The shrill ring of the phone broke through Chemelyn’s sleepy haze as she rolled over and reached for the receiver on her night table. “’ Lo?”
“Good morning, sunshine.”
“I seem to remember you waking me by phone before, Mr. Dorough. Talk about de ja vu.”
“I woke you?” he asked with feigned innocence.
“You know you did -not that I mind. But that’s just because we had such a wonderful time staying up late last night. How long have you been conscious?”
“About ten minutes.” he admitted. “I couldn’t wait to call you.”
“Always the charmer.”
“Do I get to spend the day with you?”
“Now, that depends,” she replied teasingly. “Only if you’re planning on invoking that beautiful chivalry I’ve come to love.”
“Oh, I’ll definitely be on my best behavior.” Howie’s spoke softly, his voice turned husky. Chemelyn felt her heart beat speed up, pounding in her chest at the anticipation his words brought.
“Then meet me down at the cafe in an hour? I’ve got a couple of things to take care of before we head off on our own.”
“Sounds great! See you then....”
Chemelyn replaced the receiver in it’s cradle before turning over onto her back to stare up at the ceiling. Everything was turning out just fine; it was as though Howie had never even been away. He still spoke to her in tones which belied his affection and treated her like she was the only woman on the earth worthy of his attentions. The best part of his material return into her life was the way he made her feel cherished, just by looking at her. His eyes seemed to caress her face while his smile made her heart flutter. With a heartfelt sigh, Chemelyn hauled herself from the depths of the great down comforter and headed for the shower, expectation for a wonderful day weighing heavily on her mind.
*****
The streets of Seattle seemed different somehow. Perhaps it was the cobblestones near the market which were no longer slick with rain. Maybe the sun shining overhead, picking up the rusty tones of the brick buildings was what altered the atmosphere. But one thing was for sure: the people of Seattle were just as accommodating, rain or shine.
Howie traversed the city streets on his way to the cafe, his eyes open to the beauty Chemelyn often wrote about in her letters. He marveled at her perception and awareness of detail. Instead of speaking of the weather, she made note of the multitude of patterns. The cobblestones of the street, the cement and brick of the buildings, the weave of the cloth in vendor’s booths, the natural form of the foliage all worked together to blend an entire picture which shouted of it’s diversity. Seeing the city through her eyes was was a heady experience, indeed.
The scent of Russian pastries mingled with the seafood and incense floating on the breeze. The typical city noises pervaded Howie’s internal peace, and he closed his eyes to enjoy the sound and scent of the world around him.
“You keep standing there like that and someone will run you right over.” came a vaguely familiar voice. Howie opened his eyes to find a tall man beside him, a teasing smile gracing his features. Howie’s mind raced to match a name with the face as he assessed the man’s appearance. He possessed a strong jaw, a straight nose, and deep blue eyes; his hair was cut closely and rich ebony in color.
“Derik! It’s good to see you again!” Howie smiled brightly as he pin pointed the man in front of him and extended a hand to shake. Derik grinned and nodded.
“Likewise. We’re all very glad you’ve come back to our Chemelyn.” he noted, his voice knowing. “Things haven’t been the same in the past three months.”
Howie laughed lightly. “I can honestly say it’s had a potent an effect on my life as well.”
“How was the flight over?”
“Fine, just fine. I was on my way over to the cafe to pick up Chem. Are you headed there as well?”
An odd look passed over Derik’s face; something about it sparked concern in Howie. However, the man’s next words alleviated that worry. “Actually, I wasn’t. But it wouldn’t hurt to stop by.”
The two men continued on their way to the corner shop which was the now infamous cafe. Derik was silent beside them as they made their trek, and Howie felt no compulsion to break it. The glass pane door and front window soon came into view as the figures crossed the street from the market. Howie’s heart rate picked up noticeably at the prospect of seeing Chemelyn once again. Though he was well aware that their time together this time around would be considerably longer than before, a month seemed painfully short. Peeking in the glass of the door, Howie carefully swung the portal open, Derik close behind him.
For a moment, Howie saw nothing, save a sea of crowded tables, but he soon spotted Chemelyn talking animatedly with Malone and what he assumed was a customer at the front coffee bar. Just then, Malone let loose a loud guffaw while Chemelyn laughed uninhibited beside him. The customer accepted her latte and shaking her head, still chuckling, brushed passed Howie and Derik.
