13 comments/ 14693 views/ 17 favorites Loneliness: Study in Black & White By: virtualatheist Alexis Carter returned home from the late shift, turned on the light as she closed the front door behind her, and stooped to pick up the small bundle of letters, mostly bills, from the floor. She quickly sorted through them and sighed. Today was her thirty seventh birthday and she had two cards. One from her friend Mary who worked with her on the Deli counter of the local supermarket. It was quite jokey with a reference to a sex toy. She made a note to thank Mary when she next saw her. The other was an impersonal pre-printed card with a kitten draped in tinsel, that was sent automatically to all employees of BetaShoppa. That was it. The sum total of her birthday wishes. Ordinarily she was quite happy, or at least s happy as someone in her position could be. She had her own little flat, a few friends that she would join at the pub for a drink and a laugh, and most of all, Mary. The flame haired, brash Belfast woman who was her best friend in the world. But here, now in the privacy of her tiny apartment, just big enough for one was when she was at her lowest. When the little claws of despair started to scratch away at her good mood. When the sheer loneliness began to get on top of her. She blinked away a tear, "Come on, you silly cow. Buck up!" Alexis hung her her overcoat on the peg next to the front door and padded through the lounge to her bedroom, stripping her blouse off as she entered her bedroom. She quickly stripped off the remainder of her clothes down to her utilitarian underwear and pulled her jogging bottoms and a t-shirt from her chest of drawers. She caught a glance of herself in the full length mirror that adorned the middle door of the built in wardrobe and yet again despaired at her figure. Plump, but by no means obese, she had a full figure that some might call hourglass if she was perhaps a touch thinner around the waist. Her face was attractive, if not what you might call classically beautiful and was framed by her jet black hair styled in a utilitarian and easy to maintain bob cut. She was just an ordinary woman. If she had anything she was proud of, it would be her legs, slim and long for her 5'6" frame until they met her, some might say Reubenesque, hips. Yes, she decided, her legs were the only things she wouldn't change. After Alexis had dressed, she slipped on a pair of threadbare house-shoes with pink bunnies on them. Childish, but she loved them. They were the only link to the last time she was truly happy. Alexis wandered back through her flat and stepped into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee and selected a microwave meal for one from the freezer. As she waited for the kettle to boil, her thoughts drifted back in time... She was the youngest of four children and the only girl. Her father had worked in the steel foundry as did her three elder brothers. He was a harsh, cold man, who spent Monday to Friday working hard through the days and spent most evenings in the local. Once in a while he would come home drunk, not often, but often enough to instil in her a deep mistrust of drinking. Bob Carter, when he did come home in that state would always find a reason to find fault with his wife, the house or the evening meal that she had prepared, and that would earn her a black eye or a cut lip. One day, his wife had enough and walked out, she moved away from the area and went to live with her sister. Alexis never forgave her for that, for leaving her at seventeen years old to take on the role of house keeper for her father and brothers. None of whom had any respect for her. No chance for romance as any potential boyfriends were warned off in no uncertain terms. Not that she would dream of accepting any offers, she was inexperienced at the social graces, her father and brothers saw to that, and she was shy around men, her only experience of men being the unfeeling cruelty of her immediate family. When Alexis had 'celebrated' her thirty-second birthday, a date not marked in the calendar of any other member of her family, a police man had knocked on her door. He had arrived to inform her that there had been an accident at the foundry and her father had been killed. She remembered the sense of relief rather than grief at the news. But it was short lived. The reading of his will informed her that her brothers were to receive the lion's share of his estate. The sale of the house earned her £2,000 and the clothes she could fit into two small suitcases. It was also the last time she heard from any of her brothers, none of whom had any further use for her. As she had no qualifications and no experience, the only job she was able to get was at the local supermarket, one of the BettaShoppa chain on the deli counter, and the only living space she could afford was a small one bedroomed flat above a newsagent on the high street. The same flat she had occupied for the last five years. The microwave dinged to inform her that her meal was ready, so she transferred the cardboard lasagne to a plate, made her drink and returned to her armchair in front of the small television in the corner of the lounge. Alexis chewed her food mechanically as she watched the news, before retiring to bed. As she lay in the darkness of her bed, she pulled one of the pillows to her and spooned into it, imagining it was a man. Someone to share her bed and her life... Such as it was. Once again, she wept silently as loneliness and despair overwhelmed her. As usual, it took Alexis some time to fall asleep. The next day, Alexis was at her place behind the counter along with Mary, together they quickly laid out the joints of meat on the counter and slipped the trays of spring rolls, sausage rolls and pork pies into place, ready for the first customers of the day. As they quickly and efficiently carried out their work, the general manager appeared and introduced them to the latest addition to the the BettaShoppa family. "And this is the Deli counter, manned.. ahem... Womaned by Alexis and Mary. Ladies this is Michael Nedwell, the new assistant manager." Alexis looked at the newcomer, he was a tall man, just over six feet tall and dressed in a light grey three-piece suit. She was overcome briefly by the very handsome young man, she estimated him to be about twenty five or twenty six years old, with short cropped curly black hair and smooth, shiny skin of a deep chocolate colour. She couldn't help noticing how well he filled his suit, clearly well muscled but slim at the waist with broad chest. His deep voice rumbled, "Ladies. I'm looking forward to working with you." After the introductions, the manager led him away to meet other members of staff and Alexis found herself unable to stop glancing at him when she saw him as he popped in and out of view down the various aisles. Once, he looked back at her, nodded his head and smiled before returning his attention to whoever he happened to be talking to at the time. Alexis felt her face redden and she busied herself with the task at hand. When there was a lull in service, Mary nudged Alexis in the ribs causing her to look sharply at her, "What?" In her thick Irish brogue, Mary whispered, "I see someone likes the new assistant manager. He's a fittie all right. Besides, you know what they say about black men." At least it was what Mary considered a whisper. Nobody