The Layover

[Remec]

"Mister...hey, Mister..."

The quiet voice partially penetrated the dreams of home Carl had been enjoying. Mostly...he'd just reached to point where Mary Sue had told him she was willing to wait until his tour was up and she'd finished school for them to get married, as long as Carl understood they weren't going further than really heavy petting and, maybe, some oral action until she had that ring on her finger.

This was the part of the dream where he usually woke up anyways; so when the voice seeped into his head, Carl let one eye slowly pry itself up. He peeked from beneath the half opened lid and saw the kid he'd spoken too earlier. Bobbie or something like that, travelling with his Nana to meet his mother. "Wha'?"

"They jus' said change here for Fort Jackson. Ain't dat where yer goin'?"

Carl sat up and looked about. At first glance, he seemed to be where he was before he went to sleep. So amazing how alike these bus stations could be, even after hundreds of miles. "Yep.", he said through a yawn, covering his mouth and rubbing at both cheeks and his chin to both be polite and to rush himself awake. "Was nice talkin' to ya...you take care." He stood and brushed off his uniform must remember to find that lint brushhe thought, putting on his hat as he moved off and nodding to the boy's Nana. "Ma'am."

The outside of the bus was a slight jolt. It hadn't been so cold when he stretched his legs at the last stop. But that had been during the day and at a much lower elevation then they were at now. And it seemed to have been snowing here lately.

Carl got his bag from the driver at the side of the bus, and headed inside where it was warm. He sighed at the sight. Row upon row of empty seats in different little groupings filled much of the otherwise barren warehouse of a building. Here and there were those little coin-operated televisions. A rack of brochures supplied by the state travel commission advertised all the wonderful sights to be found locally or within a short ride. A newspaper machine sat forlornly in a semidark corner near a small bank of payphones.

Opposite it was about the only cheery thing in the place. The snack bar...lit with amber tones from the yellow bulbs hanging from the false ceiling that made the area seem more inviting than the vastness above one's head in the main station room, it beckoned to Carl as sure as if it was one of his favorite fast food places. As long as the food's warm and has anything resembling taste, I'm happy

He walked over, muttering to himself as his uniform hung up on what remained of an erection from the dream he'd waked from. Maybe I should let that dream run into the bad sections a little more...help quiet this down...ya have a mind of your own, y'know?

Carl stepped into the snack bar just as he thought that and felt the affirmative twitch in his pants as he found himself watching a group of pretty young things...college coeds by the school emblems and greek letters on their jackets and sweatshirts...who seemed to be saying goodbye to one of their number. He took as unobvious a glance in the wall mirror over the water fountain between the "Gents" and "Gals" rooms.

He seemed to have a bit of sleephair peeking from beneath his hat. It was longer than it really should be, but he'd been on leave and figured on getting a haircut before reporting for inspection on Monday. He also needed a shave, as hours of bus riding was showing on his face. It was long and lean, feral when he got one of those looks in his eyes and smile, and his teeth were bright and clean of debris (always something to consider when living on southern barbecue sandwiches). He suddenly realized his sunglasses were still on his face, he'd gotten so used to wearing them, and took them off...slipping them into his inner jacket pocket and brushing loose lashes from his deep, emerald eyes that happened to meet a pair of bright blue ones looking into the mirror from the group across the room behind him.

He smiled and gave her a wink.

**********

CLOSED thread for me and Destiny.

 

[Destiny]

Karen Donaldson

Karen was in the coffee shop with her friends no one ever came in this late, they were usually heading straight on through to the next main stop along the line, so she didn't think she would have anything to do. She was the overnight waitress on duty, a bust station attendant worked the back and there was a security guard around somewhere.

She heard the last call for the change over and still didn't see anyone emerge from the busses she so she went back to chatting. She was the only girl of 8 children so she was on a partial scholarship and had to work for her credits at the college. Unlike a lot of the girls sitting at the table she had to earn her way through college.

That was when she saw him getting off the bus, she sighed and told the girls she had to go back to work. They all nodded and began to gather their things as they waved goodbye. "Don't forget we have a game at 6 tomorrow." Karen nodded and watched them walk away as she began to gather up cups and plates and take them over to the counter. She was dressed in her work uniform a cotton candy pink confection that was made to amplify her figure. Amazing how work uniforms for women did that. A pair of sneakers rounded out the outfit and she had on her letterman's sweater as she moved along the counter waiting for the man in the uniform to walk to his table.

