Who Needs A Guy Alice Ch 03

Rehearsals and performances pretty much ruled my life. My parents did, kind of force me to get a part-time job at a local grocery store, just to get me out of the house and give me something to do over the summer.

I looked forward to the rehearsals. It got me out with people... older women. Too bad I was such a loner in school.

The women in the violin section were always warm and friendly. At times maybe a little too friendly. Like on nights of performances, one would always be fussing about my hair or fixing my makeup. I never really wore a lot of makeup, but they would add a little here and a little there. I didn't think anything of it.

Then after one performance one of the other ladies from the woodwind section, asked if I wanted to stop for a glass of wine at a cozy little bar that was just down the street. I told her that I wasn't 21 yet. She just said, "Don't worry about it."

She was a nice lady who seemed quiet and just did her thing. Her name was Lorna and was probably 15 years, or so, older than I was.

I didn't know anything about her life outside the music center. I really hadn't made any close friends since my year with my college roommate, so I figured why not?

Lorna was pretty. She was a bit bigger than me, but not by a lot. She had long dark brown hair that when we were playing would be up in a tight bun that gave her an air of sophistication. She also had deep dark brown eyes. Eyes that you could get lost in. For someone in their mid to late 30s, she seemed pretty fit, unlike some of the middle-aged ladies in the symphony.

As we sat there, she shared.

She was single and living in an apartment about 15 minutes away. Her 'day job' was as an accountant with a local accounting firm. She was thinking of studying to get her CPA and then maybe starting her own business, but it always seemed like a lot of work and she knew that it would detract from her real passion of playing her violin.

I shared with her how I came to love the violin through my grandfather and how he had taught me at an early age. After sharing that little story, Lorna reached across the table, put her hand on mine, and just said that that was a beautiful story. Her touch kind of took me by surprise but I didn't back away from it. It kind of reminded me of Lisa's first touch on my back after I had fallen.... Warm and caring.

And so it became a regular thing. After every rehearsal and performance, we would share a couple of glasses of wine. She made me feel comfortable. I felt myself opening up. I guess I missed the connection to another woman, again it reminded me of Lisa only a bit different. I couldn't explain it.

The summer progressed. I started to look forward to getting together with Lorna. She was fun and very relaxing. I didn't have a clue why she was so interested in me. I mean I was pretty plain. Had no outside interests.

It was about three-quarters of the way through the summer. Lorna and I had been getting together for about four weeks. I was kind of surprised when during one get-together, she asked if I had plans for the coming Saturday night. I think I jokingly said with a grin, 'Let me check my schedule'. That got a warm smile.

So, that's what found myself knocking on the door to Lorna's apartment. When the door opened, Lorna took my breath away. Gone was the usual look of her hair up and just a hint of makeup. Her hair was down around her shoulders and shined like it had been brushed with a hundred strokes of a brush. Her makeup accentuated her dark brown eyes. And then there were her lips with a hint of gloss. Oh my.

Her apartment was cozy. You could definitely tell that a sophisticated woman lived here. I don't know what she was making for dinner, but it smelled wonderful... like something Italian.

Dinner was great. It was some sort of eggplant dish with a green salad, crusty bread, and a couple of glasses of red wine. I was never a wine drinker until I met Lorna. I could get used to this. I also knew that I'd have to be careful, as I still had to drive home. We chatted casually. She kept telling me how cute I was. I know that I must have blushed as I felt my face warm... or maybe it was the wine.

Still, the only other person who ever told me that I was cute was Lisa. And the thing was, with Lisa,I knew it came from her honest heart. Lorna was starting to give me vibes of something. Don't know what or how to describe it... it was just something there. I let it pass.

With dinner complete, we found ourselves sitting side by side on her sofa with a glass of some sort of a sweet dessert wine. It was good.

The conversation was becoming more personal... like what did I think about some of the 'violin ladies' getting a bit handsy and friendly at our practices? Did I ever have a boyfriend? High school Girlfriends? College? And then the one that kind of floored me and filled in the blank from a few moments ago.