knew where Mary had learned to whisper, but one wag had guessed that it was in a helicopter. "Don't be silly!" snapped Alexis, "I'm sure I don't know what you mean. Anyway, what do they say about black men?" Her friend grinned, "Lexie's in loo-ove, Lexie's in loo-ove, She wants a daa-ate, with the new bloke." Once again, Alexis felt the colour rise in her face, "Please don't." Instantly contrite, Mary reached out a hand to rub Alexis' upper arm, "Oh I'm sorry, Love. I'm only kidding." The brash Belfast woman was aware of Alexis personal history, "You do know I'm only joking, right?" Alexis busied herself with a cloth, wiping down the cutting boards at the back of their work area, more for something to do, rather than any need for hygiene and didn't look up as she answered, "Besides, what would he want with someone like me?" Mary grinned, "You never know. He might have a thing for older women of the more rounded variety." "Hmph." It was nearing the end of their shift when Michael reappeared at the counter, "Ladies, I'm going to have a few drinks at the Red Lion over the road after work and wondered if you'd like to join me." Mary giggled, "You can pack that in! I'm an old married woman." Michael grinned back showing his pearly white teeth, "I'm not looking for a date, just thought it'd be nice to get to know some of the staff... Outside work I mean." Mary glanced at Alexis who had retired to the far end of the counter and was industriously ignoring the exchange as she blushed furiously. "Okay," she said, "Fred can make his own tea tonight. I'll be there." Michael turned his deep brown eyes to Alexis, "Can I expect you too?" Alexis looked up briefly, unable to meet his eye and responded quietly, "Erm... No, I'd best not. Thanks all the same." Mary sighed heavily and rolled her eyes skyward, "What she means is, yes that would be lovely, we'll see you there." The young man smiled broadly, "Okay. First drink's on me," and hurried away. After he had left, Alexis slapped Mary on the arm and hissed, "What did you say that for?" Mary rubbed her arm, "Ow! That hurt, you Bitch!" "Sorry. But what did you do that for?" Mary's green eyes flashed, "Maybe I'm just trying to get you out of your shell." "Well, I'm not going!" "You bloody well are, if I have to put you in a headlock, run at the wall and drag you over there unconscious!" her expression softened, "Look it's just a few drinks, and we won't be the only ones there... Come on. Live a little." Some time later, against her better judgement, Alexis found herself being dragged through the double doors that lead into the main public bar of the Red Lion. Mary looked around the room until she saw Michael and one or two acquaintances from the shop. Michael smiled broadly and stood up to wave the two women across. Mary took a seat in the corner leaving the last empty place for Alexis, which happened to be next to Michael. "Hi," he grinned, "Glad you could make it. What would you like to drink?" "Brandy and lemonade for me," called Mary. Alexis smiled weakly, "I'll have an orange juice please." Michael's brow wrinkled, "Don't you want a proper drink?" Alexis shook her head, "I... I don't drink." As the evening wore on, Alexis found herself warming to Michael and also loosening up. In spite of herself, she found herself drawn into the raucous conversations around the table and even giggling at some of the more outrageous and off colour jokes. Slowly, the group thinned out until the only people left at the table were Michael, Mary and Alexis. Thick as thieves, laughing and chatting. A rather rotund, middle-aged man with a greying goatee appeared at the table and said, "There you are Mary. Time to getting off home, don't you think?" Mary smiled, "Gerry, there you are. You staying for one?" she waved at Michael, "This is my hubby, Gerry... Gerry this is Michael, the new boss." Michael stood up and shook Gerry's hand warmly, "Pleased to meet you. You staying for a drink?" Gerry smiled, "Go on then, you've twisted me arm. Pint of Theakston's Old Peculiar please." The younger man grimaced, "Real ale? Bloody peasant!" he grinned, "Why don't you drink something from the 21st century?" The older man grinned back, "I've been drinking Theakston's since before you were born, and I'll STILL be drinking it after you're gone." After a while, the bell was ringing as last orders were called and the four people found themselves outside in the cold night air. Alexis found herself somewhat unsteady on her feet and wasn't sure why, "I feel a bit giddy," she said. Gerry and Mary made their goodbyes and wandered away arm in arm leaving Michael and Alexis stood in the small circle of yellow light from the security lamp mounted on the wall, just above the doors. Michael gave Alexis a lopsided smile, "Come on, I'll see you home." "Oh, you don't have to do that," she replied. "Nonsense. It's no bother." As they walked back to her little flat, they chatted. Alexis surprised herself at being so comfortable in his company. She could also not understand why she felt so dizzy and why when she talked, her tongue didn't seem to fit. Soon they were back at her front door. She fished her keys out of her bag and said, "Thank you for the lovely evening." Michael gazed down into her face, leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek, before he straightened back up and answered, "No, thank you for making me feel so welcome." Alexis flushed and shivered slightly as his lips touched her cheek. Where he had brushed her skin now felt red hot and she stammered, "Well... This is me. I should let you get off." He glanced up the street and than looked back at her, "Well. Night then Alexis. See you tomorrow." As he made his way back to his own home, Alexis continued to look at him, before she shook her head and then let herself into her flat. As she lay in bed that night, she couldn't help lightly rubbing her cheek where Michael had kissed her. She fancied that she could still feel his lips and almost guiltily, she started to stroke her stomach with her other hand. Even though she knew he was just being friendly, she couldn't help but start to fantasise about what might have happened had she invited him in. Not that she ever thought she could, or even that he would be interested in her in 'that way'... After all, she had at least 10 years on him and she also had no illusions about her own physical attractiveness. A handsome, young and physically fit man like him surely had the pick of women, if he wasn't already married. But still... Unconsciously, her hand strayed further down her body and her fingers slipped inside her panties. As she lay in bed imagining his firm, muscular body entwining with hers, kissing her, stroking her, sliding himself inside her. Her fingers slid up and down her pussy lips and she could feel them swelling and dampening. Her nipples hardened as her other hand stroked and pinched them in turn. The heat started to build in her belly as she let her finger slide up her pussy lips and start to circle her clitoris. Even as she did that, her other hand moved down between her thighs and she slipped a finger inside herself, pushing it in as far as it would go until it met the barrier of her hymen. Her fingers were the largest things to enter her, she didn't even own a vibrator, too embarrassed to buy one, even on-line. But still, she thought about Michael, imagining him above her, pinning