𝓞𝓬𝓮𝓪𝓷 𝓔𝔂𝓮𝓼 [Linolyte and Drunk poet]

[Rylin]

Light brown eyes gazed absentmindedly through rounded spectacles at the flashes of scenery as the car whooshed past them. Deep brown locks framed her face nicely, hiding a pair of air pods plugged into her ears. Billie Eilish's Ocean Eyes— on repeat for well over an hour now. Annie didn't know how she was able to tolerate a single song for so long but— the journey was long and arduous, and appreciating the scenery simply wasn't something sixteen year old girls tend to do. Not that she wasn't excited to be on this trip; she was very much so, in fact. She was tagging along with her best friend Sarah and her mom as the drove up north to drop the pair of them off at Sarah's sister, Laurie's place.

Laurie. Annie's heart did a little flutter whenever she heard her name, or even when she thought of her. Sarah and Laurie were born quite apart, so the older girl was considered responsible enough to babysit her sister and her friend. That was he first time Annalisa Montero had laid eyes on the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world. She knew it was love the moment she laid eyes on the woman; she might have been but a kid, but even then, she knew her future lied with her. They'd get married on a lonely tower on the shores of Ireland, adopt three kids and a border collie named Gaston, and they'd buy a nice house and settle down somewhere peaceful and quiet, away from the buzz and noise of the city.

Of course, that was a long time ago, and the bubbly, playful little Annie had grown into a sharp eyed and tenacious teenager, but she would be lying if she said she didn't still harbour some of those childhood butterflies for Laurie. A part of her ached at the thought that she might've changed in the years they were apart; wondered if she was still the lovable, nurturing spirit that seemed to always guide her, no matter how inconsequential her problems were.

Her train of thought was interrupted by Mrs. Williams speaking, and Annie finally took off her air pods, giving her ears a break from Billie Eilish's heartbreaking sirem-like voice. "We're about five minutes away from Laurie's. Now you girls behave, alright? I don't want to hear bad news from your sister," she said, looking pointedly at her daughter, to which Sarah gasped in mock surprise. The elegant woman turned and gave Annie a warm smile, her demeanor every bit trusting and unworried. "Not you of course, Annie dear. I know you don't get up to much trouble, unlike some people."

The Filipino girl grinned widely at the remark, shooting a teasing glance to her best friend, just to run the praise in her face. "Of course, Ms. Williams. Thanks for letting me tag along, I really appreciate it."

"Of course, Annie. I know things are a bit rough at home, and I figured a weekend away from the whole mess would do you good."

"Oh, I'm sure she's gonna be enjoying this trip, alright? You'd like it even better if I wasn't here, isn't that right, Annie?" Sarah quipped back, not so subtly sliding her a snide remark about her secretive crush on her sister. The brunette whipped around and shot daggers at the girl, to which Sarah simply chuckled and went back to scrolling her Instagram feed.

Her mother seemed of have not noticed the confrontation at all though, and soon enough, the car came to a stop in front of a beautiful house. Adjusting her red oversized sweater, she clambered out of the car, carrying her backpack and the luggage packed full of her clothes and essentials, and went to stand behind Mrs. Williams, rubbing her hands together in nervous anticipation.

What would she look like? Would she run and hug them, like she did when they were kids? Would she even remember her?

"Nervous?" Sarah asked, coming up beside her.

"Very."

 

[Drunk poet]

Laurie Williams had not long finished tidying up the last few bits and pieces of the spacious 3 bedroom house on the coast she called home when she heard her mother's car pulling up in the driveway. In truth Sarah was her half sister, Laurie's and Sarah both having different fathers, but it had never been that way to Laurie. She had been thrilled when she found out she was going to have a sister and when Sarah was born, her maternal instinct kicked in, and she had spent almost as much time looking after and bringing up Sarah as her mother had.

Laurie had had a good relationship with her father, an aspiring artist who had been her mother's childhood sweetheart. It had not worked out between her father and mother, but Laurie had remained in touch with him, following in his footsteps as her own artistic talent flourished. When he died, her father had left him her art gallery and extensive list of contacts, all champing at the bit to do business with the new young head of the gallery and so she had moved out to her father's old place to continue his legacy. At the tender age of 26, she was still one of the country's youngest gallery owners, but she also had her mother's business accumen, and was making a very lucrative business out of it.

