2 comments/  27337 views/  9 favorites

It's All About Faith Ch. 01

By: thornapple



A fair warning, this story is very long so it is broken up into nine parts. 

Part One

Philip Johnson

Prologue

They were a typical couple doing their best to live a typical and proper life. Words like, stuffy, buttoned down, or far right conservatives would fit them nicely in fact. Though not religious, they did believe in charity. It all came down to always doing the right thing. At the young age of thirty one, Mitch Chandler was owner of Chandler Real Estate, and he had three offices in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania area. He was doing quite well for himself, especially considering someone his age. Of course, Scranton was rated in the top ten in the nation for growing real estate sales, and that didn't hurt. 

His wife Layla, was a fairly tall brown haired woman with perfect posture. She had a young slender beauty that was perfect for her profession of newscaster for WNEP channel sixteen. Layla was certainly good looking, but more than that, it was her quick smile and her connection with her audience that served her so well. It was because of her popularity that she and Mitch tried to escape the area whenever they could, so they could become anonymous and just relax.

Mitch and Layla's best friends, Buck Andrews and his wife Anita, owned Scranton Plumbing, Heating, and Electric. Not surprisingly, they were very much like Mitch and Layla: Young, successful, and oh so conservative. 

Now, what would happen if one of those couples were to find themselves in a totally opposite, very liberal environment, and nothing they could do to escape? Both of them would have to look for the strength to survive, or more accurately, adjust and decide where to go from there. 

There really is a Scranton, Pennsylvania, of course, population seventy two thousand, give or take. Also, there really is a channel WNEP there. But as far as I know, there is no Chandler Real Estate there, and I'm betting there is no Layla or Mitch Chandler. If there is, I extend my apologies, or thanks, whichever fits the situation. Well, you get the idea. There is a truth here and there, and a whole lot more that is not true. Another thing to remember, is sometimes things aren't always as they seem.

Oh yes, and you'll have to read awhile before you get to any juicy parts. Enjoy.

Chapter One

"Mitch, I talked to Anita at lunch today, and we're going to Jad's Place for dinner, unless you have other plans."

"Sounds good to me, what time?" As a reflex, she consulted her watch like it was going to speak to her and told him, "Seven, but they'll pick us up at six thirty."

"So we have a whole half hour to relax."

"Are you going to be grumpy tonight?"

"Sorry, honey. I'm okay, just a little tired."

"We can cancel if you'd rather."

"No, let's go, we haven't seen Anita and Buck for over a week. Besides Jad's Place has good food."

"Some of the best, I think."

It was just before six thirty when Buck and Anita arrived and then they went to dinner. They didn't even make it to their table, before a stranger approached Layla and blathered on about how good she was and how good looking she was. As they waited for their drinks Mitch asked Buck, "So what's new?"

"Not very much other than we have to have our roof redone."

"Ouch."

"I was trying to wait until next year, but we now have a small leak, so it has to be done. What about you two?"

"We're running away tomorrow morning for a few days."

"So where are you going on this short vacation?"

"We're going to hit some of the small towns and look for antiques."

"So, no place in particular?"

"Not really, just a general direction. Mostly it's so Layla can get away from her adoring fans as I call them. She just needs some escape time."

"I can appreciate that. We didn't even make it to our table this time before one of her fans found her."

"That's why we're running away. No thoughts about the news or jobs or anything, just her, me, antiques, and maybe a couple of the small community museums."

"Well enjoy." 

They talked through dinner and were having an after dinner drink when Buck told Layla, "Love, I only say this because I love you and your work, but that series..."

"Yes I know, the Morals of America series. I've had a lot of negative feedback on that mess. Just for the record, it was my boss' idea to do that, not mine. I know I didn't give it my best effort because I just wasn't comfortable with any of that. I tried to talk him out of it, but I think the decision was made for him, so he was just passing it on to me." She didn't even look at Buck as she said, "I just don't understand the perverted things that some people can come up with. So much of that is beyond my emotional and mental reach, to say nothing of my moral position."

"Why not have Gary do that series then?"

"I was the only one with the time to take it on. My Boss could have waited, but like I said, I think he was getting pushed from above. They could have gotten wind of somebody else doing something like that so it could have been to beat the competition. Our business isn't anymore immune to pressures and politics than any other."

"Well, at least you and Mitch can get away for a few days and forget about all of that."

"I can't wait. Just head west and get lost. Are you two planning any trips or anything?"

"We're in the talking stages is all, but if we want to do something in this part of the country, we have to get moving so we can do it while it's warm."

Speaking of getting moving we haven't even packed."

Chapter Two

Mitch and Layla took the time Saturday morning to have a good breakfast, and then headed west in their quest to look for antique treasures, especially small figurines. They were soon in the country and Mitch watched as Layla relaxed a little more with each mile they put behind them. She was a slightly intense woman anyway, but that was okay because that intensity was also reflected in their her passion when they made love. For the next two days, they browsed their way through small town antique shops. They didn't find much, but that didn't really matter. They were enjoying themselves and that's what counted.

Going down the road on Monday, Mitch noticed they were getting a little low on gas, but that was no crisis because he figured they had seventy five miles or more before they would run out. But it was then that he noticed the engine was overheating and that was a much more serious issue. He told Layla about the problem and then added, "I don't think there is anyplace ahead of us that can help, so if I see another road, I'll take it and hope for the best. Now I really do wish we had a GPS unit in this car." It was about four miles later that he saw a small paved road going off to the right. No name or number to be found, and that concerned him, but he had to try. They just might have to pull over and let the engine cool down if they didn't find something soon. The only thing helping them, was his car had a small motor, so it didn't generate heat as quickly as the bigger motors did. He slowed down to about forty miles an hour and coaxed the car on down the road until Layla said, "I think I see...yes, there's a small water tower ahead of us."

"In the nick of time, now I just hope they have some kind of auto repair."

"Isn't that nice, the name of the village is Discovery. That has kind of a quaint sound to it." Mitch coasted into town and eased the over heated car through the center of town and straight ahead. There on the right was Dwayne's Auto Repair and Mitch pulled in there, shut the engine off, and gave a sigh of relief.

"Damn, we are so lucky, Layla." He went inside and was met by Dwayne himself. After describing the problem, they went out and as Layla sat in the car the men looked under the hood. 

"I was sure I'd find a missing belt and I did, but you have a bigger problem than that. Your air conditioner compressor is on its last legs, and that's what broke your belt."

"Is it something you can fix?"

"Oh sure, but not today, in fact, probably not for a couple of days or more, because I'll have to order one for ya before I go home tonight. If we're real lucky, I'll have it by the end of the day tomorrow. Puttin' it in won't take more than an hour or two though."

"So, maybe some time Wednesday?"

"If we're real lucky, that's about right, but don't hold me to it cause they might not get it to me that quick."

"I'm just glad we made it to town."

"How'd you find this little town?"

"Just luck. I saw that road and decided to take a chance that we'd find help."

"That's fairly typical for this little town. Find us by accident I mean. Well, the only place to stay is the Twilight Motel down at the end of town. They have eight or ten units. Nothing fancy, but it's clean and nice, and Blanche will take good care of ya."

"Thanks Dwayne." Mitch pulled their luggage out of the car and they started the two block walk down the street. They met Blanche, and as they signed in, they told her about their car problems and she nodded and said, "You'll be comfortable here. There are two restaurants in town. Ethel's and Ma's Kitchen and they're owned by sisters. One's as good as the other, but I always thought it was a might better to have breakfast and lunch at Ma's Kitchen, and then dinner and drinks at Ethel's. She's the only one in town with a liquor license. Ma's opens at seven and Ethel's at nine."

"Any antique shops in town?"

"As a matter of fact there are two. They're owned by Ethel and Grace the same as the restaurants. Town this small, it takes a lot to make a living."

"You can't get a lot of business for the motel."

She smiled and said, "Oh my, I'm busier that you'd think: Too busy sometimes for this old woman."

"That's surprising, but the town does have that nice small town feeling to it and I love the name of it."

She smiled again and nodding said, "Now, if some of the town folk don't seem overly friendly, it's just that we are so self sufficient. We take care of ourselves and each other, and unfortunately, over time people tend to either ignore strangers or not trust them. If you experience that, forgive them and give them time. They'll come around soon enough."

"Thanks for telling us, and we'll be sure to be tolerant and patient."

"Then you two will do just fine. I'll give you room number three, because some of the rooms are having television problems. I'm here for another hour, but if you need me, just push the buzzer by the front door. I live in the back so I'll see to what your problem is."

"Thank you Blanche, I'm sure we'll be just fine."

Mitch and Layla were soon settled in their quaint room and Layla said, "Pretty rustic, but clean and charming in its own way."

"Let's go find Ethel's and have a drink before dinner."

Ethel, though somewhat more reserved, was a little like Blanche. Willing to share a story, or advice, and a smile, as she delivered their two whisky and waters, but then she disappeared, not to be seen until they were ready to order dinner. To keep it simple, they ordered the daily special of beef roast and had another drink with dinner. Mitch had been looking around and then said, "Well, judging from the customers in here, the locals spend a lot of their money eating out."

"Can you imagine being restricted to just two restaurants?"

"I can't imagine living in this little town for many reasons. It's clean, and like you said quaint, but I wouldn't make it very long living here."

After dinner, they took their time and walked the length of the town and then back down the other side window shopping. "Mitch, it's a lot like it was years ago, when people went to town to do their shopping rather than to the malls or wherever. This may be the first time I've ever walked a town and window shopped in fact."

"Pretty straight forward stuff, the biggest store in town is the hardware store, and it's nothing to be impressed with by any means."

"People we've passed haven't seemed too withdrawn."

"Have you noticed there has been very little eye contact though."

"Well yes, I did notice that."

"They probably roll up the sidewalks and the street at six o'clock."

"Well it's almost six, so I guess we'll find out soon enough. There is something else I've noticed. No kids. Not one and in fact, I haven't seen anybody that I'd take for under twenty one."

