Silvia

The flight to San Jose was uneventful. It took almost nine hours, with one stop along the way. We brought plenty of things to read and listen to but ended up watching movies practically the entire time.

The airport in San Jose was lovely, and we quickly found the baggage claim area just before going through customs. With our passports stamped, we headed to a large open space to look for our tour guide, Ines. Neither of us had any idea what she looked like. In my mind, I was picturing someone short, with brunette hair holding a sign with our names on it, and maybe wearing some uniform from the tour company.

Imagine my surprise when Megan tapped me on the shoulder to point out our guide. Ines was almost as tall as Megan. Jet black hair to her mid-waist, she was smiling, showing off perfect teeth, while waving the sign with our last name on it. She saw Megan point, and being the only mother-daughter combination there, she started walking towards us. I could have sworn I heard Megan say, 'oh my lord' as Ines walked towards us. I'd never heard Megan comment about anyone like that, which surprised me.

I watched as Ines seemed to float towards us, her long shiny locks wafting in the breeze. If I didn't know better, I would have thought she was a Miss Costa Rica pageant contestant and not our tour guide.

We both stood there gawking as Ines opened her arms wide for a hug. I watched as my darling Megan practically melted into her arms. It was like Megan had lost all the feeling in her legs. But Ines was just exuberant with her greeting. When she finished with Megan, I received the same hug as Megan stood wide-eyed, looking at us.

When Ines released me, she greeted us in perfect English. We spent a few minutes chit-chatting and making introductions. Ines knew we were tired and hungry because it was a long flight. So, after our initial greeting, Ines took control of our luggage and escorted us to her minivan, which we'd use while we were here. Looking back, I have to laugh. We probably looked like two puppies following our owner carrying our food dishes.

Ines quickly put our bags in the back of her van. I sat behind Megan, who claimed shotgun when I wasn't paying attention. Ines made sure I put my seatbelt on, leaning in and smiling. The top three buttons on her shirt were left undone, and when she leaned in, I glanced over. She was in a position where I couldn't help but notice the black lacey bra covering her breasts. She smiled up at me as she checked to be sure I had the belt on and I was comfortable. She exited, slid my door shut, and then focused on Megan, whose seatbelt had already snapped. Passing in front of the van, she smiled at us both and then got in to take us to our hotel.

I really couldn't hear much as Megan and Ines talked. I got parts and interjected a word now and then. They mainly talked about the weather here and at home. It was quite a change from cold and rainy to warm and humid. I could see them both smiling as they chatted, and I got a smile in the rearview mirror now and then.

When I was going to book the trip, I was worried we'd get an over-sexed man who would flirt with the both of us. Having Ines put my mind at ease when she first started emailing. Riding in the minivan, I became completely relaxed with her smile and bubbly personality. It was going to be a fantastic vacation.

Sitting in the back, I watched as Megan and Ines talked. They were having a great time, and I could see Ines correcting Megan's attempts at speaking Spanish. Having traveled some, I know the locals respect us clumsy Americans more if we at least try to communicate in their language. Megan was doing a fine job.

What intrigued me most was when we'd stop at a light, and Ines would look over at Megan. She'd smile, place a hand on Megan's leg, then say one word, rolling the R in that word, then watch as Megan tried to do the same correctly. When Megan did, Ines would smile, pat Megan's leg, and tell her she was a 'buena chica'. Megan would grin and keep repeating the word until the light changed or Ines gave her another word. If Ines had been a man, I would have thought this was some serious flirting on Ines's part. I also felt a little strange enjoying watching them do that. Ines seemed to have a relatively long tongue when compared to Megan. I knew it was completely innocent, but it appeared sexual somehow the way Ines slowly rolled her tongue while looking at Megan. My girl was definitely enjoying the attention of our guide. They were both giggling and having a great time playing with their Rs.