"Alice, have you ever been with a woman?"

I think that the blood drained from my face, as I sat there with a dumb-founded expression.

Lorna could tell instantly that she had just made me extremely uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry Alice. I shouldn't have asked you that. It's none of my business. Please don't be upset with me. Again, I'm sorry."

I was quiet for a bit, trying to figure out what to say. I had never been in a situation like this. I mean with Lisa, things just kind of happened and there were heartfelt feelings shared between us. Here, there was a woman who was basically coming on to me, seducing me. What did I want to do? Yes, she's my friend, or so she's said. What if I just said that I wanted to leave? How could we face one another at our next practice? Would she still want to get together? I think the answer to that last question was an easy 'No'.

I was going back to school in a few weeks. I don't need this.

I was brought out of my thoughts with Lorna's soft and caring voice.

"Alice, are you OK?"

A deep cleansing breath. And with an exasperated voice.

"No, Lorna. I'm

not

OK. I'm confused. And right now, I'm scared. Scared that if I do the wrong thing that I will lose you as a friend. You're my only friend. I've only had one really close friend... she was my roommate last year. She was a beautiful girl... inside and out. She made me feel comfortable the moment that I met her. She helped me through the school year with my math and science. We became close. She was one of a kind. I told her many times that I had never met anyone like her... a free spirit. We loved each other as friends. But I don't think that I'll ever see her again."

I know that my voice cracked on those last few words.

Lorna stroked my hair and tucked a wayward strand behind my ear.

"Alice. It's good to have friends. Friends help us get through life. Again, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I just thought that we might have some sort of a connection. You always seemed to like our get-togethers for a glass of wine. That's why I invited you over. To maybe get to know each other a little bit more. But, I made you uncomfortable. I understand and apologize. Please, just don't ignore me at practice. Friends?"

I did smile, as I said, "Friends".

That night alone in my bed. My mind going a hundred miles an hour. I kind of knew what Lorna was going for. I wasn't totally naive to the ways of the world. Would it have been so bad to have just let her kiss me? Then what? I have to admit, Lisa kissing me on my lips and then my nipples was wonderful. Would Loran be satisfied with just that? Probably not. Then what? What did I want? What, or who, was I? Did I like other girls more than guys? I don't know. Well, that's not totally true. But not having much in the whole 'guy dating world' didn't give me much to draw upon.

All that I can say with some level of confidence was that the times with Lisa felt wonderful, genuine, and completely natural. Nothing was faked. Lisa was an unselfish, genuinely beautiful, and straightforward girl who always had my best interests at heart.

All I can say is that IF, and that's a big 'if'.... If I EVER wanted to be with a woman, it would be with someone who I felt loved me and not just some fling to lose my virginity for some fun and then be done with.

...................................................

My new school was much larger and busier. With a new roommate came the 'getting to know you again'. She was nice and we hit it off. She wasn't a 'Lisa' but, unfortunately, there's only one Lisa in the world.

The music department was indeed much better, and I received closer attention. Maybe because Maetro Skyler had written the dean about me, as he met me after one of my classes had ended. He told me about the letter and asked if I could come by his office later that week and play something for him.

I guess he wanted to hear for himself and not just go on another person's opinion. Although, he did know and highly respected Maestro Skyler.

I played my usual piece for him. And yes, it affected me as always.

As I finished, my eyes opened, and I brushed away the tears. He sat there with a warm smile.

"Maestro Skyler was correct on your talent, but he didn't mention your passion. Welcome to our department. I will personally find a place for you in the school's orchestra."

Time went on. Roommates, classes, performances, and yes more college girl friends. But none held a candle to Lisa. She would always be in my dreams.

The day finally came when I graduated with my bachelor's degree in music. My parents were so proud. The first in our family with a college degree.

Mr. Skyler was equally proud of my success and my greatly improved skills. He suggested that with my passion for music that perhaps I should go for my master's degree in music. I had no idea what I could do with such an advanced degree. He explained that there were many specializations in the field, depending on my interest. He felt like there might be two areas where I might find some interest: Performance and Composition.

