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The Light of Dawn

By: The Light of Dawn



I felt Claire reach under the table and hold my hand as Sara giggled and said, "I really like your car."

Thank you," I smiled, shaking her hand, "It's nice to meet you, too."

Our food came within minutes of Becky's and Sara's, and as we ate, we talked about the up coming play. "You guys should've heard Scott sing," Claire swooned, "He has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard."

"Yeah, and we heard that Cindy, the bitch, Donaldson got cast as The Wicked Witch of the West, too," giggled Becky.

"It's fitting," laughed Sara, "And I can't think of anyone to play that part any better than her either."

"Why is she like that?" I asked, "I mean, why is she so hateful to everyone?"

Taking my arm and cuddling into me in front of her two friends, Claire flashed that brilliant, knee-shaking smile of hers and said, "Ever since she won the award for best actress at the all-state competition last year, she thinks her shit doesn't stink."

I began to laugh, making Becky grin and ask, "What's so funny?"

"You three," I chuckled, "And all this time I never thought that girls could talk as much shit as us guys do."

"Ooo, a smart ass, too," giggled Sara, "We like him, Claire. Way to go, girl!"

~~~~~~ 

Chapter Three

After the last bell rang at 3:30 that afternoon, I found myself back in the theater, and of course Claire sat right next to me, her arm wrapped around mine and her hand resting on my forearm. Cindy Donaldson wasted no time when she saw us together. As she slithered past us, she looked at Claire and hissed, "Dating an underclassman is something I would expect from you Rogers, you slut."

Claire moved at the speed of light, as she jumped up from her seat and directly into Cindy's face; and not caring who heard, she laughed and replied, "I've never had sex, because I respect myself more than that, unlike you, you nasty bitch."

"Who're you calling a nasty bitch, "Cindy growled, barely able to contain herself, "And what do you mean, unlike me?"

Claire was like a bull dog, unrelenting in her retaliation on Cindy, when she loudly said, "Everyone in this school knows exactly how big of a whore you are, Cindy Donaldson. Hell, if you had as many cocks sticking out of you to match number of how many cocks have been stuck in you, you'd like a porcupine."

Needless to say, this made everyone who'd heard the conversation howl with laughter, making Cindy glare and yell "FUCK YOU ALL!!!"

"Does that include me, Miss Donaldson?" said Mrs. Fox, making everyone turn and look at her as she walked into the theater, having been just in time to hear Cindy curse at all of us. Then she put her hands on her hips, and with a subtle glare, said, "I don't know what your problem is, but ever since you won the best actress award at State last year; you've been a condescending snob to everyone. However; let me be the one to remind you that this is a new year, not last year. Do you get my drift?" 

Cindy meekly nodded as Mrs. Fox continued, "I want all of the main characters, Claire Rogers, Scott Powers, Mike Warney, and Vaughn Richardson to come up on the stage first, you too, Cindy."

As we took the stage, I had the opportunity to meet Mike and Vaughn, both seniors, who were also super-nice guys. They both congratulated me and made sure that if I had any questions, or needed any help that I should feel free to call on either one of them. 

For our first rehearsal, Mrs. Fox had the entire cast on the stage, sitting in the round, to simply read through the entire script. Of course, the actual performance of the play would take approximately two and a half, to three hours. However, it only took a little over an hour to read through the script.

After rehearsals were done, and Mrs. Fox made sure that we each had a copy of the rehearsal schedule, the theater cleared out.

~~~~~~

We were three weeks into rehearsal, and up until this point; Claire and I had not yet been on a date, because of our studies, as well as having rehearsals three nights a week. And while back stage in the dark during and after rehearsals, there had been a lot of hugging and kissing between us, but nothing more than that had occurred.

It was on a Friday morning while we were all finishing breakfast when Aunt Lauren asked, "Do you have any plans for this evening, Scotty?"

"Yes, Ma'am," I proudly replied, "I've got a date with Claire."

Oh, that's nice, Honey," Aunt Claire knowingly smiled, "That works out perfectly then."

"Uh oh," chuckled Uncle Mike, "Look out Scotty."

Even if Uncle Mike hadn't warned me, I'd always been able to tell when Aunt Lauren was up to something so, with that in mind, I smiled and said, "Okay, Aunt Lauren, I can always tell when something's going on with you. What is it, and what does it have to do with my date with Claire."

"You know me well, don't you, sweetie?" she grinned, "Okay, here it is. I'd like you to bring Claire over for dinner tonight so that Uncle Mike and I can meet her. I'll even make your favorite dessert."

"Oh man," I grinned, "You're gonna make a double-layer chocolate cake? Yeah, we'll be here, what time?"

"How does seven o'clock sound?" she asked.

"That will be just fine," I smiled, "I'm going to stop and wash my car on my way home from school so it'll be clean tonight when I pick up Claire."

"Okay, sweetie," Aunt Lauren giggled

~~~~~~

"We're having dinner at your house tonight?" Claire excitedly asked, when I told her of Aunt Lauren's invitation during lunch.

"Yeah," I said, "I hope that's okay."

"Oh Scott," purred Claire, kissing my lips, "It's perfect."

"Good," I smiled, "I'll pick you up at six-thirty then."

"I'll be ready, handsome."

~~~~~~

That evening, per Claire's directions, I drove into the older section of my hometown where all the very old and very big houses were. It was then that I knew that Claire was out of my league. However, she corrected my train of thought a couple of years later when....Uh oh, I'm getting ahead of myself. 

After I pulled up in front of the house with the address Claire had given me, I got out of my car, and then walked up to the front door and rang the bell. When the door opened, an older and very beautiful version of Claire answered the door smiling, and said, "Hi, I'm Marsha Rogers, and you must be Scott."

Yes, ma'am," I courteously replied, "I'm here to pick up Claire."

"Please, come on in," she graciously said, "Claire's not quite ready yet." 

After she closed the door behind me, I looked around at splendor of their home. A very elegant, ornate and beautifully crafted stair way stood before me, catching my eye and making me turn back to Mrs. Rogers and ask, "Was this house built during Victorian era?"

"You have a good eye, young man," a male voice responded from behind me.

I turned and saw a man of about fifty, I'd say, smiling and walking toward me. "Hello," he said, extending his hand, "I'm John Rogers, and I'll bet that you're Scott."

"Yes, sir," I smiled, shaking his hand.

"We've been hearing your name around here a lot recently," he laughed, "Oh, and by the way, my daughter tells me that you're going to be The Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz'."

"Yes, sir," I proudly replied, "We're really looking forward to putting on a great show."

"I sure hope so," smiled, Mrs. Rogers, "We're both going to be there opening night you know."

I hope you like it Mrs. Rogers," I politely replied.

"Aw, honey boy," she smiled, "My name is Marsha, and his name is John so, I want you to call us that, okay sweetie."

"Yes ma'am," I smiled, nodding my head.

"Claire told me that you drive a Corvette, Scott," grinned John, "May I see it?"

"Sure," I grinned, motioning my head toward the front door, "She's parked right outside."

~~~~~~

"Wow," breathed John, "She sure is a beauty, Scott."

"Thank you, sir," I replied, "My Uncle Mike helped me pick it out on my birthday."

"Uncle Mike?"

"Yes sir," I said, "I live with him and my Aunt Lauren. Both of my parents died when I was a baby, and Uncle Mike and Aunt Lauren, who is my Mom's sister, took me in. My maternal grandmother had set up a trust fund for me on the day I was born, and it matured upon my parent's death. But Uncle Mike put it back in trust to mature when I turned sixteen so; I bought a new car with some of it."

"I don't mean to get personal," he said, "But what are you going to do with all that money?"

"It's for college," I said, "I don't want to burden my family with the responsibility of having to pay my tuition."

Although John never said anything, I saw the same look in his eyes that I'd seen in Uncle Mike's eyes when he would tell me that he was proud of me. John suddenly chuckled and said, "You want to see something, Scott?"

"Sure."

"Follow me then," John grinned.

~~~~~~

He led me around the house to the small garage behind it, right next to one of the nicest swimming pools I'd ever seen. And once we were inside, and the lights had been turned on, what I saw almost took my breath away. Sitting side-by-side were two older Corvettes, one a 1953 model and the other, a1954 model. Both were red with the white side piping, and were almost identical.

"Holy cow," I excitedly grinned, "A fifty-three and a fifty-four. These are very nice."

"That's right," said John, pointing to the 54, "I bought this one brand new after I got out of the Navy, and I didn't get the fifty-three till years later. It was the third one to roll off the production line the first year that the Corvette was made."

"Wow," I breathed, "They sure are a couple of beauties."

"Yeah," John laughed, "But these two still have the original "Blue Flame" in-line six cylinder engines in them. Yours has that bad ass four-twenty-seven under the hood. I'll bet she runs fast, huh?"

"I don't know," I said uneasily, "The speedometer says that she'll do a hundred and forty, but I don't like going real fast. It's too dangerous."

John reached over and patted my shoulder, and smiling widely, said, "You're a good kid, Scott. Come on, let's get back to the house and see what's holding Claire up, okay?"

~~~~~~

"I really like your parents, Claire," I said, as we drove to my house.

"I can tell that my Dad likes you," she purred, "And Mom thinks that you're the most handsome thing she's ever seen."

"You and your Mom look so much alike," I said, "You two could pass for sisters."

"That's what everybody says," she giggled.

~~~~~~

"Oh my goodness," smiled Aunt Lauren, as Claire and I walked into the house, "She is such a pretty thing, Scotty." 

"Thank you, ma'am" Claire bashfully replied.

"Ma'am?" "Do I look that old to you, baby girl?" Aunt Lauren giggled, putting her arm around Claire's shoulder, "My name is Lauren and my husbands name is Michael, or just plain old Mike. I want you to feel free to call us by our names, sweetie."

"Okay," Claire playfully giggled. 

About that time Uncle Mike came from the back of the house, and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Claire. "Holy shit, Scott she's beautiful," he gasped, "What's she doing with you?"

"Michael," scolded Aunt Lauren, making Claire giggle, "Watch your mouth."

Uncle Mike simply winked at me, and on his way into the kitchen, pinched Aunt Lauren on the butt, making her squeal.

Her face turned ashen, and then she turned to Claire and said, "You'll have to forgive him, Claire. Sometimes he likes to act like he's eight, as opposed to thirty-eight."

"That's okay," she giggled, "My Dad is the same way sometimes."

"Scott," said Aunt Lauren, "I need you to do me a favor, sweetheart."

"Name it Aunt Lauren," I smiled.

"I need you go to the store and get me some sugar if you want the icing on your cake to taste right," Aunt Lauren replied.

I looked at Claire and asked, "You want to ride with me?"

"No, she doesn't," smiled Aunt Lauren, "We're gonna sit here and have some girl talk while your gone. Now get outta here go to the store, mister."

"Yes ma'am," I sulked, much to the giggles emanating from Claire and Aunt Lauren.

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

When I got back from the store, the sound of loud female laughter hit my ears as soon as I opened the front door. I walked into the house, going straight back to the den to find Claire and Aunt Lauren sitting side-by-side looking at a photo album, and Claire smiling brightly.

"What's up?" I uncomfortably asked.

"Lauren was just showing me some of your baby pictures," cooed Claire," "You were such a precious little boy, Scott," 

"Aw man," I groaned, "Did you have to show her those pictures, Aunt Lauren?"

"You leave her alone," Claire giggled, "Besides, I saw you naked, and you've got the cutest little butt." 

"I just wanted her to see what you looked like when you were little, Scotty," laughed Aunt Lauren.

"Aw man," I smiled, "This sucks."

~~~~~~

Dinner with Uncle Mike and Aunt Lauren was wonderful, but Claire had a midnight curfew and it was nearing 9:00pm so, we left to have a couple of hours to ourselves before I had to take her home.

"Where would you like to go?" I asked Claire, as we got into my car

"Can we go somewhere and just talk, Scott?" she shyly asked, "There's something I need to tell you."

"Of course," I replied, "We can go anywhere you want to."

"Good," she smiled, leaning over and kissing my cheek, "Let's go back to my house then."

