textfiles/stories/perf

PICTURE PERFECT
  by Roberta Belinda

  Rafe gazed out of his window at the sea reflecting the overcast 
sky. Shrugging tiredly, he went out into the mist-filled air. He walked 
to the beach and let the cold water lap at his tired feet. He still was 
carrying his paintbrush, which he twiddled in his hand as he walked. The 
sea air always had helped him think, but was failing that night. A picture 
of a girl was clawing at his mind, willing him to paint her. The vision 
remained faceless and try as he may, Rafe could not place the perfect 
visage to be framed by the lovely gold-tinged tresses.

  The moon glided in the sky accompanying Rafe as he travelled further 
along the beach. He drew his hand through his curly, chestnut hair, and 
his wide, sensitive mouth mellowed into a smile. His dark brown eyes 
softened with unshed tears as his loneliness became evident. Sighing, 
he made his way back to the cottage as the breeze caressed him and 
whispered words of comfort.

  As he entered his home, the white, empty canvas seemed to mock him. He 
threw his brush at it in retaliation and realized he was being silly but
didn't care at the moment. While he slept that night, the faceless vision
stretched her arms to him, pleading, willing, demanding him to make her 
live. He was locked into a cage, captured by the dream. And he knew it 
was true that he was indeed a prisoner of this fiction. Would that he 
could make her real.

  As the morning light stabbed at his tired eyes, Rafe woke up in a 
surly mood. Grumbling, and mumbling he made his way through his morning 
chores and decided to go to town for more supplies. The road was dusty 
and he coughed and sneezed as he walked, which made him even grumpier. 
When they would pave this road would be anyone's guess he figured. Coming 
into the town he spied a gypsy's wagon. This mildly interested Rafe, as 
gypsies always travel in caravans and not in solitary vehicles. 

  His normally insatiable curiousity, however, was dampened by his gloomy 
mood so he passed by the wagon without investigating. As he did he espied 
a slight figure standing next to the wagon wearing a shawl about her hair 
and face. As she turned from him, he caught a quick glimpse of brilliant 
blue eyes, like the sky at dawn. Again he grouchily figured that gypsies 
never stay long anyway, so it would be no use in introducing himself.

  Rafe paid the storekeeper for the supplies and walked into the 
courtyard. He noted that a woman had stopped to speak to the gypsy but 
didn't seem to be shooing her off. Surprisingly, she took her to the 
boarding house instead. A man came out and led the cart and horse away. He 
was about to query someone as to who she was, but decided against it. He 
was going to be too busy staring at a blank canvas to concern himself over 
some girl. Making his way home though, he discovered his mood had lifted a 
bit in spite of all efforts to remain glum.

  Meanwhile, the young woman sat forlornly upon the straight, wooden 
chair in the foyer of the boarding house. She had removed her scarf and 
amber hair lay in heavy brushstrokes about her shoulders. She nervously 
pleated the hem of her dress as she waited for the woman to come back. 
Lyra was sure that she would not be accepted here. She was a vagabond, 
afterall. The woman came back smiling though, carrying linens and a 
plain, simple dress for her to wear. Lyra looked down at her gaudy beads 
and brightly colored clothing and concluded the lady was right.

  "Here we go child. We can't have you walking around like that. The 
women's church group would have a fit,"  The boarding house matron 
chuckled.

  "Thank you for having me. I will try not to be a bother madame. Do you 
know where I might find work?" she asked.

  The lady mused over this for awhile and then a gleam came into her eye. 
She looked the girl over as she stroked her chin. "Yes! I believe I do.

  Lyra smiled unsteadily, a bit tired at her journey. Her small, heart-
shaped face grew pale. The matron dropped the things she was carrying and 
hurried over to her. "My goodness! You look terrible! Enough about work 
and all that. Let us concern ourselves with getting cleaned up and rested. 
A nice hot bath will do you well. If you should need anything just call 
for me. My name is Mrs. Mintrel."

