Pure Passion

Chelsea

Two years ago

Aged Fifteen

       

       Silence fell as she settled herself on the stage. Well not everything was silent-- the thunder of blood rushing through me roared in my ears as my Sophie carefully sat down. She looked beautiful in sleeveless golden dress, with her long black hair pulled back in messy bun, a black bow positioned on top.

   Lifting the camera that's always around my neck. I brought the lens to my eye just as she positioned her bow against the violin. I always loved to capture her at this moment. The moment she closed her eyes. The most perfect expression crossed her face the look she wore just before the music began. The look of pure passion for the sounds that were to follow.

  I snapped the picture at the perfect time, and then the melody began. Lowering my camera, I focused simply on her. I couldn't take pictures while she played. I couldn't bring myself to miss any part of how she looked up on the stage.

  My lip turned up in a small smile as her body began to sway in the music. She loved this piece, her noona's favorite too. She plays it to her whenever we go to the cemetery to pay her a visit.

  She had been playing it for as long as I could remember. She needed no sheet music for this: Greensleeves poured from her heart through her bow.

  I couldn't stop staring, my heart beating like a damn drum as Sophie's lips twitched, "ahh those lips have been mine since the day I claimed them." Her deep dimples popped out when she concentrated on the hard notes. Her eyes remained closed, but you could tell which parts of the music she adored. Her head would tilt to the side, and a huge smile would spread on her face.

  People didn't understand that after all this time she was still mine. We were only Fifteen but since the day I kissed her on the Cherry field underneath her Noona's favorite tree, aged Eight, there had never been anyone else. Although our parents frowned upon the relationship, they finally had to agree that there's no end to our bond, I had no interest in any boy or even a girl, "It's always Sophie, My Sophie."

   In my world only she existed.

  And she was different to any other girl in our class. Sophie was quirky not cool. People's opinion about her didn't bother her at all. She played the violin because she loved it. She read books, she studied for fun, she woke at dawn just to watch the sunrise.

  It was why she was my everything, my Forever always. Because she was unique. Unique in a town full of carbo-copy bimbos. She didn't want to cheer or bitch or chase boys. She knew she had me. Just as much as I had her.

  We were all we needed.

  I shuffled on my seat as the sound of her violin became softer, Sophie bringing the piece to an end. Lifting my camera again, I snapped a final shot as Sophie raised her bow off the string, a contended look graced her face.

  The sound of applause made me lower my camera. Sophie pushed the instrument off her chin and got to her feet. She gave a small bow then scanned the auditorium. Her eyes met mine. She smiled.

   I thought my heart might smash through my chest.

  I smirked in return, pushing my long blonde hair back off my face with my fingers. A blush Coated Sophie's cheeks, then she exited the stage, the house lights flooding the auditorium. Sophie had been the last to perform. She always closed the show. She was the best musician in the district for our age groups above.

   I once asked her how she was able to play like she did. She simply told me that the melodies poured from her bow as easily as she breathed. I couldn't imagine having that kind of talent. But that was Sophie, the most amazing girl in the world.

  When the applause faded out, people began to leave the auditorium. A hand pressed on my arm. Mrs Sullivan was wiping away a tear. She always cried when Sophie performed.

  Chelsea, dear, we need to get these two home. Are you okay to meet Sophie?"

 "Yes ma'am," I replied, and quiet laughed at Elizabeth and Susannah, Sophie's nine and eleven year old sisters sleeping on their seats. They didn't care much about music like their sister.

  Mr. Sullivan rolled his eyes and threw me a small wave, it was good that he's back to himself, since the death of his mum that's Sophie's Noona he's been a shadow of himself" I'm glad he's regained himself, he turned to wake the girls to get them home. Mrs Sullivan kissed me on the head, then the four of them left.

  As I made my way out of the aisle, I heard whispers and giggling coming from my right. Glancing over the seats, I spotted a group of freshmen girls looking my way, "considering the fact that same sex relationship isn't yet fully allowed in our society it still doesn't stop some girls in expressing how they felt publicly." I ducked my head, ignoring their stares.

