Authors: Michelle Woodward
“Yes.”
“What type of scientist?”
“Geologist.”
Janice began spreading the marmalade on a slice of brown bread. She paused for a moment while she slipped into thought. “Ge... ology. Rocks and stuff, right?”
“It is one of the Earth sciences... if that’s what you mean.”
“OK. You must be very clever.”
Joshua felt himself blush. “Passionate more than anything.”
“About rocks?”
“There’s lots of different types though. I have a collection to show you.... if you don’t believe me.”
“Don’t worry.” Janice chuckled as she passed him his sandwiches wrapped in cloth. “I believe you.”
~
Samuel knocked on the door of Joshua’s bedroom before entering. He sat on the bed with his son sat at his desk while writing notes into a ledger. “I was given two tickets for the barn dance from Ms. Peggy. You know I can’t dance for toffee... so I thought I’d give them to you. Maybe you could think of someone to take along with you, Joshua.”
“Not really; it’s not a good use of my time. I have some shale deposits that need testing.”
“Joshua... I know those samples can wait.”
“Even if I wanted to go.... I have no one to go with.” Joshua noticed Samuel silently gesturing towards Janice’s bedroom. Taking the hint, Joshua stood from his chair and snatched the ticket from Samuel’s hand. “If this is a ruse for getting me out of the house... it’s doomed to failure, Father.”
“Why?”
“First she’s a maid.”
Samuel shrugged. “So? At least she works.”
“Secondly, I’m not, well she’s far from my type.”
“Just give her a chance... you never know unless you try.”
~
A fiddle band played on a stage made of wooden crates while a host of merry dancers went through their routines under the roof of the barn. Sat at a small round table, Janice sipped from her glass of lemonade opposite Joshua who necked a shot of scotch. “There’s all night to go, Joshua.” She smiled, “No need to rush.”
“You’re not the first woman father has tried to set me up with. Probably won’t be the last, either.”
Janice felt hurt. “It’s natural for a father to want his son to settle down with a woman.”
“It may be natural, but it doesn’t make it right.”
“Why isn’t it right?”
Joshua groaned while shaking his head. “It just isn’t.”
“I don’t know why it wouldn’t be.”
“I already have someone.”
“What?” Janice felt surprised. “Then why not tell your father... it will stop him worrying.”
“I can’t. Because he will never accept him.”
Janice felt shocked, almost disbelieving. “Did you just say... did you just say him?”
“No.”
“You did... you said. Oh Joshua.”
Leaning across the table, Joshua’s tone sounded threatening. “If a word of this gets out, I’ll be ruined. You hear... ruined. God Forbid, they’ll burn me at the stake.”
“Who is this... love of yours?”
“An artist I met at college. He has just moved to Florence in Italy last month.”
“Oh.” Janice smiled. “Then you must go with him.”
“I intend to, as soon as my contract expires at the end of the year. I’ll then be in Italy within a month.”
Janice raised her eyebrows at the thought of Samuel. “What about your father?”
“I’m sure that’s one reason why he wants me to settle down. So I stay with him here.... in this shit hole.”
“That’s sad.”
Joshua peered down towards the table while hanging his head. “I know it is. I don’t want to be harsh either.” His shoulders then slumped. “But one must always follow his heard and be true to himself.”
“I understand what you’re saying. But still. There has to be a better way.”
“Daniel... my, you know. Anyway, he tells me it’s safer over there. That people tend to is more accepting for the likes of us. Up to a point anyway.”
“Have you told your father?”
“No.”
“You can’t just leave him without saying a word.”
Joshua scowled. “I know. I know, but... it’s hard.” He then rested his chin on his hand. “I don’t really know how to say.”
“Maybe Samuel should concentrate on find himself someone rather than you.”
“Exactly. That’s what I always tell him. But he instead spends his money at Maggie’s.”
Janice felt cold ice travel her spine. “Maggie’s?”
“It’s a whorehouse.... in Newtown. He thinks that I don’t know about it. But I’ve seen him leaving more than once.”
“He doesn’t look the type.”
Joshua face screwed up as if he had sucked a lemon. “I was disgusted when I found out. Lost a lot respect for him after that.”
“It might not be what you think.”
“You don’t visit a whorehouse just to talk.”
“You....” Janice sighed. “Joshua, promise me that you’ll tell you father long before you leave him.”
“I will. I don’t know how... but I know I have too.”
“Good.” Janice stood from her chair, and then offered Joshua her hand. “Now kindly offer this woman a dance.”
“My feet are quicker than most, Are you sure you can keep up?”
Janice chuckled as she linked her arm Joshua’s. “I’ll do my best.”
~
Joshua stepped into the living room where he found Samuel studying the newspaper in the morning light which shone through the window. “Father.”
