Charade

(When we played our charade

We were like children posing

Playing at games, acting out names

Guessing the parts we played)

***********************

There I was, 48 years old, sitting in my office overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific, weighing whether I should accept the offer I received for my company. If I did I would net around 24 million, give or take a few thousand. I would be wealthy beyond my wildest imagination. I would be able to buy and do whatever my little heart desired, within reason of course. So why was I feeling so shitty. Professionally I was a success, I had made it, but personally I felt my life was totally fucked up.

My name is Jerry Ford, that's Jerry with a J for Jerome, not Gerald, like the President. I came from a lower, middle class, blue collar family and I was a total fuck-up in high school. One reason, I believe, was that I found it so totally boring. I'm pretty sure that I was the only student that my guidance counselor advised to quit and go find a job. I think that she was getting really tired of seeing my rump in her office all the time. I admit it, I was a royal pain in the ass.

Miracles happen, I graduated high school (although I kind of think that they just wanted to get rid of me so badly that they let me pass). The Vietnam war was still raging and was becoming more and more unpopular, but I was a gung-ho kid and I wanted to make the world safe for democracy. (Shit, I didn't even know what the word meant.) Anyway, I enlisted in the Army for a three year hitch. My dad wanted me to learn a trade (he was an electrician) and he agreed that the service would be a good idea. It would give me an opportunity to mature as well as teaching me something with which I could earn a living.

Funny thing happened, I thrived on the Basic Training. For some ungodly reason the rigid discipline, the demanding physical activity, the attention to detail, etc. were things that were alien to me, but really appealed to me at the same time. Maybe it was because I was so good at what was required. I made it through Basic at the top of my unit, which maybe wasn't so good an idea. Yeah, I was so good that they talked me into volunteering for Ranger training.

So I spent the next two months at Ft. Benning, Ga. going through the hell of a intense, uncompromising period of physical and psychological preparedness, in other words, for Vietnam. You have to understand, I was not a heroic physical specimen. I was just shy of 6 foot and weighed about 170. (I keep in good shape, primarily by swimming laps, and I weigh only about 5 pounds more at the present.) But they honed my body and gave me the skills necessary to survive. Two months later found me in Vietnam which, let me tell you, is no Palm Springs.

If the Gods ever decide to give the world an enema, Vietnam will get the nozzle. I spent over a year and a half in that hell hole until I was wounded by some shrapnel which did a number on a couple of vertebra as well as some internal damage to my bladder and surrounding area. After spending a couple of months in a Veteran's Hospital stateside, I was discharged. No, I was not incontinent (thank the Gods) and my limp was hardly noticeable, even today. That was the good news - the news that I would be unable to sire children didn't make much of an impact at the time. What was of much more concern to me at the time was that I wasn't impotent, My inability to sire children would come back to haunt me later in life.

So there I was, 20 years old, out of the army and still without any real skills (if you discount the ability to disable or kill almost anyone quite efficiently.) I was living at home, not quite sure of what to do with myself. My dad did some research and found that there was counseling and career services for returning vets given at Drexel University and was sponsored by the VA. I figured, why not. An appointment was made and I spent the entire day being tested and interviewed. I still remember the psychologist's name, Dr. Cypress, he told me to call him Al.

To make a long story short, the tests showed that I had an aptitude for the technical and he suggested that I attend college and study engineering. I roared, now that was really funny. I told him that I barely made it through high school. He said he had examined my high school records and despite the less than impressive reading, the tests that I had taken in the army and the results of the battery of tests I had taken with him, indicated that I would have no problem in college. He really had me believing him. He made an appointment with the Dean of the School of Engineering at Drexel and before I knew it my ass was in college. My dad was proud as punch and my mom now could brag a little. Remember, I had mentioned that my dad was an electrician which led me to major in electrical engineering.

Coincidentally, it was just about this time that I got a call from Ben Klein, a buddy from my days in 'Nam. "Jerry, Jerry, it's Ben, you sonofabitch. I'm out, Jer, I'm out of the Army."

"Damn, Ben. It's good to hear your voice. How come you got out early? Where are you? How are you doing? How did you get my number?" I realized I was blabbering, but it was good to hear from him.

