School resumed after the glorious rest and relaxation of the winter holiday with people feeling a little downhearted, for most it was difficult just to get back into the routine of studying. The wet windy weather didn't help the dejected moods and for the girls the sly digs from Tanya and her friends were particularly grating.

It seemed nothing had changed, she had not been punished for Lucia’s fall or for publicly insulting Jo and if anything it had emboldened Tanya. It seemed that every day she got a little nastier, louder and more public.

Anne was still secretly recording these insults and had a collection of little video files on her PC at home. There were none which were particularly bad or incriminating though so she just let them accrue.

The girls were all envious of Susan and Jo’s flat, though apparently Rick had spoken to Anne’s dad and he was keeping an eye out for a flat in the same building. Since they had not even gotten conditional offers from the universities though, he had not been overly hasty.

In private Susan had joked that Abby and Anne could have the second bedroom in their flat but that had received a flat no from Rick who was quite insistent the girls keep separate bedrooms.

“I guess the rules would be the same if it was a boy I was going out with.” Susan had rationalised when she was alone with Jo. “And of course, what they can't see won't hurt them!”

In the first week back Anne’s guidance teacher had asked her “Why didn't you apply to better universities? With your grades you could get into somewhere with a far better reputation.”

Apparently her reply of, “I would prefer to have friends who can support and motivate me.” was incorrect. At least that was her assumption after the long lecture she received.

“You know, I’m pretty sure I would hate being alone in a new school.” she kicked the ground, “At least Lucia has had Mae to keep her company.” They were walking slowly between classes, “Anyway, who cares about reputation!”

Suddenly Tanya pushed past them, jostling them into each other, “Yeah losers, it's not like your reputation isn't mud already.” then she was gone.

“What the fuck! She’s listening to our conversations now?” Abby complained, “How fucking long has she been there?”

Anne looked around carefully, “We can check tonight.” She whispered, “Want to come round and check after school?”

“Sure, but what did the teacher mean 'why didn't you apply'? Surely you applied for other universities?" Abby stopped walking when she didn't get a reply. "Anne?"

"I only applied for one university." Anne said, speaking to the ground.

"But why? Surely you need a backup? What if you don't get in?" Abby asked in disbelief.

"I decided I don't want to go anywhere else. If I don't get in, I'll do another year." She mumbled.

"Anne… why?"

"I'm following you. If you take a different uni I'll apply there. I can take a gap year, work in whichever city. Something. I don't want to lose you." She said in a small voice.

Abby just gathered her in her arms, "Well, I guess we all just have to get good grades and get our preferred placements!" She squeezed her tight. "Okay?"

Anne nodded. "Good. Now, quickly, let's get to class." Abby said, pulling her along.

For the next few weeks the teachers worked them hard, revising the work done the term before whilst also plowing on with new work. It was stressful and worrying. They all knew the teachers were privy to some of the exam results before they got released and everyone assumed they were revising the bits people got wrong.

"Geeze I am so looking forward to music." Jo stated, standing in their customary indoor corner. "It's pretty much the only subject that isn't ridiculous just now."

"I thought you did PE?" Heather asked.

"Yeah, and they have us in an old classroom studying anatomy! I swear that the classroom hasn’t been used since the sixties. I think they filmed To Sir With Love in it! It's so old and musty that it's got a blackboard instead of a whiteboard!"

"How un-PC of them!" Abby laughed. “Actually, perhaps it's the opposite, we should have a rally defending the rights of the poor downtrodden blackboards that are out of work!”

“Oh shut up!” Jo said, joining in Abby laughter.

“Hey, To Sir With Love was a classic, and I think my mum has a copy. Cool, I needed a new film for the hat on film night!” Heather said, dragging a pen and jotter from her bag.

“Oh god, that film was so slow.” Anne complained. “I hate to say but I’m hoping no one draws that one out.”

“I’ve never watched it, the song was nice though. What's it about?” Jo asked.

“Erm, race relations in the sixties? Mutual respect, something like that.” Anne answered somewhat unsure. “It's been a few years since we watched it.”

Later that day Jo and Abby were outside in the courtyard, again waiting for the rest of their friends. The day had brightened and it was a balmy double digits outside so they had decided to make the most of it.

Abby used her sleeve to dry off the top of the wall and sat down. “Hey, Jo. Can I ask for some advice?”

Jo frowned and said “Sure!”

“Oh god, how do I start this… Remember last time we talked here and I said you wouldnt hear the story from me?”

Jo smiled, “Ye-es?”

“Well, I think I need to tell you the story.”

Jo wiped the water off the wall beside Abby and sat down. “Go on, I’m listening.”

“So, that day that you gave Anne advice, she came back to my place. She sort of explained everything and how she thought she might be a lesbian yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jo said patiently.

“Well, I sort of did totally the wrong thing and suggested we just have sex right?”

“Okay…?”

“Yeah well, I said we could do this mutual masturbation thing and it could be under the covers and she could look me in the eyes and I thought it would be hot.” Abby explained quickly before she could lose her nerve.

“Oooo! Saucy, I’m guessing by the fact you said she hadn't last time that she didn't go for it?”

“No, she erm... fled my room crying.” Abby said in shame. “She thought I was being flippant or teasing her or something.”

“Okay, but you made up and everythings good yeah?” Jo asked with a frown, “Why tell me now?”

“Well, remember the other day when we made the snowman?”

“Oh god. The song! It was torture!” Jo said, putting her head in her hands. “Yeah?” she sighed.

“Well, we went home early. And my parents weren't home.”

Jo looked at her wide eyed. “And you guys... ? Really?” she asked with a big smile.

“Well, no…” Abby sighed, “We started to but… Anne really didn't erm… get off... “ she trailed off, unsure how to continue.

Jo nodded, thinking. “Okay, well… shit.” They sat in silence for a while before Jo spoke. “You know, some people are whats called asexual. Its kind of like, they arn’t interested in sex, it isnt what makes them tick. Some of them don't get relationships either, like they don't feel romantic love at all.”

She shuffled round so that she was sitting cross legged, facing Abby and asked. “She likes kissing?” at Abbys nod she asked, “And she gets animated and… oh god this is embarrassing... you know... she gets into it?”

“Yeah, she was making all the right sounds and her hands were… yes, she seemed to enjoy it.” Abby admitted.

“Well, you might be lucky, some people only get off on other peoples erm, passion.” Jo explained. “Or they don't get off at all but really enjoy the act.” Abby was looking a little sad. “Hey, cheer up. You have a beautiful girlfriend who loves you and makes you happy. If she doesnt like sex… thats what vibrators were made for!”

Abby gave a little smile, “And you would know all about vibrators?”

“Hey, don’t knock it till you try it. But honestly, just try going all the way with her, make sure not to focus entirely on her, like, don't expect her to enjoy it when you focus entirely on her pleasure. Don't obsess on the big O. See where it goes.” she batted her friend on the shoulder, “And failing that, I can give you a website that sends things out in plain cardboard boxes!”

Abby laughed at that and they sat in companionable silence until the other girls showed up.