her to the bed as he lay between her widespread legs pushing his cock into her, taking her, loving her... Fucking her. She couldn't even begin to understand how it would feel, but she knew it would be good. It would be better than her fingers. Suddenly an orgasm exploded in her womb and she came, soaking her panties and her hands. Slowly her breathing slowed as the waves of pleasure died down and ebbed away leaving her... What? Happy? No... Unfulfilled. She looked down at her body and a tear formed. She felt empty. Michael, she thought, such a beautiful man. He wouldn't have any interest in her. Any pleasure she experienced from playing with herself was gone, replaced with despair and emptiness. Sadly, she rolled on to her side, pulled her duvet up to her shoulder attempted to go to sleep. Strangely, she did. And a lot more quickly than she might have imagined. Alexis' dreams were erotic that night and Michael figured heavily in all of them. She woke in the morning and had a pounding headache. Also her stomach was churning so she didn't think she could face breakfast, which was definitely not like her. When Alexis arrived at work, she saw Mary, who took one look at her and expressed some concern, "Jesus, Alexis! You look like death warmed up." "I suppose so. I don't feel very well. If I didn't know better, I'd say I was hung over." Mary shrank back slightly with an embarrassed expression, "Ah... Well... Actually, I think you might be." Alexis' face hardened, "What did you do?" Her friend brushed an imaginary hair away from her face and murmured, "Well, I may... May have, mind you, accidentally slipped a vodka into one or two of your drinks." Alexis was aghast, "What were you thinking? You know I don't drink... And you bloody know why too!" Mary gathered Alexis in her arms, "I'm sorry, Alexis... I know I shouldn't have. It just seemed like a good idea at the time... And you must admit, it brought you out of your shell. I don't remember you ever being so... Animated... So much fun before." She pulled back, but kept hold of Alexis' arms, looked her in the eyes an continued, "Look I'm sorry. In the harsh light of day it was a stupid thing to do, but hey, you're still here, in one piece. And you must admit, you did enjoy yourself last night." "Yes, well-" "Yes well bloody nothing. You had a nice time and you found out first hand that one or two drinks isn't the end of the world. In fact, it can help lubricate the social interaction... So tell me, was there any social interaction after me and Gerry buggered off? Hmmm? Is it true what they say about black men?" Alexis smiled in spite of herself, "What do they say about black men?, " she shook her head, "Never mind that and don't be silly. Michael saw me home, that's all. He wouldn't be interested in an old woman like me." "Jesus preserve us! You're not old. You're thirty-fucking-seven!" Before Alexis could answer, they were interrupted by Michael, "Ladies. How are we feeling this morning?" He took one look at Alexis and screwed his face up in mock disgust, "Ooh! Don't think I need to ask you." Alexis felt herself colouring up, "It wasn't my fault... SOMEONE spiked my drinks." "Look I said I'm sorry," said Mary contritely, "I just thought it was about time you loosened up a little." Michael looked confused, so Mary explained. After she finished he said, "Well, I'm a bit disappointed that you needed a few drinks down your neck to talk to me, Alexis." "Oh no! It's not that. It's just that I don't drink." He looked downcast, "Oh that's a shame. I was going to ask if you'd like to go out for a drink later this week." Alexis backed away slightly, "Me?" "Yes, you. What do you say?" "Oh I couldn't. Sorry." She hurried away into the storage area. She found a quiet corner and burst into tears. Alexis hated herself. She was so lonely and she found him so attractive, but she had such a low opinion of herself that she couldn't understand why a young man like him would want to associate with her... Unless it was some sort of a game he was playing. Michael looked nonplussed as Alexis hurried away. It wasn't the result he was expecting. He looked at Mary and shrugged, "What did I say?" Mary glared at him and asked sharply, "What are your intentions?" "What?" "I said, what are your intentions?" Suddenly quite angry, he snapped, "I like her and thought I'd invite her out for a drink. Not that it's any of your business!" Mary's expression softened and she raised her hands in a gesture of supplication, "Look I'm sorry. I meant no offence... But there's something about Alexis you need to know... She hasn't had it easy. She's had very little experience of men, at least good ones." She rubbed the bridge of her nose with finger and thumb and continued, "Alexis is very shy and VERY inexperienced. If she lets you in, it had better mean something to you, cos you can be sure as Hell, it'll mean an awful lot to her!" Loneliness: Study in Black & White Mary took a deep sigh, "So Michael, she's my best friend and I won't have her hurt. What are your intentions?" "Well... I have no intentions. I just like her and want to get to know her better, that's all." Mary examined him closely and then said, "Okay. Well best you go and ask her again then. But remember... I'm watching you. Don't you dare hurt her!" Michael opened and closed his mouth a couple of times and then decided against speaking, he simply followed Alexis out into the storage area. A quick search later, he found her in the dark corner. He reached out and placed a hand on her upper arm, she shivered slightly and turned away from him. She was upset and embarrassed at her reaction and her eyes were puffy with tears. "I'm sorry," he murmured, "I didn't mean to upset you." She sniffed and then said, "No. No need to be sorry, I'm just being silly." He rubbed her arm gently, "So? Would you?" "Would I what?" "Would you like to go out for a drink later this week? Or maybe dinner?" She looked at him quizzically, "Why would a handsome young man like you want to take me out?" He flashed her a grin, "Maybe I like older women. And don't tell anyone, but I'm a sucker for blue eyes." Alexis couldn't help giggling, "Okay, that would be nice. Thank you." He flashed her another smile, his white teeth creating a sharp contrast against his dark skin. His deep brown eyes sparkled, "Thursday? Seven o'clock?" Alexis nodded, "That would be lovely... Oh wait. I'm on late shift on Thursday." Michael moved slightly closer and used a finger to carefully wipe the tear from her cheek, "I'm the assistant manager around here, I thnk I can get your shift changed. Come on," he said gently, "Less of that. Go and wash your face and get to work." Alexis took a tissue from her pocket, wiped her eyes and blew her nose, "Okay. Thank you." Wednesday evening found Alexis at Mary's house. They were sat in the lounge sharing a bottle of Rosé and having a nice chat. It was not lost on Mary that Michael seemed to have found reason to spend more time at the Deli counter than any previous assistant manager had ever done. "I saw you, ya know," she said as she finished off her current glass. Mary reached for the bottle and refilled both glasses as she grinned at her friend. "Saw me? Saw me do what?" A rich fruity laugh filled the room, " I saw the way you looked at Michael... Every time he appeared on the shop floor." Alexis blushed, "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she