For as long as I could remember I had loved being outdoors especially in the many local areas of woodland. With the sun above in a crystal blue sky I knew todays planned hike with my girlfriend Wendy was going to be amazing.
Unfortunately the face that met me at her home said otherwise.
"What's wrong?" I asked concerned.
Wendy looked upset "I've been called into work for emergency cover. Probably be there all day"
Wendy worked as a care assistant in a local old folks home and her hours were varied from a short four hours to an often long twenty four hour spell.
"Aww hell that sucks," I said hugging her.
I watched the tail-lights of her car disappear round the end of the road feeling less than happy.
As I lifted my pack onto my back, I'd already decided to do the hike anyway, I was startled by a female voice.
"You don't look very happy," said Helen, Wendys mother.
"No I'm gutted to be honest."
"Well if you want some company I have a free day. Chris is at work until late so I'm just killing time doing nothing. How far were you planning on going?"
Chris was Helens boyfriend, nice guy but really quiet. I often wondered what she saw in him.
I smiled at Helen "It's about an eight mile circuit if you fancy joining me?"
"Give me five minutes to change into my hiking gear and I'll come with you."
I sat on the wall waiting for Helen to return. When she reappeared she had changed into a red vest top, black bra straps visible, a pair of grey athletic shorts that reached midway down her thigh, brown leather hiking boots and an old New York baseball cap kept her long brown hair in a loose ponytail. As she swung a small pink daysack on her back we headed off.
We chatted aimlessly as the miles passed by, the wooded area giving us temporary reprieve from the blistering sunshine.
"I never expected it to be this hot," Helen said removing her cap and wiping the sweat from her brow with her arm. "Is the old swimming hole still accessible?"
The swimming hole in question had been a favourite of locals for many years but unfortunately the new land owner had decided to fill it in. I did however know of a small waterfall that was ideal to bathe in. After telling Helen we decided a detour was worthwhile.
The minute we reached the waterfall Helen surprised me by stripping off her vest and shorts and leaping into the pool, her black bra matched with black panties.
"This feels incredible," she yelled back at me "Get in here."
I quickly removed my shirt, kicked off my boots and joined her. The water was indeed incredible, taking my breath away as I submerged fully. We spent ten minutes splashing around in the water, my attention constantly drawn to my girlfriends semi naked mother.
Evidently my sly attempts to look didn't go unnoticed "Hey no peeking," Helen said splashing water into my face.
"Sorry," I coughed.