Him Her Them Boxed Set (23 page)

How do I do this? I've known her for almost half my life but I have to say goodbye. I have to leave. There is nothing anymore for me here, in this house. Too many memories, some good and some...well, some I don't like to think about.

She's coming. It's now or never.

"Hey Jos. You're not dressed? Aren't you coming? It's Thanksgiving! There is pie. You love pie. Corbin is even making his special sweet potato casserole. Should be awesome! I think Jacob is bringing his new girlfriend, Dina. I just hope they don't end up doing it in the bathroom this time like last week. God that was embarrassing. They are like two horny teenagers..."

"Luna!"

"What?"

"There is something I need to tell you."

She moves toward me and comes to sit next to me on the couch, her hand automatically rubbing my back in a comforting manner. She still hasn't let go of her role as mother to me.

"I'm going to...move out. I can't stay here anymore. It's not you, it's me."

"Wow, you sound like someone trying to break up with me, not a roommate moving out. The funny thing is, it sort of feels like a break up. We've lived together for so long."

Now I am rubbing her back as she hunches forward, her strawberry blond hair falling into her face.

"I know, I've been thinking about this for a couple weeks, but couldn't bring myself to tell you. So much has happened to me this year. It's time I grow up and besides the walls are thin here. I can hear you and Corbin like all the time."

Her eyes widen and face turns the color of her hair.

"Oh god! I'm sorry, I had no idea. Did you hear when he...um...I mean when we..."

"About the sea monster, yes I heard."

She brings her hair over her face as a shield, like a teenager.

"Yeah, maybe it's a good idea. So, I guess Pierce is okay with you moving in with him?"

I gaze at her giving her a suspicious look trying to see if she knows. Luna is a terrible liar as the smile cracks her face.

"You know don't you Luna?"

She squeals and bounces up and down on the couch, grabbing at my hands.

"Yes! Oh god Jos don't be mad at me please! Congratulations, you will make the most beautiful bride. And I have to say, I would look especially amazing in a maid of honor dress if you were to..."

I roll my eyes at her obvious attempt to become my maid of honor.

"Of course I was going to ask you Luna! Pierce and I just didn't want to say anything until the dinner later today. You know, announce it to everyone at a toast. Did Corbin tell you?"

Of course he did. I love Corbin, think he is one of the few gentlemen left on earth, but Luna has a power over him. He is cool and collected with everyone, but gives Luna anything she wants; this includes secret information like Pierce asking me to marry him. She could ask for the Hope Diamond and he would break into the Smithsonian Museum to get it for her.

Luna looks bashful but as usual can't hold back.

"Please don't be mad at him. I promise to act surprised at dinner. But he didn't tell me how Pierce did it. The little sneak actually kept that from me."

She starts pouting, putting her hands on her hips.

"That's because he doesn't know. Well, since I am moving out I will tell you. Again, this was something we were going to tell everyone at dinner, so you have to keep it secret until then okay Luna?"

She nods her head, kisses her two fingers and then pushes them in the air, "Scouts honor."

"You were never a Boy Scout?"

She rolls her eyes at me.

"Does it really matter Jos, now spill!"

"Well, he took me for a football game several weeks ago."

"Oh yeah. I kept asking Corbin that we should go with you but he kept telling me he didn't feel like it, that little finker."

"Do you want to hear this or not?"

"Sorry, go ahead."

"After the game we went for a walk. It was a bit cool that day, the leaves had already started to fall. I thought he was going to take us toward the inner harbor, but we walked north. We stumbled upon Westminster Hall."

"Never heard of it."

"It's a very old church with an equally old graveyard. Pierce told me Edgar Allen Poe is buried there. So, we walked into the graveyard and we immediately saw a large monument to Poe. But, he told me that is for tourists, the real family graves are in the back. When we went back I saw a small gravestone with a raven carved into it."

"Cool!" She is now hugging her knees as if I am reading her one of Poe's tales.

"I saw a green satin box lying on top of the tombstone. So I asked him if that was some sort of tradition. I had heard about the roses and cognac on the anniversary of his birth, but nothing involving a box. He said yes. Pierce told me that only a woman is allowed to open the box. Then he motioned for me to open it. I did and there was a diamond ring in it. When I turned around he was on his knee."

"Oh! My! God!" Luna slowly yells while covering her mouth.

"And that's about it Luna. Not much after that." I start to get up when I feel her yank me back to the couch.

"Oh no you don't! Complete the story please!"

"Fine. He said, 'I used to think the best way to wake up in the morning was alone. I was a fool. Then this raven haired goddess in white sashayed into my life and taught this peasant boy that life is more wondrous when shared. Food tastes better in your company. The sun seems brighter when you are at my side. And the joy you bring is so powerful I am at a loss for words to describe it. My beautiful Josephine will do me the tremendous honor of becoming my wife?"

Luna's eyes are wide as she leans toward me.

"So what did you say?"

