"Ben, wake up sweetie. It's almost checkout time." Monica kissed Ben's cheek and blew gently in his ear to wake him.
Ben shook his head to clear it and slowly drug himself out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom. He wore only his grey boxers, and the marble floor was almost freezing his feet. He plugged in his razor and began his morning routine. As he shaved Ben examined the dark circles under his eyes, he looked as tired as he felt. He watched Monica approach from behind in the mirror. She was already prepared for the camping trip. She wore a think black turtleneck sweater and blue jeans as well as the hiking boots he'd bought for her. For such a light and delicate thing, the boots made her steps very loud. "Didn't you get any sleep?" She said softly as she laid her head on the back of his shoulder.
"Not much. Guess you didn't wear me out enough." Ben put down the razor and wrapped his arms around her.
"Well then I'll try harder next time." Monica smiled up at him.
He pulled her close and stroked her hair. "This was amazing. I know it's like the hundredth time I've said that since we've been here."
Monica waited for Ben to kiss her but he never did. "Ben is there something you'd like to tell me," her voice full of concern.
Ben squeezed her harder and forced himself to smile back. "Not right now."
"But something's bothering you?" Monica's eyes glanced down to the floor.
Ben nodded, "I'm trying to find the words and eventually I will. I promise I'll tell you sometime today, but, this is too perfect to ruin." He gestured to the space around him to indicate the hotel.
Monica's face went from concerned to worried, she stepped away from him. 'What could possibly ruin this?'
"Monica come here." Ben opened his arms. She stepped back into the embrace. Ben kissed her forehead. "Get that worried look off your face. I'm not freaking on you again, I promise." Ben's voice was strong and convincing.
"So now it's your turn. Do with me what you will." The sexiness in Monica's voice returned as quickly as it had left. She gave Ben a wicked smile and grasped his hands.
"Well your driving so it's not like I can hide it. We're gonna camp for the night in Rocky Mountain National Park." Monica gave a satisfied nod at the news.
Rocky Mountain National Park is almost a two-hour drive from Denver. So Ben's date began much the same way Monica's had: in the yellow Bug. They rode and made small talk. About half way there they pulled off the interstate and stopped at grocery store. "So what do you like to eat?" Ben took her hands and walked backward toward the store. As long as the ground was fairly level he didn't really need the crutch. He was dressed in a blue pullover, black jeans, and brown hiking boots. "And if it's not too much trouble can you make it something I can grill."
"I'll eat just about anything." She was thoroughly enjoying the idea of grocery shopping. "It's like we're married."
Ben's face fell slightly at the comment. 'Already she's fishing.' When they entered the store they fought playfully over who would push the cart. Monica won the fight and she rolled it alongside Ben as they surveyed the isles of food. He selected a thick New York steak for himself. She picked out some fresh rainbow trout. Ben completed the shopping by buying two big russet potatoes, a lemon, numerous small bottles of herbs and spices, a can of green beans, a can of biscuits, and a basket of strawberries for desert. "Hope we still have some of that champagne left," Ben said as they approached the checkout.
Monica looked at him quizzically. "I re-corked it, but it'll be warm. It won't fit in the ice chest."
"Monica nature is going to give us all outdoors as a refrigerator." Ben smiled at her naivety.
"That'll be 36.15 sir." The cashier asked like a robot. Ben disappointedly handed the clerk money. 'About ten percent of what it cost Monica.'
"Ben is the cost what's bothering you?" Monica carried the groceries beside Ben as the walked out.
"No, now will you stop worrying." Ben gave her a pat on the behind. To which she replied with a playful grin.
The groceries took up the very last space in the back seat of the bug. It was cold outside, a temperature in the mid thirties, but the morning sun glistened brilliantly off the snow-covered mountaintops. The remainder of the drive was much more quiet. Monica could sense Ben organizing his thoughts in the seat next to her. To spite his professions to the contrary, she was still nervous about what his thoughts might be.
Rocky Mountain National Park is in the Northern Center of Colorado. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains. To spite having lived in Colorado for over three years Monica had never been here. She looked in wonder at the vast expanse of grey, snow-capped peaks in front of her. Winter had never looked so good to her as it did at this moment. It was the off-season and the park was nearly empty to spite the fact there was currently no snow on the ground. Ben paid the twenty-dollar camping fee at the Rangers station where they entered. It made him feel at least a little better about the relative expense of his date. They had their pick of camping spots and they selected one closet to Sprague Lake. An expanse of grayish, brown water perhaps about a mile wide. A forest of tall pines and evergreens surrounded the lake and campground, filling the air with a fresh scent. Lastly of course the whole scene had a backdrop of the Rocky Mountain peaks. From outside the Bug the peaks took on a prism of colors in the mid-day sun. As they prepared to set up camp both lovers inhaled the fresh air deeply.
