I considered playing dumb, but I knew it was useless. If Liza was asking you something, she already knew the answer. I didn’t doubt she knew exactly who Vasha was. I felt my cheeks get hot, and I fiddled with a frayed string near the pocket of my checkered pajama bottoms. Keeping my back turned, I replied; “What's to tell? She's a friend. A good friend...” I sounded a lot more collected than I felt.
“Really, that's it? Weeeeelll, she’s liking a lot of your pictures on Facebook, for being “just a friend.” Liza teased playfully, and handed me her Samsung Galaxy to see for myself.
I snatched the phone out of her hand so fast, then.
What gives? Vasha said she didn’t have a Facebook.
I immediately clicked on her profile. It was empty, aside from a few hilarious looking cat videos. Must’ve been made recently. I clicked on her profile picture, and Liza craned her n
Roughly a week later, I finally had some time to Skype Vasha without interruption. We'd been almost inseparable since the night she asked me to keep our video chat running through sweet WhatsApp messages, and I'd gotten in the habit of sending most of mine through voice since she was always asking to hear it. In general, we both knew we were growing closer but rather than point it out we were just enjoying it for now. I couldn't complain and wouldn't anyway. Aside from working, eating, and sleeping when I could, Vasilisa was quickly becoming the center of my Universe.“How do you curse in English, detka?” Vasha covered her growing smile with a pale hand and giggled into it. I loved how the corners of her striking green eyes turned up slightly when she smiled.“If I tell you, you can’t laugh.” I teased, making light of the fact she couldn’t stop laughing at any English words I had been trying to teach her for
One month later “Are you really sure you want to leave?” Liza looked on from the doorway as I shoved clothing by the fistful into my oversized maroon suitcase.“You knew I was moving out for like three weeks, dude.” I gave a lighthearted laugh, and used my weight to shut the top of my suitcase. I’d have stayed forever if it weren’t for Max continuing to treat my best friend like shit. I just couldn’t be around that anymore. Besides, at least Liza wouldn’t have to cover for me when Katie continued to show up, unwanted. Which happened more often than either of us could tolerate. I wound up having to change my number and banned her from all my Social Media accounts, but she just wouldn’t quit. At least threatening to call the police got her to stop popping up at my work.“I know...it just sucks I don’t want you to go, Ceen.” Liza mumbled, and I glanced over.
A little over a month later“Why did we start doing this!? I'm so fucking stupid.” Vasha was screaming at me, violently throwing her head back to down a shot of vodka while I sat in stunned silence. She was acting so unpredictable, I wouldn't have even needed to see the half full bottle of liquor that was sitting on her desk to know she was completely wasted. From the looks of it, my girl was on a bender with no intention to stop. Her black hair was disheveled and her dark sweater seemed loose from yanking and pulling on it. Vasha narrowed her eyes at me viciously when all I did was drop my jaw from the whiplash.“ANSWER ME!” She screeched, accusing me of sleeping with everyone I know and calling me a bitch. I winced from her words as she continued without missing a beat. “Why would you do this to me? I love you Francine. Who are you fucking? Katie? Or is it Liza!?” She waile
I was so out of it by the time I had to be at work, it's an honest to God miracle that I could concentrate on my tasks without fucking anything up too badly. Near the middle of my shift, I fumbled with a few tools and wound up losing my grip on something. I silently cursed as I heard it clang onto the tile floor beneath my feet.Shit. “You good, Francine?” Krystal, one of the early morning groomers stooped to retrieve a brush I dropped before I had the chance to look around for it. She stood up and offered to hand it over.“Yeah. Just tired....thanks.” I mumbled, not even bothering to take it back. I grabbed another one from my drawer and began gingerly brushing out knots in my Yorkshire terrier client, Lolly.“If you say so. I’m here if you wanna talk, girl.” Krystal nodded at me, and stashed the brush next to my station before disappearing behind the heavy plastic doors to get
I felt bad rushing Liza through our dinner rendezvous, but I made up for it by filling her in on what went down with Vasha.“Sooo....she got drunk and fought some random stranger at a bar? Three days after your fight?” She cocked a fair brow and folded her hands neatly on the table. When I didn’t say anything, she continued, “and now, she’s asking you to call her for the details? I don’t know, Ceen....she sounds like a handful. Already. You haven’t even met her yet!"Of course I knew how this looked. Vasha was fun....she knew her way around a great joke, and her taste in music was impeccable. It’s what made us friends, but that’s not why I fell in love with her. She was broken. Broken people gravitate toward me and had all my life. I’d learned more about her over the last month than in the little over half a year we’d been acquainted. I didn’t want to share Vasha’s secrets w
