or comments.