Kaycee

It was early first semester, junior year of college. I was relaxing in my dorm room after a day of classes. Seated at my desk, I was going over some notes when I heard a loud crash and someone cursing. The sound seemed to come from the room next door. Investigating, I found the door slightly ajar. I knocked. "Hello?" I called out. "Sorry to be nosy, everything OK in there?"

"Not really." A distressed female voice answered. "I tripped and knocked over some stuff."

"Do you need some help?" I inquired.

"Yes, thanks." She said. "It's open, please come in."

I entered the room and closed the door. It was dark inside, the curtains were drawn and the lights were off. I could just make out the silhouette of someone sitting on the bed. "I'm Rigel, OK if I turn on a light?" I asked.

"Shit." She spat. "Now I feel like a complete imbecile. I'm sorry, I keep forgetting."

"Forgetting?" I said.

"I'm...ah...blind." She answered. "I'm Kaycee by the way."

I paused, while what she said registered. I hit the switch on the wall beside me and looked around the room, she had done a number on her computer and printer, they lay in shambles on the floor.

"Are you still there?" Kaycee asked.

"I am." I said. "Just...surveying the damage."

I waited as she spoke, finally getting a look at her. She stood and made her way to her desk. She was roughly 5'8" with auburn hair and green eyes, medium build, quite pretty. She sat, then turned to face me.

"How bad is it?" She frowned.

"Until I get into it, I don't know." I answered. "Let me see what I can do."

As I attempted to reassemble her system, we chatted. The damage wasn't too bad, only requiring the replacement of a couple small things, which I had in my spares. I've built so many computers over the years, I have boxes of parts.

"I have the laptop back together." I smiled. "Seems to be running fine, but I'm not familiar with a couple of the peripherals, what are they?"

Kaycee grinned. "They are special things I need." She explained. "The handheld device scans text into my computer so the voice synthesizer can read it. The other is a braille writer. Are they OK, they'll be damned difficult to replace?"

"I don't know, you'll have to test them and tell me." I said. "They appear to be hooked up and they have power, but I have no clue how to use them."

Kaycee tested both devices and smiling said. "They work perfectly. Thanks so much for helping me, I couldn't have done this without you."

My stomach growled, looking at the clock on my phone, I gasped. "Shit, it's 8PM already, no wonder I'm hungry. Let's take a break and get something to eat."

"Would you mind being my guide?" She asked, shyly. "I don't go out alone, except to class, I'm afraid I'll get lost. The Campus Map App on my phone just isn't up to the task."

"No problem." I said. "What do I do?"

"Just walk normally, I'll hold onto your arm." She explained. "Try not to walk me into a pole." She giggled. "Just kidding, I'm sure you'll do great."

After we walked to the dining hall, I sat her at a table and got food for both of us.

"So, Rigel, that's an unusual name." She smiled. "Named after the star?"

"I am. Impressive, not many people get it." I praised. "Dad's an amateur astronomer, teaches High School Physics back home. Given all the weird names, it could have been so much worse. My little sister got stuck with Bellatrix."

"Ouch." Kaycee winced. "I'm guessing she goes by Bella?"

"Only when Dad's not around, and sometimes when he is. Your name?" I questioned. "Is it K. C., two initials, or Kaycee, one word?"

"The second." She clarified. "Kaycee Marie Harmon."

"Can I ask a personal question?" I inquired.

"Why am I blind?" She answered, reading my mind. "Get that one alot."

"Sorry, just curious." I blushed. "You don't have to answer."

"Car accident when I was 14." She said. "Head injury, even though they still don't know precisely why. No scarring or obvious brain damage, but I was blind when I woke up."

"I'm sorry. I said. "We just met and I'm asking you to tell me something that traumatic. I'm an idiot."

"I'll admit, I was a wreck at first, acting out, being a general bitch, if I'm honest." She explained. "But I've come to accept it. What else can I do?"

We continued talking, telling our stories to each other until we were done eating, then went back to her room.

It was around midnight before I left, she was just so easy to talk to, but we were both too tired to continue.

"Let's call it a night." Kaycee yawned. "We've got classes in the morning. I appreciate what you've done, it will be a great help."

"No problem." I chuckled. "I can take you to breakfast in the morning, if you'd like?"

"I don't think that's in your job description." She grinned, teasing me.

"Well, it is on the way, and I hate eating alone." I countered. "I'd enjoy some company."

"My first class is at 8AM, pick me up at 7." She smiled.

"See you then." I beamed. "Good night Kaycee."