The day of the meeting, twenty seven days laterI’d been waiting at Sky Harbor Airport for over an hour on an empty stomach. Charlotte offered to toast me a bagel before I left, but I was in such a hurry I didn't take her up on it. Which was probably for the best, because I have a hard time eating when I'm wracked with nerves like this. Although Vasha’s flight wasn’t due for another ten minutes or so, my anxiety had gotten the better of me. I wanted to be here early just in case. Flying really is unpredictable, after all. The few times I've flown taught me to be prepared for extended layovers and quicker take off times. I didn't want to take any chances with my girlfriend, especially since she was flying internationally.After glancing at my watch another fifty times, I paced around Vasha’s terminal and observed the masses bustling about, stressed. My heart went out to a middle aged bu
The second my bedroom door was closed, Vasha had me pinned against it. Her eyes brimmed with feverish craving as they slowly undressed me, making my heart pound so hard I could feel it's vibration in my ears. "My bunny..." She leaned forward and whispered against my lips, only mere inches away but not actually touching them. I whined with need, squirming in place as Vasha continued to hold my wrists up firmly."Kiss me, Vasilisa...please!" I tried to strain my neck forward, but she'd back away with a sly grin."Inpatient little girl. Maybe I just want to admire my dessert before I taste it.""You've already tasted me!" I protested, hopping a little in place while Vasha smirked. I puckered my lips, and she moved her head a little to the side playfully. We played this game a few more times before I was practically crying from the frustration. Sensing I was at my wits end, Vasha f
I needed some air.With a racing heart, I quietly grabbed my black Twenty One Pilots hoodie and candy apple red converse sneakers before hastily shrugging into everything and quietly leaving the apartment.I tried to focus on the leaves crunching under my feet as I briskly walked around outside, wandering aimlessly. I thanked God for the crisp, cool air and concentrated on inhaling.1....2.....What did Olya mean...she missed Vasha. What was really going on between them? As much as I wanted to believe the message was just a huge misunderstanding, my gut instinct wouldn’t let me.3...4...I broke into a sprint, running until I felt my lungs would burst. I had to let go of this anxiety, otherwise I might smash Vasha’s phone.You shouldn’t have looked at it....I scolded myself sourly. It’s probably nothing.....But what if it isn’t?I wracke
You made it! The end to “Our Young Funny Voices.” I just wanted to take the time to thank you for coming along Francine and Vasilisa’s journey. I began writing this novel in January of 2019, but didn’t start really plowing through it until April 2019. My characters are loosely based off my own experiences, and the experiences of people in my life. I’m dedicating this book to those in the LGBTQ community without a voice. We still have a long way to go in our fight towards equality for all- and while Vasilisa’s decision won’t be everyone’s, I’m hoping wherever you are it gets better. Remember, we all have the right to love and be loved. ❤️If you enjoyed “Our Young Funny Voices”, please let me know your thoughts. This is my first finished novel, and would love to know who my fans are. If you want to co
Four months later“It’s so big!” Vasha looked around Indian Steele Park in amazement as hoards of people stood around eating, listening to live music, and dancing their hearts out to the vibrating beat. Gay Pride was in full swing, and for once I didn’t care that it was hotter than the devil’s ass crack outside. I hadn’t been to one of these celebrations in three years, and I wanted Vasha to have the experience. She tugged on the hem of my high-waisted white skater skirt, and motioned at Brody and Liza, who were grinding up against each other sensually. “It finally happened.”“About time.” I grinned and waved when Liza looked over. She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted.“COME DANCE!”“PHOENIX PRIDE, HOW WE DOIN!?” The DJ boomed enthusiastically. The crowd erupted in cheers and cat calls. Suddenly, “Anna Sun&
One month later“Great work this week, Francine. Enjoy those glorious two days off!” The middle aged Sicilian owner of my new workplace, Joey Alfonsi, looked up from the cash he was counting to watch me scurry out the back doors before anyone could ask me for another favor. I’d already been here an hour past quitting time as it was. I took a bite out of my baguette and gave him a two finger salute. I already loved working here, and looked forward to many pleasant years with the small business.“Thanks! See you on Tuesday.” My first morning shift at Joey’s Italian Paradise— which didn’t open until 2:00 P.M for lunch, meant I wasn’t due in until 11:00 A.M after my long weekend.Swell enough for me!Jogging briskly over to my used 2002 white Pontiac Grand Am, I unlocked it and slid into the driver’s side. I’d gotten over my fear of driving and worked hard tow
