28 comments/ 109781 views/ 89 favorites Desert Hearts By: smj54ap When I heard the squealing raucous laughter coming from the family room, I stuck my head in to see what all the commotion was about. My eldest daughter Libby and her friends were pointing at the television and making comments about the program on the screen. I'm not the type of mom who interferes in her children's social lives but my attention was drawn to image on the TV. Libby turned and gazed at me with a huge smile. "What are you watching?" I whispered. "Mom, it's called "Exiled" on MTV. They take a spoiled teenage girl and send her to live with a family in Africa, or India...so she can learn responsibility...she has to live and work with them for a week. The girl's in India and they're using cow crap to clean the backyard...Can you imagine?" My daughter turned her attention back to the show and I watched until a commercial came on. I retreated to the kitchen as a flood of memories marched through my brain. It was thirty years ago that I felt like the overwhelmed young lady on the TV show. Like her, my parents exiled me for an entire summer to live and work with relatives in the hopes that it would straighten me out and teach me to be a reliable, dependable individual. I was eighteen and a self-absorbed, spoiled teen girl growing up in Southern California, badly in need of an attitude adjustment. My exile was to my Uncle Carl and Aunt Gladys' ranch in Arizona. I was remanded to their custody the summer of '78'. I'd just graduated high school and decided to delay attending college for at least a year or two. My argument with my parents, that I wanted to find myself. My folks knew it was just bull shit and I guess at the time I did too. In reality, I was a slacker, a term I've heard my daughters use to describe some of their friends. But, it fit me to a "T" back then. As I prepared snacks for the eight teenage girls in my family room, I saw her image in my head as clear as the day I first laid eyes on her. Samantha, the mere recollection of her name sent emotion and feelings thundering through me. Libby bopped into the kitchen to pick up the food. "Hey mom, you ok?" She asked? I must have looked lost, wrapped up in the past. "Yes, I'm fine," I assured her with a smile. Libby was my eldest and so unlike me as a teen. A senior in high school, she was an excellent student and athlete. My daughter was self-motivated and driven to succeed. But, the memories, the sweet memories of that magical time with Samantha burned bright... Exiled, 1978: My mom and dad made it abundantly clear; I was expected to cooperate with no belly aching. "We've made life too easy for you Melanie...you need to learn responsibility...how to fend for yourself..." my mother said with steely determination. No teary goodbyes as I stalked on the bus, turning my back to my parents. I refused to give either of them a hug and hurt their feelings by being a heartless bitch. Serves them right! I thought menacingly at the time. There wasn't another teenager on the face of the planet more brooding or miserable than me that bright June day as I rode the Greyhound bus. My supposed hatred for my parents reached dizzying heights in my mind. How could they do this to me! I was livid and at the time I saw absolutely no rhyme or reason for shipping me off to Arizona. My uncle met me at the bus depot in an old Plymouth station wagon with no air conditioning. After a quick greeting, we loaded my gear into the back and took off. I recalled him as a reticent kind of man but he did inform me it was twelve miles to the ranch called the "Lazy J". The heat of day was oppressive and I wondered if it was always this dry and hot in Arizona. Eventually, he turned onto a dusty side road and we climbed a long hill until the ranch came into view. Even in my sullen mood I was impressed as it looked like something out of a western movie complete with wind mill. A large main house in the clapboard Victorian style with half a dozen outbuildings made up the immediate compound. A range of mountains could be seen in the distance and everywhere I looked I saw dust and dirt. Not much greenery since the "Lazy J" was located in a high desert plateau. But, for sheer beauty, the scenery was awe inspiring; big sky and incredible vistas. My mom's cousin, Aunt Gladys greeted me warmly. Standing next to her was a very pretty, sleek blonde haired girl and it took me a minute to realize that it was my "cousin" Samantha. Uncle Carl was Samantha's father and my Aunt Gladys was her step-mother and although we weren't cousins in the technical sense, I always referred to her as my "cousin". I hadn't seen her in ten years and she sure had changed. Before I left California, my mother informed me that Samantha would take charge of me and show me the ropes. The last time I saw her we were both eight years old and my folks were driving to Kansas City to visit my grandparents. We made a brief stop to have lunch and a quick look around the ranch. I remembered Samantha as very shy but likable. Unfortunately, my surly attitude didn't dissipate one iota as I dragged my bags to a small cabin at the far end of the stable. Just big enough for two, I discovered that I was sharing with Samantha but my first thought; why would she want to live in a ramshackle cottage when she had a nice room in the main house. She must have been reading my mind. "My folks want me live out here with you...anyways they'll have an extra guest room for the summer..." she stated shyly. Basically it was one big room with a tiny bathroom at one end that housed a toilet and sink. I looked around at the spare but western style furniture, a wood table, two chairs, large oval hook rug on the wood floor and wood frame bunk bed that occupied one wall. . No TV, no telephone, none of the amenities of modern life that one expects to find. The windows were open and the bright print cotton curtains pulled back to let in the sunlight and breeze. "Ya want the upper or lower?" she offered. I must have looked puzzled until she gestured to the bed. "Oh...ah, lowers fine." I sat on the unmade bed, my gaze fixed on the floor. I was spending four months, four long months in this bucolic cabin with Samantha as my friends went surfing, hung out at the mall meeting guys and having fun while I was stuck here in this hot, arid hell hole. "Hey Melanie, want me to help ya get unpacked?" Samantha asked kindly, snapping me out of my day dream. "Yeah, ok..." As Samantha stowed my belongings, she explained the list of chores I'd be expected to perform. My mouth hung open from the shock; muck the horse stalls, feed and water the horses, saddle them, brush them and cool them down; she kept going but my brain shut down from overload. At home no one expected me to do anything, not even lift a finger. During the summer months the ranch operated as a kind of dude ranch. Guests came to get a taste of the Old West; a new concept that allowed ranchers like my uncle to survive financially for the rest of year when it operated solely as a horse farm. "We, you and me, work six days a week with Tuesday afternoon off and all day Thursday...Most folks come on the weekends and that's our busiest time. The most we've had is 20 guests at a time and its work, work, work..." she declared. My head spun from the harsh reality of my situation. The first week was