Chapter 7

They had crossed Shaftesbury Avenue into Soho and found themselves in Old Compton Street with its many diverse bars and clubs.

"We don't have to go home," Hannah said. "We could go dancing."

"Like where?" Catherine asked visibly brightening.

"Right here looks fine," Hannah said. There was a short queue at the venue - and all the patrons were girls.

"Is this a, you know, a lesbian club?" Catherine asked barely above a whisper.

"I think so," Hannah replied. "At least we won't be hit on by guys!" she laughed.

"What if we are hit on by girls?" Catherine wondered.

"Everyone will think we are together," Hannah replied. "No need to worry."

Catherine bit her lip. "I suppose so."

Once more Catherine's clothes and makeup fooled the staff at the door and they entered unhindered. They had a ball dancing. Again they stayed off alcohol, mindful of the precarious legal situation. They met a pair of girls - Eleanor and her young friend Jennie - and had a great time both talking to and dancing with them too.

Reluctantly, they finally broke up the party and went home. "I think I'll want a shower before I go to bed," Hannah said. "Shall we shower together and help each other get the make up off?"

"Good idea," Catherine said and undressed quickly.

A good 20 minutes later she understood why Hannah had said showering separately was quicker. Under the mesmerising and plentiful warm water, they washed and caressed each other. On several occasions hands drifted towards crotches. When Hannah ran a finger long Catherine's pussy she shuddered and nearly came. "Mum says girls, you know, can lick each other," Catherine said. "It is supposed to be very nice to be licked"

"So I'm told," Hannah replied. "But I've never tried it. My ex-boyfriend wouldn't although he was keen enough for me to lick him." 'And you are my first girlfriend', she thought, but she didn't say that loud.

"Should we, you know, try?" Catherine asked nervously as Hannah switched off the shower and they started to dry each other.

"No," Hannah smiled. "That's a line we can't cross. It is against the law when you are so young. I shouldn't even have touched you down there before."

"I'm glad you did," Catherine replied. "It felt great."

They went to bed completely nude and kissed and cuddled each other to sleep, but by unspoken agreement their hands stayed out of crotches.

Sunday morning it was Catherine that woke up first. She looked at her beautiful friend and tried to analyse her feelings. Being naked in bed with Hannah was wonderful, but was this what she wanted? Thomas had been an interesting experience too - a pity really that Hannah and Mark had fitted so badly. Damn and blast having to choose. Damn and blast being deemed 'too young' all the time.

They had left the curtains open when they went to bed last night and Catherine's eyes drifted out over the river and the city skyline. She was miles away and nearly jumped out of her skin when Hannah suddenly said "A penny for your thoughts."

"I didn't know you were awake," Catherine said and then replied to Hannah's question in an indirect way. "I was just wondering if that club we visited last night, if, you know, if I really belonged there. Or if you do for that matter."

Hannah half smiled, half sighed. "You mean if we are lesbians?"

Catherine nodded. "I don't think I am," she said, then added "I like boys too, well, some boys, and I want babies."

"Do you regret anything we've done this weekend?" Hannah asked quietly.

Despite her youth, Catherine recognized her friend's vulnerability. "Never!" she replied. "This is the best weekend in my life and I love you!"

Hannah opened her arms and Catherine cuddled up close. Hannah was all smiles again. "Well, I love you too! I think it is quite obvious we are bi." Catherine's questioning eyes made her clarify. "Bi, as in bisexual - liking both kinds."

"Oh," Catherine said enlightened. "Mum says most people are, but at some stage you have to choose. I just hate having to choose." She trailed off, and then took up her other grievance. "Not that I have to choose any time soon. It will be 3 years before anyone is allowed to touch me."

"I think you will find that touching is OK as long as it is with someone closer in age. Your Mum is quite liberal, you know," Hannah said.

"Really?" Catherine asked. Few teenagers would agree to that description of their parents.

"Really!" Hannah replied. "Think of all the things she has talked to you about. Besides, she more or less OK'ed that we slept, as in slept, together this weekend. She knew I wouldn't hurt you - and she knows we love each other."

Catherine stared open mouthed. That was news. And it could make for some embarrassing moments when her parents returned. She dismissed the thought and followed up on something else instead. "But what about you?" she asked. "I think I interrupted you before."