3 comments/ 97929 views/ 7 favorites Excellent Timing By: kurlykayaker23 "Val, you're on deck in five," Val's manager called out. Val had just woken up ten minutes ago and obviously forgot that she was Soup of the Day. Her jaw bounced up and down forcefully as she chomped her cereal down quickly. Val thrived on adventure and excitement as early as eight years old. Now, she stood at 5'9", towering over most women, with dark piercing brown eyes. As Val finished her meal, she stood up to address the new crowd. Her curly long brown hair was pulled haphazardly in a bun on the top of her head. Though usually, tiny frizzy curls sprang every which way, Val had managed to find time to tame them with water. "Good morning everyone! How are we doing this morning?" Val said through the microphone. Some people just stared at her. Others responded with, "Great. How 'bout you?" Val longed to go back to her bed, but nevertheless gave them all she had. "Welcome to Radman's Park!! I'm Val, Soup of the Day. Soup of the Day is another name for your mealtime announcer. I'll be informing you about everything concerning Radman's Park. Let me start off by telling you about us." The dining room hall, composed of easily two-hundred people, quieted down as Val began. "Radman's Park has a staff of 100 people, old and new alike. Some of us are connoisseurs in athletics...like our very own Ray from Australia." The 6" blonde tan man stood up and waved one lanky arm back and forth. "Consider small but mighty Reese who could show you how to wind surf." Short Reese smiled and waved brightly for everyone. "I could stand here and introduce everyone, but it would take all day. That's why I'm leaving it up to you to get out there and experience Radman's staff for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for directions or just start up a conversation. We are all friendly and care for you. I assume we all got tours in last night?" Val looked to Rob, her manager, to affirm this. He nodded. "Great to hear! I need 5 Radman staff up here. They will be passing out the weekly agendas of activities that we are having. These are subject to change due to weather. As it's pretty sunny here in California most of the time, we don't expect that too much. In the case of rain or severe weather, we'll take the necessary precautions. On a final note, if you haven't figured it out yet...plates, cups, and silverware all go in separate bins. And please throw away your trash. As for that, I think we will be dismissing very shortly." Once all the agendas were passed out, Val said, "Dismissed," and waved her hand gently. She threw away her plastic bowl and put her spoon and cups in separate bins. She started to walk away when Rob shouted half jokingly, "Where the fuck do you think you're going?" Val had intentions of weightlifting, but held her tongue, "Depends where the shortcomings are?" "That's what I thought. Sterling is short a trainer in the weight room. Would you?" "Hey, why did you hire me after all? Good timing, correct?" "Yes, Val. It was good timing. And you could beat my ass any day." Val's tanned face broke into a smile. "Well, funny you mention it, because I was just headed over to the weight room to weight lift. I could beat your ass, but I don't think my heart or head would allow it. I'm too in love with this job. I'm just tired right now. Some work will do me some good." "Thanks Val." "No. Thank you." Val jogged slowly to the weight room which was about a half a mile away from the dining room. About twenty people were seated on the floor listening to Sterling explain the importance of weight training. "And speaking of weight training, here comes one of our trainers herself. Val..." "Hey Mr. Sterling Silver. Thought I'd help you rope 'em in." "You're always my assistant, never my co" Sterling whispered. Sterling's buzzed hair could not make his personality more alive. His eyes bulged out when he talked and his body seemed to be wiggling about while he talked, almost as if he were in a trance of some sort. Val frankly did not like Sterling's actions, but still gave him respect. Val left the class room and worked her upper body out while Sterling showed off to the class. Finally, after he was done, Sterling took them into the massive weight room and indicated, "Men come with me. Women go with Val." Val hated Sterling for his biased against women. "Before I give you general instructions for the machines, does anyone have any questions?" Val asked. A women with naturally blonde hair shot her hand up. Val's eyebrows raised and replied, "Go ahead." "What if we're familiar with the basics? Can we just start lifting?" Val loved assertive people and rarely did she run across them. "The more experienced you are the less I have to blab on about. Just make sure you know what you're doing. Okay?" "Okay, but what if we have specific questions?" "We'll let me get to the beginners first. And then I'll address your questions." "Thanks." For the next hour or so, Val introduced the women to the bench press, lat pulls, squats, pull-ups, leg press, and other such machines. She showed them the proper form and how to adjust settings. She also advised them to start off slow and then elevate their workout. She told them if they had any questions it was better to ask, then to do it wrong. The women that were eager tried the machines first while Val assessed what they did right and wrong aloud. The students learned better this way. By the end of the hour, Val shared, "Congrats ladies. You may now call yourselves weight trainers. Remember that aerobic exercise isn't everything. You can burn weight by lifting too." The naturally blonde lady tapped Val lightly on her shoulder. When Val breathed in, she smelled fresh fruit. She stood a few inches shorter than Val. As she started to speak, Val felt her eyes checking her out north, south, west, and even east. Val noticed her green eyes that burned with energy. Her skin was fairly dark for the summer. She had hardly a pound of fat on her as she was very small-boned; though Val judged her boobs to be at least C's. She wasn't for sure. To add to that, her ass was shaped perfectly with just the right amount of muscle. The babe clapped her small hands in front of Val's face to get my attention. "Val! I'm trying to ask you something." "Huh? Oh yes? I'm sorry." "Well? What's your answer?" "I'm sorry. I didn't hear your question." The goddess laughed out loud. She repeated, "Okay. I've been weightlifting on and off for three years now. I like to consider myself toned, but I want to get bigger. Not like bulkier like men. But I want to be able to hold my own. You know what I mean?" After listening this time, Val shared, "Yes, I understand. You need to know that we women can never get as big as men. We have 10% of their testosterone. Thus, it is harder and it takes more time to gain muscle. But you can get muscle. Got that?" "Yeah, but how did I build my strength up?" "Well, it depends where you want the power. Where do you want to have muscle?" The blonde-headed girl started to blush a little bit and said, "Well, I saw you working out while we were in class and I have to admit that you are pretty damn strong. I don't know which muscles or exercises you were working, but I like how you are proportioned." After she said this, her eyes darted to the floor. Val couldn't help but wonder, "Is this girl hitting on me? Or is she just being friendly?" Val shook her head and thought, "I am purely professional..." Thus, she responded, "Thank you for that. Um, I'm a big proponent of the bench press, lat pulls, pull-ups, and anything else that works my triceps. Now these machines, if you do them right, will give you strength. Not fitness or skill. Though you seem like you have the fitness down, you may need to take a defense class or something. I highly advise you build the muscle first." The blonde-headed angel was silent for awhile. And added, "Well I played basketball and track in high school. I didn't wrestle though." She giggled at this. Val was struggling to stay professional. She really wanted to kiss this girl. Her eyes would wander to her pouty pink lips and dream of touching them and sucking on them. Val thought to herself yet again, "Damn, I don't even know her name yet...I guess I could introduce myself..." "Well, I never learned your name. I'm Val as you know." "Kaden. Nice to meet you." Kaden smiled at Val. Val returned the smile. "Nice to meet you too. So what do you say to getting some hard-core muscle on you?" "Hell yeah!" Kaden said. Val walked over to the bench press and shared, "Lie down over here. Okay, Kaden, if you want to do the bench press, always do it first out of all the other machines. It works your triceps, biceps, and pectorals. That's a lot of major muscle areas. Got it?" "Yeah." "You hold the bar to where your forearms make a ninety degree angle with the bar. Always have someone spot you. Always keep your feet flat on the ground. Never bounce the bar off your chest. Slow repetitions are better than fast ones. Breathe slowly and encourage yourself. Now, the bar weighs 