Moving along the back counter she poured out a glass of water and grabbed a paper coaster and a menu and moved to where he sat."I will give you a few minutes to look it over and then come back OK?" She smiled at him and then walked away heading to the counter again and began washing out the plates and cups she and her friend had dirtied.

 

[Remec]

The sweater was what had confused him. Carl had looked into those sweet, bright eyes and then turned away reluctantly because he thought he'd been staring and intruding. It turned out, though, that the girl worked in the bus station's snack bar, and he'd not realized the pink outfit had been her uniform. Or that the other girls had just been sharing the evening with her because it was so slow.

And, between the snow and the time of day and the fact that it was the middle of the week, he figured that he was probably about the only customer she'd really had since dinner. Not counting her friends, of course. He'd set down his duffle and slid himself into a booth when she'd walked over and handed him an actual menu.

Carl opened his mouth to say he didn't need the time, but she was gone already and he found himself looking at the sway of her figure as she bustled the remains of the girls' stuff off the table and out of sight. Her name tag had said "Karen", and she was leaning over the table, wiping it down and her skirt bunched and hiked itself up to reveal the halfslip beneath.

Clearing his throat, Carl spoke up,"Um...miss? Uh, Karen? Ya may wanna watch how you stretch yourself dere." He smiled when she turned to look at him. "Oh, and I didn't need a menu. Pork barbcue on a bun, no slaw, little bit of ketchup and a couple slices of American cheese...fries...big ole Co'Cola...thanks." He gave her a wink and let his smile broaden into a grin.

He let his eyes drop down briefly, just to be sure she got the hint about her skirt, and noticed that the light from the brighter kitchen area behind her let him see the full shape of her thighs and the lowest part of the curve to her bottom through the material of that slip. He sucked in a breath without thinking about it, feeling that only just starting to behave itself other head of his begin to get ideas again...

 

[Destiny]

Karen hadn't realized her skirt had ridden up and as she leaned over to wipe the table she heard the man behind her speak up. She looked back over at the guy at the booth and she smiled as he gave his order. Nodding her head she was about to turn and finish what she was doing when she noticed him glancing down and she looked back over her shoulders. Quickly standing up she turned and back ed int the kitchen her face was flaming red.

She made it behind the counter and adjusted her skirt as she made it back there and then busied herself making his food. She got his drink and brought it to his table as she heated he pork barbeque up for him. She kept her head ducked a bit so she wouldn't have to look into his eyes and let him see her blushing again.

Moving back to the counter she made up his fries and the sandwich and then brought it back to his table. smiling slightly she placed silverware and the food before him. "Will there be anything else sir?" Her voice was gentle and she looked along the table as she spoke and waited for him to answer her.

 

[Remec]

The way Karen hustled herself into the kitchen, you'd have thought it was a noontime lunch rush rather than merely a simple sandwich order from a passing soldier in the wee hours of the morning. But Carl chuckled at her movement for a moment, even though he knew as soon as she came back with his Coke that she'd not been aware of the skirt and he must have embarrassed her.

He opened his straw and dropped it in the soda, pushing it down as it bobbed about a bit. Karen had her eyes tilted downwards and held her face slightly askew as if....Yes...she had a distinct rosiness to her cheeks...Carl grinned and she scurried off again.

Returning with his order, she'd still been reluctant to look at him, but she served everything just great and then asked if he needed anything and Carl glanced at the response in his lap and shook his head. I can't take you anywhere, can I? Jeez

He let his own soft but deep voice answer her,"No, miss...it's jus' fine." Then he thought as Karen turned to leave, and leaned over a bit to catch her wrist. "Actually...I'll prolly need anutha Co'Cola. But, for now, maybe a second look in those lovely eyes and at that smile I saw when I came in here?"

 

[Destiny]

Lifting her head up Karen blushed brighter and she couldn't help but smile as she looked into his eyes as she giggled a bit nervously, "So where ar eyou headed?" She leaned a bit on the table and crossed her arms over her chest as she looked him in the eye.

She was trying to act braver then she was and she waited for his answer as he began to eat from his pork sandwich.

"I am headed to Fort Jackson." He smiled and took a big bite of his sandwhich and moaned in appreciation of the food as she blushed a bit and then it regstered in her head,"Um Mister. The fort Jackson bus left twenty minutes before your bus got here. The next bust won't be for another two days which is Sunday morning at the earliest."

 

[Remec]

"Say what?"

