romance – Badger Unfiltered

Leave it to Beavers: Jake 5

I thought it was bad enough that I was seeing naked women all over the place now. And not just naked women, but Piper and Josie and yes, Aurora. Now… I cannot stop thinking about Aurora’s panties! What am I going to do? Return them? Hey, Aurora, you left your white panties, with the lace, and a faint yellow stain in my car. No, I didn’t smell them at all. Why would I smell your panties. Or, I could just keep them and pretend I didn’t know anything about them. If she asks about them, I might ask if she could describe them. Were they white with lace and a faint yellow stain? Nope, haven’t seen them OR smelled them. I really wanted to keep them though and I didn’t know why. I wasn’t going to wear them and I don’t consider myself a thief. The right thing to do would be give them back. That is how my Mom raised me. My Mom. Now I am thinking about my Mom and Aurora’s panties at the same time! This is crazy. If my Mom knew I was taking pictures of women having sex… wait, if I am here, then Mom and Dad had sex. After watching the DICE, twice now having sex, what did my parents do?

I have decided. I am going to return the panties on the next shoot. That’s it! Decision made. What a relief?

I have been keeping them on my nightstand next to my bed. Just so I won’t lose them. Sometimes I find myself staring at them. Then I will pick them up and look at the faint yellow stain. And of course, since no one is around, I will smell them. Not a big deal. I briefly wondered if I should wash them. But then, I have never washed a woman’s panties before and what if I ruined them. No, better just to return them as is. With the white lace and the faint yellow stain and that smell of…

Strange, but I found myself forgetting things. Like what day it was or I would buy some milk and discover I already had milk in the fridge. Sometimes I found myself staring at Aurora’s panties while lying in bed not knowing exactly how I got there. Or looking at the photos of the DICE without realizing it. Must have been strictly for artistic purposes.

I almost forgot about the last phone call I had with Ivan. The girls were annoyed I didn’t help them clean up. Clean up what? What was I supposed to clean up? Wash their baseball uniforms? Wash… wait. That is not possible. I mean no way. But what if that is what they wanted? It’s in my contract and that contract is really good. I will be set for life, but I can’t do that. What would Mom think?

I wasn’t getting much sleep. If I wasn’t staring at Aurora’s panties, I would wake up with them on my face.

Work was the same old thing. I would just see naked female employees covered in flour and pizza sauce. There were male employees, but I never really saw them. I would make my deliveries and women would come to the doors completely naked. I was seeing naked women everywhere. Is something wrong with me? I started feeling trapped. My life was … moderately normal. Until I went to that hotel room and met the DICE. I photographed beautiful naked women… doing things. Maybe I am addicted? But to what? The money? I almost forgot. My pay on the second shoot was double the first! Ivan said the first shoot was a tryout to see how I did. This is really like an easy gig. So, what was bothering me?

Classes had ended and it just became the tedium of delivering pizzas and waiting for the next shoot. I did attempt to take some photos, but they too became mundane. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Ivan called and gave the schedule for the next shoot. It was going to be at the Mansion. It was to be a bikini shoot by the pool. Apparently, the Mansion had a pool. I was looking forward to seeing the Mansion. I only saw it from the road. I had my camera equipment packed days ahead. I started to get into professional mode. I now knew what I should be expecting from the ladies. Plenty of flesh, changing in front of me and then they will do their thing. I just have to stay cool and focused.

I hadn’t washed to car yet and the smell of melted soft serve vanilla ice cream permeated throughout my car. It reminded me of the DICE doing their thing in the back seat. I was almost at the Mansion when I realized I had forgot Aurora’s panties. The ones with the white lace and faint yellow stain that smelled… oh well, if she doesn’t say anything I won’t either.

All three warmly greeted me at the gate. They were already in bikinis and they took me on a tour of the Mansion. I have never been in such a massive home. The garage itself was like two of my apartments put together. Huge living room fireplace, a dining room that could easily fit 20 guests. I don’t even know 20 people. The kitchen was immaculately clean and fully stocked. I asked about the upstairs, but Aurora said we could see that later. Okay. We exited the Mansion through the patio doors onto the pool area that was fully enclosed. And then we got to work. Not sure if you could call what the girls did as work. It looked more like play to me.

