| Moonlight Madness Taking brittle breaths as I tromped up the slope toward the singular light, I believe I began to hallucinate. Perhaps it was the altitude, or my lack of air from the long trek, maybe even the dark. But, as the shadows fell over the moonlit washed crisp snow I could have sworn I faintly heard the familiar piano strains of some off hand piece of Chopin I recognized carried on the wind. Dismissing this as delusion and chalking it up to my hunger I pressed forward. Long ago the cold had settled under my coat and began seeping into my very bones. To me, I wasn't a very 'woodsy' person, but, I did know that if I did not find shelter soon I would most certainly freeze. Already edged on by the thought of frostbite and my loss of blood I quickened my pace. The snow swirled around and up everytime the wind would blow, picking it up off the ground to assult my face. Desperately I scrabbled up the mountainside towards my only salvation. I hadn't even strength enough to yell out my distress. Tired, so tired. My vision blurred. My head buzzed. Blood pounded in my ears. Dim and fuzzy I still oriented on my goal. So hard to keep focused. Not long now, no, not long. I can just make out the shape of a snug log cabin tucked in the woods, a single pinpoint of light escaping its cocoon of cedars. This had been what drew me up and out of that frozen ditch where my long cherished black '68 mustang now lay. This was what lead me forth seeking civilization of some minute matter to assist me. I knew I needed a doctor. I had lost too much blood not to be worried. I also knew that if I had stayed in said ditch by the time anyone would find me it would be too late and I would have either bled to death or frozen to death, which ever came first. How much further? How far had I come? Stopping momentarily to catch a rare breath and tighten the scarf wound around my head, I looked back to the way I had just come from. Eerily the snow settled and the moon peeked out from behind the clouds. I could clearly see the path I had made as I had struggled up the mountain face thus far. Oh God. No, that couldn't be. Could it? But it looks like it. But I did not see any injuries on my legs. Dear God was my head bleeding that badly that I had left a trail of blood? It must be, for there on the crust of the recently distrubed snow were dark smudges of crimson so unmistakable, so haunting. No, I won't let this daunt me. I know there is someone there, just beyond that ridge. Warm and toasty in that cabin. They will help me get to a doctor, perhaps they are even a doctor themselves. Oh wouldn't that be lovely? Yes. I must press forward. I must. I want to live. I will live damnit! I won't let some country bumpkin - speedracer wannabe - who doesn't bother to stop when they cause an accident - off me! No damnit! I'm gonna live just so I can find that asshole and sue him and his next four generations for every penny they have! 'calm down woman, your getting yourself so worked up you're gonna make yourself pass out! onward and upward!' My but I'm tired. I must rest, wait no, if I rest, I may not get back up. No, must press on. Slowly, steadily, I traverse the ledges of the gentle slope, hauling myself forward with the scrub brush. Now I'm nearly crawling. The snow so brutally cold on my hands and knees. I'm crawling now aren't I? I must do whatever it takes. Thank the Lord, only a few hundred feet left. Only a few hundred feet between me and that big beautiful glass door! I can just see myself knocking on that door and being greeted by a friendly elderly couple still spry and full of life and kindness. He, a retired doctor who would heal my gashed head, and she, a lovely woman who would bring me hot chocolate and warm chicken soup, with freshly baked cookies! Yes, they would be my salvation and I would be saved from the bitter cold. Or so I thought before everything fuzzed out of focus and with a sickening snap - all went black. My Salvation The night was cruely cold and thus that was what had brought him out of his warm haven. Not used to the frigidly drastic temperature changes in the northern nights he had misgaged the amount of needed firewood for the night. Now bundled up, he alone, braved the whipping wind in the crackelingly cold dark for more. Great hulking strides swiftly brought him to the woodpile not far from the ornate glass door overlooking the southern slope of the mountain. Intent on making this the quickest trip possible he did not hesitate to load his massive arms. That was when he heard it. The sound of a soft wimpering sigh and gentle crunch of snow being depressed by more mass than that of a foot fall. Turning his head toward the sound, he held his breath to try to hear more while he let his eyes adjust to the peculiar shapes morphing in the moonlight showering the snow stretched across the ground. There, in a little heap, lay what was asuredly a body. "Hello?" he rumbled. No answer. Heaving his partial armload aside he ran to the crumpled body to lend assistance. 'So tiny,' he thought. At first he had a passing notion it may be a child. But, quickly he realized as he turned over the body, that it was that of a petite woman with a bloodied face and clothes. He shrugged out of his jacket and gingerly wrapped her in it. Quickly he scooped her up and carried her into the cabin, being met with a very curious Maggie. He directly brought her up to the loft so as to be closer to the bathroom. He thought it best to lay her in a more comfortable place than the couch and he knew she would be needing the extra warmth of the electric blanket. Without haste he quickly stripped her head of the ragged blood soaked scarf. In the clear light he could see that she had a gash on her forhead above her temple. She had been lucky it wasn't lower. Taking note that it had nearly stopped bleeding he softly lay the scarf back over her wound and scurried off to the nearby bathroom to retrieve what he would be needing to fix her up. Entering the bedroom once again with hands full he proceeded to strip her of her dirty, wet clothing and wound dressing. Gently he washed the blood from her and carefuly cleaned the wound. Patting her dry and slipping her into one of his flannel shirts and a pair of sox he bundled her up in the flannel sheets, electric blanket, several quilts, even the afghan from the chair by the window just for good measure. Once he was satisfied that she would again warm up he began to attend to the nasty gaping slit that he was sure was the cause of all this fuss. After fetching some fresh water he again cleaned the wound more thouroghly this time, patted it dry, applied some neosporin and two butterfly bandages, then topped it off with a clean dressing to keep out the grime. Satisfied with his work he checked her for a fevor and finding none he sent a prayer and thanks for this woman. Gathering his supplies and her soiled clothes, he trotted back, once again, to the bathroom to deposit them and set her clothes to soak. Upon returning to the bedside he sat his bulking mass on the foot and pulled out his cell phone. After two quick calls to his own doctor and his familial home he was rest asured that she would pull through quickly none the worse for the wear, but, it would be best not to disturb her for the time being. His brothers would have to take that meeting in a couple of days without him and it may just be possible he would not be making it home for christmas this year. He knew his mother and the little ones would be heartbroken, but it was now out of his hands. God had seen fit to charge him with the care of this woman and he would do everything to see to it that she was taken care of properly until such time she would no longer have need of him. They understood and all was smoothed over quickly. Seeing that she was comfortable and there was nothing more to be done for her other than hold a bedside vigil awaiting her to awake, he decided it best to retrieve the forgotten firewood. Stealthly he arose from the large bed and retrieved his discarded jacket from the floor, slipping into it he sauntered down the stairs. Maggie immediately met him at the foot of the stairs with nervous, dancing steps. He soothed her with a scratch and gentle coos. Once again he braved the chilling darkness, this time with a companion, and returned with a massive armload of firewood to go through the night. The wheels in his head began turning and he thought it best if he get yet another armload for later on to save time. With that chore done and the fire stoked and banked for maximum heat, he left Maggie behind and bounded up the stairs to check on his ward. She lay so peaceful it was hard to remember that she was in fact ailing. Satisfied with her condition for the moment and thinking about when she would awake the grandfather clock began to strike. The chimes brought him out of his reviere and he quickly turned his thoughts to the practicality of the here and now. Reluctant to leave her alone for too long he decided to make himself an easy late dinner to quell the rumble in his stomach. Quietly he left her once more, mentaly promising to check on her often, he slipped from the room. Mundane Musings Upon entering into the kitchen, Maggie hot on his heels, he had already made up his mind what he would have and went about preparing dinner. Maggie content for the time being, lay in her bed on the floor and droopy eyed watched her master bustle about the room. Reaching over the butchers block he retrieved a kettle and set it on the stove. Passing through into the pantry he began sifting through the contents of the deep freeze for his desired item. Popping out of the freezer he came up with a tupperware tub clearly labeled and he inwardly smiled and thanked his mom. What would he do without her? Plopping the container into the sink he began to run water over it to thaw it out some, while he returned to the pantry for the remaining ingreedients of tonites repast. Setting his armload of supplies on the counter he returned to the sink and shut off the water. Popping open the tub, he ran a knife along the edges to loosen it up some more and brought it to the awaiting kettle. With a loud clanging thud the frozen mass was transfered to the pot on the stove and he put the heat on underneath it. Reaching up he turned on the oven to the proper temperature and returned to the counter. Grabbing a large bowl from the open cupboard he deftly mixed and measured all the proper ingreedients forming his dough. Rummaging the drawer he finally came up with his prize and then began his search for proper sized pans. By now he had begun to get the faintest hints comming from the bubbling kettle on the fire. It made his middle section growl all the more. Fetching a can freom the fridge he popped the top and gulped down the entire contents lickety split. Giving a self satisfying burp he tossed the now empty dr. pepper can into the bin with the rest of them. Turning back to the work at hand he prepared the pans and floured the counters bread board. Upon returning from giving the kettle a quick stir with a large wooden spoon, and breaking up some of the larger fozen chunks, he hefted the bowl of dough and turned it out onto