Colours of the Rain Page 3

At 5, she had a shower and put on some makeup. At 5:30 she sat on her bed, worried. She chastised herself for being nervous about the date. It was just Terin and it wasn't a real date. IT was just Terin.

  "There she is," she heard Becky say.

  "Becky what are you doing here?"

  Becky was not alone, another girl, Rachel, from the restaurant was with her. "We couldn't let you get ready for your first date in six years alone."

  Becky smiled at Ocean, who felt relief. "Thank you. So much. I'm so nervous. And it's crazy, because I've spent all my free time for the past two months with Terin."

  Becky smiled. "You were just hanging out then. Now it's a date. Do you think he'll kiss you?"

  "Becky you aren't helping," Ocean wailed, bending over.

  "Sorry. Just take a deep breath and remember its Terin."

  "Right," Rachel added. "Do we need to decide what you are wearing?"

  "Sorta. I have three options." Ocean stood and opened her pack. She laid the clothes out on the bed.

  "Are these all your clothes?" Rachel asked.

  Ocean nodded. "They sure are. Thanks to Becky who donated to my sorry ass."

  "You ass is not sorry. I wish I had your ass. Anyway, I think you should go with the red shirt and the skirt. And I brought the shoes for you."

  Ocean smiled. "Thank you, so much."

  Becky opened her purse and took the shoes out. "Rach, what's your opinion?"

  "I think she's right. The red with the skirt. He'll be on the floor worshipping you."

  "He already does," Becky said.

  "Right. So makeup?" Rachel said.

  "I already did it."

  "Oh, no you did not. Come on, get dressed then we'll do you up properly. I brought my travel kit." Rachel held up her bag, nearly the size of Ocean's pack.

  Twenty minutes later, the three girls were crowded in the bathroom. "Is he picking you up?" Becky asked.

  "I guess so. We're meeting in the square. Y'know. Easier and stuff."

  "Right. Well, it's not like he has a car or anything. And the square is on your doorstep," Rachel said.

  "Exactly. And we are just friends going out for supper."

  "It's a date. You can't deny that. And you need to kiss him if he doesn't kiss you. He hangs on your words, he practically drools when you aren't looking at him. And I saw you playing footsie under the table last week," Becky said.

  "Yeah I saw it too," Rachel added.

  "Fine it's a date and I'm totally crushing on him." Ocean pushed her way out of the bathroom.

  Rachel and Becky sighed and followed her. They found her curled up on her bed.

  "We're pushing aren't we?" Becky said.

  "A little. I'm just freaked out. I swore I wouldn't let this happen. Ever."

  "What happen? Falling for a guy?"

  "Attachment. When I started on my journey, I swore I would never be attached to anyone or anything ever again."

  "Why?"

  "Because. It doesn't matter. It's just the way it is. And now, I'm attached. And I don't like it."

  Becky and Rachel rubbed Ocean's back until she was breathing normally. "Come on you don't have much time to get ready."

  It was 6:30 when Rachel and Becky declared Ocean ready. Ocean felt the furthest from ready that she could imagine. There was no time to dwell on it now. She had to thank Becky and Rachel for helping her then head for the square.

  Becky and Rachel said they would go after they knew she was safely in Terin's hands. They weren't going to give her an opportunity to run.

  They waited with her by the fountain. Terin came up dressed in a crisp blue shirt, and black pants. His hair was combed and still damp. He looked nervous then relieved as he saw her.

  He smiled and kissed her cheek. "Hi," he said, softly.

  "Hi yourself."

  "We'll make ourselves scarce now," Becky said. "Didn't want her to be out here alone, you know?"

  Terin smiled, not looking away from Ocean. "Thank you for bringing her."

  "See you later, have fun," Becky said. She grabbed Rachel's arm. "Let's go stand where we can watch them."

  "Let's go grab a bite to eat, instead."

  Terin was still looking at Ocean. "You look very nice."