"I lost a fucking leg, Jer. I stepped on a fucking mine, would you believe it? Jeez, such a goddamn rookie thing to do. But it's ok, I lost the leg below my knee and the prosthesis is great, I get around almost as good. I called your folks, they gave me your number. Jer, I'm in California and guess what. You won't believe this. I"ve been admitted to Cal Tech. I'm gonna be studying architecture. I'm gonna achieve my dream, Jer. I'm gonna be a fucking architect."

I roared with laughter. Ben may sound like a gangster, but he was probably the smartest guy in the outfit, including the brass. I knew he had the ability and I knew that he wanted to be an architect since he was a kid.

"Ben, that's absolutely great. I'm really happy for you. I guess my folks told you what I'm doing?"

"Yeah, that blew my mind. Hey, Jer, how about that. Guys like us becoming professionals - you an engineer and me a fucking architect. Can you believe it?" and he erupted in laughter along with me. We chatted for another half hour and ended the call, promising to keep in touch.

I sat for awhile, just shaking my head, digesting what Ben had told me. Life is strange, I concluded.

I didn't like the idea of commuting to school from home and since I now had the GI Bill, a small medical pension from the army and the money my folks had saved from what I sent home each month, I was able to afford a studio apartment close to school. I'm exaggerating a

little when I call it an apartment. It was basically one room which contained my bed, a couple of easy chairs, an old sofa and a closet kitchen. Oh yeah, a bathroom in which I was just able to turn around. But for me it was ok. I had a study area there for my desk and a used computer and I devoted as much time as I could to the books. I knew that this was it for me; I would either make this work or my future would be really bleak. I didn't need a car, I could easily walk to class and take the streetcar to visit my folks.

The first two years went quickly and I was amazed to discover that I didn't flunk out after the mid-term exams, in fact I did rather well. I was deadly serious about accomplishing my goal to become an engineer, a professional, so I hit the books hard which, of course, left little time for any kind of social life. I had made some casual friends in some of my classes and we would get together occasionally for a beer or pizza or both. One Friday, one of the guys (Carl) mentioned that there was going to be a get-together at a sorority over at Penn which was only a few blocks away and he talked me into going with him. I figured, why not. It was the weekend and I was pretty well caught up.

That evening changed my life - I met Kimberly. Jeez, Kimberly, who names a girl Kimberly? It's got to be the Main Line. She looked like a rich bitch, with the stylish jeans, top and too cute little diamond earings. My contempt showed I guess. (I know, I know, it was totally unfair, but don't forget my background.) She sensed it when our eyes met, and she flushed. I turned away quickly and went to get a beer.

A sharp tap on my shoulder caused me to turn around, and there stood Kimberly, eyes blazing. "Okay, buster. What gives you the right to turn your nose up at us, or is it just me? You think that we're all just spoiled brats, here only because Mommy and Daddy have a lot of money?"

I stood there, mouth agape, but she wasn't finished with me. She again poked me, this time in the chest. "You know something, buster. I think that you're pretty stupid, you judge people without even knowing them." She then turned and flounced off. I was totally stunned, helpless under her onslaught and struck dumb even after she had finished raking me over the coals.

Carl then sidled up to me and chuckled. "I guess you've just met Kim Van Horn. Nice girl, huh?" and he laughed at my discomfort. "C'mon, Jerry. I think that you've had enough for the evening. Let's get out of here."

We stopped at a local watering hole for a couple of beers and I had the opportunity to quiz him about this broad. "Shit, Carl. What's with her? I didn't say one word to her; she didn't have any call to lay into me that way," I complained.

Carl chuckled. "That's Kim. I guess she's really sensitive about coming from money. She hates it when people think that she's just a dumb blond without any ability. She's my girlfriends best friend and I've learned to get along with her. As long as you treat her with some respect she's fine; she only gets pissy when she suspects that someone is looking down their nose at her."

"Your girlfriend? I didn't see you with anyone there." I said a bit puzzled.

"She's away for the weekend. Some family thing, she'll be back on Sunday," answered Carl and then continued. "Look, Jer. Why not come back with me on Sunday to the sorority house and make your apologies to Kim. I think that you'll find she a good kid. I think that you'll like her."