Laurie didn't want to give up on the bond she had with her sister though, so every chance she got she made time for her sister to come and spend time with her. She had been a babysitter to Sarah and her friend Annie for as long as she could remember. She had cared for them almost as if they were her own children, and bonds like that could not be severed easily. She missed Sarah bitterly, even though the two of them spoke on Skype almost every day.

A sweet smile crossed Laurie's pretty face as she remembered that her mom had told her Annie had been coming around. Of all Sarah's friends, Laurie had always had the most time for Annie, a quiet and shy girl who had followed her around quite a bit when they were younger. Laurie had a caring nature and so anyone who needed her care and attention had always had a special place in her heart. It had never crossed the older girl's mind however that her little sister's best friend had a crush on her.

Laurie had been a late bloomer and a little shy herself so she had no notion that women or men would find her attractive. Sure she had always been pretty, but she had been tall, skinny and flat chested for the longest time; her friends all getting boobs a good year and a half before hers even came through. Looking at herself in the mirror now, her Floral print summer dress gently clinging to her c cup breasts and curvy hips and ass it was almost hard for her to remember how willowy and boyish her figure had once been. With her newfound beauty had come a string of men and women who wanted to get to know her better, but back when she was looking after Sarah and Annie, she had been self-conscious and shy and more focused on her studies than love. Her good looks had not changed her as a person though and she remained sweet and caring even despite the power that beauty gave her over those who desired her.

Taking one last look in the mirror, she smoothed her skirt down gently over her long legs stepping into a pair of flip flops before coming out to meet her guests.

Smiling widely as she opened the door she greeted her mom first with a warm hug. "So good to see you mom, I missed you so much" she exclaimed as her mother gave her a soft motherly peck on the cheek, then it was Sarah's turn. "C'mere sis" she demanded, pulling her in close for the biggest bear hug imaginable. "So glad you came, we're gonna have so much fun" she added as she squeezed her tight.

Finally letting go of Sarah, she saw Annie waiting her turn in line. Her mother had told her that Sarah was bringing her over for a bit of a break but she had changed so much from when she was a child that it took Laurie a while to recognise her. Still she took her deep into her arms for a warm hug, just like she had done when Annie and Sarah were children. "My God, Annie is that you?" She asked, moving away just long enough to give her the once over. "Last time I saw you I could fit you and Sarah on my knees at the same time" she joked, her motherly instinct coming to the fore again.

Reaching out she gently coaxed Sarah in for a three way hug, much like she had done when they were younger, placing an innocent but loving kiss on Sarah's and Annie's foreheads, like she had done just before they went to bed each night. "My two favourite girls she added", clearly happy to see them both. You two head in for a bit, I have some things to discuss with mom. There are freshly baked cookies on the counter and then Sarah and I will give you the full tour when I get inside okay?" She watch with a fond expression as Sarah led Annie inside her home before turning to her mother to fill her in on what was going on.

Sarah exchanged glances with Annie before leading her into the hallway of Laurie's airy spacious home. They walked though a hallway full of landscapes and other assorted artwork before coming to a combined kitchen and dining area, from which the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the air. "So, is my sis still the love of your life?" Sarah asked, giving Annie a playful nudge. Sarah had known about her best friend's crush for a long time and found it adorable even though she teased her best friend mercilessly about it.

 

[Rylin]

Annie didn't know what exactly she'd been expecting when the door opened, but this certainly wasn't it. A gorgeous woman stood need the door frame, her magnificent brown locks cascading down her shoulders and her body framed beautifully by a summer dress. Laurie's face was as beautiful as she remembered; sweet and motherly, even for her age, and enchanting eyes that seemed to draw her in for hours and kept her for an eternity. Ocean eyes, so to speak. The most radical change, Annie, noticed, was her ladylike features. Instead of the willowy, boyish babysitter from when she was a kid, there stood a woman with a body curve that could surely knock any man (or woman) flat on the ground.

Indeed, Annie found herself shaking her head and biting her lip in embarrassment when her mind slipped to lewd thoughts— how would those pillowy breasts feel against her hands? What would her panties under the low summer dress look like? Her friends often teased her that she had absolutely no clue when it came to dating and sex, but even then, Annie felt filthy when those thoughts flooded her mind.

