Lovejuice
The store was called ‘Lovejuice’ and it smelled like cherry antiseptic. A literal hole in the wall off I95, tucked in between a Bob’s Budget Tires, and Electronics for Less. The four drab grey walls were plastered with an obscene amount of posters. Iris couldn’t have looked more out of place there, in her form-fitting skinny jeans and cotton button up blouse. Long spirals of sable brown hair fell to her waist from a pink Emma Jane barrette. She found herself currently staring at the ‘iVibe Rabbit Rotating Vibrator’ in her hands, a picture on the side presented a naked woman, holding the device against her thigh, her face contorted into some form of intense ecstasy.
“That thing will kill you.” Gingers’ soft lilting voice rang out like a small explosion in the meager store. A wayward smirk brightened her rich golden features. She watched with amusement as her friend, the epitome of innocence struggled with the concept of self-inflicted pleasure.
With a slight look of annoyance, Iris glanced up from the hot pink box in her hands “If I die, I’m taking you with me.” Ginger had coerced her into coming here. Iris sighed and shoved the box back onto the shelf with a look of defeat. Instant regret filled her. The frail sense of bravado she had was fleeing her faster than a horde of rats on a quickly sinking ship.
“Sounds fun!” Ginger giggled before pursing her candy apple lips in mock disapproval. “But seriously, isn’t that a little advanced for you sweetheart?” She put special emphasis on that last word, having created all sorts of pet names for Iris over the years. She liked this one the best.
“What do you suggest then? Oh wise Guru of the Sex Shop?” Iris waved her hand around the labyrinth of aisles that surrounded them. They had both graduated high-school a year earlier. Iris had actually done so ahead of her class. Ginger, as usual, barely squeaked by, unconcerned with school and all that went with it. Despite the differences, Iris couldn’t imagine how dull her life would be without the exuberant red head at her side.
“Something smaller, less complex.” Ginger responded firmly, as if she were the expert here. If there was one thing she could boast high knowledge of, it was definitely this.
“Such as?” Iris locked eyes with Ginger as she tucked her thumbs in her pockets, eyebrows raised in slight skepticism.
“Allow me to be your guide.” In one smooth motion, Ginger swept behind her and took hold of Iris’s shoulders. “Come with me angel”
Iris found herself being lead through the aisles as Ginger helped her navigate the maze of battery operated joy sticks. Particular mortification took place when they passed a myriad of dildos’ in all shapes, sizes and colors.
“Oh look Ri! They have all the colors of the rainbow for vaginal penetration!” The red head cried in mock excitement as they passed. Ginger certainly knew how to draw attention, like ants scenting sugar; people began peeking up from their respective aisles to gawk at the two as they flounced by.
After many twists and turns, Iris was pulled to a stop and ceremonially twirled around, only to find herself face to face with an entire wall of petite vibrators. Each one was hidden within its own uniquely outrageous package. “Here we are!” Gin boasted. “The novice section. Perfect for you, my little virgin.” The last was said while Ginger pinched Iris’s cheeks and made kissy faces.
“I never should have agreed to this.” Iris groaned ruefully as she batted Ginger away with her hand. A self-conscious wave of nervousness hit her fast and hard in the gut. It felt like kaleidoscopes of tangled throbbing knots were building atop each other. She looked over the shelf with a feeling of intimidation. There were just so many.
“Are any of these calling your name Ri?” Ginger asked, using yet another pet name to catch her attention.
“No-" Iris was distracted as Ginger idly adjusted the straps to her red tank top. It stretched tightly over her robust breasts, giving the false perception that they were just a sneeze away from falling out. By some act of magic, they never did. Unless of course, Ginger wanted them too.
Ginger caught Iris’s gaze and offered her a slow smile before bending over in a seductive manner to pluck up a pair of fuzzy leopard handcuffs from the bottom shelf. By doing this, her mini skirt was forced to hike up. Iris and anyone else who happened to look, witnessed a brief, yet unadulterated view, of a bright orange thong nestled betwixt the curves of Gingers’ perfectly tanned ass. “Is anything calling your name now?”
“You little whore!” Was a hushed whisper as Iris closed in on Gin “When did you start wearing those?” She tried desperately to hide the laughter that was threatening to burst forth.
Ginger righted herself with a slight wriggle of her hips, holding up the cuffs with one hand to examine, before tossing them back into the basket on the bottom shelf “I have all sorts of secrets Iris.”
