Chapter 4: A Time of Discovery

Madison collapsed into bed exhausted. She arrived home and immediately faced the wrath of her aunt. As always, Melanie's "request" to stay at a friend's turned into an argument, and Aunt Lynn took it out on Madison. Since her twin wouldn't be present for the next few days, Madison was given the bulk of the house chores to do. In addition to dinner, she was to dust, vacuum, wash the dishes, mop, and a myriad other chores. Aunt Lynn went to bed while Madison was halfway done with the list. Madison asked if she could stay at Amber's the next night, and after the requisite refusal, she was presented with a second list of chores to accomplish the next day before she could go to Amber's house.

It was nearly two in the morning when Madison wrapped her blankets around her weary body and looked up towards the darkened ceiling. She thought back to the last couple of days. Her two near orgasms had left her sexually frustrated and horny. She had wholly intended to take care of the problem herself when she went to bed, but found that she didn't have the strength. She used the quiet time before she drifted off to sleep to do a mental assessment.

Her feelings about Melanie were so confused. At the moment she was so angry with her sister she would have slapped her if she'd walked in the room. Melanie was selfish. She always was and always would be, despite her words the previous day. She knew Madison would end up facing the brunt of Aunt Lynn's enmity, yet she still chose to run away from the situation. Madison felt a tear of frustration form in the corner of her eye and slowly run down her cheek to wet her hair. Another tear followed, but this was a different tear. This was a tear of loss. She had lost so much in her life that she should have known better than to be manipulated by her sister. Yet she had allowed it to happen. It turned into something that neither of them could handle, and now she might have lost her sister forever. That thought brought more silent tears. She knew she loved her sister, really loved her. They had shared intimacy that spoke volumes, and she didn't want to give it up, no matter how wrong it was. Only, now she knew she would have to, and she ached at the thought.

Madison let her mind drift to Amber. To her surprise, this line of thinking began to make her quiver inside. Playing with Amber had been phenomenal in its own right, with the added bonus of not having the incest stigma. Madison could live with the lesbian label. She was apprehensive, however. What if Amber changed her mind tomorrow? Or worse, what if she shunned Madison because of her behavior? That would hurt her so much. While she would be in anguish if she couldn't continue her discovery with Amber, she wasn't sure if she could live with losing her sister and her best friend in the same week. She hoped things would go OK tomorrow night, even if they didn't continue their games. Madison closed her eyes and imagined Amber's hands and mouth all over her body. She began to get worked up again. She reached down towards her sex, but her exhaustion consumed her before her passion could and she drifted off to sleep.

Melanie stumbled down to Jenny's kitchen to find the redhead sitting hunched with a dazed look staring at nothing. Her hair was a mess of knots and her eyes were sunken and bloodshot. Steam from a cup of black coffee bathed her face. Melanie had no doubt that she mirrored her friend's look. She could only assume that Jenny's feelings mirrored her own painful, awful ones. Melanie tried to talk, but pain shot through her head, bouncing around like a pinball.

After arriving at Jenny's the other day, the two girls had gone off to the park to flirt with all the boys, and then made their way back to her house to raid her parents' liquor stash. The reward for such activity was this monstrous hangover. Worse was that they were planning to attend Rachel Brown's party that night, and Melanie knew she'd get sloshed again. She thought she should just go home, but she knew she wouldn't. Too much baggage there. She just wanted to forget it all, and she couldn't think of any other way to do it.

Finally Jenny spoke, her voice a croaked whisper. "There's coffee in the Mr. Coffee."

Melanie only grunted before moving to the coffee machine, grabbing a mug of the steaming liquid and plopping down in a seat across the table from Jenny. Neither girl spoke. They slowly sipped their coffee and nursed their headaches. After almost an hour, Melanie was feeling brave enough to speak.

"Why do we do this to ourselves, Jen," she whined.

"'Cause it's fun?" The response came as a question.

Melanie huffed. "Sure. Real fun." They were quiet again.

