Rider
3. Commitment
Nyss
Nyss used the small restroom at the trailhead to change into tee shirt and shorts. After Hannah had done the same, they locked their riding gear into the bike's storage and collected bottled water. Hannah had brought them to a park that was a wildlife refuge with multiple trails and secluded viewing areas.
"How far do you want to walk?" asked Hannah.
"At least a couple of miles," Nyss replied. "I'm getting out of shape."
"I like your shape," said Hannah. "You work out a lot?"
"Twice a week at the gym," said Nyss. "Softball practice and games at school."
"For God's sake don't let Krys know you play softball," said Hannah. "She'll have you on the church team before you finish the sentence."
"I'm not planning to join the church," Nyss objected. "And I'll be leaving in a couple of months."
"Doesn't matter. She'll find a way to recruit you while you're here," Hannah said, taking her hand.
The softball team was responsible for two of Nyss's girlfriends and all four of her one-night stands. Nyss thought it better not to share that information.
The parking lot had been half full, but Hannah said that the longer trails were rarely used. A few hundred yards from the parking lot there were no human sounds, just insect buzzes and birdsong, and the whispering of the breeze through leaves. The breeze was keeping the air pleasantly cool.
When the trail narrowed, Hannah released her hand. Nyss followed closely enough for easy conversation. They came to a bench at an overlook, and sat together. It didn't take long for temptation to overcome them, and the scenery below the overlook was forgotten as their lips met.
Hannah eventually called a halt as Nyss's hands roamed under her tank top. "This is too public," she whispered. "Even if there's no one else around."
They continued around the trail. A dry creek disappeared behind a thicket of dark green bushes. A slightly less dense patch of bushes looked like it might at one time have been used as a path. Hannah ducked and pushed her way through, Nyss in tow. Branches raked at Nyss as she fought to stay with her friend. At one point a long branch snagged on Hannah's tank top strap, and as she turned to free it, the branch snapped back and hit Nyss across the face.
"That wasn't funny!" Nyss said, rubbing her nose, as Hannah laughed at her.
"It was... it was a little bit funny," said Hannah, holding her finger and thumb a quarter inch apart. "Sorry about letting it go, but the way you tried to jump out of the way was funny."
"Just watch for poison ivy," Nyss grumped. "And snakes. Why are we coming this way anyway?"
"It looked like the other side of the creek is open to the drop," Hannah stated, "and it should be completely hidden from the path."
So it proved, although it took several minutes for them to find a patch of ground not covered with rocks and branches. No snakes or toxic plants had leaped out at them. Nyss sat, her back against a tree, her legs stretched out before her. When moved to sit beside her, Nyss stopped her.
"Sit in my lap," she said. "No point in both of us suffering from the hard ground."
"It's noble of you to sacrifice your butt," Hannah said.
"You know I'll put up with a lot to have a pretty girl in my lap," Nyss said, as Hannah lowered herself into her lap. She winced. "But... this isn't really working. My tailbone hurts. Maybe you could just sit between my legs and lean back?"
Hannah slid down to the dirt as Nyss parted her legs, then leaned against Nyss's chest.
Nyss wrapped her arms around Hannah. "Did you talk to Krys?"
"Yeah," Hannah replied. "I managed to get through the entire conversation without breaking down. She's going to call the shelter tomorrow."
"And the old lady?"
"We haven't scheduled taking her pet's ashes to her," Hannah said. "Krys is going to offer to do that. If anyone can persuade her to take on another cat, Krys can."
"I'm glad. Sorry to bring it up," Nyss said. "I know it's still raw."
"I'm doing okay," Hannah said. "I'm really thankful to you for helping me through Thursday night." She turned and gave Nyss's nose a quick kiss before leaning back against her. "I can handle the work. There may be difficult days, but I can do it."
Nyss slipped her fingers under the hem of Hannah's tank and caressed her belly with her thumbs. "I'm glad. I think you're going to be good at the work. How long have you been an assistant?"
"Four years now, while I was an undergrad," Hannah said. "And I'll be doing four more until I get my DVM."
"Jeez, and I thought my six total was tough," Nyss said. "I'm down to the last year, though."
"What are you going to do when you graduate?"
"Teach high school," Nyss said. "That's the goal."
"God, high school? Don't you remember
being
a high-schooler?" Hannah said. "Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to find one of those snakes that bug you and let it bite you? It would be less painful. And over much more quickly."
"You weren't a fan of your high school days?"
"Not even a little," Hannah said. "I guess neither of us has chosen an easy path."
Nyss kissed the base of her friend's neck. "I hope I can find the strength you have when I need it."
"Mmm, do that again," said Hannah. "It felt good."
"This?" she leaned forward and kissed Hannah's neck again. Hannah raised her hand, reaching behind her to run her fingers through Nyss's hair. "Yeah, that."
Nyss kissed her way up and down the girl's neck, and out over her shoulder. "Shall I pretend you've painted it with marshmallow guts?"
Hannah snorted. "Marshmallow... guts?"
She moved to the other side, kissing inward along Hannah's shoulder toward her neck. "Freshly
kiss
slaughtered
kiss
marshmallow
