The Minister & The Seamstress
I opened my eyes slowly. The first thing to grace them was an eager grin. The teeth shone brightly and glimmered in the morning sun.
"Hello, darling."
The voice that sprung from the agape was a familiar one.
"Art thou not seeking to greet your husband?"
My vision was still blurred from the wine and I could not utter a sound. Sensing my delayed response, the figure moved from the bed and promptly returned with a cup of hot tea.
"Drink up, my dear."
I sat up straight against the bedpost and the aroma of foreign jasmine awakened me. It was a sweet and nostalgic scent, like a nectar from the fabled ambrosia. I took a sip and the brew soothed my senses. Taking a deep breath, I spoke.
"Good morning to you, William."
The man adjusted his spectacles and sat beside me. Though we were bound by marriage, I was still a maiden; a young woman who had not been deflowered. I stared into his glasses and saw my reflection. Who would have thought such a youthful lady no older than 18 would be betrothed to this man of experience and greying hair? William moved closer and embraced me. I felt a heavy pressure on my left and nothing to my right. I recalled the odd deformation of his shoulders. He told me of his condition in the past, but I can not remember.
"Hester," began William Prynne. "My young bride, today is the day you depart to America."
I looked into his deep brown eyes and sensed a sadness I had not seen before. William was quite talented in hiding his emotions. He hardened his spirit and repeated his statement.
"Oh."
That was all I could say. I was neither excited nor frightened. My whole life was spent migrating from town to town, so what was a voyage across an ocean? The sadness dissipated from William and he was back to his regular self.
"You'll be alright, I trust?" he inquired.
I nodded and replied, "Of course."
William promptly stood up and bid me farewell. He left hurriedly to pack his items, for he had a journey of his own. I think William told me he would be studying botany in a university. I stood in front o the mirror and gazed at my reflection. I looked surprisingly well after a night of celebration and 12 hours of rest. I brought my soft and elegant hair together and tied it with a scarlet ribbon my father gave to me long ago. Before he left into God's care. I don't think of him too much. He left much too early for me to remember anything. I slipped off my nightgown and again stared into the mirror. This was not the body of a virgin. Smooth, creamy skin. An unblemished face. Breasts of ample size. I've received several comments on them from drunkards on the street. My eyes moved from my chest down to my stomach area.
Oh my, I thought. I am much too skinny. What did William see in such a frail-looking woman?
I dismissed the thoughts and procured my dress for today. I quickly pulled it on and eliminated the wrinkles. One final look at my reflection and I noticed something engraved into the wood: "Seek what your heart desires, and seize it." I looked inwards and saw nothing. Something must be wrong with me for not desiring a single thing. I heard William call my name and saw a carriage waiting for me outside. I bid our humble abode goodbye and left.
A
As the carriage took me down to the harbor, I took a final look at London. There would be no grandiose buildings, no paved streets, no form of advanced civilization in America like there was in England. Maybe that was a good thing, to get closer to nature. The carriage stopped and I saw my ship. People by the dozens entered single-file and went below deck. William gave me a quick peck on the cheek and promptly left for his own journey. I walked up to the ship and was greeted by warm smiles. Among the emigrants were single mothers, male laborers, several artisans. Isolated from them were 3 men of supposedly high status, who went inside the boarding room. Looking into the window, I recognized 2 of them: Governor Bellingham and Reverend Wilson. They were respectable people and I was glad to see them coming aboard. They were men of wisdom and experience, and have never led any of their people astray, including me. However, I could not tell who the third man was. He had a frail and pale complexion. He appeared to be a clergyman, judging from his apparel of black robes and a white collar. His eyes wandered from the conversation the three were having and found mine. Almost like an instinct, he quickly averted his gaze and burrowed his face into his Bible. I sighed and shook my head. I will never understand what goes on in a man's mind. I scoffed at the thought of men claiming to be "far superior" than women and found my room. My items were neatly placed by the bedside and I whispered my gratitude to the crew. I crept into my bed and prayed for sound sleep throughout the entire voyage.
A
"Arthur, my boy!" exclaimed the governor. "Bringing out your Bible during the conference about our future community?"
I felt the blood rush into my face and turned a bright scarlet.
"Uh… haha s-sorry s-sir," I stuttered.
