Best Friends..20 years later

A continuation of Kari and May's friendship, after being apart for 20 years.

Kari laid the candlesticks on the table, next to the roses. She placed the wine, glasses, cutlery in its perfect position. Everything was perfect, the way she wanted her life to be. She sat and waited. An hour passed. She called Tom on his cell. Tom answered.

"I've been waiting an hour Tom!"

"Sorry love, I'm being held up at this meeting.. I'll be home late!" 

Click, and end of conversation. Kari breathed in deeply and tapped her fingers. It was a way she adopted of removing the negative feelings in her life. This wasn't the first, or the second time Tom bailed on her. She just felt that all the effort on this food went down the drain. It was meant to be special because they haven't had dinner together in awhile, or even sex. Kari tried to remember the sweet moments when they moved up here. The wedding, the honeymoon, the career promotions and friendships they had. After the trip to the doctor, it all went downhill. After the doctor said Kari could not have kids. Then the late nights, no more cuddling, kissing, touching, even sweet texts. Kari sat in the dark, alone.

Kari jogged her usual path in the morning, when she suddenly saw a familiar face jogging towards her. Fire red hair, olive skin, freckles, emerald eyes. "May?"

"Hi, Kari," May said, beaming.

"Oh my goodness! How long has it been!" Kari hugged May tight as they giggled. 

"Too long," May replied, smiling. "How's Tom?"

"He's uhh...he's good," Kari smiled, with hesitation to continue. It was as if asking about Tom was putting the distance between them, reminding them to behave. 

"Umm..would you like a coffee with me? For old time's sake," May asked. Kari breathed in deeply and started tapping her fingers again. Meeting an ex for coffee is strictly against the rules. "Yeah, sure," she replied, with a hinge of guilt yet happiness to see her old friend again.

They walked to Kari's favourite cafe, which is actually the only one she goes to and settled down. While walking, Kari noticed May looked exactly the same, if not prettier than twenty years ago. Her body in her gym jumpsuit was slim and petite, and she could not take her eyes off her perky bottom.

"So, why are you here, in Chicago?" Kari asked, trying to stop thinking about May's youthful body compared to her aging one.

"Work moved me here for a couple of months. And, I saw your post that you always jog around here, so I tried my luck," May said in a chirpy voice, making Kari seem like she was the old one.

"Wait, so you looked for me here?" Kari asked, her heart as though she wanted to take flight.

May just shrugged and smiled.

Kari breathed in deeply. "So...are you seeing anyone?"

May sipped her coffee slowly before answering,"Yeah, just some colleague that moved here with me. It isn't that serious though."

Kari nodded to show understanding. "I think we should do this again some time, I mean, now that you're here again. Catch up, you know."

"I would love that," May said with a smile that melted Kari's heart again.

Kari rubbed the lotion over her hands. She wanted to just rub all those wrinkles away. "I met May today."

"You mean the red hair May? Wow, how long have you guys not met!" Tom said as he packed his briefcase.

"Her job moved her here, so she's here, and I bumped into her," Kari said. She dressed down to her lingerie and stepped in front of Tom, waiting for a positive response.

Tom looked at her and laughed nervously. "Not today hon," he kissed her cheek and gently pushed her aside to go to the bathroom. Kari felt embarrassed, as if she was a child showing her father her crayon-drawn masterpiece that actually just looks like it was crapped on. She climbed into bed and closed her eyes, but a vibration startled her. She glanced at Tom's phone on the bedside table. The recent text read 'Wish you were with me tonight'. Kari stared at the text again, unable to believe her eyes. This confirmed the suspicion of the late nights, the hostility, all because of.. Mari?

Kari heard Tom coming out of the shower and she hurriedly crawled to her side of the bed and closed her eyes. She will not make a scene today. She will maintain her perfect life, her perfect marriage.

After work, Kari spent her evening with May. Meeting her again was refreshing, a reminder of when they were young. It was nice to have a sincere friend again, rather than those business friends Tom and her met up with obligingly. They talked about old times, laughed about exes.

