Marcie picked up her phone. Her heart skipped a beat as she answered, hearing Jo's voice on the other end. It had been two weeks and the controversy with her father had almost died down. Jo had been there for her every step of the way.

Their, 'friendship' was confusing Marcie somewhat. They had definitely grown closer but Marcie was frustrated that Jo seemed to show no indication of wanting to take the relationship further.

Jo sounded nervous.

"Hello – Marcie?"

"Hey Jo, how are you?"

Her mind ever wandering back to the night they kissed Marcie was saturated with self-doubt.

'She kissed me right? Well we kissed anyway… joint effort. Maybe she regrets it and just wants to be friends. Oh my god maybe that's why she's calling. That's why she sounds so nervous. She's gonna tell me never to go near her again, I feel like such an ass.'

Her silent train of conclusion-jumping-to was interrupted.

"Marcie?" Jo wondered if maybe they'd gotten disconnected after a minute of silence.

"Huh?" Marcie answered in a small, confused voice.

"I was just wondering if, maybe you wanted to go to the cinema tonight… with me."

There was another long silence, and Jo accepted the rejection to herself. She had been thinking that Marcie was losing interest. Ever since they kissed -

'Wow, what a kiss.'

Marcie hadn't shown any signs of wanting to do so again, or of being attracted to Jo for that matter. She was unsure of the nature of their relationship, and was now taking the initiative in finding out.

"You know," Jo continued, "just me and you, or you and I? Us?"

There was an audible sigh on the other end.

"Oh Jo, I'd love to. That'd be great"

Jo allowed herself to smile. "Uh great! Shall I call over - pick you up? At about eight or so?"

She was answered by a small giddy giggle and replied,

"Well, I'll take that as a yes, see you then."

"Ok, bye." Marcie didn't want the call to end. Apparently Jo didn't either as she held on for a couple of seconds before saying "Bye, Marcie."

She loved the sound of that name. Reciting it to herself Jo began to collect herself after the phone call. Her stomach was playing all sorts of tricks on her, and her heart fluttered inside her chest as another major issue raised its head.

"Oh dear god, what am I going to wear?"

She was sitting in her car, outside Marcie's house, mentally preparing. Tonight was important. She was evaluating their relationship to date and Jo knew that what she definitely wanted was Marcie, to be with her, as her girlfriend.

Her stereo blared and she considered turning it off, it was not having the calming effect she desired as she heard Dani Filth screaming, "This is the End of Everything."

'Huh, so music doesn't sooth the soul.' She concluded to herself and changed the cd.

She glanced over her car; it was immaculate. She'd cleaned it thoroughly before leaving the house. It was her pride and joy and she rarely took her friends out in it. She avoided using it at almost all costs, unless it was really important… or she was trying to make a good impression.

She turned off the engine and took a few deep cleansing breaths before opening the door to climb out of the car. She jumped as the front door of Marcie's house opened.

The short brunette walked down the lane.

'Oh my god, she's breath-taking.' Jo thought as she took in all of Marcie.

She couldn't help but notice how her clothes hugged her figure perfectly; her violet shirt hugging her chest perfectly, the dark denim of her jeans accentuated her curves emphasizing her hips and waist, and swamped her sneakers. She was wearing skater shoes, and Jo's knees went weak. Her first instinct was to rush up to the girl, put her arms around her waist and kiss her forever; she curbed the impulse, figuring it to be slightly inappropriate.

She finally made her way fully out of her car.

Marcie was surprised that Jo had had her own car, and was highly impressed. It was a small black hatchback, with perfect silver alloys, subtle spoilers and all accented by the lights coming from its underside that cause the ground below to glow.

As Jo moved out from behind her car Marcie finally caught a glimpse of her.

'Wow, she's so gorgeous.'

Marcie started to feel underdressed – under pretty, as she saw Jo's perfect outfit. It oozed class and there was a subtle finesse around the natural make-up she wore.

"Hi… Jo…. You look, amazing."

Jo smiled widely as she rushed to give the other girl a hug.

"You do too." She replied.

Both girls stood awkwardly for a moment, neither sure of what to do. Jo finally reached out her hand to touch Marcie's and she opened the car-door for her.

"Let's go."

Jo was practically salivating as she glanced at Marcie from time to time. Marcie was busy looking around her.

'At my car.' Jo thought feeling a bit exposed. This was her inner sanctum. She never took anyone into her car. Most of her closest friends had never been there before.