hellish. Samantha made everything look easy while I struggled to get water and feed to the horses. When one task was completed it was on to the next; the list was endless. I complained bitterly about everything; the crack of dawn wake up time, the foul odor of manure, the dust that seemed to be everywhere, the harsh climate that dried out my skin and the heavy work load, to just name a few. Samantha would roll her eyes and give me words of encouragement but by lunch time I was beat. Most afternoons I simply went back to my bunk and lay down for the rest of the day leaving Samantha to do the chores of two people. She never complained or reproached me for my lack of commitment. Whenever Samantha would try and talk to me, I'd ignore her or walk away. I should have worn a sign around my neck, "First Class Bitch" Samantha was kind and sweet to me when I treated her like garbage. I have to say she didn't lose her cool once. To be honest the work was hard but I could have put more heart into it and I gave up too soon if a chore was demanding. One afternoon Samantha showed me the correct way to hoist a bag of feed. "You have more leverage if you do it this way," and she demonstrated the proper procedure. I got the bag half way and fell backwards landing on my rump. When I looked up and saw that Samantha had a very amused look on her face, I stalked out of the barn. "Hey, Melanie, don't give up..." I heard her say to my retreating figure. But, the worst of all was mucking the stalls. I absolutely detested doing it and did such a half ass job that Samantha would finish the task after me. On Thursday, our one day off, Samantha asked if I'd like to learn to ride a horse. Since childhood, I harbored a desire but my bruised ego was too hurt for me accept her invitation. "Nah...that's for sissies," I stated nastily. "You don't mean that...I think you'll love it...if you try it, you just might change yer mind..." "NO THANKS!" I growled. "Ok, suit yerself," she said, and departed for the stable. Almost immediately I regretted my words because I really did want to learn. Samantha was gone most of the day as I wallowed in my misery, feeling mighty sorry for myself. How Samantha put-up with me and my awful attitude, I'll never know. By Tuesday afternoon of the following week, I'd had enough. I felt friendless and alone. Samantha insisted that I take my first riding lesson and wouldn't take no for an answer Determined to run away, I stuffed some clothes and money in a back pack and walked by the stable. Samantha was in the corral saddling a horse when she saw me. She quickly left the paddock and strolled towards me. "Can I give ya some advice?" Samantha asked, with an exaggerated drawl. I whirled around and scowled at her. "Ok, What?" "Towns twelve miles that way," and she pointed in the opposite direction I was walking. When I turned and walked past Samantha, she was smiling broadly "Do ya have any water? It's a hot day...you want me to fetch ya a canteen?" she asked kindly. Samantha was making my blood boil with her down home folksy attitude and I got right up in her face. I had to look up of course as she was a full head taller than me. "Shut the fuck up!" I screamed at her. "I'm jes trying to help...that's all," she stated coolly. Why I lost control, I can't say but I tried to take a swing at her. Samantha easily blocked my punch and hit me with a crisp hard left and right that deposited me on the seat on my jeans. My raw anger was replaced by an enormous amount of self-pity and I started bawling. Samantha bent over me with a very sympathetic expression on her lovely face. "If you're gonna fight, you should at least know how to defend yourself," she stated with kindness in her voice, dropping her folksy drawl. Samantha helped me to my feet and brushed the excess dust off my britches. Tears ran down my face and I couldn't bear to look at her. I felt like a piece of shit for being such an enormous pain in the ass to her when she went out of her way to be kind to me. "I'm sorry Samantha...I'm sorry..." I said several times as my eyes leaked like a flooded river. Samantha took me in her arms and held me close. "Hey, don't cry...I'm not mad at ya..." Samantha tenderly rubbed my back trying to soothe me. Abruptly she pulled back and gazed at my face. "I'd better get ya to the bunkhouse...yer gonna need an icepack for yer eye...and your chins gonna be hurtin' too..." she said with a serious look. Inside our quarters, Samantha had me lean back in the chair as I applied the cold. My chin was sore and it hurt to talk. . "I'm afraid yer gonna have a pretty big mouse under that eye," she stated regretfully. "I deserve it...I've been acting like a stuck-up bitch." As remorse for my actions consumed me, my entire attitude changed. Our free afternoon and instead of a riding lesson, I try to run away. The sad part; I had no idea where to go. I couldn't go home, my parent's would have shipped me right back to the ranch. Samantha sat next to me and offered to hold the ice on my swollen eye. "Samantha, can I ask you something?" "Yeah, sure...go ahead...but call me Sam, most everybody does..." "Do you like living here...at the ranch...do you get lonely?" Samantha looked thoughtful for a moment. "I guess it's lonely sometimes but I work a lot in the summers when we have guests to look after. I love ridin' horses, takin' the guests on trail rides. I really enjoy the overnight camp experience. Sleepin' out among the stars...every once in a while, you'll hear a coyote howl..." "Have ya thought about going to college?" I asked. "Yeah, I have...I wanna be a teacher, always have, since I was a kid...but I decided to take a year off and help the folks with the place. They'll have to hire somebody when I'm gone..." Samantha looked wistful, caught up in the moment. "Ya know Sam... you work like a guy...I mean you do everything the ranch hands do..." I said admiringly. Samantha blushed and I felt my young heart flutter. "Have to...daddy always said that I was capable of doing everything a man could and he was right...before I forget...tomorrow morning I'll give ya that riding lesson I promised today...we don't need to have the guest horses ready until nine so that'll give us plenty of time...think you'll be up for that?" "Yeah...I really want to..." I said enthusiastically. Samantha looked at me fondly. "Sorry about yer eye," she took the ice pack off to assess the situation and winced. "Don't feel sorry for me...I had it coming." When I gazed into Samantha's deep blue eyes, my heart pounded with an emotion that I scarcely recognized. Do I have feelings for my cousin? I questioned myself silently. Samantha re-applied more cold and we chatted about our hopes and dreams for the future. "What's it like...living in California?" she asked shyly at one point. "Nothing like here..." I spoke truthfully about my life with my parent's in our upscale suburban neighborhood and about my piss poor attitude toward them. "Do ya hate them?" she asked. "No...I don't but they made life too easy for me and I'm spoiled...that's why they sent me here...maybe I'd grow up a little...appreciate life more...I guess what I'm trying to say is...learn to appreciate what I have...learn how to do things for myself..." "Well, ya came to the right place!" she crowed. I had to agree with her, the "Lazy J" was a workaholic's