the smoothed out layer of flour. After the four 'dust' had settled he opened his eyes again, wipped his face, and chided himself for making such a mess. He lightly tossed a bit of flour over the dough turnning it on the board to cover the outside. He smoothed another handful over the rolling pin he had searched so diligently through the drawer for. With quick short strokes he worked the dough into a thick flat slab. Not finding a biscuit cutter in the drawer, he used the next best thing - a glass. Gently laying he rounded biscuits in the pan it quickly filled and he popped it into the oven. Careful not to overwork the dough he repeated his previous steps and filled another pan, reworking the final scraps into a large singular disc for Maggie later on. With that done he again stirred the contents of the kettle that now had filled the cabin with its savory aroma. His mouth watered in anticipation. He set about cleaning up the mess he made on the counter and himself, taking no notice of Maggie raising her head from the soft cushion. Silently she cocked her head and turned her muzzle in the direction of the staircase in the great room. He busied himself with tidying up the kitchen and replacing the pantry items. Maggie left her bed and trotted off. Arms full, he entered the pantry and began replacing all the ingreedients he had been using, when he heard Maggie give a yelping bark. Dropping everything, he sprang from the kitchen into the ghreat room where he was greeted by Maggie headed up the stairs. "Good girl. Stay." Reluctantly she retreated to sit by the fireplace waiting for her masters return. He took the staris three at a time to reach her as quickly as possible. Before he even got to the bedside he could hear her low moans of pain. 'Well, at least she's waking up,' he thought. As gently as he could he sat on the edge of the bed and smoothed back her hair over her creased brow as she was pulled from her slumber. Before long she stirred enough so as to open her eyes. He caught her gaze and was met with a stunning kaleideoscope of colors in wide hazel eyes. "Don't try to get up, rest for now." |
| Meet the Mountain Man I opened my eyes and was met by a blonde furry faced mountain of a man with warm brown eyes that held a touch of a champagen sparkle to them. His deep voice rumbled to me not to move. I thought it best to do as this stranger had instructed. Not that I could have done otherwise mind you... but still. "Where am I?" I groggily whispered in a hoarse voice. "Safe." he soothed me. His large hand felt my forhead and pushed my hair from my face gently. Somehow, I trusted him. Though I knew he could snap me like a twig if he so desired, I knew he would never harm me. After all, he had rescued me from the brink of certain death. I had him to thank for my very life. This was my savior. So he wasn't some kindly elderly couple like I had envisioned, I think I liked reality better anyhow. I opened my mouth to speak again, all that escaped was a crack of my voice. "Hang on." he softly said. He rose from the bed and was gone. My head pounding, my whole body aching so much I could not move, yet still my stomach grumbled... I'm glad he wasn't here to hear that. That would be slightly embarrasing infront of a stranger. He soon returned with a glass of water and a straw in one hand and held his other in a fist at chest height. Damn he was tall. He sat again on the edge of the bed as he placed the glass and what looked like two motrin on the bedside table. "Here, let me help you sit up - slowly though, I think you lost a lot of blood." He reached his hulking arms around me and pulled me into a semi reclining-half sitting position with several pillows propping me up. This was when I first noticed I was wearing nothing more than sox and an extremly large shirt. 'oh my God,' I thought to myself. 'he has more than seen me naked!' I blushed furiously and he mistook my embarrassment for distress. "I'm sorry, am I hurting you?" "No, no, thankyou." I said trying not to meet his eyes. "And please thank your wife as well." I said hoping for a better scenario to avert my embarrasment but yet still hoping this handsome stranger single as I chided myself for thinking of my own selfish needs. "Oh, well I'm not married, but you're quite welcome. After all I wasn't going to just leave you in the snow after I had been lucky enough to find you." "It's I who is the lucky one." I croaked. At that he handed me two tiny pills and held the glass up placing he straw to my lips. I swallowed the pills and drank greedily to quench my burning thirst until I noticed I had both my hands placed over his one, holding the glass. Another flush came to my cheeks as I took a deep breath and turned my head trying to escape those earnest eyes again. "Bit better now?" "yes, thank you." I breathed deeply taking in an intoxicating mix of aromas but that which stood out to me the most was that of delicious smelling beef stew it seemed. "Hungry? It's ready now. If you think you can, I think it would be a good idea if you tried to eat some to gain your strength." His deep voice was quietly gentle and full of concearn. "I'll try." I managed to whisper out. He rose from the bed and in three long strides he was at the top of the staircase in what I now saw was a loft in the log cabin. He turned to me with a hint of a smile, more in his eyes than anywhere else, "Be right back." With that I watched him descend the stairs, a cascade of blonde swinging back and forth over his broad shoulders and falling half way down his back. 'maybe it wasn't such a bad thing if he saw me naked,' I chuckled to myself. I lay back against the pillows and tenatively felt the lump on my forhead. My fingers came in contact with a gauzy dressing and the tell tale outline of butterfly stitches underneath. Heaving a great sigh and thanking the Lord, I closed my eyes. Mmm Beef Stew, Who are You? The next thing I knew there was a calloused hand running over my forhead and cheek pushing my hair out of my face and over my shoulders. "Hey, I bought you something, I want you to try to eat as much as you can." This man was so gentle, he used a tone that was normaly reserved for children in most adults. Rubbing my eyes I attempted to sit up a bit more as he carefully placed a bed tray infront of me with a steaming bowl of thick rich beef stew, two buttered piping hot biscuits, a big slab of chocolate cake with thick coconut frosting, and a large glass of milk so cold the condensation ran dwon the side of the glass. He took the straw from my water glass and placed it into my milk and lay a dish towel over my lap. I looked upon it hungrily, but knew no matter how hungry I was I would never be able to eat all that was laid in front of me. "Thank you so much," I said, "but really, I won't ever be able to eat all of this." He retreated to a nearby chair next to a window, the sill laden with an equally, if not more impressive, amount of food. "Thant's ok, what you don't eat I'm sure Maggie would love to." "Maggie?" I questioned knowing full well he had said he was not married. Perhaps he only had a girlfriend. But then again, if he did why would she want to eat after a stranger and why would she not have some of her own? "I don't want to be taking anybodies dinner from them." I said earnestly. "Oh, no." he said with a deep toned chuckle. "Maggie is my black lab." "Oh!" I said with a giggle. 'well that certainly cleared that up but now I really look foolish.' I thought bemusedly. "Dig in," he coaxed, "my mom made this last spring when we visited here last." Refering to the stew I assumed, he began to eat in earnest. This was a man with an appetite! I smiled towards him as I said a silent prayer over my food. I broke apart one of the bisquits and dipped it into the stew. Oh it was mouth wateringly delicious! Whoever this mans mother was she knew how to cook! But then again that was obvious from all the practise she had to have had judging by how much he ate. "So, I take it you don't live here?" I questioned. "Yeah, this cabin belongs to a family friend. I was just watching the place for him while he tended to some bussiness and it sorta gave me a bit of a break from work too, know what I mean...?" he trailed off questioningly as he looked my way. "Oh, God!" I said, "how rude of me! My name is Azure, Azure Benning." I offered, "sorry 'bout that..." I returned the favor. He grinned broadly and tossed out, "You can call me Zac." "Ok then, Zac." I said wondering why he had failed to fill in his last name, but who was I to look down on all he had already done for me? He would tell me in due time would he not? "Could I ask a few stupid questions?" "Sure, shoot." He offered. "Thanks. Firstly - what day is it?" I asked hoping he wouldn't think me a lunatic. Stifling a chuckle he answered, "It's still thursday, you have only been out cold for a few hours, thank God." "Oh good." I sighed. "Can I take a turn at that?" He asked jokingly. "But of course kind sir!" I joshed right back. After a short chuckle he looked to me abruptly serious. "What happened?" "Oh," I softly spoke at first, my voice rising with each event as my saga unfolded. "I had a car accident. I was comming back from my parents house and on my way back home some idiot asshole came barrelassing around a blind corner in the middle of the fucking road! I swerved just in time or else we would have collided but lost it when I hit some ice and creamed through the snowbank, into the ditch, hitting my head on the steering wheel. I'm just grateful I had been wearing my seatbelt or else I may have gone throught the windshield." "Whoa." he said in bewilderment. "Yeah." I softly retorted. What else was there to say to that? "So, you climbed up here from the dirt road directly below?" he asked. "Climbed some and crawled the rest." I said "Well all that matters is that you're safe now." "Yes, and I have you to thank for that. I can never repay that debt." An odd look washed over his face and he was momentarily lost in his own world. Just as soon as it appeared he quickly snapped out of it though. "Well," he offered, "are you sure you can't eat any more?" Indicating my partially eaten meal infront of me. "Heavens no! I'm stuffed to the rafters." I smirked. "Well you don't eat enough to say so." He grinned back. "Not all of us are the size of mountains and hence require enough food to feed an army." I laughed. "Hey," he shook with mirth, "I'm a growing boy!" "And how many more years will it take for yo to grow out of being a boy?" I threw. "Oh give or take, 40 to 60." he shot back. "I see.." I trailed but he picked up... "Said the blind man as he spit into the wind it all comes back to me now." He quoted dramaticly. I laughed at that... he was fun. I liked him. "Question two?" I began as he cleared away the tray and his own now empty dishes. "Yes?" he prompted. "Do you have a phone I could use tomarrow to call a tow truck, check in with my parents, and ask the neighbor to tend the animals in my abscence?" I querried hopefully. "You can do that now if you want to." He replied taking a cell phone from his pocket. "Oh, not now thanks. It would be pointless until morning, but again thank you a million times over." I