It was like living in a dream and everyday was better than the one that came before it. She felt like they were living in their own personal paradise. They'd gone away together before but this felt different somehow. Perhaps because it was a cabin instead of a tent or a hotel room. Maybe it was because they were staying longer then a few days.
Their first week seemed to slip by in a blink of the eye. The second week was a breeze but by the third week time seemed to slow down, perhaps even stop altogether as she lost herself in the atmosphere of this place. Some days it almost felt like they were playing house. They'd wake up each morning tangled in each others embrace. Sometimes she'd just open her eyes and watch him sleep, other times she'd wake to him staring at her. It wasn't creepy like when Dawson did it, but loving.
She loved the way the sunlight poured through the windows. It made everything feel as if it were made of light. They would drowse for a few minutes, taking it all in, then they'd take turns making breakfast. Some days they'd be lazy and just stay in bed until one of them had to get up to pee.
After breakfast they clean up together, doing the dishes and putting things away. Then they'd go to the bathroom and take a long shower. Sometimes they'd make love and other times they'd just stand their embracing each other…embracing this moment in time. It really did feel like the whole world was theirs, if only for a moment. After they got dried off and dressed, they'd part going about their daily tasks.
Corrie's supplies arrived just as they said. She'd been surprised to see how much he'd ordered. Again she didn't think this place needed that many repairs. However she'd see him throughout the day, wandering about, fixing something or other. Sometimes she'd help, other times she just like to stand close by and watch him work.
He fixed every squeaky hing, replaced some broken rungs on the balcony and staircase and mended a fence. They spent about three days together working on the dock. He pulled up all the rotten boards, then replaced them and she put on a new layer of stain.
One day they took a break and went fishing in the rowboat. They caught a few bites but as the afternoon sun fell on them, they got tired, and took a nap. It had to be the best nap of her life. She felt like they'd done this sort of thing before and yet, it was their first time. After that they'd take a nap in the rowboat, every few days, just drifting about on the lake.
He fixed the leaky faucet in the kitchen, bathroom and outdoor shed. One week, he replaced patches on the roof, putting down new tar and nails. She worried about him being up there and would check on him often. On really hot days, she'd bring him out a cold glass of lemonade. She had to admit she liked the way the sun glistened off his skin and how his muscles were always super defined, after a hard days work. She could barely keep her hands off him at night.
He fixed the wobble in the kitchen table and a few broken chairs that had been left out back. Then he worked on some rusted pipes and a clog that took about three days to fix. From there he did some landscaping. She knew it was a lot of work but she could tell he loved it. He didn't like to sit still for too long.
She tried to do her part. She relaxed some but otherwise worked on menus and cleaning. She'd clean a different area of the cabin, each day and cook him some elaborate meals, from a cookbook they had in the house. Sometimes she'd think about Dawson and everything but for the most part she didn't like to dwell on it to long.
Corrie went into the town every few days or when he needed something, but after that first trip, he didn't bring her along. She wondered if he didn't want any more trouble but he told her it was just easier and this way he could surprise her with gifts. He'd brought her a deck of cards, books to read, more jerky and even a ball of yarn. What he expected her to do with that was beyond her. She didn't know how to knit. She mostly rolled it up tight and then throw it high up into the air and see if she could catch it. She got pretty good at it.
They would take long walks in the evening. They hiked through every trail they could find, then only walked their favorites. At night they'd have dinner, then flip a coin, to see who made the desert. They'd have it with a nice fire and beer or two as they'd watched the stars. It felt like time had stood still if only for a moment but she knew it kept going. Her body was healing more and more with each day.
At first, she noticed he didn't look at her for very long, then as the bruises faded, it was like before, maybe a little more. His eyes were so full of love and for the first time she knew it was true and not just imagined. Her hair grew some and the roots were becoming more defined, a mixture of white and her natural hair color. It was like it couldn't decide what color it wanted to be anymore. She didn't know which color was going to win out. She wondered if she shaved her head right now which color would come back.
Corrie told her he didn't care. He loved her regardless of her hair color, whether it was blue, gray, black, pink, teal, blond or all the colors in between. They talked a lot, more so then they had in months, maybe even all year. Sometimes it was about nothing, though a lot of times it was about Dawson and everything. Corrie kept trying to understand why she enjoyed pain. She told him it just felt good, almost the same as pleasure sometimes. He wondered if it was just familiar or she liked the after affect. He explained how the body could release endorphins in a response to pain. Perhaps it was the endorphins she liked. She honestly didn't know… she admitted sometimes it felt like her wires were crossed. Sometimes things that should upset her turned her on.
She didn't understand it but they talk about it...about the things she had done. She didn't like to but for him she made an exception. They mostly talked about how she felt at the time and why she loathed herself. She was used to him telling her she was amazing and she shouldn't think like that because someday someone was going to really love her. He didn't do any of that. He mostly just listened and massaged her.
Sometimes he'd get this far away look in his eyes and she wondered what he was thinking but didn't ask. One day, she finally told him about the time with the twins and the men's room. When she admitted how it had made her feel. He covered his mouth. She couldn't look at him for a while after. They took a break and didn't talk until the next night. He was super quiet around her and she worried he might not be able to look at her the same.
She finally asked him, after dinner, how he felt and he told her he was just processing it. She admitted Tawnie didn't know and she wasn't sure if she'd ever tell her. She felt so ashamed so twisted up inside about everything. She mentioned she'd only ever told Dawson and Corrie wanted to know how he'd reacted. She debated if she should but ultimately told him. When he learned how Dawson had reacted it set him off.