"I don't know what to say Jo, your car is amazing." and Jo relaxed. She asked "Do you really think so?"

Marcie gave her a 'well duh' look and continued to look around adding to herself. "Well not as amazing as you Jo." Jo felt calmer now, and decided to let them slip into a comfortable silence the rest of the way.

Fighting self-consciousness she gazed at Marcie once more, noticing her lips. She was wearing lip-gloss… or maybe balm. She loved those perfect lips. A pale pink that always seemed to be in an amused pout, they just looked so, lickable.

'Jo, keep an eye on the road.' She warned herself, and she quickly looked away when she noticed Marcie looking back.

She had noticed the attention and turned to the blonde, a grin on her face.

"You were checking me out." She gently teased.

Jo's emotions ran rampant on her face as she panicked.

"Uh… well… um… no… not exactly."

Marcie laughed in return and gave Jo's hand a gentle squeeze. Visibly calming Jo replied.

"Well could you blame me?"

"Oh god what is happening here" Jo asked herself silently, "that was more than an 'I'm your friend and simply making fun of you statement' that I believe was flirting… "

And so it continued for the rest of the car journey and well into the movie. Jo was only too happy to sit and offer comfort to Marcie who buried her head in the other girls shoulder as, for example, Mike Myers stood up for at least the tenth time after having been stabbed, shot or in some other way attempt-killed. And Marcie was only too happy to snuggle into her potential girlfriend, who was busy stifling yet another giggle, at the movie that she personally found terrifying.

Walking out of the theatre Marcie feigned shock and pouted at Jo.

"You laughed the whole way through that movie!"

"Uh… well … no. I wasn't laughing so much as gasping continually with... terror, I was just as scared as you were."

Marcie smiled, "Of course."

Her hand, on autopilot, reached for Jo's, but reluctantly pulled back as she realised how many others were surrounding them. 'No, not here. What if Jo reacts badly?' She thought to herself.

Her reasoning attempted to drown the knowledge that Jo probably craved the gesture as much as Marcie craved bestowing it; she refrained.

"Ok, so where do you want to go?" Jo started the car as her mind zoomed through the numerous places they could go to make their good evening even better.

"Well…" Marcie started.

"Ooh, I know! There is this absolutely lovely bar, or café type thing not far from here. It's really comfortable, and quiet and the music is bearable. I think you'll love it." Jo interrupted.

"Hey, I'm at your disposal. But what exactly does bearable music mean to you?"

Jo pointed towards her stash of cds, "Well, similar to those, but usually a bit softer. It's not exactly my kind of music, but it's pretty damn close."

"Well, these are… interesting." Marcie smiled to herself. It was rare to find someone with similar music tastes to herself, and Jo appeared as close as she would get.

She lifted out the 'Midian' album, looking at the artwork on the sleeve.

"Wow, isn't Dani such a manly man?" Jo looked at the girl, and raised an eyebrow questioningly. She tried to detect a hint of sarcasm in her voice, finding none, she simply concurred.

"Yes. Yes he is."

When the car pulled in Marcie quietly took in her surroundings. The 'bar or café type thing' was quaint. Walking in with Jo, Marcie was surprised to inhale the incense surrounding them and Jo got a table, and then went to get drinks.

"So you're sure you just want a water?" Jo asked placing the glass down in front of Marcie.

"Yeah thanks."

"Well I have to admit, I sort of have you pegged as a diet coke, or Dr. Pepper type of person."

Marcie looked at her, an amused look on her face. "I am - sometimes." They maintained eye contact for a while and Jo's nerves once again made a cameo. She wouldn't be able to hold back much longer. She needed to ask, needed an answer. Their kiss, their playful flirting, what did it mean to Marcie?

Jo noticed her glancing every so often towards the bar. "You want another?"

Marcie looked at her. "Um… no…. uh… not really…" she shot it another glance. "Well kinda."

And Jo was on her feet. The enthusiasm she felt and happiness at doing Marcie's bidding let her know that she'd do anything for the other girl.

Meanwhile back at the table the younger girl was experiencing similar emotions. Sitting by herself, she was suddenly attacked by a fit of courage. She was going to tell Jo now. Admit her feelings; let the blonde know that she was in love with her.

'Yes! I'll do it n- love?!' The thought scared her and she watched as her companion made her way back from the bar, talking gently with some, laughing with others, but making conversation with most of the people surrounding them.

