Both sides of the Pond (Closed)

[papillon24]

OC: This is a story for Papillon and Ravenloft. Please read along and enjoy

IC:

It was fall and the school year had just started once again in the small town of Savannah Georgia. The fall was muggy and warm as students milled around the quad during the lunch hour.

Helena Clemens walked back to her dorm. She had had early morning classes and was finished for the day. This was her Junior year here and she loved her life. She spent many days lounging in the quad with her friends and late night studying Early American History much to the chagrin to her family.

Helena was not your average junior, despite her attempts to blend in. She was British first, with a thick proper English accent that stood out in the deep south. Most days she could hide her beauty by tying her thick blond hair back in a simple pony tail that fell to her shoulders and cover her delicate frame in loose flowing country skirts and flowing hippy style tank tops and blouses. But the accent stood out. At first she tried to hide it and adopt the southern twang of many of her classmates with no avail. She just went with it and became "the British girl".

The other thing that made he different was the fact she was royalty. Her Father and mother were King and Queen back in England. Her older brother Philip was next in line for the crown. He currently was overseas with the British Royal Air Force leading a special mission somewhere in the Middle East. He was not one to sit back and watch others from afar. Instead, he dove straight in and got his hands dirty. It was one reason he was going to be a wonderful king.

Helena did not announce her royal connections. She hated being recognized for her family. She wanted t make her way on her own. She left across the pond to separate herself from the watchful eye of her country. No one would really miss her much. She rarely was in the eye of the public. It was her Brother who was the hero of the country. He was in the spotlight and handled the attention with grace and commanded the press. Helena made sure she kept her identity a secret, She used the surname Cannon as to distance herself even more from her family's name. Most of her friends called her Lena. She did not mind and actually preferred it to the formality of Helena. And it was another way to distance herself from her Royal connection

The day was hot as an Indian summer trotted on. Students filled the Quad, some complained about the awful professors that had the luck to be in their classes. Others were busy figuring out which party they were going to attend after their last class of the first week. Lena had found a shady spot under a tree where she perused the pile of books she had acquired over the first week. She loved the sight of her new text books. Some were new, but some were very well used. She had always like the used ones. The highlighting of previous students, notes in the margins. It was fun to see what others had found important.

 

[Ravenloft]

Bryan was a simple Georgia farm boy in most ways, but he had always taken his studies seriously, which was how he had gotten into college on a full scholarship. He had things pretty much figured out for himself until Lena, 'The Britt' came... He instantly took a liking to her even while she was trying too hard to fit in with that fake twang of hers.

He was in the pharmacy program and like her, he was a junior. He was blessed with a strong body, so the jocks always tried to convince him to join the football team, but he really had no interest in that. He kept to himself mostly, but when Lena showed up, he took an interest in her.

Occasionally he would see her in the quad or at the cafeteria and he would go hang out with her. Today, he was going to ask her out. He bought a white garden is, picking it out only because he thought it looked the most unique out of everything the local flower shop had. He walked up behind her, absorbed in a book like she was and casually waved the flower into her line of sight, breaking her concentration. "Hey Lena, whatchya readin?" He ask as she looked up, offering her the flower.

 

[papillon24]

Lena stopped when a shadow blocked the sprawl of the sun as if fell on her stretched out legs, a presence behind her. It had felt wonderful to be outdoors to study. She loved how the weather here stayed hot, with a very mild winter. Back home, fall would be starting, and that meant cool and rainy days and soon the snow would come. It was that she minded the snow, she really just loved to be warm, or be able to spend days outside if it was if it was at all possible.

She stopped reading the sentence she was one, placing a delicate finger under it to mark the spot she was on just in time. It was nothing complicated as it was only the first week, but the concept of bimolecular structures is enough to confuse even the smartest of people. A single white flower can into her line of vision between her and her studies. She smiled as the smell of the gardenia wafted up, perfuming the air in front of her. If was one of her favorite smells and she would frequently be found wearing that very smell.

"Hey Lena, whatchya readin?" She recognized the voice that came from behind her. It was Bryan. He had been in her classes since the beginning and had always been kind. Even though her awkward phase of trying to be too American. He had been the one to convince her it was not natural and to give up the fake accent and just speak in her native one. She had always appreciated it.

She took the flower and brought it up to her nose inhaling the sweet perfume. She was not sure what to think. She had always taken a liking to him. How could she not. He was well built, and his eyes were soulful. And he had a brain and work ethic that matched his gook looks. Most of the girls on campus would turn their head and watch him as he walked by.

