She parted her lips slightly, and his tongue sought the sanctuary of her mouth. When she moaned, all the air seemed to be sucked from the room.
Her hand pressed gently on his chest, pushing him away. He took a deep breath to replace the air that had been stolen.
He turned at the pounding footsteps of another midnight runner, and then turned back to Monda. A small smile tugged at her lips—and at his heart.
“Thank you, Patrick,” she said, as if the kiss had provided the answer to an unasked question.
He stood and watched her leave. If only there was something more he could do.
****
She perched on the edge of the small chair, her hands clenched tight in her lap, her eyes following the dancing lights on the monitor behind Mistress Teevac’s head.
What would Mistress Teevac do if she knew Monda’s feelings? Would the elder sensor read her doubts and fears? Her desires? Could she read them now from her current state? Dr. Green called her condition a coma.
And if not her mind, would her body betray her? She could not control her sweating palms or staggered breathing when Patrick was near, nor the strange shock that raced through her when they touched.
Would Mistress Teevac know that Monda had awakened last night to dreams of Patrick, her hands feverishly touching her pleasure spot? Would her mistress know about the kiss?
Mistress Teevac once so large and powerful now looked fragile and weak. On their planet, no such machines existed. When it was one’s time to leave the physical body, one was not forced to stay. If not hooked up to these machines, Mistress Teevac would have likely succumbed to her injuries.
If she were not hooked up to these machines, Monda would be free. Free to live her own life. Free to choose.
****
Monda believed death to be the only salvation from the path that life had chosen for her. But she had always assumed it would be her death. Instead, the sudden passing away of Mistress Teevac had granted her the freedom she desired.
When Captain Joseph, stern yet fatherly, stopped by her chamber, she had been fearful. She had no idea whether the Zeus travelled closer to or farther away from her home world. What if they wanted to return her to Uuripita? What if they thought she had a part in the Mistress Teevac’s sudden passing? But, no. He offered his condolences and then made her a proposal she had not expected. Since they had no idea of her original destination, she could choose to be relocated with the ship’s current passengers, or if she wanted, she could stay on board. He might have use of an empath.
She stopped and passed her hand in front of the monitor. An electronic eye toggled back and forth, and the door hissed open. Demonna stood on the other side.
“Hey, I just heard. Sorry for the loss of your…friend,” said Demonna.
“She was not my friend, and I…I am not sorry.” It had been the wires and fluids keeping Mistress Teevac alive. It was better this way.
When she sensed no judgment from her new friend, she continued. “This is the first time in my life when I am truly free to do what I want and make my own decisions.”
Monda stepped back and let her into the room.
“Do you have something in mind?”
“I would like to borrow clothing.”
Demonna let out a short laugh. “Well, you’re too tall for any of my clothes, and except for our quick pat down on the planet, I don’t even know what size you are under your tunic.”
Monda lifted her hands and removed her cowl. She shook loose her long wavy hair.
“Wow!” exclaimed Demonna.
“That is good, right?”
“Your hair. It’s blue. And it’s beautiful. It sparkles. I mean, literally. It really sparkles.”
Monda ran her fingers through her hair. The strands caught the light and threw back shimmering waves. She warmed at the expression on her friend’s face.
She undid the ties and shrugged out of her tunic, letting it fall to the floor.
“Holy shit!”‘
“Shit is bad, right?” Monda looked down. Was her body really that offensive to these people? Based on the actors in the movie, she had not thought herself much different physically from the females on board, but maybe she had overlooked something.
“Usually, it’s bad. In this case, it’s good.” Demonna smiled, and Monda relaxed. “I’ve got an idea. Put all your stuff back on, and let’s plan your unveiling for tomorrow night.”
“Pardon?” She stepped back into the discarded garment and pulled it up over her shoulders.
“I’ll get you clothes for tomorrow, and it will be perfect. We’ll be arriving at Neroon in the afternoon. It’s a planet like you’ve never seen. Like Vegas meets Disneyworld.”
Monda’s brow knit in confusion. Would she ever understand these people?
