The First Sip of Coffee

The First Sip of Coffee A continuation of Love on a Mountain

This story is the property of the co-authors and cannot be reproduced or distributed without specific consent of the authors. This work is Copyrighted. All Rights Reserved. It is written for your enjoyment only. This story about the love between two women and is fiction. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.

Chapter One

By Chrissy and Peyton

Annika was debating on who she should room with next year. She had an offer from her friends Julie and Sarah tempting as it was, she felt obligated to room with Harper unless she heard from Harper about her rooming with Bailey. She would rather room with Harper, but Harper possibly would be rooming with her girlfriend, Bailey. There also was the little problem of her relationship with Harper. Rooming with her last year, she had developed a love interest in her and it would take everything she had to not act on it. It would be wrong on so many levels. In the end, the summer break would do her good to clear her mind. She packed up for the long drive home hoping things would become clear.

In the back of her mind she kept remembering what Harper had told her when Harper was having girlfriend troubles of her own, "Why does life have to be so complicated?" And "why can't you be gay and we could be girlfriends." All the advice she had given Harper during those times was now coming back to bite her in the ass.

Bailey drove to the cabin on the mountain in hopes that would be where she would find Harper. As soon as she turned on the narrow road that she was now all too familiar with as the last time she was here she had run off the road and rolled her car breaking her ankle. She spotted Harper's car driving past the spot where the trees were still scarred from where her car had rolled.

It was the first time either of them had been here since the accident but it wouldn't be the last. Ole man Willis had said the cabin looked better than when he used it and he appreciated the money for the food and wood they had left for him. Because of the condition of the cabin and the situation the girls had been in at the time, he refused the money and offered they could use the cabin anytime as he only used it a month or two a year.

For Harper this was one of those times. She enjoyed the solitude. It wasn't the same as the winter with the snow covered views but it was what she needed to clear her head. Harper and Ole Man Willis had previously discussed fixing the place up but decided the rustic look was what made it appealing and it was less expensive not to spend money on repairs. Thus they decided the outhouse would stay but they would install an actual cook stove in addition to the wood burning stove so they could cook more than one item at a time.

Harper had been researching wood burning stove tops to install for Ole Man Willis. For most of the day though Harper was preoccupied as she thought about her life and where it was headed. She had loved Rachel but that ended months ago, Rachel breaking up with her to live with her Aunt Mary who happened to be her lover and girlfriend too. Taking Bailey's advice she had called Rachel a couple days before Harper had left school. The two had talked their differences out and what was once a budding romance was now love, admiration and understanding between girls that would last a lifetime. Rachel had even asked Harper to come up and see her and Mary over the summer. Rachel had stayed in New York instead of going home to her parents. Mary had purchased a small house where she and Rachel now lived while Rachel completed her studies both undergraduate and doctorate level.

Harper thought of her time with Annika. There had been indications that maybe Annika had feelings for her but then something would happen and those feelings seemed to take a turn in another direction. Harper noticed it was always Annika who would change the subject or mood that would bring Harper out of her thinking. Harper's own feelings towards Annika were mixed. She knew she loved her but was she in love with her. Whenever Harper would have those feelings it was as if Annika knew and she would do something to Harper to put those feelings at a distance. It was like Annika could read her mind and when she was feeling those feelings, Annika knew what to do to tell her she couldn't because Annika was straight.

That left Bailey. Harper had been in love with Bailey since childhood and she doubted there would be a time she wasn't in love with her. Bailey was a puzzle that never seemed to be solvable. What the two of them had a year and half ago right here on this mountain was fresh in Harper's mind it and seemed like forever as too many things had happened to Harper since then. Here on this mountain was where she knew she loved Bailey and there never would be another. The biggest stumbling point then was what she was faced with today. Bailey refused to admit she was gay either to her friends or her parents. Without that admission there never could be a Harper and a Bailey. But Harper was Harper and though it didn't look very optimistic she had to have hope. She left Bailey with her conditions for them to get back together and Bailey had yet to fulfill them, in fact she had failed saying she was busy with finals and hadn't had the time.

Harper left school dejected. She hadn't heard from Bailey in several days so she didn't know where she stood with her. She called her mom the night before she finished classes to let her know she was going to the cabin for a week before she came home to clear her mind and as she put it, to rediscover herself.

Harper spent the night up late thinking and weighing her options. The next morning she arose to an empty cabin, prepared her coffee to take the chill out of the air as the mornings this high up in mid May still were chilly. She took her coffee out to the front stoop to sit. She had to laugh at Ole man Willis for his humor in stocking more Spam, beans and rice. Harper was tempted to use them as her stomach was beginning to make noises. Harper stopped at a store on the way up the mountain yesterday to grab a sandwich, the only food she had had since late yesterday afternoon. She noticed a car turn down the path leading to the cabin. She recognized the car and had to smile.

"I thought this would be where I would find you," Bailey said carrying two grocery bags and a smaller bag from the fast food place she had stopped at while on her way here.

Bailey set the bags down next to Harper, "Breakfast for today and food to last us several days. I didn't know how long you were going to stay or what you brought with you."

"I didn't intend for you to follow me up here. I came to clear my mind and decide my future," Harper told Bailey still smiling to herself as Bailey's arrival had warmed her heart.

"And have you decided?" Bailey asked.

"Not yet," Harper replied.

"Well I have. Do you want to know what I decided?" Bailey asked.

"Sure, what have you decided," Harper said not very enthusiastic or optimistic.

"Well we are going to sit here, eat our breakfast and enjoy this clear fresh air, then you're going to take me inside and make love to me. After we spend a couple of days making love and I convince you that not only do I love you but that I intend to spend the rest of my life telling and showing everyone you are my girlfriend. Then you are going to take me home to tell my parents they have a daughter who is gay and proud of it. And if they don't like it they can kiss my ass which is what I expect them to say anyway. I already posted on my facebook page that I was gay and you were my girlfriend."

"So do you want the egg and cheese sandwich or the sausage and cheese breakfast sandwich?" Bailey said with a smile as she leaned her shoulder into Harper taking the coffee from Harper's hand and taking a sip of it. "Oh and yes, there will be sharing coffee and food in this relationship with no more one getting more than the other like last time, understood?"

Harper smiled back kissing the top of Bailey's head.

"Any other conditions I need to be aware of?" Harper said with a smile.