Iris looked Ginger up and down with admiration. Hell. She didn’t even have the guts to wear anything shorter than capris. While Ginger could wear a paper bag and still have a line of men and women drooling over her. To top it all off, Iris felt her breasts were far too small. In fact, several potential boyfriends had described them as ‘perky’ or to her mortification, as ‘baby melons’. Thankfully, Iris was blessed with a slender figure and strong curves in the hip region, this she was proud of.
“I cannot believe I’m standing here mulling over vibrators.” Iris winced as she pulled herself back to reality, tearing her roving gaze from Ginger.
“Not exactly the type of trip one schedules into their daily planner.” Ginger sang as she poked one of the boxes with a slender manicured finger.
“Definitely not.” Iris murmured, she stepped forward and yanked a random box from the shelf. “There.” Iris tossed the box to Ginger. “Can we go now?”
“Sure darling” Gingers’ voice, a gentle coo, had a calming effect over most who were gifted enough to appreciate the husky undertone “I’ll pay. You go wait in the car.” with that, Ginger tossed Ri a set of keys before waltzing towards the nearest register.
::The Sand Trap::
They were flying along a series of back roads, with the top down in Gingers brand new Audi TT Roadster. ‘Lonely Boy’ by The Black Keys blaring on the radio “Isn’t this exciting?” Ginger called out against the blast of salty sea air that rushed against the two, whipping their hair out behind them in chaotic tangles.
Iris’s pale complexion was already reddening beneath the sweltering summer heat. “If you say so?” She shrugged, unfastening the top button to her blouse before placing a self-conscious hand over the black bag in her lap. It was a pitiful attempt to hide the store name ‘Lovejuice’ that was scrawled along the bags exterior in bright yellow letters.
Ginger tilted her head back and laughed as she planted her left hand on the wheel, then reached over with her right, to yank the small vibrator from the bag. She held the plain blue box up and dangled it over her head. “C’mon, you’re not even a teensy bit curious?” her voice was muffled and nearly lost between the bellow of the radio and the hum of the engine.
Before Iris could respond, they rounded a bend that forced her to cling to the inside of the car for dear life. “I would be, if I felt I would live long enough to use it!” Iris leaned forward to mash the button that silenced the Radio, meriting them a quiet moment to speak.
Ginger shrugged as she tucked the box between her legs in the driver seat, and then proceeded to scan the area around them, obviously looking for something. “It should be here, somewhere.” She nibbled at her plump bottom lip as her brows knitted up with slight frustration.
“What is here?” Iris looked around them at the vast expanse of interstate. A forest of pine trees towered over them on each side. What could Gin possibly be seeking in this mess of nature?
“Something special.” The red head said coyly before stomping her foot on the gas. The engine roared as they took off once again. They passed several more mile markers in silence before Ginger slammed her foot on the brake, making the wheels of the car screech and buffet against the asphalt.
Iris was sent lurching forward, only to be snapped back by the seatbelt. “Ow!” She whined, as the pungent scent of burnt rubber filled the air. The smell made Iris scrunch up her nose in distaste as she yanked off the seatbelt. She found herself leaning forward out of her seat to follow Gingers gaze.
“There it is” Ginger patted Iris’s leg playfully. With a grin that practically went ear to ear, Gin nodded toward a dirt road. It was cloaked within a mass of foliage and pine trees.
“There what is?” Iris pushed against the perforated black leather seat to scrutinize the obscure road. One would never see it, if they didn’t know what they were looking for. The dusty earthen road was barely visible behind a large sign. Its fading black letters looked weathered; she was barely able to make out the words “The Sand Trap” against its sun-bleached surface. The sign was old wood; heavy curtains of moss had already claimed the battered edges. This was, Iris guessed, a remnant of some tavern or pub that had long since closed “A sociopaths dream?” Iris quipped as she sat back in her seat, completely uninterested.
“Ha! No.” Ginger scoffed “Do you remember when I ran away for a week, last summer?” Ginger yanked the steering wheel to the left and directed the car through the tangle of bushes. The car bounced as it made the transition from smooth road to sandy alley
Iris watched civilization seemingly disappear in the rearview mirror before responding. “Yeah. They were calling me every day to ask if I had seen you.” Pine Trees seemed to suddenly engulf them.
Ginger gave a quick nod. “Yup, this is where I went. I found it by accident. I wanted you to see it too” She was careful now, going slower as she was forced to navigate a barely visible path. To her relief, the road eventually opened up so that tall arching trees weren’t so suffocating.