  The young woman rose and followed Mrs. Mintral who had stooped to 
collect the things she had dropped. The room she took her to was plain, 
but was clean and neat. There was an adjoining bathroom. The matron smiled 
proudly saying, "I have the only boarding house for miles that has private 
bathrooms here in England. Enjoy!"

  Lyra was amazed to see the bathtub, having only washed in streams and 
lakes all her life. As the matron left, she started to run the water and 
realized how hot it was. She quickly removed her hand and turned the other 
spigot to see what came out of that one. Cold water soothed her stinging 
member. She sighed in relief and having plugged the hole, the bathtub soon 
filled with soothing, warm water, which she happily submerged herself in. 
This had to be heaven!

  After her bath, Lyra came out and found that Mrs. Mintral had left a 
nice flannel nightgown for her to wear. The material felt as soft as down 
as she slipped it on. She brushed and braided her still damp hair and 
pounced on the tall feather bed, sinking into its softness. Nestling under 
the covers, she thought of the man she saw in town. He had looked so sad, 
and she wondered why. He had a beautiful mouth, such a mouth should have 
been smiling. Her eyes drooped as she pondered, and soon she slumbered.

                              *  *  *

  Over in the seaside cottage, a battle was raging. Rafe was nearly 
pulling his hair out in frustration, as he threw yet another unacceptable 
painting out the open window. His yard was littered with dozens of golden-
brown haired girls, all whom were lovely masterpieces, but none satisfying 
his vision. Surveying the mess he had made, he decided it was time to quit. 
Sighing, he realized he had less than two months before his next showing 
and he needed to get this painting done. But, today would not be the day.

  His stomach growled making him aware that it was suppertime. He didn't 
feel like cooking, instead, he would brave the dusty road back to town. 
So he set off, and as he approached the town it was starting to get dark. 
Mrs. Mintrel was nearly closing the restaurant, but saw Rafe and smilingly 
ushered him in. Having settled down with a bowl of chowder, he looked 
around the restaurant.

  He thought he saw someone peep at him through the door to the kitchen, 
but when he looked again, the person was gone. Did he really see auburn 
hair? He was working much too hard he thought as he rubbed his eyes 
tiredly. He wondered if perhaps Mrs. Mintrel had the gypsy girl working 
in the kitchen. Shrugging, he rose and called out to the matron who came 
and took his money, asking him to visit her again as he left.

  Lyra's heart was beating as she realized that the man had seen her. 
She didn't know why he affected her this way, but she felt incredibly shy 
in his presence. Maybe it was because his hair begged for her to twine her 
fingers in its locks, or that his eyes reminded her of the baby fawn she 
once had as a pet. Now that he had left, she felt sad, thinking she had 
missed an opportunity to meet him. Who knew how long she would be allowed 
to stay? All her life she had been warned that the townfolk hated gypsies. 
But the people here had welcomed her, saddened that her caravan had been 
killed, and the fact that she wasn't a true gypsy, but was taken as a baby. 
Still she never hated the woman who had stolen her, for she cherished Lyra 
as her own mother would have.

  Lyra dried her hands after doing the dishes and approached Mrs. Mintral.
"Thank you for letting me help in the kitchen. I want to earn my keep," 
she said shyly.

  Mrs. Mintrel held her face in her hands. " My dear! You are far too 
pretty too work in a kitchen! Your lovely fingers will grow rough and dry 
with the harsh soap and scrubbing. Hopefully, we can find a much better 
job for you to do! This is not the employ that I have planned for you."

  Lyra was astonished at the depths of charity that this woman had 
within her. She was sure no one was as beautiful as this old woman was, 
not even she. This woman's husband must bless the Lord everyday that he is 
alive to have such a treasure in his midst. "Really, madame. You have done 
far too much for me already!"

  "Tut, tut! I won't hear another word," Mrs. Mintrel said, as scooted 
Lyra out the restaurant door. "Tomorrow we need to find you more suitable 
work."