~~~~~~

Twenty minutes later, we were back at Claire's sitting together in an out-door loveseat that was situated at the end of the pool nearest to the house. She took my hand and interlaced her fingers with mine. Then after leaning over and gently kissing my lips; she smiled and sweetly said, "I'm really glad we met, Scott." 

"Me too," I said, "And I also want to thank you, Claire."

"Thank me, what for?"

"When I walked into the theater for the first time that day, I was really nervous" I admitted, "But when Cindy Donaldson started her shit, you took up for me and you didn't even know me. I never really said 'Thank you' so, thank you."

"Any time, handsome," she cooed, snuggling closely to me.

Then I remembered her saying earlier that she had something she'd wanted to tell me. So, after raising her hand that I'd been holding, up to my lips, I gently kissed her delicate knuckle and said, "I believe you said that you have something you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh yeah," she grinned, batting her beautiful blue eyes. Then sitting up straight and gently releasing her hand from mine, Claire softly placed her palm against the side of my face, and said, "We've known each other for almost a month now, Scott, and I wanted to tell you that I'm really beginning to like you a lot, a whole lot."

Since I first met her, and as I began to get to know her, I was becoming more comfortable around Claire, able to be myself. Still though, the kisses she'd given me were enchanting and I soon found myself under her spell. This was when I decided to tell her the truth, somehow knowing that I wouldn't be rejected or laughed at.

I leaned into her, and as gently as I could, I lightly touched my lips to hers, lingering only for a moment, then slowly backed away and tenderly replied, "I really like you, too; and I have for a while now, Claire."

She timidly smiled, her beautiful blue eyes looking right through me and peering into my soul, as she tenderly kissed my lips and then bashfully replied, "I've never had a boyfriend, Scott. What about you?"

"Nope," I grinned, "I've never had a boyfriend either."

"Oh, you're such a smart ass," she giggled, playfully slapping me on the shoulder, "You know what I'm talking about, silly. Tell me, Scott...please?"

"No, I've never had a girlfriend," I happily smiled, "But I met this really amazing girl almost a month ago...and uh....I uh...I'm still trying to figure out a way to ask her if she would like to be my girlfriend."

I'd never in my life seen love in its purest form until I saw the look on Claire's face that night. Her smile grew more brilliant than ever; and with happy tears pouring slowly down her smooth, beautiful face, she giggled, and then teasingly asked, "What if she says no?"

"I don't know what I'll do," I smiled, looking into her eyes, "But I know she'll say yes."

Claire put both her arms around me, gently pulling me toward her. Then moving her face within mere inches of mine, she softly-but-quickly kissed my lips and breathed, "Tell me, Scott, tell me how you know she'll say yes."

"She needs to say yes, because I think she's the most beautiful girl that I've ever seen," I said, now openly confessing my feelings to her, "And I need to tell her that I would always be the best boyfriend I could, even though I come un-glued just being near her." 

By this time we were holding one another so closely that Claire was almost in my lap, and running her fingers through my hair; she smiled and cooed, "What will you do if she does say yes?"

I leaned my face now only millimeters away from hers, and softly replied, "I'd let her know that, not only was she going to be my first girlfriend, she would also be my last, and, I would never let her go."

"Oh Scotty," she cried, kissing me, "I love you. I fell in love with you the first time I saw you."

"I'm glad," I replied, kissing her lips, "Because I fell in love with you the very first time I ever laid eyes on you, too."

The wheels were now set in motion, and much to the chagrin of most of the young males in my high school, Claire became my girlfriend. I was proud, as always, to be seen with her everywhere we went. And because our pictures had been in the school, the college, (affectionately called "The U" by the kids here) and local newspapers; everywhere we went people would stop and wish us well, or the little kids would want pictures, autographs, etc. All of the attentions made us feel good, yet we still remained grounded.

Claire and I studied together, as well as rehearsed our scenes together away from school, either at her house or mine, and fell deeper in love with one another as the days passed. Although she was only four months older than me, the way our birthdays fell dictated which school year we would be in. Still though, I loved Claire deeply and that was all that mattered.

~~~~~~

Our rehearsal schedule began to tighten as we grew nearer to show time. And it was on a Thursday night, three days away from opening night that the tension between me and Cindy Donaldson finally came to a head. For almost six weeks, she had been taunting me during rehearsals with her little verbal jibes about my being inexperienced, or, being green, as she called it, and it was always when Mrs. Fox either wasn't there, or couldn't hear her.

We were doing our final "run-throughs" and I accidentally tripped over an extension cord that had been carelessly left on the stage by a member of the crew. I barely managed to keep from falling off of the stage and into the audience, but in doing so; I knocked over one of the evil trees from one of Cindy's scenes, breaking it, but not irreparably. "Watch out," she sneered, "You stupid fucking rookie."

"That's it," I said to myself. After I regained my balance, I turned to Cindy, and as loud I possibly could, I shouted, "WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, CINDY DONALDSON? I'VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING TO YOU. YOU GIVE ME GRIEF AT EVERY GIVEN OPPORTUNITY, AND I'M SICK OF IT. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" The theater went deathly silent as I found myself suddenly upon her, standing over her while she cowered, trembling as if she were about to become my prey. 

I was so angry that I was red-faced and my body was shaking, until I felt something soft touching my hand and the gentle sound of Claire's voice say, "Easy Scott, come with me, baby," calming the anger that Cindy's remark had elicited from me. 

And then as we turned and walked away, Claire looked at Mrs. Fox, and asked, "Can we take a short break, please?"


The Light of Dawn



"That's a good idea," Mrs. Fox grinned, then to everyone said, "Let's all take a ten minute break. Cindy Donaldson, I want you in my office right now."

~~~~~~

"Scott, baby, are you alright?" Claire asked, as we stood outside, next to the stage doors.

"Yeah, I'm alright," I replied, "I'm just a little pissed off at myself for losing my temper like that."

"She needed to hear that, Scott," Claire laughed, putting her arms around me, "Besides; I don't think anyone was too upset with you, or at what you said."

I leaned in and gently kissed her lips, then smiling, said, "Girl, you're crazy."

"Yes," she giggled, "About you."

~~~~~~

When we went back into the theater, everyone smiled, each person silently acknowledging their approval of the way I had handled Cindy. But before anyone had the chance to say anything, Mrs. Fox appeared from the backstage recesses of her office and announced, "Cindy won't be here for the rest of the day so, we'll go ahead and take up where we left off and I'll read her lines where they are scripted."

Our final rehearsals went off without a hitch after that, and as we were all preparing to leave the theater; Mrs. Fox got our attention and said, "I want all of you to know that I'm really looking forward to having a great show. Now, go home and get some rest, study your lines and relax.....we open Monday night!"

~~~~~~

By the end of that week, Friday, I was glad it was finished. I had to go to one last costume fitting that afternoon so; Claire got a ride with Becky and Sara. I kissed my beauty good-bye and bade her fare-well until later, as we date a date that night.

I walked back inside toward the theater and could hear my footsteps echoing through the now empty halls of my school. As I walked along mindlessly, I was startled out of my reverie, when, out of nowhere, Cindy Donaldson appeared in front of me and meekly asked, "Scott? Can I please speak with you?"

"Sure," I coolly replied, "If you can be nice."

"Scott, I'm so sorr......" she began, but couldn't continue as she broke down, bitterly crying, and was soon leaning against me for support.

Although she'd made me madder than I could ever remember being the day before, I still couldn't be cold to her while she was weeping and vulnerable. I put my arm around her shoulder and said, "Shh...its okay. You're gonna be alright now."

After she had regained her composure, she straightened up, wiped her face, and then looking at me; smiled and said, "I came here to apologize to you, Scott. I've been terrible to you for no reason, and you didn't deserve it."

"Yeah," I chuckled, "You have been kind of mean."

"You see," she began, "When I first came to this school, I was a nobody. Then I discovered how much I liked drama and acting. With Mrs.' Fox's help, I became the very best actress I possibly could. And when I won the best actress award at the All-State competition last year, I got a little too big for my britches and I let it turn me into someone I'm not. I'm really sorry about that."

"Look Cindy," I smiled, "Sometimes people lose their way, and I understand. But...it sounds to me like you're back on track so, don't sweat it, okay?"

Thanks, Scott," she replied, leaning up and quickly kissing me on the cheek, "You're a nice guy, and by the way; I think you make a fantastic Scarecrow, and I've got a feeling that you're going to blow everybody away on opening night."

"Thanks Cindy," I grinned, "That means a lot coming from you."

~~~~~~

That evening when I went to Claire's house to pick her up, I was pleasantly surprised when Dawn, Claire's eleven-year-old little sister, who had been at her friend's house the last time I was there, answered the door. "Hi," she said, "My name's Dawn, and your name is Scott, huh?"

"You're right," I replied smiling, "Hi Dawn." She was the spitting image of her father, dark brown, almost black eyes, long dark brown shiny hair the fell to her little waist. She was adorable and it was safe to say that she stole my heart from the moment I laid eyes on her.

She smiled and took my hand, leading me inside the house. Then closing the door behind us, still not relinquishing her grip on my hand, she smiled the same dazzling smile as the rest of the females in her family, and chirped, "Claire's still upstairs tryin on a new bra cause her boobs are too big for the old one. Mom told me to come and bring you inside."

"Dawn," gasped Marsha, rounding the corner to greet me, "You mustn't say things like that about your sister."

"Well it's true, Mom," Dawn pointedly replied, "Claire always complains that her boobs are too big."

By this time my face was bright red, not from embarrassment, but from trying to hold in the laughter that this precious little child had evoked. Marsha, too, sensed the merriment about to burst forth from me, and laughing, said, "Hell, we've all tried to get to watch what she says, Scott, but she still does it anyway."

"That's alright," I laughed, leaning down to Dawn's height and gently tweaking the tip of her pretty little nose, "I still think she's a cutie."

That was also about the time Claire chose to come down the stairs, and seeing that we were all laughing, smiled and said, "What's so funny?"

"We were laughing because your boobs are too big," giggled Dawn.

"DAWN!!!" screeched Claire, then turned to her mother, "Mom, please do something with her." I was still laughing when Claire turned to me and grumbled, "Don't laugh at her, Scott, it only makes her worse; and we can barely keep her at quiet as it is."

~~~~~~

That night Claire and I went to a party that was being thrown by one of the guys in the orchestra that was playing the music for the up coming show. It was a lot of fun, too, as everyone from the cast and crew were all there, Cindy Donaldson included. I had already told Claire of the "talk" that Cindy and I had had earlier so, when Cindy approached us, I wasn't surprised in the least.

"Hi Cindy," smiled Claire, "How are you?"

"I've been making the rounds, apologizing to people that I've been rude to, and your name is on that list," she replied, "I'm really sorry for being such a bitch to you, this year."

"Are you planning on being a bitch in the future?" Claire asked smiling.

"No, not ever," Cindy grinned.

"Well then," giggled Claire, "There's nothing to forgive."

"Thanks Claire," replied Cindy, hugging her, "You're a nice girl, and I think that you and Scott were made for each other."

~~~~~~

As I was driving Claire home that night, she took my hand into hers and said "I had a great time tonight. Thank you, Scott."

"Thank me for what?" I asked smiling, reaching up to caress her cheek, "I had just as good a time as you did, pretty girl."

"Thank you for being such a sweet guy," she contentedly sighed, "And for keeping your hands to yourself this whole time we've been going out."

"Are you kidding?" I laughed, "It's been real tough, but I love you, and if we're gonna have sex, then it will happen when it's supposed to." 

Claire said nothing, but leaned across the console and tenderly kissed my cheek and laying her head on my shoulder the rest of the way to her house.

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

By the end of school the following Monday afternoon, I was a bundle of nerves. Claire had brought some clothes from home, and went to my house with me after school. "Are you nervous, Scott?" Claire asked smiling, as we pulled into my driveway, "You haven't said hardly three words to me since I got in the car."

"Sorry," I replied, "Yeah, I guess maybe I am a little bit nervous."

"Well, don't be," she purred, pausing to softly kiss my lips, "I love you, and I know that you're going to do great things on that stage tonight."

"You do, huh?" I replied, "Let's hope so."

