Starting Over

“You look beautiful,” Batey told Catherine as soon as he caught sight of her. He was waiting in the living room with her parents, and she had entered a few moments later. “Really, you’re breathtaking,” he continued as he rose from the couch.

Blushing, Catherine gave Batey and her parents a smile. Batey looked cheerful, her father looked proud, and her mother seemed to be trying to fight off a fit of total dread. “Thanks,” Catherine said shyly. “You look great, too.”

As Batey stood before her, Catherine took him in. He was wearing a tuxedo, and he was clutching a corsage that matched her dress. Catherine herself had decided to give into that small part of her girly nature and dress up for prom. She wore a simple floor-length strapless maroon dress, and her hair was pinned up, with small tendrils falling in a way she hoped didn’t show she had spent an hour on them.

“Let me get a picture,” Catherine’s father said, grabbing the camera off the coffee table. Catherine tried to ignore her mother frowning as they posed for several shots. “This is amazing,” Catherine thanked Batey as he slipped the corsage over her wrist.

“Catherine, could I speak to you for a minute alone?” her mother asked, moving towards the kitchen.

Giving Batey a small smile as he sat back down again with her father on the couch, Catherine followed her mother into the other room. “So…” her mother began nervously. “So you are going to stay at the hotel tonight, right?”

“James and his girlfriend are sharing the room with us,” Catherine gently reminded her mother. “It’s just going to be friends getting together to celebrate for one last night. I promise,” she took her mother’s hand. “You don’t have to worry.”

“I trust you, Catherine,” her mother said softly. “It’s just… you’ve gotten so close to Andy over the past few months, I don’t want you to be drinking and doing something…” She let her words trail off.

A debate was going on in Catherine’s head, but finally she decided to take the high road. “I love him, mom,” she said as she sat down at the kitchen table, beckoning her mother to sit across from her. “You like him, don’t you?”

“I do,” her mother begrudgingly admitted.

Biting her lip, Catherine looked into her mother’s eyes. “We’ve already slept together,” she said, amazed she had forced the words past her lips. “Only a few times,” she continued when her mother said nothing, although her eyes had opened wide at the admission. “And we’ve used condoms, even though I’m on the pill. With all that’s happened, I can never feel too safe again…”

Catherine’s heart began to break as her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry,” she grabbed her mother’s hands, tears filling her own eyes. “I didn’t want to disappoint you again, but more than that, I don’t want to lie to you…”

It took almost a minute for Catherine’s mother to gather herself together enough to speak. “I’m not disappointed in you, Catherine,” she said quietly, still clutching her daughter’s hands. “You were just so hurt before…”

“It’s not like before,” Catherine promised. “This is a completely different kind of relationship. I never would have told you the truth when I was with Marcus. But this time… No one person has control in this relationship. We’re in love – both of us. We care so much for each other…”

“Now, don’t go ruining your makeup,” Catherine’s mother gave her a watery smile. “You look so beautiful.”

“So you don’t hate him?” Catherine asked nervously. “You don’t… hate me?”

Rising from her seat, Catherine’s mother shook her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. I could never hate you! All I want is for you to be happy, baby,” she told her daughter as Catherine rose to embrace her. “Andy’s a good boy. You love him; I see that. More importantly to me, I can see that he loves you.”

Clutching her mother closely, Catherine didn’t care if her dress got wrinkled or her hair undone or her makeup mussed. She just felt so good that she was in a relationship that allowed her to remain honest with her mother, even if it meant difficult moments like the one they were experiencing.

“Go, now,” her mother pulled back, cradling Catherine’s face in her hands and fixing her makeup with her fingers. “Andy’s waiting.”

Nodding, Catherine gave her mother a warm smile. “I love you, Mom,” she said softly.

”I love you, too, Catherine,” her mother replied. “Your father and I both love you tremendously. Don’t ever forget that.”

-----

Catherine woke up the morning after prom with her head resting on Batey’s chest and his arm around her waist. Even though her head was pounding with a hangover, she smiled as she looked up at him sleeping. They had a great time at the dance, and an even better time afterwards in the hotel room. Splitting several bottles of champagne with James and Alanna, they all got quite drunk while playing games like “Truth or Dare” and “I Never”. During the course of the games, Batey had admitted to James that he had slept with someone before Catherine, but refused to give any details. Alanna had admitted she was a virgin, which caused James to blush, because it proved that they had been dating for over four months and still had not had sex. It was obvious he was completely in love with her, and Catherine was very happy for them.

