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Alicia

Don't push yourself. Take deep breaths. Listen. It's not embarrassing to kiss someone on TV. You can finish the rehearsal by walking back into the room. Performers often kiss each other. They can do it, so why not you?

Alicia's eyes flickered to the fountain, her cup trembling in her grip, heart racing as thoughts of Raven swirled. Four weeks had passed since their screen test. Did it matter that she—

"You're out here!" Raven's sound echoed as she raced down the hall, her dark hair streaming behind her. "Don't tell me you left because of Ivory. Forgive me for bringing her in. My assistant will take her."

"Don't worry about it." Alicia crumpled the paper cup, the last drops of water spilling onto the floor. "The rabbit isn't the problem."

"Then, what is it?" Raven gave a quizzical look. "You're not sick or something, are you?"

Her eyes widened as she shrieked, "How do you do it? With the camera rolling, you were about to kiss me."

Raven blinked, her eyes narrowing as a flicker of realization crossed her face. "Ah, now I understand. It seems like you're experiencing stage fright."

Alicia felt a rush of warmth spread through her, her face lighting up with a wide, infectious smile. "You could say that."

Raven stood beside her, heaving a sigh. "But why are you afraid to behave passionately in front of the camera?"

"I'm trying something new here," Alicia explained. "I've never... I have no idea how to..."

"You're terrified of kissing someone on camera." Raven bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with little contained amusement. "That's the most adorable thing ever!"

"What's your secret? Have you been practicing?"

Raven let out a soft, amused laugh, her eyes glistening with mischief. "I've had plenty of experience in romantic scenes prior to this, so working with other performers feels easy. Kissing in front of the camera may be scary, but you will find your comfort zone. You'll gain valuable experience as time goes on."

Alicia glanced at her and nodded, letting out a sigh. "Sounds simple."

Raven twirled a strand of her hair and stole a glance at Alicia. "Tell me. Why does this role challenge you?"

Alicia replied, "I want to make the most of this incredible opportunity. I have concerns about how I'm doing. What if I'm not very good at kissing?"

"No way, girl. You will be fine. When was the last time you had a starring role?"

"Well..." Alicia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "At nineteen, I portrayed the best friend of the love interest. That's all. No kissing required."

Raven's eyes widened, the weight of understanding settling in. "So that's why you're on edge. It all adds up now."

"What do you mean?" Alicia tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her gaze.

"Your first leading role─it's a career game-changer, isn't it? Trust me, I've been there."

Alicia nodded, her posture shifting as she straightened, determination sparking in her eyes. "You were my first kiss in almost a year. This role isn't just acting; it's a chance to showcase the LGBT community. Opportunities like this don't come around often."

Raven grinned, her excitement bubbling over. "Absolutely! I dream of a world where same-sex love is as accepted as any other. My best friend's journey has shaped me, and I want to pave a smoother path for her."

Alicia's heart raced as she caught Raven's gaze, a spark igniting something deep within her. "That's beautiful, like you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. It was as if a veil had lifted, revealing the striking woman next to her─not just radiant but confident.

Raven's wicked smile sent a thrill down Alicia's spine. "You're beautiful, too," she said, her fingers brushing against Alicia's shoulder, sending a jolt of warmth through her. "Come to my place after rehearsal. We can practice those romantic scenes."

Alicia's breath hitched; the invitation hung in the air, electric with possibility. The world around her blurred as thoughts raced, each one more daring than the last. What if tonight was more than just practice?

She shivered, anticipation wrapping around her like a comfortable blanket, and nodded to Raven, ready to embrace whatever awaited.

• • •

The sleek black Mercedes flowed along the highway, reflecting the afternoon sun off its surface. Alicia sat in the passenger seat, fingers nervously tracing the fabric of her jeans as they sped away from her empty apartment─a stark reminder of her dwindling finances. Last month's sacrifice still weighed heavily on her mind, the electric bill stealing her independence, leaving her uneasy.

As Raven expertly maneuvered through traffic, the rhythm of Latin music pulsed through the speakers, each beat synchronizing with Alicia's racing heart. She felt a swirl of emotions─gratitude mingling with anxiety─deep within her. She felt both ridiculous and excited at the prospect of kissing this actress in front of the camera.

She glanced at Raven, whose carefree laughter danced in the air, tapping the driving wheel to the irresistible music. The actress radiated confidence, seemingly undaunted by the evening's rehearsal.