Laurie didn't seem to have noticed her though, which left the girl a bit crestfallen as she watched the woman greet her mother with a kiss and pull her sister into an affectionate bear hug. Suddenly feeling out of place, Annie shuffled her feet and readjusted her rounded glasses, trying to keep from looking too awkward. She'd notice her eventually, right?

And she did. A wide, childish smile spread over her lips as her name sounded from Laurie's lips, and she quickly walked over to join in on the greetings. It seemed the older girl was surprised by her appearance as well, which was reasonable, given that they hadn't seen each other since she was a tween. Puberty had been kind to Annalisa Montero; her childish, round face had grown into a soft model-esque visage, her breasts having grown to accommodate a B cup, though she was quickly outgrowing them as well, and a curvaceous behind that sent guys hooting and hollering wherever she went, much to her dismay. She was still pretty tiny though; barely a hair over five feet and not much prospects of growing any further.

The joke about fitting her and Sarah on her lap brought a warm flush to her cheeks, and any doubt or anxiety she might've had instantly melted away. She was still Laurie; cracking jokes and pampering them both like a bunch of little girls. She always had a way of putting her at ease, making her feel safe and comfortable, and Annie didn't think twice as she threw herself into the group hug, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm still pretty tiny, so I'm sure you could fit one of us, if you want," she murmured, innocently adding an innuendo with her retort. She was nothing if not sharp-tongued, and a little teasing never hurt anyone, right? She was sure the Williams would just gloss over the statement.

Laurie's lips felt warm and comforting on her skin, and Annie was left blushing profusely from the innocuous kiss, even though Laurie probably hadn't meant more than that. She certainly would've liked to spend a bit more time with her, but the promise of cookies in the back and the mention of talking with her mother clued her in that they should probably get inside. "Alright, then. I look forward to it," she loftily, heaving as she hoisted the bag and luggage up the stairs. Turning around one last time, she called, "Bye, Mrs. Williams! Thanks for letting me tag along!"

Introductions finished, she trudged along after her best friend, taking her time to appreciate the spacious home she'd be spending the weekend in. Laurie lived a good life, that was for sure; her art gallery must be doing really good, she noted. The walls were adorned with landscapes, abstracts and portraits; Laurie's work, most likely, and very impressive ones at that. Finally arriving in the dining area, Annie dropped the bags on the ground and padded over to the cookies, which were letting off a positively divine aroma.

Taking a bit out of one; Annie moaned as it crumbled in her mouth, milky and sweet and as delicious as it smelled. The remaining piece was chomped down without much grace, though she was snapped out of her food-induced euphoria by Sarah's teasing. She whacked her arm as she stared daggers at her, forceful enough to make her know how she felt. "Come on, don't you get tired of teasing me about the same thing over and over? Of course she still is."

She wiped her hands on the black leggings that hugged her lower body, and pushed her glasses back up her nose, and continued. "I just can't believe she got so.... hotter. I mean, did you see her—" She gestured to her chest, curling her arms in front to imitate Laurie's sizable breasts. Only after saying that did she realise it might've been a bit weird for Sarah to talk about her sister's boobs. "Sorry, sorry, you probably don't want to talk about it. But honestly... yeah. I thought I got over her over the years but... obviously not." And if baffled her why she was still so flustered— she was sixteen now for God's sake. She's experimented with a few cute girls; kissing, rubbing, a few fingers here and there. She should be dealing this with confidence.

Sighing, she crossed her arms, a bit restless and at a loss for what to do, before deciding to reach for another cookie. "That's what happens when you have a crush on your babysitter I suppose. She probably still sees me like a kid, doesn't she? Fuuuuuuuuck me sideways."

 

[Drunk poet]

Sarah grinned broadly as Annie playfully hit her arm, knowing the chiding was coming from a place of love but also because her best friend was so scared of Laurie rejecting her. In all honesty, Annie was her best friend and if she could help make her happy in any way she could, she would happily do it. "Cmon Annie, I'll stop teasing you when I stop getting a rise out of it, what are best friends for?" She finished her comment with a conspiratorial wink that let her know she was still only teasing after all. "Just wanted to make sure you still need me to be your wingwoman is all" she added, "after all, nobody knows my sis like I do, and getting my bestie and my sister together would just be the cutest thing, I mean I could see you both at the same time when you're not busy snogging her and stuff. She picked up a cookie herself, taking a large bite before opening up the fridge and helping herself to lemonade.

