Simple and Pure
Chapter One:
A Ripple in my Heart...
"All has been peaceful and quiet for so long……….perfect for our entrance."
"You have located the Princess?"
"All in good time my love, all in good time. I feel we'll have better range on Earth, searching for the royal."
"But my love, we must be careful, the rangers-"
"Are nothing but relics at this point. There is nothing they can do…….and nothing the Princess can do. She will be ours……Very soon my love, we will have our Queen."
"When shall we start for Earth?"
"As soon as possible. The time couldn't be more right."
He sipped some coffee as he went over a few term papers. It was well into the night, but he wouldn't notice. As far as he was concerned, his time was for the students and getting them well on the way to grad.
"So far, so good……not a single fail so far……."
He checked a few more papers before checking the clock. As usual, he groaned, but this time, he smiled.
"What am I complaining about? I'm the one who chose this job, the one who insists on grading every paper before I turn in…….can't complain."
Glancing at the clock again, he put his head on the desk, "But I will anyway."
Billy Cranston was a professor at a prestigious college. He was highly respected in his position and always had the full attention of his class…….except for one class clown.
Other than that, his classes were always a complete joy.
He lived in a suburban area with plenty of room and always had a bit of money to throw around. He even had the occasional crush or two, but nothing very serious.
Nope, he couldn't find being serious with anyone other than her………No woman has ever captivated him more than her.
Sighing, he got back to work. By the time he finished, it was three in the morning and he had to get to work by five.
"Ah well…….spring break's in two more days……"
The day was vibrant and sunny.
He was not.
Billy dragged through the day, perking up when he was teaching, deflating when it came to getting to the paper work.
This was a daily occurrence, so everyone tried to take it a bit easy on him. The class clown would even tone it down when the occasion arose.
Sitting down to another load of paperwork, he didn't notice the two come in. A tap on his desk made him avert his eyes.
"Pardon us, but this gentleman just wanted to look around the campus. He seemed to have a history here. He and his lady friend will only be a moment."
"It's okay, I don't mind."
Billy paused a bit to look at the couple. The man was tall and broad with wavy brown hair and dark eyes. He wore a polo shirt and jeans with a defensive posture.
The woman was petite, but had a curvy shape. Her hips were well-defined by the white skirt she wore and her ice blue tank showed just enough cleavage to be subtly sexy. Her hair was in a low ponytail that hung down to a perfectly sculpted…..
Billy shook his head and resumed his work. When did he start thinking like that? He kept his head lowered to the papers, afraid if he saw her face he wouldn't be able to focus.
As they were leaving, the woman lingered a bit in the doorway. The man behind the desk was blushing…….it was cute on his face. And his body was nothing to sneeze at either. He was really quite attractive in a subtle sort of way.
"Thank you for allowing us passage, it was kind of you."
"…….you're welcome….."
And he was cute when he stuttered.
Smiling to herself, she exited the room.
Billy let out a breath of relief. He noticed her smiling…….he was probably blushing again. Had he finally gotten over Saline? And for what, a married woman? An engaged woman?
"Why me?"
"I don't know, why you?"
Billy looked up and saw Kimberly, a friend he hadn't seen in a while.
"Hey Billy, forever studious I see."
"The student has become the teacher. When did you get in?"
"A few hours ago. We'd thought we'd take in the sights…….stretch our legs……catch some Zzzs……"
"How is Tommy Jr.?"
"Like is father, determined and stubborn to the end. Enough about me, I want to know about you!"
"But your life is so much more fascinating……."
"Ha Ha Ha……..really, whatcha been up to? Any dates?…….Any current relationships?……."
"None of that Kimberly. Whenever we touch this subject, you always want to drag it out, telling me to date, and marry, and have kids….."
"What's wrong with any of that? What you need to do is stop living in the past and look forward to the future."
He knew they were talking about her. Noone would outright say it, but he wished they would. He knew she was gone, but no matter how hard he tried to fill the gap, she was always on his mind…..as if she belonged there and noone else could drive her out.
"I think he's hung up because she was his first time."
Billy reddened the tint of apples as Tommy came in. He hated the way everyone found out about him. After the scolding, they all shared a laugh, stating how they were so sure he was going to always be the pure one.
Oh well………
"Do you always have to drag that into the conversation?"
Tommy grinned as he sat on his desk, "Yep."
"I think it's sweet, pining after your first love. I always thought you'd make an honest woman out of her. The setup even screamed romantic……..ranger falls in love with damsel in distress turned evil then fights for good……..a true fairytale."
"Oh stop……"Billy whined, earning him a laugh from Kim.
"Don't worry about it Billy, you'll find your Princess…….and a different reason for being so tired in the morning……"
"Tommy!"
He just grinned at them devilishly and walked out of the door.
"Me and the devil rented a room downtown; we didn't want to miss your honoring ceremony for anything."
"Thanks Kim, thanks a lot."
"What are friends for? See you later Billy!"
Kimberly exited the room. Echoes of a scream and playful scolding drifted into his room, making him laugh. His friends antics used to put a frown on his face, but now, who could blame them? This was life after all, may as well live it.
"What is this place my love?"
"This is a place called Cherish, California………our target is to be here."
"Do you have a reading on the Princess?"
The pale woman scanned the area, "I sense something faint in the distance……I am eighty-five percent sure it's her!"
"Tempting odds…….shall we go my darling?"
"Most assuredly my love."
The couple locked arms and strolled down the street. As they walked, they changed from galactic beings to everyday humanoids.