They did their poses in and out of the water. On lawn chairs. There was a patio table that contained a number of different bikinis. And as I suspected, they had no problem changing in front of me. I just took it in stride. They lathered themselves with sunscreen and oils. It made their skin glow. Of course, Aurora still wore her glasses. I have to say, I was becoming more comfortable with the ladies. It just seemed we knew what to expect from each other. They would spread their legs or bend over grabbing their bums. Sticking out their tongues making naughty faces. Sometimes they would pose half naked and sometimes they would pose with nothing on and still spreading their legs and sometimes touching themselves. I became aware that it was these times when they … started touching themselves that it would lead to them doing other things. I just kept on taking pictures.

It was a nice day and I thought the photos were going to turn out great. I was feeling really good.

Then Aurora said that they were going to need help cleaning up. Oh my god. I forgot. Okay. What do you need help cleaning up? I think I said that, but not entirely sure. Just follow us they said. They were naked. So, I followed them back into the Mansion and they headed for the stairs. I remember watching their naked bums going up the stairs.

Then, I was in my car. I had started it. The smell of melted soft serve vanilla ice cream brought me back. What had happened? Naked bums going up the stairs and now I am in my car! I almost went back inside, but I didn’t want to appear like an idiot. I drove home. All the time, just wondering. I have never blacked out before or had a memory lapse. It’s kind of scary. I don’t feel drugged. In fact, I was feeling pretty good. For some reason I had a flashback of my first real hunting trip with my dad. Wasn’t sure why I would think of that, but I did. The first deer I shot. It was a ten-point buck. At the time, it seemed huge to me. I remember my dad cutting out the liver and saying every true hunter must take a bite of their first kill. It was like a rite of passage. I trusted my dad so I did as I was told. Blood dripping down my chin. Odd taste. He marked my cheeks with blood. I really didn’t feel any different. But then I realized that it was a short time later that I saw that beaver swimming in the lake. My spirit animal. Was there a connection?

I snapped out of my thoughts. I went to my computer and loaded up the pics I had just taken of the DICE. I enjoyed checking over my work before sending the pics to Ivan. I studied the women more closely. At least more closely than before. Their skin glistened in the sun with water or sunscreen. Their hair captured my attention. Josie had a darker auburn hair colour. A little curly. I noticed the snake tattoo that wound about her left leg. It was very colourful. The tail started near her ankle with the head disappearing in her pubic hair. Interesting. I zoomed in and was even able to see finer hairs around her belly button and on her arms. Neck hairs. I looked at Piper and well, the first thing that stands out is her incredible chest but she too had fine blonde hairs on her chest. Her hair was very blonde and it matched her neatly trimmed pubic hairs. She had fine hairs running from below her tailbone up her backside. Just fascinating really. Then there was Aurora. Aurora had armpit hair. I always thought women shaved their armpits. Why was she different? She had sandy blonde hair on her head that fell loosely to her shoulders. Her armpit hair and pubic hair were the same colour. But she even had fine hairs all over her body that at first glance you wouldn’t really notice. Even her legs. Did she shave at all? Her upper lip had similar small hairs, but on her it just seemed normal. Like there was anything normal about Aurora. I was looking at a shot of her spreading her legs. Her hands were down spreading… well, they were spreading. I was just looking at her wet pubic hair and not the pink between her fingers. It was easier not getting distracted by zooming in closer. She had soft hairs around … the pink… and it was dripping… wet. I shook my head. It was dark outside and I was tired. I shot off my computer deciding that I would send the pics the next day. I went to bed and automatically grabbed Aurora’s white lace panties with the faint yellow stain and placed them over my face. That peculiar smell lulled me to sleep like a drug.

Leave it to Beavers: Jake 9

I sent Ivan all the photos from the last shoot. Even the ones in the farmer’s market. He was very pleased and said I was doing great work. The girls loved working with me and I told him how much I enjoyed working with the girls. I don’t know what he does with them and I don’t ask. Marketing or advertising I suppose for either the Diamond Club Experiment or StarDreamers.

I am becoming more and more comfortable with the women. I am no longer shocked by what they do to themselves or each other. Not like that first time in the hotel room. That was quite the initiation. All that flesh and sweat and smell. Sometimes I look back at the photos in the hotel room, I keep copies, and can only shake my head in disbelief. But now, I feel like I am almost one of them. Almost. I am still the man behind the camera and my lens is like a protective shield.

