About Damn Time

A few words from the author:

I have been working on two longer pieces, but I'm struggling to finish them, so I thought I'd take a break and work on this story instead. I began with the parking lot scene, and from there, what started fairly straightforwardly exploded into something that... well, at several points, I felt like I had no control over what my fingers were typing. Watching words appear on the screen, saying, "No, that's not how it's supposed to go!" I hope you enjoy the result.

As usual for me, there's not much sex.

I do appreciate constructive comments. If you think it stinks, please help me understand why, so I can make the next story better.

Some acronyms and terms:

BSN = Bachelor of Science in Nursing

RN = Registered Nurse

CEN = Certified Emergency Nurse

APRN = Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

MM = Machinist's Mate

Back Forty = Colloquially the back [forty acres] of a farm

Fallow = Arable land that has been left unplanted, to rest and regenerate

Beltway bandit = any one of the plethora of defense contractors that litter the landscape surrounding Washington, DC. The 'beltway' refers to I-495 that circles the city. The 'bandit' part, I'm sure you can figure out.

Any characters involved in extra-curricular activities (actual or implied) are over 18.

Many, many thanks to PrestigeOctopus for editing, suggestions, and generally making this a better story.

**********

Chapter 1

Violet Hammond and Jake Owens had been friends since childhood. Their parents had adjacent farms, outside of Danville, Virginia, and they invariably found time to play, hike, swim, or fish together when chores were done. They grew up together, spending nearly as much time at the other's house as their own, and their parents were friends. Jake was a year ahead of Violet in school, so they didn't have classes together; otherwise, they were around each other all the time.

They both ran cross-country in the fall, played basketball in the winter, and baseball (well, softball for Violet) in the spring. As a result, they tended to hang out with the other athletes, and their usual weekend activities were either as part of one smaller group or another or occasionally at a bigger gathering. They'd go out in someone's back forty, pull their cars and trucks in a circle, play music, maybe dance some, and drink a little. There were a few wild types, but most were smart enough to keep themselves under control. They knew they'd all catch hell if they tore up someone's field. No one wanted that, so they tried to keep things low-key.

For Jake, his father - James 'Buster' Owens - had given his son the talk about drinking and drivin' the day he got his driver's license. "If you want to have a beer or two, that's okay. Sometimes a man needs a drink. But be smart about it. Don't ever get behind the wheel or ride with someone who's been drinking, and I'll tell you why. It's not just you out there. You're responsible for the people in your car and the other drivers on the road. How'd you feel if you hit someone's mama, and she had kids in the car? You hear me, son?"

"Yes, sir." Jake respected his father and took his words to heart.

There was some dating within and without the group, but for Violet and Jake, there was never anyone serious.

One evening, a bunch of them had a little bonfire way out in Herb Jenkins' daddy's fallow field. Jake was sitting on the tailgate of his pickup, staring at the fire and sipping a soda. He was thinking about Violet again. She'd been on his mind a lot lately. What the heck was that about? She had always been his best friend, but recently he found himself thinking of her as being... maybe more than a friend. Watching her long, slightly wavy auburn hair that she usually kept in a ponytail, but when she let it down, like tonight, watching it reflect the firelight... oh, man. And she had the deepest, bluest eyes he had ever seen. Eyes a man could get lost in.

Jake was still daydreaming when Violet came over and hopped up beside him. He jumped a little, startled, as she leaned over, bumped her shoulder companionably against his, and said hello.

"Hey, Vi," Jake smiled, returning to the present. It was the end of summer, and this would probably be their last get-together before his senior year of high school started. She was wearing cut-off jeans and a red tank top. Jake admired her long, toned legs, crossed at the ankles, as she swung them gently back and forth. She was tall, only a few inches shorter than he was, and she had

long

legs.

Runner's legs

, he thought to himself.

She caught him looking and smirked. "Penny for your thoughts?"

He looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry. Just... umm, you look really nice tonight."

Now it was her turn to blush. "Oh, uhh, thanks," she murmured.

He turned, pulling one leg up onto the tailgate to face her. She gave him a questioning look.

"Violet," he began, and her expression grew slightly more serious. Whenever Jake called her 'Violet,' she knew he had something to discuss that he thought was important. Usually, it was just 'Vi.'