Raven's phone rang in the middle console.

"Could you check the caller ID, please?" she asked, her eyes darting between the asphalt and the dashboard. "If it's Mya or Xavier, you can put them on speakerphone."

Alicia squinted at the glowing screen. "Oh, um, it says it's Camilla." She hesitated while biting her lower lip, the phone lying next to her. "Should I answer it?"

A scoff escaped Raven's lips, curling into a wry smile. "Hell no. I don't want her to ruin the rest of my night with her rantings about Kismet."

Moments later, they pulled up to Raven's house, a modest gem nestled among the trees. The fresh paint gleamed under the moonlight, and the exquisite windows sparkled like stars. Alicia admired the simplicity.

"I enjoy small houses," Raven said, glancing at her. "One staircase is enough for me."

"Your house is amazing."

"Thank you." Raven parked, determination in her eyes. "Stay put. I'll get the door for you."

Alicia stifled a laugh as she imagined Raven, with her confident strides, standing at the door like a regal queen, ready to welcome anyone who dared knock. That door would swing open to reveal not just a space, but an embrace, warm and inviting, like a hug from an old friend.

As they stepped out of Raven's car, the sweet scent of blooming white and yellow flowers filled the air, their vibrant colors dancing in the gentle breeze.

"You have excellent taste, Raven," Alicia remarked, her eyes scanning the carefully tended garden, a tapestry of nature artfully arranged.

She beamed, her smile infectious, radiating warmth. "Aw, I appreciate that." Her eyes sparkled, mischief blending with sincerity. "We can rehearse in the hot tub. You can borrow a swimsuit."

Alicia's cheeks flushed at the thought, her mind racing with images of awkward poses and nervous laughter. Practicing kissing on camera? The very idea sent a shiver down her spine. Yet, as she caught Raven's knowing gaze, a sense of understanding blossomed.

Beneath the playful banter, Alicia recognized a genuine kindness in her co-star, a thoughtful gesture amidst their chaotic world.

Raven heaved her bags onto the sleek, marble floor, their weight echoing in the vast entrance. "Or we could kick back in the living room," she said, a playful smile dancing on her lips, "watch a DVD, sip some wine─just us."

Alicia felt a warm thrill at the invitation, her heart racing in rhythm with the excitement. "A movie and wine sounds good," she replied, her voice light with anticipation. "Do you need to check your voicemail first?"

Raven brushed a hand through her hair, a carefree gesture that made Alicia's doubts melt away. "Nah. My aunt can wait," she said, dismissing the urgency with a flick of her wrist. "What's your favorite kind of wine?"

"Do all of them count?"

Raven giggled. "I honestly believe we were meant to be friends."

As laughter bubbled between them, Alicia felt a spark of connection, realizing that Raven was far from the dramatic persona she'd imagined─she was refreshingly real.

As she sank into the plush, pink leather sofa, the distinct aroma wrapped around her like a warm hug, a cozy reminder of countless evenings spent in this sanctuary. Her eyes drifted to the small cage tucked in the corner, where a delicate rabbit nestled comfortably, its tiny nose twitching in contentment, blissfully ignorant of the havoc it could wreak with a single sneeze.

Raven strolled back into the room, her playful grin lighting up her face, one hand cradling a bowl of buttery popcorn while the other held a glistening glass of sparkling white wine. They fell into their usual rhythm, the familiar flicker of a Lifetime movie casting shadows on the walls.

Laughter bubbled up between them like the effervescence in Raven's glass, each melodramatic twist eliciting playful groans and shared eye rolls, their camaraderie infusing the air with warmth, brightening the room far beyond the glow of the screen.

Raven leaned back, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face as the credits rolled on the screen. "Can you believe those ridiculous characters I've played?" she chuckled, shaking her head in mock disbelief.

Alicia eyes gleamed with admiration as she leaned closer, her voice earnest. "Raven, every film you've graced has been a treasure. You're incredible, and I look up to you."

Raven's brow furrowed in surprise, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. "You think so?"

"Yes! Those silly movies let people escape, if only for a moment."

Raven's laughter transformed into a contemplative smile. "Wow, that's... profound." She locked eyes with Alicia, a spark of understanding illuminating her obsidian gaze. "I hope Kismet shines a light on those who need it most."

She inhaled sharply, her heart racing as she met Raven's intensity. "That's why I auditioned. I see myself in Qala. I've always felt like an outsider."

