An adult stories – Caught in the RipTide by kinkybunny123,kinkybunny123 (This is my entry for the Nude Day Story Contest 2023. I love to hear from my readers. Please rate and leave a comment. Thank you!)
Lilly Mayfield sat in her living room and fanned herself with a thin and ultimately useless paper fan. She took a sip of her weak tea, now stone cold. It was just SO hot out! She’d heard of a new-fangled invention called “air conditioning.” It was supposed to make the inside of your house cool.
Would new scientific wonders never cease? Not that she could afford it. Lilly had just gotten an eviction notice. She had two weeks before the sheriff came after her. Lilly and Charlie’s farm was set to be turned into a sub-development….whatever that was.
Ah, to sleep—perchance to dream. She had work tomorrow at Ross Burn’s Shop N Save—if only she had a little more money, she just might be able to save the farm. If she was lucky, but that was a BIG if.
This farm had been her and Charlie’s dream. They were supposed to–well, there were a lot of supposed toos. For better or worse, usually worse on Lilly’s behalf, dreams fade, change and finally pass.
Charlie died in the war, as had a lot of men from Antelope Hill. So there was no use complaining about that since many others in Antelope Hill shared her circumstances. But, still, she questioned God, why Charlie…he had been so young, so sweet…so kind…he had been…well, he was HER Charlie!
Lilly fanned herself and wiped away a few tears. If she lost the farm, she’d lose their dream and one of the last remints of Charlie. How could she live with that? God, she just needed sleep, but it was SO hot.
She and Charlie had done this risque activity when they needed to cool off on hot nights like these—-but he’d always been there to protect her. It was alright for a man to swim naked, BUT a naked woman would automatically be branded a whore, a slut, a pariah…especially in a conservative town like Antelope Hill, Wyoming. So women stayed in their lane and behaved, never doing anything daring.
Lilly could hear the old biddies, like Muriel Harper, gossiping about her scandalous behaviour already. If she went through with this, the rumours would balloon in size at the local Corner Cafe concerning her moral conduct.
She and Charlie had nearly been “discovered” in their naughty adventures twice by passersby. Charlie had just treaded water naked and conversed while she’d hidden in muddy reeds like a proper and respectable woman from Antelope Hill should.
Charlie always told her Lilly was beautiful and she shouldn’t be so ashamed of her naked body. She should sunbathe and show it off. Still, on those warm summer nights, Lilly hid in the reeds, afraid of being branded as a strumpet by Antelope Hill’s old biddies.
Tonight was different, though. The zenith of summer was here, and it was just SO HOT! Just a quick swim in the cool water would be so soothing! Since the war, the only person who lived that far out in the country was Callum Turner. Lilly knew Cal too. He’d been Charlie’s best friend. They’d been two peas in a pod. Identical. As a young woman, she’d adored them both equally.
Lilly had heard that the Mormons, out in Utah or Hindus in far-off and exotic India, could have multiple wives…if only she could have multiple husbands, she’d have taken both Charlie and Cal. Lilly was a tenderhearted woman who was full of love. Women in Antelope Hill couldn’t have multiple husbands, though.
The war in Germany was intensifying. Men were even signing up or being drafted every day. She couldn’t wait forever; she was already twenty-seven going on twenty-eight. Women in Antelope Hill had to find a husband. It was what women of Lilly’s day, who had few options, did.
Lilly didn’t want to become an old biddy like Muriel Harper, spreading inane gossip at the Corner Cafe. So, for all these reasons, she’d said “yes” to Charlie when he’d asked. Although, she’d have said the same to Callum Turner if he’d asked first.
Still, the farm and been her and Charlie’s dream. They were going to make their own way in the world, surviving on nothing but love and grit, as millions of young people had done before them…now with the impending eviction, Lilly blamed herself for letting the dream die. Despite working fourteen-hour days, Lilly thought she hadn’t worked hard enough.
Lilly was ashamed. She hadn’t “wanted” their dream enough. Lilly was frightened of the future, scared of losing Charlie and her’s dream. She couldn’t think about Charlie now. Hot, Lilly abandoned her paper fan and headed down to the cool stream.
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It was hot. It was late, but that didn’t matter since he’d returned from Germany and was shunned by society. Callum Turner kept to himself and kept his own hours. Cal thought that the residents of Antelope Hill would be more grateful. He’d saved four of their men, after all. He’d tried to drag seven more, including his best friend Charlie, out of the muddy German trenches as bullets rained down upon them and thunderous guns sounded nearby.
To his great sadness and frustration, the other seven men hadn’t made it. Only four survived. Cal knew it wasn’t his place to question the Lord’s ways. He was just a plain man—a simple farmer who toiled year-round in the fields. What did he know?
Cal loved, resented and despised his solitude and reclusiveness; his days were all the same, repeating, identical…an endless Groundhog Day of a life. He longed for a different life but had to be content, if not happy, for there was no other way to live the impossible life of his daydreams.
Callum never knew where his sprout of courage had sprung from—why he’d risked his life to save people he now considered “assholes.” Callum had won a Silver Star from the USA and an Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for the two Canadians he’d mistakenly saved when he should have been saving his American buddies. Lately, at Vetern’s Association meetings, the medals had become something to wear instead of badges of honour.
His heart was heavy. Now that he was nearing middle age, Callum felt a lot was missing from his life. He had a prosperous farm but no one to come home to. No wife or family. Nothing that was “his.” Callum felt that he should have gathered accolades, friends and family, but he lacked what he thought he deserved.
Now Antelope Hill’s veterans made pathic excuses and avoided him, perhaps ashamed they hadn’t posed his valour. Their wives were the worst. They avoided Cal like the plague and gossiped about how he “lived a savage” on his farm.
Well, Cal had a thing or two to tell them…but he was a gentleman. Why did he have to be a gentleman? Why couldn’t he be a narcissistic asshole like Ross Burns and forcefully seize what he coveted? Over and over again, Callum tried to live like that, but he couldn’t bring himself to. For better or worse, probably worse, he was a gentleman.
On the rare occasions, Callum Turner did go into town, mainly for supplies like coffee, sugar, salt and supposedly a “healing” salve for his wounds. Lilly Mayfield was the only one who treated him like a “real person.” She wasn’t afraid to speak to him. She would look at him and treat him like she had before the war and his wounds. Her heart was so full of love…
Cal desperately wanted to ask her out, but how could he? Back in Germany, Cal had tried with all his might to drag her husband Charlie from the muddy trenches, he’d gotten him to the Red Cross aid station too, but Charlie just didn’t make it.
Why did he have to waste all that time saving those two Canadians? He’d rescued them while Charlie lay bleeding to death! Cal shook his head. He was just a simple farmer. It wasn’t his place to ask these questions. Still….Cal knew he couldn’t ask Lilly on a date because he’d let her husband die in muddy German trenches.