"Now that you mention it I haven't either. How weird is that?" There really wasn't anything to do to pass the time, so they went back to Ethel's and had another drink at the corner table and just talked softly about nothing in particular.

"You two hiding from somebody," Ethel asked them.

Layla smiled and said, "No, we're just trying to stay out of the way and pass time since the stores will be closed by now."

"People still gather in town and just walk up and down the streets and sit on the park benches along the sidewalk."

"Do they really?"

"Oh sure, as long as the weather cooperates anyway. We don't have a town square, so we just use our one street and pretend it's a square. Go see for yourself, and then come back for another drink before you give it up for the night."

"We'll finish our drinks and go stroll the town then Ethel, and thanks for the tip."

"My pleasure. You may even find that we're not as sleepy and backwards as most outsiders assume we are."

Mitch gave her his best smile and told her, "Ethel, something tells me you're not the least bit backward or sleepy." She just smiled at him and walked away. "Layla, did you notice the old names like Ethel and Blanche and Grace? They aren't nearly that old, so why do you suppose they were given those names?"

"I wouldn't have a clue." Then with a conspiratorial smile, she whispered, "Maybe they're secret agents," and laughed. They took their time working their way back down the other side and rested a few minutes on one of the many park benches in front of the stores. "It's nice that the stores provide these benches. It really makes it more pleasant to be out like this."

"We better go slow shopping tomorrow, because there's nothing else to occupy our time: No internet, unless somebody has a satellite dish."

"That's it; I saw one on Ethel's roof. Do you suppose?"

"Probably for television, because that's about the only way they'd get programming out here I'm sure."

Chapter Three

Mitch and Layla once again slowly walked the town, but now, there were more people out and the evening almost had a small carnival feeling to it. Like people were celebrating being done with the day's work. Nothing special was going on, but there seemed to be a surprising number of people moving about considering the small size of the town. Most people ignored them, but one man, they guessed to be near fifty, said good evening to them so Layla gave him her show stopping smile and said, "We're so surprised that there are so many out tonight."

"Oh, this is fairly typical for a weeknight. Those that live farther from town wait until the weekend to come join our little parade. You two just passing through I take it?"

"Car trouble, so we may be here for two or three days."

"Sorry to hear about the car trouble, but at least you will be comfortable here."

"Yes, we will."

"My only advice is to get rid of all of the old small town notions."

"Why is that?"

He just smiled and said, "Just keep my words in mind. Enjoy your evening," and he walked off leaving them there to ponder what he said.

One young woman walked past them and Layla said, "Oh my God, did you see her top?"

"What there was of it, I did, very impressive even by big city standards."

"Look, there's another woman in...I didn't think they made shorts that short, but to wear them in town? God how tacky can you get. That's even worse than the top we just saw."

"Honey, don't look now but even that older woman is dressed very suggestively."

"It's like an Easter parade, only instead of wearing fancy hats, they're wearing very little of anything. I'll have to keep all of this in mind as I try to write another series on sexual mores of the country." She looked down at herself and said, "Well at least I have sense enough to dress decently."

"You seem to be the only one. Even those that are more modestly dressed, are still showing a lot of skin, even those that should be hiding it."

"You're going to have tired eyes."

"I find all of this a little uncomfortable actually."

"Well, if you're worried about staring, I'd say relax, because the other men are openly staring at every person that walks by them and the women seem to be enjoying the experience."

"Well, they talk about being isolated, so I guess they've developed their own customs and standards. It isn't for us to judge, but I can't get over how strange this is. Look at that woman in the green top for instance. She's too old to dress that way don't you think?"

"Well, I'd think so, but I have to admit she does look good and she has to be at least forty."

"I was going to guess older than that. At least between forty and forty five, and there she is in heels, shorts, and that...I guess you'd call it a top."

"I feel like we're suffering from culture shock. Like we were in Africa and the women were going down the street topless carrying baskets on their heads, that kind of feeling."

"Well you should get some material for your next series before we leave here."

"Oh my God."

"What?"

"We walked right past it. That little shop between the hardware store and that boutique. Is that what I think it is?"

"What...I don't believe it. Can it be? Can they really sell adult toys here?"

"Well, it looks like it based on the shape of the sign and the name: Jim's Emporium, Adult novelties."

"This can't be happening."

"Layla, I'm overwhelmed by this little place, but do you realize what an opportunity this is for you and your writing?"

"You're not suggesting we go into that shop tomorrow."

"Well, it comes to mind. At least here, we're anonymous and the stores in this town all seem to be kept up very clean and nice."

"I can't go in there. My God, what if that Jim was in there, I'd be so embarrassed that I'd faint."

"Well, give it some thought. Maybe I could go in first and see if Jim was in there or a woman."

"I can't believe you'd even consider us going in there."

"Honey, I've seen most of the things they're likely to sell in that tiny place, so I wouldn't be shocked."

"Well, I'm aware of those things of course, but to go in there and gawk at the merchandise? Oh my God, I shiver at the thought of that." 

They slowly made their way back to the motel and settled in for the night. As they got ready for bed Layla said, "Mitch, were you really bothered by those women and how they dressed?"

"It seemed so crude and tacky at first, but I got used to it, and after I reminded myself that we're in their town and that seems to be the norm here, I was okay with it. I have to say, none of the people we saw could be considered ugly or ancient. This is just a very strange town that defies description."

"I still can't decide what to think about any of what we experienced. Consider that so many people were dressed very provocatively, and right in the middle of town is a purveyor of adult...of sex toys of all things. Those stores are always tucked out of the way in some seedy part of town normally."

"I doubt they have a problem with unsavory people gathering at that store in this little place. I just can't imagine granny going in there and selecting a certain vibrator like she's picking out a toaster."

As they slipped under the sheets she asked, "Do you really think it would help for me to go in there?"

"I really do, but that's up to you. I understand what you mean about it being awkward to say the least, but I'm willing to go in first if that would help."


It's All About Faith Ch. 01



"It would help. I'll think about it and decide in the morning."

Mitch moved close to Layla and kissed her before he said, "You know we should probably do something to pass the time so we don't get up too early."

"What did you have in mind?" As he smiled and moved to remove her nightie she whispered, "Turn off the light, honey." He kicked off his pajama bottoms and then turned off the light and rejoined his wife in bed. As she reached between his legs she said, "Oh my God, honey, you really are ready. It would seem that those half naked women did have an effect on you."

"That's for you, honey."

"I know, but I think you had a little extra help this time lover." They made love their usual way, but this time both of them seemed to be on fire and ended up destroying the bed by the time they were satisfied and had to remake it before they could go to sleep.

In the morning as she stirred, they smiled at each other as she said, "I can't believe that we slept naked. I didn't even put my nightie back on."

"I noticed."

Chapter Four 

They got ready to face the day and then Layla put her arms around her husband. "You were quite the lover last night." 

"So were you. I'd say we're a near perfect match in fact."

"Near perfect?"

"There's always room for improvement honey."

"My journalism professor used to say the same thing."

"For the same reason?"

She smiled and said, "Of course not, honey." 

They walked up to Ma's Kitchen and had a good breakfast and lingered over an extra cup of coffee. They still had time to kill before the stores would even be open. After breakfast, they took their time walking back to their motel room. Then, Layla spent a little while with her laptop making notes about her next three part series and Mitch lay on the bed and read. When she closed her computer Mitch asked her, "Well honey, have you decided about the toy store?"

She gave him a weak smile and said, "No. I think you're right in that one of the problems I had with the first three part series, was I didn't do my research. I guess what I'm saying is, I know this would be a good opportunity for me, but I don't know if I can go through with it."

"Well, I'll just go in there and see what it's like and then we can talk about it again."

"Okay, let's do it that way." It was ten o'clock, so they locked their room door and walked up the street together. The first antique store sign simply said Antiques. 

As they went in the little bell on the door rang and a younger looking woman came out and said, "May I help you find something?"

"Thank you no; we're just going to look if you don't mind."

"Of course not, and if you need help just sing out, I won't be far away." To help time pass, they studied almost every item they saw whether or not they had any real interest in it. They managed to use up quite a bit of time, but in the end they told the young woman thanks and that they might be back. They then headed toward the second antique store across the street. They went past the adult toy store to get to it. The two of them glanced at it and then looked at each other but said nothing as they walked on by. When they got to the store, it was a little confusing because there were two doors where the store sign was. 

"This is weird," Mitch said.

"We've used those words a lot since getting here." They chose a door and went in. The door closed quietly and they stood there. It obviously wasn't the antique store, but there were seven people around a table talking and they weren't even aware Mitch and Layla were even there so their conversation had continued.

"So are we ready to vote on the exhibition issue? He paused and said, "Seven yeas so it passes. So we have to work out the details about relaxing our rules governing exhibitionism. Now what about our idea for our own Fantasy Fest type celebration? We talked about that the last time."

"Yes," said the diminutive looking woman. "I think we should do something like that without those silly body painters. We'll do our own thing. Say about the end of July or in August before the farmers start bringing in their crops."

"I like that," said the youngest man there and then he smiled and added, "We can bring in our own crops during that celebration," and they all laughed. They laughed so hard they turned their heads just in time to see Mitch and Layla retreat to the street and go in the other door to the antique store.

"Layla, did you hear what they were talking about?"

"I can't believe it. It was like a town council or something and they were discussing rules governing social behavior, or rather, relaxing the rules a lot from the sounds of it."

"And the Fantasy Fest thing."

"What is that?"

"It's held in Key West in November or December. It gets pretty drunk for days and women parade all over the place very nearly naked. In fact, all they have on their bodies sometimes is a tiny stick on patch between their legs and latex paint." Layla stopped and just looked at him. 

Then looking around she said, "We better talk about that in our room and I really do need to do more research."

