Beauty and the Geek: a Sapphic tale (Part 4)

Here is the link to Part 3: https://budgetpixel.com/blog/beauty-and-the-geek-a-sapphic-tale-part-3 * The kiss happened almost by accident. After several days of gusting rain, the sun had reappeared in a sky shaded with cornflower blue, giving Ellie the chance to see Biscuit once again. Spending time with Lauren held an attraction too, of course. "You keep going over the same bit," Lauren said as Ellie swept a brush along the ridge of Biscuit's spine. "She likes it," Ellie replied. The pony flicked an ear, which Ellie took to be agreement. The afternoon had turned muggy. Beyond the paddock, the trees lining the back garden began to stir as the wind picked up. Lauren came round to see her handiwork. She patted Biscuit's flank, standing close enough for Ellie to notice the shine of perspiration on her upper lip. Then a large drop of rain splashed onto Ellie's nose, quickly followed by several more. She blinked. "Oh, brilliant," Lauren muttered. It clearly wasn't brilliant, but Ellie knew better than to point that out. Suddenly the heavens opened, and by the time they'd guided Biscuit into her stall, both girls were drenched. They took refuge in the adjoining tack room, with the rain clattering on the roof overhead. Ellie gave her hair a shake, releasing a small spray of water. "Here, use this," Lauren said, handing her a towel that had an earthy, musty smell. Ellie began rubbing her hair, but stopped when she noticed Lauren watching her. "What?" "Nothing." Ellie resumed the towel rub. She wasn't convinced it had been nothing, but asking again would probably be irritating. When she lowered the towel, Lauren was still looking at her. "You've got a bit sticking up," Lauren said. "That's normal." "I know." "Your hair's sticking up too," Ellie said. Lauren touched the side of her head, trying to smooth it flat. "Any better? Or do I look ridiculous?" Ellie considered her. She didn't look ridiculous. She looked like Lauren, only wetter. "Honestly, you don't." Lauren lowered her hand. "Good." Neither of them spoke. Ellie was used to silences that meant she'd said something wrong. This one felt different. Lauren wasn't on the lookout for something else to do. She seemed content to stay where she was. A strand of Ellie's hair fell across her eyes. She tried to blow it away. "Here," Lauren said. She tucked it behind Ellie's ear, her fingers brushing Ellie's cheek. Ellie looked up. Lauren's hand lingered, then she began to draw it away. Ellie caught her fingers. She hadn't planned it. She only knew that she didn't want to lose the feel of Lauren's touch. Lauren looked at their joined hands, then back at Ellie, who hesitated, uncertain what to do next. Lauren gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She leaned forwards. Their lips met, a little clumsily at first, then less so. Ellie was conscious of the rain hammering overhead, the wet collar against her neck, the unfamiliar pressure of Lauren's lips. She couldn't quite separate one sensation from another. Then she closed her eyes. That helped. She kissed Lauren back. It lasted for seconds that seemed to stretch. When Lauren drew away, Ellie was still leaning towards her. For a moment they simply gazed at one another, catching their breath, until Ellie realised she was gripping Lauren's fingers rather tightly and loosened her hold. "Sorry." "It's all right." Ellie looked at her. She wanted to kiss Lauren again. Lauren smiled. This time Ellie leaned forwards first. The kiss was firmer, slower. Their knees bumped as they moved even closer, and Ellie became aware how much easier it felt once she stopped worrying if she was doing it right. When they drew apart, Lauren broke into a new smile. "That was nice," Ellie murmured. "Nice?" Ellie considered the word. It was accurate, but definitely insufficient. "Very nice." Yet she doubted there was any word that could really do justice to what she felt in that moment. Nor could she imagine what might happen when they left the stable, said goodbye, or saw each other at school. Usually, not knowing would have unsettled her. Strangely, for now, it didn't. Somewhere outside, water dripped steadily from the edge of the roof. The clatter of rain had stopped so gradually that Ellie hadn't noticed the quieter sounds taking its place. "Come on," Lauren said, reaching for Ellie's hand. "Let's go and see how Biscuit's doing." Ellie nodded, and they walked out together, squinting into the brighter light. THE END