I scrunch my brow at her wide gaze.

"What? You are joking right?"

"Oh ah, yeah. I guess I got a little carried away. That was so romantic Jos! Show me the ring."

"No, you will see it tonight like everyone else. Now I have to get ready. Pierce and Corbin are going to be here any minute."

I smile at Luna as she frowns at me. I'm going to miss living with her.

The End

By Elizabeth Lynx

Cover Photo: Mayer George

Cover Design: Elizabeth Lynx

There is a cool breeze coming off the bay as I dig my toes into the sand. I decide to sit, gently gathering the long sage material that gauzily blows in the wind from my dress. It is pretty -- something rare in a Maid of Honor dress -- but I think that has to do with Jos letting me pick it out. She decided everyone would help in the creation of her beautiful wedding. The ceremony was lovely. I found the bakery for the wedding cake and, if I do say so myself, it was awesome! But, Pierce's mom did a great job picking this location on the Chesapeake Bay for the wedding and reception.

I can only hope my wedding one day will be this beautiful. Oh, who am I kidding, at this rate will I ever get married? I'm happy for Jos and Pierce, this day is meant for them, but I can't help feeling a little jealous. The Maid of Honor, jealous? That never happens ...ha!

I take my anger out on my shoes and fling them behind me. Take that, horrible timing! And that!

"Ouch!"

A man's voice -- Corbin's voice -- comes from behind me. I turn to see him walking toward me, rubbing his thigh where my rage landed.

"Oh Corbin, I'm sorry. I thought I was alone."

He shuffles to my side and takes a seat in the sand beside me, looking out at the water, the waves darkly glittering as the sun sets behind us.

"I've had worse. I should have remembered to steer clear of you when you undress. I still have a scar from when you shot your bra across the room."

He leans in and puts his finger to the apple of his cheek to show a tiny pinprick sized indent.

"Aww, poor baby. Let me kiss it and make it better."

I lean over, intending a chaste peck on the cheek, but catching a whiff of his woodsy scent sends my heart racing. Suddenly I want to keep kissing, further down to his lips. But I don't, I hover, just breathing down his neck.

"Luna." Corbin's voice is deep but whisper soft.

"I miss you." I tell him, still frozen.

"Thoughts of you haunt me from the time I wake in the morning, until I close my eyes at night. Only then they turn into dreams of you." Corbin's words cascade around my neck and into my ear. Sometimes I wish I had fallen in love with a mute, instead of the most romantic man in the world. It has been so difficult this past month trying to get over him. Living halfway across the country helps, but knowing this wedding was happening, and we both would be here made my stress level rise to epic proportions.

I turn from him, knowing it is best if nothing happens. It was hard enough when my father got sick. I knew I had to be with him and my family when everyone moved to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Uprooting myself, leaving a job I have had for years, saying goodbye to Jos, who I have known half my life, all of it was mind numbing. But then having to let go of Corbin was excruciating. I think sometimes if we just grew apart, or he cheated on me, perhaps it would make it easier to say goodbye. I want to not feel emotion for him, even hate him, anything except this heartache.

I hear Corbin sigh so I turn back to see him lying in the sand, his hands clasped behind his head, curling into his sandy blond waves. He's looking up at the stars that are starting to appear as night falls. Corbin is beautiful like this, distracted, but concerned, as if he is trying to get comfortable but can't. It reminds me of when we were first dating and I knew there were many times he wanted to kiss me, but held back, unsure.

"I'm sorry." I tell him not wanting to hurt him any more than I have. He glances at me for a moment before focusing back to the stars, giving me a stiff grin.

"I really am trying to let you go Luna. You need to be there for your father, it's selfish of me to want you here, I know. But, it doesn't stop my heart from beating faster when you are near. I miss you and it would be impossible for me not to still love you."

I start to lie back as his arm reaches out so we can snuggle together. Each of us suffering but not wanting to let go. He feels good, warm as the summer night cools and the breeze picks up off the water. I shiver slightly as I curl into him.

"You cold?" He asks and turns his head to look over at me.

"A little."

"I have a room here for tonight. Why don't we head inside, unless you want to get back to what's left of the reception?"

This is it. The moment where I decide to temporarily relieve this torture and spend the night in his room or...draw out the pain, possibly numbing it with alcohol at the reception. I think for a moment, worrying my bottom lip in the process and choose the first.

"Okay, let's head back to your room."

I look over and he nods as he rises, lowering his hand to help me up. Sand shakes from our bodies as we start to walk hand in hand toward the Inn. There is no awkwardness with his request or giddy anticipation because we both know this just draws out the inevitable. The horrible goodbye, again.

Once we cross the threshold into his cozy room letting the door drift closed, he walks to the small dining table beside the kitchenette and empties his pockets on the light wooden table. Corbin turns his head and watches me as he removes his jacket and bowtie. I make my way to the window overlooking the beach where we just were. I can make out the soft curls of his unruly hair and sharp cheekbones reflected in the glass as my gaze adjusts between his reflection and the waterfront. Everything seems so dark and I wonder how long we were out there. I feel him come up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me back into him.