After a time, Jenny spoke. "We can skip the party tonight, if you want."

Good idea, Melanie thought. I could use a break. She decided to verbalize this. "No. It's supposed to be a great party. We just need to watch how much we drink." Dammit.

They decided to kill the rest of the day trying to get rid of the headaches and then doing a little shopping before the shindig. They finally headed out about 7:00 that evening. After a couple of hours of shopping and then dinner, they headed to the Browns' residence. Melanie was feeling much better, though something deep inside was nagging her. She couldn't decide what it was, so she just pushed it aside. As they pulled into the drive that lead through the sprawling lawn up the Browns' large house, Melanie decided to enjoy herself at all costs. She smiled when she saw Craig Stephens' custom Dodge Ram and wondered if she could catch his attention tonight.

"OK. I'm officially stuffed." Amber's dad placed his fork and knife on his plate and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "Madison, you did a phenomenal job. Can I hire you as our chef?"

Madison blushed at the praise, which was a rarity in her own home, but responded to the obvious humor. "You don't need me. This was Amber's work."

"Whatever," Amber rolled her eyes and pushed against her friend's shoulder, but she was obviously pleased at the recognition. "I'd have been lost without you."

"Hey, I only gave you a start and some occasional pointers. You did the rest. This is your handiwork."

"Well, John. Who knew we were raising Rachel Ray's long lost sister?" Amber's mom asked, apparently also satisfied with the meal. Sandra Wilcox patted her progeny on the arm. "Well, done, Amber. You, too, Madison. I haven't eaten that well in ages."

Amber stood up and started gathering the dirty dishes. "All right Mom, Dad. Out. Go do ... whatever you do when you don't have to clean up from dinner. Madison and I can get it cleaned up and still make it to the movie in plenty of time."

After Amber's parents made their retreat, the two teens continued to clean up. Madison was very contented as she cleaned off the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. For the first time in a long time, she actually had fun in the kitchen. Amber was just so much fun to be around. Within seconds of arriving the blonde erased most of Madison's concerns away. When Amber closed the front door behind Madison upon her arrival, she greeted her friend with a hug and breathtaking kiss. Madison knew everything was going to be OK, and she immediately relaxed. After getting her things situated in Amber's room, the two began the work. Dinner was lemon chicken in a garlic butter sauce with rice pilaf, steamed broccoli, and homemade sourdough rolls. Madison had started that at home and just baked them at Amber's. Dessert was strawberry shortcake. Madison had helped Amber get started, and gave her tips along the way, but primarily served as Amber's assistant. Contrary to what her friend had said, she was actually competent in the kitchen before Madison's tutoring.

Madison was startled out of her trance as a pair of arms snaked around her waist. She felt warm lips pressing against her neck and reached up to squeeze the arms tighter. "What was that for?"

"Just wanted to say thank you," Amber replied quietly between little kisses on Madison's neck. "I've never felt very confident in the kitchen, but you helped me realize I could do this."

"Why did you feel uncomfortable in the kitchen? You're a good cook."

"Well, Mom just owns the kitchen, and I was always afraid she'd be critical. I don't think I could handle her criticizing me the way she does her culinary students."

Madison's jaw dropped and she pulled out of Amber's embrace so she could look the girl in the eye. "Culinary students? You mean your mom teaches cooking?" Amber nodded. "Ohmigod! I can't believe we just cooked for a professional chef. Why didn't you tell me?"

Amber grinned. "See? See what I mean? Now you know why I was so nervous." She went back to wiping counters. "I thought you knew what my mom did. She teaches at the Culinary Institute. She's won a bunch of awards and national merits over the years." She glanced at Madison, who was still open mouthed. "Well, I'm glad I didn't tell you beforehand. We might not have gotten anything accomplished. Now hurry up or we'll be late."

Madison forced herself back to finish the work. Shortly, they had the kitchen spotless and were on their way out the door. Amber called out to her parents as they left. "Mom, Dad! We're leaving! We'll be back about midnight!"