Once again they took their time and shopped every bit as hard as they had the first store and even bought a couple of things. They were doing a pretty good job of burning up the day. Next was lunch at Ma's Kitchen and more conversation over iced tea. "You two enjoying your stay," Grace asked them.

"We really are. The longer we're here, the more we see what you have here. It's quite a surprising village."

"We think so too. It's a big town masked to look like a little village is what I say."

"That's a perfect way to put it, Grace."

"Have you been to the boutiques yet?"

"No, but we plan to visit them after lunch. Got any suggestions?"

"Just spend time at both of them, and if you think of something and don't see it just ask, because sometimes they have it, but don't have room to display it." 

"Thanks, we'll remember that. Everything in town seems to come in pairs. The restaurants, the boutiques, the antique stores..."

"Oh no, there's only one hardware story and motel and...well, there's Jim's toy shop too of course."

For some reason, Layla was almost shocked that Grace would even mention an adult toy store. "Grace, have you ever been in that store?" Layla couldn't even believe she had asked that question. It must have been her journalist side that said that.

"Of course I have. I doubt there's a person in town, man or woman, that hasn't been in there on occasion, if nothing more than to have a cup of coffee with Jim or Delia, his wife. Stop in and tell them Grace sent you to them."

"Maybe we'll do that." Now Layla felt like she really should go in there. If the whole town had been in the store there was no excuse for her not to go in. 

As they left the restaurant Mitch said, "Are you really going to go into the toy store?"

"I am. I have to now, I mean I'll feel like such a chicken if I don't, and like you said, I need to do that for my work. But let's look at the boutiques first."

"Need more time to screw up your courage?"

"Probably, but I'm curious to see what they sell after seeing those women last night.

Chapter Five 

They went into the first boutique and stood there surveying the contents. "Can I help you," the voice asked? Mitch turned around and realized she was one of them he saw last night in high heels and impossibly short shorts.

"Oh...uh...just looking I guess, right honey?"

"Yes, just looking right now." They stayed close together and whispered back and forth as they looked at more typical and even nice slacks and tops. Layla was hooked, and all Mitch could do was go along with her now. They worked their way around and Layla already had a couple of things to try on. Then they came to the shelf of very short shorts. Mitch was a little restless so he pulled out her size and said, "Here's your size, honey."

She looked at him and smiled as she said, "Like I'd wear those in public; at home maybe, but not in public."

"I know, get them and wear them when you write your article. You know, mentally and physically get into the project." She looked at him smiling at her, so she knew he was teasing her so to get back at him she took them and said, "I'll just try them on then," and calmly moved to the next rack. They were about halfway to the back of the store when Mitch stopped. As Layla looked at some article of clothing, Mitch was watching a woman strip to her bra and panties and slip on something from the store.

He nudged Layla and whispered to her, "Look back and to the right. Over near the corner." 

She saw the woman looking at herself in a mirror so she said, "What about it? The woman is just looking at herself."

"Yeah, well, I was looking at her a minute ago and she was in her bra and panties. That nice comfortable looking area with the coffee table and carpet is the dressing area." Layla was frozen in place as she again stared at the woman.

"No honey, you must be mistaken." Then the woman undressed again and once again stood there in her bra and panties. "Oh my God." The woman calmly put her clothes back on and went to the checkout counter.

"Ma'am, I'll hold those for you to try on when you're ready," and before Layla could form a word, the woman took her selections and walked back to the dressing area.

"Mitch, what the hell am I going to do?"

"Go try things on now while the store is empty."

"But what if somebody else comes in?"

"If they do, it will almost certainly be a woman."

"Oh yeah? You're in here."

"Oh. Well, hurry is all I can say. Nobody seems to care or even pay any attention anyway."

"You sure as hell did."

"Go on and hurry, honey." He couldn't believe any of what he'd seen or what Layla was about to do. But he wasn't too shocked to remember his useless cell phone. He made his way back to where Layla was about to strip to her bra and panties and he watched her, but tried not to stare. He had to keep reminding himself, that she was his wife and there was no reason for him to care or pay any attention, but it wasn't working that way. As soon as she was undressed, he grabbed a few shots of her while she wasn't looking. She slipped on the very short shorts and stood there looking at herself in her bra and shorts. 

"Damn, you look hot," Mitch said much louder than he had intended. That hadn't been for her ears, but she heard him easily and turned toward him just as he took her photo again.

"I agree with him," the sales clerk said. "Those fit you perfectly. I have another style you should try on while you're at it. You have the perfect figure, but you'd look even better if you had heels on. Not six inch ones because of your height, but nice thin heels would really flatter you." Layla just stood there so the clerk came back and handed her another pair of shorts. "Try those on and let's see how you look." While Mitch and the clerk stared at her, she numbly stripped to her panties again and slipped on the other shorts. "Oh yes, now that's every bit as sexy as the other ones" the clerk continued. "If it were me I wouldn't be able to decide which ones."

"She'll take both of them," Mitch told her, and just smiled at Layla. "Try on one of those tops, honey," he urged. 

"Ma'am, those tops are designed to be worn without a bra."

"They...without a bra?"

"Try it and you'll see. They are so very comfortable like that. I have two of them myself." Layla looked at Mitch for help and strength, but he just smiled and nodded his head in approval. His head was spinning and after seeing his wife in those shorts, he wanted to see what she would look like in one of those tops. It was almost funny when Layla turned her back and took off her bra and put the top on. She turned and looked at Mitch and she saw him stare at her like he had never seen her before. 

"Holy shit."

"Mitch."

"Sorry honey, but...look in the mirror."

The clerk was right there with her and said, "I wish you could be here to model these things for us. You have the body that these garments were designed for. 

Mitch was coming apart at the seams now. Looking at the clerk he said, "I saw you in one of those tops last night and I thought you looked very nice."

"Thank you very much, I'm surprised you even remember." Mitch wasn't surprised at all. He had tried so hard to see those women as sluts or not far from that, but here he was remembering her in that top and felt a flash of lust before looking back at Layla again. "Damn honey, you really do look good."

"I can't...you mean you really like how I look?"

"Well it wouldn't be appropriate for everywhere, but as you stand there, I have to say, wow!"

"Ma'am," the clerk continued. "Would you be willing to try on a few other things that we have. I'd just love to see you in them because you would be stunning."

Layla looked at Mitch and he just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. He was having a great time now and he just hoped his phone had enough memory to last until they were done shopping.

They went through short skirts, with and without splits, and longer skirts with very long splits, blouses, with deep plunging necklines and on and on. By the time they were done, Layla had a pile of clothes that she was buying, Mitch had an erection that the clerk had made a point of checking out, and even Layla had seen the clerk eyeing her husband's cock. Layla was almost trembling with a flood of mixed emotions. She could never wear any of those things in front of their friends, and certainly not in town, but she still wanted them. She'd just have to figure out later why she wanted them and what she'd do with them.

Chapter Six

They stood outside for a minute while Layla tried to get control of herself. "Mitch, you...you had a total erection in there and that clerk was really checking you out."

"I'm sorry honey, it's just that...well looking at you in those clothes, well, and out of them too."

"Oh my God, you've seen me naked how many times."

"I know, but I couldn't help it."

"Well, you certainly had her attention."

"And you certainly had mine, honey." She smiled and drank in the flattery.

They went on to the other boutique and followed a similar routine, and once again saw the open dressing area at the back. They looked at each other, but the dressing area issue didn't stop Layla from shopping. She'd survived it at the other store so she knew she could do it again. 

She found a couple more blouses in a different style, and again they were meant to be worn without a bra. The clerk explained, "You can wear a bra under them of course, but it spoils the lines and utterly ruins the sensual look that they were designed to give." Layla didn't fight it and was soon naked to the waist and slipped on the top. "Oh yes, very nice miss. Let me help you with the collar now," and the clerk stepped right in front of her and fussed with the collar and then down to the buttons. "Wait; let me fix this trim a little," and Layla felt the clerk's hands all over her breasts. "No," she told herself, "It's just a woman doing her job and it's no big deal." Mitch had another erection and he had to swallow to keep from drooling on himself. 

As the clerk and Layla worked on other garments, Mitch discovered that a man had entered the store with his woman and was watching Layla as she stripped to the waist and tried on other things. Then to her panties to try on more shorts, all while the guy with slight graying at the temples stared at her in open appreciation. It was while Layla was in just her panties that she saw the man looking at her. Mitch could feel her fear and frustration. Where could she go? She was totally exposed to him and there was nothing she could do. She was done trying on clothes, but she was so petrified that she couldn't figure out that all she had to do was put her own clothes back on. Mitch was moving toward her when she collected herself and quickly dressed. Mitch went over to her and whispered, "Catch your breath honey, while I pay for these things."

When Mitch went back to her, she had composed herself enough to stand straight and walk out next to him, but as soon as they were outside she leaned against the wall and whispered, "Oh my God, I can't believe this. Why in the world didn't you say something?"

"I didn't know he was there until it was far too late. By then, he'd watched you for I don't know how long while his wife shopped, oblivious to the fact that her husband was staring at you."

"I don't think the people in this town care about anything like that. Oh God honey, I'm going to need to sit down and catch my breath."

"Hello," came the voice from behind them. Layla jumped and grabbed Mitch's arm. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. Are you okay?"

Layla drew a deep breath and nodded her head. "Good. I'm Hank Witherspoon. I'm the mayor of Discovery, but they call me the guide rather than the mayor. The council seems partial to the term guide." 

Mitch collected his manners and said, "We're Layla and Mitch Chandler, nice to meet you."

"Call me Hank, about everybody does. I'd like to buy you two a cup of coffee or a drink and tell you a little about our town. I'm sure that by now, you are at least a little curious about us."

Mitch smiled and said, "I guess we are at that and I know Layla could use a drink."

"Then it's off to Ethel's with us," and Hank kept things superficial talking about the shopping or the weather. They went into Ethel's and sat at the corner table where Mitch and Layla had sat before. 

Ethel herself came over and said, "Well hello Hank, what can I get for you three?" 

