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Chapter Text

Typically Jennifer would stay after school and watch the cheerleaders (under the guise of watching the football practice), but this Monday she had Andrew detail. Both of her parents were busy, so it fell to Jennifer to pick up her little brother from his elementary school and watch him at home until Elyse or Steven came home.

Although honestly, Jen had been worried that George would track her down at school. She’d been avoiding him since they’d slept together on Friday. George didn’t have her number, so the only way they’d gotten in touch was when Jennifer had called him, or face-to-face during football practice. The younger players had been happy to have George visit more, even if he sat in the stands by Jennifer (and Chrissy) while he was there.

Jennifer supposed George could look her number up in the phone book (there weren’t that many Keatons in the area). She wondered what would happen if George mistakenly called Alex’s number looking for her. If Alex would automatically give George the right number, or if he’d question the guy’s motivation. “Why do you need to speak to my little sister? My youngest sister? My sixteen-year-old sister?”

Jennifer hoped it would be the latter. Yes, Nick could beat up George. But Alex could eviscerate him with his words.

She hadn’t told Alex she was dating George. He’d probably figured it out, or possibly Ellen had, but only Mallory knew the specifics.

Jennifer distractedly worked with Andy on his homework, often looking at her watch or turning to look at the clock on the wall. As soon as she heard the door open and her mother’s voice, she stood up. “I have to go make a phone call.”

“Jennifer!” her mother called. “Can you at least say ‘Hello’?”

Jennifer paused, taking a breath. “Hi, Mom. I’m sorry. It’s just Chrissy and I have this project due soon, and she’s behind, and I don’t want her to take us down.”

Elyse waved her away. “Go. Thank you for picking up Andy.”

Jen bounded upstairs. When Mallory had moved out, her phone line had been redirected to Jennifer’s room. It was still the same line that ran to the other phones in the house, but when Jennifer wanted privacy, she used the phone in her room.

Jennifer pulled the note from Nicole out of her pocket. She’d read it so many times throughout the day that she’d memorized the number. It had also become somewhat wrinkled. Jen smoothed out the note as well as she could, grabbed the phone, and punched in the number. She held the receiver in both hands, breathing hard.

When the call connected, an adult female voice said, “Hello?”

Jen paused. Her mouth felt like cotton. “Uh – hello.”

“Yes, who’s this?”

Just act like you’re a regular friend. “I’m Jennifer. Keaton. Is Nicole there?”

“She just got home. Hold on.” Jennifer heard the phone being put down, then the woman’s voice calling, “Nikki! Phone!”

In a few moments the phone was picked up. “Hello?” Nicole said breathlessly.

“Hi. It’s me – it’s Jennifer.”

“You called!”

“You told me to.”

“I know, but – “ Nicole laughed nervously. “You weren’t sitting outside watching us after school, and I thought maybe. . .”

“I had to pick up my little brother.”

“Oh!” Nicole sounded relieved. “Okay!”

“So. . .” Jennifer said. “I called.”

“Yeah.” Nicole suddenly lowered her voice. “Can you meet me somewhere?”

“Like, now?”

“Um, later. . . We’re going to eat, but maybe after that?”

“Yeah, we’re going to have supper, too.” Jennifer chewed on her lips, thinking. “I could probably get out of here after supper. I already told my mom I had a project due with Chrissy. I could just tell her I have to meet her. I have a curfew on school nights, though.”

“Me too. But I just – well, I want to talk to you for more than a few minutes before the homeroom bell rings. If we meet after supper, we’d have – well, we’d have more time.”

“Where do you want to meet?”

Jennifer had to force herself to eat, and to speak normally to her parents and to Andy. Elyse did comment that her daughter seemed distracted, and Jennifer passed it off as worry over her project with Chrissy. Once she had cleared her dishes and kissed her parents good-bye, Jennifer grabbed her book bag and went out to her car.

She drove straight to the movie theatre. Before she’d even parked she saw Nicole outside, looking idly at the movie posters advertising the current films.

Jennifer walked briskly over to the dark-haired girl. Nicole beamed at her. “You came!”

“I said I would.” Jen waved a hand at the movie posters. “Are we going to see something?”

Nicole shook her head. “I just thought this would be a good meeting place.”

“Oh. You want to sit in the car and talk?”

Nicole gazed at the parking lot. “Yours or mine?” She gestured at a rusted-out Volkswagen beetle.

“I think mine would be more comfortable,” Jennifer said.

The two girls settled into the Volvo. “This is kind of a nice car,” Nicole said. “Old, but nice.”

