Out Of This World (20 page)

Sydney smiled when she glanced at her phone again and pulled over to make the call. In her line of work, she saw all kinds of horrendous accidents that were the result of people messing with their phones while driving. She had a strict rule about texting and driving and that extended to talking on your cell phone. She always claimed it was too much of a distraction.

While she was making the call, I scurried out of the Jeep to do my thing. I looked around to make sure there weren’t any hungry bears. I was never going to be caught with my pants down again—literally—unless something really good was happening while they were wrapped around my ankles. Sydney’s gentle hands and mouth suddenly flashed in my head. I was daydreaming about how good that would feel, when Sydney startled me.

“Why, Mabel Butt, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were thinking some very naughty thoughts, but I don’t mind it one bit. You can moon me anytime you want.”

I blushed and hurried to pull up my shorts. I didn’t even bother to try to shake a little in an effort to enhance the drip-dry approach to bathroom breaks in the woods.

“Why is it you always catch me in an embarrassing position with my pants around my ankles? Just for once, I think it would only be fair to catch you in a compromising position.”

Sydney just chuckled in response. I followed her back to the car.

“How’d the call go?” I asked.

“It was fine. She didn’t ask too many questions. Apparently finding weirdoes in the mountains isn’t really an unusual occurrence. She told me they’d had to dismantle a few meth labs over the last few years. I guess this pristine wilderness attracts all kinds.”

I was rethinking my romantic notion of returning to what I thought was an unspoiled location if there was a high probability of running into some nasty characters. “Great, now you tell me.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’ve been coming up here for years and this is the first time I’ve ever run into anyone. If it makes you feel any better, next time we can carry some mace.”

It didn’t make me feel any better, but I nodded anyway. Love is compromise and I would brave the great outdoors again if it would make Sydney happy.

Everything suddenly came into sharp focus for me and I abruptly stopped. I’d just realized that me, Mabel Butt, the consummate misfit, was actually heading for a real relationship with Sydney O’Donnell, the town heartthrob.

She turned around when she noticed I wasn’t getting into the Jeep. “What’s wrong?”

I made a big show of pinching myself and she crinkled up her forehead.

“I’m just checking to make sure I’m not asleep, having some vivid dream where I’m about to get everything I’ve always fantasized about. You know that being with you is a dream come true for me.”

“Well if you’re dreaming, then it’s playing right into my ultimate desire. I’ve never been more sure of anything else in my life. We were meant for each other and I’m not about to let anything or anyone come between us. I know you probably need to work a few things out, like telling your parents, but I’d shout it from the rooftops if I could.”

Sydney jumped into the Jeep and stood on the seat poking her head up through the roof. “I finally captured the heart of Mabel Butt,” she shouted.

“Oh shit, my parents,” I groaned.

I didn’t have the foggiest idea how they would react. I’d have to add that to the pile of challenges slowly forming a substantial mountain for us to climb.

“I wouldn’t worry too much. They never treated me any different after I came out. Your mom stayed as sweet as apple pie. It’s not like they don’t know me or anything.”

“It’s one thing for your daughter’s friends to be gay and quite another to learn one of your children is a lesbian. If you don’t mind, I’d like to build up the courage to reveal this little tidbit.”

I was rethinking this whole coming out thing. I’d lived my life so far in near obscurity and I kind of liked it. Now that I was Sydney’s girlfriend, everything would change. I didn’t know if I was ready for that, but I was determined to try, at least for her.

Sydney must have seen my indecision because she jumped down from her perch and pulled me into her strong embrace. She kissed my forehead. “Mabs, I’m not pushing you if you’re not ready. We have plenty of time for you to do this at whatever pace is comfortable for you. I love you and that’s never going to change.”

I smiled and pecked her lips. “I love you too. I don’t want to go back to my empty house. Can I stay with you for a while?”

“I’d be devastated if you didn’t want to stay with me, and I’d be ecstatic if you wanted to make that a permanent arrangement. My cabin has plenty of space, not that your house isn’t a good option too. Wherever you want to stay, I’ll adapt. Just tell me where you want to go and we’ll be there in no time. I have plans for you this evening.”

