Book of Us - Short Lesbian Love Stories

Connecting with Rachael

Warning: Contains sex scenes.

"I don't believe in love at first sight," Rachael said, laying back into some black bean bags embroidered with bohemian designs. In front of her was a rug, also of bohemian design. It was frayed in places and the colour was dull; showing its age. Across from her, a young woman called Clara with shoulder-length red hair sat cross-legged.

It was night time and their only sources of light were two scented candles. As the flames flickered, shadows of various shapes were cast on the walls.

"Is that so? I think it's a nice idea," the red-haired woman replied, twiddling with a tassel stitched to the side of the rug.

"Not love. But I do believe in a sensing a strong connection at first sight." Rachael was looking her companion in the eyes. "I think you sense it as soon as your eyes meet. And there's a vibration, or an energy - I don't know how to describe it - that makes the world semi warp around you both. As if, whatever the bond is between you, it's so powerful the world is bending around your connection, literally."

Clara pursed her lips, curious. "I don't think I've felt that before. Do you know it as soon as it happens?"

A whiff of cinnamon from the candles made Rachael close her eyes for a moment. She loved the smell of cinnamon. "I think you subconsciously feel it. Your conscious mind is semi-aware that something feels different, but you don't necessarily realise why you feel that way until later."

"Do you think you can have connections like that with many people?"

"No, it's rare, I think."

Clara nodded and then mulled it over for a moment. "Do you think connections like that can grow? Like, that they're not always spontaneous."

"Yeah, maybe. But, then again, I'm not sure it can ever be as powerful as when you feel it right away, at least in your subconscious. If you feel that connection before you've even barely said a word to each other, that is a sign that you are kindred spirits; in some ways, on a spiritual level, you are a perfect fit."

"Like a soul mate?"

"Depends on your definition of "soul mate", I guess."

Clara gazed up at Rachael. Rachael's brown eyes were distant, looking up at the ceiling. Clara felt a pang in her chest. Rachael was several years older than her, a dark beauty, and very intense. She had fallen in love with her over the time they had been flatmates at university; Rachael had been a master's student while she had only just been starting her first degree. She had desperately always wanted her attention in a romantic way. Instead, she always felt like Rachael was far beyond her reach, probably falling in love with far more complicated girls than herself.

"When did you last feel a connection like that?" Clara asked.

Rachael looked down at the candles, then at Clara again. She smiled. "Not long ago."

Clara felt a glow of hope within her that it could possibly have been her, but then she bashed the thought down by telling herself that Rachael would never fall for her. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

"She... disappeared for a while. Things had got intense between us, and messy. Too messy, I guess. And then she fell back in love with someone else."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

Rachael shook her head while smiling sadly. "No need to be sorry. It's not your fault."

Clara wanted to hug her, kiss her and tell her the other woman was a fool for not staying with her.

Rachael sighed. "I wonder when they're going to fix the powerlines."

"Hopefully soon." Clara felt restless. She wanted to get close to Rachael somehow. Being in a dark house, alone, with alcohol and no lights seemed like the perfect opportunity. "Another beer?" She offered Rachael one. Rachel took it and popped the tab, causing a hissing sound as it opened. "Do you ever, I don't know, sleep with people just for fun?"