A New Life: Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Truth

I sat on the floor, stocking the shelves with the new shipment of books, thankful that it was a slow day. Jane called in sick and I was working alone until 4. It was nice to be in the empty store with the mindless chore of stocking shelves, my mind free to wonder.

As was generally the case these days, that meant thoughts of Marina. God, it had been a very long time since Id had a crush like this. It was intoxicating and exciting; and now that I wasnt analyzing it to death, it was fun. She was interested, I was interested and we were both content to let it take us where it would.

I heard the bell on the door jingle telling me that someone just walked in and I called, Ill be up in a moment. If you need anything just give a shout. I hurried to finish with the stack of books on the floor.

Before I could get the last few books onto the shelf, I heard the voice.

Im looking for some good science fiction. I was wondering if you might make a suggestion.

I turned my face up to see Marina. She was radiant as the sun from our small window splashed across her face. I smiled up at her and played along, Well, mam, we dont stock a large selection of science fiction, but Im glad to offer a few suggestions.

I stood up and took Marinas arm to maneuver her into the next isle. This is our science fiction section. Now, what exactly are you looking for?

I think Ive found it. Marina purred as she roughly pressed me to the bookshelf, her lips finding mine; I only protested a moment before surrendering to her hungry kisses. As her hand found my breast, I found my senses; I pulled her fingers from my chest and gently broke our kiss, pulling away.

I smiled up at Marina, Well, hello. What a pleasant surprise. Marinas eyes shone with desire and she returned my hello with another demanding kiss. Her tongue pushed into my weakly protesting mouth; her hands even more aggressive, slid between my legs.

With extreme effort, I once again pulled, away quickly looking around the store before I spoke, I actually think that I might have what you are looking for in the back. Let me show you. I took her hand and led her to the small storage room at the back of the store. Hoping no one would come into the store, and praying that if they did, Id hear the jangle of the bell.

***********************

My knees were still weak from our heated encounter in the store room when Marina leaned across the counter to peck me on the cheek. The twinkle in her eye, made me both nervous and excited as she asked me to stop by the Planet after I got off work.

Im sorry. I pouted. I have to go home and let Duncan out. Hes been locked up all day.

Bring him. We can sit at one of the outside tables and have dinner. Marina persuaded.

Okay, I guess we could do that, if after dinner, you will walk on the beach with us.

*****************

At 6 pm, Duncan and I strolled up to the Planet. It is true what people say about dogs and babies being the way to pick up women; as I lingered outside, scanning for a table, no less than 4 women approached us; one even slipped me her phone number. I was not accustomed to that type of attention and was relieved when I finally spotted Dana. She stood waving her arms frantically in the air; she was at a small table in the corner. I wasnt sure, but it looked as if Marina had rearranged the outdoor seating a bit so that we could have a good deal of space for Duncan.

Marina has had me out her holding this table for 30 minutes. Dana said as she hopped from foot to foot. I have got to pee. She added as she dashed off. I laughed as I watched her weave through the tables and disappear into the Planet. Duncan had already made himself at home and was lying under the table lapping at a bowl of water. As I sat down, I made a note to thank Marina for her thoughtfulness at accommodating Duncan.

Dana came back and greeted me with a hug and a sigh of relief, That is so much better. Marina said shed be out in a minute.

I chuckled and motioned for her to sit. How are you? I havent seen you in a while.

Good. I have a tournament coming up, so I am at the club working out everyday. I think Alice is a bit tired of the 4AM alarm clock, but shes hanging in there. How about you?

Im good. I got moved this weekend. Now it is just me and Duncan for the next 4 months. The house is really nice. I want to have everyone over for dinner. In fact, Ive been wanting to do a game night? Do you think they would go for that?

Every once in a while, we have a poker night. Dana shrugged

I considered that, then ventured I was thinking like Trivial pursuit or Monopoly or Risk. You know, one of those games we quit playing when we were like 12.

Danas face lit up. I love those games. I can never get anyone to play them. Count me in. That will be so fun. Oh, what about Pictionary? Can we play Pictionary, too?

I smiled I love that game! Okay. This is good. Ill talk to Marina and the rest of the girls. How about a week from this Saturday?

Youll talk to me about what? Marina asked as she lightly brushed my shoulder before sitting down.

At Marinas arrival, Dana stood up saying I have to get going. Alice is probably waiting for me at home. Ill see you two.

Marina and I both waved our good-byes as Marina noticed Duncan patiently waiting for his greeting and bent to rub is ears.

A week from Saturday, Im having game night; I make dinner, everyone brings their favorite board game. I asked.

Board game? Marina said questioningly.

It falls under the category of fun. I teased.

Marinas brow wrinkled and she stared off into the distance for a moment. I have to check my schedule. I think I might be busy that night.

The sting in her words caught me off guard and I leaned down pretending to check on Duncans water and untangle his leash from the table leg as I tried to shake it off, telling myself that she had a life and I was not the center of it. When I sat back up, I offered Thats cool. But, Id really like you to be there. If it helps, we could make an exception to the support group meeting that week and move it to Saturday.

Marinas look was still a bit distant as she nodded her head and said Lets see.

