Well that went better than expected. However, Kelly didn’t know whether she should feel relieved, affronted, or worried that Paula had blown her off so easily.

Chapter 4

Monday morning arrived all too soon. The sterile environment of the clinic made Kelly shudder. A nurse ushered her into a room and, without preamble, started firing off questions.

“How many partners have you had? Have you had anal sex? Do you need a prescription for condoms? Dental Dams?”

Kelly’s replies were barely above a whisper. She hung her head in shame, certain the nurse thought she was nothing more than a wanton whore, yet she was nothing of the sort.

Throughout the interrogation, at least that’s what it felt like to Kelly, Nicole remained in the room, her silent presence offering comfort. When the nurse picked up a needle, Nicole lowered her gaze, staring at the floor until the last vial had been filled with Kelly’s blood.

As soon as the nurse left the room, urine sample, vials of blood, and oral swabs in hand, Nicole shot to her feet. She paced the small room, steam practically pouring from her ears.

“Can you believe that woman?” Nicole held her hand up and looked at her palm as though reading from a script. “Have you had anal sex, Ms. Bennett? Do you need condoms, Ms. Bennett? Fuck, what part of you’re a lesbian did she not understand?”

The tirade was so adorable, Kelly didn’t want to burst Nicole’s righteous bubble by informing her lesbians could have anal sex, and condoms were often use for covering toys. The diatribe also gave testament to the fact Nicole didn’t snoop in Kelly’s bedroom or handbag.

The door clicked open and Nicole bolted back to the chair in the corner of the stark white room, the picture of innocence.

The nurse paid her no attention. She addressed Kelly. “We’ve got everything we need so you’re free to go.” She patted Kelly’s hand. “I applaud you for coming in. We don’t get many lesbians through these doors, and I believe that is largely due to the misconception that they are immune to sexually transmitted diseases. While your risk is certainly lower, you’re not immune.” The nurse smiled, and it softened her entire demeanour. “You really should consider using Dental Dams if you’re not in a committed relationship. They’ll greatly reduce your risk of contracting diseases such as Chlamydia and Trichomoniasis.”

Even though Kelly wanted to ask what the hell Trichomoniasis was, she bit her tongue to save herself from more embarrassment. She would Google the word in the privacy of her own home.

“How long will it take to get the results?” Kelly asked, certain the next few days would be the longest of her life.