The image chased away her fear, 'How could I not be?'

Marcie smiled to herself. 'This is a situation I never thought I'd be in before.' And she admitted to herself she was quite happy to be there.

Jo sat down. "What are you smiling about all to your self?"

'Oh god she probably thinks I'm a crazy person.' Marcie shifted uncomfortably, her bravery suddenly missing in action.

"Uh…. I... "

The proceeding moments of silence caused Jo to cock an eyebrow and change the subject.

"So," she continued seriously, "how're things at home?" she realised that she didn't really know anything about Marcie's home life, except for the issues with her father, and she really wanted to know more.

Marcie was touched by the concern behind Jo's voice. "Oh, everything is fine now. Better than fine, you know, everything is good. Ever since… well ever since, you know… Mum's been happier. Not so worried and stuff."

"Well, good." Jo placed her hand on Marcie's, genuinely glad.

"Yeah, and my sister… Rachel is moving back home. She moved out the first time… but now she's coming back. We used to really get along. I'm hoping things can go back to the way they were… before… you know… so… yeah."

Jo nodded, not letting go of the hand she had covered with her own, the one that was equally happy to be where it was.

"Ok, and, I don't really know how to say this, but…. I really like you Jo." Marcie continued. She desperately wanted to look away but her eyes stayed, transfixed on the endless blue of Jo's.

The release of pressure from her hand sent out warning bells in Marcie's head, she felt a pounding in her chest as she dreadfully awaited the rejection she was sure was inevitable. The pounding slowed as she felt the other hand tighten around her own once again, this time lacing their fingers together.

"Really?" Jo asked.

"Really." Marcie assured.

"Aw, Marce, I really like you too, I've been thinking about that kiss, all week, I just didn't know how to bring it up."

Marcie brought her other hand up 'til it was palm to palm with Jo's. She slowly brought her fingers down between each of Jo's.

"Jo, can I ask you something?"

There was a spark of vulnerability obvious in Jo's gaze, that usually exuded such confidence. "Anything." Her voice quavered.

"From now on, can we just, tell each other everything? I just don't want you to feel like you can't tell, or say something to me, no matter what, I'll understand."

The relief in her chest brought a huge grin to her face.

"Ok," Jo started, "I'm glad you said that, because on that note, there is one thing I wanted to say." She gradually brought their faces closer 'til Marcie could feel Jo's breath on her lips as the question "What?" gently escaped.

Both girls closed their eyes as their lips made contact. It wasn't exactly her first kiss, but Jo had never felt this way before, she wondered how a gesture so simple could have such an effect on her. Her previously racing mind had slowed until eventually the only thing filling it was Marcie, the soft subtlety of her lips, the ecstasy of Marcie's full bottom lip against her mouth. She felt herself falling further in love than before.

Much as they wanted t take it further they kept the kiss chaste, neither sure if they were really ready for the path they'd just set themselves.

When Marcie pulled away Jo's mind wandered frantically. 'Oh god did I go too far?' Feeling her hand being lifted and kissed by Marcie she was reassured of the contrary and she knew she hadn't crossed any lines.

When they left the bar that night, they left hand in hand.

That first week Jo was elated. Every waking moment was filled with her love, pictures of her, thoughts of her, calls to and from her. And her non-waking moments were filled with dreams of her. The sudden change of mood didn't go unnoticed by Sara, who contributed her friends' newfound happiness to herself, to their little talk.

Marcie too had been happy. All her time was spent reminiscing or dreaming of what was to come. She and Jo were dating, and not only that; Marcie allowed herself to believe that Jo really liked her.

She was glad that the school year was nearly over; it meant that she had an entire summer to spend with Jo. The only major obstacle was Jo's leaving cert. Marcie knew school wasn't important to her girlfriend, but she herself understood its importance, and especially that of these final exams.

Stretching out for over two weeks, two weeks and over ten, three-and-a-half-hour-long exams this would be the biggest stress of their time together so far. Marcie wouldn't have her leaving cert until the following year but she was stressed just thinking about Jo's, that and the fact that she knew her girlfriend wasn't now studying, and that she hadn't any intention of studying in the near future. With only a week left Marcie grew more and more tense.

She filtered out of her classroom with her class as she saw Jo at her locker, and caught up with her as she closed it, throwing over her back an empty bag.

"Hey Jo, mind if I come to your house after school?"

Smiling she replied. "You know I wouldn't have it any other way." noticing Marcie's disappointed look she asked, "Are you ok baby?"

