Seff: Another date with Daisy Seff had his date with Daisy the afternoon. At Daisy's house, with both parents absent. As always, there was the obligatory homework session. Then they had some personal interaction. After a while: "Ah, Seff, I think that is far enough..." "Ok, Ok. But you must admit, this is wonderful." "Err, yes. Ah..." "But I always want to look after you feelings. All of this doesn't trigger any painful reactions because of, you know what?" "No, no, it's all right. Because, ah, we are committed to developing an ongoing relationship with each other, it gives me a sense of, how do I say this, it gives me a feeling that we belong to each other, in a special place apart from all others. Where I can forget the pain of that horrible incident, and, well, it gives this physical stuff meaning. I mean, without the commitment, the physical side is just some, err, random sensations. Maybe even painful sensations. Or something like that. Anyway, do you understand what I'm saying?" "Of course. I agree with you, totally. I'm glad we're on the same wavelength." Seff that night, alone in the house he shared with his father. Wow, I got to do all of that with Daisy! And tomorrow I have another date with Hyacinth. And then the night after, another date with another girl! I wonder how far Rose will allow me to go? He went to sleep, very content with himself. Seff: Second date with Hyacinth The next night was Seff's second date with Hyacinth. It started with a meeting at an outdoor cafe. They had coffee and cake and a talk. "Before we do anything more, I just want to work a few things out." said Hyacinth. She took a deep breath. "This is important to me. I've never had much in the way of friends, and those that I thought I had turned out not to be friends after all. And, well, a few things haven't worked out very well. So, I've spent the last couple of days thinking this over, and I've decided that I'm only interested in continuing if we can agree on a few conditions." "Ok, I'll listen." "I'm just not interested in anything short term. So I want us both to promise to do our best to commit to a long-term relationship. Of course, if it doesn't work out then it doesn't work out, but nonetheless..." "Yes, I'm happy with that." "And, of course, we remain faithful to each other." "Naturally." "And, and, I want to connect with you, emotionally, at a deep level, that is, I don't want to be alone any more, is what I guess I'm trying to say." "I like the idea of an emotional connection, also." "And, well, finally, I'm OK with all of the physical stuff, as long as we don't go too fast, of course. But only if we have a corresponding emotional connection also. And, hmm, keep in mind that I don't actually enjoy it all that much - yet. I'm sure that, given enough time for our relationship to grow, I will be enthusiastic about, err, such things. I feel it just takes a little bit of time..." "My dear," Seff held her hand, "I think you are wonderful for saying all of that. I'm happy to concede to those conditions. And happy to set a slow pace to our physical relationship also." Hyacinth smiled and squeezed his hand gently. "At last I get someone special for myself." she whispered. Seff nodded his head in agreement. After more talk, Seff suggested they visit his house. They sat, err, lay, on his bed, and things became rather hot and steamy. At least for Seff. Eventually "Seff, I think that is far enough..." said Hyacinth, "Remember we are supposed to be taking this stuff slowly." "Ok, Ok, But you must admit, this is wonderful." "Err, yes, Ah... But still, I'm taking some time to get adjusted to this sort of thing. At the moment it doesn't really do all that much to me. But I'm happy to make you happy. "Thank you, my dear." Seff later that night, now alone in his bed. Wow! That was even better! And tomorrow I have a date with Rose. Although, I had better rein in my expectations, it is only a first date, after all. By now, Seff was adept at compartmentalisation. His thoughts about the three girls he kept separate in his head. It just came naturally to him; he did not even have to work at it. Hyacinth: Hyacinth went home, greeted her mother with "Hi" and went to her bedroom. Are all men that keen on the sex bit? But apart from that, it's so nice to have someone special. She was humming a happy little tune as she changed her clothes and came out to help her mum prepare tea. The next day she made a visit to her doctor. She took the prescription to the local pharmacy. This is purely a precaution, Ok? Purely a precaution. It doesn't mean I will necessary do anything anytime soon. And I certainly won't tell him anything. Hyacinth: Swimming date with Seff Hyacinth told her mother a little bit about Seff. Actually, not all that much at all. In fact, the only thing that really interested her mother was the fact that Seff was fresh out of his previous relationship. "Well, in that case he might be a good catch; after all some other girl saw that he was worthwhile." But mum, it didn't last. So that could just as well