"Just don't ever stop loving me as I'm never going to stop loving you." Bailey said and as she looked at Harper their lips came together and they kissed. "I know I can be a bit of a problem at times but I'm new at this and trying to understand what it means to have a girlfriend so I hope you will be patient with me."

They finished their sandwiches and drank Harper's coffee, Harper going in and making another cup. Bailey and Harper shared the second cup sitting next to each other Harper with her arm around Baileys shoulder and Bailey leaning her head into Harper's shoulder.

"I don't know if I can live with your conditions," Harper said straight faced to Bailey.

"I don't understand," Bailey said startled and worried as she pulled back from Harper and starred at her.

"I'll allow you to share my coffee but when I am around, I'll always make sure you get the bigger portions to eat," Harper said and smiled.

Bailey starred for a minute then smiled back telling Harper, "Is that because you want me fat or is it because you love me?"

"I'll let you figure that out. Now how about I take you up on making love to you," Harper smiled as she laid Bailey down on the porch pulling her blouse up over her head.

"Don't you think we should go inside before you do that?" Bailey said to Harper.

"No one can see from the road," Harper said as she pulled her top off of herself.

Before Harper was at her shorts, Bailey pulled away, "Just the same, I am more modest than you doing it out here for everyone to see." Bailey stood up taking Harper's hand, leading the way inside the cabin.

Once inside she turned and hugged Harper their mouths coming together with all the passion they could muster. They fell on the bed giggling. As they fell with Harper on top of Bailey, both girls stopped for a minute starring at each other.

"I love you Harper. I won't let you down," Bailey softly said.

"I know, I love you too," Harper replied as her hand went up and caressed Bailey's breast.

Bailey moaned, "You remember how we slept when we first got here winter before last and I would make you hold my breast in your hand?"

"Like this?" Harper said as she cupped Bailey's breast.

"Like that except you were not laying on me but cuddling me trying to keep me warm," Bailey explained.

"I remember," Harper said.

"After we make love, I want you to do that again and every night as we go to sleep I want you to cuddle up and hold my breast in your hand," Bailey explained.

"Our second tradition," Harper said smiling.

"What was the first?" Bailey asked.

"You sharing my coffee each morning," Harper kissed her and smiled.

"Well for our second tradition then I want to feel you close to my heart every night before I go to sleep," Bailey softly spoke.

Harper smiled while leaning down and kissing Bailey. Bailey wrapped her arms around Harper and hugged her tight as they kissed more passionately. Harper unzipped Bailey's jean shorts and using the seesaw method slid them off of Bailey. She brought her hand up pushing Bailey's leg out and was able to slide her hand down between Bailey's legs and part her slit with her middle finger.

Bailey had moved both of her hands over and cupped both of Harpers breast using her thumbs to caress the nipples. They continued to moan into each other's mouths Bailey pushing her hips up with Harpers middle finger going in and out of her. Bailey released Harper's breast as her orgasm neared to grab Harper's sides and squeeze.

"Oh god, agghhh," Bailey moaned as her climax over took her and her body shuddered from the feeling as it flowed through her.

As soon as her body stopped twitching she hugged Harper and slid her own hand between them. She pushed further down under Harpers gym shorts and Harpers damp panties. Harper already was wet from excitement. She was easily able to curl her middle finger into Harper who gasped when Bailey's finger entered her.

"Use two," Harper moaned into Bailey's ear.

When Bailey inserted a second finger Harper moaned again and moved her hips up and down to try to match the motion of Bailey's fingers. Harper moaned in Bailey's ear as her hips moved up and down faster with each thrust from Bailey. She grunted and moaned, "Oh yes, yes." Then she pushed down one last time as her orgasm over took her. She thrust her hips hard up and down a few more times before she collapsed on top of Bailey.

After a minute to catch her breath Harper lifted up looking down on Bailey then lowered her lips to hers and kissed her passionately. She brought her hands up and placed them on the sides of Bailey's face as they kissed. A tear escaped Harper's eyes as they starred at each other.

"Does that mean you forgive me and love me?" Bailey asked.

Harper at first could only nod but then she answered, "Yes, with all my heart. You've made me the happiest person. When I came up here yesterday I didn't know what lay ahead for me. I hoped you would follow. That's why I told Annika I was going to where it all started. I knew you would know what that meant and if it meant to you what it means to me, you would follow me." Harper leaned down to kiss Bailey again.

Over the next several days they made love many times and walked the trails and paths on the mountain. As they would walk hand in hand Harper would point out the different flora they passed. While this didn't pose an interest to Bailey it did to Harper and thus Bailey grew to find an interest because Harper did. Occasionally they would find a vista they could see out forever. They would sit and look out over the country side never taking their hands from each other. Their love for each other growing as the time went on.

By the end of the week they were ready to face both of their parents with the news. Harper had to tell hers about her and Bailey and Bailey had to tell hers about her and Harper. They first drove to Harper's house knowing that would be the easier of the two. As it was the weekend Harper expected to find both her parents there at home.

"Mom, I'm home," Harper said as she walked into the house.

"Harper, did you rediscover yourself at that cabin?" Mrs. Roland comically said as she was coming out of the kitchen. "Oh, Bailey, nice to see you," Sylvia surprised to see Bailey standing in her living room holding Harper's hand.

"Hi, Mrs. Roland, nice to see you too," Bailey replied.

"Mom, Bailey and I have some news to tell you," Harper said.

"Oh Harper, no. You are much too young to get married. Just like high school and coming out, why can't you wait until you graduate?" Sylvia asked actually pleaded.

"Calm down mom. We aren't getting married. We know it's much too soon and we are too young to think about marriage. We wanted to tell you we've been dating each other the last few months and we wanted you and dad to know. It might affect our living arrangements at school because we plan on sharing a one bedroom apartment in the fall," Harper explained.

"What about Annika? I thought you two were planning to room together," Mrs. Roland asked.

"We are going to talk to her about that later. She will understand. She probably can find a three-bedroom she will be able to share with Julie and Sarah," Harper explained.

"Well I have no problems with you two sharing an apartment. I told you months ago no matter who you ended up with you couldn't go wrong. Have you told George and Diane yet?" Sylvia asked.

"That is where we are headed next." Harper said.

"Girls, this might be something best done by Bailey without Harper there. To tell your parents you are dating another girl for the first time is something a daughter should do by herself. And knowing what she might be walking into, it might be best if you stay here, Harper. Bailey is welcomed over here anytime should she need a place to stay," Sylvia said as a warning of what she already knew.

