Inquiring Minds

Aften stood on the porch, notebook clutched like a shield. Nikole studied her through the screen door and let her in anyway. At first the questions stayed safe: favorite bands, college plans, the usual. But Aften kept leaning forward, eyes bright, as though every answer were a secret only she deserved. Nikole felt the shift when the girl crossed the boundary without warning. "What's your first time with a woman like?" Aften asked, cheeks flushed, voice still sweet. Nikole set her coffee down hard. "You’re not here for the paper, are you?" Aften’s voice barely rose above the ceiling fan. "I begged them for the assignment. I’ve never met another girl who says it out loud. Not here." She swallowed. "I’m one too. Just… not brave enough yet." Silence stretched between them. Then Nikole let out a small, surprised laugh. She crossed the room, touched Aften’s wrist where the pulse jumped. The notebook slipped to the floor, pages splayed. Aften’s breath caught, hopeful and terrified at once. Nikole’s mouth brushed her ear. "You came for an interview. Let me give you something you can’t print."