"Freedom, god bless freedom." Ben shouted to his empty hospital room. The casts had been cut off his shins the day before and he was able to walk with the aid of a single crutch. Ben was in an unbelievable mood after being able to shower and dress himself for the first time in over a month. It was now the week after New Years 2008, and Ben would finally get to leave University Hospital.
The holidays had been surprisingly good for Ben. Roland and Amanda had flown back from Seattle to spend Christmas with him. Henry and Miss Young had shown up as well. Thanks to savings from his editing job Ben even had a little money to spend on them. The group had all exchanged gifts in Ben's room. In fact Ben was wearing Monica's gift, a gold Pulsar watch. He'd gotten her a pair of hiking boots. His father had picked them out, but Ben paid for them. Although Monica tried to be gracious, it was obvious she didn't really approve of them. That was okay with Ben though because he knew there was a purpose behind them.
Henry's visits had waned recently because he was fighting a flu he just couldn't seem to get over. But he'd bought food baskets for everyone, and Ben had gotten him a new pen set for his desk. The thing that had made the time most pleasant however was the companionship of the group. Most of the tension between Monica and Ben's parents had disappeared. She'd been a good caretaker for their injured son and that made it impossible to hold any lingering feelings of hostility. In a moment alone Roland had even asked his son how things were going with Monica. Ben had just stayed silent because he wasn't sure of the answer himself. What Monica had whispered in Ben's ear the day she and Ben had almost gotten back together (before Henry had accidentally prevented it) was that she'd go on a real date with him. As he sat on the edge of his bed awaiting his formal release, Ben hoped that a real date would eradicate the last of the distance between him and Monica.
Ben wore a solid blue button down, and pair of black jeans. He flipped through the channels on his TV while waiting for Monica to pick him up. She showed up right on time carrying his winter coat and hiking boots. Monica wore her winter coat as well and that bright pink lipstick Ben loved so much. They sat together on the corner of his bed while a nurse read his discharge papers. Monica listened more intently to the instructions than Ben did. Ben slid his boots on his feet and then put his coat on: at long last his stay came to its formal end. "Ready to go?" Monica got off the bed and extended her arms to help Ben into the wheelchair the nurse had provided. He hated the idea of being treated like a cripple, but the hospital had rules. Monica took up station at the handles and readied to push Ben to freedom, but she was interrupted.
"I'll do that," Andrea the therapist said in a cheerful voice. She leaned against the doorframe in her navy uniform. "So you finally get to go home, congratulations." Andrea advanced to the wheelchair and bent down, giving Ben a huge hug. He twisted uncomfortably in the chair, trying to accept the hug and turn to see Monica's reaction at the same time.
"No, I want to do it." Monica's green eyes burned furiously at Andrea's deep blue ones. Ben felt as if he was suddenly in the middle of a fight between two big cats.
"Sorry hun, hospital rules, a staffer has to walk him out." Andrea forced her way behind Ben and took the handles.
"I want to thank you for helping me get strong again." Ben tried to restore order as Andrea started pushing. She was in great shape and Monica could hardly keep up with her long strides as she wheeled him through the corridors toward the elevator. Ben turned and awkwardly grabbed Monica's hand as she jogged beside him. After an elevator ride down to the first floor, Andrea pushed Ben out the revolving front doors of the hospital. It was cold enough for him to see his breath, but he inhaled deeply his first breath of fresh air. The sky was completely gray, the air was damp, and there was little sun but to Ben it was wonderful just to see the outside world again. In fact he was so lost in his own happiness that he didn't notice the catfight had resumed behind him.
"Okay we're outside now. I'll take him to my car," Monica spoke sternly. Ben felt the chair suddenly tip up on one wheel as Miss Young wrestled and shouldered Andrea out from behind it. He grabbed the hand rests for balance but then just chuckled, the yellow bug was maybe ten feet from where they were. Still Monica had to win the argument, and be the one pushing at the end. Ben picked himself up out of the chair and got into the bug without assistance. Monica slammed his door shut and circled to the driver's side.
