love between screens

[daughter]

dearest, Sam

my love--

I imagine, pardon me, that you are dumbstruck. I see you on the other side of the screen, asking yourself what will you do with this woman, now that you have found her.

I hope you'll love me back.

Oh, Sam do you think I have not noticed? You are painfully shy. Do not retreat, my Sweet. For weeks now, you have keyed only modest lines. You haven't even asked to phone me yet. ((sigh))

I have waited so long, Sam. I want to love again. My heart does not lie. I have felt your tips against this screen. Have known your desire to touch my face, my lips. You ache as much as I. I want to graze my fingers along the stubble of your chin. Press your palms against my lowerback and trust you'll draw me in. Dearest, embrace me. Love me back.....

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Sam is awestruck and hopelessly lost in Nora's posts. In all his wildest fantasies he could not imagine something that that ever happening to him. He's never been one for the ladies, and the cities scare him. The number of girls he's dated he can still count on his hands with no trouble. He's scared but this feeling is good somehow. Different and he likes it.

"Nora, you are sweet but what you describe is so far from what I have known I don't know what to say. Your posts have left me breathless and full of wonder. How could one from such a different life merge with mine. You have told me of what you would like and where you would take me if I was there. It is only fair for me to give you a chance to experience what I have to offer... "

Sam goes on wanting painfully to ask her for her phone number so he can call but it doesn't come out. Maybe if she likes his secret place then maybe just maybe she will be the one,... the one he's been looking for.

"We walk hand in hand down across the back yard to the fence in the back corner. I pull two loose boards to the side and help you climb through, handing the picnic basket over the top. I squeeze through after you.

"I must put a gate here soon .. I'm getting too big to climb through fence boards."

I smile as you laugh and we walk hand in hand down the path through the tall grass towards the trees. The wind is a bit high today and some of the birds song is lost , drowned by the rustle of the aspen and poplar leaves rustling. You hair keeps flying in your face as you hold it back with one hand. I smile at the sight.

We enter the cool dappled shade of the woods. The wind drops so your hair stays back behind your ears where you put it this time. We can hear the sparrows and chickadees singing in the trees, the sun shining in streaks through the high canopy of rustling leaves. We walk down the trail as it winds through the dog rose and and cinquefoil. The Indian paintbrush poking through are not quite ready to flower and the foxglove towering high just off the path are just breaking bud. Deeper into the woods we walk. There is a dark shadow of spruce off to the right back through the trees but the trail leads away. We hear the deep drumming of the ruffed grouse staking his claim on an old hollow log. A cottontail sits up at the bend in the path, its big liquid eyes blinking slow as it stands up and combs it s ears with its front paws watching us. It scampers off round the bend in the trail when we continue to follow the trail.

Around the corner the rabbit stops to check if we are indeed there and seeing us, hops lazily off the trail and into the brush. We continue on as the trail widens a bit, we come to a clearing. It is a farmers field of canola in full bloom and the smell is wonderful. The bees can be heard buzzing even over the wind.

You can see a trail pushed through the field made by a deer earlier today. A meadow lark sings from its perch on a fence post. We walk around the edge of the field over towards the willows. Again the wind starts tugging at your hair making you laugh. The sound tinkles in the silence of the noisy meadow.

..............

Sam pauses in his writing wishing he could hear her laugh. Would it match what hes been dreaming? Would she be a good as he's made her out to be? Or would the sound of her voice shatter all his dreams, his hopes... the scared feeling fills his heart again...

 

[daughter]

am I dreaming

Sam, you describe a scene I have only seen in movies and print. I was not kidding when I said I am city girl who longs for trees and wind, and meadows.

I could hear you painting the scene for me. I could not laugh because I was filled with envy. I envy you, this paradise you call home. Could I grow accustomed to this place? I believe it would be like coming home.

Correction, I did laugh once. I have no hair to brush behind my ears. In my own way, I am in touch with my nature. I prefer the simple things and find comfort in low maintance. This includes my own appearance and well-being. My hair is short. It is soft, chemical free. I see a barber instead of a stylist. I wear a little lipstick and eyeliner. No powders, no foundation, no blush.

When we walk, I'll be most likely wearing something flowing, cotton or some other natural fibre. I'm much like your urban hippie. Yeah, I prefer essential oils to perfumes. Do you think, I'll fit in?

xoxo

Nora

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Sam laughs at the thought then sighs realizing she may be the one. She would be shocked at my appearance as he was with hers. He runs his fingers through his beard musing " I must have more hair on my chin!"