"You were still the best person I've ever been with," May said. Kari was surprised May was addressing the white elephant in the room so jokingly, as if they weren't avoiding the topic the whole night.

"But this person you've been seeing?" Kari asked.

"Claire?"

"Claire?" Kari asked back, shocked to know May was seeing another woman, instead of a typical man she thought May would end up with.

"Yeah, no, she's just independent. Like, dating," May sipped her beer. 

"You seem masculine now, you used to be so feminine," Kari said.

"I'm like the lipstick lesbian huh."

"And straightforward too," Kari and May both laughed.

"So... you don't like it?" May asked, with a tint of seriousness in her voice.

"I like it," Kari placed a hand over May's. "You're still you. It's a new and improved you."

May smiled. Memories started flooding back. The kiss they shared, her gentle touch, the separation.

"I'm sorry. Again. For what I did," Kari apologised.

"Not this again, Kari. It's been twenty years. I grew up. I learnt more about myself. I changed, and I let it go. I just missed having a friend like you for the past two decades of my life," May said, clutching Kari's hand tight.

Kari gave her a tight hug. "Now you're back."

Kari looked at the clock. It was late, too late. She rubbed her lotion and got ready for bed, with or without Tom. Suddenly, she heard rumbling downstairs. She rushed to check what happened. There Tom was on the floor, drunk, laughing and pissing over himself. She hurriedly helped him up. "How did you get home when you were so drunk!" 

"Fetched me home...Haha!" Tom rambled like a drunk idiot. 

Kari helped him onto the bed and removed his shoes. Tom yanked her close. "Missed me darling?"

His breath reeked of alcohol. Kari pushed him away and stood, but he pulled her down again. "You've wanted sex for weeks, and now that I want it, you push me away!" He pushed her onto the ground, laughing uncontrollably. 

"You're drunk! I hate it when you're drunk!" Kari picked herself up.

Tom stared at her and started staggering towards her. "But I love it when I am!"

He towered over her as his hands clawed at her nightie, like a blind person who tried to open the door but couldn't find the handle. Kari pushed him away, but he started to get angry with the rejection she gave him. He started treating her more roughly, pushing her on the ground and getting on top of her, tearing apart her undies and hitting her when she pushed him away. He forced himself inside her and thrusted heavily. Tears flowed down Kari's face as pain overwhelmed her. 

May opened the door and found Kari standing at her doorstep. She noticed the bruises immediately. "What the heck happened to you!"

Kari wanted to explain when she was interrupted. "Who is it?" came a voice from inside.

A short-haired brunette stepped out behind May, spotting face and body piercings and in a punk outfit. She hugged May from behind and kissed her neck. Kari felt awkward, but jealous at the same time.

"Umm Kari, this is Claire, my err.. girlfriend, and Claire, this is Kari, my best friend."

Kari greeted Claire, and felt happy that they were on the terms 'best friends' again. 

May invited Kari in and poured tea, while they braced themselves for the story Kari was about to tell.

"It's not the first time Tom got drunk and abusive. Recently, it just got more frequent.. and he would feel remorse in the morning but.. I also found a text from someone else.. I think he's cheating on me," Kari explained, holding back tears.

"Oh...that's horrible," May said, her hands covering her mouth.

"Yeah, and here I was, thinking Tom would never do this," Kari sniffed, wondering if May remembered what she said about Tom to her twenty years ago.

"Plainly speaking, he's lost interest in you," Claire said bluntly. 

"Claire!" May hit Claire's leg. 

"I'm just saying! You've tried rekindling the fire, but its burnt out and he's not gonna love you like he did before," Claire explained. 

Kari started to cry as May hugged her and comforted her, glaring at Claire.

"What should I do?" Kari asked, blotting tears away with her tissue.

"You have to talk to him," May said with sternness in her voice.

Kari walked into the ballroom, smoothing her sequin-trimmed red V-neck gown. "I'm so glad you made it on time! Gentlemen, this is my stunning wife," Tom exclaimed and kissed Kari on the cheek. He acted as if nothing happened last night in front of his colleagues and clients. Kari smiled and raised her glass.