   Lyra prepared for bed that night, with the thought that she had never 
had the luxury of sleeping twice in one day. But, she was tired, and 
thankful that she was able to. She dreamt the sea was a man with fathomless 
eyes and strong sinuous body. The waves were like his hair. she dived into 
the depths of him and didn't wish to be rescued. She floated further out 
into the sea lost forever in the leagues of his gaze. Suddenly she awoke 
to a cold chill -- the window had been left open. The salt in the air bit 
her nose and she rose to close it. The stars, sparkling gems in the sky 
made her pause, and she leaned on the window and thought that tomorrow she 
would like to go to the seashore. The memory of her dream nudged at her 
knowingly, and she laughed.
   
  Hopping back into bed after closing the window, she hoped she would 
dream again. Sighing, she settled back into sleep, her smile giving clue 
to what her mind beheld.

  In another bed, the occupant was not so tranquil. He was sure he had 
seen someone in that kitchen. And surely, the flash of bronze was not in 
his imagination. He gazed up at the beams in his ceiling and thought of 
how he must be going mad. He was seeing brown- haired women wherever he 
went. It had to be an illusion; his vision was haunting him during the 
day now as well. Tossing and turning, he finally dozed off into a restless 
sleep, his final thought being how he must ask Mrs. Mintrel about that 
gypsy girl.

                              *  *  *

  A little bird twittered playfully outside Lyra's window as she bustled 
about the room. Mrs. Mintral had welcomed the idea of a visit to the beach, 
and so Lyra was being extra swift with her morning routine. As she trotted 
down the stairs, The old woman had just set a picnic basket on the trestle 
table near the door. Outside, the horse was chomping impatiently at his 
bit, kicking the dirt with his hoof. Lyra picked up the basket against all 
of Mrs. Mintral's protests and they set off in the carriage to the beach.

  The sun danced merrily in the sky and sent beams of warmth on them as 
they arrived at the shore. The waves wagged beckoning fingers at Lyra, 
begging her to come frolick among them. She saw a couple of lonely clouds 
in the sky as she raised her head to breathe in the salt air. Not being 
able to constrain herself any longer, she kicked off her shoes and hiked 
her skirts, while Mrs. Mintral admonished her in mock dismay. Running to 
the lapping water, she hopped and skipped in the icy surf. Her hands flew 
to her hair and she pulled the ribbon binding it demurely. As she twirled, 
burnished flames seemed to burst from her head. The matron sighed at the 
lovely picture she was making, reminding her of how she was once as a 
youngster, with hair just like Lyra's.

  The sounds of Lyra's laughter were carried on the wind to Rafe's 
house. Looking up from his tea, he glanced at the window. Rising he went 
to it and tried to strain a peek at who the owner of that lilting sound 
may be. He could not see the person from his vantage point, but espied 
Mrs. Mintral. His heart leapt in anticipation as he debated whether to go 
investigate. His curiousity got the better of him and he bolted out the 
door down to the seaside. As he neared, he could hear the old woman 
chastising the girl for getting her skirts wet. Once again, the sound of 
laughter clear as a bell rang out from the sea. This spurred Rafe to pick 
up his pace and he hurried to a large rock near the matron. Hiding behind 
the rock, he poked his head around the side to see who was playing so 
happily in the water.

  The girl appeared to belong to the sea. She was graceful and slender 
as a reed, skipping nimbly over the waves. Rafe stood mesmerized by the 
dazzling sight before him, then it dawned on him. Her hair was like 
shining columns of burnished gold. Straightly it flew about her head as 
she spun, taking on a life of its own. Golden-brown hair, could this be? 
Suddenly, Rafe was afraid to be seen. Running, he whisked away from the 
happy women, fearing rejection. Lyra stilled her dance as she spied him 
running away. Sadly she watched him dash on, thinking he must have been 
disgusted with her. Quietly, she emerged from the surf and asked if they 
could return to town.

