It was a perfect day for such things. Such things as in what? Is that the thought that flows through your mind currently? Yes... I thought so. My name is Kharma...and this is my tale of love meets distortion. It is one of lust and awkward glances across a hallway. All these things and more reside upon the following pages. Let us begin in the beginning; perhaps that is best way to go about this.

The perfect day, previously mentioned, started off hellishly. It was a cold, wet, and windy September Wednesday. I had gone to the college early to finish a report that was due in my Psych I class at noon. This meant getting up an hour earlier than normal. After nearly losing my file, and three printing errors, I finally got the paper done. Leaving the library, out I went into the rain. Normally, I relish the rain, but that day I was in no mood to wander aimlessly through the puddles, while gazing at a cloud bespeckled sky.

As I stalked into the Cafeteria, I dropped my book bag...just outside the doors, of course. Which meant that it would be wet, as would whatever was inside it. Grimacing in frustration, I yanked it up from off the ground and came back inside. At a table several feet away, were a few of my Usual Suspects. Beth, my dearest friend from high school, was looking like the Goddess, swathed in a black gown. To her left sat Mari, in a particularly similar ensemble. It was a Gothic Friday, in the middle of the week. Directly across from them sat Jenna Delaney ...the Goddess herself. We four had all gone to school together; we were seen as a gang, not that we were violent, or anything. For the first time ever, Jenn was wearing white. It was the shock I needed desperately to pull myself out of the mood from Hell.

A boy I recognized, but couldn’t quite place, was also sitting with them. "’Ello there, Lovey! Lor’ you look like HELL! Bad morning?" Beth chimed in as I dropped my junk down and pulled a chair to the table.

"That, my dear, is the Understatement of the Century! This day has started off as if to kill my Soul!" I muttered, noticing a pair of blue-green eyes flickering in my direction.

Mari, ever polite, cleared her throat, and made to introduce us. "Kharma, dearest, I know this mood too, too well! You probably don’t want to be around anyone you don’t know but...."

"Oh, it’s fine. It’s probably a good thing...might help the atmosphere, ya know? And anyway, I think I have met this fine sir before. Did you ever attend First Assembly youth nights, in Murtaugh?"

"So, that’s where I’ve seen you! Actually, I still go; against my own free will, but why cause more trouble than it’s worth? What happened to you?" An eyebrow raised, and I could tell I wouldn’t be allowed a simple answer.

"Can’t you tell? I’m not exactly the Christian Right anymore! Or did the pentacle throw you off?" I sneered, exposing the Fangs of my Distaste.

"Ooo! Do that again! That’s sexy!" A hand reached across the table, grabbing my wrist.

"Excuse me? Since when am I at your command? I barely remember your name...."

"Luke.... It's Luke. Anyway, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.... Kharma...no pressure!" Luke laughed, and sat back in his seat, as I just stared on in bewilderment.

Just then, a gilded voice rang out. It sounded like the voice of an angel. As I glanced over my shoulder, I saw one walking our way. "Luke! Well, there you are! Ahhh! How did I know there’d be groupies about!" She had flaxen colored hair, a sharp contrast to Luke’s mane of raven feathers. Their embrace caused me to wince a little. It was too beautiful, too perfect. The fact that my inside emptiness, something was touched by the shameless display of affection, was the cause. An attraction was beginning to develop; one I was never going to forget.

"Okay, kiddies! Roll call order! That’s Jenna and Kharma.... used to go to Church with her! And over there’s Beth and Mari. Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Selene." Luke made the whole thing a show. He made us all stand, and repeat our names. Selene stood there, with a grin from ear to ear, on her face.

"So nice to meet all of you. I’d say I’d heard a lot about you...but, I don’t believe that I have." Her eyes shimmered, as they moved from each of us. They seemed to linger on my face for a moment. There was a haunting familiarity to her spirit. I couldn’t hold her gaze; I felt my face begin to flush.

