Noir

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

"Will I get your answer, Princess, or shall I kiss you to wake you up?".

His voice was a mere whisper.
I made to answer, but felt him kiss the corner of my mouth.
The touch was light and yet the contact thrilled through me.
His eyes were still reaching into mine.
I blushed and took a ragged breath.

"Soo ... I'm not awake ...?"

I'd intended to make a light retort, but even to my own ears my voice sounded unsteady.

"... this must be a dream then...?"

I questionned lightly as I moved my free hand and ran it through his damp hair in a light caress.

I felt the hand that had been stroking mine still.
I felt his hot breath upon my neck as he exhaled.
I shivered as my body pulsed in sudden awareness.

"I ... I don't think I want to wake up Spencer ... "

I whispered haltingly, my eyes wide, my voice breathless...

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

I felt Josie comb my hair with her delicate fingers and I almost shivered at the sensuality of this gesture. It felt so natural and innocent at the same time. I watched Josie's eyes, now bigger, looking back into mine, looking for something in there, and so was I, making sure what I was doing was right. I looked for any sign of protest, even the slightest one. There was shock, perhaps excitement.

"I ... I don't think I want to wake up Spencer ... "

I smiled and kissed Josie'd rosy cheek.

"One way to make sure, Princess," I told her back and stroking the place where I just kissed with a thumb I placed a second kiss on her lips, this time longer, delicate and as soft as the first one. I had to make sure she felt comfortable with this, if not... well, this was not the reason we came here. Her lips tasted sweet with the lemonade she drank a while ago and I felt a stirring deep inside me in a place I though lay long under the rubble of feelings that drowned in alcohol.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

My eyes gazed into his as he placed an undemanding kiss on my cheek.
He smiled, then whispered;

"One way to make sure, Princess,"

I shivered visibly as his thumb stroked the sensitised corner of my mouth, then once more Spencer repeated the kiss.
My breath escaped in a soft gasp as the kiss deepened.
And yet he was still undemanding.
Our lips moved sensuously tasting, exchanging breath.
My eyes fluttered closed and I murmured softly overcome with the response flooding through me.

Finally parting, my mouth curled in a smile.

"Umm... no ... I definitely do NOT want to wake up ..."

I reached out, my hand irresistably drawn to Spencer's chest caressing it tentatively feeling the firm muscular torso beneath the pristine shirt.
Raising my eyes shyly to his I smile and lean towards him pressing a soft kiss to his neck, his chin, his cheek, his mouth ...

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

"Umm... no ... I definitely do NOT want to wake up ..." Josie said after we broke our kiss. I still could taste her sweetness on my lips, how delicate and soft her own were. Where once was confusion now was peace, I had come to decision to follow my feelings and instincts. It was all up to Josie, I wouldn't push her where she wouldn't move.

And Josie did make her own move, leaning closer and kissing her way up from my neck to my lips while her hand roamed on my torso. She showed her own initiative by reaching out to me and I welcomed her eagerly, allowing her to take control over our kissing. Her breath softly tickled my face as she exhaled, her lips sensuously moved on mine, placing softest of kisses and my own responding in the same manner, encouraging her. I growled in my throat as Josie held my upper lip for a moment and I reached to her, drawing her to sit in my lap so that I could embrace her and draw her closer.

"I'll make this dream worth dreaming then," I whispered, running my lips over the soft, delicate skin of her neck.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

I had no idea what I was doing or why. It defied reason.
I had never been so bold before.
I had never felt the need to reach out, to initiate such intimate contact.
My mind was a whirl so I shut down, ignored it.
Drawn irresistably to Spencer, I kissed his mouth, ran my hand across his chest then lower to his abdomen, feeling the taut muscles clench.

The growl he gave sent a thrill through my body.
His arms encircled me as he drew me towards him and seated me on his lap.
I had been encircled in his arms before, but this felt so different!

"I'll make this dream worth dreaming then,"

His whisper sent shivers down my spine, shivers that were soon intensified by the sensation of his lips on my neck.

