Purgatory

Cupid's Lead Arrow Ch 1. - Purgatory

Ch 1. - Purgatory

Ch 2. - Euphoria

Ch 3. - Betrayal

Ch 4. - Revivification

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,

And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 1, scene 1, lines 240 - 241

Ch 1. - Purgatory

"Matt; you realize this will be our last escape together," Lucinda reminded me in a rather somber tone. "In just three weeks my replacements will be here and then we'll both be going home,"

"Well, we must ensure that we make tonight special. Something for you to remember when you cuddle up with that guy or yours... Dylan, isn't it?"

"Yeah, that's if he's still interested in me."

"You mean you still haven't enticed him to send you any romantic prose?"

As the waiter poured two Serengeti Beers into stemmed glasses, Lucinda held her response until he left.

"Each week I've sent him lengthy letters covering the work I do and... let's just say, intimate proposals for our future together. I'm lucky to get a reply once a month, but they're always so impersonal. He never comments about our future, so I'm starting to think he has his secretary write for him."

I was sure part of the problem was the poor phone service to the United States. Also internet service was only available at some of the cybercafes. I reckoned that back home most people had just forgotten how to write letters.

"You've said he works in marketing. Those guys normally have the gift of the gab, but perhaps he can't handle not being able to talk directly or electronically."

"I'll certainly know when I return. There is one thing I'm sure of; if he doesn't shape up, or I don't find any good husband material in the next two years, I will be looking you up."

While her comment was meant to be a compliment, it didn't particularly thrill me. To disguise my lack of similar enthusiasm, I quickly covered by proposing: "Well let's drink to happy and fulfilling futures."

As I lifted my glass of beer and tilted my head back for my first taste, I recognized the muck hanging from the unbalanced ceiling fan above us. It was hanging just as it had on our previous visits. It was probably only gathered strands of cobwebs so I placated my anxiety by reassuring myself that it wouldn't fall onto our meal.

I suspected that in the future whenever I heard the noise of a wobbly ceiling fan, I would remember this restaurant and our monthly secret retreat. Of course the head waiter had always sat us at this table to experience the luxury of the fan.

The cobwebs made me cognizant of how the last two years had changed me. When problems occurred, I no longer let them upset me, while conversely, I'd also become more innovative at solving them. I was more tolerant and had a clearer idea of what were the important things in life. I no longer took for granted the reliability of electricity, so I appreciated the occasions when it was able to run a fan.

Unfortunately my newfound composure didn't include my inability to forget Janet.

I had a second taste of my beer and noted the distinctive crisp taste that left a strong malty finish. The first time I'd tried it, I was shocked at how much more flavorsome it tasted than a Budweiser. Surprisingly, this local brew might be one of the few things I would miss when I returned home.

I looked across the chipped laminate table with its centrally placed posy of plastic flowers at Lucinda. She seemed to be studying me just as intensely. While technically she wasn't my work partner, we coordinated our activities. My language skills were initially barely adequate for shopping at the market, so I was more efficient when she could translate patients comments while we worked.

As there had been some urgency for me to start immediately, my 11 weeks of in country training in Kiswahili had been cut short. Now I was quite proud of my language abilities mainly due to some local tutoring after hours.

Due to our closeness, Lucinda was literally the only person I could confide in. I liked to think we'd equally supported one another through some really trying times.

These monthly escapes by community bus to the regional town, supposedly to collect medical supplies, were the only opportunities to completely relax and freely share my thoughts. I'd made good friends here, but with Lucinda I could drop my guard and enjoy conversation without worrying that I might offend our Tanzanian hosts. With no other possible confidant, we'd both unburdened all our personal issues.

We were both Peace Corps volunteers. I was a doctor and Miss Lucinda Serrano was a community nurse working as a Health Extension Volunteer. My role was similar, but I also assisted in our base village hospital. While the locals called it a hospital, it was really just the standard of a community clinic although still expected to undertake surgery. In this role I delivered several babies and set numerous broken bones. The local doctor was called a surgeon, however I often assisted as I'd realized my training as a primary care physician had provided me with better preparation for basic surgery.