Cal gave a groan and rubbed his leg. He’d taken an aspirin and rubbed the supposedly “healing salve” on his leg, but it was to no avail. Maybe…just a maybe a soak in the cool stream would help. It had before…Cal went down to the stream, seeking relief for his pain.
He’d just stripped out of his shirt when he heard a splash—probably a fish. Wyoming had no dark and nefarious behemoths of the deep like a Cthulhu. Still, beavers could get pretty fierce if you bumped against them in the dark. Best check before he dove into the dark stream. He didn’t want to be in more pain.
Suddenly, to his great surprise, an angelic voice rang out. “Somewhere over the rainbow…way up high…” Cal was startled. It was a woman’s voice. An enchantress, she was a siren beckoning him. This woman was melting his dark heart with promises of a new and better life “over the rainbow” was calling to him.
Cal brushed a few tears from his eyes…a place where the dreams he dared to dream came true? He couldn’t get his hopes up; that would never happen…dreams never came true, especially his. Only nightmares existed in his bleak, solitary and friendless world.
Cal had to look. He had to see who this beckoning siren was. He knew by looking he was opening Pandora’s box. Still, he had to see. Against his better judgement, Cal looked. Instantaneously Cal knew it was a grave error. Upon the opposite shore, he saw Lilly Mayfield riding herself of her remaining undergarments.
She’d just entered the cool stream free and unencumbered, totally at peace. Here in the stream and under the stars’ eternal dance, Lilly had no todays or tomorrows, worries or concerns. Lilly could just BE. She belonged only to the Heavens.
Lilly swam deeper into the stream’s ebb, singing a wordless madrigal. She was an angel. A songbird in spring. He loved how her long hair poured free over her shoulders. Cal drank up Lilly’s beauty in the star light. Cal continued to watch spellbound as Lilly seemed to soap herself with moonlight. Cal watched Lilly’s breasts sway in the stream’s crisp current. He should look away. He had to look away. Cal was no voyeur. He was a gentleman.
Other men in his Army troop, including married men like Ross Burns, had visited French Burlesque Shows. But, he’d been too timid and stayed in camp. Those French burlesque women had known they were being watched. They made their living doing it.
Cal had stumbled upon the naked Lilly by cosmic accident. To Cal’s deep shame, thoughts, such as a lion might have for its prey, entered his head. Cal turned away and headed home. Seeing Lilly naked in the moonlight awakened youthful passions in Cal. Still, no matter how much he wanted her, he and Lilly just weren’t meant to be. It took every ounce of strength, but Callum turned around.
Suddenly, a piercing scream rang out. It took Cal less than ½ a second to turn around. Another to kick off his shoes and swim out to the struggling Lilly. She was floundering in the dark water, caught in a swift current. Lilly was being pulled into the stream’s sinister icy depths. Cal dragged the soaking Lilly to shore.
As Lilly came out of shock, she found herself naked on the stream’s stony banks. She was there. Cal was staring at her. She sputtered up some water. “Are you alright?” questioned Cal. Waves of worry crescendoed over him. What if he hadn’t been there…then….then…well, he didn’t want to think about “then” or “what ifs.”
Lilly was still on the muddy ground breathing hard. “I’m okay…” she gasped out. “Got the wind knocked out of me…but okay…just let me sit for awhile.” She still coughed out water.
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph! I’ve never been frightened like that, Lilly—never, not even during the war! What, on Earth, were you thinking of swimming by yourself in the middle of the night?” Cal questioned sternly; lines of worry were etched on his face.
Lilly burst into tears. It was just too much for her. Sobs racked her slim body as she buried her head in her hands. Cal calmed down. He was angry but he hadn’t meant to yell. He cared deeply for Lilly. “There, there— it’s going to be alright. You’re safe,” he stated, rubbing Lilly’s back. It pained him to see tears flowing down Lilly’s emerald-green eyes.
Now Lilly was attempting to cover her bare breasts. Ashamed at his thoughts of looking, Cal handed Lilly his shirt. “It’s dirty from the mud and missing a few buttons,” he said, trying to be inconspicuous in his glances. She put it on. It just graced her thighs, and she looked oh-so-beautiful in the moonlight. Callum braced himself against his animalistic intentions and forced himself not to have a lion’s thoughts. Cal was a gentleman.
Lilly was shivering. Whether it was from the water’s coolness or fright, she didn’t know. “It’s the middle of the night! What am I supposed to do now?” she questioned Cal.
How could Lilly confess to Cal she was scared? She was not just scared of nearly drowning but of being alone, scared about being evicted, scared about every aspect of her life. Lilly had been scared every night since her husband Charlie died in the war. Callum Turner had been so brave during the war. She couldn’t complain to him about her troubles. They were her burdens to bear.
Unbeknownst to Lilly, Cal didn’t think he was brave even when he was awarded the Silver Star and Order of the Dominion of Newfoundland and Labrador. During the war, Cal only did what had to be done. The men dying in trenches, his friends and fellow humans, need to be saved. So he had rescued them. True, he had a disfigured face and maimed leg, BUT Cal had saved fellow humans. He had saved his friends; anyone would do that.
Cal knew he was really a coward because back in Antelope Hill, he hadn’t possessed the courage to ask Lilly, his great love to marry him. Only uncertainty existed in Cal’s heart. Lilly was…well, Lilly. She was a lady, and he was unworthy of her due to his leg and facial scars.
He was a coward, afraid that Lilly’s answer would be “no.” Cal had “played it safe” by not asking, and Charlie had married her. It had broken his heart. He still dreamt of “what ifs,” but Cal was an honourable man, and well… now he was unworthy of Lilly because of his facial scars and wounded leg. Lilly Mayfield was beautiful and kind. She deserved a whole man, not a broken one like him.
“Come stay with me,” said Cal. He didn’t know where that moment of courage had come from. He’d wanted to say, “Come stay with me forever. I’ll love you and protect you. I just want you, Lilly.” But he lacked the courage.
He didn’t dare dream or hope because hopes and dreams could be fragile. Lilly was still frightened and cold from nearly drowning. She didn’t want, couldn’t spend tonight alone, or she’d go crazy. Callum Turner was a safe harbour with calm waters. Still freezing and only covered in Cal’s shirt, Lilly followed him home, with the stars in the heavens looking down at them.
Apart from infrequent and obligatory visits by his little sister, no one visited Cal’s small house. It was clean. It was Spartan. It was militaristic and practical. The house was as impersonal as a hotel room. Anyone could live there. As Cal ushered Lilly in, he turned up the heat. He took the worn knitted blanket off the back of the sofa. Lilly, her teeth still chattering, wrapped herself deeply in it.
“After a shock like that, you need something to eat. How do you feel about tuna fish sandwiches?” questioned Cal.
“Oh, not tuna, please! I don’t think I’ll ever eat fish again! Do you have something else?” Lilly questioned.
