Recap of Chapter 16
Cassie’s ex-boyfriend shows up and is greeted by four
angry people. Matt bravely puts up a fight with him which leads to the arrest
of the unwanted visitor. Matt has a few physical after-effects, but Cassie is
again very efficient and takes matters in her own hands. Her medical care ends
up in a sexy scene.
Today is our
boat outing and I promised Gary a new fishing pole for Christmas. He feels
embarrassed but I insist on getting him one before we leave. I ended up taking
a sleeping pill and some pain killers at three o’clock in the morning and I’ve
had better days. In fact I don’t feel well at all. I hope it’s not bad news for
the surprise getaway I planned with Cassie. I am rarely sick, except for the
spasms and back pain but this time I feel feverish and weak. In my case an
infection shouldn’t be taken lightly. Last time I had a fever it went sky high
and I ended up in the ICU for two weeks with a urinary tract infection. I prefer
to assume it’s a temporary state due to the stressful and fairly violent close contact
I had with the ex. Nonetheless I am still angry at myself for the shameful personal
incident that followed and I blame my broken body whose bruises don’t heal as
well as before. Cassie knows I had a rough night and tries to talk me out of
going. Needless to say, I don’t comply. After breakfast I follow Gary to his pickup
with Cassie in my wake, “I’m coming with you.”
I laugh at her stubbornness,
“No you’re not. This is a guy thing and you’ll be bored.”
She gives up
easily pretending to be offended, but the twinkle in her eyes says otherwise. I
think she likes the idea of me and her dad starting to bond. Moreover she knows
perfectly I’d go, no matter what.
“Ok, I’ll see
you when you return. I am going to walk Gus and say hi to the neighbors.”
“Good idea.
We’ll be back in no time, hopefully not empty-handed.”
I see Gary’s
lopsided smile, “Whoa! I’m impressed. You must have a secret to be obeyed like
this. Cassandra has always been a tenacious and obstinate girl.”
“You’re right,
she has a temper but I like this side of her. Anyhow she is not always that
way. She is also responsible, smart, caring and sweet. And according to me, being
independent with a personality is not a flaw. I think you have a wonderful
daughter.”
He nods a
couple of times obviously agreeing with me.
I am glad
Cassie doesn’t see me struggle to get in the truck; otherwise she would have
taken me back into the house by force. Gary is not really too confident either.
My side is still painful and the passenger’ seat is too high for an easy
transfer. In fact, there is no possible transfer, just a physical performance. I
have to plop down on the footboard first, then grab the side handle in the cab
and pull myself up inside with my other hand pushing on the open door window.
That is after letting my legs dangle in thin air like a rag doll which seems
like for ages. At some point I almost ask Gary to come to my rescue and help me
back down in my chair. Even if my arms muscles are strong I have a bruised and
painful hip for the previous day, only four hours of sleep and an overpowering
exhaustion. I finally make it under Gary’s anxious look. We sigh in relief
simultaneously. Still, he has to put the wheelchair in the bed truck after I
explain him how to take the wheels off. It’s out of my reach. It takes me
longer to get in and out the truck than choosing the fishing rod in the store,
but I don’t regret it seeing Gary’s childish smile. He looked for a cheap one,
but I convinced him to take a high-end brand.
“This is top of
the line material. I never had such an expensive pole. Thank you Matthew, it’s
a beautiful present, but you didn’t have too.
"I know but I wanted to. Let me be clear though, I am not Jeffrey trying to buy you off. It’s just your Christmas gift and don’t imagine I’ll buy you presents like those each time I come.”
"I know but I wanted to. Let me be clear though, I am not Jeffrey trying to buy you off. It’s just your Christmas gift and don’t imagine I’ll buy you presents like those each time I come.”