"I need to talk to you," Kari whispered as the men drank from their glasses. 

"Not now, hon. Can't you see I'm entertaining?" Tom whispered with a smile to hide his words. 

Frustrated, Kari left him to another corner of the room, where she spotted a tall, dark and handsome gentleman smiling at her from across the room. She gulped her champagne down and strutted towards him. 

"I haven't seen you before," the man said in a low, suave voice. 

"I'm a guest here," she said in a low voice, trying to be as sexy as he was.

After exchanging words and having a conversation about how boring the event was, Kari found herself in the bathroom stall with the man thrusting inside her. She wasn't drunk, she just didn't care anymore. Heck, Tom was cheating on her anyway.

After the man was done, he dressed himself and wanted to apologise to Kari for not even knowing her name. Kari interrupted him with a kiss and she stepped out of the washroom. She stepped out of her casual rendezvous into the ballroom, feeling shame. This was so unlike her. Her eyes searched for Tom, who was still busy schmoozing. He didn't even realise she was gone for the past half hour, typical Tom. But this wasn't typical a few years earlier. 

Kari rubbed her lotion as usual, her heart pounding in her chest. She was going to do it tonight.

"What a night! I'm exhausted." Tom threw his bags on the ground and took his tie off, languidly. 

"We need to talk, Tom." Drunk or not, Kari was going to end this tonight.

"I'm here, so talk." Tom placed a hand over his eyes as he lay on the bed.

"You need to stop getting drunk or I'm walking out of here, Tom," Kari said in a steely voice.

Tom snorted and turned to his side.

"I'm serious!" Kari stood her ground. "Every other night you drink, come home, hit me, and who the hell is Mari! You've been cheating on me haven't you!"

Tom still didn't budge. Kari thought for a moment if he fell asleep, but she still continued. "Cheating with some hispanic w***e that's what you're good at! Hit your wife, that's what you're good at! Other than communing with people higher than you and carrying their balls of course! You try so hard to get their attention that you'd be contented even if they piss on you!"

Tom turned to face her, sitting upright, his eyes wide with fury. Kari felt a chill down her spine, regretting the words she just said.

"Yes I cheat on you, with more than just a hispanic w***e. There has been asians too. And don't you forget, that colleague you always praise!" Tom spat as he inched closer towards Kari. 

Kari backed away carefully. "You slept with people that work with me?"

"Surprised aren't you? And yes, I want to be in the same bed as those people I entertain. After all, my wife already slept with one of them!" 

Kari was aghast. Tom found out! She didn't even know what that man's name was. 

"Didn't know you would go for a black man," Tom jeered as he poured himself a glass of wine from the table.

Kari was speechless as she moved closer toward Tom, thinking of what to say to salvage this situation. "You cheated on me, Tom. You even hit me. I was emotional, and I wanted to get back at you," Kari whimpered as tears strolled down her face.

Tom laughed hysterically, leaving Kari standing there feeling stranded.

"You think that after twenty years I would forget." He turned towards Kari and looked her straight in the eye. "I saw you kiss May that day."

Kari felt her head spin. Tom knew for twenty years what happened between May and her, the betrayal. "Tom, you knew? Tom, it was nothing! We were just young and stupid!"

Tom towered over her. "You were Kari, but I wasn't. I used to love you. Now you mean nothing to me." 

His words pierced her like a knife. "So I will drink, I will continue sleeping around and you just walk."

Kari felt rage rise within her. She immediately packed her things, sobbing, and darted out of that house.

May opened the door to her house. "Kari? It's late, what are you doing here?"

Kari explained everything in tears as she was invited in. After May comforted her, she set up the couch for her to sleep in. Kari slept, her pillow wet with tears. 

"How are you feeling?" May asked as she placed a hand over Kari's. Kari struggled a smile.

"I'm so sorry for imposing. I'll find a new place, and I'll leave."

"No no, take as long as you need. You're welcome here," May said as she turned to Claire. "Right Claire?"

