by Annette Mori
“What about food for Gizmo during the long journey home?” I asked.
“Some of our food comes in the form of pellets that are surprisingly similar to your cat food. I believe this food source will be sufficient for her needs.”
“Yuck. No wonder you like our food. Maybe you should try to harvest the vegetation on your planet and have fresh food every once in a while. You never know what might be tasty.”
Celeste decided to bypass the exploration of new food choices and went straight to a potentially controversial topic. “Will Sydney be upset if I kiss you goodbye? I will make it a chaste kiss. I must teach this energy exchange to my planet. It was quite enjoyable.”
Sydney and I hadn’t really talked much about monogamy or our relationship, but I got the distinct impression that was where we were heading. However, Sydney was the kind of person to understand things and I knew she recognized that Celeste was special to me, but not a threat.
“I think she would understand. You know, Celeste, under different circumstances, I might have seriously considered your offer, but you were right, Sydney is my energy mate. That in no way diminishes the depth of my feelings for you. You will always be the one who first made me feel worthy of love. I’ll always love you.” I let the tears fall freely.
Celeste brushed her fingers over my cheek, leaned in, and gently placed her lips on mine. She pulled me into her arms and hugged me before stepping back and picking up Gizmo. “I will do everything in my power to find an energy mate and bring her back to this wonderful planet where I learned about love. In the meantime…” She touched her hand to my heart. “I will remain right here. You will feel my energy and I will feel yours. That is what it is like to be energy compatible. If you had become my energy mate that feeling would have intensified by at least one hundred times.”
I bent over and kissed my cat and I petted her head one last time. It was so hard to let her go, but I knew Celeste would take good care of her. “Bye little pun’kin.” I stepped back to give Celeste enough room to do whatever she needed to do.
The soft purple light I now associated with Celeste surrounded her entire body, and as the light diminished, Celeste and Gizmo disappeared. I heard in my head: Goodbye sweet Bella, take good care of Sydney. She is a good choice for any energy mate.
I stood there for a few seconds as I let the grief flow over me inhabiting every corner of my soul. It wasn’t long before I felt Sydney’s protective arms wrap around me.
“Is there anything I can do to make this less painful?” she asked.
“You’re already doing it. I just need you to hold me for a few moments.”
In this whole ordeal, I’d lost something very precious, but I gained something even more treasured—Sydney’s love. Maybe it would have happened eventually, but I didn’t think so, because I was never in the right mindset before to believe in my self-worth before Celeste came along to show me.
After a few minutes of just soaking in Sydney’s love, I was ready to get going. I wasn’t naïve enough to believe that we didn’t have more challenges ahead of us. Hurricane Hollie would be our first hurdle.
I wiped my eyes one last time. “I’ll help you pack up the rest of the gear and then we better find a place to purchase a disposable phone to make that anonymous call. I don’t think it’s wise to use our cell phones. Besides, I don’t have a signal.”
“Wow, I feel like some kind of spy or something. I was rethinking the suggestion I made earlier about an anonymous call. I think I’d rather just use my phone when we get a signal. I have a buddy in the Forest Service. I’ll call her and if someone asks any questions later on, we can admit to meeting Greg, but then tell them we didn’t realize he was some nutcase. I think the closer we stick to the truth, the better it will be to keep our story straight. It’s not a lie to say we don’t exactly know where Celeste lives, but she went back home. Since she never gave us a last name, we don’t have to make one up. We can just tell them we never asked.”
After we packed everything up, we led the three goons down the path and sat them down close to their vehicle. They were remarkably compliant. They’d stopped their nonsensical chatter and just sat there in the weeds staring out at nothing in particular. They weren’t quite catatonic, but they were minimally responsive.
I grabbed Sydney’s baseball cap from the tree branch and smashed it on my head while pulling my hair through the back loop. I didn’t want my hair whipping in my face on the ride back home. Sydney had a hair tie to keep her gorgeous locks from blowing around. We were finally ready to leave.
I had to admit, camping wasn’t as bad as I thought, and I might be willing to come back again for a couple of days. This was the place where Sydney and I first made love, so coming back would be something special. Sentimentality would override comfort. I was, after all, a romantic at heart.
†
That damn road jiggled my innards again and I was glad when we finally made it to a smoother surface. I had to pee again because the road shook up my bladder, sending desperate signals to my brain. I was a pro now, so when Sydney stopped to make the phone call, I figured I could slip out and squat behind the closest tree.
Sydney kept checking her phone every few minutes, presumably waiting for enough bars on her phone to contact her friend in the forest service. It took us at least twenty minutes to travel into cell phone range. I was sure that my eyes were yellow because I had to pee so bad. I was squirming in my seat hoping I wouldn’t embarrass myself too much with my desperate need to urinate.
Sydney smiled when she glanced at her phone again and pulled over to make the call. In her line of work, she saw all kinds of horrendous accidents that were the result of people messing with their phones while driving. She had a strict rule about texting and driving and that extended to talking on your cell phone. She always claimed it was too much of a distraction.
