England Expects That Even Amanda Will Do Her Duty

Chapter Seven - Shampoo and Sleep

The coach arrived back at the youth hostel in the early afternoon and after two long walks and no showers all the girls wanted a long warm soak. Prestick School had left the hostel when the Luna Nova girls were at Thorn's Cave and as the male wing was now empty Jasminka had the bright idea of using the showers there to avoid the queues. Amanda, Hannah, Akko and Diana were all exhausted from the night before and were happy tobe led like obedient zombies by their friends.

The fact that the youth hostel was an old house meant that the two men's and women's wings had different layouts, which became apparent to the girls when they entered the bathroom. On entering there was a section with sinks and opposite them urinals and further down toilet cubicles. Barbara gave out a little "eww" to show her disapproval of such things, which may not have been obvious from her lingering inquisitive look. Further inside was the shower area. Unlike in the girls' block where there were curtains to separate each shower here they were open.

That morning Jasminka had had to help Amanda get dressed as she could not raise her arms above shoulder height. Her fatigue and aches had gradually gotten worse and Jasminka was there again to help her and pulled Amanda's top over her head then spun her around so that Jasminka could unclip her bra. Jasminka helped hang her clothes up and then they walked together to the showers. As the warm water cascaded on to her weary shoulders Amanda, in spite of weariness, could not help looking at the other girls. She really did like girls and not boys, in fact she had no idea why you would like boys and here surrounded by naiads her bafflement grew. Amanda's heart started to race as her eyes rested on Hannah. She was near by and was facing the shower letting the water sprinkle down on her face. Her hair, normally tied up was free and glistened with moisture.

Amanda's heard Jasminka speak although it was little more than background noise. It was only when Jasminka poked her shoulder and repeated herself that Amanda said "Sorry Jas, what you say?". Jasminka repeated herself for a third time "Should I shampoo your hair?", "Yes thanks Jasminka". Hannah looked shyly across and said quietly "I'll...I'll do it". Jasminka realising she was being spoken to yet without hearing it said apologetically "Sorry?", Hannah repeated more firmly "I'll do it". Jasminka cocked her head to one side and said "OK, do you want this shampoo?". "No thank you" Hannah replied "I'll use mine". Hannah grabbed her bottle and moved the short distance to stand next to Amanda. The other girls heard and saw what was going on and attempted to see what was happening without making it obvious.

Hannah and Amanda were now in their own little world as they faced each other. Hannah looking up into the emerald eyes that were once so full of venom. She said gently "You'd better turn around and lean your head back.Amanda smiled and said "OK, you'd best share my shower to keep warm". Both girls blushed as Amanda moved to allow Hannah to stand close behind her. She then let her head fall backwards so that Hannah could reach to apply the shampoo. The first touch of Hannah's fingers to her hair was electric and Amanda closed her eyes as delicate fingers gently kneaded and stroked her hair and scalp. All too soon Hannah said "OK, it's done". Amanda moved and ducked her head into the warm shower. Hannah took a step back and for the first time looked around her as half a dozen girls quickly looked the other way.

None of the girls had brought a change of clothes with them to the showers and so they waited for everyone to finish before walking back via reception wrapped in their towels. As they returned to the dorm the girls were again shocked to hear Hannah tell Amanda that she would help her get dressed. Barbara especially could not fathom what had happened and as always looked to Diana for guidance. Seeing that Diana seemed unconcerned Barbara supposed that it was something not to worry too much about for now.

After a hearty late lunch it was aboard the bus for the trip back to Luna Nova. As had happened on the way there Professor Finnelan asked Diana, Hannah and Barbara to sit on the back row. Barbara half expected Akko and Amanda to join them. And sure enough to her left were Hannah and Amanda and to her right Akko and Diana. Amanda and Hannah were not sure how it happened, but before long they were holding hands and a short while after that Hannah rested her head against Amanda's shoulder and they both drifted off to sleep. Barbara looked to her right and saw tha tAkko was resting her head on Diana's shoulder and their fingers were lovingly interlinked. Akko was drifting off to sleep and although tired Diana was awake and whispered to Barbara "Are you OK Barbara?" Barbara nodded and Diana continued "I'm glad". Barbara pondered a moment and then said "I'm happy you're happy, both of you". Diana said "That's a kind thing to say...I think I'll have a little sleep", with that she rested her head against Akko's and closed her eyes.

Barbara sat back in her seat and thought to herself that it was about time that she told Lotte how she felt about her.