Serendipity ( closed)

[slowandeasy]

Serendipity: Good luck in finding things not sought for. (Webster’s dictionary)

OOC: This is a closed thread for Nova 4u and I. Read and enjoy, if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to pm me or Nova4u.


IC:

Troy looked behind him, then left and then right before he cautiously stepped through the door and into Victoria's Secret intimate apparel shop. He had just had a narrow escape and was still feeling the repercussions of nearly getting caught by one of his friends just minutes ago. Luckily he had spotted him in enough time to pretend he was heading for the book store instead. Now he was safe inside ready to do what he had to do. But he was still nervous and almost jumped out of his skin when a saleslady approached him from behind and said. “Can I help you, young man?”

It took him a while to find his voice and when he did he must have sounded like a twelve year old with his voice changing, as he squeaked out a “No Mam I’m just looking.”

"Very well then." the lady had replied turning on her heals walking away like he was some kind of pervert.

The truth of the matter was Troy was not just looking. He had come here with a specific job to do. His girlfrined had made it quite clear that she would appreciate a gift once in a while something more than flowers or candy, after all they were celebrating their first month together.
It was her idea for or him to shop for something intimate and she knew exactly what she wanted, a pair of french cut panties, size 4, pink or lavender preferred. She had smiled seductively “Maybe it will make you a little more amorous, Troy.” she had added.

It wasn’t that Troy wasn’t amorous. In fact there were several occasions during the last month that he had wanted to go further than just making out, but it just wasn’t his style he liked to take things slow and easy, savor each intimate experience, or so he told himself. At any rate he held his hormones in check waiting ...for what, he didn’t know but still he was waiting.

Mary however seemed intent on going a little bit further every time they were together which was almost every night, now that he had his own apartment and they could be totally alone together.

Troy was the one putting the breaks on. Maybe it was time he thought, maybe these French cut panties might be the trigger that would release his inhibitions and let him go all the way.


He gazed around trying to avoid the eyes of the other shoppers. He was the only man in the store, what could they be thinking if they saw him gawking?

Luckily he saw what he had come for. Pink panties, as sign above the lone pair read: French Cut, Size 4. Perfect, he thought as he started to scoop them up to take them to the cashier. His hand stopped in midair and his heart literally ceased beating when a feminine voice behind him said teasingly. “Do you really think they’ll fit.”

He tried to make himself small enough to become hopefully invisible as a soft hand plucked the panties from his grasp and a person stepped up alongside of him. He knew it was a girl but much more than that he wasn’t sure, he was so embarrassed. He lowered his gaze to two dainty feet with pink toenails enclosed in brown sandals and kept it there while she continued. “Actually I had my eye on these already, I know they fit, I tried them on this morning. I only just now decided they were perfect for me. ...Unless you’re sure you want them.... The clerk said they were the last pair.

Troy didn’t wait for her to finish, he dropped the panties like they were red hot and bolted from the store.

 

[nova4u]

Faith tried to suppress a giggle at the obvious anxiety of the lone man in the store. It was bad enough when he first came in, but when the sales clerk approached him he instantly got that “deer in the headlights” look, almost appearing to forget why he was there. His eyes searched the store and a wave of relief washed over his face; suddenly he was a man on a mission, marching straight up to the French-cut panties. Figures! She thought. He’s going for the same ones I came back for!

She really didn’t mind a whole lot when she saw him pick them up, but she couldn’t resist the opportunity to have a little fun with his nerves. She snuck up behind him just as he was about to hand them to the clerk at the register. “Do you really think they’ll fit?” she teased. His face slowly drained of all color as she sidled up next to him and continued. “Actually I had my eye on these already, I know they fit; I tried them on this morning. I only just now decided they were perfect for me…unless you’re sure you want them…the clerk said they were the last pair.”

And then he was gone; Faith had never seen a person take off so fast in her life. “Well, I guess they’re yours,” the sales clerk said, already ringing them up. “That’ll be $6.87.” Faith couldn’t help laughing as she watched him tear through the store and keep running straight ahead. She quickly handed the cashier some cash, hastily grabbing the bag. “Keep the change!” she hollered as she took off after him. He darted through the afternoon shoppers but she followed him with ease…all those years of Track in high school and now college were finally paying off. A few seconds later he came to a stop and collapsed at a bench, red-faced and winded (though probably more from panic than the quick sprint). Faith jogged up to him. “Here, they’re yours,” she said, handing him the bag. He jumped to his feet, ready to run again but Faith grabbed his hand. “Whoa, slow down there, cowboy! Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you off back there. Really, you can keep them. I’m Faith, what’s your name?”

“T…T-Troy,” he stuttered, just barely starting to regain some composure. “Umm…n-no, they’re yours; you paid for them. I’ll just get another pair.”