gushed. "Suit yourself." he shrugged, tucking his phone back into his pocket. He picked up the tray and headed for the staris. "I'll be right back." "Ok." I toned. Once again he left me alone and once again I settled back against the sweet smelling pillows. Pillows that smelled like him. Oh, this must be his bed, but where will he sleep? I pondered. Meeting Maggie Before long my ears were greeted with an unfamiliar shound accompaning his tell tale thudding gate up the stairs. "I hope you don't mind," he inquired, "Maggie would not take no for an answer and wouldn't rest until she saw you were ok." A beautiful large black lab cautiously inched forward. "You said you have animals of your own so I took the liberty of granting her special permission just to see that you were in fact all right." "Oh yes, that is more than all right." I smiled reasuringly. "Here girl, here Maggie!" I softly called to the dog as I patted the bed entreating her to come to me. She approached me trepidatiously and I put my hand down for her to sniff. Slowly she eased to my prescence and before too long she had granted me permission to enter her world by a friendly lick on the back of my wrist. "What a good girl." I intoned as I scratched her behind the ears. Seeing the dog and I bond so quickly Zac took this as a cue for it to be all right to approach. He aimiably sat on the bed and he too laid a hand on her scruff to scratch. I cooed to her, "So girl you were worried about a stranger? What a compassionate dog you are, you must have a very doting master Maggie." If not for all that hair on his face, I could have sworn I saw a slight blush behind his beard. Hearing her name she wagged her ail even harder as she placed both front paws on his lap and tried to lick his face. "No, no you don't, enough of that now you sappy puppy." He chuckled deep in his throat. "Ok, off with you now." He directed a meaty finger towards the stair. She gave me a hopeful glance and I shrugged at her, "You better do what he says girl, bu I'm pretty sure you're gonna get some pretty damned tasty bisquits and stew tonight if you do." I offered her. Head hung low she eased back down the stairway. "Poor dear." I giggled. "She's a good dog." he intoned. "She isn't usually allowed up here, but I thought this exception was in order. If I hadn't she never would have settled down for the night. It was she that alerted me when you woke." He let me know. I wistfully looked towards the stair where moments ago she had given one last fleeting entreaty to stay. I sighed as I spoke, "My but she is a good dog. She remins me of Shadow a lot." "Shadow?" He asked quizicaly looking at me. "She was a black lab I had had since she was a puppy but I lost her last fall." "I"m sorry, may I ask what happened to her?" He gently pried. "Actually, I don't really know." I said shaking my head. "I let her out one morning and she ran off to the woods as she usually did. She didn't come back that night but I wasn't too worried for it was not the first time she had done that. But, when three days had passed I was beyond worried, I knew I had lost her then. We searched everwhere and asked everyone. She was never found." "I'm sorry," he spoke softly a she laid a hand on my arm. "I didn't mean to dredge up painful memories." "No, no that's ok, I just really miss having a dog and she was the best one I could have ever have had." I reassured as I wiped the mist from my eyes. "I know I'm just a big sap but I get so attatched and it never fails to hurt when I loose them. I live through it knowing life is just that way and I am nobody to question why, just do my best to make it as enjoyable as possible." "Well that is a good attitude to have." he spoke as he patted my arm. "Well, let me see what I can find for you so you can get ready for bed, I'm sure you must be tired and I know you need your rest to recouperate." He rose from the bed and shuffled off down the stairs. I sat there beaming crimson realizing once again that he had seen me naked and even washed off most of the blood and redressed me in what appeared to be a shirt and sox of his own. 'well this is awkward' I mused. |
| Me Soon enough, he returned with a basket, of all things, slung over his arm. He smiled looking like a twisted fairytale role switch in little red riding hood. He entered a door to the right and flipped a switch to light what was apparently the bathroom. I could hear him shuffle about in there for a few minutes before he returned once again. With a smooth smile directed toward me he said, "I think it would be best if you take a shower tonight and get to bed so you don't tire too quickly. Tomarrow you will probably want to take a long bath to soothe your muscles. That's what I do. It never fails to help." I blushed furiously with the picture of him in a tub. That was one thing I would pay to see. This divine specimen of a man was so oblivious to his masculine beauty it just served to make him even more attractive. Helpless to speak I just nodded in aquiescence. "Now, let me help you gain your bearings then I'm sure once you make it to the doorway you can take it from there, but remember, give me a holler if you need me, I will be right out here." He orated as he came to the bedside and bent to lend me a supportive arm. Arm? It was more like a hardwood treetrunk! I siddled over to the edge of the bed and tossed back the covers once I had made sure I was decently covered. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and shakily stood. As my woozy head cleared, he held me up and I held on to him for dear life. When the rubber of my knees vulcanized I regained my stance. "Ok now?" he whispered. Not that I wanted this heavenly creature to let go of me anytime soon, but, I really did have to pee like a rushing race horse. I nodded my okay and we began a slow pace towards the open bathroom door. I gave him my most grateful smile, "Thanks." "Anytime." he beamed back as I reluctantly let go his python bicep and closed the door behind me. Upon entering the bathroom I made a bee line to relieve myself. Now when I say beeline, I mean it took me under ten minutes to reach my destination. As I struggled with my sore limbs to stand once again so as to step into the shower I took notice of my environment. A pan on the floor was filled with sudsy water and what appeared to be my own blood stained clothes. 'so thoughtful.' Laid out on the bench of the vanity was apparently another outfit identical to the one I wore now. 'well so much for variety and modesty.' I thought as I now longed for my underware. On the sink counter in the basket were a few towels, a wash cloth, small sized soap and shampoo, travel toothbrush and paste - even a tiny bottle of lotion. 'apparently someone has stayed in one too many a hotel.' I chuckled to myself. I turned on the water in the shower and adjusted the temperature. Stripping down was quick and nearly painless. I took a long, slow, hot shower as thoughts of what had happened to me today washed over me as well. Before I began to doze off I dicided I should get back to bed soon. I shut off the water and wrapped a towel around my shivering body, rubbing my long hair with another. I gingerly avoided the area nearest my now soggy bandage. As usual, while I brushed my teeth I stared at myself in the mirror thinking perhaps I should dye my curly auborn hair black or blue ofr a dramatic change. After I rinsed the sink of toothpaste I ever so gently tore off the gauze covering my dented head and threw it away. Patting dry my forhead I examined my wound. 'well that doesn't look so bad. I guess I'm just a bleeder.' Dropping all the used laundry into the nearby hamper. I popped open the lotion. True a very generic lotion, it was certainly not as silky as my lilac, raspberry, or chocolate, but tonite it seemed it came from an expensive spa as I rubbed it into my groaning muscles and roughened raw skin. Feeling at least 75% better I slid into the warm waiting huge flannel shirt and rolled up the cuffs to my wrists. Sitting on the bench I inwardly groaned as I pulled ont the huge sox and let them scrunch down around my ankles. It still looked funny because after all these were crew sox and they fit me like knee highs. But my feet were cold so I didn't care. Normally I would have politely refused to wear them for I never wore sox unless my feet were cold, and that was a rare occasion. Standing again I coaxed a brush through my hair. I was sure it was his, the long blonde hair woven in the bristles was a dead give away. But, it being the only one handy, I was almost certain he would have no objections. Make the Bed but Fix Me Too Finaly ready to once again face the world - I hoped - I opened the door cautiously to behold a sight any woman would drool over. That gorgeous hulking mass of a man was just finnishing making up the bed in fresh linens. He had his back to me so didn't notice me right away and for that I was thankful for it gave me the time to wipe the spittle from my own chin. What mad this a sight was not the act but the man preforming it. He was standing in nothing more than flannel pajama bottoms - that's it, nothing more, as his hair, now in a thick braid down the center of his back, swung to and fro. His huge bare feet firmly planted against the hardwood floor in a wide legged stance, he bent forward to tug the corner of the blanket taught as his back muscles rippled like lapping lake waves. His frame bent even more showing off an exquisitely firm round ass that fingers longed to squeeze, as he reached for the quilt from the floor. Grabbing it in his enormous fist he curled his arm bringing it up with him as he straightened. Grasping the edge he tossed the heavy layered kingsize quilt over the bed and flicked it like it were mosquito netting, spreading it over the large bed in one easy sweep. This forced his biceps into taughtly defined layers looking like tightly woven jungle vines. I swear his arms were bigger than my thighs after thanksgiving. I don't know if it was the trauma, the loss of blood, or the sight of this perfection of man, but I faltered in step. To save myself from going down I quickly grabbed an edge of the dresser causing it to jiggle. This noise caught his attention and quick as a jungle cat he spun around and reached me. "You ok?" he asked genuinely concerned. "Yeah, I think so, long day I guess." I tried to make light. He ignored my off hand remark and in the blink of an eye before I know what was happening, he had picked me up and walked to the opposite side of the bed and placed me on the turned down covers. He lifted my legs then opened the bed, replaced my legs, and covered me propping me up on pillows the same as before. Then all too quickly his warm hard body withdrew from my own gleefuly shocked one. "There," he spoke, "now you stay put, don't you get up unless you ask me to help first, you hear?" he demanded. Speechless I bobbed my head. "Good," he soothed, "now hang tight." He breezed from the room and returned with another basket, this one sans a handle. Sitting it on the bedside table he rummaged around within it until he found what he was looking for. He sat on the edge of the bed next to me and with one gentle