Chemelyn looked up at that moment and saw the two men standing just inside the door. Her eyes locked with Howie’s for what seemed an eternity and she gave a secret smile meant for him alone. Howie felt the corners of his own mouth turn up in reply as he hastily began to weave his way through the people. She came around the side of the counter to greet him; Howie beheld her red tank which brought out the roses in her cheek, it’s thin straps exhibiting her creamy shoulders, and the jeans which fit her body perfectly. She was a vision, and she belonged to him.
“Hi.” she received him warmly. Howie slid his arms around her waist, leaning down to whisper in her ear.
“You’re beautiful in the morning. Have I told you?”
“Not that I can recall, but thank you.” she replied, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek as his arms tightened around her waist.
“I brought a friend.” he informed Chemelyn. She gazed over Howie’s shoulder and spotted Derik.
“Derry!” she cried. Howie eased her out of his arms and watched as she enveloped the other man in a hug. “We’ve missed you around here!” she exclaimed as Derik gave a hesitant smile.
“Ditto, Chem.” he returned her embrace whole heatedly, having hated neglecting her for so long.
“What’s been keeping you away?” she asked innocently. Malone chose that moment to finish serving a customer and glanced up to find Howie and Derik had joined them behind the counter.
“Howie! It’s good to see you! Thank God you’ve finally come!” he welcomed the out of town guest who’s name hadn’t been far from Chemelyn’s tongue in months. He noticed Derik standing beside Chemelyn then, and gave a tense salutation. “Hey Derik.” Derik sighed and reached to give Malone a gentle squeeze.
“Chemelyn?” a feminine voice interrupted. They all turned to accommodate the new arrival.
“I made it. I’ll just go ahead and start so you two can be on your way.” she said with a wink. “Hi Howie. How’s it goin’?”
“Great....” he trailed off watching the woman’s receding back before turning to Chemelyn.
“Do I know her?”
“Nope.” she replied with a grin.
“Then.....”
“She’s new. I hired additional staff to help Malone, Charity, and Chase. I wanted to be free to spend as much time with you as possible.”
“You’re a rather notorious commodity around here now, Howie, as the man who finally swept Chemelyn off her feet. Get used to it, I know we have.” Malone quipped with fake resignation. Howie’s smile made his eyes glow as he gazed down at Chemelyn before planting a feather soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” she beamed, responding in kind with a kiss of her own placed lightly on his lips.
“Oh, God. Get out of here this instant! If I watch you two snuggle monkey much longer, I’m going to fall into a deep depression!”
“All right, all right! We’re leaving!” Chemelyn laughed, grabbed Howie’s hand in her own and reaching for her purse. Howie placed his hand on the small of her back as he guided them through the line of customers and out the door. Malone’s parting call of
“Have fun and play safe!” followed them from the building.
“So, where are we going?” Howie asked with a raised eyebrow as they wove through the people on the sidewalk.
“To get the car.”
“You purchased a car?! I can’t believe you finally broke down and bought one!” he exclaimed, pleased with the security a vehicle would bring a single woman living in the city.
“Nope. We’re borrowing Malone’s Jeep.”
“Oh. I really wish you’d get a car, Chem. It’d be a heck of a lot safer.” Howie’s brow furrowed.
She tossed an amused glance in his direction. “This isn’t exactly New York or Chicago, you know. It’s Seattle and there are plenty of cabs for the amount of traveling I do. Every place of any importance is within walking distance for me, Howie.”
He grumbled a few words incoherently. “What was that?” she teased, “I couldn’t quite catch what you said.”
“I said, what ever you say, dear.” he smiled charmingly and they both laughed as they came upon a fire engine red jeep around the corner. A silver streak had been detailed along the sides, while faux zebra skins lined the front seats.
“AJ and Malone would get along famously.” Howie commented after taking in their ride for the day.
“I’ll take your word on that. By the way,” she turned to him suddenly, her tone inquiring, “Do you mind driving? I should have asked sooner, but....”
“Sure, no problem. Malone won’t mind?”
Chemelyn laughed. “He’d have a conniption fit if i were behind the wheel. I don’t have a license, Howie.”
“What?!” he turned to her shocked. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. I let it expire the last time it was due to be renewed.”
Howie digested that, and shook his head with a grin. “Then I’ll definitely do the driving.” he paused a moment as he held the passenger door open for her before speaking again. “There’s still so much we have to learn about one another, Chem.” he leaned against the door frame. “Simple things. But I look forward to knowing you more with each passing day.” He quickly kissed the tip of her nose then trotted around to the driver’s side. Turning the key in the ignition, he tossed a boyish smile her way. “Where to?”
