UNSOLVED

19

Taylor was on the subway, her bag on her lap and watching a video on her phone. 23 things I've learned in 23 years.

It was Karlie's birthday, and she was headed to her party. She laughed along at Karlie's more silly than helpful advice and gave the video a thumbs up.

She felt nervous. She had no idea if they were on the same page anymore. They had been crossing all their boundaries lately. And yet, they had neglected to talk about it.

"Hey everyone, let's sing happy birthday for Karlie!" Cara announced and clapped her hands once all the guests had arrived.

Karlie hid her face behind her hands while her friends were singing for her. Taylor looked around for familiar faces. She knew Cara and Derek, and had been introduced to Karlie's younger twin sisters Kimby and Kariann earlier. There were four other people she only knew from Karlie's stories, and she hoped to get to talk to them throughout the night.

Once everyone settled down and divided into small groups in the kitchen and living room, Taylor approached Karlie with her present. The taller woman beamed at her when she saw her coming over to where she was standing with her sisters. Taylor gulped, suddenly thinking she might have picked the wrong time. There was no way back now, however.

Karlie embraced Taylor in a side hug. Out of the corner of her eye Taylor could see the twins exchanging looks. She tried not to pay them any mind.

"This is for you" she shyly handed Karlie the present. It was nothing special, but she hoped Karlie would appreciate her humor.

"Oh, and my family says happy birthday too. Especially my brother. He's watching your channel now that I'm on it too" she added drily.

Karlie rolled her eyes in response, then quickly unwrapped the present. She burst out laughing. "'Coding for dummies?' ... Taylor, I swear to God ...!"

The twins burst out in a fit of laughter as well. Kimby patted Taylor's shoulder. "You're funny. I like you." Taylor didn't know what to say, so she only grinned at her.

She remained with the sisters for a while, making an effort at getting to know the twins better. In between, Karlie went to get more wine for herself and Taylor and non-alcoholic sparkling wine for her sisters.

As the night went on, Taylor managed to talk to everyone and made rounds between groups of people. She even had a deep and lengthy conversation with Derek about writing.

More often than not, however, she found herself by Karlie's side. She didn't know how much wine Karlie had already had, but at one point she felt like she should bring her a glass of water. Karlie looked disappointed, but drank it nonetheless. She was sitting on the couch, petting Joe.

When Taylor tried to pet him as well, Karlie jerked her hand away. "No Taylor, you don't want to get any dog hair on your pretty dress" she slurred.

Taylor looked at her with a mixture of confusion and amusement. "Karlie, I get his hair on my clothes all the time. My cats are always jealous when I get home" she giggled.

Cara next to her raised an eyebrow. Taylor had no idea if Cara knew anything about how often she and Karlie really saw each other.

Karlie simply hummed in response and rested her head on Taylor's shoulder. Taylor felt her pulse quicken. They were surrounded by Karlie's friends and family, but she was unsure if Karlie would act this way if she was completely sober. She looked at Cara for help.

"I'm getting her another glass of water" the brunette mumbled and got up.

***

Taylor ended up as the last person to stay. Karlie had sobered up a little, and they were in the kitchen collecting plates and glasses to put them in the dishwasher. The twins were already brushing their teeth.

"Eh, I'll do the rest tomorrow" Karlie said and shrugged.

She went around the kitchen island when she saw Taylor's polaroid camera lying on it.

"Oh, did you take pictures tonight?"

Taylor giggled. "No, I completely forgot about it, actually. I placed it here when I came in."

"Let's take one right now!" Karlie suggested and clapped her hands. She took the camera and handed it to Taylor.

"You do it, I have no idea how it works."

"You have to press the button, tech genius."

Karlie stuck out her tongue. She stood closely next to her, then wrapped her arms around her. Taylor stretched out her arm to point the camera when Karlie stopped her.

"Wait. Let's do this differently."

Taylor furrowed her brows in confusion. Karlie shifted so she was facing Taylor and put her hands on her hips. Taylor felt her heart beat quicken. Trying not to think too much of it, she angled the camera again.

Karlie pressed a firm kiss on her lips. Taylor was caught off guard but closed her eyes instinctively. Without thinking about it, she pressed the button. They kept kissing until the zurring of the camera brought them back to reality.

They waited for the photo to develop and Taylor gasped when she saw it. It had captured the exact moment of them kissing, both with their eyes closed. It looked intimate.

Karlie smiled softly at Taylor. "I think you should keep it."

"Th-thanks" Taylor stammered and went into the hallway to put the polaroid into the book she was carrying in her bag.

Just then, the twins came into the room to say good night to Karlie.

"You're leaving, Taylor?" Kariann asked, misreading the situation.

"I ... yeah." Taylor thought she might as well leave now.

The twins said their good-byes and retreated into the guest bedroom. Taylor and Karlie stood in the hallway and looked at each other for a long moment.

"Stay?" Karlie asked, leaning forward ever so slightly.

Taylor cleared her throat. "Are you sure?" She didn't want to leave. But she wasn't sure if she should stay. They had already crossed all their boundaries. She couldn't risk it. Risk what?

"Please?" Karlie's voice was quiet.

"Okay."

Karlie smiled again and took Taylor by the hand, leading her up the stairs.