I recently went on a date. Yup. A date. I don’t go on many dates, but every now and then someone asks me out. Her name was Mary or Kathy or something and she worked at the pizza place where I delivered food. I should have declined, but I have a hard time saying no. She was somewhat attractive and I cannot even remember the colour of her hair. Brunette maybe. I think it was a … Tuesday maybe when I went to pick her up. She got into my car and almost immediately made a face. What’s that smell? I don’t smell anything. I realized that one thing you should never do on a first date, especially a first date, is insult, intentionally or not, the person you are going out with. Of course, my car smelled. It smelled of melted soft serve vanilla ice cream. I was meaning to clean the back seat, but well, I had kind of gotten used to it. In fact, sometimes while driving it would remind me of the DICE fooling around in the back seat. And sometimes, I would look in the rearview mirror hoping to see Aurora’s white lace panties with the faint yellow stain in the back window. So, yeah, the date did not start out well.

We ended up at some Italian restaurant. We ordered drinks and began looking at the menu. She was a vegan. How do I know? Because that is all she talked about from the time I picked her up. And she kept rambling on about veganism. I almost felt like telling her about the first deer I killed. But I didn’t. Instead, I ordered a medium rare sirloin steak. She ordered a salad and pasta. And then she continued talking about how chickens and cows and pigs have feelings and how inhumane they were treated. I just nodded my head as I hacked into my steak and let blood drip down my chin while taking a bite. I didn’t even wipe my chin. It was kind of cruel. The waiter came by to see how we were doing. I asked if I could have an order of chicken wings to go. I took her home and she kissed me. She actually kissed me very affectionately. Too much so. She asked if I wanted to come in and I declined. I said I didn’t want my chicken wings to get cold. And that was it. Or so I thought.

The next time at work, she was all over me. Everywhere I went, everything I did, she was there. Smiling at me. Saying how wonderful our date was. I was happy making my deliveries just to get away from Mary… or was it Kathy? And when I returned, yup, there she was! A psycho vegan. What? Are we married? We went out on one date that was horrible. I quit the pizza place that night. I didn’t need the job anymore anyway. One lesson I did learn from the experience was NEVER date someone you work with. It is a recipe for disaster!

Ivan let me know the date of the next shoot. It was supposed to be an easy assignment. Some sort of wrestling in oil. I can handle that. After my recent adventure with Mary or Kathy… or psycho vegan, it would be nice to have some normalcy with Aurora, Piper and Josie.

I arrived at the Mansion and parked my car inside the garage. I noticed that a certain section of the garage had been turned into a kind of wrestling ring. But not like a full-sized wresting ring. And the ring itself was more like a square shaped wadding pool. It was well lit and I was confident I would get some really nice pics. I found the ladies in the living room near the fireplace getting changed into their wrestling or fighting gear. They gave me warm hugs and all was pleasant. Their hair was braided like women have in mixed martial arts. They had tight tops and boxer shorts with DICE clearly displayed. Although they looked very impressive in their fighting attire, they were clearly not fighters.

While we were chitchatting about how I was feeling and how I thought the last Daisy Duke photo shoot went, I told them I had recently gone on a date. Their reaction was somewhat odd as all three seemed to turn their heads towards me in unison. Aurora spoke first. You went on a date? Yes, I went on a date. So, before the shoot, the wrestling shoot, all three sat on the couch and made me tell them all about the date. It was like being interrogated. I told them how her name was Mary or Kathy or something. You don’t even know her name? I left out the part about her insulting the smell of melted soft serve vanilla ice cream in my car. I didn’t want to explain why I hadn’t cleaned my car. I did tell them how she was a vegan and how she kept talking and talking about veganism. They looked at each other and nodded and said that was not good. They said vegans were all psychos. Right! That’s how I felt. I said how I ate a medium rare steak and had blood dripping off my chin that I didn’t wipe off. And then I told them how I ordered chicken wings to go even though I wasn’t hungry. They thought that was hilarious and I really felt good sharing my story with them. They asked how the date ended. They were really interested in my story. So, I told them how, when I dropped her off, she kissed me. She kissed me a lot. They all leaned forward and Aurora asked what did you do? I said I kissed her back. Did you like it? Well, it wasn’t unpleasant. But she was a psycho. Did she stick her tongue in your mouth? It was a very wet kiss. She invited me in, but I said no. Did you put your hands on her? Did she put her hands on you? How did you feel? No. No. And I felt fine and left. Wow, such interest in a date. I told them how she wouldn’t leave me alone at work so I had to quit. They agreed that was the best thing to do. Stay away from psychos. And in the future, let them know about any dates ahead of time. They would be there for me. Friends have to look out for one another. Aurora stressed that I shouldn’t date anyone for sometime after the trauma I had just suffered. Her concern was well intended, but I didn’t really believe I had suffered any trauma. Right?

