by Kiki Archer
The tapping was gentle. “Can I come in?” said the voice.
Susan yanked her hand out of her jeans and tilted her head towards the door. She didn’t speak.
“I know you’re in there. I’ve been listening to you.”
Susan froze in the darkness.
“Can I come in? Please, it’s important.”
Susan panicked, totally unsure if she’d locked the door. She heard the handle move down and squinted as the light from the corridor burst into the room devastated that she obviously hadn’t locked it.
Jenna stepped forwards and looked down at Susan lying awkwardly on the bed. “Please don’t tell me you sleep in that fleece too?”
“Don’t turn it on,” said Susan, pulling herself off the bed and shaking her head at Jenna whose finger was about to flick on the main light switch. She stumbled around to her bedside table and reached for the white cable, finally finding the button for her small bedside lamp and illuminating the room with a soft glow. “Shut the door,” she whispered, totally embarrassed. “Those hall lights are too bright.”
Jenna stepped further into the room and did as instructed. She grinned mischievously. “Romantic lighting.”
Susan couldn’t look up. “Not really. I just have a head ache. What did you want?”
“Is that why you’re lying fully clothed on your bed in the darkness? Because you have a headache?”
Susan moved away from Jenna’s intensity and sat down on the end of the bed. “I was just taking a moment.”
Jenna ignored Susan’s desire for distance and sat down next to her. “Is that what they call it?”
“Please, Jenna, stop it.”
Jenna shuffled further onto the bed and angled her body towards Susan. “Stop what?”
Susan stood up. “This.”
Jenna stood up too. “What?”
Susan lifted her hands. “This! You’re in my space.”
Jenna stepped in closer. “Can we talk about how I want to be in your space and how you want me to be in your space too?”
Susan shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Jenna leaned forwards and whispered into Susan’s ear. “Yes you do.”
Susan felt a wave of electricity run through her body. It was as if every single hair on her body was standing on end. She stuttered, “You’re teasing me.”
Jenna stepped backwards and sat back down on the bed. “I’m not. Can we just talk for a bit? I need to explain.”
Susan managed to breathe for the first time in about a minute. “Fine,” she said, still standing.
Jenna patted the bed. “Sit down?”
Susan took a deep breath and perched herself at the opposite end to Jenna.
Jenna raised an eyebrow and twisted around. “Shall I start?”
“You’re the one that came up,” said Susan.
“You’re the one that came down,” replied Jenna.
“You’re the one that went—” Susan stopped herself.
Jenna laughed. “Yes, I went down. You saw me.”
Susan pulled the pillow from behind her and clutched it into her stomach. “I stopped a disaster. All of those glasses could have come crashing down on you both.”
“It was funny for you to notice.”
Susan frowned. “Notice what?”
“You opened the door shouting NOOOOOO!” Jenna shrugged. “It should have taken you a while to work out what was going on, notice the glasses clinking together, and then shout NOOOOOO.”
Susan unzipped her lilac fleece and threw it towards the dresser. “I heard a noise as I was coming down the stairs, I peeped through the door and I spotted what was going on.”
“Ooo, the fleece is off,” laughed Jenna, noticing Susan’s toned arms now on display in her fitted black vest top. “Why didn’t you just let us get what we deserved?”
“I didn’t want you and Amber bombarded with shards of broken glass.”
“Didn’t you?”
“No, why would I?” Susan stood up to the dresser and retrieved her fleece, pulling out the arms and starting to fold it. “You clearly have things with lots of women. It’s got nothing to do with me.”
Jenna followed her up and took the fleece out of her hands, placing it back on the dresser. “I want it to have something to do with you.”
Susan finally gained the confidence to look into the searching brown eyes. “No you don’t.”
“I do. I’m drawn to you.”
Susan crossed her arms. “I have to give it to you. You’re very good.”
Jenna reached out and relaxed Susan’s arms. “This isn’t a game.”
Susan pulled them back into their folded position. “Yes it is. You want to convert a straight woman.”