The trip to the hotel didn't take too long. Ines unloaded our luggage after opening the doors for both of us. She led us to the registration desk, where I signed for our room. After the paperwork, we followed Ines to the elevator, where she mentioned she was in the adjoining room. The hotel was fully booked; unfortunately, these two rooms were the only ones available. She hoped we'd be alright sharing a king-sized bed. Megan and I looked at each other and shrugged. We'd be fine.

The room was nice, looking out over the San Jose skyline. Ines left our bags for us to unpack and change our clothes. We'd only be here for the night because the areas we wanted to see were miles away. Ines told us to knock when we were ready to eat. We could eat at the hotel or someplace nice along the boulevard. There were plenty of American-style cafes if we wanted something from home. Megan and I opted for local cuisine, which got a friendly smile from our guide. She left us so we could unpack, shower, and change.

When Ines closed the door, Megan and I flopped back onto the bed, nearly bumping heads when we landed. We both giggled, telling each other we were sorry. I told her she could shower first while I unpacked some fresh clothes. She thanked me and began to undress. I'd seen her naked when she was younger, and we were fine at home walking around in our underwear. Because it was just us girls, I couldn't help but admire the young woman who was undressing now in our room. Megan was maturing into a beautiful woman; some man would be lucky to have her.

She finished undressing and then bounced off to get cleaned up. I took out all I would need for tonight, figuring I'd wear it again tomorrow to save having to do laundry sooner than we needed to. I undressed, down to my bra and panties, putting my worn clothes on a table in the room, thinking Megan would follow my lead. I guess my darling daughter had trouble with the shower because it seemed to take her longer than usual.

I could hear the shower running and wasn't paying much attention when I heard a light knock on the door. At first, I thought it was the entry door. Then I heard it again and realized it was the common door, I thought about covering up, but instead, I barely opened it to see what Ines wanted.

Ines stood there smiling, immediately focusing on my breasts and then my face. She began telling me she had made tentative reservations at one of the better restaurants for seven. She needed to confer with me first to see if that was alright. I told her it was fine. She smiled, thanked me, then said she'd call and confirm it. I thanked her again, then gently closed the door.

When the door closed, I got a shiver and some goosebumps. Ines wasn't leering at my boobs, but she seemed to enjoy looking at them. I passed it off as nothing, then went back to straightening up.

When she exited the bathroom, Megan was nude, drying her hair with one of the smaller towels, still dripping water from her hair, leaving a trail on the carpet.

I teased her, asking if she left me any hot water and a towel, which got me one of those 'yes mom' tones which made me giggle. I removed my underwear and slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I thought I heard something in the other room just before I stepped in. Thinking it was nothing or maybe our neighbor on the bathroom side, I entered and started washing. The shower wasn't perfect, but the hot water felt good over my tired body. I was going to sleep well tonight, and if I had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, I'd be snoring half the night. I hoped Megan could deal with that since we were sharing the bed, which might be something we did a lot of on this trip.

I finished my shower in less time than Megan. There were two more towels, so I used them to dry my hair and my body. I paused to look at myself in the foggy mirror over the sink. Being around Megan and Ines made me a bit self-conscious about my body. I looked and thought I didn't look too bad for thirty-five. Hell, I looked damn good for my age. They were just babes in the woods compared to me. I had what ten, fifteen years of maturity on them. I knew it was silly to compare myself to them. So, I laughed and then walked out nude to see Megan draped in her towel with Ines standing there talking. I gasped and started to get back in the bathroom, which made the girls giggle.

Ines told me it was fine, and she apologized for not warning me she was in the room. I blushed crimson after grabbing a wet towel to cover myself, wondering what was happening. Megan said Ines had confirmed our dinner reservations and asked if we had any food allergies because they specialize in seafood.

I smiled, thanking Ines, and told her we didn't.

Megan blushed, telling me she'd already told her and they had been chatting.

Ines smiled, apologized again for the intrusion, then returned to her room.

Megan also apologized for not warning me. She was busy talking to Ines and wasn't thinking straight. Then she asked how I liked the shower. I told her it was okay, nothing special. Then I removed my towel and put on my bra and panties. I told Megan I was going to nap for a few and to wake me at about six. She smiled, telling me she would see if they had wifi and play on her phone. I smiled and lay down, snoring away within a couple of minutes.