After all that, we headed out to the garage and I got down to my real job now. The “ring” had contained a lubricant and after the ladies, or my friends as they so recently informed me, entered the ring soon became well lubricated. They made a great display of feigned wrestling moves. Barring teeth in pretended pain. Grabbing each other. I became aware of the scent of vanilla. I asked “my friends” about it and Aurora said the lubricant tasted and smelled like vanilla ice cream. Would you like a taste? No, I am fine. I was just wondering. We got back to work. Hands were soon disappearing into boxer shorts. Tops were soon off. Tongues were soon out. Boxer shorts then came off. Lubrication was everywhere on their bodies and I kept taking my pics half worried that I would get splashed by lubrication. I then did some individual poses with my friends now completely naked. Piper and Josie were first and after they were done, they said they were going to get washed off. I finished with Aurora. She still scares me a bit. She seemed almost Greek like in her poses. She was still wearing sunglasses and her hair… her lubricated armpit hair and pubic hair glimmered in the bright lights. I could almost imagine we were not in a garage or I wasn’t behind a camera or she wasn’t the subject of work. She glowed.

She got out of the ring and said she would really need help cleaning up. By now, I knew what that meant. And yet, I was reluctant. I just feared blacking out again. She led me from the garage, dripping lubricant as she went through the house and up the stairs. And up the stairs I followed once again looking at her backside.

I was in my car. The car was running and I looked into the back seat and saw my camera bag. The lights from the wrestling ring were still on. I had no shirt, but that wasn’t really important at the time. It was still summer temperatures. Yes, I blacked out again and it was becoming more and more frustrating and scary. As I drove home, the smell of melted soft serve vanilla ice cream seemed stronger than ever. It was almost like it was clinging in the air and on me. I made it home. This time I didn’t go to my computer and look over the pics. I just felt so relaxed and calm that I just wanted to sleep. As scary as these episodes were, I seemed almost peacefully lethargic afterwards. Once again, I fell onto my bed, covered my face with Aurora’s white lacey panties with the faint yellow stain and drifted off to sleep.

The black fog entered my dreams. It was all around me. And even though I felt a presence, it was not malevolent. It was just remote and distant. I felt like I was dead. I could not see anything. I couldn’t see my hands. Just a black fog swirling around me. I felt alone… and yet, I wasn’t.

Leave it to Beavers: Jake 13

Ivan called and said he really enjoyed the western shoot. The photos were amazing! And that I was doing excellent work and the ladies really loved working with me. It is always nice to hear compliments on your work. However, being modest, I said the credit should really go to the women of DICE. And I really meant it. After all, they were my friends… or at least that is what they said. Ivan said either way, the investors at StarDreamers really appreciated the work and they decided to offer a work/vacation getaway. Cool! They were going to rent a cabin in the mountains by a lake and that I would have a variety of ways to photograph the ladies. The cabin had a fireplace, a dock with a motorboat, a hot tub, and all in the scenic mountains. This was incredible! It would be just like going home to Easter Bay! Without Mom and Dad of course. I cannot even imagine doing … well, doing what I do with Mom and Dad watching! Nightmare!!! Anyway, getting away from the city and being in the woods was like a dream. I might even, I hope, I hope, to see some wild beavers!!! I wish I could have called or texted the ladies, but of course in my contract there is a no contact clause. Not sure why. I have to go through Ivan for all the arrangements.

I really didn’t have to make any plans to pack as I was so used to being in the woods that my stuff was pretty much ready to go. I would have liked to have gone hunting, but wasn’t sure if the ladies would like that too much and it was only for a weekend. But, I could still go fishing! I was so looking forward to this. We were to leave on a Friday and return on the following Monday. It was late summer so the mountains were going to be so beautiful and the trees would just be beginning to turn colour for winter. I couldn’t help but smile thinking about it! I arrived at the Mansion early Friday morning and parked my soft serve melted vanilla ice cream smelling Chevy Nova in the garage. There was a new Audi A7 all ready for us to take to the mountains. The ladies were already there and after warmly greeting my friends, I quickly loaded their stuff, along with mine into the trunk of the Audi. I couldn’t believe how much room there is in the back of an Audi!

We set off. Our destination was already pre-programmed into the car’s navigational system. Super easy. Although, I grew up with maps that my Dad taught me how to read. Aurora sat up front and seemed very eager to see the mountains. It was going to be about a 4 hour drive and Piper said she had made a playlist of classic rock songs on her phone. I also grew up on Dad’s love for classic rock. It always made long drives way more enjoyable. The mountains soon loomed towards us and traffic became less and less. Tom Petty was playing Southern Accents. The sun was shining, but you could sense a slight drop in temperature and the elevation made my ears pop.