Jenna shook her head. “Nope, I’ve already done that,” she said smiling. “On numerous occasions.”
“Fine, you want to have sex with someone you used to go to school with.”
“Jemima Grice.”
“What?”
“Jemima Grice, after the school prom. I’ve already done it.”
“You’ve had sex with the well-respected MP, Jemima Grice?”
Jenna shrugged. “Yes, but just so you know, having sex with me doesn’t make anyone any less respectable.”
Susan was rubbing her neck. “You know what I mean.”
Jenna shook her head. “No, I don’t think I do.”
“You’re just so sexual,” Susan waved her hand as she sat back down on the bed. “I’m not used to it.”
Jenna stayed standing. “Should I go?”
“What did you come up for?”
Jenna narrowed her naughty brown eyes. “What did you come down for?”
Susan tried to stifle her laugh. “Fine, if we’re doing this, let’s do it properly.” She raised her eyebrows. “Tell me what you went down for.”
Jenna laughed. “You see now, Susan. This is why I like you. There’s a deeply mischievous, playful woman hidden under all of your properness. You intrigue me. I want to see the real you.” She sat down. “There’s a spark between us.”
Susan smiled. “But that spark didn’t stop you re-lighting the fire with Amber, did it?”
Jenna took a huge intake of breath and held onto it. She shook her head and exhaled slowly. “I’m a nightmare. I always have been.”
“You realise she’ll be all over you now. More so than she already was.”
Jenna closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip. “I know, I know, I know,” she looked up and thought she’d try, “but she started it.”
“And you couldn’t stop it?”
Jenna shrugged. “No, I don’t think I could.”
“Are you a sex addict?” Susan asked the question with a totally straight face.
Jenna burst out laughing. “No! Of course I’m not.”
“So you should have said no.”
“I know, I know, I know.” She paused. “But you know what it’s like when a woman’s mouth is so close to yours and she’s asking to be kissed? It’s rude not to.”
Susan shook her head. “I’m not a lesbian, so I wouldn’t know.”
“I’m sure you could imagine, though?” Jenna lifted her finger to Susan’s chest. “I spotted a slight rash around your neck when I came in. It seems to be easing a bit now. I wonder what it was from?”
Susan moved away from the contact and stood up, quickly opening the small bedroom window. “Heat rash. I’m hot.”
“It’s freezing!” laughed Jenna. “We’re in the Alps.” She patted the bed once more, hoping that Susan would sit down. “I know my rashes,” smiled Jenna, “and I was standing outside your door for a minute or two before I plucked up the courage to knock.”
Susan stood still. “So?”
“So I know how you got that rash.” Jenna grinned. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting you were turned on by what you saw.”
“I wasn’t.”
Jenna stood up and nodded slowly. “Yes you were.”
<
br /> Susan stepped around her and sat back down at the top of the bed. “Change the subject right now. We agreed we’re doing this in order. You’ve told me why you went down—”
“Because I’m a sex crazed ski instructor who hardly ever says no?”
“You said it, not me.” Susan laughed. “But yes, you’re a sexual woman with an insatiable appetite.” She was speaking quickly, praying that Jenna would get carried away with this new line of conversation. “My reason for coming down’s not quite as adventurous, but it is rather explicit.”
Jenna raced over and jumped down next to her making the bedsprings squeak. “Ooo, come on, tell me everything. I promise not to mention the fact you came back here and got yourself off after watching me fuck.”
Susan felt her already red face flare into a burning mess. “Stop it!”
Jenna grinned. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. I like that you did it. It tells me a lot about you.”
Susan coughed lightly and pulled herself backwards. “I didn’t. Last warning. Change the subject or I’ll ask you to leave.”
“No you won’t.” Jenna saw the look on Susan’s face and moved her hand up to her own mouth. “Fine, fine,” she said, zipping her lips closed. “But can I ask you why you won’t sit close to me?”
“I’m worried you’re going to pounce.”