"A strong mixed drink Ethel, and I don't care what it is," 

Layla said. "I really need that right now." Ethel smiled and Mitch and Hank ordered a couple of drafts.

"Okay then," Hank said, "Where to begin. I apologize for the phones not working. They'll be back in service in another week or two but that won't help you I'm afraid. You see, Discovery accepts no funds from the state or federal government. We are self sufficient. That way, we don't have to deal with the red tape and out of town officials coming in here and telling us how to run our town. We don't need or want their help. Okay, so that's out of the way," and he didn't get much farther before the drinks came. Layla took a big drink without even asking what it was.

"Okay," Hank continued, "Since I know that you two walked around town last night, you noticed that we live a little different lifestyle than other towns you've been to. We like our town and we work very hard to keep it as it is. It's clean and safe, and people are happy and have no desire to leave for the most part. You see, we have a small organization. A business if you will. All very legal and I dare say, we contribute to society and at the same time contribute to our coffers and our way of life. It all balances out very nicely in the end." He pointed to a man walking down the street and said, "See that man? He made a video of his wife while she was naked and...entertaining herself. Not so bad you say and you'd be right. But he took it upon himself to send it to about every erotic website he could find. Needless to say that caused problems. He didn't suffer from remorse so that tells us that he needs some societal retraining. To save his marriage he has paid us a sum of money and we're going to see that he gets some sensitivity training. Of course in the process, certain members of this community will also benefit in indirect ways too. So we end up with some entertainment and cash, and he'll end up a better man, or we hope so at least." 

Mitch was still trying to get a grasp on what Hank was telling them, but as he understood it, he was impressed by their unique way to survive. Hank drank about a third of his beer and said, "Then there's the couple that seduced their neighbor and ruined a marriage in the process. So they are here for training, and the woman of the broken marriage is here as well so we can help her get past the trauma of the divorce and learn to once again enjoy all that life has to offer. Again, the village benefits from it in different ways and the visitor will be helped. It's such a sweet symbiotic arrangement actually. But we have a lifestyle here that is a fragile one so we must always be vigilant and protect it. On top of what I've described, we get the occasional visitor like you two. Now that is more the exception than the rule, because we don't want too many people tromping in here and spoiling everything for us. That too can have its surprises, however, but there again we have to watch the balance."




It's All About Faith Ch. 01



"So that's why there are no village or road signs back down at the turn off," Layla said. 

"That's right. Nothing can interfere with the training and the whole ambiance of our little village as we work with our visitors. Another example that comes to mind is we have a guy here that loved to slip GHB, or the date rape drug, into drinks and have his way with women. We have a special program set up for him and he'll leave here with a whole new belief system in the end. Well anyway, you get the idea. We have a woman here that has been unfaithful to every man that has ever entered her life and believe me there were quite a few. Her training begins tomorrow."

He emptied his beer and went on. "Okay now, that you have an idea of what I'm talking about, I'd like to take you two for a short walk and show you something. Am I boring you by the way?"

Layla was having trouble believing what she was hearing and Mitch didn't know what to say. He smiled and said, "Oh I see, we have a couple of skeptics. I understand and that means it's even more important we go for a short walk. Leave your packages with Ethel and she'll see that they are safe until we get back."

Chapter Seven

As the threesome went out into the warm summer air, Hank looked up at the clear blue sky and said, "This is what they call a chamber of commerce day, nearly perfect. I was going to say, it's too bad we have to endure the long cold winters, but even that has a purpose. That provides all of us with a well deserved break and a chance to recharge our batteries. We all end up eager to embrace spring and all that the new warm season holds for us."

Mitch had been working on what they'd been told so he said, "I'm surprised that you can survive as a village."

"Well we do have taxes of course, and we have a voluntary membership for the farmers in the outlying areas. No one thing is particularly lucrative, but taken as a whole we manage to survive. The disabled phone system is proof that we do have our problems, but we always overcome them in the end and we do it on our terms and without outside interference."

Hank led them to the door that Mitch and Layla had entered by mistake and invaded their city meeting, and they went in. "As I understand it, you two came in here by mistake yesterday." 

Both of them were a little surprised by that announcement and Hank noticed that. "Yes, I heard all about it. It wasn't your fault though. When there is a meeting going on the door is supposed to be locked. Unfortunately that wasn't done." The meeting table was now nowhere to be seen and instead there was a portable wall pulled across the room. That left them with less than ten feet which seemed curious but Hank just continued to talk as they approached a video monitor. Layla was between Hank and Mitch as he picked up a file from next to the monitor. "Now I'm going to show you two something, but before I do, I ask that you listen to what I say before you react to it." He handed the file to Layla and she cautiously opened it and gasped. There was Layla topless and the strange man staring at her. 

There was a mixture of anger and near panic on Layla's face and Mitch was too stunned to do anything but stare at the photo. But then Hank continued and showed them three more. Apparently, while Layla and Mitch focused on the guy, his wife, or whoever she was, took the photos. "Okay, now before you two panic and run off, I'll explain all of this, but even before I do I want you to watch the monitor." Even as he talked the monitor came to life. "Attractive isn't she," Hank offered. 

They were studying her and wondering what this was all about and Mitch asked, "She's very nice looking, but who is she?"

"That's Annie, my part time secretary. Oh, I own the small feed store just outside of town, so she helps with that and with my duties as Village Guide."

"But what does this have to do with Layla and the photos?"

"We'll get back to that in just a moment. I could see that you two were having trouble accepting what I said about our little town so a small demonstration was in order." As they talked a man joined Annie and Hank said, "This is...we'll call him Albert. He had a fear that he was becoming gay and wanted us to help him. We diagnosed his problem as simple fear. He has a morbid fear of women. He loves them and all things about them, but he can't interact with them." As Hank talked Annie was talking to Albert and undressing. 

"Oh my God," and Layla tightened her hold on Mitch's hand and her eyes went wide.

"You see," Hank continued, "We're using this somewhat sterile and almost clinical setting for his treatment. He seems to respond better than in a more intimate situation, but we're working on all of that. Now notice how he has progressed to the point that Annie no longer terrifies him. Oh, his heart is racing to be sure, but he's learning. He's discovering he can indeed interact with a woman, and even a woman as attractive as Annie. He's progressing very nicely actually, and I would think they will be having intercourse within a week."

Layla swallowed and stared at the couple as he started to touch and caress Aggie and Layla managed to ask, "How...how long has he been here...I mean at the village?"

"Almost two weeks now. We have another five days before he has to go back to work, but I think he'll be ready by then. One more thing, we never guarantee results because there are just too many variables and potential complications. Now you know why the town is named Discovery. It's because our guests come here to discover their new life...or in some cases leave with a new life that they didn't ask for." Hank was calm as he gave his clinical version of that kept the town alive, but Mitch and Layla were almost transfixed by what was going on as they watched the large monitor.

"Do they know we're watching them?"

"No...well Albert has no idea, but Annie likely assumes that somebody is watching them. We often use this set up to monitor the visitor's progress. Now bear with me because there is a reason for what I'm showing you."

Layla, still fighting the urge to run away, had a firm grip on Mitch's hand as Albert thoroughly explored naked the Annie, Mitch knew that his wife was experiencing a battle of a lifetime and he wasn't far behind her. He was intrigued by what he was watching and his hard cock told him that he liked it, but at the same time it was contrary to his way of life...to his way of thinking. But damn it, Annie was nice looking and Albert was getting to her as the sound of her softly moaning came drifting out to them.

"Oh yes Albert, you're doing so well. Yes, just like...oh, yes just like that."

For the first time then they heard Albert speak. "Annie you are so wonderful to let me touch you like this. I'm used to being with you now but I'm afraid how I'll be tomorrow with somebody else."

"We'll talk about that before you leave today, but right now just enjoy what you are doing because I certainly am. Lay me down now please."

Mitch and Layla's feet were glued to the floor as Hank told them, "They won't have intercourse today, but they will enjoy a wide range of other pleasures. We didn't want to rush Albert. When he leaves, we want him to be a good lover. Not great perhaps, but at least good. He'll learn tomorrow that Debbie is quite different in her preferences so he'll learn to adapt to his new lover."

Mitch, thinking like a business man asked, "Dare I ask what the fee for this...this therapy is?"

"It depends on several factors, but for Albert it was in the range of five thousand. Of course, that includes a room at the Twilight and two meals a day. There will be a few extra charges at the end though, and he was warned about those in advance. You doing okay, Layla?"

She was almost trembling as she said, "I don't know...I think so."

Would you like to watch the next student? Her name is Kelly."

"Why is she here?" 

"She wants to experience making love to a woman. She wants to be bi sexual and be comfortable with it."

"She could have done that without coming here."

"I know, but if this is how she wants it, we're more than happy to oblige her." It was then that Annie launched into an orgasm and they watched as she silently arched her back and she reached for Albert as she froze and her body took command of the moment. Layla was entranced then. She had never seen another woman climax, and the experience almost overpowering. Was that what she looked like when she had her orgasm?

"Just a side note here, sweet Annie is multi orgasmic, so even though they will stop now, she could and would like to keep going, but she follows our treatment plan."

"You say multi orgasmic...," but Layla didn't know how to finish her question.

"Three is pretty typical for her, sometimes less and sometimes four or five. She's a very sexual woman and a very good assistant." Mitch had to bite his tongue to keep from asking Hank if he and Annie had shared a bed on occasion, but he didn't fail to notice that Hank was as hard as he was. 

Chapter Eight

As Annie and Albert left the area, Hank pointed toward the door and said, "Why don't you two go in there and see what it's like. What they saw as they went through Albert's lesson." They did just that like sheep being led to slaughter.

