Ned And Abby And Samantha Ch 01

"Mom, I'm bored. This street sucks. There are no kids my age. Everyone is old. There's no one to play with. All my school friends live far away."

His mom smiled. "Ned, a new family just moved in, three houses down. I've met them, and they seem nice. They have a daughter your age. Why don't you play with her?"

He rolled his eyes. "Mom! I don't want to play with a girl."

She smiled. "Why not?"

He sighed. "I'm not interested in playing with dolls."

She smirked. "Who says she likes to play with dolls? When I was a girl, I liked playing with boys."

He looked surprised. "You did?"

"Yup."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't want to play with dolls. I wanted to do the things the guys were doing. I wanted to play sports. I wanted to explore on my bike with them. I didn't want to wear a dress. I didn't care if my clothes got dirty. You like baseball. Her mom says Abby plays ball and loves riding her bike. Her mom says Abby is bored like you are. You should give her a chance. What have you got to lose? You might like her."

His mom smiled. "Abby is definitely not a girly girl. She's as tall as you. She might even give you a run for your money on the baseball diamond. She also likes to play soccer. You were thinking of playing soccer. Maybe you could play together."

He rolled his eyes. "Fine! I'll go see her," he grumbled.

His mom smiled when he returned hours later. "Did you see Abby?"

He smiled. "Yup."

"And?"

"She's okay, Mom. We went for a bike ride and tossed a ball around. She's got a wicked arm. I raced her and won, but only by a hair. She doesn't run like most girls do."

His mom smiled. "How do most girls run?"

He smiled. "You know. They press their arms against their sides and take little strides. It looks dumb."

"And how did Abby run?"

"She ran like a guy. She took long strides, and her arms were pumping to go faster."

His mom grinned. "I see. Where did you go riding?"

"I took her to my hideout in the forest. She thought it was cool. No one can see you. We got muddy because the path was wet, but she didn't care."

"Your dad and I used to go there."

"You did?"

"Yes. We took a towel to sit on and packed some food. We'd lie on the towel under the big tree, look at the forest, and talk. It was very peaceful.

"Maybe I'll take a towel and some food next time. Thanks, Mom. Maybe the summer won't be so bad after all."

===

Abby's dad was sick with cancer, and her mom had to stay at the hospital a lot, so Abby stayed at our place. Abby didn't want to sleep alone in the guestroom, so she slept with me. Mom said Abby would likely be sad, so I held her when we slept.

===

Abby liked to go to my secret forest spot. We always took a big towel and some food, lay together, and talked.

===

Max Toofer said I was a pussy because I hung out with Abby. I tackled him and twisted his arm until he took it back. Abby didn't like Max and smiled when he squealed like a sissy. He never called me a pussy after that.

===

I got the game-winning hit in the ninth inning. Abby whistled loudly and gave me a big hug. It felt good.

===

Abby had her first period. She told me all about it. I wish she hadn't.

===

My mom said men should know how to feed themselves and showed me how to cook. I was in charge of making supper twice a week. Abby often ate at our place on the nights I cooked. She said I was a better cook than her mom. Plus, I took meal requests from her.

===

Abby's looks hadn't changed in years. She had a wholesome girl-next-door look. Her straight chestnut brown hair was shoulder length, and she had a low-maintenance cut. She didn't wear makeup. She thought painting your face was stupid and couldn't be bothered putting it on and taking it off. She had a cute smattering of freckles across her nose.

===

I was good at English and bad at Math. Abby was the opposite, so we helped each other.

===

Some guys were sitting across the table from me in the school lunchroom. I overheard them say, "Look at the ass on her!" I turned around, and it was Abby coming to sit with me. She was wearing tight shorts. I don't know why I never noticed her ass before that, but I always did after that.

===

Some jerk was bragging about fucking Abby, but he barely knew her. I punched him in the head and got a detention. Abby thanked me and waited until she saw him and kicked him in the nuts. You didn't want to mess with Abby. She was 5'10" and strong.

===

I was in front of hundreds of people, collecting my diploma at the graduation ceremony. Abby was sitting with Mom and whistled really loud. Part of me was embarrassed because everyone looked at her and then at me. But part of me was proud she did it.

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We celebrated our grade 12 graduation together, but neither of us remember much because we bought a big bottle of wine and drank it all.

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I was sad when Abby went to nursing school because it was ninety minutes away, but I vowed to visit every month so she wouldn't be lonely. I missed her a lot.