He took a deep breath and continued. "Violet, am I stuck in the friend zone?"

He'd surprised her, but when she looked at him, she swallowed what she had been about to say. Instead, she just asked, "Where did

that

come from?"

Jake looked down. "Well... I guess it just hit me right this minute. When you came over to sit with me, I realized how happy I was that you did. I guess it's been creepin' up on me for a while. I like being around you, and I miss you when you're gone, and... aww heck, does that sound stupid?"

She didn't look at him. "Wow. Umm...where is this comin' from?"

"I don't know, we've been friends forever, and I never want to lose that. But at the same time, I find myself thinking about you differently...a lot differently."

"Wow, that, uhh... wow. I think I need a minute, Jake," she said, sliding off the tailgate and moving slowly toward where some of her girlfriends were chatting.

Jake flopped on his back in the truck bed, throwing his arm over his eyes.

"Fuck," he whispered.

He was still lying there, thinking about leaving, when he felt the truck shift. Jake lifted his arm slightly to see Violet back in her spot on the tailgate. She spun around to sit cross-legged, facing him.

Jake didn't move; he just peered at her from under his arm.

Violet looked at him for a long moment, then held out one hand. He took it, and she helped pull him back to a seated position. She didn't let go of his hand, however. Instead, she took it in both of hers.

"Sorry for walkin' off, Jake. I realize how that must have looked. You just caught me by surprise, is all."

"Nothing to be sorry for. I guess I did drop a bomb on you," he said sadly. "I hope I didn't ruin us bein' friends." He started to get down from the truck. "I guess I better get goin'."

"Where the hell are you going?" she demanded.

"But... you said..." Jake was thoroughly confused.

"I didn't say anything, just that you surprised me, you idiot," she replied hotly. "Now sit back down."

He did.

"You really are a dumbass," she huffed, mostly to herself.

Then, louder, "Jake, I've been in love with you since I was twelve years old, and you made Eddie Ray Baskins stop pickin' on me. I've been waiting all this time for you to figure it out. I know boys are slow, but it got to the point where I didn't ever think you would, so when you dropped it on me, I kinda went into shock."

Jake just gaped at her.

She slugged him in the shoulder. "Say something, you moron!"

"Ow?" he said. And grinned.

"YOU..." she started, then pushed him down and resumed punching him. She straddled his waist, raining blows on his chest and arms as he tried halfheartedly to defend himself. He was still chuckling and eventually caught hold of her wrists.

Jake stopped laughing. He gazed up at Violet, at her flushed face and fierce eyes, and he slid his hands behind her neck, pulling her down so that her face was only inches from his own.

"Let go of me, damn it, I'm not done kickin' your ass," Violet mumbled, but her voice had gone all husky.

He lifted his head and gave her a tender kiss. "I love you too."

"Really?" she whispered.

"Really really," Jake said softly. "Sorry it took me so long to catch up."

With that, Violet hugged him and started to cry.

A loud cheer went up. They both sat up, disentangling themselves, as they stared out their friends, who were all watching and clapping.

"'Bout damn time!" someone yelled, and everyone laughed.

Violet turned beet red and pressed her face into Jake's chest. He put his arms around her and held her tight.

**********

From that point on, they were nearly inseparable. They dated all throughout his senior year. There was never any question about who Jake was going to ask to prom, but his father told him, "Jake, don't ever assume. Just coz you two are attached at the hip these days, doesn't mean she wants or deserves to be taken for granted. You understand?"

"Yes, sir, I think so," Jake replied.

His mother overheard, and came to sit on the arm of the chair beside her husband, putting an arm around him and kissing him affectionately on his bald spot. "Listen to your father, son. He's not as dumb as he looks," she smirked.

"Yes ma'am," Jake laughed, as she got up.

Buster swatted his wife on her backside, and she jumped, then smiled back at him. Jake shook his head, hoping he and Violet would still be that much in love when they were his parents' age.

So, with their advice in mind, he made his plans. He looked at his Zeke, his 12-year-old shepherd-lab mix. "Gonna need your help, buddy."

Zeke's tail wagged. He was in.

**********

One evening after school and chores, he drove over to her house, and texted her from the drive.

> Hi babe, would you mind coming outside just for a sec?

> Sure, BRT.