At about six, Megan woke me, although I could have slept until morning. I freshened myself up, dressed, and sat down to talk to my girl. I could have sworn she'd been crying when I sat across from her. I didn't ask, assuming she might have had one of her 'missing dad' moments. We'd spent a little time discussing grieving with a counselor, so I didn't ask what was happening. We both cry now and then at home, so I let her be.

Just before seven, Ines knocked on our door, asking if we were ready. Megan quickly got up, opening the door to let her in. They smiled as Ines walked in. She wore a short black skirt, sandals, and a lovely beige satin top with the top three buttons open. Megan and I were similarly dressed, but Ines looked much better than we did.

The walk to dinner wasn't long, and the warm, humid air felt good. I walked behind Megan and Ines as they talked about birding. I had to smile to myself, seeing Megan so excited. I just wished her father could have been here with us. I missed him every day.

As we were walking, I saw Ines pointing at a building about a block away. I could see it was a restaurant and wondered what was going on. Megan nodded and walked ahead, leaving Ines and me behind. Ines waited until I caught up with her. She was smiling as we started walking together. Ines slipped her arm into mine as she told me I had a wonderful and very smart daughter. I thanked her before she continued. She recalled that I mentioned in our emails that Megan had just turned seventeen, and this trip was a birthday and Christmas present. She asked if, with my permission, Megan would like a small birthday cake for dessert. It would be from Ines and the tour company. She also mentioned that the drinking age in Costa Rica was eighteen and that she looked older, and again with my permission, could we share a bottle of wine in celebration?

I thought briefly, then told her it would be alright. Megan had a glass or two at home once in a while, and as long as there weren't any problems with the restaurant, she could go ahead and order the wine. Ines giggled and told me she knew the owner, so it would be fine.

She kissed me on the cheek and told me I was a very good madre. I smiled as I blushed, thanking her for the compliment. She released my arm as we approached Megan, who was looking at the menu posted outside.

I asked Megan what looked good, and she grinned, telling me everything. We followed Ines inside, where a hostess greeted us. If you've ever watched Spanish-language television, you'll notice many women have more than ample cleavage. Our hostess must have been on television if you get my meaning. She hugged Ines and smiled at Megan and me as Megan's eyes widened at the two golden globes on display. My darling daughter quickly refocused as we were led to our table.

Within a few moments, our server appeared with two bottles of wine, one red and one white. She opened them both, pouring a glass of each for each of us after getting approval from Ines.

Megan looked at me, wondering what was going on. I told her it was a gift from Ines. She smiled, thanked Ines, and we toasted.

We took a few minutes to look over the menu. I opted for the Santa Eulalia’s Farm grilled pork rose steak and all the trimmings. Ines explained that she didn't know why it was called that, but it was delicious.

Megan surprised me by ordering Octopus, fresh tuna, and mussels montadito. Again we had no clue what montadito was, but Ines said it was good.

Ines ordered the prawn and fish caldosa.

We sat sipping and talking as we waited for our food. I could still feel sleep nagging at me to return to bed, but I managed to stay awake even with the wine.

Our food arrived just as the bottle of white wine was drained. Ines asked for another, and I didn't have the heart to tell her no. I think the first glass of red and the subsequent two glasses of white helped that decision.

By the end of dinner and three bottles of wine, we were all laughing and having a good time. When Megan excused herself to the bathroom, Ines scooted her chair beside mine.

I could feel her warm breath on my neck along with the heel of her hand below the hem of my skirt against my skin. She whispered that the cake would be out soon and reminded me this was all from her and the tour company. Her breath against my skin felt divine, while the heel of her palm rested against my leg. Her fingers gently making small circles on my thigh. My heart started racing with her touch. I blamed the wine and my self-imposed celibacy for my reaction. It had been way too long since someone had touched me like that. Surprisingly, I didn't mind that it was our tour guide causing it.

