Losing Touch.

[Electronica]

I can't remember exactly when it happened, although how it happened isn't quite what I would call a mystery. In all honesty, it hadn't bothered me in the least way, shape, or form...until...

"Why is it that you never call, Keena?"

I stood in silence watching the figure of my former lover; one that I never truely 'broke up' with. I hadn't seen her beautiful face for nearly a year now.

"...Am I not good enough for you anymore? Now that you've gotten your new job, your new lifestyle, your new friends? ...I know you haven't talked to any of the 'old group'...no one even knows where you're living now."

Her furious green eyes showed no hatred towards me, although at this moment I wouldn't have blamed her for such a display. She was right, afterall -- I hadn't so much as seen any of the friends I had known and loved since grade school. Hell, I didn't even bother to say goodbye.

"Keena...you're losing touch...we do miss you. If you ever care to...you know...see any of us ever again...you know our numbers."

With that, she was gone. She never tried to force me to give her the address to my apartment, nor did she press for me to give her my new telephone number -- I didn't offer either. Some part of me makes me wish I could travel back in time and have invited her back into my life...but another feels like she should remain in the past where I had orginally planned for my old life to be. I hated to admit it to myself, but I didn't think I could continue the path I was on with the 'old group' still being around -- I was trying to get my shit together so I could make a life for myself.

Allow me to explain my personal details. My name is Keena Andrews, I'm 18-years-old, and I just recently left home to go to college and start a new job in Seattle, Washington. I live with what must be one of the best people I have ever met -- his name is Blane. He's friendly, he's considerate, he has a great sense of humor -- he even cleans up after himself. I couldn't have possibly found a better room-mate.

Just when I thought I had everything together...thought I had everything mentally alright with myself...I had to see her. Stephanie. I couldn't even begin to tell of the emotional bond that her and I shared for three years of highschool -- we were the only out-of-the-closet dikes there. I almost missed the frequent nervous glances and blantent disguist that our peers showed for us...but it wasn't something I needed to dwell on while I was trying to go to school and work. I was trying to establish a new life...and my old life conflicted horribly. I wanted everyone -- family, friends, and lovers -- to stay in our little small town and leave me to be on my own. That thought alone made me wonder what the chances were that I would see Stephanie...in Seattle...200 miles away from our hometown...in a grocery store.

I tried to push the thoughts from my mind as I unlocked my apartment door.

"I'm back," I stated as happily as I could, expecting Blane to be in the same position on the couch that I had last seen him in. Without bothering to look and see if he was there, I placed the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and stuffed my keys into the right side pocket of my grey cargo pants.

"Blane, would you put these away for me?" I asked without waiting for a reply, disappearing to my room. I just needed a couple of minutes to myself...

OOC: I would like to invite anyone who is interested in joining this thread to do so without the need to request permission. Any of the characters are open to whomever would like them, including those of your own that you could fit into the story without conflicting the flow of the story.

If you have any questions reguarding your character, or would like to request additional information (such as on the character of Stephanie), feel free to PM me.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

As it so happened, Blane was found on the couch, although he was sitting up and staring off into the distance quite distractedly. Living with a room-mate was something he'd always thought about doing, it was hard to believe that only a year ago he'd gotten to advertise the spare room of the apartment. Reality came back to him with a vengeance as he glanced around the room, things were slightly out of place and needed to be tidied up soon, right after... "Okay!" He shouted without even thinking about it, although it wouldn't've mattered anyway.

Blane started to unpack the usual groceries, putting it all away quickly. He hoped Keena was okay, there were little signs that she wasn't in her usual cheerful mood that couldn't be hidden, after all, knowing someone for a year gave you a little insight into their behaviour. "Ah well, hope she feels better soon," he mumbled as he turned on the stove.

"Something good for dinner.. Something good for d - ah, I know.." Blane almost made a commentary of his own progress, he must've been seen as simply a blur in the kitchen. The clock on the wall ticked softly to itself, unheard by Blane. Minutes passed smoothly until everything was laid out, plates on the countertop with cutlery at either side ready to recieve what was only beginning to be prepared.

With a sigh, Blane walked to Keena's room and knocked politely on the door, she'd been in there for a while already, he cleared his throat and spoke through the door softly, "uh, Keena.. I'm starting dinner, it should be ready soon. Um, I'll call you when it's done, okay?" And then he glanced at his watch, looked surprised, and dashed off without waiting for a reply, mumbling something about time and things burning.

