Crystal Lake.

[Anonymous]

Ame and I spend an incredible evening together at the AChat Bar & Grill. I struggle to keep my emotions in check. What is it about this woman? Just being near her makes my heart race. It almost feels like my first schoolboy crush. Whenever we touch it is like a surge of electricity rips through me. The way she coyly turns away, blushing when our eyes meet…does that mean she feels something too? I feel a strong desire for Ame. I want to make her happy, sooth away whatever troubles her soul.

It seems neither of us wants this night to end. Rather than returning straight to the cottage, we take a leisurely stroll along the shore of Crystal Lake. Ame’s fingers softly brush against mine. It is only the lightest of touches, but I feel that surge of energy. I welcome her small hand into mine, our fingers entwining.

Ame pauses, leaning on me while she takes off her shoes. We continue our slow, moonlit stroll, hand in hand. Ame’s shoes gently swinging in her free hand.

The moon is high, a perfect silver disc in the cloudless, night sky, casting its light down on the scene. We stop and look out across the lake. The silvery moonlight strikes the water’s surface sparkling like diamonds. Together, we sigh, enraptured by a sight that seem to have been created for just the two of us.

I glance down at Ame, our eyes meet. Her cheeks redden, for a moment I think she is going to look away, but instead a small smile appears upon her lips. Our eyes only focused on one another. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close to my body, my heart racing. I slowly lower my head, my intention clear. Ame loops arms round my neck, I feel her rising herself onto her toes. Our lips touch softly at first, then our kiss gradually gets deeper and more passionate. The whole time, we are gazing into one another’s eyes.

Our lips part. Ame settles back onto her feet, her hands still looped behind my neck. I slip my hands down her body until they rest upon her hips. Our bodies remain touching, as we stand together in silence. Without any need for words we continue our walk back to the cottage, holding our bodies close, arms around each other’s waist.

When we reach the cottage, Ame enters with me following behind, softly closing the door.

[Anonymous]

Even before the door has closed softly behind me, an excited barking greets us as Max bounds into Ame’s waiting arms. His tail wages excitedly, as he receives a warm hug from Ame, who buries her face in his fur, as she pets him. When Ame lets him go, it’s my turn. I’m rewarded with him voicing his contentment as I vigorously stroke him and scratch behind his ear. Max is clearly eager for all the fuss he can get, maybe in an attempt to make us feel guilty for leaving him alone.

I glance up from Max, to see Ame has seated herself on the sofa, her legs pulled up underneath her. A gently smile upon her sensual lips. I can’t help but stare at her legs, long and lovely, revealed by her short dress riding up. Hot, passionate thoughts run through my mind. A desire to claim her lips. To hold her and never let her go.

A wet kiss from Max, brings me out of my revelry. I feel my face hot, as my eyes linger on Ame. Then I realise she is watching me with her soft hazel eyes. Has she read the passion and longing in my gaze? I turn my eyes to Max, hoping to hide my embarrassment and desire from Ame.

Finally content, Max slips away to his bed, circling several times before laying down, his chin rested on the floor. My offer of a cup of tea is greeted with a smile from Ame, and I leave her comfortably seated on the sofa as I busy myself in the kitchen. As I wait for the kettle to boil, I find myself again looking to Ame. She looks tired. Her head leaning back, causing her hair to cascade over the back of the sofa, her eyes half closed. I want to plant kisses along the elegant lines of her neck and down to…the whistling of the kettle interrupts my thoughts, before they get carried further.

Placing our tea on the table in front of the sofa, I seat myself beside Ame, maybe a little closer than I intended. As I sink into the soft cushions, her body falls against me. She doesn’t pull away to my delight, rather she settles herself more comfortably against me. Her fingers softly stroke the back of my neck, sending an excited tingle down my spine. I fight the urge to steal a kiss from Ame’s lips and I keep my fingers from seeking the zipper at the back of her dress. I begin to think about finding an excuse to take a shower, a cold one. A wild passion grips me whenever I am close to Ame, one I find hard to contain.

Only the occasional word passes between us as we sit together sipping our tea, both content with the quiet, intimacy we are sharing. Ame circles my neck with her arms, snuggling up close, her head resting gently against my chest. I kiss the top of head, nuzzling into her hair, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo.

While I could happily sit with Ame like this for the rest of the night, I know we have some chores to do in the morning. Softly, I say “Hey. It’s time we went to bed?” As soon as the words have left my lips my throat tightens and I feel a sickness in my stomach. I can’t believe I picked my words so carelessly. I brace myself for a slap or an angry reproach. When neither comes, I glance at Ame. Her eyes are closed, her lips slightly parted and the regular rise and fall of her chest tells me she’s fallen asleep. I smile, partly from relief, partly from the vision of the sleeping beauty before me.