Iris eyed the branches passing above her, each one heavily laden with clusters of pinecones waiting for gravity to free them from their perch. “You are lucky you weren’t murdered and put into a can of Alpo.” Iris said with a bit of annoyance. They had been really worried about her.
Ginger responded with a weak smile. That had been a dark moment in her life. But this place had been like a sanctuary. Someplace she could go when she needed to scream at the world. “Do you feel lucky Ri?” She said with a sly, wicked grin”
“Great.” Iris chimed as she curled back into her seat. “You just tell me when Ted Bundy arrives, so I can get a running start.” She hated surprises; whatever Gin wanted to show her was not worth the anxiety building in her chest. She could just see her obituary now.
Ginger slowed the car down as the road ended abruptly to open up to a large clearing. She pulled the car to a stop just a few feet from the edge of a large drop off. It was a small cliff that offered a vast panoramic view of the South Atlantic Ocean.
Iris clambered up in her seat with a look of surprise. Stark white seagulls arched and swooped over a blanket of cerulean sea in the distance. Her expression fell to that of complete astonishment as she caught a glimpse of dorsal fins arching over the waves against the horizon. She was utterly taken aback by the scene. They were so far up; she felt she could see all the way to China. “It’s beautiful” her tone that of shock and awe.
“I figured we could watch the sunset here.” Ginger said tenderly, a strange twinge of enchantment laced her voice.
Iris glanced to Ginger and then to the clock radio on the console “But that is like, an hour or two from now Gin.”
Ginger moved languidly, her hand snaking out to caress Iris’s cheek. “I have an idea of how we can kill time lovely”
Iris pulled her eyes to meet Gins’ as she struggled to find the will to speak. “What, exactly did you have in mind?”
Ginger pulled her hand away casually, and with deliberate pause, began opening the box that held the newly attained vibrator. “These things suck when you do it yourself.” She turned the box end over end, allowing the small handheld love stick to fall into her palm. The contraption itself was a metallic black, four inches of spherical shape that slowly curved into a soft point. “So, I shall guide you.”
Iris felt that feverish blush in her cheeks grow warmer as she squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. Part of this made sense; they had played around in the past. They had shared a kiss here or there, including one chaste make out session that had taken place briefly in her room, before her mother came barging in. It had never really blossomed to more than that. It never had the chance too. “Gin…” she whispered unsure how she felt about this.
Ginger flashed her dear friend a confident smile as she ran the pad of her finger along the pointed tip of the vibrator. “Just trust me okay?” The words came out in a lusty tone that Iris had come to know very well.
“I do trust you Gin, you know I do” Iris fiddled with her white button up blouse and pulled it down over her stomach with a nervous shiver. “We talked about this, I don’t- I am not comfortable.”
Gingers purr was like that of a cougar before it pounced, she slid out of the car, tucking the vibrator in her back pocket before she rounded the car. “That is what I am here for darling, to make you more comfortable with who you are”
The door handle made a slight click as Ginger opened it and offered Iris a bronzed hand. “This place is secluded, trust me.”
There was no real reason to be afraid of this, she told herself. They were both attracted to each other. She pressed her hand into Gingers as she exited the car “I just, feel so… inexperienced compared to you…“ Iris moved to the front, taking a seat on the hood as she crossed her arms tightly over her chest.
Ginger slowly closed in on Iris as she sat down, seductively pressing her into the crimson hood of the car; their bodies were forced to slowly come together. She could feel the curves of Iris’ frail form beneath her body, the heat of it radiating through the fabric of her shirt. She shuddered with delight as she pressed on, pushing Iris down. Her lips found their way to the soft lobe of her ear, resting hot and wet against it. “I am really good at what I do Iris. Just sit back, relax, and let the pleasure come”
Iris moaned at the hushed, steamy whispers along the soft skin of her neck, meant to incite yearning, a small taste of what was to come. She felt a thrill of bliss travel from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Then, a sudden wave of panic as Ginger began to systematically unfasten the buttons to her blouse. “Wait.”
“Shh… Ri, let me do this” was Gingers eager reply as her fingers completed their work. The blouse fell free, opening up to reveal the gorgeous sight of perfect breasts held tightly by a laced beige bra.