Sarah flinched a little as Annie mentioned her sister's body, not really wanting to discuss the finer points of the arrangement. Getting her best friend and her sister together was fine, but she did not want to know what they did in private. That was for Laurie only, although if their talks about boys when they knew their mother wasn't listening were anything to go off, Annie had no idea what she was letting herself in for. Her sister had certainly taken full advantage of her new found beauty, that was for certain.

"Okay" she said with a sigh, realising Annie would require a little more coaching than she had first expected. "Yeah she's having a hard time telling you apart from when you were a kid, but it's been quite a while since she last saw you, I mean we used to watch nickelodeon on the coach with her" she said, fondly remembering Saturday mornings before high-school, boys and sexual politics, a simpler time she had once taken for granted. "We've just gotta let her know that you're a woman now and that you can give her what she needs from her girlfriend."

Moving slowly around the counter she gave her friend the once-over, making a frame with her fingers much like her sister did when she took in a landscape she liked. "Hmmm passable" she said, analysing her friend in the way she expected her sister would "but my sister pays attention to detail so you need to as well. Swap the sweater out for some form fitting clothing so she can see she's not the only one who's filled out since you were together, make her feel needed and for God's sake, don't forget to flirt with her a bit. We don't want another Alex Hanson case on our hands do we? Sarah had been giving Annie relationship tips ever since Annie's first turn with Alex, who had told Sarah that she liked Annie, but that the Filipino girl was too shy to be girlfriend material. "Just be sure to let her know that you're not a little girl anymore and that you're interested and available and I'm sure she'll get the hint" she finished, adding a smile that was not all that different to the one her sister used when she was giving out advice, "oh and if I'm not the maid of honour at your wedding I'll slap you so hard you'll be feeling it until your first wedding anniversary. Sarah had been enjoying her role as matchmaker more than she thought she would, but then again her older sister had set her a good example after all. "When Laurie gets in, I'll tell her I have to call my boyfriend, that'll give you two some private time for the tour if you want it" she said, a plan already forming in her mind.

Meanwhile, Laurie's mother had been filling her in on the situation over at the Montero household as well as catching up on news from home. Her heart hurt for the young Filipino girl, knowing separation as well as anyone else and with it came an almost instant desire to comfort the younger woman, to tell her it would be alright and to share her own experiences with her, to be a shoulder to cry on if needed. It was something she was instinctively good at, and if she could be on hand to help in any way, she would, even if it was just laughing and joking around like they had once done, although of course Sarah and Annie were not kids any more. Sarah had a boyfriend for Christ's sake and Annie... well she did not know about Annie, but on first impressions she was willing to admit there was a certain aesthetic beauty to her. As an artist, she had noticed her slim, delicate features, warm, intelligent brown eyes and soft pink lips. She would love to paint a portrait of the younger woman if she'd let her, and perhaps she would be unafraid to ask once they got reacquainted.

Thanking her mother and promising they'd talk if there was anything at all she needed, Laurie gave her another hug before returning to join her gusts in the kitchen. "I hope you two left room for Italian food tonight?" She said, announcing her presence as she took up a cookie from the plate, taking time to enjoy the sweet aroma before bringing to her lips and taking a bite, her eyes closing momentarily as the sugar rush overtook her.

"Yeah Italian sounds good" Sarah chimed in, knowing that the idea gave her another reason to be out of the way for the time being. "How about you give Annie the tour while I go talk to Andrew and then I'll change out of the travelling clothes into something more appropriate for a fancy restaurant". She nudged Annie with her foot under the kitchen counter at these words, hoping she would pick up on the hint to dress nicely for the occasion.

Laurie smirked a little, knowing that there was a little more on her sister's mind than just talking to her boyfriend but oblivious to Sarah's signal to Annie. "Alright" she said, putting an arm round her sister's shoulder. "Remember what I said though, instant gratification will get you nowhere, keep him squirming for a while and when you finally put out, he'll be ready to do anything for you. Just remember to be done by 7 okay?"