  It happens a lot. I had no idea why so many of them paid me Soo much attention. I'd been with Sophie for as long as they had know me. I didn't want anyone else. I wish they would stop trying to get me away from my girl-- nothing would ever do that.

  I pushed through the exit and made my way to the backstage door. The air was thick and humid, causing my black t-shirt to stick to my body. My black jeans and black boots were probably too warm for this spring heat. But I wore this style of clothing everyday considering that I decided to be more of a stud type of lesbian.

   Seeing the performers begin to pile out of the door, I leaned against the wall of the auditorium, resting my foot against the cream painted brick. I crossed my arm over my chest, only unfolding them to rake my fingers through my hair from my eyes.

   I watched the performers getting hugs from their families, then, catching the same girls from before staring at me, lowered my eyes to the ground. I didn't want them to come over. I had nothing to say to them.

  My eyes were still cast down, when I heard doorsteps coming my way. I looked up just as Sophie threw herself onto my chest, her arms wrapping around my back, squeezing me tightly.

  I huffed a short laugh and held her right back. I was a little bit taller than her, I towered over her. I liked it though, how she fit perfectly against me. Inhaling deeply, I took in the sugary sweet scent of her perfume and pressed my cheek against her head. After one last squeeze, Sophie pulled back and smiled up at me. Her green eyes looked huge under her mascara and light makeup, her lips pink and lush from her cherry lip balm.

   I skirted my arms up her sides, stopping when the cupped her cheeks, Sophie's lashes fluttered, making her look all kinds of sweet.

  Unable to resist feeling her lips on mine, I slowly leaned forward, almost smiling as I heard that same hitch of breath Sophie expelled every single time I kissed her, in that moment just before our lips touched.

  As our lips met, I exhaled through my nose. Sophie always tasted like this, of cherry, the taste from her lip balm flooding my mouth. And Sophie kissed me right back, her small hands gripping tightly to the sidesof my shirt.

  I worked my mouth against hers, slowly and softly, until I finally pulled back, laying three short kisses on her swollen mouth. I took in a breath and watched Sophie's eyes flutter open.

  Her pupils were dilated. She licked along her bottom lip before casting me a bright smile.

      Kiss 💋 three hundred and fifty-two

      "With my Chelsea against the auditorium wall."

  I held my breath, waiting for the next line. The glint in Sophie's eyes told me that the words that I hoped for next would spill from her lips. Leaning in closer, balancing on her tiptoes, she whispered,

           "And my heart almost burst" 

 She only ever recorded the extra special kisses. Only the ones that made her feel her heart was full. Everytime we kissed, I waited for those words. When they came, she almost blew me away with her smile.

  Sophie laughed. I couldn't help but smile widely at the sound of the happiness in her voice. I pressed another quick kiss to her lips and stepped back to drape my arm over her shoulders. I pulled her close and rested my cheek against her head. Sophie's arm wrapped around my back and stomach, and I led her away from the wall. As I did, I felt Sophie freeze.

  I lifted my head to see the freshman girls pointing at Sophie and whispering to each other. Their eyes were focused on Sophie in my arms. My jaw clenched, I hated that they treated her this way, out of jealousy. Most of the girls never gave Sophie a chance because they wanted what she had. Sophie said she didn't care, but I could tell that she did. The fact that she stiffened in my arms told me just how much.

  Shifting in front of Sophie, I waited for her to lift her head. As soon as she did, I ordered, "ignore them."

   My stomach dropped as I watched her force a smile. "I am, Chelsea, they don't bother me."

  I tipped my head to the side and raised my brows. Sophie shook her head. "They don't, I promise," she said to cover up. Sophie glanced over my shoulder and shrugged. When she met my eyes with her own, she said, "but I don't get it, I mean look at you, Chelsea, you're gorgeous, mysterious and exotic... She laughed and pressed her palm over my chest. You have that whole bad tomboy, indie-style thing going for you. The girls can't help but want you even the straight ones!. You're you. You're perfect.