"Thank you." She spoke with her think proper English accent. "I'm just reading over professor Dougherty's suggested reading. Trying to get a head start as per usual."

Lena turned towards him taking in his bright smile. He seemed nervous, slightly jumpier than usual.

"Is everything alright Bryan?" She placed a note card to keep her spot before closing the book and setting it to the side. "You seem nervous for some reason."

 

[Ravenloft]

"You're welcome! Dougherty's class, huh? Good idea, I hear he's tough. Um..." Bryan looked away for a moment, bolstering the nerve to actually ask Lena out. She must have sensed his nervousness, she immediately asked him if he was alright. "Yeah! Yeah, just..." he looked up from his feet and into her eyes. "Would you like to go out for diner with me, tonight?" He had actually reserved a table at a really fancy restaurant weeks ago, but he wanted that to be a surprise.

 

[papillon24]

She smiled as he spoke to her asking her to join him for dinner, his gaze deep intent on her and only her. It was endearing to see him a bit rattled. He usually was all smiles and full of confidence. She had gotten to know him over the past year. Always as friends, and never more. Many times they were accompanied by her dear friend and room mate Larissa.

Larissa Dupont was not just her room mate. She was British born but raised by her father in America after a nasty divorce and a lot of tears.. At the age of eighteen Larissa had joined the American Marine corps and flourished in her career. England had called her back for a special mission. Join the Princess and protect her without anyone knowing. Keep her identity a secret, but watch over her while she went about her collegiate career. Her real age is much older than many of the students, but she looks young for her age and blends right in.

All in all, she has become the biggest ally for Lena. Living together and keeping a secret together really brings two people together in the end.

"Bryan, that would be lovely" She laid a hand gently on his shoulder. He was solid, she could feel his musculature beneath his tee shirt. It was rare in he sciences to have someone who was fit, let alone buff. Sometimes she ad wondered what else was hiding beneath that shirt. She blushed a bit at her thoughts.

Lena had always like him more than she should. She was here for school and not to meet boys. Socializing a bit was good but too much and she might reveal who she was.

 

[Ravenloft]

Some of the nervous tension left him as Bryan relaxed under lena's touch and acceptance of his offer. He smiled again, his southern charm returning to light up his eyes. "Good, great even!" He covered her hand on his shoulder with his and brought it to his lips, lightly kissing the back of her hand. "It's an honor and a privilege to be sharing a meal with you tonight, Miss Lena Cannon." He drawled, letting his thick southern accent come out in all its glory.

Looking up from her hand, he thought he caught her blushing and it made him smile. "After all, you are the prettiest, smartest girl in the quad." He was really pouring it on now. He had made reservations weeks ago, wanting to surprise her. Thank God she was free tonight!

 

[papillon24]

She smiled at the heavy charm he had been laying. Her took her hands gently in his and brought the back up to his lips, placing a gentle kiss upon it. It was a sweet gesture, cheesy, but sweet none the less. Out of all the girls on the campus that watch him and flirted, he had chosen to ask her at this moment, and so far it was perfect.

Till now she had just thought of him as a friend and confidant other than Larissa. His presence had always made her feel safe. She felt at home here. This campus, her friends, and now him. She was as close to her real self as she had ever been. Here she was safe from the eye of the public. And in this moment it was just the two of them sharing a small moment in time.

"You sir, are too much." She let out a single laugh to ease the tension. She pulled her hand back and rested it on her lap. She leaned back against the tree as she gazed back at him. "What time and where should I meet you? And what is the dress code for this date?" The more she relaxed the stronger her accent got.

 

[Ravenloft]

The thing about Lena was she had never once tried to flirt with him, they had started out friends the day they met and had the chance to grow in that friendship without feeling any sort of sexual tension. It was nice to find a girl who liked him for him, not just because he had a firm ass or tight muscles. Lust could be nice, but his mama didn't raise a fool, he knew that kind of thing was fleeting.

He was a romantic at heart, he wanted something that would last and he had grown confident that Lena could be that girl. Still holding her hand as she said he was too much and laughed, he smiled. "Just wait till you see where I'm taking you, darlin..." he replied, waggling his eyebrows at her. He couched down and picked at the grass a little as she asked for the details. "Meet me here, in the quad, at seven." He hesitated a bit to answer the last question, not wanting to spoil the surprise, but realizing he'd have to, a bit. "Dress fancy." He said with a grin.