"Well, where were we? SEX, what? Oh, I was telling you all why I was here!" Luke said, attempting to assume the Position of the one in Control.

"Wait a minute! No you weren’t! But, go ahead and continue...I’d like to know what was going on while I was at the library." I muttered, avoiding the gazes of my associates, as well as the God and Goddess to my right. Jenna had a glimmer in her eye. She was resident Love Child; the most traumatized always is the one to help others pull their love lives together. She nodded to herself, and with a glance sidelong towards Mari and Beth, I could tell something was (or had been) plotted.

"As I was saying, or not saying...it doesn’t matter! I knew you in church, not well, but I remember seeing you around. As for Jenna, well, we’ve got a class together, right?" After pointing at me, Luke had turned to Jenna. She simply smiled, and waved him off. The conversation seemed to be playing itself out.

"SIGH! I’m getting bored! We need to do something, you guys!" Jenna exclaimed after a few minutes. I glanced around; Luke and Selene were rapt up in each other’s arms.

"Well, we’ve got to go to class...it’s nearly 10 am!" Beth said, standing with Mari as she put her things in her backpack. I had to leave, as well. I could finally turn the Paper from Hell in. Grabbing my things, I began to leave, as well.

"Wait up, we want to do something! Come on! Let’s go to the movies, you guys! There’s a double feature over at the new theater in Twin Falls." Selene squealed, squishing Luke’s arms.

Jenna’s eyes lit up. "That sounds like a Plan! Why are you going to class, Kharma? It’ll be cool! I’ll go get Vic, and we’ll all Bond!"

"Bondage?! Sounds like fun! Hmmm....I’m getting ideas!" Luke glanced around the table, lingering on my hips; and then back to Selene’s lips, he went.

"I’ve got to turn something in, then, maybe.... I don’t know! I’d like to, but I have so much I need to do...maybe later, huh? Like, after 1, or something!"

"Well, one it is then! Don’t think I won’t hold you to it, deary! SIGH! Let’s all go to class, then." Leading us out like his harem, Luke made several bows, and lead Selene about by the arm. She, in turn, did the same to Jenna. I suddenly found myself locked between Mari and Luke, wondering how I got into the predicament.

"Till the afternoon, loveys!" Beth and Mari waved as they walked off their own way. I had begun to move away, but the others noticed my sliding. Luke tugged at my arm, pulling me in tighter. Jenna had her calling card in hand. I began to get the general idea that I was being kidnapped.

"Wait, I’ll go willingly! I have to turn this paper in, though! Five minutes, tops!" I exclaimed, wrenching away from the group. Selene put out her free arm, and we walked off together. Luke had a wistful smile on his face. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jenna’s card, reflecting the light as she waved it around while speaking to her fiancé, Vic.

It was a short distance to my class. Lucky for me, they had not started yet. Slipping in quietly, I crept towards the podium, as Selene held the door open. Dropping off the paper, I made my escape. My teacher gave me not a second glance, as he stood up and began to collect the others. Once out, I let out a little giggle. I was relieved to not have to sit in a classroom for the rest of the day; or at least, for the next couple hours.

"Giggle! Someone’s glad that they decided to take the day off! It’s just a creature feature, Kharm’! It’s not just the movies you should be excited about.... There are other things, ya know!" Selene had a little pout to her smile that was very endearing. I was quite taken aback by it.

"Oh, I know...it’s just good to be out! (pause) You guys aren’t trying to set me up for something, are you? I mean, what’s the deal? What’s the surprise, ‘cause y’all seem just a lil’ too excited!" My suspicions were met by her sideways glance and a sudden flush to her cheeks.

"Don’t be silly, dear! Nothing at all’s been planned... least not on my end! Who knows what aces Luke has hidden up his sleeves?"

Oddly enough, when she said this, we had just about caught up with the others. Luke looked very benevolent. And when he kissed Selene, I felt a twinge of jealousy. But, as soon as I noticed the irk, it was gone. In this regard, I failed to notice (at first) they way they both looked at me. In a quick moment, Luke came up beside me. Selene stepped away, conversing with Jenna.