Sarah nodded her agreement, although she added "Geez sis, why you gotta make it weird like that, it's like getting sex tips from mom!" She was giggling though which let Laurie know she was teasing her. Truth be told her sister's advice had had boys eating out of the palm of her hand for a long time, and she had enjoyed the same power that had seen her sister have a very successful love life since her flourishing into womanhood. "You two crazy kids have fun" Sarah added, sending Annie a conspiratorial wink as she left the room.

Unphased by the sudden absence of her sister, Laurie turned and offered her sister's friend a warm smile before walking over to the fridge. "Better put this mince in the freezer for another day" she said, half to Annie and half to herself as she bent over just a little, the floaty skirt riding up just a little to show her toned thighs and the backs of her slender legs as she did. Once she was satisfied that the food was secured away, she straightened up, turning back to her guest, her bluey-grey eyes meeting the younger woman's. Carefully she closed the gap between them, her hand finding Annie's as she her mothering instinct took over.

"Mom told me you need a break from things at the moment" she said, her tone soft and caring, "I just wanted you to know that I've been through some things too... things that Sarah's never experienced because... well... mom's the happiest she's ever been. I just wanted you to know that I'm here if you want to talk, or if you need advice, or if you need to take your mind off things for a bit we can help with that too, okay?" She squeezed the younger girl's hand gently, her face a picture of motherly concern. "Well... I guess it's time I showed you round your home for the next few days" she added after a brief pause. "Sarah's here whenever she wants to be so you're more than welcome to join her whenever you like. I've got a third room so you don't even have to worry about sharing a bed with her, she added, remembering early days of babysitting the two girls, before they had been old enough to need their own space.

 

[Rylin]

That had done it-- the suggestion of her kissing Laurie. The image was vivid and tempting, ingraining in her mind like a particularly infectious disease. A small blush bloomed on her cheeks, one that she kept expertly hidden as she turned sideways from her friend. There were little boundaries when it came to words between the two best friends, evident by the way Sarah was willing to give away her sister to Annie, but even then, some words had more weight than others. "Oh, don't worry, I'm gonna need you to wingwoman me all the way. I'm helpless." Not anti-social or bad with her words. Rather, simply inexperienced and confused where feelings were concerned. With her parents separating at home, she had been too preoccupied emotionally to date, but now she was within an arm's reach of her childhood crush, it was hard not to get her hopes up.

Annalisa knew what Sarah said was true; Laurie still remembers her as the kid who watched Nickeldoen and consumed copious amounts of Coca Cola. She had changed now; trading in Nickeloden for Netflix and sodas for coffee and the occasional booze as she waded through the confusing and mentally draining years that was teenagehood. "I know, I know... I've already got a few ideas on how to show her," she said vaguely, not knowing if Sarah really wanted to hear the in-depth details of her plans.

A scandalous gasp shook her mouth as she covered it with her hand in a mock gesture of hurt. "Just passable?" Not one to be passed over, she reached back and ruffled her styled bob of hair, letting the silky brown locks blow out and give her a bit of volume to accentuate her features. Annie Montero was never just 'passable', even if her fashion sense was questionable and her dating experience was basically non-existent. Still, she dropped the facade soon enough and nodded along urgently to her friend's advice, only grimacing slightly when Alex's name came up. "God, could you please not mention him? I was thirteen, for god's sake. And he wasn't even that cute. I don't know what I was thinking." Truth to be told, she had never found boys that much appealing, finding other girls easier to understand and talk to, and her stance on the matter had only grown stronger as she aged. Annie didn't like to label things, so she didn't put one on her romantic tastes; something that she had been struggling with for a while now.

"And I know, I know. I bought some clothes just for this trip before we came here. There's this mini-skirt and tank top combo I've been dying to try out. I mean, the flirting's a bit fuzzy for me, but I've been practising. Talking to myself in front of my mirror and everything. Makes me feel silly but," She shrugged, "The things we do for love, I suppose. And I know you're gonna be the organiser, the maid of honour, the flower girl and the officiator and my wedding so I'm not even gonna respond to that. If you set me up with your sister I'll refer every single person I meet to you. Sarah Williams: Matchmaker extrordinaire." Here's to hoping her first-ever customer gets her wish. It seemed to be going out on a great start though, because Sarah's offer to leave her alone with Annie was a godsend. "Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. I owe you one, bestie," she said with a little laugh.

