Wonderland XVI

Jenny leaned her cheek against Andrew’s face, as they sat naked face to face in the circle of a loving embrace, while cross-legged.

This was the last day before Andrew had to depart to resume his studies. During the previous three days, they had left the house only when necessary.
They had made the best of each moment to get to know each other a lot better, and to discover a deep attraction for each other.

This was a heady experience, as Jenny quietly contemplated this feeling.

She simply felt deliriously happy.

The world seemed to take on a more vivid hue, as if observed through a high definition lens. The colors, flavors, and scents were more intense, and each subtle touch or suggestive glance, renewed the need to consume each other without restraint.

As sappy as it seems, they could truly get lost in each other’s eyes. Their pupils dilated when in close proximity, seeing the object of such exquisite affection as excruciatingly precious, and every moment together a grateful blessing.

Each rejoining of their bodies - each different from the rest, from silly and playful, to wanton with total abandon of any inhibition, or lovingly tender - fused their spirits, as they became one when melding with each other.

It seemed as if Andrew’s pent up emotions for so many years could not be reigned in. It manifested in unbridled passion, while formidable in its intensity, this passion is tempered by an incredible tenderness. These tools created a wondrous monument housed on a secure base in which to build upon a future.

-“Jenny I forgot to ask you, do you have a boyfriend?” Andrew asked with a thread of apprehension in his voice. It was obvious that she was well versed in the act of love.

After a short pause, Jenny answers him. –“Yes.”

-“Do you love him?”

-“Yes.” Jenny preferred to adhere to simplicity.

-“Jenny, will you give us a chance? I want the real thing with you. I love you, and now even more. I know that if you give me the chance, that I will help you forget him.” Andrew said with a hint of panic in his voice.

Sensing trouble brewing, Jenny disengages from the lotus position to retrieve her bathrobe and to wear it.

-“Andrew, you must understand that before your recent arrival, that I had a life. Surely you did as well, as you are no innocent yourself. Please don’t pressure me to do or say anything. I told you very clearly that having sex did not commit me to you in any way.” Jenny felt that she had to be stern to keep things in check.

His eyes spoke volumes, as he could not believe what he heard. –“Am I deluding myself here? Did you not feel anything towards me besides a good time? We made love Jenny, there is a big difference between sex and making love!” Andrew said unhinged.

Jenny felt that she had pushed him too far and tried to make amends. –“Andrew, what I extremely dislike is anyone attempting to own me or my time. I rebel against that, and you have to give me time. Date other people if you want, and when you come back to Los Angeles to settle in, we can date, and see where it goes from there.

Until then, I can’t commit to anything.” Jenny said with finality as she left to take a shower.


-“Jenny we need to go to Clara’s house, dad will meet us there to celebrate.” Andrew said, as she came out of the bathroom.

-“What is there to celebrate?” Jenny asked with a frown, as she was in no mood to join a festive crowd.

-My sister is pregnant! Can you believe it? They had been trying for a couple of years to get pregnant, and suddenly I’m going to be an uncle!” Andrew said joyfully, while not pushing the other subject. He intended not to pressure Jenny, as he was sure that he would win her over in due time.

Jenny ran to embrace Andrew and kiss him again.

–“That is wonderful! Is it not strange Andrew that when one person leaves, another comes in? As if, life resembles a train station.
Some passengers depart, while others arrive and take their seat, and in between, people rush like busy ants on the go. Most don't stop to acknowledge with courtesy a passerby, who might have become a friend or at least aliviated their loneliness in some way. Most passengers rush enslaved by the clock, and their itineraries.”

-“That may be true, but do you know there is also some heavy making out in train stations? Especially when one celebrates the arrivals!
So, let’s get dressed to celebrate, and when I leave to take my plane, we can make out at the airport terminal."

As Jenny turned around to get ready, her smile evaporated. She dreaded the moment when she would have to face both men whom she had grown to love.



To be continued…


Sculpture "Cupid and Psyche" by Antonio Canova

Wonderland XV

-"How are you holding up? I'm sorry I can't come over, but with Andrew still there, I don't think that it's a good idea. I need sometime alone too." Robert said through the telephone receiver in an opaque voice, devoid of its usual vitality.

-"I'm okay. Thanks for asking. I think that I will take a sleeping pill and just go to bed early. Goodnight."

-"Jenny? One more thing."

-"Yes?" Jenny asked.