“Those were the last pair, and no, I’m giving them to you; I insist. I could tell you weren’t exactly happy to be in there…she must be something special for you to go that far out of your comfort zone for her. I bet she’ll really appreciate it. And I’m sure you’ll appreciate seeing her in them; they’re even more sexy on than folded on a shelf, trust me,” she said, giving him a wink. Faith instantly regretted that last comment when she saw the flush return to his face. “Please, just take them; a gift to say I’m sorry. At least then I won’t feel so bad about teasing you in the store.” She pressed the handle of the bag in his hand until his fingers finally closed around it.

“Thanks,” he said, “I’m sorry I ran; that whole place just caught me off guard.” Troy looked down at her, still processing what had happened at the store. She stood about 5’2”, very petite with deep green eyes and fine waves of fiery red hair falling just short of her waist. He realized he was still holding her hand with the bag, and quickly let go, feeling a new sense of anxiousness coming on. “I should get going. Are you sure I can’t pay you for them, Faith?”

“Like I said, my gift, Troy. Don’t worry about it…and I’m sure she’ll love them,” she grinned at him. “It was nice meeting you.” With that she turned and walked away, glancing back over her shoulder once to find him still staring at her. She threw him a quick smile and continued out to the parking lot to locate her car.

 

[slowandeasy]

Troy

He couldn't help but stare as she walked away, having experienced a gamut of emotions in the last twenty minutes. First the fear of being discovered in 'that' store and then the trepedation of being virtually accosted by 'that' girl. Then the humiliation of not being able to asertively confront her, and then the shame of running away.

That wasn't enough it seemed, for a few seconds later she had appeared again not to taunt or humiliate him but to appologize for her behavior and make amends. All the bad feelings had disappeared and he had found himself quite comfortable in her presence in fact he had started to enjoy the conversation. Then he had blew it by becoming anxious again, when she handed him the bag and he had felt the softness of her hand and looked into her deep green eyes.

His next emotion was amazement as he caught one last glimpse of her red hair flowing down her back as she melted into the crowd. Amazement that she had taken the time and the effort to find him and for the empathy she had shown by understanding his perdicament. Amazement that she wasn't afraid to show her vulnerability by being upfront and honest with him.

He would have thought that she might even be intimidated by his presense. she was such a little whisp of a girl. He was at least a foot taller than her and at least twice her weight. It wasn't that he was hard to look at, fact he had a ready smile and rather pleasant soft brown eyes, but his imposing size could be misleading.

His friends called him the gentle giant and he could have gone to college on a football scholarship but in his words."Didn't like to see pople get hurt"so he opted to work construction for a couple of years until he decided what he wanted to do with his life. At 22 he had lots of time he thought and being a layed back kind of guy he wasn't in any hurry.
Spending his time at the library and feeding the squirrels and pigeons in the park when he wasn't opperating a jackhammer, pushing a wheelbarrow, shoveling cement or pounding nails at one of the construction sites in the city, Troy took one day at a time.

His next emotion was disappointment in himself for not getting more information from Faith than he had. He felt obligated to pay her for the 'gift' even though she had insisted that he not. He could have sent her the money or took he to lunch if he knew her address or at least something more about her that would give him something to go on. Other than how she looked and the fact that she wore size 4 panties, he knew damn little about her.

He chuckled for a moment wondering how long he'd have to hang out in front of Victorias Secret before she came back.

Then he thought about Mary and he became embarrassed again. It was her that he should be thinking about and for her that he been on this mission and now that he had the panties he needed to finish the job.

She had made a date to meet him at his appartment tonight, but he felt kind of foolish about carrying the panties around all day while he finshed shopping and when he went to the library to return some books, so he decided on the spur of the moment to surprise her. He'd stop at the deli and pick up some chinese and they'd have lunch at her place.

He was smiling, imaging the look on Marys face, when he drove down Park Ave to her apartment.

Mary was certainly surprised when she opened the door wearing only a hastily thrown on robe, her hair in disarray, but not the kind of surprised Troy was hoping for.

The guy standing in the bedroom doorway behind her wearing only a towel, tented out quite prominently in front, was surprised too.

-------------------------------------------------
Later in his appartment Troy after accessing the events of the day, ate cold chowmein took a cold shower and went to bed with a lukewarm novel. Tomorrow was another day, monday morning back to work at the construction job over at the college.

On the way he'd take care of that damn package of panties. He'd give it a burial at sea, so to speak, by tossing it off the bridge they had just built in front of the new Cafeteria and watch it float away.

 

[nova4u]

Faith

As she drove home, Faith replayed the incident with Troy in her mind. She smiled as she thought of him; tall with brown eyes, and muscles to boot. Hmmm…too bad he’s taken, she mused. Probably for the best anyways; right now she was too busy with school and work to have much of a personal life.

She pulled into the drive at home, climbed out of her Jeep and stretched, taking in her surroundings. Her home was a posh little cottage that her parents had purchased a few years ago when she started school, considering it a better investment than dorm rooms or rent, and eliminating the need for strange unknown roommates. Her family was well off and gracious enough to provide her with living space and tuition, and she worked a few hours a week at the campus library to drum up spending money. This freed her time just enough to pursue her passion of gardening. The garden was beautiful and fragrant this time of year, full of blooming wildflowers just waiting to grace the kitchen table in her favorite vase.