45 pounds. I think you can do it. What do you think?" "I hope so." "Now, Kaden...I say you know so." She giggled again and smiled up at Val. "Okay, you win. I know so." "That's it." With that, Kaden held the bar appropriately and lowered it slowly to touch her chest and slowly accelerated it its highest maximum. "Good job Kaden. Keep it up." Kaden repeated the same movement five more times and struggled on the last two. "That's enough for you today Kaden. I don't want you to be hurting too much." Kaden laid there not moving for awhile. She didn't want Val to think she was weak. She wanted to blow Val away. "I think I can do 8 more." "Now, seriously, Kaden, you're going to be hurting tomorrow." "Val. I know so. I'm not stopping from trying." Val leaned in and brought the bar to Kaden's fingertips. As Kaden was still looking up, her eyes caught a glimpse of Val's underwear through her shorts. Kaden thought "Shit. Tight black underwear. Means she must be good in bed. I wonder if she shaves..." Kaden wasn't focusing and the bar seized down upon her, nearly hitting her chest, until Val caught it. "Geez Kaden. Focus." "Sorry, I lost my concentration." "That irresistible boyfriend of yours?" "I am single," Kaden said freely. "Oh. Okay." "You seemed shocked." "Well, I mean I guess...I just figured a beauty like you would have someone." "I have yet to meet someone." Kaden smiled hugely at the compliment and thought, "Unless it's you..." Val smiled brightly. "Well you're young. You've got a lot of years ahead of you to meet that person that will blow you away." Kaden laughed. "I'm not young. I look young, but I'm older than you would think." "How old are you?" Kaden smiled and let the silence fill up their conversation. Val hated the silence. "Okay already. Tell me Kaden!" "I'm eighteen." "That's young!" "Well, I'm not sixteen." Val laughed and shook her head. This girl was really starting to get to Val in a way that she had forgotten that girls could do. Kaden observed Val and hesitated softly, "How...How?" Val stopped, "What?" "Nevermind." "You were asking, 'How old I am?' Kaden? It's okay." Kaden smirked halfway, "Yes," she whispered softly. Val comforted her with yet another smile. "I'm a ripe twenty-three." Kaden laughed at the word "ripe." "You're so goofy Val. And the way you talk! Where are you from?" Val smiled. She got that all the time. "Ohio." "Oh ok." "What about you?" "New Jersey." "I was gonna say, you talk funny too Kaden." "Thanks fucker!" Kaden slapped my ass and ran away... "Kaden! What the fuck are you doing?" "I got you to cuss! You acting so professional...Bullshit!" Val smiled at her brightly. "What can I say Kaden? You are the first to bring out the laid back me while at work." Kaden was still running, "Well maybe I'll be the first to trick you too while you're at work." "Where did Kaden get all this energy from?" Val wondered. She responded, "We'll see about that..." Val saw Kaden hiding behind the vending machine. She was so small, but Val was so observant. Val creeped up behind the vending machine on the other side. Kaden said, "I can hide really well just so you know." Val edged closer and closer to Kaden till the last second and said, "Well you can't run and you can't hide..." Val's body fell on Kaden's body. Val spread her huge massive arms around her small body and fought her to the floor. Val whispered in her ear, "You said you wanted some fighting s kills. Fight me." Kaden smiled at this and breathed in sharply, taken aback at first; a second later, she displayed determination. She tried to push back on Val's arms and body with all her strength. Val had her feet firmly planted on the floor; Val wasn't going anywhere. Giving up this way, Kaden tried another method: tickling. She reached for Val's armpit and tickled her. Val squirmed a bit, but didn't lose her grip on Kaden. This continued for about three to five minutes when Val actually tried and used more of her strength to roll Kaden into a little ball. Val was now circled around Kaden in the fetal position squished between a vending machine and a wall. Kaden's breathing was shallow and light. Val's breathing was becoming identical. Both could feel the stirring of emotion rise in their pelvis. They stayed like this for awhile when Val heard someone enter the weight room. Val casually backed away from Kaden. When Kaden stood up, she said, "There's my dime." Val answered, "Oh you found it? "Yeah." "Good then." When the passerby disappeared into the locker room, Val started to walk away. Kaden couldn't take her eyes off the disappearing Val. "Wait." Val's hope replenished. "Yeah?" Kaden sought for words, "Uhh, I just wanted to thank you for helping me out with weightlifting today." "Hey, no problem. It's my job." "Right. Um, where are you off to now?" "I am supposed to teach some beginner backpacking lessons." Kaden responded almost immediately, "Oh okay." Kaden wanted something to happen, but she didn't know what to say or do. Standing about a two feet apart, the two women just stared at each other. Val finally asked, "So how long are you staying here?" "All summer." "All summer? Why?" Kaden's smile disappeared and her eyes dilated as she continued, "It's a long story. Maybe I could tell you another time when we have time to sit down and talk. What do you say?" Val humbly said, "Yeah, whenever you want to," Val thought for a second and said, "Look camp is huge here. And walkie-talkies are too crazy, because anyone can listen into a conversation. So umm, do you have a cell phone?" "Yeah, who doesn't?" She told herself, "Professionalism is going out the window and I can't believe myself but I'm going to do this..." And she asked, "What's your number?" Val reached for a pencil and notepad behind the counter as she wrote what Kaden said, "565-432-2121." Val continued, "Okay thanks. And where are you staying for future reference?" "Oakies Heights. You know where that is?" Val punched her shoulder and told her reassuringly, "I've been working here a whole year. I'd hope I would know where that is." Val laughed to herself. Kaden smiled in astonishment. "Okay." Kaden nodded. "Well I'll talk to you later Kaden." "I'll look forward to it Val. Thanks again. Have fun!" Kaden's smile was as bright as could be. "Bye," Val said with an excited wave while she walked off with a jump in her step. Kaden stood there, and kept smiling. She would never forget that moment she shared with Val. Excellent Timing Ch. 02 Val walked to the Radman Lodge next to the dining hall. Val was glad that she would be the only one teaching the backpacking class. She didn't feel like putting up with other people. Sterling had agitated her enough already when she tried to offer him help. Pulling on the huge heavy wooden door, Val breathed in deeply. She could never get enough of the Radman Lodge. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of different kinds of wood. Even the chairs and tables in the lodge were made of wood. A room off to the left was encased by a giant hearth and more wooden chairs and tables. About five people waited in this room for Val. She entered smiling generously, "Well, are all of you interested in backpacking?" A mother of two small children nodded her head slowly while the small children zipped around excitedly, "Yes, we are!" A young male teenager remained silent while an older man added, "My grown daughter loves backpacking. I felt I could at least become informed about it and well maybe go backpacking with her sometime." "I'm glad to see so many of you show up. This is one of the biggest times in attendance I've had yet." Val took a moment to breathe and added, "So many people are not motivated to get out there and experience nature for what it has to offer. I'm glad all of you are thusly motivated! I promise to help you achieve these goals.." Val continued her long speech. Then, she retrieved her own backpack from her manager's office. She explained how to buy the best backpack and that every person needs a certain kind of backpack. Some brands work for some people; other brands work for other people. From there, she explained how to pack a backpack efficiently, wisely, and safely. "Never forget your first-aid kit," Val offered. After nearly two hours of instruction, the mother and her children left along with the teenager and old man. Val locked up the backpack and headed for the dining hall. Val thought to herself, "Grrr..I'm Soup of the Day. I totally forgot. I'll just get it over with..." She started promptly, "Okay, who's hungry?" Many hands rose and children screamed in response to Val's question. She continued, "I think we all can agree on that one. Let's sing the farmer's grace." One-hundred Radman staff joined in with Val and the few regular visitors to sing the farmer's grace. Val then finished with, "Enjoy your meal everyone." Val looked hurriedly for a place to sit alone. She was so tired and exhausted. She valued her alone time these days. After about five minutes of solace eating the delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn, Val felt someone grab her and put