**Okay, everyone. This story has a girl-girl relationship as part of the central plot. If this bothers you, then don't read. Also, if you are under 18, or whatever the legal age is in your country, then please exit this story! This is my first story on this site and I would love to hear some feedback, good or bad. If you find that you like my work, then visit my blog: http://princessauthor.blogspot.com/
Bella Peterson was sitting at the front desk of the AmericInn Hotel, absentmindedly flipping through a magazine. It was a slow Saturday and she was pretty bored. She had an eight hour shift like she did every weekend and she was only a few minutes into her shift.
At about five thirty, the bell sounded signaling that someone had just entered the building. Bella looked up and saw a very attractive girl walk in.
She was around five foot seven with long black hair that went past her shoulder blades. The ends of her hair were flipped up and bounced as she walked. Her skin was a sort of copper and Bella couldn't think of her nationality. Her legs wore short jean shorts that showed off her long, beautiful athletic legs. Her body was very much in shape and Bella, at a glance, guessed her weight was 120 to 125 pounds. She probably had a 32C bust and a flat stomach. Her top was a red, two button men' polo from American Eagle with exploded signature graphics. It was a very good look for her; she was anything but a tomboy, however she could easily pull off wearing guys clothing. As Bella looked at her, the girl looked a few years older than her, probably nineteen.
As she walked toward Bella, she noticed how the newcomer's walk was confident as she held herself with grace and poise. When she did reach the front desk, she gave Bella a beautiful smile with perfect straight, white teeth that reached all the way up to her dark brown eyes, which seemed to sparkle in the light.
"Hello, welcome to AmericInn. Are you looking for a room?" Bella asked pleasantly, giving her a genuine smile. Bella never faked being nice to customers like her co-workers.
"Actually, no, I'm not. I am looking for Rachel Gleeson. Is she here?" the girl asked.
"Oh, she's not. She usually doesn't come in on Saturdays," Bella answered, surprised that she was asking for her manager. Bella was the only one who worked at the hotel during her long shift.
"I know, but we have an appointment at five thirty. I can wait until she arrives," the girl said. However, the doorbell rang again and both of the girls looked at the middle aged woman who walked in. She had dirty blond hair that hung to her jaw and she was slightly overweight. She was carrying a small brief case.
"I am sorry I'm late. I was caught behind an accident," Rachel Gleeson said as she reached the front desk.
"Oh, it's no problem. I only just arrived myself a moment ago," the girl said, smiling at the woman.
"Good then. I see you've already met an employee of mine. Have you been introduced?" Rachel asked the girl.
"No, not yet," she answered, turning to look at Bella.
"Well, this is Bella Peterson. Bella, this is Katerina Markos. She is a new employee here," Rachel said.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you, Katerina," Bella said, smiling again. She held out her hand and Katerina shook it, her grasp firm and confident. Bella knew this girl knew who she was and was her own person. Bella immediately had respect for her.
"The pleasure is mine," Katerina replied.
"I'm only here for a few minutes to give her the over view and get her a uniform. She'll be working with you during your shifts for the next few weeks so that you can show her the ropes," Rachel informed her. Bella only worked on Saturdays during the school year.
"Sounds good to me," Bella said.
Rachel took the girl into her office after introductions. Bella went back to her magazine and helped out a guest who had a question about local restaurants. It wasn't too long until they came out again.
"So, you can change and begin working. I'll be seeing you soon enough. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask Bella, she's a very nice girl," Rachel said, smiling at Bella, who smiled back at the compliment. She's always liked her boss.
"Thank you again for hiring me," Katerina replied, taking a bag that contained her tee shirt she'd be wearing when she worked.
"Well, I'm sure you'll do just fine. Good bye, Katerina," Rachel said, shaking her hand. Katerina gave her one last smile, then went into the bathroom the change.
"I wasn't aware we were hiring," Bella said as soon as the door closed.