"Kharma, darling! I’m so glad you decided to come with us. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted you to just come kick it with us. But, it always fell through! Jenna’s been trying for over a week to pull something like this off; it must be fate. 'It all comes back to you, as long as you wait with patience!’" Grasping my shoulders, he embraced me. I smiled, and as we pulled back, he quickly planted a warm, affectionate kiss on my lips.

I was completely thrown for a loop. My first instinct was to slap him; well, that’s not entirely true. Instinct told me to kiss him back. My afterthoughts were to look for Selene, then slap him. Obviously, the first of the three won. Before I realized what I was doing, we were kissing again. Something struck me funny about the whole thing, and I couldn’t restrain a nervous laugh.

Selene and Jenna had caught up with us by then; Luke stood with his left arm around my waist. I had expected Selene to come and get me. But, she merely grinned ecstatically, and took up Luke’s other arm. Jenna nodded, and looked as though she thought it to be perfectly normal. Still in my state of states: Complete and utter surprise and shock, I just let it all happen. Soon, we were on our way to the movies.

We were to meet Vic there. And we did; Vic was standing outside, holding the tickets, as we stepped out of the car. Our feature film was a classic, redone several times over. This was one of the latest incarnations, an oldie, but a goody. And although I owned the video, I was definitely looking forward to seeing it on the big screen once again.

"Aww...DRACULA! Yeah! I’m so glad that whoever owns this place is showing classic horror flicks the first month it’s open! Gary Oldmon is a GAWD!" I said, gripping my ticket with such tenacity that I nearly crumpled it. Selene had a look of similar glee in her countenance.

As we all walked up to the theater, our little group separated into two smaller "couples." At first, I figured I would once more be solo, despite the Lip-locking of late with Luke. However, I was mistaken. "Come here, Kharma! Take my arm, I’m cold! We’ll cuddle, and conserve body heat!" Selene’s beckoning was not be ignored, and soon two became three.

Despite the odd looks as we walked towards our seats, I kept my head held high. I was happy, safe, and secure in their arms. A definite bond was developing...where it would lead me, I did not know. Nor did I care. With Luke between us, we sat in the middle of the center row. Jenna and Vic sat directly in front of us. The movie was pretty much a giant blur, for, we did not pay attention long. A scattering of whispers began to enfold around us, just as the credits began to roll. And after the first 20 minutes of that, Vic and Jenna moved away from us. We were being too loud; arguments about Vampires, as well as sexual persuasions, had been the problem.

At the end of the film, Luke had to comfort not just one girl with a broken heart, but two. He did a very good job, too, which probably explains why I said yes to going back over to their house that night. To talk, and maybe watch another movie. Not to just sit around, but to bond and hang out together, like they’d been wanting to. Jenna looked slightly surprised, but not in the least mystified about the situation. It was as if she had been expecting it all along. By the end of the next film SHOCK TREATMENT, everything had been organized to the smallest detail.

When we got back to the campus, I found the way back to my car without the assistance of campus security. The rain had just begun to pour down again, so I made a quick jump inside of my Bean. Just as I started the engine, though, there was a knock. Looking to my left, I saw the slightly drenched figure of Selene.

"Okay, you don’t even ask how to get to our apartment, and then, you don’t even say good bye!"

"Sorry! I just wanted to get the car started as soon as possible! GAWD! You’re getting soaked...you sure you don’t wanna..."

She waved my invitation away and leaned in through the window. "Nah.... Thanks though! They’re circling ‘round. So, you’re going home, and then what?"

"Probably gonna go to sleep, and get a hold of you guys later tonight. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all! Look, I’m really glad you came with us today! And tonight.... well, tonight’s gonna be cool. I can’t wait! Get over to our place as soon as you can! Um... Jenna knows the number and stuff, so I won’t trouble you with that right now!" Pausing, she leaned even further into the car. With a quick mutter of the word, "Bye," Selene kissed my cheek, and was gone in an instant.