“Will somebody please kill me?” Catherine heard James’s voice come from the other bed, and she giggled in response.

Batey started to stir, and as he opened his eyes, he saw Catherine smiling at him. “Morning,” he said to her. “Oh, God,” he immediately raised his hand to his forehead, noting the pain. “Good Lord, did I spend any portion of last night idly banging my head against a wall?”

“Nope,” Catherine told him. “Just drinking way too much cheap champagne.”

“I am never going to drink again,” Catherine heard Alanna say, although her voice was muffled.

Forcing herself to sit up, Catherine looked over at the other bed. James was lying on his back, his arm over his head, covering his eyes. Alanna was beside him on her stomach, her head buried beneath a pillow. “It’s almost check-out time,” Catherine noted as she glanced at the clock. “We should all get some breakfast.”

“Bread sounds good,” Batey said. “Lots of bread and water. Mmm, maybe some eggs and bacon too.” Catherine giggled at how, no matter the situation, Batey was always ready to eat. “Ooh, let’s go somewhere that makes eggs benedict…”

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Alanna’s muffled voice came again.

“No, you’re not,” Catherine told her as she climbed out of bed. “You just need hydration and aspirin. And starchy food will help, too.”

Slowly, the four people all got out of bed and gathered their belongings. The boys, who had been sleeping in boxers, slid back on their tuxedo pants, but the girls just wore the pajama bottoms they were in that they had brought with them, their prom dresses folded in their arms. James and Alanna grudgingly left the room, but Catherine felt Batey grab her by the waist quickly before she got to the door. Turning her around, he leaned down to rest his forehead against hers. “I just wanted to tell you what a great time I had last night,” he whispered.

“Me too,” Catherine smiled at him.

“I do love you,” Batey said. “With all my heart.”

“I know,” Catherine assured him. “I love you, too.”

-----

“Guess who got into GW?” Batey’s voice came over the line.

“If it’s not you, I don’t want to play this game,” Catherine teased. She had been sitting on the living room couch, studying for final exams.

“You’re mean,” Batey laughed heartily. “Yes, it’s me. I got in!”

”I’m sorry,” Catherine told him. “I was just kidding. That’s so wonderful! I’m really proud of you.”

“And that means I don’t have to go anywhere,” Batey’s voice was rich with emotion. “I get to be near you, while still going to an amazing school.”

Settling herself back against the couch cushions, Catherine smiled. “Yeah, I think I would have been upset if you had been halfway across the country, forgetting all about me while doing body shots off of sorority girls.”

“Actually, I hear GW has a great program,” he joked. “Body Shots 101, Keg Stand Theory, Intro to Getting Girls in Bed…”

“You might have to take a remedial Getting Girls into Bed class, the way you’re going right now,” Catherine warned him.

Giving Catherine a deep laugh that normally made her melt, Batey apologized. “I promise, you’re the only girl I want to get into bed,” he told her.

”Perv.”

“My, aren’t we in a mood tonight?” Batey stated nervously, a hint of concern in his voice.

Sighing, Catherine tried to shake herself out of the funk she was in. “I’m really sorry,” she said sincerely. “Between finals and the play opening next week, I’m just being a bitch.”

“Don’t say that about my girlfriend,” Batey responded.

Feeling better, Catherine began to relax. “I am so glad you are going to be sticking around,” she said warmly. “I would have missed you so terribly if you had gone away to school. I wouldn’t have known what to do with myself. I would have become this pathetic lump.”

“Well, no need to worry about that anymore,” Batey told her in a soft voice. “I get to go to my top-choice school while still living half an hour away. And now that Ben’s coming back to town… I just feel like life is so good.”

“You deserve it,” Catherine said genuinely. “You are such a wonderful friend to so many people, and you’ve been so great with your mom, and I can’t even begin to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me since I’ve met you.”

“You mean that thing I do with my tongue?” Batey joked.