We passed a large sign that said we were now in bear country. Home! Well, not quite. Aurora, for most of the trip had been quiet until she saw that sign. She was asking if that sign was a joke. And I said no, we are in bear country. She started to become a little frantic. Okay, she became a lot frantic. Piper and Josie attempted to calm her down. I reassured her that more people were killed by moose and elk and deer than bears. We probably wouldn’t even see a bear. Bears tended to stay away from humans. She really had an animal phobia. Then I remembered her being uncomfortable around the animals at the ranch even though they all seemed to be attracted to her smell. I told her that she was more likely to see moose, elk, deer, maybe a mountain lion, birds, rabbits… She freaked when I said rabbits! Are there white rabbits?? White rabbits? Apparently, she was even more afraid of white rabbits than bears. Did I say Aurora was strange? I said if there were any rabbits they would not be white since it wasn’t winter. It didn’t really seem to help.

For the rest of the drive she would go through periods of pensive silence and then ask me a litany of animal questions. Finally, I told her to relax, which later in life I would realize you never ever say to a woman, that I grew up in the mountains and I would be there to protect her and Piper and Josie. She made me promise to protect her. Of course, I promised. A vacation with a hysteric woman is no vacation.

We arrived at the cabin in the afternoon. A log cabin and the scenic view was all I imagined. The air felt so clean. Piper and Josie ran down to the dock. Aurora asked if I would help her check out the cabin. She just wanted to be inside for a bit. I think she was still feeling nervous. I really did feel sorry for her. The cabin had that inviting rustic smell of wood. There were photos hanging from the walls of all sorts of animals that could be found in the area. A stuffed deer head hung over the fireplace. None of this seemed to sooth Aurora. She insisted that I check out all the rooms. And afterwards she asked me to check them again. Holy. The cabin was spacious. The kitchen was well stocked and the dining room table resembled a picnic like table. There were multiple bedrooms and also a couch with a pullout bed. Off the kitchen was a deck with a BBQ and a Jacuzzi. It was very nice. Piper and Josie came in and said the view from the dock was incredible. There was a nice boat and you could see little fish swimming around the dock.

By the time they got themselves settled it was later in the afternoon. Piper and Josie took a room together and Aurora took her own room. I decided I would sleep on the couch pull out. For dinner we agreed that I would cook some burgers on the BBQ and the ladies would make a simple salad. It was almost … homey. Almost. There were still a couple hours of sunlight so I suggested that the ladies enjoy the Jacuzzi and I would take some pics. Get a head start. They all got into their bikinis and jumped into the Jacuzzi. Even Aurora. Although, just not as enthusiastically. The sun was like just behind them and there was even a view of the dock. It made for some excellent pics. Afterwards, I made them some cocktails while I enjoyed my beer. It felt nice to be able to just relax with them and watch the sunset. They did ask if I wanted to join them. I respectfully declined. I really didn’t want to get into the Jacuzzi with these 3 naked women. After all, they were my friends.

We were all a little tired from the drive and add a few alcoholic beverages it was soon time to turn in. Josie and Piper went to their room and Aurora went to hers. I was a little surprised Aurora didn’t join the other two, but I guess she was just tired. I got a fire going. I just love sleeping next to a fire. I heard some grunts and moans coming from Piper and Josie. That wasn’t really a surprise. It did make me smile. I was soon in bed myself, lulled to sleep by the dark night and the crackling of the fire. At that moment, I couldn’t think of a place I would rather be.

I woke the next morning and found Aurora in my bed curled up behind me. It was still early morning. I wasn’t sure what she was doing there, but I decided to let her sleep. I wanted to go fishing anyway. I quickly dressed and grabbed my gear. I went down to the dock. The lake was calm and there was a morning mist hovering over the surface. I could hear loons in the distance. I should have brought my camera, but there was always tomorrow. I settled into my fishing and soon caught a couple nice trout. Dinner for tonight. I missed this. Nothing could break this tranquil moment.

Except maybe a scream coming from the cabin. What was going on? I dropped my pole and rushed up to find Aurora in hysterics! Piper and Josie were trying to console her, but she looked at me and crying kept asking me where I went and why did I leave her alone and she could have been killed by white rabbits or bears or moose or elk or sharks or … WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME!!!??? Josie went and came back with a glass of water and some pills that she said were muscle relaxers. She gave one to Aurora. And soon, thankfully, Aurora began to calm down. She said she was sorry. She just panicked. She had a bad dream. Wow! I am so grateful I am not a woman. Aurora was strange to begin with, but she always seemed so in control. After being tucked in by Piper and Josie, she finally fell into a peaceful sleep on the pull out bed. What a morning.