This all feels so natural as if we are an old married couple, tired from the day's events. I smirk at my own thoughts wishing they were true. I can feel him move his hands to my back and unzip my dress, while watching his transparent head shift down to make sure my dress is completely undone. My strapless gown falls weightless to the floor.

My muscle memory takes over and I place my hands on the cool glass and push against him. I smile remembering what he likes, how he enjoys making me come bent over. A moan escapes his lips and my eyes dart up to see his reflected head admire my undergarments. I can feel his lone finger trace, tug at the lacy garter belt and matching white panties. The low burning ache begins deep between my thighs. It's a good ache, one I haven't felt in a while.

I'm wet, soaked and I know he can feel it as his hand slips down my ass to my upper thigh. My eyes fixate on the window reflecting his languid expression, knowing full well it masks his raw lust and heartbreak.

I understand all his expressions and what they mean. How he hides behind these looks to appease others or to not let them inside. I sometimes think that is why Corbin and Jos get along so well. She understands, as a psychologist, his use of these masks but knows despite his appearance he would never lie, never treat anyone poorly. He uses it for his own protection, but she doesn't know why he is that guarded, I do.

Despite his facade it's the little things that betray him, the flaring of his nostrils or twitch of his eye. All of which are taking over now as he rips my panties away and unzips his pants. He's angry, at me for leaving, for the constant let down of his life, even for the pain my father is enduring. Corbin has told me all this before, but this time as I turn my head to lock eyes with him, I see it dark and watery, gazing back at me. It's at that moment he thrusts into me.

"Oh Luna." He cries as his head falls back. Corbin's hands grip my hips and it's almost painful as his fingers dig into my skin. This is different. We always make love and even enjoy playing some games with each other. It's one of the things I love about Corbin, despite his emotional guard he likes to have fun with me, with my body and romance me until my little death.

But right now everything is raw, our nerves, our life. Others are happy, having fun while we struggle to make it through our days. We talked about keeping up a long distance relationship before I left, but how? I know my father won't make it. I'm not stupid and I refuse to give in to false hope. His 6% survival rate from pancreatic cancer leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth and a heart shattered months ago.

Corbin and I went back and forth, should we try the late night phone calls and maybe once a month meetings, or should we let go and attempt to get on with our lives? I think in the end he really wanted to try, but emotionally I was so beaten down I just couldn't risk my heart anymore. He understood, respected my decision, but now I know he is angry and I am taking my punishment. As much as having hot sex with the man who has your heart can be punishment.

"I miss you Luna, God how I miss you." He is reaching around so his fingers can slip around my clit. As much as I know him, my body instinctively understands his touch and Corbin comprehends my needs. His fingers circle my nub sending waves that are already rolling through me, higher and higher. He grunts in my ear which adds to the ecstasy of his thick cock pumping into me.

My body starts to shiver with the pinch and pull of my clit. The orgasm is about to explode as he whispers, "That's it kitten, come for me."

My head curls back and I squeal or scream or something. All I know is as I start to move back to earth, my throat is sore. My legs are boneless and I feel Corbin hold me tight to him as his climax takes him. Watching in the reflection his head falls forward as he curses.

His chest is rising and falling at a rapid rate while his body slows its thrust until we are still. After a few moments he releases my hips from his grip and pulls out of me. I stand and turn to face him and feel his seed trickle down my thigh.

Corbin turns and heads into the darkness of the room, through an open door way and then a light flips on to what I can tell is the bathroom. After a moment he comes back with something white in his hand and drops to his knees in front of me. His hand uses the white wash cloth and wipes away his seed, while his other arm wraps around my leg and he gently kisses my outer thigh.

When he is done, Corbin tosses the cloth into the wastebasket and looks up at me. My hand falls to his head as I caress his scalp and smile. His expression is unguarded now, just loving and sweet. This is what he shows me when we are alone. It's a look only for me and it causes my heart to explode at first glance.

He rises slowly and takes me in his arms, carrying me to the bed, gently laying me upon it. We both silently remove the clothes left on our bodies. Corbin comes to lay beside me and we spend the night exploring each other's bodies. His anger has melted away, we make love until the early morning hours when we pass out due to exhaustion.

We don't say much to each other, but as we do it's words of affection. When the time comes for me to leave for the airport the next morning, he offers to drive me but I decline.

"No Corbin. I don't think I could handle another airport goodbye." The last one all too fresh in my mind. I remember my tears never stopping their flow until the plane landed in Rochester.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I still...I still love you Luna and I don't think..."

I stop him with a kiss. It is soft but quick, and then I turn and walk out the door to my room to change before I leave. As the door is closing I hear him, "...I will ever stop loving you."

That's the moment the waterworks start and by the time I land this time in Rochester they still haven't stopped.