Raven smiled gently and put her hand on top of Alicia's. "You're not an outsider. Not to me. I'm excited to have you on board as my co-star."

"Ditto."

Alicia's pulse raced like a drum, pounding fiercely against her ribcage as if demanding to break free. Beads of perspiration formed on her palms, slick and clammy, sliding against the fabric of her jeans. She could feel the prickle of goosebumps dancing along her arms and legs, igniting a warm flutter deep in her belly that felt like a rollercoaster in mid-ascend.

"Should we begin?" Raven's voice sliced through the fog of Alicia's anxious thoughts, grounding her in the moment. "I can grab my camera and help get you more comfortable in front of it."

Alicia's eyes flickered down to the bowl of popcorn in her lap, her fingers digging into the fluffy kernels. "Oh," she mumbled, scratching her chin, the movement registering as her thoughts tumbled in a whirl. "Sure. I think I'm ready."

"Perfect."

Alicia's heart raced faster, a wild stallion in her chest. She wiped her sweaty hands against her jeans, feeling the dampness cling to her skin as she edged closer to Raven, seeking comfort in the warm, familiar presence. "Thank you for rehearsing with me."

"No problem, Alicia." Raven paused, her expression sharpening as if she was tuning into a frequency Alicia couldn't hear. "Maybe I should brush my teeth first. I probably taste like popcorn and chocolate."

Alicia's cheeks flushed, laughter bubbling up like a fizzy drink as she replied, "It's okay." Her jeans felt like a swamp, the fabric sticking stubbornly to her skin as she dried her hands once more, desperately trying to regain some semblance of composure. "I probably taste like them, too, so it doesn't matter."

"It's kismet." Raven's laughter rang out, light and infectious, as she leaned in closer, their legs brushing. "I feel good right now. With you."

In that moment, Alicia felt herself melt like Jell-O, her body quaking with an unfamiliar mix of excitement and nervousness as her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Alicia caught a whiff of Raven's perfume, thick and intoxicating, mingling with the lingering scent of alcohol that clung to her like a warm blanket. Each movement brought them closer, and she could almost feel the heat radiating from Raven's lips, a tingling sensation electrifying the air between them.

Just then, Raven burst into laughter, the sound bubbling up like fizzy champagne. "I'm sorry," she gasped between giggles, her cheeks flushed. "I'm just... This is challenging for me."

Alicia's nerves scattered, her fingers brushing hesitantly against Raven's lips, exploring the softness that beckoned her. Their eyes locked, a silent magnetism crackling in the space between them.

"W-why?" she asked.

"Because I feel like we're friends now," Raven said, her voice dropping to a whisper, vulnerability shining through her playful demeanor. "And I don't kiss my friends."

Alicia's heart bounced as she looked Raven, who leaned back in her seat, laughter dancing in her eyes. The warmth of the sun caught the glimmer of something in her smile─was it a spark of curiosity?

Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, her mind swirling with questions. Raven, the star of countless romantic films, had always been paired with men, yet today, her gaze lingered a moment too long, igniting a flicker of hope in Alicia's chest.

Could she be interested in women?

Raven stretched languidly, a playful smile dancing across her lips as she glanced back at Alicia. "Let's relax and see how tonight goes," she suggested, her voice warm like the soft glow of the lamp lighting the room. "Just give me a moment to fetch us another glass of wine. You know how college girls get─maybe it will work for us, too."

Alicia's heart fluttered at the thought, a bright smile spreading across her face. The idea of being labeled a "good friend" by Raven made her chest swell with a warmth she couldn't quite understand.

As she settled back onto the couch with another glass in hand, Alicia took a cautious sip, the rich flavor swirling in her mouth, her thoughts clouded yet electrified. For thirty minutes, laughter surrounded their comfortable stillness. Every chuckle and shout from the other room felt like a gentle reassurance.

When Raven casually dropped the word "friends" into their conversation, Alicia's cheeks flushed, a thrill coursing through her as if the very definition of their bond had shifted in that moment.

As the first movie ended, Raven switched to The Breakfast Club oblivious to the way Alicia's eyes sparkled at the familiar title. There was a delightful thrill in sharing this moment, and as Raven returned to the couch, arms laden with a fresh bowl of popcorn, she draped one leg over Alicia's lap.

