FSOG: Girl in The Garden
Matchmaking by FRAU BLÜCHER
First week in December Vancouver Washington WSU. 1700hrs: Christian-pov
Jogging thru the campus. Elliott recovery is going strong. Soon the walking cast will be off, but whatever demons are driving him to drink himself senseless every night. He won't say. He's got me down here to smooth the Dean and Board of Trusties about his little joy rider last month; when he was supposed to be getting the project back on track. Seems he forgot to tell me he took the dozer to the local hamburger stand off campus. With a dozen coeds riding along. He may have sweet talked the judge into give him just community service and a heavy fine. But the WSU Board still think he's unhinged.
I pace the campus, running as I have a board meeting in two hours. Needing to run off this pent-up energy. I've decided to be sex free, celibate for the next year. I need space and time to reclaim my control, crossing the sports field, several groups are running around campus. Slowing down to let them pass, enjoying the oasis of greenery and late fall's flowers in WSU Experimental Demonstration Garden on the hill side above the campus library. I passed a female reading on a bench here two days ago. She was strange, very out of place and time. Drawn to her. I wonder if she back here in the cold and gray December day. Is she a coed, a student here, and how old?
I step under a willow tree's hanging branches, denuded of leaves. Seeing her sitting under an umbrella, shelter from the lite drizzle, reading a heavy hard-backed book with a book light: fighting the coming gloom of dusk. An ancient green thermos beside her.
I remember Grandpa T has one like that, stole it from his uncle, the Fishing Guide. Little yellow plastic cups sit next to it steaming in the chill. A blue one hold what I suspect is a teabag. She is beautiful, she's perfect. Long brown hair, braided in the winter air, pale skin, and dainty petite form. Quietly reading; To the winter greenery with its late blooms in this garden alcove. Calm stillness. She sits harmoniously, one with the world. She's perfect.
I find her sitting here; her schedule, Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 5pm to 6pm. Rain or shine. She'll be reading a heavy tome, sipping tea. Calm tranquil peace in the storm of an active college campus. I wonder about her. The perfect woman poised in the perfect setting. I fear to disturb her. I take off running for my life; could I ever be with a woman like her? I have doubts.
Over the next week: I run here and watch her; then run some more. Every time I want to walk up to her and talk: My fears stop me. Could I even be the man she needs? All the books are English Classics, Austen, Hardy, Bronte. Could I be her Mr. Darcy or am I still more Alec d'Urberville? I ponder the scenarios, and still can't raise the courage to meet her.
Friday 1900,
Next week's; the last week of the fall semester. Finals ends next Friday with winter graduation on Tuesday. Christmas break starts after the ceremony. She'll be gone. I hate this change, this uncertainty. I should get the courage to talk to her; but what if? She doesn't like me, want me, or worse is like the girls Elliott dates, gold-diggers. After my money and not me. I need to stop thinking but I can't.
Returning to the house, about a half mile from campus on a nice little drainage creek. Half acre lot, 1950's suburban sprawl two story ranch, three car separate garage. Everyone thinks Gail and Jason own the house; I'm just their near-do-well nephew. Working up to attend the spring semester.
Gail came down to keep Jason happy. A me, if I'm honest. Right now, no one knows I'm here. I only wear my suits or shave if I have to meet with the College Boards, Deans, or College Trusties. I fly up to Seattle when I have too.
Roz is happy to run the company; We've scaled back mergers and settled for entrenchment. I don't think the economy will crater; but we need better controls over the departments and assets. We grew so fast we left too many blind spots. Thru those holes: Eliana stuck knifes in my back.
Monday 5:10pm
Stopping under the weeping tree, looking across and slightly down. She seems at peace. My turmoil disappears when I watch her. Soothing to my soul. This lady out of time; more suited to the Victorian age than this modern era. I need to talk to her? I find myself entranced, frozen, by her beauty and serene nature. Time slips away.
Faraway screams and yelling invade the peacefulness. The noise is down below the terraces nearer the library. I scan the trail leading up the stairs. A blonde girl burst up the stairs and rushes into the alcove; falling at Angels' feet, exhausted. What is going on?
A group of over muscled jock, way too many steroids guy. Crowd into the Alcove, behind her. Their roid-rage is in full bloom. Watching Angel close the book, putting it in her bag, sips the steaming hot tea in the yellow plastic cup. Raising, throwing it in to the face of loud mouths. Before the can attack or even react: closing the umbrella like she has all the time in the world. A practiced movement belie the immediate hazard she's in. I start to move. They don't see me coming behind them.
Before they can react or my arrival. The umbrella whips thru a series of movement, lighting in a bottle explodes: Three of the jocks are down. Blonde kicks two down to the ground, getting one in a leg triangle strangle hold. Angels backed into the low sitting parapet wall, readying the umbrella. I don't know how or why.
I'm standing in front of her, looking into those soul crushing, begging blue eyes. Everything is possible; reflects in her orbs of ocean blue. Hearing scream of pain. We look over the wall, at the down slope.
The two jocks are still crashing down the hill, thru scrubs and bouncing off trees. Looking into her blue eyes; Words fail me, choke in my throat and stall in my mind. I must leave before the monster awakes and ruins us. Bowing, turning away and ungracefully tripping over shoes. Where did they come from? I run away.
Stepping into the shower, asshole with tea dripping down his face lost his shoes when I catapulted him and his buddy over the parapet wall; Damn, I hit them so hard and violently; I jacked them right out of their shoes. I think I've lost angel. She doesn't deserve to be with someone as evil and screwed up as me. She's seen the monster; She'll never want me.
Arriving at Agriculture Department Conference room, an hour later; Shaved and changed into one of my trademark suits at the house. Jason sits with me. In suits, we look nothing like we regularly do around here. They never notice us about the campus. Sitting reviewing Angel's style with the umbrella in my mind's eye; practiced moves, maybe Savate or some other stick fighting style. I watch blonde step inside the room, ignores me. Demanding the Dean and his staff deal with these out-of-control pervert jocks.
Seems they had an annual ugliest coed party, using drugs, alcohol, taped their drugging and gang rape of the naive coeds. She's the Editor and chief reporter on the WSU student paper and just published the follow up story this morning.