”Among other things,” Catherine giggled, but quickly became more serious. “No, in a few short months, you have become the most important person in my life.”

“I feel the same way,” Batey replied affectionately. “So, will you be studying all weekend?” It was Friday night, but Catherine had insisted on coming home right after rehearsal to continue preparing for her exams.

“Depends,” Catherine could hear that her voice had become almost a purr. “There would need a REALLY good reason for me to become suddenly irresponsible…”

Chuckling, Batey’s voice was sending chills up Catherine’s spine. “I may have the thing,” he told her. “My parents are both going to be away tomorrow night, it turns out.”

”So, you’re going to be all alone in your house?” Catherine asked in a sexy voice.

“I hope not,” Batey said, not trying to hide the desire in his tone.

Closing her eyes to momentarily relish in the feeling of her heart rate increasing, Catherine finally responded. “Is eight o’clock okay? I can congratulate your acceptance properly then.”

Once again, Batey chuckled. “That sounds perfect,” Batey replied, obviously delighted. “I’ll let you get back to studying now. Just know that I can’t wait until tomorrow.”

“Me either,” Catherine sighed contentedly. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Batey answered. “Goodnight.”

-----

Ringing Batey’s doorbell the next night, Catherine waited a minute. When there was no response, she rang it again. Finally, she tried the doorknob, which was unlocked. “Hello?” she called out, unsure if she should walk in. But both of Batey’s parents’ cars were gone from the driveway, so she let herself in and headed towards his bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar, and Catherine peeked her head in. She smiled at the picture before her. Batey was lying on the bed, headphones on, and had obviously fallen asleep waiting for her. He was in a pair of cargo pants and a white wifebeater, which she had never seen him wear before. He looked peaceful and so handsome.

Putting her bag down, Catherine snuck across the room quietly. Sitting down on the bed, she pushed a piece of hair out of Batey’s eyes and leaned down to kiss him softly on the lips. When he didn’t respond, she gently removed the headphones, placing them on the table next to the bed, and leaned down to kiss him more deeply while running her hand over his chest. This woke Batey up.

Without even opening his eyes, Batey knew Catherine was kissing him. He knew her lips, her taste, her scent. He kissed back warmly before opening his eyes and smiling at her looking down on him. “I must have fallen asleep,” he said apologetically.

“It’s okay,” Catherine climbed into the bed next to him and curled up close. “You looked so cute.”

Nudging her head over to his shoulder, Batey just held Catherine for a moment. She was running her fingertips in small circles over his chest, and he was sliding his palm over her bare arm. He wanted to bask in the feeling a little while longer. “I’m glad you could come over tonight,” he whispered softly.

Looking up into Batey’s eyes, Catherine smiled. “Me too,” she said. “I wish I could spend every night like this.”

Kissing her forehead, Batey returned her smile. “Yeah, that would be perfect.”

“So I got you a present,” Catherine said a few moments later. “You want to see?”

“Does it involve you in black lace? Because if it does, I definitely want to see,” Batey grinned.

Laughing, Catherine sat up and moved across the room to get her bag. She reached in and pulled out a wrapped package, walking back towards the bed and sitting down.

“Oh, you didn’t actually have to get me something,” Batey sat up and took the present, looking a little embarrassed.

“Oh, this is only the first part of your gift,” Catherine teased. “The rest will come later tonight.”

Removing the wrapping, Batey pulled out a copy of “The Worst Case Scenario Handbook: College” and laughed. Catherine’s eyes were dancing as he thanked her, opening the book to look at a few of the entries, which included information on the best way to pass a test you haven\'t studied for, how to identify bad cafeteria food, and how to survive dorm bathrooms. “This is great,” Batey smiled at Catherine. “Thank you.”

“I just felt bad about how I was on the phone last night,” Catherine gave him an apologetic smile. “I really am proud of you for getting accepted, and I’m so happy that you’re staying in the area.”

Putting the book on the nightstand, Batey leaned up and cupped Catherine’s face in his hands. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said, giving her a soft kiss. “I love you. I know you were just stressed.”

For the millionth time over the past few months, Catherine felt unbelievably lucky to be with Batey. “Lock the door,” she finally whispered.

Chuckling, Batey nodded and quickly rose from the bed, closing and locking the door. As he turned around, he saw Catherine pulling her top over her head.