I blushed. “I’d rather be in a more remote location tonight, so your cabin is probably the best choice. My mom has absolutely no boundaries and no compunction about dropping in unannounced anytime she feels like it. I’d rather not do the shock and awe approach to coming out if your plans mean clothing is optional.”

Sydney wiggled her eyebrows. “Yep, something like that. Come on, Mabs, time’s a wastin’.”

I got a warm feeling all over just thinking about Sydney’s plans for the evening. We hurried back into the Jeep, buckled up, and were on our way in two seconds flat. The drive home was uneventful and I was glad when Sydney suggested we unload everything but our overnight bags in the morning.

Chapter Thirteen

By the time we arrived at Sydney’s cabin the sun was starting to set and blessed us with a kaleidoscope of colors. I interpreted that as a sign that God was pleased and laid out that beautiful rainbow just for us. I stood looking up at the canvas in the sky and wondered if Celeste ever witnessed this much beauty on her planet. I hoped that she did. I got a warm feeling from that thought and imagined Celeste sending energy my way as a thank you for thinking of her at that moment.

Sydney stood next to me and draped her arm around my shoulder. She didn’t say anything as we stood there looking at the sky. I was thankful that she wasn’t the kind of person to try to fill in the void with idle chatter. Sometimes silence is more powerful than words. She turned me around and her kiss started slow and steady, but soon turned into a passionate exploration of every part of my lips and tongue. I was panting in no time. We abandoned our bags at the doorstep as Sydney led me into the cabin.

Even though we were desperate to remove our clothes, Sydney had a way of undressing me quickly without the frantic fumbling normally associated with two people who are desperate to touch one another. As we removed each article of clothing, the path to the bedroom was like a trail of breadcrumbs. If anyone did happen upon the cabin tonight, there wouldn’t be any doubt about what was happening this evening.

Sydney pushed the remote light switch button, holding it down until the dimmer created a soft glow in her bedroom. I glanced around the room and it was neat and tidy. She’d even made the bed before we left for our camping trip.

I didn’t want to kill the mood, but my side trip to the woods to empty my bladder popped in my head and I wanted to take a shower before Sydney started devouring my body. I was a little self-conscious about how I might taste or smell after the drip-dry method. I didn’t care if this little quirk of mine made me as crazy as my eccentric Aunt Marie.

“Um, Sydney, do you mind if I take a shower before we um, you know…”

“You are absolutely adorable. Mind if I join you?” she asked.

I’d never taken a shower with anyone before, but I’d sure fantasized about it enough. It was definitely on my bucket list. I was so pathetic that things most people considered pretty routine made it on my bucket list.

“I’d love that.”

Sydney caressed my shoulder before taking my hand and leading me into her master bathroom. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I saw the enormous forest-green tiled shower with three showerheads. On the wall facing the sliding glass doors, in offsetting cream and black tiles, was a design of three orca whales that looked like they were dancing in a circle. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. She must have had the shower specially designed. It was beyond decadent.

By the time she pulled me into the water, the temperature was perfect. The way the water cascaded down her perfect body captivated me. She lifted her head up and slicked back her hair. I could see her muscles ripple under the stream of water.

I looked around for a washcloth or shower pouf, but all she had was some gel and a bar of lavender soap. I got excited when I realized that if she planned on soaping me up, she would be using her bare hands. That was perfectly all right with me. Even more appealing was the opportunity to slather her up with soap as I explored every inch of her body.

I pushed back my wet hair and reached for the bar of soap. After I produced a healthy amount of suds, I ran my hands over her breasts and down her taut stomach. She moaned in pleasure as I reached her soft pubic hair. It was hard for me to tell whether the slickness was as a result of the soap, or the special attention I was paying to this part of her body.

She abruptly turned my body around and pushed down the shower gel dispenser to acquire a handful of the sweet smelling liquid. She went straight for the patch of hair between my legs and the sensation traveled to every single nerve ending in my body. As she washed my most private parts, she stroked my clitoris thoroughly until I was calling out her name in the throes of ardor.