The warmth radiating from her touch sent a ripple of comfort through Alicia, grounding her in the moment. She remained still, savoring the unexpected closeness, each heartbeat syncing with the laughter and iconic scenes flashing on the screen. It was an evening wrapped in familiarity and newness, the kind that made her feel as if she was finally home.

Alicia's eyes widened as she clamped a hand over her mouth, cheeks flushing a deep crimson. "Maybe we'll never make out," she blurted, her voice barely a whisper.

A nervous giggle escaped Raven, her laughter bubbling up like a fizzing soda. "True. This might not be our best plan."

Alicia shifted on her feet, biting her lip. "Do you want to stop?"

Raven smiled as she shook her head, glancing away with a playful smirk. "I'm not used to practicing lines and make-out sessions outside of rehearsal."

Raven appeared to drift off when the vice-principal of The Breakfast Club made their entrance. Her phone buzzed as she eagerly leaned in toward the screen. She glanced at it, let out a sigh, and tucked it back into her pocket. Alicia could only grasp that her aunt was calling yet again.

"Do you not have a good relationship with your family?"

Why did I ask that? Was I out of my mind? That wasn't my business.

"Not really." Raven faced Alicia with a firm look, unwilling to avoid the painful matter. "My aunt is... complex," she replied, frowning, "but my parents? They accept me." Her black hair slipped between her fingers like beautiful threads as she talked. "I signed up for this film, but nobody gets it."

Alicia leaned in, her brow furrowing in understanding. "It's because this role is an LGBT one," she said, her voice a soft acknowledgment of the weight that hung in the air. "If I'm overstepping, I apologize."

Raven shook her head, a small smile breaking through. "That's just it, Alicia. You're not. You really see where I'm coming from. This industry? It's all about ambition, isn't it?"

"I concure," Alicia replied, a spark of recognition in her eyes.

Raven's lips curled into a gentle smile, her eyes shimmering with warmth as she met Alicia's gaze. Alicia's cheeks flushed, and a hint of mischief danced in her eyes as she mirrored the smile, the air around them charged with unspoken understanding. Silence enveloped them, but in that moment, their hearts spoke louder than words ever could.

"I should be grateful," Raven murmured, looking at Alicia with a mix of gratitude and frustration. "Camilla took over as my manager last year and measured her value with the money from my movies. She just wants what's best for me." She groaned as she bit her bottom lip. "But Kismet... it's everything to me."

"It is to me as well." Alicia's smile widened.

When did she grab her hand? Raven stared at their clasped hands, then shifted their gaze to Alicia's eyes, silently seeking an answer to an unspoken question

"Alicia, I can see where you're coming from," she whispered. "This business sometimes prevents people from connecting with genuine people. I can't be with someone without considering other people's perspectives. Man or woman."

"Man or woman?"

Raven ran her tongue over her bottom lip and nodded. "I am attracted to more than one gender, and I believe there is nothing wrong with that."

"Me either." Inhaling gently, Alicia looked into her eyes. "We agree on that."

"We do, Alicia?"

She nodded as her heart raced when she leaned closer, her breath mingling with Raven's intoxicating scent. The moment felt charged, electric. Raven's lips brushed against hers, inviting and warm, and Alicia surrendered to the pull, their mouths melding with a deep urgency.

With a swift motion, Raven tangled her fingers in Alicia's hair, guiding her back onto the couch, the plush fabric cradling them as the world outside faded.

Alicia's mind spun, a whirlpool of confusion and desire. Their lips moved in a rhythm that felt both familiar and brand new, sparking something deep within her.

Raven's dark eyes locked onto Alicia, fierce and knowing, as she caressed Alicia's cheek, her touch igniting a fire that left her breathless.

She gazed into Raven's eyes, searching for answers in the uncharted territory of their connection. This wasn't just practice─it felt monumental, as if they had crossed a threshold neither could retreat from.

Raven's lips curled up as warmth flooded her cheeks, a soft blush painting her face. "I've been wanting to do that all night," she breathed, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

Alicia's heart raced as she returned the smile, feeling a rush of warmth bloom within her. "You're a great kisser," she whispered, her pulse quickening.

"Likewise, Ali," Raven murmured, her eyelids fluttering as she snuggled closer, her heavy arm draping over Alicia's shoulders.

Alicia's breath hitched, the world around them fading as Raven's rhythmic breaths lulled her, each exhale coaxing her into a serene slumber beneath their shared warmth.

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