Chapter 1: Introduction
Maria's apartment was always a sanctuary for both her and Katey. Books and papers piled up, and colorful posters covering the walls separated student life from the real world.
"Mari, come check this out!" Katey yelled over the din coming from the street below.
Maria strolled in from the door, a statement sweater wrapped around her slender frame, leaving the air thick with the scent of her exotic perfume.
Her eyes twinkled as they fell upon Katey, who was laying face down on the bed, her blonde locks cascading to the side. As Maria drew closer, she couldn't help but admire her friend's confidence and poise.
"What's going on?" she asked with a grin, her curly brown hair bouncing as she moved.
"Just researching suspension positions for our little project," Katey replied, a cheeky grin of her own developing. "I thought you said you had a study group tonight?"
Maria rolled her eyes.
"I couldn't stand the thought of being cooped up in a study session all night. Besides, I think this project will be more interesting." She placed her bag on the floor and took a seat beside Katey, both of them now sharing a knowing look.
"I knew you'd be game," Katey said, the corner of her mouth lifting into a smirk. "But I must warn you; this is a whole new experience for me too."
"Who said I was the only curious one in this relationship?" Maria countered, laughing.
"Well, maybe I am. But I didn't think you'd be so eager to jump on board."
Katey pouted playfully. "I've always been up for an adventure, especially if it involves pushing my boundaries." She sat up, leaning closer to Maria, their faces now just inches apart. "What's this project really about, Mari?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Maria leaned back and decided to divulge her secret. "I've been thinking about volunteering as a subject for a paralyzing medicine study.
I'm fascinated by the human body, and I want to understand what it feels like to be paralyzed," Maria admitted with a nervous smile.
"Volunteering for a medical study?" Katey repeated, her uninterested expression betraying her shock. "I didn't know you were that far along in your research."
Maria nodded, running her fingers through her long curls. "I thought I'd get a better feel for it if someone I trust could help me understand the sensation."
Katey's demeanor changed abruptly, turning curious instead of dismissive.
"I could try to help you with that, Mari. We'll have to be smart about it, though."
She turned around several times, as if searching for something in Maria's room. "Perhaps we can use something like a suspension system. I know just the right one that would give us control over the tension and keep it even."
Maria's eyes widened. "You're not talking about something out of Fifty Shades, are you?"
"What? No!" Katey laughed.