-"I love you. One does not say that often enough to those one loves when they are well and alive. Goodnight sweetheart." Robert said with emotion blatant in his voice.

-"Me too. Goodnight." Jenny said as she hung up.

Just then Andrew walks in embracing several grocery bags.

-"I brought prepared food from the deli, and other things. I did not think that we are up to going out, or to cook as well." Andrew said as he emptied the contents of the paper bags on the kitchen counter.

-"Jenny I know that you're still underage for a few months, but would you like to drink wine?

I am going to drink some." Andrew said as he reached for the wine glasses.

-"Yes, that would be nice. Thank you." Jenny said as she went to help set up the table.

Lacking a robust appetite, nonetheless, they both managed to empty a full bottle of red wine. They served this along small talk about their perspective schools, and future plans.

-"Jenny this is my last semester. In a few months, I will be coming back to settle back here. You know what I was thinking?"

-"What are you thinking?" Jenny asked as she supported her face with one hand.

-"That this house permeates my grandmother's essence. She inherited it from her own mother, and she lived here with my grandfather when she did.

It has so many memories that I don't want to see it go to strangers. I think that instead of having a quick sale, that I will offer to buy out my sister and my dad, and keep it for myself.

You are welcome to live here indefinitely as well. Anyway, I still have to finish grad school, and won't return to live here until the end of May." Andrew shared his plan.

-"That is a great idea. I think Maude would have loved that. She kept the most beautiful dresses since she was a girl in the attic, those perfectly preserved.
She loved to hang on to those things imbued with loving memories." Jenny said thoroughly relaxed thanks to the wine consumed.

-"But how much rent will you charge me?" Jenny teased.

-"Oh, I don't know, half the mortgage payment? I'll need to get an equity loan to pay Clara and dad off." After a considerable pause he changes his mind. -"I'm kidding. You won't need to pay anything, except your own bills. Don't think you are going to munch off me eternally - Not unless you accept me in marriage." Andrew teased with a peculiar glint in his eyes.

Jenny thought that this was hilarious and laughed out loud. -"It's so good to have you around Andrew, you always have the knack to make me laugh."

-"Jenny, I was not kidding." Andrew said as he looked down at his empty wine glass, careful not to show how hurt he was.

-"What? You weren't joking? Andrew, I really think that by tomorrow you will not have a memory of this talk, and you will have to deal head on with a massive headache." Trying to make amends as she saw that Andrew did not alter his guarded expression, Jenny reached out a hand to place it on his as a gesture of solidarity.

-"Andrew, the last few days have been very emotional, and we are vulnerable for just that reason. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings. I honestly thought that you were joking!"

-"No Jenny." After a long pause, he gathers the nerve to blurt out, -"Since the night you descended the stairs at my sister's wedding, I fell in love with you. You are so beautiful, and seemed so vulnerable then, that I could not help myself.

I did not have anything to offer you then, but now I will start my career soon, and we can live here. This would also be your home Jenny, as perhaps it is meant to be, if you feel that you could reciprocate my feelings." Andrew shyly said as he laced his fingers with her hand, and putting himself on the line, moved closer to Jenny, to place a sweet kiss on her lips.

Jenny did not want to further hurt Andrew's feelings by pushing him off. The wine made her feel lethargic and generous. He was a sweet boy, and he was her best friend. He had always treated her with an easy camaraderie, and always had a way to lift her spirits with his ever present humor.

She was free a woman. She was free to reciprocate perhaps not her feelings - for those were at the very least confused - but to comfort him to buffer in some way the acute pain due to the severe loss, which obviously he had suffered as well.

The incredibly sweet and tender kiss, morphed into something else when their tongues entwined fueled by a sense of our brief mortality. If she was going to get some needed comfort, what stood in her way?

Had the wine not been involved to assuage her unease, perhaps feelings of guilt would have afflicted her as she looked into his eyes, those like mirrors of Robert's eyes. But a sense of rebellion effervescenced within. She belonged only to herself and no one else, and that quickly brushed that pile of guilt under the rug.

She was free to do as she pleased, and once she made up her mind, she half dragged Andrew by the front of his shirt. She lead him into her room, as they did not break lip lock.

Andrew was taken by surprise due to her surge of passion and aggressiveness.
He had always put Jenny on a pedestal of virtue and innocence. She did not seem to be in the mood for loving, tender kissing at all as she pushed him unto her bed, and proceeded to take off her clothes.

