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Now he off loaded his pack and hurriedly left the overhang to gather some downed firewood before the rain could soak it. The limestone ridge rose sixty or eighty feet above him with the overhang at its base some thirty feet deep at the bottom and stretching upwards for almost forty feet at its front. It had a sandy floor, ideal for pitching his small tent without worrying about stones that would appear beneath his back when he slept. Fires were allowed in the forest unless there was a high fire danger and, with the rain, that certainly wouldn't be a problem. Before the rain got too heavy he quickly found more than enough dry wood for his needs. In fact, he could probably keep the fire going all the next day and night, even if it was very unlikely that he'd need to do anything like that.
When he had left his car the temperature was in the low sixties, but now the air had begun to cool considerably. Usually when he went camping Evan was careful to check the expected weather but this time he hadn't bothered. When he thought back to that omission he guessed it was probably because the weather had been nice - clear, sunny - all week and, besides, he had other things on his mind.
Now he opened his pack and pulled out a hooded sweatshirt before setting about pitching his tent. The tent was a small back packing dome and set up in only a couple of minutes. Much better than the old one his dad had used which required poles and guys just to erect it. These new ones used sectioned fiberglass rods to arch above the tent and hold it in shape. In the sheltered space beneath the overhang he didn't even really need pegs.
He thought about it and then decided to add the rain fly, not that there would be any chance of getting wet here, but the fly would make the inside a bit warmer and with this cold rain he expected the temperature to drop a bit overnight. He looked again at the increasing deluge and, making a sardonic face, thought he wasn't surprised at all.
By five o'clock it was already turning dark here in the woods. Especially with the overcast sky, night came early. Evan arranged some rocks in a circle and set about building a small fire. Not that he really needed the heat just yet and he would be making his supper on the small backpacking stove, but the thought of a fire did help a little to lift his dark mood.
The rain was coming a little harder now. Not a real downpour but a steady fall of cold drops. Evan sat just staring into the fire, trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to hold his dark thoughts at bay.
Suddenly he heard a noise in the bushes further along the trail which made a sharp descent just beyond his campsite. The sarcastic thought entered his head. "With my luck, probably a bear. No, any bear would have sense enough not to be out in weather like this."
He watched for a few seconds as the sounds seemed to come slightly nearer and then suddenly another hiker appeared. The hiker saw his fire and suddenly stopped for a second but then moved in beneath the overhang. Evan saw that the hiker was about his age, female. She had on a hip length rain jacket and an old, worn cowboy hat. Despite this it was obvious she was soaked. Of course the rain jacket didn't cover below her hips and she appeared to be wearing cutoff jeans. She had on hiking boots but the socks looked wet and Evan guessed so were the insides of her boots. She took off the hat and shook it to remove the water, revealing her shoulder length blonde hair to be drenched also.
She moved towards the fire and Evan could see her bare legs looked chilled, goose bumps covering the smooth skin. "Hi. I didn't expect anyone to be here but do you mind if I stay a couple of minutes before I move on and leave you alone? Oh, my name is Sue Brown."
Evan had stood and answered, "Of course not. Come over here and warm up a little. I'm Evan Roberts."
She moved a little closer and took off the small pack she was wearing. It didn't look large enough to hold a tent, more of a daypack, and they were still two or three miles from the trail head and anyway he hadn't seen another car there when he left.
As she stood near the fire Evan could see that she was shivering. No surprise there. She was wet and the temperature had dropped, probably into the forties. For half a minute she just remained quietly standing while Evan studied her. She was actually quite pretty. Even wet and dripping she was still attractive. Although it was now soaked through, her blonde hair looked like the type that would be very fine and thick when dry. She was about five foot six, some four or five inches shorter than Evan. The firelight made for uncertain viewing, but Even thought her eyes looked to be a deep blue.
She unzipped the rain jacket and slid it from her shoulders, revealing a cotton shirt with short sleeves as well as the top of the cutoffs, confirming his guess. It also revealed something else. Her figure left nothing to be desired. She was not a double D, but Evan had never been attracted to women with overly large breasts. Hers weren't tiny by any means and looked quite firm beneath the thin shirt. And her legs and ass were fantastic. She obviously got a lot of exercise even if now she appeared to have not quite been correctly attired for her hike in this weather.
Looking more closely at her face, Evan thought it looked a bit puffy, as though she had been crying. If so, she was trying hard to cover it up and had a smile pasted on her face. He suddenly got a thought and moved to his pack where he pulled out a small hand towel. He took the dry cloth over and handed it to her. "Lousy weather for hiking, isn't it?"
The girl turned towards him and took the offered towel. Then with the smile still painted on her face, said, "Thank you. Yeah. Not my first choice of hiking weather." Evan thought her voice seemed a little strained and the smile looked a bit more frozen than natural.
When she made no further comment, Evan asked, "Just where are you headed now?"
For just a second the smile dropped and she replied, "Nowhere." Then she shook her head, repasted the smile, and added, "I'm trying to get back to my car. The weather wasn't bad when I came out yesterday."
Evan glanced at the small pack but before he could say anything she spoke. "A lot of times when I go camping I just take a sleeping bag and sleep outside. Just the bag and cold trail food lets me get by with a small pack. Last night was fine. This morning was, too. I stropped for lunch and must have fallen asleep just leaning back against a tree. The rain woke me. I thought maybe I could stop under the overhang here, but you're already here so I'll just go on back to my car."
Puzzled, Evan asked, "Where is your car? I didn't see any others when I parked at the trail head this afternoon."
"It's not at the Gorge trail head. About two miles or so along the road, but this is the shortest way out. Just let me warm up a bit and I'll be on my way. I don't want to disturb you."
Evan gave her a quite skeptical look. She appeared to be quite serious. She wasn't trying for an invitation to stay. He slowly shook his head back and forth. There was no way he'd let her start back out for a four mile walk in this cold rain, especially dressed as she was. "Look, you can't go back out in that. Hypothermia is a real danger in these conditions. There's plenty of room under the overhang and I have enough dry wood to last."
"Thank you, that's very kind." Her smile dropped once more and she said, "I'm afraid I would be lousy company tonight. I don't want to spoil your stay."
"You won't. In fact, it might improve my mood. I just hope I won't be too bad company for you. Seriously, I can't let you go back out into that."
For just a second, there was a flare of temper and she almost snarled, "You won't LET me? You can't tell me what to do." Then just as quickly her expression changed and she said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I've just had some problems along those lines lately. Please forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive. I shouldn't have said it like that. I just meant it would be really dangerous to try walking another four miles in this stuff, especially dressed like that. You'd chill immediately and I couldn't stand it if something happened to you that I could have helped prevent."
For long seconds she looked at him. Then quietly, almost to herself, she said, "I believe you." She looked around at the heavy, cold rain falling just outside the overhang. At last she turned to Evan and said, "All right. I can spread my sleeping bag on the sand here and stay until morning."
Evan wisely made no replay, but just slightly nodded. Sue went to her pack and moved it towards the rear of the cave like area. While Evan watched she opened it and first pulled out a piece of plastic which she spread, obviously as a ground cloth. Then she reached inside and drew forth a rolled sleeping bag. To Evan it looked like a mostly warm weather bag but it wasn't going to be below freezing or anything that night.