~~~~~~

From the first moment I took the stage, I felt like I had actually crawled into a moment in time that was long since past. The sets looked almost exactly like those which I'd seen in the movie. It was so realistic to not only the cast, but the audience as well.

The show went as smooth as glass, and when it was done; we received a ten-minute standing ovation. The press was there, taking pictures of everything and every one. 

"So, tell us, Scott," asked a female reporter from "The U", "I understand this is the first time you've ever been on stage."

"That's right," I responded, Claire holding my hand and grinning like the Cheshire cat.

"How did you like it?" the reporter asked.

"I liked it well enough, I guess," I grinned, "How did you like it?"

"I thought all of you did a great job," she gushed, "Absolutely wonderful."

"Thank you," I humbly replied.

~~~~~~

Our performance dates were Monday and Tuesday evening in our high school theater, day performances on Wednesday and Thursday for the elementary and middle school students in their auditoriums; and then back to our own theater for the last performance on the following Saturday night.

Like the night before, Tuesday night's performance was to a standing-room-only audience; and like before, we received another standing ovation from the audience at the end of the show.

~~~~~~

It was purely coincidental, but Saturday's performance date just happened to fall on Aunt Lauren's and Uncle Mike's wedding anniversary. Still though, just like Claire's family, they had been to every show and they weren't going to miss the last one either. We even had the wrap party at our house.

It turned out that Mrs. Fox went to school with both Aunt Lauren and my mother, both of whom, and I was pleasantly surprised when I found this out, were members of the All-State High School Choir.

"So, that's where your talent comes from, Scott," Mrs. Fox smiled, "Leah, your mother, and Lauren here, were the pride of our high school, just like I think you're gonna be, too."

"I think he did a great job tonight," said Claire, coming up behind me and wrapping her arm around my waist, "Don't you think so, too, Missus Fox?"

"I think the both of you were perfect," Mrs. Fox grinned, placing her palms to our cheeks, "I've got a feeling about you two, and I think our school is about to see history in the making this year."

"I believe you're right, Maggie," smiled Aunt Lauren. 

~~~~~~

As I was driving her home that night, Claire took my hand and sighed, "I love you so much, Scotty."

"I love you, too," I smiled, squeezing her hand, "And I always will, Claire."

A single tear fell down her soft cheek as she smiled, then wiped her face with the back of her hand and giggled, "You know that my little sister thinks that you hung the moon, don't you?"

"No," I smiled at the thought, "I didn't know that."

"Oh my God," Claire laughed, "She told me after the first show that she thought you sang like an angel."

"She sure is a cutie," I grinned, "Tell her that I said 'Thank you' for such a nice compliment."

"You don't even know the half of it," Claire giggled, "She's told all her little girl-friends that you and I are gonna get married some day."

"Hmm," I laughed, "I guess I'm going to have to have a talk with her then."

~~~~~~

Saturday of the following weekend was my seventeenth birthday. That Friday morning before I left for school, Aunt Lauren informed me that she and Uncle Mike were going to be out all night that night; and that they would be back around ten the next morning.

That afternoon at school I was informed by Mrs. Helms, my creative writing teacher, that because my abilities in her class exceeded her curriculum, I would be given an "A", and that I would be spending the rest of the semester as well as the year, in Mrs. Fox's drama class.

"There's nothing I can teach you, Scott," she smiled, "I've already talked to the board of education, as well as the principle, and because of your fantastic performance in "The Wizard of Oz" last week; we're all in agreement that you should be in Mrs. Fox's class instead of here. Starting on Monday, you will go to her class instead of mine. That worked out perfect, too. Mrs. Helms' class was my last one of the day and now I would be in Mrs. Fox's class with Claire. Aw man, how cool was that?

~~~~~~

Claire and I had been dating for three, nearly four months by this time, falling deeper in love as each day passed. And when she met me at my car that Friday after school, she had a knowing smirk on her face, making me ask, "What? What is it?"

"My mother wanted me to bring you over for dinner tonight," she informed me, "Dad got called out of town and she thought that this would be an ideal time to talk to you."

"What does she want to talk to me about?" I asked uneasily, "I can't think of anything wrong that I've done or said."

She put her arm around my waist, and after softly kissing my lips, giggled, "Relax, silly boy. My family really likes you and Mom just wanted to see you, that's all. Besides, she's got a surprise for you that you're going to love" 

"Oh," I breathed, "Okay."

~~~~~~

"Well, hello there, handsome, it's good to see you," smiled Marsha, hugging me as soon as I entered their house, "I wanted to tell you again what a great Scarecrow I thought you were."

"Thanks Marsha," I replied, returning the hug, "It's good to see you, too."

I heard a familiar voice coming down the stairs behind me, squealing, "HI SCOTTY!!!"

I turned around and little Dawn practically leapt into my arms, hugging me tightly around the neck.

"DAWN!!!" Claire growled, "Let go of him this instant, little girl."

"Chill out, big sister," giggled Dawn, as I set her down, "I'm not trying to steal him away from you.....yet."

"That's enough, you two," scolded Marsha, taking my hand, "Come on in and sit down before the cat fight breaks out, Scott."

The moment Marsha's back was turned, Dawn stuck her tongue out and made faces at her sister, making me laugh and shake my head. "Don't laugh at her, Scott, honey," Marsha knowingly smiled, not turning around to look at her daughter, "It just makes her worse."

~~~~~~

"My daughter tells me that you two are in love, Scott," Marsha plainly said, while we ate dinner that night, "Is this true?"

"Yes ma'am," I replied, looking her in the eyes, "I love her with all my heart."

"See, Mom," Claire smiled, "I told you he was special."

"Are you gonna marry my sister, Scott?" Dawn asked, giggling.

"We'll just have to see, won't we?" I replied, winking at Claire.

"In that case," Marsha smiled, "I've got some news that you might like then, Scott."

"Oh yeah," I asked, "What is it?"

She looked at me and grinned, and then reaching across the table, Marsha gently patted my cheek and said, "You're going to be moved up a grade, beginning next semester."

"Says who?" I asked, surprised.

"I do," giggled Marsha.

"And I'm sure that the board of education, the school district, and our principle are all going to just promote me on your say-so," I chuckled, "I only wish that was possible."

"Tell him, Mom," Clare said, now laughing wildly.

"What is she talking about, Marsha?" I suspiciously asked.

"I'm the president of the board of education, Scott," Marsha smiled, "Don't look so stunned sweetheart. I've seen all your test scores and the grades you've been given by every single one of your teachers up to this point, not to mention the remarks they had to say. I also talked to each of them and they all agree that you're a genius."

"Do my Aunt and Uncle know about this?" I asked, blushing.

"Yes," Marsha giggled, "I had to have their permission before I could look into your records."

I stood up from the table with a smile on my face and a devilish gleam in my eyes. Slowly walking around the table to where Claire was seated, I took her by the hand and said, "Can I talk to you privately please?"

"We can talk here," Claire purred, hugging me, "I share everything with my Mom."

"Okay then," I grinned, "You knew about this, didn't you?"

"Yes," she giggled, "Your Aunt Lauren was in on it, too."

The next sound that erupted was that of Claire screaming when I quickly wrapped my arms around her waist and blew a big raspberry on her throat. Claire made a dash for the den, but I cut her off, both of us falling and softly landing on the couch before we rolled into the floor laughing like children. 

The next thing I knew, Dawn was attacking me from behind, tickling me and squealing, "Hold his arms, Sis, so I can tickle him more." We wrestled around on the floor amidst the playful squeals of both Claire and Dawn.

~~~~~~

Chapter Six

So, that's how our lives came to pass. Claire took the Best Actress Award, and I took the Best Actor Award at the All-State One Act play competition the following spring for our roles in William Berney and Howard Richardson's "Dark of the Moon". I played the male lead, "John the Witch Boy", while Claire played the female lead, and John's mortal love, "Barbara Allen".

It was a magical time for both Claire and I, only deepening the love we shared. We did the same thing the following year at State when I played "Joe" and Claire played "Myra" in Tennessee Williams', "The Long Goodbye". Needless to say, everyone was very proud of us, but no one was more proud of Claire than me.

~~~~~~

When the time for graduation drew near, Claire had received scholarship offers, as did I, from several different universities across the country, all wanting us in their Drama departments. However, Claire and I wanted to be together so, we each chose the scholarships that the local University in our home town offered us, and stayed put. Besides, neither of us were going to major in theater anyway so, it worked out perfect.

~~~~~~

Graduation night was a red letter date in our relationship. We were now both eighteen years old and had decided not to go to the parties that were taking place all over town. Instead, we chose to spend our time away from everyone and everything by going camping for the whole weekend. Up to this point, the most that Claire and I had done sexually was grinding our crotches against one another, bringing each other to orgasm, as well as groping one another through and over our clothing. But we wanted to wait before we made love, and now the time was upon us.

~~~~~~

In our school system, graduation was held in the morning as opposed to night, and that made things even better for mine and Claire's plans that afternoon. We were now free of the bonds that previously held us back from truly exploring our love, and in being so; we chose to make love for the first time in an environment that was naturally conducive to our instincts. So, what better way to do that than to go camping?

I got Uncle Mike to let me borrow his Jeep that he used when he and Aunt Lauren went to the beach. As he and I were taking the giant cover off of it, Uncle Mike handed me a box of condoms, and grinning slyly, said, "Look Scotty, I know you two are adults now, and are gonna be messing around this weekend. I just want you to be careful, that's all."

"Can I tell you something, Uncle Mike?" I quietly asked.

"Of course," he smiled, patting me on the shoulder, "You can tell me any thing you want, you know that."

"We're both virgins, Uncle Mike," I shyly replied, "And Claire has been on the pill for three months now."

It was then that Uncle Mike revealed a side of himself to me that I'd never before seen, as he quickly pulled me into a tight hug and cried, "You're a good kid, Scotty, and you always have been. And I just wanted to tell you how much I love you, and how proud of you that I am."

After he released me from the hug, he wiped his face, and then with a goofy grin on his face, he said, "I have to hand it to though, Scotty. That Claire is one of the prettiest girls I've ever seen, that's for sure."

"I think so too, Uncle Mike," I laughed, "I think I did rather well, if I say so myself."




The Light of Dawn



"I think you got lucky," teased Uncle Mike, playfully smacking the back of my head.

~~~~~~

After I had loaded up the jeep with enough food for four days, and a tent that was large enough to sleep comfortably in with two people, but small enough that we would be guaranteed an intimate sanctuary against mother nature once the sun was down. I had plenty of fuel for my gas lanterns and stove, and a nice large cooler that would keep everything cold enough that it wouldn't spoil before it was used. I was just getting ready to pull out of the driveway and go get Claire, when Aunt Lauren dashed out of the front door, stopping me right before I put the vehicle in gear.

"Scotty, wait," she said, slightly out of breath, "I need to tell you something before you go."

I could tell that what she had to say was important so, I turned off the jeep, engaged the brake and said, "What is it, Aunt Lauren?"

"This is important, baby," she smiled, gently taking my hands, "I want you to be gentle with her, Scotty, she's a virgin."

"I know, Aunt Lauren," I smiled, gently squeezing her hands, "We both are."

"I know, Claire told me," she smiled, tears beginning to form in her eyes, "I love you, sweet boy."

"I know you do," I said, kissing her cheek, "And I love you, too, Mom."

Aunt Lauren pulled me out of the jeep so that she could hug me, and as we stood there holding on to one another; I was thankful for these two amazing people that selflessly devoted their lives to me.

Right before I got back into the jeep, Aunt Lauren stopped me. "Scott, honey, wait." she said reaching into her pocket and withdrawing a small box, "I know you're going to ask that girl to marry you one day, and when you do, I want you to give her this, your mother's wedding rings."

As I gazed at the rings sparkling brilliantly before me, tears began to flood my eyes as I hugged Aunt Lauren again and said, "I love you very much Aunt Lauren."