Cal smiled a little. Lilly had a point! “Well, tuna’s the only thing I have that’s not from the farm—everything else is made here.” People in town avoided Cal for his peculiar behaviours. According to the townsfolk, eggs, butter, and bread should be bought in sterilized plastic containers and mixed with who knew what “protective chemicals” before being consumed. Cal took his chances and ate what grew on his farm.
“Fine by me–I’m starved.”, stated Cal as he grabbed the butter from the churn, woodhouse smoked bacon and nine eggs. “Here, try this butter while I cook,” Cal ordered, passing Lilly a tablespoon of butter. “Gosh, this is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. What is it?” questioned Lilly.
“Butter, made from today’s milk in a hundred-year-old butter churn dyed yellow from carrots in my garden,” said Cal. He was proud of his butter. His buyer sold it to the Plaza Hotel in New York.
Lilly just nodded. She was impressed with Cal’s talents. People said he “lived like a savage” but his house and cooking were orderly. He was so gentle and caring. The butter was too good to stop eating. Cal’s thin smile broadened as Lilly devoured his butter . Since Charlie’s death, Lilly hadn’t taken care of herself; she was thin to the point of waifishness. Cal could see the sallowness of her skin; it was so thin he could see the phosphoresce of her bones. Lilly needed someone to care for her, and Callum Turner wanted to be that person.
Cal made hot chocolate, and they sat around the worn and chipped green laminate kitchen table.
Lilly and Cal conversed like a “real married couple.” They spoke of how Ross Burns was buying up the town. He was changing Antelope Hill, and not for the better. Nauseous fumes from his slaughterhouse polluted the air, and toxic chemicals from Ross’s factory seeped into the once-fertile soil. The chemicals withered the crops. Antelope Hill’s beating heart was dying due to toxicity. Cal explained to Lilly that Ross had rerouted the stream for the slaughterhouse. He had made the stream deeper and swifter, so Lilly had nearly drowned in the unknown waters.
The two conversed about inane things, too, such as the weather. Any person in the entire world can always talk about the weather. After her traumatic experience, it was such a relief to have a friend she could rely on, an old friend who’d known her from childhood. Someone who was familiar as the rising and setting of the sun or the tides upon the sea.
At long last, Lilly wept bitter tears as she told Cal her heavy burdens. So far, Lilly had been carrying them by herself, and she felt a deep sense of relief speaking to Cal. They were no longer hers’ to carry. Finally, finally, someone would share and perhaps ease her burdens.
Lilly wept as she told Cal when she was being evicted from the farm. She was failing Charlie by losing their dream. She had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. Cal nodded sympathetically as he brought her small hand to his chapped lips and kissed it. Lilly’s hand was warm and soft. It smelled of lotion and the coco she’d been drinking. Cal entwined his rough fingers in her delicate ones.
“Ross Burns is forcing me off my farm too—you think he’d be grateful since I saved his ass during the war, but he’s still evicting me—not even giving me wholesale for the cows. You’re not the only one who doesn’t know what to do or where to go,” said Cal. He loved the feeling of Lilly’s small and soft palm in his. He felt safe with her. He felt he was at home with her. Cal could be his true self around Lilly. He had no dark secrets or black heart. Cal could just be himsef.
As to what would happen next, Cal had no plan. He wanted to take Lilly far away from Antelope Hill now that they both had no reason to remain in Antelope Hill. Cal once read that in Dante’s Divine Comedy, the Gates of Hell read. “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”
Despite having lived there for his entire life, that was how he felt about Antelope Hill. He and Lilly no longer had hope in Antelope Hill. They had to leave. It was no longer their home. Somewhere, perhaps over the rainbow, he and Lilly had to build a new home, hopefully together. Surely, they deserved that after all they’d endured.
Cal wanted to do something romantic…like running away to Paris, Rome or Vienna with Lilly. It was a wonderful plan. Fortunately or unfortunately, Callum Turner was a practical and meticulous man. He loved the fairytale aspect of the plan, but he worried about the long and perilous interval where he and Lilly had neither a job nor a home. He worried about the demoralization they’d face from having no money.
Running off to Europe seemed exotic and romantic, BUT life would catch up with them sooner or later. Life always did. Cal knew he could face it…still, how could he force Lilly to endure any unnecessary hardship? She’d already suffered so much by losing Charlie. He couldn’t make her bear any more agonies.
Also, what would he and Lilly do in a European country? They had no friends, no family, nor understanding of local customs. Suppose Lilly got sick or, God forbid, pregnant; dare he even dream? (Cal would like a child of his own, BUT how could he even think that? Lilly was a lady!)
What would they do, and who could they rely on in remote and foreign Europe? So running abroad wasn’t an option. It was a castle in the air. A romantic dream that could never be.
Lilly inadvertently yawned and stretched. It was late, past midnight. “So slwweeppy,” she said.
“Take the bed. I’ll crash on my Lazy-Z Boy,” stated Cal. Lilly nodded. She rose up from the sofa, still encased in the thick woollen blanket and headed towards the bed. Cal liked seeing her off. He liked seeing her safe and secure in his bed.
It was early morning, very early morning, and the sun barely crested above the horizon. Cal groaned and rubbed his leg. He’d never gotten a chance to soak it last night, and now it was stiff. He looked over at Lilly sleeping in his bed. Cozy—snug, deep in the blankets on his bed. He knew she belonged there. She belonged with him! They were two peas in a pod, as right as rain.
Cal tried not to disturb his sleeping angel. Still, his leg was stiff, and his rousing stirred Lilly. He was surprised to see Lilly, with her emerald green eyes, staring at him with a grin on her face as he zipped his pants. Cal couldn’t help but wonder how long she’d be staring at him and what she’d seen. He wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed. He liked Lilly staring at him. “Gotta milk the cows… it’s gonna be another scorcher today— we’ll probably get a thunderstorm later.”
“Let me help you milk, Cal. You said you had 150 cows…it must take you all day. Two of us can get it done in 1/2 the time…I have work at the Shop N Save. Ross Burns doesn’t like it if I’m late. He says I cost him to much money already” Lilly said as she combed the long tresses of hair with her hands. She probably should get going back to her farm. She needed to change, shower and head into work.
Ross Burns, her boss, was already on the verge of firing her since she’d been able to raise 3/4 of the money needed to save her farm. Ross was astonished and slightly exasperated to think a widow could make that much money. But, in a small town like Antelope Hill, Lilly had no human relations department to complain to. So people had no choice other than to suck it up, no matter how bitter their fates may be.
“I like that idea…milk the cows and have a little breakfast. But, I tell you what, Lilly. I’ll give you a ride into town.” stated Cal. He tossed Lilly a pair of his blue jeans from across the room. He had no desire to see her dress. He simply wanted to be with her.
“I’ve milked a cow before, back when I was a girl, so you don’t have to worry about teaching me,” yelled Lilly as she slipped Cal’s jeans on. They were loose, but her own clothes were on the opposite bank. She’d have to make due.
