"Come on, get in the car, it's starting to snow." Says Katie.
Alice had been doing a team building exercise with her work colleagues when the weather turned bad. Katie had offered to take her home.
Alice remembers when they first met. It was her first day and when she got introduced to Katie, they both stopped and stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity but must of only been a second or two. The look Katie had given her was similar to the looks guys often gave her when they walked past.
For the rest of that day, as well as all the others Alice had worked there, Katie would keep glancing at her when she thought Alice wasn't looking. When she was caught, she would quickly look away and pretend she was busy doing something.
Recently, she had taken to staying behind after her shift and helping Alice tidy everything away. She would often brush hands or stand a little closer to her than was necessary.
At first, Alice just thought she was like that with everyone. But she'd soon realise that she was an exception.
Alice just found it cute at first, but lately she found herself starring at her without even realising it. Whenever Katie caught her eye, it would send a jolt of excitement through her body.
Every time she brushed fingers while clearing up with her, she would feel a tingle in her spine. She wondered if Katie felt that too, or if she was just being silly.
They would often sit together and talk. It was be all casual but then one of them would catch the others eye and they would suddenly forget what they were talking about. Alice wanted to ask if Katie felt the same way as her, but she'd always been shy. Besides, she didn't want to look stupid if it was all in her head. Perhaps she was looking for something that wasn't there. Sometimes it would keep her up at night. Alice didn't even know what it was that she wanted.
Katie was cute, sure. And she had the most gorgeous smile. Alice loved it when she laughed. And the smell of her long, auburn hair... But did she really want to be something more than friends?
Sometimes she would imagine what it would feel like to kiss those lips of hers. The thought would always make Alice uncomfortable but something deep down told her that she wanted it.
She would think up scenarios where she would be able to put her arms around her and hold her tight. Perhaps she had a stressful day at work or was sad and needed comforting.
Today Katie had hugged her. It was only brief and was over much too soon but it made Alice feel so good. She had just completed a treetop adventure course and the final stage was a huge zip-line. After she had got off, the other girls were congratulating her and Katie threw her arms around her. She didn't do that with the others. She might feel the same way after all.
After that though, the weather had changed. A storm was coming. The wind picked up and it got colder. They were a few thousand feet above sea level and the weather often took a turn for the worse. They would have to drive back through a valley. Most the girls had come in a bus, but Katie did't live far and brought her car. She asked Alice to come back with her because she didn't want to drive alone in a storm. Alice had immediately accepted. Any chance to be closer to her for a while.
She gets in next to Katie and closes the door. The snow had really started to come down now.
"Nice weather, huh?" Says Katie, starting the car. "Let's hope we get home before it gets too deep."
The visibility drops as they enter the valley. Before long, all they can see is white.
"I'm going to have to stop." Says Katie. "I can't see anything." She pulls over onto the side of the road. The snow has covered the ground now and is piling higher.
"We'll have to hope it stops soon. Otherwise it's going to be a long night. At least I've got company." Katie gives her a glance and smiles.
Alice gives her a shy smile in return.
"You've got something in your hair." Katie says, leaning forward. She runs her hand slowly through Alice's hair.
Alice realises she's holding her breath. Katie's so close...
"That's better." Says Katie. She seems to stare at her for ages. Alice can't look away. Her bright blue eyes had her in a trance.
Suddenly Katie blinks and the moment is gone. She starts to talk about the day's events.
They must've been talking for half an hour, laughing at each other's jokes and gossiping about their coworkers. All the while the snow piles up. Then all of a sudden, everything goes quiet. Alice tries to say something to break the silence but when she catches Katie's eye, she goes all shy.
Katie unexpectedly raises her hand and touches Alice's cheek. "Are you cold? I've got a blanket in the back." She asks.
Alice shakes her head. Katie takes her hand in one of her own.
"You're shacking." Says Katie. "You sure you don't want a blanket? Perhaps you want something else?"
To Alice's complete surprise, Katie leans forward and kisses her full on the lips. It wasn't even a quick kiss, but a full on passionate snog. Alice is so shocked that she doesn't know how to react. It's over as soon as it began. Katie returns to her seat, looking flushed. She's obviously embarrassed and won't look Alice in the eye.
The kiss had awoken something inside of her though. Alice suddenly regrets not kissing her back.
I'm so stupid. She thinks. If I just had the courage to return the kiss, then we would be in each other's arms right now and not sitting awkwardly next to each other. And then what? What would've happened next? Now she may never know.
Katie finally breaks the silence. "I can't believe I did that. I'm so sorry, that was out of order."
It's now or never. Alice thinks. If I don't act now then I'll loose her forever. Alice quickly takes Katie's hand before she looses her courage. Katie suddenly looks her right in the eye. It looks like she's about to kiss her again when she breaks eye contact and pulls her hand away. "It's okay, Alice. You don't have to do this for me, I'll be fine. Forget it happened."
Do something. Alice tells herself. Now! With a burst of sudden courage that wasn't like her at all, she leans in and kisses Katie on the lips. Her bravery doesn't last long though, and she quickly sits back down before Katie can react. Alice feels her face turning red.
She messed it up. It had been a messy, horrible kiss. Now Alice wishes she hadn't tried at all. She must look so stupid.
When she glances up, Katie is looking at her. Alice can't think of anything to say. She wished her seat would just swallow her up.
"That was sweet." Says Katie. "But you aren't just doing this to make me feel better are you?"
Alice slowly shakes her head.
"Do you want me to kiss you again?" Katie asks with a whisper.
Alice's heart seems to stop. Yes! She thinks. She still wants me! She manages a small nod. Her hands are shaking. She's never been so nervous and excited at the same time.
Katie leans forward slowly and Alice feels her heart racing in anticipation. This time she's ready, and returns the kiss. They start off slow and unsure but after a minute or so, Katie becomes more insistent. She puts her arms around Alice and starts kissing harder.
Alice tries to kiss with the same enthusiasm but can't keep up. She hasn't had much practice at this and has never kissed a girl in her life.
Suddenly Katie is on top of her. Alice can barely get a breath in. She feels Katie's tongue force it's way into her mouth and her nails are digging into her back.
Alice can't hold back a gasps.
Katie climbs off her, panting. "Sorry, was that too much? I forget this is your first time. This is your first time isn't it?" Katie asks.