"I love you, too," she smiled, releasing me from the hug, then smacking me on the butt, "Now get out of here, boy, that pretty girl is waiting on you."

~~~~~~

"Hi, baby," cooed Claire, her arms around my neck as soon as I got out of the jeep, "I'm packed and ready to go. Are you ready?"

"Are you kidding?" I smiled, softly kissing her sweet lips, "I've been ready for this my whole life."

As we were walking up to her house, I saw John coming out of the front door carrying his golf clubs. When he saw me, he smiled and said, "Well, hello there, Scott, m'boy. How are you?"

"I'm well, sir," I replied, shaking his hand, "How are you?"

"I...uh...I'm going to go for a round of golf," he uncomfortably replied, "Um my wife...Marsha wanted to talk to you two before you left," and with that said, he quickly put his golf clubs in his car and abruptly left.

"What's wrong with him?" I asked, "He left awfully fast."

"Daddy's alright," Claire giggled, "He's just not real keen on the idea that I'm eighteen now and going off into the woods this weekend to get ravaged."

"Jesus Claire," I gasped, "You didn't tell him that did you?"

"No, she's just being silly," smiled Marsha, as she greeted us at the door, "Come on in, Scott, honey. I need to talk to you."

~~~~~~

Before we even sat down on the couch, Claire left the room, her beautiful ass bouncing delightfully as she went up the stairs giggling. As I turned my head back around Marsha took my hand and said, "Scott, I want to tell you something. My daughter loves you very much, and I know what the two of you have planned for this weekend." I was about to speak up, but she put her finger to my lips and smiled, "Shh....I didn't say I was angry about it. On the contrary, I'm delighted that the two of you took the time to think things through before you made any hasty decisions."

"I love her with all my heart, Marsha," I adamantly replied, "And I would die for her if I had to."

"I know you do sweetheart," she sweetly replied, "I can see it in your eyes every time you look at her. What I wanted to tell you was that Claire and I have talked about this in depth. I made it a point to prepare her for this because I wanted the two of you to have the most beautiful experience possible."

"I'm gonna marry her some day, Marsha," I said, "I swear by all that's holy."

"Good," she giggled, kissing me on the cheek, "I always wanted a son."

~~~~~~

As we drove to the place that I had picked out for us, Claire reached over, and taking my hand, rubbed it up against her cheek, and cooed, "Thank you for being the person you are, Scott."

"You don't need to thank me, Claire," I smiled, "It's me who should be thanking you."

"Well, that sounds like fun," she seductively purred, while slowly running her hand down my stomach to my groin, "I'll tell you what....as soon as we get the tent set up; you can thank me by letting me suck your cock!"

She'd never been this aggressive before, nor had she ever used the language she was now using, but who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth. Then I remembered what her mother had said to me about preparing her for this moment so, I was more than happy to let Claire do and say whatever she wanted.

"Are you sure you don't want to wait until tonight?" I asked, not wanting to rush her, "Maybe we ought to go swimming or something first."

"Are you kidding me?" she crossly asked, "I've waited almost two years to make love to you, Scott Powers so, no; I don't want to wait until tonight, thank you."

"Okay, baby," I smiled, caressing the smooth inside of her thigh, close to the crotch of the very short, and very tight cut-off jeans she was wearing.

~~~~~~

The place I'd found for us was on the banks of the river that ran through our home town, which also ran behind our house, some three miles into the woods. I had played there a lot as a boy and found it to be the most secluded yet peaceful place I'd ever known. And when Claire and I had decided to go camping the whole weekend, I knew that God had allowed me to find this place for a reason.

The moment I got the tent set up and the sleeping bags in, I heard Claire say, "Hey Scott!"

I turned around to find the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Claire was totally naked, save for the diamond necklace I had given her for her birthday the previous summer. She'd let her hair down and it fell loosely around her waist. And because of her very sexy tan lines, her breasts and pubic region shone brightly in the daylight sun which had never before touched her there until now. Her pendulous tits were capped with large pink and now hard nipples that begged to be sucked; and as she turned around and said, "What do you think lover," my heart almost stopped when I saw her tight, beautiful white little ass for the first time.

"I love you, Claire," was all I could utter, stupefied by her beauty.

Taking me by the hand, Claire stood me up and began to undress me, kissing and licking every spot of flesh the moment it was revealed to her. Needless to say, I was hard as a rock by the time she was finished striping me, and being totally naked together for the first time only deepened the love, knowing that she would be the woman I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Then gently grabbing my cock, she led me into the tent, not caring whether the door flap lay open or closed.

~~~~~~

"Oh, Yesssss," she hissed, as she slowly impaled herself on my hard cock. 

Doesn't that hurt?" I asked, wondering why she hadn't at least yelped when her hymen broke.

"Oh, no baby," she seductively purred, "Mom bought me a vibrator to pop my own cherry with because I wanted our first time to be as painless as possible."

"God, this feels so good," I groaned, as she slowly rode atop of me, getting used to being filled by my cock.

We fucked at a leisurely pace, savoring the feelings coursing through our bodies until I could no longer hold out. Gently rolling Claire over onto her back I began to move in and out of her at a more rapid pace. As she looked me in the eye; her face filled with lust, and growled, "I want you to fuck me now, Scott. And I want it hard and fast baby, okay?" I answered her by pounding her as hard and as fast as I could. "OH GOD! YES," she wailed, "FUCK ME, BABY! GIVE ME ALL YOU'VE GOT. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, OH, SCOTT! GIVE ME YOUR COCK BABY!"

I could no longer ignore the feeling in my gut as my balls began to empty deep within her. And after the first spurt of scalding cum drenched her womb, I was nothing more than an animal, if you will, feeling the primal call of nature and holding my beautiful Claire as tightly to me as could, thrusting deep into her as she came again shortly behind me.

Afterward, we lay together in the afterglow of our lovemaking, our breath coming slowly back to us. "I love you, Claire," I smiled.

"I love you so much, Scotty," she sweetly replied, a lone tear making its way down her cheek.

"Aw baby," I said, wiping the tear from her face, "What's wrong, Claire honey?"

"Nothing," she giggled, rubbing her hand across my chest, "It's just that...making love with you was so much better than anything I could've ever dreamed of."

"You're so beautiful," I said, holding her closely, "The most beautiful girl I've ever seen, and you're mine....all mine."

"I sure am, baby," she giggled, playfully slapping my bare ass, "And you're mine. Don't ever forget it."

"Never," I sighed, "Never ever...." 

~~~~~~

Chapter Seven

As soon as Claire and I arrived back home the following Monday afternoon, Marsha and Dawn were there to meet us. After just one look at her oldest daughter, Marsha's face lit up like a Christmas tree as her eyes filled up with tears. "Oh sweetheart," she smiled, tightly hugging Claire to her, "You look radiant, dear."

"Thanks Mom," she giggled.

All of a sudden I felt a tug on the back of my shirt, followed by Dawn's voice saying, "Are you gonna say hello to me, Scotty?"

"Of course I am, sweetie," I laughed, scooping her up in my arms and lifting her off of the ground. Her delightful little squeals rang out as I tickled her before I put her back down. "Hi Dawn," I chuckled, "How are you, cutie?"

"I'm fine," she giggled, "Next Saturday is my birthday ya know. I'm gonna be thirteen."

"I didn't know that it was your birthday," I smiled, patting her shoulder, "Wow, thirteen, huh? That means you're a teenager.

"I'm having a party next Saturday night," she blushed, "Would you like to come?"

"I'd love to," I grinned, as Claire was about to object, "What time, cutie?"

"It's at seven o'clock," she replied, turning to Claire, "And he's gonna be my date, Sis so, you'll just have to find something else to do for a while." I absolutely adored this child and there was no way that I could ever so "No" to her. 

Claire winked at me, and then leaning down and hugging Dawn, she giggled, "Okay little sister, I'll let you borrow him for a couple of hours."

"Really?" Dawn excitedly replied, hugging Claire, "You're the best, thanks, Sis. Wait till I tell Jamie Hickson that I've got a date with Scott Powers," and then she dashed off to go back into the house, giggling, presumably to use the telephone."

"You just made my baby sister's day," cooed Claire, wrapping her arms around my waist, "You know that, don't you?"

Suddenly another pair of arms snaked their way around me as I head Marsha giggle, "Thank you, Scott. Dawn is going to be the envy of all her little friends."

"I'm the envy of all my friends right now," I chuckled, "Sandwiched in between two of the prettiest women I've ever seen."

Someone suddenly smacked me on the ass, and I wasn't too sure who it was until I heard Marsha give a throaty laugh, as she told Claire, "You're right, baby girl. He really is a charmer."

Claire and I spent most of our days at the beach that following week, managing to squeeze in a bout of lovemaking at least once each night. That summer became the turning point in my life, and as the days wore on, my love for Claire only deepened, if it was even possible to love her any deeper than I already did.

~~~~~~

I had gone out the night before and bought Dawn an album of her favorite music group, along with a card, bearing a twenty-dollar-bill within, (So what, if I spoiled her) and made sure that I had it with me when I left the house that morning. Claire had previously instructed me as to what I was supposed to do for Dawn's birthday party, and also that I needed to show up at her house at 9:00am that morning. However, what I didn't know was that the females in the Rogers family had all three conspired to embarrass the life out of me.

~~~~~~

"Hi, Scott," squealed Dawn, as she answered the door that morning, dressed as if she were going out somewhere, "Come on in, Claire's still getting ready, and you already know how long it takes her."

"Getting ready for what," I knowingly teased, as I walked in, her present wrapped and in hand, "Are you all going somewhere?" 

"Duh, Scott," she replied, seemingly perturbed, "Yes, I'm going to get a new outfit for the party, and you're going with us."

"That reminds me, here," I replied, handing her the present I'd been holding and she had eye-balling ever since I walked in, "Happy Birthday, Cutie!"

You would've thought that she'd just seen Moses parting the Red Sea from the way she was screaming and jumping around. "MOM!!! CLAIRE!!! COME IN HERE QUICK! COME SEE WHAT SCOTT GOT ME FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!" she yelled, grinning and bouncing around the room.

"Goodness gracious, child," Marsha gasped, rushing into the room, "You almost gave me a heart attack." 

"Open it up, girl," giggled Claire, coming from behind me and wrapping her arms around my waist and resting her chin on my shoulder. "Hi, baby," she purred, kissing my cheek.

"Hello, beautiful," I smiled back.

Dawn opened the card first, and finding the money within, she held up the twenty-dollar-bill and proudly announced, "This means I can get an extra pair of ear rings today," and then after tearing into the gift and seeing what it was, she leapt into my arms with tears in her eyes and cried, "Thank you, Scott. I really wanted this album. I love you."

"Aw, now, don't cry," I quietly replied, my arms around her, "And I love you, too, sweet girl."

As Dawn cried in my arms, the smiles on both Claire's and Marsha's faces told me that they approved of my soothing her. And it was then I realized that Claire's family's love for me, as well as my love for them was complete now, and that I was part of Claire's family, as she was part of mine.

~~~~~~

Because it was her birthday and I was "her date", Claire let Dawn ride in the Corvette with me as I drove her to the different places she needed to go. I could see Marsha and Claire in my rear-view mirror; giggling conspiratorially as they followed behind me in Marsha's BMW. Every so often, Dawn would see one of her friends as we drove through town and made me honk the horn so as to get their attention while she waved at them.

"If I didn't know any better," I teased, "I'd think you were showing off, girlie."

"As long as I'm riding in the car with you," she giggled, "I'm going to show you off to all my friends."

"What would Claire think?" I asked, seeing Claire and Marsha howling with laughter in my rear-view.

"Who cares?" she giggled, "I don't."

~~~~~~

Once the shopping was complete and we were back at Claire's house, I sat down on the couch, looking at her and said, "Whew, that wore me out and all I did was drive."

"See," Claire giggled, "I told you that being a woman wasn't easy."

"But Dawn's only thirteen," I argued, "She's not a woman yet."