Jenna raised an eyebrow. “Are you? Or are you worried I won’t?”
Susan rolled her eyes. “Stop it. Your reverse psychology doesn’t work on me.” She paused. “But this does feel weird. Tell me why this whole thing feels so intense?”
Jenna flattened the cool duvet and slid herself closer. “It’s what I was talking about downstairs. We have a connection, Susan. I’ve not felt it as strongly as this before. I just want to spend time with you. I want to find out everything about you. I want to get close to you.”
Susan crossed her arms. “So much so, that the moment I leave, you lift Amber onto the bar and start eating her like a bar buffet?”
“You saw me lift her, Susan? Just how long had you been watching us?”
Susan reddened again. “I just assumed you lifted her.”
“Uh huh,” laughed Jenna. “A bar buffet? How often do you go face first for the bowl of peanuts?” She smiled. “And yes, before you ask, I did freshen myself up before I knocked on your door.”
Susan changed the subject. “Can I tell you about Marcus?”
Jenna fell backwards on the bed and made a loud fizzing sound. “That’s a sure fire way to dampen the spark.”
Susan exhaled heavily. “It’s why I came down. I wanted your advice. I thought you’d be able to help.”
Jenna pulled herself back up and smiled. “I like how you turn to me. This is the second time you’ve done it in two days.”
“You’re level headed.”
“Not with women.”
“Doesn’t matter. This is about Marcus.”
“Eugh.”
Susan composed herself. “Daisy Button walked into Marcus’s room this evening and saw him naked.”
Jenna spluttered. “What?”
“He thought it was me. He’d poured some wine, he was fresh from the shower, and she walked in. Marcus said Daisy was fine and that she’d just wanted to borrow his phone, but I thought I’d come down and get your opinion on the matter.” She shook her head. “Should I file an incident report? Should I discipline Marcus? Or should I be doing something else?”
Jenna looked serious. “You need to phone her parents at the earliest opportunity and let them know what’s happened.”
“Really?”
“Yes, of course. It may not have been intentional, but a child in your care has been exposed to something indecent. You speak to Daisy first thing in the morning and you phone her mother straight after.”
Susan nodded. “Right, yes, you’re right. Do you think there’ll be repercussions?”
“That all depends on their stories, whether they match up or not. It also depends on the type of family the Buttons are.”
“She’s only in year seven. I’ve not had any dealings with her parents yet. I know she’s an only child, and actually, thinking about it, I’m pretty sure Mrs Button’s a single mum. I remember reading it in her family-background form.” Susan paused. “No, wait, there was definitely a man there with Daisy’s mum when we left for the trip.”
“Regardless, they need to know.”
Susan nodded. “You’re right. Thank you.”
Jenna puzzled. “What if it had been you? Was he deliberately naked?”
“Apparently so. He wanted to be a devil and show me his pitchfork.”
Jenna shuddered. “How can you say that so calmly?”
“He’s harmless.” Susan shrugged. “I actually feel a bit sorry for him. I think I was probably a bit flattered when he started taking an interest.”
Jenna’s brow was completely furrowed. “He can’t be your best offer?”
“He’s the only offer I’ve had in a very long time.”
“What?”
Susan laughed. “Stop pulling that face.”
“Don’t you go out?”
“We have school functions.”
“Friends? Sports clubs? You must do things outside of St Wilf’s?”
Susan shook her head. “Not really. I spent three years studying at Cambridge and then I went straight back to do my PGCE at school and I’ve been there ever since.”
Jenna reached across and shook Susan’s knees. “Good god, woman, you need to experience life.”
“I’m a simple person. I like simple things. I enjoy my job. I like to read. I holiday with my family.”
“Your parents?”
Susan nodded. “Yes, and my sisters and their families. It’s great. I’m the fun auntie.”
“Don’t you ever want more?”
Susan looked at the floor. “I guess I’ve never been offered more.”
Jenna shuffled closer and reached out her arms. “Can I just give you a hug?”