   I shifted closer and watched her green eyes widen, "and yours," I added the tension leaving her shoulders.

  I slipped my hand into the hand still on my chest. "And I'm not mysterious, Sophie. You know all there is to know about me: no secrets, no mystery."

  "To me," she argued, meeting my eyes once more. You're not a mystery to me, but you are to everyone in our school. They all want you." 

    I sighed, beginning to get pissed off. "And all I want is you." Sophie watched me, like she was trying to find something in my expression. It just pissed me off the more. I linked our fingers and whispered. "Forever."

     With this, a genuine smile tugged on Sophie's lips. "Forever always," she eventually whispered in reply.

   I dropped my forehead to rest against hers. My hands cupped her cheeks, and I assured her, "I want you and only you. I have done since I was five years old, and you shook my hand. No other girl will change that."

   "Yeah?" Sophie asked, but I could hear the humor back in her sweet voice.

    "Yes," I replied hearing the sweet sound of her giggle wash into my ears. She loved it when I gave her my assurance. I kissed her forehead, then stepped back to take hold of her hands. "Your mummy and Daddy took the girls home; they told me tell you."

    She nodded her head, then looked up at me, nervously. "What did you think of tonight?"

  I rolled my eyes and crinkled my nose. "Terrible, as always," I said dryly.

 Sophie laughed and hit my arm. "Chelsea Paul! Don't be so mean!" She scolded.

  "Fine," I said, pretending to be annoyed. I slammed her into me, wrapping my arms around her back, trapping her against me. She squealed when I began kissing up and down her cheek. Keeping her arms locked by her side. I dropped my lips to her neck and caught her breath hitch, all laughter forgotten.

  I moved my mouth up until I tugged on her earlobe with my teeth. "You were amazing," I whispered softly. "As always. You were perfect up there. You owned that stage. You captivated everyone in that room."

   "Chelsea," she murmured. I heard the happy tone in her voice.

  I pulled back, still not unlocking her arms. "I'm never more proud of you than when I see you up on that stage," I confessed.

  Sophie blushed, "Chelsea," she said shyly but I ducked my head to keep eye contact when she tried to pull away. "Carnegie hall, remember. One day I'll be watching you perform at Carnegie hall."

   Sophie managed to free one of her hands and swatted my arm. "You flatter me."

  I shook my head, "Never. I only ever say the truth."

  Sophie pressed her lips to mine, and I felt her kiss all the way to my toes. When she drew back, I released her and threaded our fingers together.

    "We heading out to the field?" Sophie asked as I began leading her away across the parking lot, holding her just that little bit closer as we passed the group of freshman girls.

  "I'd prefer to be alone with you," I said.

  "Amber asked if we'd go.

Everyone is there ." Sophie looked up at me. By the twitch of her lips, I knew I was scowling. "It's Friday night, Chelsea, and we are fifteen, and you've just spent most of the night watching me play the violin. We have ninety minutes left until curfew, we should actually see our friends like normal teenagers."

  "Fine," I gave in and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. Leaning down, I placed my mouth on her ear and said, "But I get you to myself tomorrow."

  Sophie put her arm around my waist and gripped me tightly. "I promise."

  We heard the girls behind us mention my name. I sighed in fraustration when Sophie briefly tensed.

  It's because you're different, Chelsea," Sophie said, without looking up. You're artsy, into photography. Into dark clothes, it's hard to come across a girl just the way you are. She laughed and shook her head. I pushed my head back from my face, and Sophie pointed up. "But mainly it's because of that."

  I frowned. "Because of what?" She reached up and pulled on a strand of my long hair. "When you do that, when you push your hair back like you do." I raised an eyebrow, bemused. Sophie shrugged. "It's kinda irresistible."

   "Hmmm?" I asked, before stopping to stand in front of Sophie, raking my hair back in exaggeration until she laughed. "Irresistible, huh? To you, too?"