"Night Rigel." She answered.

The next morning I knocked on her door at a little after 7. "It's open." She called out.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Let's go." She smiled, taking my arm.

We continued to talk during breakfast.

"So Rigel, you got a girl here or back home?" She asked. "Where is home, by the way?"

"No vow of celibacy, but not seeing anyone at the moment, my last relationship didn't end well... just concentrating on school." I answered. "Millersburg is home, lived there all my life."

"Wow, I'm from Pierson, we're practically neighbors." She said. "My Dad's the Chief of Police there."

"Boyfriend?" I quizzed.

"Had one, the bastard." She hissed, frowning. "Kinda why I ended up here. I was at Aterson College my first 2 years, met a frat boy, thought I meant something to him. That's til I found out he hid a camera in my room, recording what we did for his frat brothers to drool over. Someone ratted him out to the Dean and he ended up expelled and the Frat lost its charter. The College gave me a large amount of money to keep my mouth shut and more or less paid me to come here. They didn't want the publicity. 'Frat voyeurs blind girl, film at 11.' That wouldn't go over well. It's been made clear that all recordings were to be deleted and if anything ends up on the internet, formal charges will be filed and he will go to jail... or Daddy will make him disappear."

"That's awful." I gasped. "I'm sorry that happened. Are you...?"

"I'm mad as hell." She frowned. "But I'm not losing any sleep over it. I was in love, thought he was too. I didn't mind he was recording, just pissed me off that he showed it to those drooling baboons."

I sat there stunned. She'd been through something that would have destroyed most normal girls, but it didn't seem bother her, other than being REALLY angry.

Kaycee laughed. "I wish I could see your face. I can almost hear your brain exploding."

"Well, it is quite a story." I admitted. "And I didn't expect..."

"The blind girl to be a wild child." She finished, giggling. "I'm no slut, but hey, it's college, I want to have fun too."

"So it seems." I chuckled.

We finished breakfast and I walked her to her first class. "Do you want to study together this afternoon?" I asked. "That way I'll be there if something isn't working right."

"Can you meet me after my last class, we can walk back together?" She queried.

"See you then." I answered, then headed to my lecture.

We walked back after class. We studied for several hours, all her equipment functioning perfectly. I even helped her with a couple of subjects she was having trouble with. When we broke for dinner Kaycee asked. "Rigel, I'd like to put a face with the voice, can...can I touch your face? I know it sounds clichéd, and maybe a little creepy, but it really does work."

"I...uh, OK." I stammered.

Kaycee sat next to me and lightly ran her fingers over my face, touching me everywhere. It was at the same time, the most sensual and the most terrifying experience I'd ever had. I felt almost naked before her, unable to hide even the most insignificant thing. After she finished, she smiled and pulled away, casually resting her hand on my arm.

"You've got goosebumps." She frowned. "And your heart rate jumped too. I didn't upset you did I?"

"Quite the contrary." I confessed. "It was rather arousing. Do I want to know how I look?"

"The voice fits the face." She smiled. "Both are very pleasant."

I'm really glad she couldn't see me blush.

After dinner, we returned to our studies. "You've done an amazing job." She praised. "For the first time since coming here, I feel like I'm not playing catch up."

Later, I was startled by a hand on my chest, apparently I'd fallen asleep as I studied. "Rigel, wake up." Kaycee whispered.

"Huh?" I groaned. "Sorry, guess I dozed off."

"I'm sleepy too, let's knock off for the night." She said. "See you for breakfast?"

"Yeah." I yawned, stretching and heading for the door. "G'night."

We continued at that pace through the that week and the following week, before long we were spending most of our free time together. Kaycee's comprehension improved rapidly, my studying had been boosted as well, since I would work on my classes while she did hers. I needed to be there if she had any problems, but otherwise I wasn't needed. By Friday evening we both felt confident enough to take a small break.

Saturday, I slept in, waking at about 9:30. A quick shower and I met Kaycee. I don't know how in the world she can be so chipper in the morning.

Taking my arm we set off. "I want to thank you again Rigel." She gushed. "For the first time since I got here, I slept well and it's all because of you. I've made a lot of progress, I'm encouraged. I can do this, I really can."

"I really didn't do much." I protested. "Just reassembled your computer, something I could do in my sleep."

"You did more than that." She chided. "You stayed with me to make sure it worked, you studied with me and you helped me understand stuff I was having trouble with, I really appreciate it."