The brown eyes of the younger girl met her own "Well… it's just, um, w-what books are you bringing… you know, to, study?"

Jo looked at her innocently. "They're all at home… all of them… at my busy busy study desk." She tried to smile.

Marcie looked more upset. "Oh… ok."

Jo looked around the hallways were emptying, the people there weren't looking at them, and she threw caution to the wind, and put her arms around Marcie's waist and whispered in her ear.

"Did we not say we'd tell each other everything?" She pulled away and turned back to her locker. "I didn't know you were that worried about my not studying. You can just say it, in fact, shout at me. I won't mind." Filling her bag and closing her locker she turned back to Marcie. "Actually I'll thank you for it. Besides, you're in for it now. If you're coming to my house, you're helping me with the studying."

Marcie smiled. One final glance around the halls and Jo discovered they were finally alone, she pulled Marcie into a corner and placed a long lingering kiss on her lips.

'I love you, Marcie.' She thought looking into her eyes.

"Sorry couldn't help it, you're just so irresistible sometimes." Marcie glanced nervously down the corridor and gave Jo a quick retaliatory peck and sighed happily.

"More after studying."

Jo pretended to sulk. "Aww…"

Once again Jo's house was abandoned. Her mother away on business left the house entirely to her daughter, not that she minded. She was also for the first time, thankful that she didn't have siblings. She always imagined it would be a nightmare to have to sneak around, always trying to find somewhere she and Marcie could be alone together without getting caught. It dawned on her that she hadn't introduced Marcie to her mother. She hoped beyond all hope that her mother would approve, but she really didn't know how she'd react and she decided to put off all such thoughts until she was faced with the situation. She always thought it was unfair how not only would she have to introduce her partner, she had to come out. Having never considered it before the thought scared her more than she would have liked.

Pushing open the front door Jo made her way to her bedroom and sprawled herself out on her bed. The brunette followed and watching the scene before her wished for nothing more than to sprawl herself on top of her girlfriend, although she knew that such an action would lead to anything, everything but study.

Marcie stood at the door rigidly. "Uh, Jo, in keeping with our prior arrangement, I want to tell you something." She seemed to be having quite a hard time trying to avoid Jo's eyes, and she in turn started to wonder what was so interesting about her floor. She sat up to get a closer look.

"W-well… it's just… that…. Um…. I want you, to have, the best of everything Jo. I think you deserve the best, right but… uh... the leaving cert. You won't get the best unless you work for it. And I'm going to help you as much as I can but I need you to help me help you." She rubbed her face awkwardly still avoiding looking at her girlfriend. "And I don't want to lecture or be a pain in the ass… but you need to do some work. When I think that you might do badly… I get so upset and worried, and neither of us should have to go through that, when we can avoid it now… ok?"

Reluctantly, finally, she looked up. Raising her eyes marginally, clearly terrified of confrontation, she looked into Jo's slightly amused face.

Jo smiled encouragingly, "Marce," she started, "you can sometimes be so clueless, for someone so smart." It was true and was definitely one of her more endearing qualities.

Marcie looked offended fleetingly, and looked at the other girl questioningly.

"Because I'd do anything for you." She approached her holding on to her hand. "Just one thing…" the kiss she gave her girlfriend was slow, sensual, and just served to prove everything she'd just said. Neither made a move to deepen the kiss, both knowing they were saving that for later on that evening when it would become obvious that Marcie had to stay over, having lost track of time studying.

Both retired to Jo's makeshift 'study' which she jokingly referred to as her pad… at least Marcie hoped it was a joke. It wasn't long before the studying was underway.

Jo was a quick study, Marcie was astounded at how bright she really was and nearly despaired at how she wasted her talents. She just didn't seem to care when it came to school. The younger brunette admitted to herself that she was jealous at how Jo seemed to exert minimal effort but do excellently, but that she was so proud to have such a person in her life, when they finished studying for the evening she had every intention of showing Jo just how proud she was. She was happy with herself that she as proving to be a good influence – because she knew Jo was trying to impress her.

When Jo realised that 3 hours had gone by, she complained of a sore brain and begged for a break. Marcie was only too happy to comply.

"Right Jo, but only for 30 minutes, then we have to get back into it." Damn she was good at feigned strictness; she almost believed it herself. Jo dramatically got out of her chair, arms flailing, and made a dive for the couch, all the while groaning about the study-induced agony she was suffering. Marcie watched as she lay down on her back, and walked over to look down on her. Jo smiled back.