===

"What did you think of the food?" Abby asked.

"It was great, but there was too much. I'm glad we went for a walk. I felt stuffed. It was good to walk it off. Plus, this is a nice neighborhood. I like walking here."

"Me too. And I love it when you visit. I get to see you, and it's the only time I get to eat out. Usually, I'm on the other side of the table serving people. It sucks having to go to school and work part-time but I need the money. I appreciate it when you take me out." She smiled. "No one else does."

I smiled back. "I'm happy to take you out!"

"Well, here we are. Back at the old apartment. It's hard to believe we've been walking for forty-five minutes, but it's such a nice night, and time flies when I talk to you. We can talk about anything."

She opened the door. "Have a seat. I need to use the washroom. Think about what you want to watch. I'll be back in a minute. I think Miranda is here, but I'm not sure. She might be in her room studying."

I sat down on their very comfortable couch. You sank about six inches. I could hear Miranda speaking in her room.

"No, you can't come over tonight, Alex. Ned is here, and you know he usually sleeps over and drives home in the morning. Besides, you guys are going to see us tomorrow night. You'll just have to wait to get your hands on our hot bodies." Miranda laughed. "Make sure you eat your Wheaties. We wore you guys out last week!"

Guys were coming over to get their hands on Abby's hot body? They wore the guys out last week? WTF! My heart sank. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut.

Miranda left her room and stopped dead when she saw me.

"Hi, Ned." She said hesitantly.

There was an awkward silence.

"I didn't realize you were here. Where's Abby?"

"Using the washroom."

I could see Miranda trying to determine what I heard, but I tried to maintain calm even though my gut was churning.

"How long have you been here?"

"A few minutes."

"Oh, okay. Well, good to see you. I should get back to my studies."

Miranda hightailed it back to her room and closed the door. I felt like I was going to puke. There was no way I could stay.

Abby entered the room and sat down with her feet on my lap with a big bowl of popcorn and some drinks.

"Did you think of anything to watch?" She smiled. "There are some new Netflix shows."

"Umm, I'm sorry, but I have to leave."

"What? We just sat down?" She said, surprised.

"Ya, I know, but I got a text from Ray at work. He won't be in tomorrow. He has the flu and feels like shit so I'll need to open the hardware store at seven. If I stay tonight, I'll need to leave super early tomorrow, which I don't want to."

Abby frowned. "That sucks! Well, thanks for coming down. I always look forward to your visits."

I got up, and she gave me a big goodbye hug.

"See you in two weeks!"

I couldn't muster a smile. "Ya, see you later."

"Text me when you get home so I know you made it okay."

"I will."

He left.

Miranda peeked out of her room. "Is Ned gone?"

Abby frowned. "Ya, we were looking forward to watching some shows. I went to the washroom, and when I came back, he said he had to leave."

"Did he say why?"

"Ray is sick, so he needs to open the store at seven."

Miranda sighed.

"What?" Abby asked.

"Umm, that may not be why he left."

"What do you mean?"

"I was talking to Alex. He and Tom wanted to come by tonight, but I told him that Ned was here and was sleeping over. Then I reminded him that we were going to see them tomorrow night. I said they could get their hands on our hot bodies then and to make sure they ate their Wheaties because we wore them out last week."

Abby gasped. "Oh, no! And you think Ned heard you?"

"Well, he was sitting on the couch when I came out and left abruptly after my call ended."

"Shit!"

"Does this mean Ned didn't know you've been having sex every week for the last two years?"

"I didn't tell him."

"Why not?"

"Because we're friends, not lovers. I don't ask him if he's dating people at home, and he doesn't ask me."

"Maybe he doesn't tell you about dating people at home because he's not. And maybe he assumed you weren't seeing other guys because you never mention it. Maybe you're more than just a friend to Ned. Maybe he has feelings for you."

"He's never said that."

"Maybe he assumed you felt the same way about him. After all, you've been here for over two years, and he drives ninety minutes, down and back, twice a month, to see you. He takes you out for dinner every time. You go for walks. You go to see shows. If a guy did that for me, I'd assume it was more than a regular friendship. But who knows? Maybe he didn't hear me. Maybe he's not upset. Maybe Ray was sick, and he had to go back to open the store."

"I can find out."

"How?"

"I know, Ray. I'll call him.

"Hey, Ray, it's Abby. How are you doing?"