dream. Samantha gazed at me with such a winning smile that I was momentarily lost in the upwelling of good feelings that surged through me. For the rest of the afternoon she watched over me like mother hen, checking to see how my eye looked and holding some ice on my sore chin. As we chatted about our lives, I realized that Samantha was no dumb cowgirl, quite the contrary. Her intelligence and wit shone through and I was very grateful that my "cousin" had taught me a lesson in humility. Something was stirring inside and while the true nature of my feelings eluded me, I gained an enormous amount of respect and affection for her. Early the next morning, just past sunrise, Samantha gave me my first riding lesson. She led my horse out of the barn and with consummate patience explained what to do. It was rough going in the beginning; getting the saddle fitted properly seemed so complicated and I needed her help lifting it up onto Ginger's back. As I stood holding Ginger's reins, Samantha led a smart looking chestnut mare from the stable and tied her to a post. I gawked at the stately horse. "...she's beautiful..." I said admiringly. "Daddy gave her to me for my eighteenth birthday last month...it was a big surprise...I tried not to cry but I was so happy I just couldn't help myself...I thought he was going to sell her at the horse auction in town...I'm really glad he didn't..." Samantha showed me how to mount up and once I was aboard, we proceed at a slow canter towards the distant mountains. I marveled at the majestic surroundings, the scrub brush that dotted the landscape, the different hues and colors of the rocks and soil. However Samantha was a true task master and taught me how to turn Ginger, make her slow down or speed up. I wasn't ready for the horse to gallop and sensing my discomfort, she stayed by my side encouraging my progress, gently helping correct mistakes. Damn! The girls a natural born teacher, I mused to myself. After a half hour of riding, Samantha insisted that we stop and take a break. After we dismounted, we stood holding the reins side by side and I saw her smile as she gazed at the extraordinary scenery. "You look happy Sam," I said admiringly. Samantha turned to face me but her upturned mouth dropped to a frown. "What's wrong?" I asked with concern Samantha pointed to my eye. "Is it really bad?" "Yeah, ya got a classic shiner...daddy's gonna be pissed off..." "We'll tell him it was an accident that...I ah...fell against the door knob." "He'll never believe it..." she said wistfully, shaking her head. "I'll think of something, ok?" "Sure, whatever you say Melanie." "Call me Mel...all my friends call me Mel..." Samantha gazed at me fondly then quickly looked at her wristwatch. "It's late, we gotta head back," she stated urgently. When we arrived at the stable, we cooled down our horses and ate some breakfast with the other ranch hands. They paid little attention to me but were courteous to Samantha and she knew most of them by name. I helped Samantha all morning and never complained once. The back breaking work exhausted me but I was determined to show her that I was made of sterner stuff. During lunch, Samantha appraised my physical condition. "You look beat Mel...I'd better take it easy on you this afternoon." "No way, I can do it," I said with steely resolve. Samantha chuckled and shook her head. "Remember, I need you tonight for the guest campfire and sing-along." "You can count on me!" Samantha with a big smile on her face gave me a friendly hug. By late afternoon, I was beyond exhausted. We were brushing down the guest horses when Samantha's father walked into the stable yard and saw my eye. "Samantha!" he barked and gestured for her. I kept working on the horse in front of me but watched their conversation out of the corner of my good eye. My uncle's face was stern, grave looking and when he walked away, Samantha returned with her head down. Immediately, I went to her and saw the moisture in her eyes. "What happened?" "I told him the truth...I couldn't lie to him...he blames me for not showing restraint... said I reacted like a common cowpoke...I'm grounded for the next month...I wanted to take you into town and meet my friends but now...we're stuck here..." Two tracks of tears meandered down Samantha's lovely face and I took her in my arms. "I'm gonna talk to him," I insisted. Samantha wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. "You'd do that for me?" Instinctively, I pulled her close. "I'd do anything for you Sam..." I stated affectionately, and suddenly my eyes misted over. I didn't get a chance to talk to my Uncle until supper time. He was on the rear porch of the main house and I pled my case like a real attorney. While he was resolute that Samantha should be punished, I whittled away until he relented, probably just to shut me up. Desert Hearts As I walked triumphantly back to our small bunkhouse, the horrible fatigue of the day caught up with me and the last smidgen of adrenaline in my body faded away. Inside, I collapsed in a chair. "Well, what happened?" she asked nervously. "You're not grounded," I managed to croak, and shut my eyes. I felt Samantha's arms encircle my neck. "Thanks," she said, and pecked my cheek. The sensation from her soft lips woke me up. "You look really grungy...shower time!" she chirped. Samantha helped me to my wobbly feet as pure fatigue consumed me. Rapidly, she relieved me of my sweaty clothing, wrapped a big towel around me and pointed me in the right direction. At the time I could have cared less that she saw me nude, that's how overly tired I was. Uncle Carl had constructed a shower for Samantha and me knowing that two teenage girls would need privacy from prying eyes. It occupied the outside corner in the rear of our very small cabin and was surrounded by a high wall. Open at the top and about six inches at the bottom, it was constructed from rough hewn barn board. A wide shower nozzle was overhead and a concrete pad the floor; utilitarian but functional. My body ached something terrible as I took my towel off and sat naked on the bench along the back wall. Samantha came after me and got the water flowing. A small propane hot water heater served up limited amounts of steamy refreshing spray. When Samantha shed her towel, it was the first time I saw her in the buff and nearly gasped out loud. The girl had a sleek, muscular bod that exuded femininity, simply breathtaking. Samantha steadied me under the shower head with her strong hands on my arms for support. "I'm ok now..." I told her, and there we stood, naked as the day we were born washing our bodies. Light twinges and tickles settled in my pussy, she was turning me on. I couldn't help myself and gawked at her body. Small taut breasts with pink Hershey kiss nipples rode high on her chest, a full blonde bush, compact butt and the leanest, muscular legs I ever saw on a girl. Samantha was a true hottie. She caught me staring but it didn't seem to faze her one bit. My admiration was short lived as we hastily finished and put on our fancy duds for the evening campfire. Samantha looked like a model, tall, lean and beautiful. When the evening's activities ended, I dragged my grossly tired body back to our cabin and collapsed on my bunk. The next thing I remember was waking to the sunlight pouring in from the window. I tried to get out of bed but every muscle in my bod screamed in protest. Then I noticed that someone had taken my clothes off because I was wearing pajamas. It could only have been Samantha but she was already gone, probably down at the stables preparing for the days work. As fast as I could, I dressed and hot footed it to the corral. Samantha was putting the saddle on a horse when I walked up to her. "Hi Sam...thanks for last night..." I said bashfully. A warm smile graced her pretty face and my heart skipped a beat. "Sorry I'm late..." I said apologetically. 