Just my cup of tea

Apple Bongs

My dream of Leyla and Kate played on my mind. It was the summer holiday now as the new year approached. The staff had planned an outing of karaoke and barbecue as team building. Bella being in a different department to ours now wasn't going to be there which really bummed me out because I found I mostly enjoy spending time with her now.

Time spent with her was effortless and carefree. There was never any drama and we actually learned a lot from each other about our different customs and also language. She's taught me a fairly good amount of Chinese were I can get around and she says I've improved her English, however I've always felt she's fluent.

I did end up receiving a reply from Kate. It became the norm now to text each other now and then which I was happy about although I wasn't sure how long it would last and I dare not ask or get into any conversation that may feel too intimate for her. I still longed to ask her why is she still risking her peaceful life to keep in contact with me. I kind of guess her answer wouldn't really be much of an answer or maybe the reason I'm not asking is because I'm afraid it's not the answer I want to hear.

I take my last pull, feeling so at ease in the world. Bella has become accustomed to the smell so she no longer sits by the window but rather next to me on the couch. We've been watching "I can't think straight" because she was curious about how there could really be lesbian movies. I found it hilarious that she was so amazed by this.

"So what did you think?" She nodded and pushed her lips together. "Yeah sure it was good. Refreshing to see a unique love story but honestly I'm just not a fan of romantic movies." I scoffed "Well sorry no-one got their heads blown up you maniac." She laughed and punched my arm. "ouch! Geez dude you really don't realize how strong you are."

"Don't be a wimp! You're supposed to be a man!" She gestured to me. "ah no no I'm very much happy being a woman thank you." She turned to me with a thoughtful look on her face. "So how do you know when someone is lesbian? I mean how do you know if you were looking for someone, you know?"

"Aah well to be honest in the past it seems my gaydar never worked well on girls I actually liked or were attracted to. I guess my nerves got the better of me." She laughed. "I know you never really talk about it but what happened in your last relationship?"

I knew she'd ask again eventually. I've never spoken about Kate out loud to anyone since Hales. That was years ago now..I don't know if I could do it. "I'm sorry Bella, I promise I'll answer any other questions but that one for now." She gave me a soft smile and thought for a bit. I knew she was thinking of another question. "Ok, what does your gaydar say about me?"

I was quite taken aback by this question. "Well the first thing I thought when I met you was this girl is as straight as her hair." We both laughed so hard after that because Bella is known as the girl with super straight long hair in the office. "My hair really did stand out huh?"

She placed a hand on my leg and rested her chin on her other hand. "Well, what does your gaydar say about me now, after you've gotten to know me?" She tilted her head and slowly lifted her gaze to meet my eyes and I had never seen that kind of look in her eyes before. We just stared at each other when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

We broke contact without her question being answered. I went over to the door and it was Daniel. "Heeey, how about we smoke one before we go? Hey Bella," he said as he walked in and closed the door behind him.

I was still in a bit of hazy state from my first smoke and from what just happened. Bella has never acted that way before around me. Was that a moment back there? Has it just been too long since I've been flirting to notice when it is or isn't happening?

I glanced at Bella and she at me and then we both quickly looked away. "Yeah sure Daniel let's smoke then we can head to the karaoke." He went straight to rolling "oh Bella you going to join us?" he asked. "Oh no, I'll head back to my place when you guys leave."