Christine's Love free porn video

Christine's Love by: Anon Allsop The cool chill of Fall hung in the air, frost lightly covering the windshields of the parked cars along the street. As I motored along, I watched a swirl of leaves roll behind my car's passing. A hint of smoke from burning leaves clung to the air as I tapped on the steering wheel, listening to the tunes on my radio, even in this seemingly happy setting I was slightly sad. Nick, the friend I had all through school had suddenly left during the summer for the west coast to live with his grandparents. Normally I wouldn't have gotten upset at all, except that when he left, he didn't even say goodbye. In fact, I haven't heard from him for the past two months... so it wasn't a surprise to find me rolling through his neighborhood on my way from the campus where I started attending College this semester. I turned onto his street, slowing down in front of his house. His kid sister was playing in the front yard. "Hey Melissa!" I shouted to her, hoping that she would come over so I didn't have to get out. "Hi Hunter, what's up?" the cute 11 year old shouted back. "You never did get me the address where I can reach Nick!" I shouted from within my Mustang. "You were supposed to be getting that for me!" "Oh...that's right, sorry about that. Uh...when I spoke to Nick last, he said to just e-mail him and he would respond to it as soon as he could." She began to walk to the passenger door of my car and lean against it. "Can't I just have a phone number?" I asked. Her eyes darted away quickly. "Uh...he said that it would be easier to reach him through e-mail or Instant Messenger." She looked at her feet then continued, "Our Grandparents are kind of weird, I think Nick's afraid that he wouldn't get the messages if you phoned." She looked at me with her big blue eyes, then smiled. "He even said that writing him would be a problem since he felt that they would throw away his mail." I rubbed my hand on my rough stubbly chin. "What the heck did he do that would have caused him to move in with them?" I wondered aloud. "Do you have his e-mail?" Melissa broke my concentration with her question. "I can get it for you if you need it." "No, that'll be ok... I have it." I smiled and shook my head. "I'll leave you to whatever you were doing... see ya later." She backed up from my gleaming red Mustang and watched me drive away. I drove on home wondering of the reasons that could have caused Nick to move away. "Maybe he decided to go on to College out there?" I reasoned with myself. "That's probably it... but he had said that he would attend the local University." I was going to end up giving myself a headache trying to figure out what happened to him. Before I realized it, I was turning onto my street and pulling into the driveway of my home. I didn't feel bad about living here with my folks, they were giving me a free ride as long as I would go to college here in town... and that was okay with me. I bounded up the front steps and saw my mother washing dishes, only to place them into the dishwasher after she was finished. I laughed to myself at her redundancy and kissed her warm cheek from behind. She spun around with a twinkle in her eye. "Are you just getting home from school?" she asked. "It's College Mom, school is for kids." I leaned against the counter. "Whatever... have you eaten?" She was sounding like the Mother she was. "I'm not really hungry right now... I think I'll wait until supper." I shook my books in the air. "Besides, I have a bunch of reading to do." "Ok honey, I'll call you down when it's ready." She returned to her chore and left me to start my studies. I climbed the stairs to my bedroom and flopped down on the little twin bed of mine and began to read. Throughout the rest of the afternoon I read and read, stopping only to eat and use the restroom. I finally closed the book, finishing the three chapters that I was required to read for class tomorrow. Pushing the books to the end of the bed I turned my alarm clock towards me, "11:30!"...jeesch, wasted one whole day reading all of that crap. I slowly rubbed my palms over my tired face, when I lowered my hands... I spotted the computer. I figured I could see if Nick was online, maybe if I was lucky, I could catch him on instant messenger. I crossed the room and pressed the button to start my computer, the deep bass note resounded throughout the room causing me to smile. "Sure hope Mom and Dad weren't trying to sleep." I waited until the computer booted itself up, pulling out my chair I seated myself down and launched the Instant Messenger. I waited, then smiled when I saw Nick's screen name appear. "Hey Dude... how's it hanging?" "Who is this?" was his reply. "Hunter!" I suddenly realized that he wouldn't have known my new screen name... "Oh...whatever happened to just using the word... Hunter," he replied. "Got tired of it. Chose College-boy instead." I added a smiley at the end. "Hunter is easier to remember." He also added the smiley. "You going to school out there?" I asked. "...yeah." "I saw your sister today..." I pressed send. "So did I." I was surprised to see that message and wanted to find out if he was in town. "You at home?" "Uh... no... why?" he typed back. "How could you have seen your sister if you're out in California with your Grandparents?" "Huh?" I scratched my head and typed, "You just said that you saw your sister today... how could you if you're living with your Grandparents!" "Oh... I'm looking at her picture right now. Sorry about that," he apologized. "Hey no problem... been a long day here too!" Again I added a smiley. "Been seeing any good looking women out there?" I asked. "Unfortunately, every day!" "Nothing unfortunate about that!" I responded. "Depends on how you're looking at it," he added. "Oh come on, all of those California Honey's have to be looking pretty sweet after all of these plain Jane's we have here!" I kidded. "I'm really not in the 'looking mood' right now." "A bit homesick?" I typed back. "Maybe... but right now, they just aren't interesting to me at all." I shook my head and typed back, "You must be coming down with something, not being interested in all the fine women out there!" "Something like that..." was his reply, then he added, "I have to get going... I start a new class in the morning and it's pretty early." "Yeah, I have an early class tomorrow too. I guess I should be going to bed myself." I pressed send, then quickly typed another. "You going to be back online tomorrow night?" "Should be... unless the homework is too much." Then a slight pause. "Why?" "I thought we could talk again... better than sending e-mail's back and forth." "Sounds good... I guess I'll talk to you later... gotta go! Bye!" "Bye!" I replied back, then quit the program and shut down the computer and headed to bed. At least he answered one question I had... "So at least he's going to College out there, I wonder which one he's attending?" I slipped into bed and turned out the light, morning would come too soon for me. *** I was in a really good mood as I walked across the campus toward my morning class, especially since I was able to get hold of Nick after all these weeks. I approached the large glass doors that led into Boneventure Hall where my class was held and noticed a pretty faced girl out of the corner of my eye. She and I reached for the door at the same time causing me to bump her and almost ran into the brick column around the door. "I'm sorry," I apologized. "I didn't see you until almost the last second." "That's ok," she spoke, looked at me, then turned her face quickly away. I held the door for her to enter, it was the least I could do. "Ladies first." I waived my hand for her to pass. "Uh... thanks," she mumbled. She was carrying her books up high as if to hide her pert breasts, almost as if on cue two overly excited guys came racing down the stairs and