Cal and Lilly went out to the barn. The cows were rousing from their sleep. Cal walked to the supply closet in his barn and pulled out his most important instrument.
“What in the world is that?” questioned Lilly, looking at the machine. It looked peculiar, like something you would see in a science fiction show, like the new and popular Twilight Zone on TV.
“It’s called a rotolactor. It can milk fifty cows at once…I have 150, so I can finish my morning’s work in about 2 1/2 hours. Then, I just put my feet up and wait till they can be milked again in the evening.” said Cal as he attached the suction cups to the cow’s teats.
Lilly nodded and followed Cal’s example. She was amazed by the newfangled invention. Thanks to Lilly’s help, the morning chores were soon done. Lilly and Cal headed into the house. He put the kettle on the oven and produced a box of Corn Flakes from the pantry.
“Two sugars and just a dash of cream,” said Cal as he watched Lilly make the coffee.
“I remember, from when you used to come to the farm, you take your coffee the same way I do.” she smiled as she passed a cup of coffee to Cal.
They sat around the green laminate table and talked some more. Lilly looked at the clock on the wall. “Oh no, I’m going to be late! Ross Burns will fire me for sure!” she said in a panic.
“Well, hop in the car. I’ll be right there,” said Cal. He could kill Ross Burns, bothering a poor widow like Lilly. What right did he have to do that? Cal and Lilly got into the old and rusty Ford truck and drove into town.
From across the street, Ross watched as Lilly hopped out of Cal’s truck; wearing Callum Turner’s clothes. He smirked to himself. Suddenly, it made sense how Lilly had been able to raise money for her farm. She’d been fucking Callum Turner.
He wondered how much a woman like Lilly charged and if she fucked any man. He’d be tempted to let Lilly stay on her farm if she provided him with the same “services” she provided Cal. Besides, if his brilliant fiscal investments continued, he would soon be a wealthy man who could afford a Mistress..or two.
He followed Lilly into the Shop N Save. Ross believed he could do with her as he pleased. He was her landlord and her boss. Lilly was just a woman and a widow at that…better for him. That way, a husband wouldn’t bother them, and Ross Burns could have access to Lilly 24/7.
Diligently, Lilly had gone right to work stocking shelves. She was an excellent worker, and Lilly still needed to make money to save the farm. It was the dream Lilly and Charlie had together. The dream was all she had left of Charlie.
She was putting cans of peas on the shelf when Ross came up behind her. Ross suffered from the delusion; he was a gentleman. Ross had no qualms about looking down her shirt. Lilly was his employee, after all. He could do with her as he pleased. Ross was a lion, a town pillar, a king, and Lilly was just a gazelle. She had no societal standing.
Still, a part of Ross wanted to ease into a relationship. He wanted to play the game. For some reason, women liked men who treated and romanced them. Ross wouldn’t want to start his”arrangement” with Lilly pissed off at him. Best take things slow for now. Best start romancing her in the stockroom, then visiting her at the house with flowers, chocolates, and so on…there were so many possibilities if Lilly was “his.”
“I saw you come into town with Callum Turner this morning,” said Ross casually, as he looked down her shirt.
“Yeah, it’s so hot. Cal insisted on giving me a ride. He’s kind that way, you know. He was Charlie’s best friend..and a good friend of mine.” Lilly tried to move away from Ross’s unwanted advances. She didn’t want to start a fight and hoped that would give him a hint.
Lilly just wanted to get done with her work. Lilly needed to pay off the mortgage if she was going to save the farm, and Antelope Hill had few jobs. So she would put up with Ross Burns even if it meant sexual harassment… after all, what else could she do? What other choice did she have?
She just wanted a simple life. What was so terrible about that? Lilly knew Ross was hitting on her. He was the last thing she wanted. Still, he was her boss and landlord. As a woman of her generation, Lilly had been raised to believe it was “her place” to do as a man bid, especially a man of power.
The longer Ross looked at Lilly, the more he changed his mind. Lilly was so beautiful. All through grade school and high school, he’d always wanted her, BUT Lilly spent all her time with Charlie and Callum Turner. No other men in Antelope Hill could get the time of day from her.
So Ross reluctantly married his wife, Wilma. Wilma had been pretty enough…he supposed. She was also a good cook. But, a poor “lay”; not like those French Burlesque women in the war. Now Wilma was always busy with the School Board or their five kids.
Wilma no longer had time to give Ross all the “attention” he deserved. Ross needed another woman for that. A woman who was willing to screw an ugly man like Callum Turner wouldn’t have any moral qualms about being his Mistress.
“So I was thinking about the rent on your farm…” said Ross Burns.
Lilly’s s eyes widened in terror at the conversation. There was something wild and animalistic in his voice and eyes. Primal instinct told Lilly to run fast away from Ross. Desperately she tried to get up from stocking the cans to escape him, but Ross grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and forced her on her back upon the chipping laminate floor, his malevolent eyes glittering at her darkly.
Before Lilly could react, Ross knelt over her, straddling her body and reached out to palm one of her breasts, squeezing it painfully and twisting her nipple crudely. Lilly squealed and tried to pull away from him, but Ross cackled malevolently and slapped her hard across the face splitting her lip, drawing blood.
“Be quiet! We wouldn’t want the whole town seeing what a whore, you are,” he snarled. Ross Burns was determined to have Lilly as his; after all she’d been screwing Callum Turner.
He reached for the button to her pants and pulled it, ripping the zipper down.
Lilly felt his hands clawing at her bare flesh, and then she felt something else against her, pressing against her. She swallowed the panic. This wasn’t what she wanted! It wasn’t loving or caring. It was vile and evil. Lilly knew Ross was going to brutalize her.
Her heart raced, and for a while, all she could hear was the blood pounding in her head. She tried desperately to calm herself. It seemed to last an eternity even though mere seconds had passed. Miraculously, Lilly managed to grab a can of peas and smack Ross across the face with it. She lacerated the edge of his eye. Ross released her hands to hold his bleeding eye, but Lilly continued pummeling him. Now was not a time to be kind or behave demurely.
Lilly’s rage against Ross was deep, unrelenting and vicious. She slammed the canned peas onto him beneath the flickering fluorescent lights of the Shop N Save. Lilly repeatedly punched Ross with the canned peas until he was curled into the fetal position. Finally, as a parting gift, Lilly took aim and kicked him right in the balls. Then she fled for her life, not bothering to look back.
Lilly knew she couldn’t flee to her home. Ross Burns was her landlord and had keys. What if Ross pursued her and continued unspeakable actions…she wouldn’t put it past him. Out on her farm, Lilly was alone…other unspeakable horrors awaited her if she was alone with Ross.
Ross Burns owned half the town and was in the process of buying the other half. Lilly thought of one refuge, one safe harbour to which she could seek shelter, and that was with Callum Turner.