"Ohhh... god.... Spencer...! "

I murmured huskily as his hot breath caressed my skin.
I wound my arms around his neck, moved my fingers into his hair letting them roam gently as his mouth moved heightening my sensitivity.
The more intent his gentle exploration became, the more my body ached, craving his touch, his hands, his mouth ...

"Ahhhh.... "

I could not hold back the low moan, amazed at my own hoarse utterance, my body trembled uncontrollably as I pressed against him, seeking reassurance as much as anything else.
Spencer's mouth paused.
I heard him take a deep calming breath before raising his head, his eyes searching mine.

I smiled shakily, feeling dazed, overwhelmed.
I had no idea where this need, this reaction had come from.
I smiled shyly trying to calm the tumult of emotion that was raging through me.

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

The little sweet moan Josie made as I was kissing her skin convinced me that she certainly liked what was happening. Her body responded as well, I felt her shiver, tremble and then she pushed into me. Her hands were around my neck and in my hair, unconsciously Josie was touching some of my most sensitive spots and I could feel my own arousal building up as she was touching me and I was kissing her, breathing in her scents.

This was simply amazing. Who would have suspected we'd end up like this, embraced tightly, exchanging soft kisses and gentle caresses. Somehow Josie wedged herself in the cracks in the protective armour erected around my feelings, got close to me and now was such a lovely balm. This young girl-woman who shared her warmth with me and touched me as I hadn't been touched for a long time, plucking strings in my soul that hadn't been plucked.

I wanted to make sure she was fine with what was happening, what happened so suddenly, on an impulse. My lips left her soft skin reluctantly, and she tasted so fine, this unique combination making my head spin. And the awareness of her body so close to mine, no longer in an innocent or casual embrace but drove me on. That was why I had to make sure.

I raised my head to look at her and saw her smile at me warmly but with slight uncertainty I think. I wanted to carry on, to give Josie as much pleasure as she desired but this couldn't be so one-sided. This was a new place and she might be confused.

"How do you like this dream, Princess? Up to some more dreaming?" I asked softly and kissed her lips in a small but sensual kiss, drawing on her lower lip with mine and sighing deeply at the lovely sensation of her delicate lips on mine. "Or do you want to wake up now?" I winked, smiling at her, speaking in gentle, hushed tones.

I moved her a bit for a more comfortable position and holding my hands on her slim waist, looked in Josie's lovely, sparkling eyes. She felt so fragile and delicate under my palms, I'd hate to hurt her, that's why I had to ask. Her presence so close to me, so warm in my embrace was making me feel very good both physically and emotionally and I didn't want for this to end. But it wasn't entirely up to me.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

"How do you like this dream, Princess?
Up to some more dreaming?"

His voice was gentle, the kiss that followed tender.
The feeling of my lip captured by his caused a spear of sensation to cut through me.

"Or do you want to wake up now?"

Spencer winked in his usual teasing way, his smile as open as ever and yet Spencer had come to mean so much more to me than just a jocular friend, a knight in shining armour…
Although at this moment I did feel like he’d literally swept me off my feet…

”No … “

I breathed softly.

”I don’t want to wake up … “

My voice was barely audible, but he nodded as if reassured.
He eased me settling me more comfortably across his lap.
His hands were on my waist, holding me securely.
The depth of emotion jumping between us was frightening, and yet I knew I was “safe” with Spencer.

I gazed trustingly up at him and whispered;

”And what about you, Spencer … do you want to chase dreams, or should we wake up … face reality … ?”

Much as I wanted this, I didn’t want him to feel … pressured … or give him any cause for regret later.
After all, his situation was more … complex … than mine …

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

”And what about you, Spencer … do you want to chase dreams, or should we wake up … face reality … ?”

I must admit Josie's question shocked me, it was so mature and reasonable in its sense that I couldn't help but be proud of her. In her eyes I could see trust and that she would agree with whatever answer I gave her. This made my heart grow and I really admired Josie's resolve and courage, after all what could come to her but trouble from leaving her home like that and now romancing with a man who was a dozen years older that her.

I hugged her frame to myself, sighing and kissing her neck. Some of her hair tickled my cheek as I held her close.