reached for her own glass and took a sip, refusing to meet Mary's eye. Mary sighed, "Okay. What's the matter?" "What do you mean?" "Something's bothering you. What is it?" Alexis clasped her hands together on her lap and said quietly, "I don't know what to do." A puzzled frown grew on Mary's face, "What do you mean?" Blushing bright red, Alexis repeated, "I don't know what to do... You know if he... You know." Realisation dawned, "What? Not at all?" Mary asked incredulously. "Don't be silly. I know the mechanics involved. I'm not totally clueless. It's just..." "Just?" Alexis found herself unable to speak further, she could only sit on the sofa, blushing furiously. Eventually she found her voice, "What if he wants to... You know. What if I embarrass myself?" Mary stared thoughtfully at her friend, "Wait there, back in a second." She bustled out of the room and disappeared upstairs. A minute or two later she came back in carrying a DVD. Mary grinned at Alexis and then placed the DVD in the player and set it to play, "Watch this." What showed on the television was a pornographic movie. Mary said, "Ignore the theatricals, just watch what they do. Look here, The woman there is sucking his cock. Don't you look down at your feet, just watch!" Alexis was mesmerised by what she watched on the screen, a young blonde woman was stroking the man's giant cock and feeding it into her mouth as she moved her head up and down on it, with each stroke taking more and more of it between her lips until she was taking about 6 inches down her throat. Mary said, "That's called deep-throating. Don't for one second think you can do that, it takes practice. But if you do decide to take him in your mouth, just make sure you don't try to take more than you can manage. Use your hands... See the way she's using both hands with that circular up and down motion? Lick the end of it and just take the head into your mouth." Alexis was mortified, "In my mouth? I don't know. That looks dirty." Mary moved over to the sofa and sat down next to Alexis, "Look, I know it looks dirty, but it isn't really. Oral sex is far from unusual nowadays. If he's clean and hygienic then you'll be fine, it won't taste as awful as you think... And he'll DEFINITELY appreciate it." On the screen, the two people adjusted their position and now it was the man's turn to use his mouth on the woman. Alexis blurted out, "People really do this?" Mary laughed, "Of course. This is one of my favourite ways to pass the time. Gerry is very good at it... Trust me on this." Alexis looked at her friend in shock before returning her attention to the action on screen. The next forty minutes was spent in silence as Alexis took in the action in the film. After it was finished, she found herself both excited and embarrassed. And also ashamed at just how wet her pussy was after watching the film. Alexis was turned on like she never had been before. Unable to take her eyes from the screen as the film automatically restarted, she murmured, "I don't know if I can do this. Are all willies that big?" Mary laughed heartily, "God no! They only seem to employ freaks of nature in these things. Most men are about six or seven inches," she grinned slyly, "Although, you do know what they say about black men." Puzzled, Alexis answered, "No. What do they say?" Her friend laughed again, "Never mind. You'll find out... Hopefully." Later that night, Alexis lay in her bed and allowed the images from the film to run through her head. Her pussy was soaking and her nipples were painfully hard. Once again she had to play with herself as she imagined Michael feeding his hard cock inside her and making love to her, before she drifted off to sleep and another night of sexy dreams. The following evening, Alexis looked at herself in her mirror. She was, as Mary might have put it, absolutely shitting herself. She was nervous and couldn't decide what to wear. Having splashed out on some lacy underwear from Victoria's Secret, she was now examining herself in the powder blue bra and panties, her large, heavy breasts were virtually spilling out of the half cup bra and she was definitely unsure about the thong style panties that covered virtually nothing at all. She had even shaved herself as she was disgusted by the sight of the thatch of pubic hair that had spilled out from the tiny triangle of gossamer material. Shaving had been Mary's idea. She sat down at her dressing table and applied her make up, hoping that she wasn't going overboard, even though she had to admit that her new mascara and eye shadow brought out the icy blue of her eyes wonderfully. A little foundation, blusher and some lipstick in a pale an understated colour completed the look. Again, Mary was responsible for the colour combinations. She pulled on her dark, knee-length skirt and a crisp, pale blue blouse with a frill down the front. The neckline was daring and showed off quite a lot more cleavage than Alexis was terribly comfortable with. After slipping on her dressy heels, Alexis once again examined her reflection in the mirror. She hoped Michael liked it. The doorbell rang. Alexis took a deep breath before she headed downstairs to the front door. Michael stood at the front door and watched a silhouette grow in the small frosted glass windows until there was a click and Alexis opened the door to greet him. She smiled nervously and said, "Hello Michael. I'll just get my coat and we can go." Once she had slipped it on and checked that she had her keys and purse in her handbag, she closed the door behind her and continued, "So... Where are we going?" For the first time, Michael found himself able to speak. He already found her very attractive, but had only seen her in her working clothes up until now. He said with a grin, "Gotta say Alexis, you don't half scrub up well." She dimpled a smile and once again found herself blushing, "Thank you." Michael collected his thoughts and then said, "Actually I thought we could go to the China Orchid... You do like Chinese, don't you?" "Mmm, lovely." She followed him along the narrow walkway and down the metal steps that lead down the side of the side of the parade of shops and on to the main street. Michael took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm as they made their way to the restaurant, making small talk about nothing in particular. The meal was good, although Alexis and Michael didn't really take much notice of the food as they were deep in conversation about many different things. Although were you to ask them later what they actually talked about, neither would have been able to give a meaningful answer. Michael was entranced by how animated Alexis became once she relaxed in a social situation and how her fleeting smiles lit up her face, when she wasn't blushing. Alexis on the other hand was simply amazed that such a beautiful and charming young man could have any interest in frumpy old her. During a lull in the conversation, she asked, "Where are you from? Originally I mean." Michael sat back in his chair and gazed at her thoughtfully. His response was a touch on the chilly side, "Actually, I'm from Wolverhampton." Alexis clicked her fingers, "That's it! I knew you weren't from round here, I just couldn't place you. You've lost your accent, although I had an idea you might be Brummie." Suddenly embarrassed at his reaction to the question, he searched