-"Jenny are you sure? Perhaps we should wait, until we get to know each other in a romantic way." Andrew tried to reason, while at the same time he was busy taking off his own clothing, while not taking off his eyes from her nude form for a moment.

-"Andrew what you feel perhaps is simply a crush. You don't know a person in depth, at least not until you've slept with them. Don't worry, we don't have to go all the way, we can find comfort in each others arms for this night and gauge if there's a spark beyond a mild infatuation."

Jenny liked Andrew's kisses very much, and she intended to obliterate her sorrows tonight in his arms.

-"Just remember Andrew, this is only to find comfort this very moment, and to help test the water. This in no way commits me to you." Jenny warns as she slinks her naked body on top of his.

Andrew was speechless. How could he refuse?

-"One more thing. I am not a virgin, yet I have to protect my reputation. You have to swear that you won't mention this to anyone else. Not to anyone!" Jenny said as she gave free rein to her passion.







To be continued...

The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velazquez

Wonderland XIV

Jenny attempts to control the urge to cry, as she tenderly holds Maude’s bony hand to infuse into it some warmth. Its skin is translucent and paper thin.
How lamentable it is that as people grow older, they seem to revert in age. As they become more dependent on others, and their vitality and vigor seems to evanesce.

-“Please don’t be sad Jenny, in truth I am elated! I’ve been on this earth for ninety years, and that’s plenty of time.

Know that I’m not afraid of the journey, for when I leave this wrinkly shell, my Self will go on to another plane. I can’t wait to see what’s beyond that threshold.” Maude said as her pasty skin tone, and dry lips, did not deter the fire in her eyes.

-“I’ve met some wonderful people in my path, including you! I don’t think that there are too many coincidences in life Jenny. Perhaps we had already met in a past life, and that is why I did not hesitate to take you in. Perhaps yet, we will meet yet again.

But in the meantime, you must live your life well.

I have instructed how I want to have my things settled, and you are included to help you in your studies. I am very proud that you have gotten your secondary school certificate and that you are continuing with higher education. Remember that you must be prepared to land on your own feet."

Jenny could not help but cry, as she sensed that Maude was willing to depart without much of a fight. She leaned over her and embraced her while she still had the chance.

-“Please don’t go Maude; I don’t want you to go until you are at least a hundred years old. Are you going to leave me all alone?” Jenny said as she sobbed with heartfelt pain.

-“Now you are really being very selfish Jenny. You are not alone. You’ve got your Self. And you also have Robert and Andrew, as you are part of our family now.
My body is in too much pain Jenny, why prolong the suffering when I now the best is yet to come? Inadvertently you have helped me along the way to evolve, and know that I will go in peace and full of joy!"

-“You should wait at least for Andrew to arrive. He’s aware that you’re taking a turn…he’s making the arrangement to come back.” Jenny said in between sobs.

-“My darling boy, he’s given me so much joy. He’s turned out to be such a fine young man. Jenny, why don’t you give him a chance? He’s told me on several occasions that he likes you, but is bidding his time to tell you since you are both too focused in school. I would love that. The two people I dearly love to join their lives. Please consider it Jenny; you won’t find a finer man than my grand baby.”

Jenny did not heed Maude’s words she sobbed and told her over and over not to leave her alone.




The sun brilliantly shined in the middle of winter. The skies were clear, and the clouds resembled thick mounds of cotton on the day Maude’s body was lowered to rest underground.

It had been so long that Jenny had tuned off the contact with her angel. Yet, as she sat to disconsolately sob on a chair, she felt his comforting presence near and a chaste kiss on her brow.

Sensing before seeing a presence before her, Jenny looked up to see a hand extended towards her. Looking up with puffy eyes, she saw Andrew standing before her. She took his hand and embraced him, as the dolorous lament was muffled when she hid her face on his chest and cried yet some more.

When it was inevitable that they leave, as most of the guests had already left - as the ground was covered with a carpet of thick grass, adorned with flower arrangements of all types. Jenny leaned on Andrews frame, as they walked away to his car.

Andrew had slept at Maude’s house since the day of his arrival, so as to keep a close vigil on her development. Jenny did not want to stay alone, and was glad for Andrew’s company.




To be continued…

Wonderland XIII

-"This feels weird, yet know that it's something that I've fantasized for so long." Robert said as they were finally alone inside a hotel room.