  Lyra was very subdued on her trip home. Large teardrops began spilling 
from her lovely eyes and she fell on Mrs. Mintral. The older woman clasped 
the girl to her in surprise. "What is wrong, child? You were so happy 
dancing in the sea!"

  "Oh, Mrs Mintral! He hates me! He ran away from us like I was a 
MONSTER!" Lyra sobbed.

  Mrs Mintral's whole body shook with mirth. Lyra looked up at her 
curiously to see what was so amusing. Between guffaws the woman managed 
to say. "Oh my dear girl! He doesn't hate you! Oh ho ho no! I saw how he 
was looking at you out of the corner of my eye."

  "I saw him also, but was pretending not to. He never came out to say 
hello! If he liked me so much he would not have ran away," Lyra replied, 
dismally.

  The matron sighed in exasperation and eyed the girl in disbelief. 
Shaking her head, she left the matter closed and the trip went on in 
silence, broken only by the occasional melancholy sound from Lyra. 
They arrived back at the boarding house and Lyra ran to her room. After 
punching her pillow angrily a few dozen times she decided that she was 
being childish and maybe she should just take a nap. She stared awhile 
at the ceiling and thought how wonderful he looked as he ran. A strong 
stallion or proud buck would be put to shame at his powerful gait. How 
she wished he had been running to her instead of away and she pouted 
prettily. Closing her eyes, she tried to rest, knowing that she would 
have work to do for the missus.

                              *  *  *

   After her nap, Lyra still felt depressed. She left her bedroom and
made her way to the dining room where Mrs. Mintral was sitting down 
at the table with a sad, far-away look in her eyes. Lyra felt selfish, 
having been sobbing over something so trivial, and never realizing 
something was wrong with the old woman.

   She sat down next to her and put her hand on the matron's. Lyra's 
azure eyes were filled with concern as she tried to comfort her. Mrs. 
Mintral smiled wanly and tried to compose herself. "Oh do not mind me. 
I am just going over some old memories . . . and I am afraid that seeing 
you with your lovely hair so much like mine when I was young does not 
help in forgetting the pain."

  Lyra leaned back in surprise, unsure of what was being said."Do go on 
Mrs. Mintrel. I am curious now."

  The woman wrung her hands ashamedly. "Many years ago, I had a lovely 
little girl. She was the light of my life and I loved her so. One day, 
when she was a little over a year old, we went to the market. I'm afraid 
I was haggling with the storekeeper over the price of her apples. Seems 
so dumb, and trivial after what happened next. My little love, Lina, saw 
a puppy scamper by, so she ran after it. I did not see her until she went 
around the corner. When I did spot her, of course I ran frantically after 
her! But, when I got to the corner, she was gone. The townspeople searched 
for her for days, but eventually, we had to admit to ourselves that it was 
a hopeless case. I admit that I took you in because you look much like 
what she might have looked like had she grown up. I have a picture of her: 
I have it in this locket. She had one just like it around her neck with a 
picture of me inside."

  As the lady held the locket out in front of Lyra, her eyes grew wider 
and wider. Shaking, she drew something out from inside her neckline. In 
her hand was an identical locket. She opened it, and inside was a tin-
portrait of Mrs. Mintrel when she was young.  "I can't believe this! I 
only have this locket because I took it off of my adoptive mother when 
they were all murdered by passing soldiers. I wanted something to 
remember her by. I never even looked inside it after all this time. I 
knew that they took me when I was a baby, but she had loved me. I was 
never treated badly."

  Mrs. Mintrel was sobbing with joy. "My little Lina. I have found you! 
I'm so sorry I ever took my eyes off of you! Oh my dearest joy!"

  Lyra smiled at her. "I finally have a real mother. But, may I keep Lyra 
as my name? I know it was wicked what she had done, but she must really 
have wanted a child. My name is all I have to remember her by."

  Mrs. Mintrel nodded her approval. "As long as I have you back, I dont 
care if your name is Samuel!"