her face and saw nothing except innocent enquiry. That question had more than once been precursor to some sort of racial slur in his experience... But not today. Alexis simply tried to place his roots in the UK. Nothing more, nothing less. Her brow crinkled quizzically, "What? What's the matter?" Michael forced himself to smile both to lighten the sudden chilly mood and also to cover his own discomfort at looking for racism that simply wasn't there, "Nothing, I'm just being silly, never mind." He glanced at his watch, "Blimey! Look at the time. I should be getting you home." They made their way back to her flat and he waited as she fished her keys out of her bag, "Thank you for the lovely meal," she said. Michael smiled, "No problem, it was fun." He leaned in and paused briefly, awaiting silent permission, before planting a kiss on her lips. He pulled back slightly and looked deeply into her eyes, and then gently placed his lips against hers once again. Alexis felt her heart jump as her lips met his, "Oh my," somewhat diffidently she asked, "Would you... Would you like to come in for a coffee?" He smiled, "I'd love to." Minutes later, they were sat together on her sofa with hot drinks in front of them on the small coffee table. They continued chatting. He said, "You know, you really are a very pretty woman." Alexis blushed, "Oh I'm nothing special. You on the other hand are a beautiful man..." she paused, amazed at her own bravery, "Do you really think I'm pretty?" Michael's eyes sparkled as he replied, "Damned straight!" Continuing to be amazed at her courage, Alexis whispered, "Would you...Would you like to stay the night... W-w-with me?" Her face was a picture of nervous worry and she clasped her hands tightly together so hard that her knuckles were turning white. Michael didn't speak, instead he reached up and used his finger and thumb on her chin to tilt her face up, leaned in close and planted a delicate kiss on her lips. As the kiss deepened, his hand sid round her jawline and he held her face as his lips parted slightly, his tongue slowly pushed against her lips and she opened her mouth to accept his tongue. Her hands came up of their own volition and without thought she found her tongue responding to his as her hands snaked around his neck. She could feel her excitement rising, a heat started to grow in her breast as she felt his strong arms enfold her in a tight embrace. He gently pushed her backwards so that she was half sat, half laying on the sofa. He braced himself with his elbow against the back of the sofa so he didn't pin her down with his weight and continued to kiss her deeply and passionately. His hand slipped around her torso and he cupped her breast. He started to gently kneed her soft flesh and he could feel her nipple hardening through the material. Alexis moaned involuntarily as she felt a man's hand caress her bosom for the first time in her life and it was sending wave after wave of sensation through her. She moved her hands to his shoulders and gently pushed him away slightly, She broke the kiss and looked him deeply in the eyes, her expression was happy, yet nervous, "Come to my bed with me." Michael disengaged, stood up and offered her his hand, "Lead the way," he smiled. Once in the bedroom, Michael took her in his arms again and once more they kissed deeply and passionately. One arm held Alexis around the waist whilst the other was busy undoing the buttons of her blouse. She in turn was also busy undoing his buttons and helping him off with his shirt. Soon she was down to her underwear whilst Michael still wore his trousers. He pushed her gently backwards on to the bed and then removed his trousers. She could see a bulge in his tight boxers and it sent a thrill through her, Alexis knew that tonight, she was finally going to know what it felt like to accept a man inside her. Michael sat on the bed with her and gently undid the catch on her bra, before helping her slide it down her arms and onto the floor. He looked at her magnificent breasts, full and round with coral coloured nipples that were hard and crinkled with excitement. He took her in his arms again and they fell back across the bed together. He kissed her once, twice,three times and then gazed at her body from her face, shadowed in the dim light of the bedside lamp, down past the dimple in her throat to her huge breasts that spread slightly to the sides as she reclined, over her rounded belly and her wide, shapely hips and down her long slim legs to her red painted toenails. His gaze came back up her legs and he could see that her lacy blue panties were darkening with the wetness from her excited pussy. Her hands stroked his chest and shoulders, down his well muscled arms and back again then her fingers strayed to his stomach and the well defined six pack. She couldn't help but marvel and murmured, "You beautiful man." Michael was also busy, exploring Alexis with his hands before allowing his lips to start a journey of their own. He planted delicate, feathery kisses on the side of her neck, causing Alexis to inhale sharply. He ignored her reaction, but continued kissing on to her shoulder, down over her collar bone and on to the round swelling of her chest. Alexis was almost went into spasms because of the sensations that each and every kiss awoke in her. The heat, the need, the passion. Her heart was thumping in her chest and her breathing was becoming ragged. She almost screamed when she felt him take her hard nipple in his mouth and start to suckle gently as his tongue lashed over it. His hand played briefly with her other breast before slowly making its way down her body to the valley between her thighs. Carefully, his fingers slid inside her panties and he started to caress her pussy lips with long, slow, languid strokes. Alexis tensed up when she felt his middle finger slip inside her soaking pussy and his thumb started to play with her engorged clitoris. As his long finger slipped into her incredibly tight pussy, all Alexis could do was moan through gritted teeth, "Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!" as the hot waves of pleasure Michael's touch were invoking threatened to send her into delirium. One arm held him tight, pushing his head into her breast and the other desperately gripped the duvet as she rode the blissful sensations he was causing her to experience. Almost without warning Alexis climaxed harder than she had ever done using her own fingers and her pussy flooded Michael's hand with her thick juices. She struggled to get her breathing under control and lay on the bed limply as Michael knelt up next to her and carefully slid her panties down her legs and off, he dropped them on the floor next to the rest of her clothing, and then shuffled round so that he was kneeling between her spread legs and looked her in the face. She returned his gaze and whispered, That was... That was just..." He winked and said, "If you thought that was good. Wait and see what happens next." Alexis lifted her head from the pillow and gazed at Michael dreamily as he crouched between her spread thighs. He lowered his face and planted a kiss on her inner thigh, then another, and another, each time moving closer and closer to her pussy until at last he kissed her directly on her puffy lower lips. A lightning bolt shot through Alexis womb as he kissed her, causing a sharp intake of breath. Before