Susan looked up and laughed. “I don’t want your pity. I’m perfectly happy.”
Jenna gently wrapped her arms around Susan’s back and whispered into her ear. “Are you?”
Susan closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet smell of coconut oil. “Completely.”
“I’m drawn to you,” whispered Jenna. “I know it’s only been two days and I don’t expect you to believe me, but I am. I’m drawn to you by this invisible bond that I can’t ignore. It’s just there and it’s pulling me closer.”
Susan leaned backwards and looked at the beautiful woman sitting inches away. “You’re drawn to the challenge.”
“What challenge?”
“Me. I’m completely different to the women you go for. I’m awkward, I’m probably slightly square, and I’m certainly not a looker.”
Jenna lifted Susan’s chin. “You’re beautiful. Inside and out.”
Susan moved the hand away and laughed. “I’ll say it again. You’re good.”
“At what?”
“Making someone feel special.”
Jenna bent her head slightly and found Susan’s eyes once more. “You are special, Susan.”
“I’m straight.”
“Stop me then,” said Jenna, moving her head forwards and gently placing her lips onto Susan’s. She pulled back slightly and whispered, “Tell me to stop.”
Susan felt the soft lips on her own and closed her eyes to the dizziness whirling all around her. She couldn’t tell her to stop. She was melting, slipping into the forbidden world of arousal, awakening the dormant nerve endings that were ill prepared for this rush of adrenaline, this thrill of excitement, this buzz of illicitness. She gasped as Jenna kissed her deeper, encouraging her desire, provoking her longing, and urging her to come alive. Susan lifted her hands and clung to Jenna’s cheeks, responding hungrily and moaning deeply at the intense satisfaction it brought.
Chapter Twelve
Susan jumped at the sound of her alarm. 7.00 a.m.,
breakfast in half an hour. She silenced the beeping with a slide of her finger and gasped as the events of last night crashed into the forefront of her mind. She sucked on her bottom lip and scrunched up her eyes in an attempt to make herself disappear. It didn’t work. Instead it intensified her racing heart and the nauseous feeling pounding deep down in her stomach. Susan sat up and swung her legs out of the bed. She dropped her head into her hands, completely overwhelmed by the feeling of utter embarrassment. Jenna had tried to take the kiss further.
Susan found the courage to glance up at the edge of the bed where Jenna had straddled her; where Jenna had pushed her down and slid on top of her. Susan gasped again, remembering just how badly she’d wanted to be touched; how erotic it was to be manhandled, to be pushed into position and set upon by someone as experienced as Jenna.
Susan shook her head and chastised herself, unsure if she was angry at her inability to just let go and live a little, or angry at Jenna’s ability to calmly get up and walk away when she’d said stop. She took a deep intake of breath and exhaled with far more control than she actually felt. Head high and carry on, she told herself, thinking back to that awful day when she was ankles up, head down, in Battle-Axe Brown’s vice-like grip. Susan rolled her eyes at herself. It hadn’t worked then and it wouldn’t work now. Jenna would either joke off the whole experience or snigger at her inexperienced frigidity. Either way it would be embarrassing. She checked the clock, desperate to see its hands frozen in time, needy of an extra week or two to come to terms with what had gone on. She’d kissed a woman. She’d kissed a woman and enjoyed it. She’d seriously been tempted to let that woman take things further: to let that woman pin her down and use her for pleasure. Susan snapped herself out of it. Something had made her say stop, and she wondered if it was indeed that desire, yet fear, of being used.
****
Susan’s shower had been quick and cold. There was no time to contemplate, or analyse. She had to focus and stay in control. The students were relying on her. There was no way she could turn into a blithering mess. She threw on her lilac fleece, marched along the corridor and down the stairs towards the dining room, desperately trying to ignore the trepidation pounding away in her stomach. She pushed open the door and held her breath. Only six girls were down. She relaxed slightly and stepped into the strong smelling room, noticing Sylvie shuffling around behind the long table, laying out the final few plates of ham and cheese.