Hank turned on the microphone and told them, "See, it's just a room. Warm, but rather stark actually." He was stalling until he saw the two women enter from the side and then he said, "Okay, now about how all of this ties in to the photos of you, Layla." Hank wasn't even sure they were listening to him, so he waited until the shock of seeing the women subsided, and then continued. "You see we know about you, Layla. About your chosen profession, and about the special series you've been featuring. It was very easy actually, all I had to do was go to Ethel's with my lap top and go on line. I keyed in your name and learned all manner of things about you. So that means you know from overhearing that meeting, that there was something very different about our little village and we just can't let that information escape. We have to protect ourselves."

Layla was scared out of her wits now. She found the camera and looking at it she asked, "What do you mean you can't let that information escape?"

"We have to take precautions to ensure all that you have heard or seen, will never be repeated, and I mean never." The two naked women moved over to them and Layla stepped back from them. "Layla relax. Nobody is going to do any physical harm to you in any way. They are going to undress you and Mitch, so relax and just let it happen. When we're done, and we have the photos we need for security, you will be free to go, and in fact, I'll treat you two to dinner at Ethel's and you can pick up your purchases. We may even end up as good friends, once we all understand each other, and we can all relax." 

Hank knew that they couldn't escape the room, and they certainly couldn't escape the town as long as their car was out of commission. The woman that went to Mitch was almost as tall as he was and made Layla look average height. "Mitch, I'm Aggie, nice to meet you."

Mitch's veneer of proper thinking and behavior was fast melting as he studied her body. Not great, but not bad either. He knew he was spoiled by being seeing Layla naked, but this woman had her charm and allure too. He managed to tell her, "Nice to meet you, Aggie." To say the situation was incongruous would be a major understatement. This was off the charts wild, and she undressed him and he watched the other woman undress Layla, whose blush went almost to her waist. She knew that Hank was out there watching, and that thought alone was enough to make her feel nauseous, until she remembered that he had already seen her naked, or nearly so. But that thought only served to ease her trembling slightly. She was still nearly petrified when she thought about photos being taken of her and Mitch. Then she saw her husband naked and Aggie caressing him across the shoulders and chest before moving down to his ass. 

Poor Mitch was so hard his cock hurt, and Layla was now naked and he could see Hank in his mind as he stared at them on the monitor. He didn't know if Hank was capturing images from the monitor, or if there was a still camera involved. Then, as Mitch watched, both women went to Layla and started to tease her with their hands. She was almost in tears now and her mind was fighting to maintain control as Aggie moved behind her and reached around to her breasts as Eva, the other woman, caressed her. She just kept repeating to herself to be strong and it would be over soon like a mantra. She was acutely aware of what Aggie was doing to her even though she was trying to block all of those sensations that were shooting through her. Mitch's cock was actually drooling precum and Layla watched a long thin string of it hang from his almost purple cock head. Eva whispered something to Layla as her left hand went between Layla's legs and Mitch felt dizzy. 

While this was going on, Hank was just on the other side of the wall and had stripped naked and had his cock in hand as he watched things progress. It wasn't hard to see that Layla was fighting an emotional battle and he felt bad for her in a way. But it had to be done for the sake of the town and besides, he also saw signs that she was slowly submitting herself to the caresses. It could have stopped there and they would have all of the images they might need, but he wanted to see how this would play out. The women knew that if Layla really freaked out they were to stop, but as long as they saw that she was submitting, they were going to continue. 

As Layla continued to submit to Eva, Aggie moved back to Mitch and they shared a long tender kiss as her hand returned to his ass and his went to hers automatically. Layla saw what was happening, but she was to the point now where nothing seemed real to her. She tried to maintain some control of herself, but she knew that she had to submit herself. She just had no choice in the matter. She even told herself that it was like having surgery. She didn't want to go through with it, but it had to be done to save her. That's all it was, something to be endured until she was once again in control of the situation.

Then she watched as Aggie wrapped her hand around Mitch's cock. She wasn't moving it much, but she held it firmly as he closed his eyes and said something to her. Layla was barely aware that Eva's fingers had invaded her sex, but that changed as once again sensations raced through her as Eva caressed Layla's clit with her now very wet fingers. 

Layla was falling apart. She was crying softly as Eva lay her on the floor and continued to tease her and kiss her as Aggie took care of Mitch's needs. Again Eva was whispering into Layla's ear before going down to give Layla her first experience of woman to woman love. Layla's hands were balled into fists as she watched Mitch being jacked off and felt Eva doing everything she could to bring Layla to her climax. Aggie knew that Mitch wouldn't last long, but she wanted to have both of them cum at about the same time. She was close, but she misjudged Mitch just a little, so a second later, he was shooting his load toward his wife as she moved her hips involuntarily and a minute later let out a cry as her orgasm hit her. Layla wasn't vocal when she climaxed, but for whatever reason, that time she was for that moment. It was like she had lost the final battle and every emotion came pouring out of her at the same time. It wasn't even her career that jumped into her mind right then. It was what she had just experienced at Eva's hands and from watching her husband have an orgasm at the hands of another woman. Then the two women kissed each of them and retreated the way they entered and Hank appeared, still naked, but now soft. He too had enjoyed himself in his own way. Not great, but better than nothing.

He went straight to Layla and helped her to her still shaky legs, and with an arm around her, he held her close to his nakedness and asked her, "You okay?" She just looked at him so he smiled and said, "Yes, you'll be okay now. You can get dressed when you feel up to it." Then he went to Mitch and told him, "It's over, now so none of us has anything to worry about now. We won't reveal this secret because it could cause us some stress if it didn't go right, and you two won't say anything because you both have too much to lose. Like I said earlier, a symbiotic relationship."

"So what happens now," Mitch managed to ask.

"Nothing or everything, it's all up to you two. You can go back to your motel room and hide until your car is ready, or you can continue to shop and enjoy the town and what we have to offer." 

Layla joined them as she continued to fasten and zip her shorts and Mitch dressed. She asked Hank as she glanced at his still soft cock, "So we're free to wander or whatever?"

"Absolutely. Believe it or not, we aren't evil people and we mean no harm to anybody, but we will do whatever we have to do to protect ourselves, just as you submitted yourselves to this experience to preserve your professions and futures."

"So I was the woman that was to submit to other women."

Hank smiled and nodded. Yes, I'm afraid so."

"So what will you do with the photos?"

"Not photos, movies, complete with sound. We will put it in the safe and forget about it unless one of you makes a very bad choice and talks about us to others."

"We don't even know how we got here so we can't be much of a threat.'

Hank smiled and said, "Just the same, it's over now and we can all relax. In fact, like I said earlier, why don't we meet at Ethel's in an hour and we can have dinner. I still have more to tell you about our town that I'm sure you will find interesting."

"I need to go back and rest and think about what just happened and what you have told us."

"Okay then I'll meet you there in two hours."

She looked at Mitch and then nodded and softly and almost in defeat said, "Yes, okay two hours," and they made their way to the exit. Hank started to dress and they picked up their purchases at Ethel's and went back to their room. Layla immediately stripped and said, "I need a long hot shower."

"I'll join you." He didn't even ask as was his usual way. He wanted to be close to her and he felt the need for a good shower as well.

Chapter Nine

Once in the shower, they went into a long embrace and whispered their love for each other, and they needed that more than they needed the shower. They needed to talk, so they quickly washed and got out and for the first time ever they lay on the bed without even putting a robe on. What they were doing didn't even register with them as Layla put her arms around him and softly cried. "Oh God Mitch, what did we get ourselves into?"

"I'm still trying to figure that out honey. I'm so proud of you."

"Whatever for?"

"You were so strong and brave today. We've both been through so many life changing experiences that we're overwhelmed, but you stayed strong."

"My God Mitch, I let that woman give me an orgasm."

"I know, but so what? I don't believe it's possible to have an orgasm and not enjoy that feeling. I know when Aggie made me cum, it was very intense and pleasurable even though we were in the most bizarre of situations."

"But that's it, I did enjoy it. Damn it, you know how I feel about lesbianism."

"I think we're both going to have to revisit our long held feelings and beliefs. There is no way we can deny what has happened and what parts of it we have enjoyed."

"I'm so mixed up and afraid."

"I am too, but don't try to work it all out over night. This will take us some time to reflect on all of this. For now, I think we need to do our best to just move on and enjoy what we can of this craziness." 




It's All About Faith Ch. 01



She was settling down now as she took a long deep breath and let it out slowly and said, "We both know it can't be that easy." 

"Can you believe that they will now have a movie of us as you were jacked off and I was...oh my God I was eaten by another woman. That's hard for me to even say. Anyway, they have a movie of us doing things that even in private we would never ever have agreed to this morning even."

"We were forced into it, that's for sure, but we have to accept the fact that we also enjoyed it."

Layla managed a small smile and said, "I could see that you were enjoying it. I don't think I've ever seen your cock that hard and purple before. You were getting the floor wet even before you came."

"I know, and did you realize that you cried out when you had your climax?"

"I didn't."

"Oh yes you did. You really had a hard orgasm."

She looked up at the ceiling and said, "I know." Then she turned to look at him and asked, "Would you have made love to Aggie?"

"I'd like to say never, but under those circumstances, I probably would have. In a way, you did make love with Eva."

"I didn't."

"Well she had her fingers in you as she sucked on your clitoris."

"So you see that as lovemaking?"

"Well women don't have external organs, so what you two experienced has to be considered lovemaking."

"I keep saying this, but oh my God."

"More for us to think about. Honey, try on some of the things you bought."

"Now?"

"Maybe it will help us get our minds off of what we just did." She thought about it for a second and then got up. As she tried on the shorts she didn't bother with panties, and of course the top went on without a bra. As she posed for him he said, "Oh shit honey, you are hot."

"I feel so slutty though."

"You don't look slutty. I can't even tell you're not wearing panties."

"I feel absolutely naked like this, and all of those women we saw that were dressed like this. Do you suppose they were without bra and panties?"

"I wouldn't be surprised now, and the more we learn about this town, the more there seems we have yet to learn."

"So you think I should go out like this?" 

"Well not at home of course, but here nobody would give it a second thought. I take that back, they would stare at you for sure, but that wouldn't last." 