rounded the corner directly into her path. Her slight build causing her to fly backwards, books flying all the way across the hall. I lunged out to try to intercept her fall, but ended up on the floor myself. She struggled to her feet and glared at the two fellows who raced their way out the door and towards the parking lot. "Are you alright?" I asked. "I guess... I'm fine," she sighed. I kept watching her just to see if she really was ok, and I could have sworn that she was fighting back tears. "You sure? They practically ran you over." She looked away quickly and started to pick up her books and papers, "Here, let me help you pick up your stuff," I offered. "That's really not necessary..." she said over her shoulder. I smiled, handing her a notepad laying next to my foot. "You're right, it's not necessary... but, I want to help." She glanced toward me for a moment, gave me a shy smile and nodded quickly looking away. "...Uh...thanks." I took that moment to assess the qualities of this young woman, she was pretty in a 'girl next door' sort of way. If she wouldn't be into that 'grunge' sort of look, she'd probably be cute. What was it with girls who try to distance themselves from their femininity... it's such a shame. Her profile showed that she had some real decent potential... if she would only use a bit of makeup and maybe do something with her hair. I could see that she wasn't wearing a bra and that added to her charms, with the right clothing... she could be a real looker. I was holding one of her books when I realized that it was also for a class that I was taking. "Hey... looks like we have one thing in common." She glanced up, tucking a stray blonde hair behind her ear. "And what would that be?" "We both are in Marketing..." I held up her book and raised mine up for her to see. For a moment she had a panicked look in her pretty blue eyes. I handed them to her and she gently removed it from my grasp, brushing her diminutive and dainty hands against mine. I stood up and offered my hand to her, she declined and stood up on her own. "Thanks for your help." It didn't take a brick to the side of my head to see that she was a bit stand-offish, so I nodded my reply back to her. She kept looking away, trying not to make eye contact with me... I just assumed she was shy. "Well, I hope to see you around campus from time to time." I lowered my head so I could see those lovely eyes of hers. "I'm always looking for a good friend. I again offered her my hand in an attempt to introduce myself. She shot me a quick glance and looked out a window as if she were a caged frightened animal, I figured that in her past... some guy really hurt her... bad. I tried to make her smile but she wasn't going for it so I straightened up. "Well, I'll see you around." Her look never rose up nor met my eyes. "Uh... yeah okay." I watched her turn and quickly walk away, but curiously, we were headed in the same direction. What was it about this girl that held my interest? Sure, she was new and pleasant to look at... but something about her was strangely familiar. I watched her walk along in her baggy jeans dragging the floor, she seemed to be wearing so much oversized clothing that you couldn't tell whether she was a girl or an extremely effeminate guy. Constantly watching around her as if terrified of being in public. I smiled and under my breath said, "Oh those hidden charms..." but I knew... guys don't have breasts like she did... no sir, those were the real deal. That caused me to chuckle to myself as I continued on my way to class. But still I couldn't help thinking that she was a bit odd, always cowering in fear as she walked... almost as if she would break out in a run at any moment. I took my seat in the big lecture hall, opened my notebook and watched people file into the room. Scanning at the screen centered in the front of the room, I began to write the notes on display in an attempt to get a jump on today's lecture. In a few minutes, the Professor walked in and began speaking on the economy and how marketing can effect it. During a moment where he was taking questions, I turned to see one student try and expound on a theory... that's when I noticed, sitting just beyond, was the girl that I met earlier. She was sitting there staring intently at her hands, off in her own little world, paying no more attention to the subject than the vast majority of us. She ran her slender hand through her hair a few times then began to play with her earring. I found myself soon becoming more interested in watching her than the subject that the Professor was lecturing on... besides, she was much better to look at than he was. She stretched out causing her baggy shirt to reveal a bit of her smooth flat stomach, I smiled when she quickly pulled it back down and looked around. The fear of her catching me looking, caused me to quickly turn my head and lock on the Professor. After a long while I again glanced back over toward her, she looked bored as she slowly played with one of her long golden curls. I smiled at her, knowing that she would probably hate knowing how she was turning me on. She had a very lovely profile and it was such a shame that she was hiding it with all of those loose ugly clothes, even a minor bit of makeup could bring out the beauty that was hidden. She was a very normal looking girl, without makeup she was above average... with it, who could tell. I just knew that she was pretty and I wanted to know more about her. She wasn't tall but rather leaned toward the small stature, her fingers were long and slender. Her golden hair, waves abounding, fell down around her shoulder blades. I let my eyes drink in her attributes more, she wasn't what any guy I had ever known would call...busty, but rather pleasing. As my father always said, "More than a handful is too much." I tend to agree with him. She had slender looking thighs and long legs. "I wonder what she looks like in a bikini?" I thought to myself causing me to smile outwardly. I looked around to make sure nobody was watching. I caught sight of the Professor glance toward the clock making me do the same, class was almost over and I pretty much ignored his lecture. But for the girl, I desperately wanted to know her name... I was finding her strangely attractive and I hoped that I could make amends for our rocky introduction. As soon as class ended, we began to file out of the room. I hurried and tried to catch up with her, although once I reached the doorway, I could find no sign of her anywhere. I was a bit dejected, but I knew that there would be more chances later, provided I didn't scare her away. I had 45 minutes until my next class started on the third floor of the same building so I decided to head onto the student lounge and have a look around. While digging for some change, I noticed her sitting by herself on the other side of the room, staring toward a group of girls flirting with some young stud. She seemed interested in what they were doing. But, from where I was standing, I wasn't sure if she was pleased or upset... the look on her face wasn't giving her away either. "My luck, she's probably a lesbian..." I sighed to myself. Then decided that how ever she lived her life was up to her... it wouldn't change how I treated her. Besides, she looked like she could use a friend and I was determined to be one. I quickly dropped the money into the machine and pressed the button, once retrieving the pop, I crossed the room toward her. As soon as she saw me, her shoulders seemed to wilt and she pressed her face into her hands. "Ok, that doesn't look promising..." I muttered under my breath. I slid into the chair opposite her and sat my pop down. "Do you mind if I sit here?" Through her fingers she sighed, "Would it matter?" "Well...yeah, I guess it would," I replied smiling. She sat there covering her face from my view, causing me to tap on her forehead. "You can come