He smiles at my
fake serious tone, and we are back and ready for our fishing trip. I have to go
to the bathroom first and I need help again for the stairs. Cassie comes to
assist her father to haul me up. They now know I can get them down on my own,
but Gary is still nervous to see me balanced on my two rear wheels to bump the
steps down one by one. To board the boat is a brand new ballgame. I have to
leave my chair again, so Cassie and her dad can carry me on board, because the
boat is much lower than the deck. Then Gary brings my wheels on the boat, so I
can transfer back once more. That’s a lot of transfers but I have no other
choice for certain activities. I wish I could sit on the deck seats but I do
not trust my unsteady balance. Even if the waters are still, it’s rocking a bit
and I am afraid of the other boats’ wakes. After all it’s my first time on a
boat since my accident and I stick to Gary who is piloting. I position my
wheelchair close to him and put my brakes on.
“Are you ok
Matt? Comfortable enough?”
“It’s perfect
Gary. Thank you for taking me.”
“You’re kidding
right? Thank you for coming with me. Usually I’m all by myself so I appreciate
the company.”
While we slowly
move along the canal, I start to relax and I feel a little better. It is not
too hot and the direct sun feels good on my face. Putting my sunglasses on I am
able to look at Gary without blinking and we have friendly small talks. We stop
in the middle of the bay and I can see he is excited to fish with me and his
new rod. I have to admit it pleases me too. I didn’t fish for years, and I am
curious to do it from a wheelchair. After we are both settled and waiting
patiently for some activity on the other end of our lines, Gary resumes
chatting, “If I may say, your wheelchair doesn’t limit you to enjoy life and do
a lot of things. I can see you are a real fisherman Matthew. You know how to set
the bait and throw the line, not like this wannabe. He was such a sissy letting
me hook his baits and unhook the fish with a disgusted face; that is not to
mention the countless lines he broke.”
I chuckle frankly
while he goes on, “I am sorry for not trusting you with my daughter and
assuming you couldn’t take care of her or make her happy. I was totally wrong. Honestly,
when she told us about you with the wheelchair and all we were taken aback. We
really thought she was wasting her life getting into trouble to become a
caregiver. I feel bad to tell you this but I pictured you very differently. Cassandra
didn’t go into details regarding your…problem, so we went for the worst.”
“How so? Did
you imagine me in a vegetative state? In a power chair, completely dependent
with a feeding tube and a 24 hour attendant care?”
My tone is
sarcastic but I can’t help it. I am fed up with people having such wrong ideas
of disability and degrade us or feel embarrassed in our presence.”
“Kind of I
admit, but after meeting you and knowing you better, I am much less worried.
Well, I wish you didn’t have this terrible accident and I feel sorry for you
but you seem to handle your predicament pretty well. I reckon you have more
willpower and strength than any able-bodied people and I admire you. You are a
good guy, much better than this moron Jeffrey, and I have never seen my
daughter so radiant and in love. I don’t blame her for choosing you.”
“Thank you for
your honesty and kind words. I am aware I am not the perfect boyfriend for a
parent’s point of view, but I love your daughter and I’ll do anything for her.”
“I saw what you
already did yesterday and that’s enough for me. I’ve only known you for two days
but I know you are brave, honest and I already like you. You have my blessing.
My wife is more hesitant and wary but she’ll come around. I’ll see to it. She
is a stressed and stressful woman and just scared about people health issues,
so imagine a wheelchair! I had a heart attack two years ago but I feel
perfectly fine now. Even if my test results are all good she would like me to
do nothing else but sit in front of the TV all day and have her daughter by our
side forever. I keep on telling her she should be happy if her daughter is
happy and let me lead an active life as long as I can. Oh, what can I tell you?
Women can be so overwhelming and bossy! Sometimes it’s hard to bear.”
His statement
sounds so resigned and accepting I can’t repress a smile and I nod
mischievously, “Yeah, I know the feeling but as they say it’s for our own good
and what would we do without them?”
“You’re right
son. We love them the way they are and we are not perfect either!”
He squeezes my
shoulder in an affectionate way and we share a few seconds of mutual emotion.
We come back
with five fish, four for me but the biggest for Gary. Its size is worth all of mine
together. He almost broke his new pole pulling it out of the water, and I had
to come to his rescue. I know what we are having for dinner tonight. The women
are amazed but not too happy about cleaning those fish. I willingly volunteer, “I’ll
do it. My mom and sister hated doing it too, and they don’t want my father or
me to fish anymore. We buy them ready to cook now. But I did it so many times
with my dad when I was younger; I think I still have the skills of a
fishmonger.”
They all smile
at me and Helen puts an apron over my head with such an unusual confidence she
startles me. Everyone laughs at my surprised but funny face.
“You can’t
imagine how grateful I am Matthew. He brings me back fish to clean almost every
week. I think I will get along very well with your mom and your sister. They
seem to be insightful women.”
I smile at her remark
and wiggle my eyebrows, “You’re welcome Helen. And yes I am surrounded by
perceptive women, but it can be irritating sometimes. I’ll be right back.”
I wink at
Cassie and Gary gives me a knowing look. With this moment of complicity I spin
around to head to the bathroom. I have been gone for over two hours, we had
some beers and I need to drain my bladder real bad. After I am done I find
Cassie seated on the edge of the bed. She is staring at me with a naughty look.
“Were you
waiting for me Baby? Are you mad for what I said about the women I love?
Nope. I just
want you to kiss me before you take care of those fish.”
“Are you
implying I’ll be too stinky after the job?”
“I am farsighted.
I hate the smell of raw fish!”
“Hey! I’ll
shower and if it’s not enough you can scrub me. Deal?”
“Deal, but even
so I need a hug right now.”
“You don’t need
any excuse for that kind of activity. I will always agree.”
She sits on my
lap and kisses me in a warm embrace. When I am able to catch my breath again I
take an offended tone, “So you tricked me for a cuddle session. Confess to your
crime Lady.”
“I confess your
honor. What is the verdict?”
“The Defendant
is sentenced to no touching for a full day.”
“You can’t do
that, it’s torture!”
She puts on a
scared face and I burst out laughing.
“Ok, sentence
revoked until further notice.”
She giggles and
fondles under my t-shirt.
When we eat the
fish caught by Gary, cleaned by me, cooked by Helen and tasted by everyone, I
announce a little bit bluntly, “Tomorrow I am taking Cassie on a trip for a few
days, but we’ll come back here before returning to Chicago. She really wanted
me to know you and I am glad I came and met you, but I thought it would also be
nice to take her someplace else, where we could hang out by the beach and take
some pressure off. I hope it is ok with you, and I am sorry for not telling you
when we arrive, but I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Cassie’s big
green eyes are questioning me with a stunned look, and Helen doesn’t seem too
happy about it, “You could rest here, the beach is only a few miles away.”
“Huh…I know but
I meant…right on the beach…just… the two of us. It is our first vacation
together and I already booked somewhere.”
“I think it is
a wonderful idea. When Cassie is here she doesn’t do anything. She doesn’t even
go to the beach and we work during the day. It is fairly boring, don’t you
think Helen? They need to clear their heads especially after what happened, and
they would like to spend some time alone. That’s understandable.”
Gary winks at
me. Helen is pouting but nods not totally convinced, Cassie has a broad smile
on her face and I feel less embarrassed.
****
The next day we
leave quite early because we have a three and a half hour drive, but for a
complete change of scenery. I am taking her to the Florida Keys, and I really
want us to do nothing but lie down on beach chairs, drink cocktails and make
love in a king size bed. My first plan was a cruise in the Caribbean, but a
crowded ship with frequent stops in harbors for touristic visits is not really
handicapped friendly. And I know Cassie; she is like me and more into a
romantic and intimate getaway. In the privacy of the bedroom, she asks me
puzzled, “When did you plan this Matt, and when did you intend to tell me?”
“I decided to
take you on a real vacation when I booked the plane tickets. I had no intention
of telling you until the last minute, but your parents needed to know a little
beforehand. It’s not very polite and even rude of me to take you away from them
without asking anyone’s permission, even though I need us to be alone for a few
days in a remote and different location. I also must admit that selfishly I
want you all to myself.”
“Well, I’m
selfish too because it is a mutual feeling, and I am dying for this moment.
Wherever you’re taken me, it will be paradise.”