Later that day, Piper and Josie joined me down by the dock so we could get some pics of them pretending to fish. For most of the day they had been watching Aurora and after she woke and apologized again, she said she would take a quick shower and join us after. The ladies were wearing waders and tight shorts with a fishing vest just barely covering their bras. They had on sunglasses and cabin hats. Their lines didn’t actually have any hooks or bait. It was all for show. They posed in various seductive positions and I captured them from various angles. It was nice.

And low and behold if Aurora didn’t come down to join us. She hugged everyone, but me. But she looked nice. She had made a jug of orange juice with vodka and we were soon enjoying cocktails and taking pics. They soon lost their waders and shorts and underwear. They were left with sunglasses, hats and their vests. Piper could have gone without a vest she was just so … big. And Josie’s snake glistened in the water. They were all laughing. They would slap their poles in the water and Aurora was holding the pole from the wrong end and while I kept taking pics, I just thought these women were nuts! And then… Aurora stood straight up in the water and did a nose plant into the lake! Like face first! Of course I got an excellent pic of her going in, but then we all looked at each other expecting her to get up. She didn’t! I rushed in and picked her up into my arms. She was choking and gasping. I had Piper and Josie run up ahead to get some towels as I carried Aurora back to the cabin. She was squirming and laughing and singing. For someone so petite, she was heavier than I imagined. She grabbed my head and kissed me! I mean she really kissed me! And then she just laughed! She was clearly out of her mind. The women dried her off and got her back into bed. She was still babbling incoherently. Josie discovered her pill bottle on the counter and she guessed that Aurora may have taken another 2 pills! No wonder and that was with the vodka and orange juice. That was it for the day. No one was leaving Aurora alone.

We spent the rest of the day looking after Aurora and we also decided to cut our vacation short and leave the next day. I did end up cooking my trout with some mushroom rice on the side. Everyone enjoyed it. Everyone, but Aurora, who was still asleep. Then we, except Aurora, played a game of Monopoly to pass the time. After that, Piper and Josie got into some pajamas and I took some more pics. They were even able to get Aurora in her pajamas and positioned her in some pics even though she was completely passed out. It was rather easy to do because she always wore sunglasses anyway.

Piper and Josie convinced me it was a good idea if I slept with my arm around Aurora. At first, I was hesitant. They were worried she might wake up and hurt herself so I reluctantly consented. After all, we slept together the night before. Piper and Josie went to their room and I crawled in behind Aurora. It felt weird putting my arm around her. I had to get close to her. But… it was for her own good. She smelled nice. She was warm. She grabbed my hand and held it to her chest. I fell asleep breathing in her scent. I had some nice dreams that the next day I couldn’t remember.

I woke up the next day to the smell of coffee. Usually, I am the first one to wake. But Piper and Josie were making breakfast. Eggs and bacon and toast and fresh coffee. Aurora was still asleep. But shortly, even she was awake. She asked what had happened and when we explained she apologized for ruining everyone’s vacation. We told her that we were leaving a day early. I made up some excuse that I had to get back early for some various reason. And after breakfast I loaded up our gear in the Audi A7 and we left. Aurora was in the back seat behind me and Piper sat up front. The trip back was quiet and uneventful. I did get some excellent shots so it wasn’t all a waste. Aurora was explaining to Josie and Piper how sorry she was and that she had this huge dread of animals. Especially white rabbits. She watched this movie, The Holy Grail, and there was a white rabbit that bit people’s heads off. She was never able to get over it. Hours later, we arrived at the Mansion. I unloaded the Audi A7 and hugged the ladies goodbye. I told Aurora to take care of herself and I would see her soon. Better I hoped. She still seemed out of sorts. After loading it up, I got back into my soft served vanilla ice cream smelling car and headed home. As I was pulling out of the driveway, I imagined I heard someone call my name, but no, I really only imagined it. Right?

Leave it to Beavers: Jake 19

Disturbed. Perturbed. In Suburbia. Disturbia…

Sitting on my couch still wondering what I did. Women! I thought we were friends. So, I called her kiddo? I was just being… like… friendly! I realize that I have not thought about wild beavers in the wild in awhile. I cannot wait to get focused on just that. I have Aurora’s white lace panties with the faint yellow stain in my hand and I bring it up to my face smelling its sweet scent. I almost feel guilty inhaling her aroma. But it still puts me at ease. Aurora. So strange.