He had to go outside and took a long walk to cool off. She felt so bad after that. She replayed telling him in her head and regretted it. She knew some things were better left unsaid. It was so bad. She had become so desensitized that she hadn't thought about how he might take it. She felt messed up...like she really head fallen into an endless pit and she'd never find her way out again.
When he got back things were tense...awkward. She tried to make the dessert but had to step outside herself. She really wanted a cigarette. He followed her outside and she admitted this was one of those times when she got the urge to go out and do something. He pleaded with her to keep talking...to tell him where her head space was so they could work on this. She admitted she felt so inadequate, so disgusted with herself. She needed to be punished. Who does those things. Who gets off on such things. Why was she like that...it was her standard self-loathing loop. She'd get on the tracks and never get off.
He held her and she wrestle with him feeling like her skin was on fire. She just needed something anything to block out this feeling. She wanted to have sex, but he refused, not like this. She got more upset with herself and ran upstairs. He followed her and told her about some exercises he knew from work. He wanted her to run through them until she found what worked for her. He wanted her to stop running away and try to deal with it, process her emotions and if she couldn't then to distract herself in healthier ways. She didn't know if she could. Everything just felt so impossible.
They didn't talk again until they went to bed. He asked her how she was feeling, and she just kept thinking everything was her fault and that she was so messed up. He told her it wasn't and they argued. She needed him to truly see what she had done and understand that she had made choices. She wasn't innocent!
She used an analogy he might understand better. She felt like she had started a fire, and now everything that happened as a result of that fire, was her fault. He didn't see it like that. He admitted she had started a small fire in the kitchen, but Dawson had burned the whole fucking house down. He told her to stop worrying about blame. She was too focused on what parts of the house, her fire might have affected, verse Dawson's. When really she needed to focus on the fact that the house was on fire.
Right now she should only worry about getting out. Once she was safe, then they could work on why she 'started' the fire. If they couldn't figure that out, then they'd at the very least get her help so she wouldn't start another. She told him she didn't have the money to get help right now and he told her he knew places that were free and made her promise to make an appointment when they got back.
She laid there for a long moment, thinking about what he said, then got up and asked why he wasn't more upset with her. Why he wasn't disgusted like he should be. He told her he didn't really care about all that stuff and she didn't know why but she blew up on him. She told him she'd been with hundreds, maybe even a thousand guys. She was damaged goods! She'd had so many countless hook ups, some she could remember and a lot she couldn't. She talked about the drugs she did and the seedy places she ended up.
She finally admitted her latest injuries were from filming a porn with so many men she lost count. Dawson had told her to do it and she'd done it. Not only had she done it but she'd enjoyed it for the most part. At one point she did want to stop but Dawson had beat her and no one had done anything. They didn't stop and she didn't stop it she just kept going because they knew she wanted it...fucking deserved it! She still recalled how it felt to have him punch her, to really hurt her and still come. Strangely she didn't remember anything after that it just ended like it was just gone. Maybe she'd passed out.
Corrie managed to get a word in, and told her, he still didn't fucking care! It didn't matter how many or how much she'd done! He loved her! She broke down and asked him how...how could he after all this...after all that no one could! She didn't even love herself! He told her to join the club. Everyone hated themselves at some point, even himself. He lost his parents and no matter what he did, no matter how many people he saved he couldn't save them and he knew it wasn't his fault but he still blamed himself. Sometimes he felt like he lost no matter how many times he won.
She admitted she didn't think this was going to work! That they were just going to fuck each other up more. They struggled as he reached out and took hold of her. He put her back to his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her shoulder and the back of her neck, holding her tightly. He rocked her and told her he was scared too. He was scared too but he still loved her and wanted to give this a shot.
She admitted she was scared of losing him...that she might one day tell him something he couldn't forgive and what if...what if she couldn't stop this! What if she couldn't be helped. She told him how she got cleaned up after that time in the men's room. She'd quit drugs and sex and had even reached out to a group for survivors guilt. For a time it worked, she didn't fuck around, didn't even date but eventually she just fell back into old habits...no even harder, after meeting Dawson. What if it didn't work! He told her it would because she wasn't alone anymore.
She wasn't on her own with all this. They'd find a way to manage it together. They'd communicate and she wouldn't need to hurt herself. Together they'd find a way to help her. Him, holding her then and there, she really wanted to believe that this was the light at the end of the tunnel, the rope into her bottomless pit. She'd closed her eyes and held on with dear life until she fell asleep.
After that night they didn't talk about it anymore. Instead they spent their evenings listening to music, dancing or reading books. He found her a book on flowers and herbs and she started wandering around the forest, trying to identify them all. She thought maybe she would like to go into forestry because she liked being outdoors so much. He encouraged her to look into a program. Maybe they could both go into it, when he was done firefighting. She couldn't imagine him ever quitting or getting to spend every day with him, outside.
Everything was just so beautiful in the forest but she doubted forestry was just about the trees, rocks and flowers. She'd probably have to do a lot of other things. She'd definitely need to get her driver's licenses again. Still the idea...the possiblity for more gave her hope. Ever so slowly she found herself crawling out of her bottomless pit with the rope Corrie had given her. She hoped she could do the same for him, one day and he said she already had, after his friend, Ronnie had died she'd helped him recover.
They got rid of her corset one night. She had started to get used to not wearing it. They watched it burn then disposed of the remains in the morning. The next time he went into town he got her several sweaters to wear on the days when it would rain and get cold. She loved snuggling up in them by the window as she drank something warm. She liked watching the rain fall and got the urge to write a mystery.
She just felt so inspired. Maybe it was because she slept a lot and ate a lot. She swore she'd gained ten pounds in the time they'd been here. She wanted to eat but she also wanted to stay healthy. Corrie helped her get back into exercising, they'd run, climb, hike, do push ups, pulls ups and some lifting. He taught her how to use the ax and let her chop the wood. It wasn't so bad, she managed to get pretty decent at it and didn't kill anyone so that was also a bonus.
They laughed a lot, sometimes over nothing at all, it just felt good to be around each other. It was so peaceful out here and again it really felt like they had the whole word to themselves. This time away was such a contrast to what she'd been doing lately and the nightmare she'd had. She breathed in the fresh air and wondered if she couldn't stay out here forever, in this perfect bubble. Her mind felt so at ease...yet her soul was restless and her heart ached, knowing this time of theirs, would ever come to an end.
Several seeds danced around her as Corrie blew on a flower. She looked up at him and smiled.
"You with me?" he asked.
"Always," she said realizing she'd gotten lost in her thoughts.
They intertwined their hands and continued on their walk. After a few steps he asked, "You okay?"
"Yeah why?"
"For a moment there, you just seemed... far off."
"Just taken in by the beauty of everything.
"Yeah," he said, "I love it out here."
"It's like time just slowed down or stopped altogether."
"It hasn't," he said. "Everything is still going all around us, there are whole echo systems at work."
"It's hard to believe anything lives like this all the time. It's so peaceful."
"I think everyone that lives in a city should get to experience this at least once in their life."
"I agree the stars alone are worth it. You think they are just little dots in the sky but there are so many colors. It makes you think something more has to be going on out there."
"It probably is," he said. "Just as we see lights in the sky, others probably see us as well and think as we do."
"I just-" she let out a sigh, "Sometimes everything feels so small and simple, while other times, it feels so big and complicated. Like the older I get the more I realized there are just so many things I don't know, fuck we don't know."
"Ehh," Corrie shrugged his shoulders, "Anything is as complicated as you want it to be."
"Oh no! Not so," said Gwyne shaking her head. "Some things just are complicated and some things aren't, there is no want involved! Just because you want something to be, doesn't make it so.
He shook his head this time, "I don't think so, give me something complicated and I'll uncomplicated it."
"Okay." she said with a sly smile "You and me."
"Oh," he said, "I walked into that hard."
"Yeah you did," she chuckled.
He let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, okay, we are somewhat complicated right now but it wont always be. I think things will eventually resolve themselves." He scratched his head and went on, "A lot of times things aren't complicated, they just need time or...more often then not we don't like the answers we get."
"Yeah, I can see that. It's easier to say something is complicated then admit it isn't what we want."
"Yep." he said. "Now give me another."
"Okay, I'm hot."
"No doubt."
"No," she said playfully swiping at him. "As in overheated. I'm literally sweating my ass off walking around with you. Not that I mind getting sweating but I'd really rather be doing other things...then walking," She winked.
"Ah I have a solution for you," he said rubbing his jaw, "This isn't complicated at all."
"Really,"
"Yes." he said then pulled off his shirt."
"I swear, if you wipe me with that thing, I'll get you!"
"Oh really," he said with a grin "I wasn't going to but now I'm temped, I'd like to see you 'get me.'
"Oh I would! Make no mistake"
"How? I bet you couldn't even catch me?" Corrie teased.
"I could if I wanted."
"Right."
"Right!" she said smugly back.
Without warning he burst into a run. She shook her head but chased after him. They ran back to the cabin he did circles around her. She kept lunging out to grab him but he was just too fast. He also seemed to anticipate her moves and laughed every time he dodged. After a few minutes she stopped lashing out at him.
"Come on! Come on! Catch me." He teased.
"I will if you'd just stand still." she hissed.
He burst into laughter then said, "Tell you what, race you to the dock. If you can catch me or even beat me to it, you win."
Before she could say anything he dashed off again, racing to the dock. She ran after him for a few feet but knew there was absolutely no way she was gonna win this...not without cheating. She smiled then started to limp along. He was so focused on getting to the dock he didn't notice.
When he reached it, he threw his hands up into the air and shouted, "VICTORY IS MINE!"
He turned then to gloat, no doubt, but saw her limping along and got concerned rushing back. "What happened?"
"I twisted my ankle on a rock," she lied.
"Let me take a look." he said rushing up to her. He bent down before her and she pounced, tackling him to the ground.
They rolled around and she landed on top cheering. "HA I GOT YOU!"
"What no! You faked an injury! That's cheating!" He said sitting up
"I'll do whatever it take babe," she teased, getting to her feet.
"I still won I got to the dock first."
"Ah ah! You said if I can catch you or beat you to the dock. I caught you." she said dusting herself off.
"With dirty tricks!" he said getting to his feet.
"So a win, is a win!" she teased wrapping her arms around him. "I got you, just the same."
He glared at her then said "Do you or do I have you!" He quickly lifted her up and over his shoulder.
She squealed out, "UH NO! PUT ME DOWN NOW! PUT ME DOWN!'
"But I thought you had me? So shouldn't you put me down!"
"CORRIE!" She laughed.
He gave her but a slap. "What I'm solving your problem," he said then marched to the end of the dock, "You said you were hot right."
She realized what he was doing and cried out, "NOO! NOO! DON'T YOU DARE!"
"What if you can play dirty, so can I."
They got to the end of the dock and he readjusted her to a princess style hold, with his arms behind her back and under her legs. He moved like he was going to toss her in. She looked at him and pleaded with her eyes. "Please don't!"
"Ha ha! You shall have no mercy cheater. Hold you breath!"
He began to swing her and she cried out as she felt herself lift into the air. "Don't Don't let go!"
