Angels

[maron211177]

amazing writing fixx

would like to read more …… with a happy ending of course

[Anonymous]

Thanks Maron

More will follow soon…as to the happy ending…?

Peace

Fixxgiggle

[Amethyst]

Wow …what an excellent piece and I can't help but wonder if this is a story close to your heart

Smiles

Amethyst

[Anonymous]

It is, although the circumstances are different the emotions are the same.

Peace

Fixxgiggle

[Brandybee]

Its a touching story and very intriguing. I cant believe you didn't let us know what the gift was…. that was mean.

Looking forward to reading more. 

Oh  yeah….  you have 30 days to write a story for the contest. Details below.  You really didn't think, I wouldn't try to recruit you… Did you?

Well done.  Its a great start to an interesting story.  Please make Robert happier soon.

Every qualifying contest story receives  600A$ ,  more if you are voted in the top three.

Here's the links for you to check out –

EROTIC STORY CONTEST 10 – War Time Romance (or Lust)

Forum Home Page > Announcements > Forum News > EROTIC STORY CONTEST 10-WAR TIME ROMANCE (or LUST)
https://funnyadultgamesplay.com/forum/index.php/topic,3824.0.html

EROTIC STORY CONTEST RULES.

Forum Home Page > Organizations & Events > Contests > EROTIC STORY CONTEST RULES. https://funnyadultgamesplay.com/forum/index.php/topic,2509.0.html

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brandy.

And I might have an idea for the competition. (No promises  )

Peace

Fixxgiggle

[Anonymous]

I feel nervous, excited and maybe a little scared as my fingertips touch the gift given to me by Sue, my late fiancée’s mother. It was something that Amanda had wanted me to have, Sue had said as she gave it to me. I feel the shape of the white angels embossed upon the pink paper, as I continue to softly run my fingers over the surface. Part of me is reluctant to open it, worried as to the emotions and memories the unknown content of this parcel might dredge up.

Looking over the package, I realise I’m putting off opening it. I have a sip of tea, take a deep breath, before I start to gently pull the dark red ribbon that binds the paper. I put the ribbon to one side and carefully open the paper. I can feel the quality of the wrapping, thick and crisp. With my fingertips I part the paper to reveal the gift within.

Laying on the wrapping paper is a notebook with a cover of deep red. I know instinctively from the colour it belonged to Amanda. Unconsciously, I trace the outline of the heart shaped ruby on the ring suspended upon the chain around my neck. As I do this, my other hand is gently stroking the notebook’s cover, feeling its velvet softness. I know this is one of Amanda’s journals.

Amanda was dedicated to her journal. She would write in it several times a day. She had dozens of notebooks, going back to her schooldays when she first started writing. My angel once invited me to look at her journals, saying there should be no secrets between us. I was the only person to whom she ever granted that privilege. As I continue to caress the soft cover, I remember her laughing at me when I declined and her asking me why. I told her knowing she was prepare to share her journal with me was enough. I touch my lips, as I recall the deep, passionate kiss that followed.

Snapping back to the present, my fingers find the edge of the front cover and I slowly open it. When I see the date of the first entry, I let out an involuntary gasp, my hand covering my mouth. Instantly I know this must be the last volume of her journal. I can already feel the tears welling up in my eyes, as I realise this is going to be difficult for me to read.

I swallow the remains of my tea; it won’t be the last of the night by a long way, and begin to read. In her beautiful, curving handwriting, Amanda recorded so much, both events and her feelings, some things that seemed trivial took on special meaning to her. Every day, she wrote about how happy she felt with me.

Gradually I begin to notice a change in Amanda’s handwriting; the curves begin to lose their smoothness and extravagant tails fade too soon, even before the first mention of her illness and her failing strength. There were good days and bad, although as time went on the good became less frequent. There were days when she couldn’t rise herself out of bed and it took all my will not to show how it was affecting me. In truth, she knew, but never said, except here in her journal.

On the good days, Amanda lived life with a wild passion. She would be needy for the attention only I could give her. We would make love until Amanda was exhausted, but even then she didn’t want to stop. I would hold her tight to me, both enjoying the feel of our joined bodies. Every time we made love it was like my angel feared it would be the last time.