   Sophie giggled and pulled my hand from my hair to wrap around hers. As we followed the pathway to the field, a patch of the park where the kids from our school hung out at night-- Sophie said, "it doesn't really bother me that other girls look at you, Chelsea. I know how you feel about me, because it's the exact way I feel about you." Sophie sucked in her bottom lip. I knew it meant she was nervous, but I didn't know why, until she said, "The only girl that bothers me is April. Because she's wanted you since she found out you were gay and I'm pretty sure she'd do anything to make you hers."

     I shook my head. I didn't even like April, but because she's in our group of friends, she was always around. All of my friends liked her, they thought she was the prettiest girl around, but I never saw it and I hated how she behaves towards me. Hated how she made Sophie feel.

   "She's nothing, Sophie," I reassured her. "Nothing."

   Sophie curled into my chest and we turned right, towards our friends. I held Sophie tighter the closer we got. April sat up as we approached.

    Turning my head towards Sophie, I repeated, "nothing."

   Sophie's hand gripped my chest, telling me she'd heard. April's best friend Jennifer jumped to her feet.

    "Sophie!" Jennifer called excitedly, coming over to pull Sophie into her arms. I liked Jennifer, she's ditzy, rarely thought before she spoke, but she loved Sophie and Sophie loved her. She was one of the only people in this small town who found Sophie's quirkiness endearing and not just wierd.

   "How are you, bubble?" Jennifer asked and stepped back. She looked at Sophie's golden  performance dress. "You look beautiful! So damn cute!"

   Sophie bowed her head in thanks. I took hold of her hand again and guided us around the small fire that they'd lit in the fire pit and sat down. I leaned back against a log bench, pulling Sophie down to sit between my legs. She flashed me a smile as she sat down with me, pressing her back against my chest and tucking her head against my neck.

     "So Sophie, how'd it go, Jonathan one of my male friends, asked from across the fire, my other close friend, Daniel was sitting beside him. He tipped his chin in greeting, his girlfriend Mabel, throwing us a small wave too.

  Sophie shrugged, "Fine, I guess ."

  As I wrapped my arm around her, holding her tight, I looked at my dark haired friend and added, "The star of the show. As always."

  It's only the violin, Chelsea.

 Nothing too special," Sophie argues softly. I shook my head in protest. "She brought the place down."

  I caught Jennifer smiling at me. I also caught April rolling her eyes dismissively. Sophie ignored April and started talking to Jennifer about class.

  Come on, I swear Mr Trueman's damn evil, he's from somewhere outside of what we know. Brought by the principal to torture us weak earthlings with hard algebra. It's how he gets his life-force, I'm convinced of it. And I think he's onto me too. You know, the fact that I know he's an extra terrestrial, because God! That man keeps failing me and giving me the stink eye!" 

   "Jennifer!" Sophie laughed, she laughed so hard that her body shook. I smiled at her happiness, then I zoned out, I leaned back further against the log as our friends talked. I lazily traced patterns on Sophie's arm, wanting more than nothing to leave, I didn't mind sitting with our friends, but I preferred to be alone with her. It was her company I craved; the only place I ever wanted to be was with her.

   Sophie giggled at something else Jennifer said. Her laugh was so hard she knocked the camera hanging on my neck to the side.

   Sophie flashed me an apologetic smile, I leaned down, tilted her chin toward me and kissed her on the lips. I only meant for it to be swift and soft, but when Sophie's hand threaded into my hair, pulling me closer, it became more. As Sophie opened her lips, I pushed my tongue to meet hers, losing my breathe as I did.

    Sophie's fingers tightened in my hair. I cupped her cheek to keep her in the kiss as long as possible. If I didn't have to breath, I imagined I would never stop kissing her.

    Too lost in the kiss, we only broke apart when someone cleared their throat from across the fire. I lifted my head to find Jonathan smirking. When I glanced down at Sophie, her cheeks were blazing. Our friends hid their laughter, and I squeezed Sophie tighter, I wouldn't be embarrassed for kissing my girlfriend.