Marcie knelt beside Jo looking into her eyes,

"You know I'm really proud of how well you're doing."

Jo blushed. "Thanks Marcie."

Marcie leaned in to give her a quick kiss, capturing her lips momentarily with her own, before forcing her attention onto other things.

She stood up and looked around the room, looking to Jo for permission to inspect it properly. Jo nodded her ascent and kissed Marcie's hand.

Marcie walked to the far end of the room where she had seen a nifty-lookin' guitar hanging from the wall. Approaching she saw it was one of many. With one or two lying flat on chairs, or the floor, their stands lying empty. She saw a closet lying ajar and looked inside seeing numerous others hanging from the walls there along with amplifiers, and countless wires and other, things, Marcie didn't know the names of.

"That's uh, quite a collection."

Jo whose gaze had been following her girlfriend nodded in reply, "Yeah I've kept every guitar I've ever had, and well… it's basically grown into a collection."

Marcie flipped through various folders seeing lyrics of some very well known songs printed on pages, and what were referred to as 'tabs'. Looking through one folder looking for specific songs, Marcie noticed that halfway through the folder the print changed from that of a printer to handwriting, and the song names no longer looked familiar, maybe originals?

"Do you, uh, write songs yourself? I didn't know you were this into music."

"Oh yeah, it's my passion." Jo replied conversationally, causing Marcie to smile as

She perused the collection of hundreds of cds. All of Marcie's favourites included.

"It's kind of my release. You know when I get stressed, or bored, or…. Anything I

just assault my guitars for a few hours. It's a good creative outlet too…"

Marcie nodded, understanding completely, she felt the same way about her art.

"Plus," Jo continued, "It means I don't have to go out and vandalize cars, or take drugs, or whatever it is you young people do nowadays when you're frustrated. It's productive. Anyway there is nothing better for stress release than trying to make the house explode with a few hundred decibels."

Marcie laughed. "Yeah..... sure there isn't." she seemed to make an attepmt at what Jo assumed to be a seductive look. "So you write music yourself?"

"Meh. I try sometimes not usually successful d'ya know what's amazing?"

Marcie gave her a look. "Run-on sentences?" She marvelled at how long her attention span was, and mentally wrote a motto for her. 'Longer than your average fish.'

"No… I was going to say you for a minute there, but I think you've just nullified any truth there would have been in that sentence." Jo said airily. "Anyway, want to play 'The Amoeba Game'?"

Marcie was cautious. "And what might that be?"

Jo jumped up from her resting place, "I'm an amoeba."

The younger of the stood just looking at where this might lead.

All of a sudden the blonde rushed her wrapping her arms around her. "And these, are my pseudopods." Turning the shorter girl to face her she kissed her tentatively.

Marcie pulled away laughing. "That game is wrong on so many levels." She said as she poked her girlfriends slim midriff catching her off guard, before once again kissing her, this time showing Jo just what she felt, holding nothing back.

Jo was almost knocked off her feet at the kiss; she could practically feel Marcie's emotions concentrated into that one gesture. When their mouths finally disconnected Jo hugged Marcie, who lost in the moment continued to place small kisses down Jo's neck gently nibbling some areas and sucking others.

She couldn't suppress the small moans and putting her finger to Marcie's cheek raised her head 'til they were once again lost in a lip lock.

Suddenly remembering Marcie's prior eagerness to study Jo felt a pang of guilt at having distracted her. The thought of Marcie worrying, or being upset at the mere thought of failure was more than enough to convince Jo to become an expert in whatever area of study she involved herself in. Reluctantly Jo pulled away.

A shadow of doubt passed over Marcie's face at this. The subtle down turning of her lips edges tried to convince Jo that that didn't matter, but she wouldn't let it persuade her. She gave Marcie a quick peck.

"We should probably finish studying because if we keep this up, I won't be able to concentrate on anything else all night." Jo once again lifted her girlfriends' hand and kissed it softly, then interlaced their fingers leading back towards the desk.

Four hours later they decided to call it a night, at midnight it was too late for Marcie to go home, just as they had predicted, they decided she would just have to stay over.

"Shall we pick up where we left off?" Jo asked mercilessly flirting with Marcie, who giggled and wrapped her arms around Jo's waist, it was a habit Jo didn't half mind, but it was the giggle that Jo savoured. It was something Marcie reserved only for her girlfriend. Giddy, high pitched, and it always made Jo smile.