“Oh, yes, yes, right there. God, Sydney, what you do to me…”

My first orgasm in a shower, but hopefully not my last, built so quickly that I didn’t have time to prepare for the overwhelming sensation. Once the aftershocks stopped, she turned me back around and kissed me so softly that it almost made me cry with emotion. I could feel every ounce of love that she poured into me with that kiss. I was a violin and she was the virtuoso.

It was time to return the favor. I wanted to try something I’d only read about in books. I wanted to taste her as the water flowed over my body and spilled onto my head.

I started kissing her neck and making my way down to her breasts. I took one nipple into my mouth and gently sucked until she starting squirming. It wasn’t long until she was bucking in my direction and begging for me to arrive at my final destination.

“Please, Mabs, stop teasing. If I don’t feel your tongue in the next few seconds I think I’m going to self-combust.”

I looked up into her eyes and saw a look of pure lust. “I seriously doubt that,” I giggled.

She groaned and I took pity on her as I continued kissing and licking my way to the treasure trove before me. It wouldn’t take long for her to reach satisfaction. I started with a few flicks to her sensitive nub and then followed with some gentle sucking as I entered her with two fingers. The warm water felt glorious, but I knew that if we stayed in the shower much longer we’d run out of water and I didn’t think Sydney would enjoy the shock to her system. I increased my rhythm and pretty soon I felt her contractions as she cried out in pleasure.

“So good, that felt so good.” She pulled me up to her and captured my body in a warm embrace.

“We better finish washing our hair before the hot water runs out,” I said.

“Good idea. I have no intention of cutting our time short tonight, so a cold shower is definitely not warranted.” She kissed me on the tip of my nose before pouring out a generous amount of shampoo in both of our hands.

Even though I felt completely satiated after our shower, Sydney introduced me to a few very creative ways to give and receive pleasure and I was an eager pupil. After several hours of lovemaking, I fell asleep curled up in her arms as she stroked my head. The last thing I remember before plummeting into dreamland was her telling me again how much she loved me. I would never get tired of hearing that, especially from her.

†

I woke up to Sydney’s feather light touch and one thing lead to another. I was blissfully unaware of anything besides Sydney’s talented tongue between my legs.

“Mmmm, that feels heavenly,” I remarked.

The
click click click
didn’t register until I heard Hollie’s voice.

“What the fuck?” Hollie screamed.

I jumped so high that I must have banged Sydney’s nose.

“Mmmph, my nobse,” Sydney garbled as she popped up, held her nose, and scrambled out of bed.

I grabbed the sheet to cover my naked body and looked up at a very pissed ex-girlfriend. Sydney was still holding her nose and I was glad I didn’t notice any blood pouring out from it. She was blinking her eyes rapidly as they teared up. I must have bumped her in just the right place.

“Oh, God, Sydney. I’m so sorry,” I said.

Sydney didn’t even bother to get dressed she just dragged Hollie out of the bedroom. Before she left she called out over her shoulder, “Stab in bed, it won’t take me long to resolb dis.” I guess she was still smarting from my unfortunate hip thrust.

“Okay,” I mumbled.

The minute the door closed, I crawled out from under the sheets and made my way to the door to listen. I never said I was an angel or anything and I was desperate to hear their conversation. I placed my ear to the door, straining to eavesdrop on their private chat.

“And to think I was worried about you, only to find you fucking that loser. I thought that nutcase kidnapped you. How could you do this to us?” Hollie screeched.

Thankfully, Sydney’s speech returned to normal and I didn’t hear any impediment. I hoped that meant I hadn’t done serious damage to her nose. I didn’t think she would be able to explain to her co-workers. They’d never let her live it down. I mean what could she say.
Well, remember when I told you still waters runs deep with Mabel, she’s quite the little animal in bed. Got this black eye after she bucked so hard while I was licking her pussy.
I shook my head. Sydney would never say that. I craned hard to hear her response.

“There is no ‘us’ and if you actually bothered to listen to me, you would know that. I never meant to hurt you, but I love her and if you ever talk negatively about her again, you and I are completely finished. I will have nothing to do with you, not even as friends.” Sydney’s voice was eerily calm, but I could hear the hard edge to it.