"Your mom is right Harper. I know my dad and he might have a cow. Mom though she won't be happy, will eventually come around, but my dad may be a harder sell," Bailey explained. "It might be best if I go over there alone to tell them that way if they aren't ready to accept it you don't have to witness the yelling."

Before Bailey left to go tell Bailey's parents, Bailey and Harper were chatting with her parents about how they got together and about college since neither had been home since spring break. Bailey showed Harper her phone which had twenty texts from Bailey's friends since she had posted about her and Harper. Half of them called her names or told her she was lucky that she and Harper each would have a spot in hell next to each other.

Bailey's best friend Emily left her this message, "WTF, is this a joke? You're not serious are u? Call me. Em."

"I should go see her and talk, maybe tomorrow after I talk with my parents. Do you want to go?" Bailey asked Harper.

"Do you want me to go? I mean she is your best friend and all," Harper replied.

"Yes I do. It's about time they see you as you are, the sweetest girl ever and the one I love, not some lesbo dyke they all think you are," Bailey explained.

"I am a lesbo in case you haven't noticed. More of a lipstick lesbian much like you though," Harper said and smiled at Bailey.

"Just don't go butch on me, I like you the way you are," Bailey said kissing Harper's cheek.

Late that afternoon Bailey left Harper to go tell her parents. "Good luck, stay strong." Harper told Bailey as she left.

"Bailey, glad you're home. We were concerned you took more time visiting your friend than you said you were. Who was this friend anyway?" Diane asked.

"That is what I need to talk to you and dad about. You see I didn't exactly go see a friend. I was with Harper Roland. We are dating. She is my girlfriend and we are in love," Bailey told them not giving them any time to get settled and see her before she sprung it on them.

"I don't understand?" Diane said.

"You're dating who?" George replied both shocked and angry.

"Harper Roland, we are going to live together next school year," Bailey continued.

"The hell you are!" her dad said forcefully. "No daughter of mine is going to date a lesbian dyke or live with her for that fact."

"Dad you know when you call her that it makes me a lesbian dyke?" I'm not even sure you know what a lesbian dyke is? That term went out years ago. It now refers to a butch or non-feminine lesbian which I am neither." Bailey told her father.

"No, you're not. You are just confused. That Roland girl has messed with your mind and brainwashed you. I should file charges against her for molesting you," George continued to rant.

"If you file charges against her, you might as well file charges against me. Everything she has done I wanted her to do and I have done the same to her. We are in love, daddy and there isn't anything you can do about it," Bailey cried out.

"Get out, get out of my house. You are no daughter of mine. Get out!" George yelled in anger.

"Now George, calm down. Bailey doesn't mean any of it, do you Bailey?" Diane pleaded with both.

"Every fucking word of it mom. I love Harper and she loves me and yes we have even had sex. By dad's terms that makes me a lesbian dyke!" Bailey yelled back.

"Get out of my house! Let the Roland girl support you and pay for your college!" George yelled back.

"Fuck both of you!" Bailey yelled back in anger and walked out of the house crying.

"George Powell, apologize to your daughter. Don't let her leave!" Diane pleaded.

But it was too late. Bailey left crying not knowing what she was going to do to support herself or how she was going to pay for college. She had paid a high price for coming out as Harper asked her to but she was angry and upset, not at Harper but at her parents for reacting the way they did. She drove over to Harper's seeking the comfort and love she knew was over there.

Harper had been pacing back and forth waiting on Bailey. She didn't know if Bailey was strong enough to go through with it or whether she would cave to the pressure her parents would place on her. She saw Bailey's car drive up and she knew before Bailey was out of the car what to expect. Bailey was out and up to the front door before Harper could get to the door. Harper took one look at Bailey and all she could do was put out her arms and hug her. It took Bailey a few minutes of bawling before she could say anything. By now Jimmy and Sylvia had come into the room.

"They threw me out and called me a lesbian dyke," Bailey cried into Harper's arms. They said you were to support me and pay for my college since I chose this kind of life."

"Harsh," was all Harper said. "Look at the bright side, we now have each other and no longer have to hide it from anyone."

"But what are we going to do? We can't afford to pay for me and college too," Bailey sobbed.

"Bailey," Sylvia said to Bailey as she went over and took her in her arms. "You have just gained two new parents. It will be tight to say the least but with you two working at school part-time and over summers we can manage."

"Mom?" Harper looked questioning.

"Harper, do you love Bailey? Sylvia asked.

"Yes of course," Harper said.

"Then don't worry about it. If you two share an apartment next year and eat in for all of your meals, the only expense we will incur is tuition. We will take out a loan and you two can pay us back once you graduate," Sylvia explained. "We already have yours covered so Bailey's tuition plus a slight increase in living expenses will be all we have to cover." Sylvia said trying to smooth the situation over knowing there were many other cost they would incur and many situations that would arise.

'Mom I don't know what to say," Harper said.

"Well thank you would be a start. But right now you need to go take care of Bailey. She just lost her parents and her support she was counting on for college. This is what we have prepared you for. Take responsibility and show her you two will make it work," Sylvia explained to Harper.

"Yes ma'am," Harper said as she followed a sobbing Bailey into her room.

The next morning Harper woke up with Bailey still asleep next to her. She slipped out of bed walking out to the kitchen trying to rub the sleep out of her eyes where her mom was making coffee.

"Sit down sweetheart before Bailey wakes up and let's talk," Sylvia told Harper.

"I know what you are going to say, but what else could I do?" Harper told her mom.

I don't think you do but let's start with that. Are you sure Bailey is the one that you want to spend the rest of your life with?" Sylvia asked.

"If you had asked me that about a week ago, I would have said I don't know. I love her but things have been shaky with her, plus life has a way of getting complicated," Harper said.

"How so?" Sylvia asked for Harper to explain.

"Up until last week when she showed up at the cabin I gave her ultimatums which she hadn't done and I wasn't sure she would do but she did and last night she did the last one which was tell her parents she was gay. Now she has done everything I have asked of her," Harper told Sylvia.

"Then what's the problem?" her mom asked.

"Is it possible to be in love with two people at one time?" Harper asked her mom.

"Well I suppose it is but there is usually something that is different about the two that would distinguish the two. Are you still in love with Rachel? Doesn't she have someone else?" Her mom asked sounding confused.

