Alone Together

Alone Together  Part 12

       Melissa turned out the lights and went back to the women's locker room. As she left the girls were screaming to let them go. She hurried back to Niki. She was still sitting in the corner, crying. Melissa ran over to her and knelt in front of her. She reached out and Niki yelped and wiggled back.

       Melissa: “Niki? Niki, it's me, Melissa. Please look at me.”

       Niki peeked at Melissa but pulled the towel back over her face. Melissa began to tear up. They had become so close and now Niki wouldn't even look at her. She didn't want to lose her. Melissa was becoming desperate REAL fast! Melissa sat down next to Niki and got as close to her as she could without her moving away form her.

       Melissa (crying): “Niki.....PLEASE look at me. Please, my pet. Please take my hand.”

       When Niki heard the word, “pet”, She looked up at Melissa and seemed to hear her for the first time. Niki threw the towel down and leaped at Melissa and held her in a tight hug and began to cry all over again. Melissa let out a long sigh and held on tight.

       Niki (crying): “Please don't leave me. Please..?”

       Melissa: “I am not going anywhere, pet. I will always be here for you.”

       Niki held tight onto Melissa for several minutes before slowly and carefully looking up at Melissa. She looked at her for a few seconds as if she were a dream, then smiled through her tears. Melissa smiled a big “smile” of relief. She pulled her face to her own and kissed Niki. Niki shivered but soon was kissing back. Niki pulled back and smiled.

       Niki: “I am sorry, Melissa. I had begun to please that other girl. Will you forgive me?”

       Melissa: “You have NOTHING to be forgiven for. It was their fault, not yours. I would NEVER want you to go through that kind of pain....NEVER. They will not bother you again. I promise. We will not talk of it again. Now let's go......”

       Niki: “Go where?”

       Melissa: “You need cleaning up, pet.”

       Despite Niki's troubles tonight, the thought of being with Melissa put a smile on her face. Niki grabbed Melissa's hand and pulled her into the shower. Niki turned on the water and stood there looking at Melissa. Melissa smiled back with genuine happiness for the first time after Niki's attack. Melissa giggled. Niki was so damn cute. Melissa just stared at her for a moment. Niki's body was beautiful. Melissa's eye fallowed Niki's shoulders up and down her well toned arms, her perfect tits and down her flat stomach. Her ass and pussy were beyond description as Melissa's eye went down her muscular legs and back up. When Melissa looked Niki in the eye, she saw that Niki was blushing.

       Melissa (giggling): “You are so damn cute, pet. Hold your arms out straight.”

       Niki stood with her arms out and waited. Melissa grabbed the soap and began to rub Niki down and get her all “soaped” up.  She ran her soapy hands up and down Niki's arms and around her neck. Niki closed her eyes and lost herself in Melissa's touch. She remembered being trapped under those girls but Melissa's touch was not only soothing, it protected her. She felt safe now.

       Melissa's hands ran down Niki's back and over her ass. Melissa rubbed her ass up and down several times. Melissa was getting horny herself and NOT form the water. One hand went down the crack of Niki's ass and across her pussy once. The other hand rubbed her own pussy a couple of times but she stopped herself. This was Niki's moment, not hers. Melissa's hand ran down Niki's ass one more time. She rubbed her fingers deep across her ass hole and across her pussy. Niki responded by arching her back and sticking her ass out. Melissa pinched her ass and Niki yelped.

       Melissa: “Stand still, pet. How can I wash you off is you keep moving around?”

       Niki: “Yes Melissa.”

       In truth, Niki was not really moving but Melissa wanted to tease her a little. Melissa;s hands ran up and down Niki's sides before she walked around in front of her. Melissa ran her hands down Niki's chest. She spent some time pinching and rubbing her tits. Melissa giggled when Niki would let out little mewing sounds and desperately tried to stand still. After spending some time on her tits, Melissa ran her hands down Niki's stomach. Melissa was staring at her pussy. That beautiful blond “fur” was calling to her but she couldn't help but admire Niki's stomach. Her stomach muscles were hard and developed. She could feel them ripple once and a while as her hands moved lower down Niki's stomach and close to her pussy.

       Melissa's hands went around Niki's pussy and down her legs. Niki let out a gentle moan as Melissa washed her way down to Niki's feet and back up again. This went on for one more cycle as Melissa rinsed her off. Niki was still gently moaning.

