* * *I expected to hear no more of that foolishness, but Neera returned to it afew nights later. We were resting in bed, with her on top of me and me...till inside her, when she propped herself on her elbows staring into myeyes almost nose to nose. She calls it playing cyclops, because when youdo that, it looks like your partner only has one eye."Still don't want to be my girlfriend?" she enquired. "I rather thoughtallowing yourself to be re-fashioned into a lesbian beauty would appeal bythe. A woman after my own heart. How did you know?”“Can’t you guess?”“The holy terrors?”Alia laughed and nodded.We fell into an easy conversation. Once again I was reminded how nice it was to chat with someone so insightful, intelligent, witty, and knowledgeable. She had wide-ranging interests, expressed outrage at how women were still being treated in the world, and liked Putin as much as I did; not at all.Scotch softened us. As the drinks finished, Alia leaned towards me and our lips met in a. Still, the rain came in torrents. Above them, unseen, rainwater pooled in cup formed when boards bent under the weight of many seasons. The collected water was straining the boards forming the cup. As slowly as the minute hand on an old clock, the boards began to sag. Without warning, the wood gave way. A sudden deluge dropped down on Karen and Lisa. The shock smothered their ardor as quickly as it would a camp fire. Both girls involuntarily screamed out in shock. Karen had no idea at first. I can feel her excitement, sense it bubbling inside her; it's painted over her face, it's an energy that radiates from her. Her smile feels wholesome and beautiful against the idyllic backdrop. Being with Hazel makes me smile; it makes my heart pound. My mind whirs with images of her and I together, but deep down it doesn't feel quite the same. I don't feel that radiating joy. I know how this story ends, I've already seen and lived it – a few times, in fact. It's lost its mystery to me. As I.