"No not Rachel. She will always be someone special and while I do love her, I know she is in love with Mary. Bailey has always been the girl I was in love with even before I knew I was gay and long before she knew. Even when things weren't so good between us I still loved her. No Bailey is the girl I love and will always love."

"Harper, you still haven't told me about this other girl?" her mom asked.

"My roommate at college, Annika. We had this vibe between us. I don't know what it was but she always said and did the right thing. We even kissed several times though she claimed to be straight. I swore when she kissed she was trying to say she wasn't straight. Over the year we grew closer and I wanted to ask her if she was gay but she seemed to want to keep that part of her life to her."

"Harper, you have Bailey who you know loves you and you love her. Why would you want to go through that only to find that someone is straight again? Then finding you can't have her because she doesn't have those same feelings about you as you have about her? Some people are meant to be very close friends and not lovers. Maybe you have found the one person who you will always be close to but not have that same type of relationship," Sylvia reasoned. "You are making your life much more complicated than it should be. Accept that you have Bailey and don't make more out of it."

"That's what Annika says. Prioitize, only at the time Rachel was my number one priority," Harper said.

"You should take her advice. Right now Bailey is your only priority. You two have to figure out how you are going to live next year and get through school. You two need to start now and find an apartment that will suit your needs," Sylvia said. "Are you sure Bailey is the one and not Annika?"

"Yes I'm sure. I couldn't imagine my life without her," Harper was saying as Bailey came out from the bedroom ending the discussion.

"Good morning, Bailey," Sylvia said.

Harper turned around as Bailey came in the room her eyes puffy and red from the crying she had done most of last night. Harper got up and hugged Bailey handing her Harper's cup of coffee. Bailey smiled and took a sip handing it back to Harper. Knowing Sylvia was there she still leaned over after Harper handed her the cup and placed a kiss on her lips.

"Any regrets about yesterday?" Harper asked her.

Bailey looked at Harper inquisitively wondering why she was asking that. "Are you asking if I regret telling my parents and think I should go home? Are you suggesting we don't belong together?"

"I just want to be sure," Harper softly responded.

Bailey got up going over to Harper who by now was standing by the sink, "Excuse me, Mrs. Roland, while I educate your daughter in the facts of life," Bailey said as she got close to Harper. "Do you think I would go through last night then tuck my tail and go home? What I regret is that my parents aren't like yours and accepting of who I am and instead resort to name calling and tossing me out of the house. What I regret is your parents are willing to pay for my education while mine disavow their own daughter. What I regret is the situation that puts your parents and you in trying to make life easier on us all as we try to enjoy our college life and develop our relationship together. What I don't regret is you and me and the love that I wasted but now are together. What I don't regret is having you to love forever and having your love and support for me," Bailey said and started crying again as she moved next to Harper.

Harper placed her arms around Bailey and pulled her in tight, "I'm sorry to question you. I didn't mean it like that. I won't question your commitment again. I know what you have given up for me and I will always be there for you."

Sylvia came over looking at Harper and placing her hand on Bailey's back. She kissed both on the cheek saying, "Who's ready for breakfast?"

After Bailey and Harper got dressed they began to look through the internet for apartments for them to live in the following year. By mid-afternoon they were actually getting excited about the prospects of having their own place to share and narrowed it down to three places. They wanted to see each before they decided so they called and made appointments before they drove all the way over there.

Harper had called Rachel as Bailey had suggested before school had let out. She was now calling her to tell her about her and Bailey and because of the situation they wouldn't be able to afford the trip. Rachel had Harper wait a minute and Harper could hear Rachel talking to Mary. When Rachel came back to talking to Harper she told Harper they decided Harper and Bailey needed to get away after all they had been through so instead of using the money to make a trip home Rachel and Mary would pay for both Harper and Bailey to fly up and see them instead.

Late that afternoon Bailey and Harper decided to go over to Emily's house and let Bailey tell Emmy in person about her about her and Harper. Bailey drove as she knew which house was Emmy's. Emmy opened the door seeing both Harper and Bailey there.

"Hey girl, how goes it?" Bailey asked as if nothing had changed or was any different. Emmy at first didn't let Bailey or Harper inside instead Emmy blocked the way inside.

"I didn't have to come over here to tell you but as my best friend I felt I owed you an explanation. If you don't want us inside then you have all you need to know about us and we will leave and not come back," Bailey said seeing the reaction from Emmy.

Another minute went by before Bailey turned taking Harper's hand, "Come on, Harper. Nothing has changed since high school. Still acting childish," Bailey said.

Harper wasn't about to let Bailey and her best friend walk away from each other like this. Bailey had already given up more than what Harper could have ever thought for the decisions she made and she wasn't about to let Bailey and Emily part like this. "It took a lot of courage for Bailey to come out. It took more courage for her to come over to talk to her best friend to help her understand and hopefully retain the one friend in this biased town she could rely on. You could at least hear her out before you send her on her way. She is the same person now as she was all through high school you when you were friends with her. The only difference she is no longer hiding behind popularity and cheerleading afraid to admit her sexuality. At college no one cared about her sexuality. It seems this town is the only place that cares more about our sexuality and less about who we are as people."

Harper and Bailey turned to leave. "Bailey wait, don't go," Emmy said. "You are my best friend and I've missed having you around. Going to community college is not the same with you not being there," Emmy said.

"Does that mean both Harper and I are welcomed into your house?" Bailey asked to make sure.

"Yes, please come in," Emmy said opening the door for both of them.

"So you and Harper, huh? How long have you two been, ah?....

Fucking or dating?" Bailey said with a smile.

"I don't need details, geez Bails get to the point!" Emmy said startled by Bailey's statement.

"Well it started January before last when we were stranded on the mountain. That's when we fell in love. When we came home, because of my stupidity and more worried about who knew and who didn't, I almost blew it and lost Harper's love and affection. By chance, Harper with her forgiving heart and after repeated attempts by me, we got together meeting again at the cabin we were stranded last January. It was then Harper and I realized we were meant for each other and here we are today," Bailey stated. "Now I ask you to please understand and together we will ask Harper to forgive us for treating her the way we did in high school."

"I don't mean to pry but what's it like being a lesbian? Emmy asked.

"Beside the way you treated us and most others have in this town, it's no different than a boy and girl in love instead we are two girls," Harper explained.

"I'm sorry about that," Emmy said.