Lilly ran the three miles or 5 kilometres to Cal’s house; she smartly stayed off the main road in case Ross hunted her like a lion. By the time she got there, her face was red and streaked with tears.
Her clothes were covered in blood, dust and mud. Lilly frantically knocked on the door, but no one answered. The door was unlocked, as were many doors in Antelope Hill, so Lilly scurried in, still worried that Ross Burns might hunt her down.
She huddled in Cal’s Lazy Boy wrapped in the worn blanket, crying and contemplating her future. Now she would definitely be evicted from the farm. She should have just sucked it up and given in to Ross’s obscene demands. That way, she could keep the farm and keep her and Charlie’s dream. If only she had just given into Ross Burns, everything would be easier…still, she was no strumpet. Lilly did not have much, but she had her pride, and what Ross wanted was repulsive. Lilly wasn’t that kind of woman.
As Lilly hugged herself in a stunned trance, wondering what to do, the door turned, Callum walked in. He was appalled to find Lilly in such a state of misery. Through bitter tears and shaking hands, Lilly was slowly able to tell him what had happened. She clung to him like a drowning person clings to a life buoy.
Cal swore and cursed the day he had saved Ross’s life. Why had he let a good man like Charlie die in muddy trenches and saved an asshole like Ross?
Cal’s heart pounded inside his chest, and hot blood coursed through his veins. Cal was in his early forties and had always been a bachelor. Despite desiring women, he was a virgin and had never been with a woman, not even the stunning and willing (For the money, at least.) French trollops during the war. He’d never found a woman he’d adored as much as Lilly. Now Lilly was soft and warm in his embrace. She was willing. He wanted her more than anything.
He cupped the back of her head and ran his hand through the long chocolate tresses of her hair. He brought it to his mouth. He desperately sought a reason to will his body to control. She was so small, like a bird. He told himself. Ten years ago, she’d been Charlie’s wife. If he took her…what did that make him?
It took every ounce of strength Cal posed, but he managed to pull away, though his hands remained on her shoulders.
“Lilly, you are not ready.. we’re not ready.” He said hoarsely. “I shouldn’t be kissing you.”
Lilly covered his course hand with her small one. “I am ready, Cal. I want you… I’ve wanted you for a long time.”
Cal shook his head. “No…no, you think you do. It was the incident with Ross. Trauma does things like this to people. It makes them act irrationally…”
Lilly smiled softly at Cal and moved a stray piece of hair behind his ear. Callum was so shy, so sweet, so soft-spoken. Never demanding or forceful. He brought her joy. She loved him so much. Callum thought she was like fine china or porcelain. Lilly knew Cal would never take action. It was up to her. Lilly needed to play her hand.
“Cal, it’s not the trauma. I need you…for so many reasons,” countered Lilly, looking at him demurely, eyes full of desire.
Cal groaned, closing his eyes in heartbreaking anguish when Lilly explored his body with her soft hands. Cal felt them roam over his chest, caressing downward until she took his erection into her hands. He nearly pushed her away. By the gods, he was going to explode. Her soft touch and exploratory caress were nearly too much to bear.
“Lilly, look at me.” He cupped her face, urging her desire-filled eyes to meet his. “It is the trauma. Soon you…” His breath caught when her hands returned to his cock, stroking and squeezing him from the base to the swollen head. “Gods, Lilly, that feels amazing.”
“I want you to make love to me..no…I need you to make love to me. It’s been SO long, and I’ve been lonely. It’s not about sex. If you’re afraid… that’s okay. We don’t have to do everything all at once. I just want to be with you.” Lilly whispered softly in his ear, hoping Cal would respond. She kept one hand on his pulsing erection, and she used the other to slowly unbutton his pants, pulling them down his waist.
Cal wanted Lilly as much as she wanted him. Cal had desires. He wasn’t made of stone. Lilly was everything he wanted. He’d always wanted Lilly. Cal impulsively tossed everything to the wind. It was up to the Fates to weave their destiny.
Calmly, Cal lifted his shirt off Lilly, sliding it off her body. Lilly’s full and rose-coloured breasts filled his palms, her nipples strained against his calloused hands. Lilly was aching to be loved, to be cherished. There was a light dip where her belly button was, and his gaze caught the triangle of soft dark hair. Lilly was beyond beautiful, and his heart tightened as he touched her.
Lilly beamed as she felt Cal kissing her neck. He was taking his time, eager to explore a woman’s body, Lilly’s body. Cal was warming her skin with his mouth and hands, modelling like it was clay. Lilly, in turn, touched him. Her hands gently explored the muscles that made up his shoulders and arms, alternating between kneading and running her fingers lightly over his chest and stomach until he was panting with desire.
Lilly fearlessly spread her legs when she felt him touch her there. She moaned when she felt his finger slip into her wet folds. Cal was nervous and afraid. He’d never been with a woman before. Cal worried Lilly was too small for him. He couldn’t bear the thought of causing Lilly pain.
“It is going to hurt, Lilly.” He warned gently, kissing her forehead and lips.
Lilly shook her head in achknowledgment. She knew it was Cal’s first time. She needed to assuage his worries. She was a woman. She wasn’t made of glass. She wanted this as much as him. They both desired each other.
“I’ll be alright,” she stated, kissing him and bringing him deeper into her.
“I’ll go slow,” Cal stated. He hoped he could be true to his word. He didn’t want to hurt her. Lilly seemed fragile as she lay beneath him, almost made of glass. Her willingness surprised him. She wasn’t acting whorishly. He was just amazed any woman would want to be with him with his injuries.
Cal angled his head to kiss her deeply and slowly added another finger with the first. Her inner muscles clenched around him. Then, with the palm of his hand, he softly rubbed against her clit. Lilly trembled in his arms.
Lilly was wet with desire, and it was for him! Cal nearly came at that thought alone. Still, Cal concentrated on her pleasure and felt her press closely against him. With three fingers in her now, he quickened his pace.
“Does this feel good?” he questioned. Cal was just doing what came naturally to him. As a virgin, he was unsure about his actions. How did one “make love”?
“Yes,” Lilly moaned in pleasure. “Oh!” His thumb pressed lightly on her clit, and Cal felt her fingers dig into his arms.
“Spread your legs,” Cal murmured against her lips as he kissed her. Lilly did as he said, and he lifted her until her legs wrapped around him. Then, he positioned her above his cock and rubbed his swollen head along her slit. The couple’s eyes locked together. They were going to do this. They both wanted each other.
“Guide me into you,” Cal whispered against her lips. Without breaking their gaze, Lilly held his cock as he slid into her. She gasped in wonderment and, if she were entirely honest, a bit of pain. It had been ten years since Charlie. Lilly felt stretched, and the heat of Cal inside made her moan deeply with pleasure.