out if you want... I won't bite," I kidded her. "It's not that..." she sighed. I interrupted her. "Hey, I could care less what lifestyle you choose... you look like you could use a friend." I leaned against the back of my chair. "So here I am." I heard her laugh, the light musical sound like tiny wind chimes dancing in a light breeze. "That's a start," I thought to myself, cleared my voice and softly spoke, "So, are you new around here?" I tried to entice her into a conversation, so when she looked up I gave her the best smile I could. "Yes... and no," she replied pulling her hands away and placing them on the table. She didn't look uninterested, but rather unsure of me. She drummed her slim fingers upon the table and made a wry face, but still kept looking away from me. "You don't need to be afraid of me... and I am a really good listener," I laughed. She looked at me and smiled, God she had a beautiful smile. I kept thinking of ways to make her smile for me. "Most girls seem to really like talking to me... why don't you try me out for a spin?" I smiled and placed my hands on the table, playing with the condensation building on the outside of my pop can. "I'm not 'most' girls... uh..." She seemed to hesitate for a moment so I quickly assumed that she was waiting for me to give her my name. "Now I'm hurt..." I smiled. "Hunter... Hunter Rogers." I quickly thrust out my hand. "I know..." she replied almost instantly, then seemed shocked to have blurt it out, but still hesitated taking the hand that I offered. I had almost dropped it back to the table when she gently reached out and grasped it. "Oh... now I see, you've been checking up on me." I smiled, at least I felt she was interested... I knew that I was, in her. "So, do you like what you know so far?" I gave her the best boyish grin and leaned against the table on my elbows. She looked right at me and laughed, "You're impossible..." Her beautiful blue eyes seemed to penetrate deep into my soul... I was hooked. For a moment I could see the iron persona that she had built around herself slowly melting away. She fidgeted with a book that was laying next to her hand, causing me to glance down at her dainty and feminine fingers. I sat and spun my can around creating little ringlets of water to collect on the table, nothing was said for almost a full minute. My mind replayed the touch and feel of her tiny hand as she shook hands with me, for such a petite woman... she had a very confidant grip. Which isn't uncommon... but it was strange with the recent vibe I had received from her. She looked up at me from time to time, I felt drawn into those cool pools of blue that were her eyes... God she had gorgeous eyes. Even without make-up, she had very dark and long eye lashes curving gracefully upward. Her cheeks had a country glow that would do any cover-girl proud. I could sit here and drink her natural beauty forever. I looked toward the clock on the wall, shoot... class would be starting soon. Suddenly I was depressed, I had to know more about this girl. I gave her a smile and sat more upright in my chair. "Uh... I never did get your name!" I spoke softly. "Don't you at least owe me that?" She had a momentary look of surprise pass over her pretty face, then almost as soon as it appeared it left. Her eyes sparkled and reflected the light from above as this time she offered her hand to me. "Christine... Christine Hatfield." "Well, Christine Hatfield...pleased to meet you." I extended my hand to hers, her skin was cool to the touch, the dainty hand was quickly engulfed in mine. Again my eyes darted toward the clock, I felt saddened that I would have to rush away from the captivating creature and go sit in another boring lecture. Only this time I was sure that my mind would be elsewhere. I slowly began to stand up and push my chair under the table. "Unfortunately I have a class starting in about 10 minutes... but I was wondering... if..., could I call you sometime?" I thought it couldn't hurt to try, maybe I could sway her into a date or two. "Not yet... I'm not ready for that right now," she refused me politely. I felt the air suddenly escape from my balloon, but I put on a front and showed her nothing. "Well then, maybe I'll be seeing you around?" I picked up my pop and books, "Now that you know me... can I say hi to you when I see you around?" She laughed... her sweet music danced within my ears. "I'm not that terrible... am I?" I smiled at her, and with a glance toward the clock, nodded and slowly walked away. Just as I rounded the corner I looked back, she was watching me leave. Upon her beautiful face she had a most confused look. *** It was around 11:00 p.m. when I threw aside my books and fired up the computer, heading straight toward launching Instant Messenger. In a moment, I could see Nick's screen name sitting there where I found it yesterday. "Hey Nick!" I began. "Hey Hunter! How's it hanging?" "About the same as always...a little to the left." I laughed as I typed. "I wouldn't know..." I laughed out loud at his reply. "So, how was your day?" I figured we had to start somewhere. "Not bad..." "How was yours?" his message popped up. "I just about ran over some girl entering the building this morning," I replied. "Oh?" "Yeah, she was knocked into me by some stupid guys running," I typed. "...anybody hurt?" "I don't think so... her pride maybe." I thought about her some, then continued, "She seemed more embarrassed than anything." "Are you sure it was embarrassment?" he replied. "If not that... then what would have been her problem." I pressed submit. "Maybe she thought you were trying to feel her up when you fell with her..." His logic was a bit interesting. "Well if that's the reason, it's unfounded. Not that I wouldn't have minded though!" Again I added the smiley. "Actually I found her to be quite attractive... in a girl next door sort of way." "No kidding... how so?" Nick was a man of very little words. "She was really pretty..." I typed and hit send almost as fast. "Blue eyes, great smile..." "No kidding?" His message emerged quietly. "Yeah... between you and me. I thought she was pretty good looking!" I hit send. "You seem very enamored with her after meeting her just today..." His message dripped with sarcasm. "Maybe... there are stranger things that could happen," I shot back. Again his message popped up. "Fat chance trying to get a date with her!" I frowned. "Now how in the hell would you know?" All that appeared on my screen was a smiley face. I thought for a moment then typed, "Why wouldn't she like me? What's not to like?" Two words popped up, dripping with sarcasm. "Oh... pleeezzzzzeee!" "Maybe she's the one?" I smiled and pressed send. "The one what?" he shot back. "The one that I'll marry!" I stabbed the enter button. "...sure." Was his only reply, then he prodded. "Tell me more about her..." "Why tell you any more...you'll just try and steal her when you come back to visit!" I retorted. "Not hardly... tell me more." I continued, "She's good looking... but when I met her, she was wearing those clothes like someone who was into that grunge look." "Maybe she's just not into anything feminine." His comment caught me off guard. "Well, now that you mention it, I did think that her pendulum swung to the left but after talking to her later in the day... I'm not so sure." "I don't understand..." was his only comment. "I thought she was gay," I typed out. "Now what would the way she dresses and how she treated you make you think of her as gay?" I was surprised to see his reply. "What makes you the authority..." I laughed, then realized that he did live in California now. "And... if she was... would that keep you from being her friend?" His question made me happy that I had already decided to be her friend. I answered him, "I've already made up my mind that if she wasn't interested in dating..." I hit send, then quickly typed, "...we could just