Mentions of her illness, deteriorating health and increasingly frequent visits to see doctors are written without bitterness or despair. She writes about me and how, with each of my acts of selfless kindness she grows to love me more.

As Amanda’s diary draws ever closer to her last days, the entries become shorter, less frequent and her handwriting reflects her ever failing strength. My angel knew her life was drawing to a close, but even then she only had thoughts for others; her friends, her mother Sue and especially for me. She knew how deep my feelings were for her. She wanted me to find another woman to be happy with, who I would love as I loved her.

Mugs of tea have kept me going throughout the night, as I carefully read every word, every sentence. Often I’m fighting through my tears to read the words upon the pages. Sometimes it becomes too much, and I stand gazing out the window, trying to gather my shattered thoughts.

I come to what proves to be the last entry Amanda was to make in her journal, before she succumb to the disease that consumed her. Her handwriting weak and shaky, every word a struggle. Only her determination to make this one last entry seeing her through to the end. The last entry is a letter, and now I understand why Sue knew Amanda wanted me to have this notebook. The letter is addressed to me.

“To my dear, sweet beloved Robert

I know my time upon this earth is drawing to a close.

I know there is no point telling you not to grief for me, your love is too great. You have always told me you will hold me in your heart forever and I know that to be true.

But your heart is big enough to hold another. When I am gone, please, I beg you, don’t close your heart, but find someone else. Welcome them and love them as you have me

You have always called me your angel, soon I am destined to join the angels. I promise I will look over you and those you love. I will guide you when you need it. And I will love you forever.

When the time comes for us to meet again in the land of angels, I will be there ready to greet you, to hold you in my arms again and to love you for all eternity. And I will love any you have given your heart to since our parting.

Until I see you again, my love. I will watch over you and love you.

Our love is eternal.

Always you Angel.

Amanda.”

I collapse forward, burying my face in my arms, as sobs rake through my body. I grasp for air, as tears flow in an uncontrollable torrent.
Then I feel a calming presence. A soothing hand gently stroking my back. A soft, kind voice telling me everything will be alright. As I rise my tear stained face, I’m certain I catch a glimpse of a figure from the corner of my eye. Beautiful auburn hair flowing in the air, wings of white feathers trailing behind. I feel her move close again, her lips press to my cheek.

No matter how close she gets, I can never manage to focus on her.

I rub my eyes. It’s dawn. I’ve been awake more than twenty-four hours; my mind must be playing tricks on me. I’m tired and emotionally drained. I undress, wash and head to bed. Laying in bed on my side, I’m sure I feel someone lay beside me. A slender arm wraps round me, the soft curves of a woman press against me, lips plant kisses upon the back of my neck. The tender caresses comfort me as I drift off to sleep, even though I know it’s just my imagination.

Peace

Fixxgiggle

[Amethyst]

Wow ! …JUST wow ! …. Now THIS is how you write a story .. Hope I can become as good but I doubt it ..I just dont have the time ..

Peace and Hugs

[Anonymous]

Thanks Amethyst

Now the pressures on! 

And you know, already I love your writing  :-*

Giggling to myself again.

Fixxgiggle

[Amethyst]

I must confess I am in the process of a little writing of my own

[Anonymous]

Nice to hear. Looking forward to it.

Giggling, I've got the pies hehe!

Fixxgiggle

[Anonymous]

Breaking habits formed over ten years is difficult. When those habits are so loaded with emotion, it becomes even harder. I read Amanda’s letter every morning to remind myself I need to change. To begin with, I feel I’m doing it for my angel, but the realisation quickly comes to me that I need to do it for myself. I will never be happy alone. While I cling to the memories of the past so tightly, Amanda’s ghost will haunt me and she would never have wanted that. She will always be with me, but now I have to loosen my grip and move forward with my life.

On Friday I arrive at work as normal ahead of my assistant. I grab the mail off his desk and head into my office. One of the letters slips out from the middle of the pile, dropping onto the floor. For a moment I stand, staring down at it. Amongst the collection of the usual white and manila envelopes this pink one stands out. I scoop it up and head to my desk.