“You said black lace, but will red lace do?” Catherine asked, motioning toward the bra she was wearing, which she had purchased that afternoon.

“Red is so much better than black,” Batey said in a throaty voice, crossing the room to her. He pulled her up from the bed, sliding one arm around her waist. He touched her cheek lightly with his other hand and looked into her eyes. “You are so beautiful, Catherine. I don’t think you’ll ever understand just how gorgeous I think you are.”

Knowing her eyes were growing glassy, Catherine didn’t try to speak. Instead, she rose onto her toes and wrapped her arms around Batey’s neck, pressing her mouth to his. She felt his hand move from her face to join his other hand around her waist.

Batey felt Catherine press against him with soft slow kisses. As he felt her take his lower lip between his teeth and run her tongue gently along it, his body temperature rose. By the time she had slipped her tongue into his mouth to meet his, Batey’s hands were already running circles over Catherine’s back. Her kisses were now strong but sensual, her lips firm and passionate. One hand slid into Batey’s hair, running the silky strands through her fingers. When she let a small moan escape past her lips and into Batey’s mouth, he decided to give up their standing position.

Feeling Batey pull back from her, Catherine looked up into his eyes, which were burning. Knowing what he wanted, Catherine sat down and slid back into the pillows on the bed. Before joining her, Batey reached to undo her jeans, sliding them over her hips and off. This left Catherine lying in front of him in her matching red lace set, and his mild erection immediately turned completely hard. “You look amazing,” Batey whispered.

Blushing, although it didn’t show much thanks to her already flushed complexion, Catherine beckoned Batey to join her on the bed. “Come here, college boy,” she smiled, reaching for him.

Carefully, Batey let his body move over Catherine’s. Resting on one elbow to prop up his upper body, his eyes searched her face for a moment. “How is this even real?” he whispered as he touched her cheek softly with the back of his hand. “This time last year, I had a completely unhealthy relationship I couldn’t talk about with anyone, I hadn’t heard from my brother in ages, I didn’t know where I was headed or what I was doing…”

“And now?” Catherine asked, her voice showing concern.

“Well, now,” Batey said with a grin. “Now have a best friend and a girlfriend all wrapped into one, someone I love and trust completely. My brother’s moving back into town. I got accepted to a great school.” He leaned down to kiss her lips softly. “My life just feels so good right now.”

“I’m so happy to hear you say that. You deserve good things to happen to you more than anyone else I know. So, is there any chance I can make things even better tonight?” Catherine asked, sliding her hands under the thin fabric of his wifebeater and scratching his back lightly. She leaned up to kiss him again, and she could feel Batey’s body responding to their movements as his tongue traced her lip line before deepening the kiss once more. However, he continued to lightly brush her cheek with his hand, sending shivers down Catherine’s spine.

Batey knew it was a little strange that Catherine was lying below him in only her bra and panties while he was fully dressed, but she looked so sexy like that, he was afraid that he might not last very long if he were to undress yet. Instead, he decided to tease Catherine for a little while. “You know, you do look amazing in this outfit?” he said breathily.

“I’m glad you like it,” Catherine replied, sounding a little nervous. “I wasn’t sure if I looked right in it… if you would like me in it.”

“Well, I think you look unbelievable. Every part of you looks sexy. In fact, I’m not sure if there’s a part of you I don’t like,” Batey’s eyes twinkled. He brushed her lips with his, saying, “I love your lips.” Moving his mouth down over Catherine’s jaw line to her neck, he nipped at it gently. “I love your neck.” He traced wet kisses over her collarbone to the skin above her bra. “I love your breasts,” he said as he pushed down the fabric on one side, letting his tongue tease her nipple until it was painfully hard before taking it between his lips, pulling gently. Then his mouth let go, and he shifted himself further down on the bed. Holding onto her hips, his mouth pressed against her flat stomach, and Batey felt Catherine slide her hands into his hair. “I love your stomach, and your hips.” Small kisses traced down over her hipbone and to her thighs. “I love your legs, and your knees, and your thighs…”

Catherine couldn’t take it any more and let out a moan when Batey’s lips tickled her inner thighs and his hot breath teased her skin as he spoke softly. She heard him chuckle, but she didn’t look down at him, so he continued kissing her thighs, nudging her legs apart. He placed soft kisses over Catherine’s underwear, turning her on so much she arched her back as she dug her fingers deeper into his hair. She jumped when she felt his hand start massaging her through the fabric of her panties, and she tried to keep her breath even as he moved her underwear to the side a little and let his fingers run over her swollen flesh.