 

[papillon24]

Lena raised and eyebrow at him at. He had something up his sleeve. She could always tell when he was up to something. The was a glint in his eyes as if champagne bubbles were floating to the surface

"Fancy, huh?..."

First, The notion of something fancy surprised her. Never once had she shed a notion about ever wanting anything fancy. She had grown up with it. She relished in the freedom that she had here in that she could be as casual as she wanted. Long slowing skirts she founds in thrift shops left over from the sixties were her go to, but she also loved that she could walk across campus and straight to class wearing a pair of cotton pajama pants and a university tee shirt.

Second, she had never seen him wear anything but jeans, boots and a tee shirt. Maybe sometimes those boots and jeans turned to board shots and flip flops in the hot summers, but nothing more than that.

"I think can put something together. No promises though" She thought about the dress and jewelry her mother had sent her when she had not been able to make it to the winter gala last year. It had hung in her closet untouched since then. And until now she had no desire to even try it on "No promises though." She smiled knowing she had a surprise in store

With a whisk, she pulled her hand away as she reached for her books. "Then I should head back now so I might prepare for this fancy meal."

 

[Ravenloft]

He noticed that raise of her eyebrow, oh, that meant he was in for something, something good. He was pretty good at catching people's tells, but even when he caught one of Lena's, he was still always blown away by whatever she was up to. This time he had something up his sleeve too, though. He grinned, it wasn't a competition, but he was pretty sure what he had in store for her would surprise her. A fancy restaurant, some hired musicians, his best clothes and his mama's ring.

"Bring a bathing suit too, there's a surprise in store for you after dinner." He added with a huge grin. It was probably stupid, but he wanted to wait to propose to her in the water. Her statement of 'no promises though' made him smirk. Oh yeah, he was in for it. She was definitely going to blow his mind.

"Hold on, let me help." He said as he tried to hedge her off and pick up her books, bumping heads with her. "Ow!" He leaned back, rubbing his head, laughing. Recovering before her from the bump, he snatched them up and stood. Offering her his free hand to help her up. "Miss Lena Cannon, would you do me the honor of walking you to your dorm room?" He asked, pretending to be all serious and propper about it.

 

[papillon24]

He was defiantly up to something but she could not put a finger on what it could be. Usually she could read him like a book. Today was different, something was changing. Nothing that was bad, but different. No longer joking around with her, or teasing her here and there. HE was serious, or trying to be as serious as he could be.

The bump on the head brought her out of her thoughts. Lena rubbed her head where his forehead had met him. "ow," Now there was the goofy guy she knew.

He scooped up her books and tucked them into the crook of his arm and held out a hand to her. She took it as he helped her from the place where she had sat. She shook the grass and dust particles that had settled on her skirt.

"Why of course, you may" She spoke, trying to match his joking formality, coming off a little too proper out of habit. She shook it off to one side. Many times she would come off a bit too proper, but would pass it off as a joke. It make her a little more quirky to people here. "I'm warning you though, Larissa might be there, I'm running a little behind when I said I would be back. You might catch her wrath." She giggle and remembered the last time she had been out late with friends and he had caught the brunt end of it. It had taken Lena a week to

 

[Ravenloft]

Taking her proper reply as a clever continuation of his playful banter, Bryan kissed her hand again. "It is an honor and a privilege, escorting the finest, prettiest lady on campus back to her dorm, it surly is!" He was laying it on real thick, but he knew she got his sense of humor, that's why he had secretly fallen for her.

At the mention of Larissa being there he paused, almost wincing, remembering the serious dressing down he received from her the last time he'd made Lena late. That girl was a live wire, not the one he particularly wanted to end up on the bad side of. "Shit..." he whispered under his breath then lifted his chin, boldly. "Well, if I do, it will be worth it. If I happen to croak, just tell every one I died for a worthy cause, won't you?" He teased, taking Lena's arm and walking her home.

 

[papillon24]

"Oh, don't worry. I will declare it to the world how honorable you were good sir." She giggled. She had always loved the banter the two of them had together. She had never seemed awkward around him. Always comfortable. And not that bad kind of comfortable that you sometimes have with people. "And besides, I will plead your case to here."

She leaned into him as they walked back to her dorm room, laughing and joking the entire way, until they stood in front of the door to her room. It was on the top floor and she like it that way. Her parent had made sure she had the largest suite in this dorm building to herself and Larissa. It was easily large enough for six students to live in with it's own master bathroom. Her and Larissa had it all to themselves to help maintain her privacy.