   Conversation continued again, and I lifted my camera to check if it was okay. My mum and Dad bought it for me on my thirteenth birthday, when they could see that photography was becoming my pure passion. It was a 1969's vintage canon. I took it with me everywhere, snapping thousands of pictures. I didn't know why, but capturing moments fascinated me. Maybe it was because all we get are moments. There are no do overs; whatever happens in a moment. There are no do-overs, whatever happens in a moment defines life-- perhaps it is life. But capturing a moment on film keeps that moment alive, forever. To me photography, was magic.

    I mentally scrolled through the camera roll, pictures of wildlife and close ups of cherry petals in full bloom from the field will occupy most of the film. Then there would be photos of Sophie tonight. Her pretty face as the music took it's hold. I'd only ever seen that look on her face one other time, when she looked at me. To Sophie I was extra special to her as her music was to her too.

    In other words, it's a bond that no one could break.

     Reaching for my camera, lifting it up in front of us, the lens facing our direction. Sophie was no longer taking part in the conversation around us. She was silently running her fingertips along my arm. I perceived a perfect moment, so without hesitation, I snapped her. I let out a single laugh as her eyes marrowed in fake annoyance. Sophie loved any pictures of us I took, even if it was taken unawares.

       When I focused on my camera, my heart started racing. In the picture as Sophie stared back at me, she looked divine. But it was the expression on her face that got me speechless, the look in her eyes.

   In this singular moment, there was that expression again, the one she gives to her music. The one that told me I had her as much as she had me.

   The one that ensured we had stayed together all these years. The one that said even though we were young, we had found our soulmates in each other.

    "Let me see?"

  Sophie's quiet voice pulled my attention from the screen. She smiled at me and I lowered the camera to let her see.

    I watched Sophie, not the camera as her gaze fell on the screen. I watched as her green eyes sparkled and a ghost of a smile flitted across her lips. She whispered, as reached down to take hold of my hands.

    I squeezed her hand and she said, "I want a copy of this one, it's perfect." I nodded and kissed her head.

   And this is why I love photography, I thought. It could pull out emotions, raw emotions, from a split second in time, creating a lasting moment.

    I checked the time, "Sophie," I said quietly, "we have to head home, it's getting late."

      Sophie nodded, I got to my feet and pulled her up.

 "You leaving?" Johnathan asked.

   I nodded, "Yes, I'll see you on Monday."

      

 I threw them all a wave and took hold of Sophie's hand. We didn't say much as we made our way home. When we stopped at Sophie's door, I took her in my arms and pulled her to me. I placed my hand on the side of her neck and Sophie looked up at me. I'm so proud of you, my Sophie. There's no doubt you'll get into julliard, and your dream of playing at Carnegie hall will surely come to pass.

   Sophie smiled brightly and tugged on the camera around my neck. "And you'll be attending a school of arts at NYU.

  "We'll be in New York together, like it was always meant to be. As we've always planned.

   I nodded my head and brushed my lips along her cheek. "Then there would be no more curfew," I muttered teasingly. Sophie laughed, I pressed a small kiss to her lips and backed away.

   As I let go of her hands, Mr Sullivan opened the door and saw me backing away from Sophie and he smiled. He knew exactly what we were doing, he was the first parent to accept I and Sophie's relationship.

    "Night, Chelsea," he said dryly.

    "Night Mr Sullivan," I replied, seeing Sophie blush as her daddy gestured for her to go inside.

    I walked across the grass to my house, I opened the door walked through to the living room and found my parents sitting on the couch. They were both sitting forward in their seats, and they seemed tense.

    "Hey," I said, and my mum's head snapped up.

    "Hey, baby" she said.

    I frowned, "what's wrong?" I asked, my mum shot my dad a glance.

    "Nothing, baby" she said, "did Sophie play well? Sorry we couldn't make it."

   I stared at my parents. They were hiding something, I could tell. When they didn't seem to be ready to let me know what the problem was, I nodded my head, answering their question. "She performed perfectly, as always."