"Cotton is all I wear jeans and workshirts, plaid at that !!!! And yes I do own some red plaid but not too many. I love the natural look girl and better still the natural smell... perfumes distract more than attract from my experience. Besides in the woods it would attract more insects than men. Shall I go on with our walk?"

Sam looks across the room at a small wall mirror by the door and see's a man with greying temples, short dark hair and a scraggy salt'n'pepper beard. He runs his fingers through it and notices the uneven length. "Damn I guess I'm in need of a barber too!" He thinks a bit more, pauses and cleans his glasses and then settles back to taking Nora on a tour...

"We have to make our own path here" I say as I pull aside the willows and make my way through, with you close behind. The soft willow leaves carress's the skin of your arms and face as we push our way through. The sounds of water are heard ahead and your excitement shows. A red winged blackbird claims his territory with a whistling call. and I lead us out to the bank of a small stream. I turn up the stream and walk along the side and soon come to a small dark pool nestled in the two arms of the encroaching spruce forest. There are birch and willow on our side of the pool and a small grassy knoll in full sun where we settle and drop the blankets and the basket.

The sound of falling water draws your eyes over to the edge of the spruce forest where the water looks to be flowing over a rock wall and splashes into the pool.

" There used to be an old mill here years ago, with a water wheel and everything. It would have been a lovely sight"

I wander down to the pools edge and take my shoes and socks off and hang my feet in the water...


Sam is sweating now and leans back in his chair to analyze his thoughts. Is it too much to visualize her in his special place? Or is his thoughts turning to something other than a picnic?

 

[daughter]

Nora

reads Sam's words and feels a flush warming her face. She's embarassed and impressed with his intimate details of his surroundings.

When he's in his own environment he's articulate, confident and damn sexy!!!! I wonder if he has a beard. Hate to give into stereotypes, but I love hair on a man's face. How do I get over my akwardness with him while we walk? He names everything along our path and view. I can barely name a few variety of pine trees, and that's only because I insist on a real one each year for Christmas. I can't name foliage, bird or fowl. I feel inept in his world.

Sam, I'm afraid out here, I am the uneducated one. Would you mind teaching the names and locations of all these things you love and take for granted?

After we eat our meal, I want to share something I've written with you.

 

[daughter]

a poem: Tuck Me In

Comfortable under the covers,
I move close enough to breathe for you;
brush my face against your suprise
for me and smile.

"You have a thing for hair."

I reach for you between giggles,
trace your lips with my fingers,
lean in and suck your air.

With a quick kiss, turn and scooch,
I fold your arms round, whisper
"I love you."

Drift off without hearing your reply,
dreaming of a time when every night
you tuck me in.

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Flushed at the thoughts Nora's poem invokes Sam pauses before replying. How could two people so different be so close? He walks to the kitchen pantry to get something to eat and almost falls down laughing... chocolate chip cookies with more 'morsels per mouthful'...

He settles back in his chair with definite thoughts on his mind before casually replying.


Endless days and endless night I'd lay on the line to share with you the world as I see it. Take my hand and follow me only if you promice me to in turn trade with me the secrets of the city.

Have you ever slept under the open skies near a railroad track to have a train roar by without waking you? I have been told I can sleep through anything at times yet the same night I slept through the train passing I woke up suddenly as a small doe walked through my campsite. I guess somethings I am attuned to. It seems you are turning out to be one of those things...

 

[daughter]

sharing lines

I guess somethings I am attuned to. It seems you are turning out to be one of those things...

Sam, it is true for me. Michigan is beautiful. We have beautiful b&b's across our state. Whenever I vacation, I usually take advantage of small town getaways. I don't have a cornfield for a backyard so I rent one for a few days a few times a year.

Detroit lies along the river as you know. Because of our location, we have a rich history and diversity here. The French and native Americans traded here centuries ago. Detroit was the last leg in the struggle for runaway slaves, and the only celebrated Black regiment is buried here. I would take to our neighbors where streets immortalize our forefathers: Livernois, Cadiuex, LaSalle and more that I won't attempt to spell. I can at least pronounce all of them correctly.

I'd take you on the tour of the tail end of the runaways' route through downtown through the Second Baptist Church, one of our historic landmarks, and finally ending at the grounds of a newspaper company which sits off the waterfront. At this point in the river, slaves waded across the current to freedom in Canada.

Not exactly a scenic tourist spot, but Detroit is home to the first freeway in the country. The original Davison Freeway was a two lane stretch that ran for all of three miles.

I'd take you to our riverfront parks. Two, Chene and Hart Plaza host concerts, family events, and we have ethnic festivals all summer long. We host the famed Montreux/Detroit International Jazz Festival, Labor Day weekend.