touch of his callosed giant hand he lifted my head up and to the sid where he swabbed at my wound. I sucked in a quick breath for it was cold and tingled. "I know, but at least it doesn't sting." he soothed in a hushed tone. Next he dabbed on a bit of salve of some sort. It was hard to believe that those gargantuan rough hewn hands could be so gentle in movement and touch. After screwing the cap back on the salve he wipped his fingers on a tissue and proceeded to prepare a dressing with a piece of gauze and bits of medical tape that he would tear off between his teeth and meaty fingers. Ever so delicately pressing it over the dent in my head he finaly let his hands fall from my face. Tossing all the items back into the basket he rose from beside me. The bed suddenly felt very large and empty. He returned the basket to it's designated place and flipped off the light. Upon re-entering the room he cast me a glance and helf up a forefinger indicating 'one moment' as he ambled down the stairwell once more. At his return he produced two more pills and yet another glass of water. This time he only handed me the glass instead of holding it for me. I was almost sorry for that. Mild Conversation "Now," he began as he settled in the chair by the window, propped his feet up on the foot stool infront of him, and snuggled under a quilt that had previously occupied the bed, "when you're ready, you settle down and turn out the light. Doc Kelly said you shouldn't be left alone." he said as if this were an everyday occurence for him to give up his bed for a strange woman. "I'm sorry I took your bed," I tried to appologize. "Nonsense," he asured me, "it's not really my bed either and besides the couch downstairs opens up into a bed. I could have just as easily stayed there tonight. But, like I said, Doc. Kelly said you shouldn't be left alone tonight. And I always follow his orders, all my life, he even delivered me. Gotta trust a man like that, huh?" he grinned my way. "I suppose, but I still feel like I'm putting you out though." I backed up. "Well rest your pretty little head about that now. I don't feel put out in any way so you just relax ok?" 'my pretty little head? my Lord where is this man from? pretty? does he think I'm pretty? nah, it's just an expression.' "Are you sure?" I doubled checked. "Absotively, Posilutely!" he shot back. I couldn't help but grin. "Now you need to rest, you have phone calls to make in the morning and you don't want to miss my big homestyle breakfast now do ya?" he quipped. "Nope wouldn't miss it for the world," I shot back. "Maybe sometime I can return the favor and cook for you." "You can cook?" "But of course," I chimed dramaticly, "one does not grow up in a family as large as mine and not learn to cook, you would starve!" I laughed. "So we have something in commmon." he said amusedly. "Oh? And what would that be?" I asked curiously. "We both come from large families and learned to cook because of it." He retorted. "Really?" I turned more towards him. "How many in your family?" he quierried. "We have seven kids. I'm number three." I held a smug look when i answered, "Well I guess I gotcha beat. I'm seven of nine." He nodded knowingly. "That's cool." he remarked as he recrossed his legs under the quilt. "So I take it you are from around here then since your parents live nearby?" "Lived here since I was four actually." I answered. "But, my dad is a native so it was inevitable I suppose. What about yourself? Is that a slight southern accent I detect?" He grinned at me, "Well aren't we the astute one?" "Not really, " I shrugged, "sometimes I even get a bit o' twang in my speech. Comes from growing up with a pure southener as my moms best friend and next door neighbor I think." "Well you accent is hard to place so I was wondering..." He pushed for more of an explanation. "Oh thats easy to explain," I offered. "Do tell" he drawled. I soflty laughed. "You see my dad was a native vermonter so he talks a lot like the old timers cause he is one," we both chuckled. "But my mom is from massachuchettes, but not Boston mind you, just sort of newer new england." I looked to his eyes. "Does that make any sense to you at all?" I asked squinting and rather chagrinned that it didn't seem to be so easy to explain after all. "Perfect." he answered. Grateful of his diplomacy I took it and ran home with it. "I was born there but we moved here when I was four and I've been here ever since." I finnished. "Will that suffice?" "But of course," he grinned widely. "How far away is your car?" he asked suddenly turning a bit more straight faced. "I don't really know, not too far from the bottom of the mountain I suppose. Why?" I intoned. "Well I was just thinking I could save you a couple hundred bucks and a phone call thats all." He shrugged. "How's that?" I questioned. "I thought maybe I could hitch up the team and fetch it out of theat ditch and back up here. The driveway isn't too far from the southern slope you came up." He tossed out nonchallantly. "It would give me something to do and the horses could use the excitement as well I'm sure." "Are you sure the pair can handle my car? It's old so it's heavier you know." "What kind of car is it anyway?" "'68 black mustang." I quipped poudly. He gave a low whistle and smiled broadly, "Niiice." he drawled. "Thank you, I'm rather proud of that car actually." I admitted. "As well you should be, but I'm pretty sure the team can handle it, they have pulling ribbons and everything." He asured. "Well do you know the size and breed?" knowing a bit about horses myself I wanted to be sure they were in no danger of overexertion. "I have no clue what size they are but they are monsters I assure you." he chuckled. "But, I do know they are clydesdales. You know the..." "Beer Horses." We both said at once. We laughed together. "I know a few things about horses myself, my dad grew up on a farm, I think it rubbs off." I joked. "So I see." he mirthfuly smiled. "Well if you know how to hitch the team and you really want to, I suppose I'm powerless to protest aren't I? Seems you would do it anyway wouldn't you?" "Yup." he nodded an accompaning affirmative with a large grin. "Well I was just going to call my dad to do it so it would have only cost me his gas money and his time, but if you're willing I guess I shall have to accept now won't I?" "Yup." again from him. "Quite smug aren't you?" I tossed his way. "Yup." once more. We both laughed. |
| Moonlit Moves He shifted in his chair again. I just didn't know how his large frame could find a comfortable position in that small over stuffed chair. He looked like a giant sitting in a kindergarteners chair. I could take it no longer. "You know this is a king sized bed, is there really a reason why you should spend the night in the chair when there is more than enough room in this bed for the both of us? I hate to think of you sitting there so uncomfortable all night. Please, take the other half of the bed, I promise I won't bite I smiled warmly at him. He hesitated as he turned it over in his head making his decision. Finaly nodding in agreement he arose from the creaky chair to comply with my wishes. Swiftly he crossed the room, peered over the edge of the loft to check on the fire situation and found Maggie peacefully sleeping upon the hearth. He flipped off the light nad quickly the room was wrapped in darkness. Soon our eyes adjusted and the room mellowed with a wash of flickering light from the fireplace below and bathed in faint moonlight from the waneing moon in the night sky. I watched as he crossed the room once more. I pulled the pillows from behind me save but one. He bent and pulled back the covers. Tossed two of the remaining three pillows into the chair across the room. He took off his watch and laid it on the nitestand. Reaching up he grasped his braid and swung the end over his shoulder. With one hand he removed the rubberband and laid it on the stand while with the other he quickly shook the braid out tossing his mane behind him. He knelt on the bed, moved down and slid under the blankets, all in silence. His voice soft and warm broke the spell and began a new one. "Night, Azure." "Night, Zac, and thank you." "Mmm." was all he said as he turned over to face the other way with a soft moaning sigh. My God, how was I going to sleep now? The thoughts that invaded my brain brought a familiar heat to my face. But apparently I was still holding some luck. For though I lay half naked next to the most gorgeous man to grace the face of the earth, who also happened to be half naked, somehow, I still managed to drift off to sleep. Man Behind the Face I felt as if I were falling, my eyes snapped open. My fuzzy brain wrapped around real concepts of what and where quickly. Then I realized it was just Zac turning over in bed next to me. It was like an earthquake had struck. I smiled to myself. Though his shirt came nearly to my knees I was still a bit self concious, I tugged at the hem. "Sorry, did I wake you with my tossig and turning?" came a voice shattering the night. I jumped fromt he suddeness of it, caught myself laying a hand to my throat and breathed deep to restore my normal heart rate. He softly chuckled, "Sorry, I thought you knew I was awake." he appologized again. "That's ok, you just startled me, I don't see well in the dark." I accepted his remorse politely. "How come you can't sleep?" I pryed gently. "Just stuff on my mind I guess." He shrugged. "I hear ya there." I sighed. "I really am sorry, you need your rest, I should go back to the chair." he moved to leave the bed. I lay my hand on his wrist gently. "Stay." He turned his head towards me and searched my eyes for a moment before he replaced the quilts and lay back down next to me once more, this time facing me. I turned over slightly so we were face to face a small distance between us in the kingsized bed. "I'm a night owl, we can talk." I offered. He let off a slow breath. "That's ok, this is something I gotta deal with by myself." He said mildly. "Are you sure? After all you have done for me the least I could do is lend an ear." I proposed. "No, really," he heavily breathed, "this, I gotta do alone, but thank you." "Anytime, and I mean it, I never make a promise without being able to keep it." I firmly stated my offer. In the dark even, I could see the bright smile he directed at me. "Tired?" his question soft and hesitant. "Not too bad really, considering all that I have been through, though." I remarked. "Could... could we just talk, like, about stuff in general?" a mix of meloncholey and fear of rejection in his voice. "Sure, I'd like that." I said truthfuly. "So where do you want to start?" I prompted. "Well, I don't rightly know. How 'bout I propose a question but give what I think would be your answer. You give me the real answer. Then you guess my answer to the same question and I give you the truth, you know like a game?" He was warming to the idea the more he thought of it, that much was evident from the gleam in his eye. "Why the hell not." I quipped, "sounds like fun. Shoot." He was silent for a moment before he lightly chuckled. "Let's start easy." he remarked. Favorite color. I'm guessing pink?" "Nope," I shot back, close though , it's purple. ok..." I pondered, "you seem to be a typical guy... Blue?" "Damn, too easy." he laughed. Next... ummm... favorite food. Chocolate?" He looked to me hopeful. I lay a finger on my nose paired with my smile. "And for you... anything that previously 'mooed'?" I snickered. "Well, you're pretty good at this game, so far you're two for two." he said with a laugh. "Let's see, mountains or beach? You look like maybe... beach?" he waited for my reply. "Not very good at this game are you?" I teased. "I'm a mountain spirit. I can't swim and my skin is too fair for a whole day at the beach. When I want to chill I love nothing better than a quick running brook in the woods." I clarified for him. "And for you? hmm, since you're *vacationing* here, sort of, I'll pick mountains." I said with mock confidence. "Ha! finaly you get one wrong!" He laughed. So did I. He was almost like a big kid. He really seemed to be getting a kick out of this simple game. I was glad for he had lost the crease in his brow and his whole aura lit with merriment from his wide grin. "Ok, ok, next one." He hurried. "Been in Love? I would say yes for you." 