The ride over to Roger's place was a bit of an ordeal for Karyn, who had to play along without seeming out of the loop when it came to the people who were supposed to be her friends. For the most part, she did well, teasing out this piece of information or that.
Roger Stevens was a gay friend of theirs who had been the president and founder of the school's GLBT group until he graduated last year. Although currently attending community college, he still maintained an active role with the members of the group who hadn't graduated, and he and his boyfriend Tyler frequently hosted parties and events like Shitty Movie Night over at their place.
When they arrived at Roger and Tyler's second floor apartment, Karyn noticed that they were among the last to arrive. She recognized most of the faces at the party, but was surprised to see some of them. Anne greeted them as they walked in the door, but Karyn was mostly surprised to see Zoe's friend Athena DeVries and Zack Kawalski, a large guy who played defensive tackle on the football team (and neither of whom she had thought to be gay prior to this). In all, it wasn't a bad turnout--about ten kids, and she suspected that some of the kids here--like Zack--weren't officially members of the GLBT school group.
Karyn found a spot on the couch and snuggled with Thea. Anne brought them some sodas (Roger had a strict "no alcohol" policy for his HS parties) and they settled in to watch the movie. Partway through the movie, Karyn noted that she was actually having a great time, and that she really enjoyed cuddling with Thea on the couch. There was an intimacy there that she hadn't had since... well, ever.
After the movie, they hung out on Roger's porch, talking with Anne and Zack until it was time to leave. On the trip home, Karyn wondered when the last time she'd had that much fun was.
She was still deep in thought as Thea pulled into her driveway. Her wish-induced girlfriend gently put her hand on her leg in a comforting fashion. "Hey Karyn. You've been quiet the whole ride home. You okay?"
Karyn smiled at Thea. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired is all. And I've been thinking. You know, I actually had a really great time tonight!"
Thea chuckled at that. "You sound like you're surprised. We always have a good time at Roger and Tyler's place. Those guys are the best."
"Yeah, it's just that... I don't know, I just had a great time. Thanks."
This time Thea just smiled at Karyn. "Yeah, I know what you mean." She leaned over and kissed Karyn on the lips. This time Karyn didn't recoil, and kissed the girl back. She still didn't think she was interested in girls, but the kiss felt good. They pulled away, smiling at each other. Karyn glanced at the clock on the dashboard (10:33). "I've gotta go."
"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow. Pick you up at eight?"
Karyn almost laughed at that--She didn't have to take the bus or walk! "Yeah, sounds great."
Karyn stepped out of the car and gave a final wave goodbye to Thea as she opened her front door. Her girlfriend waved back at her as she pulled out of the driveway. As Karyn stepped inside and removed her shoes, she was still smiling ear to ear. She was almost sad to think that she'd lose these new friends once she and Jon set things back to normal.
As Karyn headed for the stairs her mom called to her from the living room. "Karyn, is that you?"
Karyn stepped into the living room to see her mother and father hanging out on the couch, watching the evening news. "Hi mom, what's up?"
"Just checking to see that you're home. Were you hanging out with Thea again?"
"Yeah, it was bad movie night over at Roger's."
"Ah, that sounds like fun. How as the movie?"
Karyn's dad chimed in. "Bad, I hope."
Karyn laughed. "It was awful. Just awful, actually."
"Well we're glad you're home. Please call next time you're going to be out after ten, ok sweetie?"
Karyn had forgotten her curfew. She'd known about it, but it rarely mattered on week nights. "Sorry mom, I'll remember next time. Promise."
Her dad turned from the TV. "We just want to make sure you're safe, Kare-Bear."
"Thanks, dad."
As she started up the steps, her mom called again from the other room. "Karyn? That boy Jon called for you while you were gone too."
"Thanks, mom." She went upstairs to call him back.