They're demanding she retract the story and not publish the another follow up, about them intimating witness, or the earlier this evening attacking her friend and her. Demanding the Deans, Department Heads, and the Campus Police deal with it; not sweep it under the rug. Whitewash the jocks because they had a winning season. A will tarnish the colleges image and reputation; what a load of bullshit.
"Gentlemen? I suggest you deal with the lady's complaints. Expel and prosecute those predators. We will reschedule this meeting next month. If whitewash is how; you handle sexual predators: I will be rethinking my grants to this institution. Goodbye." I say walking out.
Arriving back at the house. "Jason? Get on the local police about the jocks sexual assault and the assault this evening at the demonstration garden. The blond reporter on the college paper published the original story two weeks ago."
"Assault this evening?" He asks, with Gail right behind him.
"I was running: saw them assault the blonde reporter and the girl reading in the alcove on the middle landing of the garden above the library. The secluded one overlooking the Library Building. Eight jocks attack them: the ladies took out five, one ran away, and I threw two over the parapet down the hill. I think the girl in the garden's named Lambert? She had one of those surplus army camo jackets, with that name tag."
"Christian the girl in the garden?" Gail asks. I look down. Unworthy of Angels love or of Gail's concern.
"Petite, luscious brown hair, young, clean, innocent. Lithe, lighting, perfect form. Blue soulful eye, used an umbrella like a sword to take out three of the jocks. Perfect angel." Looking up into Gail's bright eyes.
"What was she reading?" Gail asks, taking my arm, leading into the breakfast counter. Sitting, she gets me a nice steaming cup of mulled cider.
"Austen, Hardy Tess, Bronte." I say with a happy voice. Talking about her, its magically lifts my spirit.
"Every night?"
"No just Monday, Wednesday and Friday 5 to 6. Rain, shine, cold, doesn't matter. She sits there in calm tranquil bliss among the plants. Sipping hot tea. So, soothing to watch her." I smile and feel the calm invade me. Feeling Angel's calm.
"Take your cider to the study; Roz has some updates for you." Gail shoos me to the study. "Dinner's ready in an hour. Mulligan Stew with brown bread."
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Thursday: night
Angel wasn't in the Alcove last night. Hopeful she's there tomorrow. I hope she didn't go on break already. Picking at my food. Where are you angel? Jason's still getting the facts on the jocks.
"Christian, get your jacket. We're going to the movies over on campus. They have a double feature of Mel Brooks." Gail smiles at me. I shake at that thought of a crowded theater, crowed lines, the touching, my fears well up.
"There is a section in the middle that is ticket only. It only two rows of eight seat, between the wheelchair handicap seats. We have four seats reserved. So, you'll be ok. Trust me?" Gail tells me. I smile and go get my jacket. Gail would never put me in danger of being touched, or a public freak-out that would cause.
We walk the short distance to the theater in quiet reflections. The movies in the campus movie theater are free. Donations appreciated; funding their projects. An enterprising group of Student Union and College Thespians club volunteers have got a concession stand going. A real old fashion steam powered popcorn cart's popping away. Water, soda, and popcorn; a few classic choices of movie candy on a table.
Gail pulls us into line; with Jason behind me keeping crowd from touching my back. Gail gets a buttered medium for me, and large extra butter for them, with bottles of water for all. We head in. I find the roped off seating, good. Safe. No one should be able to touch me. Preventing a public freak out is key to my being here. Relaxing, I putting my popcorn and bottle water in the spare seat. Relaxing, Gail is next to me. Jason on the aisle.
"You'll like this; the first movie is The Twelve Chairs. A misfit group search for a treasure inside one of twelve dining chairs, lost during the Russia revolution. The second is Young Frankenstein. Did you see that one before?"
"I don't remember, maybe one of mom's movie nights. What's it about?"
"It's a parody of the Frankenstein movies. You'll love it. It a cult classic. FRAU BLÜCHER" Gail yells the last part. A chorus of horses' whinny, neighs vibrate thru the theater. I look at her. "What?"
"You'll see in the movie." Gail smiles, giggling at my lost expression.
"EVERYONE! WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ONE OF THE PROJECTORS. WE HAVE A FIFTEEN MINUTE DELAY. SO! WE WILL HAVE THE WSU VISION OF THE FUTURE CIRC 1960. ROLL IT LARRY!" An emo upper body professor with Two-inch ear inserts, in a blinding neon colorful tank top. I bet it glows in the dark. Feeling already bored, restless. I hate waiting for movies to start. This is when people hit on me; trapped in the theater seat.
I feel a tingle right up my spine, a familiar scent tickles my nose. "Excuse me." A singing-song enchanting voice pulls my eyes up to my Angel.
Looking prefect in tight jeans, camisole blouse under an army camo field jacket; this one says Steele. I stare stunned. She nods to the seat next to me, getting the hint. Moving my popcorn and drink. Maybe we can share the popcorn and drinks. Please babe sit-down with me. Give me chance? In muted pleas, I pray.
She takes off her jacket, damn can she be anymore sexy. Leaning over to laying it on the seat-back, I see her perfect neck, curve down to her perfect breast cleavage peeks out, tantalizing, in that perfect blouse. Sitting she looks at me. I'm rock-hard. As some Old-Time-Theater-Concession-Cartoon with singing hot dogs dance across the screen. She smiles; the theater shrinks to just us, and that kissable mouth is so close. She bites her lower lip and I nearly shoot in my pants. Sitting stiffly in my seat afraid to move, afraid to offend and make her leave me.
Smiling at me, dazzled in her light. She smirks, taking my popcorn in her left hand. Takes my right hand in her right, drapes my arm around her shoulders, over the back of her seat, leaning into me. She hands me the popcorn back. And takes a few kernels. I don't pull her close, but she leans into me. Her head on my shoulder and I feel everything is ok. Everything is good. This is how I'm supposed to feel.
Big bold letters appear on the screen 'Vision of Vancouver Washington State University 1960'. A guy in the cougar mascot costume struts on stage. Looks around the theater like he's really here and not on film. "WSU Vancouver was founded in nineteen thirty-five. We hope to be here for at least the next decade. Thank, you 'GO COUGAR'S!': He jumps towards the audience fading out. We laugh, it was so bad it was good.