she could assimilate the new, hot sensation, his tongue darted out and he licked the length of her swollen lips. Using finger and thumb, he spread her vaginal opening so that the tiny hood of her clitoris was in view and then he started to lash it with the tip of his tongue, circling it, brushing over it and then down her lips almost to the skin that separated her pussy from her anus. Alexis screamed! She couldn't believe just how good it felt. She was going to come again, she knew it... And she knew it was going to be a big one. Almost without coherent thought, she grabbed his head in her hands and pushed his face as hard as she could against her boiling pussy. Waves of pleasure were building in her belly, she could barely breathe. Her pussy felt like it was on fire. Alexis came. "JEEEEEEEEEESUUUUUUUS FUCKING CHRIST!" Michael's face was flooded with her hot, sticky fluid and her thighs clamped tightly together, trapping his head. He gently but firmly extricated himself from her grip and knelt back up on his haunches. Then he quickly slid his pants off and for the first time, Alexis saw his erect penis. It sprang up and slapped against his belly, reaching almost to his belly button. She could see that it was about 6 or 7 inches long and very thick. She was worried that it would never fit inside her as it was so much bigger than a finger, which was the largest thing that had ever invaded her before. Whilst it was nowhere near as large as the man in the video had been, here, now, in the real world, it was huge. Michael crawled up her body so that they were face to face and he lay between her legs, supporting his weight on his knees and elbows. Alexis, still coming down from her high, stared into his deep brown eyes and then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a deep, passionate kiss. She felt the head of his hardness nudge against her pussy and tensed up. She broke the kiss and whispered, "Please don't hurt me." Michael's head pulled back slightly, and concern was written all over his face, "Hurt you? I'll never hurt you." Her face screwed up with worry and embarrassment, "Please... It's my first time." He broke into a broad smile, "You're a virgin? Wow!"n he planted a quick kiss on her lips, "Don't worry. We'll take it slow." He reached down with one hand and positioned the head of his cock at her soaking entrance and then very slowly, very carefully pushed inside a short way. He could feel her muscles tense and she held him even tighter, almost as though she was starting to panic. Loneliness: Study in Black & White "Relax," he whispered, "If it hurts, it won't be much and it won't be for long. Okay?" Alexis bit her lower lip and nodded with a worried smile. Gradually, she forced herself to relax and tight muscles began to loosen. She felt him move as his dark skin slid along her alabaster skin and his hard cock pushed deeper inside her until it reached the barrier. Alexis was so excited that again she could barely breathe and was at the same time so scared. My God, she thought to herself, this is it. Michael pulled back slightly and then pushed forward again to the barrier, he could feel her tight pussy getting even wetter. Once again, he pulled back and then slid forward slowly, but this time, he didn't stop and continued pushing his steel-hard cock deep into Alexis boiling hole. She squeaked as she felt a short, sharp pain in her pussy, but at the same time the friction of his hard cock against her honey walls felt so fantastic. In a few moments that lasted a hundred years, he was fully embedded in her. "Are you okay?" he asked. Alexis couldn't believe just how good it felt to have her pussy filled with his hot meat. The pain had been fleeting and now she just felt... Full. Her hands lightly stroked his sides and she nodded. Once Michael was sure she was comfortable, he started to move his cock in and out in long, slow strokes. Initially he had no choice, she was so tight around him that he could move fast even if he wanted to. Alexis started moaning as blissful feeling threatened to overwhelm her once again. Without thought, her long legs wrapped around his waist and she crossed her ankles behind his back. Her arm snaked up to the sides of his neck and she pulled him in for a deep kiss as they moved together. Their tongues did battle as they rocked the bed. As they moved, his strokes started to speed up, heat was building within both of them as the passions rose yet again, this time to a crescendo that surpassed everything Alexis had already experienced. The friction of his cock as he fucked her was sending Alexis into delirium. Soon he was hammering his length in and out of her soaking sheath, her eyes started to roll back in her head, and she knew she was going to come again and come hard! Michael groaned deep in his throat and slammed his cock into Alexis as hard as he could. He tensed up and she felt him explode inside her. The sensation of the thick fluid spurting deep into her womb sent Alexis completely over the edge. She screamed his name as yet again she was filled with liquid gold of ecstasy. She couldn't help but sob, her eyes tightly closed, as she rode the tidal wave of emotion from the heights of her climax and slowly back down to earth. Michael pulled out of her and rolled over so that he was laying by her side. He gently stroked her rounded stomach, inscribing lazy circles with his finger tips as he waited for Alexis to rejoin him in the real world. Soon, her eyes opened and she gazed at him, she smiled, "Thank you... That was amazing. I never dreamed it would... It would feel like that." He grinned, "Give me a minute to get my breath back and we can do it again if you want." Alexis giggled, "I want. Oh I most definitely want!" She murmured diffidently, "Do you think we could try... Doggie style?" Michael laughed, "Doggie style? Where did that come from? So now you're the expert all of a sudden." She grinned, "Mary made me watch a training video and I thought it looked like fun." Michael laughed, "A training video?," he kissed her lightly, "We can do anything you want, for as long as you want." Finally, when they were completely satisfied, the lovers lay in bed and held each other tight as their bodies were entwined in the afterglow of their satiated passion. Michael heard Alexis start to quietly weep. His brow crinkled, "What's the matter?" "Nothing," she sniffed, "I'm just so happy. This has been the best day of my whole life." Michael said nothing, he just smiled to himself and held her in his arms as they drifted off into a deep, contented sleep. The next morning, Alexis drifted into wakefulness and stared at the ceiling. As her jumbled thoughts drifted into order, her head tilted and she looked at the sleeping figure next to her. Michael was asleep on his side with his back to her. She smiled and rolled over to spoon into him and draped her arm over his shoulder. He shifted slightly and she heard his deep voice rumble, "Morning." Alexis kissed the chocolate skin of his shoulder and snuggled in closer to him, she wanted to feel as much of his skin against her as she could, "Thank you for last night. I never dreamed it would be so good." Michael wriggled around so that he was facing her, "No need to thank me. I should be thanking you. It's been a while for me too." She giggled in quite a girlish fashion, "It's a bit late to turn the charm on." He drew a finger