This is part of a series. It should make sense by itself, but the preceding Angel stories will help. Please enjoy; as always your comments are welcome.
It seemed as if Thien had had enough sex, and just wanted to talk. I was happy to talk, happy to be part of whatever game she thought of. But I thought I knew what I wanted...
We went to all the local cafés and chatted. We shared stories, sometimes the same story from different angles, sometimes totally different, out of our respective cultures. I was introduced to Mr and Mrs Phuong, who were very polite but didn't talk much. Not at all really. Mrs Phuong moved gracefully and I could see where her daughter got her beautiful moves from. Coming into the house and down the corridor after my last visit - nude, behind Thien's glorious naked rear - was a challenge. Thien deliberately catching my eye did not make it easier.
I introduced Thien to my parents, who offered us cold drinks on the veranda. And we talked. We talked about everything and nothing. Growing up, friends, family. Hopes and expectations, movies and music. It was slightly odd to hear of myself as "the neighbour", as if I was being observed; which I was.
"Being Vietnamese in an Anglo town, is not that easy," Thien said one day. We happened to be in the same café where I heard about Talaya and their sexual awakenings. "Many many people, they're not hostile to us, but not friendly. People would sometimes stare, which is very bad manners to us. I always remember your parents: your mum was very kind. I remember you! You were so polite, you didn't look up at all. I thought what a nice boy you were, especially for an Anglo. It was years and years later, I realised you were just shy!" That musical laugh again. Thanks, Thien.
"I don't remember that at all. Are you sure it happened?"
"Of course! That's when I used to listen for you in the back yard. You would always help with the washing and the heavy lifting. So then I knew you were a nice boy." Now I'm glad mum made me help all those times.
"I was always in the back yard. I loved the outdoors. Loved the sun. It's funny, my school friends hated it. My uni friends ignore it. But I feel good when I'm in nature. And that's where you were: always outdoors." True, that.
"You know, I used to sunbake topless? Only when my parents were still at work. Sometimes when you were just over the fence!"
Oh the agony! If I'd only thought to have a look! "Thien, you torture me!"
"I haven't started! I found a tiny gap in the fence palings. I was curious about how much you used the hose. You were washing surfboards and wetsuits... and you remember what else?"
"Did you see me- "
"Oh yes! A few times! I know the system: you came in carrying the board, with the wetsuit hung over it. Your towel was round your neck. You put the board on the grass and the towel and the wetsuit on the washing line, on opposite sides." She had studied this. I started to blush.
"You hosed down the board, the wetsuit, then, you stripped and hosed yourself! Naked in your yard!"
"It seemed easier than having a shower inside. If I'd known- "
"You had a nice body, lean, good arms, but a funny tan. Your bottom was white! And under your arms. What I really noticed was how natural you were. Kind of, not sexy, just natural, with your funny dangling dick, drying yourself off, humming badly."
"I was going to thank you for the compliment, till that last bit."
"You'll get over it! I dunno what I as thinking, but I wasn't thinking sexy. I didn't. I'd turned it off years and years ago, after that little girl got spanked at the playground. I just liked being outdoors. I liked the feel of the air on my skin, that's why I was topless - or later on, after seeing you..."
"Thien! Don't say it, please, I'm begging you!"
"Nothing at all on! Naked, on a towel! Next door! In the sunshine! You just had to look over the fence! Oh Nick, you look like you're going to cry!" She put her little hand on my cheek. You are in so much trouble, 'angel'. Something stirred in me, a sense of purpose.
"You encourage me a lot. To feel free. I noticed you pleasuring yourself one night - you Anglos, you hardly ever notice other people! I was shocked a little bit. But you were so natural, and you had nice arms, I saw it was pleasure for you. Then it was so nice to watch you, you and your dick, through our bedroom windows. After that I'd look out for you. Watching you gave me funny feelings. It seemed to encourage me. Then Talaya started something! Now here I am, I'm going to- " she stopped herself.
We were lost in our thoughts. The same event, with two completely different viewpoints and consequences. It was a lot to think about. Thien sipped her tea.
"I'm teasing. If I heard you coming into your yard, I usually covered up. It didn't happen often. I wish maybe more, now."
I wished too. Wished I'd not been an awkward shy boy, with this amazing girl next door. Next door! But if I'd been louder, brasher, would she have liked me? Don't all girls love the bad-boy rock stars? Or do they? I've no idea, really. What do I wish? I wish... suddenly I had a plan. Now I know why I put thongs on instead of my usual sandals.
I silently slipped off the thongs. I had to do this perfectly, I only had one chance. If something on my face gave me away, I wouldn't even have one chance. I lifted my leg, noting where the table legs were. It was crucial that nothing gave away my surprise attack. I extended my leg, I judged I must be past her knees now, this is gonna be good...
