Story: Cherry Blossom Lane (all chapters)

Chapter 1- Moving In

It was about the hundredth time Rina had looked at the paper which had a little address scribbled on it. She squinted at the swirly written letters and numbers.

“Hmm.. Cherry Blossom Lane...” Rina raised her head again. “Aha!” she exclaimed seeing a small sign that had the words CHERRY BLOSSOM LN. printed on it. She stepped down from the curb and crossed the narrow one-way street to the other sidewalk. Walking about five houses down, she saw the building she was looking for. This must be it, 2168 E. Cherry Blossom Lane...

Dragging her rolling suitcase behind her, Rina climbed the stairs leading to the quaint light green door, faded by the sun's rays. She knocked three times and pushed her bangs out of her eyes and smoothed her skirt. The door opened to reveal a tall slender girl with long black hair that came to about the middle of her back.

“Hi I'm Rina! You're new roommate!” Rina smiled her brightest.

“Oh you must be the girl my dad told me about... your father works for him correct?” she asked, one hand on her hip.

“Um yeah I'm pretty sure. Are you Karin McFarland?”

“Yeah that's me. Are you Caterina Beckett?”

“Yep that's me! I love your house,” Rina said, looking around from the doorway.

“You can come in, put your bag in the kitchen,” the girl said with a swift turn that made her light hair flutter gracefully. As soon as Rina stepped into the room, her eyes widened. “You like?” Karin asked.

“It's perfect! So cozy!” Rina gasped. There was a small tan sofa and beautifully printed chairs that matched the tan and white striped walls. The molding that separated the walls and on the ceiling was breathtaking. The kitchen shone with cleanness and the air smelled of sweet cherries. Ironic... Rina smiled. She parked her bag right outside of the kitchen.

Just as Rina turned around, she saw Karin standing right in front of her. “You know, you're totally flat chested,” she said absentmindedly.

“Wha-?” Rina glanced downward. “I'm not that flat...”

“I'm kidding! Love to tease the newbie,” she laughed a whimsical chuckle. “Anyway, a little bit about me-” she plopped herself down onto one of the chairs in the living room. “-I write a fashion column in Expression magazine, I'm 18 years old, and I like to swim. You?”

“Uhm...” Rina sat softly on the other floral chair. “Well I'm a high-school student, a senior, at Tenbrook High. I'm 17 years old and umm... I like to cook...” she said, casting her eyes down.

“Interesting! Alright my turn again. My favorite color is dark purple but I like to wear black because it makes me look older. My favorite food is pasta primavera... yum! Maybe you can make it for me sometime,” she laughed.

“Yeah!” Rina giggled. “I also like animals, especially cats. My favorite food, well, I like any type of sweets.”

“So you've got a sweet-tooth hm?” Karin put her chin on her palm. “Okay now, have you ever been asked out by a guy before?”

“Ah.. no...” Rina blushed. “I'm not as pretty as you Karin, you're beautiful. Guys don't like me much...”

“Don't say that! Here,” she reached over and yanked on one of Rina's buns on the side of her head. Her golden brown hair tumbled to her shoulders in waves. Karin yanked on the other one. “Ow!” Rina winced as the other half fell from it's tight bun. “Much better!” Karin sat back to admire her work.

“But my hair is so puffy!” Rina whined, covering as much of her brown hair as possible.

“You look fine!” Karin pulled her hands off of her head.

Rina tried to dodge her but fell off of her chair.

“Hahahah- whoa!” Karin yelped playfully as Rina pulled her arm. The two girls sat on the floor laughing.

“We're like best friends already,” Karin pinched Rina's cheek.

“Or sisters,” Rina joked.

“Hey... we should totally watch a movie tonight! I have a huge collection of DVDs in my closet that I haven't bothered to watch forever!” Karin suggested, getting up from the floor.

“Yeah, sisterly bonding time,” Rina said, pushing herself off the ground.

“Roomie night!”

“Where the hell is the pizza?” Karin groaned. “I'm starving!”

“I told you I could make the pizza!” Rina raised an eyebrow.

“No, no! You just got here, relax a little 'kay?” Karin nudged her.

“I just feel like I need to repay you...”

“You repay me by paying half the rent, so chill!”

Diiing Doonnngg

“Finally!” Karin exclaimed in relief and jogged over to get the door.

Karin paid the guy and rushed to set the pizza down on the table.

“Oh god...” she opened the box and grabbed a slice, stuffing it in her mouth.

“Jeez you weren't kidding!” Rina raised her eyebrows as she took a bite of her piece.

“Mmm... wait... wait... I'm in my happy place...” Karin closed her eyes for a few moments. “Okay back to reality, let's watch the movie.”

“Which one are we watching again?” Rina asked as she curled up on the couch in front of the TV.