"Yeah, right," laughed Claire, "I dare you to tell her that."

~~~~~~ 

The night came all too soon, and promptly at six o'clock, the doorbell began ringing and didn't stop until right before seven. Before long, I was surrounded by twelve kids, all of them between twelve and thirteen, and all of them female. "Didn't you invite any boys to this party?" I asked.

"Why?" Dawn answered, "They are so immature.

Aren't you going to introduce us, Dawn?" purred a pretty girl, that was blonde haired, blue eyed, and obviously trying to flirt.

"Oh, alright," Dawn said, rolling her eyes, and clearly annoyed, "Scott, this is Jamie Hickson. Jamie, this is Scott Powers, but you already knew that."

"Hi, Jamie," I cordially said, "It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too," she cooed, "I saw you in the Wizard of Oz three times."

"You did," I smiled, "You must've really like it then, huh?"

"Oh yes," she swooned, "You were so good. I loved it."

Before I could reply, they all began asking me questions ranging from a variety of different subjects. This went on for about an hour until Dawn turned on the stereo and cranked it up a couple of notches.

She had already loaded it with music, and the first thing she played was the album that I bought her for her birthday. The initial cut on the album was the title track, and it being a fast song; Dawn snatched me up to dance with her. Claire and I had been out dancing together for two years now, and so I began to dance. Before long, I found myself actually having fun, and as I looked around the room, it seemed alive with kids all dancing everywhere.

~~~~~~

Meanwhile, as I was later told, Claire, Marsha, and John were all watching me from the kitchen. "Look how he treats those girls, Mom," Claire smiled, "He's such a sweetie, isn't he?"

"I know, baby," giggled Marsha, "But you better watch out that your little sister doesn't try to steal him away from you."

"Humph," Claire snorted derisively, "I don't think so. I'll kick her little ass."

"That's funny," John laughed.

"What's so funny?" Claire curtly asked.

"You," chuckled John, "Being jealous of your little sister," with Marsha giggling as well.

"Oh yeah?" Claire said, "Watch this."

~~~~~~

The music had been playing fast songs for about twenty minutes, with my dance partner changing at least three times per song. A slow song suddenly came on, and I cold tell that Dawn was about to ask me to dance. All of a sudden, Claire appeared from out of nowhere, and stepping in between Dawn and me, she kissed my lips, insisting that I dance with her. I have to say that if looks could kill, Claire would've ended up being drawn and quartered on the spot from the glare that her little sister gave her right then.

I knew to keep my mouth shut just then, and that's exactly what I did. However, deciding to tease me, Claire leaned in closely and fiercely-but-quietly whispered, "I know that Dawn is severely pissed off at me right now, but your mine, do you understand me?"

I kissed her ear, sending chills down her back, smiling as she shivered in my arms. "Are you jealous?" I softly laughed, "I believe you are, aren't you."

"No," she unconvincingly lied, "I'm not jealous; well, not very jealous anyway."

"You don't ever have to be jealous," I softly replied, quickly kissing her lips, "I love you with all of my heart, Claire, and I always will."

Just then the slow song ended, and still receiving scalding stares from her sister, Claire smiled and openly announced, "Excuse me, ladies...Scott and I have plans for the rest of the evening so; we'll say goodnight."

Right before Claire took my hand to lead me from the room, I walked over to where Dawn sat, fuming mad. I leaned down smiling, and after lightly kissing her on the cheek, I gave her a big hug and said, "Happy Birthday, pretty girl. I sure had a lot of fun with you today."

Her frown melted into a warm smile, and placing her arms around my neck, she hugged me tightly and replied, "Thanks Scott. You're the best and I love you."

"Thanks, Dawn," I grinned, "And I love you, too, sweet girl."

As Claire and I passed by the kitchen, I could've sworn that I heard loud, but hushed laughter emanating from within. However, Claire pulled me out of the back door before I could be sure of what I'd heard.




The Light of Dawn



~~~~~~

Claire and I had been together two and a half years, and by this time we were making plans on renting an apartment to move into before college started. We were sitting in Newman's restaurant one sunny June day eating lunch when Becky Flynn surprised us.

"Hey, you two," she smiled, sitting down across the table from us, "Long time no see. Where ya been?"

"Oh, just here and there," Claire giggled, "Spending time together."

"Oh, hey," Becky said, "I heard that you guys are going to go to school here at 'The U'."

"Yes, we are," Claire smiled, reaching for my hand, "And we're going to live together in our own apartment, too."

"Really," asked Becky, "What do your Mom and Dad have to say about it?"

"Well," Claire uncomfortably replied, "We haven't really told them yet."

"Uh oh," Becky ominously said, "You better tell them, girl, and you need to do it as soon as possible. You know that the longer you wait, the worse it'll be."

"I know," Claire cringed, "Don't remind me."

~~~~~~

Chapter Eight

"Hey Aunt Lauren," I said, sitting down to breakfast the next morning, "Can we invite Claire and her family out here for a barbecue tomorrow?"

"Is there any reason in particular that you want to do this?" she asked with a knowing smile.

"There sure is," I grinned, "Actually there are two reasons."

~~~~~~

"I'll have to ask Mom," Claire smiled, when I told her, "But I'm pretty sure that we can all be there. Why?"

I leaned in and sensually kissed her sweet lips and then replied, "It's a surprise!"

~~~~~~

The next afternoon, Uncle Mike had a nice brisket roasting over the barbecue pit while he, John and I sat out on the back deck, enjoying a cold drink and talking, while the women were inside helping to get the meal ready. 

"So, tell me, Mike," John inquired, "Do you play golf?"

"I love to play," laughed Uncle Mike, "It's having the time to play that gives me problems, John."

"I can definitely understand that," chuckled John, "How about you Scott, do you play?"

"When it comes to playing golf," I laughed, "I couldn't hit water if I fell in a river."

~~~~~~

After we had all eaten our fill, Aunt Lauren came from the kitchen with a homemade apple pie, followed by Marsha carrying a double-layer chocolate cake. Needless to say, I was drooling by now, but I had other fish to fry at the moment. 

As soon as the dessert had been put on the table, I stood and said, "Before we dig in, there's something I need to say." After reaching into my pocket, I withdrew the box containing my mother's wedding rings. As I turned to Claire, I dropped down on one knee, and then nervously said, "Claire, I loved you the very first time I ever saw you, and I'm going to keep on loving you until the day I die. I can't imagine my life without you. I'm asking you to be my wife so that I won't have to live without you."

"OH MY GOD" she screamed, tears pouring down her cheeks, "Yes. I love you, Scott, yes; I would love to be your wife." By now we were standing, holding one another so tightly you'd think we were glued together by the sight of us.

I opened the small box, and placing the engagement ring on her finger, which was a little big, but not too much, I softly told her, "These rings belonged to my mother, and now they belong to you. I love you," and then I softly kissed her lips. Claire was too moved to even be able to speak, but as opposed to her having to think she was required to say anything; I simply held her while she cried, and until she could regain her composure.

"Well done, Scotty," Uncle Mike grinned.

"I have to agree with you, Mike," said John, "Very well done indeed, Scott." 

I looked across the table to find Marsha, Aunt Lauren, and Dawn all smiling silently with tears raining down their faces.

~~~~~~

"Are you alright, baby?" I asked Claire, once she'd regained her composure.

"I'm okay," she sniffled, smiling brightly with tears still in her eyes.

"I love you," I smiled, "I love you with all my heart."

"Oh Scotty," Claire cooed, admiring the ring I'd just placed on her finger, "This is perfect, absolutely perfect."

"Bring it here and let us see it, Claire," giggled Dawn.

Before she left my arms to go across the room, Claire kissed my lips and then giggled as she trotted over to show the ring to her family.

"Oh my goodness, Scott," gasped Marsha, "This is simply beautiful, sweetie."

"Am I going to get to be in your wedding, Sis?" Dawn hopefully asked.

"Of course, sweetie," gushed Claire, leaning down and hugging her baby sister, "Who else am I gonna get to be my maid of honor, huh?"

"I love you, Sis," Dawn replied, tears beginning to openly pour down her face, "And I'm so happy for you."

"Aww I love you, too, baby girl," smiled Claire, as she threw her arms around her little sister.

"Uh oh," laughed John, "My two girls are getting along. We'd better find a place to hide before the lightning strikes us." 

"Oh hush, Daddy," giggled Claire.

"So, when is the wedding?" Dawn excitedly asked.

"I haven't had time to think about it," Claire cooed, "He just asked me a little while ago."

"Have you two thought about where you might want to live?" Marsha asked smiling.

"It's funny you should mention that," I uncomfortably replied, "We want to live together while we go to college."

"Is that right," John sternly replied, rising from his seat and glaring at me from across the room.

Slowly walking over to John, I stood almost toe-to-toe with him and said, "I mean no disrespect, sir, but I love Claire with everything I am. And if it means that I have to fight for her...I will."

John's stern glare melted into a smile; and as tears began to fill his eyes, he pulled me into a hug and happily replied, "I believe you, Scott. Welcome to my family, boy," then he laughed and added, "Hell, I've always wanted a son anyway."

"And I always wanted a little girl," cried Aunt Lauren, as she rose from her seat and threw her arms around Claire, "I love you, baby girl, and welcome to our family."

"Thank you, Aunt Lauren," cried Claire, wrapping her arms around Aunt Lauren's neck, "And I love you, too."

"You still haven't told us where you two are going to live, Scotty," laughed Uncle Mike, making everyone else laugh as well.

"Well," I replied, "We were thinking about getting an apartment somewhere near campus."

"I thought that all freshmen had to live in the dorms," Marsha said.

"We live here in town, Mom," Claire smiled, "And that means we're exempt from that rule." 

"I'm not going to have you two paying rent on an apartment," smiled John, "I just had one of my rental houses to come open. You two can live there for as long as you want."

"Oh thank you, Daddy," squealed Claire, throwing her arms around John's neck, kissing him on the cheek.

~~~~~~

And that was the way our lives went. Claire and I moved into our house the following week. Between her parents and Aunt Lauren and Uncle Mike, we had some nice furniture, plenty of dishes etc, and more love than the law allowed.

We got married during the Christmas break between the first two semesters of college, and after that; our lives became more enriched than I ever thought possible. I was with my true soul mate that I would love forever, and that's all that mattered. Claire and I made love nearly every day and night, never tiring of one another. God, how I loved her!

~~~~~~

During the summer of our first year, a very cool thing happened. My creative writing professor had encouraged me to write a book on any subject I chose. I decided to write a children's story called "Smiles". It was a story about a little boy who had lost his parents when he was young, and I'll leave it to your imagination as to how the story turned out.

As soon as I had finished it and turned it in, I received a phone call from a major publisher the following week, offering me a book deal. Aunt Lauren asked if she could illustrate it for me, who I would never trust anyone else to do, and the next thing I knew; "Smiles" had hit the best seller's list.

Six months after that, the money began to roll in, and in doing so; John hooked me up with a literary agency that was owned by one of his old college fraternity brothers. So, as well as being busy writing; I soon became busy doing book signings as well.

~~~~~~

Over the course of the next three years, I'd made more than enough money to build and furnish Claire's dream house. Needless-to-say, the moment I began making good money on my books, of which there were three by this time, college became a thing of the past. Hell, I was going to college in hopes of becoming a writer anyway so; why go to learn how to do what I was already doing? Claire wasn't very happy about my dropping out, but in the end she smiled and said, "I love you baby, and I just want you to be happy so; if this is what makes you happy, then I'm happy, too."

~~~~~~

The weekend following Dawn's seventeenth birthday, Claire had gone with her parents to see the "Titanic" exhibit that had come to the city which was also our state capital. It was about a three hour drive and they were going to be gone for the week. I couldn't go with them, as I had a deadline to meet, and Dawn had to go to school. She stayed at our house, much to her disdain, I might add. She clearly though that, at seventeen, she was old enough to stay by herself; it was just that her parents wanted someone, primarily me, to keep an eye on her. They also knew that she wouldn't give me any shit either. I was just finishing doing some proof reading that Monday morning when the phone rang. 

"Hello," I answered.

"Scotty," Aunt Lauren cried, "You need to get over here as fast as you can, honey."

"What is it?" I asked, a terrible feeling beginning to rise from the pit of my stomach.

"I'm not going to tell you over the phone, baby," she sobbed, "Just please get here quickly."

~~~~~~

"What is it, Aunt Lauren?" I asked, running into their house.