Carl couldn't believe what Karen had told him. He thought that ride had seemed a little longer than the last time, but long enough for him to have missed his connection?

"Fu...hhhmmm...well, damn." Carl put down his sandwich and shook his head. Unspoken curses reeled through his head and over his lips...a lipreader watching him would, no doubt, have been scandalized. After a moment or three of this, he leaned back in the booth and thought of what he should do next.

He looked at the girl, and was about to ask her about hotels nearby but was distracted by the frilly edge of a strap and the very top of both cups where they met beneath her cleavage. Her leaning forward on the table had not been enough to break her top button, but stressed it to the point of coming undone. Without thinking, Carl softly let the same appreciative moan he'd made over the sandwich at the sight before him.

Karen had had a sweater on when he came in, so he'd not realized how nice a figure she'd really had. And her uniform seemed to accentuate it all the more. She seemed like a nice girl...sweet and sexy...

I wonder...two days...hmmm... He looked up and saw that Karen had noticed what he was looking at. He smiled again. Then shrugged.

"Looks like I'm stuck then. Anyplace 'round here with rooms, or am I sleeping on a bench in the station?"

 

[Destiny]

Karen

Crossing her arms over her chest her button was straining at the hole on her uniform by now and as she moved it slowly slipped out of the hole to reveal a glimpse of pink lace sliding along her skin as she spoke.

"Well The hotels are about 10 miles south of here. The boarding houses are all closed but you would have to pay for at least a week to stay there." Chewing her lower lip she sighed a bit. "Um well since ou are with the service...I mean you are a guy who saves us on a daily basis, I gess if you want to you can crash on my couch at least til tomorrow. I will be done in about half an hour and you can take a shower and at least relax some. "


She smiled softly and looked at him waiting to see what his response would be.

 

[Remec]

Carl wasn't sure he'd heard Karen right. Her place? Shower and stay the night? Was she even old enough to have her own place? But he was in a bind and in the back of his head he had the thought that maybe he'd see more than a few inches of slip and a bit of bra.

Then he saw how her button had finally worked itself free and smiled, tongue flicking lightly across his lip as he took a breath. Damn, but that bra and skin look nice...should I...I have to...

"I'd hate to put you out any, but if you're sure it's okay...I'd love to come over." He held out his hand, not realizing the slight pause he'd left at the end of his last sentence that left it open for interpretation as to actually being the end, and added,"My name's Carl...Carl Browning. Nice to meet you."

 

[Destiny]

Karen

She chewed her lip and took the hand as she smiled," Hello I am Karen Donaldson. Well finish up and then we can get out of here, Mabel will be here soon."

She turned and left and headed off to the kitchen. While she busied herself in the kitchen she had to wonder what made her offer him the couch. She sighed softly, you are too nice sometimes Kare....

Moving about the kitchen she noticed the button undone, hmm how long had that been that way? Finally Mabel showed up and she nodded to the older woman and began her preparations to leave.

She moved back toward Carl's table,"I will be out in the Lobby when you are ready to go."

 

[Remec]

Carl smiled and got up from the table. "I finished while you were in back. Ready when you are." He picked up his bag and slung it onto a shoulder, waving his arm to indicate Karen should lead the way, and settling in a few paces behind her.

His smile drifted in and out as they walked and he looked over the signs and the headlines in the newspaper boxes, but was either in place or grew back anew everytime she turned to look at him. "You have a car or is it within walking distance?", he asked, making small talk to help get his focus off of the sway in her hips and the way her tight uniform clung to her ass and thighs after who knows how many hours in and out of a hot kitchen.

 

[Destiny]

Karen led him along the lobby and waved to the guard and then looked back over her shoulder,"Well it is within walking distance, but with it being so cold I drove. " She moved toward a two door convertible Le Baron and opened his door. Moving around to the other side she opened her door and then leaned in and began moving all her books off the passenger side seat. "Sorry no one ever rides with me," she explained as she moved the things.

Finally everything moved and seated the skirt to her uniform had risen a bit higher and exposed a good length of leg in the darker interior of the car. the rear view mirror lights gleaming down onto pearlescent pantyhose.

"So where are you from? " She smiled and looked at the guy beside her. "My brother is in Kuwait, he is in the navy." She smiled and then drove down the road as she talked to him casually.