Her other love was horseback riding, though she had little time for it. None of her friends could understand her love for it, and would rarely join her. The few times she could escape away to the ranch just outside of town were spent alone with her favorite horse trotting and galloping over the fields.

Going into the house, she grabbed her shears and went back to the garden, cutting a nice sized handful. She returned to the kitchen, filled the vase with water and admired the fragrant wildflowers as she arranged them one by one. Perfect, she smiled, and went on to finish her studies for the day.

…………………………………………………………………………

Her studies were interrupted by a growling stomach; she was so intent on getting her homework done she had forgotten to eat lunch. Looking at the clock and realizing it was already 7:00, Faith wandered to the kitchen and scoured the fridge for some semblance of a meal. Got to go shopping tomorrow, she thought, making a mental grocery list as she prepared her PB & J sandwich.

She ate quickly, polishing the sandwich off with a glass of ice cold milk, and went upstairs to draw her bath. She waited patiently as the water rose to just the right temperature and then slipped in, turning the faucet off. Relaxing in the warm water, she found her thoughts returning to the beautiful brown eyes that had caught her attention earlier that day. Almost without her knowledge, her fingers slowly began to dance across her flesh…

…………………………………………………………………………

She rose early the next morning, hurriedly going through her morning routine. They had recently built a new bridge on campus, and she seized every opportunity she could to come early (before most of the students were scurrying to their classes) and catch the sunrise off the deep waters neighboring the campus. She arrived just in time as the first few rays were beginning to peek over the skyline. Gazing out over the ocean, a familiar figure caught the corner of her eye. She turned and smiled… "Beautiful, isn’t it?"

 

[slowandeasy]

Troy

Troy didn’t sleep well. visions of Mary’s surprised -then angry face appeared before him. It was if she had blamed him for her indiscretion. Well maybe it was his fault, Troy thought maybe if he had just gone ahead and screwed her, she wouldn’t have strayed, But he knew better his past experience had proven that. Even though there hadn’t been all that many women in his life, just screwing didn’t get it for him, he needed and wanted more. Even though his buddies at work talked about getting laid and then moving on, he couldn’t bring himself to play that game. To him sex was making love, not screwing. He thought he had loved Mary. so why hadn't he made love to her? He knew now. Because to her it would have been just screwing, something he didn’t want.

He tried to think of other things, he got up, fixed himself his favorite sandwich pb&j and poured a cool glass of milk. Suddenly , ‘that’ girls image appeared in his head . Her name, Faith, was all he knew about her. Except he remembered that look of empathy in her green eyes and her soft genuine smile as she had walked away. Something told him that if she were here now she would understand that she would be someone who would be there for him, talk, listen, share, whatever it took to get through this night.

But she was gone. Someone once said if you hope for something hard enough it will happen, others said that good things happen when you least expect them. Troy wasn’t sure about either, but he did know he needed to get some sleep. He padded off to bed.

================================

Troy grabbed his lunch and the books he had neglected to take to the library that were in his book bag along with the panties he was going to dispose of before work. It was just daybreak when he arrived at the bridge and he looked for a moment out at the ocean. "Today was going to be different he said to himself. Get rid of these panties, forget about Mary, forget about Faith. Think about work, think about a nice lunch in the park, think about a good book of poetry, perhaps the one in his book bag ‘The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Fitzgerald. that was what he needed to occupy his mind.

He was reached into his book bag feeling the soft silky fabric he remembered what he had to do first. He was just about to pull the panties from the bag when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Beautiful isn’t it."

before he even turned he saw her face in his mind. He turned and when he did he smiled. It was her.

He was surprised that he felt suddenly comfortable and relaxed. His hand relaxed its grip and he pulled it empty from the bag.

“Yes, he replied it is beautiful.”

Both of them turned back to the ocean view. A feeling of peace and serenity seemed to pull them together. Though they were inches apart it felt as if they were touching. Troy thought that and somehow he knew Faith felt it too. Time stood still.

Turning to her again he said “Have Breakfast with me.” I don’t have to be to work for another hour. He didn’t even wait for her answer, he took her hand and led her to the school cafeteria.

The hour flew by as they shared details of each others lives, his job, her school, his apartment, her cottage. He said he’d like to visit sometime To see the garden, the flowers. She said she’d join him for lunch unless he’d rather eat with the guys, he said he ate alone in the park and read his books. She looked at his book bag. he blushed thinking of the panties and then as if it were the most natural thing to do told her about Mary. She listened and her eyes were sympathetic. She asked what kind of books did he like to read and before he could answer she reached into the bag and feeling the familiar silky fabric grinned

“So, you won’t be needing these.” His hand covered hers before she pulled them from the bag. No I guess not, you can have them. but not now.

He got embarrassed again and looking at his watch said suddenly “OH shit! I’m late for work, the boss will fire me for sure.” He jumped up and ran out the open door. Faith looked down at the bag and smiled . She could have run him down but she knew he’d be in the park at noon and besides she was late for class.

And, she had the panties and his favorite books to check out.

 

[nova4u]

Faith

What a morning! She thought for sure she was going to miss it, but there was the sunrise and then… there was Troy. He seemed so much more relaxed and confident than yesterday. Better still, he remembered her. His smile melted her inside and her mind instantly flashed to her bath-time encounter the previous evening. Blushing, she turned to watch the sunrise with him, hoping he wouldn’t notice something else entirely was on her mind. Her awkward feelings gradually moved away as they stood together in silence appreciating the beautiful setting before them.

“Have breakfast with me,” Troy said. She was just about to agree when suddenly he grasped her hand and they began walking. There was a faint reminder in the back of her mind that he a girlfriend. Should they really be holding hands like this? Faith didn’t know what to think, but for some reason it just felt right so she went along with him.

The two of them sat engrossed in conversation for over an hour, both barely touching their food. They chatted like old friends getting to know one another again, catching up on each other’s lives; topics from homes to family, jobs to school, gardening to poetry. The words seemed to flow as naturally as air out of their mouths. Troy paused for a bit, and told her all that had taken place with Mary. Faith listened intently, full of sympathy for the hurt he must be feeling, but deep inside she couldn’t help feeling happy Mary was gone. Troy deserved so much more than someone like that.

Books and poetry resurfaced in the conversation, and upon asking him of his favorite books she playfully grabbed his bag and reached in…only to find something a bit softer and silkier than the cover of a book. “So, you won’t be needing those,” she grinned.

“No, I guess not. You can have them... but not now…” he said quietly as his hand covered hers inside the bag. Does he mean what I think he means? Faith questioned in her mind. Neither of them moved for a moment, just exploring each other’s eyes.

Troy’s face quickly flushed as he pulled his hand away. Realizing he was late for work, he jumped up and ran off, managing to forget his bag in the process. Faith smiled as she watched him run out the door. Man, that boy can sure run!

================================

Her morning classes done early, Faith decided to head to the park early and wait for Troy to join her for lunch. She found a nice secluded spot under a large oak tree and settled down to the ground; seizing the opportunity to explore the bag he had left behind. Not that she was one to pry or snoop, but she simply found him intriguing and wanted to know more about him.

The first thing her hands felt were those French-cut pink panties. She ran her fingers over them and smiled, thinking of what he had said. Maybe she could make more room for a personal life… with the right person. She dismissed the thought and placed them back in the bag. It was way too early to be jumping to those types of conclusions.

Next was a book of poetry: “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” by Fitzgerald. She had seen people check it out before while working in the library, but never read it herself. Faith opened the book and began to read; verse after beautiful verse always coming back to a central but common theme: eat, drink and be merry… Emphasis on the “drink” part she chuckled softly to herself. Just about every other stanza had a reference to wine, grapes, jug or cup:

'A book of verses underneath the bough
A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and thou'

She recognized that verse, but never knew where it came from until now. So immersed in the poetry, she didn’t even realize Troy had been reading over her shoulder until he sat down beside her, making himself comfortable. Startled, she jumped slightly and looked at him, his smiling face mere inches from hers.

“How do you like it?” he asked, grinning at her reaction.

“I–I like it a lot,” she stammered, not even sure in her own mind if her words were speaking of the book or his close proximity.

 

[slowandeasy]

She was sitting with her back to him but Troy knew right away it was her. The sunlight gathered in her hair as it flowed around her shoulders and down her back. Every little movement of her head changed it to liquid fire and turned Troy’s backbone to jelly.

His step quickened when he came nearer happy to see her here already knowing that he had to be back to work sooner that planned as they were pouring concrete and it wouldn’t wait.

He smiled when he saw that she had brought his book bag. He thought his heavy footsteps would let her know he was coming up behind her, but her surprise when he knelt behind her and looked over her shoulder was evidence that she hadn’t. He grinned when he saw she was engrossed in the Rubiayat. He couldn’t help but ask if she liked it. Her unpretentious response made him grin even more. He was thinking this is the way it should be, two people, one man, one woman, one moment. Of course they needed some other bare necessities and he had come prepared.

He took her hands and pulled her to her feet as he himself stood, Reaching behind him he bent over and got a blanket he had brought from his car.

“Help me.” he said as he gave her one end. Together they spread the blanket on the ground. He motioned for her to sit on it and when she did he grabbed two brown bags setting them in front of her alongside of the book and book bag

“I stopped at the Deli, got us something to eat.” You like subs? She nodded and kneeling he brought out two thick crusty hunks of bread filled with meat and cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. From the other bag he pulled two frosty jugs of Root Beer.
"Not exactly wine, but the next best. right?” Again she nodded. He stepped back before he sat down to look up at the oak tree they were under.

“Ah , the bough.! He looked down at Faith and added. “And Thou.” He bowed low and then joined her on the blanket.

“To paradise!” he toasted as he raised his drink high and touched it to hers as she added.

“Paradise, indeed”

The park was near empty, an occasional couple strolling by, hand in hand, but for the most part they were alone.

“Its quiet here she said softly. “I like it .”

“ I knew you would.” he replied. They sipped the cool root beer in silence and then dug into the subs which were soon reduced to mere crumbs.

“ What’s for dessert,” Faith asked a twinkle in her eye. She had put her bottle down and sat leaning back her hands supporting her from behind
Troy set his bottle down too and impulsively bent towards her inches away from her face. He said quickly “This!” and then he kissed her.

Both of them surprised at the spontaneity of the moment, pulled back and silently wished for more. A moment later both wishes were granted as they found themselves side by side on the blanket sharing a lovers kiss, mouths searching at first gently exploring, wetting each others lips with anxious tongues, then pressed together tight and hard and urgent with passion.

Breathless they pulled apart their hearts beating in unison, their faces flushed and eyes misty with excitement. They lay back and looked into the tree above them, felt the breeze cooling their ardor and as their hands joined at their sides thought their own thoughts but somehow felt connected.

Turning to each other again, hands still together, fingers entwined, they looked into each others eyes. No words were necessary, no misgivings about what had or was taking place, no need to make commitments or have expectations, just this precious moment that seemed to go on forever.
Their free hands reached of each others faces to trace patterns of recognition over cheeks, across lips and softly caressing; ears, necks and throats and then lower to slip between cloth and skin. Her fingers threading their way through soft curly chest hair, his hand cupping one soft and fluttering breast, feeling its nipple hard against his palm. Both of them pausing, silently connected, felt an immersion into oneness.

The silence was broken momentarily by a murmuring from both of them as once again they kissed,
making the oneness, the union, so near to completion that the point of no return was fast approaching. They both knew it and would have welcomed it had it been another time another place. As it was they both held back relished each separate emotion, each distinct sensation and shared the intimacy of each unique moment..

By some unspoken, unfelt agreement they pulled gently apart and grinning guiltily like two kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar, sat up and smoothed their clothes. The busily gathered together napkins, wrappings and bottles
“Here’s your book bag.” Faith said “And your book... and ...” she grinned remembering the panties.... the ‘gift’.”

Troy grinned back. “No, Faith you keep them the book isn’t due at the library for another week and I have another book bag or two....and...” His soft eye twinkled, "the ‘gift’ is yours.” He looked at his watch.

And then he was off running again, late for work as usual. He hadn’t even make a date he thought as he turned the corner. but then, surely, ,after today, she would be in the park at noon tomorrow, wanting as he did to continue this wonderful adventure that had started when he had met her at Victorias Secret.

--------------------------------------------------

Sometimes tomorrow's never come or at least they don’t come near a soon as one wants them to.
As it was, the boss announced to Troy that afternoon that his crew was starting a new job on the other side of the city tomorrow and Troy was to be there bright and early. After work Troy searched the campus looking for Faith to tell her. His search was unsuccessful and after dark he returned to his apartment totally dejected.

 

[nova4u]

Faith

Visions of Troy and their lunchtime encounter permeated her thoughts all day, and all through the evening. Faith found it difficult to concentrate on anything, since everything eventually came back him. She still didn’t know his last name or phone number, but that didn’t matter; she knew where to find him. She crawled into bed that night, and his pleasant smile flashed one more time before her as she closed her eyes.

====================

The next morning at the bridge, Faith watched the sunrise alone. It had never bothered her before, but she had never shared that time with anyone before either. She waited, and half expected to catch him out of the corner of her eye, running, as he seemed to make a habit of. He never came. The sunrise came and went; suddenly so empty without someone to share it with. Probably too late for work, she smiled to herself. She’d just look for him at lunchtime.

Again, the time came and went with no sign of him. She sat under the same tree, running the previous day through in her head. Did she say or do something that would cause him to stay gone? No, it was obvious that their feelings for each other were mutual. She closed her eyes briefly and could practically feel his hands upon her, his lips kissing her. Opening her eyes she had half-expected him to be there; the sensations felt so real. Faith looked at her watch, sighed, and gathered her things. It was time for her next class.

=====================

Her classes done for the day, Faith decided to walk over to the construction site and see if she could catch Troy after work. As she rounded the corner she froze, and her eyes widened. It was empty. Sure, there was still caution tape, finishing work and piles of concrete here and there, but all the heavy equipment was gone, and there was no one in sight.

How different today was from the day before. From excitement and bliss to pure emptiness. She walked a slow pace out to her car, climbed in and sat for a while deep in thought before finally turning the engine and driving home.