Aunt Lauren looked up at me with tears covering her face, and rushing toward me; she threw her arms around my neck and cried, "Claire, Marsha and John have been in a car accident. John and Marsha died instantly, and Claire is in Mercy Hospital, hanging on by a thread. I'm so very sorry, Scotty. Oh baby boy, I'm so sorry, honey." Suddenly everything went black, and when I next opened my eyes, Aunt Lauren was helping me up from the floor and onto the couch. I suddenly felt sick at my stomach, making me dash for the bathroom just in time to empty the contents of my stomach into the toilet. My first thought was that I had to go get Dawn out of school to go with me to the hospital, and when I voiced my concern to Aunt Lauren, she held my hands and said, "Your Uncle Mike is already on his way home with her."

Suddenly I heard Dawn's terrified voice screaming from the hallway, "SCOTTY! SCOTTY! WHERE ARE YOU?"

"I'm right here, baby girl," I replied, taking her into my arms as she continued screaming into my chest.

~~~~~~

Uncle Mike had a friend with the state police; and what was normally a three hour drive to the state capitol, was driven in just under two hours with a police escort all the way. I promised myself that I would never drive my Corvette over 100 mph when I first bought it, but that went to hell in a hand basket the moment we hit the highway. 

We had an escort at the front door of the hospital, waiting to take us to Claire. "Right this way, please," she solemnly said, as soon as we approached. She led us down the hall to the elevators, then from there; took us to the fourth floor and the Intensive Care Unit.

I felt the tears stinging my eyes, and my guts twisting into knots the moment I saw Claire lying in the hospital bed. She was in traction and had tubes and cords running from her body to the machines that were gathered around her bed. Her face was badly bruised and swollen, and her once beautiful skin was now pallor, and gray. 

With Dawn on one side of Claire's bed, and me on the other, I leaned down and gently took her hand. And with tears raining down my face, I closed my eyes, kissing her hand as I cried, "I love you so much, my precious angel."

All of a sudden I felt her hand weakly squeezing mine, making me raise my head and looking up to find her Claire with her eyes open slightly open. She could speak but only barely, and as I leaned closer to her, she whispered, "I need to talk to Dawn for a minute, okay?"

"Okay, baby," I replied, "I'll be right outside." As I stepped back, I patted Dawn on the shoulder on my way out the door.

~~~~~~

I stood in the hallway, right outside Claire's door, with my back against the wall, and my head in my hands. "Please, God," I silently prayed, "Don't take Claire from me. You took my parents, isn't that enough?"

"Mister Powers?" asked a female voice, snapping me from the trance I had fallen into.

"Yes," I replied, opening my eyes, "I'm Mister Powers."

"I'm Doctor Laura Daniels," she said, patting my shoulder, "Your wife is in critical condition, Mister Powers."

"But she's going to be alright, isn't she?" I hopefully asked, "How soon before we can take her home?"

"You don't seem to understand," she solemnly replied, "Every bone in her body is broken, and to be as honest as I can, I don't see how she's stayed alive as long as she has."

"But you guys can make her better, can't you," I pleaded, tears raining down my face like flood waters, "Please Doctor, you got to help her...please."

~~~~~~

"What is it, Sis," Dawn wept, "What can I do?"

"I need you to take care of Scott for me," Claire said, "Promise me that you will."

"But you're going to be alright," Dawn cried, "We'll be taking you back home in a few days."

"No, honey, not this time," Claire painfully smiled, "I asked God to let me live long enough to be able to tell you guys good-bye."

"Please don't say that, Sis," Dawn replied sadly, "What am I going to do without you?"

"You're going to be with Scott now," Claire peacefully replied, "Don't tell me that you don't love him as much as I do, because I've always known better, sweet girl. Besides, you two will be lost without each other."

"I'm so afraid, Sis," Dawn cried, taking her sister's hand, "What am I going to do without you, and Mom and Dad?"

"Scotty's gonna look after you now," Claire smiled, "But you have to take care of him, too, because he's gonna need you after I'm gone."

"I'll do my best," Dawn said tearfully, "I promise."

"I love you, and I'm really going to miss you, sweetie," Claire weakly said, "Now please go get Scott, quickly, I don't have much time." 

"I love you, Claire," Dawn cried, as she left the room.

~~~~~~

I had just finished talking to the doctor when the door to Claire's room opened and Dawn emerged, barely maintaining her composure. She looked up at me with those sad brown eyes, and sniffled, "She wants to see you now, Scott," and then leaned into me and bitterly wept.

~~~~~~

"Hi, sweetheart," I softly said, "How're you feeling?"

"I'm cold, Scott," Claire weakly answered, "Will you hold me, baby, please?"

As I lay down beside her in the bed, I wrapped my arms around her as gently as I could, and said, "I love you so very much Claire, and I always will."

"I want you to do something for me then," she smiled, the pain in her body reflecting in her beautiful eyes.

"Name it, baby," I sniffled, "I'll do whatever you want me to."

"I want you and Dawn to take care of each other now," she said, "She loves you so, and she'll be good to you, Scotty."

"I will," I cried, blindly saying whatever was needed to ease her mind, "I love you so much."

She looked sweetly at me, and with her last breath, peacefully uttered, "I love you, too," and then she was gone.

I was so torn apart by my grief that I didn't hear the door to Claire's hospital click shut, nor did I know that Dawn had heard every word her sister had said to me, and I to her.

~~~~~~

We buried Claire right next to her mother and father. It was a beautiful day that day, and I know that Claire, as well as John and Marsha, would've loved it. I wasn't surprised by the number of people that attended their funeral, as it only reiterated the fact that Claire, Marsha and John were loved by so very many people, and had so very many friends.

I sat there listening to the eulogies as the pastor was spoke, but didn't hear a single word. Dawn never left my side the whole time, and was right there for me. Where she was drawing her strength from I'll never know....not for a while anyway.

~~~~~~

Chapter Nine

Claire and her parents had been gone for over a year now, but I still expected to see Claire pulling in the driveway just any second. John and Marsha's will had been read, leaving Dawn as their sole beneficiary. And per Dawn's orders, I sold everything, the house, one of John's antique Corvettes, the 53 so that Dawn would have the 54 to drive, and put the money in a bank account that would go to Dawn when she turned eighteen. 

My life had now become a series of nightmares on the few nights that I actually could sleep, and then the days were filled with pain and longing for Claire. I had stopped writing; stopped doing all the things that once brought me joy, and basically, just stopped living. Aunt Lauren and Uncle Mike had called on me several times, only to be sent away because of my weak-assed excuses. I shut out the world and crawled into my own shell, as well as my own world, a world of deep sorrow and deeper regret, and last, a world of the deepest pain and darker anger. My beautiful Claire was dead, and as far as I was concerned, so was I.

One afternoon the following summer, everything began to change when Dawn, who, even though I had pretty much ignored her, had never once left my side this whole time, came into the house carrying a basket of fresh picked flowers. "Hi, Scott," she chirped, "How're you today?"

"Does it really matter?" I grumbled.

Suddenly she sat down across from me and began to cry for no apparent reason, or so I thought, until she angrily glared and said, "You think you're the only one who's hurting? Well.....do you?"

"I don't know," I hopelessly replied, "All I know is that my Claire is gone," as I began to cry again.

Coming over and sitting down beside me on the couch, Dawn wrapped her arms around me, and with pleading eyes, said, "You're the only family I have left, Scott. Please don't do this to yourself. Claire would've wanted us to live to celebrate her life, not moping around, mourning her death."

I knew that she was trying to help, but instead of trying to understand, I took a defensive attitude and growled, "Until you lose someone that you love more than anything in the world, you'll never understand what I'm feeling."

"You're being a selfish prick, Scott," she tearfully, yet angrily spat, "I lost the people I loved more than anything in the world the day my whole family died, God dammit. So, don't you dare think for a second that I don't understand what you're feeling, you fucker." With that said, she ran upstairs to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.

~~~~~~

I didn't see Dawn for the rest of that day or night, and she was gone when I awoke the next morning at six o'clock. I couldn't bear for her to be angry with me, because whether she believed me or not; I still cared for her deeply. After all, Dawn had stolen my heart the very first time I laid eyes on her. That's why I found her school-girl crush on me absolutely adorable. I guess it was the fact that I was trying to mend not only my broken heart, but my tortured soul that made me lash out like I had at her. Still though, I was in the wrong; and I knew that it was up to me to make things right.

Dawn had been right about Claire when she said that she wouldn't have wanted us to mourn her death forever. So, that morning I sat down with my type-writer beside our pool that Claire had loved so much, and began to write. I wrote down every wonderful thing I knew about my beautiful wife. I recounted the first time we met, and how I felt that afternoon driving home and finding out that she had called my house looking for me. I described, in detail, how just a simple smile from her would send me into oblivion, or how the single touch of her hand, would always leave me speechless. I wrote about our relationship, and all the sweet things we had said to one another. Even the celebration of our birthdays, and the silly little gag gifts we always gave each other were included. But most of all, I wrote about the solemn vows we'd made, vows that demanded and exacted an undying, and eternal love for one another. I also wrote about Dawn, and the precious way she'd stolen my heart as a child. I described the wonderful experiences I'd been fortunate, as well as blessed enough to be able to share with her.




The Light of Dawn



As I transcribed those feelings from my heart to my hands, the written words that were left in their wake conveyed every single emotion I felt and/or was still feeling. I wrote until I could remember no more; and two hundred and ninety-one pages later, I suddenly found that I had been almost fully liberated of the emptiness I once felt in my soul. 

Everything I put down on paper that day made me realize that God given me the ability to express an ocean full of pure heartfelt emotions in only so many words. I also knew that I'd been given another chance, and that it was time to not only start writing again, but start living again as well, and for that I was thankful.

I stood up, feeling somewhat better than I'd felt in quite a few months now, and took the box full of pages that I'd just typed inside the house, placing the it on the kitchen table along with my type-writer. Then I went upstairs and took a shower.

I had let myself go over the past months, not shaving and badly in need of a hair-cut. So, after my shower, I got dressed and headed into town. There was a barber shop that Uncle Mike went to where I could get an old-fashioned shave-and-a-haircut.

~~~~~~

I saw Dawn's car in the driveway when I got back home that evening, and I was pleasantly surprised by the feeling of relief that washed over me. I hoped she would be willing to accept the deepest apology that I sorely owed her. She was right when she called me a selfish prick. I had been wallowing so deep in my own self pity that I'd turned my back on Dawn, emotionally, when she'd needed me the most; and now I prayed for her forgiveness.

"Anybody home?" I loudly announced, as I walked through the front door. I was disappointed when I heard no answer, but it wasn't for long. Because the moment I walked around the corner, I was almost overcome by hugs and kisses, surrounded in a flurry of long dark brown hair.

Dawn said nothing, but simply held on, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, her own way, since childhood, of expressing her feelings to me. "I love you, Scott," she finally said, "And I'm really sorry about what I said yesterday."

"Come on, baby girl," I replied, taking her by the hand and setting her down at the kitchen table. Then pulling up a chair beside her, I held her hands in mine, and looking into her big dark brown eyes, I smiled and said, "I'm the one who should be apologizing to you, sweet girl. After the accident, I crawled into a shell and hid myself from the world. I pushed everyone who tried to help me completely away. In the process, I ended up hurting a lot of people, the most important of whom was you. I'm so very sorry for turning you away when you needed me the most, and I hope that you can forgive me, sweet girl."

"Scott," she smiled, "There's nothing to forgive, okay?"

~~~~~~

After she graduated high school, Dawn went to the University of Tennessee on an academic scholarship, majoring in engineering. I missed her badly while she was gone that first semester, and when she back came home for Thanksgiving that first time; I noticed that, gone now was the little girl who left home four months earlier, and in her place returned a young woman that would grow to be even more beautiful than I'd ever imagined.

"Did you miss me?" she asked, as I greeted her at the door.

"You know I did," I chuckled, tickled to see her, "Wow, you look amazing."