Ame looks so peaceful, the idea of waking her pains me. Gently I slide my arm under Ame’s legs and carefully lift her onto my lap.  A brief moment of panic has me wondering if that was such a good idea. I push the thought aside. I carefully stand, with Ame safely in my arms. She murmurs softly and her arms tighten about my neck. For a moment I think I might have woken her, but she quickly settles again against my chest. I carry Ame through to her room, gently laying her on the bed, before trying to arrange the covers without disturbing her.

Looking down on her sleeping form, I realise Ame is still wearing her dress and my mind immediately races to the idea of undressing her. I shut the idea from my mind knowing the last vestiges of my self-control would evaporate should I pursue it. I carefully tuck the bedding around Ame and smile as her snuggles down into them.

I bend down and softly kiss her forehead. “Good night, Ame” I whisper and silently exit her room.

[Amethyst]

As I lay in bed I find myself slowly coming to with the strong smell of bacon and coffee filling my senses .  I stretch my arms and toes and let out a satisfied grunt and suddenly realise I'm still in my dress ,  my thoughts travel back to the previous night and I can't recall much about returning home other than feeling comfortable and closing my eyes.

I pull back the warm blankets and step up onto my feet a sharp pain hits behind my eyes, I decide to head towards the strong smell of fresh coffee, god knows I need some along with a couple of painkillers for my head.  Max is the first to see me his thick fur tail thumping against the ground welcoming me as I enter into the kitchen , I rub the spot behind his ear as he lazily climbs to his feet to greet me licking at my hand.  I see fixx stood with his back to me the radio playing a country song as he sways softly to it cooking bacon and eggs. I want to say good morning but find myself froze with a smile on my face taking in the sight of his well toned physique.

Turning suddenly he is about to say something to Max only to leave himself surprised to see me stood there. I smile and I'm sure I'm blushing as I feel my face flush with heat.  I grab for the back of a chair and sit myself at the table hoping the throbbing in my head will subside.  Fixx greets me with a smile and asks me how I feel and judging by his words I think I must look a little rough today.

I try to speak but instead some low groan leaves my lips.  “Here” , Fix says , ” Eat this you'll feel much better after a good hearty breakfast in you”, He sets down a plate in front on me with Bacon, eggs and a little tomato,  the smell of bacon makes my stomach turn , I push the plate away a little “urghhhh thanks but I really don't think I can eat anything just yet Fixx , I feel sick and my head feels like it's about to explode” , My voice is a little rough , hoarse,  and as I wince and crunch my eyes together Fixx places a steaming hot mug of coffee in front of me. How can he be so untouched by last nights drinks , he looks fresh and ready to face anything that the day may throw in his path. I on the other hand feel like I need to curl up on the sofa and nurse my hangover away. I look up and nod a thank you for the coffee and his eyes smile back at me . I am certain he is mocking my infliction as he grins when I rest my head in my hands.

Fixx takes a seat opposite me at the table a mug in one hand and triangle of toast in the other and as I watch him butter his toast my stomach again flips, oh god I think I'm going to be sick,  I rush from the table to the bathroom closing the door behind me.

A few moments pass and after giving my stomach the satisfaction of emptying of its contents I brush my teeth.  Taking some painkillers from the cabinet on the wall I pour myself a cold glass of water and turn on the shower.  I peel myself from my dress and underwear and step into the soothing warmth of the water my intention to prepare for the day ahead.

(to be continued very shortly)

[Covems]

Dinner?

[Brandybee]

Love to.

[Covems]

starters
smoked oysters

mojito

[Covems]

Autumn at The Cove

[Covems]

Slowly driving the Dodge through the woods, singing along with Kathy Mattea, while Listen To The Radio plays on (what else?) the radio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCyyHjx3XYg

A sense of melancholy and nostalga wash over me as I begin to recongize trailmarks.  The road is overgrown, showing no signs of recent use, but it is still there to be followed.  I give the truck a little gas…

As the pickup climbs the last ridge, I spot the cabin and lean forward on the steering wheel to get a better look.  At first glance, it appears to be a little weather worn and the grounds are overgrown.  I can see one of the second floor shutters has come loose, but other than that, the place is still standing.  “Probably gonna need a good scrubbing” I ponder, “inside and out.”