Bellingham gave a hearty laugh and said, "No need for apology! I'm just having a little fun, is all."
Wilson was about to say something but Bellingham interjected.
"How can you expect to deliver a sermon to crowds of people when you cannot utter a single word to me without stuttering?!"
I flushed red again but Wilson spoke up for me.
"Ah leave him be, governor. The boy studied at Oxford! I'm confident he can give the most eloquent of sermons."
I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank you, Father.
Bellingham chuckled and said, "Oh of course he can. With practice, I'm sure you'll be fine."
I nodded and felt the weight of the holy book in my hands.
"Say, why don't you read me some of it, Mr. Dimmesdale?" asked the governor with a sly smirk on his face.
"Oh, uhh, I don't know sir…" I said nervously.
"Nonsense! You'll read an excerpt and we shall critique!"
I looked over to Wilson. He shrugged and crossed his arms. I sighed and stood up. The book felt even heavier than before. I realized I had opened up to a random page and before I could find an appropriate excerpt, Bellingham cried out "We are waiting, Reverend Dimmesdale!"
I nodded quickly and found a quotation and began to dictate.
"Genesis 38:9," I began.
"But Onan knew that the offspring would no be his; so whenever he lay with his brother's wife, he spilled his…" I began to falter.
"s-s-semen on the ground…" I stuttered.
The men stared at me; Bellingham looked as if he were about to burst into laughter. I cleared my throat and concluded, "To keep from producing offspring for his brother." The governor could not contain it any longer and went into a fit of hysterical laughter. Reverend Wilson quickly ushered me out of the room as we heard him roar with entertainment. Embarrassing indeed…
A
The voyage was neither boring nor pleasurable. I met a very intriguing man. He was the same one who hid from my gaze. We exchanged our life stories at supper on the 6th day. It was a calm night and we were out on the deck gazing at the night sky. A slight breeze cooled down our broths and I broke the silence.
"Why are you going to America?"
He looked at me wide-eyed. "Oh. Well uh…" he began. His voice was soft and nervous. "I… I don't know," he confessed.
He didn't say anything else but I asked myself the same question. Why? My husband told me to? I dismissed the thought and asked him another question.
"What is your name?"
The man dressed in black spoke quietly. "Arthur Dimmesdale. …And yours?"
I don't know why, but I lied to him. "Hester… Hester Chaste," I said.
Arthur had an odd look on his face. "Chaste? But—"
I interrupted him and placed my hand over his mouth. Arthur realized he was being rude and apologized.
"So… Miss Chaste—erm, Miss Hester," began Arthur.
There was this odd quality about him that I could not identify, yet I admired it. The way his lips quivered, his eyes widened, his brows furrowed. He seemed so innocent.
"Hester is fine, Arthur," I told him.
Though our first encounter was quite awkward, I found it to be quite pleasant. It was a nice change of atmosphere. William is a nice man but he bores me with his lectures on medicine. It's nice to be with someone who actually listens and doesn't drone on and on. I feel a sort of connection to Arthur, as if I've known him for a long time. I feel closer to God…
A
I am generally not accustomed to women approaching me and was quite surprised to find myself exchanging pleasantries with Hester. She was the same woman who passed by our room that day and made me pull out my Bible. I've seen women like her before. Youthful, charming, beautiful. Though her name is Chaste, her intents are suspect! No woman shall seduce this holy man! I must admit, her physical features were rather astonishing. A winning complexion, ample breasts… oh dear. It's happening. No. No, she will not seduce me! …Or what if she wasn't? I don't know anything. I will just have to wait and see… More interaction is sure to come.
A
Our journey to America concluded within the month due to fair weather and winds. As the ship approached the harbor, I noticed Arthur on the deck. A zephyr blew his chestnut hair in several directions and he resembled a sort of majestic lion, though his personality was more befitting of a turtle. I like Arthur. We've been talking all this time and got to know each other very well. He's an educated man like William, but more in touch with himself, God, nature. I'm glad that we're friends.
A
The boat reached the coast and I rejoiced in my mind. I could not take any more of that boat. As the crew prepared to let us out, I felt a tapping on my shoulder. I was greeted by the warm smile of Hester. For some odd reason, I felt as if she were staring at me while my hair was carelessly tossed about by the ruthless wind. An odd thought…
"We're here, Arthur!" she said.