be friends." "Good for you!" I smiled as I read his comment. I continued, "Still... with a little bit of effort, I think she could be quite attractive." "How so?" he questioned me. "Oh, maybe by dressing just a bit more feminine..." I responded, then added, "Maybe a little make-up." "Would that ever be enough?" His message almost popped up as soon as I sent mine out. Then again, even before I could reply. "What if she didn't want to wear that stuff?" "Oh come on Nick, doesn't every girl have a decent pair..." I laughed when I accidentally hit the key to send it halfway through my typing. "...of feminine jeans that she could wear with a nice shirt," I continued. "I'm glad you finished that sentence... I wasn't sure where you were headed." I laughed as I read this comment from Nick. "You know the funny thing Nick? I just felt at ease talking to her... she seemed so comfortable to talk to." "Someone to listen... none of the pressure?" he asked. "That was it. She was great, I really didn't want to go to my next class." I wondered to myself then typed, "I hope she enjoyed meeting me, I'd love to ask her out." Almost a full minute passed before Nick sent anything. "You there?" I hit send. I kept watching to see if his connection may have broken, when another message finally appeared. "Did you get her name?" "Yeah... Christine Hatfield," I replied. "You didn't recognize her?" Nick asked. "No, but she looks a bit familiar to me though." "She should... she's my cousin." My eyes widened in surprise as I read Nick's last message. "You're shitting me... Really, she's your cousin?" I just couldn't believe it. "In fact she's living at my house..." As I read his message, I wondered why Melissa didn't say anything when I stopped over. "So... then you should know, Nick... is she available?" I had to know whether I stood a chance with her. "That depends on what you mean?" I wrinkled my brow as I read his message. "Is she dating anyone?" I hoped he would know. "I'm sure she isn't... she's just going through a difficult time right now." "Please don't tell me it's drugs?" I was hoping I would like his reply. "No, she's certainly not a user." I sighed with relief when I read that. "Then why is she living with your folks?" Again a long pause. "She wanted to go to college but living where she did, she would have to pay extra for dorms..." As I read, another message popped up. "...so that's why she moved in with my family." "Do you think she'd go out with me?" I typed quickly, then sent it. "I doubt that she would," he responded. "Too young?" I hit send. "She's the same age as I am, so... no she's not too young," his message popped up quickly. Then it really dawned on me. "She already has someone..." "No... hardly." His message was short and to the point. "Pregnant?" I was fishing for answers. "Oh god no... not that either!" popped up suddenly, then followed quickly by, "Look Hunter, she's not the kind of girl for you... trust me." "Can't I decide that for myself ?" I hit send and waited. "You're a great guy and all, but I think you should just forget about her." His message glared out at me. "Is she a bit on the wild side?" I laughed and continued, "I like wild women..." He knew I was just kidding.... "She's about as wild as I am... so, don't get your hopes up." I laughed as his message appeared, knowing that Nick was about as wild as my Grandmother. I sat and stared at the screen for a few seconds then typed, "No, seriously Nick... I would love to show her that I'm not one of those guys that want to get into her pants." I pressed send hesitantly, then continued, "She needs to know that not every guy out there is only interested in sex with her... that's not my scene." "I doubt if she thinks that way about you Hunter, she's just unsure about who she is..." I was confused but I let it go after reading that message. He knew a bunch more than he was letting on... she must be in some real trouble to be living with Nick's folks and not with her own. Suddenly, a message popped up on my screen, "Hey man, I have to get..." then followed by another, "Have class tomorrow." "No problem... same time tomorrow?" I was getting tired and needed to sleep. "Same time... later." "Later..." I pressed send and quickly shut down the program and computer. *** I took a chance by driving past Nick's house early in the morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of Christine. The house looked quiet. "Nuts..." I complained to myself. I turned the corner and headed on toward the Campus when I spied a young female walking toward the nearest public bus stop. I wasn't sure who I was looking at but I slowed down but by the time I rolled along side of her... I saw that it was Christine! I pressed the button to lower the passenger window. "Hi Christine!" She looked at me and gave me a slight wave. "Need a lift?" I shouted. She looked down the block where the bus was already sitting, almost as if on cue it began to pull away from the curb. "It'll be 15 minutes before another comes by," I called out. She contemplated her next move. "What makes you think that I should trust you?" I didn't know how to take her, but when she gave me a smile I realized that she was joking. "Because I'm a friend of Nick's... what better reason is that?" She laughed. Her giggle was light and airy like the tinkle of tiny wind chimes. "Oh... now there's a reason." God she was beautiful. "I promise... I won't lay a finger on you." I took a chance and leaned across the seat to open the door for her. "It's not your finger that I'm worried about." She laughed and climbed in. I waited for her to buckle herself in, the seat belt strap crossing gently between her perfect breasts. "Oh to be a seat belt..." I mused to myself. I put the car in gear and drove off, trying to think of something... anything to talk about. "I spoke to Nick last night..." I waited to see her response. "Yeah, I know," she responded while looking out the window. I shot her a quick glance. "You know?" She seemed surprised by my voice. "Know what?" "You knew that I was talking to Nick?" "Uh... oh that, I was online too," she replied, then turned to again look out the window. I tried to remember seeing any other screen names while we were talking, but couldn't come up with anything. "So... you know what we were talking about?" "Yeah." She seemed to be uncomfortable talking. "And?" I rolled to a stop at a sign. "Would you?" "Look Hunter, you're a swell guy and all... I just don't think I'm ready for any kind of relationship right now." She fidgeted with the seam on her jeans. Realizing that she had been online with Nick and I made me suddenly very uncomfortable, I could feel the sweat rise to the surface. "Uh... then you know what we discussed?" Suddenly I felt my palms beginning to perspire. "Yeah... I'm flattered that you find me... attractive..." She pulled her silky golden locks behind her ear and continued, "and maybe some day I may be interested... but not now." I swallowed hard. I felt as if I was caught watching her undress or something, she looked down toward her book bag and gave me a small smile. "Maybe if we had grown up together, like this... it would be different." She gestured with her dainty hand as she spoke. "Don't you find me at all interesting?" I questioned. "Am I so awful that you could never want to go out for an evening..." I paused for effect. "...Even as friends?" She looked down at her small feet. "...Well, maybe go out as friends...." I smiled, at least I had a chance... wait until I tell Nick! We drove on for a minute or two in complete silence, I could tell she was doing some real hard thinking. For me, I was trying to figure out which screen name she was using when Nick and I were talking. "Uh... Christine?" I continued when she turned her head toward me, "So... what's your screen name when you're online?" She thought about it for a second. "You'll laugh..." "Try me..." I