A few moments later, she appeared on the front porch, a puzzled expression on her face, seeing Jake and Zeke waiting by his truck. Jake crouched and whispered to the old dog. "Go to Violet, buddy."

Meanwhile, Violet knelt and called to him. "Zeke! Did you come to visit me, boy?"

Zeke wagged his tail and trotted slowly over to her. She ruffled his ears, whispering to him, and then she noticed the bow tie around his neck.

"What are you so dressed up for, you old rascal?" she asked. Zeke chuffed at her.

Jake smiled. "He said he knows someone who wants to ask you something, and he's here to help in case they're too scared."

"Oh, you are, are you?" She said to the dog, continuing to pet, him, and Zeke's tail thumped contentedly against the boards of the wooden porch. But her eyes were on Jake, who was slowly walking toward them now.

He stopped and sat beside them. His girl and his dog. He put a hand on Zeke's head, stroking affectionately, and whispered, "I got it from here. Thanks, buddy."

Zeke lay down with a sigh, and watched them, a doggy grin on his face, as Jake turned to Violet and took her hand.

"You know I love you, Violet Hammond, and I'd be the happiest man in the world if you would go to prom with me."

He drew something out of his pocket and held it out to her. It was his class ring, on a gold chain. Suddenly nervous, he asked her, "Would you... wear this?"

Her eyes suddenly brimming, she nodded. "Yes, Jake, I'll go to prom with you. And yes, I'll wear your ring. Put it on me?" She leaned forward and held her ponytail aside as he fastened the chain around her neck. He kissed her gently. "I love you, Vi."

"I love you more," she whispered back.

**********

Before they knew it, he was pulling up to her house again, wearing his father's cleaned and pressed suit, and carrying a corsage.

But before he could even get out of the truck, he saw his mother pulling up behind him. As she got out, he looked at her questioningly, and she almost shouted, "You didn't think I was going to miss this, did you?" She was carrying her camera.

He just grinned.

As he strode up the walk, the front door opened and Violet's mother stepped out. She pressed her hands to her mouth, and said, "Oh, Jake, don't you look handsome. Hello, Betty!" The two women embraced, and then Laura gave Jake a careful hug. She drew back, then gripped him by both shoulders, smiling.

"Violet will be down in a minute," she informed him. "It's so nice, let's wait out here."

The women chatted quietly, while Jack waited. His nerves were getting worse by the minute, when finally, Paul Hammond came out. He gave Jake a level stare, and Jake gulped. But then the older man just laughed and shook his hand.

"Don't worry, son, I think I've known you long enough to trust you with my little girl."

"Yes sir," Jake said, seriously. "You have my word."

Violet's father nodded, and went to greet Betty.

Jake was watching them, when he heard a small sound, and he turned back to a sight that took his breath away.

He had never seen her look so elegant. No, she hadn't gone out and bought an expensive dress or spent hundreds on hair and make-up. But to Jake's eyes, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. She wore her hair down, and there was a silver vine, with crystal leaves, woven into it. She wore an inexpensive, but expertly altered dress that flattered her athletic figure, and it left her arms bare but otherwise covered her down to her ankles. There was a modest slit up each side, that showed her calves when she walked.

Jake couldn't speak.

Her father finally broke the spell. "Damn, girl, I think you broke him!"

With that, the tension was released, and their mothers laughed, while Jake and Violet blushed. Jake took a step toward her and held out a corsage.

"This is for you."

"Oh Jake, it's beautiful." She held out her hand, and he slipped it onto her wrist. Then it was her turn to shyly give him the matching boutonniere.

"Thank you! Can you pin it on me?"

She looked so adorable, the tip of her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth, as she fumbled with the pin, but finally, she had it secured to his lapel.

The young people turned, instinctively reaching for each other's hands. Their mothers were both tearing up, just a little, watching their children, and again, Mr. Hammond cleared his throat. Laura and Betty started, then reached for their cameras.

Jake and Vi sighed resignedly, gazed at each other for a moment, then turned back for pictures. A LOT of pictures.

**********

Having been friends for so long, Jake and Violet knew that complete honesty was the most critical part of their relationship. Without honesty, there could be no trust, and without trust, any relationship is doomed.

When the dance was over, and they were back in his truck heading home, those were the thoughts that were foremost in her mind, as Violet looked at Jake.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

He chuckled. "I remember the last time you asked me that."