With my curiosity tweaked, I look over the pink envelope. In one corner there is a little spray of fireworks, surrounding where my name has been neatly written by a clearly feminine hand. I open it to find a card inside, the same shade of pink, with fireworks exploding into a spray of stars and hearts. Reading inside I see it’s an invitation to a birthday party tonight, for Jess, a secretary in the accounts department, being held at a local night club’s event room. The invite is signed Gemma. I know Jess as she’s normally the person I speak to when I need anything from accounts; she’s always so friendly and cheerful.

When Paul, my P.A., arrives I pushes thoughts of this unexpected invitation from my mind, as I casually cast the card to one side. I set up the day’s agenda with him, before getting to work to ensure all the weekly deadlines are met. Late in the morning, Paul appears in the doorway asking what I want for lunch. As I consider, I notice the invitation card is standing up. I know that’s not how I left it and I’m sure I hear a familiar giggle, answering my puzzled expression. “Have it your way, then.” I say in a whisper.

Paul clearly heard, as he gives me a puzzled look “Sorry…?” He asks. I tell him not to worry, and I’ll be going out at lunchtime. He fails to hide his surprise, as in the three and a half years he’s been my P.A., I’ve never gone out for lunch.

I spend some time searching for things on the internet. “Now you’ve got me doing personal stuff on company time.” I chuckle. The only answer, again is that unforgettable, quiet giggle of Amanda’s that would come whenever I gave in to her demands. I feel a hand lightly brush across my back and a sweet scent I recognise teases my nose. Barely above a whisper, my angel’s voice says “I’m just helping you find happiness, my love.”

Armed with the collected information, I head out the office. The puzzled looks from colleagues so familiar with my habits bring a smile to my face. My first stop is a nearby jewellery store. The assistant helps me pick out a suitable gift, a necklace with a small teardrop shaped ruby hanging from it. Wrapping paper and a card are brought from a gift shop and a box of bespoke honey oat cookies from the bakery. Finally, I grab something for my lunch before heading back to the office. The presents are soon wrapped and lunch eaten.

Having been delayed leaving work, the night club is heaving by the time I arrive. Not a surprise for a Friday night. Making my way through the sea of bodies I get to the relative tranquillity of the event room, where Jess’ party is being held. The room is square, with deep red walls, pools of illumination provided by black, cone shaped down lighters. Racks of inactive spotlights and lasers are mounted in the rafters. Music plays in the background, and I allow myself a smile, pleased that the party hasn’t really started yet.

I scan round the room, recognising many of the people here from work, although many I only know by sight. Most are from the accounts department. At the bar I spot the department head, John Gates, who I’ve known for many years, back to when I was engaged to Amanda. He’s one of the few people on the firm who knows what I went through. When he spots me, I nod in greeting. The surprise of seeing me here almost makes him choke on his drink.

Jess is at the centre of a small group standing off to one side. This was clearly a surprise party, as Jess is still in her work clothes of a white blouse and black skirt. I can’t deny being pleased to see she has her petite blond friend with her. She is shorter than the rest of the group and stands with Jess, the two have their arms round one another waists. The blond is wearing a peach coloured, party dress, short and low cut, with cute ankle boots. She seems to smile when she spots me, standing on tip toe she whispers something in Jess’ ear.

Jess looks towards me and suddenly I’m aware that she’s not the only one. To be honest, I should have expected this. Most people will only have seen me wandering the corridors at work or in my office, wearing the same sullen look on my face day in, day out. Jess steps towards me, smiling warmly, her brown hair swinging wildly in a ponytail. “Hello, Robert.” She says extending her hand to me.

I take her hand, then on a whim, I surprise her by kissing her on both cheeks. ”Happy Birthday, Jess” I say between kisses, and I’m sure I see her blush.

“I’m glad you came.” She says quietly. I hand her the gifts I’ve brought, which she opens eagerly, reminding me of an excited child. Opening the cookies first she grins “Hmm my favourite.” Then she rips into the wrapping round the necklace. When she sees it the look of delight on her face lifts my heart and I know there’s an idiotic grin spread across my face, but I don’t care. “Oh my God, it’s beautiful!” She shows her blond friend who gasps and helps Jess put on the necklace.