He quickly caught her in his arms then spun them around on the dock, "Don't worry I wont."
"Promise," she said wrapping her arms around her neck. She pressed her forehead to his and for a moment he just held her.
"Promise," he said back and they kissed.
Then he set her down and began to take off his clothes, "What are you doing?"
"Going for a dip," he said, "I'm kind of sweaty myself could use a nice swim."
"I bet it's freezing." she pointed out. He didn't seem to care. She watched him strip down naked then jump in. She shook her head as he made a big splash.
"How is it" She asked as he surfaced and began to swim about.
"Waters just fine, care to join me?"
"No way!" she said.
"Come on!" he said reaching for her.
She glared at him, "Is it really not that cold?"
"Nah not this time of year."
She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment, but ultimately took off her clothes. When she was naked she stepped off the dock and plunged straight down into the icy water. She came up and cried out splashing him. "LIAR IT'S FREEZING! You said it was fine."
"It is fine." he said wrapping his arms around her, "Now that you're here."
She hissed at him but kissed him none the less. When they pulled apart he flopped back into the water and did a back swim. He was decent but when it came to the water she had the upper hand. She showed him she could swim front, back and sideways. She did circles around him and he was quite impressed.
"You ever consider being a lifeguard?"
"Perhaps in another life," she sighed. "The regulation swim suit never fits right and the pay is shit."
"Professional scuba diver then. They're always needing rescue divers" he said floating about the water.
"Maybe." she said. "I'll have to see if the college has any courses."
"If you find one, I'll take it with you."
"Really,"
"Yeah could never hurt to get certified in case of a bind."
"Hmm."
"What?"
"Nothing I just can't imagine you as a student, let alone my classmate."
"Well you wouldn't have to imagine, if you find us a class."
"I'm just so used to you being a teacher."
"I can be a good student too." he said with a smirk.
"Really, well maybe I'll teach you a thing or two," she said swimming up to him.
"I think things are heating up." He chuckled.
"Oh yeah," she said then smirked. "Race you to the shore!"
Before he could respond, she flopped onto her back and took off. He quickly swam after her but again, when it came to the water, she had the upper hand. She beat him to the shore and had almost a minute to spare. She was so used to having long hair that she was still surprised when she was able to easily flip her hair back. A bunch of water came with it, but she had to admit it was still a lot easier, then fighting several feet of hair. She also noticed it dried faster, sometimes in minutes rather then hours.
When he finally reached the shore, she barely let him get to his feet, before she tackled him. She jumped up onto him and wrapped her arms and legs around him. He gladly put his arms around her, carrying her in land as they locked lips. It was a strong passionate kiss that literally took both their breaths away. Once the kiss ended they didn't stop, they began to make out right then and there butt naked on the shore. If anyone had binoculars they were getting quite the show.
It didn't take much for him to adjust her, over his crotch, and enter her. From there she began wildly grinding against him. He had to stop walking and just held her for a moment. He loved the feel off her body against his. She madly swiveled and jerked her hips, not holding back. Every so often she began to slip but he'd readjust her.
It was so good that he closed his eyes, after a few more seconds, lowered his head and groaned. "You're gonna work up another sweat."
"With pleasure," she gasped giving him a sly grin.
She locked her ankles around him, threw her head back and slowly lowered her upper body, curving herself slightly. Her breasts flopped about as he moved to hold the small of her back and she spasmed against him. She lifted herself off him slightly, then slammed back down. He let out loud groans now. He leaned forward carefully taking them both to he ground so he could pound her out.
It was glorious! They were quickly getting dirty with mud and leaves everywhere but neither cared. They began to roll about taking turn as to who got to be on top. Even though Gwyne had had many lovers, nothing beat Corrie. He was her true love, she tangled her fingers in his hair then dragged her nails down his back. She let out a gasp of delight, realizing they had grown back. For the first time in like a year she had actual fucking nails. She couldn't help but leave her mark on him, and he didn't seem to mind as he took her tender flesh in his mouth. He sucked on it, causing it to turn red and purple. He didn't do it often but she loved when he gave her hickeys.
She let out a deep lustful moan, before he pulled back and they rolled over again, to where she was on top. She rode him good and hard, bouncing up and down on him. She ran her hands over his chest wiping some mud over his muscles. At this point, they were both so dirty, she laughed, knowing it was going to be 'fun' getting cleaned up again. Perhaps they'd dip back into the lake. She loved that neither of them could wait to jump each other. She hoped it would always be like this, and that even when they were sixty and seventy, he couldn't keep his hands off her.
They heard several loud pops and then the sound of an engine roaring to life, in the distance. They froze mid-fuck and looked around. A few seconds later a speed boat started zooming around on the lake. They looked at each other, then pulled apart, frantically scrambled to their feet. They quickly made a mad dash for the cabin. Once they were in the mudroom and the door was shut, they burst into laughter, realizing how close they'd come to being caught. Rather then drag mud through the cabin they quickly began washing off in the large sink. When they were no longer leaving a trail of mud, they rushed to the shower where they continued making love. He lifted her up and practically slammed her into the wall as he jutted into her, under the spout.
She grabbed a soap/shampoo mix lathering up his body and hair. Once he was all soaped up he did her. For a second she was reminded of Dawson. He used to do that...they'd taken a lot of showers together but would take no more. She got upset with herself for romanticizing their time together! She had finally mad a decision she needed to stick with it! Yeah he'd washed her hair, he'd also had her cut it when she didn't want to, and punched her in the face and stomach how many times? She couldn't even recall the count. FUCK! She couldn't recall how many times Dawson had punched her in the face. She let that sink in. Before him she'd maybe got punch in the face once or twice during a fucking fight by another girl and not because she said their name. She tried to shut down any feeling she still had for him and get real with herself...she had to. She couldn't fuck around anymore. She didn't want to!