Hester took my hand and led the both of us on the path off the ship. This was a queer experience for me. My palms began to perspire and my heart beat faster. Could she feel the moistness of my hands? Hear the pounding of my heart? Apparently not. Or, she was too polite to comment on it. Anyways, we departed the ship and made our way into town…
A
The town was what any person would expect a town to look like: plain and simple. Arthur walked me over to my new home. It was a modest house of stone. I wasn't sure if I could call it a "home" or if I could live with myself and only myself.
"Arthur, where do you live?"
"Oh, I spend most of the hours in the church."
Hmm, as I expected. As if sensing the awkwardness of the situation, Arthur quickly excused himself and assured me that if I ever needed him, he'd be at the church, not 5 minutes away. What a peculiar man His timid personality will be the end of him. I found my bed, which was actually built for 2 people and far too large for myself. I laid down and began to think about the future.
A
I can't. I simply can't. Can't what? Be around Hester. I just don't understand. The feelings she invokes in me are too much for my spirit to handle. I… Could it be? I'm falling in love with her? But no, it cannot be. I've sworn an oath! To abstinence! Oh but to deny myself love is a crime against the Lord's teachings! To what do I pledge my allegiance: my heart or my word?
Frustrated, I started running. I ran until I could not any longer and found myself standing in front of the town prison. What a dreary place. Among the darkness and heavily studded wooden doors, something caught my attention. There was a rosebush. What was such a beautiful creation of life doing in this dreadful place of evil and misery? I interpreted this as a sign. It was a miracle. Though this poor plant suffered the chill of winter's breath and the presence of pain and death, it stands strong in the face of adversity. Something beautiful came from something so crude and cruel. In admiration of it, I gently picked one of the roses off. While doing so, I pricked my thumb and a drop of my blood was spilt. No matter. I'll deliver this to Hester on the way back.
A
I was crying. I don't know why. There was a strong surge of emotion and I found tears streaming down my face. What could it be? The loneliness? I didn't miss William. I instead found myself missing Arthur. And he'd only been gone 10 minutes! Was it because… no one loved me? Because Arthur didn't love me? Oh but how could I even think such a thing? He's a minister and I'm a seamstress. He's not even supposed to lie with a woman! Oh I curse myself. Damn my weakness. What is wrong with me? I'm falling for a holy man while married to a man more than double my age. How did this happen? Oh I hate myself. I simply loathe myself. Why don't men want me? I sobbed into the pillow and closed my eyes.
A
I could hear horrible sobbing inside the house. What was going on? I opened the door and called her name.
"Hester?"
She sat up against the bed.
"A-Arthur?" she choked out.
Hester leapt up and ran to me. She wrapped her arms around me and burrowed her head into my shoulder.
"W-what? H-Hester, what's happening?" I asked worriedly.
I have never seen her like this before. Usually she was so strong, so resolute. Yet, here she is, crying into my shoulder.
"Why does no one love me? Do you love me?" she asked.
Hester looked up at me with wet and sorrowful eyes. Without hesitation, I showed her the rose.
"Yes."
Millions of conflicting thoughts in my mind shamed me for saying that but I quelled them. Hester stopped crying. She stared at the flower.
"Rosa rubiginosa," she muttered.
"Wha—"
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD, WILLIAM!" she screamed.
For a moment, there was silence. Then she spoke.
A
"You love me, Arthur?" I asked him.
He replied, "Yes, Hester. I do."
Impulsively, I brought my face close to his and kissed him. Arthur resisted slightly but soon gave in. We wrapped our arms around each other in sweet embrace. My fingers found his and intertwined. My tongue explored his mouth, searching for his. They found each other and we simultaneously took a breath. We broke apart from each other and looked into each other's eyes. I felt something wet on my finger. I looked and saw a crimson color. The thorn from the rose must have pricked me. Arthur came forward and held my hand in his.
"Hester. A-Are we ready for this?" he asked.
I leaned in to kiss him again.
"Yes, my love."
I walked over to the bed and we both climbed on. He started to undress himself and I did the same. We carelessly threw our clothes on to the floor and before long, we beheld our true selves. Arthur bent down to kiss me and his hands felt their way from my body to my breasts. He felt them all over and massaged them tenderly. I gave a little gasp and I felt for the pillow to grab on to. I clutched it tightly as Arthur made his way down my body. His mouth left mine and down to my breasts. His tongue eagerly licked them and I moaned in pleasure.