"It's good to see that chivalry is not dead."

At that Larissa opened the door

"You are late." Her eyes were cold and clearly she was upset about something. "Oh, It's you." she raised a finger towards him as if to emphasize her words. "You always make her late and make me worry." Her gaze caught him standing there and it turned cold and icy.

"Down girl" Lena joked. "I'm fine. You don’t have to worry about me. Plus you could have called me. I have my mobile on me…."she stopped as she caught herself using British slang "I mean my cell."

 

[Ravenloft]

"Have you ever heard the one about the mushroom that walked into a bar? Well, he sits down and orders a drink but the bartender tells him to get lost because they don't serve is kin and he asks the bartender, why not, I'm a fungi." Bryan cracked one of his cheesiest jokes as they reached Lena's dorm room door.

He smiled, big and brightly for her as she laughed and nodded when she said chivalry wasn't dead. "Nope, not as long as I live." He rocked back on his heels, sticking his hands in his pockets for a moment, subconcious doing it to confirm that the ring, in its box was still there. He was half tempted to go to one knee right thenow and there, but then Larissa opened the doir, apparently having heard them.

"Hello, Larissa... nice to see you too... we're you standing guard right there this whole time? It's a good thing you caught us when you did, I was just about to get Lena pregnant with a kiss... then she would have been late for two things." He smirked and ran his fingers through his hair, giving Lena a playful wink before stepping back, just in case Larissa took a swing at him for his sarcasm.

Despite Bryans stab at humor to defuse the situation he still balked a little at Larissa icy stare, swallowing hard as a shiver ran down his back, fighting the urge to back away some more.

 

[papillon24]

"….then she would have been late for two things."

She was shocked at how bold he was being, even just in jest. She had always loved how he was always joking and light hearted. Even when the jokes were cheesy, they still made her laugh.

Lena could see the detest in Larissa's eyes and the dead gaze bore into the both of them. It was the scary look she had gotten when she was about to start throwing punches as well as her words. Quickly she wiped the smirk off her face, trying to get serious.

"Brian!..." feigning a fake disgust as she gently and playfully punched him in the arm as she had always done for emphasis.

 

[Ravenloft]

Lena looked shocked and Larissa looked like she was ready to kill. Maybe that wasn't the best thing he could have said. Things were kind of tense until Lena playfully slugged him in the shoulder. He rubbed at it and shrugged. "What? It's not like you're the queen of England, she doesn't need to protect your virtue... She really needs to lighten up. We're just a little late, that's all..." He gave Lena a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping away, a little worried that Larissa might actually take a swing at him if he kept pushing her. "I'll see you at seven, okay, Lena?"

 

[papillon24]

She stopped at the comment, did he know. She tossed Larissa concerned glance hidden by an awkward smile. She just shrugged it off and kept close watch on the two.

"I'll see you at seven, okay, Lena?"

"Yes, seven will be just lovely. Back in the quad. I cant wait." She pushed her way passed Larissa and into their large suite leaving him behind her. Larissa all but slammed the door in his face.

"What was that about Helena?" A slight Brooklyn accent popped though. It always did when she got mad, or flustered.

"First of all, you know I hate it when you call me that. Second. He asked me on a date."

"Ugg,"she rolled her eyes at the very thought. "You know that is probably not a good idea. You came here to study medicine. Not the local wildlife."

Lena shot her a cold look as she placed her books on her desk and headed over to her closet. It was large, but Lena had decided to only fill it with the necessities. The basics. One thing was out of place. Among the flowing earth tone skirts and peasant blouses was something long and blue. As she pulled it out the sparkle on it caught the light.



"what are you doing with that? I thought you hate it."

"He said dress fancy. I though this would work. I don’t have anything else on hand and it's too late to go buy something."

"Well, you might stand out a bit in it. Remember that is custom couture. People down here don’t own things like that."

"I'm sure they do. The have those debutante ball things" she laughed thinking of those balls. People here loved being a part of it. Back home, she would fight tooth and nail to not have to attend. Her brother would laugh at her as he stood dashing in his tux and sash.

 

[Ravenloft]

When Bryan got back to his dorm room he hopped in the shower and took a nice long one. It felt good and relaxed him a little bit, but he was still pretty nervous. He was going to propose to Lena tonight and he knew she had no idea he was going to do it. "Okay..." he muttered to himself as he opened his closet and got his uncles old suit out. It was a bit big on him, but it wax the only tux he had and he had to look fancy for her tonight.