       Melissa: “Pet, you keep making noises. Is there something that you want?”

       Melissa already knew the answer but there was a purpose to her question.

       Niki: “I want you to make me cum. Please?”

       Melissa: “What will you do for me if I do?”

       Niki: “I will do whatever you wish. You know that.”

       Melissa: “What if I don't want you to cum? Will you do what I wish?”

       Niki (turning red): “Yes Melissa.”

       Melissa let out a sigh of relief. Those two bitches had apparently NOT “broken” her spirit. It was the one thing that Melissa feared the most. Niki's spirit was beautiful but fragile. Every time Melissa looked at Niki, it was just one more thing that she “saw”. She would always see that beautiful crystal sparkling in the sun.

       Niki pouted as Melissa quickly washed herself. Niki would always want to wash Melissa too but apparently it would not be today. Melissa lead Niki out to the bench by their lockers and began to dry her off. She started at Niki head and ruffled it roughly with the towel. Niki giggled as Melissa shook her head around. Melissa smiled with a tear running down her cheek. She was now totally convinced that Niki was not hurt by those two bitches from the swim team.

       Melissa rubbed the towel down Niki's back and over her ass. Just like before. She used her hand to run the towel down the crack of Niki's ass and once across her pussy.  Niki could help herself. She moaned and stuck her ass out. Melissa pinched her again and she yelped again.

       Melissa: “I told you to stand still, pet. If you keep wiggling around, you will have to leave here naked so you dry off. Would you like that?”

       Niki (Embarrassed): “No Melissa. I will be still. Please......I will be still.”

       Melissa: “Ok, pet.”

       Melissa moved around in front and brought the towel down Niki's neck and shoulders to her chest and tits. Melissa spent some time on her tits. She never got tired of looking at them or touching them. She smiled. Niki was staring at her too with lust in her eyes. Melissa pinched Niki's tits through the towel a little bit and rubbed her way down Niki's stomach. The towel moved its way down each leg as Niki spread her legs a little. Melissa ran the towel back up and around Niki's pussy without touching it.

       Melissa: “I think it would be pointless to dry your pussy off. It keeps getting wet all over again. Now stand there and wait while I dry off.”

       Niki pouted again as she stared at Melissa drying herself off. Niki wanted to do it but She would have to wait for a another time. When Melissa was finished, she got dressed and looked at Niki.

       Niki: “May I please get dressed, Melissa? Please don't make me go naked in public.”

       Melissa smiled and said: “Don't worry, pet. I have NO intention of letting you out of here naked. I want you to myself and don't want to share you with everyone else. Get dressed. Remember; just you top and skirt!”

       Niki turned three shades of red and hugged Melissa. She turned and got dressed and said, “Thank you, Melissa.” Melissa was amazed that Niki was always so polite despite all that she had been through. They packed their things up and Melissa grabbed Niki's hand and began to lead her out.

       Niki: “What about those two girls. Will they bother me anymore? I don't like them but I want to keep competing. What should I do?”

       Melissa: “Don't worry, pet. I have made sure that they won't bother you again.”

       Niki: 'What did you do? Did you see them? Did you talk to them?”

       Melissa: “I gave them a taste of how they made you feel.”

       Niki: “How?”

       Melissa: “Come on. I will show you.”

       Melissa didn't want Niki to see these two again. She wanted things the way they were but Niki seemed insistent. She wanted to know what happened. Maybe it was better this way. She would see the reason why they would leave her alone. Melissa held Niki's hand and they walked down the hall to the men's locker room. Niki pulled Melissa to a stop.

       Niki: “We CAN'T go in there! It's the men's locker room!.....”

       Melissa: “It's ok, pet. It is empty. Everyone is gone. Please. Trust me.”

       Niki smiled as Melissa held her hand and pulled her into the locker room. As Melissa turned on the light, The two girls began to yell out again.

       Girls: “Is someone there?? Please untie us. Let us go!”

       Melissa and Niki walked into the area where they were tied up. Melissa watched Niki's reaction. Niki looked carefully and when she saw who it was, she instinctively took a step back and behind Melissa. She grabbed Melissa's hand tight and was peeking around the corner. The girls quieted down when they saw who it was. They figured that it was pointless to beg. Niki stepped out form behind Melissa and looked up at her.