her in the headlock. "Shit," Val thought and bit her lip from saying it outloud. Then she heard someone whisper into her ear very softly, "I will take you up on that offer of fighting you if you keep isolating yourself like this. No one wants you to sit alone. Especially me." Val's brown eyes followed Kaden closely as she sat her plate down at the table and joined Val. Val didn't know what to do. She was immobile. Kaden said, "I'm eating with you Val. Is that okay?" Val shook her head to revive herself. "Yes, I'm just shocked. Sorry, Kaden." "No, it's okay. I care about you just so you know." "Thank you. That means a lot to me." Val managed to smile at Kaden as she stuffed her face into a chicken leg. Kaden giggled at Val. Val then said with a mouthful, "Now, why, you gotta go and laugh at me when I'm trying to be nice to you?" Kaden shook her head and giggled even more. Val put down her chicken leg and insisted, "What did I do?" "Val, I'm not laughing at you first of all. I'm laughing with you." "Kaden, you still didn't answer my question." "Oh right." Kaden thought for a second and said, "You're just so cute when you eat. You are just really comfortable with yourself. And you don't care what other people think." "Is that a good thing then?" "Oh yes. I think it takes courage Val." "Thank you Kaden." Val smiled brightly at Kaden and thought "Man, I'm liking this girl the more I get to know her..." Kaden then said, "No, thank you." Kaden smiled just as brightly back at Val. The two finished their meals in silence just enjoying each other's presence. It was almost like they were communicating without words. They knew their time would come when they could ask each other whatever they wanted. After they finished their meals, Val said, "Here give me your plate. I'll take it up." Val took care of both of their dishes. Kaden replied, "Thank you. Oh, is it time for you to do your Soup of the Day thing?" "I suppose," Val said dumbly. "I thought you liked doing it?" "Well, when I have the energy." "So, you're tired?" "You nailed it Kaden." Val finished the short steps to the front of the dining hall and retorted, "Okay, I think you all are getting familiar with the drill. Please put your plates, cups, and silverware in the indicated bins. It looks like everyone is finishing up. So, for those of you newcomers to Radman, let me explain the next events that will take place. Rest hour is mandatory for all visitors and staff. You don't have to rest. Rest means be quiet. Please do not bother others that are sleeping. After rest hour, you are welcome to do whatever you please. The swimming hole will be open as well as other activities. The difference in this activities compared to this morning is that these activities aren't tutorial-like. You go there, try it out, and basically get a feel for the activity. It's kind of like a teaser. Everyone got that?" Various people nodded their heads. Val then finished with, "Okay, to our cabins for rest hour. You may all leave now." Globs of people left the dining hall trekking towards their cabin. Rob signaled for Val to walk towards him. Val dodged tables and chairs to get to him. "Val, you seem out of it today." "Is it that obvious?" Rob took a deep breathe in and out. "No, it's not that obvious. You are just an honest person and well so open when it comes to your feelings. I know you in a way most of the staff do not know you. "How so?" "Come on, Val. Think. I favor you." "Right. Well, you don't have to do that. I wouldn't want the other staff members to get mad at you or me." "Val. You're too righteous. You're one of my dedicated staff anyway. How long have you been here?" "I'm going on my second year. My contract is for ten years, but I plan on staying longer." "Exactly. Thus, Valerie, because you helped Mr. Sterling this morning, I am giving you your time off tonight, because I know you were supposed to have some time to yourself this morning." "I didn't ask for time off though-" "I know. I'm giving you time off," Rob interceded. "Okay." Val couldn't argue. Rob told her directly, "It's my way of saying you need to remember yourself every now and then." "Thank you sir." Val fled from the dining hall with newfound energy. Val didn't have to think a bit to decide what she wanted to do during her time-off. She reached for the scrunched-up paper in her back pocket that she had placed there earlier in the day. It read: Kaden - 555-432-2121. Val pulled out her old cell and dialed the ten digits quickly. She jumped up and down to get her nervous energy out. On the third ring, someone answered, "Hello?" "Hey, is this Kaden?" "Yeah, who is this?" "Val. Did I call at a bad time?" "Oh Val! Hey!," she took a moment to breathe in, "I just didn't expect you to call me so soon." "I can call another time if you would like." "No, hell no! I'm not doing anything right now. Just lying on my bed. What are you up to?" Val answered, "Well, just got out of the dining hall. Rob let me off for the rest of the day since I had to help with the weightlifting class earlier. Did I wake you up?" "No, you're fine.." Val started to jump faster and faster. "Well, do you want to hang out?" Kaden thought, "Damn, she's fast..." and answered, "Yes, as long as you want to." "Of course. I enjoy spending time with you." Even though Val couldn't see her, Kaden still smiled hugely while on the phone with Val. "Okay, well where do you want to meet?" "You know what Kaden? Don't move an inch. I'm coming to you!" With that, Val started running very fast in one direction. "What are you doing Val?" "Oakies Heights," was all Val said. Kaden started to giggle again. "You are so cute Val..." "I am a girl who will go great measures for any girl." "Even a stupid one like me?" "Oh, Kaden, come on, you are not stupid in any way. You are amazing." "Well, you don't know me yet." "Why do you think I'm so eager to spend time with you?" "So you want to get to know me." "Exactly Kaden. Okay talk to you soon." Val had reached Oakies Heights which wasn't far from the dining hall. She climbed up the boards that were nailed to the trees. Oakies Heights was truly up high. It consisted of five or more cabins high up in the trees with tree-ladders leading up to them. Some ladders could be drawn in while ones like Kaden's were nailed to the tree. Not many people liked Oakies Heights because it took a good while to get up to one's cabin. One couldn't have excessive luggage either. Once she was at the end of the ladder, Val knocked on the cabin floor, "May I come in please?" Kaden said, "Of course you may." Val pulled her long muscular body up to through the hole easily in a snap. "Looks like you've done that too many times," Kaden noted. Val smiled, "Funny, because I stayed in this cabin all last summer. Good cabin." Kaden shared, "How ironic..." "Well everything happens for a reason right?" "Yes, so true," Kaden agreed. At that moment in time, Kaden let out a huge yawn. Val watched Kaden's green eyes stretch as her mouth opened hugely. Bright white teeth stuck out. Val, in turn, yawned hugely. "Sorry." Val said, "I'm contagious when it comes to yawns." "I guess that means we're both tired," Kaden told Val matter-of-factly. "Very observant. Geez, maybe, we should hit the sack for a nap." Kaden's eyes looked at the small bed and then at Val. She kept doing this for about a minute in anxiety. Val comforted her, "Kaden, please stop. If you ever want to share anything with me, know that you can tell me anything. I don't judge people okay. I love people for who they are. Not for labels or ideas. And just so you know, I'm really bad at picking up on hints." "Okay Val." Kaden pondered for a second and then responded with, "Well directness is one of my growing areas for sure. There's only one small bed to sleep on, but there are two of us." Val was the one to laugh this time. She laughed loudly for nearly two minutes, until she told Kaden, "I don't bite Kaden. You and I are both skinny enough to sleep on one bed unless you don't feel comfortable napping with me. There is no couch here; so, I'm fine going back to my cabin –" "No, I mean, I want you to stay here. And I'm fine napping with you," Kaden jumped in immediately. Kaden hesitated and then eventually smiled. "So be it then. Do you sleep on your back, tummy, or side?" "Uh, my side Val." "Me too. Something we have in common." With that, Val offered, "You first, friend." She smiled warmly at Kaden Kaden tenderly climbed onto the bed like this was the first day of her life. She wasn't sure why, but she was really excited by the idea of just napping with Val. Val followed closely behind Kaden and laid her head softly on the pillow. Val was right; there was just enough room for the both of them. For about five minutes, they both could feel the emotional tension between them. Val wanted to enclose her body around Kaden again, so much. It had been so long since Val had a girlfriend. She loved Kaden's caring spirit and encouragement. Kaden wanted to feel her touch again; she wanted to feel secure and happy. She hadn't felt these emotions in a long time and she just