 

[slowandeasy]

Troy hadn’t slept well and when the alarm clock rang he shut it off ignoring the fact that he’d be late for work. When he woke up again he remembered he had planned on going to the bridge before work to see if Faith would be there. He looked at his watch and took off running, it was too late even to have breakfast or make a lunch much less go to the bridge. He headed, not in the direction of the college but across town to where his new job was to start. As he put on his hard-hat and gloves, he could almost see her standing on the bridge looking out at the ocean and then glancing around to see if he were coming, her eyes sparkling with expectation, her red hair blowing in the wind. If he thought hard enough he could feel in his hand the warm softness of her breast and the taste of her lips on his. He needed to concentrate on the job he was operating a piece of heavy equipment and needed to be careful where he was going and what he was doing. Lunch time came and he thought of Faith again how she had let him take the lead how she seemed to know where he was going and accepted his feelings. She was the perfect girl and he felt she shared his feelings. Why had fate been so cruel to drive them apart or had they not tried hard enough to keep it together or maybe it just wasn’t meant to be? The lunch wagon came around and Troy knew he had to eat so he ordered a sandwich and managed to get it down even though he had no desire for food. Tonight after work he’d... the library was closed today but tomorrow... Yes, the library their only solid connection. The afternoon went by quickly as Troy planned the reunion. He’d take along a pen and paper and write down every detail of Faiths past, present, and future. Armed with this information he would be sure to never loose her again. He ate a hearty dinner and went to bed early.

Fate smiled on him in the morning it was raining, a real downpour, there would be no work today. He could spend the whole day at the library, he’d wait all day, he’d ask anybody who came in if they knew her. Come hell or high water he’d find her!
__________________

 

[nova4u]

Faith

Faith came home that evening and collapsed on the couch. How on earth would she know where to find him? Surely Troy was looking for her too. They would find each other sooner or later...they couldn't possibly stay apart.

She glanced around her quiet home and flashing light caught the corner of her eye...the answering machine! She jumped up and ran over to the counter with anticipation, but slowly her hopes faded away; her number was unlisted and she hadn't given it to him yet, there was no way it could be him. Faith pushed the button and heard her dad's voice come across the machine, but tuned the sound out as it played; her mind was busy with too many other things right now and she could just listen to the message later.

She filled a pot with water for boiling and pulled a bag of pasta out of the cupboard, then froze...something wasn't right.

Faith hurried over to the answering machine and listened to the message intently this time. Her father's voice was thick and strained; there was an accident and she needed to call him immediately. Shaking, she picked up the phone and dialed the number, praying he'd answer...

===============================

All thoughts of Troy were out of her mind and tears streamed down her cheeks as she hurriedly threw her belongings into a suitcase. There were no details yet, only that her 16 year old brother had just gotten his license and on the way home been involved in a wreck; their mother had been in the car too. Her brother had always been responsible, serious and careful in everything he did. How could this have happened? Panic began to set in as all the possible scenarios went through her mind and she shook her head, trying to focus. She shoved all that she needed into the car and took off.

It was a 6-hour drive to the town her family lived, and she silently cursed the fact that they now lived 4 hours further away from the college than they had when she lived at home. She drove straight through the night in the pouring rain, stopping only for gas and the occasional cup of coffee at rest stops along the way; the radio blaring to keep her mind awake and from thinking the worst.

===============================

Early morning she finally arrived at the hospital, and ran in to find her dad, spotting him in the waiting room chairs outside the ICU. He got up and ran to her, giving her a crushing hug and sobbing into her shoulder.

"Dad, please, tell me what happened! What's going on? Are they OK?"

 

[slowandeasy]

Even though the rain meant no work for Troy and he could spent the whole day searching for Faith, he was in a melancholy mood. As he stood on the bridge in the pouring rain, as he combed the college barging in on classes, drinking innumerable cups of hot black coffee in the cafeteria watching the entrance for her arrival, as he questioned everyone he thought might know her, he grew more and more despondent. He walked to the park to the tree where they had first kissed, where they had almost made love.

“Maybe he should have.” he mumbled as the rain dripped from the tree down the back of his neck. Maybe he should have said to hell with work and taken her home and made mad passionate love to her...., seized the moment, Isn’t that what Old Omar advised, Eat drink and make merry? At least they would have had that even if they were destined to forever be apart.

He was almost sure that was what she wanted too. He sensed that when they kissed, when he held her, when she smiled her acceptance. “Damn! he swore so loud the ducks in the pond heard him and flew away.

He went home and changed clothes, looked in the fridge, and seeing nothing that looked appetizing slammed the door shut. It had stopped raining but he was in no better mood when he hurried to the library.

“Faith? That cute little redhead? No she didn’t show up for work tonight.” The man at the checkout counter said . “I hope she’s not sick or in trouble or.... something, she’s always here when she says she’s going to be.”

Troy looked at him in disbelief, He hadn’t thought of that.... sick,.... in trouble... or...

It was dark when he left the library, too late to continue searching but he had a plan. He knew where her parents lived, she had told him about the time she lived at home just four miles from the city. He’d go there tomorrow. They would know where she was.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow proved to be even more despairing, her family had moved no one seemed to know where. It was like they had disappeared from the face of the earth.