"Well, we weren't, but then she came in asking for an application and I found myself asking if she wanted an interview right then. That was two days ago and now she's an employee. I'm still not quite sure how it happened, but I'm not sorry that it did. She seems like a very nice and responsible girl. Besides, I know you get bored during your shifts," Rachel explained.
"She does seem nice. I hope we get along," Bella said.
"I think you will. Well, I'm going to get back on home. Have a good day, Bella," Rachel said.
"You too. Bye Rachel," Bella said and watched her manager walk out the front door.
Less than a minute later, Katerina came back out in her new, light green polo. Bella opened the door open that led to behind the desk, since it was always kept locked.
"Did Rachel leave?" Katerina asked as she sat down on a next to Bella.
"Yeah," Bella answered.
"So, what do we do?" Katerina asked. Bella looked up without moving her head and raised an eyebrow.
"You're doing it right now," Bella replied. Katerina raised an eyebrow as well.
"You sit here reading a magazine?" she asked. Bella let out a chuckle.
"Basically. Saturday's are our slow days. People check in on Fridays and check out Sunday morning. They use Saturday to site see and go around town. Occasionally there will be someone coming in on a business trip, but we pretty much sit around and fold the laundry. I just threw in a load and it won't be done for another twenty minutes," Bella explained. "And if you get hungry, I'll show you where the food is. Rachel lets us dig into the breakfast food, so we can have cereal, bagels, and juice. We just have to clean up after ourselves."
"Wow...this is a pretty sweet job," Katerina said, smiling another smile that reached her eyes. Her smile made Bella smile.
"Yeah, I like it, but after a while, working eight hour shifts by yourself can get boring. I usually bring my homework, books, music, things like that," Bella said.
"When am I going to learn how to work the system?"
"I'll teach you when someone comes in, there's always a few stragglers."
"And until then?"
"We just chill."
Katerina laughed quietly and leaned back in her chair, looking around the lobby. Bella would look up from her magazine sometimes and watch her for a few seconds. She seemed very content with sitting and doing nothing. Bella wondered how much patience she had.
They didn't talk for ten minutes, but Katerina broke the silence.
"So, Bella. How old are you?" she asked. Bella looked up, surprised that she was talking.
"I'm sixteen. I turn seventeen on January twenty first," she said.
"Grade?"
"Junior. I go to Galileo High School," Bella answered. "What about you? How old are you?"
"Nineteen," she answered, confirming Bella's guess.
"School?"
"None. I was home schooled and I don't think college is for me."
"And working at AmericInn is?" Bella asked. There was no insult implied, only curiosity. Katerina shrugged.
"I'm also a trainer. I help young women learn self defense," she said. "This is just for some extra cash."
"That's cool. I'm just here part time. I usually work more hours during the summer," Bella said.
"Have you lived in San Francisco your whole life?" Katerina asked.
"Born and raised. I love this city, I can't picture myself ever leaving it. What about you? Are you a native?"
"No, I only moved here a few days ago. My home is pretty far away," she said vaguely and Bella didn't push.
"What made you move? Do you have family out here?"
"No, I was transferred here by the people I work for. It's a small, yet successful training company," Katerina answered.
"Do you live nearby?"
"About fifteen minutes walking."
"That's cool. I live about a twenty minutes drive from here."
Just then, a buzz from the back room signaled that the laundry was done and Bella took Katerina back to show her how to fold sheets, towels, and washcloths. She showed her the screen that showed them the view of the lobby in case someone came to the front desk, since they couldn't see from the back room.
"Do you like your school?" Katerina asked once she got the hang of folding.
"Yeah, I love school, I always have. Did you like home school?" Bella asked. Katerina shrugged.
"I guess, yeah, I did. It gave me the freedom to really learn about what I wanted. My tutors were pretty lenient on what I wanted to do," she answered.
"That's cool. And you decided that being a trainer was what you wanted to do?"