wanted to feel them again. Both were unsure if they should make a move. They each thought, "What if I get rejected? I don't want to ruin the makings of a kick-ass friendship..." Finally, Val said, "Kaden, um, can I wrap my arms around you?" Kaden's cheeks began to blush. "Yeah, sure, I'd like it if you did that. I mean I get so tired of sleeping alone." Val wrapped her giant arms around Kaden's small body as Kaden rested back into Val. Val could feel her womanhood press deep into Kaden's tight ass; she thought, "Geez, this girl is so hot and making me so hot..." In turn, Kaden could feel the outline of Val's little pussy pressing against her body. She observed and thought, "She feels so warm down there. Am I turning her on?." And she also though, "Dang, that turns me on." The two could only last like this for so long. Kaden turned her body around to Val's body. Kaden said it first, "Val, I think I have a confession to make." Val was dreaming of touching Kaden everywhere. She awoke with a childish smile on her face. "Huh?" Val said pleasantly. Her eyebrows stretched to the heavens. Kaden cleared her throat and said, "I think I like you." Val finally awoke to these words and stared deep into Kaden's glimmering green eyes. "Oh, Kaden." Kaden bobbed her head up and down. "It's true. I've never liked a girl before till now." Val didn't have words to respond. She laid on top of the goddess, found her lips, and kissed her deeply. After a minute, Val leaned back to breathe in while Kaden did the same. The two girls' lips met again and Val sucked on Kaden's upper lip for an eternity while Kaden moaned. Their hands searched each other everywhere. Kaden's hand reached down for Val's muscular ass. Val squeezed Kaden's abundant chest. Finally, Val struck her tongue into Kaden's mouth and touched her tongue. Sparks flew between Val and Kaden. Kaden teased Val's tongue as Val aggressively trapped it and sucked on it more. Eventually, Kaden grew so horny that she started to buck her hips and began to succumb to the passion she was feeling... Val started to move in unison with Kaden. Kaden moaned softly when she felt herself succumb fully... Val then asked, "Did you cum?" Kaden blushed more and answered softly, "Yes." "Oh, that's so sweet. I didn't even touch you down there girl." Val giggled at this and hugged Kaden as they finished their make-out session. Kaden then asked, "So do you like me too?" "Well what do you think Kaden?" Val let the silence sink in and said, "I just made out with you some!" Kaden looked into Val's dark brown eyes and smiled. Val pecked Kaden on the lips and said, "Of course I do sweetheart." "Thank you," Kaden said. "Oh no, thank you Kaden for being the beauty both in and out that you are," Val responded. Excellent Timing Ch. 03 Val offered, "How would you like some hot tea?" "That would be delightful, but how will you make it?" "At my place. Trust me, staff cabins are so much nicer than camper cabins." "Oh Okay." Val knew that the pair of them would not be able to sleep after such a thrilling moment. Her heart was still pumping as she descended down the intact ladder from Kaden's cabin. Kaden asked her, "Are you all right Val?" "Yeah, I'm fine Kaden." "Are you sure?," Unlike Val, Kaden could pick up on a hint usually. She added, "Is it me?" Once both girls were down from the ladder, Val placed her hands on Kaden's small hips. "Listen to me Kaden. I haven't told anyone this and I'm trusting you with this information. Okay?" Kaden bobbed her head. Val proceeded, "I haven't dated anyone for nearly two years." Kaden responded, "Well, you don't have to feel bad or embarrassed about that. I don't think anything bad of it." "Well, that's one of the reasons I don't share this tidbit with just anyone, because it is embarrassing. But Kaden, there's more that fits the puzzle." Val looked to Kaden to see her reaction. Kaden just looked at Val with her bright green eyes patiently. She didn't have anything to say. Silence rang between the two until Val opened her mouth and managed to say, "Geez, Kaden, I don't know how to tell you this. I don't know even if you want to hear it. I mean, to put it frankly Kaden, it's emotional baggage." Val's eyes interlocked with Kaden's eyes. Val tried to look away, but Kaden's hand was too quick for Val; she had stopped walking and managed to bring Val's face back to her own. "Val, I don't expect the universe from you." Val's face scrunched up with confusion. Kaden stated, "I don't expect perfection from you. Humans are naturally imperfect. In fact, I personally think flaws can be beautiful and sometimes incredibly sexy. Like the way you eat your food silly." Val's sad face broke into a smile. Kaden pecked her on the lips. "Thank you beautiful," Val whispered to Kaden in her ear as they both embraced each other. Then, they finished the trip to Kaden's cabin in a matter of minutes. The staff cabins were not far from Oakies Heights. While most first year staff lived in cabins together, Val had the blessing of living in the cabins that resembled apartments. She purposefully chose an apartment on "Level 7" because she could get more exercise during the day by taking more stairs (an elevator wasn't built). Val told Kaden this after she remarked about how high up she was. Then Kaden asked, "Do you have a co-worker who lives with you?" Val responded, "Well, technically I'm supposed to, because there are so many staff you know. I am on a ten-year contract which gives me seniority. At the beginning of the year, I was assigned a girl mate, and she showed up for the first month. She was a real slob. She got caught with marijuana; so she was fired. Her loss, my gain," Val laughed as she said this. "Good," Kaden replied. At one time, Val yearned for a roommate – anyone who was genuinely nice and respectful to make the time go by. Now, she was thankful no such roommate existed. She had much more privacy to herself and – well Kaden – if they needed it. Val reached in her back pocket for the old rusted key. How long had it been since Camp Radman replaced their keys? She opened the door slowly and let Kaden enter first. Val followed her as she flipped on some lights. Val's dormitory was made of all wood similar to the Radman Lodge. The wood was from a darker tree. Val didn't know what kind of tree for sure, but she loved it nonetheless. Inside, her dormitory almost seemed like a wooden cabin; though it looked like an apartment from the outside. Val's full bed stood in the darkest corner of the room. Near the window, a standardized desk was piled with her various papers, envelopes, and books. Across from Val's bed, was a small utility kitchen equipped with a stove, microwave, a small refrigerator, a sink, and a couple of cabinets. In between her kitchen and bed, stood a small table with enough for two people to eat comfortably. Val's bathroom was located to the right of her desk. Her favorite part of the room was next to her bed. A small authentic fireplace was installed near her bed. She placed a soft flannel sleeping bag in front of the welcoming fireplace. This was her favorite place to read at night; it was her escape from reality. Val explained this to Kaden when she inquired about all the books piled against up the wall. Val said, "Yeah, I've read all of those books. I mean when you live here for a year, its nothing like living in the city. You get an appreciation for the small things. I just prefer reading, because the escape is so much more real than it would be if I had a computer or T.V. I know it sounds weird, but if you lived here for a year Kaden, it would make sense." Kaden kneeled down and placed herself on the soft flannel sleeping bag. "So, Val, pal," she laughed at the rhyme she created and added, "If you make the tea, I'll start the fire." Val smiled and agreed. She gave Kaden some matches and said, "Be careful. If you need help, ask." Val went into her small cramped kitchen, turned on the burner, filled the teapot, and placed it on the burner. Then she returned to her room to watch Kaden struggle to light match after match. "There goes my paycheck Kaden." Val laughed after she said this. Kaden's eyes got big, "Oh I'm so sorry." "I'm kidding Kaden. I make more than that, but not much. Trust me, it was my decision to live this way. And I honestly love it." Val kneeled down on the floor behind Kaden. Kaden responded, "I'm glad you took this path in your life too. Or else I would have never met you." Val smiled hugely, "So true. Now, Kaden, focus on the object at hand. Here let me help you." Val snugged her body up behind Kaden, placed her arms beyond Kaden, and her hands on Kaden's itty bitty hands. "Your hands are so little Kaden. So cute." Kaden blushed at Val's reaction to her hands. She couldn't think of anything to say to this, but she loved the way Val handled her so fragilely. Val interrupted Kaden's thoughts, "Okay, you novice. Try not to let your brain speak over your instincts. Because I know you have that old pioneer locked up inside you. You just have to relax and let it happen. Got it?" "Yea," Kaden said softly. She