Iris felt herself fall back, that sable hair cloying around her against the smooth warm surface of the hood. She felt the breeze as her flesh was exposed, the soft caress of Gingers fingertips as the shirt was pulled away to reveal her snowy breasts. Her heart began to race, pounding like a jack rabbit in her chest.
“See?” Ginger cooed as she brought her lips to Iris’s nipple, snuggled coyly beneath that sheen of soft silk.
Iris gave a small cry as her nipple responded immediately to the stimulation, growing hard and pebble-like as it pushed painfully against the confines of that silky fabric.
Gingers soft sigh of excitement was muffled as she brought her head down and trailed steamy kisses along the top of each breast. Deft fingers captured Iris’ erect nipples between her forefingers and thumbs where she proceeded to gently tweak and roll them between her finger tips.
Iris’s eyes fluttered to a close as she sucked in a deep breath, feeling herself getting lost in the way Ginger commanded her body to respond. She lifted her ivory hand and pushed it through Gingers gorgeous cinnamon hair. It felt like satin between her fingers “I could ask you to stop.” Iris spoke with a breathless smile, peering out from dark lashes.
“You won’t” Ginger replied with sweet confidence “Because you know you need this.”
Iris sucked in a deep breath between her teeth and let her emerald eyes fall to a close. She found herself asking the same question over and over in her head — did she need this? God. It felt so good when Ginger touched her. This amazing, vibrant and fiery woman wanted her. She could, for just a moment in time, have a taste of all that Ginger had to offer. How long could she truly deny herself such a simple thing?
“Yes.” Iris breathed “Yes I do”
Ginger didn’t hesitate; she had been waiting for months for Iris to come around. Ever since that first sweet kiss. If this was their moment, the one she had been waiting for, she refused to waste it. She pulled Iris roughly up against her, cradling the back of Iris’s head with her hand. The girls face pressing softly against her large cushion of breasts. She pulled off the girls’ shirt, whispering sweet nothings as she did. With over-eager hands Ginger reached behind Iris to unsnap the delicate latch the held her tedious bra in place. It fell away with not much resistance as delicious perfectly round breasts popped free beneath her heated gaze.
Iris looked up to Ginger with a slight nervous pout, stripped of her clothes from the waist up. She lowered her head. Slightly ashamed of her body, unsure if this was what Ginger had been expecting. She lifted her hands in an attempt to cover herself.
“You are beautiful” Ginger reached out to take hold of Iris’s wrists, halting her attempt to hide herself. “Don’t you dare hide” Ginger let Iris’s hands fall away so she could tentatively lift the weight of the girls petite left breast. She watched Iris’s face as she ran her thumb across the tip of her erect nipple, gauging her reaction before leaning down to suckle on its creamy pinkness.
A slight whimper of pleasure escaped Iris as she wrapped her arms around Gingers shoulders, long ivory fingers laced at the back of her neck. When Gingers’ moist lips curled around that throbbing nub, Iris felt something hot and moist begin to build between her legs. She pulled Gin in closer, holding tightly as she enjoyed the sweet sensation of that hot tongue, curling around her nipple. In an act of surrender, Iris titled her head back as she directed Gingers head to the opposing breast.
Ginger grinned and followed Iris’ direction, cupping the other breast in her hand before twirling her tongue around that throbbing peak. She squeezed the soft flesh of her breast between her fingers while teasing it with her tongue. Overwhelming, the need to dominate grew like a fire in the pit of her stomach. She knew she could easily overpower Iris, but that would not be fun. She wanted Iris to submit willingly. Slowly she pulled away, leaning back to look deeply into her green eyes. “That feels good doesn’t it?”
Iris nodded briskly as she struggled with a sudden need to reciprocate. She looked up to Ginger, wanting desperately to return the favor. Without thinking, she lunged forward, her anxious hands tugged at Gingers red tank until she pulled it frantically over her head. To Iris’s great pleasure, Ginger was not wearing a cumbersome Bra. Her grand breasts bounced, heavily swaying as Ginger was forced to take a step back. This allowed Iris a moment to soak up the beauty laid out before her. She was amazed at the perfect pear-shaped plumpness. Uncertainly, she reached out to cup Gingers right breast in her hand, feeling the weight of it against her palm. “I want to make you feel good too” Iris whispered as she leaned forward and pressed her face into the overwhelming softness. She pulled at the nipple with her lips feeling it grow hard against them before she felt out with her tongue, circling it over and over. The taste of her flesh was enough to drive her mad, an exotic rhapsody dancing over her taste buds.