       Niki: “Did you do this to them?”

       Melissa: “Yes. I did. I wanted them to feel what it was like for you, when they had you down and helpless.”

       Melissa saw Niki looking at them and thinking. Niki was a total innocent. She had no idea that everything that she was thinking could be “read” by anyone by the look on her face. She couldn't hide her thoughts if she tried to. Melissa watched her and smiled.

       Niki: “Melissa...?...”

       Melissa: “What is it, pet?”

       Niki: “Could we untie them, please?”

       Melissa: “I did this because I don't want them to do this to anyone again. You don't like them held helpless like they did to you?”

       Niki: “No. I do not want to be like them and this is something that they would do. All we are doing is making things worse. Please, can we untie them? Please?”

       Melissa: “Ok, pet. I will untie them.”

       Niki smiled and hugged Melissa. Melissa walked over to the girls and began to untie them. Niki just backed up and watched. Soon, they were untied but laying on the mat. Their muscles and joints were sore and they simply lay there and stretched a little.

       Girls: “Thank you.”

       Melissa: “Don't thank me. Thank her. (pointing at Niki) It was her idea, not mine.”

       They looked at Niki. Niki was once again hiding halfway behind Melissa when she saw the two of them staring at her.

       Girls (to Niki): “Thank you. We are sorry. We will not bother you or anyone else again.”

       Niki: “You are welcome. I hope you are alright.”

       Melissa: “You see what I mean? Despite all that you did to her, she not only trusts you and believes you, she is actually concerned about you! You are both VERY lucky that you didn't hurt her! Now clean up this shit before you go home!”

       The girls looked at Niki. She was still next to Melissa and holding her hand tightly. They saw the look on her face and knew there was something different about her. They looked at each other and didn't need to say it. They began to clean up slowly. They were still sore.

       Melissa: “Remember what I told you!”

       As Niki and Melissa began to walk out, Niki turned back and said, “Good Bye.” Melissa smiled to herself. This is why she loved Niki. The world was a brighter place with her in it.

       Girls: “Good Bye. Thank you letting us go. We're Sorry....”

       Niki: “Thank you for letting them go, Melissa.”

       Melissa: “You are right, pet. What I did makes me no better than they are. Thank you for reminding me.”

       Melissa leaned over and kissed Niki. Niki smiled.

       As they continued, Melissa said to no one in particular, “Besides, They don't have any clothes. I got ride of them. Their swimming suits are gone too. I left their purses but they will be going home naked.”

       Niki began to giggle.

       Melissa: “That's not all, pet. I have another little surprise for them.”

       Niki: “What..? I don't want to be mean to them.....”

       Melissa (smiling): “Don't worry, pet. It is not mean. At least not like you mean.”

       Melissa began to giggle.

       Niki: “What is it?”

       Melissa: “It's a surprise.”

       Melissa and Niki gathered up their belongings and left the building. Niki was curious but kept silent. She knew it was pointless to keep asking if Melissa didn't want to tell her. They got into their truck and Melissa pulled it around facing the exit from the building. It was about 15 minutes later that Niki saw the door open a crack and the girls that had Niki down and that Melissa had tied up peeked out of the door. They didn't exit. They simply peeked out and looked around. Niki stared. They seemed fine but they didn't come out of the building. Finally they crept out through the door and Niki began to laugh. They were both completely naked.

       Niki: “Why are they naked?”

       Melissa (giggling): “Because I took all of their clothes. I left their purses, ID and other personal belongings but their clothes are all gone. The fun isn't over. Watch.”

       The girls slowly walked toward their car while looking around constantly for other people. Just as they were a few feet form the door, Melissa turned the headlights on so the two of them were completely lite up as if they were on a stage. They tripped and scrambled for the door but it had locked when it closed. They were both running in circles and trying to hide behind each other. Melissa and Niki kept laughing. The two girls ran into the parking lot toward their car. Melissa turned off the lights and drove around to where their car was. Melissa and Niki were parked facing their car just as they got to the spot where it was. The girls took longer than usual. They were hiding behind other cars while trying to get across the lot.

       The timing was perfect. Everyone got there at once. The girls ran up and stood there staring. The car was gone. Niki watched but didn't say anything. Melissa was still laughing. Melissa turned on the headlights of the truck again and it lite up the two girls again. They began to run in circles and trip over each other again. They ducked behind another car and were both peeking out from behind it. They were obviously waiting for this car to drive away.