smiled. "It's... Guardian," she grinned. "That's one of those that Nick used." I turned into the campus lots. "Uh... yeah, he's letting me use that one until I get my own." She laughed. "Surely you could come up with one better than that? I could probably make one up for you... I'm pretty good at creating screen names." I gave her a thoughtful look. "Oh... like College boy?" She giggled which caused me to smile. "Hunter is much better." "But Hunter's so boring... it's my name for crying out loud." I knew the comment was dripping with sarcasm. "True. But Hunter could mean so much more." She put her shapely finger to her perfect chin. "Hunter of knowledge... Hunter of great game... Hunter of life..." "Hunter of love," I added, locking my gaze directly onto her beautiful crystalline blue eyes." We held that look for a few seconds, not a word was exchanged. "You sure don't give up easy..." She shook her head and smiled. "Ask Nick... he would know," was all I said. She looked away and smiled. "Uh... looks like we're here." I looked up as she spoke. "Thanks for the lift Hunter." She popped her door open and stepped out. I watched her walking away, she was pretty cute... with very little effort, she would be gorgeous. *** The days slowly trudged on... from one day into the next, on and on. Each morning I would swing past her home and pick her up, our conversations would be mostly of the latest topic... classes, movies, music, or what have you. On the weekends, we would pal around, go to the Mall, maybe take in a movie or just hang out. Not once did I ever try to pursue a relationship with Christine other than being a good friend. For that I could sense her relief, as she slowly dropped her vigilant guard around me, becoming comfortable. Most of our close friends knew that we weren't an item, and they were ok with it. She had even confided once, that by being with me, none of the usual suspects were hitting on her. When I thought about it, she was right. The guys stopped approaching her after our Sophomore year in college... assuming that we were going out or something. But, the girls had also stopped approaching me as well... but I didn't mind, there was always that chance that she would come around... at least I could hope. She had taken to wearing a thin silver ring on her left hand that had a clear white stone... it looked very much like a diamond engagement ring. When I asked her about it, she laughed, saying that it was glass... and if people thought it was an engagement ring, so be it... at least it kept the guys away. I only secretly hoped that nobody on my side of the family would get the wrong impression... and wished it was mine that she was wearing. My family had all come to know and love Christine, they secretly hoped as I did that she would love me in the way that I did her. My life was consumed by being with her... my days and evenings were spent either talking with her during school, in the car, on the phone... everywhere. The whole time she and I became closer friends, but that was the way it always ended. Over time she gradually changed... for the better. No, sadly she and I didn't develop any relationship other than a great bonding friendship. Either of us would have done anything for the other, such was the type of friendship we shared. I had talked her into joining a off campus Sorority the summer between our Sophomore and Junior year in college, if it did anything it would help her with bringing out her feminine side. It was strange, I wasn't at all worried that she would prefer women over guys, I just was certain that she wasn't gay... in fact, I don't think she was interested in either sex at the moment. The change over her during those two years was incredible, she started wearing clothing that seemed more in line with her personality... which was sporty. Her jean preference had slowly changed from the baggy, grungy look to a more form fitting style that accentuated her great looking frame. She wore, very conservative tops and blouses... but during that whole time, I never saw her in a dress. I remember being surprised when I saw that she had started to lightly wear make-up and shape her eyebrows making her eyes even more beautiful than they had already been. I knew that I could thank her involvement with the Sorority that she belonged to, they along with subtle hints from me, were bringing her closer to that feminine side that I was sure lurked deep inside of that great woman. Christine would never be caught with anything revealing... just practical, but that was fine. She was coming closer... moving toward her feminine side. The closer she got, the more I found I needed her. She was slowly transforming into the beauty that I knew simmered just below the surface. I was just happy that I was the only guy that she seemed comfortable around. The best moments I had with her was when I dreamt at night. There we weren't just friends, we were lovers. I would hold and cuddle with her in my dreams... the nearness and seemingly realness of those captured moments would be burned deep into my brain, carrying me on with a smile throughout the day. The price of being her friend was frustrating in a sense because here she would stand beside me... but her love, what I wanted more than anything... was just beyond my reach. I think she knew that I was in love with her, but for whatever reason she maintained her distance... I would wait. All the while, over the three and a half year span that our friendship bloomed, I had kept in touch with Nick. He was muddling on through college like me, seeming to have a love interest but really didn't know how to approach her... also like me. He wanted her desperately but was afraid to make the first move... I told him that I knew the feeling. It was rough but we agreed that it was well worth the wait. The best thing about Nick was that he was there, online, when I needed him the most. I could talk with him about anything, he knew that I had a real thing for Christine and wanted to move beyond being her friend. His advice was to take our time and give her plenty of room... I was tired of waiting... but he was right, something was troubling Christine, keeping her at arms length. I was determined to be there when she was ready, no matter how long it took. Christine and I were becoming very fond of each other's company, but it never would go beyond a pal or buddy sort of thing. I loved to hear her laugh, so much that I would make a joke... just to hear her light giggle. The sound of it made me smile long after we would part company. I found over those years that she was quite athletic, well... she liked sports. Her competitive nature made her so much fun to tease, but that never stopped Christine, she wasn't afraid to go at me in a game of basketball. She actually wasn't that bad, but would laugh when I suggested that she try out for our college team. Her excuse... height. She was right I would have to agree, she wasn't the tallest drink of water out there... at about 5'6", she was downright small. I didn't mind, to me... she was perfect. This past summer I had invited Christine to go along with my family and I to the coast for some fun in the sun. She went, but not one time did she venture out in anything other than shorts and a light shirt. Secretly, I had hoped that at least once I would get to see her in something a bit more revealing... but no. Although, what I had seen wasn't terrible mind you, just covered... and she did have spectacular looking legs, so it wasn't a complete loss. The best moment, that I fondly think back on, was when she and I were walking along the beach toward sunset, letting the waves wash across our bare feet. We were in a particularly normal conversation as we walked along, slowly approaching four guys playing sand volleyball. They noticed that we weren't holding hands and assumed that we were brother and sister. One particular guy, which looked