"Okay lets see." Monica got in and situated herself. She quietly and quickly mouthed the word please as she put the key in the ignition. Ben was surprised to see her press the accelerator four times before turning it. The bug roared to life loudly with the extra gas given. Ben quickly remembered what kind of driver she was as the tires screeched and he was thrown back in his seat with sudden acceleration. Ben relaxed though and enjoyed watching the world go by on the ride to his dorm. After several moments of silence Ben finally spoke.
"So this date we're going on." He turned away from the window and looked at her.
"Yes." Monica kept her eyes forward.
"So I ah, had a thought." Monica nodded for him to keep going. "Since this is the last weekend before I start my first semester all over again (he taken incompletes for his course work at DU). I was thinking maybe we could spend it together. This is Friday; my plan is we'll go on whatever date you have planned tonight. Saturday we can go on a date that I have planned." Ben folded his arms and stared at the dashboard waiting for her answer.
"Ben are you sure you feel up to all that?" Monica looked at him momentarily.
"I'm fine, as long as you don't want me to play a hockey game or something."
"Well there may just be some physical contact." Monica winked. "Ben there are so many things I want to say to you. Maybe these dates will give me a chance."
"It'll give us a chance." Ben corrected. "So where are we going?"
Monica pulled to the curb in front of the building containing Ben's dorm. She thought for a moment before answering. "Some place where we won't be interrupted. Bring along some swim trunks."
Ben was immediately intrigued and excited. Monica circled the bug and opened his door for him. She also served as spotter while he hobbled up the steps on his crutch. When at the top he took her hand and led her to his room. "This is it." Ben held his hands up and then slapped his thighs.
"Cozy, so is mine" Monica replied, sitting on the bed and looking around.
Ben opened the large cabinet at the end of the desk and began rummaging through its contents. "Hey Monica, under the bed is a suit case could you grab it for me?"
Monica squatted and pulled the black Sampsonite out. She set it on the bed and zipped it open. Almost immediately Ben began throwing clothes from the cabinet across the room toward the suitcase. Some landed in the case, some on the bed, most on the floor short of their target.
"Ben we're only going to be gone for two days." Monica dodged flying articles of clothing as she said it.
"For my date we'll need this, and this, and this, and this, oh and this too." Ben's head was still buried in the cabinet; he was talking to himself more than Miss Young. Suddenly the stream of clothing ended and a series of camping equipment took its place. A sleeping bag, air mattress, lantern, small kerosene heater, extra blankets, a hiking pack, and other gear now occupied the isle between Ben's desk and bed. The ultra neat Ben Conner had made a royal mess of his room. Miss Young surveyed the debris and smiled. Taking it as a testimony to how excited her boyfriend was.
It took over an hour to pack Ben's things. He collected and stowed the camping gear while she meticulously folded his clothes and put them in the suitcase. On the return trip to the car Monica had to carry the hiking pack. The little yellow bug's trunk and backseat were loaded full between Monica and Ben's suitcases as well as all the camping gear. Monica slammed the trunk shut and took her place behind the wheel. "Where are we going?" Ben asked again as Monica pulled into traffic.
"Someplace private, that's all I'll say." Monica reached over and squeezed his hand. As they drove Ben began to remember Washington and how much he liked just driving around with her. Ben didn't want to tell Monica because she seemed so happy lately, but Denver still didn't feel like home to him. Monica drove the bug toward the glass and steel skyscrapers that defined downtown Denver. The ride took about an hour. She pulled to the curb again in front of an old, triangular building. It was a brown brick, Victorian with nine floors and white awnings above the entrance. The white letters above the awning declared this to be: The Brown Palace Hotel. A valet in a burgundy uniform and hat with white gloves greeted them, opening Ben's door for him. Once the valet had the couple's luggage he snapped his fingers and a parking attendant appeared. The attendant was a man used to parking Mercedes and Cadillacs so he stared rudely at the bug for a moment. However, Monica ended his resistance with a tip and an icy stare. "Your luggage will be taken to your room sir, ma'am. Go ahead and check in" The valet bowed and tipped his hat toward Monica as she handed him still more money.