Cal felt the head of his cock delve into Lilly. He held her firmly, taking his time and letting her adjust to him, just enjoying how beautiful she looked beneath him, like a Grecian goddess of old.
“Lilly,” He breathed her name and kissed her hard as he slid to his hilt, muffling her cry with a kiss.
He pulled out until only his cock’s head remained inside Lilly’s quivering body.
“A-Am I doing this right?” Cal shyly questioned, not wanting to disappoint such a fantastic woman. Lilly groaned in pleasure. She’d forgotten just how good it could be to have a man loving you.
“Oh, yes, Cal, yes.” Lilly closed her eyes briefly as her inner muscles tightened around Cal’s cock.
“Gods,” Cal gasped out. He hadn’t known how amazing it could be either. He wrapped his muscular arm around her, lifting her over him as he began to move faster. “That’s it. Oh, you feel so good, Lilly.”
Lilly arched her back so she could take him deeper. Their mouths met in hot kisses, breathing in each other’s moans as Cal worked his cock still a bit hesitantly deep within his beloved. Then she felt the first spasms. It slowly built into a passionate wave, and then, out of nowhere, Lilly gave a pleasurable scream as she animalistically cried out and dug her nails into his back.
Cal watched in fascination as her climax darkened her eyes; her gaze never broke from his. The rippling of her inner muscles caused his cock to swell, and he let go. He cried out her name as he shuddered, cumming. Cal felt Lilly’s body relax in his arms. “Lilly…”
Cal had no thoughts. He was happy, in paradise, a timeless moment in Nirvana. Nothing in the universe mattered but he and Lilly in this moment, their bodies slick with sweat, their hearts beating in sync. He settled them both on the bed, still embracing her. He closed his eyes as exhaustion overwhelmed him.
Here, in this moment, with Lilly in his arms, he was content. There were no shadows from the war haunting him, no dark memories. Only Lilly mattered, her breathing now growing steady and quiet, the smell of her. The knowledge of his musk clinging to her body made him proud. Lilly was his now, his to take care of and protect. It was his last clear thought before falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Without glancing outside, Cal already knew it was mid-morning. He’d missed milking the cows, but they’d be alright. Lilly was supposed to be working at the Shop N Save. Cal would be damned. She’d never go back in that store, nor would he. They would never set eyes upon Ross Burns again. Now, Cal would take care of Lilly and provide for her. She was his and his alone. He loved her.
Cal’s stomach growled with hunger, but Lilly, who snuggled deep within his sheets, startled him. Finally, finally, he had a woman he loved in his bed. They had, well…he had made love for the first time ever. There were no words to express how he felt. His eyes trailed down the arm to the angel with her dark brown hair spread all over his pillow, her bow-shaped mouth swollen from his kisses. Memories of the previous night stirred in his mind.
“Heaven above,” said Cal as he moved away from Lilly. She was naked beneath the blankets and looked glorious in the mid-morning light. As he stood up, Lilly suddenly woke. She looked up at him sleepily, and a slow smile appeared on her lips. She’d liked last night too.
“Good morning, Callum” Lilly said. As she stretched, the blanket fell down. Cal could see all of the unclothed Lilly.
“I was thinking of a bath…my leg’s been hurting since last night, and I thought you could join me,” Cal stated without hope. Lilly would leave now…last night had been a fluke. With all the injuries he’d sustained in the war, how could anyone want him? Especially a woman like Lilly. She was a lady.
“Alright, I could use a bath too…someone got me very dirty last night.” Lilly laughed merrily. She tossed her long brown hair back in the light. She looked gorgeous.
Cal picked Lilly up and carried her down to the hall to a restroom with a massive tub set in the center of the room with steps. Since his injury in the war, Cal had liked long baths to soothe his leg. Cal watched as Lilly lowered herself into the water.
The warmth seeped into her skin as she sank into the fragrant bath. Before Lilly knew what was happening, Cal had stepped in behind her, and water sloshed out of the tub around the sides as he sat down, drawing her back protectively into his arms.
After a few moments of surprise, uncomfortable, uncertainty, Lilly relaxed. She let her head fall back against Cal’s shoulder and closed her eyes. A soft sigh escaped her lips.
“Sit forward,” Cal said softly and gently pressed her forward to prompt her into movement. Cal had stepped in behind her, and water sloshed out of the tub around the sides as he sat down, embracing her within his arms.
She was briefly startled. She loved Cal, but she hadn’t been naked around anyone in years; still, she enjoyed him looking at and exploring her body. Within Cal’s protective embrace, Lilly relaxed. She let her head fall back against Cal’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Lilly could feel Cal’s hardness against her back. She liked it. She’d always liked a man’s hardness up against herself. Cal moved and reached for something.
“Lean forward,” Cal ordered kissing her cheek as he gently pressing her forward to prompt Lilly into movement.
Lilly saw that he had fancy pink soap and a thick plush cloth in one hand. She leaned forward, bringing her knees up to her chest, and laid her head on her knees, wrapping her arms around her legs and giving Cal access to her back and full sight of her body. She felt the plush cloth slide over her skin and sighed contently, closing her eyes. It was wonderful having someone to take care of her. No one had taken care of her since Charlie’s death.
Cal put more soap on the cloth and ran it along her arms and down her sides. He took his time, watching the bubbles run down her naked body. Once Cal was satisfied with her back, he pulled her into his arms again. Lilly felt the soapy cloth skim over her breasts as he began washing her shoulders and chest. The soft cloth tickled over her skin. Her nipples puckered as he spent some time soaping one breast and then the other.
Apart from last night. Callum Turner had never touched breasts before and was eager to learn, how to bring Lilly pleasure. Cal watched as Lilly arched her back, pushing her breast into the palm of his hand and moaning softly. Lilly was horny again. She wanted to pin Cal right then. Cal’s hand moved down along her stomach painfully slowly.
Lilly parted her legs as Cal’s hand moved lower and lower along her stomach. He paused. The strange pain in his chest began again. He couldn’t believe Lilly was so willing and eager to let him touch her. He wanted to explore and worship Lilly. She was letting him. Lilly squirmed with desire in his arms and lifted her hips, protesting the pause in his caress. Ten years had been a dry spell for her. Lilly was a woman who wanted some romance. She wanted…no needed a lover in her life.
Callum bent his head, placed a lingering kiss on her neck, and nuzzled gently along her jaw, up to her earlobe, kissing random spots as he went. He purposely held her off longer, wanting her to ask him for more, adoring the little pleading sounds Lilly was making.
Another desperate plea escaped from Lilly’s mouth. Perhaps in his inexperience, Cal didn’t know what to do? Lilly would show him the way. Her hands reached beneath the water, took hold of his hand and pushed his fingers into her pussy, delighting in the rolling pleasure that the pressure created in her lower stomach and up her body.