like the body builder type, called out to her. She ignored him... then he shouted to me saying something like, "Hey buddy... ask your sister if she'd like to touch my muscle." That brought a chorus of laughter from his friends. I'm not the biggest guy around but at 6'3 and 230 pounds... I can hold my own pretty well. I hesitated for only a moment and felt her tiny hand grasp mine. "Come on Hunter, don't pay them any attention," she said low so only I could hear her. I remember walking along with her for a few steps when I realized that she never let go of my hand, I assumed that she was trying to make the guys watching think we were lovers... and believe me, they were watching. I didn't care, she was leaning in against me brushing my elbow. Then, as if to add to their watching eyes, she slowly circled her other hand around my arm. I could never recall a time that I wished I could freeze more than that one, I wanted to walk on like this forever. We walked like this as the setting sun slowly painted the sky with its yellow's and pinks, almost a half mile of shoreline passed before she finally let go, I think she realized then that she was still clinging my arm. The removal of her loving embrace saddened me because it felt so natural to feel her closeness, her body so near. The best part of the whole experience was that since then, anytime she felt a bit threatened she wouldn't hesitate to hold my hand and give the illusion to those watchful eyes that we were an item... I didn't care, I was in heaven. School began, and we were now entering into our Senior year. I couldn't believe that this was the last year we would be coming back to this campus. I was only a few classes shy of my degree in Industrial Engineering, while Christine was finishing up her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She would make a great teacher, all kids seemed to love her. Life trudged along, seasons slowly changed from late Summer heat to the crisp coolness of Autumn. Slowly, that too gave way to the rush of the Christmas season and the light feathery snow of early Winter. I had just parked the car in our usual spot and we got out, gradually Christine and I made our way across campus toward Boneventure Hall where we shared that first class during our Freshman year. I wanted to ask her something but felt a loss for words, she knew that I had something on my mind and as usual, didn't press me to divulge my thoughts. I pulled up short by a great pine tree and with the light snowflakes swirling softly in a gentle breeze, she stopped too pulling her hat down over her beautiful tiny ears. "Well... um, Christine, I was wondering if you had any plans over the holiday?" I said while blinking the snow from an eyelid. "Nothing much... why?" Her breath hung in a cloud until it was pushed away by the light breeze. "The folks have a cabin in Vale and... I asked them if you could come up with me. Uh... that is if you wanted to." It seemed that my blood was rushing out my toes as I felt weak and cold. "I'll understand if you don't want to go along." She smiled, her golden hair peeking out from under the hat she wore. "Sure... sounds like fun." I grinned at her, even though she was all bundled up for winter, I could see the glorious beauty that was hidden from the view of most everyone else. She continued as we turned toward the building, "It's been quite awhile since I've skied. I used to go all the time when I was a kid, you remember..." Her voice trailed off. "Remember what?" I asked holding the door open for her. "...uh... remember how it was trying to stay on those things when all your body wanted to do was streak in a straight line." We continued our way inside the building. "Yeah, Nick and I used to go all the time when we were kids. One time when I was showing him how to go down a hill, I started using the zigzag motion going downhill and when I got to the bottom, I looked back and he was nowhere to be found." I was chuckling as I told her the story recalling how crazy he was on skis. "...you turned around and he beat you down the hill..." She laughed along with me. "Yeah, he shot down that puppy like greased lightning..." I laughed, then realized what she had said. "Have I told you this one before?" She gave me a wry look and laughed, "No... something like that happened to me once as well." "So where is it again that we'll be staying?" She asked as we approached the classroom where I had to leave her. I felt like she was trying to change the subject, but left it there and answered her question. "It's a cool cabin up in the mountains, not far from all the lifts and lodges." We paused at the door. "My folks have been going there for years... but it has been about 3 since we last went out there. In fact the last time I was out there Nick was along." "It has been awhile then, hasn't it?" She smiled and reached for the doorknob. "I'll wait for you in the lobby after class... okay?" "Sure." I smiled as she quickly spun and the long length of hair that extended past her hat was suddenly flipped outward. "I'll see you after class." "I'll be waiting, just watch for my smiling face," she laughed. I slowly closed my eyes and wished that would only be true, only I wanted her to be the first face I saw when I awoke, and the last I saw before sleep. She was true to her word, as soon as class ended I approached the Lobby, she was there. I saw her long before she realized that I was nearing her, sitting comfortable at the end of the long couch with her legs tucked up under her. She was slowly leafing through a magazine, while other students in the room were watching soap opera's. I watched her throw it back on a table as I stepped inside the room, it was the most recent copy of Sports Illustrated. She noticed me coming toward her and smiled. "Hey Hunter." She started to gather up her books. "So, where do you want to eat today?" I shrugged my shoulders. "Anywhere would be fine." But in my mind I was thinking, "As long as it's with you..." But I wouldn't dare say that to her, instead I just smiled. "Well... how about Charlie's" she suggested while she put her coat on. She picked up three thick books from the table and balanced them on one arm, but before she could, I grabbed the strap of her book bag. "Here, let me help you with this." She laughed. "Such the gentleman." Then watched me hoist it over my own shoulder. "If you're going to carry that for me... then I'll take this." She took my single book and added it to the three in her arms. I used my back to force the door open, holding it for her to pass, "You sure about Charlie's?" Once she walked out the door I let it go and followed. "It's kind of messy." "That's half the fun of it," she giggled. "There isn't anything better than a real messy Bar-B-Q for lunch." She used her shapely hip to bump into me playfully. I laughed and bumped her back. This was why I loved her so, she was unlike any girl I had ever known. Sure, she was spectacular to look at... but for a dainty little thing to love western style Bar-B-Q was quite rare. She loved playing sports, reading Sports Illustrated and watching football on TV with me. I smiled as I watched her walk down the steps toward the sidewalk, the funniest thing was that she probably knew more about the sport than I did. People sitting around us at games seemed surprised that this little thing could tell the differences from a split backfield and a power 'I'. Most of them would look at me really envious... wishing that their wives or girlfriends had her knowledge of the game. We crossed the Campus as the light snow had given a dusting of white to the brown dormant grass, effectively covering it from view with its stark beauty. As we approached the lot, I was trying to figure out how I would fish out my keys when she beat me to the punch. Sitting the four books she was holding on my fender, she smiled and raised her eyebrows playfully. "Which