was definitely relaxing now. "Okay, good," Val continued, "If it takes more than three strikes, you're not relaxing. You're pushing too hard. I know lighters are easier to get going, but I seem to always burn my thumb when I use them. Don't ask. Now, relax, listen, feel, and watch." With that, Val 's right hand guided Kaden's right hand lightly to the match box which Kaden held in her left hand. Val's left hand touched Kaden's left hand and urged her on just a bit faster. "That's it Kaden. We're just like two old pioneers." With that, the match hit the match box on the indicated strip and as both hands guided the match at the perfect speed, the match ignited a small flame. Kaden smiled from the success Val had helped her reach. Wood was already packed high up in the fireplace. Val always made sure that it was full; the last thing she wanted to do at night was go cut some wood when she was exhausted. Val lit up some of the dead leaves she stuffed in there previously. At that minute, the tea kettle whistled as it was ready. "I've got it. Stay here Kaden," Val established. Within two minutes, Val brought Kaden some hot tea with a bit of milk in it. Kaden told Val, "This is so good. What kind is it?" "Green tea." "Mmmm. Thank you." "My pleasure." Val kneeled down next to Kaden. Kaden nervously said, "Val, will you cuddle with me?" Val's deep brown eyes met Kaden's green ones. Val could tell Kaden needed this. Val couldn't imagine what it would be like to have to live with the idea of going somewhere completely foreign alone for a whole summer. Kaden needed her and she wasn't afraid to show it. "God, I love this about Kaden. She's one of the most genuine and loving people I've ever met. I can't lose her ever, God." Val thought as she prayed to God, and finished with "Help me show my love for her. I'm so scared, but I know you can give me the strength God. She needs me as much as I need her. Please help me Lord," Val finished praying. Kaden turned her body towards Val, "Are you there Val? Where did you go?" Val blinked a couple of times before answering, "Sorry. My head has a tendency to leave into another land." "I know. You've done it before. It's okay Val." "And yes I would love to cuddle with you Kaden." "Really?" Kaden asked surprised. "Yes, Kaden. Do you think I'm insane? I mean, how could I not want to cuddle with someone as gorgeous and amazing as you?" "But you don't know me yet." "But what I know of you so far, I'm addicted to. I can't get you out of my head, my heart, and my life. I love being around you Kaden." Kaden's green eyes flashed back and forth at Val. She pondered, "Is Val serious? I thought it was just a moment thing. This girl really likes me? I must be going insane." Val took the insecurities away from Kaden by stretching her legs some to warp around Kaden's lithe little body. Val's legs flexed as she did this. Kaden's hand reached to touch the flexing muscle. "Man, Val, you're so toned and muscular." "You like it?" "Are you kidding? I love it." Val smiled at this. "Thank you." Val's long large arms encased Kaden yet again one more time except they were both faced towards the fire. And Val didn't need to ask. She let her hands roam Kaden's body free-willingly. She touched Kaden's flat stomach and inquired, "You do a lot of crunches?" Kaden laughed, "Yes, every morning." "Wow." Then, Kaden told her randomly, "I have a surprise for you." "Oh yeah? I love surprises. So long as it's a good one." Kaden giggled some and then said, "Lean back you muscular pioneer." "Yes Ma'am," was all Val could manage to say as she leaned back. Val was baffled and had no idea what to expect. With the extra room, Kaden turned her body opposite of that of Val's body. She leaned back as well and lifted her small white T-shirt up off her body. Val didn't say a word, but watched with intensely with her eyes. Her eyes never blinked or flinched away for a second. Val was starting to enjoy this. Kaden lifted up her arms to take the shirt off entirely. Val's eyes greedily drank in the sight before her. An amazing collar bone stood out among her breathing chest. Below her prominent collar bone, were two milky white plump breasts encased by a black push-up bra. She then used her finger to point to her small navel. "Look Val," Kaden told her while laughing. Val's eyes traced the line that started from her breasts down to her navel. Her eyes observed a nice tanned flat athletic stomach. This drove Val crazy. She had to sit on her hands to resist such a lovely stomach. She licked her lips at the sight even. Then, Val saw a little ladybug belly button piercing popping out of her outie belly button. Val said, "Aawwww. That's so adorable." Kaden just giggled and responded, "Well, don't you want to touch it?" Val didn't need any more of an invitation. Her hands traced Kaden's line down to her belly button. Then, Val gave in to the temptation of giving her a giant strawberry on her stomach. Val's pinkish wet lips blew forcefully on her flat stomach. As her lips wavered in and out, a wet sound emitted from her lips. Kaden was leaning so far back now that she was almost laying down. She was giggling and her whole body was squirming by this point. Val blew one more strawberry and got the same reaction. Kaden noted, "Your hands are so cold." "I know," Val responded as she reached for her warm tea. "I'm the cold-natured type. You should see me in winter. I'll have like five layers of clothes on while I am sleeping." Kaden laughed and said, "It's okay. I'll keep you warm." Val's brown eyebrows furrowed and her eyes looked into Kaden's green ones. She paused for a second, "I would like that Kaden if you could be with me till winter..and maybe even longer." Kaden wanted to know, so she asked, "How long?" "Forever if that's what you want." Kaden smiled and said, "No doubt about it." The two sat in silence for a moment letting their words sink in. Val finally said, "Thanks for showing me your bellybutton and well your extremely beautiful body." Kaden smiled and her eyes shined as a "thank you." She then responded, "Well, there's more where that comes from that you haven't seen yet -..." "Kaden, I haven't even begun to show that part of myself to you yet and I don't expect to for awhile. I would say the same for your body.", Val interrupted and touched Kaden's shoulder and added, "I didn't expect to see that much of you tonight. I was taken by surprise, but let me say I definitely enjoyed it." Val smiled thoughtfully. Kaden added, "But I mean, Val, you're welcome to enjoy more of me tonight." Val sat in silence for a moment just staring hard at Kaden. "What do you mean?" "You only live once right? I mean, why not enjoy this bond we have tonight? What do you say?," Kaden said energetically and whimsically. Val shook her head as Kaden talked. "No, I can't do that. I refuse to do that - to you or to me. It's not the worth the consequences Kaden." "What do you mean? It's not like we're going to get pregnant?" At that, Kaden laughed. Val's fingers lightly touched Kaden's lips to motion her to be quiet. Kaden immediately understood and silenced herself. Tears started to come for Val. It had been too long since she released her pain and she certainly didn't want to experience it again. Kaden observed all of this in Val's now determined and wet eyes. The light from the fire flicked on and off Val's face making her twenty times more beautiful. Kaden's green eyes stuck to Val's brown ones. Val spoke, "I told you I hadn't dated for two years. Well, let me start from the beginning so you can understand better. I dated boys in high school and somewhat into college on and off. I didn't discover I was a lesbian till later. I wasn't one of those girls who got drunk and played with girls. I was the exact opposite. I went away for college and I was the college girl who didn't do anything but study, play sports, and work my ass off for what I wanted. I mean I still knew how to have fun, but I didn't get drunk too much or anything that would put me in a risky situation. But no matter how much I tried to stay on my life, I couldn't fight love." At this point, Val laughed at herself. Kaden asked, "What do you mean?" "In my senior year of college, I met this graduate student. God, she was amazing. She was the most intelligent, toughest, and kindest woman I had ever met. She was studying to become a doctor. Her name was Jordan. Every time I hear that name, I still get a spark that travels up and down my spine. I can't explain it." Val continued her story while Kaden listened eagerly, "We became best friends through the Outdoor Adventure Club. After I got to know her after three months, I pretty much fell for her. That's when I knew I was a lesbian. I just never really admitted it to myself before. Anyway, Jordan and I did everything together. We went backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and everything else under the sun during the weekends and breaks we had together. I went from this straight-laced woman to this daredevil energetic woman. Jordan gave me a whole new meaning to the word "living." I