"Yeah, I like it; I like the people I work with, so it's not too bad. Do you like it here at AmericInn?"
"I do. I love working with people and this is an easy, fun job. Besides, I'm usually pretty busy with school and extracurricular activities that I don't have a lot of time to myself. This job gives me eight hours to myself every Saturday," Bella explained.
"So, I must be an intruder on those hours, huh?" Katerina said, but she was smiling as she said so. Bella still couldn't believe how contagious her smile was.
"Not at all. I love meeting new people and you seem pretty cool to work with, so I'm not upset at all," Bella replied genuinely. There was another silence.
Over the next few hours, they spoke about themselves. Bella told Katerina about her friends, more on school and what she did for fun. Katerina told Bella a little about her job and the people she works with, but Bella did most of the talking. Bella got the vibe that Katerina wasn't really a very open person, but she wasn't rude about it at all.
The eight hours went by faster than usual and Bella was slightly disappointed that she had to go. She liked spending time with Katerina, but they parted ways and Bella went home.
Over the next month or so, Katerina and Bella became good friends. They spent their eight hour shifts laughing, joking, and learning more about themselves. Katerina would talk of her home and how beautiful it was, but she never told Bella where it was or what the name is; she always simply said "it's far away". Bella knew a dodged when she saw one and she never pushed her new friend.
One night, when their shift was done at eleven o'clock, Bella invited Katerina to a party her best friend was throwing.
"I don't know," Katerina said.
"Please, they're a lot of fun, I promise and my friends will love you," Bella said. Katerina sighed.
"Okay, I'll go. I have nothing better to do anyways," she answered and Bella smiled. They got into Bella's car and drove about twenty minutes out of the city to Kayla's house, which was huge.
"Nice place," Katerina said as they walked up to the porch.
"Her parents own a few five star restaurants in town. They're very well off and there's not a neighbor for about two miles, so we usually have parties out here because we can be as loud as we want," Bella explained as they walked inside. They found Kayla immediately through the mass of students from their school, which Bella had said hi to on the way.
"Hey, about time you arrived," Kayla said, hugging Bella.
"You know I work late on Saturday's," Bella replied.
"Whatever. Who's this?" Kayla asked, looking at Katerina.
"Sorry. Kayla, this is the new employee I was telling you about, Katerina Markos. Katerina, this is Kayla Worthington, my best friend," Bella introduced. They shook hands.
"Well, I'm glad you could come. Bella won't shut up about how cool her new co-worker is," Kayla said. Bella went red.
"Kayla!" she hissed angrily.
"Really? I'm cool, huh?" Katerina asked, smiling and raising an eyebrow.
"Whatever, I'm going to get something to drink. Want anything, Katerina?" Bella asked.
"Just a soda, I don't care which one."
Bella disappeared to get their drinks and ran into a few friends along the way, stopping to chat with them.
Bella returned to Katerina, who was now talking to Bella's small circle of close friends. Max Jensen who was very tall, around six feet four inches with light green eyes. Alyssa Orionson, who was the shortest of the group at five feet flat and short dark red hair and different colored contacts every week (this week was purple). Harvey Court at five feet ten inchest, who has Filipino skin and almost black eyes with a warm smile. Her best friend jaw length dark blond hair with bright blue eyes and stood at five feet five inches.
Bella herself was five feet six inches with shoulder length, layered blond hair that had natural high lights from the California sun which accompanied her tan skin. She had an athletic build due to many years in volleyball. Her eyes, however, were what set Bella apart from her friends. They were an incredible, hypnotic emerald green with a few gold specks around the pupils. They were by far her best and everyone's (including Bella) favorite physical feature.
"Hey guys," Bella said, handing Katerina a Dr. Pepper. They all said hi back, but their words were drowned out by the sudden blast of music that was coming from the living room.
"Samantha's here!" Bella yelled at her friends. Samantha Grossman was the best DJ in school. Her friends smiled and went to the living room to dance.
