The Iconic Landmark

The morning I dcided to hike the trail up to the Hollywood sign changed my life in a way I could never have imagined, but in a good way. At age 34, I've been single for five years.

I awoke early on my mid week day off work. That's nothing new. By 8 o'clock I had dressed in Navy striped boatneck top, capri jeans, striped tube socks and Nike hiking shoes.

I'm used to long distance running but ths day was to be a change from my normal routine.

My figure is similar to that of actress Sasha Alexander; 35-26-34. The boobs are 32C. I'd like to keep it like that.

At the foot of the hill I gazed up at the sign on the summit.

My chosen trail was a 4 mile round trip, 1.5 hours each way.

About one quarter of the distance to the sign I spotted her. Her blond hair cascaded in waves down to her breasts. Bow-shaped coral lips and blue eyes etched themselves into my brain. She looked to be approximately my height with a similar figure.

As we approached each other her eyes held my eyes. I felt a powerful physical attraction to her, an attraction to women that I never realized was even possible for me. How long has this desire to be with a woman been stirring inside me?

"You look exhausted," I commented.

"It's my first hike."

"Mine as well, but I run 4 or 5 miles a day," I replied.

"My legs are feeling like rubber right now."

"I'm not exactly fresh."

She was huffing slightly.

I added, "but I'm determined to reach the sign."

"Good luck," she said.

We continued on our separate ways. When I finally reached the top I peered down the slope for a few minutes. The story of a suicide came to mind as I stood in front of the H.

Having recuperated, I started the downward trek to the base. I took a big gulp of spring water then returned the half full bottle to my back pack.

The universe has a way of bringing people togther. Some time between 12 30 and 1 p.m. I came to Fat Sal's Deli, a place where I had enjoyed many a lunch.

Purely by happenstance the girl whom I had met on the trail spotted me. She gestured me to her table. As we ate our lunch we fell into easy onversation. Bit by bit we were becoming well acquainted.

I spoke first.

"I'm a nurse practitioner at UCLA Medical Center, Urology."

"I work there. When I saw you on the trail I thought you look familiar. I work at the front desk in that department."

"Have you been there a long time?"

"Just 4 years," she replied.

I silently guessed her age to be under 30.

"Eight years for ne," I said.

"I love to read. Danielle Steel is a favorite."

"She seems to be everyone's favorite."

"Also Nora Roberts and J D Robb," she added.

"Aren't they the same person?"

"Yes but it's a whole different series of books and stories. One writes romance. The ther writes police procedures."

By mid afternoon I wanted to focus on errands.

"It's been nice talking with you. I have an apartment to clean errands to do."

"See you at work," she replied.

On that note we parted and went separate ways.

The next few weeks saw us greeting each other every day. I found myself happily engaging her in chit chat, even if only briefly. A workplace friendship was growing.

Summer turned to fall. I hadn't realized how much our relationship had grown until just after Labor Day.

"Stephanie, Let's go for dinner Saturday at the restaurant of your choice."

Is this a date?

"I'd like that."

Night had fallen by the time we left Fisherman's Outlet. Traffic was fairly heavy on Central Ave. Her hand brushed mine sending a spark through me as we walked toward cars which were parked side by side.

"Stephanie," she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

I looked at her. What's on her mind?

"I think I'm fallng in love with you."

My eyes glistened with unshed tears of joy.

"I think I'm fallng in love with you Kelly Long."

With that my mouth touched her lips. I draped my arms around her shoulders. The kiss deepened.

The death of my husband had ripped my heart out. My nights were desperately lonely. During the day I hid my pain behind a fake smile.

We broke away from the kiss. Her head tilted leaning against forehead. My mouth widened into a toothy smile. It was the first genuine smile in years.

"Wow!"

"Yah, Wow," she replied.

The following Saturday afternoon found Kelly and me relaxing on my balcony. My sister Anne popped in for a visit so I introduced Kelly as a "friend".

"I haven't seen you this cheerful in a Long time little sister."

"Oh well, life took a turn for the better."

As the words hung in the air between us Kelly's eyes seemed to lock on to me.

"You guys are more than friends."

I blushed, not really reaady to come out.

"Stephanie. I'm OK with it. The heart wants what the heart wants."

My sister knew exactly how to make me feel less self conscious, less afraid of what people think.

"She's a co worker in Urology. She works the reception desk. Our first kiss happened last week."

Anne looked at Kelly. "Don't hurt her."

Kelly acknowledged my sister's command with a silent nod.

We dashed to the bedroom naked at 10 o'clock. Her carresses found all my erogenous making me moan with delight. Soft moans crescendoed into screams. My orgasm silenced me.

On Sunday morning the sun was just above the horizon when my eyes opened. Kelly lay sound asleep next to me.

I strolled into my kitchen and started brewing coffee. Several minutes had passed before she joined me, poured herself a coffee and settled onto a stool on my right.

"Good morning," I chirped.

"Good morning love," she chirped back.

I told Kelly my favorite story about me and Anne. As I expected, it made her laugh. Years since the incident I still laugh.