Ines scooted back just before Megan returned, soon followed by the little birthday cake. I was glad that the staff refrained from singing. That would have completely embarrassed my baby. We shared the cake, which was delicious. Ines took care of the bill while we waited for her. We strolled back to the hotel, Ines between us, the three of us holding hands. I think Megan was feeling as lite headed as I was, which was another surprise for me. I didn't think she could drink as much as she did and not show much of the effect.

When we returned to our room, Megan and I prepped for bed. We did paper, rock, and scissors for which side to sleep on, then got in and turned off the light. The following day Megan said I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Megan

Silvia and I had a pleasant flight. I played games on my phone and watched a few stupid movies. I wanted the plane to land so I could look for birds. When we finally landed, we stamped our passports and walked to the baggage area to get our suitcases. Then we headed to a large open space to look for Ines. I spotted her holding a sign with our last name on it. She saw us and started walking towards us when I pointed her out to mom.

I'm not into girls, but Ines made my jaw drop. We were close to the same height, and I was slightly taller. Her face was perfect; she had dark brown eyes, long shiny black hair, and a smile that went on forever. She even looked good in the bland little uniform from the tour company. I think Silvia noticed her, too, because she just stood and stared.

When Ines got close, she opened her arms wide to hug me. I dropped my bag to embrace her, never thinking that her hug would cause me to react as it did. Her breasts pressed into mine, and despite the cloth of our tops and bras insulating our breasts, I could feel her nipples against mine. I know it's hard to imagine, but it sent a shock through me unlike anything I'd ever felt when hugging my teammates or anyone else.

The hug was brief, but I could feel my heart racing when Ines let me go so she could hug Silvia. I watched mom's eyes light up as Ines pressed into her. When Ines let mom go, I could see a slight redness on mom's cheeks. Mom is ginger; you can always tell when she gets excited or overworked because her cheeks get red. That was a definite sign something was going on with her besides the heat and humidity of the airport. I didn't say anything because I had that same warm feeling.

The ride to our hotel went quickly; Ines and I quizzed each other on birds and where we'd find them. We were curious about each other's lives and talked about our histories. Mom sat in the back, listening as we gabbed away. I felt terrible about claiming shotgun but wanted to pick Ines's brain about birds.

I took Spanish in middle school and my first two years of high school but was uncomfortable conversing with it. So, I started reading and mispronouncing signs, making Ines giggle and correct me. At first, she'd face me briefly while driving and correctly pronounce the word so I could see her tongue roll. I loved watching her roll her Rs; her tongue looked like a snake, you might say, when she was showing me. Something about how she did it made me squirmy in my seat, but it was an excellent squirmy. She did the slow tongue rolling with me, watching for emphasis. She'd glance over to watch me when she slowly made me repeat my mispronunciations while driving to watch me do it correctly.

When we stopped at a light, she'd place her hand on my leg as she turned to look at me. Each time I got my Rs right, she squeezed my thigh and told me I was a 'buena chica' or good girl. I liked the attention and made sure I pronounced each word as best I could.

Ines was sweet about it, happy I was trying to communicate in her native tongue. After a few tries, I got most of them and another 'buena chica'. Ines continued watching and making me roll the Rs even when we weren't stopped. She'd rest her hand on my leg and squeeze me with each successive word. I continued rolling Rs, all the way to the hotel. We giggled and rolled Rs at each other when we pulled into the hotel parking area. I hate to admit we were so busy playing that we ignored mom.

I did notice that mom just watched from the back seat, and I'm sure it must have confused her because she stayed very quiet and didn't interrupt us.

I liked Ines and was glad mom had booked this trip.

Our room wasn't as luxurious as I would have liked. But we were in Costa Rica to go birding, and this was only for one night. I wondered what the other hotels would be like and figured they wouldn't get much better since this was the big city.