"There is no reality in this place, Josie," I whispered and moved back a bit to look into her beautiful, charming eyes. "Only magic, fantasy and dreams. They are what we make them. What we want them to be. Me? I willingly give myself in." I continued, taking her face in my hands and stroking her cheeks with thumbs. "But I don't want you to regret this later, Princess." I explained and kissed the tip of her nose.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

I held my breath watching his face carefully as he seemed to consider my question seriously.
His response was to pull me close again and press still more of those sensual kisses on my neck.

"There is no reality in this place, Josie.
Only magic, fantasy and dreams. They are what we make them. What we want them to be. Me? I willingly give myself in."

He was looking at me earnestly now.
His hands captured my face, his thumbs stroking my cheeks,
His touch so deliciously sensual.
I closed my eyes and drew a deep steadying breath.

"But I don't want you to regret this later, Princess."

His kiss was light, a world of restraint in it still.
I opened my eyes and looked into his.
He was telling me something more, I was sure.
I tried to put it into words.

"Sooo... this is a dream, Spencer ... magical ... but just fantasy..
When we wake up ... it's gone ... as if it never were ...
No regrets ... nothing but fond memories ... ?"

My eyes searched his.
That was the limit of what he wanted it seemed.
This was a real as it could get, I was sure.
We were attracted to each other physically, but surely it was more than that?
Like him, I didn't care to stop to define it, but likewise, I didn't want to deny that there was something deeper there ...
Something more substantial than a dream that would be gone in the blink of an eye.

"Don't you think I'm real Spencer?
Don't you think I really care for you ...?"

I asked, suddenly serious.

"Why don't we both wake up ...
And see if the dreams still there...?"

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

"You're plenty real to me, Josie," I answered immediately steadying her in my arms, no hesitation in my voice at all. Matching her serious tone I continued, "And I know you care for me. You are probably the only person in the world who cares for me now. Otherwise you wouldn't have done for me... what you had... And I'm grateful for that."

I took her hand in mine. I knew what she was asking me about.

"Until last night I had only one reason to carry on living. But you showed me other reasons, other persons, Josie." I put her hand on my breast where she could feel my heart. For some strange reason it beat stronger now than when we kissed. "This heart beat for one person only, for that person's sake. Now it's not the case anymore. Now there's another..."

I raised my eyes from her fingernails to look at her eyes, emotion making my voice unsteady. "Now there's you, Josie. Now you are in this heart as well, you've made your way inside. How and when...? I do not know but when I kissed you I knew it. And nothing's ever going to change it... It's no daydream, Josie, it's a fact... whether I dream or not... it remains the same."

And I knew this to be true. I let go of her hand and turned my head, blinking away sudden tears.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

"You're plenty real to me, Josie.
And I know you care for me. You are probably the only person in the world who cares for me now.
Otherwise you wouldn't have done for me... what you had... And I'm grateful for that."

I watched him hold my hand and listened.
He was grateful, but I didn't want his gratitude.

"Until last night I had only one reason to carry on living. But you showed me other reasons, other persons, Josie.
This heart beat for one person only, for that person's sake.
Now it's not the case anymore. Now there's another..."

I could feel his heart pounding beneath my hand as he pressed it to his chest.

"Now there's you, Josie. Now you are in this heart as well, you've made your way inside.
How and when...? I do not know but when I kissed you I knew it. And nothing's ever going to change it... It's no daydream, Josie, it's a fact... whether I dream or not... it remains the same."

I nodded knowing that we had both opened up to the other.
We had confessed our worst fears, our worst experiences.
It was impossible for that not to bind two people together.
But now, watching Spencer turn his head away, I realised that it was time to put on the brakes.

"I'll go and get ready, Spencer ..."

I told him softly.
He looked towards me, his expression unreadable.
I pressed a kiss on his cheek and slipped from his lap.

"I'll get changed ... I won't be long ... "

So saying, I headed for my room and quietly closed the door behind me, leaving Spencer to regain his composure.

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

"I'll go and get ready, Spencer ..." Josie said and I looked at her, trying to read her expression but she leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, then got up.