“Don’t worry. Just plan to be here tomorrow after lunch.”
****
“Who did you get those from?” Monda studied the garments spread out on Demonna’s bed.
“Winnie lent them to us.”
“I was not sure if she liked me. Her air…” How could Monda explain something so complex? It had taken her years to learn the subtleties of people, and yet she still found herself confused sometimes.
Demonna laughed. “She doesn’t like anyone who might be more attractive than her, but she isn’t interested in Patrick…”
“I did not say anything about Lt. Lancaster.”
“Uh-huh.” Demonna rolled her eyes. “Anyway, she dislikes Malory, that’s for certain.”
“Why?”
“Aside from how she hurt Patrick, Malory used to date Winnie’s brother or something. Winnie always refers to Malory as Maleficent, after an old story book witch.”
Monda picked up a small triangle of thin black cloth. Made of fine fabric and full of tiny holes, the beautiful workmanship could not possibly offer any warmth or protection. “What is this?”
“That’s a thong. Underwear. You wear it under your pants.”
Monda examined the item. “Do you wear thongs like this?”
“My undergarments have a little more to them. Winnie pays a lot more for her undergarments and gets a lot less.” Demonna picked up another item of similar material. “This is a bra, it goes with the thong.” She held the garment to her chest and Monda understood its purpose.
“It goes under your clothes, too?” Monda asked. She had never owned or worn items of such beauty.
“Yes.”
“Why would anyone want to hide anything so lovely?” Theirs truly was a confusing world. “Does everyone wear them?”
“Well, most women do, although perhaps not this pretty or expensive. It’s kind of expected. Don’t worry, it won’t go to waste completely. Winnie’s given you a sexy sheer shirt for over top. Go ahead and try them on.”
Monda reached for the ties on her tunic, and her friend turned to face the wall.
“You do not need to turn around, Demonna. I feel no shame for my body.”
“I wouldn’t with your body, either. Just let me know when you’ve got them on.”
Monda held up the thong and twisted it in several directions, trying to figure out the correct way of wearing the garment. This appears right. She stepped into the thin triangle of cloth. She picked up the second piece. A bar. No…bra. She slipped her arms into the item, and pulled it up to her breasts.
“Okay,” she said.
Demonna spun around. “Turn, and let me do it up for you.”
The two straps pulled tight as Demonna hooked the item behind her back.
“Finding pants was a little harder. Give these a try.” Demonna held up a pair of leggings. “They have some stretch to them.”
This item was much more familiar. Although Monda herself never had need of leggings, many women on her planet wore them, especially while working. They fit well.
She reached for the black top Demonna had referenced. It was indeed sheer. She could see her new friend through the insubstantial cloth.
; She slipped it over her head. “I am done.” I think.
Demonna turned once again, and smiled. “Perfect.” She picked up the discarded robe and tossed it on her bed. “Take a look.”
Monda turned to the reflecting glass mounted on the wall.
“There is a gap between the top and the bottom.” She pulled on the short tunic.
“No problem. Lots of people dress that way.”
Really? She pursed her lips and tried to recall if she had seen anyone on the ship in such attire.
“Captain Joseph has a few dress code rules we adhere to when on board and out of uniform. An effort to limit the fraternization between the crew. You’ll see women wearing a lot less on Neroon, guaranteed.”
“Will Winnie not want these clothes for tonight?”
“You don’t think Winnie would give you her best stuff, do you? She has plenty to choose from. She’ll be fine.”
Monda glanced again at her image. A strange yet lovely likeness reflected back at her. Please let there be others dressed the same.
“And for the finishing touch, Winnie is lending you these.” Demonna held out a box, and slowly lifted the lid.
“Ohhhh,” Monda purred, “just like in the movie.”
“Yes. And because they are sandals, we’ve got a bit of leeway if they don’t fit.” Demonna put them on the floor. “Go ahead, try them on.”
Monda slipped the high sandals on her feet. Assuming they were to fit her feet exactly, they were a little too long.
“Try walking. Can you do it?”
