French Échangisme
Oh, what an experience! Unfortunately, I can never tell our friends what happened. My wife and I have agreed we should remain discreet, however I'm compelled to record our tale, if not for posterity, at least for us to recall in our golden years. Consequently it's necessary that we remain anonymous, hence the adoption of a non-déplume. I just hope you'll not judge me too harshly about flouting convention. My only justification is that our exploits weren't only exhilarating, but they also enhanced our mutual understanding and strengthened our love. This is how it began.
On the long flight to Tahiti, Ashley slept with her head on my shoulder. It was only once we were airborne on this second flight that she finally allowed herself to relax. These last few days had been hectic with us both rushing to complete work and preparing our two girls for a week with her parents. This was the vacation I had been promising for several years. We both felt a little bit of luxury had well and truly been earned.
With the cabin lights dimmed and the constant hum of the engines, I was also lulled into closing my eyes. Before I fell asleep, I recalled how lucky I was. A loving wife, a happy family and a successful business. Ashley was the perfect partner. Not only was she passionate, tender and considerate, she'd opened my thinking to new ideas.
Being with Ash had made me cognizant that I had grown up blindly following the proscribed beliefs of my quite traditional parents. She was a free thinker who readily and kindly challenged any of my residual antiquated notions. We often were able to share a joke about my 'antediluvian predilection'. While I was now more open to reassessing habitual opinions or conventions, Ash couldn't resist being amused whenever she pointed out my obvious preconceptions. At least now it was becoming rare that I stumbled.
I woke from a deep sleep when the cabin lights were turned back on. My left arm remained numb from holding Ashley. Fortunately she also stirred and asked: "Are we almost there?"
In answer to her question, the public address system announced: "We will now be serving breakfast. We anticipate arrival at Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport in approximately one hour."
"Fletch, how long will we be in transit before our next flight?"
"It's meant to be a four hour layover," I replied.
"I hope it's not a puddle jumper."
"No, I think Air Tahiti uses 787 jets."
While we ate a simple breakfast it was evident that the sunrise was rapidly catching us from behind. It was fully light by the time we made our approach. As we looked out the left of the aircraft, we could see an emerald island dominated by steep mountains.
Once the plane had stopped at the terminal, the change in the air was obvious as soon as the cabin doors opened. Even though it was still early morning as we descended the stairs onto the black tarmac, we were instantly enveloped by soothing warm air. It finally sank in; our seven day vacation had commenced.
Through immigration and then check-in for our next flight, we proceeded to our boarding lounge. Most of our fellow passengers from the States must have been going elsewhere or remaining in Tahiti as we seemed to be the only ones heading for Raiatea. I just hoped I had made the right decision with my resort selection.
In the waiting area there were about twenty people, but they were mostly Polynesians. As we headed for some vacant seats, we approached another couple that had to be Europeans. They were unlike the typical American tourist in crushed t-shirts, cargo shorts, flip-flops and baseball caps. They could have graced the cover of my wife's Elle magazines. Their clothes were well fitted and stylish yet looked comfortable. My eyes naturally took in the woman although I tried not to be caught staring. Her clothing was simple and elegant, with only her white Lois Vuitton handbag and red lipstick as accessories. I deliberately looked away but knew I'd be checking her out again as soon as I could.
Once we were seated, I asked Ashley: "Can I get you anything?"
"I should be right ... I could kill for a good coffee."
I was also weighing up the benefits of strong coffee in improving my alertness when the European woman said: "There is a small bistro around that corner that serves coffee." She was smiling broadly at us with just that touch of empathy for fellow travelers. Her English was precise with just that hint of the breathiness of a French accent.
"Thank you," I said as I tried to capture her every feature. Then as her eyes sparkled back at me, I realized my gazing had become obvious.
She broke the stilted situation by explaining: "I was surprised that the coffee was quite good. Much better than some of the gritty sludge I have experienced on this trip."
My wife joined in the conversation by asking: "Have you been travelling very long."
Her partner who had initially been reading also joined the conversation: "This will be our fourth week of a nine week round the world vacation. We arrived from Nouméa last night and had to stay in a hotel in Papeete before continuing this morning." Although not as pronounced, he also spoke with that distinctive French inflexion. Soon we were all talking about where we'd come from and our families.