Then there was a sound of dismay from the girl. Even moved over by her and immediately saw the reason for her distress. The bag was goose down filled. Down si an excellent insulator and down filled bags are light weight. But this bag was quite wet and would provide almost no insulation until it was dried, a process taking a very long time. Sue turned around and he saw a look on her face that said she was not surprised and resigned, almost as though she expected nothing else. At last she said, "Well, I guess I can spread it out over your pile of firewood and let it dry somewhat."
Even didn't think that in this weather it would dry much at all but said nothing and helped her spread it open over the dry branches. When that was done Evan said, "I don't suppose you've had a chance to eat any supper yet, have you?"
She shook her head and said, "No. I've go some nutrition bars and some trail mix. I can eat anytime."
"Well," Even said, "I haven't eaten either and I have plenty of freeze dried and can give you a nice warm meal. Chili or stew. Much better than a cold meal on a night like this."
Startled, the girl exclaimed, "You can't be giving me your food."
Evan put on a mock stern look and firmly said, "You can't tell me what I can do with my food." He followed this with an obviously fake glower.
It was too much and Sue finally laughed and broke into a real smile. "All right, I had that coming. Thank you."
Evan joined her laughter and said, "That's much better. I was beginning to wonder if you could really smile at all." He saw the sudden look which crossed her face and quickly added, "I'm sorry. Whatever is bothering you is none of my business." Then almost under his breath he added, "I have enough problems of my own." Sue's face took on a look that showed that for the first time she was thinking of something besides her own problems.
Evan shook his head and a little louder said, "Sorry. But if you do feel like talking about whatever it is, feel free. I might not be able to help, but I can listen."
Sue gave him a long look. She thought for a few seconds and came to the conclusion that what he said might be true and now spoke. "Likewise for you. I can listen as well."
They just looked at each other for long seconds and then Evan turned and went to his own pack. He pulled out a stuff sack and reached inside for several packages of freeze dried food. "I like all of these so see if you have a preference."
Sue started to reply, probably to tell him it didn't matter but instead went over and examined the three meals. "If you really don't care, how about the chili. This seems a night for it."
"Fine with me. I've even got some crackers and some cheese to go with it."
Freeze dried food doesn't take long to prepare and in another five minutes Evan had boiled the water on the little butane stove and they had only to wait another ten minutes for the food to be ready. While that was happening Evan built up the fire a bit and moved a nylon ground cloth over beside it. A few more minutes and they settled on the cloth with the hot chili.
Sue had not realized just how good a warm meal would taste and began to feel somewhat better as the food helped warm her a bit. As they finished the food she said, "Thank you. That did taste rather good."
"You are most welcome. I can offer you a few cookies for desert and I think I'm going to make some hot tea would you like some?"
"Both would be nice. Thank you again."
Evan once again put a pot of water on the small stove and then dug around to pull out a couple of tea bags and the small plastic bag of cookies. Usually he drank his tea plain so he started to put the food bag away again. Then he suddenly thought about the weather and realized that some sugar might be a good idea - at least for the girl. After all, he wasn't wet and chilled. "I've got some sugar if you'd like that in the tea. Probably be a good idea with the way you're probably still a little cold."
"It doesn't make a lot of difference to me, but, yes, if you have some sugar I probably really could use a few extra calories. Thanks, again." He smiled and nodded a "you're welcome" back. Then he suddenly realized he only had one small plastic mug. The girl must have guessed something like that because she said, "I do have a drinking cup. Let me get that."
She moved over and pulled a plastic mug similar to his own from her pack and turned to hand it to him. "Thank you. I just realized I only have one."
She began, "That seems likely," and then with a widening smile added, "unless you were planning a tea party with some racoons or something."
Evan laughed. "You think a racoon would be dumb enough to be out on a night like this?"
Sue shook her head. "Probably not. Just a not too bright hiker like me." Evan could again hear the self hurt in her voice, but she quickly changed her tone and said, "Sorry. I'll try to keep my problems to myself."
Even slowly said, "Remember, you don't have to. I'm ready to listen."
"I'll think about it."
They took the drinks and cookies back over by the fire and once again sat on the nylon cloth. For several minutes they sat in silence, sipping the warm beverages and nibbling at a couple of cookies.
The rain continued to fall steadily, not a driving storm, but a steady flow that sounded like it might go on and on and on. There were occasional gusts of wind and when one particularly cold gust made its way under the overhang and found its way around the two, Sue gave a decided shudder. Evan noticed and asked, "Still a bit cold?"
"A little. I guess the damp just makes it seem worse."
"Well, I can offer you a sweatshirt. It's dry and that might help."
"Thank you. I guess I am a bit run down and I could use it." Evan went back over to his pack and in a few seconds handed her a gray, zip front sweatshirt." "Thanks. You're being rather nice to me and I'd like you to know I appreciate it."
"I'm not really doing that much."
She cryptically replied, "More than you know."
Evan made no reply but raised his eyebrows slightly. "It's just," Sue continued, "that I feel better since I stopped here. I don't just mean physically, but you take me at face value, so to speak."
Evan smiled. "It's a nice face. Especially now that there are some real smiles." Sue ducked her head slightly in embarrassment, but made no reply and Evan didn't push it.
Over the next several hours they remained sitting by the fire, sometimes in silence and sometimes in some light conversation. Evan found that Sue was also a student at the university. A junior engineering major, in fact, although she didn't sound as enthusiastic about that as most of the engineering majors Evan had known. In exchange he told her about his business major. He started to say something about how much he was looking forward to working in that field when his own recent problems flooded his mind and he stopped short without going on at all.
Their conversation never got into the areas that were disturbing Evan nor did it seem to involve the ones which had Sue so on edge. At last, Evan suggested another mug of tea and they had that with a couple of the crackers and some of the cheese.
When they finished this, the rain was still falling and the temperature had dropped even a little more. "I suppose we should get some sleep, but first I'm going to have to make a quick trip out to the big green and brown bathroom around the rocks out there and I expect you may need to also. Let me get a poncho from my pack and go first. Then when I get back you can use the poncho make your own trip."
Sue looked at him. "That will be much nicer than trying to with just my hat. Thank you."
A few minutes later Evan returned and, shaking off the water, handed the poncho to Sue. "Just around to the right there is a good place. A bit sheltered but not completely." Sue nodded and took the offered garment.
She was gone only a minute or two before she returned. She removed the poncho and Evan spread it across some rocks at the side of the overhang while Sue went to examine her sleeping bag. Sounding a bit dejected she said, "Well, it's a little more dry. It's not going to be freezing tonight so I expect it will do." Then looking at her pack she added, "It'll have to."
Evan said, "Look, take the ground cloth we were sitting on and keep the sweatshirt on. You can wrap the nylon around you. It's waterproof so the bag won't get you damp. In fact, why don't you move a little closer to the fire. There's plenty of wood so you can keep it going all night if you want to."
She smiled at him. "Again, thank you. That will help."
He helped her move her piece of plastic near the fire and then to drape the nylon around her and finally to place the sleeping bag over her. He moved some more wood over near the fire and finally said good night.
Inside his tent Evan had a foam pad and his own bag. Plenty enough for a night like this. He had, in fact, used it to camp when the temperature dropped twenty degrees below freezing and been comfortable. No cooler than it would be he decided to just open the bag and use it like a blanket.
He quickly settled and in less than five minutes he was dropping off into sleep when he became aware of some sounds from outside. He listened closer and was soon sure that what he was hearing was Sue, the chattering of her teeth but also quiet muffled sobs. He sat up and for half a minute didn't move. Then giving his head a shake, thought that there was no way he could leave her like that.