She did her best to study herself in the bathroom mirror and said, "Everything really does fit like it was made just for me and I love that feeling."

"Then dress like that for dinner."

"Mitch, you must be joking."

"Not at all."

"But Hank..."

"Has seen you naked and climaxing, so you won't be showing him anything he hasn't already seen." She studied herself again and turned to check out her butt in the new shorts. Did you bring heels by any chance?"

"Just one pair of basic black."

"Slip them on for me." She did as he asked and he watched her as she moved around the room.

"Mitch, look at you."

"What?"

"You're cock is so hard again."

"Well, you caused it you know."

"You got hard looking at me like this?"

"Oh yeah."

"So you like sluts?"

"Only my wife when she's looking slutty, like right now."

"Since when?"

"Since we came to Discovery it would seem."

She came over and lay next to him again and asked, "What are we going to do honey. Our car is still out of commission, so we're sure to spend at least a good part of tomorrow here."

"I'm okay with that."

"But what if we end up in another situation like we did today?"

"We'll just deal with it. I'm not concerned with our safety or of you being raped. We may find ourselves in an embarrassing situation, but that's likely to be about the worst we have to worry about now."

She rolled onto her back and again stared at the ceiling. "I don't even know myself now. Who am I, and what do I believe in or stand for? What do I really think about those people now that I was so quick to condemn before?"

"Like we were talking about, we both have some soul searching and thinking to do. Just don't expect it to become clear in the next few days."

"Well are we going to meet Hank for dinner?"

"Why not, we have to eat anyway and maybe we'll learn more about the village of Discovery. You ready to face him?"

"We'll find out. What would be more difficult for me would be to run into Eva and Aggie."

Chapter Ten

When Hank saw Layla as she and Mitch entered Ethel's, he stood up and smiled, and when they reached his table, he kissed her cheek and told her, "I was going to say you look like a native now. But you look even better than that. Forgive me if I stare at you."

"Thank you Hank." As they took their seats, Ethel came over and took their drink orders, smiled at Layla in particular, and retreated.

"So were the two of you able to rest and recover from your afternoon?"

Mitch glanced at Layla and said, "We did rest, but we talked a lot too."

"I'm sure you did. I'm sure that was an afternoon like none you have never had."

"That's putting it mildly."

"Oh, and Dwayne asked me to give you a message. The part came in for your car, but they sent the wrong one. He has another one coming and should be in late tomorrow afternoon."

"So it will be day after tomorrow before it will be fixed."

"Sounds like it. I'm sure you're ready to get on the road, but the news isn't all bad. At least you're comfortable and you can find things to do to pass the time."

Mitch smiled and said, "If Layla has much more time to shop, we'll have to tie things to the roof of the car." 

"And she's worth every penny. You see, I love all women, young or old, tall or short, it just doesn't matter to me. But that said, there are always standouts for one reason or another, and dear Layla, you certainly stand out as far as I'm concerned."

"Thank you Hank, that was very sweet of you."

Mitch smiled and told him, "I'll bet Aggie is another one."

Hank nodded and smiled as he said, "Yes she is, and I take it she impressed you as much as she does me."

"She's very attractive, charming, and alluring and I'm sure were I to know her better, I'd have to add to those words."

"Well said. The problem I have, if indeed it could ever be seen as a problem, is that there are half a dozen women that to me are near the equal to Aggie. I'm one very fortunate man to be living here."

You were going to tell us more about Discovery."

He raised his glass and Ethel came over and took the order for another round and disappeared again. "Yes, I did tell you that. You two are very intelligent people, so I'm sure you've figured out there is more to this little town than I may have described in the beginning." Their dinner arrived so he said, "Well let's eat first and then I'll tell you the tale of Discovery." The three of them were quiet as they seasoned their food and arranged their napkin on their lap and over his first bite of food Hank asked, "Have you two been to all of the shops?"

Mitch looked at Layla and took another bite of food and said, "Not quite. I want to go back to the boutiques, and we were told we must stop at Jim's and have a cup of coffee," and then acting like an innocent added, "I don't know what Jim's is, but we'll probably do that tomorrow too."

Hank smiled and nodded as he swallowed his bite of food and then told her, "Both of you will like Jim and Delia. He's a very nice guy who enjoys everything. Pick a topic and he will at least be able to talk about it a little and he's very well versed in many topics."

"What does he sell," she asked as she pushed it even more.

"He sells pleasure. He sells entertainment, and he sells enlightenment, and that's all I'll tell you other than he's an expert in his merchandise." 

"You make it sound so intriguing."

"It can be, but that depends on how you approach it. If you go in with an open mind and a sense of fun and intimate adventure, you'll certainly come away with a bag of his merchandise and knowing more." 

Again they were silent as they ate their dinner until Layla said, "I have to tell you Hank, that I'm very worried that with that tape of us you hold our lives in your safe. One move by you and Mitch and I could be destroyed."

"I know that, but that will never happen without strong reason. I'd much rather improve the quality of people's lives than destroy them, but I have no way to prove to you that is the truth however."

"Didn't you have enough leverage with the photos of us at the boutique?"

He smiled and with his fork poised at his mouth he simply said, "Yes."

Both Layla and Mitch looked at him and again he smiled.

"So why all of that...what we did? What was that all about?"

"I have my reasons, but I'll save them and tell you another time."

"Do you have any idea at all how traumatic that was for us...especially for me?"

"I do Layla, and I don't mean to sound cavalier about that. I really did have a solid reason for that. I know it was very difficult for you and that just adds to the reasons that I admire both of you. Layla, you were so strong in the face of such an intense life changing event, that I'm sure will be on your mind for some time to come. Just don't let it take over. It was an event, and that's all. Aggie and Eva liked both of you," and then turning to Mitch added, "Especially Aggie for you." Mitch about half flushed and smiled as Layla looked at him and then down at her nearly empty plate. She could still clearly see Aggie's hand as she jacked her husband off and watched him shoot his juices all over the floor. The fact that she felt a quick twitch between her legs wasn't lost on her either, and that just added to her fears. She and Mitch would have to talk about everything a whole lot more.

Chapter Eleven 

With dinner over and fresh drinks from Ethel, Hank leaned back and said, "Okay so if you are still interested, I'll tell you our story."

Mitch sampled his drink and then said, "Yes, we'd like to hear about Discovery."

"Well for starters, there really is no reason for this town to even exist now, and that's what created a desperate situation for the few of us still living here. We had to find a way to survive, or abandon what we had, and start all over someplace else that we knew we would never like as much. We're isolated to say the least. The railroad hasn't come through here in twenty years and...well, you get the idea I'm sure. Because of our isolation, we started to send what few children there are here off to school. They come home on holidays and for summer and winter breaks, but they're always ready to go back to school where their friends are and there are things for them to do. It was only later that we realized that having the children out of here was a very good thing. With the last of the senior citizens in nursing homes and the children gone, what remained of the town changed and it happened fairly quickly. By change, I mean that we relaxed and let our true selves emerge. Not like open sexual excesses, but more simple intimate talks and games. 

Hank tasted his tall glass of ale and Mitch and Layla were now hooked on his unfolding story. "There came a day when we were so desperate for operating funds that we were ready to try anything short of shutting the town down. It was then that one of our residents came to me with an idea. They had an out of town friend that had a problem, and he presented a good argument for why we should consider trying to help him in exchange for six thousand dollars. The friend was pretty well off, and the resident just spit out the number six thousand and the guy jumped at it. I'll spare you the details of that and just say that experience went so well that we explored the possibility of expanding our operation. Little by little we have grown until we are at a point, where sometimes one student will be put with another one, and they help each other without us doing anything more than monitoring. That's the best of all scenarios and we're always alert for those opportunities. All of our guests are here with a problem and looking for help, so their minds are open and they are quite malleable."

"And their wallets are open," Mitch added. 

"I understand your point of view, and of course the money is good and it is essential, but we take our responsibilities very seriously. Just because we've found a way to really enjoy what we do does not lessen the benefits of what we do. Any questions so far," he asked.

"Yes," Layla said, "I have a hundred of them but I can't seem to sort them out."

Hank smiled and said, "I understand and sadly it will only be after you two leave that those questions will become clear to you. Anyway as our transformation continued, more and more of our small group of residents wanted to participate in the project. Now I don't mean to imply that we all went around...forgive me Layla...screwing everybody, because it wasn't like that at all. In fact sex between the residents and the students is fairly infrequent, especially so in the early days. We had our own hang-ups and issues to deal with just as you two are working through now. 

The two boutiques came about the same time and were instant hits. Even the outlying farmers and farmer's wives come in on the weekends and shop and spend the day or the weekend with us. Even in the winter with snow on the grou so often and our options for entertaining dwindling, we manage to have fun. Sorry I do digress. So as I was saying, the boutiques came and then Jim opened his shop. Well, before long we were noticing people strolling past the stores so that's how the park benches came to be. That in turn, encouraged more people to stroll in the evening. You see how one thing was brought about by something else? It was like we were meant to succeed; to survive." Hank emptied his glass and then said, "So that's how all of this started.

"Hank," Mitch said, "You're being very careful and discreet, and I don't expect names or graphic details, but it's obvious that everybody in Discovery has a very liberal outlook on life. I mean there was Annie and then Aggie and of course Eve. That tells me that most, if not all of the residents, participate in things at least occasionally and to a greater extent than what we experienced today. Of course there have to be male counter parts to Eva and Aggie and so forth."

"Yes of course, you are right. Because of working with our students we have all gotten so much closer. To the point that in many respects it's like we are all married to each other. We view sex as an important part of our lives and we never treat it casually, but we do have our times together. For example, during the winter we'll open up the area where you two were earlier and have some very interesting games that we have invented." Then Hank laughed and said, "We don't watch a lot of television here even in the winter time. Now speaking of television, have you two looked at channel three in your room?"

"We haven't even had the television on."