Jennifer smiled. “It was my brother’s. His wife is pregnant with their second kid. They decided they needed a bigger car, so he sold me this. It beats having to borrow one of my parents’ cars.” In fact, Alex had mainly given Jennifer the used car; for purposes of the title transfer it was indicated that he had sold the car to his sister for five dollars. He and Ellen could have traded in the car when they’d bought the mini-van, but when Alex found how hard Andy was taking his absence, he’d felt Jennifer might feel the same way. After he’d “sold” Jennifer the car, it had taken a few days to go over the booklet with her and wade through the years of maintenance and service records. They’d both enjoyed the time together.

“Your brother – that’s Alex?”

Jen nodded dumbly.

“And your sister is Melanie?”

“Mallory.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“How did you know that?” Jennifer asked.

Nicole blushed. “I asked around.”

Jennifer shook her head, dumbfounded. “Do you have brothers or sisters?”

“I have a younger brother. Nathaniel. He’s still in middle school.”

Jennifer nodded. “I didn’t think to ask.”

“I wasn’t spying on you or anything,” Nicole said quickly. “It’s just, I noticed you, and I wanted to find out about you, so I could maybe talk to you, but then you were with George Heddy, and I thought – “

Jennifer closed her eyes, sighing painfully. “George was a mistake. I didn’t – I wasn’t trying to say I wasn’t available. Yeah, I went out with him a few times, but I don’t want to go out with him again.”

Nicole took a breath. “You know, there’s something going around about you. I heard it at practice today.”

“What?”

“There’s a rumor that you slept with George.”

“Where did you hear that?” Jennifer asked frantically.

“Uh. Well, the football players talk to us, and since you weren’t there today, they were making comments, saying you were probably with George again. And then someone said you guys slept together.”

“I can’t believe he’d do that,” Jennifer whispered angrily. “That he’d tell them – “

“So it’s true?”

Jennifer tipped her head back against the head rest. “Yes. But it’s like I said, it was a mistake. I just had to see – to see if what I felt for you was real. Does that make any sense?”

“I don’t know.” Nicole moved closer to the passenger side door.

“Nicole, don’t – “ Jennifer grabbed her hand. “Please. I was just so confused. My sister and brother are straight. I thought I was. I dated guys. I never really noticed girls until high school. Well, noticed you. And I didn’t know what to think. Then this good-looking guy hits on me, and I thought, well, maybe I’m straight after all – I mean, why would he want me if I wasn’t?” She paused her rambling to breathe. Nicole hadn’t moved away, and she hadn’t taken her hand out of Jennifer’s either.

“We went on a few dates, and they were okay. Nothing spectacular. Then he invited me to his dorm room. And I knew why. I knew what he wanted. So I went. And I slept with him. And it was horrible. For me. I guess he was happy.”

“Well, sure. It was your first time, right?” Jennifer nodded, and Nicole mirrored the gesture. “Virgin conquest.”

Jennifer stared. “You – think?”

Nicole nodded again. “He knew you were a virgin?”

“Yeah.”

Nicole blew out a breath. “Guys are dicks.”

Jennifer snorted. “Literally.”

Nicole took Jennifer’s other hand, turning so that they were facing each other. “Jen, do you like me?”

Jennifer nodded several times. “I do.”

“I thought maybe. The way you always stared at me. I hoped.”

“You noticed?”

Nicole laughed. “You never said anything, so I didn’t know if you just had a problem with me, but sometimes I’d look back at you, and see you smiling.”

“I’m sorry I stared.” Jennifer looked down at their joined hands. “And I’m so sorry I slept with George.”

“You don’t have to apologize to me,” Nicole said reasonably. “It’s not like we were in a relationship and you cheated on me or something.”

“But I confused you – “

Nicole smiled. “It’s okay. And you know, I don’t think you should act like sleeping with George was a mistake. It was more like – a means to an end.”

“I like that,” Jennifer breathed. “An end to guys. . .”

“And a new beginning.” Nicole leaned forward then, and met her lips to Jennifer’s.

Jennifer had kissed boys before. More than one boy, more than once. Most recently, George. George’s kisses had been strong but non-sensual, even when he’d shoved his tongue into Jennifer’s mouth. He’d been sloppy and quick.

Her first kiss ever, from her first boyfriend, had been startling and electric. Her lips had buzzed and tingled. As soon as possible, she’d called Chrissy from Mallory’s line and had talked to her for an hour.

Jen didn’t think she’d be calling Chrissy about this first kiss.

Nicole’s lips were soft and delicate. Jennifer could smell her shampoo, and taste her lip gloss. Nicole’s hand ran up Jennifer’s cheek, pressing the two of them more firmly together. Her hand was gentle, the movement lithe. Jennifer moaned softly, and felt Nicole’s lips turn upward in a smile. The dark-haired girl hummed slightly into the kiss, and Jennifer parted her lips. Nicole’s tongue snaked in, and Jen welcomed it.