  Lyra giggled and squeezed her mother tightly. She was really home. She 
would never have to leave here. Now, if only the painter liked her. This 
dampened her spirits a little, but she tried to forget him and squeezed 
her mother even closer while unknowingly, the object of her desire trudged 
up the path at that very moment.

  As the women embraced, Rafe stomped up the steps to the boarding house,  
he knocked loudly on the door. Lyra started at the sound and jumped up. 
"Who could that be?" she cried in surprise.

  Mrs. Mintrel shrugged. "whomever it is, it must either be very important, 
or they are very rude!" She replied. 

  Lyra ran to the door and flung it open, meaning to give the perpetrator 
a piece of her mind! She stood gaping as she gazed face to face into the 
deep brown eyes of Rafe. He stood dumbfounded as well, as his faceless 
vision was transformed into the beautiful wonder that was standing before 
him. He was still unsure of how she felt about him, so he pretended that 
he was angry. "I saw you on the beach and did you know that you were not 
allowed there? That is private property!"

  Her mouth dropped open for a second in astonishment, and then she 
quickly snapped it shut. "No I did not! I know you live close by the beach, 
but I had no idea that you owned it."

  Mrs. Mintral came to the door as she heard the ruckus going on. "What 
is going on? Rafe! What is the meaning of this?"

  Rafe was starting to feel like a first class oaf by this time, but he
could think of no other way to get her to be near him. "I never gave 
permission to use my beach! I must ask for some sort of recompense!"

  Lyra's eyes flashed blue fire. "By all means! What does his Lordship 
require?" she spat sarcastically.

  He leaned back on his heels and his eyes narrowed, making them dark as 
coal. "What you must do is come work for me. I need someone to paint and 
also I could use someone to have around the house to clean and whatnot."

  Mrs. Mintral tsked disapprovingly at him. " Rafe, you have never acted 
like this! I know you own that  part of the beach, but you've always let 
people play there!"

  "Yes, but I was disturbed! I must ask recompense or I will have to 
complain to the constable!" he roared.  And he was disturbed, she had 
been in his thoughts since the day he first laid eyes on her.

  Lyra stomped her foot. "Oh all right! But only as long as it takes 
to paint me and then that is it! You can complain all you want to the 
constable after that!"

  Rafe could not believe his luck at having got away with this. He 
pretended to consider her proposal, having already decided it was good 
enough. To have her for even a short time would be paradise. "Fair enough. 
I must ask you to come right now. Have Mrs. Mintral pack for you for I will 
need you to stay there. I don't know how long it will take for me to finish 
painting you and I don't want to travel up this dusty road to fetch you 
everyday."

 "I can travel to your house! Why must I stay with you?" She hissed.

 Rafe waved his hand disparagingly." I do not want to have to wait for you 
to come to my house! That is what I require!"

  Lyra looked like she was going to hurl him down the steps so her mother
stepped in front of her. " Oh, yes. That will be fine! We are very sorry 
that we DISTURBED you, and we will be happy to settle the matter in anyway 
that you see fit."

  She looked at her mother as if she had gone mad, but then sighed and 
nodded in agreement. Rafe bounded down the steps happily, which Lyra took 
to be gloating. Mrs Mintrel closed the door and leaned against it grinning. 
She had seen right through his little ruse and was very pleased!

  Lyra trailed along behind Rafe, seething inside. How could someone so
handsome be so mean? If it hadn't meant that her mother may also have 
been in trouble, she would have told this Mr. So and so what she thought 
of his little demand! He strided on in front of her, seeming oblivious to 
her black thoughts, his steps long and cat-like. She admired his gait in 
spite of herself, never having seen someone move with such grace. Then she 
mentally kicked herself for giving in to her raging hormones.