*@*
“Oh my Lord, he’s beautiful.” she breathed. Howie wrapped his arms around Chemelyn’s waist as they gazed at the panda bear behind the glass.
“The panda is an ancient symbol of the blending of the races. It combines both black and white into a single stunning creature.” he spoke softly in Chemelyn’s ear, his chin resting on her shoulder. She shivered as his warm breath brushed across her skin.
“What a lovely concept.” Chemelyn murmured as they continued their pause before the panda exhibit.
The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium held a manifold of nature’s treasures within it’s confines. With her direction and his driving skills, they had navigated their way down to Tacoma; to this place where wonders never cease. Having decided to begin their journey in the panda house, the two were immediately swept up in the current of discovery. Eyes wide in appreciation, they viewed the animals with the same childlike curiosity that seemed to descend upon every visitor in the establishment.
“Giraffes of lions next?” Howie asked, consulting a map.
“Giraffes.” Chemelyn decided, and they were off once again.
It had been a long while since Howie had gone out on a normal excursion. More over, it had been a very lengthy time since he had felt free to experience instead of think his way through something. He had time to spend reacting instead of planning his next move, his next pose, his next well voiced comment. When he was with Chemelyn, it was all about feeling. Feeling for her, for them, for the world around. Unwittingly, she had opened up the floodgates in his heart leaving his emotions exposed to new sensations.
“Look, none of their patterns are the same. Each is different, diverse in it’s own right. Not one mirrors another.” This softly worded observation came from the woman beside him. Howie gazed at Chemelyn as she appraised the majestic, long necked beasts in awe. He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips before turning his gaze back to the animals. She challenged him in ways he’d never expected. Her presence was precious in his life, and Howie vowed never to give her up without a fight.
*@*
“Try this.” Howie invited, offering a forkful of crab salad to Chemelyn. She accepted the offering, allowing the man seated across the table from her to maneuver the utensil into her mouth. Her eyes drifted closed as she chewed the entree.
“It’s exquisite....” she breathed. “Chase should consult the chefs.”
“I’ll bet the gourmands here have nothing on his Oriental salad. That is, after all, what lured me to the cafe. The beckon of that dish is just to much to resist.” Howie remarked nonchalantly, a teasing glint in his eye.
“Oh really? Silly me, I thought for certain that there were other more appealing aspects of dining at the cafe.” she hinted, one finely shaped brow arched. Howie pretended to think for a moment.
“Now that you mention it, the Strawberry Mango fruit juice is pretty damn good too.”
“I’ll show you pretty damn good....” Chemelyn muttered, and put a stop to all of Howie’s speculation by planting her lips soundly on his. She felt his hands come up to frame her face, his thumbs gently running across her skin. Just as he deepened the kiss, she pulled away. “Then again, you’re right about the Strawberry Mango. That’s some pretty heady stuff.”
“You taste sweeter.” he informed her quietly, capturing her jaw in his palm, “Much sweeter.....” They shared a smile before returning to the plates in front them. The lunch hour had descended upon them in no time, almost forgotten in the face of the exhibits they had seen so far. Still shrouded in wonderment and delight, they sat at an outdoor restaurant in the visitor’s center of Point Defiance.
As their interlude came to a close, Howie stood to pay the bill while Chemelyn excused herself for a moment. Waiting in line at the register, Howie overheard the couple in front of him talking about the interactive feature of the Zoo they had just taken part in; Howie quickly inquired as to the location. The couple were more than happy to oblige and eagerly directed him to a portion of the grounds, not far from where they were. Thanking them just as he spotted Chemelyn out of the corner of his eye, he moved to meet her. “Ready?” he asked brightly. She nodded and tucked her hand in his. “Great! I’ve got just the thing we’ll do next!”
“What do you have in mind?”
“It’s a secret.” he responded, knowing full well that as they traversed, she’d catch sight of the directory signs and figure out exactly where they were going. Chemelyn shrugged and the two walked leisurely through the winding paths of the park. Spotting zebra and antelope on the way, Chemelyn was distracted for some time, not heeding the large placards which guided them. Finally, when there was a lull in the sights surrounding them, she caught sight of the afore mentioned directions.
“Howard.....” she questioned warningly. “You aren’t......we aren’t.....are we?”