Karin crouched down by the DVD player, “Umm Gone With The Wind,” Karin smirked and pushed the DVD into the player.

“Gone With the Wind?! What inspired that?”

“I dunno I just grabbed it,” Karin shrugged, sitting on the couch next to Rina. She clicked a button on the remote and the movie began.

“God this movie is so old...” Karin threw a pillow at the screen. “Right? Rina? RINA!?”

“Hmm?” Rina's eyes fluttered open.

“Don't fall asleep on me now! The daughter is about to commit suicide!” Karin pounded her fist on the pillow.

“The daughter doesn't commit suicide she falls off a horse,” Rina rubbed her eyes.

“I call that suicide.”

“Well I'm really bored... and it's only...” Rina glanced at her watch. “Eight thirty, wow.”

Karin picked up the remote control and turned off the television. “Okay let's talk,” she said, sitting back down on the sofa, facing Rina. “Have you ever kissed anyone before?”

“What?! No!” Rina blushed.

There was a few moments of awkward silence.

“Rina close your eyes.”

“What?”

“Just do it.”

Rina closed her eyes slowly. What am I doing!?

Rina felt Karin's soft lips touch hers gently.

“There, your first kiss,” Karin smiled softly and pulled away.

Cutout: Takes place after end of last Chapter.

Rina lay on her back on one side of the big bed. Rina was sort of glad that her new bed hadn't come yet. It's not like I like her or anything... I mean.. we're both girls... she sighed and turned over. Karin looked like a sleeping angel. Rina scooted closer and reached out her hand to feel her soft cheeks. She pulled away as Karin stirred. Her eyes almost teared. Karin seemed so far away even as they were laying right next to each other. Like an expensive china doll behind a glass window that Rina just had to have. No I don't like her like that! I just admire her for her beauty. Rina told herself and finally went to sleep.

Rina opened her eyes and looked over to where Karin had been sleeping. The spot was empty. She must have gone to work already... she rubbed her eyes. Blinking twice, she looked at the clock on the wall.

“Twelve O'Clock!?” Rina gasped. “No way!” she jumped out of bed and stripped off her clothes. She ran to the bathroom and shut the door. Turning the knob on the shower, Rina was met with a rush of cold water.

“Agh!” she jumped back. “Sheesh...”

She ran her hand under the water until it got semi-warm. Stepping into the stream of water, Rina shivered. And it wasn't because she was cold. In fact, she didn't know why. She looked downward. Karin called me flat chested yesterday... god she was right... Rina raised an eyebrow.

There was a small mirror raised just enough so Rina could see her face. I'm not all that bad looking... maybe if I wear better clothes or makeup...

Rina quickly shampooed and conditioned her hair and scrubbed her skin clean. Grabbing a towel off the rack, she hurried to the sink to comb her hair. As she was pulling the comb through her dripping wet tangles, she heard the door open and shut. Karin's home! Damn, I can't go out like this...

“Rina?! I'm home!” she heard Karin call.

Rina quickly towel-dried her hair and opened the door slowly, hoping Karin would be in the Kitchen. Her hopes died. Karin was sitting on the bed in front of her.

“Hi...”

“Hey...”

“I see you took a shower...”

“Yeah...”

“C'mere,” Karin patted the bed next to her.

Rina reluctantly sat on the comforter in her still wet towel. “I'm getting your mattress wet.”

“It's okay,” Karin looked down at her lap. “Rina...”

“Yeah..?”

“Last night... I just... I want you to know, it wasn't a joke or anything...”

“It's okay Karin. I get it.”

“Just wanted to tell you, that's all.” “Okay.” “Great.” “You can kiss me again...” “I will.” And she did.

Chapter 2- Confessions Under the Cherry Tree

Rina and Karin got dressed and locked the front door behind them. This is going to be like our first date... Rina smiled happily. She glanced over at Karin who smiled at her. Today It was just the two of them going out for a picnic by the lake. It was perfect.

“You look sexy in a sun-dress,” Karin teased.

Rina blushed. Karin... you're so raunchy sometimes...

Rina got into the passenger seat next to Karin and set her bag on top of her feet.

“This is gonna be great!” Karin exclaimed as they were driving down the street. “Just a one on one friend to friend fun!”

Friend...? Rina looked quizzically at her.

“What? Aren't you excited?”

“Yes but...”

“WHOA! Look! Ducks!” Karin yelled and jumped out of the car as soon as she shut off the gas. “Hey little guys!” she ran over. The ducks gave a quack of alarm and flew off into the air. “Animals hate me I tell you.”

“It's because you totally just scared them off!” Rina laughed.

“No matter, they're just jealous 'cause I'm hotter than them,” she sniffed and started walking towards the lake. Rina jogged to keep up.