The lobby was unlike anything either had ever seen and both turned their heads left and right in wonder. A two tiered, ornate yellow chandelier lit the place. The floor was yellow marble, and in the center of the lobby was a series of leather benches sitting atop a dark Persian rug. Next to that was a cascading waterfall of champagne glasses, perhaps fifteen feet high. The woodwork was exquisite, maple banisters lined the staircases and the registration desk was solid walnut. Everything was polished and buffed to a mirror shine. Ben and Monica could see their reflections in the floor as they walked hand in hand to the registration desk. "We'd like one room for the night please," Monica cheerfully told the clerk. She handed him her credit card.
The clerk accepted the card and began banging away at his computer. "Okay just the one night, looks like your total is going to be 335.75. Let me just get an authorization on this card."
'Holy Shit.' Ben nearly dropped his crutch and fell at hearing the total. The clerk completed the authorization and handed Monica two credit card room keys: room 316. The clerk pointed them to the glass elevators across the way. On the ride to the third floor Ben began to protest. "Monica this is too much. My date isn't going to be anything compared to this." His voice showed how inadequate he suddenly felt.
"Sssish, this is my date Ben Conner and you will enjoy it. Besides I'm sure we'll have fun on yours too. Did you know three former Presidents have stayed here?" Monica smiled and winked at Ben. As the elevator stopped he took one last look at the lobby before getting off.
Room 316 did not disappoint either. It was actually three rooms. The bedroom and study were carpeted in reddish pink. There was an oak desk and coffee table in the study. The bed was king size and had a bedspread the same color as the carpet. There were three comfortable looking cloth chairs located around the bed. The walls were painted eggshell white. The bathroom was floored with black and grey marble tiles and it had both a shower and a tub. Now Ben understood why he needed swim trunks.
Monica took off her coat, revealing Ben's daily treasure. She wore her blue sweater and black knee length skirt. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. "So what shall we do?" Monica sat on the edge of the bed and patted for Ben to join him.
"What say we try out that bath, hot tub, thingy?" Ben answered excitedly.
"Okay but first I have another surprise for you." She smiled sweetly.
"Oh Monica." Ben protested.
"Don't make me tell you to shut up again. Now get in there and start running the water." Monica snapped her orders as she pointed to the bathroom.
Ben did as he was told. He grabbed his swim trunks from the suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom. Once he was out of sight Monica grabbed the ice bucket from the study and exited the room. Ben took off his pants and boxers and slid into his dark blue swim trunks. He began running the water as hot as he could get it. Then he took his shirt off. As he looked at himself in the mirror he saw the scar from his surgery on the left side of his abdomen. It was a permanent reminder of what had happened to him, and it made him self-conscious. Ben turned the water slightly colder, so as not to scald himself, and climbed in the tub. He activated the water jets to make it a hot tub and waited for Monica.
She made him wait an eternity. After she'd retrieved the ice she changed into her bathing suit in the bedroom. Then she unzipped her suitcase and took out a bottle of champagne she'd stowed. She pushed it down into the ice bucket and lastly covered herself with one of the hotel's white terry cloth robes. Monica came into the room carrying the tray with the ice bucket, champagne, and glasses. She set them down on the counter and uncorked the bottle while Ben watched. The bottle exploded running all over her hands. It was a phallic symbol that was not lost on Ben as he watched it. Monica turned towards him and smiled. The white robe contrasted with her dark hair and eyes was enough to drive Ben crazy, let alone what was underneath it. She sauntered over towards him slowly, twirling the belt of the robe as she did. She propped a leg up on the edge of the tub, revealing it. Ben was simply mesmerized and couldn't do anything but stare at her.
"From the looks of things that water may not be hot enough." Monica joked, as she covered up again.
"No, it's, it's wonderful." Ben had to force himself to speak.
"Oh so you do remember how to talk." Monica sat down on the edge of the tub. She still hadn't taken the robe off.