I brought my
hand control system with me so I can drive, and I surely impress Cassie’s
parents when they see me sit behind the wheel. When we are all set to go, Gary
is all smiles waving goodbye while Helen is nodding slightly with a concerned
look. I drive all the way down just stopping once to stretch my legs, figure of
speech! In my case it is to ease the tension in my back, but mostly to cath and
drink coffee. We are both emotionally tired from the previous days with Cassie’s
argument with her folks, but mostly with Jeffrey’s intrusion. I know she is
still upset about it and fears the consequences. I am not troubled in the least
myself but not throwing the towel until further legal action is taken. In the
mean time I’ll make sure this guy won’t harass her anymore. We don’t talk much
during the drive, each of us being lost in our thoughts. Cassie dozes off
leaning on my shoulder half the ride, and I have to wake her up when I stop the
car in the Key West Harbor. She opens her eyes and smiles at me sleepily, “are
we here yet?’
“Not quite. We
have to take a seaplane to go on a private island.”
She looks
perplexed but excited, “Where are you taking me Matt?”
“To Little Palm
Island. It’s only accessible by boat or plane, so I figured it will be secluded
enough for our romantic getaway.”
“Wow! That’s
sounds riveting. After living all my life in Florida I have never been there
before. Can you believe it? Did you?”
My guess is her
last question is implying ‘with Melissa’.
“I haven’t
either.”
I feel the need
to add, “With nobody else but you.”
Earlier I
called the seaplane company to mention my disability and there are two staff
members waiting for us at the foot of the Cessna. One of them takes our bags
from my lap and they let Cassie board first. As I can’t do the four stairs up even
in my wheelchair, they have to get me out of it and carry me in their arms.
They are very cautious and make sure my head doesn’t bump into the doorframe, because
the entrance is very narrow and low. They even have to remove the wheels of my chair
and fold the frame to get it in. It is a tedious and yet degrading process for
me, but I refuse to restrict ourselves from anything because of my disability. As
much as I hate planes nowadays I’ll do anything to see this magical twinkle in
Cassie’s eyes. It’s a very quick flight, but the sightseeing of small islands beaches,
the ocean’s various shades of blue and turquoise beneath us are breathtaking.
Cassie is holding tight onto my hand, and stuck to the window like a child
seeing Santa Claus in person.
I have to rely
once more on people’s help to unload my wheelchair and myself, but it is done
with simplicity and discretion.
We check in at
the reception and are escorted ceremoniously to our suite. If I have seen the
resort pictures on the Internet, I am still impressed by what I discover. As
for Cassie she is speechless and awestruck. This is a very expensive place that
I never could have afforded in my twenties, neither before that with my
parents. When I could, thanks to my NFL substantial paychecks, I didn’t have
time or never thought about staying in such a luxury place. Now I have other
considerations and my new motto is that we only live once. Since I am safe from
financial worries I want it to be of benefit to Cassie, and I am looking
forward to enjoy this stunning setting with her. I asked for the most secluded
bungalow on the island. It features a wide living space with a separate dining
and living room, and a huge private deck overlooking the ocean. I let Cassie
lead the tour, and I am rewarded by her broad enchanting smile and sparkling
eyes. As she discovers the private beach hidden among tropical lush vegetation,
I instantly think about her father who would comment on every tree, plant and
flower. The wooden deck is equipped with a Jacuzzi ready to use with steaming and
whirling waters and an outdoor shower. Interior features
give a traditional West Indies touch blended with true island design. Striking
vaulted ceilings rise to thatched roofs, and iron
and teak ceiling fans linger below. The colonial style king size bed is covered
with red rose petals, surrounded by large eggshell sheers and decorated with a
bunch of fluffy cushions. I already imagine myself propped against them with
Cassie in my arms. She seems to read my mind because she looks at me with eager
eyes. Everything seems perfect and handicapped friendly, except for the
antique bathtub which sits proudly in the middle of the luxury bathroom. I made
sure beforehand there is also an accessible shower.
“Do you like it
Babe?”
“Are you crazy
Matt? I have never seen such an enchanting place. Thank you so much. It is from
far the best Christmas’ present I ever got.”