“Let's sit under that cherry tree!” Karin pointed and skipped over.

Rina couldn't help but smile. She acts like a kid even though she's so mature...

“Omigod Rina... the sun... it's melting me... aaahhhhh! Quick quick the umbrella! Before I die!” Karin fell back on the grass dramatically.

“Geez you're so dramatic! People are totally staring,” Rina giggled and opened the umbrella.

Karin grabbed it away from her and stabbed it into the ground. “Much better!”

Rina sat down and opened the picnic basket. “Alright we have-”

“Rina give me the food, damn I don't care what it is! I'm hungry!” Karin whined.

“Okay okay! I made pasta primavera for you,” she smiled and handed it to her.

“Oh my god Rina, you are a goddess in my book!” she gasped and grabbed the pasta from her. Karin began forking the pasta into her mouth quickly. “Hey... what's wrong? You're totally teary eyed,” Karin swallowed and scooted closer to Rina.

“It's nothing! Just my allergies that's all...” Rina sighed, looking at her lap.

“Don't give me that shit Rina. If you're trying to cover something up, it isn't working at all,” Karin poked her shoulder.

Rina looked her in the eyes. “You said when you kissed me... it wasn't a joke. But now... now you're acting like nothing happened!”

“Rina...” Karin stroked her cheek gently. “I like you. I like you a lot...” she said, and kissed her cheek softly.

“Then how come you said we were “friends?” Rina sniffed.

“Because I didn't know your feelings yet... and I didn't want to rush you...” Karin tucked a loose strand of Rina's hair back behind her ear.

“Thanks for caring about me...” Rina tucked her knees in.

“Come on, let's go on a boat ride!” Karin jumped to her feet and held out her hand for Rina.

Boat rides are for couples... does this mean...? Rina smiled and blushed thoughtfully.

“We'd like to rent a boat for thirty minutes please,” Karin said to the man at the boat rental.

“Rowboat or Paddle boat?” the man asked.

“Hm rowboat,” Karin said and handed him the money.

“Alright, follow me,” the man led Rina and Karin around to the bank of the lake where two rowboats floated in the water. The boat man helped them both into the boat and gave them their life jackets and rows.

“Have fun,” the man waved them off.

“Thanks!” Karin called back.

“Come on let's row to the fountain!” Rina laughed.

“Yeah! Come on rowrowrow!” Karin yelled. “Fullll speed ahead!”

“Ow... my arms are like noodles...” Rina complained.

“Well we made it! Come on, be excited!” Karin poked her stomach.

“I am! Look at how tall the fountain is!”

“Yeah we better not get any closer or we'll get soaked.”

“It's such a nice day...”

“Yeah too bad it's almost over...” Karin sighed. “Here, come in the middle so we can sit by each other.”

Rina happily scooted over to sit next to Karin.

“Do you think it's weird for girls to like each other Rina?”

“Mmm no... love can be found in anyone,” Rina said as she lay her head on Karin's shoulder.

“Yeah,” Karin kissed the top of her head.

“Can we go somewhere private tomorrow?” Rina asked, looking up into Karin's soft gray eyes.

“I'll go anywhere you want to go...” she placed her hands on Rina's cheeks and pulled her in. Their lips met for the third time. But this kiss was longer. Karin wrapped her arms around the younger girl and slipped her tongue between her lips. Rina's lips parted to welcome in the kiss. When they broke apart, they just gazed at each other for a moment, and paddled back to shore in silence, both thinking the same thing. Wow.

Chapter 4- Love You so Much it Hurts

Karin and Rina met each other's eyes in the morning at the same time.

“Mornin' Sunshine,” Karin whispered.

“Hi,” Rina giggled.

“Where are we going today?” Karin asked.

“Mm I want to go hiking,” Rina said sleepily.

“Hiking? Why?” Karin sat up.

Rina sat up as well, “Because in the woods, no one can see us.”

“Oh who cares? Lesbians rule, haters can go to hell,” Karin yawned and stretched.

“Yeah but don't you want to enjoy the scenery?”

“Fine, fine, hurry up and get ready!” Karin yawned again and slid out of bed.

“Come on Karin! Let's go!” Rina called from the doorstep.

“Okay, okay!” Karin huffed, running up to her carrying a backpack on her back.

“What the heck did you put in there?!” Rina asked, bewildered.

“Water, nature guide, snacks, and I mean LOTS of snacks, and a compass.”

“You sure love to eat...” Rina raised her eyebrows.

When they arrived at the mountain they would be climbing, Rina and Karin grabbed their backpacks and hopped out of the car. The parking-lot was empty aside from a lone SUV.

“Perfect! We'll have the trails all to ourselves!” Rina grinned.

“Except from the bears you mean?”

“Karin, bears are afraid of humans, they won't bother us. Well, unless they have young to protect.”