"I'll get changed ... I won't be long ... "

I nodded and got up myself as Josie close the door behind her. I moved to the veranda and looked at the sea as the evening was drawing near. I hoped the usual sight would calm me down and banish the confusion but this time it didn't and forcing it would not do.

I sat on the stairs, trying to understand my own feelings I thought I was so sure of. I didn't want to seduce Josie, abusing her trust and using those calm, romantic surroundings only to get separated by a wall of silence later on. Maybe kissing her wasn't such a good idea after all but on the other hand we both enjoyed this. I guess she was afraid of getting involved only to get separated later on, I couldn't blame her for that. She's only just gotten through a serious pinch and tried to regain her composure in local surroundings. My behaviour must have confused her and no wonder... Stop, Spence, don't hurry anything, you're such a selfish fool.

I looked up and saw the moon already up in the sky. I sighed deeply. I needed a smoke badly. And I wanted a drink... No, no, I would do without. Josie helped me start and I would persevere.

"You shine bright tonight, bald fella. It's her big day, you know." I chuckled, feeling small and stupid.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

I stood with my back pressed to the door.
”Damn!”
My body trembled as I walked across the room and pulled open my wardrobe.
Why on earth had I walked away from that?
Why had I not just kept on “dreaming” as Spencer put it?
What did it matter what happened between us, or what would happen afterwards?
This wasn’t some casual “fling” where we could just walk away, but surely that should make it easier?

I threw myself on the bed.
I didn’t know what the hell to think.
All I knew was that my body ached; ached for Spencer.
For his touch, for his kisses…
That wasn’t going to just disappear.
Neither was the way I felt about him.

Finally I looked up and made a decision.
I reached for the garment I knew was right for what I had in mind.
I slipped out of my clothes and put them away.
I pulled the wispy fabric over my body and turned to see if the effect was all I wished it to be.
I blushed as I saw my reflection.
The fabric was of sheerest silk, not quite see-through, but clinging to every curve in a way which was much more seductive.
The garment could have been mistaken for an evening gown, were it not so sheer.
The nightdress was held by two thin straps, from which the fabric seemed to pour over my full breasts, then follow the contours of my waist only to flare back out at the hips and end just below the knees, although the jagged cut ensured that there was an ample show of thigh as I walked.

I smiled and brushed my hair, dressing it high on my head.
I clipped on a pair of small diamond earrings and a small diamond pendant, both gifts from my grandfather.
I sprayed perfume on my pulse points then slipped into the co-ordinating panties that completed the outfit before putting on my diamante heels.

Pleased with the effect of the nightdress, now dressed up as an evening gown, I walked towards the bedroom door and quietly walked back to the living room where I found Spencer sat looking out onto the beach.

As I stood, the moon sent a sheen that reflected on the dazzling fabric. As a result, the pastel rainbow of colour that was shot through the fabric when viewed in the light seemed to glow, turning it translucent, almost ethereal.

”Spencer …?”

My one breathless word drew his attention.
My anticipation almost overwhelmed me as I met his eyes not knowing how he would react to this open attempt to seduce him …

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

”Spencer …?”

It was a mere whisper and in my current state of mind I attributed it to the wind and sounds of the sea, or maybe it was the moon responding to my call... Truth be told in those first seconds I haven't even though it could have been Josie who called at me to draw my attention. Only when a trail of the sweetest perfume I have ever smelled tickled my senses, bringing to mind things sensual and ephemeral at the same time, did I register someone else's presence. I turned, convinced now that it was Josie who called my name and not some fairy hidden in the grass...

Well, that fairy simily wasn't such a missed shot. It was Josie indeed who stood in the living room, seemingly gathering all the moonlight around her to shine some otherworldly light. She did look like a fairy who hid her wings to walk among us mere humans. Unconsciously I stood up from the step I was sitting on and gazed at Josie who looked... stunning? charming? beautiful? gorgeous? graceful? tempting?... all those and more that no language could name. She was the essence of femininity at that moment and I was enchanted by her... what was it? by all of her, I think. By all that Josie was at that moment and all those moments we had shared together earlier.