Jess throws her arms around me, hugging me tightly to her body. I place my hands on her waist as I receive a big, wet kiss on each cheek. For a moment, she seems to be thinking about planting one on my mouth too, but hesitates, saying “Thanks you so much. It’s beautiful.” She tightens her hug on me once more, and I feel a surge of excitement course through me. It’s been a long time since a girl has held me like this. Her mouth wanders closer to my ear, and she whispers “Thank you.”

I smile “Glad you like it. Enjoy you party.”

I leave Jess with her friends, making my way over to the bar acknowledging several co-workers I know on the way. I spot my P.A. Paul, gawking at me past his puzzled boyfriend. His expression makes me laugh; this is going to be happening a lot tonight, I suspect. At the bar I take the stool next to John, his expression tells me he has been watching me the whole time. “Hi John.”

He glances at me grinning “Well, this is certainly unexpected.” His eyes go from me to Jess and her group of friends “Well, Robert, you’ve certainly made an impression.” I get a beer and begin chatting with John. I can tell he’s curious about my presence, but is unsure how to ask. For now I’m happy to leave people wondering, as I honestly don’t know how I would answer that question. Others stop and chat briefly, before moving on, all burning with curiosity about my presence.

I’m saved from any questions I’d rather avoid for the time being, when the room lights dim and the music’s volume is turned up. The spotlights and lasers start playing across the room in time with the music. The floor lights up in an ever changing pattern of technicoloured squares. Jess and her friends are the first onto the dance floor, with others soon following. John and I are happy to watch from the bar.

I’m just finishing my beer when someone pulls on my hand. I look up to see Jess, smiling warmly, the top few buttons on her blouse undone, leaving her exposing some cleavage. She leans in close, and I have to try hard not to focus on the tempting view she’s offering “It’s nice to see you smile,” she says “dance with me.”

I laugh a warning “I have two left feet.”

“That’s alright, I’ve got two right feet. Between us we should be okay.” She takes my other hand and pulls on them together. I don’t resist and allow her to guide me onto the dance floor. I allow myself to relax, to enjoy the music and the company. Jess gyrates to the music, at times the buttons on her blouse seem ready to give out as they strain against her boobs. We dance together through several songs, unconsciously moving closer, at times our bodies touching. She spins, putting her back to me, I slip my hands onto her hips. She glances over her shoulder, smiling as she moves against me, grinding her butt against me. My heart beat quickens and I feel my growing excitement.

The song ends. “I’m gonna get a drink. You want one?” She shakes her head, her hair flying. Back at the bar, I see Jess is now once again dancing with her friends. I stand nursing my beer, lost in a confusion of thought and emotion. A lot is happening, very quickly.

Later in the evening, I find myself beside Jess once more. Her rosy complexion suggests she’s had a few drinks, but she is still steady on her feet. “Hey, Robert” she says with a grin, slipping her arm round my waist. “My friend wants to meet you. Do you mind?” I readily agree and Jess leads me across to where her friends are waiting. She leads me straight to the petite blond. “Robert, this is Gemma. Gemma, Robert.”

Gemma greets me warmly, and Jess excuses herself as a favourite song starts and heads out onto the dance floor. We are soon seated at the bar, me with a whiskey and Gemma with a Pina Colada. I jokingly ask her if this is a test she puts men through, to see if they are brave enough to bring her a drink with a pink umbrella in it. She giggles, admitting nothing but it seems I’ve hit a nice icebreaker and we’re soon chatting cheerfully.

When she asks about Jess’ and the general surprise at my appearance, I shuffle in my seat uncomfortably. I knew sooner or later someone would ask, maybe I should have prepared an answer. Gemma seems to sense my discomfort and reaches a hand across, lightly touching mine. “Have I said something wrong?” Her face lined with concern.

“I don’t normally come out to events like this.” I say, managing to smile weakly. “This isn’t the time to talk of such things; this is a celebration.”