I had a lot of fun on the drive to the hotel rolling my Rs with Ines; she was a hoot. I guessed she was about twenty-two or so, which was great. Mom did a good thing getting someone closer to my age for our guide. But, she seemed to be very touchy-feely, which was something I wasn't used to. I didn't mind it when she touched me, and she always smiled when she'd put her hand on my leg while we were driving. I guess that's the way they are here. Physical contact might be a part of their culture. I didn't want to say anything to her to offend her, and I wasn't going to say anything to mom because she might make a big deal out of it.

I was amazed at Ines's tongue. I know it's weird, but when Ines rolled her tongue at me, it seemed to extend further out of her mouth than mine did from my mouth. It was just something I noticed and thought maybe that was why she could roll those Rs so well.

When Ines left Silvia and me in our room, Silvia let me take a shower first. I know mom was tired, and I thought she would crash right after getting clean. I was wide awake and ready to find some birds.

I decided to strip even though mom was still in the room. I'm used to stripping in front of my teammates and didn't think twice about doing that in front of my mother. She'd seen me naked for years, so it was no big deal.

The shower wasn't perfect, it seemed more like a gym shower to me, but it had shampoo and conditioner, so I made the best of it. When I finished, I only used one towel to dry off my body and soak up the water from my hair. It felt good to be clean again. I walked back into the room as I dried my hair. I saw mom had piled the dirty clothes on the table. She's gotten out her clothes for tonight and was removing her undies when I walked in. I hadn't seen Silvia nude in a long time. I never thought much about it, to be truthful. But, seeing her now, I realized she was in great shape. Then I had to laugh at myself because she was only thirty-five. As she headed into the bathroom, I wondered if she'd ever date and marry again. It had been almost three years since dad had passed, and she hadn't even mentioned dating anyone. I started to feel sorry for her as she closed the bathroom door. I heard the shower begin when I thought I heard the door open from Ines's room to ours.

I stood naked, the wet towel still on my head because I was drying my hair. Ines turned red as she saw me standing there facing her. She quickly covered her eyes, apologizing for not waiting for us to ask her in when she knocked. She must have knocked very quietly because I didn't hear it.

I quickly covered myself with the too-small towel and asked what was happening. Ines peeked through her fingers, then smiled as she lowered her hand, noticing I was hidden to a degree with the towel.

The look she gave me was apologetic and, at the same time, admiring. She told me she'd called and made tentative reservations at one of the better restaurants. But, she needed to know if we had any seafood allergies because that was their specialty. They also served many other things, but she wanted to be sure before confirming our reservation. I told her mom was in the shower and we had no food allergies.

Ines smiled, apologizing again.

I nodded and said it wasn't a problem. That's when Ines and I started talking about things other than birds. She moved within arm's reach as we discussed soccer, volleyball, and what I did to stay in shape. She mentioned she used to play futbol when she was younger, and if we had time during our trip, I might like to see a game or dribble a ball with her. I told her I'd love to because I was missing practice and a few games while I was here.

She smiled, looking me up and down, taking in my semi-naked body. She complimented my long, taut legs, which made me blush. She asked if I was fast on the pitch, and I told her I was pretty fast since I was a wing forward. She seemed impressed, smiling and looking up and down my legs. I could feel goose bumps rising on my arms as she reached over to trace my cheek with the back of her index finger. Her finger brushed my cheek slowly from my ear to my chin, almost whispering as she said she wished she could see me play. I swallowed, trying to comment, but nothing came out.

Ines then asked if I were actually seventeen. I nodded as she grinned. She mentioned I looked older and she might have a surprise for me at dinner. I asked what it was and got another grin as she told me it wouldn't be a surprise if she told me. I giggled, shaking my head. No, it wouldn't.

The last thing she whispered before mom opened the bathroom door was to tell me how pretty I was. Luckily, there was just enough time for my blush to disappear before mom entered the room.

I nearly died when mom walked out nude. She looked over at us, wondering what was going on. I could see the fire in her eyes when Ines quickly apologized for not warning her she was in the room. Mom ran back into the bathroom to cover herself with a towel.

She walked back out as Ines explained about the restaurant. That seemed to calm things down. Ines apologized again and went back to her room.