“Yes, Joshua.”
“There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you for quite some time now. It’s just I’ve been thinking on how best to tell you.”
Samuel lowered the paper, just enough for his eyes to peer over the parapet. “Go on.”
“I’m moving out.”
“When?”
“Once my contract is finished.”
“That’s...” Samuel silently counted.
“January.”
“Blow me down.” The newspaper rustled as Samuel lowered it onto his lap. “Where to?”
“Italy.”
“Italy?”
“Italy... as in Europe.”
Samuel wiped his hand across his face. “I know where Italy is, son.”
“I’m going to live in Florence. You OK?”
“Fine.” Samuel climbed from his chair. “I’m proud of you son, and respect any decisions you make.”
“Thanks.”
Samuel placed a hand on Joshua’s shoulder. “I don’t agree with all of your life choices. Some of them are beyond my comprehension... and always will be. But, you’re as much a part of your mother, as you are of me. And as such, I’ll always love you. No matter what you do.”
“Thanks. It means a lot to hear such words.”
~
Even though she was still in sight, Samuel felt his heart already pining for Janice. As he handed her the tickets his fingers did not want to let it go. Once his eyes met hers, they pleaded for her not to leave, yet his lips spoke the words he knew she wanted to hear. “See, as good as my word. One ticket east - all the way to Philadelphia.”
“Thank you.”
“Two good byes in one week.”
Janice felt awkward. “Sorry, Samuel.”
“A lonely old man. Happens to us all at some point or other.”
“You’re not old.”
“I feel it.” Samuel did his best to smile. “Despite this heat, winter is in my bones.”
“I do feel pretty lousy.”
“Don’t do.”
Janice wore a sympathetic smile. “Promise to write to me.”
“Of course I will.... only if you promise to reply.”
“I’m good as my word, Samuel.”
“I know. I don’t doubt it.” Samuel gushed, “It’s just, it was nice to have you around... a man can be glutton for that type of company.”
“Thank you.”
“What will you be going back to?”
“Back to my parents... as a spinster.”
Samuel noticed the dejection written on Janice’s face. “Does that bother you?”
“A bit... I never planned on going back as a failure... not that I’ve ever tasted much success.”
“Would you want to stay with me?”
“I...” Janice turned to face the train as it rounded the corner on the final run into the station.
“Only give me an honest answer, Janice. It’s fine if you don’t want to.”
“Just... You left it so late.”
“I know I’m much older... twice your age almost. But... I think you’re a mighty fine woman. I would respect you and love you until the last.”
Janice peered down at the ticket in her hand. “What are you going to do with this ticket if I chose to stay?”
“Rip it up.”
“It’s cost you a fortune.”
“I’d be too happy to worry about a damn ticket.”
“Then I say yes.” Janice chuckled and jumped into Samuel’s arms where she wished to remain. Forever.
THE END
Jackson took me by the hand as he led me through the thicket behind the lake house. The moon, hallway full, shimmered over the water as ripples ran through it like thread through cloth; intertwining and cancelling each other out.
He pulled me up the porch as he whispered words of assurance.
“There is nobody here. We have the place to ourselves.”
I just nod at ever word he said as I battled with myself. This was wrong, I knew, but what could I do? He was a famous lawyer, everybody loved him, he was so popular, and he chose me with my red hair and pale skin. I am a bit on the heavy side too, but I was really never bothered with it. I’m a tall woman with beautiful curves, and there certainly has been no shortage of men ogling them. I’ve never been ashamed of myself. What reason would I have to ever doubt who I am? My family loved me. People in my neighbourhood didn’t mind me. People saw me for me, who I was as a person and not as just a big girl with red hair.
In high school I started to realize how different I was. I was an introvert, and spent more time alone than anyone else I knew; I was ok with that. As everyone else in my class was going on dates and talking about their latest make-out sessions, I stayed home reading and spending time with family. After high school, I decided not to go to college. My father needed me here.
My mother just died and all we had left of hers was the bar she tended. My father couldn’t stay there for long without breaking down, so me and my four other older brothers had to tend to it. Well, my brothers could have done it themselves but the problem was they weren’t really that bright. They all looked the same, red heads, with sun burnt skin and freckles across their faces. The eldest being the handsomer of the bunch, but that’s because he looked like mother the most, with soft hazel eyes and thick eyebrows. The other three looked very much their father, with tall frames and sharp dark eyes.
They’re good at other things though, like for instance, hunting. They were big game hunters. I’ve seen them bring home bears and elk and other huge beasts. But firing and aiming a shot gun or setting traps is a far cry from auditing and keeping tabs.