"Have fun, girls," her mother responded from somewhere in the confines of the house. "We'll probably be asleep when you get back."

One of the benefits of having a friend who was already sixteen: a license to drive. The friends settled in the car and started out. Almost immediately, they were holding hands, talking and giggling. Madison felt so at ease, so carefree. She glanced over at the beautiful girl in the driver's seat and thought about what she hoped was to come. She blushed at the pun about the same time that Amber glanced over at her. The blonde smiled a warm smile, and Madison felt her heart flutter. They kept up the incessant chatter all the way to the theater, through the line and in their seats until the lights went down.

Their movie of choice this night was an adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, which suited both girls just fine. Madison loved to write fiction, Amber loved to read history, and both were hopeless romantics. As the movie began, Madison could feel Amber's hand seeking hers out. She intertwined her fingers with Amber's and held it, and was feeling satisfaction. She was happy, and only a small part of her wondered—and worried—about her sister.

Melanie took a big swallow, feeling the burn of the beer as it slid down her throat. She was on her fourth already, and still hadn't the courage to talk to Craig. Her head was starting to hurt as it throbbed to the thumping beat of the music. It was nearly midnight, and the party had reached a crescendo. Dozens of teenagers had traipsed the scene, and were really getting into it. Melanie could feel the alcohol beating down her inhibitions, and she almost had the courage to approach Craig, though she wasn't sure what she would do once she did. She looked at the tall, muscular boy, who was jostling with some of his cronies across the room. She decided there was no time like the present. As she began to move unsteadily towards the object of her attention, she barely noticed Jenny approaching her, followed by two guys Melanie didn't know. Jenny stumbled just as she reached Jenny, effectively cutting off her path to Craig. A new song came on, a crunk tune by Li'l John & the Eastside Boyz. Melanie only noticed it because it changed the rhythm her head was beating.

3, 6, 9 damn your fine, move it till you sock it to me one more time...

Melanie tried to brush past Jenny, her eyes still focused on Craig. Jenny was trying to get her attention. Finally, when it became apparent she wouldn't get past her friend, she looked at her in consternation. Jenny was leaning close to Melanie's ear so the brunette could hear her. " ... kinda told them to fuck off."

Melanie tried to decipher what Jenny was saying, glancing between her friend and Craig. "Wha- Jenny, what did you say?"

"I told them to fuck off and then they—"

"Who?" Melanie tried to process what Jenny was talking about. The music continued.

Shortie crunk so fresh so clean can she fuck that
Question been harassing me in the mind this bitch is fine

Jenny thumbed back towards the guys who had followed her. They seemed to be waiting for something. "They said they wouldn't leave, um, until, you know ... well, I said I was with someone and they said who and I couldn't think—"

She getting crunk in the club I mine she work
Then I like to see the female twerking taking the clothes off BUCKEY naked
ATL. Hoe don't disrespect it
Pa pop yo pussy like this cause yin yang twins in this bitch

Melanie looked over towards Craig, frustrated for the interruption. She snapped back at Jenny. "What do you want, Jenny?"

Jenny hesitated before then continuing. "I couldn't think so I kind of said, well, you know, that I was with you."

"Well, you are," Melanie replied with a shrug. She began to move away, but Jenny caught her arm.

"I mean, like really WITH you, Mel."

Lil Jon and the East side boys wit me and we all like to see Ass and titties
Now bring yo ass over here hoe and let me see you get low if you want this Thug

It took a second for Jenny's words to register. "Dammit, Jen..."

Jenny leaned in closer, and Melanie cringed at the pungency of the pot smell that permeated her friend. "They said I needed to prove it. I ... I'm scared, Mel. I'm afraid they'll ... you know, if I don't ... you know, prove it."

To the window, to the wall!
To the sweat drip down my balls...

Melanie sighed in frustration, glancing again over at Craig. "What do you want me to do about it, Jen?"