A Loony Tune Cartoon: Bugs Bunny fighting Marv the Martian spins up across the screen. We laugh. She has an enchanting laugh and addictive giggle. Eating the popcorn. I hand her the water bottle we bought; Gail slips me a spare from her purse.
The movie starts, we laugh. Letting the movie carry us away from the here and now. Slowly I curl my arm into her. I feel warmth and contentment. She cuddles deeper into me. Looking down, noticing her hand over my heart. Yes! cool! I go back to laughing at the movie with her. This is heaven. A perfect moment in my life. Angel has me. I'm good.
The movie ends and the house light rise. "Fifteen-minute intermission: Remember we don't have maid service in the theater. So please dump the trash in the trash cans and the recyclables in the blue barrels. Remember only you can prevent this theater turning into a dump. Please! The intermission clock starts now." A large clock spins on the screen. Counting down. Angel stands up. I stand. Is she leaving? Have I done something or not done something: I was supposed to do. I don't know; Please don't leave me.
She doesn't take her coat. Good sign? She slides pass me with Gail to the aisle and they head away. I look lost.
"Do you need a restroom?" Jason Ask. I shake my head. That where their going; I shutter in tension release. She's coming back. She wants to be with me. I smile for the first time in years; feeling my soul, my heart lifting in possibilities.
"Popcorn?" He asks, I shake with fearing the crowds. Maybe I could stand in the line. I shudder as fear's creeps into me. Think of my angel. Don't let the darkness overwhelm me.
"Right, stay here and guard the purse and coats." He heads out. I stand a watch the crowd. I take off my jacket and relax. Several Girls and a couple of guys give me those bedroom eyes, it's just a face. But I ignore them. The ushers at the rope, keep the crowds from pushing to me. I'm betting Jason bribe them to make sure people don't push in on me.
I watch Angel with Gail and Jason walking back to me. Angel scoots into her seat. I sit, she elbows my side. "UGH?" I ask
"Arm." she says. Oh yea, I put my arm around her. Pulling her tight. She smiles and kisses the corner of my mouth. Turning to her. Looking into blue oceans of calm. I lean down and kiss her lips. We float up and away from the theater. Soaring in the clouds above this theater. Chasing around the moon.
Someone yells "FRAU BLÜCHER" A chorus of horses' whinny, neighs vibrate thru the theater; breaks our kiss. The house light dim and the movie intro begin. Near the dart scene she shivers. Taking my jacket and lay it over her, over us. She smiles as I feed her the popcorn. We laugh and laugh. Making horse sound whenever "FRAU BLÜCHER" name is said. She teases me without saying a word. I so get what she' saying when she says nothing. Till the movie credits end and the house lights rise. Only a few people remain. The theater is nearly deserted.
We stand. I help her with her coat. She picks up my jacket and holds it open to help me with it. I turn and slip it on. She smoothy the back. All I feel is calm and contentment. Turning to her, she smiles. Taking my hand. We leave the theater.
She lets my hand go once outside. I expected this. Maybe I should get her number or name. She smiles: putting her hand inside my arm at the elbow. I raise it to escort her. She turns left, we walk thru campus to a far parking lot. Gail and Jason keep a good pace behind us, letting us have space and privacy. We wander lost in time down the walkway; noticing plants, signs, flyers, other unique strange things about the college path. Letting the wind and mood carry us to her car.
My god! That ancient VW bug is her's! Its unsafe? I turn to her. She smiles pulling me down for a kiss. I'm in heaven. She breaks, tries her car door, it sticks, she huff's. I bet it's like Elliott first truck. Looking at me.
Sir Galahad to milady's aid. I push in, lift the handle, and pull back. It easily pops open. Perfectly. Handing her into her seat. She smiles. She reaches into her pocket and hands me a granola bar. What the frigging hell? She closes the door. Starts the car and drives away.
I stand there holding the damn granola bar. What does it mean? Does she do this on a regular basis. I don't want to believe she's a tease? Please babe don't be a tease, don't hurt me?
"Christian?" Gail asks. I walk to them; handing her the bar.
She laughs at me. I look at her; What the F ##K Gail? She holds the bar to may face; on the wrapper written with a sharpie; her phone number and name. Anna!
I just float all the way home humming "something in the way she moves, attracts me like no other lover, something in the way she woos me, I don't want to leave her now, you know I believe and how
somewhere in her smile she knows, that I don't need no other lover, something in her style that shows me, I don't want to leave her now, you know I believe and how." (Beatles=something)
We said maybe six words the whole night, but we clicked. I will call her tomorrow and see what she wants to do. Wants to take this? I need to let her decide and lead me; I know I can trust her.
No, I'll text her. That's a better option; with those books. I bet she more confidant with written words than speaking. She touched my chest, my back and all I felt was: peace and I want more. Sleep takes without pills or liquor. Dreams of us, traveling the world, old and gray. Children about our feet; grandchildren about our feet. A normal life.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
anna-pov
Walking into my apartment: its nearly one am... I can't believe. What I did tonight. I was bold and let my inter-goddess loose. I wanted Hot jogger, saw him, when out an took him. Made him want me; Made him desire me. The first guy I ever wanted; to take me away to his castle and ravage me. Take my V-card and have a happily ever after with me. My shy bookworm persona didn't show up all night. Sultry Anna stepped up and for the first time unleashed her sexy inner self. In his arms was heaven, then the kiss. And heavens lifted even higher. We floated around the moon. Those gray eyes, made me wet and feel safe; made me feel like I'm the center of his world. Like he's in mine.
Kate is sitting on the couch; a blond head on her lap. I get closer. Great? The construction guy is back. I foresee pink bunny rabbit pajamas and ice cream containers stacked to the ceiling again. When he left at the end of September; after a month of wine-ing and dining: winning Kate's heart.
She even applied herself to learn how to make pancakes and bacon. Just to win him over. He left without a reason or even a text. Just ghosted her. Then that bulldozer incident the first week of November. The college skanks rubbing it in Kate's face that that had him and she was unwanted second hand good. Not a good place for Kate to wallow in.
"Anna?" Kate asks. Surfer rises looking at me. I step to them and smack his face. For the pain a misery he caused Kate and by extension me. He at least looks guilty and contrite. He was I thought a good guy till he disappeared. I see he's broken his leg at some point recently, sporting a walking cast.