'You worked really hard yesterday and I figured an extra hour of sleep would do ya good," she stated cheerfully, and winked at me. I couldn't help myself and embraced her affectionately. However, Samantha's generosity put us behind schedule and several guest had to wait for their mounts. Since she was the leader on the morning trail ride, I was left behind to muck stalls and do most of the manual labor around the stable. Despite my very sore muscles, I tried my hardest and everything on the list she handed me was done by lunch. My efforts impressed Samantha and I think she realized that I had turned over a new leaf. A deep abiding friendship developed and for the first time in my young life, I experienced what it might be like to have a sister. After dinner one night, Samantha announced that our chores were finished for the evening and I stretched out on my bunk and sighed, I was relieved that the days work was over. "Hey, I'm gonna take a shower but do you want to go first?" she asked politely. "Do you mind?" I couldn't wait to wash the grime off my bod. "Heck no...go ahead," she said. While Samantha busied herself with paperwork; guest charts, who was checking in and who was checking out, the next day's activities, I disrobed until I stood naked with my back to her. A sudden feeling of shyness descended on me as I reached for the oversized towel. Why? I was at a loss to comprehend. As I wrapped the towel around me, I looked down at my nipples; hard as bullets. Just the thought that she might have seen my backside turned me on. Under the warm water of the shower, I hurriedly washed but to my dismay my pussy was creaming and in need of some attention. I hadn't frigged myself since I arrived at the ranch and I was long overdue. My self-control evaporated and I leaned against one wall, legs spread wide and stroked my needy sex. "Umm...oh...umm...oh..." I groaned, and prayed Samantha wouldn't hear me. While one hand squeezed and rolled a tit, the other worked quickly, swirling fingers through my swampy crease, finding my clit and flicking rapidly over the hyper sensitive knob. Suddenly, a noise disturbed my solo fling as the door opened and Samantha's head came through. I desperately tried to cover-up but what was the point? She caught me...er...red handed. "Oops...sorry...I should've left you alone," she stated apologetically. Never in my eighteen years did I feel so mortified. I practically ran to my bed, naked, forgetting my towel. I flew under the covers as my body shook with anxiety. What must Samantha think of me? Diddling myself in the shower, what's wrong with me? I chastised myself. The distinct sounds of a person singing came from the outdoor shower. Samantha's voice sounded lovely, like a finely tuned instrument. At first I thought it was a Country/Western ballad but when I listened closely, I recognized the tune as Janis Ian's "At Seventeen", one of my favorites. My eyes welled-up and I couldn't stop the flow, even when I heard Samantha return. The last remaining light of the day was fading fast and she lit a kerosene lantern. She must have heard me sniffle and sat next to me. My back was turned and her hand on my bare shoulder sent an electric shock through me. "Hey Mel...you ok...are you crying?" "Yeah," I answered tremulously. "Why? Don't be upset...there's no shame in masturbation...I do it too," she said very kindly. "You do?" I turned and gazed into her deep blue eyes. "Sure...did ya think you were the only one?" In the late 1970's women were discovering their bodies, their sexuality and a new vibe had replaced the old tried and true view of sex. Samantha gazed at me with such heartfelt fondness that my heart pounded in my chest. Her pretty face glowed from the diffuse light of the lamp and I wanted her to kiss me but was overly shy. Samantha's expression changed to a more serious look. "Yer eye is all healed-up, took awhile..." "Sam...can I ask ya something?" Yeah, what's on yer mind? "Can you teach me how to box...ya know, like you?" Samantha's face lit up. "It'd be an honor," she said in her Western drawl. "I have a confession to make," I stated timidly. "What could you possibly have to confess to me about?" "Well...ah...I heard ya singing in the shower and...I love that song..." Uncontrollably, the tears sprang to my eyes again. There was something so sad yet poignant in the lyrics that it never failed to have this effect on me. Samantha held me close and patted my back as I softly bawled on her bare shoulder. Unbeknownst to me the bed sheet had dropped and my naked upper torso was against Samantha. We stayed that way for a long time as the sensation of her arms around me was one of the most pleasurable things I had ever experienced. Finally, I pulled back and the rush of air on my tits alerted me to my predicament. Quickly, I pulled the covers up to my neck. "Sorry," I said and blushed, my face growing hot. "Why? You have a very sexy body Mel," she said appreciatively. While Samantha's comment fired my libido, I unexpectedly yawned and the mood was broken as fatigue overwhelmed me. "I'm soo tired Sam," I sighed. Samantha tucked me in and tenderly kissed my forehead. "Nighty night...sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite," she trilled in a motherly voice. As I drifted toward slumber, I recalled an incident only a couple of months past that had me questioning my sexuality. **** Samantha wasn't the first girl to pay me such a nice compliment. Several of my closest girlfriends had said as much and while I never had a bi-sexual encounter, I was more than curious. My most secret desire for a female of the species resounded within me. The feelings had grown especially strong during senior year of high school. While, I'd heard other girls talk about it, it was usually kept under wraps. The times had changed but girl on girl sex was frowned upon and nowhere near today's level of acceptance. No one wanted to be accused of being a "lezzie" and risk censure as a social outcast. When two of my friends had a girl fling, it surprised me; Patty a pretty and slender brunette with green eyes was popular and never lacked for dates with the opposite sex. Penny, a shy redhead with a body honed by years of gymnastics training, dated sparingly but the boys were after her. I was closer to Penny who admitted to me that she was bi-curious and I think her admission got me seriously thinking about my own feelings. The whispered conversation took place at a pool party in late spring when she pulled a half-smoked joint from a plastic baggie and held it up. Penny was the last girl in our circle to turn eighteen and she wasn't a risk taker. While she usually followed the straight and narrow, she discovered weed about the same time as me and was a committed devotee. "Where'd ya get it?" I asked. "My