Just then, Jenny leaned in and planted her lips against Melanie's. Melanie was stunned. She tried to pull away, but the wall of humanity around her kept her in contact with Jenny. She could make out the whoops and catcalls of boys, and even girls, around them. A sudden surge of bodies towards them and the girls, in their unsteady state, were sent toppling, breaking their kiss. Melanie reached out to break her fall and to her surprise, landed on a couch. She felt her breath knocked out of her as Jenny landed on her. Melanie was too stunned to move. She could hear the lewd comments and calls from around the room.

"Lesbos!"

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

"Yeah, hos!"

The crowd surged. The music thumped.

Let me see you get low you scared you, scared you
Drop dat ass to the floor you scared you, scared you
Let me see you get low you scared you, scared you
Drop dat ass to the floor you scared you, scared you

Melanie's head was spinning as she tried to make out the people around her. She saw no help in the contorted faces that leered down at her. Jenny was back up, her hands crushing Melanie's chest, her breathy voice panicked in Melanie's ear. "I'm sorry, Mel." Then Melanie felt Jenny's lips again on hers, her hands pawing at Melanie's breasts, arms, belly, sex. Melanie heard her clothes tear, felt more hands on her, pawing, clawing.

Now give me my doe back and go get ya friend
Stupid bitch standing there while I'm drinking my hen
Steady looking at me Still asking questions
Times up nigga pass me another contestant

Melanie tried to scream but couldn't breathe. She struggled, but her struggles pushed her further into the cushions of the couch. Jenny was gone now, replaced by strangers, pushing, prodding, groping. The room began to spin. Melanie opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her mind screamed. She could feel herself starting to shrink, to disappear inside herself.

She screamed inside herself. Madison, please! Help me! Oh, Madison, help me! And then she was gone.

Bend over to the front touch toes back dat ass up and down and get low
Bend over to the front touch toes back dat ass up and down and get low

The man stood in the shadows of the room, watching the teens. He had observed all evening. He was an unassuming man, and had become a regular at local parties, just blending in. He provided so much of what they were drinking and smoking and snorting that many of them knew him by name. Well, his alias, at least. To them he was just a dealer, no different than any other. But if they only knew.

He had his cell phone out, alternated talking and texting, but he wasn't really doing those things. What the teens didn't know was that he was actually snapping pictures. He was what his group called an observer. His job was to spend a few months observing the local teen scene, burrowing his way into it, and capturing pictures of the nubile young things that pranced themselves from party to party. He'd send those pictures, and names if possible, to his boss, and then he'd disappear, off to a new location. His work here was just about done. He'd captured images of 21 different girls, 10 at this party alone.

He looked at the last few pictures again. He was particularly proud of these, as they caught the action before the two girls collapsed onto the couch. He had to admit the sight of these two teen sluts making out was arousing, and he was sure his clients would be particularly interested in them. He momentarily debated moving in and trying to get some closer, more intimate shots, but the wall of teens blocking his view of the ongoing action would present too much of a risk.

A few late stragglers came over to try to catch a glimpse of the action.

"What's going on?" a tall zit-faced boy asked nobody in particular as he joined the group.

"Lesbian make-out!" came the excited reply.

"Who?" The tall boy stood on his toes to try to get a better view.

"Um, Jenny Farris started kissing Melanie Thomas and now they are going for it on the couch."

The two turned back to join the frenzied throng.

The observer typed the two names in and pressed send. He turned away with a smile. He placed one more quick call to protect his interests, and slipped out a side door. He had disappeared into the trees when the sounds of sirens could be heard in the distance.

Amber and Madison sat quietly in the car, looking anywhere except at each other. They were in Amber's driveway, ready to move on with their night. The dinner was over. So was the movie. Amber's parents were in bed. There were no obstacles, no distractions in their way now, and that made Madison very nervous. Excited, but nervous. Amber's sudden silence told Madison that she felt the same way. Finally, Madison's excitement kicked her nervousness to the curb. She took a deep breath and spoke.