"I deserved that. I'm sorry." he says with meaning; the emotion reaches his eyes. I relax. Maybe he has a reason for dumping Kate and now showing back up.
"When did he come back?" Asking Kate with my mother Anna voice.
"He came by the Paper's office Tuesday. He heard about the Jocks jumping us. He apologized, explained."
"Explained?"
"I was afraid, Afraid of feeling so deep for Kate and all that entails. I've never been in a long-term relationship and commitment scared me. I did stupid things. I'm sorry. A then my family imploded and I made even worse choices. When I came back last month; I was sure that Kate won't take me back. So? I kept away. Sorry." Elliott says. Kate leans over and kiss him. They forget I'm here.
I go to my room and undress; dreaming Hot Jogger is here, undressing me. Kissing me like at the theater, like at my car. I dress in pajamas. I need some water. Flushed from dreaming of my man, my Mr. Darcy. The thought lightens my heart.
I'm surprised after their last time; they're clothed and just relaxing to soft music videos beating from the TV, whispering. Getting some water. They scoot over for me to sit next to Kate on the couch. Elliott drags Kate on his lap.
"Where's Jose?"
"He crashed at Tom and Chases, their cram session for tomorrow's exams when too long. I promised to pound their door when I head out tomorrow." Kate speaks
"Does he know surfer boi is back?"
"Yes. He showed up Tuesday to walk me to my car. He met Elliott outside my office. The Jocks are getting out on bail tomorrow; Their friends are upset, making noise and threats. Dad lawyers are due here late tomorrow morning. If they think we need CPO, they'll be here Friday afternoon at the latest." Kate speaks, I hear the tint of fear; she's shaken by the threats and attack.
The assault at the garden was a close thing. Till Hot Jogger stepped from his stalking stand by the defuncted koi pond under the weeping willow. He kicked the one Kate broke jock's knees in the jaw. The police picked up at least four teeth from the ground. Kate had the other one in a leg triangle, choking his slimy asse out. I'm surprise he didn't slip out with all that hair gel; which ruined her lucky reporter pants. I'm not sure she even noticed. More concerned with me.
Looking behind the last two creeps; Hot Jogger stomps up. I remember vividly, my vengeful archangel slamming them so hard. I bet they were ten, maybe twenty feet down the slope before they finally kissed dirt. The ringleader, the All-Star All-American WSU Cornerback left his shoes in the alcove dirt, as did his buddy. Hot Jogger, with those copper locks, soulful grey-green eyes, looks at me, bowed and walked away. My heart fluttered looking into his grey eyes. My champion, my Mr. Darcy.
"Anna, are you OK, you just zoned out with that really weird Chocolate overload smile. Something happened?" Kate demands; Great, the Kavanaugh inquisition's graveled into order.
"What?"
"Anastasia Rose Steele don't give me that 'What' shit. What happened at the Movies? Did the jocks show up?" Kate isn't letting it go. She didn't used to jump into negative worries so quick or hard. The jocks have her rattled. Not a good sign.
"I saw Hot Jogger." I whisper.
"Ok. I get the hint, girl talk. I'll be lounging in our bed, sweetheart. Nude and waiting for you. Night Anna banana." Kissing Kate like he's not seeing her ever again. Like in fifteen minutes she not cowgirling him, bring the neighbors noise complaints like September. He kisses the top of my head. I feel safe with him. He's a good guy; If he can overcome his fears. Kate needs to overcome her same fears with him. The two most anti-commitment humans on the planet have fallen down the rabbit hole of love and happily ever after's. I wonder if he has a set of blue bunny rabbit pajamas and what's his misery ice cream flavor to heal heart break?
"Well?"
"I saw him in line for popcorn, he was with an older couple. His adopted aunt and her boyfriend. Hot ex-soldier like Ray. They when into the VIP section, there was an open seat next to him." I sip my water.
"Did he invite you in?" I shake my head no.
"I told Shaun, the usher. From our sophomore history class. That was my seat." I smirk; my inner girl is doing triple back flips.
"NO WAY! You Bogarted your way in and what did he do?"
"Moved his popcorn and water bottle from the empty seat. I took that as a sign he wanted me to stay. I slowly, like you showed me, took off my coat laid it on the seat back. Letting him see a taste of what he might get. He was checking me so hard. I got so hot a wet. My nipple felt like railroad spikes, and sat down. Before I gave up all decorum and jumped him then and there!" I smile at his dreamy scared face flashes before my inner eye.
"Then what? Did he make a move?"
"NO. He was a gentleman, intense, clean, very intimating." I smile remembering his looks of wonder when I took his hand. A smile that could solve the world energy crisis. His eyes were begging me to lead him. Telling him what I'd accept and what I won't accept with my actions and looks.
"So, you just sat there?" Kate looks shocked.
"No; I took his hand and moved his arm around me, then stole his popcorn. We cuddled and laughed thru the first movie." I watch Kate face rush thru emotions I hope she doesn't stroke out.
"No way? You took charge? You took charge of Hot Jogger!" Kate jumps up, hauling me up: We snoopy dances around the sofa. High fiving, bumping, and grinding, acting like loons. I feel like I felt before #3. Happy and free in the world. That part of my life was good and the future was bright and limitless. Then #3 darkness. Now! Hot jogger, my Mr. Darcy is my future. We are each other's future.
Flopping down she asks "then what?"
Kate's stunned anticipative silence. Yes! Duchess Anna Steele reached up, grabbed the hottest guy in the universe. Take that mean girls.
"Well? During intermission: In the line for restroom; his aunt told me has crowd issues like me, touch issues worse than mine were. I nearly freaked out and left. I never want to cause him pain or hurt him carelessly. But she assured me I was special and could help him. Also, we girl talked about her boyfriend Jason. He got refills of popcorn and water for the second movie. Hot Jogger stayed at the seats guarding the coats and purses. Ahhhhh!"
"Spill Steele? I know something happened more than the arm around the shoulders."
"He took off his jacket while I was away. Hot body, model roguish looks. Long unruly copper locks. He puts Jose and Elliott to shame. I nearly jumped him right there and then."
"Damn you got it bad baby girl."