never knew the importance of a smile, an act of kindness, quality time with a love one, and anything like that." Val started to cry more. Kaden said with open arms, "Val, come here." Val crawled to Kaden as Kaden wrapped her short arms around Val's muscular frame. Val smelled Kaden's hair and she smelled fresh roses. She smiled at the smell. She could keep her head buried upon Kaden's body there forever. They stayed together like this for some five minutes until Val said, "Okay, it's time for me to tell you the hard part." "If you want to Val..." "I want to and you need to know," Val said as she pulled apart from Kaden's sensual body. "I contemplated telling her I liked her for a long time. I got so scared sometimes. I didn't want to ruin our friendship. In the past, I've lost so much of what I thought I had for the rest of my life, that I didn't want to lose her. I thought if confessed my feelings to her, in a way, I would lose her. And I didn't feel entirely comfortable telling her that I way gay. I had no idea how'd she react to my feelings and sexual orientation." Val took a moment to breathe. It had been forever since she'd talked about this with anyone. Even herself. It was time to talk about it. Kaden said, "You did tell her though, didn't you?" "Yes, I did. My feelings got so strong for her I had to tell her. I mean I felt like I wasn't living if I didn't tell her. I would have been denying everything she taught me." Val started to breathe deeper. "So what happened when you told her? What happened?" Kaden asked eagerly. "Well, that's the funny part. See, my major in college was Outdoor Adventure. And so I naturally was in the club too, but the club didn't teach everything it did to the people specializing in Outdoor Adventure. Well, my class had the awesome opportunity to get trained in rock climbing. We practiced on a wall and then they took us out to an actual mountain to climb for a few days. When I got back, I told Jordan about how awesome it was. So, a few weeks later, when her schedule got more open, she decided that we were going rock climbing that weekend. Well, it's easier said than done. I mean we had to gather all the equipment from the harnesses, to carabineers, to the appropriate ropes, and even find safe ideal places to climb. We were beginner climbers and didn't want to be climbing a mountain that was intended for experts. Luckily, I had my 'ins' and managed to get some equipment. I figured I had enough knowledge to get by to make up for our experience level." At this point, Val closed her eyes for a second as if to put herself in the situation. Wrinkles formed in her forehead. She bowed her head into her lap and brought her hands to her face to shield her eyes. She was crying very hard now. Harder than she had in a long time. At first, Kaden didn't know what to do. She stood there helplessly and felt dumbfounded. Finally, she reached for Val's hand and said, "Val, I'm here. I want to relive this with you. Okay, you don't have to bear it on your shoulders anymore. You can share it with me. Val?" Val had stopped crying. These words seemed to utter between each of hers over and over again before she said, "Okay. I'm sorry I'm being such a baby. It was just so painful." "You can tell me anything." Val sat up and said, "Right then. I said those three little words, 'I love you' during the climax of our mountain trip. I was at the top of the mountain and she had already done her climb very successfully. So, it was my turn. And, well, unfortunately for me, my deepest fears if of heights. I wanted to be tough you know for her. She could tell I was scared, because I was acting like such a weenie. Anyway, eventually, she helped me concentrate and get all the negative thoughts out of my head. And I backed my legs up ever so gracefully and made my way down the mountain edges. Once I was down, she hugged me instantly and congratulated me. This was odd for Jordan. Jordan never hugged me. She might pat me nicely or smile friendly at me, but hugging was a big thing for her. She just wasn't one of those hugging kind of people. You know what I mean?" This time Val didn't need to cry; she just needed to make sure Kaden was following her. "Yeah," Kaden affirmed her. "Right so, she hugged me! And after that, I was like 'Jordan, I need to tell you something.' She knew right at the beginning what I was going to say. She saw it buried in my eyes. So, I figured I would just tell her. Get it over with you know. I said, 'Jordan, I like you a fucking lot.' She laughed. She laughed out loud at what I said. Out of all her reactions, I never expected for her to react that way. I just stared at her with my mouth wide open dumbly. This made her laugh more," Val shared smiling and even laughing herself. Kaden joined in. Excellent Timing Ch. 03 "Well, eventually, I looked at her seriously and said, 'You think I'm joking?' And then that's when she started to tell me about how she knew all along. She knew I liked her, but wanted me to say something. She wanted me to find the courage. I was dumbstruck. And then she was like, 'Well, it took you a fucking long time didn't it Val?'" "And yes it did take me awhile. She knew it would take me awhile to tell her. After all, it had taken us awhile to become friends, develop trust, and to share our deepest secrets. But I was desperate to know if she loved me as much as I loved her. You know how I'm bad at picking up on hints now? I was even worse back then. She had given me some subtle hints, but I missed them all. So, I finally asked her, 'Jo, so how do you feel about me? Are we just pals? How do you see yourself with me?'" "Now, let me tell you, Jo was just crazy in general; the way she thought, acted, everything she did. Anyway, I still had my regular harness and chest harness on over all my clothes. Jo came up close to me and responded softly in my ear, 'Well, Val, let me just say, if you and I were in the bedroom right now, I'd definitely wouldn't see you wearing all that shit because how in the hell would I get to see you? The naked you?'" Kaden bumped in and said, "Was she ever serious?" "Rarely, but when she was she had a lot to say and it was incredibly meaningful. I knew that when she was joking, there was always some truth to it. After she said that to me, I had dozens of questions to ask her. Mainly, I wanted to know why she waited for me to make the first move. She told me that I needed to learn for myself how to exercise healthy action regarding my feelings. And Jo said she knew she could have told me, but she had no idea how I would have reacted. She knew that I was insecure a bit from the get go and I needed to find my comfort zone." "She sounds like she really did love you. Wow," Kaden shared. "She loved me in so many ways. I had no idea how much she loved me at that moment." Val lost herself in deep thoughts in relation to Jordan. "What happened after that?" Kaden looked to Val with raising eyebrows. Val smiled at Kaden and replied, "Well, we went back to our car and put up our gear. Then we set up camp, made dinner, talked about life and our future. What we hoped for. You know those long lost dreams you hope for someday? We talked about those. We decided that we weren't really tired, especially from all the excitement in the earlier day. We pretty much opened our deepest most inner parts to each other even more. And then we, well, made love right under the stars and all. It was so beautiful with the moonlight, the nature sounds around us, and the smell of the fresh Earth. It was the perfect way to lose my virginity. Yeah, I was a virgin up till then. And even Jo knew that. Jo had been with other women, but none like me she said. I think she was just being nice when she said that. Jo's body was mind-blowing. I mean I had caught glances at her changing, but I never got the full view until I made love to her. I think I touched every inch of her lovely body." "Okay, I'm confused Val. Where is she now?" Kaden's eyes looked to Val's eyes, but Val's eyes returned to looking at the wooden floor. Val stated slowly and softly, "This love story doesn't get the happy ending obviously or she'd still be here today. Like I said, it was my senior year of college and her last year for grad school. We were in love. We were so close to finishing college. We were happy. Well one weekend, Jordan was planning to go visit her family. She was good about being faithful to her loved ones. She had told her family about me, but she wanted to spend time with her family. I understood that and I didn't want to get in the way. She had a long four hour drive ahead of her. She left on a Friday night around eight o'clock. I even remember kissing her deeply before she left and telling her that I loved her. I told her to drive safely and call if she needed anything." "I got a call around midnight. Jordan was hit by a drunk driver on a highway. The light was green for her. Some guy just totally ran a red light. Witnesses reported that she waited a little after the green light, but the drunk driver was just too fast for Jordan. His car T-boned her. A semi-truck was behind her and made the situation even worse. You know those big fuckers can't stop easily. So yeah, the semi pretty much totaled the back end of her car." "Did she live?" "The emergency personnel struggled to get her out in between the wreckage. She had several broken bones. Damage had been done to her back and brain even. Worst of all, she had been bleeding badly. I got to the hospital as soon as I could. Her family was already there. The doctors were doing their thing working hours on her. I couldn't eat. I couldn't move. I must have sat in the same chair for nearly four hours straight before the doctors came out and reported the final news. She was dying and they could do nothing about it. I couldn't even do anything about it." Val finally finished with the hard part of her story. She cried more tears. She wasn't afraid to show her tears to Kaden now. Kaden knew the story and understood the pain she had went through. Kaden understood more than Val could comprehend at this point. Kaden wanted to hear the ending; so she asked, "And was there a funeral for Jordan?" "Yes," Val replied somberly. "Jordan's family asked me to be the main speaker. They said I knew her best and loved her in the most intimate ways. I was scared shitless, but I couldn't say no. I did it for Jordan. I spoke about her courage, her passion for life, her love and acceptance for all, and most of all. her gratification for all the simple things in life. I spoke about how she encouraged me and how she revived me." "Was it really so easy for you to talk about her? I mean, now it doesn't seem so easy for you." "Everyone has their own way of dealing with death. I had even begun to deal. My head understood perfectly what had happened, but my heart was beyond healing. My heart hadn't even processed the truth of Jordan being dead." Val paused to let this sink in for Kaden. "So, then how did you deal?" "God, Kaden, I entered the deepest darkest depression I knew. I couldn't get out of my mind the way she died. I would cry myself to sleep whimpering and whining. I had no one there for me. I didn't even show up for my college graduation. What was the point without Jordan there? My family stopped talking to me when I told them I was a lesbian. I told them when I was with Jordan. And then after I told them Jordan died. They didn't even bother to call me back. They denied my existence." "That's horrible," Kaden answered. "Yeah, I suppose. What was more horrible was that I denied everything Jordan taught me. I pushed myself harder than ever. I started to run 3 miles a day, sometimes more. I became increasingly skinny. I worked at a factory overtime rolling in lots of money. I even started to smoke – something that Jordan hated; it made my breath stinky. I hardly ever slept and ate. My life was built on my overrated job and obsession with running." "What did you do when you thought of Jordan?" "I'd just start running more. Or go blow some money at the casino. I had horrible habits for about six months. Finally, a co-worker at work noted how skinny I was. I should say anorexic looking. I always wore baggy clothes to work, but my co-worker knew because she saw me changing in the locker room. That's when my boss made me go to a doctor or else he said he'd fire me. So, I went. The doctor was incredibly nice and cautious to me. He could tell I was dealing with something. He directed me to a kind psychologist. I started seeing the psychologist two times a week. He listened really well and helped me identify why I was acting the way I was. He basically raised my awareness about everything in life." "So did you live healthier and happier?" "Yes! He got me into a weightlifting class and even a lesbian club. Imagine that. He then helped me assess my future. That's when I told him about all the crazy and wild things Jordan and I did outside. He could just see the passion in my eyes for the outdoors I guess. My psychologist knew Rob, my manager now, and said I'd be a good candidate for the job. That's how I got this job." "Wow, some year you had, huh?" Val laughed at Kaden's remark. "Yes, it was an interesting year. My life went from sunshine to darkness immediately when Jordan died. Without the help I had gotten, I probably would be dead right now. That's a sickening thought." "Yes, it is Val. I'm glad you're still living today!," Kaden said. "Thank you Kaden. And most of all, thank you for listening to my story. It was long and hard for me to share, but you were patient and caring. You helped me get through it. I've tried to forget about it because it is so painful. But I feel so much lighter inside now." "Val, I would do anything for you. I want you to know that. It is my pleasure to be here for you whenever you need me." Val smiled at Kaden and hugged her once more. That's when Kaden whispered, "I'm sorry Jordan died so young and so fast. It was so challenging for you. I don't want you to ever have to suffer like that again. I can't imagine how alone you felt." Val shared with her, "Thank you Kaden. If you ever need to share anything with me, just say the word and I will be there in a flash. I am just a good of a listener as a talker." Kaden responded, "I meant to ask you something. So, why do you want to wait to have sex? Like you said earlier?" "Well that's party why I told you this story. Party, I'm glad I had sex with Jordan because it's the only sex I've had in my life. It was so personal and meaningful. At the same time, experiencing such passionate love with someone else made me a lot closer to her! Everyone talks about how great sex is – which it is, don't get me wrong, but there are always two sides to things. After having sex with Jordan, we were so much closer and intimate. It made our relationship bigger. I don't know how to describe it to you Kaden, because partly you are so young and it's such an intense feeling between two people. Eventually, you will know what I'm talking about when the timing is right. Basically what I'm saying is you only want to have sex with someone when you're emotionally ready, because if you're not, the repercussions will hurt. Making love to Jordan and having that memory in my heart forever makes it so much harder...Does that make sense Kaden?" "Yeah, it does for the most part. I will never fully understand, but you explained it well." "Okay, but Kaden, when we get there, we will have all the time in the world. It's something you don't plan or date. You don't wait for it either. If you are, it's probably not love. You can think about it and talk about it, but it will happen spontaneously most likely and when both people are ready. That's love." "Yes, I totally agree Val. That sounds like healthy and true love." "Good. I'm glad you can understand this concept especially when you are so young. You're so strong Kaden!" "Thank you Val. You are so kind, honest, and wise. I admire those qualities in you." "Thanks baby." "I'm baby now?" "Yes, you are baby." "I like that!" "Oh you do?!" "Yes, I do." "And why's that baby?!" "Because I'm sitting in the most coziest room with the strongest toughest sexiest woman I could ever be with." Val laughed and said, "Well, I doubt that's true, but – " "Oh shut up for a second Val! Seriously, thank you for choosing me! I would have had a very lonely summer if I had never ran into you." Val nodded her head at this and pecked her on the cheek. "No one should ever be alone. Especially not you baby." Kaden giggled and pushed Val down and rolled on top of her. Val tucked Kaden's long blonde strands of hair behind her ear. Then Val said, "Who would want you to be alone anyway? If anyone so as felt such a notion as that, I'd beat their asses up." "No you wouldn't, because they are my family. You must respect my family Val," Kaden said sternly. Val stopped playing with Kaden's hair and asked, "What do you mean? Your family?" "It's not nearly as long as a story of yours, but there is some complexity to it. My family believes that by spending a summer alone I will become a better person. They think I depend on them way too much. They also think that I will become more grateful for what I have, including them," Kaden responded simply. "Okay, but how did they come to all these conclusions?" "Good question. I asked them the same thing when they sat me down and told me this after I graduated high school. They sat me down and told me everything I needed to improve on. My parents did not have one good word or even compliment to share about my personality, work ethic, or anything else in relation to myself. It hurts so much and they have no idea! They think they're doing the best for me which in a way they are, but I mean, but I can't be THAT BAD can I?", Kaden asked earnestly. Tears flew out of her eyes and she looked at Val briefly before sinking her face in between Val's lap. Val was shocked; she didn't know Kaden felt like this on the inside at times. She seemed so mature and for the most part, confident. Val rubbed and scratched Kaden's back for her. This soothed Kaden and she started to stop crying. "Kaden, you're not alone, okay? I know what