I had a regular program to provide medical care for the surrounding villages, always in close partnership with the community leaders. Whenever possible Lucinda accompanied me so that after my clinics we'd conduct health education sessions on common problems, including malaria and AIDS. Our travel was on our mostly reliable bicycles.

My arrangement with Lucinda was uncommon as normally Peace Corps volunteers worked on their own. My position was temporary as I'd been asked to resolve previous problems that had occurred in the hospital. Although during the day Lucinda and I were often in contact, after hours we rarely had an opportunity to socialize. We were both hosted by different prominent families in the village. They held traditional values that mandated unchaperoned time between an unmarried man and woman was completely unacceptable.

While initially I thought it was none of their concern what Lucinda and I got up to privately, I quickly realized my naivety. To do our job, we were entirely dependent on the locals. Unless we established trust and respected their community values, we'd lose all credibility for our health awareness efforts.

We'd both quickly identified our inability to lead celibate lives if we were to continue this simple life with few western distractions. Hence our monthly visits to town necessitated an overnight stay in a local hotel. We'd both confessed our need for uncomplicated sex. While there was no pretext of love, our friendship had become strong and after each month of restraint, the tension of lust built a strong incentive for some explosive fornication.

"What will you be doing when you return home?" Lucinda inquired.

"Initially I'll have to regain Board certification before I can return to practice," I replied.

"But didn't you say that you completed your residency and were fully certified when you started?"

"Yes, but I'll have to prove that I've undertaken continuous learning and there are some annual tests that I might have to undertake."

"Will you be looking up that girl when you return home?" Lucinda inquired. We both understood that she meant Janet.

"I can't. You know she dumped me. I've no reason to believe her attitude will have changed. It would just cause more embarrassment... and pain."

"If that is what you believe, why haven't you got over her? You know you're like a modern version of Beau Geste. Instead of running away to join the French Foreign Legion, you joined the Peace Corps over the unrequited love of a woman. I thought the purpose of your self-imposed penance here was to forget her."

"Actually Beau steals the family sapphire to protect his aunt from disgrace. But I get your point." I didn't know how else to respond as I knew she was correct.

Lucinda didn't have a problem with expressing her views. Her Spanish heritage had given her olive skin and dark brown hair. When her fiery personality was unleashed, her brown eyes would light up accompanied by waving hands. At other times she could put on a coquettish look with wonderful eyes that made her appear so innocent. Her smoky accent just rounded out her allure. Despite her heritage, curiously, she was from Sacramento.

Instead of a rice dish or Ugali, tonight we were recommended the Mshikaki. When the waiter served it, my first impression was that it looked like a shish kabob. He explained it was made with marinated beef and seasoned with ginger, lemon, and hot peppers then slowly grilled over charcoal. The side dish was Irio, a comforting mashed blend of many vegetables.

We enjoyed this hotel as the food was always good and the staff was happy to educate our palettes and make suggestions. The added benefit was that our bedroom had air conditioning and a shower. This break from the constant muggy air was absolute luxury and enabled us to play without being tangled in mosquito nets.

We didn't get much luxury in Tanzania. I was fortunate to have a concrete house with glass windows, however I used a pit latrine and had to fetch water each evening for my outdoor bath facilities. Fortunately, I had two electric lights but no power plugs, so I used a power outlet at the hospital to recharge a couple of battery powered devices, my laptop and Kindle. There was no point in charging my local cell phone unless I was going to the regional town. I was reasonably proficient at cooking on a charcoal stove but regularly ate at a local store.

The one savior was our monthly comfort packs sent to us by the Peace Corps. It was always packed in a cardboard box slightly smaller than a shoe box. Somehow, they managed to fit in a new paperback novel, different toiletries, some American delicacy like jam, peanut butter, barbecue sauce, cheese crackers, nuts, candy and usually a variety of Hershey's chocolate.