I slowly pull up to the front, put the truck in park and shut the engine down.  Stepping on the parking brake as I open the door, I feel a slight pang.  A bit of guilt perhaps?  With that feeling fading, I step out of the cab, leaving the door open and stretch out some of the kinks from the long drive.  “It's not the years Marilyn,” I say out loud, thinking of the line from Indiana Jones, “it's the mileage.”

“Miss Lilly”, I announce, with a sweep of my hand, motioning for her to exit the truck, “we're here.”  Miss Lilly gives me a look that says I disturbed her slumber, yawns once, stretches out a long stretch.  Then at her leisure, she gets up and steps across the seat, stretches again and hops out onto the ground.  I shut the door behind her.  She seems nervous with the new surroundings and all, but quickly her tail goes up and the orange cat brushes up against my legs.

Its quiet here, almost too quiet.  I can hear every step I take as my boot heels trod the hard turf and there is some crunching underfoot.  The water on the lake shore is lapping with a soft sound to it.  There are a few ducks sitting motionless about 10 feet off shore, close to the cattails.  They pay me no heed.

Moving around the front of the truck with Miss Lilly in close pursuit, I notice the mat is missing from the front door and I suspect there may be other things missing as well.  I look around and see that all the shutters are closed, and I remark to myself about having had the good sense to do that when I closed the place up.

With Miss Lilly still close by, I continue my inspection of the exterior, walking around the cabin.  “Could use a spot of paint here and there and the chinking needs some attention”, I mumble to the cat, “but not too bad.  Nope… not too bad at all.”

Reaching the back door, I try the knob.  Its locked and I realize I had left the keys in the glovebox of the truck.  Trying to save myself a trip, I feel around on top of the window casing, my fingers touch a little finishing nail.  Then… success!  The key is still there.

Using the key to unlock the back door, I then slip it into my jeans pocket and turn the knob.  I have to give a little extra effort to get the knob to turn, but it does and the door slowly creaks open.  Miss Lilly, always wanting to be first, scoots quickly through the doorway.  It smells unused inside… that dry, dusty smell.  The light from the doorway illuminates the interior and makes the cat's shadow on the floor look long and mishapen. 

I turn into the kitchen and open the back windows.  Unlatching the shutters, I push them open, letting in more of the natural light.  Looking out, I can see that the corral is overgrown, and it looks as if the stable has sustained some damage.  Raising the storm windows, I pull the screens up from their bottom rollers and listen for the latches to click into place.  As I am setting the windows open and screens up on the side of the kitchen I look in the direction of The Bee Hive, spotting the very top of the chimney over the trees… all seems quiet over there as well. Miss Lilly nudges my hand while joining me to look out the window.

“This window,” I say to her, “will be a nice spot for an orange cat when the sun is coming up.”

I run a finger along the counter, making a trail in the dust that has settled there.  I swirl circles around the cat footie prints, then I move to the main room and tend to the windows there.  One screen gives me a bit of trouble, but through gentle persuasion I manage to get it up and latched into place.  “Gonna need a little oil,” I think. 

Looking about, the magic sofa is askew and looks as though it could use some attention.  The chair is pushed on its side, and the wardrobe doors are open, revealing it to be empty, with the exception of a few hangers.  The rug is still here, not looking any worse for the time.  I think about needing to sweep the chimney before I light any fires in the fireplaces.

“Don't want to roast any critters.” I say to Miss Lilly.

Moving towards the front door, I suddenly remember the noose trap.  Carefully pressing the trigger board with my toe, I feel it move and realizing that there is some resistance, I know the trap is set.  “Those buggers”, I say to the cat.  “Leave to them to have set the trap.”

I disarm the contraption, secure the trigger board, and then unlock the door.  Once opened, I unhook the storm door so it too, will open.  I see that the screen door has a gash in the upper screen, and the closure spring is just dangling there.  It will need a new hook to function properly, but for now, I leave it open.  “I may have to go into town for some things.” I say to myself.

I make my way outside to the pickup, and open the back door of the crew cab.  I retrieve my bedroll, and a sack that contains my cup, coffee pot and a box of coffee pads.  Next I move to the back of the truck, open the cap and drop the tailgate to get the cooler out of the bed. Placing the bedroll and sack on the cooler, I pick up the stacked things and carry them to the cabin.  The quietness of the surroundings makes the noise of the swishing ice seem exceptionally loud.  I place the cooler on the kitchen table.  Then I take the sack off the top and put that on the counter.  The tin cup and pot make a clinking sound as the contents of the bag settle. 