“I am glad to
hear that and you are my Christmas’
present.”
She giggles and
like a little girl she throws herself onto the plush mattress making all the
flower petals scatter around her.
“Come next to
me Matt. This is so soft and comfy. It will be hard to get out of this.”
“I agree on
that. It looks very tempting and I could use a little nap…but a cheeky one!”
We test the bed
making love and our lascivious desire leaves us blissfully satisfied. Exhausted as well, I am unable to move for a
while and I even fall asleep. When I wake up the sun has almost disappeared
giving way to a horizon on fire. The sky is exploding in layers of yellow,
orange and red. It almost looks surreal but so magnificent. Cassie is not in
the room and I miss her already. I transfer quickly and look for her. The
living room is open to the outside patio, and I find her in the Jacuzzi tub
wrapped around hot aromatic vapors contemplating the same sky I was discovering
a few minutes ago. The sea seems darker now, except for the setting sun’s
feeble light which is reflecting on the surface like a river of diamonds. Cassie
has her back turned so she can’t see me. I approach silently from behind and wrap
my arms around her neck. I startle her, but without turning her head she takes
my hands in hers with a sigh of pleasure, “Matt, it is so relaxing here! You
spoil me so much. I have to warn you though; you shouldn’t do this too often or
I could get used to it!”
“You deserve it
and I am treating myself too because I didn’t take a vacation for a while. Not
since the accident, and months before we were in the middle of the playoffs, so
I was training hard. I don’t remember the last time I swam in the ocean.”
“Can you still
swim?”
“I can in a
swimming pool so I don’t see any reason why I couldn’t in the sea. The only problem
is my wheelchair in the sand. There is no way I can wheel to the shore. I’ll
try to figure out something tomorrow.”
“Oh yes! Let’s
find a way. I would love to be in the ocean with you Matt. For now, can you
join me in the Jacuzzi?”
I look at the
wide wooden tub skeptically. It is too high for me to transfer in, and there is
no step half way to sit on.
“I don’t think
I can Cass, but thanks for overestimating my acrobatic abilities.”
I mean it. She
has a gift to strengthen my self esteem. When everyone sees my paraplegic limitations,
Cassie on the contrary always seems to ignore them to the point I can totally forget
them myself sometimes. Right now, she is giving me a pleading look as if it was
a vital decision, “Please Matt, I’ll help you. You will feel so good in the
water and I’ll give you a massage.”
“You have a
sneaky way to convince me Baby. Ok, let’s try but I don’t promise anything.”
As I am only in
my boxers I pull them off wiggling my waist from side to side, while Cassie
gets out of the tub to help me in. She is completely naked, smelling nice from
the essential oils, and her beautiful body terribly tantalizing, although I
really don’t think it is such a good idea. She has not my father’s strength,
and this Jacuzzi is much higher than a regular bathtub. While I am assessing
the situation, she realizes her proposition is risky and looks annoyed.
“I am sorry
Matt, I didn’t think. It was selfish of me. Forget about it. ”
“No. I like
when you see me as an able-bodied and don’t belittle me. I like challenges.
Let’s try it. I’m going to put my legs first and you will help me to get out of
the chair.”
I have to do it
now before I change my mind. I wheel forward against the tub, facing it. I lift
my lifeless legs one at a time and put them in the warm water that I can’t
feel. I could burn myself I wouldn’t know. Then I struggle to slide to the edge
of my chair as my legs are raised above and already half immersed. Cassie is
checking intensely, not so confident for once to see me in that perilous
position. I really don’t like what I’m about to do but I’ll do anything for
her.
“Now, what do
you want me to do Matt?”
“Come closer.”
She leans on me
and I hook her neck with my arms, “Ready?”
She nods.
“Ok, I count to
three and you lift me, so I can sit on the edge of the tub. Then I think I can
manage by myself. You’re sure you are ready for this Cass? You know I am a dead
weight and a heavy one.”
“Yes I’m sure,
start counting.”
“1...2…3.”
She pulls me up
and out of my chair, and sits me down delicately on the edge of the hot tub.