  "Thanks. Becky and Rachel did my makeup for me."

  "IT looks good. I mean, I'm not used to it."

  "Me either. And I'm not sure I like it. But it made them feel happy."

  "You just did it for them then?"

  "No. For you too."

  He grinned at her. "I'm teasing. IT's okay. I like you without makeup."

  "Okay."

  "We should get going."

  "Okay."

  "Can I put my arm around you?"

  "Uh, okay. If you want."

  "I've wanted nothing more than to touch since well the second day I knew you." He glanced at her, an embarrassed look on his face. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her body against his.

  She smiled and leaned her head on his arm. She took a deep breath, inhaling his scent. He was wearing aftershave or cologne, he didn't usually wear. The scent was light and she could smell him as well.

  "You look nice too."

  "Thank you. I got some things."

  "It looks good. Very nice."

  They had to take the bus to get to the restaurant. Terin looked slightly embarrassed by the suggestion. "I've been walking all day, the ride will be nice on my feet," Ocean offered, soothing him.

  He smiled gratefully at her as they rode. He kept his arm around her, keeping her against him, as if she might bolt or disappear if he let go.

  The restaurant was busy already. But they got a table right away. He held out her chair then took his seat across from her. He ordered two glasses of wine for them right away.

  She ordered a pasta dish off the menu. IT was inexpensive but good. IT was something she hadn't had in a long time. She settled into her seat and looked at him.

  "I wasn't sure you would show up," he said.

  "I said I would."

  "I wasn't sure I would show up."

  "But you had to just in case I did?"

  "Yeah." She put her hand near the center of the table. He covered it with his, squeezing it gently. His thumb stroked her palm.

  She half closed her eyes, concentrating on the feeling. She sighed. It was a happy sigh. "Thank you for this, evening." She decided when Becky and Rachel were doing her make up that she would leave in the morning. She would leave with this happy memory, with this one evening with him.

  "Thank you for letting me give it to you. I didn't think you would."

  "I was surprised myself. I'm also glad. I like you, a lot. I've enjoyed every minute I've spent with you." And I'll miss you every minute when I leave. She closed her eyes, pressing the tears back.

  She could still feel the tears when she opened her eyes. "Hey, it's not a big deal. It's just supper."

  "IT's not just supper. We both know that." She let a sad smile touch her lips.

  He touched her face with his free hand. His thumb brushed her cheek. "Don't cry please. I can't bear it."

  She nodded as the feeling ebbed.

  The wine came right after that. Followed by the appetizer he had ordered. She nibbled on hers, wanting to prolong the experience. IT would probably be another six years before she ate out again.

  She put down her bread, because she couldn't swallow for the lump in her throat. She should be honest and tell him her plan, but she couldn't bring herself to do that.

  He was watching her. "What's going on in there?"

  "Nothing. I'm just thrilled to be here."

  "That's not true. But I promised you the first time, that I wouldn't pry. But I wish you would tell me."

  "I can't."

  "That's not true either."

  She picked up her toast and took a big bite. "See I'm fine."

  He shook his head. Supper didn't take long to come, either. Ocean just sat and looked at it, breathing the steam and warm, delicious
smell. "This is heaven," she breathed.

  He smiled, watching her pleasure of the food. She ate delicately, using her knife to cut into the pasta. "This is the best food I've ever had," she gushed to him.

  "I'm glad," he said. She didn't notice that he slowly ate his food, that he was too busy watching her. She ate every bite of hers. She was stuffed, but couldn't resist when he suggested they share some chocolate cake.

  Afterward, he paid for the bill then he ushered her outside. "Thank you for tonight," she said again. The tears were back.

  He pulled her to the building. "What is wrong Ocean? Please tell me."

  "I have to leave in the morning." The tears spilled over her cheeks and she grabbed onto him.

  "Why?"

  "Because, I can't stay here any longer."

  "You can't leave. I just met you." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight. He felt tears spring into his eyes.