Sitting in wet clothes, feeling the utter silence about me, I went over the day’s events in my mind. The heavy weight of attraction filled my being with numbness. I hadn’t felt this good in years. In retrospect, I would call my mood giddy. And as I started the engine, I contemplated what I would wear later that evening.

Around six, my phone rang. It was Jenna; she was over at Vic’s and wanted to know if I wanted Selene and Luke’s number. I thought the fact that she was asking was odd. When I confronted her with it, she only became more vague than she had been earlier in the day.

"Just know that it’s a really good idea for you to show up tonight. If you want, I’ll come pick you up. Then, when you want to go back home, we’ll leave. But, I’ll probably just drop you off...." She had a note of hesitation in her voice. I felt as if I was being strung along, not unlike a fish on a hook.

"So, you’re not coming home? You’re going straight to their house, then here, and back again? That doesn’t make much sense, Jenna. And besides, what if you decide to drink? How am I supposed to get home, then? You’ll obviously just crash there...or go home with Vic. And I’ll be home...by myself. But, hey! That’s pretty normal for my life. So why change routines in the middle of the show, right?" I said, wanting to here her reaction.

"Hey! I’ve got an idea! Why don’t you just crash with me? We’ll all get shitfaced...it’ll so rock!"

"What are you plotting, chick? Why do I not trust your motivations?"

"Kharma! That’s your problem...you doubt too much! Can’t you see that they really like you and want you to kick it? Where’s the harm in my trying to get you back in the swing of things?" Jenna’s tone of innocence was tainted by the memory of my earlier escapades with Luke, as well as the quick kiss from Selene.

"Jenn, if I tell you something...you swear not to tell? I mean, really!"

"Yeah...okay...what’s the problem, kiddo?"

"Well, Luke and I kissed today. It kinda freaked me out, but then, when Selene invited me back to their house...and she kissed my cheek...." I stumbled off into silence.

"Wow...that’s heavy! It’s even better than I expected... I mean... I, uh...whoops!"

Her laugh caught my ears, and suddenly, it all became clear. The answer had been staring at me the entire time. Once again, Jenna was trying to set me up...only this was the most covert she had ever been about doing it. And it was also the most bizarre arrangement. A couple, looking for a third...and Jenn thought of me? I didn’t get it.

"What? Oh, Jenn! Tell me this is not what I’m thinking it is...what I’ve been afraid it was all day!"

"Hey, you said you were lonely...where’s the harm? You’ve got to admit Selene’s a goddess! And what about Luke? DAS sum’ good Shit there, homey G!" In Jenna’s fake gangster voice, I detected a hint of sentiment.

Okay, she was right; they were both incredibly attractive. It was almost an offer one would have to be insane to refuse. But, did I have the strength to deal with two hearts, when I could barely manage my own? I would soon find out.

Within the hour, I had set up the evening. We were all to go over to Luke and Selene’s and hang out. Luke’s voice was fairly chipper when I had spoken to him on the phone. Selene could be heard in the background, taking down the number of people, as well as any suggestions I could give in the way of food preparation. I offered to come by early and help, since no one was expected till after 10.

In the pouring rain, I made my way up a brick walkway, to a little cottage of a house. It was nestled in midst of two apartment complexes; it had a nice front yard, with a front porch and swing. It was a little piece of suburbia, in the center of a metropolis. As I knocked on the door, I could feel the apprehension in the air. I had chosen to wear basic black: a beret, a long skirt, and a 3/4 length sleeve sweater.

Luke was my greeting; leather pants, open dress shirt, bare feet, and all the soul that a God can muster on a windy night. "Wow...you look great! No, I mean it; you really do Kharma. Thanks for coming early to help with the meal. It gives all some time to talk...and get to know each other better." Taking my hand, he led me into the kitchen, where we found Selene.