He felt that the performance area would be excellent for enhancing my skills and composition where I could create original music specifically suited for the violin. And then with a wink, adding that he could most likely convince the donors at the music center to contribute to that effort.

In the end, I was done studying. I wanted to begin my career.

I landed a position with a local high school as their second music teacher. It was a medium size school that was a bit smaller than mine. They had had two music teachers. One retired last year after 14 years in the same school. My counterpart would take care of the choir and some daily classes. I would have the band and a couple of classes. It was your typical high school band with all of the usual instruments and, of course, no violin section. I wondered if, besides the band, I could create an orchestra. If that developed, I was pretty sure that I could get some free help from Mr. Skyler. I think that would impress a lot of folks that the head of the local symphony was taking an interest in a high school orchestra.

Over the years of finishing school and the many moves, I had forgotten where I saved Lisa's home mailing address.

One day, as I was sorting through some old college stuff, my one and only yearbook caught my eye. Don't know why. I hadn't opened that book in years. But something drew my attention to it... to those memorable times. Probably the best times of my life, as the name 'Lisa' popped into my head and I couldn't help but smile.

Holding the book on end, a scrap of paper fell out. Opening, my heart leaped... Lisa's home mailing address.

A frantic need to remember what she looked like overtook me. I found the group picture of the girls on our floor. And standing right next to me was my lovely roommate. Lisa was so cute. And as we stood there side-by-side with our arms around each other's back, I could see why the girls on the floor referred to us as the 'pixie twins'.

I wonder what she looked like today. I'm pretty sure that the same 'pixie' look would still be there, as that was what made her 'Lisa'.

I was pretty sure that she most likely didn't live at this address anymore, but I thought that if I sent a letter to the address, maybe her parents would forward it on to her.

I wonder how she's doing. Did she get her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree? Was she living alone? Married? A roommate? Would she remember me if I did send her a letter? It was worth a try.

Hi Lisa,

Remember me? I hope that this letter makes its way to you. My sincere apologies for not writing before now. I lost your address and only recently stumbled upon it.

So much that I'd like to hear about how you are doing. So many things to put into a letter. I wish that we could get together somehow.

I'm living in a western suburb of Chicago in an apartment by myself. I was fortunate to land a teaching job in the music department of a local high school. I also play in the local community symphony with a few other women in the violin section. I love it.

I hope to hear from you.

Your friend,

Alice

I didn't know what I was expecting, so I just went on with my everyday activities. About a week and a half later there was a letter in my mailbox. My heart skipped a beat. The return address told me that Lisa had received my letter and was answering. I noticed two things: her last name was still 'Jackson' so not married, and then the address told me that she lived about an hour away.

It was so good to read her letter.

Hi Alice,

Of course, I remember you. How could I ever forget my very first roommate? The very first girl that I ever kissed. They always say that you will always remember your first time.

You're right. So many things to talk about. I see that we are not that far away. Would you like to come out some weekend and spend the night? I live in a three-bedroom house with my roommate, so there's plenty of room. I know that she'd love to meet you. Ever since I got your letter, I've been telling her all about you... And, Yes, Us. That makes her want to meet you even more.

Let me know what you think. My schedule is pretty open on the weekends.

Your best friend forever,

Lisa

Oh my god. It was so good to hear from her. And she wants to get together for a weekend at her place with her roommate. A girl? Had to be.

..................................................

By now, spring was ending, but the day was sunny and quite warm.

It was an early Friday evening two weeks later that found me pulling into the driveway of the address that Lisa gave me.

It would be an eye-opening weekend that I would remember for the rest of my life.

The house sat back from the road by about half a football field on a winding gravel driveway. It was a nice-sized one-story ranch house that sat on a lot about five miles from the nearest town. Kind of out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by fields of hay and corn. It was cute. I could see why Lisa decided to live here. Off to the side was a red barn with a white coral. I didn't see any animals like horses or cows.

