MJ and Linda never fucked that night. However, Michelle walked back to her dorm that night very content with her first day of college. She had no idea what other experiences were going to come her way.
MJ attended Tuesday's classes and came out with more homework. She was used to working hard in high school, but college seemed to take so much more energy and motivation. Classes did not dampen MJ's spirit, because Linda had planned to take her on a hike, then enjoy a late-night picnic together, and perhaps go for a swim in the lake. MJ was excited, because being inside all day was enough to depress her, especially when the weather was grand outside.
Michelle did as much homework as she could before 3:00pm when Linda came to pick her up. Linda drove a huge black Land Rover with a stick shift. Imagine that! MJ found her SUV with no trouble and jumped it. Linda said, "We need to run by the grocery store to pick up some goodies for our picnic."
"Sounds good."
They stopped at a Marsh grocery store to pick up some lovely grapes, bananas, and sandwich meat.
"Turkey, chicken or ham MJ?"
"Turkey!"
"That's my favorite too," Linda shared.
The two women checked out and drove about thirty minutes out of town to a deserted lake and park. Most people did think it was worth the time to drive out that far to the park, but Linda definitely thought it was worth it. By the time the two women arrived, they both felt the need to stretch their legs. MJ and Linda walked two times around the park and lake which equaled about two miles. It was a great time for them to get to know each other more.
"So, how did you find out about the Outdoor Rec major?"
"I worked at a camp where they mentioned it. My boss told me to major in business though. He said I would have more success that way. I kind of wanted to vomit on him by that point."
Linda laughed. "Did you?"
"No, I definitely did not. What about you?"
"What do you mean?" Linda asked.
"How did you find out about the Outdoor Rec major?"
"Oh, I see. Good question MJ. Well, to be honest, I didn't even know the major existed until I arrived here to this university. I was planning on majoring in Political Science," Linda laughed at herself. MJ joined in. "But I got involved with an outdoor club and one thing led to another. Someone told me about the major and I ran for it. It felt so right compared to Poly Sci."
MJ smiled and looked into Linda's eyes. "I agree with that one."
Silence ensued between the two. MJ was starting to take in the facts: Linda was older than her. She had experienced a lot of things already that MJ was just beginning to see. MJ's stomach knotted up in fear. What if she couldn't measure up to what Linda wanted?
Linda broke her thoughts, "Are you okay my baby?" Linda smiled and moved her head next to MJ's head.
"Oh! Yeah, I'm fine!" Michelle waived her hand carelessly.
"Whatever MJ! I know a face full of anxiety when I see one!" MJ's eyes met Linda's blue ones. Linda continued, "What's up baby?"
MJ's heart raced when she said "baby." "Uhh, geez Linda. Do you think I'm really cut out for you? I mean, you have so much experience and knowledge over me! I'm not even turning 19 till March!"
Linda wrapped her arm around MJ's hourglass figure. MJ rested her head on Linda's shoulder. The two felt so connected even though it was just their second day together. Tears streamed down Michelle's face. Linda stopped walking, wiped the tears off MJ's face, and said "Remember what I said about age baby?! Age is just a number. It doesn't reflect your experience or knowledge."
Linda bit her lips briefly before continuing, "Baby, I say 'baby' because I know you're special! I know you're self-conscious and worried about what I'll think of you. I'm here for a reason and so are you. You have so many wonderful qualities and experiences baby, you probably don't even realize it. In your own way MJ, you're almost my age. I mean I could say that if we started placing emphasis on age, but I don't see the point."
The tears slowly stopped coming from MJ's eyes. Linda grasped MJ's hand and the two started walking again. Linda waited. She waited for MJ to speak. Linda wanted to know what Michelle was thinking.
"You really meant that? That I'm wonderful and somewhat experienced?"
"Baby, I can't give you detail for detail, because it's only the second day. But I can tell you that I've met very few people that have come to this university planning to major in Outdoor Rec. before they even get here. I've met very few people as energetic and hard-working as you. Furthermore, I've met very few hippie loving lesbians. And frankly, I'm glad I met you!" Linda stopped momentarily and then added, "That is enough for me to know that you are wonderful and experienced in your own way."
MJ smiled, but her eyes didn't meet Linda's.
MJ couldn't feel her throat. She needed water. She opened her mouth and tried to speak. The words wouldn't come out.
Linda stopped walking again. "Are you okay babe?"
Michelle had to say it. She knew inside that she had to say it. She spoke softly, "I'm scared. I'm really scared."