-“I know, me too. Yet, for me it’s not only the novelty of a learning curve of a new experience Robert. I realize that I’ve been starved for affection for the longest time.” Jenny said with sad eyes.

-"I feel that something is missing, that we should have made prior preparations for this special day." Robert said looking around the impersonal room.

-"We did. We have pizza with the works on the table, but I'm too nervous to eat right now."

-"Don't be afraid Jenny; we won't do anything that you don't feel comfortable with. We can eat the pizza now if you want, before it gets cold." Robert said as he wrapped Jenny in a loving embrace.

-"The pizza can wait." Jenny said as she stood on the tips of her toes to kiss Robert once again. The kiss grew in intensity as it was slowly savored. It seemed that the room swirled around them as they walked in circles, edging ever closer to the conspicuous bed.

-"Robert, you paint as a hobby. I want you to paint on my body, and to use it as your canvas, and for you to leave on it the imprint of your scent, fingerprints, and your lips.
I want you to paint the color of my skin to a deep blush, and I want you to remember your work of art for years to come."

Smiling into her eyes, Robert said to her: -"You claim that I said that you could do anything that you want when you became 18 years old. If that is the case, then you may do so. I won't do anything at all. This is all your doing." Robert said as he released her and took one step back.

Jenny smiled with a glint in her eye, as she rather liked the idea of taking charge instead of being the victim. She recalled what Myrna had said that it would hurt, and if it did, she would then be able to stop.

She took Robert's hand and led him to sit on the edge of the bed. She ran her fingers through his hair, and she smiled as she kissed him while she simultaneously unbuttoned his shirt. Removing the garment, then she pulled off his underlying t-shirt.

Jenny then stepped back and pulled off her own t-shirt. Turning around she asked Robert: "Will you please unhook my bra?"

After he obliged, Jenny turned around and leaned into him. -"I guess that you are my birthday gift." She leaned in to whisper into his earlobe.

To test Robert's resolve, Jenny stood and inch away from his face. Her perfect breasts were eye to eye with his dilated pupils, and in the vicinity of his soft lips.

Admiring his resolve as he did not make a move, Jenny softly pushed Robert to lie on the bed as her hands traveled down his torso to loosen his belt buckle. Next she made short rift of his jeans, as those were discarded by the wayside, joined in the heap by his tube socks.

Jenny's jeans and cotton underwear quickly followed suit atop the pile of abandoned garments on the carpeted floor. Jenny stood back for a moment as she surveyed the planes and angles of his naked form.
She visually took in the color, tone, and texture of his anatomy, as if she were performing a thorough medical exam. Jenny marveled at the glaring differences in the muscular frame, sharp angles, and curves between men and women.

She averted her eyes as they traveled down to his pelvic region. From the corner of her eye she could tell that he was affected, as he too perused the landscape of her nudity at his leisure.

Suddenly remembering a fragmented memory, Jenny was inspired to take a hold of Robert's hand so that he would sit up on the bed.

-"Come with me Robert. I want you to scrub my back." Jenny said as she led them towards the adjacent bathroom.





The steam off the hot water clouded the mirrors and windows, as the shower was prolonged amid kisses, soapy, wandering hands, and constant teasing. Jenny drank the running water cascading over his chest between multiple kisses bestowed, and then down below.

Her hands and lips traveled momentarily south as she shed her inhibitions to closely study the curious appendage staring directly at her. She lightly strokes it and marvels in that the tip resembles whole sautéed mushrooms. So soft yet firm to the touch, it's fascinating, as well as intimidating as her instincts take over and she places it in her mouth.

She then emulates Myrna's actions as she recalls what she had done for show, and obviously for educational purposes. Robert placed his hands on to the shower stall walls, as he controlled the urge to do so much more.

-"Jenny you should stop. I'm going to come now if you don't." Robert said almost in a pained voice.

-Okay, I'll stop, but I want you to do that to me too." Jenny said with a justified sense of equality.

After exiting the shower, they stood on a discarded towel, as Jenny gave Robert a large towel along with instructions to towel her dry, from head to toe. Rubbing and massaging more than simply toweling, Robert found her to be wet no matter how much he strove to dry her down to her little toes.

Arriving at the bed, Jenny then unfolds the bed covering, and tells Robert to bring more dry towels from the restroom as he is left there drying himself.

Jenny puts extends one towel over the middle of the bed and jumps up on top of it.

-"Okay, it’s your turn now." Jenny lies back and shyly opens her legs, while modesty prevails as she loosely covers her secret place with her fingertips.