brother left it in his car ashtray...I found it this morning...the knucklehead went crazy looking for it...he never suspected it was me..." Penny lit the doobie and offered me the first toke which I readily accepted. As I pulled the potent smoke into my lungs, I unobtrusively eyed her lithe muscular form. Attired in a skimpy bikini, there wasn't an ounce of extra fat on her body. The girl was smokin' hot by today's standards. "Can ya keep a secret?" she asked conspiratorially. Although I had a reputation for a being a snooty bitch, I wasn't the type to gossip, especially when it concerned my friends. "You know me Pen, I won't spill the beans..." "I was at Kyle's last Saturday for a swim party. Everyone's high as a kite and I notice Patty givin' me the once over...ya know like I'm a piece of meat." "Ya mean our friend Patty?" "Yeah," she answered, and I'm sure the look on my face conveyed shock. "So we start talking 'bout school stuff and it bein' so close to graduation, when she asks if I'd like to try some weed in a bong. I'd never used one but I figured why not?" Penny took a toke and held the smoke in her lungs for a long time. "Ooh...just had a nice rush...anyway the bongs at her house, so we sneak away and she tells me her folks went to Las Vegas for the weekend. Right away I think somethin's up but decide to play it cool. I'm sittin' in a chair by the pool when she comes back and gives me a quick lesson on how to use the thing. The stuff Patty had is really good and after a few hits I'm super buzzed. Now ya gotta picture, we're mostly in the dark, just enough light to see what we're doin and she asks me if I want to skinny dip. Ya know me, I'm not stupid and I think...my first time with another girl, it might just as well be with a friend. We're in the pool and I can barely see when Patty comes up behind me, puts her hands around front and cups my boobs. Let's face it I don't have much, maybe a hand full. I let her feel me up and my pussy gets all twitchy. Patty's tonguing my ear and asks if I'd like to go in the house. I practically drag her inside to her bedroom and well..." Penny looked sheepish for a moment. "Have you ever...with a girl?" she asked shyly. "No...not yet." "Thought about it?" "Yeah..." "Let me tell you...it's the best. Patty licked me like a Popsicle on a hot day. I spent the night and...wow!" Penny's story wet my bikini bottoms. Later that night in the privacy of my bedroom, I diddled myself imagining it was me between Penny's legs. **** Early the next morning, Samantha gave me my first boxing lesson. We rehearsed some of the basic moves and at the conclusion I realized that I had a lot to learn. "Hey, don't get discouraged...it takes time," she said encouragingly. Since it was our day off, Samantha wanted to give me a riding lesson. We hurriedly ate breakfast and led our horses into the corral. Sam went to retrieve her saddle and I followed. Without thinking, I hoisted my saddle, carried it out and placed it on Ginger's back. "Mel! You did it!" She said in a booming voice. For the first time without Samantha's help, I was able to saddle Ginger. I beamed with pride at my accomplishment. More than anything, I wanted to assist Samantha when she led the trail rides with the guests or during the overnight camp-out. But in order to do so, I had to be competent at caring for my horse and on horseback. At least I felt like I was on my way. We rode out in the same direction, toward the distant towering mountains. Samantha watched me carefully and gave me positive criticism when it was necessary. I followed her instructions to the letter. We spent most of the morning in the idyllic setting. During our return to the ranch, we stopped for a break. Samantha dismounted and I took the opportunity to take some photos of her and the scenery. "Gosh Sam, it's really beautiful out here..." I gushed. "Yeah...I feel lucky having all this as my backyard...but I'd like to go to the beach sometime...take a swim in the ocean...I've never been there...always wanted to..." she stated wistfully. "You on the beach in a bikini? You'll raise quite a ruckus when the guys get a look at you..." Samantha blushed. "I don't even own a bikini," she said regretfully. I eyed her up and down, appraising her form. "You'll look GREAT in one, trust me...I know!" I declared. Samantha's bashfulness made her even more appealing to me. This beautiful young woman who had every reason to be conceited about her looks was guileless, sweet and charming. Be still my beating heart, I said silently to myself, remembering a line from English Literature class. We returned in time for lunch and after a brief siesta, Samantha gave me another boxing lesson in the high heat of the day. I didn't last very long and I begged her to stop. "Please Sam, can't we do something ah...more restful?" I pleaded "Sure...I'm sorry...guess I'm used to all the activity." "Who taught ya how to use yer fists?" "Daddy, he said everybody should know how to protect themselves, girls too." Coated with dust, I announced my intention to shower and Samantha showed me how to light the propane water heater. I practically ripped the clothes from my body and stood naked waiting for her. We'd decided that showering together would economize the amount of water needed to get sufficiently clean Any shyness I had about my state of undress was gone. While we washed, I admired her slim athletic body, the lean muscles from years of laboring on the ranch just under her pale skin. But, I caught her giving me the once over too. As I said before, I was shorter in stature, 5' 4" in my stocking feet, slender with short brunette hair and a full dark brown muff in those pre-grooming days. In spite of my slacker status, I was devoted to jogging for exercise and five days a week, I traversed my neighborhood. For the rest of the day we took it easy and Samantha taught me how to play Blackjack. The nuances of the card game escaped me and we played with pennies. By bed time, I was thirty cents poorer. Each day, my duties around the ranch became a little easier and less physically demanding. My body was tighter and far stronger than at any time in my life. When I looked at my bod in the mirror before a shower, I saw little muscles under the surface just like Samantha's only hers were larger than mine. Not only was Samantha my friend but my best friend, none of my gal pals back home treated me with the kindness and caring that she displayed. At night after a long day, we'd lie in our bunks and talk or chat amiably about our lives. Except for my most private thoughts, I'd tell her anything. Samantha was just as giving and I had a sneaking suspicion that she was as attracted to me as I was to her. The fond glances and affectionate smiles conveyed more than friendship, it took me awhile to sort out my feelings but I wanted her like I wanted a guy. Only my emotions were more intense and my body pulsed with need. On a few occasions, I wet my panties thinking about her nude bod next to mine; kissing her, running my hands over her lithe form. While I was unfamiliar with girl sex, I had a good idea what it entailed. In July, the rodeo was coming to town for three days and luckily our one day off coincided. Samantha wanted to take me and meet her friends. She found some western duds, hat and boots in her wardrobe from her younger days that fit