Right after that incident, mom put on her undies and settled onto the bed, quickly falling asleep. She even started snoring, so I knew she was tired. I unpacked a few things, dressed then grabbed my phone. Using the converter thingy, we brought, I plugged it in to charge and started playing some games.

I think I played for about thirty minutes until I got bored. Mom was out, so I decided to visit Ines for a bit. I quietly knocked on the door so that I wouldn't wake mom. Ines slowly opened the door, then smiled when she saw it was me. She heard mom snoring, so she whispered, asking me what I wanted.

I blushed when asked if I could hang out with her while mom slept. Her face lit up, and she opened the door wider to let me in. She grinned as I walked by, whispering, anytime, chica. You're very welcome. I was reading a book, but we can talk if you like. Practice your Rs or whatever.

When she mentioned the R thing, I got a shiver. She invited me to sit at the little table by the window. It had two chairs, so she sat close to me. The curtains were open so that we could see the skyline of San Jose. It was pretty, and I told Ines that. She smiled, asking if this was my first trip to another country. I nodded and mentioned my passport was no longer a virgin.

Ines laughed, saying that was a good thing. People need to travel more to see how the rest of the world lives. I agreed as we sat silently for a moment, not knowing what to say.

Ines broke the ice by asking me which was the one bird I wanted to see during our tour. I blushed and told her the Toucan. She smiled, mentioning we'd see many of them. Our talk about birds continued for a little while until we gradually started talking about our lives. I learned all about her home life, college, her family, what she liked to do for fun, and why she was a tour guide, and at the same time, I told her about my life.

I felt so at ease talking to her. It was almost like we'd been friends forever and hadn't talked in a long time. We started to get personal when she asked about my dad. I explained how we think he got Covid and the complications that ensued. I began to tear up, and that's when she apologized and offered to hug me. I told her it was alright; we had learned in counseling that talking about it helps.

I stood and accepted her hug with open arms. Being a couple of inches taller, I rested my head on her shoulders. Trying to hold back my tears as she gently rubbed my back. Ines whispered that it was okay to cry. She understood. So, I let go and cried while she held me.

It was strange and wonderful at the same time. The only other person I'd done that with was mom. Ines holding me felt different. Our bodies seemed to meld into each other as we stood there hugging. Her sweet whispers in my ear, telling me it would be alright, made me feel good, which slowly stopped my tears. We continued our hug as I sniffled. Then Ines released me to get tissues for me. I thanked her, feeling embarrassed that I'd cried.

She looked at me; her eyes focused on mine when she whispered, "Oh, my sweet niña, it's fine. You loved your papa, and that's muy buena. Can we hug a little more?”

I smiled, “Yes, I'd like that. Gracias.”

Ines giggled, "You are so adorable, niña."

I thanked her as we held each other once again.

Ines sighed, telling me I was welcome.

After a few minutes of hugging, we sat back down to continue our talk. I'd set my phone on the alarm to wake mom at about six for dinner. Ines and I had been talking so much we'd lost track of time. When my phone went off, it startled me. Ines and I both laughed as I got up to wake sleeping beauty. Ines mentioned we could leave whenever we were ready. I asked if what I was wearing, a short skirt, sandals, and a blouse was okay. Ines looked me over, then told me I looked perfect. She kissed me on the cheek, then playfully swatted my rear and told me not to wake Silvia when I walked back into our room. I giggled as I crept to the door.

Opening it a crack, I could still hear mom snoring. I slipped in, not wanting to wake her. Tip-toeing to the bed, I gently moved it and whispered it was time to wake up. She opened her eyes, smiled, thanked me then slowly got up. I sat back at our little table and continued playing on my phone as if I'd been there the entire time.

Mom got dressed after staring at the ceiling for a minute or so. I could tell she wanted to sleep longer, but she got dressed and ready to go. When she finished, she sat across from me while I played my word games on the phone.

I think she wanted to say something just before Ines knocked on our door. I got up and opened the door for her. She was hesitant, pretending not to catch us naked again. She smiled, greeting me with 'Hola chica'.