Then I grab the bedroll and go upstairs, with Miss Lilly leading the way, of course.  The third step still has that squeak and I think about all the times that squeak had given someone away as they tried to sneak up the steps.  The thought of that makes me smile.

The bed is still there, covered with just a sheet, no pillows are about.  The bathroom looks okay, I'll find out more in the morning when I turn the water back on.  I make a mental note to call the electric company tomorrow and get the power turned back on, but for tonight it will be lanterns, bottled water for coffee and the chorus of crickets and bullfrogs for entertainment.

I open the upstairs windows, then go out on the balcony to secure the shutters.  Back inside, I pull the sheet from the bed, wad it up and toss it on the floor, against the wall.  Next I open the bedroll and spread the blankets out on the bed.  The orange cat immediately hops on the blankets and begins her pawing motion.  “You're not going to sleep already, are you?” I ask, “You slept almost the entire ride here.”  I go back down to the truck.

Retrieving more supplies from the cab, I get two lanterns, a box of matches, and another gunny sack.  The light is starting to fade as I make my way back into the cabin.  I take the two lanterns inside, placing one on the kitchen counter and the other on the table next to the magic sofa.

Keeping the box of matches, I head for the truck again and get a folding chair out of the bed, closing the tailgate and cap flap.  I take the chair to the old fire pit and open it, I manage to find enough kindling and dry wood to get a decent fire going.  Then it's back inside to fill the coffee pot with bottled water from the cooler… I stuff in 3 coffee pads.

Miss Lilly hops up onto the counter and bumps my hand with her head.  “I bet you're wanting some grub, ain't ya?” I ask her.  Opening the gunny sack, I fish out the doubled cat dish, fill the water side and she's already trying to get a drink before I get it on the counter.  Next I dig out the box of cat food, and fill the food side of the dish.  Miss Lilly begins to munch away, lifting her head to look at me as if to say “It's about time.”  A piece of food drops from her mouth while she's chewing.

I grab my tin cup, the filled coffee pot and go back to the fire.  On my way back I was lucky enough to find three flat rocks to use as a trivet.  Placing them in the fire, I set the coffee pot on top of my improvised stand.

I go back to the cabin to close the screen door.  As I start to push the screen door closed, Miss Lilly makes an appearance and meow's once at me.

“Well, come on,” I say, holding the door open for her, “How was dinner by the way?” I ask as the orange tail scoots by. 

Then I push the door shut until it latches. I finger the gash and determine that the entire screen will need to be replaced.  While passing by the truck I get my pack of cigars from the glove box, and my rifle from the back of the cab then make my way to the fire.  Its dark now and the bullfrogs are in fine voice, as the orchestra of crickets and katydids play their symphony behind me.

Leaning the rifle on a piece of log behind me, I sit back in the chair, push my hat to the back of my head with a finger and light up a smoke, taking a long drag I blow a few smoke rings as I think back to fireworks being set off from the other side of the lake.  Not too much time passes and I hear a hiss come from the fire.

“One boil.”  I say to Miss Lilly while moving the rifle a bit closer to me, so as to have it within easy reach.  “One more and there will be coffee.”  Finally, the second boil happens, and reaching in to the fire, using my bandana as a pot holder, taking the pot, I then pour myself a nice, hot cup of coffee and place the pot back near the fire.  The tin cup is hot from the coffee, but soon the rim cools enough for a sip.  A small “ahhhh” escapes my lips as the flavor of the coffee washes over my pallet.

“It's a nice soft night, with enough of a breeze to keep the 'no-see-ums' away.” I think as I take another sip of coffee and a long drag from the macanudo, puffing the smoke out slowly, ignoring all the thoughts in my mind on what needs to be done.  While gazing out across the lake, I stretch out my legs a little, cross my boot clad feet, and settle back in the chair.  I hear a soft cry next to me, and upon looking down, I see Miss Lilly is looking up at me.  Actually, she's staring at me, and… she talking to me in cat speak. “Meowr, mer, mewr, grrr, meow.”

“What is wrong with me?  How the hell could I be so damned forgetful?  Please your Higness, forgive me.”  I ask her.  Setting my cup and cigar down on a rock near the fire, I hop up from the chair.  Miss Lilly doesn't budge, but keeps her eyes on me, watching my every move.

I hustle over to the truck and get the little folding table from the back, then I get the folded afghan from the front seat.  Back at the fire, I open the table, secure the top, then set it next to my chair.  I place the still folded afghan on top.  Miss Lilly immediately leaps onto the afghan and settles down to take a cat bath.  One of her back legs goes straight up into the air as she begins to lick her nether regions.