While she was making the call, I scurried out of the Jeep to do my thing. I looked around to make sure there weren’t any hungry bears. I was never going to be caught with my pants down again—literally—unless something really good was happening while they were wrapped around my ankles. Sydney’s gentle hands and mouth suddenly flashed in my head. I was daydreaming about how good that would feel, when Sydney startled me.
“Why, Mabel Butt, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were thinking some very naughty thoughts, but I don’t mind it one bit. You can moon me anytime you want.”
I blushed and hurried to pull up my shorts. I didn’t even bother to try to shake a little in an effort to enhance the drip-dry approach to bathroom breaks in the woods.
“Why is it you always catch me in an embarrassing position with my pants around my ankles? Just for once, I think it would only be fair to catch you in a compromising position.”
Sydney just chuckled in response. I followed her back to the car.
“How’d the call go?” I asked.
“It was fine. She didn’t ask too many questions. Apparently finding weirdoes in the mountains isn’t really an unusual occurrence. She told me they’d had to dismantle a few meth labs over the last few years. I guess this pristine wilderness attracts all kinds.”
I was rethinking my romantic notion of returning to what I thought was an unspoiled location if there was a high probability of running into some nasty characters. “Great, now you tell me.”
“Oh don’t worry, I’ve been coming up here for years and this is the first time I’ve ever run into anyone. If it makes you feel any better, next time we can carry some mace.”
It didn’t make me feel any better, but I nodded anyway. Love is compromise and I would brave the great outdoors again if it would make Sydney happy.
Everything suddenly came into sharp focus for me and I abruptly stopped. I’d just realized that me, Mabel Butt, the consummate misfit, was actually heading for a real relationship with Sydney O’Donnell, the town heartthrob.
She turned around when she noticed I wasn’t getting into the Jeep. “What’
s wrong?”
I made a big show of pinching myself and she crinkled up her forehead.
“I’m just checking to make sure I’m not asleep, having some vivid dream where I’m about to get everything I’ve always fantasized about. You know that being with you is a dream come true for me.”
“Well if you’re dreaming, then it’s playing right into my ultimate desire. I’ve never been more sure of anything else in my life. We were meant for each other and I’m not about to let anything or anyone come between us. I know you probably need to work a few things out, like telling your parents, but I’d shout it from the rooftops if I could.”
Sydney jumped into the Jeep and stood on the seat poking her head up through the roof. “I finally captured the heart of Mabel Butt,” she shouted.
“Oh shit, my parents,” I groaned.
I didn’t have the foggiest idea how they would react. I’d have to add that to the pile of challenges slowly forming a substantial mountain for us to climb.
“I wouldn’t worry too much. They never treated me any different after I came out. Your mom stayed as sweet as apple pie. It’s not like they don’t know me or anything.”
“It’s one thing for your daughter’s friends to be gay and quite another to learn one of your children is a lesbian. If you don’t mind, I’d like to build up the courage to reveal this little tidbit.”
I was rethinking this whole coming out thing. I’d lived my life so far in near obscurity and I kind of liked it. Now that I was Sydney’s girlfriend, everything would change. I didn’t know if I was ready for that, but I was determined to try, at least for her.
Sydney must have seen my indecision because she jumped down from her perch and pulled me into her strong embrace. She kissed my forehead. “Mabs, I’m not pushing you if you’re not ready. We have plenty of time for you to do this at whatever pace is comfortable for you. I love you and that’s never going to change.”
I smiled and pecked her lips. “I love you too. I don’t want to go back to my empty house. Can I stay with you for a while?”
“I’d be devastated if you didn’t want to stay with me, and I’d be ecstatic if you wanted to make that a permanent arrangement. My cabin has plenty of space, not that your house isn’t a good option too. Wherever you want to stay, I’ll adapt. Just tell me where you want to go and we’ll be there in no time. I have plans for you this evening.”
I blushed. “I’d rather be in a more remote location tonight, so your cabin is probably the best choice. My mom has absolutely no boundaries and no compunction about dropping in unannounced anytime she feels like it. I’d rather not do the shock and awe approach to coming out if your plans mean clothing is optional.”
Sydney wiggled her eyebrows. “Yep, something like that. Come on, Mabs, time’s a wastin’.”
I got a warm feeling all over just thinking about Sydney’s plans for the evening. We hurried back into the Jeep, buckled up, and were on our way in two seconds flat. The drive home was uneventful and I was glad when Sydney suggested we unload everything but our overnight bags in the morning.
Chapter Thirteen
By the time we arrived at Sydney’s cabin the sun was starting to set and blessed us with a kaleidoscope of colors. I interpreted that as a sign that God was pleased and laid out that beautiful rainbow just for us. I stood looking up at the canvas in the sky and wondered if Celeste ever witnessed this much beauty on her planet. I hoped that she did. I got a warm feeling from that thought and imagined Celeste sending energy my way as a thank you for thinking of her at that moment.
Sydney stood next to me and draped her arm around my shoulder. She didn’t say anything as we stood there looking at the sky. I was thankful that she wasn’t the kind of person to try to fill in the void with idle chatter. Sometimes silence is more powerful than words. She turned me around and her kiss started slow and steady, but soon turned into a passionate exploration of every part of my lips and tongue. I was panting in no time. We abandoned our bags at the doorstep as Sydney led me into the cabin.