pocket?" I was a bit surprised, but managed to open my mouth. "Uh... right side." She then gave me a grin and pulled the glove from her slender hand. "Now this doesn't mean we're engaged." I felt her slim hand enter my pocket and was wishing that my keys were closer to my crotch... just for that little innocent thrill. But what she was doing was enough to flavor my imagination. I soon heard the jingle of my keys as she pulled them into view. "Well...that wasn't too painful, was it?" she smiled. I laughed as she opened the door and deposited the bags into the back seat. "No...but now I feel like I should be having a cigarette." She shoved me from behind, causing me to fall partially into the car. "Oh, missy... for that you will pay!" She laughed and ran across a short bit of grass to get away, it didn't work because I made snow balls from what had gathered on the car and threw it at her. I began to smile when she tried to duck from my throw and ended up on her back in the snow laughing uncontrollably. I walked on across and helped her up, brushing the snow from her clothes. She still giggled as she threw a handful of snow into my face that she had been hiding in her hand. "You're a stinker." I snatched her hat and wiped the snow off of my face, causing her long golden blonde hair to fall about her shoulders. She quickly grabbed it back and pulled it on, tucking her long hair under its protective material. I turned and began to walk back the short distance to the car when I suddenly was blindsided by a weight on my back, throwing me off balance and in the snow. I knew almost the instant it happened what she had done, I fell forward into the snow. "Ooohh... you need to be taught a lesson!" I pulled her off and scrambled to my feet. She was laying there with a goofy look on her face, no sound coming from her mouth. I wasn't sure if she was hurt or laughing, it was revealed soon enough though. She took a huge breath and began to laugh heartily, rolling back on the ground and holding her stomach the snow sticking to her everywhere. I picked up a small handful of snow and sprinkled it on her face, she was laughing too hard to notice. She was even making me laugh with her as I took her by the hand and stood her up. My only problem was that her uncontrollable laughter was making it difficult for her to stand, let alone walk. I grabbed her hands and turned my back to her, pulling her up. In this way, I carried her back to the car and deposited her still laughing, into the passenger seat then buckled her up. I closed her door and walked around to my side and climbed in, she was just beginning to calm down. Smiling I buckled myself up and put the key into the ignition starting the car, "I told you that I would make you pay." She began to laugh uncontrollably again...I just smiled and shook my head. *** At Charlie's, we ate their famous ribs. We talked, just small talk for the better part of an hour and when we were finished, I drove her to the mall to do a bit of shopping. She and I wandered from one store to the other just window shopping when she caught sight of a very pretty piece of silk finery. "Wow... that's red," she laughed. "Looks fine to me," I answered. "Man, it's almost $80.00!" I shook my head. "Actually that isn't bad, but I don't think I could ever wear anything that racy." She pulled the bottom out to see that it was awful short. "Is that supposed to be a holiday present?" I wondered. "It would depend on who's doing the wearing, Mister Obvious," she giggled. "Why don't you try it on?" I teased. She gave me a horrified look. "No way... I could never wear anything like that!" I frowned at her. "What's wrong, afraid to let anyone see that you're a young sexy woman?" She thought I was teasing but I was dead serious. Pulling out my wallet and held up my credit card, "My treat, look at it like my Christmas gift to you." I smiled, knowing that she would try some way to back out. As she was slowly looking from me to the little item, a sales associate spoke. "Could I help you with anything?" Even before Christine could answer, "She wants to try this on." Christine shot me a shocked look. "I... I..." she began, but I interrupted her. "Christine, you're a beautiful woman, why not treat yourself to a bit of feminine finery... why not go all out and get this one?" I turned her by the shoulders and pointed to the changing room. "But... but..." I handed her the dress and gave her a gentle push. I stood and fidgeted with the hangers and size markers while I waited for her to step out of the changing room. I figured she was trying it on but she never once did come out where I could see, I was relying solely on the sales associate for her opinion of Christine's fit. The associate stepped out of the hall and came up to the front where I was. "She looks lovely... you'll be pleased with how sexy it makes her." I laughed to myself, knowing that it would be a fat chance to see her wearing anything sexy. "Is she coming out here?" I asked. "I'm not sure... I'll go ask." She turned and walked back to Christine to ask. "No freaking way!" was all I heard. I smiled and the sales lady laughed. Christine walked out of the room what seemed like an hour later still wearing the outfit that she entered with. Across her arm, was the slinky red item. "Did it fit?" I asked. "Well... yeah," she groaned. "Great! We'll take it!" I told the woman behind the counter. She took it from Christine and scanned the label. "Your boyfriend must really love you a lot to buy something this special for Christmas." She gave Christine a wink. I gave the girl behind the counter a frown and quickly shook my head no using a short side to side motion. Christine laughed and elbowed me in the ribs. "If he's such a great boyfriend... maybe we should look at some other items?" The sales girl's eyes brightened up, causing me to groan. "Well, we do have all the latest styles of clothes that would go well on a beautiful young woman as yourself." They both laughed when I flopped down in the chair set aside for the guys that come there with their wives. "Well that little joke backfired on me..." I sighed. "Wait there... Hon, we'll only be a minute." She was determined to make me pay. The two of them moved about the store as if on a mission, the whole while I sat in the chair watching them. After about an hour they both walked up to the register carrying a few items, none were outlandish... and all were practical. I knew she wouldn't spend too much but I was adamant about not letting her get in the last little dig. I stood up and handed Christine my card again and slowly watched the clothing as it was scanned... "So, what size of shirt did you buy?" "It's called a blouse... dear... and they're a ladies small." Her reply oozed with sarcasm. I grinned to myself and calmly walked away with my hands behind my back. You should have seen Christine's face when I dropped a shiny white two piece confection of silk and lace on the counter with the other items. "What the heck is that for?" I just nodded toward the item and the sales woman scanned it in. "Oh, this is lovely!" She exclaimed as she placed it into the bag. "It'll look so wonderful on you!" The woman handed the bag across to Christine who appeared to be still in shock from seeing the sexy little outfit. We turned and walked out into the mall with her purchases. In a low voice just above a whisper Christine spoke without ever looking my way. "And who's supposed to wear that little number?" Then she turned to face me. "Surely not me?" "Since you were in such a buying mood... I guess I sort of got all swept up in it as well." I bumped her with my hip. "Yeah... well... it's going to look real lovely on you..." She laughed and bumped me back. "...Because you'll never see me in it." I laughed as we slowly strolled through the mall toward the little ice- cream stand we both were fond of. Secretly, in my heart I wanted