Now I am back at the same level of my legs. Cassie is holding me tight by the
shoulders, but I can’t stay long like this without back support.
“Ok. Now go
back in the tub to catch me in case I slip too deep in the water. It will be
stupid to wind up drowned in a whirlpool spa.”
“Matt, please!
This is not funny, don’t joke about that.”
I chuckle,
“Don’t worry I am good at free diving!”
She is back in
the water ready to welcome me. Hands behind my back tightly holding the edge, I
slip my upper body in the warm water and this time I can feel the heat.
“Phew! You
really wanted me here didn’t you?”
She sighs in
relief and kisses me. The bottom is slippery and I have to hold onto the sides.
She squeezes her body behind mine and wraps me in her arms so my back can rest
on her chest. Now I have my hands free to touch her velvety thighs under the
scented and bubbling hot water. The trouble was worth it and I relax in her
arms, while as promised she massages my shoulders and chest. It feels so right
to be here with her, far from everyone, everything, on an open deck facing the
ocean with a tropical breeze caressing our faces. We don’t talk for long
minutes taking pleasure in the sensual touches of our mutual bodies.
“What are you
thinking Cass?”
“That you took
me to heaven. I am afraid I am dreaming though, and I am going to wake up to
find out none of this is real.”
Puzzled by her
sudden emotion, I turn my head slightly to the side to be able to face her, “It
is real Babe. We are here together and you are doing wonders with your magic
hands wandering over my body. In the water nestled against your breasts I
almost have the sensation I am whole, because I forget I don’t feel my legs.
Let me kiss you and show you this is not a dream. I shift on my side, put my
arms around her waist and we kiss with passion until we need some air.
“Touch me again
Cass, it feels so good”
I shift back
against her, take her hand and guide her on my chest and my stomach. She seems
to enjoy caressing me as much as I relish the feeling of well-being she is
giving me.
“Thank you for
all this Matt, I love you.”
“You can touch
me and love me all you want, but please stop thanking me. I am as happy as you
are.”
My hands are
still resting on her thighs, gently stroking them with delight. Her own hands
keep on exploring my extra sensitive torso and shoulders, until I don’t feel
them anymore. I can guess they are foundling my lower abdomen. Suddenly Cassie
startles me with an exclamation, “Matt!”
“What’s the
matter?”
She promptly
takes one of my hands and put it between my legs. We are both in shock. My
penis is hard, I am having an erection. I stroke it, touch it, cup it in both
hands like a hidden treasure found, stare at it through the hot bubbles, and
instantly tears are stinging my eyes. It is my first real erection without
stimulation in over a year. I don’t believe in miracles, because if I can see
my erected shaft, I still can’t feel anything. I stroke it so hard in despair; Cassie
has to stop me and removes my hands.
“Do you see
that Cass? Is it for real? Now it’s me wondering if I am not dreaming.”
“No you’re
not.”
She beams at me
wiping my tears. She touches me down there for the first time and she seems to
enjoy what she has in her hands. I let her make the most of it, because I can’t
tell if it will be repeated. She is gentle, affectionate and I am burning
inside not being able to feel her touch and even less, penetrate her. All of a
sudden I am also burning outside. I am hot, I breathe with difficulty, and I
feel terribly wrong.
“Cass, help me
out of here quick. I think I’m going to pass out.”
I close my
eyes.
“Oh, no no no Baby,
not here, not in the tub. Please look at me. Matt!”
I feel a few
little slaps on my cheeks and I open my eyes. Did I faint? I don’t know how she
did it, but I am seated on the edge of the tub slouched against her, and she is
out of Jacuzzi. If she lets go I fall backwards and she knows it. She quickly puts
a towel on my shoulders, another one on my wheelchair still holding me close.
“Matt you have
to put your arms around me and hold on tight. Can you do that? Matt! focus. Look
at me. I have to put you back in your chair. You are as red as a tomato and you
are scaring me.”