"Thanks, Scott," she blushed, as she came through the door, "You look good, as always." Then taking her bags, she trotted up the stairs to her room, turning and winked at me and giggling as she closed the door behind her. 

~~~~~~

"I wanted to thank you for the dozen roses you sent me on my birthday, Scott," Dawn cooed, as we sat down to dinner that night, "You know that all of my sorority sisters are all jealous of me because I live with you."

"No," I laughed, "I didn't know that, but you're welcome for the flowers just the same."

"The president of my sorority is an English major," she giggled, "And she knows all about you."

"Cool," I teased, "Maybe she and I need to meet."

"I don't think so, Mister," she momentarily glared, then smiled, "Oh, that reminds me; will you be my escort to the Spring Formal?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"No," she curtly replied, "You don't."

"Okay sweetie," I smiled, "I'll go with you."

"Thank you, Scott," she grinned, jumping up from her seat, coming around the table to sit in my lap, and then throwing her arms around my neck, "I really missed you while I was gone."

"I missed you, too," I replied, holding her tightly.

~~~~~~

Our second Christmas without her/our family was solemn for Dawn and me. But, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Mike chased away the gloom, making it pleasant for both Dawn and myself. 

~~~~~~

When I arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee the afternoon of Dawn's Spring Formal that night, the first place I went was to my hotel room, which I'd booked in advanced. Once I was checked in and was in my room, I called Dawn to let her know that I was in town, and what hotel I was staying at. As always, she squealed over the phone when she heard my voice, telling me that she would be there shortly.

~~~~~~

Twenty minutes later there was a knock at my hotel room door. I was greeted by Dawn as she squealed the moment the door was open, and as always, threw her self against me, and into my arms. However, as opposed to the kiss I normally received on the cheek, this time she openly kissed my lips, and cooed, "Hi, Scotty, I've sure have missed you."

"I missed you, too," I smiled, as I noticed there was another girl with her, "Well, who is this?"

"Oh, yeah," Dawn giggled, blushing, "This is my roommate, Sherry Hawkins." 

"Hi Sherry," I smiled, "It's nice to meet you."

It's nice to meet you, too, Mister Powers," she girlishly giggled, "I absolutely love your books. I've got every single one of them, too."

"Thank you," I politely replied, "I'm glad you like them, and my name is Scott."

~~~~~~

Ever since Dawn came home from college that first time, I began to notice that she was definitely growing up. She was no longer that little girl that I used to throw over my shoulder and wrestle in the pool with. Now she was a fully grown woman, and while my Claire had been the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen; Dawn possessed a rare and treasured beauty like none before her. Granted, she was only nineteen at the time, but because of everything that had happened to her at this point in her life; she had a maturity about her that was seemingly way beyond her years. I was certain that I was the only one that could see her vulnerability, but that was only because I knew her so well.

~~~~~~

After following the directions she'd given me, I pulled up in front of Dawn's sorority house at six o'clock that evening, just as I'd been instructed... (Sound familiar?). I got out of my car and walked up to the house and knocked on front door. I was greeted by a very pretty girl with long blonde hair, and dressed in formal attire.

"May I help you?" she asked smiling.

"Yes," I grinned, "I'm here to pick up Dawn Rogers."

"Oh my goodness," she giggled, "You're Scott Powers, aren't you?" And then before I had a chance to respond, she turned her head to her left, looking at someone unseen and shouted, "HE'S HERE, YOU GUYS!!!"

Suddenly I found myself surrounded by several girls, all of them dressed to kill, and each one of them with a copy of one, or in some cases, all three of my books. I had been to more than several book signings by this time, but not once had I been mobbed like this. Of course, I most certainly enjoyed the fact that they were all female, but these girls were treating me like I was some kind of rock star or something. Man, it was crazy!

"Uh, Excuse me, ladies," said a sweet and familiar voice behind me, making everyone turn and look. The sight I beheld that evening was nothing short of spectacular. Dawn was dressed in a deep blue halter style dress, which had a spilt up the side, stopping about five inches below her hip, one fourth of the way down the outside of her thigh. Her figure was an exact duplicate of Claire's, with the exception of her breasts, although Dawn's were only smaller by maybe a cup size at the very most. Where she normally wore her long hair down on her shoulders, she now had it stylishly done up on her head; with little brown wisps of hair softly bouncing down her temples. Her make-up was flawless, and with the heels she was wearing, she stood almost as tall as me, making her look statuesque.

However, before I had the chance to comment, she marched into the throng of her sorority sisters, and firmly said, "Will you ladies please stop mauling my date? He didn't come here to sign books. He came here to escort me to the Spring Formal." Her comments were followed by groans and whines, with a few dirty looks thrown in for good measure, from the other girls. 

But these same girls had gone out and bought my books, which also pays my bills so, after sweetly looking into Dawn's eyes, I politely asked, "May I speak to you privately please?"

Taking me by the hand, she turned and said, "Follow me," making heart almost stop when I saw that the back of her dress was so low that is stopped just past the rise of her ass.

~~~~~~

"Listen, sweetie" I told Dawn, once we were in the other room, "These girls all went out and bought copies of my books because they know you. You don't want to disappoint them do you?"

"No," she pouted, "Aren't even you going to say anything about the way I look, Scott?" 

I leaned down and quickly kissed her lips and then softly said, "Are you kidding me? You look gorgeous, baby girl."

"You always know just what to say to make me feel beautiful, Scott," she cooed, "Thank you, handsome."

"You're welcome," I smiled, taking her hand, "Now come on and let me sign these books for your friends."

~~~~~~

Her sorority sisters were all seemingly thrilled and content that I had autographed their copies of my books. And while I signed books, Dawn sat proudly beside me, her hand on my knee, which was her subtle way of letting the other girls know that I was strictly off-limits. She had always been that way with me, even when Claire was alive. I always thought it was cute and never paid any mind. However, things were very different now, and because of the trauma that had been thrust upon us, we had both become very different people.

~~~~~~

The Spring Formal was nice, as it provided Dawn and I the opportunity to spend a fun evening together. She allowed a few of her friends to dance with me on the fast songs, but all of the slow ones were strictly hers. She held me ever so closely, and made it a point to tell me several times that night that she loved me. Of course I told her the same thing, but I felt the intention of something far more meaningful when she said it. 

As we sat back down from dancing, a tall and rather busty and curvy, red-haired beauty made her way to our table. And then leaning down to speak to Dawn, she flashed a smile that was as transparent as Glad Wrap™, and with a syrupy sweet, almost sickening, southern accent, chirped, "Well, hi there, Dawn honey, you need to introduce me to your handsome date."

Rolling her eyes, Dawn flatly said, "This is Kristy Sanders, the vice-president of our sorority. Kristy, this is Scott Powers."

"I'm so charmed to make your acquaintance, sir," she regally replied, "Little Dawn here, has told me so much about you."

"Puh-leez," Dawn sarcastically laughed, eliciting an icy glare from Kristy.

"It's nice to meet you," I politely replied, sensing a tension building between the two women.

"Oh, and he's so polite, too," Kristy tittered, "I think you should buy me a drink, Scott, dear."

"I think you should take a hike, Kristy, dear," Dawn growled, mocking her.

"What did you just say to me, freshman?" Kristy snottily quipped.

"You heard me," Dawn replied, rising from her seat with fire in her eyes, "Hit the bricks and leave him alone."

"Maybe he'd like to find out what it is to be with a woman instead of a child," Kristy taunted.

"You, a woman?" laughed Dawn, "How can you say that, when your hair color only costs about twelve bucks a bottle. And don't get me started on whose cock you had to suck in order to get him to pay for those big fake udders that you need to go with your big fat ass. So, beat it, and leave us alone, you cow."

"Go back to your family, little girl," Kristy hissed, "Oh, I forgot," she laughed, "Your family is dead."

I shot straight up from my chair with an anger which I'd never felt before, and growled, "That's enough!" Then I glared at Kristy and said, "If you don't, or perhaps can't understand plain English, let me make it easy for you. Get the fuck out of here, now!"

"Well, I never," she replied in a huff, turning to leave.

"You have now, bitch," Dawn giggled, as Kristy stomped away.

~~~~~~

Dawn decided to spend that night in my room. Hell, we'd slept together in the same bed on a number of occasions when she would spend the night with us as a little girl; and this would be no different, or so I thought. We stopped at the sorority house for her to pick up a bag that she had pre-packed, and then we went to my hotel.

~~~~~~

"I meant to tell you when I was here earlier that I like this hotel room, Scott," Dawn chirped brightly.

"It's called a suite," I nervously replied, "But there's only one bed, I wasn't expecting company.

"Come on, Scott," she giggled, "Are you afraid to sleep in the same bed with me?"

"Of course I'm not afraid," I lied, "I'm not afraid at all."

"Well then, I'm going to go change into something a little more comfortable," she smiled, "Why don't you call down and order room service? Besides, I know that you haven't eaten anything and I'm sure that you're hungry. I know I am."

"Alright," I grinned, picking up the phone as she made her way to the bedroom, carrying her bag down the hall. I still couldn't keep my eyes off of her in that dress, my God, she was beautiful.

~~~~~~

Moments later, Dawn emerged from the bathroom dressed in a pair of very tight cut-off sweat shorts, and a form-fitting tank top that made it quite obvious that she was not wearing a bra beneath it. As I'd said earlier, Dawn had a figure that was almost exactly like Claire's with the exception of her breasts, and it was all I could do to keep from staring. But how could not stare? Dawn was every man's dream; as well as every woman's envy.

I began to feel a tightening in my shorts that had not been there since Claire died, and while it felt good, a sense of guilt for having those feelings for Dawn made it fade away as quickly as it began. "What's wrong, Scott?" she asked, sensing a sudden change in my mood.

"Oh, nothing really," I lied, "I guess I'm just a little tired, that's all,"

Before Dawn could respond, room service knocked on our door and the matter was dropped...at least for the time being. We ate a nice leisurely dinner, not saying a whole lot, and then when we were finished, retired to bed.

~~~~~~

"Thanks for coming tonight, Scott," Dawn smiled as we climbed into bed, "I had a really nice time."

"You're Welcome," I replied, turning off the light, "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"I love you, Scott," she breathed, suddenly kissing my lips while pressing the length of her body against mine.

However, before I could respond, I heard a contented little sigh escape her throat as she laid her head on my chest so, I simply smiled while wrapping my arm around her and replied, "I love you, too, sweet girl."

~~~~~~

I suddenly awoke in the middle of the night feeling something warm and wonderful pressing against my cock, which was now harder than I could ever remember it being. And as I became more alert, I realized that I had a handful of something soft, yet firm, and wonderfully full. When I opened my eyes, I discovered, much to my horror, that Dawn and I were spooning. Her shorts molded themselves to every curve and crevice, and I discovered that my cock was now snugly wedged between the beautifully sculpted globes of her ass, and that my right hand was on her breast. 

She was still asleep, but she must've been having a sexy dream, her ass wiggling against me, and her nipple was about to bore a whole through my palm. And had I lain there a few minutes more, I would've surely cum. But just as I was about to give in to the animal lust I was feeling, the guilt of what I was doing set in, making me slowly pull away from her and get out of the bed.

~~~~~~

I sat out on the balcony of my hotel suite in a state of total confusion, even more so at knowing that my life had come to an impasse. On the one hand, Claire had made me promise to look out for Dawn; and there was no way in hell that I would ever renege on that. But at the same time, I was beginning to experience feelings for Dawn that I knew, in my heart, weren't proper. Hell, I'd known Dawn since she was a child. "But you were a child back then, too," the voice inside my head said, "You're only a little less than five years older than her, you idiot!"

I was suddenly broken out of my reverie, when a soft hand touched the back of my neck, followed by, "Hey, handsome," softly spoken by an all too familiar female voice behind me.

"Hi, sweet girl," I smiled, "Why aren't you asleep?"

"Well," she cooed, sitting in my lap and wrapping her arms around me, "There's an empty place in the bed where you're supposed to be."

"Dawn, sweetie," I said, deciding to take the bull by the horns, "We need to have a talk, and I don't think...."

"No, Scott," she firmly interrupted, her eyes beginning to fill with tears, "I know what you're going to say, and I'm not listening. Besides, this isn't the time or the place for it." Then she angrily jumped up from my lap and added, "But you're right. We do need to talk, and I'm coming home for spring break in ten days so that we can do that very thing," and without another word, she turned and went back inside, with the sound of the bedroom door slamming shut moments later. I guess I was going to be sleeping on the couch for the rest of the night.