I registered my standing position only slightly, looking at the miracle before me. The covering/revealing dress she was wearing was confusing: a sexy dress or a sexy nightgown. Only the sparkling heels she had on her feet suggested she was ready to go out. Those heels, making her calves look so entracing, her legs longer and sexier. Her hair dressed high and revealing her neck making her look taller. A subtle set of earrings and necklace only accentuating her womanly charm. In the light of the moon I thought I could see the contours of her slim body, the silk covering her frame like a sheet of water -- hiding but not really so.

I knew Josie was a beautiful woman but what I was seeing indescribable by words. I could only stare, awe in my eyes... and something new was slowly appearing in my heart, clawing its way past all wards erected there. I realised I was holding my breath, scared that if I dared to as much as sigh, this charming apparition would disappear. My voice was lost and my heart pounding hard.

"J-Josie..." I croaked rather than said. "My... I... You look wonderful..." I knew this was inadequate, I would never be able to describe her or compliment how stunning she looked. But I could say nothing else, my words dead in my throat.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

I watched him turn, blink and watched the shock as his eyes moved slowly down my body.
Even the action of that close scrutiny made my body shiver in reaction.

"J-Josie... My... I... You look wonderful..."

I smiled gratified to hear the shock in his voice.

"Thank you ... I am the birthday girl after all ... "

I moved forward and kissed him softly on the lips, letting my body brush against his torso, before moving away, a small but sufficient distance between us now as I smiled at him.

"Sooo.... how shall we ... celebrate ...?
I shouldn't go out like this ... people will talk ... talk still more ...
Do you want to stay in ... or are you desperate to "skinny dip" ?
Perhaps that would be a fitting celebration of my coming of age ...?"

The comment was supposed to be half joking and yet when I met his eyes, all I could do was imagine Spencer, naked our bodies lapped by the waves ...

"But if you prefer to go out ..."

I began offering him an opt out.



I knew this was inadequate, I would never be able to describe her or compliment how stunning she looked. But I could say nothing else, my words dead in my throat.

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

This was a nice dillemma Josie presented me with. On the one hand I wanted to celebrate her birthday the way we had agreed -- go to the tavern and have a taste of local cuisine, but on the other the way Josie dressed, the way she spoke, the way she kissed -- all spoke of something else. I tried hard to focus on her eyes and face but all the time my gaze would wander lower to admire her figure, all natural charms enhanced by her dress.

"I'd love to go out with you to dine, Josie, but I'm afraid there are no establishments worthy of such a celebration in this town. Besides, it's your birthday and not mine so we'll be doing things your way. Let us stay here and enjoy this calm evening." I smiled and crossed the room to the small stereo to play some calm music.

I returned to Josie and bowed before her, took her hand to kiss it and looking her in the eyes I proposed, "A dance, milady?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

Josie moved forward and took Spencer's hand allowing him to draw her closer.
She sighed softly as he wrapped his arms about her body and pressed against him as they swayed.
The only accompaniment was the sound of the waves.

"No music, Spencer?"

She breathed softly as their bodies moved in a well orchestrated rhythm.

"Didn't you promise me dinner?"

She grinned mishievously and met his eyes.

"Sooo... do I cook ... or you ... or does this place do takeaway?"

She asked teasingly.

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

I held Josie close but not so that I wouldn't be able to look her in the eyes. In the dim light of the moon I saw her eyes sparkle and shine this magical light. Enveloped in the scent of her perfume I kept my hands on her waist, enjoying the way her body swayed as we slowly moved. I was conscious of Josie's presence, her femininity, more than ever. The way she dressed for this moment, the way she spoke, the way she moved and looked at me -- I was falling for this charm more and more.

I spun her round and holding her hand in my left I drew her close with my right, our breaths intermingling for a moment. I felt her body pressed into mine, her warm thigh touching mine.

"What do you say to risotto?" I asked. "And in addition a bottle of Chateaux Grant 1987... Or would you rather have something more spicy?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

The silent intimacy of the "dance" made me breathless.
His body, his hands as he moulded me to him branded my skin.
The warmth seeping through my whispy gown lit a corresponding flame that was kindling keep within.