When I feel Gemma’s hand grip mine, I look into her face, to see her looking concerned. Clearly sensing my sudden sadness, despite my smile she ask “I hope I haven’t said something to upset you?” Not wanting to ruin the moment, I assure her everything is fine, and ask her to dance. She agrees eagerly.

She hops down off her stool and allows me to lead her by the hand out onto the dance floor. Standing next to her I’m aware just how small she is; more than a foot shorter than me, she feels small and delicate. We constantly exchange glances, smiling at one another and stealing small, tender touches. Gemma never brings her body close enough for us to touch as Jess did, but there seems something more intimate in the small, stolen touches we share.

We retreat to the bar once more for a fresh round of drinks. We chat more, our faces close together so we can hear one another over the music, but it also brings a feeling of intimacy. We are interrupted when I’m called upon to dance with the birthday girl again. I look apologetically at Gemma, but she gives me a smile of encouragement.

Jess and I dance together through several songs. Before the end of the first, our bodies are close together. My hands rest at her waist, as her boobs brush against me. Sliding my hands down onto her shapely rump Jess giggles at the touch of my hands. I pull her in closer, looking into her face which is flushed pink. Her hands snake up behind my neck, pulling us still closer together. Her breasts crush up against my chest. She presses against my groin, the thrill of the contact sending my blood racing. Our lips hover close, the smallest move and we would be kissing. The song ends, and we part.

I have just seated myself on a stool at the bar when I find Gemma slipping onto the one next to me. As her blue eyes study me, I feel embarrassed, sure she has been watching the way I’ve just been dancing with her best friend. She crosses her legs, the short skirt of her dress riding up, her lovely trim legs captivate me. Only when she speaks, am I able to pull my eyes away “You look like you could use another drink.” She smiles. I nod my thanks, not trusting my voice.

She hands me a beer while the bartender mixes her a cocktail, I have no idea what she’s drinking, but it’s pink, creamy and has sparklers in it. She laughs at the expression on my face when I see her drink. “You always such a party animal?” She asks.

“I haven’t been to a party like this for more than ten years” I reply, giving a little shrug, I add ”guess I’m trying to make up for lost time.”

She smiles, laying a soft hand upon my knee she moves a little closer. “Just tell me you’re not some sort of player. The way you’ve been dancing with me and Jess, a girl might get that idea.”

I feel myself blush as I realise just how things must look. I find myself lost for words, not sure how to answer. Gemma’s pleasant, musical laughter breaks into my confused thoughts and a playful nudge from her elbow draws my attention back to her. “I’m teasing,” She says “Jess has always been a flirty drunk. You wouldn’t believe how many broken hearts have been left on the dance floor in her wake after a drunken night out.” Gemma’s eyes are focused out onto the dance floor. I follow her gaze and see Jess dancing with a man, in much the same way she danced with me.

I’m actually relieved when I hear this, quickly relaxing once more. As we talk, I find it hard to keep my eyes off Gemma’s wonderful legs. I’m barely aware that I’ve put my hand on her knee as we talk until I see it there. I start to withdraw it, but Gemma places her hand on mine, keeping it in place, smiling at me warmly. Her leg is so smooth, that I can’t resist slowly stroking her silky skin. She fails to stifle a giggle escaping from her lips. Moving closer she rest her head against my shoulder. “You have nice warm hands.” She says quietly, before kissing me quickly on the cheek. When my surprised gaze falls on her, she is smiling with her cheeks glowing wonderfully.

The first cords of another song has Gemma jumping off her stool and pulling me to the dance floor. “We have to dance to this song.” She says in an excited voice, the light in her eyes make it impossible for me to resist. The song is slow and romantic, with only one way to dance to it; close, slow and intimate. She holds her small body against me, I can feel every movement and I realise I don’t want this moment to end.