Robert then kneels on the bed and proceeds to kiss her lips, and down lower still to her erect nipples. After lightly teasing those for a long time, he then searches between her extended fingers an opening to insinuate his tongue in, and to coax her hands to retract from her opening.

Jenny's heart beat accelerates, as she feels and does not think. It feels so good to be with someone one is attracted to, with the absence of fear and repulsion.
She is still apprehensive of what is about to transpire, but knows in her heart that she is ready, and curious to see what this is all about. She was glad that it would be with him, for she relaxed enough to easily drift into the current of pleasure that shook her frame.

-"Now Robert, come closer." Jenny urged as she felt him at the entrance. Locking eyes, Jenny waited expectantly as Robert labored to go extremely slowly in.

Jenny's little smile turned to a sharp grimace as her leg cramped from the unusual angle and extension, and she felt invaded by an unyielding force. It burnt, and it hurt, as she felt the steady advancement pave the way.
One thorough stroke opened the way, and she urged him to slow down. She needed time to accommodate the sensation of a foreign object seeking entrance into a tight compartment, like a piston rod fitting so tightly into a cylinder that it’s stuck, as the cylinder barely tolerates the gas tight fit.

-“You're so tight!” Robert said as he grimaced as well, and profusely perspired as if he had run ten miles. Jenny was afraid that he would have a heart attack at any rate.

Feeling impaled at the stake as Robert’s instincts took over and he settled into a stroking rhythm, until his body convulsed and his contorted face, registered genuine pain. Jenny was glad when it was finally over and a gush of warm liquid was like a salve on her too tender spot.




When it was all said and done and they enjoyed the afterglow in each other’s arms, Robert softly kissed Jenny’s brow.

-“I’m sorry that it hurt. It won’t be as bad the next time. Did you enjoy the earlier part?” Robert inquired.

-“Hmmm I can’t tell as I don’t have a reference platform, to compare it with someone else” Jenny teased. -"I'm starved, let's eat the cold pizza now."

-“You’re going to kill me.” Robert said with certainty while shaking his head.






To be continued…

La Naissance de Venus by Alexandre Cabanel

Wonderland XII

-"Oh look! It's a gray seal with black spots!" Jenny quickly ran to the lower level of the fishing dock to get a closer look.
-"I love the mist of the ocean breeze, if I close my eyes and imagine the smell of fried fish; I am instantly transported to my childhood back home."

-"Which was only about ten years ago?" Robert teased with a smile.

Jenny smiled back. -"Do you think that it ever gets lonely, diving alone into the dark water?" Jenny said as she kept her eyes on the playful seal.

-"Perhaps, but you should not dwell on sad things on your special day Jenny. Let's walk down the pier to the shore, and then get something to eat."

-"You're right. And...since it is my birthday, I should pick where we eat, and what we do today no?"

-"True, but knowing you, that is subjective to further consideration. Where would you like to eat lunch?"

-"For starters, we will take a walk along the shore to open up our appetites, but this time I'd like for us to hold hands on our walk. Today I am finally 18 years old, and you can't say anymore that we can't." Jenny said with a wink.

-"Jenny, it's true that you are technically and adult from this day, but you are still younger than both my kids. It would still not seem proper." Robert uncomfortably said.

-"Robert, you don't have to please everyone else - just me! Just kidding...although I am not in a way. I am not your kid, and we are not even of the same ethnicity to be confused as relatives. Stop worrying about what others’ will think!

Besides, do you know that if anyone would look upon us with disapproval, it would simply be because they're jealous?"

-"I think they would see me as a degenerate, not because they're jealous."

-"No, it's true. Think about it. Some would wish that they had what we have. If I were with a guy my age, I would be to him just an average girl, yet one who still struggles with complex mathematical formulas. I would not see my full potential, as I do through your eyes.

If you were with someone your age, you might seem like an average guy to her, yet to me, you are totally awesome and in the same league of Superman!" Jenny said as she embraced him.

Laughing heartedly Robert teased, -“Even from you, that is a bit overdone. You really must have ulterior motives of some kind.”

-“Okay perhaps overdone, but I learn this from Andrew and Maude, they really do exaggerate sometimes!”

-“Do you frequently talk with Andrew?” Robert asked.

-“Not much, just when he is back in town, or through e-mails and instant messaging sometimes. Why?”