He quietly unzipped the tent and emerged, moving closer to where the girl was curled up next to the fire. "Sue," he quietly said. And then had to repeat it when there was no response.
She looked around, obviously becoming aware of him for the first time. Then she turned her head away and choked out a muffled response. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to see me like this."
"Like what? A lovely girl just too cold to be comfortable."
"No, not just cold. I'm sorry, my problems just seem to be overwhelming just now. I'll be better in the morning."
He knelt down next to her. "Sue, there's no way you'll get any rest like this. Your bag is still so damp it can't be much help. Look. Come on into the tent and we can use my bag like a blanket. I have it open like that now."
She turned and looked up at him and he could see something in her eyes. Not really fear or anything but more like apprehension. Not of him but of possible betrayal. He quickly added, "Just a warmer place to sleep. Nothing else. My word on it."
She stared at him for a long time. At last she gave her head a slight shake and said, "All right. I don't deserve it but I'm cold and depressed and for some reason I trust you."
The pair moved inside the tent, Sue taking the nylon cloth with her. Inside they folded the cloth and spread it beside Evan's foam pad. They lay down, side by side and Sue said, "Once again, thank you. This is a lot warmer."
Her voice still sounded forced, but her comments came across as sincere. Evan simply said, "You're welcome." Then he quietly added, "If you want to talk, the offer to listen is still open."
The response to this was beyond anything that could have been expected. Sue let out a cry, almost a wail, and sobbing said, "You are so nice! So unlike what I'm used to." Then she turned towards him and put her arms around his neck, clinging tightly as she buried her face against his shoulder, still crying softly.
Evan's arm went around her shoulders, holding her close. He made no comment but just let her cling and soon her crying slowed and finally stopped.
Finally Sue pulled slightly away and rubbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to break down like that."
His arm still around her Evan replied, "I'm sure you have good reason. If I can help I'll be happy to. I meant what I said before. I can listen. It might help."
Still in a muffled and gulping voice, Sue replied, "I doubt it even though you are the first person who wanted to listen rather than tell me what to do."
"Then it can't hurt, can it?"
"Probably wouldn't hurt me, but you seem to have problems of your own. I shouldn't add to them."
He simply replied, "It won't."
For long seconds she was quiet. Then Sue took a deep breath and said. "All right, I'll try it." She said nothing for several seconds and then began. "OK, I told you I was an engineering major. What I didn't say is that I hate it." Evan's face took on a surprised look, but he said nothing. "It's not that I have trouble with the classes or anything. Actually I have a pretty high GPA. No, it just was never my real area of interest, but my family pushed me that way. Said it paid well and was well respected. True, but it's just not really my thing."
Quietly Evan asked, "Just what is your thing?"
With a new tone to her voice, one showing the beginning of excitement, Sue replied, "I like to draw. No, not as an artist even though I do some of that for fun. I'm smart enough to realize I'm not good enough to really make a living at it. No, what I like to do is create computer graphics. I am good with computers and I do like working with them. Especially graphics programs. Maybe creating graphics as part of advertising or something. I see an ad for a product and I keep thinking of ways to present it in some unique way that I think is better. You know, a different approach that I think would catch attention."
Evan could hear the growing excitement in her voice. "Then why don't you do that?"
Her voice changed again, lost all of its enthusiasm. "My parents would never let me. Whenever I've tried to talk with them about it, they just push it aside as not a good career. No, they tell me, engineering is the way to go, especially since I seem to be good at it. The other might be fine as a hobby but that's not real work. I look around at the others in my classes and almost every one of them is always talking about the field, how much they love it, how exciting it is. My professors often go on about how wonderful and exciting the field is. And it is, but just not to me. I guess there must just be something wrong with me for not liking it. I've had two boyfriends that I thought I might get serious about, but both of them started pushing me the same way. In fact I think everyone I've ever talked to has told me almost the same thing. You're good at it and it's a great field. Stay in engineering."
She trailed off and was silent for long seconds. Slowly Evan said, "Can you see yourself being an engineer for the rest of your life?"
Her head snapped towards him. "Yes! That's why I was crying. I just can't see any way out. I know it's a practical choice, that I'd make good money. It's just the thought of going to work and doing that every day all my life just makes me feel sick."
"Is the money the most important thing to you?"
She thought for a few seconds and then seriously replied, "I don't know. Everyone tells me it is - or should be. Especially my parents. They started out, not really poor, but certainly without much money. They never went to college, but my dad worked hard at several different jobs. My mom also. Eventually they started their own construction company and now are actually quite well off. I suppose they should know. And I see all these students who major in some fun subject or some kind of Studies' program and end up selling cars or insurance or typing letters after they graduate. I guess money must be kind of important."
Evan's face took on a fleeting smile as a sudden thought flashed through his head. He almost couldn't help himself when he said, "Well, a pretty girl like you could always marry a rich doctor, lawyer or banker."
For the first time Sue's mood broke enough that she actually laughed. "Now you're sounding like the stereotype of the typical Jewish mother."
Evan joined her in a quick laugh. "I'm sorry. I wasn't serious and I hope you weren't offended."
"No, not at all. Somehow, though, I can't see myself as some kind of trophy wife. Besides, I'm not pretty enough for that."
Surprising himself, Evan exclaimed, "Of course you are. Whatever gave you that idea?"
Surprised herself, Sue answered, "The mirror." Then with an entirely different tone, all humor gone, she added, "And my family."
Evan shook his head. "They must be blind."
Sue looked up at him and the ghost of a smile touched her face. "You must be the one who is blind. Look at me. I'm wet, a bit dirty, and have been crying."
Slowly Evan shook his head back and forth. "That's not what I see." For long seconds he just looked at the girl, neither speaking at all. Then he shook his head slightly and said, "You are a woman now, not a little girl any more. You'll have to make your own decisions. I know that sometimes making one can hurt, both you and someone else, but you have to remember that you are the one who will live with your decision the rest of your life. Not your parents. Not your friends. I was once told, Use your head, but follow your heart.'. I can't tell you what to do. That's something you'll have to decide for yourself. Just remember it is a decision about YOUR life, not someone else's."
Sue still said nothing. After a long minute she did say, "Thank you. I think you are the first person who didn't tell me what I should be doing."
Evan just continued to hold her, her head resting against him. Slowly Sue seemed to relax and in a few minutes he realized she had drifted off to sleep. A far more relaxed sleep that she would have earlier. He pulled the opened bag around them and, with his arm still around her, drifted off to sleep himself, although he was still somewhat tense and concerned with his own problems.
When Evan next opened his eyes, light was penetrating the tent walls. Sue was still asleep as was his arm still wrapped around her shoulders. He tried to gently wriggle it so as not to wake her but enough to let the blood once more begin to flow. In a few more seconds it did so and his arm began the intense tingling of its return.
He lay quietly for a couple of minutes as feeling began to return to his hand and arm. Then he slowly extracted it and slipped from beneath the opened sleeping bag without awakening the sleeping girl. He looked at her and in the light of morning her face looked much more relaxed than it had the previous night. Was it just the morning light or had talking about her problem really helped? Whatever the reason she now looked, if not truly relaxed, at least not so uptight as the previous evening.