I'd never appreciated how some items I'd previously taken for granted became critical for one's sanity. I remember running out of dental floss and bemoaning my problems in a letter to my parents. Two months later, dental floss appeared in the comfort pack. When after writing about my need for cotton swabs and their subsequent appearance in the comfort pack, it was like someone had been reading my mail. When I considered the possibility seriously, I concluded that someone in the organization had remarkable intuition as my letters home had been sent by different methods.

Anyway while this meal was nothing like home cooking, I'd come to enjoy the variety of foods including the spices.

Having paid for dinner, I followed Lucinda down the lime green corridor to our room. We'd been naughty and left the air-con running when we checked in before dinner so when we opened the door, I could feel the stifling humidity had been removed from the air.

"It's almost pleasant now," Lucinda commented. "I'll start on a shower while you fix up the room."

As directed, I closed the curtains and pulled back the bed cover, however I kept an eye on Lucinda as she undressed. She obviously purchased her colorfully printed clothing from local markets. Her dress hung well below the knees and her shirt covered her shoulders and cleavage. She'd been wearing a matching scarf about her shoulders as this was often required as a head covering. Her clothing was cotton and made loose to enhance cooling. The looseness was also consistent with the community's strict modesty requirements. Unfortunately it completely disguised her shapely silhouette.

I fumbled with my carry bag to extract two water bottles as my attention was divided. While she efficiently removed her flesh colored cotton bra and panties, her movements were still graceful and sensual. Flesh colored undies were the most tantalizing lingerie I'd seen for two years as delicates were quickly ruined and white clothing quickly showed stains.

I enjoyed watching her undress; however I attempted to remain discreet as she could sometimes feel self-conscious.

"I see you watching," she challenged.

"It's impossible not to. After all, I need to burn your image into my memory."

Her smirk indicated she wasn't upset. She then sashayed towards me naked, stopping just out of my reach. She placed her hands on her hips and deliberately arched her back as if presenting herself for my inspection. I happily obliged by unashamedly ogling.

I'd previously memorized the image of her hourglass body with her bountiful firm breasts, but my detailed examination did reveal a change. She'd shaved her public mound leaving just a narrow landing strip. Now I understood that she definitely wanted tonight to be something special.

"Perfect as ever," I confirmed. "I especially like the grooming," I confirmed while giving her a lascivious grin.

She gave me a teasing smile before smoothly turning her body to walk away. Her swaying walk had an uncharacteristic emphasis on her hips moving from side to side. Predictably my body heat rose despite the air-conditioning.

I contemplated following her to the shower, however we'd found that the small space and plastic curtain led to an uncomfortable experience.

I placed the water bottles and some tissues on the bedside tables plus the necessary condoms. We'd both been screened for STI before joining the Peace Corps. While I was certain that neither of us had been with other partners, we'd agreed to use condoms. After all, STI education was a major part of our job, so catching some bug would be exceedingly embarrassing.

Lucinda quickly showered and was soon drying herself. By the time she was complete I was undressed and ready for my turn. As we passed in the room, she'd noticed my already partially swollen erection and quickly gave it a smooth caress before I could proceed.

Wanting to cool down, I set the water temperature to barely any warmth. Washed, rinsed, refreshed and dried, I returned to find my waiting enchantress lying in the bed. She lay back with the sheet draped closely over her body using an arm to support her head. For some reason, seeing her limbs, hips, flat stomach and prominent breast profiled by the sheet, just stimulated my wicked imagination. I knew my growing lust meant there was no need to pretend I was making love to Janet, in order to become aroused.

"You look just like Cleopatra lying back seductively," I commented.

As I slipped under the sheet, she sighed: "Oh, if only you had a bunch of grapes to feed me. That is one thing I miss about home."

I slid over to her side and snuggled against her. While the room had now cooled, her body was warm and comforting. The smell of her apricot scented soap added to her feminine appeal.

As my hand clasped her hip, she tilted her head so that our lips met for a soft slow kiss. Her mouth gradually separated inviting me to explore with my tongue. As her tongue responded, a shot of adrenaline boosted my eagerness. Our tender smooches quickly grew in passion.