-No reason, just wondering. So let’s walk.” Robert said as he took Jenny’s hand.

-“Robert do you remember when you said to me that when I became eighteen, that I could then do whatever I want?” Jenny asked as she set up the trap.

-“I don’t recall off the top of my head. Why? What do you have on mind?” Robert asked while pulling her arm.

-“I know you had your reasons to refuse to go all the way with me, but that barrier is now gone. I have already taken the necessary precautions to avoid pregnancy, and I simply want you to be my first lover.” Jenny said matter of fact.

After a long pause, Robert answered, -“Jenny, sometimes good friends have to stop their friends from making a colossal mistake. You are impetuous and too immature yet. I am flattered, but I don’t think that it’s still a good idea. You should find a boy your own age and build a lasting relationship.” Robert said.

-“I’m too focused in my studies; I still have to try harder than most people my age. I don’t want to waste time with a long romance. But look at me Robert.

Stop and look at me!

I am choosing you as my lover. I am not at the mercy of people like my own mother, or Myrna who wanted to profit from my virginity.

I don’t give to it the import of what it’s supposed to symbolize. I am not as immature as you claim. I never really had a childhood Robert, and this is what I want.”

Looking deeply into her eyes, after a moment Robert said: -“Jenny, you are barely starting your life. I am in the latter part of middle of the road, but fifteen, twenty years from now, I will edge the twilight of my life. You will barely be in your prime then, while I'll be ancient then.

I guess that I am afraid to fall in love with you so much, and suffer as much when you eventually leave me for a younger man.”

-“Robert will you let fear ruin your life? I was held in captivity for too long, and there’s nothing that I appreciate more than freedom, including the freedom of choice to ride this experience with someone I trust and love.

If you don’t want to suffer than simply love me, make love to me, but don’t think to own me. If you love freely, then there will be no pain, just lasting good memories, and so much love shared. Let's celebrate life, this very moment with apologies to noone else!

-“Would you rather skip lunch and take it to go somewhere?” Jenny said as she would not take no for an answer.





To be continued...






L'Innocence by William Bouguereau

Wonderland XI

-"I was told once, that math is like a foreign language. You must adhere to the basic principles, and with diligent practice, one can then master it." Robert said seated on Jenny's left at the dinning room table.

Pulling her hair Jenny looked exasperated. -"Perhaps you are too smart Robert, or I can't easily forget that I heard the word 'stupid' directed towards me so many times, that it became my middle name."

-"Don't be too harsh on yourself Jenny. You must erase the negative experiences from the past, as those have no place in your present or future. From what I can perceive, you are very capable, and hardworking. Just believe in yourself, and apply sufficient effort, and eventually you will master this." Robert said with confidence.

-"Thanks for believing in me, and for tutoring me tonight for this exam; I really don't know where I'd be without you." Jenny said with a wistful smile as she placed her left hand atop his right hand.

Jenny did it unconsciously as she was overtly stressed from cramming for her exam, yet the energy surging between them had a very nice, calming effect on her. She moved her hand from laying atop his, to lace her fingers with his, and to press harder still.

The moment seemed interminable, as they locked hands, and a steady gaze which spoke volumes of what each felt.

Applying extreme pressure to the hand lock, Jenny used the momentum to move closer towards Robert's face. Her eyes forewarned that she was inexorably closing in for the kill.

This she did.

Jenny did not ask for permission to tenderly kiss his lips. Suddenly she wanted this very much, and she was not apologizing to anyone for it.

The kiss was sweet and tender, yet purely electrifying. It was the sweetest feeling, except for the furtive kisses her angel had bestowed on her. Yet, this kiss although also chaste and sublime, was entirely of another nature. This kiss melted her, and stirred something in her that was primal, urgent, and voracious.

Before Jenny fully stood to embrace Robert, he broke off the kiss and stood up, away from the table.

-"Please don't ever do that again Jenny. That is wrong! You are a minor and it is unlawful for an adult to do this with you." Robert said walking several feet away from her, mired in deep distress.

-"Why is it wrong Robert when I care for you, can't you see it? And you responded to my kiss too, so we were both willing." Jenny reasoned.

-"No, Jenny it is wrong. I could be taken to jail for that!" Robert said in shock.

-"What is so wrong about display of affection between two consenting people? And why do you care so much about the law, when those who executed it are sometimes corrupt too?"

-"Jenny you must erase the crap that awful woman fed into your brain. That was a egregious lie to keep you enslaved!" Robert said upset.