I stay until the party is winding down, until I’m the only one left with Jess, Gemma and their friends. I had planned to stay for only a couple of hours, but…

At home I lay in bed, waiting to drift off to sleep. My thoughts are full of the events of the day just gone, and especially the party. If I’m honest, I hadn’t expected to enjoy it, but I had a wonderful time and met two lovely girls. In Jess, I know I have a friend, in truth I think I did before tonight. And Gemma, just thinking about her stirs feelings I haven’t felt in a long time. I know I want, no need, to see her again. I feel a soft hand stroking my chest, and lips upon my cheek. As I fall into a contented sleep my last thoughts are of a slow dance with Gemma, while my angel, Amanda looks on from above, smiling approvingly.

[Anonymous]

I wake the morning after the party later than usual, another departure from my normal habits. The memories of yesterday’s celebration play back through my mind, smiling as I lay gazing up at the ceiling. That’s when in hits me. I sit up sharply “Fuck!” I virtually shout the word. I never normally swear but the realisation that just came to me would make anyone curse.

I forgot to get Gemma’s number!

The bed covers are thrown angrily onto the floor and I stomp my way through to the kitchen to make a mug of tea. As I stand, looking out over the city, sipping my tea I gradually calm myself. All I have to do is wait until Monday. I’ll see Jess and she’ll be able to give me Gemma’s number. Although this thought offers some reassurance, I’m still annoyed I didn’t ask. What if Gemma thinks I’m not interested?

Pushing these thoughts aside, I set about my Saturday morning chores. Amongst my jobs is to take a couple of suits to the cleaners. I follow my usual routine of checking through all the pockets, even though I know they’ll be empty. Or they should be! I’m checking the suit I wore yesterday when my fingers close round something in one of the pockets. Puzzled, I draw it out to finding a neatly folded piece of pink paper. I know it’s not something I put there.

I feel the excitement of anticipation, as I quickly consider what this discovery could mean. My mind racing to a rapid conclusion. I try to calm my growing enthusiasm, not wanting to face further disappointment this morning. My fingers fumble in my eagerness to unfold the paper. A smile stretches across my face as I finally open up the paper and look at the message written there. I recognise the writing from the invitation. The note is simple “Gemma. Call me.” Followed by a phone number.

I barely manage to hold back a “Whoop!” of joy on seeing this. I spend several minutes wandering aimlessly about my apartment in an excited haze. I snatch up my phone, ready to phone her right away, but remembering the time I manage to stop myself. It’s still quite early on a Saturday morning and we had a late night, I reason there’s a good chance she may not be up yet. I carefully put the pink note, that I’ve had gripped tightly in my hand, under a paperweight on my desk and return to my chores.

Just before lunch, after I’ve got back from the cleaners, I decide I can’t wait anymore and I ring Gemma’s number. She answers on the third ring; damn I can’t believe I was counting. “Hello?” She queries.

“Hello, Gemma.” I respond, grinning broadly at the sound of her voice.

“Robert…” She says. And I’m sure I can hear an excited tone in her voice, although maybe that is just my imagination. “…you found my number than.”

I laugh. “Yeah, although I am a little puzzled why you didn’t just give it to me.”

“Hhmmm, well…” I hear the hesitation in her voice “I wasn’t sure how you felt and I didn’t want to be pushy.” I recall how I reacted when Gemma thought she’d upset me at the party last night and I realise I gave her reason to be wary.

Trying to ignore a growing hint of doubt, I ask “What would you have done if I hadn’t of found it?”

“Aaaahh…” I hear her laugh. “…I hadn’t thought of that. Anyway…” She says, suddenly sounding serious “…why didn’t you ask for my number?”

I chuckle to myself as I imagine Gemma standing, hands on hips, looking sternly at me. “Okay, okay. You got me on that one.” I reply. “It was the first thing I thought of this morning. I was planning to interrogate Jess on Monday to get it.”

“Interrogate….?”

“Okay, ask. I would only have resorted to interrogation if she refused to cooperate.”

She laughs. “Oh, I doubt she would refuse. I’ve been driving her mad asking her about you this morning.”

“Really…?” I don’t think my grin could be any wider.

“Although…” She says, giggling. “…Jess makes you sound like an enigma, wrapped in a mystery, wrapped in a puzzle.”

I laugh along with her, and the invitation just slips out. “Well, would you like to start solving the puzzle tonight, over dinner?”