“Don’t worry. After seeing you put your tongue on that disgusting piece of trash, I’d rather pluck my pubic hairs out one by one than have your hands or mouth on me again. You’ll be sorry and when you’re ready to come back, I’ll have definitely moved on. Have fun with your mousy little librarian, Sydney. I bet she sucks in bed.”

Sucks in bed, why that mean-spirited bitch
. I didn’t think that Sydney screaming my name meant I sucked in bed.

“Get out,” Sydney ordered.

“I wonder what little Miss Goody Two Shoe’s mom and dad will think of her walking over to the dark side.” Hollie laughed.

I heard the door slam and hurried back to bed. Damn, I was going to have to make that call to my parents sooner rather than later. Could I get away with telling them over the phone? Probably not the best tactic. I sighed. It was time to call mom up and ask her if she wanted to have breakfast at the Cottage Café today.

Sydney opened the door and must have noticed my flushed face. She grinned at me. “You’re such a little eavesdropper. I know you heard it all and I’m sorry Hollie was such a bitch. I know it’s not right what she says about you and she can be really horrible, but I do think she is saying all that because she’s hurt. I’m responsible for that, not you.”

“It’s okay, she’s said and done far worse to me,” I answered.

“I don’t think she’s done causing trouble. I’m really sorry, Mabs, but I think her parting comment was a warning that she’s about to out you to everyone she knows. You know how small our town is and it won’t take long to get back to your parents.”

“Yeah, I know. I better call and arrange breakfast with my parents this morning,” I replied.

“I can come with you if you need me to,” Sydney offered.

“No, I think I’d better talk to them alone first. I’ll call you as soon as I’m done. Can you take me back to my house so I can get my car?”

†

I paced the small parking lot of the Cottage Café. Since it was a weekday, the lot wasn’t full like it normally was on the weekends. Dad would be happy to not have to circle the block, looking for a parking space. He’d also be happy there wasn’t a line a mile long waiting for a seat inside the café.

My dad’s Kia came careening into the parking lot and it wasn’t long before he was walking over to where I stood waiting for them. He gave me a big smile and hugged me.

“What a pleasant surprise, Mabel. We missed having breakfast with you on Sunday. It was an absolute madhouse in here. Where is your friend from out of town? We didn’t get a chance to meet her. You know I take everything that Hollie says with a grain of salt. I know my little girl wouldn’t befriend some nutcase.”

Mom stood silently by his side. Her expression was grim and I wondered what she’d heard already.

“Hi, Mom.” I gave her a quick hug.

She hugged me back, but I could tell something was wrong.

“Come on, let’s get a booth. I’m eager to buy my two favorite girls breakfast.” Dad led us into the café and we slid into an open booth.

†

I kept thinking it would be best to just come out with it.
Rip the Band-Aid off
was the mantra going through my head.

“You know, Mabel, whatever it is you have to tell us, it will all be okay. We love you unconditionally,” my dad pronounced.

So I went for it. “I’m gay, always have been, and I’m in love with Sydney O’Donnell,” I blurted out.

“Oh thank goodness for that. I thought you’d never figure it out. I take it that Sydney finally dumped her girlfriend?” Mom asked.

“What? You’re not disappointed?” I asked.

“Why on earth would we be disappointed? Sydney is a lovely girl. We’re not some redneck homophobes, you know. Your father and I were wondering when you would finally tell us. We’ve known ever since middle school when you starting bringing Sydney around. God, how you mooned over her.
Sydney did this, Sydney did that, oh isn’t Sydney just the best.
” Mom chuckled.

This conversation was not exactly going as I thought it would, but I still didn’t understand the frosty reception I’d gotten from my mom.

“So if my being a lesbian is not an issue, why do I get the feeling that something is wrong, Mom?” I asked.

“Oh that. We heard something about some new girl that you were hanging out with and I just assumed she was your girlfriend. We heard she was a mental health patient and I didn’t want you getting mixed up with someone unsuitable for you.”