Julie & Jill

Jill exited the parking lot. Her beach house was about eight blocks away. Wait till I tell Kathy about this one! she thought as she drove through the darkening streets. She yawned, running a finger through her dark, silky strands. Well, I made it two blocks so far, she thought as she stopped at a red light. She continued on another three blocks, heading for the intersection. The light was green. She proceeded to go through it, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a car came whizzing by from the left. Jill slammed on the brakes and hit her horn, skidding to a stop just as the car passed the front of the SUV, barely missing a collision by inches. She sat there a moment, breathing heavily as a shaky hand reached to cover her pounding heart. A mixture of anger and relief poured through her. She continued on home without incident. After a quick glance at the day’s mail, she picked up the phone and dialed her friend Kathy’s number. “Hello,” said Kathy. “You are not going to believe the night I had,” Jill started off by saying. “Tell me all about it. I wanna hear it all, girl. What do you think of her?” “I don’t know. I just don’t know, Kat.” “What do you mean?” “Well, she’s smart and she’s got a good sense of humor, yet she’s a nut.” “How so?” asked Kathy. “Like as in crazy?” “No, she’s much too intelligent to be crazy. She’s just a very eccentric individual. Let’s see… where do I start? Well, she breaks people’s fingers and goes to jail, goes on disability for being crazy, uses the men’s room when the ladies’ room is out of order, but she did save my life a little while ago,” Jill said, telling Kathy of Julie’s predictions. “Do you believe in psychics, Kathy?” “Yes, I do. But what about the sexual part of it? You guys had fun yet?” “No, we haven’t had fun yet,” said Jill as if Kathy should know better. “We just met.” “So?” “So you know I’m a little more old-fashioned than that.” “What next then?” “I don’t know. She’s attractive and rather exciting, but I don’t know if I should be getting involved with someone that different from me.” “Maybe that’s your problem, Jill. You’re looking for carbon copies of yourself. Try some variety for a change. It spices things up.” “Yeah, maybe.” “If you’re not sure of her, you can at least have fun with her. She’s got a cute little body.” “I need more than that, Kathy.” “Ok, then ask yourself this.” “What’s that?” “Since you’ve met, even though it hasn’t been long, can you get her off your mind?” Jill thought for a moment, then, with reluctance, she said, “No.” “Go for it, girl. Just go for it.” -------------------------------------------------- After Jill dropped her off, she took the elevator to her tenth-floor apartment. Julie quickly ran for the phone to call her best friend Linda. Linda lived in her building on the third of the fifteen floors. The two had met in the laundry room. They were the same age and size, only Linda had fiery red hair and hazel eyes. She worked in a perfume store in a nearby mall and was always giving Julie free samples. Although Linda was straight, she was very open-minded, a must to be a friend of Julie’s. “The word ‘hot’ barely describes her,” Julie told Linda with excitement, “though I worry that the feeling isn’t mutual.” “Why wouldn’t it be?” she asked. “You’re good-looking, you’re fun to be around.” “I don’t know. Perhaps I came on a bit too strong. I mean, I don’t think she’s used to people like me.” “You mean psychics?” “That, my bluntness, and just my overall personality. For starters, I just hope she heeds my warning and doesn’t get into any accidents on her way home.” “The only way you’ll know if she wants you, assuming she makes it home in one piece, is to pursue her with the assumption that she’s just as interested as you are unless she comes out and says differently.” “That’s true.” “Are you attracted to her?” asked Linda. “Definitely, but I wish she’d loosen up a bit. She’s definitely way more on the serious side, though I know she has to be herself,” said Julie. “She is who she is.” “That’s just her Italian nature.” A moment of silence passed. “I’m going to go for her just as you suggested unless she gives me the boot,” said Julie. “Thatta girl. The chase can be just as fun as the capture.” The next day, Julie stepped out of the clinic’s elevator and rushed towards the section where Jill worked. The receptionist was not at her desk. Julie then peered down the corridor. At first, she saw no one, then suddenly, Jill stepped out of a room and stood in the middle of the hall, gazing down at a patient’s chart. “Jill!” Julie called out a little louder than she meant to. Jill jumped slightly, startled by the sound, then walked hurriedly toward Julie. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” said Julie. “I just had to see if you were ok.” “I’m fine,” said Jill, looking around to see if anyone else was nearby. Then, “You know, you really embarrassed me with the Spanish.” “Huh?” asked Julie in confusion. “Do you know how embarrassed I was after trying to find someone who could decipher your little note when they told me what it meant? She’s been teasing me all morning about my loosening up.” Julie began to feel the heat rise to her face. “Hey, that’s not my problem. I didn’t tell you to go and ask someone what it meant. You were supposed to figure it out yourself. Haven’t you ever done that before, figured something out for yourself?” “Yeah, I figured out you’re a nut,” said Jill. “Meanwhile, I appreciate you saving my butt, but you need to go now. I’ll call you sometime soon.” “I won’t bother you here anymore. I just wanted to see if you were ok.” “I’m fine. I just have to deal with good old Maria.” Julie had started away, then stopped to face Jill. “Take a tongue depressor and shove her tongue down her throat. She won’t be teasing you then.” Julie walked away, leaving Jill speechless. The rest of the day passed, and so did the next. Julie was getting more and more depressed by the moment. You blew it, girl. You and your big mouth. She’ll never call you. You’ll never see or hear from her again, so just get over it and move on. She wasn’t meant to be. She’d have called you by now if she were. Yet two days after she last saw Jill, she was pleasantly surprised. The phone rang. Her caller ID said it was from the clinic. She picked up the phone and said hello. “Hi Julie, it’s Jill.” “Hi.” “I just wanted to let you know your tests came back negative.” “Oh, that’s good. Thanks for letting me know.” Silence. Then— “Uh… Julie?” “Yes?” “Think you might be up to some company later on?” “Sure,” said Julie, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice. “I’ll call you when I get home,” said Jill. “Ok.” “Talk to you then.” Julie hung up the phone and looked at the clock. It was just after noon. It’s going to be the longest afternoon of my life, she thought, and tried to speed up the long wait with some housecleaning. Still, each minute seemed like an hour. Thoughts of the pending visit made her both excited and nervous at the same time. When the phone finally rang, Julie let it ring twice before answering so as not to appear too eager. “Hello?” “Hi, Julie. Still want some company?” “Yeah, come on over. I’m in 1022 on the tenth floor.” “Think I’ll get there in one piece?” “Yes,” said Julie with a chuckle. “Ok. Be there in ten, fifteen minutes.” Jill hung up the phone, surprised to find just how much she was looking forward to seeing Julie. Cute, nutty little Julie. ________________________________________ She heard the shouting and cursing as soon as she stepped out of the elevator. Midway down the hall, she saw Julie screaming at another girl who lived a few doors down on the opposite side. The girl appeared to be close to Julie’s age, but an inch or two taller. Julie’s back was toward Jill, and at first, Jill didn’t even realize it was her—she had never seen Julie with her hair down. She didn’t know it was so long, reaching to the middle of her cute, snug little butt. The other girl spotted Jill, but Julie didn’t seem to notice she’d come up behind her. “And if you fucking mess with my laundry again, bitch, I’ll shove your own down your goddamn throat!” screamed Julie, feeling the heat of her fury in her face. “Oh, go to hell, asshole! I didn’t touch your damn laundry!” “I saw you!” “Yeah? Whatchoo gonna do about it, you split chick?” “Why, I’ll just show you!” Julie lunged for the other girl. However, before she could take more than a couple of steps, a pair of long arms grabbed her from behind at the waist. Julie struggled, but the arms were much too strong for her to break free. “Calm down,” she heard Jill demand with sternness, just as the other girl burst out laughing. “Looks like you met your match, girl! You ain’t getting a go at me now!” “Just get in your apartment!” Jill shouted at the girl. The girl turned and slammed her door behind her. Julie was still struggling. “Julie, calm down!” Jill ordered as she shoved her inside her apartment and closed the door behind them. She didn’t release her hold on Julie until the door was completely shut. Breathing heavily, Julie spun around to face Jill. She liked what she saw immediately. Though Jill was casually dressed in jeans and a red T-shirt, she looked absolutely beautiful. She smelled wonderful, too. Her makeup was applied perfectly, just as it had been the last two times she’d seen her. She realized that Jill realized she was checking her out. But Jill was also admiring Julie’s good looks. To Jill, Julie looked like a fairy princess come to life with her long, golden-brown curls and overall beauty. Her lavender floral sundress flattered her shapely figure, and her bare little toenails were polished red. Snapping back to the situation at hand, Jill asked, “What’s gotten into you today?” “I’m just sick of her pawing through my clothes when they’re down in the dryer.” “Shouldn’t you call the cops instead? I mean, what if she pulls a gun on you or has someone my size—or even bigger—go after you?” “I’m not worried about it,” said Julie. “Would you like something to drink? It’ll have to be something non-alcoholic. I don’t drink.” “Me neither,” said Jill. She thought about it a moment. “Got any diet soda?” “Diet Coke.” “That’ll be fine. Mind if I look around while you get it?” “No, not at all.” Thumbs hooked in the belt loops of her jeans, Jill made a quick tour of the tiny one-bedroom