Alex and Maria: CLOSED but readable

This thread is a conversation between two characters, Alex and Maria, in the SRP entitled "You Pay To Stay"


If you would like to read more or get to know the characters and story -- even join -- you may use the following link:

http://forum.literotica.com/showpost.php?p=36458799&postcount=1

Alex waited for a moment, and every second that passed before she responded seemed an eternity. She doesn't know me, and already she doesn't like me. You're never gonna kiss this girl.

Amanda and I burst from her room, softly giggling to ourselves and almost run headlong into a boy standing just outside. Well, I suppose boy would be the wrong description although not by much. He looked quite young, barely out of his teens was my guess, but he was definitely cute and the little embarrassed glow that touched his cheeks and eyes as he kind of stared at us made heart jump quite unexepectedly. I remembered him from earlier this morning. He was one of the guys in Heaven who'd interrupterd my "private time". I glanced at Amanda, watching her size him up, my lips curling into a little smirk as she questioned him. I blinked in surprise as I realized he wanted to speak to me and Amanda was going to be leaving us alone.

She looked to me giving me a look that said, "Don't take any B.S. off this guy. If he tries anything you know what do." But all she said after giving my arm a little squeeze was, "I'll be in Noodles. I hear Dan brought down some coffee. Catch up with me?"

"Yes", I said sofly, giving her a reassuring smile as she left us alone, reluctantly glancing over shoulder.

I turned to Alex, my head tilting just a bit as I raised a questioning brow. He thrust his hand toward me and I took it, my small fingers gripping his slightly sweaty palm firmly as i shook his hand.

"Alex. I'm Alex", he said his blush deepening, which I had to admit to myself was quite adorable.

I smiled, pulling my hand away from his. He seemed a little reluctant to release it.

"I'm Maria. And that was my friend Amanda. So...you wanted to talk to me? What about?"

"Uhm...Well...I..", he stammered, reaching up and running his fingers through his dark hair, glancing around nervously. He seemed to be avoiding my gaze and I could tell he had not really thought this through one bit. I smiled wider, using this oppurtunity to take quick inventory of the the young man standing before me. The tshirt fitting perfectly over his well formed chest and torso, arms muscled but not overly so. I blushed myself as my gaze travelled lower, clearly appreciating the way he umm...filled out his jeans. I gave my head a little shake, laughing, muttering to myself, "Sheesh, Maria! Get it together!"

"I'm sorry...what was that?", he asked, dipping his head down a bit to catch my eye.

"Oh..Nothing. Sorry about that. Well you wanted to talk...why don't we try over there", I pointed to an area near the end of Broadway where someone had assembled a little sitting area. It was out in the open, but secluded enough for us to have a nice quiet chat.

"Ok..sure. After you", He said..extending his arm indicating I should lead the way. I walked over to the area, very concious of his presence behind me. I suddenly wished I'd taken a little more care with my appearance and grimaced as I realized he was getting a view of my backside clad in these oh-so fetching baggy sweats and a mass of black curls tied in a messy ponytail tumbling down my back. I finally reached the sitting area after what seemed like a mile walk with him hulking closely behind, when he stopped me with a hand pressing lightly at the small of my back.

"Wait. Allow me" he said with an exaggerated bow as he reached to pull a chair out for me.

I laughed at his display of chivalry and he peeked up at me with a broad smile, his dark eyes glinting. Wel, I thought, The ice has officially been broken. I sat down and indicated the seat next mine with a nod of my head.

"Please. Join me."

He pulled out the seat and scooted a little closer to me, his dark eyes searching my face. I fidgeted nervously under his intense gaze, teeth sinking into my lower lip as I struggled for a way to break the silence once more. He seemed to be even shyer than I was!

He had nothing to say.

Oh ... he had a LOT to say, of course. It just ... it just wasn't coming out.

She was ... out of his league. Well, he knew that when he'd first seen her, of course. He doubted that she remembered him from the Facility -- he wasn't sure if it had been a hospital originally, or simply set up as one by the military guys running it -- but he remembered her well. He'd seen her the first day they brought her into the wing he was in, remembered that cute dress and the shapely legs.