"Mmm yeah," Claire said, munching on the cereal and reading the paper. 

"Okay I'm heading to that project for work now, see you love," May said as she pecked Claire on the lips and grabbed her bag. Kari looked at the couple, so in love, wondering about her and Tom. 

"Wait, come here M," Claire said. May walked towards her, her eyebrows raised. Claire snagged May and gave her a long, wet smooch. Her hand reached across her bum. Kari was awkwardly put in a spot when she found herself staring, mouth agape. It was frankly quite sexy, feeling a need rise within her. 

May pulled away after the long kiss and laughed as Claire smacked her bum playfully. 

"Umm bye May," Kari said as May touched her shoulder. Claire laughed and looked at Kari, her gaze sending chills down Kari's spine. There was something about that look that was seductive, yet frightening at the same time.

After breakfast, Kari read some books, surfed the web and headed for a bath. She wrapped herself in the towel as she entered the bathroom. She prepared her shaving kit when she heard someone enter the toilet. She turned and jumped in shock. It was Claire. 

"Oh.. Claire you startled me!" Claire just inched closer to Kari, a deep look in her eye.

"I was just about to...." Kari was interrupted as Claire pressed her lips against Kari's. Kari's eyes widened in shock. She pulled away. "What are you doing!"

Claire laughed as she put an arm around Kari's waist. "Come on, you want this, I want this." She proceeded to kiss Kari's neck when Kari pushed her away again. "No I don't! I'm still going through troubles in my marriage Claire! And you have May!"

Claire stared up and down Kari's body. "Girl do I want to see what's underneath."

"No! Claire, get out!" Kari shouted. 

Claire sighed,"Look, you need to get out of this rut and distract yourself. I just want this with you. So.. let's help each other out and not let May know about this."

"No, get out!" Kari pushed Claire out, but stopped when she heard her phone ring. She walked past Claire to check her phone. She received a text from Tom, insulting her, saying he was with another blonde b***h now that she's gone. Kari felt anger bubble up in her. She turned towards Claire and stood in front of her. "I changed my mind. Now I'm all yours." 

Claire smiled smugly. "Attagirl." She kissed Kari on the neck, then pulled away. She used a finger to undo Kari's towel, taking her body in her mental memory while the towel dropped to the floor. Then Claire kissed her furiously, her hands over Kari's body. Kari moaned as she felt Claire put something in her, as it vibrated with a flick of the switch. Her eyes rolled backwards as she imagined that Claire was someone else. Someone with red hair. 

May entered the house to find Claire watching TV and Kari reading a magazine in the living room. "Hi guys! Hello love," she kissed Claire as Claire glanced at Kari. Kari bit her lip in nervousness. 

So the days passed, whenever May was out of the house, Claire would pay Kari a little quick visit. But Kari never warmed up to Claire, she felt there was something different about Claire, how Claire was aloof to everything and how Claire only cared about sex. Kari however, felt her feelings rekindled for May. Watching May smile, her hair in the sunlight, made her heart leap again. One day, Kari decided to speak to May about the past again. She just didn't know that day would come so soon.

Kari and May were playing knitting because May suggested that Kari should pick up a hobby to get over her broken marriage.

"It's like this! The stitch is like this!" Kari showed May her messy stitching.

"I'm so bad at this!" May laughed. 

Kari laughed as she leaned on May's shoulder. She looked up, and May's face was just inches from hers. They gazed into each other's eyes, as time stopped and so did their laughter. Kari leaned in closer, and kissed May gently on the lips. May kissed back, before pulling away. 

"I can't do this, I have Claire. We've been through this before."

Kari felt like screaming that Claire cheated on her too, but held herself back. She would just be shooting herself in the foot. "I thought you and Claire weren't serious."

"I know, but... I just can't, I would feel bad. I mean, she seems serious about me." 

Kari wanted to scream NO, but she simmered down. "Don't you care about me?" Kari asked.

May turned to Kari, a pained expression on her face. Kari patted her hand,"It's alright, I know, I know."

"We're still friends though right?" May asked hesitantly. 