And good thing they wrapped up their conversation when they did, because Laurie walked in soon after. Annie could only imagine the debacle the weekend would be if Laurie came in and heard them talking about getting married to her. "Yup, I'm craving some Ravioli right now," she chimed in after Sarah, feeling not unlike a little kid who was being offered her favourite treat. As planned, Sarah quickly bowed out of the conversation, nudging her under the foot with as if her words weren't warning enough. Annie rolled her eyes, smiling good-naturedly at her friend's concern for her, and called an amused "Have fun, Sarah," as her friend sauntered out. She did quirk an eyebrow at Laurie's words; she did know how to wrap men around her fingers, didn't she? A far cry from the bookish and reserved, but lovable babysitter she knew when she was a kid. It seemed her advice did have some substance to back it up, since Sarah had a far more active love life than Annie. Was that what she was supposed to do with Laurie as well? Flirt and show interest without ever getting too eager? A giggle bubbled in her throat when Sarah compared it to getting sex tips from her mother— which wasn't that far off the truth. Laurie had raised them both with her own hands, after all.

And suddenly they were alone again, and the old tongue-tying nerves came running back to her like teenagers to a bar on a Friday. A breath hitched in her throat when Laurie bent over, her skirt riding up to bare below the shape of her behind. It was almost torturous for the young girl, trying to keep a neutral face while the woman she had loved for so long was almost flashing at her— but she persevered.

Steady breaths. Steady breaths. She was still the Laurie who'd coddle her when she was scared, who'd console her after every fight she had with Sarah, who'd always make her feel safe and guided, even when she was almost a grown woman herself.

Her little mantra seemed to have worked, because the woman was as caring and motherly as she remembered. She was grasping her hand in hers, beautiful eyes clouded with worry as she promised her comfort and sympathy. Honestly, the girl hadn't let the reality of the situation set in, content to be happy in her own little bubble of books, music and dark memes, and it was hard to acknowledge her life was imploding from the inside. Being an only child didn't help either— Annie often wondered if her parents would've been better anchored if they had one more child to glue them together.

But Laurie understood. She was in the same position years ago, before Ms. Williams had met Sarah's dad and it was just a fractured family and little Laurie trying to hold things together. Annie squeezed her warm hands without even knowing it, a sad smile tugging at her lips. It felt good to know someone was there for her, especially when her heart flutter for that someone. "I... thanks, Laurie. I really appreciate it. I've just been blocking out most of it. Some days I wake up not remembering that they're breaking up, but it's always a sucky feeling when reality comes crashing back." She shrugged, not noticing she had taken on a somber tone, one that contrasted sharply to her chirpy mood from before. Then, clearing her throat, she forced a smile back onto her face, one that became authentic as she stared up at Laurie. "But thank you, really. I might have to take you up on that offer some time."

Grinning, she nodded enthusiastically when she offered to start the tour. Still a bit nervous, she tucked a strand of loose hair behind her neck, unaware that her oversized sweater had fallen far enough to show a tiny peek of the cup of her bra, pink and girlish in its modesty. "I don't mind sharing a bed, really." A beat, realising she hadn't specified who to share with. "But Sarah might need the privacy more than me, I think. I don't think she'll want me there when she's video chatting with Andrew." A little snort followed her words, before she quickly cut herself short and covered her hand with she palm. That wasn't a particularly sexy way of laughing now, was it? Certainly not helpful in convincing Laurie she had outgrown her childish antics.

Her eyes wandered excitedly as they started walking, flicking between the tasteful décor and Laurie's toned legs, trying to keep herself steady and not flood herself with fantastical thoughts. "You've really done well for yourself, Laurie. This house is amazing..." she trailed off, eyeing a particularly impressive mantelpiece, before turning her attention back to Laurie, still unaware that she was flashing her bra. "I take it the gallery's doing really well? You have some really good pieces in the hallway."