He glanced down at the clothes Dan had provided. I'm going to get her a dress, he thought. Somehow, some way, I'll get Dan ... or Sally to cough up a dress. I want to see her in a dress.

He realized he was obsessing. He also realized he was simply staring at her ... as she was at him.

Never open a conversation with "So how do you like this weather?", he could hear his father warning him. The first thing that came to his inexperienced 18 plus a few days old mind -- making him immediately cringe once he'd said it -- was, "So you're Mexican?"

I kept quiet mostly, waiting for him to say what he needed to. I reached up and pulled my ponytail over my left shoulder and absentmindedly toyed with a dark curl, twisting it around my index finger, a nervous habit I had picked up from before I could even remember. Shifting once again in my chair, I felt positively swallowed up by the huge sweatsuit i was wearing, but thankful for the bagginess covering my bare breasts beneath.

I laughed. I couldn't help myself. After watching his face as his mind worked to think of something, anything to say, *that* was what he came up with. As soon as the laughter spilled from my lips however, I regretted it. His face fell and he drew back a bit. I quickly spoke up to reassure him.

"Well yes. I'm Mexican-American. My parents were from Mexico and moved here before I was born. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Just a simple midwestern girl", I said with a smile. I felt a familiar twinge of sadness as i thought of my parents, but I fought it back and kept my thoughts on the here and now.

"And what about you, Alex? What is your background? I remember seeing you...before...but as you know, it was kind of hard to really get to know anyone at that time."

I peered up at his face, definitely wanting to know more about him. I watched him blush again as his eyes met mine and smiled wider, hoping to reassure him and let him know it was ok to open up a little.

OOC: I wanted to write in first person but I kept forgetting to do it. am starting now.

"Me?"

Another long moment passed, and I realized I was back to my DUH stage.

Background, you idiot.

Okay ... I can tell her a story ... make myself look more than I are ... or I can tell her the truth and show myself for the vanilla I am. I've never been able to remember lies ... so ...

"My paternal greatgrandfather was a Belgian immigrant," I started, recalling all the family history my mother had shared with me growing up. "Her ... my mother ... her people traced themselves back to the Mayflower."

Her expression ... I wasn't sure if she was impressed or not, so I clarified. "Third voyage. Not the first."

That elicited a smile.

"I am an only son, no male cousins, dad died when I was young ... even more was an only child..."

You just told her you have no male siblings, cousins, or uncles. When are you going to tell her you never had "the talk", you're a virgin, and you wouldn't know what to do with a nipple if you got your mouth on it????

I stopped, feeling -- oh my god, not again -- the rush of blood through my neck and face.

I shrugged ... as if to say, that's it.

The conversation continued ... haphazardly, but it continued.

Maria has no trouble talking ... I mean, not that she's talking too much. I just mean ... she can talk ... freely, and here I am tripping over my tongue ...

And ... crap she's staring at me with an expectant look! She asked me a question and I am so lost in those eyes that I have no frickin' idea what she asked.

Jesus, you really are an idiot, Alex!

Gotta say something...!

If you don't she'll know you weren't paying attention...!

Gotta be good...!

Clear your throat ... take a breath ... choose your words ... okay, go!

I blurt out, "Do you want a boyfriend?"

Oh ... my ... god ... you ... frickin ... virgin ... prick!

And my forehead hits the table ...

"Do you want a boyfriend?" Alex said, the words escaping his lips in a rush. I just stared, as he looked at me, his eyes wide, mortified with himself, his head falling forward, resting on the table as he muttered unintelligbly to himself.

My head jerked back, brows quirking upward, surprised at the abrupt turn Alex took the conversation. I had NOT been prepared for that question...at all. Watching the words tumble from his mouth and the way his face looked immediately after, as if he wished he could swallow them right back up, was kind of comical. Still, it took me several seconds to compose myself and even attempt to answer his question. I took a deep breath, looking right to left, noticing a few people beginning to notice us. I offered them a smile and a quick nod as if to say, "Nothing to see here folks!". I turned back to Alex and my heart immediately softened. He was still hunched over the table, his forehead pressed to the surface, silently chastising himself. I reached over hesitantly and rested my palm against his shoulder, letting my fingers glide up and down his back reassuringly.