She was perched on the counter, by the sink, staring out the window. A small boom box was to her right, and playing on it was the rhythmic styling of David Bowie.

"KHARMA!!" Seeing me, she jumped down and ran over to hug me. Luke’s hand clutched onto mine own tighter, and I soon found myself enveloped by the pair. The cold in my body from the outside world was whisked away, and replaced by the loving warmth that they exuded.

After what seemed an eternity, Selene spun me around, and showed me the kitchen. Over the phone, we had opted for breakfast food as the meal. And low and behold, there was the waffle iron I had been promised. "Okay then, well, let’s get the show on the road...it’s already after nine!" I said, pushing up my sleeves.

"I’m gonna change the music...any requests, ladies?" Luke asked, putting his arms around our shoulders.

"Well, you’re the guest..." Selene looked at me.

"It’s your house, Selene...I don’t want to be stepping on anyone’s toes." There was a double meaning in the phrase, and Selene appeared to have gotten the hint. With a quick hug, she calmly whispered that I had every right to pick the music. "Okay, then...how about the Cure? I haven’t listened to them in a week, or two. Sound like a plan?" With a nod, Luke was off on the hunt for music. He was back in the blink of an eye, carrying a tape close to his body.

"I want you two to guess which song this is...then, we’ll make happy lil’ waffles!" He pressed play, and the notes seemed to tinkle off the bass line.

I squealed, and jumping around in a circle, caught Luke by the shoulders. "How could I not know this song? It’s my favorite of all of their music! ‘I tried to Laugh about it...hiding the tears in my eyes...Cause Boys Don’t CRRRRRRRYYYYYY!" Spinning, Selene and I sang at the tops of our lungs. Giggling, I felt drunk already. Luke sat back and watched us work, like sirens, putting the meal together.

Soon, the house was full of voices. Vic and Jenna had come, as well as his guitarist, Jim and his wife, Lucy. I was informed as we all sat down to eat that I had a beautiful voice, and I should join Luke in the quest for a Goth band. I merely laughed, and made a face at Luke, who had seemed keenly interested in the idea.

As the meal ended, I gathered plates, with Selene at my side. Jenna yawned when the boys started to gather their instruments; she and Lucy then joined us with the KP duties. "Why don’t you all play us a tune? It’s bloody dreadful to hear silence, when you’re surrounded by musicians. Come on, Luke! Place a piece of your own creation on the upright!" Jenna sighed, and pointed to the piano in the corner of the room. With a grin and a bow, he gladly complied. Our ears where then greeted by a haunting melody. As the lyrics began to flow from his lips, Vic and Jim joined in on their acoustics. Soon, we girls were humming along, while we passed the plates and silverware. It had a hypnotic rhythm to it. Time hadn’t passed that far along, after we had finished with the dishes, when we were all dancing in the living room. The boys continued to play, and Luke sang on, with an eye on Selene and I.

I was beginning to feel as if I’d come home. The clincher was the last song of the evening. It was late, nearly 2 am. Luke began to play a rhythm on the piano, and then picked up his guitar. "And this song goes out to my grrrl, Selene, to all our grrrls here tonight...and to the future, whatever it may hold. This is ‘Just Like Heaven’." His voice rang out; his smile had never been wider. I felt myself stop moving, just as Selene leaned against the back of the couch. Lucy squatted at her lover’s feet, while Jenna tickled the ivories, all the parts she could remember from the song.

Slipping around to sit down on floor, I leaned back against the couch. Selene slid over the top of the couch, and laid her head next to my shoulder. "You-Ooo, soft and only; You-Ooo, lost and lonely...Just Like Heaven!" Luke flicked his fingers across the chords, and slowly glanced about the room.

I began to cheer, and reached up to grab Selene’s hands. She had already moved to find mine, so we bumped into each other. Laughing, we clutched fingers; I felt the weight of her rings clashing against my nails. She pulled her left hand back and off came a ring. Taking it in hand, she grabbed my left ring finger, and slipped it into place.