 

[Drunk poet]

As Annie voiced her appreciation for the offer of help in any way she could, Laurie could feel herself warming to the younger woman, much like she had as a teen, when Annie and Sarah were 'knee-high to a grasshopper' as her father used to say. Whilst her advice to Sarah had been to remain interested but aloof with her boyfriend, and Laurie knew it worked on 90% of the guys she had been with, Laurie knew all too well she was a different type of creature indeed. As Sarah had rightly pointed out during her initial advice to Annie, she had a real soft spot for genuine people in need, particularly when she was with a woman. There was something about the more submissive, less certain types that made her want to hold them tight and not let go; to tutor and nurture them. Of course if they wanted to repay that in kind as well, she was hardly going to say no.

"You're welcome"she replied, gently stroking the younger woman's arm the way a mother may when soothing a frightened child through a nightmare. "Just remember none of this is on you in any way. I used to beat myself up a bit about mom and dad when they split. If you want my advice, spend this time thinking about what you'd like to do. Set yourself some goals and try your best to achieve them. If you can do that you'll have let your folks sort through most of the things they're going through and if you achieve your goals, which you will because you're smart and driven you'll get a lot of personal growth out of it in the process. Plus you're welcome here any time if things get on top of you" Laurie smiled warmly. Sarah popped round whenever she liked so there was no reason why the same arrangement could not be made for Annie in light of everything that was going on.

Taking Annie's hand, Laurie led her from the dining area through to the utility rooms in the back of the house, showing her where everything was in case she needed any laundry doing, then it was through to a living room complete with a large fireplace, a grand piano in the corner and a view out over the stretching coastline. There was a study as well on the lower floor where Laurie mainly worked when she was not painting or at the studio and a room which Laurie had converted into a gym with a treadmill, rowing machine and cycling machine.

Upstairs was a room Laurie used for storage and the three bedrooms, only two of which they could access due to Sarah's alone time. It was as Laurie turned to answer one of Annie's questions that she became aware of the younger woman's wardrobe malfunction, her upper body exposed to the older woman's gaze. Annie's choice of lingerie was simple and innocent and Laurie couldn't help but wonder if the younger girl had ever been exposed to the likes of Victoria's secret or agent provocateur in her lifetime. Sarah had begged her to take her one summer when they had been together and Laurie strongly suspected her sister was modelling said underwear for her boyfriend right now. Annie had a good figure though, and although the girlish underwear was charming, Laurie thought that perhaps something a little more racy would suit her blossoming young figure.

"You're probably right" Laurie added with a chuckle. "Sarah's hardly shy as you know but I don't think she'd enjoy an audience for what she has planned. I'm glad she's found someone but I know what boys are like and sometimes I worry he may be just after her for sex; that's why I told her to take it slowly." She shook her head, looking a bit like a disapproving mom in that moment before her expression changed to a more cheeky grin. "Pity she's not into girls like me, I mean at least another woman couldn't get her pregnant right, although it's just as fun." She winked conspiratorially at Annie as she spoke, looking a lot like Sarah in that moment. Laurie had made her sexual preferences known a long time ago and was secure in admitting that while she was bisexual, she enjoyed the company of women more. They were a lot more attractive than men and generally much more eager to please.

As they ventured upstairs, Laurie occasionally caught a glimpse of Annie checking her out, her gaze often falling on Laurie's long legs as they walked. The older woman put this down to the fact that she had been a mere girl herself the last time Annie had seen her. It would be natural that she would be interested in the woman Laurie had become as she was starting to fill out herself and so Laurie payed no mind to the extra attention she was getting.

"Thanks" Laurie beamed at the compliment on the house and the gallery. "To be honest, dad did a lot of the hard work on the gallery and the house, there's even a jacuzzi bath in my ensuite, I don't use it much but I suppose once I find a girlfriend it could be nice to relax in there together..."she let the thought trail off, not sure that her guest really wanted to know about her sex life. "The gallery does well, she added, quickly changing the subject. "We've got a wealthy client at the moment looking for one of our larger pieces and if we close the deal commission is 40%. Actually she'll be around sometime tomorrow so I may have to make myself scarce for an hour or two. Other than that I'm all yours for the weekend, and Sarah's too of course."

There was a while before they needed to be at the restaurant and Sarah would be gone for the majority of the time so Laurie and Annie had a good portion of time to spend together. The tour was mostly done and a an interesting thought crossed Laurie's mind. "So we have a bit of time before we have to leave, and I still have no idea what I want to wear for tonight, would you like to help me pick something out? We can just hang out and chat for a bit if you would like to?"