"Are you going to dance?" Bella yelled to Katerina.
"I don't think so," Katerina replied.
"Oh, come on!" Bella yelled. She grabbed Katerina's hand before she could stop her and led her to the dance floor.
Katerina was reluctant to start dancing, but Bella soon got her to move. Bella couldn't believe how she could move. She was an amazing dancer and incredibly graceful as well. Bella and her friends were all dancing together, but found partners soon enough. Bella was dancing with Zack Adams and Katerina was with Nick Harris.
Bella soon lost sight of Katerina and didn't want her to feel weird surrounded by a lot of people she didn't know, so she went to go look for
her. She found her on the deck, overlooking the very large pool in the backyard.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Bella asked, joining Katerina as they leaned against the railing on their elbows.
"Oh, hey. Nothing, I'm just enjoying the view and getting some peace and quiet. I'm not used to this kind of scene," Katerina answered, smiling at Bella.
"We can leave if you want, I don't mind," Bella said.
"I said I'm not used to it, I never said I didn't like it," Katerina said, laughing.
"Well, anytime you feel uncomfortable, just let me know and we can leave. I've been to plenty of these and I wouldn't mind leaving at all," Bella said.
"Thanks," Katerina said, but then went quiet again. She stared up at the sky, her eyes looked as they were anywhere but the party. The one thing that Bella has noticed about Katerina's eyes is that they looked...old. Bella saw them and they reminded her of a hundred year old woman who has seen everything in life. They showed the wisdom and strength that only comes with age, yet her face was youthful and happy. When she stared off into space like she was now, Bella always wondered what she was thinking, because she had a feeling it wasn't about the trivial things kids their age usually think about.
"What are you thinking about?" Bella asked suddenly, pulling Katerina from her mind. She turned to her, surprise on her face.
"Why do you ask?" she asked.
"You stare off into space a lot and you always look so deep in thought. It makes me wonder what you're thinking. You don't have to tell me if
you don't want to, but I was just curious," Bella replied. Katerina didn't answer immediately.
"Maybe one day I'll tell you, but not now," she said, smiling at Bella, who smiled back.
"Fair enough," she said.
Katerina turned so her back was leaning against the railing. She was looking inside the house, watching everyone party.
"You have a nice group of friends," she said. Bella knew it was a compliment, but there was sadness and maybe regret in Katerina's voice. Bella wondered why.
"Yeah, they're great. We've been friends for years," Bella replied, getting into the same position.
"You're very fortunate," she said. Bella didn't say anything. She wondered where all this was coming from, but somehow knew Katerina wouldn't answer her if she asked.
"You know, I'm not really in the mood for a party anymore. Do you want to get out of here?" Bella asked without thinking, surprised by what she said, but still meant it. Katerina smiled.
"Sure. Where do you want to go?" she asked.
"How about my house? You could spend the night if you want," Bella suggested. She saw a flicker of panic in those wise eyes, but it was so quick, Bella swore she imagined it.
"Actually, why don't we go to my place? We'd by alone. I don't feel like putting on the meeting the parents face. Is that okay?" she asked.
"Yeah, that's fine. Let's go."
They went inside and said goodbye to her friends, then left for the half an hour drive to Katerina's apartment. Katerina was silent the whole ride, the only noise was coming from the radio.
They soon reached her building and went inside. Bella saw her small apartment. It had a bedroom, the living room and kitchen were connected, and a pathetic excuse for a bathroom. It was kept clean and neat, not even a dirty dish in the sink. There was a double bed, a nightstand without a phone or clock on it in the bedroom and there one chair at the dining room table. In the living room there was only one chair and a closet that held all of Katerina's clothes.
"It's not much, but it's home. I don't really need a lot," Katerina said as she saw Bella's eyes sweep the apartment.