Ben's body tensed. 'If you make me wait one more second to see what's under that thing I just may snap.' "Well ture I can shalk. I, I, moan, I mean, ah, blah." Ben got tongue tied because she stood up and removed the robe. The suit was a one piece, light blue above the chest, black beneath it. The hips were cut high and showed off her legs incredibly. The light blue also highlighted her tan skin, as well as the darkness of her eyes and hair. She slowly placed a foot in the tub and kicked some water at Ben. A grunt was all Ben could manage to respond with.
Monica filled the two glasses with champagne and climbed in. She handed one to Ben. He took a sip and set the glass on the edge of the tub, Monica did the same. She allowed herself to kind of float over to him. He wrapped both arms around her waist and pulled her to him. She was on her knees again, legs wrapped around his waist. Ben placed one hand on her warm, soft hip as she pulled him in for a long kiss. That pink lipstick tasted as good as ever. After the kiss broke Ben managed to speak. "Monica, I can't even begin to express how wonderful this is."
Monica placed her finger on Ben's lips to close them. "Ben I did all this because I wanted to let you know how I feel. With the exception of what Henry interrupted, I've been pushing you away. You came over a thousand miles and made a new home for yourself all because you wanted to be with me." Ben cringed because he knew some small part of that wasn't true. Monica ignored Ben's apprehension and kept right on going. "So I'm going to tell you now once and for all, that I want this. I want us. I want this relationship to go as far as we can possibly make it go. I love you Ben Conner. But if you freak on me anymore." Her voice was soft and playful even though the finger that had held Ben's lips was now wagging accusingly in front of him. She swam herself away from him.
"I Love you to Monica, and I want this also." Ben's eyes stared right at hers, pleading for her to return. She took another sip of champagne and playfully slid the straps of her swimsuit off her shoulders. Ben did the same slowly working his trunks off his waist. Monica used the water to shield herself from view as she removed her suit. She held it up and twirled it around the finger of her left hand. Finally she flung it; the suit hit the floor with a wet slap. Ben held his swim trunks high above his head, and then he flung them next to her suit. It took another eternity for her to float back towards him. As she got close again he grabbed her by the hips, and she leaned in and kissed him. They felt each other's warmth as slowly, and gently their bodies tangled. Monica pushed forward and drove Ben back to the edge of the tub. Both held their breath as they connected. He held her by the waist, and she placed her arms around the back of his shoulders. They kissed passionately and made love in the bubbling water.
Monica got out of the tub first and started to dry herself. Ben followed a short time later. Wrapping the towel he used to dry off about his waist. Monica hung the robe about her shoulders but she didn't tie it. She clutched the robe shut with one hand and seized Ben's with the other. "I want to go swimming again. In that sea of covers on the bed. As she led Ben out of the bathroom he pinned her against the doorframe. He tried to kiss her but she slithered out of the pin and continued toward the bed. The robe fell off as she moved, causing Ben to hold his breath again. She climbed under the covers and waited for him to join her. He let the towel drop as he slid into his side of the bed. The wrestling match to see who would be on top came next. Ben won it and pinned her against the mattress. He drew the covers in a cocoon around them. Monica laughed slightly as his brown eyes stared down at her. "Round two." She said gently, smiling at him. However some force of nature made Ben look away and pull back. "What's wrong," she asked, stroking his face.
"It's just, nothing, I love you." He didn't have the courage to say it right now. Ben stroked her bangs with his fingers. Once again his chocolate eyes found and locked her emeralds. He gave her a long look to make sure this is what she wanted. Satisfied, Ben grabbed her leg and folded it around his waist. He leaned in and the kissing resumed, they made love again.
Hours later it was all over, Ben lay awake in the middle of the night. He held Monica and watched her as she slept. He gently stroked her shoulder. Ben couldn't believe it, but even after all she'd done and said tonight, there was a tiny something still bothering him. He knew what it was, and that he didn't yet have the courage to voice it, and that was keeping him awake.