       Melissa got out of the car and walked toward the girls. Niki waited in the truck. She was nervous but she had faith in Melissa and watched quietly.

       Melissa: “Hi ladies. Well, you don't really look like “ladies” but you know what I mean.”

       Melissa laughed and Niki was smiling.

       Girls: “What are you doing? Give us our clothes! Where is our car??!!”

       Melissa: “You two quiet down and be nice or we will leave.”

       Girls: “NO! PLEASE! Don't go. Please give us our stuff back.”

       Melissa: “Now you are being nice. I will give everything back but you must agree do something for me, first.”

       Girls: “What do you want us to do?”

       Melissa: “OH no. You must agree, first.”

       Girls: “OK...OK...we will do whatever you want. Please tell us were our car is.”

       Melissa: “You two are so cute. I will tell you what I want. Get in the back of the truck.”

       The girls jumped quickly in the bed of the truck. They were happy to do it. They ducked down in the back so no one could see them. Melissa drove the truck under one of the large lights in the parking lot. She parked the truck under the light so the bed was facing the street. The girls tried to hide but in this position, it was impossible. Anyone from the street could see them. Melissa got out and told them what she wanted. She had one girl sit on the tailgate with her legs hanging down.

       Melissa: “Now here is what you two will do. You, on the truck will spread your legs. The other girl will get on her knees and lick you until you cum and then you will switch positions and do it again.”

       Girls: “We're not doing that! You can't make us!”

       Melissa: “You DID promise but NO, I can't make you so we will simply leave you alone. We will see you tomorrow at practice. Bye bye.”

       Melissa began to get into the truck when the girls yelled out.

       Girls: “Wait!”

       Melissa: “Yes?”

       Girls: “Please. Can't we do something else for you?”

       Melissa (getting into the truck): “No!”

       As Melissa closed the door and started up the truck, the girls ran around and yelled, “OK! OK!....Please don't go.”

       Niki was still smiling. Melissa glanced at Niki. She was relieved that Niki was enjoying this and didn't want her to stop. If Niki told her to stop, it would have been a CLEAR indication that she had “changed” because of these two bitches.

       

       Melissa: “Go ahead. Get on the truck and let's see some action. Make it good! I want the girl sitting on the truck to enjoy it. I want her to explode in an orgasm!

       One of the girls (Girl 2) sat on the tailgate of the truck and the other one (Girl 1) got down on her knees. She looked at Melissa for some sympathy but when she saw the look on Melissa's face, she knew it was pointless to object. She looked at the other girls pussy right in front of her face. She hesitated for a second, looked around and slowly began to lick her friends pussy up and down. Girl 2 looked down at her friend and watched her lick her pussy. She didn't like another woman licking her. She was not gay and liked men.

       Melissa watched and smiled. She knew that they both hated this but it was one last lesson that they needed to learn. For Niki's sake, Melissa was keeping her anger in check. She would have never really hurt them but Niki was a kind person and Melissa respected her wishes. Melissa looked down at Niki. She was on her knees looking out the back window of the truck. Melissa couldn't help but stare at Niki. Her ass was sticking up and because she didn't wear underwear, her little skirt rode up and her ass was bare. Melissa's attitude softened. Niki's ass was so damn cute. Melissa reached over and slid her hand down Niki's ass and over her pussy. Niki jumped but when she saw it was Melissa, she stuck her ass up as far as she could and kept watching the other girls. When Melissa felt her pussy, she found out that Niki was already wet.

       Niki: “I'm sorry, Melissa. I don't mean to enjoy those other girls. I don't mean to hurt you. You are still my friend.”

       Melissa (smiling): “You have nothing to be sorry for, my pet. You may enjoy whoever you wish to. The only thing that would hurt me is if you voluntarily pleased or let someone else please you. If you want ot be pleasured, you must always come to me.”

       Niki (turning red): “Yes Melissa.”