"Hey, hey! None of that! You just caught me off guard is all." I said, dipping my head down to whisper reassuringly to him. He tilted his head toward me and peeked up at me. I smiled as his eyes met mine. This seemed to help a bit because he at least lifted his head from the table, but he still kept it lowered, unable or unwilling to retain eye contact with me.

"Well, it's just...you're so pretty..and well, I thought...maybe...you might...want to hang out with me sometime", he said quietly, gaze still lowered but hazarding a hopeful glance my way every now and then.

I smiled wider. This guy was seriously adorable. How could I say no, even if I'd wanted to? Not to mention, I was flattered beyond words at the interest he'd taken in me. It's one thing to walk around this place, absorbing the lecherous, hungry glances of the men knowing exactly what is on their minds. It's quite another to have someone who seems geniunely eager to spend time with you and get to know you. And let's face facts...the guy was hot!

"Hmmm...you know, Alex....I think would love to hang out with you sometime. You seem like a great guy."

Alex lifted his head quickly, blinking furiously, seemingly unable to comprehend what he'd just heard.

"You...wait....really?",he asked a huge toothy grin breaking across his face despite the hesitancy in his voice.

As I nodded slowly, returning what I'm sure was an equally goofy looking grin, he flung his arms out and abruptly swept me into him in a tight, eager hug. I laughed as I let my arms curl around his waist, giving him a gentle squeeze before pulling slowly away, looking up at him and crinkling my nose playfully.

"Sooo...I guess that means we have a date to plan!", I said as I sat back in my chair after extricating myself from his embrace.

"Uh, yeah" he said, "a date. Well, I hadn't thought that far ahead. I know that surprises you greatly", he said with a bit of good natured sarcasm in his tone.

I laughed out right, so glad to see him loosening up a bit.

"Well...I think I'll let you take me out to dinner. I hear there is this place called Noodles that has some killer cuisine. How about we meet there at 7:00 and I'll be sure to wear my prettiest sweat suit just for you?"

Alex nodded, taking time to answer, presumably thinking over my "offer". He was clearly trying to regain a little control over the situation, his confidence bolstered greatly by what I assumed was my easy going attitude.

"Sure. I'll take you out to dinner. At Noodles. But you know, let's make it 7:30 instead. I have a few important things to take care of that might make me a little late. You know how it is." he said, gracing me with a cool nod and a little grin.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and laugh in his face. Instead, I stood suddenly, "Ok, great! 7:30 sounds fine. I'm looking forward to it." I smiled and turned to walk away, changing my mind last minute, a wicked gleam in my eye. I turned back to him and moved in close, leaning over him as he looked up at me expectantly. I placed my hands on his shoulders and brushed my lips across his in a feather soft kiss, letting them glide along his cheek until they met his ear. Whispering, my warm breath washing over his ear, his neck, "Don't be late."

I stood upright and smiled, turning on my heel and walking briskly away to meet up with Amanda without a backward glance. My heart was racing and I couldn't wait to fill Amanda in on every word!

I sat there for several minutes, long after Maria had disappeared into Noodles to, presumably, hook up with her friend ... yeah, Amanda. I had somewhere I needed to go, something I needed to do right now ... but I also had a bit of a ... problem.

I glanced around; no one looking. I reached into my lap for a feel. Crap! Get down!

I sighed ... and waited.

My god, she kissed me. I mean ... I think she kissed me. It was like, her lips kinda touched mine, on their way to my cheek ... or ear ... I don't really remember ... I just remember ... she kissed me!

I checked the area again ... check my "area" ... oh, c'm'on!

Thinking about "it" wasn't helping. I started watching the people, started thinking about them instead.

