Quickly Kaleb gets out of the car, grabs the blanket, and then reaches in for me. Because there is such and air of urgency in Kaleb I forget to bring my scarf and I don't remember it until we are part way down the trail. Since I have to almost run to keep up with Kaleb's long strides I don't bother to say anything to him about the scarf. Suddenly he stops. Being that I am right behind him and concentrating on keeping up, I never see him stop and I run directly into him. Spinning around he catches me as I fall.
"My Dear, I am so sorry. I should have slowed down. Please forgive me." Catching my breath I assure him that I am okay, but I need a minute. "That's okay. I am sorry, I should not have gone that fast, but I am so excited about this, that I don't want to waste a minute of it." Suddenly he gets very serious. "This is a big step for you though. If you are having second thoughts, I understand. I would understand if you decide that you want your first time to be in the comfort of a bed, instead of on the hard ground. I am just so...oh I just want this to be perfect for you."
Finally I reach up and place my hand over his mouth. "Kaleb, stop. I am excited about this too. Yes, I am nervous, but I so want you to teach me what it is like to actually be alive, and to be a woman. It has been so long since I have felt anything that I don't even know what to expect. I know things from what I've read, but I also know that fiction is fiction."
As we round a corner I have to gasp at the sight that spreads out in front of me. There it is. The Grand Canyon. I feel Kaleb behind me come up close and put his arms around me. He gently hugs me into his body and I can feel his hard muscles against me. "Maria, this is it. This is the perfect place." Looking around, I see a small overhang behind us. I take his hand and lead him over to it.
Quickly he lays the blanket down on the ground, takes off his jacket and folds it up so that it is like a pillow. Turning toward me, Kaleb looks at me questioningly. "My Dear, I know that you are very self-conscious, but please trust me." Reaching out, he gently starts to unbutton my shirt.
Grabbing his hands I stop him for a moment. "I am just nervous about how you will react when you see how scarred I am. I know that you have felt them, but nothing will prepare you for the reality of seeing it." Without moving his hands he looks down to the small area of my chest that is now visible. Gently he releases his hands from mine and finishes unbuttoning my shirt. Before I can see the look of disgust on his face I close my eyes. I hear him step away, and I feel his hands let go of my shirt. I know that he has turned away, and I drop my head. Quickly I start to button back up.