       Melissa let it go. Niki understood and she was getting so very wet. The girl on the truck was beginning to enjoy herself too. She had leaned back and had her eyes closed. Girl 1 was not enjoying herself. She kept looking up at her friend. She knew that she was enjoying herself at the expense of her tongue. It was not right! Girl 1 had no choice. The only thing that she could do is make girl 2 cum as fast as she could. Girl 1 licked harder and stuck her tongue up girl 2's pussy as far as she could. Suddenly she felt hands on the back of her head. Her friend had grabbed her head and was pulling it tighter into her pussy. It was disgusting! Girl 2 was moaning and babbling.

       Girl 2: “Oh god! Come on! Lick harder!....ohha...ooo..”

       It took longer than it should have. Melissa smiled as she finger fucked Niki. Girl 1 obviously DIDN'T know how to lick a pussy. She should have been better considering that she was a woman herself and should know what to do. Girl 2 began to shake when suddenly she let out a yell and jammed her friends face into her pussy.

       Melissa stopped fingering Niki and got out her camera and took some beautiful pictures of the two of them. She got perfect views of their faces and it left NO dought who they were and what they were doing. Niki giggled but went silent when she felt Melissa's fingers up her pussy again. Niki let out a little moan but kept watching the girls.

       Girl 2 was humping her friends face for an entire minute before letting her head go. Girl 1 fell to the ground breathing heavy. Her friend had jammed her face so tightly that she couldn't breathe. Girl 1 looked up and saw her friend laying back and breathing heavy also but her breathing was the effect of a huge orgasm at her expense. Girl 1 was not happy. Her face was all full of her friends pussy juices and she saw that girl 2's pussy was still dripping down her thighs and ass. Girl 1 smiled. Now it was HER turn and she was certainly going to make GOOD use of her friend's tongue.

       Melissa saw the look on their faces. She giggled. Girl 1 was angry. She was missing the entire point. Where the two of them were truly that selfish? It didn't matter. Melissa had no intention of playing with these two. She didn't want them near Niki!

       Girl 1 sat up on the truck and pinched girl 2's nipples HARD! Girl 2 jumped up with a yell and looked at her friend with her own pussy juice all over her face.

       Girl 2: “What the fuck was that?”

       Girl 1: “It's MY turn! Get down here on your knees and LICK ME!”

       Girl 2 looked at Melissa and demanded the keys. Girl 1 looked at her friend with anger. She had kept her part of the deal and now her friend was being an ass. Melissa saw it all too.

       Girl 2: “Give us the keys! We kept our part of the bargain.”

       Girl 1: “It's my turn, now! She made up the rules, not me. We have to do this if we want the keys. Hurry up before someone comes by and sees us. Get down here!”

       Girl 2: “I'm not licking your pussy. Your the lesbo, not me!”

       Melissa looked at them and said: “Is this the way it will be, then?”

       Girl 2: “YES! We did what you said. Now give us the keys.”

       Melissa (to Girl 2): “Your car is down the block in that direction. The keys are in it. Bring it back and pick up your friend here and you two can leave.”

       Girl 2 ran off in the direction that Melissa told her. Girl 1 looked at her sadly.

       Girl 1: “She should have kept her part of the bargain. It was not fare but I will be glad to get home.”

       Melissa: “Are you angry with her?”

       Girl 1: “Yes but we will work it out. We always do. May I talk to your friend for a minute?”

       Melissa looked at her suspiciously but finally said, “OK.” Melissa followed her to the truck. Girl 1 leaned into the window and looked at Niki. At first, Niki wiggled away from her. She was still a little afraid even though Melissa was there.  Girl 1 looked at her and realized what they did.

       Girl 1: “I can not speak for my friend but I am truly sorry for what I did. I will never bother you again. Please try and forgive me someday. It is not like me. I will try to make up for it in some way. Good Bye.”

       Melissa heard what she said and watched. Then Niki did something that even surprised Melissa. She smiled and leaned over and gave girl 1 a hug. Niki always seemed to surprise her. Melissa looked at Girl 1 and realized that she was crying. She smiled, turned around and faced Melissa.

       Girl 1: “I will keep my word and NEVER bother you, or anyone else for that matter, ever again. I will wait for my friend over by the road. I would rather not stand under this light. Good Bye.”

       Girl 1 began to walk away. Melissa looked at her and looked at Niki. Niki watched her walk away with a sad smile on her face. She glanced at Melissa.

       Melissa (to Niki): “You want to help, don't you?”

       Niki: “Please? She has changed. I KNOW it!”

       Melissa (smiling): “OK, pet. We will help. (Yelling to girl 1) HEY! HEY! WAIT!”

