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The Belle Tolls: Chapter 2
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“Moooo!” Belle jerked upright in bed, drenched in sweat and filled with adrenaline. Her eyes darted around the dimly lit room, attempting to process what she had just been through. Fragmented memories of the dream seeped out from her head as she tried fruitlessly to recall what happened. “There was-- a farm?” Belle gradually calmed as her heart rate slowed, only remembering a few key highlights. There was a cow maybe? Was it at a farm? Why did I wake up screaming like that?... Her stream of consciousness faded until only remnants of something farm-like lingered in her head.
“Whatever… What was I supposed to be doing today anyway?” She asked herself, scratching her head. Finally calming, Belle let out a yawn. This nightmare proved to be more effective than coffee for waking up.
“Oh yeah…” Belle’s lips pursed upon remembering her Sunday plans. Today was the special girls’ day she had planned with Sophia. With a sigh, she grabbed her phone from the nightstand and checked her various social media accounts. “Cowtina will help me get some traction soon,” she couldn’t help but smirk and chuckle. I guess yesterday wasn’t a waste after all. Belle mused, tossing her phone onto the bed as she sauntered into the bathroom for a shower. She had passed out so fast the previous night; there had been no chance to clean off this nasty sweat.
Already naked, she adjusted the temperature of the bath and stepped into the tub. Belle felt a peculiar weight on her chest as she closed the curtain and began to clean herself. Are these a little heavier? It was probably nothing; they looked about the same as usua. Maybe they were slightly swollen due to her period coming up shortly.
“Ahhhh…” The woman leaned her head back and let the steamy water blanket her supple, toned body. As it dripped down from her breasts and over her nethers, she couldn’t help but smile and melt into the warmth. Despite having a limited recollection of the dream, Belle felt like she had overcome a massive trial and could finally relax. She wanted to build her online following; she didn’t feel like there was time for this girls’ day. “Ugh, and of course you don’t want me posting pictures while we’re out,” Belle rolled her eyes, recalling her friend’s recent request of no ‘promoting your brand’ while they were out. Something about bonding with your friends.
Lost in thought, Belle worked to apply generous amounts of body wash to her supple skin. Her earlier confusion over her breasts must have been an illusion; they seemed normal to her. Maybe her nipples were a little harder than normal, but that happened sometimes. A little warm rubbing loosened them right back up.
She finally turned the shower off and stepped out to dry herself. As she dried her vulva, she brushed her clit and sent tiny sparks through her pelvis. “Ahh…” Belle gasped, turning red. Why was it so sensitive? Realizing her lady bits were thoroughly wet, the woman blushed. Is this because of my tits? She thought to herself, recalling what happened a few minutes ago. “Whatever,” groaned the internet star, pulling her clothes on as she walked out to the kitchen. Pleasant smells wafted in from the hallway, eliciting a rumble from Belle’s stomach. She poked her head into the dining room and kitchen area, seeing her friend. “Good morning, Sophia. What’s for breakfast?” Something needed to go into her stomach before the crankiness started.
“Good morning!!!” Chimed a soft, feminine voice, A petite woman with short, wavy, sandy blond hair stood in the kitchen cooking. “We’re out of eggs and bacon, so I’m cooking up some vegan food. Do you want some? It’s delicious, I promise,” she insisted, giving Belle a pleading look.
Belle groaned, walking to the cupboards. “Come on, there’s ham and cheese. I could just make a grilled sandwich or something…” She pulled some ingredients out from the cupboard and fridge before going to fry herself a sandwich.
Sophia sighed, turning to face her friend while crossing her arms over her chest. “I guess I can’t stop you from eating your food,” the woman felt saddened that she couldn’t convince the brunette to eat some veggies with her.
Belle buttered a pan, toasted a ham and cheese sandwich for herself, and acquired some orange juice. Upon sitting, she admired her delicious, melty creation. “Carbs, protein, and calcium are all I need for the morning,” the woman giggled, taking a bite of her food. “What are you eating anyway?”
Sophia took her seat with a plate of food to eat. “Umm, it doesn’t have a name! I got a bunch of tasty vegetables at the farmer’s market yesterday. So I sauteed them with oil and spices! I also added crispy fried tofu, so I have some more texture. It will give me a lot of energy for the day!” Maybe one day Sophia would strong-arm her bestie into eating a decent meal for once in her life.