nothing more than to see her in the little outfit. *** Later that evening I found myself sitting at the computer, slowly typing out my thoughts to my good buddy Nick. "Hey Nick, how's it going?" I typed. "I'm okay," he replied. "You still dating that girl?" I hit send. "...Uh, yeah." "Got you flustered doesn't she?" I added a straight faced smiley at the end. "You could say that." "Same here," I responded. "But with Christine... I'll wait forever." "I figured you'd say that," came back his reply. "Huh?" I hit send. "Same here... only I'm sure that I'm not ready." "Will we ever be ready?" I shot back, then added, "One of these day's I'll surprise her." "And do what??" "I don't know... I really think she likes me though." I hit send. "...She does..." "Did she say so?" I asked "Not in so many words... but I can be pretty certain that she does." I stared at his reply. "Enough to marry me?" I typed. Another long pause. I watched the list to see if Christine had entered our discussion... she wasn't there. Finally his message popped up. "...I don't know..." "You're some help!" I laughed as I typed. "Did you ever think to ask her?" came back his reply. "Right... I'd love to but hell Nick..." I hit send. "We've never really kissed..." "...So... what are ya waiting for?" "She'd probably slug me." I added the smiley. Another long pause. "...maybe... maybe not." I contemplated his last reply, he was right, we had never really kissed in anything more than a peck on the cheek. I looked at my bulletin board where the photo's I kept of her were hanging... "God she's beautiful," I sighed. I noticed another message pop up. "You there?" "Just thinking..." I replied. Then continued to type, "I don't want to be too aggressive..." "You?" His message ended with a smiley. "I mean... I don't want to scare her off." I sent it out. "You won't..." "I don't know... maybe if she would just give me a sign." I pressed send. "How many different signs do you need???" That surprised me a bit, but he was right... "She'll just laugh." "I don't think so," Nick replied. "We're both afraid to take that first step..." he added. "Well, I guess I'll have plenty of chances when we head off to the cabin next week." "Next week?" he responded. "That's next week?" "It's been awhile for you hasn't it?" I typed, knowing that it was almost three years ago for him. "...yeah." "Maybe you could come out and meet us there?" I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. "It would be impossible..." his message read. "Christine and I are going out there Friday, after our last class." I hit send. "You never told me that!" I read it and frowned, maybe he was just upset that I didn't let him know earlier. "You didn't ask." I hit send. "Driving?" Was his one word question. "No, our plane leaves at 3:30 and we're going to rent a car to take us up." "And where are your parents during all of this?" "They're planning to come up sometime Saturday," I responded. "So... you thinking about making your move on her while you have her alone?" "Well, most guys would... but she's a great friend..." I typed and sent, then continued. "I don't want to jeopardize that friendship by doing something stupid." "Interesting..." "Really Nick, I respect her too much to pull anything." "Oh... we'll see..." Nick's message glared at me. What was it with him, he was acting so strange over the last few months? I frowned at my computer screen, trying to figure a way of defending myself from his suspicions. I began to type, "You may think I'll try something on her when I have her alone..." I hit send. "But sometimes when you love someone as great as Christine..." Again I hit send, "You have to make some sacrifices..." "...and what's yours?" he responded. "You'll laugh..." "Try me..." He shot back. "...I'm saving myself..." I hesitated before hitting send. "From what?" His smiley seemed to mock me. "I don't want to ruin any chance I have with Christine..." I frowned a bit as I typed, feeling dumb for confiding in a friend that I haven't seen in over three years. "I'm saving myself for her..." A long pause before his message appeared, "How sweet." Now I was sure he was making fun. "Look Nick, I probably won't get another chance to talk to you before we get back...I've got a lot to do." "Good luck..." I smiled at his reply. "Thanks... Nick, I appreciate it." "Hey Hunter...when you see Christine..." "Yeah?" I hit send. "Give her a big kiss from me..." I smiled at his message. "If she'll let me..." I laughed and pressed send. "She will..." popped his message, then followed quickly by another. "Take care..." "Thanks Nick... you too." I hit send and waited for a few minutes, staring at Christine's photo's hanging on the wall. When I figured he had signed off I too shut down the program and leaned back, folding my hands behind my head. Slowly I pulled the pin from my favorite photo of Christine and walked back to the bed, stretching out I shut off the light. The moon was shining brilliantly against the white carpet of snow outside, creating sufficient lighting for me to stare longingly at her photo. I knew that I needed to make a few preparations before we left, tomorrow I would make the first one. *** We drove the rental up into the mountains, snow was softly falling into a great blanket of white. I smiled at Christine which she returned, "It sure is pretty up here." She looked out her window and then back to me, "God's country... it has to be the prettiest thing I ever saw" She pointed toward the snow laden pine trees that lined the road. "I can think of one thing prettier," I said softly, looking at her. "What was that?" she asked. I smiled at her again. "I said... I could think of nothing prettier." Her face reddened but still she smiled, I was sure she heard me the first time. She changed the subject. "How much farther?" "Our cabin in on the other side of this tree line." Then pointed through the woods, "See that building down there?" She nodded. "That's where we can get on the lifts." "Wow... when did they put that there?" she wondered aloud. "They built that a couple years back... say, I thought you had never been up here?" Her odd answer puzzled me, but she then cleared it up. "Uh... Nick told me what to expect." She smiled and shot a surprised look when she didn't think I was paying attention. I gave her a side ways glance and continued to drive, one gradual turn and we rolled to a stop in front of a beautiful cabin. I heard her draw a breath in slowly. "It probably looks different than how Nick described it to you... doesn't it?" "It's beautiful..." she spoke as she gently stepped from the car. "Here!" I tossed her the key and laughed when she dropped it in the snow, "You go ahead and unlock the cabin, I'll unload all of this stuff." She gave me a salute, smiled and walked up to the hand hewn door with the oval leaded glass window. I turned my attention to the trunk and the contents it held. Lucky us, we were stuck dragging most of our equipment with us so we didn't have to rent any. I began to set each item on the porch, about four trips later I was finished and closed the trunk. "Hunter, would you want some coffee?" Her beautiful voice made me look up. "Sure. Just let me put this inside and I'll get the wood for you." I picked up two suitcases and carried them through the door. "I can get the wood." She smiled. "I'm not one of those weak and helpless girls around campus you know." I smiled and put the luggage down, heading back out to get another armload. She followed me back out on the porch and carried a few logs inside, it didn't take long and we were both done. I watched her at the little kitchen stove while she prepared the logs for burning, it was apparent that she had built a fire before. "Where did you learn to do that?" I asked. She kept stuffing kindling and paper in the gaps of the small logs, "Boy Scouts." I laughed, but she didn't crack a smile. I just let it go, bec