Author's note: like all my stories, this one explores real-life situations magnified into grotesque caricature, for purposes of exploring motivations and the power of fantasy in heightening pleasure with some safety. That safety would likely evaporate in the event that any of this passed into reality; hence, the purpose of writing any of this. It is utter fantasy and happens only in fairy-tale, that it may never break out of its prison and render terrible havoc. That said, many of the emotions and painful choices facing my characters arise from real experience.
Common (though not universal) themes in my stories range from interracial experiences, possibility of pregnancy and couples tortured by the pressures of modern society (not necessarily one any of us live in) possibly resulting in some level of cheating/cuckoldry .
*****
Gina was a sweet but shy girl, self conscious because she felt that she had plain looks. She was attractive in a way that she couldn't see (though modest in appearance), and was very generous and giving and loved by her friends. She thought herself a good person, but has always been self-conscious and shy.
Tony was very down-to-earth and enjoyed the simple things. He had simple ambitions, but a good heart. He had undistinguished looks and dressed simply, with an average (if not slight) build.
Gina and Tony had been set up in high school and gone out together for over two years. Eventually they married under encouragement from their parents and friends, as both were a bit shy and socially awkward and seemed in danger of never settling down. After an awkward start, their marriage built into a solid relationship and both felt happy and secure for the first couple of years. Their shared modesty seemed to fit well with a simple life.
After a while though, things seemed a bit unsatisfying for both and in time they settled into a comfortable but distant friendship, more than a typical marriage. Neither was really happy, nor was either terribly unhappy. It was only a kind of bland but acceptable arrangement. Overall both found it safe and comfortable, though possibly at times unrewarding.
Except for occasional nights of enjoyable pleasure—generally coinciding with Gina's fertile time when Tony unfortunately had to wear a condom—sex was mostly mundane, though seemingly adequate. They were undecided about having children, and did want to put the decision off until they had solidified their financial situation. Having had lonely teenaged years, both were happy to at least be able to enjoy some sexual relationship.
Gina worked part-time as a cashier, while Tony was an apprentice carpenter. They earned enough together to afford a basic apartment while saving for something better.
When Tony started a new job, his workmates liked to compare sex stories and harass those without tales of great sexual escapades to relate. While the others were exaggerating their yarns, Tony's honesty and simplicity singled him out for picking on. Egged on by the others, he complained more and more about his banal sexual experiences.
In time this began to wear on him, and he would often complain to Gina, making her feel inadequate and unappreciated. The stress of the mild conflict built into long periods of no sexual activity at all, until both became quite frustrated and as the trouble spoiled over into other parts of the relationship, Tony decided that they should take a period of trial separation. His idea was to see if it would rekindle things, or failing that as a chance to think things over.
Gina was devastated, and struggled with him to try to find a way to finance counselling or work things out themselves. For a time—though Gina was terrified of losing him and stressed beyond ability to give him what he had been persuaded that he needed from her—they did stay in their apartment together and she took every opportunity to hug and cherish him.
Taking more flack from work, Tony was less and less receptive to reconciliation. The lads at work had advised him that their problems (which were largely inflated by the lads themselves) were her fault, and he found himself convinced that a short break might shake Gina up and inspire her to perform better.
When Tony insisted that they try a short break, Gina had no choice and found an apartment that she could afford. Moving into the new suite, she spent a lot of time hiding away inside, depressed and feeling both dejected and regretful that she hadn't done more to save the marriage. At first she was a wreck and held little hope that Tony would see that they both needed to work together to build a stronger, more satisfying bond
In maintaining contact with Tony, over the first month she became aware that he felt strongly that it was only temporary. He convinced her that it was just to see if it helped, and that if they both agreed, they could get a place together again in a short while and give it another try. He insisted that he only wanted time to be sure that they were both in agreement on everything and both fully committed before they made that move.
Gina inwardly disagreed—feeling that being together was the best way to keep communication open—but very encouraged that they both did agree that this was interim. In time, she hoped to be able to convince him that she was ready to be his dream wife; that she was ready for the ultimate marriage—something any of their friends would be envious of.
Gina started to emerge from her prison of gloominess and dressed more vibrantly, going out for walks to see the flowers, spending time outside in the sun at the apartment building. She was still missing Tony and the simple comfort of their home together, but feeling more optimistic and thinking of the brighter future.
Spending more time out of her suite she went to the library, took walks, and spent time reading outdoors. While reading in the apartment building's flower garden, she was interrupted by a man who asked if she knew when the laundry facilities would re-open after some repair work.
She greeted the man with a smile and said, "I'm not sure. Hopefully soon—it's been all weekend."
He smiled back at her and asked if he could sit beside her for a moment and enjoy the sun. She nodded, still smiling. She tucked the skirt of her yellow sundress out of the way and set her book aside, smiling at him.