mean that he wasn't a good catch? But, not wanting a fight, Hyacinth did not say this out loud. This was a good decision, since her mother pulled out two tickets from her bag. "One of the clients at work gave me two unneeded tickets to the local heated indoor swimming pool. I've been told that on Saturdays it's a real family type outing, as well as swimming you can also buy food there. I've got no use for them, so why don't you take them?" "Ah, sure. Thanks." Swimming. Hmm. So he will get to see me in my swim suit. Now, do I want that... Of course, it's all in the public, so there is no possible misunderstandings about what may or may not be expected to happen... Which is why, when she accidentally on purpose happened to be walking in the same direction as Seff at lunchtime, with no one else close by, she floated the idea with him. "A half day at the local swimming pool?" "That's right. And, hmm, I think I shall wear my bikini. I haven't worn it yet in public, you know." Seff loosened his collar with his fingers. "A bikini? What colour I wonder?" "Well, oh, I sure it's too embarrassing for me to say so here, you will just have to find out, won't you?" It was bright red. Seff was waiting at the poolside, waiting for Hyacinth to come out of the girl's changing room. "Hello! Do you like it?" she said as she appeared in front of Seff. Bright red. Not the briefest bikini on display. But still showing a lot of Hyacinth’s skin. And a lot of Hyacinth’s shapely body. Seff's face began to go its own bright red colour. He hastily looked away. "Say, how about we sit on the synthetic grass in front of the wave pool?" "Sure" said Hyacinth. With a big grin on her face. Ooh, he's certainly noticing my body, but he's doing his best to be polite about it. I think this might be fun! And he looks worried; maybe he thinks that he might be embarrassing himself very soon. Gotcha! "Let's go for a surf on the waves, to work up an appetite for lunch." said Seff. An hour later, after surfing the waves, and going down the water slides, and swimming up and down the main pool, they decided it was time to sit and have lunch. "I want ice cream first." said Hyacinth. So she left Seff to spread out the picnic blanket and to get the food out, while she dashed over towards the food stands behind them. She returned with two double scoop ice creams. They ate these, and then Hyacinth, who appeared to have been thinking about something, said - "Hey Seff." "Yes?" "You know, as I was coming back with these ice creams, I couldn't help noticing that you were looking around, ogling all of the other attractive ladies in their brightly coloured bikinis." "Err, yes?" "Well, I mean, you are here with me. Your girlfriend. Who is wearing a bright red bikini, just for your edification. So, why should you then look at any other lady?" The air around Hyacinth had gone dark, as if purple thunderclouds were gathering. The temperature had dropped to below freezing. Her eyes had a hint of red flames in them. "But, but, I'm just idly looking. Ah, you weren't here, but it's not as if I was hiding anything, is it?" "N-no, but you have me. How can you possibly have any room in your thoughts for anybody else's body?" "But, I mean, I really don't think there is anything wrong in just looking. I mean, I have absolutely no intention of even talking to any of those ladies, do I? The purple thunderclouds were still there. "But, nonetheless, you were still aware of some other woman's body. I mean, put it this way. What if I started to take notice of all of the handsome men around here? I mean, some of them have really nice bods. Some of them look as if they do weight training and are displaying massive abs." Wait on, does that mean I actually am noticing the handsome men, even if just a little bit? Let's hope that Seff doesn't catch that. "Ah, well, actually, I think I would really like it if you looked around and found some men like that, and then told me what you were thinking." said Seff. "Err, what? You actually want me to look at other men and tell you what I'm thinking?" said Hyacinth. "Yeah. After all, you are my girlfriend, right? And, well, maybe if we continue there will be some sort of physical interaction. Or whatever. Eventually. Anyway, in the meanwhile, talking about each other's attractions, on a purely, aesthetic level, to other people is, sort of, well, an intimate thing to do. But not too intimate, that is!" The purple clouds had vanished. Probably because Hyacinth was so flummoxed by this reply that she didn't have any emotional capacity left over to maintain them. "You want me to look at a handsome man and tell you why I think he is good looking?" "Sure." Seff looked around wildly and picked the first candidate he could see. "Like that man in the green bathers. Would you consider him handsome?" Hyacinth, not quite believing that she was doing this, had a look. "Nyah. He's too thickset. And I don't like too much chest hair. And, I don't know, his eyes don't really look all that nice." At this moment, the man in question turned