-"You mean to tell me that authorities are not abusive, or jail innocent women and children in with violent criminals? That's not what Marta told me."

-"Jenny, it is more complicated than that. Regardless of whether there is corruption or fault in the execution of the law, one must obey the law.
Can you imagine if no one adhered to the safety traffic rules? One is able to cross the street with full assurance that the drivers will stop at a red light, because we know that we must adhere to the letter of law, or face serious consequences."

-"You are talking about the law, as if there were cameras in this dinning room. You say that I should erase from my mind the stuff Myrna drilled day and night, yet don't you see that you are also brainwashed?
I may not know a lot of things Robert, but I can see that not everyone is free from restraints.

I am finally free of Myrna, I am trying daily to free myself from ignorance, but I was not brainwashed during all those years in captivity to follow the law to the letter like sheep - not if it proven that it is misused and abused. That is hypocritical!

I am free, and want to be free of all restraints. I see nothing wrong with kissing you, for you are not married now from what I've been told!"

-"There is no further discussion on this matter. You are a minor until you become 18 years old. You may do what you want after that, until then please behave yourself."

A wave of barely contained fury washed over Jenny, yet she hid it well. She knew she just had to bid her time. Myrna had said that she could wield power if she exerted her sexuality. She would need to test that theory herself.

-"I'll be seventeen next month. Will you agree to make love when I become eighteen?" Jenny asked, testing the waters.

-"I'm old enough to be your grandfather Jenny, don't play those games with me. You should find a nice suitable boy to be your boyfriend. Your first time should be very special, and with someone you deeply love." Robert said stepping further back.

-"Myrna sold me to a repulsive old man for two-thousand dollars Robert. He was perhaps old enough to be your father. I escaped from him, and that is how I came to be on the cold streets with no one to turn to." Jenny said with tears in her eyes.

-"Oh my God! Jenny, I did not know!" Robert said as he walked towards Jenny and held her close. -"I'm so sorry that you went through that, I promise you Jenny that once we secure your residency and then you can't be deported, that Myrna will pay for everything that she's done to you." Robert said as he tenderly embraced her.

-"In the meantime, could you please hold me, and kiss me like we just did to help me forget that awful, awful night?" Jenny said looking up to him with tear filled eyes.


Robert responded by tightly pressing Jenny to him.





To be continued...

Wonderland X

-“Bonjour grand-mere, you look as lovely as ever.” Andrew said as he leaned down to bestow a soft kiss on each cheek.

-“You shameless flatterer, I’ve missed you so.” Maude smiled as her eyes dispersed true love. –“When did you arrive? Oh, I want to introduce to you my assistant Jenny.” Maude said as she waved excitedly to Jenny to come nearer.

-“Pleased to meet you Jenny. My name is Andrew Hays.” He said as he extended his hand in a warm salute.

As Jenny shyly reciprocated the greeting, she thought that he was almost as handsome as Robert. His eyes looked a lot like Robert’s, although his features slightly differed, and his complexion was fair.

-“Oh Dear, I am so glad that you are here! I am going insane with so many preparations prior to your sister’s wedding.
I want you to do a big favor for me, please say that you will!” Maude prettily begged, knowing beforehand that he would concede to any of her requests.
–“I want you to teach Jenny the basic steps of a waltz, and the fox trot, and what not. I want her to feel at ease, and have a wonderful time at the wedding celebration.”

-“Anything for you mon coeur.” Andrew said as he gallantly kissed Maude’s hand. –“Jenny, it will be my pleasure to teach you the basics of dance.” Andrew said this as he took hold of Jenny’s hand and led her to the middle of the living room.

Maude enjoyed herself tremendously as she monitored the dance lesson. They had selected music of her era, which took her way back into the vaults of her memory, as those played on her heartstrings as well.

If only she could be able go back in time she mused, even if only for one moment, how much would she cherish every treasured second allotted to see her true love again. That moment, would be more precious to her and air itself. It’s funny how one seemed to live for those monumental moments etched on the very heart.

Maude thought that she would gladly forfeit the rest of her allotted time on this earth, for just that chance to spend one full day again with her long-departed love.

Andrew and Jenny also enjoyed the dance lesson. It was a new and heady experience to be held and swirled around by a very handsome and engaging young man.