 

[Electronica]

I had been laying stomach down on my bed mattress, my arms wrapped crushingly-tight about a pillow, when I heard Blane's words from my door. I would've replied...but I was busy staring blankly ahead at the wall, which was disturbingly void of any posters and pictures as one would usually see in a teenager's bedroom.

"What's wrong with me?" I silently asked myself. "Why am I letting any of this bother me? It's been a nearly a year... A year without Stephanie...a year without Adam, Courtney, Scott, or Ryan... Why is it that now that I miss...and regret...them?"

It took all the strength I could muster to release the pillow from my grip and sit up. I wiped a tear from my eye before it had the chance to stain my cheek.

I was tired of analyzing my past actions -- whether they were right or wrong, whether I should do something to try and get back in touch with old friends... I just wanted to spend the rest of the day sitting around doing nothing, anything, or everything to try and get these thoughts out of my mind. I stood and walked to my closet, undressing myself so that I could change into something more comfortable.

Several moments later I emerged from my room, my golden blond hair left down to trail past my waist with my bangs reaching to my jaw. It was rare that it was ever allowed to just be down -- Blane had probably only seen it as such two or three times (and just long enough for me to escape to the bathroom to go and fix it up).

I wore my black pajama pants, my favorite pair with white Japanese writing along the waistband. They hung loosely at my hips and gathered at my feet, being slightly too long for my form.

My upper body was more-or-less covered by a form-fitting tank top, white in color, that reached just barely down to my belly button. I had to admit -- I loved the way the top looked on me. I had worked hard to define my muscles (especailly in my stomach), ever since I had moved to Seattle. It seemed to pay off -- besides, my C38 breasts helped a bit in making me feel comfortable with my body.

I walked up behind Blane, who seemed quite distracted by the several cooking jobs he had taken on, and leaned over his shoulder to get a good smell of what he was making.

"Mmm...smells good. What are you making?"

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

I worked as a bartender, not that unusual of a job, but I worked for a openly gay bar. Plenty of straight people came in looking for some fun or just to watch.

I normally did not pay too much attention to my people, but one young blonde caught my attention one day when I was headed to work. I got a strong vibe from her, and found myself wondering who she was.

I stood in the shower letting the water pour over myself imaging her with me. The fantasy got me off and when I got out of shower I could smell food. I wondered what Blane, the guy who had the appartment underneath mine was cooking.

OOC didn't want to intrude but left several openings for interaction.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

Blane glanced over his shoulder carefully and smiled at Keena. On the stove were two pots boiling gently on a low heat, there was something in the grill being warmed up and at the bottom of a jug nearby was some of the instant gravy powder he had to resort to when other things weren't available. "Nothing too special tonight, sorry. Thank you for getting the groceries, Keena." Blane added that last bit with a pat on the shoulder, taking note of the fact she was walking around with her hair down, which wasn't normal. But Blane wasn't about to point it out.

His watch beeped, signalling that it was time for things to be served out and a few moments later both plates were full of food, pots were left in the sink to soak and the stove was turned off. Blane gestured to the table and pulled out a chair for Keena, walking over to the counter to take the plates and place one in front of her and the other on the other side of the table.

"Busy day?" Blane asked between mouthfuls, after all, it wasn't polite to talk with your mouth full.

 

[Electronica]

"Busy? No, not really... Just the usual day of going to my classes and to work. What I had consider the end of my day as far as being outside of the house was kinda distressing, though."

Blane watched me intently as I spoke. He always was a good listener. "What happened?" he asked in a concerned voice.

"...I just saw someone from my hometown at the grocery store. I haven't seen her for about a year now -- I'm not sure that our meeting was a good thing or not..."

Blane arched a brow with curiousity.

"Don't even ask...it's a lo~ong story..."

I sighed and began eating, although I really wasn't hungry. I found my stomach had tied itself in knots over the whole ordeal.


OOC: Welcome to the thread, intriguess. Please, make yourself welcome. You could always have your character come down to Blane's apartment to borrow the ever-so-famous cup of sugar or the smell from his cooking could make her realize she hasn't talked to him for awhile and have her come up to visit. Whatever works.

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

I zapped myself food, my stove being used mainly for dessert. I chuckled as I suddenly had a craving for rice crispy bars. After I was done eating I decided to mix up a batch, as I pressed the bars into the pan I realized how much I had made and was debating going to see if Blane and his new room mate had the munchies as well. I had not yet met his new room mate, evidently she was going to college here or some such thing.