"We cuddled under his jacket for most of the second movie, I kissed him. It was shattering. Heavenly."
"No way Steele you kissed a boy! You are so into Hot Jogger; did you get his name?"
"No, it's too soon; but he escorted me to Wanda, even figured out how to open the door. Even Wanda was impressed with him. I gave him the granola bar." I smirk, leaning into her stunned stupid hug.
"Yes. Well, I do read books that tell me how to do these things. To trick the hapless male. It's all not meet, drink, dance, lose panties, demand roommate cook breakfast before kicking loser guy in the sober light of day out the door. Skanky Kate Kavanagh! The second kiss at Wanda was even better than the first one."
"Damn Anna, pulling out all the mysterious femme fatale tricks. Do you think he'll call?"
"I'm going to bed and dream of him." Draining the glass, taking it and the rest of the dishes to the kitchen. Kate stands near my door.
She hugs me. I feel the love "Remember Grass hopper; at your pace and at your comfort level. goodnight Anna." I know she has my back, just like I have hers and Jose.
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Eight am. Friday
Bummed out; he hasn't called. I check my phone one more time. Yes, a text message. What no name? Oh. In the body of the text: Hot jogger's name is Chris, and he wants to do lunch. WITH ME! YES! Shit, no, wishing I could, but I have exams all day. I know the Italian place just off campus for dinner at five. Yes, that's the ticket.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
To ###-###-####
From###-###-###
Chris, have exams all day. Meet you for dinner at 5. Rally Pizza get an ala fresco if the weathers good. Anna.
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Hitting send is the easiest thing I've ever done with a boy before. I hope he accepts?
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To ###-###-####
From###-###-###
Ann, good luck on your exams. Know you will ace them, my goddess. Fresco sound very enjoyable with you. Chris.
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Wetting so damn hard, running back into my room to change panties. That man, Chris is making something as innocent as dining outside sound like a kinky sex act. God, the sudden daydream of us, in a wildflower field, picnic spread about us. Damn making that Twilight movie scene look G-rated.
One of Kate's freshman boyfriends liked voyeurism outdoors. Till they're nearly got caught in the Macy's racks at Orchards Market Center. She dumped him so fast after that. Weeks later, in the city hall fountain; He was caught going all Greek on his latest coed skank.
Chris can bring love I'm for sure about that. He oozes sex appeal and sensuality. But I want more. I want my inner freak to emerge. I wonder if Chris has a dirty mind. I strangle hope he does. I could use a freak in the sheet to guide me into womanhood. Damn Steele, where did the innocent little girl go. I look out the window. Shit the time clock reflected in the window glass.
Frustrated, I don't have time to relieve the tension below. I have exams: Chris Hot Jogger! I change panties and rush to my first exam.
Waiting for the test to begin; as the proctor drones about procedures and proper corrections. Thinking of when I first saw Hot Jogger running across the campus. Standing on the English building second-floor open railing section, looking down toward the stadium. A dozen girls point out the new hottie. Hot boy running with black sweat pants, grey hoody, mirrored Ray Bans, Headset on. Maybe a visiting professor, or grad student?
Jogging machine ignoring everyone and everything. Several girls tried to get his attention; several guys tried too. But he just runs by; controlled strides, arms syncing to his pace, head fixed, and locked on the road ahead. A machine of focus and indifferent. I flash to Mr. Darcy at the first ball in the local assembly rooms. Cold, indifferent, yet a raging emotional volcano under the surface. The hard shell to protect his sensitivity, gentle heart & soul. That is hot jogger, I'm sure. Who has hurt you Mr. Darcy? I feel drawn to comfort and protect him. My inner goddess looks about wary. Pointing to her heart and him. Could we be; stop that foolish day dream; guys like him don't want virgins, let alone someone like me.
Later when I saw him under the willow tree, staring at me. I didn't feel stress or afraid or uneasy or even weird out. Surprising myself, that I could even be comfortable under that intense gaze. If anything, I felt cherished and protected. I felt he was seeing the real me. Not the pretty girl Jose and Kate harp on. I'm not anything special; not a Bombshell Knockout like Kate; or Buff Muscle Stud like Jose. I'm just 'Plain Jane Anna Steele;' books, useless knowledge, and quiet communion with mother nature. This is the real me. Right here, right now.
Looking down onto a page of Austen's Persuasion. That man is looks at me, and I look at him. We both slowly move to one day; we will meet and talk; I hope before I leave for Christmas break. Like Darcy and Liz took a bit to give into expressing their feelings and desires.
I made sure to carry, the third cup for the Thermos. Safely in the Thermos cap. So, we can sit; sip tea and discuss: books, flowers, weather, our hopes, and our dreams, explore the simple joy of those sensual lips. Of that body, of us merging into one soul, one body, one future. I hope Ray likes him. I remember with a soft glowing mindset of what was and will be.
Now I know the taste and emotions those lips breed in me. Emotions, I inject into him. The memory of that kiss at Wanda. I feel overtaken with calm and love me. Making the world brighter and sunnier.
"Class? The exam starts NOW! You have three hours." The Proctor screams over the mummering crowd.
Floating thru this day, on a wave of bliss and accomplishment. Even the business math elective fell to my might brain. It's like the professors gave me the questions ahead of time. The day's gone perfect: I've aced the exams, and am floating to Wanda to head for my rendezvous: I may even be early and surprise Chris. I'm on fire. Now I just need a hot guy, who jogs, to light me up and go down on me.
Yes! Images of him, Mr. Darcy, on the patio of Pemberley making love to me. Those boyish smirks, eyes gleaming from between my thighs. Oh! Damn, I blame Kate and those porn DVDs our freshmen year. To educate me when I finally decide to cash in my v-card. Damn Kate Kavanagh for putting those kinky freaky ideas in my head now that Mr. Darcy, hot jogger, Chris is my life. As sunsets in golden oranges and yellows dreamily wander my mind. Humm! completes my dreamy fantasy. I need to stop day dreaming and get to my date!
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Rally Pizza parking lot Christian-pov
Its 5:05 where is she? I pace the parking lot. Where is she? Did she stand me up? Did she change her mind? Shit; Did she realizes how screwed up I am? Pacing, my rage surfaces, Anger flooding my head, fears, and doubts, reign down what little patience I have left.