I faintly lift
my head and I catch a very concerned look. In a very low and tired voice I can
only whisper, “Ok”. I weakly wrap my arms around her neck, and I don’t know
where she gets the strength from, but she pulls me up and then down on my
chair. I am helpless with my chin falling on my chest. She wheels me rapidly in
the bedroom. She helps me lie down, disappears in the bathroom and comes back
in a wink with a glass of iced water and some wet cloths. She lifts my head and
forces me to drink. Then she freshens up my face, my neck, my shoulders and my
chest with the cool washing cloths. My breathing is back to normal, however I
feel weak, dizzy and nauseous.
“There you go.
You look less red. How do you feel? Can I leave you for a second to call for a doctor?”
One word I hate
especially on vacation. It makes me recover faster. “No! No doctor. Please
Cassie. I am better. I’m going to be ok. It already happened to me a couple of
times. It’s a sudden rise in my blood pressure probably due to the hot water. I
probably stayed too long in the Jacuzzi. It is not recommended for paraplegics.”
“Oh Matt! Why
didn’t you tell me before? Why did you accept if you knew? I am going to feel
guilty ‘til the day I die.”
“I have been
reckless and I’m sorry. I wanted to be with you and I don’t regret it. Maybe
the erection came from the hot water too. It is a known fact that the heat
speeds up the blood flow in the arteries.”
Saying so I
give a glance at my genitals to find out it is back to its flaccid state.
Cassie
understands and seems sorry for me, “It was already gone when I pulled you out
of the water.”
“Well at least
you saw it big once.”
I am being
cynical to hide my disappointment. She sits beside me and glides her hand lovingly
on my face, “Stop feeling sorry for your manhood. I am not. Well, I am for you
but do we need a hard-on to be sexually fulfilled? Not me. I have never been so
happy and I discovered what love is all about with you and without…an erected
penis.”
She puts her
hand gently on it and I feel very uncomfortable. I remove her hand and
straighten up against the headboard, “Thanks Cassie for cheering me up, but
that doesn’t make me less impotent.”
Why am I ruining this wonderful first day with those down-to-earth concerns? We made love in this bed not long ago and it was awesome. Stop feeling sorry for yourself Matthew Vincent. You are happy, you make her happy and it is the only thing that should matter.
Why am I ruining this wonderful first day with those down-to-earth concerns? We made love in this bed not long ago and it was awesome. Stop feeling sorry for yourself Matthew Vincent. You are happy, you make her happy and it is the only thing that should matter.
I haven’t talked
for a while lost in my gloomy thoughts. I have those down
moments sometimes, but less since I am with her. Her anxious voice brings
me out of my emotional state, “Matt, are you ok? You really scared me out there.”
“Yes I am now. Sorry I frightened you.”
I pull her down to me and kiss the tip of her nose. I’m back to my old self, “Are you hungry?”
I pull her down to me and kiss the tip of her nose. I’m back to my old self, “Are you hungry?”
She nods with a
smile.
“Ok, let’s get
dressed first.”
“Matt, are you
sure it’s wise? ”
She still has a
concerned look. I swiftly sit up to wipe away her anxiety, “You see? I’m ok.
Promise.”
I am still
naked, just wrapped in a towel and she wears the resort bathrobe. I am still a
bit nauseous but eating something couldn’t be a bad thing.
“Can you get me
some clothes from my bag?”
“I can do
better.”
She chooses
some cargo shorts and a sleeveless shirt and she dresses me like a baby. In
other circumstances I would refuse to be assisted like a child, however Cassie
doesn’t do it in that way, and I kind of like it. I also feel a bit weak still,
so it gives me a little more time to recover. She disappears in the bathroom
for a quick moment and comes out wearing a long strapless dress. It is 75
degrees and we are eating outside. I ordered over the phone before coming and I
can’t wait to surprise her more.
“Are we going
to eat out?”
“Yes, we are
but not far.”
I look at my
watch.
“It should be
ready by now and we are even a bit late. Come on, let’s go.”
I transfer into
my chair and head to the terrace.
“Matt, we can
have dinner here and go out tomorrow. You could use some rest.”
“Do I look
sick? Stop worrying. It was no big deal.”
