Continuation of the Jessy19/DanDresden story about a boyfriend and brother that have the same name ...
*
On the short drive home, I turned facing the window. Between drops on the glass, I am sure my expression was unreadable. So deep in thought, shadowed eyes did not appear to focus on anything. I didn't say a word on the trip home.
Nick didn't like the silent treatment and yelled at me in the car: "WOMAN! I brought you to a climax, over and over. That was no fake sigh or a groan. You were trembling and taking short gulps of air gave you away. You did not utter a whisper. At no time did you signal you wanted to stop. In return all I get was the silent treatment and a case of blue balls."
Barely waiting for the car to stop, I practically vaulted out, slamming the car door. Careful to stay upright in slippery grass, a quick sprint was followed by a slower pace as I neared the house. I wanted to be careful not to be noticed or make a commotion, I crept safely to my room as the door sealed in my little world.
Plugging my phone into the charger by the bed, I dialed my own personal 911 -- Kate, picked up on the first ring.
"There you are, I was wondering where you were off to," Her answer was followed by silence. After several seconds of quiet she tested the waters "is everything all right?"
"MEN! All they think about is getting off," I barked though the connection.
"What, no who are you talking about?" Kate probed. After my unintelligible stream of words and noises she followed with "OK, spill it. Take your time and don't leave anything out."
It took several attempts, not knowing where to start or what to divulge, leaving nothing out I went back to the beginning when I couldn't find my phone. I narrated my story from home to school, playing with the costumes and being stuck in the closed.
"What I story, you're making me blush. I wished it were me" she mused, "a lot of women fantasize about being captive, or carried without a choice, then seduced by passion. No responsibility or guilt. I would never say you lead him on, but you were playful and paraded your naked body."
"Are you saying this was some kind of reward? He is my own blood, " I said. "You don't get it. Don't you realize that my life would be over if we were caught? How could I explain being naked in the closet, with my brother no less! Gossip in this town is a social skill. Facebook spreads rumor faster than the flu: friends, family, and strangers; pick your poison. I could almost picture the buzz flying over the airwaves like bees to a flower field. ."
"Take it easy. You're always telling me not to get hung up on the shoulda -- coulda - woulda's. No one saw what was on your phone. You have him to thank for that, and no one suspects you were even there, your secrets are safe with me " Within my chest, I felt a jealous pang when Kate offered: "you leave Nicky to me. I'm really surprised at his skill as a lover. I never saw that side of him. I guess he saved the best for you. You have enough on your hands with one Nick"
"You have a point. Maybe I should give it a rest. I am grateful for his help. I said goodbye, thank you and hung up, not wanting to get into the Kate and Nick connection. Disaster had been averted so the greatest need now was to calm down It might have been my imagination, but my body itched all over. It felt dirty; how many people that worn those outfits? Time for a long, hot shower. Soaping and scrubbing the entire body until tender to the touch. Washing away the last remnants of lather, everything on the outside felt sparkling clean. I didn't feel that way inside. Hair wrapped in a towel, I threw myself on the bed, not even bothering to dry off. A sudden lethargy came, like a ghostly inhabitation. "So tired ... sleep now."
And sleep I did; weighted down by the previous wakeful night. The next thing I knew it was early afternoon. Did mother leave lunch on my nightstand? I don't remember it being there before. An unpleasant reminder of senior high, she would come into my room unannounced to roust me for school; each day was a battle of wills. And the weekends? Sometimes staying in bed all day in late fall, I remember those bitter blues: "What's the use? The day is so short. Why should I get up anyway?" Foggy winter days there was nothing to do, mood matching the muddled grey sky.
Oh, but these days? These days people see a distinctively new me. Maybe the openness of college life; or perhaps the free time to follow my favorite pastime, writing. Nick Quinn chanced upon this different girl who displayed a newfound confidence. Different, perhaps. My social life is certainly different. Inside I am still a shy, quiet girl who likes order, and loves to please - my man, my friends, my family. I drifted into a deep slumber like sleeping beauty.
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I walked through the open bathroom door, uncoiled my hair, and jumped back into the shower just long enough for a brief rinse. Then I sat on a stool to take inventory, scolding myself for becoming so angry. Not only had I played the fool, but also looked the part: hollow eyes, new wrinkles, and tense muscles. Mother was right when she said: "don't scowl or your face will freeze that way."
A familiar shave and a haircut knock sounded from Nick's side of the Jack and Jill bathroom. As the door unlocked, Nick went straight to the sink.
"Did you wash your hands? "I grumbled.
"I didn't want to wash away your scent, but I will now," he uttered cautiously. "I'm sorry for what happened. But I'm your brother and you have been my secret crush for a long while. When would I ever get another chance? The first set of pictures was a mistake, the photos we took today were personal. They were for me, right?" Don't be mad, please?"
He picked up the squirt bottle of home-made detangler and comb lying on the counter. A calm rolled over me as creases from worry disappeared. This was a pleasant surprise, a prelude to a fond memory for both -- brushing my hair. Well done brother.
The tradition began when Nick was an awkward 14- year- old boy with a squeaky voice. He said he offered to help because my arms would grow tired from the routine. But he knew the pride held in the long black wavy mane, running down the back to the waist. He could earn a few favors and make me happy at the same time.
Over the years he became obsolete, replaced by a rotating brush and hair dryer with hot-cold settings. They bickered so much as teens that it was hardly worth it. Now, he was a man. A very handsome one.