"No I didn't mean to criticize you, but we are no different than straights. We have the same feelings and are the same as we were before when people knew us before they knew us as lesbians. People tend to use the term in a derogatory way so I prefer not to be labeled as lesbians. I just happen to be a girl who loves another girl very much," Harper said.

Bailey who was sitting next to Harper on the sofa took Harper's hand in hers after Harper said that.

Emmy who was sitting across from them on the big chair witnessed that and smiled, "And I can see it is mutual."

"How is college going?" Bailey asked Emmy.

"Other than we are allowed off campus during the day it is like an extension of high school. I wish my parents could afford to send me away to State or A and M so I could experience real college life," Emmy said sounding both envious and jealous of Harper and Bailey.

"We are going to have our own place next year. If our holidays and spring breaks line up right you will have to come visit us. You can even shadow us for classes they are having them at the time," Bailey said.

"That would be so cool. Are you sure you don't mind me coming over there, I mean I wasn't exactly nice to you when you came over?" Emmy asked.

Bailey held Harper's arm letting her know she wanted Harper to answer Emmy. "You are Bailey's best friend and I know she would love for you to come and visit. I am her girlfriend and whatever makes Bailey happy makes me happy. So if you would like to come over and stay let me invite you to come over and stay for as long as you would like and as often as you want. I would venture to say we will have others that will be there visiting because other than us two all are friends are straight.

"Harper is right Em, we don't know any other gays and you would love our friends," Bailey added.

"Then I'll do it. I would love to come over and visit," Emmy said. "Would you like to go to the Winner's Circle for dinner? My mom and dad are working late and I am getting hungry."

"Can we afford to go out?" Harper whispered to Bailey.

"Yes" was Bailey's reply as she smiled and pulled out a credit card her parents had given her to go away to college. "Unless they have cancelled it I still can get away using it on a limited basis. My mom pays the bills and she wouldn't tell me no regardless what my dad says. My parents kicked me out and now Harper and I are having to pay our own way with Harper's parents help.

"Let's go to the Winner's Circle. I haven't been there since before college started," Harper exclaimed changing topics at the same time.

They walked in to be seated and saw another classmate though this one was not friends on Bailey's facebook but she did know of Harper by reputation. As she was walking out she said the word dyke to Harper. Bailey heard it though Harper intended to ignore her, Bailey couldn't let it go, "I'm sorry. I could hear what you said over your stuttering and slobbering."

The girl couldn't hurry fast enough to get outside. Bailey made sure she took Harper's hand in hers though it wasn't clear which of them the comment had been directed too.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that Em," Bailey told Emily.

"Do people say that to you a lot?" Emmy asked.

"You were at our high school. You witnessed what Harper went through. You and me were both a part of it. It is a miracle Harper still talks to either one of us," Bailey explained.

Emmy turned to Harper and said, "I'm sorry. I guess I didn't realize how those words come out when you are on the receiving end."

"It's okay. You learn to tune ignorance out. Not everyone is accepting and tolerant," Harper said.

"Well just the same, I apologize on behalf of myself personally and on behalf of everyone that was in our senior class," Emmy said sounding sincere.

They ate their dinner talking about the time on the mountain and their time away at school. They took Emmy home and she hugged Harper giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Take care of her. That's my best friend."

"I will and please come over to visit us any time. You would make Bailey and me very happy." Harper told her.

As Bailey hugged Em she started to cry, "You will come to visit won't you?"

"I wouldn't miss it now that I've seen how happy you two are. Harper is what you needed in your life. I can also see how much you mean to her. When will you be back?" Emmy asked.

"In about three weeks we will be home for a few weeks then back over to get the apartment ready for our sophomore year," Bailey told her.

"I'll come over to see you and maybe be able to bring some of the old gang with me to help you pack before you go," Emmy said.

"You'll have to convince them about Harper and me and that I am not a leper. Oh and Em, I live at Harper's so no going over to my house," Bailey said half laughing.

"I'll remind them about how you helped each one of them when they needed your support and you are the same person now as before. I love you Bails," Emmy said as Harper and Bailey drove away.

The day after Harper and Bailey drove over to look at apartments. From there they would fly to New York. The town where State was located had a bigger airport and was cheaper to fly out of than the Regional airport where they lived and they would have to change planes at the airport where State was located anyway so they decided to make their apartment trip coincide with their New York trip.

The first apartment they looked at was not what they envisioned. It was close to campus and thus it was not new or clean. It was a commuter apartment and it showed. The parking was tight and first come first serve which they weren't pleased with. The second apartment was beautiful. It had reserved parking though it only had one spot since they were only getting a one bedroom apartment. It had a pool and laundry room and was in walking distance of campus. It sat on a hill overlooking campus. While it was farther away it was still within walking distance to the many fast food places that were close by. Harper and Bailey felt it was a little pricey, the complex using the security in the garage and front door plus its location and view as the selling point for being pricey.

The third place grabbed their attention. While it was farther away and not considered to be "On campus" it came with two assigned parking spaces, its own washer and dryer, plus it had a living room separate from the bedroom and even a separate kitchen. The living room was big enough for a sofa and table plus it would hold two desks in each corner so both Harper and Bailey had a place to study. It also had a pool. The only issue was it was more expensive than the other two by two- hundred fifty dollars a month. If there was a bright side all utilities were included.

Before they left the area for the airport, Harper called her mom to tell what they found, "either one would be okay with us. We are afraid of the condition of the first one to take a chance on it," Harper explained to her mom.

"Which one would you be comfortable in not comparing cost? You two have to live there for three more years just for your undergraduate degrees so think of that before you make your mind up," her mom reminded Harper.

Sylvia could hear Harper and Bailey discuss the pros and cons of both which she liked to hear. Not only did it mean Harper and Bailey were rationalizing their choice, but they were able to use their combined reasoning to make an important decision which was important to do in their relationship. Any doubt she might have had, Harper and Bailey proved their relationship would last.

"We think the more expensive one is what we want. Having all the utilities paid for will offset the price and we won't have to worry how much we run the heat or cool. Also the parking is an advantage too, having two parking places assigned to us right outside our door. The study area was the selling point. Having a place to study away from the kitchen and bedroom is most ideal," Harper said.

"Put your deposit down to reserve it. Use your credit card for the deposit. Do you need me to sign for the lease? Neither of you are twenty-one?" Sylvia asked.

"If we need a signature we will bring the paperwork home for you to sign. Thank you mom, I love you," Harper said.