While she continued lying on her back, my hand skimmed lightly over all parts of her abdomen and legs, avoiding her more sensitive areas. My stroking of her soft skin caused as much stirring for me, as I anticipated it did for her. As my hand curved from her hip over her shapely waist to her ample breasts, I gave thanks that I could enjoy such physical perfection.

I'd been pressing my erect penis into her hip as I fondled her body. Lucinda could obviously feel it pulsing as she slid her hand between us and grabbed it firmly. This was a delightful intrusion into my thoughts that just put a halt to my plan for a slow seduction. There was now increased urgency to get things going.

While she continued squeezing, I focused on her breasts by sucking the nearest nipple and lightly pinched the other. They were already swollen; however my manipulations started her distinctive blissful sighing. I then directed my hand straight to the mound of her pussy. I could already feel her wetness, but needing better access I grabbed her adjacent thigh and pulled it over my leg. She cooperated by spreading her legs further apart.

My fingers slid the full length of her damp lips. I was soon spreading her juices before exploring deeper with one finger.

"Oh... that is perfect," Lucinda sighed as I started stroking inside her vagina. Between kisses I continued sucking her breast until she exclaimed: "I need you now!" She then abruptly sat up.

She pressed my chest down as she straddled my body and reached for my eager cock with her other hand. I reached for a condom packet from the side table. Before I could tear the packet open, Lucinda snatched it from my hand. I had always taken responsibility for this protection, so her actions were a surprise. What followed was even more unexpected.

She slipped down my legs. I watched with anticipation as she placed the unrolled condom in her mouth and then leant down to engulf my eager erection. I was engrossed as she devoured me, slowly unfurling the rubber with her lips. I lay completely still so that I didn't hurt her as she bobbed a couple of times before taking me down her throat. This was new. This was sensational!

Completely aroused I began to worry that I might climax prematurely. Fortunately she stopped and positioned her body above my throbbing center. We shared an intense look as she made adjustments before spearing herself down onto my rigid rod.

As her descent was slow, it enabled me to appreciate every exquisite ridge and muscle inside her. As she just as slowly rose up, she increased the pressure around me.

I closed my eyes to savor this carnal heaven. I was tempted to just relax and yield to it all, however as I opened my eyes again, her wobbling breasts tempted me. I reached up with both hands to cup them against her body. It was always a thrill to play with her bountiful assets.

I left my hands on remote control to caress her body, as I became preoccupied with my wanton yearnings. Every thought was now centered on my own release.

I'd been holding myself back, but once Lucinda rested her hands on my chest for support, she assumed a jockey's position racing for her own triumph. Her desperation provided me the impetus to buck and meet her descending body. I thrust hard so that our colliding flesh clapped out our raunchy pounding.

"Ohhh... yes, yes, yes." Lucinda always became quite vocal. Oooohh... I'm close... yes... Arghhh!"

Somewhere during her screaming, I let loose and fired myself deep inside her. As she relaxed, I continued forcing myself into her until my final tremors petered down.

Lucinda had finished by flopping down on my body. We were both covered in a sheen of perspiration which lubricated our skin as our chests heaved together. With my body flooded with hormones, the euphoria compelled me to wrap her in my protective arms.

Her head rested on my shoulder leaving a trail of hair across my face. While it tickled, I didn't want to disturb it as I savored her aroma. This encouraged me to continue breathing deeply until my heart, or was it hers, beat steadier.

As my manhood had slipped from its safe harbor, it eventually became necessary to remove my condom. I gently slipped Lucinda to my side before cleaning myself up.

As she was now on her back, I slipped down the bed and drew her legs apart. As I lay down between them, she drew her knees up to provide me with greater access.

Her pussy was covered by a sheen of her juices. As I licked slowly along her lips that musky taste invigorated my urge to tenderly arouse her. I knew exactly how to bring her to climax, but I intended to tease her first.

My tongue pressed lightly; first on the left, then the right, before taking a long lick up the center. Her groans indicated how easy this was. I kept to this pattern but increased the contact progressively.