They continued to have sex as they rinsed themselves off. Their bodies were practically radiating heat. He pulled out and suddenly turned her so that her back was to him then he pressed her up to the tile and took her from behind. He tangled his fingers in her wet hair and got rough. It was a surprise! A nice fucking surprise. Oh she loved it! She tried not to be ashamed, to be open to him doing something like this. He was giving her what she desired. She could see he was trying even if he didn't fully understand. Her slammed into her body giving her long hard strokes.
"Oh! Oh! Oh yes! OH YES!" She praised him crying out and moaning.
His lips fell on her back, her shoulder and her neck. She kept expecting him to bite her but he didn't. Still she enjoyed herself just the same. After a few minutes she came, her body twitching and twisting as she cried out. He paused riding her wave of euphoria. When he felt it pass, he pulled out so that he could spin her and kiss her lips. It was a steamy passionate kiss that left her wanting more and more.
He turned the shower off and they each grabbed a towel, drying each other off. He was still so fucking stiff. She was surprised he hadn't popped of yet. She ran her fingers along it as she dried him. Once they were dry enough, she jumped up on him, climbing back on. She loved the feel, of the tip of his dick colliding with her sex. She slid down the length of him, burying him deep inside her. Then she got a wicked grin on her face as she gripped with her kegel muscles. She gave him several long squeezes. He let his towel drop to the floor and she let go of her own, wrapping her arms around him. He held her tight, staggering a few feet as she kept clenching down on him.
He threw his head back and groaned, "Uh, Gwyne you're kill me here!"
"I guess you'll die a good death then," she teased, giving him another few squeezes.
He chuckled and carried her out of the bathroom, to the stairs and up to the loft. When they made it to the bed they tangled in each others embrace, getting under the covers. She could still feel a slight chill but also this deep heat within her core. They lovingly looked at each other laying on their sides as they jerked against one another, fucking once more. She came again and again, in quick succession before they began a romp around the bed. They got into different positions and she kept expecting him to join in her pleasure but he held out until her fifth or sixth orgasm.
She felt him suddenly stiffen, their bodies tightly pressed against one another. He had her bent over in bed. She felt him twitch then release deep inside her, his warmth washed over her and she basked in her delights. Oh she loved the feel of him...loved every bit of him. In this moment she felt truly happy.
They stayed very still for the longest moment then as they came down from their releases, they got sleepy. They laid back down on their sides and stared at each other once more. After a while, he reached out, putting his hand on the side of her face. He gentle carssed her and she took his thumb in her mouth, seductively sucking on it.
He chuckled then sighed, "I love you."
She pulled his thumb from her mouth then quickly said it back. "I love you so much. I don't think I'll ever tire of telling you!"
Oh she was truly happy in this moment! She suddenly realized this might be the happiest she'd ever been! She felt so full of light, love and purpose. All the shadows had gone away and she wanted to change her life. She felt like she had so many possibilities now and hoped she'd always be able to keep the darkness at bay...but of course nothing last forever. She knew that. She knew eventually her dark side would return but she wouldn't give in so easily. For now she just wanted to bask in his love, for as long as she could.
They continued to stare at each other until they drifted off to sleep. They spent all afternoon in bed. Eventually they got up to get themselves something to eat. It was starting to get dark out. They worked together making a simple stew then had sex again on the kitchen counters, table and floor. She swore they were like rabbits, humping each other all over the place. She loved it! They did it on the stairs, then the couch and finally the floor again, in front of the fireplace.
After they put some firewood in, and just watched the fire, for who knows how long as they laid naked on the rug. They both planned to get up at some point, and go to bed, but found themselves too exhausted. Before they knew it they fell asleep. Come morning the fire was out and they heard the rumbling of someone coming down the driveway.
They both sat up in a panic.
"Are you expecting anyone?" asked Gwyne.
"No? You?" asked Corrie.
"No! No one knows I'm here." said Gwyne getting to her feet. "Are you sure you didn't order anything? Maybe it's a delivery?"
"No I'm done with the repairs?" said Corrie getting up as well.
"Really," said Gwyne. She paused for a moment, realizing that meant their time was almost up.
"Yeah. Oh wait! It could be Reggie, now that I think of it. I let him know I was done the other day."
"Who's Reggie?"
"The owner of this cabin?"
"Oh Shit!" she said quickly dashing upstairs.
He followed after her and they scrambled to get dressed and clean up a little. Corrie was used to having to dress fast and was thankfully done in record time. He managed to meet Reggie as he let himself in.
"Knock knock. Hope I didn't surprise you?" said Reggie stepping inside.
"No. Hey Reggie, what's up?"
"Hey, after I got your call, I figured you've been out here long enough that and your captains been calling every day, twice a day."
"What really? Something happen?"
"Not sure, he said something about a donor or something."
"Hmm." said Corrie thinking of the only donor he'd met recently. He really hoped it wasn't that guy. Even though they'd only met the once and it had been a while that guy still rubbed Corrie the wrong way. There was just something about him that-
"Oh I didn't know you had company." Said Reggie.
Corrie pulled from his thoughts, and turned to see Gwyne standing at the top of the stairs. She stood there awkwardly, unsure now if it was okay to be here, given how surprised Reggie had seemed. She knew Corrie had asked her on the fly. She hoped it was alright. She bit her lip as both men looked up at her.
"Uh yeah, hope that's okay," said Corrie.
"It's quite alright. This your girl?"