       Girl 1 turned around and returned as Melissa waved her back.

       Girl 1: “What do you want, now? I kept my part of your bargain. Are you going to harass us again?”

       Melissa smiled and threw girl 1 the keys to their car.

       Girl 1: What's this? I thought my friend went to get the car?

       Melissa: “There is no car down the block. I had every intention of leaving you two out here without a car and leaving.”

       Girl 1: “Where is the car and where did my friend go?”

       Melissa pointed to the next row in the lot. When the girl turned to look, she saw their car sitting there between two trucks. The girl just looked at Melissa stupidly.

       Girl 1: “Why did you change you mind and why did you send my friend down the street?”

       Melissa: “Your friend is on a “wild goose chase”. You can go home or go get your friend if you want to but I think she should find her own way home. She broke her word. You kept yours. It is your choice.”

       Girl 1: “Why did you change you mind? I don't understand.”

       Melissa: “It was Niki's idea. I would have left you here but she wanted to help you.”

       Girl 1: “Why? After what we did to her, why would she help? She should be furious with us. I would think she would be enjoying watching us try and find our way home, naked and in the dark. I don't understand.”

       Melissa: “I think I do but go and ask her.”

       Girl 1 was obviously confused but she walked over to Niki and noticed that this time, she didn't move away. She got out of the truck and met her halfway. Niki was smiling and had a “soft” look on her face, this time. This was NOT the same person.

       Girl 1(to Niki): “Why are you helping me? After what I did, you should be angry. I don't understand.”

       Niki: “I can tell that you are not an evil spirited person. Your apology is sincere and I know that you will keep your word.”

       Girl 1: “You don't even know me. How can you be sure? How do you know that I am just making this all up?”

       Niki: “I can really explain it but it's obvious to me.”

       Girl 1: “Your friend doesn't think so.”

       Niki: “Melissa is a good person. I am lucky to have her as my friend. She is always trying to protect me.”

       Girl 1 looked even more confused. She looked at Melissa for some kind of explanation.

       Melissa: “I can't explain it either but I DO know that she is special. I was terribly afraid of what you two might have done to her but she seems alright. Niki is a special person. I consider myself to be very lucky to have her as my friend.”

       The girl smiled and said, “That is what she said. I do not understand you two but I think you are BOTH lucky.”

       Melissa(smiling): “Did you like the taste of pussy? You still have your friends dried up juices on your face.”

       Girl 1(blushing): “I don't think so. At least I don't like HER juice and she will hear of this! Maybe someday, I will try again but for now, I will stick to men.”

       Melissa laughed and said, “Fare enough. You had better go before your friend realizes that there is NO car down there and returns.”

       As girl 1 turned to leave, Niki ran up to her and gave her a big hug. The girl blushed and backed away. As she turned toward the car, Melissa heard her mumble, “Very strange. I am happy that we didn't hurt her.......” Melissa smiled. Niki was right, again. It was “right” to help this girl. They both watched the car drive away and Melissa giggled when the car drove off in the OTHER direction from where her friend went.

       Niki: “What's so funny?”

       Melissa: “Her friend went in the other direction to fine the car. She drove off away form her and is apparently going home without her. You never seem to amaze me, my pet. I am lucky to have you as my pet.”

       Niki didn't understand what she meant exactly but smiled and hugged Melissa. They both got into the truck and drove down the road to where girl 2 went. They saw her running back to the lot. She was hiding behind bushes and other cars but she was headed back. When she saw the truck, she ran up to it and crouched down to hide as best she could.

       Girl 2: “Where's the car? I can't find it!”

       Melissa: “Your car is on it's way home. Your friend took it home.”

       Girl 2(angry): “Why didn't she pick me up?! That bitch!”

       Melissa: “I think your question answers itself but you can ask her when you get home. You had better hurry and be careful. You have NO ID and there are a lot of people who DON'T like naked women running around. Worse yet, there are a lot of people that DO like naked women running around. You better hurry and get going while it's still dark.”

       Melissa drove off leaving the girl running after the truck and yelling obscenities as they drove off. Suddenly she realized that she was in the middle of the street, naked and yelling. She looked around and ran into some bushes and tried to think of how to get home.

       How in the hell is she going to get home??!!

       

       End of Part 12.