~~~~~~

When I opened my eyes the next morning, I found Dawn sitting in a chair across from the couch I'd been sleeping on, dressed in sweats and tennis shoes. "Good morning," I said.

"Hi," she quietly answered, her eyes red from crying. "Would you like some breakfast, sweet girl?"

"No, thank you," she dispassionately replied, "I've got to get back and study for a test on Monday."

"Do you need me to take you back right now?" I asked, a bad feeling beginning to rise from the pit of my stomach.

"If it's not too much trouble, Scott," she said.

~~~~~~

The conversation between us on the ride back to her sorority house was minimal, strained at best. And when I pulled up to the house, she leaned over and kissed my cheek. Then right before she opened the car door to get out, she put her palm to my cheek, and with a sad smile, said, "I want you to know that I love you very much, Scott."

I didn't want to leave her like this, but I didn't want to hurt her any more than I had apparently already done. So I simply smiled, then took her palm from my face, and kissing it, softly replied, "I love you, too, sweet girl."

With my heart literally breaking into pieces, I drove away as soon as I saw that she was safely inside. And as I left Knoxville later that morning, I felt like I was leaving a huge piece of my heart behind.

~~~~~~

Chapter Ten

I got home eight hours later, and even though I was tired from all the driving I'd done; I still found no peace. It was nearing five o'clock in the afternoon, and I wanted, no, needed someone to talk to. That was when I decide to go see Aunt Lauren and Uncle Mike. They had always been there for me, and no doubt, they would still be there.




The Light of Dawn



~~~~~~

Hi, baby," said Aunt Lauren, wrapping her arms around me at the front door, "You look tired, sweetheart, come on in."

I walked into the house that I grew up in, experiencing all the same comforts there that I felt as a boy. "Have you eaten anything Scotty?" asked Uncle Mike, hugging me from the side.

"No," I smiled, "I'm not very sure I could hold it down even if I tried."

"Scotty, honey, this isn't like you," Aunt Lauren said, concerned, "What's wrong, baby boy."

For the first time since I was a young boy, I laid my head in Aunt Laurens's lap and cried harder and longer than I can ever remember doing. All of the pain and anguish of losing Claire, John and Marsha, not to mention the confusion of my feelings toward Dawn, came pouring out of me like the raging waters of an angry river. Aunt Lauren, and now Uncle Mike, who was also at my side, held and comforted me until I once again regained my composure.

"Do you want to talk about this, honey?" Aunt Lauren smiled; once I had taken control of my emotional faculties again.

"You don't want to hear this," I replied, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.

Just then Uncle Mike took my arm and gently turned me around. Then staring into my eyes, he sadly smiled, and said, "Scotty, Lauren and I could never have any children. And while the circumstances were terrible, it still brought us so much joy when you came to live with us."

"I don't understand, Uncle Mike," I said.

"I guess what I'm trying to tell you, Scotty, is that you're the only son I'll ever have," he replied, tears brimming in his eyes, "And when you're hurting inside, I'm hurting too. Now do you understand me, boy?"

"Yes sir," I smiled. 

I started from the very beginning, leaving nothing out. I even told them of the predicament I found myself in with Dawn, the night before. I explained my feelings, the guilt, the uncertainty, and last but most certainly not least, the fear.

When I explained that I was beginning to develop feelings for Dawn I thought to be improper, Aunt Lauren interrupted me and said, "What's so improper about the two of you being together, Scott?"

"I don't know," I replied, shrugging my shoulders, "I feel like I'm robbing the cradle or something."

"Hell, Scotty," Uncle Mike laughed, "I don't know if you've noticed or not, but Dawn's not a baby anymore."

"For once I agree with him, Scott," smiled Aunt Lauren, "Besides, everyone knows that she loves you more than life itself and nobody cares. If anything, I think the two of you are perfect for each other"

"You can't be serious," I scoffed.

Aunt Lauren glared at me like she used to when I was young and she was displeased with me, and angrily said, "I promised Claire that I would never tell you this, but you leave me no choice, you hard-headed little shit." She stood up, put her hands on her hips, and then continuing to glare at me, began, "About a month or so, before she was killed, Claire and I were talking. She smiled, telling me that Dawn has been in love with you ever since the first time she saw you. And she told me that if anything were to ever happen to her, she wanted Dawn to take her place in your life. She also made me promise to do everything in my power to make that happen."

"I don't know, Aunt Lauren," I uneasily replied, "I feel kind of funny about it, like I'm violating Claire's memory."

"Claire has been gone for almost two years now, Scott," she firmly replied, "But she wanted you to live your life happily, and not be all alone. Dawn loves you; and didn't you just tell me a few minutes ago that you've developed some pretty strong feelings for her?" Then she sat back down next to me on the couch and sighed, "Give her a chance, Scott. Who knows, you might even be in for a big surprise, you never can tell."

"She's right, Scotty," Uncle Mike agreed.

Do you guys really think so?" I asked.

"Yes," they simultaneously replied, laughing.

~~~~~~

I drove home that night with a belly full of Aunt Lauren's cooking, and an earful of her advice. Still though, there was a lot of truth in what she'd said, in that Dawn loved me and would never leave me; and if the truth were known, I loved her, too. But then Claire had known all along, because, even though she might have been kidding at the time, she always used to tease me, saying that if I ever left her; it would be for her little sister. I had a lot to think about when I got home that night, but it was getting late and I was tired. So, as opposed to watching a little TV, I went straight to bed. 

~~~~~~

As I slept that night, I had a vivid, almost waking dream. I was in a field somewhere that stretched as far as my eyes could see. I looked around and saw someone coming toward me in the distance. As they got closer, my heart almost leapt from my chest when I saw that it was Claire.

She gave me that earth shattering smile of hers and said, "Hello, my love. I've missed you."

"I've really missed you, too, "I cried.

"I don't have very long," she smiled, "So, listen closely, baby."

I looked into her beautiful blue eyes and suddenly knew that everything was gong to be alright. "What is it, my darling/" I asked.

"Dawn needs you," Claire softly replied, "And I know that you need her, too, Scotty. She's loved you for many years now, and it's time for the two of you to be together just as it was destined to be, long before any of us were ever born. She's your soul mate, baby, and you are hers."

"But I thought you were my soul mate, Claire," I replied in my dream.

"No, my love," she smiled, "I was simply the path that led you two to one another. You're supposed to be with Dawn....you were always meant to be with her."

"I'll always love you, Claire," I cried, "Always!" 

"I know, my sweet, and I'll always love you, too," she cooed, "But our love was never meant to be."

"Will I ever see you again?" I asked.

"Probably not," she soothed, putting her hand on my chest, "But I'll always be in here, Scott."

"I really miss you," I quietly said.

"That too shall pass, my love," she sweetly replied, "But don't think about that anymore, because it is what you do from now on, that counts."

"I don't understand," I said, "Tell me what you mean, Claire."

"The light in that shines your eyes, the light I fell in love with, is because of Dawn, a light that only she can bring forth from you," Claire gently spoke, "One day you'll understand, but now I have to go.......goodbye, my love....." 

"No! Claire! Please, come back," I shouted, as she began to fade from sight.

Right before she faded completely away, I heard her voice softly tell me, "Be with her, she's your destiny."

I sat straight up in bed, covered in sweat, but no longer a prisoner to the pain and confusion I once felt. As I got out of bed and walked the kitchen to get a drink, I knew what it was I was now supposed to do. I also knew that Claire must have truly loved me to have been so selfless in her actions while she was here on this earth.

~~~~~~

The next ten days were absolute agony for me as I waited for Dawn's arrival back home. My days were spent working and talking with my agent, and my nights were now filled with dreams of Dawn. Was this what God had planned for me all along, I wondered? But then again, who was I to try and second guess him? I now knew that I was truly in love with Dawn, and I was going to do everything in my power to finally show her.

~~~~~~

Finally the day came when Dawn was due to come home. I got up bright and early that morning and mowed the lawn, and then cleaned the pool. Then I went back inside, and by the time I had vacuumed both the upstairs and downstairs carpet and finished cleaning the house; it was getting close to the time she said she would be home.

I took a nice hot shower, scrubbed my body, and while I was washing my genitals, the memory of having my cock wedged in between the cheeks of Dawn's beautiful ass that night back in my hotel room came to mind. And all at once my cock stood straight up, but instead of feeling guilt; the knowledge that we were meant for one another since the beginning of time assuaged my conscious, allowing me to surrender to the pleasure that an overdue masturbatory session brings.

As I stoked my cock, the memory of her hot ass against it caused a stirring within my groin to begin to take place. I groaned, stroking harder as I recalled the erotic feeling of her full tits in my hand, wanting to suck the hard nipple that bored a hole in my palm. That was all it took to cause me to begin shooting rope after rope of pent up sperm out of my cock and into the tub. The intensity of the orgasm cased my knees to slightly buckle, and for a moment, I thought I was going to pass out. Whew, I sure needed that, but after I caught my breath, I finished up and got out of the shower.

~~~~~~

While I was working that day, I was trying to think of the best way to reveal my feelings to Dawn. However, after a lot of thought and premeditation; I finally had it all figured out. I put on a nice pair of Dockers™, no underwear, a dress shirt, and my shoes shined to a high gloss, then took a seat at the kitchen table.

~~~~~~

Twenty minutes later, the back door opened, and in she walked. "Hi, sweet girl" I gently said, rising to my feet and enveloping her in my arms, "I really missed you." 

She must've really been stressing over what she was going to say to me, because I felt her relax against me, almost as if the relief was suddenly and abruptly drained from her body. "I missed you two," she replied, into my chest, wrapping her arms tightly around me. 

We held one another for a moment longer until Dawn raised her head, and was about to speak until I stopped her and said, "Go upstairs and get dressed, because we're going out to eat."

"I'm not hungry," she impatiently replied, suddenly backing away from me, "Besides, I have something I need to tell you, Scott...and this can't wait any longer."

"Alright," I smiled, sitting back down in my seat, "I'm all ears, baby girl."

"Alright then," she quipped, "Here it is. I've loved you ever since I was a child, Scott, I think you know that," I nodded, "I know that you loved Claire very much. She was my sister so, I understand. But she's been gone for almost two years now; and it's time for you to move on, Scott." 

By this time I saw that tears were beginning to form in her eyes, and never wanting her to have a reason to ever cry again, I hopped up out of my chair and quickly took her into my arms, kissing her passionately and deeply. I felt her body go weak as she returned my kiss with a vengeance, moaning and whimpering. I then broke off the kiss, and with both of us breathing heavily, I smiled and said, "You're right, baby. I'll love you now, as well as forever if you'll let me."

"It's about damn time," she grinned, happy tears streaming from her face, "Does this mean we can fuck now?"

"Have you lost your mind?" I laughed.

"No," she giggled, "But I heard Claire tell one of her friends that you had a big cock. I never knew how big it was until it was until I felt it on my ass when I spent the night with you in Knoxville. So, now I want to see it and feel in pussy."

"Jesus, Dawn," I laughed, blushing, "Don't you care about romance or foreplay."

"I've had nine years of romance and foreplay," she giggled, "I'm ready for the main event now, Scotty, baby." Then she turned, and beckoning me to follow her, walked toward my bedroom, leaving the clothes she was wearing in her wake.

~~~~~~

That was twenty- two years ago. We were married a month after Dawn graduated from college in a quiet ceremony with Aunt Lauren and Uncle Mike serving as our witnesses. Dawn found the box that contained the two hundred and ninety-one pages of thoughts I'd written that one morning so long ago, and without my knowledge, passed it on to my editor. Dawn gave it the title of "When Roses Fade", which sold more than eight million copies, world-wide, in the first year of its release.

She also gave me two children, twin girls that we named, Chloe and Claire. As I look at the mirror of my past years in life, I realized that Claire had been right when she said that there was a light in my eyes. It was no ordinary light though; it was "The Light of Dawn."

THE END

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