'wow what a mood swing.' I thought. 'where did that come from? no fair blindsiding me.' I answered anyway. "Once." I said wistfully. Immediately he picked up on that. Nothing got past him. "Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to bring up the past if it hurt." "How could you have known?" I soothed. "Still, I'm an ass to fuck up like that again." He chastised himself. "No, really, I'm ok and you didn't fuck up. It was a very long time ago and I'm past that now." I lay a hand on his arm to let him know of my sincerity. His huge paw covered mine and he gave it a light squeeze, hinting of the power that lay within his grasp. "Let's not play that game anymore," he softly intoned towards me. "Besides, you were kicking my ass anyway." he lightened the mood. "We can still talk." I held out hope to him. He accepted it. "Sure, I'd like that." He let go my hand as I took it back. I felt a great loss when we broke apart. More "I want to know more about you, tell me, please?" He urged. "Why would you want to know about me?" I slightly scoffed. "Oh, let's see, a strange lady passes out at my feet. Oh yeah, that happenes everyday to me." he half mocked. "Why would I want to know about her? Just one of the millions!" he smiled like he had a secret. "Alright then, lord Ass." I jibed. "You win." "Oooh harsh." he shot back failing to hide his grin. I shot him a sideways look and he covered his mouth with his hand in surrender. A grin broke out on my own face as I began. "I live not far from here on a farm called Haverbrook. I have a cottage on the edge of the farm. My sister and her husband own a dairy herd, so I only have to pay my taxes nad utilities, no rent. She and her husband are very generous and supportive to me. If it weren't for them I couln't afford to go to school. See, I have a few odd jobs but I basicly work at a nursing home to make enough to support me and pay for my classes. The odd jobs support my, ...well, my other *life*." With that he gave me a quizical look. "Do I want to run screaming into the night now?" He teased me. "Hardly," I chuckled. "I just meant, the things I do according to my interests is all." I tried to clear up. "Like...?" He prompted. "Like," I looked to him pointedly. "my passions that most of my family think a waste of time because I won't ever make any money from it." "Oh?" he prompted me further. "Well, see, I'm an artist, but not a really good one." I explained. "I know I'm mediocre at best with lots of things but that doesnt mean I enjoy them any less." I said more to myself. "I understand." he stated. What's more, I think he really did. It was comforting. He didn't judge me, he seemed to share the same knowledge of the feelings I possesed about it. This was a head trip I could wrap my mind around happily. I continued, "Yet still there are other aspects I am proud to boast about. Unfortunately it is lost on most so I remain my own audience." He was itching to ask his next question and did so with a hint of urgency. "What kind of art?" So simple a question to ask. So difficult to answer. I ventured a go at it anyway. "Well, lots really." I started. "Like I paint, though I suck. I sculpt in different mediums, I'm not too great. I can't really sketch to save my life, so don't ask." I joked. "I promise." he toned. "And ummm..." I went on. "I also decorate cakes and such, at that I'm fair to middln'." "Fair to what?" he laughed. "Sorry," I blushed, "that's just a local jargon term I suppose. It means so-so." I clarified. "I like it." he stated with a grin. "What else?" he picked up the thread of the conversation. "Oh, umm..." I thought for a moment. "I also dabble in photograghy as of recent... I'm not terrible, but I'm still learning so..." He smiled and nodded. "But," I drew in a deep chestful to continue with. "What I do best I suppose are crafty things and writting." I ended. "Crafty? Like Martha Stewart?" he verily giggled. "Hey!" I playfully scolded. "No, no," he quickly defended. "It's just that everytime I think of her I remember this time my oldest brother did this stupid... well, just leave it at, it wasn't an attack on you. I was laughing at my dorky brother." He soothed. "Oh, well then you're forgiven. I suppose." I grinned. He settled down and I could see the thought pass over his eyes. "What do you write?" "Hmm?" I yawned. "Well, I dunno. I suppose I write about what everybody writes. Life." "Yeah," he pushed further. "but what? I mean, like, do you write poetry, essays, books, journalism type stuff, or music?" His curiosity genuine in depth. "Well, I suppose I write some poetry, lots of essays and prose. I have written books but never tried to get any published. I don't have a style fitted for journalism and I can't read music, so, I guess I just write prose mostly and some poetry." I clarified for him. The longer I spoke the heavier my eyelids felt. Before I could utter anymore on the subject I slipped away. |
| Morning Meditation My mind eased from sleep, too bad my body didn't follow. Every inch of me ahced. I pushed myself up into a sitting position. I screamed inwardly but I couldn't help the sound of rushing air as I sucked it in between my teeth. 'oh boy, today was gonna be rough,' I thought. Zac had already left the bed. That made me feel alone all of a sudden. I shook the odd thought from my head. Craneing my neck I could make out the hands of the closk on his side of the bed. 10:30? 'wow I slept in' I thought as I lay my hand on the expanse of flannel sheet he had vacated. 'hmm, still warm. He must have just gotten up himself.' I snuggled into his pillow. It smelled just like him, so good. I no longer could ignore the persistence of my bladder. I softly groaned as I hoisted myself back up and moved to the edge of the enormous bed. I lay my hand on the nite table to gain my balance as I stood. I noticed his watch remained but the rubber band was abscent. I let go and teetered for a moment but gained some confidence when my legs held me up still. Slowly I made my way to the bathroom noticing I had recovered some strength allready. Good, a speedy recovery was definately in order. Though I would hate to leave the prescence of this earthbound angel, I knew my sudden intrusion in his life was most likely bothersome to him. Lost in my own thoughts I shut off the water and dried my hands when it suddenly occured to me that I could hear some sort of soft music playing below. Curiosity got the better of me and I shuffled out of the bathroom headed toward the head of the stair. My eyes swept over a most beautiful room with windows floor to ceiling over looking a snow covered valley. Maggie lay on the hearth next to a crackling fire looking very content. But, the most beautiful sight the room held was that of a blonde ponytailed adonnis in deep concentration. So involved was he that his eye lids lay gently closed. Slow and steady rythmic breathing heaved his broad defined chest in time with the soothing tones emanating from the rather expensive looking stereo sitting next to a baby grand piano. Graceful sweeping arcs of brawny arms. Deliberate movements of flannel clad thick thighs and toned calves. Intimate curling stirrings of dignified hands. Controlled paces subtly touched a cobblestone midriff. Poised on the edge of anticipation, I drew in a silent long breath as he turned, fixing a new position mid step. I was presented with a familiar view of his posterior, still just as breath thaking as before. Not wanting to disturb his privacy any longer I achingly tore myself away from the scene of what looked to be a morning tai-che meditation session. This was a man of many complexitites. I wouln't mind trying to uncover and piece together that puzzle myself. Knowing I would never get the chance to though left me saddened. I trudged back to the bed but thought better of it, thinking a change of perspective was a good distraction from my current mind set. I toddled off to the chair instead and curled up under the quilt he had left behind. After placing the pillows on the floor beside the chair it occured to me. 'funny, last night he looked almost comical squeezing himself into this chair while Maggie and I could share it comfortably.' I thought with near certainty. I turned and gazed out the window. It appeared a snug piece of property from this vantage, yet if I turned the oppisite direction I was sure I would be met with the vision of mountain peaks and fluffy clouds in a hazy blue sky. 'such diversity. whoever built this place knows how to enjoy Vermont.' I thought to myself. With my eyes I traced the outline of a smallish barn, most likely holding the prized pair. Beside it sat an ancient oliver. I noticed a wide yard had been plowed recently forming high banks on either side and I could just make out the ass end of a black pick up with a blue bedliner. Beyond the closer cedars and further placed giant old bare maples, I could see another mountain slope edge and another valley that I recognized to be the one next to my own. I chuckled softly thinking, 'so near yet so far.' It was warmer today. Warm enough in fact that my feet were hot. I pushed the sox off under the quilt and let the little rolled up balls of cotton fall to the floor. Curling my legs back under me I pushed the quilt down to my hips and picked up a book that lay on the shelf beside the chair. 'Horticulture Basics.' 