"Thank you Mrs. Roland," Sylvia could hear Bailey say before Harper hung up.

After they hung up they looked at each other and smiled, "We have our first apartment together," Harper joyously said to Bailey.

"Now we have to find furniture to furnish it," Bailey smiled.

"As soon as we get back we will go shopping. We need a bed, nightstands and dresser, for the bedroom," Harper giggled.

"Don't forget lamps, two in the bedroom, and four in the living room," Bailey added.

"Why four? Harper asked.

"Two on each side of the end tables and one on each desk," Bailey explained.

"Then a sofa and coffee table and a kitchen table and chairs," Harper said. "Wow this is going to be expensive. We had better find a discount store to shop."

"Yes but think of it. We will be buying for our apartment. Our apartment!" Bailey said emphasizing our apartment.

They giggled and hugged kissing each other before Harper noticed the time. "We had better get a move on. By the time we put the deposit down we are going to have to high-tail it for the airport.

Harper and Bailey boarded their flight to New York to visit Rachel and Mary. Neither had flown before so this was a first time experience for them. They held the others hand as they flew more out of fear than love and excitement. The take-off and landing were the most stressful for them and their white knuckle response showed on each. Before they got off the plane Bailey turned to Harper, "Today was full of first for us, our first apartment, our first flight and now our first time in New York." Bailey said smiling at Harper and squeezing her hand kissing it.

Outside the corridors to the gates which was as close as they were allowed, Rachel and Mary waited with Rachel pacing not able to contain her anticipation and excitement. Upon seeing Harper, Rachel jumped up and down running over to greet her.

"Harper, oh my god I'm so glad to see you," Rachel said as she hugged and kissed Harper on her lips. "I missed you so much, welcome to New York."

Harper was just as happy to see Rachel and any hesitation or animosity was long gone from the first they saw each other.

"Rachel! Oh my god," Harper said hugging Rachel. The two stood there hugging each other then the tears started to fall not from sadness or uneasiness over their relationship and how it ended, but over the happiness and love they shared for each other.

Bailey and Mary at first stood apart to let Harper and Rachel have their time together but they soon moved next to each other and hugged.

"Well I can certainly see what Harper sees in you. You are gorgeous, Bailey. Welcome to New York," Mary said.

"Thank you and thank you for the tickets. Harper was crushed thinking she might not be able to make the trip. I told her to go without me after my parents cut me off but Harper said she wasn't going to go without me. When you and Rachel offered to pay for them, it was as if everything was going to be alright with our decision. We owe you a lot for making this possible," Bailey explained.

"It was our pleasure. When Rachel explained what had happened there was no way either of us could not make this trip possible for you. You two have had enough going against you. It was the least we could do," Mary said.

"Bailey, sorry to leave you out, come here and let me hug you too," Rachel said as she reached out to hug Bailey. Rachel whispered in Bailey's ear, "I'm so glad you and Harper were able to get together. I spent many nights listening to her cry because she loved you so much." Rachel then took Bailey's cheeks in her hands and kissed her hard on the lips.

"Damn, Harper. Keep this one close. She's a kisser." The four of them walked off Harper and Rachel holding hands.

That night Harper and Bailey were lying in bed as Harper explained to Bailey how she and Rachel had made love in Rachel's bedroom listening to Rachel's parents make love at the same time.

"It started out scary for me as I was afraid to do anything, to more of a challenge to see who could make the most noise and turn the other couple on more. We ended up being more involved with each other and ignoring her parents but I don't think her parents ignored us," Harper told Bailey knowing the walls were thicker here and more soundproof although it didn't matter because between Harper and Bailey's room and Mary and Rachel's was the study.

"Are you telling me this so I won't be self conscious about making love to you?" Bailey asked as she moved closer to Harper.

"No, it was just a sta...," Harper tried to say but Bailey kissed her hard on the lips.

"You have to come up with a better reason than that to not make love to me," Bailey said as she moved over onto Harper. "All you accomplished was to make me hornier. I want you to make love to me Harper. Use your fingers to arouse me then I want you to lick me until I cum."

Harper moved her hand down between them until she could feel Bailey's mound then lower until she could feel Bailey's moist lips. "You were ready, weren't you?" Harper softly asked Bailey.

"When am I not ready after being around you? You have this magical effect on me and I can't get enough," Bailey moaned then said "Oh god Harper, You make me feel so good. Oh god, yes, yes."

Harper's fingers parted Bailey with ease and moved in and out of her. Bailey was humping Harper's hand with the same rhythm that Harper was using and soon Harper could feel Bailey's whole body tensing and her face flushing signaling her approaching orgasm. Bailey had stopped kissing Harper instead burying her head into Harper's neck. Her breathing increased with each breath and her face flushed as she neared her peak.

Bailey pushed down hard on Harper's hand with her pussy as her body went rigid and she gasped, "oh fuck, I'm cumming! Oh Harper!" Harper could feel Bailey's pussy cum as Harper's fingers were soaked. Bailey was out of breath and panting hard but she managed to give several small kisses to Harper's neck as she moaned, "I love you."

Bailey recovered and lifted her head staring into Harper's eyes placing a kiss on Harper's lips. She slowly moved her way down kissing Harper around her body as she lowered her way down the bed. She worked her way until she was settled in between Harper's legs and placed small kisses to Harper's mound and to her clit.

Harper moaned and lifted her hips up to meet Bailey's mouth and tongue. Harper unconsciously spread her legs apart giving Bailey all the space she needed. Her head went back and she moaned when Bailey's tongue took a swipe at her open lips and clit. Bailey spread Harper's lips with her index fingers and lowered her tongue inside of Harper until she was up to her chin then she moved her tongue around as if she were exploring the inside walls of Harper's vagina.

Bailey kept this up until she could sense a change in Harper's breathing letting her know Harper was nearing her orgasm. She then moved her tongue out and flicked it over Harper concentrating on her clit until Bailey could hear Harper gasp and her breathing grew quick and shallow. Bailey sucked Harper's clit into her mouth raking her teeth across it which sent Harper into a massive orgasm causing her to bounce up and down on the bed.

Harper grabbed the back of Bailey's head initially to hold it to her pussy but as her climax was working its way through her body she held it to keep it from stimulating Harper more. Bailey stayed there gently rubbing her index fingers on Harper's outer labia until Harper appeared to calm from the after effects of the orgasm. She placed a final kiss on Harper's clit before she moved up next to Harper.