me and I looked like an honest-to-goodness cowgirl. Although I'd only seen a rodeo in passing on the TV, I was fascinated by the sheer physical nature of the events, especially the bull riding contest. The animals had humps on their backs and Samantha told me the breed was called a Brahma. During a break in the action we went to the refreshment stand and met up with some of Samantha's friends. They were just as sweet and kind as Samantha but one guy in particular took a shine to me. Curtis was very cute but shy and had that "aw shucks" way about him. We sat together for the rest of the events and I found him easy to talk to. But, sad to say, I felt no spark with him. Samantha had her eye on the leader of the pack. Ray was tall like her, handsome and virile looking. The boy had swagger to his step that came across as conceit but he was genuinely nice to me and his eye was on Samantha as well. Ray invited everyone to his folks place for a campfire and beer. I looked at Samantha and she looked at me for my consent and off we went. After a few beers the guys got a little rowdy and challenged each other to a beer guzzling contest. Ray won and I never saw anyone drink a can of suds so rapidly. Everyone was feeling no pain when Curtis pulled a joint out of his shirt pocket. I started smoking pot as a senior in high school and was never one to pass up a doobie, preferring the high over drinking. A couple of tokes and I wallowed in the fuzzy sensation that permeated my head. As a pretty redhead to my right took the last puff from the tiny "roach" in her fingers, I noticed couples pairing up and wandering off in the darkness. Curtis was looking at me as if to imply he wanted to take a walk with me. My insides were in revolt but when I saw that Samantha was MIA, I thought, what the hell and took his hand. We strolled for awhile until I could barely see in front of me. Curtis stopped and gazed at me with a hungry look, taking me in his arms. A little too forward for my taste but I let him kiss me. After a several mouth on mouth crushes, I took stock of my feelings; nothing, I felt nothing. Not a smidge of chemistry between us. "Hey...maybe we should be getting back..." I said in desperation. Curtis had such a look of disappointment on his face that it moved me for a nano second. He let go of me and we made our way back to the campfire and sat in silence. There wasn't much to say; he had no chance of getting lucky with me and we just waited until everyone else appeared. Ray and Samantha came back next and Ray looked none too happy which delighted me. She looked at me as if to say, Desert Hearts "You too?" On the ride back to the ranch, we both were reticent but I was dying to know what happened between her and Ray. "Did ya like Curt?" she asked abruptly. "I'm sorry Sam, I'm just not into him...he was nice and all..." "Yeah, I know what ya mean...Ray's a hunk but..." her voice trailed off. The hour was late and we hurriedly got ready for bed. We had to be at the stable by seven am for the morning chores. I was done first and lay on my side with a hand propping up my chin watching Samantha. The girl was beyond sexy with a tall lean, muscular body that wowed me to my core. When Samantha was down to her bra and panties my pussy twitched. Still high from the pot, I couldn't avoid verbalizing my feelings. "Ya know Sam...you've got a great body," I gushed. Samantha blushed from my comment, removed her bra and thrust her chest proudly outward. "I dunno Mel...my tits are kinda small," she lamented, and pushed them together for a show of cleavage. "Ya know what they say?" "What do they say?" she asked, looking down at her hardening nipples. "Anything over a mouthful is wasted," I stated. "Am I even a mouthful?" "Oh yeah!" I crowed. The marijuana induced high had made us both loose as a goose. Suddenly, an overpowering sexual tension pulsed in the dimly light room. Samantha made no attempt to cover up and sat on the side of my bunk gazing at me with a smoldering expression. My curiosity about girl sex was totally peaked. I wanted it, especially with Samantha. I sat up hugging my knees, nervous about my feelings, my craving for the lovely cowgirl. I gazed into her deep blue eyes. "I want you Sam," the words tumbled from my mouth. Samantha took me in her arms and kissed me with soul searching passion. Nothing in my young life had prepared me for such an intense moment and I kissed back with equal ardor. Her lips were so soft, so extraordinarily supple, imparting the right amount of pressure. Samantha's tongue wiggled past my lips and caressed mine in an erotic French kissing dance. We made out for a very long time. Eventually, we stopped for a breather, both panting in short gasps. "Do you want me Sam?" I asked, searching her face for the truth. "Silly question..." she answered, and kissed me hard driving her silky tongue into my mouth. I never wanted to let go of Samantha, my heart beating furiously with intense emotion. My hands were all over her body, settling on her very firm breasts, squeezing, cupping, thumbing the tight pink nipples. An enormous craving to suckle her tits consumed me and I lowered my mouth to a turgid nub. My first time suckling another girls bosom and I'm hooked for life. The sensation of the stiff protuberance between my lips thrilled me like nothing I'd experienced before. I gently squeezed and fondled Samantha's very firm mounds as my raspy tongue raked the sensitive ends. "Oh Mel...oh...oh..." she moaned, and held my head very tenderly. I dropped a hand into Samantha's panties and traced a finger along her moist crease. Hmm, the girls wet, I mused. A quick approving gasp from her let me know I was on the right track, "Oh yeah..." I loved the sensation of the dewy flesh as my fingers stroked her sex. Samantha slumped against me and my lips lost contact with her nipple. "Oh god...it feels soo good Mel..." she groaned. While Samantha panted in my arms, I played with her wet pussy, digits sliding up and down, poking at her soaked hole. Her intoxicating scent rose to my nostrils and I breathed in the heady aroma. The effect on my libido surprised me, I wanted to lick her and taste her juices. I brought the soaked digits up to my mouth and licked the sticky fluid. A sweet/sour flavor invaded my taste buds and the craving for more, lots more overwhelmed me. Quickly, I descended for my first ever pussy meal. Grasping Samantha's incredibly firm buns, I swabbed her glistening crease until drops of moisture gathered on my lips and tongue. The tangy pungency of her secretions delighted me and I lashed her pink slice, collecting the creamy ambrosia in my mouth then letting it slowly seep into my throat. I was in sexual heaven. "Oh...oh...oh...oh..." she groaned, and flung her head back, rocking it from side to side as I devoured her. I drilled my tongue through her luscious crease, gently sucking until I found her stiff clitty. The "little man in the boat" protruded and I employed a basting and flick method that had Samantha gasping. "Of God...oh Mel...oh...it feels incredible..." she wailed. Samantha's long lean body undulated, riding my lips and mouth sealed over her drenched sex. When I switched to quick butterfly licks and swipes, my lovely cowgirl howled her approval. "Oh Mel...don't stop...I'm gonna cum..." All at once, Samantha's body erupted in