It was so much different than kissing a boy. It was fresh and pure, yet indulgent. Jennifer felt grounded by Nicole’s touch, but at the same time her head spun. Her hands tangled in Nicole’s hair. She didn’t want this first kiss to stop. She chased Nicole’s tongue with her own.

It was over too fast, but both girls needed to come up for air. When they eventually parted, Jennifer brought her hand up to her lips, breathing hard. Nicole looked at her slyly.

“Was that okay? I should have asked first – “

“That was great.” Jennifer looked down at her waist. “I think if I was a guy, you’d have given me a stiffy.”

Nicole let out a loud laugh. “A woody?”

“A hard-on.” Jennifer was laughing now as well.

“A boner!”

They fell into giggles. When the girls had settled themselves, wiping their eyes, Jennifer checked her watch. “I still have another hour before I have to be home.”

“What should we do?” Nicole said.

“Can we kiss some more?”

TO BE CONTINUED. . .

Chapter Text

On Tuesday in Homeroom, Jennifer and Nicole exchanged meaningful glances, but neither spoke. There was an air of nervousness between them, as if everyone around them would instantly know that they had kissed.

Well, a kiss might have been forgiven, if it had been chaste and brief. A curious peck.

Jennifer and Nicole had made out.

When Jennifer had asked Nicole if they could kiss again, the dark-haired girl had suggested they move to the back seat, where there was more space. The two had continued kissing. Somehow Jennifer had ended up lying on the back seat with Nicole hovering over her, and her top had become undone. It had reminded Jen of the episode with George, and she’d abruptly sat up, suddenly claustrophobic. Nicole had quickly drawn back. “Sorry. Sorry, Jen. Too fast.”

“Yeah, a little.” Jennifer had adjusted her top. “You’re my first – girl.”

Nicole had looked shamefaced. “You’re not my first. And I guess I forgot, that this is new to you.” She’d spread her hands in supplication. “Forgive me?”

Jennifer’s answer had been to take one of Nicole’s hands and kiss it.

After school, Jennifer took her regular spot next to Chrissy on the outside bleachers. The two chatted about random things. Jennifer had been looking around distractedly, both watching the cheerleaders and looking for George. She couldn’t remember much of what she and Chrissy discussed.

She called Nicole again, once she was sure the cheerleader was home from practice. They deliberated over their next rendezvous. “I wish we could be more obvious at school,” Nicole lamented.

“You’ve been with other girls, you said?”

There was a moment before Nicole responded. Jennifer heard movement and a door closing.

“Sorry. I pulled the phone into the bathroom. It’s one of the only places I can talk without my brother or mother hearing.”

“That’s okay.” Jennifer could sympathize.

“So, other girls.” Nicole paused. “Yeah. One is a cheerleader. Savannah.”

Jennifer tried to picture the girl. “Oh! She’s in my algebra class.” Jen could now remember the girl wearing her cheerleader uniform on game days, as Nicole did. “She’s cute.”

“She is. We experimented a little. She’s a good kisser.” Nicole made a hiss. “But so are you!”

Jennifer laughed. “I think you were leading last night. If anything you were teaching me.”

“I could teach you other things.”

Jennifer swallowed audibly. Then she cleared her throat and said, “Who else?”

“A friend of a cousin. She was my first. She taught me things.”

“So only two?”

“Only two that count,” Nicole answered. “I’ve kissed a few girls, and one guy, but just kissing. I guess like what you did with your younger boyfriends?”

Jen nodded, then realized Nicole couldn’t see that. “Yeah. One guy felt me up, but I never really ‘did’ anything until I slept with George.”

Nicole didn’t have cheerleader practice on Wednesday, and Jennifer didn’t have Andy duty, so they made plans to meet at an area park after school. Jennifer told her parents she was going to be working in the library, and would be home for supper. She told Chrissy she had to go home early because Alex and Ellen (and Cash) were coming over for the evening meal.

Later Jennifer would think she’d jinxed herself.

The park was an ideal place to meet. It was often busy, and the activity meant little attention was sent their way. Nicole and Jennifer found a shady spot under a tree and sat down. Nicole took Jennifer’s hand, and they sat quietly, not quite leaning into each other, but also not discouraging contact.

“I want to kiss you,” Nicole said.

Jennifer twisted to face her. “I want you to.”

“Here? In public?”

Jennifer checked around. No one was looking their way.

“Right here, right now.”