Corrie froze for a moment like a deer caught in headlights. It wasn't the response Gwyne was hoping for, but it was early days. She couldn't expect him to-
"Yeah," said Corrie surprising her and maybe even himself, "This is my girlfriend, Gwyne Appledin." Gwyne's heart caught in her throat as he continued. "Gwyne, this is the owner of the cabin, Reggie Ferb."
Not only had Corrie said she was his girlfriend but he'd actually introduced her to someone he knew! It was a simple thing to most people but to her...for them, it was massive!
"It's nice to meet you, Gwyne."
"It's a pleasure," said Gwyne, her voice caught for a second but Reggie didn't seem to notice.
"You two been together long?"
"A few years." said Corrie.
"Really," said Reggie. He sounded surprised. "A few years huh, well why haven't you put a ring on her finger yet?"
"Oh uh," Corrie looked away. She watched his face quickly turning red.
It was her turn now! She quickly swooped in rushing down the stairs. "May I say you have such a lovely cabin, sir."
"Why thank you." said Reggie.
She got to the bottom of the stairs and moved to stand beside Corrie. She shook Reggie's hand then held Corries giving it a squeeze. He smiled at her relieved she'd change the subject. Before Reggie could ask anything else Corrie quickly stepped up, "Would you like to see the repairs?"
"Love to, leave any beers." said Reggie, wandering into the kitchen. She was so, so glad they had taken a minute or two to cleaned up last night.
Corrie gave her a wink then let go of her hand "I think I left one or two"
"Good, good think I'll have me one or two right now." said Reggie.
Reggie gabbed a beer, and Corrie took him around the property, showing him everything he had done. Gwyne cleaned up the bathroom and packed their things. Sadly, she assumed they'd be leaving soon. After she got everything packed, and in the back of Corrie's truck, she made a simple breakfast, some toast, eggs, coffee and cocoa. Reggie joined them at the table and they spent a few hours listening to some of his old firefighting stories, Gwyne rather enjoyed them. After a while she did the dishes while they stepped outside to talk some more.
Corrie looked out at the lake, thinking he was really gonna miss this place. Reggie was pleased with the repairs, save for an awkward moment at the dock, when he saw their clothes from skinny dipping, things had gone well.
"Here," said Reggie. He tried to hand Corrie a large wad of cash, but he shook his head, declining it.
"I'm good. You let me stay here for free and clear my head, when I really needed it. No compensation needed."
"Yeah, but I have to admit you did me a solid favor here. You fixed more then I though you would and saved me a few grand in repairs. I'm thinking about putting this place on the market, come winter. I think its about time. A few more months out here, then that's it for me."
"Oh," said Corrie. He looked around again at everything. He had no idea how any one could give this up...willingly. Maybe something had come up. "You okay?
"Yeah," said Reggie with a heavy sigh, "Wife just wants to do some traveling while were still able and we don't get out here as much. I've been doing pretty good for myself so I think its time to retire, retire."
"Oh well congratulations," said Corrie.
"Yeah, Yeah. "said Reggie. "Now would you take the money so I can write this off on my taxes or something."
Reggie again offered the money to Corrie and this time he took it, "Okay, okay if you insist."
"I do," said Reggie nodding.
Corrie quickly counted it and shook his head, "Nah this is way to much."
"Well you can use the extra to buy that pretty lady in there, a ring."
"Maybe," he said, then put the cash in his pocket.
"Frankly, I'm surprised." said Reggie rubbing his jaw.
"Really,"
"Yeah everyone at the firehouse, knows about your vow of celibacy."
"It's not a vow of celibacy just relationships, in general."
"Whatever its nice to see you're growing. Your father would be proud...unless this is your stalker?"
"No, its not her." said Corrie. He still felt bad he knew about that.
"Not my place to pry, but you should take care of that sooner or later, or it will take care of itself."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," he said. "I was hoping to get some space and time to think. If things are still the way they were before, I'll got to the captain."
"Captain. So you work with her?"
"No uh just for advice. I'd go to him for advice and to let him know what was going on."
"Well take it from me, when it comes to something like this, its best to get the authorities involved sooner rather then later. Knew a guy who had a sister, had a stalker. Seemed innocent at first but didn't end well. I hope it doesn't come to that for you or your girlfriend. She know about it?"
"Yeah she knows, I told her and I wont let it come to that."
"Good," said Reggie then stretched and lightened the conversation, "Get any fishing in?
"Some, some," said Corrie still a bit lost in his thoughts.
"Well, I'll probably go into to town and catch up with some old friends. Then maybe stay the night and head back tomorrow and get the Mrs, from her sister. She'll like some of these repairs.
"Sounds like a plan." said Corrie.
"You can stay another night if you'd like?"
"Nah we'd better get back. We both have some business to take care of."
"Alright then I'll see you when I see you." said Reggie before getting into his car.
"Yeah drive safe and maybe get yourself some pie, pretty decent around her."
"Trust me I know," he said before driving off.
Corrie stood there for a long moment then remember their clothes were still on the dock. He rushed out gathering them up. Reggie hadn't said anything but he'd given him quite the smile. He quickly tucked the clothes in his bag, hoping he wouldn't have to tell Gwyne about it, then rushed back inside. She was standing in the kitchen waiting for him to come back.
"Everything good?"
"Great actually," he said then came up and kissed her.
It was an amazing kiss, probably their best one yet, because it was their first time kissing as official boyfriend and girlfriend. When they pulled apart they both smiled at each other. Things were a bit silly as Gwyne couldn't stop smiling and Corrie kept blushing. They were adults but when it came to an actual relationship they both somewhat unfamiliar.