motion. She grasped my head and mashed it against her swampy vagina, panting in huge gasps. I strummed her clit like a banjo virtuoso, swallowing girl cum as it dribbled into my gaping maw. Can't say for sure how long Samantha's orgasm lasted. I looked up for her reaction only to find her eyes riveted on me, her chest rising and falling rapidly, nipples erect. When I detached my numb lips from her sex, I gawked at her sodden pink box yawing wide open, curly blonde pubes matted with fluids. "Mel, that was...amazing!" she crowed. Samantha pulled me up and embraced me very tenderly, kissing my wet face. "Now it's yer turn..." she cooed sexily. Samantha eyed my tits hungrily. I've always been proud of my breasts, a full "B" cup with long baby pacifier type nipples. My horny cowgirl wasted no time and started sucking like a starving newborn. Strong jolts of electricity pulsed into my box. "Ugh...ugh...oh...oh...ugh..." I sounded like an oversexed cave girl Momentarily Samantha stopped, pulled back and gazed admiringly at my boobs. The straining stubs covered with her spittle protruded mightily. She leaned back in, brought her hands up under each tit, gently squeezing and proceeded to flick her tongue over the swollen ends. The girl was insatiable. "Oh my God..." I moaned lustily. Samantha commenced to sucking again and I thrust a finger than two into my vagina. I was very close to cumming when she stopped. Watching Samantha's head descend to my soggy sex was a dream come true. My dark muff must have been pleasing to her as she nuzzled me with her nose. Her long fingers separated my outer lips and I had an overwhelming sensation that my pussy was leaking a lot of juice "Wow, Mel yer soo wet..." she cooed. Several short licks turned into long deep ones and I moaned from the exquisite sensation. Having a girl eat me, a beautiful girl at that was the ultimate. My body completely surrendered to the intense pleasure that throbbed inside me. "Oh...oh...eat me Sam...eat my pussy...I growled. As she tightly held my butt, Samantha's tongue went into overdrive, sluicing through my gash with determination. The girl was a natural born pussy licker, slurping and sucking, sending me to a realm of pleasure I never knew existed. An unbelievable surge of sensation sizzled inside of me, growing bigger and bigger until I thought I would burst. My hands tightly grasped the bed sheets when the tidal wave broke and an orgasm of epic size consumed me. I ground my heaving vagina against Samantha's mouth as fireworks exploded in my head and I literally saw stars. It was that intense. When the last vestiges of my cum ebbed, I embraced Samantha with exquisite tenderness and gazed into her deep blue eyes. "Thank you, Sam..." I uttered appreciatively. "Why are you thanking me?" she asked quietly. "...because I wanted you..." I stopped momentarily because I couldn't find the right words but just as quickly they popped into my head. "I wanted to make love to you..." My beautiful cowgirl kissed me as I ran my hands over her sexy body. Although she lived in an arid environment her skin was so smooth and velvety soft. The gift that youth imparts to most young women. "I have a confession to make..." she said coyly. Samantha's sheepish look had my curiosity peaked. "I wanted you too..." Again, we kissed and nuzzled like two lovers, all smiles and intense emotion. "Was this yer first time with a...ya know, girl?" she asked shyly. "This is my first time with anyone," I answered. Samantha looked surprised. "I thought that...since you were from California...you would've had...by now..." "Nope, I've dated but except for some kissing and groping...I haven't done the nasty...I was probably too bitchy for most guys...too critical..." The time for some honest exposition seized control of me. "I mean, I'd go to the beach a lot with my girlfriends...We'd be layin' there in our bikinis, all oiled up...and we got hit on but unless the guy really appealed to me, I'd pay them no mind...to me it was more important to be there and be seen...but the sex part...I dunno...guess I'm a late bloomer..." In the diffuse glow of the oil lamp, Samantha looked beautiful. "What about you?" I asked. "Ah...this was my first time too..." she replied barely above a whisper. "What about Ray..." my curiosity was getting the better of me. "He's ok, handsome...great body but...I don't feel anything with him..." she lamented. "Did you feel anything with me?" I enquired boldly. "Oh Mel...how can ya ask me that...couldn't ya tell?" I held the awesome young woman in arms, tight to my body; my heart pounding a mile minute. My pussy still throbbed from Samantha's talented tongue but my hunger for her was incredible and I sneakily slid down her form until my face was against her muff. Her womanly scent, her fragrance was driving me wild and I started pulling her legs apart. Samantha's pussy glistened with my saliva and her fluids. I realized that her clit might still be a little sensitive, so I concentrated on long lazy licks up her quim. "Oh god, Mel...oh...oh..." she groaned, and spread her legs farther apart. As my tongue picked up speed, Samantha's slit burbled and foamed with fresh juices that slid down my eager throat. Her tart, tangy flavor enflamed my libido. Up and down, back and forth I licked the swollen flesh of her vagina, taking occasional swipes at her clit. I swear I could have eaten her delicious pussy all night but her breathing increased to a fast pant and I wanted to bring my new lover to another explosive orgasm. My hands gripped Samantha's small and very hard ass as my mouth engulfed her sex. I concentrated on the turgid little nub now out from its hood. With my face buried in her silky muff, I devoured Samantha, swallowing the girly secretions that leaked from her hole. "Umm...oh...umm...oh...oh...ugh..." she growled lustily, holding my head against her soggy slice. Suddenly, Samantha's muscular legs squeezed the sides of my head and I knew she was in the throes of another orgasm. As she gradually regained her senses, a dreamy eyed look enveloped her visage. Completely drained from our romp, we both collapsed on my bed, snug in each others arms. The next morning I woke exhausted but feeling enormously satisfied. Samantha hastily put on her work clothes. It was past sunrise and we were running late but when she turned and smiled at me, it made my heart flutter with emotion. Our time as lovers began and I don't remember another occasion in my life when I was so blissfully happy. The nights were glorious, full of loving and the joys of exploration. Sometimes I was content to hold her naked body against mine, kissing my beautiful lover with unrestrained ardor then falling asleep in each others arms. The joy I experienced was new to me. Samantha was a gentle taskmaster during the long working hours. Her loving smiles and fond glances always made my heart flutter. I performed to the best of my ability because there was no way on God's earth I'd disappoint her. Nearly every morning before our daily duties began, Samantha took me for riding lessons and in short period of time I achieved a respectable level of proficiency. Now I was permitted to accompany her on the guest trail rides and overnight camp experience. I fondly remember the first time she told me. As I brushed down Ginger after an early morning foray into the