Evan made his way out of the tent and around the edge of the overhang to relieve himself. When he returned he still heard no sounds from within the tent so he made his way over to his pack to retrieve something for breakfast. He found a freeze dried scrambled egg and ham package for two. Generally when he went out alone he tried to find single serving meals but that was often difficult so if he particularly liked a dish, he often bought a two person package. Now he was happy that he had had some of those with him.
The morning air was still quite cool and rain was still falling although not quite as heavily as the previous night. He looked up at the sky and decided that if he had to guess, the rain would probably stop before afternoon. Giving a small shiver at the cool air, he placed a pot of water on the small stove and brought out a couple of packages of powdered hot chocolate.
Just then he heard some sounds from inside the tent. In another few seconds Sue emerged. She looked around and wrapped his sweatshirt a little tighter around her shoulders. "Good morning."
"Good morning, yourself. I have some water for hot chocolate heating and will have some scrambled eggs and ham in another few minutes. If you need to take a trip around the edge, feel free to use the poncho again." He pointed to where the garment was spread across some of the firewood.
Sue glanced out at the rain and then to the offered nylon. "Thank you, I think I'll take you up on that."
In another few minutes she returned and removed the poncho to once more spread it over the wood. She moved over beside the stove where Evan was relighting the fire. "Still a little cool this morning and we have plenty of wood." He got it started and then took the now boiling water from the small stove, adding it to the two mugs where he had already placed the powdered drink. He handed her a mug and then placed more water on the stove for the eggs.
Sue took the mug, thanking him. After a sip she said, "I again want to apologize for last night and to thank you for being so nice. I do feel a bit better this morning."
Evan smiled. "I'm sure a little dry sleep helped but there's nothing to apologize for."
"Oh, but there is. Several things. You certainly didn't need to share your food or your tent. You didn't have to listen to my problems. And not only did you let me stay warm and dry and sleep, you didn't try for anything else."
For a second Evan looked blank. Then Sue added, "A lot on men would have done more than just let me rest against them."
Even looked totally surprised. "That's not my style." Then, smiling, he looked her up and down. "I'll admit I certainly wouldn't mind but not unless the lady is willing and eager herself."
He saw Sue flush and look down for a second but she managed to say, "Thank you, anyway."
The water boiled and Evan added it to the package of freeze dried food. In a few more minutes the meal was ready and he divided it between a plate and flat bowl he had in his pack and managed to find a plastic fork for each of them. They sat on the ground cloth to eat and as they finished Sue said, "I really do want to thank you for everything. It did feel good to talk a little about my problems even if I'm not really sure it changed anything. At least, not yet. However, we made a deal and I said I'd listen to your problems, also. So now it's your turn to tell me what's bothering you."
Even looked slightly embarrassed and said, "You don't really need to. There have just been a few things going wrong the last week or so."
"I know I don't have to, but I think I need to. If for nothing else to make me feel a little better about laying my own problems on you."
Evan managed a smile. "I'm happy to have done that. You don't really have to listen to mine." He saw Sue start to object and raised his hand. "All right, I'll tell you. As I said it won't hurt even if it can't change things."
He then proceeded to tell her about what had happened. His girlfriend dumping him. The problem with his dad's job. The apparent loss of a promised job when he graduated. Sue listened and from the looks on her face was truly sympathetic. At last he wound down.
"I'm sorry about your girl. Obviously she didn't take the relationship as seriously as you did. I'm sorry about the other also, although I don't see anything I can do about that."
Evan suddenly smiled and, teasingly, said, "Does that mean you can do something about the girlfriend thing? Offering to replace her, maybe?"
Even if it was obvious that he was teasing, Sue still turned a bright red and stammered, "I didn't mean it quite that way."
She was trying to think of something else to add when Evan suddenly said, "I was only teasing. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He was silent for a second as he suddenly realized something. "However, seriously, I would like to see you some more when we get back to campus. That is, if you would like that."
Sue looked up in surprise. Her social life had not been outstanding lately. Her first two years had been fine. She was really quite a good looking girl and while she was taking general courses her freshman and sophomore years, she met a number of men who asked her out. She hadn't slept with all of them or anything, but there were a couple... And since early high school Sue had always loved making out. But when she began taking mostly engineering courses, most of the men she met were in that field. A number did ask her out but after one or two dates found she wasn't really interested in the field and, like many engineers, couldn't understand that. Everything about it was so interesting that it seemed EVERYONE should like it. Besides, The demands of the courses left Sue with little extra time.
It wasn't that she didn't want more, just that she was busy and not really interested in most of the men she met. Now she looked at Evan and thought that, yes, she would like to get to know him a little better. At last she quietly said, "I think I would like that. At least, as long as you aren't doing it just because you feel sorry for me or something."
Even's reaction was stronger than he realized it would be. "Never! No, I do want to get to know you better."
Sue was equally surprised at his reaction but was afraid to continue things in too serious a tone. Instead, just suppressing a small laugh, she teased, "Oh, I see. You admire me for my mind."
Evan caught her lightened mood. "Well, maybe, but I also admire you for your hot body."
This brought another flush and Sue's gaze dropped. Sue knew she wasn't bad but never considered herself really hot and might have been surprised that most men would have thought her so. But especially now when she knew she was rather bedraggled and a bit dirty... Not likely, she thought. Her hair was mostly dry but was still a bit of a mess. She had tried to comb it out somewhat but the fine blonde strands seemed to curl in the damp air. Still, she could tell from the look on Evan's face that he did think her rather good looking. She could feel her face warm but chose not to try and answer the comment.
The rain continued to fall throughout the morning. Slowly but steadily, not a driving shower or anything, but more than a drizzle. Just a slow, steady, cold rain. At first Sue tried to start back to her car, but Evan protested and said she should wait. It did look like the rain was getting lighter and probably would stop before too long.
The air was still chill and damp. They kept the fire going and Evan moved a piece of log over from the back of the overhang to use for a seat. Sometimes there were rather lengthy periods of silence, but mostly the two talked, learning a bit more about each other.
At one point Evan asked, "Did your family tell you that you had to go into engineering?"
Sue thought for a moment. "No, not directly. But they did strongly suggest it was a good major and always talked about how good a life it could provide. Then once I had that as a major they were always telling me what a good choice it was. I guess they have always pushed me to do what they wanted. I suppose they would have called it guiding me' but I still felt like I was pushed. I could say they never listened to how I felt, but in all honesty, I think I was too apprehensive to ever really say just what I wanted."
Evan remarked, "I know some parents are like that, especially ones that made their own way in life. I guess they have come to believe they just know better." Then a sardonic smile crossed his face and he added, "Often they are right - just not always."
Sue smiled. "Mine are sort of like that. Neither one of them ever went to college. Both are from, maybe not really poor families, but ones that certainly didn't have much money. They built up their own business with a lot of hard work and determination. I guess I can see a little why money is a big deal to them."
"I can understand that. Some people are just born with the drive to succeed' even if they don't always know just what that means. Some others get the drive from coming out of a situation they never want to go back to. They never want their kids to go through what they had to. Some have a bit of both of those things. I suspect your parents might fall into that category."
"Probably. It just seems that to them money is the measure of success. I don't mean huge piles of money, but enough to live quite well and never have to worry about it. I guess I just don't see life quite that way."
"No," Evan replied. "There are other things. I can't see letting money dominate everything. As they say, You need to stop and smell the roses.' Still, money is necessary. I once read a quote. "I have been rich and I have been poor. Rich is better.'"