My look of surprise must’ve caught Lucy’s attention. She got up and walked on over, taking a gander at the ring. She looked half-heartedly bemused. "I remember getting one like this the day that Jim asked me out. We were at the beach, in the middle of the night...god, it was beautiful! Promise rings are sweet things, aren’t they, Kharma?" Lucy’s smile had the denotation of remembrance, as well as curiosity.

I merely nodded, and looked up at Selene, who had moved, and was headed towards the kitchen again. The boys were still fiddling around with their instruments, but when Luke saw Selene get up, he walked out with her. He said something about the last drinks of the evening. They returned shortly after, with hot cocoa, stirred with peppermint sticks. The drinks were all the more pepperminty, considering the fact that they contained peppermint shnopps. After they had been passed out, everyone stood, with their mugs in the air. A toast was to be made.

"To all a good night, and safe journey! Thank you for coming, it’s been swell. And we’re definitely going to do this again sometime..." Luke said, being interrupted by Selene.

"Soon...very soon, at that! This was great! I had a lot of fun just preparing for everybody to show up. And, anyway! If any of you wish to stay, please do. But, if you wish to leave, please do it soon, for we are extremely tired!"

Vic and Jenna, as well as Lucy and Jim got up and began to put their things together. I stood, and stretched. I really didn’t want to leave; I detested the thought of going home, alone, for the millionth time that week. Jenna just laughed and handed me a bag...one filled with my junk from home. I’d left it in the car, unconsciously trying to will myself out of an obviously good situation.

"Well, lover, I’m heading on out! Good night, all! Love you, sweetie! I’ll come in the morning...maybe! HA! Aren’t you glad I told you about this now?" Jenna had the look of a mother hen, at that moment.

Hugging, and kissing her good night, I showed her to the door. Vic was just getting back from his car.

"Well...look who decided to stay!" He said, with a wolfish grin.

"Oh, not you, too! Since when is it any of your business where I sleep?"

"Hey, I’m your adopted brother, dammit! I have every right in the world! Now get inside before you catch your death of cold! Good night!" Vic called from the doorway. Selene and Luke gave their replies, from the inside, where they were helping Lucy and Jim pack up, as well. In moments, they, too, were gone, and we three continued to sit in the living room.

We were silent, holding our mugs close to our chins. I had my legs folded beneath me, and was sitting on the floor. Selene sat above and behind me, on the couch. Luke sat at the piano, across from us. In the quiet, half-dark (we were watching each other by firelight), everything was at it’s most serene. And then, Luke chose to speak, breaking the inevitable out upon us all, there in early morning air.

"Kharma... you obviously are aware of the feelings that both Selene and I hold for you. The kiss earlier today, the ring that you’re wearing on your hand right now...what I’m trying to say is that we want you to be a part of our lil’ family. We want you to give this some serious thought...no pressure at all. You are free to say no, and walk away. But, know that we really care for you, and would like to make you happy." He leaned forward, as if hanging on my reply. Selene shifted, but did not hang over my shoulder.

"Well...what to say, ‘cept, yeah...I’d like to see where this might lead." There were no great amounts of applause, nor were there multiple kisses...I didn’t expect there to be. A relationship takes time to develop...and needless to say, the situation developed nicely.

It was awkward, at first, but we all adjusted quickly...so did our friends and neighbors. While most still have the notion that all we want from each other is SEX, I can undoubtedly say that there is more to love than that. We are a family; we share a home, and each other’s lives. How many can say that they live with their lover and their best friend, and get along? We confide in each other, and we argue. We’re as normal as the next household, only we do it all in threes. The details of our group existence would bore most, like nearly all other relationship stories. But, it is a help to those who need it, those who feel like they are all alone in this world. We have the ability to find solace in others...the first step is to go outside, and look.

the end

Great Stories Online 2000Ó TJ Greaton