The phone rings. It’s Ivan. We just finished the shoot a couple hours ago. What could he want? I feel a sense of dread. Hello. What happened? Ahhh, nothing really. I was told you upset Aurora and she slapped you. Is there something going on between you two? No! I mean, we’re just friends. That’s it. Did you call her kiddo? Yeah. Listen, Jake, you have done excellent work, but in all the time you have taken their photos you failed to realize they were WOMEN? Not KIDDOS? Umm, well, of course… I was just trying to be friendly. I have to tell you something Jake, Aurora set up that entire shoot. It was all her idea AND I got the distinct impression she did it for you. Are you sure there is nothing going on between you two?? Because I do NOT want Aurora upset. It was like all her idea? Yes! Wow. I guess she was just being nice. I am not going to mention this to the StarDreamers investors. They would be very upset. I spoke to Aurora and she said she was sorry she slapped you. She said she had been drinking champagne and it was very early in the morning and she just emotionally over-reacted. I thought she was drinking beer? Jake! Pay attention! Everything is worked out. Send me the photos when you get a chance. Should I like apologize? No! Don’t even mention it. I will call you later to arrange the next shoot.

I didn’t know she arranged the entire shoot. No wonder she was upset. And she did it for me? Everyone is saying don’t apologize. I want to apologize. I feel stupid. Do all women make you feel stupid? It must be something in their DNA. Man, she slapped me hard. Wicked, strange woman.

Over the next couple weeks, I did my best not to think about Aurora. Easier said than done. The more you try not to think about something, it seems the more you think about that something. That something being Aurora. I was dreading, somewhat dreading, the next shoot. I don’t know what I should say or how I should act. I just don’t know. She is my friend after all. Isn’t she?

Ivan called and said the photos were great. Some of the best so far. He didn’t mention the slap at all. I was relieved. Maybe he just wanted to get past it and maybe I should too. He said the investors wanted a photo shoot outdoors, but in the rain with the DICE wet. So, the weather was going to be the factor. Everyone would gather at the Mansion when there was a chance of rain. And so, the following week when rain was forecast, we did just that. Gathered at the Mansion. There were no hugs this time. The mood was somewhat tense. The ladies had different outfits on. Aurora was dressed in white jeans with a nice patterned top and black leather boots. Piper and Josie had skirts and blouses with high heels. Their clothing was not really important. It was the rain that mattered.

We set off in a van that morning heading for downtown. It was Sunday morning so the city was not that busy. It was sunny at first but the dark clouds soon moved in. You could feel the drop in temperature. And then the rain started. They first posed at a fountain and with the rain and the water from the fountain and there was still sun streaming down I captured some great shots. There was even a rainbow! The DICE were soon soaked and dripping wet. I thought it would be a good time to get some coffee and wait a few hours. Find another location as well. The ladies appreciated the idea although Aurora still seemed somewhat aloof. And she started to sneeze a bit. Our next location was a bench in the middle of the city. The rain was really coming down now and I really limited the amount of shots we took. They were cold and drenched. Hot Chocolate! They liked that idea as well and tried to warm up as much as they could. Aurora was sneezing more, but she said she was fine. I was a little concerned, but felt like I should just mind my own business. A few hours later, in the early evening, we found a bus stop as our last location. There were trees hanging over that were dripping with rainwater. Even though the rain had lessened, it was still coming down. As they posed, soaking and wet, three young men came walking up wondering what was going on. They were not interested in me and it soon became apparent they were drunk. One of them started to harass Aurora. She swore at him. And then he pushed her to the ground and into some mud. I saw red. I didn’t even think. I just reacted! I went and punched the guy in the face! I must have broken his nose because blood gushed and he fell to the ground. His buddies looked at me and decided to just pick their friend up and leave.

Aurora looked at me. She was sobbing. Covered in mud. I picked her up. Her head was against my chest and she blew her nose into my shirt. Snot was hanging from her nose. Josie opened the van door and Piper got in first and helped me get Aurora in. She has a fever. What? Piper had her hand on Aurora’s forehead and said again, she has a fever. I drove them back to the Mansion as quickly as I could. I have to admit I was concerned about Aurora… and getting out of my snot covered shirt. We were all pretty much soaked, wet, and muddied.