'how odd.' Still, a subject that holds my interest. The dogearred pages were a myriad of highlighted passages and worn spots where notes were written, erased, and rewritten. This was a well used text for sure. Still the classification tables came with pictorials so that was enjoyable. I recognized many familiars and some had notations of measurements and odd little remarks I did not understand. It appeared this book was being used to landscape a property. Perhaps even this one. I knew this cabin was relatively new. I remember the year I went away this had still been Ben Potters back lot. Upon my return old Ben had passed that winter and some stranger had bulldozed the mountain top, much to the dismay of old locals. Oh if only they could see this now. They would shut their traps quick enough for sure. This was a beautiful piece of property and the cabin was certainly the real gem in this pearl tiara. Morning Repast As interesting as I found that book to be, I guess it didn't hold enough of a spell over me for I soon found myself waking up again my hand asleep from propping up my head. A mixture of aromas greeted me, one that I knew well and it mad my stomach lurch. Now I felt horrible. I knew it was inevitable I was going to hurt his feelings and seem ungrateful of his hospitality but really my convictions were strong and no matter how much I was indebted to him my beliefs were not going to be compromised for anyone or anything. I stealed myself for the the confrontation I knew we were headed for. I was prepared to call my Mom and beg assistance off this mountain and back to my own life. I wasn't granted a long stretch of time before it happened though. Sooner than I had expected I heard his heavy step on the risers. The only thing holding back tears of pain from his certain rejection and disgust of my manners was that of my love of Lord. I held strong and raised my sleepy head in pride. Ready for battle. "Morning sleepy head." he called cheerfully from the top of the stairs. I smiled tightly in an attempt to be polite. He was no longer in pajama bottoms but loose jeans and a tee, same as last nite. I could hear his socks scuff across the carpet runner. He set the tray on the bed after tossing the covers over, spreading it up a bit. "I came up earlier to wake you, but it appears you got up and went back to sleep. Or do you walk in you sleep?" he said jovialy. I hated to put an end to this mood but it had to be done. No time like the present. With mock confidence I began, "I'm sorry, you're going to think me terribly ungrateful and unappreciative, but..." "But what?" he looked to me. Such warmth his eyes held. The dam broke and so did I. I teared and I don't know if it fell but he was kneeling infront of me quickly, a hand on my knee in reassurance. "Come on it can't be all that bad, can it?" He tried to soothe. "Well, it's just that you've already done so much for me really and now I'm going to offend you I just know it, I don't want to hurt your feelings but..." I lightly sobbed. "Spill it, we can talk it over. I'm a reasonable person." He stated. "I know you've gone out of your way for me, and even have been in the kitchen for sometime it appears, but really, I can't eat what you made." I tried to explain. "Oh is that all? I told you last night, Maggie can finnish what you don't I should think that not everyone eats as much..." he rambled. I cut him off. "No, it's not that." I said. "It's that I can't eat any of it. I keep kosher you see, I know I should have mentioned it beofre but really I just never thought..." Now he cut me off, with a rather loud deep throated hearty laugh. "That's why you're upset?" Now it was I who was offended. Apparently it bothered him not a lick. I was at a loss for words. I sat arms crossed and in a scowel as I fumed. He calmed down and patted my leg as he spoke with a now sympathetic smile. "Really, now that was wrong of me to laugh. I'm sorry. I was just relieved that it wasn't anything serious." My demeanor softened and a spark of hope was regained. "So you're not mad?" I still was unsure. "Most definately not." He said reassuringly, still with his hand on my leg and that same inviting smile. "And I'm sorry it didn't occur to me to ask either." "That should not have been a concern you should have to contend with, it's just that I have so few friends and all of them and my family already know so I don't really think about it." I tried to explain as I pulled myself back together. "So you are the only one? Did you convert?" he asked seeking answers with genuine curiosity. "Actually no." I explained, "I'm still very much christian, I just started giving things up a while ago to try to better myself and bring myself closer to my universe." I hesitated. "That probably sounded really stupid to you. I"m sorry." He jumped into the conversation. "No. No actually I thought it quite profound. And you shoud never appologize for your religious convictions. I never do certainly." He stated matter of factly. "Now, let's see if we can't scrape together something for you before it all gets cold." I kicked myself for making a mountain out of a molehill. He was more reasonable than any man I had ever met. Most would have their pride hurt if I didn't faun over all they did for me. I realized I had to stop making assumptions where it concearned Zac. He was a different ball game all together. This was a challenge I was willing to take on but knew it fruitless to try for soon I would go home and so would he, never the twain to meet, again. "Well..." he spoke bringing me out of my thoughts. "I know sausage is out of the question and so are the eggs 'cause I scrambled 'em in the grease. But, I'm sure the biscuits, honey, and pears are ok. Right?" He turned to me. "Eggs are gross anyway." I made a face. He laughed. "But a pear would be lovely thanks." He handed me one after shinning it on his shirt, presenting it like a botle of fine wine. I tipped my head and dramaticly plucked it from his monster sized mit. We laughed together. Continuing my entertainment he asked in a cheesey faux parisian accent, "Ahnd vhat else con E git por madameselle dees morning?" Through my laugh I answered, "I'm fine thanks, this will do nicely." He looked at me cockeyed. "You don't eat enough to say so. No wonder you stopped growing at ten." He teased. "Hey," I shot back, "I resemble that remark! At least I remembered to stop before I hit twenty, seems someone forgot to tell yo that." I joked. "Ah, but you see, I have yet to turn twenty so you see I'm oblivious to that fact." He beamed. "Seriously? You're not even twenty? Geez, please tell me you aren't like a mutant sixteen year old or something!" I remarked incediously. "Nope, not that bad." He clarified. "I'll be twenty next fall." I was dumbstruck. I could have sworn he was at least my age. And here I was lusting after a nineteen year old boy? No wait, he was more of a man than most in many aspect. 'besides age is just a number right?' I soothed myself. "Well they sure do grow 'em big where you come from." I laughed. "I thought you were closer to my age." I knew he wanted to ask but his manners wouln't let him so I answered it for him anyway. "Here you are the empire state building at nineteen towering over me a little brownstone at twentyfive. Genetics. Who'd ah thunk it?" He let out a short gufaw at that. "It's not like you're ancient next to me." he smoothed. "I mean it's only a couple of years." "True." I retorted. "It's just that caught me off guard is all." He smiled somewhat nervously at that. "Got anymore surprizes lurking about laying in wait to spring on me? I need to prepare you know." I joked. He shifted uncomfortably and lost his smile. His eyes darted around as if he were seeking an escape. "Chill dude." I jokingly soothed. I took on a softer tone, "No matter what, I could never think any less of you. I know you're a good hearted man of generous means. Nobody could ever convince me otherwise. Whatever it is I promise I won't hold it against you. We all have our secrets. Trust me. It's not like we are all open books waiting to be poured over. Sometimes it's what we read between the lines that is the most important." This seemed to ease him slightly. "You don't have to tell me now, if ever. Just know my offered promise still stands if you need me." "You don't know how much that means to me Azure. Thank you, really thank you so much." He eased onto the floor crosslegged infront of me with the tray next to him. He seemed much more at ease then. We talked lightly while he ate and I nibbled. He convinced me to have a bisquit with honey after all. He said they were out of coffee but had brought us both hot chocolate. I assured him that was more than okay, I hate coffee. He found that peculiar. My My... "Oh, what the hell..." He said to himself as he eyed the plates fefore him. I wondered what he was on about when he clarified it quickly for me. "Maggie! Here girl!" He bellowed out in a clear loud tone. Quick as a wink a very happy Maggie scrambled up the stairs and verily pounced on her master. With a playful shove and a chuckle he fended her off. "Sit. Stay." She immediately obeyed. She was a good dog. She was rewarded with the plate of egg leftovers. It disappeared rather quickly. "Good huh?" he chuckled. She panted with eyes gleaming back at him. He showed her a sausage and let her sniff it. This had her attention. "Up." he demanded. She did so with obvious practiced ease. He tossed her the treat. "Up. Stay." he comanded this time. She did so, staying steady on her hind haunches. He threw her another sausage. "Now the real trick." He directed toward me. "Sit. Stay. Wait." he splke to Maggie. Now her had my attention. Maggie sat up on her haunches a steady as before but this time she held her head at a different angle. I was soon to find out why. Zac sat a sausage upon the flat of ther snout leaving it to balance. When he took his hand away he held up a finger as he softly spoke. "Wait." There she sat patiently until given permission with his command, "Okay." At that she snapped her head and up flew the piece of meat into the air, snapping at it quick as anything she caught it and gobbled it down all the while she never left her position upon her hind haunches. I gave a squeel of delight as I clapped my hands. Maggie looked pleased with herself as did her master who engulphed her in a bear hug and cooed to her praises. I was impressed. Somehow she had managed to wriggle out of the deathgrip and she placed a paw on my lap. I encouraged her and she let her upper torso rise to me. I hugger her too and told her what a good girl she was. I could hear the 'thunk thunk' of her wagging tail hitting the pillows on the floor. "Well that is a first." he sounded puzzled. "What's that?" I asked looking from Maggie to him as he rose fromt he floor. "Well, she's never asked for praise form anybody else after stuff like that, not even my mom who dotes on her like one of the kids." he laughed. "I guess I just have a way with dogs." I shrugged. "You must, Maggie is certainly overprotective of the family, especially the little ones and me. So usually she hates strangers." He scratched his chin as he spoke. "Well, I've never met a dog who was hostile to me, and believe me I've seen some that were pretty nasty tempered, but for some reason they accept me. I think it's because I show them no fear." I offered in explanation. "I suppose," he shrugged, "but you're so small, don't they look at you like a chew toy?" he teased. "Is that a short joke?" I came back, "if it is you need better material before you take it on the road. Fire you writter, hire another." "Oooh a wise ass huh?" he laughed. "You wait, we'll see who gets the last laugh. But, unfortunately the day grows long and I have stuff to do. So, if you will excuse me..." he said as he bent to retrieve the tray. "I gotta go see some horses about a car." He joked. I laughed. "You know Zac, I don't know how I will ever thank you enough." "I'm sure we can think of something." he said and wiggled his eyebrows. He caught me unawares, was he flirting with me? "I'm thinking chocolate" he finnished. I breathed an inner sigh of relief - but really - wasn't that what I wanted to do anyway? Oh if only he knew, if only... |