"D'ya know I like the amoeba game." Jo grinned as she kissed Marcie once again. They continued thusly for an unspecified length of time only breaking apart momentarily when a need for air commanded it.

Both girls heard a rumbling. Marcie's blush told Jo they had forgotten something. Food. "So this is a sleepover then?" Jo said, more of a statement than a question. "I think therefore it's about time for a midnight feast." Marcie's smile and Jo's unclean thoughts turned her face a shade short of crimson, she was thankful Marcie had started to move towards the door knowing she would otherwise have to explain her sudden embarrassment… and that would lead to nothing but more embarrassment. She silently told herself to shut up and followed Marcie downstairs.

"I'll get you some jammies," Jo said walking to her room, "come with me."

Marcie sat on the bed as she waited for Jo to destroy the tidiness of her closet while looking for something for Marcie to wear to bed.

The blonde once again found her mind drifting to less than innocent thoughts as she rummaged. 'Why can't she just wear her birthday suit? Probably looks a hell of a lot better than anything I could give her.' Jo thought. She eventually settled on a pink 'My Little Pony' T-shirt and pair of shorts to match. Marcie looked at them, and glared at her girlfriend incredulously.

"Sorry" Jo replied to the look "all my night wear is pink. Anyway I think it'd look adorable on you."

Marcie released a defeated sigh. "Ok Jo." And took her nightmare outfit to the en suite to change. Seeing the look of glee on the others face Marcie couldn't stay huffy for long, she'd make her peace with the ponies and snuggle, taking comfort from Jo the rest of the night.

Jo's ensemble was somewhat more sensible, with her baggy navy bottoms and white vest, Marcie found herself glaring again, the glare melted away as the blonde approached her, ruffling her hair and whispering. "You look sexy."

Jo lay back on her bed with Marcie lying perpendicular to her, her head resting on the firm abdomen below her. As the opening credits rolled Jo absentmindedly ran her fingers through her girlfriends hair, who gently cooed in appreciation, unbeknownst to the other girl.

"Donnie Darko, what kind of name is that anyway? Sounds like a superhero or something."

"What makes you think I'm not?"

Jo couldn't help teasing Marcie. "Wow, Donnie's so hot, I wouldn't mind him being my superhero any day."

In response Marcie moved 'til Jo was spooning her in the bed. "Funny, I was going to say the same thing about Gretchen." And in return was given a kiss on the head as they sat in comfortable silence for the rest of the movie.

When her eyelids closed of their own accord, Marcie found herself trying to force them open again. She didn't want their night to be over already, and she sleepily pulled Jo's arm around her tighter, needing the closeness. She at that moment felt distinctly wanted, loved and accepted for the first time she could remember. Hearing Jo's breathing slow and become regulated Marcie figured she was asleep and whispered, "I love you Jo." before she finally allowed her eyes to close.

The next week was spent in the same way with Marcie only spending one night in her own house. Both girls were stressed, but happy. Jo wondered how the hell she would have survived without her angel beside her to help her along the way.

It was the big day. Monday morning and Marcie was first awake. She was face to face with Jo, and decided not to wake her up just yet. She'd go to the kitchen and make her a breakfast. She'd need a proper breakfast to get through the day. She gave her a soft kiss on the nose, and moved slightly to go, trying to be as careful as possible so as not to wake the blonde. Finally making it to the edge of the bed Marcie was shocked she didn't wake Jo, after getting over the initial shock that she was able to sleep at all in the first place.

Happy that she'd accomplished her goal Marcie stretched before attempting to stand up, two arms seized her and attempted to draw her back to Jo, the murmurs she heard were incoherent as she realised that Jo was still in the throes of slumber. Once again feeling the closeness her resolve almost melted she found it impossible to drag herself away, knowing there was no place she'd rather be than in Jo's arms. But no… Breakfast!

She begrudgingly made her way to the kitchen.

Half an hour later Marcie nearly had everything ready and was considering going to wake Jo up. Feeling the arms around her waist she realised that wouldn't be necessary. Turning to give her a quick kiss Marcie instructed Jo to sit down.

"There is toast here and I squeezed you some juice, if there's anything else you want just tell me and I'll make it. I made eggs…. Benedict because I don't know how to make any other kind but if you don't want them, it's ok. Tell me what you want."

Jo smiled at her. "Marce, this is just perfect."