I sat and thought about Carl's suggestion. I was intrigued, Kim was certainly easy on the eyes. She was of medium height, blond hair which she wore to her shoulders, blue eyes and a very, very nice physical package. She was also feisty, independent and no introvert. I decided I would like to get to know her and I agreed to accompany Carl on Sunday.

We got to the sorority house around noon and I was formally introduced properly to Kim and then to Carol, Carl's girlfriend. It was a funny situation. Kim and I tried to talk at the same time, apologizing for Friday's incident. Finally I was able to tell her that I was really sorry for being so stupid, and she was able to apologize for her rudeness. That being taken care of, we adjourned to a local pizza parlor for some pie and sodas. Damn, I really had a good time and I was becoming attracted to this girl with the bubbly personality and infectious laugh. She was bright and totally unpretentious. I liked her. Shit, who was I kidding, I was totally gaga over her.

Over the next few months we dated casually. We would meet, go to a movie or just out for a bite to eat. She certainly wouldn't come up to my place and she never suggested that I come up to her room in the sorority house. We did manage to engage in some light necking at the movies or other appropriate locations, but that's all that there was. Near the end of our junior year I think that both of us began to realize that perhaps there was something building between the two of us. We found that we were in each others thoughts and it seemed that we were dating exclusively now.

It was in May, a balmy sweet evening, we had made plans to meet for a light dinner with no plans after. I remember that evening as clearly as if it were a week ago. I had walked to Kim's sorority house and had stopped, rooted to the spot, totally taken by how she looked. It seemed as if she had carefully applied her makeup (unusual, for she seldom used much) and was dressed in a soft, clingy top and mini skirt. While her outfit was far from blatant, I was so used to seeing her in a blouse and jeans, that my jaw dropped in surprise. She looked good enough to eat and with that thought I started to become erect.

I realized again that Kim was a gorgeous creature. Her eyes sparkled in amusement and she slipped her arm in mine as she guided me along the sidewalk.

"Close your mouth, Jerry. You've seen me in a skirt before," she laughed.

"I still can't get over how beautiful you are, honey. I'm serious," I stuttered. Smoothness is not my middle name. She flushed in embarrassment and pleasure and held on to my arm tightly.

We dined al fresco in a nearby eatery, it would have been presumptuous to label it a restaurant. It had about 4 tables inside and 3 outside, one of which we occupied. We were finishing our pasta and sipping on some Chianti when Kim raised her eyes to mine and said, "Jerry, how come you've never invited me to see your apartment."

I looked at her, startled. "I did, Kim, a few months ago. You didn't think it was exactly proper, as you put it," and I leered at her and wiggled my eyebrows.

She laughed at my antics and continued. "Well, I bet it's a typical bachelor pad, smelly and messy."

Actually, it wasn't. I had been taught well in the army. While my place may have been somewhat shabby, it was clean with things in their place. I asked Kim if she would like to see it and she replied in the affirmative and we made our way there, enjoying the soft evening air as we strolled.

I have to admit, my mind was in a bit of a whirl. How come Kim wanted to see my place all of a sudden? I was full of questions, but I wisely kept my mouth shut and opted to just wait to see what would happen. Yeah, you know what I was hoping.

Kim seemed nervous. She was very animated and couldn't stop chattering. Her laughter was a little giddy and she kept taking quick looks at me as she gushed over topics that seemed totally inane. I could sense her nervousness and I struggled to keep myself calm. I reached for her hand as we walked and that seemed to settle her somewhat.

"Why Jerry, I'm impressed," Kim exclaimed as she stood and viewed all of my earthly possessions. "Everything is neat and clean. I should have known. You're that type of guy."

"That's good, right?" I asked, a bit uncertain about the tone of her voice.

"Yes," she replied softly. "Jerry, that's very good," and she put her hand on my cheek. She then turned to face me directly and took my face between her palms. She seemed a bit unsure of herself and looked at me with uncertainty in her eyes. "Jerry," she asked. "Do you love me?"

I hesitated and realized that I had never really told Kim how I felt. We had kind of grown together as a couple, but we had never really discussed our feelings. I suddenly took her in my arms and whispered in her ear, "Sweetheart, I love you with all my heart. I should have told you that months ago."

