When I was nineteen years old I began working in a nursing home. I went to the cafeteria for lunch everyday with the rest of the girls from my unit. Almost from the beginning I noticed a girl from another unit would watch me. She looked about my age with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was several inches shorter than me at about five feet two. She had a petite build but her large breasts made her look bigger than she actually was. It surprised me that she would actually stare at me, boldly, giving me dirty looks and attitude in general considering that I had 4 inches and 20 pounds on her. I had been told of a rivalry between the four different units in the facility but I could not believe it actually came down to being catty in the lunchroom.
After working there for a month or so I had become friendly with my co-workers and no longer felt like the new girl. I was still being watched by this girl every time we had break at the same time which ended up being about twice a week. One day I decided enough was enough and feeling bold I went over to her table and asked if she had a problem with me. Maybe I had done something to offend her. To my surprise she blushed and sputtered out an answer.
“No” she said. “I..I don’t even know you."
I had noticed another girl at her table before because I would occasionally catch her staring at me but she always turned away quickly. This girl was as tall as I but had about twenty pounds on me. She had long curly black hair pulled back from her face with a headband and glasses. This girl stood up and asked me if I had a problem.
“No” I said. “But if you or your friend have one I can probably take care of it for you."
The smaller blonde girl got up from the table and said “Come on Julie. Don't start anything.”
She grabbed Julie’s arm and pulled her away. I was proud of myself that I had stood my ground and also a little surprised because I am usually a lover, not a fighter!
I didn’t see them again that week but on Friday night was asked to pull a double. I agreed not knowing I was going to work another unit. I was not surprised to see the blonde there and to learn she was going to be working the same hall with me. After we got our assignment we worked in silence for the first half hour. Then suddenly she looked over at me.
“My name is Tori” she said, watching for my reaction. “I’m really sorry about that stuff in the lunchroom the other day.”
“What was that all about anyway?” I asked. “I didn’t want any trouble with you or your friend but I am getting really tired of you guys giving me dirty looks all the time. I think it’s crazy that just because we work on different units we have to be against each other.”
Tori started laughing and said “That’s not why I look at you. And I’m not giving you dirty looks. At least that’s not what I’m trying to do.”
“Then what’s up?” I asked.
“To tell you the truth, I think you are very pretty. I have thought so since the first time I saw you. The other girl is Julie. She’s my girlfriend. The reason she was so mad is because we have been having problems and she has caught me looking at you. She’s really jealous.”
I just stared at Tori and I know my jaw was on the floor. I had fantasized about being with women and had read stories about it but I had never met a real life lesbian and I was stunned. I couldn’t believe she was so straightforward about it.
Tori said “So do you have a girlfriend?”
“No” I said. “I’m not gay.”
“You’re not?” she said. “I am so sorry! I really read that wrong. I guess I just assumed you were because you always stared back at me. Plus you look gay.”
“I look gay!” I exclaimed.
“I’m just teasing you” she said. “I’m trying to break the ice so you won’t be freaked out about me being gay. Does it bother you?”
“No” I said. “I’m just impressed that you’re so comfortable with it. My name is Shannen by the way.”
“I know” she said, “I’ve known that since you started.”