The question is met by silence and I fear I may have been too forward. Hell, I hadn’t even been planning to ask her out, I just wanted to chat. I hear Gemma say something, her voice muffled, I guess by her hand over the phone. Whatever she said is greeted by an excited squeal, from someone I assume is Jess. “I would love to” Gemma says, adding, “Oh and Jess says Hi!”

We talk a little longer, so I can find out what sort of cuisine Gemma likes and arrange to meet up at the restaurant. I want to prolong the conversation for as long as I can, but I remind myself that we’ll going to have time to chat tonight over dinner.

I manage to get a table at a local Italian restaurant; not the place I hoped for but given the short notice, I’m still pleased. I text Gemma the details.

With a mug of tea, I sink onto the sofa feeling please but also apprehensive. I know at some point I will need to open up to Gemma about Amanda, if I want things to work between us. I know it’s too soon for me to open up my wounded heart to her, but I won’t be able to deflect her curiously indefinitely. What worries me most is Gemma might get bored of waiting for me to open up, or that when I do, hearing about my past will scare her off.

A cheerful familiar voice says “I keep telling you to have a little faith in yourself, my love.” I still don’t know if this is my imagination or not, but I know my angel is right. Finishing my tea, I rise out of my chair and get ready for the first date I’ve had for a very long time.

[Amethyst]

Can't wait for the nexdt installment hope its in progress

[Anonymous]

I’m ready in plenty of time for our date and arrive at the restaurant with time to spare. I decide to wait outside for Gemma on this fine, late summer evening. Every car that approaches I watch keenly, hoping it will be the one to bring the sweet girl I’m waiting for. As time passes, and the time for our date approaches, I grow increasingly nervous, doubt gnawing at the back of my mind wondering if I’m being stood up. I shove these thoughts aside angrily, knowing they are foolish and do Gemma a disservice.

It’s about ten minutes before our reservation when I watch another car near the restaurant. A small white car, old but clearly much loved stops at the sidewalk, close to where I’m waiting. The passenger’s door opens and Gemma, gracefully glides out.

I watch, entranced by her every movement. She carefully straightens her sky blue, pinafore style dress, smoothing its short skirt. I find myself wondering if her black hosiery are stockings or tights. She wears simple lace-up shoes that have a shallow heel. Her make up is lightly applied, enhancing her natural features. The fringe of her pixie cut blond hair just brushes her brow.

I see Jess leaning across from the driver’s seat, grinning broadly as she waves. I return the gesture as she calls out “Have fun, kids” giggling as she says it. Both Gemma and I laugh. I step over to Gemma and embrace her. Her arms wrap round my waist and I duck to kiss her on both cheeks. Hand in hand we walk into the restaurant.

To be honest, this restaurant wasn’t my first choice for our date, but considering the short notice, I could have done worse. Situated in a small leisure park, along with other restaurants, nightclubs, a multiplex and a bowling alley, it is part of a chain and its lay out screams corporate image. I prefer something a little more homely, but the food is good and the service efficient.

The open plan layout doesn’t allow for any amount of privacy, the best we can do is lean towards one another as we talk in low voices. The choice of food and drink quickly becomes our topic of discussion, as we look over the menu. Drinks are brought over promptly as we settle in to wait for our meal and we start chatting about Jess’ party.

Gemma laughs when I express my surprise at the invite as I barely know Jess. She says the other conspirators were also surprised when my name came up. Gemma reaches over and gently takes my hand in hers. “Jess often mentioned you.” She says thoughtfully. “She wondered what troubled you so deeply. And if there was a way to get you to open up, a way to help you…” Her voice trails off, Gemma’s blue eyes studying my face as a frown creases her brow.

I feel a lump catch in my throat as I’m lost for what to say. Had I really been so blind to Jess’ concern? Were there others who shared her worry? I wondered why they had never asked, but then I know what my reaction would have been. I would have closed down and shut them out. Gemma, softly squeezing my hand draws me back to the present, she smiles “I don’t expect you to bare your soul to me, as we only met yesterday.” She says in a kind voice. “But I realise what Jess meant about you. No matter how big you smile, it never manages to mask the pain and sorrow in your eyes.” Her grip tightens on my hand as she adds “Tell me when you’re ready.”