"So," said Corrie after a bit, rocking on his heels.
"So," said Gwyne nodding like an idiot.
"We get everything packed up?"
"Yeah, I think so you want to double check?"
"Nah. I didn't pack much to begin with got most of it on me now."
"Alright, so now what?"
"Well Reggie has gone into town to catch up with some people but he'll be back to stay the night. He said we could stay but I think its time we got back and took care of some things."
"Yeah," said Gwyne letting out a heavy sigh.
They both nodded to each other then slowly made their way out to the truck. As they pulled out of the long drive they were both a little sad to see it go, "You know." he said clearing his throat as they got onto the main road. "Reggie is thinking about selling this place come winter."
"Really," said Gwyne. "He'll probably get a lot for it."
"Probably." he said.
"Everything alright or did something happen to make him want to sell?"
"His wife wants to do some traveling,"
"Ahh." she said. "Well I'm glad we got to spend a few weeks there, it was nice."
"That it was," said Corrie nodding.
He took her hand and squeezed it. She squeezed it back then got to messing with the radio. She also found they had a little bit of the jerky left and split it between them. The ride back was quiet both had a lot on their minds. They had a lot going on, and knew they were actually going to have to do something about it, when they got back. They didn't get to her place until well after dark, then just sat in the truck for a long moment. Eventually he leaned over and kissed her, then surprised, handing her a wad of cash.
"I want you to take this."
"What?" she said surprised. "No. You don't have to I'm good."
"Please," he said, "I don't want you to have to worry about money, right now."
"I'm not I've got enough in my bank until I can call the temp agency this week. I can even talk to Tawnie about setting me up with what she does."
"Yeah, but I also want you to focus on talking to someone and getting everything sorted out. You could also consider this walking around cash, while you set things up?"
"Set things up?"
"Well either I'm moving in or you're moving out," he said not looking at her.
She titled her head as she realized he wanted them to live together. Her heart began to flutter. "Seriously!"
"Yeah, I doubt you'd like living with a bunch of guys."
She paused for a long moment as he said that...various images came to mind. She bit her lip thinking she had a dirty...dirty mind but smiled and said "Yeah suppose not."
"So use the money to either make space for me or to look into a bigger place, while you look for a job and work on your mental health."
"Okay," she said taking the money. She tucked it away in her pocket and they kissed once moe. When they parted she asked. "You coming up."
"Yeah and staying?"
"From now on?" she said with a gasp.
"No just for now, until he calls or shows up and you break it off. Then maybe if you're not sick of me, we could discuss the whole moving in thing over the next week or two."
"Yeah, okay," she said then got out and added, "Also I wouldn't ever get sick of you."
"You say that now he," he said getting out, "But just you wait."
They grabbed their stuff, from the back of his truck, then she got her mail, which was piling up. They got everything inside, ordered something to eat and passed out. They woke first thing in the morning to the phone ringing. Half-awake she answered it. "Hello?"
"Gwyne." said a voice. It was very quiet. It took her a second but she realized it must be Dawson.
"It's him!" she said to herself then covered the bottom part of her phone with her hand. She hissed it again "It's him. It's him Corrie. Corrie! Wake up," she nudged him and he nearly fell out of the bed waking up. He quickly got to his feet and she pointed to the phone. He realized what was going on and nodded.
She got back on the phone and tried to sound casual, "Yeah, it's me, what's up?"
Corrie gave her a look but she gave him one back. She was going to do it, but wasn't going to blast him first thing. Corrie got up close so he could listen as well.
"I'd like to see you," said Dawson again he was quiet. His voice sounded strange lacking all emotion.
"Uh-" Corrie gave her a stern look and she nodded continuing. "NO! I've been thinking and everything between us is so messed up. I don't want to do it anymore! I'm done! Don't contact me again or come around. I don't want to see you again. It's over, seriously I mean it. If you try and contact me again, I'll got to the police, understand!"
There was a slight pause, they held their breath waiting for Dawson to respond. "I understand. I wish you the best."
He hung up without another word and they both just stood there surprised. She didn't know what she was expecting him to do or say but with Dawson...you could never tell. Part of her thought he might explode on her or something. She'd tried to end it once or twice before and he'd gotten really mad or maybe she'd only thought she'd said something. It was all a bit messed up in her head. Maybe it was just a nightmare, either way, she though he'd be more upset or something. Yet he took it just fine...a bit too fine. Maybe he really didn't give a shit about her. Of course, he did this sort of things all the time. It was like ordering pizza to him he'd just try a different pizza place. She let out a deep sigh, hanging up the phone. She still felt a bit strange about this She couldn't help but think it wasn't over...or maybe she didn't want it to be.
"Well," said Corrie letting out a sigh of relief "You did it. I'm proud of you. You hit all the major points and made yourself clear. Now you just have to stick to what you said. If he calls, or shows up don't engage with him, just call the police."
"Yeah," said Gwyne. She nodded but really hoped she wouldn't have to. Having to explain this all to the police really would be a living nightmare.
"You can always call me first." he said seeing her hesitation. He went into the kitchen and pulled out a pen and notepad, from one of the draws. He quickly jotted something down. "Here is
the number for my place." He paused then wrote something else down as he continued, "And this is the direct number to the captain, at my station. His name is Captain Slaunch. If I'm not at my place, he should know how to reach me. Also if no one answers, leave a message, leave several and if its serious go to a police station or drop by the firehouse." He jotted a few more things down, then ripped the piece of paper from the notepad, and offered it to her.