Cal slid his fingers teasingly along her slippery opening, letting her moans and movements guide his touch to where she wanted it. When her body began to tense and tremble in his arms, he was more than a little surprised. He pressed his finger inside her so that he could feel her cum. Her soft inner walls sucked on his finger hungrily. Her whimpers in his ear told him with a great deal of certainty that it wasn’t as satisfying as she would have liked. Still, Cal was glad to be learning how to make love.
Cal was in the process of learning, but that didn’t sate Lilly’s desires; she tried to push down further onto his finger as the fluttering sensations ceased. But the position in the tub and the confined space made it impossible for her to get the leverage she needed. Lilly looked back at Cal over her shoulder with an unspoken demand in her eyes. She was too shy and uncertain of their budding relationship to ask him to do anything specific to her. But the need was there as Lilly looked at him. Embarrassment flooded her as she realized how she was behaving. She was behaving like a strumpet! Callum Turner was her friend…
Lilly blushed a deep red and looked away from Cal again, uncertain how exactly she should be with him. She really didn’t know what he wanted. Their situation was so bizarre. Was she a friend or a lover? A neighbour just dropping by or a welcome guest? A friend or a reminder of what he was missing in life? In lieu of knowing what he wanted from her, she opted on waiting for him to give her another direction of some kind.
Cal was torn between crying and laughing. He pulled his fingers from her pussy, and Lilly whimpered again. “Shh,” he whispered against her ear. “There’s more,” he promised, eager for more himself. Cal kissed her ear lobe and then guided her to stand with gentle pressure against her back and sides.
Callum yanked a towel from the rack standing near the tub; he wrapped her in it and then stepped out, turning to offer a hand for her to step down as well. Lilly’s eyes roamed his wet naked body of their own accord. She’d been too long without a man of her own to stare at. She allowed him to help her out of the tub and then stood in absolute bliss as he proceeded to dry her off with the towel he had wrapped her in.
She could feel his strong hands through the soft material, massaging her shoulders, back, and sides. He knelt in front of her and rubbed the soft towel over her hips, down her thighs, and inside her thighs. Lilly’s breath was coming in short gasps as she felt the need for his touch in very specific places growing again.
Once Cal was satisfied that she was dry, he stood with the towel in his hands and quickly ran it over himself. Lilly was looking at Cal with deep desire, wondering and waiting to see what he’d do.
To her surprise, he only kissed her. Cal knew that Lilly seemed taken aback, but he wasn’t going to fuck her on the bathroom floor. Lilly was a lady!
Cal scooped Lilly up into his arms and carried her back to the bedroom. The air had cooled and smelled of the world outside, summer breeze and warm hay.
A gasp of surprise escaped Lilly’s mouth as Cal pushed her legs apart and leaned down to lick the soft pink folds of her sex. He looked up into her eyes with an accomplished grin. Lilly stared back, shocked and uncertain of what to say or do. Cal was bold; she could say that…no one had ever made love to her that way.
“You are a very confusing man,” Lilly stated. She wasn’t sure what to make of this new method. Still…what the Hell? She could at least try it if Callum was willing to try it. Lilly could too.
Curious himself, Cal leaned down and licked her again. Lilly’s eyes widened, watching as his tongue snaked out and stroked the exposed flesh. He lingered on her clit, sucked it into his mouth, and then sat back, looking into her eyes again.
With her eyes drilling into him, he began to feel guilty again. Releasing her flesh from his lips, he sat back, staring down at her exposed pussy distracted as he spoke. His eyes were intent on memorizing every fold. “I’m sorry for that,” he said. “The inconsistency…I just haven’t….” Cal trailed off. Lilly didn’t want to hear about his lack of knowledge or experimentation.
He was right; Lilly only wanted the end of the conversation and something much larger than his finger or tongue inside her. She squirmed before him on the bed, her legs spread wide in a wanton display. All pretenses of being a friendly neighbour lady in distress had gone out the window. She wanted to be Cal’s lover! Still exploring Lilly, Cal reached down and stroked the protruding wet folds teasingly with a feather-light finger.
Knowing that Lilly wanted more and needing more himself, Cal moved his mouth to her breast, determined to bring her as much pleasure as possible.
When the wet heat of his tongue began swirling around her nipple, he was always experimenting and exploring; without a word, he moved back up her body and kissed her. His lips pressed insistently against hers, his tongue searching her mouth. Lilly wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him down onto her.
Lilly felt his hard, thick shaft press against her. She thought she might go crazy if he continued torturing her like this. She was torn between loving this sweet agony or despising it.
Cal’s lips moved from her mouth, and he kissed and gently bit his way along her jaw to her neck, breathing her scent in and losing himself to her. He felt her hips writhe against him. Cal’s cock began to grow slick with Lilly’s desire as she squirmed in need beneath him.
Cal pulled away from her again so that he could watch her face as he entered her. Lilly’s eyes glowed with intense passion. Her breathing was ragged. There was a sheen of sweat beginning to cover her skin. Cal reached between them, took his cock in hand, and brought it to her womb. He couldn’t keep the soft smile from his lips as his angel looked down to watch him enter her. Lilly looked at him. There was a strange innocent curiosity on his face. Cal was so eager to please. So eager to know what a woman in the throes of passion looked like.
Slowly, watching Lilly, Cal began to push into her. After only a couple of thrusts, Lilly let her head fall back, her eyes closed, and her breath caught in her chest. Cal knew she was the most beautiful thing he’d seen in his entire life.
Lilly moaned as the last of Cal’s cock was buried in her trembling body. When Cal began to move against her with slow, deliberate strokes, soft gasps and whimpers were forced from her lips. Cal tried to memorize each sound, gauging what she liked best from the different noises that his thrusts rang from her body. She seemed lost to the passion, and she was exquisite to see. Nothing else in the world existed beyond that bed. Nothing on Heaven or Earth mattered besides them.
Lilly felt the heat and need growing in intensity as he thrust faster and harder into her. Her hands fisted in the sheets, her back arched, and her body on fire; Lilly felt the passion explode in her like nothing she had ever felt before.
Cal could see how close she was. When he felt her pussy tighten and begin to spasm around his cock he fell over the edge as well, releasing into her.
Cal couldn’t stop staring at Lilly as she calmed from their passion. The small pleased, satisfied smile on her face. Her eyes looked back at him with a shy wonder. Her skin was hot from exertion, covered in sweat, and blushing red under his gaze. Lilly was perfect. But Callum couldn’t help but wonder how long this could possibly last.
The neverending petty gossip of small Antelope Hill now swirled and centred upon Callum Turner and Lilly Mayfield. It was true they were adults of age. They both knew the ways of the world. Lilly was a widow, and Callum Turner was a war hero. Still, malicious muck-raking rumours persisted about the lovers.
Lilly and Cal were unwed both by civil and religious law; such a thing could not be tolerated! They had lived together for several months now; like Icarus, the lovers had flown too close to the sun in their pursuit of happiness. Antelope Hill would not stand for this behaviour. Something had to be done! They must suffer the consequences of their actions.