"I recommend you take a look at that tonight then. Maybe that will answer a couple more questions that we haven't covered. Oh, and tomorrow night is traditionally the busiest of the weeknights, and Ethel sets up a booth in the middle of the street and sells beverages just as she does on the weekends. She makes up a very large container of Long Island iced tea and that's usually the beverage of choice."

"Wow, that's some potent drinking."

"Yes it is, and about every weekend, one or two have to be tended to. It has a way of sneaking up on a few of our people."

"I can imagine."

"Friday night, there is very little happening here because everybody is looking forward to Saturday and Saturday night."

"It goes all day?"

"Well, about mid afternoon until...well it varies, sometimes nine o'clock, and sometimes much later. Ethel's sometimes stays open, or Ma's Kitchen takes a turn at it."

"What about the traffic?"

Hank laughed and said, "That's rarely an issue especially in the evening, but to be safe we have a way of blocking the end of the road so it seems to disappear for a few hours."

"I have to say your town has been very creative and resourceful, and obviously you're doing something right."

"Thank you, but the whole town has to take credit for whatever successes we enjoy. Were we larger, I doubt that we could remain so unified in our goals and methods." Layla watched the two men, and couldn't get past the thought that the guys were sitting there talking like old friends, and just hours before, she was naked and Hank was watching her being eaten by Eva and having an orgasm. Those thoughts threw her back into her fears. Fears about how she was changing faster than she would have ever thought possible. But it was the realization that she still didn't know for sure how she was changing, or if it was good or not good. And though he was showing a brave face, she could only guess how Mitch felt about it and how he would be affected in the days and months to come. One thing she was sure of though, she was so glad that the episode with Eva and Aggie was behind them. The memory of that whole scenario still shook her to the core.

Her reverie was broken when Hank said, "So that's a thumb nail sketch of the evolution of Discovery. I could share a number of stories and details without offending anybody, but I'll leave that for another time as well. I'm sure your imagination can fill in at least a few of the blanks. That and channel three."

"Well you've fired our curiosity that's for sure."

"Then I'll leave you two and say good evening, and maybe we run into each other tomorrow as you shop. Tell Jim and Delia that I said hello if you would."

"We'll do that."

"And Layla honey, keep your mind open and you'll be amazed at what you can learn that will help you with your work."

"Thank you Hank, I'll do my best."

After Hank left, Layla and Mitch said goodnight to Ethel and they went back to the motel.

Once the door was closed and locked behind them, they fell into each other's arms and enjoyed a prolonged embrace. "I'm so glad you're my wife honey and I'm so damn proud of you."

"Thank you, but what did I do to make you proud?"

"You keep yourself looking so damn nice, and since we've been here, I have to add you look so damn hot that I love walking down the street with you as the other guys just have to eat their hearts out."

She smiled and kissed him lightly and said, "I'm glad I please you so much and you are proud of me. So tomorrow we go shopping and to Jim's."

"By all means, if you don't end up with a mountain of thoughts and material for your report, I'll be amazed."

"And I'll bet you're eager to check out channel three."

Mitch smiled and admitted it saying, "We have to see what that's about because he was being a little cryptic so that tells me it's worth the effort."

Chapter Twelve

As Mitch looked on in surprise, Layla removed her top saying, "I want to save this to wear again before we go home."

"But honey, you have at least two more similar to that one."

"I know, but...you know, just in case." Then she slid her tiny shorts down and crawled onto the bed and built pillows behind her. Mitch didn't say anything, but he was almost as amazed as he had been with Aggie. He clicked the remote to turn the TV on, and quickly stripped and crawled onto the bed next to his very naked wife. Adjusting his position, he kissed her cheek before leaning back as the older television finally warmed up and an image appeared. The first words out of Layla's mouth were her now most used phrase, "Oh my God."

"It's Eva and...I don't know the guy but..."

"They're fucking right on television," and she suddenly clamped her hand over her mouth. "Sorry honey I..."

"I know, I can't believe this either. Look at them..."

"I am honey, I am looking." Now his wife was watching porn and seemed entranced by it. Most likely because they knew at least one of the players, but whatever, this was another first in their marriage. 




It's All About Faith Ch. 01



It must have been near the end of that scene because a minute later the guy lost his control and emptied himself into Eva, and a second later she jumped into her orgasm as he continued to bang into her. 

The screen went blank and after several seconds Mitch said, "I wonder if we missed everything."

"I wonder..." and the screen came alive again. The video quality was strictly amateur, but the image wasn't bad and any other criticisms were lost as they saw Hank with Aggie in a bed somewhere as she went down on his cock. It didn't take a lot of watching before Layla's hand was on Mitch's cock and his hand was exploring her as their eyes stayed glued to the screen. It also didn't take a lot of action on the TV to get them going. The television played on and Mitch and Layla went at each other with a passion they had never experienced before. Mitch came fairly early on but with all that they were experiencing, he never got less than half erect before he recovered and Layla got on top of him and rode him as they went back to watching the local porn channel. Neither of them was close to an orgasm now, but they didn't want to stop either. Then Layla said, "Mitch, it's the clerk at the boutique."

"And Eva again," Layla almost stopped moving then because she wanted to see what it was like to watch instead of being part of the action. "Is that how it was with me and Eva," she asked.

"Pretty close, honey."

"I can't believe I did that. I just can't believe that I actually climaxed that way. God, it feels so good to have you inside of me right now."

"I wonder how long it's going to take us to explore and learn to appreciate our time here. How long it will be before you can think about Eva eating you, and have you smile and say God, that was good."

She stopped moving completely and looked down at him as she asked, "Do you really think I'll ever say anything like that?"

"Maybe."

"I can't believe how quickly and easily you're adjusting to all of this."

"I'm not adjusted honey, believe me. I have doubts and fears, and I'm easily as confused as you are, but there's a part of me that wants to enjoy everything we can while we can, and just sort it all out later. We can always go back to the way we were before this trip." Then they heard Eva let out a loud groan as the clerk ravaged her. Mitch and Layla looked back at the TV in time to watch Eva as she traveled through her climax, and then glow as she and the clerk kissed deeply before the TV image faded out again and Layla lay next to him to rest.

"Layla darling, you are going home with so much material that you won't know what to do with it all."

"But I'm afraid I'll forget half of what we're experiencing."

"I'm willing to bet that you'll remember every moment and every moan and movement."

When the image returned again, it was two people they didn't know and then they were joined by a second guy. "Oh my God honey a threesome."

It took the threesome very little time to get down to business and even less time for Layla to remount Mitch and start riding his cock again. "Damn it honey, I don't want to stop. I don't know if I even can stop I'm so turned on right now."

It was now all about sex everywhere they turned it seems. Layla was about to freak out and Mitch wasn't doing much better, but he told her once more that this was her perfect opportunity to do her research and decide what she would do with what she learned. As Mitch mounted Layla yet again, she said, "This town is one seething cauldron of sexual participation and constant stimulation for the locals and to some extent, I'm sure to the visitors."

"And us honey, don't leave us out of that. I can't get enough of you now."

"Yes honey, fuck me nice and slow. Sorry, that word has been sneaking into my mind all evening."

"You're forgiven and I will fuck you slowly, love."

"Oh yes, just like that." 

A moment later the voice on the TV said, "Yes, both of you at the same time," and Mitch stopped moving as they both looked at the screen. The unknown woman now had a cock in her ass and in her pussy. Nobody could move, except the guy that was in her pussy, so he did all the work while the other two lay still and absorbed the sensations. "Oh yes baby yes, keep hammering me like that." She was very vocal about her wants and her appreciation as she cooed to the men and tried her best to move. 

When the top guy came he pulled out and shot all over her belly, and then moved out of the way and the guy in her ass took over they rolled over until he was taking her from behind and she became even more animated. It was then that Layla and Mitch had to quit watching and see to each other's needs and it wasn't long before they both had orgasms yet again and collapsed in defeat. They were done for the night and just clicked the TV off and fell asleep in each other's arms with his cum drying on her and the sheets.

Chapter Thirteen

As soon as they were awake in the morning, they turned on the television again. Not to get them excited, but because they wanted to see who else would appear on screen that they might know or have seen on the street. They took turns showering while the other one watched the shows, and whenever a familiar face appeared, they would announce who they had seen and what they were doing. Layla even watched Dwayne with some unknown woman and he really did a job on her from behind. Then it was Hank again and on it went. By the time they went to breakfast at Ma's Kitchen, both of them were stirred up again. It was only their need to recover from their night of excess that urged them on to food and coffee, instead of going back to bed to try some of the things they saw on the TV.

Ma's Kitchen wasn't very busy, so they claimed a corner table so they could talk and not be heard by Grace or anybody else. Around eggs and sausage Mitch said, "In reality the towns people are as sexually driven and probably as deviant as any of their visitors, but more careful as they practice their own lifestyle."

"I've decided something else too, the names. You know like Grace and Ethel and so forth. Aggie? I doubt it. I think they have chosen sobriquets for themselves and have buried their real names."

Mitch smiled and said, "You know I'll bet you're right. Jim is the most believable name we've come across."

"And we have yet to meet him."

"Layla, are you ready to go see Jim?"

"I want to try honey. Like I said, I know what we'll see in there I'm sure, but it's just...you know, will Jim follow me around and imagine me or maybe even him using whatever on me?"

"I imagine that's true to some minor extent, but also remember he has been selling those toys to about everybody, so it could just as easily just be a job to him now and he's past the fantasies or whatever."

"I'll try to think of it that way." She looked at her watch and said, "It's almost nine thirty, so let's just walk around until the stores open."

"I'm with you love," and he put the tip on the table and went up to pay the tab. Grace took his money and Mitch said, "We haven't seen you on channel three yet, love."

She just smiled and said, "Maybe you haven't been watching it long enough," and she handed him his change and winked at him and walked away.