Ginger had not expected the response she received from Iris. It was eager and mouthwateringly beautiful. She found herself arching her head back, lips parting as a low moan escaped her lips. Dear God! This was good. Little tingles ran up and down her spine as Iris worked her tongue around her throbbing hard peak. Ginger pushed her hands to Iris’s shoulders, using the leverage to push her back. Here actions were driven by need, she fell to her knees before Iris, frantically tugging off her shoes and then unfastened her’ pants, pulling them free of her legs in one smooth motion. “My turn” Ginger purred as she yanked down the girls panties to rest at her ankles.
Iris gasped at the sudden change in Gingers’ approach, recognizing the look of hunger in her eyes. She felt her breath catch in her throat as her clothes were pulled away. A shudder of delight ran down her body, as the warm summer air caressed the folds between her thighs. “Ooooh” was an involuntary response; it fled her lips before she could think to stop herself.
Ginger parted Iris’s lower lips pulling them away so she could run her tongue along the expanse of her crevice. She twirled the tip of her tongue around her clit before slipping a single finger into that tight hole. She appreciated the fact Iris was clean shaven down here. It made things so much easier when it came to delivering pleasure.
“Ah…” Iris moaned as she fell back onto the car, sucking in a labored breath between her teeth. Wave upon sweet wave, of wild pleasure rocked her body. She felt the swift urgency in Gingers digits as they delved further and further into the tight confines of her body. Her slick inner walls began to tighten. A steady, painful throb growing in her deepest regions as she felt herself come close to snapping. The sound that escaped her was animalistic when a rush of moisture erupted all over Gingers hand.
Ginger sang out at the sweet heady scent of Iris’s sex. She paused only for a moment, before diving in, to lap up the sweet nectar that was dripping down those pale thighs. She captured her clit with her mouth sucking it between her teeth applying just slight pressure before pulling back “So sweet” Ginger curled her lips into a small — o- blowing warm air across that throbbing clit.
Iris shuddered again, this time cumming so hard her body began to tremble, yet somehow she knew this was only the beginning. This was only part of what Ginger wanted to do to her. “Gin…” she whimpered as she wriggled beneath her, parting her legs further, exposing herself completely to Gingers gaze. “Please… ” She didn’t even know what she was asking for. She just knew she wanted release, and Ginger was the one to do it.
Ginger grinned wickedly at the request, so fucking hot. Still topless, she dug into her back pocket to retrieve the vibrator, a swift flick of her hand and it buzzed to life. “Please what?” she teased “Please make you scream?” She took her sweet time dragging the vibrator along Iris’ thigh. “Is that what the angel wants?” She kissed her way up along Iris’s pale body. Expertly, she lifted one hand, to take both of hers’ and pin them over her head. The other hand, was tracing the vibrator in a slow path around the girls dripping wet entrance. Ginger felt herself growing wet, her thighs sticking together. She would be sure to find her own release before this was over.
Iris was reduced to begging as Ginger teased her, moist lips parting to plea for sweet climax. She arched her back, bucking her hips frantically. “Yes.” she whimpered. “Please make me scream”
“As you desire” Ginger breathed, she pressed the vibrator hard against Iris, resting the tip against the clit while a finger trusted into her moist center. First one finger, then two and three. She pressed in deeply only to retreat for the briefest of seconds before pushing hard into her.
Iris let out a yelp as the cold tip of the vibrator touched her clit, its buzzing hum titillating it into wicked response. Iris flew up as a moan of sweet pleasure echoed through her body, then fell back in a panting sweat. Ginger was relentless in her pursuit, driving Iris madly to the brink of mindless pleasure. She reached a point where she could no longer control the way her body responded, it writhed and contorted uncontrollably beneath waves of pleasure as they crashed down upon her.
“Cum for me Iris” Ginger whispered as she trusted her hand once more even deeper than any time before, wanting to wrench that scream from the girls lips. She felt that pussy tighten and constrict around her fingers. So very close now.
Iris thrust her hips forward as her climax threatened to shatter her entire existence. A long pleasured scream filled the air, shattering the silence of the cliff. There was a sudden rush of heat that formed between her thighs, waves of moisture running freely down her legs. Iris fell back, trying desperately to catch her breath. “Oh…my…god…” she whispered between gasping breaths, she was trembling.