The campground was made for tents. There were a series of man leveled dirt rectangles not far from the parking area. Each site had a picnic table at one end. There was not another tent to be seen. Sprague Lake was perhaps a hundred yard walk to the north and there an outhouse was provided also. Monica shouldered Ben's heavy hiking pack and carried it over to the dirt box nearest the lake. Ben helped as best he could, carrying the blankets, bedding, and lighter supplies. Monica made a second trip for the ice chest they'd brought, and still a third for Ben's portable grill. The two began to make camp (the spots were given on a first serve basis so this was the first thing they had to do). Ben was experienced as a camper and had the tent up and staked in no time. It was a blue domed North Face with a grey zip front. At it's peak the tent was almost as tall as Monica was. Next they placed all the gear inside the tent and zipped it closed; Ben even had a small padlock to hook the two zippers together and keep it from being opened. Their spot for the night now reserved, they walked hand in hand back to the Bug to enjoy the day.
They drove around to the far side of the lake (from where they were camped) where they happened upon one of the trailheads and corrals used for horseback riding. A large, red barn like structure with several grassland acres leveled out behind. A white wooden fence surrounded the grassland. It was the off-season so they couldn't ride. However, Ben got to watch as his girlfriend's eyes light up as she approached two large horses grazing near the fence. One was a blonde colored Palomino, and the other was a dark brown quarter horse. The Palomino was absolutely huge, but the beast took an immediate liking to Monica. She stood on tiptoes stroking its neck and head. "Hi there fella," she said softly to him. She squatted down and pulled up handfuls of grass, which the animal gleefully ate from the palm of her hand. Ben simply leaned against the fence and watched Monica have her fun.
From there the pair went hiking on some of the trails that wound their way through the tress lining the lake. Monica now understood the purpose of the hiking boots and she had to admit they really were comfortable. Monica walked like a kid in a candy store, enjoying the fresh air. Ben was pleased to see her having such a wonderful time. Even though she couldn't stop worrying about his injured legs. He moved quite well with the crutch to lean on, still she grabbed and spotted for him often on the uneven terrain. Ben was of course was just fine with this.
After the hike they returned to the Bug and drove deeper into the park. Along the way they saw all manner of wildlife. Deer, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, and even a Red Fox. They finally returned to the camping spot only as the sun was setting. Monica put on her winter coat and pulled it tight around her before taking a seat at the picnic table. They weren't allowed to build a fire so Ben turned on the kerosene heater instead. The mountains turned deep shades of purple and red with the sun setting behind them. However, the temperature had dropped a good ten degrees, which was why Monica was cold. Ben on the other hand was used to it. He fired his portable grill and began to make dinner.
Monica was surprised to see Ben had not only a grill but also a small kitchen with him. "I didn't know you could cook," she said, amazed at the display.
"Cook no, grill yes." Ben smiled as he continued to work. Monica used the grill to warm her hands. Ben wrapped the potatoes in foil and placed those on the grill. Next he took out the meat and fish and started cooking those. He produced a knife, a small saucepan, and several cooking utensils from his pack. Monica's fish was garnished with lemon he'd bought, also some Rosemary and Dill. The can of green beans went into the saucepan and then onto the grill. Lastly he opened the tube of biscuits and placed those in foil also. The grill was just big enough to hold all of it. The smell of the food permeated the air and made both their mouths water. A short time later they had their meal.
"God I wish I could make stuff like this." Monica vengefully attacked everything on her plate. "This is amazing Ben," she continued with her mouth full.
Ben shook his head, "I've never seen anyone so little eat so much. But I'm glad you like it."
"See your date has been just as amazing as mine." Monica pointed her fork at Ben. "I've had horse fantasies ever since I was a little girl. My mom would never take me riding though."
He smiled and nodded as he ate. Finally he put his fork down and took a deep breath. It was time for his declaration. He circled over and sat next to her. "Monica I want this, I mean us, too." He watched her for a reaction, she smiled. "I've never been a big believer in fate, but I have to believe my accident happened for a reason. You are that reason. I love you. I love this mind." Ben grabbed her and nestled his forehead against hers. "I love this spirit, including its human flaws." He cupped her breast with his hand and felt her heartbeat. "And oh do I love this body." Ben's eyes locked on hers for a moment. She stopped eating and took his hand. "I love these eyes," he continued, rubbing her eyebrows with his free hand. "I love these lips." He leaned in and gently kissed her. She tasted like lemon and butter because of the fish. "I love everything about you."
Monica was speechless. Once again, Ben displayed his ability to say and do things that made her feel so good about herself. "Ben when we started this, all those years ago. You gave me back a part of myself I thought I'd lost. You are the other half that makes me whole. When you first came here, my every instinct said we were a mistake, but your right, your accident did happen for something. It reminded me of exactly how much you mean to me. So the only conclusion I can draw is that my instincts were wrong. I hope to god yours are better. "
"Trust me you're not missing anything, all your parts are there." Ben chuckled as Monica leaned in again. The conversation was interrupted as they kissed passionately for some time.