They both laughed at this. Evan was happy to note that Sue's laughs and smiles now seemed natural and real, rather than forced and contrived. Then he suddenly realized his own world no longer seemed to be quite so black. Not perfect or even All Right', but not a total disaster.
They continued to talk all morning, occasionally feeding the fire. The conversation turned a bit away from their problems and soon they were discovering some things about each other. They found that they had a number of things in common, from books to music to activities like the hiking and camping. At lunch time Evan found some packaged soup which they fixed and had along with some of the cheese and summer sausage Sue had in her own pack.
By two the rain had mostly stopped and in another half hour Sue was ready to head back to her car. It was still a little chill and when Sue started to return his sweatshirt, Evan said, "Why don't you keep that? You can give it back to me sometime."
"That's OK, I can get by without it."
"No, keep it on now. That way I know I'll get to see you agin."
"What if I just keep it and never give it back/" Sue teased.
Even tried for an evil smile and responded, "Then I'll hunt you down and take it. With interest."
Sue laughed but thought, "I would definitely like the interest." She shook her head and finally agreed, "OK, but I promise to return it."
Evan smiled and nodded. Then a thought passed through his head and he suddenly said, "Why don't you wait ten minutes while I break camp and I'll walk back with you."
Surprised, Sue said, "You don't have to. Weren't you planning on staying another night?"
"I was but I'm afraid if I do I'll get to feeling bad about things again. Seriously, just give me a few minutes."
Sue put her pack back down and Evan quickly set about taking down the tent and reassembling his own pack. Although with all the rain it was unlikely to be a problem in any case, he took time to make sure the fire was out and finally swung his pack onto his shoulders and said, "OK, ready to go?"
Sue donned her own pack again and, with a last look around for anything they might have missed, set out up the trail.
The walk back seemed shorter than Evan would have expected and soon they came to the trail head where his car was parked. Opening the trunk he dropped his pack inside and turned to Sue.
She started to speak. "Again, thank you for everything. I'll wash your sweatshirt and get it right back to you."
She started to add something else when Evan suddenly said, "You said your car is a couple of miles along the road?" She nodded. "OK, let me give you a ride to it. Beats having to talk farther with everything so wet."
Sue drew in her breath to protest but quickly decided not to. Evan would not accept her refusal and, truth be told, she wasn't looking forward to another two miles of wet walking. Instead she smiled and said, "Once more, thank you."
When they had entered the car, Evan started it and let the engine run for a couple of minutes to let the heater start producing warm air. He pulled a small notebook from the console and wrote his name, address and phone number. He held it up to show Sue and said, "You'll need this to return my sweatshirt. But you only get it if you give me yours." He handed her the notebook and pen and was rewarded with a smile before she began to write.
When she finished he took the offered note, tucked it into his shirt pocket. and handed over his. Then at Sue's direction he turned right onto the road and quickly covered the distance to her car at a different trail head.
He stopped the car and got out, going around to open her door for her. Then he pulled her pack from the trunk and held it until she unlocked her own vehicle so he could place it inside.
Finally Sue turned to face him. "You know, I'm not sure exactly why, but talking with you has made things seem better. Not totally, by any means, but I believe I might think seriously about doing what I want. Maybe even changing majors. Thank you." Then on impulse she stretched up and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.
Surprised, but pleased, Evan replied. "You are most welcome." Then suddenly he said, "Sue." She turned back towards him. "Sue, would you let me take you out to dinner? Maybe tomorrow night?"
Equally surprised, but also pleased, Sue smiled and said, "I'll have to check my schedule." Then with less than a second's hesitation she said, "Yep, I'm free. Thank you."
Evan laughed, a good feeling flooding him. "All right. Say I pick you up about five tomorrow. Somewhere fairly nice but not black tie or anything like that."
Sue again smiled at him. "I'll be ready." Then she had to teasingly add, "At least if I can get my hair dry by then."
They both laughed and then Evan waited to make sure Sue's car started OK and then each set off to return home.
Sunday night Evan showed up at Sue's door just at five as he had said. She let him inside and he turned to look at her. For several seconds he just stared. At last he said, "I see you got your hair dry." Then more strongly, "You look fantastic!"
Sue had on a green velvet cocktail dress, mid thigh length and just slightly low cut front and back. She wore a silver chain around her neck supporting a reasonably sized pure green stone, probably a lab emerald. Her hair was fastened with a dark green velvet ribbon and hung onto her shoulders. Evan continued to look and then said, "You are really more beautiful than I could have imagined."
Sue was a bit embarrassed by his comments but managed to get out, "I'm not that good but thank you for saying so."
"Yes, you are that good. Believe me, I'm a keen observer of beautiful women and you are definitely in that category. Seriously, Sue, you are truly lovely."
Still a bit embarrassed, Sue ducked her head and turned to pick up her coat. Evan immediately reached for it and held the garment for her. They left and when her door closed, Evan said, "I was thinking Mancetti's, if that is OK with you."
"More than OK. Definitely." Mancetti's was an above average restaurant in the area. Sue had eaten there on a couple of occasions but it was not a place usually frequented by college students.
Evan led the way to his car and held her door as she climbed inside. He went around to his own side and soon they had covered the short distance to the restaurant. Again he opened her door and took her hand to lead her inside.
They were soon seated with menus and filled water glasses. Before they made their selections Evan asked, "Would you like an appetizer? Toasted ravioli, maybe?"
Sue replied, "That sounds nice."
In a few more seconds Evan said what he was having and Sue told him her choice. He asked about a drink. "Want some wine with that?"
Sue flushed just slightly. "I won't be legal for several more months."
He smiled. "I won't tell if you don't. Actually I doubt if they would ask here."
"Probably not," she admitted, "but I think I'll stick to iced tea."
When the waitress returned, Evan ordered for both of them. When she left Evan turned to Sue and said, "I hope you aren't offended that I did that. It's just the way I was raised. As my parents would say, with civilized manners'."
Sue shook her head and smiled. Then suddenly she stopped for a couple of seconds, just looking ahead. "No, I'm not offended at all. But I just realized that if most of the men I've known had done that I likely would have been. I mean most men I've known seem to have the idea that I really can't do anything for myself. They tell me what kind of career I should have and a dozen other things. You are not like that at all. When you ordered for me I felt honored, not put down in the least. I think it's because you've already told me to think for myself. Not let anyone else push me into something I don't want. Thank you for that."
"I am certainly not trying to tell you what I think you should do. Or, for that matter, what to have for dinner. You've already impressed me as being quite intelligent as well as beautiful."
"How can you possibly know anything about that?"
"You're an Engineering major with a high GPA. Besides I can tell a lot from talking with you. Vocabulary, manner of speaking and so on. You can't deny you are smart, now can you?"
"I'll admit intellectually I'm not dumb. Maybe about making the right decisions might be a different matter."
He looked steadily at her. "I doubt that. You've just repressed your own wants to avoid offending others."
Sue seemed to consider this for a second. "Perhaps. I don't know, but maybe." Then her face changed and she teased, "There you go, wanting me for my mind again."
Evan laughed. He slowly looked her up and down. "Maybe, but I also said I want you for your hot body, didn't I?"
Sue turned slightly red. Then she managed to reply, "You still didn't try anything last night, remember."
Now Evan laughed. "I also said that's not my style. And I prefer the lady to be very willing and interested." Just then the waitress arrived with their drinks and the appetizer and they changed the conversation to other topics.
