Response to Quick Pick 10/2/08 "Dirty"

Response to Quick Pick 10/2/08 "Dirty"

Dedicated to the "Sue Ellen" I once knew…

It's that time of year again, when the breeze is crisp like a red Washington apple, and whispers of snowflakes soon. The trees trading out their green coats for shades of amber, gold and red. Hot cider on the porch at twilight instead of lemonade.

And it's the only time of year I ever get to see her. Sue Ellen.

She's a down-home Texas girl. Maybe that's why I like her so much. Or it could be her red hair, just like a brand-new penny, or those warm brown eyes I always seem to get lost in, or her long, curled lashes.

Oh, and doesn't she just look fine in leather, too.

She recognized me right away; she always does. A few whispered sweet nothings in her ear, an embrace, and I tell her how much I've missed her. Her warm, sweet nuzzling on my neck tells me she's missed me too.

I ask her where she'd like to go today, but I already know the answer. Down by the shady part of the lake. The secret spot only the two of us know. I even made sure to bring a picnic lunch with apple pie for dessert. Her favorite.

The next two hours go by in a blissful rush. We walk together, leaves crunching underfoot, and the sun starts to come out. At the water's edge, she gives me a look that practically begs me to join her for some skinny-dipping. But I just have to convince her otherwise. I'm not getting in that lake in late October; no sirree. Sue Ellen is sure disappointed. But she eats her apple pie right up.

It's already time to go back. Too soon. I spill out all my cares to her. She's always been a good listener. I tell her about how lonely some of the nights get, and how sometimes the voices in my head aren't so nice, and about the bouncy room. She just takes it all in stride like the rock she is. If I told her I was Attila the Hun, I don't think she'd mind.

We're back at Sue Ellen's place now. I tell her, gently as I can, that I have to go and that I'll see her again real soon. Then I ask if she wants some sugar. She does, and I give her just a bit. Her lips are like velvet.

I lean in close to her ear, and whisper. "I bet I know what you want now, muchacha."

She nods.

"You wanna get naked and then get dirty, right?" I grin.

She's quivering all over with excitement. With practiced hands I unfasten, untie, uncover. Now she's standing there in front of me, toned body gleaming with sweat. She runs, red hair flying, then begins to writhe and twist, an expression of purest joy on her features…

"Murdock!"

"Huh?" The spell is broken.

"There you are." It's that new orderly…Larry something? "You coming?"

I tug at my cap brim. "Can't I at least say goodbye to my girl?"

"Jeez, Murdock, you're lookin' at her like she was Madonna or something. Now let's go before the fish get scared away. More than one thing to do up here at Crystal Lake, you know."

"Okay. Just a minute."

I climb down from my vantage point. Sue Ellen's dirty all over now, but she's still so beautiful.

"See ya, sweetie. I gotta go," I say. I hope she understands. In gallant fashion, I blow her a kiss.

She opens her mouth and gives me a cheeky smile. Meet me right here next year, soldier.

"Oh, you know I will. Now get on; go hang out with your girlfriends and gossip, 'kay? I don't want you to see a guy like me cry."

And she's gone, just like that, hooves thundering and tail streaming out behind her like a scarlet banner. I hear her whinny as she disappears over the crest of the hill. She'll never be mine, but I've never known a Quarter Horse as damn fine as Sue Ellen.

Fini