Everyone was out and about. I was still getting to know the names; even though we'd all been downstairs for three weeks together -- wow, it had seemed like three years -- there was so little "chatting". It was ... depressing, really. No one wanted to talk.

And everyone was old, older than me. Even the other "teenagers" seemed older than me.

But Sally held us all together --

Sally!

I glance around, glance down; I'm okay. I inconspicuously "arrange" myself and head off quickly, straight to Sally's unit.



"You want what?"

I felt the blush rush through my face and was thankful, as I so often was, for my slightly darker complexion. Not that it did me any good; Sally smiled as the red invaded.

"Alex, I ... I don't understand."

"I ... I have a date. And ... I ... " I diverted my eyes. I couldn't look at her; I felt ... like a frickin' kid.

"You want advice," she said, her voice so compassionate. When a moment had passed and I still hadn't responded, she asked, "Alex, can I ask who? Who's your date with?"

"Maria," I said. A proud smile spread across my face. I almost chuckled with joy. "Maria. I have a date with Maria."

Sally's smile, her entire expression ... it reminded me of my mother's face when I announced my scholarship, a full ride to the University of Oregon's School of Journalism. It made me feel ... proud ... and, while I'd only known Sally a month or so ... loved.

"Okay," she said, pointing to the little "office" she'd arranged from supplies Dan had apparently provided her. "Sit. And let's talk ... about your date."

After I was sure I was out Alex's line of vision, I let the giddyness take hold. I let out a tiny excited squeal and increased my pace to barely under a brisk jog to find Amanda. I spotted her sitting at a table in Noodles reading some kind of magazine or something she managed to lay her hands on. I all but hurled myself in her direction. She glanced up at that moment, her lips parted in a little surprised "Oh!" as I pulled out a chair and scooted myself as close as possible, panting a little breathlessly. I took a deep breath, looking up at her, then let the words rush out in a torrent.

"Oh my god, Amanda. You are NEVER going to guess what Alex wanted to talk to me about! Well first he started in on some weird story about his family...i think. And then he just kind of rambled on about some stuff. And then....."

"He asked you out?", she asked, cutting me off. She chuckled, a bemused expressiong taking over her delicate features.

I just nodded, my lips turning down into a little pout at the fact she had just stolen my thunder. But the excitement I was feeling was too great, and my face lit up as I smiled again.

"Wow, was it that obvious to you what he wanted? I had no idea. I was actually a little dumbstruck when he asked. But now...oh, Amanda, i'm so excited! I have a real date! With a hot guy! And he's sooo nice."

"To be honest with you, Maria, I saw this coming a mile away. I'd caught him staring at you quite a few times. I didn't think the guy would ever work up the nerve to actually speak to you, though", she said with a laugh.

I just shook my head, laughing with her. My gaze fell to her to her plate of food, which she'd only just nibbled at. My stomach roared with hunger, suddenly realizing how ravenous I was. She laughed again and pushed the plate toward me and I looked up at her.

"You're sure you don't want it? You barely ate anything at all."

"No you go ahead. I wasn't as hungry as i thought I was"

I smiled gratefully and attacked the offered food, recounting word for word the entire conversation between mouthfuls.

Amanda and I chatted throughout the afternoon. Occasionally one of the others would come and sit with us while they had their lunch. I peered over her shoulder and realized we'd let the entire afternoon get away from us. I only had about an hour left to get ready. Not that it would be hard with my limited resources. Still, I wanted to do the best I could to make myself look amazing for Alex. Just as I was about to excuse myself and rush back to my unit, I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Sally smiling down at me. A little tremor of frustration swept through me, but I bit it back. If Sally wanted to talk to me, she certainly deserved my time after all she'd done for me. Let Alex sweat a little if I'm a little late. She glanced at Amanda and I swore I saw her give her a little illicit wink and a knowing smile before turning her attention back to me, her expression turning quite serious.

"Maria, I'm so sorry to interrupt you and Amanda, but I need you to head to your unit."

My brow furrowed, not comprehending a twinge of worry poking at me.