   I thought I saw tears in my mum's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. Needing to escape the awkwardness, I held up my camera. "I'm going to develop these and go to bed."

   As I turned to walk away, my dad said, "we are going out as a family tomorrow, Chelsea."

    I stopped dead, "I can't make it, I'm spending tomorrow with Sophie."

   My dad shook his head. "Not tomorrow, Chelsea."

   But-- I want to argue, but my dad cut me off, his voice stern.

   "I said no. You're coming and that's final. Sophie can see you when we get back, we won't be gone all day."

    "What's really going on?"

  My dad walked to stand before me. He put a hand on my shoulder. "Nothing, Chelsea. I just never see you anymore because of work. I want to change that, so we're having a day out on the beach."

  "Well then, can Sophie come with us? She loves the beach. It's her second favorite place to be."

  Not tomorrow, dear."

  I stayed silent, getting angrier by the minute, but I could see that nothing would change his mind. Dad sighed, "go develop your pictures, Chelsea, and stop worrying."  

   Doing as he said, I walked down to the basement, into the side room my daddy converted into a darkroom for me. I still developed film in the old style instead of using a digital camera, it made a better result.

   After thirty minutes, I stepped back from the line of new pictures, I stuck my head into Joshua's room as I passed, checking my two year old brother who was asleep, his messy blonde hair spread out over his pillow.

   I entered my room turned on the lights, I looked at the clock, noticing it was past midnight. Running my hand through my hair, I made my way to the window, and smiled when I saw the Truman's house in darkness, aside from the dim light in Sophie's nightlight, Sophie's sign that it was safe to sneak in.

   

     I locked my bedroom door and switched off the lights, the room was plunged into darkness. I quickly changed into my baggy sleep wear. Silently I lifted the window and climbed out. I jogged across the grass between our two houses and crawled inside Sophie's room, closing the window as quietly as I could.

   Sophie was in bed tucked under the covers. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was soft and even. Smiling at how cute she looked with her check resting in her hand, I walked over, places her present on the nightstand and climbed on beside her.

  I lay beside her, my head dropping to share her pillow.

  We'd done this for years, The first night I stayed over was a mistake, I climbed into her room at age twelve, to talk, but I fell asleep. Fortunately I woke early enough the next morning to sneak back into my room unnoticed. But then the next night, I stayed on purpose, then the night after, and almost every night since that day. It doesn't seem much of a big deal considering we are both girls but it's wrong all the same considering that none our our parents are aware of the arrangement.

   But staying beside Sophie in bed was becoming more and more difficult. Now I was fifteen, I felt differently around her, I saw her differently. And I knew she did me too. We kissed more and more, the kisses getting deeper, our hands starting to explore places it shouldn't. It was getting harder and harder to stop. I wanted more. I wanted my girl in every possible way.

  But we were young, I knew that. it  still didn't make it any less difficult though.

  Sophie stirred beside me, "I wondered if you were coming tonight, I looked for you but you weren't in your room," she said sleepily, as she pushed my hair from my face.  

   I took her hands and I kissed her palm. "I had to develop my film and my parents were acting wierd."

   "Weird? how?" she asked, shuffling closer and kissing my cheek.

   I shook my head. "Just.......weird. I think something is going on, but they told me not to worry.

    Even in the dim light I could see Sophie's eyebrows were pulled together in concern. I squeezed her hand in reassurance.

    Remembering the present I had brought her, I reached behind me took the picture from the nightstand. I had put in a simple silver frame. I tapped the flashlight icon on my phone and held it up Sophie could see better.

    She gave a small sigh and I watched as a smile lit up her face. She took hold of the frame and stroked her finger across the glass. "I love this picture, Chelsea," she whispered, then placed it on her nightstand, she gazed at it for a few moments, then turned back my way.

  Sophie lifted the covers and held them high so I could shuffle underneath. I laid my arm over Sophie's waist and moved closer to her face, peppering soft kisses over her cheeks and neck.