I attempted to protest further. Somewhat annoyed, Kaycee stopped and faced me placing her hands on my cheeks, then kissed me, just a quick peck, but startling all the same. "Just take the compliment you stubborn jackass, OK?"

"Right." I sputtered. "I'll shut up now."

"About damned time." She tittered.

"What do you do for fun?" Kaycee asked between mouthfuls of breakfast. "It's the weekend, I want to kick back a little."

"I figured you'd be tired of me by now, slave driver that I am." I grinned.

"Well I've been here almost 2 months and you're the only person that's managed to pry me out of my room for any period of time." She chuckled. "You're stuck with me, I'm tired of sitting in my room."

"As the lady wishes." I relented. It was clear I would not win this argument.

We finished eating and started back to the dorm. "What do you want to do?" I inquired.

"I'm up for just about anything." Kaycee answered. "Not a big fan of movies, for obvious reasons."

"Well, I was planning on going home for the weekend, I only have my bike here, I need to swap it out for my car before it gets cold." I said. "If you're up for a roadtrip, it's only a couple of hours. We can come back tonight if you want."

Kaycee looked puzzled. "Bike, I can't ride..."

"Shit." I muttered. "Motorcycle, sorry for not being clear."

"Oh." She nodded. "I've never been on one, but it sounds like fun. We can stay overnight as long as your parents don't mind."

"Just Dad, and I'm sure he'll be OK with it, but I'll text him to make sure." I answered. "We can swing by and see your folks too, it's on the way."

"I wasn't planning on going home before Thanksgiving." She said.

After a quick text or two we were set. We packed what we needed for the weekend into my backpack then I gave her a quick lesson in riding. "You'll be sitting behind me, put your arms around my waist and hold on. Do what I do, if I lean, lean with me. If you get disoriented or want to stop, just say so, there's a radio intercom in the helmets, we'll be able to talk to each other."

"OK." She said, nervously. "Just take it easy til I get the hang of it."

I thought I took off rather carefully, but Kaycee squealed in my ear. "Oh..., this thing's fast."

"Sorry, I'll slow down." I apologized.

"What?, no I like it, go faster." She urged. "I feel like I'm flying, go faster."

"OK, hold on." I instructed, then opened it up. We were soon well over the speed limit, Kaycee nearly squeezing the life out of me.

The trip home was made in record time. We pulled into the driveway and I parked my bike in front of the barn, then we got off.

"That was quite a rush." Kaycee exclaimed, taking off her helmet. "I'd like to do it again sometime."

"Anytime you want." I grinned, stuffing my gloves in my helmet.

"Shoulda known you'd show up when food was ready." My Dad boomed, walking briskly towards us. "Good to see you son."

"Hey Pop." I said, hugging him, then took Kaycee's hand. "This is Kaycee, the friend I told you about."

"Hello Kaycee, I'm Roger." He stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you as well, sir." She responded, unfolding her cane. "Thank you for having me."

Dad looked puzzled for a moment, then he looked at me and mouthed 'You didn't tell me.'. "You're just in time for lunch, if you're hungry?"

"Yes please." Kaycee beamed. "All this excitement has given me an appetite."

After we ate I helped Dad clean up, then we sat in the family room and chatted.

"When you said you were bringing a friend home, I certainly wasn't expecting a girl." My Dad chuckled. "And a pretty one too. Just tell me you didn't kidnap her and are going to stash her here. Though it is the most likely explanation."

"Jesus Dad." I groaned. "Give me some credit here."

Kaycee laughed, a most wonderful sound. "No, he didn't, if anything, I kidnapped him. He's helping me with my studies and I haven't let him get away since we met, he's too good to let him escape."

Dad smiled. "I always told him he should be an educator, but he wants to be a rocket scientist, damned if I know why."

"Says the man who named both of his kids after stars, yet isn't an Astronomer." I chuckled.

We bantered back and forth for awhile, much to Kaycee's delight.

"Rigel, if it's not too much trouble, could I get a tour of the house?" Kaycee asked. "I need to get a feel for the layout so I don't bang into things."

"I'd be happy to do that." Dad offered.

Kaycee stood and Dad took her on the grand tour. I excused myself and went out to the barn to put away the bike and get my car out. It had been setting since I left for school, so I needed make sure it was OK.

Some time later I heard Kaycee calling, her cane tapping in front of her. "Rigel, are you here?"

"This way." I hollered walking towards the front of the barn. "Be careful, the floor is uneven. I see you survived my Dad."

"I think he's charming." She smiled. "Much like his son."