“Where are you
going? There is nothing there, but the sea and it’s dark now. Plus, in case
you haven’t noticed you have no shoes on.”
“No need. Just
follow me.”
I grin at her puzzled
face and pull her by the hand.
Passed the
wooden deck there are a few steps, three to be exact, to go down to the private
beach. When I say private the word is meaningful. There are forty bungalows
around the island but we feel like on a private deserted one. Privacy and
intimacy is the resort’s main focus and I can testify they succeeded. I bump
down the stairs balanced on my rear wheels, but as the steps are made out of
wood and moving a little, I have to hold on to the rail for support. The
mangrove is surrounding us with its tortuous branches and roots entrenched in
the sand. This part of the ground is hard and flat and I can easily move
forward. Our little closed nest of lush vegetation opens up to an enchanted
beach, supplied with two comfortable beach chairs and a small table in between.
On the side there is a dining table set for two covered with an immaculate white
table cloth, sprinkled with more rose petals, and lit up with two red candles. Flames
of bamboo tiki torches are glooming on the water and reflecting in Cassie’s
astounded eyes. Coming out of nowhere a discreet waiter is lighting up a fire
pit between the table and the soothing surf.
“Oh Matt! It is
so beautiful.”
“Have a seat my
love and enjoy the scenery.”
She notices the
two chairs under the table and thoughtfully starts removing one, when I stop
her with a gentle pull. “No, I did it on purpose. Tonight I sit in a regular
chair. My wheelchair doesn’t fit in this romantic ‘tête-à-tête’.”
I transfer nimbly
on the luxury padded chair and ask Cassie, “Can you put this out of my sight
for now?”
She looks surprised but so am I; at myself. I always keep my wheelchair as close to me as possible. She hides the wheelchair it behind a nearby tree. I sigh in comfort. When she is seated
herself, I take her hand and kiss ceremoniously the back of it.
“Shall we eat
Milady?”
She flashes her
best sensual smile at me, and I can decipher a cheeky look in her twinkling
emerald eyes, “Yes Milord, I am starving to death.”
I burst out
laughing and nod at the waiter who is still by the fire, ready for us. He
hurries toward our table wishing us a warm welcome and after taking our order,
he leaves in a religious silence. Cassie is gazing at me with an appreciative look and I feel an intense happiness inside.
“You know it is
the first time I see you seated in a regular chair at a table. It feels strange
but at the same time it looks so natural.”
Do I sense a
hint of regret in her soft voice though? I did it for her. However, once more I
wrongly assumed she is like everybody else who prefers to ignore my wheelchair.
Not only she doesn’t mind at all but she likes it. I ask her bashfully, “And is
it good or bad? Because I can switch back if you want.”
She stands up
abruptly and wraps her arms around my neck from behind, “Oh, Matt I am so sorry
if I gave you this impression. I have enough issues about the whole topic;
don’t make me feel guiltier. You know I am proud of you in whatever
circumstances. It’s just that since we arrived here everything looks different,
out of the ordinary and so surreal.”
I grin, “If
this can be of any comfort and gives you solace, I am still an impotent paraplegic
in need of a wheelchair. Appearances can sometimes be deceiving.”
“Matt! Stop
talking like that, please. Don’t spoil this magical moment.”
She sits on my
lap, and while I am trying to move my lifeless legs to make room for hers, we
kiss wildly and erase the awkward conversation. My appetite is back and we have
a delicious dinner. We see the waiter only three times, one for each course,
and we don’t even pay attention to his presence. We only have eyes for each
other with the still waters of the ocean and the white sanded beach as
witnesses.
What an amazing chapter! *swoon*
ReplyDeleteSo romantic and enjoyable! I also loved the camaraderie between Gary and Matt during their fishing trip. Well done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and sweat! Another amazing chapter!
ReplyDeleteNice, very nice. Love the convo between Gary and Matt also. Very sweet. Nice writing. Thanks so much
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ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! I can see I have faithful readers who take time to comment every single week and it is very much appreciated as usual. Obviously I am also grateful to all the others who don't comment but still follow Twist Of Fate!
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