"Ahh, A-Arthur," I could barely whisper.
He stopped what he was doing and looked into my eyes.
"Hester. You're so beautiful."
Arthur moved his body close to mine and my breasts were up against him. Then he positioned himself and I felt him enter me. I was like nothing I'd ever felt before. I gave a little moan and kissed him passionately. He slowly pushed it in. Then pulled out. I was elated. Then Arthur began to ho faster, rhythmically thrusting his penis into me. I gasped for air. Oh my god this felt so good.
"A-Arthur…"
He gave no response and was solely concentrated on me. He took a breath and forcefully began to thrust harder.
Ohhhh. Ahhh.
I felt this little part of me begin to tingle. As Arthur went deeper, it began to get more stimulated and I felt a greater sense of pleasure.
Oh. Yes yes yes yes.
"Ohh Hester. I-It's coming," Arthur said.
What? What was com— Then I felt it. His penis ejaculated his semen into me. It traveled all over and my mind went blank. Ohhhhh. Arthur's penis was pulsing his life into me.
"Ahhhhh," gasped Arthur. He pushed in again as he laid his body onto mine.
"Ar-Arthur," I began. "Are we… done?"
We looked at each other's honest selves.
"Are you satisfied, Hester?"
Without answering, he could tell I didn't achieve my climax yet.
"Alright. Here we go."
He stood up and said, "You need to get me erect again."
I noticed that his penis was flaccid after he ejaculated. I went over to Arthur and knelt down. I reached for his penis and began to massage it.
"Ohh, Hester."
After I got it erect, I placed it in my mouth and started to suck on it.
"W-Wait," Arthur said. "I know something we can do."
He gestured at the bed. He laid down and told me to go on top of him while I faced the opposite way. At first I did not understand. And then I knew. As I was sucking on his penis, he grabbed hold of my buttocks and stuck his tongue in me. Arthur licked all over, searching for my clitoris. My senses were enhanced and I could feel it inching closer and closer. I began to suck on his penis more forcefully and used my tongue to lick it all over. Suddenly his tongue darted forward and hit my sensitive spot. I screamed in intense pleasure and promptly dismounted him.
"H-Hester?" said Arthur.
"I want you inside me…" I muttered.
Arthur stood up and grabbed my thighs. He lifted me up and placed me on top of his penis. My arms instinctively wrapped around his back and I kissed him. Arthur began to thrust rhythmically again and I felt the tip of his penis barely touch my clitoris.
Ohhhh.
He couldn't get it close enough so he positioned me on the bed face up. Arthur lifted my left leg up and moved his body closer. He placed both hands on my breasts and squeezed them tight.
"Ohhh," I moaned.
As he entered me, the tip brushed against my clitoris and it stimulated an instant reaction. My body convulsed and a wave of pleasure surged through me. My breathing became erratic. Arthur knew he was doing it. He readied himself and began to thrust his hips onto my butt. Every time he went in, it brushed the clit and I moaned loudly. Arthur began to push faster and I started to scream in pleasure. Suddenly I felt something leave out of my vagina. A fluid dripped out and stained the sheets.
"Ohhh," we groaned simultaneously.
My body was shaking all over. It… it felt so good. I realized Arthur was still erect so I began to finish what I started before. But somehow massaging and sucking it wasn't getting him to ejaculate. Then I had an idea. I placed his throbbing penis in between my breasts and massaged it that way.
"H-H-Hester," Arthur stuttered.
"Shhh," I told him. "You made me feel amazing and I need to relieve you."
I continued to massage tenderly with my large breasts and before long, he ejaculated. It pulsed the white fluid all over me, warm and milky. Curious, I tasted it. It was sweet, like honey.
"Ohh Hester."
I placed his penis into my mouth and swallowed it all.
"Ohhhhh," he moaned. After I polished him off, we both climbed into bed. He ran his hand through my hair.
"I love you, Hester."
I gave him a quick kiss.
"I love you, Arthur."
We smiled at each other and slipped away into euphoric slumber. We didn't care at all of what we had done. What we did had a consecration of its own. All we knew was that we had found love.
Fin.