gently down her jawline from her ear to her chin, "No charm, just the truth. You gave me one of the best nights of my life." "So... What happens now?" He grinned, "Now, we get a shower and I take you out for a full fried breakfast. We need some calories to replace the ones we used up last night." Her face took on a slightly worried cast, "Don't play with me Michael. You know what I meant." "I wasn't joking. We get showered, breakfasted and then decide when we can get together again. I really want to spend more time with you." Alexis beamed, "Actually..." "What?" "Do you think breakfast can wait? There's something I want to try. I don't know if I'll be very good at it, but I definitely want to try." He asked quizzically, "What's that then?" Without another word, Alexis threw back the duvet and moved down the bed so that her face was near his rapidly hardening cock,she took a firm grip of it and whispered nervously "I want to return a compliment." Michael stroked her hair and smiled back, "I won't argue with that." Later that afternoon, Alexis was back at the staff room placing her bag in her tiny locker, when Mary walked in unbuttoning her coat as she walked. "Well?" "Well what?" Mary grinned and tapped Alexis' arm, "Come on, tell me. How did your date go?" Alexis couldn't help blushing and refused to look Mary in the eye as she answered, "It was definitely worth the wait." Her friend's mouth dropped open, "You bloody didn't! You did! You copped off with him," she beamed, "You dirty cow. You gotta tell me all about it." Alexis could feel her face glowing even hotter and she could only stare at the floor, "I... He... We just..." Mary's smile faded, "Come here," and gathered Alexis into a hug, "Was it everything you hoped it would be?" Alexis returned the hug, "Oh God! It most definitely was." "So, when are you seeing him again? Outside of work I mean." "Well, he has things to do on Saturday, so we're going for a pub lunch on Sunday." "Okay, and then what?" "Just a quiet afternoon at my flat I suppose." Mary drew back and looked at Alexis with a cheeky grin, "If it was as good as I think it was, then Sunday afternoon will be faaar from quiet. So tell me, is it true what they say?" "About what?" "About black men." "I don't know. What do they say about black men?" Mary giggled, "Well-", before she could speak further, they were interrupted when two of the younger girls who worked on the bakery counter entered chattering together. One of them acknowledged the two older women with a nod before continuing her conversation as the newcomers changed into their work clothes, "So what do you think of the new bloke then?" "He's a hottie right enough, I'd definitely do him." "Haha you grotty bitch. You're the only girl I know who could knock a bloke down and beat him to the ground." "Anyway, I wouldn't bother. I heard he's married with a kid." "You're kiddin'. What a waste." "Yeah I know. Shame, I always wanted to find out if what they say is true." Then the two young women were gone, giggling together as they went. Alexis was stunned, "Married? With a child?" Mary made a tutting noise, "I'm sure it's nonsense, you know how those silly buggers like to gossip. And they never let the truth get in the way of a good rumour. Besides you don't know they were talking about Michael." "Really? New bloke? Black? Who else could they have been talking about?" Mary glanced at her watch, "Come on. We need to get behind the counter," she patted Alexis on the arm, "Don't go borrowing trouble." A short while later, Alexis had just served a customer when Michael appeared at the counter grinning, "Mary," then his smile widened, "Hello Alexis." He could see that the welcome was rather chilly as neither of the women smiled back. His smile faded, "Is there a problem?" Several customers approached the counter, so Alexis just glanced at him and said, somewhat snippily, "I can't talk now, I'm busy. Maybe we should talk later, after work." Somewhat nonplussed, Michael nodded, "Okay. I'll see you at your flat, say seven o'clock?" "Fine." Michael gave Alexis and Mary a long look before he shook his head absently and walked away. At just gone seven that evening, Alexis opened her front door and invited Michael inside. She didn't smile. He followed her into the tiny kitchen where she asked, "Coffee?" He nodded, "Two sugars, no milk please." The two people stood in silence as the kettle boiled, once Alexis had made the drinks and handed Michael his mug, he asked, "Okay. What's wrong? You've been made me feel as welcome as a foreskin at a Jewish orgy all day." In spite of herself, Alexis couldn't help but giggle, then her expression hardened, "What am I to you?" "What do you mean?" "Am I just another notch on your bedpost?" Michael took a sip of his drink and then replied, "No. That's not who I am. I don't do one night stands and to be honest, I'm amazed that we ended up in bed together last night. It just felt... Right." Alexis studied his face and then asked quietly with a quaver in her voice, "Michael, are you married?" He gave her a double take and then threw his head back and laughed, "So, THAT'S what this is all about." His smile faded as he saw how seriously Alexis was taking the question, "No, I'm not married. I used to be," his expression darkened, "But not any more." "Divorced?" Michael took another sip of his coffee and turned away from Alexis. His voice cracked slightly, "No. She died." Alexis reached out and placed a gentle hand on the small of his back, "Oh Michael, I'm sorry... How... How did she die?" His shoulders sank and he rubbed his face with one hand as he whispered, "Cancer." Alexis tugged his arm and pulled him round to face her before wrapping her arms around him, "I'm so sorry," she whispered. Michael returned the hug, enfolding Alexis in his huge arms and gently rested his chin on the top of her head as he stared out of the kitchen window into the distance. Later that evening found the couple in bed. They didn't make love that night, but simply held each other in a tender embrace and fell asleep in each others' arms. The next morning, Alexis and Mary were wandering around the Saturday market together looking for bargains and also stopping off at the butcher stall for those pork chops that were, although expensive, the best they had ever tasted. Both agreed that when it came to pork chops, they had been ruined. Giggling together as they approached Starbucks for a coffee, Alexis glanced along the road and her mouth fell open. Her eyes widened in shock. She felt the bitter sting of tears, "Oh no." Mary followed her gaze and saw Michael in the middle distance. He was walking towards them and held the hand of a pretty little girl of about three years old. The girl's skin was several shades lighter than his and next to them walked a blonde woman who looked to be in her late twenties. They were deep in animated conversation and didn't see Alexis or Mary. Alexis felt a stab of pain in her heart and without a word turned and walked quickly away. Mary heard her start to sob as she left. Torn between following her friend and accosting Michael, she turned and then turned again, not quite sure what to do. As the couple and child approached, Michael spied her and his face lit up, he waved, "Mary Hi." Somewhat coolly, she responded, "Hello Michael," she glanced at his companions, "Who are these then?" He slapped his free hand