"Well..okay. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, Maria. But I really need you to go to unit as soon as possible. You'll see why when you get there."

I rose slowly, leaning to give a quick hug and kiss on the cheek to Amanda. I turned to Sally, trying to read her face but she wasn't giving anything away. She gave me a tight hug and then pulled out a chair across from Amanda and sat down.

"You better hurry, Maria. You wouldn't want to....be late." she said, and this time I was sure i saw the corner of her mouth twitch as if she was trying to suppress a smile.

Still frowning slightly, wondering, I turned and headed off to my unit to find whatever it was that Sally found so pressing. I really, really hope this dosen't interfere with my date.

Reaching my unit, I opened the door, poking my head in cautiously, peering into the space not immediately noticing anything out of order. Then my eyes fell on my bed and I gasped in surprise. There was a bag on my bed and I headed straight for it, sure this was the reason Sally sent me back here. I sat down and grasped the zipper pull between my fingers and pulled it open, my mouth falling open as I pulled the two halves apart and stared at the contents.

There was everthing. Sally had thought of everything! I pulled out item after item. Mascaras, lipsticks. Shampoo, conditioner...and a blow dryer! I had thought I'd seen the last of those for a good long time. Digging deeper, I pulled out three packages that had been folded and wrapped separately. Clothes! I could NOT believe it. There were three outfits, each wrapped in plastic to protect them from the other items they had been packed with. I unwrapped each quickly. It felt like Christmas! Sally was truly an angel! One package held a slinky, shimmery blue blouse and tight form fitting black trousers. The second held flirty, flowing skirt and my eye brows raised at the length. I laughed to myself. It's not Christmas just yet for Alex! But when I opened the third and final package my breath caught and I knew this the was the one.

I started to separate the items, pulling out what I needed to get ready and putting the rest carefully back inside the bag, I found a little slip of folded paper that I must have overlooked in my zeal to dig into my little bag of goodies. I unfolded the paper. It was a note.

"Compliments of Dan Keel. Have fun."

I smiled. This was definitely not a man's handwriting and I was pretty sure once again Sally was deflecting any praise or thanks away from herself. Oh well, she'd get it anyway next time I saw her!

I gathered up my things and headed off to Heaven to get ready.

I took long shower in which I scrubbed every inch of myself, indulging in some much needed shaving and shampooing. I dryed carefully and thoroughly, using the precious blow dryer and brush to bring my hair to a glossy cascade of ebony waves tumbling down my back. I smiled widely as I looked at the outfit I had chosen for Alex.

The dress was emerald green with a halter neckline. The silk felt like heaven as it slipped against my skin with each movement. The hem fell to about mid-thigh and the strappy silver sandals I was given gave my long shapely legs the perfect curve. I finished by applying a bit of mascara and a light layer of crimson lip gloss to my lips.

I stood in front of the mirror and just stared at myself for several long moments. I didn't recognize myself. My hands ran over the front of the dress, the top tight around my full breasts. The dress was form fitting, the cinched waist flattering my petite frame. The color accenting my honey gold complexion perfectly. I turned and peered at my reflection over my shoulder, smiling in approval at the rear view. Maybe it IS Christmas time for Alex, too! ,I thought to myself with a small chuckle.

I took a deep breath and hurried out the door heading to Noodles. I saw Alex standing with his back to me. It looked like someone had left a little goodie bag for Alex as well. I approached quietly, stopping just a step behind him and cleared my throat to get his attention.

"Alex?"

I spun ... and ... froze. Oh my god ...

She is the most beautiful woman on the planet. She was ... simply stunning.

Sally had said she had a surprise for me. She'd told me to run off and get showered -- I'd only had a few minutes before "Mens Hour" in Heaven was over -- and then wait for her in my unit. She'd pointed a finger in my face and commanded, "Don't leave ... your unit."

An hour or so later, she returned with a bag for me: clothes! Real clothes. Painter pants, button up shirts, tees, slip-on shoes, the whole bit. (I'd been a bit embarrassed when I found three different styles of underwear and she'd pointed at a skimpy pair with red and white stripes and said, "You can never be too patriotic.")