"Best friends," Kari said, smiling. She would not risk this friendship again. 

Kari racked her head over how to get May back into her life in a romantic way. She finally called a friend for help, and her friend just arrived at Kari's favourite cafe.

"I'm so glad to see you again," Adriana said. Her raven black hair was as long and luscious as always, but now faded lines were beginning to form around either sides of her mouth.

"I wished I never had to, but I need your help," Kari said as she sat herself down.

"May and you, always having this trouble. Together, not together," Adriana laughed.

Kari showed Adriana the pictures in her phone. "Her name's Claire. They live together."

"Spunky, I like it. But I'm more of a lipstick lesbian." Adriana pushed the phone away. 

"Please. She's as brazen as you are," Kari begged. "She might present a challenge?"

"I'll do it. All for fun," Adriana agreed. She got up to leave, but Kari stopped her. 

"Wait, are you married, or with anyone right now?" 

Adriana smiled. "I'm with everyone I've ever been with."

"Where did Claire go?" Kari asked, wanting to know if May knew. 

"I think its some club or something," May said nonchalantly.

"So I guess it's just the two of us," Kari said coyly. 

"Stop it," May teased back with a smile.

Back in the club, Claire was growing bored. Adriana spotted her from far and started to make her move. Adriana knew Claire caught her eye the moment she walked down the stairs. With her long black hair and her cleavage boost, she would catch the eye of everyone in the club. She smiled seductively at Claire as Claire started to follow her into the high table.

Adriana put her clutch down and ordered a drink for herself. Claire walked towards her table, circling it, her eyes never leaving Adriana. Adriana smiled at her. "Do I know you?"

Claire walked closer toward her. "You just look beautiful, that's all."

Adriana laughed as she sipped her newly ordered drink.

"Does it taste good?" Claire asked, trying to make small conversation.

Adriana turned towards her, and moved closer. "Do you want a taste?"

Claire nodded. Adriana sipped her drink and kept it in her mouth as she pressed her lips against Claire's and pushed the drink forward using her tongue. Claire was caught unaware as the drink flowed into her mouth, and down her cheek. Adriana traced the trickles using her tongue, down her chin, her neck and her chest. Now, Claire was aroused. 

"I've never had someone do this to me before," Claire muttered in nervousness. 

"Good. Back to your place?" Adriana asked.

"Umm no, I have a... roommate. But back to yours?" 

Adriana shook her head in disappointment,"I guess you don't get me then."

"Wait!" Claire pulled her hand. "What about I get your number or something?" 

Adriana leaned in close to her ear and whispered,"I'll call you." Adriana licked her ear that sent chills down her spine and left the club, leaving Claire hot and bothered.

"Claire's been acting all weird toward me since that day at the club," May said as she wore her earrings.

"Well, now we'll go out and it'll be fine," Kari said as she grabbed her bag.

Claire was left all alone in the apartment, which was perfect for Adriana to come over, all planned by Kari of course. Adriana stepped through the door, looking around the apartment.

"My roommate's gone.. so," Claire said excitedly.

"That's great," Adriana said as she removed her trench coat, revealing her tantalising kinky undergarments within. 

Claire stared at Adriana's get-up, unable to remove her eyes. She pounced on Adriana tongue first, and they fell on the bed, canoodling. 

"Oh, I think I forgot my purse," Kari said, pretending to fumble around in her bag.

"Oh, its alright I'll just pay for everything today," May said with a smile. 

"No no, I have something important in there.. I think we should go back."

"But Kari, we've walked so far. Just let me give you a treat today."

"I think I'd feel better if I just have it with me. It's like not bringing a phone around," Kari laughed.

"Okay then, that reservation has to wait for us," May said as they turned around and walked back. 

Kari was excited and anxious about the development of this plot. Finally, May would be hers. If nothing went wrong, of course. 

They entered the house as quietly as Kari could. Kari looked around, no one in sight. They must be in the bedroom. She turned to May. "Maybe I left it in your room. Help me look for it?" 

