*****
Scene Six: Sharing My Good News With The Folks
As we make the trip back to town, it’s pretty obvious that she’s tired — she nods off shortly after we hit the road. I’ve never talked to her much about her battle with Polio. I didn’t notice her taking any medications, but that doesn’t mean she might need them. All taken together, the lingering damage to her knee isn’t an insurmountable problem — at least it seems that way to me. She gets around and can take care of herself — just need to remove a few obstacles. No doubt the folks will love her as quick as I did — what’s not to love?
I know this road too well, in a state of mild boredom my mind drifts to our night together in bed. I’m already hard just thinking about her — her vulnerability and her strengths make a fine blend. Of all the ones I’ve dated, and the ones I’ve bedded, she stands out all alone high above the others. There is no other, it’s that simple.
***
She’s awake by the time we get back in town. “You need to stop at the store or anything before I take you back to The Fort?”
“No, I’m good. Sorry I conked out on you the whole way back.”
“I’m glad you could rest. I know I’ll sleep good tonight … but I’d trade a good nights sleep to spend another night with you.”
“You’re a horny bugger, aren’t you?”
“Only for the right lady. I think you know her.”
“Oh yeh, what’s her name again — oh yeh, Shelia. Is that the lady you’re thinking about?”
“Hmm, so you’re a comedian too, I see.” I answer her smile with one of my own. Then all too soon we’re at her dorm parking lot. I carry her stuff and we walk to her room. There’s nobody close so we indulge in one more hug and a too quick kiss. “When will I see you again Micky? I don’t even have a phone number — here, I’ll give you my home number. It’s also my parents, so don’t be surprised if Mom answers.”
“The rooms don’t have phones, so I’ll have to call you on one of the public phones. But I too would like to see you again Jason.”
“Okay, I really hate to say goodbye — I hope we can get together again soon.” She gives me one more peck on the cheek and our time together comes to an end — a temporary end, I hope.
***
Looks like both the folks are home when I drive up. Can’t wait to tell them about Micky — probably should tell them about Michelle first, they probably won’t get the nick-name. As usual, I packed more gear than we used, always seems more work putting it away in the garage than it was taking it out. Eager to let the folks know I’m back, I leave some of it for later.
“Hey, I’m home!” I hear the clinking of some dishes, then they both come into the living-room from the kitchen — Mom has a slice of apple pie and a smile for me.
“How was the trip? Anyone get hurt?”
“The trip was great, nice to take a break from classes. No injuries, we didn’t go for the adventurous stuff this time.”
“We, who’d you go skiing with this time?”
“Well, I had intended to go with Shelia just so we could get a nice break from school and all — turns out she already had some plans. So, I went with another schoolmate, Michelle. She wasn’t raised here and had never been up there. She doesn’t ski, so for the first time I did all the other activities with her.”
“That seems very unusual for Shelia to not go skiing with you.”
“Well, truth is; she’s met another guy she thinks is more to her liking. So, I asked Michelle … and honestly Mom, I think it’s over between me and Shelia.”
“Shelia, got angry about this new girl?”
“No, she said it’s over between us — so I moved on. I already had made the plans to go, and Michelle hadn’t ever been.”
“Well, don’t take it too seriously — girls do change their minds and she’ll probably see her mistake and apologize. Just give Sheila some time. Your father and I broke up for awhile, and look at us now.”
“Let’s sit down and talk while I eat this pie — you have any coffee made?”
“Yes, let’s all sit and talk. I’ll get us all some coffee.”
“Sorry to hear about your girl problem son, but like Mom said; these things pass. You and Shelia just need to work it out when things cool down.”
I just smile and nod in agreement and sit down to nibble on the pie. When Mom brings our coffee in on a tray, I figure just getting it out and over with is the best course. “I think I should just say it; Shelia and I are finished. She literally dumped me without so much as a goodbye when her new guy showed up at Farquahrts a few nights ago. But don’t feel bad for me, Michelle is truly special — we fit together like a hand in a glove. I wouldn’t go back to Shelia if she begged me.”
“Well, I see. It seems you had a really bad few days. But take it from another woman, she’s probably already regretting what she’s done.”
“Mom, I could care less what she regrets or what she does. I finally saw the real Shelia and I don’t want anything to do with her — it’s as simple as that. I’ve already moved on. I know you and her mother are friends, but that doesn’t involve me — it’s over.”
“Son, your mother and I understand. Now tell about this girl who’s come into your life.”
“Well, it’s really hard to say why any of us love someone, all I can say is we don’t just get along — it’s like we’ve known each other in some other life, or something. But just for starters, she’s kind. Looking back, I can’t say the same thing about Shelia. Shelia uses people to her own advantage … I’m just glad she tipped her hand before I had married her. It’s over, I don’t know what else to say — if she came in here right now and apologized, I’d wish her well and say goodbye.”
“Okay, we’ll just drop it then. I do hope you bring Michelle over to meet us sometime sooner rather than later. If she’s captured your heart, I suspect she’ll capture Papa’s and mine too.”
“I think she will, Mom. I’ll ask her to come over for supper one night soon. I know you’ll love her once you meet her. I hope this doesn’t interfere with your friendship with Shelia’s folks.”
“Well, I doubt it will. It really is what you want that’s important. And just so you know, Papa and I did have some unease about Shelia. In her defense, she has been terribly spoiled and pampered. So, I’m actually thankful you finally saw some of that before getting married to her.”
“I’m glad you saw it too. I’m just thankful to be free of her for good.”
“Would you like to ask Michelle over next Saturday for lunch or supper?”
“Sure, what would work best for you, lunch or supper?”
“Perhaps supper would give me more time to get something nice ready?”
“Supper it is, next Saturday, right?”
“Yes, that’ll be perfect — and we’re both eager to meet her.”
*****
Scene Seven: The Poison of Doubts
It didn’t take any persuading to get Micky to come by and meet my folks. With classes taking up much of our time — and homework taking most of the rest of the time, we didn’t get to see each other as much as we’d grown used to during our stay at Purgatory. I’m horny as a tomcat — remembering the bath we’d shared and the bed we shared fills my mind as I lay in my bed all alone. I replay every word, every touch, every kiss — every detail of her body. But taking a broader look; she’s not my first time with a woman — no, there’s something that floats my memories of her higher in my thoughts than any other ever has. Most tortuous of all; the memories aren’t enough. I long for her to be in my bed — in my arms. The occasional doubt … no, it’s fear … a fear she might not be as smitten with me as much as I am with her. That’s what keeps me awake, until exhaustion wins.