Siren rips the air. I watch a Fire Engine go blasting into the College parking lot. I see two smoke trails rising from the middle lot. The lot Anna's VW was parked in. OH God NO!
I burst across the street and up to where Anna's car was. I see it burning and know if one hair is singe-ed: I will lose my mind and kill whoever did this. Breaking thru the crowd, Anna is holding a Hispanic kid; Who the hell is that? Breath and count down: Like Flynn keeps telling me, in personal moments when in doubt, give the person closest to you, the ability to explain what you're seeing, feeling, bringing me understanding. Before I jumping off the deep end of the cliff; which only leads me to pain a misery and needlessly hurt those around you. I center, suppress my rage, letting it bleed away. Anna will tell me what I need to know. Trust the kiss; Trust Anna! I slow down, pushing past the campus cops. Nothing is stopping me from her.
"Chris! They hurt Jose." She wails in pain looking at me, her face is bruising, bleeding from a cut in her scalp. I kneel to her. "Chris my brother. They were beating him up as they torched Wanda. Why?" I hug her.
The EMT arrive. I see Kavanaugh running over. "NO! Not Jose!" She screams. Falling into Anna's arms. Damn she'll test Mia for record high volume. The EMT's work on Jose. I step back; scan the crowd and don't see any threats.
I call Jason. "Taylor! They torched the girls' cars. Anna and the Reporter Kavanaugh. Beat up Anna's brother Jose. (I look at the girls.) What? She has no brother." Huddled together looking at the boy. "He's, their roommate? What? (Looking about? What did I miss) I can't hear (the noise and voices flood my head)? Get over to lot M now. We need to get to the hospital." I hang up. Picking Anna up and by extension Kavanaugh. Anna clings to me, like a drowning woman. Kavanaugh cling to both of us.
"Anna? Jose?" I ask. Kavanaugh gives me a dirty look. Like I can't question their relationship with Jose.
"Jose's my adopted brother. His family took in Ray and me after #3. He's such a gentle guy. Kate why did they beat him up like that." She wails, clinging to me. Tearing my heart out, I can't take this pain from her. But I must be strong and centered for her.
"Miss? Do you know who did this?" A cop asks, I look at the sleeve. Good a sheriff's deputy not a campus clown.
"Yes," "sniffly!" She wipes her nose on my shirt. I hug her to me. Giving her my strength. She smiles at me; I am helping her cope thru this misery and trauma. Just being here and supporting her and Kavanagh is enough for right now. Being their rock.
"Grimshaw, Murphy, White, and Baker. Their all out on bail for raping four girls and attacking us Monday night. White and Baker were torching the cars, while Grimshaw was kicking Jose's head." Anna says
"Murphy?" the Sheriff's deputy asks.
"He was fighting me. Took me from behind when I pushed Grimshaw off Jose." Anna moves her head away and shows the bruise on her face. I'm killing them. Right after I make sure Anna and Kate are safe. And who the frigging hell is #3, and why does Anna's eyes flash with terror at his mention.
I see Taylor pull up as Jose's loaded into the EMT ambulance. Dragging the girls away to the SUV. Putting Kate in the front next to Jason and Anna in the back. I run to the other side and get in. Buckling up, I see Anna staring ahead, unseeing in shock. Jason buckles up Kate. Handing her a handkerchief. Leaning over to buckle Anna. She leaps into my arms. I cradle her as we drive to the hospital.
My phone buzzes. I have to shift Anna to get it out. I look at the display. Clint? Elliott's foreman? What now?
"Clint?"
"Elliott in route to the hospital. He walked into his girlfriend's apartment; four guys trashing the place, jumped him, tried to burn it down. He's taken some serious damage. Two of the assholes got away. I got guys sitting on the apartment if they come back. They trashed it pretty bad. Pour like gallons of paint all over everything. Set the beds on fire. Smashed up the place pretty bad."
"What the girlfriends name. Can you contact her?"
"Her phone goes to voicemail. Kate Kavanaugh. She's a student at"
"She's in the car with me, her other roommates, Anna and Jose got jumped on campus. They torched the girls' cars." Anna struggles.
"Kate? They hit the condo. Elliott hurt. Clint how bad?" Anna grabs the phone. I get her turned, her back to my chest.
"Clint?" Anna asks. She puts the speaker on.
"Clint! Elliott?" Kate wails.
"Elliott suffered a broken arm, re-broke the leg and puncture a lung. Some first and second degree burns when the douse him in paint thinner, toss a match on him. Lucky some neighbors rush in a doused the flames. Unfortunately, he walked in on them near the end of the destruction. I've got guys holding the fort here. Grey? How's Jose?"
"Jose's got head injuries. Taylor, move whatever it takes. Clint security will be there as soon as possible."
Clint screams "Tim! Break they're f ##$ing legs! Jose too good of a guy for these scumbags to walk away with just jail time" to His and Elliott's crew, there friends. I hang up the call. Clint is not a revenge type guy. Jose must be a good friend to Elliot and Clint for those deep emotions. Once you earn Elliott and Clint's respect; they are loyal to end of time.
"Chris?" Anna asks.
"Elliott's my brother."
"Ok. I need to call Ray and Senior."
She looks around, seeing her purse on the floor. She jumps for it. I barely hold her from bouncing off the floor boards. She digs her phone out. Sitting back into the safety of my arms.
Hitting some key. Must have hit the speaker function as well. "Anna?" a gruff rough voice command.
"Daddy! They hurt Jose. Torched Wanda and Kate's BMW, trashed the condo. Elliott, Kate's boyfriend hurt really bad. Chris everything is spinning." She faints into me.
"Hello?" asking timidly, this is the man I have to ask for Anna's hand in marriage one day.
"Who is this" gruff commanding voice daddy is not happy.
"Chris Grey; I'm?" What am I?
"Ray, Chris is Anna's boyfriend." Kate says
"Since when?" he demands
"Last night. Now we're in route to the hospital. Jose, Anna, and my brother were beat up by these scum bag jocks that attack Anna and Kate Monday." I bark, as my rage rises at this asshole.
"Kate! Why am I just now hearing any of this! Jose's stop; I'm yelling at some asshole trying to dating Annie."