Belle scrunched her nose and turned back to her sandwich. “Tofu? No thanks… You can enjoy that yourself,” she said as she took some more bites of food. As expected, her sandwich was delicious. However, maybe the meat was just a tiny, tiny bit gamey or pungent. It was probably nothing; she would just get new ham later. “You know, I bet all of that food would taste a lot better with some butter and grated parmesan,” she teased, harassing the blond. They were used to light bantering.
Sophia stared at her friend eating and blinked, wondering how she could put so much junk and processed food into her body while still retaining that figure. Well, it wasn’t like Belle overate; she would eat reasonable portions and work out. “You know, if you’ll go out and spend time with me, I don’t care if you eat a dumpster of veal for lunch. Just try to do it discreetly if you do, okay?” She laughed gently.
Belle finished shoveling the sandwich into her face and stood up. “Don’t worry; we’ll eat at places with vegan options. Contrary to prior belief, I don’t actually want you to suffer or starve,” the woman chuckled, grabbing Sophia’s plate after she finished eating. “I’m putting the dishes away, so that means you have to take the trash out for the next three months. Fair is fair, right?”
“Hey! Don’t you start that with me,” Sophia pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. “I will make you watch an anime called Hand Shakers with me. Every single episode; it’s one of the worst things ever made. I promise you’ll want to die.”
“Your threat worked, I concede,” Belle put her hands up in defeat, absolutely not wanting to watch a single episode of whatever “Hand Shakers” was. “So, what are we doing today?” Belle inquired.
Sophia grimaced, stifling a sigh of frustration. They had multiple conversations about this already, but she didn’t see any good coming from lecturing her bustier friend. “Well! Since you said you wanted to leave the plans to me, I thought we could head downtown to do some shopping and exploring near the community college. We can get lunch and see a movie a little later. It’s also Jazz night at Ludwig’s tonight, so I thought that would be a lot of fun!” While the interests of these two girls aligned less than they used to, Jazz was something both of them still enjoyed.
Belle’s interest piqued. Maybe this won’t be too bad. The woman still wished she could work on her Instagram while they were out, but getting drunk and listening to music didn’t sound awful. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you then! Let’s get dressed and go,” exclaimed the brunette, attempting to be more optimistic.
“Okay, I’m ready!” Sophia stood in the hallway, wearing a cream-colored sundress. She also wore a pair of cute flats and had a circular, Pokeball-themed purse.
Belle came out five minutes later, wearing jean shorts and a red halter top. “You and your dresses,” the woman laughed, looking over at her friend.
“Hey! I like being cute. So, sue me,” Sophia stuck her tongue out and smiled playfully. “Come on; I’m driving!” She grabbed Belle’s hand and nearly dragged her out of the apartment. This young woman could be forceful when needed.
Belle climbed into the passenger seat when they got to the car while her more petite friend sat down and started the ignition. Sophia chatted about her volunteer work and what she hoped to hear at Jazz night as they drove. She was careful not to slip and start rambling about anime; she knew Belle thought it was dorky and liked to avoid the topic outside of when references could help bolster her internet career. The blond also made sure to ask Belle about her hobbies and career, showing a genuine interest in her life.
Fifteen minutes later, they finally arrived as Belle finished an eight-minute diatribe. “So yeah, that’s why I think your followers and patrons should be less demanding. They can get really entitled really fast; it’s honestly awful sometimes.”
Sophia just smiled warmly. “Oh yeah, that sounds pretty bad! I have to respect you for having the tenacity to put up with all of that,” said the young woman supportively, parking on the street in front of some shops. “Free parking on Sunday, that sounds like a good deal. Let’s go!” She beckoned Belle over as they made their way down the sidewalk.
A lukewarm breeze wafted by as birds chirped happily. Only a few lone, fluffy clouds dotted the otherwise clear-blue summer sky. Other shoppers were out for a Sunday morning stroll as well, creating a peaceful ambiance. As the two of them walked and chatted, Belle suddenly felt a little warm. “I think I’m starting my period soon,” she said in frustration. A thin layer of sweat dripped from the tanned woman’s flawless skin, dampening her clothes slightly. Today was muggy just like the previous had been, so the perspiration made sense.
“Just let me know if I can help you in any way, okay?” Sophia responded in a musical tone, grinning cutely. She would do anything to support her friend. Though sometimes, Belle would admittedly get on her nerves.
An hour later, after visiting and browsing some cute shops, the two girls found a French cafe to grab a drink. Sitting down at a small, oaken table in the back, the Song of Storms from Ocarina of Time began sounding off from Sophia’s purse.