-“Please seat down on the settee with care Jenny; I don’t want you to wrinkle the dress. You should always carry yourself with dignity and grace, even when you seat, or exit a vehicle.
Now, I will insert these silver combs just so.” Looking at the finished product while standing in front of the vanity mirror, Maude smiled with pride as Jenny looked at her reflection in wonder.

-“You should feel at ease in any social situation, and with practice and your studies that should come naturally. And if you do not feel at ease – fake it!
Most people love to hear talk about themselves, so always steer the conversation towards them, and that should get the conversations flowing.

I am very happy that you are quickly gaining ground in your studies. That is important to find a quality mate in life Jenny.” Maude counseled.

-“But Maude, what is the point of going to school, solely to find a husband and to stay at home, and be to settled with kids?” Jenny asked a bit perplexed.

-“Dear, you go to school to develop yourself! Also to meet like-minded friends, and to be able to stand on your own two feet when the necessity arises.
Women generally outlive men, so you should not fool yourself into thinking that you will coast through life based on your looks alone. Those are ephemeral, which means that nothing is eternal. That is why you should always cherish the people you love."

Upon listening to this Jenny's face is crestfallen. What Maude had said, touched a nerve as Jenny realized that she had never been the recipient of true love. Otherwise, how would her own mother have sold her to Myrna when she was just nine years old?

-"I suppose I don't know what love is Maude, but if it anything close to gratitude, I guess then that I love you, and also Robert, Marta, Leticia, and... my angel."

-"Poor darling, look at you! Don't you realize that you have your whole life ahead of you?
This used to be my room when I was a girl, and now that I am standing in front of the same vanity mirror I sat on when I was your age, I will tell you what I have learned since then.

Jenny, live every day as if it could be the last, because there are no guarantees' or expiration dates. Live it well, and if you really want something, then go for it! Without apologizes to anyone else.
You will encounter setbacks, and that's okay. If you believe without a doubt that you will eventually come up on top, then there is no other way! Expect the best, and don't permit the negatives to overpower you - do not allow it Jenny!

Anyway, let’s not get too serious on this special day. I want you to have a lot of fun!” Maude urged as they left for the ceremony.







Overwhelmed by the festive crowd, Jenny stepped to the second floor balcony for some fresh air and tranquility. When she decided to rejoin the party, she consciously practiced what Maude had instructed as she glided with elegance down the staircase.

Several pairs of eyes turned to witness Jenny's descent. Andrew disengaged from a conversation with a friend, to walk up to Jenny as she neared the main floor. He had not perceived until now just how lovely Jenny is, as the beautiful dress, tasteful make-up, and hairstyle enhanced Jenny's natural beauty.

-"Would you care to for a dance Mademoiselle?" Andrew asked as he extended his hand to help her down from the staircase.

-"Oh, sure." Jenny said as she walked with care so as not to fall flat on her face.

They danced nonstop for quite a bit. In fact they had so much fun, while Jenny internally counted the intricate dance steps, that she did not perceive when a silver comb encrusted with pearls fell down to the dance floor.

Only someone closely observing her moves, would be aware that the silver comb was coming loose, and be there in time to retrieve it before it was stomped.

Not wanting to interrupt their dance, Robert put the comb inside his breast pocket, and removed himself from view.





By chance Robert met Jenny in the hall as they were exiting the perspective restrooms.

-"Hello Jenny, you look very nice tonight. I think you dropped something." Robert said as he retrieved the silver comb from his breast pocket.

-"Oh, wow! I am so glad that you found it. I felt terrible that I had lost it. It belongs to Maude." Jenny said with heartfelt gratitude.

-"You're welcome."

-"Would you like to dance? I noticed that you came alone to the party." Jenny asked.

-"Yes, I did not have a date. Sure, I'd like that very much." Robert said.


Lost in the music and the crowd while sheltered by the dim lights of the dance floor, this showered with spectacles of lights from a sphere above, Robert took Jenny's hand and led her in a slow dance.

The warmth of his hand enveloped hers. The skin contact was soothing, and also quite electrifying, as the energy surging between them was almost palpable.
It was quite different from the fun-filled energy that she had felt with Andrew while dancing, as she danced now without counting the intricate steps in her mind. Dancing with Robert felt so natural, as she intuitively trusted that he would lead the way.

Jenny deeply inhaled Robert's cologne, and smiled into his eyes. She was careful not to look down at his soft lips. It felt so nice to be embraced close to his form, that Jenny wished the moment would not end too soon.




To be continued...