I don't think that I was out of the car for five seconds when I heard a high-pitched scream... "Alice!".

The little pixie of a girl that I remember so well, came running out the door with a huge smile dressed in her usual: braless tank top and shorts with her blonde hair up in a casual ponytail. In her usual enthusiastic manner, Lisa wrapped her arms around me and held me in a warm and welcoming embrace. Then our eyes met and lingered. Lisa being Lisa leaned in and brought her warm lips to mine in a warm welcoming kiss that lingered and lingered. God she felt good.

Pulling back with her arms still around me and the smile never leaving her face.

"Oh Alice. Ever since I got your first letter, I dreamed of this moment. I was afraid that after not hearing from you over the summer at the end of our freshman year that I'd never see you again.

"Come on. Let me introduce you to my roommate... and yes, my girlfriend," Lisa beamed back at me with pride.

Girlfriend? So, they're more than just roommates. Part of me wasn't surprised. Part of me was curious about how all of that works. And Lisa seemed so casual about it... like it wasn't a big deal. I had to smile as I thought, 'That's the Lisa that I remember.. comfortable and confident with who she is'. God, I envied her.

Taking my hand, Lisa led me through the front door and into a casual kitchen. The kitchen was neat and orderly. The kitchen window looked out over their backyard and beyond what in a few months would be a full field of corn.

Seated on a bar stool at their breakfast counter was a girl who could have been Lisa's sister. She was about the same size and dressed the same. Her strawberry-blonde hair and green eyes made her look like an exotic goddess. The light scattering of freckles across her nose gave her a look of 'cuteness'. But, what really held my attention was the warm smile.

"Alice... meet my girlfriend, Vickie."

She stood, came over to me, and gave me the warmest hug that I had ever received from someone that I had just met.

"It's so nice to finally meet you Alice. Lisa has told me so much about you. She's been all giddy since she got your letter. It was like watching a little kid waiting for her birthday or Christmas."

Looking over at Lisa, she blushed. I couldn't help it... I smiled. Lisa giddy over seeing me? I guess I could say the same about seeing her.

Lisa took my hand and gave me a quick tour. There was a sitting area in front that we had passed by on my way in. It overlooked the driveway and hay field through a large picture window that faced the east. Off to the side was a formal dining area with a nice dark dining table and eight high-back chairs. The back of the room was an open design with the kitchen, a serving/breakfast counter, a casual dining table with four chairs. There was a living area off to the side, and a pair of French Doors facing west overlooking a natural stone patio. What really caught my attention was the floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplace.

Leading me down the hallway, the first bedroom had been converted into an office with a corner desk and computer. The guest bedroom was nicely appointed with a twin bed, dresser, and small walk-in closet. Across from the guest bedroom sat the guest bathroom. I guess this is where I'm sleeping and showering.

At the end of the hallway was the master bedroom.... Lisa's and Vickie's bedroom. It was large with a king-sized bed in the center, two dressers, a vanity mirror, and a huge walk-in closet. Across the back was a set of French doors that opened to the same stone-lined patio that faced the west and spanned the entire back of the house. I could imagine the two of them lying on the bed watching sunsets together.

Lisa gave me a grin, "And now for the real reason of why we bought this place".

When Lisa opened the door to the master bath my breathing stopped. Directly to the right was a huge whirlpool tub with a tub-to-ceiling window looking out over the fields. At the back of the room was an open walk-in shower that faced directly across from the full two-sink mirror. It was probably six feet wide and eight feet deep with four overhead rain-style shower heads. But what really took my breath away was the floor-to-ceiling clear glass window that looked out of the same field.

Looking over at Lisa, who was now grinning like a Chesire Cat. I had to smile. This was Lisa alright. And I'm sure that this room and the adjacent room were hers and Vickie's playground.

"You like?"

"Lisa, I've never seen anything like this. And that shower with that window."

"I know. The minute we saw this we knew that it didn't matter how much they were asking for it, we would make it work on our end, somehow.