in moonlight, and her black blouse, invisible in the dusk, hid her body; it seemed as if only her head was gliding through the air.
Firefly! Jerry thought adoring her. Come on! He looked hard all about, checking every shadow, every moving leaf. It’s dangerous to walk after dark, isn’t it? Where, in the name of Hell, are all the damned crooks, maniacs, gangsters and druggies? Not even a noisy paparazzi. Why can’t one of Mister Noirson’s competitors send an assassin along to give me something to do?
Alas! Mary was not aware in the slightest of his efforts to protect her from the perils of his imaginary world where, at a stretch, he would transform into a knight in shining armor and ride in to save the girl from danger. She had forgotten about him the instant Robert had offered her the walk.
They moved slowly, without saying a word at first. When Robert asked with a smile;
“Are you cold, dear?” Mary looked at him questioning, and he specified; “You are hugging yourself.”
“Oh! No.” The girl felt a hot wave instantly wash away her chill. She dropped her arms. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“Don’t catch a cold,” Robert said very serious, casually hugging her shoulder. “Next week, you are going in for a very serious competition, if I remember correctly?”
Mary was taken aback by his comforting gesture. Should I ask him to remove his arm? the girl thought, confused. But why? It would be hypocritical to pretend that I don’t like it! It’s not like he’s gonna rape me… She flushed momentarily at the thought of him actually imposing himself on her in a more romantic sense, but brought herself back to earth. Loosen up, girl, she scolded herself, I’m so paranoid at times! He’s just trying to be nice to me, I feel good in his arms, and all I’m doing is walking like a stupid frigid doll!
“I’m sorry, Robert, what did you say about the competition?
“Just that you have one next week!”
“How do you know?” she replied.
He gave her a look that insinuated he knew everything about her. Again she flushed, wondering if he knew how warm it made her feel that he took such an interest in her simple life.
“Nah, it’s just a usual event; a Gymnaestrada for the five local schools. Some charity activities as well…” she gazed at him with a fleeting hope. “Will you attend it as well?”
“I’m afraid not,” Robert replied, sounding sad. Mary nodded.
“I understand…”
They crossed the road, and Jerry noticed almost with despair. Oh, no, the campus is here already! Please, cue the mad dog or a raccoon, sick with rabies! a snake…
Perhaps an anaconda, eh? an inner voice mocked him. Maybe a t-rex, a mammoth? Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Not your day to be in a fairytale, buddy. Let’s face it, whichever way you look at it, it’s not your lucky day!
He gloomily glanced at Robert and Mary – they walked hugging each other – and Jerry again looked around trying to find a reason to show off his abilities. In vain!
They entered the campus area. The modern buildings contrasted sharply with the aging structures all covered with moss and ivy. The usual noises from the city were muffled, and occasionally the light chirping from birds falling asleep up in the trees could be heard. The breeze was light, yet gave the atmosphere a soft and warm feeling as if being cradled by Mother Nature.
Mary rubbed her head against Robert’s shoulder, and smiled with happiness.
How many times she had paced along the same alleyway. How different it was with Robert! Usually she almost ran through the darkness, clutching her brass-knuckles, ready to defend herself. She was always cautious, always on the lookout for possible sources of dangers.
And now she felt so safe and comfortable, enjoying the feeling of her beloved man next to her. They walked in silence until they reached Mary’s building.
Mary, you are such an impolite fool! suddenly flashed in her head. You have been dating two months already, but have you ever asked Robert about HIS plans and events?
“You never told me about your life,” she started, carefully choosing the words. “I don’t want to worm myself into your confidence. But I’d like to know you better.”
“Wasn’t there enough about me from the searches you did in the library?” Robert asked, smiling.
They stopped by the building entrance.
“How did you know?” Mary sighed. “Well, I asked that question so many times that it has lost all its meaning. I suppose I should just accept that you know everything about me. I guess I feel a little bit guilty. Yes, I did check some newspapers and Internet sites. You have done a lot, haven’t you? But besides all the boring facts, what kind of things do you like? What do you do for fun? What are your beliefs?”
“Ow-ow, slow down, girl!” Robert laughed. “It’s not easy to reveal everything at once. Okay, let’s see. I expect you’ll find this funny after reading about my business life, but away from the madness, I am quite a romantic person. If you ever come to my house, don’t be surprised. It has Renaissance décor in every room.”
“Renaissance? That is interesting,” she chirped, nodding.
“How I miss that time. If it was up to me, I’d prefer to wear a French aristocrat’s wig, and see you dressed in a crinoline!”
Mary gaped at Robert, who paused, then continued; “By the way, I’ve never seen you in a skirt. Why?”
It’s because of my short legs, Mary thought, embarrassed. I believe I look like a turtle, when I’m wearing a dress. But I’d rather die than admit to that aloud.
“Don’t you have one?” Robert insisted. “I think you have very shapely legs, if you don’t mind me saying.”
Mary went scarlet at his compliment then quickly regained her composure.
“I do have a dress,” the girl replied slowly. “The one I wear for going to church. But the rest of the time, I wear pants or shorts, because I need to do a lot of exercises.”
“What, for your gymnastics?”
“Yes.” His positive comment on a part of her figure that Mary hated had struck a cord in her and opened her heart to him more than she hoped he could tell. “Look!” Mary gabbled in a wave of excitement. “Can you imagine if I did this, togged up in a dress?”
She stepped aside, onto the grass, and performed a few leaps and gymnastic jumps.
Jerry did not hear their talk, and now, seeing Mary prancing and pirouetting, he was astonished, and slowly went close.
What the hell is she doing? Wow! He couldn’t believe his eyes. Did the Master ask her or is she doing it to show off and make him even crazier for her? Damn, for me, at least, it works. Look, she can bend in every direction known to man! I forgot she was a gymnast. Wow, what a girl, what an amazing body, just look