his head in their direction. Not seeing them, that is, but to watch a teenage girl walk by. "Ugh. Definitely not. I don't like the expression on his face." "Hmm, actually I agree with you on that last one." said Seff, "Ok, how about that one, the one in the shallow water wearing a yellow hat and holding that little boy?" "Hmm. Well now, he is handsome. He has broad shoulders and a trim waist, and his smile seems nice. And -" At this point, the little boy was splashed in the face and began crying. The man held him up higher in the water, hugged him, and appeared to be talking to him. "Ooh, yes! Showing kindness to a little child. Not that I would abandon you or anything, but that combination is really attractive!" Hyacinth stopped, blushing slightly. "Right, so you have got me ogling the men. Well, Ok, maybe it's not so bad after all. For only a little bit, of course. How about we try this new game with you, shall we?" She looked around. "What about that lady with the polka dot green bikini?" Seff took a look. "Sorry, she doesn't really light my fuse. For a start, the poor lady's breasts are far too big. It must be awkward going through life with those things always in front of you." "I thought men liked big breasts." said Hyacinth. She looked as if a major belief in her understanding of the world had been knocked out from beneath her. "Not necessary. Personally, I like small to medium sized breasts. If I may say so, yours are wonderful." "Err, thanks." Hyacinth looked around again, and found another candidate. "Hey, how about that lady walking towards us, the one who is with that other lady and that child they are both holding hands with?" "Err, yes, now she is cute. Very nice. In fact, isn't she, err, slightly pregnant?" "You're right, she is." Seff's imagination went on overdrive. He imagined a certain scene, a few months ago, when the woman must have been in a bedroom... He gulped and began to move nervously. The woman came closer. "Yes, she's very attractive - wait, she's our math's teacher!" "Awrk, so she is!" Seff had a good view of her shapely figure. Breasts just the right size, nicely displayed in an efflorescent orange bikini top. Her matching bikini bottom was also - At this point Seff's face turned bright red. He looked away from her. And found himself looking directly at Hyacinth. Who was also looking very nice in her red bikini. And who was sitting right next to him. In fact, their knees were touching. "Argh" He put his knees together and crouched over. Hyacinth looked at him in puzzlement, and then looked down. She started giggling. "Oh, I see. Hoist with your own petard, aren't you? Or at least something starting with the letter P." "Hyacinth! Please!" he said. With a voice in a hoarse whisper, face bright red, looking fixedly out and down. The maths teacher and the child and her friend sedately walked past, without recognising them. Seff glanced upwards as she passed. Just in time to see that efflorescent orange bikini bottom... He hastily looked down again. Hyacinth was giggling but doing her best not to make it noticeable to anyone else. Consequently, she was also gasping and almost coughing. "You poor man. This is where I have the advantage, isn't it? There, there, I hope it gets better. Err, or do I mean worse?" She gently patted him on his back. "Hyacinth! You're making things worse!" Giggles. After a few minutes, Hyacinth calmed down. "Here, have a sandwich. I made them, although mother insisted I do it her way, to make sure they were suitable for a date..." Munch, munch, munch. "Are you better now, dear?" said Hyacinth, incidentally using the word 'dear' for the first time with Seff. "Yes. Perhaps if we can have another dip in the water, it'll do me, err, good." So, when Seff judged that no one was looking, they ran for the nearest pool and hopped in. Sometime later, they were still in the water, but leaning against the side. "That was fun." said Hyacinth, "Maybe I will soften my stance on the matter of noticing other ladies. We all have to make adjustments as we go through life." ”Thanks. Ah, I hope you are not going to tell the other girls at school what happened just then?" "Of course not - well, probably not. After all, it's perfectly normal, isn't it?" "Yeah, perfectly normal. Especially when it happens when one is standing in front of the class..." "Oh, I've never noticed that! Tell me more." "No way, Jose." That night, as Hyacinth was sitting at her desk, getting ready to do some studying, she reviewed her time with Seff. That was incredibly good fun. I don't think I've ever had such a good time like that since my childhood. We really do go together very well. We are starting to get to know each other. I can hardly wait to learn more! Seff: At roughly the same time, Seff was thinking that Hyacinth looked absolutely gorgeous in her red bikini. I can hardly wait to get alone with her again, her body is fantastic. Actually, our math teacher was also gorgeous... Seff and Rose: And now for the date with Rose. They met at the shopping centre, and ambled around