"What do you say to risotto?
And in addition a bottle of Chateaux Grant 1987...
Or would you rather have something more spicy?"

I let out a sigh of appreciation at his words.

"I don't mind spicy ... but risotto sounds lovely ... "

I hesitated my eyes searching his.

"We can skip the wine ... if you prefer ... "

I hoped my comment hadn't offended him.
The last thing I wanted to do is set him off drinking again, after all I didn't know the extent of his "problem".

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

"We can skip the wine ... if you prefer ... "

I stiffened and straightened up. I looked somewhere to the side, beyond the veranda and the beach. I wasn't sure of the feeling Josie's comment produced in me but...

"You don't trust me on that one, do you, Josie? You think the merest smell of anything with alcohol will make me drink again? Yesterday at home you helped me, you emptied all those bottles. You think... Do you think I would do such a thing to you and get drunk on your 21st birthday? Spoil everything?" I shook my head and looked at her again.

"Show some faith in me, Josie. I have no need to get drunk. Your presence here, your company, chases all those bad thoughts away." I smiled. "Thank you, Josie."

I looked in the direction of the kitchen. "Shall we?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

I heard him thank me, but was sure I'd offended him.
I eased away and watched him carefully.

Do you think I would do such a thing to you and get drunk on your 21st birthday? Spoil everything?

His words echoed back at me.

"I'm sorry Spencer ... It's not I don't have faith in you ... it's just that ... "

I sighed.

"You asked me to pour away all that booze ... how am I to know what you need ... or don't ...?
I'd have hated putting you into a position where you felt you had to drink just to keep me happy ...
... that's all I meant ... "

I watched him carefully wishing I'd kept my mouth shut.

"Shall we?"

He motionned for us to go towards the kitchen.

"If you want ... "

I answered, not caring what or if I ate now.

"I'll go change first ..."

I forced a smile and walked towards my room.

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

Pop! The calm, romantic mood suddenly disappeared.

"As you wish..." I said to Josie's back. "Like I said, I'm not going to force you to do anything... It's just that I thought... you'd want to celebrate this day... but now... I guess this evening's over."

I went to my room as well, changed into more casual clothes and put on a jacket. It was all coming down to drinking. I guess Josie must have felt insecure and bad, remembering constantly that I had a "drinking problem." It was no use explaining anything. I sighed. I really wished we could have shared a solemn evening together, celebrating Josie's birthday. As it turned out it was not really different from what she would have had at home. She was probably disillusioned with all this.

When I left the room Josie was nowhere to be found. I knocked on her door and called softly.

"I'm going to light a fire on the beach. Feel free to join me if you want."

I left the house via the veranda and opened the wood shed. Slowly I moved some wood to my spot and set up a nice bonfire. Returning to close the shed I found a half-full bottle of bourbon and decided to take it with me to the fire... the nights get colder and... Jesus, what was I thinking?! Angry, I stormed into the house and went for the sink. Once there I poured the alcohol away, my stomach churning at the smell and threw the bottle into the bin. I took matches and an old paper and went out again.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

"As you wish... Like I said, I'm not going to force you to do anything... It's just that I thought... you'd want to celebrate this day... but now... I guess this evening's over."

I closed my door.
So ... the evening was over?
"Happy Birthday Josie ... "

I whispered and began to peel off the gown.
Without thinking I pulled a robe around me and secured it around my naked body.
I shivered and curled up on the bed.
I was homesick ... homesick only for my grandpa ... he had always made birthdays so much fun ... and this was the day I always missed him the most.

I tensed as I heard the knock on the door.

"I'm going to light a fire on the beach.
Feel free to join me if you want."

I didn't answer him.
I listened to his footsteps moving away.
Did I want to sit on the beach?
I really wanted to just curl up and let the day pass.
But then what? How would I face Spencer?
Perhaps I would have to go home?

In an effort to stop my train of thought, I pulled on a pair of fleece leggings a tshirt and a big baggy sweatshirt.
I brushed my hair loose and put on some trainers.
Underwear was irrelevant and I wouldn't be out there long anyhow!