Bailey smiled at Harper and with her hand placed it on Harper's neck and cheek rubbing her back and forth with her thumb. She curled up next to Harper placing her head next to Harper resting in the crook of her neck and closed her eyes. The next morning they woke up pretty much in the same position except Bailey had curled up into Harper with her head on Harper's chest and shoulder . Harper's arm was around Bailey upper body.

Rachel and Mary had a full two weeks of activity lined up for Harper and Bailey but they let them sleep in the first day. Harper was first to get up as Harper had learned Bailey liked to sleep in if given a chance. Harper slipped out of bed walking out in her sleep shirt finding Mary and Rachel in the kitchen. "Good morning Harper, is Bailey still asleep?" asked Mary.

"She'll sleep another hour or two if I let her," Harper said.

"I've made scrambled eggs there in the warming dish. There's bread to make toast with jam next to it and coffee in the pot next to Rachel who looks like she could use a cup," Mary laughed. "I'm going to get dressed.

No sooner had Mary left, Harper walked over to the coffee pot with Rachel was at her side, "I missed you so much Harper," Rachel said and wrapped her arms around Harper kissing her passionately. She brought her hand up between them cupping Harper's breast. "I know I'm teasing you but I'm willing to take a chance like this to show you I haven't forgotten you and show you the love I still have for you," Rachel moaned into Harper's ear.

Harper was stunned but instinctively she reacted to the kiss. As she moaned back, having her hands on Rachel's waist, she moved her hands in and cupped Rachel's ass cheeks over her panties. Harper's hand began to move around to Rachel's mound and was pushing their way inside Rachel's panties when she realized what she was doing and pulled back.

"I can't. Kissing you is one thing but Bailey and I have a good thing going and I can't let my emotions get the better of me. I know you still love me and I still love you but I can't do it anymore. You now have Mary and I have Bailey to think about," Harper moaned into Rachel's ear.

"Your right. Seeing you again made me think we were back home. Just know I still am in love with you and I will always be there for you," Rachel told Harper.

"You are my best friend and I love you too and nothing can take that away," Harper told Rachel.

After that they dished up some eggs and made their toast which is where they were when Bailey got up and Mary came back in after dressing. Bailey with sleep in her eyes and bed head walked over to Harper and kissed her on the lips then sipped some of Harper's coffee before she went over to Rachel and kissed her too. Then she made her breakfast.

"Does she always do that?" Rachel asked Harper.

"Do what?" Harper asked back.

"Sip your coffee before she gets something to eat?" Rachel asked Harper.

Harper laughed, "Yeah apparently it's a condition of our relationship. We share coffee in the morning. But usually she puts her head on my shoulder while she drinks it."

"Are you two making fun of my morning routine," Bailey asked as she brought her plate over to the table.

"No dear, we were just commenting on how sexy you look in that sleep shirt tucked into your panties in the back," Harper smiled at Rachel.

"Like I believe that," Bailey commented looking over her shoulder at her back. "Oops apparently I didn't notice after I peed this morning. There better?" Bailey asked pulling her sleep shirt from her panties. "What are the plans today?"

"I liked you better with your panties covering your sleep shirt. You've got quite an ass there Bailey," Rachel laughed. "Well I thought we'd take you on a tour of the campus," Rachel added.

Over the two weeks they toured the campus, the downtown area, the farmer's market and hiked many of the local trails to see the many waterfalls in the area. Harper and Bailey fell in love with the area and were sad for it to come to an end.

So was Rachel. She cried as both Harper and Bailey left the area to walk down the corridor to the boarding area. She gave both Harper and Bailey a hug and a kiss on the lips, Harper's lasting a little longer and more passionate than Bailey's. As Mary and Rachel stood there as Harper and Bailey walked away blowing kisses to Rachel and Mary, Mary could see Rachel was really upset. "You are going to miss her aren't you?" Mary asked.

Through the crying Rachel nodded her head. "You still love her don't you?" Mary asked.

"She is my best friend. There will never be anyone to compare to her. That doesn't mean I don't love you Mary. With Harper I connected on so many levels. It was like we knew what the other was thinking and needed and we were always there for each other," Rachel sobbed.

They waited there until Harper and Bailey were out of sight then Rachel turned to Mary, "I still love you Mary. Now take me home and make love to me so I can show you how much I love you."

Harper and Bailey boarded the plane to go home. Harper had been crying since leaving Rachel behind.

"Are you okay?" Bailey asked taking Harper's hand as they sat down in the plane.

"I'm going to miss her but where we are going and the life ahead of us, I'm looking forward to more. You are what is important to me and you are who my life revolves around. Rachel is a part of my past. I love her for all she did and for all she was but now she has Mary and I have you. You mean more to me than two Rachel's do and I'm glad you are in my life," Harper told Bailey.

"That is the sweetest thing you have said to me Harper. No wonder I love you so much," Bailey said and smiled at Harper.

"When we land there is another stop I want to make before we go home. It will take a half day to get there and a full day to get home because it is on the other side of the state," Harper told Bailey.

"I'll follow you where ever you go. Where will we be going? Bailey asked.

"To see Annika. I need to tell her in person about us and about us sharing our own apartment together," Harper explained.

Harper drove from the airport the half day it took to get to Annika's home. At least she hoped it was Annika's. Annika hadn't told her she was from a wealthy family but from the looks of the house, stables, and barn she was loaded. She drove up to the door and rang the bell. School had been out more than a month and if she didn't tell Annika soon she would be leaving her high and dry as Annika was expecting to room with Harper come the end of the summer. She told Bailey to wait in the car to be sure Annika lived here before getting out to join Harper.

The lady who answered the door must have been related as she resembled Annika , "Yes, may I help you?"

"Mrs. Johansson?" Harper questioned to be sure she was in the right place.

"Yes may I help you?" Annika's mom replied.

"I'm Harper Roland. I was Annika's roommate in college this year," Harper stated.

"Of course dear. She talks about you all the time. It's nice to meet you. Did you come over to ride with her and Ginny?" her mom asked.

"No not exactly. I needed to talk with Annika and it was best if I talked with her in person. Is she home?" Harper asked wondering who Ginny was. Since Annika had never mentioned her before, Harper thought she must be a friend who Annika rode with.