you're going through. My family entirely stopped talking to me after Jordan died. We'll stick through it together, okay?" Kaden brought her head up and said, "Okay. That's another thing we have in common: disrespectful families. And that's putting it nicely." Val laughed in agreement. "So, Kaden, who all believes that you should be here? Your dad, mom and any of your siblings?" "First of all, my mom and dad divorced when I was really young – like four. Then, my dad died when I was eleven. Um, my mom remarried several years after the divorce. I only saw my dad on the weekends and summers before he died. So, the people who believe that I should be here would be my stepdad, mother, and well my sister which makes up my entire family. She thinks I'm entirely spoiled and such a baby. I agree with her to a degree, because I'm the youngest child, but the way she acts sometimes blows me away." "How does she act?" "She will give my parents dirty looks, never be thankful for the meals they prepare us, and will fail to do her chores. She'll get nasty with them if they ask her how she's doing. And I'm just horrible just because I exist." "Kaden! That is so not true. Your sister sounds like she is going through something. She has her own insecurities and problems. Don't take it personally, okay?" "Okay. I've never really thought about it that way. It makes sense you know?" "Perspective can be everything Kaden!" Kaden nodded her head and thought more about Val's words. Val asked, "So, it sounds like you had a rough childhood. How did you deal with it?" Kaden gave Val eye contact and answered, "I got over the divorce easily. At first, you have those childhood dreams like 'Oh my parents will get back together.' And then finally one day you wake up and just accept it and move on. It was hard not seeing my dad. I feel like I never really got to know him for the man he was. I mean I knew him, but not how should have known him." "Well that makes perfect sense, because he died when you were so young Kaden. Don't feel bad about that. You had no control over time." "Yeah, so true. Thanks for that." "So, was your dad a good man or what?" "Oh yeah. He hated not having us all seven days of the week. When my sister and I came to his house, he would order us pizza and we'd watch movies together. He'd always find someway to spend time with us, even if he was incredibly busy. He would tell us stories of his youth and stuff. My dad loved the Three Stooges," Kaden shared laughing while Val started to laugh too. "Good stuff." "Yeah. He dated girls on and off. He finally got a steady girlfriend who had children herself. I always enjoy playing with her kids. My sister and I are close in age; so, we struggled to get along. My dad couldn't stand that about us. My dad was big on us staying in touch with our feelings. He wasn't afraid to shed tears in front of us. A grown man crying. That was what was remarkable about him." "Yes, your father was a strong man." "I think that in order for a person to cry in front of another person, it takes strength. You're showing your vulnerable side. Everyone gets hurt, but to be able to show that is SO amazing." "You're so deep Kaden." "I guess that's what death does to you." "How did your dad die Kaden?" "That's a good question," Kaden answered Val. "I wondered the same thing when I was ten. I remember asking Mom, 'What does commit suicide mean?' I had an idea, but I didn't really know. Eventually, I understood. My dad's girlfriend broke up with him. His job had gotten harder in the last few months. Along with that, his mood started to dwindle. A lot of things in his life weren't going well. It hurt him to not see my sister and I much. He was seeing a counselor and all. I'm pretty sure he was even taking medicine, but it just didn't do the trick. I think he needed serious medical attention – something a friend couldn't give him, nor his family. It was too late before we realized that." Val was silent after that. She had no idea what to say. Kaden was just staring deep into the fire. Before long she spoke, "No one was there emotionally for me. I suffered. I kind of went through what you went through after Jordan's death. I was so young my soul couldn't comprehend the loss I had experienced. So I blocked it out a few years. I didn't do anything dangerous to myself. I just remember feeling empty inside. For example, I would go outside with the other kids and play. I'd have fun for awhile, but then I'd come home and my stomach would feel all weird. I'd get nervous and I didn't know why. I wanted to shout and scream sometimes. I was baffled as a kid. I didn't understand these feelings till I was much older. Not till I was 15 or 16 years old, I realized that everything I believed in – my foundation - had been cracked and broken. My father's love had been taken away from me for the rest of my life. He didn't get to see me graduate. He doesn't get to hear about my trivial relationships or even my serious ones at that. I'll never know how he felt if I told him I was a lesbian. We're both missing out on so much." "The good thing was that I saw a counselor at that time who helped me make these realizations. She helped me understand what I had suffered through. She told me that I will always have this huge hole buried in my heart and I could never get over it. I'd just have to keep living and remember the good times I shared with my father. She said eventually I'd find someone who could help me fill that hole – but it wouldn't be permanent. Only temporary. It would be enough though to make me feel less alone." That's when Kaden started to cry. "I hated seeing my counselor sometimes, because it meant facing the truth. It was so embarrassing. Other teens were worried about what they wore the next day or the bad haircut they got. I was worried about what I'd discover next about my past. I was worried about not having to feel alone. I hated the feeling. My counselor told me that my days would get better from that day on, but I would just have to keep working on it day by day. She would praise me and tell me the amazing person I was, but I couldn't believe her. Sometimes, I just felt horrible inside..." Tears were still pouring down out of Kaden's green eyes. Val couldn't stand to see her liked that so she cuddled with her again and wiped the tears away from her eyes. Excellent Timing Ch. 03 "You're so strong Kaden. The way your dad died was so horrible, but you've learned so much from it. You've blossomed into a beautiful girl inside and outside. I meant that the last time I told you that." "You really think I'm have a beautiful personality? I mean what my parents say..." "Fuck your parents Kaden! I know I'm supposed to respect your parents Kaden, but Kaden, you can't sale your soul to them. You can sale your summer to them. Kaden, you are so humble, so modest...You have no idea. You're the exact opposite of what your parents say. I don't know where they got that idea. I haven't heard you complain once of the nature or roughing it up. In fact, I think you're incredibly grateful. I mean you've only thanked me about a thousand times! Kaden, you need to believe me. You have the most beautiful and shining personality." Kaden smiled at Val and her eyes glimmered yet again. Val knew she had taken her word for it. Val looked at Kaden and said, "What time is it?" Kaden looked at the clock sitting on Val's desk near the window. "Umm...5:03." "Okay good." "Why?" "Dinner is at 5:30. We have a bit before we need to head up there. I didn't want to be late." Kaden shared, "Well, I think we've both cried enough tears today." "Definitely. Can't argue with that." "You know what's crazy Val?" "I just met you today." "And you feel like you've known me for your whole life?" "Yes, totally!" Val laughed, "Ha, ha, ha, me too baby." "We don't really need to go to dinner, do we?" "Why?" "Rob gave you the rest day off didn't he? That's what you said on the phone." "Yeah –..." "So, that excludes you from dinner! No Soup of the Day!" "Oh yeah, good point. I'm very forgetful. So you'll have to remind me okay?" "Sure thing! I think I'll be around enough to remind you often." Val smiled brightly at Kaden and replied, "And I won't find you a bit annoying." Kaden and Val finished their now-cold tea near the dwindling fire. The logs were now primarily ashes. Kaden told Val, "My legs feel like jelly. I can't feel them." "I'm kind of hungry too," Kaden added. "Well Ms. Kaden, maybe I can make you a special meal tonight." "How would you like that?" "Sounds good. What's on the menu tonight?" "Anything for you dear!" "Awww, Val, you are too sweet for me!" "So, what would you like to eat?" "Spaghetti!" Val checked her cabinets for pasta and noodles. She didn't have any. "Darnet, we're gonna have to walk to the dining hall to get some ingredients!" "Well, it's okay Val. It will be good for my legs. And we'll burn some calories. What do you say?" "Okay. Let's go then." Val grabbed her key and opened the door for Kaden. The couple walked down the many set of stairs and made their way to the dining hall holding hands...