She looked at it wide-eyed for a second, but took it. She saw several phone numbers, names and addresses. He was really doing this, really making the effort to include her in his life! Gwyne chest swelled with excitement and such love but after a few seconds, she turned and bit her lip. She loved that he was doing this but she knew it was a lot…like a lot...a lot. She worried they might be moving too fast for him. She was happy but she also wanted him to be happy. She didn't want him to regret this.
"Uh, Core, are you sure this is okay? Me possibly meeting your roommates and co-workers. Don't you want to keep some things separate, like I would totally understand."
He grabbed her arm and turned her to look at him. "Don't talk to Bea. Otherwise everyone else should be cool. They should help you out, if I'm not there. They'll give me a hard time later but I don't care. I mean it Gwyne, I love you and I want you in my life...all of my life."
His ocean blue eyes looked so determined. She couldn't help but feel she was dreaming but she wasn't. He really wanted her. He really wanted to be with her! Some deep part of her ached...like she never truly believed this would happen. She embraced him perhaps a little to tightly. "I know. I know but I don't want to this to be too sudden for you. I don't want to overwhelm you."
"That's why we're starting with just numbers. This weekend, maybe I can keep a toothbrush in your bathroom, or leave some boxers in your dresser draw. We can talk about it. We can talk about everything and just because we talk doesn't mean it's going to happen right away. We'll just see how it goes. Okay"
She pulled back and nodded, "Yeah, okay,"
"Okay," he said again, leaning into her. She kissed him and then laughed. "What? What is it?"
"Oh I was just thinking. You're crew might give you a hard time but so will Tawnie."
"Shit Tawnie." he said pulling back. He rubbed his jaw and shook his head.
"Yeah she's gonna have a field days with this." said Gwyne. "It will probably be years before she stops teasing us."
"If ever," He sighed then said, "At least I can still out drink her."
"Right. I think it was a tie but I honestly can't remember, right now. I'm sure she'll definitely want to do it again. She takes great pride in our drinking most men."
"I'll take her on any day of the week."
Gwyne shook her head, "At least you two have something in common. You don't have to love each other but it would be nice if you could get along every now and then."
"We'll see." he said but smiled. She gave him a hug then he looked at the time and sighed, "I should probably take off. I don't mean to so soon but my captain was bugging Reggie with something about a donor. I might want to look into that and see if I still have a job."
"Okay," she said, sad to see him go so soon but she nodded, "I'm sure you still do."
He grabbed some of his stuff but she noticed he left a few things before he went to the door. He opened it then turned to her and said "Call me if you need anything, otherwise I'll be back in a few days, probably after I pull some double shifts. I'll want to sleep it off here."
"Alight but I'm not sure how much sleep you'll get." she said walking him to the door. She tried to act natural, casual...calm, even though she was like a rocket inside. So much was changing. He hadn't ever told her when he'd be back before. Not even when they were planning on going camping, he'd just show up at some point.
"I love you," he said pulling her from her thoughts.
"I love you." she said.
"Don't forget to call the numbers we discussed and get an appointment." He said walking backwards out the door.
"I will. I'll call at some point today. I promise." She said leaning on her doorway.
They shared a quick kiss then she watched him leave. He looked back at her before he got into his truck and waved. She waved back then blew him a kiss. He got in his truck and took it off. She leaned over the stairwell watching his truck for as long as she could, then turned and went back inside. She shut the door and put her back to it. She let out a deep sigh and clutched her chest. Not long ago he had broken her heart and left. She could still recall wanting to tear it out and destroy it. Now it beat with such joy...such joy she wasn't sure she'd ever know.
She stepped away from the door and slowly wandered around her apartment thinking things really were going to be different, this time, with Corrie and Dawson. Corrie loved her and Dawson wasn't going to be a part of her life anymore. She had been dreading ending it. She honestly wasn't sure how he would react. She had seen him throw fits and could still recall what it felt like to have him punch and choke her.
A part of her also worried she wouldn't be able to give him up and the things he could do to her. A lot of it was just awful but that...that is what she had loved most about him. "Fuck." She shook her head. She definitely need to get some help or find a more constructive way to get this shit out of her system. Maybe she could take up boxing, of course in boxing you actually had to fight and dodge. They might notice if she just stood there or even got a little too excited. Maybe she could get into acupuncture or something. Maybe she could get Corrie into bondage. It was just tying ropes and he did that all the time.
Whatever she did, she had time to figure it out and she wouldn't be alone. She had Corrie and her best friend, Tawnie. She wanted to spend more time with her. She wanted to spend more time working on herself, her dreams goals...passions...even if right now she didn't exactly know what they were. All she knew was she wanted more...something different then what had been going on for a while now. She picked up the notepad and pen, then sat down at her kitchen table and started working it out. "Let's see I need a job, I need to make the appointment, clean, seriously clean and grocery shop. Yeah that's a start."
She sat back in her chair it wasn't a very big list. 'Job, make appointment, clean, seriously clean and grocery shopping.' She knew there was so much more to do but for now she'd start simple. She knew this was going to take time, she wouldn't be able to fix everything today but maybe tomorrow and if not then the next day.
***
He sat in the darkness, listening to her ramble as he smoked. He got a call and answered it on the first ring, "Yes,"
"We're ready, when do you want it done."
"Today."
"You sure"
"Yes, the sooner the better."
"Of course. You'll get the call when it's done."
He didn't respond. He hung up then took in a long drag of his cigarette and let out a large puff of smoke. He stared at several monitors watching Gwyne get up from her kitchen table. She taped her little to do list to the fridge, then began cleaning up. He could barely keep his eyes open. He hadn't been sleeping much lately. His dreams had been ...troubling, but after today it would no longer be a problem.
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