  "I've stayed here longer then I've stayed anywhere in the past six years, Terin." She rubbed her face into his shoulder. "It's time for me to move on."

  "I won't let you go. I won't let you. Ocean, I am in love with you. I didn't want to tell you yet, but you can't leave." He squeezed her tighter.

  "That's why I have to leave. I swore I'd never get attached to anyone or anything again. But I am attached to you and I have to leave."

  "No. You have to stay here with me. Give me tonight to convince you please. If I haven't convinced you of it in the morning and you can tell me with a straight face, I'll walk with you to the bus station or train or whatever it is you leave on."

  "Terin." Her voice was tortured as she looked at him. The sun was setting. She pulled away from him a little and wiped her face.

  "Don't say no. Please."

  She closed her eyes, wishing to forget the look on his face. But she couldn't erase it from her mind. And she couldn't say no to his eyes. She relaxed. "Okay."

  He took her to the bus stop then. And they got off down the street from his apartment. They stopped outside it while he fumbled with his keys. HE turned to her before he unlocked the door. "I won't do anything you don't want to. Okay?"

  She nodded, silently. She was afraid if she spoke she would start crying again. After her breakdown outside the restaurant, she had given to her feelings. She was scared. She felt as if she didn't know how to act anymore.

  She wanted to run, but she couldn't seem to get her legs to move in the right direction away from him. She knew that if she went up to his apartment with him she wouldn't be able to stop herself from kissing him. Which would lead to touching, and that would leave to them making love. And she wouldn't leave in the morning.

  She was powerless against a force that was moving her toward him. She followed him silently. She would have to tell him the truth eventually and then he would leave her.

  Outside his apartment he warned her. "My furnishings are sparse. Non-existent."

  She nodded. "I don't care."

  He smiled, vaguely at her. He opened the door and let her inside. A bed sat in one corner and a computer desk with a chair was pushed in to another. A fridge, stove and coffeepot in the kitchen. That was all there was. He had left some plates in the sink.

  He sat on the chair and watched her walk around. "This is it."

  "It's wonderful," she said, standing in front of him.

  "No, it's horrible. But it's mine."

  "I own nothing. You are the first person I've touched in six years."

  He stood, towering over her. He placed his arms on her shoulders and bent. His lips brushed against her lips. "I love you," he whispered, then covered her mouth again.

  She swallowed hard, then kissed him back. Her body melted to his.

  He grabbed the bottom of her shirt and pulled it over her head.

  She moved backward until she was against the bed. Then she laid down, holding on to his hands and pulling him over her. He let his weight rest on her as he found her lips again.

  She closed her eyes and let him in. "I love you too. Go easy on me, it's been a long time."

  When she woke she was sore. Her body was aching and her emotions were raw. The sun was streaming into the apartment. She huddled under the blanket further with a sigh. She was alone and she wasn't in the hostel. She opened her eyes, blinking in the bright light.

  "It's bright in here."

  "Yes. Well, that happens around noon."

  "Noon? How long have I been sleeping?"

  "Well, you finally let me get some sleep around midnight I think. But I woke you around 2 I think. So about eight or nine hours."

  "Nine? I haven't slept more than three hours in four years."

  "Only four years?"

  "I was raped four years ago."

  "What?" He jumped off his chair and onto the bed. He was wearing a pair of jeans and they scratched her bare skin. He pulled her close under the blankets.

  "I was raped. It was in a hostel. It happened in the night. And since then I haven't slept."

  "You didn't press charges or anything?"

  "God no. I left town that day." She looked up him. "Don't look at me like that. It wasn't that bad. I just haven't been able to sleep since then."

  He kissed her forehead. "I'm glad you slept last night. And I was thinking, this morning, while I watched you sleep."

  "You were thinking?"

  "You should move in with me here." He ducked his head, avoiding her gaze.

  "But I'm leaving."

  "Yes. I can see, but the thing is: I have your clothes. And I'm holding them hostage until you agree to live with me."