     When I kissed the spot just below her ear, Sophie began to giggle and moved away. "Chelsea!" she whispered, "that tickles!"

    I drew her back and threaded my hands through hers. 

     "So," Sophie asked, lifting her other hand to play with a long strand of my hair, "what are we doing tomorrow?"

   Rolling my eyes, I replied, "we are not going anywhere tomorrow, my daddy is making us go out tomorrow as a family for the day, to the beach."

  Sophie sat up excitedly.

   "Really? I love the beach!"

  My stomach dropped, he said we have to go alone Sophie, just the family.

    "Oh," Sophie said, sounding disappointed, she lay back down on the bed. "Have I done something wrong? Your daddy always invite me along with you all."

   "No," I assured her, ,"it's what I was saying before. They are acting strange, he said he wants us to spend the day as a family, but I think there is something else."

   "Okay," Sophie said, but I could hear the sad tone in her voice.

   I cupped her head in my hand and promised. "I will be back for dinner. We'll spend tomorrow night together.

   She took hold of my wrist. "Good."

  Sophie stared at me, her green eyes wide in the dull light. I stroked my hand along her hair.

   "You're so beautiful, Sophie." 

  I didn't need the light to see the blush coating her cheeks. I closed the small space between us and crushed my lips against hers.

   Sophie's side as I put my tongue into her mouth, her hands moving to grip onto my hair.

   It felt good, Sophie's mouth grew hotter and hotter the more we kissed, my hands dropping to run down her bare arms and down over her waist.

   Sophie shifted onto her back as my dropped down to touch her leg. I followed and moved above her, Sophie snapped her mouth from mine with a gasp, but I didn't stop kissing her. I dragged my lips over her jaw to kiss along her neck, my hands moving underneath her nightdress to stroke the soft skin of her waist.

    Sophie's fingers pulled at my hair, and her leg lifted to wrap around the back of my thigh. I moaned against her throat, moving back up to take her mouth with mine. As my tongue slid against hers, I traced my fingers further up her body. Sophie broke from the kiss.

   "Chelsea...." I dropped my head to the crook between her neck and shoulder, breathing deeply, I wanted her soo much it was almost too much to take.

    I breathed in and out as Sophie dropped her hand to stroke up and down my back. I focused on the rhythm of her fingers, forcing myself to calm down.

    Minutes and minutes ticked by, without either of us saying anything, I was content lying over Sophie, my hand pressing against her stomach.

   "Chelsea?" Sophie whispered, I lifted my head.

  Sophie's hand was immediately on my cheek. "Baby?" She whispered but I could hear the worry in her voice.

  "I'm okay," I whispered back, keeping my voice as quiet as possible so as not to disturb her parents. I looked into her eyes. "I want you soo much." I dropped my forehead to hers and added, "when we are like this, when we let it get this far, I kind of lose my mind."

   Sophie's fingers played with my hair and closed my eyes, in complete bliss, loving her touch, I'm sorry. I---- 

   "No," I said forcefully a little louder than intended. I shifted back, Sophie's eyes were huge. "Don't ever apologize for this, for stopping me. It's never something you have to be sorry for."

   Sophie parted her kiss swollen lips and let out a long sigh.

  "Thank you," she whispered. I moved my hands and lowered my fingers to link them through hers.

   Shifting to the side, I opened my arm and flicked my head for her to come to me. We cuddled together, I closed my eyes and just worked on breathing.

   Eventually sleep began to take me. Sophie's fingers traced up and down my stomach, I had almost drifted off when Sophie said, "You're my everything, Chelsea Paul, I hope you know that."

  My eyes snapped open at her words, my heart feeling full, placing my fingers under her chin, I tipped her head upwards. Her mouth was waiting for my kiss.

      I kissed her gently, softly and slowly withdrew. Sophie's eyes remained closed as she smiled.

   Feeling like my chest will explode at the contended look on her face, I whispered, "Forever, Always"

   Sophie snuggled back into me and whispered back, "Forever always."

    And we both fell asleep.