"You have a strong back, don't you Alex?"

I looked at her, oblivious. Did this have something to do with the underwear? "Yeah ... I guess."

"Tonight you may have a date with the most beautiful girl in the building," she said, giving me a wink, then handing me another small bag, "but tomorrow you have a date with a hand truck."

I cocked my head. "Excuse me?"

She backed out of my unit, telling me I'd find out in the morning. She told me to get dressed, wait until she came for me, and, smiling, finished, "Have fun tonight."

I answered her with a wide smile, and she was gone.

I sat there waiting for what seemed an eternity ... just ... sitting. After about ... a day ... I realized I'd begun sweating like a pig; I ripped my shirt off, wiped down with my still-wet towel, and donned a new shirt, just in time for her return.

And now, here I was, on my date ... the the most beautiful girl in the building ... the city ... the world.

There were no words ... so ... I just opened Sally's last little bag and pulled out the plastic wrist-corsage, and offered it forward ... with a proud smile.

Alex spun around at the sound of my voice and gave me a good up and down, taking his time about it too. As if trying to memorize every inch of me. I smiled, teeth sinking into my lower lip, a fit of shyness coursing through me.

I took an appraising glance at Alex as well and said another little silent "Thank You" to Sally. She'd outfitted him nicely. He was dressed in a button down, casually left un-tucked from his pants.

"You look great, Alex! Love the shoes!"

I laughed as he thrust the little plastic corsage at me and slipped it on my wrist. I did a little twirl for him. "So what do ya think?!"

Words ... they still didn't come to me. I flashed back to an exercise in my first Journalism class on how to use the Thesaurus and -- having had an eye for the head cheerleader, who didn't know I existed -- looked up a hundred words that described a girl's beauty.

I could picture all of them now ... couldn't say them, but I remembered all of them.

Sally was standing off to the side, staring at us; I'd forgotten about her. She cleared her throat, getting my attention, and raised an eyebrow knowingly.

"Oh!" popped out before I realized how silly it sounded. I jerked a thumb over my shoulder, saying, "C'm'on. I got something neat to--"

Sally's throat cleared again ... loudly.

I looked at her; she was turned away, as if it hadn't been meant for me. I glanced back to Maria; she did her best to hide a smirk that I interpreted to simply mean, Vir-gin.

I cleared my own throat; I swiveled a quarter turn, sticking my elbow out. I smiled, feeling yet another frickin' blush envelope my cranium, and said in my politest voice, "Dinner awaits."

Maria pointed over her shoulder toward Noodles, smiling. "That way."

"Not a chance in he--" I caught myself, glancing quickly at Sally, who gave me another one of those expression I recalled from my mother. "I mean ... I have ... a reservation."



A startling white, lacy table cloth covered a four seat dining table that featured only two chairs. Tall dinner candles, glowing brightly, flanked a crystal bowl filled with colorful chunks of polished agates and other semi-precious stones. Soft music played from a phonograph -- something I could honestly say I'd never actually seen before -- and, standing in the corner of the 4th Floor 20x20 was MaryAnne, with a rolling cart of assorted foods at one hand and a table featuring a propane burner at the other; slices of canned ham in (presumably also canned) mushrooms, and a sauce that made me think of gramma-ma at TurkeyDay, were sizzling with a slight popping smell.

I glanced to Maria; her expression was ... unforgettable.

"Dinner is served," MaryAnn announced in her best feigned French accent. She wore an actual chef's hat and apron, and smiled at me as if she already knew I was leaving her a hundred dollar tip.

I shook my head a bit and thought of Dan and the hand truck. "Oh, jeez ... this is gonna cost me."

This thread ends here for now, but isn't over yet. It coincides with a post in the main thread (linked below) and will continue and be posted on an upcoming day. Alex and Maria still have a wonderful dinner ahead of them. Stay tuned.

http://forum.literotica.com/showpost.php?p=36540046&postcount=67