A week went by without Faith, Troy thought he was going to go crazy, missing her. How could that be? he told himself. He hardly had just met her and yet... It seemed like they had spent a lifetime together. Everyday he went to the bridge before work expecting to see her there. everyday he spent his noon hour in the park under the tree thinking about her. Every evening he spent at the Library not reading but gazing at the door waiting for her to walk in. But what he wanted didn’t happen, not at the bridge, not at the park and not at the library and after a week Troy began to realize it may never happen. there or anyplace else.

Another week went by. He threw himself into his work He went to a party, he even made a date with a girl he had met there. At the last minute he called and said he was sick. “No doubt about it.” Troy he told himself as he hung up. “You are one sick dude.”

 

[nova4u]

Faith

The past two weeks were a blur, a horrible nightmare. As Faith drove home, random reflections entered her now emotionally numb mind…her brother’s broken legs…her mother’s death…the funeral…

I never even got to say goodbye… Faith thought to herself. All of it was almost too much to bear. She wanted to stay, but her father had insisted she go back home and take care of herself, the cottage, and school. The drive back was much the same as the drive coming to the hospital that night: long and rainy, but now with a vacant stare at the road ahead and silent tears occasionally running down her cheeks.

After what seemed like eternity, she pulled up into the familiar driveway of her cottage. She pulled the keys from the ignition and took a deep breath, looking out the rain-covered window at her neglected garden, overgrown with weeds and grass. So much had changed in such a short time. At least it would give her something to occupy her time, maybe get her mind off of other things. She gathered her things and left the car, heading up the stairs to the door.

The next day, Faith woke up with many things on her mind. After breakfast she called the university and pulled out of her classes for the rest of the quarter; there was no way she could get caught up in the state she was in. She spent the rest of the morning curled up on the couch with her favorite blanket, sipping tea and trying to read. Reading proved to be useless; she was lonely and distracted, and no matter how many times she read the pages she found herself flipping back to start over again, having not absorbed a thing.

Eventually she put the book down and stared out the window; clouds were rolling away and bits of sunshine streaked from the sky. She decided to get out and go for a walk…something to clear her head. She took a long, hot shower, easing the tension away from her body until the water ran cool, then turned off the water and stepped out. Grabbing the nearest towel and drying off thoroughly, she wrapped the towel around her hair and walked to her dresser. Faith pulled open the top drawer and froze, then smiled lightly for the first time in weeks. Her fingers traced the satin-trimmed edges of the French-cut panties as she remembered Troy and how deeply she cared for him in such a short time; how he had stirred such passion in her body with his touch. She decided to wear them; pulling them on slowly she couldn’t help but notice the wetness forming between her legs just from thinking about him. But that was over now, they had lost each other and would probably never find each other again.

It was strange how those thoughts crept into her mind, confusing her during this time of sadness. She shook her head and dressed quickly in jeans, a sweatshirt and sneakers; comfort, not style, was her priority today. Comfort…something, anything to take her mind off things…perhaps a pet? She contemplated the idea of having a kitten around the house as she dried her hair and brushed out the long red waves.

It wasn’t long before she made her decision. Faith grabbed her keys and went out the door, turning to make the short walk into town towards the pet store.

 

[slowandeasy]

Troy

"Get off that machine and get over here!" The foreman shouted. Troy had been daydreaming again thinking about Faith and how it would be if they wwere together. He didn't see the Cadilac threading its way between the baracades and had almost backed into it with the bulldozer he was operating. He hung his head as he walked slowly up to the angry foreman.

"Sorry man," he said trying to act nonchalant

"Sorry wont get it his boss shot back. you almost creamed that caddie. Wheres your head kid?" Troy didn't answer so he continued. I think you need a little vacation son ,like maybe two weeks without pay."

The next day Troy went to the college hoping like he had been doing for the last two weeks he would find Faith. He checked out the library and the cafeteria he spent an hour at the bridge and another hour at the park. This is crazy he said to himself he had no job to go to, how was he going to pay his rent. the only people he knew were the guys he workde with so he had no one to talk to. He called his mother in Florida. She was glad to hear from him but could sense the lonelyness and dispair in his voice.

"Dad and I would love to have you come and visit but we're just getting ready to head for Europe for two months. Maybe you should get a dog. Man's best friend, you know. and son, ...."

"yes mom?"

"Get a job!"

Troy grinned, mom always had a way to cheer him up.

Mom was right, Troy did need a job and a friend, someone to take his mind off his troubles. He remembered as a young boy, his favorite pet was a dog named 'Freckles' An irish setter. He closed his eyes and remembered his boyhood dogs shinny red coat and sparkling green eyes.

"Great idea mom." he said quickly."Hhave a nice trip." There was a big wide smile on his face as he ran to the pet store.

Inside he checked out all the kennels looking for an irish setter puppy. "Yes!" he shouted as he scooped up a fat cuddly puppy and headed for the cashier. He was so excited when he set the dog down to get his wallet out, that he didn't see it streak away.

