The Garden
Alex Morgan, a twenty-two-year-old biology graduate, found himself at a crossroads after leaving college. Uncertain of where his newfound knowledge would lead, he contemplated the many directions his degree could take him. Biology, the scientific study of life and living things, held vast possibilities within its realms.
Standing at six-two and weighing one hundred and ninety pounds, Alex could have pursued a professional sports career. After all, he had served as the starting quarterback for two years out of his three years in college. However, Alex possessed a surprising gentleness that didn't quite align with the aggression of football. On this softer side, he discovered his passion for massage therapy, a skill he had diligently studied since high school.
Following the passing of his beloved grandfather, Alex decided to put his unique gift to use in a way he had never done before. He had started practising his massage techniques on friends and family, eventually volunteering at his instructor's studio without expecting any payment. His clients mostly consisted of younger women, particularly new mothers seeking relief.
Some clients propositioned him from time to time, but their advances failed to capture his interest enough to pursue things further. Politely declining their requests, he remained committed to his profession.
Word of Alex's exceptional skills quickly spread, attracting a more diverse clientele. The growing recognition made him contemplate opening his own massage studio and turning his passion into a future career. However, just as things looked promising, life turned for the worst. Alex's grandfather had suffered a fatal stroke and died alone at home. When his grandmother returned from the supermarket, she found her husband of forty-three years slumped over at the dining room table. She was devastated.
In the days following the funeral, friends and family gathered at Alex's grandmother's home, extending their condolences, accepting her hospitality and expressing their sorrow for her loss. After everyone had left, Alex decided to stay and keep his Grandmother company. Over too much wine, they embarked on a journey down memory lane, flipping through photo albums capturing silly costumes and awkward moments. Instead of feeling embarrassed, Alex found joy in the humorous memories his parents and grandparents had preserved. As they reached the last page of the final album, a single tear rolled down his grandmother's cheek. Sensing her need for relaxation, Alex offered her a massage. "Would that help you unwind a little before bed?"
"Thanks, Alex; that sounds wonderful."
Alex went to the bathroom and retrieved a fluffy white towel and dressing gown to ensure her comfort. Returning to the living room, he spread the towel on the carpet and placed a cushion from the sofa nearby. He handed his grandmother the dressing gown. "You'll be more comfortable in this."
Margaret accepted the gown and proceeded to undress in the bathroom. Alex had prepared a bowl of perfume-infused water, a soft flannel and a large bottle of baby oil. With a smile, he said, "When you are ready, Madame," and directed her to lie on the towel.
Margaret unhooked her gown's belt, placed her hand on the towel and gracefully let the gown slide from her shoulders. Retaining her bra and panties, she positioned herself face-down on the towel, her arms resting above her head. "I've been wondering what it would be like to have a massage from my grandson. I don't know if you know it, Alex, but your reputation precedes you."
Alex sounded slightly embarrassed. "What do you mean?"
Margaret smiled mischievously. "I've spoken to friends who visited you at your instructor's studio. They believe you're the best masseur they've ever encountered. Some of them even made daring comments." Her smile grew. It was the first genuine smile since her husband's passing.
"What sort of comments?" Alex asked.
With a playful twinkle in her eye, Margaret continued, "My friend, Anna mentioned how she would love to experience more of your touch. Understanding her implication didn't require much imagination; I'm surprised she didn't suggest this to you directly. After all, she's been a widow for over ten years, and I'm sure she still has an interest in intimacy."
Alex was caught off guard and struggling to find words, so he knelt beside his grandmother and dipped the flannel into the perfumed hot water to begin bathing her rather than discuss Anna's comments. He placed his hand on the back of Margaret's thigh, gently laid the warm flannel onto her shoulder, carefully working his way across to the opposite shoulder, and then moved down to her waist. The aromatic water soaked her bra strap and seeped into the back of her panties.
"Sorry, Gran."
"No trouble," Margaret said, placing her palms on the towel and uncurling herself to kneel. With practised ease, she removed her bra, slid onto her backside, and repeated the same with her lace panties. Now completely naked, Margaret returned to her prone position. "I have endured many emotions over the past few days, Alex. I now need some me time."
Without hesitation, Alex resumed bathing his grandmother from neck to heel. When he reached her feet and paused, she turned over without prompting and allowed him to continue his ministrations. After washing and drying her from head to toe, Alex poured a generous amount of baby oil into his cupped palm and massaged Margaret's feet, gradually moving past her calves and thighs to the swell of her buttocks.
Margaret's delicate frame spoke of a lifetime of grace and strength, yet her slightly hunched posture revealed the weight of years gone by. The tension dissipated as Alex's skilled fingers crossed tired muscles, kneading her round buttocks with his long fingers. As he touched her inner thighs, her legs instinctively parted, accompanied by a sigh of satisfaction.
"How does that feel?"
In a dreamy voice, Margaret uttered, "Wonderful."
Moving around the outer edge of the towel, Alex knelt inches away from where Margaret's head lay. Pouring more oil into his palm before placing the bottle aside, he rubbed his hands together until drops of oil fell into the valley between her breasts. Gently pressing his palms onto her chest, he began a rhythmic motion, pushing toward her navel, reaching as far as he could without obscuring her face.
With each upward motion, his hands moved across her hips and up over each rib, finally caressing the outside of her breasts. Margaret's breathing quickened in response.
"Everything OK?" Alex asked.
" Yes, fine," Margaret sighed. "You're just as good as my friends claimed."
A smile graced Alex's face as he cupped Margaret's breasts and rolled each nipple between thumb and forefinger. With each rotation of her oil-slicked skin, the room filled with pleasant sounds and the exhilaration of fast, excited breathing. Between gasps, Margaret whispered, "I haven't had feelings like this for years."
Alex just nodded. He'd known about his grandfather's health issues and found great pleasure knowing he made his grandmother feel so good.