Ginger grinned, and then ran a hand through the Iris’s dark brown hair. She moved away briefly to tuck the vibrator away into her back pocket. “Did you like that?” she murred as she returned to Iris’s side.
“Yes.” Iris sighed happily. “So much.”
“Good. Now touch me, feel between my legs” Gingers voice was husky with need. She had gotten herself so hot and bothered; her own body was throbbing painfully.
Iris sat up, suddenly feeling selfish. Completely concentrated on her own fulfillment, while remaining ignorant of what Ginger needed as well. She locked eyes with her as nimble fingers lifted her skirt up. That bright orange thong was moist at the center; Iris felt it against her fingertips as she brushed them along the shaved crevice of her body. “Like this?” Iris said sweetly as she slid beyond the thong and directly into Ginger.
“Oh…oooh, yes, like that”
Iris felt a toying smile play at her lips as she pulled Ginger closer, pressing their torsos firmly into each other. One hand rested at the Gingers generous curve of hip as the other pressed her finger as deep as it could go.
Ginger rewarded Iris with a low moan, the girl certainly did learn fast. “Suck it Iris, I need your lips against me.” Ginger found herself pushing Iris to her knees in the sandy expanse of the cliff, pressing her face hard into her groin.
Surprised, but not offended, Iris slowly tugged the thong to the side, before she sent her tongue into wild swirls against Gingers glistening center. The scent was different from hers; it was headier with a twinge of sweetness. Intoxicating. Iris pressed her mouth into the center of it, breathing it in as her tongue delved hungrily inside to lap up the juices beginning to flow.
Ginger felt her knees growing weak; unable to stand any longer she fell to the ground, lying back, with her hands over her head as Iris continued. Ginger thrust her hips up anxiously; grabbing Iris’ hand she pressed it into her vagina. Leading her fingers inside, showing her what to do.
Iris canted her head to the side, pulling her hand back only to push it back in without much warning, this time, slipping a second finger into her, making the silky walls of Gingers pussy stretch and mold around her. “You feel so good Gin” She whispered as she found a methodical steady pace, alternating how many fingers she used. Two, three, one, three. Iris continued on watching the sweet expressions of pleasure as they danced across Gingers features. Each sound that she made only pushed Iris to drive harder, go deeper, wanting to hear it over and over again.
Ginger lifted her ass in the air, sweet moans escaping her as Iris pummeled her pussy relentlessly. She became lost in the frantic waves of ecstasy that were cascading over her body. Her breasts heaved as she panted out Ri’s name over and over, head thrashing back and forth until the rise of pressure in her burning loins became too much. Lost in the moment, her release shook her to her core, a violent surge of cum seeping and pouring out all over Iris’s fingers, hand and arm.
Iris felt pleased with herself, almost proud, as she crawled along the length of Gingers’ body to rest her head on her chest. Ginger curled into Iris as she did, the two clinging to each other in a tangle of limbs. They were wet from the wasted down their skin matted with dust and sand, but both were grinning like cats dipped in hazelnut cream.
Eventually, Iris sat up and tentatively ran a hand through Gingers tangled hair, looking into her eyes with a new appreciation. “Gin…that was….” She smiled softly. “Amazing.”
Ginger sighed happily, running an idle hand across Iris’ breasts. “Better than amazing, that was heavenly”
Iris blushed and propped her head up with the palm of her hand, her elbow firmly planted in the sand as she stared out over the edge of the cliff. The gorgeous sunset behind Ginger caught her attention. The vivid contrast of colors in soft pastels streaked across the sky. She watched how the horizon in its azure hue, was slowly dappled in violets and vibrant streaking reds. The ocean reflecting the ember orb of the sun as it hid its face from the world. “I have never felt anything like that in my life.” Iris whispered as she brought her gaze back to the sun kissed Goddess next to her.
Ginger was absently running a finger along the curve of Iris’s shoulder, trying to find the nerve to speak. “Ri” Ginger paused to muster her courage. “I want to be your girlfriend.”
Iris blanched, and felt all the blood leave her face as she struggled with the proverbial bomb Ginger just dropped in her lap. In her mind this secret moment was brought writhing into reality. She frowned inwardly, unsure if she was ready for such labels. She was especially skeptical of this particular label, which would change how the world viewed her. Her entire religious family, all her friends… she would be forever changed in their eyes. Wherever they went, they would have to deal with that. Iris felt panic rise in her chest. “I don't think that would be a good idea Gin” the words rushed from her lips in frantic haste.