"Chris? How bad is Junior?" A new voice asks. Must be Jose's father. I suddenly get the Senior and Junior nicknames.
"He was unconscious, beat up pretty bad. Head injuries! Anna just fainted. I think the adrenaline rush crashed. She got some bruising and cuts. My brother walked in on them trashing the condo and torching it. He's beaten up with a punctured lung, burns. We're pulling up to the hospital now. Will call with more information." I hang up. This is all I can say right now.
We move into the Emergency room. I carry Anna, still out of it. Kate is leaning on Jason, who spearheads us inside. I get Anna on a bed. Jose and Elliott; wheeled away for X-Ray, MRI, or some other scan. Kate chases them down the hall. Jason heads outside; the cell reception sucks in here: calling in the cavalry.
They work on Anna; oxygen, IV-lines. Checking her pupils. She seems ok. Cleaning the minor cuts on her head. I never let go of her hand. I put my head down. Fade out.
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Carrick-pov
Grace is asleep in my arms it nearly two am. We flew into Portland; A driver takes us to the hospital. Elliott's in surgery recovery room from repairs to the lung and reset the broken leg, and arm. Christian's sedated in bed with a Brown hair coed. From the background file picture; She looks like his former submissive. From the file and Jason description, I doubt she anything like them. She's a tigress charging into save her friends. Jason has them all moved to private rooms. They refuse to let go of each other.
We would have been here sooner; Grace was in nine hours of surgery saving an eight-year girl, hit by a drunk driver plowed thru a playground in South Seattle. Seven kids, we're rushed to hospitals with major injuries. The little girl survived, losing a leg, spleen, one kidney, and half of a lung. She took the brunt of the car pushing her five-year-old sister and a neighbor's five-year girl to safety.
We enter the hospital. Jason has security tight as two of the eight assholes are still loose. A new CPO, He's in body armor with a harnessed assault machine pistol across his chest. He introduces himself as Sawyer; young blonde rugged cowboy type, leads us thru the hospital to the private rooms. He's got an air of impeding violence.
Twenty body armored security guards, some with shotguns circulate the around the floor; two guard stopping and checking everyone at the entrances to the private hallway. A sectioned off VIP set of hospital rooms for the rich or famous or both. The decor is high end, looking more like a private hotel than hospital ward.
Arriving into a private corridor. The guards on the doors have shotguns on harness; body armor, not the usually men-in black suits. Jason is serious about not letting enemies in. Grace holds me tighter seeing the guard force and knowing it means a very active threat. Jason is not one to panic. Breathing deeply, bracing ourselves to enter and meet the other families for the first time.
We enter to three men, camped out in uncomfortable chairs. Gail follows us in the room, from where I don't have a clue.
"Carrick, Grace. You know Eammon Kavanaugh?" Gail makes introductions
"Yes Eammon." I nod, he barely nods back, barely lifting his head to acknowledge us. What is his problem. He just stares at his phone.
"Eammon, Elliott and Kate will be in their room, number two, any second." Gail tells him, petting his shoulder. He deflates, looking at his phone like it's the only thing holding him together, sane right now.
"Carrick, Grace. This is Raymond Steele. Anna's father. This is Jose Rodriquez senior; father to Jose junior." Gail introduces. Steele looks like he wants to fight. The muscle heavy Latin stands and steps to us. Hugs us. I feel safe and strangely comforted by his strength and charm. Grace is slowly relaxing. These are good people.
"Carrick, Grace, please call me Senior. It makes thing simpler for Junior; who hates to be called junior. Ignore Ray here's; He's pissed, not outside hunting the people that put Jose and Annie in the hospital. So don't mind him right now. Eammon's lost without little Kate. Katherine is flying back from Wedding week in Milan. You've met her as well?" he is genuine, and easy to like.
"Yes? We have; I was unaware Kate was dating Elliott" Grace says sitting next to Eammon. I look over her shoulder. Eammon is looking at a picture of Kate when she was probably thirteen. Sweet girl smiling with her arm around her mother Katherine.
"Did you know Chris was dating Annie?" Ray barks.
"No, we didn't know Christian was dating anyone. Gail?" She moves to the door; Sawyer enters with two taser guns.
"Sit down. The first person to stand up get tasered; if that not enough Sawyer has a sap as well." Gail commands startling us. She moves to a seat near the door, and sits. We all sit. Looking at her; the emotions of sorrow and hope etch her face.
Taking a deep breath, she looks at us. "September while starting up the new GEH WSU Agrocenter. Elliott met Kate and Jose in the WSU Cafeteria coffee bar, early one morning. Later they met and when to a bar to hear a friend's band. They talked and danced and started a relationship. A first for both. Elliott freaked-out first and ran back to Seattle. Eammon and both of you are aware of their commitment issues. After Christian meltdown. Elliott act badly and further hurt Kate and himself." Gail looks down and then up at us.
"Christian moved down here to let the issues that destroyed him in Seattle calm. While running one afternoon. In a quiet alcove of the WSU Demonstration Gardens; He happened on a girl reading. He would stop and watch her and she him. Neither made a move to interact. Both being relationship shy." Gail shifts.
In November: a group of athletes had an ugly coed party. An annual party and sexual assault. Kate managed to get film of the party and attack on several women. She gave the tape to the DA and published the story in the College Paper. It's breaking nationally this morning: With her follow up article."
Gail takes a sip of water, "After intimidation and threats failed to stop Kate's publishing and the Victims from legal recourse. They tried a direct assault Monday night. Chased Kate up into Anna's alcove, with the intend to hurt, possible kill the girls; evidence showed violent sexual assault was in the mix. They fought them off with Christian's help. Had them arrested. They were in jail till Friday morning. Half attacked Anna and Jose at the cars on campus; the rest broke in and trashed and tried to burn down the condo where Jose, Anna, and Kate live. Elliott walked in near the end, fought them, and mostly stopped them. But they did a lot of damage."
"Chris. Christian whatever the f #$k his name is?" Ray growls. "That our son!" I bark back, half rising; till I see Sawyer straighten his arm to aim at me. Grace hauls me back down.