“That's not very lady like,” I remark. Then I ask, “Happy now?” while sitting back down into my chair. 

Once again, I stretch out my legs and cross my feet.  Reaching down to pick up the coffe pot and pour a little more coffee into the tin cup.  Then I pick up the cigar, and give a couple of quick puffs to get it going again.  I take a long drag.

Miss Lilly finally settles down, lets out a big yawn and I say to her, “I swear, one of these times you're gonna turn your head inside out.”

She just glances at me, curls up on her afghan and then shuts her eyes.  I lean back, close my eyes and listen to the sounds of nature and the crackling fire while I savor my coffee and cigar.  Feeling quite comfortable I say, “Miss Lilly… we'll unload the truck tomorrow.”

[Covems]

My eyes pop open and I look about.  I had dozed off a little, and my cup had dropped to the ground.  I looked at Miss Lilly and noticed her staring out across the lake.  Her ears twitched the way cat's ears do when they are picking up a sound.

I reached down and picked up my cigar, brushed off the dirt and re-lit it.  That's when I heard it.  A peculiar sound… like a voice on the wind…  raising in pitch, then lowering.  I was sure there were words, but they were difficult to make out.

Miss Lilly shifted her position on the afghan, sitting up now to listen.  It sounded as though the voice was getting closer… then I heard the rhythm of the voice… it was singing. 

“Heigh-ho, heigh-ho”

I know that voice.  I know I know that voice, but I can't remember who it is.

“Heigh-ho, heigh-ho”.  It is getting louder.  Not as loud as shouting, but loud enough to hear.

Miss Lilly is staring.  She has pin pointed the sound, much better than I could do.  She shifts again, her right ear turning my way as I move in the chair, taking another puff on the cigar.

“Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, across the lake we go.  We like to laugh when we're on our raft. Heigh-ho, heigh-ho.”

I can see them now.  Seven small figures in the moonlight,  on what looks like a raft of logs lashed together.  The singing stops as they float across, heading towards the Bee Hive.  Two of the figures are using what appears to be canoe paddles.

The raft pulls up to the shore line, and two of the small figures hop out, moving about as they secure the raft.  The rest of the figures disembark one by one.  They form a single line as they head up the walk to the Bee Hive.

“I know those folk, Miss Lilly.” I whisper to the cat, who is now licking one of her front paws.  I take another puff on the cigar and using the long stick I found, I poke the embers of the fire, which has died down to a low glow.  Pushing the ashes and hot coals closer together, a small flame jumps to life.  I toss on a couple of small pieces of wood and watch as the small flame catches the dry kindling… the fire begins to grow.

[Vaughan]

Percy the Pelican was honking for his morning food. 
“Percy, go away, It’s far too early!”  I hid my head under my pillow but he wasn’t going to give up easily.

The pelican flew down onto the deck of my boathouse and began to pitta patter up and down banging on the patio type doors to my bedroom.
“Damn bird!” I muttered and flung off my bedclothes.

I pulled on some tracky bottoms and headed to the bathroom.
Percy was still there watching me when I returned.

I opened the door for him and headed to the breakfast bar in my kitchen. He waddled in leisurely, smugly silent for now.
I filled up my kettle, switched it on and opened a tin of tuna for my self-invited guest.

I tipped it onto a flat dish, placed it on the counter and walked out to my stand-alone post box outside my houseboat.

There was an envelope addressed to me.  It was intriguing as I had received a similar one once before. 
It was exactly what I had hoped.

I returned to my kitchen to see that Percy was already hopped on the top, feeding.
I poured myself a coffee and opened the envelope.

It was an invite, telling me the date and time of a unique masked party at The Ice House.  That the dress was formal and I had to wear a mask to hide my identity. Also contained in the envelope, was a reference number I was to tie onto my left wrist.
On arrival at the reception area situated in the garden of the AB&G, I was to locate and find my partner for the evening. My partner could be identified as he or she would also have the same reference number as I attached to their left wrist.
Once paired, the couple were then to make their way along the driveway to the location of the party – The Ice House.
All guests would be masked and no one was to be identified. Any enquiries to do so would result in the invite being rescinded to this and any other future events.

The number I had been given was 3 numbers and written in fancy writing on blue card. It had navy blue silk ribbons on each end for attaching round my wrist. The number made me smile.

“Well Percy, this should be interesting. I can’t wait to experience such an intriguing evening.”

[Author]

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