“That makes me feel a lot better since, you know, it's Springtime and animals are getting knocked up all over the place, plenty of babies.”

Rina rolled her eyes and started on the trail. The pine trees were huge and shaded the path from sunlight. The cool breeze ruffle Rina and Karin's hair.

“Hey look a bench...” Karin huffed. “Why don't we sit before we die?”

“Oh come on we're almost to the top!”

“Rina you're going to kill me,” Karin coughed.

“Alright, just for a while,” Rina gave in.

Rina sat down and Karin rested her head on Rina's lap.

“Hey Karin can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” Karin smiled up at Rina's round face.

“Why do you like me?”

Karin sat up. “You want my honest answer?”

“Yes.”

“To tell you the truth... I don't know why. I mean, of all the guys I've dated, I could always pinpoint a reason why I dated them. But for you... I just don't know.”

“Is that a good thing?” Rina asked smiling softly.

“Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is,” Karin smiled back.

Rina put her arms around Karin's slender neck.

“Will you kiss me like you did yesterday?” Rina tilted her head to one side.

“I'll kiss you however you want me to,” Karin said, leaning in and pressing her lips against Rina's. Rina could taste her vanilla chapstick. It was nice. Karin pulled away but Rina kissed her again, harder. Lowering her to the bench, Karin hovered over the younger girl. She kissed her again, and her hands ventured under Rina's tank top.

Suddenly, they heard a twig snap. Karin got off of Rina and grabbed a long stick.

“Who's there?!” she demanded.

The bushes parted to reveal a massive creature with brown matted fur. It growled and bared it's teeth, swinging its head side to side.

“Holy shit holy shit... it's a grizzly bear!” Karin squeaked.

“Back away slowly... very slowly... don't panic,” Rina instructed.

“I thought you said there were no bears Ranger Rick!” Karin snapped.

“How was I supposed to-” the bear gave a mighty roar and stepped forward.

“AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RUN FOR IT!!!” Karin screamed and grabbed Rina's hand. Together, they tore through the forest, running for their lives through the bushes and trees.

CRICK! Rina fell to the ground with a thump. She cried out in pain.

“Ow! Karin I think I twisted my ankle!” Rina sobbed.

“Hang on!” Karin grabbed her arms and pulled her up. “Get on my back and hold tight!”

Rina nodded and looped her arms around Karin's neck. Moving as fast as she could, Karin stepped carefully and quickly over rocks and tree stumps, desperate to get Rina somewhere safe.

“L-look! An old cabin! Quick!” Rina pointed to a shabby hut between the trees.

Karin set Rina on the dusty floor of the old cabin.

“We're safe. Let me take a look at your ankle...”

Rina lifted her foot up so Karin could see. It was a sick purple-ish green color and very swollen.

“That looks painful, are you doing okay?”

“Yeah I'm fine. I'm glad you're here,” Rina smiled despite the pain.

“Well, look on the bright side, we saw our first grizzly bear out of the zoo,” Karin smiled lopsidedly.

“Yeah... but it'll get cold by night... we'll be stuck out here until morning!”

“Well it says in old medicine books, that if you sleep naked next to someone, you'll stay warmer,” Karin waggled her eyebrows.

“That's if you have a fever dummy.”

“Right-O I knew that,” Karin shrugged.

“Well, we can always play the question game.”

“Sounds fun, ask me something then,” Karin crossed her legs.

“Okay. What was the most embarrassing moment of your life?”

“That would have to be... when I wet myself in 5th grade because the teacher wouldn't let me go to the bathroom.”

“Aww... okay now you ask me something!”

“Okay, were you a lesbian before you met me?” Karin asked slyly.

“What kind of a question is that?!”

“The kind I need to know.”

Rina rolled her eyes, “No I wasn't.”

“Awww you like me that much?” Karin kissed her cheek.

Rina blushed, “Okay my turn, what's your favorite place to go on a date?”

“Wherever you choose for us to go,” Karin winked.

“Okay, I'll buy.”

“Next question isss... have you ever, like, touched yourself?”

“Karin what the hell!” Rina blushed.

“You're blushing!”

“I haven't I swear!”

"Surrrre."

“This isn't even the questions game anymore, it's like, sexual interrogation!” Rina giggled.

“Well it's about time we find out more about that stuff anyway. And what better place to do it out in the middle of nowhere?”

“I guess... okay then I get to ask YOU a personal question.”

“Okay shoot.”

“Oka-” Rina stopped suddenly. “Do you hear that...?”

“What?”

“It's like... music... coming from your backpack!”

Karin dumped the contents of her pack on the floor. A silver cell phone clattered to the floorboards.

“A cellphone!” Rina gasped as Karin flipped it open. “Dad?” There was a pause. “You'll never guess...”