She sighed and let out a long breath. "Oh, Jerry. I love you too, more than you'll ever know." We then kissed, long and deep. Kim then put her hands on my chest and pushed me down onto the sofa. She stood over me and pleaded. "Please, Jerry. Don't say a word, I want to do this badly, but I'm afraid I'll chicken out if you say anything. Just sit, ok?" I sat.

Kim stood before me and then her body began to sway, slowly and sensuously to a beat that only she could hear. She stepped back and the dance took on a more intense rhythm, her hips now grinding slightly, back and forth. Her hands went to the buttons of her blouse, slowly undoing them, from the top, down, down until the garment hung loosely from her shoulders. With a slight shrug the silky covering fell to the floor. Kim stood quietly for a moment before resuming the movements of her dance.

Her bra was nothing more than a strap and two half cups supporting her full breasts, the points exposed above the lacy fringe. Her nipples were pale pink and very erect. She then starting humming a melody unknown to me but with an erotic, exotic tempo. Her hands went to the clasp of her skirt and that too fell to the floor. Her hands then went high above her head, clasped together and her body moved snakelike from side to side. I was spellbound by this stunning apparition before me, scarcely able to breath for fear that she would vanish.

The melody she was humming became louder and more intense as she quickly moved to free her breasts from their confinement. Kim slowly raised her hands and lifted those full mounds before letting her palms gently brush over her nipples, causing her to gasp softly. I suddenly recognized what she was humming; it was Henry Mancini's Charade - how appropriate that would become. Her feet stood rooted to the floor as her body moved sinuously to the throbbing beat of the music coming from her throat. She was now dressed only in her panties, brief clinging fabric hardly hiding the swollen lips of her vulva.

Her hands moved slowly to her hips, thumbs hooking under the waist of her undergarment. Slowly they descended, pulling her panties slowly over her smooth belly until the soft, blond pubic hair became visable. With an abrupt and sudden movement they too fell to the floor leaving her totally nude before me. I sat, frozen by the erotic figure before me. Her legs were a bit separated and I could see the slightly open lips of her pussy. They looked damp, a sheen of moisture evident.

Her eyes bored into mine, searchingly. She moved closer to me and lowered herself to her knees, between my legs. With her eyes still locked on mine, she began to unbutton my shirt. When I tried to help she brushed my hands away and murmured for me to sit still. I was quickly naked to the waist and her hands went to my belt and zipper. I was afraid to make any movement, frightened of breaking the moment. With an effort, Kim managed to pull my jeans and boxers down my legs and off. I sat there as naked as she, my cock erect and throbbing, the head already coated with its natural lubricant.

Kim slowly grasped the base of my cock, holding it gently. She had not taken her eyes from mine. "Jerry, do you think that I'm terrible? Am I acting too much like a slut?"

I just shook my head almost violently, from side to side. "You're fantastic, you're the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me," I replied quickly.

The words were barely out of my mouth when she lowered her head and engulfed the head of my cock. I gasped in shock and delight. Her eyes sought mine again and she kept her gaze on me as she gently laved my throbbing phallus. Then dropping her eyes once more, she slid my cock all the way down her throat, burying her nose in my pubic hair. I felt her throat surround the head and struggled not to explode in orgasm. Kim spent the next five minutes or so between deep throating me and gently sucking and licking the head of my dick. I just sat and luxuriated in the sensations.

Kim then stood and towered above me. She pushed me on my back, flat on the sofa and climbed on board. I thought, with whatever senses remained, that she would impale herself on the organ that she had so thoughtfully prepared. Not so. She moved up on me until her pussy was directly over my mouth, her thighs straddling my head. I could see the lips gaping open and the moisture literally dripping on my chin. With a soft whimper she lowered herself down on me and ground her sex into my mouth. I attacked that organ with tongue and lips, moving from her clitoris to her vagina, driving my tongue in as deeply as I could.

I could feel her tense suddenly, her thighs gripping me tightly and with a low moan she came, the moan turning into a shrill wail, soft but keening. With a sudden movement, she wrenched from me, moving herself lower on my body onto which she collapsed. I could hear soft sobs coming from her and I held and comforted her, now apprehensive and concerned about what she was now feeling. I thought it best to just keep quiet, at least for the time being. Wise choice.