| Meloncholey Watcher from the Window "Maggie." he called as he started down the steps. I gave her neck a final rub before she departed following him downstairs. I settled back in the chair and replaced the text book to the shelf from where I had left it draped on the arm of the chair. I picked out another. One of those generic joke books similar to 'you might be a red neck if..' I found it a bit amusing. I could hear Zac humming to himself in a deep tone as he puttered about below me. I heard the rattle of the dishes. The scrape of a poker on logs, thump of another being tossed on the crackling fire. Unmistakable tinkle of kibble being pourd into a dish. The water ran. Clunk. Clunk. That sounded like heavy boots being dropped to the floor. "Come on Maggs." and the door clicked shut behind him. I heard a truck door shut a moment later. Then from the window I watched as he crossed the yard, Maggie dancing and jumping around his legs. As he reached the barn doors he stooped to pat her head. She licked his gloved hand. He unfastened the hasp on the barn door and I heard him faintly call "Morn'in girls, I've come callin to pay ya a visit." I laughed. Even when he was alone he was funny. But then I had also seen many other facets of his personality too. He seemed a very complicated man. That mad it all the more worthwhile to get to know him while I could. Before long a beautiful pair of roans came trotting from the barn, already harrnessed with a whippletree and a gleeful looking Zac behind. He liked this, that was easy to see. He liked the physical workout of holding back two powerhouses. He liked the ease of control it took to comandeer their will. He was a natural with animals and it showed. Reins in hand and a chain thrown over his shoulder, he tossed a careless wave at me as he left the yard. Maggie running wildly ahead a few yards and back again to him then back ahead. The pair of pulling horses oblivious to her but yancy to get to work practly dragged him down the drive through the woods. Before too long they were all out of sight. I rose from the chair and shuffled off towards the bathroom to wash my sticky face and hands. On my way back I looked to the clock. 'damn, I better call in sick or I'm in deep shit,' I thought. Thinking there had to be a phone downstairs I grabbed the afghan from the foot of the bed and wrapped it around me. Slowly I manuvered my way down the flight of stairs all the while hanging onto the rail so I wouldn't go ass over teakettle. Reaching my destination in due time I first crept over to the fire. I gave it a stir. Taking in my surroundings, I was impressed. These people had money. Beneath the bedroom loft was a large sitting room. Television in a cabinette, sectional leather sofa, computer, rocking recliner, yup, regular room just more expensive than I could afford. The room I stood in however, was not something like what everyone had. I was jealous almost. Floor to ceiling windows, fieldstone fireplace, baby grand piano, kick ass stereo, and an exquisite electric blue with black chrome fender guitar. 'whoah!' Not finding a phone I turned toward the kitchen. There I was rewarded with my prize. A phone, Sitting on a cluttered table under a window that over looked the valley. I rambled past a monsterous sized converted woodcook stove against the wall and a butchers block in the center of the room with a hanging pot rack above. I sat in the comfy ditchen chair and propped my feet up in the chair next to me. Slidding the phone closer to me I picked up the reciever and checked for a dial tone. 'houston, we have contact.' Dialing my mom and dads house I held my breath hopping they were home and I wouldn't have to leave this news on the answering machine. Mom got so upset over the littest things. She would go mad with worry if she couldn't get ahold of me after I left her a message that I had a car accident. Lady Luck shone on me. "Hello?" my mom answered. Good. Easier to talk to than dad. "Hey Mom." 'here it comes, keep it cool.' "Azure dear! Hello!" 'whats she so damn perky for?' "Hey Mom. I, uh, I got something I gotta tell ya, okay?" "Oh no..." "It's ok Mom, I'm fine." She sighed. "But I dont think my car is. I had an accident last night." "What?!" For the next half hour I spent in the kitchen I was on the phone with my frantic mother. I calmed her, told her the whole story, minus the lack of underware kinda stuff, and assured her I would be home shortly and I would call her. Ther was no need to have Dad come home from work for Zac was taking care of the car as we speak. Reluctantly she agreed to let me do things my way - aint that nice of her? - and I finally hung up. After that I was parched. I went to the sink and took a glass from the drainer and got a drink of water. That I needed. Back to my task. Minus Underware Bringing the edges of the afghan around me once more I sat again and dialed my sister - busy. Mom, had to be. I'll call again later. I called Birdy. Relayed the whole spiel to her and she agreed to take care of my zoo until she saw me again. 'she is such a dear, I will have to do something nice for her later in appreciation.' Then I called work. Just my luck Janice answered. This was not gonna be pretty. After fifteen minutes on the phone I thought I was finally gaining some ground. A cold breeze blew across my exposed leg and I heard a ruckus in the sitting room. Zac and Maggie had returned. Great, now he was gonna hear me grovel for my job. Oh well, he probably had trouble with his boss before right? I mean who hasn't? Hearing my voice he entered the kitchen as he undressed. His nose was red andhis cheeks matched but he smiled. He did enjoy that. I wondered what kind of job he had where he found menial labor a treat. I glanced towards him with a weak smile as I listened to Peggy chew me out on the other end. He returned the gesture more genuinely and crossed the room tot he fridge. He retrieved a can of Dr. Pepper and popped the top. He tossed his head back and guzzled the entire thing! I sat there wide eyed. He grinned shrugged and tossed the can into the next room that I knew from my trip to the sink as the pantry. It landed with a familiar tinny clang. Obviously it had joined its bretheren in that bin awaiting their destiny to be reborn. He sat at the table across from me as Maggie slurpped up water from her bowl near the stove. He took off his boots. Maggie lay down. He stood and shrugged out of his coveralls. She lay her head down, tuckered from her excursion. He hung his outterware int eh pantry near some similar item and washed his hands at he sink. All the while I sat there and inserted small 'yes's' and 'mhmm's' into the supposed conversation where in reality it was just Peggy letting off steam. Eventually Zac left the room with a parting grin directed to me and shuffled off in his stocking feet. Peggy ran out of steam and I was returned to snotty Janice. I got what I wanted but I had to take a days pay dock. That I could live with, at least I had a week off to recover now. I called my sister again. Nope, still busy, geez mom, it aint the end of the world let poor Jasmine off the hook. I called the barn instead. Dan answered. Thank God, a voice of reason. I explained everything to him - he took it like a pro. Having al obligations now taken care of, I decided to find out what kind of mischief Zac had gotten into. I left the little kitchen behind where Maggie still lay practically snoring. I passed through the great room in search of my benifactor. He wasn't hard to find. Remote in hand and leg thrown over the arm of the recliner, there he slumped, channel surfing. When he noticed me was when I noticed the stuff placed next tot he door. My stuff. He had brought it all from the car for me. 'aint he such a sweetheart?' "Do you ever miss a beat?" I asked breaking him out of his electronic trance. "Huh?" was his witty retort. I snickered. "My stuff, you brought it in for me. I think you're sometimes too generous for you are far too kind to me." I said with truth. "Oh, well..." Did I just see that blush again? It's so hard to tell through all that hair. But hey, the man was a veritable viking gawd! Like I'm gonna complain right? "I just figured maybe you could use something when I noticed the was a box of clothes. They had spilled all over the back seat but I shoved em all back in the box thinking maybe you could use em." Redundant, but cute! "Well I'm so far in your debt now I just may have to become your slave girl." I joked, then I groaned inwardly thinking of the negative connotation that corny joke could hold. Aw, hell I would even do that. What woman in her right mind wouldn't? He only laughed as he got up from the chair and placed the remote on the old wooden trunk being used as a coffee table. He picked up all the items and brought them over to the couch as I met him halfway and sat to sort out what I could use. He sat on the end section kitty corner to me. He took up nearly the whole damn space. "You, Are a life savor." I looked pointedly to him. "Literaly." He blushed again! 'this is too fun.' "I did what any decent guy would." He remarked. "When you get home you kiss your mama." I demanded of him. He looked at me strangely. I clarified for him, "You thank her for raising a decent man in an indecent world." He smiled at me and handed me a bag. I poened it, nope nothing I could use there, just some art supplies I had bought. I set it aside and reached for another. Box of cookies, chapstick and my allergy perscription. I tossed him the cookies. He grinned and ripped into them, offering me some before he indulged. I declined with a wave of my hand and shake of my head. He shrugged, and dug in. Just like a big kid he poured a whole mittful into his mouth and crunched away happily. 'how adorable.' Next bag, a paperback, some floppy disks, and a new cd, guess not. 