Batey was completely turned on by how wet Catherine was already. Leaning up a little, he slid Catherine’s underwear over her hips and off. Sinking down between her thighs, he ran the broadest part of his tongue over her, feeling her shudder beneath him at the sensation. Then he began gently tasting her, kissing and licking at Catherine while remaining aware of the whimpers and moans coming from her. Spreading her a little with his hand, Batey let his tongue press inside, her taste and aroma filling his senses.

Catherine’s body was beginning to involuntarily press down against Batey’s mouth, so he let his tongue slide over her clit as he slid a finger inside her, followed quickly by a second. Looking up as he tenderly sucked at her, his fingers finding a slow, steady rhythm in and out of her body, Batey was delighted to see Catherine, her eyes squeezed shut, one hand buried in his hair, the other nervously playing with her breast under the fabric of her bra. Her chest was heaving from her erratic breathing, and when he saw her bite her lip, he began increasing the speed and pressure of his fingers. He also began alternating teasing her clit with the tip of his tongue and sucking on it gently.

Catherine started moaning, and her other hand buried into his hair. No complete words were coming out, but she was making low guttural sounds and bucking against Batey. Letting out a small cry of pleasure, Catherine came, her muscles tensing around Batey’s fingers. He continued sucking on her and moving his fingers for a few moments until her body stopped trembling. Then he removed his finger and slid up next to her. “So that was okay?” Batey said softly, a smile playing on his mouth.

Looking over at him, Catherine gave him a grumpy smile. “I was supposed to make you feel good tonight,” she replied. “Not the other way around.”

Leaning over to kiss her, wondering what Catherine thought of tasting herself on his lips, Batey grinned. “Oh, I still expect that.”

A teasing spark lit Catherine’s eyes, and she rolled over, away from Batey. “No way,” she giggled. “I’m going to sleep now.”

Rolling over to curl up behind her, Batey ran his hand over Catherine’s arm and kissed softly at her neck. “Really?” he asked. “Even if I do this?” His hand slid behind Catherine, unhooking her bra and sliding it off her shoulder before letting his hand wander in front of her to massage her breast again. “Or this?” His hand slid slowly over Catherine’s stomach to the sensitive wet spot between her legs.

Flipping over, Catherine began giggling. “Okay, you win!” Immediately, she sat up. “Alright, why are you wearing so much clothing when I’m naked?”

“Because I felt like if I had you naked next to me right away, I might not be able to hold out long enough for you to enjoy yourself,” Batey answered honestly, making Catherine blush.

“Well, there’s no worries about that now,” she grinned. “So let’s get these off you.” Catherine helped Batey out of this wifebeater, jeans and boxers. Straddling his thighs, she took his cock in her hands. “Wow, you are ready,” she said in a sultry voice, pumping him a few times. “Hand me a condom, will you?”

Reaching toward the drawer, Batey removed a condom and handed it to Catherine. He couldn’t believe that it could feel good just to have Catherine slip it on him, but it did. He watched as she positioned herself above him and slowly pressed down, her post-orgasm muscles so tight around him that he groaned. Reaching for his hands and intertwining her fingers with his, Catherine slid them above his head.

Catherine began moving with slow deep strokes, as she had figured out were his favorite. She would slide up all the way, and slowly press down again until he was buried all the way inside her. As she leaned down to kiss his lips softly, Batey closed his eyes. Despite what he had said about being afraid of coming too soon, Catherine was able to tease him for a long time with her lingering intense movements. When she felt his muscles start to tense, she leaned up and let go of his hands, allowing him to take her hips in them. His eyes opened and he watched Catherine intently, her hands against the bed on either side of his face as she sped up a little at his urging, the friction sending him over the edge as his body tightened, his cock began throbbing, and he released a loud moan.

Batey was panting for several minutes before he said anything. “The book was nice,” he finally told her when he caught his breath. “But that was way better.”