The next few moments were awkward as we both fidgeted and avoided eye contact. Attempting to make small talk, before Marina finally caught the attention of a waiter and he brought over menus and a bottle of wine.

Placing a hand lightly on my arm, Marina spoke, I hope you dont mind. I took the liberty of selecting a wine.

I shook my head, Not at all.

Duncan let out a whimpering plea telling us he felt neglected, and as we both turned our attention to him, the awkwardness dissolved and we fell into comfortable discussion that carried us through dinner.

********************

It was still early when we got to the beach and we strolled a short distance before settling into the sand to watch the sun set. We were silent, both taking in the brilliant sky, admiring the awesomeness of it, as the sun slipped below the distant horizon.

Freddie, What brought you to LA?

Still somewhat lost in the beauty of the sky, I replied without thinking, Truth or standard?

Freddie? Marina softly questioned.

I turned to her and apologized, Im sorry, that was something I used to do with a friend. I paused, considering whether to explain or move on. I smiled, thinking that Marina would understand and appreciate the underlying enormity of this game we used to play. I shifted so that my back was to Marina, and I leaned on her shoulder as I spoke, We both realized that there are really two answers to most questions. Very often there is a standard, easy answer that is given freely and then there is the deep down truth rarely shared. Sometimes, we gave the option of which they wanted to hear. I laughed nervously. It had many variations, but I guess, at its base, it was like an offering to the depth of our friendship.

Marina shifted so that we were now leaning back to back each supporting the other. Marina said nothing for a long moment, before she slowly leaned forward and then fell backward onto the sand beside me. She looked up at me thoughtfully. Freddie, you dont have to share that with me.

I stared down at her beautiful face and said the first words that came to my mind. It has been a long time since Ive known anyone Ive wanted to share myself with. I paused for a beat trying to gage Marinas response. While the ***** is great, I winked what I like even more, is the friendship we are building. I dont want there to be walls in that friendship. But I also dont want to force a long, deep answer on you if you just want the standard. I paused, realizing for the first time how complex this silly little game was. It can be many things. It can be an offering of a piece of yourself, it can be a gauge of what the other really wants to know and it can also be denied. You can say truth, and I know what you want, but I can decline and tell you Im giving the standard.

Marinas seemed to be struggling to grasp this convoluted explanation. I laughed as I reached out to brush the hair from her face, I guess it is rather complicated..and silly. Im sorry. I cleared my throat. I moved because I wanted a change of pace. I was sick of the 7 month long winters.

Marinas eyes narrowed and she hesitated a beat before whispering, Truth.

I gave a small smile, nodding my head. Ah, you do understand. I looked away from Marina and took a deep breath before I began, Truth. I was running away. The funny thing is that Im not sure what I was running away from. I had a good life; at least thats what everyone told me. I just wasnt happy. So, I took the cowards escape and ran away.

Marina rose on one elbow and caressed my cheek. When I turned to her, she spoke. You are not a coward. It takes great courage to walk away from your life. Even when it is not a good life and you are not happy, there is safety and familiarity and history. Marina paused and I saw the moisture threatening to spill from her eyes. People often cling to those things, even when happiness is within their reach; they are too afraid to let go of the safe and familiar to take hold of the happiness. Marina lay back down on the sand. When she spoke again, her words were just a whisper, I know. I am one of those people.

I reached to wipe the tear from her face as Duncan came up and laid down next to Marina, resting his head on her stomach. I looked at Duncan, loving him, and all dogs, for their innate sense of compassion. Marinas hand came to softly rub his head and she asked, Do you regret leaving?

I thought about her question, about what Id left behind and what Id found and about what Marina had just offered of her own past; I looked her in the eye and I quietly said No, do you?

Marinas smile was slow to form; I suppose she was considering her choice. No.

**********************

When I dropped Marina back at the Planet, she came around to my window and leaned in for a slow gentle kiss.

Thank you for a lovely evening. I grinned.

Can we move the meeting up on Friday to 4 pm? I have made plans—–plans for fun; however, we should get an earlier start if that is possible.

Will the evening be ending 2 hours early, or do I have to endure 2 extra hours of Marina-fun. Cause I dont know if I can handle that. I teased.

Marinas look was serious as she spoke. I planned it all by myself; but I think you will qualify as fun.

I considered the seriousness of her expression before replying. As it turns out, I have all day Friday off, so I can be ready whenever you say.

Good. Marina cried. Ill pick you up at 3.

Whoa. Three? What happened to four? Now there is another hour? My eyes narrowed as my curiosity was peaked. What are you planning?

It is a surprise. Arent those the rules? We take turns planning the meetings? She asked slyly.

Hm. Caught in my own rules. I hate that. Finally I nodded my head, I will be ready by 3. What is the dress for this extended meeting, if I may ask?

Marina thought about this for a second, I think like for the last meeting would be fine.

My eyes lit up. So, youll be wearing the robe?

Marina grinned as she shook her head, Nooo.

Damn.

Fan Fiction

This story has been set to a rating of PG-13. Age verification is required to proceed.

Age Verification

A New Life: Chapter 13

Related

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply