Elaine & Donna: A Love Story, Part 2: Northeastern Allies E-Book

David Monroe

• Herausgeber: BookRix
• Kategorie: Erotik
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Beschreibung

Elaine and Donna have left their rural hometown of Childers, Kansas under the dark of night following their high school graduation to pursue their dreams. No one knows where they have gone or what they are up to as they drive to New England to enroll in university. Once there, the girls meet and befriend James and Helen Adams who ultimately become the role models that Elaine and Donna have been missing their whole lives. Their newfound freedom pushes them to new levels in their personal relationship as well as in how they relate to a more open and accepting environment.

Leseprobe

David Monroe

Elaine & Donna: A Love Story, Part 2: Northeastern Allies

Erotic Lesbian Romance

BookRix GmbH & Co. KG81371 Munich

Elaine & Donna: A Love Story, Part 2 : Northeastern Allies

Elaine and Donna:

A Love Story

Part 2: Allies in the Northeast

by

David Monroe

(© 2013)

Chapter 1

Elaine and Donna sped eastward through Illinois, headed toward Indiana, oblivious to what was happening at that exact moment back in Childers. Their thoughts were on putting miles between themselves and home as quickly as possible, both geographically and emotionally. As they finally relaxed in the realization that they had pulled off their plan of escape, neither girl was consciously aware of what was occurring in each kitchen of their respective childhood homes at that exact moment. Both of their mothers were still sitting in semi-shock at the checkered cloth covered tables when their husbands arrived for breakfast and were made aware of the situation. All four just sat mute for a long time, not knowing exactly what to make of it all, both sets of parents unaware of what had just unfolded in the other household.

It was well into the day before Elaine’s or Donna’s parents thought to call the other to see if they might know of the whereabouts of their daughters……maybe Elaine knew where Donna had gone…..maybe Donna knew where Elaine had gone. Partly this was embarrassment over the event itself, but mostly due to the shock from the suddenness—neither had any inkling that this might be coming—they were just stunned, not thinking rationally. When Elaine’s mother finally worked up the courage to call Donna’s parents she was further taken aback that they were facing the same situation at their house. Elaine was right……these were not stupid people and they immediately saw what had happened and knew that wherever their daughters were that they were together.

Donna’s parents drove over to their neighbors’ farm and together the four of them sat at the kitchen table with coffee in hand wondering what to do. Their daughters, while young and impulsive, said one father, were technically adults and it was not like they were runaway children. Another wanted to initiate a massive search right away……but another immediately brought up the fact that they had no idea which direction they had gone, where they might be heading, or even how they were travelling. They had all seen the note telling Elaine’s father how to recover his pick-up, so they obviously were in an unknown vehicle. The biggest mystery another chirped in was what they were using for money……both girls had received a small amounts of cash as gifts for graduation, but certainly not enough to finance a road trip of any length. Donna had abandoned her cell phone in her room, so it was obvious they did not want to be found until they were ready said her mother.

Donna’s parents suggested prayer and pleading with God to bring them back……that they all go to church now and pray. While not atheists, the religious blather annoyed Elaine’s parents almost as much as it did Donna. They just rolled their eyes at each other and let it slide……pray away thought Elaine’s mother…..whatever gets you through this. In the end, in a rare show of what might have seemed like enlightenment from the outside, but was in actuality more along the lines of resignation and throwing in the towel, Elaine’s father stood up and made the pronouncement that they just sit tight and see what transpired. He said that he did not see that they had any real clear legal control over two young adults in full command of their faculties……most likely this was just to blow off some steam following graduation and that they would most likely come running back when they had run out of money….maybe a day or two……week at the most. They were together and that was a positive, and both girls were smart and practical. No one disagreed or agreed as he sat down…..the silence was deafeningly loud……they looked at each other and just nodded and Donna’s folks went home.

The girls’ plan had worked perfectly……they had anticipated the possibility of being discovered soon and to give themselves some breathing room they purposely left in the wee hours of the morning. The abandonment of the cell phone they were hoping would be seen as the message that was received…..that they would be in contact in their own way and on their own schedule. They were also counting on the adult stature of their legal age as a positive—this they knew was a slight gamble—but it had worked well also. The one huge advantage they had was the trust fund…..neither set of parents had any idea that it existed and Elaine had already brought up to Donna a key point that had been discussed in the kitchen of her parents’ home: they all thought the girls would have no money and therefore would be back quickly after a few days of running around. Maybe, Elaine said, they even think we borrowed a car from someone in town. The trust fund changed everything and she was sure that at some point the parents’ concerns would escalate when they remained gone for days and then weeks. At that point she reasoned, they will most likely consider mounting some sort of search, but after all the time that will have passed they will be more lost than ever in terms of where to look.

The thought of this bothered both girls as they did not want to cause their parents any undue stress and worry over them and their whereabouts and welfare. As they drove they pondered this issue. Finally Donna suggested they just send another letter at some point…..maybe after getting to Massachusetts……saying they had found jobs elsewhere, and needed to just be on their own for a while. They could send it together since their folks would obviously know by then that they were together. Maybe send it from another state to try and cloak their location she suggested. Elaine liked the idea, but suggested they simply make it electronic from a dummy e-mail account that they could disable once they composed and mailed it. They could do this on a regular basis so that there would be no worries but at the same time would conceal their location and what they were really up to. She was not sure anyone would think to check postmarks, but after all their preparations and plans, she did not want to take any chances, however small.

Maybe one day, Elaine had said, we can go back and tell them all the whole truth…..once we’re done with school and famous and independent…..she laughed at herself as she spoke. In all seriousness, though she flew the idea of staying in touch electronically from temporary accounts to keep them from worrying themselves into cancer and Donna saw the inherent pluses of this approach. And, said Elaine, one day, somewhere down the road, when the time is right and attitudes have evolved a bit in Kansas, we can go back and explain our relationship and see how it is viewed. Either they will accept us as we are because we are their daughters and they love us or they will find our situation unacceptable and throw us out, and we will be in no worse of a situation than we are now.

Donna thought this over as they moved through Illinois and neared the Indiana line as late afternoon was transitioning into evening. They had shared the driving as they moved along, but they had both been up since 2am and were exhausted. It had been a good first day and they had wanted to put many miles between them and Childers on the first day out. As they saw signs for the Indiana line just a half hour or so away, Elaine suggested they call it a day, get some good sleep and push on tomorrow. There was no real rush now and they could make each day a bit more leisurely now……maybe look around some as they went.

Donna’s school year did not start until August 28th and all they really had to do was get her there for all the orientation stuff and make sure her stipend was in order as well as register for classes. Obviously they would need to find a place to live, but they were not looking for anything extravagant and Elaine was sure that would be a minor issue. Most kids she figured would be on campuses and Donna did not need to snag dorm space……finding a small apartment or a studio should be just a formality. As Donna rolled over the next hill in the road, they spotted a small inn that had individual cottages associated with it……it looked quiet and cute and best of all the vacancy sign was lit.

The girls took cottage #4 which was at the far back side of the complex, away from the road noise as well as the other scattering of cottages available. They dumped off some overnight stuff on the bed and walked over to the small diner that was attached to the area to grab a quick and well needed dinner. The diner was about half full, a few older couples and a family of four, but it was a REAL diner, something both Elaine and Donna loved from their childhoods in Kansas. It served just basic, simple food with great friendly service with no-nonsense-booths and tables. It was relieving to be away from anyone that might recognize them, and to be well on their trip to the east coast. They were tired from the day’s travel and the stress of all the planning and secrecy and deception, but the diner was like a welcoming set of arms wrapping around them comfortably.

All the anxiety and worries and tensions of the day just melted away as they feasted on roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a killer apple cobbler for dessert. They talked quietly over dinner---still an ingrained habit from Childers—about fluff… nothing big really. For so long they had been planning and questioning and hiding the truth that it was nice to have some time to just relax and enjoy the time together like normal eighteen year olds. They left the diner after dinner, their bellies full and their minds spinning with the aftermath of their successful escape as they wandered leisurely back to their cottage. As they walked, Donna slipped her arm around Elaine’s waist and puller her close, the pair walking in coordinated steps. Elaine leaned her head on Donna’s shoulder as they walked, both finally glad to be able to exhibit at least a minimal degree of public affection at long last.

Meanwhile back in Childers, everyone had decided to take Elaine’s father’s advice and just take a deep breath and relax. The girls, while adventurous and headstrong at times were not, they agreed, reckless or irresponsible. They were convinced that within a few days or a week at most that the whole escapade would be over and done with, Elaine and Donna returning to begin normal and leading respectable lives in Childers just like the four of them. Elaine’s parents were glad to finally be rid of Donna’s folks as all the speeches of the “devil at work” and “greater need for religion in the schools” was making them nuts. The one thing they all agreed on was to try and keep this under wraps as much as possible. Childers was small and talk moved in lightning speed; the last thing they wanted was for this to get out making them the focus of whatever it was that Elaine and Donna were up to.

Fortunately for everyone, Elaine and Donna had been very successful at making their relationship as a couple a complete secret…….this would most likely have destroyed Donna’s parents completely and made their standing in the church quite untenable. Otherwise it would have just made it really difficult for all of them to go out and about in town as normal……all the things Elaine and Donna had known would evolve if the truth came out would materialize: the finger pointing, being ostracized and shunned, gossiping behind their backs. However, the one leak they did not account for was the two young boys that remained behind…..Donna’s older brother, Ed, and Elaine’s kid brother, Jimmy.

When two weeks had gone by and there had been so sign of a return or any communication from either girl, the parents grew more concerned, but still kept the situation just among the four of them. They were busy keeping two struggling small farms afloat and so far they had not had to explain anything to anyone else. The younger brothers though had overheard some smattering of details about their missing sisters and bit by bit word got around town…..the small size of Childers was indeed like an old party line phone and soon Elaine and Donna’s absences were well known. As soon as Elaine’s mother made her next shopping trip into town it was clear that the secret had been leaked and hiding her embarrassment as best she could she smiled and ad libbed some nonsense about the girls wanting to spread their wings and see some of the country before settling down in Childers.

She quickly called Donna’s mother and filled her in on the unfortunate situation, giving her the details of what she had been telling people that asked in case she was approached as well. If nothing else she said, we need to be on the same page with this thing….as unified as possible until it is resolved. What the parents did not know, however, was that these few initial weeks were to be just the beginning…..that their daughters would be “missing” for a long time. The mothers were of a completely different generation, with vastly different motivations and desires and needs than their daughters and quite frankly were at a baffling loss as to why they were doing this—whatever that might be—and why anyone would want anything that Childers, Kansas could not provide.

As their secret departure was being revealed back home, Elaine and Donna continued their journey to Massachusetts, thoroughly thrilled and excited with each new day of the adventure. They moved gradually through Indiana, Ohio—which both found to be very forgettable--, the long expanse of Pennsylvania, and finally into Connecticut. They had toyed with the idea of taking a side trip to New York City just to see all the sights first hand, but in the end decided that for now it might be a better idea to go on and get to Amherst and get settled in an apartment. Despite Elaine’s strong feelings that finding a place would be no big deal, they did know that the wave of students would be a factor and that they did not want to have to settle for something less than desirable. Besides, Donna pointed out….they could always take the train down to NYC any time after their house was set up.

The girls liked Connecticut quite well……nice mix of rural countryside with urban spots they thought. The towns though more congested and dirty than they were used to back home, were smaller than a lot of the cities they had passed through and driven by. Elaine liked the small feel of the towns that were dotted around in the western and central parts of the state, the fact that a shoreline was accessible—even if it was a few hours’ drive from some locations—and that it afforded some nice access to mountains as well. Being close to NYC was kind of a kick as well…..nice having the urban monster near but not in your face.

They made their way over to Hartford from Waterbury and Danbury, passing through the college town of Middletown. It was not at all what they had expected……it was nice…..sort of a “busy-quiet” Elaine thought. After a brief stay for a couple days around the coast staying at a delightful little inn in Old Lyme—a small present to themselves—Elaine and Donna headed back northwest and then on to Massachusetts. Old Lyme was one of the most picturesque places that the girls had seen so far on their drive…….beautiful coastline with boats galore and just a peaceful and serene little village overall. As they drove north up I-91, the girls got a good taste of the overall congestion and traffic headaches that residents of the Hartford area knew well. It was a shock to both of them having come from a small rural farm town and even more so after their wonderful stay on the coast in Old Lyme. Elaine gritted her teeth and just pushed through the mess and as they moved north by a very uninspiring Springfield and into Amherst.

They arrived late in the afternoon and went to look at possibly taking a room for a couple days at this quant and secluded B&B that they came upon. Donna had pointed it out as they drove, just liking the looks of the historic house. Elaine pulled over so they could look closer and they discovered it was not just a private home, but a B&B. Elaine suggested that it might make a good base for them from which to get a feel for the town, see how both UMass and Hampshire were located geographically and just begin their search for a new home. Donna nodded eagerly having been captivated by the house itself and they spun the car around and went over to check for any availability. Unfortunately, they were told, their late arrival was too late for a room in the house. However, if they were interested, the owners had a small carriage house out back that they had just finished renovating that she could offer them. It’s sort of like a small apartment over an old carriage barn, she said, not as fancy as our regular rooms, but they were welcome to take a look and see what they thought.

Elaine and Donna really liked the feel and looks of the house itself and the idea of having their own self-contained place away from the main house appealed to them both. The woman handed over the key and they jogged up the stairs that led to the elevated apartment on one side of the building. Elaine opened the door and they both stood, staring in disbelief, mouths hanging open at what they saw. The interior of the apartment had been done over in the style of a throwback to the late 1800s. There were kerosene lamps, an elaborate, highly frilled 4-poster bed covered with a thick hand-made quilt, an old jet black wood stove, tons of woven rugs, and tastefully arrayed decorations and accessories all over that made you feel as if you had walked back in time. Elaine glanced sideways at Donna and out of the corner of her eye she got her answer. Donna did not need to say anything…she could see she was in love with the place.

“Think we can afford this?” Donna asked with expectation in her voice.

“Have no idea…..” Elaine responded, “let’s find out.”

They returned to the main house where the owner was offering her guests tea and some scones on a delicate blue china setting. When Elaine saw that her heart sank a bit thinking the place would be way out of their comfort zone. There was plenty in the trust fund, but the trip had not been cheap and she certainly did not want to spend the funds on a whim. They inquired as to what the rate for the carriage house might be and again were pleasantly shocked when the woman told them she would be happy to rent it to them for the same rate as a room in the house.

“Just got the thing up and running,” she said, “and it’s kind of inconvenient, being away from everything

here.”

The girls could not believe their ears. The carriage house accommodations were far beyond anything they had ever seen or stayed in before……and the separation from the main house to them was a huge plus. They still had no idea at how their relationship would be received…..being in an unknown location and all. They could not have asked for a more perfect situation.

“All I ask girls…..” the woman continued, “is that you stay at least 2 nights. Easier on the upkeep

and cleaning and all.”

Donna explained the reason for their being in Amherst and that at least 2 nights was exactly what they had in mind as they hunted for a place to live as they got ready for school. The girls felt like they had stumbled into a bargain, and the woman was pleased to be able to rent out a space that no current guests had been remotely interested in. They paid in advance for the 2 nights, letting her know they would know by then if they would need a longer stay. They moved the car to a parking spot just behind the carriage house so they would not have to walk through the main house for access, dumped their stuff in the room and returned to the main house at the invitation of the owner for tea and scones.

Chapter 2

The girls wandered over to the main house in the morning drawn by the enticing aroma of breakfast. Upon arriving in the dining room, they were greeted by steaming plates of rich cheesy omelets, home-made pastries, thick sliced bacon, and the most aromatic and smooth coffee that they had ever had. By the time they had arrived, most of the other guests had departed for the day. The girls had sunk deep into the fluffy depths of the bed in their room and had found it hard to abandon the utter decadence of their accommodations. Having been up late the night before enjoying each other in multiple positions all around the room had not helped either and they were very grateful to have had the privacy in which to play.

They chatted with their host while they ate filling her in on their college plans and dreams and left soon afterward to begin getting oriented to Amherst and figure out where they might want to live. They left the car for the time being and just wandered the streets of downtown Amherst trying to get a feeling for the town. It was quiet, but they could definitely feel the buzz of growing activity as the school year was approaching. They grabbed some local papers and made note of some potential places to check out. The one great positive observation that they made while around town—one they would later see in greater practice once they graced the campuses at both UMass and Hampshire—was the occasional presence of same sex couples. It was like having been deposited into some sort of cultural warp after having grown up in Childers.

They returned to the B&B, retrieved the Outback and began to drive around to check out the places they had found in the local papers. Most of the apartments were just part of large, generic, brick monoliths and to Elaine and Donna they just looked and felt cold and impersonal and boring. The apartments themselves seemed OK……clean and with adequate space……but none of them were exactly speaking to the girls on an emotional level. As there seemed to be an abundance of choices if they got desperate, they decided to talk to more people in town…..maybe even some placement officials at UMass and Hampshire and try again the next day.

The girls stopped off at a small pub on the main drag and grabbed a quick beer before heading back to the B&B. The day had been full and busy and both Elaine and Donna were whipped. They went back up the stairs to their room at the carriage house and soaked together in a hot bath in the enormous claw foot tub that was in the bath. The steam and heat and suds of the bath brought them back to life as well as an invigorating session in the shower as they washed off the remaining soap from each other. They walked back into town to eat at an Indian restaurant that the B&B owner had recommended highly and looked over the new information that they had received that day on new potential homes.

The spice of the curry was still tingling on their lips as they returned home and lay naked together in the bed, the sweat of the meal giving their bodies a light sheen. Without argument, Donna lay back and relaxed as Elaine dribbled fragrant oil over her breasts and worked the liquid deep into her supple skin. Neither did she protest when Elaine lay beside her and slowly thrust one of their favorite dildos in and out of her while they kissed and touched. Thankfully, Donna restrained her normally boisterous orgasm as she clung hard to Elaine as she came. They were nicely separated from the main house, but she was also aware that they were not out in the middle of nowhere as they often had been when having sex back in Kansas. After her climax, she kindly returned the favor for Elaine, working more of the jasmine oil generously over Elaine’s body, finishing with an extensive oral exploration of Elaine’s very wet vagina until Elaine begged her to stop, shuddering with release.

The girls cuddled together when all was done, falling fast to sleep in each other’s embrace as a full moon shone through their window and a small owl hooted just outside the eave. The night was cool and peaceful, a slight breeze pushing the curtain just away from the window and the girls slept a dreamless sleep. They woke early and raced to the dining room anticipating another decadent breakfast from their host. They were not disappointed……stacks of fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit toppings and powdered sugar, wonderfully rich and fresh sausage patties, and yet more of that dark roasted coffee from the previous day. They had one couple as company with whom they chatted freely, yet still not comfortable revealing their relationship to anyone they did not know well.

They packed the car with their new set of potential home options and set off for another day of searching. The contacts at both Hampshire and UMass had given them some places to look at just out of the town limits as they had expressed a desire for privacy and quiet and their love of the outdoors; also having access to a car, which many students living off campus did not, was a bonus and many more choices seemed to be available to them based on all these factors. They stopped by Andrew’s, a local deli, and picked up a boxed lunch for the day as it appeared their search might take them away from town and that they might be out all day. Armed with optimism, a new set of locations to check out and a wonderful looking lunch to boot, Elaine and Donna drove west of Amherst to begin their day.

The day was clear and cool as the girls drove into the surrounding areas just west of town. There were plenty of trees and open space and more of the natural surroundings that they had in mind for a place in which to live as they looked it all over. The options now were more along the lines of smaller 2 or 3 story developments with more character and imagination. Elaine steered the car over into a narrow dirt pull of just past noon and they walked through a small grove of locust trees to eat lunch while they discussed what they had seen so far that day. Both Elaine and Donna felt more at ease and more and at home in this more bucolic setting, but so far they both agreed that nothing had really jumped out at either them.

Donna got up from the table they had found and stretched her arms high over her head as she felt the sun on her face and throat. Elaine threw the remnants of the lunch and the trash into a nearby can and came to Donna and hugged her firmly from behind, her face pressing into Donna’s neck as she kissed her tenderly on the nape. Donna covered Elaine’s arms with her own and smiled happily as she felt Elaine’s warm and moist lips on her skin. She broke the embrace and turned to face Elaine hugging her tight to her chest as they kissed deeply in the privacy of the shaded clearing. Elaine ran her hands around and along the curves of Donna’s rear as Donna changed her position and ran the tip of her tongue around the inside of Elaine’s ear.

Though sorely tempted, Elaine held Donna out at arm’s length, smoothing the few random strands of dark hair that had wandered from Donna’s head. She knew that once this progressed—especially the sensations along her ear—there would be for her no turning back, and they had work to do. Donna’s unique way of seducing her was nearly irresistible and she could feel herself being drawn into a path of no return. Donna reluctantly agreed and the girls walked back to the car hand in hand. Donna took over the driving for the afternoon and they pulled back out onto the paved 2-lane road and continued along the route they had laid out that morning.

Donna drove carefully around 2 more sharp turns in the road and pulled over unexpectedly. Elaine looked up from what she had been reading to see what was going on. Donna pointed at a small sign just off the road that was near an intersection of an even narrower gravel road on the right. The sign simply said:

Apartment for Rent

See owner at main house

There were no phone numbers or other details on the homemade sign which was written in uneven block letters.

“What do you think?” Donna asked.

Elaine just shrugged in a look of ‘sure why not’ and Donna drove around the sign and headed down the gravel path. The road wound slightly, first left and then right, and then straightened out flowing under a broad canopy of overhanging elms and maples for about another half mile or so. Just beyond the end of the arcing trees, a large pale blue house came into sight on the left. Donna drove toward the house and turned off the Outback’s engine. They got out and looked up in admiration at the large 2-story blue house. There was a wide wrap-around porch, fully screened with grounds that had been meticulously cared for…..there were huge gardens of brightly colored flowers, finely trimmed shrubs, and a lawn of deep, thick grass that looked like it had been hand-manicured. The pale blue of the wooden panels were offset by a deeper navy blue on the shutters of the windows and trim along the eaves and the porch. It was a stunning sight indeed, particularly out here away from town.

As they walked from the car and stood admiring the beautiful home, a middle aged woman in a flowered apron appeared at the porch door and waved to them as she moved through the screen door and came to meet them. The girls waved back and introduced themselves, saying they had seen the sign on the main road, were looking for a place to rent while they went to school. The woman smiled politely,

“Helen Adams”, she replied, “my husband, James, and I own the place.”

She explained that the house and all the land had been once been quite run down and that they had brought it back to life years ago. they used to have, she continued, quite a thriving milking business and had done well with it, but as they had gotten older it just become too much. They kept a few goats and sheep around, grew a lot of their own vegetables now, but that was about it. They had just done over a place out back for a possible rental and that was what the sign was all about. James had done all the work himself and was somewhere around she was sure, probably in the barn fooling with something or another. The girls immediately liked Helen…..very down to earth and unpretentious.

They asked about the beautiful grounds of the house and Helen waved away the compliments with one hand.

“Farm got to be too much,” she replied, “but I still like to keep my hand in it.”

As they talked, a wiry, tanned man with wire rimmed glasses dressed in work boots and denim overalls appeared around the corner of the house and walked over.

“James!” Helen called, waving him over, “we got some girls interested in the rental.”

The man smiled widely as he walked over and shook the girls’ hands. He was as friendly and open and warm as Helen and nodded as Helen filled him in on what she knew of Elaine and Donna. He motioned for them to move inside to the porch where they could sit and talk. Elaine and Donna followed the couple into the screened enclosure and sat with James as Helen disappeared inside. As they chatted, Elaine and Donna told James of their specific college plans, of the trust fund that they would be using to pay for it all, how she had come to have it…..just to lay the groundwork for any concerns he might have over their finances. They did not, however, reveal anything much more…..they wanted to keep the fact that their families were in the dark about this hidden as well to avoid any potential conflicts later. They also kept their relationship to themselves……they had no idea where this couple’s opinions of same sex couples might lie and if this was where they might be renting, then that could stay buried also. At least for the time being, anyway. Elaine was sure the existence of a large cash fund would be more than enough to satisfy James and Helen for now.

Helen retuned to the porch with some tall glasses of lemonade, the condensation dripping enticingly down the sides of the glass, ice cubes bobbing lazily above the rims. She sat with the girls and James and he filled her in on what he had learned. She nodded in acknowledgement as he went along and was deeply pleased, as was James, when she heard that one: they were farm girls and two: they had cash on hand. The girls sat contentedly, enjoying the tart lemonade as they listened to James and Helen describe what their farm here had once been and how they lived now and more about the place they had for rent. James saw no reason to rush, figuring if the description of the place was not for them, then they should all find that out up front. In fact, James and Helen did not rush about for anything….they had done their bit when younger and now they moved at a leisurely pace……it fit them well.

Elaine and Donna, having come from a rural background were familiar with and comfortable with this approach and felt at home here. James and Helen picked up on that vibe as well……something James wanted to find out as well……he knew of the manic rush that most college kids these days operated under, and he did not want that atmosphere introduced here. The more he was around Elaine and Donna, the more he liked them. The girls listened eagerly as he began to describe the rental available. They could sense the love and pride that James held for what he had created here and the more he talked the more they were liking James and Helen. After he finished his description, he sat back in his seat, took a long sip of his drink and smiled.

“So girls….” James began, “wanna to take a look?”

Both Elaine and Donna nodded eagerly, returning their empty glasses to the tray that Helen had brought out.

“It’s not for everyone,” James said slowly with a sly smile, “but I get a sense that you girls may like it. You have a farm background……not like most of the city kids coming here now. Let’s take a walk. I’ll show you around and you can see for yourselves.”

Elaine and Donna followed James past the house as they continued down the gravel road that wound past the house in a long gentle curve past this enormous fat oak tree, its massive branches stretching wide in all directions like an elderly watchman. As they strolled with James past the tree, they were joined by two large cats, one short-haired and orange and the other long-haired and with the unmistakable and vibrant markings of a calico.

“Ernie and Mildred,” James said as they continued along, the cats walking in step with them.

“Hope you don’t mind cats…..they are part of the package here, and……well…..they kind of think they run the place and you would most likely have them in and around a lot.

James smiled at them as he looked sideways at them evaluating their reactions, but stopped in his tracks as both Elaine and Donna had stooped and kneeled to scratch the feline duo.

“Guess that’d be OK…..” James said with a just audible chuckle.

James, Elaine and Donna continued on their walk, with Ernie and Mildred padding close behind. As they hit a short straight section of the gravel, they looked up to see the place that James and Helen had available for rent. Elaine and Donna froze, gazing at the building with astonishment and wonder. The description that James had given them back the house, while enough to have spurred their curiosity, was nothing in relation to actually seeing the place first hand. On the lower level was the remnants of an old barn; a total of 4 stalls remained intact from the original structure but had been refurbished to a more modern look. Three of the stalls were still in use for animals while the fourth had been widened to accommodate a modern vehicle. The modified opening still retained the impression of an old barn stall, but was set up to house a car or small truck. The three animal stalls were as you might expect, with horses currently inhabiting them.

Above the old barn stalls and garage was a log sided structure where the original loft areas of the old barn had once been. The logs gleamed with a freshly oiled appearance and the entire building was covered with a brand new green metal roof. On the left side of the building was a wide set of steps made of metal which had been designed with protruding grips on the steps as an aid in the winter months against ice and snow. James tossed a key to Elaine and let the girls look over the place on their own as he wandered off back toward the house.

“Take your time, “he said, shouting over his shoulder as he walked, “stop back by the house when you’re done. We can talk more if you’re interested.”

As he disappeared around the ancient oak tree and the bend in the road, Elaine and Donna just stared at each other, the up at the house, then at the horses, and back at each other, both in utter disbelief. Elaine went to the horse stalls and patted each steed gently on the neck, smelling the earthy scents of their coats. One was a cream color with matching mane while the other two darker, one with a deep chocolate hue and the other a deep and rich reddish tint, both with dark black manes. As she waked from the last stall, she wiped a tear from here face remembering Gin Blossom, her childhood horse, and amazed at how much the cream colored horse reminded her of him.

She began the ascent up the stairs, Donna close behind as Ernie and Mildred darted off into the surrounding woods chasing after butterflies. She unlocked the thick wood door and they stepped inside. Donna walked around the statue of Elaine as they both stared in incredulity at what they were seeing. The interior was made of the same spotless log finish as the exterior and the dark mahogany floors gleamed back at them in a stunning finish. There were randomly placed throw rugs scattered about the large open room that doubled as a living area and dining room. There was a large overstuffed sofa and matching armchair in the living room section that were in front of a wide, gray moss rock fireplace. The dining room had a small but adequate pine table with 3 matching chairs and was covered with a simple cloth runner of burgundy fringed with gold tassels.

The kitchen was simple but functional; a 4 burner gas range with stove underneath, a medium sized stainless steel refrigerator and tile counters with a shiny aqua finish. Off the east side of the kitchen was a pantry separated from the kitchen by a hanging curtain which matched the color of the counter tiles. The pantry was not huge, but had three levels of shelves on each side, leaving just enough room for one person to navigate the aisle between them. Donna walked back out of the kitchen, her mouth still agape as it had been since Elaine had unlocked the door, to find Elaine unmoved…..she was just standing in the entryway, her jaw as agape as Donna’s.

“Laynie?”, Donna prodded as she passed her hand up and down in front of Elaine’s face.

Elaine shook her head rapidly a few times and acknowledged Donna. She finally began to move further into the place and look around moving as if in a trance.

From the dining room, a section of the log siding had been cut away and French doors inserted that led out and behind the place away from the direction in which they had first seen it. Donna tentatively slipped the latch that secured the doors, swung them open and disappeared outside.

“Laynie…..” she called, “think you need to see this.”

Elaine followed the sound of Donna’s voice, moving slowly through the dining area, taking in the whole interior as she went. As Elaine passed through the doors, she found Donna standing along a railing that matched the log finish with narrower sections of wood which surrounded a long, immaculate deck on the rear of the building. The deck was not huge, but certainly large enough to sit and relax as well as do some barbecuing on in the more hospitable months. Elaine walked to where Donna was standing with her arms resting on the railing peering into the woods beyond the back of the old barn.

It was only as her initial awe of the place began to wear off that Elaine heard what had drawn Donna to her spot. Just beyond the back perimeter of the lot that had been cleared for the refurbished barn was a slow trickling stream bubbling its way over beautifully rounded river stones. She stood beside Donna and they just listened……it was dead quiet except for the stream and a few isolated song birds in the trees. The barn was surrounded by a vast assortment of eastern hardwood trees, an incredible mixture of elms, maples, locusts, and oaks. Elaine could only imagine what this area would look like once fall arrived, knowing the reputation that New England had for its fall foliage.

The girls just stared at each other and then walked back inside. Just past the fireplace in the living area was a tight spiral staircase. The steps made from the same logs as the siding, split in half to form the steps with a black wrought iron railing containing an intricate pattern of curls and whorls the entire length of the spiral staircase. Elaine moved to the stairs, looked up through the spiral opening and finally began the climb up. As she topped the stairs, she took a look and then returned to the top of the stairs and poked her head down.

“Donna….” she said, with a quiet tone, “think you need to see

this.”

Donna climbed the tight spiral and joined Elaine at the top. Together they stood and saw the final new renovation of the barn that had been adapted into a bedroom and bath. What had apparently once been an upper level loft was now a loft bedroom spread over the entire area of what had once been multiple hay lofts they were guessing. It was an enormous, expansive room that covered the entire lower level. The log siding framed the room containing a queen size bed and matching twin night stands. Over the headboard was a massive window that had been refitted into what once must have been an opening for one of the hay lofts. James had also installed a new pair of overhead skylights to aid in ventilation and extra natural light. The floor was the same gorgeous dark wood as the lower level with a stunning circular hand woven loom rug in shades of purple and rose.

The bath was just off one side of the bed, a large tiled room with an old fashioned ceramic claw foot tub and shower with a matching sink and mirror. The tile of the floor was again a match for the kitchen tiles, the walls an off-white eggshell tint with hand painted accents of ivy on each wall in the corners. Donna came back out of the bath to find Elaine sitting on the corner of the bed in the loft just staring at….well…….nothing. She walked calmly to the edge of the bed, sat down beside Elaine and laid her hand on her thigh as Ernie and Mildred suddenly appeared from below and hopped up on the bed beside them, purring loudly. Elaine blinked her eyes, looked around and got up to look out the window over the headboard. As she stared at the peaceful scene out the window, Donna came behind her and gently rested her hand on Elaine’s neck.

“Ummmm…..” Elaine began,” this is for real right? I’m not seeing things?”

“You mean the unbelievably stunning loft apartment?” Donna whispered back. “Like nothing we have seen in the area so far…..that makes the other places we’ve looked at look like shit in comparison…..that what you mean?”

“Uh…..yeah….” Elaine responded, “that and that it’s a renovated barn……that the whole thing is basically a hay loft redone to perfection for girls……that it’s like my wet dream come true?……yeah…..that’s what I mean.”

Donna, in her awe and disbelief at the impact of the place, had completely missed the connection of a barn and a hay loft.

“Holy shit, Laynie!……” she said in sudden realization,” it is!……fuck me!”

“Yeah……” Elaine replied slyly, “fuck me……”

They stood together a few more minutes, Donna now hugging Elaine from behind as they breathed in unison and smiled. They descended the staircase, and returned to the ground below, leaving Ernie and Mildred curled together on the bed upstairs in the midst of a much needed nap. They walked back to the house trying to imagine how much a find like this would cost and how tough it was going to be to walk away once they found out.

As they approached the house, they saw James and Helen sitting back on the porch rocking contentedly in cane chairs, exhibiting the air of a couple completely at ease with each other and displaying a deep affection for one another without words…….in all her years at home, Elaine had never seen anything remotely resembling this type of behavior from her parents. Donna opened the screen door and they sat on the padded porch sofa across from the couple as Elaine handed the key back to James.

“We left it unlocked,” Elaine said, “and the door is ajar……Ernie and Mildred came in while we were there and were on the bed when we left.”

Both Helen and James laughed and just James just waved a hand in a gesture of no big deal.

“So……” James drawled slowly, “what do you think.”

Elaine and Donna looked at each other and then at James and Helen.

“Quite frankly,” Donna began, “your description of the place does not do it justice. The place stunning…….you did an incredible job with it.”

James looked at Elaine as Donna spoke and she nodded emphatically.

“Thanks,” James said with honest appreciation, “but…..think you might like to rent it?”

“Very much so,” Elaine piped up. “but I think it may be a little out of our league financially.”

“Hmmm……” James murmured, “let me ask you this. You been looking at a lot of places since you got here? In Amherst?”

Both girls nodded in unison.

“And how much were those vampires wanting to gouge you for in town?” he asked.

Elaine threw out a wide price range that they had been quoted covering places she felt they could stand, but were not crazy about..

“Uh-huh…..” James replied, “for what……studios…..small one bedrooms?”

“Pretty much,” Donna answered quietly.

“And, they were pretty drab….boring…...I am guessing?” James continued.

“In a word…..yeah……” Elaine pitched in.

James leaned back in his chair and rocked before glancing over at Helen who just nodded almost imperceptibly. He scooted forward in his rocker and stopped the motion, looking deeply into both Elaine’s and Donna’s eyes.

“Girls…..” he began, “here’s the situation. As Helen told you, we used to run a fair-sized milking operation here. Times were good and we did really well with it……really well. Finally all the demands got to be too much for us as a couple and we sold out to a larger outfit up in Vermont. We still like to stay a bit active, though……you’ve seen what Helen can do with landscaping and for me it’s renovations. We do these things now ‘cause we like them…….not for the money.”

Elaine and Donna just sat silently as James paused to let that sink in.

“College kids in general can be a risk,” he continued,” especially boys…….believe me, I know.” He smiled broadly as if recalling a fond memory. “However, as you may have noticed, I did not exactly have the place decorated for boys.”

Both Elaine and Donna laughed along with James.

“Amherst is not a bad town,” James went on,” pretty damn good as a matter of fact. We’ve been here for over 30 years now and can’t imagine living anywhere else. But ‘townies’ think and act funny…..to me anyway. They see the influx of students each year….and kids with money……all the schools here……they aren’t exactly state budget institutions as I am sure you are well aware of already. However, I don’t really think this justifies what they will try and squeeze out of them. I put a lot of myself into that renovation and loved doing it. Have had a few groups of college boys out here looking……thinking they were getting a great off-campus party house I think. Like I said……..I’ve been there, done that and I know.”

James paused again, and took a quick sip of what was left in his lemonade from earlier.

“Even though they had money…….and I could’ve gouged them for the rental. Like I said, a lot of my blood, sweat, and tears went into the place and I am not real anxious for a bunch of beer-swilling spoiled brats to tear it down.”

The girls laughed again along with Helen as she just shook her head in embarrassment……… seemed like maybe she had heard this story before, maybe multiple times.

“So I would like to rent to girls if possible. “ James continued. “The down side is the location. Not too many city girls want to be out here in the boonies. But you’re not city girls. I also know how you might run into some…..shall we say, resistance……based on your relationship.” He smiled thinly as he stared at them directly just showing a hint of his teeth.

Both Elaine and Donna turned bright red, at a complete loss as to how this stranger might have seen through their charade. They had worked so hard back in Childers to keep this a secret and now one of the first easterners they met had figured it out? Had they been that transparent? Had they somehow let their guard down since leaving Kansas? How did he know or at least suspect? And if so, why were they still having this conversation?

“Don’t look so shocked, girls….” James said with a huge smile, “I am sure you did well back home keeping this under wraps…….parents not really too forward thinking I am guessing……please do not take offense….”

“That’s OK,” said Donna with relief, “that’s a very diplomatic way to put it……thanks.”

“No problem…..” James went on, “girls……things are a bit more evolved here……not much but a little……” he added laughing to himself. “I’ve been around a lot of same sex couples and it’s no big deal to us……frankly don’t see what all the angst and wasted furor over this issue is myself. Girls don’t take this the wrong

way……..’cause I really like you…….but despite your best efforts you are giving off a vibe that is hard to miss. Also…..when you came back from looking the place over, there was not any mention of there being just one bedroom.”

Elaine and Donna blushed again feeling like they had definitely been skillfully out maneuvered as Helen reached over and just patted Donna on the knee in a motherly fashion letting them know it was OK.

“Elaine……Donna……” James said, “I liked you from the moment we met and I know you would respect and honor the place. I am also sure you would like to find a place with some privacy. And from what you have told us, I know the money is not a critical limiting factor. However…..I do not want to take advantage of your situation either. How about this…….what was the middle of the road for rent that someone in town wanted?”

Elaine could not believe where this conversation was going. It was mystifying enough that this couple had seen right through their best efforts at concealing their relationship. But then, it was like James could read their minds about their parents and why they had left Kansas. Once she grew older she would better understand how perception and intuition improves and evolves with age, but right now they were young teenagers and the whole experience seemed like a psychic thing…….or a fancy magic trick. Now it looked like he was going to offer them a deal on this amazing refurbished barn. She gave him a figure of a one bedroom they had looked at in Amherst that would most likely be their fallback position if they found nothing else interesting.

“You’re kidding?” James asked, incredulous at the figure.“Wow…..unbelievable……..that really sucks.”

Elaine and Donna just shrugged and smiled sheepishly wondering if maybe they had been overly naïve when looking and negotiating prices. The image of a farm girl in tattered overalls with a pitchfork standing in the middle of NYC immediately popped into Elaine’s mind.

“How about……” James said, looking upward as if calculating in his mind, “how about $200 a month under that ridiculous price?”

“Excuse me?” Elaine and Donna said almost in unison. “Did you say $200 under,” Donna asked for clarification.

“Ummmm…..Helen?” James asked looking at his wife, “is that what I said?”

“Afraid so dear…..” Helen responded with a dead pan delivery, the act appearing well rehearsed

“Oh, well…..” he said with a melodramatic sigh, “it’s been witnessed now, so I guess that’s the offer.”

This was obviously something they had prepared while the girls were looking the place over, but neither Elaine nor Donna was wise to it. Elaine’s and Donna’s eyes lit up and danced with this news still not sure they if they were dreaming. All James asked for in addition was that they commit to the place for at least a year. Elaine, Donna, James, and Helen signed a simple one page agreement for the monthly rent for a one year commitment, at which time they would sit down and discuss an extension. Despite the girls’ excitement and enthusiasm for the place, James did not want them to be locked into anything that might not be a good fit for them or him and Helen in the long run. Both James and Helen were not much for lawyers or legal mumbo-jumbo and they felt comfortable with the girls.

James and Helen told them they could move in anytime and that if they were interested, the horses would be available whenever James did not have one out while he was working. Elaine could feel herself tearing up again and she related the story to the couple about having to leave her beloved Gin Blossom behind. As tears finally spilled over her lower lids, Elaine looked at the couple and asked,

“By any chance were you interested in adopting two girls from Kansas?”