Even though we were desperate to remove our clothes, Sydney had a way of undressing me quickly without the frantic fumbling normally associated with two people who are desperate to touch one another. As we removed each article of clothing, the path to the bedroom was like a trail of breadcrumbs. If anyone did happen upon the cabin tonight, there wouldn’t be any doubt about what was happening this evening.
Sydney pushed the remote light switch button, holding it down until the dimmer created a soft glow in her bedroom. I glanced around the room and it was neat and tidy. She’d even made the bed before we left for our camping trip.
I didn’t want to kill the mood, but my side trip to the woods to empty my bladder popped in my head and I wanted to take a shower before Sydney started devouring my body. I was a little self-conscious about how I might taste or smell after the drip-dry method. I didn’t care if this little quirk of mine made me as crazy as my eccentric Aunt Marie.
“Um, Sydney, do you mind if I take a shower before we um, you know…”
“You are absolutely adorable. Mind if I join you?” she asked.
I’d never taken a shower with anyone before, but I’d sure fantasized about it enough. It was definitely on my bucket list. I was so pathetic that things most people considered pretty routine made it on my bucket list.
“I’d love that.”
Sydney caressed my shoulder before taking my hand and leading me into her master bathroom. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I saw the enormous forest-green tiled shower with three showerheads. On the wall facing the sliding glass doors, in offsetting cream and black tiles, was a design of three orca whales that looked like they were dancing in a circle. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. She must have had the shower specially designed. It was beyond decadent.
By the time she pulled me into the water, the temperature was perfect. The way the water cascaded down her perfect body captivated me. She lifted her head up and slicked back her hair. I could see her muscles ripple under the stream of water.
I looked around for a washcloth or shower pouf, but all she had was some gel and a bar of lavender soap. I got excited when I realized that if she planned on soaping me up, she would be using her bare hands. That was perfectly all right with me. Even more appealing was the opportunity to slather her up with soap as I explored every inch of her body.
I pushed back my wet hair and reached for the bar of soap. After I produced a healthy amount of suds, I ran my hands over her breasts and down her taut stomach. She moaned in pleasure as I reached her soft pubic hair. It was hard for me to tell whether the slickness was as a result of the soap, or the special attention I was paying to this part of her body.
She abruptly turned my body around and pushed down the shower gel dispenser to acquire a handful of the sweet smelling liquid. She went straight for the patch of hair between my legs and the sensation traveled to every single nerve ending in my body. As she washed my most private parts, she stroked my clitoris thoroughly until I was calling out her name in the throes of ardor.
“Oh, yes, yes, right there. God, Sydney, what you do to me…”
My first orgasm in a shower, but hopefully not my last, built so quickly that I didn’t have time to prepare for the overwhelming sensation. Once the aftershocks stopped, she turned me back around and kissed me so softly that it almost made me cry with emotion. I could feel every ounce of love that she poured into me with that kiss. I was a violin and she was the virtuoso.
It was time to return the favor. I wanted to try something I’d only read about in books. I wanted to taste her as the water flowed over my body and spilled onto my head.
I started kissing her neck and making my way down to her breasts. I took one nipple into my mouth and gently sucked until she starting squirming. It wasn’t long until she was bucking in my direction and begging for me to arrive at my final destination.
“Please, Mabs, stop teasing. If I don’t feel your tongue in the
next few seconds I think I’m going to self-combust.”
I looked up into her eyes and saw a look of pure lust. “I seriously doubt that,” I giggled.
She groaned and I took pity on her as I continued kissing and licking my way to the treasure trove before me. It wouldn’t take long for her to reach satisfaction. I started with a few flicks to her sensitive nub and then followed with some gentle sucking as I entered her with two fingers. The warm water felt glorious, but I knew that if we stayed in the shower much longer we’d run out of water and I didn’t think Sydney would enjoy the shock to her system. I increased my rhythm and pretty soon I felt her contractions as she cried out in pleasure.
“So good, that felt so good.” She pulled me up to her and captured my body in a warm embrace.
“We better finish washing our hair before the hot water runs out,” I said.
“Good idea. I have no intention of cutting our time short tonight, so a cold shower is definitely not warranted.” She kissed me on the tip of my nose before pouring out a generous amount of shampoo in both of our hands.
Even though I felt completely satiated after our shower, Sydney introduced me to a few very creative ways to give and receive pleasure and I was an eager pupil. After several hours of lovemaking, I fell asleep curled up in her arms as she stroked my head. The last thing I remember before plummeting into dreamland was her telling me again how much she loved me. I would never get tired of hearing that, especially from her.
†
I woke up to Sydney’s feather light touch and one thing lead to another. I was blissfully unaware of anything besides Sydney’s talented tongue between my legs.
“Mmmm, that feels heavenly,” I remarked.
The click click click didn’t register until I heard Hollie’s voice.
“What the fuck?” Hollie screamed.
I jumped so high that I must have banged Sydney’s nose.
“Mmmph, my nobse,” Sydney garbled as she popped up, held her nose, and scrambled out of bed.