Throughout the meal they had talked and become quite comfortable with each other. They had stayed away from the topics concerning their problems but had not avoided personal discussion. The result was that both had learned a lot about each other and both had liked what they had discovered, finding they had much in common.
When they had finished and Evan had paid the check, they went back out to his car. He held the door for Sue and when he entered his own side said, "It's still early. Would you like to go to a movie or is there something else you'd like to do?"
Sue thought for a few seconds and then said, "We can go to a movie if you want. Or we could just go somewhere and talk a bit more. I mean I was surprised at how much talking with you last night helped me."
Evan smiled. "Probably no more than talking with you helped me. OK, how about over at Greenfield Park?"
Sue nodded. "That sounds fine." Then she teased, "Taking me to a park on a first date?"
Evan could tell she was teasing and they had been getting along quite well and seemed to like teasing back and forth. "Well, as long as the lady is willing."
Sue laughed. With a smile she said, "Since it was my suggestion the lady is very willing. At least to talk."
The park was in a wooded area outside the city and Evan pulled into an empty parking area. This area was used for a single picnic table and thus was by itself, back behind a screen of trees separating it from the roadway.
For sometime they continued their earlier conversation, discussing various topics and some personal likes and dislikes. But until now the topics had not included any of the major problems facing either of them. Then at a pause in their discussion Evan asked, "Have you given any thought about what to do with your major?"
Slowly Sue replied, "Some thought, yes. Any conclusion or decisions, no. I am now considering changing majors but I certainly haven't decided anything for sure. Evan, I still have to face my family and that's a lot more pressure than you probably realize."
"I do understand. And I'm certainly not trying to push you in any way. The choices are totally yours."
"You did get me thinking about things. As you said, it's my life, not my parents'. Still I don't want to create a major problem with them." She stopped for a few seconds. "You did get me thinking a bit also about the money angle. This morning I spent a little time looking on the net. I've gotten the idea that a good advertising illustrator does get paid pretty well. Especially if they are good with computer graphics. I mean everything is headed that way now." She smiled and said, "Very few illustrations are done with pen and brush any more. Maybe if I get some data and show my parents that there is a real potential for a good salary they might take it better."
"That's probably a good approach." Then with a small laugh he added, "Appeal to their greed." The look on Sue's face made him laugh a bit harder and he said, "I'm sorry. I wasn't serious. Just teasing." He saw her face relax and a smile appear. "I know it's not greed but just that they want what they think is best for you. I can understand that money is probably a big thing to them."
"True. They're not out just to be rich. I understand that having started with nothing, money is probably a big thing to them. Besides they like what they are doing. Always have. So they haven't been faced with a hard choice between doing something they hate that brings in money and being poor. Or maybe not poor, but not so well off."
They were silent again for a few more seconds and then Sue asked, "What about you? Anything changing about your problems?"
"The more I think about it, I can probably find another good position when I graduate, so I think that may be receding a bit. Maybe not as good as what I thought I had lined up, but there are plenty of jobs out there in my field. I can't do anything about my dad's job so all I can do is hope he finds something that works out." Then Evan stopped and for several seconds just looked at her. Then with a smile and a deep breath he looked directly at her and said, "I may be getting some idea about the girlfriend thing."
Sue turned a bit red. Almost sputtering she said, "I'm not sure about that just yet."
Relaxing the look Evan said in a more serious tone, "I'm just teasing a little bit. But, Sue, I do find myself very attracted to you. I would like to take you out some more." Then he added, "That is, if you want that. Don't feel you need to if you aren't so inclined yourself."
Matching his look, Sue said, "Seriously, Evan, I think I am so inclined. I do like you. More so than I think I ever have for someone I've known such a short time." The she smiled herself and added, "We'll have to wait a bit to see about the girlfriend thing."
Even laughed and replied, "Fair enough. I do want to keep seeing you though. How about Friday night? Would you like to go to dinner and maybe a movie then?"
With just a little surprise at this Sue quickly replied, "I think I'd like that."
For another hour their conversation continued, each learning more about the other. No more mention was made of their personal problems but they did discuss a lot of personal likes, dislikes and interests.
A little after ten Sue said, "Evan, I've really enjoyed tonight. Not just the dinner but our talk. However, I do have class in the morning so I think I'd better get home."
Evan glanced at his watch. "I had no idea it was that late. I've got an eight o'clock, too. Sue, I'm sure I've liked things as much as you and I really look forward to Friday."
They agreed on a time for him to come by on Friday and Evan drove her back to her apartment. He walked around the car and opened her door, offering his hand. Still holding her hand he led her up to her door. As Sue unlocked the door she turned towards Evan and said, "Thank you again. Both for tonight and for yesterday." Then she completely surprised him - and even herself - by reaching up a placing a kiss directly on his lips.
With a surprised but happy look on his face, Evan said, "I should be thanking you. For both tonight and yesterday. I'm sure I got more from both than you could possibly have."
Sue smiled at him and shook her head. "No, I'm sure I did. Goodnight, Evan."
On Wednesday Evan called Sue to suggest a place for dinner. A bit more casual this time but still a good restaurant. Then on Thursday afternoon Sue received a knock on her door. She opened it and found a young man who asked, "Sue Brown?" She nodded and he said, I have a delivery for you." With this he held out a wrapped package that looked like it probably had a flower. Then he turned and left.
For several seconds Sue just stood there than she went back into the apartment and closed the door. She tore away the paper and found a single long stemmed red rose with some ferns and baby's breath. There was a small card and when she looked at it, it said simply, "I thought you should have this. Evan."
Sue had a few times gotten flowers but always for some special occasion. A corsage for a dance, from a couple of relatives for her high school graduation and once from a boy for her birthday. But she had never received a flower for no particular reason and she felt totally overwhelmed. If Evan was trying to impress her, it was working.
When Evan arrived for her on Friday she first thanked him profusely. He responded with a smile and "I just thought I should."
Over the next few weeks Evan and Sue went out more and more frequently. In another month they were dating at least once every week. They were also becoming more interested ineac other, both romantically and physically. A good night kiss was no longer the only one they shared and the pair frequently spent some long times engaged in intense kissing and some mild petting. But Ean never made any attempt to take their activities further.
One Wednesday they went to dinner at a small family type restaurant and afterwards to a movie. They left the theater about nine thirty and Evan asked if she would like something else to eat. Sue smiled and said, "Not really. Between the dinner and the pop corn I'm still quite full. Let's go back where we can talk some more."
"Certainly, my Lady. Where we went that first Sunday?" Sue nodded and in a few more minutes they were pulling into the same parking space beside the isolated table.
For the next half hour they again talked of mostly trivial things. Then suddenly Sue said, "I have been looking at possible illustrator positions. The ones which pay the most seem to want someone with both an artistic and computer background. I even went and talked with my advisor about a possible pathway. He told me that it would be possible to keep a computer engineering major but fill in the electives with art department or business school electives. Most engineering majors want to take only technical courses if they can get away with it but he showed me just what I would need for a minimum of engineering courses in what they are calling a Business Computer Engineering major. I'd still need a number of technical engineering courses - architecture, hardware, program structure and so on - but I would also take business courses such as advertising and then I could use art or other courses for electives. Overall it sounds like something I could live with and end up with something I'd really like. Something that would get me ready to do what I really want." She stopped for a few seconds and the said, "Now, if I can just sell that idea to my parents."