May nodded as she headed to the bedroom, noticing faint sounds of moaning as she walked closer. Kari was creeping up behind her, anticipating her shock. May burst the door open and froze there. Kari rushed up behind her, peeping from behind her. Adriana was giving Claire a massage, both of them fully clothed.

"Adriana? How long has it been!" May said with astonishment. 

Adriana leaned backwards. "Too long, May. Want a massage?" She smiled at Kari. Kari felt betrayed. Adriana played her! 

Claire sat upright quickly, nervously. "H-how come you guys are back? And you guys know each other?"

"We go way back, 20 years ago," May said with a sneer in her voice. 

"Looks like my time is up," Adriana got up to leave. "Goodbye Claire, and nice to meet you again May, Kari."

As Adriana walked out the door, Kari rushed after her and grabbed her arm. "Adriana you played me! You didn't follow the plan!"

Adriana shook off Kari's hand. "Were you paying me? I had no obligation. Plus, I would love to see you all fight things out." She smiled as she turned and walked away. 

Kari stomped back into the house, disappointed at her failed plan. She went back to her room, when Claire entered. 

"You knew I was bringing someone back home didn't you?" 

"Claire, I didn't...I.."

"You deliberately are trying to sabotage May and my relationship aren't you!" Claire's voice grew harsh. Kari didn't know what to answer. She was terrible at lying, and if she did admit the truth, who knows what Claire would do. 

Claire inched closer towards her. "Were you?"

"I don't... umm..."

"Just because you want to be with me?" Claire started to smile. 

"What?" Kari sat upright, no longer afraid. 

Claire sat next to Kari and placed her lips on Kari's. Kari pushed away. "Wait I didn't mean.."

Claire placed a finger on Kari's lips to interrupt her. "You don't have to do anything. I will." Claire left the room leaving Kari puzzled. 

Minutes passed after the incident and Kari was starting to form up a new plan, until May barged into her room. "You've been with Claire this whole time?"  she shouted.

Kari hurriedly sat upright. "May! No, it was just that time when Claire came in and-"

"I don't want to hear it! I invited you into my home and you do this to me?"

"May! I don't like Claire!"

"That's worse! To think I believed you to be my best friend Kari." May stomped out of the room.

Kari rushed to find Claire in the kitchen. "Claire, what did you do!" 

Claire turned towards her. "I told May all about us so now we can be together."

"But I don't want to be with you! The person I like is May, not you."

Claire's eyes widened in rage. "I just broke up with May for you."

"You didn't give me a chance to explain!"

"This was all your plan... I won't let you be with her," Claire spat.

Soon Claire moved out but over the past few days, May barely spoke to Kari. She plainly ignored her even though Kari explained herself and apologised. 

May was planning her presentation for her work and placed it in her thumb drive and the papers on her desk, but this time she couldn't find it. She searched everywhere in the house frantically but it was nowhere to be found.

Kari received a text from Tom to settle the divorce papers. She was to meet him at a unknown apartment, and entered when the Tom opened the door. 

"Hi Tom," she said coldly as she entered.

Tom closed the door. Kari looked around the cosy apartment. It had a familiar style to it.

Tom placed the papers on the coffee table. "Kari, I have decided not to sign it."

Kari turned in shock. "What? Why?"

Tom shrugged. "If I divorce you, I have to give you alimony. I'm not doing that for you."

"You owe me that," she spat.

"Before we do any discussion, drink?" Tom offered her a glass of wine. Kari took it and gulped from it in anger.

"No, I think you owe him." Kari turned. A familiar man walked out of the kitchen, sipping his beer. It was Charles, Tom's best friend from twenty years ago as well as May's ex.

"Charles? I didn't know you still kept in contact with Tom. What are you doing here?" Kari asked.

"Payback," Tom sneered. Kari suddenly felt dizzy. She fell onto the sofa groggily, unable to garner the strength to sit upright. "Did you...put something..in my drink..?" she slurred, her head spinning. 

Tom smiled as his face was mixed in double vision in Kari's eyes. She felt him lift up her dress as she started to black out.