Muriel Harper, the town matriarch and main old biddy took it upon herself to stop Lilly and Cal’s relationship. Muriel was a World War One widow. Her husband, Orvis, had died in the Second Battle of the Somme. Lilly could relate to her as a widow. Hence Lilly would listen. Muriel was determined to save Lilly from a life of sin and deprivation.
Muriel got dressed in her Sunday best. A yellow calico dress, a bonnet with Queen Anne’s lace and artificial cherries. Muriel Harper headed out to Cal’s farm, determined to save the lovers from eternal damnation. She was particularly set on talking “reason” into Lilly. Lilly Mayfield was a woman. Hence she was not given to primal urges like a man, women could be chaste and survive without armorous desires; Muriel Harper knew because she had survived…she had endured, as a proper woman should.
Lilly and Cal had just finished a midafternoon love-making session and were headed out to milk the cows. Lilly only wore her underwear and a bra, and Cal was shirtless. Cal was taking one last French kiss on the door frame when Muriel Harper arrived like the Wicked Witch of the West, snatching Dorthey away.
Muriel gave a disapproving cough at the lovers’ wanton display.
“Someone might see you!” Muriel stated reproachfully. It didn’t matter that Cal’s farm was remote and apart from people. It mattered that the lovers were engaging in indecent acts.
“Lilly, I’d like to speak with you PRIVATELY,” stated Muriel sternly. Lilly rolled her eyes at Cal. They knew they had to hear her out; no one dared disobeyed the town matriarch in a small town like Antelope Hill.
“You can’t live out here with a man! You need to be married to live with a man… you especially can’t live with a savage like Callum Turner. He’s a recluse and doesn’t participate in community activities. He’s been damaged during the war! A nice woman like you doesn’t deserve a hideous man like him! Ross Burns told me Callum won’t sell his farm! All of Antelope Hill knows you can’t be with Callum Turner. Now come back to town like a good girl, work for Ross Burns and we’ll all forget this happened. Just leave Callum Turner; it’s the right thing to do!” Muriel stated firmly, thinking a stern reprimanding and reminding of basic Christian morals would be enough to make Lilly straighten up and “fly right.”
Lilly’s faced flashed with anger. She wanted to bring the wrath of God down upon Muriel Harper! How dare she speak of Callum like that! He’d courageously saved lives during the war sat risk to his own, now all Cal wanted was a peaceful life…she also wanted an unencumbered life. For the first time since Charlie died, Lilly started thinking of a different life…a diverging course. Somewhere other than Antelope Hill with its antiquated traditions.
“Thank you for telling me that…I’ll take it under advisement,” Lilly stated tersely. Then, she stood up to show Muriel the door.
“Well…I never!” stated Muriel, in a huff, as Lilly practically threw her out the door.
Lilly hated the sight of the dragonically strict Antelope Hill now. It no longer brought her merriment. It was no longer free and beautiful. It was no longer the small hamlet which she loved. Its very soul had been rendered from its heart since the war. Antelope Hill was now a hideous place, like a plague-stricken city. No friends or compatriots remained for her or Cal. (Not that they had any to begin with but now thanks to their choices they were together..but they were outcasts.)
“Well…she was…a” Cal stopped speaking in front of Lilly. He didn’t want to speak ill of a woman, especially about someone as important as the town matriarch.
“She’s a dried-up old bitch who wants to drag everyone else down into her misery! Still, Cal, what are we going to do? I’d never listen to her or the town, but I don’t have a job or home, thanks to Ross. You’re losing the farm. They won’t let us rent an apartment in town because we’re not married. So what are we going to do?” questioned Lilly again as tears of discontent appeared in her eyes. She didn’t want to be apart from Cal; she loved him.
Until he heard Lilly’s irate tirade against Antelope Hill, Cal had assumed Lilly wanted to stay. It was where they’d been born and bred. It was in their blood and in their bones. It was…or at least had been their home.
In the past few months, Cal had visualized a plan, one he liked, but he couldn’t, wouldn’t without Lilly. She’d become his world now. Lilly was his only reason for living.
“What about Newfoundland?” he questioned. Not expecting anything to come from it. Newfoundland was thousands of kilometers from Wyoming.
“Newfoundland…as like Canada?” Lilly questioned. Canada was far away…it was a different country. The furthest from home Lilly had ever been was Chicago. The trip to Chicago by Greyhound bus had taken several days and that was only a few hundred kilometers away.
“Well, technically, they’re their own country, the Dominion of Newfoundland and Labrador. During the war, I won the Order of the Dominion Newfoundland and Labrador…I still have some war buddies in Newfoundland who I write to. We could go up there and live as husband and wife.” stated Cal. However, Cal knew Newfoundland was just an impossible dream. Lilly would never go for it. It was to far away. It was to different.
Lilly gave a deep and regretful sigh as she looked over Callum Turner’s farm and thought about the last few months and the last decade. She had begun the decade an untried girl, a new bride full of youth, warm of emotion, easily perplexed by life’s oddities. Now, there was nothing left of that girl.
Lilly Mayfield was a woman nearing middle age. Hunger and hard labour, fear and constant strain, the terrors of the war had taken away all warmth, youth and softness. Only Cal made her feel young, beautiful and cherished again. Whatever perils and pleasures awaited, Lilly knew her destiny lay with Cal. They were soulmates meant to be together. No matter where on Earth that was!
“So you’re asking me to marry you? Without a ring…or anything fancy? You want me to be your Mistress? You know Muriel had a point; there are certain advantages to being a wife.” she questioned teasingly. Her eyes danced with laughter.
Lilly didn’t care if she lived with Callum unwed. She just loved Cal, but a couple in love deserved to tease one another. Cal stared at Lilly, whose eyes were sparkling with mirth.
“Uhmm…” said Cal. He hadn’t meant his statement to be a marriage proposal. He was fine “living in sin,” but if Lilly wanted to be married, he’d marry her in a microsecond.
“I love you, Lilly; I only want to be with you. I’ll marry you or live with you. Whatever you want, you have my real love to last forever.” proclaimed Cal. He meant it too.
After Cal’s proposal of Newfoundland and a new beginning, Lilly felt strong and happy. If she was away from dragonically strict Antelope Hill, Lilly was not afraid of the darkness or the judgement of their relationship, and she knew with a blossoming madrigal in her heart that she would never fear vile and slanderous words again.
Callum and Lilly thought about the people of Antelope Hill, whom they’d know their entire lives without sentimentality. Cal and Lilly sold their farms, tools and homes to Ross Burns at a loss. They closed all accounts and cut all ties in Antelope Hill. They barely had enough money to start again in Newfoundland, but together they had love and the will to abide. Yet, as Antelope Hill vanished from the rearview mirror, all nostalgia left their hearts, longing to begin again.