"Christian saw the scum chase Kate to Anna in the garden alcove. The fight started and after the girls had taken most out. He finished the rest. Bowed and left. Your Daughter called him a hero and gentleman." Gail says leaving a lot of detail unfinished. There must be more to the story.
"Boyfriend?" Ray asks calmer. I growl, taser or no taser. I'm itching to punch his lights out. He's rubbing me the wrong way. I shift.
"When did he become my daughter's boyfriend?" Ray clarifies.
"I believe this afternoon when he rushes to aid Anna and Jose." Gail says
"From a fight Monday? Bullshit!" Ray demands. I have to agree: What has happened?
"Thursday's night we took Christian to the campus theater for a double feature of Mel Brooks movies. The Movie classes final exam. The theater is open to all. There is a section in the middle that requires tickets, roped off for handicapped student's, VIP's seating. I acquired four seats. Christian has touch and crowd issues. So we got an extra seat. While getting seated. Anna came over and sat down in the extra seat next to Christian. They cuddled up. A no; I don't think they said more than eight words the whole night. They were that in sync with each other." Gail drifts with a strange motherly smile on her lips. She reliving those happy moments in the movie theater; to relieve the present tension.
"After the movies, He escorted her to her car, Wanda. She gave him her name and number written on a granola bar; I suspect she planned to slip it in his coat. But ended up giving to him. You should have seen his droopy face when she gave him the bar and drove away, Grace. Priceless. I forgot to photobomb him. Once I pointed out the name and number on the granola bar. He bloomed with a smile that lite the night. Anyway, they scheduled to meet today after her last exam at a restaurant across the street, Rally Pizza." Gail shrugs her shoulder, trying of relieve the tension of this evening.
"Annie loves the pasta there." Ray smiles for the first time. I could like this guy.
"But the evil scumbags interfered. How do you know Annie's intend to date; Christian was it."
Gail looks hopeful. "He's been using Chris while down here; Christian is very distinct. During intermission, waiting in the Women Restroom line she confessed everything to me. How she Bogarted her way into the roped reserved seating after seeing us in the line for popcorn. How she was watching Chris watch her each time she sat an read in her alcove bench in the garden, the last few weeks. I explained some of his issues; they seem to really hit it off."
The door opens to a blonde girl in surgical scrubs. This must be Kate. She walks in and hug her father then Ray and Senior. Turning to us. "I'm Kate, Elliott's girlfriend."
Grace rises and hug her. "Your very pretty and precious to us. Elliott thinks the world of you."
"Grace?" I ask.
"Last month he confessed to a terrible mistake he made down here; letting his fears override the amazing woman he met and fell head over heels in love with. He hoped to reconnect and try again." Grace's pets Kate's cheek.
"He did Tuesday. After he found out about the attack. He got down on his knees and beg me to give him another chance. We, with Jose moderating, had dinner and talked. Wednesday, he followed me around like a body guard while I started exams. Thursday while Anna was at the movies, we both confessed and really talk thru our issues. We decide to try again." Kate says honestly.
"Does Anna feel for Christian?" Ray asks.
"We talked last night, and snoopy dance over Anna finding a worthy man. Now dad; are you paying for all this security and the medical?"
"No Christian is." Gail says.
"We just thought he was a visiting professor or post grad. Who is he?" Kate asks. She's been here for hours and doesn't know about Elliott or Christian
"You did know that Christian and Elliott are brothers?" I ask, still shocked, she could possibly be ignorant of Christian's wealth.
"Yea, but I thought like Jose is 'Anna and my brother'"
"No all three of our children are adopted. Elliott did tell you his last name?" Kate shakes her head. Looking like a deer in headlights. Amazing.
"You don't know he's Elliott Grey?" Grace smiles in disbelieve. Kate shakes her head again.
"Multimillionaire builder Elliott Grey of Grey Construction?" Eammon says. Grace sits pulling Kate on her lap. Holding the shaking child.
"Elliott Grey? The man-whore of Washington state. Kate?" Grace says.
"I love the man. We both have a past. We both talked thru it. Although he's moneyed. It never popped up. I mean I knew he was working for Grey Construction over at the new agrocenter, I just thought he was like the superintendent or management." Kate looks down.
"I'm a walk caricature aren't I daddy. Spoiled rich girl falls for a millionaire." Kate whines
"No: you are not. You both fell in love without the economic baggage. Be happy that you can live out your dreams together." Grace tells her.
"Katie girl, you stopped being the spoiled rich girl; The first moment Annie took you under her wings. You are everything we love and left the bad part behind. Right Eammon?" Senior smiles, petting her hand. Empathy oozes out of the man.
"Kate I've never been prouder of you for loosing that fake high school mean girl image and becoming the kind, caring, young woman of merit rather than privilege." Eammon hugs her.
"Anna sound like a wonderful person." I speak
"Wait if Elliott Grey is 'The Elliott Grey'? That means Chris is really Christian Grey. The Prince of Seattle?" Kate finally put two and two together and get four. We nod.
"Multi-billionaire, sexiest man on the West coast. Christian 'Iceman' Grey! Damn Ray your daughter bagged a god, her first time out." Kate laughs.
"Kate! Annie don't care for that shit. You know my girl." Ray speaks like a clueless father. I'm jaded and wary of any of woman getting near Christian.
"If she thinks she can" I wake up on the floor. Grace looks down at me. I shake myself. Looking over. Gail has the spent taser.
"Finishing that thought will get you a private bed. Chris isn't what he was before and Anna is?" Gail stops.
"Anna is a virgin and this is her first real relationship with a guy." Kate stuns me more than the Taser.
"Christian first relationship as well."
"He's a virgin; I don't believe it?" Kate demands
"No, he's not. But they were all professional encounters. This is his first relationship. He has touch issues." Grace says.
"Yea Anna talked about those last night. But she can touch him. Gail? She said she touched him?" Kate asks
"Yes, last night She was touching his chest and back and he was purring." Gail says as I fade out, that bed sounds nice, compared to this hard floor.
Waking to wires on my chest. Grace laying in my arms. "Babe?"
"Shoos. Sleep; everything is turning golden." She purrs. I relax and dream of us, walking our grand-kids to playgrounds, teaching them to fish; Picking apples on the Farm. Watching Christian and Elliott lose it when they head out to Prom. Happy days are ahead.