"What is this! I received a text asking me to come here to get my documents and I find this!"

"Calm down May."

"Charles? What? What is going on!"

Kari opened her eyes. Her hands were tied above her head and she was still lying on that same sofa. Her dress was removed, revealing her undergarments. Tom and Charles stood in front of her, but May was standing there as well, with a panicked look over her face. 

"You want your documents, you do us a favour and we'll give them to you," Tom said.

"How did you even get my documents?" May asked worriedly. 

Tom smiled. "We had someone come to us for revenge on Kari. Claire, I believe you know her."

"We're gonna film you guys doing some stuff. Then you get what you want and so do we," Charles said, a smile spread across his face. 

"Guys, my job depends on this presentation...I-"

"Then do it, May," Tom said harshly. 

May looked at Kari, her eyes half open and semi-conscious. "You promise to return it to me?"

Charles grabbed a box of popcorn as he prepared the camera. "This is gonna be good! Undress for the camera darling." 

May had to strip everything till she was butt naked. "First, give Kari a kiss," Charles said. May stepped closer toward Kari and knelt on top of her. Her hatred towards Kari still have yet to dissipate, so she hated doing this. She leaned close to Kari and gave her a quick peck. 

"Longer!"

May reluctantly pressed her lips against Kari's. Kari, unbeknownst to her, kissed back. May wasn't sure if she knew what she was doing. 

"Remove her bra," Tom commanded and May did so. She unclasped the hook and pulled the bra above her head.

Under Tom's instructions, May placed her hand over Kari's breast and kissed. 

"You see May, your thumb drive is in Kari's very protected hole," 

May was disgusted, but hurriedly pulled off Kari's underwear. But she was interrupted.

"Wait! You can only remove it using your mouth," Charles said, inching forward with his camera.

"Guys don't make me do this," May pleaded but she was ignored. May reluctantly placed her face in between Kari's legs and used her tongue to prod and search. Kari moaned and wriggled, her legs wrapped around May's head. May pulled away. "I can't find it like this!"

"Alright fine, you may use your hands," Tom relented. 

May used her fingers to search, and finally pulled out the thumb drive.

"I think Kari's waking up," Charles said. 

Tom untied Kari's hands. 

"Are we done now?" May asked, wiping her mouth. 

"Keep kissing," Charles commanded. May continued kissing Kari, with Kari's arms wrapped around May and kissing her back. Kari pulled away. "May? You're no longer angry with me?" 

"Apparently you don't know the situation here, Kari," May whispered as she kissed Kari's ear.

"I just wanted you to be with me Kari, all this time since I saw you again...," Kari's voice trailed off as she delve into unconsciousness. 

"Use your fingers!" 

May stuck her fingers deep into Kari, causing Kari to wake up again. "This is just like old times, right May? I've missed you." Kari pressed her lips against May's and her tongue pushed into May's mouth. May felt her heart soften at the memories of them both. She had been hard on Kari for the past few days, and she had an inkling that Claire put Kari up to it. She kissed back and it grew passionate. The boys grew shocked as the girls didn't need their instructions anymore. They grew steamy and carnal. 

"I thought Claire said they were not on talking terms and this would be tortuous for them," Charles whispered. Tom was speechless, and honestly a bit turned on.

"I'm so glad the boys left and it's just us now," May said, holding Kari's hand.

"May, do you remember the previous time we wanted to run away? Twenty years ago?" Kari asked. 

"How could I forget?" May reminisced the past.

Twenty years ago, when May and Kari first discovered their feelings for each other. They were afraid their friends would find out. They wanted to up and leave. So they did. At midnight, they took Kari's car and drove out of town.

"What did you tell Tom?" May asked.

"I left him a note that he'll read when he comes looking for me. You?" Kari asked back.

"I only left my parents a note. Maybe Charles would finally relent and think about all the stuff we argued and realise I'm right, now that I'm gone," May chuckled. 

"Do you think this will really work?" Kari asked nervously.

"I don't know. But I'm happy." May held Kari's hand.