He put it on and turned to the side, checking how it looked. It looked pretty silly on him, the way it hung off his body... he looked down to find the red sash that went with it."oh... what's this for?" He wondered aloud, checking his phone for details on tuxedos and how to wear them. He found a page with a picture of one with a sash and followed it ax best he could figure. Fashion wasn't his strong suit and after about seven tries, he finally got it to look something like the picture. Not perfect by any means, but close.

He put on some white cotton gloves and brushed his damp hair back, checking his breast pocket for about the tenth time to make sure the box with the ring was there still. Then he packed his swim trunks in one of his pockets and headed for the door. Eager to be out in the quad, waiting for her even though he had about fourth five minutes before seven.

 

[papillon24]

Lena had taken her time in the shower. The heat of the day had stuck on her like the fog back home. Her hair was washed and she quickly dried it into waves that fell to her elbows. Normally she did not wear her hair down. Usually opting for a bun or a pony tail to keep it form her face while studying. She felt as if it were better to wear it down for this special occasion.

She dressed, pulling the satin of the blue dress over her head. Larissa stepped in and was nice for once, helping her with the zipper on the side. Making sure it was straight and hidden.

Lena lined her eyes and patted on a little silver cream eyeshadow, making her blue eyes stand out even more. After so ling, doing make up in this fashion felt strange. It was never needed or something she ever thought about. And if she ever did she never wore more than a thing coating of mascara. Next she patted on a bit of light pink lip stain and coated it with a gloss. Looking in the mirror she barely recognized herself.

She opened the locked box that sat on her desk. Inside a sparkle shone. For some reason her mom thought she would need it here. From it she lifted out a jewelry set. It was set with sapphires, diamonds and emeralds. There were earrings and a bracelet to match. Most girls would be jealous of this set. To her family it was not that much, but here something lie this could pay for someone's tuition 3 fold. She felt bad wearing it, but it went so well with the dress.

To finish off the look she stepped into a pair od strappy black heals that were comfortable as well as beautiful.

Larissa stepped back over as she packed a small bag with her purple bikini and a towel. She tossed in a few things to touch up her makeup and hair as well.

"You are really going out like that huh?"

"Yes Larissa, as I said before, he said fancy"

"You know that this is overkill here. And what would your mom say about you wearing that necklace. What if you lose it.?"

"Its no big deal. Its not like they are the crown jewels." She chuckled at the idea of having to wear the crown jewels. They were so big and un-necessary.

"Well, I'm still following you."

"I know that. Just make sure you stay hidden. WE cant give who you really are away. People need to think you are just my cranky uptight room mate from Brooklyn."

"Hey, that’s not very nice, I'm not cranky."

Lena raised an eyebrow at her as she headed out to meet up with him

 

[Ravenloft]

Bryan was standing out in the quad, waiting for Lena to show, feeling like a complete dork as several groups of students walked past him. A couple of the girls took notice of him and checked him out. One even whistled and flirted a little. He shrugged it off with a laugh and a wave before stuffing his hands in his pockets and circling around behind a tree, kind of wanting to die of embarrassment. This was soo not his typical style! But he wanted to impress Lena, show her that he was more than just hay rides and blue jeans.

He looked up and saw her walking out into the quad through the branches of the tree and his jaw dropped! "Holy shhhh...." he muttered to himself as he pulled his hands out of his pockets and grabbed ahold of a branch, swinging out from behind the tree to wave her over. "Lena!"he called out, making his way over to meet her half way. "Oh my god! I know I said fancy, but, wow! Look at you! You look just like a princess!" He was stunned, no, he was beyond stunned! He was... gobsmacked! Yeah! That's what he was! She looked freaking amazing!

He got ahold of himself though and stood up straight and turned around for her. "What do you think? Not bad, huh?" He asked, giving his lapels a flick. "I could be a consierge or a head waiter, don't you think?" He joked, down playing his own digs. "Or someone with a vague semblance of authority..."

 

[papillon24]

Lena made her way across the quad. The sun was starting to dip low and the brick of the old building began to glow. The heat of the day had subsided as well as the humidity. She felt weird all dressed up. It had been years since she had even thought of putting on a ball gown or wearing something fancier than a skirt and tank top. The satin fabric slowed around her body as she walked. A few people gave a her a few strange looks.