I gaze silently across the table, lost in Gemma’s beautiful face trying to find any words to explain how she has touched me. Letting out a deep breath, I stroke the back of her hand that still clings to mine. “There are painful things in my past. Events…and people I will never be able to let go of…and that I find hard to talk about.”

Gemma smiles sweetly “When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be ready to listen.”

Her smile, the compassion showing in her clear blue eyes and the tenderness of her touch all go to ease the knot that had formed in my stomach. Just knowing that she cares, but is willing to wait until I’m ready to share my feelings with her seems to lighten my burden. Silently, I make a promise not to leave Gemma waiting too long before I tell her about Amanda.

The arrival of our main courses allows me to lighten the mood, when I point out that Gemma’s choice of spaghetti bolognaise might not have been such a good idea given the pale colour of her dress. She laughs as she carefully tucks her napkin into the front of her dress, and then swiftly steals mine to lay on her lap. I suggest asking for an extra one and some pins to fill the space in between.

Our meal is over too soon, as the restaurant tries to clear the tables to get more diners in; the usual Saturday night problem. As we stand outside, Gemma playfully jabs me in the ribs with her elbow. “It’s still early. If I call Jess now to pick me up she’ll think somethings wrong.” She says with a frown.

“Well, it was only our first date.” I say, although I don’t want our date to end either. “And you could just tell Jess the restaurant kicked us out.” I laugh.

“True…or…we could go bowling.” Gemma suggests with a grin, pointing at the nearby bowling alley.

“But, I’ve never played before.”

“That’s okay, I’ll teach you.” She says looping her arm through mine and pulling me towards the brightly, neon illuminated building.

“You’ll beat me easily.” I laugh.

“I don’t know…I’m not dressed for it.” Gemma replies, tugging gently at the hem of her dress with her free hand to emphasise her point.

The bowling alley is busy, as you would expect on a Saturday night. Gemma and I sit in the bar while we wait for a lane to come free. Over drinks, she goes over the basics of the game for me and once we get a lane, true to her word she teaches me how to play. She demonstrates the proper technique and when it comes to my turn to try, she checks my stance and adjusts my positioning, each touch of her hands causing a thrill of energy to surge through me. My first attempts are pretty disastrous, both of us laughing at my failed efforts, but with further guidance my game is soon improving.

We leave with our arms wrapped around each other’s waists, smiling and chatting. Gemma politely declines my offer to drop her home, saying Jess will pick her up. I can’t change her mind, but I insist on waiting with her until Jess arrives. Gemma’s protests are half hearted and the grin on her face speaks more that words.

When Jess’ car comes into sight, Gemma turns towards me, reaching up she loops her hands behind my neck. “Thank you for a wonderful time tonight.” She says smiling as she looks up at me.

Grinning back, I reply “It’s been great. And thanks for teaching me how to bowl.”

She giggles, rising herself up on tiptoe, while her hands encourage me down towards her smiling lips. “I had fun.” She says, in barely more than a whisper before her lips lightly touch mine. I slip my hands down to hold her waist, savouring the feel and taste of her lips. I feel her hands pull me in, our lips pressing more closely together. I barely withhold an excited gasp, our bodies close, our lips joined, as I experience emotions that I haven’t felt for a long time.

We are equally reluctant for our contact to end, but Gemma slowly eases away from me, our touches lingering until only our finger tips remain together. I sigh with disappointment as Gemma turns to walk to the waiting car. Briefly she slows. Looking back over her shoulder she says, smiling “Call me.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I will.” I reply, a broad grin etched across my face. I watch as she slides into Jess’ car, my eyes continue to follow until I’m unable to pick out the tail lights from the rest of the Saturday night traffic. With my hands buried in my pockets I wander to my car, trying to bring order to the multitude of emotions and thoughts threatening to overwhelm me.

As I lay in bed, happy and content, I find myself doing something I haven’t done for many years…thinking about the future.

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