  "You don't play fair."

  "Neither do you."

  "Touché."

  "Yes. Now do you agree with the terms?"

  She looked at him. She stretched to give him a soft kiss. "Yes."

  "Then you're clothes on beside the bed."

  She pushed his shoulder. He pulled her tighter. "But if you live here, you have to help with the bills, you have to cook for me. And you have to sleep next to me every night."

  "I can do that." She yawned. "Let's discuss the explicit details later. I have something else in mind now." She rubbed her hips against him, feeling him surge.

  "Again?" He undid his jeans and pushed them off his legs, struggling under the blankets to get them off his feet.

  "Hey you're bringing me out of a six-year drought. If you can't handle it."

  "I can take it," he growled, rolling her onto her back. "If you can." His fingers found her wet and willing already. "Are you sore?"

  "Yes. But, I still want you."

  He entered her, slowly, watching her face. "Okay?"

  She lifted her hips, taking him fully into her. "Yes. Damn it. Come on, or I'll have to start begging you to fuck me."

  He growled, kissing her again and meeting her thrusting hips.

  After they were sated again, he pulled her close. She snuggled against him and quickly he realized she had fallen asleep. He kissed her head and slid out of bed. He went back to his chair and the computer. Turning around once more he smoothed her hair. He was lucky to have her.

  "What are you thinking about?" Terin asked her, as they lay naked in their bed. They had been together for three weeks, making it nearly two months since he'd first met her.

  "I was thinking about how we met and got together."

  "You almost left town on me."

  "I had given up hope you'd make a move."

  "Well, lucky for us I did."

  She yawned and pushed the blankets back. She went to the kitchen and got herself a cup of coffee. On her way back she found her robe on the floor where she had left it the night before. She wrapped it around herself and put the coffee aside.

  "I still get scared sometimes."

  "Why?"

  "Because I doubt that I was meant to have anything special."

  "You doubt yourself."

  "Yes." Ocean sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees and looked out the window.

  "So why have you
been on the run for six years, Ocean?" It was the first time he'd asked outright.

  Ocean felt a wave of tears overcome her. She balled up tighter and hid her face in her lap. Terin wrapped his arms around her best he could and rubbed her shoulder until she calmed.

  He waited a moment to see if she would answer his question. When she didn't speak he did. "Ocean, you never have to tell me your real name, where you came from or how you got here. And if you decide to leave, I'll let you go. I'll always love you, wherever you go. And while you are here, I will show you that and I will support you unconditionally."

  Terin looked out the window at the rain that was subsiding and the sun that was starting to shine through. "Look," he said, touching the glass of the window where the rain still hung on.

  "What?" Ocean's voice was hoarse. Her face was tearstained as she looked.

  "Rainbow."

  "The colours of the rain." She smiled at him. He pulled her down beside him and kissed her face. "Sleep love. Sleep well."

  The ending. It's not really an ending. I've tried for years to figure out Ocean's reasons for running. In one she was married to a guy she didn't love at a young age due to family pressure. In another she married because she was pregnant, she had an abortion and he couldn't deal with it.

  In the end I decided to leave it open. Her new life was more important than the one she left.

  * * *

  About the Author:

  Asrai started writing romantic, erotic fiction as a young woman while she fantasized about all the boys who would never give her the time of day. When she finished her NaNoWriMo project of 2008, she decided to share it with the world- her first novel length fiction. She also writes short erotic fiction for her blog Smut and the Dirty Girl. She likes to watch her husband cheer on the Calgary Flames while she comes up with her next fantasy situation to turn her on.

  e-mail the author at asraidevin@shaw.ca

  Follow me on Twitter. http://www.twitter.com/asrai

  Read my blog at http://comingalive.wordpress.com

  Read my smut at http://smutandthedirtygirl.blogspot.com

  Discover other titles by Asrai Devin at Smashwords.com

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2340

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/3117