I twisted up my slightly damp hair and decided I'd better put on something more substantial than my t-shirt and silky pajama pants.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

OOC: Many apologies for the lack of replies sooner, to put a long story short, my Internet Explorer is malfunctioning, and the only way to repair it is to format and reinstall, but I don't want to lose all my stuff. So another hard-drive is going to be mine soon enough. *Sigh*

IC: Blane knew better than to ask, and from the looks of the tiny mouthfuls of the food Keena was taking, she wasn't very hungry afterall. He silently planned on making supper later instead, in case she was hungrier then. In the meantime, however, he continued to pick at his food in the habitual slow pace. Eating wasn't something to be rushed.

"You can eat the food in your room if you want to be alone, Keena, I don't mind at all," Blane said quietly, smiling. "I could find a book to read, I'll fetch you supper when you want it."

He didn't mind that she didn't want to eat the food. Everyone had times when their apetite fled, unfortunately most've the time it ended up coming back with a vengeance. He'd make sure she had enough of her supper at least.

"Or you could get some sleep? You've been working hard all week already, you deserve a little rest. I'll wake you up whenever you want."

 

[Electronica]

"That won't be necessary," I forced a small smile. "I don't need to lock myself up in my room just because my day was a little more unpleasant than usual." I ate as much of my food as I could manage, then stood from the table with my dishes in hand.

I went to work on cleaning the dishes; afterall, Blane had cooked and he didn't need to do all the work. Usually I would have used this time to chat with Blane, but my mind seemed a bit preoccupied. I continued to clean in absolute silence.

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

The bars had finally cooled enough and she cut them. She stacked a dozen on a plate and headed downstairs. The elevator seemed to take forever. I had put on a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt. The elevator doors open and I stepped forward. I had always thought Blane was a sweet heart but wasn't sure about what he think of my checkered past.

I knocked on the door and waited.

 

[Electronica]

"I'll get it," I spoke softly as I reached for a towel to dry my hands.

Opening the door, my eyes befell on a very beautiful woman clad in faded jeans and a t-shirt. In her hands she held a plate with several Rice Crispy bars. My mind tried to recognize her; I honestly thought perhaps I passed her in the halls once or twince, but I couldn't remember ever talking to her.

I wondered if she was a friend of Blane's...but I would've thought I'd have met her in the year that I had been living with him...

"Hello. Can I help you?"

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

She was the vision I had seen earlier, I wished I had run into her earlier. With my late night work schedule I could see how I'd missed introducing myself. "I'm Katrina, I live upstairs." I held out my hand. "I was just mixing up some treats and realized I could never eat them all and figured I'd bring a plate down." It was odd seeing her in front of me when just a few hours earlier I had been fantasizing about her in the shower. I felt the warm tingle as she shook my hand. Her hand soft, and I could easily imagine it caressing more than my hand.

 

[Electronica]

I smiled warmly as I shook Katrina's hand.

"My name is Keena; it's a pleasure to meet you."

I stepped back slightly, pulling the door open a bit wider. "You're welcome to come in, if you'd like."

The girl entered and greeted Blane, confirming my assumption that she was one of his friends. Idly they bantered for a few moments, asking how the other was doing and the like. I took the few minutes to finish up the dishes.

As soon as I finished placing the last fork in the drying rack I spun to look to Blane and Katrina.

"Would either of you like a drink?"

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

"A cup of hot tea would be nice," I can hear the question and before I can reply Blane explains for me.

"She works as a bartender Keena."

I smile and watch her every move as she brings up something to drink. She was beautiful and I wondered how close she and Blane were as I found myself staring at her legs, her feet, anything to keep me from looking at her breasts or staring into her eyes.

 

[Electronica]

"A bartender?" I asked with a polite interest, moving about the kitchen as I set a pot of hot water to boil. I had taken an interest to teas when I was in my mid-teens; I completely stopped drinking pop and coffee once I had gotten a handle on making my own brews. "Where is it that you work?"

I continued to make my way about the kitchen, all the while listening to Katrina's reply intently. I gathered a mixure of my own-grown herbs and placed them inside of my sealable tea bags. I had combined a assortment that I had found gave an amazing relaxed result, thanks to one of my 'special' ingredients. I never made it with enough to ever really mess anyone up, but atleast they felt the calming effects. I gently placed the bag into the boiling water, allowing it to work through the water. I turned to Katrina and Blane with a smile.

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

(has Blane dissapeared?)