Again, I'm glad she couldn't see me blush. "Well, I don't know about that."

Homing in on my voice, she hugged me. "You're very charming." She purred, nuzzling me with her cheek. "What are you doing out here?"

"Just checking the car." I said. "Built it myself, only recently finished it. Took me forever to work out the wiring on the engine."

"You built a car?" She said, seeming impressed.

"Well, I didn't 'build' it, I just heavily modified it." I clarified. "I found a wrecked Mustang and repaired it, adding some personal touches as I went. I figure it's got around 400HP in a car that weighs around 2200 pounds, it really scoots. This will be its first road trip."

"Wow." She cooed. "Guess that's why you went into engineering."

Kaycee cocked her head, frowning. "I hear something." She said, uneasy, hugging me tighter. "Big and alive, an animal, maybe more than one."

"Oh." I exclaimed. "Stupid me. We board horses, there are 3 in stalls in the back of the barn. You want to see them?"

"Are they friendly?" She asked, timidly. "I've never been around horses before."

"Cimarron is." I answered. "I don't know much about the other two, they came in after I left for school. Follow me."

I took her hand and led her to the back of the barn. The horses snorted and shuffled as we approached, excited by our presence.

"They don't sound very happy." Kaycee frowned.

"Actually they are." I said. "They're prancing around like a kid at Christmas. They get lonely out here. Let me introduce you." As I walked up, Cimarron stuck his head out and I rubbed his nose and patted his neck. I took Kaycee's hand and placed it on Cimarron's neck, then put my hand over hers. "Stroke him firmly, but not too hard." I instructed.

"He's very warm." Kaycee cooed. "And his hair is so soft."

Cimarron shifted, moving his head towards Kaycee and she yelped, jumping back. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No." I chuckled. "He likes you, he wants more, just like a big dog."

She moved back, putting her hands on the horse's neck, then she hugged him. "He does kinda feel like a big dog." She smiled. When she was done, she turned away. Cimarron moved his head to try to get her attention, but instead hit her square in the back knocking her into me and I fell backwards, landing hard on my back, Kaycee on top of me.

"Oof." She grunted, her nose nearly touching mine. "You OK down there?"

"Yeah, I'm OK." I said. "Guess he didn't want you to get away. He didn't hurt you did he?"

"No...I'm...fine..." She trailed off as her lips touched mine. She kissed me, cautiously at first, then more confidently as I responded. Bringing our tongues into play, we continued, my arms pulling her to me making her sigh contentedly.

Much too soon, Kaycee ended the kiss and brought her hands up, cupping my face, smiling. "That was nice."

"It was." I panted. "Been wanting to do that for a while, just couldn't find the right moment."

Feeling the huge grin on my face, she asked. "What's so funny?"

"My wingman is a horse." I laughed. I helped Kaycee up off the dirt floor and dusted her off and we went back inside.

Later, sitting on the couch in the family room, Kaycee and I talked. "Rigel, can I ask something personal?"

"Sure." I answered.

"Your Mom?" She nearly whispered, taking my hand.

I stiffened, I knew the question was coming, but I still didn't like it. "She left us just after Bella started school, no explanation, no warning, just gone. To this day I don't know where she is or why she left."

Kaycee sat, silent, pondering what I said. "That's horrible, what kind of mother would do that? I'm sorry I asked, it obviously upset you."

"Sooner or later, everybody does." I said. "Still hurts, but at least you care enough to ask."

She hugged me and kissed my cheek, still holding my hand, then laid her head on my shoulder.

Not long after, Bella came home. She walked into the family room and stopped dead. "Holy crap, who's the...no, not possible...you can't." She sputtered, seeing Kaycee snuggled up to me. "You and a girl, a normal, human girl, she's got to be crazy, or at least blind, I mean, come on, your kind of ugly..."

"BELLA!" I shouted. "Shut your damn mouth before you dig that hole any deeper."

"Jeez, when did you get so defensive?" She pouted. "I'm only yanking your chain, like always."

Kaycee giggled. "It's kinda funny really, you want to tell her or should I?"

"Go ahead." I spat. "Mess her up."

She stood and put out her hand. "I'm Kaycee, you must be Bella, Rigel has told me so much about you." Bella shook her hand. "And I'm not crazy, but I am blind."

Bella went pale, her mouth hanging open. "I...you...FUCK!" She sputtered. "I...I'm s-so s-sorry...I didn't..."

Kaycee smiled, then hugged Bella, trying hard not to laugh at her discomfort. "Don't worry about it. Not the first time."