through the crowds and ended up sitting at a secluded table in the food hall, with a milkshake each. "Ah, so, what do you do in your spare time?" asked Seff. "You mean, after I do my homework and my house chores and get my clothes ready for the next day?" "They're always a pain to have to do, aren't they?" Shared laughter. "Actually, I go to an orphanage not too far away and help look after the children. One of them, Evan, is my favourite; I'm allowed to take him out on special occasions. He's now eight; I met him when he was six." "Really? That sounds impressive, you taking on that sort of responsibility." "Yes, I'm quite proud of it. I'm thinking of becoming a primary school teacher, but I intend getting a degree first." "Gee, I haven't actually thought about what I want to do in the future. You're way ahead of me." Seff: She looks so gorgeous, with her short skirt and top and hair ribbon. I wonder how soon we can get physical? Rose: He seems to be so interested in my life and me. I wonder how soon we can get to the intense emotional sharing stuff? "Say, I was wondering, this future you are planning, maybe there is some chance it could, include me?" asked Seff. "Hmm. Maybe. You certainly seem a nice young boy, just the sort I've wanted to meet. You understand, you would need to be committed and planning for the long term. Also, I read romances, and the ones that really grab my attention is where the boy and girl form deep emotional links with each other, have lots of heart to heart talks. And, of course, any boyfriend of mine would need to share my interests in looking after children. Sharing the caring of those much younger and needier than ourselves is, I think, a wonderful way to bond to someone." "I think those points are great! You have summed up my feelings on the matter very well." "Say, how about you come with me the next time I visit the orphanage. They keep saying I'm welcome to bring a friend. It's great fun!" "Ok. Sounds good. Oh, by the way, since it is so soon after I broke up with Daisy, I feel maybe we shouldn't announce that we're and item to all and sundry at school quite yet..." "Sure, OK." They made plans. After some more idle chitchat they got up and left the shopping centre. "May I hold your hand?" said Seff. "Ah, yes." Seff: Didn't get far with the physical stuff, but it's still a good start. Rose: I get to bring him with me to look after the children. This is going to be fun! Rose made arrangements to meet with Seff and to take Evan to the zoo this Saturday. That night, before sleeping, Rose reviewed the day. I wish I could talk about this to dad. Although, on Saturday night after I have visited the orphanage with Seff, I can give dad all the details. That will have to do. Hmm, does it really make any difference that the other students know about our relationship? Well, never mind, I suppose it doesn't make any difference, anyway. Seff and Rose: Taking a child to the zoo. On the next weekend, Seff met with Rose and they walked to the orphanage. They greeted Martha, one of the volunteers, who was holding hands with Evan. Rose went to him and gave him a hug. She then half turned and introduced Evan to Seff. "Hello Evan!" said Seff, with as much enthusiasm as possible. Evan said a small 'hi' and moved closer to Rose. She looked at Evan, then at Seff. "Well, then, let's start, shall we?" she said. "Sure, sure." said Seff, as he picked up the picnic basket. The trip to the zoo comprised a ten-minute walk to the bus station, a quarter of an hour wait for the bus, a twenty-minute bus trip, and another five-minute walk to the zoo gates. During that whole time, Evan contrived to be on the opposite side of Rose from Seff. Handel. Both teenagers put on their best smiles and tried to carry a conversation, but without much success. This behaviour continued into the zoo. At the end of two hours, the two teenagers just about had had it. Seff: This is hopeless. Evan hates me, and there is no way I can have any sort of interaction with Rose. Rose: I don't know what's gotten into Evan. By now, Seff is probably thinking both Evan and me are a write off. He'll probably lose interest in me and not bother to say hello to me ever again. "Look, why don't we leave the zoo and walk along the lake shore and have our lunch there?" she eventually said. "Fine, fine, let's do that." said Seff. They exited the zoo, crossed the main road, and started to go around the corner. There was no path here, so they were walking on the grass near the road. Seff, in a hurry to get somewhere, anywhere, away from the disaster that was the zoo visit, was walking slightly ahead, still carrying the picnic basket. Evan, maybe feeling the same, was, for once, separated from Rose and not far behind Seff. A prime mover unit towing two semi-trailers roared up to them, squealed its air brakes and turned around the corner. As it did so, its tyres mounted the kerb and began encroaching onto the grass. Seff, in sudden panic, dropped the basket and whipped his head around to see Evan standing, closer to the road