“Uh huh!” he nodded with a grin typical of the Cheshire cat. She ground to a halt.
“Have I mentioned I’m afraid of heights?”
“Actually no. But I’ll be there with you.” he squeezed her had reassuringly. “Besides, it’s refreshing to know you’re human.”
“What does that mean? And no offense, but I’d feel a lot safer if we just stayed on the ground.”
“It means that it’s comforting to know you’re NOT perfect, and that you do indeed have some fears.”
“I’m glad you feel good about this situation.” she grumbled. Howie leaned forward and pulled her to him tightly to whisper in her ear.
“It’ll give me a chance to hold you extra close in public. Humor me?”
“All right, but if I die-”
“You’ll go to heaven!” he exclaimed with a laugh and grabbed her hand. “Now, come on!” He sprinted off toward their destination with Chemelyn following close behind. Giggling and carrying on like young children, the stunning couple was oblivious to the amused and indulgent glances they drew from other visitors. Skidding to a stop, desperately trying to catch their breath, the two stood gazing up....and up....and up.
“Next!” a friendly faced man called out. Howie snagged Chemelyn’s hand and stepped forward.
“Two, please.” he quickly paid the fee and turned to find Chemelyn’s gaze still focused upward. They were ushered in the gates and led to the front of the line where a particularly large beast stood. A handler greeted them warmly.
“Hi, I’m Paul.”
“Howie.” he smiled, extending a hand. “And this is Chemelyn.”
“Nice to meet you.” she too shook Paul’s hand and gave a brave smile.
“This is Ramona. She’s a healthy five year old, born in captivity here in the States. She’s very people oriented. Don’t worry, Chemelyn. She wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Paul winked, having correctly assessed the woman’s nervousness. Chemelyn blushed while Howie chuckled, placing an arm around her protectively. “Why don’t you introduce yourselves to her? She’d love to get acquainted with you.” Paul invited. Howie stepped forward and crooned to the giant beast, reaching up to softly stroke her gray face. He turned when he realized Chemelyn was not beside him.
“Come on, Chem. Come make nice with the beautiful Ramona.”
Hesitantly, she held a hand out toward the large animal, it’s trunk snuffled her hand inquisitively before sounding little murmurings in greeting. “Hey there, Ramona.” she spoke quietly to the elephant, becoming a bit more relaxed. Paul watched the couple interact with his charge and smiled. They were adorable together, those two. The man obviously cared a great deal for the woman, and it showed in the way he leaned close to speak to her and the way he kept his hand protectively at her back. Paul hated to interrupt, but it was necessary.
“It’s time you to climbed on up.” he informed them kindly. Howie nodded and turned to Chemelyn.
“You want to go first?”
“Oh no! This was your idea, you get the honors.” she laughed, placing her hands up, forestalling any complaints. Howie tossed her a grin and faced Paul.
“You heard the lady. It’s the gentlemen first today.”
Chemelyn watched as Paul commanded Ramona to lower her trunk, then instructed Howie on the placement of his feet in the crook of her trunk. As soon as he was positioned, the elephant gently lifted Howie off the ground, giving him a boost to him aboard her back. Delight radiated from Howie’s face as he laughed and called down to Chemelyn.
“It’s lonely up here, come join me. Besides, it’s not so bad, honey.”
“I’m comin’, I’m comin’.” she mumbled, and leaned in to speak with Ramona. “Go easy on me, all right?”
To her credit, Chemelyn stifled the shriek pending in her lungs as she was lifted easily atop the massive elephant. She even let a shaky laugh escape once she was tucked safely in Howie’s embrace aboard the top of the beast, nestled in the little rail saddle.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this.”
“Hey, I strive to be original. Has anyone else attempted to woo you from this perspective -elephant included?”
Chemelyn giggled. “You’re wooing me?”
“Of course,” he groaned softly. “We’ve got it all! The best seats in the house, our own personal chauffeur, and you’re in my arms. What more is there?”
“Nothing. There’s absolutely nothing left to be desired.”
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****Author's Note: This chapter was much fun to write, though I did take a rather extravagant creative liberty. Though there is a Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and though they do offer elephant rides to the park visitors, one does not mount the elephant in the method depicted. There is a platform of sorts which the public uses to climb up onto the back of the elephant. I just thought this way would be a bit more entertaining, as it is the method of mount in the Eastern countries.**** feedback: Jessi Remember, a lil comment doesn't take long to send and it's inspiring to the author! :0)
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