This lawyer, Jackson, came into our bar a few weeks ago and asked me out. He, one of the most popular people in town asked an ordinary barkeep out – wow! I was super excited at first, but then it started to shift. Insecurities have a weird way of getting the best of you. He was this gorgeous man, with a muscular body, dark hair and blue eyes. His perfectly styled hair, his polished shoes and smart suits, in comparison to who I was, terrified me. I started noticing my weight, how pale I was and my stringy red hair.
He didn’t mock me for it, but even that first night at the bar he let some small comments slip. “You should go jogging with me one time,” “I have a house near the lake; you can come over and sunbathe", or “I think you’d look prettier with darker hair.” I know he didn’t mean any offense, but to a woman who is just realizing that she had insecurities with all those things, they stabbed me like sharp knives.
So when he asked me to go with him to his lake house for a drink, I didn’t know what to do. I felt lucky just to have him even consider me. So I agreed, even though part of me was apprehensive.
He carefully opened the backdoor as he pulled me into his sprawling rest house. I looked around amazed at how everything looked so perfect. The art and antique furnishings were incredible.
“You like?” He asked as he grinned at my shocked face.
I turned to him and looked down shyly, “It’s beautiful”.
“No.” He said. “You’re beautiful.”
He grabbed me by the waist as he drew me close to his body. I could feel the heat of his groin pressing against me. His hand slowly reached under my shirt to softly caress my ample breasts over my lace bra. I felt a little tense and awkward until he reached his other hand up to my chin, guided my head upward and placed his lips softly against mine in a tender kiss. I melted.
He flung his jacket across the room. He loosened his neck tie as he stared at me lustfully. Feeling his eyes permeate through my being sent waves of sensation throughout my body and a throbbing in my sex. I blushed from the attention and felt that I was starting to get wet. Part of me knew that this man would not be good for me, that he didn’t see me for who I truly was, but he was a “god”, giving me the attention that I craved. I battled with myself as he peeled his shirt off and revealed his half naked body, with his rippling muscles and his bulging arms.
He reached out to me again and pulled my shirt over my head, leaving me standing exposed in my pink lace bra, my nipples hardened with anticipation. He pulled down one bra strap allowing my left breast to bounce free and immediately massaged it passionately as he kissed me harder parting my lips with his tongue and explored inside my mouth. My tongue met his and they danced playfully as his thumb and forefinger rolled my nipple, sending surges of pulsing energy straight to my clit. I began to press my hips closer to his body. I could feel his hard cock wanting to burst free from his designer jeans. He reached around my back and finally unlatched my bra with one quick movement and lowered his head to my right breast, sucking and nibbling on my erect nipple as his left hand explored every inch of my left tit. I moaned from the sensation of his touch and reached down to feel his rock hard member. I felt his penis pulsating against the fabric of his pants as I undid his belt and pushed down the zipper. I grabbed his dick, pleased with its length and girth. I stroked it a couple of times and ran my thumb over the tip, feeling the precum soaking through his boxers. I reached under the waistband of his boxers and set his cock free as it sprung hard and proud towards me.
Jackson swiftly guided me to the sofa behind us and pressed his body on top of mine, kissing me passionately. With one hand giving generous attention to my right breast, the other hand glided down my body to reach the zipper on the side of my skirt. He skilfully unzipped it with one hand and pulled the skirt off my feet and onto the floor. He massaged my sex, feeling my hot pussy through soaking wet lace and drove his tongue deeper into my mouth. He then kneeled on the floor and used both hands to spread my legs and caress my thighs. As his hands moved smoothly toward my groin, he slid his fingers under my panties and made circular motions over my clit and ran his fingers through my folds. This sent juices flowing as I massaged my own breasts and looked him in the eye. I smiled coyly and licked my top lip. Jackson grabbed the top of my panties and slowly removed them all the way off of my feet.
With our eyes locked, Jackson lowered his head and started to make a trail of small kisses and licks from my ankle all the way up to the top of my thighs. He teasingly grazed his lips over my labia as he lightly kissed the inside of my other thigh. Unable to take it any longer, I guided his head directly to my pussy. He parted my folds with his tongue and danced it around my clit. He sucked and nibbled on my hard, longing bud and slid his finger into my wet and inviting vagina. He explored my inner walls and found my most sensitive spot, running his finger along it as he moved his fingers in and out of me in a pleasing rhythm. He reached his other hand up to my left breast and tweaked my nipple as I moaned with heated desire. I thrust my hips toward his mouth and he moved his tongue in quick flicks over my clit. His finger flicked my pebbled nipple at the same pace, sending me over the edge in ecstasy. My breath quickened as I grasped his head and pushed it harder into my pussy. He suctioned my pussy lips with his mouth and with two more strong flicks of his tongue I was sent over the edge. I moaned loudly as I came and felt juices flowing freely from my sex. I wanted him inside me.
