that you have one next week!”
“How do you know?” she replied.
He gave her a look that insinuated he knew everything about her. Again she flushed, wondering if he knew how warm it made her feel that he took such an interest in her simple life.
“Nah, it’s just a usual event; a Gymnaestrada for the five local schools. Some charity activities as well…” she gazed at him with a fleeting hope. “Will you attend it as well?”
“I’m afraid not,” Robert replied, sounding sad. Mary nodded.
“I understand…”
They crossed the road, and Jerry noticed almost with despair. Oh, no, the campus is here already! Please, cue the mad dog or a raccoon, sick with rabies! a snake…
Perhaps an anaconda, eh? an inner voice mocked him. Maybe a t-rex, a mammoth? Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Not your day to be in a fairytale, buddy. Let’s face it, whichever way you look at it, it’s not your lucky day!
He gloomily glanced at Robert and Mary – they walked hugging each other – and Jerry again looked around trying to find a reason to show off his abilities. In vain!
They entered the campus area. The modern buildings contrasted sharply with the aging structures all covered with moss and ivy. The usual noises from the city were muffled, and occasionally the light chirping from birds falling asleep up in the trees could be heard. The breeze was light, yet gave the atmosphere a soft and warm feeling as if being cradled by Mother Nature.
Mary rubbed her head against Robert’s shoulder, and smiled with happiness.
How many times she had paced along the same alleyway. How different it was with Robert! Usually she almost ran through the darkness, clutching her brass-knuckles, ready to defend herself. She was always cautious, always on the lookout for possible sources of dangers.
And now she felt so safe and comfortable, enjoying the feeling of her beloved man next to her. They walked in silence until they reached Mary’s building.
Mary, you are such an impolite fool! suddenly flashed in her head. You have been dating two months already, but have you ever asked Robert about HIS plans and events?
“You never told me about your life,” she started, carefully choosing the words. “I don’t want to worm myself into your confidence. But I’d like to know you better.”
“Wasn’t there enough about me from the searches you did in the library?” Robert asked, smiling.
They stopped by the building entrance.
“How did you know?” Mary sighed. “Well, I asked that question so many times that it has lost all its meaning. I suppose I should just accept that you know everything about me. I guess I feel a little bit guilty. Yes, I did check some newspapers and Internet sites. You have done a lot, haven’t you? But besides all the boring facts, what kind of things do you like? What do you do for fun? What are your beliefs?”
“Ow-ow, slow down, girl!” Robert laughed. “It’s not easy to reveal everything at once. Okay, let’s see. I expect you’ll find this funny after reading about my business life, but away from the madness, I am quite a romantic person. If you ever come to my house, don’t be surprised. It has Renaissance décor in every room.”
“Renaissance? That is interesting,” she chirped, nodding.
“How I miss that time. If it was up to me, I’d prefer to wear a French aristocrat’s wig, and see you dressed in a crinoline!”
Mary gaped at Robert, who paused, then continued; “By the way, I’ve never seen you in a skirt. Why?”
It’s because of my short legs, Mary thought, embarrassed. I believe I look like a turtle, when I’m wearing a dress. But I’d rather die than admit to that aloud.
“Don’t you have one?” Robert insisted. “I think you have very shapely legs, if you don’t mind me saying.”
Mary went scarlet at his compliment then quickly regained her composure.
“I do have a dress,” the girl replied slowly. “The one I wear for going to church. But the rest of the time, I wear pants or shorts, because I need to do a lot of exercises.”
“What, for your gymnastics?”
“Yes.” His positive comment on a part of her figure that Mary hated had struck a cord in her and opened her heart to him more than she hoped he could tell. “Look!” Mary gabbled in a wave of excitement. “Can you imagine if I did this, togged up in a dress?”
She stepped aside, onto the grass, and performed a few leaps and gymnastic jumps.
Jerry did not hear their talk, and now, seeing Mary prancing and pirouetting, he was astonished, and slowly went close.
What the hell is she doing? Wow! He couldn’t believe his eyes. Did the Master ask her or is she doing it to show off and make him even crazier for her? Damn, for me, at least, it works. Look, she can bend in every direction known to man! I forgot she was a gymnast. Wow, what a girl, what an amazing body, just look at her go. He licked his lips and felt a surge of butterflies in his stomach. I bet not even Kama-Sutra has got enough moves to push the capabilities of her lithe little body… But I’d love the chance to try and find her limits.
Mary finished her performance with the splits, and all giggling and eyes bright, she got up elegantly in one movement. Suddenly realizing that she had done her routine unasked, the girl blushed again, as she approached Robert.
“Impressive,” he said calmly. “But don’t you remember I’ve seen you in action before?” He saw a sheepish look flash across her young face and tried to banish it immediately. “But it was fabulous.” He hit the jackpot and then went on with his principal line of thought. “Mary, we see each other so rarely, is it at all possible for you to wear a dress for me?”
How could he demand something from her! Jerry felt himself going insane. Oh well, he paid for it, I suppose.
“I feel more comfortable wearing pants!” Mary argued.
“But you make the effort to wear a dress in front of God. Why don’t you want to do me that favor too?”
That request struck Jerry, his head full of biblical lessons, and he stood rigid.
Instantly Mary’s face became stern, and she stepped back.
“Never try to compare yourself with God,” she retorted almost inaudibly.
“Why not?” Robert asked arrogantly. He resembled a proud Roman patrician, and Mary involuntarily adored his look. Caught on the back foot she made an effort, and answered; “Because it won’t work with me.”
Robert’s eyes narrowed, when he searched the girl for signs of her seriousness over religion. “So, you don’t like meeting with me?”
“Eh? I do like it, and you know that,” Mary said, barely holding back her tears.
If she cries, I’ll hit him, Jerry thought resolutely. To see her suffering is worse than a “Ride to Hell’!
“I was hoping you’d respect my feelings and faith. Of course I can wear a skirt to please you. I do want to please you, really, and if you don’t like me in these shorts and pants, I won’t wear them again when I’m with you, but you turned this subject into a religious issue, and don’t count on me giving up my beliefs. I’d rather die on the street, starving, than take 30 pieces of silver.”
“I didn’t ask you to do that, honey,” Robert uttered it so tenderly that the girl forgave him at once. Amazed, Jerry looked at his Master.
Robert opened his arms to Mary, and the girl drew close, gazing up at him like