"That sounds like it might really work out for you. Tell me, honestly, does that sound like something you would really like or just the best of some bad choices?"
"No, it does sound like what I'd really like. Oh, there will be some technical courses I'm probably not going to be wild about but overall it sounds like something that will prepare me for the kind of work I'd really like."
"Then I'm quite happy for you. Now how are you going to go about convincing your parents?"
Sue laughed. "I'm not sure. I will still be getting a degree in engineering. That, at least, should make them happy, although it might take me an extra semester or even a whole year. I guess I just have to hope they accept that it's a real engineering degree."
Evan thought for a few seconds. "OK. I've had an advertising course or two. Probably the best approach is to make them think it's something that will put you out ahead of other engineers. Let's see." He stopped again for a bit, obviously thinking about things. "Maybe you should approach it like this. Say the university is adding a new major. Tell them businesses are looking for employees with both a technical computer and a business college background. That is perfectly true. Tell them you've heard that kind of background commands the best salaries. Maybe even give them some figures. You said you had looked at those. Tell them the money sounds good but it might take you an extra semester or even two. Then maybe indicate you are not sure you really want to go that way. Might take you a bit longer and be more work. I'll bet they suddenly try to convince you that is the way you should go. Let yourself be talked into it."
Sue laughed. "That sounds like the ideal approach. Also the nice thing is if they don't try to push me into it I can always push myself in that direction." She stopped for a second. "Did they teach you that kind of thing in advertising classes?"
Evan laughed. "Maybe not directly but advertising is, in general, trying to convince the customer that he really wants what you are selling. Sort of the same thing."
"I guess so. Anyway Thanksgiving is coming up in another week and I thought I might try to talk with them then. Now I see the right approach might be to let them think that I'm not hyped on the idea and let them convince me."
"It should be worth a try. And as you said, even if they don't jump at it, you can always do it yourself." Then he sat back and looked at her. "Now that you have an idea about that, I can think of something else we can do right now."
Sue smiled at him. "Oh, just what might that be?"
Over the weeks that first goodnight kiss had escalated a great deal. They had found that they both enjoyed long make out sessions, although their activities were limited to some serious kissing and mild - or sometimes not quite so mild - petting. Now Evan reached and turned Sue towards him. He pulled her closer until their lips were only an inch apart and said, "What do you think it is?" Then he moved and their lips met for a long kiss.
As they broke slightly apart Sue whispered, "Oh, so it's the same thing I was going to suggest." This was followed by another deep kiss. And over the next two hours by many, many more.
At Thanksgiving both made trips to their own home, but they each returned early Sunday. Sunday, as they had arranged, Evan came by for Sue just at five and soon they were entering the restaurant for dinner. When they had ordered and wee waiting for their food, Evan asked, "Well, did you bring up the changing major subject with your parents?"
Sue laughed. "I did. In fact, in just the way you suggested. I told them about the new engineering major with the business side but kind of indicated I wasn't sure about taking the extra time it would require."
Evan smiled. "How did they react?"
"Well, they didn't immediately try to talk me into it or anything. But, then, they didn't make any attempt to convince me it wasn't a good idea either. More of they just looked like they might be thinking about it. I decided to let the subject rest awhile but did manage to bring in aa mention a couple of times. I have the idea they may give it some serious thought. Maybe when I go back at Christmas I can bring it up some more."
"Good idea. Let them think about it and I wouldn't be surprised if they try to push you in that direction."
"What about you? Any changes in your problems?"
"Like I said before, I expect I can find a reasonable job somewhere else. I'm not so concerned about then anymore." He stopped for a few seconds and then said, "My dad has decided to see if he can find another job in the same area so they won't have to move. He is a good mechanic. It's just that there are no other dealerships in the area. There are several smaller shops but they probably won't pay as much. Still, my parents aren't really hurting for money and I think they would rather stay put even if it means a little less income. They have most of a month left. Hopefully he will find something before I go home for Christmas."
They continued to talk about a variety of things over the rest of their meal. When they finally left the restaurant Ean led her over to the car and held her door. When he got around to his side he asked, "What would you like to do now?"
Sue laughed. "You have to ask?" She stopped for a few seconds and then said, "I've missed you, Evan." Then with a totally surprised look on her face she added, "I've missed you and I've also missed our activities."
Evan smiled. "Activities?"
With a slightly sheepish look she answered, "OK. Our erotic activities. In short, I'm hot for you, Stud."
Evan smiled. "No more than I'e missed them. Sue, I find that I'm beginning tothink ery seriously about you. I hope you are beginning to feel a bit like that about me also." Sue emphatically nodded. "I know it's only been several days but it feels like a lot longer. I'm sure for both of us part of it is hormones and just physical, but not all of it. Sue, I believe I'm really falling in love with you."
Sue face softened and she let her hand move to stroke Evan's cheek. "I'm feeling the same way, Evan. It's definitely not all just erotic feelings." Then she took a deep breath let her face relax a bit. "But let's not forget about the erotic feeling altogether."
Evan laughed and pulled her over for a long, deep kiss. His hand moed to cup her breast and hers moved to stroke the inside of his thigh. After a minute they broke the kiss and Evan said, "Maybe we should go somewhere besides the parking lot."
Sue laughed and sat up. "Yes, we probably should." She looked up and saw that rain had started to fall. For a minute she had hoped they could find somewhere besides the car but with the rain and temperatures in the high thirties that didn't look likely now.
Evan asked, "Have somewhere in mind?"
"No. Yes. Evan, my apartment mate won't be back until tomorrow night or even Tuesday morning. Let's go back there?"
A bit surprised Evan asked, "Are you sure?"
Sue smiled. "Yes, I'm sure. And, Evan, you don't need to go back to your apartment tonight, do you?"
Now totally surprised Evan asked, "Are you sure about that, too? Is this what you really want?"
Sue nodded strongly. "Yes. Definitely. And the lady is very, very willing." Then she smiled and added, "Very willing and on the pill." Then she pulled him over and gave him a quick kiss. "Let's go."
A few minutes later they had parked in the lot of her apartment and then made a dash through the rain to her door. Inside they shook off what water they could and removed their coats before immediately turning to each other and locking into a tight embrace.
For several long minutes they remained locked in a hot kiss while hands roamed widely. When they pulled slightly apart, still a little breathless, Sue said, "I've needed that." She gave him another quick kiss and led him through a door into her bedroom. Once again she pulled him into a hot and long kiss while her hands worked their way under his shirt. Even was not passive and soon his own hands had her blouse unbuttoned and were cupping her bare beast.
For more long minutes they remained locked into this kiss while hands explored whatever bare skin they could reach. When they finally broke from this Evan stroked her hair and whispered, "Your hair seems to be a bit damp from the rain again."
Sue laughed and replied, "A bit and so does yours. Not to mention your pants and my skirt still have a bit of rainwater on them." She stopped for a couple of seconds and then added, "Why don't we get out of these wet clothes?"
Evan smiled at her and gave her another kiss. "As long as the lady is very sure."
"She is sure and very willing."
They began to undress each other and in only seconds both were completely bare. For a half a minute they just stood looking at each other and then Evan breathed, "You are incredibly lovely. Truly beautiful." He let his hands slide form her shoulders down her arms and then around her waist and over her hips. "Beautiful. And unbelievably hot."