Nicole lowered her head, captured Jen’s lips, and kissed her slowly and deeply.

Jen was staring up into Nicole’s rich brown eyes when she heard a familiar voice yell, “Jennifer!”

The two girls fairly flew apart. Alex was walking over, clutching Cash’s hand. When Cash saw his aunt, he broke away from his father. “Anjenny!” he said, as he came in for a hug.

Jennifer hugged her nephew. “Hi, Cash. What are you doing here?”

Cash pointed up at his father. “Flyin’ kites. 'Cept Daddy bwoke it.” He made the ASL sign for “broken,” breaking an imaginary stick between his hands.

Alex sighed. “It’s not broken, it’s stuck.” He smiled in embarrassment at Jen. “In a tree.” He cradled his right elbow in his left hand, lifting his right forearm and wiggling his fingers, signing "tree."

Nicole began to laugh, and pointed at Alex. “Charlie Brown!”

“Yeah, yeah, I get the reference.” Alex looked at his sister. “Who’s your friend?”

“Oh!” Jennifer blushed. “Uh, Nicole. Nicole Kevins. Nicole, this is my brother Alex, and his son Cash.”

“The one whose car you’re driving? The weird, old one?” Nicole held a hand out to stay Alex’s response. “The car is weird and old. Not you.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed. Jennifer could almost read his mind. How is it this girl I’ve never heard of knows that you’re got my old car?

“Where’s Ellen?” Jennifer asked, to change the subject.

“Mommy tired.” Cash imitated a person sleeping. Alex set a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Yeah, Ellen needed a break. She’s getting more tired this time around.”

Jennifer grunted. “Could it be she’s got a little more stress this time? It’s not like you’re living upstairs anymore.”

“I know that.” Alex hoisted Cash up. “I don’t need you to tell me how stressed out she is, Jennifer.” He spoke to his son. “Should we see if someone can get the kite for us?”

“Someone taller t’an you, Daddy!”

Nicole laughed again. Alex stared at her. “Nice to meet you,” he said stiffly, then walked away.

Once he was out of earshot, Nicole said, “So that was your brother.”

“Yup.”

“Do you think he saw us kiss?”

“No.” Jennifer sighed. “But he definitely suspected something.”

After supper and once Andy had been tucked into bed, Jennifer asked her parents if she could talk to them about something serious. Both Steven and Elyse sat on the couch, wild ideas milling about in their heads, while Jennifer paced. She finally took a seat in a chair.

“I – I think I might be gay.”

Steven didn’t respond, but Jennifer could see him breathe a deep sigh of relief.

Elyse blinked, then shook her head. “You think?”

Jennifer tipped her head back and forth. “I – it’s just, things with guys never worked out. I know, Mom, you said that I would meet the right one eventually, but what if the right one is a girl?”

“Is – is there a specific girl?” Steven asked.

Jennifer paused again. She pressed her lips together, took a fortifying breath.

“Yes. Her name is Nicole.”

“And how long – “

“We just got together. But I’ve been attracted to her for a long time. And I haven’t really been attracted to guys. Not since I started high school.”

“When you say ‘got together’. . .” Elyse trailed off.

“We – well, I guess I mean we both admitted we like each other. We’ve met outside school a few times.” Two times, a few times. . .

“And you’re serious enough about her to tell us?”

Jennifer chewed on her lip. Honestly, she felt rushed in telling Steven and Elyse. She’d really only started seeing Nicole Monday evening. But Mallory knew she liked Nicole, and now Alex had met her. Either one of them could eventually tell her parents.

“I am. I really like her. And she likes me.”

Elyse stood up then, and went to her daughter to embrace her. “Oh, honey, I know how hard this must have been to tell us.”

“Yeah, kind of.” Jennifer was startled to feel tears springing forth. “I’m so sorry, Mom.”

“No, honey. Sweetheart." Elyse grabbed a tissue, and dabbed at her daughter's eyes. "You don’t have anything to apologize for.”

Steven had left the couch, and was kneeling by Jennifer. “Jen, if that’s how you feel, then that’s – well, that’s fine. It’s your life. You don’t owe us anything. If you like a girl, then you like a girl. You don’t have to act like it’s something wrong, or something you have to explain.”

“But Alex and Mallory are straight, and Alex is giving you grandchildren – “

Elyse hugged her again. “Jennifer, you are sixteen. You don’t know what your future holds. You could still have children. You could adopt, or. . . well, there are other ways you could still have children, If you want them. Even if you decide you are gay.”

Jennifer nodded through her tears. Her mother kissed her, and her father squeezed her shoulder.

I have the best parents in Columbus, Jennifer thought.

THE END . . . FOR NOW