apartment. “You have a cute place here,” Jill said just as Julie was carrying the soda glasses into the adjoining living room. “Yeah, it’s ok. Nice view, but a little small.” “Thanks,” said Jill as she took the glass Julie handed her. The two sat on the couch and gazed at each other for a moment. Jill was the first to break the silence. “Do you mind if I ask you something, Julie?” “No, not at all.” “My question may come off as rather offensive, but I can assure you I certainly don’t mean for it to.” “It’s ok either way.” Jill looked into Julie’s eyes. “Have you ever received any kind of counseling or medication?” Julie burst out laughing. “What do you think?” Jill continued to look at her thoughtfully, chewing on her index finger. “I don’t know what to think where you’re concerned,” she finally said, turning to gaze out the window. “Do you know why my heartbeat was rather accelerated when we first met?” asked Julie. “I mean, do you really think it was nerves?” “I think I can take a wild guess,” Jill said, turning back toward her. Julie took a sip of her soda. “Have you ever been with a woman before?” asked Jill. “Once. You?” “A few, though they really weren’t what I wanted. I’m pretty picky, you know?” Julie nodded. “Yeah, you strike me as the type who’d have a problem with everyone—though I certainly mean no offense, any more than you did. It’s good to be selective. I’m that way myself, or else I’d probably be a real slut.” Jill absorbed what Julie said, then began to giggle. Julie looked surprised. “My gosh, she’s giggling! I didn’t think she was capable of it.” “You’re quite a lady, Julie Welles.” “Yeah?” Jill nodded. “And a very beautiful one, too.” Julie beamed. “I suppose I don’t have to tell you that the feeling’s mutual, but I will anyway. You’re totally hot.” Jill chuckled. “Thank you.” Julie turned and lowered her eyes. “We obviously could never cut it in a relationship, though.” “Why’s that?” asked Jill with curiosity. “Because we’re so different,” answered Julie. Jill contemplated for a moment, then said, “Well, I must admit I’ve never met such a unique character as you. Do you like people who are more like yourself?” “No, I don’t. That’s another reason why I spend so much time alone. I’m all for the opposites attract saying, but most people aren’t.” “That’s true,” agreed Jill, “but maybe a little contrast could be a good thing—as long as the people involved take it slow.” She noticed the computer in the corner of the room. “What do you do on the computer?” “Various things. I mostly keep a journal and play games. Want my e-mail address?” “I don’t have a computer. Who do you e-mail with?” “My friend Linda right now. She lives downstairs. I met her when I first moved out here. She’s straight but way cool and way open-minded.” “That’s nice,” said Jill, placing her soda on the coffee table and standing up. “Well, I think it’d be best if I headed out now. I’ve got to be up early tomorrow.” “Do you work on weekends, too?” Julie asked, rising to her feet as well. “Nope. The clinic is closed on weekends. I promised my friend Kathy I’d help her and Kara move into their new condo tomorrow. What’s your work schedule?” “I train all day on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and perform on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 PM to 10 PM—though not steadily throughout the whole three hours.” “Mind if I use the bathroom before I go?” “Of course not.” When Jill emerged, she quickly placed something on the counter that divided the kitchen and living room while Julie’s back was turned. “All set,” she said. Julie pulled her gaze from the window and turned to face Jill. “Oh, ok.” “Thanks for letting me stop by.” “It was my pleasure,” said Julie as they moved closer to the door. Jill turned to face Julie, then bent down slightly and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Julie felt her pulse quicken as she cracked a wide smile. “Good night,” Jill said with a wink. “Good night.” The instant the door shut, Julie heard the girl’s voice. “I hope you whooped her ass,” she said. “Yeah, well, I hate to disappoint you because I didn’t, and I never would.” “She’s a jerk.” “Then don’t have anything to do with her. If you guys run into each other, just ignore each other, ok?” “Are you a lesbian?” “It’s none of your business what I am,” said Jill. A mad peal of laughter erupted from the girl, which slowly faded into silence as she entered her apartment while Jill made her descent to her SUV. Julie turned and swooped up the soda glasses from the table and headed into the kitchen. That’s when she spotted the piece of paper on the counter. Placing the glasses in the sink, she reached for the paper and unfolded it. On one side, Jill had written her phone number. On the other, she’d written one word in Italian. I wonder what this could mean, thought Julie as she headed for her computer. She browsed the internet until she came across a site with an Italian dictionary. She typed in the word Jill had written and found that it meant behave. An amused, devilish smile parted Julie’s lips. Then she began to update her journal, inhaling Jill’s wonderful aroma, which had rubbed off on her when she was grabbed.