  Rafe felt a little sheepish as he walked in front, hearing her low
grumblings behind him. But he felt elated as well, feeling that he at 
least had a chance this way to win her. Hopefully familiarity wouldn't 
breed more contempt! He grinned happily and looked back at her. "Come on 
now, let us not drag behind! We are almost to my house."

  Lyra glowered but quickened her pace until she was walking next to 
him. His nearness sent her reeling as she took in the woodsy scent of 
his cologne. She felt frustrated that she was still attracted to him even 
though he wasn't what she thought he would be. Perhaps he would be nicer 
if she apologized. "Look. I am sorry that we trespassed, I really had no 
idea."

  Rafe looked at her and grinned, shaking his head. "Well it is nice to 
hear an apology, but I still want you to do as I asked."

  "You meant demanded did you not!?" Lyra shot back.

   He grinned at her even more broadly. When he smiled his whole face 
would light up with a soft glow. She had trouble not being dazzled by him. 
She turned her face from him so as to not belie her feelings. " Oh forget 
it!"

  A low, silky laugh rippled out of him, which sent goosebumps up her 
back. If she stayed this close to him she would not be reponsible for her 
actions She spied the cottage and quickly sprinted the rest of the way to 
the door, making distance between her and the strange feelings this man 
gave her.

                              *  *  *   

  Rafe admired her as she dashed in front of him. She was tiny and 
faerie-like as she ran. He was unsure whether it was a mistake to insist 
that she stay with him, for she was far too adorable to keep his hands 
off of. Being a gentleman though, he vowed not to sully her by making 
advances. But he did take off in pursuit, reaching her as she made it to 
the door. He grabbed her about the waist and set her on the high wall as 
she protested, thrilling at his touch. Laughing, he regarded her as she 
pounded on the wall in rage.

  "Let me down from here you! Just who do you think you are? " she fumed.

  He gazed up at her with dancing eyes. "Oh I do not know. You make a nice
lawn decoration I think. This wall can use some sprucing up. Besides, I 
want to paint you up there. I do believe you would be better trusted up 
where you cannot reach me right now, at least until you calm down," he 
teasingly replied.

  Lyra paused a moment at this audacity and then huffed. "Well, if you 
think putting me up here will calm me down, you have another thing coming! 
I would not like to be you when I manage to get down from here!" she said 
glancing about herself for a way to escape, but the wall was too high.

  Rafe only laughed in that maddeningly seductive way and entered the 
cottage to retrieve his canvas and supplies. Outside, Lyra was still 
kicking on the wall and looking about her for a toe-hold. She wished that 
he did not make her blood burn so, for he was being beastly. She finally 
sighed in resignation and ceased thrashing about. Rafe returned, carrying 
his things, and smiled up at her. "Calmed down? That's good. It is hard 
to paint a moving object!" he teased once again.

  "Oh I am just reserving my energy until I get a chance to murder you!" 
she vainly threatened. She knew she would never be able to hurt him for 
inspite of herself, she was growing fond of him.

  He shook his head in mock despair and set up his things. There was 
still daylight so he wanted to start quickly. The sun set the golden 
strands in her hair afire, making a glowing halo around her head. His face 
gave away for a moment the naked adoration that he felt for her, startling 
her and stirring something within. His expression became blank as he 
realized how hewas baring his soul. Joy spread within him as he painted 
her. She was perfect. She was what he had dreamt of. The lines of her body 
flowed beautifully across his canvas, creating a stunning portrait of love. 
He decided he would never be able to let her go, even if that meant that 
he had to paint one million portraits of her. He could paint her forever 
so that would be bliss. 

  After a few hours the sky grew dimmer and he closed his easel. "Okay, 
if you promise to not bite off an ear, or pull my hair, I will let you 
down now," he said.

  Lyra narrowed her eyes as she considered his request. "Well, okay, as 
long as you promise to feed me! I am too weak with hunger to attack you 
anyway," she replied.

  Rafe chuckled. "Oh come now, you have not been up there that long." 
He reached up and lifted her off the wall, letting her body slide slowly 
down his length until she was just under his chin. Having her this close, 
he felt the quick beating of her heart against his chest before she pushed 
away.