I reached out to grasp his rock-hard cock and swiftly guided it to my slit. With no hesitation he drove his dick deep inside me as I breathed out heavily in pleasure. “Yes, more,” I moaned as we started to find a rhythm, with me gyrating my hips toward him every time his cock pressed into me. He grinned with pleasure as his dick easily slid in and out of my soaking wet pussy. As he hovered over me I could feel the heat emanating from his body and could see his heart beating strongly in his chest. I reached my arms around his back and guided him to flip over. We moved in one smooth motion with me ending up on top, his dick still deep inside. Straddling him, I laid my hands on his chest and felt his tight pecs and began riding his cock. Jackson’s hands grasped my tits and massaged them eagerly as I moved my pussy up and down his cock over and over and over. We moved in unison as the pace quickened and juices flowed like a waterfall from my sex. Not able to contain my ecstasy any longer I closed my eyes and threw my head back, gasping with passion as I was overcome with a powerful orgasmic release. It sent waves of energy from the crown of my head all the way to the tips of my toes, and Jackson’s release was not too far behind. With three more thrusts, he grunted and came hard. I could feel his warm juices mixing with mine inside of me. We collapsed on the couch breathing heavily, our moist skin glistening in the moonlight that peaked through the window. Although the sex was incredibly hot, I knew in my heart he was not the man for me.
After we lied on the sofa naked in silence for a while, the moon showering us with silvery light through the window, I felt a sense of awkwardness descend upon the room. Although I had just had the most intimate and intense encounter with Jackson, I felt distant from him. I felt like we were two magnets that were inevitably pushing away from each other, unable to make any connection. I had to leave.
“I’ve got to go now,” I said abruptly as quickly pulled up my skirt and clumsily fastened my bra.
“What?” Jackson questioned, “We just got here. I thought we could make a fire and have some wine.”
“Sorry, I just…”, I felt tears starting to well up in my eyes as I grabbed my purse, “I just need to go. Have a good night.” I headed for the door and left Jackson on the sofa with a bewildered look on his face. I felt bad for leaving him like that, but I had to listen to my instincts and they were telling me to leave immediately. I pushed the screen door open and headed out into the moonlit forest.
It was a long, winding path from the house up to the road and I carefully navigated the trail trying not to trip over tree roots and rocks. Thankfully the moon was out to guide me as I wandered through the dark woods.
Why am I crying?
I asked myself. It’s not like this was the first time I had hooked up with someone that I knew was wrong for me or the first time I’ve bolted from a date, but something inside me felt different. I felt a deep sadness, a loneliness that weighed heavy in my heart. I continued walking slowly up the winding path and was relieved that I could finally see street lights on the main road through the trees up ahead.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man with dark burly hair and stubble framing his face appeared with a torch about 15 feet away from me. I was startled and froze in my tracks, warm tears still running from my eyes that seemed to turn cold as ice on my cheek as the cool night wind hit them. The man stared at me, and I could clearly see the pity painted across his face.
“Are you okay miss?” He asked in a deep tone that echoed through the woods.
“Please leave me alone.” I replied flatly, my voice shaking with fear and uncertainty.
He took a step closer, “I could, and I know I should, but I have a feeling you are a long way from home. I wanna offer you a ride, but I bet you’re a smart woman who doesn’t take rides from strangers though, so I can offer to call a cab for you.”
I stared at him. “Yes please, that would be fine.” Part of me was still terrified of this large man that seemed to just emerge from the forest, but another part of me was thankful he offered to call me a cab. My phone had no reception out here in the middle of nowhere, and I really had no plan as to what I was going to do once I reached the road. He took out his phone and called for a cab. He mentioned the address, and I realized it was indeed too far from town for a girl to just stumble along alone in the dead of the night.
“Thank you.” I told him. We walked up to the clearing and I sat down on a large fallen tree that lay alongside the road.
“My name is Garret. Garret Fields, I live a third a mile from here.” He mentioned as he pointed to the space beside me on the tree. I nodded, indicating I was allowing him to sit down.
“I’m Jenna, Coleman. I work at Coleman’s, right along Main.” I spoke finally looking into his eyes that were a warm brown under the faint torch light.
“Sure, I’ve seen the place. Not really my kind of crowd.” He replied.
“Come by sometime. Have a drink on me.” I smiled faintly and then looked away. We shared silence for a good ten minutes before the taxi arrived. I felt relieved as I stood up and headed toward the cab. Garret opened the door for me and put his hand on my back, ushering me into the car. He paid the driver and said goodbye. As we drove away I saw him give a big wave and then disappear again into the forest.
*****