than he was, gawping at the spectre of all of those wheels heading straight for him. Seff stepped back, grabbed him, lifted him up and turned to toss him away from the road, only to realise that - the truck wheels were not coming any closer. They both watched as eleven outside wheels on eleven axels crunched and rumbled and ground their way around the corner. The sides of the trailer loomed over them and he could feel the vibration through his feet. The truck completed its turn, and with a series of roars and bangs, proceeded to go through its gears as it accelerated away. The street became quiet again. Seff, still holding Evan up, looked down at him. They looked at the grass near the kerb, with wheel marks clearly visible. They looked at each other again. "Sorry, there wasn't any danger after all. Ha. Ha." said Seff. "No danger." said Evan. "Yeah, no danger. Definitely no danger, see, it was metres away. Well, a metre. Definitely more than a metre." "Metres away." "Yeah, yeah, no danger at all!" Seff realised his arm muscles were beginning to ache. He put Evan down. "Nothing dangerous at all!" he repeated. They simultaneously remembered Rose and looked around. She was standing there, purse dropped on the ground, her mouth a perfect round circle, and staring back at them. "Rose, see, it's all an overreaction on my part. Nothing dangerous." said Seff. Rose kept on staring. Seff attempted to raise his hands to wave them around in reassurance, only to realise they were being held tightly by Evan. They looked at each other, he looking up and around, Seff looking down. At last Rose managed to move. She came up to them, extended her hand. Evan took hold, all the while maintaining her hold on to Seff's hand with his other. They went back for the dropped purse, and then Seff picked up the basket. Finally, they ended up walking, hand in hand, with Evan in the middle, to a convenient patch of grass overlooking the lake. They sat in a row, the two teenagers with their arms around Evan, who was still in the middle. Thus, their arms were also in contact with each other. By the time they got back to the orphanage, they had no trouble in holding a three-way conversation. "Martha! Martha! We had a great picnic on the lake!" said Evan. "That's nice, dear. And how was the zoo?" "Oh, that part was boring. But can I go out with Seff and Rose again? Please!" "Ah, sure, if the house mother says so." Martha looked at the two teenagers, who both nodded. "Next week!" "Ah, yes, that's fine by me." said Seff. "And, and, Martha, a week is a long time! How about we invite him for tea on Wednesday!" Martha blinked at this, and exchanged glances at Seff and Rose. "Well, sure, it appears that that is ok. I'll pass the word on." Seff: Later that night, as Seff lay in bed: Little Evan is such a cute kid after all. It's not what I expected, but the date was certainly fun. Apart from the zoo visit, of course. And now I get to visit Rose again, even if it is for a meal at the orphanage. Then, maybe afterwards, I can get some together by ourselves time with her! Rose: Rose was also doing some thinking. He really does like children. That's so wonderful. Our personalities are definitely compatible! And, if we stay together, maybe we can have our own lovely children... Rose: Becoming friends with Carmen Respecting Seff's wishes to keep their relationship a secret for the time being, Rose carefully avoided his company during the next day. Since, up to now, she had never spoken to him anyway, that was not in any way out of the ordinary. Rose had also rarely spoken to Carmen; she found her abrasive attitude a little bit too much to take. However, what with the strange story of their health being fixed by Mackay, Carmen appeared to be getting on much better with other girls, and even with the occasional boy. Well, now, why don't I try talking to Carmen again? Her father is a policeman, and my father is now living with a policeman, so perhaps that can be a conversational starter. After all, dad did say that he was no longer going to keep his relationship a secret. The only difficulty is that Carmen is rarely seen without the other girls, especially Turquoise... The god of random luck must have decided to be kind to her this day. Because, as she came in to the ref looking for someone to sit next to, the first person she recognised was Carmen, sitting by herself on an otherwise empty table. "Oh, hi Carmen. Mind if I sit next to you and have a talk?" "Sure." "You know, my dad has started a relationship with a police officer, and they work for the River Police Station across the road. So your father would know them." "I suppose so. What is this lady's name?" "Well, there's the thing. It's a police man. Dad has finally decided to come out of the closet. His name is Gagnon, you know the one who deals with most of the school policing." "Is that so! I didn't know that. I must ask my dad about it." The ice being broken, they chatted away with each other. Eventually Turquoise and Jenny turned up, and they had a four-way conversation.