Laughing, Catherine disentangled herself from him, waiting for Batey to remove the condom and toss it into the garbage pail before curling up next to him. “So I met you less than a year ago,” Catherine marveled as she buried her head into his chest.

“And we’ve only been a couple for three months,” Batey reminded her as he slid his arm around her waist.

“Best three months ever,” Catherine sighed contentedly as she started to doze off.

-----

The night before the play opened, Catherine was checking her email. She saw that she had received a note from Marcus with the subject line, “I come in peace (I swear!)” Catherine laughed at this and opened the message.

“Hey Cath. First off, don’t worry – I’m not writing because I’m a demented stalker or anything. I am really happy you have your own life and that things seem to be going well (at least from what Brigitte will tell me). I did hear that you have a new boyfriend who treats you right, and that you’re in a play again, this time in a starring role. I just wanted to let you know that it makes me relieved to know you’re finally getting the things you always deserved.

“I’ve been clean for almost nine months now – can you believe it? I’ve got to go to summer school if I have any chance of graduating next year, but that’s probably a good thing. I’m not one of those people who do well with a lot of free time on their hands.

“I guess I wanted to write because of the time of year it is. I just got to thinking about everything you were going through last year at this time, and how I was a total dickhead to you. I know you’ve said you forgive me, but I still haven’t forgiven myself. I think just letting you know that makes me feel a little better, though.

“I just want you to know that you’re the type of person that touches people forever. Every time I ever have the urge to do a line (which happens sometimes), I remind myself I can never do that again if I ever have any hope of being your friend again sometime in the far far future.

“So congratulations on the play, and good luck with the boyfriend. Make sure he understands every day just how lucky he is to have you and how special you really are. You deserve the world, and I hope you get it all on a silver platter.

“All my love, Marcus.”

Tears were spilling over Catherine’s cheeks as she read the e-mail, but she was smiling. Of course she had been spending the past few weeks thinking about what had been happening this time last year. That’s probably why she had been so cranky recently. But hearing from Marcus had been good. She no longer felt under his power, and she didn’t think he wanted her to. He just wanted to let her know he cared. This was a good thing.

Turning off the computer, Catherine grabbed her cell phone. She wanted to talk to Batey one more time tonight. She loved him so much, and reading Marcus’s note just made her think about how good she felt being with him.

-----

Opening night went off perfectly, and afterwards, the backstage was filled with performers, family and friends. After the curtains had closed to a standing ovation, Batey had wrapped his arms around Catherine and pulled her into a giant hug. Then the cast all exchanged hugs, finally turning to family and friends carrying flowers and words of congratulations.

As Catherine found her parents and gave them each a hug, she saw Emma and John hugging. Then, to her surprise, she saw John pull back and tentatively brush his lips against Emma’s, who blushed but nervously pressed back against his kiss. Thrilled to see this exchange, Catherine squeezed her mother tighter. “Well, you do seem happy, don’t you?” her mother beamed.

Batey came up behind Catherine at that moment and greeted her parents. Catherine saw Alanna across the room, holding James tightly. Even though his parents weren’t anywhere to be seen, he still looked ecstatic. Catherine waved at them and smiled, glancing back towards her boyfriend and parents. School only had a few weeks left, and after that they all had the summer to look forward to. Batey didn’t have orientation until late August, and Ben would be arriving in less than a month. Leaning back into Batey and feeling his slide his hand around her waist, Catherine just grinned, astounded by how great life seemed to be going.

I KNOW THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS HAVE BEEN A LITTLE LIGHT-HEARTED AND CHEESY, BUT THAT IS A PART OF RELATIONSHIPS, ESPECIALLY IN THE BEGINNING. BE WARNED, HOWEVER, THAT THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS MAY NOT BE SO CHEDDAR FLAVORED.

AS ALWAYS, THANKS TO ALL WHO REVIEWED. I AM GOING TO SAY A SPECIAL THANKS TO CARIAD AND MICAH K FOR LETTING ME KNOW IN PARTICULAR WHAT’S WORKING. FEEL FREE TO LET ME KNOW WHAT’S NOT, TOO! (BUT BE NICE. I CRY EASY.)