  She smiled unsteadily. Had she heard his breath quicken? She dismissed 
the thought and said, "Well, are you going to waste me to nothing, or are 
you going to feed me?"

  Rafe grinned and went into the house with Lyra following him. She 
loved his cozy little home. It had a cheery fire blazing and paintings 
everywhere. His paintings were truly wondrous with emotion and life 
emanating from them. She paused at one and touched it, thinking she would 
actually be able to reach for the object. She shook her head in disbelief 
at the realism he had attained.

  "You truly are good, Rafe. I love your work." She said truthfully.

   Rafe moved to her side and looked up at the painting. "Thank you. But 
the work I did today eclipses anything I've ever undertaken." he said as 
he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the portrait he had made of her.

  Lyra gasped in awe at the work. She looked like an angel with beams of 
light flowing out of her. Her hair in the painting seemed to be moving 
and her eyes were bright with mischeif. She looked at him with her mouth 
ajar. "This is beautiful! I am not that lovely!" she cried.

  Rafe only sighed. "I need to paint you tomorrow too. Be ready in the
morning and do not be late. I have dinner for us on the table. Please 
eat with me?" he said.

  Lyra ignored his demand and centered on his changed demeanor. He was 
not being boorish any longer. His eyes were gentle and pleading as he 
requested her presence. Her resolve, to argue that she was only going to 
stay for this one painting -- melted. Sighing, she nodded and went to the 
table. He had placed coldcuts, cheese and bread on it. Apologetically 
he said, "I know it is not much, but I did not think you would have come."

  She glanced at him sharply. "You did not think I would have come? After 
you threatened to throw me in jail??"

  He sheepishly grinned. "Oh that. I was not really going to. I was just
posturing. But I do still need to paint you so would you please stay? "


  Confused, Lyra muttered her assent. Why did he go to all that bother 
if he just wanted to paint her? He could have just asked! She chewed her 
lip pensively and regarded him with queroulous blue eyes. Well she did not 
know what he was up to, but she was going to play along for now. She could 
not say no anyway to those dark eyes pleading at her so.

  After dinner she perused his bookshelf and selected a title. He had 
the same passion for mysteries that she had. As she settled in a chair 
with her book, Rafe sat in the chair opposite her, watching her as she 
read. She looked up every now and again, uneasy under his gaze. Soon 
though, he had dropped off and she let the book fall in her lap. Sleeping, 
he looked like a fragile little boy. His mouth had softened and his lashes 
fanned across his cheek-bones. She had the urge to touch him, and knelt 
down beside his chair. His hair had fell onto his face and she brushed it 
back. The lock was soft as silk as her fingers grazed through it. Her 
touch made him murmur and his eyes opened.

  Stepping back, she stuttered, "Oh, you had fallen asleep. I was just 
going to suggest that you go to bed."

  Sleepily he stared up at her. Had she caressed him? No, that must have 
been a dream. Groggily he staggered up and made his way to his bedroom.
Falling on his bed he smiled. She did touch him.

  Lyra could not believe that she had touched him and was further dismayed
that she wanted to do it again. She lay in the guest bed and stared at the
ceiling as her desire raged within her. Finally she dropped into a fitful 
sleep.

                              *  *  *

  The morning was not welcomed by Lyra and she glared at the sunny sky. 
Her embarrassment had only grown more strong with the passing hours. Her 
ears pricked as she heard a merry whistle outside her door. Rafe was 
certainly cheerful this morning. Seeing as she had nearly thrown herself 
at him she was sure that he was feeling smug. She threw her pillow at the 
door and the whistling stopped.

  "Come on, Lyra! I said not to be late!" He called through the door. 