“Was there another reason? I thought you came all this way for me.” Vasha wrapped herself in a sheet and opened the window right above her rustic oak headboard. I’d since thrown on my girlfriend’s tiger sweater, and tucked my knees inside of it. I tried to answer, but felt chilled to the bone. Even my blood felt like frozen red jello.Damnit. It’s so fucking cold.Having lived in the perpetual desert that is Arizona for most of my life, nothing could have prepared me for an impromptu visit to Siberia...in December.Well done, Francine.“You can’t tell me anything with your chattering teeth, detka. Here.” She laughed fondly, pulling me to the corner of her bed where the wind wasn’t nipping as much. She piled on all the blankets, and I looked up at her adoringly. Vasha seemed to be returning to her normal, sweet self. “Poor thing. Don’t worry bunny, I’ll make
“I’ll call you everyday to check in. Are you sure you’ll be alright here?” Andrei asked hastily as Vasha fumbled to unlock her bolted front door. It really was something, with a digital programmed code and everything. She shook from the cold and stomped a boot clad foot impatiently.“Yes, if the door opens before you return to Tobolsk.” She turned around to find me shivering my tits off. “Detka, wait in the car. This damn snow will freeze you to death.”“I-I’m alright...” I chattered, huddling close to Andrei. He threw an arm around me comfortingly and laughed in merriment. His vibrant green eyes twinkled the same way Vasha’s did when she was excited.“Before you know it, you’ll both be warm and cozy. Look, she’s got it open. Let’s move along inside.”He didn’t have to tell me twice.We managed to lug everything in with one
“Vasha, it’s very important. Tell me what happened with you at the hospital.” Andrei still managed to appear calm, but I knew it was solely for his daughter’s sake. She looked at us with a terrified expression, and eased back into her chair.“You can’t say anything....they’ll just hurt others there out of spite.” Her large green eyes brimmed with tears. “They break you. You come in afraid and leave scared of your own shadow...if you ever get to go home. I was tied to my bed, and they laughed at me when I asked to use the restroom...” she looked completely embarrassed to be sharing the details with us, and I almost had to sit on my hands to keep from punching something. “They fed me more pills than food. I’d get so hungry at night I’d cry from the emptiness in my stomach. The only time I had anything other than bread and water was right before you came to visit.” She glanced at Andrei, then low
I’ve always known Vasha to be docile and quiet. She’s soft spoken, and thinks long and hard before she says anything...the only exception being when she’s drunk. That’s why I thought it was strange that she seemed on edge tonight, and I didn’t know what to make of it. With her phone still untouched on the coffee table, I mentally began ruling out any possibilities of her hearing from Olya in the half hour we’d been getting everything ready to bake. Coming up empty, I built up the courage to strike up a conversation.“Detka, do you want to talk about anything?” I was sitting on a barstool facing Andrei’s spacious kitchen island, watching Vasha roughly pound and roll a generous pile of raw gingerbread cookie dough. I’d given up on helping when it became clear I was just getting in the way. The kitchen is no place for me to begin with. I’m a lot more comfortable as a spectator.“Fine. Why do you ask?&
I typed out a few sentences, then deleted them right away. Nothing was coming out exactly the way I wanted it to. If Vasha wasn’t dead to the world, I would have left the situation for her to deal with. I wish she would have told this lunatic to hop on someone else’s dick a long time ago. Some people don’t deserve second chances.God this is so fucked.“Not my circus, not my monkeys...” I mumbled the infamous Polish saying under my breath. Just as I was talking myself out of messing with any of it until my girlfriend was awake enough to read the texts, Olya fired over another one.SMS: I know you’re reading my correspondence. Where are you? I’ll come to where you’re at right now.Fuck no you won’t. The wrath building up inside of me overflowed to the tips of my fingers as I furiously typed back.SMS: I’m not Vasilisa. Leave my
“What’s this say, detka?” Vasha had my passport laid out on the perfectly made up bed we’d been staying in for almost fifteen hours straight, and pointed at my middle name. Andrei woke us up ten minutes ago with the promise of porridge and sliced rye bread, which I was excited to try. Figuring we’d be leaving soon, I was hoping to have all my things ready to go, but Vasha had gotten to them first and was curiously pulling my identification out to study it closely.“Alice. My middle name is Alice, little bat.” Most people I met were indifferent to their middle names or just simply didn’t have one, but I loved mine. I smiled at her, watching as she ran her fingers over the glossy photo gingerly.“Beautiful.” She mummered, tossing the document back into my carry on bag and started getting dressed for the day. Choosing a pair of distressed blue jeans and her Siberian tiger sweater, she finger brushed her short bla