It took a little effort to balance, but after a couple of stumbles, she figured out how to hold her feet and ankles in such a way as to support her use of the shoes.
“Okay, I’ve got one more thing,” Demonna said. “Come on. Sit down.”
Monda sat at the small table and chair positioned below the reflecting glass. Demonna had pushed aside her books and papers to make room for the tiny tubes which now lay there.
“Turn around and close your eyes,” said Demonna. “And trust me.”
She had no reason not to trust her new friend, and she did as told. Open your eyes. Close your eyes. Purse your lips. Something Demonna called “blotting.”
Whatever Demonna had put on her eyes made them feel sticky and heavy, but she said the liner and maskair would dry soon.
The waxy stick she had rubbed on her lips smelled nice, but tasted horrible when she licked her lips.
“Okay, turn around,” Demonna ordered.
Monda stared, stunned by the image reflected back at her. She’d noticed many of the women on the ship used similar items to highlight their features. Demonna had enhanced her eyes and lips, and somehow lengthened her lashes. She leaned closer to the mirror and blinked.
“Sooo?” Demonna waited, her air anxious.
“I look…different.”
“Good different?”
“Yes, good different.” She blinked her heavy lashes again. That must be why Winnie did the one-eye thing. “Thank you, Demonna.”
“Any time. Now let’s go find Patrick.”
Monda started to argue, but Demonna sighed and shook her head.
Careful not to trip in the borrowed sandals, Monda followed her friend.
She struggled to keep up as Demonna marched purposely through the corridors. Not until Monda stumbled for a second time, did Demonna shorten her stride.
A large crowd had gathered in the loading area, but Monda quickly picked out Patrick’s dark head. The rapid beat of her heart in her ears drowned out the excited voices that surrounded her. She inhaled a steadying breath.
“Relax.” Demonna patted her hand like a child.
Monda stood frozen as Demonna walked ahead to Patrick.
Go on, silly girl. She followed slowly behind.
“Hey DJ, did you talk to her? Is she com…?” He looked past Demonna’s shoulder and stared at Monda, mouth open.
Her fluttering heart froze. Remain calm. Read the air. You can do it.
And suddenly, she smiled. The happiness and attraction Patrick aroused in her came back on the waves of the handsome lieutenant’s emotions. “Hello, Patrick.”
“Monda, you look…beautiful.”
Her heart swelled, not just at the words but at the emotions which rolled through the air with them. “Thank you,” she managed.
“I’m sorry to hear about Mistress Teevac.”
She felt no sorrow from him. Then again, her feelings were not much different. “It is better this way,” she said. “She did not suffer.” That, at least, was true.
“What will you do now?” he asked.
Now she read sadness. Not at Teevac’s passing, but at what? The thought of her leaving?
“The captain has asked me to stay. I said yes.”
“I’m glad,” he said.
Relief and…something else she did not understand…radiated off Patrick and washed over her. Feelings of safety and contentment and belonging surrounded her once again.
“Would you do me the honor of letting me escort you around Neroon?” he asked.
Her heart swelled. She nodded, afraid her voice would fail her.
Patrick reached over and took her hand.
“Well, it looks like my job is done. You kids have fun.” Demonna hugged Monda and scurried away.
Monda stood blissfully happy next to Patrick and waited. She reveled in the feel of his cool, strong grip. He felt safe, like…like home.
The doors to the shuttle slid open.
“Let’s go,” he said.
The previous confusion, gone, she laced the fingers of her left hand with his and boarded the small craft, ready to begin a new life of her own choosing.
Her right hand rubbed the words on the tiny candy heart she clenched tightly. All three of her candies had said the same thing, Real Love.
A word about the author…
Charlotte Copper lives in Stouffville, Ontario— that’s in Canada, eh—where she is suffering from a recent case of empty nest syndrome. When she isn’t working at her full-time job, Charlotte likes to craft, read, go to movies, and, of course, write. Charlotte hopes to have all of her stories published some day because, as a romance writer, she believes in happy endings!
http://charlottecopperauthor.com
[email protected]
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Real Love Page 4