"Did you already shower?" Marcie asked noticing Jo's slightly damp hair.

"Eh, yeah. I need it to help me wake up. So today…." Jo trailed off.

"Yep. It's the big day. You excited?"

"Well, I don't know, if, excited is exactly the word I'd use but yeah… it's definitely going to be an experience. It's the beginning of an untimely end isn't it?"

"Come on Jo, you know you'll do great And don't talk with your mouth full.." Replied Marcie seeing past the levity straight into Jo's nervousness. As she sat down opposite the blonde she remembered the feeling of Jo's arms around her, that feeling of wholeness, and she smiled. "I'm really proud of you."

"Oh don't be. Well not yet anyway." Jo said as she finished off her breakfast and headed out the door. "I need to go dry my hair. Be back in –"

She was cut off by the ringing of the phone. "Ah! Marce!! Will you get that I need to just do this quickly." Jo's sentence was drowned by the sound of the hair dryer.

"Um, ok, if you want." Marcie mumbled and lifted the receiver. "Hello?" 'What else can I say?' she thought.

The voice on the other end responded, "Jo?? It's Sara."

"Uh, no this is Marcie." Marcie grew nervous as twisted the cord around her fingers. "What's up?"

Sara barked back. "What are you doing there?"

Marcie couldn't help stumbling over her words and she answered in the tone of a reticent child. "I-I was, uh, helping Jo to st-study I just fell asleep here. Do you want me to get Jo for you?"

Sara shook her head on the other end of the phone, and tried to disguise her surprise, "No, no it's k. Just tell her we'll meet her at the usual place at nine."

"Ok."

"Yeah – Bye" Sara hung up abruptly, leaving Marcie feeling out of sorts.

Sara's mind was racing meanwhile. She'd known Jo for like, ever, and was rarely asked to stay the night, and she had never just fallen asleep over there, anyway Jo had always been that little bit anti-social, she didn't usually appreciate it when people over stayed their welcome.

'That must be what Marcie is doing' Sara rationalised, 'and Jo's just too nice to say anything.' But she hadn't heard from Jo all week and she could feel the pangs of jealousy, she'd let it go for now. Maybe her friend would supply some explanation later on.

She felt the strong arms surround her and she leaned back into the embrace. 'Well Jo isn't the only one that had a sleepover last night.' Sara thought smugly as she turned to face her boyfriend. She kissed him tenderly, remembering the previous night. "So Sara, are you looking forward to the exams?" Her face fell. 'Oh my God the leaving cert!'

Jo finally made her way to the kitchen, ready for an arduous day. Seeing her, with her perfect hair and make-up Marcie couldn't contain the gasp as it struck her once again how breath taking her girlfriend was.

"Wow, you look..." Marcie closed her mouth quickly, embarrassed. But, wait, why should she be embarrassed? They were girlfriends now, she could say these things to Jo now, without worrying, she still kept her mouth closed, embarrassed to have been so forward.

Jo smiled as she replied. "Stunning, I know." There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she flicked her hair in a 'because you're worth it' fashion.

"No you really do."

What confused Jo most was where usually she couldn't take such compliments, from Marcie she found herself not only believing them, but also having knee spasms, almost sure they would collapse beneath her at any given moment. Two long strides later and Marcie was in Jo's arms being subjected to a passionate kiss. As Jo pulled back and looked into Marcie's eyes her mind screamed at her to tell her. 'Tell her that you love her, are in love with her and…' she cut her minds ramblings off. It was too soon; they had only been dating, as it were, for over two weeks. She argued with herself once again. 'But you've known her for almost four months.'

"So," Jo began "Who was that on the phone?" Marcie seemed to have spaced out and Jo shook her gently trying to get her attention once again. "Hello?? Marcie?"

"Huh? Wha?" Jo laughed once again and kissed Marcie softly again.

"The phone?"

"Oh, uh… That was Sara she said they'd meet you at the usual place at nine." She looked nervous answering the question and Jo was once again amazed that even the tiniest gesture from Marcie could still set her heart racing at Olympic speed.

Glancing around the kitchen she noticed Marcie had cleaned everything away, leaving it immaculate. "Ah ok. You really didn't have to do all this you know." She felt gratitude at how much Marcie had done for her and continued to do. Then she felt the gratitude be replaced by another less discernable emotion, she just knew she wanted to reach out and hold Marcie and never let her go.