I walked slowly through the house and into the living room.
Spencer wasn't there.
I went to the kitchen wondering if I should grab something to eat.
The smell of bourbon filled the air.
More booze poured down the sink ... by him this time ...
But what did that mean?
A good sign surely, but ....

I sighed and turned and walked briskly through the house and down the steps onto the beach.
I hesitated looking over towards the stack of wood and the newly catching flames.
I didn't know what to do. Somehow it had all gone so wrong.
I turned and set off in the opposite direction to the fire.
I walked slowly along the beach moving towards the sea taking refuge of the dusky darkness.

Finally I made my way to a group of rocks and sat down.
I put my head in my hands.
" ... grandpa ... "
I whispered feeling tears pricking at my eyes.
I felt so lonely ...

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

I assembled a stack of wood for burning and shielding it from the wind with my body I struck a match and set the papers on fire. Soon the thinnest twigs caught flames and stransferred them to thicker ones and in effect the chopped wood started burning as well. I watched the orange-yellow flames flicker cheerfully on the wood and sighed. What craziness, we didn't come here to complicate things but to make them easier, solve everything that couldn't be solved with the city all around us. And instead we got mixed up in a crazy situation. I guess all of it was my fault. I should have decided to go out and spend some time in that tavern. No use crying over that thing now. I needed to make all easier on Josie somehow but I didn't know how.

I sighed again. If there was one thing I regreted it was never taking Maria to see this place. Maybe I should have come here with her before she hit puberty so that she had acquainted herself with here and maybe even liked it so that later she would come here voluntarily. Now it really didn't matter and pondering actually missed the point but I couldn't help thinking how it could be if we were ever able to spend time as family here.

Ah, abandon such thoughts, Spence. No use but-ing and if-ing about this now. I tried to clear my thoughts by concentrating on the fire and the sounds of the sea but images of this evening kept reappearing. I was nervous instead of being calm and and confused instead of relaxed. It was as if this time the circumstances have conspired to destroy all this that the place was capable of. Aw hell! Things were happening too fast instead of going slow.

I left the fire unattended and went closer to the shore. I felt like a failure again, I promised Josie a relaxing time and instead introduced only more strife and confusion. Low profile, I promised myself and finding a rock I threw it as far as I could. I neither heard nor saw it fall into the water. Hands in pockets I returned to the fire and sat by it, adding some wood to make it burn longer but not to bright so as not to confuse any passing ships.

I wondered what Josie was up to. Probably decided to call it a day and went to sleep. She didn't answer to my invitation to join me at the fire and I haven't seen her afterwards. This evening was bound to end in my own company. Oh well, so what else is new?

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josie Rimmington

How long I sat like that, I didn’t know.
I let the tears fall, more a silent seeping of misery than a tumult of emotion.
I looked up finally and shivered.
I was cold, chilled through both physically and emotionally.
I shook myself and stretched looking round, somehow reluctant to return to the house.

Glancing up the beach I saw the fire burning brightly and began to walk towards it, drawn by the heat and my need for company.
As I neared I saw Spencer sat beside it.
His face was brooding, unhappy.
His eyes watched the flames.
He seemed lost in thought.

I hesitated not wanting to disturb him and began to back away when he suddenly turned and looked at me.
His eyes widened and I suddenly became aware that he might realise I’d been crying.
I rubbed self-consciously at my eyes and cheeks and stepped forward nervously.

”I’m cold … “

I explained haltingly.

”Do you mind … ?”

I gestured asking for permission to sit with him by the fire.
He might even hate me now, I mused.
I blamed myself. I’d let things get out of hand.
I’d set out to seduce him and … it had been wrong ... all wrong…

”Spencer … I’m sorry … “

I told him my voice breaking.
I’d pushed him away somehow when all I’d wanted was to be close.
I’d been concerned for him, but had managed to insult him.
I shook my head and looked towards the fire, not moving from where I was stood.
I was unhappy … desperately so … I didn’t know how to make it right.