to his forehead, "Doh! Where are my manners, Mary this is my daughter Kayleigh," indicating the little girl, then he nodded to his adult companion, "and this is my sister, Lara... Lara, this is Mary, one of the lovely ladies I work with." Lara held out her hand and smiled brightly, "Hello." Mary automatically took her hand and mumbled, "Your... Sister?" Michael and Lara looked at each other and shared a grin. Then Lara answered, "Well sister technically. Me and the family have come to visit Mike and Kayleigh for the day. We left mum and dad and my hubby at the pub whilst we came out to give kayleigh a bit of a walk. She was getting bored in the beer garden." The young man looked around, "No Lexie today? You're normally inseparable." "Hang on, if this is your sister, then that means you're married." Michael sighed sadly, "It's a long story." Mary stared at Michael and then said, "I think... I think you need to go and see Lexie. She's just gone home." "What do you mean?" Mary explained. The doorbell rang and Alexis opened her front door to find Michael, his lady friend and the little girl. Her eyes were red and puffy and she wiped her nose into a paper tissue, "What do you want?" Michael said, "May we come in?" "Why?" "Because I need to explain something. This," he indicated his companions, "Isn't what you think." Dully, Alexis invited them in and led them to her small lounge. Once they were all sat down, more for something to say rather than any sense of hospitality, she asked, "Do you want a drink?" Michael said, "Coffee please, you know how I have it. And a glass of orange for Kayleigh if you have some, please." "And I'll have a coffee too please," said Lara. Alexis wandered into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on. Lara held her arms out and said, "Kayleigh, come here baby." The little girl stumped across the room and settled into Lara's lap for a cuddle, Lara looked at Michael and nodded towards the kitchen. Michael took a deep breath and blew out, before standing up and followed Alexis into the kitchen. He stood just inside the doorway and said, "Lexie, please let me explain." She remained with her back to him as she filled the various mugs with coffee and sugar, but remained silent. Michael took a step closer and spoke quietly, explaining the family situation and how she had jumped to a very wrong conclusion. Alexis turned to face him with a sad expression on her face, "Tell me everything," she whispered. He took a deep breath and said, "I never knew my parents. I was raised in a care and lived in a succession of foster homes. It wasn't so bad, I suppose, after all I never went through any of the horror stories you hear about in the news. But once I was eighteen, that was it. I was an adult and out of the door. Luckily, I was able to find a little flat and got on the BettaShoppa management scheme. And for a while I just lived quietly. Did me job and then went home to an empty flat at the end of the day...You know what that's like." She nodded. He continued, "And then I met Tina. As the old cliché goes, we fell in love and got married. Her family accepted me and for the first time in my life, I felt like I was part of a family... A real family." Michael reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet, he removed a dog eared photograph and handed it to Alexis, "This is Tina." Alexis took the photograph and studied the face of the young woman it held. She was the image of the young woman in her lounge. She looked askance at Michael who said, "They were twins. Tina got pregnant with Kayleigh and I was the happiest man in the world, but then she was diagnosed with Cancer. She could have had chemotherapy, but that would have meant losing Kayleigh and the doctors told us that she would never again be able to bear a child." His eyes filled with tears and he clasped his hands in front of him. He blinked once or twice before continuing, "She made the decision not to have treatment. She wanted to give me a child and it meant more to her than her own life. I tried to talk her out of it, I desperately tried to convince her not to go through with it... But that was Tina all over. Once she'd made her mind up, that was it." The kettle boiled and automatically turned off, but it was ignored as Alexis continued to watch Michael, compassion was written all over her face. She waited for Michael to gather his thoughts. "She erm... She died two weeks before Kayleigh's due date and the doctors had to perform an emergency Caesarean to save my daughter, " he broke down, sobbing, "I never even got to say goodbye." Alexis rushed over and wrapped her arms around him, "Oh Michael, I'm so sorry." Gradually his sobbing died down, and they stood holding each other in silence for a few moments, before Alexis disengaged and said, "Come on. Wash your face. I'll make the drinks and then you can introduce me to your daughter properly. Or maybe we can go to the pub instead, I'd like to meet the rest of your family." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Alexis opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, her rubbed her rounded belly with both hands and stretched her aching back as she lay under the duvet. Then she yawned and stretched before she sat up in bed. As she was rubbing her eyes, the door flew open and Kayleigh burst into the room, she was smiling excitedly, her blue eyes shone and she held a large envelope, "Happy Birthday," she squealed and threw herself onto the bed only to be gathered up in Alexis' arms. Michael was stood in the door holding a cake, it had two candles on it, one shaped like a 3 and the other like a 9. He laughed and then admonished Kayleigh gently, "Be careful Girly Girl. Remember what I told you." Instantly contrite, Kayleigh made puppy eyes and mumbled, "Sorry Lexie." "It's okay, Kitten," laughed Alexis. Michael knelt next to the bed and said, "Come on. Make a wish." Alexis leaned over and viewed the candles mournfully, "Thanks for reminding me." Then she closed her eyes and blew the candles out. Michael stood up and placed the cake on the dressing table. Kayleigh thrust her card into Alexis' hands, "I made it for you," she said. Alexis smiled and opened the envelope, inside was a hand made birthday card decorated with crepe paper and glitter. Inside were the words 'Happy Birthday Mummy', written in large badly formed letters. She felt tears well up as she read it. Kayleigh looked at her with concern. The little girl stroked Alexis' tummy carefully, "What's the matter?" "Your lovely card, it says happy birthday Mummy." Almost in tears herself, Kayleigh said, "Can't I call you Mummy?" Alexis sniffed back her tears and gathered the little girl into a tight cuddle. She said, "Michael, give me your photo of Tina please." Without a word, Michael reached into his wallet and brought forth the photo. Alexis took it with a smile and then shuffled Kayleigh into a more comfortable position. She kissed her on the head and held the photo so that both could look at it. "Kitten," she said gently, "This is a picture of your Mummy," she glanced at the photo and then back at Kayleigh, "You have her eyes. She's in Heaven now, but I know she's looking down at you and I know she's so very proud. You are a special little girl. More special than you know, because now you have two Mummies, one up there and one down here. So yes... I'd love for you to call me Mummy."