“Oh! One second…” The blond pulled her phone out. “I need to take this for just a second-- sorry!” She hoped Belle wouldn’t be mad. Answering the phone, Sophia stood up. “Uncle, were there any issues with her birth? How is the calf?” The woman asked, waving Bell off as she scurried away to talk in private for a moment.
“Does she really need status updates on the birth of a cow?” Belle asked dully after the more petite girl left to talk on her phone. Now she needed to pass the time for a couple of minutes; what would be the best way to do that, though? Well, she just doesn’t want me to do my job when we’re actually together, right? She reasoned to herself, reaching into her purse and whipping out her phone.
Turning on her phone’s camera for a selfie, Belle noticed how sweaty she looked. “Hmmm…” Maybe this would get some clicks. The woman made a cute pose and made a peace sign, taking a selfie with her hot, sweaty body for her fans. Now I just have to figure out what to say.
As she tapped away with her thumbs, Sophia walked back in and looked over at her friend. Her heart sank briefly, but she understood Belle was just killing time for a few minutes. No big deal at all. “Hey! Whatcha typing?” She asked cheerfully, taking her seat.
“Oh-- uhh… Just making a quick status update about having a day out with my bestie,” Belle responded. She also embellished something about helping chase down someone’s cute little dog that got away as a reason for being so sweaty. “I know you said no business, but just a sec. I just need to finish this message so I can make the post,” promised the brunette, staring down at the phone’s screen.
“No problem! I’ll order our drinks while you’re finishing. Do you want a caramel macchiato?” Sophia asked, tilting her head.
“Uhhh-- yeah…” The taller woman thought for a moment but decided to just go with her usual. “Yeah, that sounds good to me. It’s nice that you already know what I like; it makes this easier,” she waved her hand, acting nonchalant. “You can get yourself the green dirt drink that you like.”
“I mean… Two months ago, you claimed it tastes like grass, so don’t you downgrade matcha to dirt status,” Sophia frowned, shaking her head. “It takes a refined palette to enjoy it, so I understand why you might not,” the blond grinned cheekily and trotted off to make the order.
“Yeah yeah,” Belle continued typing her Instagram message, making sure to act cute, vibrant, and feminine whenever possible. She had quickly learned that being personable and approachable was paramount for success. It would be career suicide to behave awkwardly or in a manner that runs contrary to how the dregs of society wish to perceive you. You found the persona that made the most significant majority of people happy and then clung to it, honing it into a deadly weapon. Or, that was her theory, at least.
When Sophia showed up with their drinks, she saw Belle still slaving away at whatever site she was posting to right now. It was easy to lose track of which one the brunette used at any given time. “If you need another minute, that’s fine. Just let me know when you’re done,” the woman exclaimed, staying warm and cheerful. Getting upset wouldn’t help; surely her friend would put that phone down shortly.”
“Thanks, you’re the best!” Belle waved her hand, keeping her eyes on the screen. “No… This sounds too flirty-- one second, I need to change this paragraph,” insisted the sweaty girl, grumbling to herself as she began to make some edits. It was essential to make every Instagram post flawless and perfect. After another seven minutes, she finished and put her phone down. “Hell yeah! I got it, I’m done,” Belle swayed her hips slightly, basking in her triumphant victory.
“I’m glad to hear it! So, do you think we’ll see a soprano saxophone tonight? I guess it’s a given that there would be at least one, but it’s just a sexy instrument. I don’t know why I find it so elegant, but--” she stopped suddenly as her bustier friend grabbed her phone again and went back to it. Seriously??
“I know, I know! Don’t look at me like that, one sec. Before I forget, I need to make a tl;dr version of this for Twitter. I keep forgetting to update Twitter, which is me just wasting potential exposure. It will take a sec; there’s a tiny character limit on Twitter,” Belle attempted to reason with her friend, gazing at her Twitter feed as the sound of tapping wafted through the cool, cafe air.
“It’s okay,” responded the blond with a weak smile. Sophia folded her hands into her lap and turned to stare at some art on the wall. This is just how she is. I need to let this go. Sophia decided to silently make fun of how every piece of art in the French cafe was Italian.
“OKAY, done!” Belle exclaimed pridefully, setting her phone down. Upon seeing her bestie’s expression, the brunette felt slightly bad. “For real! I’m sorry, habits are hard to break. No more okay? Tell you what, let me give matcha another shot. I promise I’ll pretend to like it this time.” With that, she reached over to grab the cup farthest from her.
“You can have a sip, but if you make a scrunchy face, I can’t promise I won’t punch you,” said the gentle girl with a bubbly vibrance.