I'd take you through Sherwood Forest, Palmer Park, and Rosedale Park, the Boston Edison district, our historic neighborhoods. These areas are our ties to our glory days and the residence to our current affluential families. One of the Fords(Henry) homes is here. The Hudsons and other manufacturing and retail magnets raised their families here. Thoughout our history, Detroit has had a stealth black upperclass. Our doctors, lawyers, merchants, businessmen, academics lived here. The homes are like those you've see in the movies. A classmate of mine lived in one of the neighborhoods. Twenty-five rooms including five baths and beds, three door garage and kitchen that I swore only chefs had.

I have an affinity for history. I have driven these neighborhoods for almost twenty years enjoying their magnificance. These are solid brick homes of huge porportions. Servant apartments over three door garages, marble window sills, lead glass windows, multiple fireplaces, and solid cherry, mahogany, and oak floors and woodwork. Yards large enough to build second homes(many have pool houses, guests lodges, massive gardens).

I'd take you to Wayne State University campus. Great bookstores and sidewalk cafes, artshows and galleries. On the weekend, we'd of course visit our farmers' market.

Are you tired yet? We have a beautiful b&b not far from Belle Isle, our city's jewel that rests between us and Canada. MG, the house hostesses collects antiques. Most is circa the 1800s and much of it links us to our history here in Detroit. Each room has a different theme. The doors are decorated like windows. Ummm, it has been more than a decade since I last visited. Shall I make a reservation?

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Are you tired yet? We have a beautiful b&b not far from Belle Isle, our city's jewel that rests between us and Canada. MG, the house hostesses collects antiques. Most is circa the 1800s and much of it links us to our history here in Detroit. Each room has a different theme. The doors are decorated like windows. Ummm, it has been more than a decade since I last visited. Shall I make a reservation?

"Yes, a whirlwind tour like that ... how can you compress a lifetimes of experiences in a visit.... unless you take another lifetime to do it? I've been told I was born 100 ears to late... sometimes I think it is more like 200 years too late. I'm finding a pull to the land away from the modern days truck of things yet I still must have my computer link to the world.

Could you do your job virtually? From a home office? What would you think of a cabin in the woods by a lake, a cozy porch facing west so you could catch the sunsets. A red canoe down by the little wooden dock, lying in wait for anytime you needed a relaxing getaway? Oh and the biggy ... a stone walled livingroom with a fireplace big enough to cook in or at least lie don in front of on a big bear or sheepskin rug. Would you be happy in that peace and quiet or would you need the city hustle and the people? "

Sam leans back in his chair and stares at the ceiling lost in a dream he's had many a time. The cat in his lap is both purring loudly and kneading his thigh with litle pinprick probes, trying whistfuly to bring Sam's attention back to earth. She must be hungry....

 

[daughter]

YES, YES, YES!!!!!

Could you do your job virtually? From a home office? What would you think of a cabin in the woods by a lake, a cozy porch facing west so you could catch the sunsets. A red canoe down by the little wooden dock, lying in wait for anytime you needed a relaxing getaway? Oh and the biggy ... a stone walled livingroom with a fireplace big enough to cook in or at least lie don in front of on a big bear or sheepskin rug. Would you be happy in that peace and quiet or would you need the city hustle and the people? "

Sam, I would have to give up my management position, but I'm not big on titles and was never crazy about being responsible for other adults. Many of my editors work at home part-time and spend two days in office.

Aren't we talking a major leap in the future? I like it. Suspend reality for me, love.

Did you like the poem? Were you able to infer an LDR, a lover who has grown a beard? I had hoped on a closer read a reader would tie the strophes together. If a reader questioned how a 'surprise' ties in with 'you have a thing for hair', a beard would make sense. Of course, if that wasn't enough, the ending reinforces the notion of time between visits. Thus a 'surprise' could be inferred as a new growth he did not have on their last encounter.

I can't stay online right now. Tova is bathing and I have my niece this morning as well.

Talk with you later, Bear. May I call you my Bear?

xox,

Nora

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

"Bear? Bear! Bbbbearrrrr!!! Grrrrrrrr !!!!" he growls at himself.
Sam struts around the livingroom looking at his silly grin in the mirror.

Then he races back to the computer to check a message. Shaking he sees that he did in fact write something that could change his future? Was he really asking her to be with him? How could he jump so far so fast. His knees feel weak and his stomach goes into knots. Scared he reads it again and again but there is no way out.

"But she likes it! She's willing to drop her job for someone hell we haven't even talked on the phone yet. The phone... hmmmm the phone... "

With shaking hands and a mouth set in a determined line Sam types back to Nora.


