(Story Time)
It is Christmas Day already in some parts of the world, but Christmas Eve where I am. Thinking about the gifts that I have been given this year. They are not all things that can be wrapped up in cute bows (although some would look pretty cute in a bow tie, maybe.)
That is the thing about me, I do not need things. I would much rather have experiences. Things collect dust. They clutter your space. There is plenty more room in your mind to keep the memories of experiences. Be reminded of the way they make you feel.
Hiking has been something I have enjoyed over the years. My body can’t handle too much anymore, but on this Christmas Eve, where the weather is very much like a false spring or fall, as usual for where I live, it is perfect for hiking. Although I would rather it be colder with a chance to bundle up.
But a nice walk will energize me and clear my head. Get me a bit sweaty and pump the blood in me. I think it is time to explore the trails around me.
Walking out the door has me rethinking this adventure, though. It is hot and humid. Why do I live in this place? Decision already made, so here I go. It wasn’t a long drive to the trailhead I decided to take.
I am somewhat familiar with the area, but it has been years since I explored. I remember geocaching here when I was younger. Lots of spaces just off the trail to hide things. I am going to stick to the trail, though. Just wonder and try not to think for a minute. It is harder than it looks. Even now, I am thinking about my legs and how strong they used to be, doing all those thrusters. My trainer said how important thigh muscles were, so you could push someone off of you. Silly woman. I can’t imagine ever pushing anyone off of me.
I am not surprised how quiet it is today on the trail. I have not seen another soul out here. Makes it so much nicer to take in the surroundings. Just as I was thinking it, of course, I hear someone behind me.
My face goes into a pout. My face is very hard not to read. I would be a terrible poker player, whether it is that huge smile, lip bite, pout, or eye roll. It is super easy to see my feelings. My heart isn’t just on my sleeve.
Whoever it was was going to see how annoyed I am at the company today. I worked really hard to be alone. Of course, if it were a certain someone, I probably wouldn’t be so annoyed, but that is a dream I am slowly giving up on. I am not someone who is worth the effort, and it is a huge effort when you start finding people who are almost perfect except they are always settled somewhere way over an ocean. I can’t understand how I seem to always be fascinated with people who are far away. That is life, I guess, and now I have to start walking a bit slower so this clown behind me will pass me. I am not up for a brisk walk. Just a relaxing one. My heart does not need to pump that fast, and I do not need to get that sweaty.
What the fuck is taking him so long?
Just as I said that in my head, I felt him closing in and then grab me. He pulled me just off the trail, although I am not sure that matters today when we are the only ones here.
“No need to cry out. You know no one will hear you.”
This better not be the worst sort of trick. That growly voice sounds so familiar, and I can’t stand the idea of it not being him.
I tried turning so I could see those eyes. I wanted to stare into them, but he had other ideas. He had me pinned to him so easily. It felt right being this close. I am still assuming it is who I think it is. I can’t imagine the universe sending anyone else to me at this time.
But maybe I should assume something else. Maybe it was time to fight back. He had already distracted me and pushed me to the dirty, leaf-filled ground. I felt the damp dirt getting into my hair and down the collar of my shirt. It was very distracting. I almost forgot my thrusters and the power of my legs. I grabbed hold of his torso with my thighs and started to push him. I think he was surprised I would fight or have any strength at all.
“Baby, you know I like it when you fight. That just makes me want you more.”
Hearing my name made it very obvious who I was fighting. I liked knowing for sure, but it also made me want to fight dirty now. I tried going for his throat, but he easily grabbed onto my hands and pushed them up. The pain in my shoulder reminded me that my body was not at 100%. I needed to think of another way to squirm out of his hold. Since my arms and hands were out, I had to choose between my mouth and knees. I could do both. I am not sure I am that coordinated. I tried getting a hold of his shoulder that was almost in reach of my mouth. Biting down hard barely got a reaction from him. I just wasn’t close enough yet. He was doing a good job of keeping me squirmy and trying to get out from under him.
I moved my right leg from around him and was able to get a nice kick with my knee to his groin area. He flinched just enough for me to get out from under him and then crawl on top of him and pin him down. I could feel I did not hurt him too badly. I also knew that if he didn’t want me here, I wouldn’t be here in this position.
“Was this a nice Christmas Eve surprise, Baby?”
Yes, it was.
Lisa Gray 