I grinned and greeted her with 'Hola, Ines'. I got a wink before she entered the room. Mom rose, and we all walked out to the street and headed for dinner. Mom lagged while Ines and I talked more birds because I knew mom could hear. I felt different keeping some of these little things from Silvia. I know they aren't bad. I'm just talking with Ines. But mom can sometimes be overprotective, and I can't blame her.

When we got to about a block from the restaurant, Ines asked me to go ahead because she wanted to talk to Silvia for a moment. I smiled, increased my pace, then waited for them as I read the menu. I noticed the prices were in Colóns, the Costa Rican currency. I whipped out my phone and converted them to dollars. I was surprised they weren't that expensive.

Mom and Ines finally caught up, and we entered the restaurant. The hostess had her back towards us when we entered, adjusting menus or something. When she turned around, I saw her boobs almost popping out of her dress. I blushed and looked away while she greeted Ines, mom, and me.

The restaurant's ambiance was excellent. It was sort of an ocean theme but nicer. It was also full of people laughing, talking, and eating. When our server came over, she brought two bottles of wine, opened both, got Ines's approval then poured one red and one white for each of us. I looked at mom, who nodded her approval. I guess this was special because we were on vacation. We received our menus and ordered. I finished my red wine because I was having seafood, and they say whites go better with fish. Not being a gourmet, I went with the flow sticking with the white.

Mom and Ines polished off the red, then continued with the white. We talked more as we waited for our food. Ines and mom talked to each other more than talking with me. That was fine because I think mom might have been worried I was talking with Ines more than she expected I would.

The food was amazing, and we were so busy eating because mom and I were starved that we didn't talk much. All we had was airline food which isn't that great and in tiny portions. When our server returned to check on us, Ines got another bottle of white. Mom finished off her glass, so Ines and I drank the rest. Before we left, our server brought a little chocolate cake to celebrate my birthday. Ines had ordered it for me. I didn't want to be obvious, so I brushed her leg with my foot and mouthed thank you when mom wasn't paying attention. I got a rub back and a wink, which made me giggle and blush.

I was feeling good when we left to go back to the hotel. I've never told Silvia, but at most of my team sleepovers, someone breaks out something to drink, and we all giggle and tell stories. So, I was somewhat used to drinking and knew my limit.

When we exited the restaurant, Ines walked between mom and me. She grasped our hands as we walked with her in the middle. I was all for it if this was how we would spend our evenings. I knew that if it lasted too long, I would be out of shape when I returned to school.

Back in our room, we said good night to Ines and thanked her for dinner. We changed, hanging our clothes up because we would wear them in the morning. Mom and I figured out who would be on what side of the bed, brushed our teeth, and then called it a night. Mom was asleep in record time while I lay there staring at the ceiling.

We'd been in bed for a few minutes when I rolled over and noticed Ines's light was still on. Mom was snoring away, so I slipped out of bed dressed only in my bra and panties, crept over to the door, and quietly knocked. I looked back at mom, who was still asleep, then back to the door. Ines's light went out, but the door creaked open just as I turned to go back to bed. There was just enough light to see Ines, and she saw me. She asked if everything was okay, and I said I couldn't sleep.

She smiled, opened the door, took my hand, and led me in. When I got past her, she quietly closed the door, then turned her nightstand light back on. She whispered that we should whisper so Silvia wouldn't hear us. She was in beige lacy boy shorts and a matching sheer beige bra. The contrast between her skin and her undies made her look very sexy.

She slipped onto the bed, propping the pillows so we could lay on top and talk. I noticed a book on the little table where we'd sat earlier with a bookmark between the pages. I hoped I hadn't interrupted anything important. I'd done something like this several times at sleepovers, staying awake and talking. I got in the bed facing her, my head against the pillow facing her. She smiled, asking me how I was feeling.

I whispered, "Fine, I'm still wound up from the flight."

She said she understood as she gently brushed a stray bit of hair from my face.