"Oh shit," He said as he heard it bark and looked up to see that it had a terrified kitten backed into a corner and was about to pounce on it. "No, Freckles!" he shouted as he moved quickly toward the pair.

He didn't see the girl, he only felt her as he tripped and fell to the floor, pulling her with him. He looked up into two very angry green eyes and a familiar face. He could only stare as she started to speak. "Get away from me... you...you big.....TROY!!!!"

 

[nova4u]

Faith

Faith could not believe it. Here was Troy, right before her; and here they were, in a tangled mess on the floor of a pet shop, together again. Her anger quickly turned to astonishment, then joy as she saw the smile growing across his face. She hugged him, with sincere intentions never to let him go when a sharp YIP snapped her back to reality.

“YEEOUCH!” Troy yelled and flinched, feeling the kitten’s tiny, razor sharp claws scampering up his back and leaping off his head. He recovered just in time to grab Freckles before the excited puppy made another lunge for the frightened calico kitty, now in Faith’s arms. Both took a moment to calm their newfound friends, then looked at each other and burst out laughing, realizing all that had just happened and the small crowd that had gathered around them to watch the comical ruckus.

Troy stood, pulling Faith up with a gleam in his eye, and pulled her close for a soft, lingering kiss. A soft purring made them both look at the animals in their arms and they burst into a fit of giggles again; the puppy content with his eyes closed and the kitten bathing him with her tongue. There were some snickers and a few claps of applause as the onlookers dispersed; Troy bowing his head with a grin to those walking by.

The two of them paid for their new companions and pet supplies and made their way outside. Troy drew her to him again and held her tightly. “I thought I’d never find you again,” Faith whispered. “So much has happened; so much has changed…” A tear ran down her cheek as she looked at him, not sure whether to blurt out the events of the last several weeks in sorrow or just be happy and thankful they were together at last.

Troy put a finger to her full, quivering lips. “Shhh…” he said, wiping away the lone tear. “Let me walk you home, and you can tell me all about it. And besides, if we ever get separated again at least then I’ll know where to find you.”

 

[slowandeasy]

Troy

“So much has happened; so much has changed…”

Hr whispered words echoed in the back of his mind as they made their way down the street. At first he had wondered if that meant she had found someone new, that there was another man in her life. It had been weeks since they had been together He had made no promises or commitments nor had she. Could he possibly hope that they could start again where they had left off.? And where had they left off? but then as he had wiped the tear from her eye he knew her sadness was not about their future together.

Pondering their chance meeting, the haphazard way it had occurred and the somewhat comical experiences that brought them together that seemed to come from nowhere for no apparent reason, he had this feeling that some unknown force was controlling their destiny.

And then there was that afternoon in the park, that sudden intimacy that they had shared., that feeling that there would be more opportunities to travel further down this wonderful path they had discovered. letting themselves be pulled in new directions neither of them could even imagine existed. All of this added up to a sense of rightness about where they were and where they were headed.

Troy glanced over toward Faith. Noticing the way she was petting the calico cat that snuggled against her, he was filled with a feeling of warmth. he knew at once that no matter what happened, he would do his best to keep from losing her again. She felt his gaze and looked back. He knew by the way she smiled that she was feeling the same.

Troy opened the gate that lead into an enclosed yard filled with trees and flowers and lots of green grass. He bent down and let Freckles scamper from his arms now that he had a safe place to run and play. Faith lowered her kitten to the ground also and they watched them head off together to explore.

“Come inside and I’ll fix us a couple of cold drinks. Are you hungry, Troy?”

Troy shook his head, “Not really, but a cool drink would be nice”

At the front of the cottage a swinging seat on an open porch drew Troy’s attention and Faith seeing him look at it, motioned for him to sit down. “I’ll be right back.’ she said as she disappeared through the front door.

When she returned, she sat down next to him and together they sipped in silence for a while watching the pets play in the yard.

“So, tell me... they said in unison and then giggled and paused

“You go first.” Troy said finally. He knew she had a lot to tell him. he listened patiently as she told him about her mothers death.

When she was finished, shedding a few more tears in the process, Troy put his arm around her shoulder and pulled him into the cradle of a comforting embrace. His hands smoothed her soft hair while he told her how much he had missed her and wished that he had been with her to help her through the difficult times.

She looked up at him smiling through mist filled eyes. “But you’re here now.” she whispered. “and that’s what counts.”

As she looked up at him his hand cupped her chin and he kissed her forehead lightly. As her eyes closed his lips found hers and together they shared the intensity of a kiss that confirmed their reunion. Willingly they gave into the pleasure their mouths shared, eagerly they explored the textures and shapes of each others lips and tongues, taking turns delving into the heated recesses, stroking and caressing sucking and filling..

Breathless, they pulled apart, They looked up to see a small puppy and a kitten watching them curiously from the yard and they both began to laugh uncontrollably.