"She and Ginny are out riding right now unless that is her coming towards the barn. Yes, that's her. Just go through there and take that far gate to get to the barn. If they are just coming back they will be down there for a while.

"Thank you Mrs. Johansson," Harper said and turned to walk away leaving Bailey in the car.

Harper was more than halfway to Annika before Annika saw her. Annika looked at Ginny and said something then began walking at a faster pace towards Harper cutting the distant between them.

"Harper, what are you doing here?" Annika asked and for the first time Harper saw Annika flustered. "Did you drive all the way here to see me?"

Seeing Annika looking flustered and constantly looking over her shoulder, Harper thought now was the best time to play along. She wanted to see what Annika was hiding since she never talked about herself always ignoring Harper's questions.

"You always told me you would be there to pick up the pieces and before I got to you I had to first resolve my situation with Rachel which is now resolved and next with Bailey which is also resolved. So here I am," Harper said not smiling a bit to let on.

"Harper, I don't know what to say. I never thought you would... uh this is awkward," Annika now said obviously flustered and surprised.

Harper stood there knowing what ever Annika was going to tell her it was big and about to happen. Is there a problem Annika?" Should I have not come here at least without calling you first?" Harper said trying to give Annika a way out.

Just then Ginny came out of the barn and walked up putting her arm around Annika saying, "They are all brushed and put away. I'm going in to get a shower and change. She turned to Harper saying, "Hi, I'm Ginny," and put out her hand to shake Harper's.

Annika turned to Harper and said, "Ginny, Harper was my roommate this year and is hopefully going to be next year although her coming all the way over here is quite a surprise. Come into the barn where we have shade to talk." Once inside the barn out of sight from Ginny, Annika continued, "What brings you all the way over here?"

"I came to see you. You said you would be there to pick up the pieces once I got sorted through my problems. Well I have them all sorted out so here I am," Harper told Annika still not telling her the full story about Bailey. Harper was curious to know what Annika was keeping from her since she was acting suspicious.

"Harper, I don't know what to say. I'm happy you have made peace with Rachel and hope you have with Bailey but if I misled you... no I know I have misled you... actually I lied to you and I am sorry. Harper this is very hard to say because of how I feel about you but Ginny is my wife," Annika finally told Harper surprising her.

Harper thought a minute then turned to Annika keeping a straight face, "So you deceived me. All this time you have been leading me on. I knew you were a lesbian. The way you kissed me and looked at me. I knew you had to be a lesbian and the way you were so naturally held my hand," Harper stated now a little surprised and disappointed yet happy for her and Annika because now she didn't have to decide between her and Bailey.

"Harper, I'm sorry. I couldn't tell you. We are sworn to secrecy." Ginny was walking back to the house and couldn't hear the discussion.

"Please understand, we've been married for two years and both of our parents made us vow we would not disclose our marriage until we were twenty-one. Even our friends don't know," Annika pleaded.

"All this time and I thought you were falling in love with me," Harper stated looking towards Ginny as it appeared she had stopped to talk to someone.

"That's the bad part. I was falling in love with you. No, it would be safe to say, I have fallen in love with you," Annika quietly said looking towards Ginny who by now had reached Harper's car. Annika noticed what Harper was looking at as Ginny appeared to be talking to someone.

"Is that Bailey?" Annika asked.

"That's what I came all the way over here to tell you only you were so flustered you had diarrhea of the mouth." Harper tried to explain and laughed.

"So you deceived me too!" Annika exclaimed.

"You've been deceiving me since school started. Why?"

"It's a long story but basically Ginny and I had runaway and eloped two years ago. Our parents found out and told us they would pay for our college education, buy us a nice house for when we graduate and provide for us if we waited until we were twenty-one only if we promised them we wouldn't tell anyone until then. If we told they would disown us and provide nothing towards our education or living expenses," Annika explained.

"You are breaking your pledge now telling me this, why?" Harper asked confused.

"Because I trust you won't say anything and I wanted you to understand why I can't allow myself to fall in love with you. I still love Ginny with all my heart and I can't leave her. I think my parents figured we would be find someone we would be tempted with especially when they made us attend separate colleges. You're the reason why they made us follow the agreement. They figured if we were that determined to get married they would make us pay for acting like the children we were at that time. I don't know if Ginny has cheated and I don't want to know. I do my best to keep my part of the agreement. With you it had become very hard to do," Annika explained to Harper but it was more or less pleading with her.

"Was there any chance of us?" Harper asked now talking quietly. Harper no sooner said that when Annika took her hand and pulled Harper three steps further inside the barn out of sight of the others. She wrapped her arms around her and kissed her passionately on the lips.

"I've been waiting to do that for eight months once school started and I figured out you were gay too," Annika sweetly said then kissed Harper again. "I'd like to say there was. I was tempted several times but it wouldn't have been for more than two years as I want the house for Ginny and to allow her time to find a decent job before our parents cut us off. It's much too long to ask you to wait," Annika explained.

"Then we will have to settle for a love that was meant to be but couldn't be. My mom after I told her about you said, some people were meant to be very close friends but never lovers because of circumstances. I can't ask you to wait seeing my current situation is much similar to yours," Harper replied showing some remorse.

"Your mother is a very smart woman. How is your situation similar to mine?" Annika asked.

"When Bailey came to me, I told her before I would get back together with her, she had to tell her friends at college she was gay and I mean not one or two but tell everyone either in person or on her facebook page, and that she was dating me. I then told her she had to tell her parents especially her dad who thinks it's disgusting my parents put up with me. After we spent time at the cabin figuring us out, we went and told her parents.

Her dad threw her out telling Bailey I'm responsible for her now and refuses to pay for her college education. I talked to my parents who said they would help out since we would be living together and only needed a one-bedroom apartment. You see I can't turn my back on her now because I love her too much and I am the reason for her situation," Harper explained. "Prioritize you always told me. Bailey is my number one priority. Annika, I do love her with all my heart. I'm sorry but next year you are going to have to find a new roommate."

"I already did. In anticipation of you and Bailey getting back together, actually I was counting on it, Sarah and Julie offered to share an apartment together. It's probably best anyway. I couldn't room with you without at some point falling in love and sharing a bed with you.

As Harper and Annika walked back towards Bailey and Ginny who by now were talking, their hands touched. They looked at each other smiled and intertwined their pinkie fingers for a minute. The love they knew they couldn't share but the bond they had just formed would be everlasting.

End of Chapter One

To be continued.....