“I knew it” she whispered to herself. “I think I overdid it”.

Just as she was about to turn on her heels to her dorm to change, she spotted him. He stood beneath the tree she liked to study at.

He waved over to her calling her over. Seeing him all dressed up himself made her smile. She could see the slight age in his tux, but it still held a classic look. It gave him an air of sophistication as well as bringing out the boy in him. Although the crookedness of his bow tie was driving her a little crazy.

“Not bad.” She set her bad down next to him. “But hold still a moment.”

She reached up and grabbed a hold of either ends of his tie and pulled it loose. With nimble fingers she quickly fixed it to a style that was straight and fitted him better.

“A butterfly knot is better on you. You had it in a diamond knot. It’s a little too ‘concert pianist’ for your tux” She smiled, joking with him a little bit

 

[Ravenloft]

Bryan just loved Lena's easygoing smile, it was the kind of smile that could brighten up even the rainiest of days! "Not bad, mish Moneypenny?" He joked with her, going for his best Sean Connery impression, trying to be cute. He stood still as she fixed him up, impressed with her skill. "Thank you, concert pianist, huh? I was thinking I looked more like a concierge or valet parking assistant. You gave me more credit than I think I deserve." He tried to down play it, being modest.

"But, oh my lord! Look at you! I swear, you look like a Disney princess! I'm stunned! I don't know what to say... you look mahvelous!" He caressed her arms and looked her up and down, well and truly impressed with her, even though he was trying to make light of it all to break the odd tension all the stares they were beginning to draw was bringing on. "Come on, let's blow this popsicle stand! It's drawing flies, and I don't know about you, but they're starting to bug me. Besides... our chariot awaits!" He pointed to a limo that pulled up, around the corner, hoping to surprise her.

 

[papillon24]

Why thank you Bryan, This old thing” She stepped back trying to mock a curtsy, copying from what she had seen in American television shows. She could feel the years of proper training try to kick in as she did so.
“The muscle memory of etiquette lessons still holding tension in her body. She stood quickly. “You shine up pretty good for a country boy”

It was true. He did. But she still liked him better in his jeans and button up shirts, which was basically dressing up for around here. In the tux he barely looked like himself. And he seemed quite uncomfortable in the extra layers that hung on him.

“But honestly I do think I overdid it a wee bit” She let a hand come to rest on her necklace making sure it was still there. It was worth more than her car and international college tuition combined. Not a huge loss for the family, but still enough to have mother be annoyed. "Mother sent it to me. I'm really not sure what she thinks I need something like this for, but I'm glad I had it"

“Besides... our chariot awaits!"

She looked over to where he gestured to find a limo. And not just any limo. It was a lifted limo truck, flat bed and all. It made her laugh.

“Wow! Now that’s a limo.” She laughed as they made their way over. “So I guess you can dress the country boy up but you can’t take the country out of the boy”

 

[Ravenloft]

"You think so?" He asked, more than a little happy that she did. "Oh, it's just a little spit and polish." He teased, gently tugging at his freshly retied bow, trying not to look awkward. "Oh no... you look amazing! Perfect, just perfect! Really! And your mother has great taste. She made you after all!"

"Well... I had to do something a little bit country... now let's rock and roll!" As she curtsied, he clapped his hands together with a muffled snap because of the white gloves, offering her an elbow. "Shall we?"

 

[papillon24]

Lena to come by the elbow and let him lead her to the limo. She could not believe that he had gone to all the trouble that he had for just a first date. Even back home she had never been on an excursion such as this one. So far this country boy had surprised her and she knew that he has something up his sleeve for the rest of the evening.

The limo itself was quite elaborate with a touch of country and a touch of class at the same time. Lena had never seen anything like it but she loved the idea of a stretch pickup truck limousine. With the help of his hand got up in and got herself comfortable on the back seat and set her small bag with a swimsuit and a change of clothes on the seat next to her. Inside was lighted but not gaudy. The blue glow of the track lights gave it just enough light deceive but not enough to be garish. Along the rail was a small bar set up with champagne and she was quite surprised at the brand. Not many people in this small town you much about champagne or even good wine for that fact.

She could tell there was a look of shock on her face as she looked around. She would have been happy with a hayride in the field or just a picnic in the park but he has really gone all out and she knew she had something else going on. There was a glint of mischief that shone in his eyes which clued her into in scheming.

"This is amazing. I can't believe you went to all this trouble."