"It's called 'The pierced tongue.' It attracts an unusual crowd." I noticed that she made her own tea and was impressed as I curled my feet up underneath me and Blane and I talked about what had been going on since we had seen each other last. I talked about dumping my last lover, who had been a little too freaky for me. He talked about you mostly, and some about his work. The tea smelled great and I looked forward to wrapping my fingers around a hot cup.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

(Heh, no, but Blane does apologize. From a few hours after this post, I'll be formatting my entire hard-drive, after that, the troubles should cease. *Sigh*)

Blane sat on the arm of the couch, occasionaly glancing around the room and wondering what possessed him not to tidy up today of all days, having visitors was rare though and there wasn't any point dwelling on the subject..

"I'm sorry to hear about your boyfriend, Katrina," he added, reaching over to pat her on the shoulder lightly, "he seemed pretty nice when you introduced us, but I guess it's for the better if you weren't getting along."

The soft aroma of the tea was drifting into the room by now, Blane heard Keena pouring the boiling water into the cups and considered asking for a cup too, but he would've preferred other drinks anyway. Blane slid from the couch and onto his feet.

"Thank you for the Rice Crispy cakes, Katrina. I'll go put them on some plates." Blane said as he took the plate from Katrina and walked into the kitchen. He divided them up equally and put each of them on a tray.

 

[Electronica]

As Blane was sorting the treats onto a tray I entered the livingroom with two cups of steaming hot tea. "Here you are, Katrina." I handed her the cup and smiled, setting the second on the table before the couch.

I looked to Blane as he entered the room with a tray stacked with Katrina's treats. "Blane, would you like a cup of tea?" I asked. It wouldn't have been difficult for me to go into the kitchen and pour another for my self; there was plenty made.

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

"Well sometimes good people break up with each other. I mean if everyone good person remained in a relationship with another good person, there would be no divorce." I inhale the scent of tea deeply relaxing even before I take that first warm sip. I'm not sure whether is it the tea, or how my breasts sway free under my shirt, or that I was mentally undressing them both.

"I hear you are taking some classes at the university. You know you should bring some of your friends down to the bar. There's always a good mix of people there."

 

[Electronica]

I forced a slightly sheepish smile. "You know, that'd be a great idea...if I were old enough to get into a bar, let alone be allowed to drink in one."

A took a sip of the cup I had offered to Blane, figuring if he wanted one he could get it from the kitchen himself. "I'm only eighteen at the moment."

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

I chuckle, "We have a large college crowd and we let anyone in with a college ID. You do have to be over twenty one to get alcohol but there is plenty of other drinks in the universe." I smile and sip my tea. "We have an incredible dance floor. If all else fails you can drag Blane with you."

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

Blane laughed and scratched the back of his head sheepishly, dancing was something he'd missed out on throughout his life. "I can't dance, so I'd just end up sitting around anyway. But I would go along if you wanted company." He said while handing each their own plate of the snacks.

How long had it been since he'd even gone to the club..? A few months, possibly. Work had been piling up lately and when he came home he'd cook dinner and usually play computer games or read until the night, it was rare for Blane to get out of the house. Oh well, he thought to himself, I'll find some time soon...

Blane run a hand through his dark brown hair, adjusted his glasses, and took a bite out of one of the snacks from his plate. "I'm glad you two are getting along," he said after swallowing the current mouthful, "although I hope that I'm not going to be forgotten now." Blane finished jokingly, grinning mischievously.

 

[Electronica]

I smiled, looking to Blane. "Forget you? I couldn't do that..."

I couldn't help but laugh softly. She could hardly imagine Blane on a dancefloor -- it just didn't seem like he was the type. "Would you want to do that? It'd be fun -- we could teach you to dance," I spoke softly, gesturing to myself and Katrina. She nodded in agreement.

"Besides, it'd be good for you to get out of the house for once," I added.

 

[intriguess]

Katrina

"There are always a few fools making asses out of themselves. I somehow doubt you'd have any trouble doing a simple bump and grind motion." I chuckle softly as he was cute and I smiled at the lovely Keena. "This tea is fabulous," I comment as I take another warm soothing sip.

 

[Tenaka_Khan]

"Get me out of the house, since when has that been possible?" Blane grinned and adjusted his glasses once again, he'd always do that while slightly nervous. "I've always preferred something other than any kind've party dancing, buuut, I suppose you can drag me along if you want."

Learning new things was always a good thing, although Blane might've preferred staying in and reading, but spending time with friends was something too rare to pass on.

"Just take it easy on the un-talented guy, okay?"