Ines asked, "What would you like to talk about, chica?"

I grinned, “I don't know. I didn't want to stare at the ceiling. I hope I'm not keeping you up."

She giggled then she started asking me questions. She wondered why I didn't mention a boyfriend when we talked. Then it was, maybe you have a girlfriend? I blushed, telling her I didn't have either because I study and play sports.

Ines smiled, telling me a pretty girl like me should have someone, which made me blush more. She has a way of doing that to me.

I shook my head. No, I was fine without one. Then she asked if I'd ever kissed a boy. One more blush as I told her, of course, I had. Then she asked the big question if I'd ever kissed a girl. My eyes widened as I told her no. I also said a couple of the girls on my soccer team were into girls, and they wanted to kiss me, but I didn't let them.

She came back with, 'Why?'

I told her I didn't know. I didn't care for them that way. She said she understood, and it was good that I didn't. She went on to tell me that I should never let anyone do anything to me I didn't want. Love is meant to be enjoyed, and two people making love, whether they are the same sex or not, can be beautiful.

I told her I agreed and asked her if she had a boyfriend or a girlfriend. She smiled, whispering that she had one of each until a month ago when they found out about each other. Then she had none. I giggled and then told her I was sorry.

She grinned, letting me know it was fine. She was young, and there were plenty of people in the world who could make her happy. I had to agree, and being young, you have all the time in the world to find someone who makes you happy. I told her Silvia, and my dad were good examples of finally finding someone. Ines smiled, telling me I was very smart and very adorable. I blushed and thanked her for the compliment.

She said she liked complimenting me because it was easy and enjoyed seeing me blush. While talking, I could feel my heart beating strongly against my chest. It certainly wasn't that way when I walked in. During that lull in our conversation, Ines asked me if I was cold. I looked at her, wondering what she was talking about. She giggled, reached over to me with her index finger, and flicked my nipple. It was rock-hard. She grinned and said she was sorry, but it was poking out, and she couldn't resist. I looked at hers, they were poking too, so I flicked hers.

Then she said, “Oh, my little chica wants to play?”

I said, “Oops, um, no, sorry.”

Ines laughed, telling me it was okay; she didn't mind.

I blushed as she reached over again to trace my cheekbone with her finger. She whispered that I was too cute. We looked each other in the eyes, and that's when she leaned in and kissed me. Not a serious kiss, just brushing my lips softly against hers. I didn't flinch or do anything. I lay there thinking about how her lips felt against mine.

Ines saw my reaction and quickly apologized. She said it wouldn't happen again and didn't want to cause any problems.

She looked worried because I didn't react. I hadn't been kissed like that by any boy. They pressed their lips against mine harder than I wanted them to. Ines's kiss was brief. It was a tease, I thought, but it tasted sweet, which I realized was probably her lip gloss.

I know this sounds like it took a long time for me to process, but it wasn't.

“It's alright, Ines. I don't want to ruin this, either. I won't tell mom, but I really don't know what to think. It wasn't unpleasant; I've never seriously thought about another girl, even when my teammates wanted to make out. "

She sighed, "I understand, chica. I have always been impulsive. Please forgive me."

I smiled, “I forgive you. Let's concentrate on birding and leave my lips out of this, okay?”

Ines smiled, "You are truly especial, chica. Now go, sneak back into your bed, and dream of Toucans, Macaws, and Hummingbirds. I will see you and Silvia first thing in the morning."

I slipped off the bed, still thinking about the kiss. Ines turned out her light just as I reached the door. I gradually opened it to see if mom was sleeping. Her snoring wasn't as loud as before, but she was still snoring. So, I snuck back in, quietly closing the door behind me. I went straight to the bathroom, peed, flushed the toilet, and got back into bed. That woke mom up mumbling if I was feeling alright. I told her it was just too much liquid. She rolled over and quickly returned to sleep. I must have passed my breaking point because I also fell asleep quickly. Instead of birds, I dreamed of lips softly pressing into mine that tasted like fresh sweet strawberries.