Indigo: Abraham, Preceding the Storm 4th Step "Kiss, Kiss, Kiss"

4^th step…Kiss, Kiss, Kiss

            There are many occasions in which a kiss is welcome.  Kisses for terrible boo-boos are a necessity for children, as are kisses for the wounded heart.  Kisses shared between lovers serve as a reminder, and kisses of passion can mean many things.   Kisses can be thanks you and helloes, and in some cases, they can even be saved for good-byes.

            The kiss Alex put on Shana’s cheek was ambiguous.  It meant a many different things, none of which she would ever be brave enough to say.  So, instead she just said, “I’ll see you later,” and she closed the car door and waved as Shana drove off.

            Once Shana was out of sight Alex joined Carolyne, who was smoking at the picnic table.  Carolyne scoffed through the cloud of blue smoke gathering about her form.

            Alex eyed her wearily.  “What?”

            Carolyne crossed her legs and turned away.  She took a long drag on her cigarette.  “Nothing, I just don’t like that girl.”

            “Well, tough, because I do,” Alex huffed.  She crossed her arms for good measure.

            Carolyne shrugged.  “Whatever, Pocahontas.”

            That was Alex’s nickname, given by Carolyne herself.  It was in reference to Alex’s Native American heritage, which was apparent in her skin-tone and bone-structure.  Alex didn’t dislike the name, though at times she found it patronizing.

            In the context of the situation it earned a glare.  “What is the hell is your problem?”

            “Nothing,” Carolyne replied absently, staring out at the fields.  She took another drag and held it before saying, “I don’t have any problems.”  She let the smoke hang in the air for a moment.  “She’s just dumb is all.  Very, very, dumb.”

            “She has perfect grades.  She always has.  She’s even in advanced classes!”

            “So?  Grades don’t mean much of anything. She’s still dumb.”

            Alex sighed as she fell into defeated irritation.  “Sometimes you’re just unbearable.  If you have something to say, just say it.”

            Carolyne grinned.  “I already told you, I don’t have anything to say.  You have your friends, and I’m happy for you.  Even if they’re dumb.”

            Alex rolled her eyes.  “You’re a pain in the ass,” she said, and she gave Carolyne an ambiguous kiss to keep.  “Pixie.”

            Carolyne kissed her back, but her intentions were clearer.  “Pocahontas.”