"Okay. What's up?"

"I know this is an odd question, but are you sick with the flu?"

"No."

"So you're going to work tomorrow?"

"Yes. Why do you want to know?"

"Sorry, I'll tell you later. Thanks."

"SHIT! Ray isn't sick, which means Ned must have heard you and is upset. Maybe I should have told him, but he's never expressed romantic feelings toward me. It would be one thing to tell Ned if I fell head over heels in love with someone and wanted him to be happy for me. And I would be happy for him if he met someone he loved. But I don't love Alex and Tom, and they don't love me. It's just sex. Why would I tell Ned about them? As soon as school's over, I'll never see them again. I don't even know where they live. I hope my friendship with Ned isn't ruined. I'll call him. Tell the guys I'm not interested in anything tomorrow. I definitely won't be in the mood."

===

"Your phone has been dinging a lot today." His mom said.

"Ya, I know. It's probably Abby. She can wait."

Hmm! "You look upset. Is something wrong? How was your visit with Abby?"

"It sucked."

"Oh, no. What happened?"

"Abby's been sleeping with guys."

"How do you know?"

"Miranda didn't know I was there, and I overheard her talking to a guy about them coming over on Saturday to have sex with her and Abby."

"Does Abby know you know?"

"I don't know. I was upset and left. I told her Ray was sick and I needed to get up early to open the store."

"Do you think she believed you?"

"I don't know. There are several messages from her, but I don't want to talk to her."

"Ned, did you ever tell Abby that you had feelings for her?"

"No. I assumed she felt the same way about me as I did about her."

"Did you ever try to kiss Abby or touch her?"

"Mom, I touch her all the time. We sit on the couch together, and she puts her feet on my lap when we watch shows. We hold hands. She gives me hugs. She always wears the friendship ring I gave her."

"I see. But you've never touched her romantically or kissed her."

"No."

"I know you're hurting, but if you never told her or touched her, she probably didn't know how you felt."

"Mom! I didn't drive down for two friggin years and take her out for supper and go for walks and watch shows with her just to be her friend!"

"Were you going to tell her?"

"Yes. But I was nervous. I tried a few times but chickened out. I feel awful. I feel like a fucking idiot. I slept on the couch while other guys were sleeping with her."

"Ned, I can see why you're upset, but I'm sure Abby didn't mean to hurt you deliberately. She would never do that to you. You're her best friend. You should at least look at her messages. She's probably worried about you."

"Sorry, mom, but at the moment I don't give a shit how she feels!"

He deleted all of Abby's messages and stomped off.

Oh, my! She thought. This wasn't good!"

===

"Hi, Abby."

"Hi, Noreen."

"I'm calling to let you know that Ned won't be responding to your messages. He's upset and deleted them. He said he overheard you've been sleeping with guys. Is that true?"

Abby didn't answer.

"Abby? I'm not calling to bite your head off. I slept with guys when I was in college. I'm not here to judge you. I just want to know."

"Yes, there are two friends of my roommate that we've been seeing for a while. They usually come over on Saturday. They're nice guys, but I don't have feelings for them. It's just sex. I didn't mean to hurt Ned. I didn't know he had romantic feelings for me. He never said anything. Did you know?"

"I think he's had feelings for you for quite a while, but I thought you knew."

"Shit! Why didn't he tell me?"

"He was nervous. He said to tried a few times and chickened out."

"I feel terrible! I hope it doesn't ruin our relationship."

"If he had told you, what would you have done?"

There was a long pause. "I'm not sure. I don't think about him that way. Or I haven't thought about him that way. I do love him as a friend. And I find him attractive, but I don't know. What should I do? Can you tell him I'd like to talk to him?"

"I will, but he's pretty upset. It's his first broken heart. I'll keep you informed. You can try to contact him, but I'm not sure if he'll respond. Thanks for talking to me."

"Thanks, Noreen."

===

"Hi, Abby."

"Hi, Noreen."

"Have you heard from Ned?"

"No."

"Shoot. I'm not surprised, though. He's been moping around the house since he left your place three weeks ago. He works long hours and then comes home, eats, and goes to bed. I think it's his way of not thinking about you. He doesn't even go out with his friends."