Once inside the Mansion, I carried Aurora to the upstairs bathroom. We all agreed that she needed a hot bath. At this point, she was pretty much out of it. She said she was cold. Piper and Josie seemed to know what they were doing getting Aurora undressed and into the hot water. I asked if they needed my help and they said we could all use maybe some soup. Great! That I could do! I went down to the kitchen which was well stocked. Found some chicken broth and decided to make some chicken noodle soup. There were chicken breasts in the freezer which I soon defrosted and cut into small chunks. I fried them in olive oil with some red-hot sauce. It would all be diluted in the broth anyway. But would add just a bit of spice that I think we all needed. Into the broth I added the chicken and some noodles and seasoned it with some salt and basil. Normally, I would also add some veggies like carrots and celery, but the broth was more important. I let it simmer.

I was just about to head back upstairs when the ladies came back down. Aurora was wearing flannel pajamas and looked worn out. Piper helped Aurora to the couch and Josie covered her in a blanket. Piper and Josie said they had to leave and could I watch over Aurora. Me? They said they had to go. Okay. Can I have a quick shower first? Yes. They would watch over Aurora while I had a shower. I was cold myself. I went back upstairs and got out of my wet and muddied clothes and snot covered shirt. I cannot believe I cooked soup like that. I got into the shower and let the hot water warm my body. Strange, I suddenly had this strong sense of déjà vu. I got cleaned up and put on some clean clothes I had brought with me for just this reason.

I went downstairs. Piper and Josie were still sitting with Aurora. They said they had found some cold medication and given it to Aurora. She was still hot though. I asked them if they were going to have some soup, but they declined saying they really had to go… and so, they left.

Okay, now what? I went and got a small bowl of soup for Aurora. I cooled it down with a little milk so it was just warm. I sat next to Aurora on the couch and tried handing her the bowl. That didn’t work. So, I spoon fed her. And she ate the entire bowl. Well, it was a small bowl. She appeared dazed. I set the bowl aside and wondered what I should do next.

Jake?

Yeah.

You hit that guy. You smashed his face.

I reckon so.

Why?

He hurt you. I could see her lip quivering.

You did it for me?

Well, you’re my friend. I then realized she may also be in shock.

Jake?

Yes.

I’m sorry I slapped you.

That’s okay. I’m sorry… I called you kiddo. I smiled. She gave me a hint of a smile back. Hey, I understand you set up that entire shoot. That was amazing work.

You really liked it?

Yeah.

Jake?

Yes. Holy, this was dragging on.

I’m sorry, Jake.

No… ahhh… what? And she leaned in … and kissed me. Her lips. They were soft. I could taste the chicken noodle soup on her breath. This is the second time she has kissed me. This one seems… more sincere? More honest? She fell over into my arms. I think she passed out. The drugs! Just like the last time she was medicated and probably didn’t know what she was doing or saying. That was somewhat of a relief. I guess.

I picked her up again and carried her upstairs to the master bedroom and got her into bed. She spoke again and said she was cold and to please not leave her. She wanted me to hold her for warmth. I sighed. Okay. I already slept with her once and nothing happened so I think I was safe this time too. I got undressed and slid in behind her. As I put my arm over her, she placed it under her flannel pajama top with my hand on her very warm fleshy chest. She held it there as she pushed herself back into me. I could feel her heart beating. I could feel her breathing. Even through the flannel pajamas, I could feel her heat. I could smell her. I could smell her hair. I could smell her sweat. I could still taste the chicken noodle soup on her breath. After she had kissed me. Her lips were so soft. I closed my eyes and drifted off.

When I awoke, she was facing me. She was breathing steadier now and her breath gently caressed my face. My hand was still on … her chest and she was no longer burning up. Her fever had subsided. I was almost tempted to stay, but thought if she woke up it would be really awkward. I rolled her over and sighing, I removed my hand. Quietly, I got dressed and went downstairs. I noticed the soup and thought I should at least leave a note for Aurora. I found a pen and a notepad. Aurora, there is still plenty of soup. You should have some more. Hope you are feeling better… s… I was going to write slappy, but that just seemed stupid. And it probably wouldn’t go over well. So, I hastily wrote something else and signed it, Jake.

Where should I leave it? So, she could easily find it? I didn’t want to wake her, but I went back upstairs anyway deciding to leave it on the night stand next to her. I found her still asleep. She was smiling. It made me smile. She must be having a nice dream. A ray of sunshine radiated her face. As I looked at her… it occurred to me how… I had taken so many photos of her and not really seen the human part of her. The vulnerability. Like at the lake when she was afraid. Afraid of white rabbits. And how I had upset her just by calling her kiddo. And then when that guy had pushed her down, she seemed more upset that I had punched him.

Anyway, I quietly left Aurora in the safety of the Mansion… and my chicken noodle soup.