 

[Remec]

Karen's idea of driving was a good one, Carl thought as they stepped outside. The warmth that spilled from the station and that came from the numerous lights along the actual bus pickup and dropoff site had made it seem not too bad. Emerging from the toasty snack bar after an hour or so had made a big difference. He'd stepped carefully through the parking lot, his shoes not really good on icy pavement or asphalt, and set down his bag to rub his hands while Karen made room in the car.

He smiled and nodded at her apology. "It's fine. Mine looks the same when I'm home, driving it." He slid in once she finished and licked his lips without thinking at the further glimpse of unseen flesh and yet another bit of what Karen wore beneath her uniform. {At this rate, I may never sleep tonight for dreaming of her without it.} Carl thought to himself, reluctantly moving his eyes from her thighs and trying to keep them on the road or the side of the street.

Her question brought his gaze back around, though. "So where are you from? My brother is in Kuwait, he is in the navy."

"Norfolk...family's mostly Navy, so I had to do something different, just 'cause. Been through Kuwait, but not for real long...just ferrying stuff to and fro. I've mostly been on training assignments. Supposed to be on track to be a drill instructor, but we'll see how it goes."

Carl leaned back against the door and window frame of the car, turning slightly to better see Karen as they talked. He let his eyes flit up and down the silhouette she made as they streetlights backlit her to him...the shaping of her uniform making her figure stand out in profile that much more.

"What about you? What's with the books and the letter sweater, you in school still?"

 

[Destiny]

Shifting the car into gear, Karen backed out of the parking lot and headed down the black highway as she spoke, the only thing illuminating her face now was the green glow of the dashboard lights.

"Yes I go to the local college. I am there on a volleyball scholarship, but it doesn't pay for all of my classes so I have to supplement it by working at the diner. Only place I can work nights and do my homework at work." She smiled a little bit as she spoke and then looked over at the man she was inviting home with her. "I live in a duplex with a roommate but he is gone for the rest of the week visiting his parents. The next door neighbor is at home and occasionally checks up on me to make sure I am OK. So I don't mind working late."

She drove another 5 minutes talking as she drove and then pulled into a small parking lot and killed the engine as she gestured to the wall before the car,"My place."

 

[Remec]

Carl's eyes took a few moments to adjust to the lower light inside the car as they left the parking lot around the bus station and made their way out into the darker streets. In the soft green glow from the dashboard, he could still make out both Karen's lovely, sihouetted face and the nicely toned bit of thigh still in view from her getting into the car.

He listened to her speak, nodding and making the little utterances that people rely on to be sure you're paying attention to them. Especially in a dark place where they can't really see you very well. Karen's being on a volleyball scholarship explained the fit and muscular aspect of her body...he'd figured on her for someone into some sort of sport or exercise program...

News of a roommate caused Carl to rethink any thoughts he'd been having about legs and cleavage and a pert bottom...Hmm, oh, they're away...neighbor checks up...double hmm He wondered if Karen was just making small talk or clueing him that she was taken care of and looked after should Carl have any criminal motives...

He yawned just as they pulled in. He looked about as Karen announced they'd arrived. "Nice wall...", he couldn't resist,"decorate yourself?" He laughed and gave her a wink, opening the car door and stepping out to get a better look at where they were.

 

[Destiny]

Killing the lights Karen crawled from the car and shouldered her purse as she smiled towards Carl. Just as she was about to say something a flashlight beamed into Carl's face,"Who's there?" Karen lifted her head and turned around,"it is ok Mr. Peterson, a friend from backhome is intown for a visit." aren lied as she moved toward Carl and took his arm and began to lead him to the apartment.

"Alright Karen, you have a nice night." Mr. Peterson called and his flashlight dipped along Karen's body and over her ass as she walked away. Opening the door Karen flipped on the lights to a the kitchen. As you walk in the open plan of the townhouse gives it a big feeling. It is sparsely furnished with a couch and a TV. Tons of pillows are everywhere and a large fireplace is set up in the far wall.

Karen walked over to the thermostat and shse gripped her arms a bit as she looked at the object,"Damn furnace is out again." Looking up she sighed,"Would you mind making a fire? It won't be back on til morning."

She looked around and sighed. "I will get towels and the makings for a bed for you. At least the hot water works." She smiled softly.

 

[Remec]

Carl looked over at the fireplace and shrugged. "I can give it a shot. I think I remember how to do that." He smiled as Karen went for bedding, leaving him to build up the hearth and begin warming the apartment, or the living room, at least.