"Suspend reality? Major leap? Yes I suppose it could happen. Can I call you? Here I am talking groundbreaking future and I don't even know what you sound like, look like, feel like... maybe a visit is..."

Sam starts shaking again. Should he post... there's still time to edit it out. Just then the cat jumps up on his lap and paws the keyboard to get Sam's attention. She still hasn't been fed.... Sam turns back to the keyboard to see his message was sent unedited. "Thanks Kitty.... where's you food dish ..."

 

[daughter]

Man

I thought was going to lose my mind! YES, CALL ME.

I'm making lunch for the girls. Tova will be sleep by 9pm. I'll look for your call by 10pm. I won't be online. You can't back out. It's call or no Nora for you this evening.

Bear, I can be patient, but Job I ain't. Might want to start thinking what's your best side. Mental connection is one thing, but we're too old to deny that physical attraction isn't important. Scan your best shot, love. I'm sending one of me this evening before you call. I hate photos, but love makes you do crazy things.

Nora is nervous, but her resolve is certain. If she's going to trek to the Great White North, she has to know he's willing to be vunerable and take risks. She types in her phone number.

She hits "send".

((sigh))

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

"Love! She said love makes you do crazy things? Is she in love? Am I? Could this really be? "

Sam paces the room looking up at the mirror, and glancing back at the picture of Nora on his screen. He run's his fingers through his hair and wonders what she is thinking now that she sees him too. Scarred, rough, greying, he looks older than his 40 years. Worry and work have taken their toll on him.

"She is a vision, a princess,...."

His fear of phoning is great and he can't explan it. He leans against the wall lifting his head as his shoulders slump, totally dejected.

"Why me!" he screams at the ceiling as if it has the answers.

The clock on the desk is blazing 8:49 in bold neon red. He closes his eyes and sees 8:49 floating in erie green. A trick of the mind or a taunting? He starts pacing again, passed the phone and beyond.

8:52

Another silent scream as he walks by the phone again. He pauses and reaches for the reciever but sees only the quivering hand.

He checks himself and paces again.

8:56

"ARRRGGGGGHHHH!!!!!"

He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and walks back to the phone. He can see her face and the phone number floating infront of him. Maybe if he keeps his eyes closed he can do this.

"H-hello, Nora? This is Sam....."

 

[daughter]

Hello, Bear

I can't express how good it is to finally hear your voice. Will you excuse me if I become silent from time to time? I'm afraid hearing your voice washes over me like the highs of making love.

Hello, Sam, sweetie? Are you okay?

Nora wonders if he, too, is flooded with emotion and desire in this moment.

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Sam answered her questions is short single word answers when he could. He was amused by her accent and became a bit self conscience of his own but her voice hypnotised him and he soon warmed to the idea of talking, though she lead the conversation totally. He was extremely happy she understood.

It was easier the next night he phoned and he also tried voice messages on his computer. The music of her voice rang through his head now at all hours. Dreams were exchanged and plans made and changed. Every conversation changed their plans and dreams. They evolved...

 

[daughter]

Nora floated

on Sam's voice and words. Yes, he was shy. Yes, he didn't have much to say, but he listened. His sincerity and desire was clear. Nora was falling in love.

She sent Sam an email:

Sam,

I'm leaving you another spoon of my syrup. Don't be alarmed by the message. These words are the desires of a woman who longs for intimacy. You ARE the kind of man who can provide it. Bear, I have the candles, wine, and flowers. You only need show up.

Till we talk later.

xox,

Nora

---<---<--@

#31

i want candle-lit dinners,
flowers,
soft music,
stolen moments.
long, sensuous kisses,
hynotic gazes,
clasped hands,
shared desires.

i want to be held tightly,
smell you deeply,
barely feel my breath
escape me.
feel your weight
against me,
experience your hands
beneath me,
arch my hips to meet you.

i want you to want me,
know that for me
you ache sweetly.

i want tealights,
running water,
scented air,
knibbled toes.

i want you to want me
wanting you,
feeling me,
seeing me,
having me completely.

 

[daughter]

Why haven't he's contacted me

OOC:

Nora tries hard not to cry. She has busied herself with work and Tova. Still it has been almost five days since he last wrote.

IC: "Why hasn't he called"?

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

" Hello! " Sam calls after a week.

"I'm sorry I didn't call and I realise you must be worried but I have some news.. good and bad. Which would you like to hear first?"

Sam sits and listens to the verbal abuse first then a small pause, a sigh, and just at the right time he throws in a ..

" Tickles, Sweetie. I am here... want to get closer?"

...

 

[daughter]

huh

What do you mean closer? Don't think I'm going to cave in that easy.