"The problem is that his identity has been tied to you forever. When he found out you were seeing other guys, it was like ripping a big piece of him out. It was a huge rejection. He needs to separate himself from you. He needs to see other people. He needs to see that he's a worthy person in his own right. He's handsome and is a great guy. He needs the attention of other females to realize he's more than just you and him. I'm going to try to push him to go out. Unfortunately, it means you'll see him even less in the short term, but if it works out, maybe you guys can still be friends. How are you doing?"

"Okay, but I still feel terrible about Ned being upset."

"Don't beat yourself up. You didn't know he had feelings for you. He didn't tell you. Focus on your school. You'll be done in six months, and then you'll be a nurse. There is a huge shortage, so you should be able to come back and write your job ticket. I'll work on Ned. Take care of yourself. You're a good person. I'll keep you informed."

"Thanks, Noreen. Call me every week to let me know how Ned is. Okay?"

"I will."

===

I pestered Ned to go out with his friends until he finally relented to get me off his back.

I knew some parents of the girls in Ned's group of friends and casually let it drop that Ned and Abby were not a couple. Abby and Ned had been close for so many years that I figured the girls might assume they were a couple. Now they would know Ned was available.

My strategy worked faster than I had hoped. Ned was smiling a few days later. I hadn't seen him smile in weeks.

"You look happy."

"I am. I had a great time. It was good to get out, and I talked for hours with Samantha. She sat beside me at the beginning of the night and never left. She invited me to her apartment on Friday."

"What did you say?"

He grinned. "What do you think? She's a babe! I said yes."

Excellent! Samantha's mom was one of the people I talked to about Ned being a free agent. The next step was going to be super awkward, but hopefully, it would be helpful.

"Ned?"

"Yes?"

"Can I give you a few tips for your date, given I'm female?"

He looked at me cautiously but didn't say no.

"Have you got condoms? You don't want any heat of the moment, babies. You're too young to be a father."

"I was going to get some."

"Good. Is this your first time?"

"Mom!"

"If it is, be honest with her because you likely won't last long the first time anyway. Has she been with other guys?"

"Yes, she's been with two other guys for a year at a time. One of them is a buddy of mine."

"Good, then she'll likely know what she's doing and what she wants. Let her take the lead. She'll let you know what she wants. In general, always err on the side of caution. Be gentle. Don't lunge at her with your mouth. Move in slowly. Graze her lips softly. Be gentle when penetrating her as well. Check to make sure she's wet. Never stick your penis in if she's not wet. It would hurt. Lots of women don't come from intercourse, but most enjoy oral sex. So if she hasn't come from your penis try to make her come with your mouth. Lick her clit. Be gentle. Ask her to let you know if you're doing it right. She'll appreciate your desire to please her."

"Okay."

"What are you going to wear?"

"I hadn't thought about it."

"Wear your cowboy boots, faded jeans, and tan dress shirt. You look nice in them."

Ned didn't show up until 10:30 Saturday morning, which was a good sign. He looked tired and disheveled but had a big grin on his face.

"How did your night go?"

"Amazing! The best night ever! I wanted to impress Samantha, so I called Alan, who she went out with. I know him well. I asked him if he could give me some tips. He said she didn't drink much or care about flowers but liked a certain type of chocolate. He gave me the name, and I bought a box. Samantha was surprised and pleased when she saw them. You should have seen her mom! She looked super hot! She was wearing a short black mini-skirt with a sheer white blouse with a frilly black bra underneath and her nails and lips were red."

"She told me I looked nice. We sat on the couch, and she asked me how I was. Then, she asked about Abby. Whether I was still dating her. I explained that we were just friends. She smiled and said, 'Good.' Then she asked me if I'd ever been with someone. I was embarrassed but said no. She smiled really big and said 'Good'. Then she asked if I'd like to be with her. I smiled and said yes. She said 'Good' again with a big grin."

"Umm, are you sure you want to hear this? It's kind of sexual."

I was quite curious, but didn't want Ned to think I was a pervert, so I smiled. "I'm sure I can handle it. Why don't you just give me a summary? I'll let you know if I'm getting bothered."

He smiled. Okay! Don't say I didn't warn you!"

"We sat close together and started to kiss. I did what you said and gently grazed my lips with hers. They were so soft. Her lipstick tasted like bubblegum. She pressed harder and then stuck her tongue in my mouth. I couldn't believe how soft and warm and juicy it felt. She sucked my tongue so I sucked hers. It seemed like we kissed forever. It felt great. Then she looked at me and said I was a 'natural' kisser, which made me feel good."