  What Lyra said could not be comprehended through the heavy wood but Rafe
got the general meaning from her tone. When he heard yet another pillow
thud against it he grinned broadly and began whistling again. Lyra emerged
from her room in high dudgeon and stomped past him to breakfast. He had 
made pancakes, eggs, and bacon. She was surprised as she sat down to know 
that he could cook after all. Rafe sat down in front of her and watched her 
in amusement as she savored his cooking.

  "Well I know how to make you smile, at least! Just throw some food in 
your mouth and you will be quiet!" He joked.

  Lyra smiled a bit at his jest. "I am sorry for my bad humor. I have 
not been a very good guest."

  He sat back with slight astonishment. She was apologizing to him after 
he had forced her to come. His face lit up and he bounded out of the chair
while pulling her from the table. He hurried them out of the house so that
he could get his work done. She stumbled a bit at his pace and he picked 
her up tenderly. His concerned face made her heart leap.

  "I am sorry dear lady. I did not realize I was moving to quickly for 
you," he apologized.

  Lyra gazed up at him with warmth dawning in her eyes. Something about 
him belied the gruff exterior that he was putting up. Everything within 
her softened like snow in spring. Her sweet smile rocked him to the core 
and he stepped back from her.

  "Well, I suppose I better paint you so that you can be on your way. I 
will try and do as many as I can in the time I have. I hope you don't mind 
staying that long?" he said, as he gazed at her, still astonished at her
expression.

   Lyra shook her head. "No I do not mind. I am honored that you want to 
paint me. I am sorry that we did not start off on the right foot. Could 
we start again perhaps?" she replied softly.

  Rafe smiled and led her to a chair placed in front of the rose vines
clinging on his home. He did not think that she could have been more 
lovely than she was yesterday, but she had managed. Something had changed 
about her and as he painted it became evident. Love was pouring out of 
her eyes like a shining fountain. He stared at the finished portrait in 
disbelief and then looked at the girl still sitting in the chair. Her 
tender expression mirrored the painting. She slowly rose and neared him, 
looking around the canvas at his work. She gasped in dismay as she saw 
that the picture had betrayed her. Would she ever get over this 
embarassment?

  He touched her shoulder and gently turned her towards him. With one 
finger he lifted her chin so that he could look into her eyes. His eyes 
were brimming with unshed tears as deep emotions began to rip his 
composure. Shocked, she drew him into her arms in comfort. He ran his 
fingers through her long hair, so thick and soft. 

  All the feelings she had for him since the day she first saw him came 
to an apex and she lifted her face for a kiss. Their eyes locked and he 
murmured her name as his lips captured hers. Her body stiffened with 
desire and she twined her fingers in his chestnut curls. Everything passed 
from their eyes and for a brief moment, eternity was he and she. The earth 
resounded with their thundering hearts as they clung together as though 
melded into one body. With a shuddering gasp he released her from his kiss 
and she weakly fell against him, ducking her head on his chest.

  Still shaking with spent emotion, Rafe pulled her inside with him. He
nearly had taken her into his bedroom when he finally realized what he was
doing. Turning he led them to the couch and sat down with her falling into
his lap. He regarded her curiously as he saw mischief gleaming in her eyes.

  "Does this mean that you are done painting me?" she quipped.

  Rafe roared with laughter. "No, I am afraid that your actions have 
made you my prisoner. I am going to have to sentence you to life with me 
forever. What do you have to say to that?" 

  Lyra looked up into his eyes and sighed, "Your honor I plead guilty 
and accept my fate!"

  "Then let us seal this judgement with a kiss, my lovely 
trespasser," Rafe said, as he lowered his head again and sent her world 
spinning once more.

                              #  #  #

Copyright 1994 Roberta Belinda
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Born in San Diego, Roberta's love for writing started as a small child 
along with other creative interests. She also enjoys singing, and art, 
and would like to record a song one day. Preferably, one that she wrote. 
Roberta has been married for nine years, and has four, small children. She 
came to Arizona in 1983 to start a new adventure, and has been enjoying 
the story as it has unfolded.
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