Sue shook herself. "No more than you are." Then she pulled him against her and once again the couple locked into a long, deep kiss but this time hands roamed over bare flanks and bottoms.
They continued to make out for another twenty minutes but this time their petting was no longer limited. Evan grasped her breasts, rolling and pinching hard nipples. Sue ran a finger up the crack of his ass, sliding over the puckered anus and then around to cup his balls before firmly grasping his rigid cock. Soon Evan's finger stroked oer her sex itself and buried itself inside her now soaking slit.
Sue suddenly released her grip and pulled slightly away, dropping to her knees and quickly taking the hear of his rampant organ into her mouth. Even threw back his head and moaned. She could tell he was becoming quite excited and pulled back before he came. She stood and pulled him against her once more.
Evan kissed her and then said, "I would love to go down on you, too. Would you like that?"
Sue, breathing quite rapidly, replied, "Later. Now why don't you fuck me"
The words seemed to ignite Evan and he suddenly picked the naked girl up and laid her on the bed. Seconds later she felt his rigid rod penetrating her deeply and for the next couple of minutes no words were spoken or needed. Sue could feel herself climbing higher and higher and suddenly her world exploded into a black oid pierced by bright colored sparks and stars and she felt as if she ceased to exist. It wasn't for long and she once again became aware she felt Evan spurting deeply inside her.
As the couple came down she whispered, "That was wonderful. I've never come like that the first time. Nor even for many, many time and maybe ever."
"It's never been like that for me, either," Evan said. "Sue, I loe you and can never imagine how anyone could be better."
"No, noone. Evan, I love you, too."
The couple clung together for long minutes. In fact they didn't rise from the bed for several hours and before morning they had made love another three times. They skipped their Monday morning classes and it was after noon before Evan left for his own apartment.
Over the next month it was not unusual at all for one of the pair to spend a night or a weekend in the other's apartment. Apartment mates didn't seem to mind and Evan and Sue certainly didn't, even if they sometimes had to hold the noise down a bit.
When the semester ended, both planned to make trips to their own homes for Christmas. Two days before they expected to leave, Evan's apartment mate had already gone for the break. For those two days neither left Evan's apartment and, in fact, only got dressed at all once or twice.
They also discussed their future plans. Evan planned to continue in school to get another degree and Sue had at least another year at the minimum. They decided that as soon as the next semester ended in May they would find an apartment together. And certainly no other room mates.
When they at last had to leave they decided that each would return right after New Years. The next semester wouldn't start for another three weeks after that and each would have an apartment to themselves for that. They were sure they could find something to do to fill the time until classes resumed.
On January third both returned and by five Evan was knocking at Sue's door. There were some strong kisses but then, Sue, excitement in her voice, said, "I have some good news but let's get dinner first. I'm starving."
Evan laughed. "All right. I guess my news can wait until then also."
They went to a local Mexican restaurant. They had been there before and had found the offerings quite good. This night was no exception and satisfied with their meal they drove over to one of their favorite parks. Most of the students either hadn't returned yet or were just arriving so they found themselves quite alone.
After a couple of nice kisses Evan said, "OK. So what is your good news."
Sue smiled. "I did just like we discussed and brought up the possible change again. I just didn't sound too enthusiastic about the idea. They reacted exactly like we hoped and began urging me to consider changing into the combined program. Even indicated that an extra semester or two was probably worth it. I finally said I'd consider the idea and we left it at that but I bet they will be sending me letters or e-mails trying to talk me into it. Oh, Evan, I have you to thank for it. Four months ago I was totally lost and could see no way out of it. Now it looks like things will work out."
She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss that made the previous ones look completely cool.
When they separated a bit Evan said I didn't really do that much, but you are certainly welcome."
"Yes, you did. You are the very first to tell me to think about what I really want and not what someone else says I should do. You did more in that one night we were camping than all the "advisors" and friends have in many years. Thank you." She stopped for a second and then said, "Not to mention meeting you is about the most wonderful thing that has happened since I first got here." She gave him another kiss.
"You know, I'm really happy you got caught in the rain that night. Not only did talking with you make my own problems seem easier to take but you are definitely the most wonderful girl I have ever met." He stopped for a second and looked deeply into her eyes. "I've really fallen for you, Sue. Fallen really hard."
"It works both ways, Evan. I've fallen for you just as hard." Another deep kiss. Sue took a deep breath and asked, "Just what is the news you said you had?"
Evan took a deep breath. Then a second one and began "I talked with my parents the other night. Dad's job as a mechanic is still going away. He didn't think he'd be able to get another like it because there aren't any more dealerships nearby. But he checked with a couple of the small repair shops in the area. None could pay him nearly as much as he's getting now but a couple thought they might be able to take him on. One he talked with does some mechanical work but is mostly paint and body repair. Dad once told me a long time ago he'd been interested in becoming a sign painter. You know, like the sides of trucks and so on. Well, when he mentioned that the owner of the shop got quite interested. He said that they had lost out on a couple of large body repair and painting contracts with several big companies because the companies wanted to get all their work, including the sign work, done at the same place. He even mentioned that he thought they might get some extra work in auto detailing and so on. He couldn't offer dad as much as he is now making but said he could give him a commission in addition to salary and even thought there might be a chance to become part owner of the shop in a couple of years. It's something Dad has long thought he would really enjoy and now he is thinking very seriously about taking him up on that. It's in the same area so they would be able to keep the house they now have."
"Great! That sounds like at least one of your problems might go away. That still leaves a couple but I'm happy for you."
"True, there is still the fact that the job I expected has disappeared. But the more I think about it the less important that seems. I mean I will have a good business and accounting degree and there are a lot of firms that need people like that. I could even stay in the area if I want. And who knows. Maybe in a few years I could open my own firm. I have been thinking seriously about going on and getting a CPA certification. Perhaps I may consider just working part time until I obtain that."
Sue smiled at him. "Maybe the cold rain is beginning to clear up a little. For both of us." Then smiling she looked at him and said, "Now, if you could just take care of the girlfriend thing."
Evan looked directly into her eyes, holding her gaze locked on him. Then he slowly said, "I think I may already have. Haven't I?" He pulled Sue towards him and their lips met for a long, long kiss. This certainly wasn't the first time but somehow it seemed a little different.
As they pulled slightly apart, Sue looked just as intently at him. She breathed, "Yes, I think you have. Evan, I really believe I've fallen in love with you."
He smiled. "That's good because I'm sure I've fallen in love with you." He kissed her again.
Evan smiled to himself. He had thought about things a lot over the break and had come to a conclusion. In fact he had already started to look at engagement rings and expected in just a few weeks he'd be buying one.
Suddenly Sue asked, "Is it supposed to rain this weekend?"
Puzzled, Evan said, "No, I don't think so. In fact the weather is supposed to be sunny and quite warm for this time of year. Why?"
"I was just thinking that maybe it might be fun to go backpacking."
Surprised, Evan said, "That does sound like it might be fun."
Sue smiled. "I'm sure it will be." She kissed him again and added, "And this time we'll certainly only need one sleeping bag.
Surprised again Evan looked directly into her eyes. "Are you sure you really want to go camping? I mean it's still going to be quite cool. In the thirties, I think. Of course somewhere like the other time would be pretty sheltered."
She smiled back. "Very sure. After all, you told me to do what I want, not what someone else expects me to do."
Evan's smile went as wide as hers. "Then I see we are still in agreement."
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