"No, I like it; it's quaint and cute. Perfect for one person," Bella said, smiling at her friend, who smiled back.
"Are you hungry? I don't have a lot and need to go to the store, but I do have some snack food," she said.
"No, I'm okay, really. Thanks," Bella replied.
"Okay, well, I'm going to change into my pajamas. I'll grab some for you," she said. She went into the closet and pulled out two pairs of boxers and two tank tops. Bella said she would change in the bathroom.
Ten minutes later, they were in her double bed. It was big enough for both them to fit on, but it was impossible to not touch each other.
"I can sleep on the floor if your uncomfortable," Katerina said. They were lying on their sides, arms propped up on their elbows, facing each other.
"No, this is just fine," Bella replied, meaning it. They chatted for a few minutes about work and the party.
"I saw you dancing with Nick Harris," Bella said after a while.
"Was that his name? I couldn't remember it. He kept trying to get me a drink, so I left him," Katerina said, chuckling.
"He's not a bad guy. Pretty funny, actually," Bella said.
"And he's also younger than me," she said.
"Only by two years," Bella reminded her.
"He's also a guy," Katerina said. Bella stared at her strangely.
"Yeah...and?" she asked. Katerina raised an eyebrow. Bella still didn't get it and her eyebrow went even higher.
"You seriously need me to spell it out for you?" Katerina asked when Bella didn't respond.
"He's a guy and-oh," Bella said, understanding finally dawning on her. "Oh! He's a guy. I get it."
"Are you okay with that?" Katerina asked, looking a little worried. Regret filled her eyes, as if she was second guessing telling Bella.
"Of course. I have no problem with it at all. I'm surprised, but, uh, no, no problem," Bella said, smiling. She was telling the truth. It made no matter to her what sexual orientation Katerina was.
"Okay, good. I know you're Catholic and they are kind of against it," Katerina said.
"I don't believe in everything the Church says."
"What about Hell?" she asked. Bella was taken aback by the sudden change of subject.
"What about it?" Bella asked.
"What do you think of it? What do you think it's like?" Katerina specified. Bella didn't answer right away, thinking deeply about her answer.
"I'm not sure. It's hard to imagine. The Bible always speaks of flames and agony. I guess, when someone talks about Hell, I picture a place of absolute darkness. You're completely alone and that's how you know it'll be for eternity," Bella said. "What about you?"
Katerina didn't reply immediately. She didn't look like she was thinking about her answer, but was thinking about answering her question all together.
"I see a city. It's destroyed, the building in shambles, the roads filled with garbage. The city is red, but nothing's on fire except for the sky. It's a fiery orange. As for who's there, I see hundreds of people in the streets. Each one of them is going through a specific torture, suffering in complete and utter agony for the rest of existence," she explained. Bella pictured it in her mind and it sent shivers down her spine. It was more terrifying then her vision of Hell.
"Creepy. I'm not sure which of our versions I want to believe exists," Bella said, shuddering still.
"I think yours wouldn't be as bad," Katerina whispered. She didn't look into Bella's eyes, but Bella could see incredible pain and sadness in them unlike anything Bella had ever seen. She wondered what Katerina was thinking about, but didn't want to know at the same time.
Both girls were silent for several minutes, both of them not knowing what to say. Katerina still refused to meet Bella's eyes, but Bella continued to stare at Katerina, taking in her features. She truly is beautiful, Bella thought. The most beautiful person Bella has ever seen.
Bella felt a strange, sudden urge to run her fingers across Katerina's cheek and felt her face flush deeply. What was she thinking?
"I think I'm going to go to sleep. I'm exhausted," Bella said, lying on her back.
"Okay, me too. Good night," Katerina said, sounding slightly relieved. She turned over and switched off her lamp.
"Good night," Bella replied. Both of them lay on their backs, staring at the ceiling. Eventually, sleep found Bella and she drifted into a deep slumber, unable to notice Katerina watching her sleep.