'oooh wait! a hairbrush. good.' I took it out and set it on the table infront of me. He gave me a chocolate grin. I snickered. He handed me my totebag. I chedked its contents for damage knowing already what I had. Finding my keys at the bottom I lay it too on the table tossing the brush into the totebag. Next came the box. This I had no clue about. This was a box of clothes my mother had just given to me to bring home and sort out with Jasmine. I dumped the whole box onto the couch beside me and sat sideways facing Zac now. I picked out the clothes that were obviously being sent for Dan, Joshua and Rachel. I folded them and replaced them in the box. I sorted out what was left. P pair of sweatpants, two tees, a really short skirt, one pair of hip hugger jeans that I wasn't sure would fit me and a velvet dress with gauddy plaid bows and ruffles. Well it was better than nothing. My Gawd! I put the box next to the door again and placed my shopping bags ontop when Zac scampered off mumbling something about milk. I gathered up my *clothes* and stuffed them into the totebag. Relieved I could get dressed soon I took the bag and headed for the stairs. Spying a priceless situation, I hung the bag on the banister and quietly crept into the kitchen. There I spoke in a rather loud snoody voice, "Didn't your mother ever tell you to use a glass?" Startled, he jumped, spilling milk down the front of him and all over the floor from the carton I had caught him drinking out of. "Oh my God, you scared the shit outta me!" he grinned as milk dripped from his beard and moustache. I stood in the doorway trying my best to hild myself up by the edge of the stove. I was laughing so hard I felt like passing out. It didn't take long for a very disoriented Maggie to realize there was another treat instore for her. Padding over to Zac sh looked to him for permission. "Go ahead, somebody may as well enjoy it. Now that I won't." he laughed. Happily she began lapping up the spilled milk as he put down the carton and reached for the towel on the fridge door. Wipping his face and chest and ... down, he too couldn't stop laughing. "I believe I still have the last laugh." I remarked. "You had better catch up mister. I'm kicking your ass again." At that he leapt towards me and began snapping the towel menaceingly. "No fair!" I pouted, "I'm not able to run." "Easy prey." He shrugged. I shreiked and did my best impersonation of running where I entered the great room and got the piano between he and I. "Unless you intend to play that," he nodded toward the piano, "what good do you think it will do you to escape the wrath of Zac?" "I can't play but I'm pretty sure it's an okay obsticle." I breathed heavily. "Don't play? That's a shame. You think it an obsticle? More's the pity." he quipped as he lunged for me and the chase was shortlived. Before I even had time to move around it he was there on the other side and caught me around the middle shoving the wet towel in my face as I struggled and limbs fell upon the keys making a horrific cacaphony. I screamed into the towel unable to control my laughter. He pulled it away and let me breathe. "Eww, gross." I heaved my chest catching my breath. "It's only milk." he scoffed. "Yeah, milk and who knows what else you have trapped in that soup strainer of yours." I joked giving his beard a playful tug. His smile faded as did mine when we realized the intense situation just turned up a few degrees hotter. This was a most compromising position to be in. He sat straddling the askew piano bench with me layed over one leg and facing him, my back to the piano and his arms wrapped around me and my hands on his chest. What's worse, I was wearing absolutely nothing but one of his shirts! Oh yeah, that looked bad. If anybody had walked in then they would totally get the wrong idea. He leaned forward. I lost my breath. Slowly, softly, he placed his lips upon mine and lightly brushed them. My eyes closed involuntarily and I was lost to the kiss. With gentle deliberation he continued to pull me into a fantasy world. His beard was soft and wet but his lips were perfection. I kissed him back with persistence. My hands slid up behind his neck as my fingers sunk into his luxurious hair. I felt one of his hands glide down to my hip as I licked his bottom lip and lightly sucked on it. I couldn't help the smile when I heard a soft moan from him as his tongue passed my lips and I sucked on it slightly. His hand passed over the flannel covering my hip and traveled down my thigh. The kiss getting more intense and desperate, he leaned into me and my breasts pressed against his chest. We were both lost. Enjoying the pleasures of every small gesture. Illusion shattered when his cell phone shrilled from his pocket. Ripped away from utopia, we collected ourselves in reality. He let go of me and I took the towel from my lap and left his. He cleared his throat and turned facing the piano and answered his phone. I padded off to the kitchen. 'my stars what was that? I don't even know his last name and here I am ready to fuck him?' This was a situation I had never been in. I had only had sex with one man before and that was because I thought I was in love. So Jackson had different ideas than I did, I still didn't sleeze around. I got down on my hands and knees and wipped up the remainder of the milk Maggie had left behind. I could hear Zac on the phone still, he began to play with the keys. He sounded rather distracted. 'gee, I wonder why.' I got up from the floor and rinsed the towel in the sink and brought it back to finnish off the floor. I knealed again keeping my back to the kitchen door. I couldn't face him now. We will have to talk about what just happened certainly, but I just couldn't right now. I stretched to reach under the fridge. From behind me I heard a loud crash of the keys. "Shit." Zac groaned. I heard him leave the piano and tromp upstairs as he told whoever was on the other end of the conversation to hang on. I finnished the floor and took the towel to the pantry and dropped it into the washer. I washed my face and hands and sat at the table. |
| Maggie was a Good Dog I sat with my knees to my chin and the shirt pulled down to my ankles as I stared out the window watching the silent valley below. I cried. Sobbing as quietly as I could I still caught the attention of one carring individual. Maggie. She came to my side and wimpered laying her head on the chair at my feet. Gratefyl for any shoulder, I accepted hers gladly. I moved to the floor wrapping my arms around herneck I cried into her soft dark coat. She was a good dog. My sobs subsided but the red eyes and wet cheeks remained for as long as Maggie did. She was a good dog. Fifteen minutes later I heard him come to the door of the kitchen. I didn't look up. I didn't dare. I was sure I would start crying again. I could feel Maggie turn her head towards her master. She still remained. She was a good dog. He came and knelt beside us. He lay his hand on Maggies head. "Good girl." he whispered. She left the room. Leaving us alone on the floor of the kitchen. She was a good dog. He bent forward a bit and reached a hand to my still quivering chin. Raising my head, I met his gaze. His face was inviting and remorseful. "I'm sorry. That should not have happened then. Please, forgive me?" His deep raspy voice almost begged. "Only if you forgive me as well." He hugged me. "We gotta talk." his chest rummbled. He let me go and looked into my face. I nodded my head. He got up fromt eh floor and offered me a hand up as well. When I stood, he lay his hand upon my cheek and wipped my tears away with his thumb. His eyes told me he was sorry. I knew he was sincere. I also knew he was serious. Serious about wanting what had happened. I wanted it too. But we both knew it wasn't the right way for it to happen. We were both grateful for that call I think. The grandfather clock struck five and we pulled apart. He took a deep breath. Noticing he had cleaned up and changed, I decided to follow suit. "I'll be right back." I said softly. Shower or no, I was going to get dressed. I went to my bag and retrieved the sweatpants. Without ceramony I slipped into them and returned to the kitchen. Zac was pillaging the fridge. "Hungry?" I asked. "Mmm." was the answer fromt he body before me. His head in the fridge he barely acknowledged me. I chuckled to myself. "Tell ya what, loan me a hair tie and I'll cook for you for a switch." I offered. That got his attention. His head popped up out of the fridge and he tossed me a grin. "How 'bout if I just help you with your hair then?" he smirked. Pulling a rubberband from his jeans pocket he stepped behing me and pulled my hair up into a quick pony tail. "Quick service here." I joked. "Do you wash and set too?" "Five dollar extra lady." He held out his hand and gave me a cheesy grin. I laughed, slapped his hand and headed for the sink. "I suppose I'll just have to work it off then." "You do that, I'll suppervise." he said. "Ah you have the burden of the heavy looking on. I see. Poor you, do you think you can handle the strain of it?" I joked back. "Somebodies got to do it." he shrugged. "Well *somebody*." I directed at him. "You can be my gopher since I am unfamiliar with this kitchen and it seems to have been built for giants." "That I can handle." he pointed at me with a smile. "Where do we start?" I said to myself. "First, what do you want?" I said to him. "Dunno?" he replied. "Well what do you have then?" I asked next. "Dunno?" he shrugged. "Well where do I look?" I asked dramaticly exasperated. He laughed. "Fridge, pantry, deep freeze?" he shot back. "Walk this way." I crooked my finger toward him. "I could never pull that off." he quipped as I began to walk away from him toward the pantry. I tossed a grin to him over my shoulder. I knew he was only teasing, but it still held a spark of wonton pleasure in it that thrilled me inwardly. We squeezed into the tiny pantry together. I searched the shelves. I climbed atop the washer to reach a box of powdered milk. I had a feeling it may come in handy later. He sighed. "What?" I asked. "Why didn't you just ask me to get it for you?" he asked as he crossed his arms infront of his chest and leaned on one foot. Damn he was sexy! "Because I had to see what was on the shelves and when I got up here I saw something useful I could reach myself." I pointed out. "I suppose," he toned, "but you look silly up there." "What do you propose I do? Walk on stilts all day?" I giggled. He laughed at that mental picture. I gathered a few more selected items from the shelves until I had my hands more than full. "Here, take these so I can get down please?" I asked politely. He ignored my plea and grasped me by the waist and set me on the floor. "Thank you King Kong." I smirked. "But, how am I supposed to look in the freezer with full hands? Could ya take em to the kitchen please?" He chuckled and this time, complied. I opened the massive chest freezer and searched with my eyes the top layer. Jumping up I lay my tummy across the edge and reached tot he bottom where there was a package I wanted to retrieve. Upon Zacs return, he began to laugh hystericly. I admit, it probably looked kinda funny. My upper half submerged in the freezer, ass up in the air on the edge, as my legs, a good two feet from being able to reach the floor, kicked out as I tried in vane to reach the package just beyond my grasp. Picking me up like a sack of potatoes he set me on his hip with one hand and reached into the deep freeze with his other retrieving the package I had failed to aquire. I hung limply like a rag doll as his body shook with laughter at my perdicament and he closed the freezer. He set me downa nd handed me the prized package with a smirk as he snorted trying to control his mirth. I smacked his arm as I playfully pouted and grabbed the package from him. He let out a blast of laughter. I groaned as I rolled my eyes. I turned him around and pushed him out of the pantry ahead of my. "Oh yeah, I'm a riot." I said sarcasticly. "That you are." he chirped. |
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| snowbound |
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