I'm listening.....

 

[PolarJuice]

SAm

Sam sits back and laughs at the images he is getting from her tone of voice. Its funny, he realises to himself that her voice sooths all the worries from his mind, and after this week that is quite a feat. He did not even hesitate to dial the phone this time...

" well as you didn't ask I'll tell you the bad news first so you can forget about it as fast as hearing your voice made me forget about it.....

I was in a car accident this week... no no I was not hurt in the least but my car .. well $4000 plus damages on a 95 Neon ... you do the math. Needless to say I haven't been doing much else other than paperwork and resting since.

Some lady in a Black Jauguar rear-ended me and luckily I came out on top... being her fault her insurance will cover it.. its just lost time and hassles for me thats all....

And for the good news...."

Sam pauses to let things settle ....

 

[daughter]

OHHHHHHH!

My God, I........I.......((sigh)) I'm sorry glad to hear you're all right.
Sam, I didn't even to think.....

What's the good news?

Nora's afraid to even imagine what the good news is. The idea of losing Sam even before she has had him, has her mind swimming, no flapping frantically over waves of incoherent thoughts. She tries to slow her breathing and stop her heart from pounding

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Sam pauses and breaths deeply so that Nora can hear him... and sigh's.

Well I had such a wonderful time chatting with you that I had made my mind up and was just coming back from the Travel Agency when I was hit by that silly car.... so girl .... I have a favour to ask.... care to meet me in Sault Ste. Marie?

I'll have to Greyhound it down now.. my transportation in in the shop.... and without my car I can't really get to work so "Why not take a wee bit of a vacation?" I says .......

......

Sam's smiling ear to ear.. so big it hurts almost.. but he likes the change Nora has brought about in him... He listens intently waiting for the squeaks and squeals to stop and normal speech to resume....

 

[daughter]

Oh God, YES!!!!!!

What day? Where? How long? How soon?

Nora tries to calm down. She's counting her pto time in her head, thinking she hasn't asked her parents to care for Tova in quite some time, the season is beautiful. She can see the leaves changing and feel the evening fire crackling.......


I wrote you something.


Collaboration

I
let me inhale your scent
perfume my thoughts
gently place my hand
against that
place which
beats for me

i will stand still
in your presence
in your embrace
i'll reside
be me
be yours
be true

in our world
there is
no distance
sight unseen
our hearts know
truth

drift then
my sweet
sleep
let me
lullaby your senses.

II
i am hear
listening
your heart is
my beat
let us
slow dance on
moments' clouds

at home
we cry
tears of
joy
pure bliss
our heaven
is perfect love

we are our
own music
we create
a safe place
our melodies
lullaby
our senses.

III
the sun rises
and its rays
like your love
warms me
how can that be
too bright

your eyes
say how much
you love me
with you
i know i am
protected

in my eyes
you see my
desire
for you
how i love
to laugh
with you
share my
all with you
sometimes filled
with tears
then i
find my comfort
with you

my sweet
we are Constant
what then do
we need to
continue
except to
say
allow me
to lullaby
your senses.

IV

i will cradle you
gently in my arms
like a harp
your heartstrings
sing
on love's wings
we rise
we soar

a man who
knows himself
allows himself
to be caressed
by the music
in his woman's touch
her melody
keeps him strong

i am your dove
and you
my olive branch
together we
are harmony

in your eyes
i see heaven
and we rejoice
we are home
please, my
love
lullaby my senses.

 

[PolarJuice]

Sam

Sam hangs up the phone after setting a date to meet Nora in 1 weeks time .... He bumped the date up by two weeks because of the 'convience' of the car accident. So much for surprising her. Well her excited responce was enough to convince him that he'll have nothing to regret about making the trip.

He wanders around the house half dazed listening to her recite her poetry in his head and almost let his afternoon tea kettle burn dry. He hoped she be able to get squared away so they could meet, even if it was for just a long weekend.

A few days closer Sam fires off another Email...


"Bring soom warm clothes and your walking shoes... I found a lovely B&B outside the city ... a small cabin on the lake. From the looks of the brochure there are trails and canoe rentals... and best of all a fireplace... I care hardly wait I'm heading out now to the store for a few last minute items .... will two bottles be good or should I get a case." LOL

XOXO

Sam;

 

[daughter]

Bear

my sweet, I have a good pair of hiking boots as well as walking shoes. I'll bring my incense, oil, a few food stuff to prepare. You know I believe in feeding my man well. *smile*

I am no priss, I'll bring my long johns, too. And if you're good, I'll let you take them off. I trust your heat alone will keep me warm.

Later, Bear

Nora