desert, Samantha leaned across my horses back grinning from ear to ear. "What's up?" I asked. "Don't get too comfortable, I need yer help this morning." "But I thought you were goin' out on a trail ride?" I enquired. "Yeah...and yer goin' with me..." "Really? You're not bullshitting me?" Samantha nodded her head and as we walked to the cookhouse for breakfast, I embraced her, kissing her cheek. "Thanks," I said appreciatively. With me bringing up the rear, the morning went smoothly and I handled Ginger effortlessly. She was a gentle horse with a calm disposition, and we had a silent kind of communication with each other. Often I got the uncanny feeling that she was reading my mind by anticipating my next move. When I mentioned this to Samantha, she explained that many a horse and rider have an unspoken connection with one another. "She can't read yer mind...she's been on this trail before and knows its characteristics...but I believe a horse can anticipate the rider's next move." Unexpectedly, I'd grown very fond of Ginger. Except for Samantha, I spent a lot of time with her, riding her and caring for her. I was totally at ease with Ginger and always gave her treats after our excursions in the desert; a carrot or apple and the occasional lump of sugar. My job was to keep the guests in front of me and make sure that no one fell behind or went off course. I felt like a real cowgirl. The following week I was recruited to assist Samantha during the overnight camp outing with the guests. I'd never slept anywhere except in a house and nervously approached the new experience. Samantha sensed my trepidation. My quiet demeanor the night before was a dead giveaway. "Hey Mel, you ok?" "Yeah...it's just that I've not...spent a night...what's it like sleepin' out?" "Is that why you look worried?" "Yeah," I answered sheepishly. Samantha held me in her brawny arms. "Don't be nervous...I think yer really gonna like it." Patiently Samantha described what it would be like. "...anyways we'll be preoccupied with the guests..." Attired in a sleeveless T and panties, hair pulled back in a pony tail, Samantha looked positively lovely. As we kissed with passion and heat, her hands crept under my "T" shirt and she fondled my boobs, thumbing my nipples until they hardened. The girl had a penchant for my breasts and as I said before, I was blessed with a nice rack. Lying on our sides, I tenderly held Samantha's head as she suckled. "Umm...you make me feel soo good..." I moaned, and tendrils of heat pulsed into my moistening slice. Samantha elevated the act of titty sucking to an art form. Her lips and tongue worked the swollen protuberances like a virtuoso until I was gasping. Not to be out done, I nursed her cute tits with equal zeal. We took the true meaning of sixty-nine to new heights that eventful summer. My face planted in her very wet sex and she likewise. Samantha was right about the overnight camp experience with the guests, it was hard work. By the time I was in my sleeping bag, I was out like a light. When we returned to the ranch the following morning, I swear the cabin we shared looked like a suite at the Ritz. But, the clock was ticking on our summer fling. As the days in August waned, so did the daily quota of guests, especially after the Labor Day Holiday. Weekdays found us with more idle time and we took advantage with long riding excursions in the desert. Several ranch hands were let go and Samantha took over the duty of driving into town to pick up provisions. Most of the ranch supplies were delivered by truck but sundries and provisions for the hired help and guests had to be picked up at the supermarket. I rode shot-gun with her and we'd linger in town, window shopping or stop for lunch at Carr's Cafeteria. The sad reality that my days with Samantha were numbered slowly started to sink-in. Every night we shared my bunk, holding each other, kissing and nuzzling, as inseparable as two peas in a pod. When the mood was right, we'd make love; sometimes tender and giving, sometimes hungry and hard. We were so wonderfully in tune to each others needs, desires. During our morning jaunts into the desert, I'd gaze wistfully at the expansive and extraordinary scenery. I'm gonna miss this, I'd silently muse. Before my "exile" ended I wanted to experience the desert at night without anyone present, just Samantha and me. When I broached the subject to her, she shook her head negatively. "I'd love to Mel but...daddy...he'll be against it...two teenage girls out in the wilderness..." "Then I'll talk to him..." "I dunno, daddy can be really stubborn about some things..." I waited until after supper to confront my uncle and hoped a good meal would relax him, make him more pliant to my idea. As soon as I voiced my request, my uncle shook his head. In no uncertain terms, he refused to allow it. I argued by pointing out how proficient Samantha was at doing everything the ranch hands were expected to do and that he was the one who insisted that she learn to do anything a man could. Next, I voiced how my own progress allowed me to accompany Samantha on trail rides and the overnight camp experience with the guests. Still he refused but I kept on arguing, rehashing the key points until I was blue in the face. Finally, he held up his hands as though I had him at gunpoint. "Ok! Ok! You both can go...just stop talking..." As before, I'd worn down his resolve. "Thanks Uncle Carl," I chirped. As I walked away victorious, I heard my uncle's voice behind me. "You'll make a fine lawyer someday." I smiled broadly. An attorney, I thought to myself. Maybe that was my true calling. Of course Samantha was ecstatic when I told her the outcome and we planned our outing down to the last detail. Before we rode out that day, we stopped at the main house. Samantha's father was on the porch and she gave him our itinerary just in case something did go wrong. But, his face looked troubled. "I don't know if I should let the two of you do this..." I was getting ready to open my lawyerly mouth when he continued, "...just be careful and I expect to see the both of you no later than suppertime tomorrow..." "Sure daddy, we'll be here..." Samantha said happily, and off we went. Samantha set a leisurely pace and during our long ride we took frequent breaks. Samantha always wore jeans, a long sleeve shirt and hat to protect her fair skin from the sun. "There's a watering hole past that ridge...should be there in an hour...haven't been there since May and I'm hopin' it hasn't dried up," she said, and pointed in the direction. When we got to the top of the ridgeline, everything in the distance looked barren to me but Samantha spotted something. "Hey, I can see it...let's go!" Samantha took off at a gallop and I did my best to keep up. Thankfully she slowed down and the ecstatic expression on her face made my heart beat faster. As we rode up a gentle rise, a small area with greenery stood out and looked like a lush little oasis in the otherwise barren desert. A spring bubbled up from the sand and meandered a short ways into an oval shaped rocky depression in the earth, forming a watering hole. As we swigged tepid water from our canteens the horses drank deeply. "We'll spend the night here..." she chirped. Off came the saddles, and on went the feed bags as we tied each horse to a stake embedded in an old gnarly stump.