She smiled.

"But tonight? Right now? Just how beautiful you are, and how great this night has been." He reached over to hold her hand.

He could sense her nervousness, though, and he pulled the truck onto the shoulder for a moment. Turning slightly, he said, "Vi... you don't even have to say it. I'll never ask you for anything you're not ready for, okay? I love you, and I can wait. Promise."

She slid over and hugged him, resting her chin on his shoulder. "I love you too, and want it to be with you, when it's time." She pulled back and smiled into his eyes.

He could live with that.

Chapter 2

After his graduation, Jake decided to work for a year. He decided that if he was to go to college, he'd rather wait and go with Violet. But if he was being honest with himself, he didn't think he was college material. Postponing the decision while Violet finished her senior year, he helped on his family's farm and worked part-time at a local diesel and tractor repair shop. Jake had always been good with his hands, and he enjoyed the work.

Halfway through her senior year, Violet learned she'd been awarded an academic scholarship to Virginia Tech. Jake's heart broke. On the one hand, he was thrilled for Violet—it was a fantastic opportunity—but on the other hand, he knew he didn't have the grades to get in there himself.

"Honey, you have to take that scholarship. You'll be saying

'what if'

for the rest of your life if you don't, and I couldn't bear that. We'll figure something out."

In her heart, Violet knew he was right, but the feeling was wrapped in guilt at the thought of leaving Jake behind.

It was time for Violet's senior prom before they knew it. They danced and tried to have a good time, but Violet found herself clinging to Jake tightly during the slow dances. She was already worried about being separated from him in the fall, and wanted to be as close to him as possible, for as long as possible. Jake felt her trembling.

"Hey babe, are you okay?" Jake asked her, a little worried.

She nodded, then blurted, "Jake, I'm ready."

"You want to go home now?" He was puzzled; the dance was only half over.

She kissed him, smiling a little at his confusion. "No, I'm ready. For us."

His eyes widened as the realization of what she was saying dawned on him.

"You're sure? Because I can wait forever if I have to."

"I know, and I love you for that," she started to tear up. "But I can't imagine my first time being with anyone else, and I want us to have that time, before... before..." she couldn't go on.

Before she went off to college,

he finished to himself. And before he... well, he hadn't yet told her what he'd decided.

"Violet, I want that too, more than anything." He kissed her back.

Wendy and Bruce, two of their friends, danced by just then, and teased, "Get a room!"

Jake whispered in her ear, "You know, I'll never pressure you for anything. So I didn't plan anything, babe! Where can we go?"

She thought. "The cabin?"

"Oh my gosh, I'm an idiot. See! I keep telling you you're the smart one in this relationship."

She snickered. Jake's grandfather had built a small cabin on the far edge of the family property, tucked in a grove of trees near a small creek that bordered the farm. She could understand it slipping his mind, though; they hadn't been there in quite a while.

"You think it's still okay?" she wondered.

"Yeah, pretty sure Pop goes out there to relax and smoke his pipe when he has time. Not sure what we'll find in the way of..." as he started to turn red.

"In the way of what?" she asked.

"Umm... you know, sheets and stuff."

She blushed along with him. "We'll figure it out."

At that moment, Jake had another thought. "Uhh... what time did your daddy say he wanted you home?"

She smiled. "Honey, he knows we're in love and have been forever. He just said he trusts both of us."

Then she whispered, blushing again, "Mama got me on the pill when I turned eighteen."

"I love your folks," Jake smiled. He meant it, and not just because of tonight.

They swung by the local big box store, and Jake took off his tuxedo jacket and tie, trying not to be TOO apparent that he was prepping for a prom night tryst. He bought a couple of soft quilts, two pairs of sweats and t-shirts, and some bottled water.

His eyes locked on hers as she watched him through the windshield. Violet smiled shyly as he climbed in, excitement and butterflies tangling inside her. They didn't speak as they drove out to the cabin but held hands as she slid over next to him on the bench seat.

Once inside, Jake fumbled for the light, then set the bags down as Violet slowly looked around. The cabin wasn't much to look at. An old recliner stood next to a battered end table where an ashtray held the remains of his dad's last pipe. A beat-up writing desk held a stack of fishing and farming magazines. On the far side was an old sofa bed.