I wanted to hear everything about this couple, particularly the woman. The intonation of her voice was mesmerizing. It was many minutes later that I caught the stare from Ash to remind me of her need for coffee. As I stood up, I joked: "Well I should grab those coffees before my wife expires. Can I get something for you also?" I offered to the other couple.
"No thank you. We have had several already this morning," he replied.
When I returned with the coffee, my wife and the other woman were deep in conversation about some celebrities in the headlines. I didn't participate in the discussion; however I pretended to listen so that I could politely watch this French woman's expressive face.
She had dark brown hair braided neatly and brown eyes that seemed more prominent due to the pure white surrounds. I pondered whether it was the flex of her eyebrows or the widening of her eyes for emphasis that made them so expressive.
I had always considered Ashley to be the most beautiful woman I had ever met particularly due to her naturally wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. I had always perceived that brown hair and brown eyes were dull; now I wasn't so certain.
My eyes ran down to her button up blue blowse that modestly covered a good chest. The blowse perfectly complemented her dark blue pleated skirt that barely covered her knees as she crossed her slender legs. The opened toed blue shoes with flat heels were both functional and smart.
Her partner had returned to reading his book, although he must have also been listening as he often glanced up at Ash. I was conscious that they were of a similar age to us. If fact he was a similar build to me although while I had dark brown hair, his hair was lighter and showed the signs of sun bleaching to the tips.
When the announcement was made to board, I watched her graceful movements as she stood and held her partners arm. She was possibly an inch taller than Ash but had a very similar figure. Her slender waist certainly gave prominence to her chest.
By the time we gathered our bags and stood up, this couple were ready to move. Before they stepped away, she turned to both of us and said: "Have a good flight." He also smiled broadly to echo the same sentiment. We responded with similar comments.
We had been following, but through the boarding process, I lost sight of them. As I had no expectations of ever seeing them again, I was disappointed as I recalled her looks concluding that she'd been quite beautiful.
During the 45 minute flight to Raiatea I once again considered how blessed I had been that my wife chose me. Ash's attractiveness and personality made her well known to every guy when we'd been at college. Even the women seemed to like her due to her down to earth sincerity and consideration. She was just the type that everyone wanted to meet and spend time with.
I wouldn't have said this to her in quite this manner, but she may have exploited her popularity by having fun with select men. However she was always discreet. Unfortunately on one occasion her selection of suitor was poor. Soon everyone was hearing about his exploits at Ashley's expense. Eventually the stories filtered back to Ashley. Showing true courage, she confronted the braggart in front of dozens of people before a lecture. Loudly she announced: "Thank you for the shortest dalliance of my life. Not only was your manhood the shortest, but as you finished in a jiffy, I was able to catch up with friends so that I could still have a worthwhile evening." Her bravado only enhanced her reputation amongst a hoard of admirers.
The pressure on the braggart must have been enormous as I suspect he left the college as I can't recall seeing him again.
It was only in my final year that I had the chance to really get to know her. I was immediately entranced by her unassuming, generous personality. We enjoyed a wide range of conversations which she seasoned with a natural sense of humor. I immediately adored her. It was after our fourth brief meeting that I eventually roused sufficient pluck to ask her out on a date. That night went perfectly but I was still overwhelmed when she invited me back to her apartment.
Prior to Ashley, I had only been with one other girl. If I described these first encounters as being vanilla, it would be considered being generous. We were both inexperienced. This became all too obvious when I first lay with Ashley. Somehow, I must have done something right that night as Ashley persisted with me. Despite the steep learning curve in providing mutual pleasure, life couldn't have been better.
We were married a year later, and I have never doubted the wisdom of that decision.
Deplaning in Raiatea, we were greeted by happy Polynesian faces. Leis were placed around our necks and gorgeous flower had been woven into crowns for the women. Once we were identified in the crowd by the Resort staff, we were guided to a boat waiting for the transfer to our motu (island). Stepping into the cabin a crew member directed us to seats opposite our recent French acquaintances. Their smiles on seeing us were even broader than those worn by the Resort staff.