It wasn't as hard as he thought it might be without charcoal and lighting fluid. He did all the things he remembered from training, both recent Army stuff as well as tapping into what he used to do while in the Scouts. By the time Karen came back into the room, he had a decent enough bit of flame started and was kicked back on some of the pillows watching it grow and feeding it slowly as needed to get it selfmaintaining.

Carl had removed his shoes and jacket, lying them neatly over against one of the walls next to his duffle bag. He stared into the flames and quietly mused to himself, unaware Karen had returned. "Not too bad. Least I could do, right? Better than being stuck at the station...and she's nicer company than the bums and weirdos bus stations attract." He sat up to slide some more small pieces of wood into place and turn the larger log so that more of it would catch fire.

"And she's pretty too...always a plus..."

 

[Destiny]

Karen

She stood in the doorway and was about to ask who he was talking to when she realized he was talking to himself. She remained motionless beside the door listening and blushed as she realized he was talking about her. Taking a step back she cleared her throat and then emerged into the doorway again,"Her we go." Dropping pillows and some blankets onto the couch behind Carl she smiled,"You wanna take a shower first or me?"

Moving as she spoke she slid her hands up and tugged on the band that held her hair into a ponytail and her long blond hair cascaded around her shoulders and face in curls and waves. Her fingers threaded through the thick mass as she waited for him to answer. The fire was sending sparkling lights along the length of her hair as she spoke.

 

[Remec]

At the sound in the hallway, Carl had turned his head. Upon seeing Karen reenter the room, he stood up. While it made it easier to talk to her, being more on a level, the way he did it and the stance he put himself in was more in line with standing from a table or sofa upon being joined by a woman.

He smiled on seeing her again. He knew he was doing that a lot, for him, but maybe it didn't seem out of place since they'd just met. "You wanna take a shower first or me?" , she asked after setting down the bedding she'd gotten him.

Carl felt himself reawakening in his slacks as he watched Karen let her hair down and fluff it out. Swallowing a tad nervously, he took a moment to find his voice, his eyes flickering over her hair and down her neck and back to meet her gaze.

"Um, er...guess I'd better...if it's alright." He scooped up his bag and turned to look at Karen in the golden glow from the fire. "Back that way, right?" He nodded at her directions, saying softly to himself,"Hope it's good and cold...gonna be needin' that."

 

[Destiny]

Karen

Laughing gently Karen craned her neck to the side and blinked,"Why ever would you need a cold shower?" Her voice was soft and sweet and she seemed to genuinely want to know why.

He laughed as well a bit nervous it would seem and shook his head,"Oh just to wake me up, but perhaps I shouldn't."

Karen shrugged and headed down the hall after him and paused at her door and then called out,"Just let me know when you are done." Moving into her room she left the door cracked slightly and moved to the dresser and began to rummage around in the drawers. Kicking off her shoes she stepped out of her uniform and dropped it onto the nearby bed and stood in her pink lace bra and panties her stockings soon to follow her shoes.

Finally just in bra and panties she grabbed a robe slid it on and headed back to the kitchen to fix some drinks.

 

[Remec]

Carl shook his head and went into the bathroom to prepare for his shower. He couldn't believe he said that out loud...or worse, that he'd done so and Karen had heard him. He looked at the mirror, sure his reflection must be somewhere between firetruck and beet in color, and just sighed at the look in his eyes.

"Yeah...I know, I know...I want to find out more about her too. Especially what the complete picture that all those frilly glimpses of underwear we've been getting form beneath that tight uniform."

His other head stirred to put in its 7 cents. Carl knew it was usually 2 cents, but he figured a penny an inch wasn't being overly indulgent. "Shush you...", Carl said as he turned from the mirror and started the water running.

As it warmed a bit, he undid his shirt and slipped it onto a hook on the back of the door, then drew his t-shirt over his head and let it drop over against the wall, joined in a moment by socks and pants. He was just about to take off his boxers when he realized he didn't have a towel. A quick search of the cupboards in the bathroom, showed him that they must be in a linen closet elsewhere.

Carl stepped out into the hall, intending to just call out to Karen, and thumped right into her. "Oof! Ow...damn...sorry...'bout...that" he let his words trail off as their collision had caused the young woman's robe to partially open.

Carl knew he was staring, but he was at a loss for what to say or do for a moment. Other parts of him, however, seized the chance to rise up unchecked by heavy uniform material or an overriding brain and sense of manners. Dimly, he was aware that his boxers were beginning to tent and that the fly wasn't fastened, just an opening of doubled up fabric, starting to crest a bit and part.