Ella was making a fresh start in a new town. She'd only just arrived on a bus an hour or so ago. Almost like she was running away from a life she didn't like. Or one she preferred to forget. Marjory made sure their hips touched slightly as Ella enlightened her. This was 'girl on girl' stuff that the older woman encouraged and which Ella soon fell into a comfort zone with.

"Oh Mom told me I probably wouldn't really make anything of myself... 'high heels and short skirts is all you will be any good for, you mark my words', was what she used to say to me."

Ella giggled much like any teenager would at such self-deprecating remarks. Marjory tutted sympathetically before saying,

"Awwwww naughty mommy for saying that! I think she just meant that you are a pretty girl, easy on the eye and with fabulous legs. And you really do have fabulous legs you know."

She stroked Ella's leg very lightly, emphasising what she was saying bringing attention to the nylon encased thigh that was crossed over the other. Ella smiled, a sincere smile as though she was re-assured by what the woman was saying. She tilted her head towards the woman, trustingly, warmly. Much like a niece would with her Aunt. Or much like that daughter would with her Mom.

"Well... thank you so much."

She giggled again and even blushed slightly.

"Tell you what Ella.... Drink up, lets have another.... Then maybe even another, and you can tell me all about you."

Her voice encouraging, slightly mischievous which appealed to the younger girl. Ella liked Marjory. She liked her a lot. Felt comfortable with her. She couldn't remember having felt so comfortable with anyone as much before. But that could have been down to her home-life. Her upbringing. Just a hint there of some dysfunction. The tiniest tell-tale signs of social inadequacy. Really, a girl in some turmoil, not simply within herself, but also with those around her. Marjory was different to the people she had been around all of her life. She actually sat and listened to her. She really did sit and listen to her. That was new to Ella. No-one had really ever sat and listened to her before. Or taken her seriously. Marjory didn't just seem to take her seriously, she also seemed to take every single word in. Inwardly digesting every word and every nuance of Ella. That was it. That was what Marjory did... she found the tiniest little nuances of what the teenager was saying and then she held on to them. Even stroked them with her eyes. Yes that is what she did as well. She stroked those tiny nuances with her eyes, and with her voice. Marjory made Ella feel really good. Ella had never felt so good, so relaxed in another woman's company.

"So honey, where's your mom now?"