I would like to thank findingmyvoice for all the help on this story. She helped make it what it is, and hopefully an enjoyable read for you all.
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Hell on Earth is what I thought as fire reigned from the sky. Many of these fires simply extinguished themselves right before my eyes. Random slashes streaked across the sky like supersonic fireflies.
Others were downright scary as they would explode for no apparent reason. Sonic booms reverberated through the sky many times during the season. Watching it from afar was pleasing.
While on the rare occasion, the hissing noises had me looking for snakes around the camp. The buzzing sound reminded me of a high powered amp. The slithering serpents I wanted to stomp.
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The chill in the air on a mid-November night, up in the mountains of Arizona, can be a bit too much, even for an experienced and well prepared person. It had been just over 50 degrees earlier in the day, but had dropped below freezing as night fell.
I was happy to even have a campsite, thinking nobody goes camping this time of the year. Why would I need a reservation? Today was one of those special occasions that brought people out to witness history and a spectacular show.
Lucky for me I was an early riser and wanted to have camp setup by 10am. By the time I arrived, there were only two campsites available. It was the Leonid meteor shower causing all the fuss.
There were people from all walks of life roaming the grounds and doing various chores that only come while camping. Cleaning up seems like a never-ending story, unless you want to attract the various animals that could really ruin your experience.
While on my way to the general store to see what they had in stock, I noticed a woman on the pay phone who appeared to be trying to find a campsite that was not full, and seemed to be having no luck. Cell phone reception really sucked in the area and given its location, it's no wonder.
I won't say she was some drop dead gorgeous woman wearing six inch 'come fuck me pumps,' but even with the lack of makeup and heavy clothing, there was potential.
Her goose down jacket hid what was beneath, and it looked like she was wearing at least two pairs of baggy sweats. The hood with the fur trim and the hiking books only added to the facade.
The stress in her voice was clearly evident, yet I wondered if she had ever done any phone sex with that smoky, hypnotic voice.
I went and checked out the store as I originally planned. I made mental notes of the stock levels on essential supplies and even bought a few items that were the last on the shelf. Wet wipes were a necessity, jerky for a quick snack, and emergency sewing kit, rounded out my purchases.
The woman was still at the payphone as I exited the store. I walked to the guard shack and asked about adding a vehicle to the campsite and what was needed to do so. George told me I could add one vehicle and up to five more people, if needed. He reminded me again about extinguishing campfires by 10pm. I thanked him for his help and walked the grounds.
I made it back to the general store forty-five minutes later. Whoever the woman was talking with now was not giving her the answers she wanted.
I decided to hang around, fumbling with my phone, acting like I was trying to pick up reception. As she hung up the phone I could see she was flustered.
"No five star accommodations available? I know of a local dungeon that I could recommend," I joked, well half joked anyway.
I explained to her that I had overheard her predicament, and introduced myself.
"Hey there young lady, I couldn't help but overhear your problem. I'm Martin Fox from Phoenix. What are your options?" I asked, politely as possible.
"This is insane, there isn't a single campsite available anywhere close! I have come up here for previous meteor showers and never needed a reservation. I'm so screwed, I don't know what to do," she vented with desperation in her voice.
"I'm not in the habit of inviting strange women to stay with me, but I do have a campsite to myself," I stated matter-of-factly.
"Did you just invite me to stay with you and call me strange?" she said, as though she was offended that I called her strange.
"Listen well, young lady. I'm offering you a place to stay and some company for the shower, nothing more. I will be back in about an hour. If you would like to talk then, let me know." With my short and to the point message, I walked back to my camp.
I set up my cot inside the two room tent. Yes, it was a large tent but I use it to store everything just in case critters decide to ransack the area. I set up my portable shower and lines to hold several lanterns.
I wondered how the young lady was doing in her search for a campsite. As I headed towards the general store, it occurred to me this woman pissed me off without even trying. "Why would I help her?" I questioned myself.
As I walked up I could see she was fucked. I don't mind helping people but I'll be damned if I would have my hospitality taken advantage of, or have my words twisted.
"Pretty well screwed huh?" I stated as I found her sitting on a bench.
"If you are strange, by all means, find another place to stay. If you are a normal woman looking for a place to stay and an enjoyable show, tell me your name," I said in my authoritative voice.
"Kelly Thomas, pardon my rudeness, sir. Yes, I really appreciate your offer and having some company would be great," she stated with a submissive undertone.
"Good, now you behave yourself or you will be punished. Drive over to the guard shack and give him my name. He will add your vehicle to the campsite and direct you where to park. I will meet you there in twenty minutes." I could swear I saw a twinkle in her eye as I said that I would punish her.
With my playful dominant reply, and her reaction to it, I pondered what the day had in store. I wasn't looking to meet anyone like this, but I can't say that I wouldn't mind at all.
"Yes, sir!" Kelly replied, smiling as though she had won the lottery.
As I made my way to my campsite, I saw people all over setting up telescopes and cameras. I brought two cameras with me, but no telescope. I was going to use one for a time lapse shot every ten seconds of the entire event. The other would be used to record a full HD video.
Upon my return to camp, I noticed Kelly had not set up any of her equipment. Her jeep was parked behind my truck and appeared to have some sort of mount on the rear cross bar.