"You did have me worried Ben. You always seem to get weird after we make love." Monica rubbed his cheek and stared at him.
"I know, and I'm sorry. For one thing I really don't think of Denver as home yet. The bigger problem is same one I've always had. Jonathan told me something once and I'm going to use his line because I think it fits here. At one point Debs pulled him aside and told him that if they were going to hook up that he had to be her boyfriend. Her in public boyfriend." Monica nodded understanding and Ben kept going. "That's how I feel about you. Right now I feel like we're a hook up in the back seat of a car couple. I want to be a walk down the street together couple."
Monica's eyes darted processing what Ben had said. "Ben home is where and what you make it. As far as going public, I want that also. It's hard because of the circumstances we started with. Maybe we both need to work at believing the world will accept us. I will if you will" She leaned forward and nestled noses. "And ah, hooking up isn't so bad, is it?" Monica grabbed the basket of strawberries with one hand and pulled Ben up with the other. He tried to speak but was cutoff as she smashed her lips against his. "Now warm me up, I'm freezing." Her lips only inches from his as she said it.
Ben extinguished the heater and followed Monica over to the tent. He was slightly annoyed that once again she'd taken control. However Monica was so delicious he couldn't make the feeling last. Ben looked around to make sure they were alone. Then he zipped open the tent and followed her inside.
Inside the tent the world was orange. Only the soft glow of the lantern beside the air mattress provided light. Monica and Ben both got their knees on top of the mattress and started kissing. Hands found one another and fingers intertwined. "You do know the best way to keep warm don't you," Ben asked playfully.
Monica nodded and immediately grabbed Ben's pullover and helped him slip it over his head. He did the same with her sweater. Next Monica unzipped his jeans and let them fall around his knees. Once again Ben copied the gesture. When both had worked their way down to only undergarments they crawled inside the sleeping bag. Monica snuggled against him and continued the process by pulling his boxers down. She produced a condom and ripped the package open with her teeth much as she had their first time. Ben rolled over and his eyes glazed with pleasure as she touched him. Ben fumbled with her bra snap and she had to unhook it for him. He took the garment in his hand and cast it aside as it came off. Lastly Ben snaked down into the sleeping bag and removed her lacy underwear. It was now Monica's turn to have her eyes glaze over. Ben parted her legs and began kissing the inner part of her soft, warm thigh, working his way up. Monica reached into the sleeping bag and grabbed the back of his head with her hands, holding him in place. She closed her legs around him. Ben used his lips and hands skillfully as he continued. Monica drew a sharp breath and held it as the pleasure came at her in waves. She closed her eyes and lost herself in it. Finally she couldn't take anymore and grunted at Ben, "Need you, now."
Ben didn't heed her. Instead he continued the sweet torture by kissing her stomach and then working his way up to her breasts. After what seemed an eternity to Monica he worked his way up to her neck and lips. She pried his lips open with her tongue as the kissing deepened. Monica used her foot to roll the couple over so she was on top. Then she plunged downward and their bodies connected. Both drew short, sharp breaths of the pure ecstasy. The lovemaking lasted only minutes, but it felt like hours until both shook with the final explosion of pleasure. Monica grabbed the champagne bottle from beside the mattress and uncorked it: it exploded again.
After it was over, the two lay naked inside the sleeping bag. Monica had her legs intertwined with Ben's. They were each propped up on an elbow facing one another. Monica picked up a strawberry and shoved it in Ben's mouth. He ate it followed by swigging the champagne from the bottle. Ben did the same, gently placing a strawberry in Monica's mouth. Instead of champagne however, she held it in her mouth and playfully sucked his fingers.
Ben took a deep breath and summoned the courage to finish what he'd wanted to say during dinner. "Monica, all my life I've wanted some sort of adventure. You are that adventure and I know that now. Without you in my life: well, like sacrificing my queen, I can still play on, but the battle feels hopeless. The thing is, I sort regret now starting when we did because, like you, I think it's hindering us now." Monica's face was curious as she listened. Ben continued, "Henry told me that the thing about regret is there's not so much a cure as a remedy, that remedy is to look forward. You are my adventure Monica Young, and I'm looking forward to all the new memories and even the new mistakes we'll make."
Monica stared speechless again. She leaned in to kiss him but he pulled away. "So." He said it loudly to indicate he had more to say. "I have a request. When this semester ends, I want to take you back to Washington with me. Just for a visit. If we can survive that, we can survive anything."
Monica's face fell; she immediately became the bitch. "Ben I think this defiantly fits in the mistake category. Shouldn't we try something easier, like walking through the fires of hell first."
"Hey." Ben started to protest but was cutoff.
"Ben I can't do what you're asking of me. Besides if you really loved me you wouldn't ask. I am truly offended you would even suggest such a thing." Monica rolled away from him and started to get dressed. Ben opened his mouth one more time but couldn't make any words come out. That was it, another perfect date ended in frustration.