They slowly walked along the empty sidewalk and tried not to talk about sex or anything to do with Discovery. They tried, but they didn't do very well because their minds were on different aspects of what they had seen and done, and what was left for them to do before they left town for good. As the stores slowly opened Mitch asked, "So which store first?"

She looked at him and started to say boutique, but at the last second she said, "Let's go see Jim and get that over with."

"Or Delia, remember his wife works there too."

"I forgot. Maybe I'll be lucky. I really do have to do some research after my fiasco with my last one."

"Remember honey, that just looking at things will only prove to you adult toys exist. ."

"God, can't you just see me selecting a vibrator or whatever."

Then how will you ever be able to give a comprehensive report?"

"But I have to be so careful about not only what I write about, but how I phrase it and so forth."

"Oh I understand the complexity of the project, but knowledge is power."

Layla's nerve faltered as they approached the entrance to the toy shop, but she pressed ahead and they went inside. She stopped just inside of the door and did a quick scan and took a deep breath. The store was indeed clean to the point of being spotless, but there was no sign of Jim or Delia. Mitch moved closer to her and whispered, "Losing your nerve?"

"I don't know which way to go or anything."

"Then for the sake of deciding, let's go down the right side and see what's there."

"Morning," they heard from behind them and Layla closed her eyes for a second. That had to be Jim.

"Morning," Mitch offered.

"Your first time here right?"

"Yeah, our first time."

"Okay then, let me show you around and then I'll leave you two alone to browse." As he said that, he was approaching them and Jim went straight to Layla. "I know this is difficult for you, and I do understand, so let me offer some comfort if I may. You are one of many women that grace my shop, so don't feel like you don't belong here. Let's face it, most of this merchandise is designed for women, so if anything you should be here more than any man. The other thing I'll tell you is, I consider this my profession and I take my work very seriously. I know my products about as well as is possible, complete with numerous evaluations and reports from customers. I listen to every good word and I take every negative word seriously. If I think one product is not as represented, I'll tell you. Now take my hand and let's take the tour. If it helps, squeeze my hand as hard as you want. He used an old nurse's trick and offered her his fingers only and not his whole hand. That way, she couldn't hurt him even if she was stronger than she looked. 

Layla reluctantly took his hand, and with Mitch close behind them, Jim led her down the wall and explained each category. At the wall of vibrators Jim stopped and said, "It's probably no surprise that this area constitutes a lot of my sales and each different design is intended to produce different results. For example, take this purple one. See how it's curved. Well, that's to reach your G spot. Of course it vibrates, but it only has two speeds. Okay I guess, but there are much better ones for not much more money." He was spitting out details like he was selling cars and he made eye contact with her and smiled, but he didn't linger long enough to make her uncomfortable.

"Now here's a vibrator designed for both the G spot and the clitoris, or clit if you prefer. It's multi speed, light enough in weight, and I hear very effective." He moved on like he didn't expect her to buy it. He was there to provide information. "Okay, now this is your basic vibrating dildo. Looks like a cock because it was molded from a real one. It's made from silicone or a silicone blend, and that has taken over the latex group because of the potential for allergic reactions. It has a nice heft, but to some it's too heavy because of the over sized balls at the base." Layla stole glances at Jim as he moved them along. He was relaxed and seemed to be sincere just as he had claimed he was and Layla couldn't help but relax a little. But she still held his hand just in case. "This area is all about anal toys. Plugs of varying size..."

"Oh my God Jim does anybody ever buy that big blue one?"

"Oh yes, I've sold a number of them. Not a lot certainly, but likely more than you would ever guess. Now if you've never tried any...well tried, I'd suggest one of these small ones to start with, or better yet this training kit with three sizes and the Astroglide lubricant, more expensive, of course, but the best way to go in my opinion."

Delia appeared and said, "You're not frightening her are you Jim?"

"Hi honey. I don't believe so."

"Well miss, when he's done giving you his long spiel and you have questions, just ask and I'll give you a woman's opinion."

"Thank you, I just may talk to you in a little bit." She was doing okay with Jim now and turned back to him as Mitch continued to watch Layla cope and he studied the merchandise as well. 

"Now in the back, we have a large assortment of CD's and DVD's. You know, movies, professional actors using every conceivable position, fantasy and idea you could ever dream up."

Mitch said, "Too bad you don't have anything from channel three."

"Oh, but I do."

They let you sell those?"

Well we had to work hard and long to select and get approval from the participants of course, and some of the proceeds go to them. I just charge a handling fee to cover my expenses and lost retail space. If you'd like, I could pull the two I have and put them on the counter for you."

"Yes, I'd like that very much." Mitch was a happy man now because he could see a few people screw that he actually had met or even conversed with.

"Okay now, as we round the corner to the back wall we have the cute costumes. You know like the French maid or the waitress or...well about a dozen different ones actually."

"So people really do get into the role playing."

"Oh sure they do, sometimes quite seriously and elaborately, but as often as not, a minor contribution to their evening's entertainment." 

Then next to the costumes she saw something that made her feet stop moving. Jim looked at her and then where she was looking. "Oh yes now that category. As you can see we have riding crops and short whips, floggers and...well several different versions of those things."

"Don't they hurt?"

"Depends on who is using them. The sensations can go from a teasing kiss to leaving pink marks as they sting slightly. They can go to sharp but quick stings to pain that lingers a second. If the receiving person wishes, they can become quite intense and leave very angry marks and even draw blood if that's their goal, but believe it or not, that's a lot of work for both the giver and the receiver. Then we have the basic nipple clips." Layla looked at them and swallowed as she tried to imagine something pinching her nipples. But then she remembered the few times that Mitch had done that to her and it seemed to send flashes of sensations straight through her. Her eyes lingered on that group but they moved on as Mitch remembered the clips. He wanted something like that to try on her, for research reasons of course.

On they went down the long wall and he showed her a separate group of vibrators. "These are bullet vibrators, finger vibrators, and purse size vibrators. All of them small and some of them totally underpowered, but some of them are quite effective and satisfying, according to what I hear anyway, including from Delia." There were magazines and paperbacks and about the time that Layla was feeling overwhelmed Delia returned and said "Okay you and the gentleman talk, and I'm taking this poor lady away from you for a few minutes," and off they went.

Chapter Fourteen

"Coffee," Jim asked as he moved toward the front corner of the store.

"Thanks, yes. I'm Mitch by the way."

"I know."

"You know?"

Jim laughed and said, "Don't be so surprised. This town is so small, we hardly need telephones, and that helps to explain why we were so slow to get the repairs started on our system. Yes, Hank sent word that you two would likely be in, and he warned me that Layla might be a little fragile."

She's very fragile, but you did a great job with her."

"Thanks I try. It will be easier with her and Delia now, and they don't have to waste time going over the obvious because we've already done that. I just wanted her to get comfortable with what she was looking at."

"This is all very new to her. She's aware that most of this exists of course, but she's pretty naïve about a lot of it."

"I could tell. No matter, there is no pressure to hurry or even to buy. Oh speaking of that, I'll get those DVD's for you." When he came back he said, "Now don't expect professional quality. These are very much home made and it shows."

"But it will mean more because I might know some of the people."

"You will. Delia and I are in there for example."

"Really?"

"Sure, if we can't do that how can we expect the others to volunteer? Like I said, some of the money goes to the people, a little to Delia and I, and the rest to the village to help the cause."

"All of you are so devoted and determined to keep this village going."

"We are, and pity the poor person that doesn't do what they can to help. We are all in this or we all lose everything, it's that simple. Maybe if you and Layla come back, you'd like to donate some footage for the next DVD." 

"The only way that could happen is if faces are never shown."

"Oh that's right, Hank told me about your situations. That could complicate things, but then you never know because we're coming up with new ideas all the time." Mitch just smiled as he tried to picture Layla agreeing to something like that. He knew that would never happen but it was fun to think about. 

The men were almost through their second cup of coffee when Delia and Layla came back to the front counter with a shopping bag full of things. Mitch's eyebrows went up as he stared at her and she just smiled weakly: "For research."

Delia smiled and winked at Mitch and put the bag on the counter. "Jim," said Delia, "Get Layla a cup of coffee and you two go away for a second so she and I can ring this up. She wants to keep the purchases secret until later." Jim was proving to be more forthright than even Hank had been and the two of them continued their chat as they mindlessly walked amid the dildos and vibrators. "Jim, Layla and I both have always lived a very straight and conservative life, so these last few days have been very traumatic for her, and even for me. She's putting on a good front, but I worry about what will happen after we leave tomorrow."

"Is she that fragile, do you think?"

"I've never known her to be, but so much has happened. Our whole belief system has been chucked into the trash and that leaves us with a potential problem: With a vacuum of sorts. We all have to have our own belief system because that's what governs how we live. As it stands now I'm worried that she'll feel lost and very confused."

"And what about you, Mitch?"

"The same problem, but I'm not as worried about me and I think our marriage is still strong."

"Then you are very fortunate, because that is what will keep you two going until you can work out how you want to live."

"The other problem is our best friends are every bit as conservative as we were. In a different way perhaps, but the net effect is about the same."

"Then they'll have to come visit us."

Mitch laughed and said, "Hell, I doubt we'll ever be able to find this place again let alone tell them how to get here."

"As I understand it from Hank, the village has nothing to worry about regarding you and Layla protecting our secret."

"That's very true, but it doesn't matter because we can't even find Discovery on the map."

"I'll tell you a little secret, Mitch. Look for Comstock. That's our registered name. We just put up the Discovery sign for our protection and because we thought the name was much more appropriate."

"Well damn, no wonder we couldn't find it."

"But remember, if your friends come here the same rules apply and if they do anything to harm us after you have sent them to us, you and Layla will be held just as guilty as your friends."

"Hearing you say it that way sounds ominous, but I understand, I really do. If I lived here, I'd be every bit as protective I'm sure."

"I like to hear that. Too bad Ray and Sara aren't here, because I think you four would really get along. They have a second home here and come see us every chance they get."