Ginger felt her heart sink in her chest, definitely not the response she had been seeking. “I see.” The simple words could not have been said in a colder tone.
A twinge of anger filled the space in her chest that had just moments before been bursting with joy. “What a fool I am.” She had never been able to hide her emotions very well, even under the best of circumstances. She pulled herself to her feet and pulled her skirt down over her hips before retreating to find her top.
“Gin, please don’t be mad… I…” Iris felt instantly horrid as she tried to reach out to Gin. “Please understand… this is all new to me.”
Ginger yanked her top on over her head, pushing a golden hand through her hair in a frustrated manner. “You can’t use that excuse forever Ri. You have to make a choice”
“Do you even realize what you are asking?!” Iris felt her voice rising in anger as she pulled herself to her feet, fists clenched at her sides. Spying her jeans in a crumpled heap, she moved to pluck them from the ground and hurriedly pull them on.
“Yes!” Ginger snapped as she tore off toward the car, pausing before she opened the driver side door to look Iris up and down. “You need to accept who and what you are.” Ginger shook her head at the blatant naivety that encompassed Iris. “Because, no matter how much you try, you will never be a happy housewife, popping out kids for your husband.”
Iris felt a rise of rage in her chest. Angry at the bitter truth being thrown in her face, her stubborn pride caused her words to come out harsher than she actually meant. “What if I want that life Gin? Did you ever think of that? Maybe, I don’t want to live like you do.”
Ginger stared at Iris with pain filled eyes. The words stung, pierced her heart. She lifted her chin defiantly and slid into the car. “Fine.” She murmured with a tone of utter defeat. Fuck it. There was no point in fighting. She already felt like a fool. It was obvious, that Iris saw her as some toy to play with every now and then. Not good enough, to be considered as anything more than that.
Iris finished buttoning her blouse in silence. Aware of the sadness that now overshadowed Gingers normally bright features. Slowly, she walked to the car. “I’m sorry Gin.” Was all she could offer as she slid inside and closed the door.
Ginger said nothing. She turned on the car and whipped it around so she could angle it back down the dirt road. She was going to put this firmly in the past. Leave everything behind on that cliff. Time to move on. She was no toy. She was worth more than that.
Iris sat silently in the car, looking out her window with a forlorn expression. Twilight had already begun to make a path across the sky when they pulled back onto the main road. She watched the sprinkle of celestial lights slowly beginning to peek through the raven mask that overwhelmed the heavens. Shame and sadness wrenched at her heartstrings. Ginger was taking her home. After that, she didn’t know what would happen. Would they ever even speak to each other again? She looked towards Ginger, wanting to say something, anything, but no words came. Slowly, she curled her legs into her chest, lowering her forehead to rest at the tops of her knees.
The silence that filled the car was uncomfortable to say the least. Ginger found herself counting the minutes until they reached the South Beach condo that Iris shared with her mother. She pulled to the curb of the complex and parked. “Hey” She said softly. Iris looked like she was sleeping. “You’re home” She felt a twinge of remorse for the way things ended. There was nothing she wanted more than to see Iris happy. Unless Iris could show some sign or willingness to be with her, she would not be exposing her feelings to her again. Cold stone walls were already rising around her aching heart.
Iris stayed still for a long moment, keeping her head down. There was nothing she could say to fix this right now. Instead, she simply got up and pushed her way out the door, letting it swing shut behind her. “Call me tomorrow?” She tried to pull some sort of response from Ginger, terrified that she would never see her again.
The question surprised her; Ginger glanced up to Iris, eyebrows raised in confusion. “Call you?” She found herself driven by some feral need to inflict pain back on the one who had hurt her. Ginger turned away, looking out ahead of her as she shifted the car into drive. “I don't think that would be a good idea Ri” before she could witness the pain her own words caused, Ginger was gone. The car lurching forward as she sped away from the only love she had ever known.
A single silver tear rolled down Iris’s soft cheek, falling to the pavement beneath her feet. She watched with great regret as the taillights faded into the night. Some part of her knew this wasn’t the end. They cared for each other too much to stay apart. Didn’t they? She turned on her heel and began the slow trek up the walk to her front door. Returning to the life that was comfortable should have been easy for Iris. All she had ever wanted was to be normal, to fit in. Stepping back into this life should have created some sense of belonging. Yet somehow, everything was different now. She had been displaced, changed to her very core. Deep down, Iris knew nothing would ever be normal again.