Marcie noticed the intensity in Jo's gaze and cast her eyes to the floor uncomfortably. "Really I don't mind doing it."

They shared a silence for a moment 'til Jo noticed how nervous Marcie was; she then grabbed her shaking hands. "Marcie it'll all be ok, you really have no idea how much you've helped me." And though she could feel her partners anxiety Jo was the most confident she'd ever been that she'd do well… more for Marcie's sake than her own, she couldn't disappoint Marcie and because for the first time she knew there was someone there for her who would be there, no matter what.

The phone rang again and Jo brought it into the living room, sitting down, followed by Marcie.

"Hello?"

"Hi, honey."

"Oh, hi mom."

She put her hand over the receiver and mouthed 'it's my mom.' to Marcie.

Marcie smiled and nodded.

"Listen, I tried my best to get back last night, but you know how it is, we have a new client in the south so I had to rush down there, and I'm half way home at this stage. I'll be needing to take break, and maybe get some sleep, but I'll hopefully be home soon, ok?"

"Yeah that's ok."

"Did you get much study done? Are you nervous, honey? You know you really don't need to be, I know you'll do great."

"Yeah mum, I have a friend here who's been helping me study, I think I'll be ok, but look, I have to go now, I have stuff to prepare. See you when I see you."

"Ok, bye honey."

Jo felt bad for being so abrupt with her mother on the phone. However she didn't seem to notice so that took some of the sting out of it, but sometimes her mum drove her crazy, she only seemed to care sporadically, when it suited her. She didn't stay annoyed for long once again looking at Marcie, being in the girls presence was a calming effect.

"So, what do you have to prepare?"

Jo shrugged, "I dunno, my pencils?"

"Heh ok."

Jo lifted her plates to wash up and Marcie seized her hands. "Uh, no Jo, I'll do that you go.... prepare your pencils."

Giving an excited yelp the blonde scampered off to her room picking up her bag, coat and various other necessities before returning to the kitchen to say goodbye to her girlfriend.

"Hey" Jo said "Thanks so much again, do you know I think I'm going to do ok, and it'll be all thanks to you. So I'll meet you afterwards?"

"Yeah, I'll wait for you at your locker afterwards." Marcie gave a reassuring smile as Jo kissed her softly on the lips and hugged her tightly for good luck, and she walked towards her car feeling calm and collected and prepared to face her gruelling couple of weeks.

Two weeks of exams brought a torrent of emotions from both girls. Marcie was usually much more stressed than Jo and would at times have to be calmed by her. Neither of them could verbally express how happy they were to be spending so much time together, but with the sweet comes the sour and the emotional strain would at times show on Marcie. Knowing there was little she could do, Jo did her best to ease her troubles during the exam period, and just hoped it would pass quickly enough.

They had decided that when Jo's mother would finally make it home that it would be wise that Marcie didn't spend so much time at the house, but that they'd still meet up before and after the exams, for comfort and luck.

The final exam and Jo left the exam centre ecstatic. She rushed to Marcie threw her arms around her and laughed maniacally. Their hard work was finally over, and jo had plans to truly thank Marcie for all her help…. Show her how much she had been appreciated. She seemed almost crazily happy the entire drive home and Marcie sat quietly watching and every so often laughing at her girlfriend as she giggled hysterically in the seat beside her. When she couldn't bring herself to laugh anymore at Jo's apparent loss of sanity she stopped and asked if Jo was ok.

"Marcie I'm just so happy! I mean not only am I finished my leaving cert, but I'm finished secondary school!!! AND I have the entire summer to spend with you!"

Marcie smiled the good mood was infectious, "So what do you want to do tonight?"

"I want to take you out silly, and show you a good time." Jo looked sultry and Marcie realised that she was acting, well what was for her anyway, seductive.

Marcie slipped her hand over Jo's, and they drove the rest of the way home in comfortable silence. When Marcie walked through the door that was being held open for her a silver glint caught her eye.

"Hey, who owns -" She couldn't finish her sentence… she was being mauled, in a most pleasurable way.

Marcie's mind pondered over the details that made the sensation for her, Jo's soft skin that which Marcie caressed under her shirt, the feeling of her soft hand as it made its way cautiously under the hem of her own shirt. She pulled Jo closer, savouring the softness of her lips. Jo pulled away briefly to whisper in Marcie's ear.

"Marcie, I lo-"

"Hey Jo! I'm back." Jo whipped around and stammered. "H-hi